With the 32nd Breeders’ Cup straight ahead, Keeneland racing officials say they are using a conservative approach in trying to preserve a turf course that is showing some wear from regular use.
The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission on Thursday approved dates for 2016, according to Kelly Cathey, the agency’s interim executive director. The calendar is similar to the race dates in place for 2015.
Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Lexington, Ky. has released the advertised fees for its 2016 stallion roster. Two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who relocates to Hill ‘n’ Dale after seven years at Lane’s End Farm, is likely to command the group’s highest fee, which will be announced at a later time. Hill ‘n’ Dale acquired a 20 percent stake in the 11-year-old son of Smart Strike, who stood for $35,000 in 2015, earlier this year.
Jockey Joe Talamo has been suspended three days – Thursday-Saturday next week – for causing interference that led to the disqualification of Diablo Caballero from first to third in the ninth race Oct. 12.
The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium has sent a report to Truesdail Laboratories outlining concerns arising from a recent site inspection but has not yet made a decision on whether the lab’s accreditation is in jeopardy, according to the head of the RMTC.
He won’t run in the Breeders’ Cup, but Watershed once again suggested he’s a colt with a bright future when easily winning a first-level allowance on Thursday at Keeneland.
The fourth race Sunday at Keeneland is a $64,000 allowance, but a quick scan of the past performances might have you believing it’s a stakes race.
Gimme Da Lute, winner of four consecutive stakes from April to August, will be nominated for the $200,000 Twilight Derby on turf Oct. 24 but is doubtful for the race due to a lingering foot issue.
Uncle Sigh, multiple graded stakes placed last year at 3, has been purchased by a group headed by Adam Wachtel and will be transferred to Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.
The connections of Grade 1 winner Slumber have had a change of heart and will probably run him in the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Turf.
