Frank Romeo of Terra Racing Stable steps into the Chief Steward role for one year following the passing of Doug Anderson.
Brachetto upset top King's Plate contender Magical Factor in a close Marine Stakes, while Luster looked good in the Selene.
The Highlander Stakes (G2) was shortened to five furlongs this year and the field was modest, which worked out perfectly for the winner.
Ontario-bred Shifty, bred by Anderson Farms and owned by D.J. Stable, had an easy trip in the Grade 3 Royal North Stakes.
The Kevin Attard trainee gamely wore down Happy Destination in the final yards to win the $100,000 sprint for three-year-old fillies.
A horse racing lover travels to visit friends at Aqueduct racetrack on a dark, cold February afternoon, before there were cell phones.
The annual funding increase of $35 million will protect jobs, boost local economies and support communities.
King's Plate and Woodbine Oaks contenders compete in the Marine and Selene Stakes on June 27, and Kazushi Kimura is in town.
A clash of superstars on a big card of racing at Churchill Downs on Saturday includes champion Sovereignty.
The inner turf contests feature Mark Casse's trio of trainees in the Royal North and Miss Vyvyanne looking to make it five in a row in the Highlander.