Wandering Eyes

BALTIMORE, Md – With a full day of action kicking off at soggy Pimlico just before 6:00 a.m. Wednesday morning, here’s a timeline of some of the day’s highlights ahead of Saturday’s 143rd renewal of the GI Preakness S. 6:04 a.m. – Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, aboard his popular stable pony Starbuck, was already leading back last year’s GI Hopeful S. winner and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Sporting Chance (Tiznow) to the stakes barn as some light rain continued to fall shortly after sunrise. With heavy overnight thunderstorms leaving the Pimlico main track a sloppy mess (more of this is unfortunately forecasted for the remainder of the week), the dark bay was out for only light exercise. The same went for stablemate Bravazo (Awesome Again), winner of the GII Risen Star S. and sixth-place finisher in the GI Kentucky Derby, who headed out about 15 minutes later. The Lukas pair also both schooled in the paddock. 7:00 a.m. – Lukas was in his element holding court with reporters while Sporting Chance nibbled on some nearby grass adjacent the stakes barn. “If we’re going to do something serious on that racetrack, we’ve got to get paid for it,” the six-time Preakness winner said. 7:15 a.m. – A Sunrise Tour group of about 20, including several young children, stopped in their tracks to check out champion Good Magic (Curlin) as he began walking under-tack. The GI Kentucky Derby runner-up glided over the wet going quite nicely for the second straight day under the watchful eye of Chad Brown’s traveling assistant Baldo Hernandez. Good Magic didn’t get as warm as he did during his first trip to the track Tuesday and appears to have bounced back from his solid effort in Louisville in top form. Good Magic galloped about 1 1/4 miles beneath regular exercise rider Walter Malasquez, making two trips past the Pimlico grandstand. 11:15 a.m. – Kentucky Derby winner and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Justify (Scat Daddy) departs Churchill Downs for his flight to Baltimore-Washington International Airport. Justify was joined on the flight by GI Arkansas Derby runner-up and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Quip (Distorted Humor) and Derby eighth-place finisher Lone Sailor (Majestic Warrior). 3:03 p.m. – Diamond King (Quality Road), a last out winner of Laurel’s Federico Tesio S., was the first of the Wednesday afternoon Preakness arrivals at Old Hilltop. 3:49 p.m. – With a very large crowd looking on, including WinStar Farm’s Elliott Walden, Justify bounced off the van with good energy on Pimlico’s backstretch as Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert eyed him closely. Quip and Lone Sailor followed a few minutes later. How did Justify settle into his new digs at the stakes barn? “He’s wearing me out,” Baffert said with a laugh to a large group of press after walking the strapping chestnut around the shedrow. 5:17 p.m. – It’s lucky number seven for Justify once again. Justify was installed as the 1-2 morning-line favorite for the second leg of the Triple Crown after drawing the same post he did in the Derby at the Stronach Group chalet in the Pimlico infield. Good Magic, the second-choice at 3-1, was assigned slot five. View the full article

Upon closer reading of the New Jersey bill introduced on Monday to legalize sports wagering in the state, Monmouth Park has put on hold plans to start taking sports bets on Memorial Day weekend. As first reported by NJ.com, Senate Bill 2602 contains a provision that reads, “No license to operate a sports pool shall be issued by the racing commission to any entity…that operated a sports pool within one year prior to the enactment of this act.” According to NJ.com, Dennis Drazin, the chairman and chief executive of Darby Development LLC, which operates Monmouth Park, said it was initially his belief that a previous state law permitting New Jersey casinos and racetracks to offer sports betting without state regulation would allow Monmouth Park to begin accepting bets immediately. But, in effect, if Monmouth Park opens for sports betting under the terms of the existing law and Bill 2602 then gets voted in, that clause in the new bill would automatically disqualify the track from licensure. “We’re moving quickly with legislation. I’m hopeful we should be ready by early June,” Senate President Stephen Sweeney, who introduced the bill, told NJ.com. “Everyone should respect the legislative process rather than jumping out. We fought for this for seven years. I’m anxious to get started just like everyone else.” Drazin–who has said all along since the Supreme Court decision was announced on Monday that he would cooperate with lawmakers’ wishes before launching–told NJ.com, “I spoke to Senator Sweeney and he asked me to wait. We won’t take bets from the general public until the legislature says we can. Our current plan is to do [only] ceremonial betting May 28.” View the full article

China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm's Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) winner Justify drew post 7 at the Preakness Stakes (G1) draw May 16 at Pimlico Race Course. View the full article

Undefeated GI Kentucky Derby winner Justify (Scat Daddy) hopes seven will be lucky again as he drew the post position for the second consecutive time at Wednesday’s GI Preakness S. draw. The hulking chestnut, a perfect four-for-four to start his career, was installed as the 1-2 morning-line favorite in the eight-horse field. “I think 1-2 is putting some added pressure on all of us,” trainer Bob Baffert joked. Commenting on the wet forecast for Saturday, he added, “He’s run on two wet tracks and won on them, but ideally we want a beautiful day so everyone can enjoy what a great spectacle the Preakness is.” The second choice at 3-1 is 2-year-old male champion Good Magic (Curlin), who drew post five. All others are double digits on the morning line. The field, with prices and jockey assignments, is as follows: 1. Quip – Florent Geroux 12-1 2. Lone Sailor – Irad Ortiz, Jr. 15-1 3. Sporting Chance – Luis Contreras 30-1 4. Diamond King – Javier Castellano 30-1 5. Good Magic – Jose Ortiz 3-1 6. Tenfold – Ricardo Santana, Jr. 20-1 7. Justify – Mike Smith 1-2 8. Bravazo – Luis Saez 20-1 View the full article

On May 21, the first veterans will arrive at the Baltimore County Therapeutic Equine Arena and Learning Center for their inaugural session with Saratoga Warhorse, a program where interaction with horses helps veterans suffering from PTS. The horses at the Baltimore County program are all Thoroughbreds, primarily off-track. The goal of the center is twofold: to provide education and effective equine-assisted therapy and learning to the many populations of Baltimore County that would not otherwise have contact with horses and to provide a place for training off-track Thoroughbreds for a new vocation in equine assisted learning and therapy. Those horses may then be adopted by other facilities or individuals working in equine-assisted therapies. This center, the first of its kind focusing primarily on off-track Thoroughbreds, illustrates the remarkable adaptability and marketability of off-track Thoroughbreds–even those not sound enough for regular riding. The first five Thoroughbreds, three from Sagamore Farm and two from Foxie G Rescue, arrived last week to settle in. In addition to Saratoga War Horse, the Thoroughbreds will also be part of a regular EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) program which will be made available to veterans, their families and other suffering from a broad spectrum of emotional and traumatic symptoms. A third program expected to launch at the center this year is The Connected Horse, an equine-based behavioral research program from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). Since its inception in California, The Connected Horse has demonstrated that a series of guided workshops in which newly diagnosed Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients and their care partners interact with equines results in measurable improvements in participants’ mood, motivation, social relationships and activity levels. The researchers are interested in exploring the potential to enhance the therapeutic effects of the protocol by utilizing sanctuary Thoroughbreds. The officials of Baltimore County became aware of the power of equine-assisted therapy when a group of county police, firefighters, and correctional officers, all of whom are veterans, were given government leave to attend the Saratoga War Horse program in Aiken, SC. It seemed like a natural next step, for the county where the GI Preakness S. is held, that they create their own facility to help many more of their residents and connect with Thoroughbreds to do that. “We saw a unique opportunity to make an impact on the mental health of veterans and their families” said Suzanne Berger, Equine Program Manager for Baltimore County. “From experience, we know that the therapy and interaction with the horses works.” The center will also provide a unique teaching venue and way for the entire community to connect with horses and learn from them and about them. The county will provide education programs about horses, career training and public safety training in horse rescue and how to save horses in barn fires. The center, which is operated under the auspices of the Maryland Equine Resources Council, will maintain 10 off-track Thoroughbreds at a time at an estimated cost of $50,000 per year and will be actively fundraising for program and operating expenses. “When you show people this first class facility and the power that the retired racehorses have to heal and energize people, especially people who formerly had no connection whatsoever to horses, you cannot help but see the incredible value of these programs,” added County Council Chairman Julian Jones. “We are confident that the horse industry and philanthropists will continue to support it.” Maryland is a state steeped in thoroughbred breeding, racing, and steeplechase tradition. On Monday, the TDN reported that The 2018 Economic Impact Study produced by the American Horse Council revealed that Maryland’s horse industry adds more than $1.3 billion to the state’s economy. The report found that the horse industry’s total employment impact is over 21,000 jobs and that $500 million-plus is added from the horse racing sector alone. It is fitting that Maryland would also boast innovations in horse welfare and retirement. The Maryland Horse Council is the only horse council that has taken a formal position in favor of a federal ban against horse slaughter and transportation of horses for slaughter. In January 2018, to reduce the risk for Maryland’s horses, The Maryland Horse Council created Maryland Equine Transition Services (METS). This is a mobile unit that will evaluate horses free of charge for owners no longer willing or able to care for it. The METS unit shows up with a coordinator and a veterinarian to assess the horse and make recommendations. They will then help market the horse if appropriate or find a sanctuary placement. If necessary, they will euthanize the horse. METS has partnered with Days End Horse Rescue, which has been serving and horses and the community with their programs for at-risk youth for more than 25 years. “Our goal is to minimize the risk of slaughter and neglect for all horses in Maryland by assisting owners and horses with a transition when the owner cannot keep the horse and doesn’t know to where they can turn,” explained Brittney Carow, METS’ program director. “For Thoroughbreds,” she added, “we will help when they are in a post racing situation and their owners need assistance–not at the track.” Owners and trainers of Thoroughbreds in training can call Beyond the Wire to speak with manager Jessica Hammond. Hammond, a lifelong horse owner and former counselor for the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen, runs the program which is very similar to NYTHA’s Take the Lead. In its first year of existence, Beyond the Wire placed 70 horses off of Maryland tracks. When Hammond receives a call about a racehorse needing retirement, she has the horse evaluated within 24 to 48 hours. The program focuses on sound horses and places with TAA (Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance) accredited programs for retraining and adoption. A stipend goes with the horse. Beyond the Wire is funded through the Maryland Jockey Club, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association and the Maryland Horse Breeders. Two of the first five horses in the program, Rift (Not for Love), a 10-year-old who was stakes place and earned close to $100,000 in 16 starts, and Reserved Quality (Elusive Quality), who raced 28 times and earned $190,000, belong to The Foxie G Foundation in Union Bridge, MD. Three other geldings: Done Done Done (Latent Heat), Fifty Two (Grand Slam) and Go Hard (Candy Ride {Arg}) came from Sagamore Farm. “We are proud to be a part of this initiative which will well serve many Maryland residents and provide some of our sanctuary horses with much deserved extra attention,” commented Foxie G founder Laurie Calhoun. “Our hats are off to Baltimore County for the hard work and perseverance it took to get the equine therapy program and facility in place.” “The program at Baltimore County Therapeutic Equine Arena and Learning Center promises to be a dynamic example of the value of thoroughbreds, even when not being ridden, to help a community through interaction, understanding and connection, added Chairman Jones. “We plan to invite police and other service providers and veterans from across the state to participate. This will be a model to be replicated to help more horses and people.” The Baltimore County center will be creating a website and fundraising for its operating expenses. View the full article

TIMONIUM, MD – A colt from the first crop of GI Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man turned in the fastest quarter-mile breeze time so far at this week’s under-tack preview of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale when covering the distance in :21 1/5 Wednesday in Timonium. An additional 10 juveniles worked the co-fastest furlong of :10 1/5 Wednesday after seven hit that mark during Tuesday’s first of three preview sessions. While Tuesday’s session of the preview was held under sunny skies and temperatures in the 90s, the weather in Timonium took a turn for the stormy and chilly Wednesday. Heavy rains Tuesday night decreased to intermittent sprinkles Wednesday morning as the breeze show began with temperatures in the mid-60s. The rains hit again after the third of five sets and the track was sealed. Hip 278, a colt by Mucho Macho Man, earned the :21 1/5 quarter-mile bullet during the day’s fourth set. S.R. Schwartz purchased the youngster for $95,000 at last year’s Keeneland September sale. He RNA’d for $55,000 after working a furlong in :10 flat at the OBS March Sale. The chestnut is consigned by Kip Elser’s Kirkwood Stables. “He was at OBS in March and breezed very well and was ignored,” Elser said. “He was a nice horse then and he has certainly gone the right way.” Out of Itsagiantcauseway (Giant’s Causeway), the juvenile is from the family of Canadian champion Peaks and Valleys, as well as graded stakes winner Alternation. Hip 278 completed his bullet drill just after the heaviest of the day’s rain fell. Of the changing conditions, Elser said, “You never feel good when you get variables like that jumping up, but these guys have always done a great job keeping this track safe.” Elser also sent out the day’s co-second fastest quarter-mile worker in hip 365, who went in :21 3/5 Wednesday. “I knew he’d go quick,” Elser said of the Mucho Macho Man colt. “I thought he would be about as quick as our first colt who went in :21 3/5. Today he was a little quicker.” Hip 365, a colt from the first crop of multiple Group 1 winner Noble Mission (GB), is out of Miss Ocean City (Mineshaft), a half-sister to graded stakes winner Woodlander (Forestry) and to the dam of graded winners Coal Front (Stay Thirsty) and Conquest Titan (Birdstone). The juvenile is a half-brother to graded stakes winner Azar (Scat Daddy). The wildly divergent weather conditions have made comparing day-to-day times difficult, but Elser thinks buyers have all the information they will need. “It’s a good, safe surface,” he said of the track. “If people look at the whole thing, one day it is faster or slower, that’s all nonsense. If the horses come back well, watch the videos, watch how they move and how they shake up with others that breezed on that surface on that day. I don’t get too fired up about day-to-day differences.” Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds has sent out three of the 17 bullet furlong workers so far at the preview. The Ocala-based operation was represented Tuesday by hip 181, a colt by Into Mischief, (:10 1/5). During Wednesday’s first set, hip 204, a colt by More Than Ready equaled that :10 1/5 time. Hip 204 is out of Canadian champion Embur’s Song (Unbridled’s Song) and was bred by Bridlewood Farm, which purchased the mare with this foal in utero for $900,000 at the 2015 Keeneland November sale. Randy Hartley and Dean De Renzo purchased the dark bay colt for $500,000 at last year’s Keeneland September sale. “He is a big, stretchy More than Ready out of an Unbridled’s Song mare who was a phenomenal racehorse herself,” De Renzo said of the colt’s appeal as a yearling. “The Unbridled’s Song mares have been showing that he is probably the best broodmare sire in the country and we love More Than Ready. And we loved the scope of this horse. He’s a May foal, but he’s a big, good-looking horse.” Hip 204 was targeted specifically at the Midlantic sale, according to De Renzo. “We feel like the Unbridled’s Song gives him a lot of dirt,” he explained. “And More Than Readys have run on dirt, like Verrazano, so we brought him here with the dirt. Although, we wouldn’t have picked the five-eighths track for him, because he is so big. But he handled it like he didn’t care about any of it. He galloped out huge. It was one of the fastest gallop-outs of the day, according to the clockers. He is a pretty amazing horse, so that was pretty easy for him.” Hartley/De Renzo also sent out hip 206, a colt by Pioneerof the Nile, to work a furlong in :10 1/5 during Wednesday’s third set. The juvenile, a $60,000 Keeneland September Yearling purchase, is out of Emptythetill (Holy Bull) and is a half-brother to multiple graded stakes winner Conveyance (Indian Charlie). “He galloped out really good, too,” De Renzo said of the gray colt. “He’s a big horse and one we wanted to get on the dirt, as well.” De Renzo is excited about Thursday’s under-tack preview when he will send out hip 565, a colt by Medaglia d’Oro who is the first foal out of graded stakes winner Tapicat (Tapit). “He is amazing,” De Renzo said of the bay colt. Despite a forecast for continued rain in the area, De Renzo isn’t concerned about conditions for Thursday’s session. “The one thing about this Timonium track is, it’s safe, even wet,” he said. “They can still get a hold of it. It reminds me very much of the Calder racetrack that we used to train over in Florida. So I’m not too worried about it being too slick. I do get a little worried about it being too hard, but we really don’t have much of a choice. It’s race day. If you bring big horses with big pedigrees and the right conformation, they can usually get through things. That’s why we breed them that way. They overcome things.” Hartley/De Renzo sold the top-priced offering at last year’s Midlantic sale, a $1.5-million son of Curlin. De Renzo is hoping for continued success in Timonium this year. “Our consignment that we have here is probably the most powerful consignment that we’ve had all year,” he said. “We target this sale because we like the time of year, being that it’s in May it gives the horses a little more time. We buy a lot of May foals because we feel like we can see the immaturity as a yearling and maybe can buy them for a little bit less. So we wind up with a lot of May foals and so, if we can give them at least until they are two, it’s going to be better for the horses.” The final session of the under-tack preview begins at 8 a.m. Thursday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale will be held next Monday and Tuesday with sessions beginning at 11 a.m. View the full article

Champion sprinter Harry Angel made a perfect start to his 4-year-old campaign in the May 16 Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (G2). The Clive Cox-trained colt will go next to the June 23 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot. View the full article

Sure, the season's second classic will highlight the weekend's racing, but the Preakness Stakes (G1), as the Mid-Atlantic region's biggest race of the year, also provides some attention to the relaunch of the MATCH Series. View the full article

What does the New York Thoroughbred Horseman’s Association think about the ongoing dispute between NYRA and the New York riding colony about the scale of weights? So far, the group, which will eventually play a key role in whatever might happen concerning the weights issue, has had little to say. But NYTHA President Joe Appelbaum told the TDN that’s only because he believes his group can make more progress by working behind the scenes. Appelbaum was not ready to issue any threats over what in recent days has become a contentious issue, lob any grenades or demand that the scale of weights not be raised. He said his primary hope is that the sides can come together and work out a compromise that will suit all involved. Generally, jockeys, citing how hard it is and, in some respects, unsafe it is, for grown men and women to maintain such low weights, lobby racing jurisdictions to raise the scale. Horsemen’s groups often counter that asking horses to carry heavier weights can lead to more injuries and other problems. “It’s not solely the horsemen’s decision,” Appelbaum said. “We were brought into this discussion last Monday, at which time the jockeys made their feelings about the scale of weights clear to us and we started a discussion with NYRA about that. The discussion took place before this weekend and is currently ongoing and we are reviewing the different options. NYTHA is working extremely hard with both parties to help resolve an issue which we know can be an emotional one.” The dispute went public Saturday when the Belmont jockeys refused to ride until after being given a chance to air their grievances to NYRA executives Martin Panza and Chris Kay. Their concerns included the fact that they don’t have an existing contract with NYRA and the desire to see the scale of weights raised to 118 pounds. The 118 pounds would be the lowest weight a horse could be assigned in any race. The meeting spilled over past the first race and caused it to go off 37 minutes late. The final race on the card, the GI Man O’ War S., did not go off until 7:22 p.m. The rancor has only intensified since. The Jockeys’ Guild issued a press release saying that due to its problems with NYRA, it was resigning from its affiliation with the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance. NYRA responded with a press release of its own, which included language expressing its clear displeasure with the jockeys. One example: “However, this past Saturday, the jockeys raised issues that had not been under discussion during the negotiations. To raise these issues outside the agreed-upon terms of negotiation, with no notice provided and mere minutes before the start of a Saturday race card, was unreasonable and caused a lengthy delay leading to confusion among fans, horseplayers, trainers and owners.” Appelbaum said he hopes there will be a way for NYRA, the jockeys and the horsemen to come together and settle their differences in a genial manner where everyone leaves the room at least reasonably happy. “I’m looking at page after page of facts and figures and we’re talking every day to both NYRA and the jockeys,” he said. “I think the key is to find a balance that is in line with what they do in other states.” Appelbaum said that currently in New York, the minimum weight that can be assigned a horse in races that are a mile-an-a-quarter or longer is 114 pounds. It is 115 for all other races. He also provided the TDN a list he had compiled of the scale of weights in other jurisdictions. The list is below: Woodbine 111 Parx 114 Penn National 112 Monmouth 110 Laurel 109 Gulfstream 114 Delaware Park 111 “We will always keep the health of the jockeys in mind,” he said. “Health and safety is very important. But we also want to stay competitive with what are the scales of weights are in other states. It’s a complicated issue.” During some of the back and forth between NYRA and the jockeys, there seemed to be an assumption that when it comes to creating a scale of weights, the decision rested with the horsemen. Appelbaum said that is not the case. “We certainly have a say, but it is up to all the parties to come together,” he said. “The way things are done in New York is everyone tries to get together and come up with answers that everyone is comfortable with. There is no statute or regulation that says NYTHA is the one that determines the scale of weights for New York racing.” View the full article

Nicholas Jones' Give And Take outdueled Dancing Brave Bear late to land the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes (G3) at York May 16. The race is a key trial for the June 1 Investec Oaks (G1). View the full article

A pair of two-for-two fillies will look to stay unbeaten in a deep renewal of the GIII Miss Preakness S. Friday at Pimlico. Klein Racing’s homebred Good Move (Broken Vow) found no equals in her starts at Oaklawn this winter, airing by six lengths Feb. 16 and repeating with a 4 1/4-length score Mar. 11. Hronis Racing’s Artistic Diva (Munnings) was easily the most expensive offspring of her sire to sell in 2017 when going for $425,000 after a :9 4/5 breeze at OBS April, and she helped validate that price tag with two Southern California scores last term, including a win in the Anoakia S. She makes her sophomore debut in this spot off a string of sharp workouts at Santa Anita for trainer John Sadler. Zayat Stables’ Lezendary (Zensational) owns the highest Beyer figure in the field, having run an 85 in conquering the Cicada S. last out Mar. 25 at Aqueduct. Merriebelle Stable and Coolmore’s Happy Like a Fool (Distorted Humor), second in the G2 Queen Mary S. last summer at Royal Ascot, returned to capture the GIII Matron S. last fall, but found the competition a bit steep when fourth last out in the GIII Beaumont S. Apr. 8 at Keeneland. Chadds Ford Stable’s Almond Roca (Speightstown) is logical getting back on dirt for trainer Graham Motion. The chestnut dominated the Sandpiper S. Dec. 16 at Tampa and repeated in that oval’s Gasparilla S. Jan. 20 before fading to finish sixth in the grassy GIII Florida Oaks last out Mar. 10 in Oldsmar. View the full article

In this year's Triple Crown chase, a frequent topic of discussion has been ownership groups with multiple horses in the series. View the full article

"The game is bigger than we are," said Zito, who supports the Horseracing Integrity Act. View the full article

Sure the season's second classic will highlight the weekend's racing, but the Preakness Stakes (G1), as the Mid-Atlantic region's biggest race of the year, also provides some attention to the relaunch of the MATCH Series. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Today’s Observations features a €500,000 Arqana August graduate. 4.25 Salisbury, Cond, £7,400, 3yo/up, f/m, 9f 201yT ANBAA (IRE) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) debuts for Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah and John Gosden, having cost €500,000 at the Arqana August Sale in 2016. A full-sister to the 2015 G3 Prix Djebel winner Ride Like the Wind (Ire), she is connected to the 2008 GI Santa Anita Oaks heroine Ariege (Doneraile Court). View the full article

Nicholas Jones's Give And Take outdueled Dancing Brave Bear late to land the Tattersalls Musidora Stakes (G3) at York May 16. The race is a key trial for the June 1 Investec Oaks (G1). View the full article

The New York Racing Association has announced Joe Bravo as the 2018 recipient of the Mike Venezia Memorial Award, the honor awarded to jockeys who exemplify extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship. View the full article

Champion sprinter Harry Angel (IRE) made a perfect start to his 4-year-old campaign in the May 16 Duke of York Clipper Logistics Stakes (G2). The Clive Cox-trained colt will go next to the June 23 Diamond Jubilee Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot. View the full article

A little over a year in the rearview, it appeared as though Isabelle Haskell de Tomaso’s Irish War Cry (Curlin) and WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, SF Bloodstock and Head of Plains Partners’ One Liner (Into Mischief) were prepared to ascend to or near the summit of their 3-year-old class. Assorted injuries and disappointments later, however, the two are still looking to live up to their past glories as they clash alongside seven other rivals in Friday’s GIII Pimlico Special S. Irish War Cry, named a ‘TDN Rising Star’ after an impressive debut at Laurel in the fall of 2016, validated that distinction with an empathic score two starts later in the GII Holy Bull S. After disappointing as the heavy favorite in the GII Fountain of Youth S., the chestnut bounced back with a convincing score in the GII Wood Memorial S., but he backed up to finish 10th in the GI Kentucky Derby to start a string of six consecutive defeats. Making his 4-year-old debut in the GIII Hal’s Hope S. Feb. 24 in Hallandale, he showed signs of life with a solid second, but failed to respond when beaten 29 1/2 lengths next out in the GII Gulfstream Park Hardacre Mile S. Mar. 31. One Liner started his career three-for-three, capped by an impressive score in last February’s GIII Southwest S. at Oaklawn. After a subpar workout in preparation for the GI Arkansas Derby, the $150,000 Keeneland January buy was given the rest of the year off and didn’t return until suffering his first defeat when third in a Gulfstream allowance Feb. 9. He bounced back with a workmanlike victory Apr. 21 at Keeneland, and will likely need to move forward off that effort to take home top honors here. Stronach Stable’s Something Awesome (Awesome Again) has been just that since switching to dirt and transferring to the Jose Corrales barn last fall, winning five of six starts while being beaten less than a length in the other try. The 7-year-old gelding earned comes in off of the most significant win of his life when gutting out a neck tally in the GII Charles Town Classic Apr. 21. The connections of One Liner will also be represented by Hedge Fund (Super Saver). Narrowly missing in the GIII Illinois Derby last spring, the WinStar homebred is still looking for his first graded tally, but earned a career-high when scoring in the Essex H. Mar. 17 at Oaklawn. The chestnut will be looking to bounce back from finishing 10th after a slow start in the GII Oaklawn H. last out Apr. 14. View the full article

2nd-BEL, $100K, Msw, 2yo, 5f, 2:04 p.m. ET Todd Pletcher-trained newcomer OUTSHINE (Malibu Moon) is 4-5 on David Aragona’s morning line. A $260,000 KEENOV weanling, he was acquired for $625,000 at Keeneland September, making him the third-most-expensive Malibu Moon yearling sold at auction last year. Out of multiple stakes-placed turf sprinter Life Lesson (Unbridled’s Song), Outshine is a full-sister to $750,000 weanling and speedy two-time winner Bowie. The Malibu Moon-Unbridled’s Song cross has been an extremely potent one, responsible for Grade I-winning ‘TDN Rising Stars’ Magnum Moon and Moonshine Memories. TJCIS PPs 3rd-CD, $47K, Msw, 2yo, 5f, 5:58 p.m. ET Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen is particularly deadly in the Churchill Downs spring baby races, and here he’ll unveil a full-brother to his versatile and hard-knocking GI Nearctic S. and GII Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint hero Regally Ready (More Than Ready) in the form of SIR TRUEBADOUR. The $300,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga grad will carry the colors of Whispering Oaks Farm. His second dam is European GSW/MG1SP Vilikaia (Nureyev). This is the family of G1SW Macoumba (Mr. Prospector), the dam of top sire Malibu Moon. TJCIS PPs View the full article

There may not be a Sariska (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) or a Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) lining up for Thursday’s G2 Betfred Middleton S. at York, but there is a fascinating rematch in store between last year’s G2 Ribblesdale S. one-two Coronet (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Mori (GB) (Frankel {GB}) as both fillies drop back to a mile and a quarter. Coronet, who was delivered with pinpoint accuracy late on in that 12-furlong Royal Ascot contest by Olivier Peslier, did not look the type to be shortening up when subsequently second in the G1 Yorkshire Oaks and third in Ascot’s G1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares S., but John Gosden is using this as a launchpad for Denford Stud’s grey. That operation’s farm manager Richard Evans said, “She’s done well over the winter, everything has gone well so far and we’re hoping for a good performance. The first thing we need to find out is whether she’s trained on, but she’s done everything that’s been asked of her at home. We’ll start her off on Thursday and she might end up back at York for the Yorkshire Oaks again in the summer.” Mori, a daughter of Midday who had promised so much in the summer, has had a wind operation after two tame efforts in lesser company and has been noted working with gusto on the Newmarket gallops. “She has pleased in her work this spring and if she finds her Ribblesdale form, or something like it, then she would have an interesting chance but she’ll need to find her best form,” commented Teddy Grimthorpe, racing manager for Khalid Abdullah. “We know she stays a mile and a half, but as this is her first race of the year and this is about getting back on track so we felt this distance was a good place to start her off.” Sir Michael Stoute is not leading trainer in this with six wins by accident and last year’s third Smart Call (SAf) (Ideal World) is a strong second string for Freemason Lodge back on the good-to-firm going over which she was a close-up fourth in Royal Ascot’s G2 Duke of Cambridge S. over an inadequate mile in June. View the full article

There is a strong feeling that we have already seen this year’s Derby winner with the 2000 Guineas followed by strong showings at Chester, Lingfield and Leopardstown, but York’s G2 Betfred Dante S. does carry the monicker of the race’s best trial and it is not too late for Thursday’s protagonists to enter the fray. Perhaps the most obvious winner is last year’s G2 Royal Lodge S. scorer and G1 Racing Post Trophy runner-up Roaring Lion (Kitten’s Joy), whose performance when just over two-lengths fifth to Saxon Warrior (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) is outstanding form in this context. Fast ground will be no impediment but while few colts have come here so quick after the Guineas, only The Grey Gatsby (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and Alnasr Alwasheek (GB) (Sadler’s Wells) have managed to rebound from unplaced efforts in the Newmarket Classic and win this since 1992. Jockey Oisin Murphy said of Qatar Racing’s hardy flag-bearer, who is probably G1 Prix du Jockey Club-bound after this, “His run in the Guineas was a huge improvement on his Craven run and Mr Gosden says he’s in good form, so we’re looking forward to him. He’s bred to stay.” It used to be rare for a Northern-trained horse to win this centrepiece of one of the two festivals held at the “Ascot of the North”, but the momentum has definitely shifted in the last five years. In that time, local stables have accounted for three winners with the aforementioned The Grey Gatsby following Libertarian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) and the ill-fated Permian (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) succeeding 12 months ago. This time, it is the unbeaten Tim Easterby-trained Wells Farhh Go (Ire) (Farhh {GB}) and Apr. 17 Listed Feilden S. winner Mildenberger (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) who are the defenders of Northern pride against Aidan O’Brien and Newmarket. The former is a fascinating contender, having won both his starts here with a late rattle over seven furlongs with James Garfield (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) on the wrong side of the photo in the G3 Acomb S. in August. “He’s an exciting horse to have and we’ve had a few offers we’ve had to resist,” commented Easterby, whose finest hour on the flat came with the 2002 G1 St Leger hero Bollin Eric (GB) (Shaamit {Ire}). “He is in good form. I’m very happy with how he looks. Basically, it’s his first run of the season and a stepping stone to the future. He wants a mile and a half really.” Looking to the future, his trainer is unconcerned about heading somewhere other than York. “He’s a very adaptable horse–I can’t see any track bothering him,” he added. “He’s a big, rangy horse and he will improve as the season goes along.” Juddmonte’s Apr. 25 Listed Blue Riband Trial winner Crossed Baton (GB) (Dansili {GB}) forms a two-pronged Gosden charge and he bids to atone for the defeat of relative Twice Over (GB) (Observatory) in the 2008 edition. His owner-breeder’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe is keen to see what he is made of. “He made all at Epsom which is never an easy thing to do there, so we thought he deserved a chance in a trial and this is the best one.” View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito, who was recently in attendance during a meeting that included members of the Coalition of Horse Racing Integrity (CHRI) and Kentucky horsemen interested in learning about the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), offered his support to the Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA): “Like many of us in the racing industry, I am late to sign up with WHOA. I feel at this time, however, with what I have seen over 40 years as a trainer, that today’s medication rules don’t add up, and they do not work. So many states are different in their policies, and the penalties are harsh. In some cases, the penalties are harsh when they shouldn’t be, when honest trainers are penalized because of poor testing and rules that are not uniform. However, with WHOA’s position, the help of USADA, and anyone else who feels that this sport and this game is bigger than them, we can find a level playing field. If you are a Hall of Fame trainer and you are caught taking an edge, if you are a high percent winning trainer and you are caught taking an edge, you should be treated accordingly. Going to the recent USADA meeting was very encouraging. Travis Tygart made perfect sense; you can’t both promote and police, and you can’t catch a cheater if you don’t test for what they are cheating with.” The Water Hay Oats Alliance (WHOA) is a grassroots movement in the racing industry that supports the passage of federal legislation to prohibit the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the sport. View the full article

Sentient Jet continues its support of Homes For Our Troops, a nonprofit organization that builds homes for severely injured veterans, through the sponsorship of GI Preakness S. contender Tenfold (Curlin). The aviation company raised awareness for this organization at the GI Kentucky Derby by sponsoring Combatant (Scat Daddy), who, like Tenfold, is owned by Winchell Thoroughbreds. “We are so pleased that we were able to help generate such tremendous attention for Homes For Our Troops through our Combatant sponsorship at this year’s Kentucky Derby, and we are thrilled to extend our support of the wonderful organization as we cheer on Tenfold at the upcoming Preakness Stakes,” said Andrew Collins, president and CEO of Sentient Jet. “Thanks to the incredible support and generosity of the Stronach Group and the Preakness community, we are looking forward to welcoming several of our nation’s finest to enjoy a day at the races, while simultaneously building upon the incredible momentum of this campaign and the special cause that it promotes.” On May 17, Sentient Jet will welcome US Army Veteran Sergeant Brandon Huff and his wife to Pimlico Racetrack for a personal introduction to Team Tenfold and the rest of the Preakness field. On May 19th, Huff will be joined by retired four-star General and Homes For Our Troops Board Chairman Richard Cody to watch the races alongside a group of fellow US Army Veterans and their families, members of the Sentient Jet team and racing community. View the full article

Joe Bravo is the 2018 recipient of the Mike Venezia Memorial Award, which honors jockeys who exemplify extraordinary sportsmanship and citizenship, NYRA announced Wednesday. Bravo will be presented with the award May 28 after the third race at Belmont Park. “Honestly, it’s such an honor to be able to receive this award,” said Bravo. “I’m shocked it wasn’t a four person dead-head, because each of the guys I was nominated with are all great and deserving to win as well. When you look at the some of the past winners of this award, including Hall of Famers like Angel Cordero, Jr., Ramon Dominguez and Edgar Prado. It’s truly an honor.” Previous winners of the award include Mario Pino (2016), Jon Court (2015), Hall of Famer John Velazquez (2014) and Hall of Famer Ramon Dominguez (2013). View the full article