Breeders’ Cup Tickets Now on Sale

Mar 30, 2023 Posted by CTBA In Announcement

From Breeders’ Cup LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 30, 2023) — Tickets for the 40th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, to be held Nov. 3 and 4 at iconic Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, will go on sale Thursday, May 4. Starting today, fans can begin browsing seating options and pricing at BreedersCup.com/Tickets and sign up to receive exclusive ticket pre-sale information at BreedersCup.com/2023. The 2023 World Championships will feature 14 Grade 1 races and $31 million in purses and awards as fans from around the globe gather to celebrate the world’s best horses, jockeys, and trainers as they compete over two days in racing’s most spectacular international showcase. “We are delighted to welcome guests from around the world to beautiful Santa Anita Park as we celebrate the milestone 40th running of racing’s premier international championship,” said Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Drew Fleming. “Extensive ticket options are available for all racing fans, and we are working closely with our partners at Santa Anita, and with the broader Arcadia and Pasadena communities, to ensure this year’s fan... ...

Closing Remarks Could Be a Royal Heroine

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

Bloodhorse Offering Paid Internship

From Bloodhorse BloodHorse will accept applications through April 17 for a new paid internship position to work on the leading industry publication’s various platforms this summer. The accepted intern will work with the BloodHorse editorial department on its monthly magazine, popular website, BloodHorse Daily newsletter, and BH+ website, which features news videos as well as leading industry analysis through MarketWatch and breeding information. The paid internship is being funded by BloodHorse and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB). “We’re looking forward to launching, with support of the NTWAB, this opportunity for a journalist interested in covering the racing industry,” said BloodHorse Editorial Director Frank Angst, who also is an NTWAB board member. “At BloodHorse, we have a number of platforms to tell stories and any number of topics to cover, from racing, to industry news, to sales, to breeding.” The BloodHorse internship is targeted toward those with an interest in pursuing a journalism career in horse racing. The Lexington, Ky.-based internship will run over eight weeks this... ...

Sassy Nature

Sassy Nature wins $100,000 Melody of Colors Stakes. ...

Sassy Nature Wires Melody of Colors

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Mar. 25, 2023) – California-bred Sassy Nature led all the way to win Saturday’s $100,000 Melody of Colors Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park. Sassy Nature is by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire LLC, is owned by CTR Stables and trained by Jack Sisterson. The even-money favorite in a field of 10, Sassy Nature has three wins in five starts, earnings of $151,440 and was coming off a Mar. 1 optional claiming win. She ran the five furlongs on turf in :55.50 and won by 2 ¼ lengths. ...

Teddy’s Barino Ships to Oaklawn Park

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

Quick Turnaround for Clayton Delaney

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

TOC Announces 2022 Owner Awards

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 24, 2023) – The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) has announced the winners of its 2022 statistical awards for leading California owners. Reddam Racing was leading owner in total purse earnings; Tommy Town Thoroughbreds LLC led all owners by number of California wins as well as most California starts; and the partnership of Pegram, Watson and Weitman took leading owner for most California stakes wins. Reddam Racing runners earned a total of $2,653,978 in California last year, with 31 wins from 230 starts, including four stakes wins. Their top runners included Del Mar Derby winner Slow Down Andy, Eddie’s New Dream, winner of the California Distaff Handicap and Irish O’Brien Stakes, Absolutely Zero, winner of the Fasig-Tipton Futurity, multiple stakes-placed runner Awake At Midnyte, Fun Money, An Agent Mistake, and Don’t Swear Dave. Tommy Town Thoroughbreds had 52 wins from 251 California starts, for total earnings of $1,659,404. Their top runners included Golden Gate Debutante winner Sally’s Sassy, Empire House, winner of the California Governor’s Cup Stakes, Shoppingforpharoah, Day... ...

Touched by Autism Relocated to Easterbrook

SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Mar. 27, 2023) – Stakes-winning California stallion Touched by Autism has been relocated to Easterbrook Ranch in San Miguel for the remainder of the 2023 breeding season, owner Johnny Toboada announced. Touched by Autism, a graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale, is a 10-year-old son of Sierra Sunset who won the 2018 Oakland Stakes at Golden Gate, one of his eight career wins. His first foals arrived this year. ...

Jockey Club Fact Book Available Online

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky (Mar. 23, 2023) — The Jockey Club announced today that the 2023 edition of the Fact Book is available in the Resources section of its website at jockeyclub.com. The online Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and auction sales in North America and is updated quarterly. It also features a directory of Canadian, international, national, and state organizations. Links to the Breeding Statistics report that is released by The Jockey Club each September and the Report of Mares Bred information that is published by The Jockey Club each October can be found in the Breeding section of the Fact Book. This edition of the Fact Book includes updates to the Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) and Breeding Statistics sections. RMBs are now sortable by stallion name, number of mares bred, and state. The Breeding Statistics can be sorted by year and then by stallion name, mares bred, reports received, live foals, percent of live foals, and... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Sells for $100,000 at Ocala

OCALA, Fla. (Mar. 22, 2023) – A graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale sold for $100,000 in Wednesday’s session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sale 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. The Cat Burglar colt, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Janice Sue, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, consigned by Triple J Equine Sales and was purchased by Michael Pender, agent for Fihn Holdings. He was timed in 9.4 for on furlong in the under-tack workout. A half-brother to the stakes-placed Sharetheblame, the colt sold for $4,500 to Juan Zamora at the Northern California Yearling Sale. ...

Santa Anita Cancels Friday, Adds Monday

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

One in Vermillion Seeking Derby Points

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

Is Third Time the Charm for Minister of Soul?

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

Don’t Get Pickled in Sunland Park Oaks

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

NorCal Sale Grad in Sunland Park Stakes

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

The Chosen Vron

The Chosen Vron wins $100,000 Sensational Star. ...

The Chosen Vron by a Nose in Sensational Star

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (March 19, 2023)—First by a millimeter, heavily favored The Chosen Vron found a way to get it done in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes at Santa Anita as he had show punters looking for a bridge to jump from before the photo finish came down. Owned in-part and trained by Eric Kruljac, The Chosen Vron nosed out a game Kings River Knight while getting about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:12.97 under Hector Berrios as the pair posed for their sixth consecutive win in what was The Chosen Vron’s 10th career stakes victory. The Sensational Star is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Kings River Knight took the lead from Fast Buck at the half mile pole and these two went head and head for the front approaching the dirt crossing at the top of the lane as The Chosen Vron, who was bothered by an erratic... ...

Sassy Nature Enters Gulfstream Park Stakes

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

American Farmer

American Farmer wins $75,000 McCann’s Mojave. ...

American Farmer Wins McCann’s Mojave

From Golden Gate Fields Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2023) – American Farmer stalked the pace, moved up to challenge the leaders approaching the quarter pole, put away pacesetter Jimmy Blue Jeans at the furlong pole, and out-finished runner up Crazy Dreams for a hard-fought, half-length victory in the signature race of the day at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday, the $75,000 McCann’s Mojave Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles. Winning jockey William Antongeorgi III guided American Farmer to victory for trainer Steve Sherman. The McCann’s Mojave, named in honor of the California-bred millionaire owned and bred by Santa Anita Publicity Director Mike Willman, was one of three new races for California-bred or sired runners added to the Golden Gate Winter/Spring meet stakes schedule this year. As a racehorse, McCann’s Mojave won the 2007 Grade 3 All American 2008 Grade 3 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate. He was victorious in the Sunshine Millions Classic in 2007, the California Cup Classic in 2005, and the Grade 2... ...

Speedy Cal-breds to be Auctioned at Ocala

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

Opening Buzz Wins Another Turfway Stakes

FLORENCE, Ky. (Mar. 17, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Opening Buzz rallied through the stretch to win Friday night’s $97,550 WEBN Frog Stakes for fillies and mares at Turfway Park. A multiple stakes winner, Opening Buzz is by Stanford, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She has five wins in eight starts and earnings of $201,993. She ran the six furlongs in 1:09.62 and won by a neck at odds of 3-2. ...

Alice Marble

Alice Marble wins $100,000 Irish O’Brien. ...

Alice Marble Pointed for Fran’s Valentine

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2023) — Alice Marble’s productive winter at Santa Anita continued Friday with a second-straight stakes win in the 6 1/2-furlong Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares, which was scheduled for the hillside turf course but moved to the main track. Trainer Phil D’Amato Saturday morning said the Nick Alexander homebred “came out of the race in good shape” and would likely target a two-turn race for her next start. A leading possibility is the Fran’s Valentine Stakes, a one-mile turf race for California-breds which Alice Marble won last year. “We’ll check out our options, but the Fran’s Valentine would be a logical choice,” D’Amato said. In the Irish O’Brien, Alice Marble stalked the pace in second under Flavien Prat before taking over near the quarter pole and crossing the wire a 1 ¼-length winner. The runner-up, Rose Maddox, finished well in an encouraging effort after having to check hard on the turn. Rose Maddox,... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at the Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, 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 Webcastlink. In brief: At the request of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and racetracks, the Board approved a redirection of revenue from Advance Deposit Wagering that would normally go to thoroughbred purses and commissions in order to pay the balance of California’s 2023 fee to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). In expectation that step two of HISA’s program will go into effect as scheduled on March 27, California’s proportional share of HISA’s operating budget is $6,729,297. Largely through the efforts of CHRB staff, HISA is crediting California for the equine drug testing and research program that California will continue... ...

The Chosen Vron Seeks 10th Stakes Win

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

Stakes-winning Trio in McCann’s Mojave

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

Alice Marble, Big Summer in Irish O’Brien

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

Gaines Reflects on Hall of Famer Nashoba’s Key

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 12, 2023) — Last Monday, Nashoba’s Key was inducted into the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Hall of Fame for a brilliant 10-race career that spanned just 14 months starting in January 2007. Carla Gaines, who trained Nashoba’s Key for owner-breeder Warren B. Williamson, was on hand for the ceremony. She reminisced on the life and times of Nashoba’s Key earlier this week. “This means a lot,” Gaines said of the induction. “She was just a consummate, tenacious racehorse. She so deserves this.” Nashoba’s Key didn’t debut until January of her 4-year-old season. She would win her first seven starts, all in Southern California, including the Grade I Yellow Ribbon, Grade I Vanity Handicap, Grade II Clement L. Hirsch and Grade II Milady Handicap. The streak was finally snapped in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at a rainy Monmouth Park when she finished fourth, beaten about two lengths by Lahudood. “I gave Joe Talamo specific instructions, don’t... ...

Zimmerman, Privman Join CARMA Board

From CARMA ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2023) — California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), a nonprofit organization that provides funding for the retirement of Thoroughbred racehorses in California, has announced the addition of two new board members. Amy Zimmerman and Jay Privman have been appointed to the board to fill vacancies left by the resignation of Candace Coder-Chew and the untimely passing of Howard Zucker late last year. Amy J. Zimmerman is a renowned sports TV producer who has had a successful career in TV and horse racing. She has worked with all four major networks as a live sports producer, oversees horse racing coverage for NBC, and has won numerous awards, including the 2014 Old Hilltop Award and the 2011 Penny Chenery Distinguished Woman in Racing Award. Currently, she serves as the Senior Vice President at Santa Anita Park, where she has been on staff since 1986. Jay Privman is a revered horse racing journalist who has been covering the sport for over 35... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Tries Another Turfway Stake

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

Gato Del Oro Represented by First Winner

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2023) – California stallion Gato Del Oro was represented by his first winner on Thursday when Storm d’Oro won the eighth race at Santa Anita. Storm d’Oro is a 3-year-old filly out of the Distorted Humor mare Sardonic, was bred by BG Thoroughbred Farm, which is also co-owner with Royalty Stable, and is trained by Hector Palma. She won by seven lengths at odds of 2-1 in a field of seven and ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:19.61. Gato Del Oro, a son of Medaglia d’Oro, stands at BG Thoroughbred Farm in Hemet. ...

Santa Anita Cancels Friday Race Card

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

CHRB Meeting Advisory

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

Harper’s Gallop Strides into Santa Ana

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

Del Mar Offers $1.15 Million in Cal-bred Stakes

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2023) – Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will hold eight stakes restricted to Golden State Series eligibles worth a total of $1.15 million at this year’s 84th season of racing. “We’ve got a stakes schedule that mirrors our record program of last year,” noted Del Mar vice president and racing secretary David Jerkens. “We made a couple of very minor tweaks, but otherwise it’s the same offerings at the same value that our horsemen and women found especially pleasing last year.” As it has for decades, the $100,000 Caesars Sportsbook Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds on the grass will kick off the proceedings on opening day. And closing day – Sunday, September 10 – once more will be headlined by the Grade I, $300,000 Runhappy Del Mar Futurity at seven furlongs, the championship event for 2-year-olds at the session. The track’s six Grade I affairs are led by the FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic, of course, but also include the $400,000 Bing Crosby Stakes for... ...

Beholder Mile Next for Fun to Dream

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

Fun to Dream Named CTBA Horse of the Year

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2023) — Grade I winner Fun to Dream added the title of 2022 California-bred Horse of the Year to her resume, it was announced at the CTBA Awards Dinner on Monday night at Le Meridien Hotel. Fun to Dream is by Arrogate, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess, was bred by Connie Pageler & Bob Baffert, is owned by Natalie J. Baffert & Pageler and trained by Bob Baffert. She had already been named champion Cal-bred 3-year-old female and sprinter and her dam was named Cal-bred broodmare of the year. “I did this, it was a crazy thing, I called Garrett O’Rourke at Juddmonte and I told him I’m going to do something really crazy, I’m sending you a mare that I claimed for $8,000,” said Bob Baffert, who was voted Trainer of the Year. “I saw those guys with California Chrome and an $8,000 mare and thought, why can’t we do that? I told Connie, we’re going to breed her to Arrogate, one of... ...

Clem Labine Seeks First Stakes Win

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

Golden Gate Moves Friday Card to Thursday

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

Self Isolation Enters Correction Stakes

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

Santa Anita Adds Thursday Racing Card

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

Cal-breds After Another Phoenix Gold Cup

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

Clayton Delaney in Cotton Fitzsimmons

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

Thirsty John No Mirage in Turf Paradise Derby

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

Don’t Get Pickled Tough in Arizona Oaks

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

CHRB Press Release on HISA, HIWU

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board, a steadfast supporter of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act/Authority (HISA) since its inception, has signed a new voluntary agreement with HISA and its Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) indicating the CHRB’s intention to enforce and comply with all federal rules and procedures governing horse racing. The CHRB has been enforcing and complying with safety regulations that HISA introduced July 1, 2022. Under the new agreement, the CHRB will implement rules under the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program, which are scheduled to go into effect March 27, 2023. Both the CHRB and HISA are committed to the principle of promoting safety in horse racing. Under the agreement, the CHRB agrees to perform certain tasks for the Authority and HIWU, including collecting equine samples, testing those samples at the University of California, Davis, collaborating on equine-related research, and performing investigations with respect to adverse analytical findings. As the CHRB and California horse racing industry already pay for these... ...

Brickyard Ride Returns in San Simeon

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

Spawr, Trainer of Cal-bred Champions, Retires

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 2, 2023)–Safe to say Bill Spawr, 83, who announced earlier this week that he had disbanded his stable, perhaps did more with less over a remarkable 46-year career as a public trainer than most all of his contemporaries. A star running back at Downey High School who got hooked on racing while working as a part time clerk in a local liquor store that served up Daily Racing Form, Bill Spawr, who was born on Dec. 13, 1939 in Bell, CA, gravitated to the racetrack full-time at age 23 and gained invaluable experience as a veterinarian assistant for 14 years, prior to forming a public stable in 1977. Although he was never positioned to receive a steady influx of well-bred talent, Spawr’s successes came largely through the claim box and via a time-tested formula for doing well—hard work. With 1,709 career wins, Spawr amassed two Winter/Spring training titles at Santa Anita, in 1991 and 1996, two titles at the track’s Oak... ...

Javier Castellano Wins George Woolf Award

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

Del Mar Targets ‘Bigger and Better’ 2023

From DMTC Publicity Del Mar Thoroughbred Club projected its most lucrative racing season ever last summer, then backed it up with a record-breaking meet that saw purse levels total above $25-million for the session resulting in an unprecedented average purse payout of more than $800,000 per day. Those numbers, the highest in California racing history, are in the track’s sights once again with the aim, amazingly enough, to go even bigger and better for this year’s 31-day stand, which will be the iconic track’s 84th season. As it did in 2022, the seaside oval will present 39 major stakes, six of which are designated as Breeders’ Cup Challenges races, offering a total of $8,275,000 during its eight-week summer run. It also will continue its highly successful “Ship & Win” program to attract more horses to come and take part in the summer festivities and continue with its well-received Maiden Dirt Bonus plan, which was fully implemented last summer. Del Mar’s summer meet set records in 2022 with more than $18.7 million... ...

California Chrome on Ballot for Hall of Fame

By DRF.com SARATOGA, N.Y. (Feb. 28, 2023) — First-time eligible Thoroughbred champions Arrogate, California Chrome, Lady Eli, and Songbird are among six new names that will appear on the ballot for the first time for possible election into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, it was announced on Tuesday. Trainer John Sadler along with retired trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, though previously eligible, are also newcomers to the Hall of Fame ballot. The aforementioned quartet of horses join previously nominated racehorses Blind Luck, Game On Dude, Havre de Grace, Kona Gold, and Rags to Riches on the ballot. Sadler and McLaughlin join previously nominated trainers Christophe Clement, Graham Motion, Doug O’Neill, and John Shirreffs for consideration. Corey Nakatani, who has been on the ballot the last several years, is the only jockey who appears on the ballot this year. Hall of Fame voters may select as many candidates as they deem worthy of induction. To gain election, each candidate must receive 50 percent plus one vote from the voting... ...

California Stallions Make Impact in Washington

AUBURN, Wash. (Jan. 27, 2023) – California stallions are making an impact in the Pacific Northwest, as the recently held Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association annual awards demonstrated. Three of the awards were presented to horses sired by California stallion. They were: Slew’s Tiz Whiz, a son of Slew’s Tiznow, was named Richard Wright Memorial Horse of the Year and Scatter Training Center champion holder horse; Blazingbellablu, a daughter of Grazen, was named champion older filly or mare; The Big Wam, a son of Mr. Big, was named champion 2-year-old male. ...

Closing Remarks Vies in Buena Vista

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

NorCal Sale Graduate Among Curribot Entries

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

Crypto Ride Eyes San Felipe Stakes

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

Breeders’ Cup Returns to Del Mar in 2024

From Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2023) — The Breeders’ Cup, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end global championship event, announced that the 41st Breeders’ Cup World Championships would take place at Del Mar next year, marking the third time the Southern California track will serve as host of the two-day event. The 2024 dates for the Breeders’ Cup are Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2. The Breeders’ Cup World Championships consists of 14 grade 1 races with purses and awards totaling more than $31 million, drawing the many of the world’s best horses, trainers, and jockeys to compete. An event that rotates among host sites, the Breeders’ Cup has been staged exclusively in California and Kentucky since 2008. Fans interested in ticket information for the 2024 World Championships can sign up here. “We are delighted to announce that the World Championships will be returning to Del Mar next year for what is sure to be an unforgettable two-year-run on the West Coast,” said Drew Fleming, Breeders’ Cup president and CEO. “Breeders’ Cup has always been a... ...

EquiRing, Gonzalez Plan California Sale

Press release from EquiRing LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2023) – EquiRing, in conjunction with Adrian Gonzalez of Checkmate Thoroughbreds, will be joining forces to create a sales venue for the California market. The first sale will be held in April and will have a focus on two-year olds, horses in training, and current proven horses that might have a particularly interesting update. This will be open to breeding stock as well. Adrian Gonzalez discussed the market, saying, “California is a vibrant market with great owners and breeders. We are hungry for a consistent and efficient way to trade horses. We have worked with EquiRing and enjoyed success with our stallion season auctions, and we look forward to building on that success with this venture.” Jamie LaMonica, President of EquiRing, said, “Adrian is a rising star in the business and is knowledgeable in all aspects of the game. We could not be more delighted and enthusiastic to be working together on this project. California has some of the best racing and... ...

CTBA Division Champions Announced

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

Santa Anita Cancels Weekend Race Cards

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

HISA Briefing at Santa Anita Monday, Feb. 27

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

Opening Buzz Aims for Second Stakes Win

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

The Chosen Vron

The Chosen Vron wins $100,000 Tiznow Stakes. ...

Alice Marble

Alice Marble wins $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes. ...

The Chosen Vron Coasts to Tiznow Win

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2023)—In another thoroughly dominant performance, the Eric Kruljac-trained The Chosen Vron made every pole a winning one as he amassed his ninth career stakes victory by taking Monday’s $100,000 Tiznow Stakes by 6 ½ lengths. Ridden by Hector Berrios, the 5-year-old gelding by Vronsky got a flat mile in 1:36.16. The Tiznow, for older horses, is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Breaking like a shot from his outside post, The Chosen Vron was immediately in control in the run to the Club House turn and although pressed by eventual runner-up Leyas Candy to his outside, shook clear while in-hand at the top of the lane and was only running against the clock the final three sixteenths of a mile. “It was a huge effort for him,” said Kruljac. “Coming back off of the sprint (a neck victory in the six furlong Cal Cup Sprint on Jan. 7) where he used himself... ...

Alice Marble Rolls to Spring Fever Win

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2023)—Although in top recent form on grass, Nick Alexander’s homebred Alice Marble proved invincible in taking Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes at Santa Anita, as she rallied from off the pace under Flavien Prat to win by 1 ¾ emphatic lengths and is thus unbeaten in four tries on the main track. Trained by Phil D’Amato, Alice Marble got six furlongs in 1:10.29. The Spring Fever is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners. Quick from her rail post, but content to let a threesome of Doris Mae, Chancery Way and Eddie’s New Dream duke it out on the front end, Prat bided his time to deep stretch, where he found a seam between horses a furlong out and burst clear in short order. “She broke well, I was traveling super,” said Prat, who recommended Alice Marble run in today’s Spring Fever instead of against open company going 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf... ...

Santa Anita Preemptively Cancels Friday Card

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

See Through It

See Through It wins $75,000 El Dorade Shooter. ...

See Through It Extends Win Streak to Six

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2023) — In turf sprints at Del Mar and Santa Anita and 1,000-yard races at Los Alamitos, California-bred See Through It was unbeatable in his final five starts of 2022. It turns out the versatile 6-year-old gelding can handle the synthetic main track at Golden Gate Fields just fine, too. In his debut on the surface, See Through It closed from sixth in a field of eight to win his Thoroughbred stakes debut in Saturday’s $76,350 El Dorado Shooter Stakes for California-breds at six furlongs. See Through It is by Curlin to Mischief, was bred by Los Alamitos owner Dr. Ed Allred, is owned by Belico Racing LLC and Lizbeth Medina and trained by Milton Pineda. He has 11 wins in 30 starts and earnings of $250,694. Ridden by Brayan Pena, See Through It ($21) caught 8-5 favorite Top Harbor in the final sixteenth to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:09.18. Top Harbor led in the stretch and held second, finishing... ...

Last to First for Special Moment in Startac

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 18, 2023) – Longshot California-bred Special Moment rallied from last to win Saturday’s $60,000 Startac Stakes for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Special Moment is by Stanford, out of the Blame mare Blame It Onthesong, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds and Gaylon McGee and trained by Bart Hone. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $59,669 and was coming off a maiden optional claiming win. Special Moment ran the 7 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:32.19 and won by three-quarters of a length and odds of 13-1 in a field of nine. ...

Don’t Get Pickled Wins Princess of Palms

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 18, 2023) – Favored California-bred Don’t Get Pickled rallied from the back of the pack to win Saturday’s $60,000 Princess of Palms Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Don’t Get Pickled is by Misremembered, out of the Successful Appeal mare C C’s Pride, was bred by Harry and Cheryl Keshian, is owned by H. M. A. Stable and trained by Miguel Hernandez. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $68,051 and was coming off a second in the ATBA 3-Year-Old Sales Stakes. She ran the 7 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:32.22 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 5-2 in a field of eight. ...

Tiznow Stakes Up Next for The Chosen Vron

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

Cohen, Miller Launch Owner Partnership

Press Release from Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal PIRU, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2023)—In a major move to make Thoroughbred racing partnerships more accessible, fun and affordable, the successful team of California-based owner Tim Cohen of Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal and Kentucky-based bloodstock agent Joe Miller of Kern Thoroughbreds are launching Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners (RTTP). This new boutique initiative will allow individuals to tap into a winning formula that has yielded dozens of stakes winners and top ownership honors at Del Mar and Santa Anita Park, primarily through the acquisition and import of quality international runners. Founded by the late Jed Cohen, Tim’s father, Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal utilizes Miller’s expertise to identify and acquire race-ready European and North American bloodstock through public and private purchases. This finely tuned business model has yielded multiple Grade 1 winner Janet (GB), Grade 1 winner River Boyne (Ire) and multiple Grade 1 winner and 2021 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) runner-up Dr. Schivel, among other notable color bearers, while boosting the Cohen family’s... ...

Alice Marble Rolling into Spring Fever

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

Big Summer, Eddie’s New Dream in Rematch

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

Bettor Trip Nick, Top Harbor Take Shots

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

Startac Stakes Lures California-bred Trio

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

Cal-bred Pair Enters Princess of Palms

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

Ghostzapper’s Visitant to Stand at Arroyo Vista

Press Release from Arroyo Vista Farm VALLEY CENTER, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2023) — Visitant, a multiple stakes winner of 11 races in 20 career starts, a track-record holder with earnings of over $676,000 by the very popular sire Ghostzapper, has been retired from racing and will begin his stallion career in 2023 at Arroyo Vista Farm in Southern California. Visitant is a homebred owned by Henry Williamson of Williamson Racing LLC, and has been part of the generationally successful thoroughbreds campaigned in California and Kentucky under those silks. The 7-year-old horse is out of the black-type mare, Peppermint Lounge, by Distorted Humor, who had four wins in just six starts for Williamson Racing and trainer Carla Gaines in Southern California. Visitant’s stud fee is set at an introductory rate of $2,500 live foal stand and nurse guarantee. “Visitant is our number one earning homebred male horse of all time and leads all runners in number of wins. He has been versatile, winning stakes races from six furlongs to a 1-1/8... ...

Quickly Park It, Nyvan Enter Lady of Shamrock

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

Dates for Del Mar Seasons Released

Press Release from DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2023) — The 2023 season is taking shape and we are already counting down the days until racing returns to the Seaside Oval on Friday, July 21, 2023. SUMMER SEASON Friday, July 21 – Sunday, September 10 Pacific Classic – Saturday, September 2 BING CROSBY SEASON Friday, November 10 – Sunday, December 3 The summer season goes on sale to the public Friday, May 12 at 10 AM PT. Don’t miss out on the best tables & seats by signing up to receive early access to tickets this year. ...

Passarando Ventures onto El Camino Real

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

Fun Money Hoping for a Sweet Life

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

John Barr, Past CTBA President, Passes at 93

ORANGE, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2023) — John Barr, prominent California breeder and owner for the past half century and past president of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, passed away on Sunday. He was 93. Barr and wife, Betty, raced under the nom de course Oakcrest Stable. In addition to his 25 years of service on the CTBA Board of Directors, Barr served as president and director of the Oak Tree Racing Association, the Board of Stewards of The Jockey Club and for five years on the Board of Directors for Breeders’ Cup Ltd. In addition, the Army veteran served on the Board of Directors and was the Treasurer of the Richard Nixon President Library & Birthplace Foundation in Yorba Linda. At the racetrack, Barr’s stable included California Cup Distaff winner Bountiful Dreamer, multiple stakes winner Bob’s Lady, stakes winner and prolific broodmare Beverly Z., Real Good Deal Stakes winner Waingarth and Fran’s Valentine Stakes winner Bert’s Melody. In a 2016 California Thoroughbred profile, Barr explained that his career, which began in... ...

Fun to Dream

Fun to Dream wins $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica. ...

Streaking Fun to Dream Wins Santa Monica

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2023)—Ridden with supreme confidence by Juan Hernandez, California-bred Fun to Dream made short work of five rivals as she rallied from off the pace to take Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes by 2 ½ lengths. Bred in-part and trained by Bob Baffert, the 4-year-old daughter of Arrogate got seven furlongs in 1:22.75. Unhurried out of the gate, Fun to Dream, the 1-2 favorite in a field of six older fillies and mares, was fifth, about two lengths off the lead at the three furlong pole and in very tight quarters. Hernandez played it cool though and split horses while three-deep at the top of the lane and easily inhaled a well-meant Awake At Midnyte inside the furlong pole. “Juan rides her with so much confidence,” said Baffert, who got his second stakes win on the afternoon. “He has gotten a chance to ride these good horses and that’s what he does—Is ride them with such confidence hoping they... ...

Cal-bred Brix in Turf Paradise Turf Stakes

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

Closing Remarks Seeks First Graded Win

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

Santa Anita Adds Live Card on Feb. 24

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2023) — Santa Anita will conduct live racing on Friday, Feb. 24, which was a scheduled dark day. First post time will be at 12:30 p.m. The card has been added as a makeup for weather-related cancellations earlier in the Classic Meet. ...

I’ll Stand Taller Takes a Stand in Dubai

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

Gallant Guy Steps Up to Forego Stakes

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

Harris Farms Welcomes Cistron’s First Foal

Press Release from Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2023) — Grade 1 winner Cistron sired his first reported foal, a filly out of the Acclamation mare Patriot Missile, born Jan. 30 at Harris Farms. A fourth generation Harris Farms homebred, she is the first foal from her dam, a half-sister to the G3-placed stakes winner Super Patriot ($371,554). The second dam Patriot C H is a half-sister to the Harris homebred G3 stakes winner Lucky J. H. ($632,065). This is the family of numerous G1 stars including City of Light, Cacoethes and Fabulous Notion. A stakes-placed winner at 2, Cistron won Oaklawn ‘s Northern Spur Stakes at 3 and graded stakes victories on both dirt and turf at 5 and 6 in the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1), Kona Gold Stakes (G2) and San Simeon Stakes (G3T) while earning $768,719 for owner Hronis Racing. Cistron is one of four graded winners from the first crop of the multiple War Front G1 winner The Factor. He stands his second season at Harris Farms for $3,500 Live Foal. ...

Results for CTBA Winter Mixed Sale

2023-winter-sales-result.pdf (ctba.com) ...

$70,000 Topper at CTBA Winter Mixed Sale

Sale Results: 2023-winter-sales-result.pdf (ctba.com) POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 31 2023) – Poster Girl, a stakes-placed broodmare in foal to California stallion Halladay, sold for $70,000 to top Tuesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale at Fairplex. The 10-year-old Poster Girl, by English stallion Excellent Art and consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, was purchased by Cedros Bloodstock. She has a yearling filly by More Than Ready. The highest-priced 2-year-old at the sale was Rachael’s Ride, a California-bred filly by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Bodemeister mare Slalom, bred by Tony Busching and Carol Busching and purchased for $43,000 by Nick J. Hines, agent for M. Nentwig. Hines and Nentwig also combined to purchase a 2-year-old Cal-bred filly by Om, out of the stake-placed Good Journey mare Kathleen Rose and a 2-year-old Sir Prancealot colt out of the stakes-placed Havana Gold mare Nonna Giana. Both sold for $33,000. A 2-year-old Sir Prancealot filly, out of the Candy Ride filly Candy Forest, sold for $40,000 to Jeff Bonde. There were 90 horses sold for... ...

Opening Buzz

Opening Buzz wins $125,000 Wishing Well Stakes at Turfway Park. ...

CTBA Winter Mixed Sale Outs

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

CTBA Champions Voting Ends Monday

Vote now for your 2022 Champions! Voting is open to all current CTBA members. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history! Voting closes Monday night! http://vote.ctba.com/ ...

Bafferts’ Fun to Dream Heads to Santa Monica

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

One in Vermillion Wins Third in a Row

By DRF.com SUNLAND Park, N.M. (Jan. 29, 2023) – California-bred One in Vermillion won his third consecutive stakes race Sunday, when he came back along the rail after being passed for a length victory in the $100,000 Riley Allison Derby at Sunland Park. One in Vermillion is out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Jonathan Kalman and trained by Esteban Martinez. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $149,620 and was coming off a win in the Dec. 21 Lost in the Fog. How Did He Do That was a fast-closing second, finishing three lengths clear of third-place finisher Loudmouthsoup. The Riley Allison, which was run at one mile, served as the first of two local steppingstones to the Grade 3, $600,000 Sunland Derby on March 26. It also was one of four stakes on the card, including the $65,000 Borderplex won by Christian d’Oro. The Borderplex is one of two local preps for the $300,000... ...

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