Blood-Horse

It might seem odd to card two 1 1/8-mile races for 3-year-olds on back-to-back days at Saratoga Race Course, but at times there can be some method to the madness.

Hot Rod Charlie is heading to Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 1 to get ready for the $1 million Whitney (G1) on Aug. 6. The 4-year-old colt has been stabled at Keeneland for the summer and has worked four times there. 

Trainer Wesley Ward stood along the rail of the Oklahoma Training Track July 29 and watched his best do his thing. And co-owner Mrs. John Magnier's Golden Pal did what he was supposed to do in his final work before the Troy Stakes (G3T).

A talented group of 10 sophomores—led by Conagher and Old Homestead—runs in the $100,000 Housebuster Overnight Handicap at Colonial Downs.

Federal District Judge Terry Doughty denied a motion filed by HISA to stay enforcement of a preliminary injunction entered against HISA's enforcement of its rules in Louisiana and West Virginia. HISA also asked for clarification of the ruling.

Owner John Fanelli and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. make a great team.

The son of Uncle Mo is a grade 1-placed, grade 2 winner for Victor Martinez.

Harry D. Snyder, a director of the New York State Breeding and Development Fund, died at Saratoga Hospital July 27 after a brief illness at the age of 91.

The breeder has made an increasing investment in the high-end broodmare market, last week purchasing 50% in group 1-winning mare Sierra Sue, while one of his earlier additions, AU$800,000 (US$560,000) mare Fast Fleet, continues to pay dividends.

Ali Fyfe's Alifyfe Racing's Fingal's Cave just keeps on running. The 3-year-old filly, a daughter of Carpe Diem, won her third race without a loss, winning the third race at Saratoga Race Course July 29 by 3 3/4 lengths.

Breeders' Cup, in conjunction with Keeneland, announced July 29 a pair of future wagers on the Nov. 5 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at the Lexington track, offered in a pair of betting pools in the coming months.

Fitriani Hay's Highland Chief has surprised trainer Graham Motion before. Maybe the 5-year-old horse can do it again July 31 in the $250,000 Bowling Green (G2T) at Saratoga Race Course.

HISA announced July 29 that enforcement of its horseshoe rules shall not apply to horses racing on dirt surfaces that are shod on the hindlimbs with traction devices of either a full outer rim shoe or a toe grab up to four millimeters in height.

The New York Racing Association announced that FOX will present live coverage and analysis of the $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) as part of a 90-minute broadcast July 30 including the $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes (G1).

Trainer Billy Morey didn't get anywhere near the result he was looking for July 16 when he made his first-ever trip to Monmouth Park but that isn't stopping him from making a return visit this weekend.

On Louisiana Cup Day, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will award two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to college students.

Phil D'Amato, whose trainees recently ran one-two-three in Del Mar's San Clemente (G2T), returns with four more hopefuls in the Eddie Read (G2T).

There is not an abundance of top-tier sprint races limited to 3-year-olds,  and when they pop up, there's rarely a shortage of talent.

The grass has always been greener outside the barn of trainer Chad Brown. Or, at least it seems that way. The grass on the turf courses at Saratoga Race Course have certainly been a shade of Brown. As in Chad, of course.

The dirt marathon division appears to have a new leader as Repole Stable's Fearless bested defending race winner and notable dirt stayer Lone Rock in the July 28 $200,000 Birdstone Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.