Wandering Eyes

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The field for the GI Kentucky Derby, ranked in “likeliest winner” order. 1) FOREVER YOUNG (JPN) (c, Real Steel {Jpn}–Forever Darling, by Congrats). O-Susumu Fujita; B-Northern Racing (Jpn); T-Yoshito Yahagi. Sales History: ¥98,000,000 Ylg '22 JRHAJUL. Lifetime Record: 5-5-0-0, $2,049,451. Last start: WON Mar. 30 G2 UAE Derby. The 5-for-5 Forever Young resonates as the most legitimate threat a foreign-based horse has had to win the Derby since the internationalization of the race over the past several decades. I'd hesitate to compare this colt's presence to the electrifying pre-race aura surrounding Arazi, the highly hyped colt from France who ran a disappointing eighth in the 1992 Derby. Instead, this son of Real Steel stands out more as a “complete package” contender who fuses quickness, torque and confidence into a well-rounded profile. This Yoshito Yahagi trainee, who sold for the equivalent of $720,603 at the JRHA Select Yearling and Foal sale, enters the Derby off a convincing, more-left-in-the-tank win in the G2 UAE Derby at Meydan Racecourse over 1900 meters. Prompted for speed to achieve a forward placement from an outer gate, jockey Ryusei Sakai conceded four paths through the first turn before deftly easing Forever Young back to fifth. This colt again took the overland route around the final bend while cycling through consecutively higher gears, then powered past the pacemaker without scraping the bottom of his stamina reserves. This was accomplished against the grain of what appeared to be an inside-speed favoring track. Forever Young's connections have explained that this colt isn't overly fond of kickback, and in his most recent race and in subsequent training he's been equipped with a mask (like blinkers without the cups) to protect his face. But Forever Young won't be the only sophomore asked to endure dirt spray (or mud) on Saturday, and the “issue” is only in the spotlight because his team has been proactive about trying to mitigate it. No one will know who the kickback will affect until the gates fly open. For the record, Forever Young won three times on the dirt in Japan despite being in spots where he was forced to take at least some kickback. A stalking trip within the first flight will be his best shot at victory in the Derby. Forever Young must use his high cruising speed to be among the first to make a serious run at the leaders, getting a tactical jump on the deep closers. 2) SIERRA LEONE (c, Gun Runner–Heavenly Love, by Malibu Moon) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Mrs John Magnier, Michael B Tabor, Derrick Smith Westerberg, Rocket Ship Racing LLC & Peter M. Brant; B-Debby M Oxley (Ky); T-Chad Brown. Sales history: $2,300,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: GISW, 4-3-1-0, $918,000. Last start: WON Apr. 6 GI Blue Grass S. 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone owns the most intimidating closing kick among the Derby entrants. In terms of raw athleticism, a massive stride, and an unflinching attitude, this $2.3 million FTSAUG sale-topper has no peer in Derby 150. Trouble is, as imposing as Sierra Leone's locomotive style is, that relentless, come-from-behind way of going doesn't match the historical profile of Derby winners. Being a deep closer is inherently fraught with peril in a 20-horse race, because the horse has to either loop the field or weave through far-turn traffic. Speed-centric horses who raced either on the front end or just off it have crossed the finish wire first in eight of the last 10 Derbies, with Rich Strike in 2022 and Mage in 2023 the off-the-pace exceptions. Trainer Chad Brown has fine-tuned Sierra Leone to two victories in the GII Risen Star S. and GI Blue Grass S., and this colt's Beyer Speed Figure arc of 71-91-95-98 has likely yet to reach its zenith. If you need a convincer, take a look at Sierra Leone blowing by the well-regarded Just a Touch (Justify) in the deep stages of the Blue Grass, finishing up the final sixteenth with his ears pricked forward, indicating he was eager for more. But body language can also be used to illustrate Sierra Leone's chief weakness, which is his habit of leaning in during his stretch runs. A bet on this colt in the Derby is a wager that you think Sierra Leone is going to shrug off that ingrained behavior so it doesn't cost him a win, like it did in his only lifetime defeat back on Dec. 2 in the GII Remsen S. Another concern has to do with how fast Sierra Leone finishes despite the visually impressive nature of his closing kicks. In the Blue Grass, this colt closed ground through a final furlong timed in :13.43–the slowest last eighth among the nine points–awarding Derby preps run at 1 1/8 miles in 2023-24. Fierceness | Coglianese 3) FIERCENESS (c, City of Light–Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty) 'TDN Rising Star'. O/B-Repole Stable (Ky); T-Todd Pletcher. Lifetime Record: Ch. 2yo, MGISW, 5-3-0-1, $1,703,850. Last start: WON Mar. 30 GI Florida Derby. Most handicappers would likely agree that on his best day, 'TDN Rising Star' and 2-year-old champ Fierceness is capable of ripping straight to the lead and never looking back in the Derby. But the big question looming over the morning-line favorite has to do with this colt's trustworthiness from a pari-mutuel perspective. Simply put, can this Repole Stable homebred by City of Light, who has alternated scintillating wins with inexplicably mediocre performances through his five-race career, be relied upon to deliver a roses-worthy rout if he is tasked with overcoming some sort of in-race adversity? His Jekyll-and-Hyde trajectory has been well-documented: Fierceness aired in his sloppy-track Saratoga debut by 11 1/4 lengths. He then looked lost when seventh as the odds-on fave in the similarly sloppy GI Champagne S. His 16-1 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile victory was delivered with gravitas and authority. Yet his three-year-old unveiling was an underwhelming third at 1-5 odds in the slow-paced GIII Holy Bull S. Fierceness may have caught an extremely soft field in the GI Florida Derby, but his smash-and-grab, 13 1/4-length, redemptive blowout equated to a 110 Beyer, the fastest dirt figure by any horse of any age so far in 2024, and one that towers nine full points above the next-closest Beyer awarded any other entrant in this year's Derby. That big Gulfstream win–a completely non-taxing effort–has been followed by a textbook Todd Pletcher “tightening the screws” training regimen over the past month that has observers raving about how Fierceness seems to be thriving at the right time. But no matter how sharp he is right now, Fierceness still faces several daunting historical hurdles: Since the advent of the Eclipse Awards, no 2-year-old champion colt has ever lost his first race back at age three and then won the Kentucky Derby. And since the beginning of the Breeders' Cup, Juvenile winners have accounted for only two Kentucky Derby wins from 39 runnings (Street Sense in 2007 and Nyquist in 2016). 4) TRACK PHANTOM (c, Quality Road–Miss Sunset, by Into Mischief). O-L and N Racing LLC, Clark Brewster, Jerry Caroom & Breeze Easy LLC; B-Breeze Easy (Ky); T-Steve Asmussen. Sales history: $500,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 7-3-2-1, $405,000. Last start: 4th in Mar. 23 GII Louisiana Derby. Track Phantom has one aspect of recent history on his side that doesn't apply to the three horses ranked above him on this list, nor does it apply to seven others in the Derby field: He has made three starts at age three. Between 2007 and 2016, the template of just having two starts at age three produced eight Derby winners. But since 2017? Horses with only two sophomore starts prior to the Kentucky Derby are a collective 0-for-39. Track Phantom fits the well-seasoned profile of a number of top contenders who make it this far on the Triple Crown trail for trainer Steve Asmussen. This $500,000 KEESEP son of Quality Road has a nice foundation of seven races lifetime, all at a mile or longer, with experience up to 1 3/16 miles. He's won three of those seven starts, and consistently breaks well enough to spearhead the field, although Track Phantom is not an absolute “needs the lead” speedster. Despite often getting disadvantaged by outside draws, he has gleaned valuable experience in dealing with keyed-up rivals to his inside, and this colt knows what it's like to have to fight to maintain his lead in the stretch. Flashiness isn't his strong suit, but consistency sure is. Although his fourth-place try in his final prep race, the GII Louisiana Derby, has been widely panned because Track Phantom didn't win despite dictating a moderate tempo, he did keep his Beyer level at 94, and, more importantly, refused to concede the lead until the sixteenth pole despite having no fewer than five different rivals firing at him off the far turn. 5) DORNOCH (c, Good Magic–Puca, by Big Brown). O-West Paces Racing LLC, R A Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding LLC, Two Eight Racing LLC & Pine Racing Stables; B-Grandview Equine (Ky); T-Danny Gargan. Sales history: $325,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 6-3-2-0, $552,275. Last start: 4th in GI Blue Grass S. Apr. 6. Dornoch is a full brother to 2023 Derby winner Mage. But after a subpar final prep race, his bandwagon of believers got lighter than it had been back in December when this son of Good Magic re-rallied to steal the Remsen S. over Sierra Leone. Then, after drawing the dreaded rail post for the Derby–which hasn't produced a winner since Ferdinand in 1986–Dornoch's morning-line price ballooned to 20-1 after having closed at 12-1 in the final Derby Future Wager on Apr. 6. Being nudged out of the Derby spotlight might end up being a good thing for this $325,000 KEESEP colt-it will tone down the pressure surrounding his big-brother storyline by a few notches. In his only two races this year, this Danny Gargan-trained son of Good Magic wired a scratch-decimated GII Fountain of Youth S. at Gulfstream, then didn't fare well when fourth and catching kickback in the wake of Sierra Leone in the Blue Grass S. The Blue Grass was an attempt to teach Dornoch to rate from off the pace, a plan that Gargan has since abandoned. Knowing that Dornoch will be reverting to a more effective running style is a plus, and Gargan wasn't fazed by the difficult gate draw. “I don't think it's the kiss of death,” Gargan said. “There's no speed on our outside so hopefully he'll break running and we'll put him on the front end and see how it goes. We planned on keeping his face clean, now we'll keep it real clean.” Just a Touch | Coady Media 6) JUST A TOUCH (c, Justify–Touching Beauty, by Tapit). O-Qatar Racing LLC, Resolute Racing & Marc Detampel; B-Don Alberto Corp. (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $170,000 RNA '22 KEESEP; $125,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT; $300,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 3-1-2-0, $281,700. Last start: 2nd in GI Blue Grass S. Apr. 6. Despite being a May 5 foal with only three starts who has never won beyond the maiden ranks, Just a Touch is commanding outsized respect for the polished and promising way he has gone about his business in runner-up tries behind two well-meant stakes winners. After breaking his maiden sprinting in the Fair Grounds slop Jan. 27, this Brad Cox-trained colt ($170,000 RNA KEESEP, $125,000 FTKOCT, $300,000 OBSAPR) went off favored in the Mar. 2 GIII Gotham S. at Aqueduct. He chased the pace while very wide over another sloppy track, and ended up second behind the impressive Deterministic (Liam's Map) while earning a 93 Beyer. In the Apr. 6 Blue Grass S., Just a Touch attended a fast pace in his first two-turn race and first race over a dry track, seized control of the lead from the three-sixteenths marker until just before the sixteenth pole, then tired (but didn't quit) when the Sierra Leone charged by him late in the lane. Beaten only 1 1/2 lengths at nine furlongs with a 96 Beyer, Just A Touch galloped out more or less on even terms with the favored winner. Just a Touch must now buck several Derby trends related to his lack of experience. From 1900 to the present, 26 horses have attempted to win the Kentucky Derby with exactly three lifetime starts. Only four have won: Mage in 2023, Justify in 2018, Big Brown in 2008 and Regret in 1915. Beyond those four, only one of the remaining 22 managed to hit the board (Curlin, third in 2007). In 2018, Justify became the first horse since Apollo in 1882 to win the Derby without having raced at age two. Mage also triumphed over the “Apollo curse” in 2023. But beyond those two recent trend-breakers, the record of horses in the Derby without a race at age two since 1937 is 0-for-71. 7) DOMESTIC PRODUCT (Practical Joke–Goods and Services, by Paynter). O/B-Klaravich Stables (Ky); T-Chad C. Brown. Lifetime Record: GSW, 5-2-1-0. Last Start: WON Mar. 9 GIII Tampa Bay Derby. At 30-1 on the morning line, Domestic Product becomes an intriguing long shot. But in order to fully sell yourself on him, you're going to have to deemphasize a lot of what you see on paper and put more stock into the assessment of trainer Chad Brown, who has described this homebred for Klaravich Stables as “an under-the-radar real contender” for the Derby. Domestic Product was a midpack fifth before being roused for run and surviving a three-way bob to win the non-betting GIII Tampa Bay Derby. For the second straight race, he closed into severely slow fractions. Previously, he had run second in the Holy Bull S., in which the first two quarter-mile splits were :25.03 and :25.50. The Tampa Derby's three opening quarters were clocked in :25.25, :25.89 and :25.07. Logic would seem to dictate that if this late runner could close ground so well into such dawdling fractions, then surely he'll benefit from what is expected to be a brisk tempo in the Derby. But that line of thinking doesn't always play out. Domestic Product has lifetime Beyers of 59-75-67-87-82. That means he needs to find about 20 points of improvement in the Derby to win it. But Brown believes there are intangibles: He emphasized that a muddy track was the primary reason for Domestic Product's poor seventh-place showing in the Remsen S. And he told TDN that taking the blinkers off was a positive move in each of this colt's last two starts. He also disclosed that jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who has been riding both Sierra Leone and Domestic Product, told him after unsaddling in the Tampa Derby that “going a mile and a quarter, there's not as much separating these two horses as you think.” Gaffalione, understandably, has opted to retain the mount on the Derby's second favorite. But picking up the services of Irad Ortiz, Jr. certainly isn't going to hurt Domestic Product's chances. 8) JUST STEEL (c, Justify-Irish Lights {Aus}, by Fastnet Rock {Aus}). O-BC Stables, LLC; B-Summerhill Farm (Ky); T-D. Wayne Lukas. Sales History: $500,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GISP, 11-2-4-1, $724,545. Last start: 2nd in Mar. 30 GI Arkansas Derby. This $500,000 KEESEP son of Justify has 11 starts leading up to the Derby. That might be considered overkill by today's less-is-more training template. But by 88-year-old trainer D. Wayne Lukas's standards, that's simply the way you season a horse to win the Derby, which “The Coach” has done four times, with Winning Colors (1988), Thunder Gulch (1995), Grindstone (1996) and Charismatic (1999). Just Steel on three occasions at age three has finished second in points-awarding Derby prep stakes. The one time he didn't, he was five wide round both turns in the GII Rebel S. In the GI Arkansas Derby, Just Steel ran a far grittier race than it appears on paper: He was always forcing the issue despite going four wide on the first turn, and he maintained his run through the lane in persistent enough fashion to prove he knows how to finish, coming up only two lengths behind 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic), the presumptive favorite for the GI Preakness S. On the minus side, Just Steel has ever won beyond 6 1/2 furlongs, and he hasn't seen the winner's circle since Nov. 25. Based solely on race records, the 2-for-11 Just Steel compares favorably to the Lukas-trained Charismatic, who was 2-for-12 entering the 1999 Derby at a largely ignored 31-1 in the betting. Just Steel will be The Coach's 50th Derby starter overall, dating to 1981. On the 25th anniversary of his last Derby victory, Lukas will give a leg up to Keith Asmussen, the 25-year-old son of trainer Steve Asmussen, who is making his Derby riding debut. Resilience | Sarah Andrew 9) RESILIENCE (c, Into Mischief–Meadowsweet, by Smart Strike). O-Emily Bushnell & Ric Waldman; B-Pam & Martin Wygod (Ky); T-Bill Mott. Lifetime Record: GSW, 6-2-1-1, $494,630. Last start: WON Apr. 6 GI Wood Memorial S. Resilience needed four starts to break his maiden, but the horses who won those first three at Saratoga and Churchill all eventually became stakes winners, so it's not like he had an easy road to Louisville. After breaking his maiden Jan. 1 at Gulfstream, Resilience ran (what at the time was) an overlooked fourth behind Sierra Leone in New Orleans. Then he delivered a big, breakout race in the GII Wood Memorial S. when adding blinkers for the first time for trainer Bill Mott. Off at 9-2 odds Resilience broke fluidly from the rail, then conceded the lead while in a touch tight at the fence through the clubhouse turn. He enjoyed a no-excuse, ground-saving trip behind 52-1 and 80-1 shots sparring on the front end, then commenced a 4 1/2-furlong rally before collaring the spent leaders at the quarter pole. Numbers-wise, Resilience has plateaued at 90 in his only two starts against winners. He needs to come up with about six or seven lengths of improvement to have a realistic shot on Saturday. 10) CATCHING FREEDOM (c, Constitution–Catch My Drift, by Pioneerof the Nile). O-Albaugh Family Stables LLC; B-WinStar Farm (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Sales History: $575,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 5-3-0-1, $877,350. Last start: WON Mar. 23 GII Louisiana Derby. Catching Freedom is a medium-framed stayer who has made a couple of decent runs from off the tailgate to win stakes, but don't stamp him as strictly a deep closer based on what you see on paper. Trainer Brad Cox explained that the game plan for the Louisiana Derby was for this Constitution colt ($575,000 KEESEP) to be nearer to the pace. But when Catching Freedom didn't jump all that well, Flavien Prat waited patiently behind moderate splits at the rear until 2 1/2 furlongs out before looping the group with a 12-wide bid to win by a measured length. Two starts back in the Risen Star S., Catching Freedom ran third, only 1 3/4 lengths behind the formidable Sierra Leone. He was more forwardly placed in a bunched field that day, splitting horses on the far turn before launching an eight-wide run that didn't have quite enough oomph to reel in the top two. Three races back in his stakes debut in the Smarty Jones S., Catching Freedom rode the rail near the back, got second run at a dueling duo, spun widest off the turn in the five path, then finished up in workmanlike fashion with his head cocked to the grandstand before widening his winning margin to 2 1/2 lengths. This is a colt who is adept at picking off targets if he gets a long, clear run through the lane. The question is how many of those foes will Catching Freedom be able to inhale if he has to expend energy staying in touch with the fastest pace over the longest distance he has ever encountered. Stronghold | Coady Media 11) STRONGHOLD (c, Ghostzapper–Spectator, by Jimmy Creed). O/B-Eric M. and Sharon Waller (Ky); T-Philip D'Amato. Lifetime Record: GISW, 6-3-3-0, $827,200. Last start: WON Apr. 6 GI Santa Anita Derby. This Ghostzapper-sired homebred for Rick and Sharon Waller is a capable, hard trier who has momentum coming to Kentucky off back-to-back victories in his only two starts at age three, in the GIII Sunland Derby and GI Santa Anita Derby. Stronghold paired lifetime-best Beyers of 89 in each of those races, so it's a concern that he's light on numbers relative to Derby norms. In the Santa Anita Derby, Stronghold broke running, then responded to being rated back to fourth by Antonio Fresu. After stalking the pacemakers, Stronghold shadowed the leader on the far turn, split horses in upper stretch, then took over at the eighth pole without fully putting away his rival. For the second straight race Stronghold lost but recaptured the lead in deep stretch. It's commendable that he clawed back to win both times. But those types of second chances rarely present themselves in an ultra-competitive race like the Kentucky Derby. Although he's spent the last six months stabled in Southern California, Stronghold has already won at Churchill. In his one-turn-mile maiden victory Oct. 1, he defeated Resilience and Track Phantom, both of whom are ranked ahead of him on this list. 12) MYSTIK DAN (c, Goldencents–Ma'am, by Colonel John). O/B-Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby & 4G Racing, LLC (Ky); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. Lifetime Record: GSW, 6-2-1-1, $641,360. Last start: 3rd in Mar. 30 GI Arkansas Derby. Mystik Dan sports two open-length blowouts in his form. Yet both of those performances–a 7 3/4-length maiden sprint win Nov. 12 at Churchill and an eight-length splashdown in the Feb. 3 GIII Southwest S. at Oaklawn–were followed by regressions. Last time out in the Arkansas Derby, this homebred son of Goldencents for owners Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby and 4G Racing didn't live up to his 101-Beyer winning, wet-track romp in the Southwest. He encountered minor trip trouble and was carried wide in the Arkansas Derby. But that effort visually paled in comparison to the eye-opening stretch run Mystik Dan uncorked in the Southwest, when he zipped home unopposed at 11-1 odds, running a :5.93 final sixteenth that stands as the fastest closing half-furlong out of 18 points–awarding Derby prep stakes at 1 1/16 miles this season. Trainer Kenny McPeek said after drawing post three for the Derby that Mystik Dan “can track right into the turn, and he's a horse that's proven that he can run inside horses.” 13) HONOR MARIE (Honor Code–Dame Marie, by Smart Strike). O-Ribble Farms LLC, Michael H. Eiserman, Earl I. Silver, Kenneth E. Fishbein and Dave Fishbein; B-Royce Pulliam (Ky); T-D. Whitworth Beckman. Sales History: $40,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 5-2-2-0, $526,175. Last start: 2nd in Mar. 23 GII Louisiana Derby. The 96 Beyer that Honor Marie earned when second in the Louisiana Derby puts him in the hunt numerically in Louisville. This Whit Beckman trainee also has the distinction of finishing a better-than-it-looks fifth in the Risen Star S., which ended up being the key race of the 2023-24 prep season because it yielded next-out graded stakes wins by the first-, third- and fourth-place finishers (Sierra Leone, Catching Freedom and Resilience). However, this $40,000 KEESEP son of Honor Code hasn't won since capturing the GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. at Churchill on Nov. 25, a race in which he rated from last after five horses dueled early and two others took late-race runs at the lead. Rich Strike (2022) and Super Saver (2010) are the last two horses who crossed the finish wire first in the Derby after not winning a sophomore race prior to the first Saturday in May. Jockey Ben Curtis will ride his first Derby. The native of Ireland has only been competing in North America since coming over from Europe in November. Hunch play alert: Honor Marie's third birthday falls on Derby Day. Endlessly | Coady Media 14) ENDLESSLY (Oscar Performance–Dream Fuhrever, by Langfuhr). O/B-Amerman Racing LLC (Ky); T-Michael McCarthy. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 6-5-0-0, $707,200. Last start: WON Mar. 23 GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks. After this son of Oscar Performance won the Mar. 23 GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks S. by four lengths with a complete-control outside move that outclassed the field, trainer Michael McCarthy initially stated that this colt–who has only raced on turf or Tapeta-would likely pass on trying dirt in the Derby and instead aim for the GII American Turf S. on the Derby undercard. But the once-in-a-horse's-lifetime chance to compete in the Derby eventually won out, and you can't blame this colt's connections for taking a shot. McCarthy noted that Amerman Racing owns both he stallion and mare of their homebred, and the prospect of a potentially life-changing win was too tantalizing not to give the dirt experiment a go. Endlessly has already twice won over nine furlongs, and his only loss is much better than it looks. He was eighth, but beaten only 3 1/2 lengths, in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. Even though Animal Kingdom (2011) and Rich Strike (2022) proved that Turfway's premier stakes can be a springboard to a blanket of roses in Louisville, the remaining participants out of the Ruby (or its differently named predecessors) have been a collective 0-for-21 in the Derby since that stakes was first run over a synthetic surface in 2006. 15) SOCIETY MAN (Good Magic–You Cheated, by Colonel John). O-Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, West Paces Racing LLC, GMP Stables LLC, Carl F. Pascarella and Yurie Pascarella; B-SF Bloodstock LLC (Ky); T-Danny Gargan. Sales History: $85,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime History: GSW, 5-1-1-1, $196,705. Last start: 2nd in Apr. 6 GI Wood Memorial S. After nearly a year of stablemate Dornoch being the star of trainer Danny Gargan's stable, could the Louisville-raised conditioner really win the Derby with his other, far-less-heralded entrant? Will we find out sometime early Saturday evening that we've been focusing on the wrong son of Good Magic out of the Gargan barn all this time? This $85,000 KEESEP colt is coming off a runner-up effort at 106-1 odds in the Wood Memorial S., which was his sole source of qualifying points to make the Derby cutoff. Society Man does have three races worth of experience at nine furlongs, but his only win was an on-Lasix score in a one-turn mile over the Aqueduct mud Mar. 9. Since being gelded between his Saratoga debut and his second career start in December, Society Man has reportedly been a better, more cooperative learner. The Derby will be his first foray into Grade I competition. Frankie Dettori picks up the mount. Hard to believe, but the 53-year-old, world-renowned jockey has only ridden once before in the Derby, finishing sixth in 2000 aboard China Visit. In the future, the post position gods owe Gargan some upgraded mojo. His two Derby entrants this year randomly drew two of the most undesirable gate assignments: Dornoch in post one and Society Man in post 20. West Saratoga | Coady Media 16) WEST SARATOGA (Exaggerator–Mo Wicked, by Uncle Mo). O-Harry L. Veruchi; B-Two Hearts Farm II LLC (Ky); T-Larry W. Demeritte. Sales History: $11,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW/MGSP, 10-2-5-1, $460,140. Last start: 2nd in Mar. 23 GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks. This $11,000 KEESEP colt by Exaggerator has bankrolled more than 40 times his purchase price, and he's a stakes winner over the Churchill surface, having captured the one-turn-mile GIII Iroquois S. back on Sept. 16. Sitting fourth behind a breakaway pacemaker, West Saratoga uncoiled with a long, lumbering run to score at 12-1 odds. In most of his other nine races, this Larry Demeritte trainee has been closer to the pace, and he's always been in the hunt until upper stretch. Trouble is, West Saratoga hasn't shown deep-stretch staying power against A-list competition, and he has yet to punch through for another victory despite taking a comparatively softer (Pasco S., GIII Davis S. and GIII Jeff Ruby S.) path to Louisville. West Saratoga is the only gray in this year's Derby. Since Giacomo roared home at 50-1 in 2005, 41 consecutive grays have gone to post and lost the first leg of the Triple Crown. 17) GRAND MO THE FIRST (Uncle Mo–Lilies So Fair, by Giant's Causeway). O-Granpollo Stables LLC; B-John D. Gunther (Ky); T-Victor Barboza Jr. Sales History: $135,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: GISW, 6-2-0-4, $214,650. Last start: 3rd in Mar. 30 GI Florida Derby. Grand Mo the First ($125,000 RNA KEESEP, $135,000 FTKOCT, $335,000 RNA OBSMAR) started off his career last summer with two wins in 5 and 5 1/2-furlong Tapeta sprints at Gulfstream. This son of Uncle Mo has since been third in four consecutive races, ranging from a turf route stakes at Santa Anita to a dirt sprint stakes back at Gulfstream, followed by two-turn dirt attempts in the Tampa Bay Derby and Florida Derby for trainer Victor Barboza, Jr. Putting this colt's form in the best possible light means using the Tampa effort as a Kentucky Derby measuring stick. Grand Mo the First pressed a slow pace while four wide around both turns, then was not deterred by repeated stretch jostling with eventual winner Domestic Product. He closed with gusto despite coming out on the losing end of a three-way photo for the win. 18) EPIC RIDE (Blame–Pick a Time, Gio Ponti). O-Welch Racing LLC; B-Fred W. Hertrich III (Ky); T-John Ennis. Sales History: $160,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GISP, 5-2-2-1, $253,166. Last start: 3rd in Apr. 6 GI Blue Grass S. Epic Ride drew in off the also-eligible list Tuesday when Encino (Nyquist) scratched. You might say an upset under the Twin Spires is in his blood–his sire, Blame, beat the mighty mare Zenyatta at Churchill Downs in the 2010 GI Breeders' Cup Classic. A $160,000 KEESEP yearling, Epic Ride wintered at Turfway for trainer John Ennis, where he compiled a maiden win and a four-length score in the Leonatus S. He was also second in the Battaglia S., then was an even third at Keeneland while never seriously threatening Sierra Leone and Just a Touch in the Blue Grass S. Epic Ride is a May 17 foal. Although exact foaling date records are sketchy prior to 1940, 12 known May foals have won the Derby dating to 1875. and four of those winners had a May 17 or later foaling date: Vagrant in 1876 (May 17), Exterminator in 1918 (May 30), Northern Dancer in 1964 (May 27), and Thunder Gulch in 1995 (May 23). 19) CATALYTIC (Uncle Mo–Lilies So Fair, Giant's Causeway). O-Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George G. Isaacs; B-Fred W. Hertrich III (Ky); T-Saffie A. Joseph Jr. Sales History: $70,000 '21 KEENOV; $125,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: GISP, 3-1-2-0, $216,825. Last start: 2nd in Mar. 30 GI Florida Derby. This son of Catalina Cruiser ($70,000 KEENOV, $125,000 FTSAUG) was no match for 13 1/2-length winner Fierceness in the Florida Derby, but he held second at 29-1 odds despite hitting the gate at the start and getting hooked four wide through the first turn. In his only other two starts, this Saffie Joseph, Jr. trainee broke his maiden sprinting at Gulfstream Oct. 7, then finished second as the beaten favorite in an optional claimer/allowance sprint at Tampa Mar. 8. The combined next-race record of the horses who have run back out of those two races is 0-for-14. T O Password | Coady Media 20) T O PASSWORD (JPN) (Copano Rickey {Jpn}–T O Rachel {Jpn}, King Kamehameha {Jpn}). O-Tomoya Ozasa; B-Yanagawa Bokujo (Jpn); T-Daisuke Takayanagi. Lifetime Record: GISW, 2-2-0-0, $163,339. Last start: WON Mar. 23 Fukuryu S. It is difficult to paint T O Password as anything but a sacrificial speedster in Derby 150. This is a May 20 foal who has only started twice in Japan, and never over a counter-clockwise track like he will encounter at Churchill. He debuted with a maiden win Jan. 6 over 1,800 meters (about nine furlongs), then registered enough qualifying points to earn a Derby berth with a win in the Mar. 23 Fukuryu S. over the same distance. Sent off at 13-1 odds, this Daisuke Takayanagi trainee went straight to the lead but needed to be saved by the wire. He caved badly late in the lane, squandering a four-length cushion in the final half a furlong against fathomably lesser competition than he will face on Saturday. A son of Japanese champion dirt horse Copano Rickey, T O Password will be ridden in the Derby by Kazushi Kimura, Woodbine's leading rider from last season. AE) MUGATU (Blofeld–Union Way, by Union Rags). O-Average Joe Racing Stables, Ltd. and Dan Wells. B-JSM Equine, LLC (Ky); T-Jeff Engler. Sales History: $14,000 '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 12-1-1-3, $80,570. Last start: 5th in GI Blue Grass S. Mugatu is on the also-eligible list awaiting a scratch to get into the Derby. A $14,000 OBSAPR colt, he broke his maiden for trainer Jeff Engler in a one-turn mile at Gulfstream Nov. 18, and his best finishes in seven starts since have been a pair of thirds in allowance/optional claimers. SCR) ENCINO (c, Nyquist–Glittering Jewel, by Bernardini). O/B-Godolphin, LLC (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-3-1-0, $378,315. Last start: WON APR. 13 GIII Stonestreet Lexington S. Encino, a Godolphin homebred by Nyquist, scratched out of the Derby on Tuesday. The post TDN Kentucky Derby Preview: And The Winner Is… appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Flanagan Racing's highly regarded son of Twirling Candy sold for seven figures at the 2023 Ocala Breeders' March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. He worked :09 4/5 during the sale's under tack show.View the full article

The historic 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby (G1) is set for May 4 and once again the opening leg of the Triple Crown stands center stage in the sport.View the full article

Trainer Cherie DeVaux and bloodstock agent David Ingordo have taken up Brook Smith's challenge and have joined the Backside Learning Center's “Purses for a Purpose” initiative. “I have a challenge,” Smith said last week. “If we can get 150 owners, and 150 horses for that matter, and they pledge to donate 1% of purse winnings with these 150 horses, that moves a bigger needle than people realize. And it means a lot, the thought that the owners think about the backside, and those who support it.” DeVaux and Ingordo have personally agreed to pledge up to $10,000 of purse winnings of all seven of their horses running in races between Churchill's opening day (Apr. 27) and Derby day (May 4). Three of the seven runners are entered in graded stakes this weekend: Vahva (GI Derby City Distaff S.), Pipeline (GII Alysheba S.) and Medalla Match (GIII Unbridled Sidney S.). “We encourage other owners, trainers, jockeys and bloodstock agents to also find a way to contribute to the Backside Learning Center and the great work it does for our racetrack families,” said Ingordo. Smith is co-owner of leading Derby contender Sierra Leone. In addition to the standard percentage of purse earnings Smith automatically donates via “Purses for a Purpose,” should Sierra Leone win the Derby, he has promised an additional $100,000 to the BLC. The Backside Learning Center is an independent non-profit organization providing support and resources in a safe, welcoming environment for the diverse community of racetrack workers and their families. For more information on the organization, click here. The post DeVaux, Ingordo Join BLC’s Purses for a Purpose appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With all due respect to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Kentucky Oaks (G1), the 1 1/16-mile La Troienne Stakes (G1) is set to feature the weekend's arguably best pound-for-pound matchup in Juddmonte's Idiomatic and Godolphin's Pretty Mischievous.View the full article

First Mission, beaten a nose by Trademark at Churchill Downs in last fall's Clark Stakes (G2), is favored to avenge that defeat beneath the twin spires when he again faces Trademark and eight others in the $750,000 Alysheba Stakes (G2) May 3.View the full article

NBCUniversal presents a comprehensive slate of content and promotion ahead of and during the 150th Kentucky Derby Saturday. Live coverage from Churchill Downs begins with five hours of Kentucky Oaks day racing Friday, beginning at 1 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock. Coverage begins at noon Saturday on USA Network and Peacock and continues on NBC and Peacock at 2:30 p.m. Over the two days, NBC Sports will present 15 live races from Churchill Downs. Telemundo Deportes will present coverage of the Kentucky Derby, beginning Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on Universo, and streaming on TelemundoDeportes.com and the Telemundo app. In preparation for the Derby, NBC Sports and NBCUniversal personalities are promoting NBCU's Derby coverage leading up to and on Derby day. Jimmy Fallon (The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon), businesswoman and television personality Martha Stewart, NBC News' correspondent Steve Kornacki will be featured throughout coverage. For full Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks coverage details, click here. The post NBC Provides Comprehensive Derby Coverage appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wednesday provided a taste of what might be to come at the Tattersalls Guineas Sale when a Kingman (GB) filly from the John Dance dispersal sold for 120,000gns to Alex Elliott and Billy Jackson-Stops on behalf of powerful owners Valmont and Michael Blencowe. Over 50 horses connected to Dance's Coverdale Stud and Titanium Racing Club will be auctioned at this week's Guineas Sale and, while Elliott admitted that the condition with which some of the horses were presented was less than ideal, the Kingman filly's quality shone through. Dance, the well-known owner whose finest days in the sport came courtesy of six-time Group 1 winner Laurens (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), was arrested almost a year ago and is involved in an ongoing Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigation into allegations of fraud and money laundering involving his company WealthTek LLP. The Kingman filly is a homebred of the former owner's Coverdale Stud and boasts strong residual value being a half-sister to Listed winner Bahrain Pride (GB) (Kodiac {GB}). Elliott said of lot 89, “She has been bought for Valmont and Michael Blencowe. Billy Jackson-Stops bought her with me–he looks after Michael. We bought six yearlings in partnership last year–two went to George Scott, two to Andrew Balding and two to Ralph Beckett. “Unfortunately, one of them got hurt, so we were keen to replace that horse. I didn't really know what to expect when I went to look at them [the dispersal horses] but this filly had standout quality. The horses were hard to value because we didn't know who was here. We were happy to get her for what we paid for her.” He added, “The stallion is standing for £125,000 and she is a half-sister to a Listed winner by Kodiac. It's a deep pedigree. I'd love to have bought her six months ago as we could have been dreaming of June. We'll give her all the time in the world now. She has good residual value and all she can do is improve. She vetted perfectly but these horses haven't had a great preparation due to the circumstances around the sale. But this filly's quality still shone through.” Of the 29 horses sold by The Castlebridge Consignment on Wednesday, 24 were connected to Dance, and amassed 535,500gns in the ring. Other lots of note included an unraced Lope De Vega (Ire) colt (lot 91) knocked down to BBA Ireland for 52,000gns and an unraced New Bay (GB) filly to JS Bloodstock and Hasmonean Racing for 39,000gns. Of the 72 horses offered, 66 were sold, representing a 92% clearance rate. The turnover sat at 968,500gns while the median was 12,000gns and the average 14,674gns. Pompey Ventures On The Up Owning racehorses is an expensive game. For all the fun that comes with having some skin in this great game, the reality is that the majority of horses don't cover their costs, regardless of whether they win a race or not. The exploits of Media Shooter (GB) (Advertise {GB}) and Oliver Show (Ire) (No Nay Never), two of the poster boys for the burgeoning Pompey Ventures syndicate, have gone some way to driving further investment for the group that struck at 36,000gns through Sam Haggas's Hurworth Bloodstock for the unraced Disco Spirit (Acclamation {GB}) (lot 49) from the Dance dispersal. Like Oliver Show, the syndicate's new purchase will be trained by George Boughey, who has sent out Oliver Show to win two races for the syndicate on the all-weather in Britain in recent months. Pompey Ventures is headed by Owen Haly, who explained that the group has 10 horses in training and that its ultimate aim is to attract young people to the sport. Haly said, “Pompey Ventures is a syndicate started up by myself with Ned Sangster. Our first purchases were made at the Autumn-Horses-In-Training Sale where we picked up Media Shooter and Oliver Show. Both have been great servants over the winter and Media Shooter has won back what we paid for him in prize-money already.” He added, “This horse is going to George Boughey, who has been training Oliver Show. We liked this horse's physique, I think we are getting a bit of value with the unknown aspect through the John Dance dispersal. We had a look at the horse and George liked him. He will go straight to George now and we will let him work his magic and see what happens. “The vast majority of our shareholders are under the age of 35, they invest from two per cent up to 50 per cent in each horse with training fees included to a certain level. When you buy yearlings and breeze-up horses, there are a lot of unknowns. We like the angle of buying form horses who we think we can improve.” The horses-in-training session of the Guineas sale continues at 9.30am on Thursday with the breeze-up horses expected to start selling from 12.25pm. The post Day One Of Dance Dispersal Headed By 120k Kingman Filly At Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While 3-year-old colts take the center stage on the dirt at Churchill Downs May 4, an overflow field of America's top sophomore turf horses will compete for a $600,000 purse in the 1 1/16-mile American Turf Stakes (G2T).View the full article

3rd-CD, $120k, Msw, 2yo, f, 4 1/2f, post time: 1:45 p.m. ET Authentic won the COVID-delayed GI Kentucky Derby in 2020, and it is fitting that the Horse of the Year's first starter, MISS MAKENNA, would do so at Churchill Downs in the days leading up to the Run for the Roses. The Apr. 26 foal, bred by Sierra Farm, is kin to five winners from as many to race out of Peggy May (Lemon Drop Kid), a daughter of Eclipse Award-winning grass mare Perfect Sting (Red Ransom) and a half-sister to Canadian GSW Smart Sting (Smart Strike), GSP Perfect Bullet (El Prado {Ire}) and SP Sweet Sting (Awesome Again). Miss Makenna, a $140,000 Keeneland September purchase last fall, is herself closely related to Doc Boy (Into Mischief), a two-time stakes winner on turf. TJCIS PPs 6th-CD, $127k, Alw, 3yo/up, 7 1/2f, post time: 3:27 p.m. ET The beautifully bred CASTLEWARDEN (Into Mischief) looks to make it two straight, having won his maiden first off a 10 1/2-month absence in a sloppy six-furlong event at Oaklawn Mar. 15. The Juddmonte homebred is a son of Calm Water (Empire Maker) and was graduating 13 days after his full-brother Laurel River decimated his rivals in the G3 Burj Nahaar at Meydan. The 6-year-old would go on to record a towering 8 1/2-length success in the G1 Dubai World Cup Mar. 30. Calm Water is a full-sister to Emollient–a Grade I winner on turf and synthetic–and a half to SW/MGISP Hofburg (Tapit) and the stakes-winning Courtier (Pioneerof the Nile), a stallion in Brazil. TJCIS PPs The post Thursday’s Insights: Miss Makenna A First Runner For Authentic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This day 3rd May in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Outlaws Revenge smashes rivals in Listed Wangoom Handicap Daniel Bowman and Dean Yendall have combined with Outlaws Revenge to take out the Listed Wangoom Handicap in a stirring … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Saunter Boy goes back-to-back in the Galleywood Hurdle Class rose to the top in Wednesday’s Galleywood Hurdle as Saunter Boy went on to claim a second straight win … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Jason Collett’s horror run continues after Canterbury fall Group 1 winning jockey Jason Collett was taken to hospital for scans following a nasty fall in the third race … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Wagga Gold Cup Day preview & best bets | Friday, May 5 It’s Wagga Gold Cup Day at Murrumbidgee Turf Club this Friday with eight races set down for decision. See our … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Hong Kong boss declares FWD Champions Day a major success The Hong Kong Jockey Club Chief Executive Officer Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges has lauded the success of FWD Champions Day after Hong … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Trainer Meg Cunneen chasing a couple of firsts Riccarton trainer Meg Cunneen is hoping to break new ground on two counts this week: securing her first stakes win … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Last start forgotten as Arby connections eye Queensland Derby Top staying prospect Arby has taken no harm from a last start defeat in trying conditions at Pukekohe Park. The … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Tyler scraps QLD Oaks plans, but eyes Riccarton spoils Nightmare travel logistics have forced Riverton trainer Kelvin Tyler to abandon Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) plans with high-class filly … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Stephen Marsh following familiar path for Te Rapa feature Stephen Marsh has made a successful practice of targeting Saturday’s black-type feature at Te Rapa as a springboard to future … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 3, 2023 Five horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Wagga racing preview, best bets & quaddie | Thursday, May 4 Racing heads to Wagga on Thursday afternoon for the first part of the town’s two-day carnival. See the top racing … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Avdulla’s ready for Hong Kong challenge Brenton Avdulla feels the time is right to once again test his skills abroad as he begins his stint in … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Horse racing punters to get further squeezed by Victorian Government POCT tax rise The Andrews Labour Government has recently revealed its plans to raise the point of consumption tax paid by betting companies, … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 2 years ago Title race brews as Lor targets dirt feature with Money Catcher; No stopping Hewitson This season’s trainers’ championship is unfolding as a battle royal between Frankie Lor and John Size with the former preparing … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Warrnambool racing preview & best bets | Thursday, May 5 The Warrnambool May Racing Carnival wraps up on Thursday, when another 10 races are set to be run and won … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Eagle Farm racing preview & quaddie tips | Wednesday, May 4 After a terrific afternoon of racing at Eagle Farm on Saturday for Queensland Guineas Day, racing returns to Brisbane’s HQ … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago The Follow Files: Nudge on track for Tiara revenge A couple of horses really caught our eye at Eagle Farm on Saturday, April 30, putting in strong claims as … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Vanguard wins epic Brierly Steeplechase Symon Wilde has won his second Brierly Steeplechase, with Vanguard proving too strong for his stablemate Britannicus at the end … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Dunseath creates history at The ‘Bool with Lord Pierro win Apprentice rider Megan Dunseath has become the first female jockey to win over the obstacles at Warrnambool’s famous May Carnival, … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 3, 2022 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Wednesday’s Canterbury racing tips & value bets | 4/5/2022 HorseBetting’s New South Wales racing analyst presents his best bets and quaddie selections for Wednesday’s seven-race metropolitan meeting at Canterbury … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Warrnambool racing preview & best bets | Wednesday, May 4 The Warrnambool May Racing Carnival continues on Wednesday, when another 10 races are set to be run and won. HorseBetting’s … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Queensland assignments for Ritchie pair With New Zealand heading into the colder winter months, many Kiwis are dreaming of a Gold Coast escape, but Cambridge … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Bosson in demand for Brisbane Opie Bosson’s Brisbane dance card is filling up well with the champion rider already locked in for half a-dozen feature … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 2 years ago Senor Toba claims Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup Franking imposing BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) form, Senor Toba has earned a tilt at the Group 1 Standard Chartered … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Forsman ready for solo challenge as training legend steps down Trainer Andrew Forsman woke up on Sunday morning with the realisation that whatever happens in his Cambridge stable from now … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Winning double for Newman at Wanganui Trainer Bryce Newman enjoyed a stellar day out at Wanganui on Saturday where he bagged a winning double that included … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Dark Destroyer the bright spot in week of drama for O’Sullivan A gallant run for second in Saturday’s Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) by Dark Destroyer brought some welcome relief for … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Shooting For Gold looking to bounce back on the Coast One of Queensland’s most promising sprinters Shooting For Gold will be out to win his first race since August, when … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Zaaki opens hot favourite in quest for Hollindale Stakes defence Twelve months after his maiden win in Australia, Zaaki will return to the Gold Coast on Saturday to defend his … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Savabeel heads Waikato Stud stallion roster New Zealand Champion sire Savabeel will once again headline an impressive stallion roster at Waikato Stud for the forthcoming breeding … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Pike quartet Queensland bound Tony Pike knows how to make an impact at the Queensland Winter Carnival, having saddled the likes of The Bostonian, … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Queensland Derby tilt likely for Hezashocka Hezashocka will likely get his chance at Derby glory after his last start heroics. The Shaun and Emma Clotworthy-trained gelding … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Warrnambool racing tips & best odds | Brierly Day | 4/5/2021 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the best bets and top odds for Brierly Day at the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival on Tuesday, … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Hawkesbury racing tips, top odds & quaddie | Tuesday, May 4 After Hawkesbury hosted its feature standalone meeting on Saturday, we are back racing there again on Tuesday for eight provincial … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets |May 3, 2021 Horse racing around the country sees four meetings scheduled for this Monday afternoon. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago Punt Drunk: Stray roo stops the show at Bairnsdale Punt Drunk kicks off another week with some of the more interesting news stories doing the rounds, including Sunday’s events … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Hayes To Fork Out For Smart Colt Prior to Qeyaady’s smart win at Sandown on Saturday afternoon, Shadwell Stud had revealed that all male members of their … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Eaton Escapes Serious Injury Everyone around the country held their collective breath when jockey Jessica Eaton and her mount Pelonomena hit the ground in … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Instant Celebrity Gets A New Jockey Despite winning the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes on Saturday at Morphettville, the Phillip Stokes-trained Instant Celebrity is set for … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Group 3 Queen Mother Memorial Cup glory for Butterfield Danny Shum’s quest for a maiden trainers’ championship is likely to feature a double-handed tilt at the Group 1 Standard … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Singh back to winning form after tough twelve months The whip flourish and excited salute said it all as popular Central Districts jockey Madan Singh registered his first win … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Top Kiwi mares ready for Queensland challenge Class gallopers Jennifer Eccles and Two Illicit furthered their preparations for upcoming Queensland Winter Carnival assignments with separate exhibition gallops … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Puntura books trip to Brisbane with Te Rapa victory Promising three-year-old Puntura confirmed his place in a squad bound for Brisbane later this month when he stormed home from … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Moroney turns attention to Warrnambool Trainer Mike Moroney will have chances in the two feature flat races at Warrnambool, the Wangoom Handicap and Warrnambool Cup … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Starosa shortens for Group One Atkins Under-rated filly Starosa has been the big shortener in betting markets for the Group One J J Atkins after her … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Saint Eustace primed for SA Derby assault Following an unlucky defeat in the VRC St Leger at Flemington, Saint Eustace is set to contest the Group One … Read More USA horse racing news 4 years ago Charlatan, Nadal for Baffert in Arkansas Charlatan and Nadal have given trainer Bob Baffert a clean sweep of the two divisions of the Arkansas Derby … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Tiley to take patient approach to racing resumption Pukekohe-based trainer Nigel Tiley is happy to take a wait and see approach as the build-up commences for the resumption … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Group One Goodwood next for Jungle Edge After an impressive all-the-way victory at his Adelaide debut, Jungle Edge will remain in South Australia for a shot at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Clark has big plans for latest racetrack purchase Bloodstock agent Adrian Clark has high hopes for his latest thoroughbred acquisition when she makes her racetrack return next season … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Wong gets instant return on well-placed investment Race favourite Toffee Tongue had plenty of international supporters during the running of Saturday’s Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m), none … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Thornton’s first Group 1 win justifies SA trip Victorian jockey Damien Thornton has joined the Group One jockeys’ club with victory in the Australasian Oaks on Toffee Tongue … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Trainers defend RQ’s race programming The Queensland trainers’ boss Cameron Partington believes criticism of the programming for metropolitan racing is unfair … Read More USA horse racing news 4 years ago Secretariat wins virtual Kentucky Derby Secretariat has lived up to his billing as favourite for the virtual Kentucky Derby, winning from the 12 other triple … Read More International horse racing news 4 years ago Racing restart in Germany delayed The planned resumption of racing in Germany has been delayed with the opening eight-race card at Dortmund postponed … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Oceanex shows class in Port Adelaide Cup Four-year-old mare Oceanex has added another string to her bow, showing her staying prowess when winning the Listed Port Adelaide … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Berry guides Abdon to Wagga Gold Cup win Tommy Berry has steered the Chris Waller-trained Abdon to victory in the Listed Wagga Wagga Gold Cup, the feature race … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Lindsay Park pair after Flemington success Gold Mag and Royal Thunder will line up for Lindsay Park chasing success in the Apache Cat Handicap at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Sir Barnabus to stay Cup distance Deagon stayer Sir Barnabus will appreciate the 2400m of the new Gold Coast Cup race … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Galaxy Raider set for Flemington return Trainer Grahame Begg has bided his time with Galaxy Raider in recent weeks, waiting for what he thinks is an … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Dream Circle to make debut at Randwick Trainer David Payne is hoping to put a trying time behind him, starting with Dream Circle at Randwick … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Hugh Bowman stands down from Gold Coast Winx’s jockey Hugh Bowman has stood himself down from riding, saying he is exhausted and needs a spell … Read More Horse Racing Tips 5 years ago Robert Sangster Stakes tips: best bets at Morphettville, May 4 The South Australian Winter Carnival kicks off this weekend and the team at Horse Betting HQ is delivering your best … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Daniel Bowman hits the road After success playing on his home track at Warrnambool, trainer Daniel Bowman is splitting his team in search of more … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Ben Currie faces possible disqualification Trainer Ben Currie faces a possible disqualification after being found guilty of two counts of bringing racing into disrepute … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Chief Stipelas switches to flat at the Gold Coast Clayton Chief Stipelas will attempt to add to his feature flat race record when he rides three Ciaron Maher and David … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Mahogany Challenge to begin at Flemington A 2000m-race at Flemington will kick off the Mahogany Challenge, a series of staying races for three-year-olds spanning the next … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Divine Quality fresh for Adelaide G1 race Divine Quality heads into the Group One TAB Classic off a let-up with trainer Robbie Griffiths hopeful the talented mare … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Ben Currie owners stopped from transfer Lawyers for trainer Ben Currie have complained stewards are wrongly stopping owners transferring their horses to other trainers, disrupting their … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Boomsara to add to Gold Coast record Boomsara takes a great record at the Gold Coast into his bid to win the Group Three Gold Coast Guineas … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Pace the purpose for Birchley runner Trainer Liam BIrchley wants a genuine pace to give Fit For Purpose his best chance in the Hollindale Stakes at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Owner’s ultimate tribute for Zed Em Roz Southey couldn’t resist a tongue-in-cheek comment when describing the thrill of Zed Em’s amazing win under 70kgs when leading … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Busy winter instore for Tiley Pukekohe trainer Nigel Tiley has experienced plenty of success in Queensland over the last few years and he is returning … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Quiet confidence as O’Brien chases a 10th 2,000 Guineas win Some say that the less you hear about horses from Aidan O’Brien’s stable, the stronger their chances are. So, without … Read More Ireland horse racing news 5 years ago Chacun Pour Soi announces star potential in Ryanair Chacun Pour Soi looks another potential superstar for Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci after winning Ryanair Novice Chase at the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Bob Baffert favoured to win 6th Derby Trainer Bob Baffert now has the first three in the market for the Kentucky Derby after the scratching of Omaha … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Aquanita ‘top-ups’ case decision next week Victoria’s Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board will hand down its decision next week in the Aquanita race day treatments case … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Clayton Chief Stipelas fined after Annual success The win aboard Gold Medals in the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool has come at a cost for jockey Clayton … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Trainer Len Xuereb rubbed out by RAD Board Moe trainer Len Xuereb has been disqualified by the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board over a high cobalt reading from … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Gallic Chieftain gives Weir fifth Bool Cup Gallic Chieftain and Yogi have given Darren Weir a one-two finish in the Warrnambool Cup, his fifth successive victory in … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Gary Moore revels in link to So You Think Rosehill trainer Gary Moore is excited to see how Brilliant Mind, his first horse sired by So You Think, fares … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Gold Medals wins Grand Annual Steeplechase Gold Medals has completed the big jumps double at Warrnambool’s May carnival taking out the Brierly and Grand Annual Steeplechases … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Blinkers, drop in grade to boost Primitivo John Thompson hopes blinkers and a drop back from Group company can help inspire Primitivo to break his maiden at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Wagga Gold Cup full form & tips, Friday May 4 IT is Wagga Gold Cup Day this Friday as one of country NSW’s favourite race-meets is upon us. We had … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Champagne Cuddles on Group One path Consistent filly Champagne Cuddles resumes on Saturday in the Gold Coast Guineas and will chase Group One races later in … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Latin Boy to go like a bat out of hell Trainer Richard Freedman believes Latin Boy’s recent course record for 900 metres at Newcastle is the benchmark for the Bat … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Maturing Nettoyer targets Lord Mayor’s Cup Nettoyer’s quest for a second career win will continue in the Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup at Rosehill after trainer Wendy … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Aquanita knew they were cheating: QC A Victorian racing tribunal is hearing closing arguments in the Aquanita race day treatments inquiry … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Pilote D’Essai ready for Flemington return Pilote D’Essai will be joined by stablemates Sovereign Nation and So Si Bon when he makes his return from a … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Ben Currie calls on El-issa for Ruettiger Trainer Ben Currie has called on in-form jockey Bobby El-issa to help Ruettiger return to his best form in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Three in a row for Wilde at Warrnambool Tee Train has survived a protest to give trainer Symon Wilde a third straight win in the two-year-old race on … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Godolphin chase Gold Coast feature treble It’s Somewhat is chasing back-to-back Hollindale Stakes wins as the Godolphin stable looks for a feature race treble at the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Getting Leggie gets Smart on Bool board Nick Smart has landed his first Warrnambool carnival victory with Getting Leggie winning the Champion Novice Hurdle … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Barriers frustrate trainer Stuart Kendrick Trainer Stuart Kendrick is frustrated that consistent filly Fish ‘N’ Snitz has again drawn a bad barrier in the Ken … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Thursday NZ news briefs – Weight worries with stablemates Stephen Marsh admits to reservations about the chances of Bella Gioia and Amastar at Pukekohe Park on Friday. “It’s a … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Stayer continues Te Akau roll Torcedor completed a unique treble overnight when he triumphed in the Group 3 Sagaro Stakes (3000m) at Ascot. “In the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Damian Browne closes in on 1000 winners Top jockey Damian Browne has a strong book of rides at the Gold Coast which could help him reach 1000 … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Gatton market movers for Thursday, May 3 GATTON is Queensland’s primary meet on Thursday and the punters have a solid eight race card in which to invest … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Wagga market movers for Thursday, May 3 WAGGA is hosting a strong eight race card going into Thursday and the team at Horse Betting has taken an … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Prospect of stakes win lures filly south Promising Zacinto filly Secret Allure will attempt to go one-up on her Group 1-performed ownership-mate Dijon Bleu when she tackles … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Doomben ideal for Time Lord Richard Collett believes his stakes performer Time Lord will be in his element in Brisbane. The Pukekohe Park trainer has … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Warrnambool Day Three Market Movers , May 3 THE third and final day of the Warrnambool Racing Carnival is upon us and the punters have shopped early ahead … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Torcedor wins at Ascot for Te Akau Racing Te Akau Racing-owned Torcedor has found conditions to his liking at Ascot to run out the winner of the Group … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Ulmann contines Weir’s Warrnambool run Trainer Darren Weir has won the feature Warrnambool sprint with Ulmann taking out the Wangoom Handicap … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Milestone on hold for Chris Waller Chris Waller’s 200th Warwick Farm winner will have to wait as the champion trainer flies to the Unites States to … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Weir cements place in Warrnambool history with five Day 2 winners IT did not take long for Weir-mania to grip the Bool on day two of the festival. Kiwia won impressively on … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Stewards defend Eagle Farm downgrade Stewards say they had no choice but to downgrade Eagle Farm from soft to heavy despite no rain falling for … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago I Am A Star in prime condition ahead of the UBET Classic SHANE Nichols is confident his gun filly I Am A Star is ready to add another group one crown to … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Is the upcoming winter racing season worth betting on? WE’VE heard all the excuses from punters over the years; had no luck, got too far back, sack the jockey … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Renew goes all the way in Galleywood The Darren Weir-trained Renew has completed a jumps hat-trick with victory in the Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Rachel King gains ground on Slow Pace English-born apprentice Rachel King is relishing her first Saturday stakes race booking in the city at Rosehill after retaining the … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Smoother Annual ride for Spying On You Spying On You will line up for a second shot at the Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool after events conspired … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Queensland’s chief stipe to stay on Queensland’s chief steward Allan Reardon has agreed to extend his contract by 12 months after widespread speculation he was to … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Moroney with chances in three states Trainer Mike Moroney will have chances in three states on the same day with runners in NSW, Victoria and South … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Single Gaze eyes the Hollindale Stakes Canberra trainer Nick Olive has arrived on the Gold Coast to oversee Single Gaze’s preparation for the Hollindale Stakes … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Survival of fittest in Warrnambool Cup Archie Alexander would like to see some rain ahead of Survived’s attempt at the Warrnambool Cup … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Nathan Dunn gets first win as a trainer A Grand Annual Steeplechase-winning jockey, Nathan Dunn has landed first winner as a trainer at the famous Warrnambool carnival … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Black Heart Bart heads Stradbroke noms Last year’s runner-up Black Heart Bart heads the nominations for the Group One Stradbroke Handicap … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Victoria to use technology and tax to combat problem gambling The Victorian government is trying everything to combat problem gambling via new technology and a revamped tax system for bookmakers … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Formal complaint lodged on Gunsynd result The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has received a formal complaint about the result of the Gunsynd Classic at Eagle Farm … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Super Cash on target for Adelaide G1 Trainer Andrew Noblet believes Super Cash only has to reproduce her Rubiton Stakes performance to be hard to beat in … Read More Horse Racing Tips, USA horse racing news 7 years ago 2017 Kentucky Derby betting guide, form and free tips, May 7 THE 2017 Kentucky Derby final field will be announced on Thursday, but we’ve taken an earlier look at which thoroughbreds … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Thunder Snow tests Derby track Godolphin’s Thunder Snow has had a look around Churchill Downs ahead of the Kentucky Derby … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Noblet with a chance at first Group 1 win Andrew Noblet can’t fault the preparation of Silent Sedition for the Australasian Oaks and hopes the filly can notch his … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Waterhouse lands Warrnambool jumps feature Gai Waterhouse can tick off a feature jumps race success after Valediction’s win in the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Melbourne Cup hero gallops at Warrnambool Prince Of Penzance and Tall Ships have galloped between races at Warrnambool in preparation for a stakes race in Adelaide … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Waterhouse lands Warrnambool jumps feature Gai Waterhouse can tick off a feature jumps race success after Valediction’s win in the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Top Of My List on trial for Qld campaign Top Of My List can enhance her Brisbane prospects at Rosehill while stablemate Believe contests the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Waterhouse lands Warrnambool jumps feature Gai Waterhouse can tick off a feature jumps race success after Valediction’s win in the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Like A Carousel bound for Flemington Hcp Trainer Ken Keys is planning to head to the Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes over 3200m with Like A Carouse,l but … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Investigation into Vic racehorse death Victoria’s Jumps Review Panel will look into the death of a horse that broke its leg at an event, the … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Jamie Mott breaks through in jumps career Jamie Mott has stopped the winning run of Darren Weir and John Allen at Warrnambool, claiming his first winner over … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago 2nd Vic jumps race horse death in a week Animal activists have captured the moment a racehorse fell and broke its leg during a jumps race in Victoria … Read More Horse Racing Tips 8 years ago Finding winners in the Wednesday, May 4 quaddie at Warrnambool THERE are few things more Australian than putting on a quaddie. The popularity of the quaddie is not hard to … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Hutchings, Waller have more wins in sight Rory Hutchings will have momentum on his side with six rides at Warwick Farm as he tries to extend his … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Xtravagant spells, concentrates on spring Xtravagant will be sent for a spell to give the New Zealand star the best possible chance of being at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Royal Island shooting for second Wangoom Royal Island will have conditions to suit as he chases back-to-back victories in the Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Arch ready to Fire in Galleywood Hurdle Arch Fire will be looking to add the Galleywood Hurdle to his record during the second day of the Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Weather clears ahead of Kentucky Derby Three of the leading contenders for the Kentucky Derby have had their final work-outs at Churchill Downs ahead of the … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Accident narrowly avoided at Bath Two jockeys have had to take evasive action at a race meeting in Bath to avoid ground staff who mistook … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Valediction best backed ahead of Brierly Valediction and Cafe Society will represent Gai Waterhouse at the three-day Warrnambool carnival … Read More View the full article

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) winner Hard to Justify makes the first start of her 3-year-old season in the $600,000 Edgewood Stakes (G2T) May 3 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a round-up of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings, trainer Efren Loza, Jr. has been banned 18-months and fined $12,500 after his trainee, Mexicoffee, tested positive post-race for clenbuterol after finishing second at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 14. Loza's suspension began Apr. 17 and lasts until Oct. 16, 2025. Clenbuterol, a banned substance under HISA, is a bronchodilator with a checkered history in both human and equine sports due to its anabolic properties–in other words, its ability to increase lean muscle mass and reduce body fat. Trainer Amador Sanchez has been suspended for seven days and fined $1,000 after two of his runners tested positive post-race for capsaicin. The horses in question were Grey Princess, who won at Gulfstream Park Mar. 8, and Dontkissdaminister who finished second at Gulfstream Park Mar. 22. These cases were treated as one violation as per HISA guidance on multiple violations for the same controlled substance. A Class B controlled medication under HISA, capsaicin is the active ingredient in chilli peppers causing burning and irritation, and can be found in topical analgesics. Trainer Isidro Tamayo is also suspended for seven days as a result of his trainee, Dust Maker, testing positive for dexamethasone after winning at Turf Paradise Apr. 2. Dexamethasone is a Class C controlled medication under HISA, a first violation for which comes with a possible maximum $500 fine. But this case marked Tamayo's second violation for a Class C substance within the last two years. Two Class C medication violations within a two-year period comes with a maximum 15-day suspension and $1,000 fine. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 04/29/2024 Licensee: Isidro Tamayo, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 30, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Dust Maker, who won at Turf Paradise on 4/2/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/29/2024 Licensee: Matthew Fales, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Rantanen, who finished third at Turf Paradise on 3/21/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/26/2024 Licensee: Amador Sanchez, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); Treated as 1 violation with Grey Princess under 9/8/23 HISA Guidance. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Capsaicin—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Dontkissdaminister, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 3/22/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/26/2024 Licensee: Hernan Parra, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Storm Creed, who won at Tampa Bay on 2/25/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/26/2024 Licensee: Rodolfo Rodriguez, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Try it Again on 3/16/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/26/2024 Licensee: Amador Sanchez, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 27, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points.Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Capsaicin—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Grey Princess, who won at Gulfstream Park on 3/8/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/25/2024 Licensee: Efren Loza Jr., trainer Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 17, 2024; 14-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Horse, beginning on February 14, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $12,500. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Clenbuterol—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Mexicoffee, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 2/14/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers. Pending ADMC Violations Date: 05/01/2024 Licensee: Kieron Magee, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vets' list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Bar Down Express on 3/27/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/30/2024 Licensee: Eduardo Jones, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Pine Valley on 3/30/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/29/2024 Licensee: Arturo Chavez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Capsaicin—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Bye Bye Brooky, who won at Sunland Park on 3/7/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/26/2024 Licensee: Jessica Howell, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Sotalol—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Levanter, who won at Turfway Park on 3/16/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 04/26/2024 Licensee: Paula Capestro, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vets' list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Fight With Honor on 3/9/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Violations of Crop Rule One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race. Hawthorne Alexis Centeno – violation date April 27; $250 fine and one-day suspension Oaklawn Park Francisco Joaquin Arrieta – violation date April 26; $250 fine and one-day suspension Santa Anita Abdul Alsagoor – violation date April 27; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 2 strikes over limit Thistledown Fernando Salazar Becerra – violation date April 25; $250 fine and one-day suspension The post Weekly Rulings: Apr. 24-30 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Danny Gargan said Dornoch is ready to go for the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1) following routine pre-race work by farrier Ian McKinlay for treatment of a lingering quarter crack.View the full article

NBC team prepared to tell the story of this year's Kentucky Derby (G1), as well as the stories surrounding the race.View the full article

Naval Power will try for his first grade/group 1 victory May 4 in the $1 million Turf Classic Stakes (G1T) at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) will host 'Bid on the Bluegrass', an online auction of unique, Kentucky-themed items and experiences, which opens on Thursday, May 2 at 9 a.m. ET and will conclude on Saturday, May 4 at 9 p.m. ET., the non-profit said in a release Wednesday. “Thanks to our generous donors, Bid on the Bluegrass offers a wide array of interesting items with a Kentucky focus,” said Erin Halliwell executive director of TCA. “We have bourbon-themed items, racing memorabilia, one-of-a-kind experiences, halters worn by Kentucky Derby starters, and much more.” With all proceeds benefitting the TCA, featured items include halters worn by this year's Kentucky Derby starters, a meet and greet with Zenyatta at Lane's End Farm, a tour and visit with Rachel Alexandra at Stonestreet Farm, an exclusive painting of Cody's Wish by artist Robert Clark, a private Pinhook Bourbon tasting and much more. New items will be added daily until the start of the auction. Click here for a complete list. The post TCA To Host ‘Bid On The Bluegrass’ Online Auction, May 2-4 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LOUISVILLE, KY–What a difference a day makes. The activity on the backside only a day ago offered a hint that something big was encroaching, however, Wednesday dawned with an explosion of activity straight out of the gate. Masses piled onto the barn area to watch the morning workouts, reminding me just how different Churchill Downs is Derby week when compared to almost any other racetrack in the United States. Fans are given a tremendous amount of access, creating an atmosphere that is difficult to compare most other venues. Trying to skirt around the masses en route en route to my post trackside (no one seems particularly in a hurry to get anywhere except for those at work!), I find a suitable spot just in time for the Kentucky Derby/Oaks work session between 7:30-8 a.m. Only the day before, Chad Brown offered an astute assessment–individually, the Classic aspirants have quality, but when you have the chance to see them collectively during the designated Derby/Oaks session, you quickly realize that they are all pretty much there because they are good! Enjoying the smorgasbord of quality on a sunnier (and drier!) morning, several of the Classic contenders made an impact. From my point of view, the standout of the morning was last year's champion juvenile filly and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Just F Y I (Justify), who schooled in the paddock before heading to the track. Appearing beautifully turned out and moving effortlessly over the track, the Bill Mott-trained filly has been doing everything right in the mornings and giving all the right signs that she is ready for a big effort. While I can't fault fellow Oaks contender Tarifa (Bernardini) in any way, the George Krikorian homebred looks like a million bucks and seems to know it! Meanwhile, the volume was noticeably cranked up at the Brown barn Wednesday morning (likely courtesy of the more informed racegoers), and the shedrow was teeming with activity. Of course, Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) got a lot of attention as the second choice on the morning line, but in my opinion, the morning belonged to Domestic Product (Practical Joke). Interestingly, during my chat with Brown a day before, I was intent on talking about the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. winner, but Brown also mentioned the Klaravich homebred, unsolicited, a couple of times. So obviously, the next morning I paid a bit more attention. Going to the track a little bit after the designated training session Wednesday, the GIII Tampa Bay Derby winner looked as good as a horse could look. There was a slightly anxious moment when he reared up leaving the track, but thankfully, exited with incident. “The horses look super,” Brown confirmed. “He actually came off on his hind legs and had me a little scared. He seems to conserve his energy so much. He's really coming into the race the right way.” And the chatter is that he's been training very well. Throw in another Practical Joke sophomore, Ways and Means, into the mix and maybe a little Brown Oaks-Derby double wager is in order? A lot of talk has swirled around GI Curlin Florida Derby winner Fierceness (City of Light)'s chances of victory hinging on a clean start. Having failed to get to the winner's circle after a less-than-perfect start, the Repole homebred was among the Todd Pletcher horses to get a little refresher at the gate Wednesday. Whether that helps or not remains to be seen, however, it certainly couldn't hurt to give the colt another reminder. If there was an award for fostering the most fan-friendly spirit during derby week, it would surely go to the D. Wayne Lukas team. While Lukas is renowned for recruiting little kids along the way to a winner's circle photo, the Hall of Famer has clearly rubbed off on his team, as evidenced by his assistant, Bas Nicholl, calling over groups of children to offer treats and take photos with the barn's flashy and uber popular pony, Rally. Recalling my own encounter with Lukas after winning Saratoga's King's Bishop S. with Chimes Band in 1994 Saratoga when I was a teenager, I was reminded of just how much a moment of generosity of spirit and kindness can go in creating a lifelong racing fan. The post Fan Fueled Wednesday at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fierceness and Sierra Leone meet for the first time May 4 when they battle 18 other 3-year-olds before an expected crowd of more than 150,000 fans in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill DownsView the full article

We could run the numbers, as they say. What they will tell us is that Aidan O'Brien has dominated racing both in his home country of Ireland and its nearest neighbour, where he will this Saturday be inducted into the QIPCO British Horseracing Hall of Fame. It doesn't end there, of course. He is known and revered around the world, his tally of 419 Group or Grade 1 winners (including National Hunt) having also been chalked up in America, Australia, Canada, Dubai, France, Hong Kong and Italy. No other trainer benefits from such a tantalising supply of equine talent; it is not merely a stream that never runs dry, more an apparently bottomless well. Those bluebloods are either bred or selected at the sales by the group which has become known as “The Lads”. John Magnier is at the head of that group. His sons MV and Tom also now play leading roles in Coolmore's European and Australian ventures respectively, while the key partners in the most powerful owner-breeder cohort in racing's history are Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Georg von Opel, and Peter Brant. Significant partnerships have also been made with the Sangster and Niarchos families over the years. O'Brien's is a job which may well be the envy of many of his counterparts in the training ranks. But it carries with it the burden of ensuring that a significant number of those smart yearlings that arrive at Ballydoyle each year leave there several seasons later as top-drawer stallion and broodmare prospects. Pedigree is a given, but it must be backed up by performance, and any failure in the vital cog that is the training process weakens the entire machine. In this regard, the trainer rarely misses a beat. In considering how O'Brien came to be the lynchpin of this operation – and to hold on to the job for half of his life – it is perhaps best to start at home, a place he is doubtless loath to leave other than to go racing. “You have to see it if you want to feel it,” he says in the midst of counting down to the Guineas and the unleashing of the horse whose return is hotly anticipated this Saturday: City Of Troy (Justify). “The Classics are the ultimate test of a pedigree, really, and always have been for the Thoroughbred generations gone by. So I suppose you're always trying to breed a horse that's going to mature early, and one that's going to be able to get a mile-plus. That's what the Thoroughbred pedigree is built on.” It's important for the Thoroughbred breed that Flat horses can run fast early, and that they can cover distance O'Brien continues, “They all come in and obviously you're hoping that they're going to be mature, but they're all different. So I suppose you're feeling your way every day. That's why I suppose the difficult part about it is you have to be here every day because you have to see it if you want to feel it. You need every hour in the day to do that every single day because the window is very short, because really the Classic horse has to perform at two and three. It's very hard to ask them to compete at three if they haven't had a season of training at two. “Sometimes it happens. But commercially they have to perform at two and three and it's important for the Thoroughbred breed that Flat horses can run fast early, and that they can cover distance. This is probably the ultimate test of soundness. It's like any herd animal in the wild. The weak will get weeded out and then the herd will get stronger.” A trainer retiring after a long and illustrious career would doubtless be content in the knowledge that they had been champion trainer 26 times in Ireland and six times in Britain. That they had won 43 British Classics, 50 in Ireland and 13 in France. That they had once been responsible for the first three home in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and had won that great race twice, not to mention 18 Breeders' Cup races. But the worrying element for O'Brien's rivals is that, at 54, he is still very much in his prime. Those record books that he has already torn to shreds will likely need several revisions before he decides to don his slippers and put his feet up. His obsession – and it is fair to call it that, for all involved in sport must yield to obsessive tendencies to succeed – began at his family home in Co Wexford, where his father Denis and mother Stella had horses and ponies as a sideline to their main business of farming. “My dad and mum always had a few point-to-pointers and an odd horse would run on the track,” he recalls. “My dad always probably had difficult horses. He was a small farmer but always had difficult horses to re-break and re-train. It was ponies before that. People used to send him ponies to get them going and that's where we started off. The ponies were always troublesome, obviously. I suppose that's what my mum and dad made their living from, on the side of a small farm.” It tends to be the troublesome ones that teach riders and trainers more than the easy ones. With that grounding, perhaps sometimes literally, it wasn't long before the young O'Brien set out on the path that would lead him to the gates of the fabled Ballydoyle at the age of just 26. He worked briefly on the Curragh for PJ Finn, before Finn's assistant trainer Pat Kelly found him a job with Jim Bolger. An exacting taskmaster and training legend in his own right, Bolger shares O'Brien's meticulous eye for a horse and abstinence from alcohol. “I was very young at the time, and Christy Roche was Jim's main rider,” says O'Brien of his Coolcullen days. “When we started training, Christy came and rode for us, so we would've learned an awful lot from him.” Joseph, Sarah, Annemarie, Donnacha, Ana and Aidan O'Brien | Racingfotos It was around this time that he encountered the woman who would become his wife, and it will come as no surprise to hear that O'Brien didn't meet Annemarie in a Dublin nightclub. Instead, entirely appropriately for one of racing's power couples, their eyes met as they circled at the start ahead of riding against each other in a bumper. He doesn't mention who had the upper hand in that particular race, but Annemarie had a head start on her future husband as a trainer. She succeeded her father Joe Crowley to train at Owning Hill and remains the only woman to have been crowned Champion National Hunt trainer (Annemarie's sister Frances Crowley was runner-up in the Irish championship to Willlie Mullins in 2000/01). Recalling their first meeting, O'Brien says, “I rode as an amateur for Jim and would've learned an awful lot there from him. Then when I was riding a horse for Jim one day, I met Annemarie at the start of a race in Galway and we started going out together.” Simple, really. No need for dating apps in those analogue days. He continues, “I got a fall on the gallop one day in Jims's and I broke my shoulder. At that time I went to help Annemarie because she was training by then and I suppose then I ended up never going back to Jim really after that. “Annemarie's dad was training first as a permit-holder, and then with a licence, and he was a massive influence as well. Then Annemarie took over the training but when Joseph was born, Annemarie said that we would change the licence into my name and it just worked on the same as always. “We trained there for four or five years, and then we got approached by Paul Shanahan for John Magnier, who asked would we be interested in leasing Ballydoyle for a couple of seasons. At the time we had an overflow of horses so it suited us to go to Ballydoyle. “So we ran Ballydoyle for a year or two and then John said to us would we be interested in just training his own horses. That's how it happened. Then Michael Tabor came in with John, and John gave JP McManus a present of a horse called Thats My Man, to be trained by us. So that's how we met JP, and he obviously would've been a big influence, as well as Christy, about us coming to Ballydoyle full time, rather than just being a tenant.” Asked if he knew whether he was being tested for the main job during his initial foray as lease-holder, he replies, “I've known John for 30 years now and what I've always found of him is that he sees a long way into the future, more than anybody I've ever known. I never asked him or spoke to him about it, but every decision that he makes, it's always very calculated and a lot of thought goes into it.” O'Brien was of course by that stage already a successful trainer and a multiple champion in the National Hunt sphere. Magnier's instinct that he could convert to the Flat and return Ballydoyle to the glory days of the long tenure of his own father-in-law, Vincent O'Brien, was not only quickly vindicated, but continues to be. Despite his own long run of success in the stable, O'Brien routinely refers deferentially not just to John and Sue Magnier, but also Michael and Doreen Tabor, Derrick and Gay Smith, Peter and Stephanie Brant, and Georg and Emily von Opel, name-checking them as metronomically as he does his team of riders and grooms. “They're all involved,” he says. “Everyone is getting all the information rapidly every day, then they're all communicating amongst themselves and they come up with a plan. Then John tells us what he is feeling and what he thinks. We always know the direction that we would like to go in. We don't ever question that because the information is out there for everyone to see, and we always understand why the decisions are made if they are made. Then we follow the plan the best we can.” We try to go to bed late at night when we have good days and go to bed early when we have bad days Teamwork, then, though it is his name on the licence and it will remain in the annals of racing history, in the Hall of Fame and beyond. But O'Brien is plainly uncomfortable with the suggestion that he is a hero to many who follow the sport, and that modesty appears to be genuine. “I don't think too much about anything really,” he says. “I take it day by day. Obviously, our little ones were all reared in it, and now they're all grown up and they're all gone. So it all happens very quickly, really. It's hard to believe that it's this long but, no, I definitely couldn't have ever dreamt about it really. It's incredible. But listen, it's all about an awful lot of people all together, and we were very lucky to be able to work with them all the way along.” He doesn't cite too many racing heroes of his own either and, when pressed, nominates the horse whose first Derby winner he would end up training and whose name, Galileo, would remain intrinsically linked with his own. He says “Going back, I don't remember too much about racing when I was young, other than going to point-to-points with my dad and mum, but probably the first thing I would remember, funnily enough, was the Coolmore brochures. That would've been as a very young child. Sadler's Wells would've been a big influence for me getting those brochures as a young child and looking through them and looking at the pictures. “Obviously, then, Dr O'Brien would've been in those brochures and Sadler's Wells was one of the horses that always stuck out in my mind. I suppose Shergar was always another one. Shergar was such an unbelievable horse, trained by Sir Michael [Stoute], and I would've remembered Sir Henry [Cecil], and all those people, as a very young child.” In one sentence he has named the only other three trainers to have preceded him in being inducted into the British Horseracing Hall of Fame, which was launched in 2021. Since then he has passed the landmark of 4,000 wins, notched in grand style by Henry Longfellow (Ire) in last year's G1 National S. at the Curragh, some four months after Luxembourg (Ire) had become his 400th Group/Grade 1 winner in the Tattersalls Gold Cup. “There are so many special days. We don't take any of them for granted, we appreciate every one of them,” he says. “Then the reality is when you go to bed that night, it's gone. So we try to go to bed late at night when we have good days and go to bed early when we have bad days.” Of his coronation as a Hall of Famer, he adds, “We feel privileged and over the moon. As you know, we're a small part of a big team of a lot of people. I'm very grateful to be the small part that we are and we feel so honoured to be mentioned in the same sentence as all those special people. We're so grateful to QIPCO, to Sheikh Fahad and his family, and to the British Champions Series.” O'Brien will have other things on his mind come Saturday, but he will be presented with his commemorative medallion at Newmarket before racing starts. Then it's up to City Of Troy to ensure that his trainer stays up late that night. The post O’Brien: A Living Legend in the Hall of Fame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 27-year-old graduates to the senior jockey ranks after triumphing at the city circuit for boss Tony CruzView the full article

Applications are now open for the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Experience Scholarship 2025. Applicants must be recent graduates of the University College Dublin, University of Limerick, The Irish National Stud, CAFRE Enniskillen, or Kildalton Agriculture College. The application period runs until July 15. Scholarships cover airfare, visa expenses, a year-long placement at a Kentucky farm, and wages and housing. The scholarships are made possible by the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation, the Irish National Stud, Springhouse Farm, and Hunter Valley Farm. For more information, or to apply, please visit the Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation website. The post Applications For Kentucky Experience Now Open For Irish Equine Students appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Detailed during the 2023 Round Table Conference, The Jockey Club's traceability initiative is scheduled to launch this summer, the organization said in a release early Wednesday. In preparation, the Registry encourages anyone with a digital certificate of foal registration in their account who no longer has possession of the horse to transfer the certificate to the current owner or appropriate certificate manager. “We strongly encourage everyone to log on to Interactive Registration and check that the horses in their accounts are still in their possession,” said Rick Bailey, registrar of The Jockey Club. “Traceability is a priority for the Thoroughbred industry, and The Jockey Club's commitment in this area, demonstrated by this project and others, underscores that significance.” The first phase of the initiative will trigger email prompts to certificate managers of horses that have no racing activity and no Thoroughbred Incentive Program number in the past two years. The initial phase will focus on racetracks and sales companies. “The goal of the traceability initiative is to ensure that every horse's certificate stays with the horse, which is where it belongs,” said Kristin Werner, senior counsel for The Jockey Club. “Whereabouts of registered Thoroughbreds will improve our understanding of where Thoroughbreds go after their racing and breeding careers in addition to supporting aftercare initiatives.” Click here for those looking to find new careers for their Thoroughbreds. Owners with paper certificates of foal registration are also encouraged to file a transfer of ownership with The Jockey Club in preparation for future traceability initiatives for older horses. Click here for the link. The post The Jockey Club Traceability Initiative Moves Forward appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With all due respect to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Kentucky Oaks (G1), the 1 1/16-miles La Troienne (G1) is set to feature the weekend's arguably best pound-for-pound matchup in Juddmonte's Idiomatic and Godolphin's Pretty Mischievous.View the full article