Horse Racing News on May 5, 2012

The Twin Spires, and anyone who knew anything about horse racing knew they were witnessing something special.

After a thrilling stretch duel with champion Amazombie, Mike Lauffer and Bill Cubbedge's Shackleford inched clear in deep stretch to win the $441,600 Churchill Downs Stakes May 5.

Favored Groupie Doll made it consecutive Grade 1 wins when she dominated the field in track-record time while taking the $334,500 Humana Distaff Stakes at Churchill Downs May 5.

Although three dedicated front runners entered the gate in Saturday's $561,500 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs, only one was intent on sticking to his script and his tactics paid off to garner his first Grade 1 victory.

Emory A. Hamilton's Hungry Island collared Tapitsfly in the final furlong and went on to score a one-length victory in the $223,400 Churchill Distaff Turf Mile May 5.

Houyhnhnm Stable's Great Attack turned in an explosive rally in the final furlong and passed 3-2 favorite Bridgetown in the final strides to secure the win by three parts of a length in the five-furlong test. The 4-1 third choice in a field of 12.

I'll Have Another caught Bodemeister down the stretch and pulled away in the final furlong on Saturday to win the Kentucky Derby.

Trainer Dale Romans captured a pair of stakes victories Saturday on the Kentucky Derby undercard as Little Mike won the $561,500 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic and Shackleford took the $441,600 Churchill Downs Stakes.

Two days before Kentucky Derby 138, Zayat and his son Justin, friends in tow, escaped the confines of Churchill Downs, left Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert with their 3-year-old colt on cruise control, and split for the rolling hills of central Kentucky.

With heavy overnight thunderstorms still producing severe lightning on Derby morning, May 5, at Churchill Downs, the Louisville track canceled the limited training that was scheduled to take place between 6-8 a.m. EDT.