From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2024) — None Above the Law, the upset winner of the Bertrando Stakes during the Los Angeles County Fair earlier this year, is among 13 nominations to the $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston Stakes. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California will be run Saturday, September 14, the second day of the September meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will continue through Sunday, September. 22. Bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban, None Above the Law, a 6-year-old gelded son of Karakontie, took advantage of a fast early pace to capture the Bertrando at 9-1 June 22. The win was his second in three starts at Los Alamitos. Fast Draw Munnings and Shortman, the 2-3 finishers behind Kings River Knight in the 2023 Johnston, are also nominated. A 5-year-old gelded son of Munnings, Fast Draw Munnings was claimed for $40,000 by trainer John Sadler for owner Hronis Racing LLC... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2024) – Stakes winner R Heisman, who was also entered in Friday’s I’m Smokin Stakes, apparently will opt for the $300,000 Grade I Del Mar Futurity for 2-year-olds as the lone California-sired. R Heisman is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Far From Over, out of the First American mare Parisienne, was bred by Highclare, is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $115,200 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 9 Graduation Stakes. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2024) – A quartet of California-breds is entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes for 2-year-olds. Run for Kidder is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Unusual Heat mare Winemenow, was bred by Mike Ryan, is owned by Firsthome Thoroughbreds, Anschel, Harold, Barnhart, Nancy and Ryan, Michael John and trained by Adam Kitchingman. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $53,200 and is coming off an Aug. 9 maiden win. Johnson’s Magic is by Mr. Big, out of the Malibu Moon mare Keep the Magic, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by John Sadler. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $15,000. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Panuco is an also-eligible by Stanford, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Swiftly Risen, was bred by Michael Allen, is owned by Tricar Stables and trained by Jorge Periban. The $15,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in... ...

FERNDALE, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2024) – Five California-breds will be seeking their first stakes win in Sunday’s $50,000 C.J. Hindley Humboldt County Marathon at Ferndale. Shot of a Lifetime is by Many Rivers, out of the Chapel Royal mare Penuche Royale, was bred by Rob Creighton, is owned by Sue Gilmour and trained by James Gilmour. He has 18 wins in 83 starts, earnings of $315,611 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 10 Slim Williams Memorial at Tillamook Fair. Druidic is by Boisterous, out of the Rocky Bar mare Shared Image, was bred by owner Robert Traynor and is trained by D. Wayne Baker. He has four wins in 26 starts, earnings of $86,152 and is coming off an Aug. 25 allowance win. Sea of Liberty is by Boisterous, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Seekitana, was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Shapiro, is owned by Gustavo Ponce and trained y James Gilmour. He has nine wins in 41 starts, earnings of $205,884 and is coming... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2024) — Securely atop the California-bred juvenile class after winning the Graduation Stakes last month, R Heisman will aim for a more ambitious goal. Despite being the early favorite in the $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds Friday at Del Mar, R Heisman is expected to scratch to run Sunday in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity. Bred by Highclare, owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller, the colt is an outsider in the Futurity, which Miller won in 2019 with 35-1 longshot Nucky. “I think we’re going in the Futurity,” Miller said Wednesday, referring to R Heisman. “That’s what Mr. Barber wants to do, so that’s what we’re going to do.” The likely defection of R Heisman from the I’m Smokin leaves five runners, including impressive debut winner Shea Brennan, speedster Bodacious, Miller’s maiden winner Style Cat, maiden The Gypsy Cowboy, and longshot Timty. The six-furlong tilt is the second race on Friday’s card which begins at... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. Sept. 4, 2024) – The $75,000- guaranteed E.B. Johnston for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California is one of two stakes scheduled for the 2024 Los Alamitos September meet. The one-mile race will be run Saturday, Sept. 14. The six-day season will begin Friday, Sept. 13 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 22. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday (Sept. 13-15 and 20-22) both weeks. Post time will be 1 p.m. The more lucrative of the stakes is the $125,000 Dark Mirage. The race at one mile for fillies and mares – 3-year-olds & up – will be offered Saturday, Sept. 21. Grandstand admission is $3 and $2 for seniors 62 and older. Admission to Burgart’s and Vessels Club is $10. Tickets can also be purchased online at LosAlamitos.com. Los Alamitos offers free general parking. Preferred parking is $5. The wagering menu includes a pair of $1 Pick 4’s on races 2-5 and the final four races along with a $2 Pick Six as well as the... ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sept. 4, 2024) – Class Code is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Delta Colleen Handicap for fillies and mares at Hastings Racecourse. Class Code is by Desert Code, out of the Cutlass Reality mare Reality With Class, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Barbara Heads. She has 10 wins in 44 starts, earnings of $130,966 and is coming off a fifth in an Aug. 9 optional claimer. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2024) – R Heisman, coming off last month’s Graduation Stakes win, looks for another in Friday’s $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. R Heisman is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Far From Over, out of the First American mare Parisienne, was bred by Highclare, is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $115,200 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 9 Graduation Stakes. Shea Brennan is by Tough Sunday, out of the Old Topper mare Carrie Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He won his lone start July 26 with earnings of $45,000. Timty is by Stanford, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by Wayne Atwell, is owned by Kasparoff, Tim, Leatherman, Ty and Mayberry, Thomas and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $51,620 and is coming off... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 30, 2024) – Monday’s $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar will be a reunion of the trifecta-sweeping progeny of Stay Thirsty and their breeder, CTBA board member Terry Lovingier. In the Air Tonight is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Sky Mesa mare Angel Allie, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Chacon, Anthony J., Flores, Victor M. and Lovingier, Terry C. and trained by Steve Knapp. She has won both starts with earnings of $89,400 and is coming off a win in the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes Aug. 4. Thirsty Mama is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Stormin Fever mare Easter Fever, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Mihaljevich, John and Moroney, John and trained by Steve Miyadi. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $62,200 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 4 CTBA Stakes. Thirsty in Vegas is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Indian Charlie... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2024) – Stakes winner Curlin’s Kaos is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Grade II Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby for 3-year-olds. Curlin’s Kaos is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda & Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $258,520 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 2 Real Good Deal Stakes. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2024) – Five California-bred stakes winners, including females Sassy Nature and Connie Swingle taking on the boys, are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar. Graded stakes winner Fast Buck is by Gallant Son, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch and is owned by Zephyr Racing and trainer Cesar DeAlba. He has five wins in 11 starts, earnings of $282,292 and is coming off a fourth in an Aug. 2 optional claimer. He was ninth in this race last year. Sassy Nature is a filly by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire LLC, is owned by C T R Stables and trained by Luis Mendez. She has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $336,790 and is coming off a win in an Aug. 2 optional claimer. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Star Racer is a stakes winner by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile and fellow California-bred Back On Track are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Grand Slam Smile is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steven Specht. She has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $433,400 and is coming off a second in the July 26 Fleet Treat Stakes. Back On Track is by Prospect Park, out of the Good Journey mare Peg’s Journey, was bred by Carole Fernandez and is owned by trainer Paula Capestro. She has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $122,605 and is coming off a fourth in the July Fleet Treat Stakes. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2024) — Graded winner None Above the Law is the lone California-bred in Saturday’s $1 million Grade I Fanduel Pacific Classic at Del Mar. None Above the Law, winner of the 2021 Del Mar Derby, is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, is owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban. He has seven wins in 35 starts, earnings of $651,892 and is coming off a third in the Aug. 3 California Dreamin’. ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba. (Aug. 27, 2024) – Bound for Heaven is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $50,000 Osiris Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Assiniboia Downs. Bound for Heaven is by Stanford, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Run for Retts, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Naherniak, Garry and Hougham, Leon W. and trained by Mike Taphorn. She won her lone start Aug. 14 with earnings of $8,801. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2024) – Statebred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron and three fellow California-breds take on Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar. For The Chosen Vron, bred by Tiz Molly Partners, it will be his final prep before the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Owned by Sondereker Racing LLC, Kruljac, J. Eric, Fetkin, Robert S. and Thornburgh, Richard and trained by Kruljac, The Chosen Vron has 19 wins in 24 starts, earnings of $1,659,678 and has reeled off victories in 14 of his last 15 starts, all stakes. The other Cal-breds are See Through It, Big City Lights and Moose Mitchell. See Through It is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Chester House mare Crystal House, was bred by Edward Allred, is owned by Lizbeth Medina and trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has 15 wins in 44 starts, earnings of $486,854 and is coming off a fourth in the July 27 Bing Crosby. Big City Lights is... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2024) – Multiple stakes winners Chismosa and Tom’s Regret are joined by fellow California-bred Irish Wahine in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Rancho Bernardo Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $502,250 and is coming off a seventh in the July 6 Great Lady M. Tom’s Regret is by Tom’s Tribute, out of the Quality Road mare Pure, was bred by DP Racing, is owned by Cinema Thoroughbreds, Beckerle, Michelle K., Flores, Victor M., Johnson, Burton and Zondlo, Eugene and trained by Steven Miyadi. She has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $373,823 and is coming off a second in the July 20 Governor’s Cup Stakes. Irish Wahine is by Grazen, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. & Neary Racing, is owned... ...

NISKU, Alberta (Aug. 21, 2024) – California-breds J Dutton and Shining Tiger are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Canadian Derby at Century Mile. J Dutton is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Cat Five’ O, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Christoff, Gordon and Giesbrecht, Lance B. and trained by Robert Anderson. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $70,734 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 5 BC Cup Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trial. Shining Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the southern Halo mare Brooke’s Halo, was bred by PT Syndicate # 1, is owned by Mohammad Kahn and trained by James Brown. He has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $31,686 and is coming off a win in the July 28 Grande Prairie Derby. ...

NISKU, Alberta (Aug. 21, 2024) – California-bred Spitten Kitten risks her stakes win streak in Saturday’s $75,000 Northlands Distaff Handicap for fillies and mares at Century Mile. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Marvin Buffalo, Deb Buffalo and Arnold Soustar. She has eight wins in 13 starts, earnings of $151,515 and is coming off three consecutive wins. Also entered in Cal-bred Majestic Oops. She is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodovar mare Miss Oops, was bred by William Dory, Sandy Dory, Gary Kropp & Janet Kropp, is owned by Sublime Stables Inc, Kropp, Gary and Kropp, Janet and trained by Craig Smith. She has four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $106,249 and is coming off a third in an Aug. 2 allowance. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2024) — The $1,500 supplemental fee required to make Stay and Scam eligible for Sunday’s $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes at Del Mar may be money well spent. A two-time stakes winner this year, Stay and Scam was not nominated earlier this month for $150 in what trainer Doug O’Neill said was an oversight. “This was definitely the plan all along,” he said. :: Get Del Mar Clocker Reports straight from the morning workouts at the track. Available every race day. Stay and Scam, who races for Paul and Zillah Reddam, will be favored to win the Solana Beach Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at a mile on turf. Stay and Scam won the Fran’s Valentine Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at a mile over the Santa Anita turf on May 25 as the 1-2 favorite. In her only subsequent start, Stay and Scam was third by three lengths behind Connie Swingle in the July 27 Daisycutter Handicap against open company at... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2024) — This Friday’s first post will shift from 4 p.m. to 3 p.m. and remain at that time on Fridays for the balance of the meet, which concludes on Sunday, September 8. The time shift is keyed on the setting of the sun in the San Diego area, which corrects by almost an hour over the course of the summer. Sunset on Opening Day (July 20) was at 7:55 p.m. Sunset on Closing Day (September 8) is 7:04 p.m. Additionally, first post on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays will adjust to 1:30 p.m. from the normal 2 p.m. beginning on Saturday, August 31. It will continue at those 1:30 starts on those days for the remainder of the session.   ...

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, August 15, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Del Mar Hilton.  This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #12, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes.  For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and meeting package of materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

See the sales result here ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2024) — Trainer J. Eric Kruljac noted immediately following the G1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar last month that he would not be training The Chosen Vron’s up to the Breeders’ Cup this year. That at some point he would run his star gelding in a prep between now and November. Now he’s decided on what that prep will be. Kruljac says he will run in next Saturday’s G2, $250,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes, a 7-furlong affair that may also attract this year’s Saudi Cup winner, Senor Buscador. “He’s doing great,” Kruljac says of The Chosen Vron. ”We’re going to breeze tomorrow (Saturday) morning. So far he’s hitting on all cylinders and I couldn’t be any more pleased with his training.” The Chosen Vron put in his first work since the Bing Crosby last Saturday when he went three furlongs in :36.00, fourth best of 16 works at the distance that morning. So what does Kruljac do to keep ‘Vron’ in top form?... ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2024) — A year ago, the CTBA’s Northern California yearling and horses of racing age sale was held at Pleasanton mere weeks after the announcement that Golden Gate Fields was soon to be closed. Despite a turbulent time, demand for yearlings was strong with a higher average price compared to the 2022 auction. This year’s sale will be held Tuesday in Pleasanton amid a different setting for the sport in Northern California. Pleasanton will host an autumn race meeting later this year on dates previously run at Golden Gate Fields, which closed June 9. A group of owners, trainers, and breeders, working with the California Authority of Racing Fairs, will conduct the meeting, and have plans to hold a winter-spring meeting in early 2025. Many of the backers of the new Pleasanton meet will be active buyers and sellers on Tuesday. Over the years, this sale’s graduates have often raced in Northern California, with a fewer number sent to Southern California. Tuesday’s sale has drawn... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2024) – Abhita is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $100,000 CTT & TOC Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Abhita is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Wildcat Heir mare Wild Caroline, was bred by James Shenouda, is owned by Zephyr Racing and trained by Antonio Garcia. She has two wins in 15 starts, earnings of $141,756 and is coming off a fifth in a July 21 optional claimer. ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 12, 2024) – The catalog for the 2024 Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age sale is now online at this link: norcalsale-catalog-2024-2.pdf (ctba.com) The sale will be held at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. The catalog includes 118 individuals with an upset price of $1,000. For further information, contact Loretta Viega at Loretta@ctba.com or at 626-445-7800. ...

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Clovisconnection is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $150,000 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by owner William & Judy Hedrick and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has nine wins in 14 starts, earnings of $320,550 and is coming off a win in the June 29 Oak Tree Sprint Stakes. He is 2-for-2 in Emerald Downs stakes races. ...

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2024) – Multiple winners Right Hand Ryder and Keen Movin’ On are among the half dozen California-breds among entries in Saturday’s $75,000 Robert Dupret Derby for 3-year-olds at the Wine Country Meet at the Sonoma County Fair. Elegant Boy is by Big Bad Leroybrown, out of the Trapper mare Trappers Magic, was bred by owner Hector Preciado and is trained by Sergio Perez. He is a maiden making his 10th start with earnings of $24,866. Right Hand Ryder is by G. G. Ryder, out of the Bertrando mare Hand Tricks, was bred by owner Sergio Saiguero and is trained by Samuel Calvario. He has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $35,488 and is coming off three consecutive second-place finishes in starter’s allowance races. Baby Waylon is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Snow Ridge mare Ju Ju Baby, was bred by owner Robert Traynor and is trained by D. Wayne Baker. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $47,250 and is making... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 5, 2024) – As the breeder and co-owner of five of the eight runners in the $101,000 CTBA Stakes at Del Mar last Sunday, it was little surprise that California Thoroughbred Breeders Association director Terry Lovingier was involved with the first three finishers. A similar scenario may develop in Friday’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes for Golden State Sereis-eligible 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs. Of the nine entrants, Lovingier bred five and has an ownership stake in three starters, including the colt Bodacious. Bodacious, co-owned by Lovingier, Griffin Stables, and Paul Sabesky, has had mixed results in two starts. After a dazzling win in a maiden race by 5 3/4 lengths at 4 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on May 3, Bodacious was sixth of 12 as the 2-1 favorite in the Bashford Manor Stakes at six furlongs at Churchill Downs on June 30. :: DRF’s Del Mar Handicapping Packages: Get everything you need to play the races with confidence. Lovingier insists that Bodacious — a... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Daffodil Sweet and fellow California-breds Tizzy Twister and Nan Eliabeth are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Emerald Distaff for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Tizzy Twister is by Tiz a Minister, out of the Tiznow mare Hurricane Tiz, was bred by Sayjay Racing LLC & Beerman Family Trust, is owned by David A. Bernsen LLC and Rockingham Ranch and trained by Justin Evans. She has six wins in 28 starts, earnings of $264,880 and is coming off a sixth in the July 21 Washington State Legislators Stakes. 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 One Horse Will Do and is trained by Marshall Allen. She has 10 wins in 22 starts, earnings of $216,661 and is coming off a second in the July 21 Washington State Legislators Stakes. She was third in this race last year and sixth in 2021. Nan Elizabeth is... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2024) – Signora Vittoria is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Washington Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Signora Vittoria is by Bernardini, out of the Ghostzapper mare Pragmatic Princess, was bred by Warlock Stables, Myrick, Dougan, English, Perry and Denise Martin, is owned by Warlock Stables and Martin, Perry and trained by Tim McCanna. She is a maiden making her 11th start with earnings of $16,200. ...

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2024) – Polis is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Muckleshoot Derby for 3-year-olds at Emerald Downs. Polis is by Kantharos, out of the A.P. Indy mare Choral Symphony, was bred by Stetson Racing, is owned by Darrin Paul and trained by Frank Lucarelli. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $15,078 and is coming off an Aug. 2 maiden claiming win. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2024) — The Oak Tree Racing Association, which operated the fall season at Santa Anita for decades, has made a cash infusion of $157,000 to the purses of seven races at Del Mar on Saturday, and plans a similar investment at Santa Anita on Oct. 5. The funding comes from Oak Tree’s endowment, which also provides annual donations to racing-related charities, officials said. On Saturday, Oak Tree has provided $100,000 of the $400,000 purse for the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Stakes for fillies and mares on dirt. In addition, the organization will pay bonuses of $9,500 to the first three finishers of six overnight races. Those funds will be divided equally between owners and trainer and are worth $5,000 for first, $3,000 for second, and $1,500 for third. :: DRF’s Del Mar Handicapping Packages: Get everything you need to play the races with confidence. Oak Tree is also providing a $500 gift to the groom of the horse voted as the best turned out... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2024) – Sunday’s $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar will have a field of eight, five of which were bred by CTBA Board member Terry Lovingier. Nostri Vires is by Phantom Boss, out of the Wicked Strong mare Wicked Fresh, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Daniel Hawkins, Lovingier and Amanda Navarro and is trained by Craig Dollase. The $10,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in two starts, earnings of $27,840 and is coming off a July 6 maiden win. Coralgableskaylin is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Bellamy Road mare Mandy’s Grace, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $35,400 and is coming off a June 22 maiden win. Lil’ Bit Bossy is by Phantom Boss, out of the Rock Hard Ten mare Pebble Beach Baby, was... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 31, 2024) – Carmelita’s Man, who has won the last two editions of the race, takes on multiple stakes winners None Above the Law and Passarando in Saturday’s $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Del Mar. On the Whim is by Acclamation, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Whimsy, was bred by owner Harris Farms and trained by Dean Pederson. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $79,240 and is coming off a sixth in a June 16 allowance. Catalina Eddy is by Square Eddie, out of the Johar mare Frege, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Rainmaker Racing and trained by Craig Lewis. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $164,310 and is coming off a sixth in a June 7 optional claimer. Disko Tribute is by Tom’s Tribute, out of the Country Reel mare Disko Dasko, was bred by DP Racing, is owned by Flawless Racing, Flanagan, Brian, Jarvis, Michael and Weseloh, Michael and trained... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 26, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Shady Tiger risks his four-race win streak breaking from the outside post in a field of 13 entered in Friday’s $150,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Pure Madness is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Quality Road mare Pure, was bred by DP Racing and is owned by trainer Brian Koriner & Janet Lyons. He won his lone start with earnings of $42,120. Mio Bambino is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Decarchy mare Bella Castagna, was bred by owners Nat & Alma Rubinfeld and is trained by Andy Mathis he won his lone start with earnings of $19,500. Stay On the Fence is by Pavel, out of the The Factor mare Factor of Two, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $157,100 and is coming off a 10th in the May 25 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by... ...

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2024) — Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) invites all members to the Southern California Annual Meeting on Saturday, Aug. 10 in the Veranda Cafe at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, beginning at 8:30 a.m., with an Owners Appreciation Reception on Sunday, Aug. 11 at the Plaza de Mexico Fountain from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The general business meeting will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include a question-and-answer session. Award presentations will also be made to the winners of the Chairman’s Award, annual Owner Awards, and a complimentary buffet breakfast will be served. REGISTRATION REQUIRED WITH CURRENT CHRB LICENSE Register Here   TOC and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club invite licensed owners to join us for an Owner Appreciation reception this summer! Enjoy an afternoon with fellow owners, music, and food at the Plaza de Mexico Fountain (stretch run side of the grandstand) at Del Mar Racetrack. We welcome you to bring one guest. Additional... ...

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (July 31, 2024) – Princesa Del Tigre is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Luther Burbank Stakes for fillies and mares at the Sonoma County Fair. Princesa Del Tigre is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Flame Thrower mare Corazon de Leo, was bred by Roberto Gonzalez, Wright Batlin, Marc Batlin & Kathleen Parnello, is owned by La Penita Racing Stable, Batlin, Marc, Batlin, Wright, Donsife, Rebecca and Parnello, Kathy and trained by Tim McCanna. She has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $140,734 and is coming off a third in the June 22 She’s a Tiger Stakes. ...

AUBURN, Wash. (July 31, 2024) – Si That Tiger is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 WTBOA Lads Stakes at Emerald Downs. Si That Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Rosburg mare Ros’s Girl, was bred by Darlyne Krieg, is owned by Maryanski, John, Maryanski, Janene, Schneider, Gerald E. and Schneider, Gail and trained by Blaine Wright. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $14,400 and is coming off a July 13 maiden win. ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (July 31, 2024) – J Dutton is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 BC Cup Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trail Handicap for 3-year-olds at Hastings Racecourse. J Dutton is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Cat Five’O, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Christoff, Gordon and Giesbrecht, Lance B. and trained by Robert Anderson. He has one win in seven starts, earnings of $68,900 and is coming off a June 7 maiden win. ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (July 31, 2024) – Buttonwood Tree is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 BC Cup Classic Handicap at Hastings Racecourse. Buttonwood Tree is by Stanford, out of the Hennessy mare Wall St Widow, was bred by Donald Valpredo and is owned by trainer Dave Milburn. He has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $64,631 and is coming off a fourth in a July 27 optional claimer. ...

NEW CUMBERLAND, W. Va. (July 30, 2024) – California-bred stakes winner Play Chicken and California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale grad Discretionary Day are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 West Virginia Governor’s Stakes at Mountaineer. Discretionary Day is by Acclamation, out of the Gone West mare Westline, was bred by Donald Valpredo, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables, Jacobs, Jeff and Colone, Dave and trained by Juan Silva. The $5,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has four wins in 25 starts, earnings of $144,956 and is coming off a July 29 claiming win. Play Chicken is by Square Eddie, out of the Distorted Humor mare Smoove, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables and trained by Juan Silva. He has seven wins in 31 starts, earnings of $192,094 and is coming off a third in a July 23 starter’s allowance. ...

NEW CUMBERLAND, W. Va. (July 30, 2024) – California-bred stakes winner Play Chicken and California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale grad Discretionary Day are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 West Virginia Governor’s Stakes at Mountaineer. Discretionary Day is by Acclamation, out of the Gone West mare Westline, was bred by Donald Valpredo, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables, Jacobs, Jeff and Colone, Dave and trained by Juan Silva. The $5,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has four wins in 25 starts, earnings of $144,956 and is coming off a July 29 claiming win. Play Chicken is by Square Eddie, out of the Distorted Humor mare Smoove, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables and trained by Juan Silva. He has seven wins in 31 starts, earnings of $192,094 and is coming off a third in a July 23 starter’s allowance. ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Aug. 2, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Spitten Kitten, fellow California-bred stakes winner Big Stretch and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Even Pandura are entered in Monday’s $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes for fillies and mares at Assiniboia Downs. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Marvin and Deb Buffalo and Arnold Souster and is trained by Marvin Buffalo. She has seven wins in 12 starts, earnings of $129,072 and is coming off back-to-back stakes wins. Big Stretch is by Mr. Big, out of the Curlin mare Baby Zito, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by A2 Thoroughbreds and trained by Michael Nault. She has four wins in 34 starts, earnings of $181,946 and is coming off a fourth in the July 16 Canada Stakes. She won this race last year and was third in 2022. Even Pandura is by Time to Get Even, out of the Midnight Lute mare Pandura, was... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2024) – Although the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Sprint is the one that got away from The Chosen Vron – his only loss in his last 14 starts – the California-bred gelding’s main objective for 2024 was always the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar. One year after he cemented his reputation as top sprinter in California by winning the Bing Crosby despite a brutal trip, The Chosen Vron will try for a repeat Saturday in the $400,000, six-furlong race. Trainer Eric Kruljac is happy with the gelding’s condition, and wary of the competition. “So far everything’s perfect, he’s on tilt,” Kruljac said last weekend at Del Mar after The Chosen Vron rolled through a sharp half-mile workout under jockey Hector Berrios. But the quality of the Bing Crosby field is not lost on Kruljac. “It’s going to be tougher than last year,” he said. Last year’s Cal-bred Horse of the Year was bred by Tiz Molly Partners and is owned by... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Connie Swingle is joined by fellow California-brds Doris Mae and Stay and Scam in Saturday’s $100,000 Daisycutter Handicap for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Connie Swingle is by Grazen out of the Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has six wins in 10 starts, earnings of $431,564 and is making her first start since a second in the Oct. 29 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes. Doris Mae is by Dads Caps, out of the Western Fame mare Tizalovelylady, was bred by owner Richard Barton Enterprises and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $197,024 and is coming off a fifth in a July 27 optional claimer. Stay and Scam is by Square Eddie, out of the Momentum mare Puff Pastry, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has six wins in 13 starts, earnings of... ...

From The Jockey Club SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (July 24, 2024) — The Jockey Club announced July 24 the speakers for its 72nd Annual Round Table Conference on Matters Pertaining to Racing to be held Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. ET at the Excelsior Springs Event Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. It will also be livestreamed on The Jockey Club’s website jockeyclub.com. Stuart Janney III, chairman of The Jockey Club, will preside over the conference. To provide an overview of horse racing in California, Gary Fenton—managing partner of Little Red Feather Racing, chair of the Thoroughbred Ownes of California, and a member of The Jockey Club—will cover the present and future of California racing and Dr. Dionne Benson, chief veterinary officer for 1/ST Racing, will share how California has improved the safety of its athletes, including by using cutting-edge technology at the track.  The presentations will begin with an update on The Jockey Club and its companies by its president and COO, Jim Gagliano.  This year’s keynote speaker is Todd Gralla, principal at Populous,... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 21, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile can extend her domination of the division in Friday’s $150,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar, one of five Cal-bred races on the card with full fields. Based at Pleasanton in Northern California, nearly 400 miles from Del Mar, stakes winner Grand Slam Smile shipped in last week. She has a score to settle with Pushiness. Based on decisive recent stakes wins, Grand Slam Mile is up to the task. Grand Slam Smile is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steven Specht. She has five wins in seven starts, earnings of $404,900 and is coming off back-to-back stakes wins. The chink in her armor, if it can be called that, is not evident in her past performances. She fires every start. “She’s one that will lay it down,” Specht said. “She’s competitive,... ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way seeks a repeat against four California-bred rivals in Saturday’s $65,000 Governor’s Cup Stakes for fillies and mares at the California State Fair at Cal Expo. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms & John Nicoletti, is owned by Andy & Rob Smolich and trained by Jamey Thomas. She has seven wins in 15 starts, earnings of $374,770 and is coming off a third in the June 15 Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks. The $6,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale won this race last year. Draw Me is by Last Draw, out of the Dayjur mare Montada, was bred by Terri Eaton & Joe Gibson, is owned by Eaton, Gibson, Jacqueline and Mervyn Sahud and is trained by Eaton. She has seven wins in 49 starts, earnings of $226,744 and is coming off a third in a July 4 optional claimer. Smiling Molly... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (July 17, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Daffodil Sweet and fellow California-bred Tizzy Twister are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Washington State Legislators Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. 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 One Horse Will Do Corp. and is trained by Marshall Allen. She has 10 wins in 21 starts, earnings of $206,661 and is coming off a sixth in the June 22 Hastings Stakes. She won this race in 2021. Tizzy Twister is by Tiz a Minister, out of the Tiznow mare Hurricane Tiz, was bred by Sayjay Racing LLC & Beerman Family Trust, is owned by David A. Bernsen LLC and Rockingham Ranch and trained by Justin Evans. She has six wins in 27 starts, earnings of $263,380 and is coming off a seventh in a June 14 optional claimer. ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (July 15, 2024) – Stakes winner Mr. Stang and fellow California-bred Magic Tiger are entered in Tuesday’s $50,000 R.J. Speers Memorial Stakes at Assiniboia Downs. Mr. Stang is by Atta Boy Roy, out of the Private Gold mare Special Holiday, was bred by Melvin and Lori Mellick, is owned by Maria Moreno and trained by Carlos Moreno. He has eight wins in 25 starts, earnings of $180,435 and is coming off a win in the June 26 Free Press Stakes. Magic Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Funny Gal, was bred by Robert Heinz & Michelle Machado, is owned by Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meikle and is trained by Wendy Anderson. He has 12 wins in 32 starts and earnings of $169,767. ...

AUBURN, Wash. (July 10, 2024) – California-breds Signora Vittoria and Victoria’s Charge are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Kent Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Signoria Vittoria is by Bernardini, out of the Ghostzapper mare Pragmatic Princess, was bred by Warlock Stables, Myrick, Dougan, English, Perry and Denise Martin, is owned by Warlock Stables and Perry Martin and is trained by Tim McCanna. She is a maiden making her 10th start with earnings of $14,200. Victoria’s Charge is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Mr. Greeley mare Feel the Charge, was bred by owners Brett Brophy & Kelly Dougan and is trained by Alan Bozell. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $21,960 and is coming off a second in the June 15 Seattle Stakes. ...