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... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (March 18, 2021) — Santa Anita Park will reopen to the public at limited capacity beginning Friday, April 2, in keeping with State of California’s guidelines for large sporting event venues.  The opening, which comes as Los Angeles County moves into the red tier for COVID-19, is the day before the 84TH running of the prestigious Runhappy Santa Anita Derby, traditionally one of the highlights on  the Southern California sports calendar. Fans must purchase tickets (which includes an assigned seat) in advance of arrival at Santa Anita.  In accordance with state requirements for re-opening, walk-up or General Admission tickets cannot be sold, though that could change as the COVID-19 numbers improve in LA County. To receive information on ticket sales as soon as they become available, fans are encouraged to sign up for Santa Anita’s Newsletter at santaanita.com/open. “We are extremely excited to welcome back our racing fans to Santa Anita, just in time for the Santa Anita Derby,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2021) – Multiple graded stakes winner Acclimate is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita. Acclimate is by Acclamation, out of the Boundary mare Know No Bounds, was bred by Old English Rancho, Sal Berumen and 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 21 starts, earnings of $439,872 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 6 San Marcos. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Tuesday, March 23, 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 #6, 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. (March 11, 2021)–Kaleem Shah’s classy Bella Vita and William (Jack) Sims’ streaking homebred Leggs Galore, a pair of 4-year-old fillies by Shah’s 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Bayern, headline a strong field of eight California-bred fillies and mares going six furlongs on turf in Sunday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes at Santa Anita. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Irish O’Brien is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. A filly that has done nearly everything asked of her, the Simon Callaghan-trained Bella Vita was “push button” in rallying for a thoroughly dominating 4 ½ length win going six furlongs on dirt in the Spring Fever Stakes versus statebreds here on Feb. 21, her first start since running a close second in the six furlong dirt Evening Jewel Stakes on May 16, 2020. “One thing about this filly, she’s very tractable,” said Callaghan following her Spring Fever score.  “You can put her wherever you want, and I think you have that tactical... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 8, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduates Oliver and Minister of Soul and fellow California-bred Mr. Paytience are entered in Friday’s $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup at Turf Paradise. Oliver is by Papa Clem, out of the Premiership mare Snobby Princess, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Shawn Davis.  The $30,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has four wins in 25 starts, earnings of $309,112 and is coming off a fifth in a Feb. 5 optional claimer. 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 eight wins in 25 starts, earnings of $225,112 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 3 optional claimer. He was second in this race last year and won it in 2019. Mr. Paytience is by Paynter, out of the Yes It’s True... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 8, 2021) – California-breds Popular Kid and Lolly Express are entered in Friday’s $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Handicap at Turf Paradise. 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 11 wins in 53 starts, earnings of $425,311 and is coming off a fourth in a Feb. 5 optional claimer. Lolly Express is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Atticus mare Boehle, was bred by Patrick Harney and Charles Reilly, is owned by Tony Delp and trained by Billy Christian. He has seven wins in 34 starts, earnings of $93,208 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 24 starter’s optional claimer. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 8, 2021) – Nova is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $50,000 Arizona Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Nova is by Southern Image, out of the Comic Strip mare Shezamusing, was bred by Sandra Nickols, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Justin Evans. She has one win in seven starts, earnings of $14,346 and is coming off a fifth in a Mar. 4 claimer. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 8, 2021) – California-breds Mr. Tripledouble and Big Endeavor are entered in Friday’s $50,000 Turf Paradise Derby for 3-year-olds. Mr. Tripledouble is by Haynesfield, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Gorgeous Goomah, was bred by owner Marco Gonzalez and is trained by Juan Silva. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $11,672 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 23 allowance. Big Endeavor is by Mr. Big, out of the Taste of Paradise mare Taste the Wild, was bred by Lisa Wall, is owned by Chris Fullmer and trained by Tim Gleason. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $20,407 and is coming off a Feb. 10 maiden win. ...

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Mar. 3, 2021) – Jerome Stakes winner Capo Kane is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade III Gotham Stakes for 3-year-olds at Aqueduct. Capo Kane is by Street Sense, out of the Hard Spun mare Twirl Me, was bred by Rising Star Farm, is owned by Bing Cherry Racing and Leonard Liberto and is trained by Harold Wyner. He has two wins inn four starts, earnings of $144,500 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 6 Withers. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Govenor’s Party and fellow California-bred None Above the Law test their Derby credentials in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade II San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Peter Miller. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $61,300 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 16 California Cup Derby. Govenor’s Party is by Governor 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 seven starts, earnings of $45,670 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 13 El Camino Real Derby. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2021) – Stakes winners Brickyard Ride and Loud Mouth and fellow California-bred Tigre Di Slugo are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita. Brickyard Ride is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Southern Image mare Brickyard Helen, was bred by owner Alfred Pais and is trained by Craig Lewis. He has six wins in 12 starts, earnings of $260,277 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 16 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. Loud Mouth is by Boisterous, out of the Tale of the Cat mare Drama Cat, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Thomsen Racing and trained by Steve Knapp. He has seven wins in 24 starts, earnings of $306,110 and is coming off a win in a Jan. 30 optional claimer. Tigre Di Slugo is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Williamstown mare Erica’s Smile, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Slugo Racing, Tiger Racing or Puype and is trained by Mike Puype.... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2021) – Stakes winner Closing Remarks is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 China Doll 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 four starts, earnings of $149,500 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 16 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2021) — The date of the California Horse Racing Board teleconference meeting that was scheduled for March 17 has been changed to Tuesday, March 23. This meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. The agenda for this meeting, including teleconference details, will be posted on the CHRB Website on or before March 13. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2021)–With a recent race under his belt, Harris Farms’ highly accomplished homebred Fashionably Fast is back to defend his title in Sunday’s $100,000 Tiznow Stakes at Santa Anita.  Named for the California-bred two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, the Tiznow has attracted a field of five older California-bred or sired horses and will be contested at one mile on the main track. Nick Alexander’s ascendant Desmond Doss, fresh off an impressive gate to wire win versus statebred allowance horses at one mile on Feb. 5, rates a big look, as do versatile Margot’s Boy and the venerable Brandothebartender, who will be making his 41st start on Sunday. The Tiznow is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, which is sponsored by the CTBA and is available to eligible California-bred or sired horses. A 6-year-old gelding by Lucky Pulpit, Fashionably Fast capped a six-race winning streak in taking last year’s Tiznow on March 1.  Subsequently second in the Grade II Triple Bend Stakes going seven furlongs June... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2021) — The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will implement a major purse increase for its upcoming summer race meeting opening on Saturday, July 17, including substantial increases in all overnight purses and record incentives for owners and trainers that ship out-of-state horses to race at Del Mar through its popular “Ship and Win” program, track officials announced today. Average daily overnight purses for the 2021 season will be increased by over 30% as compared to 2019 levels during which the track operated an uninterrupted racing schedule. With the increases announced today, Del Mar expects to average more than $700,000 a day in purses this summer. The “Ship and Win” program for horses entering from outside California is doubling both its participation fee for owners (from $2,000 to $4,000) and its purse bonus from 20% to 40% for all eligible races. The purse bonus will be upped to 50% for dirt races in the “Ship and Win” program.  “We’ve got some real momentum in... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. – Santa Anita executives have held preliminary discussions with Los Angeles County officials about reopening the track to customers this spring. Nate Newby, Santa Anita’s senior vice president and general manager, said over the weekend that no plans have been finalized and that the presence of paying customers is contingent on a continued decline in the level of COVID-19 positives in Southern California. Saturday, the Los Angeles Times reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers have asked state and county health officials for the ability to host a limited number of fans beginning with team’s home opener on April 9. Disneyland, and other amusement parks in the region, have lobbied government officials to reopen their facilities in the near future, according to news reports. Newby said that pandemic statistics need to show continued improvement to meet state and county health measurements to reopen. Newby said he was encouraged that the Dodgers are speaking with government officials. “We’re in the same category, and it helps us more that... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2021) – The deadlines for annual registration of California thoroughbred stallions and Golden State Series nominations have been extended one week until Monday, Feb. 22, 2021. The stallion registration fee is $1,250 per stallion. Stallions registered after Feb. 22, 2021, but prior to March 15, 2021, will be assessed a $250 penalty. The Golden State Series nomination is $300 each for foals of 2019 only.   For further information, contact Mary Ellen Locke at 800-573-CTBA or 626-445-7800 ext. 236 or email registration@ctba.com. ...