An up-and-down year for reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty finished on a season high Saturday.

Galvanized by a heady ride by Hall of Famer Javier Castellano and the addition of blinkers, The Puma scored a new career high in Saturday’s $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx.

Further Ado, the beaten favorite in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Haskell (G1), has been installed as the 2-1 choice in Saturday’s $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1).

With earlier wins in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont (G1) in the bag, Golden Tempo has all the momentum heading into the Travers.

Saturday's $1 million Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park drew a well-matched field of seven, headed by Grade 1 winners Further Ado and Napoleon Solo.

Each "Between-The-Ears" snapshot is designed to give you a feel for the horse behind the numbers, but beneath the surface, something else is shaping the outcome.

***Updated with post positions, morning-line odds, and scratches

Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 6 closed with runaway Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Renegade the clear 4-1 favorite among 40 betting interests.

Commandment will head back to Churchill Downs a winner of four consecutive races.

Most eyes will be on a trio of colts who have turned in some of the fastest prep performances this season.

Three years after Mage registered an upset in the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1), his connections will get a chance to win the roses for a second time with The Puma.

The Todd Pletcher blueblood scored an overdue first victory in the manner of a proper Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.