Horse Racing News by Ron Mitchell

Vic Zast, a racetrack executive, businessman, turf writer, and ardent racing fan, died Aug. 3 in Wilmette, Ill. Zast, who had been a regular contributor to The Blood-Horse and authored the "Saratoga Diary" blog at Bloodhorse.com from 2006-13, was 69.

Grade 1 winner Dance With Fate was euthanized after sustaining a serious injury July 24 when he bolted and crashed into a fence while on the track at Del Mar prepping for the upcoming San Diego Handicap.

West Point Thoroughbreds' Kentucky Derby runner-up Commanding Curve could make his first start since his ninth-place finish in the Belmont Stakes in the July 25 Curlin Stakes at Saratoga Race Course.

Repole Stable's Stopchargingmaria took over rounding the far turn and drew off to an impressive five-length victory over Unbridled Forever in the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga Race Course July 20.

Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens is taking another break from the saddle to undergo knee replacement surgery, but the 51-year-old rider plans to return to competition again.

Game On Dude, who topped the first edition of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2014, heads the seven-horse field for the 75th renewal of the Gold Cup at Santa Anita Handicap June 28 at Santa Anita Park.

Breeders' Cup Ltd. announced June 24 that the 2015 World Championships will be held Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, will return to Santa Anita Park in 2016, and will be held at Del Mar in 2017.

Juan Vazquez, a leading trainer at Delaware Park, was charged with simple assault following an incident involving jockey Trevor McCarthy at the track June 23.

Coffee Clique and jockey Javier Castellano won a nose bob over longshot Strathnaver for an upset win in the Longines Just a Game Stakes on the June 7 Belmont Stakes undercard at Belmont Park.

As the sunrise broke through at Belmont Park at 5:30 a.m. on Belmont Stakes Day June 7, California Chrome was one of the first horses on the track as he went through a light jog under the watchful eye of trainer Art Sherman.