Brian Zipse

6 days ago | horseracingnation.com | Brian Zipse

“The Derby winner is back!”I imagine that was the exuberant cry made by men, women and children which rang out from all corners of Churchill Downs on Saturday as Mystik Dan skimmed the rail to victory in the Grade 3, $275,000 Blame Stakes. Perhaps I am overestimating the importance of his first victory since winning the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Then again, maybe I am not. Whether or not you happen to be a fan of Mystik Dan, his return to the winner’s circle is a positive for racing.

1 week ago | wsn.com | Brian Zipse

Published: May. 30, 2025, 09:00 AM ET 8 min read Stephen Foster Preview Day proves that there is excellent racing at Churchill Downs after the first Saturday in May. Led by a strong field of older males in the Grade 3 Blame Stakes, the afternoon card on Saturday includes six solid stakes races. In the 9-furlong Blame, you could easily make a case for any one of the top six, including last year’s Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan.

1 week ago | horseracingnation.com | Brian Zipse |Matt Shifman

This week on HorseCenter, Brian Zipse and Matt Shifman take a short break from the Triple Crown action to highlight an excellent Saturday afternoon of racing from Churchill Downs. The iconic Louisville oval will offer six stakes races on Stephen Foster preview day, led by the Grade 3 Blame. The nine-furlong test will mark the first race at Churchill Downs for Mystik Dan since winning a thrilling edition of the Kentucky Derby in 2024.

1 week ago | horseracingnation.com | Brian Zipse

From Eclipse Award winners down to $5,000 claimers, there are certain racetracks which hit all the right notes for some horses. As good as Fierceness has been in so many of his other races, there can be no denying the 4-year-old City of Light colt appreciates Saratoga. Be it the surroundings, the surface or both, Fierceness loves the Spa. He’ll put his fondness for his favorite track to a real test June 7 when the champion makes his next start in the Grade 1, $1 million Metropolitan Handicap.

2 weeks ago | wsn.com | Brian Zipse

Published: May. 23, 2025, 11:00 AM ET 7 min read The Memorial Day holiday consistently offers great racing and this year will be no exception. Santa Anita will offer a trio of important stakes races on Monday to close out the long weekend. Leading the way will be a deep and talented field of nine older turf males in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile.