These are the hip numbers that are out of the Winter Mixed Sale, as of 1/19: 4, 8, 10, 11, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 44, 47, 50, 53, 55, 56, 63, 64, 71, 73, 75, 76, 77, 80, 85, 93, 94, 96, 100, 104, 109, 111, 115, 116, 117, 119, 124, 131, 134, 136, 140, 143. ...
Read More →
By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – How is this for a catalog update – Shocking Grey, scheduled to be sold on Tuesday at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale in Pomona, won her first stakes in Saturday’s $126,500 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. Shocking Grey, trained by Jeff Mullins, is part of a dispersal of racing and breeding holdings of the prominent owner and breeder Don Valpredo, who died in October. Shocking Grey is Hip No. 12 in the one-day auction. On Saturday, Shocking Grey ($19) closed from fifth to reach a contending position when the field crossed from the hillside turf course to the main turf course. Ridden by Antonio Fresu, Shocking Grey fought briefly with even-money favorite Stay and Scam before taking the lead with more than a furlong remaining. Shocking Grey extended her advantage from a half-length in the stretch to 2 1/4 lengths at the finish. :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted data and information in... ...
Read More →
POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2025) – The 2025 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21, at 12 noon at Hines Pavilion at Fairplex. The sale will include a 22-horse dispersal from the farm of Donald Valpredo, California industry leader and former President of the CTBA, who passed away in November. Checkmate Thoroughbreds has the consignment. Including the Valpredo dispersal, there are 143 cataloged and supplemented broodmares, racing prospects, yearlings and 2-year-olds available in a sale that previously produced stakes winners like Bodacious (2024 I’m Smokin Stakes at Del Mar), Lord Prancealot (2023 Graduation Stakes at Del Mar) and Grade I-producing broodmares like Expo Gold (dam of Preakness-winning filly Swiss Skydiver). For further information and to obtain credit, contact Loretta@ctba.com or call 626-445-7800 ext: 227. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Favored Take Another Card closed with a rush to win Saturday’s $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Take Another Card is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Lookin At Lucky mare You Missed It, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Simon Callaghan. “It was very exciting. Hector (Berrios) gave her a lovely ride. She was very brave, went through a very tight hole,” said Callaghan. “Nice to see she could stretch out.” Take Another Card, off at 9-5, has won both career starts with earnings of $131,000. She ran the mile on turf in 1:36.98 and won by a half-length. Miso Phansy was second and Tequilaandtherapy was third in the field of 12. “She broke perfectly out of the gate,” said Berrios. “I told her to go and she was comfortable and settled perfectly. When I saved ground, she stayed comfortable, I knew I had it. The last quarter, there was a... ...
Read More →Whiskeyginandbrandy wins $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby. ...
Read More →Old Pal wins the $175,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic Stakes, presented by City National Bank. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Whiskeyginandbrandy, interfered with turning for home by Shea Brennan, was moved up for the win in Saturday’s $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby for 3-year-olds, with Shea Brennan placed second. Whiskeyginandbrandy is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Successful Appeal mare Appealing Susan, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Chacon, Anthony J., Flores, Victor M. and Lovingier, Terry C. and trained by Steve Knapp. Stewards ruled that Shea Brennan pushed Whiskeyginandbrandy as they both circled the field, knocking Whiskeyginandbrandy off stride. Shea Brennan finished a head in front of Whiskeyginandbrandy and the stewards’ ruling was unanimous. “My horse had a lot of trouble in his last start,” said Knapp. “He got scared in that race and he has really been training great since that race. I knew he was ready for another great race. I saw the other horse knock my horse off stride. That’s a fantastic horse (Shea Brennan) too, but that bump clearly decided the race.” He has two wins in eight... ...
Read More →Shocking Grey wins $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint Stakes. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Favored Old Pal closed with a rush to win Saturday’s $175,000 Unusual Heat California Cup Turf Classic Stakes, presented by City National Bank, at Santa Anita. Old Pal is by Grazen, out of the English Channel mare Athina Lee, was bred by Ken Miles & Sheridan Jones, is owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Corbett, Carolyn, Desai, Jai H., Dizonno, Frederick A., Garcia, Chris, Harris, Cheryl, Hocevar, Craig, Lewis, Tom, Pate, Garrett, Titus, James and Wagner, Les and trained by Mark Glatt. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $334,940 and was coming off a third in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. “He can win at a mile or a mile and a sixteenth — he just needs a good, hot pace,” said Glatt. Coalinga Road was second and On the Whim third in a field of 11. Old Pal, ridden by Antonio Fresu, ran the 1 1/18 miles in 1:47.93 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-5.... ...
Read More →Big City Lights wins $125,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Prohibitive favorite Big City Lights made easy work of a small field on Saturday with a victory in the $125,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita that could send him next to Dubai. Bred by Bar C Racing Stable and trained by Richard Mandella for owner Bill Peeples, Big City Lights won by 7 3/4 lengths over Clovisconnection with Smiling Beast third in the field of four. “He’s a beautiful horse. He has a classy head, great balance. Just a classy looking horse,” said Mandella. “I got a good work in him. He’s just a good horse with a lot of class. “(William R. Peeples) wasn’t here. He had shoulder surgery Monday, and I got a message that he wasn’t quite up to it. But he and this horse have been a pleasure all along. “Not sure what’s next. We kind of want to nominate him to Dubai ($2 million Golden Shaheen Sprint April 5) and daydream a little bit. I don’t... ...
Read More →
From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2025) — The California Horse Racing Board meeting that was to be held this coming Thursday, January 16, has been canceled out of consideration for those affected by the fires in Southern California. The few items on that agenda will be moved to the February meeting, which will be held at Cal Expo on February 20 at 9:30 am. ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity and DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2025) – Santa Anita Park has cancelled racing this weekend, given the overnight developments with the wildfires on the west side of Los Angeles. The air quality standards at the racetrack remain well within the limits established by the CHRB and HISA, and are forecast to remain so, but the impact of these devastating fires is growing throughout Los Angeles County. According to DRF.com, Saturday’s 11-race California Cup card, including five stakes races, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 18, Sunday’s card has been rescheduled to Sunday, Jan. 19. Santa Anita Park’s expansive property is currently being used to support several relief efforts. The large charity drop-off that was set up at the Rose Bowl was relocated to Santa Anita Park’s south parking lot Friday afternoon, with thousands driving in to give what they can or pick up what they need. Southern California Edison is using the entire north parking lot as their basecamp to restore power to those in... ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 11, 2025) — What started with a food truck guy, a street vendor, and a self-described “food enthusiast,” all wanting to provide food to Los Angeles County wildfire victims, has grown into a massive effort to collect donations and distribute them to those in need. It began at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., and has now moved to Santa Anita Park‘s parking lot. Thousands of people are pouring into the racetrack, some bringing items to donate and others lining up for a chance to pick up needed supplies—all provided for free. The wildfires that have broken out across Los Angeles County are still raging, with the Eaton Fire closest to Santa Anita, but not threatening the racetrack. As more and more people lost their homes, Jerry Martinez, Juan Diaz, and Jimmy Medina wanted to help. “This all started with wanting to give hot dogs out to the local community of Pasadena that were victims of the fire,” Martinez said. “Originally, this was only supposed to be... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2024) — California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s 2025 Stallion Season Online Auction will be held Monday Jan. 6-7 exclusively via www.Salering.net. A preview of the seasons offered will be available for viewing on Saturday, Jan. 4, at www.Salering.net. Bidding starts Monday, Jan. 6, at 8 a.m. PT and concludes Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 8 p.m. PT. All seasons listed are being sold with NO GUARANTEE. Proceeds from the auction benefit the CTBA’s Political Action Committee Fund, which works in support of legislation to favorably impact California breeders. The auction features seasons to 29 California stallions. Among the seasons available is one to perennial leading California sire Stay Thirsty. To view the list of seasons available, CTBA Stallion Season Auction To register for bidding, click Registration Form For more information, contact Christy Chapman at christy@ctba.com. ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif (Jan. 7, 2025)—Dozens of the best horses bred or sired in California will compete in five stakes as part of an 11-race card set for California Cup Day Saturday at Santa Anita. First post is 11:30 a.m. PT. Headlining California Cup Day is a trio of stakes worth $175,000 in prize money: the California Chrome California Cup Derby for 3-year-olds going 1 1/16 miles on dirt; Leigh Ann Howard California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at a mile on turf; and Unusual Heat Turf Classic for 4-year-olds and older going 1 1/8 miles on turf. Rounding out the stakes action is the $125,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint going six furlongs and $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly Mare Turf Sprint at about 6 ½ furlongs on the hillside turf course. In addition to the action on the track, racegoers on California Cup Day can enjoy Santa Anita’s popular Burgers & Brews festival. Burgers & Brews features gourmet burgers from... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Five of the top six finishers in the Dec. 8 Soviet Problem Stakes, including winner Hey Jessie, are entered in the rescheduled $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Santa Anita. Tequilaandtherapy is by Mrazek, out of the In Excess mare Chexcess, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $176,067 and is coming off a third in a Dec. 8 Soviet Problem. Sunset Grazen is by Grazen, out of the Slew’s Tiznow mare Sausalito Sunset, was bred by Legacy Ranch and is owned by by trainer Samuel Calvario. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $61,680 and is coming off a win in the Dec. 7 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes. We the Hobby is by Om, out of the Pioneerof the Nile mare American Farrah, was bred by trainer Peter Miller and is owned... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2025) – The top five finishers in the Dec. 15 King Glorious Stakes, including winner Shea Brennan, resume their rivalry in the rescheduled $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby for 3-year-olds on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Santa Anita. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate I’m a Bad Boy is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Roman Ruler mare Donita’s Ruler, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by C T R Stables and trainer by Luis Mendez. The $18,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $145,080 and is coming off a second in the Dec. 15 King Glorious. Accidental Genius is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Square Eddie mare Radish, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Edward Freeman. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $57,490 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 15 Bay Meadows Juvenile Stakes. Shea Brennan is by Tough Sunday, out of the Old... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Former winners Coalinga Road and Aligato are part of a field of 11 entered in the rescheduled $175,000 California Cup Unusual Heat Turf Classic Stakes, presented by City National Bank, on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Santa Anita. Keep Movin’ On is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Henny Hughes mare My Due Process, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Fairview and trained by Tim Yakteen. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $120,774 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 9 optional claimer. Multiple stakes winner On the Whim is by Acclamation, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Whimsy, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Dean Pederson. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $237,096 and is coming off an eighth in a Nov. 30 optional claimer. Jimmy Blue Jeans is by James Street, out of the Marino Marini mare Blue Blizzard, was bred by Perry Bruno and John Gezon, is owned... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2025) – In seven career starts against California-breds, Big City Lights has won three times and finished second on four occasions to The Chosen Vron, the leading statebred in the last two years. Not a bad record at all. Without The Chosen Vron for competition, the 6-year-old Big City Lights won the Cary Grant Stakes for statebreds by 8 1/2 lengths as the odds-on favorite at Del Mar in November. Big City Lights, second in the race last year, will be a heavy favorite to win the fifth stakes of his career in the rescheduled $125,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint at six furlongs on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Santa Anita. The California Cup Sprint is one of five stakes for statebreds on Saturday’s 11-race program, which begins at 11:30 a.m. Pacific. :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances, Picks, and Clocker Reports available now. Bred by Bar C Racing Stable and trained by Richard Mandella... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Multiple stakes winner Stay and Scam, third in the race a year ago, takes on California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale graduate Safa in the rescheduled $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, presented by John Deere, on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Santa Anita. Stay and Scam is by Square Eddie, out of the Momentum mare Puff Pastry, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has six wins in 17 starts, earnings of $440,360 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 11 Senator Ken Maddy. She was third in this race last year. Stay and Scam is the only runner in a field of six that has won at the race distance of about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside course. Stay and Scam, who was third by a head in the 2024 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint, won an allowance race and the Irish O’Brien Stakes for statebred fillies and... ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2025) — Santa Anita Park has postponed Friday’s racing program until next Thursday, Jan. 16. due to the forecast of poor air quality for the San Gabriel Valley. The California Horse Racing Board has approved this proactive rescheduling of the 10-race card. The races will be run with the horses previously entered in the post-position order originally drawn. “While Santa Anita continues to remain well outside of any active fire area, the smoke from the wildfires is affecting all of Los Angeles County,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita’s General Manager & SVP. “We also want to respect the impact that this tragedy has had on many of our community, including our horsemen and women and our own Santa Anita team, who have been devastated by these fires. By proactively moving the races, it gives our horsemen and women, horseplayers, fans and our team the opportunity to plan accordingly.” A decision on this weekend’s racing program, including Saturday’s 11-race California Cup program, will... ...
Read More →
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 10, 2025) – Graded-stakes placed Alotaluck is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 Ft. Bliss Stakes at Sunland Park. Alotaluck is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Lucks Mine mare Colinda Dawn, was bred by owner Eleanor Martin and is trained by Ty Garrett. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $278,288 and is coming off a Dec. 18 optional claiming win. ...
Read More →
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 5, 2025) – California-bred champion The Chosen Vron is a finalist for the 2024 Eclipse Award Champion Sprinter, it was announced on Sunday. Cogburn and Straight No Chaser are the other finalists in the category. Straight No Chaser also is a finalist for Older Dirt Male. Here is Daily Racing Form’s profile on The Chosen Vron: 2024 Eclipse Awards: The Chosen Vron The award winners will be announced and presented Jan. 23 at a black-tie ceremony held at The Breakers Palm Beach, a luxury resort in Palm Beach, Fla. As explained in this Daily Racing Form article 2024 Eclipse Awards: Thorpedo Anna, Sierra Leone top finalists, the Eclipse Awards are voted on by members of Daily Racing Form, the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association, and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the latter group represented by member racetrack racing officials and Equibase field personnel. Out of 240 eligible voters, 208 ballots were returned, according to the NTRA. Finalists are determined based on the top three vote-getters in each... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com GLENDORA, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2025) – A celebration of life for the late trainer Mel Stute and his wife Annabelle, who died in December, is scheduled for Sunday at 9 a.m. at Clocker’s Corner at Santa Anita. A memorial service for the couple is scheduled for Saturday at Hope Lutheran Church in Glendora, Calif., at 2 p.m. Mel Stute, who trained the legendary California-bred Snow Chief in the 1980s, died in 2020 at the age of 93. Annabelle Stute died in December at 92. The Stutes’s survivors include their son, Gary, who has a stable at Santa Anita. Gary Stute saddled a winner at Santa Anita earlier this month. Gary Stute said on Friday that a memorial service was not held for his father in 2020 because he died during the coronavirus pandemic. Snow Chief won the Eclipse Award as the champion 3-year-old male of 1986, the year he won the Preakness Stakes and the Florida, Santa Anita, and Jersey derbies. Snow Chief was 11th in the Kentucky Derby.... ...
Read More →
NEW ORLEANS, La. (Jan. 11, 2025) – Swift as I Am is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Duncan F. Kenner Stakes at Fair Grounds. Swift as I Am is by Danza, out of the Artie Schiller mare As I Am, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Joel Hunsburger and trained by Tanner Tracy. He has four wins in 23 starts, earnings of $157,335 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 13 optional claimer. He was fourth in this race last year. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 2, 2025) – Nominations close today, Thursday, Jan. 2, for the five stakes races to be held on California Cup Day, Saturday, Jan. 11, at Santa Anita. The stakes: California Cup Derby, 3 YO, 8 1/2 F – $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks, F, 3 YO, 8 F (T) – $175,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint, 4 & UP, 6 F – $125,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank, 4 & UP, 9 F (T) – $175,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint presented by John Deere, F/M, 4 & UP, *6 1/2 F (TH) – $125,000. To nominate, contact the Santa Anita Racing Office at (626) 574-6352 or (626) 574-6471 or e-mail: nominations@santaanita.com. ...
Read More →
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 10, 2025) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Street Colors is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $65,000 Borderplex Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park. Street Colors is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Orientate mare Ocean Colors, was bred by Jason Hall & Joe Wheeler, is owned by Juan Zamora and trained by Edwin Martinez. The $4,500 purchase out of the Checkmate Thoroughbred consignment of the Northern California Yearling Sale is a maiden making her fifth start with earnings of $6,370. ...
Read More →
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 10, 2025) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Street Colors is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $65,000 Borderplex Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park. Street Colors is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Orientate mare Ocean Colors, was bred by Jason Hall & Joe Wheeler, is owned by Juan Zamora and trained by Edwin Martinez. The $4,500 purchase out of the Checkmate Thoroughbred consignment of the Northern California Yearling Sale is a maiden making her fifth start with earnings of $6,370. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2024) – A blue-ribbon panel of industry experts will decide all California Thoroughbred Breeders Association year-end divisional racing champions, including Horse of the Year, effective immediately. The panel will consist of California racing secretaries David Jerkens, Jason Egan and Tom Doutrich and will be overseen by Santa Anita track announcer Frank Mirahmadi. By tapping the input of executives that are most closely involved in the racing performance of California-breds, and in the best position to recognize talent and achievement, the voting change will also streamline the selection process, ensuring fair and representative outcomes. In addition to Horse of the Year, the panel will determine these champions: 2-Year-Old Male, 3-Year-Old Male, Older Male, 2-Year-Old Female, 3-Year-Old Female, Older Female, Sprinter, Turf, Broodmare of the Year. Independent statistical computations by Equibase will continue to determine Champion Stallions in each division, as well as Champion Breeder. As in previous years, winners will be honored at the CTBA annual meeting and awards dinner on Mar. 3 at the Le Meridien... ...
Read More →
From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2025)— Southern California sprint sensation Bolden, a dual-surface winner who exhibited sub-1:08 speed during his undefeated racing career, was represented by his firstborn foal on January 4: a bay colt who was foaled at Rancho San Miguel in California. Weighing in at a strapping 125 pounds, the colt is the second foal out of the eight-time winner and $144,010-earner Trina, by Peppered Cat. He was bred by Rancho San Miguel. “Bolden is a big, good-looking and classy stallion who has us excited for the future,” said Rancho San Miguel owner Tom Clark, whose farm stands the 7-year-old son of Grade 1 winner, 6 1/2-furlong Santa Anita Park track recordholder and leading California sire Square Eddie, by Smart Strike. “If all the Boldens look like this first one, we are going to have a lot of fun.” Racing exclusively on the challenging Southern California circuit, Bolden won all four of his career starts by a combined margin of 21... ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2024) – Stakes winner Pushiness and graded-stakes placed Irish Wahine are the California-breds entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Las Flores Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Pushiness is by Kantharos, out of the Empire Maker mare Imperial Pippin, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Repole Stables and trained by Michael McCarthy. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $272,046 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 10 Betty Grable. Irish Wahine is by Grazen, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. and Neary Racing, is owned by GMT Racing Stables and trained by Librado Barocio. She has 11 wins in 30 starts, earnings of $316,956 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov. 30 Livermore Valley Stakes. ...
Read More →
FLORENCE, Ky. (Jan. 1, 2025) – Grace On Grace, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Jersey Town, won Wednesday’s $110,000 Gowell Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turfway Park. Grace On Grace, out of the Poteen mare Trick Soso, has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $123,641 and was coming off a second in a Dec. 13 optional claimer. She ran the six furlongs in 1:12.16 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 10-1 in a field of six. ...
Read More →
CANOVANOS, Puerto Rico (Dec. 25, 2024) — Undefeated Iron Skull, a Puerto Rican-bred son of California stallion Midnight Storm, won Wednesday’s $85,200 Grade I Clasico Navidad Stakes for 2-year-olds at Hipodromo Camarero Iron Skull, out of the Scat Daddy mare Angela’s Smile, was coming off a debut win Nov. 7. He ran the 1 1/16 miles on a muddy track in 1:46.66 and won by 9 1/4 lengths as the 3-2 favorite. He has career earnings of $59,276. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 25, 2024) – California-sired Sabertooth and California-bred King of Dragons are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Eddie Logan Stakes at Santa Anita. Graded-stakes placed Sabertooth is a Maryland-bred by California sire Grazen, out of the Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, was bred by 2500 Determined Stud, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Tim Yakteen, He has a maiden, making his seventh start with earnings of $81,300 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 29 maiden special weight. King of Dragons is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Eskenderaya mare Zendreya, was bred by owner Cicero Farms and is trained by Richard Baltas. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $47,700 and is coming off a Nov. 29 maiden win. ...
Read More →
From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri and Brenda Washington Davis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link, accessed through the Media Room tab. Golden State Racing’s (GSR) decision to withdraw its license application for a thoroughbred meet at Pleasanton in 2025 greatly abbreviated the meeting agenda. Vice Chair Gonzales and Commissioner Alfieri both spoke to this issue, as they had worked tirelessly with industry leaders and northern horsemen and workers, first in an effort to preserve the GSR meet, and then when that could not be achieved, to help implement the plan for continued stabling in Pleasanton with horses being shuttled back and forth for racing in the south. Vice Chair Gonzales referenced the CHRB news release statement on this issue (link) and its optimism... ...
Read More →
Rancho San Miguel Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2024)—The Street Fighter, a stakes-caliber performer by multiple Grade 1 winner Street Boss, has relocated to Rancho San Miguel in California for the 2025 breeding season. The 10-year-old stallion will stand for a fee of $2,500, with a live foal guarantee. Bred by the late trainer Bruce Headley and partner Andrew Molasky, The Street Fighter made 21 starts over five years on the Southern California racing circuit, primarily in allowance and stakes company. He was saddled for 19 of his races by Headley, with the conditioner’s daughter, Karen Headley, taking over training duties after her father’s death at 86 in 2021. Karen Headley now owns The Street Fighter with Marsha Naify, a longtime patron of the Headley barn. Both will support the stallion with their own mares. The Street Fighter won his debut by an eye-opening 5 1/2 lengths in a six-furlong maiden special weight race for 3-year-olds on the dirt at Santa Anita Park, then later... ...
Read More →
From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 20, 2024) — The Jockey Club today announced a pilot project, the Mare Incentive Program, that waives registration fees for certain 2026 foals of mares that meet criteria defined by The Jockey Club. “The Jockey Club is waiving registration fees for any 2026 foals of mares that are listed and that are introduced or returned to the breeding population in 2025 in an effort to stimulate interest in this group that appear to have left production,” said James L. Gagliano, president and COO, The Jockey Club. “We believe the complimentary software tool developed by TJC Innovations that prepares the report of these mares provides an invaluable asset for breeders as they consider potential matings.” Each December, The Jockey Club will provide a list of the mares identified in the Mare Incentive Program through Interactive Registration (IR). The list for the 2025 breeding season is available now, and The Jockey Club Registry will waive the registration application fee for 2026 foals out of these mares. “The... ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2024) — A complete dispersal of Donald Valpredo’s Valpredo Farms is part of the catalog for the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale. A total of 143 have been cataloged for the sale, scheduled for Jan. 21. Valpredo, a longtime breeder and CTBA director, died Oct. 21. Adrian Gonzalez’s Checkmate Thoroughbreds is handling the dispersal, which includes mares, 2025 yearlings, 2025 2-year-olds, and older horses of racing age. About two dozen dispersal horses are in the sale. Checkmate is bringing its own large consignment, as will several major California consignors. Other consignors include Acres Farms, Dehesa Farms, H & E Ranch, Havens Bloodstock Agency, Lovacres Ranch, Milky Way Farm, and Rancho San Miguel. Doug Burge, president of the CTBA, told the California Horse Racing Board during its monthly meeting Dec. 19, “We’ll probably have a few more supplements between now and in the sale on the 21st of January.” He called the sales grounds at Fairplex, “the best facility in the state to sell... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2024) — A memorial service for trainer Ben Cecil, who died on Nov. 29, will be held in the 100-to-1 suite from 1 to 3 p.m. at Santa Anita on Dec. 28. Cecil was 56. Cecil trained in Southern California from 1996 until last month, winning 325 races from 2,420 starters who earned more than $24.9 million. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2024) – The catalog for the 2025 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale is now online at WinterMixedSale_2025_ver2.pdf. The sale will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 12 noon at Hinds Pavilion at Fairplex in Pomona. There are 143 horses cataloged for the sale. Of that total, 25 are yearlings, 75 are 2-year-olds and 24 are pregnant mares. Online bidding will be available. To set up credit, or for further information, please contact Loretta Veiga – (800) 573-2822 Ext 227 or email: loretta@ctba.com. ...
Read More →
ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2024) – Stakes winner Curlin’s Kaos is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $200,000 Grade II Mathis Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. Curlin’s Kaos is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda & Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $276,520 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov. 9 Cary Grant. ...
Read More →
SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Dec. 22, 2024) – California-breds Tizlightning and Bart Sip Some are entered in the $65,000 KLAQ Handicap at Sunland Park on Jan. 3. Tizlightning is by Stanford, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Tizadream, was bred by Lori Gallegos, is owned by Battle Born Racing Stable and is trained by Jesus Uranga. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $101,316 and is coming off a win in a Sept. 22 starter’s allowance. Bart Sip Some is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Mineshaft mare Sally Simpson, was bred by KM Racing Enterprises, is owned by Hugo Holguin and trained by Terri Rust. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $65,745 and is coming off a fifth in a Dec. 18 optional claimer. ...
Read More →
From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2024) — After extensive consultation and discussion with, and among, Golden State Racing, California Authority of Racing Fairs, Alameda County Fair, Thoroughbred Owners of California, California Thoroughbred Trainers, the California Horse Racing Board and others, the consensus is that the industry should not pursue the Golden State Racing license on Thursday at the CHRB meeting. The mounting economic challenges felt throughout horseracing and inconsistent handle in Northern California compel the conclusion that, for now, Pleasanton operating as a training facility and Southern California running races for horses stabled there would be in the best interests of both Northern California and Southern California. While this conclusion is undoubtedly disappointing to nearly everyone involved and presents its own challenges, the CHRB views this arrangement as temporary, as well as an opportunity for all stakeholders to work together to pursue purse enhancements that are essential for California racing to remain competitive with the rest of the country. We are hopeful that should such supplements be realized, California... ...
Read More →
From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, December 19, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo in Sacramento. This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #18, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes. For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and package of materials have been newly formatted into a single link: https://www.chrb.ca.gov/meeting_agendas.asp These materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...
Read More →
CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2024) – Going two turns for the first time, Shea Brennan nosed out I’m a Bad Boy to win Sunday’s $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Los Alamitos. Shea Brennan is by Tough Sunday, out of the Old Topper mare Carrie Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato. He has two wins in five starts with earnings of $144,500. “He’s a horse with a lot of ability, but he’s just still learning,” said D’Amato. “(Jockey) Antonio (Fresu) said he was still looking around through the stretch. He’s got a lot of heart, grit, determination and I think the two turns helped him a lot today. I thought (the finish) was extremely close, but after watching the slo-mo replay, I thought we had a good chance at it and sure enough they put our number up.’’ The winner withstood a challenge from Tiago Pereira, the rider aboard fourth-place finisher Whiskyginandbrandy. “He’s a baby and when we were out... ...
Read More →
PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2024) – After losing a photo by a neck to fellow California-bred Drop Um, Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Mala was moved up by disqualification and declared the official winner of Sunday’s $75,000 Bay Meadows Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at Pleasanton. Mala is by Union Rags, out of the Smart Strike mare Witchy One, was bred by Carliwood Farms, is owned by Greg Avery and trained by Steve Sherman. The $40,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale — which was held at Pleasanton — out of the Easterbrook Livestock Management consignment has two wins in five starts, earnings of $77,903 and was coming off a second in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. Mala ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:48.98 at odds of 14-1. Drop Um was placed second by stewards for interference in the stretch and Accidental Genuis was third in a field of seven that included 4-5 favorite Kalea Bay, the Bob Baffert-trainee that was eased from the race and walked off. ...
Read More →
From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2024) – Trainer Peter Miller will be looking for his third consecutive win in the $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles when he saddles R Heisman Sunday at Los Alamitos. Named in honor of the 1988 Hollywood Futurity and 1989 Haskell winner, the one-mile King Glorious is restricted to 2-year-olds bred or sired in California and is the main event on the final day of the Winter Thoroughbred meet. Post time is 12:30 p.m. The King Glorious will be the last of nine races. Approximate post time is 4:30 p.m. Miller, who won with Giver Not a Taker in 2022 before Last Call London’s victory 12 months ago, will be trying to equal Doug O’Neill for most wins in the race since it was moved from Hollywood Park to Los Alamitos in 2014. O’Neill’s King Glorious wins came with Found Money (2015), Ann Arbor Eddie (2016) and Play Chicken (2020). Trained by Highclere Inc. and owned by Gary Barber,... ...
Read More →
PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2024) – Stakes winner Drop Um, sidelined since July, seeks to keep his perfect record intact in Sunday’s $75,000 Bay Meadows Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at Pleasanton. Accidental Genius is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Square Eddie mare Radish, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Edward Freeman. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $48,490 and is coming off a Nov. 17 optional claiming win. Drop Um is by is by Far From Over, out of the Include mare Behavioral, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Gray Farms and trained by Felix Rondan. He has won both starts with earnings of $62,550 after winning the July 7 Everett Nevin Stakes, beating odds-on favorite R Heisman. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Mala is by Union Rags, out of the Smart Strike mare Witchy One, was bred by Carliwood Farms, is owned by Greg Avery and trained by Steve Sherman. The $40,000 purchase at the... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2024) — With a forecast of inclement weather late Friday and early Saturday, Saturday’s program at Pleasanton has been canceled and will be run on Sunday, according to racing secretary Tom Doutrich. Because of the cancellation, the track has been granted approval by the California Horse Racing Board to run an additional day on Wednesday, which will be final day of the Golden State Racing meeting that began in October, Doutrich said. Sunday’s nine-race program will begin at 12:15 p.m. Pacific. Races that were scheduled for Saturday will be run on Sunday. Races proposed for Sunday will now be run on Wednesday, Doutrich said. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. Sunday’s program will include the $75,000 Bay Meadows Juvenile, which drew a field of seven. The track has a seven-race program on Friday this week that is not expected to be affected by rain. According to accuweather.com, there is a slight chance... ...
Read More →
SOLVANG, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2024) — California-bred stakes winner Lord Prancealot, a 3-year-old colt by Sir Prancealot (IRE), has been retired from racing after suffering a bowed tendon in training last month. Lord Prancealot was trained by Jeff Bonde and owned by Jeff Ganje and Rusty Brown. Bred in California by Jeff Ganje, Lord Prancealot won his first two career starts, including last year’s Graduation Stakes at Del Mar. Lord Prancealot was lightly raced due to injuries, winning three of five starts with earnings of $144,280. “Lord Prancealot was my first home-bred stakes winner and Sir Prancealot’s first Cal-bred stakes winner. He had so much talent, but never got the opportunity to fulfill his potential due to injuries,” said Ganje, who recently campaigned graded stakes-winning millionaire Shotgun Hottie. Lord Prancealot will rehab at Kingfisher Farms in Solvang, California, and will be rehomed through Kingfisher Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. (KERRI), a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to helping off-the-track Thoroughbreds find their next home. “Lord Prancealot is the kindest and sweetest... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2024) — On the backstretch or during an afternoon at the races, a person did not travel far before crossing paths with trainer Eddie Truman at a Southern California track. Truman was seemingly everywhere, often stopping to visit with people of all walks of life, from stable employees to horse owners, frequently sharing a story that ended with his infectious laugh. Truman was warmly remembered in the racing community on Wednesday after his death early that morning. On Tuesday evening, Truman hosted a card party at his home in Sierra Madre, Calif., according to his friend and fellow trainer Jay Nehf, who confirmed Truman’s passing. “It was a real shock,” Nehf said on Wednesday afternoon. For 50 years, until January, Truman trained on the circuit, winning 763 races. He retired at the age of 77 with the intent of enjoying retirement. Truman had his final starter at Los Alamitos last December and won the final race of his career in June 2023. On the... ...
Read More →
From Lovacres Ranch WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2024) – Grade III winner Hopkins, a son of Quality Road that sold for $900,000 as a yearling, will stand the 2025 breeding season at Lovacres Ranch. Hopkins, out of the Salt Lake mare Hot Spell, stands for $5,000, with special consideration to approved mares, year-round boarders and previous breeders. Hopkins, who posted a 104 Beyer in his debut and a 115 Time Form Rating in the Grade I Dubai Golden Shaheen, won the Grade III Palos Verdes Stakes by 2 ½ lengths. Also in his career he defeated Breeders Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser and finished a neck behind Gunite. For further information, contact Terry Lovingier at 562-547-9848. ...
Read More →
CANOVANAS, Puerto Rico (Dec. 10, 2024) – Smoken Boy, a Kentucky-bred son of new Harris Farms California stallion Catholic Boy, easily won Sunday’s $62,000 Clasico Agustin Mercado Reveron Stakes for 2-year-olds at Hipodromo Camarero. Smoken Boy, out of the Cairo Prince mare Smoken Deb, has two wins in three starts and earnings of $46,490. Taking the lead with a bold move around the far turn, he finished the 1 1/16 miles in the mud in 1:45.09 and won by 9 ¼ lengths at odds of 3-2 in a field of nine. ...
Read More →
From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2024) – Entries for the fourth and fifth days of the Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos will be completed Wednesday, Dec. 11. Entries for Friday, Dec. 13 were scheduled to be taken Tuesday, Dec. 10. They will now be completed as part of a double draw on Wednesday. The Saturday, Dec. 14 program will include the Grade II, $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles and will also feature a handicapping contest which will offer two berths to the 2025 National Thoroughbred Racing Association Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas. ...
Read More →
CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2024) – Longshot Hey Jessie rallied wide through the long Los Alamitos stretch to win Sunday’s $102,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies. Hey Jessie is by Grazen, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Bea’s Cee, was bred by owner Sayjay Racing and is trained by Sean McCarthy. She was switching surfaces to the Los Alamitos dirt after breaking her maiden at a mile on the grass at Del Mar Nov. 16. ““I’m mildly surprised. I was confident she’d run well, I didn’t know how she’d handle the course, although in saying that, I knew the stretch would be a benefit for her,” said McCarthy. “She has a big, long stride, a beautiful moving filly. She’s probably not as fast as these horses are, but I knew she’d have a good, closing kick in her because we got a good bottom in her.” McCarthy said he will point Hey Jessie to the $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at one mile on... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2024) — California-bred Sunset Grazen was the only runner in Saturday’s $75,450 Golden Gate Debutante at Pleasanton, Calif. with a previous win around two turns. She was also the only starter in a field of 2-year-old fillies who had raced for a claiming price, winning a $16,000 claimer for maidens at a mile and 70 yards by 11 lengths on Nov. 8. Despite a jump in class and a slightly longer trip at 1 1/16 miles, Sunset Grazen led throughout the Golden Gate Debutante, setting a slow pace and holding off a sustained run from the maiden Lolo Le Plume to win by a head. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. Bred by Legacy Ranch and ridden by Santos Rivera, Sunset Grazen ($16.60) was timed in 1:46.51. Lolo Le Plume (9-2) finished five lengths clear of 2-1 Big Soiree. Border Control, the 6-5 favorite on the strength of a seven-length win in... ...
Read More →
From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2024) — Stakes winners Speedy Wilson and R Heisman, the 1-2 finishers in the Golden State Juvenile Nov. 1, are among 18 2-year-olds nominated to the $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos. A one-mile race restricted to horses bred or sired in California, the King Glorious will be run for the 11th time at Los Alamitos Sunday, Dec. 15, closing day of the Winter Thoroughbred meet. Owned by breeder Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato, Speedy Wilson defeated R Heisman, the 7-5 favorite, by a half-length in Golden State Juvenile, which was run at seven furlongs. The win was the second in four starts for the Tough Sunday colt out of the Minsters Wild Cat mare and pushed his earnings to $156,150. A gelded son of Far From Over and the First American mare Parisienne, bred by Highclere Inc., owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller, who won the 2023 King Glorious with Last... ...
Read More →
CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2024) – Stakes winners Tequilaandtherapy and In the Air Tonight are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. In the Air Tonight is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Sky Mesa mare Angel Allie, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Chacon, Anthony J., Flores, Victor M. and Lovingier, Terry C. and trained by Steve Knapp. The CTBA Stakes winner has two wins in five starts, earnings of $141,400 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 1 Golden State Juvenile Fillies behind Tequilaandtherapy. Ciappina Pasadina is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Creative Cause mare Blissful Lady, was bred by Martindale & Andrews, is owned by Andy Andrews and trained by Charles Treece. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $16,100 and is coming off a seventh in an Oct. 19 starter optional claimer. Grateful My Love is by Danzing Candy, out of the Include mare Miss Georgie Gal, was bred by... ...
Read More →
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Dec. 5, 2024) – Well-traveled Fowler Blue is the lone California-bred entered in the Dec. 13 $75,000 Jeffrey A. Hawk Memorial Stakes at Remington Park. Fowler Blue is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Unusual Heat mare Roses for Joni, was bred by William Branch & Arnold Hill, is owned by Branch and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has four wins in 24 starts, earnings of $204,368 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 9 claimer at Del Mar. He also has run at Churchill Downs, Horseshoe Indianapolis, Ellis Park, Aqueduct, Parx Racing, Monmouth Park, Turfway Park, Lone Star, Santa Anita, Sunland Park and Los Alamitos. ...
Read More →
PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2024) – California-breds Sunset Grazen, Hello Kid O Kid O and Big Soiree are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Pleasanton. Sunset Grazen is by Grazen, out of the Slew’s Tiznow mare Sausalito Sunset, was bred by Legacy Ranch and is owned by trainer Samuel Calvario. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $16,680 and is coming off a Nov. 8 maiden claiming win. Hello Kid O Kid O is by Danzing Candy, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Norah’s Kitten, was bred by Richard James and Roberto Gonzalez, is owned by James and trained by Bill McLean. She is a maiden making her fourth start with earnings of $8,112. Big Soiree is by Mr. Big, out of the Tapizar mare Silver Soiree, was bred by owner Paradox Stables and is trained by Jorge Bautista. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $47,658 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. ...
Read More →
By DRF.com BUELLTON, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2024) — Nick Alexander, one of California’s most prominent breeders, is holding a partial dispersal of 23 horses at the Fasig-Tipton Digital Sale that begins on Thursday and continues through Dec. 11, according to a statement issued on Monday. Alexander’s draft includes 17 California-bred yearlings and six broodmares, five of whom are in foal to Grazen, the state’s leading sire by progeny earnings in 2023. Alexander raced Grazen and stands the stallion at Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm in Buellton, Calif. Through Sunday, Grazen led the state’s stallions in 2024 progeny earnings with $4,055,469, slightly ahead of Stay Thirsty, with $3,989,752. ...
Read More →
From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2024) — Tequilaandtherapy, who posted an 11-1 upset in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies last month at Del Mar, is among 13 nominations to the $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles. The one-mile race for 2-year-old fillies bred or sired in California will be run Sunday, Dec. 8, the third day of the Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will continue through Sunday, Dec. 15. Bred by Reddam Racing, owned by Here We Go Brothers and trained by Doug O’Neill, Tequilaandtherapy rallied to defeat Grateful My Love by a nose for her second win in six starts. The daughter of Mrazek and the In Excess mare Chexcess has earned $164,067. She is already proven at the Soviet Problem distance, graduating at eight furlongs on the Del Mar turf Aug. 30. Tequilaandtherapy is one of four O’Neill nominated to the race. The others are Sunday winner Pavel Is Appealing and maidens How About Pavel and Less Is More.... ...
Read More →
From After the Finish Line ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption and After the Finish Line’s Holiday Moneigh Auction is up and running this week and will end on Sunday, December 8 at 6p PT/9p ET. Bid at ebay.com/str/rerunthoroughbred. A total of nineteen original Moneighs painted by stallions, pony horses and a broodmare are up for bid. This includes Tom’s d’Etat, Annapolis, Harley, Groupie Doll, Nyquist, Flightline, Curlin, Promises Fulfilled, War Front, Rip, Tapit, Mystic Guide, Good Magic, Audible, Honor Code, McKinzie, Charlatan, Maxfield and Little Mike. Moneighs are abstract artwork created by Thoroughbreds using their lips, muzzle, hoof, and/or whiskers. The name is derived from the artist, Monet, and the neigh of a horse. Moneigh is a registered trademark of ReRun, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit that rehabilitates and retrains Off Track Thoroughbreds for adoption in New York. In partnership with After the Finish Line, a California Off Track Thoroughbred 501(c)(3) charity that awards grants, we paint with the premier stallions and broodmares in Kentucky to create sought after original paintings and prints... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2024) – Duly Noted held off odds-on favorite Grand Slam Smile for her first stakes win, and preserved her unbeaten record through four starts, in Saturday’s $76,350 Livermore Valley Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Pleasanton. Duly Noted, ridden by Luis Jiminez, had to overcome a rough trip, closing closed from sixth on the backstretch to reach the front in the final sixteenth and won by 1 1/2 lengths over Grand Slam Smile, who raced wide throughout. Chancery Way, who was part of an early speed duel with Smiling Molly, held third, beaten two lengths. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. Duly Noted ran six furlongs in 1:10.24. Irish Wahine finished fourth, followed by Blue Wildcat, Smiling Molly, Rousing Jewel, and Smiling Lady. Duly Noted is by Grazen, out of the Harbor the Gold mare Fragrant Harbor, was bred by Charlie Dunn, Al Hodge & Ray McCanna, is owned... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2024) — Ben Cecil, trainer of California-bred multiple-stakes winner Eddie’s New Dream, died on Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 56. Cecil had a nearly unparalleled introduction to Thoroughbred racing. He was the nephew of the legendary British trainer Henry Cecil. Growing up in Britain, it was easy for Ben Cecil to follow his uncle’s career during a time when he had one of Europe’s leading stables. Henry Cecil won 25 classic races in Britain. On a day trip with his uncle to Newbury Racecourse, west of London, a teenaged Ben Cecil saw the sport from a different perspective, realizing what he wanted to do. “I was hooked,” Cecil told Daily Racing Form in a 2013 interview shortly after his uncle’s death. “He was the whole reason I got into this game.” Instead of staying in Britain, Cecil wanted a more independent approach to his involvement in the sport, and relocated to California after working for trainers in Australia and Britain. In Southern... ...
Read More →
PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) – Multiple stakes winners Grand Slam Smile and the Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way head a field of eight entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Livermore Valley Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Pleasanton. Grand Slam Smile is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. She has six wins in 10 starts, earnings of $511,400 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 12 California Distaff. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms and 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 eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $415,020 and is maker her first start since a win in the July 20 Governor’s Cup. Blue Wildcat is by Bluegrass... ...
Read More →
DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) – Stakes winners Johnny Podres and Sassy Nature and fellow California-bred Boss Sully are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Stormy Liberal Stakes at Del Mar. Boss Sully is by Street Boss, out of the Candy Ride mare Eternally, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Brown, Klein or Lebherz and is trained by Brian Koriner. He has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $182,522 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 16 optional claimer. Johnny Podres is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Malibu Holiday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by David Bernsen or Rockingham Ranch and is trained by Librado Barocio. He has nine wins in 42 starts, earnings of $540,150 and is coming off a sixth in the Oct. 13 California Flag. He was sixth in this race last year. Sassy Nature is a filly by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire LLC, is owned... ...
Read More →
DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) – Prince Dolce is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Cecil B. DeMille Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Prince Dolce is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Hard Spun mare Campionessa Dolce, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable (lessee), and trained by Carla Gaines. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $37,700 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 9 optional claimer. ...
Read More →
DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) – Graded stakes winner Fast Buck is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar. Fast Buck is by Gallant Son, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch and is owned by Zephyr Racing and trainer Cesar De Alba. He has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $320,292 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 13 California Flag. ...
Read More →
By DRF.com BUELLTON, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) — Five years after shocking the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at 45-1 odds, the 2019 champion juvenile male Storm the Court has been retired to stud in California. Trainer Peter Eurton said the 7-year-old was relocated to Eclipse Thoroughbred Training Center in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he will begin stud duty next spring. Storm the Court paid $93.80 winning the BC Juvenile in 2019 at Santa Anita; the payoff is a Juvenile record. Storm the Court, however, never won again. He started 26 more times, including a last-place finish Nov. 17 in a Del Mar allowance that was his career finale. Sired by Court Vision, Storm the Court retires having won two races and $1,426,503 from 30 starts. His juvenile campaign was his highlight. “He matured early,” Eurton said. “The advantage you [need] to win a Breeders’ Cup with a 2-year-old is a head start on some of the horses who just aren’t developed yet.” Storm the Court won his debut in summer... ...
Read More →
From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2024) – Four stakes worth a combined $600,000 highlight the 2024 Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will begin Friday, Dec. 6 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 15. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday both weeks (Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15). Post time will be 12:30 p.m. The first of the stakes races is the Grade II, $200,000 Starlet for 2-year-old fillies. The race at 1 1/16 miles will be run Saturday, Dec. 7. One week later – Saturday, Dec. 14 – the Grade II, $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity will be offered. The race – which will also be run at 1 1/16 miles – is for 2-year-olds. Completing the schedule are a pair of races at one mile for 2-year-olds bred or sired in California. The $100,000 Soviet Problem – for fillies – will be run Sunday, Dec. 8 while the $100,000 King Glorious – for colts and geldings – will be contested Sunday, Dec. 15. Grandstand admission is... ...
Read More →
DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2024) – None Above the Law, who won the Grade II Del Mar Derby in 2021, is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $200,000 Grade III Hollywood Turf Club Stakes at Del Mar. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban. He has seven wins in 38 starts, earnings of $668,302 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 9 Cary Grant. ...
Read More →
From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Brenda Washington Davis, and Thomas Hudnut. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: While the Board considered the license application for the upcoming winter-spring meet at Santa Anita, track executive Aiden Butler took the opportunity to address a much larger issue. In essence, he said racing in California is heading toward disaster if Santa Anita and northern thoroughbred interests continue to compete with overlapping race meets. Both Santa Anita and Golden State Racing (GSR) at Pleasanton are cutting purses due largely to small fields and reduced handle. He described this as “suicide.” His solution, though not clearly spelled out in great detail, essentially calls for horses to continue training in the north but... ...
Read More →
DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2024) – California-bred stakes winner Moment’s Pleasure is entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Red Carpet Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Moment’s Pleasure is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lamazone, was bred by Rainmaker Racing, Ben & Sally Warren and Bret Lewis, is owned by Rainmaker Racing and Bret Lewis and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $245,260 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 9 optional claimer. ...
Read More →
From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2024) — Santa Anita Park will kick off its 90th year of world-class Thoroughbred racing on Thursday, Dec. 26 with 79 stakes during the 78-card meet, which includes 14 stakes restricted to Golden State Series eligibles. Five of those stakes will be run on California Cup Day Jan. 11, with another five on California Gold Rush Day May 24. The opening day stakes program featuring a stakes race honoring Hall of Fame jockey Laffit Pincay Jr. among six graded stakes, including a trio of Grade I events. The Grade II San Antonio Stakes, which Pincay won five times in three decades, will be renamed for the legendary Panamanian rider who ranks as one of the world’s best to ever sit in the saddle. Pincay won the San Antonio in 1968 on Rising Market, in his first full season at Santa Anita, and his last one in 1989 aboard Super Diamond. He retired in 2003 with a then-record 9,530 wins, five Eclipse Awards as... ...
Read More →
From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 21, 2024) — TJC Innovations (TJCI) today announced an update to the TLore management app that provides a streamlined version of the app for owners. Log on credentials dictate which app version a user views. The owner app enables owners to keep track of their horses with an easy-to-use, optimized interface. Owners can view their horse roster, race entries, results, race replays, and workouts, including horse notes, photos, and workout videos, all pulled directly from their trainer’s TLore data. “We wanted to make this version of the app as easy to use as possible while providing all the information an owner needs to keep track of their horses, anywhere, anytime.” said Tracy Attfield, founder of TLore and TJCI vice president. “Thanks to TLore’s now being part of TJC Innovations, we can offer real-time automated integration of race and workout data and a Premium PP subscription service. Plus, owners can customize which notifications they would like to receive, including new race entries, results, workouts,... ...
Read More →
ZIA PARK, N.M. (Nov. 19, 2024) – Graded-stakes placed Alotaluck is the lone California-bred entered in Tuesday’s $300,000 Zia Park Derby for 3-year-olds. Alotaluck is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Lucks Mine mare Colinda Dawn, was bred by owner Eleanor Martin and is trained by Ty Garrett. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $226,088 and is coming off a 10th in the Oct. 6 Hawthorne Derby. The Mine That Bird Derby winner broke his maiden debuting at Zia Park. ...
Read More →
ZIA PARK, N.M. (Nov. 19, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Street Colors and fellow California-bred Going Deep are entered in Monday’s $100,000 Zia Park Princess Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Street Colors is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Orientate mare Ocean Colors, was bred by Jason Hall & Joe Wheeler, is owned by Juan Zamora and trained by Johnny Singh. The $4,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale is a maiden making her third start with earnings of $2,850. Going Deep is by Bodexpress, out of the Indian Charlie mare Quick Wampum, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises & Robert Traynor, is owned by Todd Cady & Ty Leatherman and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $54,000 and is coming off an Oct. 31 maiden win at Del Mar. ...
Read More →
From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 20, 2024) — As we approach December, it’s time to revisit tax planning and get organized for year-end accounting. On Thursday, December 5th, please join our equine experts from Dean Dorton for a FREE continuing education focused on end-of-year tax and accounting strategies tailored specifically for equine operations. Whether you’re managing a racing stable, breeding operation, sport horse operation, or everything in between, this session will provide valuable insights to all equine operators. You will leave this session with a better understanding of: Tax incentives benefiting equine operations Key reminders and deadlines for equine-related tax filings Practical tips on tracking and documenting income and expenses Best practices for year-end accounting Updates on any new tax laws impacting the equine industry This session will qualify for one (1) hour of continuing professional education for CPAs. To register, click: End of Year Tax & Accounting Reminders for Equine Operations – Dean Dorton – CPAs and Advisors ...
Read More →
From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2024) — Stuart S. Janney III, chair of The Jockey Club, announced today his intention to step down from his position as chair, effective August 2025. He recommended, and the board of stewards of The Jockey Club agreed, that Everett Dobson, a member of the board of stewards, be chosen as his successor. The leadership transition will commence over the coming months, and Janney will remain on the board of stewards through his term, which will end in August 2026. Janney, a prominent Thoroughbred owner and breeder for several decades, was elected vice chair of The Jockey Club in 2010 and became chair in 2015. During his tenure, The Jockey Club expanded its commercial businesses and used those proceeds to make substantial investments in support of the sport. Janney was awarded the Eclipse Award of Merit earlier this year. He is chairman emeritus of Bessemer Trust and resides in Butler, Maryland. Dobson is a longtime owner and breeder of Thoroughbreds. He is... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – Big City Lights, runaway winner of the Cary Grant Stakes for California-bred sprinters Nov. 9 at Del Mar, will stay with California-bred company for his next start. Trainer Richard Mandella said Big City Lights will target the $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint tentatively scheduled for Jan. 11 at Santa Anita. The Cary Grant was Big City Lights’s fourth stakes win, and sixth win overall. A 5-year-old, Big City Lights has started only 12 times. He was bred by Bar C Racing Stables. “He’s had some things happen to him,” Mandella said while being vague about the gaps between races. “But he still performs pretty well.” His most recent win was the most decisive of his career, which includes four runner-up finishes behind The Chosen Vron in statebred stakes. The Chosen Vron, who won the Cary Grant in 2022 and 2023, is out until spring, leaving Big City Lights as the top California-bred sprinter. It is only conjecture to speculate who... ...
Read More →
From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 18, 2024) — Applications for The Jockey Club’s paid internship program for college students and recent college graduates and its five academic scholarships opened today. The internship program will accommodate up to three interns and is now available in the summer or fall based on the intern’s preference. Interns will gain exposure to all companies and departments within the organization, and they will have the opportunity to spend additional time in areas that they find to be of particular interest. The program will last eight weeks. The internships will take place in The Jockey Club’s offices located in Lexington, Ky. For more information and to view the application, interested candidates should visit bit.ly/tjcinternships. Applications are being accepted through January 3, 2025. Selected interns will be notified in February 2025. The Jockey Club scholarships will apply to the 2025-2026 academic year and are as follows: The Jockey Club Scholarship ($15,000; $7,500 per semester) is for those enrolled full time as an undergraduate or graduate student at... ...
Read More →
From Golden State Racing PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2024) — Since the announcement of the closure of Golden Gate Fields in 2023, which was Northern California’s hub for racing for over 80 years, California horseracing was at an impasse. Do we close shop and only hold races in Southern California or do we adapt and forge a new chapter for the north? The decision was simple, in order for racing to flourish and grow in the Golden State it was imperative to find a new primary racetrack in the north where the appetite for horseracing is alive and well. The challenges have not been easy. However, the united effort of those who live this sport and have dedicated the best of their professional efforts to horse racing are beating the odds. We are on course to succeed in creating a highly viable, profitable, end engaging Northern California racing season. Thanks to AB 1074 authored by Assemblyman Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) that allowed California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) time to set their... ...
Read More →
PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2024) – Stakes-placed California-breds Melanie’s Tiger and Druidic are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Mt. Diablo Stakes at the Golden State Racing meet at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Melanie’s Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Gotham City mare Melanie’s Rose, was bred by Martin Bach and owner Daniel Weiner and is trained by Manuel Badilla. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $126,221 and is coming off a fifth in an Oct. 19 allowance. Druidic is by Boisterous, out of the Rocky Bar mare Shared Image, was bred by owner Robert Traynor and is trained by D. Wayne Baker. He has four wins in 28 starts, earnings of $99,452 and is coming off a fourth in an Oct. 31 optional claimer. ...
Read More →
Dehesa Farms Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2025) — Corporal, the son of Gun Runner who is the hottest sire on the planet with 24 GSW/10 GISW and $52 million in earnings from only four crops of racing age, will stand at Dehesa Farms, San Miguel for the 2025 breeding season. Corporal was a $1.15 million 2022 Keeneland yearling, which reflects his outstanding physical and female family. His dam is a multiple stakes winner of nearly $500,000 and sister to a multiple GSW of nearly $600,000. Shane Easterbrook, owner and manager of Dehesa Farms, recently purchased the farm from the Dahlberg family after being farm manager and operating under the name of Easterbrook Livestock Management for nearly 20 years. Shane said that standing Corporal at Dehesa Farms is “a real opportunity for breeders to access an exceptional stallion prospect,” while she continues to offer the same quality full services as in the past. For inquiries, please contact Shane Easterbrook at 805-610-9861. For more information: https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/173006/corporal ...
Read More →
DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa, last early while odds-on favorite Pushiness pushed a blistering pace, returned to dirt with a thrilling neck win in Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. “I looked in the face of the horse today and thought, ‘She’ll win today for sure,’ ” DeLeon told FanDuel TV. “I told my jockey (Tiago Pereira) ‘Don’t push the horse.’ She got the bit, looked for a clear space and she took care of business. She closed super. I got a little scared in the last part because she didn’t change leads but fortunately my horse did the job. I was happy somebody was pushing the horse in front (Pushiness) because the horse in front is very quick.” Chismosa has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $579,750 and... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2024) – Heavily favored Big City Lights ($3.80) seized command of the California-bred sprint division with a dominating victory in the $98,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles on Saturday at Del Mar. With nemesis The Chosen Vron turned out for the winter, Big City Lights produced one of the most lopsided victories of his career in the seven-furlong Cary Grant. He won the California-bred stakes by 8 1/2 lengths, the largest margin by a Cary Grant winner and largest winning margin by Big City Lights since his 12 1/2-length debut victory as a 2-year-old in May 2021. Big City Lights was bred by Bar C Racing Stables and is trained by Richard Mandella for owner William Peeples; Kazushi Kimura rode the 5-year-old, who was making only his fourth start of the year and only the 12th start of his career. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. “He’s had some problems... ...
Read More →
PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2024) – California-bred Clovisconnection continued his dominance in the north by rallying to win Saturday’s $75,000 Oakland Stakes at the Golden State Racing meet in Pleasanton. 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 11 wins in 17 starts, earnings of $438,300 and was coming off a win in the Sept. 29 Harris Farms Stakes. This was his seventh stakes victory. Clovisconnection ran the six furlongs in 1:09.12 and won by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 2-5. ...
Read More →
By Bloodhorse.com BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Donald J. Valpredo, a longtime leader in the California racing and breeding industry, died Oct. 31 while overseas. He was 85. A major breeder and owner of such horses as 1994 California-bred Horse of the Year Soviet Problem, Valpredo made his most valuable contribution through his decades of service to the California Thoroughbred industry. He was a former president and former chair of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and was on that board at the time of his death. He was a commissioner on the California Horse Racing Board from 1990-98, having been appointed by California Gov. Pete Wilson. Valpredo also served on the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California from 2000-11. First elected to the CTBA board in 1972, Valpredo served as the organization’s president from 1986-90. During that time, he was instrumental in the creation of the popular California Cup series, being a co-founder and early co-chair. For his contributions, the California Cup Sprint was renamed the Don Valpredo California Cup... ...
Read More →
DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Pushiness, Big Summer and Irish Wahine bring sharp current form into Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Roberta’s Love is by Collected, out of the Broken Vow mare West Coast Gal, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by BG Stables & Royalty Stable and is trained by Hector Palma. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $125,800 and is coming off a 10th in the Sept. 28 Unzip Me Stakes, presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $522,750 and is coming off a ninth in the Oct. 12 California Distaff. She was fifth in this race last year. Big Summer is by Mr. Big, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, was bred by Bob Abrams... ...
Read More →
By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Although the $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes this year is similar to the Cary Grant last year, a key element is missing from the Golden State Series sprint stakes Saturday at Del Mar. The Chosen Vron, the most accomplished sprinter in California and winner of the Cary Grant the past two years, is out until March. His absence creates a void in the West Coast sprint division and an opportunity for last year’s 2-3-4 Cary Grant finishers to improve their position. Big City Lights, Moose Mitchell, and None Above the Law try again in the Cary Grant, a seven-furlong stakes with five entrants including 3-year-old Curlin’s Kaos and Man O Rose. The Cary Grant was won in 2022 and 2023 by heavily favored The Chosen Vron, who is out for the winter. “We’re going to turn him out four months,” The Chosen Vron’s trainer, Eric Kruljac, said this week. A winner of 18 stakes, including two Grade 1s, The Chosen Vron was... ...
Read More →
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2024) – California-bred stakes-placed filly Court Snort, in foal to City of Light, sold for $185,000 at Thursday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. Court Snort, by Stay Thirsty, is out of the Stravinsky mare Frysland and is a half-sibling to graded winner Lost Bus and multiple stakes winner Brandothebartender. On the track, Court Snort earned $271,566. She won her last race, an optional claimer at Del Mar in August after finishing third in the Solana Beach Stakes, both while in foal. Court Snort is a 4-year-old bred by John R. Haagsma & Don Hallmark, consigned by Taylor Made Sale, agent, and purchased by Hinkle Farms. She was claimed by trainer Leonard Powell in January for $16,000. ...
Read More →
PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2024) –California-bred multiple stakes winner Clovisconnection seeks to add to his resume in Saturday’s $75,000 Oakland Stakes at Golden State Racing at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Regal Patriot is by Jersey Town, out of the Michael’s Flyer mare Look to the Sky, was bred by Daehling Ranch and is owned by Rangel, Hector M., Morfin, Gonzalo and trainer Torres, Arnold. He has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $88,248 and is coming off back-to-back allowance wins. 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, Ltd., Dietrich, Steve and Halasz, Thomas E. and trained by Steve Sherman. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $120,650 and is coming off a 10th in a Sept. 8 optional claimer. Lmlooknformischief is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Tizbud mare Just Lookn Again, was bred by West 12 Ranch and is owned by Terri Oyarzun and trainer... ...
Read More →
PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2024) — Current and prospective owners are invited to TOC’s free owners seminar at the Alameda County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 10:30 a.m. Meet outside the jockey’s room near the paddock to hear from Tom Doutrich, Racing Secretary for California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF), and learn about the day-to-day operations of the Racing Office, as well as the various resources available to owners. To register, click here. ...
Read More →
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2024) – Class Clown, a California-foaled daughter of Practical Joke claimed for $20,000 in August, sold for $140,000 as a broodmare prospect at Tuesday’s opening session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Class Clown, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, was consigned by Blandford Stud, agent, and purchased by Centofanti Thoroughbreds/Star Guitar. Out of the Speightstown mare Miss Lavinia, Class Clown was a two-time winner of $108,434. The 4-year-old filly was claimed out of her last race Aug. 30 at Del Mar for $20,000 by trainer Samuel Calvario for owners Toboada Racing Stables and TAK Racing. ...
Read More →
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2024) – California-bred Grade I winner Daddysruby sold in foal to champion Into Mischief for $1.1 million at Monday’s Fasig-Tipton November Sale. The 4-year-old Daddysruby is by Frac Daddy, out of the You and I mare Youtheprizeandi, was bred by Jethorse LLC, consigned by Elite Bloodstock, agent, and purchased by Japan’s Shadai Farm. On the track, she was owned by Jethorse, Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. She earned $450,264 in a nine-start career highlighted by a win in last year’s Grade I La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita. She was an RNA for $940,000 at the Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale. Her last race was a second in the July 6 Great Lady M Stakes at Los Alamitos. ...
Read More →