Sky Judge won a five-furlong maiden special weight in near gate-to-wire fashion.

Chinese businessman Zhang’s prized 3-year-old Hungry Heart, who defied the on-pace and rails bias to win the Vinery Stud Stakes (G1) at Rosehill a fortnight earlier, proved this season’s superior staying filly in the Australian Oaks (G1) at Randwick.

On a busy morning April 16 at Churchill Downs, Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) contenders Bourbonic, Dynamic One, Helium, Known Agenda, and Sainthood all recorded published workouts in preparation for the May 1 Run for the Roses.

On an action-packed morning beneath the Twin Spires April 17 at Churchill Downs, Godolphin’s undefeated champion colt Essential Quality continued his march to the May 1 Kentucky Derby (G1) with a swift five-furlong move in :59 3/5.

Gary and Mary West’s homebred Concert Tour will bypass the May 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) with an eye on the May 15 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert told Churchill Downs April 17.

Trainer Brad Cox talks about Juddmonte Farms’ homebred Bonny South after her win in the April 16 Doubledogdare Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. The 4-year-old filly by Munnings won by a head in her first start for 2021.

The 2021 Japanese Triple Crown series kicks off April 18 at Nakayama Racecourse with lots of questions yet to be answered by the major players. That group includes Danon the Kid, Titleholder, Efforia, Gratias, and Admire Hadar.

Baird Doubledogdare Stakes

Rainbow Stakes

Rainbow Miss Stakes