John and Tanya Gunther could be forgiven if their attention is divided Saturday, since the demand is not limited to the Kentucky Derby. Their Glennwood Farm homebred Without Parole could also chase classic glory this weekend in the English 2000 Guineas.
Kentucky Derby contender Bolt d'Oro is, of course, named for world-record-setting sprinter Usain Bolt, who was adding to his gold-medal tally at the 2016 Rio Olympics the month the colt was purchased by owner and trainer Mick Ruis at Saratoga.
The fingerprints of Gainesway's past, and present, can be found all over this year's Kentucky Oaks.
Broodmare of the Year Leslie's Lady has already produced three Grade 1 winners, including four-time champion Beholder. Mendelssohn could make her the dam of a Kentucky Derby winner as well.
The changes to the Kentucky Derby field this week served to further highlight the standout penultimate crop by the late sire Scat Daddy. Multiple graded stakes-placed Combatant is among the final horses guaranteed a spot in the starting gate on points, which would give the late stallion four starters, along with unbeaten Santa Anita Derby winner Justify, United Arab Emirates Derby winner Mendelssohn, and multiple graded stakes winner Flameaway.
Led by international standout Donner, a number of Thoroughbred ex-racehorses will contest North America's most prestigious three-day event, the Land Rover Kentucky CCI four-star, beginning Thursday at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
Nessy posted his first graded stakes victory in the Grade 2 San Juan Capistrano at Santa Anita on Sunday – 24 hours after his Grade 1-winning older full brother, Bullards Alley, suffered a fatal breakdown.
Saturday’s Grade 2 Charles Town Classic winner Something Awesome is one of 70 stakes winners by Awesome Again, who has never covered huge books of mares.
Delhomme, a Grade 2 winner, has relocated to A & A Ranch in Anthony, N.M., where he will stand for an advertised fee of $1,500.
Breeders' Cup Turf winner and freshman sire Magician will return to his native country to continue his stud career at Coolmore's Castlehyde Stud in Ireland, the international operation has announced.
