Topic: Thunder Snow

Kentucky Derby preps in Louisiana and Arkansas highlight weekend horse racing.

Kentucky Derby contender Independence Hall will put his undefeated record on the line, and and last year's 2-year-old champ returns to action in weekend horse racing.

Hong Kong's annual international Group 1 races wind up the year's global campaign, while 2-year-olds in action from New York to Japan provide a glimpse of the year to come.

The Melbourne Cup is safely back in local hands, and plans fall into place for Japan Cup, Dubai World Cup and Saudi Cup.

McKinzie takes a step toward Breeders' Cup redemption with a win in the G1 Whitney at Saratoga, while A Thread of Blue and Concrete Rose land rich 3-year-old turf stakes.

The weekend Thoroughbred racing agenda finds turf-running 3-year-olds in the rich Saratoga Derby and Oaks, fillies and mares in the Yellow Ribbon at Del Mar and heavyweights punching it out in the Grade I Whitney.

Trainer Chad Brown dominated three days of world-class racing during a glorious weekend at Belmont Park; much other weekend action, from Brazil to Canada.

Saturday's program at Belmont Park, including eight Grade I races, three of them Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" events, has attracted many of America's top horses.

As usual, the Kentucky Derby took focus from some top-shelf action in other racing divisions, including a spectacular week on the turf for trainer Chad Brown

McKinzie looks to take top billing among older horses and Late Night Pow Wow puts a long winning streak on the line in weekend racing; 3-year-old fillies contest the Japanese 1000 Guineas; much more racing action.