Blood-Horse

Leinster held by a head at the wire while Totally Boss just missed, giving Arnold not only a thrilling 1-2 finish in the 5 1/2-furlong turf event, but two very viable contenders for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) back at the Lexington track.

Stronach Stables homebred gelding Silent Poet persevered over Admiralty Pier July 11 in a Connaught Cup Stakes (G2T) clash at Woodbine.

Peter Brant's Dunbar Road swept to a geared-down victory under Irad Ortiz Jr. in the $400,000 Delaware Handicap (G2) July 11 at Delaware Park.

Charlie Appleby has been gracious in defeat at the hands of Kameko and Palace Pier so far this season but for both the trainer and his star pupil Pinatubo, the Qatar Prix Jean Prat (G1) marks a crucial crossroads in the season. 

Jarett Case Rogers' Stay Away Jonesy rewarded New Mexico-based freshman sire Awesome Indian with his first winner July 11 at Ruidoso Downs, rallying to a neck victory in maiden special weight company against eight fellow state-breds.

Cieren Fallon guided Oxted to a July 11 success in Europe's premier sprint, delighting not only his celebrated parent but also trainer Roger Teal, who joined the triumphant jockey in experiencing a group 1 victory for the first time.

Maximum Security is likely to have a California-based jockey aboard him when he returns in the July 18 San Diego Handicap (G2) at Del Mar, trainer Bob Baffert said July 11.

Art Collector painted a rosy picture for his Kentucky Derby (G1) prospects by defeating 3-year-old filly Swiss Skydiver and 11 other colts and geldings July 11 in the $600,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes (G2) at Keeneland.

In just her second race in 20 months, Monomoy Girl tuned up for her upcoming return to grade 1 competition by taking the $145,500 Ruffian Stakes (G2) for fillies and mares July 11 at Belmont Park.

The daughter of More Than Ready defended her title in the 1 1/16-mile turf test for older fillies and mares and set a course and stakes record when she finished in 1:39.02 over pacesetter Jolie Olimpica. 

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Madaket Stables' Speech took charge in the stretch to record a three-length victory in the $392,000 Central Bank Ashland Stakes (G1) for 3-year-old fillies July 11 at Keeneland.

Allen Stable's lightly raced Enola Gay nabbed a nose victory and set a stakes record in the $150,000 Appalachian Stakes Presented by Japan Racing Association (G2T) July 11 at Keeneland.

The star turn of the feature is undoubtedly recent Jersey Stakes (G3) second Monarch of Egypt, a son of American Pharoah. Should he run well here, a trip to Churchill Downs for the rescheduled Kentucky Derby (G1) in September could be on the cards.

Guarana battled back after being passed in early stretch by Mia Mischief to win the $250,000 Madison Stakes (G1) July 11 at Keeneland, providing Chad Brown with the 100th grade 1 victory of his training career.

Trainer Mike Maker's 1-2 punch in the $100,000 Kentucky Utilities Transylvania Stakes (G3T) at Keeneland is down to a single jab.

With former claimer turned grade 1 winner Zulu Alpha entered in the July 12 TVG Elkhorn Stakes (G2T) at Keeneland, Michael Hui and his wife, Paige, were on an 8 1/2-hour trek from their home state of Arkansas to cheer on the gelding.  

Six horses have been added to Fasig-Tipton's July Horses of Racing Age Sale, increasing the size of the catalog to 182 entries.

As a result of lightning damage to the electronic timing equipment, the July 11 final session of the under tack show for the Ocala Breeders' Sales July 2-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age Sale has been postponed until July 12.

The 3-year-old Whitham Thoroughbreds homebred by Majesticperfection set track and stakes records going about seven furlongs at Keeneland.

Demand was high even if prices weren't at their usual level, as the sale finished with an impressive 96% clearance rate, as 330 of 344 offered lots found a buyer, leaving just 14 going unsold.