Kentucky Derby alumni update for Oct. 12, 2021

It's been a quiet week for most Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) alumni. Most who are Breeders' Cup bound have already taken their final preps. However, one of the most durable Derby alumni returned in his final Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) prep, and a Oaks alum was in action Monday afternoon at Santa Anita.

Let's check in on the horses in action, as well as some news on several Kentucky Oaks alumni:

• Sent off the favorite in the Vosburgh (G2), a race he won last year, Firenze Fire (11th, 2018 Kentucky Derby) is burnishing his newly-minted reputation as a bit of a troublemaker. He did not bite anyone on the racetrack this time, but he broke through the gate before the start. He quickly stopped, however, and was fit to run. In a field of just four, Following Sea got the lead, and in smaller fields pace often makes the race. Though he chased on doggedly for the place, he was no match for Following Sea, who increased his advantage to win by four and a quarter lengths over Firenze Fire.
• Moraz (11th, 2021 Kentucky Oaks), last seen finishing third beaten a neck in a turf allowance Sept. 4 at Del Mar, returned to dirt for an allowance Monday at Santa Anita. The race was Moraz's first attempt against older horses. She tracked two and then three wide and bid three wide into the far turn. However, Bye Bye Bertie was making her bid as well, just to Moraz's outside. From the three-sixteenths, Bye Bye Bertie bounded clear, leaving Moraz to cross the wire second, beaten 5 1/2 lengths.
• The Fasig-Tipton November Sale, scheduled this year for Nov. 9, perennially draws many top mares by both racing and pedigree standards. The top two finishers from the 2020 Kentucky Oaks are cataloged for the sale: winner Shedaresthedevil, who most recently won the Locust Grove (G3), and runner-up Swiss Skydiver, who most recently finished fifth in the Personal Ensign (G1). Other Kentucky Oaks alumni entered in the sale include Crazy Beautiful (10th, 2021 Kentucky Oaks), Heavenhasmynikki (9th, 2018 Kentucky Oaks), and Maracuja (7th, 2021 Kentucky Oaks).