Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Juan Hernandez put the cap on a phenomenal weekend at Santa Anita Park March 8 as Forced Entry successfully graduated out of the maiden ranks with a win in the $101,000 Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3).
So Happy and Secured Freedom, the respective third- and fourth-place finishers in the March 7 San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park, will likely continue on to the April 4 Santa Anita Derby (G1), their respective trainers said March 8.
For many in the Thoroughbred industry, spring in Kentucky is synonymous with the vibrant allure of roses and lilies—a sentiment shared deeply by Bottle of Rouge's breeder Kathie Maybee.
The Puma, the freshly minted Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner, wasn't the first choice. Nevertheless, he was the right choice for the same connections as 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage, and now this colt has put them back on the Triple Crown trail.
Blackout Time remains on track to make his next start in the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park March 28, co-owner Lance Gasaway said March 7.
Paradise Equine Farm and Bradley and Sharon Kleven's Express Kid may look to punch his ticket to the Kentucky Derby (G1) in the $750,000 Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct Racetrack April 4.
Chris Waller has put the plans in place for a Royal Ascot raid with Joliestar and the top-class mare further underlined her claims when landing her fourth group 1 in the Canterbury Stakes (G1) at Randwick Racecourse March 7.