Zedan Racing Stables’ Arabian Knight was sidelined through Triple Crown season, but the highly regarded three-year-old emerged as a Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) contender with a determined front-running decision in Saturday’s “Win and You’re In” Pacific Classic (G1).

Defunded was odds-on to extend his winning streak to three in the San Diego H. (G2), but got no nearer than fourth as the 13-1 Senor Buscador sprang the upset at Del Mar.

Country Grammer was the favorite in Saturday’s Awesome Again (G1) at Santa Anita, but the “other Baffert” angle came to the fore when Defunded pocketed the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) “Win and You’re In.”

In town to ride the sublime Flightline in the Pacific Classic (G1), Flavien Prat also turned a graded turf double aboard Gold Phoenix in the Del Mar H. (G2) and Hong Kong Harry in the Del Mar Mile (G2).

After four months of unchanging stability, the Kentucky Derby Future Wager took on a new flavor for its fifth and final pool.

An intense speed duel and a dramatic stretch drive were the key storylines in Sunday’s thrilling renewal of the Sunland Park Derby (G3) at Sunland Park.

Epicenter's trip in the Louisiana Derby, Rattle N Roll's improvement, and possible Kentucky Derby implications from Sunland and Dubai

It’s apropos that the Risen Star (G2) ushers in the Kentucky Derby Championship Series, because the $400,000 prize at Fair Grounds could hardly have drawn a better cast.

Although he hasn’t run in two months, Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) winner Smile Happy remains the early favorite for the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1).