Horse Racing News by Ron Mitchell

With the forecast calling for a high temperature of 70 degrees and a strong possibility of rain for the 138th Preakness Stakes, the Maryland Jockey Club could be hard-pressed to surpass last year's record crowd of 121,309 at Pimlico Race Course.

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert says that a victory by Kentucky Derby winner Orb in the May 18 Preakness Stakes and having a shot at the elusive Triple Crown would be a major boost to horse racing.

World War II veteran Alan Reeves had some advice for Fox Hill Farm's Rick Porter on May 3 when he and three other veterans of the Normandy Invasion visited Barn 42, where Kentucky Derby contender Normandy Invasion is stabled.

Two days before he is scheduled to run in the Kentucky Derby, Vyjack "blew out" three furlongs in :37 at Churchill Downs May 2.

Three-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert said April 29 he will not have a starter in this year's May 4 classic, noting that none of the contenders he had early in the season would be competitive in the 1 1/4-mile race.

Two of trainer Todd Pletcher's top contenders for the Kentucky Derby continued to progress toward the May 4 classic with solid workouts at Churchill Downs the morning of April 21.

Godolphin Racing's Sajjhaa displayed a late turn of foot and kicked clear in the stretch to win the Dubai Duty Free Sponsored by Dubai Duty Free March 30 at Meydan Racecourse.

Lines of Battle held off a tenacious Elleval to win the UAE Derby at Meydan Racecourse March 30, earning 100 points toward a probable start in the May 4 Kentucky Derby.

A legislative committee in New Mexico has unanimously approved a study to determine the feasibility of locating a slaughter facility in the state for purposes of processing horse meat for human consumption.

Besilu Stables' Royal Delta took control after an early scramble for the lead and never looked back en route to a strong victory in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Santa Anita Park Nov. 2.