By Byron King
March 1, 2025 Having won the San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park nine times and with three starters in the March 1 race, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert’s presence was unmistakable in the 1 1/16-mile prep on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Following a scratch, only two horses lined up to face his trio of Barnes , Rodriguez , and Mellencamp —and one of them was a 45-1 longshot in Smooth Cruisein .
Not running scared was trainer Michael McCarthy and his ownership group of Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, and Bob LaPenta. They had faith in their colt, Journalism , who in a prior matchup had beaten three Baffert trainees in the Dec. 14 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2).
