Irad Ortiz Jr.

Firenze Fire Ignites 6-Year-Old Campaign in G3 Runhappy

ELMONT, NY – For the second straight year, Firenze Fire ignites his season with a graded stakes triumph, besting a five-horse field in Saturday’s Grade 3, $150,000 Runhappy (G3) at Belmont Park. “I knew the…

Preakness Stakes

Midnight Bourbon Confirmed for Preakness, Irad Ortiz Jr. to Ride

BALTIMORE, MD – Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen confirmed Thursday morning that Winchell Thoroughbreds’ Midnight Bourbon will run in the 146th Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course May 15. Asmussen, via text from Texas, also confirmed that Irad Ortiz Jr., the defending three-time Eclipse Award champion, will ride the son of… Read More

Race Recaps

Colonel Liam, Domestic Spending Dead Heat in the Turf Classic

LOUISVILLE, KY – Favorite Colonel Liam and Domestic Spending hit the finish line together to dead heat in the 35th running of the $1 million Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic (G1) for 4-year-olds and up. “He was doing everything right, it was a great race. It was so close, so… Read More

Race Recaps

Letruska Upsets the Apple Cart in Apple Blossom

HOT SPRINGS, AR – While all eyes were on the field’s heavy hitters, Letruska upset the apple cart with a gutsy re-rallying stretch effort to defeat Monomoy Girl, Swiss Skydiver, and three others in Saturday’s $1 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) at Oaklawn Park. Letruska broke from post 3 under… Read More

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Race Recaps

Raging Bull Leaves His Mark in Maker’s Mark Mile

LEXINGTON, KY – In his third attempt to win the prestigious event, Peter Brant’s Raging Bull finally left his mark with a strong stretch-running effort in Saturday’s $300,000 Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes (G1) at Keeneland. Raging Bull broke from post 8 under Irad Ortiz Jr. as the 7/2 second choice… Read More

Kentucky Oaks

Search Results Undefeated After Gazelle Romp

OZONE PARK, NY – Klaravich Stables’ Search Results kept her undefeated streak intact with a romping score in Saturday’s $250,000 Gazelle Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct. Search Results broke from the far outside post under Irad Ortiz Jr. as the 2/5 favorite and settled just off the right hip of Alwayz… Read More

Race Recaps

Mischevious Alex Takes Carter with No Trouble

OZONE PARK, NY – Saffie Joseph Jr.’s Mischevious Alex had no trouble in Saturday’s $300,000 Carter Handicap (G1) at Aqueduct. Mischevious Alex rolled home under Irad Ortiz Jr. to win the Carter in impressive fashion as the 4/5 favorite. “I broke so well and the other horse [Chateau] went, so… Read More

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Race Recaps

Drain the Clock Much the Best in Bay Shore

OZONE PARK, NY – Drain the Clock and Irad Ortiz Jr. led every step of the way as the 1/5 favorite in Saturday’s $200,000 Bay Shore Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct. He was geared down late and won by 1 3/4 lengths for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. “He just wants to… Read More

Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby Contenders Pedigree Analysis: Known Agenda

With the Kentucky Derby (G1) less than 5 weeks away, I’m back for my second year of analyzing some of the top contenders’ pedigrees. This week’s subject: Known Agenda The St. Elias Stable homebred currently sports a career record of 6-3-1-1 under trainer Todd Pletcher. Known Agenda has already earned over $500,000,… Read More

Kentucky Derby

Known Agenda Charges Ahead In Florida Derby

HALLANDALE BEACH, FL – St. Elias Stable homebred Known Agenda charged ahead toward Louisville with an impressive victory in Saturday’s $750,000 Curlin Florida Derby Presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa (G1) at Gulfstream Park. Known Agenda broke from post 5 under Irad Ortiz Jr. as the 5/1 third… Read More