Horse Racing News by Steve Haskin

Despite the absence of Untapable, who chose to run in the Haskell Invitational Handicap instead of running in the CCA Oaks at 1-10 or lower, only six fillies showed up for a race that used to be the crowning achievement for a 3-year-old filly.

The $1 million Belmont Oaks, formerly the Garden City Stakes, has found a new identity as part of the New York Racing Association's July 5 Stars and Stripes card, which also features the Belmont Derby.

It is hard to believe a year has passed since Dogwood Stable's Palace Malice galloped all the way around Big Sandy to upset the Belmont Stakes at odds of 13-1.

The 4-year-old homebred daughter of Discreet Cat -- To Marquet, by Marquetry, will attempt to add to her streak when she takes on a classy, hard-knocking field of fillies and mares June 7 in the $750,000 Longines Just a Game Stakes at Belmont Park.

Triple Crown hopeful California Chrome set foot on the Belmont Park main track for the first time May 21, leisurely jogging once around the 1 ½-mile course with exercise rider Willie Delgado aboard.

The Brook Ledge horse van carrying California Chrome and Ride On Curlin pulled up to Barn 26 at Belmont Park at 10:45 a.m., Tuesday, May 20, where the pair will reside for the next 18 days leading up to the June 7 Belmont Stakes.

There are many reasons for a horse to run in particular races, especially on the road to the Kentucky Derby, but the decision to run Bond Holder in the March 8 Tampa Bay Derby certainly is a new one. Last year's FrontRunner Stakes winner is running at Tam

Reddam Racing's Bond Holder, winner of the Grade 1 FrontRunner Stakes, has been scratched out of the Feb. 22 Risen Star Stakes after suffering an injury en route to Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

The Big Bad Kittens are invading Texas, as grade I winner Admiral Kitten faces seven opponents in the $200,000 John B. Connally Turf Cup at Sam Houston Race Park Jan. 25.

In a year when the 3-year-old male leaderboard kept changing by the month, it should come as no surprise that a horse like Will Take Charge, who excelled from August to November, be the frontrunner for the Eclipse Award.