Kentucky Derby favorite faces Citizen Bull at Santa Anita plus sad news from Godolphin about a major Classic hope – don’t miss our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Coolmore buy into Kentucky Derby favorite Journalism
USA: Kentucky Derby favorite Journalism, who clashes with Breeders’ Cup winner Citizen Bull in the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday [April 6], will stand at Coolmore’s US arm Ashford upon his retirement. The Coolmore partners have reached an agreement to join the ownership team with the son of Curlin. More here
On a major weekend of Kentucky Derby preps, the New York route to Churchill Downs concludes with the $750,000 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct, while Gotham Stakes winner Flood Zone heads the field for the UAE Derby at Meydan.
Arkansas Dwrby winner Sandman(right) and runner-up Publisher are among those Derby contenders to have arrived at Churchill Downs in preparation for the May 3 contest. Louisiana Derby winner Tiztastic is also among those on site. More here
Keeneland reschedules amid weather emergency
USA: The first two days of the Keeneland Spring Meet have been rescheduled until next week owing to a forecast of severe storms and flooding in the region over the weekend.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of potentially historic amounts of rain and strong winds across the state.
Keeneland’s stakes-laden spring meet was due to start on Friday [April 4] with the G1 Blue Grass Stakes, the state’s senior Kentucky Derby prep, on tap a day later. Now those cards will take place on Monday and Tuesday [April 7-8], which are usually ‘dark’ days at the Lexington venue. Sunday’s card, however, is set to go ahead as planned. More here
• River Thames favored for Blue Grass Stakes More here
Dubai World Cup: Forever Young on ‘another level’
UAE: Globetrotting trainer Yoshito Yahagi reports Saudi Cup hero Forever Young to have “improve another level” ahead of his attempt to justify favoritism in the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on Saturday [April 5].
The Japanese star has been drawn in gate five in an 11-runner field for the $12m contest. “Of course he had a tough race and he was a little fatigued for a few days,” said Yahagi, reflecting on the Saudi Cup epic.
“But I actually think that, having experienced that tough race, he has improved another level. I think the extra 200 metres will be an advantage for him and also going four turns will benefit him. I think it’s all positive, I don’t see any negatives.” More here
Elsewhere on a $30.5m card broadcast to 170 countries, Romantic Warrior bids to underline his world #1 status in the Dubai Turf, while dual Breeders’ Cup Turf winner Rebel’s Romance features in the Sheema Classic. Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser faces local hero Tuz in the Golden Shaheen.
Fatal injury to Godolphin Guineas contender Ancient Truth
GB: Ancient Truth, a leading fancy for the Betfred 2,000 Guineas on May 3 at Newmarket, suffered a fatal injury.
News that the son of Dubawi was out of the Classic reckoning following a setback emerged earlier this week before Godolphin issued a statement on Thursday [April 3] saying he had succumbed.
“Promising three-year-old Ancient Truth sustained a serious injury earlier this week and, despite veterinary intervention, could not be saved,” it said. “It’s very sad news for everyone at Godolphin.” More here
Royal Ascot winner Fairy Godmother – second favourite for the 1,000 Guineas – is out of the fillies’ Classic and will be retired to the Coolmore paddocks after aggravating an old injury. She will be covered by Wootton Bassett. More here
Ka Ying Rising makes it 11 on the bounce
Hong Kong: The world’s leading sprinter Ka Ying Rising made it 11 victories in a row with another brilliant display in the G2 Sprint Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday [March 30]. With Hong Kong’s all-time record-winning rider Zac Purton back in the saddle after a foot injury, the David Hayes-trained four-year-old recorded a totally emphatic three-length victory over old rival Helios Express.
“Even Zac’s starting to acknowledge the horse’s ability now,” said Hayes. “It took a while but he’s starting to say he’s quite special and he really is. He runs those times with ease.” More here
With a 75pt boost, Ka Ying Rising stays at #2 on Thoroughbred Racing Commentary’s Global Rankings behind compatriot Romantic Warrior. A major mover last weekend was Japanese sprinter Satono Reve (#14 from #100, +266pt) after landing the G1 Takarazuka Kinen at Chukyo under Joao ‘Magic Man’ Moreira.
Haggas strikes in Sydney with Dubai Honour
Australia: Newmarket trainer William Haggas landed his latest lucrative G1 triumph in Sydney when Dubai Honour (Tom Marquand) recorded the fourth top-level success of his career in the rescheduled Tancred Stakes at Rosehill on Tuesday [April 1]. The race was postponed from Saturday owing to rain.
Dubai Honour, who was extending his unbeaten record down under to three races, will run next in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, A$5m ($3,15m) highlight of Day 2 of The Championships at Randwick on April 12, when the seven-year-old will face Aussie star Via Sistina. Haggas, who now has six G1s to his name in Sydney, has won the QE Stakes three times in the past via Addeybb (2020, 2021) and Dubai Honour (2023). More here
Ryan Moore is on hand at Randwick on Saturday for Day 1 of The Championships. With regular rider James McDonald in Dubai for Romantic Warrior, Moore takes over on Coolmore’s Switzerland in the TJ Smith Stakes. More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Linda Rice and Manny Franco top Aqueduct standings More here
USA: Irad Ortiz and Saffie Joseph retain Gulfstream meet titles More here
Canada: Canadian International returns after one-year absence More here
GB: Bookie predicts £150m betting bonanza on Grand National More here
GB: William Buick announced as Jockey Club ambassador More here
GB: Former betting exec Jim Mullen named as Jockey Club CEO More here
South Africa: Gavin Lerena and Jason Gates sanctioned in ‘Whipgate’ verdict More here
New Zealand: Auguste Rodin to shuttle to Windsor Park More here
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