PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 7, 2022) – Multiple stakes winner Tiger Dad is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $60,000 Walter R. Cluer Memorial 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 trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $358,925 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 26 Luke Kruytbosch. ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 7, 2022) – California-breds Righteously and Flying to the Line are entered in Friday’s $60,000 Queen of the Green Stakes for fillies and mares at Turf Paradise. Righteously is by Square Eddie, out of the In Excess mare Gypsy Friday, was bred by Reddam Racing and Edward Freeman and is owned by Guillermina Mena and trainer Lorenzo Ruiz. She has six wins in 19 starts, earnings of $131,310 and is coming off a fourth in a Jan. 2 optional claimer. Flying to the Lane is by Boisterous, out of the Tale of the Cat mare Sky Diver, was bred by Gary Barber, is owned by Stable H M A and trained by M Hernandez. She has five wins in 25 starts, earnings of $164,913 and is coming off an eighth in the Dec. 16 Sun Devil Sprint. ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2022) – Old English Rancho bred the winners of three of the first five races on the Friday card at Golden Gate. Rule of Angels won the first race, a maiden claimer. He is by Acclamation, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Angel’s Law and is owned by Nin Auyeung and Gary Marrone and trained by Michael Lenzini. Blueberry Eyes won the fourth race, a $20,000 claimer. She is also by Acclamation, out of the Bold Badgett mare Roberta’s Mango, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by Andy Mathis. Speeding Style won the fifth race, a maiden claimer. He is by Cyclotron, out of the Lucayan Prince mare Always in Style, is owned by GCCI and trained by Cliff DeLima. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2022) – Undefeated Big Switch and fellow California-bred Big Shamrock are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Ynez Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Big Switch is by Mr. Big, out of the Malibu Moon mare Two Faced Moon, was bred by owner George Krikorian and trained by John Sadler. She has won both starts with earnings of $141,750 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 5 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes presented by PNC. Big Shamrock is by Mr. Big, out of the Exchange Rate mare Irish Exchange, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Featherton, Maslowski or Prince, et al and is trained by Dan Blacker. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $22,600 and is coming off a Dec. 12 maiden win. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 5, 2022) — In the trials and tribulations of horse racing, a horse winning just four races in a row is an achievement to be lauded, but to win 10 in a row, and 12 for the entire year, is a rare phenomenon. Some of the greatest athletes in the history of the Sport of Kings have failed to accomplish such a feat, but a former $3,500 claimer named Shinny did it with bells on in 2021. The now 5-year-old Cal-bred gelding, inconspicuous to the eye and slight of frame, was picked up by owner Robert Rosette and trainer Robertino Diodoro one Wednesday afternoon at Turf Paradise. At the time, Rosette’s stable had dwindled down to just one horse in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. When Rosette noticed Shinny in the program, he immediately contacted his trainer. “I remember my first line to Robertino: ‘Look, I want to do something really degenerate,'” Rosette recalled. “He just laughed hard and said, ‘Well, what do you want to do?’ I... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif (Dec. 31, 2021) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Nuestra Engreido became the first winner for stallion Cat Burglar Dec. 31, pressing the pace and advancing two wide to defeat California-bred 2-year-olds in a $39,900 maiden race at Golden Gate Fields. The victorious chestnut colt scored by 3 1/4 lengths in the ninth race Friday under Ruben Fuentes for trainer Felix Rondan, who co-owns him with Ruben Arechiga. Just a day before turning 3, the winner raced 5 1/2 furlongs on Tapeta in 1:04.38, paying $30.20. Bred in California by Richard Barton Enterprises and Robert Traynor, Nuestro Engreido is out of the North Light mare Just Heavenly. He was a $1,000 purchase by his trainer from the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s 2020 Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale, where Barton Thoroughbreds consigned him. Cat Burglar, a newly-turned 12-year-old son of Unbridled’s Song, stands at Barton Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez, Calif., for a $2,500 fee in 2022. Another chestnut, Cat Burglar was a stakes winner of... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 31, 2021) – Bally’s Charm is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Eddie Logan Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Bally’s Charm is by Roi Charmant, out of the Arch mare Ballydonnell Drive, was bred by owners Red Baron’s Barn & Vaya Con Suerte and is trained by Jeff Mullins. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $45,660 and is coming off a Nov. 12 maiden win. ...
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From Santa Anita Publiity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 29, 2021)–A dominant figure over the course, George Krikorian’s homebred Mucho Unusual is back to defend her title in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes as seven older fillies and mares go a mile and one eighth over the Santa Anita lawn. A soon-to-be 6-year-old California-bred mare by Mucho Macho Man out of Krikorian’s Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, Mucho Unusual, a Grade I winner and four-time overall graded stakes winner for trainer Tim Yakteen, is a remarkable 12-6-3-3 over the local turf and sports a 22-8-5-4 overall mark with earnings of $933,415. Idle since prevailing by a nose at 3-5 in a mile and one eighth allowance here on Oct. 30, Mucho Unusual will be reunited with John Velazquez who guided her to her Robert J. Frankel victory five starts back. Trainer Richard Baltas is well-armed with a pair of distaffers, LNJ Foxwoods’ improving Luck and Calvin Nguyen’s English-bred Bodhicitta. A 4-year-old filly by Kitten’s Joy, Luck was two for four in France at... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 29, 2021) – Fi Fi Pharoah is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III La Canada Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Fi Fi Pharoah is by American Pharoah, out of the Ghostzapper mare My Fiona, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Beckerle or Navarro and is trained by Walther Solis. The stakes winner has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $231,832 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 12 optional claimer. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 29, 2021) — The Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park Jan. 29 is “probably leading the way” for the next start for Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) winner Slow Down Andy , trainer Doug O’Neill said Dec. 29. Bred in California by owners Paul and Zillah Reddam’s Reddam Racing, Slow Down Andy is 2-for-3 with earnings of $249,850. He picked up 10 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at Churchill Downs with his victory in the 1 1/16-mile Los Alamitos Futurity. The Southwest is at the same distance and offers another 10 qualifying points to its winner, plus points on a 4-2-1 scale to its second through fourth finishers. O’Neill called the $750,000 Southwest appealing due to “the fact that we get a chance to see him travel, see if he enjoys that or if he frets on it. Just kind of a learning experience early on so we can make adjustments, if for whatever reason, he isn’t the greatest traveler in the world.” One adjustment already considered... ...
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By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2021) — Coming off a resounding fall meet closing weekend with more than $8 million in wagers, Golden Gate Fields kicks off its 2021-2022 season with an 11-race card Sunday. The first thing horsemen will notice is an across-the-board increase of $3,000 to purses in all claiming races, with the increases ranging from 12 to 30 percent. “This is good for the trainers, and we need to keep horses here,” said racing secretary Patrick Mackey, who noted tracks such as Turf Paradise had increased purses and attracted some locally based horses there. Coming off a meeting where the average field size was 7.1 runners, Mackey hopes that the purse increase will lead to bigger fields. The opening-day races average 7.5 runners per race. Mackey is also pleased with the quality of racing, which seems to be improving, with local runners more than holding their own with Southern California runners at all levels, including stakes. Once again, the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby will... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2021) — Art Sherman, racing’s David who slew the game’s Goliaths with an unlikely California-bred slingshot named California Chrome , will be honored by Santa Anita Park Dec. 26 on the occasion of his retirement at 84 after a career as a jockey and trainer spanning six decades. Sherman left the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn when he was 7 years old, later fleecing contemporaries in the jocks’ room playing gin rummy at old Jamaica Race Course in the late 1950s as the standby rider on the New York circuit, and later still becoming a successful trainer, winning 2,261 races. In either case, it’s been a wild ride. “There are some things Faye (his wife approaching 60 years) and I want to do, and right now I’m closing down my barn (at Los Alamitos Race Course) where I’ve got a lot of tack and the kids are coming for the holidays,” Sherman said when asked his immediate plans now that the reality of retirement has taken hold. “I just sold... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2021) – Graded stakes winner None Above the Law is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Mathis Mile Stakes 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 trained by Ruben Alvarado. He has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $460,560 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov. 21 Cary Grant. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2021) – California-bred Closing Remarks is entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Grade I American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Closing Remarks is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Orange Cove, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $293,000 and is coming off a sixth in the Oct. 16 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Eddie’s New Dream was also originally entered, but scratched to run instead in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II La Brea Stakes. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2021) – Multiple stakes winner Indian Peak is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II San Gabriel 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 trained by Ruben Alvarado. He has six wins in 21 starts, earnings of $363,532 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 27 Seabiscuit. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 20 ,2021) – Eddie’s New Dream is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II La Brea 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 trained by Ben Cecil. She has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $250,760 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 25 optional claimer. Eddie’s New Dreams was also originally entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Grade I La Brea Stakes, but scratched to run in the La Brea. ...
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From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 20, 2021) — The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) is pleased to report that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) today announced the forthcoming publication of a joint temporary final rule to make available an additional 20,000 H-2B visas for the first half of fiscal year 2022 that ends on March 31, 2022. This is the first time the DHS has provided supplemental H-2B visas in the first half of a fiscal year. “Tremendously high demand for H-2B visas has led to this unprecedented move by the DHS and DOL,” said NTRA President and CEO Alex Waldrop. “Competition for these visas has been fierce for many years but is particularly so in today’s strong job market. We encourage affected trainers to act quickly.” The supplemental H-2B visa allocation consists of 13,500 visas available to returning workers who received an H-2B visa, or were otherwise granted H-2B status, during one of the last three fiscal years. The remaining... ...
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BENSALEM, Pa. (Dec. 23, 2021) – Raging Tempest is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $100,000 Parx Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds. Raging Tempest is by Danzing Candy, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Wind N Waves, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, is owned by M&B Racing Stable and trained by H.R. Brown Jr. He is a maiden making his third start with earnings of $1,510 and is coming off a sixth in a Nov. 29 maiden claimer. ...
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ZIA PARK, N.M. (Dec. 18, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul and fellow California-bred Mr Paytience are entered in the $65,000 KLAQ Handicap at Zia Park on New Year’s Day. 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 35 starts, earnings of $334,518 and is coming off a sixth in the Dec. 17 Zany Tactics. He was fifth in this race in 2019 and in 2018. 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 four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $137,562 and is making his first start since a fourth in an optional claimer Apr. 19. ...
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From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 17, 2021) — The Jockey Club announced today that it will be increasing each category of registration application fees by $20 starting in 2022. The last fee increase for registration applications was introduced with the 2013 foal crop. The updated fee schedule is as follows: If all requirements are met within one calendar year from foaling date, foals of 2021 — $225. If all requirements are met within one calendar year from foaling date, foals of 2022 — $245. If all requirements are met by Dec. 31 of yearling year — $570. If all requirements are met by Dec. 31 of 2-year-old year — $820. If all requirements are met after Dec. 31 of 2-year-old year — $2,045. No other registry-related fees have been changed. ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec. 16, 2021) – California-bred Miss Carousel rallied late to win Thursday’s $60,000 Sun Devil Sprint Stakes for fillies and mares at Turf Paradise. Miss Carousel is by Square Eddie, out of the In Excess mare Gypsy Friday, was bred by owners Reddam Racing and Edward Freeman, who is also the trainer. She has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $167,045 and was coming off a win in a $25,000 claimer Nov. 21. The 4-year-old filly ran the five furlongs on turf in :56.27 and won by a neck at odds of 3-1 in a field of eight. ...
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From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, December 15. 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: The Board narrowly approved the requested six-month license for the Pacific Racing Association to operate a thoroughbred race meet at Golden Gate Fields (GGF) with racing beginning December 26, 2021, and concluding June 12, 2022. Equine fatalities have remained relatively the same as the last calendar year at GGF. However, four fatalities have occurred since November 14. Consequently, three members of the Board – Vice Chair Gonzales and Commissioners Washington Davis and Mitchell – preferred a shorter three-month license, during which time the CHRB could... ...
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NEW ORLEANS, La. (Dec. 17, 2021) — Grinning Tiger is entered in The $75,000 Richard R. Scherer Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds on Dec. 26.. Grinning Tiger is a registered stakes-winning California-sired son of Smiling Tiger. Grinning Tiger is a 6-year-old gelding out of the Pioneering mare Karlee’s Kitten, was bred by Patrick Cosgrove, is owned by Tyree Wolesensky and is trained by Steve Asmussen. He has nine wins in 33 starts, earnings of $261,231 and is coming off a win in a Sept. 25 optional claimer. Fair Grounds will be the ninth track at which Grinning Tiger has run. ...
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From Lovacres Ranch WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2021) – Stallion V. E. Day has relocated to California and will stand the 2022 season at Lovacres Ranch for a fee of $2,500, it was announced on Monday. V. E. Day is a 10-year-old son of English Channel, out of the Deputy Minister mare California Sunset, who was out of a full sister to champion Sunshine Forever. V.E. Day earned $1,044,061 on the track, racing in Europe and the United States and winning on both dirt and turf. V. E. Day won the Grade I Travers Stakes as a 3-year-old, defeating Bayern, Wicked Strong and Tonalist among others. He also was second in the Grade II Brooklyn Invitational Stakes. His first crop of foals are 3-year-olds this year. ...
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From Lovacres Ranch WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2021) – Stallion V. E. Day has relocated to California and will stand the 2022 season at Lovacres Ranch for a fee of $2,500, it was announced on Monday. V. E. Day is a 10-year-old son of English Channel, out of the Deputy Minister mare California Sunset, who was out of a full sister to champion Sunshine Forever. V.E. Day earned $1,044,061 on the track, racing in Europe and the United States and winning on both dirt and turf. V. E. Day won the Grade I Travers Stakes as a 3-year-old, defeating Bayern, Wicked Strong and Tonalist among others. He also was second in the Grade II Brooklyn Invitational Stakes. His first crop of foals are 3-year-olds this year. ...
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From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2021) – A stretch to two turns proved no problem for Straight Up G as the Straight Fire colt scored a decisive gate-to-wire victory in the $102,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds Sunday, the final day of the Winter meet at Los Alamitos. Under jockey Ricardo Gonzalez, Straight Up G, who is owned by breeder Jim Rome’s Jungle Racing LLC, easily dispatched of early challengers Moose Mitchell and Thirsty Always to draw clear in the stretch and ultimately prevail by 3 ½ lengths in the race for 2-year-olds bred or sired in California. Trained by Richard Baltas, who also trains the colt’s half-sister Gidgetta, Straight Up G, who is out of the Sky Mesa mare Gidget Girl, completed the mile in 1:36.88 and returned $6, $4.20 and $3 as the 2-1 second choice in the field of nine. He’s now won twice in three races and earned $105,660. His King Glorious win came three weeks after he graduated by... ...
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From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. – A suggestion made by owner J. Paul Reddam paid big dividends Saturday at Los Alamitos. Rather than run in the $100,000 King Glorious Stakes Sunday, an ungraded event restricted to 2-year-olds bred or sired in California, Reddam wanted to try the Grade II, $300,000 Los Alamitos Futurity with his homebred Slow Down Andy. Making his first start against open company and first beyond seven furlongs, the son of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist was up to the challenge, upsetting heavily-favored Messier under jockey Mario Gutierrez. Reserved off the pace set by longshot Olympic Legend and stablemate Durante, Slow Down Andy, who is trained by Doug O’Neill, took over the lead early in the stretch, surrendered it to Messier, the 1-2 choice, when he lugged in, but regained his momentum and went on to win by one length. He completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.33. Out of the Square Eddie mare Edwina E, Slow Down Andy ended Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert’s... ...
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By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2021) – Rebalation ($10.80), who began her 2021 campaign with a $12,500 claiming win after 16 months on the sidelines, came flying through the stretch to nip favored Nardini at the wire to capture the $78,600 Bear Fan for California-bred fillies and mares at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday. Sitting well off dueling leaders Ima Happy Cat’s and Hot Rageous’ sizzling opening fractions of 21.63 and 44.26, Rebalation was guided wide by jockey Frank Alvarado to get a clear path through the stretch. She was four wide passing the quarter pole and six wide in the stretch and was in the clear, although still not a factor. Nardini, who had been stalking the leaders, took over the lead as Tip Top Gal and J and K Express, who was making only her second start, were also moving well. Nardini began to open on her rivals and was looking good, but Rebalation was gaining with every stride and seemed to have her measured. :: Bet the... ...
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From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2021) –A stretch to two turns proved no issue for Professors’ Pride as the 9-5 favorite went all the way in the $100,500 Soviet Problem Stakes Friday at Los Alamitos. Trained by Eddie Truman for owners Larry and Carolyn Samovar’s Academic Farms, the 2-year-old daughter of Bayern and the Twirling Candy mare Last Resort assumed control immediately and was never menaced, winning by three lengths under jockey Juan Hernandez. Bred by Glen Hill Farm and purchased for $60,000 in October of last year, Professors’ Pride is now 2-for-2 with earnings of $102,000. A one-length winner in her sprint debut Nov. 14 at Del Mar, she completed one mile in 1:36.94, the fastest time in the race restricted to fillies bred or sired in California since Sircat Sally won in record 1:35.42 in 2016. Providing Hernandez with his second consecutive Soviet Problem victory – he tallied with Sensible Cat in 2020 – Professors’ Pride paid $5.60, $3.20 and $3. Big Novel, the 9-5... ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec. 12, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul and fellow California-bred multiple stakes winner Mikes Tiznow are among the entries in Friday’s $60,000 Zany Tactics Stakes at Turf Paradise. Give Me the Lute is by Boisterous, out of the Midnight Lute mare Steal the Lute, was bred by Gary Barber, is owned by Roderick Hogan and Wendy Hogan and is trained by Andy Mathis. He has five wins in 15 starts, earnings of $209,823 and is coming off a sixth in the Oct. 17 California Flag. Midnight Special is by Vronsky, out of the Yes It’s True mare Lost Prophet, was bred by Donald Muldoon, is owned by Jeffrey Lambert and trained by R.B. Hess Jr. He has six wins in 26 starts, earnings of $178,542 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 26 optional claimer. Mikes Tiznow is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Babes Bridge It, was bred by Eagle Ridge Racing, is owned by Mike Schott... ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec. 12, 2021) – California-breds Hey Now and Not That Serious are entered in Friday’s $60,000 Lost in the Fog Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Hey Now is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Wild Rush mare Feel the Rush, was bred by Milt Policzer, is owned by Regan Bray or Sylvia Kenney and is trained by Daniel Kenney. He won his lone start Nov. 11 with earnings of $12,493. Not That Serious is by Munnings, out of the War Front mare Mobilize, was bred by Terry Lovingier and is owned by trainer Justin Evans. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $22,320 and is coming off a Nov. 12 maiden claimer win at Churchill Downs. ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Dec. 12, 2021) – Closing Account is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $60,000 Arizona Juvenile Fillies Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Closing Account is by Capital Account, out of the Unusual Heat mare My Yammy Heat, was bred by owner BG Stables and is trained by Vann Belvoir. She won her lone start Dec. 6 with earnings of $13,154. ...
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From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2021) – A come-from-behind winner of the Golden State Juvenile Nov. 5 at Del Mar, Finneus will stretch to two turns again in the $100,000 King Glorious Sunday. Named in honor of the winner of the 1988 Hollywood Futurity and 1989 Haskell, the King Glorious is restricted to 2-year-olds bred or sired in California. The race at one mile is the feature attraction on the final day of the Winter Thoroughbred meet. Post time Sunday is 12 Noon. The King Glorious, which is the last of 11 races, has a scheduled post time of 4:58 p.m. A son of Stay Thirsty and the Ghostzapper mare My Fiona – who won the 2014 Soviet Problem Stakes at Los Alamitos – Finneus defeated Show Down Andy and 10 others in the Golden State, prevailing by a half-length under jockey Joel Rosario. Owned by Naseer Mohammed Fasihuddin, Amanda Navarro and breeder Terry Lovingier and trained by Walther Solis, Finneus has won twice in six starts... ...
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From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Wednesday, December 15, 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 #8, 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. ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2021) – Multiple stakes winner Cordiality, 2019 winner of the race Blue Diva and fellow California-bred Reiwa are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Miss America Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Cordiality is by Papa Clem, out of the Unusual Heat mare Warmth, was bred by Dr. Edward Allred, is owned by Donnie Crevier and trained by Tim Yakteen. She has 12 wins in 35 starts, earnings of $633,363 and is coming off a sixth in a Nov. 25 optional claimer. Blue Diva is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Quiet American mare Farmers Wife, was bred by BKB Stables, is owned by Frankly Speaking and is trained by Isidro Tamayo. She has seven wins in 31 starts, earnings of $247,505 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 25 optional claimer. She won this race in 2019. 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.... ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2021) – Princess Vivian, who won this race two years ago, is part of a full field of 13 entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Bear Fan Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Dee Gee is by Decarchy, out of the Atticus mare There Goes Gee Gee, was bred by Gilman Racing, is owned by Hat Trick Racing and trained by Reid France. She has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $93,480 and is coming off back-to-back claiming wins. Multiple stakes winner Daffodil Sweet is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Lion Heart mare Easy on My Heart, was bred by Michael Terry, is owned by Jody Peetz and Steve Shimizu and is trained by Tim McCanna. She has seven wins in 12 starts, earnings of $130,425 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 20 allowance. Rebalation is by Acclamation, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by owners Gordy Jarnig, Kenny Marshall and Eric Schweiger and... ...
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ELK GROVE, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2021) – California stallion Lakerville has relocated to Daehling Ranch for the 2022 breeding season for a fee of $2,500, the farm announced this week. Lakervile, a stakes-winning son of Unusual Heat, is out of the Out of Place mare Foreverinthegame. His four crops of racing age have earned more than $1.3 million, led by multiple stakes winner Lakerball. ...
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CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2021) – Slow Down Andy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity for 2-year-olds. 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 one win in two starts, earnings of $69,850 and is coming off a second in last month’s Golden State Juvenile. ...
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From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2021)—Mo Forza, a Grade 1 winner and $1 million-plus earner by the very popular sire of sires Uncle Mo, has been retired from racing and will commence his stallion career in 2022 at Rancho San Miguel in California as the property of Taylor Made Stallions and Onofrio Pecoraro. The 5-year-old horse will make history on two important fronts: as Kentucky-based industry leader Taylor Made Farm’s first foray into California’s breeding industry and as the first son of Uncle Mo—North America’s 2010 Champion 2-Year-Old Colt and the sire of the Grade 1-siring stallions Nyquist and Laoban—to stand on the West Coast. Mo Forza’s introductory fee is $9,000, live foal stand and nurse guarantee. A syndication is being formed, with a limited number of shares available. Campaigned by Bardy Farm and Pecoraro’s San Diego-based OG Boss stable, Mo Forza won eight of 15 starts and earned $1,034,460 as one of North America’s top turf milers over the past three seasons. His seven graded... ...
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From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2021) – Runner-up behind stablemate Big Switch in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies Nov. 5, Big Novel will stretch to a mile for the first time in the $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes Friday at Los Alamitos. Restricted to Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies bred or sired in California, the Soviet Problem attracted nine entrants. Part of the Golden State Series, the Soviet Problem is the last of eight races. Post time Friday is 12:30 p.m. Scheduled post time for the main event is 4:28 p.m. Owned by breeder George Krikorian and trained by John Sadler, Big Novel was more than six lengths clear of the rest of the field in the Golden State contest at seven furlongs. A daughter of Mr. Big and the Heatseeker mare Steamy Novel, Big Novel hasn’t been worse than third in her four races and has earned $95,850. She broke her maiden Oct. 2 at Santa Anita. At the Spa will try for her fourth win in... ...
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From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2021)–Finneus and Slow Down Andy, the 1-2 finishers in last month’s Golden State Juvenile, and local stakes winner Thirsty Always are among the 2-year-olds nominated to the $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos. A one-mile race restricted to horses bred or sired in California, the King Glorious will be run for the 10th time Sunday, Dec. 12, the final day of the Los Angeles Winter meet. Owned by a partnership that includes breeder Terry Lovingier and trained by Walther Solis, Finneus rallied from well off the pace to win the Golden State Juvenile by a half-length over favored Slow Down Andy. A son of Stay Thirsty and the Ghostzapper mare My Fiona, who won the 2014 Soviet Problem Stakes at Los Alamitos, Finneus is 2-for-6 with earnings of $246,366. Trained by Doug O’Neill, who is seeking his third win in the King Glorious after scoring with Found Money (2015) and Play Chicken (2020), for owner-breeder J.P. Reddam... ...
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From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2021) – Beginning Thursday, Dec. 9, there will be post time adjustments for the final four days of the Los Alamitos Winter Thoroughbred meet. The new post time for Thursday, Dec. 9 and Friday, Dec. 10 is 12:30 p.m. a half-hour earlier than the first week of the season. Post time for Saturday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12 will be 12 Noon, 30 minutes earlier than the previous weekend. There will be three stakes races the final three days of the Winter season, topped by the Grade II, $300,000 Los Alamitos Futurity for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles Saturday, Dec. 11. The Friday, Dec. 10 program will be highlighted by the $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for 2-year-old fillies bred or sired in California and a winner’s circle ceremony honoring trainer Art Sherman, who is retiring after an illustrious career of more than 65 years in racing as an exercise rider, jockey and trainer. The main event closing day (Sunday, Dec. 12)... ...
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CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2021) – Multiple Grade III winner Warren’s Showtime is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Bayakoa Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. 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 23 starts, earnings of $794,431 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 7 Betty Grable. ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2021) – Stakes winner Dr Pescado is one of four California-breds entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. Bandera Azteca is by Danzing Candy, out of the Holy Bull mare Seaside Sanctuary, was bred by owner Agustin Velazquez and is trained by Victor Trujillo. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $24,620 and is coming off an 11th in the Nov. 5 Golden State Juvenile. Stanford Bay is by Stanford, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Curvy Cat, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $61,350 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 13 Golden Nugget. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Dimmi Quando is by Shaman Ghost, out of the Bushwacker mare Wackey Logic, was bred by Terry Lovingier and is owned by Daniel Franko. The $2,500 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase has one win in four starts, earnings of $24,884... ...
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From Glen Ellen Vocational Academy GLEN ELLEN, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2021) — The Glen Ellen Vocational Academy, Northern California’s oldest horse retirement and rehabilitation facility, has overcome so many daunting challenges — from severe drought to threatening wildfires and a global pandemic — since its founding 26 years ago. The non-profit foundation has survived despite rounds of increases in the cost of veterinarian care, feed, hay and other farm supplies. But the picturesque 8 1/2-acre ranch, nestled in the rural Sonoma Valley hills near Jack London State Park in the heart of the Sonoma County wine region, could be facing its biggest obstacle yet. The farm’s 77-year-old founder and proprietor Pamela Berg is struggling to regain her strength following recent hospitalization with a bout of sepsis, which developed from an infection. Berg, who has faithfully maintained the facility and handled the daily care for GEVA’s equine residents — mostly retired Thoroughbreds — with minimal volunteer assistance, is slowly recovering. But she is too weakened by her illness to perform the... ...
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OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Dec. 1, 2021) – California-bred multiple stakes winner Bella Vita seeks her first graded victory in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade III Go For Wand Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. 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 trained by Simon Callaghan. She has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $346,722 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 7 Betty Grable. ...
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From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. —Double Grade II winner As Time Goes By and the talented California-bred Warren’s Showtime are among 13 nominees to the Grade III, $100,000 Bayakoa Stakes. The race for fillies and mares (3-year-olds & up) at 1 1/16 miles will be run Sunday, December 5, the third day of the Winter thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The race honors Bayakoa, an Argentine bred who won 21 of 39 and earned $2,861,701. Owned by Frank and Janis Whitham and trained by Hall of Famer Ron McAnally, the daughter of Consultants Bid, whose 13 Grade I victories including back-to-back scores in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (1989-1990), was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. Owned by a partnership that includes Mrs. John Magnier and Michael Tabor and trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, As Time Goes By won the Santa Maria and Santa Margarita in succession earlier this year at Santa Anita. The 4-year-old American Pharoah filly has won four of 11 and banked $475,600.... ...
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SHARJAH, UAE (Nov. 27, 2021) – Far Sky, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, won Saturday’s $54,451 (USD) Sheikh Hamdan Rashid Al Maktoum Cup, presented by The Longines Master Collection, at Sharjah Longines Racecourse. Far Sky, a 4-year-old gelding out of the stakes-placed Belong to Me mare Mine All Mine, ran the 1,700 meters in 1:48.16 and won by 2 ¼ lengths. ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 27, 2021) – Freeport Joe wore down fellow Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso in late stretch to win Saturday’s $100,900 Grade III Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate. Freeport Joe is by English Channel, out of the Sadler’s Wells mare Winds of March, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Larry Odbert and trained by Gloria Haley. The $2,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $141,056 and was coming off a Nov. 7 allowance win. Freeport Joe ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:43.70 and was the second-longest shot in the field of seven at 10-1 and won by one length over the favored Camino Del Paraiso. ...
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From Maryland Jockey Club Publicity LAUREL, Md. (Nov. 27, 2021) – Graded-stakes winner Pickin’ Time, a son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, swept to the lead on the outside around the far turn and had plenty left to turn back a bid from He’smyhoneybadger nearing the wire for a 1 ¼-length victory in Saturday’s $100,000 City of Laurel at Laurel Park. The 11th running of the City of Laurel for 3-year-olds was the first of three $100,000 stakes on the program, followed by the Safely Kept for 3-year-old fillies, also sprinting seven furlongs, and 1 1/8-mile Richard W. Small for 3-year-olds and up. Ridden by Mychel Sanchez for trainer Kelly Breen, Pickin’ Time ($12.80) earned his fourth career stakes win and first in open company since the 2020 Nashua (G3) last November at Aqueduct. Most recently, he won the Monmouth Park’s New Jersey Breeders Handicap Aug. 29. The winning time was 1:23.74 over a fast main track. Breaking outside all but one horse in the field of eight, Pickin’ Time... ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2021) – Ellamira led a California-bred sweep in Friday’s second division of the $65,850 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Ellamira is by Street Boss, out of the Ghostzapper mare Tuesday’s with P, was bred by Cole Ranch, is owned by Cole Ranch Partners and trained by Steve Specht. She has two wins in four starts and earnings of $71,310. She ran the six furlongs in 1:11.41 and won by a head over Code Ribbon, with Sen Sen third. ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 26, 2021) – California-bred Tiger Dad, claimed for $50,000 last time out at Del Mar, won Friday’s $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 trained by Robertino Diodoro. Tiger Dad has six wins in 22 starts with earnings of $358,925. He ran the mile in 1:36.32 and won by 1 ½ lengths as the 6-5 second choice. ...
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PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 26, 2021) – Blazingbellablu, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Grazen, won Friday’s $60,000 City of Phoenix Stakes for fillies and mares at Turf Paradise. Blazingbellablu, out of the Sky Mesa mare Bellomesa, ran the mile in 1:37.09 and won by 1 ¾ lengths as the even-money favorite. She has five wins in 10 starts and earnings of $145,126. ...
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From Laurel Park Publicity LAUREL, Md. (Nov. 26, 2021) – Eric Rizer’s homebred Princess Kokachin, taking a four-race win streak into her stakes debut, outran multiple stakes-winning favorite Hello Beautiful for the early lead and never stopped, then waited out a short inquiry to pull the upset in Friday’s $75,000 Politely at Laurel Park. Princess Kokachin, a Maryland-bred daughter of California stallion Graydar, was ridden by Xavier Perez for trainer John ‘Jerry’ Robb, who also teamed up to win the last edition of the Politely in 2019 with Anna’s Bandit. Princess Kokachin ($14.40) completed the distance in 1:11.22 over a fast main track. It was 5 ½ lengths back to Never Enough Time in second, and another 1 ¼ lengths to 53-1 longshot Paisley Singing in third. The 39th running of the six-furlong Politely for fillies and mares 3 and up was the first of two stakes restricted to Maryland-bred/sired horses on the post-Thanksgiving Day program, followed by the fifth renewal of the $75,000 Howard and Sondra Bender Memorial for 4-year-olds... ...
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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