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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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,... ...
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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.” ... ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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... ...
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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. ...
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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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From TOC ALBANY, Calif. (June 4, 2020) — Golden Gate Fields is inviting owners to watch their horses exercise on Sunday morning, June 7. On that day, owners can check in with the security hut adjacent to the main stable gate entrance, answer the GGF questionnaire, be issued a pass, and proceed via the vets gate to the winners circle. All parties must wear face masks at all times and practice social distancing. The time frame will be from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Owners will not be allowed access to the barn area. Unfortunately, at this time, Golden Gate Fields does not have the capacity to provide refreshments of any kind. Owners are still not allowed to attend a live race day. We appreciate Golden Gate Fields taking this first step in allowing owners to see their horses training. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (June 3, 2020) – Graded winners Prince Earl and Ward ‘n Jerry are among the entries in Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series eligible at Santa Anita. Cono is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Lucky Pulpit, out of the Cowboy Cal mare Cashmere, was bred by owner John & Diane Fradkin and is trained by Michael McCarthy. He has three wins in 20 starts, earnings of $159,646 and is coming off a win in a Mar. 7 optional claimer. Grinning Tiger is an Oregen-bred by California stallion Smiling Tiger, out of a Pioneering mare Karlee’s Kitten, was bred by Patrick Cosgrove, is owned by Tyree Wolesensky and is trained by Anthony Saavedra. He has seven wins in 26 starts, earnings of $149,801 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 22 Sensational Star. Graded winner Prince Earl is by Paddy O’Prado, out of the Unusual Heat mare Soo Steamy, was bred by Madeline Auerbach & Harris Farms, is owned by Old Bones Racing Stable... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (June 3, 2020) – Multiple stakes winners Pulpit Rider and Warren’s Showtime are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series fillies and mares at Santa Anita. 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 trained by Shelbe Ruis. She has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $221,624 and is coming off a consecutive optional claiming wins. 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. He has five wins in 27 starts, earnings of $293,954 and is coming off a seventh in the Feb. 22 Buena Vista. Pulpit Rider is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Ride the Rails mare Lady Railrider, was bred by owner Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Mike Puype. She... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (June 3, 2020) – Stakes winner Smiling Shirlee is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Anita Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Smiling Shirlee is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Whobetterthanus, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Brown, 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. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (June 3, 2020) – Stakes winner Club Aspen is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Cinema Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Club Aspen is by clubhouse Ride, out of the Talkin Man mare Aspen Gal, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Lawrence Lewis and trained by Craig Lewis. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $154,211 and is coming off a third in the May 16 Echo Eddie. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (June 3, 2020) – Stakes winners Phantom Boss and El Tigre Terrible and fellow California-bred Rookie Mistake are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Desert Code 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, et al, and is trained by Jorge Periban. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $135,201 and is coming off a fifth in the May 16 Echo Eddie. 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 five starts, earnings of $118,300 and is making his first start since a win in the Oct. 6 Speakeasy. Rookie Mistake is by Square Eddie, out of the General Meeting mare Meetmeinthewoods, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug... ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (June 3, 2020) – Defending champion Mikes Tiznow, running for the first time since winning this race a year ago, is joined by fellow California-breds Sunset Dragunn and Daddysprize 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. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $157,555 and is making his first start since winning this race last year. Sunset Dragunn is by Sierra Sunset, out of the Indian Charlie mare Luke’s Finest, was bred by Lorrie Anthony-Wanger and Oliver Wanger, is owned by La Penita Racing Stable, Gomez or Gonzalez and is trained by Tirso Rivera. He has five wins in 28 starts, earnings of $168,976 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 7 claimer. Daddysprize is by Scatt Daddy, out of the You and I mare Youtheprizeandi, was bred by owner Jethorse and... ...
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From Harris Auerbach COTTONWOOD, Calif. (May 30, 2020) — Multiple stakes winner, former course record holder and important California horse retirement figure Lennyfromalibu passed away due to complications from colic on Thursday evening at his home at Tranquility Farm in Cottonwood, Calif. He was 21. Bred in California by owners Jim and Madeline Auerbach, Lennyfromalibu hailed from the first crop of California’s All Time Leading Sire Unusual Heat and was the first foal of the Half A Year mare Style of the Year. Lenny is widely recognized as the horse who put Unusual Heat on the map as his first star runner. Unusual Heat would go on to become a 7 time leading sire in California while Lenny’s dam Style of the Year would become an important foundation mare of 15 foals amassing over $1.6 million in earnings and producers of black type runners. A versatile athlete with pure speed, Lenny won races on dirt and turf and both sprinting and around 2 turns. Trained by Barry Abrams, he won the 2003 California Cup Mile... ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (May 29, 2020) – California-breds Reiwa and Mollie O ‘ McEvoy are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Reiwa is by James Street, out of the Utopia mare Oh Molly Brannagan, was bred by owner Willow Tree Farm and trained by Jonathan Wong. She has one win in seven starts, earnings of $58,540 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 29 optional claimer. Mollie O ‘ McEvoy is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Game Plan mare Mollie O, was bred by owners Bill Delia, Patricia George & Mike Stone and is trained by Delia. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of $55,932 and is coming off a Mar. 8 optional claiming win. ...
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DEL MAR, Calif. (May 29, 2020) — Del Mar will offer eight California-bred stakes, part of the Golden State Series consisting of 39 restricted stakes for registered California-bred or California-sired horses. They are: Friday, July 24 $100,000 Fleet Treat Stakes, for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs; Sunday, July 26 $125,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles (turf); Friday, July 31 $100,000 Real Good Deal Stakes, for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs; Saturday, August 1 $100,000 CTBA Stakes, for 2-year-old fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs; Sunday, August 2, $100,000 Graduation Stakes, for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs; Saturday, August 15, $125,000 Solana Beach Stakes, for 3-year-olds and up, fillies and mares at one mile (turf); Sunday, August 30, $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes, for 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs; Friday, September 4, $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes, for 2-year-olds at six furlongs ...
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From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 28, 2020) — The NTRA has made a major financial commitment to a newly created national advertising campaign focused on the thrill of watching and wagering on horseracing. The campaign, titled “Still. Running. Strong.”, launched today by the Breeders’ Cup and The Jockey Club, represents a chance for horseracing to gain additional attention at a time when it is attracting widespread television coverage and is one of the only live sporting events currently being conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Now is an unprecedented opportunity for horseracing to attract additional fans and for the NTRA to support its members,” said Alex Waldrop, NTRA President and CEO. “With the extensive COVID-19 safety protocols that our racetrack operators have implemented for their employees and participants, the NTRA is glad to play a part in this collaborative initiative that showcases the best of what horseracing offers sports fans and bettors.” The campaign includes broadcast, digital and social elements and highlights the bond between human and horse, along... ...
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From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (May 28, 2020) — The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club announced today its intention to begin the 2020 summer race meet on July 10 and employ a three-day-a-week race schedule pending the approval of the California Horse Racing Board at its June 11 meeting. Further, following guidelines issued by San Diego County public health officials, California state officials and in consultation with other public health experts, the track’s traditional summer meeting is preparing to operate without spectators, but will continue to work with state and local officials to adopt any changes as they happen. In all cases, Del Mar will follow similar COVID-19 protocols that have enabled racing to be conducted safely in California and throughout the country. “We’re coming back and we’re going to put on the most unique show in Del Mar history,” said Del Mar’s CEO, Joe Harper. “It’s going to look different, it’s going to feel different, but it’s going to be first-class horse racing at Del Mar and in these... ...
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From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 27, 20o20) — Santa Anita has announced a comprehensive plan to allow CHRB licensed owners at the race track to watch their horses breeze in the mornings. Since the number of owners attending at one time will be limited to comply with county health department protocols, reservations must be made ahead of time by your trainer. Trainers will be able to make reservations through the Santa Anita Racing Office for their owners to attend on a first-come-first-served basis. The new owners’ viewing area has been set aside in the Clubhouse section of the Grandstand overlooking the far turn. The viewing area contains tables and chairs, which have been appropriately spaced for social distancing. Extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the viewing area and restrooms will be done regularly to conform to COVID-19 protocols. There will also be coffee service available in the viewing area. Owners must enter Santa Anita through Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue and park in the Clubhouse Valet. They will enter through the Clubhouse... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 27, 2020) — The framework for a summer racing season in Northern California was discussed during a May 27 teleconference of the California Horse Racing Board Race Dates Committee, though the finalization of dates will not take place until the CHRB regular monthly meeting June 11. Under dates mentioned by committee members Oscar Gonzales and Wendy Mitchell, the summer racing season in Northern California could include an Alameda County Fair race meet at Pleasanton from June 19-July 12 followed by a Cal Expo at Pleasanton meet from July 17-Aug 2. Those dates would be contingent on Pleasanton receiving authorization from the Alameda County Public Health Department to race amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and CHRB approval at the June 11 meeting. Golden Gate Fields, currently running spectatorless and set to race through June 14, could pick up summer fair dates, resuming racing Aug. 7 and staging a Santa Rosa at Golden Gate meet through Aug. 16. It could then continue with other race dates through Oct.... ...
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From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 26, 2020) — The California Thoroughbred Business League (CTBL) board today unanimously approved a subsidy of $2 million from its reserves to be paid to Post Time Self Insurance Group, the entity which insures California trainers for workers’ compensation. CTBL, Post Time and the California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) have agreed to support the creation of a new position of Director of Safety to establish and regulate uniform safety standards and to oversee and coordinate those standards at California tracks and auxiliary training facilities. “We spent substantial time over the last three months working with the trainers and Post Time to develop substantial improvements in the workers’ comp program, including significant safety initiatives,” said Nick Alexander, TOC Chairman and representative on the CTBL board. “I especially want to thank Tim Yakteen, Post Time president and southern California vice-president of CTT, for his important input and the countless hours he contributed to the process.” “We greatly appreciate this funding from the CTBL,” said Yakteen. “It was vital... ...
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 25, 2020) – Two-time California-bred Horse of the Year Spiced Perfection and fellow Cal-bred stakes winner Sneaking Out are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Winning Colors Stakes at Churchill Downs. Multiple Grade I winner Spiced Perfection is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Perfect Feat, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Haruya Yoshida and is trained by Mark Casse. She has nine wins in 21 starts, earnings of $1,223,705 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 25 Inside Information. 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 nine starts, earnings of $308,531 and is coming off an Apr. 25 allowance win. ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (May 25, 2020) – Stakes winners Ima Happy Cat and Fantasy Heat are among seven California-breds entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Coco Bee is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Slewdledo mare Hope I Do, was bred by owner Chappell Alpine Farms and is trained by Blaine Wright. She has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $136,011 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 22 allowance. Ima Happy Cat is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Wekiva Springs mare Infernal McGoon, was bred by Dale Mahlum, is owned by Tim & Sue Spooner and is trained by Dan Markle. She has six wins in 21 starts, earnings of $221,038 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 22 allowance. Princess Vivian is by Uh Oh Bango, out of the Macho Uno mare Seductive Charm, was bred by NMN Thoroughbreds, is owned by NMN Thoroughbreds, MacDonald, Marsh & Mendoza and is trained by Sergio Ledezma. She... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2020) – Graduates of California Thoroughbred Breeders Sales have won five races in the state this weekend. Salsa Verde, a 3-year-old daughter of U S Ranger, won a maiden claimer at Golden Gate on Thursday. Out of the Victory Gallop mare Blue Sky Holiday, Salsa Verde was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by trainer Paul Aguirre and Bryce Packnit and was purchased at the 2019 CTBA January Mixed Sale for $1,000. Take the One O One, a 5-year-old by Acclimation, won an optional allowance claimer at Santa Anita on Friday. Out of the Jump Start mare North Freeway, Take the One O One was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Jay Em Ess Stable, is trained by Brian Koriner and was a $47,000 purchase at the 2016 Northern California Yearling Sale. Take the One O One has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $382,306 and is graded-stakes placed. Gardees World, a 2-year-old filly by Atticus, won an open maiden special weight race... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2020) – Graded stakes winner Mucho Unusual is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Grade I Gamely 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 four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $469,382 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 22 Buena Vista. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2020) – California-bred stakes winners Stealthediamonds and Just Grazed Me are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Monrovia Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. 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 18 starts, earnings of $309,875 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 22 Sensational Star. Just Grazed Me is by Grazen, out of the Cuvee mare Fairway Road, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has six wins in 12 starts, earnings of $430,332 and is coming off a fourth in the Mar. 22 Sensational Star. ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (May 22, 2020) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso and fellow California-bred Premium Forest are entered in Monday’s $100,000 All American 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 trained by O.J. Juaregui. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has five wins in 35 starts, earnings of $358,192 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 21 San Luis Rey Stakes. He was ninth in this race in 2017. Premium Forest is by Forest Command, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Saturday Premium, was bred by Four Quarters Corp., is owned by Steve Goldberg and trained by Isidro Tamayo. He has 12 wins in 26 starts, earnings of $183,825 and is coming off a three-race win streak. ...
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From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 21, 2020) — The North American International Cataloguing Standards Committee (NAICSC) met today and voted to lower the minimum purse requirement for existing non-listed black-type races by 20% for the remainder of 2020. Given the negative economic impacts of COVID-19-related restrictions on available sources for purse funds, the minimum purse value for non-listed black-type races that ran prior to 2019 will be reduced from $50,000 to $40,000 for the remainder of 2020, and the minimum purse value for non-listed black-type races that ran for the first time in 2019 will be reduced from $75,000 to $60,000 for their second running in 2020. Requests to receive black-type for any new races will continue to be reviewed by a subcommittee of NAICSC and require a minimum purse of $75,000. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 17, 2020) — Back-to-back California-bred Horse of the Year Spiced Perfection has been privately purchased and transferred from trainer Peter Miller to Mark Casse. The 5-year-old mare will target the $100,000 Winning Colors Stakes (G3) May 30 going six furlongs at Churchill Downs, according to Casse. “She was privately purchased by Haruya Yoshida over the winter, and she’s been a great addition to our barn,” Casse said. “I think we’re going to be on target for the Winning Colors and get her 5-year-old campaign going at Churchill.” The multiple Grade I-winning Spiced Perfection recorded a bullet May 17, getting a half-mile in :47 on a fast track at Churchill. The work was the fastest of 134 at the distance. The California-bred daughter of Smiling Tiger worked an opening quarter-mile split of :22 3/5 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:02. Spiced Perfection’s previous ownership group was Pantofel Stable, Wachtel Stable, and Peter Deutsch. She has earned over $1.2 million with grade 1 wins in the La Brea... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 16, 2020)–Unhurried early from her rail post position, Smiling Shirlee, under confident handling from Mike Smith, came running late to overhaul a well meant Bella Vita in taking Saturday’s $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Jeff Bonde, the 3-year-old daughter of Smiling Tiger got six furlongs in 1:10.49, which was .26 of a second slower than Big Sweep’s final clocking in the Evening Jewel’s counterpart, the Echo Eddie, which was run two races earlier. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Evening Jewel is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. A one mile state-bred allowance winner on March 6, Smiling Shirlee, who is owned by Edward Brown, Jr., Alan Klein and Phillip Lebherz, had been Cal-bred stakes place on three occasions and notched her first stakes victory today in her eighth career start. “What a race she ran,” said Smith, who was aboard for the first time today. “I thought that if she ran back... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 16, 2020)–In just her second career start and the lone filly in the lineup, Big Sweep came rolling from off the pace to take Saturday’s $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes by a head under Flavien Prat. Owned by Red Baron’s Barn, LLC and Rancho Temescal and trained by Mark Glatt, the 3-year-old daughter of Mr. Big got six furlongs in 1:10.23. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Echo Eddie is part of the lucrative Golden State Series, for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Breaking from the number seven post position in a field of eight sophomores, Big Sweep had two horses beat a half mile from home, but was on the move while fourth, two off Better Trip Nick and Rookie Mistake a quarter mile out. From there, Rookie Mistake took the lead at the furlong marker and Big Sweep was all out to collar him on the money. “She ran really well,” said Prat, who had guided Big Sweep to a 2 ¼ length... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com Cris Caldwell, notable auctioneer and loving father of two children, died May 15 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 63. Born Feb. 14, 1957 in Upland, Calif. to Tom and Mary Caldwell, Caldwell started his auction career at the age of 16 at Maclin Caldwell Auction Company in Chino, Calif, selling everything from furniture to horses five days a week. In 1975 he joined the Keeneland auction ranks under his father. He would go on to sell hundreds of millions of dollars worth of horses during a 45-year tenure that concluded with the 2020 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale. At home in Oregon, Caldwell was crucial to many farm and charity auctions, always giving back to the community in any way possible. Caldwell had a passion for ranching and the western way of life. That passion was instilled in his girls, Alden and Laurel, who continue his legacy as a fourth-generation rancher and budding veterinarian, respectively. An avid athlete and daredevil, Caldwell’s life was... ...
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From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 18, 2020) — The California Horse Racing Board Licensing Offices at Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields, and Los Alamitos Race Course are now open for renewals and new owner licenses only. The Sacramento Licensing Office is still closed awaiting modifications for COVID-19 mitigation. In order to prevent introduction of new licensees to the contained backside of the tracks, new licenses (other than owners) will not be issued at this time. Exceptions to the suspension of issuing new licenses will be considered if the license is necessary for the health and safety of people and/or horses. All requests for exceptions shall be emailed to Shawn Loehr, Chief of Enforcement and Licensing (slloehr@chrb.ca.gov). Please contact one of the Licensing Offices below with any application questions. Golden Gate Fields: (916) 869-3267 GGFLicensing@chrb.ca.gov Santa Anita: (626) 574-6348 SALicensing@chrb.ca.gov Los Alamitos: (714) 820-2766 LosAlLicensing@chrb.ca.gov Sacramento: (916) 263-6000 LEMartin@chrb.ca.gov ...
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MADERA, Calif. (May 16, 2020) – Madera Thoroughbreds’ pensioned stallion Birdonthewire, who sired 11 stakes winners with total progeny earnings of more than $14 million, passed away on Saturday at the age of 31. The son of Proud Birdie was a Grade I winner on the track, taking the Vosburgh Stakes at Belmont as a 4-year-old en route to career earnings of $541,752. After initially standing at Adena Springs in Florida and Canada, Birdonthewire relocated to Madera for the 2004 breeding season until he was pensioned in 2013. Birdonthewire sired multiple graded stakes winners Solid Wager and It’s a Bird. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 14, 2020) — A return to racing at Santa Anita Park on May 16 brings with it two stakes opportunities for California-breds in the $150,000 Echo Eddie Stakes and $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes—both over six furlongs. Kicking off the afternoon races in the Echo Eddie is a field of nine 3-year-olds—six colts, two geldings, and one filly. Making his 2020 debut from the far outside post is Phantom Boss. The son of Shackleford impressed early last year at 2, winning the Bashford Manor Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs at the Echo Eddie distance. The Jorge Periban trainee closed his freshman season with an off-the-board finish in the Aug. 30 I’m Smokin Stakes at Del Mar. Owned by Tom Beckerle, Dena Bengson, Rick Bengson, Terry Lovinger, and Amanda Navarro, Phantom Boss most recently worked May 10 when he was clocked in 1:14 2/5 for six furlongs. Drayden Van Dyke will have the call. The lone lady in the field is Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal’s Big... ...
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