Giant's Causeway

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Nakayama and Hanshin Racecourses: Saturday, April 4, 2020 5th-NKY, ¥9,680,000 ($89k), Maiden, 3yo, 2000mT LOUD AND CLEAR (c, 3, Giant's Causeway--Melody Maiden, by Saint Ballado) is the 11th foal to make the races from his dam, who has been responsible...

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. In this edition, the blue-blooded Prairie Wings (Tapit)--from the family of late leading sire Giant's Causeway--is highlighted after a strong debut second at Gulfstream Park Sunday. Previous runners featured in this column include: MGISW and 'TDN Rising Star' Paradise Woods (Union Rags), GSW Backyard Heaven (Tizway) and MSW and 'TDN Rising Star' Gidu (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). Between the $800,000 Keeneland September pricetag and loaded catalog page, sophomore filly...

Destin (Giant's Causeway--Dream of Summer, by Siberian Summer), who set a track record in winning the GII Tampa Bay Derby and went on to miss by a nose in the GI Belmont S., was represented by his first foal Jan. 11. A colt by the full-brother to Creative Cause and the first produce of Jurere (Take Charge Indy) was born at Saratoga Glen Farm. He was bred by Amber Cobb. Destin stands at Sequel Stallions New York for Gainesway Farm, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Twin Creeks Farm and Sequel. Destin will...

Race by race, Bricks and Mortar (Giant's Causeway) is building a formidable rampart against any rival that might yet emerge from the flux of summer to batter his (or her) way into Horse of the Year contention. But we all know how those green stains on his shoes will tend to weaken his cause, in that theater no less than when he retires to stud. In fact, with the yearling market still only paying lip service to the "growing importance" of turf racing in the U.S., Bricks and Mortar has...