In the days leading up to the 77th Santa Anita Handicap, the race seemed to generate a throwback feel well before the horses even stepped onto the track.
Throughout the opening weeks on the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, Coal Battle has been recognized as a “feel-good” story of small-time connections aiming for an invite to the big dance at Churchill Downs.
The Preakness Stakes has long been a proving ground for the toughest and most talented 3-year-olds each year. Run two weeks after the Kentucky Derby, colts have traditionally dominated this middle jewel of the Triple Crown, but its 150-year history has seen a few fillies rise to the challenge and etch their names into history.
After all the soul searching and angst, Romantic Warrior handled his first run on dirt just fine in the $20 million Saudi Cup Feb. 22 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. But it still wasn’t good enough as Forever Young, a dirt specialist, chased him down in the final strides to win the world’s richest race by a neck.
