All News
Espinoza Excited to Ride Schoolofhardrocks
Victor Espinoza is back. The leading rider at Santa Anita in 2003-04, Espinoza won the Kentucky Derby in 2002 and was continually among Southern California’s leaders from 2000 until recent years when the arrival of young lions helped thrust him from his place in the sun.
Avila Has BC Hopes for Great Hot
Antonio Carlos Avila is one the best trainers nobody ever heard of. “A.C.” to friends and associates, Avila is referred to as “The Witch Doctor” by race track insiders, thanks to a history of longshot winners.
Emotional Stroll Wins Laurel Debut for Motion
High Five Racing’s Emotional Stroll was up in the final jump to win today’s seventh race at Laurel Park, a $40,000 maiden special weight test for 2-year-olds on the main track.
Ritvo the Heart of Mucho Macho Man Story
Kathy Ritvo’s story is old news. But the human interest angle never dies. With apologies to Audie Murphy, Kathy Ritvo has been to hell and back. When she says she’s just happy to be here, she really means it.
Asmussen Works Untapable, Tapiture
Two of the outstanding 2-year-olds in the barn of trainer Steve Asmussen worked together on Monday at Churchill Downs.
Navarro Saddles Four Winners at Monmouth
Trainer Jorge Navarro enjoyed a banner day at Monmouth Park on Sunday, winning four races, tying him for most victories on a single card at the Oceanport racetrack.
Will Take Charge Continues to Improve for Lukas
A long year for Willis D. Horton’s Will Take Charge continued to improve on Saturday when the D. Wayne Lukas-trained son of Unbridled’s Song rolled to a 2 ¼-length victory over Moreno in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (GI) at Parx Racing.
Hushion Says No Excuses for The Lumber Guy
Looking to defend his title in the Grade 1 Vosburgh Invitational and earn a trip back to the Breeders' Cup Sprint is Barry Schwartz's The Lumber Guy, who came off a six-month layoff on August 23 to finish second in the restricted Chowder's First overnight stakes at Saratoga Race Course.
Mott Primed for Belmont's Super Saturday
Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott will be well-represented on Super Saturday with Royal Delta set to defend her title in the Grade 1 Beldame Invitational, Flat Out attempting to turn the hat trick in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational, Slumber heading to the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational, Ron the Greek in either the Jockey Club Gold Cup or the Grade 2 Kelso Invitational Handicap and possibly White Rose for the Grade 1 Flower Bowl Invitational.
Plans Finalized for Big Blue Kitten, Real Solution
After Ken and Sarah Ramsey's Big Blue Kitten and Real Solution took to the turf to breeze five furlongs in company on Saturday at Belmont Park, trainer Chad Brown confirmed his plans to run both horses in the Grade 1, $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational on September 28.
Cross Traffic, Palace Malice Head Pletcher's Workout Patrol
Trainer Todd Pletcher sent out a cadre of contenders for their final Super Saturday works this morning, headed by Grade 1 Whitney Invitational Handicap winner Cross Traffic and Grade 1 Belmont Stakes star Palace Malice, who breezed five furlongs and a half-mile, respectively, for the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational.
Stewart Gives Golden Soul "Thumbs Up"
Trainer Dallas Stewart gave a cautious “thumbs up” Friday on the condition of Charles Fipke’s homebred Golden Soul, runner-up to Orb in 2012 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (GI), following an eventful journey in an allowance race that served as his debut on turf Wednesday at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky.
Mitchell Says Obviously Training Super
Wise Dan is the horse to beat in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, obviously. Or should that be, Obviously?
Sadler Eyes BC After Big Del Mar Meet
John Sadler captured more than leading trainer honors at the recent Del Mar meet. The 57-year-old Long Beach native not only exceeded his expectations at the seaside venue by winning 27 races to fend off onrushing Doug O’Neill, who was second with 24 wins, he led in stakes victories with six, purse money earned with $2,487,554, and also trained for brothers Kosta and Pete Hronis, the leading owners in wins (six, which tied them with two other owners) and purse earnings with $625,550.
Leatherbury Picks Laurel Dash for Ben's Cat
Owner-trainer King Leatherbury has decided to run Ben’s Cat in the $100,000 Laurel Dash in tomorrow’s Fall Festival of Racing card at Laurel Park instead of the headline race on the 11-race card, the $350,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash. Leatherbury cross-entered his star pupil into both race when entries were taken Wednesday afternoon. He made his decision after handicapping the two races.
