Happily Unbridled

As some recession-weary horse owners struggle to feed their animals, hay banks in some states are helping those most in need.

Schoolyard Dreams and Uptowncharlybrown turned in strong works at Tampa Bay Downs March 7 while preparing for the $300,000 Tampa Bay Derby (gr. III).

Trainer Jena Antonucci saddled her first career winner, Irish Wildcat, in the 11th race at Tampa Bay Downs March 7.

Trainer Bob Baffert has Lookin At Lucky penciled in for the Rebel Stakes (gr. II) at Oaklawn Park March 13 for the colt’s 3-year-old debut. But he left the door slightly ajar for the San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) the same day.

HRTV will present a special one-hour live show March 13 featuring the seasonal debuts of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra and unbeaten Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Zenyatta.

Fox Hill Farm’s Old Fashioned has been confirmed to have his first two mares in foal from his debut book at stud. They are graded stakes producer Rare Bird and Destiny’s Yield.

Todd Pletcher’s powerful stable of 3-year-old stars were prominent on the work tab March 6 in South Florida and the trainer set a temporary schedule for many of them.

Fountain of Youth (gr. II) winner Eskendereya was the individual favorite, but the “All Others” bet remained the overall future wagering choice after Day 2 of Pool 2 in the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

Zenyatta, who will make her first start of the year March 13 in the Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap (gr. I) at Santa Anita, will carry top weight of 127 pounds in the race.

Arlington Park is offering a free pass to its biggest races for the winners of key European events – the latest in a long series of efforts to bolster the “international” part of the “International Festival of Racing.”