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Journalism, the Santa Anita Derby winner and Kentucky Derby runner-up, has been given the go-ahead to contest the US$2 million Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Racecourse.
The connections of the Curlin colt made their announcement via social media on Sunday afternoon, just a day before entries were due to be taken.
"We look forward to showcasing Journalism's talents in Baltimore in such a coveted American Classic," wrote co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners on X, confirming that Umberto Rispoli would take the ride in the Group One contest.
Michael McCarthy, returning to Kentucky to oversee the colt's preparation, watched his charge gallop just over a mile at Churchill Downs, with regular work rider Marc Witkowski in the saddle.
"I don't see a whole lot of difference," McCarthy said after seeing the colt train in person for the first time since the May 3 Derby. "He's a horse that carries a lot of substance, a lot of condition. He looked very, very good this morning."
Owner Partnership Stands United Behind Entry
While initially noncommittal after Sunday's training session, the trainer and partners later decided not to wait until Monday's entry deadline to announce their participation.
The high-powered ownership group includes Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith alongside Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.
"It's a group of people who are all well-educated and well-versed in these kinds of things," McCarthy said of the partners. "They've been great. They're very supportive of what we decided to do."
McCarthy dismissed concerns about the two-week turnaround between the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, noting that Journalism had successfully raced three times in seven weeks when beginning his career last autumn, winning the last two of those starts, including the Los Alamitos Futurity.
"He's a horse that's proven he's alright off short rest. I'm not too worried about the two weeks," McCarthy said. "Just, you know, it's a long year."
The trainer believes Journalism's adaptable racing style will serve him well against what looks to be a field containing both pace-setters and closers in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown.
"I've taken a peek at the probables, it's a competitive spot," McCarthy said. "It looks like there's a little bit of pace in there, you'd expect that. It's a Triple Crown race, you expect it to be competitive."