Fast and Accurate, winner of the JACK Cincinnati Casino Spiral Stakes (G3), worked five furlongs in 1:01 1/5 April 30 at Churchill Downs while readying for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1).

Kitasan Black, reigning Japanese Horse of the Year, dominated a tough field in the Tenno Sho Spring (G1) at Kyoto April 30, chasing down the runaway leader and sweeping to a 1 1/4-length victory.

Isabelle de Tomaso’s homebred Irish War Cry put in his final work for the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) April 30 at Fair Hill Training Center near Elkton, Md., clocking six furlongs in 1:13 1/5 on trainer Graham Motion’s watch.

In his second start for trainer Phil D’Amato, Matthew Schera’s Farhaan took an impressive step forward April 29 to win his first graded stakes in the $100,000 Thunder Road (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.

Peter Redekop’s Alert Bay was sent off at 3-5 to defend his title in the $100,000 San Francisco Mile (G3T) April 29, and the 6-year-old gelding had no problem doing so, as he held on gamely to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

The $100,000 Kentucky Juvenile Stakes at Churchill Downs May 4, the first stakes of the year for 2-year-olds, will feature a field of five colts and geldings and five fillies that each made their first starts during Keeneland’s spring meet.

After conceding the lead early to a determined Applicator, War Correspondent snatched that advantage back when it counted most, overtaking the pacesetter in midstretch en route to a one-length victory in the April 29 $100,000 Miami Mile Stakes (G3T).

Given the number of top charges Tammy Fox’s diminutive frame has been aboard, it’s little wonder her gregarious partner heeds her when she says one of his young runners is worthy of faith.

Thunder Snow, winner of the March 25 UAE Derby Sponsored By The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (G2) at Meydan Racecourse, has been confirmed to start in the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), Godolphin Racing announced April 29.

Churchill Downs Inc. has purchased advance-deposit wagering site BetAmerica, multiple sources from both companies said April 28-29.

Kentucky agriculture commissioner Ryan Quarles and some horse industry leaders welcomed an official veterinary team from the People’s Republic of China this month in a visit that could help open China to the export of horses from the United States.

Each week BloodHorse.com looks forward to the weekend’s biggest races. Consider this your guide to the best stakes in North America. This week we have a trio of grade 3 turf miles Saturday, Churchill Downs’ opening night, and more.

Rebel Stakes (G2) winner Malagacy and Wood Memorial Stakes presented by NYRA Bets (G2) runner-up Battalion Runner will both bypass the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), trainer Todd Pletcher confirmed via text message April 29.

Instead of working Jerry and Ann Moss’ Gormley–his Derby mount–the soon-to-be Hall of Famer Victor Espinoza was aboard the Mosses’ Ziconic, who served as the Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner’s target.

Thunder Snow, winner of the March 25 UAE Derby Sponsored By The Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group (G2) at Meydan Racecourse, has been confirmed to start in the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), Godolphin Racing announced April 29.

As owner Brad Grady relayed Girvin’s :59 3/5 time for his five furlong breeze April 29 at Keeneland, gathered friends and family let out a relieved cheer.

J Boys Echo was his typical self in his final work for the May 6 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1), rolling through a five-furlong drill in 1:01 with stablemate Little Irishdancer.

Gormley will soon occupy a high-profile place in the history of Castleton Lyons as the first Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) starter produced by the Ryan family’s international operation.