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In an era when corporate-controlled entities are actively looking for ways to close down much larger racetracks in various areas throughout America, the Humboldt County Fair Association–better known as Ferndale–stood out in recent months for its dogged desire to get approval to run a three-weekend race meet at the Northern California half-miler, even after the other county fairs tracks on the once-robust circuit had abandoned or were forced out of racing for 2025.

But against the stated backdrop of a desire to promote “single-circuit” California racing by directing revenue from simulcasting and account wagering to supplement purses at larger venues in the south, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) on Thursday quashed hopes for the traditional late-summer season at Ferndale, voting 4-3 against awarding Aug. 13-Sept. 2 dates to the track.

Ferndale's management has consistently portrayed a loss of racing there as a severe blow to the local community, and supporters have cited the denial of dates to the last remaining track that wants to cater to NorCal interests as a long-term blow to the state's racing and breeding interests.

“Big mistake. Big, big mistake,” said a deflated and exasperated CHRB vice-chair Oscar Gonzales moments after the tally was read into the record at the May 15 meeting.

The vote that nixed racing at Ferndale was preceded by substantial back-and-forth testimony from stakeholders on both sides of the argument, which largely carried over many of the same points articulated at the Apr. 17  CHRB meeting.

Last month the board had voted down a summer race-dates allocation for a meet at Pleasanton. A separate Apr. 17 agenda item also didn't garner enough votes for the Ferndale request to be decided either way, which is why the Ferndale request was on the CHRB agenda for the second straight month.

Commissioners and stakeholders were once again divided on the best path forward for California racing as a whole, widening an existential North-vs.-South rift that opened nearly two years ago when The Stronach Group, which also owns Santa Anita Park, announced plans to shutter Golden Gate Fields.

The central issue revolves around whether the state's racing and breeding would be better off continuing the single-circuit method of nearly year-round meets situated in SoCal (Santa Anita, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Los Alamitos Race Course), or if NorCal proponents should be given a shot to re-establish the region now that–all within the past 10 months–Golden Gate Fields has closed, an entity called Golden State Racing failed to run a financially viable autumn meet at Pleasanton, and the California Authority of Racing Fairs shifted away from supporting any live meets at county fairs.

Voting “no” for the Ferndale dates (and the track's requested simulcasting privileges) on May 15 were CHRB chairman Gregory Ferraro, DVM, plus commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos and Thomas Hudnut.

Voting “yes” to keep Ferndale alive were vice-chair Gonzales, commissioner Brenda Washington Davis, and a newcomer to the board, Peter Stern.

Gonzales, who has often been at odds with Ferraro on the North/South issue over the past year, almost immediately floated the idea of calling for an “emergency” meeting to bring back the Ferndale vote again in another 10 days, an idea that CHRB Executive Director Scott Chaney said probably didn't fit the legal criteria to merit true “emergency” status.

“I will say this,” Gonzales said. “This is a serious, serious, serious mistake that this board made. I'm not singling out any individual commissioner. I'm just saying us, collectively. And this is going to send a hell of a message across this country about what we really stand for as Californians. [The pro-Ferndale] individuals here have come so far and have given so much for this board to not understand [the issue] on merit, but what just makes good horse racing sense.”

Ferraro fired back at the vice-chair: “Commissioner Gonzales, how many votes do you want to have on this? You've lost twice. Do you not accept the vote?”

“Unfortunately, I don't. I do not Mr. Chairman,” Gonzales replied curtly.

“Well, that's your problem. That's not the problem with the board,” Ferraro retorted.

(Technically, Ferraro was incorrect in stating that the Ferndale request “lost” last month. What actually happened was that the five members in attendance that day ended up in a 3-2 statutory stalemate with the majority voting against Ferndale dates, because by California state law, the CHRB can't pass a vote unless four commissioners vote one way or the other. On Apr. 19, commissioner Damascus Castellanos was not in attendance, and there was one vacancy on the board, which has since been filled by Stern.)

When advised that his request for an emergency meeting probably wouldn't fly, Gonzales asked Ferraro outright if, as the board's chair, he'd be open to scheduling another regular meeting instead to again give Ferndale a chance to race.

“I would not approve meeting in 10 days, no, to rehash this item over again,” Ferraro asserted.

Back in April, Ferraro had said the decision by the board last year to approve that failed fall racing season at Pleasanton was “unwise at best or disastrous at worst.” He had forewarned those who were advocating for an approval of race dates at fairs venues not to expect the board to give the same leeway in being granted the opportunity to race as Golden State Racing had received last year. His concerns had to do with the damage such a decision might do in terms of siphoning horses and simulcasting revenue from the SoCal tracks, which are also struggling but remain more viable than any entity in the North.

One month later, during the public commentary period at the conclusion for the May 15 meeting, Ferraro engaged in a back-and-forth with one speaker, expanding upon his reasoning behind not wanting to green-light any recent NorCal requests for racing.

“It doesn't matter how much support we have from horsemen or people involved in the horse industry to try to get something going in Northern California,” Ferraro said. “If the general public is not interested or supportive, I think the smart thing to do, at this point in time, is to engage with the board and with the legislature and with the industry to try and do a feasibility study amongst the public in Northern California to find out if there's enough public interest in horse racing to make it go. Because if there isn't enough public interest, we're all wasting our time and we all should be doing something else.

“We take a year, we take a look at this, we try and come up with a feasibility study and maybe some marketing experts that would be able to, you know, get a feeling for where the public is on this. Because without public support we can't make it go, that's for sure,” Ferraro said.

“One of the things that everyone is sort of pushing now is this historical horse racing,” Ferraro said. “But we have a problem [getting that type of gaming passed] in California because of the [gaming] compacts with the governor from the Indians. So [instead of giving] up, we should negotiate with them, which we are trying to do.”

The post CHRB Votes Down Meet For Ferndale, The Last Remaining NorCal Fairs Track That Wanted To Race In ’25 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

TIMONIUM, MD – Fasig-Tipton was forced to halt the under-tack preview of its Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale Thursday after a fatal breakdown that was followed by a sudden downpour. Sales officials announced Thursday evening that the preview would resume Sunday at 8 a.m. and that the sale, originally scheduled to be held next Monday and Tuesday, will be held in one session Tuesday beginning at 10 a.m.

The preview has been beset by weather issues and the sales company postponed Tuesday's scheduled start by a day. The Wednesday session began an hour later than originally scheduled, but proceeded without any noticeable issues.

Thursday's session, which again started an hour late, was nearing its halfway point with the sun breaking through the clouds several times, but was stopped when a filly by Practical Joke (hip 355) was injured heading into the turn after completing her furlong work.

“It's obviously something that is very sad and something everyone hates to see,” Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning said of the filly's injury. “We work very diligently and strive to create the highest standards of horse safety and welfare at all our auctions and really in everything we do. It's devastating when something like that happens.”

As the filly was being attended to, the clouds moved in again and soon the rain was pelting the track. With the rain picking up in intensity, a group of officials and riders gathered on the track near where the filly had fallen and were huddled up for some time. When the group dispersed, the announcement was made that the under-tack show would be abandoned for the day.

“After that [injury] happened, the clouds opened up and we got another torrential downpour that was really frankly unexpected when you looked at the forecast,” Browning continued. “We initially were going to try to plan to go [Friday] and I asked the track officials to go back over and evaluate the track and at the end of the day, they thought they needed to open up the track and give it time and opportunity to dry out over the next few days. So they are working the track tonight and tomorrow and again on Saturday. The forecast on Sunday is very favorable. So we will do the best we can under those circumstances.”

Of the area where the filly broke down, Browning added, “Whenever there is an incident that occurs, everybody wants to scrutinize the area and evaluate it. You had a lot of activity in that area with the horse ambulance there and so forth. I don't think there was anything specific to do with that location. A lot of horses went through that path, but there was no glaring issue with that area of the track.”

Browning confirmed the filly has been sent for a necropsy.

Prior to the suspension of the under-tack show Thursday afternoon, four horses shared the show's fastest furlong time of :10 1/5, with two of the quartet coming from the Pike Racing at Highlander consignment of veteran horseman Al Pike, who is overseeing his final consignment before retiring. Setting the bullet mark during the day's first set was a filly from the first crop of Yaupon (hip 219).

 

 

“I was very happy with her,” Pike said. “She's been that kind of filly at home. Just straightforward and does everything right. Just naturally has got some speed to her.”

Out of Lake Como (Salt Lake), the juvenile is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner and multiple group placed Cosmo Charlie (Stay Thirsty). She was purchased by Susan Moulton for $90,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton July sale.

Of Yaupon's fast start at stud, Pike said, “They all show up and they all seem to be pretty quick. I've had two, I had success with one in March and this filly should sell well, too.”

The Pike Racing at Highlander consignment had a second bullet in the day's third set with a colt by Munnings (hip 258). The chestnut is out of graded-placed Minewander (Mineshaft) and is a full-brother to graded placed Landeskog. He sold to Chad Frederick for $120,000 at the Fasig-Tipton February sale last year and RNA'd for $180,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale in August.

 

 

“We took him to OBS March and he dumbfounded us,” Pike said. “He did not perform like we had seen him perform. So we just changed course and gave him another shot up here. He just got better every day. I think he liked the dirt and maybe he got a little more mature.”

Pike, who has been director of sales and conditioner for 2-year-olds in training at Highlander Training Center since 2023, is set to retire following the Midlantic sale next week, with Colin Brennan named as his replacement.

“This is it,” Pike confirmed of his retirement. “I have mixed emotions. But I am getting up there in age and I've got some things I want to do.”

Hip 334 | Fasig-Tipton

Also working in :10 1/5 Thursday was hip 334, a colt by Into Mischief out of stakes winner Quick Flip (Speightstown). Consigned by Raul Reyes's Kings Equine on behalf of his breeder, Spendthrift Farm, the juvenile is a half-brother to graded winner and multiple Grade I-placed Following Sea (Runhappy).

“I knew he had a lot of talent and he was fast, but I didn't know how he would take to the sloppy track,” said Reyes. “But he did pretty good.”

Wavertree Stables had its third bullet worker of the under-tack show with a filly by Girvin (hip 368, video). Out of Scarlet Dixie (Broken Vow), the dark bay was purchased for $240,000 at the Keeneland September sale.

The post Weather Again Disrupts Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Under-Tack Show, Sale Schedule Shuffled appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Overcoming a troubled start and getting back in the game before the far turn, first timer Color Comin' In (Rock Your World–Sleepless Dixie, by Dixie Union) handed freshman sire Rock Your World (by Candy Ride {Arg}) an inaugural win on Thursday afternoon at Churchill Downs. The effort netted the filly a 'TDN Rising Star' badge.

Off as a 7-1 shot here, Color Comin' In did not have the best beginning, but the Norm Casse trainee was able to resume the chase as short-priced favorite Shez Twisted (Twirling Candy) led up the backstretch. The dark bay looked every bit a professional with a move inside of the chalk while scraping paint around the turn, which put her in good stead to seize the lead past the quarter pole. With a smoothness one loves to see on debut, the juvenile could not be caught as she won by three lengths and exhibited a strong gallop out over the hard charging Americathegreat (Curlin). The $1.2-million buy from Keeneland September was 'Insighted' on Wednesday by TDN's Stefanie Grimm along with sixth-place finisher Shez Twisted.

Her dam's last registered foal of record, the winner's second dam, Canadian graded stakes winner Dream About (Cherokee Run), is responsible for SW Sleepless Knight (War Chant) and GSW Deeply Undervalued (Kitten's Joy). Color Comin' In counts among her extended female family MSW Frosted Departure (Frosted) and former 'Rising Star' Rocketry (Forestry).

This is first-crop sire Rock Your World's initial 'Rising Star' of his young career.

2nd-Churchill Downs, $115,272, Msw, 5-15, 2yo, f, 5f, :58.14, ft, 3 lengths.
COLOR COMIN' IN, f, 2, by Rock Your World
                1st Dam: Sleepless Dixie {MSP, $180,445}, by Dixie Union.
                2nd Dam: Dream About {GSW-Can, $235,463}, by Cherokee Run.
                3rd Dam: Social Director {SW-Can, $105,393}, by Deputy Minister.
Sales History: $9,000 RNA Wlg '23 KEENOV; $11,000 Ylg '24 OBSOCT; $100,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $69,000.
O-CKDS Racing Stable, LLC; B-Tomislav Mitrovski (KY); T-Norm W. Casse.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue- style pedigree.

COLOR COMIN' IN ($17.42) becomes the first winner for @spendthriftfarm's Rock your World! The filly made a professional debut in the 2nd at @ChurchillDowns. @luissaezpty had the ride for trainer @NormCasse. pic.twitter.com/cDv6mOJeEI

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 15, 2025

The post Freshman Sire Rock Your World Has First Winner As New ‘TDN Rising Star’ Color Comin’ In Scores At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

BALTIMORE, MD — A week of soggy weather couldn't dampen the spirits around the final Preakness weekend to be held at historic Pimlico Racecourse before it gets a major facelift.

Five stakes, including a trio of graded tests, headline Friday's racing action, including the GII George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. With several big-name trainers rolling into town for the marquee weekend, the locally based Brittany Russell will attempt to become only the second female trainer in Maryland history to win the Black-Eyed Susan with Repole Stable's Reply (Curlin). The only other trainer to accomplish the feat is Deborah Bodner, who won it in 1997 with a horse she also owned, Salt It. Russell is the most recent to try it, finishing sixth with 63-1 longshot Cats Inthe Timber in 2023.

“It's great to be in a race like this, especially with [a filly] that I've been fond of for quite some time,” Russell said. “To have one for [Mike] Repole, here at home, it means a lot.”

A debut winner going a mile at Colonial Mar. 14, Reply finished 3/4-lengths behind stablemate Complexity Jane in Laurel's Weber City Miss Stakes Apr. 19.

“Completely different running style [from Complexity Jane],” Russell said. “She's just a big, grindy filly. There's no early foot to her at all. She's kind of a funny filly mentally, actually. She's improved a lot since I've had her. There might be a little more improve in her. Distance won't be an issue, and a little bit of a pace setup in front of her wouldn't hurt.”

In 2023, Russell made history as the first woman to lead Maryland's annual standings in wins by a trainer at Laurel and Pimlico, a feat she repeated in 2024. Only the fourth female trainer ever to win a meet title in Maryland in the spring of 2022, she became the first to do it more than once and now has nine to her credit, the most recent coming at the Laurel Park stand that ended May 4.

“Obviously, I want one for the Preakness,” she said of a major box she wants to check off her list. “I'm still looking for that horse, but we'll take aim at the Black-Eyed Susan this year. You've got to dream, right? You just hope they show up on the day.”

The morning-line favorite in the nine-furlong race is Doug Scharbauer's Runnin N Gunnin (Gun Runner), winner of two of three races in 2025, including the Feb. 16 Sunland Park Oaks. Third in the GII Fantasy Stakes last time out, the filly is trained by Steve Asmussen, who will attempt to win his first Black-Eyed Susan.

Godolphin's Paris Lily (City of Light) offers a sneaky opportunity to double up following a last-out win over the re-opposing Liam in the Dust (Liam's Map) in the slop while facing optional claiming foes at Keeneland Apr. 6. Joel Rosario, who was aboard for her latest victory, gets the call. The filly has been the regular workmate for GI Preakness Stakes contender and GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes winner Gosger.

“She's doing really well,” trainer Brendan Walsh said of Paris Lily. “She's working a lot better than she did at any point through the year. I'm looking forward to her, actually.”

Wayne Lukas also sends post ward Princess Aliyah (Into Mischief), a $1.2 million Keeneland September purchase. Winner of the Valley of the Vapors Stakes at Oaklawn Apr. 19, she returns off a 10th last time in the GII Eight Belles Stakes at Churchill Downs May 2.

“We sprinted her in the Eight Belles, and I don't think that is her cup of tea. The Black-Eyed Susan is 1 1/8 miles and it will be kind of an experiment for her,” Lukas said. “She won the Valley of the Vapors and looked really good doing it. We just think she's probably better at two turns. We'll see. She should like that surface. It's a good spot to find out where we're at with her.”

Making its debut in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks, the Black-Eyed Susan was not run from 1932-36 and again in 1950 and was renamed upon its 1951 return to honor the Preakness and Maryland's state flower. Nine of its winners have gone on to be named champion 3-year-old filly, including Hall of Famers Davona Dale, Real Delight, Royal Delta, Serena's Song, Silverbulletday and Twilight Tear.

Pimlico's Friday Undercard

West Point Thoroughbreds, Michael Lyden and Michael Olszewski's Mila Rose (Vekoma) gets a class test Friday in the six-furlong Miss Preakness Stakes. Trained by Steve Asmussen, the chestnut was an easy 3 1/2-length winner in her career debut over the Turfway synthetic Mar. 6 before coming from off the pace to score by a length in her dirt bow at Keeneland Apr. 17. Red-hot Jose Ortiz gets the mount.

Brad Cox also hopes to launch a big weekend with Stunner (Girvin), who has finished second in two starts this season, including a sloppy renewal of the seven-furlong GII Beaumont Stakes at Keeneland Apr. 6.

Long Neck Paula (Uncle Mo), winner of a pair of stakes in 2024, attempts to regain the winning thread since finishing runner-up as the favorite in the Apr. 6 rained-off Palisades Stakes going 5 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland. Wesley Ward gives the call to recent Derby-winning jockey Junior Alvarado, who was aboard the filly for a win in Keeneland's six-panel Bowman Mill Stakes last November.

The handicap division also gets its day with the GIII Pimlico Special. Trainer Brad Cox also offers up a pair–Grade III scorer Encino (Nyquist) and Star of Wonder (Uncle Mo), a winner of his two most recent starts, including a mile test at the Big A Apr. 4. Irad Ortiz, Jr. gets the mount on the former while Flavien Prat returns to ride the latter.

Friday's undercard also features the Allaire duPont Distaff Stakes, the Hilltop Stakes and The Very One Stakes.

The post A Trio of Stakes Highlight Pimlico’s Friday Card Led by Black-Eyed Susan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The field for the GI Preakness Stakes, ranked in “likeliest winner” order.

1) JOURNALISM (c, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo). O- Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Robert V., Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy. Sales history: $825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime record: GISW, 6-4-1-1, $1,638,880. Last start: 2nd May 3 GI Kentucky Derby.

Favorites have lost the last six editions of the Preakness and eight of the last nine (lone exception: the 2-5 Justify in 2018). But Journalism at his 8-5 morning-line odds would be a pari-mutuel gift if you could actually get him at that price.

He figures to be bet below that value coming off a strong second-place try in the GI Kentucky Derby. Journalism's résumé of two-turn graded stakes success, proven ability to crank out triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures, and reliable far-turn torque that he sustains deep into his stretch runs rank him a cut above the competition in the second jewel of the Triple Crown.

This athletic $825,000 FTSAUG colt by Curlin was unfazed by minor crowding at the break of the Derby, and Journalism had no problem mixing it up in close quarters while asserting himself on the inside the first time under the finish wire.

Umberto Rispoli edged him off the fence and out to the three path six furlongs out, and Journalism responded by picking off midpack horses four deep down the backstretch before advancing in earnest 3 1/2 furlongs out.

He ramped up his run through the far turn, came five wide into the lane, grabbed the lead a furlong and a half from the finish, then was immediately accosted by Sovereignty (Into Mischief), before staying on well under urging.

Journalism didn't do anything to lose the Derby–he just got outrun by a better horse.

Coming off that 1 1/2-length defeat (102 Beyer), trainer Michael McCarthy has expressed confidence that Journalism's attitude and appetite indicate a “happy horse” since May 3, so it's on to Baltimore (unlike 16 other Derby starters).

Those who like to see the sport's stars race on a more frequent basis will be rooting for this colt to handle running back on just two weeks of rest, and it plays to Journalism's stalking style that there is no shortage of speed in the Preakness.

But the fact that Journalism has now had two demanding races in a row (he had to overcome a serious momentum stop before running hard through the lane in the Apr. 5 GI Santa Anita Derby), might tilt some bettors toward taking a stand against him.

2) SANDMAN (c, Tapit–Distorted Music, by Distorted Humor). O-D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables; B-Lothenbach Stables Inc (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. Sales History: $1,200,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime record: GISW, 9-3-1-2, $1,254,595. Last start: 7th May 3 GI Kentucky Derby.

This deep-closing gray by Tapit was brushed, bumped and fanned wide in the sloppy-track Derby, which resulted in a no-impact seventh. For the Preakness he'll get a jockey switch to John Velazquez.

Trainer Mark Casse said this $1.2 million OBSMAR colt might benefit from a stronger rider, which makes Velazquez a good fit.

Closing from off the tailgate in a less crowded field could also work to Sandman's advantage. When entered in nine-horse fields (like the Preakness), he's won two out of his last three starts (and finished second in the other). He didn't fire his best shots in fields of 19 and 13 in the Derby and GII Rebel Stakes.

Sandman's most promising races are now four and five starts back in his past-performance block. In a Dec. 13 Oaklawn allowance over a short-stretch mile, he had a ground-saving go, then sliced through authoritatively at the fence to win by 1 3/4 lengths. In the Jan. 25 GIII Southwest Stakes, Sandman buckled at the ankle, leaped sideways at the start, but rallied from well back into the teeth of a speed-favoring track to get second, beaten only a length.

Sandman's third in the Feb. 23 GII Rebel Stakes was a best-of-the-rest try, and his win in the GI Arkansas Derby has to be viewed in the context of being accomplished by closing (erratically) into a major pace meltdown that slanted the outcome in the favor of any capable closer.

Still, with nine races of experience under his girth (seven at a mile or longer) and his late-gain running style, there shouldn't be any question about whether he has the foundation to hit the board at this level. A Preakness win, however, would require a next-level performance.

3) GOAL ORIENTED (c, Not This Time–Bizzy Caroline, by Afleet Alex) 'TDN Rising Star.' O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine Owner; B-Runnymede Farm LLC & CWC Investment 2, LLC; T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $425,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime record: 2-2-0-0, $111,960. Last start: WON May 3 Churchill Downs AOC.

Non-favorites have wired the Preakness in each of the last two years, and 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time) has drawn the rail after a front-running victory in a 1 1/16-miles allowance/optional claimer on the Derby undercard two weeks ago.

This Bob Baffert-trained colt just hit his third birthdate May 15, putting him (theoretically)  behind earlier-starting his peers, development-wise. But based on untapped potential, this undefeated colt stands out.

Goal Oriented did rally from fifth as the favorite in an Apr. 6 Santa Anita maiden sprint with a big move on the turn before finishing up in hand 3 1/4 lengths clear in a race that yielded three other next-out winners. So he's not strictly one-dimensional speed, but the rail draw for the Preakness makes it likely he'll once again be sent for the lead.

This $425,000 KEESEP colt has paired 91 Beyers in his only two starts. Based on the Preakness's published Beyer par of 101, he faces a tall task in terms of a numbers upgrade while stretching out in distance.

But that type of leap is not out of the question. Last year's Preakness upsetter, Seize the Grey, upped his best lifetime Beyer from 88 to 100 when scoring in Baltimore after also winning at Churchill on the Derby undercard.

Goal Oriented's maternal grandsire is the 2005 Triple Crown closer Afleet Alex, who ran third in the Derby and won both the Preakness (with a 112 Beyer) and GI Belmont Stakes.

Goal Oriented | Coady Media

4) RIVER THAMES (c, Maclean's Music–Proportionality, by Discreet Cat) 'TDN Rising Star'. O- WinStar Farm LLC, CHC, Inc., Pantofel Stable LLC and Wachtel Stable; B-CTR Stables, LLC (NY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. Sales history: $200,000 Ylg '23 SARAUG. Lifetime record: GSP, 4-2-1-1, $261,900. Last start: 3rd Apr. 8 GI Blue Grass Stakes.

'TDN Rising Star' River Thames orchestrated a no-excuse stalking trip in the GI Blue Grass Stakes, but came up punchless in deep stretch, managing third. The two horses who finished ahead of him (plus two others who finished farther back) all ended up being also-rans in the Derby.

After starting his career with two wins over the winter at Gulfstream, the race that stands out for this New York-bred ($200,000 SARAUG) by Maclean's Music was his second, beaten only a neck, by eventual Derby winner Sovereignty in the GII Fountain of Youth Stakes.

River Thames pressed the pace on the inside through the first turn, then got backed off from the action and was switched outside. Roused to re-engage with three furlongs left, he took control off the final turn and shook free, but a momentary lapse of concentration contributed to him getting nailed by Sovereignty in the shadow of the wire.

Opting out of the Derby (despite qualifying) might end up looking like a sharp move by trainer Todd Pletcher, who has put three half-mile breezes into River Thames since the Blue Grass. The Preakness does not boast the depth (or the potential chaos) of the Derby field.

5) AMERICAN PROMISE (c, Justify–Tapella, by Tapit). O-BC Stables LLC; B-Candy Meadows LLC (KY); T-D. Wayne Lukas. Sales history: $750,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime record: SW, 10-2-1-1, $444,874. Last start: 16th May 3 GI Kentucky Derby.

American Promise, a $750,000 KEESEP colt by Justify, will be the 49th Preakness starter for Hall-of-Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a record for the race.

The 89-year-old Lukas has won the middle leg of the Triple Crown seven times. His two 21st Century winners were front-running upsetters (Seize the Grey at 9-1 in 2024 and Oxbow at 15-1 in 2013).

This May 1 foal had minor trip trouble after the start in the Derby, but none of it overtly contributed to his 16th-place finish, 38 1/2 lengths behind the winner.

In fact, the five most logical speed horses on paper all more or less managed to come out of the gate without incident in the Derby. American Promise reached a contending position between the two dueling leaders by the end of the back straight, but couldn't deal with pace pressure beyond the 3 1/2-furlong pole.

This colt earned a 95 Beyer in both his lone stakes win at Colonial in the Virginia Derby (a one-turn configuration for nine-furlongs) and in his muddy, 1 1/16-miles maiden win at Oaklawn.

Even though American Promise didn't run well over the sloppy/sealed surface in the 19-horse Derby, that previous decent try on a wet track is worth noting in case Saturday comes up wet at Pimlico.

6) HEART OF HONOR (GB) (c, Honor A. P.–Ruby Love (Chi), by Scat Daddy) O-Jim & Claire Ltd; B-David Redvers Bloodstock (GB); T-Jamie Osborne. Sales history: 35,000gns Wlg '22 TATNOV; €42,000 Ylg '23 GOFSEP; €160,000 2yo '24 ARQMAY. Lifetime record: GSP-UAE, 6-2-4-0, $340,919. Last start: 2nd Apr. 5 G2 UAE Derby.

Heart of Honor (GB) won a pair of one-mile dirt allowance races at Meydan earlier this year after debuting with a second-place finish in England at Southwell (England) on an all-weather surface. He was then second in three Dubai stakes: The UAE 2,000 Guineas, the Al Bastakiya Stakes, and the G2 UAE Derby, in which he was beaten by only a nose.

Trainer Jamie Osborne opted not to ship stateside for the Kentucky Derby despite having the qualifying points to do so, and he initially thought this Honor A.P. colt (35,000gns TATNOV, €42,000 GOFSEP, €160,000 ARQMAY) might need a break.

But by mid-April, the former jumps jockey decided this “hardy kind of horse” was “thriving,” so “we thought [the Preakness] was worth a shot.”

Osborne continued: “We're going to have a go, and if he runs okay in the Preakness, the aim is to hang on for another three weeks and go to Saratoga” for the Belmont Stakes.

Heart of Honor was equipped with blinkers for the first time in the UAE Derby after striking Osborne as being “a little bit lazy [by] getting a little bit too far behind and staying on a bit too late.”

Jamie Osborne's daughter, the 23-year-old Saffie Osborne, who made history at Meydan last year as the first woman jockey to win at the Dubai track, retains the mount for the Preakness. It will be her first ride in America.

7) CLEVER AGAIN (c, American Pharoah–Flattering {Ire}), by Galileo {Ire}). O-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. Sales history: $500,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 3-2-1-0, $198,400. Last start: WON Mar. 30 Hot Springs Stakes.

Clever Again (American Pharoah) comes off a seven-week break since a 101-Beyer wiring of the Hot Springs Stakes. Four horses have since run back out of that $200,000 stakes, with two hitting the board and one managing a win (85 Beyer in a $175,000 sprint stakes at Oaklawn).

This $500,000 KEESEP colt debuted in April of his 2-year-old season with a second-place try over 4 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland.

After a 10-month gap, Clever Again wired a 1 1/16-mile Feb. 23 maiden at Oaklawn as the 2-1 favorite. Other next-out horses from that race have gone 0-for-5.

Trainer Steve Asmussen expects Clever Again to come out firing on Saturday, contributing to what projects to be a lively Preakness pace.

“We expect him to break clean, with the other pace obviously to his inside,” Asmussen said after the Preakness post draw.

Clever Again is untested on a wet track, and the female side of his pedigree tilts toward grass success.

8) PAY BILLY (c, Improbable–Harlan's Rose, by Harlington). O-RKTN Racing, LLC; B-WinStar Farm, LLC (KY); T-Michael E. Gorham. Sales history: $38,000 Ylg, '23 FTKOCT; $60,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Race record: SW, 8-4-11, $234,475. Last start: WON Apr. 19 Federico Tesio Stakes.

Pay Billy (Improbable) earned an automatic, paid berth into the Preakness by winning the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel last month.

Trainer Mike Gorham has described this colt ($38,000 FTKOCT, $60,000 OBSAPR) as a “big, strong horse” who is getting better thanks to a relaxed attitude.

The 85 Beyer in the Tesio was a lifetime best for Pay Billy. He closed from fourth while outside as the 2.3-1 favorite. It's worth noting that he had his heels clipped from behind in the first-turn scramble, and emerged with a cut on his left rear hock that has since healed.

“A couple of jockeys tried to get position,” jockey Raul Mena said. “I didn't want to be on the lead, so I put my horse in the clearest path and got out of the trouble.”

The second choice in the Tesio, Kentucky Outlaw (Outwork), also had trouble on the turn and came out of that race to win the Long Branch Stakes as the 9-5 favorite last Saturday at Monmouth Park.

9) GOSGER (c, Nyquist–Gloria S, by Tapit). O/B-Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stable, LLC (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-1-0, $292,200. Last start: WON Apr. 12 GIII Lexington Stakes.

Gosger (Nyquist) broke his maiden with an 88 Beyer in his second lifetime start, a one-turn mile at Gulfstream Feb. 15 as the 19-10 favorite.

He then returned two months later to win the GIII Lexington Stakes with an 87 Beyer at 4-1 odds.

In that Keeneland stakes, this homebred colt from the racing stable of the late Harvey Clarke got second run at a softened-up 25-1 leader over the track's short-stretch configuration for 1 1/16 miles.

Gosger has tactical versatility and a pace-pressing ability that could help him work out a reasonable trip from post nine in the Preakness.

New jockey Luis Saez has a 15-for-77 (19%) win mark and a 48% in-the-money record when teaming with trainer Brendan Walsh over the last five years.

The post TDN Preakness Preview: Journalism Aims To Rewrite Six-Year Losing Skid For Faves appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Owing to a lack of entries, the live racing program scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (FLGR) has been cancelled.

According to a release from the track, the lingering impacts of a long winter combined with a wet spring resulted in trainers having limited opportunities to sufficiently prepare their horses for the season.

The track says it is hopeful that entries will return to a more normal level as the inventory of fit and race-ready horses increases to the point where a Monday-through-Wednesday racing schedule is sustainable.

“At Finger Lakes, we strive for large fields which create attractive wagering opportunities for our patrons,” said FLGR Racing Secretary Jerry Richards.

Racing is scheduled to take place next Monday and Wednesday, May 19 and 21, with a first post of 1 p.m. ET each day.

The post Racing Cancelled At Finger Lakes On May 20 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

'TDN Rising Star' Colloquial (Vekoma), a front-running winner of Keeneland's Lafayette S. Apr. 7, will make his next start in the GI Woody Stephens S. on the blockbuster GI Belmont Stakes program at Saratoga June 7.

He worked four furlongs in :47.60 (5/54) at trainer George Weaver's Keeneland base Thursday morning, his second breeze since winning the Lafayette. He'll ship up to the Spa this weekend, per Weaver.

“He's training well, we're looking forward to raceday,” Weaver said. “He's proven that the talent is there. Now, it's just a matter of doing it in a big race.”

Colloquial faced pressure throughout and drew clear in the stretch to score by 2 1/4 lengths in the seven-furlong Lafayette, good for an 88 Beyer Speed Figure.

He earned a gaudy 106 Beyer in his prior start, a jaw-dropping, seven-length maiden win over the Chick Lang S.-bound One Nine Hundred (Dialed In) in his sophomore debut off the bench at Aqueduct Feb. 7. Only two 3-year-olds have run faster races on the Beyer scale this year–Journalism (Curlin) (108) and Magnitude (Not This Time) (108).

Colloquial's debut second–beaten just a nose by Fierceness (City of Light)'s full-brother and subsequent GIII Futurity S. winner Mentee–at Aqueduct last June was highlighted in our 'Second Chances' series.

The $240,000 Keeneland September graduate is campaigned in partnership by Harrell Ventures and Starlight Racing. Colloquial hails from the first crop of the promising Spendthrift Farm stallion and Weaver-trained Vekoma, who is already responsible for a quartet of graded winners.

Colloquial was produced by the John Oxley-bred, two-time winner Terminology (Bernardini). His third dam is Oxley's GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Gal in a Ruckus. He was bred in Kentucky by Michael and J.B. Orem.

Watch the full replay as COLLOQUIAL turns back the challenge and captures the Lafayette (L)! pic.twitter.com/Ax9Xu6fbh1

— Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 7, 2025

The post ‘Rising Star’ Colloquial Breezes at Keeneland, Woody Stephens Up Next appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

BALTIMORE, MD — Much has been said about the genuine friendship between Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas and Bob Baffert that has developed over the years. And the lively banter between the two, as well as several of the other members of the training ranks in attendance at Thursday's Preakness Alibi Breakfast, did nothing to dispel that notion.

Completely sidestepping the suggested seating assignments, Baffert planted himself at Lukas's table, which also included John Bellinger, who makes up BC Stables with partner Brian Coelho. The team is represented in this year's Preakness by American Promise (Justify), winner of the Virginia Derby.

Baffert, who will be looking for his record ninth Preakness Saturday with 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time), most recently won the second leg of the Triple Crown with National Treasure (Quality Road) in 2023. Lukas, who sent out the upset-minded Seize the Grey (Arrogate) last year, stands only one win behind Baffert.

Hosted by TV personality Michelle Yu, the traditional trainer commentary kicked off with a few friendly jabs between the two training titans. After taking a few swipes at Baffert for opting for On Clouds running shoes instead of cowboy boots, Lukas offered a light-hearted joke at the expense of the absent Brendan Walsh, who saddles GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes victor Gosger (Nyquist) Saturday.

“I asked Brendan, 'Why is it that the Irish got all the potatoes and the Arabs got all the oil?”

“And?” asked Yu.

“Because the Irish had first choice.”

“Here we go,” said Baffert amidst the extended laughter.

Taking a moment to strike a more serious note, Baffert interjected, “I love the Preakness. I love the tradition of the Triple Crown races.”

Bob Baffert at Thursday's Preakness Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico | Christina Bossinakis

With the absence of GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) from the Preakness lineup, Baffert weighed in on the debate.

“I hope they don't change it because it was 37 years when American Pharoah won and that had to be the biggest sports statement that we made,” he said. “I think the Triple Crown is still important even though it's tough, it takes a really special horse to do it.”

Lukas briefly turned his attention to Michael McCarthy, who brings Kentucky Derby runner-up and Preakness morning-line favorite Journalism (Curlin) to this year's renewal.

“I tried to help him out but he didn't listen. He put his horse in the Derby-winning stall, which is the kiss of death.”

With tongue firmly in cheek, Lukas added, “Bob said to leave him in there, but I told him to move him over.”

Baffert immediately jumped to McCarthy's defense.

“Wayne is wrong,” he said. “Silver Charm won out of that stall. Real Quiet and War Emblem also won out of that stall.”

Lukas countered, “Don't make him feel comfortable. He already has the favorite!”

Baffert responded, “The best horse wins the race, Wayne. No matter what stall he's in. I think McCarthy looks pretty good right now,”

“I do too,” conceded Lukas. “I think, Mike, it's his race to lose.”

Baffert fires back with a hint of irony, “Yes, Mike, it's your race to lose.”

With an even-keeled volley, McCarthy got into the ring.

“[Lukas] had me going yesterday pretty good. Last time I was here, I had my first runner [Rombauer], and winner, from the [vicinity of the] 16- 17-18 stalls. So, if I get beat from the stall I am today by one of those two guys, I'll take my hat off.”

In an unusual stroke from the typically reserved horseman, McCarthy threw down the gauntlet.

“Next year, we'll come back and run from the Journalism stall, how does that sound?”

It didn't take long for the Hall of Famers to rope in another Hall of Famer into the mix.

“You know what, we have to watch out for that Mark Casse,” said Lukas. “He's won the Sovereign Award up in Canada about 35 times [fact check: it's 16 Sovereign titles].”

“What happens in Canada, stays in Canada,” quipped Baffert.

Casse trains GI Arkansas Derby winner Sandman (Tapit), who finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby last time out.

Despite obviously needing to turn the attention to the other trainers in attendance, Yu cleverly kept the two legends in play.

“You don't know Jamie? Come, Jamie, meet The Coach,” Yu said to Jamie Osborne, who will saddle the European invader Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A. P.), who was nosed out of the win last time in the G2 UAE Derby.

“He almost beat me [Bayern] in the Breeders' Cup Classic with Toast of New York [in 2014]. That was a great race,” recalled Baffert.

“Yeah, he said 'what was that horse that finished second trained by that Brit that looks like Austin Powers,” dead panned Osborne to peels of laughter.

The conversation took a sharp turn to a potential match-making between one of Baffert's remaining single sons and Osborne's daughter, Saffie, who will be riding Heart of Honor Saturday.

“I wouldn't wish her on my worst enemy,” quipped Osborne to another wave of laughter.

Yu also looped in Michael Gorham, who trains Federico Tesio winner Pay Billy (Improbable). The Midlantic-based Gorham advised on the purchase of the $60,000 OBSAPR graduate, who is the first horse campaigned by newbie owners RKTN Stables.

“What are you doing in September,” extended Lukas. “We'll go to the sale together.”

Rounding back to Casse, Lukas once again poked at Casse's connections (Fact check: Mark Casse is NOT Canadian. He IS American).

Craftily constructing a bait-and-switch, Casse dead-panned, “That's the nice thing about the Preakness, we are all in the same barn. So, I have to listen to that every day.”

And according to Casse, his other barnmate, also liked to poke some fun too.

“I tell Bob about a good restaurant, and he tells me, 'what would you know about a good restaurant, you live in Ocala.'

This is what I deal with every day.”

Rounding out a laughter-filled morning, Casse summed up his journey with a hint of emotion lacing the dual Hall of Famer's voice.

“On a more serious note, I could not be more proud to be considered in the group that I am,” he said. “To think that, when I started 47 years ago, I would be sitting here today with two of the greatest of all time and them talking about me, it's great.”

Wayne Lukas at the Alibi Breakfast Thursday | Christina Bossinakis

 

The post No Alibis, Just Fun: The Wayne and Bob Show at the Preakness Alibi Breakfast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Edited Press Release

The Delaware Jockeys' Health and Welfare Benefits Fund held their fifth annual Jockey Health Day on Monday, May 12, 2025. The event was hosted by Premier Physical Therapy & Sports Performance with assistance from ChristianaCare.

Dr. Jordan Cohen, Dr. Chin-Hen Chang, and Dr. Taj Shorter with ChristianaCare, along with athletic trainers Jenna Thatcher, Ashley Anders, and Tyesha Alston with Premier Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, provided Delaware Park jockeys with required physicals and baseline testing free of charge. Jockeys were also provided emergency medical tags to wear on safety vests.

The Delaware Jockeys Health and Welfare Benefits Fund provides comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance benefits, along with free mental health counseling for Delaware Park Jockeys and their dependents.

The post Jockey Health Day Held At Delaware Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Officials at Ontario Racing have launched the new hashtag #betontario in an effort to encourage those that live in the Canadian province to wager on races from Ontario. Ontario Racing is encouraging horseplayers to make use of the hashtag across social media.

According to a release from Ontario Racing, Home Market Area (HMA) wagering is the primary source of funding for critical horse breeding programs, but it has declined by 12.6% over the course of the last two fiscal years and dropped 6.5% from $733 million to $686 million in the last fiscal year alone. The decline has already led to a decrease in funding for programs under the Horse Improvement Program (HIP) managed by Ontario Racing. HIP supports the breeding and racing of Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds and Quarter Horses. HMA wagering accounts for about 60% of all HIP funding.

Andrew Gaughan, the independent chair of Ontario Racing, said that the advent and proliferation of online sports and casino betting platforms has had a negative impact on horse racing.

“HMA wagering is under competitive siege from the advent and proliferation of advertising and aggressive player marketing from well-funded and deeply capitalized licensed digital gaming operators in Ontario and this decline in HMA wagering in the last two years amounts to an annualized loss of about $11-12 million of horse racing industry income,” Gaughan said. “It means we have had to trim about $3 million annually from the respective HIP programs and budgets in addition to the industry income loss.”

The post #BetOntario Campaign Launched To Support Wagering Within Province appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The latest highlight entries to the upcoming Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale include the five-time group winner See You In Heaven, a winner of more than AU$830,000 for her connections.

U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins, Rep. Don Davis, and Sen. Tom Cotton have introduced the Racehorse Health and Safety Act to Congress, which would establish an interstate compact to develop nationwide rules for horse racing.

The Lion In Winter has been usurped as favorite for the Epsom Derby (G1) by Delacroix and Ruling Court after a tame comeback effort behind the impressive Pride of Arras in the May 15 Dante Stakes (G2).

America's Best Racing provides a quick look and thoughts on Preakness (G1) field.

For trainer Brad Cox, there's one of two distinctly different ways to win the $250,000 Pimlico Special Stakes (G3) May 16 at Pimlico Race Course.

Letters to the editor for the May 15 issue of BloodHorse Daily.

This is the story of an obscure big-league baseball journeyman from a half-century ago and the Preakness Stakes (G1) horse that bears his name. Gosger the horse is a gray/roan colt named for the largely forgotten player, Jim Gosger.

The first under-tack show of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale concluded May 14 with seven juveniles tying for the fastest furlong at :10 1/5. A colt by Complexity breezed the fastest quarter-mile in :21 4/5.

In an era when trainers are loathe to run their horses on a short amount of rest, Hall of Famers Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas are the gold standard when it comes to running in and winning the Preakness Stakes (G1) on two weeks' rest.

Group 1-winning mare Benedetta (AUS) will head to the Queensland Winter Carnival with the 5-year-old's trainer Jason Warren looking forward to starting the 2024 Goodwood (G1) winner off in the May 17 Doomben Ten Thousand (G1).