Horse Racing News on August 16, 2012

Making the 52nd start of his career Aug. 19, 9-year-old Awesome Gem steps forward to defend his title in the $200,000 Longacres Mile Handicap at Emerald Downs.

The veterinary staff of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has added some additional protocols to its operations in an effort to cut down on the number of equine fatalities at the state's tracks.

Silver Max will look to cement his standing atop the three-year-old turf division when he lines up for the Secretariat Stakes, one of four premier turf stakes races on Saturday's International Festival of Racing program at Arlington Park.

With horses invading from at least four countries as well as various parts of the United States for the Beverly D. Stakes, it is somewhat ironic that morning line favorite Marketing Mix has been based on the Arlington Park backstretch much of the summer.

The top-three finishers from both the Grade 1 American Oaks and Grade 2 San Clemente Handicap are among those entered to go nine grassy furlongs on Saturday in the Grade 1, $300,000 Del Mar Oaks.

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.

A field of 11 is set for the 30th running of the Arlington Million Aug. 18 at Arlington Park, with Phipps Stable's Boisterous installed as the 4-1 morning line favorite.

Phipps Stable homebred Point of Entry has captured his last three races in easy fashion, but has never been favored in 12 trips to the post thus far.