4 hours ago
Once in a while, a particular race invokes memories of a great horse. For me, the Grade 3 Best Pal, to be contested at Del Mar today, reminds me of Nyquist.
Nyquist, now a terrific sire and well into his second career, was an unbelievable 2-year-old: after breaking his maiden on first asking at Santa Anita in June of 2015, he put together his best race by figures in the Best Pal. He went on to win a pair of races in September - both of them Grade 1s - before winning the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He kept his undefeated streak into the 2016 Kentucky Derby, and after a win in Louisville, many wondered if we could get back-to-back Triple Crown winners.
"We all booked New York as soon as he crossed the line in the Derby," John Cherwa, my former editor at the L.A. Times, told me.
Alas, that year's Derby runner-up, Exagerrator, got the best of Nyquist in the Preakness. Nyquist never won again, but retired with Grade 1 wins at 5 tracks in 4 states. Just a spectacular 11 months of racing, and one that I'll always appreciate.
Today's Best Pal features a trio of terrific runners, and I'm hopeful we'll meet a Breeders' Cup contender. Let's meet the field, and put together our weekly wager. If you're wagering on Del Mar, check out AmWager! They have a $50 deposit match for new customers, and a player-friendly platform.
#best #breeders #back
Nyquist, now a terrific sire and well into his second career, was an unbelievable 2-year-old: after breaking his maiden on first asking at Santa Anita in June of 2015, he put together his best race by figures in the Best Pal. He went on to win a pair of races in September - both of them Grade 1s - before winning the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He kept his undefeated streak into the 2016 Kentucky Derby, and after a win in Louisville, many wondered if we could get back-to-back Triple Crown winners.
"We all booked New York as soon as he crossed the line in the Derby," John Cherwa, my former editor at the L.A. Times, told me.
Alas, that year's Derby runner-up, Exagerrator, got the best of Nyquist in the Preakness. Nyquist never won again, but retired with Grade 1 wins at 5 tracks in 4 states. Just a spectacular 11 months of racing, and one that I'll always appreciate.
Today's Best Pal features a trio of terrific runners, and I'm hopeful we'll meet a Breeders' Cup contender. Let's meet the field, and put together our weekly wager. If you're wagering on Del Mar, check out AmWager! They have a $50 deposit match for new customers, and a player-friendly platform.
#best #breeders #back
5 days ago
August 3 (UPI) -- Hold all tickets in the race for the 3-year-old championship. After Renegade stormed from the clouds to win Saturday's Jim Dandy at Saratoga, it appears Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Golden Tempo hasn't quite nailed down the crown yet.
The Jim Dandy was the feature attraction in a dandy weekend of racing that included the Arlington Million program at Colonial Downs, some well-funded new turf races at Ellis Park, a Breeders' Cup qualifier at Del Mar and more.
Internationally, Glorious Goodwood was a big success alongside Group 1 races in France and Germany.
The 3-year-olds
Twinkle Town wins Saturday's Grade II Saratoga Special for 2-year-olds at Saratoga. Photo by Joe Napolitano, courtesy of NYRA
#derby
The Jim Dandy was the feature attraction in a dandy weekend of racing that included the Arlington Million program at Colonial Downs, some well-funded new turf races at Ellis Park, a Breeders' Cup qualifier at Del Mar and more.
Internationally, Glorious Goodwood was a big success alongside Group 1 races in France and Germany.
The 3-year-olds
Twinkle Town wins Saturday's Grade II Saratoga Special for 2-year-olds at Saratoga. Photo by Joe Napolitano, courtesy of NYRA
#derby
16 days ago
Cornucopian is the morning line favorite for the Bing Crosby Stakes and is trained by bob Baffert
The Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar carries major significance as a "win and you're in" race for the Breeders' Cup. This means the winner receives an automatic entry into the $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint at Keeneland later this fall. The 81st running of this grade 1 event features a balanced nine horse field that is led by the Bob Baffert-trained Cornucopian. With every runner as Stakes placed (finished in top three) or a Stakes winner, this six-furlong dirt dash for $400,000 in cash promises to be very competitive. Named for one of the founding fathers of the Seaside Oval, the career crooner is surely smiling when he sees this lineup of talent. Last year, the California-bred Lovesick Blues shook up the world with a huge closing kick at odds of 18 to 1. Could another longshot sing in this edition of the Bing?...Let's take a look at the entrants and provide a thought on each. The horses will be listed by post position with trainer, jockey, and morning line. The Bing Crosby Stakes will be contested on July 25 and is carded as race 10 with an expected post time of 6:30 pm Pacific time.
Son of Maximum Security has three wins and a second-place finish in his last four starts. Dominated in the St. Matthews Stakes at Churchill Downs at this distance in his last start back on April 30. Could be a 100 proof player here and certainly a horse for your superfecta.
Hard-running son of Shancelot that has his pappy's speed and his grandpappy's (Hard Spun) guts. Has been in top 3 in 9 of 12 carer starts but has only found the winner's circle 3 times. Trainer has a knack for pulling off upsets, but this is a tall task. A horse to play across the board at a price and oh by the way, those three wins have all been at old Del Mar.
Highly competitive son of Ghostzapper has run in 11 Stakes races in 13 career starts at distances ranging from six furlongs to a mile and a quarter. Was fourth in this race a year ago and finished a non-threatening fifth in his only start this year in the Bango Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 27. He has the experience against top competition and if the price is right is an across-the-board play. Put him on your exotic tickets.
#stakes #bing #three #cornucopian
The Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar carries major significance as a "win and you're in" race for the Breeders' Cup. This means the winner receives an automatic entry into the $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint at Keeneland later this fall. The 81st running of this grade 1 event features a balanced nine horse field that is led by the Bob Baffert-trained Cornucopian. With every runner as Stakes placed (finished in top three) or a Stakes winner, this six-furlong dirt dash for $400,000 in cash promises to be very competitive. Named for one of the founding fathers of the Seaside Oval, the career crooner is surely smiling when he sees this lineup of talent. Last year, the California-bred Lovesick Blues shook up the world with a huge closing kick at odds of 18 to 1. Could another longshot sing in this edition of the Bing?...Let's take a look at the entrants and provide a thought on each. The horses will be listed by post position with trainer, jockey, and morning line. The Bing Crosby Stakes will be contested on July 25 and is carded as race 10 with an expected post time of 6:30 pm Pacific time.
Son of Maximum Security has three wins and a second-place finish in his last four starts. Dominated in the St. Matthews Stakes at Churchill Downs at this distance in his last start back on April 30. Could be a 100 proof player here and certainly a horse for your superfecta.
Hard-running son of Shancelot that has his pappy's speed and his grandpappy's (Hard Spun) guts. Has been in top 3 in 9 of 12 carer starts but has only found the winner's circle 3 times. Trainer has a knack for pulling off upsets, but this is a tall task. A horse to play across the board at a price and oh by the way, those three wins have all been at old Del Mar.
Highly competitive son of Ghostzapper has run in 11 Stakes races in 13 career starts at distances ranging from six furlongs to a mile and a quarter. Was fourth in this race a year ago and finished a non-threatening fifth in his only start this year in the Bango Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 27. He has the experience against top competition and if the price is right is an across-the-board play. Put him on your exotic tickets.
#stakes #bing #three #cornucopian
17 days ago
Kentucky horse racing fans will have another chance to see some of the sport's biggest names next summer, as Kentucky Downs has unveiled its 2026 racing schedule, featuring the $3 million Nashville Derby and a record-setting $37 million purse.
The Mint Kentucky Downs announced July 21 that its 2026 meet will run for seven race days between Aug. 29 and Sept. 9 at the Franklin track, located about an hour north of Nashville.
The schedule includes several graded stakes races, Breeders' Cup qualifiers and the Nashville Derby.
Officials said the meet will offer a total purse of $37 million, with some of the largest individual race payouts in American horse racing.
"Last year, our racetrack attracted racing fans from all over the country and was viewed by millions globally. We had horses come from all over Europe to compete and set wagering records, making Franklin, KY, an important stop on the racing calendar," said Vice President of Racing at Kentucky Downs Ted Nicholson in a statement.
#million
The Mint Kentucky Downs announced July 21 that its 2026 meet will run for seven race days between Aug. 29 and Sept. 9 at the Franklin track, located about an hour north of Nashville.
The schedule includes several graded stakes races, Breeders' Cup qualifiers and the Nashville Derby.
Officials said the meet will offer a total purse of $37 million, with some of the largest individual race payouts in American horse racing.
"Last year, our racetrack attracted racing fans from all over the country and was viewed by millions globally. We had horses come from all over Europe to compete and set wagering records, making Franklin, KY, an important stop on the racing calendar," said Vice President of Racing at Kentucky Downs Ted Nicholson in a statement.
#million
18 days ago
Middle Tennessee horse racing fans will have another chance to see some of the sport's biggest names just across the state line next summer, as Kentucky Downs has unveiled its 2026 racing schedule featuring the $3 million Nashville Derby and a record-setting $37 million purse.
The Mint Kentucky Downs announced July 21 that its 2026 meet will run for seven race days between Aug. 29 and Sept. 9 at the Franklin, Kentucky track, located about an hour north of Nashville.
The schedule includes several graded stakes races, Breeders' Cup qualifiers and the Nashville Derby.
Officials said the meet will offer a total purse of $37 million, with some of the largest individual race payouts in American horse racing.
"Last year, our racetrack attracted racing fans from all over the country and was viewed by millions globally. We had horses come from all over Europe to compete and set wagering records, making Franklin, KY, an important stop on the racing calendar," said Vice President of Racing at Kentucky Downs Ted Nicholson in a statement.
#kentucky #million #franklin #fans
The Mint Kentucky Downs announced July 21 that its 2026 meet will run for seven race days between Aug. 29 and Sept. 9 at the Franklin, Kentucky track, located about an hour north of Nashville.
The schedule includes several graded stakes races, Breeders' Cup qualifiers and the Nashville Derby.
Officials said the meet will offer a total purse of $37 million, with some of the largest individual race payouts in American horse racing.
"Last year, our racetrack attracted racing fans from all over the country and was viewed by millions globally. We had horses come from all over Europe to compete and set wagering records, making Franklin, KY, an important stop on the racing calendar," said Vice President of Racing at Kentucky Downs Ted Nicholson in a statement.
#kentucky #million #franklin #fans
18 days ago
Middle Tennessee horse racing fans will have another chance to see some of the sport's biggest names just across the state line next summer, as Kentucky Downs has unveiled its 2026 racing schedule featuring the $3 million Nashville Derby and a record-setting $37 million purse.
The Mint Kentucky Downs announced July 21 that its 2026 meet will run for seven race days between Aug. 29 and Sept. 9 at the Franklin, Kentucky track, located about an hour north of Nashville.
The schedule includes several graded stakes races, Breeders' Cup qualifiers and the Nashville Derby.
Officials said the meet will offer a total purse of $37 million, with some of the largest individual race payouts in American horse racing.
"Last year, our racetrack attracted racing fans from all over the country and was viewed by millions globally. We had horses come from all over Europe to compete and set wagering records, making Franklin, KY, an important stop on the racing calendar," said Vice President of Racing at Kentucky Downs Ted Nicholson in a statement.
#kentucky #downs #million
The Mint Kentucky Downs announced July 21 that its 2026 meet will run for seven race days between Aug. 29 and Sept. 9 at the Franklin, Kentucky track, located about an hour north of Nashville.
The schedule includes several graded stakes races, Breeders' Cup qualifiers and the Nashville Derby.
Officials said the meet will offer a total purse of $37 million, with some of the largest individual race payouts in American horse racing.
"Last year, our racetrack attracted racing fans from all over the country and was viewed by millions globally. We had horses come from all over Europe to compete and set wagering records, making Franklin, KY, an important stop on the racing calendar," said Vice President of Racing at Kentucky Downs Ted Nicholson in a statement.
#kentucky #downs #million
2 months ago
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK - JUNE 06: Golden Tempo with Jose Ortiz up, wins the 158th running of the Belmont Stakes with with Commandment and John Velazquez up finishing second at Saratoga Race Course on June 06, 2026 in Saratoga Springs, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
The thrilling Belmont Stakes win at Saratoga by Golden Tempo has placed the Kentucky Derby champion firmly atop Thoroughbred racing’s most publicized division. The Triple Crown series for three-year-olds garners more attention than other races, but as the sport builds towards the Breeders’ Cup in late October, there will be plenty of action throughout the summer as others look to take a shot at the horse that became the 13th runner to pull off the Derby-Belmont Double
Entering the Belmont Stakes, Golden Tempo had plenty of doubters. His dream worst-to-first trip in the Kentucky Derby at odds of 23-1 was thought to be a fluke that could not be duplicated against a smaller field. As a deep closer, trainer Cherie DeVaux’s darling was considered as too pace dependent to pull off another victory in a race that lacked early speed.
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 02: Jockey Jose Ortiz of Golden Tempo celebrates with the Garland of Roses after winning the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 02, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Breaking from his outside post, that was said to be an obstacle by some, jockey Jose Ortiz calmly guided his mount over to the rail for another ground-saving trip in this mile and a quarter journey. Chasing much softer early fractions (23.96 opening quarter, 48.29 half mile) than he did in the Kentucky Derby, this son of Curlin was at the back, but much closer to the leaders in this nine-horse field. Rolling through traffic into the far turn the pace up front was not factor for a horse and jockey that moved as one. Unleashing his powerful closing kick down the lane, the Tempo turned out to be quite Golden as he flexed to the finish a length and a quarter ahead of a hard-trying Commandment. Cherie Devaux became the second female trainer to win the Belmont Stakes (Jena Antonucci 2023 Arcangelo) as she guided Golden Tempo to his third win in five starts this year and fourth victory in six career outings.
The thrilling Belmont Stakes win at Saratoga by Golden Tempo has placed the Kentucky Derby champion firmly atop Thoroughbred racing’s most publicized division. The Triple Crown series for three-year-olds garners more attention than other races, but as the sport builds towards the Breeders’ Cup in late October, there will be plenty of action throughout the summer as others look to take a shot at the horse that became the 13th runner to pull off the Derby-Belmont Double
Entering the Belmont Stakes, Golden Tempo had plenty of doubters. His dream worst-to-first trip in the Kentucky Derby at odds of 23-1 was thought to be a fluke that could not be duplicated against a smaller field. As a deep closer, trainer Cherie DeVaux’s darling was considered as too pace dependent to pull off another victory in a race that lacked early speed.
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - MAY 02: Jockey Jose Ortiz of Golden Tempo celebrates with the Garland of Roses after winning the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 02, 2026 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Breaking from his outside post, that was said to be an obstacle by some, jockey Jose Ortiz calmly guided his mount over to the rail for another ground-saving trip in this mile and a quarter journey. Chasing much softer early fractions (23.96 opening quarter, 48.29 half mile) than he did in the Kentucky Derby, this son of Curlin was at the back, but much closer to the leaders in this nine-horse field. Rolling through traffic into the far turn the pace up front was not factor for a horse and jockey that moved as one. Unleashing his powerful closing kick down the lane, the Tempo turned out to be quite Golden as he flexed to the finish a length and a quarter ahead of a hard-trying Commandment. Cherie Devaux became the second female trainer to win the Belmont Stakes (Jena Antonucci 2023 Arcangelo) as she guided Golden Tempo to his third win in five starts this year and fourth victory in six career outings.
