Three Triple Crown winners—one on her way to retirement and two undefeated 3-year-olds on course for stardom— meet at Tokyo Racecourse Nov. 29 in the 40th running of the Japan Cup (G1).

The Under 20’s Claiming Challenge will return for the upcoming winter and spring meets at Aqueduct Racetrack. The program, launched in 2018 and open to local trainers with 20 or fewer horses nationwide, will begin on Dec. 10.

When a maiden is the leading money earner in a graded stakes race, it is often indicative of the second-rate renewal. Keepmeinmind’s presence in the $200,000 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs Nov. 28 seems a clear exception.

Oisin Murphy has expressed regret and apologized after he was banned for three months by France Galop stewards following a positive urine test for metabolites of cocaine. He has strenuously denied taking any banned substance, blaming contamination.

Woodbine said Nov. 26 that it was unsuccessful in its efforts to gain approval from the Government in Ontario in Canada to complete its race meet.

Nitrous settled just off a speed duel, kicked clear off the far turn, and held off the late run of favored Manny Wah by 1 1/2 lengths to win the $125,000 Thanksgiving Classic Stakes on opening day at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Nov. 26.

Orglandes didn’t have a clear path until late in the $102,500 Red Carpet Handicap (G3T) Nov. 26 at Del Mar, but a short window in the stretch was all she needed. She accelerated past rivals, going from sixth to first in the final furlong.

Three Chimneys Farm and Walking L Thoroughbreds’ Envoutante led every step of the way in a powerful six-length win over 4-5 favorite Bonny South in Thursday’s 105th running of the $200,000 Falls City Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs.

Drew Fleming, Liz Crow, Mark Taylor, Graham Motion and more share their thoughts.

Dave Litfin analyzes graded stakes races across the country Nov. 27-28.

Five stakes races—three of which are graded—highlight the 2020 Los Angeles County Fair Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The season will begin Friday, Dec. 4, and continue through Sunday, Dec. 20.

International Veterinary Hall of Fame member Oscar G. Swanstrom, DVM, MS, passed away at the age of 80 on Nov. 21.

Though there’s still more than a month left in 2020, a couple of swan songs for the year will take place Nov. 28 at Aqueduct Racetrack.

The opening session of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale Nov. 25 saw several aspiring young stallions take their first opportunity to shine in the shop window before the headline-grabbers arrive later in the week.

Tattersalls has confirmed 2021 dates for the Craven Breeze-Up, Guineas Breeze-Up and Horses-in-Training, and the Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze-Up Sales.

Magical, fresh off a runner-up showing in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) at Keeneland, tops a strong international cast assembled for the Dec. 13 Longines Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin Racecourse.

Chad Brown ships in Kentucky Downs stakes winner Flavius and Belmont Park allowance winner Spirit Animal to contest the $200,000 Seabiscuit Handicap (G2T) Nov. 28 at Del Mar.

Simply Ravishing exits a fourth in the Nov. 6 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Keeneland and will take on undefeated Rags to Riches Stakes winner Coach along with eight other rivals Nov. 28 at Churchill Downs.

When a maiden is the leading money earner in a graded stakes race, it is often indicative of the second-rate renewal. Keepmeinmind’s presence in the $200,000 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs Nov. 28 seems a clear exception.

A cluster of positive tests for the prohibited Class 2 drug capsaicin in horses in Ontario has left some of the trainers involved confused and frustrated over the entire ordeal and they are appealing the rulings.