Terrain, who pulled up in Friday's Iowa Derby, came out of the race with broken sesamoid bones in his right front ankle and had to be euthanized.
6 days ago
Duke of Mischief, sent off at 13-1 in the June 26 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows, took the lead on the turn and rolled to a five-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Musket Man, third in both the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness (gr. I) this spring, returned to the track June 24 as he starts preparations for the $1 million Haskell Invitational (gr. I) on Aug. 2.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Graded stakes winners Hightap and Hooh Why will attempt to upset the home track advantage of dual local stakes victor Don'ttalktome the June 26 Iowa Oaks (gr. III).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A month after a troubled fifth-place finish in the Preakness (gr. I), Harold Queen's homebred Big Drama rebounded with a dominating performance in the $250,000 Red Legend Stakes at Charles Town the night of June 20.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Prominent names are expected for the June 20 Charles Town Races & Slots Sprint Festival, which will feature five stakes worth a total of $750,000.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
All the obvious thoughts on this year's bizarre, but memorable Triple Crown have been discussed regarding the major players. But there were unsung heroes as well who did not wind up in the winner's circle, yet contributed to the memories.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Rachel Carson, author of "Silent Spring," wrote: "One way to open your eyes is to ask yourself, 'What if I had never seen this before? What if I knew I would never see it again'?"
Monday, May 18, 2009
It has long been the tradition for starters in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) to saddle on the turf course at Pimlico Race Course, but more than half of this year's field -- including morning-line favorite Rachel Alexandra and Pioneerof the Nile -- will be saddled indoors, Maryland Jockey Club paddock judge Mario Verge said May 15.
Friday, May 15, 2009
A field of 13 is set to line the gates at Pimlico Race Course May 16 for the 1 3/16-mile classic. It is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing Preakness Stakes in recent memory.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Insight into the pedigrees of this year's Preakness contenders is only a click away. This easy-to-read report includes pedigree analyses from Alan Porter, Avalyn Hunter, and Tom Hall. Order your copy today and separate the contenders from the pretenders.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Rachel Alexandra drew post 13 and was installed as the solid 8-5 morning-line favorite for the $1-million Preakness Stakes (gr. I) May 16 at Pimlico.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Papa Clem, the fourth-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), worked a leisurely five furlongs in 1:05 under exercise rider Emundo Cedeno shortly after 7 a.m. (EDT) over a fast Pimlico main track May 12 in his final breeze for the May 16 Preakness (gr. I).
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A few minutes after 9 a.m. EDT on May 12, Double Eagle Ranch and Buena Suerte Equine's Mine That Bird rolled out of the Churchill Downs barn area headed for Baltimore and the second leg of racing's Triple Crown.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Big Drama, disqualified winner of the Swale Stakes (gr. II), was the only contender for the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) to post a workout at Pimlico on Monday, May 11.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Possible Preakness (gr. I) candidate Rachel Alexandra, a record-smashing 20 1/4-length winner of the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), tuned up for a possible bid in the second leg of the Triple Crown with an easy four-furlong work on May 10 at Churchill Downs.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
A decision as to whether Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) winner Rachel Alexandra will be supplemented into the field for the $1 million Preakness (gr. I) could be made May 10 or 11 after the filly works for her new trainer, Steve Asmussen.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Wood Memorial (gr. I) runner-up West Side Bernie, who finished ninth in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), has been purchased by Godolphin from George and Lori Hall for an undisclosed amount and will be pointed for next year's Carnival events in Dubai, Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said Thursday.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
The prospective field for the Preakness (gr. I) grew by three confirmed starters when the connections of Musket Man, General Quarters and Terrain committed to the middle jewel of racing's Triple Crown on May 6. The $1 million race now has nine definite starters, with Big Drama the first to arrive at historic Pimlico Race Course. The 1 3/16-mile event is on May 16.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
When trainer Kelly Breen saddles West Side Bernie and Atomic Rain in the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), it will be the first time the 39-year-old conditioner has started a horse in the Run for the Roses. But for now, he is trying to keep calm and keep his mind busy.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
George and Lori Hall's West Side Bernie got a tour of Churchill Downs' main track April 25, and drilled a half-mile in an easy :48 1/5. Trainer Kelly John Breen gave rider Stewart Elliott a leg up on the son of Bernstein just after the track reopened at 8:30 a.m. following the renovation break.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
General Quarters, the "feel-good" horse of this year's Kentucky Derby, breezed five furlongs in 1:01 4/5 over a fast track at Churchill Downs April 23.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Zayat Stables' Pioneerof the Nile brought a smile to the face of three-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert with a sharp five-furlong work over a fast Churchill Downs track on April 21.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Some thought General Quarters' Sam F. Davis (gr. III) win two starts back was a fluke. But the son of Sky Mesa proved them wrong by powering to a 1 1/2-length victory in the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) on April 11 at Keeneland, and he will now head to next month's Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) as a legitimate contender.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, analyzes the Blue Grass and the Arkansas Derby. Plus, join Jason for a live chat at noon Eastern on April 11.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Shadwell Stable's Mafaaz, who will make his U.S. debut in the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) on April 11, visited the starting gate April 9 at Keeneland and then galloped a mile and a quarter under exercise rider Miguel Moya.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Hold Me Back was made the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) on April 11 at Keeneland.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
WinStar Farm's Hold Me Back, winner of the Lane's End Stakes (gr. II) at Turfway Park, was installed as the moderate 3-1 morning-line favorite when 11 horses were entered for the April 11 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) at Keeneland.
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
When Charitable Man goes to post in the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) on April 11, he will be making his first start since winning the Futurity (gr. II) at Belmont Park on Sept. 13.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Breeders' Cup is offering a $100 discount off the standard $500 nomination fee for all foals nominated to the Breeders' Cup program electronically by the close of business Aug. 1, the organization announced April 7.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Despite his troubled trip in the nine-furlong Wood Memorial (gr. I) at Aqueduct April 4, IEAH Stables and David J. Lanzman's I Want Revenge was feeling no ill effects the morning of April 5.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Despite missing the break, then being caught in traffic at the top of the lane, I Want Revenge split horses in mid-stretch and went on to win the $750,000 Wood Memorial (gr. I) in remarkable fashion April 4 at Aqueduct.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Adele Dilschneider's Terrain put in his final major move for the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass (gr. I) by working five furlongs in 1:01 at Keeneland on April 4 with exercise rider Keith Harris up.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Confirming Bill Mott's suspicions that he was a natural turf horse, Darley Stable's Stormalory came from off the pace to take the $150,000 Central Bank Transylvania (gr. IIIT), the opening day feature at Keeneland on April 3.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Peter Shoemark, racing office manager for John Gosden Racing, said that Kentucky Derby Challenge Stakes winner Mafaaz was scheduled to depart England early the morning of April 4 with a scheduled arrival in Wilmington, Del., at 9:55 a.m.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Saturday's big three Kentucky Derby preps should be pretty formful, with one or two standouts in each race. But, there's a lot more to these races than who is going to win. While they are all prestigious events, let's not forget the fact that they are indeed preps.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Adele Dilschneider's Terrain, runner-up in last fall's Lane's End Breeders' Futurity (gr. I), is scheduled for a five-furlong work on April 4 in preparation for the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I) according to trainer Al Stall Jr .
Thursday, April 02, 2009
A field of eight was drawn for the 1 1/8-mile main track test, which is the final Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands prep for 3-year-olds in New York.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Some of the 3-year-olds entered in the $150,000 Central Bank Transylvania (gr. IIIT) made brief stops on the Triple Crown trail and are now switching gears. Others began their careers on dirt but have recently found success on turf. Whatever the individual case may be, it has made for an interesting field of eight in Keeneland's feature race April 3, which is opening day of the Lexington racetrack's 15-day spring meet.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
SwaleACtn.jpg "DQ Drama: This Ones for Phil Wins Swale")
Favored This Ones for Phil was awarded victory in the $150,000 Swale Stakes (gr. II) when Big Drama was disqualified for interference in the stretch after posting a track record for seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park March 28.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The top three finishers from the Gotham Stakes (gr. III), headed by runaway winner I Want Revenge, are among the probable starters for the 85th running of the $750,000 Wood Memorial (gr. I) for 3-year-olds going 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct on April 4.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Big Drama, a five-time winner as a juvenile whose Triple Crown aspirations were interrupted by a bone bruise that required surgery, returns to action as the one to beat in the $150,000 Swale Stakes (gr. II) March 28 on the Florida Derby undercard at Gulfstream Park.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
WinStar Farm's homebred Hold Me Back overcame a poor break to win the $500,000 Lane's End Stakes (gr. II) at Turfway Park in his first start of 2009 for trainer Bill Mott March 21.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, looks at the Lane's End Stakes. Join Jason and professional handicapper Double Deuce from TheWinnersForum.com for a live chat at noon Eastern on March 21.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Jason, Evan, and the Wizard discuss the Lane's End Stakes. Plus, a look back at the Derby prep action from the weekend of March 14.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Because of successful juvenile campaigns, West Side Bernie and Bittel Road both already have enough graded earnings to ensure themselves a spot in the starting gate for the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) May 2. But the connections of each colt will now get to see if they have legitimate contenders in their barns when they go to post in the $500,000 Lane's End Stakes (gr. II) March 21 at Turfway Park.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Live coverage of the $500,000 Lane's End Stakes (gr. II) at Turfway Park will be featured on the first of four "NTRA Racing to the Kentucky Derby" programs March 21 from 5 to 6 p.m. ET on ESPN 2.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Although most of the field for Saturday's Lane's End Stakes (gr. II) will have journeyed to Turfway Park from all parts of the country, Saturday's race is a veritable home game for Parade Clown.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A field of at least 10, headed by Lori and George Hall's West Side Bernie, appears likely for the $500,000 Lane's End Stakes for 3-year-olds at Turfway Park March 21.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Adele Dilschneider's Terrain, third in the March 14 grade II Louisiana Derby, remains on course for a run in the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).
Monday, March 16, 2009
Vinery Stables and Fox Hill Farm's Friesan Fire swept the Louisiana 3-year-old series and made a bold statement for the May 2 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) when overwhelming eight rivals to win the $600,000 Louisiana Derby (gr. II) by 7 1/4 lengths March 14 at Fair Grounds.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
It is the second week in March, the second Future Wager is upon us, and that means the Kentucky Derby contenders are pretty well established...or are they? That's what we'll find out this weekend.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, analyzes the Louisiana Derby.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Harold Queen's Big Drama, who won the Delta Jackpot (gr. III) and swept the Florida Stallion Stakes series last year at Calder Race Course, is no longer being pointed toward the $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and wagering on the colt has been suspended for Pool 2 of Churchill Downs' Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which opens its four-day run March 12.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Winner of the Jan. 10 LeComte (gr. III) and Feb. 7 Risen Star (gr. III), Friesan Fire will try to sweep the Louisiana series for 3-year-olds and stamp himself as one of the top Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) contenders in the nation. The son of A.P. Indy--Bollinger was installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Friesan Fire, winner of the LeComte (gr. III) and Risen Star (gr. III), has been installed the 5-2 morning line choice in the 10-horse field that will contest the March 14, $600,000 Louisiana Derby (gr. II) at Fair Grounds.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Terrain breezed a bullet six furlongs in 1:13.60 March 6 at Fair Grounds in advance of his 3-year-old debut in the $600,000 Louisiana Derby (gr. II) March 14.
Friday, March 06, 2009
HRTV's weekly series analyzing the pursuit of the Triple Crown. This week's episode includes the News Update - featuring an update on Big Drama, previews of the Fountain of Youth and the Sham, and Siegel's Sleeper - Mr. Hot Stuff.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Harold Queen's 3-year-old Florida homebred Big Drama breezed an easy half-mile in :50-flat Feb. 22 at Calder, his first workout since Jan. 18 as the colt's training schedule was interrupted by a bone bruise that required surgery after kicking himself in a shin in his stall.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, reviews Old Fashioned's performance in the Southwest and offers a new top 10 Derby Watchlist.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Unbeaten Old Fashioned, at the top of many early prognostications for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), makes his 2009 debut in the $250,000 Southwest Stakes (gr. III) at Oaklawn Park Feb. 16.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Saratoga Sinner, shadowing pacesetter Bear's Rocket from the start, took control in the final furlong to post a 12-1 upset in the $150,000 Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 31.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
With Big Drama sitting this one out, the $150,000 Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 31 will highlight the return of graded stakes winners Beethoven and West Side Bernie, as well as a gate full of new 3-year-old prospects.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
No prominent 3-year-old races this weekend, but plenty of action on the worktab. Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, looks at this week's works for Derby contenders.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Before we get to this past week's races, including Monday's Smarty Jones Stakes, there is a pedigree pattern developing this year that you don't normally see to this degree.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Triple Crown Talk blog, with host Jason Shandler, looks at recent works for some Derby Hopefuls.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Texas Thoroughbred Association honored its top performers of 2008 at its annual Horse Racing/Breeding Conference and Annual Meeting in Dallas Jan. 9-10. The winner of the prestigious T.I. "Pops" Harkins award went to John Adger, racing manager of Bob and Janice McNair's Stonerside, which was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed's Darley last year.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Harold Queen's Florida homebred colt Big Drama will make his highly-anticipated 3-year-old debut in the $150,000 Holy Bull Stakes (gr. III) to be run at 1 1/8 miles at Gulfstream Park Jan. 31, according to trainer David Fawkes.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
