Met Mile Then Stephen Foster For Journalism?
With the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap already circled on the calendar, there was little reason to believe Journalism’s summer campaign would stretch much further into June. But after Churchill Downs boosted the purse of the Grade 1 Stephen Foster to $2 million, the possibility of another ambitious turnaround is suddenly very much in play for one of the sport’s biggest stars.
The Michael McCarthy-trained 4-year-old is still slated to make his next start in the Grade 1 Met Mile during the Belmont Stakes festival at Saratoga Race Course on June 6. Yet co-owner Aron Wellman indicated this week that Journalism could come right back three weeks later in the Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs on June 27 if all goes according to plan.
The Foster, contested at 1 1/8 miles, carries added significance this year as a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on Oct. 31. The race immediately became one of the summer’s marquee targets after Churchill Downs doubled the purse from $1 million to $2 million.
Wellman emphasized that the Met Mile remains the immediate priority, but acknowledged the Foster is now firmly under consideration should Journalism emerge from Saratoga in top condition. The ownership group, which includes Coolmore, continues to map out a campaign designed to maximize the colt’s long-term stallion value while still taking aim at the nation’s premier races.
Journalism is expected to retire eventually to Ashford Stud, Coolmore’s Kentucky operation, after what has already developed into a highly accomplished career.
A Foster appearance would set up a loaded midsummer showdown. Reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty is already being pointed toward the race, alongside Dubai World Cup hero Magnitude and Grade 1 winner White Abarrio. Multiple Grade 1 winner Baeza is also among the names expected to target the Churchill Downs feature.
The rivalries are already well established. Journalism has finished behind Sovereignty three different times, including in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap in April, a race won by White Abarrio. On the other hand, Journalism has held the upper hand over Baeza on three separate occasions.
There is also the potential for an interesting jockey decision should both Journalism and Magnitude line up in the Foster. Jose Ortiz rode each horse in their most recent starts, meaning one of the two would require a new pilot if both head to Louisville.
Few horses in recent years have carried the kind of workload Journalism shouldered during his 3-year-old campaign. He was the only member of his crop to contest all three Triple Crown races in 2025, capturing the Preakness Stakes while finishing second to Sovereignty in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
His sophomore season also included victories in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby and Grade 1 Haskell Stakes before he tackled older horses later in the year in both the Pacific Classic and Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation, Journalism is a son of Curlin out of the multiple Grade 1-placed mare Mopotism. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners purchased him for $825,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, and he has since developed into one of the most durable and accomplished runners of his generation.
