April 6, 2025
TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon
Extra, Effort!
While it wasn’t the open-and-shut case his trainer Michael McCarthy may have hoped for, Journalism still penned a satisfying ending to Saturday’s $500,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1).
After getting off to a slower than usual start around the first turn, the presumptive Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite settled into form and put in a valiant effort for the hard-charging score.
Perhaps working through a little adversity isn’t the worst thing for a horse who entered his latest contest off consecutive, commanding triumphs in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) and San Felipe (G2).
Either way, the eventful tune-up test pushed Journalism to 4-0-1 through five lifetime starts and paid an even $4.
Right at Home
No matter the sport, travelling across the country is a tall task. Or, at least it’s supposed to be.
Shipping from California to New York had no ill-effect on Rodriguez, who led throughout in Saturday’s $750,000 Wood Memorial for the effortless 3 ½-length decision.
Operating out of post one, the 3-year-old colt jumped out to the front of the 10-horse pack as the Aqueduct faithful watched his lead balloon to 4 lengths before settling at the final marker.
The dazzling performance netted Rodriguez his first graded stakes trophy after previously coming up short in the Grade 2 San Felipe (second) and Grade 3 Robert B. Lewis (third).
Closing at 7-2 in the Wood, Rodriguez paid $9.30.
So True
“It’s not how you start that’s important, but how you finish” is a textbook cliché. It’s also a beacon of truth.
Crazy Mason clearly took those words to heart on Saturday, storming back from last to steal the $300,000 Carter (G2) by a neck over 2-1 choice Quint’s Brew.
Playing catch-up from the get-go, the 4-year-old colt showed incredible resolve to gradually chip away at the deficit.
That patience ultimately paid dividends, as Crazy Mason and rider Manuel Franco left just enough runway to stun the Aqueduct crowd.
The first and surely most memorable graded stakes win of the Gregory Sacco charge’s career paid $12.60.
According to Plan
Tenma took care of business as the 6-5 favorite in Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Anita Oaks (G2), earning a spot in next month’s Kentucky Oaks (G1) with a smooth 2 ¼-length triumph.
Working in tandem with veteran rider Juan Hernandez, Tenma confidently navigated the slight five-horse field, waited for a lane to open and did not squander the opportunity.
Now standing at a stellar 5-0-1 through six starts with four graded stakes titles to her name, including three in a row, the 3-year-old filly has emerged as a strong contender for the Grade 1 Oaks.
As the heavy favorite on Saturday, Tenma paid a modest $2.60.
Verity’s Clarity
The skies were grey, and the track was sloppy, but Verity’s mission was clear.
Making her graded stakes debut on Sunday afternoon at Keeneland, the 3-year-old filly looked the part of a seasoned veteran in a smooth 5 ¼-length triumph.
Closing as the third choice in the field of five, Verity ran side-by-side with clubhouse leader Stunner (even-money) for most of the 7-furlong affair before separating in the late stages for decisive win.
Off to perfect 3-for-3 start in 2025, the Eoin Harty trainee’s breakthrough outing paid a proper $14.26.
