Making his first start since July, Just a Touch seeks his first graded win in the $175,000 Louisiana Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots Jan. 17.

The Dec. 20 Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots proved closely matched. A month later on Jan. 17, the next leg of the stakes series for current 3-year-olds there, $250,000 Lecomte Stakes (G3), appears equally competitive.

D. J. Stables homebred Nitrogen, a finalist for Eclipse champion 3-year-old filly, arrived at Oaklawn Park Jan. 11 ahead of her 4-year-old campaign.

Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Ky. announced that reservations for 2026 tours are now open.

The late Ed Bowen will be honored with the Eclipse Award of Merit in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding achievement in the Thoroughbred industry.

The first foals by Coolmore's group 1-winning 2-year-olds and Epsom Derby (G1) heroes Auguste Rodin and City of Troy arrived Jan. 12.

Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) winner Bentornato is nearing a return to the work tab Jan. 17 with a target on a trip to the Middle East for the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) on Dubai World Cup night March 28.

Maiden Watch: Thunderously makes noise in his two-turn debut at Gulfstream Park. Powered by Family and Touch of Fire also impress around two turns at Fair Grounds Racecourse and Slots.

The Jan. 13 session of the Gold Coast Yearling Sale finished with a clearance rate of 78% as 145 yearlings found a new home. In turn, the aggregate reached AU$41.285 million, down 8.5% year-on-year. The average price closed at AU$284,725, up 2.2 %.

Dollars & Sense with Frank Angst: Last fall Matt Lehman bet a horse at Keeneland that left the gate at 21-1 and won, but then paid 8-1. Now the Kentucky state representative has filed a bill that aims to ensure a level playing field.