Journalism Moves Into Top 10 in NTRA's Weekly Poll

Multiple graded stakes winner Journalism rises into the top 10 this week in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's media poll of top Thoroughbreds racing this year, a barometer in monitoring the leading contenders for Horse of the Year honors. Already a multiple grade 1 winner, Journalism sought his first graded stakes win of the year in the July 18 San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar. Year to date, the son of Curlin had a pair of third-place finishes in the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) and Oaklawn Handicap (G2). A poor break by the 1-5 favorite in the San Diego Handicap caused some anxious moments for jockey Umberto Rispoli, who suddenly found his mount last in the five-horse field, and 4 lengths behind the leaders after the opening quarter-mile. With a relaxed, patient ride, Rispoli and Journalism eased into position and then took command at the top of the stretch to win by three-quarters of a length. Journalism has now won seven of 14 starts and earned more than $4.77 million. The top five in the poll changed only slightly with Sovereignty replacing Baeza in the fifth spot and Forever Young (JPN) and Golden Tempo switching third and fourth place, respectively. Forever Young and Golden Tempo are essentially even, with only one point separating them in the poll. Magnitude remains planted at the top with 26 first-place votes. Second-ranked Nysos is the only other horse to receive a first-place vote. See the complete results from the NTRA weekly Top Thoroughbred poll