We are at that peculiar point a few weeks out from the Breeders' Cup where things get a bit odd, particularly with regard to the field for the Classic. Duke of Marmalade and Soldier of Fortune , both fresh from being crushed by Zarkava in the Arc, are still under consideration for the Ballydoyle...

From Breeders' Cup Ltd. Reigning Horse of the Year Curlin enjoyed another lengthy stroll on Santa Anita’s synthetic Pro-Ride main track Sunday morning in what could lead to a possible meeting with Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown and other members of the equine elite in the $5 million...

Superfecta is back from the shore and back to (almost) normal business, although this will still be something of an odd week. Curlin had his final work for his turf debut earlier; the Man O' War is still the preferred option, and it seems that the details of his New York license will be worked out...

Casino Drive is headed back to Japan for the time being, but if all goes well he will be aiming squarely at the Breeders' Cup Classic. Clearly, racing manager Nobutaka Tada has figured out how we roll around these parts : When asked if he feels like he’s been Americanized, Tada said, “Next time I...

After an initial positive evaluation of Casino Drive, trainer Kazuo Fujisawa on Saturday morning declared Casino Drive from the Belmont Stakes. Although a bruised left-hind hoof appeared not to bother Casino drive during a three-furlong canter, the Peter Pan Stakes winner was observed afterward to be...

It's not quite a Breeders' Cup card, but there is a lot to like on the Belmont undercard. There are some interesting betting races but I am most looking forward to seeing some of my favorite horses in action. True North Handicap Rick Dutrow's other favorite on the card, Benny the Bull , is...

It's possible that Casino Drive may be absent from the starting gate tomorrow : "Right now our decision is to run ... We didn't like his way of moving," said Nobutaka Tada, the racing manager for owner Hidetoshi Yamamoto. "So we just didn't go to the track this morning. He's...

Note: Breaking news just as I was about to leave: Casino Drive may be out of the Belmont: http://www.thoroughbredtimes.com/racing-news/2008/June/06/casino-drive-physi Saturday. Belmont Day. Triple Crown Day…perhaps a date with history. Thirteen races are scheduled, with the feature of course being...

Everyone has put in their two cents or even ten cents except me. So here is my 50 cents or so. Belmont picks and that wise old superstition....( read more )