Michael Maker

It took the length of the stretch, but Bishops Bay (Uncle Mo--Catch My Drift, by Pioneerof the Nile) closed the gap on the longshot to claim the GII Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct. Bishops Bay is two races shy of enjoying a perfect record this season--that lone off the board finish coming in the GI Forego Stakes Aug. 23 at Saratoga and his lone runner-up effort coming at his '25 opener at Oaklawn Park. He was last seen Nov. 2 winning the GIII Forty Niner Stakes to claim his spot...

GSW Starting Over (Liam's Map) sustained an injury on the grass in the GII United Nations Stakes at Monmouth Park on Saturday and was humanely euthanized by the track veterinarian staff after the race. Owned by Nice Guys Stables and transferred to the care of Brittany Russell last year, the 8-year-old ran third in the Cape Henlopen Stakes at Delaware Park June 14, and then shipped to Monmouth after registering a workout at Saratoga July 13. In the United Nations, the gelding raced at the rear of the field past...

When it came to launching his training career, Nolan Ramsey, 28, didn't waste any time. The grandson of prominent owner Ken Ramsey, he went out on his own last May and by year's end he had won 27 races at a 25% clip. For most trainers, especially a rookie, that would be considered an excellent season. But Ramsey is convinced that he can do much better and won't be satisfied until he is recognized as one of the top trainers in the sport. A former assistant to Mike Maker, he...

   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 Relative Value at Tampa Bay Downs on Friday. It's All Relative Klaravich Stables' Relative Value (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}) became the latest horse to join the Making Waves ranks with a half-length debut victory at Tampa Bay Downs on Jan. 3 (video). Trained by Chad Brown, the son of Blind Faith (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) was bred by Ickworth Stud. Sold by Ballyphilip Stud...

Unbeaten and already a stakes winner in his first two starts, The Wine Steward kept his perfect record intact with a gutsy performance in Sunday's Funny Cide S. at Saratoga. Back facing New York-breds for the first time since his six-length debut win at Belmont May 28, the even-money favorite had to overcome a wide draw and a bumpy beginning. Caught outside throughout, he turned for home four abreast, set his sights on pacesetter El Grande O, and dug in to just get past that rival in the final jumps....