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Kyle Rothfus doesn't use the term aftercare to describe finding safe, long-term homes for racehorses after they retire from the track.

Dollars & Sense with Frank Angst

The only suspense in advance of the May 17 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course was what posts the entrants would draw and how heavy of a favorite Kentucky Derby (G1) runner-up Journalism would find himself. 

In a vote the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association board of directors selected Mystic Lake as the 2024 Florida-bred Horse of the Year.

New York State's new budget gives NYRA the authority to retain some board members beyond their scheduled departures next spring in order to maintain continuity of leadership through the rebuilding of Belmont Park, expected to open in September 2026.

Javier Morzan was cited for three intra-articular injections given within a 14-day stand-down period prior to racing and one injection given only three days prior to a workout.

On the May 12 episode of BloodHorse Monday, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas discusses his Preakness Stakes (G1) memories and American Promise. Louie Rabaut and Sean Collins preview the Preakness field and the Horseshoe Indianapolis meet.

For the connections of WinStar Farm, CHC, Pantofel Stable, and Wachtel Stable's River Thames, it wasn't a thorny choice to keep him in his stall on the first Saturday in May and point to the May 17 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course.

The Shes Perfect camp will appeal against her dramatic demotion from first place in the French One Thousand Guineas (G1) May 11 after labeling Mickael Barzalona's use of his hand down the neck of the promoted winner Zarigana as "unacceptable".

Scott Jordan has more than 20 years of experience as a head starter and a leader in track operations.

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr has reintroduced the Regulation Advancement for Capital Enhancement Act of 2025, a federal bill that aims to simplify the registration process required by the SEC for fractional Thoroughbred racehorse ownership groups.

Gabriel Duignan's Echo Sound makes her seasonal debut May 16 in the $150,000 Miss Preakness Stakes (G3) at Pimlico. She faces an expected dozen rivals in the six-furlong sprint for 3-year-old fillies, including Vodka With a Twist.

Photo courtesy Old Tavern Farm

Press release courtesy of The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA)
Presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc, fan-favorite experience features breakfast at the track and tours of breeding farms

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced that the popular Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm program will be offered Thursdays through Sundays during the 2025 Saratoga summer meet to better accommodate the schedules of families. Previously, the program was available Wednesdays through Saturdays.

This year’s Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours are presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) and will feature three area farms: Old Tavern Farm, Sugar Plum Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds.

The tours will be available every Thursday through Sunday during the 2025 Saratoga summer meet, beginning with Opening Day, Thursday, July 10, and continuing through Sunday, August 31. The lone exception is Sunday, August 10, whose tour to Sugar Plum Farm will be offered on Wednesday, August 6. In addition, there is no tour on DraftKings Travers Day, Saturday, August 23.

War Dancer meets one of his sons at Sugar Plum Farm in Saratoga Springs. Barbara Livingston photo

Photo courtesy of Song Hill Thoroughbreds

Tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14 at NYRA.com. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $95 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests.

“The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours have become a new and exciting tradition for racegoers and families throughout the summer racing season,” said Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. “Each tour offers the opportunity to learn every facet and stage in the development of our equine athletes: from watching horses of racing age at historic Saratoga Race Course to receiving a behind-the-scenes look at a locally based New York Thoroughbred breeding farm where racehorses are foaled and spend time before and after their racing careers. New York Thoroughbred Breeders is proud to partner with NYRA and CDTA to offer fans this unique experience.”

The all-inclusive experience begins with a buffet-style breakfast available from 7 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on the Porch at Saratoga Race Course against the backdrop of morning training on the main track. At 9:15 a.m., fans will board a CDTA trolley at the Clubhouse entrance for the short ride to the day’s breeding farm where they will enjoy a comprehensive guided tour before returning to Saratoga Race Course for an afternoon of live racing.

Tours will be available each week as follows: Thursdays at Song Hill Thoroughbreds, 290 County Road 75 in Mechanicville; Fridays at Old Tavern Farm, 45 Brown Road in Stillwater; and Saturdays and Sundays at Sugar Plum Farm, 96 Gilbert Road in Saratoga Springs.

Old Tavern Farm is a private boutique thoroughbred-breeding operation in nearby Stillwater that was founded in 2016 by Walt and Michelle Borisenok. The farm helped launch the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm program in 2022. More information is available at oldtavernfarms.com.

Established in 2005 and managed by owner Robin Malatino, Sugar Plum Farm is a private breeding operation located just minutes from Saratoga Race Course. The farm also serves as the summer home of New York’s leading Turf Sire, War Dancer, who is on hand to greet visitors from his paddock. More information is available at sugarplumfarmsaratoga.com.

Song Hill Thoroughbreds, owned by Jim and Tina Bond, was established in Mechanicville in 2005. More information about the expansive 100-acre horse farm can be found at jamesbondracing.com/song-hill-thoroughbreds.

In addition to Breakfast and Breeding Farm tour tickets, single-day general admission tickets to Saratoga Race Course will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, May 14 beginning at 10 a.m. at Admissions. General admission tickets allow fans to enjoy hundreds of free picnic tables located in the Rivers Casino Backyard as well as access to the apron and many other areas on-track.

A special July 4th Racing Festival general admission pass will also be available for purchase for just $20 beginning on Wednesday, May 14 by clicking here. The July 4th Racing Festival, typically held at Belmont Park, will take place from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6 at Saratoga while construction continues on the new Belmont Park.

The July 4th Festival will serve as the prelude to the 40-day Saratoga summer meet which will open Thursday, July 10 and continue through Monday, September 1, highlighted by the 156th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on August 23 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on August 2.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.

The post NYRA announces new weekend-friendly schedule for Saratoga Breakfast & Breeding Farm tours appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

Indie rock fans can look forward to an appearance by Pavement on this week's The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and while Bob Nastanovich is best known as the band's percussionist and drummer, we at TDN also like to claim him as our own these days.

A longtime horseracing fan and former jockey's agent, Nastanovich is one of the dedicated team of writers working on the weekend racing recaps for TDN. 

An owner and breeder in both the U.S. and England, he has visited every racecourse in Britain and is currently involved in the Canuck One syndicate behind the three-year-old Suitcase Smith, who was bred by Nastanovich and TDN's European editor Emma Berry. Trained in Newmarket by John Berry, the Sixties Icon gelding's ownership group has members from Washington DC to Ohio, Tennessee and California, including the horse's namesake, NHL legend Gary 'Suitcase' Smith, a resident of Del Mar.

Beloved of the 1990s indie scene, Pavement originally split up in 1999 but over the last two years the band has undertaken a hugely successful worldwide reunion tour. A documentary film by Alex Ross Perry is currently on nationwide release in cinemas. Entitled 'Pavements', it has been described in a New York Times review as “Part spoof and part serious, its vibe is very much in keeping with its subjects.”

Further music festival appearances look to be on the cards for Pavement later this year, but don't worry, these will not interrupt Nastanovich bringing TDN readers their weekend racing reports. 

 

The post Pavement Star and TDN Writer Bob Nastanovich Set for The Late Show Appearance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm program, which previously ran Wednesdays through Saturdays, will now operate Thursdays to Sundays during the 2025 Saratoga season to better accommodate family schedules, NYRA announced Tuesday.

This year's Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours, presented by New York Thoroughbred Breeders, will feature three area farms: Old Tavern Farm, Sugar Plum Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds.

The tours will be available every Thursday through Sunday during the 2025 Saratoga summer meet, beginning with Opening Day, Thursday, July 10, and continuing through Sunday, August 31. The lone exception is Sunday, August 10, whose tour to Sugar Plum Farm will be offered on Wednesday, August 6. In addition, there is no tour on DraftKings Travers Day, Saturday, August 23.

Tickets will be available beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 14 at NYRA.com. The package includes buffet breakfast, transportation, guided tour of a local breeding farm and admission to Saratoga Race Course. Tickets are $95 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under.

“The Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours have become a new and exciting tradition for racegoers and families throughout the summer racing season,” said Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders Najja Thompson. “Each tour offers the opportunity to learn every facet and stage in the development of our equine athletes: from watching horses of racing age at historic Saratoga Race Course to receiving a behind-the-scenes look at a locally based New York Thoroughbred breeding farm where racehorses are foaled and spend time before and after their racing careers. New York Thoroughbred Breeders is proud to partner with NYRA and CDTA to offer fans this unique experience.”

The all-inclusive experience begins with a buffet-style breakfast available from 7 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on the Porch at Saratoga Race Course against the backdrop of morning training on the main track. At 9:15 a.m., fans will board a CDTA trolley at the Clubhouse entrance for the short ride to the day's breeding farm where they will enjoy a comprehensive guided tour before returning to Saratoga Race Course for an afternoon of live racing.

Tours will be available each week as follows: Thursdays at Song Hill Thoroughbreds, 290 County Road 75 in Mechanicville; Fridays at Old Tavern Farm, 45 Brown Road in Stillwater; and Saturdays and Sundays at Sugar Plum Farm, 96 Gilbert Road in Saratoga Springs.

The post NYRA Shifts Saratoga Breakfast And Breeding Farm Tour Dates For Summer Season appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The 2024 Florida-bred champions were honored at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) Awards Gala Monday night, and MGSW Mystic Lake (Mo Town) topped them all as she was crowned the Florida-bred Horse of the Year.

In addition to taking home top prize, the filly also claimed the champion 3-year-old filly and female sprinter titles after assembling a 2024 resume which included wins in the GIII Miss Preakness Stakes and the GII Charles Town Oaks as well as three Listed/Black-type races.

Mystic Lake's breeder Peggy Costanzo was presented with the 2024 Needles Award which recognizes the Small Breeder of the Year in Florida. The Florida Breeder of the Year title went to Marilyn Campbell's Stonehedge LLC for the fifth time since the operation was first honored in 1997. Stonehedge boasted 2024 earnings of over $2.9-million with 33 wins, 67 seconds, and 67 thirds from 601 starts.

Charlotte Weber's Live Oak Plantation was named leading owner of Florida-breds for the seventh time after first garnering the honor in 2011. They took home the trophy for the 2024 champion older male and male turf horse, Forever Souper (American Pharoah). Undefeated Rated by Merit (Battalion Runner), whose name had been tossed around in conversations centered around the major Spring classics at one point, took home the title for champion juvenile colt.

For a record fifth consecutive year, Khozan was named Florida Stallion of the Year with progeny earnings of over $5.6-million, surpassing Montbrook and Wildcat Heir with four each. He stood the 2024 season at Journeyman Stud and the 2025 season at Ocala Stud.

A full list of the winners is below:

Horse of the Year: Mystic Lake
Champion 2-year-old Filly: Nooni (Win Win Win)
Champion 2-year-old Colt: Rated By Merit
Champion 3-year-old Filly: Mystic Lake
Champion 3-year-old Colt: Bentornato (Valiant Minister)
Champion Older Male: Forever Souper
Champion Older Female: Spirit Wind (Bahamian Squall)
Champion Turf Male: Forever Souper
Champion Turf Female: Dancing N Dixie (Neolithic)
Champion Male Sprinter: Bentornato
Champion Female Sprinter: Mystic Lake
Stallion of the Year: Khozan
Broodmare of the Year: Points of Grace (Point of Entry)
Leading Freshman Sire/Juvenile Sire: Win Win Win
Small Breeder of the Year: Peggy Costanzo
Breeder of the Year: Stonehedge LLC
Leading Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr.
Leading Owner: Live Oak Plantation
Joseph M. O'Farrell Memorial Award: Tom McCrocklin & Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck's Summerfield

The post Mystic Lake Tops Florida-Bred Champions, Named Horse of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

River Thames, a dominant winner in his first two starts this winter at Gulfstream Park, steps up in Saturday’s 150th Preakness Stakes. Coglianese Photo/Ryan Thompson.

New York-bred River Thames takes his turn in the 2025 Triple Crown when he takes on eight others in the 150th running of the $2 million Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.

Owned by WinStar Farm, CHC Inc., Pantofel Stable and Wachtel Stable and trained by Todd Pletcher, River Thames drew post six in the field of nine for the second jewel of the Triple Crown. Irad Ortiz Jr. will ride the son of Maclean’s Music, who is pegged as the 9-2 third choice behind 8-5 morning-line favorite and Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism and 4-1 second choice and Arkansas Derby winner Sandman.

River Thames comes into the 1 3/16-mile Preakness with two wins in four starts and placings in the Grade 2 Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park and Grade 1 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland Race Course. The Fountain of Youth loss came by just a neck to eventual Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty.

River Thames earned sufficient points to land a spot in the starting gate for the May 3 Kentucky Derby but his connections opted to wait, giving the colt six weeks between starts.

“He has proven that he has held good company,” Pletcher said. “We’ve been able to give him a little space here, after his first three races were all pretty close together. So hopefully that little extra time from [the Blue Grass] to the Preakness and being fresh, gives him a chance to make a move forward.”

Pletcher breezed River Thames three times between the Blue Grass and Preakness, including a half-mile tightener in :48.25 last weekend on the Belmont Park training track.

“We are happy with his condition,” Pletcher said after the work. “He has bounced out of the Blue Grass well. He has been training consistently here. He has put on a few pounds, so we are happy with the way he is coming into it.”

Bred by CTR Stables LLC and foaled at Stonegate Stables in Fort Edward, River Thames sold to CHC, Siena Farm and WinStar’s Maverick Racing for $200,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale. He’s the first foal out of the winning Discreet Cat mare Proportionality, a half-sister to stakes winner Miss Interpret from the family of Grade 1 winners Paulassilverlining and Dads Caps.

The Preakness, broadcast by NBC, goes as the 13th of 14 races Saturday with post time set for 7:01 p.m. ET.

• Waterville Lake Stable’s homebred Loon Cry, a finalist for champion New York-bred turf female honors in 2024, makes her first start since early November in Friday’s $100,000 The Very One Stakes sprinting on the turf. Trained by Christophe Clement and foaled at Stonewall Farm in Granite Springs, the 5-year-old daughter of More Than Ready won one of her two stakes on the Maryland circuit last year when she took the 6-furlong Sensible Lady at Laurel Park. She’s the 9-5 favorite on the morning line for jockey Flavien Prat, not including potential main track only runners if the race is moved off the grass. Post time for The Very One, which goes at 5 furlongs on the turf, is 4:38 p.m.

The post River Thames flies the flag for Empire State in Preakness appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

Having been committed to the race just 24 hours earlier and in the absence of GI Kentucky Derby hero Sovereignty (Into Mischief), Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith's Derby runner-up Journalism (Curlin) was made the 8-5 favorite on Dan Illman's morning line for Saturday's 150th running of the $2-million GI Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. He was assigned post position two during Monday's draw at the Guiness Open Gate Brewery.

The $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga acquisition was given a terrific steer in the Derby by Umberto Rispoli at Churchill Downs, working his way into the clear at about halfway before launching a rally that carried him into the lead in upper stretch. Sovereignty was close in tow, however, and won the final-furlong dash for the roses. After carefully observing his colt's training over the course of the last several days, trainer Michael McCarthy, who saddled Rombauer (Twirling Candy) to win the 2021 Preakness, gave him the green light, and Journalism is expected on the Pimlico backstretch on Tuesday following a van ride up from Louisville.

Journalism is one of three to move on from the Derby into the Preakness, and he will be joined by GI Arkansas Derby hero Sandman (Tapit), beaten just over a dozen lengths into seventh in the Churchill slop and he too was a later addition to the Preakness field. He has drawn the seven hole.

“Obviously you don't want to be the one (post). It worked for War of Will, it worked for American Pharaoh,” said trainer Mark Casse, who saddled War of Will for a Preakness victory in 2019. “Look, Journalism is definitely the horse to beat, he has already proven that. We don't know how he is going to react to the two weeks, we don't know how it will be for us.”

Co-owner Griffin Johnson was present for the post position draw after abandoning prior commitments of his own to experience the event.

“I was supposed to be at a wedding, but I got a call on Saturday from Mark [Casse] and he said, 'We're going to run him.' I was excited. I love to see him run. That's my favorite thing about Sandman; I like to show up and support him and watch him do his work. I'm happy to be here,” Johnson said.

The third of the Derby alumnus is Virginia Derby winner American Promise (Justify), who endured a rough trip when 16th in the Derby. He will try to give Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas back-to-back runnings of the Preakness after Seize the Grey (Arrogate) caused a front-running upset 12 months ago. He'll line up just to the outside of the favorite in three.

'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music), a latest third in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, passed the Derby and lands here as the 9-2 third choice, with Irad Ortiz, Jr. the pilot from gate six. Fellow 'Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time) wheels back on two weeks' rest, having won an allowance on the Derby undercard. Flavien Prat, aboard the aforementioned Rombauer, rides the 6-1 gamble.

“Once you draw, you can't think about it. Last time I drew the one here was with American Pharaoh. I drew the one with Lookin At Lucky. The one hole is not as bad here as it would be in the Derby,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “He is not as fast as these other horses on paper, but I think he is a good horse. I really thought he was a better fit than Rodriguez would have been.”

Clever Again (American Pharoah) is a veteran of just three starts and exits a four-length defeat of subsequent GII Pat Day Mile third Gaming (Game Winner) in the Hot Springs Stakes Mar. 30. Two-time Preakness winner Steve Asmussen saddles the 5-1 chance, who will be ridden for pace from a wide draw in eight. Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A. P.) makes the trans-Atlantic journey for trainer Jamie Osborne, who once again goes to daughter Saffie Osborne for the ride. He was a very tough second in the G2 UAE Derby at Meydan when last seen Apr. 5.

Local trainer Mike Gorham saddles his first Preakness runner in the form of Pay Billy (Improbable), who earned his ticket to the second leg of the Triple Crown courtesy of his victory in the Federico Tesio Stakes, which offered the winner a guaranteed spot in the Preakness field.

“I'm real happy with it,” said trainer Michael Gorham. “That's what I was hoping for–4, 5 or 6. I didn't want to be down on the rail in the 1 or 2, and I didn't want to be on the far outside. I think it worked out pretty good. I think we'll get him out of there running and try to get a spot. You don't want to get caught too far back. He has a little tactical speed. He can be forwardly placed. We've got to get into the turn in a good spot, not too far off the lead but have something to run at.”

Similarly, Gosger (Nyquist) becomes a first Preakness starter for Brendan Walsh, who will give a leg up to Luis Saez. The colt exits a win in Keeneland's GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes Apr. 12.

Saturday, Pimlico Race Course

PREAKNESS S.-GI, $2,000,000, 3yo, 1 3/16m

HORSE (SIRE), JOCKEY, TRAINER, ML

1 Goal Oriented (Not This Time), Baffert, Prat, 6-1

2 Journalism (Curlin), McCarthy, Rispoli, 8-5

3 American Promise (Justify), Lukas, Juarez, 15-1

4 Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A. P.), J Osborne, S Osborne, 12-1

5 Pay Billy (Improbable), Gorham, Mena, 20-1

6 River Thames (Maclean's Music), Pletcher, Ortiz, Jr, 9-2

7 Sandman (Tapit), Casse, Velazquez, 4-1

8 Clever Again (American Pharoah), Asmussen, Ortiz, 5-1

9 Gosger (Nyquist), Walsh, Saez, 20-1

 

 

The post Derby Runner-Up Journalism Favored at 8-5 From Gate 2 In 150th Preakness appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Nominations for the 2025 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards in North America are now being accepted through midnight Monday, July 14, Godolphin announced via press release Monday afternoon.

Created to recognize the hardworking industry employees which make the sport run, equivalent awards are given in Ireland, Australia, Great Britain, and France. Godolphin is the principle sponsor in association with The Jockey Club; the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association; the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association; and the Breeders' Cup for the American program.

Cash prizes totaling $124,000 will be awarded to winners and two finalists in a total of seven categories as well as monetary awards going to two runners-up. The awards are the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award; Katherine McKee Administration Award; Dedication to Breeding Award; Dedication to Racing Award; Newcomer Award; Support Services Award; and Managerial Award.

The TIEA also announced Kentucky Downs/KHBPA as the Travel Sponsor for the program. The sponsorship will assist in covering the costs of transportation and accommodation of the finalists to Kentucky in October.

“It's hard to believe that we are in the 10th year of these wonderful awards,” said Katie LaMonica, charities manager of Godolphin USA. “We are so thankful to the entire Thoroughbred industry who have graciously embraced the TIEAs since day one and have been so helpful in recognizing our hardworking industry employees. Please make sure to help us celebrate “Ten Years of TIEA” and nominate today!”

For more information, please contact the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards on (859) 977-4655 or email info@tiea.org.

The post Nominations Open for 10th Annual Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

GISW Sandman (Tapit) has picked up the services of John Velazquez for his anticipated start in Preakness 150, who will replace Jose Ortiz due to another commitment for the contest.

Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse promised he'd have a Hall of Fame rider for his grey son of Tapit, and a legend he has procured. Velazquez will be replacing Jose Ortiz, who had the mount in the Derby, as Ortiz has a prior commitment aboard Clever Again (American Pharoah) for trainer Steve Asmussen.

The Triple Crown trail has been kind to the Hall of Famer in the last several years, as he claimed the middle jewel for the first time in 2023 aboard MGISW National Treasure (Quality Road); won the Derby in 2020 with MGISW Authentic (Into Mischief) and placed second in the Preakness with that colt; and in total has had 13 prior mounts in the Maryland marquee race. Sandman will be start 14 for Velazquez.

“Johnny is a strong rider, and Sandman needs a strong rider,” Casse said. “I think he will fit hm perfectly. One thing you will find about the good riders–the Irads [Ortiz], the Joses, the Juniors [Alvarado], the [Joel] Rosarios, the Johnnys…they all know what every horse is going to be doing. That is what they do. The only thing I can do by giving instructions is mess it up.”

Sandman was given Monday morning off and is scheduled to board a van at Churchill Downs bound for Pimlico at 3:00 p.m. before his anticipated arrival on grounds between 4-5:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, Casse said. The trainer will arrive from Ocala sometime in the afternoon the same day, but New York assistant trainer Shane Tripp will also be in Baltimore and will serve as the exercise rider.

“We decided to give Sandman an easy day because it's a ship of 12 hours or so. He is doing great.”

The grey will walk Tuesday and train at a later determined time over the next three days. He will be one of three Kentucky Derby runners to return for the Preakness. The anticipated favorite Journalism (Curlin)–who was the runner-up last weekend–and American Promise (Justify), finishing 16th, are the other pair.

“Obviously, Journalism is the horse to beat,” Casse said. “He ran really well in the Derby and you know Wayne [Lukas, trainer of American Promise] is always tough. It looks like there will be a decent amount of speed in the race, and that is good for us.”

Clever Again Goes an Easy Half

Clever Again had an easy half-mile work in :50.40 at Churchill Downs Monday morning. It was the 32nd fastest of 40 on the morning, but it was what the team wanted to see.

“Just a maintenance work,” said assistant Scott Blasi, who oversees Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen's Churchill Downs division. “We really like how he's doing. We thought a lot of him the whole time. We're excited about running him.”

“The horse is happy. His ears are forward, moving fluidly.”

And so they arrive…

The Preakness arrivals are scheduled to begin in increasing frequency within the coming days as 'TDN Rising Stars' Goal Oriented (Not This Time), River Thames (Maclean's Music), and Journalism as well as automatic entry earner Pay Billy (Improbable) are all expected to ship Tuesday.

The latter most will be vanning in with stablemates MSP Moon Cache (Mosler)–who is entered in the GII George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Friday–and Chipotle (Mitole), who will contest the Listed Chick Lang Stakes on the Saturday undercard.

“[Pay Billy] galloped a mile and a half, just a regular gallop to kind of stretch his legs a little bit. Everything is good,” trainer Michael Gorham said. “It's going to be an exciting week. We're looking forward to it.”

Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P.) cleared quarantine Sunday and had a light training session Monday morning prior to being shipped over to Baltimore. American Promise is scheduled to arrive Monday afternoon.

The post Sandman Picks Up John Velazquez for Preakness, Clever Again Goes Easy Half at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.