Blood-Horse

Anticipation continues to build toward the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1) and fans will have their third of six early betting opportunities Jan. 19-21 for Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. The three-day pool features 40 betting options.

Mill Ridge Farm stallion and 2021 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) winner Aloha West was represented by his first reported foal Jan. 15 when a colt out of the winning Orb mare Bashful was born at Machmer Hall Farm. 

If any major policy or fiscal changes are to come to Thoroughbred racing or the overall gaming industry in New York, they will have to wait until later in the spring, if at all, in 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul signaled Jan. 16.

A filly born Jan. 15 at War Horse Place is the first reported foal by champion sprinter Jackie's Warrior. The filly is out of grade 3-placed winner Upset Brewing.

HISA has established a Next Generation Advisory Group that will be made up of individuals in the early to mid-stages of their professional careers and will provide feedback on the implementation and evolution of HISA's regulations and protocols.

Conflicting forecasts toward the end of the week are giving some hope that the big Jan. 20 meetings at Ascot and Haydock can escape the cold snap.

BloodHorse Interview: Light Up Racing

Two high-level stakes competitors, Saudi Crown and Smile Happy, return to action Jan. 20 in the $175,000 Louisiana Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The 1 1/16-mile dirt race attracted seven competitors.

West Omaha and Sistina Chapel—2-3 in the Dec. 23 Untapable Stakes—do not have to deal with the filly that defeated them in that race, Alpine Princess, lead the $150,000 Silverbulletday Stakes Jan. 20 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

Dubai World Cup runner-up Algiers (IRE) has been retired by Simon and Ed Crisford.

2-year-old male Glengarry earns double honors from the Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association for his accomplishments in 2023, including ITBOA Horse of the Year.

Trainers have embraced Lingfield's Saturday morning fixture with 107 entries made for the seven-race card that forms the middle leg of the Winter Million festival at the Surrey venue this weekend.

Bally's Corporation announced Jan. 15 the retirement of Bruce Seymore and the promotion of Shannon Ruston to executive director of Colorado Operations and Racing at Bally's Arapahoe Park.

Joey Peacock Jr., owner of Senor Buscador, discusses the pros and cons of being based in New Mexico, and his horse's Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) chances in a question-and-answer session with America's Best Racing.

Sunlit Song's 2023 campaign earned him Horse of the Year honors and champion older horse among Texas-breds. The gelding had five wins and a second in six starts in 2023, including four stakes victories.

Mahoning Valley canceled live racing for Jan. 16-17 but its simulcast theater is open. Parx Racing canceled training and live racing for Jan. 15-17.

Because the 8-year-old ridgling son of Mastercraftsman thrives in cooler weather, trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. has kept him in training at Belmont Park ahead of the Jan. 27 $1 million Pegasus Turf Invitational Stakes (G1T) at Gulfstream Park.

Week of Jan. 8-Jan.14

Former Eclipse Award winner feels 'reborn' after riding two horses for Bob Baffert on Jan. 14 at Santa Anita. He hadn't competed in more than three months after winning only five times with 136 mounts last year.

The sale will be held Feb. 5-6 at the Newtown Paddocks sales grounds in Lexington.