Horse Racing News

Michael Dilger spent seven years as an assistant to trainer Todd Pletcher before going out on his own last summer. His solo career got off to a fast start when he won with his first stakes starter, New York-bred Wired Bryan, in last July's Sanford.

With the unfortunate morning training death of pre-race favorite Dance With Fate, Kentucky shipper Frac Daddy, a two-time stakes winner in 2014, is now the likely favorite in the $200,000 San Diego Handicap July 26 at Del Mar.

Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist looks to the $600,000 Jim Dandy Stakes July 26 as a hopeful launching pad for the Travers Stakes and perhaps a shot at the 3-year-old title.

Not only could Untapable maintain her status as the top 3-year-old filly in the country with a victory over males, but she could earn her way into the Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park.

Keeneland has begun installation of the dirt racing surface on its main track, the final step in the renovation project that is on schedule for completion next month in advance of the fall meeting.

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.

With a late stretch move, favored Daring Dancer caught A Little Bit Sassy to win by a head in the $200,000 Lake George Stakes July 23 over the inner turf at Saratoga Race Course.

With the discontinuation of the Breeders' Cup Marathon, you could say the 11 horses entered in the Grade 3 Cougar II Handicap at Del Mar Racetrack July 25 are all dressed up with no place to go.

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.

Willis Horton's Will Take Charge breezed five furlongs July 21 in anticipation of his next start in the Aug. 2 Whitney Invitational Handicap.