Horse Racing News

Saratoga Race Course long has been the summer showcase for thrilling debut runners, and on Aug. 11 Alto Racing's Sweet Whiskey turned in the kind of performance that gets race fans talking.

With two dozen 3-year-olds overflowing the entry box, the $250,000 Del Mar Derby was split into two divisions to be contested on the turf Sept. 1.

Wheeled back in 11 days after breaking his maiden, Bashart led all the way to capture the $200,000 With Anticipation Stakes with style Aug. 29 on the turf at Saratoga Race Course.

Ahmed Zayat hopes to make an early trip to the winner's circle after the Forego Stakes Aug. 31, just one race before Paynter continues on his comeback in the featured Woodward at Saratoga Race Course.

Coming in off a 5 ¾-length victory in the Oceanport Stakes at Monmouth Park, Silver Max looks for a repeat performance Aug. 31 in the $250,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap at Saratoga Race Course.

Unbeaten Concave, a game half-length winner of the recent Sorrento Stakes, and runner-up She's a Tiger renew their battle in the $300,000 Del Mar Debutante Aug. 28.

Successful Dan and Paynter, two horses who have overcome great physical difficulties to continue their racing careers, head a deep edition of the $750,000 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 31.

Trainer Ian Wilkes said the morning of Aug. 29 that 2012 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Fort Larned will be scratched out of the $750,000 Woodward Stakes at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 31 because he is not 100%.

Overcoming concerns about the Del Mar Polytrack, Game On Dude demolished the field by a record 8 1/4 lengths in the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic in the most dominant performance of his career Aug. 25.

Fed Biz, flying through the homestretch, caught tiring favorite Goldencents late to win the $250,000 Pat O'Brien Stakes in track-record time at Del Mar Aug. 25, giving trainer Bob Baffert his fifth win in a row in the race.