Top California Sire Swiss Yodeler Passes at 27

Mar 11, 2022 Posted by CTBA In News

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... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

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... ...

Joe Bravo Wins George Woolf Jockey Award

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... ...

NorCal Yearling Sale Set for August 9

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. ...

Acclimate Tries Again in San Luis Rey

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. ...

Del Mar Boosts Summer Meet Stakes Purses

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... ...

Leggs Galore Looks Good in Buena Vista

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... ...

Another Gold Cup Start for Minister of Soul

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... ...

Camino Del Paraiso in Cotton Fitzsimmons

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. ...

Finneus on the Road for a Derby Win

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. ...

Madiha Ships to Phoenix for Arizona Oaks

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. ...

Leggs Galore

Leggs Galore wins $200,000 Grade II Buena Vista Stakes. ...

Golden Gate Mandatory Payout on Monday

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... ...

Mare Pronounced in Foal to Mo Forza

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... ...

Appreciated Seeks Second Victory Abroad

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. ...

Lewis Ponders What’s Next for Brickyard Ride

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... ...

Santa Anita Reschedules Friday’s Card

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... ...

Positivity Takes Another Shot in Dubai

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. ...

Jockey Club’s 2022 Fact Book Now Online

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... ...

Hudnut Joins Castellanos on CHRB

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. ...

Cal-bred Trio Formidable in Buena Vista

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.... ...

Brickyard Ride Meets Cezanne in San Carlos

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... ...

Worse Read Sanchez Seeks Derby Points

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. ...

Straight Up G

Straight Up G wins $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby ...

Slow Down Andy Headed to Blue Grass

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... ...

TOC Announces Owner Awards for 2021

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.... ...

Alice Marble

Alice Marble wins $75,000 Wishing Well Stakes. ...

Straight Up G Wins Mine That Bird Derby

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... ...

Alice Marble Aces Wishing Well Stakes

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... ...

Warren’s Showtime Suffers Fatal Injury

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... ...

Alice Marble Jumps into Wishing Well Stakes

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. ...

2 Turns = 0 Problems for Brickyard Ride

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... ...

Brickyard Ride

Brickyard Ride wins $100,000 Tiznow Stakes. ...

Becca Taylor Perfect After Spring Fever Win

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... ...

Becca Taylor

Becca Taylor wins $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes. ...

Straight Up G Ships for Sunland Park Derby

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. ...

Bettor Trip Nick

Bettor Trip Nick wins $75,000 El Dorado Shooter Stakes. ...

Bettor Trip Nick Wires El Dorado Shooter

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. ...

Pumpkin Bread Wins Princess of Palms

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. ...

Brickyard Ride a Standout in Tiznow

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... ...

Becca Taylor Aims to Stay Perfect

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... ...

Indian Peak Aims for Graded Stakes Win

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. ...

Ministers Wild Cat Pensioned at 22

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. ...

Fast Draw Munnings Visits Pasadena Stakes

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. ...

Bettor Trip Nick Shoots for El Dorado Shooter

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... ...

Slow Down Andy’s Derby Quest Continues

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. ...

Princess of Palms Entices Cal-bred Pair

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. ...

Creative Feature Enters Startac Stakes

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. ...

Appreciated

Appreciated wins $100,000 Curlin Stakes, presented by Race of Ambition. ...

Appreciated Wins Curlin Stakes in Dubai

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. ...

Take the One O One to Stand at Barton

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. ...

Lakerball Sale Benefits Shepherd’s House

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.... ...

Dr Pescado Traveling El Camino Real

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... ...

Ellamira Enters Sweet Life Stakes

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. ...

First Foals for Barton Stallion Bodexpress Arrive

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). ...

Popular Kid Steps Up for Razorback ‘Cap

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. ...

Cal-bred Pair Enters Glendale Stakes

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 6, 2022) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Little Miss Belle and fellow California-bred Stars of Bluegrass are entered in Friday’s $60,000 Glendale Stakes for fillies and mares at Turf Paradise. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Little Miss Belle is by Decarchy, out of the Silver Deputy mare Boca Belle, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Max Franklin and trained by Ryan Bratcher. The $1,300 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has three wins in 19 starts, earnings of $56,028 and is coming off a fourth in a Jan. 18 optional claimer. Stars of Bluegrass is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Strong Contender mare Stars Collide, was bred by owner Top Hat Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She has four wins in 21 starts, earnings of $77,908 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 1 starter optional claimer. ...

Tiger Dad in Turf Paradise Turf Stakes

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 6, 2022) – Stakes winner Tiger Dad is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Turf Stakes. 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 six wins in 23 starts, earnings of $370,445 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 14 Walter R. Cluer Memorial. ...

TOC Owner Appreciation Lunch at Golden Gate

From TOC ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2022) — TOC and Golden Gate Fields invite licensed owners to join us for an Owner Appreciation luncheon in the Turf Club on Saturday, February 12. Enjoy an afternoon with fellow owners and learn more about current TOC initiatives. More details on how to make a reservation and current Covid protocols are coming soon. Vaccines Available at Golden Gate Fields If you would like to get a booster, or a second shot, Golden Gate Fields is happy to accommodate all owners. Moderna vaccines are being administered on live race days, from 10:30 a.m. until afternoon. For more information you may contact Dr. Seftel at (510) 559-7375 or at dseftel@gmail.com. ...

Le Vron James Scores at CTBA Winter Sale

sales-result-2022.pdf (ctba.com) POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2022) – Le Vron James, a 2-year-old son of the late Vronsky, sold for a session-topping $85,000 to lead sizeable year-over-year gains at Tuesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale at Fairplex. There were 113 horses sold for gross sales of $1,298,407, an average of $11,490 and a median of $5,200. At last year’s Winter Mixed Sale, 73 sold for gross sales of $575,100, an average of $7,878 and a median of $3,200. The California-bred Vronsky colt, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Arousing, was bred by Harris Farms & Donald Valpredo and purchased by Dare to Dream, Don Calabria & John Crawford. He previously sold to Jeff Ganje at the 2021 CTBA Northern California Yearling Sale for $32,000. A close second to the topper was Prince Jimmy, a California-bred son of Jimmy Creed out of the Tiznow mare Following a Dream, which sold to Super Horse, agent Sweetwater Trading, for $75,000. He was bred by Tony Busching & Carol Busching. The highest-priced... ...

Champion Producer Blending Element Passes

By Bloodhorse.com MIDWAY, Ky. (Feb. 2, 2022) — Graded stakes winner Blending Element died at age 29 Jan. 27 at Sheltowee Farm in Midway, Ky. The mare, whose five stakes winners include current California sire Texas Ryano , has been one of the foundation broodmares of the Williamson family. Raced in this country by the late Warren Williamson, Blending Element produced 12 foals, all bred by Williamson or in the name of Williamson Racing, operated by Williamson and his son Henry. “We are all very sad,” said Henry Williamson. “But she lived a long and productive life, both as a graded stakes winner and mom to multiple stakes winners, including our stallion Texas Ryano.” Bred by E.J. Loder, Blending Element was by Great Commotion—Blue Wedding, by Irish River. She began her racing career in her native Ireland. Trained in the U.S. by Carla Gaines, Blending Element won the 1999 Yerba Buena Breeders’ Cup Handicap (G3T) and The Very One Handicap, and the 1998 Reloy Handicap. She placed in five other stakes and earned $448,483. Blending Element did... ...

Outs for Tuesday’s CTBA Winter Mixed Sale

These are the outs for Tuesday’s CTBA Winter Mixed Sale: 2 12 16 19 27 61 62 84 90 91 95 103 106 130 132 147 ...

NorCal Sale Graduate Wins Ft. Bliss Stakes

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 29, 2022) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate El Chavo Del Ocho won Saturday’s $75,000 Ft. Bliss Stakes at Sunland Park. El Chavo Del Ocho is by Tannersmyman, out of the Artax mare My Sis Liz, was bred by Joseph Duffel and Woodbridge Farm, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Justin Evans. The $4,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has eight wins in 42 starts an earnings of $314,152. The 7-year-old gelding ran the six furlongs in 1:09.43 and won by a nose at odds of 2-1 in the field of five. ...

NorCal Trainer Bill Delia Passes at 75

DANVILLE, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2022) – Longtime Northern California trainer Bill Delia passed away on Thursday. He was 75. Delia, with 975 training wins and career track earnings of $16.7 million, trained Grade III California Derby winner I’m a Jewel in 1997, multiple stakes-winning California-bred Bai and Bai and, most recently, multiple stakes winner Bettor Trip Nick. “She was probably my favorite,” Delia said of Bai and Bai in California Thoroughbred magazine in 2017. “She was not a big, robust filly, but she sure could run. My clients did very well with her.” Delia was named 2019 Trainer of the Year by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Delia began training in 1985 after 20 years as a jockey, riding often for the legendary Farrell Jones. His biggest earner was another Cal-bred, multiple stakes-winner Central Heat, who pocketed $458,602 on the track. Truce in Balance, another Cal-bred stakes winner, earned $355,087 for Delia. Delia was affectionately known as “Wild Bill,” a nickname he said he earned as a Southern California jockey.... ...

Additional H-2B Visas Available by March 31

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 28, 2022) — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) have agreed to offer 20,000 additional H-2B visas to employers for positions starting on or before March 31, 2022. These visas are used by employers, such as racehorse trainers, who seek seasonal guest workers. “This addition of H-2B visas is helpful for the horse racing industry, as we continue to see high demand for workers by employers,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “At the same time, the NTRA supports relief from the burdensome annual H-2B visa cap to enable affected employers to stabilize their businesses through a permanent returning worker exemption. We urge both departments to permanently reform the program.” DHS is also providing additional flexibilities to H-2B petitioners under its general programmatic authority by allowing nonimmigrant workers in the United States in valid H-2B status and who are beneficiaries of non-frivolous H-2B, to begin work with a new employer after an H-2B petition is filed... ...

Acclimate Takes Second Shot at San Marcos

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2022) – Multiple graded winner Acclimate, runner-up in this race last year, is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $225,000 Grade II San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita. Acclimate is by Acclamation, out of the Boundary mare Knows No Bounds, was bred by Old English Ranch, 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 29 starts, earnings of $683,872 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 26 Hollywood Turf Cup. ...

Cal-bred Pair Entered in Baffle Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2022) – California-breds Smuggler’s Run and Franklin One Star are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Smuggler’s Run is by Straight Fire, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, was bred by owner KMN Racing and is trained by Richard Baltas. He won his lone start Jan. 1 with earnings of $40,200. Franklin One Star is by Danzing Candy, out of the Tribal Rule mare Public House, was bred by William Kerr and Jared Kerr, is owned by Boat Racing, Dube or Strauss, et al and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He won his lone start Dec. 3 with earnings of $31,200. ...

Uncle Mo’s Son Moquest to Stand in California

SAN MARCOS, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2022) — New sire MOQUEST comes to California for the 2022 breeding season. He’s a son of Uncle Mo, out of the famous mare, Seeking Gabrielle. Uncle Mo is one of the best sires of America and now an emerging sire of sires. He is the 2020 Leading Sire of GSWs with 14, including 2021 G1 winner Golden Pal, winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint and G1 winner Yaupon. His yearlings in 2021 sold for $1,600,000, $1,000,000, $800,000, etc. MOQUEST is a full-brother to Kentucky Derby winner, Nyquist, who is the #1 cumulative second-crop sire by earnings, 11 GS 2-year-olds from his first two crops, more than any other stallion ever. Nyquist stands for a fee of $55,000 at Darley. His latest 2-year-old, Slow Down Andy, recently won the G2 $300,000 Los Alamitos Futurity, earning 10 qualifying points to the Kentucky Derby. He is trained by Doug O’Neal and bred & owned by Reddam Racing. MOQUEST was a $650,000 Keeneland September yearling purchased... ...

What in Blazes Returns for San Vicente

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2022) – What in Blazes is the lone California-bred in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Vicente Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. What in Blazes is by Straight Fire, out of the Western Fame mare Western Kitty, was bred by owner KMN Racing and is trained by John Sadler. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $51,000 and is making his first start since a maiden win July 17. ...

Warren’s Showtime Enters Megahertz

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2022) – Graded winner Warren’s Showtime is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Megahertz Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. 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 is trained by Craig Lewis. She has eight wins in 25 starts, earnings of $823,431 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 15 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...

2021 Purse Generation in California Increased

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2022) — Total money generated from pari-mutuel wagering for the benefit of California Thoroughbred purses increased to $118.4 million in 2021 from $99.8 million in 2020, according to data released today by the Thoroughbred Owners of California. This growth was supported in part by an increase in the total number of daytime Thoroughbred races run in California – from 2469 in 2020 to 2785 in 2021. “These 2021 purse generation numbers are a great indicator of the power and resilience of California racing,” said TOC Chairman Gary Fenton. “We are particularly excited to see the substantial increase of wagering on California races from both California residents and out-of-state handicappers, which grew from $1.48 billion in 2020 to $1.806 billion in 2021. The good news continues, as these purse generation figures do not include the $7 million in supplemental purse contributions TOC negotiated with TVG or the $28 million of 2021 Breeders’ Cup weekend purses, so the actual purses paid out in California were even... ...

TOC Tax Planning Seminar on Feb. 11

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2022) — The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) is offering a FREE introductory webinar, “Tax Planning for Horse Owners,” that will focus on key tax considerations faced by equine industry participants. The seminar will be streamed on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, from noon until 1 p.m. Participation is available online or by phone. Topics include: – How to structure operations and related accounting and reporting items, – Tax incentives available to horse and farm owners, – Hobby loss and passive activity rules, and – Multi-state tax considerations. To register or obtain more details, click Tax Planning Webinar – TOC Online | TOC Online ...

Cal-bred Trio Enlists in Ft. Bliss Stakes

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 23, 2022) – California-breds Mr Paytience, El Chavo Del Ocho and So Cal Memory are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Ft. Bliss Stakes at Sunland Park. 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 trained by Bart Hone. He has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $150,562 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 1 KLAQ Handicap. Northern California yearling Sale graduate El Chavo Del Ocho is by Tannersmyman, out of the Artax mare My Sis Liz, was bred by Joseph Duffel & Woodbridge Farm, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Justin Evans. The $4,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has seven wins in 41 starts, earnings of $267,652 and is coming off a fourth in a Jan. 19 optional claimer. So Cal Memory is by Dominus, out of the Magic Cat mare Stealth Cat, was bred by owners J. Kirk... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, January 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. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: Executive Director Scott Chaney reported that the University of California, Davis, has appointed acting Equine Medical Directors to fulfill the statutory and regulatory roles of the EMD while Dr. Jeff Blea, the Board-approved EMD, is on administrative leave from the University. The EMD serves on the faculty of UC Davis and, though assigned to the CHRB, is actually employed by the University. The CHRB played no part in placing him on administrative leave, and in fact has repeatedly questioned the propriety of actions taken by... ...

California Cup Day Handle Best Since 2007

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2021) — With all-sources pari-mutuel handle topping $17.2 million, Saturday’s California Cup Day at Santa Anita was a rousing success both in terms of money bet and an outstanding 10-race card of statebred racing. “We were very pleased with field size and the tremendous response from our fans, nationwide,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager. “We averaged 8.1 horses per race and it was great to see so many familiar faces, older horses, geldings and fillies and mares. “I think that underscores the tremendous horsemanship we continue to see here in California and our fans love it, because they get familiar with these horses and they truly look forward to watching them run and betting on them. On the business side, our overall handle of $17.2 million was the best Cal Cup Day we’ve had since 2007, so that’s very encouraging. We want to sincerely thank all of our owners and trainers for helping to make this... ...

Halladay Retired, to Stand at Harris Farms

From Checkmate Thoroughbreds COALINGA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2022) — Halladay, a Grade 1 winner by the top international sire War Front, has been retired from racing and will commence his stallion career in 2022 at Harris Farms in California, as the property of a syndicate led by Adrian Gonzalez of Checkmate Thoroughbreds. He will be the only Grade 1 winning son of War Front to stand west of Kentucky and his only stakes winning son in California. Halladay’s introductory fee is $7,500 live foal stand and nurse guarantee, with shares available. Campaigned by Harrell Ventures and trained by Todd Pletcher, Halladay won six races including three stakes, earning $565,245. His greatest victory occurred in the 2020 Grade I Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga, where he defeated Grade I winners Uni (GB), Got Stormy, Raging Bull (FR), Casa Creed, Without Parole (GB) and Valid Point, while leading gate to wire, stopping the clock for one mile on the turf in 1:33 1/5. In his next race, Halladay set the pace in the... ...

Rose Dawson Flying to Win in Howard Oaks

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2022)–With but one race to her credit, Nick Alexander’s homebred Rose Dawson adapted to a change in conditions like a seasoned veteran as she flew late to take Saturday’s $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks by one length at Santa Anita Park. Trained by Phil D’Amato and ridden by Flavien Prat, both of whom registered stakes doubles on the afternoon, Rose Dawson, a 3-year-old grey daughter of Alexander’s Grazen, who was trying grass and two turns for the first time, got a flat mile in 1:36.07. Next to last, about nine lengths off dueling leaders Professors’ Pride and Eleuthera with three furlongs to run, Rose Dawson hugged the rail to the top of the lane, swung five-deep and went on to win with her ears pricked at the wire in a dramatic finish to a 10-race California Cup Day program. “I’m very proud of her because I kinda thought I might be throwing a lot at her, going long and first... ...

Rose Dawson

Rose Dawson wins $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks. ...

Brickyard Ride Wins Another Valpredo Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2022)–Perhaps the fastest horse on the grounds, the Alfred Pais-homebred Brickyard Ride blasted off from his number three post position and never looked back as he marched to a 1 ¾ length score in Saturday’s $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita. Ridden by Juan Hernandez, Brickyard Ride, idle since well beaten going seven furlongs in the Grade II Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar on Aug. 28, got six furlongs in 1:09.54 while successfully defending his Cal Cup Sprint title. Although a well-meant Letsgetlucky applied serious pressure into and around the far turn, Brickyard Ride got the separation he needed leaving the quarter pole and he enjoyed a three length advantage a furlong from home in a dominant performance. “Craig told me to just let him run,” said Hernandez, who picked up his second win on the day. “He broke really sharp and he was ready today. I could tell he came to run because at the (break) he... ...

Brickyard Ride

Brickyard Ride wins $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

Leggs Galore Repeats in F&M Turf Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2022)–Fresh and dangerous, William Sims’ homebred Leggs Galore burst out of the gate and never looked back in taking Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint Presented by John Deere by 2 ¼ lengths under Ricky Gonzalez. Trained by Phil D’Amato, the 5-year-old mare by 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bayern got about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12.99. Idle since running fourth in the one-mile turf Solana Beach Stakes versus statebreds at Del Mar Aug. 15, Leggs Galore was plenty ready today, rattling off splits of 22.27, 44.66 and 1:06.86 while never challenged at any point. “She saddled great, she was fresh and happy,” said D’Amato. “She just needed a little rest and recuperation after a long year last year. She has come back great. I think she is a double threat, I think she can (get a) mile just as easily as she can sprint on the grass. We will check our... ...

Leggs Galore

Leggs Galore wins $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, presented by John Deere. ...

Aligato

Aligato wins $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. ...

Aligato Wins Unusual Heat Turf Classic

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2022)–In his first stakes assignment and first time around two turns, the Mark Glatt-conditioned Aligato wheeled four deep turning for home and unleashed an impressive turn of foot to take Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic Presented by City National Bank at Santa Anita to win going away by 1 ¾ lengths. Ridden by Flavien Prat, the 5-year-old gelding by Kitten’s Joy got a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:48.29. Unhurried while fifth, about six lengths off dueling leaders Whooping Jay and Ferrariano in a field of seven leaving the half mile pole, Aligato began to close in three furlongs from home and had the leaders measured mid-way around the far turn. “We always thought he would improve when we had a chance to go further with him,” said Glatt. “It wasn’t the most ideal circumstances today, but I think that just shows you how good of a horse he is. He’s just a very good horse, particularly for a... ...

Fast Draw Munnings

Fast Draw Munnings wins $200,000 California Cup Derby. ...

Fast Draw Munnings Wins Derby Straight Up

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2022)–Soundly beaten by Straight Up G when last they met, the Jeff Mullins-trained Fast Draw Munnings turned the tables on his heavily favored rival in Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby at Santa Anita, as they battled head and head the final three sixteenths of a mile with “Fast Draw” gaining the advantage late to prevail by a neck. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Fast Draw Munnings, a California-bred colt by the Kentucky-based stallion Munnings, got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:46.99. The seeds of Straight Up G’s defeat were sown early, as Highland Ghost, under Flavien Prat, gunned to the early lead from his rail post position with Straight Up G lapped on him to the five sixteenths pole, where he took the lead but was immediately tackled by the winner leaving the quarter pole. “The main thing was hoping somebody went with the favorite, I mean that horse got away with an easy lead last time and we thought that... ...

Ain’t Straight Ain’t Yet in Leonatus Stakes

FLORENCE, Ky. (Jan. 16, 2022) – Also-eligible Ain’t Straight is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Leonatus Stakes for 3-year-olds at Turfway Park. Ain’t Straight is by Straight Fire, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Aimone, was bred by Litt Family Trust and Jason Litt, is owned by Jennifer Terrazas, Eduardo Terrazas and CG Racing and is trained by Cirilio Gorostieta. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $16,674 and is coming off a seventh in a Nov. 13 claimer. ...

Box Score Represented by First Winner

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2022) – California stallion Box Score was represented by his first winner when Hail Freedom won the fourth race at Santa Anita, a maiden special weight on the turf. Hail Freedom, a 4-year-old colt, is out of the Good Journey mare Susan B Good, was bred by owner Ed Delaney and trained by Doug O’Neill. The 1-2 favorite ran the six furlongs on turf in 1:08.48 and won by 1 ¼ lengths in a field of seven. In nine starts, Box Score has earnings of $122,900. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2022) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Thursday, January 20, 2022, 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. Note: The teleconferencing log-in information has changed from previous meetings. Beginning with this meeting, those wishing to speak during the meeting may dial 800-343-1703 and enter 98443# 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 #6, 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. ...

Rainbow Pick Six Mandatory Payout Saturday

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2022)–With the possibility of a $4 million total pool, Santa Anita will offer players a mandatory payout in Saturday’s 20 cent Rainbow Pick Six Jackpot, which will be comprised of races five through 10. With a Rainbow Six carryover from Sunday into Friday of $391,923, the carryover into Saturday should be approximately $450,000, providing there is no Single Ticket winner on Friday. Saturday is also California Cup Day at Santa Anita and a total of 56 horses have been entered to run in the Rainbow Six sequence, races five through 10, making average field size 9.3 runners per race. With a 10-race card on tap, there will be special early first post time of 12 noon and approximate post time for race five, is at 2:05 p.m. PT. Race five is a maiden $50,000 claimer for California-bred or sired 3-year-olds at six furlongs. With a purse of $39,000, the race attracted a field of eight. Four out of the five Cal Cup... ...

Turf Classic Highlights California Cup Day

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2022)–Classy and plenty versatile, Indian Peak heads a field of eight older horses going a mile and one eighth over the Santa Anita turf in Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. A winner of last year’s Cal Cup Derby on the Santa Anita main track, Legacy Ranch’s Big Fish gets back with statebreds on Saturday and appears a good fit as he tries the Classic distance for the first time. Owned and bred by Alfred Pais, Margot’s Boy, although winless in nine starts last year, had four seconds and a proven affinity for the local lawn as he seeks his first stakes win. Originally scheduled for turf, the Grade III San Gabriel Stakes was moved to the main track due to recent rain on Dec. 26 and although he was attentive to the early pace, Indian Peak simply didn’t fire, finishing a distant fourth at 5-1. Trained by Ruben Alvarado, Indian Peak, a 5-year-old gelding by Comic Strip, out... ...

Warren’s Showtime, Leggs Galore Clash

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2022)–A pair of highly accomplished 5-year-old mares, Warren’s Showtime and Leggs Galore, head a competitive field of 12 older fillies and mares bred or sired in California in Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf at about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course. Prominent among a deep supporting cast is 6-year-old Sedamar, who comes off a big second place finish in her first-ever try down the hillside. Classy, versatile and consistent, the Craig Lewis-conditioned Warren’s Showtime, a two-time graded stakes winner and seven-time overall stakes winning mare, comes off a solid second going 1 1/16 miles in the Grade III Bayakoa Stakes at Los Alamitos Dec. 5 and will transition to a course she won over three starts back in the California Distaff Handicap Oct. 16. By Clubhouse Ride out of the Grade I stakes winning Affirmative mare Warren’s Veneda, Warren’s Showtime was bred in California by Benjamin Warren and is owned by Warren and his wife Sally. She comes... ...

Freshened Brickyard Ride in Cal Cup Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2022)–Lightning quick early, the Alfred Pais homebred Brickyard Ride heads a field of eight older horses bred or sired in California going six furlongs in Saturday’s $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint. In what shapes up as a very competitive race, Doug O’Neill’s hard knocking Positivity, Bill Spawr’s veteran 7-year-old gelding Colt Fiction and Librado Barocio’s upstart Principe Carlo are all in good form and could prove formidable at six panels. Arguably the fastest horse on the grounds for five eighths of a mile, three-time stakes winner Brickyard Ride, who is trained by Craig Lewis, got a much-deserved rest following a pair of graded stakes performances at Del Mar–a ninth place finish in the Grade II Pat O’Brien going seven furlongs on Aug. 28 and a close fifth in the Grade I Bing Crosby going six furlongs on July 31. With his crowning achievement being a scintillating four length score in the Grade II San Carlos Stakes going seven furlongs six starts back... ...

Cal Cup Derby a Springboard for Straight Up G?

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2022)–A lights-out winner of his last two starts, Jungle Racing LLC’s homebred Straight Up G appears a standout versus five sophomores going a mile and one sixteenth in Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby at Santa Anita. One of five California Cup Day races on a 10-race program, the Cal Cup Derby will be center stage as Straight Up G and his rivals attempt to follow in the footsteps of the Art Sherman-trained California Chrome, who used the 2014 Cal Cup Derby as a springboard to glory in the Santa Anita and Kentucky Derbies as well as the 2014 Preakness Stakes. Like California Chrome, the Richard Baltas-trained Straight Up G, a bay colt by red hot sire Straight Fire, out of the Sky Mesa mare Gidget Girl, comes off a big win versus statebreds in the one-mile King Glorious Stakes run at Los Alamitos on Dec. 12. Owned and bred by sports talk icon Jim Rome and his wife Janet’s Jungle Racing, Straight Up... ...

Professors’ Pride Tries Turf in Cal Cup Oaks

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2022)–In one of the most competitive races on a 10-race California Cup Day program, veteran trainer Eddie Truman’s Professors’ Pride will try to transfer her scintillating dirt form to turf as she heads a field of 12 sophomore fillies bred or sired in California in Saturday’s $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at a flat mile. Proven at one mile on turf, Vivacious Vanessa rates a huge chance as well for trainer Gary Mandella as she transitions back to the grass following a disappointing effort sprinting on the main track. With John Velazquez taking over, John Sadler’s Big Novel, a consistent performer on dirt, will try turf for the first time in what will be her sixth career start. A first-out Cal Bred maiden special winner going six furlongs on Nov. 14 at Del Mar, Professors’ Pride, who is owned by longtime Truman client Academic Farms, then stretched out to run her competition off their feet going a flat mile in the statebred... ...

Cal-bred I’m So Anna Brings $200,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2022) – California-bred multiple stakes winner I’m So Anna sold for $200,000 at Wednesday’s session of the Keeneland January Sale. The 4-year-old daughter of Fast Anna, out of the Jet West mare So So Fast, was bred by owner KMN Racing and was purchased by St. George Stable. I’m So Anna sold as a broodmare prospect. She won the Pike Place Dancer, Fleet Treat and Campanile Stakes with career earnings of $309,740. ...

Bella Vita Sells for $500,000 at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2022) – California-bred multiple stakes winner Bella Vita sold for $500,000 in Wednesday’s session of the Keeneland January Sale. The 5-year-old daughter of Bayern, out of the Storm Cat mare Queenie Cat, was bred by Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, was raced by Kaleem Shah and was purchased by Narvick International. Bella Vita sold as a racing or broodmare prospect. She won the Spring Fever and Betty Grable Stakes with career earnings of $346,722. ...

Gem Heist Relocates to Rancho San Miguel

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2022) — Third-crop sire Gem Heist, a son of Street Cry (Ire) out of Tapit’s Grade 1-winning millionaire Careless Jewel, has been relocated to stand at Rancho San Miguel in San Miguel, California for the 2022 breeding season. His fee is $2,500, live foal guarantee. The 10-year-old stallion previously stood at a private farm in Bakersfield, California as the property of the late horseman Bob Grayson Sr. Grayson purchased Gem Heist for $100,000 from Eddie Woods’ consignment at the 2014 Barretts March Sale of Selected 2-Year-Olds in Training after the racing prospect was clocked in a co-bullet :09 4/5 for his one-furlong, pre-sale breeze. Gem Heist experienced a career-ending injury while preparing for his debut, and was subsequently retired to a modest stallion career prior to the 2017 breeding season. To date, he is credited with 29 reported foals, including eight juveniles and three yearlings of 2022. From his five lifetime starters, three are winners, led by the multiple-winning filly Saturday Heist,... ...

Reiwa Seeks First Stakes Win in Astra

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2022) – Reiwa is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $125,000 Grade III Astra Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Reiwa is by James Street, out of the Utopia mare Oh Molly Brannigan, was bred by owner Willow Tree Farm and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $152,264 and is coming off a fourth in the Dec. 12 Miss America Stakes. ...

Nominations, PPs for Jan. 15 California Cup

$200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank — Nominations Past Performances $150,000 Sunshine Millions F&M Turf Sprint, presented by John Deere — Nominations Past Performances $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks — Nominations Past Performances $150,000 Donald Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint — Nominations Past Performances $200,000 Cal Cup Derby — Nominations Past Performances From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2022) — Santa Anita will shine the spotlight on California-breds next Saturday, Jan. 15, with five lucrative stakes races for horses bred in the Golden State offering purse money of $900,000. They are: the $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint presented by John Deere for older fillies and mares at about 6 1/2 furlongs on turf; the $200,000 California Derby for three-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles; and the $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint for-year-olds and up at six furlongs. Also, the $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks for three-year-old fillies at a mile on turf and the $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National... ...

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