In a dramatic reshaping of graded status of 2017 Triple Crown prep races, the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders' Association has downgraded the Toyota Blue Grass and the Wood Memorial from grade I to grade II.
Steps to Heaven wins Oct. 2 in Panama
Despite reservations expressed by owner J. Paul Reddam after what he called "the worst performance of (Nyquist's) life" in the Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II), the Uncle Mo colt will target the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I).
Connect was in fine fettle Sept. 25, the day after his Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) victory at Parx Racing and trainer Chad Brown said the Breeders' Cup will be considered along with several other races.
After a poor performance in his first graded stakes try in the Travers Stakes (gr. I), late-developing 3-year-old Connect bounced back with a narrow win over Gun Runner in the $1.25 million Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) Sept. 24 at Parx Racing.
After six previous meetings that include one-two finishes in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) and the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Nyquist and Exaggerator go toe to toe for Round 7 in the Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II).
Will we see the same Nyquist we saw last year and this past winter and spring in the Pennsylvania Derby?
Analysis of the Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) and Cotillion (gr. I) card.
In most of Nyquist’s 10 starts, the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner has led or raced closed to the leaders early, but trainer Doug O’Neill doesn’t believe last year’s champion juvenile male needs to be close early.
The stage was set for the biggest day of the year at Parx Racing when entries were taken and post positions drawn Sept. 19 for the Cotillion Stakes (gr. I) and Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II), which anchor a five stakes program Sept. 24.
Exaggerator delivered a five-furlong move Sept. 17 at Churchill Downs in preparation for a planned start in the Sept. 24 Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II). Meanwhile at San Luis Rey Downs, Nyquist also worked.
After the worst start of his career in the William Hill Haskell Invitational Stakes (gr. I) July 31 at Monmouth Park, Awesome Slew bounced back with the top race of his young career in the $300,000 Smarty Jones Stakes (gr. III).
After noticing Reddam Racing's Nyquist was getting a little skinny at Del Mar, trainer Doug O'Neill decided to send the Uncle Mo colt north on Interstate 5 to train at the much more relaxed San Luis Rey Training Center.
Gainesway stallion To Honor and Serve was represented by his first winner April 19 when his first starter, French General, won his debut in the second race at Turf Paradise.
In this continuing series about top horses sired by popular sires, trainers share their views on Bernardini's offspring. view slideshow
The Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association is conducting an online auction of seasons to more than 180 stallions from 16 states.
Stephen Chesney and Cory Hoffman's Melmich left no doubt Nov. 29 at Woodbine, smashing the course record for 1 3/4 miles by nearly two seconds in the $150,000 Valedictory Stakes (Can-III).
The Nov. 29 Valedictory Stakes (Can-III) for older horses at 1 3/4 miles at Woodbine, features eight runners including Melmich and the retiring champion Pender Harbour.
On Nov. 29, with a final run in the $150,000 Valedictory Stakes (Can-III), Pender Harbour's reign as one of the top Ontario-sired horses of all time will come to an end.
A $190,000 weanling colt by first-crop sire Graydar and the $180,000 broodmare prospect Judy Legend were the six-figure lots at the Keeneland November sale's 10th session, which posted sharp gains.
Gainesway Farm announced Thursday, Nov. 5 that Tapit, well on his way to a second straight season as leading sire, will again stand for $300,000 in 2016.
The last two winners of the Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) have run well in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I); the connections of Frosted would love to see that trend continue.
Bridlewood Farm cherry-picked the day's top-priced yearling, Hinkle Farms' Blame half sister to grade I winner Nyquist, for $330,000, enough to make them the day's leading buyer by gross.
Rallying three wide at the top of the stretch, Frosted put away Iron Fist and cruised to victory by two lengths in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Parx Racing.
Claire Novak and Tom LaMarra take a look at the Pennsylvania Derby and briefly discuss the Cotillion Stakes. watch video
| Horse | Trainer | Breeder / Owner |
|---|---|---|
| Arthur's Tale | Thomas Albertrani |
|
| Isn't He Perfect | Eugene Reiff |
|
| J W Blue | Anthony W. Dutrow |
|
| Norman Asbjornson | Carlos A. Mancilla |
|
| Pender Harbour | Michael P. De Paulo |
|
| Rattlesnake Bridge | Kiaran P. McLaughlin |
|
| Ruler On Ice | Kelly J. Breen |
|
| Rush Now | John P. Terranova, II |
|
| To Honor and Serve | William I. Mott |
|
| Race | Track | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario County S. | FL | |
| Bashford Manor S. (G3) | CD | |
| Debutante S. | CD | |
| Kelly's Landing Overnight S. | CD | |
| Petticoat S. | ALB |
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