Horse Racing News

Wise Dan did not recover quickly enough from the effects of emergency colic surgery earlier this year to seek a third consecutive victory in Saturday's Grade 2, $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap.

Enterprising and Argyle Cut, separated by a neck when first and second, respectively, in the opening day Oceanside Stakes, square off again as turf racing returns to Del Mar Aug. 9 in the $150,000 La Jolla Handicap.

California Chrome is expected to return to the work tab Aug. 8 with his first official move since running fourth in the June 7 Belmont Stakes, according to connections of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner.

Following up on a runner-up effort at Royal Ascot in June, well-traveled Sunset Glow dominated the field in the $200,000 Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar Aug. 6, leading all the way for a 3 ¼-length victory.

While some prominent trainers called for phasing out use of race-day furosemide in a press release Aug. 1, top horsemen's groups throughout the country said this week they have not changed their stance in supporting use of the diuretic.

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.

Trainer plays double duty in Hambletonian victory

Even-money choice Iotapa made it consecutive Grade 1 scores with her victory in the $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes Aug. 2 at Del Mar, but was all out to get the job done with jockey Joe Talamo.

Winchell Thoroughbreds' Tapiture overcame a troubled trip and a lost shoe to gamely defeat a determined Candy Boy at the wire to take the $750,000 West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort Aug. 2.

New York-bred Palace, formerly a $20,000 claimer, earned his first Grade 1 victory for owner Antonino Miuccio and trainer Linda Rice in the $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Aug. 2 at Saratoga Race Course.