Positivity Survives Objection in Graduation

Aug 2, 2020 Posted by CTBA In News

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. – The officiating crew at Del Mar has been kind to trainer Luis Mendez in the Graduation Stakes, a sprint for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds. Exactly one year after Mendez won the first stakes of his career with Graduation runner-up Big Returns, placed first via disqualification, Mendez won the stakes race again Sunday with Positivity, and once again track stewards were instrumental in the victory. Bred by Allen Farm, Positivity ($13.20) rallied from third to collar pacesetter Good With People in deep stretch, but the $100,500 Graduation did not become official for at least five minutes while stewards deliberated whether or not to disqualify Positivity for interference on the backstretch. Positivity and jockey Drayden Van Dyke drifted inward after the start, intimidating even-money favorite Touchdown Brown, who got shuffled to last and did not pick up his feet thereafter. He finished last of seven, after which jockey Evin Roman lodged a claim of foul against the winner. Stewards already were reviewing the backstretch run. In... ...

Positivity

Positivity wins $100,000 Graduation Stakes. ...

Cal-bred Pair Enters Sorrento Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2020) – California-breds September Secret and Exchange Vows are entered in Friday’s $150,000 Grade II Sorrento Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. September Secret is by Grazen, out of the Sea of Secrets mare Sweetest Secret, was bred by Jennifer Saavedra, is owned by Kagele or Shaw and trained by Peter Miller. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $15,500 and is coming off a July 24 maiden claiming win. Exchange Vows is by Tapiture, out of the Exchange Rate mare Champagne Exchange, was bred by Bar C Racing Stables, is owned by Tricar Stables and trained by Sal Gonzalez. She won her lone start July 2 with earnings of $12,600. ...

Govenor Goteven Wins CTBA Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2020) – Govenor Goteven made the leap from maiden winner to stakes star on Saturday by winning the $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Govenor Goteven is by Govenor Charlie, out of the Time to Get Even mare Time Linda Goteven, was bred by owner Templeton Horses and is trained by Lisa Bernard, who notched her first Del Mar win. “I feel fantastic; it’s very wonderful,” said Bernard. “(Governor Goteven) has been a really fun 2-year-old to deal with and I knew she was training really well. We won first time out with her at Santa Anita and I had a lot of faith in her. They just tell you. You just know sometimes. I think she’s got another stakes race in her future here at the end of the month ($100,000 Generous Portion, 6 furlongs, August 30).” She has won both starts with earnings of 87,000. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.55 and... ...

Daffodil Sweet in Coca-Cola Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 2, 2020) – Undefeated Daffodil Sweet is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $40,000 Coca-Cola Stakes for 3-year-old fillies 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 Steve Shimizu and is trained by Chris Stenslie. She’s won both starts with earnings of $20,350. ...

El Tigre Terrible is Real Good at Del Mar

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 31, 2020) — El Tigre Terrible lost turf stakes at Santa Anita in June and at Del Mar earlier this month because of traffic problems at pivotal times in the races. There were no impediments in El Tigre Terrible’s path in Friday’s $125,500 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds on the main track at Del Mar. Sent off favored, El Tigre Terrible ($4.20) stalked the pace for the first half-mile and was moved to the outside of rivals on the turn by jockey Flavien Prat for racing room. El Tigre Terrible rallied four wide to take the lead in the final furlong and pulled clear to win by 4 3/4 lengths. Bred by Martin Bach, El Tigre Terrible ran seven furlongs in 1:24.28. “It almost looked like he was going to get in trouble again,” winning trainer Peter Miller said. “He finds trouble. He reminds me of me in high school. “The horse ran really well.” Rookie Mistake (7-2) closed from... ...

El Tigre Terrible

El Tigre Terrible wins $125,000 Real Good Deal Stakes. ...

Graduation Stakes for Cal-bred Juveniles

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 31, 2020) – Seven 2-year-olds are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles. Good With People is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Roar of the Tiger mare Gator Prowl, was bred by owners J. Kirk & Judy Robison and is trained by Peter Miller. He won his lone start July 12 with earnings of $30,000. Jazz Hands is by Square Eddie, out of the Russian Courage mare Nicole and Ben, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Edward Freeman. He won his lone start June 28 with earnings of $24,000. Touchdown Brown is by Cairo Prince, out of the Cherokee Run mare Chicalelee, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Brown Jr., Klein or Lebherz and is trained by Rafael Becerra. He won his lone start June 19 with earnings of $30,000. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by owners J. Kirk & Judy Robison... ...

Del Mar Increases Purses by 10 Percent

DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 30, 2020) — Del Mar Thoroughbred Club today announced a 10% purse increase after a solid opening span of racing days during the month of July. The increase will be retroactive back to the track’s first day, July 10. Del Mar also announced the addition of a stakes race to its calendar – the $75,000 Del Mar Juvenile Filly Turf, a one-mile spin on the grass for 2-year-old fillies that will be held on Sunday, September 6. The race had been a regular feature here the previous eight years, but had been dropped from the original stakes schedule due to belt tightening measures. Between July 10 and July 27 Del Mar conducted seven days of racing and — though it has not had fans on board any of those days as a safety measure tied to the coronavirus pandemic — it saw wagering amounting to $133,841,412 flow from its online and satellite services, an increase of more than 5% over similar dates last year.... ...

Wine Country Racing at Golden Gate Fields

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (July 30, 2020) — Racing returns early to Golden Gate Fields this summer with a special six-day Wine Country Racing meet opening on Friday. The meet is being held in conjunction with the Sonoma County Fair. The meet will feature a pair of $50,000 turf stakes at 1 1/16 miles, the Luther Burbank for fillies and mares on Saturday and the Robert Dupret Derby for 3-year-olds on Aug. 8. Opening day on Friday will include four turf races, which have drawn fields of 7, 8, 7, and 10. The eight-race card drew 62 entries, an average of just under eight per race. “I think it’s obvious many trainers were just looking for grass racing,” racing secretary Patrick Mackey said. The Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa usually runs its summer meet at this time, but the fair was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Santa Rosa is the lone fair track with a grass course. After the two-week Wine Country Racing mini-meet, the regular mid-summer Golden... ...

Streak of Luck Seeks Streak of Wins

HENDERSON, Ky. (July 30, 2020) – Stakes winner Streak of Luck is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Kentucky Downs Preview Ladies Turf Stakes at Ellis Park. Streak of Luck is by Old Fashioned, out of the Elusive Quality mare Valeria, was bred by Roncelli Family Trust, is owned by Carrie Brogden, James Keough and Roncelli Family Trust and is owned by D. Kelly Ackerman. She has six wins in 28 starts, earnings of $351,359 and is coming off a win in the July 15 Lady Canterbury. ...

Owners Restrictions Loosened at Del Mar

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2020) — Starting this Friday July 31, 2020, licensed owners with a horse entered can attend the races at Del Mar. Due to COVID-19, currently space is limited to two licensed owners per horse. No guests are permitted. Up until now, licensed owners have been on track in the morning to watch workouts. The first come, first serve seating in the afternoons will be located in the same area in the spacious clubhouse box seating. Owners will be required to email Mary Forney, Executive Director of TOC (mforney@toconline.com) to secure access, and reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day. If a horse has more than two owners wishing to attend the races, TOC will do its best to accommodate if space is available. On race day, owners must show their license when entering the Del Mar Race Track and park in the designated area just outside the clubhouse. Owners will enter through the same area they have been using... ...

Jockey Club Reports of Mares Bred Due Aug. 1

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 28, 2020) — The Jockey Club reminds stallion managers to submit their Reports of Mares Bred (RMBs) for the 2020 breeding season by August 1. “To ensure that the breeding statistics we release in the fall are as accurate as possible, we request that RMBs be submitted by August 1,” said Matt Iuliano, executive vice president and executive director of The Jockey Club. “In addition to the utility of covering information in mare produce records and catalog-style pedigrees available through equineline, the number of mares reported bred each year is an important economic indicator of the health of the Thoroughbred breeding industry.” Stallion managers who submit completed RMBs by August 1 are among the first to receive their Stallion Service Certificates, which facilitates the timely registration of 2021 foals. Reports of Mares Bred may be submitted via Interactive Registration at registry.jockeyclub.com or a form is available by email, fax, or mail by contacting inquiries@jockeyclub.com. ...

Owners Allowed at GGF for Sunday Training

From TOC ALBANY, Calif. (July 27, 2020) — Owners will be allowed on site at Golden Gate Fields in the Winners Circle Area during training on SUNDAYS ONLY from the hours of 7:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. No refreshments will be provided during this time. For further information, please contact: Cynthia Seidl, Sr. Manager of Administration, Golden Gate Fields, at Cynthia.Seidl@goldengatefields.com. ...

Galilean Takes to Turf in California Dreamin’

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 27, 2020) — West Point Thoroughbreds and partners’ Galilean won the $125,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by a half length Sunday at Del Mar, giving rider Flavien Prat his fourth stakes victory on the young meet’s sixth day. The tally was also his third triumph on the 11-race card and propelled him into a three-way tie for the shore jockey crown with nine victories. Riders Umberto Rispoli and Abel Cedillo also have nine firsts. Galilean was bred by Bar C Racing Stables, a 4-year-old colt by Uncle Mo, earned $71,250 for capturing the California-bred test, his first on turf. He covered the mile and one-sixteenth in 1:40.87 and, as the 6/5 favorite, returned $4.40, $3.80 and $2.80. Second in the stakes was Reddam Racing’s Whooping Jay and third was Flawless Racing, Flanagan or Jarvis’ Brandothebartender. Galilean, a $600,000 purchase at the Barrett’s April 2-year-old sale in 2018, now has earned $514,098 with five wins in 10 starts. He is... ...

Galilean

Galilean wins $125,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes. ...

Good Lord, Absolutely Aiden

By DRF.com HENDERSON, Ky. (July 26, 2020) — Absolutely Aiden, a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, continued in absolute peak form when speeding to victory Sunday in the $50,000 Good Lord Stakes at Ellis Park in western Kentucky. Always prominent under Chris Landeros, Absolutely Aiden drew clear after turning for home in the 6 1/2-furlong race prior to holding Home Base safe by three-quarters of a length. The winner returned $8.20 as a slight favorite in a field of 10 older horses after finishing in 1:15.19 over a fast track. Absolutely Aiden was making his stakes debut after winning three of six starts, all allowances, since being claimed for $40,000 last fall by trainer Wes Hawley, who owns the colt in partnership with Greg Frye. Absolutely Aiden put away Gray Attempt after contesting early fractions of 21.91 and 44.45, then held off sustained bids from Home Base and Manny Wah when racing closest to the rail down the stretch. The chestnut colt now has won seven of... ...

CTBA January Sale Grad in CTBA Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 26, 2020) – CTBA January Sale graduate Reign of Fire is among the entries in Saturday’s $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Big Andy is by Mr. Big, out of the Kafwain mare Your Special Day, was bred by Dr. Dorothee Kieckhefer, Lee Evans & Sandy Evans, is owned by Leucadia Land Stables and trained by Blake Heap. She is a maiden making her third start with earnings of $13,000. Governor Goteven is by Govenor Charlie, out of the Time to Get Even mare Time Linda Goteven, was bred by owner Templeton Horses and trained by Lisa Bernard. She won her lone start May 29 with earnings of $30,000. CTBA January Sales graduate Reign of Fire is an Arizona-bred daughter of California stallion Vronsky, out of the Roar mare Red Hot Renee, was bred by Regan Wright & Rustin Reidhead, is owned by C T R Stables and trained by Luis Mendez. The $9,000 purchase at... ...

Desert Law, Fashionably Fast in Bing Crosby

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 26, 2020) – California-bred stakes winners Desert Law and Fashionably Fast are entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade I Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar. Desert Law is by Desert Code, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Treasure Chest, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $331,707 and is coming off a third in the June 13 Thor’s Echo. He was second in this race last year. Fashionably Fast is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Forestry mare Fall Fashion, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Harris Farms, Antonsen or Nicoletti and is trained by Dean Pederson. He has seven wins in 17 starts, earnings of $489,745 and is coming off a second in the June 7 Triple Bend. ...

Phantom Boss, El Tigre Terrible Meet

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 26, 2020) – Stakes winners Phantom Boss and El Tigre Terrible are among the entries in Friday’s $125,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Rookie Mistake is by Square Eddie, out of the General Meeting mare Meetmeinthewoods, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $139,098 and is coming off a fourth in the July 10 Runhappy Oceanside. Margot’s Boy is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Creachadoir mare Margot Machance, was bred by owner Alfred Pais and is trained by Craig Lewis. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $126,520 and is coming off a sixth in the July 10 Runhappy Oceanside. Let’s Rejoyce is by Kafwain, out of the Discreet Cat mare Joyce and Me, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jonathan Wong. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $33,900 and is coming off... ...

In the Vault is in the Angie C. S.

AUBURN, Wash. (July 26, 2020) – In the Vault is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $40,000 Angie C. S. Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. In the Vault is by Gallant Son, out of the Vicar mare Be Faithful, was bred by owners Frank Lucarelli, Chris Randall & Scott Centers, is owned by Lucarelli, Randall and Rossi and Scott Centers and is trained by Lucarelli. She is a maiden making her second start with earnings of $3,700. ...

Top Harbor Tops Everett Nevin Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 25, 2020) – California-bred Top Harbor remained unbeaten by rallying wide from last to win Saturday’s $68,300 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Top Harbor is by Harbor the Gold, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by owners Jarnig, Marshall or Schweiger and is trained by Tim McCanna. He won his lone start June 28 and has earnings of $61,080. Top Harbor ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.45 and won by one-half length over fellow Cal-bred Tom’s Song at odds of 5-2 in a field of nine. ...

Big Sweep Rebounds in Fleet Treat

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2020) — Big Sweep returned to a sprint and returned to the winner’s circle on Friday as Del Mar returned to action. She bounced back from the first loss of her career in her prior start to take the $117,500 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies as Del Mar resumed racing after last week’s cancellation owing to 15 jockeys testing positive for coronavirus. Big Sweep, who has raced exclusively against statebreds, won the first two starts of her career earlier this year at Santa Anita going six furlongs, including against males in the Echo Eddie on May 16. She suffered the first loss of her brief career when third last time out in the Melair going 1 1/16 miles, also at Santa Anita. Back around one turn for the seven-furlong Fleet Treat, Big Sweep also benefited by landing the outside post over a main track whose profile early on Friday tended to favor outside lanes. With regular rider Flavien Prat... ...

Big Sweep

Big Sweep wins $125,000 Fleet Treat Stakes. ...

Galilean, NorCal Sale Grads are Dreamin’

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2020) – Soi Phet Stakes winner Galilean and Northern California Yearling Sale graduates Take the One O One and Camino Del Paraiso are among the entrants in Sunday’s $125,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso is by Suances, out of the Successful Appeal mare Loni’s Appeal, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn, is owned by Paradise Road Ranch and trained by O.J. Jauregui. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has five wins in 37 starts, earnings of $400,192 and is coming off a third in the June 14 San Francisco Mile. He was fourth in this race in 2018. Galilean is by Uncle Mo, out of the El Prado mare Fresia, was bred by Bar C Racing Stables, is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Barker or Sandbrook, et al and is trained by John Sadler. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $442,848 and is coming off... ...

NorCal Sale Graduates Enter Nevin Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 22, 2020) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduates Gardees World and My Father Footsteps are among the entries in Saturday’s $50,000 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at Pleasanton. Top Harbor is by Harbor the Gold, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by owners Jarnig, Marshall or Schweiger and is trained by Tim McCanna. He won his lone start June 28 with earnings of $20,280. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Gardees World is a filly by Atticus, out of the Broken Vow mare Achnasheals, was bred by Frank Lagatutta, is owned by Gary Marrone and trained by Michael Lenzini. The 2,200 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale won her lone start May 23 with earnings of $23,400. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate My Father Footstep is by Champ Pegasus, out of the Giacomo mare All Luv Me, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Andres Rondan and trained by Felix Rondan. The $1,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale... ...

Sire, Cal Cup Classic Winner Tizbud Passes

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (July 20, 2020) — Harris Farms resident stallion Tizbud, the Grade One sire and full brother to Tiznow, was euthanized on July 20, 2020 due to an overall decline in health. Tizbud was pensioned at the farm, in 2018, where he was foaled, raised and stood at stud. Tizbud, was bred by Cecilia Straub Rubens and is a son of Cee’s Tizzy out of Cee’s Song. He was the younger stakes winning full brother to Tiznow. Tizbud raced for Cee’s Stable LLC when he won the 2003 California Cup Classic by three lengths and placed in that years San Fernando Breeders’ Cup S. [G2]. He was trained by John Sadler. Owner Pamela C. Ziebarth stood Tizbud at Harris Farms and for her, as breeder, Tizbud sired Grade I winner Tiz Flirtatious, Grade 3 winner Ambitious Brew and stakes winner Kitty Boom Boom. For other breeders he sired stakes winners; millionaire Soi Phet, Italian Boy, Catch Lorraine, Chao Chom among others. David McGlothlin, retired farm manager... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 20, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Monday, July 20. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Dr. Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The only agenda item was discussion and action by the Board regarding the Board’s action on July 10, 2020, to place on probation the license to conduct a horse race meet for the Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Racing Association (LQHRA) at Los Alamitos Race Course, running December 27, 2019, through December 22, 2020, pending a plan of action from the licensee to reduce fatalities, pursuant to CHRB Rule 1435 After LQHRA presented a plan that includes additional safety personnel and greater scrutiny of horses in training and entered to race, the Board accepted the plan and took no action against the racetrack’s license, while indicating intent... ...

Warren’s Showtime Opts for San Clemente

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 19, 2020) – Warren’s Showtime scratched out of Friday’s $125,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles to run in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade II San Clemente Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Four-time stakes winner Warren’s Showtime is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Affirmative mare Warren’s Veneda, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Benjamin & Sally Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $412,251 and is coming off a win in the June 21 Melair. ...

Cal-bred Quartet in Contentious Fleet Treat

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 19, 2020) – California-breds Been Studying Her, Smiling Shirlee, Loud Loud Music and Big Sweep run in of Friday’s $125,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar after the scratch of Warren’s Showtime, who will run in Saturday’s San Clemente Stakes. Multiple stakes winner Been Studying Her is by Fast Anna, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, was bred by owner KMN Racing and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $250,080 and is coming off a second in the June 13 Angel’s Flight. Stakes winner Smiling Shirlee is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Whobetterthanus, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Brown Jr., Klein or Lebherz and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $269,220 and is coming off a second in the June 21 Melair. Loud Loud Music is by Tizbud, out of the Bernstein mare Your Cheatin... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 18, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a noticed meeting on Monday, July 20, beginning at 9:30 a.m. In accordance with Executive Order N-29-20, this meeting will be conducted via teleconference. No physical location will be provided. The public is encouraged to participate. An audio-only webcast of the meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). Individuals also may join the teleconference by dialing 888-392-4564 and entering 4642216# when prompted. After joining the teleconference, individuals may speak once the chairman has invited public comment by pressing star 1 to signal the operator. There is only one agenda item for this emergency meeting: Discussion and action by the Board regarding the Board’s action on July 10, 2020 to place on probation the license to conduct a horse race meet for the Los Alamitos Quarter Horse Racing Association (QH) at Los Alamitos Race Course, running December 27, 2019, through December 22, 2020, pending a plan of action from the licensee... ...

Stealthediamonds Enters Daisycutter

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 19, 2020) – Stealthediamonds is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s rescheduled $65,000 Daisycutter Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Stealthediamonds is by Unusual Heat, out of the Pure Prize mare No Better Terms, was bred by KMN Racing, is owned by Driver or Driver and is trained by Mike Puype. She has six wins in 19 starts, earnings of $333,875 and is coming off a third in the May 25 Monrovia. ...

R.D. Hubbard Dispersal Auction Online

From ThoroughbredAuctions.com CHARLES TOWN, W.V. – July 17, 2020 – ThoroughbredAuctions.Com announces the complete dispersal of Thoroughbreds owned by the late R.D. Hubbard. The auction will be an internet only auction, with bidding opening on Tuesday, July 21st and closing on Tuesday July 28th. The online catalog is available at ThroughbredAuctions.com. R.D. Hubbard was an icon in the horse racing industry. He raced both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. Some of his more prominent Thoroughbreds include such luminaries as Corwyn Bay (IRE), Gentlemen (ARG), Stravinsky and many more. Hubbard bought Ruidoso Downs in 1988 with partner Dr. Ed Allred, and eventually became the sole owner until he sold it in 2017. He helped create the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, and as a member of NTRA’s board of directors, he co-founded its Racing Integrity and Drug Testing Task Force. He also built and operated The Woodlands, a dual greyhound and racehorse facility in Kansas City, Kansas. In addition, Hubbard has been chairman of Hollywood Park and Turf Paradise, and he headed a... ...

Del Mar Granted July 27 Makeup Date

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2020) — During a July 16 conference call with the Thoroughbred Owners of California, Del Mar president and COO Josh Rubinstein said the track made a request to the California Horse Racing Board for an extra day of racing July 27. The move comes after the track canceled racing July 17-19 after numerous jockeys tested positive for COVID-19. The track had largely planned to run on a three-day-a-week schedule this summer, Fridays through Sundays. “So as soon as we get approval from the CHRB—they are wrapping up a closed session of their meeting—we will put out a press release. We don’t think it will be an issue to get approval,” Rubinstein said around 2 p.m. PT Thursday. “We want to let folks know, folks on this call and other horsemen and women out there, that we intend to do our best to make up for the races that were lost this weekend. So that means extra race days or an extra race here or there on a Friday or... ...

Misirlu, Blue Diva Meet in Cal Governors’

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 16, 2020) – Stakes winners Misirlu and Blue Diva, and fellow California-bred Princess Vivian, are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 California Governors’ Handicap for fillies and mares at Pleasanton. Misirlu is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Mr. Greeley mare Grand Advice, was bred by Rancho San Miguel, is owned by Antone Metaxas and is trained by Steve Specht. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of $82,836 and is coming off a third in a May 31 optional claimer. Stakes winner Princess Vivian is by Uh Oh Bango, out of the Macho Uno mare Seductive Charm, was bred by MNM Thoroughbreds, is owned by MNM Thoroughbreds, MacDonald, Marsh & Mendoza and is trained by Sergio Ledezma. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $136,314 and is coming off a fourth in the May 30 Camilla Urso. Blue Diva is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Quiet American mare Farmers Wife, was bred by BKB Stables, is owned by Frankly Speaking and trained by Isidro... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, July 16. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Dr. Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved two agenda items pertaining to funding the CHRB budget for the fiscal year 2020-21. The budget of $16,820,500 is $2.2 million higher than the previous fiscal year, largely due to $1.4 million in increases for drug testing and safety measures. The Board approved the license application for a meeting of the Sonoma County Fair (SCF) to be run at Golden Gate Fields, commencing July 31 through August 9, on condition that certain required documents must be submitted to the CHRB at least one... ...

Streak of Luck Wins First Stakes

By DRF.com SHAKOPEE, Minn. (July 15, 2020) – California-bred Streak of Luck snapped an 11-race losing streak with a wire-to-wire three-quarters length win in Wednesday’s $75,000 Lady Canterbury Stakes for fillies and mares at Canterbury Park. Streak of Luck went an opening half-mile in 48.69, a very slow tempo given course conditions, then sprinted her final half-mile in 46.16 seconds for a final time of 1:34.89. Winning Envelope, the 2-1 favorite, did all she could but was too far back, trying to rally from seventh, and could only finish second, a head better than Aife. Streak of Luck, a 5-year-old mare by Old Fashioned out of Valeria, by Elusive Quality, had raced in California throughout her career before being shipped into the barn of Kentucky-based trained Kelly Ackerman in June. Ackerman trains her for Carrie Brodgen, James Keogh, and the breeder Roncelli Family Trust. She has six wins in 28 starts, earnings of $351,359 and this was her first stakes win. ...

Jerry Benowitz, Owner of Soi Phet, Passes

By Bloodhorse.com Devout racing fan, savvy horseplayer, and owner Gerald “Jerry” Benowitz died July 8 following complications associated with kidney failure, according to his family. He was 75. A native of Texas, Benowitz was a former stockbroker who embraced the analytical challenge of handicapping and eventually parlayed his enthusiasm into ownership. His wife, Sandra, shared his passion for horse racing and they, in turn, passed the racing bug onto their children. “My sister Alison and I live in Encinitas, but we were so fortunate that after my Dad and Mom retired to Las Vegas that they came back every year to Del Mar,” said Jeff Benowitz, who said Del Mar had been a regular summertime destination since the family moved to California in the late 1970s. “He loved to be here with family, go to beach, and then go to races, every single day. He was a fixture in Box 606. He was looking forward this year to being in and around the San Diego area even though he couldn’t... ...

Former Jockey Ken Church Passes at 90

From DMTC Publicity RENO, Nev. (July 13, 2020) — Ken Church, a prominent national rider from the 1940s to the 1960s who then transitioned to racetrack Media work in Southern California, died this morning at a hospital in Reno, Nevada, his daughter, Debbie Anderson, reported. He was 90. Anderson said her father had suffered a case of pneumonia a week ago at the retirement home where he lived in Reno and was moved to a local hospital. The cause of death was listed as the result of him contracting COVID-19. Church, who was born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on March 24, 1930, came to the racetrack as a teenager at Woodbine in Toronto, then began riding in the U.S. shortly thereafter. He rode in Florida, New Jersey, Illinois and Kentucky before finished his career in California. He rode in more than 14,000 races and had more than 2,000 winners. Among the top horses he partnered with were California-bred Native Diver, Crafty Admiral, Oil Capitol, Old Hat, Bornastar, Mr. Consistency and... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 13, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Thursday, July 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Consistent with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-29-20, the meeting will be teleconference only and no physical location will be provided. The public is encouraged to 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 the meeting. Furthermore, 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. Note that for agenda item #15, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. The agenda and package of materials for this teleconference meeting are available on the CHRB website. ...

Cordiality Goes Wire to Wire in Osunitas

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 12, 2020) – The quick California-bred mare Cordiality got her course and got her way up front and took them wire-to-wire in the 65th running of the Osunitas Stakes on the Del Mar lawn Sunday afternoon. Cordiality was bred by Dr. Edward Allred, is owned by Donnie Crevier and trained by Tim Yakteen. She now has a lifetime mark of 11 wins in 31 starts with seven of those victories coming on the grass. “Cordiality was much fitter today and she loves Del Mar,” said Yakteen. “This was a prep for the Solana Beach ($125,000 Saturday, August 15) that’s what we’re looking at next. She’s always been a super honest horse and I loved her even before we claimed her (for $62,500 in February of 2019). Her start date this year was delayed almost 60 days by the COVID situation when racing was shut down. I intended to get a prep race before the Fran’s Valentine (5th, June 6) but had to go... ...

Cordiality

Cordiality wins $65,000 Osunitas Stakes. ...

Super Patriot Seeks Osunitas Stakes Win

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 9, 2020) – Fran’s Valentine Stakes winner Super Patriot, and fellow California-breds Cordiality and Sedamar who chased her, are entered in Sunday’s $65,000 Osunitas Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Super Patriot is by Unusual Heat, out of the Redattore mare Patriot C H, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Little Red Feather Racing, Peskoff or Salvatore, et al and is trained by Richard Baltas. She has six wins in 28 starts, earnings of $353,954 and is coming off a win in the June 6 Fran’s Valentine. Cordiality is by Papa Clem, out of the Unusual Heat mare Warmth, was bred by Dr. Edward Allred, is owned by Donnie Crevier and trained by Tim Yakteen. She has 10 wins in 30 starts, earnings of $504,835 and is coming off a fifth in the June 6 Fran’s Valentine. Sedamar is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Win Allison Win, was bred by Mick Ruis, is owned by Ruis Racing and... ...

Seeking Revenge Entered at Belmont Park

ELMONT, N.Y. (July 9, 2020) – Seeking Revenge is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $80,000 River Memories Stakes for fillies and mares at Belmont Park. Seeking Revenge is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Awesome Again mare Pirate’s Legacy, was bred by David Payne and is owned by trainer John Stephens. She has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $40,458 and is coming off a fifth in a July 3 allowance. ...

Ship & Win Bonus for Fasig-Tipton Purchases

From Fasig-Tipton LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 9, 2020) — Horses purchased at the July 15 Fasig-Tipton Horses of Racing Age Sale in Lexington are eligible to an additional $2,000 Ship & Win bonus program for making a start at the 2020 Del Mar Summer Meet. Horses purchased at the sale will receive a day three date from the racing office. Fasig-Tipton has catalogued an additional 16 entries to the sale, increasing the size of the catalogue to 165 entries. The July Horses of Racing Age Sale will take place Monday, July 13 in Lexington, Kentucky. The sale will begin at 4 pm. These new entries are catalogued as hips 150-165, and may now be viewed online. This latest group of entries includes: QUEEN OF GOD (Hip 152): Three-year-old filly captured the Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway back in March, where she earned 20 Kentucky Oaks points. She hails from the immediate family of leading sire UNCLE MO. She is consigned by WinStar Racing, agent. TRUE VALOUR (IRE) (Hip 154): Consistent grass runner... ...

Cal-bred Trio in Runhappy Oceanside

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 7, 2020) – Stakes winner El Tigre Terrible and fellow California-breds Rookie Mistake and Margot’s Boy are entered in Friday’s $100,000 Runhappy Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds at Del Mar. El Tigre Terrible is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Gotham City mare King City Kitty, was bred by Martin Bach, is owned by Slam Dunk Racing or Nentwig and is trained by Peter Miller. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $138,760 and is coming off a second in the June 6 Desert Code. Rookie Mistake is by Square Eddie, out of the General Meeting mare Meetmeinthewoods, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $133,098 and is coming off a fifth in the June 6 Desert Code. Margot’s Boy is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Creachadoir mare Margot Machance, was bred by owner Alfred Pais and is trained by Craig Lewis. He has three wins in five starts, earnings... ...

Mucho Unusual Ships to Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 8, 2020) – Grade II winner Mucho Unusual is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $350,000 Grade I Coolmore Jenny Wiley Stakes for fillies and mares at Keeneland. Mucho Unusual is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, was bred by owner George Krikorian and trained by Tim Yakteen. She has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $505,382 and is coming off a third in the May 25 Gamely. ...

Cal-bred Pair Entered in Northbound Pride

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (July 8, 2020) – California-breds Delia O’Hara and Smart N Wicked are entered in Wednesday’s $50,000 Northbound Pride Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Canterbury Park. Delia O’Hara is by Khozan, out of the Discreetly Mine mare Starlet O’Hara, was bred by H & E Ranch and is owned by trainer Shawn Davis. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $27,497 and is coming off a June 16 maiden win. Smart N Wicked is by Wicked Strong, out of the Smarty Jones mare Smarty B, was bred by Fleming Thoroughbred Farm, William Matthews & Filippo Santoro and is trained by Jose Silva. She has three wins in six starts, earnings of $50,613 and is coming off a win in a June 29 optional claimer. ...

Lady Canterbury Draws Streak of Luck

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (July 8, 2020) – Streak of Luck is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $75,000 Lady Canterbury Stakes for fillies and mares at Canterbury Park. Streak of Luck is by Old Fashioned, out of the Elusive Quality mare Valeria, was bred by Roncelli Family Trust, is owned by Carrie Brogden, James Keough and Roncelli Family Trust and is trained by D. Ackerman. She has five wins in 27 starts, earnings of $306,359 and is coming off a sixth in the June 14 Possibly Perfect. ...

League of Shadows in Honor the Hero

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (July 8, 2020) – League of Shadows is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $50,000 Honor the Hero Stakes at Canterbury Park. League of Shadows is by Gotham City, out of the Siberian Summer mare Siberian Song, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Shawn Davis. He has three wins in 17 starts, earnings of $69,903 and is coming off a fourth in a June 23 allowance. ...

Sneaking Out

Sneaking Out wins $200,000 Great Lady M. Stakes. ...

Sneaking Out Beats Bellafina in Great Lady M.

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 4, 2020) — Sneaking Out, a 7-1 shot, upset heavily-favored Bellafina in the Grade II, $201,000 Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. Owned by breeder KMN Racing LLC and trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, Sneaking Out earned her fifth win in her 11th start, but it was the first in a graded event for the 4-year-old California bred daughter of Indian Evening. Positioned outside pacesetter Artistic Diva by jockey Martin Garcia, Sneaking Out took over inside the final quarter of a mile and prevailed by three-quarters of a length over Bellafina, the 1-2 choice who was seeking her eighth graded win. Out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, Sneaking Out completed the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.62 and paid $16.40 and $4.40 as the fourth choice in the field of seven. There was no show wagering. Bellafina returned $2.20 while finishing two lengths clear of 16-1 shot Amuse. Artistic Diva, Hang a Star, the 4-1... ...

Breeder Sharon Alesia Passes at 83

By DRF.com CARLSBAD, Calif. (July 3, 2020) — Sharon Alesia, who co-bred or owned such stakes winners as California-bred Ashleyluvssugar, Champagne Room, Dance With Fate, and Weemissfrankie in the last decade, died June 15 in Carlsbad, Calif., after an illness, according to her business manager, Howard Grossman. Alesia was 83. Alesia and her late husband, Frank, owned horses since the mid-1980s, always with trainer Peter Eurton. Sharon Alesia, who often owned horses in small partnerships, maintained the stable after Frank Alesia’s death in 2011. The stable frequently had a leading runner at Southern California tracks in recent years. Weemissfrankie won the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante and Grade 1 Oak Leaf Stakes prior to finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Churchill Downs in 2011. Dance With Fate won the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland in 2014 and was later sixth in the Kentucky Derby behind California Chrome. Champagne Room won the BC Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita in 2016. Ashleyluvssugar, a six-time stakes winner, won... ...

Streak of Luck Surfaces at Indiana Grand

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 2, 2020) – Stakes winner Streak of Luck is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $75,000 Indiana General Assembly Distaff Stakes for fillies and mares at Indiana Grand. Streak of Luck is by Old Fashioned, out of the Elusive Quality mare Valeria, was bred by Roncelli Family Trust, is owned by Carrie Brogden, James Keogh and Roncelli Family Trust and is trained by D Ackerman. She has five wins in 27 starts, earnings of $306,359 and is coming off a sixth in the June 14 Possibly Perfect. ...

Sneaking Out, Donut Girl in Great Lady M

CYPRESS, Calif. (July 1, 2020) — Stakes winner Sneaking Out and fellow California-bred Donut Girl are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Great Lady M Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. Sneaking Out is by Indian Evening, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, was bred by owner KMN Racing and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $311,441 and is coming off a fifth in the May 30 Winning Colors at Churchill Downs. Donut Girl is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Saturday’s Girl, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Cunningham Stables and trained by Brian Cunningham. She has four wins in 21 starts, earnings of $170,582 and is coming off a fourth in a June 19 optional claimer. ...

Touched by Autism Back for Oak Tree Sprint

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 1, 2020) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Touched by Autism and fellow California-bred Detangler are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Oak Tree Sprint at Pleasanton. Stakes winner Touched by Autism is by Sierra Sunset, out of the Beau Genius mare Beau’s Gem, was bred by George and Mary Clare Schmitt, is owned by Johnny Toboada and trained by Marcia Stortz. The $2,700 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has eight wins in 33 starts, earnings of $300,246 and is making his first start since a second in this race last year. Detangler is by Gig Harbor, out of the Lahooq mare Crème Rinse, was bred by owners Terri Eaton & J. H. Gibson and is trained by Eaton. He has three wins in 30 starts, earnings of $119,183 and is coming off a fourth in a June 7 allowance. ...

Cal-bred Mare Produces $500,000 Purchase

TIMONIUM, Md. (July 2, 2020) – A filly selling for $500,000 at the recent Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale is out of the California-bred broodmare Global Hottie. The filly, sold to agent Lauren Carlisle, is by Into Mischief out of the Dixie Chatter mare Global Hottie, who was graded-stakes placed and sold for $190,000 at the Barretts 2013 Horses of Racing Age Sale. Global Hottie was bred by Baseline Equine LLC. ...

Cal-bred Sells for $100,000 at F-T Midlantic

TIMONIUM, Md. (June 30, 2020) – A California-bred son of Square Eddie sold for $100,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-olds in Training Sale. The May foal, out of the Indian Charlie mare Cryptic, was consigned by Wavertree Stables, Agent, and purchased by West Point Thoroughbreds/L.E.B., Agent. He was bred by Reddam Racing and had breezed one-eighth of a mile in :10.0. ...

Galilean

Galilean wins $100,000 Soi Phet. ...

Galilean Draws Away to Win Soi Phet

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif (June 27, 2020) – A stretch to two turns and a return to Los Alamitos proved the winning moves for Galilean as he rolled to an easy victory in the $101,500 Soi Phet Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles Saturday. Bred by Bar C Racing Stables and trained by John Sadler for West Point Thoroughbreds, Denise Barker, William Sandbrook, John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith, the 4-year-old stalked the early pace from his outside post, then powered away in the final quarter of a mile to win by four lengths under jockey Juan Hernandez. The score in 1:35.49 for the mile was the first for the son of Uncle Mo and the El Prado mare Fresia since he captured the California Cup Derby Feb. 18, 2019 at Santa Anita when trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer. He’s now 4-for-9 lifetime with earnings of $442,948. Three of those victories – in as many starts – have come at Los Alamitos. Galilean captured... ...

Grinning Tiger, Galilean Duel in Soi Phet

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 24, 2020) – Fresh off a gate-to-wire 92-1 shocker in the Crystal Water Stakes on the Santa Anita turf, Grinning Tiger will try to remain perfect at Los Alamitos in the $100,000 Soi Phet Saturday. A one-mile event for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California, the Soi Phet – which was formerly named the Bertrando (2014-2019) – is the eighth of nine races. Post time is 1 p.m. Approximate post time for the Soi Phet is 4:30 p.m. The stakes honors a gelded son of Tizbud, who won five stakes at Los Alamitos – including the race now named for him in 2014 and 2018 – for the Benowitz Family Trust, Mathilde Powell and Paul Viskovich and trainer Leonard Powell. Soi Phet, who was claimed for $16,000 in the spring of 2013 at Hollywood Park, retired at age 11 in 2019 with more than $1 million in earnings. Owned by Tyree Wolesensky and trained by Anthony Saavedra, Grinning Tiger ended a... ...

Los Alamitos Opens Friday for Thoroughbreds

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 23, 2020) — The first of two thoroughbred meets at Los Alamitos this year will begin Friday, June 26, with the $100,000 Soi Phet Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles on Saturday, June 27. Los Alamitos remains closed to the public for both daytime thoroughbred and nighttime quarter horse racing. Racing will be conducted with only essential staff permitted inside the facility. Run at one mile, the Soi Phet – which was formerly named the Bertrando (2014-2019) – honors a gelding who was a five-time stakes winner at Los Alamitos prior to his retirement at age 11 last year. Two of his local victories came in the Bertrando, including the inaugural running in 2014. The season will be highlighted by a pair of graded stakes races – the Grade II, $200,000 Great Lady M. for fillies and mares (3-year-olds & up) at 6 ½ furlongs and the Grade III, $150,000 Los Alamitos Derby for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles. Both will be run... ...

Warren’s Showtime

Warren’s Showtime wins $150,000 Melair Stakes. ...

Warren’s Showtime Stars in Melair Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2020)–Ben and Sally Warren’s versatile homebred Warren’s Showtime, a three-time stakes winner on grass, relaxed beautifully early and despite the fact she lost considerable ground on both turns, rallied with big strides to take Sunday’s $150,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at a mile and one sixteenth on dirt. Ridden by regular pilot Jorge Velez and trained by Craig Lewis, the 3-year-old chestnut filly by red-hot sire Clubhouse Ride got the distance in 1:44.29. Breaking from the outside in a field of six sophomore fillies bred or sired in California, Warren’s Showtime was forced four-wide into the first turn as she sat fifth, about three lengths off of longshot pacesetter Reiwa, who was hotly pursued by favored Big Sweep and Smiling Shirlee. A comfortable fifth while full of run and three lengths off the lead at the half mile pole, Velez bided his time and asked his mount for run leaving the three furlong pole, from where she wheeled... ...

Galilean, Grinning Tiger Top Soi Phet Noms

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 21, 2020) — Galilean and Grinning Tiger, a combined 4-for-4 at Los Alamitos, are among 12 nominees to the $100,000-guaranteed Soi Phet Stakes, a one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California. The seventh renewal of the race formerly known as the Bertrando will be run Saturday, June 27, the second day of the Summer Thoroughbred Festival at Los Alamitos. The race honors Soi Phet, a gelded son of Tizbud trained by Leonard Powell for the Benowitz Family Trust, Mathilde Powell and Paul Viskovich who won five stakes races at Los Alamitos before his retirement at age 11 in 2019. The first of his local victories came in the inaugural Bertrando in 2014 and he won the race again in 2018. Owned by a partnership that includes West Point Thoroughbreds and trained by John Sadler, Galilean, a 4-year-old son of Uncle Mo, scored in his career debut at Los Alamitos Sept. 22, 2018 then captured the King Glorious Stakes by... ...

Indian Peak Game in Snow Chief Victory

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 20, 2020)—Not satisfied with the early pace scenario, “Big Money” Mike Smith took charge turning up the backside of Saturday’s $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita, as he allowed his free-running Indian Peak to stretch his legs with the result a gutty half-length win as he covered 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:48.11. Trained by Golden Gate Fields-based Quinn Howey, the homebred colt by Comic Strip notched his first stakes win in his 10th career start and provided Howey with his first Santa Anita stakes victory as well. A restrained fifth, about two lengths off the lead coming out of the first turn, Smith gave his mount his head and gained a neck advantage over favored Margot’s five furlongs out, but Margot’s Boy quickly reengaged at the rail and they basically went head and head to the sixteenth pole, where Indian Peak began to edge away. “He just wanted to give it to ’em,... ...

Indian Peak

Indian Peak wins $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes. ...

Touchdown Brown Goes Deep for Becerra

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 20, 2020) — Veteran trainer Rafael Becerra was all smiles Saturday morning, as his talented California-bred juvenile Touchdown Brown ran lights-out in his debut in Friday’s fourth race, demolishing seven Cal-bred rivals by 5 ¼ lengths while getting 4 ½ furlongs in 52.81. “He’s really good this morning, he pulled up great,” said the popular Becerra, 65. “The owners told me they’re already getting a lot offers, but the good news is, they’re not selling. I got this horse in mid-March and from day one, he acted like a good horse. We went to the track with him right away and he galloped perfect and he’s got a very good mind. “You could see he’s got a nice way of moving and my exercise rider really liked him right from the start. When we started breezing him, he did everything easy and outworked a good horse of mine in company.” ... ...

Your Cheatin Heart A Double Winner

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 19, 2020) – California broodmare Your Cheatin Heart was represented by a pair of California-bred half-sister winners on Friday. Her Loud Loud Music, a 3-year-old filly by Tizbud, won the seventh race at Santa Anita, an optional claimer, as the 2-1 favorite. Meanwhile, an hour earlier, Loretta, a 4-year-old filly by Grazen, won the second race at Pleasanton, an $18,000 claimer, at odds of 5-1. Both winners were bred by Nick Alexander, who also owns Loud Loud Music. Loretta is owned by Nin Auyeung. Your Cheatin Heart, a Bernstein mare, has a 2-year-old by Grazen named Ben Wade, and an unnamed yearling by Grazen, both bred by Alexander. ...

Sir Prancealot’s Sir Busker Wins at Ascot

From The Racing Post Day two at a behind-closed-doors Royal Ascot will be one trainer William Knight never forgets, after he saddled an emotional first winner at the meeting when Sir Busker, a son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, landed the Silver Royal Hunt Cup. The Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds-owned four-year-old powered home late under champion jockey Oisin Murphy to defeat the Roger Varian-trained Salayel by three-quarters of a length with the first four home racing on the stands’ side from stalls 18, 17, 21 and 19. Knight, who recently moved bases from Sussex to Newmarket, said: “When Sir Busker won at Newcastle that was my first runner from the yard, which is important, but that morning my father died and he was a big supporter of mine. “So the horse has a real emotional bond to me now and to enjoy a Royal Ascot win with him is fantastic. All credit has to go to my team. “He’s tailor-made for these big mile handicaps. We’ll go where the money is... ...

Stakes-winning Trio Meet in Melair

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 18, 2020) – Stakes winners Warren’s Showtime, Smiling Shirlee and Big Sweep pack a compact but talented field in Sunday’s $150,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Big Sweep is by Mr. Big, out of the City Zip mare Misszippityslewda, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Red Baron’s Barn or Rancho Temescal and is trained by Mark Glatt. She has won both starts with earnings of $123,000 and is coming off a win in the May 16 Echo Eddie. Smiling Shirlee is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Whobetterthanus, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Brown Jr., Klein or Lebherz and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $239,220 and is coming off a win in the May 16 Evening Jewel. Reiwa is by James Street, out of the Utopia mare Oh Molly Brannigan, was bred by owner Willow Tree Farm and is trained by Jonathan Wong. She... ...

Ward ‘n Jerry Goes Long in San Juan Capistrano

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 18, 2020) – Graded winner Ward ‘n Jerry is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III San Juan Capistrano Stakes at Santa Anita. Ward ‘n Jerry is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owner Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Mike Puype. He has six wins in 21 starts, earnings of $375,579 and is coming off a fifth in the June 6 Crystal Water. ...

Ultimate Bango Enters Siren Lure

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 18, 2020) – Ultimate Bango is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Siren Lure Stakes at Santa Anita. Ultimate Bango is by Uh Oh Bango, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, was bred by Mitchell Dutko & Bob Abrams, is owned by Abrams, Dutko or Paran and is trained by Blake Heap. He has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $234245 and is making his first start since a third in the Nov. 24 Cary Grant. ...

Pleasanton Loosens Owner Restrictions

From CARF PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 17, 2020) — Horse owners will now be allowed on grounds for racing at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Owners must follow these guidelines to be on grounds: Owners only allowed to bring one guest per owner. Owners are allowed to only watch the race their horse is entered in. Owners must abide by the safety protocols of the Alameda County Fair (including wearing a face mask and social distancing.) Owners will be restricted to access only the apron and paddock areas. We have also learned that the Alameda County Health Department has approved outside dining at the Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds will be hosting Trackside Terrace Outdoor Patio Dining on the second level of the Grandstand that owners may purchase tickets to. Those who are participating in the dining experience will be allowed to stay for the full duration of the race card. Those tickets can be purchased here and include a meal and bottomless cocktails. Questions about watching your horse run? Contact Tom Doutrich... ...

Margot’s Boy Risks Win Streak in Snow Chief

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 17, 2020) – Margot’s Boy puts a three-race win streak on the line in Saturday’s $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Sacred Rider is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Ride the Rails mare Lady Railrider, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. He has two wins in 13 starts, earnings of $134,234 and is coming off a second in a May 30 optional claimer. Margot’s Boy is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Creachadoir mare Margot Marchance, was bred by owner Alfred Pais and is trained by Craig Lewis. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $108,020 and has a three-race win streak. Canyon Crest is by Karakontie, out of the Bernardini mare Capaz, was bred by owner Richard Barton and is trained by Michael McCarthy. He has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $76,841 and is coming off a sixth in a May 22 optional claimer. Descartes is... ...

Phantom Boss Seeks Second Graded Win

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 17, 2020) – Graded winner Phantom Boss is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Lazaro Barrera Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Phantom Boss is by Shackleford, out of the Street Boss mare Bossy Belle, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Beckerle, Lovingier or Navarro and is trained by Jorge Periban. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $141,339 and is coming off a fourth in the June 6 Desert Code. ...

Cordiality Lone Cal-bred in Wilshire

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 17, 2020) – Multiple stakes winner Cordiality is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Wilshire Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Cordiality is by Papa Clem, out of the Unusual Heat mare Warmth, was bred by Dr. Ed Allred, is owned by Donnie Crevier and trained by Tim Yakteen. She has 10 wins in 30 starts, earnings of $504,835 and is coming off a fifth in the June 6 Fran’s Valentine. She was third in this race last year. ...

Collmus to Sub for Denman at Del Mar

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (June 17, 2020) — Larry Collmus, the voice of the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup on NBC television and a national race caller with 35 years of experience on his ledger, will become the announcer at Del Mar this summer when he steps in on a “pinch hitting” assignment for the track’s regular caller, Trevor Denman. Because of health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Denman recently told Del Mar officials that he and his wife Robin did not wish to travel away from their Minnesota farm and asked to kindly bow out of his summer assignment. Del Mar, of course, said yes to the iconic announcer who has been its caller for the past 36 years. “When Trevor told us of his situation, we naturally had to respect what he was feeling,” said Josh Rubinstein, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s president and COO. “We immediately worked up a short list of possible replacements and Larry was the man we zeroed in on. Happily, he... ...

Tiger Dad

Tiger Dad wins $100,000 Thor’s Echo. ...

Tiger Dad Digs In to Win Thor’s Echo

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 13, 2020)–With most of the attention focused on last year’s winner, trainer Carla Gaines’ “Avis choice,” consistent Tiger Dad, set the tone early as he battled head and head for the lead with a well-meant Principe Carlo, eventually gaining the ascendency in deep stretch as he drew off to win Saturday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by three quarters of length. Ridden by regular pilot Victor Espinoza, Tiger Dad, a 4-year-old California-bred gelding by Smiling Tiger, got six furlongs in 1:09.56 while never threatened by his well fancied stablemate Desert Law, who checked in third as the even money favorite. “I have been riding him quite a few times (his last eight races), so I really have the confidence in him,” said Espinoza. “When some other horse is outside, it is exactly what he wants because he won’t let them go by. I didn’t want to take the lead too soon because he has a bad habit of waiting... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, June 11. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Dr. Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved a regulatory amendment that further restricts the use of the riding crop in both racing and training. The rule prohibits using the crop more than six times in the race, excluding simply showing the crop to the horse or tapping the horse on the shoulder, and within that limit prohibits using the crop more than two times in succession without giving the horse time to respond. The rule cites the proper way for using the crop in an underhanded position without it ever rising above the shoulders of the... ...

TOC Raises Participation Guarantee

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 12, 2020) – The unfortunate combination of seven weeks of no live racing coupled with statewide increases in workers compensation costs have created a funding shortfall for the horse industry’s workers compensation program covering jockeys and backstretch workers that is operated by Post Time Self Insurance. As a result, Post Time has found it necessary to increase the amounts to be paid by both owners and trainers, which fund the majority of program costs via per-stall charges from trainers and race per-start fees from owners. The owners’ per-start fee will be raised from $120 to $149 effective July 1, 2020. The per-start fee will continue to be automatically deducted from the owner’s paymaster account every time they start a horse.To offset increased workers’ compensation per-start increases and provide additional financial support to California owners, TOC authorized an increase in the Guaranteed Participation Purses earlier this year from $351 to $500 per start in Southern California and from $300 to $450 at Golden Gate Fields.Guaranteed participation... ...

Cal-bred Kitten’s Joy Filly Sells for $115,000

OCALA, Fla. (June 12, 2020) – A California-bred filly by Kitten’s Joy sold for $115,000 in Friday’s final session of the Ocala Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-olds. The filly, out of the Dynaformer mare Dynarhythm, was bred by Hanson’s River Ranch, was consigned by Sequel Bloodstock and purchased by Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal. She’s a full sister to Fear the Kitten, a stakes-placed winner of $232,505. ...

Camino Del Paraiso on Road to S.F. Mile

ALBANY, Calif. (June 12, 2020) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Grade III San Francisco Mile Stakes at Golden Gate. Camino Del Paraiso is by Suances, out of the Successful Appeal mare Loni’s Appeal, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn, is owned by Paradise Road Ranch and is trained by O.J. Jauregui. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has five wins in 36 starts, earnings of $370,192 and is coming off a third in the May 25 All American Stakes. He was fifth in this race in 2018 and sixth in 2017. ...

Possibly Perfect Lures Streak of Luck

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 11, 2020) – Streak of Luck is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Possibly Perfect Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Streak of Luck is by Old Fashioned, out of the Elusive Quality mare Valeria, was bred by owner Roncelli Family Trust and is trained by Matthew Chew. She has five wins in 26 starts, earnings of $305,859 and is coming off a third in a May 25 optional claimer. ...

Desert Law Seeks Repeat in Return

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 11, 2020) – Defending champion Desert Law returns from an 11-month layoff in Saturday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Handicap for Golden State Series eligible at Santa Anita. Desert Law is by Desert Code, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Treasure Chest, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $319,707 and is making his first start since a second in the July 27 Bing Crosby. He won this race last year. Tiger Dad is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Unusual Heat mare Q T Shea, was bred by owners Devereaux or Gross and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $216,661 and is coming off a second in a May 17 optional claimer. Stakes-winning Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Oliver is by Papa Clem, out of the Premiership mare Snobby Princess, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by William Peeples and is trained by Doug... ...

Been Studying Her in Angel’s Flight

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 11, 2020) – Multiple stakes winner Been Studying Her is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Angel’s Flight Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Been Studying Her is by Fast Anna, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, was bred by owner KMN Racing and is trained by Art Sherman. She has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $229,780 and is coming off a third in the May 16 Evening Jewel. ...

Bettor Trip Nick Sent to Alcatraz Stakes

ALBANY, Calif. (June 11, 2020) – Multiple stakes winner Bettor Trip Nick and fellow California-breds Darn Quick and Indian Peak are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Bettor Trip Nick is by Boat Trip, out of the In Excess mare Bettor Knot, was bred by Running Horse Equine Training Center, is owned by William Delia, Gary Oetman or Ray Pagano and is trained by Delia. He has four wins in seven starts, earnings of $141,180 and is coming off a fourth in the May 16 Echo Eddie. Darn Quick is by Run Brother Ron, out of the Forest Camp mare Darncat, was bred by owner Clifford Plum and is trained by Allen Rogers. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $73,090 and is coming off an eighth in a May 17 optional claimer. Indian Peak is by Comic Strip, out of the Roar mare Ms. Booty, was bred by owners Dr. and Mrs. William Gray and is trained by Quinn Howey. He has... ...

Breeders’ Cup Members Announced

From Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 10, 2020) — The Breeders’ Cup announced June 9 that 19 individuals were elected to serve as Breeders’ Cup members. Voting for the 2020 member election by Breeders’ Cup 2019 foal and stallion nominators concluded at 5:00 p.m. ET June 8. The following individuals, listed alphabetically, received the most votes of the Breeders’ Cup nominators to fill 19 member seats, and will serve four-year terms: Conrad Bandoroff, Barbara Banke, Jimmy Bell, Boyd Browning, Doug Cauthen, Craig Fravel, Eric Gustavson, Dr. Andreas Jacobs, W. Gray Lyster IV, Clem Murphy, Maria Niarchos-Gouazé, David O’Farrell, Bill Oppenheim, Bernie Sams, Alex Solis II, Oliver Tait, W. Elliott Walden, Barry Weisbord, Aron Wellman. “It is an honor to welcome our new and re-elected members to serve with us over the next four years,” said Fred Hertrich III, Breeders’ Cup chairman. “We look forward to their meaningful contributions, along with our other sitting members, toward our efforts to further grow and expand the popularity of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, improve... ...

Kelsey’s Cross Wins Ginger Punch

From Gulfstream Park Publicity HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (June 9, 2020) – Given a short freshening after competing in five consecutive graded-stakes dating back to last fall, Kelsey’s Cross got some class relief and rallied to secure her elusive first career stakes victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Ginger Punch for Florida-breds at Gulfstream Park. Kelsey’s Cross is a Florida-bred by California stallion Anthony’s Cross, who stands at Rancho de los Aviadores. Ridden by Luca Panici for trainer Patrick Biancone, who co-owns the 4-year-old filly with Sanford Bancon, Kelsey’s Cross ($7.80) completed the distance in 1:42.94 over a turf course rated good as the 5-2 second choice in a field of 11. Kelsey’s Cross was last seen finishing ninth in the Orchid (G3) March 28 at Gulfstream, three weeks after her third-place effort in the Hillsborough (G2) at Tampa. Also third in the Wonder Again (G3), Martha Washington and Saratoga Oaks last summer, she had been training steadily for her comeback at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream’s satellite training facility in Palm Beach County. “It’s... ...

Santa Anita Pushes Back Post Time to 1 p.m.

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 7, 2020)–With six racing days and a total of 11 stakes races remaining in its current Winter Spring Meeting, Santa Anita Park has announced it will go with a 1 p.m. first post time beginning Friday, June 12 through closing day, Sunday, June 21. The track will offer a pair of stakes this Saturday, June 13, the $75,000 Angels Flight, for 3-year-old fillies at 6 ½ furlongs and the $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes, for California-bred or sired 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs. On Sunday, June 14, fillies and mares three and up will go a mile and one quarter on turf in the $75,000 Possibly Perfect Stakes. Four graded stakes remain at the current meet, the Grade III, $100,000 Lazaro Barrera for 3-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs on Saturday, June 20; the Grade III, the $100,000 Wilshire, for fillies and mares three and up going one mile on turf also on June 20; the Grade III, $100,000 American Stakes, for three year... ...

After a Year Off, Mikes Tiznow Repeats

ALBANY, Calif. (June 6, 2020) – In his first start back after a year on the sidelines, Mikes Tiznow successfully defended his title in Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. Mikes Tiznow is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Babes Bridge It, was bred by Eagle Ridge Racing, is owned by Mike Schott and trained by Andy Mathis. The 5-year-old gelding has five wins in nine starts with earnings of $187,555. Mikes Tiznow ran the five furlongs in :56.26 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-2 in a field of nine. ...

Grinning Tiger in 92-1 Crystal Water Shocker

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 6, 2020)–In his first-ever try going two turns on grass, the Anthony Saavedra-trained Grinning Tiger went to the front and never looked back, winning Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by 1 ¾ lengths at odds of 90-1. Ridden by Heriberto Figueroa, the 5-year-old Oregon-bred gelding by California stallion Smiling Tiger got a flat mile on turf in 1:35.75. Fitted with blinkers in his last three starts, Grinning Tiger was most recently sixth going 5 ½ furlongs on turf versus statebreds in the 5 ½ furlong Sensational Star Stakes here on March 22. “I really did think we could get it done,” said an elated Saavedra. “He shuts off (relaxes) so easy, he’s not a runoff. He will just bow that head and do whatever we want him to do. We were dying to try two turns…We were going to scratch him at the last minute, but we all came together and said he needs to run.” In his... ...

Grinning Tiger

Grinning Tiger wins $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes. ...

Super Patriot

Super Patriot wins $100,000 Fran’s Valentine. ...

Super Patriot Rallies to Win Fran’s Valentine

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 6, 2020)–Last by about seven lengths heading into the far turn, Super Patriot rallied three-deep turning for home to win Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by 1 ¾ lengths under a well executed hand ride from Santa Anita’s leading man Flavien Prat. Trained by Richard Baltas, the 5-year-old Unusual Heat mare got a mile on turf in 1:35.66. Well beaten in the Grade II Buena Vista Stakes going a mile turf Feb. 22, Super Patriot was the 3-2 favorite with Prat aboard for the first time and in a field of six California-bred or sired fillies and mares paid $5.00, $2.80 and $2.10. “She’s not easy to deal with, but she’s special,” said Baltas, who notched his meet-leading 27th win. “She’s got a great turn of foot. They were walking, but she was off the bridle and looked very comfortable. All I told Flavien was ‘Don’t get her stopped.’ She was inside, they he took... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 5, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Thursday, June 11, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Consistent with the Governor’s Executive Order N-29-20, the meeting will be teleconference only and no physical location will be provided. The public is encouraged to 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 the meeting. Furthermore, those wishing to speak during the meeting may dial 888-392-4564 and enter 6896291# when prompted. The operator will provide instructions to those wishing to speak on any agenda item. Those providing public comment on individual agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Note that for agenda item #15, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. The agenda and package of materials for this teleconference meeting are available on the CHRB website. ...

Lava Man to Lead Gold Cup Post Parade

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 4, 2020)—A three-time winner of the prestigious Hollywood Gold Cup, legendary California-bred Lava Man, who currently resides at trainer Doug O’Neill’s Barn 88, will lead the parade to the post for the race’s 81st running this Saturday at Santa Anita. Run at Hollywood Park from 1938 through 2013, the iconic mile and one quarter fixture for 3-year-olds and up was shifted to Santa Anita in 2014 and renamed the Gold Cup at Santa Anita. Recently restored to its original title, the Grade I, $300,000 Hollywood Gold Cup will be run as the 10th race on an 11-race program on Saturday, with approximate post time listed at 5:12 p.m. PT. Lava Man, a dark bay gelding foaled on March 20, 2001, is by Slew City Slew and is out of the Nostalgia’s Star mare Li’L Ms. Leonard. He was bred by Lonnie Arterburn and Eve and Kim Kuhlmann. A winner of three consecutive Gold Cups from 2005-07, Lava Man became the... ...

Streaking Fashionably Fast in Triple Bend

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 4, 2020) – Fashionably Fast risks his six-race win streak in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita. Fashionably Fast is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Forestry mare Fall Fashion, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Harris Farms, Antonsen or Nicoletti and is trained by Dean Pederson. He has seven wins in 16 starts, earnings of $449,745 and has won his last six starts, four of them stakes, most recently the Mar. 1 Tiznow Stakes. ...

Blue Diva Shows Up for Golden Poppy

ALBANY, Calif. (June 4, 2020) – Stakes winner Blue Diva is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Golden Poppy Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Blue Diva is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Quiet American mare Farmers Wife, was bred by BKB Stables, is owned by Frankly Speaking and trained by Isidro Tamayo. She has seven wins in 19 starts, earnings of $199,209 and is coming off a Feb. 28 allowance win. ...

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