Journalism Defies All Odds To Win Preakness 150

[Wandering Eyes]

JOURNALISM (c, 3, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo), the post-time favorite when second to Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in the 151st running of the GI Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, looked all but beaten–and beaten up–entering the final furlong of Saturday's 150th GI Preakness Stakes, the last renewal to be held at old Pimlico Race Course. In trouble for most of the penultimate furlong, the $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate bulled his way into the clear and, with a final eighth-of-a-mile burst that nearly defies explanation, caught GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes hero Gosger (Nyquist) in the final two strides in one of the most dramatic finishes in the history of the event.

Clever Again (American Pharoah) came across from gate eight, as expected, to lead past the grandstand for the first time, with Gosger not far away. Journalism, confirmed for the Preakness just one day before entries were taken last Monday, broke fairly and settled in about midfield, racing on his incorrect lead as they came past the wire for the first time. Clever Again took them along at a very solid pace–the half-mile was up in :46.66–and Journalism traveled inside, but didn't look entirely happy as Umberto Rispoli was niggling at him approaching the second turn. Clever Again looked in deep water as Gosger and Luis Saez took the race to him at the quarter pole, but the true drama was developing a few more lengths behind.

By this time, Journalism had jumped back into the bridle, but was in very tight and was bumped very hard to his outside by Goal Oriented (Not This Time), evoking memories of the incredible feat of athleticism displayed by Afleet Alex when he nearly went down in the 2005 Preakness. In turn, Journalism was forced into Clever Again, who steadied sharply and was effectively eased from that point, but most importantly, Journalism had somehow overcome the bumper cars to find the daylight he so badly needed. In the meantime, Gosger had well and truly gotten the jump and went several lengths clear, forcing even Rispoli to question whether he had the means to get the job done. But get home he did, clawing his way past Gosger, who'd run too well to lose, in the final 20 yards. Sandman (Tapit), for a stride or two ahead of Journalism at the furlong grounds, finished third.

Journalism's own sire won the 2007 Preakness, defeating Derby winner Street Sense in a similarly thrilling conclusion, while trainer Michael McCarthy was winning his second Preakness, after saddling Rombauer (Twirling Candy) in 2021. Sales history; $825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 7-5-1-1. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Robert V., Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Michael McCarthy.

 

Congrats to the connections of #FasigGrad JOURNALISM, winner of the Preakness S. (G1) at @PimlicoRC!

O: @EclipseTBP, @bridlewoodocala, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5, Magnier, Tabor, & Smith
T: @mwmracing
J: @umbyrispoli
Br: @hsdonalberto pic.twitter.com/dzgO9nERKV

— Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) May 17, 2025

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