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HorseRacing

Journalism: A Kentucky Derby Contender from the Los Alamitos Derby

2024-12-15

The news couldn't be clearer. With an astonishing score in the Los Alamitos Derby on Saturday, Journalism has firmly established himself as a major contender on the road to the highly anticipated Kentucky Derby 2025. One of the race's few horses not trained by Bob Baffert, this son of Curlin showcased his exceptional talent by gracefully dispatching graded-stakes winners Getaway Car and Gaming, achieving a remarkable 3 1/2-length victory. The manner in which he accomplished this feat holds great promise for his upcoming 3-year-old season.

Journalism Authors Winning Story in Los Al Futurity

Impressive Gate Speed

From the very start, Journalism demonstrated his remarkable speed. He quickly settled into a comfortable stalking position behind the top two Baffert runners, showing an innate ability to assess the race and position himself advantageously. This early display of speed set the stage for his subsequent dominance.

As the race unfolded, it was evident that Journalism was in a league of his own. His well-timed move to make his charge towards the finish line was executed with precision, leaving his opponents in the dust. The leader, Getaway Car, who had set moderate early fractions, fought valiantly down the stretch but simply couldn't match the late surge of the stakes newcomer.

Crossing the Wire in Style

When Journalism crossed the wire as the decisive winner, it was a moment of triumph. Completing the 8 1/2 furlongs on the fast track in a solid time of 1:43.04 under the skilled rider Umberto Rispoli, he showcased his speed and determination.

This victory not only earned him qualifying points for entry into the spring classic but also gave instant credibility to his level of class. It was clear that he is a horse with great potential and the ability to improve with each race.

Carrying on a Rich Tradition

The 1 1/16-mile, Grade 2 affair at Los Alamitos has long been a launching pad for future success. Since the race was moved, standout winners like Dortmund, McKinzie, Improbable, and Practical Move have kept the late-season race in the spotlight.

Journalism is now part of this rich tradition, and his performance at Los Alamitos has added another chapter to its storied history. While no Los Alamitos Futurity runner has gone on to win the following spring's Kentucky Derby, there is a sense that Journalism could be the one to change that.

Breeding and Ownership

A son of a two-time horse of the year and top sire, Journalism is out of the durable, graded-stakes-winning Uncle Mo mare Mopitism. Bred to be a runner, he was purchased for $825,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and is now owned by a group that includes Bridlewood Farm, breeder Don Alberto Stable, Elayne Stables, and Robert LaPenta.

This strong breeding and ownership background give him the support and resources needed to reach the highest levels of the sport. With each passing race, he is proving that he is worthy of their investment.

Quick Progress on the Track

Sent to trainer Michael McCarthy, Journalism made his mark on the racing scene despite entering the races late and missing the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. In just his first seven weeks on the track, he has shown a remarkable progression of improvement.

Starting with a sixth-furlong maiden special weight at Santa Anita on Oct. 27, where he rallied from last to finish third, beaten by fewer than three lengths in a fast race, he quickly demonstrated his tenacity. Three weeks later, at Del Mar, he stretched out to two turns and showed his talent for figuring things out quickly. Closer to the pace in that race, he came off the rail and powered by the leader on the outside to secure a promising victory.

Trainer's Confidence

When Journalism supplemented to the Los Alamitos Derby off the score of his one-mile maiden race, his trainer Michael McCarthy hinted at his confidence in the well-bred colt.

"It was either a race like this or the San Vicente (G2) at seven furlongs," McCarthy said. "We gave this horse every opportunity not to run today, but he had two wonderful works, and he was very cool and composed in the paddock. He's picking things up fast. (Rispoli) bounced out of there and put him in the game nearly. He found himself a little wide on the first turn, but he was always cruising up the backside. Around the three-eighths pole Umberto was asking him to pick it up a bit, and he was slowly getting there. You could see it took him a bit to get his feet underneath him, but once he leveled off in the lane, he was very good."

After an excellent start to his career, Journalism will now take a brief rest before gearing up for the big races of the spring. With each start, he continues to improve, prove his class, and show a great affinity for added distance. His future looks as bright as can be, and as of now, 139 days out, there is no horse I would rather have in my barn over Journalism.

Los Alamitos horse racing picks hold a significant place in the world of horse racing. These picks are the result of the combined efforts of handicappers Bob Mieszerski, Eddie Wilson, Mark Ratzky, and Michael Superstein. (Kevin Modesti is currently on vacation, adding an element of anticipation to the picks.)

Discover the Winning Edge

The consensus box of Los Alamitos horse racing picks is a source of great interest among racing enthusiasts. These picks are not just random selections but are based on the expertise and knowledge of the handicappers. Each pick is a carefully analyzed decision that takes into account various factors such as the horse's past performances, the jockey's record, and the track conditions.For example, Bob Mieszerski, with his years of experience in handicapping, brings a unique perspective to the table. His in-depth knowledge of the horses and the racing industry allows him to make informed picks that have a high probability of success. Eddie Wilson, on the other hand, focuses on the details and nuances of each race, looking for those small advantages that can make a big difference. Mark Ratzky and Michael Superstein also contribute their expertise, adding to the depth and diversity of the consensus picks.These picks are not only valuable for those who enjoy watching horse races but also for those who place wagers. By following the consensus picks, bettors can increase their chances of winning and make more informed betting decisions. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a novice just starting out, the Los Alamitos horse racing picks can provide you with a valuable edge.

Thoroughbred Races on Sunday, December 15, 2024

The Sunday, December 15, 2024, thoroughbred races at Los Alamitos are set to be an exciting event. The consensus picks for these races have been carefully curated by the handicappers, taking into account all the relevant factors. Each race presents its own set of challenges and opportunities, and the handicappers have done their best to identify the horses with the best chances of winning.For instance, in the first race, there are several horses with promising past performances. However, the handicappers have identified one horse that stands out from the rest. This horse has shown exceptional speed and agility in its previous races and is expected to perform well on this particular track. In the second race, the competition is even tougher, with several top-rated horses vying for the top spot. The handicappers have analyzed the jockeys' records and the horses' form to come up with their picks.By following the consensus picks for these Sunday races, you can get a sense of the overall sentiment among the handicappers and increase your chances of picking a winning horse. It's important to remember that horse racing is a sport of chance, and there are no guarantees. However, by using the expertise of the handicappers and following their picks, you can make more informed decisions and enjoy the excitement of horse racing to the fullest.

Enjoying the Consensus Picks Online

In today's digital age, it's easier than ever to enjoy the consensus horse racing picks online. With just a few clicks, you can access the latest picks and stay updated on the latest news and tips on wagers for weekend Horse Racing at Santa Anita and other Southern California tracks.Subscribing to the Ponies Express newsletter is a great way to stay in the loop. By signing up, you'll receive regular updates directly in your inbox, keeping you informed about the latest developments in the world of horse racing. Whether you're at home or on the go, you can access the newsletter and stay connected to the action.Moreover, online platforms provide a convenient way to analyze the picks and make your own betting decisions. You can access detailed race information, horse profiles, and past performance data, allowing you to make more informed choices. The ability to interact with other racing enthusiasts and share your thoughts and opinions also adds to the enjoyment of the experience.

Getting the Latest News and Tips

Staying informed about the latest news and tips in horse racing is crucial for any bettor. The Ponies Express newsletter is a valuable resource that provides you with the latest information on wagers, race results, and horse news.By subscribing to the newsletter, you'll receive updates on upcoming races, changes in the betting odds, and insights from the handicappers. This information can help you make more informed betting decisions and stay ahead of the game. Additionally, the newsletter often includes tips and strategies from experienced bettors, giving you an edge in the world of horse racing.Whether you're a casual bettor or a serious enthusiast, the Ponies Express newsletter is a must-have. It keeps you connected to the racing community and provides you with the tools and information you need to succeed. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your horse racing experience and increase your chances of winning.

On Saturday's program at Gulfstream Park, jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. achieved remarkable feats. He not only provided his fifth winner but also swept the stakes. One of his victories came in the $140,000 Tropical Park Derby with the horse Cugino. Three races earlier, Ortiz guided See You Around to victory in the $140,000 Tropical Park Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. This showcases Ortiz's exceptional skills and the horses' capabilities.

Ortiz's Gratitude and Perspective

Ortiz expressed his gratitude for the opportunities to ride such nice horses. He said, "It feels great just to have the opportunity to ride these kinds of horses, nice horses like today and all week. I like to ride any horses, claiming horses, I don’t really care. I’m just happy to ride." He also emphasized the support he receives from trainers and owners, stating, "The trainers and owners give me the right opportunities and support me big time. I just thank God to keep me healthy and be able to keep doing what I love."

The Tropical Park Derby

In the $140,000 Tropical Park Derby, Cugino ($5.40), owned by West Point Throughbreds and Jimmy Cahig, needed a perfectly executed ride from Ortiz to prevail by a neck over late-rallying, 40-1 outsider Full Nelson. Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey described the ride, saying, "He got him in position on the first turn. I liked the way he was able to wait, and when the hole opened, he really kicked." Cugino broke cleanly from post 10 in the 12-horse event and Ortiz deftly dropped the son of Twirling Candy to the rail in sixth. He was behind pacesetting Fidelightcayut, who was stalked to his outside by Silent Heart, the even-money favorite. Fidelightcayut set solid fractions of 22.51 and 46.73 seconds and continued to lead on the far turn. Édgar Pérez asked Silent Heart for his run on the turn into the homestretch, and the Brian Lynch trainee responded to take the lead at the top of the stretch. Ortiz bided his time, waiting for a hole to open. Silent Heart appeared on his way to victory when that gap finally opened for Cugino in mid-stretch. Ortiz swung off the rail, and he surged through the late yards to eke out a victory while holding Full Nelson safe. Cugino ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:39.32 over firm turf.

Ortiz's Successful Day

Ortiz had an incredibly successful day. In addition to winning the Tropical Park Derby, he also won against allowance company on Julee’s Legacy, in a maiden race on Vassimo and in a claiming race on Swan Lake. He finished the day on a four-race winning streak, demonstrating his consistent excellence.