Nicest

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Saturday running at Hanshin Racecourse: Saturday, April 4, 2026 1st-HSN, ¥11,280,000 ($71k), Maiden, 3yo, f, 1800m PETRICHOR (JPN) (f, 3, Justify--Nicest {Ire}, by American Pharoah) just failed to overcome gate 14 of 16 on Kyoto debut going this trip on Jan. 11, finishing...

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Saturday and Sunday running at Kyoto Racecourse: Saturday, January 10, 2026 4th-KYO, ¥15,620,000 ($100k), Allowance, 3yo, 1800m JUSTIN DALLAS (JPN) (c, 3, Gun Runner--Pink Sands, by Tapit) shaped with much promise on debut over this course and distance Oct. 5, finishing second to...

Queen Goddess was trying dirt for the first time, but looked right at home with an easy wire-to-wire victory in the GII American Oaks--which was automatically downgraded after it came off the turf Sunday at Santa Anita. Kicked straight into the lead by Juan Hernandez, Queen Goddess assumed command after the opening furlong and cut out the running while racing a bit off the inside turning down the backstretch. Moving comfortably through a half in :47.62, the dark bay filly lobbed them along comfortably as she began to work clear...

LNJ Foxwoods homebred Luck (Kitten's Joy) looks well positions to make the grade in Del Mar's GIII Red Carpet H. on Thanksgiving. A two-time winner on all-weather in France for Alain de Royer-Dupré, the chestnut bested re-opposing England's Rose (English Channel) in a shorter Aug. 7 optional claimer here before missing by just a head when second in Santa Anita's 10-panel GI Rodeo Drive S. Oct. 2. England's Rose, meanwhile, took her next two, clearing the first-level allowance condition over course and distance Sept. 3 before adding the restricted Swingtime...