Journalism overcomes trouble in Santa Anita Derby; Tenma all class in Santa Anita Oaks

The expectation that Saturday's $500,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1) would yield the likely favorite for next month's Kentucky Derby (G1) came to fruition when Journalism followed up his last-out win in the San Felipe (G2) with a come-from-behind score in the 1 1/8-mile test.

In addition to celebrating victory in the Santa Anita Derby, trainer Michael McCarthy was also pleased that Journalism successfully overcame trouble in the running, an asset to have with 19 rivals likely to beat at Churchill Downs.

Scraping the paint at the tail of the field alongside Barnes around the far turn, Journalism endured a bump from that rival, which momentarily stalled the commencement of his bid.

"I saw adversity today, which was good," McCarthy said.

Journalism quickly kicked clear of Barnes, made a three-wide rally into contention turning for home, and gradually wore down recent maiden winner Baeza, who ran a tremendous race in what was his stakes debut.

Journalism won by three parts of a length under Umberto Rispoli, completing the fast-track test in 1:49.56. He paid $4 as the even-money choice.

The disappointment in the field was juvenile champion Citizen Bull, the 2-1 second choice in the wagering. Taking the lead from 44-1 maiden Westwood approaching the half-mile marker, Citizen Bull was in command until upper stretch and then wilted, even allowing Westwood to re-rally into third place, 8 1/2 lengths behind Baeza. Barnes trailed the field of five.

Due to the Santa Anita Derby having just five starters, only 75% of the eligible Kentucky Derby qualifying points were allotted. Journalism increased his total from 47.5 to 122.5. Baeza earned 37.5 instead of the allotted 50, which could impact his ability to make the Kentucky Derby field.

Westwood earned 18.75 points, while Citizen Bull increased his total from 60 to 71.25. Barnes increased his total from 19 to 26.25.

Journalism races for a wide-ranging partnership that includes Bridlewood Farm, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and Don Alberto Stable, who bred the colt in Kentucky. The son of Curlin is now 4-for-5, his only loss being his debut in a six-furlong maiden last October. Journalism won his final two starts at two, including the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2).

Journalism is by Curlin and is the first foal produced by Grade 2 winner Mopotism, a daughter of Uncle Mo.

Earlier in the card, Tenma performed as expected in the $200,000 Santa Anita Oaks (G1), solidifying her role as California's leading Kentucky Oaks (G1) prospect with a 2 1/4-lenth victory as the solid 3-10 favorite.

Under Juan Hernandez, Tenma reeled in stablemate Silent Law in upper stretch and landed her fourth career stakes win following earlier triumphs in the Del Mar Debutante (G1), Starlet (G2), and Las Virgenes (G3).

"We are trying to get her to the Kentucky Oaks and she had been progressing, getting better and better," said Bob Baffert, who trains the filly for Baoma Corp. "I liked the way she settled today. There was a lot of speed in the race. She is becoming more professional as we go. She has come a long way and she is great to be around. She is a lovely filly."

Tenma completed 1 1/16 miles in a modest 1:46.15 and paid $2.60 to win. Silent Law finished six lengths clear of Vodka With a Twist, who was followed by Madame Secretary and No Bad Beats.

Due to the field being reduced to five after the scratch of Look Forward, the Kentucky Oaks qualifying points on offer were reduced by 25%. Tenma earned 75 points, bringing her total to 108. Silent Law earned 37.5 points, while Vodka With a Twist secured 18.75 points to bring her total to 36.75 points. Madame Secretary now has 11.25 points and No Bad Beats 7.5 points.

Tenma's only loss in six career starts was a 10-length defeat in the Oak Leaf (G2) last October, the only time she raced with blinkers.

"She just didn't run in the Oak Leaf. It was a dud," Baffert said. "She struggled that day, just not mentally ready. I backed off of her after that, freshened her, and she's been ready to go."

The Kentucky-bred Tenma is by Nyquist and out of Amagansett, by Tapit.