Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Call Me Midnight

Mon Jan 24 2022J. Keeler Johnson

Call Me Midnight burst onto the Kentucky Derby trail with a late-surging victory in the Lecomte S. (G3). Can he maintain his finishing speed over the Kentucky Derby’s testing 1 1/4-mile journey?
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Courvoisier

Mon Jan 03 2022J. Keeler Johnson

Of all the contenders for the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1), arguably none is as regally bred as Courvoisier. But will his extraordinarily productive pedigree translate to success in the Derby?
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Newgrange

Mon Jan 03 2022J. Keeler Johnson

Sometimes, bettors can examine a racehorse pedigree and immediately conclude, “Yes—this horse is bred to excel in the Triple Crown.” Such is the case with Sham S. (G3) winner Newgrange.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Dash Attack

Mon Jan 03 2022J. Keeler Johnson

Can a son of a sprinter win the Kentucky Derby (G1) racing 1 1/4 miles? It’s happened before, and it could happen again when Smarty Jones S. winner Dash Attack tackles the 2022 “Run for the Roses.”
The Breeders' Cup sign scene
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Vertiginous

Fri Dec 31 2021Kellie Reilly

Speedy filly finally broke through in juvenile course-record time for trainer Brian Meehan, who sent out two Breeders’ Cup Turf heroes in Red Rocks (2006) and Dangerous Midge (2010). Of m ore relevance here is Meehan’s attempt in the short-lived Juvenile Sprint on dirt, where his 15-1 Shumoos was a rallying second to Secret Circle at Churchill Downs in 2011. Vertiginous has the look of a substantial overlay at a 20-1 morning line.
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Twilight Gleaming

Fri Dec 31 2021Kellie Reilly

Although her Wesley Ward stablemate Averly Jane ranks as the favorite, Twilight Gleaming has the right profile for this race as well. She hasn’t been spotted stateside since her brilliant maiden win at Belmont in :56.49, but she’ s run well in her two interim starts in Europe.
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Thunder Love

Fri Dec 31 2021Kellie Reilly

A precocious filly who won twice early in the season on Polytrack, the Amo Racing runner has found turf stakes company a tougher challenge.
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Go Bears Go

Fri Dec 31 2021Kellie Reilly

The near-misser in Royal Ascot’s Norfolk (G2), a “Win and You’re In” for this race, Go Bears Go hopes that history repeats itself. Last year, Golden Pal was just denied in the Norfolk, but won the Juvenile Turf Sprint.
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Armor

Fri Dec 31 2021Kellie Reilly

A Breeders’ Cup trophy has continued to elude Richard Hannon, both the father and son of that name. If the younger Hannon is going to win one, chances are it would come courtesy of a sharp juvenile. Armor fits that profile, if the five-furlong specialist can maintain decent position on the turn.
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Twilight Jet

Fri Dec 31 2021Kellie Reilly

The joint sales topper for £210,000 at the Doncaster Breeze Up in April has been on the go all season, amazingly putting up a career best in his 10th start last out. Owner/trainer Michael O’Callaghan’s initial thought was to put him away for the winter, rather than try the “lottery” of the Juvenile Turf Sprint, but Twilight Jet apparently overruled him. And now he’s added new co-owners in the Iavarones.
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Hierarchy

Fri Dec 31 2021Kellie Reilly

Improving colt has raced exclusively at six furlongs, but could be the type to prefer shorter. That gives him dark horse appeal in a furiously competitive event.
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Matera Sky

Thu Dec 30 2021Kellie Reilly

Last of eight behind Mitole in the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Matera Sky must overcome a similar challenge, now two years later in the twilight of his career.
Breeders' Cup International Horse Profile: Queen Supreme

Thu Dec 30 2021Kellie Reilly

An Irish-bred with a global pedigree who became a celebrity in South Africa for Mike de Kock, Queen Supreme has to overcome a far from ideal preparation.