Horse Racing News

Derby favorite gives owners, Hall of Fame trainer rare shot at a Derby victory

With seven 3-year-old fillies contending in mid-stretch, Maggi Moss's So Many Ways proved best late to win the $150,000 Eight Belles Stakes presented by Xerox Friday, May 3 at Churchill Downs by a half-length over Fusaichiswonderful.

In a fierce stretch battle beneath the Twin Spires, Padua Stables' Authenticity held off stubborn On Fire Baby to take the $300,000 La Troienne Stakes by a neck. Favored Believe You Can, winner of last year's Kentucky Oaks was 4 3/4 lengths back in third.

World War II veteran Alan Reeves had some advice for Fox Hill Farm's Rick Porter on May 3 when he and three other veterans of the Normandy Invasion visited Barn 42, where Kentucky Derby contender Normandy Invasion is stabled.

Long shot Black Onyx is a late scratch for the Kentucky Derby, leaving 19 horses to vie for the roses.

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, who will ride undefeated Wood Memorial winner Verrazano in the May 4 Kentucky Derby, returned to competition the afternoon of May 2 at Belmont Park, where he finished seventh on his first mount since April 7.

Champion sprinter Trinniberg heads a strong field for the 79th running of the $400,000 Churchill Downs Stakes May 4 at the Louisville track.

At this time in 2012, Wise Dan had just accomplished a record-setting romp in the Ben Ali Stakes at Keeneland, but had yet to register the four additional graded stakes wins that would bring him Horse of the Year and two other Eclipse Awards.

Rumor, victorious in the Las Flores Stakes March 10, has been installed the 5-2 favorite in a field of nine fillies and mares entered in the $300,000 Humana Distaff Stakes at Churchill Downs May 4.

Two days before he is scheduled to run in the Kentucky Derby, Vyjack "blew out" three furlongs in :37 at Churchill Downs May 2.