Thoroughbred Daily News

The TDN Writers' Room team had so much to say and so many people to talk to when it came to this year's GI Kentucky Derby, that we decided that one podcast was not enough. Our traditional podcast features winning trainer Cherie DeVaux (watch that here), but how could we overlook jockey Jose Ortiz or co-owner Daisy Phipps Pulito? We couldn't, so we gave each of them a podcast of their own.

It was a memorable couple of days for Ortiz, who won both the Derby on Golden Tempo (Curlin) and the GI Kentucky Oaks on Always a Runner (Gun Runner). In the Derby, he edged out his brother, Irad Ortiz Jr., who rode runner-up Renegade (Into Mischief).

“Honestly, when you are riding, normally, there's a killer instinct and you aren't thinking about who you are riding against,” Ortiz said. “But I knew it was (Irad) because I was following him almost every step of the way in the second half of the race. Afterwards, I felt bad for him because I know what it means to him to win the Derby.”

Though his brother had suffered one of the toughest beats of his career, Jose said that Irad could not have been more gracious.

“He told me he thought at one point that he was going to win, but then he felt something coming on the outside and when he looked, he saw the black and cherry and he said, 'Wow, that is Jose.' I mean, it's great because as close as he was, his first reaction was just being happy for me and congratulating me,” Ortiz said. “He didn't even think about him losing the race of his dreams. I think that was pretty remarkable. It speaks to the kind of person he is.”

The Phipps Stable, which owns Golden Tempo in partnership with St. Elias Stable, is one of the most renowned stables in the history of the sport and its roots go all the way back to the formation of the Wheatley Stable in 1926. As the stable's racing manager Phipps Pulito is now in charge of what is a racing institution. To see the iconic cherry and black silks in the Kentucky Derby winner's circle was among the highlights of the day.

“I'm proud, really proud of what we accomplished,” she said. “Look at what my grandfather, my father, and my great grandmother built, and I got to reap the rewards of that on Saturday. That  is absolutely amazing. That is not lost on me in the slightest bit. And winning it for St. Elias and the Phipps Stable in the Phipps Stable silks is something really special.”

The post Daisy Phipps Pulito And Jose Ortiz Feature In First Ever TDN Writers’ Room Overtime Podcasts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Lighter (Constitution), sent off the 6-5 choice for this unveiling over a muddy track, wasn't particularly hurried off the blocks as Exodus (Not This Time) sprinted to the front while leading Playonwords (Thousand Words) through a quick opening quarter in :21.64. Starting to launch his rally leaving the far turn and heading to the quarter pole, Lighter swung out to the three path turning for home, took over from the fading pacesetter and drew off to score by an eye-catching 7 1/2 length margin over longshot Jr. Bartholomew (Danish Dynaformer). Exodus held on for third.

Lighter is out of Galina Point, purchased by WinStar for $145,000 at Keeneland January in 2018. A half to SW Overbore (Speightstown, $272,634), Lighter also has a year-younger sister by the WinStar stallion.

1st-Horseshoe Indianapolis, $32,000, Msw, 5-6, 3yo, 6f, 1:10.62, gd, 7 1/2 lengths.
LIGHTER (c, 3, Constitution–Galina Point {MSW & MGSP, $486,561}, by Saffir)
Sales history: $400,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $19,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart
O-Ann Harrison & Renata Hendrickson; B-WinStar Farm, LLC (KY); T-Rodolphe Brisset.

The post Constitution’s Lighter Debuts a Winner at Horseshoe Indianapolis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

'Kentucky Roses,' a new Hallmark movie that premiered on their channel May 2 and began streaming through Hallmark+ May 3, is nothing short of a triumph for the sport of Thoroughbred racing.

Set on the grounds of iconic Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby week, here's a film that has something for everyone. It's good, clean fun, but it also deals with myriad issues including class division, gender identity and the labyrinth that is family history.

Most of all though, if you are trying to hook someone that knows next to nothing about the sport, then this is one way to reel them in.

Directed by Clare Niederpruem with Jamie Pachino's hotly paced script, 'Kentucky Roses' stars Hallmark stalwart Andrew Walker.

The actor knows his way around horses and luckily has a best friend who is a relative of Churchill's CEO Bill Carstanjen. The racetrack was open to doing a movie and those involved cleverly rolled it out in time for Derby 152.

Walker stars as Ash Taylor, an architect who is trying to make a name for himself professionally without resting on his family's laurels. Taylor is the son of the CEO of Churchill Downs and goes to great lengths–even dropping his surname in favor of his mother's maiden name–so he can avoid any calls that he earned his stripes through nepotism.

As is prone in many a Hallmark tale, trouble in paradise comes two weeks prior to the running of the Derby. Walker's character is called on by his father to repair one of the Twin Spires that was damaged in a recent storm.

Opposite Walker is Odette Annable, who plays Sadie Moore. Her character works for Churchill's greenhouse and she is also trying to strike out on her own as a florist. Her ancestors worked diligently to supply the Derby with the famous garland of roses that is always draped across the winner.

As a budding romance blooms between Moore and Taylor, the pair discover that in 1932 their relatives were broken up because of class differences. A series of flashbacks are effectively used to give the viewers a window into that bygone era.

Back in the present, the modern day couple fight through issues like sourcing historic shingles and finding replacement roses for the Derby garland, which are juxtaposed against larger themes like duty and heritage.

Probably the most interesting character in the whole production is Abigail Esmena's Camila Ortiz. She portrays a racehorse trainer and Moore's closest friend. Ortiz has a longshot Derby entry named Angel Face. At the Derby draw–which includes a cameo from Churchill's Dan Bork–Angel Face is handed the post that no horse has ever won from, number 17. It was a clever nod to see that Angel Face's purple and white jockey silks sport the famous Hallmark crown.

Ortiz and Moore constantly support one another through trials and tribulations.

Spoiler alert! What is terribly ironic is that Angel Face and Ortiz win the Derby a la Golden Tempo and Cherie DeVaux. Hallmark must have one heck of a crystal ball.

Andrew Walker as Ash Taylor in 'Kentucky Roses' | courtesy of Hallmark

As for Taylor, whose sharp threads include a mean three-piece seersucker suit at one point, he does his bit to allow Moore access to his family's land which happens to be loaded with roses. It's Hallmark at its best, of course.

Instead of relying heavily on set design, 'Kentucky Roses' uses the backdrop of Churchill Downs in effective ways. Viewers get to see the Spires, a shedrow, the newly designed paddock, the club levels, the Prohibition-style speakeasy and we get a glimpse over Ash Taylor's shoulder as he uses the Derby winner's circle pagoda as an office during the restoration work. What a treat!

The film reaches the Derby Day climax in the third act. There is a brief scene where Taylor convinces his father that partnering to build a new Thoroughbred aftercare facility is the right move. It's a moment to cherish where the past and present intersect with the future in a powerful way.

Teaming with a juggernaut like Hallmark was a brilliant move by Churchill Downs.

Yes, the shroud of marketing is present, but let's not forget that telling a good story and emphasizing how a community works together isn't pure fiction. As the movie reminds us, the generational racetrack exists from the front to the backside and from the Spires to the greenhouse. It does take a village to save the day.

The industry and race fans should encourage anyone and everyone to see 'Kentucky Roses.' It's time to download the app.

What a big win for a sport that needs to embrace different forms of media that reside 'out there' in the public's popular imagination.

There was one question though that wasn't answered by the time the credits began to roll. Is Angel Face headed to the Preakness?

____________________

Niederpruem, C. (Director). (2026). Kentucky Roses [Film]. Hallmark Media.

The post Movie Review: Hallmark’s ‘Kentucky Roses’ A Garland For The Sport appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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.

Among this week's rulings, owner and trainer Raul Beltran-Moreno has been suspended for 18-months and fined $12,500 after he was found in possession of Pitcher Plant Extract, a banned substance (which goes by the brand name Sarapin) due to its analgesic properties. The suspension began on April 30.

According to a brief explanation in the case resolution, the substance was found in Beltran-Moreno's possession at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino in Sunland Park, New Mexico on January 8. According to Equibase, Beltran-Moreno has been training since last year, making 49 starts and winning five races.

Resolved ADMC Violations

Dates: 05/05/2026
Licensee: Jose A. Gallegos, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on May 6, 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 Phenylbutazone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Distinct, who finished ninth at Tampa Bay on 3/20/26.

Dates: 05/05/2026
Licensee: Mark S. Tubbs, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horses' 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. The following are treated as one violation. Final decision of HIWU.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a class C controlled substance–in samples taken from C'S Lilly Dancer, who won at Turf Paradise on 2/28/26; and from Lotsa Kitty, who won at Turf Paradise on 3/16/26.

Dates: 05/04/2026
Licensee: S. Matthew Kintz, 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 Dantrolene–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Busker, who finished 10th at Tampa Bay on 3/22/26.

Dates: 05/01/2026
Licensee: Juan Carlos Gotera, 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.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Patty's Having Fun, who finished fourth at Mahoning Valey on 3/26/26.

Dates: 04/29/2026
Licensee: Raul Beltran-Moreno, trainer
Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 30, 2026; a fine of $12,500.
Explainer: Breach of rule 3214(a), concerning “Possession of a Banned Substance”–in this case Pitcher Plant Extract–for an event dated 1/8/26.

Pending ADMC Violations

05/06/2026, Todd Fincher, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Sunset Sizzle on 3/31/26.

05/05/2026, 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 finished fifth at Tampa Bay on 2/25/26.

05/01/2026, Eddie Kenneally, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Tramadol–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Bowling Blue, who finished seventh at Turfway Park on 2/28/26.

04/30/2026, Rogelio Labra, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Cobalt Salts (e.g. CoCl2)–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Shallus, who finished third at Turfway Park on 3/12/26.

4/30/2026, Maria G. Gonzalez, trainer: Pending alleged violation of rule 3229, regarding the “Status During Provisional Suspension or Ineligibility,” for an undescribed event (concerning the horses I'magambler and Warriors Mark) dated 2/9/26. Gonzalez is already serving an 18-month suspension (which began on Feb. 7) after one of her trainees tested positive in an out-of-competition test for the banned substance, Albuterol.

Crop Violations

Aqueduct
Kendrick Carmouche – reporting date May 4; $1,000 fine, two-day suspension
Omar H. Moreno – reporting date May 4; $250 fine, no other information
Dalila Rivera – reporting date May 4; $500 fine, one-day suspension
Kendrick Carmouche – reporting date May 4; $500 fine, one-day suspension

Fairmount Park
Emmanuel Giles – reporting date May 2; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Oaklawn Park
Luis Fuenmayor – reporting date April 30; $250 fine, no other information

Parx Racing
Jorge A. Vargas – reporting date May 1; $35 fine, no other information

Santa Anita
Victor Espinoza – reporting date May 1; $500 fine, one-day suspension

Tampa Bay
Cesar D. Gonzalez – reporting date May 1; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Thistledown
Jose A. Bracho – reporting date May 2; $250 fine, one-day suspension

The post Weekly Rulings: April 30-May 6; Raul Beltran-Moreno Banned 18 Months appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

There was little question as to who would be the primary Gainesway Guest of the Week on this week's edition of the TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland. Trainer Cherie DeVaux not only won the GI Kentucky Derby with Golden Tempo (Curlin), she also became the first female trainer to win the race.

But there were so many good storylines out of this year's Derby, that the podcast split off into three parts. In what we are calling the “TDN Writers' Room Podcast Overtime” we also featured in-depth interviews with winning Jockey Jose Ortiz and winning co-owner Daisy Phipps Pulito in separate podcasts. Stay tuned for those episodes in the coming days.

DeVaux has been a media darling since her victory and her appearances have included segments on the CBS Morning News and the Today Show. She understands why a victory in the Derby by a female trainer resonated with the public and the media, and that it is important to be a role model.

“To be honest, none of this, the enormity of it, has sunk in,” she said. “It's been a whirlwind. I wasn't really expecting to be whisked off to New York City and go all over different studios and get to be a representative for the industry. It's been fun, but I'm averaging about four hours of sleep a night. I am looking forward to a regular bedtime and getting some semblance of normalcy. It's not going to be normal for a while and I have to acknowledge that something happened in my life that is going to change it forever.

“I don't view my gender as being a female trainer as my whole identity, but I do acknowledge that being a female in the racehorse world is a big deal when big things happen,” she said. “I'm a person that just has always done my own thing. You guys have known me for quite some time. So if I can just be myself and be true to myself and that inspires others, then why not take advantage of that?”

Though Golden Tempo was sent off at odds of 23-1, DeVaux said she was growing increasingly confident as the week progressed.

“I was very confident in Golden Tempo,” she said. “He has trained so well throughout the winter. He trained even better when we freshened him a little bit and just gave him a little bit more time. And physically, he looked fantastic. He's kind of always been a little bit on the heavier side. He really started to trim up. And then the week of the Derby, he went from being a horse that was as quiet as a church mouse to something different. We're coming off the track and he's nickering at the pony trying to audition for his hopeful next career. So that gave me a lot of confidence.”

It has taken some quality horsemen decades to win a Kentucky Derby. Some of the very best have never won the race. DeVaux did it in just her eighth year as a trainer. How?

“Well, I don't think it's fair to say how did I make it happen?” she said. “It happened. In the beginning, we were just trying to persevere. We went almost a full year without winning a race. So it was almost seven years of training and winning races before we got here. I made a conscious effort and thought in the beginning of my career that my core principle was going to always be to put the horse first. And I'm going to surround myself with clients and a support team that had that same concept in mind. And I think that to do this and to be successful, the horses have to be the priority along with the care  of each individual horse. But you have to have the clients behind you. And I'm so grateful for these clients, St. Elias, the Violas and the Phipps family. I'm also thankful for every other client who has supported me in this journey.”

The “Fastest Horses of the Week” was T O Elvis (Volatile), the Japanese import who won the GI Churchill Downs Stakes. He earned a 108 Beyer. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar, which stands the sire Life Is Good.

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the PHBA, 1/ST TV, the KTOB and West Point Thoroughbreds, Randy Moss, Bill Finley, and Zoe Cadman gave their thoughts on the many stories that came out in the Derby. There was speculation that Renegade (Into Mischief) may have won the race if he had not been banged around at the start after breaking from the one hole. They talked of how successful the move to shift the GI Kentucky Oaks to primetime television turned out to be and discussed the massive late odds drops on T O Elvis courtesy of the CAW players and how that had to have left a bad taste in the mouths of every “regular” player who wagered on the horse.

Click here to watch the podcast or watch below.

The post Cherie DeVaux Joins The TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented By Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

In a statement posted Tuesday afternoon on X, trainer Cherie DeVaux announced that the GI Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (Curlin) will not be running in the GI Preakness Stakes. It's another blow to the race that has clearly become the weak link in the Triple Crown. The only horse who ran in the Kentucky Derby to commit to the Preakness at this point is the maiden, Ocelli (Connect), who was a surprising third.

“After much thoughtful discussion as a team, we have decided that Golden Tempo will bypass the Preakness Stakes,” read a statement attributed to Cherie DeVaux Racing.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the excitement and support surrounding the possibility of a Triple Crown run. The enthusiasm from racing fans, owners, and our entire team has meant more to us than we can properly express.

“Golden gave us the race of a lifetime in the Kentucky Derby, and we believe the best decision for him moving forward is to give him a little more time following such a tremendous effort. His health, happiness, and long-term future will always remain our top priority.

“We are looking forward to pointing him toward the Belmont Stakes and are excited for what lies ahead with this very special horse.

“Thank you again to everyone who has supported and believed in this journey alongside us.”

This will be the last Preakness run by the team at 1/ST Racing. Mike Rogers, the executive vice president of racing for 1/ST, said the news of 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Golden Tempo's defection was a blow.

“Initially, when I heard the news, it was a gut punch,” he said. “You're always hoping for the best. When someone like Cherie and (co-owner) Daisy (Phipps Pulito) put their horse first, you can't criticize that decision. You respect it and you move on.”

Sovereignty (Into Mischief) also passed the 2025 Preakness to point for the Belmont. In 2022, Derby winner Rich Strike (Keen Ice) also bypassed the second jewel of the Triple Crown and ran next in the Belmont.

The issue has become the spacing of the Triple Crown races. Most trainers are very wary of running their horses back in just two weeks, especially when there is the option of waiting five weeks and coming back in the Belmont.

“I've long been a proponent of spacing these races out and I think it is something that has to be done,” Rogers said.

NYRA, for its part, said that it was willing to entertain the discussion.

“We are always willing to engage with Churchill Downs and the Maryland Jockey Club to ensure the continued success of the Triple Crown,” said NYRA Vice President of Communications Patrick McKenna.

Efforts to change the spacing of the races have not yielded any results, but perhaps the defection of another Derby winner from the Preakness could reignite the conversation. If Derby winners continue to pass the Preakness, that also puts NYRA in a bad situation as it means losing out on the chance to present a race with the potential of crowning a Triple Crown champion.

With Golden Tempo out, the Preakness favorite could be 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Crude Velocity (Beau Liam), the impressive winner of the GII Pat Day Mile on Derby Day. Reached by text Wednesday, trainer Bob Baffert said: “It's very tempting, but no decision yet.” Not only would Crude Velocity be coming back in two weeks, but he would be stretching out from a mile to a mile and three-sixteenths.

Trainer Whit Beckman had originally ruled out starting in the Preakness with Ocelli, but after reevaluating the situation he is ready to give the Triple Crown another try.

“I grew up watching the Preakness and it was all Derby runners in there,” Beckman said. “You never had a Preakness without a Derby runner. When you have a horse that is this fit, this healthy and giving you all the signs, I don't think there's anything wrong with running them back in two weeks. I understand it is challenging, but I don't think we're sacrificing anything. The Triple Crown is a prestigious thing to be a part of. Wayne (Lukas) never shied away from a Preakness and he won a ton of them.”

Preakness announcement pic.twitter.com/8JQu7VZlRC

— Cherie DeVaux (@reredevaux) May 6, 2026

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We skipped last week as America focused on the Kentucky Derby, thus this slightly expanded list covering the last two weeks.

9) LOVELY EMMA, KEE, 4-22, Allowance, 5 1/2fT VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-95
(f, 4, Twirling Candy–Salsa Diavola, by Mineshaft)
O-C R K Stable. B-Nursery Place, Donaldson, Broadbent. T-Peter Eurton. J-Jose Ortiz.
The Searing family's $600,000 yearling purchase appears ready to tackle stakes company now. This was her third consecutive win and third straight career-best Beyer.

8) SHOOT IT TRUE, CD, 5-1, GII Unbridled Sidney Stakes, 5fT
VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-95 (2nd)
(f, 4, Munnings–To the Moon Alice, by Malibu Moon)
O-Ice Wine Stable and Smart Choice Stable. B-Old Tavern Farm (NY). T-Wesley Ward. J-Joel Rosario.
The first of two Ward trainees to appear on this week's list– both in defeat. Given a perfect rail trip by Rosario, she just missed earning graded stripes with her late kick against Moon Spun (below).

7) KATHYNMARISSA, CD, 5-1, GII Modesty Stakes, 1 1/8mT VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-96
(m, 5, American Pharoah–La Dalila {Chi}, by Milt's Overture)
O-Michael Caruso and Michael Dubb. B-Don Alberto Corporation (Ky). T-Chad Brown. J-Jose Ortiz.
Brown had the exacta covered with Breeders' Cup heroine Gezora and Kathynmarissa, but this American Pharoah/Chilean cross finished strongest to nab her first graded score.

6) REAGAN'S FLAME, WO, 5-2, GIII Whimsical Stakes, 6f VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-96
(m, 5, Flameaway–Mizzen Donald, by Mizzen Mast)
O-B A G Racing Stables, Turf Express and Watkins Diamond Stables. B-Jason Hall, Herschel Martindale & Stephen Mott (Ky). T-Saffie Joseph Jr. J-Sahin Civaci.
Flameaway started only once on Tapeta–a debut victory–but has sired four Tapeta SWs, this being the latest. Reagan's Flame is now 2-for-2 on the surface with markedly higher Beyers. The same figure as Kathynmarissa, but the tiebreaker? She carried one more pound.

5) COLD SPELL, KEE, 4-23, MSW, 6f VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-97 (2nd)
(f, 3, Gun Runner–Chalon, by Dialed In)
O/B-Lael Stables/Mr & Mrs Roy Jackson. T-Wesley Ward. J-John Velazquez.
The second foal of seven-time stakes winner and GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint runner-up Chalon was dialed in for her debut, but simply outgunned by Mashallah's historic 106 debut Beyer (below).

4) MOON SPUN, CD, 5-1, GIII Unbridled Sidney Stakes, 5fT VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-98
(m, 5, Hard Spun–Moonlit Bay, by Malibu Moon)
O-Town and Country Racing. B-Jack Liebau Sr (Ky). T-Brian Lynch. J-Javier Castellano.
Champion Shisospicy didn't have her usual sharpness off the bench, leaving 13-1 longshot Moon Spun to grab a clear lead–and that's the name of her game.

3) WAYS AND MEANS, CD, 5-2, GI Derby City Distaff, 7f VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-98 (2nd)
(m, 5, Practical Joke–Strong Incentive, by Warrior's Reward)
O/B-Klaravich Stable. T-Chad Brown. J-Jose Ortiz.
She gave a valiant effort against R Disaster (below), and she'll undoubtedly be tough to handle in Saratoga's June 5 GII Bed O'Roses, which she won last year by 7 3/4 lengths. She is 5-for-6 in New York, but now 0-for-5 elsewhere.

2) R. DISASTER, CD, 5-2, GI Derby City Distaff, 7f VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-103
(m, 5, Awesome Slew–Making Havoc, by Gottcha Gold)
O-Averill Racing and ATM Racing. B-Ocala Stud & J Michael O'Farrell Jr (Fl). T-Saffie Joseph Jr. J-Tyler Gaffalione.
Allow her to control the pace and Richard Averill's speedy mare “R” very tough to beat, as she proved again against talented Ways and Means and defending GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint champ Splendora. In 16 career starts, she has 10 races in which she led by at least one length at an official point-of-call, and she has won nine of those.

1) MASHALLAH, KEE, 4-23, MSW, 6f VIDEO
Beyer Speed Figure-106
'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard'
(f, 3, Maxfield–All in With Aces, by Quiet American)
O-JR Ranch. B-Taylor Made Stallions, Louis Brooks Ranch and Baysore Stables et al (Ky). T-Brendan Walsh. J-Joel Rosario.
Updated historical Beyer stats courtesy of racing data guru Jerry Nicholson: Mashallah became only the 22nd horse to record a debut Beyer Speed Figure of 106 or higher since Beyers were first published in DRF in 1992, and the sixth female.

The post Nine Fleet Fillies: From Apr. 19 to May 3 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Back in February, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that President Donald Trump's suite of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs were unconstitutional.

That decision opened the door to potentially hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds to businesses that had paid those tariffs since they went into effect a year prior, including those who shipped in Thoroughbreds from abroad.

“We just did it unilaterally, figuring our customers would want their money back,” said Charles “Chuck” Santarelli, president of Mersant International, licensed custom brokers and freight forwarders which ships Thoroughbred racehorses worldwide, about his company's approach to applying for the tariff refunds.

“Most of our clients have been contacted that we're doing this,” Santarelli added. “There are some one-offs that we have not contacted yet.”

The refund process is being done through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) Automated Commercial Environment system, within which is the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) functionality, what the CBP says is designed to “streamline the submission and processing” of valid refund requests.

Santarelli said before applying for the refunds, he went through every single customs entry that Mersant filed from Apr. 9 last year through Feb. 24 this year.

During that time, Mersant filed 202 custom entries. Each entry could contain as many as a dozen or more horses. And each horse, of course, could have multiple paying partners.

Not anyone can access the ACE system, which opened on Apr. 20.

“You have to be registered to utilize the portal,” Santarelli explained.

“What I've done is I've created internal spreadsheets of each portal upload to keep track of who paid us for each particular horse and added a column for the interest accrued so we have an idea of what the clients will get back,” said Santarelli.

“When we file a CAPE portal transaction, we get a claim number assigned to it for us to check the status of the refunds internally in the ACE Portal,” he added.

According to Santarelli, their customers paid around $5 million in IEEPA tariffs. He said he doesn't know exactly how many paying individuals that entailed, but suggested it could have been between 100 and 200 different entities.

The tariffs ranged in severity, from 10% from horses bred in the UK to 15% from horses bred in Japan and Europe.

Immediately following the Supreme Court's decision, President Trump enacted an additional global 10% tariff, similar in effect to the IEEPA tariffs. These are set to expire July 24, 2026. The refunds in the process of being issued do not relate to this new set of 10% tariffs.

It's currently unclear how the funds will be reimbursed–whether it'll be done in chronological order, for example.

“In terms of order, I would assume they will pay out the entries that were liquidated already within the last 80 days. Those ones should be paid out first. And then they will break it out and go in submission order. That's the way I see it,” Santarelli guessed.

The first of the refunds are expected to be issued on or around May 11.

“One thing I will tell you is that until I actually see the funds in our account, I'm always skeptical,” said Santarelli. “But that's just my mentality.”

The tariffs, he said, have impacted Mersant's business, the majority of which comprises the movement of Thoroughbreds. At the 2025 October Tattersalls yearling sale, they shipped back around 30 horses to America.

“The previous year, we had close to 50,” he said. “Maybe they're just not buying 18, they're buying 15. They're just buying fewer.”

The tariffs have also impacted the way Thoroughbreds have been moved post purchase.

Rather than ship them to the U.S. to be broken in, “a lot of people have kept their horses there post sale to break them in England or with Europe,” said Santarelli.

Importantly, anyone interested in possible refunds should reach out to their shipping agent or whoever they used to ship horses, to see if they've applied for the tariff refunds on their behalf, said Santarelli.

Many of racing manager and bloodstock advisor Joe Miller's clients are having their refunds processed by Mersant. For the ones who didn't use the company, Miller is processing the refunds himself.

“It's a huge amount of paperwork that needs to be done,” said Miller, who explained that he's currently working with his clients to decide whether the refund process is worth it. “It's a lot of paperwork and a lot of follow-up and back and forth with them to get the funds back.”

Miller said, “We're always trying to do what's best for our clients,” but some of the potential refunds would be of such a small amount, “the juice might not be worth the squeeze,” he added.

When asked what advice he would give to others pursuing refunds, Miller pointed to an instructive February article by attorney and syndicate manager Bing Bush Jr.

“What I would tell people is speak with your shipping company,” said Miller. “Do the paperwork and be relentless and try to get the money back.”

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Kirsten Green, executive director of the Retired Racehorse Project, has been sworn in to serve on the Maryland Racing Commission, following an appointment by Governor Wes Moore and confirmation by the Executive Nominations Committee of the State Senate.

“On behalf of the Maryland Racing Commission, I am honored to welcome Kirsten Green as a commissioner,” said Chris Merz, executive director of the commission. “Kirsten's background in Thoroughbred aftercare and her passion for equine welfare will bring tremendous value to the commission's work. Her appointment reinforces a principle that must guide the future of our sport: horse welfare belongs at the center of every meaningful conversation about racing's growth, integrity, and sustainability. I am confident her leadership and perspective will help strengthen Maryland racing for horses, horsemen, and the public alike.”

Green said she was initially surprised when asked to join the commission.

“The extent of my involvement with racing as anything more than a fan is through my work over the last 12 years at the Retired Racehorse Project, but when Chris explained why he felt representation from the aftercare industry was essential, it immediately made sense,” she said. “In an era where scrutiny of racing is at an all-time high and preservation of its social license hangs in the balance, inclusion of aftercare perspective in regulatory bodies is a progressive, demonstrable commitment to the horses at the heart of the sport. I'm honored for the opportunity to represent the RRP in this capacity and to contribute more directly to a sport and industry I've come to love.”

The Maryland Racing Commission is comprised of nine members who serve on a volunteer basis. Three members must be knowledgeable in some aspect of Thoroughbred racing and another three members must be knowledgeable in some aspect of Standardbred racing. No more than six members may belong to the same political party. Members serve four-year terms which are renewable. The executive director of the commission is appointed by the Secretary of Labor.

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At a press conference and luncheaon held at Monmouth Park Tuesday afternoon, the highlights for the 2026 season were rolled out in advance of opening day on Saturday, May 9. The event was hosted by TDN's Christina Bossinakis.

Heading the 50-day meet is the $1-million GI NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes, which was won last year by Journalism (Curlin), also the winner of the GI Preakness Stakes.

The 45th running of Pegasus Stakes, for 3-year-olds at a mile and a sixteenth, is the track's prep race for the nine-furlong Haskell. The top two finishers in the Pegasus Stakes receive a free entry fee and start fees for the Haskell.

Last year's Haskell Stakes Day card produced an all-sources record handle of $21,999,963, marking the third straight year of a record handle. The crowd of 41,876 was the largest since 2015.

The 2026 Monmouth Park meet will feature 36 stakes races–nine at the graded level–worth $5.85 million.

First race post time on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays is 12:50 p.m. Post time for Friday racing, which begins June 26, is 2 p.m. Live racing at Monmouth continues through Sept. 13.

Also during Tuesday's press conference, Dr. Chris Samaha, who founded the industry-leading Backstretch Community Assistance Program at Monmouth Park more than 30 years ago, was honored as the 2026 recipient of the Virgil “Buddy” Raines Distinguished Achievement Award.

The 55-year-old Samaha, a sports psychologist, launched a substance abuse program for backstretch workers in 1995 that has since involved into a support system for all types of health issues. The program offers free counseling, as well as health education programs, for licensed stable hands, grooms, hot walkers and exercise riders and offers access to a variety of medical screenings.

“I would have burned out long ago if it was strictly a treatment program, but I have all of the other components that help everyone on the backstretch, whether directly or indirectly,” Samaha said. “I'm passionate about what I do and I would not have stayed in it this long if I didn't believe this a good industry.”

Dr. Chris Samaha, who runs BCAP (Backstretch Community Assistance Program) was named the 2026 of the Virgil “Buddy” Raines Award at the Monmouth Park Opening Day Press Conference and Luncheon at Monmouth Park | Photo By Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO

After edging out five-time Eclipse Award winner Chad Brown to earn his first Monmouth training title last year in a career that began in 2017, Jorge Delgado isn't subtle about his goals for the upcoming Monmouth Park meet.

“Win it again–hopefully,” said Delgado.

This season, Delgado has 60 stalls in Barn 1, with 51 occupied by horses currently on the grounds.

“I'll use the other 10 to claim horses, he said. “I have some new owners who want to claim so I will leave the stalls open for that.”

In 2025, the 36-year-old came into the meet with 39 horses, growing that total to 45 after claims. It was just enough to edge out Brown, 21-20, for the training title on the final weekend.

“It meant a lot to me, but it also meant a lot to my owners,” he said. “I saw how much it mattered to them, especially the owners who have been supporting me the past five or six years.”

According to Delgado, who has been Monmouth Park-based since 2022, “We have a different group of horses this year. We have more babies and more quality. We're trying to focus on developing these horses and trying to get them to big races. So we're trying to develop champions.”

Leon, embarking on his second year at Monmouth, will attempt to overtake Paco Lopez, who will try to collect a record-tying 13th riding title this season. Joe Bravo currently stands alone with 13 Monmouth titles.

“I'm very competitive, I like to win,” said Leon, who guided 80-1 Rich Strike to victory in the 2022 Kentucky Derby. “I try to go into every meet thinking I can be leading rider. It's not going to be easy beating Paco. But I know more people at Monmouth Park now so we'll see if I can use those connections to have an even better year than last year [fourth in the Monmouth standings].”

As for the long-time leader, Lopez said he will maintain the same schedule as he had last year, splitting time between Monmouth and Colonial Downs, where he also won the riding title last year.

“Nothing is really changing for me. I have the same plan for the summer as I had last year,” explained the 40-year-old rider. “For me, it's a big thing to tie Joe Bravo. He was a great rider here for many, many years. The record is something that is in your mind as you are winning titles but you never think it can happen. Every year the goal was just to win a title. But you never think about 13 of them and tying Joe Bravo. That seemed to be impossible, but here I am.”

For more information on the upcoming Monmouth Park meet, click here.

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 Ocelli (Connect), third in the GI Kentucky Derby as a maiden and the biggest longshot in the field of 18 at odds of 70-1, is now under consideration for the 151st GI Preakness Stakes May 16 at Laurel Park.

Trainer Whit Beckman on Tuesday upgraded Ocelli's likelihood for the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown from “extremely unlikely” on Sunday to “maybe” Tuesday.

“If you look at it from a pace perspective, it could go as fast as the Derby,” Beckman said. “He's doing great. That's the only reason I'm saying 'yeah, maybe.' The horse is doing fantastic. The horse is made of iron. Generally, I run a horse, they may not come to the front of their stall for a week. He was right there.”

Asked if there was any downside to running Ocelli in the Preakness, he said, “The only downside is if the horse is not ready to do it.” He noted that the Preakness winner usually is a horse that ran two weeks earlier in the Derby.

The upside, Beckman said, “is the chance to win a Triple Crown race.”

Corona de Oro (Bolt d'Oro), who was the lone remaining also-eligible for the Derby, is also under consideration for the Preakness with trainer Dallas Stewart saying, “We're thinking about it. We just have to see,” Stewart said. “I'm going to work him again Saturday. He's a very nice horse.”

Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo (Curlin) had his third walk day Tuesday and will return to the track for light training Wednesday at Keeneland. Trainer Cherie DeVaux, speaking at a media availability arranged by Keeneland's communications department, reiterated that the Preakness decision will be made toward the end of the week.

“He's doing great,” said DeVaux. “He'll return to the track tomorrow for a light jog. He'll do that for two days, and then he'll resume galloping.”

As far as running in the 1 3/16-mile Preakness at Laurel Park, she said, “We're going to see how much energy he has when he's on the track, see how he's moving, see his attitude and things of that nature…. I appreciate there's history with the Triple Crown. I appreciate everyone is excited about it. However, the horse comes first. So, any of that pressure is outside information from our decision-making.”

“We're gonna give Golden Tempo a couple of days and he's going to dictate the Preakness decision..

There's a lot of conversation right now and we're gonna do what's best for him” ~ @reredevaux #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/Az1BJh04qs

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) May 5, 2026

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Ocala Breeders' Sales Company has catalogued 909 horses before supplements for its 2026 June 2-Year-Olds in Training & Horses of Racing Age Sale, which will be held over three days June 16-18 in Ocala, Florida. The catalogue is now available online here.

Sale sessions will begin daily at 10:30 a.m. Hips 1 – 302 plus supplements will sell June 16 with Hips 351 – 652 plus supplements going on June 17. The June 18 session will offer Hips 701 – 1002 plus supplements along with Horses for Racing Age Hips 1051 – 1053 plus supplements. Supplements close on Friday, May 22. The supplements will be added to the day that their dam's name would have landed if they were entered in the main catalogue.

The under-tack show will run from June 9-13 starting at 7:30 a.m. ET each day. The daily schedule for the under-tack show will be determined after supplemental entries are complete.

The under-tack show and sale will be streamed live via the OBS website as well as TDN, DRF, BloodHorse, and Past The Wire websites.

Featured graduates of last year's sale include a pair of 'TDN Rising Stars, presented by Hagyard' in GII Pat Day Mile winner Crude Velocity (Beau Liam) and Feminism (Curlin).

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Childs Walker, who has covered Thoroughbred racing in Maryland and nationally for nearly 20 years, has been named recipient of the Old Hilltop Award for covering the sport with excellence and distinction, the Stronach Group announced Tuesday.

Walker will be presented with the Old Hilltop Award Thursday, May 14 at the Alibi Breakfast at Laurel Park.

The Alibi Breakfast, which began in the 1930s on the porch of the historic Pimlico Race Course, features a gathering of owners, trainers, jockeys, media and fans to celebrate the Preakness and gain interesting and humorous race predictions.

Walker, a Baltimore native, is a current contributor to the Baltimore Banner after spending 24 years at The Baltimore Sun. He covered his first Preakness, won by Curlin, in 2007 and, as he says, “hopped on the Triple Crown beat just in time to see American Pharoah break the 37-year drought in 2015.” He is a graduate of Emory University.

Previous recipients of the Old Hilltop include Jim McKay, Joe Hirsch, Red Smith, Keith Mills, Bill Nack, Jeannine Edwards and Dale Austin.

Click here to purchase tickets for the Alibi Breakfast.

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An increase in race days in April 2026 led to bumps in both wagering and purses across the United States compared to April of 2025.

The month saw 2,170 races (+2.99%) across 259 race days (+2.78%) which pushed wagering totals to $898,254,315 (+2.23%). Purses were also up, with paid purses jumping to $95,634,866 (+9.14%).

Average wagering per race day dipped slightly to $3,468,163 (-0.53%) while field size also fell to 7.30 (-5.38%) and starts dropped to 15,837 (-2.55%).

Year over year, available and paid purses remained in the green at $356,025,415 (+1.12%) and $337,882,857 (+1.26%) respectively. Wagering on U.S. races year to date finish the month at $3,225,170,563 (-4.69%).

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The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Board of Directors has voted unanimously to make no changes to the current rules regarding the use of the medication Lasix, it was announced Tuesday.

With the decision from the nine-member Board of Directors, Lasix will still be banned in 2-year-old races and stakes races in all states that fall under HISA's jurisdiction. Had the board voted otherwise, the diuretic would have been banned in all races.

When HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program was launched on May 23, 2023.  it ushered in the rules that covered 2-year-old races and stakes and, at the same time, it placed a three-year moratorium regarding the possibility of a full ban on Lasix pending the outcome of several scientific studies it had commissioned. The studies delved into several issues involving the medication, focusing particularly on the effect of Lasix on equine health and the integrity of competition.

When those studies were completed, they were turned over to the Board of Directors, who were assigned the duty of assessing the details and making a decision about the future of Lasix in the sport.

The vote had to be unanimous. If just one member of the Board had voted to implement the new, stricter rules, then Lasix would have all but disappeared from America's racetracks. The HISA Board of Directors consists of Charles Scheeler, Steve Beshear, Adolpho Birch, Leonard Coleman, Joe De Francis, Terri Mazur, Susan Stover, Bill Thomason, and D.G. Van Clief.

The vote took place on April 24.

The Board was asked to vote on four criteria

-That the medication is warranted.

-That the modification is in the best interest of racing.

-That furosemide (Lasix) has no performance-enhancing effect on individual horses.

-That public confidence in the integrity and safety of racing would not be adveresely affected by the modification.

“In reaching its decision, the Board considered the findings and recommendations of the Furosemide Advisory Committee (FAC), which included a finding that available scientific evidence does not support the assertion that furosemide is a performance-enhancing substance,” HISA said in a press release.

The HISA Board's resolution and its findings, along with the FAC Report and scientific research reports, can be reviewed by clicking here

With the vote approaching, many horsemen were growing apprehensive about the possibility of having to do their jobs without the use of Lasix.

A letter was sent out on February 25 that was signed by Bill Mott, Chad Brown, Mark Casse, Jena Antonucci, Ron Moquett, and Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, that questioned the need for a complete ban of Lasix.

“The question before the Authority Board is not whether the sport must evolve–it must, it is and will continue to,” the letter read. “The question is whether eliminating a treatment that reduces lung bleeding serves the horse or simply satisfies a narrative. Treating pulmonary hemorrhage under veterinary supervision is not doping. It is responsible care.”

When reached Tuesday, Moquett, a Midwest-based trainer, praised the HISA Board of Directors for reaching the decision that it did,

“I'm glad that they relied on the science, which is how these issues should be decided,” he said. “And the science proved that Lasix is not a performance-enhancer or anything that damages the horses. It's good to know that trainers can continue to use a medication that we have always believed is beneficial to the horse. A lot of people in racing have a lot of different opinions on many subjects, and this was no different. Those who don't believe in Lasix don't have to use it. Those of us who are proponents of Lasix are free to use it in races where it will still be allowed.”

The National HBPA President Dr. Doug Daniels also expressed his satisfaction with the decision.

“We appreciate the thoughtful and measured decision by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to reconsider the role of Lasix in race-day care,” he said in a statement. “As the Board approached its vote, it was clear that concern among horsemen and women was intensifying, rooted in the practical realities of managing equine health and welfare without a widely accepted therapeutic tool.

“Horsemen across the country are encouraged that the Authority acknowledged both the science and the lived experience of horsemen in concluding that furosemide is not supported as a performance-enhancing substance. This outcome reflects the importance of open dialogue and the willingness to listen to those on the ground who are directly responsible for the health and safety of the horse.

“Moving forward, we remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure that policy decisions continue to be guided by science, horsemanship, and the best interests of the horse.”

The NYTHA also issued a statement following the vote, saying, “The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association appreciates HISA's decision to maintain the current Lasix rules. However, HISA must go further and permit 2-year-olds to receive Lasix. The elimination of Lasix for 2-year-olds to race could very well harm and cause irreparable damage to the horse. NYTHA believes New York-bred stakes races should also be allowed to use Lasix, since the elimination of Lasix is very detrimental to the field size and breeding programs all over the country. We are at a time where we need to take a close examination of our polices to make strategic changes to unlock the full potential of our great industry.”

Dale Romans, President of the Kentucky HBPA said, “Kentucky HBPA commends the collaborative efforts of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, its advisory committees, and horsemen across the industry in reaching this thoughtful decision regarding furosemide. This outcome reflects a balanced, science-based approach that prioritizes the health and safety of our horses while maintaining the integrity of the sport. We appreciate the willingness of all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and work together toward a solution that supports horsemen and strengthens public confidence in racing. It is through this kind of cooperation that our industry continues to move forward in a responsible and unified manner.”

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Light Up Racing, a program launched in 2024 meant to address issues in the sport head on through conversation, will cease operations following this year's Breeders' Cup at Keeneland, the organization announced Tuesday.

In a letter submitted by Light Up Racing's interim executive director Amy Brin, the program reflects back on what was built and how messaging can be disseminated in the future, saying, “From the beginning, the work was based on a simple principle: confidence in the sport cannot be manufactured through messaging; it has to be earned through honesty, transparency and proof.”

But Brin noted that a lack of funding and 'alignment' continued to be an issue for Light Up Racing.

“There is broad agreement that racing needs this kind of communication, that public trust matters, and that misinformation, silence and fragmented responses are damaging,” the letter reads. “What has not yet been solved is how the industry funds this work properly. As initial support began to lessen, and following consistent feedback from industry leaders about the need for greater consolidation and alignment with existing organizations, the Board explored a number of possible long-term options. These efforts included direct outreach, merger proposals, integrated budgets with operational modeling, and multiple rounds of discussion to explore how this work could be sustained within existing industry structures. Despite those worthwhile efforts and shared agreement that the work needs to continue, a sustainable path forward was not secured. The need for the work remains clear. The alignment required to act on it was not.”

Light Up Racing will remain intact through the Breeders' Cup, with the program “continuing in a focused capacity, delivering content, supporting partners and contributing to the industry's efforts to strengthen public trust.”

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The 2025-2026 Oaklawn Park racing season concluded Saturday with across-the-board gains, the track announced Tuesday.

Across 62 race days, Oaklawn conducted 627 races, an increase from 621 races last season, while distributing $54,477,160 in purses with a daily average purse of $878,663. With an average of just over 10 races per day, Oaklawn put an average of 8.81 starters in the gate per race.

The average daily handle rose to $6,938,183, an increase over last year's $6,737,332, generating a total meet handle of $430,167,353–surpassing last season's total of $417,714,571. On-track handle reached $27,723,037, while average handle per race climbed to $686,072.

“Another remarkable season at Oaklawn,” said Louis A. Cella, President of Oaklawn. “From the level of competition on the track to the continued support from our fans and horsemen, this meet showcased the strength and momentum of our program. Each season builds on the last, and we're proud to see Oaklawn continue to elevate the standard for racing in America.”

Steve Asmussen led all trainers with 62 wins and over $5,338,521 in earnings, while also topping the owners standings by wins with 24. John Oxley earned the most for an owner with purse earnings of over $1,187,500.

Ramon Vazquez took home the riding title with 76 wins good for $4,284,296 in earnings.

The post Asmussen, Oxley, Vazquez Capture 2025-2026 Oaklawn Titles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

With a view to pulling the veil back on the hows and whys of their operations, a representative of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) Authority will every week answer a question of industry importance posed by the TDN.

If you have any questions you'd like to ask HISA, please feel free to send them over to us at the following email address: danross@thetdn.com

Q: During the recent virtual HISA town hall, there were several questions about the outside vendors that HISA has hired. Could you provide a full list of the outside vendors HISA has hired since its inception, the amounts paid for their services, and an explanation of your procurement process?

Lisa Lazarus:

The following is a summary of Lazarus's response. To read her response in full, please click here.

For vendor payments of more than $5,000 made between 2023 through 2025, please click here.

The procurement process is broken into three categories. For transactions of $5,000 or less, the HISA representative procuring the vendor must exercise sound judgment and, where practicable, “seek competitive offers to ensure lowest cost or best value for goods or services to be provided,” wrote Lazarus.

For contracts of between $5,001 and $9,999, the HISA representative also needs the prior sign-off from their supervising director and the chief financial officer.

For Procurement Transactions estimated to cost $10,000 or more, “the HISA Representative shall exercise sound business judgment and accompany the Procurement Action with documented market research (e.g., comparing the prices and other terms offered by the selected vendor against the prices and other terms offered by at least two other vendors) to ensure lowest cost or best value for goods or services to be provided.

“The HISA Representative shall seek and secure the approval of their supervising Director and the Chief Financial Officer prior to entering into the Procurement Transaction. Documentation demonstrating compliance with this section should be sent to Niki Robb at Niki.Robb@hisaus.org,” wrote Lazarus.

There are exceptions to these procurement requirements-when done in reaction to an unforeseen crisis or incident, and when, after a thorough search has been conducted, only one good source can be identified.

HISA can also enter into an interim contract to prevent a lapse of contract performance “whenever an existing contract has been or will be terminated or suspended prior to the end of its original term or whenever a vendor is unable to complete performance under a contract,” wrote Lazarus.

To avoid any potential conflict of interest issues, “all HISA Representatives who participate in the selection or acceptance of a Procurement Transaction must comply with HISA's Conflicts of Interest and Business Ethics Policy (the “Conflict Policy”), a copy of which is available on HISA's website,” wrote Lazarus.

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While a decision on Golden Tempo (Curlin)'s participation in the May 16 GI Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park is still to be determined, Vinnie Viola's St. Elias Stable, co-owner of the GI Kentucky Derby winner, has another colt waiting in the wings for the second leg of the Triple Crown in GIII Gotham Stakes winner Iron Honor (Nyquist). Viola co-owns the 3-year-old, most recently seventh in the GII Wood Memorial, in partnership with William Lawrence and Glassman Racing.

“He's a nice, nice horse,” St. Elias racing and bloodstock manager Monique Delk said of Iron Honor. “He kind of had a tough trip in the Wood, got banged up a bit, so we wanted to give him some extra time. [Trainer] Chad [Brown] opted to skip the Derby with the potential target being the Preakness. If all stays well and the horse takes us there, that's where he'll be headed.”

Silent Tactic (Tacitus), scratched from the Derby with a minor foot ailment, is doing well, but a decision on whether to run in the Preakness will hinge on a mid-week workout, according to trainer Mark Casse.

“He's actually great,” Casse said Sunday morning. “I want to see how he trains for a couple of days. If we're happy with his foot, we'll probably breeze him mid-week and then make a decision. Right now his foot is perfect–of course.”

Casse said the foot issue was part bruise and part a tiny separation in the hoof wall.

“He has a little separation in the wall, but it actually looked pretty good when we pulled the shoe off,” he said. “He's just kind of tender all over his left foot. We put a pad over it, just to try to give it a little relief for a few days. That's really seemed to help him.”

Silent Tactic, winner of the GIII Southwest Stakes, was second behind Kentucky Derby runner-up Renegade (Into Mischief) in the Mar. 28 GI Arkansas Derby.

“As it turned out, the race would have set up very nice for us as well, the closer that he is,” Casse said of the Kentucky Derby. “That's what could have been, but it didn't. Can't worry about it. But it was nice to see Renegade show up and run so well.”

Two horses under Preakness consideration are already at Laurel, Taj Mahal (Nyquist) and The Hell We Did (Authentic), who both breezed over the main track Saturday.

Taj Mahal, who went five furlongs in 1:00.40 (1/12), is undefeated in three starts–all at Laurel. He won the Apr. 18 Federico Tesio Stakes, which earned the Brittany Russell trainee an automatic Preakness berth.

The Hell We Did worked five furlongs in 1:00.60 (3/12). He has raced at four different racetracks in as many starts and most recently ran second in the Apr. 11 GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes at Keeneland while making his two-turn debut. Trained by Todd Fincher, he shipped from Kentucky to Maryland Apr. 28.

Other possible Preakness horses include: Cherokee Nation (Not This Time), Chip Honcho (Connect), Crude Velocity (Beau Liam), Crupper (Candy Ride {Arg}), Express Kid (Bodexpress), Great White (Volatile), Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map), Ottinho (Quality Road), Pretty Boy Miah (Beau Liam), Talkin (Good Magic) and Talk to Me Jimmy (Modernist).

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Journalism (Curlin), who finished third in the GII Oaklawn Handicap in his 4-year-old debut April 18 in Hot Springs, returned to the work tab Saturday at Santa Anita for trainer Michael McCarthy.

Also working for McCarthy was MGISW Formidable Man (City of Light), who has been off since finishing second in the Breeders' Cup Mile on Nov. 1.

Journalism worked four furlongs in :48.40. In the 1 1/8-mile Oaklawn Handicap, Journalism finished two lengths back of winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), his rival from last year's Triple Crown run.

McCarthy has reported Journalism could return in the GI Met Mile at Saratoga Race Course June 6.

Formidable Man drilled four furlongs in :48.60. It was his fourth work on the comeback trail.

A 6-year-old, Formidable Man won the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita last, and both the GII Eddie Read and GII Del Mar Mile during the Del Mar summer meet. He is a candidate to return in the GI Shoemaker Mile May 25.

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