Blood-Horse

June 28 at Churchill Downs could be redemption day for 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna in the $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2).

Field of Gold has established a significant lead in the Cartier Horse of the Year standings, with the brilliant St James's Palace Stakes (G1) winner forming part of an outstanding Royal Ascot for trainers John and Thady Gosden.

World Pool bet types for Royal Ascot 2025 were up 10% on 2024, rising to $200.58 million for the five days.

Fasig-Tipton will award a bonus of $25,000 to the trainer that purchases the highest number of yearlings at its upcoming July Selected Yearling Sale July 8.

Riding between Parx, Delaware Park, and Laurel Park, Mychel Sanchez recorded 12 victories from 34 mounts, including two four-win days, earning Jockey of the Week honors.

Ziggity Zag won her career debut June 24 at Horseshoe Indianapolis to give 2021 Horse of the Year and first-crop sire Knicks Go his first winner as a stallion.

If Sierra Leone is to notch another top-level victory June 28 in the $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs, the late finisher will likely have to close from behind an anticipated moderate tempo.

Owner Marc Chan's foray into breeding could reap the ultimate reward on June 29 when his first homebred Green Impact bids for classic glory in the Irish Derby (G1).

Maiden Watch: Week of June 16-June 22

Meeting June 24 in New Orleans, the Louisiana Racing Commission formally approved customary race dates for Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, during which the track will race Nov. 22 - March 22.

Metropolitan Handicap (G1) winner Raging Torrent continues to lead the latest National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll ahead of a star-studded renewal of the June 28 Stephen Foster Stakes (G1).

Four-time stakes winner Storm Boy will join the Coolmore Australia roster in 2025, standing for an introductory fee of A$16,500, or approximately $10,691.

The Spring 2025 cohort was comprised of Ed Brown Fellow Joshua "JC" Berry and Ed Brown Scholar Chris Morales— both Louisville, Kentucky natives with limited prior exposure to the thoroughbred industry.

America's Best Racing provides horse-by-horse look at Stephen Foster Stakes (G1).

Dollars & Sense with Frank Angst

Swift Delivery recorded his third career win June 22 at Woodbine Racetrack in an allowance optional claiming race for owners Gary Barber, Team Valor International, National Football League star Travis Kelce, Bruce Zoldan, and Steven Rocco.

BloodHorse Interview: John Ropes

After 50 starts in which he thrilled racing fans in Texas and Oklahoma, trainer Mindy Willis announced June 23 that 10-year-old Sunlit Song has been retired.

The latest addition to the breeze-up circuit has passed its first test, with participants giving the opening stage of the Goffs Classic Sale a firm thumbs up. The auction is scheduled to take place June 28.

First hosted in 2017, the Real Rider Cup is back this week to support aftercare with 28 riders signed up to take part in the first part of the show hosted in Lexington June 28.