Journalism reaffirmed his standing among North America's leading older horses with a composed victory in the Grade II San Diego Handicap at Del Mar on Saturday, recovering from a costly start to justify odds of 1-5 and add another major prize to an already distinguished campaign.

The Mike McCarthy-trained son of Curlin was slow into stride after hesitating when the gates opened, conceding several lengths to his four rivals. Under Umberto Rispoli, however, he quickly regained his position approaching the first turn before asserting his superiority in the closing stages to defeat Shea Brennan by three-quarters of a length. Iron Man Cal finished a further two and a quarter lengths away in third.

The mile and one-sixteenth contest was completed in 1:42.65 after fractions of 23.34, 47.47, 1:11.58 and 1:36.37. The victory earned Journalism $180,000, lifting his career earnings to $4,770,775 while recording the seventh win of his career.

Rispoli explained that the difficult beginning never caused him to lose confidence once his mount settled into stride.

"He was leaning forward, then he took a step back just as they popped the gate. He was away a little slow; I think he might have spotted those other horse maybe five or six lengths. But by the time we got to the first turn, I was comfortable. He had picked it up and I knew I had the horse under me. This horse has the class. You've always got to be careful in a race; anything can happen. But he was the best horse by far today. When it came time, he was there."

The rider's assessment was significant because it highlighted how quickly Journalism recovered from an uncharacteristically poor start, allowing his natural ability to overcome the early setback.

McCarthy offered his own explanation for the break, indicating the issue occurred as the stalls opened rather than beforehand.

"I didn't look like he was totally set behind. Looked like he kicked the doors a time or two. Looked like he had one foot in front of the other. When the doors opened he went to reset and it caused him to drop down. But Umberto (Rispoli) did a good job of getting him to recover and his class won out."

The victory carried additional significance for both horsemen. It was Rispoli's first success in the San Diego Handicap and his 47th stakes victory at Del Mar, while McCarthy also claimed his first San Diego Handicap and his 20th Del Mar stakes triumph.

Journalism races for a large ownership group headed by Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners.

Somerset West Produces Major Upset in San Clemente

Earlier on the programme, Somerset West caused the upset of the afternoon when the 35-1 outsider captured the Grade II San Clemente Handicap for three-year-old fillies over a mile on turf.

Despite drawing Post 10, Armando Ayuso saved ground throughout before finding an opening along the rail approaching the home turn. The John Sadler-trained daughter of Kantharos accelerated through the gap to defeat Inbox by half a length, with race favourite Raiding Party another length and a quarter away in third.

The victory was worth $120,000, increasing Somerset West's earnings to $190,200. It was her second win from five starts and her first success at stakes level. The final time was 1:34.76.

Saturday's feature races produced contrasting betting outcomes but the same result for the winners—both delivered decisive performances that may shape bigger targets ahead as the Del Mar summer meeting gathers momentum.

Image Benoit