Down the Stretch for February 16, 2026

From the Fairgrounds, the Risen Star Stakes and from Sunland Park the Sunland Derby as the 3-year-olds continue to sort themselves out for the first week in May. Then on to the King Abdulaziz racetrack for the $20 million Saudi Cup. Our Hot Gossip this week is about the stunning winner at Aqueduct for Canadian owner Elliott Logan. Mark Casse joins us to talk about Belmont’s new synthetic track, gives a tip that is much too late and tops the week off by giving himself the greatest birthday presents possible. We ‘sample’ the latest episode of Woodbine’s Free Rein - the first instalment of season 3 is all about our favourite jockey, Emma-Jayne Wilson and her determined comeback from an awful injury.