Journalism leads Kentucky Derby buzz as media-themed favorite

Journalism, a colt named after the profession, emerges as Kentucky Derby frontrunner amid industry nostalgia.

Journalism trains on the track during a morning workout ahead of the 151st Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on April 25, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The 2025 Kentucky Derby is turning heads not just for its competitive field, but because its most prominent contender bears a name familiar to millions: Journalism. As the 1,700 credentialed media personnel from over 250 outlets descend on Churchill Downs for the 150th running of the iconic race, a 3-year-old colt named Journalism is the talk of the paddock, carrying not just the hopes of his owners but also, unintentionally, a symbolic torch for the industry that shares his name.

Trainer Michael McCarthy summed it up simply earlier this week: “All is well with Journalism.” Though the remark was about the horse’s condition, it echoed like a deeper commentary in a media world still grappling with economic shifts and existential questions. But at Churchill Downs this week, Journalism is thriving.

Naming a symbol: How Journalism got its name

The story behind Journalism’s name adds a layer of charm to his Derby narrative. Co-owner Aron Wellman, founder of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and a former high school sports editor at Beverly Hills High School, said the naming process was both deliberate and nostalgic. Known for favoring clever, one-word names with pedigree relevance, Wellman said naming a colt by the legendary Curlin proved challenging.

“We’ve had several Curlin progeny and they’re very difficult to name,” Wellman explained. “There’s just not much connection to the name Curlin.” The dam’s name, Mopotism, wasn’t much help either—Wellman admitted he doesn’t even know what it means.

Ultimately, he settled on Journalism, inspired less by personal experience and more by admiration for the field. “My personal connection to journalism is very limited,” he said, “but I have always admired and respected responsible, diligent journalists.” The choice has proven to be an unexpected media magnet.

A powerful racing resume

While the name Journalism has garnered media attention, the colt’s record is what makes him the favorite. The horse has won four of five career starts, including a jaw-dropping performance in the Santa Anita Derby, where he beat rival Citizen Bull by nearly 20 lengths on April 5.

“[Journalism] is one of the more solid favorites that we’ve had in the Derby since American Pharoah and Justify,” NBC Sports analyst Randy Moss said, referencing the two most recent Triple Crown winners. Like them, Journalism Kentucky Derby hopes are now sky-high, with speculation swirling about whether he could replicate their historic success.

The comparisons are not unwarranted. Ten years have passed since American Pharoah ended a 37-year Triple Crown drought, and although Justify followed suit in 2018, no horse since has captured the public imagination in quite the same way. Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners is hoping Journalism will.

The ownership powerhouse behind Journalism

Journalism isn’t just carrying symbolic weight. He also boasts heavyweight ownership. After Wellman purchased him for $825,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton auction in Saratoga, he brought in Bridlewood Farm—owned by Liberty Media CEO John Malone and his wife Leslie Malone—and Robert LaPenta as partners. This trio had previously won the 2017 Belmont Stakes together with Tapwrit, and Wellman quipped that they’ve “put the band back together.”

Additional co-owners include Don Alberto Stable, the breeder of Journalism, as well as Elayne Stables 5, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith, and Michael Tabor—names well known in racing circles. With this roster behind him, Journalism arrives at Churchill Downs not only as a contender but as a product of calculated pedigree, strategic investment, and deep racing expertise.

Return of Bob Baffert and a field full of stories

Saturday’s Derby also marks the return of Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, who will saddle Citizen Bull, the 2-year-old champion. Baffert, a six-time Derby winner, was suspended for two years after Medina Spirit tested positive following his 2021 Derby win. Though Churchill Downs extended the suspension in 2023, it was lifted in July 2024 after Baffert dropped his legal challenges and accepted responsibility.

Despite the drama of Baffert’s return, the spotlight remains on Journalism. The colt’s dominance at Santa Anita and overall race record have set high expectations. Yet Journalism Kentucky Derby victory is far from guaranteed.

Among other notable contenders is Publisher, another media-themed runner trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by five-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Despite his pedigree, Publisher enters the race as a 30-1 long shot, having never won a race in seven attempts. Still, his presence adds another layer of media-flavored intrigue to the field.

The weight of a name

While Journalism the horse has no say in his name, the choice resonates in a way few racehorse names do. In the last half-century, media-themed horses have struggled at the Derby. Media finished fifth in 1975. Editor’s Note ran sixth in 1996. Suddenbreakingnews and Mr. Big News placed fifth and third in 2016 and 2020, respectively. None managed to clinch the title.

Now, Journalism hopes to break that trend. Wellman insists there was no intent to be “the Kentucky Derby sweetheart of the media,” only a desire to find “a good strong name for what we hoped would be a good strong horse.” But the narrative has written itself.

Derby day and beyond

As the nation’s eyes turn to Churchill Downs, Journalism Kentucky Derby odds are about more than just betting lines. They are about whether a horse with a symbolically loaded name can go the distance—both literally and metaphorically. The sport, the media, and racing fans alike are watching.

If Journalism wins on Saturday, it won’t just be a victory for his owners and trainer. It may well be the feel-good story of the 2025 Triple Crown season, reminding the public—however indirectly—of the enduring power of names, storytelling, and yes, journalism itself.