Racing

Attorneys for trainer Bob Baffert raise concerns about the chain of custody of the test samples while racing commission general counsel contends the issues do not compromise the stewards' rulings.

Undefeated Essential Quality remains at the top of this week's National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top 3-Year-Old Thoroughbred Poll. Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) winner Letruska zoomed to sixth place in this week's NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll.

Arizona track general manager Vince Francia told Arizona Racing Commission members April 19 he has been making improvements to Turf Paradise's dirt and turf surfaces. One trainer said the actions being taken are not enough.

During a brisk morning April 19 at Churchill Downs, Winchell Thoroughbreds' Midnight Bourbon continued his serious preparation for the May 1 Kentucky Derby (G1) with a swift five-furlong move in :59 4/5, the fastest of 13 horses at the distance.

Jockey Flavien Prat swept the stakes action at Santa Anita Park April 18, taking the Tokyo City Cup (G3) and Kona Gold (G3) stakes, with both of his mounts winning by wide margins

A short spring slate at Aqueduct Racetrack saw familiar faces finish atop the leaderboards for the jockey and trainer standings, as Jose Ortiz outlasted his brother, Irad Ortiz, Jr., after the boutique 11-day meet's finale on Sunday.

Glen Hill Farm, Madaket Stables, and Cheyenne Stables' Bubbles On Ice was victorious in her U.S. debut, edging Fluffy Socks by a head in the April 18 Memories of Silver Stakes, a turf test for sophomore fillies at Aqueduct Racetrack.

Alex G. Campbell's Mean Mary is eyeing a repeat win in the $750,000 New York Stakes (G2T) June 4 at Belmont Park as her first start of 2021 for trainer Graham Motion.

Aidan Butler has been selected by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) as recipient of the 2020 Ed Friendly Industry Service Award.

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners owns a handful of 3-year-old colts and fillies gearing up for the New York Racing Association's Turf Triple series.