Journalism

Connections

Owner: Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC and LaPenta, Robert V., Magnier-Lessee, Mrs. John, Smith-Lessee, Derrick and Tabor-Lessee, Michael B.
Breeders: Don Alberto Corporation
Trainer: Michael McCarthy
Jockey: Umberto Rispoli

Journalism: 2025 Kentucky Derby Contender Profile

Journalism, a 3-year-old colt by Curlin out of Mopotism, enters the 2025 Kentucky Derby with an impressive 4-for-5 record, including three graded stakes victories. He dominated the Santa Anita Derby (G1) on April 5, 2025, winning by 1 length in 1:49.25, and secured wins in the San Felipe Stakes (G2) and Los Alamitos Futurity (G2). With a pedigree featuring Smart Strike, Uncle Mo, and Bernardini, Journalism combines stamina and speed, making him a top contender for the Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs on May 3, 2025.

Pedigree

Journalism
├── Sire: Curlin
│ ├── Sire: Smart Strike
│ └── Dam: Sherriff’s Deputy (by Deputy Minister)
└── Dam: Mopotism
├── Sire: Uncle Mo
└── Dam: Peppy Rafaela (by Bernardini)

1st Generation Pedigree

• Sire: Curlin
  Curlin is a two-time Horse of the Year (2007 and 2008), winning the 2007 Preakness Stakes, 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic, and 2008 Dubai World Cup. He stands at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm for $175,000 in 2025 and has sired classic winners like Vino Rosso (2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic) and Malathaat (2021 Kentucky Oaks), known for producing runners with stamina and versatility.
• Dam: Mopotism
  Mopotism, by Uncle Mo, is a winning mare who has produced Journalism and other stakes-placed foals. Her racing record includes a win at 6 furlongs, suggesting speed, but her progeny, including Journalism, have shown the ability to stretch out, likely influenced by Uncle Mo’s sire line, which includes Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist.

2nd Generation Pedigree

• Curlin’s Parents (Journalism’s Paternal Grandparents)
  Curlin’s sire is Smart Strike, a successful stallion by Mr. Prospector who sired horses like Lookin At Lucky (2010 Preakness Stakes winner) and Curlin himself. Curlin’s dam is Sherriff’s Deputy, by Deputy Minister, a mare who won at 1 1/16 miles and produced Curlin as her standout foal. This paternal line provides Journalism with a strong foundation for classic distances, as Smart Strike’s progeny excel at 1 1/4 miles.
• Mopotism’s Parents (Journalism’s Maternal Grandparents)
  Mopotism’s sire is Uncle Mo, a 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner by Indian Charlie who sired Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist (2016) and has become a leading sire known for speed and early maturation, though his progeny can handle longer distances. Mopotism’s dam is Peppy Rafaela, by Bernardini, a 2006 Preakness Stakes winner by A.P. Indy. Peppy Rafaela was unplaced in three starts but is a half-sister to graded stakes winner Songster, adding quality to the family. Bernardini’s influence as a broodmare sire, with daughters producing runners like Catholic Boy (2018 Travers Stakes winner), enhances Journalism’s capability for the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby distance.

Additional Notes on Journalism’s Pedigree

• Paternal Line (Curlin): Curlin’s sire, Smart Strike, and grandsire, Mr. Prospector, provide a blend of speed and stamina, while Sherriff’s Deputy adds durability, as Curlin won multiple races at 1 1/4 miles. This line suggests Journalism can handle the Kentucky Derby distance.
• Maternal Line (Mopotism): Uncle Mo, Mopotism’s sire, brings speed and precocity through his lineage, which includes Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist (2016). Mopotism’s dam, Peppy Rafaela, by Bernardini, adds stamina and classic potential. Bernardini, a 2006 Preakness Stakes winner by A.P. Indy, has been a successful broodmare sire, with daughters producing runners like Catholic Boy (2018 Travers Stakes winner). Peppy Rafaela was unplaced in three starts but is a half-sister to graded stakes winner Songster, enhancing the family’s quality. Mopotism herself was a Grade 2 winner, earning $876,090 with a victory in the 2018 La Canada Stakes (G2), and placed in multiple Grade 1 races against top competition like Midnight Bisou, supporting Journalism’s ability to stretch out to the Derby distance of 1 1/4 miles.
• Pedigree Fit for the Derby: Journalism’s 4-for-5 record, with three graded stakes wins, and his closing style in the Santa Anita Derby (1:49.25) indicate he’s well-suited for the 1 1/4-mile Derby. His sire Curlin’s classic-winning pedigree and Uncle Mo’s Derby success with Nyquist strengthen his case. The Curlin-Uncle Mo cross, combined with Bernardini’s classic influence, aligns with Journalism’s success at 1 1/8 miles in the Santa Anita Derby (1:49.25) and his 4-for-5 record.

Journalism’s Race Record