Motor Sport

Stratford track surface looks amazing.  All the facilities look as though a race meeting could be run at short notice.

Delusion. The stakeholders have been so screwed by administrators, politicians and a new wagering entity with this illusion of grandeur I don't know what can be done now to turn it around.  Some of the "stars in their eyes" antics have to be seen to be believed.  The basics have gone out the window and the money thrown at various projects have been a waste.  Not having good racing sufaces and safe horse facilities at race meetings have been totally overlooked in favour of boosted stakes on selected races.

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and Godolphin have secured the riding services of Manny Franco for Sovereignty's highly anticipated start in the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) March 29 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

This week's schedule of racing on radio and television, compiled by America's Best Racing.View the full article

Manny Franco will accompany Godolphin's Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in Saturday's $1-million GI Curlin Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. The New York-based jockey will fill in for regular rider Junior Alvarado, who sustained a shoulder injury in a racing mishap Sunday. Alvarado has been aboard the bay for all four starts, including a last-to-first victory in the Mar. 1 GII Fountain of Youth. Franco is currently atop- the jockey standings at the current Aqueduct meet. “I can rarely get him. He's never been easy to get to ride, but I think he won a couple of Grade Is for us on Channel Maker,” said Mott, who gave Franco a leg up for back-to-back victories in the 2020 GI Sword Dancer at Saratoga and GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont. “He's done well with the one's he's ridden for us.” Franco won the 2020 GIII Florida Derby and Holy Bull aboard Tiz the Law. Franco is currently sixth this year in North America in money won and third in wins behind Irad Ortiz Jr. and Jose Ortiz. Franco was tied for 10th in victories last year with 210. The post Franco to Fill in For Alvarado On Sovereignty in Floriday Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article