The morning of July 25 was a busy one for Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) hopefuls. Top 3-year-olds breezed in Kentucky, New York, Florida and California.

The decision to postpone a date with any number of Coolmore’s bluebloods was vindicated when the star mare romped to glory on her comeback in the Pretty Polly Stakes (G1), and now a sixth group 1 beckons.

An eerie silence greeted Enable at Ascot July 25 similar to the one at ParisLongchamp last October, but to the collective joy of her legion of fans the result could not have been more different.

Belgarion, with Richard Fourie riding, came nearly into the empty Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse stands to get around the field, and narrowly won the July 25 Vodacom Durban July (G1).

Former Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association general manager Ralph Vacca, a long-time horseman and industry leader in the Northwest, died July 20 at his home in Auburn. He was 84. 

Promising 2-year-old Therideofalifetime, a frontrunning 8 1/4-length second-out maiden winner at Keeneland July 11, is slated to return in the Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 7, trainer Ignacio Correas said July 24.

Grade 1 winner Tom’s d’Etat posted a half-mile breeze July 24 at Saratoga Race Course, getting the distance in :48.22 in preparation for an Aug. 1 start in the $750,000 Whitney Stakes (G1).

Dhahabi, a half brother to Golden Horn, will make his debut at Newmarket.

Luis Rivera Jr. said the credit for Strawberry Red’s victory in Friday night’s third race at Monmouth Park belonged to the horse’s owner, trainer and jockey.

In other words, to him.

Turned Aside, turned back in two prior stakes attempts, picked up his first stakes victory with a 1 3/4-length triumph in the $100,000 Quick Call Stakes (G3T) for 3-year-old turf sprinters July 24 at Saratoga Race Course.

Stablemate Hawwaam’s departure leaves Soqrat to shoulder the burden in the Durban July (G1). The 4-year-old Epaulette colt finished second to Hawwaam in his last outing at Turffontein Standside and faces a full field July 25.

Attorneys for Mick Ruis said July 24 that as part of a preliminary agreement to settle litigation brought by the owner/trainer, the reshaped CHRB has agreed to conduct a purse disqualification hearing concerning Justify’s Santa Anita Derby (G1) win.

The top lot of £220,000 (US$280,293) exceeded last year’s highest figure.

Champion Enable has already ensured her place in racing folklore with two wins in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (G1), but will attempt to add further luster to her enviable record July 25 with another victory. 

In terms of productivity, few sprinters can hold the proverbial candle to Whitmore.

Jockey Daniel Centeno tweeted July 23 that he fractured his right ankle in a starting gate accident at Delaware Park and would miss at least six weeks of riding.

The son of Hard Spun is out of the female family tracing to Broodmare of the Year Courtly Dee.

Promising 2-year-old Therideofalifetime, a frontrunning 8 1/4-length second-out maiden winner at Keeneland July 11, is slated to return in the Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 7, trainer Ignacio Correas said July 24.

The stakes menu looks pretty chalky on both ends of the nation this final Saturday in July, with Eclipse Award winners Maximum Security and Sistercharlie returning from their respective layoffs.