“You’re always anxious to try it again,” Michael W. McCarthy said after Journalism failed to win the 151st Kentucky Derby despite being the clear favorite to do so. However, the trainer also mentioned that the thoroughbred had a track record of doing well after short breaks. And now, it looks like recess is finally over, and the Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners co-owned horse is ready to get back out there!

The horse racing community is in for another treat. After the Derby a couple of weeks ago, the second leg of the prestigious Triple Crown will arrive at the historic Pimlico Race Course this Saturday. And it looks like Journalism will have the chance to salvage its reputation at the upcoming 150th Preakness Stakes.

In a post on X by the Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners account from May 11, it has been revealed that the 3-year-old horse will be competing in the weekend race. “Journalism has been grand since the @KentuckyDerby and @mwmracing has green-lighted him to head to @PimlicoRC for the 150th @PreaknessStakes!” reads the social media update, which will undoubtedly bring a smile to horse race fans’ faces around the world. The post was reshared by Daily Racing Form‘s David Grening.

But it’s not only Journalism that will have a shot at redemption in Baltimore on May 17. Celebrity jockey Umberto Rispoli was equally devastated after coming in second at Churchill Downs. After the Kentucky Derby was over, Rispoli noted that the wet conditions were the biggest hurdle for Journalism to be its best. But now, the jockey will have a chance to showcase his skills as well.

The 2024 Los Alamitos and 2025 Santa Anita Derby-winning Journalism has made quite a name for itself with consistent results. Naturally, with the horse being announced for the Preakness Stakes, fans can’t wait to see if his mesmerizing speed once again claims the victory. However, while its return to action would undoubtedly be welcome news, it would also come with something to grumble about.

At the Kentucky Derby, both Journalism and Rispoli were caught off guard when Bill Mott-trained Sovereignty pulled off an incredible win at CDI. With that, the community waited with bated breath to learn if the thrilling rivalry would be re-ignited in Baltimore. However, on May 6, Mott announced that a scrape on its right front pastern would require Sovereignty to pull out of the Preakness Stakes, and instead focus on Belmont.

But while the Journalism vs Sovereignty rematch won’t be here to entertain fans right now, rest assured, we will have a riveting race at the iconic Pimlico!

Journalism’s foes are lining up

While there won’t be the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner at the Preakness Stakes, there will be some Triple Crown royalty in Baltimore this Saturday, nonetheless. And Journalism better do its homework before hitting the racecourse. American Pharoah’s son, Clever Again, will enter the $2 million race with 8-1 odds against its name. The horse made its racing debut in 2024 and now comes off with a strong victory at the $200,000 Hot Springs Stakes in March.

Sandman, the seventh-place finisher at CDI, will also be among the horses that will compete at the upcoming Preakness Stakes. Trainer Mark Casse already boasts a Preakness Stakes win under his belt, and could repeat the feat with Sandman, who posts 3-1-2 in nine starts. But while these speedy stars are ready to make life difficult for Rispoli and Journalism, the duo will have some respite yet.

Bob Baffert‘s Rodriguez was scratched from the Derby due to a foot issue. And it looks like the troubles are yet to pass over, as the horse was also announced to be pulling out of the Preakness Stakes. But while the celebrity trainer’s ill fate continues, can Journalism make the opportunity worth it? Tell us your predictions for the imminent Baltimore race in a comment!