Horse Racing News on September 28, 2013

Mucho Macho Man earned his long-anticipated first grade I victory and stamped his return ticket to the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic with an impressive performance in the $250,000 Awesome Again Stakes

Beholder was something to behold in the $250,000 Zenyatta Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

Pamela Ziebarth's homebred Tiz Flirtatious edged defending champion and 6-5 favorite Marketing Mix in a thrilling finish to Saturday's Grade 1, $250,500 Rodeo Drive at Santa Anita.

She needed the length of the Santa Anita Park stretch to do it, but Secret Compass passed favorite She's a Tiger with 50 yards to go and won the $250,000 Chandelier Stakes.

Ron the Greek picked a perfect time to snap out of a lengthy slump when he demolished the field in the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup in a 21-1 upset Sept. 28 at Belmont Park.

Priscilla Vaccarezza's Little Mike got back on track after four consecutive losses with a narrow win in the $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational at Belmont Park Sept. 28.

In his first start back from injury, Graydar spurted to the early lead and held on to win the $400,000 Kelso Handicap by three-quarters of a length over Brujo de Olleros Sept. 28 at Belmont Park.

Southern California shipper Private Zone outfought favored Justin Phillip to win the $400,000 Vosburgh Invitational Stakes Sept. 28 by a head at Belmont Park.

Laughing, half of a Richard Santulli-owned and Alan Goldberg-trained favored entry, led from start to finish and held off a furious charge from stablemate Tannery to win the $600,000 Flower Bowl Invitational at Belmont Park Sept. 28.

Princess of Sylmar, facing older foes for the first time, sprung a mild upset Sept. 28 when the 3-year-old filly collared two-time champion Royal Delta and went on to win the $400,000 Beldame Invitational Stakes at Belmont Park by 1 ½ lengths.