International Racing News

With the American Triple Crown races and the opening of the Royal Ascot meet on the horse racing schedule over the next two months, this would be an ideal time to to take a look at some international horse racing news to see if some horse racing tips could be in the offering.

Item #1 – Kentucky Derby Field Taking Shape – With all the requisite prep races in the books, the field for the 2016 Kentucky Derby is starting to take shape. This year’s Derby will be run at Churchill Downs in its traditional spot on the calendar, the first Saturday of May.

With a full field of 20 horses expected to meet the starter, the undeniable favorite is Nyquist based on his undefeated record over seven starts and his dominant victory in the Grade I Florida Derby. Other top contenders include Exaggerator (winner of the Grade I Santa Anita Derby), Brody’s Cause (winner of the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes), Gun Runner (winner of the Grade II Louisiana Derby), Mohaymen (winner of the Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes) and the fast-improving Creator (winner of the Grade I Arkansas Derby). For a little international flavor, Japan’s Lani is expected to make the trip to America after earning qualifying points by winning the Group 2 UAE Derby.

Don’t be surprised to see Nyquist make a serious run at this year’s Triple Crown. Based on speed figures, no one is even close to accomplishing what Nyquist has been able to accomplish to this point in his career. While it’s too early to criticize this year’s crop of 3-year old, many of the prep races came back with rather ordinary speed figures. Based on his ability to stay close to the pace and surge, the Derby race flow figures to fall right into Nyquist’s wheel house. Unless someone makes a big leap forward, Nyquist figures to be an easy winner.

Item #2 – Tepin Headed to Royal Ascot to Face Solow – After running away from the field in the recent Grade I Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland Racecourse, the connections (Robert Masterson/Mark Casse) of Tepin indicated their brilliant 5-year old mare could make an appearance at the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting in the UK in June. If the trip materializes, Tepin would most likely face Europe’s Cartier Older Horse of the Year Solow in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The brilliant Tepin is currently riding a 5-race winning streak that includes a big victory in last year’s Breeders Cup Mile on turf against some of the best turf milers in the world. Owner Masterson deserves much credit for deciding to bring Tepin back for her 5-year old season instead of sending her to the breeding shed. Prior to any trip to the UK, Masterson and Casse will be looking at running in the Grade II Distaff Turf Mile or Grade I Woodford Reserve Turf Classic at Churchill Downs during the Derby weekend festivities.

Item #3 – Big Finish to Autumn Racing Down Under – With all of the Sydney Autumn Carnival’s major races in the books, let’s take a look at the Group 1 winners who could be coming back for the Spring Carnivals at Flemington and Caulfield in October and November.

At Randwick

Feb 27 – Chipping Norton Stakes (one mile) – Winx

Mar 5 – Randwick Guineas (one mile) – Le Romain

Mar 5 – Canterbury Stakes (6.5 furlongs) – Holler

Apr 2 – Doncaster Stakes (1 mine) – Winx

Apr 2 – TJ Smith Stakes (6 furlongs) – Chautaugua

Apr 2 – AJC Australian Derby (1 1/2 miles) – Tavago

Apr 2 – AJC Sires Produce Stakes (7 furlongs) – Yankee Rose

Apr 9 – AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1 1/4 miles) – Lucia Valentina

Apr 9 – AJC Australian Oaks (1 1/2 miles) – Sofia Rosa

Apr 9 – Queen of the Turf Stakes (1 mile) – Azkadellia

Apr 9 – Sydney Cup (2 miles) – Gallante

Apr 16 – AJC Champagne Stakes (1 mile) – Prized Icon

Apr 16 – All Aged Stakes (7 furlongs) – English

At Rosehill

Mar 12 – Coolmore Stud Classic (7.5 furlongs) – Peeping

Mar 19 – Golden Slipper Stakes (6 furlongs) – Capitalist

Mar 19 – George Ryder Stakes (7.5 furlongs) – Winx

Mar 19 – Ranvet Stakes ( 1 1/4 miles) – The United States

Mar 19 – Rosehill Guineas (1 1/4 mils) – Tarzino

Mar 19 – The Galaxy (5.5 furlongs) – Griante

Mar 26 – The BMW (1 1/2 miles) – Preferment

Mar 26 – Storm Queen Stakes (1 1/4) – Single Gaze

Horse players can use the above information in conjunction with horse racing tips that should be available over the coming weeks. If you are looking for a place to start off this tips page is updated regularly.