【Octo Attack free play】Journalism, Rodriguez Win Kentucky Derby Preps

Journalism won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on Octo Attack free playSaturday, April 5, in Arcadia, California, establishing the thoroughbred as the top contender for next month’s Run for the Roses in Kentucky.

Also on Saturday, Rodriguez, a Bob Baffert-trained horse ridden by Mike Smith, won the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack in South Ozone Park, Queens, New York. 

The wins qualified both horses for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.

Journalism, trained by Michael McCarthyand ridden by Umberto Rispoli, came from behind in the five-horse field to power to the lead and a victory at the Santa Anita track near Los Angeles. Journalism is considered the favorite in the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on May 3 in Louisville.

The Wood Memorial, held earlier on Saturday than the Santa Anita Derby, shot Rodriquez to No. 2 in Derby prep points, only behind Sandman, winner of the Arkansas Derby in late March at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. After the win at Santa Anita, Journalism moved to No. 2 in points.

The two Kentucky Derby prep races on April 5 are among the final Road to the Kentucky Derby events. These events earn points for horses vying to become one of 20 to qualify for the Kentucky Derby, held the first Saturday of May each year. It is the first leg of the Triple Crown.

Another Kentucky Derby prep race, the $1.25 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky, was rescheduled from April 5 to April 8 because of severe weather in the region.

2025 Triple Crown Schedule

• The Kentucky Derby:Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky, May 3
• The Preakness Stakes:Pimlico, Baltimore, Maryland, May 17
• The Belmont Stakes:Saratoga*, New York, June 7

*Note: This race is being held in Saratoga as work continues on a  $550 million upgrade at Belmont Park in Elmont on Long Island, just east of New York City.

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