Nominations Released for King Glorious

Dec 10, 2022 Posted by CTBA In Uncategorized

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2022) — A razor-sharp Geezer and Giver Not a Taker, runner-up in the Golden State Juvenile Oct. 29, are among the 2-year-olds nominated to the $100,000 King Glorious Stakes at Los Alamitos. A one-mile race restricted to horses bred or sired in California, the King Glorious will be run for the 11th time – twice at Hollywood Park before moving to Los Alamitos in 2014 – Sunday, Dec. 18, the final day of the Winter Thoroughbred meet. Owned by Royalty Stable and trained by Hector Palma, Geezer, a son of Merit Man and the More Than Ready mare Pat Olcott, will be trying two turns for the first time after three consecutive wins at six furlongs. After finishing fifth in his career debut Aug. 27, the gelding defeated maidens by three lengths Sept. 16 at Los Alamitos, then won a pair optional claimers Oct. 30 and Nov. 27 at, respectively, Santa Anita and Del Mar. He’s earned $89,760. Owned by breeders J. Kirk... ...

La Vikina Vies for Miss America

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2022) — La Vikina is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Miss America Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. La Vikina is by Many Rivers, out of the Roman Ruler mare Roman Angel, was bred by owner Julio Enciso and is trained by Isidro Tamayo. She has four wins in 21 starts, earnings of $124,418 and is coming off a fourth in an Oct. 22 optional claimer. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From TOC SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a meeting on Thursday, December 15, 2022, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo. The Jockey and Driver Welfare Committee will meet the previous day at 1:00 p.m., also at Cal Expo. These meetings will be open to the public. Those providing unsolicited public comment on individual agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda items. Note that for agenda item #12 of the Board meeting and agenda item #3 of the committee meeting, 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 Board meeting and agenda and package for the committee meeting are available on the CHRB website. ...

Gary Barber Named to TOC Board

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2022) — The Board of Directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) unanimously named Gary Barber to fill the board vacancy created by the recent resignation of Bill Strauss. Barber was named National Owner of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) two years in a row (2019 and 2020) and his trademark hot pink silks are well known throughout the world, particularly in his home state of California. He has won more than 1,000 career races, on his own and in partnership, and has enjoyed top-level success at the Breeders’ Cup as well as the Preakness Stakes. Barber said, “My passion for Thoroughbred racing is steadfast. I look forward to joining the Board of the TOC and hope to make a meaningful contribution to the health and welfare of our sport and help attract a new generation of fans.” Barber, originally from South Africa, is the founding partner of Spyglass Entertainment, whose commercial hits generated over $5 billion in worldwide... ...

Unbeaten Cast Member in Soviet Problem

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2022) – Perfect in two starts for owner-breeder George Krikorian and trainer Tim Yakteen, Cast Member will stretch to a mile for the first time in the $100,000-guaranteed Soviet Problem Stakes Sunday at Los Alamitos. Restricted to 2-year-old fillies bred or sired in California, the Soviet Problem attracted five entrants. Part of the Golden State Series, the Soviet Problem is the third of nine races. Post time Sunday is 12:30 p.m. Scheduled post time for the main event is 1:30 p.m. A daughter of Munnings and the Artie Schiller mare Be My Baby, Cast Member graduated by three lengths in her debut Sept. 3 at Del Mar, then stepped into stakes company and stretched out an eighth of a mile to win the seven-furlong Golden State Juvenile Fillies eight weeks later. She’s earned $153,000. Big Celebration, also bred by Kirkorian, will return to the scene of her seven-length maiden victory for owner William R. Peeples and trainer Luis Mendez after trailing in... ...

Uncontrollable Enters Grade I Starlet

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2022) – Uncontrollable is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I Starlet Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Uncontrollable is by Upstart, out of the Include mare Behavioral, was bred by Fountain of Youth Breeding, is owned by Repole Stable and trained by Michael McCarthy. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $111,750 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 8 Grade II Chandelier Stakes. ...

Field of 11 Entered in Bear Fan Stakes

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2022) – Three graduates of the Northern California Yearling Sale and stakes winner Tam’s Little Angels are among the entries in Saturday’s $75,000 Bear Fan Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Tip Top Gal is by Old Topper, out of the Royal Anthem mare El Sierra Tahoe, was bred by owners George and Mary Clare Schmitt and is trained by Quentin Miller. She has five wins in 38 starts, earnings of $221,913 and is coming off a ninth in a Nov. 27 optional claimer. She was third in this race last year. Exactly Wendy is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Redo It, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Jerry Jamgotchian and trained by Leandro Mora. She has one win in eight starts, earnings of $69,140 and is coming off a fifth in an Oct. 28 optional claimer. Hot Rageous is by Idiot Proof, out of the Free at Last mare Iforgottobeme, was bred... ...

Passarando

Passarando wins $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes. ...

Hat Ranch West Manager Joe Pruett Passes

From Daniel Schiffer TEMECULA, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2022) — Joe Pruett, the only ranch manager for the Hat Ranch West in Temecula from 1971 to its closure in 2005, passed away on Tuesday. He was 78. During his tenure he foaled broodmares such as General Store (California Broodmare of the Year) and Magnificent Crown (dam of Hanover Road, a Cal Cup Classic winner). He foaled and/or oversaw the early growth and/or rehab of such outstanding horses as Double Discount, Chain Store, Telly’s Pop, Summer Sale, Hanover Road and Best Dress. Pruett was one of 17 children raised at his parents’ chicken ranch in El Cajon. He served in the National Guard and was deployed to Hollywood Park during the Watts Riots. He went to work at Mel Stute’s training barn and it was Mel who introduced him to Ken Schiffer, owner of Hat Ranch West. He and his then-wife Irma raised five children at the Hat Ranch West. He later married his second wife Robbie and upon... ...

Passarando Hits Paydirt in Gold Rush Stakes

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2022) — The signature race on a cool afternoon at Golden Gate attracted a full field of ten 2-year-olds. The $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes, for 2-year-olds routers at one mile on the main track Tapeta. California-bred winner Passarando hit the wire a length and a half in front after sitting off fast fractions of 23.53, 47.43 and 1:11.72. From the second last position, Passarando began a move into the far turn run, saved ground around that turn and cut the corner as he turned for home. By upper stretch, Passarando had made his way into fourth position. From there, winning jockey Catalino Martinez switched his mount to the outside of horses and, when in the clear, Passarando unleashed a powerful move to run past the battling leaders in the final 50 yards. Passarando stopped the clock for one mile in 1:37.78 seconds. Passarando paid $8.80 to win, $4.40 to place and $3.80 to show. 60-1 second place finisher Chase the Chaos ran... ...

Mind Control Wins Cigar Mile in Farewell

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Dec. 3, 2022) — Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stables’ multiple Grade 1-winner Mind Control will retire on top of his game after securing a trademark gutsy score in Saturday’s Grade 1, $750,000 Cigar Mile Handicap presented by NYRA Bets, at Aqueduct Racetrack. Trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher and piloted by fellow Hall of Famer John Velazquez, the 6-year-old son of 2012 Cigar Mile-winner and California stallion Stay Thirsty entered his swan song a fresh horse out of a victory via disqualification on September 24 in the Parx Dirt Mile. Mind Control crossed the wire a winner by less than one length on Saturday for the seventh time in his 29-race career, including for his former conditioner Gregg Sacco with a three-quarter length score in the 2018 Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga Race Course and a nose win in the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial one year later at the same track. Pletcher, who took over training duties of the talented bay last July,... ...

Record Purse Structure at Santa Anita

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2022)—Santa Anita Park’s Classic Race Meeting, which opens on Monday, Dec. 26, will offer horsemen the largest purse structure in Santa Anita’s storied 88-year history with significant increases in both allowance and stakes race monies. Additionally, Santa Anita will again offer fans and horsemen the best winter turf racing in America, as its downhill Camino Real, turf chute and turf oval will provide a wide variety of options for horses sprinting and going a route of ground. “Our turf is in tremendous condition,” said Chris Merz, Santa Anita Director of Racing and Racing Secretary. “With our downhill and turf chute components, we are pleased to offer the betting public and fans alike a cornucopia of turf racing options. With so much emphasis now on recruiting turf prospects from all over the world, turf racing is more popular than ever before. “As the meet progresses, we are also going to initiate a $25,000 starter series in March for boys and... ...

Eddie’s New Dream in Matriarch

DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2022) – Eddie’s New Dream is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $400,000 Grade I Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. 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 19 starts, earnings of $485,600 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 15 California Distaff. ...

Cal-breds Steaming Toward Gold Rush

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2022) – Stakes winners Clovis Connection and Passarando are part of a contingent of five California-breds among entries in Saturday’s $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. 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 won both starts with earnings of $62,700 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 12 Golden Nugget. 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 two wins in four starts, earnings of $48,516 and is coming off consecutive wins. 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 three wins in six starts, earnings of $173,830 and is coming off... ...

Self Isolation Goes for Wand at Aqueduct

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Nov. 23, 2022) – Streaking California-bred Self Isolation is entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Go for Wand 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 16 starts, earnings of $305,210 and is coming off three consecutive optional claiming wins. ...

Quickly Park It Vies in Jimmy Durante

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2022) – Stakes winner Quickly Park It and fellow California-bred Sell the Dream are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Jimmy Durante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. 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 three starts, earnings of $95,520 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 29 Pike Place Dancer. Sell the Dream is by Munnings, out of the Run Away and Hide mare Enayat Alsalam, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Brown, Klein and Lebherz and trained by Brian Koriner. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $137,760 and is coming off a fourth in the Oct. 29 Golden State Juvenile Fillies. ...

Hot Box Enters Stormy Liberal Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2022) – Hot Box is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Stormy Liberal Stakes at Del Mar. Hot Box is by Heat Shield, out of the Street Cry mare Heat Exposure, was bred by Kristin Mulhall, is owned by trainer Brian Koriner and Janet Lyons. He has six wins in 13 starts, earnings of $245,558 and is coming off a sixth in the Oct. 16 California Flag. ...

Former TOC Director Jack Owens Passes

MODESTO, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2022) — Jack Owens, Thoroughbred Owners of California’s longest-serving board member, passed away on Nov. 21 of a heart attack. First elected to the TOC board in 1995, he had just retired from board service this past July. During his board tenure, Owens served six years as Chairman. He also served as Vice Chairman representing Northern California, Chairman of the Legislative and Government Affairs Committee, and as an active member of the Racing Affairs, Wagering, Bylaws Review, and Purse committees. It is almost impossible to overestimate the impact and historic importance of the organization of which Owens was one of the first board members. It was nearly 30 years ago when a small group of successful business-oriented owners banded together to form a group to represent all California Thoroughbred owners apart from the then-official horsemen’s organization, the California Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (CHBPA). Their efforts set in motion a movement that would eventually bring true change to the industry in such critical areas as... ...

Rancho Temescal’s Jed Cohen Passes at 89

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 27, 2022) — Jed Cohen had to round up a bunch of friends to buy his first racehorse in the early 1960s because no one had the necessary $2,500. Wayward Jenny ran like a $2,500 purchase, and when her trainer recommended Jed purchase a goat to calm her down, Jed thought he’d acquired the wrong kind of animal. “We bought a goat, but the goat outworked the horse,” Jed once recalled. “We should have spent $2,500 on goats. We had it backwards.” Cohen, whose family races in the name of Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal, the current leading owners at Del Mar, died Nov. 27 in Del Mar at age 89. Cohen in the past few years had battled illnesses, but he enjoyed watching his horses race, whether at the track or from home. The stable has been particularly successful recently. Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal, which won the final race at Del Mar Nov. 26 with Percolate , has excelled at buying horses in training in Europe... ...

Freeport Joe Tries Berkeley Stakes Repeat

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2022) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Freeport Joe seeks to defend his title in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Berkeley Stakes at Golden Gate. Freeport Joe is by English Channel, out of the Sadler’s Wells mare Winds of March, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Larry Odbert and trained by Gloria Haley. The $2,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has eight wins in 21 starts, earnings of $295,064 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 5 Joseph T. Grace. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at Cal Expo. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners 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 Webcast link. In brief: Various speakers addressed the current situation with the Horseracing Safety and Integrity Act/Authority (HISA), given a recent court decision that HISA is unconstitutional. The matter being in legal limbo has caused confusion in some racing jurisdictions, but Deputy Executive Director Cynthia Alameda, consistent with the CHRB advisory issued November 18, said that is not the case in California. “Unless and until a federal court makes a further decision on the case, the CHRB will continue to honor its agreement with HISA and enforce all federal rules,” she said. “The CHRB will continue to negotiate with HISA and its enforcement entity, Drug Free Sports International, on agreements for the... ...

California Horse Power Coalition Launches

From California Horse Power Coalition LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2022) — Today, equine industry leaders and stakeholders across California announced the launch of the California Horse Power Coalition (CHPC). The new coalition’s mission is to preserve and protect California’s vibrant equestrian culture by bringing together equine industry leaders, workers, families and fans of the sport to illustrate its significant benefits. Founded by Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Santa Anita Park, and Thoroughbred Owners of California, the coalition is creating a space for the public to learn about the significant impacts that the industry has on California’s economy, tourism, agricultural sustainability, and culture. “As one of the oldest and most celebrated sports in the world, horse racing contributes billions to California’s economy annually and employs tens of thousands of workers,” said Bill Nader, Thoroughbred Owners of California, President & CEO. “I am proud to be a part of a community that not only brings together family and friends but also continuously challenges itself to be the model of care and best... ...

Passion For Gold has First Cal-crop Winner

From Milky Way Farm ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2022) — California sire Passion For Gold (Medaglia d Oro x C’ Est L’ Amour) is off to a big start with his first California crop to race. He was represented by Gold Council, who became the first California winner in his first start for his sire Passion For Gold by winning a Maiden Special Weight on the turf at Santa Anita on closing day. Trained by Kristin Mulhall, Gold Council won going away by 2 1/2 lengths. Passion For Gold was a Grade I winner of the Criterium Saint Cloud and Champion Two Year Old in France for Godolphin. He was purchased and stood five breeding seasons in Chile, siring graded stakes horses in Chile and Peru with earnings over $2.7 million. His runners have an outstanding 82 percent winners. He returned to the United States to stand at Milky Way Farm in Temecula, California. ...

Tiger Dad Takes Another Shot at Cluer

PHOENIX, Ariz. (No. 20, 2022) – Multiple stakes winner Tiger Dad is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s Walter R. Cluer Memorial Stakes at Turf Paradise. Tiger Dad is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Unusual Heat mare Q T Shae, was bred by Mark Devereaux, Scott Gross & Mark Gross, is owned by Rosette Ranch and trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has seven wins in 31 starts, earnings of $456,107 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 4 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes. He was second in this race last year. ...

NorCal Sale Graduate in Debutante

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2022) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Bet de Vron is one of four California-breds entered in Friday’s $50,000 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Juana Gallo is by Coach Bob, out of the General Meeting mare Southern Meeting, was bred by Mark Rydman and Holly Rydman, is owned by Arcadio Rivera and is trained by Felix Rondan. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of $61,638 and is coming off a fifth in the Oct. 29 Pike Place Dancer. Majestic Oops is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodavor mare Miss Oops, was bred by owners William Dory, Sandy Dory, Gary Kropp & Janet Kropp and is trained by ed Moger Jr. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $59,020 and is coming off back-to-back wins. Bet de Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Lit de Justice mare Lit de Bet, was bred by Sharon Pasko, is owned by Egon Oyarzun and is trained by Faith Taylor. The $9,500 purchase... ...

The Chosen Vron

The Chosen Vron wins $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes. ...

The Chosen Vron Stars in Cary Grant

From DMTC.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2022) — Even-money favorite The Chosen Vron, a California-bred son of the late Vronsky, took aim at the leader Big City Lights at the three-eighths pole and then just outran him to win Saturday’s $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligible at Del Mar. Out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly and bred by Tiz Molly partners, The Chosen Vron is owned by Sondereker Racing, trainer J. Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin and Richard Thornburg. The Chosen Vron has eight wins in 12 starts and earnings of $513,678. His time for the seven furlongs was a quick 1:20.66, approaching the track record of 1:20. It was his seventh stakes win. Big City Lights was second and Coalinga Road rallied for third in a field whittled to four by the scratches of Finneus and Surfing Star. ...

Top Harbor Tops Cal-bred Sweep

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2022) — The fastest of the fast signed on to compete in the 2022 edition of the Oakland Stakes at Golden Gate Fields for sprinters on Saturday afternoon. By the end of the race, one entrant was clear at the wire, stamping himself as one of the best one-turn horses in the Bay Area this year. Top Harbor, a 4-year-old California-bred gelding trained by Tim McCanna, stalked the pace on the inside for the first half mile, split horses turning for home and motored to the front in the final furlong, drawing away from his company in the final yards while hitting the wire 1 and three-quarter lengths clear of runner up finisher Irrefutable. With winning jockey Frank Alvarado aboard, Top Harbor stopped the clock for six furlongs in 1:09.70 seconds. Sent off as the second choice in the wagering at 2-1, Top Harbor returned $6.40 to win, $3.40 to place, and $2.40 to... ...

CARMA Online Auction Starts Nov. 25

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2022)—Santa Anita Park, in conjunction with Golden Gate Fields, will be hosting an online auction this holiday season to benefit the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to rehabilitate, retrain and rehome Thoroughbred racehorses who have raced in California. The auction which runs from November 25 through December 9 offers a wide array of items and experiences to suit every age and personal interest. For the racing fan, highlighted items include signed memorabilia, signed photos, and a handicapping lesson from handicapping analyst and on-air personality, Anthony Stabile. For those bidders looking for an experience outside of the racetrack, they can choose from vacation and experience packages such as attending the Country Music Awards or partaking in a Sonoma Wine Tour or, for thrill-seekers, a ride on the Highway to the Danger Zone with a ride in an authentic extra 300L Aerobatic Aircraft. Featured items include a... ...

Giver Not a Taker Enters Bob Hope

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2022) – I’m Smokin Stakes winner Giver Not a Taker is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Bob Hope Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Giver Not a Taker is by Danzing Candy, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Kittens Trip, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $154,750 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 29 Golden State Juvenile Stakes. ...

The Chosen Vron Sticks with Cal-breds

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2022) – Multiple graded stakes winner The Chosen Vron and last year’s Del Mar Derby winner None Above the Rest are among the entries in Saturday’s $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. Finneus is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Ghostzapper mare My Fiona, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Fasihuddin, Lovingier and Navarro and is trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in 13 starts, earnings of $328,216 and is coming off an eighth in the Oct. 16 California Flag. 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 three wins in 16 starts, earnings of $238,600 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 16 Bull Dog Stakes. Surfing Star is by Surf Cat, out of the Strong Hope mare Sister Esperanza, was bred by Old English Rancho and Bruce Headley, is owned by Estate... ...

Psycho Dar, Top Harbor in Oakland Stakes

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2022) – Harris Farms Stakes winner Psycho Dar and multiple stakes winner Top Harbor are among the California-breds entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Oakland Stakes at Golden Gate. Top Harbor is by Harbor the Gold, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by owners Eric Schweiger, Gordy Jarnig & Kenny Marshall and trained by Tim McCanna. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $202,024 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 2 Harris Farms Irrefutable is by Big Bad Leroybrown, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Anthony Pescetti and trained by Michael Lenzini. He has six wins in 18 starts, earnings of $132,222 and is coming off a second in a Sept. 2 optional claimer. 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... ...

Smokem for You Enters Desi Arnaz

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2022) – Smokem for You is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Desi Arnaz Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Smokem for You is by Smokem, out of the Stormin Fever mare Easter Fever, was bred by Terry Lovingier and is owned by trainer Edwin Alvarez. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $34,740 and is coming off a seventh in an Oct. 28 starter’s optional claimer. ...

Cal-bred Quartet Vies in Zia Park Stakes

HOBBS, N.M. (Nov. 15, 2022) – Four California-breds are entered in stakes races on Tuesday’s card at Zia Park. Mr. Paytience is entered in the $75,000 Zia Park Sprint. Misfired and Diamonds Danzing are entered in the $75,000 Zia Park Princess Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Ohhh Daddy is entered in the $75,000 Zia Park Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds. Mr. Paytience is by Paynter, out of the Yes It’s True mare Kantstopdancin, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Masino Racing Stable and trained by Bart Hone. He has five wins in 28 starts, earnings of $203,392 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 29 Roadrunner. Misfired is by Misremembered, out of the Stormin Fever mare Filly on Fire, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Terri Rust and Rusty Wire Racing and is trained by Rust. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $13,644 and is coming off an 11th in the Sept. 18 Marzano Stakes. Diamonds Danzing is by Danzing Candy,... ...

Apply Now for Jockey Club Scholarships

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2022) — The Jockey Club announced today that applications are open for its five academic scholarships. The scholarships will apply to the 2023-2024 academic year and are as follows: The Jockey Club Scholarship ($15,000; $7,500 per semester) is for students in academic pursuit of majors for future employment in the equine industry. Open to any equine breed or discipline; preference will be given to candidates with the expressed desire to secure employment in the Thoroughbred industry. The Jockey Club Advancement of Women in Racing Scholarship ($20,000; $10,000 per semester) is open to women pursuing a career in the equine industry who are enrolled full time as an undergraduate or graduate student at a college or university. Open to any equine breed or discipline; preference will be given to candidates with the expressed desire to secure employment in the Thoroughbred industry. The Jockey Club Vision Scholarship ($20,000; $10,000 per semester) is open to students from a minority racial or ethnic group who are... ...

Jack Milton Relocates to Gray Farm

COTTONWOOD, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2022) — Jack Milton, a Grade-I winning son of War Front, is relocating for the 2023 breeding season to Gray Farm in Cottonwood and will stand for a fee of $5,000. On the track for owner Gary Barber and trainer Todd Pletcher, Jack Milton won graded stakes at ages 3, 4 and 5. He won five of 19 starts with career earnings of $853,828. His biggest win was the Grade I Maker’s 46 Mile at on the turf at Keeneland. He also won the Grade III Poker Stakes at Belmont Park and the Grade III Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland. With four crops of racing age and progeny earnings of more than $4.7 million, Jack Milton has sired Grade III winner Second of July, multiple stakes winner Toby’s Heart (his biggest earner at $673,370) and Jack Duggan, a recent stakes winner in Australia. ...

Eight Rings to Stand at Tommy Town

From Checkmate Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2022) — Eight Rings, a Grade I winner at 2, will stand the 2023 breeding season at Tommy Town Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez for a fee of $7,500, it was announced by Adrian Gonzalez’s Checkmate Thoroughbreds, which manages the owning partnership. Trained by Bob Baffert, the son of Empire Maker won the Grade I American Pharaoh Stakes at Santa Anita by six lengths from Grade I winner American Theorem, Grade I Breeders Cup Juvenile winner Storm The Court, and Grade I Del Mar Futurity winner Nucky. On debut as a 2-year-old at Del Mar, Eight Rings’ brilliant performance earned him a TDN Rising Star dominating the 5.5 furlong maiden race by 6 1/4 lengths clear over future Garde I Santa Anita Handicap winner Express Train and Shooters Shoot (second in the Grade II Triple Bend Stakes). Eight Rings was bred in Kentucky by Winstar Farm and sold for $520,000 at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Eight Rings is out of Grade... ...

Fun to Dream Fights for Betty Grable Win

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2022) — One-to-five favorite Fun to Dream found herself in a serious horse race inside the eighth pole Sunday at Del Mar in the $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares as rival Taming the Tiger growled and dug deep. But “Dream” was up to the task and dug in even deeper to edge past her foe late and score by a head. The two leaders brushed in the stretch but the stewards saw no reason to put up the inquiry sign. Fun to Dream, bred by Natalie Baffert and Connie Pageler and owned by Pageler and trainer Bob Baffert, earned a first prize of $57,000 for her hard work to push her bankroll to $246,590 with her fourth victory in her fifth start. She was ridden by Del Mar’s leading rider, Juan Hernandez, who was completing a sweep of the track’s trio of stakes over its three-day opening weekend. She is trained by Baffert, who was winning his... ...

Fun to Dream

Fun to Dream wins $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes. ...

Clovisconnection Hits Golden Nugget Paydirt

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2022) — California-bred 2-year-old gelding Clovisconnection stalked the pace, drew off from his competition at the top of the stretch, and blitzed his rivals in the marquee race of the week at Golden Gate Fields, the $65,900 Golden Nugget Stakes for 2-year-olds at 6 furlongs on Saturday. Ridden by Kevin Radke and trained by Blaine Wright, Clovisconnection popped out of the gate alertly and tracked early pacesetter Early Release until the turn for home, in which the son of Vronsky was given his cue to accelerate by Radke, pounced on the early leader, and opened up on the competition coming into the final furlong. Clovisconnection hit the wire four and a quarter lengths ahead of 3-5 race favorite and runner up finisher Passrando. 50-1 longshot Chase the Chaos finished third followed by Strength of Autism, Abinadi, Early Release and Havana Angel. Clovisconnection stopped the clock for six furlongs on Tapeta in 1:10.73 seconds. Sent off... ...

Cal-bred Mare Plane Lucky Sells for $110,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2022) – California-bred mare Plane Lucky sold for $110,000 at Thursday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. Plane Lucky is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the prolific Kennedy Road mare Jetinwith Kennedy, was bred by David McGlothlin, was consigned by Stuart Morris, agent, for Highclare, Rabanal and Wickes and was purchased by Tracy Farmer. The 9-year-old Plane Lucky won $151,385 on the track and sold in foal to Maxfield. Her siblings include stakes winners Jet West, Jetinto Houston, Jetin Excess and Triumphant Flight. ...

Fun to Dream of Betty Grable Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2022) – Fun to Dream is the lone stakes winner entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Roman Empress is by Empire Way, out of the Roman Ruler mare Roman Charity, was bred by Huntertown Farm, is owned by Jennifer Saavedra and trained by Anthony Saavedra. She has one win in 11 starts, earnings of $36,600 and is coming off a third in an Oct. 22 claimer. All Dialed In is by Dialed In, out of the Mutakddim mare Nuffsaid Nuffsaid, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Harris Farms and trained by Sean McCarthy. The $30,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $166,700 and is coming off an eighth in the Aug. 21 Solana Beach. Fun to Dream is by Arrogate, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess, was bred by Connie Pegler & Bob Baffert, is owned by Natalie Baffert and Pegler... ...

Passarando Panning for Golden Nugget

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2022) – Golden State Juvenile Stakes winner Passarando returns in Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Nugget Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. Early Release is by Stanford, out of the Kafwain mare Twentyfive to Life, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $36,152 and is coming off a third in an Octo 10 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 won his lone start Oct. 2 with earnings of $23,400. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Strength of Autism is by Dads Caps, out of the Southern Image mare Southern Seed, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and Robert Traynor, is owned by Johnny Toboada and trained by Isidro Tamayo. The $3,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has two wins in six starts, earnings of $55,356 and is coming off... ...

Cal-bred Pair Enters Kathryn Crosby

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2022) – Multiple stakes winner Pulpit Rider and fellow California-bred stakes winner Warren’s Candy Girl are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Kathryn Crosby Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Pulpit Rider is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Ride the Rails mare Lady Railrider, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Mike Puype. She has seven wins in 35 starts, earnings of $581,293 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 21 Solana Beach. Warren’s Candy Girl is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Affirmative mare Warren’s Jitterbug, was bred by owners Benjamin and Sally Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $344,660 and is coming off a fourth in the Oct. 9 Swingtime Stakes. ...

Cal-bred Pair Brings Six Figures Each

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2022) – A pair of California-breds brought six-figure sales prices apiece at Wednesday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. Delia O’Hara, a multiple stakes-placed California-bred mare, sold for $115,000, while a weanling filly by Omaha Beach sold for $110,000. Delia O’Hara is by Khozan, out of the Discretely Mine mare Starlet O’Hara, was consigned by Eaton Sales, agent, was bred by H & E Ranch and purchased by John Hicks. An earner of $38,434 on the track, Delia O’Hara sold in foal to Bolt d’Oro. The Omaha Beach filly is out of the Irish-bred Montjeu mare Turns My Head, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds & Gallop Out Racing, was consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, agent, and was purchased by Rowland Hancock. She is a half-sister to the graded stakes placed filly Catch the Eye. ...

Cal-bred Whoa Nessie Sells for $105,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2022) – Whoa Nessie, a California-bred broodmare, sold for $105,000 in Tuesday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. Whoa Nessie is a 7-year-old mare by Square Eddie, out of the Gilded Time mare Electric Daze, was bred by Reddam Racing, was consigned by Small Batch Sales, agent, and was purchased by Hinkle Farms. On the track, Whoa Nessie earned $160,127. She is a full sister to Edwina E, the dam of multiple graded winner Slow Down Andy and multiple stakes winner Team Merchants. Whoa Nessie sold in foal to Union Rags. ...

Crazy Dreams Lets It Ride at Del Mar

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2022) – Crazy Dreams is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 Let It Ride Stakes for 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Crazy Dreams is by Gallant Son, out of the Sought After mare Carolina Grande, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Patrick Brogan and trained by Isidro Tamayo. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $96,416 and is coming off an Oct. 28 allowance win. ...

An Eddie Surprise Sells for $170,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2022) – California-bred stakes winner An Eddie Surprise sold for $170,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. An Eddie Surprise is a 7-year-old mare by Square Eddie, out of the High Demand mare Dani Reese, was bred by Reddam Racing, was consigned by Grovendale Sales, agent, and was purchased by Coteau Grove Farms/Cary Bloodstock, agent. She was sold was sold in foal to Yaupon. An Eddie Surprise won the Wishing Well Stakes, was third in the Grade III Senator Ken Maddy and earned $367,666. ...

Mucho Unusual Sells for $1,100,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 6, 2022) – California-bred Grade I winner Mucho Unusual sold for $1,100,000 in Sunday’s Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Mucho Unusual is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, was bred by owner George Krikorian,was consigned by Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, agent, and was purchased by Shadai Farm. Winner of the Grade I Rodeo Drive, Mucho Unusual also won the Grade II San Clemente, the Grade III Robert Frankel and the Grade III Megahertz, with eight wins in 24 starts and earnings of $957,415. She was a $170,000 RNA in 2017. Her half-brother, Big Score, is a Grade III winner of $702,792. Mucho Unusual’s last race was a fourth in the Mar. 5 Buena Vista Stakes and she sold as a broodmare not pregnant. ...

CHRB Meeting Rescheduled to Nov. 22

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 3, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, November 17, 2022, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, November 22. The location remains at Cal Expo. This meeting is tentatively scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. This meeting will be open to the public. 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 will be available on the CHRB website. ...

Cal-bred Bloodlines Impact Breeders’ Cup

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 2, 2022) — Indian Charlie was a bright shooting star, a brilliant grade 1 winner whose speed took a physical toll and prevented him from making more than five career starts. The California-bred son of the equally brilliant In Excess, however, has made a substantial influence on the Thoroughbred breed, as evidenced by his presence in the sire lines or as a broodmare sire of 15 of this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships starters. Besides the depth of representation, the Breeders’ Cup descendants of Indian Charlie illustrate the range of their abilities from Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) contenders Flightline and Hot Rod Charlie to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T) entrants Mo Stash and Curly Larry and Mo . The Classic’s 3-5 morning-line favorite, Flightline, is the highest-profile of the group. He’s an undefeated 4-year-old son of Tapit out of the Indian Charlie grade 3 winner Feathered . Flightline was bred by Jane Lyon’s Summer Wind Farm and is raced by partners Hronis Racing, Siena Farm, Summer Wind Equine, West Point Thoroughbreds, and Woodford Racing with trainer John... ...

Cal-bred Trio in Joseph T. Grace Stakes

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2022) – A trio of California-bred stakes winner — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Freeport Joe, streaking A Man’s Man and Jimmy Blue Jeans – are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Joseph T. Grace Stakes at Golden Gate. Graded winner Freeport Joe is by English Channel, out of the Sadler’s Wells mare Winds of March, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Larry Odbert and trained by Gloria Haley. The $2,000 Northern California Yearling Sale graduate has eight wins in 20 starts, earnings of $282,064 and is coming off a win in a Sept. 30 allowance. A Man’s Man is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the City Zip mare Longing, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Remmah Racing and trained by Jack Steiner. He has eight wins – including his last six starts — earnings of $224,866 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 16 Bull Dog Stakes. Jimmy Blue Jeans is by James Street, out of the Marino... ...

Slow Down Andy Opts for BC Dirt Mile

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 31, 2022) – California-bred multiple graded stakes winner Slow Down Andy is entered in Saturday’s $1 million Grade I Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile at Keeneland. 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 drew the rail with jockey Mario Gutierrez and is 30-1 on the morning line. He was also pre-entered in the $2 million Grade I Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $819,100 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 1 Awesome Again Stakes. Slow Down Andy’s biggest wins are in the Grade II Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby, the Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity and the Grade III Sunland Park Derby. He qualified for the Grade I Kentucky Derby, but missed the race with a fever. Slow Down Andy faces favorite Cody’s Wish, Gunite and multiple Grade I winner Cyberknife. The Dirt Mile... ...

Finneus Retired, to Stand at Lovacres Ranch

WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2022) – Finneus, the California-bred 2-Year-Old Champion of 2021, has been retired and will stand stud in 2023 at his home of Lovacres Ranch, owner Terry Lovingier announced on Monday. Finneus, by Stay Thirsty out of the Ghostzapper Broodmare of the Year and champion filly My Fiona, will stand for a $5,000 fee, stands and nurses. Finneus’ racing resume includes a victory over multiple graded winner Slow Down Andy in the Golden State Juvenile and a second to Pinehurst in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity. He also hit the board in the Grade II Best Pal and the King Glorious, California Cup Derby and Real Good Deal. Lovingier announced that a syndication is in progress with lifetime shares available. Special considering will be given to approved mares and early discounted bookings are available. ...

Broodmare Style of the Year Passes at 27

COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2022) – Style of the Year, whose progeny included California-bred stakes winners Lennyfromalibu and Heat du Jour, passed away at age 27 at Harris Farms, according to a tweet from Harris Auerbach, racing manager for his mother, owner Madeline Auerbach. “The end of an era is here- Yesterday, we lost Style of the Year at 27 to colic at Harris Farms,” Auerbach tweeted. “We raced her and she was the last of our original foundation mares for Unusual Heat. She had 15 foals, 3 stakes horses and has 5 current producing daughters. Rest easy sweet Style.” Style of the Year, a daughter of Half a Year, was winless on the track, but as one of the Auerbachs’ foundation mares foaled 10 winners out of 15 babies, all sired by the Auerbachs’ Unusual Heat. Lennyfromalibu won $442,165, Heat du Jour won $277,334 and Orbits World won $193,936. ...

Pair of Cal-bred Stakes at Los Al Winter

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. — Four stakes for 2-year-olds – including a pair restricted to Golden State Series eligibles – highlight the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will begin Friday, Dec. 9 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 18. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday both weeks (Dec. 9-11 and Dec. 16-18). Post time will be 12:30 p.m. The Cal-bred stakes races are the $100,000 Soviet Problem – for 2-year-old fillies – on Sunday, Dec. 11 and the $100,000 King Glorious — for 2-year-olds — on Sunday, Dec. 18. Both races will be run at one mile. The $300,000-guaranteed Starlet, a Grade I for 2-year-old fillies, will be renewed for the ninth time at Los Alamitos Saturday, Dec. 10, one week before the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity. The Starlet and the Futurity will be run at 1 1/16 miles. Grandstand admission is $3 and $2 for seniors 62 and older. Admission to Burgart’s is $10 and Vessels Club is $10. Tickets can also... ...

Cast Member

Cast Member wins $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies. ...

Passarando

Passarando wins $175,000 Golden State Juvenile. ...

Passarando Passes Them All in Juvenile

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2022)—Patiently handled by Umberto Rispoli, Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams’ homebred Passarando swung out for racing room turning for home and collared heavily favored Giver Not a Taker in deep stretch to win Saturday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile going away by a length. Trained by Steve Specht, Passarando, a 2-year-old gelding by Tamarando, got seven panels in 1:24.18. Into the bridle while in behind a group of three dueling leaders around the far turn, Passarando, who was ridden for the first time by Rispoli, angled three-deep at the top of the lane and proved best at 11-1. “That was perfect, he was just kind of stalling down at the rail and once (Umberto) got him in the clear, he started running,” said Specht. “In the Everett Nevin (on July 9) he threw his head a little bit, but then they squeezed him off and had to grab him and take him out. We made a little decent run that day... ...

Cast Member the Star in Juvenile Fillies

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2022)—With heavily favored Chismosa scratched due to a paddock mishap, George Krikorian’s homebred Cast Member took on mantle of post time favorite and delivered the mail, as she kept to her task and emerged with a one length victory in Saturday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Tim Yakteen and ridden by Ramon Vazquez, Cast Member got seven furlongs in 1:24.78. The Golden State Juvenile is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired 2-year-old fillies. Attentive to the pace and about 1 ½ lengths behind Fun Money turning for home, Cast Member kept grinding through the lane and forged to the front well inside the sixteenth pole to remain unbeaten in two starts. “My thought coming into the race was if we were going to be fit enough,” said Yakteen. “I didn’t get my prep race that I was hoping to get, so we went 60 days between races.... ...

Quickly Park It Quickly Wins It

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2022) — California-bred Quickly Park It will be pointed to the Grade 3 Jimmy Durante Stakes at a mile on turf at Del Mar on Dec. 3 after winning her stakes debut in Saturday’s $75,900 Pike Place Dancer Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Golden Gate Fields. Quickly Park It ($26) closed from last in a field of seven to win the Pike Place Dancer by a convincing six lengths under jockey William Antongeorgi. “I was impressed with that,” trainer Sean McCarthy said Sunday. Quickly Park It raced on the rail on the second turn and had an uninterrupted rally to reach the front with more than a furlong remaining. Quickly Park It completed the one mile over firm turf in 1:39.42 seconds. Quickly Park It is trained by Sean McCarthy and owned by Harris Farms Inc, who bred the daughter of Prospect Park. Quickly Park It has now won two races from three lifetime starts, with career earnings of $95,520. Ami Please (8-5) finished... ...

Minister of Soul Seeks Another Hank Mills

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Oct. 30, 2022) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul and fellow California-bred multiple stakes winner Tiger Dad are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise. 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. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has 14 wins in 46 starts, earnings of $439,285 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 17 Tom Metzger HBPA Sprint Stakes. He won this race in 2019 and was second last year. 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 Racing and trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has seven wins in 30 starts, earnings of $450,527 and is coming off a second in an Aug. 27 optional claimer. ...

Cal-bred Pair Enters Cody Stakes

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Oct. 30, 2022) – California-breds Miss Glorious and With Thatbeingsaid are entered in Sunday’s $60,000 Jeff & Jack Cody Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise. Miss Glorious is by Goldencents, out of the Monarchos mare Ms Glory Be, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Miguel H. Racing and trained by Miguel Hernandez. She has four wins in 21 starts, earnings of $118,903 and is coming off a second in a Sept. 30 optional claimer. With Thatbeingsaid is by Grazen, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is owned by trainer Alex Torres-Casas. She has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $62,624 and is coming off a Sept. 3 starter optional claimer. ...

I Recall Wins in a Rout at Mahoning Valley

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (Sept. 29, 2022) – Favored I Recall, an Ohio-bred daughter of California stallion Misremembered, ran off with Saturday’s $100,000 Best of Ohio Distaff Stakes for fillies and mares at Mahoning Valley. I Recall, a 5-year-old out of the With Distinction mare Real Distinction, has seven wins in 23 starts with earnings of $284,522. I Recall ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:53.76 and won by 7 ¾ lengths at odds of 6-5 in a field of 11. ...

Jockey Club Releases Report of Mares Bred

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2022) — The Jockey Club today released Report of Mares Bred (RMB) statistics for the 2022 breeding season. Based on RMBs received through October 18, 2022, The Jockey Club reports that 925 stallions covered 27,163 mares in North America during 2022. The Jockey Club estimates an additional 2,500 to 3,500 mares will be reported as bred during the 2022 breeding season. RMB statistics for all reported stallions in 2022 are available through the Fact Book section of The Jockey Club’s website at jockeyclub.com. ...

Giver Not a Taker Back in Comfort Zone

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2022)—A disappointing ninth going long on turf in his most recent start, Kirk and Judy Robison’s homebred Giver Not a Taker returns to a sprint versus statebreds on the main track Saturday as he heads a field of seven 2-year-olds going seven furlongs in the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile at Santa Anita. A part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series, the Golden State Juvenile is for eligible California-bred or sired 2-year-olds. A rollicking 7 ¾ length winner in a Cal-bred maiden special weight in his 5 ½ furlong debut Aug. 14, Giver Not a Taker then rallied for a most impressive 2 ¼ length win going six panels in the statebred I’m Smokin Stakes at Del Mar Sept. 9. Off at 5-1 in his third start, the Grade III Zuma Beach Stakes at one mile on turf here Oct. 9, Giver Not a Taker was never a factor and checked in ninth, beaten 15 ½ lengths by Kentucky-bred buzzsaw Packs... ...

Downhill Expert Connie Swingle in Ken Maddy

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2022)—Unbeaten in three tries down Santa Anita’s unique hillside turf course, Nick Alexander’s homebred Connie Swingle seeks her third consecutive win and her second straight hillside turf stakes victory as she heads a field of nine fillies and mares aged three and up in Saturday’s $100,000 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes at about 6 ½ furlongs down the hill. The Senator Ken Maddy honors the late California state senator who represented California’s Central Valley for nearly 30 years and was a tremendous supporter of Thoroughbred racing throughout his career in public office. A gutty neck winner versus sophomore fillies in open company in the ungraded Unzip Me Stakes down the hill Oct. 1, Connie Swingle, a 3-year-old California-bred filly by Grazen out of the Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni, handled older competition going five furlongs on turf at Del Mar two starts back on Sept. 2, drawing clear by a half length under regular rider Kyle Frey.... ...

Santa Anita Joint Venture to Aid Teens

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2022)—Santa Anita Park has announced a joint venture between its Thoroughbred Aftercare Program and SRD Straightening Reins Foundation, a Santa Clarita based 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to assist adolescents and teens improve their mental health and well-being through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). The pilot program, which will be run from November to February, aims to use Off-the-Track-Thoroughbreds known as OTTBs to show adolescents and teens that their lives have value and meaning in the face of challenges and transitions, just as Thoroughbreds do when they shift to another career after racing. Two Thoroughbred mares were chosen for this program. Papa’s Lady is a nine-year-old bay daughter of Papa Clem who raced 40 times with a record of 3-1-6. The other mare is My Aunt Annie, a twelve-year-old dark bay daughter of Dixie Chatter who raced 23 times with a record of 1-2-2. Retired from the racetrack at the ages of five and four respectively, both mares entered... ...

Chismosa Risks Record in Juvenile Fillies

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2022)—Unbeaten in three starts, trainer Rafael DeLeon’s Chismosa heads a field of seven 2-year-old fillies going seven panels in Saturday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Santa Anita. A part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series, the Juvenile Fillies is for eligible fillies bred or sired in California. By California’s Top Gun stallion Clubhouse Ride out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, Chismosa, whose most recent triumph came in the six-furlong Generous Portion Stakes Sept. 5 at Del Mar, is owned by her breeder, Jaime Renella. Away slowly in her five-furlong debut versus statebred maiden fillies July 23, Chismosa recovered quickly and won going away by 1 ¼ lengths. Off at 6-1 in the CTBA Stakes going 5 ½ furlongs on Aug. 7, Chismosa hopped slightly at the break, was quickly into stride and came away for an impressive 3 ½ length score. Off as the 2-1 favorite in the Generous Portion, she opened up... ...

Carmelita’s Man Risks Streak in Lure

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2022) – Multiple stakes winner Carmelita’s Man, the lone California-bred in the field, risks a three-race win streak in Saturday’s $80,000 Lure Stakes at Santa Anita. Carmelita’s Man is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the North Light mare Carmelita, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises & Robert Traynor, is owned by Larry or Ann Jett and is trained by Dean Pederson. He has seven wins in 20 starts, earnings of $425,998 and is coming off wins in the Crystal Water, the California Dreamin’ and an optional claimer. ...

Cal-bred Quartet in Pike Place Dancer

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2022) – A quartet of California-breds entered Saturday’s $75,000 Pike Place Dancer Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Juana Gallo is by Coach Bob, out of the General Meeting mare Southern Meeting, was bred by Mark Rydman and Holly Rydman, is owned by Arcadio Rivera and trained by Feliz Rondan. She has three wins in four starts, earnings of $60,138 and is coming off an Oct. 10 optional claiming win. E Z Pharis is by American Pharoah, out of the A.P. Indy mare EZ Indy, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Griffin Stables and Lovingier and is trained by Ruben Alvarado. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $72,260 and is coming off an eighth in the Sept. 5 Generous Portion. E Z Pharis is also entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes 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... ...

Cal-bred Filly Sells for $120,000 at Fasig-Tipton

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2022) – A California-bred filly by Oscar Performance sold for $120,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearlings Sale. The chestnut filly, a first foal out of the winning Giant’s Causeway mare Lime Beach, was bred by Fountain of Youth Breeding, consigned by Brookdale Sales, agent, and was purchased by Gayle Van Leer, agent. Lime Beach was sold with the filly in utero for $24,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Lime Beach sold for $310,000 as a 2-year-old. ...

Dirt Mile, Sprint Options for Slow Down Andy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 26, 2022) – California-bred multiple graded stakes winner Slow Down Andy is cross-entered in the $1 million Grade I Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and the $2 million Grade I Qatar Racing Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland. Slow Down Andy has first preference in the Dirt Mile. Slow Down Andy is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Edwina E, was bred by Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $819,100 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 1 Awesome Again Stakes. Slow Down Andy’s biggest wins are in the Grade II Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby, the Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity and the Grade III Sunland Park Derby. He qualified for the Grade I Kentucky Derby, but missed the race with a fever. Slow Down Andy would be faces the likes of Jack Christopher and perhaps Cyberknife in the Dirt Mile, and Jackie’s Warrior and possibly Jack Christopher in the... ...

Parking Permit Enters Speed to Spare

EDMONTON, Alberta (Oct. 26, 2022) – Parking Permit is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Speed to Spare Championship Stakes at Century Mile. Parking Permit is by James Street, out of the Eddington mare Rossi Reserve, was bred by Robert Harmon and is owned by Hurley Racing Stable and trainer Deanna Walper. He has eight wins in 44 starts, earnings of $120,627 and is coming off a win in an Oct. 15 optional claimer. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a public meeting at Cal Expo on Thursday, October 20, 2022. 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 Webcast link. In brief: The Board took another in a long series of steps to protect racehorses by unanimously voting to restrict multiple joint injections. Approved for public notice, the proposed rule will establish a limit of two intra-articular injections in the same joint within 60 days. A third such injection will put the horse on the Veterinarian’s List, unable to race for at least 30 days. Chairman Ferraro explained his proposal: “If you’ve put two injections in a joint (with any agent) and you’re thinking about doing a third, you’re not going to do it under this legislation because you know you’re going to be on the vet’s list.... ...

Trainer Howard Zucker Passes at 74

From Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2022) — Whether spearheading fund-raisers to help injured backstretch workers or working tirelessly for Thoroughbred aftercare, trainer Howard Zucker was there for people and horses in the Thoroughbred industry. For Zucker, “How’s it going?” wasn’t a mere conversation starter—he really wanted to know. Zucker, 74, died Oct. 20 at Keck Hospital of USC in Los Angeles after undergoing open heart surgery several days earlier. Clocker’s Corner at Santa Anita has seemed bereft without Zucker standing in his usual corner at the top of the steps under the Clocker’s Corner sign. A trainer on the Southern California circuit since 1983, Zucker saddled 246 winners for total purse earnings of nearly $9.5 million. His best runner was Crafty C. T. Owned by C. T. Grether, Crafty C. T. won the 2001 San Rafael Stakes (G2) and earned $832,652. He placed in seven stakes, including the 2002 NAPA Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), 2001 Santa Anita Derby (G1), and 2002 Metropolitan Handicap (G1). Other stakes winners Zucker trained included 1993 champion California-bred 2-year-old... ...

Santa Anita Race Named for Jay Privman

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2022)—Recently retired Daily Racing Form National Correspondent and Racing Hall of Fame inductee Jay Privman will be honored on Saturday at Santa Anita, as the track has named Saturday’s fourth race in his honor and will present him with a plaque acknowledging his 40-plus years of covering the Sport of Kings. Inducted into the Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in August, 2021, Privman began his journalistic journey in racing while an undergrad at Cal State Northridge. “I’ve been to many racetracks all over the world and there’s no more beautiful place to watch a race than Santa Anita,” said Privman, who currently resides in Carlsbad, CA with his wife Anne. A Los Angeles native, Privman began covering high school football on a part-time basis for the LA Daily News while enrolled as a journalism student at CSUN in the winter of 1979-80. With no one regularly assigned to... ...

‘Coach’ Lava Man Retiring to Old Friends

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2022) — Racing fans who attend the Breeders’ Cup World Championships will get to see more than history made by active runners Nov. 4-5 at Keeneland. They’ll also witness the final chapter of California-bred Hall of Famer Lava Man ‘s second career as a stable pony for Team O’Neill, as the 22-year-old grade 1 winner is headed for pasture at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm near Georgetown, Ky. Trainer Doug O’Neill announced the news Oct. 19 via social media, sharing that Lava Man will take Hot Rod Charlie to the gate for the Nov. 5 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland in his final assignment before joining the roster at Old Friends. “It is with great excitement and sadness that (we announce) Lava Man will make his final coaching duties chaperoning Hot Rod Charlie to the gate in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland…” O’Neill’s statement read in part. “With tons of life left in his spirit, body, and mind we look forward to seeing... ...

The Chosen Vron

The Chosen Vron wins $100,000 California Flag. ...

The Chosen Vron Takes California Flag

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2022)—In a thoroughly professional performance, the Eric Kruljac-trained The Chosen Vron settled nicely off the early leaders, split horses three sixteenths of a mile from home and rallied for an impressive 1 ¼ length win in Sunday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap at Santa Anita. Ridden by Hector Berrios, The Chosen Vron, a 4-year-old California-bred gelding by Vronsky, got about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:12.50. The California Flag, named for the Hi Card Ranch’s homebred winner of the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita in 2009, is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners. Unhurried early from his number six position in a field of 11, The Chosen Vron had three horses beat approaching the dirt crossing at the top of the lane but was reeling in the leaders while well within himself and about 2 ½ lengths off the lead. Leaving the dirt, Berrios split horses... ...

A Man’s Man Adds Bull Dog to Win Streak

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2022) — Claimed for $8,000 in May, California-bred A Man’s Man extended his winning streak since then to six races with a bold victory from the front in Sunday’s $76,800 Bull Dog Stakes on closing day of the Big Fresno Fair. “It’s something you don’t expect when you claim for $8,000,” trainer Jack Steiner said. Ridden by Assael Espinoza, A Man’s Man set a moderate pace of 24.57 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 47.70 for the half-mile. The race unfolded in a manner that shocked Steiner. “That was a nice surprise,” Steiner said. “We didn’t think he’d get the lead like that. He was able to set some pretty comfortable fractions without anybody putting too much pressure on him. :: DRF Bets members get FREE DRF Past Performances – Formulator or Classic. Join now! “They all laid far enough back. He had the air to go the distance.” Racing on the inside, A Man’s Man extended his lead in early stretch and won by... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, October 20, 2022, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo. This meeting will be open to the public. Those providing unsolicited public comments on individual agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda items. Note that for agenda item #11, 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. ...

Eddie’s New Dream

Eddie’s New Dream wins $100,000 California Distaff. ...

Eddie’s New Dream Catches Leggs Galore

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2022)—Although heavily favored Leggs Galore appeared to have things her all her own way on the front end, a determined Eddie’s New Dream, who was shortening up out of five consecutive turf routes, ran her down late to take Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap by a half length under Mario Gutierrez. Owned and bred by Reddam Racing, LLC and trained by Ben Cecil, Eddie’s New Dream got about 6 ½ down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:13.11. The Cal Distaff Handicap is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. As expected, Leggs Galore went straight to the early lead an appeared to be well in-hand under Ricky Gonzalez at the dirt crossing and opened up a three length advantage on Eddie’s New Dream three sixteenths of a mile from home. But it was “Eddie’s” day, as she kept to her task and eventually reeled in the favorite in the final 30 yards... ...

A Man’s Man Risks Win Streak in Bull Dog

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2022) – A Man’s Man risks his five-race win streak and fellow California-bred Coalinga Road is also entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Bull Dog Stakes at the Big Fresno Fair. 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 three wins in 15 starts, earnings of $223,600 and is coming off a fourth in a Sept. 10 optional claimer. A Man’s Man is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the City Zip mare Longing, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Remmah Racing and trained by Jack Steiner. He has seven wins in 16 starts, earnings of $179,866 and is coming off five consecutive wins. ...

The Chosen Vron Chooses California Flag

By Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2022)—A five-time stakes winner on dirt, trainer Eric Kruljac’s classy The Chosen Vron heads a field of 11 three-year-olds and up going about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in Sunday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap. Named for the Hi-Card Ranch’s homebred millionaire gelding who took the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint down the hill in 2009, the California Flag is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners. A two-time graded stakes winner, The Chosen Vron, a 4-year-old gelding by Vronsky out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, comes off an impressive 1 ¼ length score at one mile in the ungraded E.B. Johnston Stakes at Los Alamitos Sept. 17. With six wins from nine tries on dirt, The Chosen Vron, who was a close third in his only turf assignment three starts back versus statebreds in the California Dreaming Stakes going a mile and one sixteenth at Del Mar Aug. 6,... ...

Added H-2B Visas Available in 2023

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 13, 2022) — Yesterday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of Labor (DOL), announced they will be issuing a regulation that will make an additional 64,716 H-2B temporary nonagricultural worker visas available to employers for fiscal year (FY) 2023, on top of the 66,000 H-2B visas that are normally available each fiscal year. By making these supplemental visas available at the outset of the fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2022, those in the horse industry, such as trainers, who rely heavily on the H-2B visa program to fill various backside positions, will be able to better address some of their labor needs this fiscal year. “While this is good news for the industry, a permanent solution must be put in place to ensure our industry has a sufficient and reliable labor pool going forward,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “We will continue to engage Congress and the Administration to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that will provide long-term solutions.”... ...

Leggs Galore Imposing in California Distaff

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2022)—William Sims’ speedy homebred Leggs Galore bids for her seventh overall stakes win as she heads a field of five fillies and mares going about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap. The California Distaff Handicap, for fillies and mares three and up, is part of the CTBA’s lucrative Golden State Series, which is for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Trained by Phil D’Amato, Leggs Galore, a 5-year-old mare by 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bayern, who comes off a second-place finish as the 6-5 favorite in a five furlong turf allowance at Del Mar Sept. 2, is unbeaten in two hillside starts and with an overall mark of 17-9-2-1, is strictly the horse to beat on Saturday. A winner of the Grade II Buena Vista Stakes at one mile on turf five starts back on March 4, Leggs Galore, who is out of the Indian Charlie mare Cashing Tickets, is easily... ...

California Live Foals Increase in 2022

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 12, 2022) — California breeders bucked the downward national trend, reporting a 4 percent increase in live foals in 2022, according to official statistics released by The Jockey Club on Wednesday. California reported 1,303 live foals in 2022, compared to 1,253 in 2021. The only other regions reporting gains in 2022 were Indiana, Ontario and Oklahoma. Overall, The Jockey Club reports that total live foals for 2022 are down 2.2 percent from 2021. The 2022 breeding statistics are available alphabetically by stallion name through the Resources – Fact Book link on The Jockey Club homepage at jockeyclub.com. ...

Cal-bred Champion Budroyale Passes at 29

By DRF.com LANDLEY, B.C. (Oct. 10, 2022) — California-bred Budroyale, a multiple Grade II winner who won 17 of 52 starts in a seven-year career from 1995 to 2001 throughout the West Coast, was euthanized earlier this month because of age-related infirmities at the age of 29. Bred by Cecilia Straub Revocable Trust, Budroyale was out of the California Broodmare of the Year Cee’s Song. He was a full brother to Hall of Famer Tiznow, as well as stakes winners Tizbud and Tizdubai. Budroayle raced primarily in California and had his final start at Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif., in 2001. He won 17 of 52 starts with earnings of $2,840,810, ninth on the all-time Cal-bred list. A gelding by Cee’s Tizzy, Budroyale won such races as the Grade 2 San Bernardino Handicap at Santa Anita in April 1998, two races after being claimed, and the $250,000 California Cup Classic for statebreds at Santa Anita later that year. In 1999 he was voted Cal-bred Horse of the Year. In retirement, Budroyale... ...

Slow Down Andy Has Breeders’ Cup Options

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2022) — California-bred Slow Down Andy is bound for a Breeders’ Cup race at Keeneland on Nov. 5, with both the Dirt Mile and Classic under consideration, trainer Doug O’Neill said on Sunday. “He’s got options,” O’Neill said. Owned by breeders Paul and Zillah Reddam, the 3-year-old Slow Down Andy was third in the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes at 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita on Oct. 1, racing near the front before fading to finish 2 1/4 lengths behind winner Defunded. Earlier this year, Slow Down Andy won two stakes at 1 1/8 miles – the Grade 3 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park in New Mexico, and the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby on turf on Sept. 3. Slow Down Andy was sidelined in the spring because of illness. A California-bred by Nyquist, Slow Down Andy has won 4 of 9 starts and earned $819,100. O’Neill may have as many as five starters in Breeders’ Cup races. Hot Rod Charlie is being... ...

Psycho Dar Breaks Through in Harris Farms

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2022) – Longshot Psycho Dar’s ninth try at a black-type win was the charm when the 7-year-old gelding won Saturday’s $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at the Big Fresno Fair. 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 38 starts, earnings of $446,266 and was coming off a Sept. 16 allowance win. Psycho Dar ran the six furlongs in 1:09.98 and won by three lengths at odds of 10-1. Top Harbor was second and Ultimate Bango third in the field of six. ...

Big Hug Wraps Up Stakes at Century Mile

EDMONTON, Alberta (Oct. 8, 2022) – Big Hug, an Alberta-bred daughter of California stallion Mr. Big, won Saturday’s $100,000 CTHS Sales Two-Year-Old Division Stakes for 2-year-olds at Century Mile. A filly beating the boys, Big Hug is out of the Unusual Heat mare Temeeku. She ran the seven furlongs in 1:24.06 and won by 8 ¼ lengths as the 4-5 favorite. ...

NorCal Trainer John Martin Passes

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2022) — Golden Gate Fields is saddened to report the loss of longtime Northern California racehorse trainer John F. “Mickey” Martin, who has passed away at the age of 63 after a lengthy illness. Martin, who saddled his first starter in 1984, trained quarter horses early in his career before transitioning to thoroughbreds. He campaigned over 2,300 winners. From 7,707 thoroughbred starters, Martin won 1,960 races and amassed purse earnings of $23,835,366. “With the recent passing of Duane Offield and now John, it’s been a rough couple of weeks,” said Golden Gate Fields Vice President and General Manager David Duggan. “We are still trying to process this loss. John was a well-respected figure amongst his peers. He was the type of person that would help anybody if they needed it. He was a terrific horseman and had a very successful and distinguished career. We extend our best wishes and thoughts to his family and large group of friends.” Martin mentored numerous horsemen... ...

Midnight Storm Moves to Milky Way

From Milky Way Farm TEMECULA, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2022) – Milky Way Farm in Temecula is pleased to announce that the stallion Midnight Storm will relocate from Taylor Made farm in Kentucky to Milky Way Farm. Midnight Storm is a son of Pioneerof The Nile, sire of sires American Pharoah, Classic Empire and Cairo Prince, out of the Bertrando mare My Tina. A brilliantly fast Grade I winner trained by Phil D’Amato, Midnight Storm won seven graded-stakes races on grass and dirt and earned $1,783,111. His striking speed earned him speed ratings topped by 125 while placing in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Mile. His graded wins included the Grade I Shoemaker Mile (speed rating of 117), Grade II San Pasqual (SR 121), Grade II Native Diver, Grade II Del Mar Derby (SR 116), Grade II Eddie Read (SR 117), Grade II Seabiscuit (SR 112). He also placed in the Grade I Santa Anita Handicap, Grade I Oaklawn Handicap, Grade I Awesome Again and Grade I Breeders’ Cup Mile. His... ...

Giver Not a Taker Enters Zuma Beach

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2022) – Stakes winner Giver Not a Taker is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade III Zuma Beach Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Giver Not a Taker is by Danzing Candy, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Kittens Trip, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Peter Miller. He has won both starts with earnings of $119,250 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 9 I’m Smokin. ...

Cal-bred Filly Trio in Surfer Girl

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2022) – California-breds Sell the Dream, Court Snort and Cast Member are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade III Surfer Girl Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Sell the Dream is by Munnings, out of the Run Away and Hide mare Enayat Alsalam, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Brown, Klein & Lebherz and is trained by Brian Koriner. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $87,260 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 10 Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf. Court Snort is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Stravinsky mare Frysland, was bred by John Haagsma and Don Hallmark, is owned by Haagsma, Hallmark and Robert Vanderdussen and is trained by Sergio Morfin. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $73,146 and is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 10 Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf. Cast Member is by Munnings, out of the Artie Schiller mare Be My Baby, was bred by owner George Krikorian... ...

It’s Swingtime for Warren’s Candy Girl

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2022) – Stakes winner Warren’s Candy Girl is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $80,000 Swingtime Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Warren’s Candy Girl is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Affirmative mare Warren’s Jitterbug, was bred by owners Ben and Sally Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $337,916 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 21 Solana Beach. ...

Castelmola vs. Boys in Indian Summer

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2022) – Lone California-bred Castelmola takes on the boys in Sunday’s $250,000 Indian Summer Stakes for 2-year-olds at Keeneland. Castelmola is a filly by Straight Fire, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Aimone, was bred by Litt Family Trust & Jason Litt, is owned by Eduardo Terrazas and is trained by Cirilo Gorostieta. She won her lone start Sept. 9 at Horseshoe Indianapolis with earnings of $20,400. ...

Uncontrollable Enters Chandelier Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2022) – Uncontrollable is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Chandelier Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Uncontrollable is by Upstart, out of the Include mare Behavioral, was bred by Fountain of Youth Breeding, is owned by Repole Stable and trained by Michael McCarthy. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $71,750 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 5 Generous Portion. ...

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