Wandering Eyes

By Jonny Turner Craig Ferguson knows the first few metres of the Group 3 events on Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup Day could be as crucial as the last. Ferguson links up with two key chances in Validation in the Caduceus Club Of Southland Alabar Fillies Classic and Wag Star in the Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup. Validation is the only filly in her field of youngsters to have been to the races ahead of Sunday’s Group 3. The Ross Houghton trained two-year-old led early from barrier 1 in her only start at Addington, where she took on colts and geldings, running a respectable third. Ferguson wants to see the same kind of early speed from her at Ascot Park, though with any two-year-old having just their second start, he knows she’s far from push-button yet. “She’s shown that she has got good gate speed, so hopefully she can take advantage of that if she needs to,” Ferguson said. “She has had a trial since that first start and it was nice, so I think she does have options however it pans out.” Validation tucked in behind the speed in her recent trial as her team look to build up her ringcraft at this very early stage of her career. “Having had a start at Addington under lights, they always take good benefit out of it.” “She has got a little bit of an advantage over the others there and hopefully it will help her chances on Sunday.” Ferguson starts Wag Star in the Group 3 Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup on the back of a win in the Gore Summer Cup. Though Sunday’s feature is a step back up in grade, Wag Star should have no fears in the company he will mix it with. “He was really good last start, he showed a bit of fight and dug in which was great because at times he can get a bit dreamy,” Ferguson said. “It is obviously a harder field this week but he seems to be ticking all the right boxes.” Wag Star made a standing start error two starts ago, something he did on several occasions late last year. With Sunday’s handicaps setting up a very even contest, the pacer can’t afford to take a backward step early. “When he gets it right he begins really good, it surprises us when he does get it wrong.” “He is just that sort of horse, when he puts a wrong step in he loses it.” “That is going to be key on Sunday, you can’t afford to miss away in a race like that.” The Ferguson barn has a two-pronged attack on the Northern Southland Cup, with Beach Day and driver Mark Hurrell lining up alongside Wag Star. The mare got her last standing start badly wrong after running a creditable fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Stakes at Addington. Ferguson will also drive bright winning hopes Havtimewillfly and Ah Dinnae Ken, who add depth to the reinsman’s strong book of drives on Northern Southland’s big day of harness racing. Jonny Turner’s Five To Follow Race 1 – Princess Lisa After winning nicely at Winton on Thursday, this mare will attempt to make it two-from-two in Southland. Princess Lisa kept digging in to score a handy victory in respectable time at Central Southland Raceway and the best part was it was penalty-free. She takes on what could be described as a slightly harder line-up on Sunday, but it still looks well within her range. Crucially, Princess Lisa draws barrier 1 over the 1700m sprint trip around the tighter Ascot circuit. All of these factors point to her being very hard to beat. Race 4 – Bowlem Over After facing a much less suitable task at Winton on Thursday, the stars look to have aligned for Bowlem Over on Sunday. Barrier 2 and the tight-turning Ascot Park track are right up the front-runner’s alley. Another plus is the booking of Matthew Williamson, who seems to click with this pacer. I am expecting Bowlem Over to use his good early speed to find the lead and take plenty of catching. There doesn’t look to be the potential for too much mid-race pressure in Sunday’s event, which is another plus. After opening a longer third favourite, Bowlem Over looks a nice value option. Race 7 – Ah Dinnae Ken In what could be another smart play, Ah Dinnae Ken looks like another good option for punters. She takes on a very deserving favourite in Mor Moonlight, who will be hard to beat. But the favourite has to start from 10m over 2200m, which is no easy task. Traffic alone could prove tricky for Mor Moonlight, which could place her at a disadvantage compared to Ah Dinnae Ken. Ah Dinnae Ken was outstanding in winning at Ascot Park before she made a mistake over the Gore grass track crossing in her last start. Forgive her that error and consider her on Sunday. Handicaps over sprint trips have undone many good horses, the question is what sort of impact they will have on these two talented trotters. Race 8 – Always Dreaming Always Dreaming could be the smartest play in the Northern Southland Cup. This field for the feature event is extremely even and there is barely a horse in it that doesn’t have genuine winning claims. Always Dreaming is right among those winning chances, which are only boosted by his standing start manners. His ability to make a flying beginning could put him in the perfect spot near the pace, which is vital at Ascot Park. If that’s the case he could also, in effect, have a head-start on his main rivals as he turns for home. Race 9 – Havtimewillfly In what looms as a possible head-to-head battle, I am sticking with this progressive filly. Both Havtimewillfly and Ebonezy are classy types who are sure to be real contenders come Southern Oaks time. Either can win with the way the barrier draws have set up on Sunday, they could be tracking each other. I’m going with the slightly more proven of the two in Havtimewillfly. Her last-start fifth at Addington was excellent, in a tougher race than this. In a quinella of the day scenario, she gets the nod, only just. View the full article

Hawthorne Race Course filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Feb. 27 in federal bankruptcy court in Chicago, seeking a reorganization.View the full article

Hawthorne Race Course, and its related companies, has filed for a Chapter 11 reorganization in Federal Bankruptcy Court in Chicago Friday. According to a press release issued by the track, the “reorganization plan will prioritize paying accrued purses to the Illinois Horsemen as well as payroll for the track employees while restructuring the company's debt. “The goal of the reorganization is to attract a buyer or investor willing to recapitalize Hawthorne and restart operations of the racecourse while maximizing recovery to the company's creditors. Hawthorne will be working with financial advisor Getzler Henrich & Associates, LLC and requests the Federal Court approve Debtor-in-Possession financing to assist with the restructuring process,” according to the press release. Hawthorne president and CEO Tim Carey is quoted as saying, “This is a difficult day for Hawthorne and for my family which has owned Hawthorne for four generations over 117 years, but filing for reorganization is the right thing to do for the Illinois horsemen and for our employees and their families.” The press release notes that Hawthorne aims to appear in Federal Bankruptcy Court in Chicago next week. Reached Friday, Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA) president Chris Block said the filing was made to help the track secure additional funding from a separate “entity,” and that the scheduled Thoroughbred meet at the track could still go ahead (though perhaps delayed), pending approval of the reorganization by the bankruptcy judge. “The Thoroughbred meet will possibly go ahead, yes. They're going to be in front of a judge by Monday or Tuesday [of next week] with a 'debtor-in-possession' to show the financing to go forward for the next 120 days,” said Block. The term “” refers to when a debtor “keeps possession and control of its assets while undergoing a reorganization under chapter 11.” Block added, “they intend to take care of all the past debt to horsemen, pay their employees, and try to get the track converted back for Thoroughbreds. Then, they will try to hit a target date of either March 29th to start racing or push it back a little bit to give horses more chance to get ready. So, the Thoroughbred meet could still happen. It's just dependent on when it starts and if they'll be able to sustain it through the entire meeting.” Tim Carey addressed leaders of the ITHA the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association (IHHA) Friday morning with his plans. Block said he was unaware of the identity of the separate funding entity. “They have an entity that's going to push the financing forward,” he said. “That entity will be with them at the [bankruptcy] hearing on Monday or Tuesday.” In the meantime, the track will continue to work on finding a partner to help build and operate a “Racino” at the facility, said Block. “If they can't get to that–this is just me talking, this is not Tim Carey–I'd say the chances of them going forward would be very slim. But this buys them more time. The only way that they can maintain going forward into the future is to get to a deal on something like that,” said Block. As of Monday, there were an estimated 175 Thoroughbreds stabled at the track, under the watch of about ten different trainers. Other trainers are waiting to potentially ship in. At the moment, the ITHA is telling its constituents to hold off on shipping until the outcome of next week's bankruptcy hearing. “We're telling them to wait for next week to materialize and see what the bankruptcy judge does. We'll see at that point in time if Hawthorne gets the approval from the judge for the financing to be put in place so they can move forward, take care of the Harness horsemen and the Thoroughbred horseman that they owe, as well as their own in-house issues with their employees on paying them,” said Block. Hawthorne's press release includes portions of Carey's court declaration in support of Hawthorne's bankruptcy filings. According to the press release, Carey's declaration states “there is substantial interest from potential 'buyers and recapitalization partners' especially because of the opportunity to maximize Hawthorne's 'enterprise value' by completing the building and opening of the racetrack Racino. The Debtor-in-Possession financing can also help pay to reactivate simulcast signals for offtrack betting and online wagering which generates $4 million of revenue monthly.” According to Hawthorne's initial bankruptcy filing, the company's estimated assets are between $50 million and $100 million, while the estimated liabilities are between $100 million and $500 million. The list of creditors who have the 20 largest unsecured claims are led by Fanatics LLC, a digital sports platform licensed in Florida, which has an unsecured claim of $8.75 million, according to the filing. The Stronach Group (TSG) owned Monarch Content Management is next up with an unsecured claim of $7.13 million, according to the filing. Monarch is one of several entities that has stopped sending its simulcast signal to Hawthorne because of unpaid bills. According to an ITHA press release Friday, “Carey also believes that Hawthorne will have the funds necessary to reacquire some, though perhaps not all, of its simulcast signals.” At last month's Illinois Racing Board meeting, the extent of Hawthorne's financial troubles, and with it the enormous ramifications for industry stakeholders in the state, were made glaringly clear. The track's Standardbred stakeholders have been the hardest hit. The meeting followed the action of the state racing board to suspend the operating license of Suburban Downs, Inc., which manages Hawthorne's harness meet, for “failure to provide documentation demonstrating its financial integrity, and proof that they can meet the minimum standards” as outlined in state law. Hawthorne is responsible for more than $580,000 in bounced checks between some 66 individuals in recent months, according to an IHHA representative at the meeting. The ITHA is apparently separately owned around $600,000 from Hawthorne for payments dating back seven months. In 2019, Hawthorne received approval by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) to build and operate a “Racino” with casino style gambling machines and table games. “The IGB also issued Hawthorne a Master Sports Wagering License which permitted Hawthorne to offer retail and online sports betting. In 2024, the IGB approved continued licensing suitability for Hawthorne and renewed its sports wagering license,” according to the press release. Since 2019, however, nothing concrete has materialized on that possibility despite repeated promises to the contrary by track operators. At last month's board meeting, John Walsh, Hawthorne's assistant general manager, suggested once more that a deal was imminent. “We're working with a new partner, someone nearby, someone interested in Illinois and Illinois racing, who really wants all of this to succeed and move quickly,” said Walsh, who stood in last minute for Carey. Come the end of the Standardbred meet, the track must be prepared for Thoroughbreds. As of Monday, the rail had been switched but the annual reconditioning of the track surface was moving along in slow-motion fashion. “They normally contract that out to a company that brings in some heavy equipment-semi-trucks and tractor trailers-that they can use to expedite the process of putting the surface down,” Block explained on Monday. That so far hasn't happened. Instead, the usual track maintenance crew are using existing equipment, which is dragging the process out. The post Hawthorne Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Thoroughbred Meet Still A Possibility Says Horsemen Groups appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

MGSW Newgrange (Violence–Bella Chianti, by Empire Maker) had his first mare confirmed in foal, Sequel New York announced Friday. The Court Vision mare Thirty Nine Seven was confirmed in foal to Newgrange Feb. 26. Owned by Ann Weaver and boarded at Hidden Lake Farm, Thirty Nine Seven retired with earnings of over $100k. By Violence, Newgrange won graded stakes races at three, four and five, defeating competitors such as Newgate and Mixto. Newgrange stands for $5,000 LFSN at Sequel New York as property of a syndicate. The post Newgrange Has First Mare Checked In Foal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coolmore and partners have acquired an interest in 'TDN Rising Star Presented by Hagyard' and GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Nysos (Nyquist). Upon his retirement from racing, the colt will stand at Ashford Stud in 2027, the farm announced Friday. A no-brainer 'Rising Star' in his 10 1/2-length Santa Anita romp in October 2023, Nysos then picked up two straight graded stakes wins before enduring a significant break in training from Feb. 2024 through to May 2025. He returned in a thrilling edition of the GI Churchill Downs Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard, winding up dead-heating for second behind fellow 'Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution). It would be his only defeat of the year as Nysos would finish the season on a four-race win streak that culminated in a win in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar in November and the GII Laffit Pincay, Jr. Stakes in December. He most recently ran second to globe-trotting superstar Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in the G1 Saudi Cup Feb. 14, putting up a 4+ Ragozin, before returning home to California. Following the race, trainer Bob Baffert noted, “We'll take [Nysos] back home, and just freshen him up and point for the Breeders' Cup Classic. I've brought good horses here, and I think Nysos, hopefully, is the best one I've brought here.” In addition to Nysos, Coolmore also owns his dam, Zetta Z (Bernardini), whom they acquired for a sales-topping $2-million in foal to Cyberknife at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton February Mixed Sale. The post Coolmore Buys Into Nysos; Will Stand At Ashford Upon Retirement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-GP, $84K, Msw, 3yo, 6f, 12:01 p.m. ET. Al Loud (Quality Road), a $650,000 OBS April purchase by Tagermeen Racing, gets his career started for Todd Pletcher. Produced by GSW & GISP Genre (Bernardini), Al Loud previously brought $410,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. The Quality Road x Bernardini cross is also responsible for 2022 G1 Saudi Cup winner Emblem Road and 2019 GI Alabama S. heroine and narrow 2021 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff runner-up Dunbar Road. Gilded Bandit (Charlatan), drawn widest of all in post 11 for this unveiling, brought $550,000 from Pin Oak Stud as a Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling. He was produced by SP Diamond Ore (Tapit), a half-sister to the brilliant and gone-too-soon Arrogate (Unbridled's Song). Bill Mott trains. The field of 11 also includes: the debuting Rigney Racing homebred Lincoln's Law (Liam's Map), a half-brother to MGISW Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie); and the rail-drawn Juddmonte homebred Sovereign Law (Into Mischief), produced by a graded stakes placed full-sister to MGSW & MGISP Bonny South (Munnings). TJCIS PPS 5th-GP, $84K, Msw, 3yo, 1m, 1:33 p.m. ET. Juddmonte homebred Hickman Creek (Constitution), a half-brother to G1 Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River (Into Mischief), debuts going a one-turn mile for Brad Cox. Criteria (Yaupon), the 9-5 program favorite, makes his first start since finishing a strong second behind unbeaten champion Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) sprinting on debut for Chad Brown at the Spa last summer. The field of 11 also includes $400,000 KEESEP graduate Bold Fact (Curlin), a son of GSW True Royalty (Yes It's True) debuting for Todd Pletcher. TJCIS PPS 6th-TAM, $55K, Msw, 3yo, f, 1m40yds, 2:48 p.m. ET. Nahla (Authentic), a half-sister to the very popular 7-year-old GI Pegasus World Cup winner Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator), debuts around two turns for Brad Cox. The 9-5 morning-line favorite was a $550,000 purchase by Shadwell Stable at the 2024 Keeneland September sale. TJCIS PPS The post Saturday’s Racing Insights: Pricey OBS April Breezer Al Loud Debuts on Fountain of Youth Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spendthrift Farm's two new 'TDN Rising Star' first-season stallions Goal Oriented (Not This Time–Bizzy Caroline, by Afleet Alex) and Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie–Bernadreamy, by Bernardini) have had their first mares reported in foal, the farm reported Friday. Goal Oriented, the winner of last year's GI Malibu Stakes, has had Dream Walkin Farms' Diamond Ballroom (Gun Runner) checked in foal. A 4-year-old half-sister to current stakes winner Alpyland, Diamond Ballroom is boarded at Seclusive Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Goal Oriented stands for $30,000 S&N for the 2026 season. Chancer McPatrick, winner of the GI Hopeful Stakes and GI Champagne Stakes, has also had his first mare pronounced in foal. Hunting Hill (Hard Spun), the dam of the Grade II-placed Pakhet (Cairo Prince), is owned and boarded by Jim and Pam Robinson's Brandywine Farm in Paris, Kentucky. Chancer McPatrick stands for $25,000 S&N for the 2026 season. The post First Mares In Foal For Spendthrift’s Goal Oriented, Chancer McPatrick appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior clashes with Voyage Bubble in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday. Second in the 2000-metre race in 2023, he went one better in 2024. In 2025, the popular gelding took his show on the road with a win in the G1 Jebel Hatta, before valiant seconds in the G1 Saudi Cup and G1 Dubai Turf. Since he returned to Hong Kong soil, he's been flawless, rattling off victories in the G2 Jockey Club Cup, G1 Hong Kong Cup–his fourth–and in the G1 Stewards' Cup in January. Voyage Bubble had the race to himself last year under James McDonald, but that jockey has opted for regular mount Romantic Warrior. Facing off against Romantic Warrior in the Stewards' Cup over 1600 metres, the son of Deep Field was not disgraced when running second by a neck. Voyage Bubble leaves from stall six, two to the outside of Romantic Warrior in four. “Since then, he's trialled really well,” said Zac Purton said of Voyage Bubble. “I can feel he's moving really nicely again, and we know we can handle 2000 [metres]. “It's a small field. It'll be a tactical race. But I'm going there hopeful that we've got a chance to overturn Romantic Warrior.” Also of note is Hong Kong Derby placegetter My Wish (Flying Artie), who is in between the aforementioned duo in stall five. The post Romantic Warrior Aims For Second Hong Kong Gold Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced Feb. 27 that Kevin Engelhard, Mike Ferrozzo, Chris Littlemore, and Ken Seeman have been voted by their peers for induction into the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship Hall of Fame.View the full article

Whitham Thoroughbreds' grade 1 winner Burnham Square, unraced since trying turf for the first time late last August, will remain on the grass when he launches his 4-year-old season Feb. 28 in an allowance optional claimer at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Economics, a European Group 1 winner, has died in India, according to published reports. The G1 Irish Champion Stakes-winning son of Night Of Thunder was standing his first season at Poonawalla Stud. Bred by Copgrove Hall Stud and a dual graduate of the Tattersalls sales, the blaze-faced chestnut won four of his seven starts for trainer William Haggas and regular rider Tom Marquand. Raced by Isa Salman Al Khalifa, he also landed the G2 Dante Stakes and G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano during his seven-race career. Out of dual G2 Prix de Pomone heroine La Pomme d'Amour (Peintre Celebre), Economics is also from the family of stakes winner Van Gosh (Peintre Celebre). The post Irish Champion Stakes Hero Economics Dies In India appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When a field of 10 enters the starting gate for Saturday's GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park, they'll sure have some big shoes to fill. Twelve months ago, Sovereignty (Into Mischief) embarked on what would become a Horse of the Year campaign with a narrow victory in his seasonal debut and a little more than two months later, joined Spectacular Bid (1979), Thunder Gulch (1995) and Orb (2013) as horses to add the GI Kentucky Derby in the last half-century. Horses such as Union Rags (2012) and Dornoch (2024) also added a spring Classic to their victorious winter exploits in South Florida. Gold Square LLC's Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map) will have to defy a 147-day absence if he is to emerge from Saturday's 8 1/2-furlong contest with his perfect record intact. The $40,000 Keeneland Spetember purchase struck from just off the pace to defeat auction maidens by 5 1/4 lengths on Saratoga debut Aug. 8 and was saved for the GI Champagne Stakes Oct. 4. Kicked straight into the lead from an outside gate, the gray colt set searching fractions and spurted clear to best Talkin (Good Magic) by 6 1/2 lengths. Connections elected to bypass the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, and Napoleon Solo has been training up a storm at Palm Meadows for this return. “Look, he's about 85%,” trainer Chad Summers told Gulfstream's Samantha Perry. “The end goal is the end goal, so this is kind of a stepping-stone. When you make these plans for these Derby-kind of horses, so many times things go wrong and we're blessed so far that everything's gone according to plan.” Wathnan Racing's Commandment (Into Mischief), a son of Orb's Grade I winner Sippican Harbor, has started favorite in each of his three starts to date, finishing an even fourth on Keeneland debut Oct. 4 before graduating by open lengths at Churchill Downs four weeks hence. The $500,000 KEESEP grad tries two turns for the first time, having taken out the Jan. 3 Mucho Macho Man Stakes by a widening margin. A pair of 'TDN Rising Stars' presented by Hagyard get tested for class on Saturday. Chief Wallabee (Constitution) could not have been more impressive on Jan. 10 debut, when he covered his final furlong in a slick :11.99 to best next-out Sam F. Davis Stakes third The Puma (Essential Quality) by 1 1/2 lengths. Jackson Hole (Nyquist) validated odd-on favoritism in landing his local bow going seven panels Dec. 13 and the $1.3-million KEESEP acquisition wired a field of Fair Grounds allowance rivals by 5 1/2 lengths Jan. 17. The Fountain of Youth is one of three 100-point prep races scheduled Saturday and Sunday on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The GIII Gotham Stakes lacks the depth of the Gulfstream feature, with a field of nine looking to raise their stock. Just a May foal, Iron Honor (Nyquist) is the 6-5 favorite on David Aragona's morning line on the strength of a strong 1 1/2-length victory when unveiled over three-quarters of a mile on Dec. 13. The two horses behind him, including the third home that day Right to Party (Constitution), each flattered the form with next-out victories, and the one-turn mile seems a natural progression for the $475,000 Keeneland September buy. “I'm excited to get this horse stretched out,” said trainer Chad Brown, who sent out Shagaf (Bernardini) to win the 2016 Gotham. “He's bred to run longer. His debut number [95 Beyer] was one of the fastest in the country for 2-year-old colts. I think letting the horse get over that fast number first time out and come together for this will be beneficial for him. He's a good horse. I would expect him to move forward here.” 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Balboa (Not This Time) was a wide-margin maiden winner in four starts for Bob Baffert before switching to the barn of Brittany Russell. Successful in the James F. Lewis Stakes at Laurel in November, the bay was third to 2026 Derby prep winners Paladin (Gun Runner) and Renegade (Into Mischief) in the GII Remsen Stakes and yielded late to be second in the Jerome Stakes over course and trip Jan. 3. Sunday's $1-million GII Rebel Stakes marks the seasonal debut of 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Blackout Time (Not This Time), who races for the first time since chasing home the now-sidelined champion Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) in the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland Oct. 4. The $210,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling crushed a field of Ellis maidens by nearly 10 lengths going the modified mile trip Aug. 2 to earn 'Rising Star' honors. Blackout Time | Horsephotos Part-owner Lance Gasaway, who bred and raced Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents), is taking a practical approach to Sunday's race. “We're not even in the picture right now,” Gasaway said of the Kentucky Derby. “We've got a horse coming off a five-month layoff. That's a big ask. We'll see how good he is.” Blackout Time should lay handy enough to what appears on paper to be a legitimate pace, and that would also play into the hands of Silent Tactic (Tacitus). Runner-up to stablemate Strategic Risk (Noble Bird) in the Jan. 3 Smarty Jones Stakes, the $500,000 OBS April breezer whooshed home from well back to take the GIII Southwest Stakes Feb. 6. His final five-sixteenths was clocked in a very strong :31.22, a full 1.02 seconds quicker than the re-opposing and next-fastest Rancho Santa Fe (Tapit), who was just photoed out of the top three. Trainer Bob Baffert has sent out the Rebel winner a record eight times and relies on Litmus Test (Nyquist) this weekend. Third in the Breeders' Futurity, he was fourth and not beaten far in the Juvenile and most recently validated 3-5 favoritism in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity Dec. 13. With the defection of Bravaro (Upstart) to the Fountain of Youth, Litmus Test may have to be used some by Flavien Prat from the inside gate. Sophomore Girls Also In The Spotlight Kentucky Oaks points (50-25-15-10-5) are also up for grabs across three dirt stakes–two graded and one listed–over the course of the coming weekend. A field of nine is set for Saturday's one-mile GII Davona Dale Stakes at Gulfstream, where 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard On Time Girl (Not This Time) looks to build on a three-length tally over Imperatrice (City of Light) in the GIII Forward Gal Stakes going seven furlongs on Jan. 31. The Albaugh Family homebred has a couple of new shooters to deal with if she is to run her career record to five wins from six appearances. The same as Bill Mott is tossing Chief Wallabee from the frying pan into the fire in the Fountain of Youth, so too is he with Swing Vote (Constitution), a slow-starting third to Omaha Bay (Omaha Beach) over this track Dec. 28 but a smooth one-length maiden winner Jan. 24, earning an 87 Beyer that tops anything the favorite as recorded to date. The latter is also ambitiously spotted for the typically conservative Ian Wilkes barn. She Be Smooth (Lexitonian) turned in a very professional run first time out over track and trip Jan. 23, striding out very nicely to defeat favored Prom Queen (Quality Road), who had everything her own way on the front end and could not hold on late. The latter has since returned to become a 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard with an eight-length victory going two turns on Feb. 12. Trainer Bob Baffert has never won Oaklawn's GIII Honeybee Stakes, but sends out 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Explora (Blame) to try to correct that particular anomaly. Winner of last year's GII Oak Leaf Stakes and runner-up in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, she returned 1-20 in the Jan. 10 Santa Ynez Stakes, but faltered to be second in the Feb. 8 Las Virgenes Stakes. Explora | Benoit Taken by the Wind (Rock Your World) puts her perfect record on the line, having closed a two-race freshman season with a romp in the GIII Pocahontas Stakes before lasting in the Jan. 17 Silverbulletday Stakes in New Orleans. Search Party (Gun Runner) tries to add this second local Oaks prep to her neck defeat of Newtown Pike (McKinzie) in the Feb. 6 Martha Washington Stakes. The Busher Stakes at Aqueduct has drawn a field of five, with a pair of those cross-entered for the Davona Dale. Interstatelovesong (Bolt d'Oro) dominated a field of maidens by five lengths sprinting here Dec. 26 and just failed to outfinish Two Bits (American Pharoah) when last seen in the seven-furlong Ruthless Stakes on Feb. 6. Paradise (Gun Runner), a $700,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling, opts out of the Davona Dale and the daughter of the very classy MGSW & MGISP Venetian Harbor (Munnings) holds claims off her three-length defeat of next-out winner Betty's Pearl (Munnings) going a mile in Hallandale Beach Jan. 4. Woodslane Farm homebred Sister Troienne (Munnings) is the marquee act in Saturday's GIII Herecomesthebride Stakes as she tries to extend her record on the turf to five wins in as many starts. The chestnut has registered three stakes scores on the trot, each at odds-on, including a 2 3/4-length thrashing of Spicy Princess (Tapit) and Brat Pack (Gun Runner) in the Sweetest Chant Stakes here on Jan. 31. Sister Troienne is out of a half-sister to millionaire Wolfie's Dynaghost (Ghostzapper), who figures a handful in the GIII Canadian Turf Stakes, the first of Saturday's eight graded races at Gulfstream. Other Stars In Action Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC's Magnitude (Not This Time) makes a belated seasonal debut in Saturday's GIII Razorback Handicap. Having been forced to miss the G1 Saudi Cup owing to a fever, the $450,000 Keeneland September yearling–last seen defeating older horses in the GII Clark Stakes at Churchill last November–is hoping to use the Razorback as a springboard to the G1 Dubai World Cup in four weeks' time. The 4-year-old carries top weight of 123 pounds and must give eight pounds to the in-form Nu What's New (Munnings), who won his maiden by 7 1/2 lengths Dec. 26 and a first-level allowance by 12 1/2 lengths Feb. 5, each in front-running fashion. Back at Gulfstream, 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Knightsbridge (Nyquist) looks to make it three straight in Grade III company in the Gulfstream Park Mile, while Grade I winner Lush Lips (GB) (Ten Sovereigns) makes her first start at four in the GIII Honey Fox Stakes, having topped the Keeneland November Sale on a bid of $3.7 million from Bill Shiveley's Dixiana Farm. The post Napoleon Solo ‘Springs’ Into Action For Summers In Fountain of Youth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

South African-bred Group 2 winner Feather Boa (Saf) (Flower Alley) is among the highlights in the catalog for the 2026 Inglis Digital USA March Sale which dropped Friday. The sale features a slate of 35 offerings that spans across regions and portions of the Thoroughbred marketplace. Bidding is currently open for the online auction which will run through Tuesday, March 3, with the first lot closing at 2 p.m. and each successive offering hammering in three-minute increments. The auction offers horses available for inspection in nine different states, giving potential buyers a local option on practically any point on the North American map. March's catalog features horses located in Kentucky, Maryland, California, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona, and New York. “We're pleased with the appeal of this catalog,” said Inglis Digital CEO Kyle Wilson. “I think it stretches just beyond the domestic market and I look forward to some participation internationally.” The sale features a draft of broodmare prospects led by Feather Boa (Saf) (hip 10), a South African-born daughter of Flower Alley who was a Group 2 winner and Group 1-placed in her home country prior to being brought stateside by Team Valor International, where she became listed stakes-placed. She is located at Denali Stud, and is available for inspection at the operation's Paris, Ky., farm. Backstretch Rose (Army Mule) (hip 8) is a stakes-placed mare who tallied victories at Saratoga Race Course, Churchill Downs, and Laurel Park during her career. She earned her black type with an in-the-money effort in the Thirty Eight Go Go Stakes at Laurel Park, and she hails from the family of Grade I winners Dixie Chatter and In Lingerie. She is offered for inspection at the Laurel Park barn of trainer Lacey Gaudet. Faith Understood (Catholic Boy) (hip 12) is a Grade 3-placed mare, out of a daughter of the fast-rising broodmare sire Munnings. After breaking her maiden at Keeneland, Faith Understood finished second in the listed Memories of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct and third in the GIII Honeymoon Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Owner Team Adams Racing offers Faith Understood, who is available for inspection at Gulfstream Park. Last Laugh Stables consigns a trio of offerings, all available for inspection at Clearbrook Farm in Paris, Ky. Leading the way is the broodmare prospect Justtakethecannoli (Laoban) (hip 34), out of the Grade I-winning Include mare Include Me Out. Hailing from a strong black type-producing branch of the Airdrie Stud female family, Include Me Out is herself a half-sister to Grade I winner Check the Label and stakes-placed On the Menu. Pregnant mares in the catalog are offered in-foal to Mo Town, Title Ready, and Grazen. Among them is Boopsie D (American Pharoah) (hip 18), from the family of top runner and sire No Nay Never. She is offered pregnant to Mo Town, and her yearling filly is also offered in the March Sale. The two are consigned by Double O Bloodstock, and are located at James Lane Farm in Lexington, Ky. Paramount Sales once again brings a solid consignment to the Inglis Digital USA sale, with two broodmare prospects and one mare offered pregnant to Title Ready. For breeders looking to snag a season for their mare, the March catalog features No Guarantee seasons to Cloud Computing, Dialed In, Flameaway, Flat Out, Fulsome, Higher Power, Modernist, Pappacap, and Pinehurst. Interested parties must register for an account on the Inglis Digital USA website and request a bidding limit in order to place bids. To view the catalog and register to bid, click here. The post GSW/G1SP Feather Boa Leads Inglis Digital USA March Sale Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 20:35, AL MAKTOUM CLASSIC-G2, AED1,700,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 2000m Field: Heart Of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P.), Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn), Meydaan (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Generous Tipper (Street Sense), Tap Leader (Tapiture), Masmak (Vino Rosso), Flying Honours (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Antrim (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) TDN Analysis: This course-and-distance lead-up to the G1 Dubai World Cup shapes pretty quick on paper and that should suit Heart of Honor right down to the ground. Winner of the Listed The Entisar when producing his best through the line Dec. 19, he was left too much to do when a running-on third in the G1 Al Maktoum Classic Jan. 23. Tap Leader was getting 3.5kg from Wathnan Racing's Generous Tipper when making his local debut in a 2000m handicap Jan. 30, but it's level weights for this pattern test. The latter is a half-brother to Japanese Group 3 winner T O Elvis (Volatile), who is expected for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Walk of Stars and Masmak should fuel the pace, allowing G3 Firebreak Stakes hero Mendelssohn Bay to sit a good trip from stall five. The 2000-metre trip is the question mark for him. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 21:10, DUBAI CITY OF GOLD-G2, AED1,400,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 2410mT Field: Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Keffaaf (GB) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Passion And Glory (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}), Burdett Road (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Kihavah (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}), Crystal Black (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Ruling Dynasty (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Fort George (GB) (Territories {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Rebel's Romance kicked off his six- and seven-year-old campaigns with victories in the G2 H H Amir Trophy in Qatar, but lands here as he begins another year at the races in this prep for the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, where he was successful in 2024. Winner of 20 of his 30 lifetime starts and nearly $15.3 million, the homebred made last year's GI Turf Classic in New York his ninth-elite level score and he was last seen falling just short of a third success in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf. The commonly owned Passion and Glory is winless in seven starts since landing an Ascot handicap in the summer of 2024, but resumes here at age 10, having finished runner-up in last year's renewal. Mrs Fitri Hay's Fort George narrowly won the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes here on Jan. 30 and tries this extended trip for the first time in his career. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 20:00, SINGSPIEL STAKES-G2, AED1,400,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1800mT Field: Maljoom (Ire) (Caravaggio), Alakazi (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Holloway Boy (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Quddwah (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Dividend (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), Tumbler (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Folk Festival (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Dioptase (Ire) (New Bay {GB}). TDN Analysis: Alakazi carries the silks of the Exors of the Late His Highness Aga Khan in the Singspiel, looking to punch his ticket to the G1 Dubai Turf in 29 days' time. The 4-year-old broke through with a victory in the G2 Solonaway Stakes on Irish Champions weekend in September and acquitted himself quite well in his Group 1 debut, staying on into third in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes over the Ascot 1600 metres in October. Sheikh Ahmed's Quddwah was last but one in the Queen Elizabeth, but bounced back to take the G2 Zabeel Mile here on Jan. 2. He exits a creditable fourth in the Listed Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Feb. 7 and Simon and Ed Crisford have engaged the services of Ryan Moore. Fifth in the Zabeel Mile, Holloway Boy was third to Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath) in the G1 Jebel Hatta over track and trip Jan. 23 ahead of a runner-up effort to Make Me King (Dark Angel) in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (Qat-G2) over 1600m in Doha on Feb. 14. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 21:55, BURJ NAHAAR-G3, AED1,200,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1600m Field: Commissioner King (Commissioner), King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Crown Board (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Hypnus (Into Mischief), Castlewarden (Into Mischief), Mount Kosciuszko (GB) (National Defense {GB}), Swing Vote (GB) (Shamardal), Telemark (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), The Camden Colt (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), West Saratoga (Exaggerator). TDN Analysis: With a spot in the G2 Godolphin Mile on the line on Dubai World Cup night, the Burj Nahaar has drawn 11 dirt milers and the highest rated is Commissioner King. A winner of the G3 Saudi Derby, he was second in the G3 Firebreak Stakes to Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn) last out. Rated three pounds higher than Group 1 winner King Gold, he leaves from stall 10. King Gold is booked in stall three, and widest of all is fellow Group 1 winner Audience. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 19:25, MAHAB AL SHIMAAL-G3, AED1,200,000, 3yo/up, 1200m Field: Tuz (Oxbow), El Nasseeb (GB) (Profitable {Ire}), Dark Saffron (Flameaway), World Record (Gun Runner), Colour Up (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Lamborghini BF (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Cats By Five (Audible), Sing Dragon (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}), Apollo One (GB) (Equiano {Fr}). TDN Analysis: 2024 G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen hero Tuz makes his first start of the campaign in the Mahab Al Shimaal. In the 2024/2025 season, he won all of the domestic group sprints before finishing third in the Golden Shaheen. Grade I-placed World Record opposes from the same Seemar barn, as does Mufasa. The latter pair and Cats By Five, trained by Chief Stipe Watson, represent RRR Racing. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 18:50, NAD AL SHEBA TURF SPRINT-G3, AED1,200,000, 3yo/up, 1200mT Field: Mitbaahy (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}), Cover Up (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Great Wish (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Lethal Levi (GB) (Lethal Force {Ire}), Symbol Of Honour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Echo Point (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), Morning (Munnings), Two Tribes (GB) (Rajasinghe {Ire}), Run Boy Run (GB) (Rajasinghe {Ire}), Arabie (GB) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Rabaah (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Native Approach (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Power Mode (Speightstown), Monteille (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}). TDN Analysis: French newcomers Monteille and Rayevka are just two entries in the largest field on Super Saturday, the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint. Receiving a welcome four-pound break in the weights, they face Two Tribes and Run Boy Run. The duo, both by Rajasinghe and trained by Richard Spencer, each sport a win at the Dubai World Cup Carnival this season. The dependable Ponntos will provide some early pace, but it is anyone's guess if he will have enough petrol in the later stages of this contest to fend off the closers for the top spot. He'll definitely be one horse vying for the lesser medals. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 22:30, JUMEIRAH 2000 GUINEAS-Listed, AED800,000, 3YO, 1600mT Field: Legalaized (Arg) (Dabster), Pacific Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Talk Of New York (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Title Role (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Samhan (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Pacifica Pier (Ire) (Palace Pier {GB}), Tailgunner Joe (Knicks Go), Zumbezi (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Mr Haiiro (Frosted). TDN Analysis: Godolphin's Talk of New York transitions to the turf for this seasonal return, having romped in by 5 1/2 lengths in a 1600-metre maiden over the Kempton all-weather in his lone previous trip to the post on Oct. 15. A son of 2016 G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes winner Usherette (Shamardal), the bay colt is a half-brother to Star Guest (Dubawi), listed-placed on the grass in England and in America. He is the choice of William Buick, while Mickael Barzalona takes the ride on Pacific Avenue, who graduated in a conditions event over a mile in Qatar on Dec. 20 and most recently beaten two heads into third in the Feb. 14 Al Rayyan Mile (Qat-G2) during the Amir Trophy Festival. Coolmore's Title Role also broke his maiden at Kempton in October and landed a course-and-distance conditions race on Jan. 30. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 16:05, JUMEIRAH 1000 GUINEAS-Listed, AED800,000, 3yo, f, 1600mT Field: Taifuu (Den) (Japan {GB}), Fairy Oak (GB) (A'Ali {Ire}), True Test (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Callahan (GB) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Sweet Sunshine (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}), Gelinotte (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Piana (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Lady Garfield (Ire) (James Garfield {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Tops on ratings is Danish filly Taifuu, who claimed a 1400-metre turf affair here in January over the re-opposing Fairy Oak. In fourth that day was True Test, who won her first two races–at Lingfield and Newmarket–last summer but has been winless since. Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, post time: 3.35 p.m. CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, 3yo/up, 2000mT (PPs) Field: Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), Beauty Joy (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}), My Wish (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), Ensued (Lemon Drop Kid), Winning Wing (NZ) (Preferment {NZ}). TDN Analysis: At this time last year, Romantic Warrior was recovering from his narrow defeat in the G1 Saudi Cup and preparing for the G1 Dubai Turf, but he is back on home soil this time around looking for a second Gold Cup victory in three years. Having gone down narrowly to Golden Sixty in 2023, he proved a neck better than Voyage Bubble the following season and owns a remarkable record of 12-1-0 from 14 tries over the Sha Tin 2000 metres. The eight-year-old attempts to add this to his last-out defeat of Voyage Bubble in the 1600-metre G1 Stewards' Cup on Jan. 25. In his only start at the metric 10 furlongs, My Wish came with a flying finish to just miss winning the BMW Hong Kong Derby last March. He was a disappointing sixth to Voyage Bubble as the favourite in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile in December and was a non-threatening fourth in the Stewards' Cup. Saturday, Lingfield, post time: 14:35, THE BETMGM SPRING CUP-Listed, £60,000, 3yo, 7f 2y (AWT) Field: Hilitany (GB) (Ubettabelieveit {Ire}), Richie's Rocket (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Shahik (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Sir Albert (Ire) (No Nay Never), Ten Carat Harry (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Bella Lyra (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Starfinch (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Star Strewn (Ire) (Starman {GB}). TDN Analysis: Unbeaten on the all-weather, Ten Carat Harry is out of handicap company returning to a trip he has tried once and failed at on turf back in October. With the likes of the G3 Princess Margaret Stakes third Bella Lyra and promising nine-length course maiden winner Richie's Rocket in here, he will have to stay every yard of the distance to extend his admirable record. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Appleby Mobhanded On Super Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When Nu What's New (Munnings) started his career last year a sixth-place finish in a maiden race at Churchill and followed that with a seventh-place run in a maiden on the turf, trainer James DiVito couldn't have been happy. He had paid $300,000 for the horse at the 2024 OBS April sale and Nu What's New just wasn't performing. Fast forward several months later and Nu What's New is among the most improved horses in racing, and has a shot to defeat the favorite in Saturday's Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn in Magnitude (Not This Time). “I think he can do it,” DiVito said. “He deserves a chance in this race. He's been running really well at Oaklawn and he obviously likes the racetrack. He's doing really good here at the barn. He's holding his weight really good and he's a pretty sound horses. I think he's going to run a really good race. DiVito has reason to be confident. On Dec. 26, Nu What's New ran away from a field of maidens at Oaklawn to win by 7 1/2 lengths while earning a 101 Beyer figure. He was even better next time out when winning a first-level allowance race by 12 1/2 lengths, earning a 103 Beyer. “I was vert impressed by that last race,” the trainer said. “He won pretty easily. (Luis) Saez wasn't using the horse and he told me he didn't use the horse much. He finishes up good. He gets out there on the pace and then really finishes up. When he can go in '12' for the last eighth going two turns you know you have a good horse.” That wasn't always the case. DiVito gelded the horse after the poor showing in the grass at Churchill, and that helped, but only so much. He lost his next three races, all of them maidens, all of them sprints. But DiVito sensed that Nu What's New was on the verge of a breakout. “He seemed to be getting better and better,” he said. “He finally turned the corner so far as learning things. He's just maturing and coming around. He's waking up and learning more about what's going on. Sometimes horses don't come around as 2-year-olds. Obviously, I gave a lot of money for him. I like horses by Munnings. I have had a lot of success with them. They are pretty versatile horses. But they usually like to sprint and that's why I thought he was going to be a sprinter.” A sprinter he was not. Nu What's New didn't turn into a top prospect until DiVito decided to send him long for the Dec. 26 race, which was contested at one-mile. A horse that was coming from well off the pace in his sprint tries, he rocketed to the lead, and never looked back. It was much the same in the 12 1/2-length allowance win. He went right to the front in the mile-and-one-sixteenth event, opened up by two lengths down the backstretch and widened his margin from there. “Stretching him out helped him a lot,” DiVito said. “He makes the lead easy and that's a big plus if you can carry your speed like that. Going two turns and getting an easy lead, that's a pretty good thing to happen to you. He's way better going long.” DiVito is aware that the Razorback is a big test. Going from allowance competition into a Grade III stakes race with a $500,000 purse is a big step up. Then there's the Steve Asmussen-trained Magnitude. He was headed to the GI Saudi Cup before being sidelined briefly with a fever and, in this easier spot, has been made the 9-5 favorite in the morning line. Magnitude has earned $1,291,865 and has won two graded stakes. In perhaps his best performance, he won the Iowa Derby by 9 1/4 lengths. Nu What's New is 2-1 on the line. “There's also a big difference in the competition compared to what he's been running against,” DiVito said. “He's going to run against better horses and now we'll see what kind of horse he is.” There's also the matter of how the race will unfold. While it's no secret that DiVito's horse will go for the lead, Magnitude also has plenty of early speed. If Magnitude presses Nu What's New, that may take away what is his strength, his blazing early speed. With Saez booked to ride Saturday at Gulfstream, Rafael Bejarano will be aboard the 4-year-old son of Munnings. “The jocks will have to play the break,” DiVito said. “Whoever comes out of there the fastest, then the rider can do what they want to do. It's going to be a jocks' race because there are two or three horses that should be close to the pace. That's the way it looks on paper. We'll just have to see what happens when the gate opens.” Should Nu What's New pass this test the April 18 GII Oaklawn Handicap will be next. DiVito knows that his horse still has something to prove on the racetrack, but he's not ruling out that the gelding won't turn out to be one of the better older horses in training. “We'll see how it all plays out,” he said. “So far, he has trained well here and his last two races have been big. Visually, they were very impressive. We'll see what happens on Saturday. If he's good enough, that's the plan, to stay around here locally for the Oaklawn Handicap. Can he win a race like that? We'll find out.” The post Among The Most Improved Horses In The Sport, Can Nu What’s New Spring The Mild Upset In The Razorback? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article