DEL MAR, Calif. – A sharp workout by Journalism on Saturday at Del Mar moved the 3-year-old closer to a start against older in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic on Aug. 30, though the colt’s connections stopped short of making it official.
Journalism worked five furlongs in 1:00 under jockey Umberto Rispoli, a 6:30 a.m. workout in company with Michael McCarthy-trained stablemate Phosphorescence.
“I thought he was full of run with his workmate,” McCarthy said. “I got him galloping out a mile in [1:39.40]. Have to be pretty pleased with that. Seems like he’s holding his form as far as the morning goes.”
The workout was Journalism’s third at Del Mar since he won the Haskell Stakes on July 19 at Monmouth Park. Journalism “seems like he’s enjoying his time down here,” McCarthy said while watching horses train Saturday at Del Mar.
Post positions for the Pacific Classic will be drawn Tuesday. Although indications are Journalism will be entered against Nysos, an official decision is pending according to Aron Wellman, president of co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.
“Status quo,” Wellman said Saturday after the work. “Everything went smooth today. See how he looks [Sunday] morning, huddle up as a team, and make a decision.”
Journalism is sending the right signals. He galloped out willingly after the finish of his Saturday workout; he schooled in the Del Mar paddock early this week. If Journalism runs in the Pacific Classic, it will be his first start against older. As a 3-year-old, Journalism gets a six-pound weight break from older (118 to 124).
Three-year-olds have had much success in the Pacific Classic – 19 have started, six have won. The list of 3-year-old winners of the Pacific Classic includes Best Pal, 1991; General Challenge, 1999; Came Home, 2002; Dullahan, 2012; Shared Belief, 2014; and Arabian Knight, 2023.
In addition to Journalism and Nysos, the Pacific Classic field is expected to include East Coast shipper Fierceness, according to Daily Racing Form correspondent David Grening. Others expected in the Pacific Classic are Indispensable, Midnight Mammoth, Mirahmadi and Tarantino. The list of nominees also includes Baeza, Lure Him In, and Ultimate Gamble.
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