Horse Racing News on March 22, 2012

Animal Kingdom was a relatively unknown commodity entering last year's Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes, but his victory launched him into the Kentucky Derby -- and the rest is history.

The March 22 live racing program at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has been canceled due to torrential rain. The state and track stewards made the final decision in consultation with Fair Grounds officials at 10:30 a.m. CDT.

Just when we thought we had the key matchups for final Kentucky Derby preps all figured out, a couple major curveballs from two of the top contenders were thrown March 22.

With its lucrative $800,000 purse, the Grade 3 Sunland Derby is an attractive prep race for Kentucky Derby hopefuls lacking graded earnings.

Horses running on dirt surfaces in 2011 at North American tracks suffered fatal injuries at nearly twice the rate of horses running on artificial surfaces, according to a Jockey Club project that tracks equine injuries.