OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Trainer Will Walden has had Big Blue Line in his barn for about nine months, and he’s still not sure what distance and surface is preferred by the 6-year-old gelding.

In six starts since being claimed for $80,000 late last June, Big Blue Line has won on dirt and synthetic. In Walden’s estimation, he’s also run sneaky good in a couple of losses in turf stakes.

“I’ve run the horse six or seven times and I’m about as clueless as to surface and distance as when I got him,” Walden said.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The sun will not be shining bright on the old Kentucky home as Keeneland opens its spring meet Friday. The early focus will still be on the sophomores looking to run through April showers to May flowers.

Trainer Chad Brown believes Praetor could have a big 3-year-old season, he just doesn’t see the Kentucky Derby as part of it.

Praetor, who came off a lengthy layoff to win a first-level allowance at Gulfstream Park on March 9, will make his next start in the Grade 3, $400,000 Lexington Stakes at Keeeneland on April 12 with the potential of using that race as a stepping-stone to the Preakness on May 17.

ARCADIA, Calif. – Juan Hernandez, the dominant rider in Southern California the last few years, will be seeking his first win in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on Saturday.

In three previous attempts, Hernandez’s mounts have finished fifth or sixth. The most disappointing of those was Forbidden Kingdom, who was last of six in 2022 as the even-money favorite.

On Saturday, Hernandez rides Barnes in the $500,000 race at 1 1/8 miles, a crucial prep for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 3.

The Maryland Jockey Club announced changes to its condition book that will take effect in May. Among the changes, a new state-restricted maiden special weight condition will be added to Laurel cards, while prices for various claiming conditions will be adjusted.

“We’re of the position that we’re going to try things,” Bill Knauf, president and general manager of TMJC, said Tuesday. “If they don’t work, then they don’t work, but we’d rather try it than not try it and see how it progresses.”

The eighth race on Monday at Parx Racing was declared a no contest when a loose horse running in the wrong direction had to be caught in the stretch. Thanks to the heroics of outriders Filemon Gonzalez and Facundo Vaio, as well as jockey Frankie Pennington, no one was seriously harmed in the incident.

Turning for home with a short lead, Pennington’s first thought was that his horse, Showtime Matinee, had plenty left for the stretch run. That thought was immediately interrupted by blaring sirens, flashing lights, and the sight of three horses barreling toward him.

Post Time recorded his first timed workout of the 2025 season on Saturday, running three furlongs in 37 seconds flat at Fair Hill Training Center. The graded stakes winner is nominated for several races in April, but trainer Brittany Russell said that he’s still working his way back.

“He’s not quite ready, and we’re at the stage where we’re going to nominate everywhere,” Russell said. “When I find myself ready to nail down a start, we will.”