As Bob Baffert makes his comeback to the Kentucky Derby this year, anticipation builds around the potential success of one of his horses. What reason do they have not to? Have you looked at the road leading to the Kentucky Derby? Two of his horses have secured positions in the top three, with Citizen Bull taking second place and Getaway Car in third. His return will undoubtedly make waves at Churchill Downs for the opening leg of the American Triple Crown, yet the community has its own beloved contenders.

Certainly, numerous races are on the horizon leading up to the Kentucky Derby, providing spectators with ample opportunity to study the contenders for the race dubbed “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” But who is the horse that fans are discussing? It’s journalism. The three-year-old, under the guidance of Michael McCarthy and with Umberto Rispoli in the saddle, is set to make his mark in the upcoming weekend races at Santa Anita.

Indeed, as noted in the racecourse’s official X post, “Journalism stretching his legs this morning. 🏇Journalism will be making his first start as a 3-year-old in the DK Horse San Felipe (GII) with Umberto Rispoli aboard.🏆” The colt was spotted at Santa Anita, putting in a solid training session in preparation for the G2 DK Horse San Felipe Stakes. This marks yet another occasion for him to take part in a Grade 2 race. Indeed, the previous competition in this field was the Los Alamitos Futurity at Los Alamitos Thoroughbred.

What outcomes were observed? He secured the top position in race 8 at the racecourse. However, this Grade 2 victory wasn’t his initial experience in the spotlight. The horse has participated in several maiden races, achieving victory in one of them at Del Mar. His inaugural maiden race took place at Santa Anita, and the upcoming DK Horse San Felipe Stakes will mark his second attempt at this racecourse. The excitement is palpable among horse racing enthusiasts as they eagerly await his performance.

Journalism might challenge Bob Baffert’s racehorses

Throughout his career as a horse racing trainer, Bob Baffert has secured six victories in the Kentucky Derby, the most recent occurring in 2020. In 2021, Medina Spirit crossed the finish line first, yet a subsequent failed drug test resulted in the revocation of that title. As Baffert anticipates a new beginning following his suspension, the fans are busy backing Journalism.

High praise for Journalism was the prevailing fan sentiment. They clearly had high hopes for the horse, with fan enthusiastically predicting,“KY Derby winner!” Others were more succinct in their praise. One fan simply wrote,“Beast mode.”

Another was impressed by the overall package of horse and jockey. Furthermore, the slow motion video gave viewers ample time to enjoy every nuance and detail of Journalism’s performance. “Just irradiate pure class. Im impressed the way his move, on the briddle, the riders knows he has tons of horse under his belt, his head has the la label of a really really good horse,” wrote one admirer.

But the Journalism hype train didn’t quite end there. Other fans expressed their future hopes for the horse. One fan said, “I’m not sure about Saturday in the San Felipe, but this might be the California horse I most want to bet come the first Saturday in May.” Similarly, another enthusiast remarked, “He is right at the top of my list. Love his pedigree!” It’s pretty clear that Journalism has his admirers – pretty vocal ones too.

As the countdown to the Kentucky Derby continues, the anticipation builds. It remains to be seen how these competitors will perform when they finally face off. The anticipation among horse racing enthusiasts is palpable as they await the start of the American Triple Crown series.