Horse Racing News by Jack Shinar

Avoiding the likes of Tapiture and Strong Mandate at Oaklawn, Autrey brought his stakes-winning son of Graeme Hall to New Mexico for the $800,000 Sunland Derby March 23

Experts thought Game On Dude had lost a step, but the gallant old gelding proved them wrong with a history-making third victory in the $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap March 8 at Santa Anita Park.

Mucho Macho Man has been installed as the 9-5 morning line favorite for the 77th renewal of the $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap March 8 at Santa Anita Park.

Making his initial start for trainer Nick Zito, Spot collared weakening No Nay Never in the drive and bounded away to a 2 ½-length win in the $200,000 Swale Stakes March 1 at Gulfstream Park.

It's relatively early on the Derby trail but it's unlikely there will be another two-way duel as good as the one in the $415,000 Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth, won by Wildcat Red over General a Rod Feb. 22 at Gulfstream Park.

Normandy Invasion, last seen finishing fourth in the Kentucky Derby, returned in a track record-setting victory in a one-mile allowance optional claiming race Feb. 22 at Gulfstream Park.

Samantha Nicole, a full sister to 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, had an adventurous career debut, but managed to run on for second in a maiden special weight test for 3-year-old fillies Feb. 16 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

Two-time champion Groupie Doll provided a satisfying conclusion to her stellar career with an eye-catching last-to-first romp in the $200,000 Hurricane Bertie Stakes Feb. 9 at Gulfstream Park.

Candy Boy stamped himself as the top contender for the Santa Anita Derby when he overpowered a pair of well-regarded Bob Baffert trainees in winning the $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes Feb. 8 at Santa Anita Park.

Blingo came from off the pace for his first graded stakes score when heavily favored Game On Dude and Blueskiesnrainbows flamed out in the $300,000 San Antonio Stakes Feb. 8 at Santa Anita Park.