Godolphin’s homebred First Mission chased the pacesetting T O Saint Denis for most of Friday’s $730,000 Alysheba S. (G2) at Churchill Downs and cruised home to a commanding four-length win.

The leading older dirt male in training, Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner White Abarrio, will be sitting out Saturday's renewal of the $3 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) to await a pair of rich stakes in the Middle East later this winter.

The $600,000 Clark (G2) has often showcased up-and-coming three-year-olds for much of its 149-year history, Gun Runner, Will Take Charge, and Blame being recent examples.

Lucky Seven Stable’s Rattle N Roll was ready to do just that in Saturday’s $300,000 Ben Ali (G3) at Keeneland.

Hitherto a stakes bridesmaid, Proxy wore down West Will Power to win his first trophy in Friday’s $750,000 Clark (G1). Jockey Joel Rosario swept both graded stakes on the Churchill Downs card, previously steering Bubble Rock to victory in the $300,000 Mrs. Revere (G2).

Already enshrined in the annals of Churchill Downs as an 80-1 upsetter of the Kentucky Derby (G1), Rich Strike can add to his historic legacy in Friday’s $750,000 Clark (G1) at the Louisville track.

Sunday’s $200,000 Ellis Park Derby anchors a banner card, as well as the two-day Bluegrass Pick 6 that begins at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

On a busy Saturday of racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, the $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) and $200,000 Indiana Oaks (G3) produced contrasting results.

The 4-5 favorite Classic Causeway controlled the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) throughout and sped to the top of the Kentucky Derby (G1) points leaderboard.

As its overflow 13-horse field suggests, Saturday’s $250,000 Sam F. Davis (G3) looms as a hotly competitive scoring race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.