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We’re a little more than one week into 2023, and excitement is percolating at racetracks around the country as newly-turned 3-year-olds emerge as potential contenders for this spring’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve May 6 at Churchill Downs.
Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables LLC and Robert LaPenta’s Shantisara, Team Valor International and Gary Barber’s Wakanaka, and Bal Mar Equine LLC’s Dalika are prominent on the invitation list released Wednesday for the $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational (G3).
Quick into stride from the gate, Phil D’Amato’s British-bred Amy C attended the pace and rallied to take Monday’s $100,000 Las Cienegas Stakes (G3) by 1 ¼ lengths and thus remain unbeaten in three tries down Santa Anita’s unique hillside turf course.
With The Moonlight will look to build upon a strong win in the Saratoga Oaks as she returns just 13 days later in the Grade 2 Lake Placid
Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher celebrated a four-win day on Saturday at Belmont Park, led by graded scores with Life Is Good in the John A. Nerud (G2) and Charge It in the Dwyer (G3). The $2 million yearling purchase Capensis and the New York-bred Liam’s Map gelding Jerry the Nipper also visited the winner’s circle in races 5 and 10, respectively.