Leading voices in sport reeling from inability to match overseas prize money believe government measures will wipe out £250m and drive those in the industry abroad
After a solid workout at Palm Meadows on March 5 – 5 furlongs in 59.5 Classic Causeway takes on 11 rivals in the 1 1/16-mile Tampa Bay Derby, including Shipsational and Major General.
Saturday was one of those blurry days where horseplayers were dazed and confused by the two biggest events: the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) and the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn.
This weekend should shake up the Top 10, too, with three Derby-point qualifiers – the $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park, the $400,000 San Felipe Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita, and the $300,000 Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert won another Derby on Saturday when Pinehurst took the lead from the start and held off 13 rivals in the $1.5 million Saudi Derby (G3), a few races prior to the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1).