Sandman

SARATOGA SPRING, NY - Since racing began here in the 1860s, Saratoga has been a career launching pad for 2-year-old maidens. It should not be a surprise that the tradition continued last summer. Dozens and dozens of young horses destined for greatness picked up their first victories at the Spa. A very short list of those standouts includes: The filly Ruthless, winner of the inaugural running of the GI Belmont Stakes Aristides, who won the first GI Kentucky Derby Maskette Zev Triple Crown winner Gallant Fox Tom Fool Sword Dancer...

SARATOGA SPRINGS - After seven weeks of going back and forth, Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse has made his decision. When Sandman (Tapit) runs in the GII Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on July 26, he will be wearing a hood. The popular gray, owned by D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables, looked striking Saturday morning when he hit the main track wearing black blinkers. Sandman worked five furlongs in :59.40 (1/9) and Casse is comfortable saying that Sandman will...

Sandman (Tapit), coming off a third-place effort in the GI Preakness Stakes, shipped from Belmont Park to Saratoga Race Course Monday morning and he is expected to make his next start in the July 26 GII Jim Dandy Stakes. "I wanted to give him a little bit of time," trainer Mark Casse said. "He ran all winter long and I knew when we decided to run him back in the Preakness that the Belmont was going to be out of the question." Sandman earned a spot in the GI Kentucky...

This past week wasn't easy on anyone at the Fasig-Tipton Timonium sale--consignors, buyers, horses, bloodstock agents, veterinarians, office staff and grounds keepers. And what about all the grooms and riders! Horsemen are a resilient group. But somehow in true Fasig-Tipton fashion, they managed to pull off a successful sale. It was a difficult decision for Boyd Browning and his team to make the call for "Gallop Only" the last day of the show. But it was the right call, and once again Fasig did what was right for the horses...

BALTIMORE, MD -- In the days leading up to the 150th Preakness, a lot had been made of the one horse that wouldn't make it into Saturday's lineup at Pimlico--Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief). However, those that have been entered in the final renewal of the Classic race before Old Hiltop faces the demolition man are certainly no slouches. Leading the fray, Journalism (Curlin) returns off a runner-up finish in the Run for the Roses. Lest some may have forgotten, however unlikely, he went off post-time favorite for the...

The field for the GI Preakness Stakes, ranked in "likeliest winner" order. 1) JOURNALISM (c, Curlin--Mopotism, by Uncle Mo). O- Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Robert V., Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy. Sales history: $825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime record: GISW, 6-4-1-1, $1,638,880. Last start: 2nd May 3 GI Kentucky Derby. Favorites have lost the last six editions of the Preakness and eight of the last nine (lone exception: the 2-5...

BALTIMORE, MD -- Much has been said about the genuine friendship between Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas and Bob Baffert that has developed over the years. And the lively banter between the two, as well as several of the other members of the training ranks in attendance at Thursday's Preakness Alibi Breakfast, did nothing to dispel that notion. Completely sidestepping the suggested seating assignments, Baffert planted himself at Lukas's table, which also included John Bellinger, who makes up BC Stables with partner Brian Coelho. The team is represented in...

Baltimore, MD--It was very evident that something big is looming following a simple stroll around the Pimlico backstretch Wednesday morning. Despite the intermittent rain and the resulting soggy conditions following several days of drenching downpours, several fan tours could be seen milling about, getting a behind-the-scenes look of many of Saturday's GI Preakness Stakes participants. While most trainers can outmaneuver Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas physically these days, few will beat him and his horses to the racetrack in the mornings. Outfitted with his brand-spanking new rain gear,...

It will be a busy day at the GI Preakness S. for the West Point Thoroughbreds team as they have four horses entered on the day at Pimlico. But none is more important than Sandman (Tapit), a horse they co-own along with DJ Stable, St. Elias Stable and CJ Stables. He finished seventh in the GI Kentucky Derby, but his owners have decided to give him a chance to make amends. Despite there being only being two weeks between the first two legs of the Triple Crown, Sandman will run...

West Point Thoroughbreds has four horses entered this weekend at Pimlico, including Preakness contender Sandman. West Point Founder and President Terry Finley joined the this week's show.

GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Journalism (Curlin) continues to give his connections positive indicators coming out of his run at Churchill Downs nearly two weeks ago. The GI Santa Anita Derby winner, who drew post 2 for the GI Preakness Stakes, vanned from Louisville to Pimlico Tuesday. "From top to bottom, it's a very competitive field that we have a lot of respect for," said co-owner Aron Wellman. "Really our primary focus is on Journalism. We've been very, very intent on making sure that he's giving us all the right signs...

Having been committed to the race just 24 hours earlier and in the absence of GI Kentucky Derby hero Sovereignty (Into Mischief), Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith's Derby runner-up Journalism (Curlin) was made the 8-5 favorite on Dan Illman's morning line for Saturday's 150th running of the $2-million GI Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore. He was assigned post position two during Monday's draw at the Guiness Open Gate Brewery. The...