Final Middle Jewel of Triple Crown at Historic Facility Before Renovation
BALTIMORE – Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith’s Journalism, a beaten favorite in the Kentucky Derby (G1) two weeks earlier, came through for his backers Saturday at Pimlico Race Course with a late stretch surge to capture the 150th Preakness Stakes (G1).
Saturday’s Preakness was the final running of the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown to be hosted by the current Pimlico facility, affectionately known as ‘Old Hilltop,’ before it is demolished to make way for a modern building that is scheduled for completion in time for the 2027 Preakness. Laurel Park will host next year’s 151st Preakness.
The $2 million Preakness headlined a blockbuster 14-race program featuring 10 stakes, five graded, worth $3.3 million in purses.
Michael McCarthy-trained Journalism, who finished second after being passed in the stretch by Sovereignty in the Derby, appeared to be hard-pressed to overtake longshot Gosger with only a sixteenth of a mile to go in the historic 1 3/16-mile Classic. Yet, the 3-year-old son of 2007 Preakness winner, two-time Horse of the Year and 2014 Hall of Famer Curlin kicked into high gear under jockey Umberto Rispoli to edge past Gosger, a 15-1 longshot ridden by Luis Saez.
It was the second Preakness win for McCarthy, former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, following Rombauer in 2021. Rispoli, a two-time champion rider in Italy who earlier on the card won the $150,000 Gallorette (G3) aboard Charlene’s Dream, earned his first success in a Triple Crown race.
Journalism’s effort was reminiscent of his victory in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), in which he rallied late after being stopped on the turn into the homestretch. Once again he displayed his resolve to overcome trouble.
Rispoli settled Journalism along the rail to save ground in the early stages as Clever Again darted out to an early lead pressed to his outside by Gosger, the last-out Lexington (G3) winner. They went the opening quarter-mile in 23.19 seconds and were still in front after a half in 46.66, when River Thames worked his way into contention along with Goal Oriented.
As they rounded the far turn Rispoli tipped Journalism off the inside to launch their bid but the opening they sought closed quickly as Goal Oriented ducked in and bumped with Journalism, causing him to bother Clever Again racing inside. As that was going on, Gosger was able to scoot away to a seemingly insurmountable lead.
Journalism budged his way through and regathered his momentum as Rispoli set his sights on the loose leader. Coming with a relentless drive through the stretch, Journalism was able to reel in Gosger and edge clear by a half-length to win in 1:55.47 over a fast main track.
It was 2 ¼ lengths back to third-place finisher Sandman, who was four lengths in front of Goal Oriented in fourth. Completing the order of finish were British import Heart of Honor, River Thames, Pay Billy, American Promise and Clever Again, who was eased across the wire.
Sent off at even-money by an enthusiastic on-track crowd, Journalism returned $4 to win in becoming the 74th favorite to win the Preakness and first since Triple Crown champion Justify in 2018.
Journalism’s victory sets up a possible showdown with Sovereignty in the Belmont Stakes (G1) June 7 at Saratoga. Eighteen horses have completed the Preakness-Belmont double, the most recent being Afleet Alex in 2005.