graded stakes

Oaklawn, beset by frigid weather which necessitated the cancelling of live racing Friday-Monday, has further altered its stakes schedule to accommodate the extended weather forecast. The featured graded black-type events of Presidents' Day weekend--the GIII Bayakoa S., GIII Razorback H., and GIII Southwest S.--all originally rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, have all been moved again to Sunday, Feb. 21, to take advantage of the best conditions available. In addition, the Dixie Belle S., which was set for Feb. 13, has now been rescheduled to Saturday, Feb. 20, the same day...

The Jockey Club of Canada's Graded Stakes Committee held its annual review of graded and listed stakes races in Canada. The number of graded stakes in Canada will decrease to 41 in 2021, due to individual racetracks choosing to place selected races on hold. Additionally, two races currently with black-type status--the Ontario Racing S. and the Woodbine Cares S.--will be upgraded to listed status. The GI Northern Dancer S., GIII Eclipse S., GII Nijinsky S. and the GII Play the King S. have all been placed on hold and will...

Every year, the Kentucky Downs stakes schedule seems to get richer and attract better horses. This year, there were 16 stakes worth a combined $8.6 million and many were won by horses that could have an impact at the Breeders' Cup. The stakes schedule is a source of pride among the track's management team, but also a source of frustration. Only five of the stakes are graded and those are all Grade III events, which the track's senior vice president and general manager Ted Nicholson called "dumbfounding." "It's frustrating," Nicholson...

The Sept. 2 With Anticipation S., rained off the turf at Saratoga and onto the main track, was immediately downgraded from Grade III status and to listed status per the policy of the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owner and Breeders Association. Upon review of the race, the AGSC has determined that the original Grade III status of the With Anticipation will not be reinstated for this renewal. The victorious Fire At Will (Declaration of War) is therefore credited with a listed victory, while Blame The Booze (Blame)...