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International scouting reports for 2021 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup
Irish 1000 Guineas (G1) winner Empress Josephine is the best of the trio of Europeans set for Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) at Keeneland. We’ll give a quick update on her before examining the stateside debutantes – fellow Irish invader Nicest and progressive British shipper Cloudy Dawn.
Racing
Keeneland International Scouting Reports: Order of Australia, Empress Josephine
Trainer Aidan O’Brien has dispatched a trio of high-profile runners for Breeders’ Cup preps on Saturday. Since Japan was covered in a recent scouting report, we’ll give a quick update on him before focusing on the two in “Win and You’re In” events at Keeneland – Order of Australia and Empress Josephine.
Racing
First-crop sires: Echo Zulu rolls, Concept breaks through for Gun Runner
Still the leading freshman sire, Gun Runner also tops the overall juvenile sire list, as his first-crop progeny has earned more than two-year-olds by established patriarchs like Into Mischief.
Racing
Cody's Wish hopes to win for Make-A-Wish namesake at Churchill Downs
Cody’s Wish might not be the most famous horse entered to race on this action-packed weekend of Breeders’ Cup qualifiers. But he certainly has one of the best backstories.
Racing
Summer and Natalma international scouting reports: Albahr, Wild Beauty
Canadian International (G1) contender Walton Street has brought a couple of Charlie Appleby stablemates along for Sunday’s Breeders’ Cup Challenge races at Woodbine.
Racing
Jockey Club Oaks international scouting reports: Harajuku, Creative Flair
Saturday’s Jockey Club Oaks has lured two international shippers. Godolphin’s Creative Flair hopes for better luck than her third in the Saratoga Oaks (G3), and French maestro Andre Fabre sends Harajuku to Belmont Park.
Racing
Jockey Club Derby international scouting report: Yibir takes on Bolshoi Ballet
Yibir will take on the top two from the Belmont Derby (G1), Bolshoi Ballet and Tokyo Gold, as well as Saratoga Derby (G1) runner-up Soldier Rising, in the Jockey Club Derby at Belmont Park.
Racing
Woodbine Mile international scouting report: Duke of Hazzard meets old foe Space Traveller
The lone European shipper in the Woodbine Mile (G1), Duke of Hazzard, renews rivalry with recent import Space Traveller.
Racing
Canadian International scouting reports: Walton Street, Desert Encounter
European shippers have won nine of the last 10 editions of the Canadian International (G1). Two-time defending champ Desert Encounter and Walton Street will try to prolong the trend.
Racing
The 10 best horses beaten by Secretariat
Secretariat's achievements are enhanced because he defeated these 10 star horses.
Racing
Flower Bowl Stakes international scouting report: American Bridge
Although American Bridge comes to Saratoga by way of a lower-profile path – the French provinces and Italy – she enters Saturday’s Flower Bowl S. (G1) on the upswing with some sneaky collateral form.
Racing
Japan's white filly Sodashi could seek 'Sho-time' on world stage for horse racing
Japanese champion racehorse Sodashi has sparked a comparison to Major League Baseball star Shohei Ohtani, according to a recent Yahoo News report in Japan.
Racing
Letruska among 5 of the best horses to win in Mexico
Letruska is among the five best horses ever to win a stakes in Mexico. What makes Letruska's path toward stardom so interesting, and unique?
Racing
How does Malathaat stack up against top fillies past and present?
You’ve probably heard about Malathaat. What makes this special filly stand out? Let's dive in and find out.
Racing
Scully: 10 Travers that stand out
The $1.25 million Travers S. is Saturday, and James Scully has compiled a list of his 10 favorite editions
Racing
Racing
Hanson: Rediscovering historic Triple Crown TV coverage
Television footage of the Triple Crown from the 1960s and early 1970s is now publicly available, and its most interesting moments are well worth watching.
Racing
Arlington international scouting reports: Armory, Space Traveller, Santa Barbara
The race historically known as the Arlington Million will be run under a different name on Saturday, the Mister D. S. (G1). But Arlington Park’s signature event retains its most fascinating dynamic – the international challenge.
Racing
Singularly Meritorious: Purple Hearts of Horse Racing
General George Washington wanted something simple for the men serving with him in the Continental Army. He sought a way to recognize “any singularly meritorious action” by a soldier, an insignia that rewarded loyalty and valor and encouraged others to the same. With that in mind, on August 7, 1782, Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, a purple heart-shaped patch to be displayed on a recipient’s uniform. Nearly a century and a half later, another legendary general, Douglas MacArthur, took a cue from our first President and revived this award in 1932, calling it the Purple Heart.
Racing
Saratoga Oaks international scouting reports: Rocky Sky, Creative Flair, Messidor
Three fillies bring international form into Sunday’s $700,000 Saratoga Oaks (G3). Irish import Rocky Sky makes her U.S. debut for Chad Brown, Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby sends Creative Flair from England, and Messidor arrives from Joseph O’Brien’s yard in Ireland.
Racing
USC's Olympic glory and Medal Count
The University of Southern California has seen more Olympic success than anyone, and one USC alum named a very good horse after this legacy.
Racing
First-crop sires: Wit continues to impress for Practical Joke
Wit looks like a star-in-the-making for freshman sire Practical Joke
Racing
Saratoga Derby international scouting report: Plenty of depth beyond Bolshoi Ballet
The second leg of the lucrative New York Turf Triple, Saturday’s $1 million Saratoga Derby, has lured more internationals than the July 10 Belmont Derby (G1). Aidan O’Brien’s Bolshoi Ballet is back in search of a double, but a deeper field will confront him at the Spa.
Racing
The Fastest Man in the World, and the Fastest Horse in the West
If you're going to name a horse after the fastest man in the world, you're giving a horse a lot to live up to.
Racing
2021 Belmont Oaks international scouting reports: Santa Barbara, Cirona, Nazuna
As with stablemate Bolshoi Ballet in the Belmont Derby (G1), Santa Barbara brings a lofty profile into Saturday’s Belmont Oaks (G1) as a beaten classic favorite for Aidan O’Brien. Santa Barbara is also taking the same path as O’Brien’s only Belmont Oaks winner, Athena (2018).
Racing
Horse racing: Amy C an import to follow for trainer Chad Brown
No secret in her U.S. debut for Chad Brown, Amy C lived up to 0.95-1 favoritism in a June 25 allowance at Belmont Park. Moreover, the British-bred sophomore did so in a manner suggesting that graded stakes are in her future.
Racing
Ward's squad leads Team USA at Royal Ascot
Trainer Wesley Ward returns to Royal Ascot with another robust team, led by Group 1 heroine Campanelle. As Ward seeks to pad his total of 11 wins at the prestigious meeting, two other American-based horsemen are trying for their first.
Racing
Essential Quality reasserts divisional leadership in historic Belmont Stakes
When champion Essential Quality prevailed over brave frontrunner Hot Rod Charlie in the Belmont S. (G1), he was delivering an historic victory. But history also says that the battle for divisional leadership is ongoing.
Racing
Belmont Gold Cup international scouting report: Baron Samedi
Joseph O’Brien has been a trainer for only five years, but he’s already won the Melbourne Cup (G1) that has eluded father Aidan—and he’s done it twice. Both Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020) prevailed over his father’s runners at Flemington, and Baron Samedi could put himself on a similar path in Friday’s Belmont Gold Cup (G2).
Racing
New York Stakes international scouting report: Thundering Nights
Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien is sending two upwardly mobile contenders for turf stakes on Friday at Belmont Park. While the streaking Baron Samedi is the 8-5 morning-line favorite in the Belmont Gold Cup (G2), stablemate Thundering Nights brings top form as a 6-1 chance in the New York S. (G2).
Racing
Just a Game international scouting report: Althiqa and Summer Romance
You’ll be seeing double in Saturday’s Just a Game S. (G1) with a pair of gray fillies both sporting the Godolphin blue. Stablemates of Belmont S. (G1) contender Rebel’s Romance from the Charlie Appleby yard, Althiqa and Summer Romance likewise ship to Belmont Park in pursuit of a first Grade 1 laurel.
Racing
Belmont Stakes international scouting report: Rebel's Romance
Rebel’s Romance earned a Kentucky Derby (G1) ticket with a dominant display in the UAE Derby (G2), but his Godolphin team circled the Belmont S. (G1) as a more suitable target. Trainer Charlie Appleby’s discretion could pay dividends at Belmont Park.
Racing
Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit faces stiff Triple Crown challenge
Day-after reflections on the Kentucky Derby (G1) involve not only an analysis of how the race was won and lost, but also what it portends for the remaining jewels of the Triple Crown. While Medina Spirit’s victory was both brave and historic, his task only gets tougher from here.
Racing
More Than One Way to Wear Roses
Ron McAnally built a Hall of Fame career training superstars like John Henry and Bayakoa and sent 10 horses to the Kentucky Derby over his 50-year career. Though fourth place is his best finish as a trainer, as co-breeder of leading contender Rock Your World, McAnally is a rarity Derby history. He follows in the footsteps of another legendary breeder/trainer - the “Wizard of the Turf,” John E. Madden.
Racing
The best jockeys that have never won the Kentucky Derby
A horseman’s greatness is often determined by their success in Triple Crown races, particularly the Kentucky Derby (G1). These five outstanding jockeys are without a win in the "Run for the Roses."
Racing
Racing
The Name Game: The thread connecting all 20 Kentucky Derby contenders
Like a Helium balloon, the Essential Quality it takes to contest the Kentucky Derby has once again risen to the top.
Racing
One Hundred Years Ago, Colonel Bradley Goes for the One-Two
A century ago, the Kentucky Derby was blossoming into the Run for the Roses, America’s most famous horse race. Names now iconic in Derby history contributed to its growing popularity, these humans and horses synonymous with cascading blankets of roses and icy cups of mint juleps: Regret and Exterminator, Harry Payne Whitney and Colonel Matt Winn. In the 1920s and 1930s, another Kentucky colonel added his name to that list, Edward Riley Bradley.
Kentucky Derby
The best horses to lose the Kentucky Derby
These five horses made their mark in racing history in spite of their shortcomings in the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
The 5 greatest trainers that have never won the Kentucky Derby
A horseman’s greatness is often determined by their success in Triple Crown races, particularly the Kentucky Derby (G1). These five outstanding trainers are without a win in the "Run for the Roses."
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Essential Quality
Essential Quality will take some beating as the Kentucky Derby favorite. They gray colt exhibited his will to win in the final prep race, determinedly getting up by a neck in the Blue Grass S. (G2) to remain unbeaten.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Super Stock
Super Stock broke through in the Arkansas Derby (G1), earning a spot in the Kentucky Derby field with a 12-1 upset at Oaklawn Park. Read this and the full series by James Scully on TwinSpires Edge!
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Hidden Stash
A rallying second in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Hidden Stash did not receive the right set-up and experienced a troubled trip finishing fourth in the Blue Grass S. (G2) at Keeneland. His late kick could prove more effective in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Crowded Trade
Can Crowded Trade handle the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby? That’s a tough question, because his pedigree can be read in multiple ways, and it doesn’t provide a clear answer.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: O Besos
Kentucky Derby winners might be elite racehorses, but they don’t necessarily make elite stallions. Derby winners who sire Derby winners are a relative rarity; can Orb pull off the double with O Besos?
Racing
The oddest horse names in Kentucky Derby history
There are a number of weird and wonderful horse names that have made it to the biggest stage of all. Here are the 10 best in Kentucky Derby history.
Kentucky Derby
Queen Elizabeth's top race horses of all time
A prominent fixture on the turf since ascending the throne of the United Kingdom in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II has enjoyed tremendous success as both an owner and breeder in her seven decades as the sport's most recognizable patron. Indeed, a number of her most accomplished runners came along during the first decade or so of her long and inspiring reign.
Features
Brotherly love and sister acts: The greatest siblings on the racetrack
Siblings Day on April 10 is an occasion to celebrate our brothers and sisters. As a racing fan and pedigree aficionado, I’d like to expand on that idea and recall some of the greatest sibling acts of the turf.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Rock Your World
Turf or dirt, it doesn’t seem to matter to Rock Your World, who won his first two starts on grass before emerging as a Kentucky Derby contender with a victory in the Santa Anita Derby on dirt.
Racing
Gretzky the Great aims to bounce back like his namesake
Gretzky the Great, who returns in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, takes his name from his country's most iconic sports hero.
Racing
What is Tennessee's legacy on horse racing and the Kentucky Derby?
Did you know that the Tennessee Derby was once a Kentucky Derby prep? Discover more on how TN shaped horse racing during the 19th century.
Racing
Some Things Stay the Same: One Hundred Days, One Hundred Years Ago
A century ago, January 21st saw racing in the midst of its yearly changing of the guard, the champions of 1920 giving way to their successors.
Racing
Derby Americana: Kentucky Derby bourbon tour
In this edition of Derby Americana, we look at bourbon, a spirit synonymous with Kentucky.
Racing
Kentucky Derby culinary traditions
Elevate your Derby party by adding one of these customary dishes to your menu.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Americana: Decadent and Depraved
The 96th running of the Kentucky Derby led Hunter S. Thompson to introduce gonzo journalism to the world.
Racing
1945 - When the Kentucky Derby moved from May to June by Vance Hanson
When the Kentucky Derby ran in June. 1945 proved a record season for Thoroughbred racing with nearly $1.4 billion wagered following the lifting of the ban.
Racing
History repeating with Mr. Monomoy and Modernist
Whether it ties into pedigree or connections, sometimes the next big thing in horse racing sounds familiar—a jazzy riff, a sultry timbre, a little bit of history repeating.
Racing
Pedigree fun facts for 2019 Preakness
The dozen contenders expected in Saturday’s Preakness (G1) bring notable pedigrees into the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown.
Although none is by a Preakness winner, three are grandsons of champions who’ve figuratively hoisted the Woodlawn Vase. ...
Racing
Phenom to Journeyman: The Riding Life of Bill Boland
For almost seven decades, Bill Boland has been able to call himself a winner of the Kentucky Derby. The Hall of Fame jockey recently looked back on his career and his stories are priceless.
Racing
A yardstick to measure the greatness of Winx
There has always been a lot of chatter when foreign horses are dominating their regions. Questions arise regarding who they are beating and why don’t they come to America? As one Australian trainer, Peter Moody, once reminded: “The planes fly both wa ...
Racing
LONGFORM: The Story of Majestic Prince
Majestic Prince: The leading lights of this generation of colts were also to a large extent an aristocratic one -- conceived of the best blood...
History
Apollo casts a long shadow but curses made to be broken
What does the Kentucky Derby hold for future contenders, what can we learn from the past? One of the longest-standing trends in sports, the Curse of Apollo says...
Racing
Mike Battaglia prepares to call the Battaglia Memorial Stakes at Turfway Park (Adam Spradling Photo)
Spiraling Up to the Kentucky Derby
The story behind Turfway Park's Kentucky Derby prep-race during a special race call of the Battaglia Memorial by his son Mike Battaglia.
Racing
Cigar Mile sparks memories of Hall of Famer
Naming stakes after past champions is a fitting way to keep their memory alive, especially when the honoree has a logical connection to the race. A case in point is the Cigar Mile (G1), and Saturday’s renewal conjures up thoughts of its Hall of Fame ...
Features
What Winx has in common with Zenyatta and Phar Lap
When champion racemare Zenyatta retired, it’s doubtful anyone would have expected her sire Street Cry to produce another mare as good as she was.
International
Happy Valley a place to rejuvenate your racing soul
HONG KONG - When the Hong Kong Jockey Club announced attendance of around 29,600 for Wednesday night's International Jockey Championship at Happy Valley Racecourse, my first thought, and not in a negative way, was "That's it?"
In truth, it was a t ...
Racing
History is against Beholder in the Breeders’ Cup Classic
Beholder will be going for a history-making win when starting in the 32nd Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland on October 31.
If the Henny Hughes mare breaks from the gate, she’ll become just the sixth distaffer to even compete in the 1 1/4-m ...
Breeders Cup
Among the Giant's killers, Beau Purple was best
Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens, who died this week at 85, is best remembered for defeating great champions rather than training them. Indeed, only one in his plethora of stakes winners – Sky Beauty in 1994 – ever topped a year-end poll as divisio ...
Racing
Genesis of a Triple Crown drought: Spectacular Bid & the 1979 Belmont Stakes
The 36-year streak of Triple Crown futility dates back to unquestionably one of the greatest racers in history, the mighty Spectacular Bid.
Coming into the 1979 Belmont Stakes, the Triple Crown had been captured three different times in the last s ...
Racing
POPULAR ARTICLES
Keeneland International Scouting Reports: Order of Australia, Empress Josephine
First-crop sires: Echo Zulu rolls, Concept breaks through for Gun Runner
Cody's Wish hopes to win for Make-A-Wish namesake at Churchill Downs
Summer and Natalma international scouting reports: Albahr, Wild Beauty
Jockey Club Oaks international scouting reports: Harajuku, Creative Flair
VIDEOS
LATEST