A Thrilling Comeback: Journalism Clinches Victory at the Preakness
In a heart-stopping finish at the 149th Preakness Stakes, the underdog colt Journalism defied expectations by overtaking the favorites in the final furlong to claim victory at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday. The 3-year-old bay, trained by Michael McCarthy and ridden by jockey Flavien Prat, delivered a masterclass in late-race acceleration, finishing in 1:55.72 and paying out $28.40 on a $2 win bet. This stunning upset marks one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent Triple Crown history.
The Race That Defied Expectations
Entering the race at 12-1 odds, Journalism had shown promise in earlier starts but lacked the pedigree of favorites like Imagination and Mugatu. However, as the field turned for home, Prat positioned the colt perfectly along the rail, conserving energy for a blistering final push. The move proved decisive as Journalism surged past tiring rivals, winning by 1¾ lengths.
“This horse has always had tremendous heart,” McCarthy told reporters post-race. “We knew if he could stay within striking distance, that closing kick would carry him home. But to see him execute it on this stage? That’s something special.”
Breaking Down the Winning Strategy
Race analysts identified several key factors in Journalism’s victory:
- Pace Analysis: The early fractions (22.98 for the quarter, 46.89 for the half) set up perfectly for closers
- Jockey Decision: Prat’s choice to save ground rather than go wide proved crucial
- Training Regimen: McCarthy’s emphasis on endurance work during the 3-week gap since the Kentucky Derby paid dividends
According to Equibase data, Journalism ran his final eighth mile in 11.98 seconds – the fastest closing fraction in the field by nearly half a second. “That’s championship-level acceleration,” noted NBC Sports analyst Randy Moss. “When a horse can sustain that kind of speed after nine furlongs, you’re seeing something extraordinary.”
The Road to Preakness Glory
Journalism’s path to this victory was anything but straightforward. After finishing a disappointing 7th in the Kentucky Derby, the team made several strategic adjustments:
- Switched to blinkers to improve focus
- Increased interval training to boost late-race stamina
- Adjusted nutrition to optimize energy reserves
Bloodstock agent Kerry Cauthen observed, “What’s remarkable is how this team turned a mediocre Derby performance into a winning formula. They didn’t just hope for better – they engineered it through smart, data-driven changes.”
Industry Reactions and Future Prospects
The racing world erupted with praise for Journalism’s performance. Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey tweeted, “That was one of the gutsiest Preakness runs I’ve seen in years. When the pressure came, Journalism didn’t just respond – he elevated.”
Looking ahead, connections must decide whether to point toward the Belmont Stakes on June 8. With the Triple Crown no longer possible (Mystik Dan having won the Derby), the team may opt for a lighter summer campaign targeting the Travers Stakes at Saratoga.
Owner Steve Landers hinted at their approach: “We’ll let the horse tell us what’s next. Right now, we’re just enjoying this incredible moment. But make no mistake – this colt has shown he belongs with the best of his generation.”
What Journalism’s Victory Means for the Sport
Beyond the immediate excitement, this upset carries significant implications:
- Parity in the Sport: Demonstrates how thoughtful training can overcome pedigree disadvantages
- Betting Impact: Marks the fourth straight year a double-digit odds horse has won a Triple Crown race
- Narrative Value: Provides a compelling underdog story to engage casual fans
As the racing world processes this thrilling result, one truth becomes clear: in an era where many focus solely on the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness continues to deliver some of horse racing’s most unforgettable moments. For those who missed the live action, the full race replay is available on NBC Sports’ YouTube channel – a must-watch for any sports enthusiast.
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