Thoroughbred Daily News

In what was no doubt a difficult decision, jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. has committed to riding GI Arkansas Derby winner Renegade (Into Mischief) in the GI Kentucky Derby. Ortiz was also the regular rider of GI Blue Grass Stakes winner and 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Further Ado (Gun Runner). It's possible that the two will be, in some order, the first and second choices in the Derby.

The news on Ortiz's pick, as well as other jockey commitments made to other key Derby contenders, was first reported by the Daily Racing Form's David Grening.

“It's always great having Irad ride any of my horses,” Mike Repole, who is the co-owner of Renegade, said via text. “He is one of the best riders today. He knows Renegade really well, especially after winning back-to-back stakes on him this year.”

Renegade, who is trained by Todd Pletcher, also won the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs this year. Repole owns the colt along with Robert and Lawana Low.

Ortiz's move left Brad Cox and Spendthrift Farm needing a rider for Further Ado. The connections have picked up the services of Hall of Famer John Velazquez. Cox also needed a rider for GI Florida Derby winner Commandment (Into Mischief), who is owned by Wathnan Racing. He has lined up Luis Saez for that mount. Commandment was ridden by Flavien Prat in the Florida Derby, but Prat is sticking with GII Louisiana Derby winner and 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Emerging Market (Candy Ride ({Arg}) for trainer Chad Brown.

“Spendthrift was happy to lock in Johnny Velazquez for Further Ado,” Cox said via text. “That's easy to understand given the amount of success they've had with him through the years. The same goes for Wathnan Racing and Luis Saez for Commandment.”

Cox still needs a rider for GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks winner Fulleffort (Liam's Map), who was also ridden by Ortiz in his last start. He said he is still searching for a new jockey for that colt.

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Parx Racing has kicked off renovations to the Philadelphia-area oval's turf course, a project that is expected to take approximately four weeks.

“We want to thank the horsemen and women for their collaboration and patience as we begin the process of renovating the turf course,” said Parx Chief Operating Officer Joe Wilson. “We expect this course will be held to the highest safety standards and we are looking forward to the return of turf racing here at Parx.”

The renovation began Wednesday, April 8 with the sod–provided by Tuckahoe Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey–being installed by Hummer Turfgrass System, Inc. of Manheim, Pennsylvania. Logan Freeman of C6 Turf Management, LLC, whose previous course work included Laurel, Pimlico, and Gulfstream Park, is overseeing the installation.

“Our horsemen deserve this, Pennsylvania Racing deserves this,” said Jeff Matty, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horseman's Association (PTHA). “We are very much looking forward to this joint venture with Parx Racing Management giving us the ability to offer multiple racing surfaces to our horsemen, on top of the great programs already in place here at the PTHA.”

David Osojnak, the Director of Racing at Parx, added: “We are really looking forward to being able to card turf races again starting this fall and renewing top-quality turf racing at Parx.”

The post Parx Turf Renovation to Take About Four Weeks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The 530-acre Shadwell Stallion Complex came onto the market just one week ago, and has been the subject of interest from parties domestic and foreign alike, said Ken Donworth, the listing agent with Bluegrass Sotheby's International Realty.

“We've had some foreign interest, but it's mainly been domestic,” the agent commented. “I think due to the fact that the horse business in Kentucky is doing well. And I think a lot of people are moving from Texas, California, New York, Oregon. There's a lot of domestic interest.”

The complex is situated just across the street from Keeneland Race Course and next to Blue Grass Airport, and Donworth references one of the key tenets in real estate that contributes to the property's appeal.

“Location, location, location,” Donworth said. “Look, it's a beautiful spot: airport, Keeneland….everything is right there. It's unique and the quality and the location is obviously hard to replicate anywhere. It's just a unique property.”

Though the existing structures were built over four decades ago, the facility remains in pristine condition, Donworth said.

“Clearly it was built to the highest standards,” he said. “When we went through the inspections with engineers and inspectors, they really found nothing wrong with the property. So back then they were ahead of their time as far as quality and structurally and electrical for that matter, and even the design itself.”

Donworth admits that the property will obviously not come cheap, but suggests that the $20-million asking price is reasonable, all things considered.

“You don't really have ready-to-move-in stallion divisions that have come available in recent years,” he said. “Obviously, you've had a few transitions like Don Alberto obviously bought Hill 'n Dale, and then obviously you had Goncalo [Torrealba] that bought Three Chimneys, but they were really not on the market. But something like this hasn't been offered publicly, to be honest. If you had to rebuild something from scratch, it would cost you far more than this.”

Donworth reports there are no restrictions on the property, meaning that the successful buyer can do with it as they see fit, in theory. But as a 'living piece of Thoroughbred nostalgia that deserves to be preserved, respected and carried forward into its next chapter' as stated in the listing, there is every reason to expect it will continue to operate in its current arena.

“I feel the Shadwell ownership want to do the right thing and keep it in the equine side of the business, whether it's Standardbreds or Thoroughbreds, preferably equine use,” Donworth said.

The listing may be viewed here.

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There may not be a harder-working man in racing journalism that Nick Luck. In addition to his work on NBC's racing broadcasts, he hosts the podcasts Nick Luck Daily and Nick Luck on Sunday, and has covered major racing events for networks in the U.K. Australia, Hong Kong, and throughout the Middle East.

In 2017, he became the BBC Equestrian commentator, and has since covered the Olympia Horse Show, Badminton Horse Trials, Burghley Horse Trials, and the Olympic Games for the BBC. Luck has been named Horserace Writers' & Photographers' Association Broadcaster of the Year in the U.K. eight times.

To talk about how he pulls it all off, how he got interested in racing, the demise of FanDuel TV, and other subjects, Luck joined this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland. He was the Gainesway Guest of the Week.

So how does he work so hard and put in so much time and still manage to have a life outside of racing? Luck resides in Teddington, England with his wife, Lauram and their three daughters.

“I hope the absence makes the heart grow fonder rather than just Laura thinking, 'Oh my God, he's away again' when something goes wrong,” Luck said. “I have an uncanny knack, ratio-wise, of being abroad when any passing catastrophe happens. It's probably not that surprising given the fact that last year, I think my schedule was stretched out to about 180 days. But the girls are great. They're so understanding. If you enjoy what you do, then the likelihood of you being in better humor when you actually do walk in the door is probably significantly higher. So I think that's a big plus and a big take. I'm lucky in that respect. There isn't a day when I wake up and I think I really don't want to do this or I don't want to do this job.”

His interest in horses was fostered by his parents.

“They had a love of horses, a real interest in the sport,” Luck said. “My mother was a good horsewoman, a good eventer or show jumper. She rode in some point-to-points. She trained a bit; did a bit of everything really. She was kind of a horsey Swiss Army knife. Then she met my dad, who didn't really have much of an interest in racing. Then he kind of developed an interest in riding through her. They decided that they might be interested in having a couple of steeplechase horses. They met a trainer called Josh Gifford, who'd been a multiple champion jockey, and they became great friends. They were all in their probably early thirties, having the time of their lives, with young families, and they had a couple of horses who did well.”

Luck was asked to comment on the news that FanDuel TV is being phased out and will be off the air by the end of 2027.

“I don't think anybody thought that would happen as soon as it did, even when Flutter's share price was tanking and tanking and tanking and tanking,” he said. “And you know that's the root of it. If that weren't the case, then this wouldn't have happened. The company is so huge and FanDuel is a small part of it, and horse racing within FanDuel is an even smaller part of that. Somebody looked at a balance sheet and decided this production's quite expensive relative to what we're getting out of this. Our share price is doing this. It's a stroke-of-a-pen job, isn't it, for somebody? I'm not saying that person's a bad person, but that is what they're paid to do. But they're not appreciating the wider consequences of that.”

The “Fastest Horses of the Week” was Eclatant (Into Mischief), who earned a 109 Beyer in her win in the GI Resolute Racing Madison Stakes at Keeneland. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar, which stands the sire Straight No Chaser.

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the PHBA, 1/ST TV, and West Point Thoroughbreds, Randy Moss, Bill Finley, and Zoe Cadman reviewed last week's major preps for the GI Kentucky Derby–the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, the GI Santa Anita Derby, and the GII Wood Memorial.

They also discussed the news that Churchill Downs had won a round in court when a judge ruled that HISA's method of collecting fees was unlawful and what the ramifications might be going forward.

The team also looked at the sharply declining handle figures in March and for the year.

Click here to watch the Writers' Room Podcast and here to listen to the show.

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A filly by Jackie's Warrior (hip 570) broke through a parade of :9 4/5 works to claim the furlong bullet time of :9 3/5 during Wednesday's third session of the under-tack preview of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. Consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, the dark bay filly is a daughter of graded winner Brazen Persuasion (Indian Charlie).

“We love the pedigree, we love Indian Charlie mares, that means the world to us,” Randy Hartley said. “When we saw her, we just loved her. She's the easiest horse in the world to train. She just does her business, she's super smart, she carries weight. She did that and just acted like 'Okay, whatever.' She can do is so easy. And mentally she's going to make a great racehorse because nothing bothers her.”

The filly was purchased last September at Keeneland by Arleigh Bonnaha and JC Trujillo for $140,000. Bonnaha is in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame as a bullfighter and his brother-in-law Trujillo is a hall of fame bareback rider.

Of the origins of the partnership, Hartley said, “JC and one of his friends used to buy some cheaper racehorses from us years and years ago. We've known him forever and we've always done a little here and there. We always tell him, if you pick something and you like it, we will take a piece. He bought two in September and we took half of both of them. He's a cool guy.”

Trujillo flew in to watch his filly work Wednesday.

“I knew she was going to be fast, but you don't want to say too much,” Hartley said of managing expectations ahead of the work. “But she's a runner.”

Of Trujillo's reaction to the bullet work, Hartley said with a laugh, “I could hear him screaming from the grandstand over on the backside.”

Two colts shared the fastest quarter-mile breeze of the day–and the week so far–when covering the distance in :20 3/5 Wednesday.

A colt from the first crop of Grade I winner Roadster (hip 596) was first to hit that mark. Consigned by Ocala Stud, the gray is out of Italian group winner Candy Store (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and is a half-brother to stakes winner and multiple graded-placed Vive Veuve (Collected). He was bred by Speedway Stables.

“He breezed really good on the farm two weeks ago and when he prepped at OBS last week, it was just an exceptional breeze,” said Ocala Stud's David O'Farrell. “We were kind of expecting in the ballpark of where he breezed today. We are super thrilled. He's a very nice colt.”

Hip 596 | Thorostride

Roadster (Quality Road), who stands at Ocala Stud for $7,500, won the 2019 GI Santa Anita Derby for Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner's Speedway Stables.

“They are super athletic,” O'Farrell said of the stallion's first crop of foals. “They are all good movers. Just across the board, they all act like they have some ability. They really have good action on the racetrack and they are good athletes.”

Roadster's first 2-year-olds were well-received at the OBS March sale last month, with a colt selling for $425,000 and a filly selling for $275,000 topping the list.

“He is a stallion that has a legitimate chance,” O'Farrell said. “Usually [in Florida], it's either you have a quality race record and lack of pedigree or vice versa. And with him, we have the best of both worlds. He is a well-bred horse and obviously well accomplished at the racetrack. He was a good 2-year-old. He broke his maiden in June of his 2-year-old year and then went on to win the Santa Anita Derby and he ran a really good second in the GI Malibu against Omaha Beach. So he's got a lot of quality. And with his pedigree, they shouldn't just be precocious. I think they are going to carry their speed.”

Late in Wednesday's session, a colt by American Pharoah (hip 525) equaled the bullet time when working for consignor Tom McCrocklin. The bay is out of Belle de Nuit (Arg) (Galileo {Ire}). He was purchased by McCrocklin for $50,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale.

Weather conditions through the first three days of the six-session under-tack show have been challenging, but conditions at the track have remained good, according to O'Farrell.

“We are dealing with some tricky weather conditions this week,” he said. “The winds have been having a bit of an impact and also the rain. But I think, all in all, OBS has done a wonderful job. I think the track has been very consistent considering the variations of the weather and the changes we have had in the last week. I think it's held up really, really well. I think it's been a good breeze show so far.”

The under-tack show continues through Saturday with sessions beginning each day at 8 a.m. The OBS Spring sale will be held next Tuesday through Friday. Bidding commences each day at 10:30 a.m.

The post ‘She’s a Runner’: Jackie’s Warrior Filly Sets Furlong Mark at OBS Wednesday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame has named its inductees for the class of 2026, and includes MGSW One for Rose (Tejano Run) and GISW Rahy's Attorney (Crown Attorney), according to press release from the organization on Wednesday.

Three-time Canadian champion One For Rose was bred by John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale Farm, owned by the Tucci Stables of Toronto and trained by Hall of Fame Inductee Sid Attard.

Rahy's Attorney, the result of a $3,000 mating by a small Canadian breeder, defied all expectations and became one of the Canada's most enduring fan favorites, all while earning $2,120,208.

The Thoroughbred Class of 2026:
Female Horse: One For Rose;
Male Horse: Rahy's Attorney;
Builder: John Burness;
Trainer: Dale Saunders;
Communicator: Michael Burns, Jr.;
Jockey: Richard Dos Ramos;
Legend: Eva Ring.

The induction ceremony will be held Wednesday, Aug. 12 at the Convention Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Additional information will be announced May 1.

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The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In returns for its 20th year in 2026 and the free entry fees total a record $6.5-million for the top contenders who will earn automatic berths into the Breeders' Cup World Championships, the organization said in a release on Wednesday.

The North American portion of the series will again deliver a robust schedule of races throughout the United States and Canada leading into the 43rd Breeders' Cup World Championships Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky.

Winners of 95 qualifying races across 14 countries will receive a guaranteed starting position into a corresponding race at the World Championships. There are 50 Challenge Series races scheduled to take place in North America.

“North American racing provides the essential framework for the Challenge Series, presenting horsemen with a consistent and competitive path to the Breeders' Cup World Championships,” said Dora Delgado, Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer of Breeders' Cup Limited. “The ongoing support of racing officials and track partners nationwide has been key to our success with the series, and we look forward to strong fields of global contenders at Keeneland this fall.”

Breeders' Cup will offer a $10,000 travel allowance for all World Championships starters within North America that are located outside of Kentucky, and a $40,000 travel allowance to the connections of World Championships starters that are based outside of North America.

If not already nominated, each Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 19 to receive the rewards.

Breeders' Cup has also announced the television schedule for the 'Win & You're In' races, which will consist of six live programs across NBC, FOX and Peacock.

Click here for a complete list of Challenge Series races and here for the Dirt Dozen schedule.

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Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country.

The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

Resolved ADMC Violations
Dates: 04/07/2026
Licensee: Susan L. Crowell, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.
Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from America's Honor on 3/8/26.

Dates: 04/07/2026
Licensee: Isidro Tamayo, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 8, 2026; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Ballyvaughan Gig, who won at Del Mar on 8/14/25.

Dates: 04/03/2026
Licensee: Ivan Calderon, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Angel Wings, who finished fourth at Mahoning Valley on 2/9/26.

Dates: 04/01/2026
Licensee: Daniel H. Dennison, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable).
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Furosemide (Lasix)–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Garavani, who won at Turf Paradise on 1/28/26.

Dates: 04/01/2026
Licensee: Jenna Antonucci, trainer
Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 2, 2026; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision of internal adjudication panel. Case stayed.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Lidocaine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Bee a Queen, who won at Gulfstream Park on 6/14/25.
Note: This ruling has been stayed by the Federal Trade Commission pending review by an administrative law judge.

Pending ADMC Violations
04/08/2026, Jon Zimmerman, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Stormcatsong on 3/5/26.

04/08/2026, Jane D. Cibelli, trainer: Pending out-of-competition medication violation for the presence of Altrenogest–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Rhythm 'n Blues on 3/3/26.

04/07/2026, Paulina Sinnefia, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from President Z on 3/10/26.

04/07/2026, Leslielyn Hardesty, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in samples taken from That's My Cat, who won at Tampa Bay on 3/1/26; and from Stormey Monday, who won at Tampa Bay on 3/8/26.

04/07/2026, Leslielyn Hardesty, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from That's My Cat, who won at Tampa Bay on 3/1/26.

04/06/2026, Robin Graham, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Not a Bother on 3/7/26.

04/02/2026, Arturo Chavez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Diclofenac–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Sophisticat, who finished seventh at Sunland Park on 3/1/26.

Crop Violations
Aqueduct
Jose Lezcano–reporting date April 4; $500 fine, one-day suspension

Parx Racing
Patrick A. Henry–reporting date April 8; $250 fine, one-day suspension
Jean C. Aguilar–reporting date April 6; $500 fine, two-day suspension
Angel A. Castillo–reporting date April 2; $500 fine, two-day suspension, on appeal

Santa Anita
Antonio Fresu–reporting date April 2; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Sunland Park
Oscar Andrade–reporting date April 5; $500 fine, one-day suspension

Tampa Bay Downs
Wesley G. Ho–reporting date April 4; $1,000 fine, four-day suspension
Marcos Meneses–reporting date April 3; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Turf Paradise
Patrick Valenzuela–reporting date April 2; $250 fine, one-day suspension

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Giving his connections no anxious moments, Waggley (Life Is Good) kicked off her young career with a splash, running off to post a 3 1/2-length score in her 4 1/2-furlong unveiling at Keeneland on Wednesday afternoon.

The victory marked the first winner, and runner, for Freshman sire Life Is Good, who stands at WinStar Farm.

Sent straight to the front by Joel Rosario from post 6, the bay filly scooted through an opening quarter in :23.02. On top turning for home, the $200,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase crossed the wire under wraps as Smoke (Volatile) came on for second. Frontline Fury (War Front) rounded out the trifecta.

A half to SW & MGSP Henry Q (Blame), $221,807, the filly is out of Malibu Moon's Lunar Empress. The family includes Grade I winner Noted and Quoted (The Factor).

Lunar Empress is also responsible for an unraced 3-year-old colt by Liam's Map and a yearling filly by Gun Runner. She was bred back to Twirling Candy.

1st-Keeneland, $87,313, Msw, 4-8, 2yo, f, 4 1/2f, :53.05, ft, 3 1/2 lengths.
WAGGLEY (f, 2, Life Is Good–Lunar Empress, by Malibu Moon)
Sales history: $200,000 Ylg '25 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $54,405. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Ten Broeck Farm, Inc.; B-Fred W. Hertrich III & John D. Fielding (KY); T-Wesley A. Ward.

(6) Waggley takes the Wednesday opener at Keeneland! (7) Smoke is second, (4) Frontline Fury is third. pic.twitter.com/Z5PrsIEcgd

— Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 8, 2026

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Tomoya Ozasa's T O Elvis (Volatile), a five-time winner and never worse than third in his eight career appearances at home, will make his next start in the $1-million GI Churchill Downs Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard May 2, trainer Daisuke Takayanagi told the Japanese website Sanspo.com on Wednesday.

Bred in Kentucky by Jeff and Melissa Prunzik, the 4-year-old son of the eight-time stakes winner Stopshoppingdebbie (Curlin) is currently on a four-race winning streak at home, most recently streaking clear to take out the G3 Capella Stakes (1200 meters) by five lengths in his group-level debut Dec. 14.

That effort earned the dark bay colt an automatic berth in the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint Feb. 14, but connections elected to give their charge additional time and instead targeted the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen on Mar. 28. That mission was aborted on the eve of his departure owing to the ongoing hostilities in the region. He was re-routed for the $322,000 Listed Tokyo Sprint, a 1200-meter contest at Ohi Racecourse on Apr. 15, but will instead join the Derby-bound Danon Bourbon (Maxfield) on a trans-Pacific flight in two weeks' time.

“It will be about six months since the last race, which is a bit of a concern, but the horse is in good spirits,” trainer Daisuke Takayanagi told Sanspo. “He won [the Capella] so convincingly that I am really looking forward to seeing what kind of race he'll show us over there.”

Takayanagi also has a runner for the Derby in the form of Wonder Dean (Jpn) (Dee Majesty {Jpn}), who scooped the G2 UAE Derby Mar. 28. It will be a second starter in the Run for the Roses for the 48-year-old conditioner, who sent out T O Password (Jpn) (Copano Rickey {Jpn}) to a respectable fifth-place finish behind Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in 2024.

The stable was also represented in that year's GII Alysheba Stakes by T O Saint Denis (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), who made the majority of the running beneath Forever Young rider Ryusei Sakai before rounding out the exacta at 27-1 behind First Mission (Street Sense).

Ozasa's best horse to date was T O Keynes (Jpn) (Sinister Minister), six-length winner of the G1 Champions Cup in 2021.

WATCH: T O Elvis smashes the competition in the Capella S.

NetKeiba is reporting that Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), a latest fourth in defense of his title in the G1 Neom Turf Cup (2100m) on the Saudi Cup undercard Feb. 14, will bypass the G1 FWD QE II Cup on Apr. 26 in favor of the GI Old Forester Turf Classic on Derby Day. In so doing, he avoids a clash with the world's richest racehorse Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and Japanese standouts Masquerade Ball (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn})–runner-up to Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) in the G1 Japan Cup–and G1 Arima Kinen hero Museum Mile (Jpn) (Leontes {Ire}). The QE II invitees also include this year's Neom Turf Cup victor Royal Champion (Ire) (Shamardal) and Sosie (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), victorious in the 2025 G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase.

“The distance is short at 1800 meters [nine furlongs], but it is left-turning and the competition will be easier,” said Yoshito Yahagi, who trains the 2022 Arqana August topper for Forever Young's owner Susumu Fujita.

Strauss (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) earned a spot in the Turf Classic with his win in the Listed Abu Dhabi Gold Cup in March, but connections have accepted an invitation to the G1 FWD Champions Mile at Sha Tin.

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Topping the list (technically it's at the bottom) are the 1-2-3 finishers from Keeneland's Madison Stakes, deeper in quality than any race so far this year.

6–MUNNINGS EXPRESS, AQU, Apr 4–WON, 6 1/2 furlongs
Beyer Speed Figure–90 (video)
(f, 4, Munnings–Freudie Anne, by Freud)
O-Team Spoor; B-Fergus Galvin, Marc Detampel, Jayne Johnson & Adrian Wallace (NY); T-Linda Rice; J-Jose Lezcano.
Aqueduct's runaway leading trainer Rice stuffed the entry box with 11 runners on Wood Memorial day and came away with four winners, including Richard Spoor's ascending New York-bred filly who has two romping allowance scores in three weeks–this one against open company. Spoor, back in the sport after a 15-year hiatus, bought Munnings Express for $325,000 as a yearling at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga New York-bred sale.

5–AMORITA, SA, Monrovia Stakes-GIII, 6 1/2 furlongs (downhill turf)
Beyer Speed Figure–91 (second) (video)
(f, 4, Liam's Map–Cara Bella, by Ghostzapper)
O-Augustin Stables & Stone Farm; B-Stone Farm (KY); T-Richard Mandella; J-Mirco Demuro.
Co-owned by racing legends, Amorita has come tantalizingly close to SW status, with seconds in the China Doll, GIII Senorita Stakes and now GIII Monrovia Stakes. George Strawbridge has boarded broodmares at Arthur Hancock's Stone Farm, but they haven't often partnered in ownership. Strawbridge bought Amorita for $260,000 from Hancock and the two cut a deal to race her together. Background nugget: Hancock bought unraced Cara Bella–a half-sister to Frank Stronach's GI Preakness Stakes victor Red Bullet–in 2017 from Stronach and she immediately provided Hancock with Swore (Broken Vow), a long-distance maiden winner on the flat who transitioned into a current steeplechase star and 2025 Eclipse Award finalist in that genre. That longtime steeplechase aficionado Strawbridge winds up with a half-sister to Swore seems to be coincidental, as he purchased Amorita nearly two years before Swore ever raced over jumps.

4–SPIRITED BOSS, SA, GIII Monrovia Stakes, 6 1/2 furlongs (downhill turf) (video)
Beyer Speed Figure–93
(f, 4, Street Boss–Spirited Storm, by Stormy Atlantic)
O/B-TAG Stables (FL); T-Jose D'Angelo; J-Mike Smith.
While champion sprinter Bentornato eases back into his routine after a trip to Dubai, Florida-based D'Angelo has found fertile new territory to target: Santa Anita's downhill turf course. Quereme Pass was shipped for the March 14 GIII San Simeon Stakes and came within a nose of a 9-1 upset, followed by this 18-1 shocker that gave D'Angelo his first Santa Anita victory. Quereme Pass improved his career-high Beyer from 85 to 92; in the Monrovia, Spirited Boss took her Beyer top from 81 to 93 in her first turf sprint.

3–R DISASTER, KEE, GI Madison Stakes, 7 furlongs
Beyer Speed Figure–96 (third) (video)
(m, 5, Awesome Slew–Making Havoc, by Gottcha Gold)
O-Averill Racing, Two Eight Racing & ATM Racing; B-Ocala Stud & J Michael O'Farrell Jr (FL); T-Saffie Joseph Jr; J-Tyler Gaffalione.
This underrated Florida-bred mare has been running lights-out her entire career while being beautifully spotted by Joseph. R Disaster hadn't finished worse than second in 14 starts until the Madison–and yet her third in this incredibly star-studded field was arguably her best accomplishment to date.

2–GRAND JOB, KEE, GI Madison Stakes, 7 furlongs
Beyer Speed Figure–108 (second) (video)
(m, 5, Justify–Sure Route {GB}, by Ishiguru)
O-Bell Tower Thoroughbreds, Medallion Racing & Mark Stanton; B-Fullbury (KY); T-Bill Mott; J-Junior Alvarado.
At least losing the Madison by half a nostril has two silver linings. The first is huge: already a Grade II winner, the Justify filly is now Grade I placed. The second: she's the first female to run a Beyer of 108+ in a losing effort since 2023, when Goodnight Olive ran 108 in the Aug. 26 GI Ballerina Stakes only to lose to Echo Zulu's 112. It was truly a grand job when Thomas Turner's Bell Tower Thoroughbreds bought the Justify filly from her Coolmore-adjacent ownership and returned her to the U.S. to race on dirt.

1–ECLATANT, KEE, GI Madison Stakes, 7 furlongs
Beyer Speed Figure–109 (video)
(f, 4, Into Mischief–Downside Scenario, by Scat Daddy)
O-Stonestreet Stables; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Brad Cox; J-Irad Ortiz Jr.
And what might this uber-talented Stonestreet filly be worth now? The daughter of Into Mischief and full-sister to Grade II-winning 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Mutasaabeq was given eight months off after her form careened downward last spring, but she returned with a 104 Beyer in a Feb. 15 allowance at Gulfstream, crushing her previous top by 21 points. “I'm not sure what to make of that figure,” Cox told DRF before the Madison. He knows what to make of it now. Eclatant not only followed up with her first Grade I score but showed guts to outduel Grand Job while improbably elevating her figure once more.

The post Six Speedy Sisters: Mar. 30-Apr. 5, 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

So Like Silk (Tapit), the first foal out of her Grade I-winning dam, put in a winning debut on opening day at Horseshoe Indianapolis Tuesday. Purchased by OXO Equine for $925,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September in 2024, the 3-1 second choice drew outside and was caught wide for most of the run in this six-furlong spot.

Unable to keep pace with the early sprinters, she had to settle back mid pack in sixth while still well in touch with 13-1 longshot leader Somnambulist (Liam's Map). With that rival as a target off the turn, So Like Silk was able to reel in that frontrunner and just edge past last under Eclipse-winning apprentice jockey Axel Concepcion for the three-quarter length win.

The partnership of Whisper Hill Farm and Gainesway Thoroughbreds purchased 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Hard Not to Love, in foal to Curlin at the time, for $3.2-million at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. A winner of the GI La Brea Stakes, Hard Not to Love is also a half-sister to three-time Canadian champion Wonder Gadot (Medaglia d'Oro).

The family includes another top-level winner in Beholder Mile Stakes victress Secret Spice (Discreet Cat) and recent Triple Crown-nominated colt Right to Party (Constitution).

So Like Silk has a 2-year-old Curlin half-brother who was a $500,000 Repole Stable purchase from Keeneland September last year. Hard Not to Love reported a full-brother to this filly in 2025 and is due this spring to leading general sire Into Mischief.

6th-Horseshoe Indianapolis, $32,000, Msw, 4-7, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:11.80, ft, 3/4 length.
SO LIKE SILK (f, 3, Tapit–Hard Not to Love {GISW, $593,480}, by Hard Spun) Sales History: $925,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $19,200.Click for the Equibase.com chart.
O-OXO Equine LLC; B-Whisper Hill Farm, LLC & Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD (KY); T-William Walden.

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Following a two-hour rain delay, the second session of the under-tack preview of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds got underway with the first two horses across the track skipping to matching :9 4/5 furlong bullet times. Through three sets on the day, 18 juveniles hit that mark, joining the 17 who shared that time during Monday's first session of the six-day preview.

Randy Miles, who had three of the furlong bullet workers from Monday's session, exceeded that number Tuesday when five horses from his consignment worked in :9 4/5. Leading off the group was a filly by Charlatan (hip 267), whose third dam, Serena's Cat (Storm Cat) produced champion Honor Code. Also reaching the bullet mark from Miles's consignment Tuesday: a filly by Kantharos (hip 386), a half-sister to stakes winner Leslie's Loot (Fast Anna); a filly by Munnings (hip 382) out of a half-sister to multiple Grade I winner Mind Control (Stay Thirsty); a colt by Uncle Mo (hip 261), out of stakes-placed Sweet as Pie (Tapit) and from the family of Streaming; and a colt by McKinzie out of Stonecoldfox (Bustin Stones) (hip 228).

A pair of juveniles from the first crop of multiple Grade I winner Life Is Good shared in the :9 4/5 co-bullet time Tuesday. Britton Peak consigns hip 312, a colt out of graded winner Tiz Breathtaking (Tiznow). He was purchased by Arroyo Bloodstock for $275,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale.

“He did exactly what we expected,” said Nelson Arroyo. “I was just hoping that he actually came through. I have been a nervous wreck because I knew he could do what he did, and I was just hoping that he would.”

Arroyo admitted it was a case of love at first sight when he saw the bay colt at Keeneland last fall.

“The first time I saw him, I fell in love with him the second he walked out of the barn,” Arroyo said. “He looked like a big horse, but he had all the right angles. He checked every box. The way he walked and the way he moved. I fell in love.”

The colt has only continued to impress Arroyo, who is now into his third year as a pinhooker.

“He's always been real good-minded,” Arroyo said. “He's been real easy to work with. He's a very smart horse, super intelligent. When he's on the track, every day he's displayed the same thing, just very bright and very smart. Whatever you ask him for, he gives it to you.”

Life is Good, who had a colt (hip 15) from the de Meric Sales consignment work in :9 4/5 Monday, had a third bullet worker with a filly (hip 391) from the Global Thoroughbreds consignment.

Arroyo Bloodstock and Britton Peak will send out another colt by Life Is Good (hip 472) during Wednesday's third session of the under-tack show.

“They look like they are going to be fast and they are going to go the distance,” Arroyo said of his impression of Life is Good's first crop. “That's what I really liked about them. And they all had a real good mind, a real good presence to them. All very professional any time they walked out and showed themselves. I kept on seeing the same mentality, same presence. They caught our eye quick.”

Life is Good | Sarah Andrew

Arroyo is consigning horses with the Martin family's Britton Peak for the first time this year, but there was plenty to recommend him to the operation.

“We were buying more horses and I wanted to try Greg [Martin]'s operation just because he got recommended to me by my brother [jockey] Norberto. He won a lot of races for him in New York. They did real good together. My cousin Enrique Arroyo was his assistant trainer in Belmont Park when he was there training.”

Also Tuesday, Britton Peak sent out a colt by Game Winner (hip 376) to share the :9 4/5 bullet work.

Arroyo Bloodstock and Britton Peak got off to a bang-up start to their partnership at the OBS March sale last month. Through the consignment, Arroyo sold a filly by Blame, purchased for $25,000 for $400,000; a colt by Jackie's Warrior, purchased for $180,000 for $400,000; a colt by Munnings purchased for $190,000 for $400,000; and a filly by Corniche purchased for $250,000 for $500,000.

“We had a great March sale,” Arroyo said. “We had seven horses that we paid about $800,000 for and they brought back $1.9 million. We are more than pleased. We sold good horses and I believe they are going to do well at the races.”

With Britton Peak, Arroyo will offer seven horses at the April sale.

“This April group is super talented,” Arroyo said. “We brought these horses here because they are a little bit bigger in size. Depending on how these horses develop and progress, we are taking them to different sales and we want to separate the group that we have. We had seven in March, seven in April, seven or eight in May and three or four in June.”

Arroyo added with a laugh, “March set us up good, but I am still nervous. I still stress about the horses at every sale.”

Also working the furlong in :9 4/5 Tuesday: a colt by Khozan (hip 211) consigned by Journey Bloodstock; a colt by Dialed In (hip 263) consigned by Top Line Sales; a colt by Greatest Honour (hip 278) consigned by Navas Equine; a filly by Yaupon (hip 287) consigned by de Meric Sales; a filly by Win Win Win (hip 288) consigned by Grassroots Training and Sales; a colt by Epicenter (hip 289) consigned by Wavertree Stables; a filly by Instagrand (hip 306) consigned by Sweet River Thoroughbreds; a filly by Yaupon (hip 402) consigned by Omar Ramirez Bloodstock; a colt by Early Voting (hip 404) consigned by Top Line Sales, and a colt by Twirling Candy (hip 406) consigned by Scanlon Training and Sales.

Three juveniles shared Tuesday's fastest quarter-mile time of :20 4/5.

Consignor Tom McCrocklin, who sent out a filly by Omaha Beach to set the quarter-mile bullet Monday, sent out a filly by Oscar Performance (hip 262) to equal the mark Tuesday. Out of Sweet Assay (Consolidator), the dark bay is a half-sister to multiple graded winner Analyze It (Point of Entry) and was bred by Headley and Nancy Bell and NATO.

“She's a filly from a family that we do care a lot about,” Headley Bell said. “We were fortunate to breed Analyze It and he was just a nose from winning a Grade I. So, there has been some emotions there with the family. We think the world of Tom McCrocklin, and he says she's never shown him anything other than she's a lovely filly. We decided to go forward with her in this process, and then she goes and does what she did today.”

Headley Bell | Keeneland

The :20 4/5 bullet time was also matched by a colt by Jack Christopher (hip 246) consigned by Doble J Equine Sales and again late in the day by a colt by Bee Jersey (hip 280) from the Hoppel consignment.

The rainy conditions and cool temperatures seemed to impact the times Tuesday, according to Arroyo.

“It affected the track a lot,” he said. “It seems like it's a little sticky and a little deep. It seems like a lot of horses are not being able to adapt to it just because it is kind of deep right now. So, horses I think are going :10 flat, they are doing :10 1/5. I think it slowed down the track some, but it's a good track. Thank God we have this synthetic track here that handles all weather.”

The under-tack show continues through Saturday with sessions beginning daily at 8 a.m. The April sale will be held next Tuesday through Friday with bidding starting each day at 10:30 a.m.

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The opening date for the Oklahoma Training Track and barn area at Saratoga Race Course is scheduled for Apr. 15, with training on the Oklahoma set to begin Monday, Apr. 20, according to a NYRA release Tuesday.

The Oklahoma barn area will open to licensed trainers and staff.

Beginning Apr. 20 and continuing until the start of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on June 3, the Whitney Viewing Stand will be open to fans Wednesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Last year, NYRA extended the operating hours of the Whitney Viewing Stand which will remain in effect this season.

Pedestrians may access the viewing stand by entering the Oklahoma track through Gate 21 off East Avenue. Please note that vehicular traffic is not currently allowed.

In advance of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, the main track at the Spa is scheduled to open May 11, with timed workouts permitted beginning May 15.

Additionally, dining reservations will be accepted beginning Thursday, Apr. 23, through www.NYRA.com. All reservations include a non-refundable table seating charge and admission, along with a $25 food and beverage minimum per person within the restaurants.

One week later, on Thursday, Apr. 30, single-day reserved seating will go on sale for the 2026 summer meet. Fans will be able to secure individual race-day seats in the Clubhouse, Grandstand, and Michelob Ultra Stretch, providing the flexibility to attend Saratoga on dates of their choice.

Additional hospitality offerings will become available on Thursday, May 7, when fans can reserve tables at the Miller Time Fourstardave Sports Bar, Pick Six Vodka Picnic Paddock, and Surfside Tailgate at the Turn.

These on-sale opportunities apply exclusively to the 2026 Saratoga summer meet and do not include the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

The 158th GI Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6 highlights the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival which will be held for the final time at Saratoga from Wednesday, June 3, through Sunday, June 7.

The 46-day Saratoga summer meet will open Friday, July 3, and continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

For additional information about the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, visit www.BelmontStakes.com.

The post Oklahoma Track Opens Apr. 15, Dining and Reserved Seating On-Sale in April appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Chester Browman Sr.'s Right to Party (Constitution), runner-up in last weekend's GII Wood Memorial, was made one of five late Triple Crown nominees through a late $6,000 payment that was due Monday.

The other late nominees (pending late mail) are Cypress Creek Equine and Ad Noir's Bourbon Dream (Quality Road); Eagle Up Stables, London Reid Thoroughbreds and Non Stop Stable's Let's Go Lando (Game Winner); SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Bashor Racing, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan's Taj Mahal (Nyquist); and Resolute Racing's Volendam (Vekoma).

In total, 372 3-year-olds are now eligible for the Triple Crown series, which consists of the $5-million Kentucky Derby on May 2 at Churchill Downs; the $2-million Preakness Stakes on May 16 at Laurel Park; and the $2-million Belmont Stakes on June 6 at Saratoga Race Course.

Horses not originally nominated can be supplemented for $200,000 to become eligible for all three races, or $50,000 for the Kentucky Derby only. After the Derby, supplemental nominations are $150,000 for eligibility to the Preakness and Belmont Stakes or $50,000 for the Belmont only.

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An exclusive Kentucky Derby and Oaks Package donated by racehorse owner Ken Freirich will be auctioned off to support Thoroughbred Charities of America and the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The package is being offered via an online auction through Apr. 17 at 5 p.m. EST. Bidding is open and available here. The proceeds will be split evenly between the two non-profit organizations.

The package includes: a behind-the-scenes barn visit with a top trainer on Kentucky Oaks Day, front row reserved outdoor table for four in the exclusive Woodford Reserve Paddock Club overlooking the Paddock/Runway on May 1 and 2; exclusive paddock access; railside viewing of the races near the finish line on a private lawn; luxury hospitality with curated food stations, premium open bar, all-day white glove concierge service, bourbon tasting experiences available by reservation and subject to availability, and private restrooms and wagering windows.

“When I realized I would not be able to attend the Derby this year, I instantly knew what I wanted to do with my table in the Woodford Reserve Paddock Club; raise awareness and money for Thoroughbred aftercare,” said Freirich. “I am passionate about taking care of these amazing equine athletes after their racing careers and knew the leading aftercare organizations, TCA and TAA, would be the perfect stewards of this donation and package.”

Freirich continued, “I experienced this package last year when my horse Sandman was in the Derby. This is truly the dream and once-in-a-lifetime memory that you will have forever. You will have one of the best tables at Churchill Downs for the Oaks and Derby. Paddock access is priceless and the barn visit on Oaks Day will truly be magical. The most wonderful thing is your winning bid will support Thoroughbred aftercare, so bid generously.”

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Todd Schrupp, who recently ended his long-time tenure with TVG/FanDuel TV, will join the New York Racing Association's telecast team Thursday. Schrupp announced his initial two-week stint with NYRA via his twitter page Monday.

“It's time to move from the past and start looking to the future,” Schrupp said in the post. “And when you look at horse racing, the future looks really bright at the New York Racing Association. You look at the remodel of Belmont, and they will have the Breeders' Cup back there next year. So much to look forward to. Especially on the television side.”

Schrupp continued, “I am exceptionally excited to be a part of America's Day at the Races, in conjunction with Fox Sports.”

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As anecdotal sightings of tent caterpillars in central Kentucky give rise to concerns that this might be a bumper crop for the region, entomologists at the University of Kentucky have weighed in with guidelines to control the pests.

Dr. Jonathan Larson, an entomologist at the UK's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, said that they do not currently have data to support the notion that this year is worse than others, but indicated that a survey would be sent to farm managers to gauge their opinions.

However, he said, “I was driving on the Bluegrass Parkway and can anecdotally say I saw a great deal of young tents while driving by.”

Larson said that the caterpillars had not yet pupated, or undergone the transformative stage from turning from a caterpillar to a moth. “They move to do so at 450 growing degree days and Fayette County is only at 343 growing degree days,” said Larson. “Some napkin math in the hotel says that based on the current forecast, we should be going into pupation on April 14 in Fayette.”

Growing degree days, explained Larson, are a method of measuring insect development. On any given day, based on the high and low temperature, a certain amount of development will occur in the insect.

The good news, he said, was that spraying with an organic Bt spray, a natural insecticide, could still be beneficial for a few more days.

“Bt spraying this week could still be effective until maybe Friday or so,” said Larson. “Physical removal of nests also helps. More potent insecticides would include bifenthrin,” a broad-spectrum insecticide.

Physical removal of the nests can be achieved by putting a long pole or stick into the center of the nest and swirling it to catch the caterpillars up in the nest, and then scraping the silk and bugs off into a bucket of soapy water.

“That's best for situations with only a few trees, but still effective and viable,” said Larson. “We sometimes get questions about using flame, but that is not a good idea.”

Eastern tent caterpillars were thought to be the reason behind an outbreak of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome, most pronounced in the spring of 2001 in central Kentucky.

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Oaklawn President Louis A. Cella and the late Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas will be honored together with inclusion to the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Apr. 10.

Lukas was among the first trainers to operate a national racing stable at Oaklawn Park and the Hot Springs track became a regular winter home for his horses preparing for the Triple Crown trail.

Oaklawn has been guided by the Cella family for more than a century, with Louis A. Cella representing the fourth generation of leadership. Since becoming president in 2017, Cella has continued the family's long-standing commitment to racing.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame,” said Cella. “To be inducted in the same class as D. Wayne Lukas–someone who contributed so much to Thoroughbred racing–makes it especially meaningful.”

Founded in 1958, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame recognizes athletes, coaches and contributors who have made significant impacts on sports in the state.

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It was a fantastic week for fast maidens–the top five all registered 92+ on the Beyer scale.

5) OUT OF THE WOODS, OP, 4/3-7th, 1 1/16m VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-92
(g, 3, Constitution–Sensitive, by Divine Park)
O-Little Red Feather Racing, Madaket Stables, Panic Stable and William Strauss. B-Daniel Burke and Kathleen Burke Schweizer (Ky). T-Phil D'Amato. J-Ramon Vazquez.
After repeatedly running into Baffert buzzsaws, Out of the Woods was sent to Oaklawn for higher purses and softer maidens. His recent sharp breezes indicated the change might be positive, and he indeed delivered a solid career top. He had to work for it, as Godolphin/Cox and Winchell/Asmussen runners also improved sharply and the top three pulled 14 lengths clear of the others.

4) DEEP FLAME, KEE, 4/4-2nd, 6 1/2f VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-92 (2nd)
(c, 3, Into Mischief–Barbadia, by Speightstown)
O/B-Juddmonte (Ky). T-Brad Cox. J-Irad Ortiz Jr.
On the Blue Grass undercard, Deep Flame and Gilded Bandit (below) put on a show in their second career starts. They engaged at the quarter pole and left the rest 13 1/4 lengths in their wake, with Gilded Bandit just edging away late. Deep Flame has now had the misfortune of facing two high-Beyer rivals. In his debut at Fair Grounds in February, the Juddmonte colt finished second to Trouble Calling, a next-out winner of Keeneland's opening-day Lafayette Stakes.

3) SILENT WAY, SA, 4/2-3rd, 1m VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-92 (2nd)
(c, 4, McKinzie–Koala Queen, by Lonhro {Aus})
O-C R K Stable. B-Runnymede Farm, Peter Callahan and Frederick Zinkhan (Ky). T-Peter Eurton. J-Hector Berrios.
As the lone 4-year-old in the six-horse field, 8-5 favorite Silent Way found himself in a stretch tussle with two Baffert 3-year-olds. He got past pacesetter Authentic Patriot, but couldn't quite match strides with Memory (below). He took a nice step forward in defeat, though, getting away more cleanly from the gate in his first try around two turns. The $700,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling was one of the Keating family runners originally with trainer John Shirreffs; he made his first start for Eurton only three days after Shirreffs' death.

2) GILDED BANDIT, KEE, 4/4-2nd, 6 1/2f VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-93.
'TDN Rising Star presented by Hagyard'
(c, 3, Charlatan–Diamond Ore, by Tapit)
O-Pin Oak Stud. B-Taylor Made Stallions, Brunacini Stables and Clearview Stables et al (Ky). T-Bill Mott. J-Junior Alvarado.
Showing trademark Mott second-out improvement, Gilded Bandit outgamed a tough customer in Deep Flame in an exciting finish that was also coincidental: Deep Flame is a Juddmonte product, and Gilded Bandit's dam is a half-sister to former Juddmonte superstar (and yearling purchase) Arrogate. The win kicked off a banner afternoon for Pin Oak, who five hours later took the Wood Memorial with Albus. It has also been a banner year for the farm, which has an 11-for-28 record with its runners thus far in 2026 and two potential Kentucky Derby starters on the horizon.

1) MEMORY, SA, 4/2-3rd, 1m VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-93
(c, 3, Uncle Mo–Sundaystthebeach, by Medaglia d'Oro)
O-SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Bashor Racing, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan. B-Skyfall Thoroughbreds (Ky). T-Bob Baffert. J-Juan Hernandez.
Apparently, the white-haired guy is never going to run out of fast maidens. Less than a month ago, this $775,000 “Avengers” yearling was actually the 3-1 favorite over 10-1 Crude Velocity in their debuts, an odds disparity unlikely to be repeated in the near future. Memory finished seventh that day with no obvious excuses on video, but was much sharper on the stretch-out Thursday. Interestingly, he has grass in his pedigree. His half-brother First World War (by War Front and now at stud in Korea) was twice a Grade III winner on turf.

The post The Five Fastest Maidens of the Week: 92+ Beyers All Around appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.