The Jockey Club of Canada is pleased to announce that Sam-Son Farm will be presented with the Special Sovereign Award during the 46th Annual Sovereign Awards Virtual Ceremony.

An impressive winner of her U.S. debut going six furlongs on turf Jan. 2, the Phil D’Amato-trained Majestic Steps and four other European imports bring a foreign flavor to the $100,000 Sweet Life Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park Feb. 14.

An additional bonus will also be paid to the first Craven Breeze Up winner of any of the 15 European group 1 races open to 2-year-olds.

J. Keeler Johnson handicaps the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds.

A winter storm that brought freezing precipitation to Kentucky has forced the cancellation of racing at Turfway Park Feb. 11-12, while racing at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots was scrapped Thursday following heavy rain. 

Trainer Todd Fincher will make the trip from his Remington Park base to Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots Feb. 13 to see if Senor Buscador has what it takes in the $400,000 Risen Star Stakes Presented by Lamarque Ford (G2).

The fourth evening of the Dubai World Cup Carnival Feb. 11 was another tour de force for the Godolphin home team but it was Salute The Soldier who emerged as a candidate for the March 27 Dubai World Cup (G1).

Citing frigid temperatures, Oaklawn Park canceled racing Feb. 12. The cancellation, which followed training also being scrapped that Friday morning, came about an hour before the day’s first race was to begin.

Keeneland announced Feb. 11 that prominent Central Kentucky horseman and noted bloodstock adviser Gatewood Bell will join the historic track as vice president of racing later this month. 

Dave Litfin analyzes graded stakes action from around the country.