HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Apr. 13, 2022) – Letsgetlucky is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $500,000 Grade III Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn Park. Letsgetlucky is by Munnings, out of the Cindago mare My Cinsation, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Edward Brown, Jr., Alan Klein and Philip Lebherz and is trained by Brian Koriner. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $205,272 and is coming off a win in a Mar. 7 optional claimer. ...
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SAN JACINTO, Calif. (Apr. 12, 2022) – Marianne Millard, co-breeder of unbeaten California champion Melair and owner of Here Tis Ranch, has passed away at the age of 91. Millard and Bea Rous bred and raced Melair, the daughter of Debonair Roger out of the mare Melrose Nugget, who was trained by John Sadler and ridden by Patrick Valenzuela. Melair was a multiple graded winner who not only beat the boys, but defeated Preakness winner and fellow Cal-bred Snow Chief in the Grade II Silver Screen Handicap at Hollywood Park. That would be Melair’s last race. She survived a bout with colic and was retired to the breeding shed. She passed away at age 16 and was buried at Millard’s Here Tis Ranch. Melair finished her racing career winning all five of her starts with earnings of $336,500. An annual Cal-bred stakes race is named in her honor. According to Steve Gale, trustee, all correspondence for the Marianne Millard Revocable Trust should be sent to: 2683 Via de la... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 9, 2022)—Off at 76-1, Northern California-based Power Surge electrified eight rivals as she defeated favored Connie Swingle by a head in Saturday’s $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita, providing California-based stallion Straight Fire with a sweep of the day’s Cal-bred stakes. Trained by Blaine Wright and ridden by Ricky Gonzalez, front-running Power Surge got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.87. The Evening Jewel, for 3-year-old fillies, is part of the lucrative Golden State Series. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Golden State Series is for eligible California-bred or sired runners. Breaking from post seven, Power Surge went straight to the lead, with Connie Swingle looming ominously to her outside at the top of the lane. With many in the Derby Day crowd expecting the longshot to fold, Power Surge dug and refused to be beaten in a victory that was anything but flukish, may’ve been aided by the fact the favorite had been idle since Sept. 3. “Blaine texted me and said that she... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 9, 2022)—Attentive to the pace, heavily favored KMN Racing’s homebred Smuggler’s Run wheeled three-deep turning for home and drew off as much the best in Saturday’s $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes, winning by 2 ¾ lengths. Ridden by Joe Bravo and trained by Richard Baltas, the 3-year-old California-bred gelding by Straight Fire got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.57. The Echo Eddie, part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA, is for eligible California-bred or sired runners. Flavien Prat rode Smuggler’s Run in three out of his four starts, but Bravo took over for the first time and made it look easy, as he stalked dueling leaders Moose Mitchell and Mr. T’s Thirsty to the far turn, drawing to within 1 ½ lengths of “Moose” leaving the three furlong pole en route to his first stakes win. “It’s pretty nice when they run like that,” said Bravo. “I don’t even have a piece of dirt on me, do I? You... ...
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From Hinton Turner Funeral Home PARIS, Ky. (Apr. 9, 2022) — Ellen Parker, a former contributor to California Thoroughbred and a 17-year resident of Paris, Kentucky, passed peacefully on the evening of Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Baptist Health Lexington. Born in Saint Marys, Ohio, to loving parents Bill and Carol Koenig, Ellen developed her early love for horses into a lifelong obsession after seeing Round Table race at Arlington Park in Chicago in 1956. Ellen’s career started at Golden Gate Fields in Northern California as an assistant publicist, and she went on to become a turf writer and racing editor. Ellen is well-known for her pedigree analyst work on thoroughbred bloodlines, and with her husband she began the monthly newsletter Pedlines, which she considered one of her greatest achievements. Ellen also wrote a non-fiction book on the famed Round Table as well as consulted on a documentary regarding thoroughbred racing. A longtime member of the National Turf Writers & Broadcasters, Ellen wrote for or served as an editor for... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 7, 2022)—California-bred Indian Peak takes on defending champ Kanderel in Sunday’s $75,000 Siren Lure, which has attracted a field of five 3-year-olds and up at 6 ½ furlongs out of Santa Anita’s turf chute. One of the most versatile California-breds in training, the Ruben Alvarado-trained Indian Peak comes off a pair of outstanding seconds against tougher competition down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course and looms a stout contender in what will be his first try out of the turf chute. Second, beaten 1 ½ lengths by multiple stakes winner Brickyard Ride down the hill in the Sensational Star Stakes for statebreds March 20, Indian Peak was second to multiple stakes winning Barraza two starts back in the Grade III San Simeon Stakes. A 5-year-old gelding by Comic Strip, out of the Roar mare Ms. Booty, Indian Peak has proven effective on turf, dirt and synthetic and at both sprint and route distances. A two-time stakes winner on turf, he was bred by Dr. & Mrs.... ...
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By DRF.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 16, 2022) — California-bred Slow Down Andy has been withdrawn from consideration for the Kentucky Derby after recently spiking a temperature at Keeneland, trainer Doug O’Neill confirmed Saturday morning. Slow Down Andy had made the 20-horse cutoff for the May 7 Derby by winning the March 27 Sunland Derby, but the Nyquist colt missed a scheduled workout here this weekend after taking ill. The news was first reported by Horse Racing Nation. Slow Down Andy is owned by breeder Reddam Racing and has been ridden in every race by Mario Gutierrez in compiling a 3-for-5 record that also includes a victory in the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity in December. Reddam, O’Neill, and Gutierrez have teamed to win two prior runnings of the Kentucky Derby, in 2012 with I’ll Have Another and in 2016 with Nyquist. The removal of Slow Down Andy from the Derby top 20 assures a spot for Charge It and Tawny Port (40 points each) in the Churchill Downs starting gate.... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 6, 2022)—Idle since a dominant stakes win in early September, Nick Alexander’s homebred Connie Swingle heads an outstanding field of nine California-bred or sired sophomore fillies going 6 ½ furlongs in Saturday’s $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita. The Evening Jewel is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA and is for eligible California-bred or sired runners. In what was her third start, Connie Swingle popped the gate and then sat a close second early in an impressive 3 ¼ length score going six furlongs versus statebreds in the Generous Portion Stakes at Del Mar Sept. 3 as the 3-5 favorite. This followed a rousing 7 ½ length maiden win going 5 ½ furlongs on Aug. 6, a race in which she was off as the 4-5 favorite in a field of 10. Trained by Phil D’Amato, Connie Swingle, who is by Grazen and is out of the Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni, worked a bullet 59 flat... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 6, 2022)—California champion Finneus and KMN Racing’s homebred Smuggler’s Run duel on Saturday at Santa Anita as a field of five sophomores go 6 ½ furlongs in the $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes. The Echo Eddie is part of the lucrative Golden State Series which is sponsored by the CTBA and is for eligible California-bred or sired runners. The leading money earner in the field with $303,216, Terry Lovingier’s homebred Finneus shortens up from a mile and one sixteenth and returns to Santa Anita following a disappointing second as the 1-5 favorite in the Turf Paradise Derby March 11. A statebred maiden winner going five furlongs in his second career start here on June 13, Finneus was subsequently second in both the Grade II Best Pal Stakes and the Grade I Del Mar Futurity, which was run on Sept. 6. Trained by Walther Solis and owned in-part by Lovingier, Fasihuddin, Mohammed Nasser and Amanda Navarro, Finneus took Del Mar’s Golden State Juvenile going seven furlongs... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 6, 2022) — Eleutera is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Providencia Stakes, presented by The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Eleutera is by Square Eddie, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Atlantic Swing, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $89,680 and is coming off a March 7 maiden win. ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 6, 2022) — Nick Alexander homebred Alice Marble, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Monrovia Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Alice Marble was second to her multiple stakes-winning stablemate Leggs Galore in her only try down the hill, the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint two starts back on Jan. 15. Head and head for the early lead, the 5-year-old mare by Grazen went on to prevail by a half length in the Wishing Well Feb. 26 and rates an upset chance as she seeks her first graded win in the Monrovia with Edwin Maldonado riding back. Out of the More Than Ready mare Unsung Heroine, Alice Marble is 9-4-1-1 with earnings of $221,180. ...
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By DRF.com COALINGA, Calif. (Apr. 6, 2022) — California stallion Majestic Harbor, a Grade 1 winner who made 42 starts, died of a suspected cardiac event Tuesday at Harris Farms, where he has been standing at stud, according to his co-owner, Lori Hebel-Osborne, who raced Majestic Harbor as part of a partnership. Majestic Harbor scored the biggest win of his career in the Grade 1 Gold Cup at Santa Anita in 2014, defeating, among others, Game On Dude and Clubhouse Ride. At stud, Majestic Harbor was California’s leading freshman sire of 2020, when he sired four maiden winners from a mere six starters. In 2021, he was the top stallion in the state in terms of average earnings per runner and median earnings per runner. He began his stallion career in Indiana at Swifty Farms in 2017 before moving to Harris Farms in 2018. His first crop includes the stakes winner Platinum Tiara. Majestic Harbor, who would have turned 14 on Wednesday, was stricken after covering a mare. Plans are... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com GRAND PRAIRIE, Tex. (Apr. 4, 2022) — A California-bred colt by Straight Fire was worth the wait at the 2022 Texas Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale breeze show April 4. Cataloged in the supplement as Hip 144, the colt was the last horse on the track Monday afternoon, delivering the fastest eighth-mile breeze, stopping the clock in :10 1/5 on the Lone Star Park oval. Consigned by Pike Racing as agent, the LNJ Foxwood-bred colt is out of the winning Excellent Art mare Luckfromabove (IRE). Her first foal to race, a full sister to this colt, is a winner. Luckfromabove is a half sister to group 3 winner, group 1-placed Offer (IRE) (Montjeu (IRE) and stakes winners Musha Merr (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (IRE) and Cymbal (IRE) (Singspiel (IRE)). Second crop sire Straight Fire, a grade-1 placed son of Dominus, is represented by two-time stakes winner Straight Up G in 2022. Six horses collected a :10 2/5 clocking over the dirt at Lone Star Park, all tying for the second fastest 1/8th of the day:... ...
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HALLANDALE BECH, Fla. (Mar. 30, 2022) – A California-bred Nyquist 2-year-old colt sold for $700,000 at Wednesday’s Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Sale. The colt, out of the Fusaichi Pegasus mare Soul Crusader, was bred by Bud Petrosian, consigned by Classic Bloodstock, agent, and purchased by Gary Young, agent for Zedan Racing. The colt was purchased for $275,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton California Yearlsing Sale. He is a half-brother to the stakes-placed There Goes Harvard, second in the Runhappy Ellis Park Derby last year and earner of $144,290. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2022) — Multiple graded stakes winner Lieutenant Dan was named California-bred Horse of the Year for 2021 at Monday’s CTBA Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting at Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia. Lieutenant Dan is by Grazen, out of the Indian Charlie mare Excusabull, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Steven Miyadi. In 2021, Lieutenant Dan had three wins and a second in four starts. The wins included the Grade II Eddie D and the Grade III Green Flash, the second came in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Lieutenant Dan also was named the Cal-bred champion Older Male, Sprinter and Turf champ for 2021. In his career, Lieutenant Dan has eight wins in 17 starts with earnings of $833,740, of which $407,720 came in 2021. Finneus and The Chosen Vron were the other finalists for Horse of the Year. Other Cal-bred champions recognized at the banquet: Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Male – Finneus, bred by Terry Lovingier, owned by Naseer Mohammed Fasihuddin, Terry Lovingier... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 27, 2022) — A change in tactics and the addition of blinkers provided the winning formula March 27 for Reddam Racing’s Slow Down Andy in the $500,000 Sunland Park Derby (G3) at Sunland Park. The California-bred son of Nyquist was entering the Sunland Park Derby off a discouraging sixth-place effort in the Feb. 19 Risen Star Stakes Presented by Lamarque Ford (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in his sophomore debut. In the Risen Star, jockey Mario Gutierrez admitted he wrangled down the headstrong chestnut colt a little too much early on in the race, and the chestnut lacked the closing punch he had shown as a 2-year-old when capturing the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2). Bet down as the 6-5 favorite in the field of eight, Slow Down Andy and the speedy Straight Up G took command in the first 50 yards, locking horns as they zipped through an opening quarter in :22.30. Jungle Racing’s Straight Up G, the front running victor of the Mine That Bird Derby over the same course Feb.... ...
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From CHRB Chuck Winner, an internationally recognized expert in public affairs, crisis communications, and campaign management, who served on the California Horse Racing Board from 2012 to 2019, five of those years as chairman, passed away Thursday morning, March 24, from natural causes at the age of 81. Mr. Winner guided the CHRB through difficult times, most notably during the winter of 2019 when a rash of equine fatalities at Santa Anita Park attracted worldwide scrutiny. He led the push for improved safety measures to protect horses and riders, which resulted in greater equine health and welfare throughout California. After advising Governor Gavin Newsom’s office that he would not be seeking reappointment after he completed his second term as a racing commissioner on July 26, 2019, Mr. Winner said, “It’s been a challenging yet fulfilling seven years. My colleagues and I have faced some challenging and critical issues. I hope that we have made a positive difference.” Mr. Winner is survived by his wife, Annie, and four children: Justyn, Ethan,... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 24, 2022) — George Krikorian’s grade 1-winning California-bred Mucho Unusual has been retired from racing, trainer Tim Yakteen tweeted March 24. An eight-time winner from 24 starts with earnings of $957,415, she was California-bred Horse of the Year in 2020. That year, she won the Rodeo Drive Stakes (G1T) at Santa Anita Park, which preceded a 12th-place finish in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) at Keeneland. Returned to California following that race, she rebounded to take the Robert J. Frankel Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita in late 2020 and the Megahertz Stakes (G3T) there in early 2021, her final stakes victory. Last fall, she added an allowance optional claiming win at Santa Anita. In two starts in 2022, the 6-year-old Mucho Macho Man homebred mare was third in the Robert J. Frankel and fourth in the Buena Vista Stakes (G2T). Yakteen tweeted that “we are sad to see her leave the barn; she has been so special to and for all of us.” He added that she returns... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 23, 2022) – Stakes winner Closing Remarks is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Grade III Santa Ana 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 13 starts, earnings of $371,320 and is coming off a third in the Mar. 5 Buena Vista. ...
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SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 22, 2022) – Unbeaten California-bred Pumpkin Bread is entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Sunland Park Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Pumpkin Bread is by English Channel, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Kittens Trip, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Clay Harris and trained by Bart Hone. Claimed for $12,500 from her debut win, she has won both starts with earnings of $43,772 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 18 Princess of Palms. ...
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SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 22, 2022) – Stakes-winning Northern California Yearling Sale graduates Minister of Soul and El Chavo Del Ocho 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 13 wins in 38 starts, earnings of $365,811 and is coming off a fifth in the Mar. 11 Phoenix Gold Cup. The $16,000 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase was second in this race in 2019. El Chavo Del Ocho is by Tannersmyman, out of the Artaz mare My Sis Liz, was bred by Joseph Duffel & Woodbridge Farm, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Justin Evans. The $4,000 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase has eight wins in 43 starts, earnings of $317,651 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 14 optional claimer. ...
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By DRF.com SUNLAND PARK, NM. (Mar. 21, 2022) — Stakes winners Slow Down Andy and Straight Up G and fellow California-bred Fowler Blue are entered in Saturday’s $500,000 Sunland Park Derby. Trainer Doug O’Neill said Sunday that the $500,000 Sunland Park Derby was chosen over the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland on April 9 to give Slow Down Andy, winner of the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity, a better chance for a first stakes win of 2022. Slow Down Andy finished sixth of 10 in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds on Feb. 19 in his first start this year. “We felt like it might come up best suited for a potential W for him,” O’Neill said of the Sunland Park Derby. “It might be a cut below the Blue Grass. It’s $500,000 and it’s not an easy race by any means. “We feel it’s a good place to try to get him back on a positive note.” :: Win big at Santa Anita: Get... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 20, 2022)—Alfred Pais’ multiple stakes winning homebred Brickyard Ride tried the hillside turf course at Santa Anita for the first time Sunday and in the words of Track Announcer Frank Mirahmadi, “It’s a new game, but the same story,” as the lightning quick chestnut son of Clubhouse Ride knocked down his third consecutive stakes win as he went gate to wire in the $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes, winning by 1 ½ lengths over Indian Peak. The Sensational Star is part of the CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series, which is for eligible California-bred or sired runners. Trained by Craig Lewis and ridden by Juan Hernandez, Brickyard Ride got about 6 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:11.45. “I was asked earlier, ‘What’s your strategy?’ And I said, ‘Rock the party, baby!’ He’s fast and he’s good right now,” said Lewis. “He doesn’t leave the gate as quickly as people would imagine, but after a stride or two, he’s just fast. He can get into stride faster... ...
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DUBAI, UAE (Mar. 23, 2022) – Sir Busker, an Irish-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, is entered in Saturday’s $5 million Dubai Turf at Meydan Racecourse. Sir Busker, a 6-year-old gelding, has five wins in 32 starts, earnings of $309,874 and is coming off a fourth in the Mar. 5 Jebel Hatta, sponsored by Emirates Airlines. A field of 16 is entered in the race, to be run at 1 1/8 miles on the turf. ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 19, 2022)—It took every inch of Santa Anita’s 6 ½ furlong hillside turf course, but Reddam Racing’s homebred Eddie’s New Dream was up to nail previously unbeaten Becca Taylor right on the money in Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes. Trained by Ben Cecil and ridden by Mario Gutierrez, Eddie’s New Dream, a 4-year-old filly by Square Eddie, got the official distance of about 6 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:13.63. The Irish O’Brien, for older fillies and mares bred or sired in California, is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA. Forwardly placed throughout, Eddie’s New Dream was a joint third, about two lengths off pacesetter Becca Taylor at the half mile pole and she had a half length disadvantage to overcome with about 70 yards to run, but found a way and was up by the thinnest of noses on the wire. “I didn’t think she was going to get there to be honest, but Mario... ...
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From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, March 17, 2022. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Thomas Hudnut, and Wendy Mitchell. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: Chairman Ferraro opened the meeting by welcoming Commissioner Hudnut, recently appointed to the Board by Governor Gavin Newsom. He also thanked former Commissioner Alex Solis for his seven years of service on the Board. The Board received a report from Alan Balch, executive director of California Thoroughbred Trainers, on progress made by the task force for animal safety. Balch indicated the task force is focused primarily on four areas: continuing education for trainers, sudden deaths in race horses, humeral stress fractures (or shoulder fractures), and... ...
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From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2022) — With a twist that expands a bonus package for maidens running at Del Mar this summer, the track will enrich purse earnings by 25% for qualified runners of any age who compete in a maiden dirt race during the seaside oval’s 83rd season. Previously, the maiden bonus was known as the Juvenile Bonus and limited to 2-year-olds only over the past three years, but the new arrangement opens it up to any age maiden running in a straight maiden test, a California-bred straight maiden affair or a maiden-claiming race at the $62,500 level or above on dirt. There are two special provisos that go with the enhancement: the race must be run on dirt and the maiden must come from the barn of a trainer who has no more than 60 horses stabled in Southern California. “When competing in our higher-end dirt maiden races we want to monetarily encourage owners and trainers to run in these races to help bolster our... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 17, 2022)—With the prospect of a sub-20 second opening quarter a possibility, Alfred Pais’ homebred Brickyard Ride heads a field of eight older California-breds going about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes. The Sensational Star is part of the CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series, for eligible California-bred or sired runners. Trained by Craig Lewis, Brickyard Ride comes off a pair of scintillating wins versus statebreds, a 1 ¾ length win going six furlongs in the Cal Cup Sprint Jan. 15 and most recently, a 7 ½ length score going a flat mile in the Tiznow Stakes on Feb. 21. Although the 5-year-old son of Clubhouse Ride has two wins from four tries on turf, Brickyard Ride will be trying the hillside turf course for the first time on Sunday. “We’ll see what happens,” said Lewis upon entering. “If somebody tries to pressure him, he might shade 20 seconds that first quarter.” Lightning quick on any surface,... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 16, 2022)—Nick Alexander’s unbeaten homebred Becca Taylor heads a field of seven older fillies and mares going about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes. Trained by Steve Miyadi, Becca Taylor will be trying the hillside turf for the first time in what will be her seventh career start. Named for the multiple stakes winning daughter of D’Artagnan, who was owned by Susan Isaacs, the Irish O’Brien is part of the CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series, for eligible California-bred or sired runners. Fresh off a 1 ¼ length win versus statebreds going six furlongs on dirt in the Spring Fever Stakes here on Feb. 21, Becca Taylor, who is by Old Topper out Alexander’s General Meeting mare Lady Sax, has one turf race on her resume, a six furlong allowance win out of Santa Anita’s turf chute in her second start on Jan. 18, 2021. With leading man Flavien Prat riding her back, Becca Taylor, who... ...
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FLORENCE, Ky. (Mar. 16, 2022) – Bossy Mama is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Queen Stakes for fillies and mares at Turfway Park. Bossy Mama is by Street Boss, out of the War Front mare Carmen’s Mystery, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Jeff Ganje and trained by William Morey. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $55,400 and is coming off back-to-back wins at Golden Gate. ...
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OCALA, Fla. (Mar. 14, 2022) — A California-bred colt by Square Eddie sold for $385,000 in Tuesday’s session of the Ocala Breeders March Sale of 2-year-olds. The colt, out of the In Excess mare Too Much Excess, was bred by Reddam Racing, consigned by Wavertree Stables and was purchased by Simon Callaghan, agent. He is a full brother to stakes winners How About Zero and Don’t Sell. The colt ran one furlong in 10 seconds in the breeze-up. ...
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HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Mar. 13, 2022) – Popular Kid is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $500,000 Grade III Essex Handicap at Oaklawn Park. Popular Kid is an 8-year-old former claimer by Popular, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lemon Supreme, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Shawn Davis. He has 15 wins in 63 starts, earnings of $658,774 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 12 Razorback Handicap. ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 12, 2022)—A California-bred joy to behold, 8-year-old gelding Acclimate made his 31st career start and he had his running shoes on Saturday at Santa Anita, as he led a half dozen rivals on a merry chase for a mile and one half on turf, winning the Grade III, $125,000 San Luis Rey Stakes by a half length under regular rider Ricky Gonzalez. Trained by Phil D’Amato, the bay son of 2011 Eclipse Champion Older Horse Acclamation got the trip in 2:25.40. With a hillside start, Acclimate, the even-money favorite, went to the lead as expected and enjoyed a length and three quarter cushion over Current and jockey Chris Emigh as he led the field under the wire the first time around the oval. With Gonzalez sitting still and Emigh asking his mount, Acclimate had a three-length advantage heading into the far turn and they then held off a determined charge from Dicey Mo Chara the final three sixteenths of a mile. “I sound like... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 12, 2022) – Santa Anita will hold a second California Cup Day on Saturday, May 28, with a card that includes five stakes for Golden State Series eligibles. The co-features will be the $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank, for 3-year-olds at 1 1/18 miles on the turf and the $150,000 Melair Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. The card also includes the $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at one mile on the turf; the $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for fillies and mares 3-year-olds and up at one mile on the turf; and the $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs on the dirt. Nominations for the stakes close Thursday May 19 and entries close Wednesday May 25. The card also is expected to include a pair of first-condition allowance races and a pair of maiden races, all four restricted to Cal-breds. ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 13, 2022) — Fashionably Fast, a seven-year-old Lucky Pulpit gelding that has more than paid his way for breeder John Harris and his co-owners, Per Antonsen and John Nicoletti, is scheduled to make a rare turf appearance in next Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for California-bred or sired runners at about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course. It would be only his fourth start on turf in 29 lifetime races. “He wasn’t ready for the (turf) races earlier (at Santa Anita late in 2018), which was probably a blessing,” said trainer Dean Pederson, “because he was a little knocked out after Del Mar. “I ran him here on the dirt (Feb. 20) and thought he kind of struggled a little with the main track, so my choices came down to taking him to Phoenix for the Gold Cup last week or running in this spot, and I decided to... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 13, 2022) — She’s Devoted, a consistent five-year-old California-bred daughter of Grazen, returns to a grass sprint in this Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes at about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf. The Irish O’Brien is one in the Golden State Series for California-bred or sired fillies and mares four and older. “She‘s doing well and she won going a mile, but I think she can get 6 ½,” trainer Richard Baltas said. The five-year-old gray mare bred and owned by Slam Dunk Racing was second by a nose at 11-1 in her first two-turn race, going a mile on turf Feb. 12. Newly-crowned George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award winner Joe Bravo, who was aboard her in her narrow overnight race loss last out, retains the mount in the Irish O’Brien. ...
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By DRF.com PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 11, 2022) — Tiger Dad registered a big win routing on dirt Nov. 26 at Turf Paradise before a couple of good turf-route stakes efforts here this winter. Well, a return to dirt and sprinting Friday did the trick as the 6-year-old California-bred gelding posted a mild upset in the $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup, the meet’s marquee event. Bred by Mark Devereaux, Scott Gross & Mark Gross, owned by Rosette Racing LLC and trained by Robertino Diodoro, the son of Smiling Tiger bided his time early as Annie’s Boy and 3-2 favorite Minister of Soul dueled through sizzling splits (21.36 seconds and 43.91). Tiger Dad advanced on the far turn, challenged into the lane, and kept on gamely under Karlo Lopez to beat a rallying Bedrock by a half-length. He ran the six furlongs in 1:08.64 and returned $13. Tiger Dad has seven wins in 25 starts, earnings of $432,875 and was claimed for $50,000 last November. Bedrock, coming off a romping stakes win at... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2022) — Turf Paradise-based trainer Clay Brinson reports former trainer R.M. Penton, a former longtime assistant to legendary “King Richard” Hazelton, passed away in Phoenix this past Saturday at age 80. Penton was best known locally for his work in association with Cal-bred male 2-year-old champion Individual Style. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com VERSAILLES, Ky. (Mar. 11, 2022) — Grade 1 winner Swiss Yodeler , a five-time stakes winner at 2 who in turn sired precocious runners, died Feb. 24 just four days shy of his 28th birthday of apparently heart failure at Huntertown Farm near Versailles, Ky., where he has been retired since 2020. The son of Eastern Echo, out of the Raja Baba stakes winner Drapeau, was bred in Kentucky by Martha Gerry and W.S. Farish. They sold the colt at the 1995 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $60,000 to trainer Mike Harrington, who bought Swiss Yodeler on behalf of owner Heinz Steinmann. Swiss Yodeler won his debut in May 1996 by three lengths, became a stakes winner in his second start by taking the Westchester Stakes by four lengths, and won his first graded stakes by his fourth start in the Hollywood Juvenile Championship Stakes (G2), all at Hollywood Park. He finished off the board only once during his juvenile campaign and fattened his stakes tally with victories in... ...
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From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Thursday, March 17, 2022. The Pari-Mutuel and Wagering Committee will conduct a teleconference meeting on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Both meetings will begin at 9:30 a.m. Consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, these meetings will be teleconference only. No physical location will be provided. The public may participate in either of two ways. The webcast audio link on the CHRB website will continue to provide a way for the public to listen to these meetings. Those wishing to speak during either meeting should first dial 800-343-1703. The passcode for the committee meeting is 67570#. The passcode for the Board meeting is 41099#. To speak on any item, press star (*) 1 to enter the speakers’ queue. 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 #2 of the committee meeting and... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 10, 2022)—Long one of the most highly respected riders of his generation, New Jersey-born Joe Bravo has won Santa Anita’s 2022 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award via a vote of jockeys nationwide. Bravo will be feted in a Runhappy Winner’s Circle ceremony on Sunday, March 27, and be joined by close family, friends and the Santa Anita jockey colony as he accepts the Woolf Award trophy which is a replica of the life-sized statue of the legendary George Woolf that adorns Santa Anita’s Paddock Gardens area. Presented annually by Santa Anita since 1950 and one of the most coveted awards in racing, the Woolf Award can only be won once. Named for the late Hall of Fame jockey who gained national fame when an estimated radio audience of 40 million tuned in as he piloted Seabiscuit to victory over Triple Crown Champion War Admiral in a match race at Pimlico Race Course on Nov. 1, 1938, the Woolf Award recognizes those riders whose... ...
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PLEASANTON, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2022) – The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Northern California Yearling & Horses of Racing Age Sale is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022. It will be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton at noon. Entries will close Tuesday, June 1. For further information, contact Loretta Veiga at 626-445-7800 ext. 227 or Christy Chapman at 626-445-7800 et. 247, or email loretta@ctba.com or christy@ctba.com. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2022) – Multiple graded stakes winner Acclimate is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Grade II San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita. Acclimate is by Acclamation, out of the Boundary mare Knows No Bounds, was bred by Old English Rancho, Sal Berumen & Patsy Berumen, is owned by The Ellwood Johnston Trust, Timmy Time Racing or Bartlett, et al and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has seven wins in 30 starts, earnings of $688,372 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 30 San Marcos. He was fourth in this race last year. ...
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From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2022) — As part of its upwards flow of positives for the summer 2022 race meet, Del Mar has unveiled an enhanced stakes schedule that features 34 major races with more than half of them boosted above their 2021 purse numbers resulting in a record gross value of $8,275,000 for its 31-day stand, the 83rd in the seaside track’s rich history. Besides the major stakes, there also will be increases from $80,000 to $100,000 for all five of its overnight stakes. Further, Del Mar also will present its usual compliment of eight California-bred stakes, part of the Golden State Stakes Series that consists of 36 races at tracks up and down the state worth more than $4.4 million. Its stakes are the $175,000 Fleet Treat Stakes, the $175,000 Real Good Deal Stakes, the $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes, the $125,000 CTBA Stakes, the $125,000 Graduation Stakes, the $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes, the $125,000 Generous Portion Stakes and the $125,000 I’m Smokin Stakes. Major... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 5, 2022)—Opening up by as much as eight lengths at one point, trainer Phil D’Amato’s speedy California-bred Leggs Galore prevailed by a half length in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes at Santa Anita. A William Sims homebred 5-year-old mare by 2014 Breeder’s Cup Classic winner Bayern, Leggs Galore was ridden by Ricky Gonzalez and got one mile on turf in 1:34.29. In total control throughout, Leggs Galore had a five length edge at the top of the lane and although she was shortening stride late, held off a big finish from the actual 2-1 favorite Going to Vegas, who was ridden by Flavien Prat. “That was a pretty ambitious move (re: Ricky Gonzalez’s move out of the gate and opening up on the field), said D’Amato “I was holding my breath there. I was just waiting for the wire to be there. We got it done. She took another step up. This was a solid open company field. She’s a double... ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 6, 2022) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul, who has finished first, second and third in earlier editions, leads a quartet of California-breds entered in Friday’s $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup at Turf Paradise. Mr Paytience is by Paynter, out of the Yes It’s True mare Kantstopdancin, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Stable H.M.A. and is trained by Bart Hone. He has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $171,608 and is coming off a win in a Feb. 17 optional claimer. He was fourth in this race last year. 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 13 wins in 37 starts, earnings of $362,931 and is coming off a Jan. 19 optional claiming win. He was third in this race last year, second in 2020 and won the race in... ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 6, 2022) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $100,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Handicap at Turf Paradise. Camino Del Paraiso is by Suances, out of the Successful Appeal mare Loni’s Appeal, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn, is owned by Paradise Road Ranch and is trained by O.J. Jauregui. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has nine wins in 46 starts, earnings of $617,392 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 15 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank. ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 6, 2022) – Stakes winner Finneus is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 Turf Paradise Derby for 3-year-olds. Finneus is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Ghostzapper mare My Fiona, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Naseer Mohammed Fasihuddin, Lovingier and Amanda Navarro and trained by Walther Solis. He has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $288,360 and is coming off a third in the California Cup Derby. ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 6, 2022) – Multiple stakes-placed Madiha is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 Arizona Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Madiha is by Shaman Ghost, out of the Great Notion mare Very Few Details, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Zahra Madiha and Amanda Navarro and is trained by Walther Solis. She has one win in nine starts, earnings of $95,480 and is coming off a Feb. 4 maiden win. ...
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From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2022)- This Monday, March 7, Golden Gate Fields conducts a nine-race program. First post is 12:15 PM. The headliner for horseplayers on the day is a mandatory payout in the Golden Pick Six jackpot wager, a 20-cent minimum bet which features the last six races on the card. Heading into Friday’s live-race program, the jackpot pool sits at $124,190. Of course, the pool will increase by Monday if there fails to be a single ticket jackpot winner by then. 45 horses have entered to compete in the six-race sequence, which goes as Races 4 through 9. The first leg of the Pick Six, Race 4, has an approximate post time of 1:45 PM PT. The feature race on Friday is Race 8, a second level allowance for 4-year-olds and upward at one mile and a sixteenth on Tapeta. Tom’s Surprise leads the field, having just won at this condition last month at low odds. Contention and quality runs deep. Other main contenders... ...
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SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2022)—The first mare bred to Mo Forza, a Grade 1-winning millionaire by Uncle Mo who entered stud this year at Rancho San Miguel in California, has been confirmed in foal. Multiple winner Californiasunshine, a 9-year-old daughter of the late leading California sire Lucky Pulpit, was determined to be pregnant as a result of a single cover in mid-February. Owned by breeder Alice Bamford, she was the first mare to be bred from Mo Forza’s inaugural book. Mo Forza won seven graded stakes races in Southern California from 2019 through 2021, including the 2019 Hollywood Derby (G1) at Del Mar. He earned $1,034,460 from 15 starts overall as one of North America’s top turf milers of his generation. Owned by Kentucky-based industry leader Taylor Made Farm and San Diego horseman Onofrio Pecoraro, Mo Forza is the preeminent son of the champion juvenile and wildly popular sire Uncle Mo standing on the West Coast. As such, he is being strongly supported in his burgeoning stallion career by... ...
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DUBAI, UAE (Mar. 3, 2022) – California-bred Appreciated, fresh off a win in the $100,000 Curlin Stakes, shoots for a second win at Meydan Racecourse in Saturday’s $450,000 Group I Al Maktoum Challenge R3, presented by Emirate Airlines. The 6-year-old gelded son of Acclamation, out of the Belong to Me mare Wise Investor, was bred by Paul Newhart & Craig Martin, is owned by R3 Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill. Appreciated has six wins in 31 starts, earnings of $354,296 and won the listed Curlin Stakes four races after being claimed for $40,000. ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2022) — Craig Lewis was weighing his options Thursday morning with committed California-bred speedster Brickyard Ride, winner of last year’s Grade II San Carlos Stakes for older horses at seven furlongs, who drew the rail for Saturday’s edition presented by Fan Duel. “We don’t know if we’re going to run or go to Dubai (for the Golden Shahen on March 26) or wait for another day,” the trainer said. “It’s not concluded yet. “With rain forecast Friday, the track condition on Saturday would have something to do with our decision, as does the (inside) post position, and coming back quick (only 12 days since Brickyard Ride’s easy 7 ½ length romp against California-breds in the Tiznow Stakes on Feb. 21), although I don’t think that race took much out of him. “He looked like he handled that pretty comfortably, but if we decide to run in Dubai, I wouldn’t run here; it would be too much.” A five-year-old full horse by Clubhouse... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 2, 2022)—With Friday’s weather forecast calling for a 90 percent chance of rain in Arcadia, Santa Anita Park, in consultation with the Thoroughbred Owners of California and the CHRB, has announced it will shift Friday’s eight-race program to Monday, March 7, with first post time at 12:30 p.m. Accordingly, there will be no re-draw, with Monday’s program now scheduled as an exact replica of what had been planned for Friday. Although rain is predicted throughout the afternoon on Friday, Monday’s Arcadia forecast is for sunny skies with a high temperature of 68 degrees. With a mandatory payout in Golden Gate Fields’ 20 cent Single Ticket Rainbow Pick Six Jackpot on tap Monday, first post time is scheduled for 12:15 p.m and will thus run concurrently with Santa Anita. This Saturday, March 5 is the inaugural 1/ST Saturday, featuring an unrivaled day of racing pairing Santa Anita with Gulfstream Park. With 15 stakes scheduled between both tracks, including three Grade I events at... ...
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DUBAI, UAE (Mar. 3, 2022) – California-bred Positivity is entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade III Mahab Al Shimaal sponsored by Emirates Airlines at Meydan Racecourse. Positivity is by Paynter, out of the City Zip mare Sam’s Sunny City, was bred by Allen Farm, is owned by CTR Stables and Omar Aldabbagh and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $276,792 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 18 handicap at Meydan. ...
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From The Jockey Club The Jockey Club announced today that the 2022 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. The 2022 editions of State Fact Books, which feature detailed breeding, racing, and auction sales information specific to numerous states, Canadian provinces, and Puerto Rico, are also available on The Jockey Club website. The State Fact Books are updated monthly. In 2021, The Jockey Club took over the production of The American Racing Manual from the Daily Racing Form, and the latest edition will... ...
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From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 1, 2022) — Damascus Castellanos, 55, of Pico Rivera, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board, where he has served since 2020. Castellanos has been Secretary-Treasurer for Teamsters Local 495 since 2012. He was a Business Representative for Teamsters Local 630 from 2001 to 2012. Castellanos is a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Castellanos is a Democrat. Thomas C. Hudnut, 74, of Beverly Hills, has been appointed to the California Horse Racing Board. Hudnut has been an Educational Consultant with Resource Group 175 since 2013. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Harvard-Westlake School from 1987 to 2013. Hudnut was Headmaster at the Branson School from 1982 to 1987. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hudnut is a Democrat. ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2022)—Never better at age five, William Sims’ speedy Leggs Galore will hope to make every pole a winning one as she heads a field of 11 older fillies and mares going one mile on turf in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes at Santa Anita. Long gone in the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint at about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course Jan. 15, a race she took by 2 ¼ lengths, California-bred Leggs Galore, a four-time stakes winner, will be seeking her first graded win at a distance at which she has a win and a second place finish from three tries. Trained by Phil D’Amato, the William Sims’ homebred Leggs Galore was given recovery time following a fourth place finish in the one mile turf Solana Beach Stakes two starts back on Aug. 15 and she’s come back to the races in top form, evidenced by her 95 Beyer Speed Figure in her Jan. 15 romp.... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2022) — A lightning quick 5-year-old California-bred horse by Clubhouse Ride and the defending champ, the Craig Lewis-trained Brickyard Ride will no doubt take some catching in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Carlos Stakes, presented by FanDuel, at Santa Anita. Among the entries are fellow California-bred stakes winner Principe Carlo. Brickyard Ride won last year’s running of the race by four lengths and is fresh off a massive 7 ½ length victory in the one mile Tiznow Stakes versus statebreds here on Feb. 21. Brickyard wheels back on 12 days notice as he seeks his sixth stakes win and his 11th win from 21 overall starts. A gate to wire winner of the six furlong Cal Cup Sprint at six furlongs Jan. 15, Brickyard Ride, an imposing chestnut out of owner/breeder Alfred Pais’ Southern Image mare Brickyard Helen, is in search of his third consecutive win, the last two resulting in Beyer Speed Figures of 100 and 101. There’s no question that Lewis... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2022) – Worse Read Sanchez is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade II San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita, which is worth 50 Kentucky Derby points to the winner. He is by Square Eddie, out of the Tapit mare Walkingonadream, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. Worse Read Sanchez has one win in four starts, earnings of $62,220 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 4 optional claimer. ...
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By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2022) – California-bred Slow Down Andy, winner of the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity in December but only sixth of 10 in the Grade 2 Risen Star Stakes on Feb. 19 at Fair Grounds, will be pointed to the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes on April 9 at Keeneland, trainer Doug O’Neill said over the weekend. The Blue Grass is one of the leading preps for the Kentucky Derby on May 7 at Churchill Downs. Awake at Midnyte, third for O’Neill in the Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes on Feb. 19 at Fair Grounds, is being pointed to the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes on April 8 at Keeneland, a prep for the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks on May 6 at Churchill Downs. Slow Down Andy and Awake at Midnyte are owned by Paul and Zillah Reddam. :: KENTUCKY DERBY 2022: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more “Talking with Paul and Zillah, we thought the timing was good,” O’Neill said. “If you’re... ...
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From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2022) – The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) has announced the winners of its 2021 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 Baoma Corporation was leading owner for most California stakes wins. Reddam Racing runners earned a total of $2,479,544 in California last year, with 36 wins from 246 starts. Their top runners included Team Merchants, winner of the Let It Ride S. at Del Mar, Los Alamitos Futurity winner Slow Down Andy, Tonito’s, Awake at Midnyte, Eddie’s New Dream, Homehome, Go On, and Hockey Dad. Tommy Town Thoroughbreds had 52 wins from 253 California starts, for total earnings of $1,461,335. Their top runners included Stalking Shadow, winner of the California Derby at Golden Gate Fields, Keeper Ofthe Stars, Stanford Bay, Dynasty of Her Own, I Am Yours, and Uncorked. Baoma Corporation had an impressive eight stakes wins in 2021.... ...
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By Horse Racing Nation SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 27, 2022) — Jim Rome’s Straight Up G (1-1), who had not previously faced anything but California-bred rivals, led from gate to wire in winning Sunday’s $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby, a black-type stakes at sun-splashed Sunland Park. The race has become the main prep for next month’s Sunland Park Derby (G3), a win-and-you’re-in qualifier for Churchill Downs. “We weren’t exactly sure,” Rome said after the race on Sunland Park TV. “We wanted to run outside California. We wanted to try some open competition. We wanted to see how he measured up. He showed me a lot of heart.” Ridden by Ricardo González for trainer Richard Baltas, the homebred Straight Fire colt drifted out late but outlasted the late-closing Bye Bye Bobby (5-1) by three-quarters of a length. Classic Moment (4-1) was another three-quarters of a length back in third. Fowler Blue (17-1) finished a distant fourth in the field of eight. The winning time was 1:42.96 for the 1 1/16 miles on the... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2022)—The lone California-bred in the field, Nick Alexander’s Alice Marble staked the early leaders and came away nicely a furlong out to take Saturday’s $75,000 Wishing Well Stakes at Santa Anita by a half length. Trained by Phil D’Amato and ridden by Edwin Maldonado, the 5-year-old mare by Grazen got 6 ½ furlongs out of the turf chute in 1:15.45. Three quarters of a length behind speedy Dynasty of Her Own three furlongs from home, Alice Marble was in the middle of a three-horse spread that was bracketed by race favorite Hear My Prayer on the outside turning for home and ‘Alice’ proved best on the day, holding off the late charge of Stella Noir at the wire. “This filly has never looked so good,” said D’Amato, who registered his fifth stakes win of the meet. “She’s all dappled out and I just think she’s thriving right now. I thought with the right trip, she’d be sitting on a big race and... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2022) — Warren’s Showtime , a seven-time stakes winner and California-bred champion, took a bad step Feb. 26 during a work at Santa Anita Park and had to be euthanized. Trainer Craig Lewis and co-owner Sally Warren both confirmed that they lost the mare, who was extremely special to the trainer, as well as to Warren and her husband, Ben. “She was working beautifully, switched leads at the three-sixteenths pole, and broke down,” said an emotional Lewis by phone. “I was watching the work with Craig O’Bryan, Vladimir Cerin, and Ian Kruljac, and everybody was marveling at what a beautiful-moving filly she was. Fate intervened.” Lewis trained both Clubhouse Ride and Warren’s Veneda , the sire and dam of Warren’s Showtime. When Warren’s Showtime won the 2020 Autumn Miss Stakes (G3T), she gave Lewis his 1,000th career win. “The best thing was that Craig got his 1,000th win and it happened to be for us,” said Sally Warren after the race. The 5-year-old mare also endeared herself around Lewis’ barn. “She... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2022) – Alice Marble is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Alice Marble is by Grazen, out of the More Than Ready mare Unsung Heroine, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $159,560 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 15 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2022)–Could his incredible speed carry him a route of ground? That was the question facing Alfred Pais’ heavily favored homebred Brickyard Ride on Monday at Santa Anita as he stretched out to a flat mile in the $100,000 Tiznow Stakes. It took about a minute and a half, but the question was answered in resounding fashion, as the 5-year-old chestnut horse by Clubhouse Ride won geared down by 7 ½ lengths under regular rider Juan Hernandez, who would go on the register his third win of the day in the next race. Trained by Craig Lewis, Brickyard Ride stopped the clock at 1:37.77. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Tiznow is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners. “To me, he can go short or long,” said Hernandez. “Today, he was more aggressive than when he goes short. I think he handled the distance pretty good. I was by myself on the backside, but my horse was... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2022)–Nick Alexander’s homebred Becca Taylor ran her unbeaten streak to six races in Monday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes at Santa Anita, as she overhauled determined longshot Omg It’s Jessica to prevail by 1 ¼ lengths. Trained by Steve Miyadi and ridden by Flavien Prat, the 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Old Topper got six furlongs in 1:10.86. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Spring Fever is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired runners. Breaking sharply from the outside in a field of five older fillies and mares, Becca Taylor was immediately engaged by Omg It’s Jessica, who held a half length advantage heading to the far turn, but “Becca” got on terms straightening for home and gained the advantage a furlong out. “Yes, since Craig (Dollase) told me his filly was going to take back, I was shocked she went to the lead like that,” said Miyadi. “Seriously, I think it helped that Omg It’s Jessica had to rush up... ...
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SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 20, 2022) – Stakes winner Straight Up G and fellow California-bred Fowler Blue are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park. Straight Up G is by Straight Fire, out of the Sky Mesa mare Gidget Girl, was bred by owner Jungle Racing and trained by Richard Baltas. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $143,660 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 15 California Cup Derby. Fowler Blue is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Unusual Heat mare Roses for Joni, was bred by owners William Branch & Arnold Hill and is trained by Luis Mendez. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $67,880 and is coming off a win in a Dec. 31 starter optional claimer. ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2022) – Favored multiple stakes winner Bettor Trip Nick, second in this race in 2020, went wire to wire to win Saturday’s $75,900 El Dorado Shooter Stakes for California-breds at Golden Gate. Bettor Trip Nick is by Boat Trip, out of the In Excess mare Bettor Knot, was bred by Running Horse Equine Training Center, is owned by Gary Oetman and Ray Pagano and trained by Jonathan Wong. He has seven wins in 17 starts, earnings of $271,630 and was coming off a Feb. 6 optional claiming win. Bettor Trip Nick ran the six furlongs in 1:09.46 and won by three-quarters of a length as the 3-2 favorite in the field of eight. It was his third stakes win, all at Golden Gate. Riding With Dino rallied for second and Psycho Dar was third. ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 18, 2022) – California-bred Pumpkin Bread, coming off a debut win in a maiden claimer, won Friday’s $60,000 Princess of Palms Stakes for fillies and mares at Turf Paradise. Pumpkin Bread is by English Channel, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Kittens Trip, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Aimee Rosa and trained by Bart Hone. Claimed by her current owner for $12,500 from her debut win, Pumpkin Bread has won both starts with career earnings of $43,772. She ran the 7 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:32.44 and won by three lengths at odds of 3-1 in a field of five. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2022) – Grade II winner Brickyard Ride, whose career earnings nearly match the total of the rest of the field, is entered in Monday’s $100,000 Tiznow Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Seattle Bold is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Roman Ruler mare Roman Wild, was bred by owner Myles McMahon and is trained by Jamey Thomas. He has one win in six starts, earnings of $65,296 and is coming off a fifth in a Feb. 4 allowance. Peaceful Transfer is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Woodman mare Royal Woodman, was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams, is owned by Hess Jr. or McCanne and trained by R.B. Hess Jr. He has seven wins in 32 starts, earnings of $288,942 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 15 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. Wilder Than Most is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Q T Shea, was bred by Mark Devereaux or Scomar Enterprises, is... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2022) – Becca Taylor risks her unbeaten record in Monday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Multiple stakes winner Governor Goteven is by Govenor Charlie, out of the Time to Get Even mare Time Linda Goteven, was bred by owner Templeton Horses and is trained by Walther Solis. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $186,800 and is coming off a ninth in the Jan. 15 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. Omg It’s Jessica is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Premiership mare Snobby Princess, was bred by owners Cassie Freeman & Keenan Freeman and is trained by Craig Dollase. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $65,520 and is making her first start since a seventh in the June 19 Melair Stakes. Smiling Shirlee is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Whobetterthanus, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Brown, Klein or Lebherz and is trained by... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2022) – Multiple stakes winner Indian Peak is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III San Simeon Stakes at Santa Anita. Indian Peak is by Comic Strip, out of the Roar mare Ms. Booty, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Barber or Wachtel Stable and is trained by Ruben Alvarado. He has six wins in 23 starts, earnings of $379,532 and is coming off a sixth in the Jan. 15 Unusual Heat Turf Classic. ...
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SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2022) – California stallion Ministers Wild Cat, a mainstay at Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, has been pensioned at the age of 22, the farm announced on Wednesday. Ministers Wild Cat, by Deputy Minister and out of the Kris S mare and Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Hollywood Wildcat, is a sibling to champion sire War Chant and was a multiple stakes winner for breeders Marjorie and Irving Cowan. He entered stud at Tommy Town in 2006. His 14 crops to race earned more than $24 million with more than 20 black-type winners, including graded winners Doinghardtimeagain, who earned $734, 304, and eventual sire Tiz A Minster, as well as current runners Fly to Mars and Minister of Soul. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2022) – California Cup Derby winner Fast Draw Munnings is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Pasadena Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Fast Draw Munnings is by Munnings, out of the Bedford Falls mare Zuzu’s Petals, was bred by Glenn Porter, is owned by Red Baron’s Barn or Rancho Temescal and is trained by Jeff Mullins. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $170,600 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 15 Cal Cup Derby. ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2022) – Multiple stakes winner Bettor Trip Nick and stakes winner Square Deal are among entries in Saturday’s $75,000 El Dorado Shooter Stakes for California-breds at Golden Gate. Cool Mountain Lad is by Unionize, out of the Stormin Fever mare Honeysuckle Rose, was bred by Francis O’Leary, is owned by Lordan, O’Leary or Powers and is trained by Victor Trujillo. He has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $109,562 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 6 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 eight wins in 32 starts, earnings of $359,436 and is coming off consecutive allowance wins. In Our A is by Idiot Proof, out of the Decarchy mare Onefunsonofagun, was bred by owners KMN Racing or Victory Rose Thoroughbreds and is trained by Ellen Jackson. He has five wins in 13 starts, earnings... ...
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NEW ORLEANS, La. (Feb. 13, 2022) – Graded stakes winner Slow Down Andy makes his 3-year-old debut as the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade II Risen Star Stakes, presented by Lamarque Ford, at Fair Grounds. Slow Down Andy is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Edwina E, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $249,850 and is coming off a win in the Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity. ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 13, 2022) – California-breds Pumpkin Bread and Bali Brava are entered in Friday’s $60,000 Princess of Palms Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Pumpkin Bread is by English Channel, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Kittens Trip, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Aimee Rosa and trained by Bart Hone. She won her lone start Feb. 8 when claimed for $12,500 and has earnings of $6,572. Bali Brava is by Bal a Bali, out of the macho Uno mare Rosa Brava, was bred by Julie Adair-Stack, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables and trained by Juan Pablo Silva. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $22,243 and is coming off back-to-back wins. ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 13, 2022) – Creative Feature is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $60,000 Startac Stakes for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Creative Feature is by Creative Cause, out of the Roman Ruler mare Feature Attraction, was bred by the Revocable Trust of Mikel Harrington and Patricia Harrington, is owned by Juan Cesar Torres-Casas and trained by Amy Nelson. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $12,475 and is coming off a Jan. 12 maiden claiming win. ...
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DUBAI, UAE (Feb. 11, 2022) – California-bred Appreciated, claimed for $40,000 four races back, circled the field from last place on the turn then outdueled Sanad Libya down the stretch to win Friday’s $100,000 listed Curlin Stakes, presented by Race of Ambition, at Meydan. The 6-year-old gelded son of Acclamation, out of the Belong to Me mare Wise Investor, was bred by Paul Newhart & Craig Martin, is owned by R3 Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has six wins in 31 starts, earnings of $354,296 and was coming off a third in a Dec. 27 optional claimer. Appreciated ran the 2000 meters in 2:08.12 and won by a neck in a field of 13. ...
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From Barton Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, CA—Northern California Yearling Sale graduate and multiple stakes winner Take the One O One has been retired from racing and will enter stud for the 2022 season at Barton Thoroughbreds for $2,000 LFSN, with special consideration given to approved mares. The 7-year-old son of Acclamation out of the Jump Start mare North Freeway retires with lifetime earnings of near $500,000. This includes his wins in both the Snow Chief and Real Good Deal Stakes, as well as a third-place finish in the Grade 1 FrontRunner Stakes to Bolt d’Oro and Solomini. Take the One O One was an early winner at two, yet had the versatility to run long on both the turf and dirt. Barton Thoroughbreds is pleased to add Take the One O One to their roster on behalf of Jay Em Ess Stable, and the horse is available for inspection at the farm in Santa Ynez, California. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 10, 2022) — Stakes-winning California-bred mare Lakerball entered the ring with a special announcement Feb. 9 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale—100% of the proceeds of her sale would go to Shepherd’s House, a recovery program in Lexington. Lakerball, consigned as Hip 354 by James Keogh’s Grovendale consignment, hammered at $35,000. The broodmare prospect was purchased by Randwick Bloodstock Agency. “Just very, very pleased with her. Shepherd’s House is doing great work in downtown Lexington and they’re a yearlong treatment program and they’re having amazing success,” Keogh said, “so I think it behooves all of us to support them a little bit. I’ve had several friends that have gone through the program and done really, really well because of it. It’s just something that I really have a heart for. “I’m thrilled and delighted that she sold that well.” Shepherd’s House focuses on creating an atmosphere conducive to recovery and establishing fellowship that will lead to a successful reentry into the community, the program’s website notes.... ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2022) – California-bred stakes winner Dr Pescado and Northern California Yearling Sale graduates Nuestro Engreido and Meetmeattheclub are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Dr Pescado is by Fullbridled, out of the Peppered Cat mare Sweetly Peppered, was bred by Juan Heredia, is owned by Ruben Arechiga and is trained by Felix Rondan. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $68,668 and is coming off a third in thej Dec. 4 Gold Rush. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Nuestro Engreido is by Cat Burglar, out of the North Light mare Just Heavenly, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises & Robert Traynor, is owned by Ruben Arechiga and trainer Felix Rondan. The $1,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $54,402 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 28 optional claimer. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Meetmeattheclub is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Slew’s Tiznow mare Lizzy’s... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2022) – Stakes winner Ellamira is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Ellamira is by Street Boss, out of the Ghostzapper mare Tuesdays with P, was bred by owner Cole Ranch and trained by Steve Specht. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $83,310 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 15 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks. ...
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From Barton Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2022) — Barton Thoroughbreds is happy to announce that Bodexpress, a track record-setter and 116-Equibase speed figure freshman sire by Bodemeister, is expecting 59 foals within his first crop this year. Seven of these foals have already arrived, and we couldn’t be more pleased with their presentation. Here is his 2022 filly out of Fracci (by After Market, stakes winning son of Storm Cat). His second foal is a 2022 filly out of Love Abounds (whose 2020 colt by Not This Time sold for $210,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale). ...
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HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Feb. 7, 2022) – Multiple stakes winner Popular Kid is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $600,000 Grade II Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park. Popular Kid is by Popular, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lemon Supreme, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Shawn Davis. He has 15 wins in 62 starts, earnings of $598,774 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 19 Jeffrey A Hawk Memorial. ...
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