Horse Racing News

Ron the Greek has risen through the handicap ranks from a horse that didn't win a graded stakes race last year to a multiple Grade 1 winner in 2012.

Superhorse Frankel duly won his 12th race Wednesday -- and eighth at Group 1 level -- when taking the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood for owner Prince Khalid Abdulla, trainer Sir Henry Cecil and jockey Tom Queally.

An official with Monmouth Park has reportedly said the New Jersey track was not selected to host the 2013 Breeders' Cup World Championships but is continuing to pursue hosting the event in 2014.

Hansen, the brilliant, nearly white frontrunner whose latest victory came in the June 30 Iowa Derby, will find the eyes of the nation upon him Aug. 4 when he heads postward as the 3-5 morning line favorite in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby.

Two days after winning the Haskell Invitational, Zayat Stables' Paynter remained at Monmouth Park with a slight fever that prevented him from shipping back to Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert's base in Southern California.

Sprint champion Amazombie returned to his best form in the $300,000 Bing Crosby Stakes, sitting just off a hot pace and coming to get the leaders in deep stretch to win going away on the Polytrack at Del Mar July 29.

Tune Me In was sent off as the longest price in the $152,500 Oceanport at Monmouth Park, but that didn't stop the 25-1 shot from springing an upset over six other turf contenders July 29.

Currency Swap showed his affinity for Saratoga Race Course July 29, making his first start since winning the 2011 Hopeful Stakes a profitable one when he dashed to victory in the $200,000 Amsterdam.

Team Forster's Brushed by a Star took command of Sunday's Grade 2, $202,500 Molly Pitcher Stakes at Monmouth Park soon after the gates opened and never relinquished her hold on the lead to post a 1 1/2-length victory over Successful Song.

Zayat Stables' Paynter romped to a 3 3/4-length triumph over Nonios in Sunday's Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational, furthering Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert's stranglehold on Monmouth Park's signature race.