Journalism Set for Kentucky Derby Bid, With South America in the Spotlight

Bred and partially owned by Chilean powerhouse Don Alberto Stable, he is the leading contender for today’s card at Churchill Downs. Venezuelan riders Junior Alvarado and Javier Castellano, Peruvian Juan Pablo Vargas, and Brazilians Joao Moreira and Luan Machado are among the jockeys set to take part

Journalism in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, with the Twin Spires in the background / COADY PHOTOGRAPHY

The racing world will come to a standstill this afternoon for the 151st running of the GI Kentucky Derby (2000 meters, dirt), the most important race on the calendar in the United States—the one every horseman dreams of running in, and which only a privileged few can claim to have won.

The opening leg of the Triple Crown, the Derby is forever linked to the image of Churchill Downs, “The Cathedral,” packed to the brim, dominating headlines across the globe and generating a level of attention no other race can rival—no matter where it is run.

In 2025, the Run for the Roses has a particularly special connection to South America, with five Latin American jockeys in the starting gate and, even more significantly, with top contender Journalism bred by Haras Don Alberto, the Chilean powerhouse owned by Carlos Heller, who also retains a share in the colt’s ownership.

Venezuelans Junior Alvarado and Javier Castellano, Brazilians Joao Moreira and Luan Machado, and Peruvian Juan Pablo Vargas will ensure that more than 25 percent of the jockeys in the Derby field represent the southern part of the continent—a tremendous source of pride and a clear reminder that while our racing nations may lack financial might, they are rich in world-class talent.

Trained by Michael McCarthy and with Italian Umberto Rispoli set to ride once again, Journalism embodies everything you want in a racehorse. A son of Curlin out of the top-class Mopotism (Uncle Mo), he boasts elite pedigree—reflected in his $825,000 price tag—and an outstanding résumé, not to mention a fluid, eye-catching stride.

Drawn in post 7—after Rodríguez (Authentic) was scratched and the field shifted inward—the colt has only tasted defeat once, on debut, and since then has reeled off four consecutive victories, including the GII Los Alamitos Futurity, GII San Felipe Stakes, and the prestigious GI Santa Anita Derby.

Special mention must be made of his effort in the latter. What he accomplished that day was no ordinary feat. Battered throughout—especially by Martín García aboard the champion Citizen Bull (Into Mischief)—Journalism was momentarily buried in traffic in scenes that bordered on ugly. But he regrouped, charged down the lane, and ultimately edged past Baeza (McKinzie) by three-quarters of a length. It was simply breathtaking.

Of course, this is the Derby, and favorites often find trouble. With 19 colts set to go—Grande (Curlin) was scratched by the track veterinarians, with the aforementioned Baeza taking his place in the field—anything can happen. A poor break or an unlucky trip can quickly dash even the best horse’s hopes.

Among Journalism’s challengers is Burnham Square (Liam’s Map), who carries the Bayakoa colors of Whitham Thoroughbreds and will once again rely on his late kick, just as he did when landing the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.

Godolphin, fresh off Friday’s GI Kentucky Oaks win with the undefeated Good Cheer (Medaglia d’Oro), aims for a historic double. The royal blue silks will be carried by Sovereignty (Into Mischief), winner of the GII Fountain of Youth and runner-up in the GI Florida Derby, and East Avenue (Medaglia d’Oro), who missed narrowly in the Blue Grass.

Sandman (Tapit), hero of the GI Arkansas Derby, promises to be a major threat, as does Tiztastic (Tiz the Law), winner of the GII Louisiana Derby. Citizen Bull, as mentioned, finished last in the Santa Anita Derby, but if Bob Baffert is sending him back to Churchill Downs, there’s a reason for it. Juddmonte, meanwhile, pins its hopes on Final Gambit (Not This Time), who captured the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks on Turfway Park’s synthetic track, and the maiden Publisher (American Pharoah), who was runner-up to Sandman.

The stage is set, and the eyes of the world are once again fixed on Louisville—where legends are made beneath the Twin Spires.