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Cal Nation, Astrology Give Jerome Star Punch

Trainer Todd Pletcher will send out Cal Nation, another top colt from his deep stable of 3-year-olds, to battle Astrology in the $150,000 Jerome Stakes (gr. II) April 23 at Aqueduct.

Uncle Mo, Mucho Macho Man Arrive at Churchill

Uncle Mo and Mucho Macho Man are settling in at Churchill Downs following separate arrivals on the grounds of the track the morning of April 18.

Asmussen: Jerome Handicap Next for Astrology

Saying that to run Astrology in the Kentucky Derby off one prep race "would be asking too much of him at this point," trainer Steve Asmussen said the colt would make his next start in the Jerome Handicap on April 23.

Archarcharch, Nehro Heading for Louisville

Archarcharch and Nehro, first and second, respectively in the $1 million Arkansas Derby April 16, are both destined for the 2011 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) May 7, according to their connections.

Regally Ready Hangs On for San Simeon Win

Odds-on choice Regally Ready set a blazing pace coming down the Santa Anita hillside turf course, staving off the fast-closing Camp Victory by a nose for his first graded stakes win in the $100,000 San Simeon H. April 16.

Astrology Draws Outside Post in Sunland Derby

Astrology has been a bit star-crossed so far in 2011, but the well-regarded son of A.P. Indy will finally get his 3-year-old season started in the $800,000 Sunland Park Derby (gr. III) in New Mexico March 27.

Maclean's Music Will be Heard

Sensational maiden winner earned 114 Beyer in debut for Steve Asmussen.

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Average, Median Up at Strong Barretts Sale

California, Pennsylvania, and Japanese buyers converged on Barretts for the March 2-year-olds in training sale, resulting in a strong auction, particularly at the top end.

It Happened Again Wins Razorback for Asmussen

Trainer Steve Asmussen took the top two spots in the $125,000 Razorback Handicap (gr. III) when It Happened Again scored his first graded stakes win by a half-length over stablemate Thiskyhasnolimit March 12 at Oaklawn Park

Three Elected to Fair Grounds Hall of Fame

Trainer Steve Asmussen, Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, and Peace Rules have been elected into the Fair Grounds Hall of Fame.

No Catching Z Humor in Maxxam Gold Cup

Z Humor went gate to wire to win the $150,000 Maxxam Gold Cup at Sam Houston Race Park on the night of March 5, turning back a serious challenge in the stretch for an 11-1 upset.

Asmussen Wins Fifth Borderland With Fusa Code

Steve Asmussen's latest bend on the Triple Crown trail took the two-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer back to New Mexico Feb. 26 where his maiden Fusa Code upset the field in the $100,000 Borderland Derby at Sunland Park.

Fair Grounds 'Cap: Expansion Finds Right Spot

Expansion closed with determination between horses to score a 32-1 surprise by a head in the $125,000 Fair Grounds Handicap (gr. IIIT)Feb. 19 at the New Orleans track.

Tapizar Off Derby Trail With Knee Chip

Winchell Thoroughbreds' Tapizar has been taken off the Derby trail after a chip was discovered in his left knee following his disappointing fifth-place finish in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) at odds of 1-5 Feb. 12

Silver Medallion Finds Gold in El Camino Real

After losing the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) an hour earlier, trainer Steve Asmussen landed a nice consolation prize when Silver Medallion drove to an upset victory in the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby Feb. 12.

Tapizar Looks Like a Star in Robert B. Lewis

Tapizar, probably the leading 3-year-old in California following his 4 1/4-length victory in last month's Sham Stakes (gr. III), appears to be a standout in the $250,000 Robert B. Lewis (gr. II) Feb. 12.

Featured Horse Profile: Tapizar

Sham winner is one to watch on the Triple Crown trail.

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Tapizar Serves Notice in Sham Romp

Sent off as the even-money favorite Jan. 15, the son of Tapit proved he is a serious 3-year-old when he won his stakes debut in the $100,000 Sham (gr. III) at Santa Anita Park.

Tapizar, Uncle Sam Take Next Step in Sham

Winchell Thoroughbreds' Tapizar will be the likely favorite in the 1 1/16-mile Sham Stakes (gr. III) based off his dominating 10 1/2-length maiden victory in November at Churchill.

And They're Off: New Year's Edition

Lenny and Steve discuss the Robert J. Frankel Stakes, the breathalyzer tests at Gulfstream Park, and remember Edward Evans. Plus, comments from Bob Baffert on the new dirt at Santa Anita.

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Close Races in Jockeys' Standings for 2010

With two days remaining on the 2010 racing calendar, there are close races for North America's leading jockey by earnings and leading jockey by number of wins.

66-1 Shot at Turfway First Win for Cory Orm

Apprentice jockey Cory Orm, 21, scored his first career win Dec. 9, bringing home 66-1 shot Lexi's Ready in the first race at Turfway Park.

Asmussen Plans 30-Horse String at Santa Anita

Steve Asmussen, winner of the Eclipse Award as the nation's outstanding trainer the past two years, is planning a 30-horse stable during Santa Anita's winter/spring meeting that begins Dec. 26.

Kantharos Retires to Vinery Florida

The undefeated son of Lion Heart will stand at Vinery Florida for $5,000.

Astrology Takes Star Turn in Iroquois

Heavily favored Astrology was an appropriate winner on Churchill Downs' Stars of Tomorrow card on opening day of the Louisville track's fall meet, convincingly taking the $122,300 Iroquois Stakes (gr. II) Oct. 31.

Casse 2-Year-Olds, Others Work at Churchill

The Oct. 25 workout tab at Churchill Downs included more than a handful of contenders for the Breeders' Cup World Championships.

Haskin: Rachel Explanation Needed

I guess it was too much to hope for to have Rachel Alexandra retire in a normal manner.

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Buyers, Sellers React to Book Two Format

Following the first few days of Book Two horses being offered under a new format at the Keeneland September yearling sale, buyers and consignors had a chance to reflect on the positives and negatives of the change.

Heart Ashley Retired, to be Sold

Zayat Stables has retired grade III winner Heart Ashley, who will be offered as a broodmare prospect during the Keeneland November Breeding Stock sale.

Saratoga Diary: Scratchfest

Front-runners and MTOs make the most of NYRA's decision to switch races from turf to dirt.

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Rachel Alexandra Works on Training Track

In her final workout in preparation for the Personal Ensign Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga, Rachel Alexandra breezed four furlongs Aug. 23 on the Oklahoma Training Track in :48.89.

Kantharos: OBS Sale Graduate Making News

The son of Lion Heart is roaring through the juvenile ranks after selling for $250,000 earlier this year.

'Rachel Breezes Six Furlongs in 1:12.96

With jockey Shaun Bridgmohan in the irons, reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra continued preparations for the Personal Ensign Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga, breezing a strong six furlongs in 1:12.96 Aug. 9.

Majesticperfection Vanquishes Vanderbilt Foes

Even-money choice Majesticperfection blew away a quality field in the $250,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr. I), going gate to wire in a fast time at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 8.

Rachel Alexandra Breezes Over Training Track

Reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra breezed five furlongs in 1:02.45 at Saratoga's Oklahoma training track Aug. 2 as she continued to prep for the Personal Ensign Stakes (gr. I).

Rachel on Her Way to Personal Ensign

Rachel Alexandra, coming off two consecutive wins, will race next in the $300,000 Personal Ensign Stakes (gr. I) Aug. 29 in Saratoga. The race for fillies and mares will be run at 1 1/4 miles.

'Ensign May be Rachel Alexandra's Next Start

Rachel Alexandra's trainer Steve Asmussen said that he and co-owner Jess Jackson would soon sit down to discuss what's next for the reigning Horse of the Year after her facile victory in the Lady's Secret Stakes July 24.

Rachel Has to Work in Lady's Secret Victory

Rachel Alexandra did what the fans at Monmouth Park came to see her do -- win the $412,000 Lady's Secret. But it was not a walkover for the reigning Horse of the Year, as she was made to work by pacesetter Queen Martha.

Zenyatta, Rachel Halters Total $8,777 in Bids

Halters worn by two-time Eclipse Award winner Zenyatta and 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra brought a combined $8,777.99 on eBay in a fundraiser for the Race for Education.

Haskin: So, What is Their Thinking?

Although one can only speculate what the thinking of Team Rachel is, here are some possibilities, going so far as to look ahead and coming up with a possible schedule leading up to the Breeders' Cup.

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Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta Halters Auctioned

Halters from Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and undefeated mare Zenyatta are now being auctioned on ebay.com to benefit The Race for Education.

Rachel in Final Work Before Saratoga Sojourn

In her final workout before shipping to Saratoga Racecourse in Upstate New York, Rachel Alexandra worked five furlongs in 1:03 over a track labeled sloppy June 28 at Churchill Downs.

Rachel in First Work Since Fleur de Lis Romp

Rachel Alexandra, the 2009 Horse of the Year fresh off a grade II romp a week earlier, breezed a half-mile in :51 1/5 at Churchill Downs on June 21, as the weather felt like it was the first full day of summer.

Confident Rachel Blooms Again in Fleur de Lis

Rachel nation is breathing a little easier June 12 after last year's Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra scored her first win of 2010, drawing away from four overmatched rivals in the $200,000 Fleur de Lis Handicap (gr. II).

Rachel Alexandra Works Toward June 12 Start

Stonestreet Farm and Harold McCormick's Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra went through her final exercise regimen June 7 in preparation for her return to competition June 12.

Riley Tucker Rides Rail to Aristides Win

Riley Tucker, who raced close to the pace during the early part of the May 29 Aristides Stakes (gr. III) at Churchill Downs, found clear sailing along the rail entering the stretch on his way to two-length score.

Heart Ashley a Gutty My Juliet Winner

Overlooked in the wagering at odds of 8-1, Heart Ashley quickly took the lead and never looked back while tallying a 1 1/4-length win in the $250,000 My Juliet Stakes at Philadelphia Park May 29.

Rachel Alexandra Sharp in Churchill Workout

Stonestreet Stables and Harold McCormick's Rachel Alexandra worked five furlongs in a sharp 1:00 2/5 at Churchill Downs on May 24.

Awesome Act Lame Following Derby Run

Son of Awesome Again is getting a break from training and competition and will undergo a nuclear scintigraphy scan.

Jackson: 'Rachel' 90% Fit; 'Should Win'

But the co-owner isn't afraid to lose and calls the La Troienne "just one step toward the ultimate goal, an appearance in the Breeders' Cup World Championships later this year at Churchill Downs.