Journalism a go for Oaklawn ‘Cap, J. Ortiz to ride
Three-time G1 winner Journalism turned in a strong five-furlong breeze in 1:00 3/5 Friday, April 10 at Santa Anita, signaling to trainer Michael McCarthy and team that he’s all set to make his highly anticipated 4-year-old debut in the $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) in Hot Springs, Arkansas April 18th.
Jockey Jose Ortiz has been booked to ride. The duo paired up for Journalism’s last start in his 3-year-old finale in last fall’s Breeders’ Cup Classic – a race they will be looking to get back to at season’s end.
Journalism will sport Michael Tabor’s famous blue and orange silks for the first time in the lucrative Oaklawn ‘Cap, where he figures to renew his rivalry with Sovereignty, among others, in the 1 1/8-mile race. Owned by our Eclipse Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, and Bob LaPenta, the Classic-winning son of Curlin enters this season with a record of 6-3-1 from 11 starts – including six graded stakes victories and $4,348,880 in earnings to date – and a strong series of weekly breezes including six straight five-furlong drills.
Watch Journalism’s final tune-up, breezing on the inside of his stablemate: