Santa Anita Hopeful Restrictions Will Ease

Feb 21, 2021 Posted by CTBA In Uncategorized

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... ...

Stallion, Foal Deadlines Pushed to Feb. 22

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. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Wednesday, February 17. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved an agreement between the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), the Los Angeles Turf Club (Santa Anita), and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (Del Mar) under which those parties will redirect some of their own revenue from Advance Deposit Wagering into a marketing program to fund player rebates, stakes recruitment, and Ship & Win incentives, among other things. This program replicates the functions of the defunct California Marketing Committee. The Board began the regulatory process to update the CHRB classification of drug substances to align with Association of Racing Commissions... ...

Hollywood Hills in Spring Fever Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2021) – Stakes winner Hollywood Hills and comebacker Bella Vita are among the entrants in Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Cassie Belle is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Unusual Heat mare Madame Heat, was bred by owner Oakcrest Stable and is trained by Sean McCarthy. She has two wins in 15 starts, earnings of $145,465 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 23 allowance. Hotitude is by Heat Shield, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Lovefromafar, was bred by Kristin Mulhall, is owned by Twilight Racing or Taub and is trained by Mulhall. She has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $221,252 and is coming off a fifth in a Feb. 7 optional claimer. Dr Wysong is by Cyclotron, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Hi Ho Yodeler, was bred by Todd Marshall & Andrew Molasky, is owned by Sergio Salguero and trained by Isidro Tamayo. She has two wins in... ...

CHRB Releases 2019-20 Annual Report

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2021) — Pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 19441 (Horse Racing Law), the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) is pleased to submit its 50th Annual Report, which summarizes the activities of the CHRB during the 2019-20 fiscal year, including statistical data and an overview of the Board’s operations. The report also offers highlights of horse racing for all breeds in California for the 2020 calendar year. The CHRB 2019-20 Annual Report has also been posted to the Board’s website and can viewed at www.chrb.ca.gov. The CHRB is proud of the many achievements listed in its report and is dedicated to protecting the integrity of the industry at all levels for the millions of fans that wager and watch California horse racing. Sincerely, Scott Chaney Executive Director California Horse Racing Board ...

Mucho Unusual, Warren’s Showtime Clash

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2021) – Graded stakes winners Mucho Unusual and Warren’s Showtime and fellow California-bred Sedamar are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Mucho Unusual is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by Tim Yakteen. She has seven wins in 19 starts, earnings of $822,715 and is coming off back-to-back Grade III wins in the Megahertz and Robert J. Frankel. She was third in this race last year. 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 16 starts, earnings of $569,431 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 16 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. Sedamar is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Win Allison Win, was bred by... ...

Sparticle to Stand at Daehling Ranch

ELK GROVE, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2021) — Stakes-placed Sparticle will stand the 2021 breeding season at Daehling Ranch. Sparticle is the son of the late sire Field Commission, out of the mare Clara Bow, and was foaled May 10, 2015. A Florida-bred colt, his track earnings were $171,099. Sparticle was the top progeny in 2018 for Field Commission with a speed rating of 101 and earnings that year of $92,490. In 2019 he ranked in the top five progeny of Field Commission with an Equibase speed figure of 113 and earnings of $66,639. Sparticle set the track record for six furlongs of 1:07.68 on August 24, 2019 in a six-length win at Penn National Race Track. Sparticle is a handsome hard-knocking sprinter with the potential to pass on his capabilities to his progeny. ...

Gary Fenton Elected TOC Chairman

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2021) — The TOC Board unanimously elected Gary Fenton to serve as the new Chairman of the organization replacing outgoing Chairman Nick Alexander who stepped down after five years in the role. Fenton has been on the TOC Board since 2016 and has served as Chairman of the TOC Racing Committee since 2018 and TOC Vice-Chairman since 2019. Fenton is the managing partner of Little Red Feather Racing (LRF), California’s largest syndicate with over 85 horses and over 400 owner/partners. LRF has campaigned Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Singletary as well as Grade 1 winners Egg Drop, Midnight Storm, Secret Spice, Fault and Mirth. LRF has the fifth most starts of all owners in Southern California since 2010. Fenton grew up in Beverly Hills, CA and caught the horse racing bug at an early age attending races at Hollywood Park, Santa Anita and Del Mar, including the first Breeders’ Cup in 1984. He began his career as an entertainment attorney working for the William Morris Agency and... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Wednesday, February 17, 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. ...

CTBA Champions Voting Extended to Feb. 15

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2021) — Voting for 2020 California-bred champions has been extended through midnight Feb. 15. Only active members that have registered an email address with CTBA can vote online by clicking: http://vote.ctba.com To access past performances of the candidates for all divisions, click: http://vote.ctba.com/UI/CandidateInfo Access to past performances is unlimited. When ready to vote, members should click: “Register email” and enter their email address, then click: “Validate Email.” An access code will be emailed to that address if validated. Only one access code will be provided and it must be entered to open the ballot. No additional codes will be available. To assure security, access to the ballot will be granted on a one-time basis, so be prepared to place votes for every division. The ballot cannot be closed and reopened. When the ballot has been completed, click: “Submit ballot.” Due to COVID, there will be no in-person awards ceremony, however, there will be a virtual presentation on a date in March to be determined. ...

Lilac Fire Survivor Wins at Los Alamitos

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2021) — Joe Herrick Racing Stables, LLC and Red Silk Stables LLC.’s Lovely Finish scored an emotional maiden victory for her connections in the first race on Saturday at Los Alamitos Race Course three years after the now 6-year-old mare survived the 2017 Lilac Fire while at San Luis Rey Downs. Ridden by Anthony Locke from post number eight, the California-bred won in style, pulling away from her rivals in route to a 3 1-2 length win in the 1,000-yard race. “I had to keep myself from getting emotional because her and I almost lost our lives together,” said Herrick, who trains the now 6-year-old California-bred mare by Marino Marini. In saving Lovely Finish from the wildfire on December 7, 2017, Herrick was burned on 23 percent of his body. After months of recovery for both trainer and horse, Lovely Finish made her return to the races, running third in a 5 1Ž2 furlong race during the LA County... ...

I’m So Anna, Squared Shady in Sweet Life

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2021) – Stakes winner I’m So Anna and fellow California-bred Squared Shady are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Pike Place Dancer Stakes winner 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 seven starts, earnings of $110,740 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 16 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks. Squared Shady is by Square Eddie, out of the Johar mare Frege, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Brown, Jr. or Ganje and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $64,060 and is coming off a Jan. 16 maiden win. ...

CHRB Names Blea Equine Medical Director

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2021) – Dr. Jeff Blea has been a trusted voice in the California horse racing industry for decades, and in July he will become the veterinary voice of the California Horse Racing Board upon the long-planned retirement of Dr. Rick Arthur from the critically important position of Equine Medical Director (EMD). While Dr. Blea has been committed to his thriving veterinary practice on the Southern California thoroughbred circuit, he recently decided he could be a more valuable resource to the equine veterinary profession and provide greater assistance in the advancement of the racing industry. Dr. Gregory Ferraro, chairman of CHRB and a former equine veterinarian himself on the southern circuit, described Dr. Blea as “a nationally known and widely respected equine veterinarian. He is recognized for his clear thinking and fairness in his decision making.” Under contract arrangements between the CHRB and the School of Veterinary Medicine (SVM) at the University of California, Davis, the EMD serves as a member of its faculty. CHRB... ...

Jockey Agent George O’Bryan Passes at 100

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2021) — Regarded as one of the best jockey agents in America for decades, George O’Bryan, who turned 100 years of age on Oct. 25, passed away early Thursday afternoon at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, according to his son, Craig O’Bryan. Following his career as an agent, O’Bryan, along with his late wife Mercedes, was also an owner/breeder of note in California. His biggest achievement in the breeding arena came with the California-bred Don B. mare, Don’s Quillo, who was the dam of California-bred champion Megan’s Interco, an earner of $1,062,000. One of nine children, George Albert O’Bryan was born in Taylorville, Illinois and left home at age 16 for a career in racing, which included a brief career as a jockey, riding for eventual Hall of Fame conditioners Ben Jones and his son Jimmy in the Midwest. Athletic, hard working and tremendously knowledgeable, O’Bryan went from exercise boy to jockey to jockey agent, representing many jockeys, including five Hall of Fame riders, Johnny... ...

Positivity, Play Chicken in El Camino Real

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2021) – California-bred stakes winners Positivity and Play Chicken and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Govenor’s Party are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Graduation Stakes winner Positivity is by Paynter, out of the City Zip mare Sam’s Sunny City, was bred by Allen Farm, is owned by Charles Winner, Annie Winner or Justyn Winner and is trained by Patrick Gallagher. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $122,000 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 16 California Cup Derby. King Glorious Stakes winner Play Chicken is by Square Eddie, out of the Distorted Humor mare Smoove, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $98,000 and is coming off seventh in the Jan. 16 California Cup Derby. Govenor’s Party is by Govenor Charlie, out of the Zensational mare Spring Moon, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by trainer Daniel Franko.... ...

Acclimate Targets San Marcos Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2021) – Multiple graded winner Acclimate is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita. Acclimate is by Acclamation, out of the Boundary mare Knows 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 20 starts, earnings of $399,872 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 16 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. ...

Cal-bred Pair Enter San Vicente

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2021) – California-breds The Chosen Vron and Found My Ball are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Vicente Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. The Chosen Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners, is owned by Fetin, Sondereker or Thornburgh, et al and is trained by J.E. Kruljac. He won his lone start Dec. 27 with earnings of $36,600. Found My Ball is by Square Eddie, out of the Ten Most Wanted mare Silar Rules, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $43,200 and is coming off a Jan. 22 maiden win. ...

Take the One O One Might Try Dubai

DUBAI, U.A.E. (Feb. 3, 2021) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Take the One O One has been nominated to the $1.5 million Grade I Dubai Golden Shaheen and the $750,000 Grade II Godolphin Mile. The races will take place as part of the Dubai World Cup card on Saturday, March 27, at Meydan Racecourse. Take the One O One is by Acclimation, out of the Jump Start mare North Freeway, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Jay Em Ess Stable and trained by Brian Koriner. The 6-year-old California-bred, sold for $47,000 at the Northern California Yearling Sale, has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $490,826 and most recently ran sixth in the Jan. 23 Palos Verdes Stakes. In 2018, Take the One O One scored back-to-back stakes wins in the Snow Chief and Real Good Deal. ...

Trainer Julio Canani Passes at 83

From Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2021) — Julio Canani, a successful trainer of Breeders’ Cup winners who died Feb. 5 at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena at age 83, reveled in attention. Much as he enjoyed accepting trophies after a big race, he also would dress up in a giant green hat at Santa Anita Park on St. Patrick’s Day. He loved the few episodes of the HBO series Deadwood that he did for producer and writer David Milch. “I get to be in a bar and spit on someone,” Canani once said of the old West series. Canani trained such horses for Milch as 2001 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) winner Val Royal. Prior to Deadwood, Milch put Canani in a couple of episodes of the television series NYPD Blue. “I go over there for fun, and they say, ‘Let’s dress him up,’ ” Canani explained. A decade ago, Milch created the Peruvian trainer Turo Escalante based on Canani for the short-lived racetrack-based series Luck. Milch infused the character with... ...

Rumpus Cat’s First Foal a Filly

From Daehling Ranch ELK GROVE, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2021) — California stallion Rumpus Cat’s first foal is a filly out of the Tribal Rule mare Medicine Gal. The filly was delivered at Daehling Ranch, where Rumpus Cat, a son of Street Sense, stands for a $2,500 fee. ...

Capo Kane Headed to Withers Stakes

By DRF.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Feb. 3, 2021) — California-bred Capo Kane will look to validate his upset victory in last month’s Jerome Stakes and prove himself worthy of being considered a Kentucky Derby candidate when he meets eight rivals in Saturday’s Grade 3, $250,000 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct. The Withers, as did the Jerome, offers its winner 10 qualifying points to the May 1 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The Jerome, run on New Year’s Day, was a one-turn mile. The Withers is run at 1 1/8 miles around two turns. Capo Kane did handle two turns in his maiden win going a mile and 70 yards at Parx Racing last November. “I don’t think that will be a problem for him,” said Harold Wyner, the trainer of Capo Kane. “This horse can go to the lead or he can come from behind too. He doesn’t mind dirt in his face.” Wyner said he’s liked what he’s seen from Capo Kane since the Jerome. :: Click to learn about... ...

Trainer Dagoberto Perez Passes at 80

From Eddie Rich Racing On Thursday January 21st, longtime trainer and California based horseman Dagoberto Perez passed away at the age of 80. A familiar and well-liked person, he was a fixture at Hollywood Park for decades, he was often seen with his signature cigar and fedora as he followed each of his horses to the track and back. Dagoberto was born in Cuba and was a trainer in his homeland before immigrating to the United States in 1961. After many years on the East Coast as an assistant to Hall of Fame trainer, Frank “Pancho” Martin during the years Martin dominated the New York racing scene with training titles at Aqueduct and Belmont, “Dago” was there for it all and had the pleasure of working with great horses such as Autobiography, Rube The Great, Never Bow and of course, Sham. The Martin barn headed west and so did Dagoberto. Settling in at his beloved Hollywood Park, the warm California sunshine suited him well and Dago chose not to return... ...

Bodexpress to Stand at Barton

From Barton Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, CA—Bodexpress has been retired from racing and will enter stud for the 2021 season at Barton Thoroughbreds for $5,000 LFSN. The five-year-old Grade 1-winning son of Bodemeister out of a City Zip mare retires with lifetime earnings of nearly $700,000. This includes his notable victory in the G1 Clark in November 2020 defeating Code of Honor, as well as his second to Maximum Security in the G1 Florida Derby in 2019. Bodemeister has also sired Always Dreaming, the winner of the 2017 Kentucky Derby, and both Always Dreaming and Bodexpress have shown that they were able to carry their front-running speed over a distance of ground. Julio Rada of Platinum Bloodstock brokered the deal and was critical in the securing of the new stallion for Barton Thoroughbreds. Barton Thoroughbreds is pleased to add a stallion to their roster of this caliber and looks forward to supporting him with mares. Bodexpress is available for inspection at the farm in Santa Ynez, California. ...

Surf Cat Relocates to Rancho San Miguel

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2021) — Veteran stallion Surf Cat, a multiple Grade 2-winning millionaire and the sire of 2017 California Horse of the Year Sircat Sally, will stand at Rancho San Miguel in San Miguel, California during the 2021 breeding season. His fee is $2,500, live foal guarantee. The 19-year-old son of Storm Cat’s multiple graded stakes winner Sir Cat has stood exclusively in California since his retirement from racing in 2009 — originally at historic Old English Rancho and most recently at a small, private farm near Chowchilla. From nine crops of racing age, Surf Cat has sired 57 winners from 84 starters to date, with lifetime progeny earnings of $4,046,140 and average earnings per starter of $48,168. His five black-type runners are led by Sircat Sally, a $552,860-earner who won three graded turf stakes at Santa Anita Park and California-bred Horse of the Year honors from the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association in 2017. He is also represented by the dual Grade 3 winner... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, January 21. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Wendy Mitchell, and Alex Solis. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: The Board approved by a 4-3 vote a one-year license for the quarter-horse meet at Los Alamitos Race Course that began December 26, 2020, and will continue through December 19, 2021. Chairman Ferraro and Commissioners Alfieri, Castellanos, and Solis voted in favor of the motion to approve, while Vice Chair Gonzales and Commissioners Davis and Mitchell opposed the motion in favor of a six-month license. Because the primary focus of CHRB concerns has been safety at Los Alamitos, management made a lengthy and detailed presentation... ...

Stallion Om’s First Reported Foal a Filly

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2021) — The first reported foal by multiple graded winner Om was born January 18 at Harris Farms. Bred by Al and Saundra Kirkwood, the chestnut filly is the third foal from the Unusual Heat allowance winner All the Heat who is a full sister to Inflamed, dam of Grade I winner Mo Forza. Making headlines breaking his maiden in his second start at 2 defeating Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Om continued to excel at 3 through his 7-year-old season winning four graded races including the Del Mar Derby (G2T), Twilight Derby (G2T) and Mathis Brothers Mile (G2T), in addition to second and third-place finishes in 13 other graded stakes including two editions of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Om recorded 14 Triple Digit Beyers at five different race tracks coast to coast, including a new course record at Churchill Downs for 5 ½ furlongs. He retired with earnings of $1,355,082. The leading money-winning son of his sire Munnings, Om will stand his second season at Harris... ...

Take the One O One to Palos Verdes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate and multiple stakes winner Take the One O One is entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Palos Verdes Stakes at Santa Anita. Take the One O One is by Acclamation, out of the Jump Start mare North Freeway, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Jay Em Ess Stables and trained by Brian Koriner. The $47,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has six wins in 19 starts, earnings of $490,326 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 26 San Antonio Stakes. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2021) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Thursday, January 21, 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 #9, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. The agenda and package of materials are available on the CHRB website. ...

Mucho Unusual

Mucho Unusual wins $100,000 Grade III Megahertz Stakes. ...

Another Stakes Win for Mucho Unusual

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2021)–Although spring training in Arizona and Florida is a month and a half away, George Krikorian’s homebred Mucho Unusual nonetheless took a base on balls Monday at Santa Anita, as she powered to a three-quarter length win at odds of 2-5 in the Grade III, $100,000 Megahertz Stakes. Trained by Tim Yakteen and ridden by Joel Rosario, the 5-year-old California-bred mare by Mucho Macho Man got one mile on turf and thus became the Winter Meet’s first two-time stakes winner in the process. With a pair of program scratches reducing the field of older fillies and mares to four, Mucho Unusual broke alertly from her number three post and was immediately lapped on Chilean import Brooke, who went straight to the lead from her rail post. Second, while a measured three quarters of a length off the leader at the three furlong pole, Mucho Unusual drew alongside leaving the quarter pole and was carried out to the four-path by Brooke at the... ...

Brickyard Ride

Brickyard Ride wins $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

North County Guy

North County Guy wins $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. ...

Big Fish

Big Fish wins $200,000 California Cup Derby. ...

Closing Remarks

Closing Remarks wins $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks. ...

Brickyard Ride Wins Don Valpredo Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2021)–Quick from the blocks and completely dominant thereafter, the Alfred Pais homebred Brickyard Ride made every pole a winning one as he registered an impressive 3 ¼ length win in Saturday’s $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita. Trained by Craig Lewis and ridden by Alexis Centeno, the 4-year-old chestnut colt by red hot California-based stallion Clubhouse Ride got six furlongs in a rapid 1:09.42. Named in honor of the longtime owner/breeder Donald Valpredo, the Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint is part of the CTBA’s lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. With a two length advantage at the quarter pole over stablemate Club Aspen, Brickyard Ride widened late and easily prevailed late over post time favorite Tigre Di Slugo. “I felt pretty good about it because I thought we had them double teamed, we knew we were going to try to speed away with Brickyard because he’s got wicked speed,” said Lewis, who also trained his... ...

North County Guy Rallies in Turf Classic

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2021)–Content to sit well off the early pace, North County Guy wheeled four-wide at the top of the stretch en route to a hard-earned neck victory in Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic at Santa Anita. Trained by Richard Baltas and ridden by Mario Gutierrez, North County Guy, a 6-year-old gelding by The Pampelmousse, got a mile and one eighth in 1:46.34. Presented by City National Bank, the Unusual Heat Turf Classic is part of the CTBA’s lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. With 70-1 longshot Cono winging on an uncontested early lead, North County Guy was a distant fifth, about 20 lengths off the lead with a half mile to run. As Cono stopped mid-way around the far turn, the entire field moved into contention, with North County Guy about three lengths off the lead at the top of the lane. With favored Acclimate and Tyler Baze hitting the front at the quarter pole, North County Guy... ...

Big Fish Reels in California Cup Derby

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2021)–Patiently handled by leading man Juan Hernandez, Legacy Ranch’s Big Fish reeled ’em in late to take Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby by 1 ½ lengths. Trained by David Hofmans, Big Fish got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:46.37. A Northern California Yearling Sale purchase for $45,000, Big Fish was bred by George Krikorian. A joint sixth, about four lengths off the lead going into the far turn, Hernandez bided his time, angled outside three sixteenths from home and Big Fish unleashed a powerful stretch kick to run down None Above the Law in the final sixteenth. Fourth in the one mile turf Eddie Logan Stakes here on Dec. 27, Big Fish, a 3-year-old gelding by Mr. Big out of the Into Mischief mare Perched, had been on turf and faced open company in his last four races, with both of his wins coming on the grass. Ridden for the first time by Hernandez, he was also fitted with blinkers, after having... ...

Closing Remarks Triumphs in Howard Oaks

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2021)–With a nightmarish trip in her last start behind her, Harris Farms’ homebred Closing Remarks powered to an impressive one-length win in Saturday’s $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at Santa Anita. One of three fillies in the field trained by Carla Gaines, Closing Remarks was ridden by Umberto Rispoli and covered one mile on turf in 1:35.62. Named for the longtime owner/breeder and trainer who passed away this past Sept. 3 at 79, the Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks is part of the CTBA’s lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired three year old fillies. Fourth, about two lengths off of longshot leader Super Game at the top of the stretch, Closing Remarks wheeled three-wide and was free-running to the wire as she easily held off the late run of Warrens Candy Girl on the money. Full of run with nowhere to go turning for home in the Grade III Jimmy Durante Stakes going a mile on... ...

Leggs Galore

Leggs Galore wins $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, presented by John Deere. ...

Leggs Galore Wins F&M Turf Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2021)–Never headed at any point, trainer William Sims’ homebred Leggs Galore sped to an emphatic 3 ¼ length win in Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. Ridden by Ricky Gonzalez, Leggs Galore got six furlongs out of Santa Anita’s new turf chute in 1:08.90 while collecting her fourth consecutive win. Presented by John Deere, the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint is part of the CTBA’s lucrative Golden State Series for eligible older fillies and mares bred or sired in California. Breaking from post position two in a field of nine, Leggs Galore went right to the lead, enjoyed a one length advantage three furlongs from home and easily repelled a challenge mid-way around the turn from Mo See Cal to register her first stakes victory. “I knew it was going to be hard for them to beat her,” said Gonzalez. “She was doing it so easily, and running so relaxed. She had a lot... ...

Nat Wess, Former CTBA GM, Passes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2021) — Nat Wess, a popular and highly respected racing publicist who began his career in racing in 1964 at Santa Anita, died Thursday at age 81 from complications related to a recent fall. In a story written by Steve Andersen at DRF.com, Andersen reported that Wess, who retired in 2009, held a variety of jobs in racing, including management positions at Canterbury Park in Minnesota, Bay Meadows, Hollywood Park and with the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. As director of publicity at Hollywood Park, he oversaw the implementation of the wildly popular Two Dollar Pick Six in 1980, which helped the Inglewood oval become the first track in America to average more than $5 million in daily handle, which was bet entirely on-track. As general manager of the CTBA, he was part of a team that developed the concept of California Cup Day, which debuted during Santa Anita’s Oak Tree Meeting in 1990. A man of boundless energy, Wess had a love... ...

Mucho Unusual Enters Megahertz

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2021)–Owner/breeder George Krikorian’s California-bred Mucho Unusual, who has never been off the board in eight starts over the Santa Anita lawn, heads a field of six older fillies and mares in Monday’s Grade III, $100,000 Megahertz Stakes at one mile on turf. Also figuring prominently is highly regarded Chilean import Brooke, a 5-year-old mare idle since March 14, who will be making her U.S. debut for trainer Simon Callaghan. Conditioned by Tim Yakteen, Mucho Unusual, a 5-year-old daughter of Mucho Macho Man, out of the Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, comes off an authoritative three-quarter length win going a mile and one eighth on turf in the Grade III Robert J. Frankel Stakes here on Dec. 27. Ridden by eastern-based John Velazquez in the Frankel, Mucho Unusual will cut back in distance a furlong and be handled by Joel Rosario, who rode her to a pair of wins from three tries at age three. Well beaten in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare... ...

Trainer Bruce Headley Passes at 86

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2021)–Veteran California-based trainer Bruce Headley, the developer of 2000 Eclipse Champion Sprinter Kona Gold and many other stakes winners, died this morning at Arcadia Methodist Hospital from the effects of a stroke at age 86. Headley was inducted into the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame in 2015. Born Feb. 17, 1934 in nearby Baldwin Park, Headley was first introduced to racing at Santa Anita by an aunt at age six. At age 14, he was mucking stalls and walking hots alongside a diminutive 16-year-old from El Monte named Willie Shoemaker at the Suzy Q Ranch in La Puente and from there, it was all racetrack–Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, Del Mar, the LA County Fairgrounds, Bay Meadows, Tanforan, Golden Gate Fields and more. “I started out with nothing and grew up learning under great horsemen,” said Headley in an interview with Dan Ross of Thoroughbred Daily Commentary in April, 2015. “I grew up watching trainers like Charlie Whittingham, Buster Millerick, Les... ...

Cal Cup Showcase for Sire Clubhouse Ride

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2021) — Aside from different styles and different sires, all 105 entrants in 10 races Saturday at Santa Anita do share one trait – California-bred or California-sired. On a card that showcases the California breeding industry with five statebred stakes, including two $150,000 races, a dirt sprint and filly-mare turf sprint, a unique theme recurs. All five stakes include at least one starter sired by Clubhouse Ride. “It’s remarkable that one sire could have all these horses running in there,” trainer Craig Lewis noted. It is equally remarkable one trainer could have a shot in all five. Lewis trains every Clubhouse Ride stakes starter, some with a better chance than others. Warren’s Showtime is expected to start favored in the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint, race 4; speedball Brickyard Ride and late-runner Club Aspen face likely favorites Loud Mouth and Fashionably Fast in the California Cup Sprint, race 9. Lewis also starts maiden Warrens Candy Girl in the $200,000 California Cup Oaks, race... ...

Golden Gate Triple for Ministers Wild Cat

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2021) – California stallion Ministers Wild Cat was represented by three winners, all bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, on Friday’s card as racing resumed at Golden Gate. Run the Blues Away won the first race, an $8,000 maiden claimer. She is out of the Eurosilver mare Blues and Silver and was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. Ragin Waters won the fourth race, a starter allowance. He is out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Calm the Sea, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and owned by Jedd Josephson and Liam Lynch. Stalking Shadows won the fifth race, a maiden special weight. He is out of the Petionville mare Silent Stalk and was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. ...

New Program to Boost California Purses

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2020) — The Thoroughbred Owners of California (“TOC”), Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, The Stronach Group’s 1/ST Racing and FanDuel Group’s TVG announced today new purse enhancement program that will inject up to $15 million into California Thoroughbred purses in 2021 and 2022. The parties to the agreement, all major stakeholders in California Thoroughbred racing, believed that working together on additional sponsorship and purse enhancements would help support the state’s racing industry in light of the loss of purse revenue due to the cessation of live racing in California in 2020 and the restrictions on on-site attendance due to public health requirements. The parties also share a commitment to support and promote the significant equine health and safety advancements made by California racing interests over the last two years. “California racing has always been very important to TVG, and we are committed to continuing our support of the racing industry here, especially given the challenging circumstances the industry faced in 2020” said TVG CEO Kip... ...

Loud Mouth Seeks Don Valpredo Sprint

Past performances for Don Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2021)–A vastly improved 5-year-old horse by Boisterous, trainer Steve Knapp’s Loud Mouth heads a field of 11 older horses going six furlongs in Saturday’s $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint, one of five stakes on Cal Cup Day at Santa Anita. Named for prominent CTBA board member and longtime California owner/breeder Donald Valpredo, the California Cup Sprint is part of the CTBA’s lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses four and up. Credited with helping conceive the inaugural Cal Cup Sprint in 1990, Valpredo has served on the CHRB, the boards of the Breeders’ Cup and TOC, and is a current member of The Jockey Club. Ridden back by Abel Cedillo on Oct. 25, Loud Mouth reversed a 20 ¾ length one mile allowance defeat Sept. 26 by drawing off to a four length win going 6 ½ furlongs. Dismissed at 13-1 in the seven furlong Cary Grant Stakes at Del Mar Nov.... ...

Margot’s Boy, Heck Yeah in Turf Classic

Past performances for Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2021)–A Grade II stakes placed gelding by red hot sire Clubhouse Ride, Margot’s Boy, along with multiple stakes winning Heck Yeah and long fused Indian Peak all rate big chances among a wide open field of 11 older horses going a mile and one eighth in Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic presented by City National Bank. The Turf Classic is one of five Cal Cup stakes on Saturday. Presented by City National Bank, the Unusual Heat Turf Classic is part of the CTBA’s lucrative Golden State Series, for eligible California-bred or sired horses four and up. Owned and bred in California by Alfred Pais, Margot’s Boy is trained by Craig Lewis, who also conditioned Clubhouse Ride throughout a distinguished career that resulted in more than $1 million in earnings. A 4-year-old gelding, Margot’s Boy is out of the English-bred mare Margot Machance and comes off a close third place finish versus... ...

Sensible Cat in Howard/Cal Cup Oaks

Past performances for Leigh Ann Howard Cal Cup Oaks From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2021)–Well accomplished Sensible Cat heads a field of 10 sophomore fillies going one mile on turf in Saturday’s $200,0000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at Santa Anita. Leigh Ann Howard, who passed away this past Sept. 3 at 79, was an avid animal lover and past president of the California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) who was also a longtime owner/breeder and trainer in California. While still a trainer, she managed Valley Creek Farm and later, San Luis Rey Downs. The Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks is part of the CTBA’s lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired sophomore fillies. Beaten 13 ¼ lengths in her six furlong debut on dirt Sept. 7, the Carla Gaines-conditioned Sensible Cat transitioned to grass in her second start, and she registered a two length victory with Mike Smith aboard versus Cal-bred maiden fillies at one mile. Ridden by Juan Hernandez in the one mile Soviet Problem... ...

Warren’s Showtime Eyes Another Cal Cup

Past performances for Sunshine Millions F&M Turf Sprint, presented by John Deere From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2021)–Ben and Sally Warren’s classy homebred Warren’s Showtime heads a field of nine older fillies and mares going six furlongs on turf in Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. One of five Cal Cup Day stakes, this year’s Turf Sprint will be run for the first time out of Santa Anita’s new turf chute. Presented by John Deere, the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint is part of the CTBA’s lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred fillies and mares four and up. Trained by Craig Lewis, Warren’s Showtime comes off a solid third, beaten one length, in the one mile turf Lady of Shamrock here on Dec. 26. The leading money earner in the field with $551,431, Warren’s Showtime is a four-time stakes winner on turf, including a gutty neck victory three starts back in the Grade III Autumn Miss on Oct. 17 at... ...

The Chosen Vron in Cal Cup Derby

Past Performances for Cal Cup Derby From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2021) – A lights-out first time maiden winner going 6 ½ furlongs on Dec. 27, trainer Eric Kruljac’s The Chosen Vron merits top billing among a field of nine in Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Derby at a mile and one sixteenth. Sponsored by the CTBA, the California Cup Derby, which is one of five Cal Cup Day Stakes on Saturday, is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired three-year-olds. The Cal Cup Derby, originally run in 1990, was won by eventual two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome in 2014. A chestnut gelding by Vronsky out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, The Chosen Vron was off as the 2-1 favorite with John Velazquez on Dec. 27 and never looked a loser in an impressive front-running effort that resulted in a 6 ¾ length win and a lofty 86 Beyer Speed figure. With Velazquez back at his Gulfstream Park base, Joel Rosario... ...

Pacific Heat Sells for $150,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2021) – California-bred multiple stakes winner Pacific Heat sold in-foal in Omaha Beach for $150,000 in Monday’s session of the Keeneland January Horses of all Ages Sale. Pacific Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Hotlantic, was bred by Harris Farms and Donald Valpredo and was purchased by Avocet Bloodstock/Betz Thoroughbreds. Pacific Heat has a 2-year-old by Ghostzapper and a yearling by Jimmy Creed. ...

California Cup Nominations and PPs

For Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 at Santa Anita. Unusual Heat Turf Classic 4 YO & Up (CA Bred), 1 1/8 Mile (Turf) $200,000 Nominations Past Performances California Cup Derby 3 YO (CA Bred), 1 1/16 Mile $200,000 Nominations Past Performances California Cup Oaks Fillies, 3 YO (CA Bred), 1 Mile (Turf) $200,000 Nominations Past Performances Sunshine Millions F/M (T) Sprint Fillies & Mares, 4 YO & Up (CA Bred), 6 Furlongs (Turf) $150,000 Nominations Past Performances California Cup Sprint 4 YO & Up (CA Bred), 6 Furlongs $150,000 Nominations Past Performances ...

Mo See Cal in Sunday’s Kalookan Queen

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2021) – Stakes winner Mo See Cal is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Kalookan Queen Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Mo See Cal is by Uncle Mo, out of the Lydgate mare Do Dat Blues, was bred by Rozamund Barclay, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller. She has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $343,164 and is coming off a sixth in a Nov. 28 optional claimer. ...

Racing Resumes at Golden Gate Jan. 15

From 1/st Racing BERKELEY, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2021) – 1/ST RACING is pleased to announce that Golden Gate Fields will resume live racing on Friday, January 15. After extensive testing in collaboration with the Berkeley Public Health Division, it has been determined that the COVID-19 concerns on the campus have decreased to levels to allow the resumption of live racing. Golden Gate Fields is indebted to both the Berkeley Public Health Division and the Alameda County Public Health Department for their assistance and advice during the period of temporary closure. As the Golden Gate Fields Racing Office remains closed for in-person business, entries will be taken via telephone for racing on Friday, January 15 on Tuesday, January 12. As part of the continued COVID-19 safety protocols in place at Golden Gate Fields, we are unable to allow owners to attend training or live racing as we begin this meet. We will continue to monitor this situation and will update the Thoroughbred Owners of California of any changes to this policy.” For... ...

Chasing Moments $70,000 CTBA Sale Topper

Click here for sale results POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2021) – Chasing Moments, a daughter of Orb in foal to California stallion Smokem, sold for $70,000 to top Wednesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Mixed Sale at Fairplex Park. Marcelo Aguera purchased the 6-year-old mare, who is a half-sister to the Grade II-winner Authenticity, herself the dam of stakes winner Hanalei Moon. The second-highest priced purchase was a yearling filly by Malibu Moon, out of the Bluegrass Cat mare Brush Strokes, purchased for $60,000 by Double Chevron Racing. Aguera also made a pair of $40,000 purchases – Mobilize, a War Front mare in foal to Stay Thirsty, and Wedding Dress, a Medaglia d’Oro mare in foal to Stay Thirsty. The 72 horses sold for a gross of $574,100, an average of $7,974 and median of $3,450. ...

Outs for Wednesday’s CTBA Winter Sale

Outs: 10, 25, 37, 44, 48, 56, 57, 62, 70, 77, 85, 89, 92, 94, 99, 101, 102, 107, 122, 124, 138, 154, 155, 160, 161. ...

Capo Kane

Capo Kane wins $100,000 Jerome. ...

Cal-bred Capo Kane Wins Jerome

From NYRA OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 1, 2021) — California-bred Capo Kane made his stakes debut – and first start in New York – a successful effort, leading gate-to-wire for a 6 1/4-length victory in Friday’s 151st running of the $150,000 Jerome for newly minted 3-year-olds at Aqueduct Racetrack. Owned by Bing Cherry Racing and Leonard Liberto, Capo Kane made his debut on October 28 at Parx, running second in a seven-furlong sprint. He ended his juvenile campaign with a maiden-breaking victory on November 25 on the same track, being stretched out to a mile and 70 yards. Returning to action on an overcast New Year’s Day, Capo Kane broke sharp from the inside post under jockey Dylan Davis and led the compact five-horse field through the opening quarter-mile in 23.53 seconds and the half in 47.83 on the muddy main track with 7-5 favorite Swill in close pursuit. Jockey Manny Franco urged up Eagle Orb out of the turn, making a bid from the outside. But Davis responded to... ...

Longtime Breeder Bill Nichols Passes at 95

From Bloodhorse.com Most people would say William H. Nichols was a likeable guy, a nice guy even. But history tells another story: He is the one who famously made Charles Howard cry. “My friends teased me about that for quite a while,” he recalled. Nichols, who went on to success as a stakes-winning breeder in the Golden State and member of the Board of Directors of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, died Dec. 29 at his Mares’ Nest Farm near Wilton, Calif. He was 95. The famed crying incident happened back in the spring of 1944 at Howard’s Buick dealership on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco. Nichols had been invited by Howard to meet after the audacious teenager sent the “richest man west of the Mississippi” a letter asking for a job. While in Howard’s office, Nichols noticed a painting on the wall of Frankie, Howard’s late son who died tragically as a young boy. Nichols asked Howard if the painting was of him, bringing tears to Howard’s eyes as... ...

Capo Kane Enters Jerome Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. (Dec. 29, 2020) – Capo Kane is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Jerome 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 H. Wyner. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $32,000 and is coming off a Nov. 25 maiden win at Parx Racing. ...

Integrity and Safety Act Signed into Law

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 28, 2020) – President Trump on Sunday signed into law COVID-19 relief and government funding legislation that includes the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 (HISA), historic legislation that will establish national standards to promote fairness and increase safety in Thoroughbred racing nationwide. The legislative package also includes key tax reform, COVID-19 relief provisions and extensions of current H-2B visa amendments beneficial to the horse racing industry. Passage of the HISA culminated a multi-year effort by many industry stakeholders to establish national standards for anti-doping, medication control and increased racetrack safety for horses and riders. The movement gained momentum in early September when Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) authored and sponsored the HISA legislation. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on September 29 by an overwhelming majority and was passed by the Senate on December 21, again, by an overwhelming majority. The HISA legislation will go into effect no later than July 1, 2022, but could be effective earlier following... ...

Mucho Unusual

Mucho Unusual wins $100,000 Grade III Robert J. Frankel. ...

Mucho Unusual Rebounds in Frankel Win

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 27, 2020)–Well beaten in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf on Nov. 7, George Krikorian’s homebred Mucho Unusual seemed to relish a return home to Santa Anita as she rallied under eastern-based John Velazquez to take Sunday’s Grade III, $100,000 Robert J. Frankel Stakes by three quarters of a length. Trained Tim Yakteen, the California-bred daughter of Mucho Macho Man got a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:46.94. Comfortably in-hand while second, about two lengths off of pacesetting She’s Our Charm around the first turn, Mucho Unusual inched up outside a three-horse spread that included favored Miss Teheran and She’s Our Charm heading to the three furlong pole and held sway late under a hand ride from Velazquez, who collected his third win on the day. “She broke good and it looked like the one speed filly (She’s Our Charm) would go and she did. Down the backside, Joel (Rosario, aboard favored Miss Teheran) moved a little early... ...

CTBA Sale Grad Michalska in Blue Norther

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 27, 2020) – CTBA January Sale graduate Michalska is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Michalska is by Jimmy Creed, out of the Lawyer Ron mare Courtroom Kiss, was bred by Robert Harmon, is owned by Valle Las Palmas and is trained by Alfredo Marquez. She won her lone start Nov. 8 with earnings of $34,200. ...

Streaking Stay Thirsty Daughter Wins Again

LAUREL, Md. (Dec. 26, 2020) — Five Hellions Farm’s Dontletsweetfoolya, a Maryland-bred daughter of California stallion Stay Thirsty, extended her win streak to five races, putting away main rival Malibu Mischief at the top of the stretch and sprinting clear to her second straight stakes victory in the $100,000 Willa On the Move. Dontletsweetfoolya ($4.20), favored at even money in a field of eight, hit the wire 2 ¼ lengths in front in 1:09.47 for six furlongs over a fast main track. It was the closest a horse had come to beating Dontletsweetfoolya during her streak, where she had won by an average of 6 ½ lengths. “Ever since we drew the one-hole we were kind of dreading it, especially with the weather coming in. The track guys did a fantastic job with working this rail all day,” winning trainer Lacey Gaudet said. “We’ve had rain and cold weather and this rail is beautiful so it did give us a little more confidence when we led her over here. [There... ...

H-2B Visa Provisions Set to Continue

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 23, 2020) — A series of current H-2B visa program provisions are set to continue as part of omnibus legislation passed Monday by Congress. H-2B visa program policies set to continue include: Authority for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in consultation with the Department of Labor (DOL), to increase the H-2B cap for fiscal year 2021 by up to approximately 69,000 visas if it determines that the needs of seasonal businesses cannot be met with U.S. workers; Continuation of the use of private wage surveys for prevailing wage determinations; A prohibition against DOL enforcing the corresponding employment and three-quarters guarantee provisions of its H-2B regulations relating to total work hours; and Provisions extending the maximum employment season for up to 10 months, as opposed the nine-months in current DOL regulations. The H-2B visa guest worker program is a nonimmigrant visa program used by many industries that need temporary non-agricultural help when domestic workers are unavailable. For the horse racing industry, racehorse trainers... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Big Fish in Eddie Logan

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2020) – Stakes-winning Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Big Fish is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Eddie Logan Stakes at Santa Anita. Big Fish is by Mr. Big, out of the Into Mischief mare Perched, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Legacy Ranch and is trained by David Hofmans. The $45,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has two wins in six starts, earnings of $113,000 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 29 Cecile B. DeMille. ...

Mucho Unusual Enters Robert J. Frankel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2020) – Grade I winner Mucho Unusual is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Robert J. Frankel Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Mucho Unusual is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by Tim Yakteen. She has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $702,715 and is coming off a 12th in the Nov. 7 Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. ...

Congress Passes Horse Racing Integrity Act

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 22, 2020) – Both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate on Monday passed legislation that contains key tax reform and COVID-19 relief provisions beneficial to the horse breeding and racing industry. A $1.4 trillion omnibus package that includes funding for the federal government’s current fiscal year included the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), historic legislation that will establish national standards to promote fairness, increase safety in Thoroughbred racing. “We thank Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell for his pivotal role in the passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) by the U.S. Senate,” said Alex Waldrop, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA). “We also applaud Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Congressmen Andy Barr (R-KY) and Paul Tonko (D-NY) and other allies in Congress whose support helped make this watershed moment possible. We look forward to President Trump signing the HISA into law and by doing so, commencing the establishment of... ...

Heartwood to Stand at Rancho San Miguel

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2020) — Heartwood, a multiple graded stakes-placed and multiple stakes winner by leading sire Tapit, will initiate his stallion career at Rancho San Miguel in California at the conclusion of his racing career in early 2021. The $486,891-earner will stand for a fee of $2,500, live foal guarantee. The 6-year-old horse, who races for the partnership of Stuart Tsujimoto and David Bernsen, has won or placed in six black-type races at six different racetracks to date, and is scheduled to make two final starts in graded stakes company at Santa Anita Park in January before retiring to stallion duties. Bred in Kentucky by Blue Heaven Farm, Heartwood sold for $500,000 as the highest-priced weanling at the 2014 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November Sale, and went on to win three stakes races from the ages of 3 to 5: the $200,000 Steel Valley Sprint Stakes at Mahoning Valley Race Course in 2017, the $75,000 Senator Robert C. Byrd Memorial Stakes at Mountaineer in 2018... ...

Take the One O One in San Antonio

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2020) – Multiple stakes winner Take the One O One is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita. Take the One O One is by Acclamation, out of the Jump Start mare North Freeway, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Jay Em Ess Stable and is trained by Brian Koriner. He has six wins in 18 starts, earnings of $466,326 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 22 Cary Grant. ...

California Kook Steps Up to La Brea

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2020) – California Kook is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. California Kook is by Boisterous, out of the Comic Strip mare Kukaluka, was bred by owners Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber and is trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $195,262 and is coming off a seventh in the Nov. 26 Red Carpet. ...

Warren’s Showtime Enters Lady of Shamrock

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2020) – Graded stakes winner Warren’s Showtime and fellow California-bred On Mars are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Lady of Shamrock 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 14 starts, earnings of $539,251 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 8 Betty Grable. On Mars is by Vronsky, out of the Cyclotron mare Elana Mar, was bred by Ed Bernstein & Andrew Molasky, is owned by Old Bones Racing Stable or Bernstein and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $161,520 and is coming off consecutive optional claiming wins. ...

Big Increases as Los Alamitos Concludes

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. –Large fields, a record Pick Six pool and payoff, a fourth consecutive sweep of the Grade I Starlet and Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert were among the highlights of the 11-day Los Angeles County Fair Winter Thoroughbred meet, which concluded Sunday. Buoyed by an influx of more than 200 horses from Northern California – due to the current suspension of racing at Golden Gate Fields – the average field size for the season was nearly nine runners per race, compared to 6.97 for the 2019 Winter meet. There were 854 participants in 98 races during the season. This led to a sizable boost in terms of business. The average daily handle on races run at Los Alamitos was up 36% over 2019 and average daily handle increased 20% on a comparable basis to last year’s Winter season. “This meet was an unprecedented one,’’ said F. Jack Liebau, vice president of the Los Alamitos Racing Association. “In the... ...

Longshot Play Chicken Wins King Glorious

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2020) – Play Chicken, a 13-1 outsider, held off Moving Fast, another longshot at 16-1, to win the $100,000 King Glorious Stakes Sunday, the final day of the Los Angeles County Fair Winter meet at Los Alamitos. Under jockey Mario Gutierrez, the son of Square Eddie and the Distorted Humor mare Smoove was reserved just off the pace, gained the advantage with an eighth of a mile to run and held sway by a neck in the race for 2-year-olds bred or sired in California. The win was the third in the King Glorious for Gutierrez, owner-breeder J. Paul Reddam’s Reddam Racing LLC and trainer Doug O’Neill. They teamed to win back-to-back runnings with Found Money (2015) and Ann Arbor Eddie (2016). Making his first start in blinkers, Play Chicken completed the mile in 1:38.10 and returned $29, $10.60 and $7.80. He’s now won twice in three races and earned $94,000. He broke his maiden at the King Glorious distance on turf... ...

Allred Scores Rare Breeding Double Win

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2020) – Dr. Ed Allred had a noteworthy day-night breeder-owner double at his Los Alamitos on Saturday, as half-siblings of different breeds won on each card. Gov From Above won the sixth race on the Thoroughbred card and From Above won the sixth race on the Quarter Horse card. Both are out of the In Excess mare Celestial Being, who resided at Allred’s Rolling A Ranch in Atascadero. Gov From Above is a 3-year-old gelding by Govenor Charlie trained by Art Sherman and ridden by Flavien Prat who had to survive a jockey’s objection. From Above is a 2-year-old gelding by Kiddy Up trained by Scott Willoughby and ridden by Oscar Andrade Jr. ...

Joy’s Rocket Wins Letellier Memorial

From Fair Grounds Publicity New Orleans, La. (Dec. 19, 2020) – A journey that began in November 1995 when Valid Expectations won the Old Hickory reached its zenith Saturday at Fair Grounds when trainer Steve Asmussen set a remarkable milestone, winning his 100th career stakes at the local oval when Team Hanley and Parkland Thoroughbreds’ Joy’s Rocket, a daughter of California stallion Anthony’s cross, beat Mariah’s Princess by 1 ½ lengths in the $75,000 Letellier Memorial for 2-year-old fillies. Joy’s Rocket had shown plenty of speed in her first five starts but settled into an outside stalking position under Ricardo Santana Jr. as longshot Double Whopper set the early pace. Joy’s Rocket took the lead entering the far turn and was quickly engaged by 2.90 second-choice Mariah’s Princess, who appeared to get on even terms in early stretch but succumbed late, with the winner getting 6 furlongs in 1:10.17 as the .80-1 favorite. Charlie’s Penny rallied for third. For Asmussen, the win was just another milestone in a career full... ...

Breeder-Owner Harold Tillema Passes

By Champion Newspapers CHINO, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2020) — Harold Tillema was an amazing husband, dad, papa, great papa and most importantly, a child of God. He was born on January 28, 1945 to K.D. and Allie Tillema. He was the 5th born of nine children. Their family lived in Cypress, CA and when Harold was three they moved to Corona, then to Chino. It was on the Riverside Drive dairy that he started milking cows at the age of 14 while attending school and the house his parents built still stands today. He attended Chino High School where he met the love of his life, Pamela Thompson. The High School Sweethearts later married in 1963 and began working towards their goal of owning their own dairy. They soon began their family as they welcomed their firstborn daughter, Darlene Marie. Her beautiful brown eyes lit up the room and our Dad’s heart was forever changed! Two years later, Richard was born. Harold and Pam worked very hard managing business and... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting by teleconference on Thursday, December 17. The public participated by dialing into the teleconference and/or listening through the audio webcast link on the CHRB website. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, and Wendy Mitchell. 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 initially split evenly in 3-3 votes to approve any form of license for Los Alamitos to conduct a quarter-horse meet in 2021. This meant the meet would not have been permitted to begin as scheduled on December 26. Upon reconsideration, the Board voted 5-1 to approve the license application for six months through June 30, 2021. Chairman Ferraro remained the lone dissenting vote, preferring to grant the license for the requested full year. At the June 17 meeting, the Board will determine whether Los Alamitos... ...

Thoroughbred Connect Info Available

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 17, 2020) — The Jockey Club Registry announced today that contact information submitted through its Thoroughbred Connect program by those interested in providing aftercare or assistance for a Thoroughbred is now available when a horse’s digital certificate of foal registration is accessed by the certificate manager. Thoroughbred Connect enables anyone with an Interactive Registration (IR) account to express his or her willingness to be contacted by someone in possession of a Thoroughbred in the event the horse is in need of aftercare or assistance. It is also a resource for horse owners to list a Thoroughbred that is in need of aftercare or assistance. With this update, contact information for those who would like to help a specific Thoroughbred is displayed by default on a horse’s digital certificate page. Thoroughbred Connect users can elect to opt out of this setting at any time. Contact information associated with horses born prior to 2018, and who thus might not have a digital certificate, can still... ...

Good With People Good for King Glorious

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2020) – A prompt favorite in the Golden State Juvenile Nov. 7 at Del Mar, Good With People will try two turns for the first time in the $100,000 King Glorious Sunday at Los Alamitos. Named in honor of the winner of the 1988 Hollywood Futurity and 1989 Haskell, the King Glorious is restricted to 2-year-old Golden State Series eligible. The race at one mile is the feature attraction on the final day of the Los Angeles County Fair Winter Thoroughbred meet. The King Glorious attracted a dozen entrants, but only 10 will be allowed to start. Post time Sunday is 12 Noon. The King Glorious, which is the ninth of 10 races, has a scheduled post time of 3:58 p.m. A son of Curlin to Mischief and the Roar of the Tiger mare Gator Prowl owned by breeders Kirk and Judy Robison and trained by Peter Miller, Good With People led throughout in the seven-furlong Golden State Juvenile, ultimately winning by... ...

Positivity Steps Up to Los Alamitos Futurity

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2020) – Positivity is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Los Alamitos Futurity for 2-year-olds. Positivity is by Paynter, out of the City Zip mare Sam’s Sunny City, was bred by Allen Farm, is owned by Winner, Winner or Winner and is trained by Paddy Gallagher. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $115,500 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 7 Golden State Juvenile. ...

CTBA Stallion Season Auction Ends Tonight

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2020) — The annual California Thoroughbred Breeders Association stallion season online auction ends Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 8 p.m. Click here to view the auction: https://www.starquine.com/category/264/California-Thoroughbred-Breeders-Association-Stallion-Season-Auction.html. Seasons will be sold with no guarantee. Proceeds from the auction benefit the CTBA’s Political Action Committee Fund, which works in support of legislation to favorably impact California breeders. For more information contact Christy Chapman at CTBA (626) 445-7800 x247 or christy@ctba.com. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct a teleconference meeting on Thursday, December 17, 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 #19, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. The agenda and package of materials are available on the CHRB website. ...

Sensible Cat Wins Soviet Problem

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2020) – Sensible Cat provided trainer Carla Gaines with her first stakes win at Los Alamitos with a come-from-behind victory in the $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies on Saturday. A little more than five weeks after breaking her maiden at eight furlongs on the Del Mar turf course in her second career start, the 2-year-old daughter of Bluegrass Cat demonstrated Saturday she is equally adept on dirt. Bred by C-Punch Ranch, owned by Irvin Racing Stable and ridden by Juan Hernandez, Sensible Cat, the 9-2 fourth choice in the field of 10 California bred or sired fillies, was reserved off the early pace, rallied outside in the stretch, collared 5-2 favorite Dylans Wild Cat inside the eighth pole and went on to score by 1 ¾ lengths. Out of the Street Sense mare Sensible Girl, Sensible Cat completed the mile in 1:37.94. She paid $11, $6.20 and $3.60 while increasing her earnings to $89,700. “I thought it... ...

Cal-bred Allowance Condition Sweetened

From Santa Anita Racing Office ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2020) — Any California-bred horse that wins a Cal-Bred first-conditioned allowance race on turf will be eligible to run in the same condition on dirt, the Santa Anita Racing Office announced on Thursday. Any horse that wins a Cal-Bred first condition allowance race on dirt will be eligible to run in the same condition on turf. Eligibility: Horses that are in for the allowance, regardless if they have already won the condition on another surface, will get first preference. Horses in for claiming price are least preferred. For horses that have won allowance on dirt and are entered for turf: If the race is taken off the turf, and the horse that has already won condition on dirt, the horse is still eligible to run regardless of surface switch change. If race is taken off the turf, and the horse that has already won condition on dirt, wins that race that was originally scheduled for turf, that horse will no longer... ...

20 Nominations for King Glorious

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2020) —Good With People, winner of the Golden State Juvenile Nov. 7 at Del Mar, is among 20 2-year-olds nominated to the $100,000 King Glorious Stakes at Los Alamitos. A one-mile race restricted to horses bred or sired in California, the King Glorious will be run for the ninth time Sunday, Dec. 20, the final day of the Los Angeles County Fair Winter meet. Owned by breeders Kirk and Judy Robison and trained by Peter Miller, Good With People earned his third win in five starts in the Juvenile, leading throughout and prevailing by three-quarters of a length. A son of Curlin to Mischief and the Roar of the Tiger mare Gator Power, he’s earned $199,000. If Good With People competes in the King Glorious, it will be his first start beyond seven furlongs. The Robisons and Miller also nominated None Above the Law, a Karakontie gelding who won at first asking during the Summer Meet at Los Alamitos. Other nominees include... ...

I’m So Anna, Full Field for Soviet Problem

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. – A gate-to-wire winner of the Pike Place Dancer Oct. 31 over the turf at Golden Gate Fields, I’m So Anna returns to the scene of her maiden victory in the $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles on Saturday at Los Alamitos. Restricted to 2-year-old fillies bred or sired in California, the Soviet Problem attracted 11 entrants, but only 10 will be allowed to start. The also eligible is Eddie’s New Dream. The race, which is part of the Golden State Series, is the eighth of nine Saturday. Post time is 12:30 p.m. Scheduled post time for the one-mile Soviet Problem is 3:58 p.m. Owned by breeder KMN Racing LLC and trained by Steve Sherman, I’m So Anna, a daughter of Fast Anna and the Jet West mare So So Fast, has won twice in five starts and banked $100,740. Never worse than third, the dark bay graduated by four lengths in her second outing July 2 during the local Summer... ...

Trainer Bob Hess Sr. Passes at 86

By Bloodhorse.com Robert Hess Sr., a longtime trainer based in Northern California and the father of Southern California trainer Robert Hess Jr., died Dec. 5 from COVID-19. He was 86. A stalwart of the Northern California racing circuit, Hess trained in that area for nearly 50 years. A trainer since 1959, Hess saddled the winners of 1,592 races for total purse earnings of $17,258,435. He conditioned the likes of the durable My Creed, the winner of the 2007 Berkeley Stakes (G3) at Golden Gate Fields. Hess owned the gelded son of Beau Genius—Test of Faith, by Temperence Hill, with Seven Star Racing Stable. My Creed won nine of 49 races and earned $390,955 through seven years of racing. Other good runners Hess trained included Daddy’s Datsun, the winner of the 1973 Osunitas Stakes, 1974 San Juan Bautista Handicap, 1975 Sausalito Handicap, and 1975 San Jose Handicap and an earner of $156,882; three-time stakes winner Annie’s Irish Luck, an earner of $133,365; and two-time stakes winner Make Him Famous, an earner of... ...

Blue Diva, Donut Girl in Bayakoa

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2020) – Stakes winner Blue Diva and fellow California-bred Donut Girl are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Bayakoa Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. 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 24 starts, earnings of $219,861 and is coming off a third in an Oct. 16 allowance. 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 Thoroughbreds and trained by Brian Cunningham. She has five wins in 26 starts, earnings of $220,662 and is coming off a Nov. 6 optional claiming win. ...

L.A. Fair Meet at Los Alamitos Opens Friday

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. —The Los Angeles County Fair Winter thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos will begin Friday, Dec. 4, with a pair of Golden State Series stakes races scheduled later in the meet. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday (Dec. 4-6) this week and is scheduled for Thursday-Sunday (Dec. 10-13 and 17-20) the final two weeks. Post time will be 1 p.m on weekdays and 12:30 p.m. on weekends. The LACF Winter meet will be highlighted by a pair of graded events for 2-year-olds – the Grade I, $300,000-guaranteed Starlet for fillies Saturday, Dec. 5 and the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity Saturday, Dec. 19. A pair of one-mile races for 2-year-olds bred or sired in California will be offered – the $100,000-guaranteed Soviet Problem for fillies and the $100,000-guaranteed King Glorious. The Soviet Problem will be run Saturday, Dec. 12 while the King Glorious will be offered Sunday, Dec. 20. The Starlet is one of the races on the “Road to the Kentucky Oaks’’ with the winner... ...

Stay Thirsty Has Another Stakes Winner

From Laurel Park Publicity LAUREL, Md. (Nov. 28, 2020) — Five Hellions Farm’s Dontletsweetfoolya, a Maryland-bred daughter of California stallion Stay Thirsty, extended her win streak to four races in her stakes debut with a front-running 5 ¼-length triumph in the 33rd running of the $100,000 Primonetta to kick off the Fall Festival of Racing’s stakes action. Breaking from the middle of a nine-horse field, Jevian Toledo sent Dontletsweetfoolya ($10.40) from the gate, outrunning multiple stakes winner Never Enough Time and Giggling to lead through a quarter-mile in 22.39 seconds. Dontletsweetfoolya remained in command after a half in 45.31 and opened up in the lane when challenged by Never Enough Time to win in 1:09.79 for six furlongs. Dontletsweetfoolya, a 3-year-old trained by Lacey Gaudet, has steadily moved up in competition this year. She graduated in maiden special weight company July 24 and won an open entry-level allowance Sept. 5, both at Laurel, then emerged from an early duel to win a second-level optional claimer Oct. 1 at... ...

Mucho Unusual Enters Matriarch

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2020) – Mucho Unusual is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Grade I Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Mucho Unusual is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by Tim Yakteen. She has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $702,715 and is coming off a 12th in the Nov. 7 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. She was ninth in this race last year. ...

Big Fish Wants to Star in Cecil B. DeMille

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2020) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Big Fish is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Cecil B. DeMille Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Big Fish is by Mr. Big, out of the Into Mischief mare Perched, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by David Hofmans. The $45,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has two wins in five starts, earnings of $111,000 and is coming off a fifth in the Oct. 4 Zuma Beach. Also entered is Cotopaxi, an Irish-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot. ...

Santa Anita’s Cal-bred Stakes Schedule

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2020) — Santa Anita will run 15 stakes exclusively for Golden State Series eligibles in the 2020/2021 Winter Meet, beginning with five stakes on California Cup Day Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. Those five stakes are: the $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, 4 YO & Up, 1 1/8 Mile (Turf); the $200,000 California Cup Derby, 3 YO, 1 1/16 Mile; The $200,000 California Cup Oaks Fillies, 3 YO, I Mile (Turf); the $150,000 Sunshine Millions Fillies and Mares Turf Sprint, 4 YO & Up, 6 Furlongs (Turf); and the $150,000 California Cup Sprint 4 YO & Up, 6 Furlongs. Additional Golden State Series Stakes: Sunday, February 28 — $100,000 Tiznow Stakes 4 YO & Up, 1 Mile. Sunday, March 14 — $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes Fillies & Mares, 4 YO & Up, 6 Furlongs (Turf). Sunday, March 21 — $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes 4 YO & Up, 6 1/2 Furlongs (Turf) Saturday, April 3 — $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes 3 YO, 6 1/2... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Targets Seabiscuit

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2020) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar. 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. Juaregui. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has seven wins in 40 starts, earnings of $479,542 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 7 Joseph T. Grace. ...

Closing Remarks Enters Jimmy Durante

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2020) – Closing Remarks is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Jimmy Durante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. 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 one win in two starts, earnings of $39,000 and is coming off a fourth in the Oct. 4 Surfer Girl. ...

California Kook Could Challenge the Boys

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2020) – California-bred California Kook, who was already entered in Thursday’s $100,000 Red Carpet Handicap for fillies and mares, is also entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I Hollywood Derby against the boys at Del Mar. California Kook is by Boisterous, out of the Comic Strip mare Kukaluka, was bred by owners Barber or Wachtel Stable and is trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $194,762 and is coming off a fifth in the Oct. 10 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup. ...

Pair of Cal-bred Stakes Set for Los Alamitos

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2020) – Five stakes races – two of which are restricted to Golden State Series eligibles – highlight the 2020 Los Angeles County Fair Winter thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The season will begin Friday, Dec. 4 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 20. Racing is scheduled to be conducted Friday-Sunday the first week (Dec. 4-6) and Thursday-Sunday the final two weeks (Dec. 10-13 and Dec. 17-20). Post time will be 1 p.m. on weekdays and 12:30 p.m. on weekends. The Cal-bred stakes are at one mile and for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds. The $100,000-guaranteed Soviet Problem for fillies will be run Saturday, Dec. 12 while the $100,000 King Glorious for colts & geldings will be contested Sunday, Dec. 20. The Grade I, $300,000-guaranteed Starlet for fillies and the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity will be run, respectively, Saturday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 19. Both races are at 1 1/16 miles and being offered at Los... ...

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