Affirmed Success Stakes

Ann Owens Distaff Handicap

Keeneland closed its 2021 spring meet April 23, which featured the return of a limited number of fans to the track, and strong all-sources wagering fueled by quality racing led by champion Essential Quality’s Blue Grass Stakes score (G2).

Trainer Vicki Oliver likes what she’s seen from Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2) runner-up Hidden Stash as he prepares for a start in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) May 1 at Churchill Downs.

When stretched out to 1 1/2 miles in the $150,000 Bewitch Stakes (G3T) April 23 at Keeneland, War Like Goddess delivered her most spectacular performance to date.

Having failed to win on dirt and synthetic surfaces, Petruchio returns to grass to face five 3-year-olds in the one-mile $100,000 Singletary Stakes at Santa Anita Park April 25.

Live programming begins April 27 and runs through Kentucky Derby Day May 1.

The finish to the mile and a quarter fillies’ novice contest at Sandown Racecourse April 23 was dominated by blue-bloods as Godolphin’s Nash Nasha prevailed in a three-way finish. Frankel’s full sister Chiasma was third.

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez discusses his Kentucky Derby mount, Medina Spirit, and past experiences at the Derby.

Returning to the scene where past glories were first conceived proved a running theme at a record-breaking edition of the Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale, no more so than when Michael O’Callaghan capped the day for Tally-Ho Stud with a Twilight Son colt.