Kehoe Beach, a potential star on the rise from the Wesley Ward barn, faces a seasoned group of 3-year-old fillies in the Nov. 29 $300,000 Mrs. Revere Stakes (G2T) at Churchill Downs.

1/ST Racing’s Aidan Butler took the opportunity to address a much larger issue during the Nov. 21 CHRB meeting. He said racing in California is heading toward disaster if Santa Anita and Northern California continue to have overlapping meets.

Two of the past three winners of the Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) (G1) are entered in the Nov. 24 test for 3-year-olds and older at Tokyo Racecourse. Cervinia (JPN) captured this year’s classic, while Stars on Earth (JPN) landed it in 2022. 

A reduced catalog for Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale could not continue the fireworks from the preceding foal sale, as all figures were down from last year’s sale, which received a boost from a unique Niarchos draft.

Natural Rise (JPN) opened a clear advantage in the long Tokyo Racecourse stretch and held off a final charge from Clay King (JPN) to win the Cattleya Stakes Nov. 23. @HorseRacing_JPN @KentuckyDerby

A look at the past two editions of the Japan Cup (G1) suggests the updated bonus scheme put in place in 2020 is accomplishing its goals.

Quite by coincidence, the 44th running of the Japan Cup (G1) set for Nov. 24 comes up just a few days after this reporter ventured into the Big City for a tour of the Japanese American National Museum. 

At the Backside Learning Center’s annual benefit Nov. 22, Sierra Leone co-owner Brook Smith presented the organization with a $100,000 check.

On Racing

Multiple graded stakes-winning and grade 1-placed Messier will take up stud duties at Rockridge Stud in Hudson, N.Y., in 2025. He will stand for $5,000.