‘Chrome Wins Rood & Riddle Award

Jul 17, 2018 Posted by CTBA In News

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 17, 2018) — The richest Kentucky Derby winner and two time horse of the year California Chrome has been selected as the 2018 Rood & Riddle Comeback Award winner. This award is presented to a horse who has performed at the highest levels of competition, faced a medical/ surgical issue, received veterinary care by a Rood & Riddle veterinarian, and subsequently returned to compete at his/ her previous performance level. This year’s winner, California Chrome, of course, was the exciting winner of the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1). He then followed up his Derby win with a big win in the Preakness Stakes (G1). Following this he continued to race successfully, and was scheduled to race in England in 2015, but he encountered physical issues which prevented him from racing there. After evaluation by Dr. Larry Bramlage, it was decided that California Chrome would be treated medically and rested. He shipped to Dubai the following year where he won the 2016 Dubai... ...

Equine Veterinarian Doug Herthel Passes

By Santa Ynez Valley Star SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (July 16, 2018) — The Santa Ynez Valley and equine community was shocked to learn that Doug Herthel, veterinarian and co-founder of Platinum Performance, passed away Wednesday from Lewy body dementia. “Doug succumbed to a 17-month long, hard fought battle with Lewy body disease, a progressive and aggressive form of dementia,” his sons Mark and Troy Herthel wrote on their Facebook pages. Herthel is an alumni of U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and founded the Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center with his wife Sue in 1972. Herthel has made numerous breakthroughs in abdominal surgery, fracture repair, regenerative medicine and nutrition therapy. In 1996 Herthel developed and founded Platinum Performance, a supplement which helps heal equine patients after surgery. His line of products have expanded in the past three decades to include health supplements for other domestic animals and for people. His son Mark now runs the company based in Buellton. Herthel’s youngest son Troy works at Alamo Pintado as an equine surgeon.... ...

Horse Racing Reform Launches Website

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 16, 2018) — Horse Racing Reform, an industry initiative led by The Jockey Club and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, announced today the launch of an updated website, horseracingreform.org, designed to better inform and educate the general public, racing fans, and industry personnel on safety, integrity, and welfare matters in horse racing. The mobile-friendly site includes a range of new educational tools and resources to keep users apprised of advocacy efforts. Among the additions to the website: – Updated maps showing adoption of model rule language for out-of-competition testing, third-party Lasix administration, and controlled therapeutic medication thresholds – Updated map and in-depth summary showing adoption of the National Uniform Medication Program – An “Education” section dedicated to providing information on equine health and safety – A regular blog from Joe Gorajec, former executive director of the Indiana Horse Racing Commission and a longtime advocate for integrity in racing – Links to state rulebooks and commission websites – A searchable list of Lasix-free runners... ...

TDN.com on California Auctions

From TDN.com ARCADIA, Calif. (July 14, 2018) — The Stronach Group, parent company of Santa Anita Park, will team with Fasig-Tipton Co. for a pair of Thoroughbred auctions to be held at the racetrack in 2019. A sale of 2-year-olds-in-training is tentatively set for June 5, while a yearling sale has been penciled in for Sept. 24. “We are very excited to be returning to the auction marketplace in California,” said Fasig-Tipton president and chief executive officer Boyd Browning, Jr. “Santa Anita is the perfect venue to conduct quality sales in California. We will work closely with The Stronach Group to serve the California West Coast marketplace.” The Stronach Group’s Gulfstream Park plays host to Fasig-Tipton’s Florida 2-Year-Olds-in-Training Sale in the Spring and the executive was looking forward to welcoming the auction house back to the Golden State. “We’re thrilled to have Fasig-Tipton back in California and to host these sales at Santa Anita Park,” said Tim Ritvo, ???. “The Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Sale in March has been an incredible success... ...

Bloodhorse.com on California Auctions

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (July 14, 2018) — The Stronach Group and Fasig-Tipton announced July 13 they have reached an agreement to conduct Thoroughbred auctions at Santa Anita Park beginning in 2019. The new partnership is stepping in just as the Barretts sale company is winding down the auction business it has operated since Fred Sahadi, Jerry McMahon, and Ralph Hinds founded the company in 1989. “Fairplex, the parent company of Barretts, is shutting us down at the end of the year, so someone needed to step in,” said Barretts general manager Kim Lloyd. “I feel good about what we’ve done to support the industry and stay in there as long as we have. It is good to see Santa Anita and Fasig stepping in. I have great respect for Fasig, and they’ll do a great job.” Santa Anita and Fasig-Tipton have tentatively scheduled a 2-year-olds in training sale for June 5 and a yearling sale for September 24 or 25. “We’re thrilled to have Fasig-Tipton back in California and to host these sales at... ...

DRF.com on California Auctions

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (July 14, 2018) — The rapidly changing Thoroughbred auction market in California will include two sales at Santa Anita in 2019 – an auction of 2-year-olds in training in June and a yearling sale in September. On Friday, the Fasig-Tipton sale company and The Stronach Group, the parent company of Santa Anita, announced an agreement to conduct the sales at Santa Anita. The sales are expected to replace auctions previously conducted by Barretts, which is owned by the Los Angeles County Fair. Barretts is not expected to conduct sales in 2019. The announcement comes less than two months after the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association distributed an email to its membership assuring state breeders that auctions would continue in the state despite concern over the future of Barretts, which has operated a variety of sales since 1990. “The CTBA has worked diligently the last few years with Barretts and the Los Angeles County Fair to guarantee a smooth transition with the commercial sales offered in California,” CTBA... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (July 13, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board’s Medication, Safety and Welfare Committee will meet Friday, July 20, in the upstairs Sports Club at Surfside Race Place in Del Mar beginning at 10:00 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. The agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the CHRB Website. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (July 13, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, July 12, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chair Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Fred Maas and Araceli Ruano also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: · CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker reported on some of the safety measures that have contributed to a 36-percent reduction in equine fatalities leading into the Del Mar meet, where those measures will be augmented in a significant effort to protect horses and riders. Among the steps being taken with support from management and the cooperation of horsemen, there will be at least one CHRB official veterinarian and safety steward at Del Mar seven days a week; there will be as many as three examining veterinarians on duty; horses deemed at risk for injury due to extended layoffs or prior history will be examined, perhaps... ...

Stronach, Fasig-Tipton to Hold Auctions

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 12, 2018) — The Stronach Group and Fasig-Tipton announced today they have reached an agreement to conduct Thoroughbred auctions at legendary Santa Anita Park beginning in 2019. A tentative date for a 2-year-olds in training sale has been set for June 5. Tentative dates for a yearling sale are September 24th or 25th. “We’re thrilled to have Fasig-Tipton back in California and to host these sales at Santa Anita Park,” said The Stronach Group’s COO Tim Ritvo. “The Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Sale in March has been an incredible success for both Gulfstream and Fasig-Tipton and we want to continue building on that relationship here at Santa Anita. These sales are exciting for horsemen as well as fans. Fasig-Tipton is a wonderful partner and our work with them allows us to reenergize our facilities with different events while continuing to bring the inventory right to our horsemen.... ...

CHRB Approves Golden Gate Dates

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (July 12, 2018) — While bigger battles could reshape the Northern California racing and wagering landscape, those disagreements will not impact the upcoming Golden Gate Fields meeting. At its July 12 meeting at Los Alamitos Race Course, the California Horse Racing Board saw enough of an agreement between Golden Gate owner The Stronach Group, off-track betting locations, and the fair tracks to approve the Aug. 22-Oct. 2 race dates for the Northern California track. The race dates were conditionally approved June 21, but it was uncertain whether those conditions would be met. At that time, as part of being rewarded the dates, the CHRB said The Stronach Group would need to reach simulcast agreements with each Northern California satellite wagering facility as well as a horsemen’s agreement with the Thoroughbred Owners of California by July 2. The Stronach Group balked at those conditions. At Thursday’s meeting, CHRB staff confirmed those agreements had not been turned in by the deadline. While that deadline was not met, The Stronach Group’s... ...

Faversham Enters Oceanside Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2018) – Faversham, the full brother to champion California Chrome, is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $100,000 Oceanside Stakes for 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Faversham is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, was bred by Perry Martin & Steve Coburn, is owned by Martin or Martin and trained by Art Sherman. He has one win in six starts, earnings of $61,690 and is coming off a June 21 maiden win. ...

Barretts Moves Paddock Sale to October

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (July 11, 2018) – Barretts Sales, a full-service equine sales company owned by Fairplex, is moving its July 25 Paddock sale to Del Mar to October. The Paddock sale will now be part of the Oct. 16 auction at Fairplex in Pomona. The Fall Sale will include yearlings, mixed and horses of racing age. The August Select Yearling Sale will continue in Del Mar, Aug. 28, as scheduled. For more information on Barretts, visit www.barretts.com. ...

Boeing Draws Cal-bred Trio

AUBURN, Wash. (July 12, 2018) – California-breds Reginella, Sheeza Sassy Girl and Racy Rascal are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Boeing Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Reginella is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Cahill Road mare Ghost Tree, was bred by owners DiPietro Thoroughbreds and is trained by Blaine Wright. She has two wins in 18 starts, earnings of $95,267 and is coming off a third in a July 1 allowance. Sheeza Sassy Girl is by The Pamplemousse, out of the Slewdledo mare Gizmo Girl, was bred by Jared Chappell, is owned by John & Janene Maryanski and is trained by Blaine Wright. She has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $77,765 and is coming off a June 3 allowance win. Racy Rascal is by Into Mischief, out of the Son of Briartic mare Campanita, was bred by Mr. & Mrs. William Griffin, is owned by Griffin Place and trained by Chris Stenslie. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $33,500 and is... ...

Four Stakes at Los Alamitos Fair Meet

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 11, 2018) — Four stakes worth a guaranteed total of $350,000 will be offered during the upcoming Los Angeles County Fair at Los Alamitos meet. The 12-day season will begin Thursday, Sept. 6 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 23. Racing will be conducted on a Thursday-Sunday basis. A stakes doubleheader will be presented Saturday, Sept. 8. Three-year-old fillies will run six furlongs in the $75,000-guaranteed Beverly J. Lewis and 3-year-olds & up either bred or sired in California will compete in the $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston at one mile. The final two Saturdays of the season will feature the $100,000-guaranteed Barretts Debutante for 2-year-old fillies Sept. 15 and the $100,000-guaranteed Barretts Juvenile for colts & geldings Sept. 22. Both races are at 6 ½ furlongs and restricted to horses offered at any Barretts sale. Saturday, Sept. 8, Beverly J. Lewis Stakes, Six Furlongs, $75,000, 3-Year-Old Fillies Saturday, Sept. 8, E.B. Johnston Stakes, One Mile, $75,000, 3-Year-Olds & Up (California bred or sired) Saturday, Sept.... ...

TOC Annual Meeting Aug. 11

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 11, 2018) — Thoroughbred Owners of California invites all members to the Southern California annual meeting, to be held at the Del Mar Veranda Cafe on August 11 at 8:30 a.m. The general business meeting will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include and question-and-answer session. Award presentations will also be made to the winners of the annual Owners Awards, and a complimentary buffet breakfast will be served. Reservations are required. RSVP to 626-574-6620 or toconline.com ...

Neveradoubt Enters at Hastings

VANCOUVER, B.C. (July 12, 2018) – Neveradoubt is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Lieutenant Governors’ Handicap at Hastings Racecourse. Neveradoubt is by Decarchy, out of the Southern Halo mare Southern Oasis, was bred by Janis Whitman, is owned by Blue Willow Dairy and is trained by Greg Tracy. He has five wins in 23 starts, earnings of $251,226 and is coming off a fifth in the June 17 John Longden 6000 Handicap. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, July 12, at Los Alamitos Race Course beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Board will immediately recess into a closed session. The public portion of the meeting will begin after the end of closed session. An audio-only webcast of the public meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board meeting agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the website. ...

TOC New Owner Seminar on July 22

From TOC DEL MAR, July 8, 2018) — All horsemen are invited to TOC’s free New Owner Seminar on Sunday, July 22, at 9 a.m. Following the seminar, a tour of the barns will be given by leading trainers. Registration is required and must be done before noon on Friday, July 20. Listen to a panel of experts discuss acquiring horses at auction and through private sales, claiming horses and joining partnerships and syndicates. To register: toconline.com/events/new-owner-seminar-2 ...

Luck’s Royal Flush Wins Nevin

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 7, 2018) – Luck’s Royal Flush held on for a half-length score in Saturday’s $100,225 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-old Golden State Series eligible at Oak Tree at Pleasanton. Luck’s Royal Flush is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jeff Bonde. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $109,440 and was coming off a June 15 maiden win. Luck’s Royal Flush ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.00 and went off at the second-longest odds of 9-1 in the field of six. Leadville, the longest shot at 49-1, was second and odds-on favorite Mr Paytience was third. ...

Soi Phet

Soi Phet wins $100,000 Bertrando Stakes. ...

Soi Phet Hits for a Million

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. – Soi Phet, the 7-2 fourth choice in a field of eight, defeated 2-1 favorite B Squared by a nose to win the $101,035 Bertrando Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles Wednesday at Los Alamitos. The victory was the second in the Bertrando – he gained his first in the inaugural running in 2014 – for the ageless gelding and his fifth stakes win in nine starts at Los Alamitos. Claimed for $16,000 more than five years ago at Hollywood Park by trainer Leonard Powell, the 10-year-old Tizbud gelding became a millionaire with his 15th lifetime score. The $60,000 payday pushed his bankroll to $1,015,250 through 59 starts. Trained by ARCHA Racing and owned by Benowitz Family Trust, Mathilde Powell and Paul Viskovich, who were joined in the winner’s circle by a large and jubilant group, Soi Phet, who is out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, completed the mile in 1:35.53. Worse than second only twice locally, the dark bay returned $9.60,... ...

Skye Diamonds Looks for Repeat

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 4, 2018) – Defending champion California-bred Skye Diamonds and impressive Desert Stormer winner Marley’s Freedom head a field of five in the $200,000-guaranteed Great Lady M. Stakes Saturday at Los Alamitos. Post time is 1 p.m. Scheduled at 6 ½ furlongs, the Grade II for fillies & mares 3-year-olds & up will go as the eighth of nine races. Scheduled post time for the main event is 4:28 p.m. Owned by a partnership that includes Allen Racing LLC, Bloom Racing LLC, Tom Acker and Jon Lindo and trained by Bill Spawr, Skye Diamonds defeated a field that included Constellation and 2016 female sprint champion Finest City in last year’s Great Lady M. The victory was the fourth of five during a seven-race campaign for the 5-year-old First Dude mare, who has won six of 12 since being claimed for $40,000 by her current connections Aug. 27, 2016. Out of the Johannesburg mare Exonerated and bred by Dizney Double Diamond, Skye Diamonds will be... ...

NorCal Sale Grad in Everett Nevin

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 4, 2018) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Cozze Kid is one of seven California-breds or -sireds entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-old Golden State Series eligibles at Oak Tree at Pleasanton. Cozze Kid is by Shanghai Kid, out of the Cozzene mare Cozzekiki, was bred by Willow Tree Farm & G.W. Thomas, is owned by Marsden, McMahon, Rudy or Thomas and is trained by Jamey Thomas. The $4,500 Northern California Yearling Sale graduate won his lone start with earnings of $20,280. Leadville is by Comic Strip, out of the Richly Blended mare Baby Doe, was bred by owners Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and is trained by Felix Rondon. He is a maiden making his third start with earnings of $8,112. Carnivorous is by Square Eddie, out of the Momentum mare Charred Rare, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He won his lone start with earnings of $32,400. Amity Harbor is by Heatseeker, out of the Vindication... ...

Drummer Don Enters Long Branch

OCEANPORT, N.J. (July 4, 2018) – Drummer Don is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Betfair.com Long Branch Stakes for 3-year-olds at Monmouth Park. Drummer Don is by Empire Way, out of the Doneraile Court mare Donerella, was bred by Heinz Steinmann, is owned by Bran Jam Stable and David Clark and is trained by L. Linder, Jr. He has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $72,235 and is coming off a third in a June 18 starter’s allowance. ...

Tribalist Ships for Parx Dash

BENSALEM, Pa. (July 3, 2018) – Lightly-raced 7-year-old stakes winner Tribalist is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Parx Dash Stakes at Parx Racing. Tribalist is by Tribal Rule, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, was bred by Dutko & Abrams, is owned by Robert Abrams, Mitchell Dutko & Michael Paran and is trained by Blake Heap. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $254,950 and is making his first start since a fifth in the Jan. 1 Joe Hernandez Stakes. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Petticoat

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (July 3, 2018) — California-breds Lovable Lilly and Easydoes It Please are entered in Saturday’s Petticoat Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Albuquerque. Lovable Lilly is by Violence, out of the Gilded Time mare Lilly Fa Pootz, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by UKUSA Stables and trained by Justin Evans. She has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $36,040 and is coming off a June 9 allowance win. Easydoes It Please is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Gulch mare Big Easy, was bred by owners Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Henry Dominguez. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $33,825 and is coming off a an eighth in a June 8 optional claimer. ...

Skye Diamonds Targets Great Lady M.

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 1, 2018) — Defending champion and California-bred Skye Diamonds and Marley’s Freedom, who was dominant in the Grade III Desert Stormer May 27, are among the 11 fillies and mares nominated to the $200,000-guaranteed Great Lady M. Stakes. The Grade II, which is scheduled for 6 ½ furlongs, will be run for the fifth time at Los Alamitos Saturday, July 7. Owned by a partnership that includes Allen Racing LLC and Bloom Racing Stables and trained by Bill Spawr, Skye Diamonds is 2-for-2 at Los Alamitos. Before her win in the 2017 Great Lady M., a race in which she defeated, among others, Finest City, winner of the race in 2016 and the Eclipse Award winner that year as the champion female sprinter, the California bred broke her maiden in her second career start Dec. 5, 2015 when trained by Mike Machowsky. Claimed for $40,000 by her current connections Aug. 27, 2016, the daughter of First Dude and the Johannesburg mare Exonerated has... ...

Favored Lippy Takes Juan Gonzalez

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 30, 2018) – Favored Lippy took the lead at the eighth pole and won Saturday’s $66,500 Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes for California-bred 2-year-old fillies at Oak Tree at Pleasanton. Lippy is by Square Eddie, out of the Jade Hunter mare Sarah Jade, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $86,700 and was coming off a June 14 maiden win. Lippy ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.57 and won by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 7-5 in the field of five. Accomplishedsister finished second and River of Doubt was third. ...

My Friend Emma in Oak Tree Sprint

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 30, 2018) – Albany Stakes winner My Friend Emma and fellow California-bred Tribal Storm are entered in Wednesday’s $50,000 Oak Tree Sprint at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet. My Friend Emma is by Tannersmyman, out of the Artax mare Ma Ka Bet, was bred by Jim Eaton, is owned by Candelario Barragan or Jocelyn Robles and trained by Rhoda March. He has eight wins in 20 starts, earnings of $268,108 and is coming off a win in the June 9 Albany. He was ninth in this race two years ago. Tribal Storm is by Papa Clem, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by Curt & Lila Lanning, is owned by Scott Herberson and trained by Ari Herbertson. He has six wins in 17 starts, earnings of $304,049 and is coming off a second in the June 9 Albany. ...

Soi Phet Seeks Another Bertrando

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 30, 2018) – Fresh off a 47-1 upset in the Crystal Water Stakes in his third start as a 10-year-old, Soi Phet will seek a fifth stakes victory at Los Alamitos in the $100,000 Bertrando, the main event on a special holiday program Wednesday, July 4. A one-mile event for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California, the Bertrando is the eighth of nine races. Post time is 1 p.m. Trained by Leonard Powell for the Benowitz Family Trust, Mathilde Powell and Paul Viskovich, Soi Phet, the son of Tizbud and the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey has won 14 of 58 and banked $955,250. Most of those earnings have come since he was claimed for $16,000 by his current connections May 23, 2013 at Hollywood Park. A second score in Wednesday’s stakes will make Soi Phet, who has been 1-2 in six of eight races at Los Alamitos, a millionaire. He was bred by ARCHA Racing. Besides the inaugural Bertrando in... ...

CHRB Shuffles Stewards

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 29, 2018) — About a month after members of the California Horse Racing Board promised changes to the composition of stewards on the Southern California racing circuit, changes have indeed been made ahead of the upcoming summer meet at Del Mar. According to the CHRB, steward Scott Chaney, who has served in that position in Southern California for more than a decade, will be the first steward shuffled in an ongoing “rotation” between the two regions of the state. Chaney will move to the Sonoma County Fair meet at Santa Rosa, which begins racing Aug. 2, according to CHRB executive director Rick Baedeker. Baedeker also said Chaney, who is a lawyer, will help the CHRB with “an upcoming investigation” that was in need of a lawyerly presence. John Herbuveaux, who had been serving as a steward in Northern California, will take Chaney’s place at Del Mar, which begins racing July 18. “It’s a difficult thing for any steward—picking up and going somewhere else,” said Baedeker, who,... ...

Ima Happy Cat Enters Irish Day

AUBURN, Wash. (June 28, 2018) – Ima Happy Cat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Irish Day Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Ima Happy Cat is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Wekiva Springs mare Infernal McGoon, was bred by Dale Mahlum, is owned by Sue & Tim Spooner and is trained by Dan Markle. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $63,605 and is coming off a second in the June 10 Kent Stakes. ...

Soi Phet Among Bertrando Nominees

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 28, 2018) —Soi Phet and three other horses who have won stakes at Los Alamitos are among the 19 nominations to the $100,000-guaranteed Bertrando. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California will be run for the fifth time Wednesday, July 4. A 10-year-old gelding trained by Leonard Powell for Benowitz Family Trust, Mathilde Powell and Paul Viskovich, Soi Phet has won half of his eight starts at Los Alamitos and each victory has come in a stakes. The son of Tizbud and the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey captured the inaugural Bertrando in 2014 prior to upsetting Masochistic in the Los Alamitos Mile two months later. His other local stakes successes came in the E.B. Johnston Stakes in 2016 and 2017. A $16,000 claim more than five years ago at Hollywood Park, Soi Phet, who was a 47-1 upset winner of the Crystal Water on the Santa Anita turf in his most recent start May 20, has won... ...

Cal-breds in Juan Gonzalez Memorial

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 27, 2018) – Five California-breds are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Oak Tree at Pleasanton. River of Doubt is by Many Rivers, out of the Indian Charlie mare Tadita, was bred by owners Jerry & Janet Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She won her lone start and has earnings of $20,280. Quant Savant is by Square Eddie, out of the Spring At Last mare Loan Savant, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She won her lone start and has earnings of $32,400. Papaya is by Papa Clem, out of the Stormin Fever mare Kitty Marie, was bred by Shirley Ann Ragle, is owned by Steve Moger and trained by Ed Moger Jr. She won her lone start and has earnings of $8,400. Accomplishedsister is by Acclamation, out of the In Excess mare Sister Sally, was bred by owner Joe Turner and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She won her... ...

Jim Robbins

By Emily Shields, California Thoroughbred Jim Robbins jokingly laments that the worst thing that ever happened to him was having early success in the horse business. “That beginner’s luck, where the first one grabs you because they are a winner? That happened to me,” Robbins said. “It makes it look easy when that happens.” After mild success with his first horse, California-bred Por D.J., Robbins was hooked and has dabbled in the breeding and racing industry ever since. “It goes back a good 25 years,” he said. “I’ve always had one or two at a time, mostly low-level claiming horses.” Robbins and partners went to $62,500 to claim Wild Baby Girl, a debuting daughter of Misbah, during the Del Mar meet in 2007, Robbins recalling that “she showed a lot of heart in that maiden race.” The juvenile filly broke poorly, was bumped, and still rallied to win the race at 12-1 odds. Racing for her new connections, Wild Baby Girl wheeled back in the $250,000 Del Mar Debutante Stakes... ...

Los Alamitos Opens on Thursday

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 25, 2018) —The first thoroughbred meet of 2018 at Los Alamitos will begin Thursday, June 28. The 12-day Summer Thoroughbred Festival will continue through Sunday, July 15 with racing – with one exception – conducted on a Thursday-Sunday basis. There will be holiday racing Wednesday, July 4 prior to a dark day Thursday, July 5. Racing will resume Friday, July 6. Post time will be 1 p.m. The three-week 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. Expected to attract defending champion Skye Diamonds, the Great Lady M. will be run for the fifth time Saturday, July 7 while the Los Alamitos Derby, which was captured by eventual 3-year-old champion West Coast in 2017, will be offered Saturday, July 14. Completing the stakes program is the $100,000... ...

Buggy Brown in Duke City Sprint

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (June 24, 2018) – Buggy Brown is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $50,000 Duke City Sprint Stakes for 3-year-olds at The Downs in Albuquerque. Buggy Brown is by Big Bad Leroybrown, out of the Bold Badgett mare Cute as a Bug, was bred by Old English Ranch & Patsy & Sal Berumen, is owned by Tyree Wolesensky and trained by Ed Kereluk. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $27,392 and is coming off a June 16 allowance win. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB PLEASANTON, Calif (June 22, 2018) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, June 21, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Chair Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Jesse Choper, Fred Maas, Araceli Ruano and Alex Solis also were in attendance. 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 unanimously approved the license application for a summer race meet at Golden Gate Fields “contingent upon the receipt of agreements with each satellite wagering facility in Northern California, as required by law, including the TOC (Thoroughbred Owners of California) horsemen’s agreement and all other outstanding items mentioned in the staff analysis by the close of business on July 2, 2018.” Although a number of issues have been publicly discussed, including Northern California racing dates and the viability of simulcast operations, the only issue before the Board Thursday was the license application submitted by Pacific Racing Association (PRA)) for the... ...

California Chrome’s Brother Wins

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2018)–Long-time racegoers know that racing’s chart books are chock-full of well-related full and half siblings that simply couldn’t run. That can no longer be said about Faversham, a chestnut full brother to two-time Horse of the Year and four-time Eclipse Champion California Chrome, as Faversham, ridden by Tiago Pereira, rallied from off the pace to take Thursday’s fifth race at Santa Anita by 3 ¼ lengths, thus breaking his maiden in his sixth career start. Conditioned by Art Sherman, who gained worldwide fame as the trainer of the aforementioned 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, Faversham got a flat mile on turf in 1:36.26. “He has all kinds of talent,” said Sherman. “He had a horse fall in front of him a couple races back and it’s been tough to calm him down…I’m hoping that by winning this race the way he did, he can relax better and run to his potential.” When asked if Faversham, who is owned Perry and Denise... ...

Stronach, CHRB Going to Court

By Bloodhorse.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 22, 2018) — A disagreement over California law regarding simulcasting requirements between The Stronach Group and the California Horse Racing Board, will head to court, an executive from The Stronach Group said June 21. Earlier Thursday the CHRB conditionally approved Golden Gate Fields‘ application to be licensed for its Aug. 22-Oct. 2 meet, with the contingency that The Stronach Group, which owns the track, reaches agreements with each Northern California satellite wagering facility “as required by law,” as well as a horsemen’s agreement with the Thoroughbred Owners of California and “all other outstanding items” by July 2. Eric Sindler, who represented The Stronach Group at the meeting, maintained that the company—which is seeking to run its meet without sending its signal to the region’s satellite facilities that operate through Northern California Off-Track Wagering Inc. (NOTWINC)—does not have to reach agreements with the satellite facilities to be compliant with California law. In comments June 13, The Stronach Group’s chief operating officer, Tim Ritvo, said Golden Gate could... ...

Make Music for Me Gets First Winner

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 22, 2018) – California stallion Make Music for Me was represented by his first winner when Triple Shot won a maiden claiming race at Oak Tree at Pleasanton. Triple Shot, a 3-year-old colt, is out of the Fact Book mare Good Book, was bred by owner Michael Cheek and is trained by William Morey. He ran the six furlongs in 1:12.13 and won by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 4-1 in the field of seven. ...

Cal-bred Trio in Wilshire

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2018) – Stakes winners Cordiality and Bella Luma and fellow California-bred are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Wilshire Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Shehastheritestuff is by Unusual Heat, out of the Bold Badgett mare Strut Your Stuff, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Day, Day or DePietro, et al and is trained by Patrick Gallagher. He has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $206,365 and is making her first start since an Aug. 30 optional claimer. Cordiality is by Papa Clem, out of the Unusual Heat mare Warmth, was bred by Dr. Edward Allred, is owned by Drummand, Glatt or Zitco and is trained by Mark Glatt. She has eight wins in 21 starts, earnings of $316,095 and is coming off a win in the May 19 Fran’s Valentine. Bella Luma is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bold Badgett mare Bold Roberta, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Bachman or Brown and is trained... ...

Mah Gellin Entered in Budweiser

AUBURN, Wash. (June 21, 2018) – Mah Gellin is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Budweiser Stakes at Emerald Downs. Mah Gellin is by Skimming, out of the Maheras mare Mahrin, was bred by Racing Edge, is owned by Joe and Lola Sample and trained by Blaine Wright. He has nine wins in 37 starts, earnings of $308,763 and is coming off a second in a May 28 optional claimer. ...

Soul of the Matter Passes at 27

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2018) — Soul of the Matter, who stood for many years at EA Ranches in California, died on Wednesday in Montana, where he had been retired. He was 27. Soul of the Matter was bred by Burt Bacharach’s Blue Seas Music, raced for Bacharach and was trained by Richard Mandella. A winner of seven of 16 starts, Soul of the Matter earned $2,302,818. His biggest win came in the 1994 Super Derby (gr. I) with a neck victory over Concern. He also won that year’s San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) prior to a fifth-place finish behind Go for Gin in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). He also finished fourth in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I). Soul of the Matter is perhaps best known for his final start, an epic battle with Cigar in the inaugural $4-million Dubai World Cup. Soul of the Matter challenged the Horse of the Year strongly in the stretch but came up a half-length short in the 1 1/4-mile race. ...

Pete Fer, Longtime CTBA Member, Passes

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2018) – Pete Fer, longtime member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, recently passed away. Fer bred and owned Cal-bred stakes horses Uncaged Fury (winner of the 1994 California Cup Sprint), Caballo De Oro, John’s Clue and Mystery’s Edge. Notable trainers who worked with Fer were John Canty, Humberto Ascanio, Louie Cenicola and Ron Ellis. Fer owned a heating, plumbing and air conditioning company in the South Bay. ...

Cal-bred Pair in San Carlos

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 20, 2018) – Stakes winner El Huerfano and red-hot Touching Rainbows are the California-breds entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita. El Huerfano is by Tannersfmyman, out of the Capsized mare Adriftinthebay, was bred by M.A. Douzos, is owned by Barber or Wachtel Stable and is trained by Peter Miller. He has five wins in 32 starts, earnings of $342,796 and is coming off a second in a May 28 optional claimer. Touching Rainbows is by Aragorn, out of the Gold Case mare Violin Case, was bred by Esembee Inc., is owned by KM Racing Enterprise or Madaket Stables and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has six wins in 12 starts, earnings of $230,560 and has a four-race win streak. ...

Hardboot Ships to Canterbury

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (June 20, 2018) – Stakes winner Hardboot is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Mystic Lake Derby for 3-year-olds at Canterbury Park. Hardboot is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Cryptoclearance mare Mme. Espionage, was bred by James Mann, is owned by Silver Creek Stables and trained by Michele Dollase. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $132,665 and is coming off a second in the June 2 Snow Chief. ...

Patriots Rule in Mystic Lake Mile

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (June 20, 2018) – Multiple stakes winner Patriots Rule is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Mystic Lake Mile Stakes at Canterbury Park. Patriots Rule is by Tribal Rule, out of the Seattle Bound mare Candy Factory, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Charles Garvey and trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has nine wins in 34 starts, earnings of $519,873 and is coming off a win in a May 11 optional claimer. He was fifth in this race last year. ...

Los Alamitos Opens June 28

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. – Three stakes – including a pair a graded races – highlight the 2018 Summer Thoroughbred Festival at Los Alamitos. The 12-day season will begin Thursday, June 28 and continue through Sunday, July 15. Racing will be conducted – with one exception – on a Thursday-Sunday basis. There will be a special holiday program Wednesday, July 4. A dark day will follow (Thursday, July 5) before racing resumes Friday, July 6. Post time will be 1 p.m. The final two Saturdays of the meet will feature the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Great Lady M. Stakes and the Grade III, $150,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Derby. The Great Lady M., which is for fillies and mares – 3-year-olds & up – at 6 ½ furlongs, will be offered Saturday, July 7 and is expected to attract defending champion Skye Diamonds. Won by eventual 3-year-old champion West Coast in 2017, the Los Alamitos Derby, which is for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles, will be run Saturday, July 14. The... ...

Cal-bred Filly Sells for $100,000

OCALA, Fla. (June 16, 2018) – A California-bred filly by Kentucky stallion Violence sold at the OBS June 2-Year-olds Sale for $100,000. Out of the You and I mare Veiled Threat, the filly was bred by John Antonelli, consigned by Sequel Bloodstock and was purchased by Alistair Roden Bloodstock. ...

Gagliano Elected Chairman of AHC Board

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 15, 2018) — James L. Gagliano, president and COO of The Jockey Club, was elected chairman of the American Horse Council’s Board of Trustees during the AHC’s annual meeting and national issues forum. Gagliano succeeds Dr. Jerry Black who served as chairman the past three years. “I’m honored to lead the American Horse Council Board and follow the very successful tenure of Dr. Jerry Black,” Gagliano said. “Dr. Black set a very high bar for the AHC, leading the successful transition from longtime president Jay Hickey to current president Julie Broadway, updating the organization’s strategic plan, and completing the first comprehensive Economic Impact Study of the United States Equine Industry in 14 years.” Gagliano became president and COO of The Jockey Club in 2010, where he had previously served as executive vice president & chief administrative officer since 2005. Prior to joining The Jockey Club, he served as executive vice president of Magna Entertainment Corporation’s Maryland racing operations, where he was responsible for the day-to-day... ...

Cal-bred Quartet in Siren Lure Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 14, 2018) – Multiple stakes winners Gold Rush Dancer, Acceptance and B Squared join fellow California-bred Anatolian Heat in Sunday’s $80,000 Siren Lure Stakes at Santa Anita. Gold Rush Dancer is by Private Gold, out of the In Excess mare Dances On Water, was bred by owner John Parker and is trained by Vann Belvoir. He has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $516,458 and is making his first start since a 10th in the Jan. 1 Joe Hernandez. Multiple stakes winner Acceptance is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Allswellthatnswell, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Finish Line Racing or the Ellwood Johnston Trust and is trained by Kenny Black. He has four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $405,493 and is coming off a ninth in a June 8 optional claimer. B Squared 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... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 14, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, June 21, in the Pleasanton Satellite Wagering Facility at the Alameda County Fairgrounds beginning at 10 a.m. The Board will immediately go into closed session. The public session is scheduled to reconvene at 11:15. An audio-only webcast of the public session can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board meeting agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the website. ...

Stronach Group Meets with Horsemen

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (June 14, 2018) — A day after Tim Ritvo of The Stronach Group indicated the closure of Golden Gate Fields may be possible if a simulcasting issue is not settled, Northern California horsemen met with other executives from the company June 14, and many left with concerns about their future in the region. “We just came off a great meet, when I heard they were up $30-$40 million (in handle), and I’ve got to come to a meeting where they might be closed down for six weeks and maybe more?” said trainer Steve Sherman. “(The Stronach Group vice president of racing P.J. Campo) said we might have to take two steps back to take five steps forward, but we can’t afford to take two steps back.” While executives from The Stronach Group maintained the meeting was specifically about informing the local horsemen about Golden Gate’s desire to withdraw from Northern California Off-Track Wagering Inc. (NOTWINC), which deals with brick-and-mortar simulcast operations in the region, multiple horsemen... ...

Golden Gate Fields Dispute Intensifies

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (June 14, 2018) — Tim Ritvo, The Stronach Group’s chief operating officer, said June 13 that closing Golden Gate Fields could be a possibility if changes are not made to a complicated simulcast issue in Northern California. After a notice was sent Wednesday to horsemen of an “urgent meeting” June 14 about “the future of Golden Gate Fields,” Ritvo explained what will be discussed regarding Northern California Off-Track Wagering Inc. (NOTWINC), which deals with brick-and-mortar simulcast operations in the region. “The (California Horse Racing Board) has threatened our license if we do not operate (with NOTWINC), which costs the industry money,” Ritvo said. “We want to inform the horsemen to get involved. Otherwise, there will be no more racing at Golden Gate Fields.” Ritvo also said the NOTWINC setup forces Golden Gate to “subsidize” the OTB network, which is primarily run out of the region’s fair stops (Santa Rosa, as its own entity, and the California Authority of Racing Fairs). “In the end, what’s happening is (advance-deposit... ...

Neveradoubt Enters Longden 6000

VANCOUVER, B.C. (June 13, 2018) – Neveradoubt, the Snow Chief Stakes winner in 2015, is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 John Longden 6000 Handicap at Hastings Racecourse. Neveradoubt is by Decarchy, out of the Southern Halo mare Southern Oasis, was bred by Janis Whitman, is owned by Blue Willow Dairy and trained by Greg Tracy. He has five wins in 22 starts, earnings of $249,710 and is coming off a seventh in a May 6 optional claimer. ...

Hoedown for Horses on July 22

DEL MAR, Calif. (June 12, 2018) — CARMAcares presents its 11th Annual Hoedown for Horses Charity Fundraiser on Sunday, July 22, at the Del Mar Paddock, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event supports the aftercare of retired racehorses. There will be a BBQ dinner, a live band, square dancing, line dancing and mechanical bulls. For further information, visit www.CARMA4horses.org or call 626-574-6622. ...

NorCal Sale Grad Wins Albany Division

ALBANY, Calif. (June 9, 2018) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate My Friend Emma went wire to wire to win Saturday’s $60,650 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. My Friend Emma is by Tannersmyman, out of the Artax mare Ma Ka Bet, was bred by Jim Eaton, is owned by Candelario Barragan or Jocelyn Robles and is trained by Rhonda March. The $1,000 Northern California Yearling Sale graduate has eight wins in 20 starts, earnings of $268,108 and was coming off a second in the May 28 All American. He was fourth in this race last year. My Friend Emma ran the five furlongs on turf in :55.42 and won by 2 ¾ lengths at odds of 1-2. ...

Justify, Baffert Win Triple Crown

By Bloodhorse.com ELMONT, N.Y. (June 9, 2018) — Justify, who burst onto the scene less than four months prior with a maiden victory at Santa Anita Park, set the pace, took challenges from multiple runners, and put them all away to win Saturday’s Grade I Belmont Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths over longshot Gronkowski in a final time of 2:28.18 for 1 1/2 miles under jockey Mike Smith. Justify joins Seattle Slew as the only two undefeated Triple Crown winners and is the 13th winner of the three-race championship series for 3-year-olds. Vino Rosso was the first to take a run at the Bob Baffert-trained chestnut—who set fractions of :23.37, :48.11, 1:13.21, and 1:38.09 through a mile—and made his challenge in the final turn. Jockey John Velazquez asked his Curlin colt to go on the attack, but he could only get to the pacesetter’s hip. After Justify dispensed of that attempt, Gronkowski was the only threat. Far back in last through the first turn in his dirt debut, Gronkowski rallied... ...

Oak Tree-Pleasanton Opens June 15

From Oak Tree Racing PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 8, 2018) — For the fifth consecutive year, Oak Tree Racing Association will be joining with Alameda County Fair in conducting a fifteen-day race Meet at Pleasanton Fairgrounds. Racing will be performed in conjunction with the Fair, commencing Friday, June 15 and ending Sunday, July 8. If you cannot make it in person, remember that pari-mutuel wagering is available on the races at TVG, Xpressbet and other offsite wagering facilities. The following links will take you to the Alameda County Fair or the Oak Tree websites where you can access the daily racing schedule: www.alamedacountyfair.com and www.oaktreeracing.com. Horse racing in California was initiated over 100 years ago in Pleasanton and has been a historic tradition ever since. It is a place you can come to enjoy the Fair as well as thrill to the horses, providing exceptional excitement and a view of western history. With a Fair providing fun and knowledge to all ages, tantalizing food and racing excitement, there... ...

TOC Open Forum at Pleasanton

From TOC PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 8, 2018) — All horsemen are invited to attend the TOC Open Forum at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 10 a.m. Meet TOC staff and directors for a discussion of current events and a chance to have questions answered. ...

Ima Happy Cat Seeks Another Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. (June 7, 2018) – Ima Happy Cat is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Kent Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Ima Happy Cat is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Wekiva Springs mare Infernal McGoon, was bred by Dale Mahlum, is owned by Sue & Tim Spooner and trained by Dan Markle. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $53,705 and is coming off a win in the May 20 Seattle Stakes. ...

NorCal Sale Grad in Albany Division

ALBANY, Calif. (June 6, 2018) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate My Friend Emma and fellow California-breds Many Roses and Summersimage are entered in the first division of Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. My Friend Emma is by Tannersmyman, out of the Artax mare Ma Ka Bet, was bred by Jim Eaton, is owned by Candelario Barragan or Jocelyn Robles and is trained by Rhonda March. The $1,000 Northern California Yearling Sale graduate has seven wins in 19 starts, earnings of $228,658 and is coming off a second in the May 28 All American. He was fourth in this race last year. Many Roses is by Many Rivers, out of the Bertrando mare Heirloom Rose, was bred by owners Ellen Jackson, Jerry Martin or Margaret Martin and is trained by Jackson. He has four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $156,763 and is coming off a 10th in the May 28 All American. Summersimage is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Swimmer, was bred... ...

Tribal Storm Enters Albany Division

ALBANY, Calif. (June 6, 2018) – Stakes winner Tribal Storm is the leading money earner among California-breds entered in the second division of Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. Portando is a Kentucky bred by California stallion Bertrando, out of the Choisir mare Porto Marmay, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbreds and is trained by Michael McCarthy. He has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $275,650 and is coming off a May 12 allowance win. Tribal Storm is by Papa Clem, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by Curt & Lila Lanning, is owned by Scott Herbertson and trained by Ari Herbertson. He has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $291,049 and is coming off a win in a May 18 allowance. Taman Guard is by Midnight Lute, out of the Deputy Minister mare Bellastrega, was bred by John Perrotta & E. Mercaldo, is owned by Jungle Racing, KMN Racing, LNJ Foxwoods, et al and is trained by... ...

Six Pack Gal Ships for Astoria Stakes

ELMONT, N.Y. (June 5, 2018) – Six Pack Gal is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $150,000 Astoria Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Belmont Park. Six Pack Gal is by Boisterous, out of the Forest Camp mare Heart Six, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Mike Machowsky. She won her May 17 debut and has earnings of $32,400. ...

Loving Lynda

Loving Lynda wins $200,000 Melair Stakes. ...

Loving Lynda Upsets Melair Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 3, 2018)–Despite never having run beyond six furlongs, lightly raced Loving Lynda settled nicely off the early pace and mustered a stretch drive to out-finish favored Spiced Perfection by a half length in Sunday’s $200,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies bred or sired in California. Ridden by Geovanni Franco, trained by Phil D’Amato and owned and bred by Darren and Jim Robbins, Loving Lynda got a mile and a sixteenth over the Santa Anita main track in 1:44.94. “Phil just said he didn’t want to see me on the lead,” said Franco, who notched his second win on the day and who had guided the daughter of Empire Way to her 5 ½ furlong maiden win here on April 28. “He said to find a comfortable spot to let her run and she sure did. I was expecting a lot from her because she’s shown me in the first few races that she’s definitely a runner. “It was just... ...

NorCal Sales Grad Wins Snow Chief

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 2, 2018)–Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Take the One O One captured Saturday’s $200,000 Snow Chief Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita, in a race marred by the spill of stablemate Waya Ed in midstretch. Take the One O One, by Acclamation, was ridden by Joe Talamo and trained by Brian Koriner, who reported that Waya Ed suffered a fractured right hind tibia and was euthanized. His jockey, Tiago Pereira, was launched about eight feet in the air, but was ambulatory and conscious before being transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. “The highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows in a fifth of a second,” said owner Samantha Siegel, whose horses race as Jay Em Ess Stable. “I don’t even know what happened…Never had anything like this happen in all the years we’ve been in racing, except we had a filly win the Landaluce one year at Hollywood Park and she collapsed from heat exhaustion.”... ...

Stakes-winning Trio in Melair

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 31, 2018) – Stakes winners Spiced Perfection, Pulpit Rider and One Fast Broad are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Spiced Perfection is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Perfect Feat, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Dare To Dream Stables and is trained by Brian Koriner. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $277,625 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 7 Evening Jewel. Inland Empire is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Empire Way, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lemons On Top, was bred by Heinz Steinmann, is owned by Huntertown Farm and trained by Peter Eurton. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $47,785 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 29 Campanile. Pulpit 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... ...

NorCal Sale Grad in Snow Chief

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 30, 2018) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Take the One O One and stakes winners Hardboot and Continental Divide are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Snow Chief Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds 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 trained by Brian Koriner. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $145,681 and is coming off a third in a May 11 optional claimer. Hardboot is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Cryptoclearance mare Mme. Espionage, was bred by James Mann, is owned by Silver Creek Stables and trained by Michele Dollase. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $94,665 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 29 Silky Sullivan. Waya Ed is by Tapizar, out of the Great Above mare Way Up, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Jay Em Ess Stable... ...

Michael Pageler

By California Thoroughbred Breeder Michael Pageler is making a splash in California by way of Arizona, where he resides. His California-bred Heck Yeah has earned $308,000 in his first five starts, which is even more impressive when factoring in that Pageler joined the sport on a whim just seven years ago. Pageler, who owned an electric company and retired in 2016, had been a lifelong fan and bettor but never imagined getting involved. “I didn’t know a whole lot about it,” he said. “I knew Bob Baedeker because he was on TVG a lot when I was watching. I found out that he was managing Live Your Dream Racing Stable, and that Bob Baffert was doing their training. I felt that you have to know somebody that knows something if you want to get started in this sport, and I thought, ‘Well, that sounds like two pretty good connections to get me going.’ ” Baedeker recommended horses to claim, with Baffert taking the reins once the Thoroughbreds changed hands. Live... ...

Santa Anita Increases Purses

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 27, 2018) — Due to a $70 million increase in overall pari-mutuel handle dating back to Dec. 26, Santa Anita Park has announced a 10 percent increase in overnight purses, effective Friday, June 1, through closing day, Sunday, June 24. “The fact that we’re up $70 million in handle is obviously very gratifying and there are several factors involved, including field size, which is very important,” said Tim Ritvo, Chief Operating Officer for The Stronach Group (TSG). “We’ve seen an increase of a half a horse per race, so that has certainly helped. Considering where we were from an economic standpoint a year ago, it’s gratifying to be able to card 18 additional races over the same time period and still be in a very good position in terms of our purse account. “We appreciate the cooperation received from the TOC (Thoroughbred Owners of California), the CTT (California Thoroughbred Trainers), our staff and most importantly, the economic engine that drives our business, our... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

ARCADIA, CA – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, May 24, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Madeline Auerbach and Commissioners Fred Maas and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: · The same safety measures that helped protect horses during the highly successful 2017 summer and fall meets at Del Mar, including the hiring of additional veterinarians to track and examine horses, will be in place for this summer’s meet, Del Mar representatives advised the Board during discussion of their license application. The Board approved the application for a meet that will open Wednesday, July 18, and run through Monday, September 3 (Labor Day). Del Mar will be adding three wagers: an early Pick 4 beginning with the second race, a late Pick 5 involving the last five races, and Win, Place, Show Parlay wagering on every race. · During the Public... ...

Coniah Tries Monrovia Stakes Again

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2018) – Stakes winner Coniah and fellow California-bred Algorhythmic are entered in Monday’s $200,000 Grade II Monrovia Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Coniah is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James or Tammy McKenney and is trained by William Morey. She has four wins in 23 starts, earnings of $340,165 and is coming off a second in the Apr. 29 San Simeon. She was second in this race last year. Algorhythmic is by Vronsky, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Thorellen, was bred by Jonny Hilvers, is owned by Richard or Kate Barton and is trained by Mike Machowsky. She has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $205,569 and is coming off a fourth in an Apr. 21 optional claimer. ...

Cal-bred Quartet in All American

ALBANY, Calif. (May 25, 2018) – Four California-breds, including stakes winners My Friend Emma and Grecian Fire, are entered in Monday’s $100,000 Grade III All American Stakes at Golden Gate. Castle is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Mr. Greeley mare Grand Advice, was bred by owner Eagle Ridge Racing and is trained by Andy Mathis. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $76,140 and is coming off consecutive allowance wins. Many Roses is by Many Rivers, out of the Bertrando mare Heirloom Rose, was bred by owners Ellen Jackson, Jerry Martin and Margaret Martin and is trained by Jackson. He has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $156,538 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 29 allowance. Stakes winner My Friend Emma is by Tannersmyman, out of the Artax mare Ma Ka Bet, was bred by Jim Eaton, is owned by Candelario Barragan or Jocelyn Robles and is trained by Rhonda March. He has seven wins in 18 starts, earnings of $208,658 and is... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Enters at Canterbury

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (May 25, 2018) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Boston Charley is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 Honor the Hero Stakes at Canterbury Park. Boston Charley is by Rocky Bar, out of the Iz a Saros mare Iza Bon Bon, was bred by Gerald Redman, is owned by Henry Paravecino and is trained by P Fields. The $55,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has seven wins in 39 starts, earnings of $82,673 and is coming off a fifth in an Apr. 17 allowance. ...

Desert Stormer Next for Miss Sunset

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2018) – Graded winner Miss Sunset is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Desert Stormer Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Miss Sunset is by Into Mischief, out of the Trippi mare Tuscan Sunset, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds & Alan Klein, is owned by Klein or Lebherz and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has nine wins in 16 starts, earnings of $798,735 and is coming off a second in the Apr. 7 Madison Stakes. ...

Nice Ice Enters Black Pearl

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2018) – Nice Ice is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Black Pearl Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Nice Ice is by Northern Afleet, out of the Popular mare Fanny Chenal, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Koriner & Lyons and is trained by Brian Koriner. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $59,420 and is coming off an Apr. 22 maiden win. ...

What a View Eyeing Whittingham

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 23, 2018) – California-bred Grade I winner What a View is entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Charles Whittingham Stakes at Santa Anita. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manila mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old English Rancho, Patsy Berumen & Sal Berumen, is owned by Finish Line Racing, the Ellwood Johnston Trust or T.O.V. Stables and is trained by Kenny Black. He has eight wins in 24 starts, earnings of $885,361 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 21 American Stakes. ...

CTBA Considers All Options for Sales

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 21, 2018) –While Barretts Sales will continue to run under the auspices of the Los Angeles County Fair Association at least through the end of 2018, the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association is discussing other options to ensure California has a full, year-round sales schedule in 2019 and beyond. “Breeding trends have been moving in a positive direction, and the quality of horses in the state has improved tremendously,” said CTBA president Doug Burge. “The CTBA, for several years, has been working on a transition in regards to commercial sales. We’ve had numerous conversations with Barretts, other major sales companies, and several racetracks.” The LACFA, which operates at Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif., in recent years has been reducing its interest in the racing industry. It closed its racetrack and moved its traditional September racing dates to Los Alamitos in 2014. Barretts currently conducts its 2-year-old sale, paddock sale of horses of racing age, and select yearling auction at Del Mar and its January and October... ...

Soi Phet

Soi Phet wins $100,000 Crystal Water. ...

Soi Phet Still Running, Still Winning

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 20, 2018)–In a race in which the top five finishers were separated by roughly a half length, it was trainer Leonard Powell’s veteran warhorse, Soi Phet, who carried the day, as he took Sunday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes by a head. Ridden by Alonso Quinonez, the 10-year-old gelding, who was making his 58th career start, got one mile over the Santa Anita turf in 1:35 flat. Claimed 42 starts back for $16,000 on May 23, 2013 at Hollywood Park, the California-bred gelding by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, notched his 14th career win (13 of them with his current connections) and his seventh career stakes victory in taking the Crystal Water. He was bred by ARCHA. A close third turning for home behind eventual third place finisher Well Developed and fifth place finisher Tule Fog, Soi Phet pinned his ears when challenged to his outside by second place finisher B Squared and won like a young lion. “I was... ...

Ima Happy Cat Makes Connections Happy

From Emerald Downs AUBURN, Wash. (May 20, 2017) – California-bred Ima Happy Cat collared the leaders into the stretch and drew clear for a 2 ½ -length triumph over Bella Mia in the $50,000 Seattle Stakes for 3-year-old fillies Sunday at Emerald Downs. With Rocco Bowen riding at 118 lbs, Ima Happy Cat ran six furlongs in 1:09.68 and paid $6.40, $3.20 and $2.60. Dan Markle is the trainer for owners Tim and Sue Spooner of Olympia, Wash. She was bred by Dale Mahlum. With the victory, Ima Happy Cat made a successful leap from maiden special weight winner to stakes winner, a notoriously difficult feat in Thoroughbred racing. “She’s just a real quality filly,” Markle said. Markle said Ima Happy Cat lost a shoe on the walk over before the race, but stood still like a pro while being re-shod in the paddock. Ima Happy Cat was all business in the race too, stalking Bella Mia and Brilliant Bird through fractions of :21.76 and :44.37, launching a three wide... ...

CTBA Working to Assure Future Sales

By Doug Burge, CTBA President ARCADIA, Calif. (May 20, 2018) — There have been concerns regarding Barretts and the future of sales in California. Be assured that the CTBA is working with Barretts, the LA County Fair, and several other interested parties to assure continuing sales in California. There will not be any changes during 2018. The Del Mar Paddock Sale, Yearling Sale, Nor Cal Yearling & Horses of Racing Age Sale and the October Mixed Sale will be held and conducted as scheduled. There will continue to be yearling, horses of racing age and mixed sales in California, as there is strong interest from existing and other sales companies. We know how critical sales are to all of us as breeders, and CTBA will ensure that our market will continue into future years. If you have questions please feel free to call our office at (800) 573-2822. ...

Cordiality

Cordiality wins $100,000 Fran’s Valentine. ...

Cordiality, Stevens Win Fran’s Valentine

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 19, 2018)–With a pace scenario that defied prognostication, trainer Mark Glatt’s Cordiality sat second early and took over a quarter mile from home en route to an authoritative 1 ¾ length victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Ridden by Gary Stevens, who picked up the mount late in the day due to a mishap involving Tyler Baze in the sixth race, the 5-year-old California-bred mare by Papa Clem got a flat mile on turf in 1:35.78 and thus provided Hall of Famer Stevens with his first win since returning to Santa Anita full-time on Thursday. Cordiality was bred by Dr. Edward Allred. “I was a little concerned that she might be rank today because of the trouble line in the Form from her last race (‘Pulled, steadied early’),” said Stevens. “But Mark said he was confident she’d settle, that the only reason she was rank the last time was because it... ...

Misremembered’s Ax Man Wins Sir Barton

By Bloodhorse.com BALTIMORE, Md. (May 19, 2018) — Cutting through dense fog over a sloppy (sealed) track at Pimlico Race Course, 3-year-old Ax Man led at every point of call to snag the May 19 $100,000 LARC Sir Barton Stakes and take home his third win of the season. In a portent of things to come, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and fellow Hall of Famer Mike Smith found themselves in the winner’s circle only an hour before the Preakness Stakes (G1) as Patti and Hal J. Earnhardt III’s homebred Ax Man, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Misremembered, proved uncatchable in the 1 1/16-mile test over the Baltimore oval. With the field halved by early scratches due to inclement weather, Ax Man broke second from post 4 in a field of six 3-year-olds, charging to the front to set the pace. Title Ready managed to drive up to his flank but couldn’t muster the speed to edge ahead as Ax Man hit the six-furlong mark in 1:11.30. Turning for... ...

Lengthy Process for Sports Betting in State

By DRF SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 18, 2018) — Legalizing sports betting in California faces a difficult deadline to make the November ballot and could be years from implementation, according to state racing executives and legislative staff. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday struck down a federal law that prevented individual states from authorizing sports betting. New Jersey, which led the fight to allow sports betting, is putting regulations in place and is expected to begin betting in the near future. Delaware officials said Thursday that they hope to begin sports betting in coming weeks. California is just beginning the process required for state and regulatory approval and may not vote on the measure until 2020, according to Adam Capper, legislative director for Assemblyman Adam Gray. In 2017, Gray introduced a constitutional amendment allowing sports betting in California. The measure, which has yet to go to assembly committee, requires two-thirds approval by the state Assembly and Senate, plus approval by Gov. Jerry Brown, before it can go on a ballot. The... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (May 18, 2018) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, May 24, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park beginning at 9:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board meeting agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the website. ...

Ashleyluvssugar Returns in Crystal Water

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 18, 2018) – Millionaire Ashleyluvssugar returns from a nine-month break in Sunday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series eligible at Santa Anita. B Squared 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 four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $347,128 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 14 Thor’s Echo. Accountability is by Acclamation, out of the Bold Badgett mare Roberta’s Mango, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms, Newhart or Martin and is trained by Rafael Becerra. He has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $178,946 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 7 optional claimer. Well Developed is by Unusual Heat, out of the Bertrando mare Miss Thirtyfour D, was bred by Michael & Cory Wellman, is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and is trained by Patrick Gallagher. He has three wins in five... ...

Is It Impossible for Unpossible?

ALBANY, Calif. (May 18, 2018) – Unpossible is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Unpossible is by Comic Strip, out of the Half Term mare Joyously, was bred by owners Edward & Theresa DeNike and is trained by Felix Rondan. He has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $74,639 and is coming off a second in the Apr. 29 Silky Sullivan. ...

Ima Happy Cat Enters Seattle Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. (May 18, 2018) – Ima Happy Cat is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Seattle Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Ima Happy Cat is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Wekiva Springs mare Infernal McGoon, was bred by Dale Mahlum, is owned by Sue & Tim Spencer and trained by Dan Markle. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $26,755 and is coming off an Apr. 28 maiden win. ...

Boisterous Gets First Winner

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 17, 2018) — Freshman sire Boisterous had his first runner debuting with a win at Santa Anita in a California-bred maiden special race Thursday. Two-year-old filly Six Pack Gal went wire-to-wire scoring by 3 1/2 lengths as the second choice at 2-to-1. Produced from the Forest Camp broodmare Heart Six, Six Pack Gal earned $32,400 plus the Cal-bred bonus of $17,000 for her owner/breeder Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, LLC. Boisterous, owned by Gary Barber and Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is a Grade One winning millionaire son of sire of sires Distorted Humor. He is standing for $5,000. ...

Field of 11 for Fran’s Valentine

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 16, 2018)–Trainer Eddie Truman’s hard-knocking Moonless Sky and trainer Peter Eurton’s comebacking Cheekaboo, head a field of 11 fillies and mares three and up in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes at one mile over the Santa Anita turf. The Fran’s Valentine, named for the late Earl Scheib’s multiple Grade I winning homebred daughter of Saros, is for California-bred or sired fillies and mares who are eligible to participate in the CTBA’s Golden State Series. MOONLESS SKY Owner: Pappas Racing Trainer: Eddie Truman Placed first via disqualification in last year’s Fran’s Valentine seven starts back, this imposing 5-year-old mare by Bold Chieftain has been favored in five out of her last six starts. Winless in her first four starts in South Florida, she’s won four out of her nine starts with Truman while being second twice. An even seventh, beaten four lengths in an open second condition allowance going a mile on turf here Jan. 7, Moonless Sky has been freshened and will likely... ...

Cuddle Alert has Date with California Chrome

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 16, 2018) – Cuddle Alert, a $10,000 claimer in 2016 who went on to win the $100,000 Spring Fever Handicap for California-breds the following year, was retired last month with a minor injury, trainer Reed Saldana said. Cuddle Alert has been bought privately by Perry and Denise Martin, who raced California Chrome, the Horse of the Year in 2014 and 2016. Saldana said the Martins plan to breed Cuddle Alert to California Chrome in 2019. By the Forestry stallion Bedford Falls, the 7-year-old Cuddle Alert won 7 of 34 starts and earned $391,514. “Her ankle started to bug her a little bit,” Saldana said. “She had done too much to try to push her. It was bittersweet, but I had to. It was the right decision for her.” :: Get breeding & sales news, Beyer info, and more delivered right to your email! Saldana said he had “a few offers” for Cuddle Alert and struck a deal with the Martins. Cuddle Alert was claimed by... ...

Sports Betting Provides Upside for Racing

Analysis from Daniel Singer and Ben Vonwiller, who lead the Global Sports & Gaming practice at McKinsey & Company in New York NEW YORK — Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned the federal prohibition on sports betting, legal sports books will likely begin operations in New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia by the end of the year. With the potential for seven other states (including Pennsylvania, New York, and Michigan) to legalize sports betting soon after, and up to 10 more within five years, the industry could exceed $120 billion in wagers by 2023. While all forms of gaming ultimately compete for shares of the wagering wallet, we believe the cannibalization threat from legal sports betting is limited: Racing has continued to prosper in countries with legal sports betting. Although important differences exist between the United States and other racing jurisdictions, it is encouraging that the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland all have higher levels of per-capita gross win (revenues) for horse racing than the U.S., despite the... ...

Supreme Court Legalizes Sports Gambling

By Bloodhorse.com WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 14, 2018) — In a decision that was largely anticipated by the horse racing industry—as well as other gaming experts—the U.S. Supreme Court on May 14 found federal law that had kept sports gambling in check—largely to Nevada—to be unconstitutional. The decision will open the door to allow states to determine if they want to allow sports gambling. The case was brought by New Jersey, which already has approved added sports gambling at tracks and casinos in the state. With the Supreme Court decision in place, Monmouth Park is expected to soon open an on-site sports book. “We started this fight back in 2012 and are grateful that the Supreme Court has recognized that we’ve been right all along,” said Dennis Drazin, chairman and CEO of Monmouth operator Darby Development. “We can now shift our focus on commencing sports betting, which will be off and running at Monmouth Park as soon as possible.” As far as the Supreme Court’s decision (Murphy, Governor of New Jersey,... ...

Rye Pointing for Crystal Water

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. — Rye, a late-charging son of English Channel, is likely to run against California-breds again in next Sunday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes at a mile on turf after two straight races in graded events. The five-year-old chestnut won the Unusual Heat Turf Classic against Cal-breds on Jan. 27 before running fifth in the Grade II San Luis Rey Stakes and third in the Grade III San Juan Capistrano, each at considerably longer distances than the Crystal Water. “We’ll probably run mostly because it’s for Cal-breds,” trainer Bill Morey explained. “He’s won at a mile going back a few (on Aug. 11, 2016, at Del Mar), but of course he’ll need some help up front (pace-wise). You need some luck in all these races, right?” Probable for the Crystal Water: Accountability, Gary Stevens; Anatolian Heat, no rider; Ashleyluvssugar, Flavien Prat; Camino Del Pariso, no rider; Fly to Mars, no rider; Rye, Kent Desormeaux; and Ward ‘n Jerry, no rider. ...

Bella Luma Wins Golden Poppy

ALBANY, Calif. (May 12, 2018) – Longshot Bella Luma, the lone California-bred in the field, circled five-wide into the stretch and gamely won Saturday’s $60,075 Golden Poppy Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Bella Luma is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bold Badgett mare Bold Roberta, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Bachman and Linda Brown and is trained by Ed Moger Jr. She has four wins, in 13 starts, earnings of $136,317 and ran her win streak to three. ...

Show It N Moe It in Angel’s Flight

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 9, 2018) – Show It N Moe It is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Angel’s Flight Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Show It N Moe It is by Grace Upon Grace, out of the Ide mare Robotica, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by London, Lovingier or Zondlo and is trained by Gary Sherlock. She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $265,113 and is coming off a second in the Apr. 7 Evening Jewel. ...

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