Barry Irwin

Last week on the TDN Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland, spurred by this Bill Finley column in which prominent owner Joe Sutton spoke out about trainer Joe Sharp and his twice-disqualified Blackberry Wine (Oxbow)--who continues to run in conditions he would be ineligible for if not for positive drug tests--I put out an open call. I wanted to hear from owners and trainers who have been adversely affected by cheating and drugging of horses in light of the bombshell allegations revealed by the FBI indictments that rocked the sport...

'TDN Rising Star' Gouverneur Morris (Constitution) was confirmed to start next in the Mar. 28 GI Curlin Florida Derby after breezing five-eighths in 1:01.65 (3/12) Saturday at Palm Beach Downs. "He worked as well as he ever has this morning," trainer Todd Pletcher said in an email forwarded by owner Barry Irwin of Team Valor. "I think we should take what's in front of us [the Florida Derby], assuming they keep running at Gulfstream." Citing revenue losses from casino closings and the lack of on-track handle in the wake of...

The next start for 'TDN Rising Star' Gouverneur Morris (Constitution) will hinge on a five-furlong breeze Saturday at Palm Beach Downs. "If he works well, [trainer] Todd Pletcher will decide whether to stay local and run in the [GI] Florida Derby or wait a week and fly him in for the [GII] Wood Memorial," Team Valor's Barry Irwin wrote in an email. "With opportunities and travel options expected to be limited, we have changed our outlook on racing him. We want to run him while there are still races available....