Xavier Perez

In a stakes-record performance beneath the Twin Spires, Romeo (Honor A. P.) inspired more than a few romantic notions of what could be as he gamely claimed the hardware in the Bashford Manor Stakes on closing day at Churchill Downs. In his career debut at Laurel May 3, Romeo showed a glimmer of what he can do when galloping home an easy winner by over 10 lengths as the 4-5 favorite. He claimed third in the June 5 Tremont Stakes at the Spa--where Florida-bred Mythical (St Patrick's Day) put up...

Amid glowing opinions from stakeholders that the work-in-progress new dirt surface at Laurel Park has improved dramatically after eight equine fatalities from main-track fractures there this autumn, racing has been greenlighted to proceed as scheduled Dec. 16 for the first time in 18 days. The Maryland Racing Commission (MRC) determined during a Tuesday tele-meeting that it didn't technically need to take a vote for racing to resume, but the board made sure to solicit ample feedback from jockeys, trainers, track executives, track surface consultants and veterinarians before issuing a verbal...