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In his grand return to Churchill Downs, Mystik Dan earned his first victory since the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) with a very similar trip in the $270,000 Blame Stakes (G3) May 31.

Many of the racing highlights for owner/breeder Carl Pollard have come at Churchill Downs, and he now has another, thanks to Mercante, who wore down favored Brilliant Berti to win the $273,500 Arlington Stakes (G3T) at the Louisville, Ky., track.

Closing from last under Florent Geroux, Fionn caught midstretch leader Totally Justified and scored by a half-length in the $272,500 Regret Stakes (G3T) May 31 at Churchill Downs.

Owner and trainer David Jacobson called Jose Ortiz's ride aboard Durante a "masterpiece" as the 6-year-old gelding upset the $275,000 Aristides Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs May 31 at odds of 33-1.

4th-Monmouth, $51,275, Msw, 6-1, 3yo/up, 6f, 1:11.05, ft, 9 1/2 lengths.
SINGLEMINDED (c, 3, Win Win Win–Eva London {SP}, by Adios Charlie) debuted Apr. 5 at Gulfstream Park in a mile turf maiden, and never left midpack for most of the race, finishing sixth in what became a blanket scramble on the wire. Moved to the main track and given blinkers for this second jump, the betting public made him the 6-5 second choice behind Bob Mo (Uncle Mo), who stepped forward to set the tempo as the 4-5 favorite. Never far from that leader behind :22.30 and a half in :46.22, Singleminded took command passing the quarter pole and the race was over from there as he drew away from his rivals to win by 9 1/2 lengths over Bob Mo.

The victor is a half-brother to SP London Ghost (Shaman Ghost), and is his dam's fourth winner in a row from as many on the ground. Their 2023 Awesome Slew sibling died but Eva London did produce a yearling colt by Colonel Liam before being bred back to the stallion for 2025. Singleminded is the 20th winner for Win Win Win (by Hat Trick {Jpn}). Sales history: $80,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $31,930. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Klaravich Stables, Inc.; B-Ocala Stud, Dr. William & Alice B. Russell & William J. Terrill (FL); T-Chad C. Brown.

The post Win Win Win’s Singleminded Goes Turf to Dirt, Graduates Stylishly at Monmouth Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Baley Hare has been named racing secretary at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming. He succeeds Dan Bork, who will transition to the same role at Colonial Downs in Virginia.

Hare, a native of Illinois, grew up in the industry alongside his father, Scott, a former jockey and longtime jockey agent, and his mother, Darcy, a former trainer. Before working in racing offices across Kentucky, Hare was a racing official in Louisiana and Texas.

“I'm thankful for the opportunity and appreciate the confidence from our team in naming me to this role,” Hare said. “Ellis Park has always held a special place in Kentucky racing, and it's exciting to build on the strong, year-round racing product we have across the state.”

In addition to his new duties at Ellis Park, Hare will continue in his role at Churchill Downs, where he serves as paddock judge and racing official during the Spring, September and Fall meets.

Bork, who has served as racing secretary at Ellis Park since 2006, praised Hare's growth and readiness for the position.

“I wouldn't leave this position in anyone else's hands besides Baley,” Bork said. “Over the past several years, we've worked hand-in-hand managing entries and coordinating the day-to-day racing operation. With Ellis Park and Colonial Downs both operating as top-tier summer circuits, I know we'll continue to support each other and the broader goals of our racing program.”

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3rd-Churchill Downs, $91,300, Msw, 6-1, 2yo, 5f, :58.46, ft, 1/2 length.
DUKE OF SUGGINS (c, 2, Tom's d'Etat–Graceful Fancy, by Liam's Map), let go at 26-1 to for debut, was hustled into contention but soon settled in fourth as 2-1 choice Pupil (Tacitus) and Gold Pearl (Om) showed the way through a :22.36 quarter. With still plenty to do in early stretch, Duke of Suggins found his best stride late, forging to the lead en route to a 1/2-length score over closing Sleepingonfreedom (Independence Hall) with Mo' Em Down (Caracaro) up for third. Favored Pupil faded to seventh. Carrying this colt, Graceful Fancy was purchased for $100,000 by breeder Sun Valley Farm at the Keeneland January sale in 2023. A daughter of Grade I winner Icon Project (Empire Maker), the half-sister to GSW Fashion Business (GB) (Frankel {GB}) produced a filly by Twirling Candy last term followed by a Life Is Good colt this season. Sales history: $12,000 Wlg '23 KEENOV; $11,000 Ylg '24 EASOCT; $50,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $52,320. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Greg McDonald; B-Sun Valley Farm (KY); T-Albert M. Stall, Jr.

The post Tom’s d’Etat’s Duke of Suggins Wins on Debut at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Bobby Flay and James Ventura's Crudo (Justify) confirmed his readiness for Saturday's GI Belmont Stakes with a four-furlong work in :48.86 (4/17) over the Oklahoma training track Sunday in Saratoga. Last-out winner of the Sir Barton Stakes, the colt worked in company with GI Woody Stephens Stakes contender Gate to Wire (Munnings). He broke off about one length back and traveled to the outside of Gate to Wire as NYRA clockers timed him through splits of :12 4/5, :24 4/5, and out in 1:01 3/5 and 1:14 3/5.

“I thought it was an excellent move,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “He worked really well, galloped out nicely. I was very pleased with him. He's had a good couple weeks since he ran.”

Crudo, a front-running 7 1/4-length maiden winner going seven furlongs at Keeneland Apr. 19, romped home by 7 1/2 lengths in the 1 1/16-mile Sir Barton at Pimilco May 17. He will be making his fourth lifetime start in the Belmont.

“It's undoubtedly a pretty strong field,” Pletcher said. “The top three from the Derby look to be really good colts. We've always been really high on the way the horse trained. His last two races have been very good.”

Pletcher will also saddle WinStar Farm and Repole Stable's Uncaged (Curlin) in the Belmont.

The post Crudo on Go for Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) tuned up for his rematch with Derby runner-up and GI Preakness Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin) in Saturday's GI Belmont Stakes with a four-furlong work in :48.84 (3/17) over the Oklahoma training track in Saratoga Sunday. The Godolphin homebred, working solo under exercise rider Neil Poznansky, was caught by NYRA clockers through splits of :12 3/5, :24 2/5 and out in 1:02 flat and 1:16 3/5.

“He went well,” trainer Bill Mott said of the work. “We just wanted a nice breeze, in :48, :49, which is what we got. He galloped out good. He looked smooth. He came back good. It was a maintenance-type breeze, and that is what we got.”

Sovereignty made his racetrack debut at Saratoga last summer, finishing fourth Aug. 24. Sunday's work was the colt's third straight breeze at the upstate New York venue since winning the May 3 Derby. He worked four furlongs in :49.76 (13/32) May 17 and five furlongs in 1:02.54 (4/5) May 24.

The post ‘He Looked Smooth’: Sovereignty Tunes Up for Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – It didn't take long for trainer Michael McCarthy to make the decision. After watching his long-striding colt Journalism (Curlin) gobble up the ground at Saratoga Race Course Sunday morning, McCarthy gave the thumbs up sign.

Journalism is going to run in Saturday's 157th edition of the $2-million GI Belmont Stakes.

“Based off what I saw here this morning, I would be hard-pressed to find a reason not to enter,” McCarthy said after Journalism worked four furlongs in :47.54 on the main track with regular jockey Umberto Rispoli on board.

McCarthy said Journalism would be entered Sunday when entries were due. The draw will take place Monday at 5 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall in downtown.

Journalism, who won the roughly run GI Preakness Stakes in his last start, was second in the GI Kentucky Derby. If he starts in the Belmont, he will be the only horse to run in all three legs of this year's Triple Crown.

“I want to do this because I felt like the horse was telling me he could handle running three times in five weeks,” McCarthy said.

Journalism and Rispoli made the walk from the Oklahoma Training Track and stepped on the main track at 8:45 Sunday morning under cloudy skies and an unseasonable temperature in the low 50s.

Once the horse got back to his barn on the Oklahoma, it was evident that the Belmont would be the target. McCarthy was especially impressed with how strongly Journalism galloped out: five furlongs in 1:00.10 and six furlongs in 1:12.60.

The work was originally planned for Saturday, but those plans were scrapped after a steady rain late Friday night lasted most of Saturday. Over two and a half inches of rain fell, but Journalism saw a good-looking track on Sunday. And he relished it.

“He is a wonderful mover; he gets over the ground very well, has an incredible stride,” said McCarthy, who arrived here from California Thursday night.

If you were looking at any other clues that would signal Journalism starting in the Belmont, consider this: Aron Wellman, president and founder of Eclipse Thoroughbreds, the colt's owner, was also in town from California. Rispoli, who regularly rides in California, said he was here with his family for the week.

“This is an American Classic,” Wellman said. “You only get three shots at them. We have been fortunate to participate and compete in the first two. It would mean a lot. There is a lot of importance and prestige associated with this race. We feel like we have the goods.”

The Belmont is expected to have a field of eight. The presence of Journalism means a rematch of the Kentucky Derby where he was defeated by Sovereignty (Into Mischief) by a length and a half in the slop at Churchill Downs.

Both camps are looking forward to the rematch.

“I am sure there are people that will probably favor Journalism, and some will probably favor Sovereignty,” said Bill Mott, Sovereignty's Hall of Fame trainer. “They are two very good horses.”

“It will be really great for the sport,” said Rispoli, who has ridden Journalism in six of his seven starts. “I always say the best horse is going to win. Hopefully, it will be our time this time. Both of us had good trips in the Derby; he beat me.”

Journalism and Sovereignty are the Belmont headliners, but six others will attempt to crash the party. They include Baeza (McKinzie), who was a neck behind Journalism in Louisville, GII Wood Memorial winner Rodriguez (Authentic), GIII Peter Pan winner Hill Road (Quality Road), Preakness fifth-place finisher Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P.), and a pair from Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher: Crudo (Justify), winner of the Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico on the Preakness undercard and Uncaged (Curlin), the sixth-place finisher in the Peter Pan.

The Belmont will be run at Saratoga for the second consecutive year as Belmont Park continues its large-scale renovation. And, for the second straight year, it will be run at 1 1/4 miles, rather than the traditional 1 1/2 miles because of the main track configuration at Saratoga.

Journalism, with Umberto Rispoli up, worked a half mile over the Saratoga main track. NYRA clockers caught him in 23 4/5, 47 2/5, 1:00 flat, and 1:12 4/5 pic.twitter.com/L6QGMmy8Mt

— Keith-TripleDeadHeat (@TripleDeadHeat) June 1, 2025

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Heavy rain and severe kickback forced the abandonment of Eagle Farm's group 1 meeting May 31, with poor visibility leading to the postponement of the final four races, including the Queensland Derby (G1) and Kingsford-Smith Cup (G1).

While the racing world crosses its fingers and hopes there will be a rematch between Sovereignty and Journalism in the Belmont Stakes (G1), it would be quite a mistake to sleep on Baeza.

R. Larry Johnson died in February, but his legacy as an owner and breeder continues, with his homebred turf sprinter Future Is Now grabbing headlines.

Gulfstream Park announcer Pete Aiello will take over in the Santa Anita Park announcer's booth June 6-8 as regular announcer Frank Mirahmadi will be at Saratoga Race Course to call its five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

Bill Luster, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer for The Courier Journal and regular contributor to BloodHorse, died May 29. He was 80.

The enforcement arm for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority has announced suspensions of a pair of Ohio veterinarians in resolving cases that date back to the fall of 2023.

Four weeks removed from the running of the GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs stages its second stacked weekend of the spring/summer meeting, with five Grade IIIs and one listed contest on 'Stephen Foster Preview' Day. The program serves as a steppingstone to Foster Day itself in a month's time.

A field of 10 has been entered for the GIII Blame Stakes, the course-and-distance prep for the $1-million GI Stephen Foster Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic. Gary and Mary West's Most Wanted (Candy Ride {Arg}) is the one they'll likely have to beat, having posted a career-best 105 Beyer when second to 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) in the GII Alysheba Stakes on the Oaks undercard 29 days ago. Never out of the top two in his seven starts, the homebred went four-for-four last season, topped by a victory in the GIII Oklahoma Derby. Trainer Brad Cox is a two-time winner of this race, including Highland Falls (Curlin) last spring.

No Derby winner has subsequently won a race beneath the Twin Spires since Silver Charm in 1998, and Mystik Dan (Goldencents) will look to put an end to that streak here. Off form after finishing runner-up in last year's GI Preakness Stakes, the bay bounced back to something resembling his best form when just nosed out by the classy Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming) in the May 3 Lake Ouachita Stakes at Oaklawn last time. He heads to post on Saturday with the full confidence of his connections.

“He couldn't be doing any better going into the race,”said trainer Ken McPeek, who won this in 2023 with Rattle N Roll (Connect). “I really like his chances by what he's shown us in the mornings coming back here at Churchill Downs.”

Brian Hernandez, Jr., who also rode Rattle N Roll, concurred, saying: “It's a good field on Saturday. There are some classy and accomplished horses in the race, but Mystik Dan has trained great going into this race.”

The connections of Post Time (Frosted) land here, bypassing a trip to Saratoga for the GI Met Mile, where he was a bang-up second last year. Subsequently third in the GI Whitney Stakes over this distance and second in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, the gray thumped Laurel allowance foes by a baker's dozen on seasonal debut May 3.

The Aristides Stakes carries Grade III status for this running and looks all over a two-horse race. Skelly (Practical Joke) is one of the fastest sprinters in training and since beating just one home in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, has a pair of eye-catching scores this season, a 5 1/4-length allowance romp (107 Beyer) at his beloved Oaklawn Apr. 11 and a towering 10 1/2-length tally in a sloppy renewal of the Lake Hamilton Stakes in Hot Springs May 2. 'TDN Rising Star' World Record (Gun Runner), all-the way winner of last year's GII Amsterdam Stakes, is no slouch where it comes to speed and he most recently made all the running to take a third-level allowance in style on the 'Thurby' program May 1.

It's an embarrassment of riches in the sophomore filly turf division for trainer Mark Casse, who keeps the very talented MGSW Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) in the barn for Saturday's GIII Regret Stakes, but still saddles one of the leading lights in the form of Classic Q (Classic Empire), who thrashed local allowance rivals going a mile on Apr. 30. Lush Lips (GB) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) overraced early in the GII Edgewood Stakes May 2, but ran home nicely to claim second behind Nitrogen. Mechaya (Liam's Map) hasn't run a poor race in three tries on the turf and most recently passed 10 rivals in the late stages to finish third to the Royal Ascot-bound 'TDN Rising Star' Shisospicy (Mitole) in the GIII Mamzelle Stakes over 5 1/2 furlongs May 10. She has longshot claims if she handles Saturday's nine-furlong trip.

Brilliant Berti (Oscar Performance) and Lagynos (Kantharos) renew acquaintances in Saturday's GIII Arlington Stakes after finishing 1-2 in the May 1 Opening Verse Stakes, and they are joined by the sneaky Herchee (Twirling Candy), who has been given his chance in this considerably tougher contest in lieu of a Thursday allowance.

Gin Gin (Hightail) won the GIII Baird Doubledogdare Stakes in her first start for the Brendan Walsh barn Apr. 18, but will have to prove that effort is not an aberration while taking on GI Apple Blossom Handicap third Where's My Ring (Twirling Candy) in the GIII Shawnee Stakes.

Stars Come Out To Play At Woodbine

It doesn't take long for the action to heat up in Toronto on Saturday, where the GIII Jacques Cartier Stakes goes as the first of a 10-race program at Woodbine. That positioning on the card owes to a four-horse field headed by the outstanding Patches O'Houlihan (Reload). Canada's champion sprinter of 2023, the 5-year-old is 12-for-15 lifetime and 10-for-12 over the local synth, including a four-length success in the May 4 Thorncliffe Stakes. Siena Farm and WinStar Farm's Caitlinhergrtness (Omaha Beach) defeated her male counterparts in last year's King's Plate and makes her seasonal debut in the GIII Belle Mahone Stakes. LNJ Foxwoods' 'TDN Rising Star' Earhart (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) has won three of her four starts on synthetic surfaces and tries the turf for the first time in Saturday's GIII Royal North Stakes, but will face a good test in the form of Wertheimer homebred Toupie (Uncle Mo). The evergreen Get Smokin (Get Stormy), last seen leading throughout to take the GIII Valedictory Stakes through a driving snowstorm last December, will try to boss his rivals from the front while making his 8-year-old debut in the GII Eclipse Stakes.

The afternoon's 10th and final graded event is the GIII Triple Bend Stakes, where 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist), who just missed when dead-heating for second behind 'Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution) first off a 15-month layoff in the GI Churchill Downs Stakes on May 3, figures a strong favorite over Dr. Venkman (Ghostzapper), runner-up at odds-on in last year's running. Like Post Time, Nysos's connections opt for the path of lesser resistance versus a ship to Saratoga for the Met.

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The New York Racing Association announced the sponsored stakes lineup for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at historic Saratoga Race Course which will take place June 4-8.

The New York Racing Association and the New York State Gaming Commission have placed Barn 85 at Saratoga Race Course under a 14-day precautionary quarantine until further notice due to a positive case of strangles in that barn.

America's Best Racing provides a numerical history of the Belmont Stakes (G1).