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By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') On Monday, Oaklawn Park will host the second of their four official Kentucky Derby prep races, that being the $300,000 Southwest Stakes (gr. III). The 8.5-furlong race has drawn a very deep field of twelve, although one colt—LeComte Stakes (gr. III) runner-up War Story—is expected to scratch. With so many ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Following the incredible racing action of last Saturday, it’s only natural that things should slow down a bit this weekend, although looking at the stakes schedule, it still looks like we’re in for some excellent days of racing! Highlighting the Saturday action is the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) ...

Many diverse theories, techniques, procedures, tools, skills, and outright voodoo-isms go into the acquisition of young Thoroughbred horses. But what the whole rigamarole boils down to was once explained to me in indelible fashion by one of the greatest race riders who ever lived. The story starts with Dogwood's purchase in the mid-80s of an ...

Considering it's only February, Kaleem Shah's Dortmund has displayed about as many qualities as one could hope to see in a potential Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) horse. Talent? Dortmund won his Nov. 2 debut by 4 3/4 lengths. And when stretched out to a mile for his second start, he drew off to a 7 3/4-length ...

1 Texas Red Keith Desormeaux Afleet Alex—Ramatuelle, by Jeune Homme (Late news) Foot abscess will keep him out of Risen Star and he will now point for the Santa Anita Derby with the Arkansas Derby as an alternative. Desormeaux said starting off at 7f just seemed right based on past experience, and he’s always been a believer in conditioning ...

A veterinarian shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek changes to laws and regulations which are contrary to the best interests of the patient and public health. —From the American Veterinary Medical Association Principles of Veterinary Medical Ethics The Maryland Racing Commission’s suspension of three trainers for ...

From a physical standpoint, Shared Belief has as much in common with Forego as David did with Goliath. From a popularity standpoint, he doesn’t have anywhere near the following that Kelso did. In fact, he’s still trying to displace California Chrome as America’s equine darling. From a longevity standpoint, he still has half a decade before he can ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') The showdown that racing fans have been anticipating for weeks came to fruition last Saturday, as 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome squared off against 2013 champion 2yo male Shared Belief in the San Antonio Stakes (gr. II) (VIDEO) at Santa Anita. Their lone previous meeting had come in the Breeders’ ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Get ready, everyone! February 7th promises to be the best day of racing thus far in the young year, with the schedule of nine graded stakes races being highlighted by a pair of major Kentucky Derby prep races and a pair of top-notch races for older males on the main track. The action will start at Gulfstream ...

Beautiful weather and wonderful photo opportunities this week in Central Kentucky. Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch, now 23 and retired, resides in the Ashford Stud stallion barn near Versailles, Ky. Stallion manager Richard Barry and his staff do a tremendous job. As breeding season nears, they have 13 stallions on the roster. ...