Latest Preakness Stakes news plus US qualifiers for Royal Ascot and a tragedy at Chester feature in our weekly international digest
Preakness Stakes: Mystik Dan set for weekend decision
USA: Trainer Kenny McPeek plans to make a late decision on the participation of Mystik Dan in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown on May 18 at Pimlico.
The Kentucky Derby winner returned to track for morning exercise on Wednesday [May 8], when he jogged at Churchill Downs. “He’s doing great,” said McPeek. “I suspect we’ll make a decision over the weekend, or even as late as Monday. But more than anything, I just want to make sure he’s moving good and eating good and happy. And at this stage, I like what I see.
“I’ve said it repeatedly: an old guy told me long ago, ‘Never make a decision until you absolutely, positively have to!’” McPeek went on. “If he’s healthy, we’re not scared to go. If we feel like he needs more time, he’ll get it.” More here
Gulfstream Park: Weaver seeks another trip to Royal Ascot
USA: Trainer George Weaver, who saddled Crimson Advocate to win at Royal Ascot in 2023, is eyeing Britain’s premier meeting again when he targets two $120,000 qualifiers at Gulfstream Park on Saturday [May 11].
Weaver runs Bunratty Manor and Good Long Cry in the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies and Governor Sam in the Royal Palm Juvenile as he bids to complete the sweep for the second year in a row. Both races offer automatic spots in a choice of Royal Ascot’s six two-year-old races, plus a $25,000 travel stipend to the meeting on June 18-22.
Chief rivals include a pair of likely types saddled by 12-time Royal Ascot winner Wesley Ward in debut Keeneland winners Perfect Shances and Raise The Bar. More here
Derby hope Hidden Law suffers fatal injury at Chester
GB: Derby contender Hidden Law broke down in horrific circumstances on Wedneday [May 8] when he suffered a fatal injury shortly after an impressive victory in the Chester Vase.
Godolphin’s son of Dubawi would have been catapulted towards the head of the market for the Epsom Classic after scoring by three lengths in a fine display under William Buick in the G3 trial at Britain’s oldest racecourse.
However, he could not be saved after breaking down on his off-foreleg soon after the passing the post. “He fractured his leg, unfortunately,” said trainer Charlie Appleby. “He passed the line all OK and then when he's crossed the road, he's taken a false step on it and he's come down on it basically.” More here
City Of Troy still heads for Epsom
GB: According to trainer Aidan O’Brien, 2000 Guineas flop City Of Troy remains on course for the Betfred Derby and will now head straight to the Epsom Classic on June 1.
The son of Triple Crown winner Justify beat only two home behind Notable Speech at Newmarket. “Maybe thinking back on it, I had him too fresh and hadn’t enough done with him through the whole winter,” commented O’Brien, speaking on the Nick Luck Daily podcast. “I think that’s the reason and we’ll know more the next time but hopefully that'll be the end of that.”
Having taken a big walk in Derby betting after the Guineas, City Of Troy is once again market leader on the 3-1 mark ahead of Godolphin’s Sandown trial winner Arabian Crown. O’Brien found himself in similar circumstances 12 months ago, when Auguste Rodin was a heavily beaten Guineas favourite before bouncing back at Epsom. More here
Willie Mullins breaks all-time Irish training record
Ireland: Willie Mullins broke yet another record last week when he became the winningmost Irish-based trainer in history.
Mullins, 67, landed the 4,378th success (jumps and Flat) of his prolific career when Ballyburn won the G1 Champion Novice Hurdle on Friday’s card [May 3] at the Punchestown Festival, thereby eclipsing the all-time record held by Dermot Weld.
The winningmost trainer in Cheltenham Festival history, Mullins last month became the first Irish-based trainer to be crowned champion jumps trainer in Britain since the legendary Vincent O’Brien in 1954. More here
Star Japanese filly Liberty Island sidelined
Japan: Liberty Island, who completed the fillies’ Triple Crown in 2023, will not run again until the autumn. Last seen finishing third in the Dubai Sheema Classic, the four-year-old has been diagnosed with mild inflammation in a suspensory ligament. More here
Last year’s Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) winner Durezza, down the field in the recent Tenno Sho (Spring), has also had a major setback and will be out of training for at least three months. Future plans are undecided. More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Nations Pride tops Man o'War More here
USA: MIssed The Cut set for Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot More here
USA: Arlington Million tops Colonial Downs stakes schedule More here
USA: Four-time G1 winner Nest retired More here
France: Romantic Style added French Guineas weekend More here
GB: King and Queen become joint patrons of Jockey Club More here
Australia: Dual Australian Cup winner Cascadian retired More here
Hong Kong: Tony Cruz notches Happy Valley treble to continue hot streak More here
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