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NorCal Sale Grads Square Off in Berkeley

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2021) – Camino Del Paraiso and Big Fish, multiple stakes-winning graduates of the Northern California Yearling Sale and 1-2 finishers in the recent Joseph T. Grace Stakes, are among entries in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate. Camino Del Paraiso is by Suances, out of the Successful Appeal mare Loni’s Appeal, was bred by Red Barons Barn, is owned by paradise Road Ranch and trained by O.J. Jauregui. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has nine wins in 44 starts, earnings of $559,392 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 6 Joseph T. Grace Stakes. He was third in this race in 2017, second in 2018 and ninth in 2019. Wine and Whiskey is by Fullbridled, out of the Tabasco Cat mare Satin Dolly, was bred by Francisco Gomez, is owned by Ruben Arechiga and trained by Felix Rondan. He has four wins in 25 starts, earnings of $156,734 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov.... ...

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Groovy Huey Aims High in Cecil B. DeMille

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2021) – Groovy Huey is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Cecil B. DeMille Stakes for 2-year-olds. Groovy Huey is by Dads Caps, out of the Orientate mare Floatthrutheair, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Alvarez Racing Stables and trained by Kenny Black. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $28,894 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 8 Manzano Stakes at Albuquerque. ...

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Mucho Unusual Targets Megahertz Stakes

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2021) — California-bred Mucho Unusual, winner of the Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes in 2020 and four other stakes in her 22-race career, will miss Sunday’s Grade 1 Matriarch Stakes at Del Mar in favor of a start in the Grade 3 Megahertz Stakes at Santa Anita in January. Trainer Tim Yakteen said in a text message on Wednesday that Mucho Unusual will have an early 2022 schedule in turf stakes designed “to follow the same campaign as last year.” :: DRF Black Friday: Get up to 50% off DRF Products. Offer ends soon. Mucho Unusual won the Megahertz at a mile in January and was later second in the Grade 2 Buena Vista Stakes and Grade 3 Santa Ana Stakes before being rested for most of the spring and summer. Owned by George Krikorian, Mucho Unusual won an allowance race at 1 1/8 miles on turf on Oct. 30 at Santa Anita in her only start since late March. The $100,000 Megahertz Stakes... ...

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Indian Peak Seeks First Graded Victory

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2021) – Multiple-stakes winning California-bred Indian Peak shoots for his first graded win in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar. 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 Peter Miller. He has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $333,532 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 17 California Flag. ...

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Art Sherman, ‘Chrome’s Trainer, Retiring

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2021) — When California Chrome   began collecting adoring fans, he couldn’t have had a better trainer than Art Sherman, who has announced that he will retire from training at the end of the year. Not only did Sherman do a magnificent job training the flashy chestnut to win two-thirds of the Triple Crown and a host of other major races, he always had time to talk to the horse’s fans. The Chromies, as the fans are called, have stayed so involved, in fact, that Sherman owns a 2-year-old son of California Chrome named Chasing Alchemy in a partnership that includes some fans. The juvenile is twice unplaced. “About eight women own about 10% of him,” said Sherman. “They’re all Chromies, and they have a lot of fun. They meet all the time. Every Saturday they’re at the barn. ‘Chrome’ is such a popular horse. I still get all kinds of letters. He’s been a people’s horse.” Upon retirement, Sherman, 84, will probably send the horses he currently... ...

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Pair of Cal-bred Stakes on Tap at Los Alamitos

CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2021) – Five stakes races – including two for Golden State Series eligibles – highlight the 2021 Winter meet at Los Alamitos. The seven-day season will begin Friday, Dec. 3 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 12.  Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday the first week (Dec. 3-5) and Thursday-Sunday the final week (Dec. 9-12). Post time will be 1 p.m. on weekdays and 12:30 p.m. on weekends. The two Cal-bred stakes are at one mile and for 2-year-olds bred or sired in California. The $100,000-guaranteed Soviet Problem for fillies – originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11 – will be run Friday, Dec. 10 while the $100,000 King Glorious for colts & geldings will be contested Sunday, Dec. 12. In addition, Los Alamitos will run three graded stakes. The Grade I, $300,000-guaranteed Starlet for fillies will be contested Saturday, Dec. 4 and the Grade II, $300,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity will be run Saturday, Dec. 11. Both races are at 1 1/16 miles and being offered at Los Alamitos... ...

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Principe Carlo by a Nose in Cary Grant

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2021) — Mia Familia Racing Stable’s Principe Carlo, the longest price in the field at better than 18-1, came widest but strongest of all at the finish to win by the proverbial whisker at the conclusion of the $100,500 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles Sunday at Del Mar. The 5-year-old horse by Coil, claimed for only $20,000 in October 2020 and given a year off, gave owner/trainer Librado Barocio his first stakes victory ever and lit up the tote board with a $39.00 mutuel. Old pro Kent Desormeaux took the overland with the horse and got him up for the Hall of Famer’s 85th stakes victory at the seaside oval. Final time for the seven-furlong heat was 1:22.33. Principe Carlo was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and Barocio is the sole owner under the Mia Familia Racing Stable banner. Finishing second was C T R Stables or Aldabbagh’s Positivity, a neck in front of Jay and Julie Manoogian’s Colt... ...

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Acclimate Back to Work in Hollywood Turf

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2021) – Multiple graded winner Acclimate is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $250,000 Grade II Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes at Del Mar. Acclimate is by Acclamation, out of the Boundary mare Know 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 28 starts, earnings of $633,872 and is coming off a 14th in the Nov. 6 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf. He was fourth in this race last year. ...

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Debutante Division on Deck for Drizella

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2021) – Multiple stakes placed Drizella is among the entries in the first division of Friday’s $50,000 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Drizella is by Stanford, out of the Royal Applause mare Tinderella, was bred by Magee-Wolfson, is owned by William Peeples and trained by Luis Mendez. She has one win in seven starts, earnings of $91,150 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov. 5 Golden State Juvenile Fillies. Miss Union is by Unionize, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Rachel’s Belle, was bred by owner Timothy O’Leary and is trained by Isidro Tamayo. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $42,836 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 6 starter’s allowance. Rose Maddox is by Grazen, out of the Unusual Heat mare Heat the Rocks, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steve Miyadi. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $36,000 and is coming off a second in an Oct. 22... ...

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Code Ribbon Targets Debutante Division

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2021) – Stakes-placed Code Ribbon is among the entries in the second division of Friday’s $50,000 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Sen Sen is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Gotham City mare She’s So Vain, was bred by Martin Bach, is owned by Antone Metaxas and trained by Steve Specht. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $35,550 and is coming off a fourth in the Oct. 30 Pike Place Dancer. Tiz a Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Tizzy Retsina, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable and trained by Bill McLean. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $24,990 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 6 starter’s allowance. Code Ribbon is by Desert Code, out of the Gran Reward mare Jumanah, was bred by Seamist Racing, is owned by Michael Pollowitz and trained by Jacqui Navarre. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of... ...

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Tiger Dad Wheels Back in Luke Kruytbosch

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 20, 2021) – Stakes winner Tiger Dad is the lone California-bred entered in ? $60,000 Luke Kruytbosch Stakes at Turf Paradise. 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 is trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $322,097 and is coming off a Nov. 12 win when claimed for $50,000. ...

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Popular Kid Wins Jeffrey Hawk Memorial

By DRF.com OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Nov. 20, 2021) — California-bred Popular Kid became a stakes winner at the age of 7 on Friday night when he held off a stretch bid from Catdaddy for a length victory in the $100,000 Jeffrey A. Hawk Memorial at Remington Park. It was another three-quarters of a length back in third to Absaroka. The Hawk Memorial was for 3-year-olds and up over one mile, 70 yards. Trident Hit was the odds-on favorite and closed for fourth Friday. Popular Kid ($8.80), bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, tracked the pace set by Absaroka, who put up fractions of 24.75 seconds for the opening quarter and 48.58 for the half-mile. Popular Kid moved to the lead through six furlongs in 1:13.19 and went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:43.55. Jose Alvarez was aboard the winner for trainer Shawn Davis. :: Bet the races with confidence on DRF Bets. You’re one click away from the only top-rated betting platform fully integrated with... ...

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CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, November 17. 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 Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The full audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: ·        Alan Balch, the executive with California Thoroughbred Trainers who is spearheading the formation of a broadly based industry committee designed to develop regulations and procedures to further decrease equine injuries, reported there is widespread interest among all elements of California horse racing. He said the full committee and the smaller steering committee are in the process of being formed. Balch promised to give the Board reports every one or two months. “I hope to have something very concrete by February,” he added. ·        The Board approved two license applications for racing at Los... ...

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None Above the Law Has Some Options

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2021) – Graded stakes winner None Above the Law, who is also entered in Tuesday’s $250,000 Zia Park Derby, Loud Mouth, who won this race last year and Fashionably Fast, who won this race in 2019, are among entries in Sunday’s $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligible at Del Mar. None Above the is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, is owned by Downstream Racing and is trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 15 starts, earnings of $454,560 and is coming off an eighth in the Oct. 31 Twilight Derby. Fashionably Fast is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Forestry mare Fall Fashion, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Harris Farms, Antonsen or Nicoletti and is trained by Dean Pederson. He has nine wins in 26 starts, earnings of $683,891 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 9 Harris Farms. He won this... ...

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Santa Anita Adds F&M Starter Series

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2021)–Santa Anita Park has announced that beginning Jan. 17, it will offer a lucrative series of eight starter allowance races for fillies and mares on turf.  The Santa Anita Turf Starter Series will be comprised of four sprints and four routes at distances of five furlongs on up to a marathon turf event at a mile and one half. Patterned after last season’s successful Tin Man Starter Allowance Series, fillies and mares which have started for a claiming tag of $25,000 or less beginning in 2020 through entry time, are eligible.  In addition to regular purse money, points will be awarded on a graduated scale to the first four finishers in each race, with 10 to the winner, six for second, three for third and one point to the fourth place runner. At the end of the eight-race series, separate monetary awards will be given to owners of horses in both the sprint and route components of the series.  Owners with the most points... ...

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Popular Kid Seeks 15th Win at Remington

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Nov. 17, 2021) – Popular Kid is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $100,000 Jeffrey A. Hawk Memorial Stakes at Remington 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 14 wins in 61 starts, earnings of $538,774 and is coming off an Oct. 27 allowance win. ...

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Cal-bred Pair Entered in Oakland Stakes

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2021) – California-breds In Our A and Ultimate Bango are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Oakland Stakes at Golden Gate. In Our A is by Idiot Proof, out of the Decarchy mare Onefunsonofagun, was bred by owners Victory Rose Thoroughbreds and KMN Racing and is trained by Ellen Jackson. He has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $148,860 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 31 El Dorado Shooter. Ultimate Bango is by Uh Oh Bango, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, was bred by Mitchell Dutko & Bob Abrams, is owned by William Branch, William Buster Jr., or Mark Cohen and is trained by Mark Glatt. He has four wins in 22 starts, earnings of $304,579 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 4 optional claimer. ...

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None Above the Law Enters Zia Park Derby

HOBBS, N.M. (Nov. 16, 2021) – Graded stakes winner None Above the Law is the lone California-bred entered in Tuesday’s $250,000 Zia Park Derby for 3-year-olds. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, is owned by Downstream Racing and is trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 15 starts, earnings of $454,560 and is coming off an eighth in the Oct. 31 Twilight Derby. ...

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Thirsty Echo Debuts in Zia Park Juvenile

HOBBS, N.M. (Nov. 16, 2021) – Thirsty Echo is the lone California-bred entered in Tuesday’s $50,000 Zia Park Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds. Thirsty Echo is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Helen’s Echo, was bred by owner Juan Barrientos and is trained by Danny Martinez. He is making his racing debut. ...

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CTBA Winter Sale Grad in Speedy Win

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2021) – The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale, scheduled for its next renewal on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, had its most recent successful graduate on Saturday when Kid Corleone won an open maiden special weight race for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Kid Corleone is a colt by Shackleford, out of the Indian Charlie mare Corleone, was bred by The Quarter Company, owned by Roadrunner Racing and Barbara Everson and trained by Doug O’Neill. He was a $10,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale in 2021 and resold for $62,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Santa Anita 2-year old in training sale to Dennis O’Neill. Kid Corleone ran the 6 ½ furlongs in a speedy 1:15.58 and won by a length at odds of 14-1 in a field of eight. He went wire to wire in his second career start and clicked off fractions of 21.78, 44.09 and 1:08.98. The next CTBA Winter Mixed Sale will start at noon on Feb. 1, 2022 at Fairplex in... ...

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Stay Thirsty Mare Sells for $100,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2021) – A mare by California stallion Stay Thirsty sold for $100,000 at Sunday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. The 5-year-old multiple stakes-placed mare, Stay Smart, is a sibling to stakes winner Valedictorian and was sold as a racing or broodmare prospect to Julian Blaxland. ...

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Dr Pescado Reels in Golden Nugget

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2021) – Dr Pescado outdueled fellow California-bred through the stretch to win Saturday’s $63,450 Golden Nugget Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. Dr Pescado is by Fullbridled, out of the Peppered Cat mare Sweetly Peppered, was bred by Juan Heredia and is owned by Ruben Arechiga and trainer Felix Rondan. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $59,668 and was coming off a fourth in a Sept. 24 optional claimer. He ran the six furlongs in 1:11.51 and won by one-half length at odds of 7-2 as the third choice in a field of five. “He’s a nice horse, and (jockey Pedro Torrero) gave him a nice ride,” Rondan said. “We wanted to be about two lengths back.” As the field straightened out into the lane, C’Mon Man, the 6-5 favorite, looked to be making a strong move along the rail but was discouraged by Stanford Bay, who was the second choice at 7-5. But Terrero had Dr Pescado in gear outside... ...

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CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, this meeting 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 this meeting. Those wishing to speak during the meeting may dial 888-392-4564 and enter 6896291# to join the teleconference. 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 #14, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. The agenda and package of materials for the meeting are available on the CHRB website. Be advised that agenda items #9, #10, #11, and #12 pertaining to the... ...

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Bidding Brisk on Cal-bred Pair at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2021) – Been Studying Her and Stealthediamonds, mares bred in California by KMN Racing, sold for $330,000 and $260,000, respectively, at Friday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. Been Studying Her, by Fast Anna, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, sold for $330,000 to Natlama. The multiple stakes winner, who earned $305,602, is in foal to Improbable. Stealthediamonds, by Unusual Heat, out of the Pure Prize mare No Better Terms, sold for $260,000 to Astute Bloodstock. The stakes winner, who earned $335,655, sold as a racing or broodmare prospect. ...

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Cal-bred Weanling Sells for $200,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2021) – A California-bred weanling by Omaha Beach sold for $200,000 at Thursday’s session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. The colt, out of the Jump Start mare North Freeway, is a half-brother to stakes winners Take the One O One and Square Deal. He was bred by Fairview LLC and purchased by Gayle Van Leer, agent. ...

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Rock N Rye Tackles Baffert Trio

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2021) – Stakes winner Rock N Rye is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Bob Hope Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Rock N Rye is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Discreet Cat mare Discreet Dee, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, London or Zondlo and is trained by Walther Solis. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $134,170 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 26 Royal Owl. A field of five is entered, three trained by Bob Baffert. ...

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Cal-bred Streak of Luck Sells for $620,000

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2021) — A stakes-winning daughter of Old Fashioned  thrilled her consignor when she lit up the board early at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale Nov. 11 in Lexington. In the sale’s opening Book 2 session Thursday, Streak of Luck , from the consignment of James B. Keogh (Grovendale)—who also was part owner of the horse—sold for $620,000 to Aaron and Marie Jones.  “Wow, it couldn’t be any better,” Keogh said. “Mr. and Mrs. Jones are great people. I’m thrilled and delighted they got her. They are dear friends.”  Sold as Hip 265, the 6-year-old daughter of the Unbridled’s Song son Old Fashioned is the first stakes winner for her dam, Valeria , who has produced three winners from as many starters. Valeria is a daughter of Elusive Quality . Streak of Luck is believed to be in-foal to 2020 classic winner and Horse of the Year Authentic  . SIGN UP FOR BLOODHORSE DAILY Frank Taylor of Taylor Made Sales, purchasing on behalf of the Jones’, said the mare is a great physical and has plenty of ties... ...

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Cal-bred Mares Selling at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2021) — A pair of stakes-winning California-bred mares were six-figure purchases at Wednesday’s opening session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Super Patriot, a 6-year-old daughter of Unusual Heat, out of the Redattore mare Patriot C H, sold for $300,000 to Woodford Thoroughbreds. Super Patriot, who earned $371,554 on the track, was bred by Harris Farms and is in foal to Gun Runner. Sircat Sally, a 7-year-old daughter of Surf Cat, out of the In Excess mare Sister Sally, sold for $150,000 to Joel Hunsberger. Sircat Sally, who earned 552,860 on the track, was bred by Joe Turner and is in foal to Munnings. ...

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Endless Thirst Enters Desi Arnaz Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Endless Thirst is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Desi Arnaz Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Endless Thirst is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Atlantic Tap, was bred by Terry Lovingier and is owned by trainer Edwin Alvarez. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $34,500 and is coming off a fourth in an Oct. 22 optional claimer. ...

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Cal-breds Mining for Golden Nugget

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2021) – A quartet of California-breds is entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Nugget Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. Northvale Road is by Grazen, out of the Tizdejavu mare Sunshine Woman, was bred by Gino Roncelli, is owned by Moger Inc., Burke, Estrada, Kropp or Tsujimoto, et al and is trained by Ed Moger Jr. The $10,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in four starts, earnings of $31,740 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 8 Graduation Stakes. Dr Pescado is by Fullbridled, out of the peppered Cat mare Sweetly Peppered, was bred by Juan Heredia and is owned by Ruben Arechiga or trainer Felix Rondan. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $20,418 and is coming off a fourth in a Sept. 24 optional claimer. Highland Ghost is by Shaman Ghost, out of the Include mare Wee Highland Lass, was bred by owner Highland Yard and is trained by O.J. Juaregui. He has one win in... ...

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Bella Vita the Star in Betty Grable Stakes

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2021) — Kaleem Shah’s Bella Vita sat a good trip, then zoomed to the lead at the head of the stretch and went on to a length and a half victory in the $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series fillies and mares at Del Mar Sunday, the day after the two-day Breeders’ Cup Championships had been presented at the seaside oval. The 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Bayern, out of the Storm Cat mare Queenie Cat, was bred by Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, was making her 13th career start and registering her fourth victory. She also shows five seconds and with the $57,000 share of the winner’s purse she boosted her bankroll to $346,722. Del Mar’s leading rider, Flavien Prat, was aboard the bay miss as he won his fifth consecutive edition of the Betty Grable. The winner is trained by Simon Callaghan. “This looked like a good opportunity (for Bella Vita) back on dirt,” said Callaghan. “She’s definitely a dirt... ...

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Mare in Foal to Grazen Sells for $350,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2021) – Hard to Resist, in foal to California stallion Grazen, sold for $350,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Hard to Resist is by Johannesburg, out of the Gulch mare Anja, and was purchased by Phil Schoenthal, agent for Determined Stud, for $350,000. The 13-year-old mare has produced Grade 1 winner Going to Vegas. She also has a yearling filly by Grazen and a weanling colt by Om. ...

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Camino Del Paraiso Wins Another Grace

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2021) — Favored Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso won his fourth straight stakes at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday as he repeated last year’s victory in the $64,250 Joseph T. Grace Stakes. There was a twist this year as the race was switched from turf to the main track. His other stakes wins, including two in the Rolling Green, had come on turf, but prior to the race trainer O.J. Jauregui had said he believed the 8-year-old Suances gelding ran just as well on Golden Gate’s Tapeta surface. “He’s a trier,” said Jauregui of Camino Del Paraiso, who earned $39,450 for his ninth win in 44 starts. Bred by Red Baron’s Barn and owned by Paradise Road Ranch, he has career earnings of $559,392. :: Join DRF Bets and play the races with a $250 First Deposit Bonus. Click to learn more. Usually a stalker, Camino Del Paraiso got into trouble when boxed in on the first turn and sat back... ...

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Lieutenant Dan a Game Second in Turf Sprint

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2021) — California-bred multiple graded stakes winner Lieutenant Dan finished a game second in Saturday’s $1 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint Saturday at Del Mar. The son of Grazen, out of the Indian Charlie mare Excusable, doggedly chased front-running winner Golden Pal throughout the five-furlong trip, finishing 1 ¼ lengths back to add $200,000 to his career bankroll, which is now $833,740. Golden Pal tied the course record of :54.75. “He wasn’t ready to run against a rocket ship,” said trainer Steve Miyadi. “He ran great, probably the best race of his life.” Breeder and owner Nick Alexander paid $100,000 to supplement Lieutenant Dan into the race. He was coming off three consecutive wins, which followed 13 months on the sidelines. “I had a great trip,” said jockey Giovanni Franco. “He gave us a great race, I thought. He always tries very hard for us. I’m not disappointed in his effort.” ...

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Finneus Rallies to Win GS Juvenile

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov, 5, 2021) — Finneus had the most stakes experience of any of the 12 runners in Friday’s Golden State Juvenile. Under a well-timed ride from Joel Rosario, Finneus recorded his first stakes win in the seven-furlong race for 2-year-old statebreds. Ridden for the first time by Rosario, Finneus ($10) closed with a wide rally to finish a half-length in front of Slow Down Andy, a second-time starter and the even-money favorite. Finneus, who races for breeder Terry Lovingier, Amanda Navarro and Naseer Fusihuddin and trainer Walther Solis, won a maiden race for statebreds in June in his second start. He was later second in the Grade 2 Best Pal Stakes and Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity here during the summer meeting, but sixth in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on Oc. 1 in his only start around two turns. The son of Stay Thirsty, out of the Ghostzapper mare Mi Fiona, has two wins in six starts and career earnings... ...

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Mr. Big, Krikorian Exacta in GS Juvenile Fillies

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2021) — Friday’s $176,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies could have been called George Krikorian’s Golden State Juvenile Fillies. Big Switch and 8-5 favorite Big Novel – both bred and owned by Krikorian – finished first and second in the seven-furlong race for statebreds. Yes, Krikorian said he had the exacta, which paid $10.70 for $1. The fillies are by Mr. Big, owned by Krikorian. “It makes me feel proud,” Krikiorian said. “They were 1-2 against some pretty good competition. It’s exciting. “They both look to have good futures.” :: BREEDERS’ CUP 2021: See DRF’s special section with recaps, results, charts, news, and more for each division Big Switch, ridden for the first time by Irad Ortiz, Jr., closed from fifth in a field of eight to win by 2 3/4 lengths over Big Novel, who was ridden by Joe Bravo. Big Switch was timed in 1:22.39. He paid $8.60. Ortiz said Big Switch’s ability made for an easier race. “I didn’t do much,”... ...

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Warren’s Showtime Tries Betty Grable Again

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2021) — Six fillies and mares will face the starter Sunday at Del Mar in the 26th edition of the Betty Grable Stakes, a seven-furlong affair that carries a $100,000 purse and is part of the year-long Golden State Stakes Series worth a total of $4.325 million for California bred or sired horses. This will be the eighth time the race has been held at Del Mar. All previous runnings took place at now closed Hollywood Park where the race was called the Cat’s Cradle Stakes. Leading the half-dozen in this year’s Better Grable is one of the steadiest Thoroughbreds in the country, the 4-year-old chestnut filly Warren’s Showtime. Benjamin and Sally Warren’s homebred by Clubhouse Ride has gone to the post 22 times in her three-year career and has finished first, second or third in 20 of them. Her most recent outing saw her report home first in the California Distaff Handicap to improve her bankroll to $775,431. She was second in... ...

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The Chosen Vron Returns With a Win

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 5, 2021) – California-bred multiple graded stakes winner The Chosen Vron came off a three-month layoff to win Friday’s $60,000 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise. The Chosen Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners, is owned by J. Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker and Richard Thornburgh and is trained by Kruljac. He has five wins in seven starts and earnings of $340,678. He ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:24.74 and won by one-half length as the 6-5 second-choice. Fellow Cal-bred stakes winner Minister of Soul, the even-money favorite, was second. ...

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Warren’s Showtime Enters Goldikova Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2021) – Multiple graded stakes winner Warren’s Showtime is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade II Goldikova Stakes, presented by PNC, for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Warren’s Showtime is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Affirmative mare Warren’s Veneda, was bred by Ben Warren, is owned by Ben and Sally Warren and trained by Craig Lewis. She has eight wins in 22 starts, earnings of $775,431 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 16 California Distaff. ...

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Hapi Hapi Goes Long in TAA Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2021) – Hapi Hapi is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes at 1 5/8 miles on turf at Del Mar. Hapi Hapi is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Wildcat Heir mare Wild Caroline, was bred by James Shenouda, is owned by RadarRob Racing and trained by Dan Azcarate. He has three wins in 18 starts, earnings of $111,191 and is coming off an Oct. 17 optional claiming win. ...

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At the Spa is At the Beach on Friday

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2021) – Multiple stakes winner At the Spa is the high weight in Friday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes, presented by PNC, for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Madiha is by Shaman Ghost, out of the Great Notion mare Very Few Details, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Madiha or Navarro and is trained by Walther Solis. She is a stakes-placed maiden making her fifth start with earnings of $18,880. Bold Choice is by Grazen, out of the Cowtown Cat mare Blameitonthecat, was bred by owners Weeks, Weeks or Weeks and is trained by Steve Knapp. She is a maiden making her third start with earnings of $16,200. Big Novel is by Mr. Big, out of the Heatseeker mare Steamy Novel, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by John Sadler. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $62,600 and is coming off a maiden win Oct. 2. It’s Simple is by Nyquist,... ...

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Will Joker Boy Have the Last Laugh?

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2021) – Stakes winner Joker Boy is the high weight in Friday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Joker Boy is by Practical Joke, out of the Dixieland Band mare Bandora, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Brown Jr., Lebherz or Klein and is trained by Brian Koriner. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $99,500 and is coming off a seventh in the Oct. 1 American Pharoah. Liberty Forever is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Roll Hennessey Roll mare Back Seat Roll, was bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, is owned by Downstream Racing and trained by Peter Miller. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $7,320. I Know Cash Flow is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Tribal Rule mare West Ruler, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Downstream Racing and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in... ...

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Anna Fantastic Enters Senator Ken Maddy

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2021) – Anna Fantastic is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $200,000 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Anna Fantastic is by Cyclotron, out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Supermodel, was bred by Karen Headley, is owned by Matson Racing or K. Headley and is trained by Headley. She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $224,490 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 16 California Distaff. ...

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Lieutenant Dan, Acclimate Entered in BC

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2021) – California-bred multiple graded stakes winners Lieutenant Dan and Acclimate are entered in Breeders’ Cup races on Championship Saturday, Nov. 6, at Del Mar. Lieutenant Dan drew post position four in the $1 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, a five-furlong race to be run as the fifth race with a post time of 12:40 p.m. PT. Twelve will start, with Lieutenant Dan listed at 6-1 on the morning line and Golden Pal the 7-2 favorite. Lieutenant Dan is by Grazen, out of the Indian Charlie mare Excusable, was bred by owner Nick Alexander, is trained by Steve Miyadi and will be ridden by Geovanni Franco. He has eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $663,740 and is coming off three consecutive wins, the most recent being the Oct. 1 Grade II Eddie D Stakes. He has won at this trip at Del Mar twice, including the Aug. 22 Green Flash Stakes. Acclimate drew post position six in the $4 million Grade I... ...

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Camino Del Paraiso Seeks Grace, Again

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso attempts to defend his title in Sunday’s $50,000 Joseph T. Grace Stakes at Golden Gate. Union Dance is by Unionize, out of the Street Sense mare Night Dance, was bred by Timothy O’Leary, is owned by John Molloy and trained by Isidro Tamayo. He has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $132,452 and is coming off a seventh in the Oct. 17 Bull Dog. 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 trained by O. J. Juaregui. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has eight wins in 43 starts, earnings of $519,942 and is coming off an 11th in the Oct. 2 John Henry Turf Championship. He won this race last year and was second in 2017 and 2019. Loafers Boy is by Coil, out of the Theatrical mare All Star Cast, was... ...

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Huge Day for Top Harbor and Connections

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2021) – Top Harbor got the head bob on the wire to nose out In Our A and win Sunday’s $75,000 El Dorado Shooter Stakes for California-breds at Golden Gate, part of a double win for the broodmare and breeder/owners. 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 & Kenney Marshall and trained by Tim McCanna. He has four wins in 11 starts and earnings of $187,774. He ran the six furlongs in 1:09.46. War Games was third. Rebalation, a half-sister to Top Harbor, added to the fun by winning the eighth race, an allowance. She is by Acclamation out of Reba Is Tops. ...

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Big Fish Lets It Ride at Del Mar

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Big Fish is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $100,000 Let It Ride Stakes for 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Big Fish is a multiple stakes winner by Mr. Big, out of the Into Mischief mare Perched, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by David Hofmans. The $45,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $231,018 and is coming off a sixth in an Oct. 10 optional claimer. ...

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The Chosen Vron Surfaces at Turf Paradise

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Oct. 31, 2021) – Multiple graded stakes winner The Chosen Vron and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul are entered in Friday’s $60,000 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise. The Chosen Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners, is owned by J. Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker and Richard Thornburgh and is trained by Kruljac. He has four wins in Six starts, earnings of $303,850 and is coming off a second in the July 30 Real Good Deal. 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 12 wins in 33 starts, earnings of $322,038 and has a three-race win streak. He won this race in 2019. El Chavo Del Ocho is by Tannersmyman, out of the Artax mare My Sis Liz, was bred by... ...

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Collmus Subbing for Denman Again

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2021) — Veteran announcer Larry Collmus, who stepped up to pinch-hit for Del Mar’s longtime caller Trevor Denman during the height of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, has been called to the plate once more. He’ll take over this time for the recently injured Denman for the majority of the track’s upcoming fall race meet that begins Nov. 3. Denman, 68, suffered a painful herniated disc in his back earlier this week at his home in Minnesota when he slipped and tumbled down the stairs of his deck which were wet from early morning dew. He was readying to drive to Del Mar to follow up his return to calling at the seaside track this past summer, but his injury makes it all but impossible for him to travel.  Collmus, 55, was going to be at Del Mar anyway next week for his regular role as NBC’s caller for the Breeders’ Cup, which will be presented for the second time at Del Mar Nov. 5-6.... ...

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Applications Open for Jockey Club Scholarships

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 29 2021) — The Jockey Club announced today that applications are open for its five academic scholarships. The scholarships will apply to the 2022-2023 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 pursuing a career in... ...

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None Above the Law in Twilight Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2021) – Graded stakes winner None Above the Law is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Twilight Derby for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, is owned by Downstream Racing and is trained by Peter Miller. He has Six wins in 14 starts, earnings of $454,060 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 4 Grade II Del Mar Derby, presented by Caesars Sportsbook. ...

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Can Top Harbor Fire in El Dorado Shooter?

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2021) – Top Harbor is the lone stakes winner entered in Sunday’s $75,000 El Dorado Shooter Stakes for California-breds at Golden Gate. Top Harbor is by Harbor the Gold, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by Eric Schweiger, is owned by Harnig, Marshall or Schweiger and is trained by Tim McCanna. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $142,774 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 9 Harris Farms. Jamming Eddy is by Square Eddie, out of the Tapit mare Walkingonadream, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Boardshorts Stable or Payton Boersma and is trained by Quinn Howey. He has four wins in 34 starts, earnings of $307,868 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 9 Harris Farms. R M C Hook’em is by Street George, out of the Yes It’s True mare Cherry On the Cake, was bred by Randy Marriott, is owned by Frank Aufdermaur or Wayne Swisher and is trained... ...

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Vaping Angel Leads Cal-bred Sweep

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2021) – Longshot Vaping Angel led a California-bred sweep of Saturday’s $75,000 Pike Place Dancer Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Vaping Angel is by Southern Image, out of the Comic Strip mare Nada Joke, was bred by owners Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and was trained by Felix Rondan.  She earned $45,000 for her second victory in four starts and has now earned $74,826 with a third and fourth to go along with her two victories. She ran the mile on turf in 1:40.90 and won by 1 ¼ lengths over Jessebear, with Code Ribbon third. It was her first start on turf, although she had broken her maiden at one mile on Sept. 4. Vaping Angel was last early and didn’t begin to move up until midway around the second turn. Jockey Pedro Terrero guided her to the open rail as she began to make her move. Sen Sen, coming off a maiden sprint victory, set a comfortable pace of 23.76, 48.68 and... ...

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Stallion Pontiff Represented by First Winner

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2021) – Freshman sire Pontiff, a Giant’s Causeway half-brother to the major sire Pulpit, was represented by his first winner on October 29, when his 2-year-old colt Octavius Prime dominated a one-mile maiden turf race at Golden Gate Fields. Piloted by jockey Frank Alvarado for trainer Tim McCanna, Octavius Prime broke on top and led at every call of the $20,000 maiden claiming race, which he completed in 1:42.31 while holding off his nearest rival by a non-threatening 1 1/4 lengths. The colt had signaled his readiness for this test with a narrow runner-up finish at the same level, course and distance in his previous outing on September 24. Octavius Prime is the second foal, runner and winner out of Basket of Gold, an unplaced daughter of Harbor the Gold who is back in foal to Pontiff for 2022. He is campaigned by breeder Tim Floyd’s Warlock Stables in partnership with Kyle Digges, Gena Loper and Helen Myrick, and has earned $11,510 from four starts to... ...

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Lieutenant Dan, Acclimate BC Pre-entries

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2021) – California-bred multiple graded stakes winners Lieutenant Dan and Acclimate have been pre-entered for Breeders’ Cup races on Championship Saturday, Nov. 6, at Del Mar. Lieutenant Dan has been pre-entered in the $1 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, a five-furlong race to be run as the fifth race with a post time of 12:40 p.m. PT. Twelve will start with six also-eligibles. Lieutenant Dan is by Grazen, out of the Indian Charlie mare Excusable, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steve Miyadi. He has eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $663,740 and is coming off three consecutive wins, the most recent being the Oct. 1 Grade II Eddie D Stakes. He has won at this trip at Del Mar twice, included the Aug. 22 Green Flash Stakes. Acclimate has been pre-entered in the $4 million Grade I Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, a 1 ½ mile race to be run as the 11th race with a post time... ...

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Cal-bred Juveniles on Breeders’ Cup Card

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 25, 2021) – The $175,000 Golden State Juvenile has drawn 19 nominations for the race, to be run on the undercard of the Breeders’ Cup Future Stars Friday program, Nov. 5, at Del Mar. The race, restricted to Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds, will be run at seven furlongs. Entries close Monday, Nov. 1. First post for the 10-race card will be 11:55 a.m. PT, with the Golden State Juvenile expected to be one of the first five races run. Among the nominations are multiple stakes winner Thirsty Always and stakes winners Joker Boy and Rock N Rye. Thirsty Always and Rock N Rye are by Stay Thirsty and were bred by Terry Lovingier. Joker Boy is by Practical Joke and was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds. Nominations:  https://ctba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/juvnoms.pdf PPs:  https://ctba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/juvpps.pdf ...

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Bay Area Broadcaster Sam Spear Passes at 72

By Bloodhorse.com DANVILLE, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2021) — Bay Area media legend Sam Spear passed away Oct. 23 at age 72 following a lengthy illness. Spear, born Nov. 3, 1948, in Oakland and raised in Alameda, was a lifelong horse racing fan. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Alameda and San Francisco State, he quickly became a major fixture at Thoroughbred racetracks throughout Northern California. Spear was employed in the racing industry for over four decades. He served as media relations director at Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows, assisting media personnel, horsemen, front side staff, owners, breeders, horseplayers, and fans. Spear thoroughly enjoyed helping others and was devoted to creating the best possible experience for those he encountered on and off the track. His affable personality quickly made him a “fan favorite” among fans and horsemen, and he was often seen chatting it up with turf club patrons and railbirds alike. A close friend and confidant of legendary San Francisco native Joe DiMaggio, Spear often drove “Joe D.” to and from both Bay Meadows... ...

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Five Cal-bred Fillies in Pike Place Dancer

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2021) – Cal-breds total five of the six entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Pike Place Dancer Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Code Ribbon is by Desert Code, out of the Grand Reward mare Jumanah, was bred by Seamist Racing, is owned by Michael Pollowitz and trained by Jacqui Navarre. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $58,052 and is coming off a third in an Oct. 10 optional claimer. Vaping Angel is by Southern Image, out of the Comic Strip mare Nada Joke, was bred by owners Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and is trained by Felix Rondan. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $29,826 and is coming off a fourth in an Oct. 10 optional claimer. Sen Sen is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Gotham City mare She’s So Vain, was bred by Martin Bach, is owned by Antone Metaxas and trained by Steve Specht. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $31,050 and is coming... ...

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Eddie’s New Dream in Autumn Miss Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2021) – Eddie’s New Dream is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Autumn Miss Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Eddie’s New Dream is by Square Eddie, out of the Tapit mare Walkingonadream, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $192,600 and is coming off back-to-back optional claiming wins. ...

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Cal-bred Fillies on Breeders’ Cup Undercard

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2021) – The $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies, presented by PNC, has drawn 15 nominations for the race, to be run on the undercard of the Breeders’ Cup program Friday, Nov. 5, at Del Mar. The race, restricted to Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies, will be run at seven furlongs. Entries close Monday, Nov. 1. First post for the 10-race card is 11:55 a.m. PT with the Golden State Juvenile Fillies expected to be one of the first five races run. The only multiple winner and stakes winner among the nominees is At the Spa, winner of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes at Del Mar on Aug. 5. At the Spa is by Outwork, out of the Smoke Glacken mare Spa Creek, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Beckerle or Carrillo and is trained by Walther Solis. She has three wins in four starts with earnings of $165,080. Nominations: https://ctba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/golden-State-Juvenile-Fillies-nom.pdf PPs: https://ctba.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/golden-state-Juvenile-fillies-pp.pdf ...

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California Mares Bred Increase over 2020

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2021) — The Jockey Club today released Report of Mares Bred (RMB) statistics for the 2021 breeding season that showed a 4.4% increase for California over 2020. The 2021 total of mares bred in California was 1,843, placing the state second in the nation behind only Kentucky. Based on RMBs received through October 18, 2021, The Jockey Club reports that 1,016 stallions covered 27,829 mares in North America during 2021. The Jockey Club estimates an additional 2,500 to 3,500 mares will be reported as bred during the 2021 breeding season. RMB statistics for all reported stallions in 2021 are available through the Fact Book section of The Jockey Club’s website at jockeyclub.com. Of the top 10 states and provinces by number of mares reported bred in 2021, stallions in Kentucky, California, Ontario, and Indiana covered more mares in 2021 than in 2020, as reported at this time last year. ...

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CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, October 20. 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, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. First, the CHRB apologizes for the interruptions in the audio through the webcast link. These were caused by technical difficulties that have since been corrected. The full audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Medication, Safety, and Welfare Committee met Tuesday to discuss the advisability of penalizing trainers for injuries and fatalities for horses in their care. Alan Balch, executive director of the California Thoroughbred Trainers, gave a lengthy report based on extensive conversations he and CTT board members had with trainers across the state. Chairman Ferraro, who also chairs the committee, provided... ...

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Thomas Rooney Named CEO of NTRA

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2021) – Former US Congressman Thomas J. (Tom) Rooney has been named the successor to Alex Waldrop as the president and chief executive officer of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), it was announced today by the NTRA Board of Directors. As announced earlier this year, Waldrop will retire at the end of 2021.   A Thoroughbred owner and breeder who hails from one of America’s great sporting families, Rooney has taken an active role for several years in his family’s Shamrock Farm, a Thoroughbred breeding and lay-up operation in Woodbine, Maryland, founded by his grandfather, including serving on the board of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association since 2020.   “It is a great privilege for me to join the NTRA and serve as the organization’s next leader,” said Rooney. “Having been immersed in horse racing my entire life, I know the issues and have a solid understanding of the needs of the industry. Coupled with my ten years serving as a Member of... ...

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TOC Northern California Meeting Oct. 23

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2021) — Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) invites all members to the Northern California Annual Meeting, to be held at Golden Gate Fields Saturday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. The general business meeting in the Bayview Lounge of the Turf Club will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include a question-and-answer session. Following the meeting, a complimentary buffet luncheon will be served. Registration is required and the deadline to register is Friday, Oct. 22 at noon PT. Click https://toconline.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=30fa8904b537093846d3c3546&id=b82af805d1&e=03c91d683c to register. Your CHRB license must be current during the time of this event. To prioritize the safety of the owners and staff the following protocols will be in place: All owners must enter through the Turf Club entrance. Per Alameda County, masks are required at all times unless eating or drinking. Owners are allowed to bring one guest. ...

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Gallant Guy Enters Bryan Station Stakes

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 27, 2021) – Gallant Guy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Bryan Station Stakes for 3-year-olds at Keeneland. Gallant Guy is by Gallant Son, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Quick Glory, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Daehling Farms, Cheryl Doyle, Reina Gonzalez, Matthew Gutierrez and Patricia Lopez and is trained by Gonzalez. He has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $98,452 and is coming off a second in a July 31 optional claimer. ...

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Indian Peak Flies Late in California Flag Win

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2021)–Longshot Indian Peak settled nicely off the early pace and mounted a furious stretch rally under Juan Hernandez to outrun favored North County Guy by a head in Sunday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap at Santa Anita.  In his third start for Peter Miller and his first try down the hillside turf course, Indian Peak got about 6 ½ furlongs in 1:12.52. The California Flag Handicap, named for the High Card Ranch’s homebred millionaire who won the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita, is part of the lucrative CTBA sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired three-year-olds and up. Breaking from the far outside in a field of nine, Indian Peak was sixth, about five lengths off the lead at the half mile mark while well within himself.  Six-wide and on the move at the dirt crossing, Indian Peak pinned his ears and outran North County Guy late in a thriller. “He felt really comfortable, he’s a nice horse,” said... ...

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Warren’s Showtime Wins Down the Hill

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2021)–Classy Warren’s Showtime overcame a pedestrian pace and rallied from last to take Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap for owner/breeders Ben and Sally Warren and trainer Craig Lewis.  An ultra consistent chestnut filly by top sire Clubhouse Ride, Warren’s Showtime, in her first try down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course, got about 6 ½ furlongs under Juan Hernandez in 1:13.76 in the race restricted to Golden State Series eligibles. Last after the first half mile but only about four lengths off the lead, Warren’s Showtime, who was shortening up after five consecutive turf miles, loomed ominously as the field made the dirt crossing at the top of the lane and sliced her way through traffic in what was to become her seventh career stakes victory. “I wasn’t confident when I saw the first quarter, but I could see Juan was confident, so that gave me some hope,” said Lewis, who also conditioned millionaire Clubhouse Ride and Warren’s Showtime’s Grade I winning dam,... ...

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North County Guy Cuts Back in California Flag

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 14, 2021)–An impressive allowance winner going a route of ground in his most recent start, consistent North County Guy rates a big chance among a wide open field of nine California-bred or sired 3-year-olds going 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf in Sunday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap. The California Flag, named for Barbara and Keith Card’s homebred gelding who won the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita in 2009, is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is for eligible California-bred or sired horses and is sponsored by the CTBA. A 6-year-old gelding by The Pamplemousse, North County Guy rallied impressively to win by 2 ¼ lengths going a mile and one sixteenth on turf Aug. 20 at Del Mar, which was his 14th consecutive turf route dating back to Sept. 1, 2019. Although he’s been routing for the past two years, trainer Richard Baltas has been anxious to get North County Guy back on the hillside turf course, as he blitzed... ...

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Brandothebartender Retired to Old Friends

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (oct. 14, 2021) — California-bred Brandothebartender, a $40,000 claim in 2018 who later won four stakes, has been retired from racing because of a recent injury sustained in a workout at Santa Anita. Brandothebartender will be retired to the Old Friends retirement farm in Kentucky, according to Jerry Weseloh of Flawless Racing, which is part of the group that owns the 8-year-old gelding. Trained by Craig Dollase at the end of his career, Brandothebartender was under consideration for Saturday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap for statebred turf sprinters at Santa Anita when the injury was detected. “We decided to retire him,” Weseloh said earlier this week. “All he needed was rest, but heading to a ninth year seemed ambitious.” Bred by John R. Haagsma & Wesley Ward, Brandothebartender won 10 of 47 starts and earned $782,464 in a career that began in 2016. Flawless Racing, Brian Flanagan, and Michael Jarvis claimed Brandothebartender in the summer of 2018 and had a quick return on the purchase when the... ...

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Warren’s Showtime Takes Hillside Stage

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2021)–Multi graded-stakes winner Warren’s Showtime heads Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap as a competitive field of six fillies and mares three and up compete at about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s Camino Real hillside turf course. A part of the CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series, the California Distaff Handicap is for eligible fillies and mares bred or sired in California. Owned and bred by Ben and Sally Warren, Warren’s Showtime is a two-time graded stakes winning daughter of top sire Clubhouse Ride and is out of the Warrens’ Grade I winning Affirmative mare Warren’s Veneda. Never worse than third in six starts this year, all stakes, Warren’s Showtime rallied from off the pace to take the Grade III Wilshire Stakes at one mile on turf two starts back on June 20 and was most recently a close third versus statebreds as the even money favorite in the one mile turf Solana Beach Stakes at Del Mar Aug. 15. Trained by Craig Lewis... ...

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Closing Remarks Ships to Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2021) – Stakes winner Closing Remarks is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $500,000 Grade I Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes, presented by Dixiana, for 3-year-old fillies at Keeneland. 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 two wins in nine starts, earnings of $290,500 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 21 Del Mar Oaks. ...

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CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2021) – The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The CHRB Medication, Safety and Welfare Committee will conduct a teleconference meeting the previous day on Tuesday, Oct. 19, also beginning at 9:30 a.m. Consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, these meetings will be teleconference only. No physical locations 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 the meeting may dial 888-392-4564 and enter 6896291# to join the teleconference. 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 the Board agenda item #8 and the Committee agenda item #2, Public... ...

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Cal-bred Pair Entered in Bull Dog Stakes

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2021) – California-breds Union Dance and Peaceful Transfer are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Bull Dog Stakes at the Big Fresno Fair. Union Dance is by Unionize, out of the Street Sense mare Night Dance, was bred by Timothy O’Leary, is owned by John Molloy and trained by Isidro Tamayo. He has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $132,002 and is coming off a sixth in a Sept. 25 optional claimer. Peaceful Transfer is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Woodman mare Royal Woodman, was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams, is owned by Robert Hess Jr. or Steve McCanne and is trained by Hess. He has seven wins in 29 starts, earnings of $279,942 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 12 E.B. Johnston Stakes. ...

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Cal-bred Stakes on Deck at Santa Anita

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2021)—A pair of popular Golden State Series stakes, the $100,000 California Distaff Handicap and the $100,000 California Flag Handicap, will both be contested at about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course this weekend, Oct. 16 and 17. With the opening day Grade II Eddie D Stakes on Oct. 1 marking a return of racing to the popular Camino Real course, a total of three hillside races have been run to date, with average field size at better than eight horses per race.  Saturday’s California Distaff Handicap, for fillies and mares three and up, has attracted 16 nominations while Sunday’s California Flag, for three year olds and up, has 19 nominees. The Craig Lewis-trained Warren’s Showtime heads the Distaff lineup and Lewis confirms the 4-year-old chestnut filly by Clubhouse Ride will be ridden by Juan Hernandez.  A two-time graded stakes winner who has six overall stakes victories, the Ben and Sally Warren homebred is easily the leading money earning nominee... ...

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Fashionably Fast Wins Harris Farms Again

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2021) – Odds-on favorite Fashionably Fast, bred and co-owned by Harris Farms, won Saturday’s $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes at the Big Fresno Fair for the second time. The son of Lucky Pulpit, out of the Forestry mare Fall Fashion, was bred by Harris Farms, Per Antonsen and John Nicoletti. It was his ninth win in 26 starts and increased his earnings to $683,891. Fashionably Fast went off at odds of 2-5 and won by 1 ¼ lengths in a field of five Golden State Series eligibles, with Top Harbor second and Jamming Eddy third. He is trained by Dean Pederson. Fashionably Fast won the race in 2019 and was second in 2018. ...

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Cashing Big Checks Aims for Another Stake

WILMINGTON, Del. (Oct. 7, 2021) – Stakes winner Cashing Big Checks, a graduate of the CTBA Winter Mixed Sale, is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $50,000 White Clay Creek Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Delaware Park. Cashing Big Checks is by Mr. Big, out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Troy Johnson and Jagger Inc. and is trained by Jamie Ness. The $1,500 purchase at the CTBA Winter Mixed Sale has one win in three starts, earnings of $45,500 and is coming off a fourth in the Sept. 25 Small Wonder Stakes. ...

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Oscar Nominated Relocated to Lovacres

By Bloodhorse.com Oscar Nominated has been relocated to Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch near Warner Springs, Calif., owner Frederick Larsen announced Oct. 6. Next year will be the first full season for the versatile multiple grade 3-winning, grade 1-placed millionaire.  “I am very excited about the move to Lovacres,” stated Larsen. “BG (Thoroughbred Farm) is a great farm and has great people. It was a very hard decision, but I feel ‘Oscar’ deserves a bigger stage here in California and standing next to Stay Thirsty  , I don’t know how much bigger you can get.” Oscar Nominated won three stakes at 3, including the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral (G3) at Turfway Park. He was also a graded winner at 4, taking the Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup (G3T) at Kentucky Downs. That season he also placed in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1T) and Pattison Canadian International (G1T). At 5 he added the W. L. McKnight Handicap (G3T) at Gulfstream Park to his win column. He had a record of 6-8-2 from 30 starts with earnings of $1,502,639. By Kitten’s Joy and out of Devine Actress, by Theatrical (IRE), Oscar Nominated... ...

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Fashionably Fast Seeks Another Harris Stakes

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2021) – Fashionable Fast, who won the race two years ago, leads a compact field in Saturday’s $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series eligible at the Big Fresno Fair. Jamming Eddy is by Square Eddie, out of the Tapit mare Walkingonadream, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Boardshorts Stables or Payton Boersma and is trained by Quinn Howey. He has four wins in 33 starts, earnings of $298,868 and is coming off an eighth in an Aug. 28 optional claimer. Multiple stakes winner Fashionably Fast is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Forestry mare Fall Fashion, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Harris Farms, Per Antonsen or John Nicoletti and is trained by Dean Pederson. He has eight wins in 25 starts, earnings of $641,141 and is coming off a second in an Aug. 28 optional claimer. Top Harbor is by Harbor the Gold, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by owners Jarnig, Marshall or... ...

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Lieutenant Dan: Earning Way to Breeders’ Cup

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2021) — In the much-loved 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” the title character says his mother told him, “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Owner-breeder Nick Alexander, who counts “Forrest Gump” as one of his favorite movies, didn’t quite know what he had with Lieutenant Dan, his California-bred gelding named after Forrest’s friend in the film. But the gelding belied his modest beginnings and overcame a long layoff to emerge as a multiple graded stakes winner this season, making his case to be a supplemental entry to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Lieutenant Dan, by Alexander’s homebred graded stakes winner Grazen, was the seventh foal out of stakes winner Excusabull, who had been a serviceable, if not spectacular, broodmare career. “Every horse she had at least broke their maiden, but they were all claiming horses,” Alexander said. “When he came along, we kind of assumed he would be – he didn’t look much different.” :: BREEDERS’ CUP 2021:... ...

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CTBA Winter Mixed Sale Feb. 1 at Fairplex

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2021) – The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association will conduct its Winter Mixed Sale on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 at noon at Fairplex in Pomona. The catalog will consist of breeding stock, 2-year-olds, yearlings and horses of racing age. The entry closing date is Tuesday, November 23, 2021. For further information, contact Loretta Veiga – (800) 573-2822 Ext 227 or email: loretta@ctba.com or Christy Chapman – (800) 573-2822 Ext 247 or email: christy@ctba.com. ...

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Lieutenant Dan Rolls in Eddie D Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2021)–Celebrated by racing fans nationwide, racing returned to Santa Anita’s Camino Real hillside turf course on Friday as California-bred Lieutenant Dan pressed the pace and took control turning for home en route to a half-length victory in the $200,000 Grade II Eddie D Stakes.  Ridden by Geovanni Franco, “Dan” got about 6 ½ furlongs down the hill in 1:11.74. Owned and bred by Nick Alexander, Lieutenant Dan sat a close third early to pacesetter Charmaine’s Mia, who was pressed to her immediate outside by Law Abidin Citizen.  Hand-ridden over the dirt crossing at the top of the stretch, Lieutenant Dan cruised to the lead and was never seriously challenged through the lane. After the race, Alexander said Lieutenant Dan would be supplemented to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. “He earned the amount to (supplement) it is $100,000, if he comes out of this race in one piece, that’s our next goal,” Alexander said. ““I love that turf course. We have always excelled... ...

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California Kook Takes Shot at Zenyatta

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2021) – California Kook is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Zenyatta Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. California Kook is by Boisterous, out of the Comic Strip mare Kukaluka, was bred by owners Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber and is trained by Peter Miller. She has three wins in 16 starts, earnings of $260,373 and is coming off a second in an Aug. 22 optional claimer. ...

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It’s Simple in Sunday’s Surfer Girl Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2021) – It’s Simple is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Surfer Girl Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. It’s Simple is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare More Complexity, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $38,600 and is coming off a sixth in the Aug. 5 CTBA Stakes. ...

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La Deuxieme Etoile vs. Boys in Zuma Beach

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2021) – Filly La Deuxieme Etoile, the lone California-bred, takes on the boys in Sunday’s $200,000 Zuma Beach Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Supplemented for $4,000, La Deuxieme Etoile is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare La Premiere Etoile, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She is a maiden making her fourth start with earnings of $22,210. ...

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Bella Vita Enters Chillingworth Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2021) – Stakes winner Bella Vita is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Chillingworth Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Bella Vita is by Bayern, out of the Storm Cat mare Queenie Cat, was bred by Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, is owned by Kaleem Shah and is trained by Simon Callaghan. She has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $283,722 and is coming off an Aug. 29 optional claiming win. ...

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Spirited Bidding for Cal-bred Yearlings

California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All Ages (2021) | Fasig-Tipton Results By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2021) — Yearlings proved extremely popular in the California market, as demonstrated by the strong showing at the Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All Ages Sale. In pleasant fall weather with an outdoor setting at Fairplex in Pomona, the yearlings on averaged $40,683, topped by a $350,000 California-bred daughter of American Pharoah   consigned by breeder Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch as Hip 196. The sale topper moved the bar along quite well for this sale, which began in 2019 with a $150,000 sale topper and sold one for $200,000 last year. Five yearlings brought $200,000 or more Tuesday. All five are Cal-breds, four by Kentucky sires American Pharoah, Practical Joke  , City of Light  , and Nyquist  , and the fifth by pensioned California sire Square Eddie . “Today was the most encouraging day we’ve had in California in a sales environment in the last three years that we’ve been involved,” said Boyd Browning Jr., president and CEO of Fasig-Tipton. “There... ...

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Acclimate, Camino Del Paraiso in John Henry

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2021) – Multiple graded stakes winner Acclimate and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso are California-breds entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II John Henry Turf Championship Stakes at Santa Anita. 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 eight wins in 42 starts, earnings of $519,442 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 6 Rolling Green. Acclimate is by Acclamation, out of the Boundary mare Know No Bounds, was bred by Old English Rancho, Sal Berumen & Patsy Berumen, is owned by The Ellwood Johnston Trust, Timmy Time Racing and Ken Tevelde and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has seven wins in 26 starts, earnings of $593,872 and is coming off a third in the Aug. 21 Del Mar Handicap. He was second in this race in... ...

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Colt Fiction Steps Up for Santa Anita Sprint

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2021) – Colt Fiction is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes. Colt Fiction is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Eddington mare Devilish Pro, was bred by Robert Mitchell, is owned by Jay or Julie Manoogian and is trained by William Spawr. He has six wins in 13 starts, earnings of $282,532 and is coming off a win in an Aug. 28 optional claimer. ...

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TDN Recap of F-T California Yearling Sale

From TDN Another Pharoah for Beckerle Tom Beckerle, who already has a stakes winner by American Pharoah, purchased another filly by the 2015 Triple Crown winner for a sale-topping $350,000 Tuesday at the Fasig-Tipton California sale. The yearling (hip 196) was bred by Terry Lovingier and was consigned by his Lovacres Ranch. In partnership with Lovingier and Amanda Navarro, Beckerle campaigns Fi Fi Pharoah (American Pharoah), who won the Melair S. in June. “I have some partners that wanted to get an American Pharoah,” Beckerle said. “We liked her for breeding down the road and Fi Fi Pharoah has already made us a couple hundred thousand dollars. We think this one can do the same thing. We will see what happens.” Hip 196 is out of the unraced Ez Indy (A.P. Indy), who is a half-sister to champion Banshee Breeze (Unbridled). The mare, in foal to Animal Kingdom, was purchased by Lovingier for $85,000 at the 2016 Keeneland November sale. Beckerle, based in Fallbrook, California, purchased three other yearlings from... ...

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Finneus, Joker Boy in American Pharoah

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2021) – California-breds Finneus and Joker Boy are entered in Friday’s $300,000 Grade I American Pharoah Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. The Grade I-placed Finneus is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Ghostzapper mare My Fiona, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Fasihuddin or Navarro and is trained by Walther Solis. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $146,116 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 6 Runhappy Del Mar Futurity Sept. 6. Unbeaten Joker Boy is the Practical Joke, out of the Dixieland Band mare Bandora, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Brown, Klein or Lebherz and is trained by Brian Koriner. He has won both starts with earnings of $99,000 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 4 I’m Smokin. ...

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