United States (National)
Not enough data
Matt Shifman's articles predominantly focus on horse racing, particularly the Kentucky Derby and other related stakes races. His coverage consists of event previews and announcements related to these events.
To effectively reach out to Matt, consider providing insights or data-driven analysis relevant to upcoming horse racing events such as the Kentucky Derby, Breeders' Cup, or other high-stakes races. Expert commentary from individuals with a deep understanding of handicapping, race analysis, or insider perspectives within the horse racing industry could be valuable for his coverage.
Given that there is no specific geographic focus mentioned for Matt's articles, pitches can be tailored based on global or regional insights into the world of horse racing and stakes races.
This information evolves through artificial intelligence and human feedback. Improve this profile .
A $1 million purse and a win-and-you’re-in spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic are on the line for horses from the older male dirt division in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup. The race is at the heart of the opening day card at the reimagined Belmont Park on Friday. The field features the Japanese record-breaker Forever Young, who will be making his fourth start in America.
The Grade 1, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing on Saturday drew a field of 11. The 1 1/8-mile signature race at Parx stands as the final Grade 1 stakes race of 2026 restricted to 3-year-olds at two turns.
By: Brian Zipse, Matt Shifman, Nikki Sherman Equi
The Grade 1, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby is the final major stakes race of the season going two turns on dirt and restricted to 3-year-olds. The nine-furlong affair brings together a deep and contentious field to Parx. Grade 1 winner Further Ado is the morning line favorite, but graded stakes winners The Puma, Iron Honor and Zihnal will be just three of his main foes among a salty group of 11 on Saturday.
Goodwood Stakes is the final major prep race run in California for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). Five winners of this 1 1/8-mile affair went on to victory in America’s richest race soon after. This year’s edition features the returning Nevada Beach, who was an impressive winner of the 2025 edition of the Goodwood. The 4-year-old son of Omaha Beach is trained by Bob Baffert and will take on eight others on Saturday.
By: Matt Shifman, Nyra Chris Rahayel
Champagne Stakes at the new Belmont Park on Saturday drew a field of six 2-year-olds. The one-turn mile offers a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on Oct. 30 and 10-5-3-2-1 qualifying points for Kentucky Derby 2027.
By: Brian Zipse, Matt Shifman, Casey Laughter
The Grade 1, $1.25 million Coolmore Turf Mile is Keeneland’s traditional major prep for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1). With the Breeders’ Cup being hosted by Keeneland this year, the race takes on even more importance. Saturday’s renewal brings together an intriguing field of nine topped by last year’s winner Rhetorical as well as the Chad Brown-trained multiple graded-stakes winner Zulu Kingdom and the classy European Lake Forest.
By: Matt Shifman, Michael Burns
Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup drew a field of 11 3-year-old fillies who will race 1 1/8 miles on the Keeneland turf course Saturday. The international field, which was assembled by invitation only, has horses who have won races in four countries in North America and Europe.
By: Brian Zipse, Matt Shifman, Lindsay Affleck
Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup is Keeneland’s final Grade 1 race before hosting the 2026 Breeders’ Cup. By invitation only, the 1 1/8-mile turf affair has attracted a loaded field of 11 sophomore fillies. Leading the way is the Canadian star Luster, who comes to Kentucky off a powerhouse performance over the boys in the prestigious King’s Plate. Tam Tam tops her competition, having won the Del Mar Oaks (G1) impressively in her latest.
By: Brian Zipse, Matt Shifman, Casey Laughter
Raven Run Stakes at Keeneland is this week’s headliner, and the seven-furlong sprint features a deep and talented field of twelve sophomore fillies. Leading the way is the rising star Mashallah, who comes into the race off an impressive performance at Saratoga in winning the Grade 3 Prioress Stakes. With only one loss, the daughter of Maxfield will take some beating, but there are plenty of other talented fillies in the field led by Conceit, who has won two straight stakes at Kentucky tracks.
By: Brian Zipse, Matt Shifman, Lindsay Affleck
The $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is the top event for 2-year-olds in the U.S. Contested at 1 1/16 miles, it will be hosted by Keeneland for the fourth time next Friday. Pre-entries for the race were announced on Wednesday, with nine young males set to battle for the top prize and the winner likely to be awarded a championship at year's end.
