While the very top of last year’s 2-year-olds-in-training market was devoid of horses who breezed a furlong in under 10 seconds during the presale under-tack shows, a $1.8 million Smart Strike colt put it all together in 2013 and probably will finish the year as North America’s highest-priced juvenile.

A driving victory by Overanalyze in the Arkansas Derby further bolstered the broodmare resume of his dam, Unacloud, who became a multiple Grade 1 producer with the win.

A 16-year-old mare by Unaccounted For, Unacloud has produced six winners from eight foals to race. She is out of the winning Two Punch mare Cloud’s Ambre, and is a half-sister to stakes-placed Bear’s Lightning and Illusoria, who is also a stakes producer.

Punching a ticket to the Kentucky Derby is exciting. Doing so with a homebred is even better, according to owner-breeder Charles Fipke, who watched his Java's War storm down the stretch to win the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland Saturday afternoon.

Michelle LeBlanc, DVM, Dip. ACT, a theriogenologist, or reproductive specialist, at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, Ky., died on April 13 following a battle with colon cancer. She was 58.

Dr. LeBlanc previously worked as a professor in equine reproduction at the University of Florida. At Rood and Riddle, she conducted research and wrote extensively on mare infertility, placental infections, embryo transfer techniques, and other topics related to equine reproduction.

Supercharger, dam of 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver, foaled a colt by Horse of the Year and WinStar Farm stallion Tiznow on April 11 at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Lexington, Ky. The bay colt was foaled at 11:50 p.m. Eastern and weighed 115 pounds at birth.

As WinStar Farm selects a jockey for its Kentucky Derby contender Revolutionary, the outfit has taken the novel approach of asking fans to share their opinions. The Versailles, Ky., racing and breeding operation is allowing members of its StableMates online club to vote for their favorite jockey candidate in a poll on WinStar’s website.

At the 1995 Keeneland September yearling sale, agent Cecil Seaman, acting as agent for owner Morton Fink, signed the $29,000 ticket for a daughter of Wolf Power who would be named Lisa Danielle.

Just under two decades later, the purchase of that mare has paid dividends for Fink. Seven of Lisa Danielle's eight foals to race are winners - and, coming full circle, the prowess of that family was on full display at Keeneland Race Course on April 12.

A number of homebreds will have a chance to punch a ticket to the Kentucky Derby for their owner-breeders on Saturday afternoon, at the final two major Grade 1 preps for the classic will be contested at Keeneland Race Course and Oaklawn Park.

Of the 14 horses in the main body of the field for the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland, five will run for their breeders solely or in partnership. Two entrants in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park are homebreds.

Horses based at New York Racing Association tracks who are no longer able to race but could be trained for second careers now have a place to go.

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association on Friday announced the creation of “Take The Lead,” a retirement program for Thoroughbreds stabled at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, and Saratoga.

Take The Lead will partner with four established aftercare facilities that will provide rehabilitation and retraining for horses that are ready to begin second careers.

Five classic-winning mares, including three champions, have been added to what is already an outstanding first book for unbeaten champion Frankel, who is currently standing his first season at Juddmonte Farm's Banstead Manor Stud near Newmarket, England.

Champions Ramruma, Sariska, and Finsceal Beo, along with fellow classic winners Light Shift and Elusive Wave, have been added to the 5-year-old Galileo horse's book.