Horse Racing News on March 20, 2011

Bound for the winner's circle after Juniper Pass's hard-fought victory in Sunday's $150,000 San Luis Rey Stakes, owner Robert Irvin was understandably full of enthusiasm.

German-bred filly La Luna de Miel, making just her second start in the United States, collared Giants Play at the sixteenth pole and held on for a one-length win in the $150,000 Orchid Stakes on the Gulfstream Park grass March 20.

Chief of Affairs established himself as one of the top choices for next month's Grade 3, $200,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn Park when he won the $75,000 Hot Springs on Sunday in a meet-best time of 1:08.56 for six furlongs.