Porter on Pedigrees

Team Valor International and Steven Rocco’s Special Wan, most recently third in the Just a Game Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, should be among the favorites in the $2 million Ladies Turf Stakes (G3T) Aug. 30 at Kentucky Downs.

.@EllisParkRacing closed its 25-day summer season Aug. 24 on a high note, generating $77 million in all-sources handle, a 6% increase over last year’s record.

Maiden Watch: Week of Aug. 18-Aug. 24

New research suggests that, among foals studied in the United Kingdom, those given extensive turnout in pastures during their first six months of life and those weaned later are more likely to go on to race, compete more frequently, and earn more.

An arbitration panel has sanctioned a veterinarian based at Los Alamitos Race Course over a pair of anti-doping violations for possession of two banned substances in July 2024, suspending Dr. Larry Overly for nearly two years.

Buyers were busy kicking up a dust cloud in the stable yards at the Doncaster complex Aug. 26 as inspections reached a peak ahead of Goffs Premier Yearling Sale, held Aug. 27-28.

An overflow field of 12 is ready to contest six furlongs over the Kentucky Downs turf course in the $2 million Kentucky Turf Sprint (G2T) Aug. 30. Unlike last year when Cogburn ran like the clear favorite, this year’s edition looks wide open.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will release The Racetracks of America: From the Pre-Civil War Days to the 21st Century, a 440-page coffee table book chronicling the rich history of America’s iconic racetracks Aug. 30.

After winning the first grade 1 in Kentucky Downs history with Howard Wolowitz last season, trainer Jose D’Angelo is back looking for more success in the lucrative seven-day meet that begins Aug. 28.