First Mission tackles stakes elders in Clark
The $600,000 Clark (G2) has often showcased up-and-coming three-year-olds for much of its 149-year history, Gun Runner, Will Take Charge, and Blame being recent examples. […]
Articles by Vance Hanson
Xigeria looks to extend win streak in Falls City
The three-year-old filly Xigera will be heavily favored to feast on at least seven older rivals in the $400,000 Falls City (G3) for fillies and mares at Churchill Downs on Thanksgiving Day. A versatile filly […]
Integration remains unbeaten following Hill Prince romp
Integration further stamped himself as a potential leading player in the male turf division next season with an authoritative victory in the $250,000 Hill Prince (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday. […]
Integration seeks more graded success in Hill Prince
The regally-bred Integration, who easily transitioned from a belated debut success in August to Grade 3 winner four weeks later when taking the Virginia Derby (G3) over the previously unbeaten favorite Program Trading, will look […]
Smokin’ T rebounds in River City; Wicked Halo takes career finale in Dream Supreme
Rebounding from a sub-par performance at Pimlico in mid-September, Smokin’ T came out on top in Saturday’s $289,858 River City (G3) at Churchill Downs for the Hall of Fame combo of trainer Shug McGaughey and […]
Soldier Rising aims for elusive first graded win in third Red Smith attempt
Despite placing six times at Grade 1 level, including four times this season alone, Soldier Rising enters the $300,000 Red Smith (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday in search of an elusive first graded stakes win. […]
River City an easier spot for recent overachiever Stitched
Stitched was one of the leading overachievers on the Kentucky circuit over the summer, winning the Wise Dan (G2) at Ellis Park as a 46-1 longshot and finishing second by a half-length in the Mint […]
Nobals posts biggest Breeders’ Cup Saturday surprise in Turf Sprint
For the second time this season, Nobals rose to the challenge on one of American racing’s biggest stages when posting a 12-1 upset of the $920,000 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Santa Anita on Saturday. […]
Idiomatic locks up a championship with half-length win in BC Distaff
Idiomatic capped a a stellar 8-for-9 campaign with a hard fought victory in the $1.82 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Santa Anita on Saturday, prevailing by a half-length over stubborn three-year-old rival Randomized. […]
Inspiral mows down Warm Heart in BC Filly and Mare Turf
Inspiral passed her first test beyond a mile with flying colors on Saturday in the $1.84 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) at Santa Anita, displaying a strong turn of foot under Frankie Dettori to edge fellow European raider Warm Heart by a neck over 1 1/4 miles. […]