In this week's On Racing, the steady downgrading of Southern California stakes races over the last decade is beginning to take its toll, a prime example being the Santa Anita Oaks (G2).
Remember Mamba rolls home in the stretch of the Transylvania Stakes (G3T) at Keeneland to remain a perfect 3-for-3 for trainer Cherie DeVaux and owner C R K Stable.
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).