From CTBA POMONA, Calif. (July 3, 2019) — California Thoroughbred Breeders Association will again conduct a January Mixed Sale on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, at Fairplex Park. ...

From Fasig-Tipton POMONA, Calif. (July 2, 2019) — Fasig-Tipton announced today its California Yearling Sale will now be held on Thursday, September 26 at Fairplex in Pomona, California, rather than at Santa Anita.  “We appreciate Fairplex working with us to utilize the existing permanent facilities there to host our California yearling sale,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning.  “Our inaugural two-year-old sale at Santa Anita last month generated positive momentum in the California marketplace, and we look forward to building on that momentum with a strong yearling sale in September at Fairplex.  We will be returning to Santa Anita next year for another outstanding two-year-old sale.” ...

By San Diego Union-Tribune DEL MAR, Calif. (July 2, 2019) — Del Mar Thoroughbred Club staged the safest horse racing among major tracks in the country in 2018, but after a recent meet with 30 horse deaths at Santa Anita Park, Del Mar’s leadership hardly felt like it could go about business as usual. For the 36-day summer meet that begins July 17, Del Mar is adding a number of safety and oversight measures to those it instituted two years ago following difficult 2016 summer and fall racing seasons in which a total of 23 horses died in racing or training. In the last two years, Del Mar’s horse deaths dropped to eight in 2017 (five in summer, three in fall) and seven in ’18 (six in summer, one in fall). In a 2018 report from the Jockey Club Equine Injury Database, Del Mar ranked best in safety among nearly two dozen self-reporting tracks, with a rate of 0.79 fatal injuries per 1,000 starts — or fewer than half the... ...

From Bloodhorse.com/daily LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 1, 2019) — Terry Lovingier made the trip to Kentucky to watch two of his homebred juveniles compete in stakes June 29 at Churchill Downs. The owner of Lovacres Ranch in Warner Springs, Calif., said he would have been happy if Phantom Boss and Cholula Lips had finished in the top three, but the California-breds made it a bumper weekend. Phantom Boss lived up to his favoritism and scored in the Bashford Manor Stakes (G3) despite being bumped multiple times, and Cholula Lips was a strong second to Magic Dance after dueling near the lead in the Debutante Stakes. “I thought ‘Cholula’ ran lights out against that really good filly, because that filly’s like a Breeders’ Cup filly. She’s really good,” Lovingier said. “‘Cholula’ moved way forward, and I loved her gallop out. If you watch the gallop out, she galloped right on past the other horse. I think ‘Cholula’ ran just really, really big. Phantom Boss is just a super good horse. “While the... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 29, 2019) — California-bred invader Phantom Boss inched clear in the final eighth of a mile to win the $125,000 Bashford Manor Stakes (G3) June 29 at Churchill Downs, which concluded its 38-day spring meet Saturday. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, Phantom Boss edged Rowdy Yates by three-quarters of a length and ran six furlongs over a fast main track in 1:10.78 for trainer Jorge Periban and owners Bada Beng Racing, Tom Beckerle, Terry Lovingier, and Amanda Navarro. Phantom Boss is a 2-year-old son of 2011 Preakness Stakes (G1) and 2012 Clark Handicap (G1) winner Shackleford  out of the Street Boss  mare Bossy Belle. He was bred in California by Lovingier and is the first foal out of the mare, who produced an Empire Way filly, her most recently reported foal, in 2018. Phantom Boss broke alertly from the inside post but settled nicely behind early leaders Verb and Rowdy Yates. Before the pacesetters hit the first quarter-mile marker in :21.84, Phantom Boss switched to an outside tracking position... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 29, 2019) – Taking on males in her first start for trainer Andrew Lerner, Queen Bee to You, the third longest shot in the field at 10-1, held on to defeat 16-1 outsider Tule Fog by a nose in the $100,351 Bertrando Stakes Saturday, opening day of the Summer Thoroughbred Festival at Los Alamitos. After battling with the eventual runner-up and 4-5 favorite King Abner early, the 5-year-old daughter of Old Topper and the Touch Gold mare Silk Queen opened a clear lead entering the long stretch, then held off a rejuvenated Tule Fog late to narrowly prevail. Ridden by Ruben Fuentes, Queen Bee to You, who is owned by Christoper St. Hilaire and Adam Vali, completed the mile in 1:35.95. The win was her fifth in 27 starts and the $60,000 payday pushed her bankroll to $410,419. She paid $23.80, $10.60 and $4. It was the first stakes success for Lerner, 30, who was first involved in racing as an owner before... ...

From Thoroughbred Daily News LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 27, 2019) — Think the local industry can easily shrug off the loss of California racing? Think again. That was one of the key takeaways during Tuesday evening’s June membership meeting of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers Club. The KTDMC invited executives from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association to review the response to the current crisis in California and to explain the NTRA’s role in addressing this and similar issues. The five-strong panel also included Dr. Steve Vickner, an economist and faculty member of the University of Louisville’s Equine Industry Program. http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/pdf/tdn/tdn190627.pdf ...

From Ballena Vista Farm RAMONA, Calif. (June 25, 2019) — Grade I winner and Grade I sire Bluegrass Cat has been sold to Nimet Arif Kurtel to stand at his Karacabey Boarding Stud near Izmit, Turkey; where he will join Victory Gallop, Lion Heart and Corinthian. He is scheduled to depart Ballena Vista Farm late June for Sancal Racing at Elmendorf Farm in Kentucky prior to shipping overseas. A multiple stakes winner at two, Bluegrass Cat took the Grade I Haskell by seven lengths during his sophomore campaign. He also finished second to Barbaro in the Kentucky Derby, finished second in the Belmont and second in the Travers that season. Trained by Todd A. Pletcher for owner breeder Winstar Farm, LLC Bluegrass Cat retired with earnings of $1.7 million. The 2003 son of Storm Cat is out of the multiple stakes producing A. P. Indy broodmare She’s a Winner. Bluegrass Cat has sired 33 stakes winners and one champion in his career.  From ten crops of racing age, Bluegrass Cat... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 23, 2019)–California-bred Eddie Haskell overcame self-inflicted trouble to recover and win Saturday’s $75,000 Siren Lure Stakes by three quarters of a length while covering five furlongs on the Santa Anita turf in 55.45. Trained by Mark Glatt and ridden by Kent Desormeaux, the 6-year-old Square Eddie gelding now has eight wins from 11 tries going five furlongs on grass. Breaking from the rail in a field of five horses three and up, Eddie Haskell seized the bit and drug Desormeaux into a precariously close position off the heels of pacesetter and eventual runner-up What’sontheagenda heading to the far turn, but Desormeaux was able to wrangle him back and had clear sailing with three lengths to make up turning for home. “I was a little bit worried about the one hole and you could see Kent had his hands full there heading into the turn,” said Glatt, who has now won six out of his 10 starts with “Eddie” since claiming him for $50,000... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 23, 2019)–In sharp recent form and blessed with an abundance of natural speed, California-bred Acclimate took six rivals on a merry chase that resulted in a stirring half length victory in Sunday’s Grade III, $100,000 San Juan Capistrano Stakes at Santa Anita. Ridden by Martin Garcia and trained by Phil D’Amato, the 5-year-old gelding by Acclamation got the marathon mile and three quarters on turf in 2:48.80. Fresh off a gate to wire victory in a 1 1/8 mile turf starter allowance on May 31, Acclimate broke sharply and was immediately under a snug hold down the hill and enjoyed a three-length advantage heading into the Club House turn. With favored Causeforcommotion beginning to tire in second position, Garcia let out a notch a quarter mile from home and Acclimate enjoyed a three length advantage over eventual runner-up Oscar Dominguez a furlong from home en route to a hard fought win. Off at 9-1, Acclimate paid $21.00, $8.60 and $4.40. “It was all... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 23, 2019)–Winless in her five previous tries, Nick Alexander’s homebred Ruby Bradley, who was trying two turns on dirt for the first time, put in a determined stretch-long bid to prevail by a half length in Sunday’s $200,000 Melair Stakes at Santa Anita.  Trained by Phil D’Amato and ridden by Aaron Gryder, Ruby Bradley got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:49.92. Next to last in a compact field of five sophomore fillies turning for home, the daughter of Grazen kept to her task late to prevail over Tiz a Master, who was to her outside.   Named for the Millard and Rous homebred daughter of Our Blue Chip, Melair, a foal of 1983, was a multiple graded stakes winner who was conditioned by John Sadler.  The Melair Stakes is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses which is sponsored by the CTBA.   Most recently second at 4-5 in a Cal-bred maiden special going six furlongs on... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 22, 2019)–Based at Golden Gate Fields, Our Silver Oak rallied from off the pace and outran a determined Irish Heatwave to prevail by a head in Saturday’s $200,000 Snow Chief Stakes at Santa Anita. Ridden by Mike Smith, the 3-year-old Unusual Heat gelding provided trainer Jonathan Wong with his first Santa Anita stakes win by traversing a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:50.04. Named for the Mel Stute-conditioned California-bred son of Reflected Glory, who was named Eclipse Champion 3-year-old male of 1986, the Snow Chief Stakes is part of the lucrative Golden State Series. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Golden State series is for California-bred or sired horses. Breaking from the rail in a field of nine California-bred or sired sophomores, Our Silver Oak was in the two-path around the Club House turn and although he was next to last at the five furlong pole, he was full of run as Smith began working his way towards to the front of... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 22, 2019)–Beaten nearly 40 lengths in her most recent start, trainer Bill Spawr’s Starr of Quality ran down a determined Coco Kisses in deep stretch to take Saturday’s $100,000 Dream of Summer Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita.  Ridden by Tiago Pereira, Starr of Quality, a 5-year-old California-bred mare by First Dude, got one mile in 1:40.26. Breaking from post position two in a field of four California-bred or sired fillies and mares, Starr of Quality was in-hand while Coco Kisses, who broke from the outside, worked her way gradually to the lead into the first turn.  Starr of Quality eased off the lead a bit turning down the backside, enabling  Pereira to shift off the rail, just to the outside of the eventual runner-up. “This was an easier spot today,” said Pereira, in reference to Starr of Quality’s 38 ¾ length defeat at the hands of Paradise Woods in the Grade II Santa Margarita Stakes here... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (June 22, 2019) — Del Mar will present a unique “baby bonus” to horsemen who run 2-year-olds in open maiden special weight races this summer at the seaside track, offering a 25% boost to purse winnings on top of their regular payouts. There are two provisos that go with the arrangement: The races can be run short or long, but must be run on dirt. And in order to qualify for the bonus monies, the trainer involved must have fewer than 50 horses stabled in Southern California. “What we’re primarily trying to do with this ‘bonus’ plan is to encourage our ‘smaller’ outfits to get quality 2-year-old runners and enter them in our key building block events for our young horses,” said Tom Robbins, Del Mar’s executive vice president for racing. “Our ‘big’ trainers – about a half-dozen or so guys who have large strings on the circuit – understand what we’re doing with this program and are in favor of it. They want... ...

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (June 22, 2019) – California stallion Old Topper has been retired from breeding and pensioned at Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. He is 24. The son of Gilded Time was a perennial leading sire in California, with 24 stakes winners and lifetime progeny earnings of more than $22 million. Old Topper’s leading earner is Ain’t No Other ($715,280) and his runners included graded winner Top Kisser. On the track, Old Topper was a multiple graded winner. ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 16, 2019) – Baja Sur, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Smiling Tiger, remained undefeated with his latest impressive victory in the $50,000 Coca-Cola Stakes for 3-year-olds at Emerald Downs. Scoring his third stakes win and fourth victory overall, Baja Sur held off Runningwscissors for a 1 ¾-length victory in 1:15.60 for 6 ½ furlongs. Ridden by Franklin Ceballos at 124 lbs, Baja Sur paid $2.60 as the 3 to 10 betting favorite. Baja Sur, bred by John Roche and sold at the WTBA Yearling Sale for $67,000, set fractions of :22.58 and :45.12, shook off Perfect Dude into the stretch and held sway to the wire. Runningwscissors was clearly second best, 5 ¼ lengths clear of Perfect Dude in third, while Verynsky and Fuzzy Dolphin rounded out the order of finish. Baja Sur, Runningwscissors and Perfect Dude also finished first, second and third in the Auburn Stakes last month. Baja Sur improved to two for two this year with wins in the... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 15, 2019)–In what must rate as one of the most impressive sprint performances of the Spring Meet, Harris Farms’ homebred Desert Law seized the moment turning for home and marched to an emphatic 6 ¼ length win in Saturday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Carla Gaines and ridden by Rafael Bejarano, the 5-year-old Desert Code gelding got six furlongs in a sizzling 1:09.49. The Thor’s Echo is part of the lucrative Golden State Series. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Golden State Series is for California-bred or sired horses. Breaking from post position five in a field of six California-bred or sired 3-year-olds and up, Desert Law sat an attentive second to speedball Smiling Angelo up the backside and around the far turn and drew even at the quarter pole, whereupon the Thor’s Echo was for all intents and purposes, over. “He has been training fantastic, he loves the track,” said Gaines. “He’s one of those that just glides over... ...

OCALA, Fla. (June 14, 2019) – A 2-year-old filly by California stallion Stay Thirsty sold for $160,000 at Friday’s session of the Ocala Breeders Sales June Sale. The Kentucky-bred filly is out of the mare Stunning Electra and was purchased by Emerald Sales, agent. The filly was a $1,500 pinhook out of the 2017 Keeneland November Sale. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 12, 2019) – Effective immediately, in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s direction, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB), working closely with The Stronach Group (TSG), owner of Santa Anita Park, will implement enhanced safety measures and reviews to further protect horses at Santa Anita. “On behalf of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and our 1,000 members, we commend Governor Newsom, the CHRB and The Stronach Group on their commitment to the safety of our equine and human athletes and the recent announcement of enhanced safety measures at Santa Anita Park”, stated Doug Burge of the CTBA. “In this current time, it is immensely important that we all remain committed, and stand together, to show our industry and the public that our athletes’ safety and welfare are of utmost importance.” Led by CHRB Equine Medical Director Dr. Rick Arthur, DVM, and Chief Steward Darrel McHargue, a five-member team will provide additional review of horses’ medical, training and racing history. This team consists of independent CHRB veterinarians... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 9, 2019)–Head and head early, Reddam Racing’s California-bred Listing spurted clear turning for home en route to an authoritative 2 ¼ length win in Sunday’s $75,000 Desert Code Stakes at Santa Anita. Ridden by Mario Gutierrez and trained by Ben Cecil, the 3-year-old colt by Square Eddie got five furlongs on turf in 55.21. Breaking from post position two in a field of five sophomores, Listing and New York-bred Rafal were at once engaged in a hot speed duel. Approaching the three sixteenths pole, Listing gained the advantage and went on to win in-hand. “He ran really good,” said Gutierrez, who had guided Listing to a close fourth place finish in the one mile turf Silky Sullivan Stakes versus Cal-breds on April 28 at Golden Gate Fields. “He was sharp today. I was able to sit pretty comfortably with Baffert’s horse (Rafal) and I was able to move with him before I got pressure from those other horses.” Off at 7-2, Listing, who... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (June 8, 2019) – Favored Mikes Tiznow went wire-to-wire to win Saturday’s $65,750 Albany Stakes in a California-bred sweep of the top three spots. Mikes Tiznow is by Slew’s Tiznow, who sired the first and second finishers. Mikes Tiznow is out of the Maria’s Mon mare Babes Bridge It, was bred by Eagle Ridge Racing, is owned by Mike Schott and trained by Andy Mathis. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $157,555 and was coming off a May 4 allowance win. Summersimage was second and Brandothebartender was third in the field of seven. Mikes Tiznow ran the five furlongs in :56.83 and won by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 3-2. ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 5, 2019) — A California-bred son of Vronsky sold for $110,000 at Wednesday’s inaugural Fasig-Tipton Santa Anita 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. The colt out of the Speightstown mare Copperopolis was bred by Donald Valpredo, consigned by McCarthy Bloodstock, agent, and sold to Blinkers On Racing Stable for $110,000. McCarthy Bloodstock also consigned a Cal-bred gelded son of Clubhouse Ride that sold for $95,000 to West Point Thoroughbreds/Hollendorfer. He is out of the Huddle Up mare Team Decision and was bred by Harris Farms and Double D Farms. Fasig-Tipton brought a full complement of staff to California for the sale, which was held in the Santa Anita walking ring in the bright June sunshine. With a catalog of 169 reduced by 61 withdrawals, the sales company sold 69 for a gross of $3,769,500 at an average of $54,630 and a median of $30,000. With 39 not sold, the buyback rate was 36%. “I thought it was a successful initial effort for a 2-year-old sale at Santa... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (June 5, 2019) — Del Mar’s first condition book for the 2019 summer season is now out and available online and hard copies will be distributed to horsemen in Southern California Friday. The seaside track’s 80th summer session kicks off on Wednesday, July 17 and runs through Labor Day Monday, September 2. The first book covers races for the initial three weeks of the season. “We’ve been able to boost our purses across the board compared to last summer and I think our horsemen will respond well to that,” said Del Mar’s executive vice president for racing Tom Robbins. “I’d especially note the $10,000 increase we’ve given to all our overnight stakes, a group of races that have been especially classy and competitive of late.” Robbins’ reference was to the purse increase from $75,000 to $85,000 to its half-dozen “overnights.” One of those races, the Green Flash Handicap, was recognized this year for its recent high level of competition by being boosted to Grade... ...

From Thoroughbred Daily News LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 31, 2019) — Santa Anita’s graded Monrovia S., run off-the-turf May 26 and won by California-bred S Y Sky (Grazen), will not retain the original Grade II status it was carded with and will instead be officially recorded as a Grade III event, the American Graded Stakes Committee (AGSC) announced Friday. The five-furlong race was scheduled for the turf course, but was moved to the main track due to concern over rain in the area. The Monrovia was automatically downgraded to a Grade III event, pending review by the AGSC, who determined the original Grade II credit would not be reinstated. ...

By John Cherwa, LATimes.com HIDDEN HILLS, Calif. (May 31, 2019) –Roger Stein’s hulking presence around the racetrack made him easy to recognize, be it in early years as a harness racing trainer or later when he switched to thoroughbreds. It was his larger-than-life personality, which he brought to radio listeners every Saturday and Sunday morning for almost three decades, that made him a horse racing institution in Southern California. He died Friday at 65. Stein went off the air on June 25 of last year, his fight with diabetes, neuropathy and other medical issues too much for him to keep going. He had been in poor health for more than a decade and was unable to walk the last three years. On Friday morning, after requesting last week to be taken off all life-prolonging treatments and being sent home, he died surrounded by family, according to his son, Sam Stein. “When he was in the hospital he didn’t like the food, so he always brought a portable refrigerator and we... ...

By Brisnet.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 29, 2019) — There hasn’t been a more welcoming presence on the Del Mar backside during the racetrack’s summer meet in recent years than trainer Art Sherman, and it’s likely to stay that way for 2019. The 82-year-old trainer underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his bladder in March and is currently going through weekly radiation treatments, but said May 28 he’s feeling well and his prognosis is good. “Think they got everything (during the surgery), so if we ride (the radiation treatments) out, I’ll be OK,” Sherman said. Sherman, a California mainstay who reached the top levels of the game with two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome, has to travel to San Diego for his radiation treatments but still makes it out for morning training at his Los Alamitos base four days a week. “I like to be involved, and we’ve got some young horses coming in and getting ready,” Sherman said. “It keeps me occupied. You gotta keep yourself occupied.... ...

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (May 28, 2019) — California stallion Atticus, who sired progeny with earnings of more than $14.5 million, died of natural causes on Tuesday, Barton Thoroughbreds announced. He was 27. The son of Nureyev was a Grade I-winning millionaire on the track who won or placed in six graded races at five different tracks and set the record for one mile of 1:31.89 in the 1997 Arcadia Handicap on the turf. He sired more than 30 stakes performers, including Florida Derby winner High Fly, Group I champion Fantastic Story, California Cup Classic winner Lucky Primo and California Cup Mile winner Bruce’s Dream. ...

From Golden Gate Fields Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (May 27, 2019)- Under the guidance of jockey William Antongeorgi III, 5-year-old gelding Grecian Fire stalked the pace before powering away from his rivals in the $100,000 Grade 3 All American Stakes at Golden Gate Fields on Memorial Day Monday. Grecian Fire held off a late challenge from second place finisher Builder, winning the mile Tapeta contest by a length and a quarter. 2018 Oakland Stakes winner Touched by Autism completed the trifecta. “I was in a good position and [the frontrunners] were going at a good pace,” said Antongeorgi. “When [Touched by Autism] was tiring at the 5/16ths, I was able to go after Gabo’s Macondo [who was in front in upper stretch.] “[Grecian Fire] is really maturing,” continued Antongeorgi. “He was kind of lazy before but now if you put him in the right spot he’ll give you that run.” Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and owned and bred in California by KMN Racing, the son of Unusual Heat improved his lifetime... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 26, 2019)–Versatile on both turf and dirt, California-bred S Y Sky accepted a switch to the main track and rallied resolutely to deny favored Belvoir Bay a repeat victory in Sunday’s Grade III $200,000 Monrovia Stakes at Santa Anita. A 5-year-old Nick Alexander homebred daughter of Grazen, trained by Phil D’Amato and ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, S Y Sky got five furlongs in 57.54. Although she broke like a shot and had the early lead, S Y Sky eased back off the dueling twosome of Belvoir Bay and Lady Suebee heading to the far turn. Leaving the quarter pole, Van Dyke angled off the rail, took dead aim on Belvoir Bay turning for home and blew by her approaching the sixteenth pole in a huge effort. “Phil told me she’s fast, but she can be tactical too,” said Van Dyke. “We broke sharp, but I was able to take her back and she finished really well.” A rousing 3 ½ length winner... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (May 27, 2019) – California-bred Ima Happy Cat opened a long early lead and held off a wall of closers for a one-length victory Monday in the $50,000 Hastings Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Scoring her second Emerald Downs’ stakes win, Ima Happy Cat ran six furlongs in 1:08.73 and paid $10.80, $5.40 and $4.60. Gary Wales rode the winner at 121 lbs for trainer Dan Markle and owners Sue and Tim Spooner of Olympia. She was bred by Dale Mahlum. Breaking from the No. 8 post-position, Ima Happy Cat rocketed to a three-length lead, setting splits of :21.48 and :43.63, and was two lengths clear past mid-stretch. She tired slightly late, but held off Bella Mia, Dontkissntell and Paddy’s Secret to prevail. The victory, worth $25,300, increased Ima Happy Cat’s career earnings to $168,696 including over $100,000 in 2019. Her overall record is 5-4-1 in 14 starts, including a 3-2-0 in five starts this year. Wales, who rode Ima Happy... ...

ALTOONA, Iowa (May 27, 2019) — Chris and Dave, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, won Monday’s $65,000 Jim Rasmussen Memorial Stakes at Prairie Meadows. Chris and Dave has 11 wins in 44 starts and earnings of $486,935. ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.48 and won by a neck at odds of 3-1 in the field of six. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2019)–Last with three sixteenths of a mile to run, California-bred Marckie’s Water steamed home while wide-out to take Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Charles Whittingham Stakes at Santa Anita by three quarters of a length under Tiago Pereira. Trained by Richard Baltas, the 5-year-old full horse by Tribal Rule got a mile and one quarter on turf in 2:00.95. With the Baltas-trained Morse Code heading to the early lead, Tizzarunner, Ashleyluvssugar and Prime Attraction were all in close attendance around the far turn, but Marckie’s Water got the last laugh with an impressive stretch burst. Most recently a half length classified allowance winner going 1 1/8 miles on turf here April 28, Marckie’s Water, who is out of the Stravinsky mare Russian River, was off as the second choice in a field of seven 3-year-olds and up at 2-1 and paid $6.80, $3.80 and $2.60. Marckie’s Water is by Tribal Rule, out of the Stravinsky mare Russian River, was bred by Frank Mermenstein... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2019)–Under patient handling, California-bred Eddie Haskell rallied late to take Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Daytona Stakes by 1 ¾ lengths under Kent Desormeaux. Trained by Mark Glatt, who took the 6-year-old gelding by Square Eddie nine starts back for a $50,000 claiming tag, Eddie Haskell got five furlongs on the Santa Anita turf in 55.49. Breaking from post position three in a field of seven 3-year-olds and up, Eddie Haskell was in the middle of a three-horse scramble for the lead heading into the far turn. At that point, Agapito Delgadillo, aboard What’sontheagenda, who was to the outside of both the winner and Kanthaka, opened up by about 2 ½ lengths leaving the three furlong pole, only to be collared in deep stretch. “After about a hundred yards (out of the gate), I sent ‘Eddie’ to quicken the pace and Agapito came with me, then he finally pushed the button and cleared off, it made it really nice for the mount that... ...

FRESNO, Calif. (May 21, 2019) – Myron Johnson, longtime director of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association who built and ran Rivendell Ranch with his wife, Jane, passed away on Sunday. He was 75. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N. Tielman Avenue, Fresno. https://www.wildrosechapel.com/notices/MyronFletcher-Johnson Johnson joined CTBA in 1979 and served as Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, as well as on the Farm Operations and Legislative Committees. In 1977 the Johnsons built Rivendell Ranch, a mare and foal care farm in Fresno. Johnson was born in Palo Alto. He attended Fowler High School and Fresno State College, graduating with a degree in industrial technology.   He met the love of his life, Jane Ann Firebaugh, and they were married Nov. 13, 1967.   He worked in drafting and design for T.G. Schmeiser Company and Steel Structures Inc. He served in the Naval Reserves in Hawaii. Upon his discharge, he returned to Fresno and continued work with Steel Structures and Modern... ...

By Emeralddowns.com AUBURN, Wash. (May 19, 2019) – State champion as a 2-year-old, Baja Sur, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Smiling Tiger showed Sunday that he might be the dominant 3-year-old at Emerald Downs in 2019. Returning from a 10-month break, Baja Sur stormed to a five-length victory over Runningwscissors in the $50,000 Auburn Stakes for 3-year-old colts or geldings. The winning time—a sterling 1:07.98—broke the stakes record and is the fastest six-furlong clocking of the meet. Blaine Wright is the winning trainer for owners John and Janene Maryanski and Gerald and Gail Schneider. Ridden by Franklin Ceballos at 119 lbs, Baja Sur paid $3.80, $2.40 and $2.20. A Washington-bred gelding by Smiling Tiger-Premo Copy, Baja Sur is now undefeated and virtually untested—winning his three career starts by a combined 20 ¾ lengths. In his two starts at age 2, Baja Sur broke his maiden by 5 ¼ lengths before rolling by 10 ½ lengths in the King County Express. Sunday’s victory, worth $25,300, boosted Baja Sur’s earnings to... ...

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (May 22, 2019) – The Northern California Yearling Sale of 2018 was represented by its first winner on Tuesday when Megan Marie was a 5 ¼-length winner of a maiden special weight race for 2-year-old fillies at Indiana Grand Race Course. The California-bred daughter of Clubhouse Ride is out of the All Thee Power mare Summer Lite, was bred by Victoria Polzin, is owned by Jonathan Nance, Barbara Eakin, Steve Smith and Bart Sherman and is trained by Nance. The $4,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale ran the five furlongs in 1:00.12 and went off at odds of 17-1 in the field of seven. It was her second lifetime start. The 2019 Northern California Yearling Sale will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. ...

TIMONIUM, Md. (May 20, 2019) – A Kentucky-bred colt by California stallion Stay Thirsty sold for $120,000 at Monday’s session of the Fasig-Tipton. The colt is out of the Belong to Me mare Mine All Mine, was consigned by Scanlon Training & Sales, Agent and was purchased by Doug Watson/Oracle Bloodstock, agent. The colt, who was timed in 10.3 in a one-furlong breeze, is a half-brother to 2-year-old Astoria Stakes winner Athens Queen. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 15, 2019)–With stabling accommodations nearly complete, Santa Anita Park is readying for its first-ever Fasig-Tipton 2-year-old in Training Sale here on Wednesday, June 5, at   1 p.m. PT. A total of 169 well-pedigreed juveniles have been catalogued and many are now on the grounds and in training. Two weeks prior to the sale, all horses will be stabled in temporary quarters adjacent to Santa Anita’s seven furlong chute, which provides ready access to those wishing to more closely inspect individual horses. “It’s great to be able to partner with an Industry leader like Fasig-Tipton,” said Tim Ritvo, COO for The Stronach Group. “We’ve enjoyed tremendous success with Fasig-Tipton in Florida and we’re looking forward to building upon that relationship here at Santa Anita. “As everyone knows, our 2-year-olds are the stars of tomorrow–which will be here before we know it.  We’re already getting positive feedback from consignors and horsemen and we’re anxious to welcome everyone that’s coming to buy, sell and participate here... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 15, 2019)—When news of comedian Tim Conway’s passing at the age of 85 became known Tuesday morning, fond memories of the comedic giant were rekindled among the many people in the racing industry whose lives he touched, perhaps none more so than the hundreds of jockeys with whom he interacted and advocated for.      In a Winner’s Circle appearance on the occasion of Santa Anita’s Tim Conway Stakes, for 2-year-olds at six furlongs on Oct. 6, 2012, Conway, who was alongside his son, Tim Jr. and retired Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Delahoussaye, deadpanned, “They (jockeys) used to give me a lot of tips.  None of them ever won. Amazing.”      On the serious side, Conway and his wife Charlene were tireless in their efforts to raise money for disabled riders through the Don MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund, which was co-founded by their close friend, Hall of Fame jockey Chris McCarron, in 1987 and assisted more than 2,000 jockeys over a... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2019)–Breaking from the rail, trainer Tim Yakteen’s Cordiality made an easy lead and proceeded to take eight pursuers on a merry chase en route to registering a 1 ¼ length victory in Sunday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita. Ridden by Joe Talamo, bred by Edward Allred and owned by Donnie Crevier, the 6-year-old California-bred mare by Papa Clem got a flat mile on turf in 1:34.70. “When I got back, I was surprised to see those fast fractions,” said Talamo. “Her ears were up and she was doing it so easy. The plan going in was to sit second, third or fourth, but when nobody went, we inherited the lead by accident. When the four (runner-up Queen Bee to You) came to her, I got a little concerned, but when I asked her turning for home, she kicked on and was very impressive.” Most recently fifth, beaten seven lengths in the Grade II Royal Heroine Stakes at one mile on... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity Trainer Don Warren, a hard-working fixture in California for almost half a century, died at his Laguna Woods home in Orange County early Thursday morning. He was 67 and had been in ill health since a failed back surgery. “He had been taking pain medication for a degenerative back disease, which caused his kidneys to shut down,” said his sister, Rhonda Schiewe, wife of former trainer Paul Schiewe. “He had other health issues, too. “He was one of the finest horsemen I ever knew, and I’m not saying that because he was my brother. He started in racing when he was 18 or 19.” Warren was named the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Trainer of the Year in 2011. The oldest of 10 children, Warren’s best horse was Acclimation, who won the 2011 Pacific Classic en route to capturing an Eclipse Award that year as outstanding older male. A son of the late Unusual Heat, Acclamation had career earnings of $1,958,048, entered stud in 2013 and stands... ...

From Fasig-Tipton ARCADIA, Calif. (May 2, 2019) — Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 169 entries for its inaugural Santa Anita Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale to be held on Wednesday, June 5 in Arcadia, California.  The sale, which will be conducted in Santa Anita Park’’s historic walking ring, will begin at 1 pm PDT.  The undertack show will take place on Monday, June 3, and begin at 10 am PDT. “Fasig-Tipton is excited to be returning to California, and we have been pleased with the support for our inaugural two-year-old sale at Santa Anita,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning.  The catalogue features large groups of California-breds and Kentucky-breds. “There is a good mix of quality and sire power – both nationally, and from California – being offered by prominent consignors from coast-to coast,” added Fasig-Tipton California Representative Mike Machowsky.  “The auction’s June sale date also gives buyers the convenience of sending their purchases straight to the racetrack from the sale to be readied for summer debuts.” The catalogue may now be viewed online... ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Apr. 28, 2019) — Rancho San Miguel stallion Typhoon Slew has sired his first career winner when Master Juba won on Saturday at Santa Anita by over five lengths.  Master Juba, from the first crop of Typhoon Slew, is only his sire’s second runner; Master Juba has started twice and has earned $19,551. The 3-year-old gelding was bred by Woodstock Racing Stable and is owned by Woodstock Racing Stable and Jim Syren. Master Juba was produced from the Bertrando broodmare Promenade. Typhoon Slew was a maiden special winner at two and placed in the Grade 3 With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga as a juvenile. Additionally, he finished fourth in the Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (Gr. 1) that same season. Typhoon Slew is by Champion Sire Stormy Atlantic out of the multiple stakes producing Hepatica (Slewpy) and is standing at Rancho San Miguel for $1,000 live foal. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 28, 2019) – Irish Heatwave won Sunday’s $100,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds in a blanket finish at Golden Gate. Irish Heatwave is by Unusual Heat, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. & Neary Racing, is owned by Calumet Farm and trained by J.K. Desormeaux. He ran the mile on turf in 1:36.60 and won by a nose over Our Silver Oak at odds of 5-2, with Lieutenant Dan another nose back in the field of 10. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 28, 2019) – Kitty Boom Boom won Sunday’s $100,000 Campanile Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Kitty Boom Boom is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Richard Baltas. She ran the mile on turf in 1:36.81 and won by four lengths at odds of 4-1. Hollywood Hills was second and Apache Princess third in the field of 10. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 27, 2019) – Odd-son favorite S Y Sky rallied four wide and pulled away to a 3 ½-length win in Saturday’s $76,200 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. S Y Sky is a California-bred by Grazen, out of the Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She ran the five furlongs on turf in :56.48. Fellow California-breds Ima Happy Cat was second and Claudia Mae was third in the field of nine ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 27, 2019)–A newcomer to stakes company, The Hunted got a perfect stalking trip under Tiago Pereira and accelerated powerfully turning for home to take Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes by one length. Trained by Richard Baltas, the 4-year-old California-bred gelding by Unusual Heat got a flat mile on turf in 1:35.07. Named for the winner of both the 1977 Santa Anita Handicap and Hollywood Gold Cup, the Crystal Water, for 3-year-olds and up, is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, sponsored by the CTBA, and is for California-bred or sired runners. Ridden for the first time by Pereira, The Hunted, who broke from the far outside, saved ground while a close fourth into the Club House turn and was fourth, about 2 ½ lengths off of pacesetter Tule Fog heading into the far turn. Approaching the quarter pole, Pereira stepped on the gas and The Hunted wheeled three-deep turning for home en route to an impressive win. “I worked him the other... ...

OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 24, 2019) – A California-bred daughter of Jimmy Creed sold for $130,000 at Wednesday’s session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sale Spring Sale of 2-Year-olds. The filly is out of the Ghostzapper mare Seeking the Ghost, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and Robert Traynor, was purchased by Stetson Racing and was consigned by Niall Brennan Stables, Agent. She is from the family of multiple Grade I winner Pomeroy. ...

OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 24, 2019) – A California-bred daughter of Bayern sold for $400,000 at Wednesday’s session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sale Spring 2-Year-Old sale. The filly is out of the Storm Cat mare Queenie Cat, was bred by Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, Inc., consigned by Harris Training Center, Agent, and purchased by Ben McElroy, agent, for KSI. The filly was clocked in :09 4/5 seconds in a one-furlong breeze. She is from the family of the 2-year-old champion Vindication. ...

OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 23, 2019) – A California-bred daughter of California stallion Lakerville, and graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale, tied for the fastest one-furlong breeze at the Ocala Breeders’ Sale April 2-Year-Old Sale. Hip 1168, named Takes a Village, was one of nine timed in :09 4/5. The filly will go through the ring in Friday’s session. She is out of the High Brite mare Don’t Despair, was bred by Harris Farms and is consigned by TIP Thoroughbred Investment Possibilities, Agent. She sold at the Northern California Yearling Sale for $15,500 to Springdale Farms. ...

From Laurel Park Publicity LAUREL, Md. (Apr. 20, 2019) – Impressive as he had been in putting together a five-race win streak, four of them in stakes, Runnymede Racing’s Alwaysmining took it to another level with an11 ½-length romp in Saturday’s $125,000 Xpressbet Federico Tesio at Laurel Park, punching his ticket to the 144th Preakness Stakes (G1). The 38th running of the Tesio for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles highlighted an 11-race Spring Stakes Spectacular program of seven stakes worth $750,000 in purses. For the fourth straight year, the Tesio served as a ‘Win and In’ event for Triple Crown-nominated horses to the Preakness, the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown, May 18 at legendary Pimlico Race Course. “As long as we come back ok, that’s our goal,” winning trainer Kelly Rubley said. Tested in the early stages for the first time during his streak, now at six straight, the son of California stallion Stay Thirsty settled in third down the backstretch and met no resistance sweeping to the lead... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Dual American classic winner and repatriated sire I’ll Have Another  was represented by his first black-type winner and first graded stakes winner April 14 when his gelded son Another Truth won the Antares Stakes (G3) at Hanshin Racecourse. Another Truth was bred in Japan by Makio Okada’s Okada Stud and is raced by Normandy Thoroughbred Racing. Okada is the brother of Shigeyuki Okada, who owns Big Red Farm, where I’ll Have Another entered stud in 2013.  Though the Antares was Another Truth’s second start in a recognized black-type stakes, the gelding has made seven other starts in non-black-type stakes, of which he won two—the Ibaraki Shimbun Hai Stakes in September and the Jan. 20 Alexandrite Stakes, both races at Nakayama Racecourse. Another Truth’s first black-type test came March 14 in the 1 3/16-mile Nagoya Daishoten Stakes, where he finished third. The 5-year-old cut back to 1 1/8 miles in the Antares and won by half a length in 1:50.8. The Hanshin victory was Another Truth’s sixth win out... ...

By Bloodhorse.com HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Apr. 10, 2019) — The Coolmore partnership of John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith purchased an interest in California-bred graded-placed, multiple stakes winner Galilean from West Point Thoroughbreds and partners ahead of the April 13 Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park. Galilean is a son of Uncle Mo , who led his sire class from its first-crop year through its third-crop year and stands at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky. Bred in California by Bar C Racing Stables, Galilean is out of the El Prado daughter Fresia, who is out of the family of sires Smart Strike, Scatter the Gold, and Speightster . “We are immensely gratified to have Coolmore join us in the ownership of Galilean as he looks to lock down a spot in the Kentucky Derby,” said West Point CEO Terry Finley. West Point, Denise Barker, and William Sandbrook bought Galilean for a sale-topping $600,000 at the Barretts Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale in 2018. He has scored three stakes wins in five... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 6, 2019)–Nick Alexander’s homebred Lieutenant Dan, who was head and head for the lead into and around the far turn, emerged with a one length advantage a furlong out en route to a 2 ¼ length score under Geovanni Franco in Saturday’s $200,000 Echo Eddie Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Steve Miyadi, the 3-year-old gelding by Grazen got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.46. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Echo Eddie, for 3-year-olds, is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses. “He’s still a work in progress,” said Miyadi, who sent him north to Golden Gate Fields for four length allowance win going 5 ½ furlongs on March 23. “His last race at Golden Gate helped him, no question. He’s still slow to change leads, not in the morning, but in the afternoon, we’ve got some work to do. I was very happy to get Geo (Franco) back on him. We go way back together to Golden Gate.”... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 6, 2019) — A trip from her Southern California base paid dividends April 6 for Spiced Perfection as she prevailed in a stretch duel to win the $300,000 Madison Stakes (G1) by a neck over a game Amy’s Challenge at Keeneland. Pantofel Stable, Wachtel Stable, and Peter Deutsch’s Spiced Perfection also won the La Brea Stakes (G1) Dec. 26 at Santa Anita Park, which, like the Madison was contested at seven furlongs. Winning trainer Peter Miller is thrilled with the 4-year-old Smiling Tiger  filly, who entered off a close runner-up finish in the Barbara Fritchie Stakes (G3) Feb. 16 at Laurel Park. Bred by Premier Thoroughbreds out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Perfect Feat, Spiced Perfection was purchased by Michael Faber’s Dare to Dream from Checkmate Thoroughbreds’ consignment to the Barretts March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale in 2017. Before the Barbara Fritchie, she was sold privately to her current owners. “To win for these owners with this filly, it means a lot to me, and... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 6, 2019)–Ridden confidently by Drayden Van Dyke, heavily favored Sneaking Out romped to an emphatic 2 ½ length win in Saturday’s $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes. Owned and bred by KMN Racing, the California-bred 3-year-old daughter of Indian Evening got 6 ½ furlongs geared down in 1:18.07. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Evening Jewel Stakes is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses. Breaking from post position six in a field of nine sophomores fillies, Sneaking Out made the lead out of the gate, but was soon content to sit a measured third, just off of Violette Szabo and Naughty Tiger heading to the five furlong pole. Around the turn, it was obvious Van Dyke had the leaders measured and with a sweeping move, took command while three-deep at the quarter pole. A sharp 2 ½ length first condition allowance winner going 5 ½ furlongs at Golden Gate Fields March 22, Sneaking Out was off at 1-2 and paid... ...

By Bloodhorse.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Apr. 6, 2019) There may have been some debate about where Mind Control was headed, but the final decision proved to be a winning one. Owned by Red Oak Stable and Madakat Stables, the grade 1-winning son of California stallion Stay Thirsty  had been touted as a candidate for the two-turn Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets (G2) or the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes (G3) as a springboard to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). But at the urging of Red Oak’s racing manager, Rick Sacco, Mind Control was kept at a sprint distance and responded with a 1 1/4-length victory in the seven-furlong, $250,000 Bay Shore Stakes (G3), the first of five graded stakes on the April 6 card at Aqueduct Racetrack. “We’re overwhelmed with his performance,” trainer Greg Sacco said. “He ran the way he trained. … The one word to describe him is genuine.” In beating Three Chimneys Farm’s Much Better, the 6-5 favorite, Mind Control confirmed his status as... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 31, 2019)–Under a powerful hand ride from Joel Rosario, Gypsy Blu rallied late to take Sunday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes by a half-length. Trained by Mark Glatt, the 5-year-old California-bred mare by Papa Clem got 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12.59. Unbeaten in her last two starts, both of them down the hill coming into today, Gypsy Blue had two horses beat leaving the half mile pole, but was on the move at the dirt crossing and looked a winner from the top of the lane home. Although Rosario was forced to miss several earlier mounts due to travel obstacles returning from Dubai, he was on time in every respect for today’s O’Brien, as Gypsy Blu was off as the 3-1 second choice in a field of 11 California-bred or sired fillies and mares and paid $8.40, $3.40 and $3.00. Owned by Philip Wood and Jim Hailey, Gypsy Blu is out of the In Excess mare Salty Fries.... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 31, 2019)–With a cascade of late money stamping him the 6-5 post time favorite, Nick Alexander’s homebred Pee Wee Reese set sizzling fractions en route to powerful 1 ¼ length win in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes at Santa Anita. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke and trained by Phil D’Amato, Pee Wee Reese, named for the late Dodger Hall of Fame shortstop, got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:10.84, which was just 11/100’s of a second off the track record. Breaking from the far outside, “Pee Wee” shot to the early lead and although longshot Minister of Soul tried to pressure him early, he left his primary rival, Eddie Haskell in his wake at the dirt crossing turning for home in registering his third stakes win while remaining unbeaten in three hillside assignments. “He’s a cool horse,” said Alexander, who is known to millions of Southern California radio listeners as the owner of Nick Alexander Imports, who’s slogan is “Nick can’t say no.” “He’s... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 31, 2019) — Coal Front , a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, rallied sharply in deep stretch to catch frontrunning defending champion Heavy Metal and win the $1.5 million Godolphin Mile Sponsored by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum City—District One (G2) by three-quarters of a length March 30 at Meydan. Coal Front, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Jose Ortiz—in his first Dubai World Cup Day race—waited well back of the early battle between Heavy Metal and the international favorite, Muntazah. Heavy Metal began to edge clear as the field hit the Meydan Racecourse stretch. Ortiz, however, had kept Coal Front wide of the leaders and in the clear and was in full flight 200 meters from home, closing ground on the tiring, 9-year-old leader. He hit the lead five strides short of the wire in the one-turn, 1,600-meter (about one-mile) test and finished in 1:36.51. “He’s a frontrunner,” Ortiz said. “Being where I was, I didn’t want to put him behind horses... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 29, 2019) — Racing is scheduled to resume at Santa Anita Park March 29 following a California Horse Racing Board meeting Thursday, during which the California Horse Racing Board passed several motions that facilitated the agreement between The Stronach Group, which owns and operates Santa Anita, and the Thoroughbred Owners of California. That agreement—reached in the wake of the closure of the track due to 22 equine fatalities since the current meet opened Dec. 26—sets in place new house rules enacted by TSG. The house rules initially would have banned all race-day medications, but the TSG/TOC agreement compromised on Lasix, reducing permitted levels from 10 ccs to 5 ccs. Lasix is the only race-day medication permitted in the state of California. The house rules will also apply to Stronach-owned Golden Gate Fields. The CHRB’s approval of the TSG/TOC agreement regarding Lasix was done under Rule 1580, Racing Secretary to Establish Conditions, and applies only to the current meetings at Santa Anita and Golden Gate. It thus... ...

AUBURN, Calif. (Mar. 19, 2019) – Bob Fox, longtime legislative analyst for the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, has died. He was 77. Fox represented the CTBA in Sacramento, working for the passage of legislation supporting the Thoroughbred breeding industry in the state. Fox also worked closely and continuously with the California Cattlemen’s Association, the Farm Bureau, the California Veterinary Medical Association, the American Quarter Horse Association, the Friends of Rodeo, and other western and rodeo related organizations. Fox was born in Half Moon Bay and graduated in 1964 from California State University, Humboldt, with a Bachelor of Science degree. After working for the state of California for 26 years, Fox joined a Sacramento lobbying firm. He opened Robert Fox Government Relations in 1998. He was a member of the Placer County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit. Fox is survived by his wife Norma, daughter Kelly, son Donald and brothers Mike and Jim. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2019) – Cal-bred Extravaganza Day will be held at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday, April 28. The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association will host a hospitality area with a meet-and-greet with the CTBA Board of Directors. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available. For entrance show a CTBA member Track Pass. The racing card that day will feature a pair of one-mile turf stakes for Golden State Series eligible – the $100,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for 3-year-olds and the $100,000 Campanile Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. ...

From Thoroughbred Information Agency ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 15, 2019) — Neal and Pam Christopherson of Oregon-based Bar C Racing Stables are being presented today with the 2019 California Diamond Award in recognition for breeding the leading California-bred 2-year-old earner of 2018 sold at public auction: the multiple stakes-winning, 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1) hopeful Galilean. Produced by the El Prado (Ire) mare Fresia and foaled at Harris Farms in California, the Uncle Mo colt led all California-bred 2-year-old auction graduates last year with earnings of $151,000. A $60,000 purchase by Quarter Pole Enterprises from the Bar C Racing Stables consignment at the 2017 Barretts August Select Yearling Sale at Del Mar, Galilean was sent from California to Eddie Woods Training Center in Florida for early conditioning and subsequently re-sold by Woods to West Point Thoroughbreds back in his home state for a sale-topping $600,000 at the 2018 Barretts Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Campaigned by West Point in partnership with Denise Barker and William Sandbrook, Galilean made his winning debut for... ...

What has happened at Santa Anita over the last few weeks is beyond heartbreaking. It is unacceptable to the public and, as people who deeply love horses, to everyone at The Stronach Group and Santa Anita. The sport of horse racing is the last great sporting legacy platform to be modernized. If we expect our sport to grow for future generations, we must raise our standards. Today, I’m announcing The Stronach Group will take the unprecedented step of declaring a zero tolerance for race day medication at Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields. These Thoroughbred racetracks will be the first in North America to follow the strict International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) standards. We have arrived at a watershed moment. The Stronach Group has long been a strong advocate for the abolishment of race-day medication, but we will wait no longer for the industry to come together as one to institute these changes. Nor will we wait for the legislation required to undertake this paradigm shift. We are... ...

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Mar. 11, 2019) – Mind Control, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, earned 20 points toward qualifying for the Kentucky Derby by finishing second in Saturday’s $300,000 Gotham Stakes for 3-year-olds at Aqueduct. Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables’ Grade 1-winner, trained by Gregory Sacco, earlier won 10 Kentucky Derby points by winning the Jerome New Year’s Day. He is tied for fifth in the Kentucky Derby points standings with Game Winner. Mind Control won the Grade 1 Hopeful as a 2-year-old and is being pointed to the $750,000 Grade I Wood Memorial on Saturday, April 6, at Aqueduct. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 3, 2019)–In one of the most intense stretch battles of the Winter Meet, Edwards Going Left prevailed by a half length over King Abner in Sunday’s $100,000 Tiznow Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Trained by John Sadler and ridden by Joel Rosario, Edwards Going Left, a 5-year-old California-bred gelding by Midnight Lute, got a flat mile over a main track listed as “good” in 1:35.81. Although he broke a bit tardily, Edwards Going Left overcame some early crowding to find the rail around the Club House turn and then vied for the early lead with King Abner and Tyler Baze, as “Ed” enjoyed a half length advantage three furlongs from home. Mid-way on the far turn, Baze turned up the heat, and with Edwards Going Left at the rail, the two of them raced head and head to the wire from the five sixteenths pole. “He broke a little slow, so I was having to use him a little... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 1, 2019) – Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced bipartisan tax and disaster relief legislation on Thursday, February 28, that includes three-year depreciation for racehorses. Under the proposed package, three-year racehorse depreciation would be retroactive for 2018, continue through 2019 and grant taxpayers the option to depreciate all racehorses over a three-year period.  Three-year racehorse depreciation was most recently available to the industry in 2017 but Congress did not renew it for 2018 as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed in December 2017. The TCJA did include 100% bonus depreciation and a $1 million Sec. 179 expense allowance for qualified depreciable property, two important investment incentives that lessened the need for three-year depreciation in many cases. However, three-year depreciation continues to be a beneficial option for many racehorse owners, especially racing partnerships with multiple passive owners, as it better aligns deductions with corresponding income opportunities on an annual basis.  The NTRA federal legislative... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2019) – Grade I winner Spiced Perfection was named the 2018 California-bred Horse of the Year at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at the Sheraton San Gabriel on Monday, Feb. 25. Spiced Perfection is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Perfect Feat, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Dare To Dream Stable and trained by Peter Miller. In 2018 she had four wins in eight starts, earnings of $455,125 and won the Grade I La Brea Stakes, as well as the Betty Grable and Evening Jewel Stakes. The other champions presented at the dinner: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Square Eddie, property of Reddam Racing LLC. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number of Winners – Lucky Pulpit, property of Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings – Square Eddie, property of Reddam Racing LLC. Champion Sire of California Conceived Two-Year-Olds by Earnings... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2019)–Favored by a mere $104.00, Terry Lovingier’s homebred Show It N Moe It relinquished command a quarter mile out but re-rallied late to take Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes by three quarters of a length under Rafael Bejarano.  Trained by Gary Sherlock, the 4-year-old California bred daughter of Grace Upon Grace got six furlongs in 1:10.18. The Spring Fever is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA. Breaking from the rail, Show It N Moe It broke like a shot and was immediately engaged by Coco Kisses to her outside as S Y Sky, the narrow second choice in the wagering, sat a stalking third.  However, heading into the far turn, Show It N Moe It was getting out noticeably and Joe Talamo, aboard S Y Sky, moved to the rail and gained a narrow advantage, only to be tagged in the final 40 yards by the winner. “I’ve been doing this for 40 years and... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2019)–In what figures to be his final start versus state-bred completion for the foreseeable future, heavily favored Galilean made short work of four rivals as he waltzed to a 4 ½ length win in Monday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby at Santa Anita. Ridden by Flavien Prat and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, the imposing son of Uncle Mo got 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.43. Also won by 2014 Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome, the Cal Cup Derby is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses. A reserved third, about a length and a half off of early pacesetter Loud Mouth around the Club House turn, Galilean, who fetched $600,000 at the Barretts April 2-year-old in Training sale, took undisputed command while three-wide a quarter mile from home and won like a colt with the Kentucky Derby on his mind. A nine length winner of the one mile King Glorious Stakes at Los... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2019)–Dismissed at odds of 10-1, George Krikorian’s homebred Mucho Unusual went to the front and never looked back in Monday’s $200,000 California Cup Oaks at Santa Anita, as she breezed by three lengths under Joel Rosario. Trained by Tim Yakteen, the California-bred daughter of Mucho Macho Man, out of the Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, got one mile over a “good” turf in 1:36.92. The Cal Cup Oaks, for 3-year-old fillies bred or sired in California, is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA. In her first start on turf and around two turns, Mucho Unusual made an easy lead, getting the opening quarter mile in 24.14 and dictated terms to the far turn, whereupon she unleashed an eye catching turn of foot, opening up on her competition turning for home in an impressive burst. Most recently fourth as the 3-5 favorite in a Cal-bred allowance going 6 ½ furlongs here on Jan. 27, Mucho Unusual... ...

LAUREL, Md. (Feb. 16, 2019) — Runnymede Racing LLC’s Alwaysmining, a son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, won his fourth consecutive race and third consecutive stakes with a 4 1/4-length victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Miracle Wood presented by Blackwell Real Estate at Laurel Park. A 3-year-old gelded son of Stay Thirsty, trained by Kelly Rubley and ridden by Daniel Centeno, Alwaysmining covered the mile in 1:35.27. Gray Magician, who shipped from California, finished second by a nose over Tybalt. Alwaysmining, a Maryland-bred coming into the Miracle Wood off a victory Dec. 29 in the Heft at Laurel, went to the front under Centeno and cruised through surprisingly mild fractions of :24.23 and :47.51 while Wendell Fong and Gray Magician chased the leader. Entering the stretch, Centeno asked Alwaysmining and the colt responded by opening up to a clear advantage. We went to the lead and made an easy lead all the way to the wire,” Centeno said. “I thought it was brilliant, Rubley said. “We got to go :24 for... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2019) – – Clubhouse Ride sired his first winner when Moon House graduated from the maiden ranks by taking a maiden special one mile race at Golden Gate Fields. Moon House, tracking a slow pace, made a five wide steady move to win going away by a length on the Tapeta surface. Produced from the Shergar’s Best broodmare Anasazi Mud, Moon House was bred by Frank E. Edmunds and is owned by Frank and Jeff Edmunds. Moon House has now earned $43,261. Clubhouse Ride stands for $2,500 live foal. He was a graded stakes performer from ages two through five who earned $1,341,132. He won or placed in the Californian S. (G2) twice, Santa Anita H. (G1), the Santa Anita Gold Cup (G1), Cash Call Futurity (G1), Charles Town Classic S. (G2), San Antonio S. (G2), and Daytona S. (G3). He earned eight triple digit Beyers numbers in his career. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2019) – The $100,000 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies last Sunday will be recognized as a Grade 3 race even though the surface was switched from turf to dirt because of wet conditions, the American Graded Stakes Committee announced on Thursday, according to the Daily Racing Form. Apache Princess, bred by owner KMN Racing, is a 3 year old California-bred daughter of Unusual Heat and becomes his 16th Graded-Group stakes winner and 36th graded stakes horse. He now has 57 stakes winners, 47 blacktype.   ...

By Bloodhorse.com CLEMENTS, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2019) — Multiple grade 1-placed winner Straight Fire was represented by his first reported foal when a colt out of It’s High Time was born Jan. 20 at Legacy Ranch in California. Bred by Straight Fire LLC, the colt is the first foal produced by It’s High Time, a black-type winner by Gone Astray  who earned more than $234,000 racing from 2-4. The mare is the best runner to date from the winning Proud Accolade daughter My Rolex, who has produced two winners from as many to race. My Rolex is a half sister to grade 1 winner Black Seventeen (by Is It True).  Straight Fire, bred by Spendthrift Farm, was sold as a yearling by Vinery at the 2015 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Sale for $250,000 to Solis & Litt Bloodstock as agent. The colt was raced by Jim Rome’s Jungle Racing; Larry, Nanci and Jaime Roth’s LNJ Foxwoods; Kim and Kevin Nish’s KMN Racing; Jeff Davenport; and, Andrew Molasky. The son of Dominus ... ...

By Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2019)–A California-bred daughter of Unusual Heat, KMN Racing’s homebred Apache Princess relished a change in surface from Santa Anita’s hillside turf course to 6 ½ furlongs on a sloppy main track as she rallied up the rail to take the $100,000 Sweet Life Stakes by 3 ¼ lengths. Trained by Keith Desormeaux and ridden by his Hall of Fame brother Kent, Apache Princess got the distance in 1:16.82 despite the fact Kent dropped his stick inside the furlong pole. “That’s embarrassing, but (it’s) the second time I’ve done that with her and she’s won the race for me,” said Kent. “She proves that she doesn’t need it, she just needs encouragement with my mouth. If I kiss at her, shake the reins at her, throw crosses and she continues…” A maiden winner down the hillside turf two starts back and a 3 ½ length allowance winner over the hillside course on Jan. 21, Apache Princess was off as the 6-5 favorite in... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 9, 2019) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul drew clear for a 3 ¼-length win in Saturday’s $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup at Turf Paradise. The 5-year-old gelding is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has six wins in 11 starts, earnings of $128,203 and was coming off a win in the Jan. 19 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes. He ran the six furlongs in 1:08.41 and went off as the 9-5 second choice. ...

WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2019) — Graded stakes winner Great Stuff has been retired and will stand the 2019 breeding season at Lovacres Ranch for a $5,000 fee, stands and nurses. Great Stuff is the only son of Quality to Road to stand in California. Quality Road was the No. 1 sire by Grade I winners in 2018. Great Stuff, out of the Hennessy mare Sumptuous, ran a 102 Beyer Speed Figure in winning last year’s Grade III Toboggan at Aqueduct. He was third in the Grade I Carter and Grade III Tom Fool, finishing his career with earnings of $478,902. ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 4, 2019) — Grade 2 winner Cheekaboo lit up the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale bid board when she was purchased by K R Japan for $300,000. She was the first horse to achieve six figures during the two-day auction’s first session Feb. 4. The 6-year-old mare (Hip 57) was offered as a broodmare prospect by Small Batch Sales, agent. A chestnut daughter of top California sire Unusual Heat trained by Peter Eurton for Ciaglia Racing, Burns Racing, and Sharon Alesia, Cheekaboo won or placed in 13 of 24 starts and earned $371,995. She won two stakes as a 3-year-old, including the Honeymoon Stakes (G2T), with three stakes placings. Overall, the mare placed in stakes on five occasions. In addition to being a grade 2 winner, Cheekaboo descends from a quality female family that includes grade 1 winners Miss Josh and Royal Mountain Inn, among other black-type winners. She was bred in California by Madeline Auerbach, Richard Rosenberg, and Barry Abrams. ...

DUBAI, U.A.E. (Jan. 29, 2019) – Three California-breds have been nominated for the Dubai World Cup card, to be run on March 30 at Meydan Racecourse, including Richard’s Boy, who has competed in the event the previous two years. Edwards Going Left has been nominated to the $2.5 million Group I Dubai Golden Shaheen and the $1.5 million Godolphin Mile. He is by Midnight Lute, out of the Broken Vow mare Dypsy, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn & Vaya Con Suerte, is owned by Hronis Racing and trained by John Sadler. He has seven wins in 17 starts, has earnings of $511,390 and finished third in Saturday’s $150,000 California Cup Donald Valpredo Sprint. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Touched by Autism has also been nominated to the Dubai Golden Shaheen and Godolphin Mile. He is by Sierra Sunset, out of the Beau Genius mare Beau’s Gem, was bred by George & Mary Clare Schmitt, is owned by Johnny Toboada and is trained by Marcia Stortz. The $2,700 purchase at... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Two reported foals by Shaman Ghost, a filly and a colt, arrived in late January, the first at Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and the second at Woodbridge Farm. Joanne Batchelor said that the Batchelor Family Trust’s Daddy’s Duo foaled a Shaman Ghost filly at Tommy Town Jan. 19. Daddy’s Duo is a winning daughter of Scat Daddy—Marque Gal, by Sir Cat. The Shaman Ghost colt arrived Jan. 26 at Woodbridge and is out of BKB Stables’ Chrome Princess. A daughter of Munnings, Chrome Princess is from the family of multiple black-type producer Purity. Shaman Ghost, an Adena Springs homebred, won the Queen’s Plate Stakes and then added the Woodward Stakes (G1), Santa Anita Handicap Presented by San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino (G1), and three other graded stakes. The son of Ghostzapper—Getback Time, by Gilded Time, was runner-up in the inaugural Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) and was third in the Clark Handicap (G1). He earned a total of $3,859,311. In 2018, Shaman Ghost stood in California at... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2019)–In his second start off a lengthy layoff, owner/trainer William Morey’s Rye saved every inch of ground under Kent Desormeaux as he successfully defended his title in Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic. A 6-year-old full horse by English Channel, out of the Unusual Heat mare Phi Beta Heat, Rye got a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:47.56. One of four Saturday stakes restricted to horses bred or sired in California, the Unusual Heat Turf Classic is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA. Breaking from post position three in a field of nine older horses, Rye had three horses beat around the Club House turn and appeared comfortable as he maintained a stalking position into the far turn under a long hold from Desormeaux. A quarter mile out, it appeared Rye would go for an opening three off the fence, just to the outside of Accountability and Joe Talamo, but Desormeaux instead dove... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2019)–Favored in six out of her seven lifetime starts but not today, Nick Alexander’s homebred S Y Sky posted an authoritative half-length win as she led throughout in taking Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. Ridden by Joe Talamo and trained by Phil D’Amato (who picked up his fourth win on the day), the 5-year-old mare by Grazen, out of Alexander’s Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni, got 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:12.86. One of four stakes on Saturday restricted to horses bred or sired in California, the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA. Breaking from post six in a field of eight, S Y Sky shot to the lead and was pressured down the hill by eventual runner-up Queen Bee to You, who never threw in the towel. Second as the 3-5 favorite in a state-bred... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2019)—Deftly handled by Tiago Pereira, Touching Rainbows closed a four length gap with a quarter mile to run and overhauled pacesetting Richard’s Boy to win Saturday’s $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint by 1 ¼ lengths at Santa Anita.  Trained by Phil D’Amato, the 6-year-old gelding by Aragorn got six furlongs in 1:09.88.                     One of four stakes on Saturday restricted to horses owned or bred in California, the Cal Cup Sprint is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA.                     With Richard’s Boy blasting off to a commanding 2 ½ length lead after the first half mile, Pereira was content to bide his time aboard Touching Rainbows, who sat a close third, just to the outside of well fancied Heck Yeah going into the far turn.  With a roughly two length margin to overcome a furlong out,... ...

By Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2019)—Attentive to the pace throughout, Reddam Racing’s homebred Listing rallied four-wide turning for home en route to a measured half length win in Saturday’s $100,000 California Cup Turf Sprint Stakes at Santa Anita.  Trained by Ben Cecil, the 3-year-old colt by Square Eddie got 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:12.86.                     One of four races restricted to California-bred or sired horses on the Saturday program, the Turf Sprint is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA.                     Breaking sharply from post position five in a field six, Listing went straight to the front out of the gate, but was soon a comfortable fourth, about 1 ½ lengths off the lead after the first quarter mile and rallied strongly when called upon at the dirt crossing.                    “It was a bit closer than I hoped,... ...

By California Thoroughbred Fasig-Tipton, whose history in California dates back to the time Humphrey S. Finney and the company conducted the first Louis B. Mayer dispersal in 1947, is partnering with Santa Anita on sales in California. First up will be a June 5 auction of 2-year-olds in training, followed by a Sept. 25 yearling sale, both to be held in Santa Anita’s picturesque walking ring. Boyd Browning, president and chief executive officer of Fasig-Tipton, recently talked to California Thoroughbred about the company’s California plans, including the fulltime hire of trainer Mike Machowsky as its California representative. Question: How did the partnership between Fasig-Tipton and Santa Anita come about after the discontinuation of Barretts? Answer: Fasig-Tipton has had a long relationship and history of doing Thoroughbred auctions in California. As a national sales company, we’ve always watched with interest the California marketplace. It’s a vital portion of our racing and Thoroughbred industry. It’s one of the lynchpins in North American racing and the sales world. I’ve been a believer in... ...

From NYRA Publicity OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 19, 2019) — Gary Barber’s California-bred Solid Wager lived up to his name with a last-to-first rush to capture the 126th running of the Grade 3, $100,000 Toboggan at odds of 5-1 on Saturday at Aqueduct Racetrack. The 8-year-old Birdonthewire gelding, previously conditioned by Peter Miller, shipped in from California and made a tremendous Big A debut for new trainer Chris Englehart. Leaving from the outside post in a compact field of five under Jose Lezcano, Solid Wager settled at the back of the pack in the seven-furlong sprint for 4-year-olds and upward as Skyler’s Scramjet, being stalked by Colonel Sharp and Gold for the King, marked the opening quarter-mile in 22.75 seconds on the fast main track. Skyler’s Scramjet, who captured the Grade 3 Tom Fool here last year, maintained his lead into the turn through a half-mile in 45.81 as Gold for the King, the 3-2 mutuel favorite, loomed large in the three-path with Bal Harbour looking for a rail run.... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2019) — The announcement that trainer Mike Machowsky would head up Fasig-Tipton’s California initiative was the next step in North America’s oldest sales company’s effort to establish itself in The Golden State. A veteran trainer, Machowsky is giving up his public stable to join Fasig-Tipton in what the company hopes is a lasting endeavor in Southern California. Fasig-Tipton conducted sales in California on behalf of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, but it has been out of the marketplace there since 1984. Founded in 1898, Fasig-Tipton conducts auctions at its Kentucky headquarters as well as in Florida, New York, and Maryland. “A bunch of us have known Mike for a long time, and he’s known us for a long time,” Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning Jr. said of Machowsky. “As we sorted through and looked at what we really needed in California, we thought a guy like Mike would be a great fit and had discussions with him. Character is the most important thing we’re looking for in... ...

Sales Results: https://ctba.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Results.pdf By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2019) — Bidding by phone from Gulfstream Park, trainer Bob Hess Jr. purchased a 2-year-old, California-bred son of Merit Man for $60,000. It was the highest price at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Mixed Sale, held on a rainy Jan. 16 in Pomona, Calif. The CTBA stepped in to pinch hit with the January Mixed Sale, formerly conducted by Barretts, which ceased operation at the end of 2018. Two-year-olds made up the biggest part of the 151-hip catalog, which also included broodmares, yearlings, and a few supplemental entries.   Hess was excited to get the sale-topper—consigned as Hip 110—because he trained Merit Man to three stakes wins and a third in the 2013 Besilu Stables Florida Derby (G1) behind eventual Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) winner Orb . The trainer said he would likely put together a partnership of several of his regular clients.  Hess also bought a 2-year-old, Cal-bred filly by Merit Man (Hip 138) for $30,000. Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch consigned... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2019) — Fasig-Tipton has named trainer Mike Machowsky to be the company’s full-time California representative, effective mid-February. Machowsky will no longer operate his public stable as he begins his new role, which will principally consist of promoting Fasig-Tipton’s auctions at Santa Anita Park, which will commence this year. “As we organize our California division, we are pleased to have an individual of Mike’s experience and expertise to represent us year-round on the West Coast,” said Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning. “Mike has worked in the California Thoroughbred industry his entire life, including nearly 30 years as a grade 1-winning trainer. His knowledge of California’s owners, trainers, and breeders should prove valuable as we begin to put together our auctions at Santa Anita.” In addition to recruiting buyers and sellers to Fasig-Tipton’s June 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale and Fall Yearling Sale at Santa Anita, Machowsky will promote overall awareness of the Fasig-Tipton brand, and serve as a point of contact for any general inquiries from California... ...

By Bloodhorse.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 1, 2019) — In September, Mind Control gave trainer Gregory Sacco his first grade 1 when he turned back multiple rivals to win the Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course. The Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty  on Tuesday got off to a perfect start to 2019 with a similarly gritty victory in the $150,000 Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack, the first qualifying race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby in 2019. With Hall of Famer John Velazquez in the irons, Mind Control bounced back from a seventh in the Nov. 2 Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Churchill Downs last out for Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables, and picked up 10 points to rank fifth on the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard. “In this race, by the way he’s been training, I knew how sharp he is and (that he) was going to come out of there bouncing,” Sacco said. “I didn’t want Johnny (Velazquez) to take a hold of him. …... ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Dec. 29, 2018) – California-bred Hardcore Troubador scored a convincing win in Saturday’s $50,000 KLAQ Handicap at Sunland Park. Hardcore Troubador is by Roi Charmant, out of the Good Journey mare Farallon, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Edward Freeman. He has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $176,735 and was coming off a fourth in a Dec. 14 allowance. He ran the five furlongs in :56.18 and won by 3 ¼ lengths as the 3-2 favorite in the field of nine. ...

From Paulickreport.com LAUREL, Md. (Dec. 29, 2018) — Runnymede Racing’s Alwaysmining, a Maryland-bred by California Stallion Stay Thirsty and three weeks removed from his first career stakes win, overcame an inside post and a game favorite to his inside to register a gutsy 1 ½-length victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Heft Stakes at Laurel Park. The Heft for 2-year-olds and the $100,000 Gin Talking for 2-year-old fillies, both at seven furlongs, were among six stakes worth $550,000 in purses on a 10-race Christmastide Day program. With jockey Daniel Centeno in from Florida to ride for trainer Kelly Rubley, Alwaysmining ($7.20) completed the distance in 1:22.60 over a main track rated good. Win Win Win, unbeaten in two previous starts and sent off as the even-money favorite, was second, six lengths ahead of Clench in third. Laurel Futurity winner Order and Law and Press Virginia, a winner of his first two races, completed the order of finish. Zulu Legend and Be Lal were scratched. It was the third straight win, all in... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 27, 2018) — The National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters today announced that Joe Harper, who has led the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club over the past 40 years and enabled Del Mar to become one of North America’s most successful racetracks, has been selected to receive the Eclipse Award of Merit in recognition of a lifetime of outstanding achievement in Thoroughbred racing. Harper, Chief Executive Officer of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, will receive the Award of Merit at the 48th annual Eclipse Awards Dinner and Ceremony honoring the 2018 champions of Thoroughbred racing on Thursday, January 24 at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla. Since coming on board in an executive capacity at Del Mar in 1978, Harper has guided this majestic seaside track—founded in 1937 and bordering the Pacific Ocean just north of San Diego—through a period of sustained growth and success to become one of the leading facilities in North... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 26, 2018)–Unimpeded while four-wide turning for home, California-bred Spiced Perfection proved she belongs in elite company as she powered to a 1 ¼ length win in Wednesday’s Grade I, $300,000 La Brea Stakes. Ridden by Flavien Prat and trained by Brian Koriner, the 3-year-old daughter of Smiling Tiger got seven furlongs in 1:23.54. Breaking from the far outside in a field of eight, Spiced Perfection sat just behind a four-horse spread that included 3-5 favorite Dream Tree heading to the three furlong pole. As Emboldened, ridden by Joe Talamo, slipped through on the rail around the far turn, Dream Tree fell out of contention a quarter mile out, leaving Hot Autumn, Happy Like a Fool and Emboldened to the winner’s immediate inside at the top of the lane. “She really did it on her own,” said Koriner. “[Flavia Prat] even had to slow her down on the backside because she was running up there. I was just hoping she wasn’t too fresh and... ...

From DRF.com In conjunction with the opening of Santa Anita’s marquee winter meeting, our annual California Stallions special edition, presented by CTBA Sales, takes a look at leading and incoming sires in the Golden State, plus the changing sale scene in the region. COMPLETE INSERT PDF: 2019 California Stallions, presented by CTBA Sales I’ll Have Another returns to where it all started New California stallions for 2019 Bluegrass Cat makes himself at home Square Eddie continues strong run Boisterous leads California freshmen With Barretts gone, sale scene changes ...

By Bloodhorse.com HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 23, 2018) — Robert LaPenta and Head of Plains Partners’ Coal Front , a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, was back in top form Dec. 22, when he turned in a dominating performance in the $100,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park.  After suffering a condylar fracture to his right front leg in 2017 that required surgery and a layoff of 13 months—the second condylar fracture of his short career—the multiple stakes winner returned to racing in the fall of 2018.  The 4-year-old colt’s first effort back in the Nov. 2 Bold Ruler Handicap (G3) at Aqueduct Racetrack was not on par with his prior efforts, and he finished fifth in the six-horse field. “Last time at Aqueduct, he drew the one hole going a demanding distance in his first start off a layoff,” said trainer Todd Pletcher, “He got in a speed duel that day, and the track was very deep and tiring. It’s hard to win in those scenarios... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2018)–Santa Anita Park has announced highly respected Canadian racing official Steve Lym will become the track’s Vice President and Racing Secretary as the track readies for its 82nd Winter Meet opening day this Wednesday, Dec. 26. Steeped in the Thoroughbred business from childhood, Lym served as Woodbine Racecourse’s Racing Secretary from 2003 through 2013 and as their Director of Racing from 2013 until just recently. Lym, who is married (Jennifer) and has two sons, Curtis, 20 and Jordan, 19, will be joining his Santa Anita team just after the first of the year. “I’ll be there the first week in January and Jennifer and I are looking forward to this new chapter in our life,” said Lym today from Toronto.  “Coming from Woodbine, where we too, are a bit isolated in terms of ready access to other major tracks, I see similarities in the business model that Santa Anita is faced with an I think I bring a skill set that will... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2018) — After months of frequent—and often abrupt—change at Santa Anita Park, Tim Ritvo is not content. The chief operating officer of The Stronach Group, which owns the Southern California racetrack, says he will continue to seek change and try to make Santa Anita as profitable as possible, but for now things have settled down ahead of opening day Dec. 26. “I can tell you there’s no more surprises. There’s no more surprises planned,” Ritvo said Dec. 20 from his office at the base of Santa Anita grandstand, in reference to recent removals of race caller Michael Wrona and racing secretary Rick Hammerle. “We’re going to do the best we can this meet, get a significant increase in field size—we hope—and add races if the inventory is there.” While Ritvo didn’t speak directly about the personnel changes, he did say the process to replace Hammerle is close to being completed. “We want to thank Rick for years of service, but the idea is to look... ...