Horse Racing News

Hall of Fame trainer eyes path to Kentucky Derby for his top 3-year-olds

Shrinking Violet, a bargain buy for owner/trainer Wesley Ward making her initial start at Santa Anita Park, scored a 10-1 upset in the $200,000 Monrovia Stakes on the hillside turf course Jan. 4.

After struggling at times during his previous three seasons, veteran turf runner Finnegans Wake has found a home in California, coming from off the pace once again to capture the $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes Jan. 3 at Santa Anita Park.

Gunning from the rail for Rafael Bejarano, Seduire put away pace rival Xoxo leaving the turn and kicked away in the drive to win the $200,000 Santa Ynez Stakes in a powerful performance Jan. 3 at Santa Anita Park.

Ekati's Phaeton wouldn't be denied in her bid for a first stakes victory, holding off R Sassy Lass through the stretch to take the $100,000 Old Hat at Gulfstream Park by a half length Jan. 3.

Missing the break proved advantageous for Night Prowler, who came fast and late for his first stakes victory Jan. 3 in the Dania Beach Stakes for 3-year-olds at Gulfstream Park.

Bayern and California Chrome took another step toward a possible early-season rematch when the leading Horse of the Year contenders worked sharply about an hour apart the morning of Jan. 3 at their respective training bases.

Despite bobbling at the start and racing wide on the first turn, favored El Kabeir posted an impressive 4-3/4-length victory in the $200,000 Jerome Stakes Jan. 3 from rainy Aqueduct Racetrack.

After breaking through with his first stakes victory in six tries, Dynamic Sky attempts to surpass $1 million in career earnings as one of the favorites in the $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes Jan. 3 at Santa Anita Park.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer's stakes-winning duo of Seduire and Light the City clash with dual graded winner Conquest Harlanate in the $200,000 Santa Ynez Stakes for newly-turned 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita Park Jan. 3.