Horse Racing News by Bloodhorse

Haskell Invitational winner Paynter, who was diagnosed with laminitis Sept. 4, continues to make significant strides toward recovery and could even make a return to racing, according to the Zayat family.

The $500,000 Super Derby, contested at 1 1/8 miles for 3-year-olds, is the 10th race on the card and is scheduled with an approximate post of 5:10 p.m. CDT. Each runner totes 124 pounds.

Owner Ahmed Zayat revealed at midday Wednesday that the health of Grade 1 Haskell Invitational winner Paynter had shown slight improvement.

Haskell Invitational winner Paynter, who has suffered many ailments while battling a serious case of colitis, was diagnosed Sept. 4 with one of the most devastating diseases for horses: laminitis.

On Sept. 1 at Saratoga Race Course, the Hall of Famer looks to add to that total when sending Data Link postward as the 7-5 morning line favorite for the $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap.

Royal Delta bolstered her Eclipse Award credentials with a win in the Alabama Stakes before going on to sew up honors as the outstanding 3-year-old filly of 2011 with a victory in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Churchill Downs.

Contested, a Grade 1 winner who was last in her most recent start, will attempt to regain winning form and earn her most lucrative victory to date when competing in the 87th renewal of the $500,000 Test Stakes Aug. 25 at Saratoga Race Course.

Jockey Paco Lopez scored his 1,000th career win when he rode Whitey's Gold to victory for trainer Bobby DiBona in the second race at Monmouth Park Aug. 17.

The winner of the $600,000 Alabama Stakes at Saratoga Race Course has gone on to be named champion 3-year-old filly in three of the past four years -- Proud Spell in 2008, Blind Luck in 2010, and Royal Delta in 2011.

An official with Monmouth Park has reportedly said the New Jersey track was not selected to host the 2013 Breeders' Cup World Championships but is continuing to pursue hosting the event in 2014.