Pedigree Analysis: Awesome Still

by Anne Peters
Awesome Again is one of the most consistent sires of high-class runners in North America.

Juvenile Behavior: Sweet Emma Rose Blooms

Trainer Wesley Ward added to his reputation as a conditioner of young horses when Sweet Emma Rose sprinted clear early and rolled to a nine-length victory in the first of eight "baby races" scheduled for Keeneland spring.

Malibu Moon Colt Tops Strong Barretts Sale

Topped by a $675,000 son of Malibu Moon, the Barretts March sale of selected 2-year-olds in training March 4 produced across-the-board gains in gross, average, and median prices.

Awesome Gem Retired

Grade I winner and multi-millionaire Awesome Gem has been retired from racing. The 9-year-old son of Awesome Again was scheduled to run in the Sept. 23 Ralph M. Hinds Pomona Handicap at Fairplex.

Gutierrez, Taylor Said Take Longacres Mile

Red-hot Taylor Said, back in action just 13 days after setting a track record at Hastings Racecourse, held off Winning Machine in the final strides Aug. 19 to capture the $200,000 Longacres Miles (gr. III) by a head.

Awesome Gem to Defend Title in Longacres Mile

He's the gift that keeps on giving and the equine version of the Energizer Bunny. Making the 52nd start of his career Aug. 19, Awesome Gem steps forward to defend his title at Emerald Downs.

Fort Larned Gets Loose to Capture Cornhusker

Fort Larned, left alone on an easy pace, turned back heavy favorite Successful Dan in the lane to post an easy three-length triumph in the $300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (gr. III) in Iowa June 30.

Successful Dan Takes On Salty Cornhusker Cast

Highly regarded Successful Dan, winner of the Alysheba Stakes (gr. II) this spring, is 6-5 on the morning line for the $300,000 Cornhusker Handicap (gr. III) at Prairie Meadows on the night of June 30.

Awesome Gem Gets Lucky, Wins Berkeley on DQ

Favored Awesome Gem, making his 50th career start, was awarded victory in the $100,000 Berkeley Handicap (gr. III) when original winner Positive Response was disqualified at Golden Gate Fields May 28.

Awesome Gem Faces Hudson Landing in Berkeley

Awesome Gem, lifetime winner of more than $2.7 million, and San Francisco Mile (gr. IIIT) victor Hudson Landing head the field for the $100,000 Berkeley Handicap (gr. III) at Golden Gate Fields May 28.

Morning Line Stays Focused in Mervyn LeRoy

Morning Line wanted no part of the starting gate at Betfair Hollywood Park, but once he finally acquiesced there was no catching the grade I winner in the $150,000 Mervyn Leroy Handicap (gr. II) May 5.

Morning Line Set for Mervy LeRoy Handicap

Grade I winner Morning Line debuts for new trainer John Shirreffs in the $150,000 Mervyn LeRoy Handicap (gr. II) May 5 at Betfair Hollywood Park.

Utopian Captures Inglewood With Perfect Trip

Beginning with the scratch of champion Acclamation, the Inglewood Handicap (gr. IIIT) went perfectly for Utopian, who got up in the final couple of strides to win by a head April 27 at Betfair Hollywood Park.

Acclamation Scratched from Inglewood

Acclamation, the champion older male of 2011, has had his scheduled comeback at Betfair Hollywood Park April 27 delayed.

Champion Acclamation Returns in Inglewood

The return of Acclamation, the champion older male of 2011, highlights the first Friday night program of the Betfair Hollywood Park spring/summer season April 27.

9YO Awesome Gem Starts Year in Allowance Win

Nine-year-old Awesome Gem got his 2012 campaign underway with a handy allowance victory at Golden Gate Fields April 12.

Nine-Year-Old Awesome Gem Prepares for Return

Nine-year-old Awesome Gem, in the money in 19 graded stakes, is back on the work tab in California and will be pointed toward a seventh year of racing.

WinStar Sets 2012 Fees for Expanded Roster

WinStar Farm announced 2012 fees for its expanded roster of stallions, led by North America's leading sire Distorted Humor, who will stand for $100,000 (stands and nurses) and will breed an exclusive book of 100 mares.

No Breeders' Cup for Awesome Gem

Eight-year-old Awesome Gem, who has competed in the past four Breeders' Cups, will bypass the World Championships this year, according to West Point Thoroughbreds' website.

Game On Dude Determined Winner in Goodwood

In his return to Santa Anita, Game On Dude won for the first time since taking the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) in March, holding sway over late-running Awesome Gem in the $250,000 Goodwood Stakes (gr. I) Oct. 1.

Baffert Enters Coil, Game On Dude in Goodwood

Trainer Bob Baffert hopes to move a step closer to winning his first Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) when he sends out grade I winners Coil and Game On Dude in the $250,000 Goodwood Stakes (gr. I) Oct. 1 at Santa Anita.

Slideshow: The Week In Photos - Aug 23, 2011

Awesome Gem, Royal Delta, Summer Soiree, and more.

View Slideshow

Awesome Gem Sparkles Anew in Longacres Mile

Awesome Gem, the richest horse to ever race in Washington, was too much for local star Noosa Beach in the $200,000 Longacres Mile Handicap (gr. III) at Emerald Downs.

Favorites Stuck Outside in Longacres Mile

Defending champion Noosa Beach and leading challenger Awesome Gem drew the far outside posts in a field of 12 entered for Washington's $200,000 Longacres Mile (gr. III). The signature race at Emerald Downs is Aug. 21.

Baffert's 'Dudes' Abide in 1-2 Gold Cup Show

Two dudes from trainer Bob Baffert's barn proved better than heavy favorite Twirling Candy in the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) when First Dude came from off the pace to defeat Game On Dude by a nose July 9.