Latest news with #Breeders'CupClassic
UPI
5 days ago
- Sport
- UPI
2024 Derby winner returns to Churchill Downs in Saturday's Blame Stakes
1 of 3 | Pin Up Betty, shown winning the 2024 Regret Stakes, tackles Sunday's Mint Julep Stakes at Churchill Downs. Photo by Kurtis Coady, courtesy of Churchill Downs May 30 (UPI) -- Churchill Downs returns to the spotlight this weekend with names like 2024 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan entered for six stakes races previewing the track's Stephen Foster Day three weeks down the calendar. Monmouth Park, Santa Anita and Woodbine also get in on the graded stakes action, which is slightly curtailed by postponement of some turf features at waterlogged Penn National and Delaware Park. The Grade III Penn Mile and the Penn Oaks, originally scheduled for Friday at Penn National, have been pushed back to June 20 because of the threat of heavy rain. The $200,000 Cape Henlopen at Delaware Park was pushed back to June 14. Globally, Sunday brings the Japanese Derby. And we've got some weekday results from Sandown in England. No delay here. Read on. Classic Saturday's $275,000 Grade III Blame Stakes at Churchill Downs is the lead-in to the $1 million Grade I Stephen Foster on June 28, a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Classic. It also is named for the horse who handed Zenyatta her only defeat, in the last of her 20 career starts, in the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic over the same track. It can be expected to attract some good ones and this rendition has done that. The 2024 Kentucky Derby winner, Mystik Dan, is in the field. While he's struggled since the Run for the Roses, trainer Kenny McPeek looked to have him back on his feed in his last start at Oaklawn Park. He's not the favorite, though. That honor goes to Post Time, a major force among the top sprinters and milers last year and a winner at 1 1/16 miles -- by 13 1/4 lengths -- in his 2025 debut at Laurel Park, albeit against much less talented competition. The favorite role might have gone to Most Wanted, who finished second to Rattle N Roll in the Grade 2 Clark Stakes last November under the Twin Spires, and then finished second to Skippylongstocking in the Grade III Challenger at Tampa Bay Downs and second again in the Grade II Alysheba back at Churchill Downs, trailing only Fierceness. Banishing and Nysos, second and third behind Mindframe in the Grade I Churchill Downs Stakes a month ago, both return, as does Hall of Fame, third in the Alysheba. Distaff Where's My Ring, Free Like a Girl, Corningstone, Hoosier Philly and Wild Around Hillary, all in from some tough battles at Oaklawn Park, headline a field of nine for Saturday's $275,000 Grade III Shawnee Stakes at Churchill Downs. They meet, among others, Gin Gin, last-out winner of the Grade III Doubledogdare at Keeneland. Sprint A year ago, Skelly finished second in the rich Grade 3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint in Saudi Arabia, then returned to Oaklawn Park to win his next two races, including the Lake Hamilton Stakes by 2 1/4 lengths. This season, freed from the rigors of international travel, he was even more dominant in Arkansas, winning the Lake Hamilton by 10 1/2 lengths. He returns as the favorite in Saturday's $275,000 Aristides Stakes at Churchill Downs -- a race in which he finished second in 2024, giving up the lead late. Turf Consistency may not be a common virtue among the nine entries set for Saturday's $275,000 Grade III Arlington Stakes at Churchill Downs, but the closest to it might be in the outside gate in the form of Brilliant Berti. The Cherie DeVaux trainee, a 4-year-old Noble Mission colt out of the Langfuhr mare Believe in Berti, has won six of his last nine starts, with two seconds added. Just about any of the others could win this with a peak effort. Saturday's $275,000 Audubon Stakes at Churchill Downs has a well-matched field of eight. You pick 'em. Turf Mile Uncatalyzed, a British-bred Kingman colt trained by Chad Brown, is a narrow morning-line favorite among seven set for Saturday's $100,000 Jersey Derby at Monmouth Park. He makes his third start off a win at Aqueduct. Also look for Candytown, Outrunner and Dream On. Filly & Mare Turf Lush Lips is a narrow favorite in a field of 10 3-year-old fillies for Saturday's $275,000 Grade III Regret Stakes at Churchill Downs. The British-bred daughter of Ten Sovereigns chased Nitrogen home in her last two starts, the Grade III Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs and the Grade II Edgewood at Churchill Downs. Nitrogen is not in this field. Pin Up Betty, winner of last year's Regret, returns for Sunday's $250,000 Grade III Old Forester Mint Julep at Churchill Downs. She comes from a second-place finish in the Grade II Longines Distaff Turf Mile on Kentucky Derby day and faces another tough crew. Turf Sprint Earhart and Toupie rank atop the morning line for Saturday's $150,000 (Canadian) Grade III Royal North Stakes on the Woodbine all-weather. Earhart, trained by Josie Carroll, represents the home team, while Graham Motion brings Toupie from the Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland. Around the world, around the clock Japan The full field set for Sunday's Grade 1 Tokyo Yushun or Japanese Derby includes the first three finisher from the Grade 1 Satsuki Sho or Japanese 2,000 Guineas -- Museum Mile, Croix du Nord, Masquerade Ball, Giovanni and Satano Shining, as well as a few other progressive colts. Museum Mile was a bit of a long shot in the last race, but defeated favored Croix du Nord by a decisive 1 1/2 lengths, catching that rival in the stretch at the end of 2,000 meters. Combined with his second in the Grade 1 Asahi Hai Futurity last season, he will be better backed Sunday. The Satsuki Sho defeat was Croix de Nord's first after three wins and calls into question his ability to handle the Derby's 2,400 meters. England Coolmore announced this week that superstar stayer Kyprios has been retired with a recurrence of an injury, denying him a chance at a third straight Ascot Gold Cup at next month's Royal meeting. Sad though that thought is, Trawlerman, third in the 2024 Gold Cup, easily saw off three rivals in Thursday's Group 3 Henry II Stakes at Sandown. His riders have been touting Almaqam as a candidate for October's 1 1/2-mile Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Tromphe, despite a pedigree that would suggest that's a bit too far for him. Nonetheless, trainer Ed Walked kept him on the entries list and is becoming a convert, especially after the 4-year-old Lope de Vega colt won Thursday's Group 3 Brigadier Gerard at Sandown by 1 3/4 lengths over the favorite, Ombudsman, going 1 1/4 miles with enthusiasm. Also Thursday at Sandown, Godolphin's up-and-coming miler, Opera Ballo, got back on track with an easy win in the Heron Stakes. The Ghalyyath colt was a bit of a handful for jockey William Buick early in the Heron, but still had plenty left to win by 2 1/2 lengths.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Breeders' Cup returning to Belmont in 2027 after $455 million renovation
The Breeders' Cup will be returning to Belmont Park, with the two-day, 14-event slate of championship races set for Oct. 29 and 30, 2027. The announcement was made Wednesday morning by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul at a Manhattan press conference, where it was also revealed that Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., will be the 2026 host site. 'The redevelopment of Belmont Park is bringing thousands of jobs and generating $1 billion of economic activity on Long Island,' Hochul said. 'Thanks to the investments we are making at Belmont Park, the long held dream of bringing the prestigious Breeders' Cup back to New York will soon be a reality.' Advertisement An artist rendering of what Belmont Park will look like after its $455 million renovation. AP Belmont Park is currently undergoing a $455 million capital construction project, which includes the building of a 300,000-square foot, five-story main building with modern amenities, renovation of the main dirt track and two turf courses, and tunnels that will allow racing fans access to the 45-acre Belmont infield for the first time. NYRA plans to open the refurbished facility in September 2026. Before that, it will conduct the 2025 Belmont Stakes on June 7 as part of a five-day racing festival at Saratoga Race Course. Advertisement Kentucky Derby winner Sovreignty and Preakness champ Journalism are expected to go head-to-head at the historic upstate track. NYRA has yet to announce the location of the 2026 Belmont Stakes. Saint Liam, left, with jockey Jerry Bailey up, wins the Breeders' Cup Classic horse race at Belmont Park, on Oct. 29, 2005. AP Belmont Park has hosted four previous Breeders' Cups (1990, 1995, 2001 and 2005). The 1995 Breeders' Cup Classic is one of most famous races to be run at the track, as Cigar capped a 10-for-10 season. 'New York's racing fans and participants have longed to host this event since it was last held at Belmont in 2005, and we thank the Breeders' Cup for making that a reality,' said David O'Rourke, NYRA president and CEO. Advertisement 'The return of the Breeders' Cup to New York has been years in the making, and we thank Governor Hochul for supporting a new Belmont Park and a New York Breeders' Cup,' said David Fleming, president and CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. 'The reimagined Belmont Park will provide an exceptional stage for the world's greatest racehorses and participants as we welcome contenders and fans from around the globe.' Del Mar in southern California will be the site of this year's event, with the races slated for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Since 2008, the championships have been limited to a strict four-track rotation — Del Mar and Santa Anita in California and Churchill Downs and Keeneland in Kentucky. Prior to that, Breeders' Cup locations included Belmont and Aqueduct in New York, Monmouth Park in New Jersey, Lonestar in Texas, Arlington Park in Illinois, Gulfstream and Hollywood in Florida and Woodbine in Canada.
South Wales Guardian
16-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Saffie Osborne calls on Steve Cauthen for Preakness pointers
It will be the first time the 23-year-old has ridden in America when her father Jamie gives her the leg up ahead of the Triple Crown contest, and the excitement is now building having been given some pointers by weighing room titan Steve Cauthen prior to the trip to Baltimore. 'It's really exciting and I've been so busy that it never really hit me until this week, once the draw was done and the build-up to the race started to be more noticeable,' said Osborne. 'It's obviously been in my mind for a while since Dubai but it wasn't confirmed until last week, so now it's a really exciting time. 'Fortunately I've had some experience on the dirt in Dubai but it will be my first time riding in America. So it will be a new experience for me, but I've spoken to plenty of people about the track and the opposition. 'It's amazing how many people have been willing to help and Sophie Doyle, James' sister who now rides in America, she was our apprentice when I was only eight and has been helping me out. 'Michael Hills also put me in touch with Steve Cauthen and there's no man better to speak to about American racing. I've been doing plenty of homework and hopefully it will stand me in good stead.' Heart Of Honor enjoyed a fine winter in Dubai, winning his first two at Meydan before suffering heartbreaking reversals in three subsequent hot events. The UAE Derby (G2) runner-up HEART OF HONOR will compete this Saturday in the Preakness Stakes (G1). Here is more on the story of the trainer @osbornejamie and his daughter jockey making her US debut @OsborneSaffie. — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 14, 2025 The three-year-old came agonisingly close to emulating Osborne's former star Toast Of New York in the UAE Derby and although that defeat still rankles his big-race pilot, she hopes the experience will serve her mount well ahead of stepping into the American unknown. 'He ran some huge races in Dubai, but the UAE Derby was a fairly gutting experience which doesn't get any easier even now,' continued Osborne. 'But we wouldn't be doing this and going to America if we didn't think he had a chance. Anyone would love to have a runner in an American Classic but we're not there to say we've had a runner, we want to go and try to win it. 'It's a totally different kettle of fish going from Dubai to America and we're stepping into the unknown a little bit, but we'll see on Saturday how he copes.' Memories of the aforementioned Toast Of York are making the Heart Of Honor journey even more special for the father-and-daughter team. A young Osborne could only sit and watch on TV as the globetrotting Toast Of New York was denied Breeders' Cup Classic glory by the barest margins at Santa Anita in 2014, but is now central to the next chapter in her family's American adventures, eager to correct the record of 11 years ago. Osborne continued: 'When Toast Of New York ran in the Breeders' Cup Classic, I was at home sat on the edge of mum and dad's bed watching it late at night. 'I always remember Dad doing an interview last year about the race 10 years on and at the end of it he kind of got emotional and said he wants another like Toast so he can try to experience it all again. 'So it's funny how since he's said that, this horse has come along and it wouldn't be possible without his owners Jim and Claire Bryce, who adore their horses. It's great to have such willing and kind owners to share the experience with. 'I was always hoping Dad would have another Toast Of New York and people always ask jockeys which races would you like to win and everyone says the Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but there's a part of me that would love to win a Breeders' Cup Classic, just for a bit of recompense for Dad.'
Rhyl Journal
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Saffie Osborne calls on Steve Cauthen for Preakness pointers
It will be the first time the 23-year-old has ridden in America when her father Jamie gives her the leg up ahead of the Triple Crown contest, and the excitement is now building having been given some pointers by weighing room titan Steve Cauthen prior to the trip to Baltimore. 'It's really exciting and I've been so busy that it never really hit me until this week, once the draw was done and the build-up to the race started to be more noticeable,' said Osborne. 'It's obviously been in my mind for a while since Dubai but it wasn't confirmed until last week, so now it's a really exciting time. 'Fortunately I've had some experience on the dirt in Dubai but it will be my first time riding in America. So it will be a new experience for me, but I've spoken to plenty of people about the track and the opposition. 'It's amazing how many people have been willing to help and Sophie Doyle, James' sister who now rides in America, she was our apprentice when I was only eight and has been helping me out. 'Michael Hills also put me in touch with Steve Cauthen and there's no man better to speak to about American racing. I've been doing plenty of homework and hopefully it will stand me in good stead.' Heart Of Honor enjoyed a fine winter in Dubai, winning his first two at Meydan before suffering heartbreaking reversals in three subsequent hot events. The UAE Derby (G2) runner-up HEART OF HONOR will compete this Saturday in the Preakness Stakes (G1). Here is more on the story of the trainer @osbornejamie and his daughter jockey making her US debut @OsborneSaffie. — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 14, 2025 The three-year-old came agonisingly close to emulating Osborne's former star Toast Of New York in the UAE Derby and although that defeat still rankles his big-race pilot, she hopes the experience will serve her mount well ahead of stepping into the American unknown. 'He ran some huge races in Dubai, but the UAE Derby was a fairly gutting experience which doesn't get any easier even now,' continued Osborne. 'But we wouldn't be doing this and going to America if we didn't think he had a chance. Anyone would love to have a runner in an American Classic but we're not there to say we've had a runner, we want to go and try to win it. 'It's a totally different kettle of fish going from Dubai to America and we're stepping into the unknown a little bit, but we'll see on Saturday how he copes.' Memories of the aforementioned Toast Of York are making the Heart Of Honor journey even more special for the father-and-daughter team. A young Osborne could only sit and watch on TV as the globetrotting Toast Of New York was denied Breeders' Cup Classic glory by the barest margins at Santa Anita in 2014, but is now central to the next chapter in her family's American adventures, eager to correct the record of 11 years ago. Osborne continued: 'When Toast Of New York ran in the Breeders' Cup Classic, I was at home sat on the edge of mum and dad's bed watching it late at night. 'I always remember Dad doing an interview last year about the race 10 years on and at the end of it he kind of got emotional and said he wants another like Toast so he can try to experience it all again. 'So it's funny how since he's said that, this horse has come along and it wouldn't be possible without his owners Jim and Claire Bryce, who adore their horses. It's great to have such willing and kind owners to share the experience with. 'I was always hoping Dad would have another Toast Of New York and people always ask jockeys which races would you like to win and everyone says the Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but there's a part of me that would love to win a Breeders' Cup Classic, just for a bit of recompense for Dad.'
North Wales Chronicle
16-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Saffie Osborne calls on Steve Cauthen for Preakness pointers
It will be the first time the 23-year-old has ridden in America when her father Jamie gives her the leg up ahead of the Triple Crown contest, and the excitement is now building having been given some pointers by weighing room titan Steve Cauthen prior to the trip to Baltimore. 'It's really exciting and I've been so busy that it never really hit me until this week, once the draw was done and the build-up to the race started to be more noticeable,' said Osborne. 'It's obviously been in my mind for a while since Dubai but it wasn't confirmed until last week, so now it's a really exciting time. 'Fortunately I've had some experience on the dirt in Dubai but it will be my first time riding in America. So it will be a new experience for me, but I've spoken to plenty of people about the track and the opposition. 'It's amazing how many people have been willing to help and Sophie Doyle, James' sister who now rides in America, she was our apprentice when I was only eight and has been helping me out. 'Michael Hills also put me in touch with Steve Cauthen and there's no man better to speak to about American racing. I've been doing plenty of homework and hopefully it will stand me in good stead.' Heart Of Honor enjoyed a fine winter in Dubai, winning his first two at Meydan before suffering heartbreaking reversals in three subsequent hot events. The UAE Derby (G2) runner-up HEART OF HONOR will compete this Saturday in the Preakness Stakes (G1). Here is more on the story of the trainer @osbornejamie and his daughter jockey making her US debut @OsborneSaffie. — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 14, 2025 The three-year-old came agonisingly close to emulating Osborne's former star Toast Of New York in the UAE Derby and although that defeat still rankles his big-race pilot, she hopes the experience will serve her mount well ahead of stepping into the American unknown. 'He ran some huge races in Dubai, but the UAE Derby was a fairly gutting experience which doesn't get any easier even now,' continued Osborne. 'But we wouldn't be doing this and going to America if we didn't think he had a chance. Anyone would love to have a runner in an American Classic but we're not there to say we've had a runner, we want to go and try to win it. 'It's a totally different kettle of fish going from Dubai to America and we're stepping into the unknown a little bit, but we'll see on Saturday how he copes.' Memories of the aforementioned Toast Of York are making the Heart Of Honor journey even more special for the father-and-daughter team. A young Osborne could only sit and watch on TV as the globetrotting Toast Of New York was denied Breeders' Cup Classic glory by the barest margins at Santa Anita in 2014, but is now central to the next chapter in her family's American adventures, eager to correct the record of 11 years ago. Osborne continued: 'When Toast Of New York ran in the Breeders' Cup Classic, I was at home sat on the edge of mum and dad's bed watching it late at night. 'I always remember Dad doing an interview last year about the race 10 years on and at the end of it he kind of got emotional and said he wants another like Toast so he can try to experience it all again. 'So it's funny how since he's said that, this horse has come along and it wouldn't be possible without his owners Jim and Claire Bryce, who adore their horses. It's great to have such willing and kind owners to share the experience with. 'I was always hoping Dad would have another Toast Of New York and people always ask jockeys which races would you like to win and everyone says the Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but there's a part of me that would love to win a Breeders' Cup Classic, just for a bit of recompense for Dad.'
