BloodHorse.com

Don’t be surprised if the Keeneland paddock crowd around the tree listing “number six” is a bit thick before the Sycamore Stakes (gr. III) Thursday, Oct. 17.That tree will be the temporary home of 9-year-old Rahystrada, who will try to secure a Keeneland stakes win for the first time in his eight seasons of racing in the 1 1/2-mile turf test for ...

An interesting statistic came out of the International Simulcasting Conference held earlier this month in Lexington. Hank Zeitlin, president and COO of Equibase, reported that due to the shrinking foal crop the number of starters in Thoroughbred races in 2016 is projected to be about 39% less than it was in 2003.Based on racing through the ...

The breeding maxim ''Return to the sire the best blood of his dam'' has been attributed to longtime Darby Dan Farm manager Olin Gentry. Gentry wasn't the first to suggest this breeding theory, indeed there is evidence to suggest that it first came into livestock management via the Bedouins in upgrading Arabian stock centuries ago. The theory is ...

Point of Entry wins the Gulfstream Park Turf (Photo: Adam Coglianese) The program was set up with the idea that it would have to be aggressive, with only one goal—the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT)—in mind. For any other runner it would have been a tall task, but five-time grade I winner Point of Entry sailed along his road to recovery from a ...

“Winner’s circle; Ken Ramsey speaking.”Ken Ramsey’s greeting on the phone shortly after Kitten Kaboodle’s victory in the Jessamine Stakes pretty much summed up the amazing run of victories he’s been on this year, especially the last four months.It’s as if Disney has made a feline version of “1001 Dalmatians.” Racing has been literally overrun by ...

By the numbers, Ken and Sarah Ramsey had a pretty good 2012 as Thoroughbred owners with 117 wins, 98 seconds, and 79 thirds from 555 starts. Ken Ramsey walks Kitten's Dumplings into the winners circle. Photo: Georgia Keogh For the 12 months, their stable accounted for earnings of $4.83 million with average earnings of $8,717 per start. Their ...

You think there is a lot riding on Ed Stanco’s decision whether or not to run Princess of Sylmar in the Distaff? If he doesn’t run, she’ll most likely still be the favorite for the Eclipse Award for 3-Year-Old Filly regardless of what Beholder does, having beaten her fair and square in the Kentucky Oaks. Her status supposedly will be decided ...

One of my absolute favorite races of all time is the 2011 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes because it showed the value of speed figures--even on turf. For past performances and selections of this year's QE2 and all the races at Keeneland, visit the Blood Horse shop. The QE2 (on this side of the pond) is a 1 1/8-mile turf race for ...

Keeneland, Race 9, Local Post Time 5:21 pm ETThe G1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup, 1 1/8 Miles, Turf, 3YO FilliesBy Douglas SalvatoreIt's very frustrating when the 9/5 morning line favorite in a race has no significant advantage on speed figures, but you still can't muster up the courage to oppose her.Alterite just missed twice at the Group 1 ...

By Nicole Sauer Since the first Keeneland yearling sale back on August 9, 1943, the yearling sale—particularly Keeneland September—has been a benchmark for the North American Thoroughbred breeding industry. Similarly, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) has been an important stock market index for almost 120 years. Looking at the past 15 ...