Preparing for the Santa Anita Derby: Michael McCarthy and Journalism’s Journey
In the world of thoroughbred horse racing, the Santa Anita Derby stands as a pivotal event that sets the stage for contenders heading towards the prestigious Kentucky Derby. On Saturday, trainer Michael McCarthy faces a seasoned field with his morning-line favorite, Journalism, to compete against the likes of Bob Baffert-trained Citizen Bull and John Shirreffs-trained Baeza and Westwood. At 54 years old, McCarthy may be seen as the underdog at this event, yet his impressive career accomplishments signal his capacity for success. Graduating from Arcadia High, just a stone’s throw away from the Santa Anita Racetrack, McCarthy is poised to make a significant mark in this high-stakes contest.
Michael McCarthy’s credentials speak volumes. Visitors to his Santa Anita barn may notice numerous accolades celebrating his successes, including a Breeders’ Cup victory with Ce Ce and City of Light, alongside his most notable triumph at the 2021 Preakness Stakes with Rombauer. Throughout the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting, McCarthy ranks second in stakes wins, third in overall wins, and fourth in purse earnings, showcasing the level of expertise and diligence he brings to the sport. As he steps into the Santa Anita Derby against the giants of horse racing, like Baffert—who has trained an unprecedented nine winners of this Derby and six Kentucky Derby victors—McCarthy aims to emulate their storied success.
Raised in Youngstown, Ohio, with strong ties to horse racing in California, McCarthy’s journey has been shaped by experience and mentorship. Working under renowned figures like Todd Pletcher, he gained unique insights into training strategies that have informed his approach since establishing his own barn in Southern California in 2014. Despite a rocky path, including a single Kentucky Derby starter in 2024, McCarthy’s focus remains fixed. His ambition continues with Journalism, who has already garnered impressive wins in both the Los Alamitos Futurity and the San Felipe Stakes, placing McCarthy on the radar for a potential win in the upcoming Santa Anita Derby.
As the Santa Anita Derby approaches, the stakes are high. If Journalism can capitalize on his current momentum and take home the win, McCarthy will not only secure a spot in the Kentucky Derby but also enter the spotlight of racing enthusiasts and professionals alike. His status as a leading contender has been reinforced by his position as the 6-5 morning-line favorite against Citizen Bull at 9-5 and Barnes at 3-1. Other veteran trainers like Baffert express confidence in McCarthy’s ability to handle the pressure that comes with potential glory, emphasizing the depth of experience that McCarthy brings to the race.
The coupling of McCarthy and Journalism creates a dynamic narrative in the lead-up to the Santa Anita Derby. While McCarthy acknowledges the established successes of trainers like Baffert and Shirreffs, he remains grounded in his focus on Journalism and the horse’s ability to consistently perform at high levels. With a stellar Beyer speed figure from his last race, Journalism has established himself as a formidable contender among the three-horse field entering the Derby. As McCarthy prepares for what could be a historic moment for both him and Journalism, he reflects on the challenges and triumphs of the current racing season.
Beyond the allure of racing, McCarthy’s journey reflects resilience in the face of personal adversity, including natural disasters affecting his community. As wildfires threatened his home in Altadena, he remained steadfast in his commitment to his family and racing career. The Santa Anita Derby thus becomes not just a race, but a significant chapter in McCarthy’s life narrative, filled with history and aspirations. As he prepares to step into the limelight, McCarthy harbors ambitions of joining the ranks of racing legends who have won the Santa Anita Derby and gone on to achieve further glory.
The Santa Anita Derby is more than a mere horse race; it symbolizes dreams, challenges, and a legacy that McCarthy hopes to extend. With a mix of confidence and humility, he aims to add his name to the illustrious list of winners, exemplifying the spirit of perseverance that defines the sport. As the day of the race draws near, McCarthy remains focused on optimizing Journalism’s performance, embodying a narrative of hard work, commitment, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness. This thrilling showdown is set to unfold shortly, paving the way for a new chapter in horse racing lore that could solidify McCarthy’s status among the sport’s elite.
As we await the Santa Anita Derby, all eyes will be on McCarthy and Journalism, underscoring the hope and ambition that permeate the world of thoroughbred racing.
