Feed aggregator

In Great White's first breeze since flipping behind the gate at the May 2 Kentucky Derby (G1), trainer John Ennis himself got aboard to make sure everything felt right ahead of a potential start in the May 16 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Laurel Park.

She was the lightest raced in the field, and had started her 2026 campaign last month, but Marjoram (Quality Road) showed her heart to steal the GIII Senorita Stakes in the shadow of the wire in the Santa Anita nightcap.

Unveiled at Churchill Downs Nov. 22 on a sloppy main track, she made her move from sixth coming off the bend and had just enough left late to win by three-quarters of a length over a persistent challenger. She went onto the sidelines before being moved west to this venue, and had established a healthy worktab by the time her seasonal bow arrived Apr. 4 against a field that largely returned for this contest. It also marked her first time going over the downhill turf course and on Lasix.

Everything that could have gone wrong in her race last out, did, as she stumbled badly leaving the gates and was forced to alter course sharply when crossing over the dirt track to avoid a fallen runner. Marjoram managed to make up ground from last to finish a sneaky-good fifth despite the trouble as Mo' Em Down (Caracaro), Will Happen (Vekoma), and Still Unwritten (Cat Burglar) claimed the trifecta, respectively.

Given 7-2 odds as the betting dollars drifted to 3-2 favorite Light Won Up (City of Light), all eyes were on the scramble for the lead as Still Unwritten took the initiative through an opening quarter in :22.22 but had been overtaken by the cavalry after a half-mile in :44.93. Marjoram had once again settled near the back of the action after breaking slowly, but was moving from four off the fence as they rolled into the stretch coming off the hill.

There was still a lot of ground to make up, but she was closing the gap on Light Won Up, who looked to be home free in the late stages. Flying from between rivals in the final strides, she caught the public choice in the last jump to win by a head. Yours Sincerely (Ire) (Cable Bay {Ire}) also arrived on scene late to make things exciting, and she was a half-length back in third in a blanket finish.

“She's a little excited when she sees the gate. I think that's what happened last time,” said winning rider Juan Hernandez, who bookended the card with victories in the first and last races. “She stumbled badly [in the optional claimer] and I almost lost my balance. [Trainer] Michael McCarthy and his team did a good job with her. They took her to the gate. He told me before the race she was doing good.”

“She was a little nervous today, but way better than last time. I broke last, she had no speed, so I just decided to chill and wait until we crossed the dirt. When we crossed [over], I saw a hole and I asked her to pick it up. She did pretty good as she passed all of them. She's a nice filly. She's just a little excited but can run.”

“We've had a pretty good run here the past few weeks,” said McCarthy. “Hats off to Juan and this filly here, Marjoram, they were game today. Had a couple of anxious moments, not quite as anxious as last time she ran.”

 

MARJORAM ($9.20) ran down the favorite to win the $100,000 Senorita Stakes (G3) at @santaanitapark. @JJHernandezS19 guided the daughter of Quality Road (@LanesEndFarms) to victory. @mwmracing trains and @JuddmonteFarms owns. pic.twitter.com/KL7pMELvBa

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 10, 2026

Pedigree Note:

Marjoram hails from a gilded Juddmonte female family, as her dam is a half-sister to multiple Grade I winner Emollient (Empire Maker), herself the mother of Irish multiple Group-placed runner Peace Charter (GB) (War Front); French Listed winner Ardent (Frankel {GB}); and French group winner Raclette (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Another half-sibling to that pair is GI Florida Derby runner-up Hofburg (Tapit).

This victress is the second to the races behind her full-brother, GSW Spiced Up, and they have a juvenile half-sister in the wings named Velvet Spice (Into Mischief). Cardamon has a yearling colt and a 2026 filly at foot who are both by Horse of the Year Flightline.

Second dam Soothing Touch (Touch Gold) doesn't just claim the aforementioned horses through her line, but also Emollient's full-sister Calm Water–she would later gain fame as the dam of G1 Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River (Into Mischief) and his full-brother, track record-setter SP-UAE Castlewarden.

Further back is the fourth dam, multiple Group 1 winner Coup de Genie (Mr. Prospector). She was a sister to Group 1 winner Machiavellian, and went on in her own broodmare career to produce Group 1 winner Denebola and Group 1-placed Loving Kindness. One of her unraced daughters created a separate branch which yielded European champion 3-year-old colt Bago (Fr) and his half-brother, fellow multiple Group 1 winner Maxios (GB).

Saturday, Santa Anita
SENORITA S.-GIII, $102,500, Santa Anita, 5-9, 3yo, f, 6 1/2fT, 1:13.78, fm.
1–MARJORAM, 120, f, 3, by Quality Road
                1st Dam: Cardamon, by Pioneerof the Nile
                2nd Dam: Soothing Touch, by Touch Gold
                3rd Dam: Glia, by A.P. Indy
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy; J-Juan J. Hernandez. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $130,700. *Full to Spiced Up, GSW, $220,135. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Light Won Up, 124, f, 3, City of Light–Factorofwon, by The Factor. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($200,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $265,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR). O-Purple Rein Racing and Mark Davis; B-Betz Thoroughbreds/J.Betz/DJ Stables/Epona/Lamantia (KY); T-Doug F. O'Neill. $20,000.
3–Yours Sincerely (Ire), 122, f, 3, Cable Bay (Ire)–Best Regards (Ire), by Tamayuz (GB). (€6,500 Ylg '24 GOAUYR). O-Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, Madaket Stables, LLC, McLean Racing Stables, Jerry McClanahan, and Michael Nentwig; B-Mr Alwarith Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (IRE); T-Philip D'Amato. $12,000.
Margins: HD, HF, 1 3/4. Odds: 3.60, 1.50, 13.90.
Also Ran: Revera, Surfin' U. S. A., Will Happen, Still Unwritten, Bella Lyra (Ger), Mo' Em Down, Dreaming of Alys.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV .

The post Marjoram Provides Newest Graded Update to Flashy Pedigree with Senorita Upset appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Distance test, passed, but pump the breaks on the Belmont talk, at least for now, according to trainer Chad Brown.

A recent maiden graduate facing more seasoned competition, Growth Equity (Nyquist) made the jump from winner to graded winner with aplomb in the GIII Peter Pan Stakes, but while he has an expenses-paid spot in the final jewel of the Triple Crown, his conditioner is not entirely set on sending him to Saratoga.

“I'll talk to Seth [Klarman, owner Klaravich Stables],” said Brown after the race. “Talking to Flavien [Prat], he wasn't against more ground. We need to unpack it a bit later on. It's tough to say–he handled the mile and an eighth well. That other horse seemed like he was hanging in there with him. They were both running away from the field.”

“He didn't scream to me like he wanted more ground after this, so I'm not sure I'm in a hurry to get him out to a mile and a quarter in the Belmont, but he handled this well and there's a lot of mile and an eighth races that are just fine to run in going forward. Maybe he does want more ground, we'll see.”

Last seen in the aforementioned graduation Mar. 20 at a one-turn mile at this venue, Growth Equity had two runner-up efforts to his credit before that–Feb. 7 at Gulfstream when he started the 2026 campaign and last July at Saratoga on debut against eventual black-type runners MSP Stradale (Yaupon), SP Day One Starter (Upstart), and MSP Honey's to Blame (Blame).

Much like his trainer, who had admittedly been cautiously optimistic about Growth Equity's ability to get the distance coming into this race, the betting public put their money where their mouth was and made him the solid even-money choice by gate break.

Content to watch Talk to Me Jimmy (Jimmy Creed) as he posted opening fractions of :23.80 and a half-mile in :48.35, Growth Equity loped along from fourth until they approached the end of the backstretch. The field dynamics began shifting heading into the final bend after six panels in 1:12.70, and for a moment it looked like Gulfy (Constitution) would overtake the frontrunner coming for home. The looming danger via the overland route as Talk to Me Jimmy turned away the first challenge, Growth Equity overtook the longtime leader at the top of the stretch while Trendsetter (Modernist) tried to produce a rally from the back of the pack.

Up front, however, Growth Equity had left them all behind as he ran up the score late to win by two lengths. Talk to Me Jimmy gamely fought on from the rail to hold a clear second while Trendsetter snuck up in the shadow of the wire to get third.

The top three in this contest will all have waived entry and starting fees to the Belmont Stakes in June. Arcangelo (2023), Tonalist (2014), A.P. Indy (1992), Danzing Connection (1985), and Coastal (1979) all parlayed their Peter Pan scores into later Belmont glory.

“He got a nice education by rating and losing plenty of ground on the final turn, where he needed to be to go around those two horses,” said Brown. “He went a bit further than a mile and an eighth today and he did it well. He looked a winner every step of the way. All that was a real positive for him and he probably ran a lifetime [best] figure again, so this will be a fourth race with a new improvement. A horse that has a pattern like that the first four starts, that keeps getting faster on numbers–you have to like that.”

 

Talk about a high-return investment

and Flavien Prat delivered a blue-chip performance in the G3 Peter Pan Stakes, turning a strong position into a major score and putting his stock on the rise toward bigger targets this summer. pic.twitter.com/P5boENGg9w

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 9, 2026

When asked why he went with Growth Equity over stablemates Tariff Mindset (Tiz the Law) and Ottinho (Quality Road), Brown said it was more a case of timing and the former being out with an injury.

“This horse was down the depth chart just based on my initial thoughts on who would fit this mile and an eighth, which can be a demanding mile and an eighth sometimes at Aqueduct.”

“He wasn't my top choice to do it but Tariff Mindset had a minor issue and is out of training until late summer and Ottinho had a problem with his foot that seems well resolved–he had a beautiful work today [in company with GI Preakness contender Iron Honor] over at Belmont. [Growth Equity] filled in and the more the race came together, he sure looked like he fit on figures.”

Pedigree Note:

Growth Equity is the third winner from four to the races for My Dear Venezuela (Wildcat Heir). Her most recent to come of age is the juvenile colt San Fernando (Candy Ride {Arg}) and she has a yearling Twirling Candy filly in the wings. The mare, a half-sister to MSW & GSP Selva (Forest Wildcat), is due to Arabian Knight for 2026.

Saturday, Belmont The Big A
PETER PAN S.-GIII, $194,000, Belmont The Big A, 5-9, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:50.25, gd.
1–GROWTH EQUITY, 123, c, 3, by Nyquist
            1st Dam: My Dear Venezuela (GSP, $141,897), by Wildcat Heir
            2nd Dam: Bayou Mist, by Silver Deputy
            3rd Dam: Pecan Bayou, by Gone West
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($425,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Klaravich Stables, Inc.; B-Stone Farm (KY); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Flavien Prat. $110,000. Lifetime Record: 4-2-2-0, $187,600. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Talk to Me Jimmy, 123, c, 3, Modernist–Prairie Trip, by Trippi. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($24,000 RNA Wlg '23 FTNMIX; $31,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-SEI Thoroughbreds, Rudy Rodriguez and Michael Imperio; B-Majestic View Farms Intl. (NY); T-Rudy R. Rodriguez. $40,000.
3–Trendsetter, 123, g, 3, Modernist–Suyapa, by Astrology. ($22,000 Ylg '24 KEEJAN; $25,000 Ylg '24 EASOCT; $130,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR; $725,000 RNA 3yo '26 KEEAPR). O-Davant Latham; B-Circle B Family Farm (KY); T-Ben Colebrook. $24,000.
Margins: 2, 3 1/4, NK. Odds: 1.02, 2.15, 2.57.
Also Ran: Gulfy, Azam. Scratched: Bull by the Horns. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Growth Equity Sterling in Peter Pan Victory, Belmont Start Not Guaranteed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Distance test, passed, but pump the breaks on the Belmont talk, at least for now, according to trainer Chad Brown.

A recent maiden graduate facing more seasoned competition, Growth Equity (Nyquist) made the jump from winner to graded winner with aplomb in the GIII Peter Pan Stakes, but while he has an expenses-paid spot in the final jewel of the Triple Crown, his conditioner is not entirely set on sending him to Saratoga.

“I'll talk to Seth [Klarman, owner Klaravich Stables],” said Brown after the race. “Talking to Flavien [Prat], he wasn't against more ground. We need to unpack it a bit later on. It's tough to say–he handled the mile and an eighth well. That other horse seemed like he was hanging in there with him. They were both running away from the field.”

“He didn't scream to me like he wanted more ground after this, so I'm not sure I'm in a hurry to get him out to a mile and a quarter in the Belmont, but he handled this well and there's a lot of mile and an eighth races that are just fine to run in going forward. Maybe he does want more ground, we'll see.”

Last seen in the aforementioned graduation Mar. 20 at a one-turn mile at this venue, Growth Equity had two runner-up efforts to his credit before that–Feb. 7 at Gulfstream when he started the 2026 campaign and last July at Saratoga on debut against eventual black-type runners MSP Stradale (Yaupon), SP Day One Starter (Upstart), and MSP Honey's to Blame (Blame).

Much like his trainer, who had admittedly been cautiously optimistic about Growth Equity's ability to get the distance coming into this race, the betting public put their money where their mouth was and made him the solid even-money choice by gate break.

Content to watch Talk to Me Jimmy (Jimmy Creed) as he posted opening fractions of :23.80 and a half-mile in :48.35, Growth Equity loped along from fourth until they approached the end of the backstretch. The field dynamics began shifting heading into the final bend after six panels in 1:12.70, and for a moment it looked like Gulfy (Constitution) would overtake the frontrunner coming for home. The looming danger via the overland route as Talk to Me Jimmy turned away the first challenge, Growth Equity overtook the longtime leader at the top of the stretch while Trendsetter (Modernist) tried to produce a rally from the back of the pack.

Up front, however, Growth Equity had left them all behind as he ran up the score late to win by two lengths. Talk to Me Jimmy gamely fought on from the rail to hold a clear second while Trendsetter snuck up in the shadow of the wire to get third.

The top three in this contest will all have waived entry and starting fees to the Belmont Stakes in June. Arcangelo (2023), Tonalist (2014), A.P. Indy (1992), Danzing Connection (1985), and Coastal (1979) all parlayed their Peter Pan scores into later Belmont glory.

“He got a nice education by rating and losing plenty of ground on the final turn, where he needed to be to go around those two horses,” said Brown. “He went a bit further than a mile and an eighth today and he did it well. He looked a winner every step of the way. All that was a real positive for him and he probably ran a lifetime [best] figure again, so this will be a fourth race with a new improvement. A horse that has a pattern like that the first four starts, that keeps getting faster on numbers–you have to like that.”

 

Talk about a high-return investment

and Flavien Prat delivered a blue-chip performance in the G3 Peter Pan Stakes, turning a strong position into a major score and putting his stock on the rise toward bigger targets this summer. pic.twitter.com/P5boENGg9w

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 9, 2026

When asked why he went with Growth Equity over stablemates Tariff Mindset (Tiz the Law) and Ottinho (Quality Road), Brown said it was more a case of timing and the former being out with an injury.

“This horse was down the depth chart just based on my initial thoughts on who would fit this mile and an eighth, which can be a demanding mile and an eighth sometimes at Aqueduct.”

“He wasn't my top choice to do it but Tariff Mindset had a minor issue and is out of training until late summer and Ottinho had a problem with his foot that seems well resolved–he had a beautiful work today [in company with GI Preakness contender Iron Honor] over at Belmont. [Growth Equity] filled in and the more the race came together, he sure looked like he fit on figures.”

Pedigree Note:

Growth Equity is the third winner from four to the races for My Dear Venezuela (Wildcat Heir). Her most recent to come of age is the juvenile colt San Fernando (Candy Ride {Arg}) and she has a yearling Twirling Candy filly in the wings. The mare, a half-sister to MSW & GSP Selva (Forest Wildcat), is due to Arabian Knight for 2026.

Saturday, Belmont The Big A
PETER PAN S.-GIII, $194,000, Belmont The Big A, 5-9, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:50.25, gd.
1–GROWTH EQUITY, 123, c, 3, by Nyquist
            1st Dam: My Dear Venezuela (GSP, $141,897), by Wildcat Heir
            2nd Dam: Bayou Mist, by Silver Deputy
            3rd Dam: Pecan Bayou, by Gone West
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($425,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Klaravich Stables, Inc.; B-Stone Farm (KY); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Flavien Prat. $110,000. Lifetime Record: 4-2-2-0, $187,600. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Talk to Me Jimmy, 123, c, 3, Modernist–Prairie Trip, by Trippi. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($24,000 RNA Wlg '23 FTNMIX; $31,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-SEI Thoroughbreds, Rudy Rodriguez and Michael Imperio; B-Majestic View Farms Intl. (NY); T-Rudy R. Rodriguez. $40,000.
3–Trendsetter, 123, g, 3, Modernist–Suyapa, by Astrology. ($22,000 Ylg '24 KEEJAN; $25,000 Ylg '24 EASOCT; $130,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR; $725,000 RNA 3yo '26 KEEAPR). O-Davant Latham; B-Circle B Family Farm (KY); T-Ben Colebrook. $24,000.
Margins: 2, 3 1/4, NK. Odds: 1.02, 2.15, 2.57.
Also Ran: Gulfy, Azam. Scratched: Bull by the Horns. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Growth Equity Sterling in Peter Pan Victory, Belmont Start Not Guaranteed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Liberty Rings (f, 2, Awesome Slew–America First, by Uncaptured), a rallying third in her debut going 4 1/2 furlongs at Gulfstream Apr. 19, made her first start on grass a winning one with a 7-1 upset in Saturday's Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies S.

The 7-1 chance was hustled to the front, sped through an opening quarter in :21.78 and kept finding down the lane despite drifting some to punch her ticket to Royal Ascot. It was 1 1/4 lengths back to first-time starter Pros And Cons (Justify) in second.

“She looks like a turf horse, big and scopey and a large foot. We figured it was worth a shot. We really don't get a chance to run in races like this very often,” said winning trainer Nicholas Palmer, the owners' son.

“It's a career defining moment. We've been trying really hard to win a stakes, so this is a big deal for us.”

The winners of both the Royal Palm Juvenile and the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies each earn an automatic entry into one of six juvenile stakes during the Royal Ascot meeting (June 16-20) at Ascot Racecourse and a $25,000 equine travel stipend.

“I want to go. Hopefully, I talk them into going,” said Palmer, who is hopeful his parents will send their filly to Royal Ascot.

Liberty Rings, with Miguel Vásquez, crosses the wire first in the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies for trainer Nicholas Palmer. #GulfstreamPark #RoyalPalmMeet pic.twitter.com/bwCRYu84Mu

— Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) May 9, 2026

ROYAL PALM JUVENILE FILLIES S., $122,750, Gulfstream, 5-9, 2yo, f, 5fT, :56.58, fm.
1–LIBERTY RINGS, 120, f, 2, by Awesome Slew
                1st Dam: America First, by Uncaptured
                2nd Dam: Parisian Trip, by Coastal Voyage
                3rd Dam: Shahvana, by Zafarrancho (Arg)
($27,000 Ylg '25 OBSOCT). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Palmer,
Teresa & Palmer, David J.; B-Janet Erwin (FL); T-Nicholas
Palmer; J-Miguel Angel Vasquez. $62,500. Lifetime Record:
2-1-0-1, $70,200.
2–Pros and Cons, 120, f, 2, Justify–Celestial, by Quality Road.
($375,000 Ylg '25 FTSAUG). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-D. J. Stable,
LLC; B-Vegso Racing Stables, Inc (FL); T-Mark E. Casse. $29,500.
3–Sass Sass, 120, f, 2, War of Will–Twelfth Moon, by Malibu
Moon. 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Gary Barber; B-Gary Barber & Tina
Casse (FL); T-Mark E. Casse. $14,750.
Margins: 1 1/4, NK, 1 3/4. Odds: 7.80, 12.20, 26.50.
Also Ran: Pot's Right, Joker's Chic, Mo Town Foxy Brown. Scratched: Boots, Dee Snook (Ire), Easy Life.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Liberty Rings Upsets Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

After finishing a respectable ninth last weekend in the GI Kentucky Derby, So Happy (Runhappy) has returned to his homebase in California as his connections decide what races are in his future after definitively ruling out the GI Preakness Stakes.

The GI Santa Anita Derby hero was out on track Friday morning for a light jog. Trainer Mark Glatt reported that the Preakness had been ruled out for his first Kentucky Derby starter, but did not go as far as to rule out a start in the GI Belmont Stakes June 6 at Saratoga.

“We're going to evaluate things here a little bit, then we'll make plans about what to do moving forward,” Glatt said.

Owners Ana and Hans Maron of Saints or Sinners Racing also announced the decision to skip the Preakness on their X account, saying “After much discussion between ourselves and trainer Mark Glatt, So Happy will not be participating in the Preakness Stakes…The grueling mile-and-a-quarter distance we ask of these horses on Kentucky Derby day is truly a lot, and as owners, our philosophy has always remained the same: horse first.”

“So Happy came back healthy after his long flight home [to Santa Anita Park], and our focus now is keeping him healthy, happy, and strong for the future. We do not believe in pushing our horses simply for the sake of making a race.”

Their full statement can be read here.

The post No Preakness, But Belmont Possible, for So Happy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Celtic Dispute (f, 2, Leinster–Bert's Altarcation, by Bertrando), a debut second as the 4-5 chalk going 4 1/2 furlongs for trainer Patrick Biancone over the Gulfstream dirt Apr. 16, switched to grass and defeated the boys in Saturday's Royal Palm Juvenile S. at Gulfstream Park.

The 5-2 chance flashed sharp speed from her inside draw, but was cleared by fellow filly and favored Skara Brae (Golden Pal), a sharp debut winner for Wesley Ward at Keeneland this spring, and backed off to second.

Celtic Dispute set her sights on the leader at the five-sixteenths, drew alongside in the stretch, and, after exchanging bumps down the lane, just got up to win by a neck.

The winners of both the Royal Palm Juvenile and the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies (held later on the program) each earn an automatic entry into one of six juvenile stakes during the Royal Ascot meeting (June 16-20) at Ascot Racecourse and a $25,000 equine travel stipend.

The Biancone-trained Lennilu (Leinster), winner of last year's Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies S., finished third in the G2 Queen Mary S. at Royal Ascot.

“You don't have to be a genius to know that Wesley (Ward) is going to the front. I said to (jockey) Luis (Saez), 'Don't worry. If he wants to go, let him go, and we'll catch him later,” Biancone said.

The winner's dam produced a full-brother to the winner in 2025.

ROYAL PALM JUVENILE S., $112,500, Gulfstream, 5-9, 2yo, 5fT, :56.17, fm.
1–CELTIC DISPUTE, 117, f, 2, by Leinster
                1st Dam: Bert's Altarcation, by Bertrando
                2nd Dam: Altar Cat, by Pulpit
                3rd Dam: Chile Chatte, by Storm Cat
($90,000 Ylg '25 FTKJUL). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Dew
Sweepers LLC; B-K.Sheehan, M.F.Nicholson, M.Gauchat & McN
Thoroughbreds, Dr.J.Speis (FL); T-Patrick L. Biancone; J-Luis
Saez. $61,500. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $79,300. *1/2 to
Vulcan (Munnings), MSP, $307,673.
2–Skara Brae, 120, f, 2, Golden Pal–Mince, by War Front.
($120,000 Wlg '24 KEENOV). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Ten Broeck
Farm, Inc.; B-Titletown Racing Stables (Paul Farr) & BRS (KY);
T-Wesley A. Ward. $21,560.
3–Braums Run, 120, c, 2, Golden Pal–Ice Cream, by Bernardini.
($15,000 Ylg '25 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O/B-D. J. Stable,
LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. $11,760.
Margins: NK, 4HF, HF. Odds: 2.80, 0.90, 6.50.
Also Ran: Omaha Forty, Automatic Press, Cillian, Jost a Chance Yadi, Iolana. Scratched: Blackjack.

Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

Celtic Dispute and @luissaezpty (outside) in front in the Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes for trainer Patrick Biancone. #GulfstreamPark #RoyalPalmMeet pic.twitter.com/O8ftwsQp9N

— Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) May 9, 2026

The post Celtic Dispute Beats the Boys in Royal Palm Juvenile, Royal Ascot Next appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Two days after the stewards at Belterra Park imposed a $1,000 fine on the track's clerk of scales for failing to check the weight of an apprentice jockey prior to a May 2 race, an additional penalty carrying the same fine has been levied upon the rider, Summer Pauly.

For TDN's original reporting on the May 7 ruling against clerk of scales Jose Sanchez, Jr., click here.

That story explained how Pauly was facing unusual time constraints to make it to Belterra to ride a race scheduled for 2:05 p.m. after she had competed in a race 112 miles away at Churchill Downs that went off at 11:33 a.m. on the undercard of the GI Kentucky Derby.

The May 9 ruling against Pauly was nearly verbatim to the one issued to Sanchez, and it offered the same opportunity for the fine to be cut in half if Pauly doesn't appeal the penalty.

“On May 2, 2026, during the post parade of race #2, the Board of Stewards radioed Outriders to bring #1 Bobby's Gift back to the paddock to re-check Apprentice Jockey Summer Pauly's weight, due to Steward's concerns it was incorrect,” the ruling stated.

“The scale showed Ms. Pauly was six pounds under the required weight listed in the program, due to Clerk of Scales Jose Sanchez, Jr., and Summer Pauly failing to check at time of weighing out. The weight was corrected and #1 Bobby's Gift returned to the racetrack,” the ruling stated.

Bobby's Gift, a 7-year-old son of Into Mischief, was the 3-2 favorite in the one mile and 70 yards route for $5,000 claimers. He led until deep stretch and was caught by two closers, finishing third.

According to the ruling, Pauly met with the Belterra stewards May 8 after waiving her right to a formal hearing.

“After consideration of all evidence the Belterra Park Board of Stewards hereby fine Apprentice Jockey Summer Pauly $1,000 for failure to weigh out in a timely manner,” the ruling stated. “Any further violations of this nature will lead to increased penalties and potential action regarding the conditions of the license.”

The post Update: Belterra Stewards Also Fine Jockey Involved in Pre-Race Weigh-Out Omission appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Undefeated Taj Mahal (Nyquist) has been all the rage in the lead up to the GI Preakness Stakes, and his move Saturday morning will have done nothing to cool those feelings as the Brittany Russell trainee posted his fourth consecutive bullet move.

Sent out to work five furlongs with exercise rider Alex Beitia aboard, he went in company with stakes winner Regalo (Maximus Mischief) early in the morning at 6:15am. Taj Mahal cruised through splits of :12 1/5, :24 1/5, :36 2/5, and :48 flat while leading his workmate throughout. Pulling away with little urging in the lane, he hit the wire in 1:00.20 (1/9) before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12 4/5 according to Laurel clockers.

“I feel great. We got it out of the way,” Russell said. “He went well and it looks like he's cooled out well. He's really happy, so that's kind of all you can ask.”

“[He was] steady, in hand, happy [and] galloped out good. We're keeping it really simple. Alex knows this horse. He's breezed him pretty much every time,” Russell continued. “[Jockey] Sheldon [Russell] breezed him before he broke his maiden to get to know him and everything, but Alex sits on him every day, so it makes sense. He knows him best.”

Taj Mahal's usual rider was aboard Regalo for the workout, and will have the mount once again in the Preakness. Sheldon Russell was equally impressed with the work given who the workmate was, saying, “It looked good from where I was sitting. [Regalo is] coming off a bit of a layoff, but [he] is a good work horse.”

For as well as things went for Taj Mahal, they went not-so-well for The Hell We Did (Authentic) when his final planned breeze was interrupted by an uncontrolled horse. Trainer Todd Fincher is reportedly debating giving his charge another chance Sunday morning after his Saturday plans were scuffled.

With exercise rider Christian Olmo in the irons, The Hell We Did had begun his work after the first renovation break when he was pulled up on the backstretch due to a riderless horse. They turned back and were able to go again, completing the five-furlong move in 1:01.40 (2/9).

“I don't think the horse was loose, I just think the rider was off and holding on,” said Fincher, who arrived in Maryland Friday evening. “Sometimes it's not meant to be. Things happen for a reason. It's not anything he did wrong. It's just circumstance.”

The half-brother to G1 Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) seemed unbothered afterwards, and returned to Barn 17 no worse for wear.

Gargan on Cloud Nine with Talkin Ahead of Preakness

Trainer Danny Gargan was not shy when asked about Talkin (Good Magic) Saturday morning, saying he's never had a horse physically going into a Triple Crown race as well as his latest star by sire Good Magic. The colt went out Saturday morning at Keeneland and posted a bullet half-mile breeze in a sparkling :47.80 (1/77) with exercise rider Priscilla Schaefer in the irons.

“He's doing the best he's ever done,” Gargan said by phone from Lexington. “He worked really well, went in 47-and-4, galloped out nice. He's acting good, eating good, looks good. We have him as good as we can get him right now. We just have to get lucky and hope he's good enough to win the race.”

The current plan is for Talkin to walk Sunday, have light training Monday, and ship out for Laurel Park on Tuesday. Gargan has yet to name a rider, but is reportedly waiting to see his options. The trainer will join his charges in Maryland on Tuesday as well.

“I'm not saying he's as good as Dornoch, by no means,” he said. “But Dornoch always had issues, with the foot, with this, with that. Talkin has no hiccups…I do love how my horse is doing.”

Great White in Good Shape, Preakness Decision to Come Ahead of Monday Entries

Great White | Coady Media

Seemingly no worse for wear after he flipped behind the starting gate at the GI Kentucky Derby, and was a late scratch, Great White (Volatile) turned in a 'nice and easy' final tuneup at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington Saturday morning.

With trainer John Ennis aboard for the half-mile work, the big grey clocked a comfortable :52.20 ahead of a possible start in the GI Preakness Stakes. Ennis said he didn't bother asking the clockers about a time, but from what he saw and felt, his mount got exactly what he needed from the breeze.

“It was just nice and easy, nice and slow. I rode him myself,” said Ennis, who co-owns the gelding with Three Chimneys. “Everything felt perfect. I was pleased. If he feels fresh and energy-wise he's full of himself, he'll go [to the Preakness]. We'll just see how his energy level is the next two days, and we'll probably wait to make the decision Monday morning before entries close.”

The conditioner reported that the current plan was to jog Sunday, and if everything worked out, train Tuesday before shipping out to Maryland the same day. From there, Great White would have a walk day Wednesday at Laurel Park.

Napoleon Solo a 'Go' after Saturday Breeze

GI Champagne Stakes winner Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map) posted a final prep for the Preakness Saturday morning at Belmont Park, and will ship to Laurel Sunday morning to prepare for the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.

Despite working a half-mile in :48.06 (4/51), trainer Chad Summers reports the time was nothing special for the grey, saying “Forty-eight is very slow for him. He worked [six furlongs in] 1:10 last week, so :48 is just a drop in the bucket for him.”

“He's been sitting on 'go' for a little while, so we just wanted to kind of slow him down a little bit this morning. [Exercise rider] Emily Ellingwood gets on him every day, does a great job with him, and she was aboard for the work this morning.”

“We took him out right before the track closed. When it was quiet, nobody else was on the track, about 10:15 this morning. He went :48, galloped out in a minute and change, 1:13, 1:26, galloped out a mile in 1:41. I think we've done all the work we can to get him fit, to get him happy, feeling good, and we'll find out if we're right next Saturday.”

Paco Lopez will have the ride in the Preakness.

Logistics Being Organized for Ocelli, Crupper

Crupper (Candy Ride {Arg}), an automatic entry into the Preakness thanks to his victory in the Bathhouse Row Stakes at Oaklawn Apr. 18, is looking to leave for Maryland Tuesday after training while Ocelli (Connect) will likely ship from Churchill on Sunday after training in the morning. Corona de Oro (Bolt d'Oro) will ship for Laurel Tuesday, according to Dallas Stewart, barring any unexpected entries into the Preakness on Monday that knock him out of the race. Chip Honcho (Gun Runner) will also leave Monday per Steve Asmussen.

The post Preakness Works: Taj Mahal Sparkles, The Hell We Did Hits Snag appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Undefeated Taj Mahal (Nyquist) has been all the rage in the lead up to the GI Preakness Stakes, and his move Saturday morning will have done nothing to cool those feelings as the Brittany Russell trainee posted his fourth consecutive bullet move.

Sent out to work five furlongs with exercise rider Alex Beitia aboard, he went in company with stakes winner Regalo (Maximus Mischief) early in the morning at 6:15am. Taj Mahal cruised through splits of :12 1/5, :24 1/5, :36 2/5, and :48 flat while leading his workmate throughout. Pulling away with little urging in the lane, he hit the wire in 1:00.20 (1/9) before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12 4/5 according to Laurel clockers.

“I feel great. We got it out of the way,” Russell said. “He went well and it looks like he's cooled out well. He's really happy, so that's kind of all you can ask.”

“[He was] steady, in hand, happy [and] galloped out good. We're keeping it really simple. Alex knows this horse. He's breezed him pretty much every time,” Russell continued. “[Jockey] Sheldon [Russell] breezed him before he broke his maiden to get to know him and everything, but Alex sits on him every day, so it makes sense. He knows him best.”

Taj Mahal's usual rider was aboard Regalo for the workout, and will have the mount once again in the Preakness. Sheldon Russell was equally impressed with the work given who the workmate was, saying, “It looked good from where I was sitting. [Regalo is] coming off a bit of a layoff, but [he] is a good work horse.”

For as well as things went for Taj Mahal, they went not-so-well for The Hell We Did (Authentic) when his final planned breeze was interrupted by an uncontrolled horse. Trainer Todd Fincher is reportedly debating giving his charge another chance Sunday morning after his Saturday plans were scuffled.

With exercise rider Christian Olmo in the irons, The Hell We Did had begun his work after the first renovation break when he was pulled up on the backstretch due to a riderless horse. They turned back and were able to go again, completing the five-furlong move in 1:01.40 (2/9).

“I don't think the horse was loose, I just think the rider was off and holding on,” said Fincher, who arrived in Maryland Friday evening. “Sometimes it's not meant to be. Things happen for a reason. It's not anything he did wrong. It's just circumstance.”

The half-brother to G1 Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) seemed unbothered afterwards, and returned to Barn 17 no worse for wear.

Gargan on Cloud Nine with Talkin Ahead of Preakness

Trainer Danny Gargan was not shy when asked about Talkin (Good Magic) Saturday morning, saying he's never had a horse physically going into a Triple Crown race as well as his latest star by sire Good Magic. The colt went out Saturday morning at Keeneland and posted a bullet half-mile breeze in a sparkling :47.80 (1/77) with exercise rider Priscilla Schaefer in the irons.

“He's doing the best he's ever done,” Gargan said by phone from Lexington. “He worked really well, went in 47-and-4, galloped out nice. He's acting good, eating good, looks good. We have him as good as we can get him right now. We just have to get lucky and hope he's good enough to win the race.”

The current plan is for Talkin to walk Sunday, have light training Monday, and ship out for Laurel Park on Tuesday. Gargan has yet to name a rider, but is reportedly waiting to see his options. The trainer will join his charges in Maryland on Tuesday as well.

“I'm not saying he's as good as Dornoch, by no means,” he said. “But Dornoch always had issues, with the foot, with this, with that. Talkin has no hiccups…I do love how my horse is doing.”

Great White in Good Shape, Preakness Decision to Come Ahead of Monday Entries

Great White | Coady Media

Seemingly no worse for wear after he flipped behind the starting gate at the GI Kentucky Derby, and was a late scratch, Great White (Volatile) turned in a 'nice and easy' final tuneup at The Thoroughbred Center in Lexington Saturday morning.

With trainer John Ennis aboard for the half-mile work, the big grey clocked a comfortable :52.20 ahead of a possible start in the GI Preakness Stakes. Ennis said he didn't bother asking the clockers about a time, but from what he saw and felt, his mount got exactly what he needed from the breeze.

“It was just nice and easy, nice and slow. I rode him myself,” said Ennis, who co-owns the gelding with Three Chimneys. “Everything felt perfect. I was pleased. If he feels fresh and energy-wise he's full of himself, he'll go [to the Preakness]. We'll just see how his energy level is the next two days, and we'll probably wait to make the decision Monday morning before entries close.”

The conditioner reported that the current plan was to jog Sunday, and if everything worked out, train Tuesday before shipping out to Maryland the same day. From there, Great White would have a walk day Wednesday at Laurel Park.

Napoleon Solo a 'Go' after Saturday Breeze

GI Champagne Stakes winner Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map) posted a final prep for the Preakness Saturday morning at Belmont Park, and will ship to Laurel Sunday morning to prepare for the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.

Despite working a half-mile in :48.06 (4/51), trainer Chad Summers reports the time was nothing special for the grey, saying “Forty-eight is very slow for him. He worked [six furlongs in] 1:10 last week, so :48 is just a drop in the bucket for him.”

“He's been sitting on 'go' for a little while, so we just wanted to kind of slow him down a little bit this morning. [Exercise rider] Emily Ellingwood gets on him every day, does a great job with him, and she was aboard for the work this morning.”

“We took him out right before the track closed. When it was quiet, nobody else was on the track, about 10:15 this morning. He went :48, galloped out in a minute and change, 1:13, 1:26, galloped out a mile in 1:41. I think we've done all the work we can to get him fit, to get him happy, feeling good, and we'll find out if we're right next Saturday.”

Paco Lopez will have the ride in the Preakness.

Logistics Being Organized for Ocelli, Crupper

Crupper (Candy Ride {Arg}), an automatic entry into the Preakness thanks to his victory in the Bathhouse Row Stakes at Oaklawn Apr. 18, is looking to leave for Maryland Tuesday after training while Ocelli (Connect) will likely ship from Churchill on Sunday after training in the morning. Corona de Oro (Bolt d'Oro) will ship for Laurel Tuesday, according to Dallas Stewart, barring any unexpected entries into the Preakness on Monday that knock him out of the race. Chip Honcho (Gun Runner) will also leave Monday per Steve Asmussen.

The post Preakness Works: Taj Mahal Sparkles, The Hell We Did Hits Snag appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Back in the States and resurfacing on the worktab for the first time since his G1 Dubai World Cup heroics, Winchell Thoroughbreds's Magnitude (Not This Time) breezed at Churchill Downs Saturday morning.

Out to work an easy half-mile, the Steve Asmussen trainee was clocked in :51.20, the 86th fastest move of 96 at the distance. It was his first published workout in North America since returning from Meydan. Also working four furlongs, among others from the barn, was MSW Braken Poppa (Aurelius Maximus), who is undefeated in 2026 from four starts at Fair Grounds. MSW & MGSP Benedetta (City of Light) went out for a three-furlong work in :37.60 (13/18).

Another noteworthy barn to send horses out for half-mile breezes was Brad Cox. His morning workers included GISW Eclatant (Into Mischief) (:48.60, [37/96]) and Juddmonte's stakes-placed 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Touch of Fire (Constitution) (:48.20, [28/96]).

Trainer Bob Baffert had breezers Saturday morning, led by Breeders' Cup champion Nysos (Nyquist), who cruised five furlongs in 1:00.20 (2/25), as well as Kristofferson (Nyquist) clocking a half-mile in :47.60 (10/96).

Among others returning to the worktab was recent GIII Bewitch victress Speed Shopper (Quality Road) for trainer Will Walden, who also went four furlongs timed in :49 flat (56/96).

The post Dubai World Cup Hero Magnitude Headlines Churchill’s Saturday Worktab appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Back in the States and resurfacing on the worktab for the first time since his G1 Dubai World Cup heroics, Winchell Thoroughbreds's Magnitude (Not This Time) breezed at Churchill Downs Saturday morning.

Out to work an easy half-mile, the Steve Asmussen trainee was clocked in :51.20, the 86th fastest move of 96 at the distance. It was his first published workout in North America since returning from Meydan. Also working four furlongs, among others from the barn, was MSW Braken Poppa (Aurelius Maximus), who is undefeated in 2026 from four starts at Fair Grounds. MSW & MGSP Benedetta (City of Light) went out for a three-furlong work in :37.60 (13/18).

Another noteworthy barn to send horses out for half-mile breezes was Brad Cox. His morning workers included GISW Eclatant (Into Mischief) (:48.60, [37/96]) and Juddmonte's stakes-placed 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Touch of Fire (Constitution) (:48.20, [28/96]).

Trainer Bob Baffert had breezers Saturday morning, led by Breeders' Cup champion Nysos (Nyquist), who cruised five furlongs in 1:00.20 (2/25), as well as Kristofferson (Nyquist) clocking a half-mile in :47.60 (10/96).

Among others returning to the worktab was recent GIII Bewitch victress Speed Shopper (Quality Road) for trainer Will Walden, who also went four furlongs timed in :49 flat (56/96).

The post Dubai World Cup Hero Magnitude Headlines Churchill’s Saturday Worktab appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Ocelli has banked $609,800 through seven starts, buoyed by show finishes in the $750,000 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack and the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs. Yet he remains a maiden.

Francis-Henri Graffard and the Aga Khan Studs are set to go into first two French classics May 10 with a strong hand after Rayif and Narissa came out of their final gallops earlier in the week in excellent shape.

A draft of 43 Godolphin broodmares and 13 Godolphin racehorses—as well as a group 1 winner in foal to Not This Time—headlines a fascinating catalog for the Inglis Digital Australia May (Early) Online Sale, which opened for bidding May 8.

Breeders' Cup winner Starlust has returned to training with Ralph Beckett following the decision to abort his stallion career in Australia after covering a single book of mares.

Corona de Oro breezes May 8 in preparation for the Preakness Stakes (G1) May 16 at Laurel Park.

Flightline fever has taken a fresh grip over the global bloodstock sector after one of his sons fetched a record-shattering $10.5 million during last month's Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority issues an equine health advisory on the risk of fatal injury in covered horses previously placed on the veterinarians' list.

Dr. William Solomon, founder of Pin Oak Lane Farm, died peacefully May 5 at the age of 84.