Preakness 150: Preakness 8-5 Morning-Line Favorite Journalism Arrives at Pimlico

By David Joseph —-

May 13, 2025

MJC Photo

Preakness 8-5 Morning-Line Favorite Journalism Arrives at Pimlico

BALTIMORE, MD – Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith’s Journalism arrived at Pimlico Race Course Tuesday afternoon to begin preparation for a highly anticipated start in Saturday’s 150th Preakness Stakes (G1).

Journalism withstood traffic and a wide trip to take the lead in the stretch run of the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1) but had to settle for second after being unable to the late bid of Sovereignty, who scored a 1 ½-length decision. In the absence of the Derby winner, Journalism has been installed as the 8-5 morning-line favorite in a field of nine assembled for the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.

Trainer Michael McCarthy was on hand at Pimlico to greet his Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up.

“I guess he’s a complete package,” McCarthy said. “He’s got the looks, he’s got the ability, wonderful disposition. He’s got, obviously, a very stamina-laden pedigree – Curlin out of an Uncle Mo mare. Mopotism (the dam) was very good in her own right. So, he figures to get better with age and better with racing. Obviously, Curlin (2007 Preakness winner) was very good here and went on to put up a very good performance in the Belmont after that. So (we will) try to kind of go down the same path.”

Journalism was accompanied on the van ride by SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC’s, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Diane Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC, and Catherine Donovan’s Goal Oriented.

The Bob Baffert-trained son of Not This Time has won his only two starts, including an optional claiming allowance on the Derby undercard.

Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith’s Clever Again, who is slated to make his graded-stakes debut in the Preakness for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, also arrived by van from Churchill Downs Tuesday afternoon, joining earlier arrivals, Jim and Claire Limited Heart of Honor, D J Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable LLC, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables’ Sandman and RKTN Racing LLC’s Pay Billy.

BC Stables LLC’s American Promise, who is trained by seven-time Preakness winner and Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, was the first Preakness horse to arrive at Pimlico Monday.

About The Stronach Group and 1/ST

The Stronach Group is a world-class technology, entertainment and real estate development company with Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering at the core. The Stronach Group’s 1/ST business (pronounced “First”) is North America’s preeminent Thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering company and includes the 1/ST RACING & GAMING, 1/ST CONTENT, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY and 1/ST EXPERIENCE businesses, while advocating for and driving the 1/ST HORSE CARE mission. 1/ST represents The Stronach Group’s continued movement toward redefining Thoroughbred racing and the ecosystem that drives it. 1/ST RACING & GAMING drives the best-in-class racing operations and gaming offerings at the company’s premier racetracks and training centers including: Santa Anita Park and San Luis Rey Downs (California); Gulfstream Park – home of the Pegasus World Cup and Palm Meadows Thoroughbred Training Center (Florida); Laurel Park, The Preakness Stakes, Rosecroft Raceway and Bowie Training Center (Maryland). 1/ST CONTENT is the operating group for 1/ST’s media and content companies including: Monarch Content Management, Elite, TSG Global Wagering Solutions (GWS) and XBTV. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is racing’s largest racing and gaming technology company offering world-class products via its AmTote, Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, XB SELECT, XB NET, PariMAX and Betmix brands. 1/ST EXPERIENCE blends the worlds of sports, entertainment and hospitality through innovative content development, elevated national and local venue management and hospitality, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and procurement development. As the advocate for critical industry reforms and by making meaningful investments into aftercare programs for retired horses and jockeys, 1/ST HORSE CARE represents The Stronach Group’s commitment to achieving the highest level of horse and rider care and safety standards in Thoroughbred racing on and off the track. The Stronach Group’s TSG Properties is responsible for the development of the company’s live, play and work communities surrounding its racing venues including: The Village at Gulfstream Park (Florida) and Paddock Pointe (Maryland). For more information, visit www.1st.com or follow @1ST_racing on Twitter or @1stracing on Instagram and Facebook.