Horse Racing News by Marty McGee

Several prospects for the Coolmore Lexington Stakes had their final pre-race workouts Saturday, including Distorted Dave, a John Sadler-trained colt who figures as one of the top contenders for the Grade 2 race.

Karelian got a great forward trip under Julien Leparoux and had plenty in reserve to turn back a sustained run by favored Court Vision and avenge a bitter defeat in the Grade 1, $300,000 Maker's Mark Mile on a sun-splashed Friday afternoon at Keeneland.

Seven older females are entered as would-be challengers to Forever Together when she makes her 6-year-old debut Saturday as the defending champion in the best race on the Blue Grass undercard, the Grade 2 Jenny Wiley Stakes.

Dr. Zic led every step of the Grade 1, $300,000 Vinery Madison to register a 15-1 upset and spoil the return of Eclipse champion Informed Decision on a chilly Thursday afternoon at Keeneland.

Much has been made about how Kentucky Derby also-rans tend to disappear into a black hole afterward. There are happy exceptions, of course, such as Court Vision, a 5-year-old who has blossomed into a genuine grass star in his Derby afterlife.

Seeking validation within the 3-year-old division - not to mention sufficient graded earnings to make the cut for the May 1 Kentucky Derby - a field of nine has been entered in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes.

American racing fans have been betting blindly on Jonathan Sheppard for decades. They are keenly aware that the Hall of Fame trainer has been working diligently behind the scenes to have his horses fit and sharp.

Rachel Alexandra had her first workout since returning to Churchill Downs when she breezed five furlongs early Monday with regular exercise rider Dominic Terry aboard.

A handful of prospects for the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland had their final pre-race workouts at various venues Saturday, including a pair of Kentucky Derby hopefuls trained by Todd Pletcher.

Haven't we seen this before? Hasn't Wayne Catalano returned to Kentucky after wintering in Florida with a defending 2-year-old filly champion who had struggled in opening her 3-year-old season?