Stats Added to Jockey Club Fact Book

Jun 8, 2023 Posted by CTBA In Announcement

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 8, 2023) — In addition to the quarterly update to its Online Fact Book, The Jockey Club today announced two new pages to the Fact Book breeding section: Number of Unique Sires by Position in the Pedigree Top Line and Percent of Mares Bred Categorized by Stallion Book Size. “As the Thoroughbred breed registry for the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, The Jockey Club strives to provide statistics that are valuable and that help shine a light on what is happening in our industry, especially with respect to breeding,” said Matt Iuliano, executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club. The unique sires by position table shows the number of unique sires by position within the top line of the pedigree and enables users to drill down by year and generation. Those links provide stallion names and the number of registered Thoroughbreds for that generation’s sires on the top sire line pedigree for the registered foals of the specific year. The... ...

Smoothlikebuttah Enters Santa Margarita

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 7, 2023) – Smoothlikebuttah is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Margarita Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. 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 Tesser and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has three wins in 39 starts, earnings of $396,012 and is coming off a fourth in the Apr. 29 Santa Maria Stakes. ...

Top Harbor, Psycho Dar in Albany Stakes

ALBANY, Calif. (June 7, 2023) – Stakes winners Top Harbor and Psycho Dar, and fellow California-breds Evenerevenworse and Larry’s Legend, are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. 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 McKenna. He has seven wins in 16 starts, earnings of $327,114 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 29 Lost in the Fog Stakes. Evenerevenworse is by Decarchy, out of the Rahy mare Rahbadabadou, was bred by Pat Maciariello, is owned by TKO Stables, Frank Ables and Fred Desimore and is trained by Bill McLean. He has seven wins in 28 starts, earnings of $108,500 and is coming off a second in a May 13 optional claimer. Larry’s Legend is by Creative Cause, out of the Speightstown mare Laugh N Yodel, was bred by Heinz Steinmann, is owned by Huntertown Farm and trained by Samuel Calvario.... ...

Slow Down Andy Returns in Metropolitan

ELMONT, N.Y. (June 6, 2023) – Multiple graded stakes winner Slow Down Andy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $1 million Hill ‘N’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap at Belmont Park. Slow Down Andy is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Edwina E, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $909,100 and is making his first start since a third in the Nov. 5, Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. The Metropolitan is a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. ...

Shaaz to Stand at Barton Thoroughbreds

From Barton Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (June 1, 2023)—Shaaz, a $1,100,000 two-year-old thoroughbred purchase, has arrived and will be standing stud at Barton Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez beginning in the 2024 breeding season. A son of Champion Uncle Mo out of a graded stakes-producing Mineshaft mare, Shaaz had a brilliant career on the race track, earning nearly $200,000 before his racing career ended. Shaaz won his first three starts at Santa Anita in excellent times and earning exceptional Beyer and E numbers. He defeated current graded-stakes winner Hopkins in his first start. Favored in all of his five career starts, Shaaz next ran third in a graded stakes mile in Texas, and in the last race of his track performance, he ran fourth in the Grade I Bing Crosby at Del Mar. Possessing faultless conformation, a black-type pedigree, and superior racing ability, Shaaz would appear to be one of the most desirable bloodlines to be available in California. Shaaz will be standing for a fee of $5,000 LFSN in 2024,... ...

Fast Buck’s Win a Daehling Ranch Milestone

By Bloodhorse.com ELK GROVE, Calif. (May 30, 2023) — Not only did Fast Buck ‘s dogged win in the May 27 Daytona Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park hand his trainer Cesar De Alba his first win in graded company, but it was the first graded win for the gelding’s sire Gallant Son as well. With a record of 11-5-6 from 40 starts, Gallant Son retired to stud in 2016 at Daehling Ranch in Elk Grove, Calif., as a multiple stakes winner capped by a victory in the 2010 Inglewood Handicap (G3T). He was initially entered into stud in partnership, but is now owned by Justin and Julia Oldfield who took over the ranch when Julia’s father/founder Joe Daehling died several years back. “My wife and I are second generation. My father-in-law passed away in 2019 and we took over the business and are continuing on with the operation and trying to grow it,” said Justin Oldfield. “Gallant Son went to Washington for a couple years and we had the opportunity to get him back this... ...

Tiger Dad Targets Ed Skinner Stakes

ALTOONA, Ia. (June 2, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner Tiger Dad is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $50,000 Ed Skinner Stakes at Prairie Meadows. 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 is trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has seven wins in 37 starts, earnings of $486,929 and is coming off a fourth in a May 6 optional claimer. ...

Don’t Get Pickled Visits Prairie Meadows

ALTOONA, Ia. (June 3, 2023) – Stakes winner Don’t Get Pickled is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Panthers Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Prairie Meadows. 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 Kevin Eikleberry. She has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $105,588 and is coming off a third in the May 14 Goldfinch Stakes. ...

Big Hug Wraps Up Chariot Chaser

EDMONTON, Alberta (June 3, 2023) – Big Hug, an Alberta-bred daughter of California stallion Mr. Big, won Friday’s $50,000 Chariot Chaser Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Century Mile. Big Hug is out of the Unusual Heat mare Temeeku and has five wins in six starts with earnings of $129,837. She ran the six furlongs in 1:11.05 and won by 2 1/2 lengths at odds of 3-2. ...

Slow Down Andy Preps for Met Handicap

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 29, 2023) — California-bred Slow Down Andy, a three-time graded stakes winner who was third in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland last November in his last start, is nearing his 2023 debut in an equally prestigious race. Trainer Doug O’Neill said on Monday that Slow Down Andy is on schedule for a start in the Grade 1 Metropolitan Mile Handicap, a $1 million race at Belmont Park on June 10. :: Get Santa Anita Clocker Reports straight from the morning workouts at the track. Available every race day. On Sunday at Santa Anita, Slow Down Andy worked six furlongs in 1:12.40 under jockey Mario Gutierrez. Owned by Paul and Zillah Reddam, Slow Down Andy has had a series of quick workouts through May. Slow Down Andy has won 4 of 10 starts and earned $909,100. He won the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity in 2021 and the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby on turf last September. ...

Old Pal

Old Pal wins $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank. ...

The Chosen Vron

The Chosen Vron wins $100,000 Thor’s Echo. ...

The Chosen Vron Blows Away Thor’s Echo

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 29, 2023)—Trainer Eric Kruljac reported The Chosen Vron was “in great shape” Monday morning one day after earning his seventh consecutive victory in the Thor’s Echo Stakes for statebreds. “All is good. He’s a special horse,” Kruljac said when reached by phone. In the six-furlong Thor’s Echo, The Chosen Vron sat comfortably behind a contested pace under Hector Berrios before rolling to a dominant 5 ½-length win. He paid $3.40 as the popular 3-5 favorite in a four-horse field. Left in The Chosen Vron’s wake Sunday were runner-up Tigre De Slugo and Brickyard Ride, who himself has been a win-machine for trainer Craig Lewis and owner-breeder Alfred A. Pais. Brickyard Ride, the 4-5 second choice in the Thor’s Echo, dueled on the lead with longshot Sunrise Journey through fractions of 21.82 and 44.41 seconds before fading in the stretch. Lewis reported Brickyard Ride also appeared no worse for wear Monday morning. “He’s alright. It just wasn’t his day.... ...

Old Pal Wins Like an Old Pro in Snow Chief

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 29, 2023)—Old Pal served notice for trainer Mark Glatt Sunday when uncorking a furious rally in the final furlong to win his stakes debut in the Snow Chief Stakes presented by City National Bank for 3-year-old statebreds going 1 1/8 miles on turf. Sent off as the 5-2 second choice, Old Pal raced near the rear of the field while saving ground throughout under Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez. With Clouseau showing the way up front, Old Pal began to steadily improve his position on the second turn. Then when the field reached the stretch, it was “go” time for Old Pal. The Grazen gelding responded, sizzling the final furlong in under 12 seconds to reel in a game Clouseau for trainer Ian Kruljac. Old Pal crossed the wire in 1:50.14 on a firm course to win by three-quarters of a length. He returned $7.40 as the second choice in the wagering. Boss Sully, the 8-5 favorite who had... ...

Ceiling Crusher

Ceiling Crusher wins $150,000 Melair Stakes. ...

Eddie’s New Dream

Eddie’s New Dream wins $100,000 Fran’s Valentine. ...

NorCal Grad Ceiling Crusher Crushes Again

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 28, 2023)—A California-bred superstar in the making, Doug O’Neill’s Ceiling Crusher led throughout en route to a smashing 17-length victory in Sunday’s $100,000 Melair Stakes at Santa Anita. Ridden by Juan Hernandez, the Northern California Yearling Sale graduate remained unbeaten in four starts and in her first try around two turns, got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:44.25. The Melair is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. A 15 ½ length winner of the 6 ½ furlong Evening Jewel Stakes on April 8, Ceiling Crusher went straight to the front out of the gate and although she was tested around the far turn by eventual third place finisher Chismosa, the Melair was never at any point in doubt as the 3-year-old daughter of Mr. Big had a sixth length advantage three sixteenths of a mile out in an absolute rout. “She is a very nice filly. She’s top notch and a quality... ...

Eddie’s New Dream Wins Fran’s Valentine

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 28, 2023)—Paul and Zillah Reddam’s homebred Eddie’s New Dream bounded to the lead out of the starting gate and was in control thereafter en route to a half length score in Sunday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Ben Cecil and ridden by Mario Gutierrez, Eddie’s New Dream, a 5-year-old California-bred mare by Square Eddie, got a mile on turf in 1:35.05. The Fran’s Valentine is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses. Although the Nick Alexander owned and bred Rose Maddox poised menacingly turning for home and was gaining inches late, she couldn’t get on terms with the winner in a big effort. “She was a lot fresher and sharp today,” said Gutierrez. “I was looking for an easy lead and they weren’t pressing me. I knew she would be tough to beat on the front end. She gave me her best at the end.” Most recently third sprinting... ...

Kings River Knight

Kings River Knight wins $100,000 Crystal Water. ...

Kings River Knight Takes Crystal Water

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 28, 2023)—In control on the lead throughout, John Sadler’s Kings River Knight powered to a 2 ¼ length win in Sunday’s first race at Santa Anita, the $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes. Ridden for the first time by Juan Hernandez, the 5-year-old gelding by Acclamation got one mile on turf in 1:34.55. The Crystal Water is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired runners. With Hernandez nurturing his natural speed on the front end to the far turn, Kings River Knight kicked into high gear turning for home and was widening on runner-up Coalinga Road at the wire, providing his connections with his first stakes win in career start number nine. “I told (Juan Hernandez) it is probably best when you draw the one to set the pace,” said Sadler. “The horse has done very well. He came to me in good shape from Andy Mathis, who thought there were a few more opportunities down here for... ...

Fast Buck

Fast Buck wins $100,000 Grade III Daytona Stakes. ...

Fast Buck Speeds to Grade III Daytona Win

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 27, 2023)—Ridden for the first time by Hector Berrios, California-bred Fast Buck broke like a shot and was never headed in taking Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Daytona Stakes at Santa Anita by a neck. Trained by Cesar DeAlba, Fast Buck got about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:11.68. A gate to wire second condition allowance winner going six furlongs out of Santa Anita’s turf chute, Fast Buck rocketed through an opening quarter mile in 21.05, and a half mile in 42.62 as held a six length advantage at the quarter pole en route to an interior split going six furlongs in 1:05.58. “The trainer told me to just keep moving him and not let him think,” said Berrios. “That’s what I did, I took him to the lead and I kept him moving until the wire. I knew I was the winner, the last eighth, I came out a bit to let the other horse (Whatmakessammyrun) catch... ...

Closing Remarks Opts for Grade I Gamely

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 26, 2023) – Graded winner Closing Remarks scratched out of Sunday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles to run in Monday’s $400,000 Grade I Gamely 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 four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $560,820 and is coming off a fourth in the Apr. 30 Wilshire Stakes. Her last seven races have come in graded stakes, with a win in the Grade II Royal Heroine. ...

Eddie’s On Patrol in Chariot Chaser

EDMONTON, Alberta (May 31, 2023) – Eddie’s On Patrol is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $50,000 Chariot Chaser Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Century Mile. Eddie’s On Patrol is by Square Eddie, out of the Nacheezmo mare Roveing Patrol, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Mohamad Khan and trained by James Brown. She has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $30,355 and is coming off a second in a May 27 optional claimer. ...

Cal-bred Pair Enters Western Canada

EDMONTON, Alberta (May 31, 2023) – California-breds Money Muncher and Flashin Aces are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Western Canada Handicap for 3-year-olds at Century Mile. Money Muncher is by Boisterous, out of the Bernstein mare Stardust Up, was bred by Gary Kropp, Janet Kropp, Bill Dory & Sandy Dory, is owned by C and H Duggan Farms and trained by Jodey Payne. He has two wins in 13 starts, earnings of $30,669 and is coming off a May 13 claiming win. Flashin Aces is by Danzing Candy, out of the Najran mare Sweet Dreamin, was bred by Kenneth D’Oyen is owned by James Stephenson and trained by James Brown. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $24,874 and is coming off a May 5 claiming win. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 25, 2023) — The meeting of the California Horse Racing Board originally scheduled for June 15 in Pleasanton has been rescheduled for June 29 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. The Board meeting that was scheduled for July 13 in Sacramento has been canceled. The June 29 meeting at Cal Expo is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. The agenda and package of materials for this meeting will be posted on the CHRB website the week preceding the meeting. ...

Brickyard Ride v. The Chosen Vron Showdown

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2023) – Multiple graded stakes winners Brickyard Ride and The Chosen Vron, two of the best California-breds in training, meet for the first time in Sunday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Brickyard Ride is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Southern Image mare Brickyard Helen, was bred by owner Alfred Pais and is trained by Craig Lewis. He has 13 wins in 25 starts, earnings of $816,977 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 22 Kona Gold. He won this race in 2021. None Above the Law scratched to run in the Crystal Water. Tigre Di Slugo is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Williamstown mare Erica’s Smile, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Slugo Racing, Tiger Racing and trainer Mike Puype. He has three wins in 15 starts, earnings of $270,476 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 7 optional claimer. He was third in this race last... ...

Crystal Water Now a Scramble

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2023) – With last year’s champion Cal-bred older male, The Chosen Vron, running in the Thor’s Echo, Sunday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita still figures to be a battle, with defending champ Carmelita’s Man and Grade II winner None Above the Law still in the lineup. Kings River Knight is by Acclamation, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing, The Ellwood Johnston Trust and Kenneth Tevelde and is trained by John Sadler. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $176,260 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 19 Sensational Star. Coalinga Road is by Quality Road, out of the Johannesburg mare Coco Ecolo, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in 21 starts, earnings of $396,234 and is coming off a fourth in a May 7 allowance. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out... ...

Melair Next for Unbeaten NorCal Sale Grad

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 25, 2023)—A filly that appears headed to stardom, Doug O’Neill’s undefeated Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher seeks her fourth consecutive win as she stretches out for the first time and heads a field of five sophomore fillies going a mile and one sixteenth in Sunday’s $150,000 Melair Stakes at Santa Anita. Named for John Sadler’s unbeaten daughter of Debonaire Roger who defeated an outstanding group of males, including Snow Chief in her final start, the Grade II Silver Screen Handicap at Hollywood Park on July 5, 1986, the Melair is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Off at 1-5 going 6 ½ furlongs in the statebred Evening Jewel Stakes here on April 8, Ceiling Crusher, an attentive second after the first quarter mile, surged to a sensational 15 ½ length score while earning a lofty 94 Beyer Speed Figure under Juan Hernandez, who rides back on Sunday. By Mr. Big out of... ...

Lightly Raced Old Pal in Snow Chief

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 25, 2023)—Lightly raced but well at home on turf, Mark Glatt’s Old Pal appears a solid fit in his first stakes assignment as a field of seven sophomores try a mile and one eighth over the Santa Anita lawn in the $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes presented by City National Bank on Sunday. Named for one of the greatest California-breds of all-time and a winner of both the 1986 Santa Anita Derby and Preakness Stakes, the Snow Chief is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Snow Chief, who was crowned Eclipse Champion 3-year-old colt for 1986 and who banked more than $3.3 million, was trained by the late Melvin F. Stute and Santa Anita is honored to have his widow Annabelle Stute present Sunday’s trophy. In a race in which nobody has been beyond a flat mile on dirt or turf, Old Pal, a dazzling 3 ½ length one mile turf winner two starts back... ...

Former Jockey Bobby Jennings Passes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2023) — Bobby Jennings, a successful California-based jockey who won more than 1,100 races but was best known for being a racing anomaly as a six-foot rider, passed away at a care facility in Sacramento on Tuesday following a lengthy illness at age 79. A two-time winner of the prestigious Longacres Mile, in 1965 with Siempre and in 1966 with the Melvin Stute-trained Aurelious II, Jennings, whose nickname was “Skinny,” won stakes at both Hollywood Park and Del Mar but spent nearly his entire career as a regular at Northern California tracks such as Bay Meadows, Golden Gate Fields and the Northern fairs. “I’ve never seen a rider that was that tall and was as good a rider as Skinny,” said Arizona-based trainer Clay Brinson, who rode with Jennings in California in the 1960s. “There was a jock named Eldon Hall that was a little taller than Bobby, but he was probably the second-tallest jock I ever knew. “He was... ...

Big Switch Favored in Fran’s Valentine

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 25, 2023)—John Sadler’s Big Switch takes a notable drop in class as she heads a field of seven California-bred or sired fillies and mares going one mile on turf in Sunday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita. Owned and bred in California by George Krikorian, Big Switch, most recently third, beaten six lengths by multiple graded stakes winner Adare Manor going a mile and one sixteenth on dirt in Santa Anita’s Grade II Santa Maria Stakes April 29, has a win, two seconds and a third place finish, all on dirt, from four starts this year in open company. A close second to Adare Manor in a one mile allowance here on March 31, she’ll be reunited with Juan Hernandez, who was up for her most recent win, three races back on Feb. 18. A 4-year-old daughter of Mr. Big out of the Malibu Moon mare Two Faced Moon, Big Switch is a two-time statebred stakes winner who is 9-4-2-1 overall,... ...

American Farmer, Royal ‘n Rando Meet

ALBANY, Calif. (May 27, 2023) — California-bred stakes winners American Farmer and Royal ‘n Rando are entered in Monday’s $100,000 All American Stakes at Golden Gate. American Farmer is by Blugrass Cat, out of the Quiet American mare Farmers Wife and is owned by breeder BKB Stables and trainer Steve Sherman. He has six wins in 35 starts, earnings of $318,390 and is coming off a win in the Mar. 18 McCann’s Mojave. He was fifth in this race last year. Royal ‘n Rando is by Tamarando, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. He has six wins in 18 starts, earnings of $201,644 and is coming off a sixth in the Jan. 30 Unusual Heat Turf Classic. ...

Desmond Doss, Positivity in Triple Bend

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2023) – California-bred stakes winners Desmond Doss and Positivity are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita. Desmond Doss is by Grazen, out of the Malek mare Malley Girl, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steven Miyadi. He has seven wins in 22 starts, earnings of $430,911 and is coming off a fourth in a May 7 optional claimer. Positivity is by Paynter, out of the City Zip mare Sam’s Sunny City, was bred by Allen Farm, is owned by CTR Stables and Omar Aldabbagh and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $288,792 and is coming off a third in the Apr. 22 Kona Gold. ...

Cal-bred Quartet Revs Up for Daytona

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner Indian Peak and fellow California-breds Lovesick Blues, Fast Buck and Burnin Turf are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Daytona Stakes at Santa Anita. Indian Peak is by Comic Strip, out of the Roar mare Ms. Roar, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 30 starts, earnings of $455,122 and is coming off a third in the Apr. 23 Siren Lure. 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. He has seven wins in 22 starts, earnings of $281,462 and is coming off back-to-back wins. Fast Buck is by Gallant Son, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Zephyr Racing, Peter Cruz and trainer Cesar DeAlba. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $215,474 and... ...

Passarando, Cousin Richie Enter Alcatraz

ALBANY, Calif. (May 25, 2023) – Stakes winner Passarando and fellow California-bred Cousin Richie are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes 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 10 starts, earnings of $248,830 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 29 California Derby. Cousin Richie is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Tapizar mare Crown on Tap, was bred by owner Larry Odbert and is trained by Sergio Ledezma. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $36,900 and is coming off a third in the Apr. 30 Silky Sullivan. ...

NTRA Annual Report Online

From NTRA The NTRA’s Legislative annual report is now available. Click here to view. Features of the Legislative annual report include: A federal legislative summary of issues that affect horse racing and breeding A list of contributors to the NTRA’s Legislative Action Campaign through the ¼% Check-off Program and other related NTRA fundraising programs Calendars of NTRA sale company partners Biographies of NTRA Legislative team members Member discount information from NTRA partners (John Deere, Big Ass Fans, Sherwin-Williams, ODP Business Solutions and Farmers Insurance) Thank you to all who supported the NTRA’s federal legislative effort in Washington, DC, by giving to the ¼% Check-off Program, the Foal Program, the National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) Tour or through a direct contribution. Please share this report with others who have an interest in Thoroughbred racing and breeding and share your enthusiasm for the industry. ...

CHRB Issues Equine Shipping Advisory

Message from Dr. Jeff Blea and the CHRB Attention horsemen: please read this important message from Dr. Jeff Blea and the CHRB: Recently, there have been 15 new Vesicular Stomatitis Virus affected equine premises identified (4 confirmed positive, 11 suspect) in southern California. Due to the threat of a potential outbreak, effective immediately, all horses shipping into San Luis Rey Downs, Los Alamitos, and Santa Anita Racetrack from within California, shall be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection with the following statement until further notice: “I have examined all the animals identified on this certificate within 14 days of the shipment date and have found them to be free from signs of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). During the last 14 days, these animals have not been exposed to VSV nor located on a VSV-confirmed or VSV-suspected premises.” ...

NorCal Sale Grad Wins Debut at Parx

BENSALEM, Pa. (May 23, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Yo Yo Candy won at first asking on Tuesday in the first race at Parx Racing, a maiden special weight for 2-year-olds. Yo Yo Candy is by Danzing Candy, out of the Two Punch mare Yolando B. Too, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, is owned by Happy Tenth Stable and trained by Daniel Velazquez. Yo Yo Candy ran the 4 ½ furlongs in :53.64 and won by three lengths at odds of 3-1 in a field of six. He sold for $6,000 at the Northern California Yearling Sale and resold for $35,000 at the OBS March 2-Year-Old in-training Sale. ...

Crazy Hot in Freakish Debut Rout

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 21, 2023) — Longtime trainer Jeff Bonde reported all was well with the promising 2-year-old filly Crazy Hot after her sparkling 10 ¾-length debut win here Saturday for owners Rusty Brown and Cory Thabit. “Everything is well. She looks good,” Bonde said from Clocker’s Corner. Crazy Hot was bet down to the 9-5 favorite for her debut in Saturday’s third race, a 4 ½-furlong dash for Cal-bred 2-year-old fillies. She did not disappoint. The daughter of Kentucky-based stallion Goldencents chased the early pace after breaking from the outside stall under Geovanni Franco. But at about the three-eighths pole, Crazy Hot unleashed a sweeping move to blow past the field. She continued to extend her advantage through the stretch before crossing the wire in a final time of 52.44 seconds. Crazy Hot was purchased by Bonde last year for $75,000 at the Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All Ages Sale. She is campaigned by Rusty Brown and Cory Thabit.... ...

Recalcitrant is Stallion Pavel’s First Winner

From Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 20, 2023) — Recalcitrant became the first winner for freshman sire Pavel when she took a California-bred $61,500 maiden special weight race by 4 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita Park May 20. The Reddam Racing homebred trained by Doug O’Neill, led from start to finish in the 4 1/2-furlong dirt race, timed in :52.80 under Mario Gutierrez on a fast track. She returned $3.40 to win after having been second in her debut April 29 at Santa Anita. Pushiness , the morning-line favorite, was scratched. Pavel also raced for the same connections as Recalcitrant, winner of the 2018 Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) at Churchill Downs in his top achievement. The former also won a maiden race at Santa Anita and the Smarty Jones Stakes (G3) at Parx Racing as a 3-year-old in 2017. The son of Creative Cause retired from racing in 2019 with a 3-1-2 record in 18 starts with earnings of over $2 million. Pavel entered stud in 2020 and stands this year for an advertised fee of $4,000 at Ocean Breeze Ranch in Bonsall, Calif. Reddam Racing also campaigned Recalcitrant’s... ...

McCarthy Unveils Another Repole Cal-bred

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 19, 2023) — High-profile owner Mike Repole is a born and raised New Yorker whose vast racing stable typically competes on the eastern and Midwest circuits. But in recent years, the founder of VitaminWater has increasingly dabbled with California-breds. Repole’s California presence will be on full display Saturday with first-time starter Pushiness, a 2-year-old filly by Kantharos who debuts in the opener for trainer Michael McCarthy. Repole purchased Pushiness for $115,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All Ages Sale. McCarthy’s relationship with Repole dates to McCarthy’s time serving as an assistant for Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, who is Repole’s main trainer in New York. Repole and Pletcher had the morning-line favorite for this year’s Kentucky Derby, Forte, but that colt was scratched the morning of the race. McCarthy says he currently has a “handful” of California-bred 2-year-olds owned by Repole and more are expected in the coming days. “He likes the statebred program... ...

Big Summer has Big Shot in Mizdirection

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 17, 2023) – Dirt or turf, short or long, Big Summer seems to always run her race. On Saturday, trainer Carla Gaines hopes another of Big Summer’s typical performances will result in the mare’s first stakes win against open company in the Mizdirection Stakes on the hillside turf course. She is the slight 7-2 favorite on the morning line to do just that. “She’s just as consistent as they come, this mare. And she’s doing great,” Gaines said Friday morning. Bred in California by Bob Abrams and Mitchell Dutko, Big Summer is owned by her breeders along with Michael Paran. With an overall race record of 13-4-7-2, she has earnings of $355,160. Big Summer has never missed the board in 13 career starts. Her record includes four wins, seven runner-up finishes and two thirds. She will face several familiar foes in the Mizdirection. After winning the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint on... ...

Nominations for Gold Rush Close Thursday

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 17, 2023) — Nominations for the May 28 Gold Rush card at Santa Anita, races exclusively for California-bred and -sired horses worth nearly $1 million, close this Thursday, May 18. Included on the card are five stakes: The $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/18 miles on the turf; the $150,000 Melair Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles on dirt; the $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs on dirt; the $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at one mile on turf and the $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up at one mile on turf. Also scheduled to be run are two maiden special weight races and two allowance optional claimers. ...

CTBA January Sale Grad Enters Golden Circle

ALTOONA, Iowa (May 15, 2023) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Kyandi is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Circle Stakes for 3-year-olds at Prairie Meadows. Kyandi is by Danzing Candy, out of the Bertrando mare Surf Dancer, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Jordan Racing and trained by Todd Jordan. The $9,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in three starts, earnings of $24,943 and is coming off an Apr. 29 maiden win. ...

Golden Gate to Experiment with Monday Cards

From DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (May 15, 2023) — Golden Gate Fields will operate an 18-day late summer and autumn meeting on a Saturday-through-Monday basis this year, eliminating racing on Fridays during the six-week season that begins Aug. 26. General manager David Duggan said Sunday that a move to Monday racing will be an attempt to boost handle for the Northern California track on a day in which few tracks operate after Labor Day. “Until we try to change things a little bit, we won’t be moving the needle,” Duggan said. The season will conclude Oct. 2. The proposed schedule change must be approved by the California Horse Racing Board, which is expected to address the track’s application for that race meeting in July. Mondays, as well as Tuesdays, are the slowest racing day of the week as measured by number of tracks operating. Last September, Arizona Downs and Arapahoe Park were the only tracks in the west to race on Mondays. Arizona Downs does not have racing dates in 2023. During... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 19, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, and Brenda Washington Davis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcastlink. In brief: In his report to the Board concerning the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act/Authority (HISA), Executive Director Scott Chaney said HISA’s Anti-Doping Medication Control program “is set to go into effect this coming Monday, May 22. As you may recall, before it was halted through a legal stay at the end of March, California participated in testing three race cards (two at Santa Anita and one at Golden Gate Fields) as well as some out-of-competition-testing (OOCT), mostly for removal from the Veterinarian’s List. After five days, the program was temporarily enjoined by a court in Texas. I believe we are prepared to begin the program anew... ...

TOC Names Rookies of the Year for 2022

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2023) — Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) has named two Rookie of the Year award winners for 2022. Winners Robert Katayama of Clovis and Lisa Rodrigues of San Diego were among 13 nominees for the award, which is designed to honor enthusiastic new owners that are committed to racing in California. The TOC owner relations committee considers nominations on an annual basis and was impressed by the 2022 list of nominees. “The TOC Owner Relations Committee looks forward to the Rookie of the Year nominations and awards each year,” said Owner Relations Chairwoman, Stephanie Hronis. “We celebrate new owners and their commitment and appreciation of the equine athlete. This year we are thrilled to recognize a Rookie of the Year for the north and the south – Robert and Lisa. To the winners and all nominees, congratulations and welcome to the owner community!” Robert Katayama, who races under TAK Racing, has horses in training with Jonathan Wong. He was introduced to the business by... ...

Pleasanton Mile Added as Richest Fair Race

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (May 11, 2023) — The stakes schedule for the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., this summer has been enhanced to include the $150,000 Pleasanton Mile, a newly created race that will be the richest in the history of the Northern California fair circuit. The Pleasanton Mile will be run on July 9 for 3-year-olds and up at a mile and 70 yards. The race is part of the closing day of the county fair’s four-week meeting, which begins on June 16. The July 9 program will include the $75,000 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs. “This is a chance to hopefully create a special day of racing,” said Tom Doutrich, Pleasanton’s racing secretary. The 13-day meeting will be run primarily on a Friday-through-Sunday schedule and will include racing on Tuesday, July 4, in conjunction with the holiday. Pleasanton will host four Thoroughbred stakes and one for Quarter Horses. The other Thoroughbred stakes are worth $75,000 – the She’s a Tiger Stakes for fillies... ...

Ready for a Fight Ready for Jacques Cartier

TORONTO, Ontario (May 11, 2023) – Ready for a Fight is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $150,000 Grade III Jacques Cartier Stakes at Woodbine. Ready for a Fight is by Boisterous, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Irish Tart, was bred by Gary Barber, is owned by Paul Braverman and Timothy Pinch and is trained by John Charalambous. The 6-year-old gelding has seven wins in 18 starts, earnings of $223,405 and is coming off an Apr. 23 optional claiming win. ...

Don’t Get Pickled Enters Goldfinch Stakes

ALTOONA, Iowa (May 10, 2023) — California-bred stakes winner Don’t Get Pickled is entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Goldfinch Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Prairie Meadows. Don’t Get Pickled is by Misremembered, out of the Successful Appeal mare C C’s Pride, was bred by Harry Keshian & Cheryl Keshian, is owned by Stable H. M. A. and trained by Kevin Eikleberry. She has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $101,588 and is coming off a sixth in the Apr. 8 Santa Anita Oaks. ...

Sir Prancealot Filly Caste Wins Group 2

From Racing.com ADELAIDE, Australia (May 6, 2023) — Ben and JD Hayes continued their affinity with the Adelaide Goodwood Carnival by winning the Group 2 Queen Of The South Stakes (1600m) with promising filly Caste, by California stallion Sir Prancealot. The three-year-old filly jumped $6.50 third-favourite and was set a task of overrunning Foxy Frida ($2.90F) in the run to the post but proved too strong under a perfect ride from Michael Dee who brought up a treble. It was a second successive Stakes victory in Adelaide for the Sir Prancealot filly, who won the Listed Nitschke Stakes (1400m) last start. “That was very impressive in what was a very hard race,” Ben Hayes said. “She came from the rear of the field and just attacked the line over a mile. “To win a Group 2 when she was so down in the weights – she was poorly weighted – it’s a very good effort.” Hayes said the paddock would likely beckon for Caste, who is unbeaten this preparation. “We’re going... ...

One in Vermillion

One in Vermillion wins $100,000 La Barrera Stakes. ...

One in Vermillion Wins Laz Barrera Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 7, 2023) — California-bred One in Vermillion was resting comfortably at Santa Anita Sunday morning one day after upsetting the seven-furlong Lazaro Barrera for 3-year-olds. One in Vermillion’s 5 ¼-length win as the longest shot on the board was his fourth stakes win and first for trainer Eric Kruljac. The Army Mule colt, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, made his first five starts at Turf Paradise and Sunland Park for trainer Esteban Martinez. Last year, he won the Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity and Lost in the Fog Juvenile, also at Turf Paradise. He returned to win the Riley Allison Derby on Jan. 29 before running fifth in the GIII Sunland Park Derby. One in Vermillion joined Kruljac’s stable ahead of the GI Santa Anita Derby on April 8 where he ran fifth at 53-1. Cut back to an elongated sprint distance in the Lazaro Barrera, One in Vermillion broke in front under Hector Berrios and was never headed. He extended... ...

Chismosa, Tom’s Regret Enter Senorita

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 3, 2023) – Unbeaten Chismosa and fellow California-bred stakes winner Tom’s Regret are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Senorita Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. 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 won all three starts with earnings of $190,500 and is making her first start since winning the Sept. 5 Generous Portion. Tom’s Regret is by Tom’s Tribute, out of the Quality Road mare Pure, was bred by DP Racing, is owned by Cinema Thoroughbreds, Beckerle, Michelle K., Carrillo, Saul, Flores, Victor M., Johnson, Burton and Zondlo, Eugene and trained by Steven Miyadi. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $196,253 and is coming off a second in the Apr. 8 Evening Jewel. ...

One in Vermillion One of Four in Barrera

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 3, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner One in Vermillion is the lone California-bred in a field of four entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Laz Barrera Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. 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 six starts, earnings of $182,440 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 8 Runhappy Santa Anita Derby. ...

Dr. Bramlage to Receive Dinny Phipps Award

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 3, 2023) — The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation announced today that noted equine surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage will be presented with the Dinny Phipps Award. The award will be presented at a dinner hosted by the chairman of The Jockey Club, Stuart S. Janney III, in Saratoga Springs, New York, the week of the Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing. Ambassador Earle Mack, an active participant in Thoroughbred racing and breeding for more than five decades, created the award in 2017 in memory of Phipps to honor an individual or individuals who have demonstrated dedication to equine health. Previous winners of the Dinny Phipps Award are the Phipps family, Frank Stronach, John C. Oxley, Michael Del Giudice, and Dell Hancock. “Dr. Bramlage’s contributions to The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation are unmatched,” said Janney. “Not only is he one of the best surgeons in our industry, but he is one of the best advocates for our sport and our... ...

Jockey Club Scholarships Announced

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 2, 2023) — The Jockey Club announced today the recipients of its five academic scholarships, which will be awarded for the 2023-2024 academic year. Megan Elcombe has been selected to receive The Jockey Club Scholarship, which provides $15,000 ($7,500 per semester) to a student who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree or higher at any university and has demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry. Elcombe is studying veterinary medicine at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine with a graduation date of May 2024. Following graduation, she plans to join a racetrack veterinary practice. The winner of The Jockey Club Advancement of Women in Racing Scholarship ($20,000; $10,000 per semester), which is open to women pursuing a career in the Thoroughbred industry, is Carly Schuerger. Schuerger will graduate in May 2024 from California State University, San Marcos, with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a minor in Business Administration. She plans to become a racehorse trainer. Silke Hoffman is the recipient... ...

EquiRing to Host May Mixed Sale

From EquiRing.com Press Release LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 1, 2023) – EquiRing.com has posted its May 2 sale consignment online for preview. This sale features eight entries highlighted by Cashing Tickets by Indian Charlie in foal to Into Mischief on a 3/2/23 last cover date. Cashing Tickets is the dam of G2 winning and Graded Stakes-placed Leggs Galore, who is herself also bred to Into Mischief for the 2023 breeding season. Cashing Tickets is only one of two mares offered in foal to Into Mischief in all of 2022 and 2023 at public auction. Also catalogued is Magically Honored in foal on an early cover to first year California stallion Eight Rings, and her 2023 Blame filly by side. The boutique auction is consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds and available online for preview and registration. Bidding will start at 3 pm EDT on May 2, with the first hip closing at 6 pm EDT. To preview the catalog, click May Mixed Sale (equiring.com) ...

Kangaroo Court on Docket for Pat Day Mile

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 1, 2023) – Stakes winner Kangaroo Court is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $500,000 Grade II Pat Day Mile Stakes presented by TwinSpires for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs. Kangaroo Court is by Dads Caps, out of the Hard Spun mare Bonus Spin was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Tim Yakteen. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $197,200 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 8 Echo Eddie. ...

Lil Anthony Debuts in Churchill Downs Stake

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 1, 2023) – Lil Anthony is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $250,000 Kentucky Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at Churchill Downs. Lil Anthony is by Anthony’s Cross, out of the Mining for Money mare Lil Nugget, was bred by David Chase, is owned by William Branch and trained by Luis Mendez. Lil Anthony is also entered in a maiden special weight race at Churchill Downs on Tuesday. Either would be his racing debut. ...

Sassy Nature Targets Churchill Downs Stake

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 1, 2023) – Stakes winner Sassy Nature is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $225,000 Mamzelle Overnight Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs. 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 six starts, earnings of $156,990 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 14 FanDuel Limestone Stakes. ...

Hasta La Vista for Stakes Winner Luv Luv

PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 1, 2023) – Stakes winner Luv Luv and fellow California-bred Falsely Accused are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Hasta La Vista Stakes at Turf Paradise. Luv Luv 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 four wins in 27 starts, earnings of $269,750 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 15 Wildcat Stakes. Falsely Accused is by Strong Mandate, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Princess Hillary, was bred by Dale Mahlum, is owned by Chris Randall & Gary Hughes and is trained by Shane Peacock. He has four wins in 23 starts, earnings of $110,567 and is coming off a sixth in an Apr. 17 optional claimer. ...

CTBA Sale Grad Enters Turf Paradise Stake

PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 1, 2023) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Perfect Mischief and fellow Cal-breds Sister Cousin and Big Moonie are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity for 2-year-olds. Sister Cousin is a filly by Sharp Azteca, out of the Tapit mare Cal Gal, was bred by Richard Barto Enterprises, is owned by Chris Nolan and trained by Robertino Diodoro. She is a maiden making her second start with earnings of $3,998. Big Moonie is a gelding by Cat Burglar, out of the Square Eddie mare Moonie, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Roberto Baeza and trained by Candelario Villamar. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $1,000. Perfect Mischief is a filly by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Paynter mare No Prob Lama, was bred by Kaitlyn Raboin & Matthew Raboin and is trained by Vann Belvoir. The $3,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale is a maiden making her second start with earnings of... ...

Hacking It Up Gets Up to Win Silky Sullivan

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2023) – Southern California invader Hacking It Up sat in midfield off a swift pace, swung to the center of the course in midfield turning into the stretch, and ran down runner up finisher Clovisconnection for a half-length win in Sunday’s $75,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds. With the win, Hacking It Up improved his lifetime race record to 3 wins and 1 third place finish from 8 lifetime starts. The son of Nyquist out of the Square Eddie mare Hacktivism earned $45,000 for the Silky Sullivan victory and increased his career earnings to $160,580. Hacking It Up was bred in California by Reddam Racing LLC and is owned by Qatar Racing LLC. Hacking It Up, who stopped the clock for one mile on firm turf in 1:37.87, went off as the 7-2 second choice in the wagering and paid $9.60 to win, $5.60 to place, and $4.40 to show. 4-1 shot Clovisconnection, who stalked a quick pace, took... ...

Hacking It Up

Hacking It Up wins $75,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes. ...

Another Alexander/Grazen Stakes Winner

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2023) – California-bred Carole Lombard continued the dominating weekend of breeder/owner Nick Alexander and stallion Grazen on Sunday by rallying through the lane to edge Proof She Zips and win the $75,000 Campanile Stake for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Out of the Afleet Alex mare Shesabronxbomber and trained by Phil D’Amato, Carole Lombard has three wins in six starts, earnings of $151,820 and was coming off a Mar. 31 optional claimer win. Carole Lombard ran the mile on turf in 1:37.97 and won by a neck at odds of 7-5 in a field of six. Proof She Zips was second and favored Sell the Dream was third. On Saturday, Alexander was the breeder and owner of Cal-bred Grazen daughters Rose Maddux, winner of the Golden Poppy Stakes and Alice Marble, winner of the Camilla Urso, both at Golden Gate. Carole Lombard, given a well-timed ride by Golden Gate Fields Winter/Spring meet leading rider Assael Espinoza, sat off a quick... ...

Carole Lombard

Carole Lombard wins $75,000 Campanile Stakes. ...

Rose Maddux

Rose Maddux wins $75,000 Golden Poppy. ...

Alice Marble

Alice Marble wins $75,000 Camilla Urso. ...

Rose Maddux Shines in Golden Poppy

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2023) – Reliable California-bred Rose Maddux made up a five-length deficit in the final eighth of a mile to win 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 five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $307,782 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 17 Irish O’Brien. Alexander also is the breeder and owner of Alice Marble, who won the Camilla Urso Stakes two races earlier and also was sired by Grazen. Rose Maddux ran the 1 1/16 on turf in 1:44.17 and won by a head at odds of 5-1 in a field of 10. ...

Top Harbor on Top in Lost in the Fog

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2023) – Odds-on favorite Top Harbor overcame a late start with a rush in the middle of the stretch to win Saturday’s $75,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate. 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 seven wins in 16 starts, earnings of $327,114 and was coming off a win in an Apr. 1 allowance. He ran the six furlongs in 1:09 4/5 and won by 2 1/4 lengths at odds of 4-5 in the field of seven. ...

Alice Marble’s Class Shows in Camilla Urso

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2023) – Classy California-bred Alice Marble rallied with a rush to nail Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way at the wire to win 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 eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $515,880 and was coming off a win in the Mar. 17 Irish O’Brien. “It was the first time I’ve been on her, and it was an absolute pleasure,” said jockey Umberto Rispoli. “I think, for her, she prefers six, six and a half [furlongs]. I feel that she was gearing up at the top of the stretch and when I put her into the clear, she did the rest.” She ran the five furlongs in :56.59 and won by a head as the 6-5 favorite in the field of eight. ...

Princess Kokachin Wires Primonetta Stakes

LAUREL, Md. (Apr. 29, 2023) – Princess Kokachin, a Maryland-bred daughter of California stallion Graydar, won Saturday’s $100,000 Primonetta Stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. Princess Kokachin, out of the Speightstown mare Serenity Hill, has 11 wins in 22 starts and earnings of $453,420. The 5-year-old mare went wire-to-wire over the six furlongs in 1:11.95 on a good track and won by one-half length as the 2-1 favorite. She was fourth in this race last year. ...

Disturbingthepeace Passes at Age 25

By Bloodhorse.com GEORGETOWN, Ky. (Apr. 28, 2023) — Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., announced April 28 the passing of Disturbingthepeace due to complications from colic. The two-time winner of the Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2) and earner of over $650,000 was 25. The beautiful bay gelding by Bold Badgett out of Regal Riot, by Sovereign Dancer, was bred in California by Old English Rancho and Patsy McKuen. Disturbingthepeace scored his first win as a 3-year-old in his fourth start in a maiden special weight race at Del Mar Aug. 27, 2001, under the care of trainer Darrell Vienna, and owners David and Rita Milch. He would improve substantially with maturity and strung together six straight wins at 4. Three of those victories were captured at Del Mar in the Triple Bend Breeders’ Cup Invitational Handicap (G2), Bing Crosby Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G2), and his first win in the Pat O’Brien. The win streak began with wins in two allowance races at Santa Anita Park, and one allowance optional claiming race at... ...

Closing Remarks Cruises onto Wilshire

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 27, 2023) – California-bred Closing Remarks, fresh off her win in the Grade II Royal Heroine Stakes, is entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Wilshire 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 four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $554,820 and is coming off her first graded win. ...

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... ...

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... ...

Cal-breds Bring Six Figures at OBS Sale

OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 27, 2023) – A pair of California-breds brought six-figure prices at Thursday’s session of the OBS 2-Year-Old in Training Spring Sale. Hip 843, a Nyquist colt, sold for $400,000 to Slugo Racing. The colt, out of the stakes-placed Square Eddie mare Radish, was bred by Reddam Racing and consigned by Wavertree Stables, agent. He posted a 10.0 second time in the under-tack furlong workout. Hip 834, a colt by Maclean’s Music, sold for $240,000 to Jet Horse LLC. The colt, out of the Bernardini mare Queen Bernardina, was bred by Liberty Road Stables and consigned by Scanlon Training and Sales, agent. A $145,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipton California Yearling Sale, he also was timed in 10.1 for one furlong. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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... ...

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.... ...

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. ...

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. ...

California Chrome Elected to Hall of Fame

From National Museum of Racing SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Apr. 25, 2023) — Eight new members have been elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The class of 2023 is comprised of jockey Corey Nakatani and the racehorses Arrogate (KY), California Chrome (CA), and Songbird (KY) in the contemporary category; jockey Fernando Toro via the Historic Review Committee; and Pillars of the Turf selections John W. Hanes II, Leonard W. Jerome, and Stella F. Thayer. Arrogate, California Chrome, and Songbird were all elected in their first year of eligibility. The 2023 Hall of Fame class will be enshrined on Friday, Aug. 4, at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Museum website at www.racingmuseum.org. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Corey Nakatani, 52, a native of Covina, Calif., won 3,909 races with purse earnings of $234,554,534 in a career that spanned from 1988 through 2018. His 341 graded stakes victories included 10 Breeders’... ...

Santa Anita Revives Seabiscuit Tour

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 23, 2023) — The Seabiscuit Tram Tour returns to Santa Anita beginning next Saturday. The guided tour, which is free of charge, departs Clocker’s Corner at 9:45 a.m. It includes a visit to Santa Anita’s Stable Area, Receiving Barn, Paddock Gardens and a drive by Seabiscuit’s original barn and stall. Participants will also walk through the Silks Rooms before visiting the saddling paddock. The Seabiscuit Tram Tour will run every Saturday through June 17 with some exceptions. The tour will not be offered May 6, May 20 and June 10. Free parking is also available through Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue. To reserve a spot, visitwww.santanita.com/tramtour or call (626) 574-6677. ...

Brickyard Ride Wins Kona Gold Again

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 23, 2023)— California-bred Brickyard Ride was in fine fettle Sunday morning after successfully defending his title in the $100,000 Grade III Kona Gold here on Saturday. “All good,” trainer Craig Lewis said trackside Sunday morning. In the 6 ½-furlong Kona Gold, odds-on favorite Brickyard Ride sped to the front under Juan Hernandez and clicked off sharp fractions of 21.77 and 43.92 seconds for the opening half mile. He was being pressed throughout by 9-5 second choice Anarchist, who would prove a stubborn foe in his first graded stakes on dirt for trainer Doug O’Neill. Brickyard Ride continued to motor in the stretch and held a one length advantage when reaching the eighth pole in 1:08.95. He held well in the final furlong, ultimately crossing the wire a half-length winner in a time of 1:15.84. The effort returned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure, according to Daily Racing Form. “He’s a warrior. This horse has won 13 races.... ...

Brickyard Ride

Brickyard Ride wins $100,000 Grade III Kona Gold. ...

Cal-sired Filly Offered in Fundraiser

From SportHorseAuctions.com WILLCOX, Ariz. — A California-sired yearling daughter of leading stallion Stay Thirsty is being auctioned, with proceeds benefiting paralyzed jockey Anne Von Rosen, according to breeder Dorothée Kieckhefer. The filly, named Peanut Bar, is out of the Rocky Bar mare Rocky Top Girl. The filly is eligible to compete in all races with enhanced purses which are restricted to California-sired and California-bred Thoroughbreds. She is eligible to be nominated to the lucrative Golden State Stakes Series, according to Kieckhefer. Because she was foaled in Arizona, she would also qualify for owners’ and breeders’ awards in the Grand Canyon State. For further information, click https://internethorseauctions.com/auction-lot-detail.php?aucid=494&Id=27027&Start=0&closeinc=50&AnName=&Cate=&Sexx=&Discip=&Sttate= ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Thomas Hudnut, and Wendy Mitchell. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board voted to amend the Inclement Weather Policy by imposing greater restrictions on horses exercising immediately after the surface has been unsealed. Typically, when wet weather is anticipated, dirt surfaces are compacted hard to promote runoff and prevent water from seeping into the soil. When the surface is later unsealed, indications are that at least 24 hours is needed for it to fully settle. Under the new policy, horses will only be allowed to jog during those 24 hours. The track superintendent and CHRB’s equine medical director, Dr. Jeff Blea, will decide together whether it is safe for horses to perform... ...

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... ...

Freshened Slow Down Andy Back to Work

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 20, 2023) — California-bred multiple graded winner Slow Down Andy, sidelined since a third in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland Nov. 5, had his first work of the year on Sunday for trainer Doug O’Neill. The Grade II winner drilled three furlongs in 36.6 seconds on a track listed as “fast.” Slow Down Andy was originally slated to return in the GI Malibu here on Dec 26, but that plan was scrapped when O’Neill was not satisfied with how he had been training. Slow Down Andy was sent to owner Paul and Zilla Reddam’s Ocean Breeze Ranch in early February where he was turned out. Slow Down Andy has four wins in 10 starts with earnings of $909,100. Last year, he won the GIII Sunland Park Derby on dirt and GII Del Mar Derby on turf. In the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, Slow Down Andy was forwardly placed throughout before crossing the wire third, less than two lengths behind... ...

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... ...

Bertrando Stakes Set for Los Al Fair Meet

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. —Three stakes – including the $100,000-guaranteed Bertrando for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California — highlight the Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The nine-day season is scheduled to begin Friday, June 23 and continue through Sunday, July 9. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday opening week (June 23-25), Saturday-Tuesday (July 1-4) the middle week and Saturday-Sunday (July 8-9) the final weekend. Post time will be 1 p.m. The richest event is the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies & mares at 6 ½ furlongs. Captured by Nick Alexander’s Cal-bred Becca Taylor in 2022, the Great Lady M. will be offered Tuesday, July 4. Besides Becca Taylor, the seven other winners of the Great Lady M. at Los Alamitos are Doinghardtimeagain (2014), Fantastic Style (2015), Eclipse Award winner Finest City (2016), Skye Diamonds (2017), Marley’s Freedom (2018-2019), Sneaking Out (2020) and Gamine (2021). The $125,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Derby, which was won a year ago by High Connection, providing... ...

Luv Luv Wins Wins Wildcat Wildcat

PHOENIX, Ariz. ( Apr. 16, 2023) — California-bred Luv Luv won Saturday’s $60,000 Wildcat Stakes at Turf Paradise. Luv Luv 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 four wins in 27 starts and earnings of $269,750. Luv Luv ran the 1 3/8 miles on turf in 2:14.64 and won by a head at odds of 9-2. ...

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. ...

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. ...

Kangaroo Court

Kangaroo Court wins $150,000 Echo Eddie. ...

Kangaroo Court Over Bus Buzz in Thriller

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (April 8, 2023)—In a thrilling stretch duel that included some contact, Tim Yakteen’s Kangaroo Court prevailed by a head over Steve Knapp’s Bus Buzz in Saturday’s $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes at Santa Anita. A 3-year-old gelding owned by George Sharp, trained by Tim Yakteen and ridden by Flavien Prat, Kangaroo Court got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.66. The Echo Eddie is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired 3-year-olds and was one of six stakes on the Runhappy Santa Anita Derby Day card. With Edwin Maldonado up, Bus Buzz out-footed the winner early, but was engaged to his outside leaving the three furlong pole by Kangaroo Court and the two were head and head from the top of the stretch to the wire, with each horse contributing equally to bumping approaching the eighth pole and again a sixteenth of a mile out. After a stewards’ inquiry, the original order of finish was allowed to stand. ... ...

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