The son of Smart Strike won the 2009 Arkansas Derby (G2) and finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby (G1).

Darling View Thoroughbred’s Playing God, the reigning champion sire in Western Australia, has 37 entries across the 350-lot catalog for the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale Feb. 20-21.

Three Heating Up for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1)

Towering above all the drama, competition, and high stakes of the two-day Saudi Cup meeting is one single question: Can Romantic Warrior perform as well on dirt as he has on the turf?

Grade 1 winner Cinderella’s Dream headlines the Feb. 21 Dubai Racing Carnival card when she starts in the Balanchine Stakes (G2T).

In addition to Jose Ortiz’s commanding lead in the standings at Fair Grounds, Ortiz posted two stakes wins on Louisiana Derby Preview Day including the Mineshaft (G3) for a four-win day and Jockey of the Week honors Feb. 10-16.

The Saudi Derby (G3) has promising candidates from Japan, Dubai, and the United States, all looking to establish an international reputation in the race that vaulted Forever Young to acclaim in 2024.

Straight No Chaser, honored last month as North America’s champion male sprinter at the Eclipse Awards, now has a chance to prove his mettle in Saudi Arabia in the $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) at King Abdulaziz Racecourse Feb. 22.

A U.S. District Judge in Michigan preliminarily enjoined authorities from enforcing a state law prohibiting advance-deposit wagering hub TwinSpires from accepting wagers from individuals in Michigan on races outside the state.

Charles Town’s biggest day on the 2025 calendar follows a format that started in 2020, with the $1 million Charles Town Classic (G2) and $750,000 Charles Town Oaks (G2) on the same Aug. 22 card.