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By Nicole Sauer Since 1973, an average of five Kentucky Derby (gr. I) starters have ran back in the Preakness Stakes (gr. I). By that standard, this year's class of sophomores is under-performing, with only three Derby runners—California Chrome (first), Ride On Curlin (seventh), and General a Rod (11th)—are likely to start in the Preakness. Derby ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') There’s no denying that Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome will be an overwhelming favorite to win the Preakness Stakes (gr. I) at Pimlico this Saturday, and trying to find a longshot that can beat him will likely prove fruitless. But in my opinion, there is a horse pointing toward the Preakness Stakes ...

A lot has been made about the unimpressive final time of the 2014 Kentucky Derby. As you may know, Old Rosebud won the 1914 Kentucky Derby in a faster time (2:03.40) than this year’s edition (2:03.66), which is pretty remarkable considering how much slower final times were a century ago. For instance, the two six-furlong races on the 1914 ...

True enough, covering Thoroughbred racing was only part of Art Grace’s beat as a sportswriter working for the now defunct Miami News.But it was the sport closest to his heart.Grace, who passed away April 17 at 88 in Tallahassee, Fla., worked for the News, beginning in the early 1950s when Thoroughbred racing and boxing dominated the South Florida ...

Among the questions that we are most frequently asked with regard to suggest matings is ''what about the inbreeding to....?'' or ''is inbreeding to x a good thing?''  Unfortunately, as a generalized question, there is no simple straightforward answer, and so our reply usually starts with a ''Well, it depends....'' While this might appear ...

As a consultant, there is a tendency to feel that you should have a ready answer for most inquiries. There are times, however, when the correct answer is ''I don't know.'' We were reminded of this when presented with a query regarding the mare Cameron's Buddy. The 10-year-old mare is by Frisk Me Now, a multiple graded stakes winner of $1.7 ...

The Daily Racing Form website has published links to all their stories about California Chrome since his maiden win, providing a fascinating look back at how the colt made it from a 4 1/2-furlong maiden race to the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle.That got me thinking that it might be interesting to do something similar regarding California ...

The sixth race on Friday at Churchill Downs (click for FREE Brisnet.com Ultimate Past Performances) is a tough and interesting Maiden Special Weight event for two-year-olds going 4 ½ furlongs. One interesting horse is #6 Stonebriar. This Two Punch colt debuts for trainer Al Stall, who has enjoyed a brilliant start to this Churchill Downs meeting ...

Check back Saturday for Sunday stakes previews from Belmont Saturday Belmont, Race 9G2 Peter Pan StakesBy Mike Beer A field of seven is set to enter the gate for the Grade 2 Peter Pan.  They will go nine furlongs over Belmont's main track, and when all is said and done, one of these three-year-olds will be a newly minted graded stakes ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') In the wake of California Chrome’s impressive victory in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I) last Saturday, it’s easy to let the excitement take over and start thinking about a potential sweep of the Triple Crown—the first since Affirmed in 1978. But even if California Chrome wins next Saturday’s Preakness Stakes (gr. ...