Horse Racing News

Turtle Bird Stables' Cluster of Stars moved her record to a perfect five-for-five when taking Saturday's Grade 2, $190,000 Distaff Handicap at Aqueduct.

Southern California trainer Bob Baffert said in a statement April 12 that an unusual string of sudden deaths in his barn is "personally troubling," and that he hopes state pathologists can help uncover a cause.

Champion mare Black Caviar easily extended her unbeaten streak to 25 wins in as many starts April 13 as she ran 10 overmatched opponents off their feet in the $1 million Darley T. J. Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick.

Anita Cauley's homebred On Fire Baby closed out her sophomore campaign in the Acorn at Belmont Park in late May, but on Friday the Smoke Glacken miss returned to competition with a hard-fought half-length victory in Apple Blossom Handicap.

The champ is back. Morton Fink's 2012 Horse of the Year Wise Dan easily won the $300,000 Maker's 46 Mile by a length over Data Link April 12 at Keeneland, successfully making his 2013 debut while recording his sixth straight victory.

An unfortunate stumble at the start of the Gulfstream Park Handicap last month cost Fort Larned his seasonal debut, but the 2012 Breeders' Cup Classic winner is back in action in the $500,000 Oaklawn Handicap April 13.

This year's edition of the $300,000 Madison Stakes may not feature a superstar such as 2012 winner Groupie Doll, but 10 older fillies and mares will provide a good wagering event April 13 at Keeneland.

Morton Fink's reigning Horse of the Year Wise Dan makes his 2013 debut for trainer Charlie LoPresti in the $300,000 Maker's 46 Mile April 12 at Keeneland, with only four contenders willing to face him first time off the bench.

Jockey Javier Castellano has committed to ride Fox Hill Farms' Wood Memorial runner-up Normandy Invasion in the Kentucky Derby, leaving Louisiana Derby winner Revolutionary open, agent Matt Muzikar confirmed April 11.

Eleven horses were reported as having died in this manner during fiscal year 2012 (July 1 through June 30) compared with six for the same period in 2011 and four in 2009, according to a California Horse Racing Board annual report.