EDMONTON, Alberta (June 15, 2021) – Cozy Bear is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Western Canada Handicap at Century Mile. Cozy Bear is by Commissioner, out of the Unusual Heat mare Gia Is a Bella, was bred by Rising Star Farm, is owned by Deltin Stable and Ed Welsh and is trained by Tim Rycroft. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $41,417 and is coming off a third in a May 30 optional claimer. ...

AUBURN, Wash. (June 13, 2021) – Stakes winners Ima Happy Cat and Daffodil Sweet and fellow California-bred Coco Bee are entered in Thursday’s $50,000 Hastings Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Ima Happy Cat is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Wekiva Springs mare Infernal McGoon, was bred by Dale Mahlum, is owned by Sue & Tim Spencer and trained by Dan Markle. She has seven wins in 26 starts, earnings of $247,462 and is coming off an Apr. 23 claimer. She won this race in 2019. Coco Bee is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Slewdledo mare Hope I Do, was bred by owner Chappell Alpine Farms and is trained by Blaine Wright. She has seven wins in 14 starts, earnings of $191,529 and is coming off third in a May 20 allowance. 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 Steve Shimizu and... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (June 13, 2021) – California-breds Returray, Take Charge Deputy and Windribbon come off lengthy layoffs in Thursday’s $50,000 Budweiser Stakes at Emerald Downs. Returray is by Coil, out of the Slewdledo mare Margaret’s Miracle, was bred by Gary Brady & JAGH3, is owned by Mischief Club 3, Gary Brady and Janet George and is trained by Sharon Ross. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $59,852 and is making his first start since an eighth in a Nov. 7 optional claimer. Take Charge Deputy is by Take Charge Indy, out of the Deputy Minister mare Promoted Deputy, was bred by Mercedes Stable, is owned by Rosales Racing F1 and is trained by Jorge Rosales. He has eight wins in 24 starts, earnings of $80,203 and is making his first start since a ninth in the Sept. 10 Longacres Mile. Windribbon is by Sway Away, out of the Grand Reward mare Jumanah, was bred by owner Seamist Racing and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has three... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 10, 2021) – Coming off consecutive stakes wins, The Chosen Vron is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Affirmed Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. The Chosen Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners, is owned by Fetkin, Sondereker or Thornburg, et al and is trained by J. Eric Kruljac. He has three wins in four starts — all sprints — earnings of $210,600 and is coming off a win in the May 15 Laz Barrera. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 10, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, the 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 #13, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. The agenda and package of materials are available on the CHRB website. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 9, 2021) — Fashionably Fast, a hard-hitting California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit, seeks the sixth stakes win in a 23-race career this Saturday in the $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes at Santa Anita. Also entered are Colt Fiction, bred by Robert Mitchell; Whooping Jay, bred by Reddam Racing; Jamming Eddy, bred by Reddam Racing; Brickyard Ride, bred by Alfred Pais and Loud Mouth, bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. The Thor’s Echo for four-year-olds and up is one in the Golden State Series for horses bred or sired in California. “He worked this morning (four furlongs in 47.80) and as long as everything goes well, the game plan is to run,” said Dean Pederson, who trains Fashionably Fast for John Harris, his breeder and owner along with Per Antonsen and John Nicoletti. A six-year-old chestnut gelding, Fashionably Fast has compiled an 8-4-5 record from 22 starts, earning $590,661. “He’s paid the way for himself and about five others in the shed row,” said Pederson, who... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (June 9, 2021) – Streaking California-bred Brandothebartender shoots for his third consecutive black-type victory in Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. Multiple stakes winner Bettor Trip Nick is by Boat Trip, out of the In Excess mare Bettor Knot, was bred by Running Horse Equine Training Center, is owned by Gary Oetman or Ray Pagano and is trained by Quinn Howey. He has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $192,370 and is coming off a seventh in the Apr. 24 Lost in the Fog. Give Me the Lute is by Boisterous, out of the Midnight Lute mare Steal the Lute, was bred by Gary Barber, is owned by Rod Hogan or Wendy Hogan and is trained by Andy Mathis. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $149,873 and is making his first start since a third in the Nov. 7 Joseph T. Grace. Brandothebartender is by Tribal Rule, out of the Stravinsky mare Frysland, was bred by John Haagsma & Wesley Ward, is owned... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 8, 2021) – California-bred gelding The Chosen Vron, a two-time stakes winner and the top 3-year-old sprinter in California, will stretch to a route for the first time in the Grade 3 Affirmed Stakes on Sunday at Santa Anita. “I’ve got to see if you can stretch out,” trainer and co-owner Eric Kruljac said early this week at Santa Anita. “I’m cautiously optimistic.” He has good reason. Based on decisive stakes wins in both recent starts at 6 1/2 furlongs, The Chosen Vron could start favored in the 1 1/16-mile Affirmed. He won the Echo Eddie Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds on April 3 and dominated the Grade 3 Laz Barrera on May 15, winning by more than three lengths under Umberto Rispoli. “He has so much left at the end of his races,” Kruljac said. “Rispoli said he didn’t really use him” in the Barrera. The Chosen Vron, bred by Tiz Molly Partners, has won 3 of 4 starts and is the only graded stakes... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 2, 2021) – Never for Money is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Monrovia Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Never for Money is by Flat Out, out of the Unusual Heat mare Jet Set Girl, was bred by Cole Ranch, is owned by Michael Jawl or trainer Andy Mathis. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of $61,072 and is coming off a May 7 allowance win. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (May 28, 2021) – Stakes winner Indian Peak is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $100,000 All American Stakes at Golden Gate. Indian Peak is by Comic Strip, out of the Roar mare Ms. Booty, was bred by owner Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and is trained by Quinn Howey. He has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $237,056 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 25 optional claimer. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 26, 2021) – Multiple-graded winner Acclimate in the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Charles Whittingham Stakes at Santa Anita. Acclimate is by Acclamation, out of the Boundary mare Knows No Bounds, was bred by Old English Rancho, Sal Berumen & Patsy Berumen, is owned by The Ellwood Johnston Trust, Timmy Time Racing or Tevelde and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has six wins in 23 starts, earnings of $457,872 and is coming off a third in the Apr. 24 Crystal Water. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (May 20, 2021) – Recent stakes winners Stalking Shadow and None Above the Law are among seven California-breds entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Seattle Bold is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Roman Ruler mare Roman Wild, was bred by owner Miles McMahon and is trained by Jamey Thomas. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $49,490 and is coming off a second in the Apr. 25 Silky Sullivan. J T’s Watch is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Bertrando mare Only a Moment, was bred by Henry Williamson, is owned by Williamson Racing and is trained by Reid France. He has three wins in five stats, earnings of $36,800 and is coming off consecutive starter’s allowance wins. Chief Jackson is by Dads Caps, out of the Unusual Heat mare Sea of Red, was bred by owner Richard Barton and is trained by D. Wayne Baker. He has one win in seven starts, earnings of $31,220 and is coming off... ...

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (May 20, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $50,000 Honor the Hero Stakes at Canterbury Park. Minister of Soul is a multiple-stakes winner 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 nine wins in 28 starts, earnings of $249,338 and is coming off a third in an Apr. 13 allowance. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2021)–Owner/trainer Eric Kruljac’s talented California-bred The Chosen Vron heads a field of four sophomores going 6 ½ furlongs in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Lazaro Barrera Stakes at Santa Anita. Named for the late Hall of Fame trainer who conditioned 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed, the Barrera, originally run at Hollywood Park in 1981, will be run for the 41st time and for the eighth time at Santa Anita on Saturday. Juddmonte Farms’ homebred Laurel River, a sharp 6 ½ furlong maiden winner in his second start here on April 3 rates a solid chances as well. The Chosen Vron, a chestnut gelding by the recently deceased Vronsky, was a scintillating first-out maiden winner here on Dec. 27, taking a 6 ½ furlongs maiden special versus California-breds by 6 ¾ lengths.  Subsequently third, beaten 3 ¼ lengths by top sophomore Concert Tour going seven panels in the Grade II San Vicente Stakes Feb. 6, The Chosen Vron was much the best in a 1... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 12, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, the 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 #11, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. The agenda and package of materials are available on the CHRB website. ...

BALTIMORE, Md. (May 11, 2021) – Push to Start is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Jim McKay Turf Classic at Pimlico. Push to Start is by Can the Man, out of the Aldebaran mare Seaside, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Mark Kornegay and is trained by Damon Dilodovico. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $50,740 and is coming off a win in a Mar. 13 starter’s allowance. ...

PARIS, France (May 14, 2021) – California stallion Sir Prancealot will be represented by two offspring in Sunday’s card at Longchamp. Prince Lancelot, a 3-year-old out of Rainbow Vale, will contest the Group I Emirates Poule d’Essai des Poulines at a mile on the turf. Miss Amulet, a 3-year-old filly out of Shena’s Dream, will contest the Group I Emirates Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at a mile on the turf. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 9, 2021) — The Chosen Vron seeks his first victory against open company this Saturday in the Grade III Lazaro Barrera Stakes for three-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs on the main track. The Chosen Vron worked four furlongs yesterday in 48.40. “It’s a big step up going against open company, but he’s earned it,” said trainer Eric Kruljac, who owns a share of the chestnut gelding with several partners. The Chosen Vron, a son of the late stallion Vronsky, overcame trouble to win the Echo Eddie Stakes against California-breds by 1 ¼ lengths as the 3-5 favorite on April 3. “He sure had a rough trip last time,” Kruljac said. “He was bumped at the start and bumped at the eighth pole. Hopefully he’ll move forward a little bit and he’ll probably have to with these.” The Chosen Vron won his debut race against state-breds by nearly seven lengths last Dec. 27, then pressed the pace against Preakness-bound Concert Tour in the Grade... ...

ALTOONA, Iowa (May 19, 2021) – Multiple stakes winner She Likes to Party is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Goldfinch Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Prairie Meadows. She Likes to Party is by Maclean’s Music, out of the All Gone mare Gone to Party, was bred by Lou Neve, is owned by Don Danard and trained by G Tracy. She has three wins in four starts, earnings of $66,093 and is making her first start since a fifth in the Dec. 1, 2020 My Trusty Cat Stakes. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 6, 2021)–Ben and Sally Warren’s classy homebred Warren’s Showtime heads a field of six California-bred fillies mares and four and up in Sunday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes, to be contested at one mile over the Santa Anita turf. William Sims’ homebred Leggs Galore, who had a five-race win streak snapped in her most recent start, Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams’ multiple stakes winning Pulpit Rider, Kaleem Shah’s stakes winning Bella Vita, Red Baron’s Barn’s homebred Lofty, who makes her second start off a long layoff and trainer Ray Bell’s consistent Kristi’s Tiger all rate solid chances in the race named for the late Earl Scheib’s multiple Grade I winning millionaire daughter of Saros. The Fran’s Valentine is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA and is for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Trained by Craig Lewis, Warren’s Showtime comes off a pair of solid third place finishes in Grade II stakes at one mile on turf, the Royal... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 28, 2021) – California-bred stakes winners Closing Remarks and Sensible Cat are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Senorita Stakes 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 six starts, earnings of $189,500 and is coming off a second in the Apr. 3 Providencia. Sensible Cat is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Street Sense mare Sensible Girl, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has three wins in six starts, earnings of $156,840 and is coming off third in the Apr. 3 Providencia. ...

From Bloodhorse.com Lava Man Plays Important Role in O’Neill Barn – Video – – BloodHorse ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 22, 2021) – Stakes winners Positivity and Top Harbor are part pf a full field entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Gallant Guy is by Gallant Son, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Quick Glory, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Daehling Ranch, Doyle, Gonzalez, Gutierrez or Lopez and is trained by Reina Gonzalez. He has one win in seven starts, earnings of $56,660 and is coming off a Mar. 21 maiden win. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Bobby’s Alibi is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Curlin to Mischief, out of the Stormy Atlantic, mare Sacred Alibi, was bred by H & E Ranch, is owned by Robert Jones and trained by Faith Taylor. The $24,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $27,060 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 18 starter’s allowance. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 22, 2021) – Stakes winner I’m So Anna and two-time winner Maybe I Will are among nine entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Campanile Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. I’m So Anna is by Fast Anna, out of the Jet West mare So So Fast, was bred by owner KMN Racing and is trained by Steve Sherman. She has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $129,240 and is coming off a third in the Apr. 3 Evening Jewel. Squared Shady is by Square Eddie, out of the Johar mare Frege, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Edward Brown Jr. or Jeff Ganje and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has one win in nine starts, earnings of $84,744 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 4 optional claimer. Street Dancing is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Street Cry mare Main Street, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is owned by trainer Daniel Franko. She is a... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Govenor’s Party and fellow California-breds Stalking Shadow and Omph are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 California Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Stalking Shadow is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Petionville mare Silent Stalk, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $68,920 and is coming off Mar. 26 optional claiming win. Govenor’s Party is by Govenor Charlie, out of the Zensational mare Spring Moon, was bred by Terry Lovingier and is owned by trainer Daniel Franko. The $1,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $46,976 and is coming off a fifth in an Apr. 4 optional claimer. Omph is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Comic Strip mare Dustkickin Lass, was bred by owners Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and is trained by Quinn Howey. He has one win in six starts, earnings of... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2021) – Multiple stakes winner Bettor Trip Nick and Sensational star runner-up Jamming Eddie are among four California-breds among entries in Saturday’s $75,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate. Sunset Dragunn is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Indian Charlie mare Luke’s Finest, was bred by Lorrie Anthony-Wanger & Oliver W. Wanger, is owned by La Penita Racing Stable, Gomez, Heriberto and Gonzalez, Maria and is trained by Isidro Tamayo. He has five wins in 35 starts, earnings of $183,444 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 26 optional claimer. He was seventh in this race in 2018. Bettor Trip Nick is by Boat Trip, out of the In Excess mare Bettor Knot, was bred by Running Horse Equine Training Center, is owned by Gary Oetman or Ray Pagano and is trained by Quinn Howey. He has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $191,920 and is coming off an Apr. 2 allowance win. El Chavo Del Ocho is by Tannersmyman, out... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2021) – Seven California-breds are part of an overflow field of 14 entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Square Peggy is by Square Eddie, out of the Momentum mare Puff Pastry, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Boardshorts Stable and is trained by Quinn Howey. She has eight wins in 30 starts, earnings of $269,287 and is coming off a fifth in a Mar. 14 allowance. Sadie Bluegrass is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Grazen mare Sadie Clare, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Madden Racing, Hon Cheung Kum or Hsiu Mei Tsai and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She has eight wins in 13 starts, earnings of $180,980 and is coming off an Apr. 16 starter’s allowance win. Nardini is by Acclamation, out of the Tribal Rule mare Ismene, was bred by Stephen Ferraro, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by Andy Mathis. She has three wins in 10 starts, earnings... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2021) – California-breds Joymaker and Misty Cat are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Joymaker is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Half Term mare Joyously, was bred by owners Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and is trained by Quinn Howey. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $50,500 and is coming off a win in a Mar. 27 starter’s allowance. Misty Cat is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Bob and John mare Play Misty for Me, was bred by BKB Stables and is owned by trainer Daniel Franko. She has one win in nine starts, earnings of $45,234 and is coming off a fourth in an Apr. 4 optional claimer. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 21, 2021)–Fresh off a pair of impressive wins over the Santa Anita turf, the Richard Baltas-trained North County Guy heads Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes, for older California-bred or sired horses at one mile on turf.  Named for the California-bred winner of both the Santa Anita Handicap and Hollywood Gold Cup in 1977, the Crystal Water has attracted a field of six. The Crystal Water is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA and is for eligible California-bred or sired runners. A 6-year-old gelding by The Pamplemousse, out of the Unusual Heat mare Warmth, North County Guy has earned lofty Beyer Speed figures of 97 in his last two races, a 2 ¼  length classified allowance win at one mile on turf March 7 and a gutty neck victory in the Cal Cup Turf Classic at 1 1/8 miles on turf two starts back on Jan. 16–a race in which he was 15 lengths off the lead after the... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 16, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, the 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 #7, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. The agenda and package of materials are available on the CHRB website. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 15, 2021)–Fresh off the best race of his career, the Craig Lewis-trained Brickyard Ride, along with Bob Baffert’s multiple stakes winning Ax Man, head Sunday’s Grade III, $100,000 Kona Gold Stakes at Santa Anita.  Named for the winner of the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Sprint and Eclipse Champion Sprinter of the year 2000, the Kona Gold has attracted four 3-year-olds and up going 6 ½ furlongs over the Santa Anita main track. A 4-year-old California-bred colt by red-hot sire Clubhouse Ride, Brickyard Ride is owned by his breeder, Alfred Pais.  A gate to wire winner of both the six furlong California Cup Sprint on Jan. 16 and the Grade II San Carlos Stakes going seven furlongs on March 6, Brickyard Ride has won four out of his last five starts since being paired with apprentice Alexis Centeno, dating back to a gate to wire allowance win going six furlongs here on Sept. 27. “He’s blessed with a lot of natural speed (and) obviously, he’s learning... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 14, 2021)–A pair of talented 4-year-old fillies in top form, Richard Mandella’s Superstition and Phil D’Amato’s Leggs Galore, meet for the first time as six older fillies and mares meet in Saturday’s $75,000 Mizdirection Stakes at six furlongs over the Santa Anita turf.  With favoritism likely to be hotly contested, Superstition, an $850,000 Keeneland September Yearling, has pedigree in her corner, while California-bred Leggs Galore, who seeks her sixth consecutive turf sprint win, may be from the wrong side of the tracks, but she’s been nothing short of brilliant in a pair of recent stakes wins versus statebred competition. A Kentucky-bred daughter of Ghostzapper, out of the Distorted Humor mare Grand Glory, Superstition stalked a sizzling opening quarter mile of 20.60 and a half of 43 flat before taking command a furlong out in the restricted Wishing Well Stakes going 6 ½ furlongs here on Feb. 15.  Ridden by Flavien Prat in all seven of her races, Superstition has won three out of her last... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 8, 2021) — Golden Gate Fields will reopen in a limited capacity to fans starting April 16 and continuing for the remainder of the winter/spring meet that runs through to June 13. The limited capacity reopening is scheduled one week before Gold Rush Weekend, the Bay Area’s marquee Thoroughbred horse racing event of the year. Gold Rush Weekend is April 24-25 and features eight graded stakes races, including the $250,000 San Francisco Mile (G3T). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, fans will be required to reserve tickets online. General Admission and walk-ups are not permitted at this time. Fans are encouraged to sign-up at www.goldengatefields.com when tickets go on sale.   “We are delighted to be able to welcome racing fans back to Golden Gate Fields,” said David Duggan, senior vice president and general manager of Golden Gate Fields. “Our team has worked tirelessly and in collaboration with the officials from the Berkeley Public Health Division to plan for the reopening of Golden Gate Fields to the public. It is our... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 7, 2021) – California-bred Hockey Dad resumes his bid for Kentucky Derby points in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Stonestreet Lexington Stakes for 3-year-olds at Keeneland. Hockey Dad is by Nyquist, out of the Yankee Victor mare Ann Summers Gold, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $132,420 and is coming off a third in the Mar. 27 Jeff Ruby Steaks, finishing a head behind runner-up Sainthood when he earned 20 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 31, 2021) – Graded stakes winner Warren’s Showtime is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Royal Heroine Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Warren’s Showtime is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Affirmative mare Warren’s Veneda, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Benjamin and Sally Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has six wins in 17 starts, earnings of $593,431 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 20 Buena Vista. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 31, 2021) – California-bred stakes winners Sensible Cat and Closing Remarks are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita Sensible Cat is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Street Sense mare Sensible Girl, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of $144,840 and is coming off a win in a Mar. 7 optional claimer. 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 five starts, earnings of $169,500 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 6 China Doll. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 31, 2021)–A runaway first-time maiden winner on Dec. 27, trainer Eric Kruljac’s talented The Chosen Vron heads a field of 11 statebred sophomores going 6 ½ furlongs in Saturday’s $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes at Santa Anita. The Echo Eddie is part of the lucrative Golden State Series which is sponsored by the CTBA and is for eligible California-bred or sired horses. The 2-1 favorite in a field of 10, The Chosen Vron dictated terms throughout in a thoroughly dominant first-out performance under eastern-based John Velazquez and he was subsequently a solid third behind possible Kentucky Derby favorite Concert Tour in the Grade II San Vicente Stakes at seven furlongs on Feb. 6. By Vronsky out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, The Chosen Vron rates top billing and will be reunited with Mike Smith. Peter Miller’s well-accomplished None Above the Law comes off a facile two length win versus open company in a first condition allowance going one mile on March 20 and will be shortening... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 31, 2021)–Unbeaten in three starts, Nick Alexander’s homebred Becca Taylor makes her stakes debut as she heads a field of nine sophomore fillies going 6 ½ furlongs in Saturday’s $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita. The Evening Jewel is part of the lucrative Golden State Series which is sponsored by the CTBA and is for eligible California-bred or sired horses. A first-out maiden winner going 5 ½ furlongs versus statebreds on Dec. 13 at Los Alamitos, Becca Taylor has shown ample grit in rallying from off the pace in all three of her wins.  An impressive 1 ¼ length allowance winner going six furlongs on turf Jan. 18, Becca Taylor’s most recent win came on Feb. 21, when she battled head and head late to prevail by a neck going six furlongs on the main track. Ridden in her last two starts by apprentice Jessica Pyfer, “Becca” will be ridden for the first time by leading man Flavien Prat on Saturday.  By the multiple... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 31, 2021)–A fans’ favorite for generations, Santa Anita’s spacious Infield Area will reopen to the public this Saturday, Runhappy Santa Anita Derby Day.  “Bring Your Own Seat”  Admission to the Infield, which is accessible via Gate 6 off of Colorado Place on the track’s northern perimeter, is just $5.  “Bring Your Own Seat” Admission includes parking and a racing program. All tickets must be purchased in advance at santaanita.com/open.  Tickets may be purchased in quantities of one to six and ticket holders are welcome to bring their food and beverage, with the exception of alcohol and glass containers. As in years past, Infield ticket holders are welcome to bring lawn chairs and coolers and are advised to please consider bringing sunscreen as shade will not be provided.  Each pod or household group will be required to set up at least 10 feet away from other pods to ensure proper social distancing.  Limited food and beverage service will be available. Picnic Reserved Seating will also be available this... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2021) — Fans will return to Santa Anita beginning Friday for the first time in more than a year, with the track mandating customers purchase admission tickets in advance and follow familiar social distancing protocols. Tickets are available for $10 or $20 in groups of two, four or six, and include mandatory seating available in sections such as the grandstand, trackside picnic tables, or the turf terrace restaurant in the clubhouse. Fans are required to purchase seats in advance through the track’s website at santaanita.com/open. Ticket sales begin at 10 a.m. on Monday. Audiences of up to 9,000 people will be allowed under the Los Angeles County’s guidelines for outdoor sports, track officials said. The limited attendance is likely to lead to a sell-out for Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby program, which annually draws one of the larger ontrack crowds of the year. :: Enhance your handicapping with DRF’s Santa Anita Clocker Report Track general manager Nate Newby emphasized that customers need to purchase tickets in... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (March 25, 2021)–An ultra-game one mile stakes winner versus statebreds in his most recent start, Harris Farms’ homebred Fashionably Fast steps into open company as he heads a field of six older horses in Sunday’s $75,000 Santana Mile at Santa Anita. Fashionably Fast, a 6-year-old gelding by Lucky Pulpit, will be making his third start off of a 5 ½ month layoff and appears to be back to his best for trainer Dean Pederson.  A head victor of the one mile Tiznow Stakes on Feb. 28, Fashionably Fast is a five-time stakes winner that has two wins and a second place finish from three tries at one mile. Owned by Harris Farms, Inc., Per Antonsen and John Nicoletti, Fashionably Fast is out of the Forestry mare Fall Fashion.  With regular rider Tiago Pereira back aboard, Fashionably Fast will likely stalk what shapes up as a lively pace.  With an overall mark of 20-8-4-3, Fashionably Fast has earnings of $568,245. Hal and Patti Earnhardt’s homebred Ax Man, a 6-year-old Kentucky-bred gelding by... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 24, 2021)–George Krikorian’s multiple graded stakes winning homebred Mucho Unusual heads a solid field of eight older fillies and mares going a mile and one quarter on turf in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Santa Ana Stakes at Santa Anita. Voted California-bred Horse of the Year for 2020 by the CTBA, Mucho Unusual will be tackling sharp recent allowance winner Tapwater, promising French-bred Neige Blanche, Irish-bred Red Lark and long-fused French-bred Altea in what shapes up as a terrific betting race. A two-time graded stakes winner at the current meeting for trainer Tim Yakteen, Mucho Unusual, a 5-year-old mare by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, comes off a solid second going one mile on turf behind rising star Charmaine’s Mia in the Grade II Buena Vista on Feb. 20 and will appreciate the additional quarter mile on Saturday.  A winner of the Grade I Rodeo Drive Stakes at a mile and one quarter on turf five starts back here... ...

FLORENCE, Ky. (Mar. 24, 2021) – Streaking Hockey Dad is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Jeff Ruby Steaks for 3-year-olds at Turfway Park. Hockey Dad is by Nyquist, out of the Yankee Victor mare Ann Summers Gold, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $113,420 and has a three-race win streak. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (March 18, 2021)–Nick Alexander’s homebred Desmond Doss, trainer Craig Dollase’s Brandothebartender, Peter Eurton’s Jetovater and Andrew Lerner’s Jamming Eddy all rate big chances among a wide-open field of seven older horses bred or sired in California going six furlongs on turf in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes at Santa Anita. Named for the conscientious objector that would become a World War II Medal of Honor winner, Desmond Doss shortens up off a big second going one mile on dirt to multiple stakes winner Fashionably Fast in the statebred Tiznow Stakes here on Feb. 28.  Sent to the lead after breaking slowly and faced with intense pressure throughout, Desmond Doss, a 5-year-old full horse by Grazen, went head and head with Fashionably Fast the final three sixteenths of a mile and missed by a head in a thriller while holding Brandothebartender off by the same margin for second money. With a win and two seconds on dirt at the current meet, Desmond Doss should handle the transition to turf without any... ...