Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher continued his supremacy in the $210,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, winning the Kentucky Derby (G1) prep for a record-extending eighth time with 2025 Remsen Stakes (G2) runner-up Renegade.

2025 Breeders' Futurity (G1) runner-up Blackout Time is targeting the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) March 1 at Oaklawn Park for his 3-year-old debut, co-owner Lance Gasaway said Feb. 7

After running a quiet second in the Jan. 3 Smarty Jones Stakes, Silent Tactic announced his Kentucky Derby (G1) credentials with a devastating rally and widening victory in the $1 million Southwest Stakes (G3) Feb. 6 at Oaklawn Park.

Recent times have been difficult for trainer Rudy Rodriguez, but there was a much different feeling Feb. 6 as he watched the stretch run of the $200,000 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack.

The Road, presented by Gainesway and WinStar Farm

Promising 3-year-olds Confessional and Renegade square off against seven other rivals in the Feb. 7 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs.

After two runaway wins in ungraded stakes, Strategic Risk steps into graded company and a $1 million spotlight Feb. 6 in the Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

The first day of racing at Churchill Downs in advance of the Kentucky Derby April 25 will be moved to the afternoon after being held at night since 2011. Additionally, a Sunday card will be added to Derby Week April 26.

Mike Curry, of America's Best Racing, sees Intrepido as the pick for the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park while Robusta could pull the upset.

Intrepido, trained by Jeff Mullins, defeated Desert Gate and Plutarch in the 2025 American Pharoah Stakes and is scheduled to meet them again in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park.

In late December, trainer Butch Reid had a tough decision to make. Should he run his promising now 3-year-old Mailata in the Jerome Stakes on Jan. 2 at Aqueduct Racetrack or the Dec. 30 Future Stars Stakes at his home base of Parx Racing?

Schedule for racing on radio, television, streaming, as compiled by America's Best Racing.

Porter on Pedigrees

International representation included 37 horses from Japan, led by Godolphin's Pyromancer (JPN). Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher led all trainers with 31 nominees, followed by Bob Baffert (23), Chad Brown (22), Brad Cox (21), and Daisuke Takayanagi (14).

America's Best Racing's Bob Ehalt gives his "At a Glance" analysis of the Withers Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack.

After his win in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3), Nearly replaced Todd Pletcher-trained stablemate Ted Noffey in the No. 1 spot on the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top 3-Year-Old Poll.

Centennial Farms' Nearly was feeling his oats at Palm Beach Downs the morning of Feb. 1 in the aftermath of his eye-catching 5 3/4-length triumph in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 31.

On the Feb. 2 episode of BloodHorse Monday: Centennial Farms' Donald Little Jr. discusses Nearly's win in the Holy Bull Stakes (G3), Oaklawn Park track announcer Matt Dinerman previews the Southwest Stakes (G3) and talks racing in Hot Springs, Ark.

Like many young athletes, Holy Bull Stakes (G3) winner Nearly's introduction to sports was playing soccer in his field at Wind Hill Farm, adding to the agility and athleticism that has placed him on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail.

Days after an announcement that champion 2-year-old male Ted Noffey was off the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail with bone bruising, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher showcases Nearly as a Derby contender by winning the $275,000 Holy Bull Stakes (G3).