Journalism Wins Santa Anita Derby, Becomes Top Contender for Churchill Downs
Journalism delivered a late burst down the stretch to capture the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday in Arcadia, Calif., securing his place in the May 3 Kentucky Derby and solidifying his status as a leading favorite.
Trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, the Curlin-sired colt sat near the back of the five-horse field before unleashing a wide move on the final turn. He surged past Baeza and held off a late bid to win by just under a length in 1:49.56 for 1 1/8 miles.
It was Journalism’s fourth consecutive win and earned him 75 qualifying points, bumping him to second in the Derby standings behind only Sandman. The even-money favorite paid $4.00 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.10 to show. Baeza, at 14-1, returned $6.20 and $3.60, while 40-1 Westwood paid $5.20 to show.
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Rodriguez Goes Wire-to-Wire in Wood Memorial
Across the country, Bob Baffert’s Rodriguez took the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct with a commanding wire-to-wire performance under jockey Mike Smith.
The Authentic-sired colt broke sharply from the inside and never looked back, pulling away from 9 challengers to win by 3 1/2 lengths and earn 100 Derby points. He covered the 1 1/8 miles in dominant fashion and becomes Baffert’s top (and potentially only) Derby hopeful after Churchill Downs lifted his two-year ban.
Rodriguez, the 7-2 second choice, returned $9.30 to win, $6.20 to place, and $5.30 to show. Grande paid $6.60 and $5.80, and Passion Rules returned $6.80. Favored Captain Cook finished off the board in fourth.
Admire Daytona Earns Dubai Drama in UAE Derby
Japan-based Admire Daytona edged Heart of Honor in a photo finish to claim the UAE Derby at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai — securing his spot in Louisville and marking the fourth straight year a Japanese horse has won this prep.
Trained by Yukihiro Kato, Admire Daytona ran 1 3/16 miles in 1:59.13 and held on by a nose after a thrilling stretch battle. The win earned him 100 Derby points, pushing him atop the international qualifying leaderboard.
The 10-1 shot returned $22.20 to win and $5.50 to place. Heart of Honor, the 5-2 second favorite, paid $3.20, while Don In The Mood paid $5.60.
The Kentucky Derby field is now rapidly taking shape, with Journalism, Rodriguez and Admire Daytona all set to arrive in Louisville with strong momentum.
