Wandering Eyes

A pair of Matt Winn Turf Course records marked two grade 3 events on the Kentucky Oaks (G1) undercard May 2 at Churchill Downs. She Feels Pretty romped in the Modesty Stakes (G3T), followed by Queen Maxima in the Unbridled Sidney (G3T).View the full article

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Journalism (Curlin) has gotten plenty of ink–and rightfully so–ahead of the 151st running of the GI Kentucky Derby. But here's something that you may not know about the 3-1 morning-line favorite. How did Journalism–campaigned in partnership by the powerhouse partnership of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, breeder Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 and the Coolmore partners (Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith)–get his name? “We have always tried to mimic the Claiborne tradition of naming horses with one-word names with a clever connotation to its pedigree,” Eclipse frontman Aron Wellman said. “Curlins are hard to name, so we opted to go off the dam's name, Mopotism (Uncle Mo), so we wanted a name that ended in 'ism.' I was the Sports Editor of my high school newspaper and am accused of being a disgruntled sports writer. Journalism has always been in my blood and I admire responsible and creative journalists. So, we went with Journalism.” Wellman added, “I find it poignant that in this day and age when the truth is so hard to discern in today's media that all eyes will be on a horse named Journalism for the Kentucky Derby.” Speaking of media, here are some of the other main storylines to keep an eye on for this year's Kentucky Derby: Following a much-discussed, three-year suspension, Hall of Famer Bob Baffert makes his Kentucky Derby return with champion 2-year-old Citizen Bull (Into Mischief). Closing in on 90 years of age (his birthday is Sept. 2), the legendary D. Wayne Lukas will saddle his 51st Kentucky Derby starter, American Promise (Justify). After becoming the eighth jockey to pull off the Kentucky Oaks-Kentucky Derby double, Brian Hernandez, Jr. will ride the gelded Burnham Square (Liam's Map). Nine geldings have won the Derby. Last year's Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Kenny McPeek, meanwhile, has longshot Render Judgment (Blame) entered. Publisher (American Pharoah) will attempt to break his maiden in the Derby as will his Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, who is 0-for-26 on the first Saturday in May. Buchanan (1884), Sir Barton (1919) and Brokers Tip (1933) are the only maidens to win the Derby. Asmussen will also be represented by Tiztastic (Tiz the Law). Everyone loves to root for an underdog. Just a $2,500 FTKOCT yearling purchase, Chunk of Gold (Preservationist) earned his spot in the Derby with a runner-up finish for trainer Ethan West in the GII Louisiana Derby. Already the producer of 2023 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) and 2024 GI Belmont Stakes winner Dornoch (Good Magic), sensational broodmare Puca (Big Brown) could make it three straight years with a Classic winner with Baeza (McKinzie), who drew in off the also-eligible list. After coming painfully close with Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in last year's Derby, Japan will be represented by Admire Daytona (Jpn) (Drefong) and Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah), who were assigned neighboring posts. Godolphin and Brad Cox, the winning team behind Friday's GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro), will have separate chances for a sweep. Sheikh Mohammed's operation will be represented by 'TDN Rising Star' East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro) and Sovereignty (Into Mischief) for a first Kentucky Derby victory. Cox will tighten the girth on Juddmonte homebred Final Gambit (Not This Time). With more showers in the forecast and a first post of 11 a.m. ET, the 14-race Kentucky Derby program also features: the GI American Turf S.; GI Churchill Downs S.; GI Derby City Distaff S.; GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic; GII Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile; GII Pat Day Mile S.; and GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint S. The 2025 'Run for the Roses' marks NBC Sports' milestone 25th presentation of the Kentucky Derby. For profiles on all 19 of the Kentucky Derby runners–Rodriguez (Authentic) & Grande (Curlin) have been withdrawn–click here for our special preview edition. The post Front Page News: Journalism Headlines Kentucky Derby 151 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sent off right at her morning-line odds of 6-5, Godolphin's GOOD CHEER (f, 3, Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) provided her sensational Darley America-based stallion with his third winner of the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks, sustaining an irresistible run from three furlongs out to stamp her dominance on America's greatest and most important race for the 3-year-old filly set. The homebred becomes the second Oaks winner in the space of three years for Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation, joining Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) in 2023, a third winner of the Oaks since 2018 for trainer Brad Cox (Monomoy Girl, Shedaresthedevil) and a second riding victory for Luis Saez (Secret Oath, 2022). Drawn in gate 10 in a field reduced to 13 by the earlier scratching of GII Gulfstream Park Oaks winner Five G (Vekoma), Good Cheer was void of early speed and was settled in mid-division by Saez, as GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes heroine La Cara (Street Sense) sparred on the front end with the once-beaten California raider Tenma (Nyquist). Kept out of harm's way and out of the kickback over a track rendered sloppy by rains that struck greater Louisville around 4 p.m., Good Cheer was given her cue about three furlongs out and caught the eye with a five- or six-wide sweep around 'TDN Rising Star' Quietside (Malibu Moon) as heads were turned for home. Tenma got the better of the pace battle with La Cara, but Good Cheer began to bear down approaching the eighth pole, took command soon after and set sail for home. When all was said and done, she had about three lengths on Drexel Hill (Bolt d'Oro) and Bless the Broken (Laoban) in third. Medaglia d'Oro also accounted for Oaks winners Rachel Alexandra (2009) and Plum Pretty (2011). Lifetime Record: 7-7-0-0. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad Cox. Good Cheer stays perfect in the Kentucky Oaks!! @bradcoxracing @luissaezpty @godolphin TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/oSv5L4EJm2 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 2, 2025 The post Undefeated Good Cheer Gives Medaglia d’Oro a Third Winner of the Kentucky Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As the race was moved up to avoid incoming storms, Look Forward was unfazed and provided an emotional win for her connections in the $579,660 Eight Belles Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs May 2.View the full article

The Moyglare Stud Farm homebred made her first start in the United States a winning one at Aqueduct Racetrack May 2 in the Sheepshead Bay Stakes (G3T) for older fillies and mares.View the full article

Taking her game on the road and gradually coming east since starting her season in January, California invader Look Forward (Bolt d'Oro–Troublesome, by Into Mischief) set her sights on Churchill Downs on the first Friday in May and took home top prize in the GII Eight Belles Stakes right before racing was interrupted for a severe weather delay. With a menacing patch of storms bearing down on Churchill, the race was on to get the field out and over the track in advance of the forecasted heavy rain and winds. They just managed to complete the race when the worst of it rolled onto the grounds, whisking papers onto the track as Mother Nature joined the sea of pink in Louisville. Post times for the following GIII Unbridled Sidney Stakes and GI Kentucky Oaks were moved back as a result. Bearing the colors of GI Kentucky Derby hero I'll Have Another (Flower Alley) beneath the same Twin Spires that saw him claim the nation's top prize 13 years ago, and ridden by the man who will sit atop the expected favorite in Saturday's 151st running, Look Forward entered this race off a fading sixth-place finish Apr. 7 in the GI Ashland Stakes. It was her second consecutive poor break as she bobbled at the jump two back Feb. 23 in the GIII Honeybee Stakes at Oaklawn that Kentucky Oaks runner 'TDN Rising Star' Quietside (Malibu Moon) claimed en route to her date with the lilies. Sent off here at 7-1 odds, Look Forward was close to the action in third behind fractions of :21.92, a half in :44.17, and swung into the lane after six furlongs in 1:08.80 with an open advantage having taken command nearing the furlong marker after navigating through traffic. Holding firm in the final strides, it was 1 1/4 lengths back to Blue Fire (Aurelius Maximus) in second and Evanescence (Munnings) flew late to take third after spending most of the race in another zip code. Look Forward, looks to the wire and takes the G2 Eight Belles at Churchill Downs! She is trained by Michael McCarthy and was ridden by @umbyrispoli! TwinSpiresRacing pic.twitter.com/rdYHZUqsBq — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 2, 2025 Pedigree Notes: The victress is a half-sister to multiple Listed winner Amidst Waves (Midshipman), who was also graded placed last year in the GIII Soaring Softly Stakes. Their most recent half-sibling to reach racing age is the juvenile filly Classic Chaos (Classic Empire). The dam has a yearling colt by Yaupon to her credit and currently awaits her 2025 foal by Flightline. This is the extended female family of MSW Chasing Liberty (Constitution). Friday, Churchill Downs EIGHT BELLES S. PRESENTED BY SYSCO-GII, $579,660, Churchill Downs, 5-2, 3yo, f, 7f, 1:22.36, ft. 1–LOOK FORWARD, 118, f, 3, by Bolt d'Oro 1st Dam: Troublesome, by Into Mischief 2nd Dam: Apple Pie Baby, by Not For Love 3rd Dam: Time to Dream, by Time for a Change 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($285,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Reddam Racing LLC; B-Woods Edge Farm, LLC & Ballyfair Bloodstock (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy; J-Umberto Rispoli. $351,400. Lifetime Record: 6-3-1-0, $505,675. *1/2 to Amidst Waves (Midshipman), MSW & GSP, $292,400. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Blue Fire, 118, f, 3, Aurelius Maximus–Mystic Blue, by Maimonides. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($32,000 Ylg '23 OBSWIN; $100,000 Ylg '23 FTKJUL). O-Stonestreet Stables LLC and Peter Leidel; B-J. Adcock & Nathan Granger (LA); T-Steven Asmussen. $94,000. 3–Evanescence, 118, f, 3, Munnings–Lovely Carina, by Pioneerof the Nile. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($250,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Green Lantern Stables LLC; B-Stud TNT, LLC (KY); T-Eddie Kenneally. $57,000. Margins: 1 1/4, 1, 1. Odds: 7.52, 13.30, 14.99. Also Ran: Mendela, Verity, Whatintheliteral, Bourbon Memory, Impulse Buy, Eclatant, Princess Aliyah, Kimchi Cat. Scratched: Unchained Elaine. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Look Forward Looks East, Conquers the Eight Belles as Severe Weather Delays Oaks Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Califorinia raider QUEEN MAXIMA (f, 4, Bucchero–Corfu Lady, by Corfu) jumped out of the ground at the eighth pole and displayed her electric turn of foot to turn Friday's GIII Unbridled Sidney Stakes into a one-horse affair, scoring by the better part of four lengths. The owner of a four-race winning streak, including a facile success in the GIII Monrovia Stakes down the hillside turf course at Santa Anita Apr. 5, fell into the perfect chasing position in fourth as Epona's Hope (Adios Charlie) scrimmage up front with Ag Bullet (Twirling Candy), the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint third who was as long as 9-5 before firming into 3-2 favoritism at the off. In the meantime, Queen Maxima was ridden patiently by Juan Hernandez and began to draw in while wide on the turf, as Ag Bulet found herself in a jackpot behind now loose leader Epona's Hope. Ag Bullet went for a rails run nearing midstretch, but had the door completely slammed on her by Epona's Hope, losing all chance. It may or may not have mattered, as Queen Maxima showed her trademark acceleration and drew clear to the wire. Sales history: $40,000 2yo '23 OBSJUN. Lifetime Record: 9-6-2-0. O-Dutch Girl Holdings LLC & Irving Ventures LLC; B-Saul Rosas (FL); T-Jeff Mullins. Queen Maxima romps home in the G3 Unbridled Sidney Stakes presented by Cygames! Juan Hernandez was aboard for trainer Jeff Mullins. pic.twitter.com/qCG3x2S3jb — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 2, 2025 The post Bucchero Filly Queen Maxima Flies Home In Unbridled Sidney appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hours after the disappointment of his Kentucky Derby (G1) entrant Grande being scratched from the May 3 race, owner Mike Repole was in the winner's circle at Churchill Downs, celebrating a victory in the Alysheba Stakes (G2) from Fierceness. View the full article

Copernium, trained by Jack Sisterson, won his racing debut by 2 1/4 lengths May 2 at Gulfstream Park. View the full article

Mystik Dan tries to become the man again, this time on the first Saturday in May at Oaklawn when he seeks his first victory since the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) in the Lake Ouachita Stakes for older horses at 1 1/16 miles.View the full article

The clash between Desert Flower and Lake Victoria is on after both star fillies were declared to run in the May 4 One Thousand Guineas (G1) at Newmarket Racecourse.View the full article

It just wouldn't be the Charles Whittingham Stakes (G2T) without Dicey Mo Chara. On May 3, the gelding trained by Leonard Powell will be making his fourth consecutive appearance in the 1 1/4-mile turf event for older horses at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

For the first time in seven years, the winner of the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) is absent from Sunday's 3200-metre G1 Tenno Sho (Spring). However, there is still an able deputy on hand in Kikuka Sho runner-up Redentor. The son of Rulership is in fighting form to boot, as he ran out a four-length winner of the 3400-metre G3 Diamond Stakes in February. If he prevails on May 4, he would be the first St Leger runner-up to win the Tenno Sho since 2000. Damian Lane has the call and the duo will leave from stall six. Assistant trainer Yuya Tsuchida said, “It [the Diamond Stakes] was a strong win and the jockey did a great job too. After a short spell, we were able to pick right up where we'd left off in training. He's better all around.” Kikuka Sho fifth Byzantine Dream (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) also enters on the back of a victory, in his case, a tally in the 3000-metre G2 Red Sea Turf Handicap in Riyadh on the same day as Redentor's Diamond Stakes score. Booked all the way out in stall 14 in the 15-strong field, the colt will have the services of Andrasch Starke. This pair are aiming for their first Japan Racing Association Group 1 title. One better than Byzantine Dream in the Kikuka Sho, Shonan La Punta (Kizuna) ran second in the G2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai in January and was fourth to Sunrise Earth (Rey De Oro) in the G2 Hanshin Daishoten over 3000 metres at Hanshin in March. Eight-time Tenno Sho (Spring)-winning jockey Yutaka Take has the call. Among his five individual winners are 2006 victor Deep Impact and Kitasan Black, who won the race in 2016/17. “It turned out to be a tricky race,” Take told NetKeiba of the Hanshin Daishoten. “I had a sense it might be that way, [with a] small field, barrier one, [and] the heavy favourite. But he showed a decent turn of foot at the end. He didn't pull as much as I expected, and I feel Kyoto Racecourse will suit him better.” The race is not just about the 4-year-olds, with veteran and 2023 Tenno Sho (Spring) hero Justin Palace (Deep Impact) ready to rumble, as is 2024 edition second Blow The Horn (Epiphaneia). They leave from stall 13 and three, respectively. The post Redentor Holds The Key In Tenno Sho appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Alpha Delta Stables' Raging Sea, a 5-year-old daughter of Curlin, held off determined runs by longshot Taxed and Randomized to win the May 2 La Troienne Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs. View the full article

Nitrogen left no doubt who the queen of the 3-year-old filly turf division is, rocketing to a 3 1/2-length victory in the $575,000 Edgewood Stakes (G2T) May 2 at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Oaks (G1) undercard.View the full article

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. 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