Latest News
Impressive fields assembled for Royal Ascot automatic qualifiers at Gulfstream Park

Automatic spots and a trip to Royal Ascot are on the line this Saturday at Gulfstream Park, with a pair of two-year-old turf stakes (the Royal Palm Juvenile and Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies) bearing important international implications. These five-furlong sprints each carry $120,000 purses and boast capacity fields of 12.
The Royal Palm series, launched last May, produced immediate returns in its inaugural year, with Crimson Advocate winning the Juvenile Fillies at Gulfstream Park before going on to land the prestigious Group 2 Queen Mary Stakes. Once again, this innovative series’ winners will receive an automatic berth into one of six two-year-old events at Royal Ascot, alongside a free equine travel stipend for shipping from the US.
Innovative partnerships like the Royal Palm are helping to improve North American participation and boost international interest at the world’s biggest meetings. 1/ST are putting their shoulders to the wheel for other ground-breaking initiatives in the immediate future, including recent partnerships with The Jockey Club (for the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse and the My Pension Expert July Cup) and France Galop (for the Group 1 Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet Stakes).
Meet the contenders for the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies (Race 8):
#1-CHINA BLUE: Outrun fifth of 6 at Gulfstream May 2 and would be wheeling back on 9 days’ rest for trainer Javier Gonzalez. Last year’s runners in this race who had a Gulfstream prior outing finished fourth, eighth and ninth.
#2-KIP THE DISTANCE: Close-up second in debut dirt sprint at Gulfstream 9 days ago when finishing 6 lengths in front of returning rival China Blue. Sent off at nearly 22-1 at first asking for trainer Angel Rodriguez. Last year’s runners in this race who had a Gulfstream prior outing finished fourth, eighth and ninth.
#3-BUNRATTY MANOR: Trainer George Weaver (pictured above) swept last year’s Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies and Juvenile in the inaugural year for the event. Son of No Nay Never, who sired last year’s Royal Palm Juvenile winner No Nay Mets. Pair of turf works at Palm Beach Downs among the morning prep work for Saturday’s first outing. Sold for $195,000 at Goff’s yearling sale.
#4-YOU NEED ME: Rookie colt is by Triple Crown winner American Pharoah’s less-accomplished full-brother St. Patrick’s Day. Sold for $50,000 at Ocala in March and debuts off a series of dirt works for trainer J. David Braddy.
#5-BULLET: Trainer Mark Casse was third in this race last year with The Myth. Brings this $425,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale buy to her debut off a long series of works at Casse farm and Palm Meadows. War Front colt is a maternal grandson of Surfside and great-grandson of Flanders, providing optimism for superior 2-year-old performances.
#6-RAMSEY POND: Owner Ken Ramsey’s sharp-working debut runner by Divisidero drew $100,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. and jockey Samy Camacho have strong 8-17 mark in tandem in recent years.
#7-THE QUEENS M G: 45-1 upset winner of her Keeneland dirt debut from tough post 11 was privately purchased and transferred to Saffie Joseph Jr.’s barn after that race. Last year’s winner Crimson Advocate was coming off a debut third on dirt at Keeneland. Has turf in her damside pedigree as her fourth dam Parade Green won the 1997 Mrs. Revere and 1998 Joe Namath (latter at Gulfstream) on turf.
#8-BOIS BLANC: Keeneland turf sprint debut runner-up at 24-1 odds was clearly second-best in that 11-runner lineup. Expect some early developers by sire First Samurai. Trainer Justin Wojczynski had a productive Keeneland meet with limited starters, just as his overall 2024 stats indicate.
#9-PERFECT SHANCES: Led every step in her lone start, a Keeneland dirt dash that clocked fifth-fastest of 9 two-year-old races at the 2024 Spring Meet. Trainer Wesley Ward finished second in this race last year with Ocean Mermaid, bet to 4-5 favoritism in her career debut. Last year’s winner Crimson Advocate was coming off a debut third on dirt at Keeneland. By dirt sprint star Shancelot, but her dam is full-sister to Sweet Harmony, who opened her career 2-2 including Monmouth’s Colleen Stakes turf sprinting.
#10-GOOD LONG CRY: Rookie enters on a modest string of 3-furlong drills on turf and dirt. Trainer George Weaver swept last year’s Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies and Juvenile in the inaugural year for the event. Sire Long On Value opened his career 3-3, earned more than $1 million and was a Grade 1-winning turf sprinter.
#11-MY EMMY: Trainer Mark Casse was third in this race last year with The Myth and notably campaigned this filly’s sire War of Will to 2019 Preakness glory and eventually Grade 1-winning turf credentials. Trio of published workouts at Palm Meadows includes a pair of half-miles on turf.
#12-UNCHAINED ELAINE: Clear-cut runner-up in her April 12 Gulfstream dirt sprint debut. Daughter of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, who, at stud, has had his most success with turf fillies. Trainer Patrick Biancone, who trained the dam Razorback Lady to success sprinting on dirt and turf, turns to jockey Keith Asmussen, fresh off the conclusion of the Oaklawn Park meeting. Last year’s runners in this race who had a Gulfstream prior outing finished fourth, eighth and ninth.
Meet the contenders for the Royal Palm Juvenile (Race 10):
#1-MAKEIT TO CHEYENNE: From the female family of elite sprinter Munnings, this son of Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Liam’s Map debuts for trainer Mark Casse. Series of workouts at Palm Meadows includes one on turf and a bullet on dirt May 4.
#2-ENTERDADRAGON: $17,000 purchase by Outwork debuts off a series of 7 workouts at Palm Meadows, the most recent of which came on turf. Outwork sired last year’s brilliant early season 2-year-old filly Brightwork, winner of the Debutante, Adirondack and Spinaway Stakes. Jose D’Angelo trains the direct descendent of the legendary mare Personal Ensign, his fourth dam.
#3-MADROC: Constitution colt chased and tired to be fifth in his Keeneland turf debut April 25, finishing behind Royal Palm Juvenile rival Bright Skittle. Ocala-based colt returns to Florida for trainer Mary Lightner. Dam Holly Hundy was a Colonial Downs turf sprint stakes winner.
#4-CLASSY WAR: Trainer Mark Casse notably campaigned this colt’s sire War of Will to 2019 Preakness glory and eventually Grade 1-winning turf credentials. Boasts bullet drills on turf not once, but twice, at Palm Meadows for the debut, notable this time of year when working amongst older horses.
#5-REACH FOR THE ROSE: Home-bred debuts for owner Ken Ramsey and trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. By Holy Bull-Florida Derby winner Audible and whose second dam was a juvenile turf stakes winner for the Ramseys. Solid turf work coming into this capped a string of 6 clocked morning moves.
#6-I KNOW I KNOW: Long, strong series of 8 workouts for the debut, including a bullet on turf at Palm Meadows on Sunday. Trainer Patrick Biancone tabs Keith Asmussen to ride, fresh off the Oaklawn meeting that closed last weekend. Sire Jess’s Dream, the impeccable son of Curlin-Rachel Alexandra, won his 1 and only start before going to stud. His best success at stud has been with turfer My Dani Girl.
#7-GABALDON: $9,000 purchase by Gone Astray debuts after 7 Palm Meadows published workouts for Jose D’Angelo. Solid turf move April 26 among those. D’Angelo teams with Emisael Jaramillo, winning at a 20% rate in tandem over the past year-plus.
#8-RAISE THE BAR: Cruised to victory in his lone start, a Keeneland dirt dash that clocked second-fastest of 9 two-year-old races at the 2024 Spring Meet. Trainer Wesley Ward finished seventh in this race last year with 4-5 favorite and debut runner Holding the Line. Ward has trained 2 other offspring of this mare, both of which found the winner’s circle in their first or second start.
#9-BRIGHT SKITTLE: Late-running debut third on turf at Keeneland on April 25, finishing 1 length in front of Royal Palm Juvenile rival Madroc after a troubled break. $142,000 pricetag on this son of Twirling Candy and the debut-winning mare Harbor Lights (her first foal to race). Trainer Rusty Arnold has had many top turf sprinters in his care, including Leinster and Gear Jockey.
#10-GOVERNOR SAM: Trainer George Weaver swept last year’s Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies and Juvenile in the inaugural year for the event, winning this race with debut runner No Nay Mets. This rookie sold for $275,000 at Ocala in April and is from the first crop of $2.7 million earner Improbable. Grandsire City Zip long known for turf sprint success at stud. Bullet workout on dirt at Palm Beach Downs April 25 among 2 published drills. Dam I’m Betty G was a multiple stakes winner on turf.
#11-INCANTO: Stonestreet Stable looks to continue its annual treks to Royal Ascot with this Irish-bred rookie who is working bullets. Jack Sisterson trains, while much of the Stonestreet-to-Ascot history came with Wesley Ward. Sire Mehmas best known to US players for exported offspring Going Global and Chez Pierre.
#12-GARDEN OF WAR: Like Classy War in this same field, trainer Mark Casse notably campaigned this colt’s sire War of Will to 2019 Preakness glory and eventually Grade 1-winning turf credentials. Back-to-back bullet workouts at Palm Meadows on dirt and turf coming into the career debut. Casse turns here to jockey Miguel Vasquez, a 21% winning combination over the past year-plus.
Latest News
Arizona Department of Gaming and Arizona Lottery Announce Proclamation Recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month

State agencies join forces to raise awareness, promote prevention, and provide tools for safe and responsible play.
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) and the Arizona Lottery are proud to announce a joint effort in support of a new Proclamation recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month in Arizona.
Responsible gaming is about ensuring that individuals who choose to play have the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to make informed decisions and enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment. While problem gambling initiatives focus on helping those already experiencing harm from gambling, responsible gaming emphasizes prevention by encouraging healthy play behaviors before they reach a critical point.
Throughout September, and continuing in the months ahead, the ADG and Arizona Lottery will work together to strengthen education and awareness initiatives. The goal is to equip players with strategies and resources that help them keep gaming fun and safe, while helping reduce the risks associated with problem gambling.
“For over 30 years, the Arizona Department of Gaming has safeguarded the integrity of gaming through strong consumer protections, enforcement against illegal operators, and support services for those impacted by problem gambling,” said Jackie Johnson, Arizona Department of Gaming Agency Director. “During Responsible Gaming Education Month, we remind everyone that part of playing responsibly is being informed—always double-check before you place your bet to ensure you are using a legal, regulated operator at gaming.az.gov/checkyourbet.”
The Arizona Lottery also remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible play and has a Level 2 certification with the World Lottery Association for responsible gaming. Lottery games benefit the people of Arizona by generating critical revenue that funds education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and economic development. At the same time, the Lottery prioritizes the well-being of its players. Each ticket includes clear odds of winning, vending machines display game odds, and the 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline is featured across Lottery products and advertising.
“We are proud to deliver entertainment that benefits communities across our state, while recognizing our responsibility to promote safe play,” said Alec Thomson, Arizona Lottery Executive Director. “Through transparency and awareness, we want every player to have the tools they need to make informed decisions and enjoy the Lottery responsibly.”
As Arizona observes Responsible Gaming Education Month, ADG and the Arizona Lottery encourage all players to stay informed, know their limits, and seek help if needed. Together, we can ensure that gaming remains a source of entertainment that strengthens, rather than harms, Arizona communities.
For more information and resources, visit gaming.az.gov/ResponsibleGaming or ArizonaLottery.com/ResponsibleGaming. If you or someone you know may be struggling with problem gambling, call or text 1-800-NEXT-STEP for confidential support available 24/7.
Canada
absolutebet Secures AGCO Registration as an Internet Gaming Operator in Ontario

Internet Gaming Operator by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
This significant milestone authorizes absolutebet to offer regulated iGaming services in Ontario’s legal market under the oversight of AGCO and iGaming Ontario (iGO).
The registration marks a key step in absolutebet’s mission to bring a trusted, responsible, and innovative online casino experience to Ontario players. absolutebet is committed to operating with integrity and transparency, meeting all provincial standards for player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering, and game integrity.
“Securing AGCO registration is more than a milestone—it’s the start of absolutebet’s journey in one of the most exciting regulated markets in the world,” said Chen Truman, Founder of absolutebet. “We are building a brand that will grow with the Ontario community and set the stage for future expansion.”
On the regulatory milestone, Krisztina Kalla, Legal & Regulatory Compliance Advisor of absolutebet, commented: “I’m incredibly proud to see all the hard work behind this license pay off. Securing AGCO registration has taken months of preparation and close collaboration with regulators and partners. I am very happy to see the result of that work, and even more excited as we move into the launch phase and open up the absolutebet community to Ontario players in a fun and responsible way.”
Ontario is recognized as one of the most competitive and fast-growing regulated iGaming markets in North America. With AGCO registration secured, absolutebet will move forward with the final stages of its iGO onboarding process in preparation for launch.
Latest News
Woodbine partners with 1/ST for Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Qualifier

Woodbine Entertainment has announced a partnership with 1/ST that will see the bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes (G2) become a qualifying race for the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2).
The winner of this year’s $200,000 bet365 Dance Smartly Stakes at Woodbine Racetrack will receive an automatic invitation to the 2026 $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida.
The Dance Smartly, to be held on Saturday, October 4 at Woodbine, will be contested at 1 1/16 miles on the bet365 Inner Turf Course and is part of a stacked card headlined by the returning $750,000 Canadian International (G1).
“We’re pleased to partner with the team at 1/ST Racing to add this unique bonus to the Dance Smartly,” said Tim Lawson, Vice-President of Thoroughbred Racing for Woodbine. “Pegasus World Cup Day has become an outstanding showcase of our sport and it’s exciting that the opportunity to be part of it will be connected to a prominent race on one of our biggest days of the season.”
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of racing’s leading luxury, lifestyle and sporting event. The Pegasus World Cup debuted in 2017 as part of 1/ST’s mission to excite, energize and modernize the sport of racing for a new generation of fans and to provide lucrative opportunities for Thoroughbred owners and trainers. The event annually attracts the sport’s biggest names and is viewed globally.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Woodbine in linking the Dance Smartly to Pegasus World Cup Day,” said Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST. “This collaboration strengthens the global profile of both events, while providing horsemen and fans with a world-class pathway from Toronto to South Florida.”
The 2026 Pegasus World Cup will be held in January.
-
Latest News7 days ago
Spintec Strengthens its Partnership with Merkur in Colombia and Peru
-
Canada6 days ago
iGaming Ontario Appoints Joseph Hillier as its New President and CEO
-
Canada6 days ago
Playson strengthens Ontario foothold with Casino Time integration
-
Gambling in the USA5 days ago
$50 MILLION GUARANTEED IN ACR POKER’S BIGGEST-EVER TOURNAMENT SERIES: THE ONLINE SUPER SERIES XL, LAUNCHING THIS WEEKEND
-
Gambling in the USA5 days ago
Georgia Lottery Takes Retail Experience to Next Level with Scientific Games’ SCiQ Technology
-
Latest News4 days ago
Proper Loud and Galactic Announce Groundbreaking Global Partnership to Launch the World’s First Socially-Driven Prediction Market Platform
-
Canada5 days ago
Evoplay strengthens Ontario presence in partnership with Caesars Entertainment
-
eSports4 days ago
TEAM VITALITY AND HUMMEL LAUNCH ALTERNATE JERSEY AND EXCLUSIVE APPAREL COLLECTION