Journalism Drills Five Panels At Santa Anita For Breeders’ Cup Classic, Jose Ortiz To Take Mount

[Wandering Eyes]

Approaching the threshold of the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, MGISW Journalism (Curlin) had his penultimate workout for the big race at Santa Anita Park on Friday, but according to a report in the Daily Racing Form that same day, the colt's regular rider Umberto Rispoli will be replaced by Jose Ortiz for the Classic.

In all but one of Journalism's 10 career races (his maiden win at Del Mar in Nov. '24), Rispoli has ridden the son of Curlin. This includes three GI victories this year in the Santa Anita Derby, Preakness Stakes and Haskell Stakes.

Last time out in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, Journalism under Rispoli finished as the runner-up to champion Fierceness (City of Light), who took the $1 million event by 3 1/4 lengths.

Journalism worked five furlongs Friday morning at Santa Anita, going in :59.20 seconds alongside stablemate & GISP Yellow Card (Lost Treasure {Ire}).

According to the DRF, Aron Wellman–whose Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners is one part of an ownership syndicate in Journalism–said the decision had been made that morning. He declined to give a reason as to the jockey switch.

Later Friday morning, McCarthy told the TDN he was “very pleased” with Journalism's work.

“I thought he worked very well, 5/8ths in :59.2. He caught some unexpected company but finished up nicely. Very pleased,” said McCarthy.

Aboard Journalism for the drill was his regular work rider, Tony Gutierrez.

“It was good for him,” Gutierrez said. “We were going to get a little serious today. I caught my workmate near the quarter pole, but then when [Journalism] saw that horse in front of us, he puffed himself up, went to the rail and chased him. It was perfect. Everything with him is perfect. His mind. His body. He wasn't even blowing when I got him back to the barn. Amazing horse.”

The Journalism got serious this morning for @mwmracing working a strong 5-poles @santaanitapark in 59 & change. The Santa Anita Derby, @PreaknessStakes & Haskell @MonmouthPark hero is 15 days from competing in a @BreedersCup Classic for the ages. #BelieveBig pic.twitter.com/5FFSIWlheJ

— Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) October 17, 2025

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