The penultimate day of racing at the Keeneland spring meet also features the return of Ontario-bred multi-millionaire Channel Maker.
Races
Both the Derby and the Kentucky Oaks (G1) could have very strong fields and there is plenty of Canadian breeding represented.
Maryland invader Arzak dominates Thorncliffe on day two of the Woodbine season and the Barbara Minshall, Wesley Ward starters are on point.
There were smiles all around as the 2022 Woodbine Thoroughbred season, the 71st in the history of the track, opened.
Charles Fipke's homebred horse came from far off the slow pace to win the prestigious race over Chad Brown trainee Masen.
Owner John Scott claimed Richiesinthehouse in 2021 and is hoping for a quick return in the featured Thorncliffe Stakes April 17.
One of Canada's top juvenile fillies in 2020 makes a comeback in the 5 1/2 furlong featured race on opening day at Woodbine, April 16.
Josie Carroll and Kevin Attard, both finalists for Outstanding Trainer in Canada at the April 14 Sovereign Awards, are pumped for new season.
The best of 2021 will be celebrated with a long-awaited in-person ceremony April 14 and Woodbine opens on time April 16.
Thoroughbred racing will begin on May 31 at Fort Erie and its season is highlighted by the $400,000 Prince of Wales Stakes.
Following a second-place finish to stablemate Taiba in the Santa Anita Derby, Messier's trainer Tim Yakteen is excited.
The Uncle Mo colt edged the unbeaten Early Voting to give Todd Pletcher a seventh win in the Wood Memorial while racking up 100 Derby points.
The probable field for the May 7 Kentucky Derby is in this list of points leaders, with four weeks to the big race.
The major stepping stone races for the Derby are done and the Chad Brown-trained colt is added to a very interesting potential field.
A 15-length winner of the Grade 2 Robert Lewis in his latest race, Messier can use the Santa Anita Derby as his final run before Kentucky.
