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It was my thought all along that the Florida Derby was going to be the most telling prep race of the season. In hindsight I believe I was right, but not in the way that I expected. With the exception of Dialed In and an unexpected big run from Shackleford, the Florida Derby was largely disappointing. Three of the top Triple Crown ...

As I previously warned you, from here through early May, it’s going to be all Kentucky Oaks (gr. I), all the time on my blog. Throughout the next few weeks, I hope to provide you with some insight into the Oaks contenders and their connections, as well as some behind-the-scenes views of the spectacle leading up to the first Friday in May. One of ...

(Originally published in the April 9, 2011 issue of The Blood-Horse magazine. Feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions at the bottom of the column.)   A recent article by Tom LaMarra noted a third consecutive yearly drop in gross purses due to declines in handle  (The Blood-Horse of March 12, page 616). The ...

No, not seats; tickets to the starting gate. Spaces are filling at a rapid rate and there aren’t many left for all the horses scheduled to run over the next two weekends.In case no one has noticed, half of the 20-horse starting field already have the graded earnings and have stamped their tickets to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. ...

 (Originally published in the April 9, 2011 issue of The Blood-Horse magazine. Feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions at the bottom of the column.)  By Evan Hammonds   In the old days, enshrinement into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame was pretty cut-and-dried. The one that received the ...

(Originally published in the April 9, 2011 issue of The Blood-Horse magazine. Feel free to share your own thoughts and opinions at the bottom of the column.)     Friendships made in college can last a lifetime, enhance employment opportunities, or, in the case of George Bolton, perhaps even lead to Churchill Downs on ...

  1 Uncle Mo Todd Pletcher Indian Charlie—Playa Maya, by Arch Breezed a half in :48 1/5 for much anticipated start in the Wood Memorial. There doesn’t appear to be anyone who can test him to any degree, so he’ll have to rely on himself and Johnny V to get enough out of the race. Regardless of who runs, expect to see him sit ...

It takes great training skills, good fortune, and exceptional horses to propel a trainer up to the ranks of America’s elite. That rarified air is reserved for only a handful of horsemen. Graham Motion may not be up there with the likes of Pletcher, Baffert, Asmussen,  Zito, and McLaughlin, but don’t be surprised if he reaches that plateau in ...

In the near 20 years since its inception, Westbury Stud has risen to a place of prominence among New Zealand’s Thoroughbred nurseries. At its Karaka property, it stands seven stallions, drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds. Postponed (TrueNicks) is a U.S. graded stakes winner by Summer Squall – classic siring son of Storm Bird – and from the ...