Journalism, winner of last year's Preakness Stakes (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1), and Haskell Stakes (G1), had his first official workout of the year Feb. 22 at Santa Anita Park. Also working for trainer Michael McCarthy was Meaning, winner of the Las Virgenes Stakes for 3-year-old fillies Feb. 8.
Journalism worked 3 furlongs in :36 4/5 seconds.
"Nice and easy," McCarthy said. "He got in a good rhythm and galloped out well. It's kind of a maintenance pattern with him right now."
Journalism has been off since finishing fourth in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 1. McCarthy has said the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) in June at Saratoga Race Course is likely the first major target for Journalism this year.
Last year, in addition to his trio of grade 1 wins, Journalism also finished second in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1). The son of Curlin enters his 4-year-old season with a record of 6-3-1 from 11 starts and $4,348,880 in earnings for owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, and partners.
Meaning worked for the first time since her 1 1/2-length victory in the 1-mile Las Virgenes. She was officially clocked going 4 furlongs in :48 2/5 seconds, though McCarthy said he timed the drill in :49 1/5.
"I thought it was a nice maintenance move also," McCarthy added.
The next stakes engagement for 3-year-old fillies on dirt at Santa Anita is the Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) going 1 1/16 miles March 8. It is followed by the Santa Anita Oaks (G2) April 4.
"We'll keep all of our options open, but we'd definitely like to make the Santa Anita Oaks," McCarthy said.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
