ARCADIA, Calif. - An outstanding six-furlong workout by Brother Derek on Sunday morning at Santa Anita solidified the colt's role as favorite for the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on April 8. Regular rider Alex Solis was aboard Brother Derek, who was timed in 1:11, breezing, the fastest of five works at the distance and as visually impressive as it looks on paper.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith returned to New York on Monday morning rejuvenated, refreshed, and hoping to relive some of the glory he enjoyed during the 12 previous years he spent riding here.

Smith officially rejoins the New York jockey colony on Wednesday when Aqueduct's main track meet kicks off a 23-day run. Smith, 40, is named on two horses Wednesday and four more on Thursday.

ALBANY, Calif. - Sierra Sweetie, the winner of the California Breeders' Cup Oaks here Feb. 11, will go to the sidelines for 60 days after a growth was discovered in her throat following a workout on Sunday, said her trainer, Jeff Bonde. Sierra Sweetie had been expected to run in the Grade 1 Ashland at Keeneland on April 8.

Owner-trainer Kimmy Gammon has been fined a total of $2,000 and suspended for two years in two rulings issued by the stewards at Beulah Park.

Gammon was fined and suspended for having in his possession numerous hypodermic syringes and needles as well as bottles containing undisclosed medications during a search of his vehicle when he shipped in horses to race here on March 13, according to the rulings.

Churchill Downs is temporarily moving its primary offtrack simulcasting operations to its former longtime base, the Trackside simulcast annex, during the three-week Keeneland meet, April 7-28. The track said the switch is to prepare the main Churchill facility better for the April 29 opening of the spring meet without inconveniencing customers.

Churchill took over from Trackside as host of off-season simulcasting last July. Business has decreased markedly since then, slipping about 15 percent from corresponding 2004-05 figures, according to track officials.

Gulfstream Park will raise purses by $10,000 for all overnight races that close with nine entries or more on April 1 and 2, the track's president, Scott Savin, announced Monday. The $1 million Florida Derby highlights the April 1 card, which also includes six other stakes.

"The Florida Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association felt the increases should be uniform for all levels of racing," said Savin, "and we agreed."

ARCADIA, Calif. - A sagging 3-year-old filly division welcomes a boost Wednesday at Santa Anita, where Del Mar Debutante

runner-up Mystery Girl returns from a five-month layoff in a first-level allowance.

The 5 1/2-furlong sprint goes as race 4 and includes speedball front-runner Exquisite Beauty and impressive debut winner So Long Sonoma. In race 7, a first-condition sprint for older fillies and mares, fast-working Vikki's Honor returns from a four-month layoff against racing-fit Charming Afleet and Da Svedonya.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - D Fine Okie should get an accommodating pace to support her late run on Wednesday in the second race, a third-level allowance for fillies and mares and the best race on the card at Oaklawn Park.

The six-furlong race drew six horses, including turf stakes winners Singit and Comalagold.

, who is also a stakes winner, is a strong closer who has had a productive meet. She has won once and finished third twice in three starts at Oaklawn.

OZONE PARK, N.Y. - The mercury reached into the mid-50's on Monday. People were already dreading losing an hour's sleep this weekend when daylight savings time begins. And racing returns to Aqueduct's main track on Wednesday.

Yes, spring has finally arrived.

After 16 weeks and 76 cards of racing on Aqueduct's inner track, racing moves to the more spacious main track Wednesday for the first of 23 dates. The main track offers more variety in that one-turn races can be carded anywhere from five furlongs to one mile.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Ermine could train straight up to the Kentucky Oaks off her impressive win Saturday in the $75,000 Honeybee at Oaklawn Park. That is one plan trainer Ronny Werner is considering for Ermine, who also remains a candidate for the Grade 2, $250,000 Fantasy at Oaklawn on April 14.

Ermine is the type of filly who might benefit from more time between races than the three weeks from the Honeybee to the Fantasy, Werner said. The Kentucky Oaks will be run May 5.