Serena’s Song, a Hall of Famer and blue hen mare, died March 11 at the age of 34.

The 2024 Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Laurel River has been sold and will take up stallion duties this season at Japan’s Big Red Farm in Hokkaido, Juddmonte announced March 12. 

Daandine Stud headlined a selective day of trade at the Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, when a filly by reigning Queensland champion sire Better Than Ready offered by the operation was purchased by trainer Tony Gollan for AU$130,000.

J. Keeler Johnson handicaps the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will present a series of three handicapping seminars leading up to the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) May 2. Hosted by renowned handicapper Tom Amello, the series will take place at the Museum.

Early into the March 12 final session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, Three Amigos went to $1 million for a colt (Hip 576) by the 2025 leading first-crop sire Yaupon.

In the Santa Ana Stakes (G3T), Mrs. Astor will go for a seventh career stakes win, but will face a large field.

Jesse Aviles and fiancé Rylee Thomas of J & R Thoroughbreds are aiming to make it big with a Drain the Clock filly, Hip 595, at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales March of 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale March 12.

Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising sits as a clear No. 1 in the first Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings of 2026 with a rating of 128.

This first edition of the Odds and Trends column with J. Keeler Johnson examines run-up distances and how they impact races.