Long Branch Stakes

A final decision on whether Silent Tactic, the probable favorite, runs in the Preakness Stakes will come the morning of May 11. It appears, though, that the decision has been made.

Considering he is named after a television spy, it should come as no surprise that the grade 1-winning 3-year-old Napoleon Solo's career has been filled with thrills, drama, and plot twists.

When Farfellow Farms' Expensive Queen (IRE) hit the wire simultaneously with Segesta in the Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland this April, the Knelman clan which operates the farm turned the winner's circle celebration into a family affair.

Aga Khan Studs' Rayif appears bound for Royal Ascot after victory in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French Two Thousand Guineas, G1) at Longchamp May 10.

The increasing globalization of Thoroughbred racing provides opportunities for horsemen to test their horses against the best across the world. One of those is the Goodwood Festival at Goodwood Racecourse.

Trainer Michael McCarthy reported May 10 that the Juddmonte homebred Marjoram was doing well the morning after winning her stakes debut in Saturday's Senorita Stakes (G3T) for 3-year-old fillies.

Chip Honcho completed his major training for the 151st Preakness Stakes (G1) May 16 with a half-mile work in :50.20 at Churchill Downs May 10.

Trainer Chad Brown said the Belmont Stakes (G1) or the Pegasus Stakes at Monmouth Park are both logical choices for Growth Equity's next start.

Silk Racing's Congestus secured his spot in the Japanese Derby (G1) by capturing the Kyoto Shimbun Hai (G2) May 9, and punching his ticket to the May 31 Blue Riband of the Turf at Tokyo.