Horse Racing News

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.

This year's Kentucky Derby is fast approaching, but rain could also be on the way for the May 4 event at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Orb has been made the early 7-2 favorite for the Kentucky Derby, with undefeated Verrazano the second choice in a full field of 20 horses.

Giant Finish, third in the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes on March 23, will enter the May 4 Kentucky Derby, trainer Anthony Dutrow confirmed April 30.

Stonestreet Stables' homebred filly Dreaming of Julia was installed as the 3-1 morning-line favorite for the $1 million Longines Kentucky Oaks May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Every morning this Kentucky Derby week, as owners and jockeys fly into town and trainers oversee final preparations for the chance of a lifetime, unheralded men and women quietly swing astride the runners they have guided to the first Saturday in May.

Florida Derby winner Orb completed his preparations for the Kentucky Derby with an eye-popping four furlong move Monday, April 29, at Churchill Downs that was clocked in :47 4/5.

Three-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert said April 29 he will not have a starter in this year's May 4 classic, noting that none of the contenders he had early in the season would be competitive in the 1 1/4-mile race.