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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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. ...

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. ...

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... ...

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.... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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.... ...

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... ...

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.... ...

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... ...

                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. ...

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... ...

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... ...

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. ...

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. ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2016) – Arrogate and California Chrome, both of whom put on a show in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday at Santa Anita, emerged from the race in good order and could meet again in January in the inaugural Pegasus at Gulfstream Park, their connections said Sunday morning. Trainer Bob Baffert got his third straight Classic victory with Arrogate’s win. As with last year’s winner, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Arrogate was trained into the Classic after running in the Travers. ”I saw him this morning, gave him a carrot, and thanked him. I told him American Pharoah is proud you’re sleeping in his bed,” said Baffert, who put Arrogate in the stall at his barn that had been occupied by American Pharaoh. “How lucky am I to have a horse like Pharoah, and come back with a horse like this?” Baffert asked. “That race was so exciting. I lost my voice. I thought he could do it. We don’t know how good he... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2016) –After checking in on California Chrome   early Nov. 6 at Santa Anita Park, trainer Art Sherman made his way back to his home base at Los Alamitos Race Course. Losing the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) for the second time Nov. 5 to conquering general Bob Baffert doesn’t change the reality of a Sunday morning. There are still horses to work. “We’ve got workers and things to do,” Sherman said. “That’s what this business is all about. You can’t sit around and cry about it.” Although there was a tinge of disappointment in the trainer’s voice, the ever-present pep Sherman displays whenever he talks about his star chestnut was still underlying. “He’s still a champion in my eyes,” Sherman said of California Chrome’s half-length loss to Arrogate in Saturday’s Classic. “He ran a great race. They were 10 lengths in front of the rest of them. It was a dominant performance by two horses.” NOVAK: Arrogate Upsets ‘Chrome’ in BC Classic The 79-year-old... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2016) — A year ago, jockey Victor Espinoza basked in the glow of an adoring Keeneland crowd after guiding American Pharoah to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, capping an unforgettable season that included the Triple Crown. On Saturday, Espinoza’s emotions were on the opposite end of the spectrum after Arrogate, under Mike Smith, went past California Chrome in the final 20 yards to win the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic by half a length, ending California Chrome’s bid for a perfect season. For once, Espinoza was searching for an excuse as he walked back to the Santa Anita jockeys’ room. And he pinned the blame on himself. “Now that I think back, I should have just opened it up a little earlier,” Espinoza said. “I waited a little longer, and the other horse caught me in the end. When I saw California Chrome’s ears pinned back, I said, ‘I’m in trouble,’ and the wire was just a little bit further.” Espinoza said that... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2016) – On Saturday, he took his first step toward doing that by taking the $200,000 Golden State Juvenile for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds by three-quarters of a length over Hot Smoke at Santa Anita. It was 2 1/2 lengths farther back to Milton Freewater in third. The win was the fifth from seven starts for California Diamond, a son of Harbor the Gold trained by Peter Miller for Gary Hartunian’s Rockingham Ranch, which purchased the colt after his second win in July. He was bred by Stormy Hull out of the Slewdledo mare Carrie’s a Jewel. In winning the Golden State Juvenile under Kent Desormeaux, California Diamond showed he could sit a little bit early and finish. The Golden State Juvenile was his first attempt at seven furlongs. “I think he can stretch,” said Miller, who recorded his meet-leading 17th victory. “Kent’s always thought he could. We’ve been working on getting him to relax and getting him to finish and not pull... ...