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DRF.com on NorCal Yearling Sale

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2016) — Three years ago, the Northern California sale of yearlings and horses of racing age had a catalog of 117 horses. At Tuesday’s event at the Alameda county fairgrounds in Pleasanton, the sale will be more than double that size. There are 238 horses in the catalog, with a few supplemental hips expected. With a larger catalog comes higher expectations. Gross sales are expected to increase on Tuesday, according to Doug Burge, president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, which conducts the sale. “The last few years, the sale has really taken off,” Burge said. “It wasn’t that long ago we cataloged 100 horses. We’ve cataloged 240 horses this year. This is all we can handle given the stabling situation at the Alameda County fairgrounds. “The sale is getting tremendous support, not just from people in the north but breeders and farms in the central and south as well. The last couple of years, it’s been strong and well attended.” In 2015, the... ...

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Majestic Heat Wins Solana Beach

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2016) — Majestic Heat, the 3-2 betting choice piloted by Del Mar’s leading rider this summer, Flavien Prat, held on gallantly in the final strides to nose out the onrushing longshot, Tiz a Kiss, and win the featured $150,000 Solana Beach Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles Sunday at Del Mar. Majestic Heat opened a clear lead in midstretch but then was fully extended to hold off the 14-1 Tiz a Kiss, who was handled by Kent Desormeaux. Singing Kitty, 9-5 second choice in the field of ten California-bred older fillies and mares, was third, two and one-quarter lengths farther back, with Mangita, the early pacemaker, fading to fourth. Minster’sadventure was withdrawn from the original line-up. “Excellent trip for me,” said Prat. “She’s got a high cruising speed and she was right where I wanted her to be. At the end, I thought I’d won it, but I wasn’t sure. It turned out well. The competition here at this meet (among riders) is... ...

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Only You Babe Wins Debutante

By DRF.com SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2016) — Only You Babe ($5.80) rallied from last place to score her third straight victory and second stakes triumph as she won the $62,125 Wine Country Debutante at the Santa Rosa Fair Grounds in Santa Rosa on Sunday. The 2-year-old Thorn Song filly ran down pacesetting Unbroken Code to score a half-length victory in 1:12.69 in the six-furlong stakes for 2-year-old fillies. She had also defeated Unbroken Code in a photo in the Juan Gonzalez at Oak Tree Pleasanton after losing a photo to her in a maiden race. The Larry and Marianne Williams’ Cal-bred is a half sister to Can Can Babe, who ran second in this race in 2014. Only You Babe earned $41,000 for the win and has now earned$115,600 in her five-race career, which includes three wins and two seconds. Only You Babe broke last, but did not get off badly.  Jockey Frank Alvarado did not ask for anything until beginning to move up on the turn. “I... ...

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‘Chrome Tunes Up for Pacific Classic

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2016) — California Chrome worked five furlongs in 1:00.20 before dawn at Los Alamitos on Sunday, his final major exercise before the $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Aug. 20. Ridden by exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, California Chrome worked alone and without substantial urging. According to Los Alamitos clockers, California Chrome worked the opening quarter-mile in 24.80 seconds, went three furlongs in 36.80, and a half-mile in 48.40 seconds. Trainer Art Sherman timed California Chrome in 1:00.40. Sunday’s workout was California Chrome’s second since a win in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap on July 23. California Chrome will be favored in the Pacific Classic, which is run at 1 1-4 miles. California Chrome is scheduled to be shipped to Del Mar on Monday to continue preparation for Saturday’s race. ...

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NorCal Sale Grad Wins Jess Jackson

By DRF.com SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2016) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate My Friend Emma ($6) made amends for a disappointing effort in last month’s Oak Tree Sprint with a record-setting performance in the $63,550 Jess Jackson Owners’ Handicap, finishing in 55.75 seconds at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on Saturday. His time in the five-furlong turf sprint shattered Ain’t No Other’s course record of 56.47 seconds set in winning the 2013 Jess Jackson. Juan Hernandez, who rode Ain’t No Other, was also aboard My Friend Emma. The 4-year-old Tannersmyman gelding, bred by Jim Eaton, broke sharply, opening an immediate lead. Although he ran so well that it is hard to imagine anyone beating him, his cause was helped when speedy 9-10 favorite Cartoonist did not break, spotting his rival several lengths early. My Friend Emma, who won a five-furlong turf race here after being eased following a poor break in the Oak Tree Sprint at Pleasanton, was unchallenged throughout, with fractions of 22.62 seconds and 44.97 before running... ...

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Jockey Club Projects 2017 Foal Crop

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 13, 2016) — The Jockey Club is projecting a 2017 North American registered Thoroughbred foal crop of 22,500. The projection for the 2016 foal crop was also 22,500. The 22,500 foals estimated for 2017 and for 2016 is a 2.3% increase from the 22,000 projected for both the 2015 and 2014 foal crops. “As always, this projection is based on reports of mares bred received to date, and we estimate that approximately 80% of those reports have been received,” said Matt Iuliano, The Jockey Club’s executive vice president and executive director. The foal crop projection, traditionally announced in mid-August, is computed by using Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) received to date for the 2016 breeding season. RMBs are to be filed by August 1 of each breeding season. Additional foal crop information is available in The Jockey Club’s online fact book at jockeyclub.com/factbook.asp and in the online state fact books. Stallion owners who have not returned their RMBs for the 2016 breeding season are encouraged to do... ...

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Acclamation Has First Winner

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2016) – California stallion and two-time Horse of the Year Acclamation was represented by his first winner on Friday when Accountability won the eighth race, a maiden special weight for California-breds, at Del Mar. Accountability is a colt out of the Bold Badgett mare Roberta’s Mango, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Craig Martin and Paul Newhart and trained by Rafael Becerra. Accountability ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.48 and won by one-half length at odds of 7-1 in the field of nine. ...

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Dressed to a T in CTT and TOC

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2016) – Dressed to a T is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 CTT and TOC Handicap for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Dressed to a T is by Square Eddie, out of the Kendor mare Clerical Error, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $147,978 and is coming off a win in a July 28 optional claimer. ...

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Lost Bus in Rancho Bernardo

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2016) – California-breds Lost Bus and Coniah are entered in Wednesday’s $100,000 Grade III Rancho Bernardo Handicap for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Lost Bus is by Bring the Heat, out of the Stravinsky mare Frysland, was bred by John Haagsma & Wesley Ward, is owned by Terry Lovingier and trained by Gary Sherlock.  She has five wins in 15 starts, earnings of $410,818 and is coming off a win in the July 4 Spring Fever. Coniah is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKinney and is trained by Bill Morey. She has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $57,820 and is coming off a second in the July 23 California Governor’s Cup Handicap. ...

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NorCal Sale Grad in Debutante

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2016) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Shari and fellow California-breds Only You Babe and Little Hawk are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Wine Country Debutante for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Rosa. Only You Babe is by Thorn Song, out of the Johannesburg mare Book’em Babe, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $74,600 and is coming off a win in the July 2 Juan Gonzalez Memorial. Shari is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Tabasco Cat mare Shahalie Lake, was bred by Ed Moger Jr. and Patrick Neary, is owned by Robert Jones and trained by Faith Taylor. The $20,000 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase has one win in two starts, earnings of $23,556 and is coming off a July 1 maiden win. Little Hawk is by Marino Marini, out of the Salt Lake mare Bodacious Bertha, was bred by Matk Tatch, is owned by Alameda, Gonzalez, Kitchen... ...

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Rinse and Repeat in Best Pal

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2016) – Rinse and Repeat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Best Pal Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Rinse and Repeat is by Square Eddie, out of the Gilded Time mare Electric Daze, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $56,520 and is coming off a July 16 maiden win. ...

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Alert Bay Ships for Longacres

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 11, 2016) – Millionaire Alert Bay is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade III Longacres Mile Handicap at Emerald Downs. Alert Bay is by City Zip, out of the Dushyantor mare Hickory, was bred by Thomas Bell and Ross McLeod, is owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Blaine Wright. He has 12 wins in 28 starts, earnings of $1,127,815 and is coming off a fourth in the July 24 California Dreamin’. He was third in this race last year. ...

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Curly Girl in Emerald Distaff

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 11, 2016) – Curly Girl is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $65,000 Emerald Distaff Handicap for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Curly Girl is by Tannersmyman, out of the Scatmandu mare Adarlyn Cat, was bred by Joseph Morey Jr. Revocable Trust, is owned by K & W Stable and is trained by Larry Ross. She has five wins in 22 starts, earnings of $107,041 and is coming off a fourth in the July 17 Boeing Stakes. ...

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Solid Field in Solana Beach

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2016) – Barbara Beatrice and Majestic Heat are the two entrants coming off wins  going into Sunday’s $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Mangita is by Cyclotron, out of the Eastern Echo mare Moana Loa, was bred by owners Bruce Headley, Irwin Molasky and Andrew Molasky and is trained by Headley. She has four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $226,229 and is coming off a fourth in a July 17 optional claimer. She was third in this race last year. Charming Starlet is by Roi Charmant, out of the Skywalker mare Starlet Sky, was bred by B&B Zietz Stables, is owned by Curt and Lila Lanning and trained by Ed Moger Jr. She has five wins in 26 starts, earnings of $195,771 and is coming off a ninth in a July 17 optional claimer. Singing Kitty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Natural Singer R N, was bred by Tommy... ...

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Free N Clear Wins at Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 11, 2016) – Free N Clear, a New York-bred daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, won Thursday’s $100,000 New York Stallion Series Stakes at Saratoga. Free N Clear is a 3-year-old out of the Wheaton mare Mama I’m Home. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $146,930 and ran the mile on turf in 1:36.94, winning by one-half length at odds of 8-1 in a field of seven. ...

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Ranger Rod Entered in Manzano

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Aug. 10, 2016) – Ranger Rod is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Manzano Stakes for 2-year-olds at Albuquerque. Ranger Rod is by Chattahoochie War, out of the Malibu Moon mare Night Teller, was bred by owner Gallegos del Norte Racing and is trained by Jose Rodriguez. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $1,500. ...

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NorCal Sale Grad in Jess Jackson

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2016) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate My Friend Emma and fellow California-breds Johnny Reb and Cartoonist are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Jess Jackson Owners’ Handicap at Santa Rosa. Johnny Reb is by One Man Army, out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Babe, was bred by Crystal Valley Farms, is owned by Irminger, Stephenson or Walker and is trained by Michael Lenzini. He has nine wins in 25 starts, earnings of $93,907 and is coming off a July 29 optional claiming win. My Friend Emma is by Tannersmyman, out of the Artax mare Ma Ka Bet, was bred by Jim Eaton, is owned by Rosa Camacho or Gerardo Robles and is trained by Monty Meier. The $1,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $112,571 and is coming off a July 30 optional claiming win. Cartoonist is by Comic Strip, out of the Devil On Ice mare Ivy Lane, was bred by Dr. and Mrs. William... ...

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Grace Draws Cal-bred Quartet

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2016) – California-breds He’s a Pepper, Eagle Screams, Tamarando and Unusually Green are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Joseph T. Grace Handicap at Santa Rosa. He’s a Pepper is by Peppered Cat, out of the Crowning Storm mare Crown This Lady, was bred by owner and trainer Alex Paszkiecz. He has two wins in 15 starts, earnings of $63,420 and is coming off a third in the June 25 Oak Tree Handicap. Eagle Screams is by Redattore, out of the Free House mare Dreamy Jeanie, was bred by Don Eidson, is owned by Scott Herbertson or Deborah Kriletich and is trained by Jonathon Wong. He has 10 wins in 48 starts, earnings of $387,760 and is coming off a seventh in the June 25 Oak Tree Handicap. He was second in this race last year. Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jeff Bonde. He has four wins in... ...

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Cal-bred Trio in Dupret Derby

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2016) – California-breds Call Saul, Tentwelvefourteen and Awe are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Robert Dupret Derby for 3-year-olds at Santa Rosa. Call Saul is by Comic Strip, out of the Roar mare Ms. Booty, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Gallegos, Greenman, Hickman-McBrayer & Tahajian and is trained by Dean Greenman. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $53,831 and is coming off a consecutive wins. Tentwelvefourteen is by Tannersmyman, out of the Synastry mare Sassy Synner, was bred by M.A. Douzos & G. Matos, is owned by Sandra Matos or Daniel Rubendall and is trained by G. Matos. He has one win in six starts, earnings of $39,069 and is coming off a July 21 maiden win. Awe is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Cari Hill Hajii mare Dancing Spray, was bred by Duane Offield, is owned by Linda Espinosa and Offield and is trained by Offield. He has one win in nine starts, earnings of... ...

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Camano Comet Enters Shinpoch

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 4, 2016) – Camano Comet is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Barbara Shinpoch Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Camano Comet is by Council Member, out of the Somersham mare Crème, was bred by Nina and Ron Hagen, is owned by How We Roll and is trained by Steve Bullock. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $16,513 and is coming off a third in the July 17 Angie C. Stakes. ...

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TOC Annual Meeting Aug. 6

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 29, 2016) — Don’t miss the Southern California Annual Meeting at Del Mar next Saturday, August 6! The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Veranda Cafe and includes a complimentary buffet breakfast.   Learn about the latest issues affecting owners, meet TOC directors and staff, and mingle with other owners. There will also be an opportunity to have your questions answered by the board of directors.   Space is limited, so reservations are recommended and can be made online here or by calling (858) 794-1018. ...

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Francoise Dupuis

See the full story featured in our printed magazine online By Emily Shields, condensed version: Francoise Dupuis The globe-trotting Francoise Dupuis, co-breeder of California-bred Masochistic, was born in Madagascar, spent time in Brazil, moved to France, tackled the East Coast of the United States, and eventually settled in her current home of California. On her worldly journey, one thing remained consistent: her irrefutable love of horses. Dupuis did most of her growing up in Maisons-Laftte, France, where she rode horses after school and on the weekends. A friend suggested she try the “fun” of galloping racehorses, and Dupuis fell in love, both with the sport and with her future husband, Jean- Pierre Dupuis. Te couple moved to America, with Francoise starting as a hot-walker while her husband rode over jumps in Camden, S.C. Francoise was meant to be a student studying American law after already studying the subject in France, but battles over her green card meant that she was forced to travel back and forth between America and France... ...

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Central Heat Risks Win Streak

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (July 28, 2016) – Defending champ Central Heat risks a seven-race win streak in Sunday’s $50,000 Luther Burbank Handicap for fillies and mares at Santa Rosa. Lucy in Diamonds is by Rock Hard Ten, out of the Relaunch mare Spritz, was bred by Al Graziani & Joe Russell, is owned by Graziani, Park or Russell and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has three wins in 16 starts, earnings of $96,676 and is coming off a third in a June 12 optional claimer. Mon Petite is by Papa Clem, out of the Jeune Homme mare Avranches, was bred by Barry Abrams, Madeline Auerbach and Marie Goda, is owned by G C C I and is trained by Cliff DeLima. She has five wins in 33 starts, earnings of $178,482 and is coming off a fourth in a June 11 claimer. Qiaona is by Wilko, out of the Skywalker mare Starlet Sky, was bred by B & B Zietz Stables, is owned by Curt & Lila Lanning and... ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Wine Country

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (July 28, 2016) – California-breds She’s My Cookie and Breakaway Dixie are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Wine Country Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Rosa. She’s My Cookie is by Olmodovar, out of the West by West mare Spirited, was bred by Milt Policzer & Diane Becker, is owned by John Wall Sr. or Patty Wall and is trained by William Delia. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $8,295 and is coming off a fifth in a May 28 starter’s allowance. Breakaway Dixie is by Marino Marini, out of the Siberian Summer mare Grey Lassie, was bred by owners Randy Randazzo and Paul Conley and is trained by Ed Moger Jr. She has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $58,796 and is coming off a fourth in the June 18 Pleasanton Oaks. ...

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Paulick Report on Mr. Big

By Paulick Report DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2016) — When Big Score rallied from more than seven lengths back under jockey Flavien Prat to win a one-mile maiden race for 2-year-olds on turf at Del Mar on Sunday, I glanced down at my program to look at the colt’s pedigree. Bred in Kentucky by George Krikorian and carrying his magenta, black and silver silks to an impressive 2 ¾-length win at odds of 8-1, Big Score was sired by a stallion named Mr. Big and out of a mare by leading California stallion Unusual Heat. Mr. Big? I had never heard of him. But Big Score, making his first career start, beat a field that included a hot favorite in Mystic Kid, a son of Lemon Drop Kid. Other runners in the race were sired by Midnight Lute, Congrats, Gio Ponti and Hat Trick. I did some hasty online research and saw that Mr. Big was a son of the late Dynaformer who’d won two of nine starts for Krikorian,... ...

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CTBA Stakes Friday at Del Mar

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 26, 2016) – A compact field of five is entered in Friday’s $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. My California is by Calimonco, out of the Smart Strike mare Give My Regards, was bred by owner Mercedes Stable and is trained by Robertino Diodoro. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $44,800 and is coming off a June 16 maiden win. Cioppino Pasadino is by Time to Get Even, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Clawpuccino, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier or Gary Sherlock and is trained by Sherlock. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $36,100 and is coming off a fifth in the July 9 Landaluce. I’ll Be Around is by Bushwacker, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Lady, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Charles Bernhardt or Lovingier and is trained by Gary Sherlock. She has one win in two starts, earnings... ...

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Changes Proposed to Horse Protection Act

From American Horse Council             WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 26, 2016) — Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced proposed changes to the regulations governing enforcement of the Horse Protection Act (HPA). The HPA was passed in 1970 to stop the cruel practice of “soring” horses that was occurring in some sectors of the Tennessee Walking Horse, Racking Horse and Spotted Saddle Horse industry. The proposed rule would make several major changes to current HPA regulations with the goal of ending soring.  The AHC is currently reviewing the proposed rule to determine its impact on the horse industry.  After the AHC has had the opportunity to analysis the details of the proposed rule we will follow up with additional information. The AHC Horse Show and Animal Welfare Committees will also be convening to discuss the proposed rule. This is a proposed rule only and USDA will be accepting comments until September 26, 2016.  USDA will then have to review all comments and release... ...

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Richard Eamer Passes at 88

ARCADIA, Calif. (July 26, 2016) — Richard Eamer, whose Mandysland Farm of the 1980s and 1990s today is part of Magali Farms, died in May. He was 88. Co-founder of National Medical Enterprises Inc. in 1969 with John Bedrosian and Leonard Cohen, Eamer was a California resident and studied law and accounting at USC. He entered the Thoroughbred business in 1981, and some of his earliest purchases came with Bedrosian at the 1981 CTBA Sales’ Del Mar Yearling Sale. Eamer bought property in the Santa Ynez Valley and officially opened Mandysland Farm in 1983. A lifelong animal lover, he named the farm for a favorite Labrador Retriever. “What I wanted was a nice little piece of property where I could very slowly get involved in the racing business and have some place to walk my dogs,” Eamer said in 1982. Laura Cotter, formerly an assistant to trainer D. Wayne Lukas, became manager of Mandysland in the late 1980s. The farm stood several stallions, included M. Double M., Mon Classique and... ...

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Stallion Stormin Fever Pensioned

PIRU, Calif. (July 25, 2016) – California stallion Stormin Fever has been pensioned by owner Golden Eagle Farm. The 22-year-old son of Storm Cat stood this year at Rancho Temescal. On the track, Stormin Fever earned 484,664 and won eight races, highlighted by the Grade III Sport Page Handicap at Aqueduct. Among his progeny are millionaires Fusaichi Auster and Sweet Talker and Canadian champion Biofuel. He’s had 15 crops to race with nine graded winners and total earnings of more than $30 million. Stormin Fever stood in Kentucky until Golden Eagle purchased him in 2008. He was moved to Rancho Temescal when Golden Eagle Farm in Ramona closed in 2014. ...

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Patriots Rule Wins off Layoff

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2016) — Longshot Patriots Rule rallied from last place under jockey Joe Talamo to overhaul Ambitious Brew in the final sixteenth and win Sunday’s $150,690 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar.   “He broke well and I had a beautiful trip,” said Talamo. “I got over to the fence and tried to save all I could. When you’re coming from last, you’re looking for spots to get through. I didn’t want to have to go six wide and lose all that ground. I got lucky with that and he had a good kick late. I like the way this turf course is playing. It’s fair. You can win on the front end, or you can win coming from the back – like I did.”   Boozer was third, a length back of the runner-up and a neck in front of fourth-place Alert Bay in the field of eight California-bred horses. Magic Mark was withdrawn.   Patriots Rule,... ...

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Gold Rush Dancer in Real Good Deal

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2016) – Gold Rush Dancer, coming off back-to-back stakes wins, is one of three multiple stakes winners entered in Wednesday’s $150,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Family Code is by Desert Code, out of the Tactical Cat mare Yerevan Storm, was bred by Bud Petrosian, is owned by Charles Garvey and trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $129,290 and is coming off a second in a June 25 optional claimer. Smokey Image is by Southern Image, out of the Free House mare Special Smoke, was bred by C Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing and trained by Carla Gaines. The multiple stakes winner has six wins in 10 starts, earnings of $457,461 and is coming off a fifth in the June 18 Rainbow Stakes. Packin Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Meadowlake mare Lake Marina, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Randy and Jeri... ...

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Sherman Takes ‘Chrome Home to Los Al

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (July 24, 2016) –“Congratulations, Mr. Sherman!” one exercise rider yelled out. “You’re a legend, Mr. Sherman!” announced a pony rider. “Atta boy, Art,” a jockey agent said as he walked by. Walking around the Del Mar barn area July 24, seemingly everyone that got within earshot of trainer Art Sherman wanted to express their appreciation for what they experienced the day before, when California Chrome   and Dortmund did battle in the stretch during the San Diego Handicap (gr. II). BALAN: ‘Chrome’ Edges Dortmund in Del Mar Battle “That was a nice prep, right?” Sherman said jokingly of the head-and-head stretch duel that ended up just 0.84 seconds off the Del Mar track record for 1 1/16 miles. What Sherman was most impressed with Sunday morning was how his star chestnut came out of his hard-earned, half-length victory. “Chrome looked good this morning,” the trainer said. “I was really happy with the way he recovered. I thought he’d be dead in the water after that trip. I... ...

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California Diamond Brings $125,000

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 23, 2016) — California Diamond, the undefeated California-bred winner of the Santa Anita Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds earlier this month, sold for $125,000 at Saturday’s Paddock Sale at Del Mar of horses of racing age. California Diamond was the most expensive hip of seven horses sold at the brief sale. California Diamond was purchased by Rockingham Ranch and is expected to be trained by Peter Miller, according to Rafael Becerra, Jr., who signed the ticket. California Diamond was consigned by John Brocklebank, who trained California Diamond in both of his starts. California Diamond raced for the Brocklebank family’s Twin V Farm when he won the Santa Anita Juvenile on July 9, his most recent start. The California-bred California Diamond was the only horse to change hands for $100,000 or more. Only 21 horses were catalogued in the sale, which was held after a 10-race program that included California Chrome’s popular win in the Grade 2 San Diego Handicap. Of the 21 offered, three were... ...

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Toomuchisnotenough is Too Much

By DRF.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 23, 2016) — The favored California-bred Toomuchisnotenough lived up to expectations with a strong stretch run to score her initial stakes victory in the $63,075 California Governor’s Handicap on Saturday at the California State Fair in Sacramento. The 5-year-old Toomuchisnotenough ($5.60), claimed on Feb. 27 by trainer Jack Steiner for Dan O’Neill and Randy Marriott after spending a year on the sidelines, recorded her third straight win after running second in the Camilla Urso at Golden Gate Fields  in her debut for her new connections. Juan Hernandez, who has ridden Toomuchisnotenough in all four starts for Steiner, gave a confident ride sitting fourth while wide but in the clear down the backstretch as Marynetta set the early pace. The 3-year-old Coniah, making her first start since Jan. 18 and first start against older fillies and mares, took over for Marynetta as the field hit the stretch, but Toomuchisnotenough seemed to have her measured and won the six-furlong race by a length in 1:09.92. Marynetta held... ...

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‘Chrome vs. Dortmund in San Diego

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 20, 2016) — Back in his namesake state for more than three months now, California Chrome   is set to resume his 2016 campaign July 23 in the $200,000 San Diego Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar, where he’ll take on fellow multiple grade I winner Dortmund. Since moving south from his Los Alamitos Race Course base a week ago, California Chrome has been doing very well according to trainer Art Sherman, including an impressive five-furlong breeze July 16 at the seaside racetrack. BALAN: California Chrome Brilliant in Del Mar Breeze “He’s doing great—schooling great, galloping great,” Sherman said of the 5-year-old’s week of preparation. Sherman also felt good about the 2014 Horse of the Year’s draw—sixth in the field of seven—for the 1 1/16 mile event, his first contest since a standout score in the March 26 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I). “That’s perfect,” Sherman said. “I like it on the outside and it’s a good post for him. He’s won from all post positions, but... ...

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2016 Index to Photographs and Videos

Photographs Woodbridge Farm, Agent 8 Bay Colt by Tannersmyman out of Alpenwald (photograph here) 36 Bay Colt by Tannersmyman out of Confectionary (photograph here) 37 Byebye Mr Swiss by Swiss Yodeler out of Cop a Smoke (photograph here) 68 Up to Code by Desert Code out of Granny Got Game (photograph here) 93 Bay Colt by Vronsky out of Just Hoping (photograph here) 105 Bay Filly by Second in Command out of Lite My Pumpkin (photograph here) 106 Gray or Roan Colt by Lucky Pulpit out of Lite Stepper (photograph here) 123 Chestnut Filly by Desert Code out of More Hoping (photograph here) 125 Bay Colt by Tannersmyman out of My Sis Liz (photograph here) 175 Bay Filly by Second in Command out of Silent Bet (photograph here) 178 Bay Colt by Tannersmyman out of Smoke Over Water (photograph here) Neale Jensen, Agent 49 Bay Colt by Roi Charmant out of Edamame (video here) 120 Dark Bay or Brown Filly by Roi Charmant out of Mistical One (video here) 127 Chestnut Filly by Peppered Cat out of Native Cara  (video here) 133 Bay Colt by Roi Charmant out of Novato  (video here) ...

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Report of Mares Bred Due Aug. 1

From The Jockey Club                 LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 20, 2016) — The Jockey Club reminds stallion managers to submit their Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) for the 2016 breeding season by August 1. “We ask that RMBs be submitted by August 1 to enable us to provide the most comprehensive breeding statistics possible to industry stakeholders,” said Matt Iuliano, executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club. Iuliano also pointed out that stallion managers who submit their RMBs by August 1 are among the first to receive their Stallion Service Certificates, which expedites the timely registration of 2017 foals. Reports of Mares Bred may be submitted via Interactive Registration at registry.jockeyclub.com or a form is available by email, fax, or mail by contacting inquiries@jockeyclub.com. ...

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Bloodhorse.com on Edward Freeman

By Tracy Gantz, The BloodHorse BONSALL, Calif. (July 18, 2016) – Edward Freeman and Square Eddie have parlayed English experiences into California success. As part of Paul and Zillah Reddam’s booming operation, the trainer and the stallion are quietly building reputations, the man guiding the sire’s offspring through their early paces at San Luis Rey Downs in Bonsall, Calif. While Nyquist and the O’Neill brothers (Doug and Dennis) have quite naturally dominated headlines for Reddam Racing from last year’s Breeders’ Cup through this year’s Triple Crown trail, Freeman and Square Eddie’s names appear frequently in California race results. Freeman, a public trainer who also does substantial work for the Reddams, has trained stakes winners More Complexity and Sprouts, both by Square Eddie, and he has put in the foundation on the progeny of Square Eddie trained by others. “Edward has clearly done an excellent job over the years,” said Paul Reddam. “He’s a hands-on guy, and he’s very bright. He’s very caring about the horses, and, like most horse trainers,... ...

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Enola Gray Returns in Fleet Treat

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 17, 2016) – Enola Gray risks her unbeaten record in Friday’s $150,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Enola Gray is by Grazen, out of the More Than Ready mare unsung Heroine, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has won both of her starts with earnings of $143,600 and is coming off a win in the May 28 Melair Stakes. Roo’s Valentine is by Vronsky, out of the Cindago mare Black Valentine, was bred by owner Kretz Racing and is trained by Kristen Mulhall. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $142,240 and is coming off a third in the Apr. 9 Evening Jewel. Allsquare is by Square Eddie, out of the Decarchy mare Showtime Apollo, was bred by was bred by trainer Phil D’Amato and is owned by D’Amato and Little Red Feather Racing. She has one win in seven starts, earnings of $96,715 and is coming off a... ...

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Sherman Leans Toward Lasix for ‘Chrome

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 17, 2016) –Although Art Sherman was considering running California Chrome   in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) and Pacific Classic (gr. I) at Del Mar this summer without Lasix, following two standout runs in Dubai without the anti-bleeding medication, the trainer said July 17 he’ll likely use it as a precaution. “I’m not 100% sure yet, but I’m leaning toward giving him 5 cc, which is about as small amount as you can give,” Sherman said a day after the 2014 Horse of the Year wowed in his final breeze for the July 23 San Diego. “It’s kinda a precautionary thing. Down here, with the air so heavy—we haven’t made up our minds completely, but I’m leaning that way.” BALAN: California Chrome Brilliant in Del Mar Breeze Sherman said he was considering passing on the race-day Lasix shot simply because the son of Lucky Pulpit   ran so well without it in his two Dubai starts this year, capped by a sparkling victory in the... ...

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Harlington’s Rose in Governor’s Cup

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 20, 2016) – Graded winner Harlington’s Rose is among five California-breds entered in Saturday’s $50,000 California Governor’s Cup Handicap for fillies and mares at Sacramento. Harlington’s Rose is by Harlington, out of the Orientate mare A Rose for You, was bred by Y-Lo Racing Stables, is owned by Halasz, Johnson, Knapp, Miller or Newhart and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has four wins in 31 starts, earnings of $417,368 and is coming off a second in the July 4 Spring Fever. Marynetta is by Noverre, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Alaana’s Song, was bred by Trevor Roberts, is owned by Shane Thompson Racing, Mathis, Panian or Schott and is trained by Andy Mathis. She has 16 wins in 51 starts, earnings of $193,359 and is coming off a third in a June 9 optional claimer. Alwayzabridesmaid is by Kafwain, out of the Pioneering mare Lost Bride, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has three wins in nine... ...

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Warren’s Puppy Love in Distaff

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (July 19, 2016) – Warren’s Puppy Love is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Albuquerque Distaff Handicap for fillies and mares. Warren’s Puppy Love is by Mongol Warrior, out of the Mecke mare Brrneedfur, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Donna Eaton and trained by Nancy Summers. She has six wins in 19 starts, earnings of $147,498 and is coming off a July 3 optional claiming win. ...

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Preventing Snake Bites to Horses

By Beefmagazine.com In just about any place that cattle graze, venomous snakes slither and that means the chance for snakebite is ever-present. And anyone who has seen the after-effects in a snakebitten cow, horse or dog knows just how toxic the venom can be. http://beefmagazine.com/pasture-range/how-treat-prevent-snakebite-cattle-and-horses?PK=UM_BEFTop5-062016&NL=BEFTop5&utm_rid=CPG02000000210990&utm_campaign=10356&utm_medium=email&elq2=8f996f2d64fc4b008c713aefcc6f9d0c ...

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2016 Northern California Sale Index to Consignors

Cheryl Bigon, Agent 3 Freely Given by Kafwain out of You Are the Answer 41 Bay Filly by Ministers Wild Cat out of Cuvee Exchange 58 Bay Filly by Acclamation out of Fasahah Checkmate Thoroughbreds LLC (Adrian Gonzalez), Agent 24 Gray or Roan Filly by The Pamplemousse out of Broke the Slump 43 Bay Filly by Stay Thirsty out of Dangerous Behavior 81 Chestnut lelt by Swiss Yodeler out of Holy Script 118 Dark Bay or Brown Filly by Line of David out of Miss Dangerous 121 Bay Filly by Slew’s Tiznow out of Miz Kool 172 Bay Filly by Lucky Pulpit out of She’s Just Awesome Cole Ranch, Agent 9 Rosat by Tribal Rule out of Amapola’s Wish 23 Tiger Mark by Smiling Tiger out of Brian’s Mark 29 Dark Bay or Brown Colt by Lucky Pulpit out of Cat On the Cover 53 Keck by Heatseeker (IRE) out of Estrellica 59 Love Being Lucky by Lucky Pulpit out of Ferne’s Love 61 Fermi by Champ Pegasus out of... ...

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2016 Northern California Sale Index to Sires

Acclamation: Colt, 55, 131. Filly, 58. Artie Schiller: Colt, 179. Atticus: Colt, 173. Filly, 112. Awesome ioiambler: Colt, 7, 11, 22, 153, 163, 200, 225, 231. Filly, 15, 74, 77, 110, 111, 189, 196. Gelding, 221, 226, 235. Black Seventeen: Colt, 5, 203. Filly, 38, 103, 130, 138, 154. Bold Chieftain: Colt, 182. Filly, 92. Brave Cat: Colt, 50, 193. Filly, 85, 167, 222, 223. Bushwacker: Colt, 65, 208, 220. Filly, 156. Gelding, 217. Champ Pegasus: Colt, 1, 10, 44, 61, 67, 180. Filly, 64, 99, 101, 102, 146, 160, 183, 199. City Zip: Colt, 114. Cyclotron: Colt, 192. Decarchy: Filly, 79. Desert Code: Colt, 30, 68, 88. Filly, 14, 40, 123, 155. Dixie Chatter: Colt, 73, 204. Don’tsellmeshort: Colt, 151. Filly, 34, 62, 86, 134. Eddington: Colt, 104, 186. Filly, 215. Empire Way: Colt, 39, 213. Filly, 159, 190, 209. Forest Command: Colt, 136. Giant’s Causeway: Colt, 238. Gio Ponti: Gelding, 207. Filly, 239 Grace Upon Grace: Colt, 148, 206. Filly, 26, 45, 139. Grazen: Colt, 96. Heatseeker (IRE): Colt,... ...

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Santa Anita Juvenile Draws Pair

ARCADIA, Calif. (July 6, 2016) – California-breds Green With Eddie and California Diamond are entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Santa Anita Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds. Green With Eddie is by Square Eddie, out of the Yonaguska mare Marquis Diamond, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He won his lone start June 3 with earnings of $33,600. California Diamond is by Harbor the Gold, out of the Slewdledo mare Carrie’s a Jewel, was bred by Stormy Hull, is owned by Dickman Legacy Ranch and trained by John Brocklebank. He won his lone start June 17 and has earnings of $33,600. ...

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Cal-bred Trio in Landaluce

ARCADIA, Calif. (July 6, 2016) – California-bred first-out winners Love a Honeybadger, Cioppino Pasadino and Theonewewaitedfor are entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Landaluce Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Love a Honeybadger is by Bushwacker, out of the Not For Love mare Angela’s Love, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by E-Racing.com, Faurot or Lyons and is trained by Brian Koriner. She won her lone start May 19 with earnings of $33,600. Cioppino Pasadino is by Time to Get Even, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Clawpuccino, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier or Gary Sherlock and is trained by Sherlock. She won her lone start May 28 with earnings of $33,600. Theonewewaitedfor is by Creative Cause, out of the Eastern Echo mare Yolo Lady, was bred by owner Heinz Steinmann and is trained by Mike Harrington. She won her lone start May 26 with earnings of $43,680. ...

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Ralis Back in N.Y. for Belmont Derby

ELMONT, N.Y. (July 6, 2016) – Ralis is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $1.25 million Grade I Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes for 3-year-olds. Ralis is by Square Eddie, out of the Ten Most Wanted mare Silar Rules, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $349,083 and is coming off a second in the June 18 Rainbow Stakes. He won the Grade I Hopeful at Saratoga last summer. ...

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2016 Northern California Sale Index to Dams

Aclevershadeofjade: 5. Agua de Mayo: 6. Akiss Forarose: 7. Alpenwald: 8. Amapola’s Wish: 9. Amazing Journey: 10. Amybdancing: 11. Anuska: 12. Arousing: 13. Bal d’Argent: 14. Ballerina Angel: 217. Baracuda Belle: 218. Bay Colony: 15. Bee Eff Eff: 16. Belong to Parfait: 17. Bertsgirl: 18. Bodacious Bertha: 19. Bold Request: 20. Bold Roberta: 21. Brave Deed: 22. Brian’s Mark: 23. Broke the Slump: 24. Brought It: 25. Cactus Flyer: 26. Cantabile: 27. Caroline Elena: 219. Castle Bet: 28. Cat On the Cover: 29. Catchthecat: 220. Category Ten: 30. Cause I’m Tricky: 221. Causeway R. N.: 31. Cee’s Hollie: 32. Chalet Chanteuse: 33. Charming Surprise: 34. Checkpluschick: 35. Cinderella Liberty: 222. Confectionary: 36. Cop a Smoke: 37. Coyote Kate: 38. Cricket Wicket: 39. Crown of Jewels: 40. Cuvee Exchange: 41. Dancing Event: 42. Dangerous Behavior: 43. Dappled Image: 44. Dona Amelia (CHI): 45. Don’t Despair: 46. Dream Spotter: 47. Ebbets Field: 48. Edamame: 49. Eight Times Eight: 50, 223. El Sierra Tahoe: 51. Elusive Babe: 52. Estrellica: 53. Eternal Melody (NZ):... ...

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Sky Jack Passes at 20

TEMECULA, Calif. (July 5, 2016) — California-bred Sky Jack, a millionaire Grade I winner, passed away Tuesday. He was 20. The gray gelded son of Jaklin Klugman, owned and bred by Rene and Margie Lambert, won the California Cup Classic and Grade III Native Diver Handicap in 2000 before needing more than a year off with knee problems and colic. He returned in 2002 to win the Grade I Hollywood Gold Cup and Grade II Mervyn LeRoy, before going back on the shelf. He finished his career with a win in the Grade III Longacres Mile in 2003, setting a track record of 1:33, but was retired on the eve of taking another shot at the Cal Cup Classic. “He was training very well and when we entered him, we had every expectation he would run another big race,” trainer Doug O’Neill told California Thoroughbred. “But the morning before the race, he came back from a routine gallop with some soreness. Not only did we have to scratch him, but... ...

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Mrazek the Best in Thor’s Echo

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 4, 2016)–Red hot California-based stallion Square Eddie struck again in Monday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Handicap at Santa Anita, as Reddam Racing’s homebred Mrazek returned from a disappointing foray to New York to post a facile 1 ½ length win under Mario Gutierrez while covering six furlongs in 1:09.45. Breaking from the far outside in a field of six Golden State Series eligible three year olds and up bred or sired in California, Mrazek sat comfortably behind a group of four dueling leaders before he swung four-wide turning for home in a visually impressive display of class as Gutierrez geared him down near the wire. “He’s such an honest horse,” said O’Neill, who got his second win on the day. “Seven out of eight times now, he’s been first or second. His last race in New York (Grade II, seven furlong Woody Stephens Stakes at Belmont Park June 11), it was just a big field, he had a lot of traffic troubles and he... ...

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Lost Bus Catches Spring Fever

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 4, 2016)–With heavily favored Sunday Rules caving to early pace pressure, Terry Lovingier’s Lost Bus, who sat a comfortable third into the far turn, rallied three-wide turning for home under Fernando Perez and took charge a furlong out en route to an impressive 2 ½ length win in Monday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Handicap for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares, three and up bred or sired in California.  Trained by Gary Sherlock, Lost Bus got six furlongs in 1:09.54. Breaking from the rail and with Sunday Rules to her immediate outside, Lost Bus, who was fourth, beaten 4 ½ lengths by the mighty Beholder in the Grade I Vanity Mile here on June 4, steadied between the favorite and speedy Codacious approaching the half mile pole, but quickly settled into stride as the leading pair dueled through splits of 21.95, 44.75 and 56.87. “The five (Codacious) went with the two (Sunday Rules) and softened her up and it may have made a... ...

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NorCal Sale Grad Wins Everett Nevin

By Dennis Miller PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 3, 2016) — For any jockey to win a stakes race, there needs to be a certain amount of calmness during the ride. Sunday in the $100,000 Everett Nevin Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds in the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet during the Alameda County Fair, jockey Julien Couton was about as cool as the other side of the pillow in guiding Llobo — a graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale — to the win. Llobo is by Tribal Rule, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Serena’s Echo, was bred by Cole Ranch, is owned by Robert Jones or Lloyd Mason and is trained by Mason. The $34,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has won both career starts with earnings of $73,520. Trained by Lloyd Mason and assistant trainer Faith Taylor, Llobo was in a power-packed field of seven 2-year-old horses going 5 ½ furlongs in the richest stakes race during the 12-day Oak Tree meet. With speed all... ...

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Only You Babe Wins Juan Gonzalez

By Dennis Miller PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 2, 2016) — The race track in Pleasanton that hosts the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet during the Alameda County Fair has long been known as a speed-favoring track and many times, the first horse into the stretch often wins the race. Often, but not always. Saturday afternoon the running of the $50,000 Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes for 2-year-old fillies run at 5 ½ furlongs did not follow the pattern of the Pleasanton tracks, as California-bred Only You Babe came from last to first to win the race. In fact, Only You Babe was still in fifth in the six-horse field as they turned for home. But jockey Frank Alvarado knew things would fall his way. Only You Babe is by Thorn Song, out of the Johannesburg mare Book’em Babe, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $74,600 and was coming off a maiden win June 11.... ...

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Sherman Wanted Faster Chrome Work

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (July 2, 2016) — Trainer Art Sherman has said for weeks leading up to California Chrome  ‘s next start in the July 23 San Diego Handicap (gr. II)—when the blinkers go on, that’s when things get serious. Wearing his silver California Chrome-stamped hood as he stepped onto the track at Los Alamitos Race Course during his private 5:30 a.m. PT session July 2, the 2014 Horse of the Year was supposed to crank it up a notch. But right after his seventh timed work under exercise rider Dihigi Gladney in preparation for his first start since victory in the March 26 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), Sherman said he was looking for a little more. California Chrome worked six furlongs to the wire in 1:13 1/5, but will officially go onto the work tab for seven furlongs in 1:26 2/5. His last two works recorded for six furlongs went onto the tab at 1:12 2/5 each. “I’ll be honest with you, I wanted a little stronger work,” Sherman said. “When I... ...

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King Glorious Passes in Japan at 30

By Bloodhorse.com HOKKAIDO, Japan (July 2, 2016) – King Glorious, a California-bred multiple grade I winner and successful sire, has passed away at the age of 30 in Japan, Kate Hunter of Paca Paca Farms shared via Twitter July 2. A son of Naevus out of Glorious Natalie, by Reflected Glory, King Glorious had been pensioned from stud duty at JBBA Shizunai Stallion Station since 2010 due to declining fertility. King Glorious won eight of his nine career starts in the United States, including his first six outings consecutively, capped by a 21-length triumph in the Piedmont Stakes at Golden Gate Fields. He owned wins in the 1988 Hollywood Futurity (gr. I), after which he was named California’s Horse of the Year. At age 3, his missed the Triple Crown series, but he captured the 1989 Haskell Invitational Handicap (gr. I) and Ohio Derby (gr. II). Overall, he won five graded stakes. King Glorious was bred by the Halo Farms of Ted Aroney, who campaigned him with Alan Magerman of Philadelphia. He was... ...

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Sunday Rules Seeks Spring Fever Repeat

ARCADIA, Calif. (July 1, 2016) – Sunday Rules is back to defend her title in Monday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Handicap for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Lost Bus is by Bring the Heat, out of the Stravinsky mare Frysland, was bred by John Haagsma and Wesley Ward, is owned by Terry Lovingier and trained by Gary Sherlock. She has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $350,818 and is coming off a fourth in the June 4 Vanity Mile. Sunday Rules is by Tribal Rule, out of the General Meeting mare Sunday Dress, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has eight wins in 10 starts, earnings of $535,840 and is coming off a ninth in the Apr. 9 Madison. She won this race last year. Sidepocket Run is by Unbridled Native, out of the Exclusive Ribot mare On the Snap, was bred by owner Tony Sardo and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has three wins in 30... ...

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Mrazek Returns in Thor’s Echo

By Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 1, 2016) –Reddam Racing’s homebred Mrazek returns from a disappointing foray to Belmont Park on June 11 to head Monday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Handicap at Santa Anita.  To be contested at six furlongs, the Thor’s Echo, which attracted a field of six, is a part of the Golden State Series and is for California-bred or sired 3-year-olds and up. Mrazek’s competition includes Raised a Secret, who comes off a third place finish to recent Grade I winner Lord Nelson, consistent Forest Chatter, comebacking Magic Mark and Nardo, who comes off a pair of recent allowance wins.   MRAZEK:  By red hot sire Square Eddie, he’s out of the Wild Rush mare Heckuva Rush.  A well beaten 10th in the Grade II, seven furlong Woody Stephens Stakes June 11 at Belmont Park, he was second, beaten a neck two starts back here in the Grade III, seven furlong Lazaro Barrera Stakes on May 14.  A winner versus statebreds of Del Mar’s 5 ½ furlong... ...

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Cal-bred Quartet in Oak Tree Sprint

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 1, 2016) – California-breds Bold Fantasy, Hypnatique, Cartoonist and My Friend Emma take on millionaire Grade I winner Sahara Sky in Monday’s $50,000 Oak Tree Sprint at Oak Tree at Pleasanton. Bold Fantasy is by Bertrando, out of the Rock Hard Ten mare Fantasy Rocks, was bred by Steve and Maria Pavich, is owned by Curt & Lila Lanning and is trained by Ed Moger Jr. He has five wins in 24 starts, earnings of $213,487 and is coming off a sixth in the June 11 Albany. Hypnatique is by Scat Daddy, out of the Genuine Guy mare More Mascara, was bred by owners Rhianon Farms and Gloria Haley and is trained by Haley. He has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $147,960 and is coming off a ninth in the June 11 Albany. Cartoonist is by Comic Strip, out of the Devil On Ice mare Ivy Lane, was bred by Dr. and Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Scott Herbertson and is trained by Jonathan... ...

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Santa Anita Turf Course Installed

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 30, 2016) —Santa Anita Park June 29 completed the installation of its new turf course, which will be ready for use for the Southern California track’s fall meet, which begins Sept. 30. Including the hillside component, Santa Anita’s unique turf course covers approximately nine acres of surface area, which has now been amended and covered. The Bandera Bermuda turf mixture was grown in La Quinta, Calif., approximately 120 miles east of the Arcadia racetrack. “This has been a major undertaking and we’re very pleased with how the entire project has progressed,” said Joe Morris, senior vice president of West Coast operations for The Stronach Group. “The hillside portion of the course was completed about three weeks ago and the oval was finished late yesterday. This particular turf has proven very resilient in our immediate area and right now, with the warm temperatures we’ve been experiencing, conditions are optimal for fast growth. “The hillside has already begun to root, so that’s great news. About 40% of... ...

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NorCal Sale Grad in Nevin Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 30, 2016) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Dutt Bart, a first-out winner, is among the entries in Sunday’s $100,000 Everett Nevin Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Oak Tree at Pleasanton. Rinse and Repeat is by Square Eddie, out of the Gilded Time mare Electric Daze, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $6,720. Jet Ski is by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett mare Pinky’s Posh, was bred by Old English Rancho and Patsy and Sal Berumen, is owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Georgetti or Les Wagner, et al and is trained by Jeff Bonde. This is his debut. Wally’s Got Class is by Sierra Sunset, out of the Lite the Fuse mare Classically Lit, was bred by owners George and Mary Clare Schmitt, Stan Hodge & Richard Meister and is trained by Jeff Bonde. This is his debut. Mo Soul is by Phantom Wildcat, out of... ...

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Cal-bred Trio in Gonzalez Memorial

                PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 29, 2016) – California-breds Only You Babe, Lemonaideen and Ronnie’s Girl are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Oak Tree at Pleasanton. Only You Babe is by Thorn Song, out of the Johannesburg mare Book’em Babe, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $33,800 and is coming off a maiden win June 11. Lemonaideen is by Square Eddie, out of the General Meeting mare Meetmeinthewoods, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Michael McGrath and trained by Edward Freeman. She won her lone start May 5 and has earnings of $33,800. Ronnie’s Girl is by Run Brother Ron, out of the Devon Lane mare Sierra Lane, was bred by owners George or Mary Clare Schmitt and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She won her lone start June 23 with earnings of $5,500. ...

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John Barr

See the full story featured in our printed magazine online By Emily Shields, condensed version: John Barr John Barr is busier than the average man and wouldn’t have it any other way. As the president of the Oak Tree Racing Association, a California Thoroughbred Breeders Association board member, member of The Jockey Club, and a part of The Jockey Club Safety Committee, Barr is entrenched in all things equine around the clock. His precious “spare” time is spent as the treasurer of the Richard Nixon Foundation and keeping track of five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. All of this comes after he reduced his workload. “Back when I had my ranch, I had 60 head at one time,” Barr said. “I’ve cut back considerably over the years to just eight or nine horses.” The current pride and joy of Barr’s Oakcrest Stable is Bert’s Melody, a 5-year-old mare who won the $126,035 Fran’s Valentine Stakes May 28. She’s far from the first stakes star to shine under the Oakcrest banner; Bountiful Dreamer,... ...

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Cheekaboo Celebrates Honeymoon

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 19, 2016)–With Mike Smith at the controls, California-bred Cheekaboo flew late and in a three-way blanket finish, got up to win Sunday’s Grade II, $200,000 Honeymoon Stakes by a head while covering 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:46.86. On an unusually hot day that saw the thermometer hit 103 degrees at Santa Anita, Cheekaboo, who is by the aptly named Unusual Heat, took the final turf race of the 2016 Spring Meet, as construction on a new course will begin this evening. With Gone to Bali carving out fast early splits, Cheekaboo settled nicely off the pace while saving ground at the rail. With three furlongs to go, she had two horses beat and Smith bided his time inside as the complexion of the race changed dramatically with a quarter mile to run. “I followed Pete’s instructions,” said Smith. “…I saved all the ground that I could and I cut every corner and he told me to ‘go for broke’ and see... ...

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Breeders’ Cup Volunteers Needed

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 18, 2016) –The 2016 Breeders’ Cup World Championships return to Los Angeles, CA and Santa Anita Park this fall on November 4 & 5 and volunteers are needed! The Breeders’ Cup is an annual year-end affair for those at the absolute pinnacle of the Thoroughbred horse racing industry. This Olympic-esque event held at premier North American racetracks is where participants from all over the world converge to compete for $28 million in purse money. Operated by Breeders’ Cup Limited, the World Championships were first held in 1984 at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, CA. A one-day event until 2006, the Breeders’ Cup is now spread over two highly anticipated days of racing that produce some of the most exciting moments of the year. Santa Anita, or “The Great Race Place,” as it is commonly referred to, opened in 1934 and sits atop 320 acres of land at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains in Arcadia, CA. The Art Deco designs throughout remind even... ...

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‘Chrome in Speedy Workout

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (June 18, 2016) — As Art Sherman prepares California Chrome   for his next start in the $200,000 San Diego Handicap (gr. II) with weekly timed workouts, the trainer seems to be more concerned with what happens after the wire than before. So when the 2014 Horse of the Year powered through the clubhouse turn at Los Alamitos Race Course, with a gallop out to six furlongs in 1:12 2/5 under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney June 18, Sherman was more than pleased from his post on the patio at Schwanies At The Gap. The 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit   hit the wire in :59 1/5 for five furlongs, by far his swiftest breeze since returning to the Sherman barn in early May, but it was the finishing touch that again impressed his trainer. “The last part is where he kicks it in and the finish—once he goes out and goes around that turn—that shows his stamina is getting stronger,” Sherman said. “His gallop-out each time is... ...

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Cheekaboo Dreaming of a Honeymoon

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 16, 2016) – Campanile stakes winner Cheekaboo and fellow California-bred How Unusual are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Honeymoon Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Cheekaboo is by Unusual Heat, out of the Souvenir Copy mare Sandy Cheeks, was bred by Madeline Auerbach, Richard Rosenberg and Barry Abrams, is owned by Alesia, Burns or Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $159,680 and is coming off a third in the May 28 Melair. How Unusual is by Unusual Heat, out of the Bartok mare Veela, was bred by Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams, is owned by Auerbach or Bardy Farm and is trained by Tim Yakteen. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $98,515 and is coming off a May 28 optional claimer win. ...

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Senate Passes Bill that Helps Racing

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 16, 2016) The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations today passed the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2017.  This bill makes appropriations for the United States Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and certain other government agencies and, similar to a companion bill passed out of committee in the U.S. House of Representatives last week, includes language that encourages the IRS to modernize regulations for withholding and reporting of pari-mutuel winnings. Recent actions by the Senate and House are the latest in a concerted, industry-wide effort to modernize regulations relating to pari-mutuel winnings. Updates proposed by the NTRA would clarify regulations by redefining the “amount of the wager” to include all of a bettor’s investment into a single pari-mutuel pool, and not simply the base amount of the winning combination. The effort has received support from Members of Congress as well as all segments of the horse racing industry, including customers, who last year submitted nearly 12,000 comments to the Treasury and... ...

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Harris Seminar Planned for Oct. 7

COALINGA, Calif. (June 16, 2016) — Mark your calendar now for Friday, October 7, as the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association will sponsor a seminar on current breeding issues at the Harris Ranch Inn in Coalinga. The CTBA is reinstituting this annual seminar, which will consist of a full day of valuable information and has been popular for members and people in the California breeding and racing industry. Details for the event will be available soon. ...

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Big Book Enters Fleur de Lis

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 15, 2016) – Big Book is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Fleur de Lis Handicap for fillies and mares at Churchill Downs. Big Book is by Mr. Big, out of the Holy Bull mare Novel Twist, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by Tim Yakteen. She has three wins in six starts, earnings of $139,640 and is coming off a May 20 optional claiming win. ...

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Ralis, Smokey Image Seek Pot of Gold

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 15, 2016) – California-bred stakes winners Ralis and Smokey Image are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Rainbow Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Ralis is a Grade I winner by Square Eddie, out of the Ten Most Wanted mare Silar Rules, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $328,923 and is coming off a second in the May 28 Snow Chief Stakes. Smokey Image is by Southern Image, out of the Free House mare Special Smoke, was bred by C Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable and trained by Carla Gaines. He has six wins in nine starts, earnings of $455,445 and is coming off a third in the May 14 Laz Barrera Stakes. ...

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Breakaway Dixie in Pleasanton Oaks

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 15, 2016) – Breakaway Dixie is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Pleasanton Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet. Breakaway Dixie is by Marino Marini, out of the Siberian Summer mare Grey Lassie, was bred by owners Randy Randazzo and Paul Conley and is trained by Ed Moger Jr. She has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $54,896 and is coming off a third in a May 26 optional claimer. ...

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TOC Names Avioli CEO

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 15, 2016) — Greg Avioli, who has served as a senior adviser to the Thoroughbred Owners of California board of directors, has been named to the new post of chief executive officer of the organization effective July 16. Avioli, according to a June 15 release, has assisted the TOC with gaming legislation, advance deposit wagering issues, and strategic planning. He has held other racing industry positions, including CEO for The Stronach Group, president and CEO of Breeders’ Cup, chief operating officer of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, and president of Horse PAC. “Given the many opportunities and challenges now facing the organization, we felt it was important to bring in additional executive experience on the management team,” TOC board chairman Mike Pegram said. “Greg has decades of experience at the highest levels of our industry and proven leadership in legislative and regulatory affairs.” Avioli said he will work to “improve the overall racing experience for owners in California.” ...

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CHRB Discusses 2017 Racing Dates

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 15, 2016) — The 2017 racing calendar in Southern California may have fewer racing days at Los Alamitos compared to recent years, or could look similar to the 2014 and 2015 seasons, according to discussions at a California Horse Racing Board dates committee meeting at Santa Anita on Wednesday. The meeting, which lasted more than two hours, was the first public discussion on racing dates at venues throughout the state for 2017. Executives with racetracks and horsemen’s organizations spoke before the three-person committee consisting of chairman Chuck Winner and commissioners Steve Beneto and George Krikorian. No final plans were determined for 2017 dates in Southern and Northern California, with conversations expected to continue in coming weeks. A summary of Wednesday’s meeting will be discussed at Thursday’s meeting of the racing board. Final decisions on racing dates for 2017 is likely by the end of summer, or September. Wednesday, the focus of discussions on Southern California dates was whether Los Alamitos will host a two-week meeting... ...

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Poshsky Springs Upset in Crystal Water

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 11, 2016)–The longest shot in the field at 21-1, Poshsky, under Fernando Perez, looped the field turning for home and held off favored Alert Bay to win Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita by a neck. Trained by Peter Miller and saddled by his chief assistant, Ruben Albarado, Poshky covered one mile on turf in 1:35.77. With longshot Spirit Rules setting a fast pace, Poshsky, who broke from the rail in a field of six older California-bred or sired horses, was last but on the move into the far turn, wheeled four-wide turning for home and was all-out to outrun the favorite who battled back gamely at the rail. “He was back with Cal-breds and I think that was the key,” said Albarado. “He likes this track and we knew there was speed in the race, so we just told Fernando to sit back and he’ll run big. He rode the horse perfect. No questions asked.... ...

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Another Triple for Unusual Heat

ALBANY, Calif. (June 11, 2016) – California stallion Unusual Heat, who scored a progeny triple on the May 29 Gold Rush card at Santa Anita, was represented by three winners on the Saturday card at Golden Gate. An Unusual Group won a $32,000 claimer in the third race. The mare was bred by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams, is owned by Janet Hollendorfer and George Todaro and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She is out of the General Meeting mare Gn. Group Meeting. Hittheroadrunning won a $6,250 claimer in the fifth race. The gelding was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Garry Madden & Jonathon Wong and trained by Wong. He is out of the Kennedy Road mare Gravel. Sizzlin’ Joe won a $16,000 claimer in the ninth race. The gelding was bred by AJM Racing, is owned by Mark Enlow and trained by John Martin. He is out of the Cherokee Run mare Nina’s Delight. ...

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Joe Ciaglia

See the full story featured in our printed magazine online By Emily Shields, condensed version: A STABLE WITH A LOT OF CALIFORNIA CHEEK The tale of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association member Joe Ciaglia is so interwoven with those of partners Frank and Sharon Alesia, Mike Mellen, and Mike Burns that it is easy to forget that Ciaglia has his own unique story to tell. The California businessman, who doggedly earned his way into the racing partnership, now has at least a piece of 50 horses. After grade I success with horses such as Weemissfrankie and Dance With Fate, Ciaglia is grabbing headlines with his sophomore stakes-winning duo, Pacific Heat and Cheekaboo. Before he was a horse owner, Ciaglia worked at a Ralph’s grocery store in Arcadia, often popping to work after a day at Santa Anita. Ciaglia and his wife, Stephanie, eventually met trainer Peter Eurton, who introduced them to Frank and Sharon Alesia. Although Ciaglia is a likeable type, Frank Alesia proceeded with caution, waiting six months to claim a horse with his... ...

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Breeders’ Cup Tickets on Sale

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 6, 2016) –Tickets for this year’s two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park are now on sale to the general public, officials said June 6. The event will be held Nov. 4-5. It will be the record ninth time Santa Anita will host the Breeders’ Cup, which offers 13 races and purses totaling $26 million. Ticket prices range from $25-$750 for Friday’s program and from $50-$850 for Saturday. General admission prices are $10 per pass on Friday and $25 per pass on Saturday when purchased in advance. General admission passes will be available at the gate on event days for $15 per pass Friday and $40 per pass Saturday. The passes don’t include a reserved seat. All fans that attend the World Championships will receive free track programs Friday and Saturday upon entering Santa Anita. Tickets can be purchased online at www.breederscup.com/tickets or by calling toll-free at 877-849-4287. In related business, Breeders’ Cup and Santa Anita have again enlisted QuintEvents as the official... ...

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Earlier First Post for Santa Anita

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 5, 2016) — Santa Anita is adjusting its first post to 1:30 p.m. Pacific, beginning Thursday for the remainder of the spring-summer meeting through July 10. The only exception will be Saturday, when first post time is noon to coincide with the simulcast of the Belmont Stakes program in New York. Track officials are hoping an earlier post time will boost handle. Santa Anita marketing director Nate Newby said the previous first post time of 2 p.m. produced situations when handle on late races did not live up to expectations on occasions. Through the Memorial Day program on May 30, the 17th day of the 40-day meeting, on-track handle was down 3 percent from a comparable period in 2015, Newby said. All-sources handle was down 2 percent, while on-track attendance was up 6 percent. ...

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CHRB Considers Third-Party Lasix

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 2, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board will again consider adopting a third-party Lasix administration policy at its regular meeting June 16. The rule on third-party Lasix administration on race day is on the agenda for the June 16 CHRB meeting, confirms spokesman Mike Marten. The rule would meet the standards of the Association of Racing Commissioners International model rule and the National Uniform Medication Program in that independent veterinarians, rather than track veterinarians, would administer race-day Lasix. It would be similar to New York in that veterinarians employed by the racing association would conduct the race-day administrations. In California, like all other U.S. racing states, Lasix (furosemide and formally called Salix) is allowed to be administered on race day as a way to prevent or reduce the severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. Many states have had third-party Lasix administration policies in place for several years now, as the trend has been to shift away from track veterinarians to independent vets administering race-day Lasix (furosemide, officially... ...

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Lost Bus Enters Vanity Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 1, 2016) – Lost Bus is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000  Grade I Vanity Mile Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Lost Bus is by Bring the Heat, out of the Stravinsky mare Frysland, was bred by John Haagsma and Wesley Ward, is owned by Terry Lovingier and trained by Gary Sherlock. She has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $326,818 and is coming off a third in the Apr. 23 Great Lady M Stakes. ...

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Dashing Don in River Rock

VANCOUVER, B.C. (June 1, 2016) – Dashing Don is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 River Rock Casino Handicap for 3-year-olds at Hastings Racecourse. Dashing Don is by Popular, out of the Meadowlake mare Summer Bay, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, is owned by JPD Holdings, Ross Rees and Nancy Betts and is trained by Betts. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $34,959 and is coming off a sixth in a May 23 optional claimer. ...

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Popalicious Wins First Lady

By DRF.com RUIDOSO, N.M. (May 31, 2016) – Lone California-bred Popalicious lifted jockey Ruby Gonzalez to a four-win day at Ruidoso Downs on Monday when she fought for a neck victory over Sky Rant in the $50,000 First Lady Handicap. It was another neck back to Untraveled in third. Popalicious is a daughter of Ministers Wild Cat. She was bred in California by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. Popalicious ($9.40) was always prominent, racing with the leaders through fractions of 23.06 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.16 for the half-mile. She covered six furlongs in the race for fillies and mares in 1:12.34. Popalicious races for the partnership of Solitaire Stable, Skyler Kelley, Allen Aldrich, and Tom Mansor. She is trained by Henry Dominguez. Gonzalez’s other winners came in a dead heat in the fifth with Your Miss ($3.80), in the sixth with R C Dillinger ($10.80), and the seventh with Thrifty Lad ($12.80). ...

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CHRB Clarifies Whip Vote

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 30, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board would like to clear up any confusion over the vote at last Thursday’s Board meeting to amend Rule 1688, the riding crop rule. The vote did not change the current three-strike rule that was adopted at the November 2014 meeting of the CHRB. The vote merely authorizes a 45-day period for the public to comment on the proposed change. Following the 45-day public comment period, after considering input from all who wish to submit opinions, the Board will once again vote on whether or not to amend the current three-strike rule. The CHRB has set the standard by adopting several rules designed to protect horses, such as the establishment of safety requirements for the construction of the riding crop and the adoption of  Rule 1688, which prohibits using the crop more than three times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond. The proposed amendment would further state “except in the last 16th of a... ...

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‘Chrome Might Race in 2017

By Paulick Report CYPRESS, Calif. (May 13, 2016) — Trainer Art Sherman laid out summer and fall race plans for fan favorite and Eclipse Award winner California Chrome on Thursday, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. Chrome will start twice at Santa Anita Park and twice at Del Mar, with the goal of sweeping the Pacific Classic, Awesome Again, and Breeders’ Cup Classic, which would enable the team to pick up a $1 million bonus offered by The Stronach Group. Sherman also said there was a possibility the horse could run next year. The announcement yesterday of plans for the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park has the trainer thinking about running the horse in late January, depending upon his form and physical condition. The Cup’s scheduling in late January would still allow California Chrome to retire in time for the start of the 2017 breeding season. Sherman also hasn’t ruled out the possibility that Chrome could run later in his 6-year-old season. California Chrome is scheduled to breeze... ...

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Alcatraz Could Be Land of Oz

ALBANY, Calif. (May 12, 2016) – Land of Oz is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Land of Oz is by Best Minister, out of the Tabasco Cat mare Perfect Sense, was bred by Nadine Anderson & Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms, is owned by Anderson, Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms or Delia and is trained by Bill Delia. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $24,915 and is coming off a fifth in a May 8 starter’s allowance. ...

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Seeking a Mystery Seeking a Win

AUBURN, Wash. (May 12, 2016) – Seeking a Mystery is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Auburn Handicap for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Emerald Downs. Seeking a Mystery is by Heatseeker, out of the Game Plan mare Mystical Game, was bred by Curt and Lila Lanning, is owned by Valentin Picho Garcia and is trained by Robert Baze. He has one win in six starts, earnings of $8,085 and is coming off an Apr. 23 maiden claiming win. ...

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Masochistic Returns to Work Tab

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2016) — Grade I winning California-bred Masochistic recorded his first timed workout of 2016 on Thursday, going three furlongs in :37 1/5. Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Jay Em Ess Stables’ Masochistic, last year’s Triple Bend (gr. I) winner, has been off to recover from a fractured hind cannon, which trainer Ron Ellis thinks occurred during his 14th-place run in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) at Keeneland. In his first work, the 6-year-old Sought After gelding was aided a bit by a slight dose of tranquilizer. Masochistic has a tendency to speed through his works, so Ellis wanted to make sure he didn’t go too fast, too soon. “If I didn’t have him a little tranquilized, he’d be a little tough, because he still has that determination to get going,” Ellis said. “I just didn’t want him to go to fast too soon and pull a ligament or a muscle. He’ll go out there and think he’s going to do (five furlongs in)... ...

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Smokey Image Tries Barrera

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 11, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Smokey Image and fellow California-bred stakes winner Mrazek are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Lazaro Barrera Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Smokey Image is by Southern Image, out of the Free House mare Special Smoke, was bred by C Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing and trained by Carla Gaines. He has six wins in eight starts, earnings of $443,445 and is coming off a seventh in the Apr. 9 Santa Anita Derby. Mrazek is by is by Square Eddie, out of the Wild Rush mare Heckuva Rush, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $147,770 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 21 optional claimer. ...

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Central Heat Risks Win Streak

ALBANY, Calif. (May 11, 2016) – Defending champion Central Heat risks her six-race win streak in Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Poppy Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Central Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Smart Strike mare Miss Boomtown, was bred by Abrams, Huston Racing, Matties Racing and Auerbach, is owned by William Delia or Dana Rocheford and is trained by Delia. She has 14 wins in 33 starts, earnings of $324,651 and is coming off six consecutive wins, including this race last year. Handfull is by Comic Strip, out of the Roman Dancer mare Honoree Lady, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Team Green, Hollendorfer and Nakkasian and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has 15 wins in 34 starts, earnings of $325,170 and is coming off a win in the Mar. 27 March Madness Starter’s Handicap. She was eighth in this race last year. Elprado’s Heirloom is by Tannersmyman, out of the El Prado mare Checkthisgroove, was bred by Sarah... ...

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Lawmakers on AHC Forum Agenda

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 10, 2016) — Legislators who chair the United States Senate and House of Representatives Agricultural Committees are expected to speak at the American Horse Council National Issues Forum June 14 in Washington, D.C. Republican Sen. Pat Roberts of Kansas, chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, is confirmed as the leadoff speaker. U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway of Texas, who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, has also been invited. “We would be very fortunate to have the chairmen of both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees address us,” AHC president Jay Hickey said May 9. “The $102 billion equine industry is an important sector of the agriculture community, not only when horses are in their breeding life, but also when they move into their racing, showing, work, or recreation careers. “The equine world is still regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in terms of disease control, import/export, interstate movement, and research. The congressional agriculture committees are important to the horse industry.” The National Issues Forum will also feature... ...

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Donn Luby Passes at 71

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2016) — Former trainer and Santa Anita Park stall manager Donn Luby died in his sleep April 26 from complications of cancer at the Life Care Center in Bridgeton, Mo. He was 71. An avid golfer, Luby, who frequently had a tobacco pipe in-hand, was a well-respected horseman and friend to many in Southern California’s large racing community. “He was a good guy,” trainer Jerry Fanning said. “He was a good stall man. He trained—did everything.” An assistant to Gary Jones in the late 1970s, Luby took over the training of Eleven Stitches in the spring of 1981 and sent him out to victory with Sandy Hawley aboard in the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) that summer. Seven years later, he would go on to train Flying Julia, who won the Santa Margarita Handicap (gr. I) under Frank Olivares in 1988. “He was one wonderful person and a fair stall man,” said Santa Anita assistant starter Huey Barnes. “In that job, you have to... ...

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Empire Way has First Winner

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2016) — California stallion Empire Way   got his first winner April 29 when his son Dutt Bart, out of Applaud Dubai, by Essence of Dubai, won a  4 1/2-furlong maiden special weight at Los Alamitos Race Course in his first start by 2 1/4 lengths. The final time was :52.07. A grade II-placed full brother to three-time champion Royal Delta, Empire Way stands at Lovacres Ranch in California for $5,000. Dutt Bart was bred by Lovacres Ranch owner Terry Lovingier and is co-owned by Lovingier and Albert Chou. The colt had been offered by Lovacres at the 2015 Barretts October yearling and horses of racing age sale where he was sold for $50,000 to agent Mike Harrington, who is Dutt Bart’s trainer. The colt is the first foal bred by Lovingier out of winner Applaud Dubai and is the mare’s second winner out of three foals of racing age. Applaud Dubai was a winner at 2 but found only modest success at the track. Her dam, Miss... ...

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Golden Gate Turf Stakes PPs

Sunday, May 1, 2016 $100,000 Campanile Stakes (Golden State Series Stakes), Fillies – Three-Year-Olds (CA-Breds), One Mile (Turf). PPs: http://www.goldengatefields.com/sites/www.goldengatefields.com/files/incompass_ftp/SNPP/Campanile%20pps_0.pdf   $100,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes (Golden State Series Stakes), Three-Year-Olds (CA-Breds), One Mile (Turf). PPs: http://www.goldengatefields.com/sites/www.goldengatefields.com/files/incompass_ftp/SNPP/Silky%20Sullivan%20pps.pdf ...

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