Masochistic Denied Entry in Stakes

Dec 28, 2016 Posted by CTBA In Uncategorized

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 228, 2016) –Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Jay Em Ess Stable’s Masochistic was not allowed to enter the Dec. 31 Midnight Lute Stakes (gr. III) at Santa Anita Park because he lacks a clean drug test following his positive post-race test for stanozolol after the Nov. 5 TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I). California Horse Racing Board stewards informed trainer Ron Ellis Dec. 28 that the California-bred 6-year-old Sought After gelding would not be eligible to enter a race until he tested clean. The Breeders’ Cup Sprint positive put him on a stewards’ list and to be removed from the list, Masochistic must pass an examination and a drug test, according to CHRB equine medical director Rick Arthur. “He’ll have to test clean to enter, and that was how the stewards ruled,” Arthur said. Ellis, however, said that he was told by Arthur last week that Masochistic would be able to run, as long as he tested clean by race day. Ellis had Masochistic tested... ...

Bettys Bambino

Bettys Bambino wins $100,000 Grade III San Simeon Stakes. ...

Bettys Bambino Victorious in Comeback

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 26, 2016) — Course specialist Bettys Bambino returned spectacularly from a 22-month layoff by winning Monday’s $102,415 Grade III San Simeon Stakes, his fifth consecutive victory, all on Santa Anita’s unique hillside turf course. Bettys Bambino is by Unusual Heat, out of the High Brite mare Brite Betty, was bred by owners Alesia, Ciaglia and Mellen and is trained by Peter Eurton. “We’ve been away 22 months and I was just hoping we’d run and then run back in the Cal Cup (Sprint, Jan. 28),” said Joe Ciaglia. “This is so amazing. He was one week away from running here last spring and he hurt his shoulder. I can’t believe it. We came from off the pace and there were some good horses in here. Breeding horses like this . . . owning the mare, breeding her and seeing her kids grow up, it’s just an amazing experience. There’s nothing more satisfying.” Bettys Bambino has seven wins in 11 starts, earnings of $378,036 and was making his... ...

Calli Way in Eddie Logan Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 26, 2016) – Calli Way is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 Eddie Logan Stakes at Santa Anita. Calli Way is by Unusual Heat, out of the Great Above mare Way Up, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Paymaster Racing and trained by Tim Yakteen. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $35,200 and is coming off a fifth in the Dec. 18 King Glorious. ...

Araceli Ruano Appointed to CHRB

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2016) — Araceli Ruano, 45, of Pasadena, has been appointed to the California Horse Racing Board of Directors, it was announced on Friday by Governor Brown. Ruano has been a senior advisor at the SFE Group LLC since 2016. She was vice president at Sotheby’s West Coast Trusts and Estates Department from 2014 to 2016. Ruano was senior vice president and director at the Center for American Progress from 2010 to 2013 and chief executive officer at the ALAS Foundation from 2007 to 2009.She was an attorney at Mayer, Brown, Rowe and Maw LLP from 2003 to 2007 and at Manatt, Phelps and Phillips LLP from 2001 to 2003. Ruano was a senior policy advisor for the Gore Presidential Campaign Committee in 2000. She was assistant political director and senior policy advisor to Vice President Al Gore and Second Lady Tipper Gore at the White House from 1993 to 1997. Ruano is a member of the Alliance College-Ready Public Schools Board of Directors, CalArts... ...

Princess Roi in Blue Norther

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2016) – Princess Roi is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Princess Roi is by Roi Charmant, out of the Native Storm mare Stormin Lucy, was bred by GGG Stables, is owned by GGG Stables or Sarno and is trained by Richard Baltas. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $55,800 and is coming off a Nov. 17 maiden win. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Kalookan Queen

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2016) – California-breds Tuscany Beauty and Bad Ju Ju are entered in Friday’s $75,000 Kalookan Queen Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Tuscany Beauty is by Cyclotron, out of the Mr. Greeley mare Cararra, was bred by Old English Rancho and Bruce Headley, is owned by Audrey & Vincent Marchionno and trained by Antonio Garcia. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $59,165 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 4 claimer. Bad Ju Ju is by Desert Code, out of the Snow Ridge mare Ju Ju Baby, was bred by Lo Hi Racing Stable & Dick Barton, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller. She has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $243,991 and is coming off a consecutive optional claiming wins. ...

Turkoman Passes at 34

By Bloodhorse.com RAMONA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2016) – Retired California stallion Turkoman, an Eclipse Award winner and longtime California sire, was euthanized due to infirmities of old age Dec. 21 at E.A. Ranches in Ramona, California. The pensioned son of Alydar was 34. Trained by Gary Jones and campaigned by Saron Stable, Turkoman teased of his ability during his 3-year-old season with runner-up finishes in the grade I Swaps and Travers Stakes and a third-place finish in the 1985 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I). It was at age four that the dark bay son of Alydar shone most brightly. A fan favorite due in part to his 17-hand size and thrilling come-from-behind style, Turkoman won the Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II), Widener Handicap (gr. I), and Tallahassee Handicap before running down Precisionist in the 1986 Marlboro Cup (gr. I). Favored in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, Turkoman trailed the field before unleashing his trademark come-from-behind move in the homestretch only to fall short by 1 1/4 lengths to longshot Skywalker.... ...

Enola Gray Enters La Brea

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Enola Gray is one of three California-breds entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Grade I La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Enola Gray is by Grazen, out of the More Than Ready mare Unsung Heroine, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has four wins in six starts, earnings of $323,100 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 13 Betty Grable. Chao Chom is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by S Samdow and is trained by Gary Stute. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $146,600 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 13 Betty Grable. Coniah is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $156,020... ...

Acceptance in San Simeon

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2016) – Six talented California-breds, including multiple stakes winners Acceptance and Bettys Bambino, are entered in Monday’s $100,000 Grade III San Simeon Stakes at Santa Anita. Jimmy Bouncer 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 six wins in 10 starts, earnings of $320,990 and is coming off a Nov. 18 optional claiming win after taking the Harris Farms Stakes. 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 12 starts, earnings of $378,803 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 20 Cary Grant. Richard’s Boy is by Idiot Proof, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Marissa’s Joy, was bred by Harold and Pamela Tillema, is owned by Rockingham Ranch... ...

Bartons Out to Prove Champ Pegasus

By DRF.com CLEMENTS, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2016) — The gamble will take all of 2017 to unfold. California owner and breeder Richard Barton has amassed a massive broodmare band in recent years and has sent many of them to the young stallion Champ Pegasus, whose first foals race next year. By next Christmas, Barton is hoping the stallion will be the talk of California racing. Barton, 69, has been a racehorse owner for decades but has intensified his investment in recent years, with significant purchases at the Keeneland November sale – 51 horses last month, for example, mostly broodmares. In the next year, his operation will be active through ongoing support of Champ Pegasus, racing a small number of horses and offering yearlings at sales throughout the state. “We’ll try to make it a better year,” Barton said in a recent interview. “2016 wasn’t a bad year. We haven’t had any big stakes horses, and we didn’t have big runners. We didn’t lose any money.” Finding a “big horse” in... ...

DRF.com on California Stallions

By DRF.com COALINGA, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2016) — Lucky Pulpit’s reign atop the California sire ranks was cemented less than a quarter of the way through 2016, as California Chrome stormed down the stretch to dominate the $10 million Dubai World Cup. The victory in what was then the world’s richest race helped California Chrome become North America’s all-time leading earner, with career earnings standing at $14.5 million following his win in the Los Alamitos Winter Challenge on Dec. 17. With his champion son powering him, Lucky Pulpit bankrolled a staggering $10,705,253 from all his runners combined through that date to lead the California general sires list, with 75 winners from 161 starters. Lucky Pulpit not only outdistanced the next stallions on the earnings list – California newcomer Bluegrass Cat ($5,509,827), the pensioned Unusual Heat ($3,613,115), and the late Tribal Rule ($3,230,802) – he also shattered Unusual Heat’s single-season California record for progeny earnings of $5.8 million. Lucky Pulpit, by Pulpit, raced as a homebred for Idaho-based owners Larry and... ...

Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2016) — Sometimes it’s okay to just watch them run, to strip away all the folderol that has nothing to do with the heart of the matter and simply enjoy the sight of a remarkable Thoroughbred in action. It happened that way with Tom Fool on Oct. 24, 1953, when he faced just two in the Pimlico Special, the final start of his career. There was no betting on the race – I mean, what’s the point? – and Tom Fool already had secured his Horse of the Year title with nine straight wins. But the 18,965 fans were there to see the big horse run, as well as gamble on eight other races, and Tom Fool did not disappoint. He won by eight in track-record time. The New York fans who gathered at Aqueduct on Sept. 22, 1965, had no way of knowing that the featured Stymie Handicap would be Kelso’s last moment in the sun. Yes, he was 8 years... ...

Masochistic DQ’d From Breeders’ Cup

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2016) – This is an update of complaints, stewards’ rulings, and Board decisions involving Class 1, 2, and 3 medication violations and other significant matters. Pursuant to CHRB Rule 1859.5, the stewards at Santa Anita issued a ruling today disqualifying Masochistic from his second-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint and redistributing his share of the purse ($255,000) based on positive test findings for the anabolic steroid stanozolol. On November 5, 2016, Masochistic, trained by Ron Ellis, finished second in the sixth race at Santa Anita Park (the Breeders’ Cup Sprint). Post-race blood and urine samples taken from Masochistic were analyzed by the Maddy Laboratory at U.C. Davis and found to contain the Class 3 drug stanozolol and its metabolite 16-hydroxy stanozolol. Split-sample results received from Industrial Laboratory on December 16 confirmed the presence of stanozolol and/or its metabolite 16-hydroxy stanozolol in both blood and urine samples. Accordingly, the stewards conducted a hearing Friday on a complaint filed by the California Horse Racing Board,... ...

‘Chrome Repeats with Vox Populi

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 19, 2016) — California-bred California Chrome, the 5-year-old chestnut champion whose stellar season catapulted him to be North American racing’s all-time leading earner, has been selected to receive the 2016 Secretariat Vox Populi, or “Voice of the People,” Award. It is the second time California Chrome has been selected for the award that recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for Thoroughbred racing. He is the first repeat winner of the award. California Chrome also received the award in 2014 after winning the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I), and building a coast-to-coast fan base of “Chromies” during his Triple Crown campaign. He earned the Horse of the Year honor that season. Following his Cinderella story, though, injuries contributed to a disappointing 2015 racing season. California Chrome’s celebrated comeback in 2016 was highlighted by seven wins in eight starts, including commanding performances in the Dubai... ...

Ann Arbor Eddie Wins King Glorious

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2016) — Ann Arbor Eddie held off a sustained threat from the heavily favored California Diamond to win his first stakes in Sunday’s $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for 2-year-old Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos. The King Glorious Stakes was the top race on the final day of the Los Alamitos two-week winter meeting. Santa Anita opens its winter-spring meeting on Dec. 26. Ann Arbor Eddie ($7.20) won by 1 1/4 lengths over 2-5 California Diamond, the two racing within a half-length of each other throughout. The race was very much a tactical battle between jockey Mario Gutierrez on Ann Arbor Eddie and Kent Desormeaux on California Diamond. California Diamond dueled with Ann Arbor Eddie through the first half-mile, leading narrowly. Ann Arbor Eddie led by a half-length with a quarter-mile remaining and was briefly passed by California Diamond in the stretch for a few strides. Ann Arbor Eddie regained the lead and pulled away in the final sixteenth while racing on the... ...

California Chrome

California Chrome wins $180,000 Winter Challenge. ...

Sherman Amazed at ‘Chrome’s Recovery

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2016) — California Chrome won the 15th stakes of his career with a record-setting performance against nine overmatched rivals in the $180,000 Los Alamitos Winter Challenge on Saturday. In the hours after the race, trainer Art Sherman saw little evidence California Chrome had spent a small portion of the afternoon on the track. “I’ve never seen a horse that won that way and recovered that quickly,” Sherman said Sunday morning. “He’s a horse that makes you shake your head. He’s one of a kind.” California Chrome won the Los Alamitos Winter Challenge by 12 lengths after a wide trip. He ran 1 1/16 miles in a track-record time of 1:40.03 under jockey Victor Espinoza. The previous track record was held by the 3-year-old Uncle Lino, who was timed in 1:40.82 in April in the California Chrome Stakes, no less. California Chrome was wide throughout the Winter Challenge, took the lead on the final turn and scooted clear in the last furlong. Point Piper, the... ...

Sircat Sally in Soviet Problem Rout

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2016) – Big wins have defined Sircat Sally’s first two starts. After beating maidens in her debut by five lengths at Del Mar in November, Sircat Sally won her stakes debut in Saturday’s $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies by 12 lengths at Los Alamitos. The win required minimal effort from jockey Drayden Van Dyke, who had Sircat Sally on the lead throughout. “She was very comfortable,” Van Dyke said. “I was very impressed. “I wanted to get her out there to get a good position. She threw her ears up and came back to me.” Sircat Sally ($3) led by 1 1/2 lengths over 17-1 Cash Prize after an opening quarter-mile in 23.39 seconds. Sircat Sally led by a length after a half-mile, the closest her five rivals got to the front. Sircat Sally pulled clear through the final quarter-mile, leading by six lengths with a furlong remaining. She finished a mile in 1:35.42. Cash Prize, a maiden... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, December 15, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, George Krikorian 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 gave final approval to race meets at Los Alamitos, Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields after the three associations submitted (or promised) all documents required by statutes. In doing so, Scott Daruty with the Stronach Group indicated that both Santa Anita and Golden Gate will be limiting their agreements to four Advance Deposit Wagering companies: Xpressbet, TVG, NYRAbets.com, and TwinSpires. Furthermore, Xpressbet and TVG have signed agreements with the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) for a revised distribution of revenue from wagers placed through ADW by bettors while they are physically located at live race meets. Daruty indicated their intention to have the same... ...

Stronach Tracks to Limit ADW Deals

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2016) —Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields are planning to limit the amount of advance deposit wagering operations that are permitted to take bets on races at the two racetracks, Scott Daruty said at a California Horse Racing Board meeting Dec. 15. Ongoing financial relationships between racetracks, advance deposit wagering platforms, and horsemen were again the centerpiece of the CHRB meeting at Los Alamitos Race Course. Daruty, who often speaks at CHRB meetings representing various entities aligned with The Stronach Group (which owns both Santa Anita and Golden Gate), said the racetracks have already reached agreements with TVG and Xpressbet (another entity of The Stronach Group), and would likely reach a deal with TwinSpires and NYRA Bets. Those left out could include BetAmerica and Watch and Wager. “We came to the conclusion that we’re not sure we’re doing the right thing at Santa Anita by sticking our neck out and taking heat from horsemen and regulators on one side, and ADWs on the... ...

Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2016) — It wasn’t hard for Art Sherman to recall the time the shoe was on the other foot. “We ran that gray horse, Carthage, in a race they put on at Golden Gate for Lost in the Fog coming back as a 4-year-old,” Sherman said recently. “I didn’t think I could beat him, but my horse was doing real good, and we were getting some weight. So, why not run?” It was April 2006. Lost in the Fog was the reigning Eclipse Award sprint champion, with 10 wins in 11 lifetime starts and an ambitious campaign ahead. Management created the Golden Gate Fields Sprint to give his hometown fans a thrill, and trainer Greg Gilchrist and owner Harry Aleo were glad to oblige. Then Sherman stole the show, as Carthage and Dennis Carr went after Lost in the Fog and Russell Baze from the start and drew off to win by three. “Would you believe they booed my horse coming back?”... ...

California Diamond in King Glorious

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2016) – Four-time stakes winner California Diamond is the high weight in Sunday’s 100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligible2-year-olds at Los Alamitos Ann Arbor Eddie is by Square Eddie, out of the In Excess mare Repo, was bred by owner J. Paul Reddam and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $43,200 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 9 Bob Hope. Mr Ability is by Empire Way, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Neeko, was bred by Dr. Mikel and Patricia Harrington, is owned by Buscar Stables, Gold or McDonald, et al and is trained by Dan Blacker. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $34,290 and is coming off a sixth in a Nov. 25 optional claimer. Milton Freewater is by Creative Cause, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Lovehi, was bred by Dr. Mikel and Patricia Harrington, is owned by Kramer Racing or Sheep Pond Partners... ...

Nite Delite in Lightning City Stakes

TAMPA, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2016) – Nite Delite is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Lightning City Stakes for fillies and mares at Tampa Bay Downs. Nite Delite is by War Chant, out of the Mountain Cat mare One Tough Cat, was bred by Angel Crest Farms, is owned by F. Jack Liebau and trained by Linda Rice. She has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $226,940 and is coming off a win in a Sept. 27 optional claimer. ...

Jockey Garrett Gomez Passes at 44

By DRF.com TUCSON, Ariz. (Dec. 15, 2016) — Former jockey Garrett Gomez was found dead Wednesday, according to a family friend, Jeanette Hughes, who spoke to his daughter Shelby. “I’ve known Garrett since we were kids. I hope he’s at peace,” Hughes said. “Poor kid.” Gomez was the victim of apparent drug overdose, according to another person with knowledge of the situation. He was found at a casino hotel near Tucson, Ariz. Gomez, who would have been 45 on Jan. 1, announced his retirement in June 2015 on Facebook, but he had not ridden since 2013. Gomez had a history of substance-abuse issues, but for much of his career he had held them at bay. He was a two-time Eclipse Award winner and won 3,769 races, including 13 Breeders’ Cup races, the most significant aboard Blame when he sent Zenyatta to her only defeat in the 2010 Classic at Churchill Downs. His mounts earned more than $205 million. In the summer of 2013, Gomez told Del Mar’s stewards he had... ...

Plenty of Company For ‘Chrome Prep

CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2016) – Six other California-breds have been lured by the $180,000 purse to compete against all-time money earner California Chrome in Saturday’s Winter Challenge at Los Alamitos, with $30,000 for second compared to $50,000 for first. California Chrome is using the race as a prep for the $12 million Pegasus Challenge. He is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, was bred by Perry Martin & Steve Coburn, is owned by California Chrome LLC and trained by Art Sherman. He has 15 wins in 25 starts, earnings of $14,452,650 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 5 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Howdy is by Sundarban, out of the Momentum mare Foxy Babe, was bred by Crystal Valley Farms, is owned by Alesia, Ciaglia Racing or Crystal Valley and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has three wins in 18 starts, earnings of $181,030 and is coming off a ninth in an Oct. 30 optional claimer. Presidentsky... ...

How About Zero in Soviet Problem

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 14, 2016) – How About Zero is the lone stakes winner entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Ms Wakaya is by Flower Alley, out of the Successful Appeal mare Ms Vanezza, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and trained by Steve Miyadi. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $81,460 and is coming off a fifth in a Nov. 25 optional claimer. 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 trained by Ed Moger Jr. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $27,730 and is coming off a sixth in the Nov. 26 Jimmy Durante. Sircat Sally is by Surf Cat, out of the In Excess mare Sister Sally, was bred by owner Joe Turner and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She won her lone start with earnings of... ...

Top Mares Booked to California Chrome

By Thoroughbredracing.com NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 14, 2016) — Even before California Chrome begins his new career as a stallion in about two months, co-owner and breeder Perry Martin is harboring expectations equal to the unparalleled standards the flame-colored chestnut has burned into history as North America’s all-time leading earner. “I hope and expect that he’s going to displace Tapit as the top United States sire,” Martin declared in early December after working with Taylor Made Farm at the Keeneland November sale to acquire nine mares at a total cost of $2.79 million to be bred to California Chrome. Since Tapit has set North American records for single-season progeny earnings in each of the last three years and sired 21 Grade 1 winners, beginning with champion Stardom Bound in his initial crop – and is top U.S. sire in the TRC Global Rankings, Martin’s hopes are soaring beyond earthly bounds. As he pointed out, however, there are reasons for optimism: California Chrome has a far superior race record, featuring seven Grade... ...

Stevens to Undergo Hip Replacement

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2016) — Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens will undergo hip replacement surgery next week, the legendary rider announced Dec. 13, and is unsure when or if he will return to the saddle for yet another comeback. Stevens had signed on to be first call rider for Ruis Racing before his hip gave out. He was trying to ride through the spring meet at Santa Anita Park, but after MRIs and x-rays Monday, he realized that was not possible. Stevens will remain with Ruis Racing as an advisor and assistant during this time. “All I can do is have it done and hope for the best,” Stevens said of his impending surgery. “I hope I’m in a position in a few months where I can make the choice if I want to go back to riding or not. In the meantime, I am going to continue to help Ruis Racing develop their stock and see where it takes us.” The 53-year-old Stevens has mastered the art... ...

Free Shipping with ‘Chrome Breeding

From Taylor Made Farm NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 12, 2016) — California-based mares accepted and booked to California Chrome are eligible for free direct round-trip shipping from Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif., to Taylor Made Farms in Nicholasville, Ky. Perry Martin, the co-owner and co-breeder of California Chrome, will have several California-based mares shipping both ways in order to take advantage of the Cal-bred program administered by the CTBA. He will be booking an entire 65-foot van from Bob Hubbard for the trips and will offer free spots on as-available basis. First shipment will be late January. Please inquire with Taylor Made Stallions when booking your mares. ...

Fork and Dagger in KLAQ

HOBBS, N.M. (Dec. 11, 2016) – Fork and Dagger is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $65,000 KLAQ Handicap at Sunland Park. Fork and Dagger is by Rocky Bar, out of the Gulch mare Just Hoping, was bred by David Chavez, is owned by Kelley Brooks and trained by Carroll Hopper. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $45,086 and is coming off a fifth in an Oct. 30 allowance. ...

‘Chrome Logs Last ‘Challenge’ Prep

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2016) — The early Saturday mornings remaining to watch the shiny chestnut with the white blaze train at Los Alamitos Race Course are dwindling. On most of those weekends, trainer Art Sherman has been out on his perch at Schwanies At The Gap, the trackside grill right on the eighth pole, watching the best horse he’s ever had through his binoculars. But Sherman has been away for about a month, first recovering from cataract surgery and then to attend to his string at Del Mar while the Southern California circuit raced there. So as he walked toward Schwanies the morning of Dec. 10, to oversee California Chrome ‘s final work for the $100,000 Winter Challenge Dec. 17, he was welcomed by the regular weekend cast of characters, eager to wish him well. The contingent of “Chromies” decked out in their normal purple or gray garb greeted the nearly 80-year-old trainer with hugs after he addressed them with a loud “Did you miss me?” Quarter Horse... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, December 15, at Los Alamitos Race Course beginning at 9:30 a.m. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Pari-Mutuel and Wagering Committee will meet Wednesday at the same location beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a meeting of the Medication, Safety and Welfare Committee at 2 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings. The Board agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the CHRB website, as are those for the PM Committee (agenda and package) and Medication Committee (agenda and package). ...

Barretts January Sale Catalog Online

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Dec. 9, m2016) — The catalog for 2017 Barretts January Mixed Sale is on-line and will be mailed soon. This auction of 182 head will be held on Tuesday, January 17 starting at 11:00 a.m. on the grounds of Fairplex Park. The catalog can be viewed here. The catalog is also available on the Ipad using The Jockey Club’s free Ipad ap. Click here for more information. Cataloged horse’s Daily Racing Form past performances are here. Among the sires of the 47 yearlings and 66 two-year-olds in the catalog are such stallions as Acclamation, Artie Schiller, Awesome Patriot, Bluegrass Cat, Bullet Train, Champ Pegasus, Coil, Cylcotron, Desert Code, Dominus, Empire Way, First Samurai, Flat Out, Heatseeker, Jeranimo, Lookin At Lucky, Lucky Pulpit, Macho Uno, Marino Marini, Merit Man, Ministers Wild Cat, Paddy O’Prado, Richard’s Kid, Sapphire Cat, Shackleford, Shanghai Bobby, Sierra Sunset, Slew’s Tiznow, Smiling Tiger, Stormberg, Street Boss, Street Hero, The Factor, The Pamplemousse, Tizway, Ultimate Eagle, Vronsky and Wilburn. The... ...

Nick Alexander New TOC Chairman

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2016) — At its meeting today, the board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) unanimously elected Nick Alexander chairman. Alexander joined the board in 2013 and has served as Secretary/Treasurer since that time. Alexander replaces Mike Pegram, who will remain on the board and executive committee but is stepping down after serving as chairman for six years. Alexander is the founder of Nick Alexander Imports and operates a horse ranch in Santa Ynez. He has raced Thoroughbreds in California for 38 years, and his homebred stallion Grazen is one of the top ten on the Lifetime Stallion Leaders list. “Mike Pegram has been an exceptional, hard-working chairman, and his shoes will be very hard to fill,” said Alexander. “But I am committed to working diligently to protect and advance owners’ rights. The issues confronting California racing and TOC members have never been as important as they are today. I look forward to working with our president, Greg Avioli and... ...

Ferndale Withstands Latest Earthquake

By Bloodhorse.com FERNDALE, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2016) –A magnitude 6.5 earthquake off the coast of Northern California Dec. 8 only caused “minor cosmetic damages” to the Ferndale racetrack at the Humboldt County Fair, according to fair officials. The earthquake, which hit at 6:49 a.m. PT, had an epicenter about 100 miles off the coast. Ferndale sits about 200 miles north of the San Francisco Bay Area. “We’re really fortunate,” said Richard Conway, general manager of the Humboldt County Fair. “There’s almost no evidence of the earthquake. Things shook off shelves and there’s some cracks in drywall, but that’s it. “It’s funny how these things can happen. We’ve had smaller earthquakes cause more damage, but this time we were fortunate.” The Humboldt County Fair has offered horse racing since its first year in 1896. ...

CTBA Thanks Stallion Owners

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2016) — The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association thanks the many stallion owners for their donations that made the Thursday night Annual Stallion Season Auction a success. More than $50,000 was raised in the auction, with the entire proceeds by law going strictly toward the lobbying expenses of the CTBA, working in support of legislation that favorably impacts California Thoroughbred breeders. The sale featured seasons donated by these farms: Ballena Vista Farm, BG Thoroughbred Farm, Blue Diamond Farm, Firth Ranch, Fruitful Acres Farm, Harris Farms, Legacy Ranch, Lovacres Ranch, Magali Farms, Milky Way Farm, Oak Hill Farm, Ocean Breeze Ranch, Old English Rancho, Paradise Road Ranch, Rancho San Miguel, Ridgeley Farm, Special T Thoroughbreds, Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, Victory Rose Thoroughbreds and Woodbridge Farm. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Miss America Stakes

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2016) – California-breds Mon Petite and Lucy in Diamonds are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Miss America Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Mon Petite is by Papa Clem, out of the Jeune Homme mare Avranches, was bred by Barry Abrams, Madeline Auerbach and Marie Goda, is owned by G C C I and trained by Cliff DeLima. She has seven wins in 36 starts, earnings of $227,067 and is coming off consecutive allowance wins. Lucy in Diamonds is by Rock Hard Ten, out of the Relaunch mare Spritz, was bred by Al Graziani and Joe Russell, is owned by Graziani or Park or Russell and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has three wins in 19 starts, earnings of $119,478 and is coming off a fourth in an Oct. 28 optional claimer. ...

Woolf Memorial Award Finalists Named

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2016) –Veteran jockeys Kerwin Clark, Stewart Elliott, Julien Leparoux, Glen Murphy, and Scott Stevens are the five finalists for the 2017 Santa Anita George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, Santa Anita Park announced Dec. 7. The Woolf Award, which can only be won once, has been presented annually by Santa Anita since 1950 and recognizes those riders whose careers and personal character earn esteem for the individual and the sport of Thoroughbred racing. The trophy is a replica of the life-sized statue of legendary jockey George Woolf, which adorns Santa Anita’s paddock gardens. The winner will be announced in February following a nationwide vote of jockeys. Woolf, who died following a spill on Santa Anita’s clubhouse turn Jan. 3, 1946, was regarded as one of the top big-money riders of his era. Known affectionately as “The Iceman,” he was revered by his colleagues, members of the media, and fans across America as a fierce competitor and consummate professional who was at his best when the... ...

Barretts Announces 2017 Calendar

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2016) — All 2017 Barretts Sales will be held at Del Mar, except the 2017 January Mixed Sale and 2017 Fall Sale of Yearlings and Horses of all Ages, which will be held at Fairplex Park in Pomona. January Mixed Sale, to be held in Pomona, Tuesday, January 17, 2017 Supplemental Entries Close: January 3, 2017 Select Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, Wednesday, March 29, 2017 Training Preview: Monday, March 27, 2017 May Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training, Wednesday, May 17, 2017 Training Preview: Monday, May 15, 2017 Entries Close: April 7, 2017 Supplemental Entries Close: May 3, 2017 The Paddock Sale of Race Ready Horses, Sunday, July 29, 2017 Training Preview: Friday, July 27, 2017 August Select Yearling Sale, Tuesday, August 29, 2017 Nominations Close: April 14, 2017 Fall Sale of Yearlings and Horses of Racing Age, to be held in Pomona, Tuesday, October 17, 2017 Early Entries Close: August 25, 2017 Entries Close: September 1, 2017 ...

Sherman Accepts Big Sport of Turfdom

By Bloodhorse.com TUCSON, Ariz. (Dec. 6, 2016) — Calling his career in horse racing as well as his association with California Chrome “a lifetime dream,” trainer Art Sherman accepted the 2016 Big Sport of Turfdom Award from the Turf Publicists of America at the Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming Nov. 6 in Tucson, Ariz. Sherman guided 5-year-old California Chrome this season to prestigious victories in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) and Pacific Classic (gr. I), and won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and Preakness Stakes (both gr. I) with him in 2014. California Chrome is the all-time leading money-earning Thoroughbred based in North America. “I wouldn’t be here without my crew and my wife of 55 years, Fay,” Sherman said. “This has been a great life for me and my family, and I appreciate this honor.” Master of ceremonies and Santa Anita Park track announcer Michael Wrona introduced Sherman by saying “His responsiveness to all requests and his accessibility and likability,” are what earned the award. Sherman received... ...

Global Stallions App Available

By Bloodhorse.com BloodHorse and Weatherbys announced today they have jointly developed a free Global Stallions app that is now available for Apple and Android phones and tablets. The app provides continually updated graphs, charts, and statistics pertaining to stallions standing in North America and Europe and timely worldwide racing information about their offspring. Featuring more than 700 stallions from the BloodHorse Stallion Register and the Weatherbys Stallion Book, the app provides customizable views and the ability to select currency measurements, distance measurements, and “favorite” stallions. “This app should be exceptionally useful for Thoroughbred breeders all over the world, and we enjoyed working with the Weatherbys team to develop it,” said John K. Keitt Jr., publisher and editorial director of BloodHorse. “It is not just a digital version of a printed stallion register; it has many interactive, real-time features that are not possible in a printed format.” “Weatherbys is delighted to have jointly developed an app that we believe will quickly become one of the most useful sources of information for... ...

BetAmerica to Sponsor CTBA Awards

From BetAmerica SAN FRANCISCO, (Dec. 6, 2016) – BetAmerica, the online advance deposit wagering website, is pleased to announce they will be the presenting sponsor for the 2016 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) Annual Awards Dinner. Every year the CTBA names California-bred champions in nine categories, including the prestigious Horse of the Year. California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year, 3 Year Old and Turf Horse winner, as well as the 2015 Older Male, looks to pick up another trophy for his collection. Hall of Fame inductions for Donald Valpredo, Bob Baffert and Art Sherman, as well as Trainer of the Year, Leading Breeder and five categories of Leading Stallion awards will also be included in the night’s honors. “We are looking forward to teaming together with the CTBA on a fantastic night honoring California horses and connections,” said Michelle Yu, VIP Manager for BetAmerica. “ Cal breds have become a staple across the country, and thanks to Chrome across the world, and we are proud of the affiliation.... ...

Los Alamitos Opens on Thursday

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2016) — A pair of Grade I races for 2-year-olds and an anticipated start by California Chrome highlight the 2016 Winter meet at Los Alamitos. The eight-day season will begin Thursday, Dec. 8 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 18 with racing conducted on a Thursday-Sunday basis. Post time will be 1 p.m. on weekdays and 12:30 p.m. on weekends. There will be two other stakes during the two-week season. Both are at one mile and for 2-year-olds bred or sired in California. The $100,000-guaranteed Soviet Problem for fillies will be run Saturday, Dec. 17 while the $100,000 King Glorious for colts & geldings – which was won by California Chrome in 2013 – will be contested Sunday, Dec. 18. The $300,000 Starlet for fillies and the $300,000 Los Alamitos CashCall Futurity will be run Saturday, Dec. 10. Both races are at 1 1/16 miles and are being offered at Los Alamitos for the third time after being run previously at the now-closed... ...

NTRA Pushes for H-2B Visa Exemption

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 5, 2016) — The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), through its involvement in the H-2B Workforce Coalition, has joined other organizations and businesses in pushing to have the H-2B visa returning worker exemption reinstated in a continuing resolution that is being drafted to fund the federal government through March 31, 2017. H-2B visas are used by employers to fill temporary, non-agricultural positions that they are unable to fill with domestic workers. Horse trainers and other industry participants use the H-2B visa program to hire grooms and other stable help. The H-2B visa program has an annual cap of 66,000 visas. Qualified workers who complied with past visa requirements and worked in the program during one of the preceding three years will be excluded from the cap through the returning worker exemption. The NTRA asks industry members to contact Congressional leadership immediately and express the horse industry’s concerns and the need to reinstate the H-2B visa returning worker exemption. Starting today, Dec. 5, industry stakeholders are... ...

Fast and Foxy Wins Bear Fan Stakes

From Golden Gate Fields Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2016) — Fast and Foxy, with jockey Catalino Martinez aboard, spent no time waiting for the group as she took off in the stretch to win inaugural Sunday’s $75,000 Bear Fan Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at Golden Gate Fields. by 4 ½ lengths. Trained by Holly Evans, Fast and Foxy, is the winner of the inaugural $75,000 Bear Fan stakes for California-bred fillies and mares. Fast and Foxy is by Thisnearlywasmine, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Joe Daehling or Holly Evans and is trained by Evans. She has 12 wins in 36 starts, earnings of $341,300 and was coming off a Nov. 12 optional claiming win. Fast and Foxy won by 4 1/2 lengths, going wire to wire in 1:09.48. Favorites Desert Steel and Toomuchisnotenough never offered closing responses and placed third and fourth respectively behind runner-up Light One, who circled five wide to the stretch. Fast and Foxy... ...

Pleasanton Training Closed for Winter

By Paulick Report PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2016) — Some Northern California horsemen are seeking new training facilities after it was announced that the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association would close for the winter beginning Dec. 26. According to the Pleasanton Weekly, representatives from the fair association are set to meet Thursday with horsemen to discuss the closure and get feedback. The majority of the horses will be sent to Golden Gate Fields, which until this year had provided the funding needed to keep the fairgrounds open for year-round training. Golden Gate Fields had been using the Alameda County fairgrounds as an auxiliary training facility since 2008, and had paid the fair association $7,100 per day to transport and stable horses in Pleasanton. However, more space has become available at Golden Gate due to both a decline in horse population and an expansion of its stable area, so track officials decided that the Pleasanton facilities would no longer be needed. “Golden Gate Fields decided they reached the end of the line as far as going into their... ...

‘Chrome Powers Through Another Work

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2016) — The assumption many have made about Los Alamitos Race Course‘s $100,000 Winter Challenge Dec. 17, a race written specifically to serve as a prep for California Chrome , is that will be a “paid workout” for the 2014 Horse of the Year. For the chestnut’s connections, however, too much is at stake to take the 1 1/16-mile race lightly, and they are training him accordingly. Although the Jan. 28 Pegasus World Cup (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park—California Chrome’s swan song—is still the main target, there’s no question a fully fit horse will be out on the racetrack Dec. 17 to perform for the first time in front of his home crowd. “We’re training him for a race,” said assistant trainer Alan Sherman, after California Chrome worked five furlongs in 1:00.45 at Los Alamitos Dec. 3. “You always want to win, and I’d be afraid, if he didn’t win, it might cost him Horse of the Year. “He’s only got two races left. There’s... ...

UC Davis to Hold Horsepacking Courses

From UC Davis DAVIS, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2016) —This summer, join UC Davis Extension on two exciting outdoor adventures that take participants into the California wilderness on horseback— Mustangs: A Living Legacy and Mountain Horsemanship: Veterinary Care and Horsepacking in the Wilderness. Past participants have acclaimed these courses an outstanding adventure. Mustangs: A Living Legacy Track wild horses and relive the Old West in the seldom-visited Pizona area of Inyo National Forest. From a central meadow camp, riders track mustangs in their natural pinyon forest habitat and learn the social behavior of the horses and their current struggle. This program is a special opportunity that combines a rustic outdoor adventure and a unique educational experience in exploring the biology, ecology and behavior of a proud and beautiful animal— the North American wild horse. • June 10–13: Sat.–Tues., 7 a.m.–3 p.m. • Bishop, Calif. • $900. Includes horse, saddle, meals and instruction. Enroll in section 164AGC800. Mountain Horsemanship: Veterinary Care and Horsepacking in the Wilderness This deluxe seven-day... ...

Avioli Named to Horse PAC Board

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 29, 2016) – Greg Avioli, CEO of the Thoroughbred Owners of California, has been named to the Board of Directors of Horse PAC® , the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s federal political action committee. The appointment was made at Tuesday’s meeting of the Horse PAC® board in Lexington. Avioli, a past president of Horse PAC®, is a longtime racing executive, attorney and legislative expert. He has served as CEO of the Stronach Group, President and CEO of the Breeders’ Cup and Chief Operating Officer of the NTRA. “Greg Avioli was instrumental in the creation of Horse PAC® and we are pleased to have him join the Board,” said Horse PAC® President Peggy Hendershot. “His extensive knowledge of the federal legislative system and network of industry contacts make him an ideal addition.” The TOC is a non-profit corporation that serves as the California Horse Racing Board’s recognized representative of Thoroughbred owners in the California horse racing industry. Horse PAC® was activated in 2002 to support Federal elected... ...

Tiz a Kiss Enters Matriarch

DEL MAR, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2016) – Tiz a Kiss is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Grade I Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Tiz a Kiss is by Cee’s Tizzy, out of the Seattle Bound mare Candy Factory, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Cicero Farms and trained by Richard Baltas. She has four wins in 22 starts, earnings of $360,751 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 6 Goldikova. ...

Toomuchisnotenough in Bear Fan

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2016) – Stakes winner Toomuchisnotenough and the sharp Desert Steel are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Bear Fan Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Flying Tee is by Many Rivers, out of the Fly So Free mare Flying Trillia, was bred by owners Jerry and Janet Hollendorfer and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $93,363 and is coming off a consecutive optional claimer wins. Plane Lucky is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Kennedy Road mare Jetinwith Kennedy, was bred by David McGlothlin, is owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Busche or Byrd, et al and is trained by Richard Baltas. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $90,770 and is coming off an Oct. 20 optional claiming win. Fast and Foxy is by Thisnearlywasmine, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Joe Daehling or Holly Evans and is trained by Evans.... ...

Desert Madam Takes Her Shot

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2016) – Desert Madam hasn’t earned her first stakes try by winning every race or running off the screen. The daughter of Desert Code, bred in California by Oakcrest Stable, convinced trainer Bill Spawr to enter her in the $200,000 Bayakoa Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar Dec. 3 for one reason. “She tries every time,” Spawr said. “Every time.” A $20,000 claim by Spawr in May for owners STD Racing Stable and Andy Miller, the 5-year-old mare has put in her best effort in each of her five ensuing starts. First it was a pair of July allowance victories—by 3 1/4 and 2 1/4 lengths. Then came an 8 1/4-length rout in another allowance at Del Mar in August. Her last two starts haven’t been victories, but they displayed Desert Madam’s grit. She was a nose back of fellow Bayakoa entrant Autumn Flower in an Oct. 16 allowance and came in a neck behind Enduring Erin Nov. 11. In both she battled... ...

More Power to Him in Gold Rush

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2016) – More Power to Him is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. More Power to Him is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Beau Genius mare Pundit, was bred by owner Brett Mason and is trained by Faith Taylor. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $22,533 and is coming off a Nov. 20 maiden win. ...

Los Al Adds ‘Chrome’s Prep Stakes

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2016) — Los Alamitos has added a stakes race to its winter meeting to give California Chrome a local prep race before the final start of his career in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 28. The Winter Challenge will be run Dec. 17 at 1 1/16 miles with a purse structure designed to entice owners and trainers to run against California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year who was second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 5. The race is likely to be worth more than $100,000, as it will offer $50,000 to the winner, $30,000 to the runner-up, $20,000 for third, and $15,000 for the fourth and fifth finishers, according to Los Alamitos racing secretary Bob Moreno. If the race draws a larger field, additional finishers will earn $10,000 each. “If I get six or seven, it’s gravy,” Moreno said. “I think we can get five or six.” California Chrome is scheduled... ...

Popular Kid Enters Cecil B. DeMille

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2016) – Popular Kid is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Cecil B. DeMille for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Popular Kid is by Popular, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lemon Supreme, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, is owned by Bryan Carney and trained by Charles Stutts. He is a maiden making his seventh start with earnings of $14,825. ...

‘Chrome Preps Again for Dec. 17 Race

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2016) — As impressive as California Chrome looked during his timed workout Nov. 26 at Los Alamitos Race Course, it wasn’t anything out of the ordinary. Just an accelerating black dot in the early morning darkness of the Los Alamitos turn, his recognizable blaze emerged at the top of the stretch under the Cypress, Calif. track’s lights. The slow-early, quick-late drills have been standard for the 5-year-old California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit , so when he powered through the stretch to stop the clock in :47.46 for a half-mile Saturday, with a final furlong to the wire in :11.10, it was par for the chestnut’s course. California Chrome will get two more timed works in before an expected run in a yet-to-be-named overnight stakes at Los Alamitos Dec. 17, which he will use as a prep for the Jan. 28 Pegasus World Cup (gr. I). The Los Alamitos stakes will feature a $100,000 purse and will be at 1 1/16 miles. What’s been most impressive... ...

Solid Wager

Solid Wager wins $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes. ...

Isa Firecracker Isa Debutante Winner

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2016) – California-bred Isa Firecracker held off favorite Grand Prix to win Friday’s $60,065 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Isa Firecracker is by Heatseeker, out of the Tannersmyman mare Caroline Elena, was bred by owner Myles McMahon and is trained by Jamey Thomas. The filly ran third in the Golden State Juvenile in her previous start at Santa Anita, overcoming trouble in the stretch. “She got in trouble down the lane and looked like she was backing out of it, but she came back on,” Thomas said of her performance earlier in the month. “That’s her heart, how well she wants to compete.” Isa Firecracker had no trouble in the lane Friday after sitting behind Zensational Dancer under Kyle Frey during the opening half-mile of the six-furlong race. She made a strong move into the lane and had a 1½-length lead at the eighth pole, but had to fend off the stout rally by Grand Prix who battled her to the wire.... ...

Breeders’ Cup Sprint Purse Withheld

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2016) –The purse for the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) is being withheld until at least mid-December, according to California Horse Racing Board spokesman Mike Marten. Marten would not disclose why the purse was being withheld, but did say 12 Breeders’ Cup races have been cleared in respect to drug test results and that the Sprint has not been cleared. The Sprint was won by Drefong, followed by California-bred Masochistic and Mind Your Biscuits. “At this point, the Sprint has not been cleared,” Marten said. “All the other races have been cleared and we expect the Sprint to be cleared in mid-December.” Breeders’ Cup confirmed the purse withholding in a Nov. 23 statement. “Breeders’ Cup has been advised by the California Horse Racing Board that 12 of 13 races from this year’s event at Santa Anita, not including the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, have been cleared following post-race testing by the Maddy Laboratory at the University of California at Davis,” the statement read. “Inquiries... ...

What a View Enters Seabiscuit

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2016) – What a View is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manila mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old English Rancho, Patsy Berumen and Sal Berumen, is owned by Finish Line Stables, The Ellwood Johnston Trust or Taste of Victory Stable and is trained by Ken Black. He has six wins in 14 starts, earnings of $595,826 and is coming off a 14th in the Nov. 5 Breeders’ Cup Mile. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Berkeley

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2016) – Multiple graded stakes winners Tamarando and G. G. Ryder are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate. Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jeff Bonde. He has four wins in 28 starts, earnings of $703,078 and is coming off a third in the Sept. 5 Rolling Green. He was fourth in this race last year. G. G. Ryder is by Chhaya Dance, out of the Storm Boot mare Stormy Gigi, was bred by Eagle Oak Ranch, is owned by Jerry Hollendorfer or George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. He has 11 wins in 30 starts, earnings of $471,627 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 16 Bull Dog. He was third in this race last year and second in 2014. ...

How About Zero in Jimmy Durante

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2016) – Stakes winner How About Zero and fellow California-bred Bella Luma are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Jimmy Durante Stakes for 2-year-old at Del Mar. 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 trained by Ed Moger Jr. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $27,385 and is coming off an Oct. 29 maiden win. How About Zero is by Square Eddie, out of the In Excess mare Too Much Excess, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $148,900 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 4 Golden State Juvenile Fillies. ...

Farm Managers Newsletter Link

From CTFMA FALLBROOK, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2016) — This month’s newsletter from the California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association: http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=436e8ee23b8ec0f9c0291266&id=cac5382706&e=f70054de57 ...

Sherman Wins Big Sport of Turfdom

By BloodHorse.com The Turf Publicists of America (TPA) announced Nov. 22 that Art Sherman, trainer of champion and all-time North American earnings leader California Chrome, will be honored with the 2016 Big Sport of Turfdom Award—which recognizes a person or group of people who enhance coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists. Sherman won in a vote determined by the nearly 150 active members of the TPA, a trade organization of Thoroughbred racing publicists and marketing executives. “I am so delighted and honored to be among the people that have won this award, a who’s who of racing,” Sherman said. “I’ve always tried to be accommodating to the press and even anyone that asks me for an autograph. It’s for the betterment of the game. Anything for racing.” Under Sherman’s care, California Chrome has won 15 of 25 starts while amassing $14,452,650 in earnings across four seasons. As a 3-year old, the son of Lucky Pulpit won the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr.... ...

Solid Wager Repeats in Cary Grant

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2016) — Rallying from last place under jockey Victor Espinoza, Solid Wager, the defending race champion, forged ahead in the final strides to win the featured $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligible Sunday at Del Mar. Providing Espinoza and trainer Peter Miller with their third victories of the afternoon, Solid Wager, the 5-2 second choice in a field of eight older Thoroughbreds, scored by a half-length over Grazen Sky, with Acceptance third and Gold Rush Dancer fourth. Magic Mark, the 2-1 favorite, was fifth. “At first I was cussing Victor (Espinoza) wondering why he was so far back,” said Miller. “Then he winds up with this amazing move, and what can you say about Victor, there’s a reason he’s the best. It means a lot to win for the owners of this horse, who are really good friends of mine and great clients. Solid Wager, bred by Madera Thoroughbreds and owned by Barber, Barber and Stanford Stable, negotiated the... ...

Winning Cause to Stand at Milky Way

TEMECULA, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2016) – Multiple graded winner Winning Cause has been retired and will stand the 2017 breeding season at Milky Way Farm in Temecula for a $2,000 fee. Winning Cause, a 6-year-old son of Giant’s Causeway, won a trio of Grade III stakes – the 2013 Coolmore Lexington, the 2014 Cliff Hanger and the 2015 Red Bank for trainer Todd Pletcher. Out of the Kingmambo mare Raffishing, Winning Cause banked $645,743 in 27 starts. ...

Ashleyluvssugar, Ralis in Turf Cup

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2016) – California-bred graded winners Ashleyluvssugar and Ralis, last seen in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, are entered in Friday’s $200,000 Grade II Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes at Del Mar. Ashleyluvssugar is by Game Plan, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by owner Alesia, Bran Jam Stable and Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has eight wins in 18 starts, earnings of $967,504 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 5 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf. Ralis 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 two wins in 16 starts, earnings of $424,773 and is coming off a ninth in the Nov. 5 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf. ...

NorCal Sale Graduate in Debutante

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2016) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Sweet Rafaela and fellow California-bred Isa Firecracker are entered in Thursday’s $50,000 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Isa Firecracker is by Heatseeker, out of the Tannersmyman mare Caroline Elena, was bred by owner Myles McMahon and is trained by Jamey Thomas. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $52,880 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 4 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes. Sweet Rafaela is by Thorn Song, out of the Tale of the Cat mare Telling Stories, was bred by G.W. Thomas, is owned by G C C I and trained by Cliff De Lima. The $14,000 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase has one win in two starts, earnings of $31,500 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 29 Pike Place Dancer. ...

Kathballu Wins Orleans Stakes

VINTON, La. (Nov. 20, 2016) – Odds-on favorite Kathballu, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, won Saturday’s $75,000 Orleans Stakes for fillies and mares at Delta Downs. Kathballu ran the seven furlongs in 1:26.11 and won by eight lengths as the 2-5 favorite in the field of eight. Out of the Devil’s Bag mare Abba Gold, Kathballu has five wins in 21 starts and earnings of $296,864. ...

‘Chrome Breezes at Los Alamitos

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2016) — Alan Sherman got a clear indication California Chrome was doing just fine after his work Nov. 19 at Los Alamitos Race Course. While getting the 2014 Horse of the Year untacked after his first timed drill since a second-place run in the Nov. 5 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), Sherman had to bob and weave like a boxer to dodge a familiar bite from the chestnut. “Look at that,” said exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, who had just hopped off the horse a moment earlier. “He’s still hungry. He’s a man-eater.” “When he stops biting and being aggressive, then we’ll start to worry,” Sherman said after a hearty laugh. California Chrome went about his business Saturday in his standard fashion, how trainer Art Sherman and assistant Alan Sherman have trained him consistently during his 2016 campaign—relaxed early and quick late. Eager to get to work, the son of Lucky Pulpit tossed his head approaching the half-mile pole, then clicked off fractions of :13,... ...

Los Al Plans ‘Chrome Prep Race Dec. 17

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2016) —California Chrome has trained most of his career at Los Alamitos Race Course, there has been a California Chrome Day, and the track has honored him by naming a race the California Chrome Stakes. The 2014 Horse of the Year has raced at eight different racetracks in five different states and overseas in Dubai, but has never competed at his Cypress, Calif., home. That may change Dec. 17, if all goes as planned. Los Alamitos is working toward giving the son of Lucky Pulpit a sendoff in a $100,000, to-be-named overnight stakes, which would serve as a prep race for the final start of his career in the Jan. 28 Pegasus World Cup (gr. I) at Gulfstream Park. “There have been discussions. We’re exploring the possibility,” said Brad McKinzie, vice president and general manager of the Los Alamitos’ Thoroughbred racing. “The California Chrome folks have expressed an interest in having a prep for the Pegasus, and to see if we can put it... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, November 17, at the Del Mar Surfside Race Place. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper and George Krikorian 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 approved the 2017 race dates allocations for the Northern California thoroughbred and fairs circuit as follows: Golden Gate Fields, December 21, 2016, through June 20; Pleasanton, June 21 through July 11; Cal Expo, July 12 through August 1; Santa Rosa, August 2 through August 22; Ferndale, August 23 through September 5; Golden Gate, August 23 through September 19; Pleasanton, September 20 through October 3; Fresno, October 4 through October 17; and Golden Gate, October 18 through December 19. The individual associations and fairs will designate in each of their license applications the actual starting and ending dates of their meets within these... ...

Misremembered to BG Thoroughbreds

By Bloodhorse.com HEMET, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2016) — Grade 1 winner and track record setter Misremembered has been relocated to BG Thoroughbreds to stand the 2017 in Hemet. The son of Candy Ride (ARG) will stand for $2,500. Trained out of the Baffert Stables, Misremembered won six races and earned more than $1.3 million. He won the G1 Santa Anita Handicap and posted victories in the G2 Swaps Stakes and G2 Indiana Derby, where he ran the 8+1/2 furlongs in track record time of 1:40 4/5. He also won the Santana Mile at Santa Anita by an easy three lengths stopping the clock for the mile at 1:33 2/5. He was ranked as #1 Handicap Horse in North America upon his retirement according to Daily Racing Form. Misremembered has 2 crops of racing age and has already produced a graded stakes winner, two stakes winners and three stakes placers. His progeny are 55% winners/starters. “We are very excited to have Misremembered join us for the 2017 breeding season”... ...

CHRB Settles NorCal Dates

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2016) –A nearly sixth-month dispute over Northern California’s 2017 racing schedule was resolved Nov. 17 during a California Horse Racing Board meeting at Del Mar. CHRB members, at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting, approved a schedule recommended by the regulatory agency’s Race Dates Committee Nov. 16. With the board’s stamp of approval Thursday, Golden Gate Fields will run until June 20, followed by Pleasanton (June 21-July 11), Cal Expo (July 12-Aug. 1), Santa Rosa (Aug. 2-22), Ferndale (Aug. 23-Sept. 5, overlapped with Golden Gate), Golden Gate (Aug. 23-Sept. 19), Pleasanton (taken from Stockton, Sept. 20-Oct. 3), and Fresno (Oct. 4-17). Because Sonoma County school districts still have not set their schedules for 2017 and the fair at Santa Rosa has no intention of running races during the school year, officials from the Sonoma County Fair have not committed to running all three weeks allotted in the approved plan. If Sonoma decides to run two weeks instead of three, Ferndale would move up to... ...

Chao Chom

Chao Chom wins $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes. ...

Solid Wager Seeks Cary Grant Repeat

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2016) – Defending champ Solid Wager and multiple stakes winners Gold Rush Dancer, Acceptance and Magic Mark are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligible at Del Mar. Tengas Ransom is by Tenga Cat, out of the Dixie Union mare Precious Union, was bred by Grant and Paul Truman, is owned by Truline Racing and trained by Jeff Mullins. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $130,485 and is coming off a win in an Oct. 14 optional claimer. Magic Mark is by Benchmark, out of the Deputy Governor mare Jewel Magic, was bred by owners Dorine and John Lanza and is trained by Ron Ellis. He has six wins in 18 starts, earnings of $353,969 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 3 Big Bear. He was fifth in this race in 2014. Image of Joplin is by Southern Image, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg... ...

California Diamond in Bob Hope

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner California Diamond and fellow California-bred Ann Arbor Eddie are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Bob Hope Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Ann Arbor Eddie is by Square Eddie, out of the In Excess mare Repo, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He won his lone start Oct. 29 and has earnings of $31,200. California Diamond is by Harbor the Gold, out of the Slewdledo mare Carrie’s a Jewel, was bred by Stormy Hull, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller. He has five wins in seven starts, earnings of $377,780 and has a win streak of three stakes races. ...

Cal-bred Quartet in Oakland Stakes

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2016) – A quartet of California-breds is entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Oakland Stakes at Golden Gate. Mah Gellin is by Skimming, out of the Maheras mare Mahrin, was bred by Racing Edge Inc., is owned by Joe & Lola Sample and trained by Blaine Wright. He has seven wins in 25 starts, earnings of $230,940 and is coming off a fifth in an Oct. 29 allowance. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate 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 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $125,048 and is coming off a fifth in a Nov. 3 optional claimer. Spirit Rules is by Tribal Rule, out of the Danzatore mare Heavenly Lady, was bred by John and Allegra Ernst, is owned by Grant Alvernaz or Steve Ribeiro and trained... ...

Progress on NorCal Racing Dates

By Bloodhorse DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2016) –The California Horse Racing Board’s Race Dates Committee took a step toward resolving a nearly six-month-long dispute regarding Northern California’s 2017 schedule Nov. 16, with a recommendation that largely resembles the region’s 2016 slate. The proposal still needs to be approved by the CHRB’s full board at the regularly scheduled monthly meeting Nov. 17. Pushed forward during a committee meeting at Del Mar, the proposal has the Northern California fair dates for 2017 essentially the same in number and order as 2016. It calls for Golden Gate Fields to run until June 20, followed by Pleasanton (June 21-July 11), Cal Expo (July 12-Aug. 1), Santa Rosa (Aug. 2-Aug. 22), Ferndale (Aug. 23-Sept. 5, overlapped with Golden Gate), Golden Gate from Aug. 23-Sept. 19, Pleasanton (taken from Stockton, Sept. 20-Oct. 3), and Fresno (Oct. 4-17). Because Sonoma County’s schools have not finalized a 2017 schedule and the fair at Santa Rosa has no intention of running races during the school year, officials from the... ...

Bodhisattva Entered at Laurel

LAUREL, Md. (Nov. 16, 2016) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Richard W. Small Stakes at Laurel Park. Bodhisattva is by Student Council, out of the Talk Is Money mare Dr. Cheryl P., was bred by Andy Stronach and is owned by trainer Jose Corrales. He has five wins in 24 starts, earnings of $262,633 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 9 allowance. ...

Coniah in Zia Park Oaks

HOBBS, N.M. (Nov. 15, 2016) – Coniah is the lone California-bred entered in next week’s $300,000 Zia Park Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Coniah is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by Jon Arnett. She has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $144,020 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 22 Lexus Raven Run. ...

Missing Groom Found at Zia Park

HOBBS, N.M. (Nov. 15, 2016) – Missing Groom is the lone California-bred entered in next week’s $150,000 Zia Park Championship Handicap. Missing Groom is by Colonel John, out of the Pioneering mare Lost Bride, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Henry Dominguez. He has two wins in 22 starts, earnings of $169,561 and is coming off a second in an Oct. 4 optional claimer. ...

Minister’sadventure in Zia Park Distaff

HOBBS, N.M. (Nov. 15, 2016) – Minister’sadventure is the lone California-bred entered in next week’s $75,000 Zia Park Distaff for fillies and mares. Minister’sadventure is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Include mare Adventurous Spirit, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by henry Dominguez. She has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $197,859 and is coming off a fourth in an Oct. 31 optional claimer. ...

Chao Chom Upsets Enola Gray

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2016) –Chao Chom hooked 1-9 favored Enola Gray shortly after the start and never relented in scoring a convincing victory in the featured $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares Sunday at Del Mar. Chao Chom is a full sister to multiple stakes winner Soi Phet by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by S Samdow and trained by Gary Stute. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $146,600 and was coming off a second in an Oct. 20 optional claimer. With Kent Desormeaux in the saddle, Chao Chom dueled with Enola Gray until mid- stretch where she asserted herself over the betting choice and drew away to score by a length and three-quarters in 1:22.53 for the seven furlongs. “We won easy, so easy,” said Desorneaux. “There were dawdling fractions. She was just cantering down the backstretch. Then we turned for home and... ...

I Came to Party at Delta Downs

VINTON, La. (Nov. 13, 2016) – I Came to Party is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Sam’s Town Stakes at Delta Downs. I Came to Party is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Decarchy mare Onefunsunofagun, was bred by ellen Jackson, Kevin Nish and Kim Nish, is owned by Ronald Clark and trained by G. Brooks. He has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $148,255 and is coming off a second in an Oct. 15 optional claimer. ...

Hay Dakota Wins Commonwealth Turf

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2016) — Hay Dakota, a Kentucky-bred by new California stallion Haynesfield, wheeled out into the middle of the Churchill Downs turf course and went on to a 29-1 upset Saturday in the 13th running of the Grade 3, $100,000 Commonwealth Turf. Ridden by Denny Velazquez and trained by Joel Berndt, Hay Dakota rallied outside of Bondurant, the 3-1 favorite in a field of 11 3-year-olds, to prevail by a neck in the 1 1/16-mile race. The Chicago shipper returned $60.20 after finishing in 1:43.60 over firm going. For horse, trainer, and jockey, it was their first graded stakes victory. “It’s one of those boxes I’ve wanted to check,” said Berndt, who has trained since 1991 and oversees a medium-sized stable that competes in Chicago and Minnesota. Hay Dakota lagged back until the field straightened for home. Both he and Bondurant angled out to launch big runs leaving the quarter pole, with Hay Dakota proving narrowly best when farthest outside. Scholar Athlete, the leader for much of... ...

Cal-sired Mares Sell Well at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2016) – A trio of California-sired mares were six-figure purchases at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Journey On, a stakes-placed California-bred mare, was sold for $240,000 at Friday’s session. Journey On, by Good Journey, was purchased by California Chrome/KatieRich Farms, in foal to Candy Ride, to be bred to champion Cal-bred California Chrome. She was consigned by James Keough. Somethinaboutlaura, a California-bred millionaire and multiple Grade II winner, sold at Thursday’s session for $150,000. Somethinaboutlaura, by Dance Floor, was consigned by Taylor Made Sales, agent, and was purchased by Calumet Farm in foal to Candy Ride. Grade II winner Ciao Bella Luna, out of the California stallion Tribal Rule, sold for $450,000 at Thursday’s session. Consigned by Bedouin Bloodstock, agent, Ciao Bella Luna was purchased by Clarkland Farm in foal to Pioneerof the Nile. ...

Enola Gray Enters Betty Grable

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Enola Gray remains with statebreds in Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Barbara Beatrice is by Grazen, out of the Decarchy mare Showtime Apollo, was bred by trainer Philip D’Amato and is owned by D’Amato or Queen Bee Racing. She has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $219,534 and is coming off a win in an Oct. 23 optional claimer. Enola Gray is by Grazen, out of the More Than Ready mare Unsung Heroine, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has four wins in five starts, earnings of $304,100 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 15 California Distaff. My Fiona is by Ghostzapper, out of the Two Punch mare A Vision in Gray, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Beckerle or Lovingier or Navarro and is trained by Gary Sherlock. She has six wins in 15 starts,... ...

Camino Del Paraiso to Let It Ride

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2017) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Let It Ride Stakes for 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Camino Del Paraiso is by Suances, out of the Successful Appeal mare Loni’s Appeal, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn, is owned by Glen Road Racing, Jauregui or Moniz and is trained by O.J. Jauregui. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $101,153 and is coming off three consecutive wins. ...

Haynesfield to Rancho San Miguel

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2016) – Grade I winning millionaire Haynesfield has been acquired by Climax Stallions, a new venture of Bob and Sean Feld, and will be relocated to Rancho San Miguel for the 2017 breeding season. “We are very excited to offer Haynesfield, a leading son of Speightstown, to California breeders. Speightstown is quickly becoming a sire of sires allowing Haynesfield and the Speightstown line a chance to really thrive on the West Coast,” said Sean Feld. Haynesfield was a wire-to-wire winner of a six-furlong maiden special as a 2-year-old at Belmont and a stakes winner as a juvenile; overall he won 10 races from 19 starts. Haynesfield is out of a Grade II-placed stakes winner Nothing Special, by Tejabo, Haynesfield captured the 2010 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (Gr. I) and seven other stakes and earned more than $1.3 million. Racing for the ownership of Turtle Bird Stable’s Haynesfield, was honored as New York-bred Horse of the Year twice. “Haynesfield gave us... ...

Del Mar Opens on Friday

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2016) — The countdown is under way at Del Mar – for the autumn meeting that begins Friday and for a historic 2017. Friday is the first of 15 racing days of the autumn meeting, which runs through Dec. 4. Next year, the corresponding meeting will include the Breeders’ Cup races, the first time the San Diego-area track will hold the two-day event. Del Mar began to run an autumn meeting in 2014 following the closure of Hollywood Park in 2013, and it has a different feel than the popular summer meeting. Crowds are not as large, racing starts at 12:30 p.m. (except for 11 a.m. on Thanksgiving), and programs are mostly held on a Thursday-through-Sunday basis, rather than the five days a week of the summer meeting. :: Enjoy news and analysis from DRF? Get handicapping analysis, real-time coverage, special reports, and charts. Unlock access with DRF Plus. For bettors, the most significant change this fall will be a restructured $2 pick... ...

Dressed to a Tee in Kathryn Crosby

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2016) – Dressed to a Tee is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 Kathryn Crosby Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Dressed to a Tee is by Square Eddie, out of the Kendor mare Clerical Error, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $148,323 and is coming off a sixth in the Aug. 19 CTT and TOC Handicap. ...

Evening Jewel Sells for $950,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2016) – California-bred millionaire mare Evening Jewel sold for $950,000 at Tuesday’s Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. The multiple Grade I-winning daughter of Northern Afleet, in foal to Pioneerof the Nile, was consigned by Taylor Made Sale Agency, agent, for Aaron and Marie Jones and purchased by Shadai Farm. ...

‘Chrome’s Stud Fee Set at $40,000

By Bloodhorse.com NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2016) —California Chrome , the 2014 Horse of the Year and North America’s all-time richest racehorse, will stand his first season at Taylor Made Farm in 2017 for an advertised fee of $40,000, Taylor Made president Duncan Taylor confirmed Nov. 8 during the opening session of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale. The initial stud fee for the 5-year-old California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit is at a range Taylor called “fair, maybe even a little lower than fair” and puts the chestnut colt at a level that should give him a competitive book of mares while allowing breeders room to make a profit. To help get their future stallion off to a strong start, the Taylor Made team has already started purchasing mares to support the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) runner-up, purchasing the grade I placed Eskendereya filly Right There for $325,000 and graded stakes producer Uchitel for $420,000 under the name California Chrome, LLC during Keeneland’s opening session. “Our ultimate goal is, we’re... ...

Jeranimo to Stand at Harris Farms

COALINGA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2016) – Jeranimo, a 10-year-old son of Congaree, our of Jera, by Jeblar, will stand the 2017 breeding season at John Harris’ Harris Farms in Coalinga. Jeranimo was campaigned by Robert LaPenta and B.J. Wright and trained by Michael Pender. Jeranimo won the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (Gr. IT), Eddie Read Stakes (Gr. IT) and the San Gabriel Stakes (Gr. IIT) a record three times. His lifetime record is 11 wins, including eight stakes, six times second (three stakes) and five times third (four stakes) with earnings of $1,525,364. John Harris commented, “I am delighted to add this nice stallion to our stallion roster. He combines several attributes that I admire – won both short and long on both synthetic and turf, very durable, has a pedigree that has many great horses, won several graded stakes and had miler form. Plus he is good looking and has a nice disposition.” Mike Pender, who trained Jeranimo, stated: “He was bold and the alpha male of the shed row,... ...

‘Chrome Retains NTRA Poll Lead

By DRF.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2016) — California Chrome retained a tenuous hold on his spot at the top of the weekly NTRA Top 10 Thoroughbred poll two days after suffering his first defeat of the year to Arrogate in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif. California Chrome, who has led the voting every week so far this year, topped the pool with 442 total points while receiving 30 first-place votes. Arrogate, who was fifth in the polling prior to the Breeders’ Cup, received 16 first-place votes and trails California Chrome by 24 points in the poll, with 418. By and large, the 46 voters in the poll also vote in the Eclipse Awards balloting, making the poll an imperfect but important harbinger for the Horse of the Year vote. Beholder, winner of Friday’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff, moved up five spots, from eighth to third, while the previously undefeated filly she nosed out in that race, Songbird, dropped from third to fourth. Filling out... ...

Chrome’s Dam Sells for $1.95 Million

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2016) — Love the Chase, dam of California-bred dual classic winner and 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome , brought $1.95 million at the Fasig-Tipton November sale Nov. 7 in Lexington. Bloodstock agent John McCormack signed the ticket for the daughter of Not For Love offered by Taylor Made Sales. “She was a nice mare, physically, she had a lovely quality,” said McCormack, who did not identify his client. “It’s right there for everyone to see that she’s the dam of a Horse of the Year and in foal to Tapit . You can hope and believe that the story will get better and not stay static just where it is. California Chrome is a lovely looking horse; he’s a very good horse, he’s a very honest horse, and he’s a deserved champion. And when a mare like this comes into the ring producing the horse of the caliber that she has, you have to pay the market price and I thought this was the market... ...

Hovdey on Breeders’ Cup

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2016) — In show business, it’s how you leave ’em that counts – laughing, crying, wanting even more. Last Saturday’s Day 2 of the Breeders’ Cup provided all that and then some. Brilliant races from Arrogate, California Chrome, Highland Reel, and Tourist marked the day, while Peter Eurton, Phil D’Amato, Seamus Heffernan, and Flavien Prat joined the company of Breeders’ Cup winners. Even the fans, 72,811 strong, got into the act by the end of the long, dramatic afternoon, although with varying effects. As the soft twilight settled and the dying sun glowed in the distance, those heading for the exits near the walking ring were greeted by a woman wearing a red dress and a broad grin proudly waggling a homemade banner that read, “Hillary for Prison.” Times change. In 1996, signs at the Cup shouted “Cigar for President.” In 2009, it was “Girl Power! Go Zenyatta!” When someone suggested that perhaps this of all places on this of all days... ...

‘Chrome’s Dam in Fasig-Tipton Sale

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 6, 2016) — The dam of Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up California Chrome, and the dam of race winner Arrogate, are among the top horses to watch during Fasig-Tipton’s November sale on Monday. The sale begins at 2 pm. PT. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, California Chrome’s dam, the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, is in foal to leading sire Tapit . A son of Lucky Pulpit who is also his dam’s first foal, California Chrome was Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old when he won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) in 2014 and his $14,452,650 in earnings is a North American record. Bubbler, the 10-year-old daughter of Distorted Humor whose first foal is 3-year-old Travers Stakes (gr. I) winner Arrogate, was not shipped to the Fasig-Tipton sales grounds until Nov. 6 because the mare’s status in the sale was uncertain, according to Barry Robinette, general manager of consignor Clearsky Farms. “We were winging... ...

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