Blood-Horse

A Northern California Racing Affairs Advisory Committee that has existed informally since the announcement that Golden Gate Fields would close has been formally recognized by a vote of the California Authority of Racing Fairs board of directors.

Albaugh Family Stables' Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Catching Freedom began his workout preparations for the 150th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) May 4 with a half-mile move in :48 2/5 April 5 at Churchill Downs.

A judge in New York granted a temporary restraining order preventing imposition of a 14-day suspension against trainer Todd Pletcher for an alleged medication infraction almost two years ago.

Johannes stamped himself as a horse to watch in the turf mile division with an explosive win in the $100,000 American Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita April 4.

Team Valor International's Nadette (FR) displayed a flashy turn of foot as she skimmed the rail to go last to first in the $100,000 Wilshire Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park April 4.

Trainer and owner/breeder Eddie Rich is offering free seasons to his grade 1-winning stallion Finnegans Wake, who stands at Hunter Stallion Station.

Led by successful journeyman rider Chris Landeros, a change of racing seasons brought some new names to Gulfstream Park for the Royal Palm Meet, which opened April 4.

Tapalo exits a second-place effort in the El Camino Real Derby Feb. 10. While that race was on synthetic, the Tapiture ridgling has also shown an affinity for Santa Anita Park's dirt main track ahead of the Santa Anita Derby (G1).

The first five horses across the line in the Golden Slipper (G1) are set to clash again in a strong renewal of the Sires' Produce Stakes (G1) April 6 at Randwick.

Three-time stakes winner No Nay Mets launches his 3-year-old campaign in the April 7 $250,000 Palisades Stakes going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf on Keeneland's opening weekend.

A celebration of trainer Phil Oliver's life will be held April 8 at the Thoroughbred Club of America near Lexington from 4-7 p.m. ET.

America's Best Racing's Bob Ehalt handicaps the Blue Grass Stakes (G1).

Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 109 entries for its April Digital Sale, including the final phase of the complete dispersal of Lothenbach Stables and Phase II of the Ruis Racing dispersal. Bidding is now open and will close April 9 beginning at 2 p.m. ET.

The New York Racing Association announced April 4 that John Imbriale has retired as NYRA's track announcer, bringing to an end a distinguished 44-year career at NYRA.

The new program offers automatic entries and travel incentives with four American turf stakes and two group 1 stakes in Britain.

DraftKings and NYRA announced an agreement establishing DraftKings as an official betting partner of both Saratoga Race Course and the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival as well as the presenting sponsor of the 155th running of the Travers Stakes (G1).

Juddmonte's Idiomatic, the reigning champion older dirt female, and Godolphin's Pretty Mischievous, who earned the 2023 Eclipse Award for champion 3-year-old filly, are at this early stage on course to collide in the May 3 La Troienne Stakes (G1).

The Bob Baffert-trained Kinza and the Richard Mandella-trained Kopion meet for a second time in the April 6 Santa Anita Oaks (G2) after Kinza defeated Kopion by two lengths this winter in the Las Virgenes Stakes (G3).

A change of equipment and a return to the site of her greatest victory might do the trick for Repole Stable's Life Talk in the April 6 Gazelle Stakes (G3).

Trainer Bob Baffert opted for Imagination and Wynstock for the Santa Anita Derby, leaving other nominees Wine Me Up and Maymun for another day.