May 18, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
A Day to Remember
Next month, the original structure at historic Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland will be torn down in favour of a new, revitalized facility slated to open in 2027.
This past Saturday, the horse racing world converged on the soon-to-be-replaced raceway for the 150th running of the $2 million Preakness (G1), where they were treated to an unforgettable performance from deserving champion, Journalism.
In what stands out as the effort of the year thus far, the even-money favourite remained calm when the walls closed in, literally, powered through the contact and chased down comfortable leader Gosger for the brilliant half-length score.
Journalism, in search of a much-needed win after finishing second in the Kentucky Derby (G1), paid an even $4.
What Looks Good?
The build-up to Pimlico’s main event did not disappoint, either.
In the top undercard event, if you will, the $250,000 Dinner Party (G3T), a spirited showing from 5-1 hopeful Fort Washington earned his trainer Claude McGaughey III his sixth career victory in the iconic race.
Slotted into post eight, Fort Washington planted his flag towards the tail end of the 10-horse affair and helm firm before advancing further into enemy territory at the top of the stretch.
The Junior Alvarado mount’s patience paid off, as he was able to outduel 11-1 shot Cash Equity (FR) for the one-length tally.
Fort Washington’s third career graded triumph, and second in a row, paid $12 flat.
Dream On
Perhaps race seven, the $150,000 Gallorette (G3T), should have been a harbinger of what lay ahead for rider Umberto Rispoli, who became the first Italian-born jockey to win a Triple Crown race after steering Journalism to victory in the Preakness.
The prelude to that magical moment saw Rispoli and 8-1 Charlene’s Dream team up to capture the Gallorette in dominant gate-to-wire fashion.
Under the veteran rider’s tutelage, the 4-year-old filly lept out to an early lead and watched it balloon to nearly lengths before settling at a final mark of 3 ¾ lengths.
The commanding display, which allowed Charlene’s Dream to break through in her graded debut, paid a handsome $18.20.
Get Comfortable
Booth booked his fourth straight trip to the winner’s circle in the fourth graded stakes contest on Pimlico’s signature Saturday card.
After falling short in his season debut, the 4-year-old colt reached the promised land in February’s Overnight Stakes, March’s Whitmore (G3), April’s Count Fleet Sprint (G3), and now the $150,000 Maryland Sprint (G3).
The sterling streak stayed alive in rather stress-free fashion, as Booth led coast-to-coast for the smooth one-length decision.
Making the stellar showing even more memorable was that it was driven by the father-son trainer-jockey duo of Steve and Erik Asmussen.
For delivering as the 8-5 choice, Booth paid a modest $3.80.
Beach Day
While Pimlico was the star, it wasn’t the only oval hosting first-class stakes races this past weekend.
Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky joined in on Saturday’s festivities with the aptly named $250,000 Louisville (G3T), which went to Utah Beach in stunning comeback fashion.
Buried at the back end of the nine-horse pack until past the halfway point, the 5-year-old gelding slid out wide to find an open lane and didn’t disappoint with a hard-charging 1 ½-length clearance.
Utah Beach’s mammoth effort earned the veteran racer his second consecutive graded triumph (Grade 2 Elkhorn) after dropping six straight starts going back to last May.
At 3-1, the Ignacio Correas IV charge paid $8.44.