Last spring, trainer Ian Wilkes took two graded stakes at Keeneland during the spring meet's first few days, and this year, he struck opening day, April 3, when A Fine Chardonnay popped the cork in winning the Beaumont Stakes (G2).
The "Horse Racing Happy Hour" podcast is launching a 12-part podcast series on the Thoroughbred racing season at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The first episode will air at 7 p.m. ET April 6.
Two-year-old Suspicions breaks his maiden April 3 at Keeneland, becoming the first starter and winner for freshman sire Corniche, who stands at Ashford Stud for $15,000. He is owned and trained by Wesley Ward.
Mike Battaglia, who has served as Churchill Downs' morning-line oddsmaker for more than five decades, retires from the role, ending a 51-year run. Nick Tammaro will succeed Battaglia in the position.
Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble make a formidable double dip on the Easter Monday program at Sha Tin Racecouse as they continue preparations for Champions Day.
The Osaka Hai (G1T) brings together some of Japan's top middle-distance runners, including the last two winners of the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1T).
The Santa Anita Oaks (G1) is the marquee race for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita Park and a key Southern California steppingstone to the Longines Kentucky Oaks, offering 200 qualifying points on a 100-5-25-15-10 scale to the top five finishers.