GI Preakness S.

Zedan Racing Stables' Muth (Good Magic) will target the GI Preakness May 18 at Pimlico following his victory in the GI Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn last weekend, according to Bob Baffert Tuesday afternoon. "My plan's always been, if he ran well [in the Arkansas Derby], we're just pointing him for the Preakness," Baffert said. "So, that's what the plans are." Baffert confirmed that the bay was in good shape physically upon returning to his Southern California base Sunday night. Although the Arkansas Derby was a Kentucky Derby qualifying race, Muth...

Laurel Park will open for a 15-day Spring meet beginning Friday, April 5. In a release from the Maryland Jockey Club, the meet, which will run through Sunday, May 5, will play host to a total of nine stakes worth over $950,000 topped by the Federico Tesio S., a 'Win and You're In' for the Triple Crown's middle jewel, the GI Preakness S. at Pimlico May 18. Additionally, the Weber City Miss S. offers 3-year-old fillies the chance to nab a paid spot in the GII Black-Eyed Susan S. May...

Spendthrift Farm has acquired the breeding rights to MGISW National Treasure (Quality Road-- Treasure, by Medaglia D'oro), last year's GI Preakness S. hero and a thrilling winner of Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream. "National Treasure is the kind of stallion prospect we all look for because he possesses every quality that excites you about his potential to become an important sire," said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift general manager. "He was precocious enough to place in a very good Breeders' Cup Juvenile, he's an American Classic winner at three...

These are busy times for Alan Foreman, who is the general counsel to the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, a member of Maryland's Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) and serves as an ombudsman for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU). He took time out of his schedule to join the TDN Writers' Room Podcast, sponsored by The Green Group. It is his work with the MTROA that has received the most attention of late as the Authority recently issued a plan that...

   This story is a deeper dive into the joint press release issued earlier Jan. 5 by The Stronach Group, the Maryland Jockey Club, and the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority. The latest recommendation in a years-long attempt by multiple stakeholders to consolidate Maryland racing at a single, reimagined racetrack now calls for a project dubbed "Pimlico Plus," with racing centered in Baltimore and supported by the construction of a new training facility elsewhere in the state, according to a report issued by the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA)...

Edited Press Release The Stronach Group, the Maryland Jockey Club, and the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority ("MTROA") today announced they have reached the framework of an agreement in principle to preserve and enhance the Thoroughbred racing industry in Maryland. The understanding, subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements, legislative authorization, and all required governmental approvals, will enable the MTROA to design and build an iconic racing venue at Pimlico and take over day-to-day racing and training in Maryland. "The Authority's report represents an important next step for the industry,...

The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen Association, Maryland Horse Breeders Association, and 1/ST RACING have announced a one-year deal to continue live horse racing in Maryland until December 31, 2024. The deal ensures that the GI Preakness S. will be run at Pimlico in May and provides for ongoing racing operations throughout 2024. "We are pleased to come to terms on a one-year extension to the 2012 agreement with The Stronach Group, 1/ST RACING and Maryland Jockey Club and appreciate the work by all that went into finalizing this deal," said David...

As 2023 draws to a close, the TDN is asking industry members to name their favorite moment of the year. Send yours to [email protected] "For me personally, National Treasure winning the Preakness! It was my third win in my favorite race of the year. My favorite racing moment outside of my stable was watching Jena (Antonucci) win the Belmont S. Pure joy! Loved seeing it." --Sol Kumin

War Horse Place has secured the opportunity to stand GI Preakness S. hero Rombauer (Twirling Candy) for $6,000 LFSN, the breeding operation said in a release Wednesday. Bred and campaigned by John and Diane Fradkin, Rombauer placed as a juvenile in the GI American Pharoah S. at Santa Anita before finishing third along the Derby Trail in the GII Toyota Blue Grass S. He then won the second leg of the Triple Crown at Old Hilltop before finishing third in the GI Belmont S. Joining him will be French group...

Both 'TDN Rising Star' Arabian Lion (Justify), winner of the GI Woody Stephens S. and National Treasure (Quality Road), the GI Preakness winner who faded to sixth after setting the pace in the GI Belmont S., were back at Santa Anita and doing well after competing on last Saturday's Belmont Stakes card at Belmont Park according to trainer Bob Baffert. Prospective next starts have not been named for either runner.

As and when he finally quits riding the kids to sleep, at least John Velazquez doesn't have to worry about a next career. Because what he did in Baltimore last week showed him to have everything it takes to lead a cortege. Not just the restrained tempo, but also the way he reliably maintained all dignity and decorum while Irad Ortiz Jr. came lurching out of the procession in his usual unruly fashion. True, Velazquez wouldn't last the first week if he were to lead a funeral at the same...

The credit for the win in the GI Preakness S. goes to National Treasure (Quality Road), but the assist goes to Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez. Able to get to the lead and then slow the pace down to a crawl, Velazquez put in a perfect ride on his way to his first ever win in the Preakness. Fresh off his victory, Velazquez joined this week's TDN Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland. He was this week's Green Group Guest of the Week. "It was just one of those...