MGISW Journalism (Curlin) put in his first work since arriving back from the Jersey Shore following his victory in the G1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park last month.
The GI Preakness Stakes winner, who was the runner-up in the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Belmont Stakes, returned to trainer Michael McCarthy's barn on the Del Mar backside a few days after the Haskell.
On Saturday, it was back to work for Journalism who went four furlongs in :48.40 with rider Tony Gutierrez in the saddle. McCarthy clocked his colt with a final quarter in 24 flat and from the wire to the seven-eighths pole in :12.20.
“A very good breeze for his first work back,” McCarthy notes. “That's just what you're looking for.”
The colt continues to bounce back despite logging miles from his California base.
“It seems like that,” his conditioner said. “He's had three weeks since he's run so he's had plenty of time to get over his trip. We'll see what he does next week.”
Primary owner Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners was standing alongside McCarthy in the Del Mar grandstand and was equally impressed.
“Very smooth, very within himself,” said Wellman. “Looks like he was moving very well. Probably looking to do a little bit more, but perfect just to get him back in the game.
“We gave him an extra few days (more) than usual to get back on the worktab,” he said. “He seems to have appreciated that. Can't speak enough about his constitution both physically and mentally.”
Neither McCarthy nor Wellman would say what race is next for Journalism. The two options this month are the G1 DraftKings Travers at Saratoga in two weeks or the G1 Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar Aug. 30.
“This is just the initial step for him,” Wellman said. “Good to see him stretch his legs again. I think he showed us everything we wanted to see today and we'll get a better gauge next week. Just turn up the dials a little bit more.”
The 🦍 Journalism got back on the tab for @mwmracing this am @DelMarRacing stretching his legs in a smooth & powerful solo 1/2-mile in 48 2/5. As the great Trevor Denman would say, “He's absolute poetry in motion.” #BelieveBig pic.twitter.com/RxBSJJCm5x
— Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) August 9, 2025
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