Wednesday’s thoroughbred racing landscape buzzes with key developments, from standout stakes victories securing Kentucky Oaks points to bold trainer decisions ahead of Cheltenham and intriguing sales previews. Highlights include Search Party’s gritty win in the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Plutarch delivering Bob Baffert’s 14th Robert B. Lewis triumph at Santa Anita, and Nicky Henderson streamlining his Supreme Novices’ Hurdle entries, signaling serious Festival intent.
Search Party Secures Oaks Points in Thrilling Martha Washington
Search Party powered to a hard-fought victory in the $300,000 Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park, paying $10.20 while earning 20 valuable points toward the Kentucky Oaks. The filly’s determined stretch run edged out rivals in an exciting finish, marking a significant step forward in her sophomore campaign and positioning her as a contender on the road to Louisville. Trainers and owners celebrated the upset as a testament to her resilience on a demanding track.
Plutarch Hands Baffert Record-Extending Robert B. Lewis Win
Bob Baffert notched his 14th victory in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes as Plutarch surged to triumph at Santa Anita, bolstering the trainer’s legendary record in the graded event. The colt’s impressive performance underscores Baffert’s continued dominance in early Derby preps, with Plutarch now eyeing bigger stages. The win adds momentum to a barn already loaded with blue-chip prospects for the spring classics.
Henderson Trims Supreme Novices’ Hurdle Entries to Old Park Star
Nicky Henderson issued an early Cheltenham Festival statement by withdrawing all but one horse from the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, leaving Old Park Star as his lone representative in the prestigious opener. The decisive move reflects confidence in the standout jumper’s potential to carry Henderson’s colors into battle, sharpening focus amid a competitive jumps season across Hereford and beyond.
Goffs Gears Up for 2026 with Exciting February Sale
Goffs kicks off its 2026 sales calendar with anticipation building for the February Sale, featuring high-profile progeny that have executives like Henry Beeby eager to launch the year strongly. The event promises a strong catalog of yearlings and prospects, drawing international buyers hungry for the next big talent in a vibrant European market.
Expressway Stakes Field Narrows to Six Contenders
The 2026 Expressway Stakes supporting Sydney’s Apollo Stakes Day has trimmed to six runners following two early scratchings, intensifying the battle for favoritism. With odds tightening on the remaining field, punters eye value in a compact lineup set to deliver high-stakes action under the Australian sun this Saturday.
Fairley Ends 15-Year Winner Drought After Ban
Greg Fairley marked a remarkable comeback by notching his first winner in 15 years at Wolverhampton on Monday, fresh off a lengthy ban tied to the 2009 corruption case. The jockey’s resilient return to the winner’s circle inspires as he rebuilds his career amid Britain’s busy all-weather and jumps schedule.
