Printer Friendly Page 

Enhanced security measures announced for Belmont Stakes

The New York State Gaming Commission and The New York Racing Association (NYRA) on Tuesday announced enhanced security measures for horses competing in the June 8 Belmont Stakes.

Horses competing in the $1 million purse race will be subject to out-of-competition blood testing for banned substances, be required to be on Belmont Park's grounds by June 5 and be subject to 24-hour monitoring at their trainers' own barns and stalls on the grounds. The Gaming Commission is also requiring the submission of veterinary records for three days leading up to the race, which will be published on the Commission's Web site starting June 5.

"With these measures, the public will once again be reassured that New York's horse racing is run with the utmost integrity and consciousness of safety for the horse and the rider," said Robert Williams, Acting Executive Director of the New York State Gaming Commission. "These actions will enhance an already even playing field, give bettors peace of mind and underscore New York's commitment to the best horse racing in the country."

"I applaud the Gaming Commission's efforts to ensure the integrity of New York's biggest horse race," said David J. Skorton, Chairman of the New York Racing Association Reorganization Board. "We are dedicated to providing a safe environment for all our horses, and these additional measures are sensible and effective steps that will lead to a better race for all."

"These steps will ensure that Belmont Park's signature race is conducted in the fairest, most transparent manner possible, while allowing horsemen to keep their Belmont Stakes horses within their customary surroundings," said Glen Kozak, Vice President of Facilities and Racing Surfaces at NYRA and a member of the NYRA interim management team. "We thank the New York State Gaming Commission for its assistance in establishing these important protocols."

The Gaming Commission has mandated the following protocols and steps for the horses participating in the June 8 Belmont Stakes:

The Commission and NYRA will provide educational materials on the protocols to horsepersons, connections, veterinarians, security and all appropriate parties prior to and on June 5 at Belmont Park.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Malibu Moon colts lead way at final F-T Midlantic session

Colts by Malibu Moon, the sire of Kentucky Derby winner Orb, occupied the top two slots on the second and final day of trading at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale at Timonium, Maryland, on Tuesday.

Hip No. 396 was gaveled down to trainer Gary Contessa, representing Wounded Warrior, for $450,000. The February 1 Kentucky-bred was offered by Eddie Woods, agent.

The sales topper was produced by Partyship (Premiership), making him a half-brother to multiple stakes winner Barrier Reef and to the stakes-placed Artic Party (Eskimo) and Kissin Party (Kissin Kris). The colt's second dam, Party's On Me (Stevedore), is the ancestress of Canadian champion Kiss a Native (Kissin Kris), Grade 1 winner and sire Yes It's True (Is It True), and current multiple Grade 2 winner Silver Max (Badge of Silver).

This was the fourth trip through the sales ring for the chestnut, who worked one furlong in :10 2/5 at last week's under tack show. A $290,000 Keeneland November weanling, he was led out of the ring unsold after bids of $370,000 as a Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling and $145,000 at the Fasig-Tipton February two-year-old sale.

Hip 364, also by Orb, brought $360,000 from Joseph H. Moss. The May 4 Kentucky-bred was consigned by McKathan Brothers, agent.

Produced by Miss Moonlight (Broad Brush), the dark bay is a half-sister to the multiple stakes-winning producer More Moonlight (More Than Ready) and to the multiple stakes-placed Mystical Moonlight (Brahms). This female family has also yielded 1989 champion older male Blushing John (Blushing Groom), Grade 1 winner Lucky Roberto (Belong to Me) and Grade 2 victor Night Patrol (Storm Boot).

The colt, who completed one furlong in :10 3/5 at the under tack show, previously sold for $175,000 as a Fasig-Tipton July yearling.

A Northern Afleet filly was gaveled down to JWS Racing for $315,000. Consigned by Grassroots Training & Sales, agent, the Kentucky-bred toured the ring as Hip 392.

The April 6 filly was reared by Pacific Ocean Song (Unbridled's Song), a half-sister to Grade 2-placed stakes-winner sire Lethal Instrument (Gulch). This family is also responsible for Chilean champion Blue Sea (Rainbow Dancer).

Timed in :10 1/5 at the under tack show, the session's leading filly was previously a $70,000 Keeneland November weanling and a $200,000 Keeneland September yearling.

Business was up across the board on Tuesday despite offering a slimmer catalog than last year's second session. The gross of $9,437,000, realized from the sale of 128 juveniles, was up less than 1 percent over the $9,378,500 brought by 156 two-year-olds last year. The session average was up 22.6 percent, from $60,119 to $73,727, while the median rose 55 percent, from $30,000 to $46,500.

The average and median for the two-day auction posted increases. The average jumped from $53,593 to $66,956, a rate of 24.9 percent, while the median was up 42.9 percent, from $28,000 to $40,000. The auction house reported 249 horses sold for $16,672,000, a decline of less than 1 percent over last year when 312 juveniles brought $16,721,000.

For full results, visit fasigtipton.com.

Palace Malice will keep Smith, shed blinkers for Belmont

Palace Malice will try to win the Belmont trophy that eluded his sire, Curlin (Jessie Holmes/EquiSport Photos) Dogwood Stable President Cot Campbell confirmed Monday afternoon that Mike Smith will retain the mount aboard Palace Malice in the June 8 Belmont Stakes. The Hall of Famer first rode the colt in the May 4 Kentucky Derby, where the Todd Pletcher trainee overreacted to first-time blinkers, set a frenetic pace, and faded to 12th on the sloppy track. Palace Malice will keep his rider, but lose the headgear, for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont. "The decision is based on the outcome of the Preakness," Campbell said in a statement, "and the fact that on Sunday at Belmont Park our horse worked a very snappy half in :47.2, indicating good energy and enthusiasm. "The blinkers that jazzed him up in the Kentucky Derby come off and we anticipate no problem with pace or distance. He always rated kindly in previous races, and he will be in good hands with Mike Smith. "We are keen to give him another chance -- his trainer Todd Pletcher included," Campbell noted.

"Who knows which horse will relish a mile and a half; but his pedigree and his disposition -- sans blinkers -- would give Palace Malice as good a shot as any of them."

Palace Malice had just missed in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes prior to the Derby. Earlier this season, he was a close third in the Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds, edging eventual Preakness upsetter Oxbow.

Palace Malice is from the first crop of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who was outdueled by the filly Rags to Riches in the 2007 Belmont.

Pletcher will field several other Belmont runners, including Louisiana Derby hero and Kentucky Derby third-placer Revolutionary and Arkansas Derby winner Overanalyze, who was 11th in the Run for the Roses.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Enhanced security measures announced for Belmont Stakes

The New York State Gaming Commission and The New York Racing Association (NYRA) on Tuesday announced enhanced security measures for horses competing in the June 8 Belmont Stakes.

Horses competing in the $1 million purse race will be subject to out-of-competition blood testing for banned substances, be required to be on Belmont Park's grounds by June 5 and be subject to 24-hour monitoring at their trainers' own barns and stalls on the grounds. The Gaming Commission is also requiring the submission of veterinary records for three days leading up to the race, which will be published on the Commission's Web site starting June 5.

"With these measures, the public will once again be reassured that New York's horse racing is run with the utmost integrity and consciousness of safety for the horse and the rider," said Robert Williams, Acting Executive Director of the New York State Gaming Commission. "These actions will enhance an already even playing field, give bettors peace of mind and underscore New York's commitment to the best horse racing in the country."

"I applaud the Gaming Commission's efforts to ensure the integrity of New York's biggest horse race," said David J. Skorton, Chairman of the New York Racing Association Reorganization Board. "We are dedicated to providing a safe environment for all our horses, and these additional measures are sensible and effective steps that will lead to a better race for all."

"These steps will ensure that Belmont Park's signature race is conducted in the fairest, most transparent manner possible, while allowing horsemen to keep their Belmont Stakes horses within their customary surroundings," said Glen Kozak, Vice President of Facilities and Racing Surfaces at NYRA and a member of the NYRA interim management team. "We thank the New York State Gaming Commission for its assistance in establishing these important protocols."

The Gaming Commission has mandated the following protocols and steps for the horses participating in the June 8 Belmont Stakes:

The Commission and NYRA will provide educational materials on the protocols to horsepersons, connections, veterinarians, security and all appropriate parties prior to and on June 5 at Belmont Park.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Encke among latest positive tests for al Zarooni; bin Suroor trainees all clear

Encke, led by Mahmood al Zarooni (right), tested negative both before and after his St Leger victory (Courtesy of Doncaster Racecourse via Facebook) Following the April 25 Disciplinary Panel inquiry into the administration of anabolic steroids by Mahmood al Zarooni, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed that it would be conducting tests on all Godolphin-owned horses in training in Newmarket, including those at Moulton Paddocks (the yard formerly licensed to al Zarooni) as well as horses trained by Saeed bin Suroor.  Between April 29 and May 2, blood samples were taken from 391 horses and sent for analysis at HFL Sport Science. The BHA has now received written confirmation from the laboratory that analysis of the samples from horses based at Moulton Paddocks identified seven further positive tests for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid and therefore a prohibited substance under the Rules of Racing. All of the horses under the care and control of Saeed bin Suroor tested negative. The names of the seven horses based at Moulton Paddocks are: Encke, who famously thwarted Camelot's quest for the English Triple Crown in the St Leger last September. The BHA revealed that he was subjected to post-race tests after his third in the August 22 Great Voltigeur at York and again at Doncaster after the St Leger, and both came up negative. Energizer, winner of the Tercentenary at Royal Ascot when trained by Jens Hirschberger in Germany. He was sixth in the Great Voltigeur in his only outing for al Zarooni. Genius Beast, a full brother to Encke, who has not raced since finishing eighth in the 2011 St Leger. Improvisation, who just broke his maiden at Newmarket on April 17 but was not selected for post-race testing at that time. Stamford, a twice-raced maiden who has been off since September. Steeler, who has yet to race since joining al Zarooni. For his original trainer Mark Johnston, he captured the September 29 Royal Lodge and finished third in the October 27 Racing Post Trophy. Zip Top, unraced since his runner-up effort to Camelot in the 2011 Racing Post Trophy, his finale for Jim Bolger.

Godolphin and, via his solicitors, al Zarooni have been informed of the test results. Both Godolphin and al Zarooni have also been notified that they have the option within the Rules to ask that the relevant samples be subjected to B sample analysis. Both parties have until May 23 to confirm if they wish to take up this option.

In line with the restrictions imposed on the 15 horses identified as having been administered anabolic steroids in the initial investigation, and subject to confirmation should the B samples be sent for counter-analysis, the seven horses will be suspended from running in Britain for a period of six months from the date the samples were taken. As such the above horses would not be permitted to resume racing until October 29, 2013. Any of these horses may be subjected to further sampling, as directed by the BHA, prior to them resuming racing.

The BHA has also notified Godolphin that the application for bin Suroor to take charge of Moulton Paddocks will now be processed. Under the Rules of Racing, horses must be in the care of a licensed trainer for 14 days before they are permitted to run. 

Following the eight-year disqualification awarded by the Disciplinary Panel, al Zarooni lodged an appeal against the severity of the penalty. No date has been set for the Appeal Board hearing as yet but the BHA can confirm that it will not take place until the final week in June, at the earliest.

"We will not be taking any separate action in respect of these additional positive results whilst Mr. al Zarooni's appeal process is ongoing," said Adam Brickell, director of Integrity, Legal and Risk for the BHA.

"In the meantime, the latest findings from HFL Sport Science will form the subject of further interviews as part of the BHA's continuing investigation. From the outset, one of the aims of the investigation, in addition to trying to understand the environment within which such serious breaches came to be committed, has been to identify what measures are needed to ensure the yard operates in accordance with the Rules in future. The findings will be shared with Godolphin and will also assist the BHA with regard to the future licensing of the yard."

BHA Chief Executive Paul Bittar also commented on the developments.

"These test results endorse the swift action and measures taken by the BHA in this matter," Bittar said. "Whatever the outcome of his appeal before the independent Appeal Board, the gravity and scale of the infringements warranted Mahmood al Zarooni being removed from control of the yard as quickly as possible.

"We welcome the news that Saeed bin Suroor's horses tested negative and this clears the way for him to now take charge of Moulton Paddocks."

Godolphin issued a statement from racing manager Simon Crisford on the stable's website.

"It is obviously very disappointing that seven further horses have tested positive for stanozolol," Crisford said.

"These results highlight why H.H. Sheikh Mohammed took the decision to lock down the stables at Moulton Paddocks until every Godolphin horse in training at Newmarket had been tested.

"All of Saeed bin Suroor's horses have tested clear and we are working with the BHA to put everything back in order at Moulton Paddocks."

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Palace Malice will keep Smith, shed blinkers for Belmont

Palace Malice will try to win the Belmont trophy that eluded his sire, Curlin (Jessie Holmes/EquiSport Photos) Dogwood Stable President Cot Campbell confirmed Monday afternoon that Mike Smith will retain the mount aboard Palace Malice in the June 8 Belmont Stakes. The Hall of Famer first rode the colt in the May 4 Kentucky Derby, where the Todd Pletcher trainee overreacted to first-time blinkers, set a frenetic pace, and faded to 12th on the sloppy track. Palace Malice will keep his rider, but lose the headgear, for the 1 1/2-mile Belmont. "The decision is based on the outcome of the Preakness," Campbell said in a statement, "and the fact that on Sunday at Belmont Park our horse worked a very snappy half in :47.2, indicating good energy and enthusiasm. "The blinkers that jazzed him up in the Kentucky Derby come off and we anticipate no problem with pace or distance. He always rated kindly in previous races, and he will be in good hands with Mike Smith. "We are keen to give him another chance -- his trainer Todd Pletcher included," Campbell noted.

"Who knows which horse will relish a mile and a half; but his pedigree and his disposition -- sans blinkers -- would give Palace Malice as good a shot as any of them."

Palace Malice had just missed in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes prior to the Derby. Earlier this season, he was a close third in the Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds, edging eventual Preakness upsetter Oxbow.

Palace Malice is from the first crop of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who was outdueled by the filly Rags to Riches in the 2007 Belmont.

Pletcher will field several other Belmont runners, including Louisiana Derby hero and Kentucky Derby third-placer Revolutionary and Arkansas Derby winner Overanalyze, who was 11th in the Run for the Roses.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Prominent racetrack official Noe dies at 84

Kenneth "Kenny" Noe Jr., former president, chief executive officer and chairman of The New York Racing Association (NYRA) board, died Sunday at the age of 84.

Noe, who served as a racing secretary and steward at NYRA during the 1970s, was hired as president and general manager of the organization in October 1994. In September 1995 he was elevated to chairman of the board of trustees, and in December of 1996 was named chairman and chief executive officer. He resigned as board chairman and CEO in October 2000.

A native of Hamilton, Ohio, Noe held a variety of positions in the racing industry at more than a dozen tracks. In addition to New York, Noe served as racing secretary at a number of major venues in the East and Midwest including Hialeah, Garden State Park, Arlington Park and Washington Park. He also spent 11 years as the president and general manager of Calder Race Course from 1979-90.

A past director of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Noe was also a director of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, and the Miami Heart Institute.

He is survived by his son Jeff and daughter Holly. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Encke among latest positive tests for al Zarooni; bin Suroor trainees all clear

Encke, led by Mahmood al Zarooni (right), tested negative both before and after his St Leger victory (Courtesy of Doncaster Racecourse via Facebook) Following the April 25 Disciplinary Panel inquiry into the administration of anabolic steroids by Mahmood al Zarooni, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed that it would be conducting tests on all Godolphin-owned horses in training in Newmarket, including those at Moulton Paddocks (the yard formerly licensed to al Zarooni) as well as horses trained by Saeed bin Suroor.  Between April 29 and May 2, blood samples were taken from 391 horses and sent for analysis at HFL Sport Science. The BHA has now received written confirmation from the laboratory that analysis of the samples from horses based at Moulton Paddocks identified seven further positive tests for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid and therefore a prohibited substance under the Rules of Racing. All of the horses under the care and control of Saeed bin Suroor tested negative. The names of the seven horses based at Moulton Paddocks are: Encke, who famously thwarted Camelot's quest for the English Triple Crown in the St Leger last September. The BHA revealed that he was subjected to post-race tests after his third in the August 22 Great Voltigeur at York and again at Doncaster after the St Leger, and both came up negative. Energizer, winner of the Tercentenary at Royal Ascot when trained by Jens Hirschberger in Germany. He was sixth in the Great Voltigeur in his only outing for al Zarooni. Genius Beast, a full brother to Encke, who has not raced since finishing eighth in the 2011 St Leger. Improvisation, who just broke his maiden at Newmarket on April 17 but was not selected for post-race testing at that time. Stamford, a twice-raced maiden who has been off since September. Steeler, who has yet to race since joining al Zarooni. For his original trainer Mark Johnston, he captured the September 29 Royal Lodge and finished third in the October 27 Racing Post Trophy. Zip Top, unraced since his runner-up effort to Camelot in the 2011 Racing Post Trophy, his finale for Jim Bolger.

Godolphin and, via his solicitors, al Zarooni have been informed of the test results. Both Godolphin and al Zarooni have also been notified that they have the option within the Rules to ask that the relevant samples be subjected to B sample analysis. Both parties have until May 23 to confirm if they wish to take up this option.

In line with the restrictions imposed on the 15 horses identified as having been administered anabolic steroids in the initial investigation, and subject to confirmation should the B samples be sent for counter-analysis, the seven horses will be suspended from running in Britain for a period of six months from the date the samples were taken. As such the above horses would not be permitted to resume racing until October 29, 2013. Any of these horses may be subjected to further sampling, as directed by the BHA, prior to them resuming racing.

The BHA has also notified Godolphin that the application for bin Suroor to take charge of Moulton Paddocks will now be processed. Under the Rules of Racing, horses must be in the care of a licensed trainer for 14 days before they are permitted to run. 

Following the eight-year disqualification awarded by the Disciplinary Panel, al Zarooni lodged an appeal against the severity of the penalty. No date has been set for the Appeal Board hearing as yet but the BHA can confirm that it will not take place until the final week in June, at the earliest.

"We will not be taking any separate action in respect of these additional positive results whilst Mr. al Zarooni's appeal process is ongoing," said Adam Brickell, director of Integrity, Legal and Risk for the BHA.

"In the meantime, the latest findings from HFL Sport Science will form the subject of further interviews as part of the BHA's continuing investigation. From the outset, one of the aims of the investigation, in addition to trying to understand the environment within which such serious breaches came to be committed, has been to identify what measures are needed to ensure the yard operates in accordance with the Rules in future. The findings will be shared with Godolphin and will also assist the BHA with regard to the future licensing of the yard."

BHA Chief Executive Paul Bittar also commented on the developments.

"These test results endorse the swift action and measures taken by the BHA in this matter," Bittar said. "Whatever the outcome of his appeal before the independent Appeal Board, the gravity and scale of the infringements warranted Mahmood al Zarooni being removed from control of the yard as quickly as possible.

"We welcome the news that Saeed bin Suroor's horses tested negative and this clears the way for him to now take charge of Moulton Paddocks."

Godolphin issued a statement from racing manager Simon Crisford on the stable's website.

"It is obviously very disappointing that seven further horses have tested positive for stanozolol," Crisford said.

"These results highlight why H.H. Sheikh Mohammed took the decision to lock down the stables at Moulton Paddocks until every Godolphin horse in training at Newmarket had been tested.

"All of Saeed bin Suroor's horses have tested clear and we are working with the BHA to put everything back in order at Moulton Paddocks."

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Prominent racetrack official Noe dies at 84

Kenneth "Kenny" Noe Jr., former president, chief executive officer and chairman of The New York Racing Association (NYRA) board, died Sunday at the age of 84.

Noe, who served as a racing secretary and steward at NYRA during the 1970s, was hired as president and general manager of the organization in October 1994. In September 1995 he was elevated to chairman of the board of trustees, and in December of 1996 was named chairman and chief executive officer. He resigned as board chairman and CEO in October 2000.

A native of Hamilton, Ohio, Noe held a variety of positions in the racing industry at more than a dozen tracks. In addition to New York, Noe served as racing secretary at a number of major venues in the East and Midwest including Hialeah, Garden State Park, Arlington Park and Washington Park. He also spent 11 years as the president and general manager of Calder Race Course from 1979-90.

A past director of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Noe was also a director of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, and the Miami Heart Institute.

He is survived by his son Jeff and daughter Holly. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Lukas back on top following Oxbow's Preakness win

Lukas and Oxbow were on the road in the wee hours of Sunday morning back to Churchill Downs (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club) Back in the 1980s and '90s when trainer D. Wayne Lukas was winning Triple Crown races with astonishing regularity, the catch-phrase "D. Wayne off the plane" followed him from track to track as he made his hit-and-run assaults on racetracks across America with a lineup of assistants that included Todd Pletcher, Mark Hennig, Kiaran McLaughlin and Dallas Stewart. The glory days of Lukas had seemingly subsided in the new millennium with the passing of wealthy clients like Eugene Klein, W. T. Young and Bob Lewis. In recent years, Lukas had geared down his operation and had become more of a fringe player on racing's biggest stage. That all changed Saturday when the 77-year-old Hall of Famer saddled his record-14th Triple Crown race winner, Oxbow, for the 138th Preakness for legendary Calumet Farm, which had similarly faded from the forefront of major Thoroughbred racing. It was the first spring classic winner for Lukas since Commendable took the Belmont Stakes in 2000, and the Preakness score by Oxbow ended a drought in the classics for Calumet dating all the way back to Forward Pass' victory in the 1968 Preakness.

Lukas and his nine-horse contingent, that also included Dixie upsetter Skyring and his personal pony, were on the highway before dawn Sunday morning, heading back to their home base at Churchill Downs. Then it's on to the Belmont Stakes in three weeks with Oxbow and possibly seventh-place finisher Will Take Charge. Titletown Five, Lukas' third Preakness entrant who finished last, will run in shorter races for the rest of his three-year-old campaign.

"I've always rode with the horses all my career," said Lukas, who now has six Preakness winners, one behind Robert Walden for the all-time record in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. "I used to go on the airplanes and stand there with them all the time. We don't fly much anymore."

He's "the man on the van" these days, having ridden in a pickup truck for more than 12 hours to Pimlico on Tuesday and scheduled to follow the same routine back home Sunday.

"I'll get him home at feeding time just about," Lukas explained. "By the time I get him home and give him a bath it'll be right about 5 o'clock (EDT). They put a bucket seat where I ride on kind of an air-ride slide thing. It's like riding in a boat somewhere on the waves."

Oxbow gave Lukas his sixth Preakness winner and jockey Gary Stevens his third (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club) This Preakness was a serious helping of history for the connections of the winner. In addition to Lukas and Calumet, jockey Gary Stevens capped an unlikely comeback at age 50 by winning his third Preakness. His previous victories came aboard Silver Charm (1997) and Point Given (2001). Last year at this time, Stevens was working in Baltimore as a TV analyst for NBC and HRTV. Lukas said all week he was thrilled to have the Hall of Famer aboard Oxbow and was encouraged by his Derby performance. "He's so on top of all this stuff," Lukas praised. "He'll tell you the fractions, who was laying fourth on the backside and everything. He's very into this, very into this." Oxbow, a son of Breeders' Cup Classic winner Awesome Again, is Lukas' first Preakness winner since Charismatic in 1999. His other Preakness winners were Timber Country (1995), Tabasco Cat (1994), Tank's Prospect (1985) and Codex (1980). Over those glory days, there was a sometimes not-so-friendly rivalry with colleague Bob Baffert, who saddled Govenor Charlie to a disappointing eighth-place finish Saturday. It was Baffert's 14th Preakness starter (five winners), well behind Lukas' record total of 40. "Over the years a lot of people thought that Baffert and I had a rivalry, when actually we come from pretty similar backgrounds and we're pretty good friends," Lukas said. "It was really significant yesterday when he came down and congratulated me right after the race. A mutual friend of ours said that when his horse didn't look like he was getting it done at the half-mile pole, Bob and a friend were jumping up and down and saying, 'Go get 'em, Lukey.'" Lukas said almost immediately after the Preakness that he hoped to try Oxbow in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes.

"I was trying to be politically correct all week, but I thought (Oxbow) was the toughest horse. I thought if there was some adversity or something went wrong, he had the best chance to overcome," Lukas admitted. "Will Take Charge is so big that he has to get a clear run. He can't check, stop, take a bump or anything. The other horse (Titletown Five) we knew was going to need a career quantum leap forward."

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Lukas back on top following Oxbow's Preakness win

Lukas and Oxbow were on the road in the wee hours of Sunday morning back to Churchill Downs (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club) Back in the 1980s and '90s when trainer D. Wayne Lukas was winning Triple Crown races with astonishing regularity, the catch-phrase "D. Wayne off the plane" followed him from track to track as he made his hit-and-run assaults on racetracks across America with a lineup of assistants that included Todd Pletcher, Mark Hennig, Kiaran McLaughlin and Dallas Stewart. The glory days of Lukas had seemingly subsided in the new millennium with the passing of wealthy clients like Eugene Klein, W. T. Young and Bob Lewis. In recent years, Lukas had geared down his operation and had become more of a fringe player on racing's biggest stage. That all changed Saturday when the 77-year-old Hall of Famer saddled his record-14th Triple Crown race winner, Oxbow, for the 138th Preakness for legendary Calumet Farm, which had similarly faded from the forefront of major Thoroughbred racing. It was the first spring classic winner for Lukas since Commendable took the Belmont Stakes in 2000, and the Preakness score by Oxbow ended a drought in the classics for Calumet dating all the way back to Forward Pass' victory in the 1968 Preakness.

Lukas and his nine-horse contingent, that also included Dixie upsetter Skyring and his personal pony, were on the highway before dawn Sunday morning, heading back to their home base at Churchill Downs. Then it's on to the Belmont Stakes in three weeks with Oxbow and possibly seventh-place finisher Will Take Charge. Titletown Five, Lukas' third Preakness entrant who finished last, will run in shorter races for the rest of his three-year-old campaign.

"I've always rode with the horses all my career," said Lukas, who now has six Preakness winners, one behind Robert Walden for the all-time record in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. "I used to go on the airplanes and stand there with them all the time. We don't fly much anymore."

He's "the man on the van" these days, having ridden in a pickup truck for more than 12 hours to Pimlico on Tuesday and scheduled to follow the same routine back home Sunday.

"I'll get him home at feeding time just about," Lukas explained. "By the time I get him home and give him a bath it'll be right about 5 o'clock (EDT). They put a bucket seat where I ride on kind of an air-ride slide thing. It's like riding in a boat somewhere on the waves."

Oxbow gave Lukas his sixth Preakness winner and jockey Gary Stevens his third (Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club) This Preakness was a serious helping of history for the connections of the winner. In addition to Lukas and Calumet, jockey Gary Stevens capped an unlikely comeback at age 50 by winning his third Preakness. His previous victories came aboard Silver Charm (1997) and Point Given (2001). Last year at this time, Stevens was working in Baltimore as a TV analyst for NBC and HRTV. Lukas said all week he was thrilled to have the Hall of Famer aboard Oxbow and was encouraged by his Derby performance. "He's so on top of all this stuff," Lukas praised. "He'll tell you the fractions, who was laying fourth on the backside and everything. He's very into this, very into this." Oxbow, a son of Breeders' Cup Classic winner Awesome Again, is Lukas' first Preakness winner since Charismatic in 1999. His other Preakness winners were Timber Country (1995), Tabasco Cat (1994), Tank's Prospect (1985) and Codex (1980). Over those glory days, there was a sometimes not-so-friendly rivalry with colleague Bob Baffert, who saddled Govenor Charlie to a disappointing eighth-place finish Saturday. It was Baffert's 14th Preakness starter (five winners), well behind Lukas' record total of 40. "Over the years a lot of people thought that Baffert and I had a rivalry, when actually we come from pretty similar backgrounds and we're pretty good friends," Lukas said. "It was really significant yesterday when he came down and congratulated me right after the race. A mutual friend of ours said that when his horse didn't look like he was getting it done at the half-mile pole, Bob and a friend were jumping up and down and saying, 'Go get 'em, Lukey.'" Lukas said almost immediately after the Preakness that he hoped to try Oxbow in the 1 1/2-mile Belmont Stakes.

"I was trying to be politically correct all week, but I thought (Oxbow) was the toughest horse. I thought if there was some adversity or something went wrong, he had the best chance to overcome," Lukas admitted. "Will Take Charge is so big that he has to get a clear run. He can't check, stop, take a bump or anything. The other horse (Titletown Five) we knew was going to need a career quantum leap forward."

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Orb doing well after Preakness fourth

Orb, seen here relaxing prior to his run in Saturday's Preakness, could get a rematch with Oxbow in the Belmont (Spencer Tulis/Horsephotos.com) Kentucky Derby hero Orb boarded a van at Pimlico bound for New York at 7 a.m. (EDT) Sunday morning, showing no ill effects from Saturday's disappointing fourth-place finish in Preakness 138. "He came out of it fine. He's sound. Physically, everything is fine," trainer Shug McGaughey said. "We'll get him up the road and evaluate the situation to see where we'll go." McGaughey didn't have a concrete explanation for Orb's surprisingly dull performance as the 3-5 favorite that followed a sharp 2 1/2-length victory two weeks earlier at Churchill Downs. "The racetrack was probably deep down the inside there. There was a lot of throwback. We couldn't get to the outside. I thought he was in good position and (jockey Joel Rosario) took him to the right position, and all of a sudden he had no horse. Why that was, I don't know," the Hall of Fame trainer said. "I think it wasn't our day and it was Oxbow's day." Saturday's disappointment in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown only made McGaughey appreciate the Derby victory even more. "Winning the Derby was my lifelong dream. We won it," McGaughey said. "I would have loved to win (Saturday) to take it to the next level, so I do appreciate how tough it is. "If I have the opportunity again (to compete in the Derby), I may cherish it even more, because I've seen how tough it is to get it done. Maybe I do appreciate how tough it is to win more. As brilliant as we were two weeks ago, we weren't as brilliant yesterday."

McGaughey will monitor Stuart Janney III and Phipps Stable's homebred colt's training at Belmont Park before deciding his status for the Belmont Stakes on June 8.

"I want to see him bounce back and see his soundness level and his energy level," he explained. "I think there are a lot of good wins down the road for him."

After Orb arrived at Belmont Park at 11:30 a.m., McGaughey reported that his charge had shipped back home well.

"He was already in his stall when I got back here and seemed to be fine," he said. "We'll walk him a good while this afternoon and just kind of see what we have. The Belmont Stakes is on our radar screen.

"I talked to Mr. Janney this morning. He and Mr. Phipps had talked on their way to the airport. We just all came to the conclusion that we should just watch Orb and see. I think everything is in good shape. We'd like to run.

"But yesterday took a little bit out of him and he's already run five times this year and it's only the middle of May. I'd sure like to have him fresh for Saratoga and a Jim Dandy/Travers kind of a go.

"He's just going to have to tell us what we want to see. If he's jumping out of his skin, we're going to bring him over here (to run in the Belmont Stakes).

"I might know in about a week. I just have to wait and see. Everything's gone great all year until yesterday. But I don't anticipate any problems. I don't think he's knocked out by any means."

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Orb doing well after Preakness fourth

Orb, seen here relaxing prior to his run in Saturday's Preakness, could get a rematch with Oxbow in the Belmont (Spencer Tulis/Horsephotos.com) Kentucky Derby hero Orb boarded a van at Pimlico bound for New York at 7 a.m. (EDT) Sunday morning, showing no ill effects from Saturday's disappointing fourth-place finish in Preakness 138. "He came out of it fine. He's sound. Physically, everything is fine," trainer Shug McGaughey said. "We'll get him up the road and evaluate the situation to see where we'll go." McGaughey didn't have a concrete explanation for Orb's surprisingly dull performance as the 3-5 favorite that followed a sharp 2 1/2-length victory two weeks earlier at Churchill Downs. "The racetrack was probably deep down the inside there. There was a lot of throwback. We couldn't get to the outside. I thought he was in good position and (jockey Joel Rosario) took him to the right position, and all of a sudden he had no horse. Why that was, I don't know," the Hall of Fame trainer said. "I think it wasn't our day and it was Oxbow's day." Saturday's disappointment in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown only made McGaughey appreciate the Derby victory even more. "Winning the Derby was my lifelong dream. We won it," McGaughey said. "I would have loved to win (Saturday) to take it to the next level, so I do appreciate how tough it is. "If I have the opportunity again (to compete in the Derby), I may cherish it even more, because I've seen how tough it is to get it done. Maybe I do appreciate how tough it is to win more. As brilliant as we were two weeks ago, we weren't as brilliant yesterday."

McGaughey will monitor Stuart Janney III and Phipps Stable's homebred colt's training at Belmont Park before deciding his status for the Belmont Stakes on June 8.

"I want to see him bounce back and see his soundness level and his energy level," he explained. "I think there are a lot of good wins down the road for him."

After Orb arrived at Belmont Park at 11:30 a.m., McGaughey reported that his charge had shipped back home well.

"He was already in his stall when I got back here and seemed to be fine," he said. "We'll walk him a good while this afternoon and just kind of see what we have. The Belmont Stakes is on our radar screen.

"I talked to Mr. Janney this morning. He and Mr. Phipps had talked on their way to the airport. We just all came to the conclusion that we should just watch Orb and see. I think everything is in good shape. We'd like to run.

"But yesterday took a little bit out of him and he's already run five times this year and it's only the middle of May. I'd sure like to have him fresh for Saratoga and a Jim Dandy/Travers kind of a go.

"He's just going to have to tell us what we want to see. If he's jumping out of his skin, we're going to bring him over here (to run in the Belmont Stakes).

"I might know in about a week. I just have to wait and see. Everything's gone great all year until yesterday. But I don't anticipate any problems. I don't think he's knocked out by any means."

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Pletcher's armada massing for Belmont Stakes

After bypassing the Preakness, trainer Todd Pletcher has a deep group of contenders for the June 8 Belmont Stakes.

"We have a few candidates, but we haven't firmed up the line-up just yet," Pletcher said.

Two of his Derby also-rans, Overanalyze and Palace Malice, breezed at Belmont Park Sunday, as did the filly Unlimited Budget.

Palace Malice sped a half-mile on the good training track in :47.49, while Overanalyze covered the same ground in :47.50. The colts posted the day's second and third-best times, respectively, at the trip. Unlimited Budget clocked :49.

"Overanalyze breezed this morning and breezed well," Pletcher said. "We are planning to run him. We breezed Palace Malice and talked to (Cot) Campbell (of Dogwood Stable). We plan to run him.

"Revolutionary will have two breezes starting next Sunday. We plan to run him.

"Mike Repole is going to be the key to how many other horses we run. He has several possibilities (in addition to Overanalyze). 

"Unlimited Budget breezed this morning, and she is possible. Micromanage is here and will breeze next Sunday, and we'll make a decision after that."

WinStar Farm's Revolutionary, winner of the Withers in February at Aqueduct and the Louisiana Derby in March at Fair Grounds, was Pletcher's highest finisher in the 2013 Kentucky Derby, reporting home third, beaten 3 1/2 lengths by Orb.

Overanalyze, victorious in the Arkansas Derby in April at Oaklawn, was 11th in the Derby, with Blue Grass runner-up Palace Malice tiring to 12th after setting a fast pace.

Unlimited Budget, third in the Kentucky Oaks on May 3, would be attempting to emulate Rags to Riches, who in 2007 became the first filly since 1905 to win the Belmont. Rags to Riches is Pletcher's only Belmont Stakes winner to date. Micromanage is exiting a neck victory in an optional claimer on May 11 at Monmouth Park.

Pletcher is a former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who on Saturday picked up his sixth Preakness victory when he sent out Oxbow to a front-running win under Gary Stevens.

"I was very happy for Wayne and Gary; it was a tremendous accomplishment for both of them," Pletcher said. "I thought Gary rode a very, very smart race and took advantage of the pace scenario, and the horse delivered a big performance."

Oxbow, the Preakness Stakes winner, departed Pimlico before dawn on Sunday and vanned to Lukas' barn at Churchill Downs, according to Pimlico officials. The colt is expected to aim for the Belmont Stakes.

According to NYRA Stakes Coordinator Andrew Byrnes, Oxbow currently is slated to face Freedom Child, Golden Soul, Overanalyze, Palace Malice and Revolutionary. Bob Baffert will run either Code West or Power Broker. Orb and Itsmyluckyday are possible.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Pletcher's armada massing for Belmont Stakes

After bypassing the Preakness, trainer Todd Pletcher has a deep group of contenders for the June 8 Belmont Stakes.

"We have a few candidates, but we haven't firmed up the line-up just yet," Pletcher said.

Two of his Derby also-rans, Overanalyze and Palace Malice, breezed at Belmont Park Sunday, as did the filly Unlimited Budget.

Palace Malice sped a half-mile on the good training track in :47.49, while Overanalyze covered the same ground in :47.50. The colts posted the day's second and third-best times, respectively, at the trip. Unlimited Budget clocked :49.

"Overanalyze breezed this morning and breezed well," Pletcher said. "We are planning to run him. We breezed Palace Malice and talked to (Cot) Campbell (of Dogwood Stable). We plan to run him.

"Revolutionary will have two breezes starting next Sunday. We plan to run him.

"Mike Repole is going to be the key to how many other horses we run. He has several possibilities (in addition to Overanalyze). 

"Unlimited Budget breezed this morning, and she is possible. Micromanage is here and will breeze next Sunday, and we'll make a decision after that."

WinStar Farm's Revolutionary, winner of the Withers in February at Aqueduct and the Louisiana Derby in March at Fair Grounds, was Pletcher's highest finisher in the 2013 Kentucky Derby, reporting home third, beaten 3 1/2 lengths by Orb.

Overanalyze, victorious in the Arkansas Derby in April at Oaklawn, was 11th in the Derby, with Blue Grass runner-up Palace Malice tiring to 12th after setting a fast pace.

Unlimited Budget, third in the Kentucky Oaks on May 3, would be attempting to emulate Rags to Riches, who in 2007 became the first filly since 1905 to win the Belmont. Rags to Riches is Pletcher's only Belmont Stakes winner to date. Micromanage is exiting a neck victory in an optional claimer on May 11 at Monmouth Park.

Pletcher is a former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who on Saturday picked up his sixth Preakness victory when he sent out Oxbow to a front-running win under Gary Stevens.

"I was very happy for Wayne and Gary; it was a tremendous accomplishment for both of them," Pletcher said. "I thought Gary rode a very, very smart race and took advantage of the pace scenario, and the horse delivered a big performance."

Oxbow, the Preakness Stakes winner, departed Pimlico before dawn on Sunday and vanned to Lukas' barn at Churchill Downs, according to Pimlico officials. The colt is expected to aim for the Belmont Stakes.

According to NYRA Stakes Coordinator Andrew Byrnes, Oxbow currently is slated to face Freedom Child, Golden Soul, Overanalyze, Palace Malice and Revolutionary. Bob Baffert will run either Code West or Power Broker. Orb and Itsmyluckyday are possible.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Itsmyluckyday justifies Plesa's faith, now targeting Haskell

Itsmyluckyday's runner-up effort in the Preakness was no surprise to his trainer (Wendy Wooley/EquiSport Photos) Trilogy Stable and Laurie Plesa's Itsmyluckyday looked bright Sunday morning, earning high marks from trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. for the manner in which he exited his second-place finish behind Oxbow in Saturday's Preakness Stakes. "On a 1-to-10 scale, 10-plus," Plesa said. Itsmyluckyday, who had finished 15th over the sloppy Churchill Downs track in the Kentucky Derby, rebounded with a strong showing at Pimlico. The son of Lawyer Ron, who was forwardly placed in fourth as Oxbow set a comfortable pace along the backstretch, kicked in through the stretch but could get no closer than 1 3/4 lengths to trainer D. Wayne Lukas' sixth Preakness winner. "I wouldn't take anything away from Wayne's horse, but they went the half in 48-and-change. That's pretty much walking. Did that help his horse? Absolutely. Did it hurt my horse? Absolutely," Plesa said. "I won't say anything other than I wish the pace would have been quicker." Plesa said Itsmyluckyday's dismal Derby showing did nothing to undermine his confidence in his colt's abilities, but he was happy that the Kentucky-bred got a chance to prove his critics wrong. "Everybody was throwing him out because he couldn't get the distance and he ran a lousy race. I hate to use slop as an excuse, but it was a valid excuse. We all knew that," Plesa said. "Not for us, but for other people, it validates his ability. "That's not a bad thing. They're like your children. You don't like to read something bad about your children. We know what we have. He's an exceptional horse; there's no doubt about it." A start in the Belmont Stakes is far from a definite for the Gulfstream Park Derby and Holy Bull winner. "It's 50-50 at best," Plesa stated.

Itsmyluckyday, who was scheduled to ship to Monmouth Park Sunday, is a far more definite candidate to run in the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational at the New Jersey track on July 28.

"The Haskell is on my list. God willing, that's a certainty," Plesa said.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Itsmyluckyday justifies Plesa's faith, now targeting Haskell

Itsmyluckyday's runner-up effort in the Preakness was no surprise to his trainer (Wendy Wooley/EquiSport Photos) Trilogy Stable and Laurie Plesa's Itsmyluckyday looked bright Sunday morning, earning high marks from trainer Eddie Plesa Jr. for the manner in which he exited his second-place finish behind Oxbow in Saturday's Preakness Stakes. "On a 1-to-10 scale, 10-plus," Plesa said. Itsmyluckyday, who had finished 15th over the sloppy Churchill Downs track in the Kentucky Derby, rebounded with a strong showing at Pimlico. The son of Lawyer Ron, who was forwardly placed in fourth as Oxbow set a comfortable pace along the backstretch, kicked in through the stretch but could get no closer than 1 3/4 lengths to trainer D. Wayne Lukas' sixth Preakness winner. "I wouldn't take anything away from Wayne's horse, but they went the half in 48-and-change. That's pretty much walking. Did that help his horse? Absolutely. Did it hurt my horse? Absolutely," Plesa said. "I won't say anything other than I wish the pace would have been quicker." Plesa said Itsmyluckyday's dismal Derby showing did nothing to undermine his confidence in his colt's abilities, but he was happy that the Kentucky-bred got a chance to prove his critics wrong. "Everybody was throwing him out because he couldn't get the distance and he ran a lousy race. I hate to use slop as an excuse, but it was a valid excuse. We all knew that," Plesa said. "Not for us, but for other people, it validates his ability. "That's not a bad thing. They're like your children. You don't like to read something bad about your children. We know what we have. He's an exceptional horse; there's no doubt about it." A start in the Belmont Stakes is far from a definite for the Gulfstream Park Derby and Holy Bull winner. "It's 50-50 at best," Plesa stated.

Itsmyluckyday, who was scheduled to ship to Monmouth Park Sunday, is a far more definite candidate to run in the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational at the New Jersey track on July 28.

"The Haskell is on my list. God willing, that's a certainty," Plesa said.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Majority of Preakness field bypassing Belmont Stakes

Mylute will get some down time following his Derby fifth and Preakess third (Jessie Holmes/EquiSport Photos) Fourteen hours after Mylute finished third in Saturday's Preakness Stakes, trainer Tom Amoss said Sunday that he was even more impressed with the performance than he was Saturday. "Upon reflection, I think my horse ran the best race of his career," Amoss said. "The slow pace was impossible for us to overcome and yet he still ran a very good race. I don't know where the rest of the speed went in yesterday's Preakness. It looked like there was quite a bit on paper, but it just didn't materialize." Amoss said the son of Midnight Lute, who is owned by GoldMark Farm and Whisper Hill Farm, has earned a little bit of time off. "As far as future plans, nothing is on the board right now," he said. "I'll get together with the owners at the beginning of the week and we'll discuss what to do. He's had two races close together and I think that's going to be taken into account when we have that conversation." Amoss also saluted the winning trainer and jockey combination of Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas and Gary Stevens. Lukas, 77, won his record 14th Triple Crown race and Stevens, 50, earned his third Preakness just a few months after ending a seven-year retirement. "It was a masterful job," Amoss remarked. "As far as Wayne is concerned, you've got to tip your hat to him. Over the last year he's made a remarkable comeback and put himself where he used to be, which is at the top of the trainers' charts." Amoss isn't the only one who will be passing on the June 8 Belmont Stakes.

Trainer Doug O'Neill and his fifth-place Preakness finisher Goldencents will not be going on to the third jewel of the Triple Crown. Team O'Neill and the colt departed Pimlico early Sunday morning to return to Southern California.

Goldencents tracked Oxbow in second before fading to fifth in Preakness 138 (Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos) "It doesn't make sense to go on to the Belmont," O'Neill stated. "We had talked prior (to the Preakness) that if we didn't run huge and came out of it great, we wouldn't come back in three weeks. Even though I'm very proud of him and the way Kevin (Krigger) rode him, I just don't think coming back in three weeks off that effort is the right move." Last year, O'Neill left Pimlico looking for a sweep to the Triple Crown with I'll Have Another, who had followed up his Kentucky Derby win with a score in the Preakness. He would never get the opportunity when that son of Flower Alley came down with a leg injury that forced him to be scratched the day before the Belmont Stakes. Goldencents, a three-time graded winner going into this year's Kentucky Derby, was a dismal 17th at Churchill Downs, but O'Neill believed the sloppy, sealed race track was largely responsible for that. However, he admitted the son of Into Mischief simply couldn't keep up with Preakness winner Oxbow after briefly heading him coming out of the gate on Saturday. "We'll relax and see what's in the cards five, six, seven weeks down the road," O'Neill said. "You've got the three-year-old series on the turf down at Del Mar, so we could possibly try a different surface with him. "Or we could go over him good, train him out there and then look for races like the Haskell or Travers somewhere down the road. We'll huddle up with the owners and put together a game plan. He's a good horse. You'll be hearing from him." Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider's War Front gelding Departing was shipped back to Kentucky Sunday morning following his sixth-place finish in the Preakness. "He's fine, but he cooled out very tired," trainer Al Stall said. Stall said he had not talked with the owners about future plans for Departing, but that the Illinois Derby victor would not be participating in the Belmont Stakes. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert reported Sunday that Preakness eighth-place finisher Govenor Charlie came out of the race in good shape and was being shipped back to California with stablemate Fiftyshadesofhay, who captured Friday's Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

Majority of Preakness field bypassing Belmont Stakes

Mylute will get some down time following his Derby fifth and Preakess third (Jessie Holmes/EquiSport Photos) Fourteen hours after Mylute finished third in Saturday's Preakness Stakes, trainer Tom Amoss said Sunday that he was even more impressed with the performance than he was Saturday. "Upon reflection, I think my horse ran the best race of his career," Amoss said. "The slow pace was impossible for us to overcome and yet he still ran a very good race. I don't know where the rest of the speed went in yesterday's Preakness. It looked like there was quite a bit on paper, but it just didn't materialize." Amoss said the son of Midnight Lute, who is owned by GoldMark Farm and Whisper Hill Farm, has earned a little bit of time off. "As far as future plans, nothing is on the board right now," he said. "I'll get together with the owners at the beginning of the week and we'll discuss what to do. He's had two races close together and I think that's going to be taken into account when we have that conversation." Amoss also saluted the winning trainer and jockey combination of Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas and Gary Stevens. Lukas, 77, won his record 14th Triple Crown race and Stevens, 50, earned his third Preakness just a few months after ending a seven-year retirement. "It was a masterful job," Amoss remarked. "As far as Wayne is concerned, you've got to tip your hat to him. Over the last year he's made a remarkable comeback and put himself where he used to be, which is at the top of the trainers' charts." Amoss isn't the only one who will be passing on the June 8 Belmont Stakes.

Trainer Doug O'Neill and his fifth-place Preakness finisher Goldencents will not be going on to the third jewel of the Triple Crown. Team O'Neill and the colt departed Pimlico early Sunday morning to return to Southern California.

Goldencents tracked Oxbow in second before fading to fifth in Preakness 138 (Matt Wooley/EquiSport Photos) "It doesn't make sense to go on to the Belmont," O'Neill stated. "We had talked prior (to the Preakness) that if we didn't run huge and came out of it great, we wouldn't come back in three weeks. Even though I'm very proud of him and the way Kevin (Krigger) rode him, I just don't think coming back in three weeks off that effort is the right move." Last year, O'Neill left Pimlico looking for a sweep to the Triple Crown with I'll Have Another, who had followed up his Kentucky Derby win with a score in the Preakness. He would never get the opportunity when that son of Flower Alley came down with a leg injury that forced him to be scratched the day before the Belmont Stakes. Goldencents, a three-time graded winner going into this year's Kentucky Derby, was a dismal 17th at Churchill Downs, but O'Neill believed the sloppy, sealed race track was largely responsible for that. However, he admitted the son of Into Mischief simply couldn't keep up with Preakness winner Oxbow after briefly heading him coming out of the gate on Saturday. "We'll relax and see what's in the cards five, six, seven weeks down the road," O'Neill said. "You've got the three-year-old series on the turf down at Del Mar, so we could possibly try a different surface with him. "Or we could go over him good, train him out there and then look for races like the Haskell or Travers somewhere down the road. We'll huddle up with the owners and put together a game plan. He's a good horse. You'll be hearing from him." Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilschneider's War Front gelding Departing was shipped back to Kentucky Sunday morning following his sixth-place finish in the Preakness. "He's fine, but he cooled out very tired," trainer Al Stall said. Stall said he had not talked with the owners about future plans for Departing, but that the Illinois Derby victor would not be participating in the Belmont Stakes. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert reported Sunday that Preakness eighth-place finisher Govenor Charlie came out of the race in good shape and was being shipped back to California with stablemate Fiftyshadesofhay, who captured Friday's Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico.

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com

In brief

Champion Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux) continued his preparations for the June 18 Queen Anne S. (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot with a piece of exercise at David Lanigan's Berkshire complex on Monday. Trainer Graham Motion posted a photo of the 2011 Kentucky Derby (G1) hero, and last-out Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) star, powering up the Whitcombe gallop in Lambourn. To follow Animal Kingdom's build-up to his career finale, visit his "Ascot Diaries" website...

Declan's Warrior (Majestic Warrior), the once-beaten colt who narrowly prevailed in last month's Bay Shore (G3), will break outside four rivals in Wednesday's $85,000 Gygistar for three-year-olds at Belmont Park, a potential seven-furlong prep for the Woody Stephens (G2) on June 8. The late-closing Declan's Warrior was aided by a fast pace in the Bay Shore, which he won by a head, but might find himself at a disadvantage here given the lack of early speed on paper. Happy My Way (Wilko), up the track in the April 27 Big Drama at Calder after failing to make the lead, had shown more early foot in his prior two starts and could be the one to catch. Second choice on the morning line is Battier (Tale of the Cat), first or second in all six starts and recent winner of the restricted Fit to Fight at Aqueduct. Stepping back up in class is the multiple stakes-placed Tenango (Lion Heart), who comes off a 12 3/4-length romp versus starter allowance/optional claiming foes...

Monday's renewal of the Mehl-Muhlens Rennen  (Ger-G2), or German Two Thousand Guineas, looked almost certain to head overseas beforehand, but arguably would have gone the way of the chief domestic hope Global Bang (Manduro) if he had not blown the start and gifted the race to the sole French raider Peace at Last (Oasis Dream). Having made his racecourse bow when third behind Prix de Pontarme scorer Mutin (Kentucky Dynamite) in a seven-furlong debutantes event at Chantilly in July, the Henri-Alex Pantall trainee was slow to make an impact in the better races and signed off at two with just a seven-furlong conditions win at Compiegne, albeit in impressive fashion. Returning to be second to the useful Etalondes (Royal Applause) over 7 1/2 furlongs at Deauville March 8, the bay was again behind Mutin when fifth over one mile at Saint-Cloud at the end of that month before filling fourth spot behind another highly-regarded sophomore in Saint Thomas (Dansili) back over that same track and trip last time May 4. Held up early with only the detached Global Bang behind, he followed the move of Godolphin's Tawhid (Invincible Spirit) as that rival struck the front 1 1/2 furlongs from home and the eventual runner-up made a dramatic move out wide. Mastering that duo with 100 yards remaining, the outsider was driven out to assert as Global Bang's earlier exertions took their toll. This was the second high-profile success in Germany for the Pantall stable after Beatrice (Dr Fong), another who was seemingly exposed in her native France beforehand, took Cologne's Schwarzgold-Rennen (Ger-G3) earlier this month, and owner Guy Heald was also surprised by the outcome. "I am overjoyed, but I did not expect him to win," he said. Global Bang's trainer Mario Hofer commented, "I am really pleased with his performance, but he left it a little too late."...

Telescope (Galileo), who came through a Sunday workout at Newmarket in good condition, will van to Lingfield for a racecourse gallop Wednesday in a bid to be ready for the June 1 Epsom Derby (Eng-G1). The Sir Michael Stoute trainee was forced out of last week's intended seasonal reappearance in the Dante (Eng-G2) at York after abrasions on his legs became infected. "Telescope is in good form (Monday) morning following yesterday's work," tweeted Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. "(Trainer) Sir Michael (Stoute) confirms that he will now head to Lingfield on Wednesday. Telescope will work at 1 p.m."...

Group 3 winner Fantastic Moon (Dalakhani) heads eight possibles for the Ł40,000 Cocked Hat S. over 11 furlongs at Goodwood on Friday, the second day of the May Festival. Jeremy Noseda's charge could clash with Dee S. (Eng-G3) runner-up Contributer (High Chaparral), trained by Ed Dunlop, Sir Henry Cecil's Disclaimer (Dansili) and Feel Like Dancing (Galileo) from the stable of John Gosden, who has won the last two renewals. The Cocked Hat  has been a good pointer to future stars in the past with the last three winners -- Michelangelo (Galileo) (2012), Masked Marvel (Montjeu) (2011) and the ill-fated Rewilding (2010) -- all going on to win or place at Group 1 level...

Cameron Highland (Galileo) is on course to start his season on the final day of the May Festival at Goodwood Saturday, in either the Ł40,000 Festival S. over just short of 10 furlongs or the Ł40,000 Tapster S. over 12 furlongs. The Roger Varian trainee disappointed when last seen out in the Arc Trial (Eng-G3) at Newbury in September but had previously landed a listed contest at Windsor by 4 1/2 lengths. "Cameron Highland is a very likely runner in one of the races, but I haven't decided which race yet," Varian said. "He is versatile in regards to trip and ground so we will just have a look at the entries and weigh it up closer to the time. He has been in great form and I am very happy with him. He has strengthened up over the winter and I think he has improved. I think we can safely put a line through his run at Newbury because it didn't compare to any of his previous runs and I imagine he had just gone over the top after a long season. If you ignore that, he looked quite a nice horse and we were minding him a bit last year because we always thought he would be a better four-year-old. Hopefully, we will be proved right." A total of 16 entries have been received for the Festival, headed by the Luca Cumani-trained pair of Afsare (Dubawi), runner-up in the Arlington Million (G1) last August, and French import Mobaco (Slickly), a Group 3 scorer at Marseille Borely on his latest start in October. Beatrice Aurore (Danehill Dancer), who won the Height of Fashion S. at Goodwood in 2011, could have her first start for Ed Dunlop, while the Hughie Morrison-trained Coquet (Sir Percy), who landed the same contest last year, could return to the West Sussex course after finishing sixth on her reappearance in the Daisy Warwick S. The Tapster has attracted 11 entries including Frankel's full brother Noble Mission (Galileo), who landed the Gordon (Eng-G3) over the course and distance at Glorious Goodwood in 2012, as well as classy pair Vow (Motivator) and Songcraft (Singspiel)...

Centennial Farms' Paso Doble (Bold N' Flashy) was much the best as the 8-5 favorite in Monday's $121,577 New Providence Stakes at Woodbine. The Mark Casse pupil stalked the pacesetter, loomed up three-wide at the top of the stretch, took over the lead a furlong out and prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths. The seven-year-old gelding covered six furlongs in 1:09 4/5 over the Polytrack with Eurico Da Silva aboard. The chestnut won this race back in 2011 and was exiting a nose second in an allowance against Ontario-breds over the track last month. With Monday's score, Paso Doble captured his third stakes win and now has a career line which reads 36-9-9-5, $681,348...

Arlington Park on Friday will unveil "Arlington University" (AU), a one-stop location where fans new and old alike can ask questions and receive individual and small group interaction from the track's group of experts -- the university "professors." An expansion of Arlington's popular "Learn to Win" program that the track has held on selected days for several years, Arlington University will be housed in the west end of the Million Tent located in the Park area. AU will be open, weather permitting, beginning 30 minutes before the day's 1ST race every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The AU staff will work with customers who want to learn how to read the Daily Racing Guide (track program) as well as how to make simple wagers that will help them maximize the bang for their buck and hopefully cash a few tickets. The University staff will be on hand to help customers get familiar with wagering at its own dedicated self-service mutuel machines. In addition, the University staff will take small groups to the paddock area where the horses are saddled as well as bring some of the human stars of the game -- jockeys and trainers -- to the University area to meet and greet race fans. AU will also employ Joe Kristufek and Brian W. Spencer, handicappers from the award-winning horseplayernow.com, the creators of Night School--- the industry's on-line fan education initiative-- to augment the regular staff on major race days and major promotional days, July 4 and Million Preview Day, July 13. Kristufek and Spencer's complete schedule of appearances can be found at arlingtonpark.com as well as on the Horseplayer Now site.

On the California worktab

Multiple Grade 1 hero Game on Dude (Awesome Again), who extended his winning streak to four in the Charles Town Classic (G2), worked a half-mile in :50 3/5 over the fast main track at Santa Anita on Monday.

Grade 1 scorer Drill (Lawyer Ron), fourth in the San Simeon (G3) last month, smoked four furlongs in a bullet :47 3/5.

Grade 3 victor Den's Legacy (Medaglia d'Oro), sixth in the Arkansas Derby (G1) last out, was clocked in :48 1/5.

Grade 2 winner Know More (Lion Heart), sixth in an allowance race on December 28, zipped three-eighths in :36 3/5.

Grade 2-placed Smart Ellis (Smarty Jones), third in the San Juan Capistrano H. (G2) last time out, covered a half-mile in :50 2/5.

Schiaparelli (Ghostzapper), runner-up in the Las Cienegas (G3) last month, traveled five-eighths in 1:01 4/5.

Multiple Grade 1 queen Lady of Shamrock (Scat Daddy), runner-up in the Santa Barbara H. (G2) last time out, toured seven furlongs in 1:25 1/5 over the Cushion Track at Hollywood Park in preparation for the Gamely (G1) on Memorial Day.

Grade 1 victress Teddy's Promise (Salt Lake), recent winner of the Time to Leave Stakes earlier this month, worked a half-mile in :49 2/5.

Grade 2 winner Reneesgotzip (City Zip), not seen since running second by a neck in the La Brea (G1) back in December, went three furlongs in :38 4/5.

Grade 2 scorer My Gi Gi (E Dubai), unraced since crossing the wire fifth in the Rodeo Drive (G1) on September 29, strolled five furlongs in 1:02.

Grade 2 queen More Chocolate (Malibu Moon), fifth in the La Troienne (G2) last out, was clocked in 1:01 3/5. Scratched from Saturday's Marjorie Everett (G2), the John Sadler filly will await the June 15 Vanity H. (G1).

Grade 3 victor Majestic City (City Zip), last seen finishing sixth in the Oceanside back in July, fired a five-furlong bullet in :59 3/5. He posted the best of 29 works at the distance.

Grade 3 hero Kettle Corn (Candy Ride), most recently second in the Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2), stopped the watch in 1:01 1/5.

Customer Base (Lemon Drop Kid), runner-up in the Autumn Miss (G3) in October, covered four furlongs in :49 1/5.

Rosengold (Stormello), recent scorer of the Pasadena S., was clocked in the same time.

Stakes scorer Explain (Broken Vow), winner of an allowance earlier this month, reeled off a half-mile in :48 4/5.

Jubliant Girl (Henrythenavigator), winner of the Runway S. last month, traveled five furlongs in 1:01 1/5.

Stakes victress Little Emily (Castledale), unplaced in her three starts this year, covered four panels in :50 1/5.

Stakes victor Derby Gold (Bertrando), unplaced in his last four starts, stopped the clock in :47 3/5.

In brief

Champion Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux) continued his preparations for the June 18 Queen Anne S. (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot with a piece of exercise at David Lanigan's Berkshire complex on Monday. Trainer Graham Motion posted a photo of the 2011 Kentucky Derby (G1) hero, and last-out Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) star, powering up the Whitcombe gallop in Lambourn. To follow Animal Kingdom's build-up to his career finale, visit his "Ascot Diaries" website...

Declan's Warrior (Majestic Warrior), the once-beaten colt who narrowly prevailed in last month's Bay Shore (G3), will break outside four rivals in Wednesday's $85,000 Gygistar for three-year-olds at Belmont Park, a potential seven-furlong prep for the Woody Stephens (G2) on June 8. The late-closing Declan's Warrior was aided by a fast pace in the Bay Shore, which he won by a head, but might find himself at a disadvantage here given the lack of early speed on paper. Happy My Way (Wilko), up the track in the April 27 Big Drama at Calder after failing to make the lead, had shown more early foot in his prior two starts and could be the one to catch. Second choice on the morning line is Battier (Tale of the Cat), first or second in all six starts and recent winner of the restricted Fit to Fight at Aqueduct. Stepping back up in class is the multiple stakes-placed Tenango (Lion Heart), who comes off a 12 3/4-length romp versus starter allowance/optional claiming foes...

Monday's renewal of the Mehl-Muhlens Rennen  (Ger-G2), or German Two Thousand Guineas, looked almost certain to head overseas beforehand, but arguably would have gone the way of the chief domestic hope Global Bang (Manduro) if he had not blown the start and gifted the race to the sole French raider Peace at Last (Oasis Dream). Having made his racecourse bow when third behind Prix de Pontarme scorer Mutin (Kentucky Dynamite) in a seven-furlong debutantes event at Chantilly in July, the Henri-Alex Pantall trainee was slow to make an impact in the better races and signed off at two with just a seven-furlong conditions win at Compiegne, albeit in impressive fashion. Returning to be second to the useful Etalondes (Royal Applause) over 7 1/2 furlongs at Deauville March 8, the bay was again behind Mutin when fifth over one mile at Saint-Cloud at the end of that month before filling fourth spot behind another highly-regarded sophomore in Saint Thomas (Dansili) back over that same track and trip last time May 4. Held up early with only the detached Global Bang behind, he followed the move of Godolphin's Tawhid (Invincible Spirit) as that rival struck the front 1 1/2 furlongs from home and the eventual runner-up made a dramatic move out wide. Mastering that duo with 100 yards remaining, the outsider was driven out to assert as Global Bang's earlier exertions took their toll. This was the second high-profile success in Germany for the Pantall stable after Beatrice (Dr Fong), another who was seemingly exposed in her native France beforehand, took Cologne's Schwarzgold-Rennen (Ger-G3) earlier this month, and owner Guy Heald was also surprised by the outcome. "I am overjoyed, but I did not expect him to win," he said. Global Bang's trainer Mario Hofer commented, "I am really pleased with his performance, but he left it a little too late."...

Telescope (Galileo), who came through a Sunday workout at Newmarket in good condition, will van to Lingfield for a racecourse gallop Wednesday in a bid to be ready for the June 1 Epsom Derby (Eng-G1). The Sir Michael Stoute trainee was forced out of last week's intended seasonal reappearance in the Dante (Eng-G2) at York after abrasions on his legs became infected. "Telescope is in good form (Monday) morning following yesterday's work," tweeted Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. "(Trainer) Sir Michael (Stoute) confirms that he will now head to Lingfield on Wednesday. Telescope will work at 1 p.m."...

Group 3 winner Fantastic Moon (Dalakhani) heads eight possibles for the Ł40,000 Cocked Hat S. over 11 furlongs at Goodwood on Friday, the second day of the May Festival. Jeremy Noseda's charge could clash with Dee S. (Eng-G3) runner-up Contributer (High Chaparral), trained by Ed Dunlop, Sir Henry Cecil's Disclaimer (Dansili) and Feel Like Dancing (Galileo) from the stable of John Gosden, who has won the last two renewals. The Cocked Hat  has been a good pointer to future stars in the past with the last three winners -- Michelangelo (Galileo) (2012), Masked Marvel (Montjeu) (2011) and the ill-fated Rewilding (2010) -- all going on to win or place at Group 1 level...

Cameron Highland (Galileo) is on course to start his season on the final day of the May Festival at Goodwood Saturday, in either the Ł40,000 Festival S. over just short of 10 furlongs or the Ł40,000 Tapster S. over 12 furlongs. The Roger Varian trainee disappointed when last seen out in the Arc Trial (Eng-G3) at Newbury in September but had previously landed a listed contest at Windsor by 4 1/2 lengths. "Cameron Highland is a very likely runner in one of the races, but I haven't decided which race yet," Varian said. "He is versatile in regards to trip and ground so we will just have a look at the entries and weigh it up closer to the time. He has been in great form and I am very happy with him. He has strengthened up over the winter and I think he has improved. I think we can safely put a line through his run at Newbury because it didn't compare to any of his previous runs and I imagine he had just gone over the top after a long season. If you ignore that, he looked quite a nice horse and we were minding him a bit last year because we always thought he would be a better four-year-old. Hopefully, we will be proved right." A total of 16 entries have been received for the Festival, headed by the Luca Cumani-trained pair of Afsare (Dubawi), runner-up in the Arlington Million (G1) last August, and French import Mobaco (Slickly), a Group 3 scorer at Marseille Borely on his latest start in October. Beatrice Aurore (Danehill Dancer), who won the Height of Fashion S. at Goodwood in 2011, could have her first start for Ed Dunlop, while the Hughie Morrison-trained Coquet (Sir Percy), who landed the same contest last year, could return to the West Sussex course after finishing sixth on her reappearance in the Daisy Warwick S. The Tapster has attracted 11 entries including Frankel's full brother Noble Mission (Galileo), who landed the Gordon (Eng-G3) over the course and distance at Glorious Goodwood in 2012, as well as classy pair Vow (Motivator) and Songcraft (Singspiel)...

Centennial Farms' Paso Doble (Bold N' Flashy) was much the best as the 8-5 favorite in Monday's $121,577 New Providence Stakes at Woodbine. The Mark Casse pupil stalked the pacesetter, loomed up three-wide at the top of the stretch, took over the lead a furlong out and prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths. The seven-year-old gelding covered six furlongs in 1:09 4/5 over the Polytrack with Eurico Da Silva aboard. The chestnut won this race back in 2011 and was exiting a nose second in an allowance against Ontario-breds over the track last month. With Monday's score, Paso Doble captured his third stakes win and now has a career line which reads 36-9-9-5, $681,348...

Arlington Park on Friday will unveil "Arlington University" (AU), a one-stop location where fans new and old alike can ask questions and receive individual and small group interaction from the track's group of experts -- the university "professors." An expansion of Arlington's popular "Learn to Win" program that the track has held on selected days for several years, Arlington University will be housed in the west end of the Million Tent located in the Park area. AU will be open, weather permitting, beginning 30 minutes before the day's 1ST race every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The AU staff will work with customers who want to learn how to read the Daily Racing Guide (track program) as well as how to make simple wagers that will help them maximize the bang for their buck and hopefully cash a few tickets. The University staff will be on hand to help customers get familiar with wagering at its own dedicated self-service mutuel machines. In addition, the University staff will take small groups to the paddock area where the horses are saddled as well as bring some of the human stars of the game -- jockeys and trainers -- to the University area to meet and greet race fans. AU will also employ Joe Kristufek and Brian W. Spencer, handicappers from the award-winning horseplayernow.com, the creators of Night School--- the industry's on-line fan education initiative-- to augment the regular staff on major race days and major promotional days, July 4 and Million Preview Day, July 13. Kristufek and Spencer's complete schedule of appearances can be found at arlingtonpark.com as well as on the Horseplayer Now site.

On the California worktab

Multiple Grade 1 hero Game on Dude (Awesome Again), who extended his winning streak to four in the Charles Town Classic (G2), worked a half-mile in :50 3/5 over the fast main track at Santa Anita on Monday.

Grade 1 scorer Drill (Lawyer Ron), fourth in the San Simeon (G3) last month, smoked four furlongs in a bullet :47 3/5.

Grade 3 victor Den's Legacy (Medaglia d'Oro), sixth in the Arkansas Derby (G1) last out, was clocked in :48 1/5.

Grade 2 winner Know More (Lion Heart), sixth in an allowance race on December 28, zipped three-eighths in :36 3/5.

Grade 2-placed Smart Ellis (Smarty Jones), third in the San Juan Capistrano H. (G2) last time out, covered a half-mile in :50 2/5.

Schiaparelli (Ghostzapper), runner-up in the Las Cienegas (G3) last month, traveled five-eighths in 1:01 4/5.

Multiple Grade 1 queen Lady of Shamrock (Scat Daddy), runner-up in the Santa Barbara H. (G2) last time out, toured seven furlongs in 1:25 1/5 over the Cushion Track at Hollywood Park in preparation for the Gamely (G1) on Memorial Day.

Grade 1 victress Teddy's Promise (Salt Lake), recent winner of the Time to Leave Stakes earlier this month, worked a half-mile in :49 2/5.

Grade 2 winner Reneesgotzip (City Zip), not seen since running second by a neck in the La Brea (G1) back in December, went three furlongs in :38 4/5.

Grade 2 scorer My Gi Gi (E Dubai), unraced since crossing the wire fifth in the Rodeo Drive (G1) on September 29, strolled five furlongs in 1:02.

Grade 2 queen More Chocolate (Malibu Moon), fifth in the La Troienne (G2) last out, was clocked in 1:01 3/5. Scratched from Saturday's Marjorie Everett (G2), the John Sadler filly will await the June 15 Vanity H. (G1).

Grade 3 victor Majestic City (City Zip), last seen finishing sixth in the Oceanside back in July, fired a five-furlong bullet in :59 3/5. He posted the best of 29 works at the distance.

Grade 3 hero Kettle Corn (Candy Ride), most recently second in the Mervyn LeRoy H. (G2), stopped the watch in 1:01 1/5.

Customer Base (Lemon Drop Kid), runner-up in the Autumn Miss (G3) in October, covered four furlongs in :49 1/5.

Rosengold (Stormello), recent scorer of the Pasadena S., was clocked in the same time.

Stakes scorer Explain (Broken Vow), winner of an allowance earlier this month, reeled off a half-mile in :48 4/5.

Jubliant Girl (Henrythenavigator), winner of the Runway S. last month, traveled five furlongs in 1:01 1/5.

Stakes victress Little Emily (Castledale), unplaced in her three starts this year, covered four panels in :50 1/5.

Stakes victor Derby Gold (Bertrando), unplaced in his last four starts, stopped the clock in :47 3/5.

On the Kentucky worktab

Delaunay (Smoke Glacken), a winner of six straight including an explosive four-length tally in the Churchill Downs (G2), covered four furlongs in :50 1/5 over the fast main track at Churchill Downs on Monday.

Sunland Park Oaks winner Midnight Lucky (Midnight Lute), fifth in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) earlier this month, blitzed six furlongs in 1:10 4/5 in advance of the Acorn (G1) on Memorial Day.

San Fernando (G2) winner Fed Biz (Giant's Causeway), a head second in the Thunder Road last time, finished in the same time. The Metropolitan H. (G1), also on Memorial Day, might be next.

Multiple Grade 3 queen Tiz Miz Sue (Tiznow), runner-up in the Apple Blossom H. (G1) last out, traveled five furlongs in :59 3/5 in advance of the Ogden Phipps (G1) on Memorial Day.

Multiple Grade 2 victor Prayer for Relief (Jump Start), runner-up in the Texas Mile (G3) in his season debut, covered four furlongs in :49 4/5. He might returned to Lone Star Park for its eponymous Grade 3 handicap on Memorial Day.

Grade 1 veteran Regally Ready (More Than Ready), fourth in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G3) last time, strolled five furlongs in 1:01.

Federico Tesio winner Abstraction (Pulpit) sped in a bullet :59 2/5.

Vuitton (Smart Strike), photo-finish winner of the Carousel last time, breezed four furlongs in :49 3/5.

Troilus (Speightstown), sidelined since February 2012 when runner-up in the Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship (G2), worked in :49.

Dark Cove (Medaglia d'Oro), comfortable winner of the Elkhorn (G2) last out, toured in :48 4/5 on the fast dirt at Churchill Trackside. Saturday's Louisville H. (G3) might be on the agenda.

Grade 3-winning turf dasher Great Attack (Greatness), 11th in the Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-G1) when last seen in March, stopped in 1:01 3/5 for five-eighths on the Keeneland Polytrack.

Stakes winner Sisterhood (Kitten's Joy), a neck second in the Doubledogdare (G3) last time, traveled six panels in 1:13 2/5.

Grade 2-placed stakes winner Seruni (Saint Liam), an allowance winner most recently, breezed a half-mile in :48 4/5.

On the New York worktab

Authenticity (Quiet American), winner of the La Troienne (G2) last time, covered four furlongs in :48 1/5 over the fast dirt at Saratoga's Oklahoma training track on Monday. The Ogden Phipps (G1) on Memorial Day is under consideration.

Multiple Grade 3 winner Fort Loudon (Awesome of Course), fourth in the Carter H. (G1) last time, sped in :47 4/5. The Metropolitan H. (G1) on Memorial Day is next.

Multiple stakes winner Fusaichiiswonderful (Fusaichi Pegasus), runner-up by a half-length in the Eight Belles (G3), earned the bullet with a move in :47 2/5.

Grade 3 winner Upgrade (Saint Liam), third in Jacques Cartier last time, worked in :49 2/5.

On the Kentucky worktab

Delaunay (Smoke Glacken), a winner of six straight including an explosive four-length tally in the Churchill Downs (G2), covered four furlongs in :50 1/5 over the fast main track at Churchill Downs on Monday.

Sunland Park Oaks winner Midnight Lucky (Midnight Lute), fifth in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) earlier this month, blitzed six furlongs in 1:10 4/5 in advance of the Acorn (G1) on Memorial Day.

San Fernando (G2) winner Fed Biz (Giant's Causeway), a head second in the Thunder Road last time, finished in the same time. The Metropolitan H. (G1), also on Memorial Day, might be next.

Multiple Grade 3 queen Tiz Miz Sue (Tiznow), runner-up in the Apple Blossom H. (G1) last out, traveled five furlongs in :59 3/5 in advance of the Ogden Phipps (G1) on Memorial Day.

Multiple Grade 2 victor Prayer for Relief (Jump Start), runner-up in the Texas Mile (G3) in his season debut, covered four furlongs in :49 4/5. He might returned to Lone Star Park for its eponymous Grade 3 handicap on Memorial Day.

Grade 1 veteran Regally Ready (More Than Ready), fourth in the Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G3) last time, strolled five furlongs in 1:01.

Federico Tesio winner Abstraction (Pulpit) sped in a bullet :59 2/5.

Vuitton (Smart Strike), photo-finish winner of the Carousel last time, breezed four furlongs in :49 3/5.

Troilus (Speightstown), sidelined since February 2012 when runner-up in the Gulfstream Park Sprint Championship (G2), worked in :49.

Dark Cove (Medaglia d'Oro), comfortable winner of the Elkhorn (G2) last out, toured in :48 4/5 on the fast dirt at Churchill Trackside. Saturday's Louisville H. (G3) might be on the agenda.

Grade 3-winning turf dasher Great Attack (Greatness), 11th in the Al Quoz Sprint (UAE-G1) when last seen in March, stopped in 1:01 3/5 for five-eighths on the Keeneland Polytrack.

Stakes winner Sisterhood (Kitten's Joy), a neck second in the Doubledogdare (G3) last time, traveled six panels in 1:13 2/5.

Grade 2-placed stakes winner Seruni (Saint Liam), an allowance winner most recently, breezed a half-mile in :48 4/5.

On the Maryland worktab

Spiral (G3) third-placer Giant Finish (Frost Giant), 10th in the Kentucky Derby (G1) last time, breezed four furlongs in :50 2/5 on the fast dirt at Fair Hill on Monday.

On the New York worktab

Authenticity (Quiet American), winner of the La Troienne (G2) last time, covered four furlongs in :48 1/5 over the fast dirt at Saratoga's Oklahoma training track on Monday. The Ogden Phipps (G1) on Memorial Day is under consideration.

Multiple Grade 3 winner Fort Loudon (Awesome of Course), fourth in the Carter H. (G1) last time, sped in :47 4/5. The Metropolitan H. (G1) on Memorial Day is next.

Multiple stakes winner Fusaichiiswonderful (Fusaichi Pegasus), runner-up by a half-length in the Eight Belles (G3), earned the bullet with a move in :47 2/5.

Grade 3 winner Upgrade (Saint Liam), third in Jacques Cartier last time, worked in :49 2/5.

For Tuesday or Next Raceday

On the Maryland worktab

Spiral (G3) third-placer Giant Finish (Frost Giant), 10th in the Kentucky Derby (G1) last time, breezed four furlongs in :50 2/5 on the fast dirt at Fair Hill on Monday.

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

MAY 22, 2013

by John Mucciolo

There was a single graded race over the fourth weekend at Hollywood Park.

Marjorie L. Everett H. (G2): Southern Equine Stable et al's OPEN WATER (Include) commenced her bid approaching the final turn, took a short lead in midstretch and powered home a one-length winner under Joe Talamo. The Eric Guillot trainee endured 1 1/16 miles on the Cushion Track in 1:44 to post her first graded win.

Track Stats

From a total of 36 races held at the Inglewood, California, racetrack during the past week, favorites won at a 36 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 50 percent of the wins. From 22 frays contested on the Cushion Track oval, nine animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (41 percent), while two horses went all the way on the lead from 14 turf events (14 percent).

Speed was good on the Cushion oval this week, but we can't say it was a biased oval as a trio of those wire-to-wire winners on the main strip came in 4 1/2-furlong sprints on the main surface. We did see winners coming from well off of it, as well.

Of the two turf wire-to-wire winners, one came in a sprint and the other in a route event. We continue to like how the lawn is playing mostly fairly here.

In seems worthy of note through four weeks now that 84 of the 96 main-track winners broke from posts 1-6. But, as it was pointed out to me, much of that has to do with smaller field sizes. We still would prefer not backing runners who might be wide throughout if we can help it, especially in route races.

The slower final times produced on the Cushion this past week suggests that the surface may be a bit tiring.

Meet Totals

HORSES TO WATCH

Friday (5/17)

3RD -- We thought TOPIC (Discreet Cat) ran a sneaky good race in her turf debut on this day for Neil Drysdale, rallying from well back to be beaten less than two lengths in what appeared to be an educational race. The sophomore filly didn't face any monsters in this one, but she was willing late and could surely improve second time on the green in her next affair. And we also liked how live she was on the tote board.

5TH -- ET TU WALKER (Shakespeare) continued his fine form surge with a dominant 3 3/4-length romp in this turf dash under Mario Gutierrez. The four-year-old handled the rise in class with ease in here and is proven to be very versatile on nearly any oval.

6TH -- We'll admit we have no clue as to how to gauge BATTI MAN (Manipulator), who was all heart in victory in this spot. The speedy sort was on our radar earlier in his career as a sprinter, but after throwing in the towel on numerous occasions, we gave up on him. Give credit to trainer Dan Hendricks, as well, for sticking with the five-year-old.

8TH -- The Art Sherman-trained CALIFORNIA CHROME (Lucky Pulpit) returns to this list proved his debut run was no fluke with a decisive 2 3/4-length tally over a field that might have had some talent signed on. It's possible the juvenile could be of stakes quality with further development.

Saturday (5/18)

1ST -- Trainer Tim Yakteen got away with one by sending the aptly named FREAKIN' ROCKET (Rock Hard Ten) in a maiden claiming run at first asking as the sophomore colt annihilated this group by more than nine lengths. The Kentucky-bred set fast splits and never stopped, and will surely be facing starter foes in his comeback outing.

4TH -- GIFTING (Street Cry) proved why she was so well bet in both of her lifetime races with a solid maiden tally in this one for conditioner Bob Baffert. The well-bred filly was inching clear late and we definitely think she will get better the longer she runs.

Sunday (5/19)

7TH -- SWEET SWAP (Candy Ride) could not have looked much better in this one with a dominant 3 1/4-length tally under Rafael Bejarano. The talented turf sprinter made short work of a very talented field and got his final quarter-mile in a wicked :22 4/5! Conditioner John Sadler will have this one in a stakes race next time out.

9TH -- We're not sure if the clear leader was stopping or if HEAT TRAP (Unusual Heat) was flying home; nonetheless, this was a fine debut win for the Carla Gaines pupil, who appeared to have zero chance even in midstretch. The filly came home in a sub :23 final two furlongs and could be any kind.

DON'T LOSE FAITH (Minister's Wildcat) was eight lengths in front after a half-mile and seven clear with a furlong to go and clocked six grassy panels in a shade more than 1:09. A repeat of that finds this filly in the winner's circle next time.

A Look Ahead

Saturday will play host to the Grade 2, $150,000 American Handicap at one mile on the turf oval. The Memorial Day Holiday will showcase a pair of graded races; the Grade 1, $250,000 Gamely Stakes and the Grade 3, $100,000 Los Angeles Handicap.

NORTH AMERICAN NON-GRADED STAKES RESULTS

NORTH AMERICAN ALLOWANCE RESULTS

NATIONAL

TOP BRIS CLASS RATINGS

HOLLYWOOD NOTEBOOK

MAY 22, 2013

by John Mucciolo

There was a single graded race over the fourth weekend at Hollywood Park.

Marjorie L. Everett H. (G2): Southern Equine Stable et al's OPEN WATER (Include) commenced her bid approaching the final turn, took a short lead in midstretch and powered home a one-length winner under Joe Talamo. The Eric Guillot trainee endured 1 1/16 miles on the Cushion Track in 1:44 to post her first graded win.

Track Stats

From a total of 36 races held at the Inglewood, California, racetrack during the past week, favorites won at a 36 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 50 percent of the wins. From 22 frays contested on the Cushion Track oval, nine animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (41 percent), while two horses went all the way on the lead from 14 turf events (14 percent).

Speed was good on the Cushion oval this week, but we can't say it was a biased oval as a trio of those wire-to-wire winners on the main strip came in 4 1/2-furlong sprints on the main surface. We did see winners coming from well off of it, as well.

Of the two turf wire-to-wire winners, one came in a sprint and the other in a route event. We continue to like how the lawn is playing mostly fairly here.

In seems worthy of note through four weeks now that 84 of the 96 main-track winners broke from posts 1-6. But, as it was pointed out to me, much of that has to do with smaller field sizes. We still would prefer not backing runners who might be wide throughout if we can help it, especially in route races.

The slower final times produced on the Cushion this past week suggests that the surface may be a bit tiring.

Meet Totals

HORSES TO WATCH

Friday (5/17)

3RD -- We thought TOPIC (Discreet Cat) ran a sneaky good race in her turf debut on this day for Neil Drysdale, rallying from well back to be beaten less than two lengths in what appeared to be an educational race. The sophomore filly didn't face any monsters in this one, but she was willing late and could surely improve second time on the green in her next affair. And we also liked how live she was on the tote board.

5TH -- ET TU WALKER (Shakespeare) continued his fine form surge with a dominant 3 3/4-length romp in this turf dash under Mario Gutierrez. The four-year-old handled the rise in class with ease in here and is proven to be very versatile on nearly any oval.

6TH -- We'll admit we have no clue as to how to gauge BATTI MAN (Manipulator), who was all heart in victory in this spot. The speedy sort was on our radar earlier in his career as a sprinter, but after throwing in the towel on numerous occasions, we gave up on him. Give credit to trainer Dan Hendricks, as well, for sticking with the five-year-old.

8TH -- The Art Sherman-trained CALIFORNIA CHROME (Lucky Pulpit) returns to this list proved his debut run was no fluke with a decisive 2 3/4-length tally over a field that might have had some talent signed on. It's possible the juvenile could be of stakes quality with further development.

Saturday (5/18)

1ST -- Trainer Tim Yakteen got away with one by sending the aptly named FREAKIN' ROCKET (Rock Hard Ten) in a maiden claiming run at first asking as the sophomore colt annihilated this group by more than nine lengths. The Kentucky-bred set fast splits and never stopped, and will surely be facing starter foes in his comeback outing.

4TH -- GIFTING (Street Cry) proved why she was so well bet in both of her lifetime races with a solid maiden tally in this one for conditioner Bob Baffert. The well-bred filly was inching clear late and we definitely think she will get better the longer she runs.

Sunday (5/19)

7TH -- SWEET SWAP (Candy Ride) could not have looked much better in this one with a dominant 3 1/4-length tally under Rafael Bejarano. The talented turf sprinter made short work of a very talented field and got his final quarter-mile in a wicked :22 4/5! Conditioner John Sadler will have this one in a stakes race next time out.

9TH -- We're not sure if the clear leader was stopping or if HEAT TRAP (Unusual Heat) was flying home; nonetheless, this was a fine debut win for the Carla Gaines pupil, who appeared to have zero chance even in midstretch. The filly came home in a sub :23 final two furlongs and could be any kind.

DON'T LOSE FAITH (Minister's Wildcat) was eight lengths in front after a half-mile and seven clear with a furlong to go and clocked six grassy panels in a shade more than 1:09. A repeat of that finds this filly in the winner's circle next time.

A Look Ahead

Saturday will play host to the Grade 2, $150,000 American Handicap at one mile on the turf oval. The Memorial Day Holiday will showcase a pair of graded races; the Grade 1, $250,000 Gamely Stakes and the Grade 3, $100,000 Los Angeles Handicap.

RACING LEADERS

(through May 20, 2013)

Note: Figures are for North American-based racing

RACING LEADERS

(through May 20, 2013)

Note: Figures are for North American-based racing

NATIONAL

TOP BRIS CLASS RATINGS

AT A GLANCE SCHEDULE

For Tuesday

*all times Eastern

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday

HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services. This newsletter may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2011, Bloodstock Research Information Services. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from Equibase Company LLC and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Equibase Company LLC.

HIGHLIGHTS

For Tuesday

*all times Eastern

HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services. This newsletter may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2011, Bloodstock Research Information Services. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from Equibase Company LLC and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Equibase Company LLC.

Help Wanted