Review Category : Uncategorized

Clovisconnection Enters Silky Sullivan

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 27, 2023) – Clovisconnection is the lone stakes winner in a field of 10 entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Happy Does is by Southern Image, out of the Comic Strip mare Handfull, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Gray Farms and trained by Felix Rondan. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $91,348 and is coming off a fifth in a Mar. 31 optional claimer. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by owners William and Judy Hedrick and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $91,380 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 8 Echo Eddie. Bob’s Blue Moon is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Good Journey mare Nicolette Charmant, was bred by Rancho San Miguel, is owned by Blue Moon Racing, Steve Dietrich and Thomas Halasz and is trained by Angelo... ...

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Sell the Dream Seeks First Stakes Victory

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 27, 2023) – Multiple graded-stakes placed Sell the Dream seeks her first black-type victory in Sunday’s $75,000 Campanile Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies. Get My Point is by Stanford, out of the Indian Charlie mare Didugetmypoint, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She has one win in eight starts, earnings of $24,660 and is coming off a maiden claiming win Apr. 22. Proof She Zips is by Idiot Proof, out of the City Zip mare Zipping My Way, was bred by Daniel O’Neill, is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gary Barber and is trained by Michael McCarthy. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $64,740 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 19 optional claimer. Like No Other is by Stanford, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare She’s Not a Lemon, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She has one win in four starts, earnings... ...

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Big Switch Eyes Graded Glory in Santa Maria

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner Big Switch and fellow California-bred Smoothlikebuttah, both daughters of Mr. Big, are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Maria Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Big Switch is out of the Malibu Moon mare Two Faced Moon, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by John Sadler. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $339,924 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 31 optional claimer. Smoothlikebuttah is out of the Five Star Day mare Eight Daughters, was bred by NP Thoroughbreds, is owned by Robert Bach & William Tessar and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has three wins in 38 starts, earnings of $384,012 and is coming off a win in a Mar. 13 optional claimer. ...

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Passarando Gunning for California Derby

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner Passarando and fellow California-bred Nauvoo are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 California Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Passarando is by Tamarando, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare I’m Passing Ya Now, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steven Specht. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $246,830 and is coming off a fourth in the Feb. 11 El Camino Real. Nauvoo is by Not This Time, out of the Uncle Mo mare Hallelujah Girl, was bred by Chappell Alpine Farm, is owned by MJVET Stables and Taboada Racing Stables and is trained by Jonathan Wong. He has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $62,986 and is coming off a Mar. 31 claiming win. ...

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Alice Marble Seeks Consecutive Stakes Wins

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2023) – Stakes winner Alice Marble, Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way and fellow California-bred Carolina Mia are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Alice Marble 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 seven wins in 15 starts, earnings of $470,880 and is coming off a win in the Mar. 17 Irish O’Brien. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms & John Nicoletti, is owned by Andy Smolich & Rob Smolich and is trained by Jamey Thomas. The $6,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has four wins in six starts, earnings of $126,770 and is coming off a fifth in the Feb. 19 Spring Fever. Carolina Mia is by Gallant Son, out of the Sought After mare Carolina Grande, was bred by Daehling... ...

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Top Harbor Looking for Lost in the Fog

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner Top Harbor is one of six California-breds entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate. Cool Mountain Lad is by Unionize, out of the Stormin Fever mare Honeysuckle Rose, was bred by Francis O’Leary, is owned by William Lordan, O’Leary and Larry Powers and is trained by Victor Trujillo. He has seven wins in 22 starts, earnings of $221,180 and is coming off a fourth in an Apr. 1 allowance. He was fifth in this race last year. Top Harbor is by Harbor the Gold, out of the He’s Top mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by owners Eric Schweiger, Gordy Jarnig & Kenny Marshall and is trained by Tim McCanna. He has six wins in 15 starts, earnings of $282,114 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 1 allowance. Lovesick Blues is by Grazen, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Queenofhercastle, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steven Miyadi.... ...

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Rose Maddux, Tam’s Little Angel Tangle

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2023) – California-bred stakes winners Rose Maddux and Tam’s Little Angel are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Golden Poppy Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Rose Maddux is by Grazen, out of the Unusual Heat mare Heat the Rocks, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steven Miyadi. She has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $262,782 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 17 Irish O’Brien. Tam’s Little Angel is by Tamarando, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Angel Diane, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steven Specht. She has four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $195,860 and is coming off a fifth in a Mar. 12 allowance. ...

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Smiling Lady Enters California Oaks

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2023) – Smiling Lady is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Smiling Lady is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Banner Elk Lady, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Philip Lebherz and trained by Andy Mathis. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $85,124 and is coming off a Mar. 26 optional claiming win. ...

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California-bred Trio Answers Siren Lure

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 20, 2023)—California-breds Indian Peak, Sunrise Journey and Burnin Turf are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Siren Lure Stakes at Santa Anita. Third, beaten a head over the course by perhaps the best California-bred in training, The Chosen Vron, in the statebred Sensational Star Stakes March 19, Peter Miller’s hard-hitting 6-year-old gelding Indian Peak need only run back to his most recent start to be a factor in open company Sunday.                 Ridden by Juan Hernandez at 8-1 in the Sensational Star, Indian Peak will hope to get clear sailing under Ramon Vazquez in the Siren Lure as he seeks his second stakes win down the hill in what will be his fifth try.                 By Comic Strip, Indian Peak, who has proven versatile on all surfaces both routing and sprinting, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and is owned by Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber.  The leading money earner in the field with $443,122, Indian Peak, a two-time stakes winner, is 29-6-5-3 overall. A... ...

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Brickyard Ride Aims for Another Kona Gold

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (April 18, 2023)—Lightning quick and with a recent race to his credit, California-bred Brickyard Ride would appear to tower over five rival older horses as he defends his title in Santa Anita’s Grade III, $100,000 Kona Gold Stakes at 6 ½ furlongs on Saturday.                  Owned and bred by Alfred Pais and trained by Craig Lewis, Brickyard Ride, with two graded stakes wins to his credit, will be in search of his eighth overall stakes victory in what will be his 25th start.  A 6-year-old full horse by top California-based stallion Clubhouse Ride out of the Southern Image mare Brickyard Helen, Brickyard Ride unfurled early splits of 21.40 and 43 flat prior to checking third, beaten 2 ¾ lengths going about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in the Grade III San Simeon Stakes on March 5—his first start since well beaten in the Grade II Triple Bend Stakes at seven furlongs here on May 29 of last year.                 A winner on both... ...

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Opening Buzz Enters Giant’s Causeway

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 12, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Opening Buzz is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Giant’s Causeway Stakes for fillies and mares at Keeneland. Opening Buzz is by Stanford, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. The multiple stakes winner has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $201,993 and is coming off a win in the Mar. 17 WEBN Frog Stakes at Turfway Park. ...

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Sassy Nature Digging for Limestone

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 12, 2023) – Stakes winner Sassy Nature is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $250,000 FanDuel Limestone Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Keeneland. Sassy Nature is by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire, LLC, is owned by C T R Stables and trained by Luis Mendez. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of $151,440 and is coming off a win in the Mar. 25 Melody of Colors Stakes at Gulfstream Park. ...

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Absolutely Zero, Ceiling Crusher Meet

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADA, CA (April 5, 2023)—Stakes winner Absolutely Zero, off since the Grade II Sorrento at Del Mar Aug. 13, and unbeaten stablemate Ceiling Crusher give trainer Doug O’Neill a strong hand for Saturday’s $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for statebred 3-year-old fillies.                 Absolutely Zero won her debut last May going 4 ½ furlongs at Santa Anita and returned a month later to knock off males in the Fasig-Tipton Futurity at five furlongs. Stepping up for the GII Sorrento going six furlongs at Del Mar Aug. 13, the Nyquist homebred for Reddam Racing stalked the pace before fading in the stretch to finish last of six.                 Absolutely Zero has worked eight times at Santa Anita for her comeback. She will break from the rail under regular rider Mario Gutierrez.                 Ceiling Crusher won her debut last June at Santa Anita when making her only start of the year. The Mr. Big filly resurfaced Jan. 29 at Santa Anita and took down a first-level allowance for statebreds... ...

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Kangaroo Court, Bus Buzz in Rematch

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (April 5, 2023)—One race after the Grade I Runhappy Santa Anita Derby on Saturday, 3-year-old statebreds take the spotlight with an intriguing rematch between Kangaroo Court and Bus Buzz in the $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes.                 Contested at 6 ½ furlongs on the main track, the Echo Eddie has a field of eight that also includes the ascendant Clouseau for trainer Ian Kruljac and promising debut winner Left Hand Man for trainer Mark Glatt.                 Kangaroo Court was a 14 ¼ -length maiden winner sprinting at Del Mar last August before heading to the sidelines for the remainder of the year. He returned here on March 4 in a first-level allowance for statebreds where he hooked Bus Buzz, who himself had served notice when popping a 93 Beyer Speed Figure in his Feb. 4 bow here going six furlongs on the main track.                 In their first matchup, contested at six furlongs, Kangaroo Court and Bus Buzz dueled through fractions of 21.60 and 44.0 seconds for... ...

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One in Vermillion Shooting for Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner One in Vermillion is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $750,000 Grade I Santa Anita Derby for 3-year-olds. One in Vermillion is by Army Mule, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Jonathan Kalman and trained by J. Eric Kruljac. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $167,440 and is coming off a fifth in the Mar. 26 Sunland Park Derby. ...

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Don’t Get Pickled Gets Oaks Acid Test

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2023) – Stakes winner Don’t Get Pickled is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade II Santa Anita Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Don’t Get Pickled is by Misremembered, out of the Successful Appeal mare C C’s Pride, was bred by Harry & Cheryl Keshian, is owned by Stable H. M. A. and trained by Lorenzo Campuzano. She has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $101,088 and is coming off a third in the Mar. 26 Sunland Park Oaks. ...

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Leggs Galore, Big Summer Enter Monrovia

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2023) – California-bred graded stakes winner Leggs Galore and fellow Cal-bred stakes winner Big Summer are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Monrovia Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Leggs Galore is by Bayern, out of the Indian Charlie mare Cashing Tickets, was bred by owner William Sims and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has nine wins in 18 starts, earnings of $694,548 and is making her first start since a second in the Oct. 15 California Distaff Handicap. Big Summer is by Mr. Big, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, was bred by Bob Abrams & Mitchel Dutko, is owned by Abrams, Dutko and Michael Paran and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $315,160 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 18 Wishing Well. ...

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Cal-bred Trio Enters Wildcat Stakes

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Apr. 9, 2023) – California-breds Luvluv, Shinny and Club Mesquite are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Wildcat Stakes at Turf Paradise. Luvluv is by Lakerville, out of the Fasliyev mare Lucera, was bred by Michael Neumann & Francoise Dupuis and is owned by trainer Adam Kitchingman. He has three wins in 26 starts, earnings of $234,782 and is coming off a sixth in a Feb. 5 optional claimer. Shinny is by Square Eddie, out of the Indian Charlie mare Cryptic, was bred by Reddam Racing and is owned by trainer Mike Chambers and Bradley Green. He has 18 wins in 35 starts, earnings of $220,451 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 25 optional claimer. Club Mesquite is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Huddle Up mare Mesquite, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Harry Richardson and trained by Matt Williams. He has three wins in 30 starts, earnings of $65,112 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 29 starter’s optional claimer. ...

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Johnny Taboada

RAISING AWARENESS OF AUTISM THROUGH HORSES It’s been 15 years since Johnny Taboada’s horse, California-bred Autism Awareness, produced a shocking 62-1 victory in the El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Bay Meadows. At the time, Taboada — a passionate small-scale horse owner—was using the race to fight for recognition of the neurodevelopment disorder that had rocked his family after his son, Renzo, was diagnosed several years earlier. Since that big win, awareness of autism has risen significantly, Taboada says. Renzo, now 23, has made remarkable strides as well, and expects to graduate later this year with a degree in graphic design from California State University, East Bay. “Definitely people are more aware of autism in the last 10 years,” Taboada said. “When we were starting out with Renzo, it was impossible to get help or services. They said he was ‘just delayed’—that’s what they told us. I fought for help through three different school districts because I knew what we needed to do for my son. And it made me... ...

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One in Vermillion to Enter Santa Anita Derby

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2023) — The Grade 1 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby next Saturday added two starters on Sunday with the inclusion of a well-regarded contender in National Treasure and the California-bred longshot One in Vermillion, their trainers said Sunday. National Treasure, third in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Keeneland in November, is more likely to start in the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby than Saturday’s Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. Trainer Tim Yakteen allowed that there is “small chance” National Treasure could be shipped to Kentucky. National Treasure was third in the Grade 3 Sham Stakes at Santa Anita on Jan. 8 in his lone start so far this year. National Treasure was withdrawn from the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita on March 4 because of a tender foot, but has had a steady sequence of workouts since mid-March. One in Vermillion, based in Arizona, was fifth in the Grade 3 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park on March 26. He... ...

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Clayton Delaney Entered in Inaugural

FARMINGTON, N.M. (Apr. 3, 2023) – Clayton Delaney is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Inaugural Stakes at Sunray Park. Clayton Delaney is by Grazen, out of the Bertrando mare Sudden Sunday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and is trained by Dick Cappellucci. He has four wins in 22 starts, earnings of $181,488 and is coming off a fifth in the Mar. 26 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes. ...

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Closing Remarks Could Be a Royal Heroine

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (March 29, 2023)—With standout distaffer Quattroelle absent, Harris Farms’ homebred Closing Remarks rates a huge chance from off the pace in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Royal Heroine Stakes at Santa Anita.  For older fillies and mares at one mile on turf, the Royal Heroine attracted a field of six—four of which exit the Grade II Buena Vista which was won by Quattroelle at a mile on grass here March 4.         A 5-year-old California-bred mare by Vronsky, Closing Remarks was full of run at the rail in the run up the backside March 4, but had to steady and lose all position three furlongs out when pacesetter Kitty Kitana stopped suddenly.         Although she was shuffled back at a critical point of call, Closing Remarks, under regular pilot Joe Bravo, was able to gather herself, swing wide and mount an impressive rally, finishing third, beaten 1 ½ lengths.        Trained by Carla Gaines, Closing Remarks was third, beaten one length... ...

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Teddy’s Barino Ships to Oaklawn Park

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Mar. 25, 2023) – Stakes winner Teddy’s Barino is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $250,000 Matron Stakes for fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park. Teddy’s Barino is by Grazen, out of the Speightstown mare Miss Rebound, was bred by owner Red Baron’s Barn & Vaya Con Suerte and is trained by Mark Glatt. She has six wins in 10 starts, earnings of $367,590 and is coming off win in a Feb. 18 optional claimer. ...

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Quick Turnaround for Clayton Delaney

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 26, 2023) – Clayton Delaney is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $150,000 Sunland Park Handicap. Clayton Delaney is by Grazen, out of the Bertrando mare Sudden Sunday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and is trained by Dick Cappellucci. He has four wins in 22 starts, earnings of $181,488 and is being wheeled back seven days after finishing fifth in the Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes. ...

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Santa Anita Cancels Friday, Adds Monday

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (March 21, 2023)—With heavy rain and the likelihood of more than three inches of precipitation at Santa Anita through Wednesday, track officials, in consultation with both the CHRB, TOC, Jockeys’ Guild and the CTT, have opted to cancel Friday’s eight-race program and to instead enter on Thursday morning for a make-up day of live racing on Monday, March 27.         Along with entries for Monday, entries will also be taken as originally scheduled on Thursday for this Sunday’s races as well.         “By running on Monday instead of Friday, we’re going to allow both the main track and our turf course an extra day to dry out before we run on Saturday,” said Santa Anita Director of Racing and Racing Secretary Jason Egan.  “This will also enable us to run on the grass all three days and it will give horses a chance to return to training prior to racing this weekend.”        Entries for live racing this... ...

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One in Vermillion Seeking Derby Points

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 19, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner One in Vermillion is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $600,000 Grade III Sunland Park Derby for 3-year-olds. One in Vermillion is by Army Mule, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Jonathan Kalman and trained by Esteban Martinez. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $149,620 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 29 Riley Allison Derby. ...

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Is Third Time the Charm for Minister of Soul?

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 19, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul and fellow California-bred Clayton Delaney are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes at Sunland Park. Minister of Soul is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. He has 16 wins in 52 starts, earnings of $504,242 and is coming off a seventh in the Mar. 11 Phoenix Gold Cup. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale was third in this race last year and was second in 2019. Clayton Delaney is by Grazen, out of the Bertrando mare Sudden Sunday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Dick Cappelucci. He has four wins in 21 starts, earnings of $178,488 and did not finish his last start Mar. 11 in the Cottom Fitzsimmons. ...

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Don’t Get Pickled in Sunland Park Oaks

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 19, 2023) – Stakes winner Don’t Get Pickled is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Sunland Park Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Don’t Get Pickled is by Misremembered, out of the Successful Appeal mare C C’s Pride, was bred by Harry & Cheryl Keshian, is owned by H. M. A. Stable and trained by Miguel Hernandez. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $71,688 and is coming off a fourth in the Mar. 11 Arizona Oaks. ...

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NorCal Sale Grad in Sunland Park Stakes

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 19, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Brave Cinderella is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Harry Henson Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Brave Cinderella is by Brave Cat, out of the Liberty Gold mare Cinderella Liberty, was bred by George & Mary Clare Schmitt, is owned by Amanda Sweeten & Blanca Varela and is trained by Andres Gonzalez. The $1,400 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has four wins in 21 starts, earnings of $104,316 and is coming off a fourth in a Mar. 5 allowance. ...

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Sassy Nature Enters Gulfstream Park Stakes

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Mar. 19, 2023) – Sassy Nature is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Melody of Colors Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park. Sassy Nature is by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire, LLC, is owned by CTR Stables and trained by Jack Sisterson. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $92,540 and is coming off a Mar. 1 optional claimer win. ...

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Speedy Cal-breds to be Auctioned at Ocala

OCALA, Fla. (Mar. 18, 2023) – Nine California-breds, including a trio purchased at the Northern California Yearling Sale, are scheduled to go through the ring at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, to be held Monday through Wednesday, March 20-22. Of the nine, the one with the fastest under-tack time was Hip 568, a colt by Cat Burglar, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Janice Sue, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and consigned by Triple J Equine Sales. Clocked in 9.4 seconds for the one furlong, he sold for $4,500 at the Northern California Yearling Sale. Hip 181, a colt by Danzing Candy out of the Bertrando mare Visual Treat, was bred by Liberty Road Stables and consigned by Triple J Equine Sales. Purchased for $10,000 at the Northern California Yearling Sale, he ran one furlong in 10.2 seconds. Hip 210, another colt by Danzing Candy out of the mare Yolanda B. Too, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds and consigned by Triple J Equine. Purchased for... ...

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The Chosen Vron Seeks 10th Stakes Win

 ARCADIA, CA (March 16, 2023)—Never better at age five, trainer Eric Kruljac’s brilliant California-bred gelding The Chosen Vron seeks his 10th career stakes victory as he heads a field of five older horses in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes at about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s Camino Real Hillside Turf Course.                 The Sensational Star is a part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses.                 A 1 ¼ length winner of his only hillside start, the California Flag Handicap four starts back on Oct. 16, The Chosen Vron was nothing short of sensational in taking his most recent assignment, the one mile dirt Tiznow Stakes versus statebreds on Feb. 20 by 6 ½ lengths, a race in which he earned a career-best 103 Beyer Speed Figure.                 With two graded wins at age three ranking high among his nine stakes victories, The Chosen Vron has 10 wins from 14 overall starts and earnings of $672,678.  By Vronsky out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly,... ...

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Stakes-winning Trio in McCann’s Mojave

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 15, 2023) – Stakes winners Ward ‘n Jerry, Jimmy Blue Jeans and American Farmer are among the five entries in Saturday’s $75,000 McCann’s Mojave Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Golden Gate. Graded stakes winner Ward ‘n Jerry is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steven Specht. He has eight wins in 33 starts, earnings of $492,485 and is coming off a fifth in a Feb. 24 optional claimer. Stakes winner Jimmy Blue Jeans is by James Street, out of the Marino Marini mare Blue Blizzard, was bred by Perry Bruno & John Gezon, is owned by Bruno, Gezon and Robert Jones and is trained by Andy Mathis. He has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $260,948 and is coming off a seventh in the Feb. 18 El Dorado Shooter. Crazy Dreams is by Gallant Son, out of the Sought After mare Carolina Grande, was bred by Daehling... ...

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Alice Marble, Big Summer in Irish O’Brien

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (March 12, 2023)—Favoritism is likely to be hotly contested in Friday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes at Santa Anita, as two ultra consistent mares, the Phil D’Amato-trained Alice Marble and the Carla Gaines-conditioned Big Summer head a field of six older fillies and mares competing at about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course.                 The Irish O’Brien is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses.                 Owned and bred by Nick Alexander, Alice Marble, fresh off a win going six furlongs on the main track versus statebreds in the Spring Fever Stakes Feb. 19, rates a slight edge with Flavien Prat back in the saddle.  A winner of six of her nine starts with D’Amato and never worse than third in any of them, this 6-year-old mare by Grazen out of the More Than Ready mare Unsung Heroine has solid hillside  credentials that include second place finishes in the Grade II Monrovia on April 9 of last year... ...

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NorCal Sale Grad Tries Another Turfway Stake

FLORENCE, Ky. (Mar. 12, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Opening Buzz is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $125,000 WEBN Frog Stakes for fillies and mares at Turfway Park. Opening Buzz is by Stanford, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She has four wins in seven starts, earnings of $153,385 and is coming off a sixth in the Feb. 25 Wintergreen Stakes. ...

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Santa Anita Cancels Friday Race Card

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2023)—Following overnight rain that is expected  to continue throughout the day, Santa Anita has cancelled Friday’s eight-race card, under the advisement of its track maintenance crew.                         Accordingly, Santa Anita will add races to next week’s live racing cards.                         Santa Anita will be open Friday for simulcast wagering, beginning at 10 a.m. in the track’s Grandstand Paddock Room. Admission and parking are free.                 For additional information, including entries and complete morning line information on Saturday’s nine race program, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.         First post time for a nine-race card on Saturday is 12:30 pm with admission gates opening at 10:30 am. ...

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CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, March 16, 2023, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Le Meridien Hotel at 130 W. Huntington Drive in Arcadia. This meeting will be open to the public Le Meridien offers $12 valet parking. Those providing unsolicited public comments on individual agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda items. Note that for agenda item #12, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. For those who do not attend, the webcast audio link on the CHRB website will provide a way to listen to the meeting. The agenda and package of materials for the meeting are available on the CHRB website. ...

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Harper’s Gallop Strides into Santa Ana

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2023) – Harper’s Gallop is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Santa Ana Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Harper’s Gallop is by Suances, out of the Broken Vow mare Dypsy, was bred by owners Red Baron’s Barn & Vaya Con Suerte and is trained by Leonard Powell. She has six wins in 24 starts, earnings of $236,065 and is coming off a Feb. 18 starter’s allowance win. ...

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Beholder Mile Next for Fun to Dream

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, Calif. (March 8, 2023)—The CTBA Horse of the Year and a Grade I winner in search of her fifth consecutive win, California-bred Fun to Dream heads an outstanding field of eight older fillies and mares in Saturday’s Grade I, $500,000 Beholder Mile at Santa Anita.                  By 2016 Eclipse Champion 3-year-old Colt Arrogate, Fun to Dream took the opening day Grade I La Brea Stakes at seven furlongs and dominated five rivals at the same distance in taking the Grade II Santa Monica Stakes here on Feb. 4 in a performance that suggested she’ll have no problem taking on top competition at a flat mile.                 Bred in California by her trainer, Bob Baffert and Connie Pageler, Fun to Dream, who is out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess, is owned by Connie Pageler and Jill Baffert.                 A winner of her only two-turn assignment, a mile and one sixteenth first condition allowance four starts back on Oct. 1, Fun to Dream has won six out of... ...

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Clem Labine Seeks First Stakes Win

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 8, 2023) – Clem Labine is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita. Clem Labine is by Grazen, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Dress, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable, Bob Davis, Moon Han and Dudley Ward and is trained by Librado Barocio. He has 11 wins in 40 starts, earnings of $360,227 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 19 optional allowance. ...

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Golden Gate Moves Friday Card to Thursday

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2023) — Golden Gate Fields track officials have announced late Monday morning that the decision has been made to move the Friday, March 10 live race card to Thursday, March 9 out of an abundance of caution, and in consultation with industry stakeholders. The national weather service is forecasting high winds and heavy rain for the Bay Area on Friday.   Eight races are on the program for the now-Thursday live race card at Golden Gate. First post time remains at 12:45 PM. Santa Anita Park, also running on Thursday, has an eight-race card with first post at 12:30 PM. With both California tracks in play on Thursday, the Golden Hour Double and Late Pick 4 wagers will be offered.  ...

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Self Isolation Enters Correction Stakes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Mar. 8, 2023) – Self Isolation is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Correction Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. Self Isolation is by Square Eddie, out of the Spring At Last mare Loan Savant, was bred by Reddam Racing and is owned by trainer David Jacobson. She has six wins in 19 starts, earnings of $315,050 and is coming off a sixth in a Feb. 10 optional claimer. ...

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Santa Anita Adds Thursday Racing Card

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 6, 2023)—Entries were taken Sunday at Santa Anita for an eight-race card on Thursday, with first post time at 12:30 p.m.  With racing cancelled due heavy rains on Feb. 25 & 26, Santa Anita has been granted permission by the CHRB to run Thursday, which was not originally scheduled for live racing.                 Santa Anita will offer free General Admission and Parking, as well as $3 beers and $5 margaritas, on both Thursday and Friday.                 A pair of $72,000 allowance races will highlight Thursday’s program.  Race six, for fillies and mares bred or sired in California, has attracted a field of seven at six furlongs on the main track.                 Thursday’s seventh race, for older horses at a mile and one quarter over the Camino Real Turf Course, attracted a field of nine.                 Santa will conduct a four-day week, with live racing offered through Sunday, March 12.                 Thursday’s entries are currently available at santaanita.com.  For additional information, please call (626) 574-RACE. ...

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Cal-breds After Another Phoenix Gold Cup

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 5, 2023) – Former winners of the race Minister of Soul and Tiger Dad and fellow California-breds Jazz Hands and Mr. Stang are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup at Turf Paradise. Minister of Soul is by Minister Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. A $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale, he has 16 wins in 51 starts, earnings of $503,242 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 18 optional claimer. This is his fifth start in the race, having finished fifth race last year, third in 2021, second in 2020 and first in 2019. Defending champion Tiger Dad is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Unusual Heat mare Q T Shea, was bred by Mark Devereaux, Scott Gross & Mark Gross, is owned by Rosette Ranch and trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has seven wins in 34 starts, earnings of $465,452 and is coming off a... ...

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Clayton Delaney in Cotton Fitzsimmons

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 5, 2023) – Clayton Delaney is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Handicap at Turf Paradise. Clayton Delaney is by Grazen, out of the Bertrando mare Sudden Sunday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Jeffrey Metz. He has four wins in 20 starts, earnings of $177,488 and is coming off a fifth in a Feb. 10 optional claimer. ...

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Thirsty John No Mirage in Turf Paradise Derby

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 5, 2023) – Stakes winners Thirsty John and Special Moment and fellow California-bred My Man Biggie are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Turf Paradise Derby for 3-year-olds. My Man Biggie is by Mr. Big, out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Twin Spirit, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Cameron McKay and is trained by Shannon Simpson. He has one win in 11 starts, earnings of $35,175 and is coming off a fourth in the Feb. 18 Startac. Special Moment is by Stanford, out of the Blame mare Blame It Onthesong, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Auld and Gaylon McGee and is trained by Bart Hone. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $59,699 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 18 Startac. Thirsty John is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Discreet Cat mare Discreet Dee, was bred by owner Terry Lovingier and is trained by Peter Miller. The California Cup Derby winner has two wins in... ...

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Don’t Get Pickled Tough in Arizona Oaks

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 5, 2023) – Stakes winner Don’t Get Pickled and fellow California-breds Ocean of Lies and Coastline Hottie are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Arizona Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Don’t Get Pickled is by Misremembered, out of the Successful Appeal mare C C’s Pride, was bred by Harry and Cheryl Keshian, is owned by Stable H. M. A. and trained by Miguel Hernandez. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $68,051 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 18 Princess of Palms. Ocean of Lies is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Stephen Got Even mare False Statement, was bred by Marion Road Ventures, is owned by Max Franklin and trained by Ryan Bratcher. She is a maiden making her second start. Coastline Hottie is by Coastline, out of the City Zip mare Hollywood Hottie, was bred by Edward Sepich, is owned by trainer Edward Sepich Jr. and John Kozeliski. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $12,880 and is... ...

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Brickyard Ride Returns in San Simeon

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2023) — Idle for nine months, the Craig Lewis-trained Brickyard Ride  heads a field of eight older horses sprinting about 6 1/2 furlongs down Santa Anita Park‘s hillside turf course in the $100,000 San Simeon Stakes (G3T) March 5. The lone California-bred in the lineup, Brickyard Ride, a 6-year-old horse by Clubhouse Ride  out of the Southern Image  mare Brickyard Helen , is owned by his breeder Alfred Pais. A two-time graded and seven-time overall stakes winner, Brickyard Ride won his only try down Santa Anita’s unique hillside turf course as he took the state-bred Sensational Star Stakes three starts ago March 20, 2022, in gate-to-wire fashion by 1 1/2 lengths. Lightning quick, Brickyard Ride unfurled interior splits of :21.21, :42.76, and 1:05.36 en route to a final Sensational Star clocking of 1:11.45. That said, a lack of recency and an 11 3/4-length drubbing as the 1-5 favorite in his most recent start, the Triple Bend Stakes (G3) going seven furlongs on the main track at Santa Anita May 29, could prove a concern to handicappers.... ...

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Javier Castellano Wins George Woolf Award

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 2, 2023)—A four-time Eclipse Award winner and a member of racing’s Hall of Fame since 2017, Venezuelan native Javier Castellano has won the 2023 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award via a nationwide vote of his fellow riders.                    Castellano, 45, will be honored in a Runhappy Winner’s Circle ceremony at Santa Anita this spring.   Married to his wife, Abby, Castellano, who immigrated to the United States in June of 1997, has three children, Kayla, Sienna and Brady and is the son-in-law of Terry Meyocks, National Director of the Jockeys’ Guild.                 Presented annually by Santa Anita since 1950 and one of the most coveted awards in racing, the Woolf Award, which recognizes those riders whose careers and personal character garner esteem for the individual and the sport of Thoroughbred racing, can only be won once.                 “I am proud to have been honored and selected to win this incredible award,” said Castellano.  “It is one that is obviously prestigious, but to be... ...

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Closing Remarks Vies in Buena Vista

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2023) – Stakes winner Closing Remarks, third in this race last year, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Closing Remarks is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Orange Cove, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has three wins in 16 starts, earnings of $410,820 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 4 Megahertz. ...

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NorCal Sale Graduate Among Curribot Entries

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 26, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Magic Is Flying and fellow California-breds Clayton Delaney and Dubronsky are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Curribot Handicap at Sunland Park. Clayton Delaney is by Grazen, out of the Bertrando mare Sudden Sunday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Dick Cappelucci. He has four wins in 20 starts, earnings of $177,488 and is coming off a fifth in a Feb. 10 optional claimer. Dubronsky is by Vronsky, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Moonlight Tizzy, was bred by Robert Jones & Stephen Post, is owned by Christopher Roybal and trained by Carlos Acosta Jr. He has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $66,786 and is coming off a fourth in a Feb. 21 claimer. Magic Is Flying is by Musketier, out of the Forty Won mare Magic Forty Won, was bred by Equine Formula 1 LLC/Eric Knipe, is owned by Westside Racing Stable and trained by Lillian Silva. The $3,500 purchase... ...

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Crypto Ride Eyes San Felipe Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2023) – Crypto Ride is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade II San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Crypto Ride is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Wildcat Heir mare Wild Caroline, was bred by owner James Shenouda and is trained by Craig Lewis. He has one win in six starts, earnings of $59,260 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 11 starter optional claimer. ...

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CTBA Division Champions Announced

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2023) — The 2022 California-bred Horse of the Year will be announced at the CTBA Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia. Finalists for Horse of the Year are, in alphabetical order, Fun to Dream, Slow Down Andy and The Chosen Vron. For ticket information for the Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting, click Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner | CTBA or contact Christy Chapman at Christy@ctba.com. Other Cal-bred champions to be recognized at the banquet: Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Male – Giver Not a Taker, bred by owners J. Kirk & Judy Robison, trained by Peter Miller.   Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Female – Sell the Dream, bred by PT Syndicate #1 LLC, owned by Edward Rusty Brown, Alan Klein & Philip Lebherz, trained by Brian Koriner. Champion California-bred Three-Year-Old Male – Slow Down Andy, bred by owner Reddam Racing, trained by Doug O’Neill. Champion California-bred Three-Year-Old Female – Fun to Dream, bred by Connie Pageler & Bob Baffert, owned by Natalie J. Baffert &... ...

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Santa Anita Cancels Weekend Race Cards

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2023)—Due to unprecedented winter conditions forecast for Southern California through this weekend, Santa Anita Park has cancelled Saturday and Sunday’s racing programs prior to entries being taken for either day.  The track had already postponed the Friday racing card, which was a makeup day not originally on the calendar.         Blizzard warnings have been issued for the San Gabriel Mountains behind the historic track, with snowfall expected at the 1,000 foot level.  It is the first blizzard warning ever issued in Los Angeles County.  The storm, which is expected to begin late morning on Thursday, is forecast to drop six inches of rain through Saturday.         The decision to cancel both days out of an abundance of caution was made in consultation with industry stakeholders, including the Thoroughbred Owners of California, the California Thoroughbred Trainers Association, and the California Horse Racing Board.          In the judgement of the stakeholders, because the track will have been... ...

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HISA Briefing at Santa Anita Monday, Feb. 27

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2023) — Dr. Mary Scollay, Chief of Science for the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU), will be at Santa Anita on Monday, February 27th to discuss the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority’s Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program. As directed under HISA, HIWU will take over responsibility of Thoroughbred anti-doping and medication control testing and enforcement on March 27th. Their authority over drug testing will include all Thoroughbred races and all Thoroughbreds in training with recorded works. Trainers, owners, and other interested persons are encouraged to attend this meeting. Monday, FEB 27 at 10:30am The Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita  Breakfast available @ 10:00am  ...

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Opening Buzz Aims for Second Stakes Win

FLORENCE, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2023) – Stakes winner Opening Buzz is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Wintergreen Stakes for fillies and mares at Turfway Park. Opening Buzz is by Stanford, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She has four wins in six starts, earnings of $152,585 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 28 Wishing Well Stakes. ...

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Santa Anita Preemptively Cancels Friday Card

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2023) — Santa Anita has canceled Friday’s card due to heavy rain forecast for the area beginning Thursday. Most of the races scheduled for Friday will be brought back as “extras” on Saturday, according to a notice from the racing office.             “We’re looking at a low end of probably two inches of rain between late Thursday and Friday with a high end closer to five inches,” said Jason Egan, Santa Anita director of racing and racing secretary.             Friday was originally scheduled to be a dark day at Santa Anita following Monday’s special Presidents’ Day card. However, due to what were multiple rain-related cancellations earlier in the Classic Meet, Friday’s card was added to serve as a makeup for the lost days.             On-track fans are advised that Santa Anita will be open for simulcast wagering Friday in the Grandstand Paddock Room beginning at 10 a.m.  Parking and admission are free. ...

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Tiznow Stakes Up Next for The Chosen Vron

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2023)—Eight-time stakes winner The Chosen Vron seeks his fifth consecutive added money victory as he heads a field of five statebreds going one mile in Monday’s $100,000 Tiznow Stakes at Santa Anita.                 The Tiznow, named for brilliant California-bred winner of two consecutive Breeders’ Cup Classics, is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses.                 Owned in-part and trained by Eric Kruljac, The Chosen Vron, a 5-year-old gelding by Vronsky, will stretch out off of a neck victory, accomplished in gate to wire fashion, in the six furlong Cal Cup Sprint here on Jan. 7.                 A two-time graded stakes winner at age three, The Chosen Vron has proven himself versatile on both dirt and turf, routing and sprinting.  Paired with Hector Berrios in his last five starts, The Chosen Vron will be handled by Berrios again on Monday.                 Owned by Sondereker Racing, LLC, Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin and Richard Thornburgh, The Chosen Vron has amassed earnings... ...

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Alice Marble Rolling into Spring Fever

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2023)—Nick Alexander’s homebred Alice Marble, a stakes winner on turf but unbeaten on dirt, transitions to the main track and heads a field of five older fillies and mares going six furlongs in Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes at Santa Anita.                 The Spring Fever is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners.                 A 6-year-old mare by Grazen out of the More Than Ready mare Unsung Heroine, Alice Marble comes off a close third place finish as the 6-5 favorite versus statebreds going about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course here on Jan. 7.                 Raced exclusively on turf in her last six starts dating back to Jan. 15 of last year, Alice Marble has won five out of her 10 starts with Phil D’Amato and was second, beaten a half length versus open company coming down the hill four starts back in the Grade II Monrovia Stakes on April 9, 2022.                 Although... ...

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Big Summer, Eddie’s New Dream in Rematch

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2023) – California-breds Big Summer and Eddie’s New Dream, one-two finishers in last month’s Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, resume their rivalry in Saturday’s $100,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Eddie’s New Dream is by Square Eddie, out of the Tapit mare Walkingonadream, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. She has six wins in 21 starts, earnings of $516,100 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 7 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. Big Summer is by Mr. Big, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, was bred by Bob Abrams & Mitchell Dutko, is owned by Abrams, Dutko & Michael Paran and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $295,160 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 7 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...

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Bettor Trip Nick, Top Harbor Take Shots

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2023) – Bettor Trip Nick and Top Harbor, winners of the last two editions of the race, are among five stakes winners entered in Saturday’s $75,000 El Dorado Shooter Stakes for California-breds at Golden Gate. Stakes winner Psycho Dar is by Storm Wolf, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Stormin Mon, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Mary Tucker and trained by Samuel Calvario. He has 10 wins in 39 starts, earnings of $454,066 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 19 Oakland Stakes. He was third in this race last year. See Through It is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Chester House mare Crystal House, was bred by Ed Allred, is owned by Belico Racing and Lizbeth Medina and trained by Milton Pineda. He has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $182,754 and is coming off back-to-back claiming wins. Burnin Turf is by Acclamation, out of the Vronsky mare Hot Outta the Oven, was bred by Old... ...

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Startac Stakes Lures California-bred Trio

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 12, 2023) – California-breds Special Moment, Flashin Aces and My Man Biggie are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Startac Stakes for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Special Moment is by Stanford, out of the Blame mare Blameitonthesong, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds and Gaylon McGee and is trained by Bart Hone. He has one win in six starts, earnings of $23,957 and is coming off a Feb. 7 maiden optional claimer. Flashin Aces is by Danzing Candy, out of the Najran mare Sweet Dreamin, was bred by Kenneth D’Oyen, is owned by Wade Marshall and trained by Vann Belvoir. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $15,703 and is coming off a win in a Jan. 31 maiden optional claimer. My Man Biggie is by Mr. Big, out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Twin Spirit, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Cameron McKay and trained by Shannon Simpson. He has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $32,295 and... ...

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Cal-bred Pair Enters Princess of Palms

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 12, 2023) – California-breds Toby’s Candy and Don’t Get Pickled are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Princess of Palms Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Toby’s Candy is by Danzing Candy, out of the Henny Hughes mare Myfourchix, was bred by Dianne Bashor, is owned by Steve Haahr, John Perry and Lynn Perry and is trained by Jeffrey Metz. She won her lone start Jan. 23 with earnings of $9,880. Don’t Get Pickled is by Misremembered, out of the Successful Appeal mare C C’s Pride, was bred by Harry & Cheryl Keshian, is owned by Stable H.M.A. and is trained by Miguel Hernandez. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $31,967 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 28 ATBA 3-Year-Old Summer Sales Stakes. ...

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Quickly Park It, Nyvan Enter Lady of Shamrock

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2023) – Stakes winner Quickly Park It and fellow California-bred Nyvan are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Lady of Shamrock Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Quickly Park It is by Prospect Park, out of the Lucky J. H. mare Quick Luck, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Sean McCarthy. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $100,020 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 7 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks. Nyvan is by Nyquist, out of the Candy Ride mare Full of Sugar, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $67,600 and is coming off a Jan. 2 maiden win. ...

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Passarando Ventures onto El Camino Real

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner Passarando and fellow California-bred Happy Does are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Passarando is by Tamarando, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare I’m Passing Ya Now, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $240,830 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 7 California Cup Derby. Happy Does is by Southern Image, out of the Comic Strip mare Handful, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Gray Farms and trained by Felix Rondan. He has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $85,256 and is coming off a Jan. 21 optional claiming win. ...

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Fun Money Hoping for a Sweet Life

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2023) – Multiple stakes-placed Fun Money, a California-sired daughter of the late stallion Mrazek, is entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Fun Money is a Florida-bred out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Saudi Chroma, was bred by Amy & Ciaran Dunne, is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win but has hit the board in nine of 10 starts, with earnings of $148,890 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 29 optional claimer. ...

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Cal-bred Brix in Turf Paradise Turf Stakes

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 4, 2023) – Brix is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Turf Stakes. Brix is by Twirling Candy, out of the Northern Afleet mare Koukla, was bred by Hronis Racing, is owned by Slam Dunk Racing and trained by Jose Silva Jr. He has four wins in 29 starts, earnings of $183,756 and is coming off back-to-back optional claiming wins. ...

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Closing Remarks Seeks First Graded Win

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2023) — California-bred Closing Remarks is a Grade I-placed stakes winner who in 15 starts has only twice finished out of the superfecta for trainer Carla Gaines. While it’s no doubt been a productive three seasons on the track for the Harris Farms’ homebred, one notable omission remains on the resume of the 5-year-old Vronsky mare: a win at the graded stakes level.             On Saturday, Closing Remarks will get another crack at that elusive milestone when she makes her second start off the layoff in the Grade III Megahertz going a mile on turf. She is the 7-2 second choice on the morning line in a field of eight.             The Megahertz will be Closing Remark’s 10th start in a graded stakes. As a 3-year-old, she finished runner-up in the Grade I Del Mar Oaks, Grade III Providencia and Grade III Senorita. Then last year it was more of the same in four starts.  After winning a first condition allowance at Santa... ...

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I’ll Stand Taller Takes a Stand in Dubai

DUBAI, UAE (Feb. 1, 2023) — I’ll Stand Taller, the lone California-bred in the field, has traveled halfway around the world seeking his first stakes win in Friday’s $150,000 Grade III Al Shindagha Sprint presented by Emaar at Meydan. I’ll Stand Taller is a 5-year-old 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 three wins in 20 starts, earnings of $198,850 and is coming off a sixth in the Jan. 7 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

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Gallant Guy Steps Up to Forego Stakes

FLORENCE, Ky. (Feb. 1, 2023) – Gallant Guy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Forego Stakes at Turfway Park. Gallant Guy is by Gallant Son, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Quick Glory, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Cheryl Doyle, Reina Gonzalez, Matthew Gutierrez, Patricia Lopez and Gary Piper and is trained by Gonzalez. He has three wins in 23 starts, earnings of $147,035 and is coming off a Jan. 14 allowance win. ...

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CTBA Winter Mixed Sale Outs

Here are the hip numbers of the outs for Tuesday’s CTBA Winter Mixed Sale: 5 7 10 20 21 26 36 37 44 46 55 57 59 62 65 72 78 81 83 89 93 95 97 115 118 128 132 143 146 152 ...

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Bafferts’ Fun to Dream Heads to Santa Monica

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2023)—California-bred Fun to Dream, fresh off the biggest win of her life here on Dec. 26, heads a field of six older fillies and mares going seven furlongs in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes at Santa Anita.                 An impressive three quarter length winner of the Grade I La Brea Stakes at the same distance on opening day, Fun to Dream, unbeaten in three starts at seven panels, seeks her fourth win in a row and her sixth from seven lifetime starts in the Santa Monica.                 Trained by Bob Baffert, Fun to Dream, a 4-year-old filly by Arrogate out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess, was bred by Baffert and Connie Pageler and is owned by Jill Baffert and Connie Pageler.                 Ridden in all six of her starts by Juan Hernandez, Fun to Dream earned a career-top 94 Beyer Speed Figure in the La Brea and should be tough to deny on Saturday.                 Second by three quarters of a... ...

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CTBA Winter Mixed Sale on Tuesday

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2023) — Tuesday’s CTBA Winter Mixed Sale at Faiplex Pomona follows a 2022 auction that had substantially higher prices than past years. Conducted by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Tuesday’s sale had a main catalog of 148 horses and nine supplemental entries as of Thursday. The auction consists largely of California-bred horses of racing age, 2-year-olds, yearlings, and some broodmares. The sale begins at noon Pacific. Including supplemental entries, this year’s sale has a slightly larger catalog than last year. In 2022, the mixed sale saw 113 horses sell for $1,306,500, an average of $11,562 and a median price of $5,450. The figures were considerably higher than the 2021 auction that saw 73 horses sell for $575,100 for an average of $7,878 and a median of $3,200. Tuesday’s sale includes 2-year-olds by first-crop stallions Catalina Cruiser, Coal Front, Om, and Rumpus Cat as well as I’ll Have Another and Sir Prancealot, who began stud service at California farms in recent years. The early 2-year-olds... ...

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Closing Remarks Enters Megahertz

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2023) – Stakes winner Closing Remarks is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Megahertz Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Closing Remarks is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Orange Cove, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has three wins in 15 starts, earnings of $398,820 and is coming off a second in the Dec. 31 Robert J. Frankel. ...

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Beaudacious Cases the Promised Land

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2023) – Beaudacious is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Thunder Road Stakes at Santa Anita. Beaudacious is by Karakontie, out of the Smart Strike mare She’s Striking, was bred by Richard Barton Thoroughbreds, is owned by Big Barn Thoroughbred and is trained by Ryan Hanson. He has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $75,516 and is coming off a sixth in a Jan. 8 optional claimer. ...

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Options Being Investigate for Clouseau

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2023) — Borrowing a tagline from the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, it pays to own a Cal-bred if you’re the connections of 3-year-old Clouseau, who on Friday became the first two-time winner at the Classic meet.             After earning his diploma against state-breds going six furlongs on dirt here Jan. 6, Clouseau returned in a first-level state-bred allowance going the same trip and scored at 7-1 for trainer Ian Kruljac. Clouseau’s winning time of 1:10.52 was nearly equal that of the 1:10.47 posted later on the card by the hard-hitting 5-year-old Saffa’s Day in a $32,000 claimer.             As for Clouseau, he is about as well-pedigreed a Cal-bred as you will find. Bred by PT Syndicate #1 LLC, the bay colt is by top Kentucky-based stallion Distorted Humor out of the winning mare English Garden, who herself is a daughter of classic winner Bernardini.             Clouseau went through the sale’s ring at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All... ...

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Opening Buzz Enters Wishing Well Stakes

FLORENCE, Ky. (Jan. 26, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Opening Buzz is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Turfway Park. Opening Buzz is by Stanford, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. The Northern California Yearling Sale graduate has three wins in five starts, earnings of $105,961 and is coming off a Dec. 1 allowance win. ...

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Uncontrollable Takes Aim at Las Virgenes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2023) — Uncontrollable is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Las Virgenes Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Uncontrollable is by Upstart, out of the Include mare Behavioral, was bred by Fountain of Youth Breeding, is owned by Repole Racing and trained by Michael McCarthy. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $147,750 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 10 Starlet. ...

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Unbeaten Chancery Way in Moscow Burning

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2023) – Unbeaten Chancery Way is one of three Northern California Yearling Sale graduates among entries for Saturday’s $75,000 Moscow Burning Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms & John Nicoletti, is owned by Andy and Rob Smolich and trained by Jamey Thomas. The $6,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has won all four starts with earnings of $110,520 and is coming off a win in the Dec. 10 Bear Fan. Belleo’s Forest is by Forest Command, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Missbelleo’s Cause, was bred by owner Four Quarters Corp. and is trained by Brendan Galvin. She has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $49,796 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 8 allowance. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate All Dialed In is by Dialed In, out of the Mutakddim mare Nuffsaid Nuffsaid, was... ...

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One in Vermillion Targets Riley Allison Derby

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 22, 2023) – One in Vermillion is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Riley Allison Derby for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park. One in Vermillion is by Army Mule, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Jonathan Kalman and trained by Esteban Martinez. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $89,620 and is coming off a win in the Dec. 21 Lost in the Fog. ...

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NorCal Sale Grad Minister of Soul in Ft. Bliss

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 22, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Ft. Bliss Stakes at Sunland Park. A 9-year-old by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, Minister of Soul was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has 16 wins in 49 starts, earnings of $496,470 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 1 KLAQ Handicap. ...

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Warrens Candy Girl Leads Cal-bred Quartet

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2023) – Stakes winner Warrens Candy Girl is one of four California-breds among entries in Saturday’s $100,000 Astra Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Warrens Candy Girl is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Affirmative mare Warrens Jitterbug, was bred by owners Benjamin and Sally Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $347,160 and is coming off a fifth in the Dec. 31 Robert J. Frankel. Almost a Factor is by The Factor, out of the Tiznow mare Tizn’t Caught, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Harris Farms & Gary Parker and trained by Carla Gaines. She has two wins in 17 starts, earnings of $138,832 and is coming off a sixth in a Dec. 26 allowance. Barrister’s Ride is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Unusual Heat mare Q T Shea, was bred by Mark Devereaux & Scomar Enterprises, is owned by Devereaux and Scott Gross and is trained by Carla Gaines.... ...

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Self Isolation Enters Interborough Stakes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 18, 2023) – Self Isolation is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Interborough Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. Self Isolation is by Square Eddie, out of the Spring At Last mare Loan Savant, was bred by Reddam Racing and is owned by trainer David Jacobson. She has six wins in 17 starts, earnings of $306,410 and is coming off a 10th in the Dec. 3 Go for Wand. ...

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NorCal Sale Grad Enters Xtra Heat Stakes

LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 17, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ojitos Bellos is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Xtra Heat Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Laurel Park. Ojitos Bellos is by Anchor Down, out of the Lookin At Lucky mare Looks Promising, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Mario Serey Jr. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in four starts, earnings of $21,600 and is coming off an eighth in a Jan. 7 claimer. ...

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My Blue Eyes Eyes Spectacular Bid Stakes

LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 17, 2023) – My Blue Eyes is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Spectacular Bid Stakes for 3-year-olds at Laurel Park. My Blue Eyes is by Kantharos, out of the Tiznow mare Aerial Prancer, was bred by Superhorse Inc., is owned by David Anderson and trained by Bruce Kravets. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $32,093 and is coming off consecutive wins at Penn National. ...

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Santa Anita Hosting Hunter Jumper Event

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2023) — On February 19, 2023, Santa Anita Park will host the Inland Empire Hunter Jumper Association (IEHJA) in celebrating their 2022  champion riders and medal winners. Wreaking Havoc,  ridden by Kaitlyn Williams, will be awarded the 2022 IEHJA hi-point Thoroughbred award at the February banquet, and will be awarded a custom-made tack trunk courtesy of Showcase Training Stables and Caroline Betts,  filled with merchandised provided by Santa Anita Park.          The event will be held in the beautiful grandstand finish line banquet area and includes a wonderful catered meal. Five lucky banquet participants will be selected to visit the Winner’s Circle to watch a race close up. A full day of exciting racing and cheering for the incredible racehorses, will complete the banquet activities.         The awards banquet is the second major IEHJA event sponsored by Santa Anita Park. In November of 2022 Santa Anita Park provided financial support for the IEHJA “Fest in the ... ...

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TOC Owners Event at Golden Gate Feb. 11

From TOC ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2023) — Enjoy an afternoon at Golden Gate Fields with fellow owners on Saturday, February 11, at 12:00 p.m. in the Turf Club. Licensed Owners plus one guest are invited to attend this buffet event that includes carving stations, build your own salad bar, a dessert buffet, and much more!  If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Wayne Atwell at watwell@toconline.com. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED – RSVP BY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6. ...

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Santa Anita Cancels Saturday, Monday Cards

From Santa Anita Publicity       ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2023)—With heavy rain in the forecast, Santa Anita Park has announced there will be no live racing on Monday.  Santa Anita will instead run Friday, Jan. 20, which was originally scheduled to be an off-day.                 Although there is no racing this Saturday and Monday, Santa Anita will be open as planned for live racing this Sunday, with first post time for an eight-race card, consisting of all main track races, at 12:30 p.m.                 The Grade III, $200,000 La Canada Stakes, originally scheduled for Saturday, will now be run this Sunday.  The La Canada, for fillies and mares at a mile and one sixteenth, has been carded as Sunday’s seventh race, with assigned post time at 3:29 PT.                 With sunny skies forecast next week, Santa Anita will run next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with first post time each day at 12:30 p.m.                 For additional information, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE. ...

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CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, January 19, 2023, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo. This meeting will be open to the public. Those providing unsolicited public comments on individual agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda items. Note that for agenda item #7, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. For those who do not attend, the webcast audio link on the CHRB website will provide a way to listen to the meeting. The agenda and package of materials for the meeting are available on the CHRB website. ...

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Smoothlikebuttah Enters La Canada

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2023) – California-bred Smoothlikebuttah, who hit the board in each of her last 12 starts, is entered in Sunday’s 200,000 Grade III La Canada Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. The race was rescheduled from Saturday. Smoothlikebuttah is by Mr. Big, out of the Five Star Day mare Eight Daughters, was bred by NP Thoroughbreds, is owned by Robert Bach and William Tessar and trained by Steve Knapp. She has two wins in 35 starts, earnings of $292,620 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 2 optional claimer ...

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Rancho San Miguel Open House on Jan. 21

Press Release from Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2023) — Showcasing a robust stallion roster, a strong farm management team and a new emphasis on sales preparation and consignment, California mainstay Rancho San Miguel invites current and prospective Thoroughbred breeders, owners and enthusiasts to attend its 2023 Open House & Stallion Show on Saturday, January 21. Participation is free in this casual event, which is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine. Attendees will be treated to a catered lunch, with fun giveaways and a stallion season raffle included in the activities. There will also be opportunities to take a “sneak peek” at many of the mares, yearlings and 2-year-olds who will be consigned by Rancho San Miguel to the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s 2023 Winter Mixed Sale, which will be held in Pomona on January 31. Established in 2000, Rancho San Miguel is one of California’s largest and most customer-focused Thoroughbred farms. Its 2023 stallion roster reflects this status, with... ...

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Andy Smolich

OWNER GETS FIRST STAKES WINNER AT AGE 90 Andy Smolich knows that it’s never too late to dream. The 90-year-old semi-retired Sacramento attorney, a small-scale breeder and owner of Thoroughbreds  since 1987, recently celebrated his milestone birthday as well as his first stakes victory when Chancery Way captured the Bear Fan Stakes at Golden Gate Fields. “Hope springs eternal,” chuckled Smolich, who owns the filly in partnership with his son, Robert. Chancery Way, a California-bred 2019 daughter of popular California sire Mr. Big, is four-for-four to start her career for trainer Jamey Thomas, with earnings of $110,520. The bay filly, who is out of the stakes-placed War Chant mare This Means War, has yet to be headed in any of her races. With Kevin Radke aboard, Chancery Way won the Dec. 10 Bear Fan impressively by 11⁄4 lengths off  a 41⁄2-month layoff . She set swift fractions in the six-furlong test and held off  the even-money favorite Big Summer in the final furlong in a time of 1:09.89. “We’re following the... ...

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Alice Marble Gets Prat in Turf Sprint

sunshine_millions_stakes_pp_s.pdf (ctfassets.net) From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2023)—In a very competitive affair at about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s one-of-a-kind hillside turf course, Nick Alexander’s consistent homebred Alice Marble, who will be ridden by Flavien Prat, should be tough to beat among a field of nine older fillies and mares in Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint.                  Presented by John Deere, the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred of sired runners.                 Most recently third off the bench versus open company in a five furlong turf allowance at Del Mar Nov. 26, Alice Marble, who was second in last year’s Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, has been no worse than third in nine races with trainer Phil D’Amato—winning four of them.                 Winless in her first three starts at age three at Golden Gate Fields, 6-year-old Alice Marble has thrived with D’Amato in Southern California, winning two statebred stakes... ...

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Cast Member, Carole Lombard in Oaks

cal_cup_oaks_stakes_pp_s.pdf (ctfassets.net) From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2023)—In what appears to be a wide-open betting race, owner/breeder Nick Alexander’s recent maiden winner Carole Lombard and stakes winner Cast Member figure prominently among a field of nine sophomore fillies going one mile on turf in Saturday’s $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at Santa Anita.                 Named for the highly respected late trainer and farm manager, the Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners.                 Carole Lombard gets jockey Ramon Vazquez, who rode trainer Tim Yakteen’s Cast Member to a pair of recent stakes victories on dirt but has chosen the Phil D’Amato-trained Carole Lombard off of her impressive 2 ¼ lengths maiden scored versus statebred fillies at one mile over the Del Mar turf on Nov. 20.                 By Grazen out of the Afleet Alex mare Shesabronxbomber, Carole Lombard, who split a 10-horse maiden field... ...

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Carmelita’s Man in Deep Turf Classic

unusual_heat_turf_classic_stakes_pp_s.pdf (ctfassets.net) From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2023)—With seven-time stakes winner The Chosen Vron expected to run earlier on Saturday’s Cal Cup program, trainer Dean Pederson’s hard knocking Carmelita’s Man heads a deep and competitive group of nine entrants going a mile and one eighth on grass in Santa Anita’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic.                 Presented by City National Bank, the Unusual Heat Turf Classic is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired older horses.                 A 6-year-old gelding by Mucho Macho Man out of the North Light mare Carmelita, Carmelita’s Man had his finest year to date in 2022, winning Santa Anita’s one mile turf Crystal Water Stakes on May 28, taking Del Mar’s California Dreaming Stakes at 1 1/16 miles Aug. 6 and then taking an open company allowance at Del Mar going 1 3/8 miles on turf Sept. 2.  Most recently fourth going one mile on turf versus open runners in the restricted Lure Stakes here on Oct. 29, Carmelita’s Man... ...

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Passarando Targets Cal Cup Derby

cal_cup_derby_stakes_pp_s.pdf (ctfassets.net) From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2023)—A springboard to superstardom in 2014 for California Chrome, Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby at Santa Anita may also have a star in the making as seven California-bred or sired sophomores go a mile and one sixteenth.                 Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams’ Passarando, trained by Steve Specht and fresh off a stirring come from behind win versus open company going a mile on synthetic Tapeta Dec. 3 in the Gold Rush Stakes at Golden Gate Fields, rates top billing on Saturday.                 A winner versus statebreds of the seven furlong Golden State Juvenile here three starts back, he’ll be reunited with Umberto Rispoli, who was aboard for the Santa Anita win on Oct. 29.                 A gelding by Tamarando out of the Lucky Pulpit mare I’m Passing Ya Now, Passarando is in top form and is scheduled to van down from Golden Gate early Friday morning.  With two stakes wins to his credit, Passarando is 7-4-2-0 with earnings of $218,830.... ...

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The Chosen Vron Risks Streak

cal_cup_sprint_stakes_pp_s.pdf (ctfassets.net) From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2023)—Trainer Eric Kruljac’s highly accomplished The Chosen Vron, a winner of three consecutive statebred stakes who also has a pair of graded stakes wins to his credit, towers over five rivals going six furlongs in Saturday’s $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita.                 Although he’s also nominated to Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, it would appear more likely The Chosen Vron will kept on dirt around one turn off of his stirring 3 ¼ length score in Del Mar’s seven furlong Cary Grant Stakes Nov. 19.  With Hector Berrios back aboard for the fifth consecutive time, The Chosen Vron will be seeking his eighth overall stakes victory—with four of them coming in main track sprints.                  A 5-year-old gelding by Vronsky out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly and bred by Tiz Molly Partners, The Chosen Vron, with an overall mark of 12-8-1-2 and earnings of $522,678, has proven to be a remarkable athlete for Kruljac.  With... ...

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NorCal Graduate Enters Bold Ego Stakes

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 5, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Brave Cinderella and fellow California-bred Respect the Ride are entered in Sunday’s $65,000 Bold Ego Stakes for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Respect the Ride is by Boat Trip, out of the In Excess mare Zoe’s Baba, was bred by Mike & Megan Stiehr and is owned by trainer Vilma De La Cruz. She is a maiden making her fifth start with earnings of $4,610. Cinderella is by Brave Cat, out of the Liberty Gold mare Cinderella Liberty, was bred by Beorge & Mary Clare Schmitt, is owned by Amanda Sweeten & Blanca Verela and is trained by Andres Gonzalez. The $1,400 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $98,726 and is coming off a fourth in a Dec. 6 optional claimer. ...

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California Cup Nominations and PPs

California Cup, Santa Anita Park, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 Cal Cup Derby, 3 YO (CA), 1 1/16 M – $200,000  CAL_CUP_DERBY_STAKES_NOMS.pdf (ctfassets.net) CAL_CUP_DERBY_STAKES_PP_S.pdf (ctfassets.net) Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cups Oaks, F, 3 YO (CA), 1 M (T) – $200,000 CAL_CUP_OAKS_STAKES_NOMS.pdf (ctfassets.net) CAL_CUP_OAKS_STAKES_PP_S.pdf (ctfassets.net) Don Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint, 4 & UP (CA), 6 F – $150,000 CAL_CUP_STAKE_NOMS.pdf (ctfassets.net) CAL_CUP_SPRINT_STAKES_PP_S.pdf (ctfassets.net) Unusual Heat Turf Classic, 4 & UP (CA), 1 1/8 M (T) – $200,000 UNUSUAL_HEAT_TURF_CLASSIC_STAKES_NOMS.pdf (ctfassets.net) UNUSUAL_HEAT_TURF_CLASSIC_STAKES_PP_S.pdf (ctfassets.net) Sunshine Millions Turf Sprint, F/M, 4 & UP (CA), 6 1/2 F (TH) – $150,000 SUNSHINE_MILLIONS_STAKES_NOMS.pdf (ctfassets.net) SUNSHINE_MILLIONS_STAKES_PP_S.pdf (ctfassets.net) ...

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