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As first reported by DRF's Nicole Russo, Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy) is a question mark for next week's GI Kentucky Oaks after she developed a foot abscess and the team continues to try to get it squared away before the looming deadline.

Entries for the Kentucky Oaks, set for May 2, were taken Saturday morning with post position being drawn later in the day. According to trainer Kenny McPeek, the entry was submitted, and the plan will be to wait and see what kind of week it turns into for their filly.

“We don't know if we have enough time to get that together–there's a chance she could miss the race,” McPeek told the DRF Saturday morning after a routine gallop. “It's minor, but at the same time, timing's a little bit tricky. At this point, we're going to enter her, and we're going to see what kind of week we have.”

Abscesses are a routine problem for most horses, and usually clear up with time and consistent management. It is not unusual for horses to continue moving soundly throughout the treatment process, but with Take Charge Milady's abscess, McPeek reportedly told the DRF that the location is in a 'trickier' spot on her right foot. It has developed in the coronet band at the top of the hoof. Muddy or continually wet conditions can contribute to a horse developing an abscess, and with days of rain currently forecasted for late next week, the weather conditions will not be making things easy.

The filly had prior troubles with her foot as an entry Mar. 29 in the GII Fantasy Stakes turned into a scratch after she developed a quarter crack which required stitching and a shoeing adjustment. She fired a :47.80 work at Oaklawn Park (1/61, Mar. 30) in advance of the GI Ashland Stakes at Keeneland and finished a closing second to GISW La Cara (Street Sense). She produced a bullet five furlong move Apr. 18 at Churchill Downs in :59.40, the fastest of 12 on the morning when working in company with MGSP Gowells Delight (Practical Joke).

“We don't know if they're together, but more than likely, there is some correlation between the two,” McPeek told the DRF of the quarter crack and the abscess.

He continued in that interview, “She ran a really good race–a race that justifies her being a Kentucky Oaks filly. But the little abscess, timing's really bad.”

“She worked good this morning, she gallops good, but that little abscess wants to irritate her. We've just got to see if we can get her 100 per cent by next weekend.”

The post Take Charge Milady’s Oaks Start Up in the Air as She Battles Foot Abscess appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Umberto Rispoli, the second-leading rider at the Hollywood Meet at Santa Anita, is off all his Saturday mounts due to his connecting flight from Kentucky being canceled, 1S/T Racing announced Saturday afternoon.

Rispoli flew in to Churchill Downs overnight to partner with likely Kentucky Derby favorite GISW Journalism (Curlin) in his final pre-Derby work, but those plans were scrubbed when the work was postponed to Sunday due to the rain. The jockey was named on six rides for the Saturday card, including on 'TDN Rising Star' Eagles Flight (Curlin), the half-brother to MGISW Flightline (Tapit), for John Sadler and GSW Tirupati (Mitole) in the GIII Royal Heroine Stakes for trainer Jonathan Thomas. Juan Hernandez has been named as his replacement on the former with Kyle Frey picking up the call on the latter.

The post Umberto Rispoli Off All Saturday Mounts as Journalism’s Pre-Derby Work is Rescheduled appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Five Kentucky Derby hopefuls were on track Saturday morning during the special training period for Oaks and Derby horses at Churchill Downs, but one, GISW Tappan Street (Into Mischief), has been withdrawn from the big race with an injury.

As reported early Saturday morning, the son of Into Mischief had just completed a five furlong breeze when regular rider Luis Saez felt that 'something was off' afterwards. X-rays back at the barn revealed a condylar fracture, and while trainer Brad Cox reports it is not a major injury, it will require surgery and time, ruling him out of the race.

Of the four who remain, Burnham Square (Liam's Map) joined the timed works with a five panel move on his own in :59.40 after a break for track maintenance which upgraded the surface to good. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:12 and seven-eighths in 1:26.20. Last year's Derby winning jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. was in the irons as Unbridled and Street Sense's trainer Carl Nafzger watched on from the backstretch.

“The track was good,” said trainer Ian Wilkes, who served as an exercise rider for the aforementioned Derby heroes. “It was probably a tick faster, but he did it well in hand and had a strong gallop out. We just have to keep him on the ground now. He's ready.”

Burnham Square's move matched the time of American Promise (Justify), who went out in the wee hours–as customary for trainer D. Wayne Lukas–over a sloppy track to cover five furlongs in :59.40. Rider Nik Juarez drove from Oaklawn to Kentucky and arrived Friday night before heading out Saturday for the work.

“Got here last night, ready to work this morning,” Juarez said. “[American Promise] was ready to work too and the off track was not a problem.”

Also during the designated training window for hopefuls was the workout of Render Judgment (Blame), who went five furlongs in company in :59. The defection of Tappan Street allows for his entry into the starting gate.

On the track after the second break, the aforementioned Tappan Street and his stablemate Final Gambit (Not This Time) went out for their works with the latter working in company in 1:01. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.80 under Luan Machado.

With the overcast weather lingering in the area, several works were pushed back to Sunday including that of likely Derby favorite GISW Journalism (Curlin), 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic), Sovereignty (Into Mischief), 'Rising Star' GISW East Avenue (Medaglia'dOro), Tiztastic (Tiz the Law), and Publisher (American Pharoah). Trainer Bob Baffert reported that his champion juvenile, 'TDN Rising Star' MGISW Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), will work Monday.

Just on the outside of the field in the 21st spot is Baeza (McKinzie), the half-brother to GI Kentucky Derby hero Mage (Good Magic) and that one's GI Belmont Stakes winning full-brother Dornoch, who galloped Saturday morning after arriving from California on Thursday.

Classified as a steady gallop over a surface then labeled 'good' under exercise rider Frankie Herrate–of Derby hero Giacamo fame, it is reported as unlikely that the colt will make the field even as Flavien Prat is named to ride.

“If we don't make it,” trainer John Shirreffs said, “we'll work him here, Monday. Then we've got to look at the Preakness.”

Neoequos (Neolithic) arrived at Churchill Downs Saturday morning after making the field due to an earlier defection, and is scheduled to hit the track Sunday morning for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr.

The post Derby Preparations Continue at Churchill, Preakness in Baeza’s Plans if Kentucky Falls Through appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The ladies joined the colts as final preparations commenced not just for the GI Kentucky Derby next weekend, but the GI Kentucky Oaks as well, with Tenma (Nyquist) leading the parade Saturday morning.

With Martin Garcia in the saddle for the four-furlong work over a 'good' track, the Bob Baffert trainee went through her paces in a final clocking of :48.40 from Baffert, and later confirmed by the track clockers. Tenma's five furlong gallop out was noted as 1:01.

“He's good; he can really work one,” said Baffert before the work in reference to the jockey. Garcia will be aboard Citizen Bull in next Saturday's Kentucky Derby. “For a while there, I thought he had a clock in his head. I told [Garcia] I wanted him to go in :48 [for the half mile] today, so let's see how he does.”

Afterwards, Baffert said he was pleased with her effort.

Tenma is one of the favorites for the 151st Kentucky Oaks, and has California's leading rider Juan Hernandez in the saddle for the big dance.

Likewise, newcomer Fondly (Upstart) worked five furlongs on a fast track in 1:02.20 with Irad Ortiz Jr. on her back for trainer Graham Motion. A solo move, she produced sectionals of :24.60, :37.60, 1:02.20 and galloped out six panels in 1:15.20 in a move Ortiz was happy with afterwards.

“I like her a lot,” Ortiz said. “She was good this morning and very comfortable. She's got a great mind and very professional.”

When asked his thoughts about his charge being the least experienced of the bunch with only two lifetime starts, Motion held the Virginia Oaks victress to high esteem.

“It is not something I do with every horse, but her half-brother [Antiquarian, who recently made a victorious return to the races] won the [1 1/8-mile, GIII] Peter Pan,” Motion said. “She has stepped up in distance every time and I think she can handle it.”

The conditioner will be in town Wednesday, and said his filly will have gate and paddock schooling prior to the Oaks.

GSP Anna's Promise (Promises Fulfilled) and GSW Ballerina d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro) were also sighted Saturday putting in their final works ahead of Friday. The former, trained by Carlos David, traveled five furlongs in 1:00.40 in company with John Ortiz runner Covert Law (Tiz the Law) and galloped out six in 1:13.60. The latter went a half-mile in :48 for trainer Chad Brown.

“I thought it was a really good move,” Brown said. “She got over the surface well.”

The post Kentucky Oaks Fillies Join Derby Hopefuls for Final Tune Ups appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

With a damp track at Churchill Downs April 26, several Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders postponed their final breezes. However, five Kentucky Derby hopefuls stuck to the Saturday game plan, led by Burnham Square and Final Gambit.

Tenma, Anna's Promise, Ballerina d'Oro, and Fondly breezed April 26 at Churchill Downs in preparation for the May 2 Kentucky Oaks (G1).

Florida Derby (G1) winner Tappan Street is out of the May 3 Kentucky Derby after exiting an April 26 workout at Churchill Downs with a condylar fracture to his right front leg. The injury is not life-threatening, according to Brad Cox.

The dam to 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) victor Mage and 2024 participant Dornoch would get another shot at immortality if her McKinzie colt Baeza finds his way into the field for the first leg of the Triple Crown May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Normandy Coast, a 3-year-old colt by Omaha Beach who won the April 6 Palisades Stakes at Keeneland, sold for $355,000 to Steven Judy to lead the Keeneland April Horses of Racing Age Sale, held April 25 following the final race of the spring meet.

Brendan Walsh tied with Brad Cox for his first-ever Keeneland training title when Dixiana Farms' homebred Forever After All romped by nine lengths to score in the April 25 Bewitch Stakes (G3T) on closing day of the spring meet.

Last May, Joe Ramos was recovering from a near-fatal motorcycle accident, hoping to return to the job he loves and visualizing the places that racing could take him. A year later, this rising star is back in the saddle and dreaming of roses. 

The dynasty that is Gestut Schlenderhan, Germany's oldest stud farm that was founded in 1869, will be represented April 27 by Goliath in the QEII Cup (G1) at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong.

With a suspension from Churchill Downs lifted, trainer Bob Baffert has two chances for a record-breaking seventh win in the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1). The disqualification of Medina Spirit in 2021 for a medication infraction leaves Baffert with six.

Opening day at Finger Lakes, a rite of spring in the Finger Lakes region since 1962, is set for April 28. The 64th season of Thoroughbred action at "The Thumb" features 91 racing days through Nov. 26.

Tappan Street (Into Mischief), the winner of the Mar. 29 GI Florida Derby, will miss the Kentucky Derby after suffering a condylar fracture to his right front leg, according to trainer Brad Cox. The colt is owned by WinStar Farm LLC, CHC, Inc. and Cold Press Racing.

Tappan Street worked five furlongs in :59.60 on Saturday morning, and Cox told the Louisville Courier Journal that jockey Luis Saez felt something was off after the work. The colt had X-rays back at the barn.

“It's nothing major I don't believe at all,” Cox told the Courier Journal's Jason Frakes. “But he does require surgery and obviously he is out of the Derby. I don't think it's career-ending or anything.”

The defection means that last year's Derby-winning trainer, Kenny McPeek, will see his horse, Render Judgment (Blame), fifth last out in the GI Blue Grass S. at Keeneland, draw into the field. Render Judgment's only win comes in a Churchill maiden race last October.

Tappan Street has made three lifetime starts, breaking his maiden in his debut on Dec. 28 at Gulfstream, before finishing third in the GII Holy Bull S., and winning the Florida Derby.

The post Tappan Street out of Kentucky Derby with Condylar Fracture appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The lightly raced Clever Again (American Pharoah), a sharp, front-running winner of the Hot Springs Stakes going a mile at Oaklawn Mar. 30, is pointing to the GI Preakness Stakes May 17 at Pimlico.

Clever Again, a $500,000 Keeneland September Yearling, has won two of three career starts for Winchell Thoroughbreds, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith and Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen.

“He's a talented horse,” Asmussen said. “Obviously, the measurements or rulers that we're using, the company that he's kept, which is Tiztastic (Tiz the Law), Publisher (American Pharoah), Magnitude (Not This Time), they've all been good company for a long time, so you're very confident in what level they belong.”

The post Asmussen Pointing Clever Again to Preakness appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

As a fan of horse racing and someone that holds the Hall of Fame in esteem as the highest honor in our sport, I would like to implore the Hall and their Board of Trustees to take a hard look at both the nominating process for applicants to the Hall of Fame, and at the system through which the horses and people are elected.

For the past few years, we have had a number of very good nominees on the equine and human side, and to not even know how close or how far they are from being actually put into the Hall of Fame is one mystery that would be nice to know. In the Eclipse Awards, for example, they tell us at the end of the day how many votes each nominee received. In the Hall of Fame, those numbers are not released. Contrast this to the baseball Hall of Fame, where I can tell you how many writers voted, how many votes players needed to get in, how many votes each player received, and which players got so few votes that they will drop off future ballots.

The second part that I think requires some review is who is voting for these people and horses to get into the Hall of Fame?

We work in a very tight-knit industry. If you go to the website for the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, you will see that the voting procedures describer the voting panel as “active and former racing writers, editors, broadcasters, historians, and commentators on the sport of thorough racing.” But even in this relatively small, close industry, I have spoken to a number of very prominent current racing writers who don't have a vote. I know people I consider to be great historians of the game who don't have a vote. I've spoken to people that I respect as commentators who don't have a vote. The people who have a voice in this process should have extreme knowledge of the sport, and maybe they do, but we don't even know who the voters are. We need to improve this process, and make it more transparent.

One suggestion I would make for the Trustees to consider is that any living person in the Hall of Fame gets a vote. Let's face it; if you're good enough to make it into the Hall of Fame, you're good enough to get to vote on your contemporaries.

I know I'm not the only one who feels this way, but for some reason, people are afraid to speak up about it. I implore the Trustees of the Racing Hall of Fame to take a hard look at the system and look for ways to improve it before next year's ballot comes out.

 

The post Letter to the Editor: `Hall’ Needs More Transparency appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

5th-Keeneland, $123,056, Alw, 4-25, (NW2$X), 4yo/up, f/m, 1mT, 1:38.58, yl, neck.
SWEET REBECCA (f, 4, American Pharoah–Sweet N Discreet {SW & GSP, $366,447}, by Discreet Cat), a latest fifth to the commonly owned Pounce (Lookin At Lucky) in the GIII Lake George Stakes at Saratoga last July, led home a 1-2 finish for her Coolmore-based stallion in a salty allowance on closing day of the spring stand at Keeneland. Off at a penny shy of 4-1, the $250,000 Keeneland September yearling was given a positive ride by Flavien Prat and was content to track the pace into and around the second turn. Asked to come after front-running She's A Tempest (Connect) in upper stretch, Sweet Rebecca opened a bit of daylight with a good turn of foot and got home a long neck to the good of favored Deep Satin. The latter, last seen winning the Listed Virginia Oaks last Sept. 7, enjoyed the run of the race and slipstreamed the eventual winner down the backstretch. She went on the attack entering the final furlong and was getting there but the wire came a couple of strides too soon. Named a 'TDN Rising Star' for Mike Ryan and Mt. Brilliant and trainer Brendan Walsh off an eventful trip at Gulfstream in March 2024, Sweet Rebecca was acquired by John Stewart's operation and promptly delivered in the Apr. 28 Memories of Silver Stakes, her first run for this conditioner. Fifth of six after bobbling in the final quarter mile of the GII Wonder Again Stakes May 27, the chestnut was in the thick of it into the final furlong of the Lake George before weakening out of contention. Mt. Brilliant acquired the winner's SW & GSP dam for $1.6 million in foal to Liam's Map at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton November Sale a short time after her daughter Sweet Melania (American Pharoah), MGSW & GISP, $576,210, won this track's GII Jessamine Stakes ahead of a third in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. A full-sister to GSW & GISP Discreet Dancer and a half to GSW Travelin Man (Trippi), Sweet N Discreet is the dam of a 3-year-old Tapit colt–also named Discreet Dancer–a 2-year-old Constitution filly that sold to Tracy Farmer for $400,000 at KEESEP last fall and a newly born colt by Munnings. Sales history: $250,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 5-3-0-0, $213,048. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Resolute Racing; B-Mt Brilliant Farm & Ranch LLC (KY); T-Chad C Brown.

 

#8 SWEET REBECCA ($9.98) got a nice stalking trip under Flavien Prat to win race 5 at @keenelandracing. The daughter of American Pharoah (@coolmoreamerica) is trained by Chad Brown and owned by @resracingky.

The last pick 5 of the meet is up next! https://t.co/9KTJWl3WMw pic.twitter.com/2m7ZzLeSUu

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 25, 2025

The post ‘Rising Star’ Sweet Rebecca Leads Home American Pharoah 1-2 at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Several Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) contenders hit the work tab across Kentucky April 25 for their final breezes ahead of the May 2-3 races, including Grande and Chunk of Gold.

Equibase has enhanced the foreign past performance data with internal points of call information and short comments for the expected Japanese runners in the Kentucky Derby (G1).