After Journalism worked 5 furlongs in company March 22, trainer Michael McCarthy said he is looking at three potential races to kick off the colt's 4-year-old campaign. Journalism could return in either the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) at Oaklawn Park or Ben Ali Stakes (G3) at Keeneland, both April 18, or wait for the Alysheba Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs May 1.
"All three of those races are in play," McCarthy said.
Both the Oaklawn Handicap and Ben Ali are 1 1/8 miles. The Alysheba is 1 1/16 miles.
Journalism's work Sunday was his fifth since Feb. 22 and first with company. He was timed in 1:01 4/5.
"Nice solid work," McCarthy said. "I wanted him to go ahead and eyeball a horse today. I thought it was very professional and he finished up full of run. It seems like his air is coming to him now. We like what we're seeing."
Journalism enters 2026 as one of the leading older horses in the country. Last year, the colt by Curlin won the Preakness Stakes (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1), Haskell Stakes (G1), and San Felipe Stakes (G2), and was second in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1). He closed out the campaign with a fourth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).
Journalism sports an overall record of 6-3-1 from 11 starts with $4,348,880 in earnings for an extensive ownership group that includes Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, and breeder Don Alberto Stable.
