Horses to follow in 2026: Plutarch
Plutarch's pedigree, surface versatility, and unusual trajectory for a Bob Baffert juvenile make him a fascinating character.
Horse
Kellie Reilly
Kellie Reilly is a journalist and turf writer specializing in international horse racing.
Horses to follow in 2026: The Padre
The Padre has every right to keep developing into an elite older turf horse for trainer Phil D’Amato.
Horse
Year in review: Reilly’s 10 favorite races of 2025
This personal retrospective is more about the races that endure in my memory, for reasons of circumstance or sentiment. That makes the exercise less predictable.
International
Remembering Gentildonna: The ultimate clutch player
Next Sunday’s 70th running of the Arima Kinen (G1), Japan’s “All-Star” event at the end of the year, will have a special poignancy.
International
2025 Hong Kong Cup: Trends, storylines, and Romantic Warrior
Romantic Warrior became the world’s all-time richest racehorse when scoring a three-peat in last year’s Hong Kong Cup (G1).
Hong Kong
2025 Hong Kong Mile: Trends and storylines
Voyage Bubble is overshadowed by Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising, but the defending Hong Kong Mile (G1) champion has compiled a historic resume of his own.
Hong Kong
2025 Hong Kong Sprint: Trends, storylines, and Ka Ying Rising
The world’s best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, has gone from strength to strength since notching his first Group 1 in the 2024 Hong Kong Sprint (G1).
Hong Kong
2025 Hong Kong Vase: Trends and storylines
All four conquerors of last year’s Hong Kong International Races are back to defend their titles at Sha Tin, beginning with Giavellotto in the Hong Kong Vase (G1).
Hong Kong
International spotlight: 2025 Japan Cup
Analyzing the top contenders and longshots of interest for the Tokyo feature set for 1:40 a.m. ET.
International
Japan: History on the line in Mile Championship
The Japan Autumn International series rolls on into Saturday night’s Mile Championship (G1) at Kyoto (post time 1:40 a.m. ET), where #15 Jantar Mantar (6-5) seeks to make history.
International
Japan: Longshot to note in Kyoto’s Queen Elizabeth II Cup
Japan’s lucrative Autumn International series kicks off with the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) at Kyoto late Saturday night (1:40 a.m. ET).
International
International Horse Profile: Switch in Love
Sold for $1.2 million as a foal at the JHRA Select Sale, Switch in Love is out of the Galileo mare Switch in Time.
Pedigree
International Horse Profile: Pacific Mission
A Juddmonte homebred, Pacific Mission, was produced by the multiple Group 3-winning Big Break.
Pedigree
International Horse Profile: Queen of Hawaii
Out of a full sister to 2018 Juvenile Turf star Line of Duty, Queen of Hawaii is a fascinating classic prospect for Joseph O’Brien.
Pedigree
International Horse Profile: Balantina
Balantina, therefore, has a pedigree case for improving on the step-up in the trip stateside. But will it happen as soon as Future Stars Friday?
Pedigree
International Horse Profile: Precise
Bred by the O’Brien family’s Whisperview Trading, Precise is by the brilliant Australian Starspangledbanner and out of a Galileo mare. Her dam is a full sister to multiple stakes victor Kingfisher, who placed in the Irish Derby (G1) and the 2 1/2-mile Gold Cup (G1) at Royal Ascot.
Pedigree
International Horse Profile: Aspect Island
Aspect Island hasn’t been operating at the same level yet, but he exits his best effort so far, and he’s bred for success in the sprint division.
Pedigree
International Horse Profile: Military Code
Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby is batting a thousand in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, winning with his lone starter, Mischief Magic (2022).
Pedigree
International Horse Profile: Havana Anna
Runner-up to the elder O’Brien’s vaunted True Love in the six-furlong Cheveley Park (G1) last out, Havana Anna is a five-furlong specialist who should be in her element at Del Mar.
Pedigree
International Horse Profile: Mission Central
Aidan O'Brien’s third runner, Mission Central, another by No Nay Never, was precocious enough to start out in April. The even-money favorite in his unveiling on the Dundalk Polytrack, he got experience going around a left-handed turn.
Pedigree
International Horse Profile: Brussels
Campaigned over further until his most recent start, Brussels was routinely described as babyish in his earlier races. His immaturity, combined with possibly not focusing on the right trip soon enough, implies that he's better than the bare record.
Pedigree
International Horse Profile: True Love
True Love, O’Brien’s most accomplished entrant in the 2025 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, has followed a somewhat similar itinerary to So Perfect. But True Love has achieved more, including a big victory over the colts.
Pedigree
2025 Breeders’ Cup: 14 Postscripts on the Championships
Thoughts on Forever Young, Nysos, Ethical Diamond, Scylla, Ted Noffey, and more!
Breeders Cup
Top 5 questions to be answered at 2025 Breeders’ Cup
Two extraordinary days of racing at the 2025 Breeders’ Cup promise to deliver pulsating performances on the track, with wider historical repercussions.
Breeders Cup
Under-the-radar internationals for 2025 Breeders’ Cup
Eight international runners who are flying under the radar at Del Mar, all at double-digit morning line odds.
Breeders Cup
2025 Breeders’ Cup: Sires battle for all-time record
Into Mischief, Dubawi, Curlin, and Tapit all have multiple chances to increase their totals.
Pedigree
Early look at storylines for 2025 Breeders’ Cup: Championships Saturday
Continued from Vol. 1 on Breeders' Cup milestones and storylines for Future Stars Friday
Breeders Cup
Early look at storylines for 2025 Breeders’ Cup: Milestones, Future Stars Friday
As we eagerly await the official fields for the Oct. 31-Nov. 1 extravaganza at Del Mar, the prime contenders and broad outlines are already coming into focus
Breeders Cup
British Champions Day to Breeders’ Cup: Key stats for quick turnaround
One trainer in particular is happy to wheel horses right back from Ascot into the Breeders’ Cup.
Breeders Cup
Prix de l’Opera as a stepping stone to BC Filly & Mare Turf
The Prix de l’Opera (G1) on Arc Day has become a pipeline to the Filly & Mare Turf (G1), especially in recent years.
Breeders Cup