Journalism truly stood out during the 2025 season, standing out among a bunch of talented three-year-olds. The Curlin-bred colt really made a name for himself after winning the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes and the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. He followed that up with an impressive showing in the Preakness Stakes, securing the second leg of this season’s American Triple Crown.

After an impressive spring season and finishing second in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, Journalism is heading into his next challenge feeling confident and seasoned. Monmouth Park is gearing up for the 58th running of the NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes, and guess what? The track favorite, Journalism, has made it to the site after a smooth journey from California. His early-morning jogs, with exercise rider Marc Witkowski keeping a close eye, have definitely caught some attention.

The 4-5 morning-line favorite seems sharp and focused on the track. Trainer Michael McCarthy and his team have really fine-tuned his preparation to hit that sweet spot when it counts, and the colt’s ability to adapt has become a standout feature of his campaign. So, when the exercise rider was asked about Journalism’s form before the G1 race, they had a bit of a warning for the competition.

According to a report by Paulick Report, he said, “When he’s out there training and galloping, he loves doing it. He’s a beautiful mover. He just glides over the track. It feels like nothing but power under me and he moves the ground. I’m watching the poles and he gets around there so easy when I ask him to. Whenever I ask him for more he gives it to me. He has adapted to each track he’s run at really well. He is an awesome horse. Just awesome.”

This glowing endorsement really shows off Journalism’s physical abilities and also highlights the strong connection that’s been built over years of working out together. In a sport where every little detail counts, that connection can really boost performance when the pressure is on. With the Haskell Stakes coming up on Saturday, Journalism is set to showcase both its form and finesse at Monmouth’s main stage.

Witkowski’s confident thoughts really ramp up the excitement, and it’s clear: Journalism isn’t just here to compete; he’s ready to take charge. Even the colt’s trainer was not thinking differently before the race.

Michael McCarthy is quite confident about Journalism

The 150th running of the Preakness Stakes on May 17 was quite the spectacle! Journalism took the win in a nail-biting stretch duel, crossing the finish line in 1:55.37 with jockey Umberto Rispoli aboard. This victory really helped boost his reputation after a strong finish at the Kentucky Derby. “When I crossed the wire, the first things that comes up to my mind, it’s all of the 20 years of my career that pass in front of me. I had to wait so long to be on a champion like that,” Rispoli said, soaking in the victory.

That day, Journalism got some great praise from top competitors like Bob Baffert, who mentioned, “He’s a remarkable horse. I wanted to be on the lead and was behind horses. I knew [Goal Oriented] was intimidated. He’s never run that way. He ran well, but he’s still too green for that.” So, before the G1 Haskell Stakes, McCarthy casually mentioned, “I wouldn’t mind a replay of the Preakness. But hopefully everyone gets a little cleaner trip this time.”

Last time, Journalism really showed up as a strong contender, even with the traffic problems and all the pushing and shoving going on in the field. So, this time, McCarthy is hoping to see something like that from his colt. Basically, with Journalism at its best, McCarthy seems all set for the challenge, whether it’s a smooth ride or not.