Horse Racing News

It was a crowded scene at the April 10 draw for the $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, as the connections of contenders crossed their fingers and hoped for good post positions in Keeneland's April 13 prep for the Kentucky Derby.

Wayne Lukas, Bob Baffert, Todd Pletcher. Three titans of the turf will go to battle in the $1 million Arkansas Derby Apr. 6 at Oaklawn Park in an attempt to strengthen their forces for the ultimate conflict, the May 4 Kentucky Derby.

Unlikely Rose to Gold stamped her ticket for the Kentucky Oaks with another dominating performance at Oaklawn Park April 10, splashing her way to a front-running 4 1/2-length victory in the $400,000 Fantasy Stakes.

Jockey Joel Rosario has been named to ride Besilu Stables Florida Derby winner Orb in the Kentucky Derby, agent Ron Anderson confirmed April 10.

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez sustained a slight fracture of his first rib on the right side and a small bone chip near his right wrist as the result of a spill in the seventh race at Aqueduct Racetrack April 7, according to his valet, Tony Millan.

Gary and Mary West's Flashback, second in the Santa Anita Derby, came out of the race with a small chip in his right knee and will be sent to Rood & Riddle April 10 to have the chip removed, trainer Bob Baffert said April 7.

Two races after Beholder coasted in the Santa Anita Oaks, Jimmy Creed gave owner Spendthrift Farm, trainer Richard Mandella and jockey Garrett Gomez their second major score on Saturday's card in the Grade 2, $150,250 Potrero Grande at Santa Anita.

Verrazano turned back the challenge of Vyjack and held off a late-closing Normandy Invasion in a formful edition of the $1 million Wood Memorial.

Goldencents was back on top of his game April 6, turning back even-money choice Flashback to capture the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby.

Having chased returning rivals Discreet Dancer and Fort Loudon in a pair of recent stakes at Gulfstream Park, Silverton Hill's Swagger Jack earned a little payback Saturday in the Grade 1, $400,000 Carter Handicap at Aqueduct.