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Journalism arrived at Churchill Downs yesterday to begin final preparations for the Kentucky Derby, capping a 12-hour journey from Southern California that saw the expected favourite touchdown in Indianapolis before completing the trip by road to Louisville.
The bay son of Curlin stepped off a Brook Ledge van at around 4:30 p.m. ET and settled into Michael McCarthy's barn, where he enjoyed a few laps around the shedrow before emerging for a bath under his trainer's watchful eye.
"It looks like he travelled very well," McCarthy said. "No complaints."
The Gr.1 Santa Anita Derby winner is expected to make his first appearance on the Churchill Downs track today, with McCarthy planning to breeze him on either April 26 or 27.
Journalism races for a high-profile partnership including Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, Robert LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier-Lessee, Derrick Smith-Lessee, and Michael Tabor-Lessee.
About an hour after Journalism's arrival, fellow California-based Rodriguez, winner of the Gr.2 Wood Memorial, touched down as part of the first shipment of Bob Baffert-trained horses set to compete during Derby week.
2YO champion Citizen Bull, another expected Derby runner, is scheduled to arrive with Baffert's second contingent tomorrow.
Sixteen of the 20 horses currently in the Derby field are now on site at Churchill Downs. Japan-based Luxor Cafe is expected to arrive today after clearing quarantine in Chicago, while Grande and Chunk of Gold are scheduled to breeze at Keeneland and Turfway Park respectively on Friday before making the short journey to Louisville.
All Derby entrants must be on the property when entries are taken this Friday, April 26.