Wed, 02/15/2017 - 14:26

Buena Vista at mercy of weather

A strong storm expected to bring plenty of wet weather to Southern California was forecast to hit beginning Friday and lasting through Saturday, and that could impact the Grade 2, $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes for older females, scheduled for one mile on the turf course Saturday.

Wed, 02/15/2017 - 14:26

Arrogate looking good for whatever's next

Barbara D. Livingston
Arrogate works a half-mile in 48.60 under Martin Garcia Tuesday morning at Santa Anita.

While no next race has yet been picked out for Arrogate, it certainly is looking like he’ll be racing again within the next six weeks or so. There had been thought prior to the Pegasus World Cup that he might get a break after that race, but he ran so well that day and came out of it so well that he’s continued right along with his training.

The most obvious and richest option for Arrogate would be the $10 million Dubai World Cup on March 25, but trainer Bob Baffert said he’s “not in any hurry to make any call” regarding where Arrogate runs next.

Wed, 02/15/2017 - 14:00

General George contender Heaven's Runway improving with age

Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club
The 7-year-old Heaven's Runway will be one of the top choices in Saturday's General George.

For the bulk of his five seasons on the racetrack, Heaven’s Runway ground out a steady living, racing seven to 10 times a year and earning between $80,000 and $100,000 a season. Not bad for a horse who won five of his first 39 starts, but distinctly blue collar.

Wed, 02/15/2017 - 13:36

Eskenformoney, Curlin's Approval rematched in Royal Delta

Kenny Martin/Coglianese Photos
Eskenformoney defeated Curlin's Approval nine weeks ago when they met inthe Rampart Stakes.

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – When last they met at Gulfstream Park, Eskenformoney was pulling a mild upset over favored Curlin’s Approval in the Grade 3 Rampart on Dec. 17.

Nine weeks later, they will meet again Saturday in the Grade 2, $200,000 Royal Delta at 1 1/16 miles. Curlin’s Approval once again will be favored – she was 1-2 in the Rampart when finishing three-quarters of a length behind Eskenformoney, a 5-1 shot – but there’s likely to be more support for Eskenformoney this time around.

Wed, 02/15/2017 - 11:00

More Power to Him enters El Camino Real Derby a colt on the rise

Vassar Photography
So Conflated (left) earned an 81 Beyer for his California Derby victory.

Things are going good at Golden Gate Fields for trainer Faith Taylor.

Last Saturday, Shari finished third for Taylor in the California Oaks at Golden Gate, earning coveted black type. On Sunday, she brought the undefeated stakes winner Llobo back to her Golden Gate Fields barn from her farm in nearby Clayton, Calif.

Taylor’s meet might get a lot better Saturday, when she sends More Power to Him in the Grade 3, $200,000 El Camino Real Derby.

Mon, 02/13/2017 - 15:30

Vazquez to serve three-day suspension

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Jockey Ramon Vazquez, who is tied atop the Oaklawn standings with Ricardo Santana Jr., will begin a three-day suspension Saturday for a riding infraction, according to a stewards’ ruling.

Mon, 02/13/2017 - 15:26

Lookin At Lee among Southwest workers

Coady Photography
Lookin at Lee works four furlongs in 50.20 seconds Monday at Oaklawn Park.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Lookin At Lee, who in his last start was fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Nov. 5 at Santa Anita, was among a handful of probables for the Southwest Stakes to work at Oaklawn on Monday. The Southwest will be run here on Presidents Day next Monday.

Lookin At Lee went a half-mile in 50.20 seconds, with clockers getting his final quarter in 23.80 and catching him galloping out five-eighths in 1:02.60.

Mon, 02/13/2017 - 15:26

Tour de Force has size, demeanor to be a good one

Tour de Force was one of six yearlings who sold for more than $1 million each at Keeneland’s yearling auction on Sept. 11, 2014. Watch a video of the horse in the sales ring, and you will see a poised and curious colt who is both gigantic and gorgeous.

Tour de Force’s great heft surely contributed to the fact that he made his career debut only in December, but the colt is a gentle giant, according to David Carroll, the Fair Grounds assistant to trainer Mark Casse, and a dream to ride.

Mon, 02/13/2017 - 15:20

Local Hero to make next start in Risen Star Stakes

Lou Hodges Jr./Hodges Photography
Local Hero broke his maiden with a 7 1/2-length win at Fair Grounds last month.

The exciting Fair Grounds maiden winner Local Hero will make his next start Feb. 25 in the Risen Star Stakes, trainer Steve Asmussen said Monday.

Asmussen will have two runners in the Grade 2, $400,000 Risen Star, with Untrapped joining Local Hero in what is shaping up as a very solid edition of the local Louisiana Derby prep race.