Anthony Stabile and Richard Migliore look back at the Heavenly Prize at Aqueduct and the G3 Razorback at Oaklawn.

It was a bittersweet day Feb. 18 at Oaklawn Park when the connections of Willis Horton Racing found themselves back in the winner’s circle after Last Samurai’s Razorback Handicap (G3) triumph, without the namesake of the operation.

Young stallion Stratosphere could be the shining light the Apple Isle’s breeding sector desperately needs and demand for his stock at the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale could play a role in the success of the local industry’s annual auction.

Perriere, a Henny Hughes colt, dominated the stretch run in the Hyacinth Stakes Feb. 19 at Tokyo Racecourse and jumped to the top of the “Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby” leaderboard with the victory.

Lemon Pop popped out of the pack to win the February Stakes (G1) with a strong stretch effort while North American invader Shirl’s Speight spun his wheels in the deep Tokyo Racecourse dirt, finishing ninth.

A significant sum should have been raised by the bloodstock industry for prime world causes by lunchtime Feb. 21, when a 24-hour online charity auction of stallion nominations has concluded.

Albaugh Family Stables’ son of Classic Empire took charge in the final sixteenth and captured the $400,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds, vaulting himself to the top of the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard.

Dismissed at 19-1 odds in his black-type return, Ocean Atlantique whisked to the front and never looked back en route to a 5 1/4 length triumph in the Feb. 18 $125,000 Dust Commander Stakes at Turfway Park.

The beat does indeed go on. Another Kentucky Derby (G1) prep. Another win and more points for one of trainer Brad Cox’s 3-year-olds.

Two Emmys won his third career graded stakes in the Feb. 19 Fair Grounds Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The late leading turf sire English Channel was represented by the winner and third-placed finisher English Tavern.