BloodHorse.com | Horse Racing News

Arson Squad Storms the Keeneland Paddock

Saturday April 20, 2013 Arson Squad visited Keeneland with Michael Blowen to help raise awareness of Old Friends Retirement facility and educate fans on the importance of Thoroughbred aftercare.

read blog

Arson Squad Released from Rood & Riddle

Grade II winner and millionaire Arson Squad was released from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington Feb. 16.

Arson Squad Retired Due to Injury

Trainer Rick Dutrow reported Arson Squad, who suffered an injury before completing a workout at Gulfstream Park Jan. 31, would most likely make a full recovery, however the gelding has been retired from racing.

More Than a Reason, 19-1, Grabs Queens County

Sent off at 19-1 in a six-horse field, More Than a Reason came from off the pace and ran down Stormy's Majesty in the final strides to win the $100,000 Queens County (gr. III) Dec. 11 and notch his first stakes victory.

Arson Squad, Stormy's Majesty Clash in NY

Veteran millionaire Arson Squad, a two-time grade III winner this season, and 3-year-old Stormy's Majesty, who scored the Discovery Handicap last out, are the standouts among a field of six in the Queens County H.

THS: The Stephen Foster

Jason, Evan, and Les Instone of twinspires.com preview the Stephen Foster (gr. I) at Churchill Downs on June 12.

Watch Video

Blame Seeks Grade I Win in Stephen Foster

Blame will have no easy task against a proven field of 11 in the 1 1/8-mile Foster. His main challengers include last year's winner Macho Again, Arson Squad, General Quarters, as well as another emerging star, Battle Plan.

Eight Probables for Stephen Foster Handicap

With the connections of Rachel Alexandra undecided on which of four stakes in which she will run June 12, eight horses are probable and three are possible for the 29th running of the $600,000 Stephen Foster Handicap.

Arson Squad Defeats Solid Alysheba Field

Jay Em Ess Stable's Arson Squad took over at the top of the lane and bounded home for his second straight graded stakes score in the $169,650 Alysheba Stakes (gr. III) April 30 at Churchill Downs.

Friesan Fire Returns to CD for the Alysheba

The Alysheba Stakes (gr. III) April 30 at Churchill Downs the day before the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) is a homecoming of sorts for some former Kentucky Derby contestants.

Arson Squad Becomes Millionaire in Skip Away

Jay Em Ess Stable's Arson Squad became a millionaire when he disposed of Wingedlie by 3 3/4 lengths to win the $125,000 Skip Away Stakes (gr. III) April 3 at Gulfstream Park.

Familiar Rivals Hook Up Again in Skip Away

Jay Em Ess Stable's 7-year-old gelding Arson Squad and Circle E Racing and partners' 6-year-old Timber Reserve will meet for the third time in the $125,000 Skip Away Stakes (gr. III), the April 3 feature at Gulfstream Park.

Macho Again in Fast Whitney Workout

Macho Again, winner of last year's Jim Dandy (gr. II), turned in a bullet work before the heaviest of the rains began July 31 as he prepared for the grade I, $750,000 Whitney at Saratoga on Aug. 8.

Commentator All Set For Another Whitney Try

Tracy Farmer's Commentator, the expected elder statesmen of the $750,000 Whitney Handicap (gr. I) on Aug. 8 at Saratoga, turned in a bullet work over the Oklahoma track at Saratoga July 23, breezing five furlongs in :59.12.

Einstein Seeks History in Stephen Foster

Einstein, a leading candidate for 2009 Horse of the Year midway through the season, will try to make history by becoming the first horse to win grade I events on dirt, turf and synthetics in the same year in the $600,000 Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) June 13 at Churchill Downs.

Smashing Winner Well Armed to Get Break

A day after his smashing victory March 28, record-breaking Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) winner Well Armed was in "fantastic" condition, according to his assistant trainer.

McLaughlin Not Worried About Distance

As a steady rain fell on Nad Al Sheba on Thursday morning, March 26, Dubai World Cup favorite Albertus Maximus continued to display bold eagerness, pulling on exercise rider Rob Massey as he galloped strongly around the track under the watchful eyes of trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

Albertus Maximus Gallops at Nad Al Sheba

Standing at the backstretch rail the morning of March 24 at Nad al Sheba in Dubai, assistant trainer Trish McLaughlin watched Albertus Maximus virtually soar past her while pulling against exercise rider Rob Massey in an impressive show of contained strength and speed.

U.S. Horses Continue Toward World Cup

Still recovering after the long journey from the United States to Dubai, the 12-horse American contingent for the March 28 Dubai World Cup races continued to stretch their legs March 22 and get acclimated to Nad al Sheba, with most sent out for easy gallops.

Four U.S. Horses Among 15 in World Cup

Including four U.S.-based runners, 15 horses have been entered for the $6-million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) at Nad Al Sheba racecourse March 28.

Albertus Maximus Wins Donn; Dubai Next

Albertus Maximus wore down a stubborn Finallymadeit in the final stages to win the $489,000 Donn Handicap (gr. I) in the 5-year-old's first start for Shadwell Stable and trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.

That Handicapping Show: Donn (Video)

Evan and Tom analyze the Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, January 31. The Wizard has a pair of Spotlight Plays, the Forward Gal on Friday, January 30 at Gulfstream, and Race 5 at Fair Grounds on Saturday, January

Einstein Set for Season Debut in Donn

Three-time grade I winner Einstein drew the outside post for his 2009 debut in the $500,000 Donn Handicap (gr. I), when he attempts to add a grade I victory on dirt to his impressive record Jan. 31 at Gulfstream Park.

Tale of Ekati Wins Cigar Mile on DQ

Charles Fipke's Tale of Ekati finished a nose behind Stronach Stables' Harlem Rocker when the horses hit the wire in the Nov. 29 Hill 'n' Dale Cigar Mile (gr. I) at Aqueduct, but was placed first after stewards disqualified Harlem Rocker for interference in the stretch. Wanderin Boy was euthanized after fracturing the sesamoids in his left front leg.

Wanderin Boy Tops Balanced Cigar Mile

Stone Farm's Wanderin Boy tops the 20th running of the grade I, $300,000 Hill 'n' Dale Cigar Mile at Aqueduct Nov. 29 as Hall of Fame trainer Nick Zito attempts a rare double: winning graded stakes with 7-year-olds on consecutive days.

And They're Off: Oct 8 (Video)

Hosted by Lenny Shulman and Steve Haskin, "And They're Off" is a bi-monthly online video series sponsored by Darby Dan Farm. This week's topics include the Win & You're In system, suitors for the Magna tracks, and a tie story from Lenny.

Back On Dirt, Arson Squad Wins at Big M

Arson Squad, making his first start on dirt since winning the 2007 Strub Stakes (gr. I), swept past Timber Reserve in the homestretch to win the $350,000 Meadowlands Cup (gr. II) in New Jersey on the night of Oct. 3.

Midnight Lute Ready to Roll in O'Brien

Midnight Lute, last year's Eclipse Award champion sprinter, has been tearing up the track in the mornings as he prepares for his 2008 debut in the $300,000 Pat O'Brien Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar Aug. 24.

Surf Cat on Board for Pacific Classic

A lot is at stake Aug. 24 in the $1-million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar, which marks not only one of the most prestigious races of the year on the West Coast, but also earns the winner an automatic spot in the Breeders' Cup World Championships Oct. 24-25 at Santa Anita Park.

Ravel Takes Next Step in 'Diver

Ravel, whose Triple Crown hopes for trainer Todd Pletcher were ended in February by discovery of a hairline fracture, makes his second start on the comeback trail when he faces older horses in the $100,000 Native Diver Handicap (gr. IIIT) on the Hollywood Park Cushion Track Dec. 8.

Lava Man 'Fantastic' for Goodwood Return

Well beaten in the Pacific Classic last time out, California star Lava Man has an opportunity to prove he's as good as ever when he takes on nine rivals in the $500,000 Goodwood Breeders' Cup (gr. I) at Oak Tree's Santa Anita meeting Sept. 29.

Student Council Crashes Pacific Classic Party

In a sign of the times, a Midwest also-ran with a liking for Polytrack came west to win the $1-million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar Aug. 19. Student Council, purchased recently by Ro Parra's Millennium Farms to run in the 1 1/4-mile test, vanquished Lava Man and upset a large field at odds of 23-1 at Del Mar.

Big Field Awaits Lava Man in Pacific Classic

Lava Man and A.P. Xcellent, who staged a dramatic Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) stretch duel won by the California star by a nose on June 30, are among 13 horses entered in the $1 million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar Aug. 19.

Lava Man Could Stir Up Emotions at Del Mar

Emotions are sure to run high when Lava Man attempts to defend his title in the $1-million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar Aug. 19.

23 Nominated for Pacific Classic Aug. 19

Twenty-three horses were nominated -- with 13 considered likely -- for the $1 million Pacific Classic (gr. I) at 1 1/4 miles on the Del Mar Polytrack Aug. 19, including defending champion Lava Man.

Headley Seeks Synthetic Track Breakthrough

Trainer Bruce Headley has been a model of consistency while racing on synthetic surfaces, but it's not the model he's accustomed to.

Sun Boat Wins San Diego With Clear Sailing

The leaders were seven abreast mid-stretch of the $300,000 San Diego Handicap (gr. II), but it was the former claiming horse Sun Boat who finished best of all, winning in style by one length on the Polytrack Saturday at Del Mar.

Buzzards Bay Heads San Diego Line-Up

Californian (gr. II) winner Buzzards Bay heads a quality field of eight for Saturday's $300,000 San Diego Handicap (gr. II), a prime prep for Del Mar's signature event, the Pacific Classic (gr. I) on Aug. 19.

Lava Man Red-Hot Choice for Big 'Cap Repeat

Lava Man, the most prosperous claiming purchase in racing history, will be out to lay claim to another distinction on Saturday when the 6-year-old gelding will be an overwhelming favorite to win a second $1 million Santa Anita Handicap presented by San Manual Indian Bingo & Casino (gr. I).

Arson Squad On Fire in Strub

Jay Em Ess Stable's Arson Squad shot through along the inside mid-stretch, going on to capture the $300,000 Strub (gr. II) for 4-year-olds by 1 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita Saturday.

Prayer Time for Brother Derek in Strub

Brother Derek, his career on a downturn since a fourth straight graded stakes victory in last April's Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), needs a return to his best form in Saturday's 60th running of the $300,000 Strub Stakes (gr. II) at his favorite track.

Awesome Gem Sparkles in San Fernando Surprise

Upsetter Awesome Gem unleashed a terrific stretch drive to snatch victory from Midnight Lute in the final strides of the $200,000 San Fernando (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park Saturday.

Brother Derek, Arson Squad Swap Riders for 'Fernando

Likely favorites Brother Derek and Arson Squad will switch riders for Saturday's $200,000 San Fernando Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. II) for 4-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles.

Brother Derek Tops 13-Horse Malibu Field

Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Brother Derek is the marquee entrant among the 13 horses entered in the 44th running of the grade I Malibu Stakes as Santa Anita Park begins its 70th year of racing at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 26.

Arson Squad Turns Up Heat in Final Malibu Drill

Swaps Stakes (gr. II) winner Arson Squad completed his major work for Tuesday's opening day Malibu Stakes (gr. I) Friday morning with a half-mile blow out in a scintillating :45 1/5, the best of 32 works at the distance and nearly two seconds faster than the next best time.

Gomez Likely to Ride Brother Derek in Malibu

Garrett Gomez is likely to be aboard Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Brother Derek in the $250,000 Malibu Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita on opening day Tuesday.

A.P. Warrior Wakes Up in La Jolla Turf Win

Stan Fulton's A.P. Warrior made his turf debut a successful one when he nosed favorite Porto Santo in the $150,000 La Jolla Handicap (gr. IIT) for 3-year-olds at Del Mar Saturday.

Arson Squad, A.P. Warrior Try Turf in La Jolla

Swaps Stakes (gr. II) victor Arson Squad and San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) winner A.P. Warrior both try the grass for the first time in Saturday's $150,000 La Jolla Handicap (gr. IIT) for 3-year-olds at Del Mar.

Arson Squad Handles Heat to Win Swaps BC

Jay Em Ess Stable's Arson Squad waited patiently on the pacesetters A.P. Warrior and Point Determined to spend themselves, then rallied in the stretch under jockey Alex Solis to capture the $354,515 Swaps Breeders' Cup (gr. II) for 3-year-olds at Hollywood Park Saturday.

Point Determined, A.P. Warrior Clash in Swaps

Point Determined and A.P. Warrior, who staged a dramatic battle in last month's Affirmed Handicap (gr. III), figure to have the spotlight to themselves once again Saturday in the $350,000 Swaps Breeders' Cup Stakes (gr. II) for 3-year-olds.