It is expected that 60% of weighing room upgrades that were deemed necessary by the British Horseracing Authority will be completed by early May, once more racecourses have started their flat turf seasons.

Michael Blowen visits Bellamy Road, the Wood Memorial winner (then a Grade 1), record holder, and Kentucky Derby (G1) contender. He also shares stories from the stunning upset of the 2005 Kentucky Derby.

In this week’s On Racing, the steady downgrading of Southern California stakes races over the last decade is beginning to take its toll, a prime example being the Santa Anita Oaks (G2).

Remember Mamba rolls home in the stretch of the Transylvania Stakes (G3T) at Keeneland to remain a perfect 3-for-3 for trainer Cherie DeVaux and owner C R K Stable.

Percy’s Bar begins her 3-year-old season April 3 at Keeneland by upsetting heavily favored Zany by 2 1/4 lengths in the $750,000 Ashland Stakes (G1).

Last spring, trainer Ian Wilkes took two graded stakes at Keeneland during the spring meet’s first few days, and this year, he struck opening day, April 3, when A Fine Chardonnay popped the cork in winning the Beaumont Stakes (G2).

The “Horse Racing Happy Hour” podcast is launching a 12-part podcast series on the Thoroughbred racing season at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The first episode will air at 7 p.m. ET April 6.

Acacia Clement & Sara Elbadwi look ahead at the Wood Memorial & Gazelle at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Two-year-old Suspicions breaks his maiden April 3 at Keeneland, becoming the first starter and winner for freshman sire Corniche, who stands at Ashford Stud for $15,000. He is owned and trained by Wesley Ward. 

Mike Battaglia, who has served as Churchill Downs’ morning-line oddsmaker for more than five decades, retires from the role, ending a 51-year run. Nick Tammaro will succeed Battaglia in the position.