Horse Racing News on April 11, 2013

This year's edition of the $300,000 Madison Stakes may not feature a superstar such as 2012 winner Groupie Doll, but 10 older fillies and mares will provide a good wagering event April 13 at Keeneland.

Morton Fink's reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan makes his 2013 debut for trainer Charlie LoPresti in the $300,000 Maker's 46 Mile April 12 at Keeneland, with only four contenders willing to face him first time off the bench.

Jockey Javier Castellano has committed to ride Fox Hill Farms' Wood Memorial runner-up Normandy Invasion in the Kentucky Derby, leaving Louisiana Derby winner Revolutionary open, agent Matt Muzikar confirmed April 11.

Eleven horses were reported as having died in this manner during fiscal year 2012 (July 1 through June 30) compared with six for the same period in 2011 and four in 2009, according to a California Horse Racing Board annual report.