Blood-Horse

A return on 13 days' rest and a stretch out from a sprint to a route proved insignificant obstacles for Counting Stars, who improved to 3-for-4 in romping in the $150,000 Year's End Stakes Dec. 27 at Oaklawn Park.

Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Sovereignty is preparing to compete as a 4-year-old, according to Godolphin USA director of bloodstock Michael Banahan.

Montador, which in Portuguese means "assembler," put it all together in notching his first stakes win in the $98,000 Woodchopper Stakes Dec. 27 at Fair Ground Race Course & Slots.

Lovcen employed a striking turn of foot in the final 200 meters to win the Dec. 27 Hopeful Stakes (G1T) for 2-year-olds at Nakayama Racecourse in just his second career start.

BloodHorse has reprised its online year-end survey to ask some of the sport's leading individuals for their opinions on pertinent issues facing the sport.

The Hopeful Stakes (G1T) has been a reliable springboard to glory for Japan's 2-year-olds and usually has a favorite or two set to move ahead, but not this year.

As Japan's racing establishment ups the image of dirt racing, 3-year-olds Natural Rise and Narukami renew a rivalry in the Tokyo Daishoten (G1) Dec. 29 at Oi Racecourse.

In romping in three of five starts, Knightsbridge has hinted at the promise of becoming a future stakes winner. The future could be now Dec. 27 at Gulfstream Park in the $150,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3).

Regaleira, the only filly in the field, seeks an unprecedented repeat win in the Arima Kinen (G1) Dec. 28 at Nakayama Racecourse.

The National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, with matching financial support from The Jockey Club, has agreed to support a record nine internship applications at horse racing media outlets in 2026, by far the largest group funded in program history.

The Hopeful Stakes (G1T) has been a reliable springboard to glory for Japan's 2-year-olds and usually has a favorite or two set to move ahead, but not this year.

Motorious, winner of the 2024 Joe Hernandez Stakes, will try to add a second victory in the race Dec. 29 at Santa Anita Park.

Maiden Watch: Week of Dec. 15-21

Trainer Bob Baffert has entered five 3-year-olds in the seven-furlong Malibu Stakes, headed by recent Perryville Stakes (G3) winner Barnes.

Porter on Pedigrees: Express Kid

BloodHorse has reprised its online year-end survey to ask some of the sport's leading individuals for their opinions on pertinent issues facing the sport.

Three from Augustin Stables will vie in a field of 11 3-year-old fillies on the turf at Santa Anita.

West Point Thoroughbreds' Counting Stars hopes to up her win count as the 2-year-old filly leads the field of nine in the $150,000 End of Year Stakes at Oaklawn Park Dec. 27.

On offer is Silver Prince (Hip 1), a 2-year-old colt by Cairo Prince, who was second in his career debut at Oaklawn Park Dec. 14 with an 80 Beyer. In the race, won by D’code (99 Beyer). He will be consigned by his trainer Ron Moquett, agent.

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association enters a long-term sponsorship agreement with Florida Coast Equipment, a farm equipment dealer and service provider. The deal begins in 2026.