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Kentucky Derby 2013: Top 20

This will be the first of six (monthly) editions of my top 20 contenders for the 2013 Kentucky Derby.

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Downton Abbey Star Joins Highclere Syndicate

Actor Hugh Bonneville, who plays Lord Grantham in the popular television drama Downton Abbey, has become the latest high-profile owner with the leading European partnership group Highclere Thoroughbred Racing.

OTTB Spotlight: Miss Fifty

Beyond the Blinkers Guest Blogger Mary Cage shares the story of Miss Fifty.

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My Miss Aurelia Works Half-Mile for La Brea

Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic runner-up My Miss Aurelia worked a half mile in :48 3/5 on Santa Anita's fast main track on the morning of Dec. 20 in preparation for next week's La Brea Stakes (gr. I) at seven furlongs.

Fair Grounds Hosts 'Super Santa Saturday'

Chamberlain Bridge and Daisy Devine are the stars of the show in a pair of $75,000 stakes events at Fair Race Course & Slots on "Super Santa Saturday" Dec. 22.

Stevens Dashes Comeback Speculation

Gary Stevens dashed speculation Dec. 20 that he would resume his Hall of Fame riding career after an absence of seven years.

Saginaw to Try for Win Mark in Alex M. Robb

Saginaw could win a North American-best 11th race in 2012 when he takes on four other New York-breds Dec. 26 in the $75,000 Alex M. Robb Stakes at Aqueduct.

Empire Way, Swiss Yodeler to Lovacres Ranch

Empire Way, a grade II stakes-placed full brother to two-time Breeders' Cup winner Royal Delta, and veteran California stallion Swiss Yodeler will stand in 2013 at Terry Lovingier's Lovacres Ranch near Warner Springs, Calif.

Yu, White to Host Santa Anita Simulcast Show

Michelle Yu and Jon White will host this year's simulcast presentations at Santa Anita Park beginning on opening day Dec. 26, the track announced.

Dates Set for 2013 Derby, Oaks Future Wagers

Churchill Downs has established dates for three wagering pools for its Kentucky Derby Future Wager and a single pool for its Kentucky Oaks Future Wager in 2013.

THS: 2-Year-Old Review

Tom and Pete look at the performance of 2-year-olds in 2012 and discuss who holds promise for a shot at the Triple Crown.

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RMTC Makes Corticosteroid Recommendations

The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has approved minimum withdrawal time recommendations for corticosteroids based on recently completed work partially funded by RMTC.

USA Equestrian Awards Second Round of Grants

USA Equestrian Trust has awarded $95,000 in grants to help fund four more equine projects as part of a historic year of grant-giving for the foundation. The awards come on top of nearly $240,000 awarded in May.

Minnesota Stallion Services Sale Successful

The Minnesota Thoroughbred Association reported a 68% increase in sales from its annual stallion services auction over last year, and recorded the highest grossing sales figures since 2004.

Spendthrift Offers 'Breed Secure' Deal to NY

Spendthrift Farm is introducing its "Breed Secure" program to New York breeders in 2013 through its New York-based stallion Dublin, who is set to stand his second season at Keane Stud near Amenia.

Average Daily Wagering Swells at Woodbine

Woodbine Entertainment Group announced Dec. 20 that handle on the Woodbine 2012 live Thoroughbred meet, which concluded Dec. 16, showed impressive growth over the 2011 season.

Churchill Supports Ky. Equine Humane Center

The Churchill Downs Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Kentucky Equine Humane Center for general horse care.

More Funds Available for Maryland-Breds

The Maryland Horse Breeders Association Dec. 20 noted increased financial opportunities for state-bred winners because of a new racing agreement and projected increases in revenue from video lottery terminals.

Female Equine Embryo Survival Studied

Researchers know that many mammals can adjust the ratio of male and female young depending on the surrounding conditions at the time of conception but how precisely this is accomplished remains a matter for debate. A recent study carried out with equine embryos by Christine Aurich, DVM, PhD, and colleagues at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna,...

Genetic Basis of Osteochondritis Dissecans Probed

For a Thoroughbred the road to the racetrack is sometimes a rocky one, wrought with physical challenges such as the musculoskeletal condition osteochondrosis (OC). But recently, English researchers have taken a step forward in understanding a potential genetic component of OC.