Balnikhov (Ire)

The sun is shining and the birds are singing, which means that spring has sprung and hopefully cold blasts are fixed over yonder. This kind of weather propagates the condition known to many as Derby fever, which technically has no definable cure. So, while you're tinkering with mint julep recipes or heading to the dry cleaners with your seersucker to keep the vapors in check, maybe what you need is to take a look at the weekend's graded stakes slate. The races are chock full of options, so let's not...

The only member of the field for Saturday's GIII Dinner Party S. with proper soft-ground form, Balnikhov (Ire) (Adaay {Ire}) was given a letter-perfect ride by Frankie Dettori and kicked home smartly to score for the third time at the graded stakes level, snapping an eight-race skid in the process. Allowed to find his own rhythm, Balnikhov anchored himself at the back of the nine-strong field, as longshot Helms Deep (Verrazano) showed the way passing the stands for the first time. Favored Running Bee (English Channel), the rail-skimming Highland Chief...

  In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Paris Secret (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) in the GIII Providencia S. at Santa Anita on Saturday.   City Of Lights In Southern California Strand Beach, LLC's Paris Secret (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) won the Providencia S. for trainer Phil D'Amato in her second U.S. start after running fourth in the China Doll S. earlier in the year, also at Santa Anita (video). The third foal...