Wandering Eyes

A two-time Grade I winner at the back end of 2024, Lael Stables' SHE FEELS PRETTY (f, 4, Karakontie {Jpn}–Summer Sweet, by More Than Ready) appeared to have her five rivals in Friday's GIII Modesty Stakes over a barrel on class and so it proved, as she tore away from them in the final furlong to report home a convicing winner of her seasonal debut to further cement the notion that she may have no superior in the distaff turf division in 2025. Sent off at skinny, yet reasonable odds of 3-5, the $240,000 Keeneland September graduate raced outside in the second flight of horses as the six rivals paired off through the opening furlongs. Always going sweetly down the backstretch behind the pacesetting Segesta (Ghostzapper), She Feels Pretty worked into the race nicely under a hold and came calling for the lead three off the inside at the top of the lane. Pinching a break in upper stretch, she went through her gears in the final furlong and reported home about two lengths clear of the once-beaten Gimme a Nother (SAf) (Gimmethegreenlight {Aus}). The time for the nine furlongs on firm turf was a very slick 1:45.51. Sales history: $240,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 9-6-1-2. O-Lael Stable; B-Payson Stud Inc (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. She Feels Pretty is just too good in the G3 Modesty Stakes presented by Veritas Prime! John Velazquez picks up his second graded stakes win of the day aboard the Cherie DeVaux trainee. pic.twitter.com/8sQScEQNSO — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2025 Friday, Churchill Downs MODESTY S. PRESENTED BY VERITAS PRIME-GIII, $378,000, Churchill Downs, 5-2, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/8mT, 1:45.51, fm. 1–SHE FEELS PRETTY, 123, f, 4, by Karakontie (Jpn) 1st Dam: Summer Sweet, by More Than Ready 2nd Dam: Summer Solstice (Ire), by Caerleon 3rd Dam: Summer Sonnet (GB), by Baillamont ($240,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Lael Stables; B-Payson Stud Inc (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux; J-John R. Velazquez. $244,140. Lifetime Record: MGISW, 9-6-1-2, $1,372,457. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Gimme a Nother (Saf), 118, m, 5, Gimmethegreenlight (Aus)–Nother Russia (Saf), by Tiger Ridge. O-Newstead Stables LLC; B-Wilgerbosdrift & Mauritzfontein (SAF); T-H. Graham Motion. $59,400. 3–Saffron Moon, 120, m, 6, Malibu Moon–Crocus Hill, by Medaglia d'Oro. ($80,000 Ylg '20 KEESEP). O-CHP Racing; B-Cove Springs Farm LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. $39,700. Margins: 2 1/4, HF, 2HF. Odds: 0.79, 3.08, 4.29. Also Ran: Segesta, Takemetothebeach, Birdie Rose. Scratched: Pin Up Betty, Waves of Mischief. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Karakontie’s She Feels Pretty Crushes In the Modesty appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, Newmarket, Britain, post time: 15:35, BETFRED 2000 GUINEAS STAKES-G1, £525,000, 3yo, c/f, 8f 0y Field: Benevento (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Ruling Court (Justify), Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Seagulls Eleven (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Tornado Alert (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Kameko), Yah Mo Be There (GB) (Mohaather {GB}). TDN Verdict: This is an open renewal despite the odds of Field Of Gold, who bids to become the first winner of the G3 Craven Stakes to follow up here since 2004 and provide John Gosden with a first renewal. The vibes are strong about fellow TDN Rising Star Ruling Court, who bids to provide Charlie Appleby with a third renewal in four years and who would be breaking ground as the first Guineas winner to have raced at Meydan in the Spring. Ballydoyle's Guineas plans have been disrupted throughout the past few weeks and Expanded is the only one left standing to add to Aidan O'Brien's record haul of 10 successes, with the last one coming in 2019. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newmarket, Britain, post time: 14:55, THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WORLD POOL PALACE HOUSE STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 5fT Field: Clarendon House (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Democracy Dilemma (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), No Half Measures (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Rumstar (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Seven Questions (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Twilight Calls (GB) (Twilight Son {GB}), Washington Heights (GB) (Washington DC {Ire}), Beautiful Diamond (GB) (Twlight Son {GB}), Pepsi Cat (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), She's Quality (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Tropical Storm (GB) (Eqtidaar {Ire}). TDN Verdict: An open renewal where the G3 Dubai International Airport World Trophy winner No Half Measures probably shades it on form, but the 3-year-old Tropical Storm showed how well he acts on fast ground over a fast trip when taking the Listed Roses Stakes in August. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Newmarket, Britain, post time: 15:35, BETFRED 1000 GUINEAS STAKES-G1, £548,450, 3yo, f, 8fT Field: Chantilly Lace (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Desert Flower (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Duty First (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Elwateen (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Flight (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Hey Boo (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Lake Victoria (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Red Letter (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Remaat (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), SImmering (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). TDN Verdict: The keenly-anticipated clash between the excellent fillies Desert Flower and Lake Victoria is on, with the former possibly straighter than her Irish rival. This will represent a speedier test than the G1 Fillies' Mile she dominated and Lake Victoria has an abundance of that. She bids to become the first winner of the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes to win this since 2009, but she is no ordinary sprinter-type and could be exceptional. Despite the obvious credentials of the front two, this has become a graveyard for short-priced runners in recent years and there is room for another TDN Rising Star in Red Letter to bloom. Patiently-handled last year, she has a razor-sharp turn of foot which could prove crucial if either of the front two misfire. Duty First was very good in the G3 Fred Darling Stakes, but isn't guaranteed to stay this far. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Newmarket, Britain, post time: 14:20, BETFRED DAHLIA STAKES-G2, £125,000, 4yo/up, f/m, 9fT Field: Beautiful Love (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal), Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Running Lion (GB) (Roaring Lion), Secret Satire (GB) (Advertise {GB}). TDN Verdict: Last year's 1,000 Guineas heroine Elmalka didn't fire afterwards, but back on home turf this could be a relaunch, but Cinderella's Dream is here to test her along with Running Lion. Cinderella's Dream became a big deal in the States last summer and will love the fast ground coming off a return second in Meydan's G2 Balanchine. [Tom Frary]. The post Black-Type Analysis: Who Will Wear The Guineas Crown? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a race many thought was for second-place, it was Raging Sea (Curlin–Stormy Welcome, by Storm Cat) who stepped up to play the spoiler in her 2025 bow and claim the GI La Troienne Stakes as the 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) faded to last in the lane. Content to watch the action unfold as her stablemate Randomized (Nyquist) went loose on the lead by way of traffic behind her, Raging Sea was spared a lot of the inside drama when Dorth Vader (Girvin) rushed up and knocked Thorpedo Anna away from the rail. The two-time champion was bounced around like a pinball going into the first turn, but seemed to recover from a spot on the outside stalking the pace. Raging Sea was always poised to strike behind the :23.50, :47.22, and 1:11.38 splits as they swung into the far bend. The looming danger as they turned for home, she got first jump on hard-charging Taxed (Collected) for the win despite swapping back to the wrong lead in the final strides. Randomized held on for third while Dorth Vader came in fourth. After the race, an objection was lodged by the rider of Dorth Vader against the third place finisher, but the stewards dismissed it and no changes were made to the running order. Sales history: $300,000 RNA '21 Ylg KEESEP. O/B-Alpha Delta Stables LLC; T-Chad Brown. Raging Sea comes out on top in the G1 Fasig-Tipton La Troienne Stakes! Flavien Prat was aboard for trainer Chad Brown and owner/breeder Alpha Delta Stables. pic.twitter.com/l4eP3FC6j5 — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2025 The post Raging Sea Roars Home in La Troienne, Thorpedo Anna Finishes Last After Rough Trip appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The year was 1996, and Unbridled's Song was heading into the Kentucky Derby as the heavy favorite. D. Wayne Lukas, one of racing's superstars, also had the racing world on alert. Five horses from his barn were pointed to the Kentucky Derby; a show of force that made everyone else look like longshots. Included in the entries were two well-qualified runners from a relative newcomer to Kentucky, Bob Baffert. Five years earlier, Bob had been a hotshot Quarter Horse trainer until a nudge from his friend and owner Mike Pegram convinced him to make the leap to Thoroughbreds. Bob packed up, moved his tack from Los Alamitos to Santa Anita, and quietly started filling his barn with some serious talent. He got noticed when Thirty Slews won a Breeders' Cup race, and the snowball started rolling–more owners, better horses, bigger dreams. Meanwhile, in Kentucky, Brian and Jeanie Mayberry–a respected training team from Southern California–sent their daughter, April, East to manage a small string of horses. By 1996, April had put down roots at Churchill Downs, claiming Barn 33 as home. Visiting California trainers often shipped their horses into her barn. So, after Cavonnier stormed to victory in the Santa Anita Derby, and Semoran hand-punched his ticket to Kentucky, Bob gave his friend April a call to see if she had room in her barn. I first met Bob that spring at Oaklawn Park, during the Festival of the South, thanks to April's urging to introduce myself. I had a thriving physical therapy and acupuncture practice working between Kentucky and Arkansas, and Bob and I hit it off immediately due to our Arizona and family connections. When Oaklawn closed, everyone began shipping back to Churchill, just as Derby fever was reaching a boil. The backside of the track pulsed with life: glistening horse flesh, flashing cameras, Derby hopes and dreams filled the air. Bob, despite his Santa Anita Derby win, was still an outsider, and he and Lukas had a pretty healthy rivalry going on behind the scenes. The Kentucky press hardly gave Bob a second glance–their eyes were fixed on Lukas, who was the king. Derby Day arrived. The grandstands were overflowing with racing fans, and the infield became a writhing sea of people. In the stable area, it was it was a different scene–a tense hush fell over the barns sheltering Derby runners. It was a place of pacing footsteps, tight smiles, and deep, patient breathing. Waiting for the call. As the clock ticked down, April asked Bob: “Why don't you walk over with your horse?” she said. “There's nothing like it.” Bob looked at her, half-surprised. “Really?” Then he grinned. “Why not.” At the time, walking over wasn't something the trainers normally did. Tradition was the trainers waited in the paddock while the grooms trudged the horses through the dirt and mud. The call came: bring the horses over for the 122nd running of the Kentucky Derby. Lead shanks went on, buckets grabbed and out we stepped toward the gap to the track, and the moment swallowed us whole. April, Bob, Mick, the grooms; hotwalkers, and me–together we stepped onto the sacred dirt. The air snapped and buzzed with energy. The grandstands erupted into shouts, a storm of noise crashing around us as over a hundred thousand racing fans whooped and hollered. Fans screamed out horse names, but also–to our amazement–“Go get 'em, Bob!” Bob turned to us, beaming. “I feel like my feet aren't even touching the ground,” he said. “This is unbelievable.” April nodded and smiled, “I told you so. There's nothing like it.” Cavonnier ran the race of his life, looking like the winner in the stretch, only to be caught at the wire by a nose by Jerry Bailey on Grindstone–one of Lukas's mighty five. No one would have seen coming what was about to unfold in Thoroughbred racing and the Kentucky Derby. The white-haired California trainer with the easy grin and the unstoppable spirit had announced himself to the world. And from that day forward, the Derby Walkover became a walk trainers and owners began to proudly do, defying traditions and risking ruined shoes. This moment would take on a life the likes of racing had not seen before. Tricia Brophy is an equine physical therapist and acupuncturist. The post Letter to the Editor: The Walkover–How it All Began appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With last year's winner out, two veteran stayers face some up-and-coming 4-year-olds in the May 4 Tenno Sho (Spring) (G1) at Kyoto Racecourse.View the full article

Journalism can write his way into horse racing history should he prove victorious at Churchill Downs in the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1), becoming one of 151 winners of the historic race. View the full article

A day that dawned with the news that Repole Stable's Grande (Curlin) was to be scratched from Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby turned considerably brighter for connections when 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) made his much-anticipated 4-year-old debut a winning one, establishing a new track record in Friday's $750,000 GII Alysheba Stakes on the Kentucky Oaks undercard at Churchill Downs. Suffice to say that the homebred colt's trip to Louisville went a wee bit better than his last. Having earned a massive 110 Beyer in demolishing his rivals in the GI Curlin Florida Derby, Fierceness was well down the field as the 16-5 favorite in last year's Run for the Roses and unsurprisingly passed on the remaining two legs of the Triple Crown. The 9-5 second choice to 4-5 fellow 'Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in the GII Jim Dandy Stakes in July, the bay held off a late surge by a length and ran their head-to-head mark to 2-1 with a sensational defeat of Thorpedo Anna–with Sierra Leone third–in the GI Travers Stakes the next month. He raced right on top of the ultra-demanding tempo when last seen in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic, but held on tenaciously to be an outstanding second to Sierra Leone. Given a supremely confident steer befitting a 9-10 favorite Friday afternoon, Fierceness was content to sit three wide and facing the breeze as Most Wanted (Candy Ride {Arg}) carved out a moderate pace, covering the opening quarter in :24.39 and a half in :48.31. Fierceness was always traveling strongly within the grasp of John Velazquez and was asked to take closer order while covering some ground on the turn. Rolling up to pour the pressure into the pacesetter in upper stretch, Fierceness and Most Wanted dueled heads apart into the final furlong before the 2-year-old champ asserted late. Gun Runner 'Rising Stars' Hall of Fame and Locked were third and fourth, respectively, while never a serious threat to the top two. The final time of 1:40.66 broke the previous track record of 1:41.04 set in this race in 2012 by Successful Dan (Successful Appeal). “It was a perfect trip,” said Velazquez. “There was a little bit of speed in there. I wanted them to hop out of there well and he went to the first turn not being too aggressive. When I put him in the clear on the backstretch, he just really got into the bit and kept taking off.” Added winning trainer Todd Pletcher: “He's a nice horse and he showed it today. But, wow! A track record at Churchill Downs, that's a really big deal. We've got lots of options with him right now but I'd have to think the [GI] Met Mile [at Saratoga June 7] is on the top of the current list.” Pedigree Notes: Also the dam of GIII Futurity Stakes hero Mentee, Nonna Bella is one of four winners from five to race out of Nonna Mia, a $200,000 purchase by Team Repole out of the 2008 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale and third in the GI Frizette Stakes the following season before going on to produce 2016 GI Wood Memorial Stakes hero Outwork to the cover of Repole's champion juvenile Uncle Mo. The stakes winning and graded-placed third dam was responsible for the talented racehorse and very useful sire Cairo Prince (Pioneerof the Nile). Nonna Belle is also the dam of the juvenile filly Nonna's Love (Caravaggio), a debut third going 4 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland Apr. 23, a yearling colt by Uncle Mo and a filly by Curlin foaled Apr. 1. Fierceness wears down Most Wanted to win the G2 Alysheba Stakes presented by Sentient Jet! John Velazquez was aboard for trainer Todd Pletcher. pic.twitter.com/JpPCJeVRGy — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2025 Friday, Churchill Downs ALYSHEBA S. PRESENTED BY SENTIENT JET-GII, $750,000, Churchill Downs, 5-2, 4yo/up, 1 1/16m, 1:40.66, ft. 1–FIERCENESS, 118, c, 4, by City of Light 1st Dam: Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty 2nd Dam: Nonna Mia, by Empire Maker 3rd Dam: Holy Bubbette, by Holy Bull 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Derrick Smith, Repole Stable, Michael B. Tabor and Mrs. John Magnier; B-Repole Stable, Inc. (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher; J-John R. Velazquez. $458,970. Lifetime Record: Ch. 2-year-old colt, MGISW, 10-6-1-1, $4,315,320. *Full to Mentee, GSW, $148,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Most Wanted, 118, c, 4, Candy Ride (Arg)–Beach Walk, by Distorted Humor. O-Gary and Mary West; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $148,700. 3–Hall of Fame, 120, c, 4, Gun Runner–Flag Day, by Giant's Causeway. ($1,400,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook T. Smith; B-Earle I. Mack LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $74,350. Margins: 1HF, 2 3/4, 2HF. Odds: 0.94, 8.20, 7.37. Also Ran: Locked, This Is Uscar, Katonah. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Firerceness Back With a Vengeance In the Alysheba appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Gulfstream, $42,200, Msw, 5-2, 2yo, 4 1/2f, :55.58, ft, 2 1/4 lengths. COPERNIUM (c, 2, Charlatan–Hang a Star {GSP, $149,111}, by Tapizar) became the first winner for his very popular first-crop sire (by Speightstown) and the third high-profile OBS March graduate to debut victoriously over the last three days. The 3-2 second pick in a scratched-down field of four, the $375,000 breezer was clearly last away from the machine and was in tight through the early exchanges before bulling his way through to lead before the turn. Firmly in front on the bend, he responded to his rider's urgings and found the line 2 1/4 lengths better than 4-5 Bowie (Brethren). Sassy C W (Yaupon), also a $375,000 purchase at OBS, won her maiden and 'TDN Rising Star' honors on Wednesday at Churchill, while $330,000 juvenile Mercilesanihilator (Audible) followed suit Thursday in Louisville. The first foal from his Grade III-placed dam and hailing from the family of champion Rushing Fall (More Than Ready), Copernium has a yearling full-brother that has been sent to Ireland and Hang a Star was most recently covered by Practical Joke. Sales history: $375,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $24,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-MHM Stables LLC & John C Oxley; B-Newstead Corp (KY); T-Jack Sisterson. Copernium and @EdwinGonzalz1 score in the first race for trainer @JackSisterson at #GulfstreamPark. pic.twitter.com/91AgbzqkV3 — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) May 2, 2025 The post Charlatan Represented By First Winner at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

They bet her like she would dominate, and so she did. With an electric turn of foot, Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro–Tiffany Case, by Uncle Mo) rolled past her rivals in the lane and scored an emphatic victory in the GII Edgewood Stakes at Churchill Downs to kick off the graded action on Kentucky Oaks day. Coming into this contest on a three-race win streak which began when she broke her maiden Jan. 4 in the Listed Ginger Brew Stakes at Gulfstream Park, Nitrogen has also been the betting choice for all three of those contests. From that seasonal bow in Hallandale, she picked up the GIII Florida Oaks over Lush Lips (GB) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) Mar. 8 at Tampa Bay Downs, and beat stablemate Vixen (Vekoma)–who is also back here–by 2 1/4 lengths last out Apr. 8 in the GII Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland. Carrying 4-5 odds for this jump, the Mark Casse filly was in no rush from the rail as they clicked off :23.67, :48.87, and 1:13.20 splits into the far bend. Confidently handled as they entered the homestretch, she had to muscle her way into clear running and the move left her five wide for the drive. Given her cue, it was over before the rally really began as she inhaled her inside competition at the furlong pole and coasted home with air to spare. Lush Lips (GB) rallied gamely to nail Vixen on the line in a photo for second. “She's amazing, isn't she?” said Mark Casse. “I keep saying this…but her race in the Breeders' Cup [Juvenile Fillies Turf], she could have given the winner a run for the money if she didn't have a rough trip. She has just built from that race.” “She's so nice because she shuts off for Jose [Ortiz] and he taps her on the shoulder and she takes off. She is usually outside but they had her pinned in a little bit. She's a big filly and she pushed her way out and said 'get out of my way.'” Ortiz concurred on those points saying, “She broke great and put me into a great position around both turns. When I tipped out at the quarter pole, she was loaded. Very simple trip. She's amazing.” Nitrogen with a strong closing kick under Jose Ortiz to win the G2 Edgewood Stakes presented by Accenture! Mark Casse trains the D.J. Stable homebred. pic.twitter.com/ggklOzy4jT — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2025 Pedigree Note: Nitrogen is the second foal to the races for her dam, but between the two sisters, they've already accomplished more than many broodmares ever see their offspring achieve. Half-sibling Love to Shop (Violence) was the first to obtain black-type of any kind when she ran third in the 2023 GIII Ontario Colleen Stakes at Woodbine, and was last seen running second in the GII Bessarabian Stakes at that Canadian venue early last November. Since these two, dam Tiffany Case has produced a yearling filly by Gun Runner named Sniper and was not bred for 2025. The mare is a half-sister to GSW & GISP Talk Veuve to Me (Violence). Second dam Biblical Point (Point Given) claims SW & MGSP Winning Point as a full-sister and is a half to MSP Gilded Wings (Gilded Time), herself responsible for a branch of the family which produced G1 Dos Mil Guineas-placed Good Runner (Chi) (Good Samaritan). This is the immediate family of multiple Group winner and Group 1-placed Mountain Kingdom and GISW Cool. Friday, Churchill Downs EDGEWOOD S. PRESENTED BY ACCENTURE-GII, $575,000, Churchill Downs, 5-2, 3yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 1:41.58, fm. 1–NITROGEN, 120, f, 3, by Medaglia d'Oro 1st Dam: Tiffany Case (SP), by Uncle Mo 2nd Dam: Biblical Point, by Point Given 3rd Dam: Bibical Sense, by Blushing Groom (Fr) O/B-D. J. Stable, LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse; J-Jose L. Ortiz.$363,800. Lifetime Record: MGISP, 7-4-1-2, $981,604. *1/2 to Love to Shop (Violence), SW & MGSP, $240,778. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Lush Lips (GB), 118, f, 3, Ten Sovereigns (Ire)–Lamyaa (GB), by Arcano (Ire). (£82,000 Ylg '23 GOFFUK). O-Medallion Racing, Steve Weston, Stewart Hoffman, Mrs. Paul Shanahan and Mrs. M. V. Magnier B-The Pocock Family (GB); T-Brendan Walsh. $98,000. 3–Vixen, 120, f, 3, Vekoma–Top Mission, by Noble Mission (GB). ($57,000 Ylg '23 KEEJAN; $22,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $200,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-D. J. Stable LLC and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-Jason Edward Howard (KY); T-Mark Casse. $59,000. Margins: 3HF, NO, 3/4. Odds: 0.97, 3.63, 3.92. Also Ran: Aterradora (Ire), Will Then, Gowells Delight, Hideaway. Scratched: Admit. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Nitrogen Kicks Into Gear, Rolls Home in Edgewood to Kick off Graded Action on Oaks Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was the perceived wisdom of 2024 that the 2-year-old fillies were a level above the colts and as Newmarket's two mile Classics loom this weekend, we get a first measurement of whether that has carried over. On the face of it, the line-ups for the Betfred-sponsored 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas suggest that the fillies' monument is the one most anticipated among Suffolk's hardcore. There's a good old Godolphin-Ballydoyle stand-off between two unbeaten peer leaders and TDN Rising Stars in Desert Flower and Lake Victoria to come on Sunday and while it may be sacrilege to say this, the colts' equivalent for once feels like we're dealing with Best Supporting Actor honours. That sentiment may partly be to do with the disappointment of losing Ballydoyle's buzz horse of the Spring, Twain, and it's always possible that the 2,000 will host a transformative shift. We have the leader of the juvenile colts' Classification, which should be a pre-requisite for an up-to-scratch Guineas, but William Buick isn't even riding him, so what does that say? Godolphin's generation leader Shadow Of Light is the colt in question and while he completed the not inconsequential Middle Park-Dewhurst double, his mark of 120 is only a respectable one for a champion colt. At least the son of Lope De Vega has proven adept at handling this track, twice, but he had easy ground when accounting for Whistlejacket in the Middle Park and when upstaging the raw Expanded in the Dewhurst and he won't have that here. The upside is that the faster turf here may negate his obvious stamina limitations, but still it's not the greatest vote of confidence that Buick has opted for the race's big market mover Ruling Court. Where Shadow Of Light has been through the standard European tests, his stablemate Ruling Court has had an eclectic 2,000 Guineas preparation to say the least. A son of Justify (who don't forget 12 months ago was all but certain to have his first Guineas winner) with a lot of upside, the Arqana May Breeze-Up-topping TDN Rising Star was readily brushed aside by another sadly absent Rosegreen standard-bearer in The Lion In Winter at York, went totally missing and then reappeared with a bang in the desert in the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas. At this time of year and in this race, it often pays to follow the money and what we've been seeing in the betting probably reflects what they've been seeing since his return to town. Don't say you weren't warned. Is All That Glitters Gold? On the eye and on the clock, the 2,000 Guineas winner elect is undoubtedly Juddmonte's Field Of Gold, but is it that cut-and-dried? The son of Kingman has emerged from a family which specialises in its bountiful supply of class Thoroughbreds and unsurprisingly it took the transition from two to three for him to blossom, but you have to go back to 2004 for the last impressive winner of the Craven to follow suit here. What was clear from that course-and-distance trial is that the Gosdens' grey is a generous giver, as many of the sire's progeny tend to be, so perhaps the only doubt is whether this colt that sits above the rest can provide again in what is a quick turnaround. Interestingly, it was Kingman himself who seemed poised for glory here after his Greenham domination only to throw it away to a horse he had annihilated in his trial. Irish Posers… Interestingly, Aidan O'Brien has opted for just one contender in each of the Classics this weekend, despite having several leading hopes and while Expanded was always the understudy to Twain, it is through circumstance that he alone flies the Wootton Bassett flag here. Fast-tracked to this having been steered towards the Tetrarch-Irish Guineas all Spring, it's a case of deja vu for the exciting colt after he was made to deputise for The Lion In Winter in the Dewhurst in October, just days after his debut. Given the setback to the operation's number one (and possibly number two), the decision not to pitch Henri Matisse into the race is intriguing given his obvious form credentials. He is closely tied in with Scorthy Champ on the form of The Curragh's great staging post, the G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes, while another from the establishment in Camille Pissarro had Field Of Gold behind in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere but is also not here, so what does it all mean? Maybe it is simply a case of Expanded having been on the right work schedule for this, as the Tetrarch falls on Monday. Or maybe he is above that pair of fellow sons of Wootton Bassett. Did Ballydoyle really put all their eggs in one basket with Twain? One thing is for sure, Expanded's initial main target is three weeks away, so if he wins this he is some animal. Ireland's challenge is completed by the likeable Scorthy Champ, who represents the formidable Mehmas and is still relatively unexposed, and another Wootton Bassett in Green Impact. The latter is probably more of a middle-distance prospect, as suggested in his defeat of Delacroix in Leopardstown's old Golden Fleece, the G2 Champions Juvenile Stakes, so a positive showing could see the inevitable early shifts in the Derby market. Ready, Willing And Able… This Spring, Lake Victoria had looked a doubtful runner for the 1,000 Guineas with O'Brien keen to avoid nudging the daughter of Frankel awake too soon. When discussing the ground-breaking filly at his initial Press Day, the master of Ballydoyle also hinted that when prompted she is all action and, voila, here she is. One of racing's true givers, her trademark will-to-conquer will carry her far in this showdown with her Godolphin counterpart even if lack of sharpness betrays her. As with Expanded, the stable have removed all back-up which can be read as either a vote of confidence in the sole runner or a case of the increased prioritisation of the ParisLongchamp Classics. Time will tell. Luckily for the purists, Lake Victoria isn't entirely front and centre as Desert Flower's sensational Fillies' Mile performance over this course and distance marks her out as similarly elite. This is set up to be an epic and could be up there with the 2003 renewal, where Russian Rhythm, Six Perfections, Intercontinental and Soviet Song all faced off. Charlie Appleby has his best chance yet of landing this Classic with the daughter of Night Of Thunder, but she is one who will undoubtedly stay further and it could simply be a case of who is the quickest of the pair on this surface. Red Letter Day? Ireland's thinking man's trainer Ger Lyons has long promised to seize an English Classic, but it's safe to say that he's been admirably circumspect in his approach to the task so far. With that in mind, it could be a clear signal that he is willing to finally let fly with the race's other fascinating Frankel in Juddmonte's TDN Rising Star Red Letter. She should really have beaten Lake Victoria on debut when showing devastating acceleration and is way, way better than her fourth behind that rival again in the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. Make no mistake, this is a serious filly and her presence in such a hot renewal, when perhaps the more expected option would have been the Curragh equivalent later this month, says a lot. Another trainer with Classic ambitions sure to be realised at some point is Archie Watson, whose flying filly Duty First produced an undoubtedly high-class performance to win Newbury's G3 Fred Darling Stakes. A daughter of speed influence Showcasing, she faces the age-old stamina poser even if ability is not a question, while Ollie Sangster is another young handler seeking an audacious breakthrough moment. Daring to have a pair of runners in the proven Simmering and Flight, he'll need the daughters of Too Darn Hot and Siyouni to take a step up and for the main protagonists to run short of their peak, but hey, it's early May and in the last seven renewals of this there have been winners at 66-1, 14-1, 16-1 and 28-1. This is NOT a race for favourites. Minding was the last one to collect, nine years ago. New Day, New Bays… Also on Newmarket's Sunday card is the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes, where Shadwell's TDN Rising Star Falakeyah begins a possible Oaks odyssey. The way the daughter of New Bay and relative of Baaeed and Hukum went through her debut at Wolverhampton in November, she belongs in that discussion for now. That is the case for another New Bay, the wide-margin Doncaster maiden winner Janey Mackers who belongs to the David Menuisier stable. Cue lots of welcome banter from the French-born Pulborough-based raconteur. Elmalka Returns… While form figures of 444 aren't what you expect to follow success in the 1,000 Guineas, particularly when it comes to such an unexposed and elite-bred one as Elmalka, here we are again at the start of a new campaign with the slate clean. Did the daughter of Kingman simply luck out when leading home Porta Fortuna, Ramatuelle and Tamfana on this card 12 months ago? It's time to find out, beginning with this G2 Dahlia Stakes, and her pedigree suggests she has more to give. Seventh in that Classic, Cinderella's Dream comes back to the Heath a different filly having indeed gone to the ball on several occasions in the USA. The post Guineas Weekend Preview: Ruling Court The New “Now” Horse? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Who's been making the best physical impression in the mornings heading into the GI Kentucky Derby? Our boots on the ground and Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack reveals his top three favorite workouts recorded from the scratched-down field of 19 beneath the Twin Spires. 1) JOURNALISM April 27, 2025 | 5F | 1:01.40 (18/22) Not only does Journalism (Curlin) have the best form heading into the first Saturday in May. The physically imposing 3-1 morning-line favorite also posted the most visually impressive local breeze of the field, reaching out beautifully down the lane while working five furlongs in 1:01.40 Apr. 27. He was clocked in splits of :13.60, :25.80 and :37.60 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60 and seven furlongs 1:26.80. “I was very pleased with the work,” trainer Michael McCarthy said. “Umberto (Rispoli) was happy, so that's good.” 2) SOVEREIGNTY April 27, 2025 | 5F | 1:01.80 (22/22) For a horse with the reputation of not being the best work horse, the powerfully built Sovereignty (Into Mischief) has made quite the impression during his time in Louisville. Very aggressive heading to the pole, Sovereignty was under a snug hold from exercise rider Javier Cardona, switched leads right on cue and easily handled his workmate while getting over the ground with very good-looking strides, concluding his Derby preparations with a five-furlong move in 1:01.80. He was credited with splits of :25.40, :37.80 and a six-furlong gallop-out time of 1:15. “Liked what I saw,” Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said. “He looked good coming through the stretch.” 3) BURNHAM SQUARE April 26, 2025 | 5F | :59.20 (3/33) With jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. scraping the paint just like he did aboard Mystik Dan in last year's Derby, there's been plenty of buzz about Burnham Square (Liam's Map)'s sparkling five-furlong move in :59.20 Apr. 26. He worked in fractions of :12.40, :24.40, :36, :59.40 and was out six furlongs in 1:12 and seven-eighths in 1:26.20. “I let him out a little bit at the eighth pole and he got his last eighth in :11 1/5,” Hernandez, Jr. said. Trainer Ian Wilkes added, “It was probably a tick faster, but he did it well in hand and had a strong gallop out.” The post Top Three Kentucky Derby Workouts: Journalism, Sovereignty & Burnham Square appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) runner-up Grande has been scratched from the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1). The Todd Pletcher-trained colt did not train May 2 and has been dealing with a cracked heel, according to his owner, Mike Repole of Repole Stable.View the full article

With last year's winner out, two veteran stayers face some up-and-coming 4-year-olds in the May 4 Tenno Sho (Spring) at Kyoto Racecourse.View the full article

California-based trainer Ed Moger Jr. won his 2,000th race May 1 at Churchill Downs when Paynt Ya Later won an allowance optional claiming race by three-quarters of a length at Churchill Downs.View the full article

After playing the waiting game, connections of Baeza are relieved that the colt managed to draw in off the also-eligible list and run in the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs May 3.View the full article

With thunderstorms possible after 5 pm, pleasant temperatures greeted the Kentucky Oaks (G1) day crowd arriving the morning of May 2 at Churchill Downs. As the field went to post for the first race, the main track was listed as fast with firm turf. View the full article

1st-Churchill Downs, $122,270, Alw (NW1X)/Opt. Clm ($125,000), 5-2, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:42.04, ft, 7 lengths. SHRED THE GNAR (f, 3, Into Mischief–Aspen Light, by Bernardini) just missed by a diminishing neck when debuted going six furlongs at Gulfstream Feb. 9 and was more than ready for her stretch out to one mile, wiring a field in Florida by 6 1/2 lengths March 16 to become a 'TDN Rising Star'. Trying two turns for the first time in the Oaks day opener Friday, the 4-5 favorite again flashed early speed from the rail and showed the way around the clubhouse turn with Chasten (Into Mischief) situated just off her flank in second. That pair, clearly the class of the field, opened up through fractions of :23.89 and :47.86 but Shred the Gnar turned for home with plenty left and turned her rival back to lead in a procession by seven lengths. Chasten lasted for second and was a further three lengths clear of Table Flirt (Constitution) in third. Aspen Light, a half-sister to GI Lane's End Breeders' Futurity winner Great Hunter (Aptitude), is also responsible for Shred the Gnar's full-brother in Owendale, MGSW & MGISP, $1,538,435. This is the family of champion 3-year-old filly Stellar Wind (Curlin) who went the way of M.V. Magnier for $6,000,000 at KEENOV in 2017. Aspen Light does not have a 2-year-old this year but reported a filly by Uncle Mo last year and went to Practical Joke for this season. Sales History: $610,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, $128,960. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing LLC; B-Camas Park Stud & Lynch Bages LTD. (KY); T-Brian A. Lynch. Shred the Gnar takes them all the way in the opener on Kentucky Oaks day Luis Saez up for trainer Brian Lynch. pic.twitter.com/qOssxL6bqf — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2025 The post ‘Rising Star’ Shred The Gnar Romps To Open Oaks Card At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Three wildcards have been released for next week's Arqana Breeze-Up Sale, which takes place between May 8 and 10 in Deauville. Among the three two-year-olds that have been added to the sale is the Oak Tree Farm-consigned Wootton Bassett colt [lot 194] out of the Listed-placed Materialistic. A grandson of Group winner and Group 1-placed Pongee, the colt hails from the family of Pacifique, Prudenzia, Paix, Magic Wand, Chicquita and Philomene. In addition, a daughter of Lucky Vega (lot 195) will be offered from Bansha House Stables. The well-bred filly is a half-sister to Real Appeal, a dual Group winner, and the black-type Run For Me. Finally, Sherbourne Lodge Stables will offer lot 196, a son of the young American sire Knicks Go, out of a half-sister to Graded winner Super Freaky. The well-bred colt hails from the family of the Classic winner Silver Charm, the winner of the Preakness Stakes, Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup. The post Three Well-Bred Wildcards Added To Arqana Breeze-Up Sale Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Churchill Downs banned the veteran for two years when his horse Medina Spirit failed a drugs test after winning the 2021 Kentucky Derby.View the full article

Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's relatively unexposed 3-year-old colt Nitoi (Siyouni {Fr}) had just two prior outings under his belt heading into Friday's Listed Prix de Suresnes and called upon abundant reserves to claim a hard-fought career high in the 10-furlong Prix du Jockey Club trial. The Andre Fabre-trained homebred half-brother to G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern and G1 Hong Kong Vase hero Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}) broke through in his Sept. 16 debut at this venue and ran second in ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix Noailles on black-type debut and seasonal return last time. Breaking on the lead before accepting a tow in second after the early shuffling, the 9-5 second favourite loomed large going well approaching the quarter-mile marker and came under a forceful drive once hitting the front with 300 metres remaining to stave off the persistent threat of the hitherto undefeated Leffard (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) by a short-neck in game fashion. Juddmonte's G3 Prix La Force placegetter New Ground (GB) (New Bay {GB}) finished 3/4-of-a-length adrift in third. Nitoi is the fifth of six foals and fourth scorer produced by GIII Regret Stakes and GIII Edgewood Stakes placegetter Lady Zuzu (Dynaformer), herself a half-sister to multiple Grade III-winning GI Turf Classic and GI Manhattan Handicap second Optimizer (English Channel). The February-foaled bay is a half-brother to the aforementioned Junko and the hitherto unraced 2-year-old colt Zutzut (Uncle Mo). Lady Zuzu was bred to Justify last year. Tenacious! Andre Fabre's Nitoi – who has an entry in the Prix du Jockey Club – battles to a hard-fought success in the Listed Prix de Suresnes at @fgchantilly… pic.twitter.com/uj42PlWs42 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 2, 2025 Friday, Chantilly, France PRIX DE SURESNES-Listed, €55,000, Chantilly, 5-2, 3yo, 10fT, 2:02.25, g/s. 1–NITOI, 128, c, 3, by Siyouni (Fr) 1st Dam: Lady Zuzu (MGSP-US, $112,615), by Dynaformer 2nd Dam: Indy Pick, by A.P. Indy 3rd Dam: Fantastic Find, by Mr. Prospector 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. O/B-Wertheimer & Frere (KY); T-Andre Fabre; J-Maxime Guyon. €27,500. Lifetime Record: GSP-Fr, 3-2-1-0, €58,500. *1/2 to Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}), G1SW-Ger & HK, MGSW & G1SP-Fr, $2,430,857. 2–Leffard (Fr), 128, c, 3, Le Havre (Ire)–Let's Misbehave (Ire), by Montjeu (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE. (€150,000 Ylg '23 ARQAUG). O-Gerard Augustin-Normand & Ecurie Antonio Caro; B-Ecurie Haras du Cadran & Ecurie Melanie (FR); T-Jean-Claude Rouget. €11,000. 3–New Ground (GB), 128, c, 3, New Bay (GB)–Gaining (GB), by American Post. O/B-Juddmonte Farms Inc (GB); T-Henri-Francois Devin. €8,250. Margins: SNK, 3/4, SNK. Odds: 1.80, 6.10, 7.30. Also Ran: Azimpour (Ire), Juwelier (Ire), Nizam (Fr), Chaumiere De Pre (Fr). The post Siyouni’s Nitoi Digs Deep for Stakes Breakthrough at Chantilly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Impressive enough in his two starts to prompt much thought about a crack at the 2,000 Guineas, Juddmonte's Cosmic Year instead went to Newmarket for a gentler education on Friday and duly stayed on track in the Listed King Charles II Stakes. As he had at Sandown in September and at Kempton on his return in April, the Harry Charlton-trained son of Kingman and Passage Of Time travelled with purpose throughout the deep seven-furlong test. When asked by Ryan Moore, the 6-4 favourite settled the contest with a bit in hand inside the final furlong and had 1 1/2 lengths to spare over Marvelman at the line. Harry Charlton gave the lowdown afterwards. “The race didn't pan out exactly how you would have wanted it to, as the two to his right split right. Ryan said he thought they were all going to go that way, but they didn't and he wished he would have followed them as he would have been more impressive if he had that lead to the one pole,” he explained. “He has not handled the dip perfectly, but Ryan liked the way he knuckled down in the final furlong. Barry [Mahon] and Prince Khalid's family have made the right call in that they had three horses that could have run in the 2,000 Guineas–Ryan said he could see why I didn't want to come here for a quick ground 2,000 Guineas.” “Oisin had said this before and Ryan said he would be quite comfortable trying the quicker ground when meeting the rising ground at Ascot,” he added. “We have come here with the view to going to the Irish Guineas. I think the plan will still be to go to Ireland and I think that will suit better. You get a good pace there and you can ride them a bit differently. Whether that leads on to a St James's Palace Stakes, I think that will depend on results, and results of the 2,000 Guineas tomorrow.” Cosmic Year strikes in the Listed King Charles II Stakes for @HarryJCharlton and Ryan Moore @TrustATrader | @NewmarketRace pic.twitter.com/WJ1L7zMguw — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 2, 2025 Passage Of Time captured the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud and G3 Musidora Stakes and was placed in the G1 Nassau Stakes, G1 Prix Vermeille and GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. This is her third black-type winner, with the former two being Dubawi's multiple Group-winning sire Time Test and Kingman's dual Group winner Tempus. A half to Zamindar's G1 Falmouth Stakes heroine Timepiece, she is also the second dam of Frankel's dual G3 Princess Royal Stakes winner Time Lock and hails from the excellent family of the champion Twice Over and Bated Breath's GI Matriarch Stakes winner Viadera. Her 2-year-old full-brother to Time Test is named Start Of Time. TRUSTATRADER KING CHARLES II STAKES-Listed, £55,000, Newmarket, 5-2, 3yo, 7fT, 1:24.04, gd. 1–COSMIC YEAR (GB), 131, c, 3, by Kingman (GB) 1st Dam: Passage Of Time (GB) (G1SW-Fr, GSW & G1SP-Eng, GISP-US, $651,668), by Dansili (GB) 2nd Dam: Clepsydra (GB), by Sadler's Wells 3rd Dam: Quandary, by Blushing Groom (Fr) TDN Rising Star. 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Juddmonte; B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB); T-Harry Charlton; J-Ryan Moore. £31,191. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, $53,847. *Full to Tempus (GB), GSW-Fr, GSW-Eng, $309,597; 1/2 to Time Test (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), MGSW & G1SP-Eng, MGISP-US, $830,948. 2–Marvelman (Ire), 131, c, 3, Invincible Spirit (Ire)–Varamini (Fr), by Siyouni (Fr). 1ST BLACK TYPE. (140,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT). O-Mr & Mrs R. M. Gorell; B-Gigginstown House Stud (IRE); T-Andrew Balding. £11,825. 3–Diego Ventura (Ire), 131, c, 3, Mehmas (Ire)–Leoube (Ire), by Kodiac (GB). (€88,000 Ylg '23 GOFOR; €72,000 2yo '24 TATBRU). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Sean Ronan & Caroline Hanly (IRE); T-Hamad Al Jehani. £5,918. Margins: 1HF, 3, HD. Odds: 1.50, 16.00, 7.50. Also Ran: La Botte (GB), Port Light (Ire), Symbol Of Honour (GB), Chancellor (GB), Big Cyril (Ire), Pellitory (GB), The Waco Kid (Ire). The post Onwards And Upwards For Kingman’s Exciting Cosmic Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There were four with promising Derby credentials contesting Friday's Listed Newmarket Stakes and ultimately a clear-cut winner in Godolphin's improver Alpine Trail (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}). Sent off the 10-11 favourite for the 10-furlong Blue Riband pointer, the Wolverhampton and Yarmouth winner had it all his own way in front under William Buick and made straightforward work of registering a three-length verdict over the Gosdens' TDN Rising Star and fellow Dubawi, Nebras (GB). Still unbeaten Alpine Trail makes it three from three for Charlie Appleby and @WilliamBuickX in the Listed @Nyetimber Newmarket Stakes @NewmarketRace | @godolphin pic.twitter.com/LNAZjd5hoM — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 2, 2025 The post Dubawi’s Alpine Trail Puts Down His Derby Marker At Newmarket appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grande (Curlin) will not make the elongated Churchill Downs starting gate for the GI Kentucky Derby on Saturday because of a foot bruise and was ruled off by the state veterinarians, according to a tweet on X from owner Mike Repole. The runner-up in the GII Wood Memorial Stakes was prepping last week for the Derby at Keeneland before making the trip over to train at Churchill Downs. A $300,000 Keeneland September buy, the 3-year-old was scheduled for post 10 and Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez had the mount who was 20-1 on the morning-line. Repole posted, “Unfortunately, the vets have decided to scratch Grande from tomorrow's Kentucky Derby. He has been battling a slight cracked heel this week which has been improving. To be cautious, Todd X-rayed on Monday and the horse had clean X-rays. On Wednesday, the state vets asked us if we could do a PET scan, and Grande had that yesterday and it was also clean. “He has been training and looking great on the track all week,” the owner said. “The heel has improved throughout the week and it also improved again this morning. Unfortunately the vets told us this morning they were scratching the horse despite the clean diagnostics.” Repole continued by saying that he and his team were mystified as to why Grande was scratched after the colt had such a great week training. “With the race being tomorrow, and Baeza already having drawn into the race, we are also shocked and confused why this decision was made now,” said Repole. “We were given no real explanation why Grande was scratched 36 hours before the race. “We all love these horses and our number one concern is the safety and welfare of these amazing Thoroughbreds,” he said. “That is, and should always be the priority. With all the diagnostics we have taken, the great vets we use, and the experience of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, we are baffled and confused by what criteria vets are using to determine who scratches, who doesn't and when…especially when every diagnostic tells us the horse is safe and sound.” The official Derby scratch time on Friday was 9:00 a.m. ET. The current field for the big race sits at 19 since 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic) was forced to exit on Thursday evening. Baeza (McKinzie) has drawn in as the final also-eligible. Unfortunately, the vets have decided to scratch Grande from tomorrow's Kentucky Derby. He has been battling a slight cracked heel this week which has been improving. To be cautious, Todd X-rayed on Monday and the horse had clean X-rays. On Wednesday, the state vets asked us if… — Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) May 2, 2025 The post Grande Has Foot Bruise, Scratched By Vets From Kentucky Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kentucky Derby (G1) victory usually guarantees a stud career for its winner, an impossible future for the gelding Burnham Square. However, connections believe he would've never received the opportunity at America's biggest race without being gelded.View the full article

The Road: sponsored by Gainesway and Darby Dan FarmView the full article