Heavy favorite Journalism (c, 4, Curlin-Mopotism, by Uncle Mo) overcame a rough start in Saturday’s GII San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. After being left behind at the gate, he trailed the five-horse field by several lengths as Mirahmadi (Into Mischief) set the early :23.24 pace. The Goat (Chi) (Midshipman) took a slight lead on the turn as Journalism was floated out wide, circling the field before taking the lead with a furlong to go. Last year’s GI Preakness Stakes, GI Haskell Stakes, and GI Santa Anita Derby winner held sway to the wire, holding off a trying Shea Brennan (Tough Sunday) for the win as Iron Man Cal (Collected) nabbed third. Journalism got the 1 1/16 miles in 1.42.65.
Sales History: $825,000 Ylg ’23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 14-7-3-3.
O-Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, LLC, Robert V. LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier-Lessee, Derrick Smith-Lessee, and Michael B. Tabor-Lessee; B-Don Alberto Corp. (Ky.); T-Michael McCarthy, J-Umberto Rispoli.
JOURNALISM!!!
After a terrible start, the classy Journalism won the $300,000 San Diego Handicap (G2) at @DelMarRacing. The @mwmracing-trainee was ridden by @umbyrispoli. @coolmoreamerica pic.twitter.com/MAivwVWOPg
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) July 19, 2026
Saturday, Del Mar
SAN DIEGO H.-GII, $300,000, Del Mar, 7-18, 3yo/up, 1 1/16m, 1:42.65, ft.
1–JOURNALISM, 125, c, 4, by Curlin
1st Dam: Mopotism (GSW & MGISP, $876,090),
by Uncle Mo
2nd Dam: Peppy Rafaela, by Bernardini
3rd Dam: Peppy Lapeau, by French Deputy
($825,000 Ylg ’23 FTSAUG). O-Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto
Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5, LLC,
Robert V. LaPenta, Mrs. John Magnier-Lessee, Derrick
Smith-Lessee and Michael B. Tabor-Lessee; B-Don Alberto
Corporation (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy; J-Umberto Rispoli.
$180,000. Lifetime Record: MGISW, 14-7-3-3, $4,770,755.
Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*
Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Shea Brennan, 118, c, 4, Tough Sunday–Carrie Rose,
by Old Topper. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O/B-Nick Alexander
(CA); T-Philip D’Amato. $60,000.
3–Iron Man Cal, 119, g, 4, Collected–Joyful Dreams, by Kitten’s
Joy. ($130,000 Ylg ’23 KEESEP). O-Little Red Feather Racing and
Madaket Stables LLC; B-Brereton C. Jones (KY); T-Philip
D’Amato. $36,000.
Margins: 3/4, 2 1/4, 1HF. Odds: 0.20, 23.10, 13.90.
Also Ran: The Goat (Chi), Mirahmadi. Scratched: Full Serrano (Arg), Mc Vay. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.