How About Zero in Rich Maiden Win

Nov 4, 2016 Posted by CTBA In News

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2016) – Bettors jumped off the bandwagon at the wrong time Friday as maiden How About Zero, equipped with blinkers for the first time, registered a one-length victory in the $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at odds of 10-1 at Santa Anita. Under Mario Gutierrez, How About Zero settled in fifth position in the early stages of the seven-furlong race and made a three-wide move around the far turn. Straightening away in the stretch, How About Zero made the lead, and despite lugging in during the final furlong, she was able to hold Ms Wakaya at bay near the finish. The result was a reversal of the order of finish of a Sept. 30 maiden race here, where Ms Wakaya beat How About Zero by 2 1/4 lengths. How About Zero, who had debuted in a stakes at Del Mar, was the 1-2 favorite in that Sept. 30 race. “She was bet way down last time,... ...

U S Officer Wins Clever Trevor

By RemingtonPark.com OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Nov. 4, 2016)–U S Officer, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion U S Ranger, lodged a big closing move along the rail to pass the pace-setting Divine Kaleb in the final yards to win Friday’s $100,000 Clever Trevor Stakes at Remington Park. The race is the final local prep event for 2-year-olds aiming for the Springboard Mile in December. Owned by the Weatherford, Texas partnership of Jerry Durant and Bill Jordan, U S Officer is trained by Danny Pish. Jockey David Cabrera, the only jockey to win on the colt, had the mount for the second race in a row. U S Officer settled near the back of the nine-horse field in the Clever Trevor and was last, nearly 10 lengths from the front, as the field turned for home, with plenty of work to do. “I was not really expecting to be that far back but the race played out like that,” Cabrera said after the trophy presentation. “This horse, he can sit anywhere... ...

Unusual Partnership for Masochistic

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 3, 2016) –While partnerships are a staple of the racetrack today it is unusual to see Samantha Siegel as a partner on a horse. Her reasoning for going in on Cal-bred Masochistic last year were solid, and the results have been solid as well as the 6-year-old gelding is the 2-1 morning line favorite for Santa Anita Park‘s Nov. 5 TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I). “I was on Facebook one morning (in March 2015) and I got a direct message from a mutual friend, Ron Hess, that read: ‘How would you feel about buying half of Masochistic?’ Siegel said. “My first thought was ‘Oh, my God, a partner? “I thought about it some more for about 30 seconds and realized I didn’t have anything running at the moment and this horse looked like it has unlimited potential,” she said. “If I could get him to (trainer) Ron Ellis and got him to calm down, you could have a lot of fun with this horse.”... ...

Ashleyluvssugar Gives Team Another Shot

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 3, 2016) –As much as he loved Thoroughbred racing, one thing the late character actor and horse owner Frank Alesia probably loved more was the Chicago Cubs. What a week this would have been for him, watching his Cubbies win their first World Series title since 1908 while his unsung California-bred homebred Ashleyluvssugar prepares to take on some of the finest grass runners in the world in the $4 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (gr. I) Nov. 5 at Santa Anita Park. So says his former partner, Mike Mellen, whose Bran Jam Racing Stable has carried on with the partnership successfully since Alesia’s death in February of 2011, along with Alesia’s widow, Sharon, and Joe Ciaglia. “He’d be very excited about ‘Sugar,’ obviously,” said the 77-year-old Mellen, who runs a retail tire business in New England. “And the thing about being in the race he’d be most be excited about is that he’s a California homebred. You just don’t see that happen at this level.... ...

Yo Y Me Wins at Turf Paradise

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 6, 2016) — Yo Y Me, an Arizona-bred son of California stallion Dixie Chatter, won Saturday’s $96,645 ATBA Fall Sale Stakes for 2-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Yo Y Me is out of the Bertrando mare Miss Ballard ran the six furlongs in 1:10.92 and won by one length as the even-money favorite in a field of 11. He has two wins in six starts with earnings of $86,858 and was coming off a maiden win Oct. 17. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Goldikova

ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2016) – Stakes winner Majestic Heat and fellow California-bred Tiz a Kiss are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Goldikova Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Majestic Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams, is owned by Auerbach, Ron McCauley or Bardy Farm and is trained by Richard Mandella. She has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $255,139 and is coming off a sixth in the Oct. 1 Rodeo Drive. 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 21 starts, earnings of $320,751 and is coming off a fifth in the Oct. 1 Rodeo Drive. ...

‘Chrome Tops Cal-bred Pre-Entries

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 25, 2016) – Six California-breds, led by North America’s all-time leading earner California Chrome, were pre-entered on Wednesday for the 2016 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, to be held next week at Santa Anita. California Chrome is pre-entered in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. He is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, was bred by Perry Martin and Steve Coburn, is owned by California Chrome LLC and is trained by Art Sherman. He has 15 wins in 24 starts, record earnings of $13,432,650 and has won his last six races. He was third in this race in 2014. Ashleyluvssugar is pre-entered in the $4 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf. He is by Game Plan, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by owners Alesia, BranJam Stables and Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has eight wins in 17 starts, earnings of $847,504 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 2 John... ...

China Horse Club Buys ‘Chrome Share

By DRF.com NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 24, 2016) –The China Horse Club, the international horse-racing partnership, has purchased an undisclosed share in 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome, the club said on Twitter. The China Horse Club, which was launched in 2013 and has quickly purchased stakes in horses across the world, said in a tweet Friday that it was “very pleased to join ownership of California Chrome heading into [the Breeders’ Cup] and Pegasus events.” The Pegasus World Cup is a $12 million race scheduled for Jan. 28 at Gulfstream Park. Duncan Taylor, the president of Taylor Made Farm, which owns a stake in California Chrome that it has divided into marketable shares, said on Monday at the Fasig-Tipton October yearling sale that the stake purchased by the China Horse Club will give the group a share in the colt’s racing and breeding career. Taylor did not disclose the size of the stake. Last year, Taylor Made purchased a 30 percent share in California Chrome from Steve and Carolyn... ...

Acceptance

Acceptance wins $100,000 California Flag Stakes. ...

Acceptance Game in California Flag

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2016)–Sent hard from the gate, trainer Kenny Black’s Acceptance proved extra game in deep stretch, as he held off a tenacious Richard’s Boy to win Saturday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles under veteran Stewart Elliott. Bred in California by Old English Rancho, the 4-year-old colt by Vronsky got 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:11.51. Breaking from post position six in a field of seven California-bred or sired runners three and up, Acceptance out-dueled the runner-up going to the half mile point and was able to secure an inside position at the rail prior to crossing the dirt at the top of the lane. From there, he was all heart to the wire as he fended off serious challenges from both Richard’s Boy and favored Boozer, who ended up finishing fifth. “He was tough today,” said Black, himself a former top apprentice rider in the early 1980s. “I thought they had him two or... ...

California Diamond Wins Speakeasy

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2016)–Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, heavily favored California Diamond rolled to a 2 ¼ length win in Sunday’s $70,000 Speakeasy Stakes, a six furlong affair for 2-year-olds. Owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller, the son of Harbor the Gold bred in California by Stormy Hull covered six furlongs in 1:10.96. With Crosscheck Carlos and Right Hand Man setting a fast early pace, California Diamond, who came off a restricted stakes win going 6 ½ furlongs at Los Alamitos on Sept. 18, rolled three-wide to the leaders leaving the quarter pole and put Right Hand Man away with consummate ease a sixteenth out. “He’s really talented,” said Desormeaux, who has ridden California Diamond in his last two starts. “I think the sky’s the limit with him. I was impressed with his performance today. He’s quirky when he makes the lead…I think I’ve got it handled and he won very handily today.” Off at 3-5 in a field of six (four of... ...

Unusual Heat Pensioned

From Unusual Heat Syndicate COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2016) – Unusual Heat, the All Time Leading Sire in California Progeny Earnings has been pensioned from stud at 26. “It is with great emotion that we have to announce the retirement of Unusual Heat”, said Harris Auerbach, managing partner of M. Auerbach, LLC. “He’s been remarkable and even in his final season at stud in 2016 managed to get 25 of 30 bred mares in foal. It’s been an amazing run and I’m happy that “Heat” can now just relax and enjoy the rest of his days just being a horse.” Doug Burge, longtime President of the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association remarked “He’s been the perennial leading sire in California for over a decade and his influence on CA breeding and racing through his sons and daughters will be prevalent for years to come.” Bred by John T. Jones in Kentucky, Unusual Heat is the son of Nureyev and Danish Champion mare Rossard. In 1991, he became the highest priced horse... ...

Retired Cal-breds in Second Career

By Thoroughbred Daily News When Valerie Ashker and Peter Friedman set out to ride two retired Thoroughbreds some 3,500 across the country, they didn’t know what to expect or even if they would complete the journey. But some five months after they started the finish line is nearing, and the horses are holding up fantastically. The same can’t be said for their riders. Their mission is to promote the adoption of off-the-track Thoroughbreds, which they believe are under-appreciated by people looking for a sport horse. They figured if they could show that their two horses, Primitivo and Solar Express, could get through something so grueling and taxing then they could open people’s eyes about the temperament and fortitude of the Thoroughbred. Ashker’s daughter, Laine, is an accomplished equestrian and most of her success has come aboard off-the-track Thoroughbreds. “This has been the hardest thing I have ever done and I have done a lot of hard things,” Ashker said. “It is oppressive day in and day out, just the grind.... ...

Jimmy Bouncer Dominates in Harris Farms

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2016) — Jimmy Bouncer dominated a small field, scoring a wire-to-wire win in the $100,000 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at the Big Fresno Fair on Saturday. The 5-year-old Jimmy Bouncer ($6.60), a gelding by Square Eddie and a Reddam Racing homebred, took the lead out of the gate and was never seriously challenged by four rivals while setting mundane fractions of 23.03 and 45.22 seconds in the six-furlong race. As he controlled the pace, Jimmy Bouncer extended his margin to four lengths by the eighth pole before galloping home a 3 3/4-length winner under Abel Cedillo. The winning time was 1:10.17. Odds-on favorite Well Measured sat close early and was an easy second, finishing 1 3/4 lengths in front of Cartoonist. :: Enjoy news and analysis from DRF? Get handicapping analysis, real-time coverage, special reports, and charts. Unlock access with DRF Plus. The victory continued trainer Doug O’Neill’s string of success in Northern California. He won the El Camino Real... ...

Mature Masochistic Readies for Sprint

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2016) –The difference in a year for Masochistic has been noticeable, and in a good way. The California-bred Sought After gelding is still blazing fast, but during morning workouts, he’s learned to settle down. When Masochistic moved to the Ron Ellis barn in 2015, he could hardly be contained in the mornings and would often run off during works. The horse out on the track Oct. 6 at Santa Anita Park, in his fourth work in preparation for the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I), looked like a different animal. The three-time graded stakes winner relaxed well under exercise rider Balthazar Contreras and finished off his six-furlong drill in 1:12 3/5. His furlong fractions went in :12 4/5, :24 4/5, :36 2/5, :48 1/5, and 1:00 1/5. “He’s much more relaxed now,” Ellis said. “It also depends on who you put on him. (Contreras) has him down pretty good.” Thursday’s drill was Masochistic’s fourth straight bullet work since a dominant 3 3/4-length victory in... ...

California Chrome

California Chrome wins $300,000 Grade I Awesome Again Stakes. ...

Ashleyluvssugar

Ashleyluvssugar wins the $200,000 Grade II John Henry Turf Championship. ...

Super Tuesday Passes

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2016) — Harris Farms is saddened to report that its stakes winning broodmare, Super Tuesday, died on October 1, 2016 as a result of complications of colic. Super Tuesday (Political Ambition-Vaderette, by Skywalker) won five races including the Work The Crowd at Golden Gate Fields, and the California Sires at Hollywood Park. She was by Political Ambition-Vaderette, by Skywalker and produced four winners from five foals to race including Quick Meeting ($152,872), Maybe Tuesday ($169,302) and Doris Johnson ($47,253). Her current 2-year old, Primary Target by Thorn Song is in training at Santa Anita. She was owned and bred by Harris Farms and Sheila Williams, and was trained by Dean Pederson. For further information, contact John Harris at johnharris@harrisfarms.com or Dave McGlothlin at davemcglothlin@harrisfarms.com. ...

Ashleyluvssugar Loves Winning Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2106)–Forwardly placed throughout, California-bred Ashleyluvssugar got a perfect stalking trip under Gary Stevens and went on to an impressive half length win in the Grade II, $200,000 John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita. Trained by Peter Eurton, the 5-year-old gelding by Game Plan got 1 ¼ miles on turf in 1:58.35. A gate to wire winner of the Grade II, 1 3/8 miles turf Del Mar Handicap on Aug. 20, “Ashley” notched his second consecutive win and his fourth from seven starts over the Santa Anita lawn. Breaking from post position six in a field of 10 and with the temporary inner rail set at 10 feet, Ashleyluvssugar sat a controlled second to longshot El Huerfano the entire trip until assuming command three sixteenths of a mile from home. “This is his kind of track,” said Eurton. “You gotta think this horse is just full of heart. When he’s healthy like he is right now, he’s great…The six hole helped us... ...

Sensational Win by California Chrome

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2016)–Superstar California Chrome was sensational yet again at Santa Anita on Saturday, taking the Grade I, $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes in gate to wire fashion by 2 ¼ lengths over rival Dortmund, who pressured him early. Ridden by Victor Espinoza and trained by Art Sherman, California Chrome covered 1 1/8 miles while geared down in 1:48.07, and thus served notice to the world that at age five, he is the horse to beat in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at The Great Race Place on Nov. 5. Breaking from the rail, the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit was hustled out of the gate as Dortmund, adding blinkers and to his immediate outside, was sent as well by Rafael Bejarano. The pair were separated by a neck into and around the Club House turn and Espinoza with a look to his outside, stepped on the gas at the 4 ½ furlong pole and the Awesome Again, was for all intents and purposes,... ...

Ambitious Brew Takes Eddie D.

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 30 2016)–Well positioned while attentive to the pace from his number 10 post position, 6-year-old California-bred gelding Ambitious Brew sat a close third at the top of the stretch and out-gamed runner-up Richard’s Boy late to take Friday’s opening day Grade III, $100,000 Eddie D. Stakes (first division) under Mike Smith. Owned and bred by Pamela Ziebarth and trained by Marty Jones, Ambitious Brew got 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s all-new hillside turf course in 1:11.57. A winner of four of eight lifetime races down the hillside, Ambitious Brew was off at 5-1 in a field of 10 three year olds and up and paid $13.20, $5.40 and $4.20. “He jumped out of the gate well,” said Smith. “I was in a great spot from the word ‘go’ and able to get to the outside smoothly, without losing any ground. I’ve been blessed to ride him a lot and win on him a few times, but I have to say that this is his best race,... ...

Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2016) — There is an old-fashioned reliability about California Chrome that is taken for granted in this age of speed figures and big-day performances. Put it this way: In a career of 23 races dating to his maiden special weight debut at Hollywood Park on April 26, 2013, California Chrome has never missed a start while under the training and management of Art Sherman and his crew. The only time California Chrome had to bow out of a commitment was at Royal Ascot in June 2015, when he had been removed from the Sherman stable and trained in Newmarket, England. California Chrome’s scratch from the Prince of Wales’s Stakes was a humiliating blow for Sherman, whose name was still associated with the champion despite an absence of more than two months from his care. Once California Chrome was returned to the Sherman stable last October, Sherman laid out a campaign for 2016 by the seasons, each season geared toward winning a major... ...

Cal-bred Trio in Split Eddie D.

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 27, 2016) – California-breds McHeat, Boozer and Jimmy Bouncer are entered in the second division of Friday’s $100,000 Grade III Eddie D. Stakes at Santa Anita. McHeat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Half a Year mare Style of the Year and was bred by by Madeline Auerbach. He has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $137,490 and is coming off a fourth in an Aug. 31 optional claimer. Boozer is by Unusual Heat, out of the Cape Canaveral mare Kitty and Boo, was bred by Abrams, Loverso, Perez, Huston Racing and Auerbach, is owned by Al and Sandee Kirkwood and trained by Mark Glatt. He has seven wins in 26 starts, earnings of $582,096 and is coming off a fourth in an Aug. 20 optional claimer. Jimmy Bouncer is an also-eligible 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 four wins in eight starts, earnings of $219,095 and... ...

Ambitious Brew in Friday Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 27, 2016) – California-bred stakes winners Richard’s Boy, Mrazek and Ambitious Brew are entered in the first division of Friday’s $100,000 Grade III Eddie D. Stakes at Santa Anita. 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 and trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 14 starts, earnings of $348,060 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 12 Green Flash. Mrazek is by Square Eddie, out of the Wild Rush mare Heckuva Rush, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $259,569 and is coming off a third in the Sept. 5 Pirate’s Bounty. Ambitious Brew is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Martin Jones. He has six wins in 19 starts, earnings of $439,225 and is coming off... ...

Cal-bred Pair in Chaves County

HOBBS, N.M. (Sept. 26, 2016) – California-breds Warrens Puppy Love and Minster’sadventure are entered in Monday’s $50,000 Chaves County Stakes for fillies and mares at Zia Park. Warrens Puppy Love is by Mongol Warrior, out of the Mecke mare Brrneedfur, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Donna Eaton and trained by Nancy Summers. She has six wins in 21 starts, earnings of $161,338 and is coming off a second in an Aug. 17 optional claimer. Minster’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 13 starts, earnings of $185,539 and is coming off a ninth in an Aug. 20 optional claimer. ...

NBC to Air Pegasus World Cup

By Bloodhorse.com HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 26, 2016) — NBC Sports Group has reached an agreement with The Stronach Group for exclusive United States media rights to the inaugural running of the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (gr. I). What would become the world’s richest Thoroughbred race will be contested Jan. 28, 2017, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla. The network will air a live 90-minute telecast with all coverage to be streamed live on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app, which is the NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs. NBC Sports Group executives said The Pegasus World Cup Invitational will complement the network’s exclusive, long-term media agreements for all the Triple Crown races, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and the newly-acquired Royal Ascot meet. “We are excited to work with The Stronach Group to present such a unique and lucrative race as we continue to present the best horse racing in the world,” said Jon Miller, president of programming for NBC Sports... ...

‘Chrome Checks Into Santa Anita

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2016) — California Chrome , North America’s all-time leading money earner, arrived by van at Santa Anita Park Sept. 25 to begin final preparations for the $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes (gr. I) Oct. 1, the final major steppingstone to the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) Nov. 5. Owned by California Chrome LLC, a partnership consisting of Perry and Denise Martin, Taylor Made Farm, and several prominent breeders, the 5-year-old California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit has earnings of $13,252,650 and will be in search of his sixth consecutive victory on Saturday. “The trip was uneventful,” said assistant trainer Alan Sherman, following California Chrome’s 34-mile freeway trek from his home base at Los Alamitos Race Course. “He’s a trooper. He doesn’t mind traveling, that’s for sure. He’ll jog tomorrow on the main track and we’ll go out with him at about 7 (a.m.).” Fresh off a five-length score in the Pacific Classic (gr. I) Aug. 20 at Del Mar, California Chrome began his current five-race winning streak... ...

‘Chrome Tunes Up for Awesome Again

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2016) ‐‐ Completing his major preparation for the Grade I, $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes Oct. 1 at Santa Anita, California Chrome worked seven furlongs in 1:26.40 over his home track Saturday morning at Los Alamitos. Under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit went the opening quarter of a mile in 25.20 seconds, the half‐mile in 49.20, five furlongs in 1:01 and three‐quarters of a mile in 1:13, according to Los Alamitos clocker Russell Hudak. “I thought the work was just perfect,’’ said trainer Art Sherman. “He’s ready to go.’’ Sherman said California Chrome, who is owned by Taylor Made Farm and co‐breeder Perry Martin, will ship to Santa Anita Sunday morning and will be schooled in the paddock before he aims for his 11th graded stakes victory in the Awesome Again. Based at Los Alamitos since January, 2014, California Chrome has won 14 of 23 and earned $13,252,650, making him the richest thoroughbred in North American history.... ...

CHRB Delays NorCal Dates Decision

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board postponed the allocation of 2017 racing dates for Golden Gate Fields and the Northern California fair circuit after relevant parties failed to reach a resolution at the racing board’s dates committee meeting on Wednesday. At Thursday’s meeting of the entire racing board, chairman Chuck Winner said dates may be allocated in October at the next racing board meeting. Further discussions between racing board and Northern California track officials are expected in coming weeks. “We were not able to reach an agreement,” Winner said. “I’m sorry to say that, but I want to commend the folks that spent time trying to reach an accord. They weren’t able to do it.” Much of the focus on racing dates for the circuit in recent months has been on specific dates for the county fairs and Golden Gate Fields from late June through September. The racing board currently has six members, one fewer than normal. The term of vice chairman Richard... ...

CHRB Approves Pick Six Enhancement

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2016) –An enhancement to the Pick Six wager that is expected to offer large payoffs and re-energize what has been California’s most popular exotic bet will have its debut with the opening of the annual Del Mar Fall race meeting. The Pick Six now will offer a “Single Ticket Jackpot” element added to it which allows for a solo winner to score a potentially hefty jackpot. That enhancement was approved by the California Horse Racing Board at its monthly meeting today and will debut at the 15-day seaside session starting on Friday, November 11. The Pick Six, first introduced in California in 1980, grew into a highly attractive wager for a full range of horse players – from the $2 bettor all the way up to large betting syndicates. Five-, six- and sometimes even seven-figure returns have been a major part of the lure of the bet, which costs $2 and requires the picking of six straight winners. A Pick Six carryover... ...

Oak Tree at Pleasanton Opens Friday

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2016) — When Oak Tree at Pleasanton opens a six-day race meeting on Friday at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, it will not be your usual fair meet. Unlike the other Northern California fair meets, this one will be conducted entirely without a fair. The dates originally belonged to the San Joaquin County Fair in Stockton, but the fair relinquished them. Pleasanton, with its Oak Tree partnership, applied for the dates, as did Golden Gate Fields. The California Horse Racing Board selected Pleasanton for the brief meeting, which runs the next two weeks, Fridays through Sundays. :: OAK TREE AT PLEASANTON: Get PPs, watch Friday’s card live Santa Rosa extends its meet for a few days after the Sonoma County Fair closes, but this will be the first standalone meeting for a fair facility. “I think this two weeks of racing is very important for the entire racing industry,” said Alameda County Fair chief executive Jerome Hoban. “This is the most important two weeks... ...

Espinoza: ‘Chrome Never Been Better

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2016) — Victor Espinoza, regular rider of 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome , said the 5-year-old California-bred has never been doing better as he prepares for a start in the Awesome Again Stakes (gr. I) Oct. 1 at Santa Anita Park. Espinoza says California Chrome is better than ever, but walked the tightrope when asked whether his “Slipped Saddle Saga” in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 26 or his spectacular, front-running, five-length triumph in the Pacific Classic (gr. I) Aug. 20 was his best race. “He ran insane in Dubai,” the gregarious and ever-accommodating Espinoza said by phone from New York where he was visiting family. “Going a mile and a quarter on a track a world away with the saddle slipping and running the way he did was amazing. “The saddle slipped all the way to his hind end. The girth was fully up on his hips. It was tough for me to handle, but we got it done (winning comfortably... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, September 22, 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 Race Dates Committee will meet Wednesday, September 21, at Santa Anita Park beginning at 10:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings. The Board agenda and supporting package of materials as well as the Race Dates Committee agenda and package are available on the CHRB website. ...

Cal-bred Trio Brings Six Figures Each

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 20, 2016) – Three more California-breds sold for six figures at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. A colt by Uncle Mo, out of the Gotham City mare Democratic Sweep, sold for $230,000. He was bred by Dr. Dorothee Kieckhefer & Ashford Stud, was consigned by Columbiana Farm, agent, and was purchased by Holly & David Wilson. A colt by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, sold for $105,000. He was bred by James and Tammy McKenney, was consigned by Darby Dan Farm, agent, and was purchased by Slamdunk Racing. He is a full brother to the Grade II-winning Cal-bred Uzziel. A colt by First Samurai, out of Unusual Heat mare Andover the Cash, sold for $100,000. He was bred by Madeline Auerbach, was consigned by Four Star Sales, agent, and was purchased by Kings Equine, agent. ...

Forney Named TOC Executive Director

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2016) — The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) announced today the promotion of Mary Forney to the position of Executive Director, effective immediately. Forney has been with TOC since 2004 as Director of Operations. She has worked in the California horse racing industry for more than 30 years including 13 years at Santa Anita, most recently as Simulcast Coordinator, and nine years at the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association. She holds a BA in Sociology with an emphasis in Law and Society from Cal State Los Angeles. She was named Outstanding Woman in Thoroughbred Horse Racing in 2006 by the California Legislature. TOC President and CEO, Greg Avioli, said, “Since I joined TOC last year, I have come to depend on Mary as an integral part of the TOC management team. Her extensive knowledge and experience in the business as well as her positive relationships with our members and industry partners are valuable assets for the TOC, and we are pleased to... ...

Bodhisattva Entered at Parx Racing

BETHSALEM, Pa. (Sept. 19, 2016) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Pennsylvania Derby Champion Stakes at Parx Racing. 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 22 starts, earnings of $261,283 and is coming off a third in the Sept. 5 Greenwood Cup Stakes. ...

Cal-bred Filly Sells for $190,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2016) – A California-bred filly by Into Mischief sold for $190,000 at the Sunday session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The filly is out of the multiple stakes-winning Is It True mare Ring True, was bred by Thomas Bachman, was consigned by Woods Edge Farm, agent, and was purchased by Kerri Radcliffe Bloodstock. ...

California Diamond Wins Juvenile

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2016) — The top colt at the Barretts Paddock Sale at Del Mar in July was the top colt in Saturday’s $100,000 Barretts Juvenile at Los Alamitos. California Diamond, purchased for $125,000 in July as the most expensive hip in the sale, won the second stakes of his career in the Barretts Juvenile, overcoming traffic in early stretch. Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, the California-bred won the Juvenile by 1 1/4 lengths over pacesetter Crosscheck Carlos. California Diamond ($4.40) was bred by Stormy Hull. He ran 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.37. California Diamond gave his backers ample suspense in early stretch. Desormeaux had California Diamond behind runners turning into the long stretch. After waiting briefly for room, Desormeaux angled the colt between Crosscheck Carlos and stablemate Big League before finding sufficient space. California Diamond quickened in the final furlong before taking a commanding lead. “A seam was going to open up eventually,” Desormeaux said. “This is the longest stretch in America and when I picked... ...

I Came to Party in Charles Town

CHARLES TOWN, W. Va. (Sept. 14, 2016) – I Came to Party is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Wild and Wonderful Stakes at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. I Came to Party is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Decarchy mare Onefunsponofagun, was bred by Ellen Jackson, Kevin Nish and Kim Nish, is owned by Ronald Clark and trained by G Brooks. He has three wins in 15 starts, earnings of $92,855 and is coming off a sixth in an Aug. 14 allowance. ...

Industry Needs H-2B Exemption

From American Horse Council WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 13, 2016) — Congress is currently drafting a short-term spending bill, or continuing resolution (CR), to keep the government funded for the next couple of months. It is very important to the horse industry that this CR retains the H-2B returning worker exemption from last year. The H-2B program is used by members of the horse industry, principally horse trainers and owners who cannot find American workers to fill semi-skilled jobs as grooms, exercise riders, and stable attendants at racetracks, horse shows, fairs and in similar non-agricultural activities. Last year, in order to ensure the horse industry and other seasonal small businesses continued to have access to needed H-2B workers, Congress reinstated the H-2B returning worker exemption that was in place from 2005 through 2007. This provision of law exempted from the 66,000 cap on H-2B visas, workers who had complied with past visa requirements and worked in the program during one of the preceding three years. If you, your business or members... ...

Former CTBA Exec Ted Waite Passes

By The Saratogian SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Sept. 13, 2016) — Theodore (Ted) Joseph Waite Jr., former executive vice president and general manager of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, died at home on Saturday, September 10, 2016, at the age of 77, after a brief battle with cancer. Ted is survived by his wife Elizabeth A. (Betty) Waite of Saratoga Springs, NY; his sons Theodore (Ted) J. Waite III (Barbara) of Saratoga Springs, NY; Frank E. Waite (Eileen) of Mentor, OH and James R. Waite (Holly) of Rocky River, OH and grandchildren Aidan, Dillon and Fiona of Saratoga Springs, NY, Madison, Timothy, Patrick and Mitchell of Mentor, OH and Zachary, Rachael and Paige of Rocky River, OH. Ted was born on April 27, 1939 in Berea, OH. He graduated from Ohio State University. While attending Law School, he was called home to run his family’s trucking business, Highway Express, Inc. in Cleveland, OH. Ted became very active in the Horse Industry owning and operating Buckeye Stable. He was the leading money... ...

Cal-bred Sells for $120,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 12, 2016) – A California-bred son of Into Mischief, out of the multiple graded stakes winning Cal-bred mare Unzip Me, sold for $120,000 at Monday’s first session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Bred by Harris Farms, Donald Valpredo and Martin Jones and consigned by Valkyre Stud, the colt was purchased by Harris Auerbach, agent for Harris Farms. ...

Harris Ranch Seminar Postponed

COALINGA, Calif. (Sept. 12, 2016) – This year’s Harris Ranch Seminar, originally scheduled for October 7, has been postponed until 2017. Details on rescheduling the event will be posted on ctba.com when they become available. ...

Soi Phet Still Going Strong at 8

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2016) — At the age of 8, Soi Phet continues to amaze trainer Leonard Powell. The former $14,000 claimer won his third stakes in his last four starts in Saturday’s $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes for California-bred milers at Los Alamitos, catching pacesetter Magic Mark in the final sixteenth. The win was worth $45,375 to a partnership that owns Soi Phet. Since being claimed in the spring of 2013 at Hollywood Park, Soi Phet has earned $713,391. “I’m proud to be his trainer,” Powell said in the winner’s circle. Ridden by Mike Smith, Soi Phet had an ideal trip against three rivals in the Johnston. He stalked Magic Mark and Avanti Bello before making a three-wide move on the turn. Entering the long stretch, Smith guided Soi Phet closer to the leaders and slowly reached the front. “He’s 8 and he knows his job,” Powell said. “He made a move to catch the leaders and a second move to get in front. That was it.”... ...

‘Chrome Works on ‘Chrome Day

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2016) — On his day, at his home track, and a bit out of his normal workout routine, California Chrome still gave trainer Art Sherman just what he wanted Sept. 10 at Los Alamitos Race Course. With his normal 5:30 a.m. work time moved back to 7:30 to accommodate a host of fans out for California Chrome Day in the City of Cypress, the 2014 Horse of the Year covered five furlongs in 1:00 4/5. Sherman watched through his binoculars from the Los Alamitos grandstand, because his normal perch on the patio at Schwanie’s at the Gap was overflowing with “Chromies,” but the trainer liked what he saw. “He went just the way I wanted,” Sherman said. “He was relaxed and he doesn’t need much. He’s been running great and he’s right on schedule.” The son of Lucky Pulpit pulled a little with an eagerness to run under exercise rider Dihigi Gladney in the backstretch, but settled soon after to run fractions of :24... ...

Enola Gray Risks Unbeaten Streak

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2016) – Unbeaten Enola Gray is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Beverly J. Lewis Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. 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 won all three starts with earnings of $229,100 and is coming off a win in the July 22 Fleet Treat. ...

Sharkzilla Enters Gottstein Futurity

AUBURN, Wash. (Sept. 8, 2016) – Sharkzilla is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $65,000 Gottstein Futurity for 2-year-olds at Emerald Downs. Sharkzilla is by Distorted Reality, out of the Moscow Ballet mare Blue Ice Shark, was bred by Roger Downes, is owned by John Parker and trained by Candi Tollett. He is a maiden making his third start with earnings of $3,648. ...

Soi Phet, Magic Mark in E.B. Johnston

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2016) – Soi Phet and Magic Mark, winners of the two divisions of the Harry F. Brubaker Stakes, square off in Saturday’s $75,000 E. B. Johnston Stakes for California-breds at Los Alamitos Songforjohnmichael is by Songandaprayer, out of the Quiet American mare Silent Demand, was bred by Kathleen Kennedy, is owned by RL Stables and trained by Dan Hendricks. He has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $186,850 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 24 Harry F. Brubaker. 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 16 starts, earnings of $325,634 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 24 Harry F. Brubaker. El Huerfano is by Tannersmyman, out of the Capsized mare Adriftinthebay, was bred by M.A. Douzos, is owned by Barber or Wachtel and is trained by Peter Miller. He has four wins in 18... ...

Los Alamitos Opens Thursday

By Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2016) — The third Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos will start Thursday, Sept. 8. Post time for the 12-day season will be 2 p.m. Racing will be conducted on a Thursday-Sunday basis through Sunday, Sept. 25. Track gates – including the Clubhouse and Vessels Club – will open at 9:30 a.m. General parking is free with grandstand admission $3 ($2 for seniors). Included on the wagering menu are the $2 Pick Six, a pair of 50-cent Pick 4’s – races 2-5 and the final four races – as well as the Players’ Pick 5 – a 50-cent minimum wager with a reduced 14% takeout rate which is offered on the first five races. The richest race of the meet is the Grade II, $200,000 Los Alamitos Derby. Restricted to 3-year-olds, the 1 1/8-mile Derby was run during the Summer Thoroughbred Festival in July the previous two years. Shared Belief won the 2014 renewal while Gimme Da Lute prevailed in... ...

‘Chrome Del Mar Horse of the Meet

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2016) –A hard-fought victory against a game Dortmund in the San Diego Handicap and a wire-to-wire domination of a field that included defending champion Beholder in the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic made California Chrome the unanimous choice as Del Mar’s Horse of the Meeting for 2016. The 5-year-old, California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit, owned by Perry Martin and Taylor Made Farm and trained by Art Sherman, came into the meeting as North America’s all-time earnings leader with more than $12.5 million and added $720,000 to the total with his two wins. With jockey Victor Espinoza providing expert guidance, California Chrome stalked pace-setting Dortmund in the San Diego, took a narrow advantage at the quarter pole and refused to yield to determined Dortmund and ultimately prevailed by a half-length. Drawing the No. 1 post in the Pacific Classic, Espinoza decided to take control of the pace immediately and pursuing Beholder was never closer than 1 ½ lengths as California Chrome drew away... ...

Mo Soul

Mo Soul wins $150,000 I’m Smokin Stakes. ...

‘Chrome Works at Los Alamitos

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 3, 2016) — Trainer Art Sherman sent California Chrome back out to breeze at Los Alamitos for the first time since his impressive Aug. 20 TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I) victory, and the 2014 Horse of the Year turned in a steady work Sept. 3. Los Al clockers caught the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit in :48 4/5 after a first quarter in :24 3/5, and timed him through the gallop out in 1:02 4/5. “I thought it was a very good maintenance work; he just was breezing,” Sherman said. “He went in :48 and change, the gallop out was strong. We’re right on schedule.” Next on California Chrome’s march to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) is the Oct. 1 Awesome Again (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park, a Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” event. California Chrome has surpassed expectations in each of his five starts in 2016 for an undefeated season that includes a victory in the March 26 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline... ...

I’m Smokin Goes to Mo Soul

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2016) –Mo Soul, overlooked in the wagering at 20-1, outbattled 13-10 favored California Diamond in the stretch to win the $150,345 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series eligible two-year-olds Friday at Del Mar. With Tiago Pereira in the saddle, Mo Soul wore down California Diamond in the stretch to forge a length and one-quarter triumph in the six-furlong sprint. Rinse and Repeat was a distant third in the field of seven first-year runners. “We had a good position, but he’s a little green and I had to push on him to get him going,” said Pereira. “But he responded very well. And he finished with his ears up so he was going easy at the end.” Mo Soul, who won his career debut June 19 in a $50,000 maiden claiming race at Santa Anita but had been idle since then, sped the distance in 1:10.21 and returned $43.20, $12.40 and $6.40 while earning first money of $85,500. The gelded son of... ...

Mrazek in Pirate’s Bounty

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Mrazek is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $75,000 Pirate’s Bounty Stakes at Del Mar. Mrazek is by Square Eddie, out of the Wild Rush mare Heckuva Rush, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $247,437 and is coming off a third in the July 27 Real Good Deal. ...

Tamarando in Rolling Green

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2016) – Grade I winner Tamarando is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 Rolling Green Stakes 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 27 starts, earnings of $695,278 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 7 Joseph T. Grace, but has gone 17 races and 2 ½ years since last winning. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Del Mar Derby

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Gold Rush Dancer and Grade I-winning fellow California-bred Ralis are entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Grade II Del Mar Derby for 3-year-olds. Gold Rush Dancer is by Private Gold, out of the In Excess mare Dances On Water, was bred by owner John Parker and is trained by Vann Belvoir. He has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $379,923 and is coming off wins in three consecutive stakes. 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 13 starts, earnings of $374,083 and is coming off an eighth in the July 9 Belmont Derby Invitational. ...

Cal-breds Dominate Barretts Sale

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2016) — A filly by the first-crop stallion Smiling Tiger was purchased for $130,000, making her the most expensive horse of Tuesday’s Barretts select yearling sale at Del Mar. Gross sales and average price were essentially the same compared to 2015, and median price declined. Overall, 46 horses sold for $1,710,000, an average of $37,174, according to results provided by Barretts. The gross increased $81,000 from 2015, while the average increased $151. The median price was $27,500 compared to $32,500 in 2015. The number sold increased by 2 from last year. :: DRF BREEDING LIVE: Real-time coverage of breeding and sales “We felt holding steady would be a win,” said Barretts general manager Kim Lloyd. The sale was dominated by California-breds. There were nine horses withdrawn, and 23 listed as not sold, or 34 percent of the horses that went through the ring. The number of horses bought back was exactly the same as in the 2015 sale, which Lloyd said was discouraging.... ...

Del Mar’s Fall Stakes Schedule

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2016) — Fourteen stakes races worth just over $2 million will be offered during Del Mar’s third consecutive fall racing season that kicks off at the shore oval on Friday, November 11, which is Veterans Day. The stakes roster, highlighted by a pair of Grade I events on the closing weekend of December 3 and 4, mirrors for the most part the previous two falls, all of which have been dubbed the “Bing Crosby Season” as a salute to the track’s founder and the rich history of old Hollywood that he embodied. One of the changes from last year’s stakes schedule is the addition of the $200,000, Grade II Bayakoa Handicap for older fillies and mares on Saturday, December 3 to the lineup. Previously, the race had been run at Los Alamitos. Conversely, Del Mar will not present three stakes it offered during the fall of 2015 because they have returned to the Santa Anita schedule. Those were the... ...

Cal-bred Pair in Juvenile Turf

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 30, 2016) – California-breds Eichel and Exotic Ghost are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes for 2-year-olds. Eichel is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Russian Courage mare Nicole and Ben, was bred by Robert Moreno, is owned by Freeman or Miller and trained by Edward Freeman. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $42,880 and is coming off an Aug. 8 maiden claiming win. Exotic Ghost is by Thorn Song, out of the Globalize mare Chati Valley, was bred by Woodbridge Farm & Elrod Racing Stable, is owned by Little Red Feather Racing Stable, Sluggo Racing or Naify and is trained by Mike Puype. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $26,280 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 3 Graduation Stakes. ...

‘Chrome Day at Los Alamitos Sept. 10

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 30, 2016) –The most famous resident of Los Alamitos will be honored on “California Chrome Day” Sept. 10 at the track. In conjunction with a recent proclamation by officials from the city of Cypress, Calif., Los Alamitos will pay tribute to the richest racing Thoroughbred in North American history on the first Saturday of the Los Angeles County Fair at Los Alamitos meet. A video montage will be shown at Los Alamitos featuring highlights of California Chrome’s career and there will be a special presentation by Cypress city officials to members of the 5-year-old horse’s team, including trainer Art Sherman. There will not be an appearance by California Chrome, who won the Grade I, $1 million TVG Pacific Classic Aug. 20 at Del Mar in his most recent race. Additionally, there will be a plush toy giveaway—one per paid admission to the first 2,500 on-track patrons. California Chrome, a California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit who has 10 graded stakes victories, is expected to make his next start... ...

Masochistic

Masochistic wins $200,000 Grade II Pat O’Brien. ...

Miss Sunset

Miss Sunset wins $150,000 Generous Portion. ...

Jersey Blues Wins Hesse

OCEANPORT, N.J. (Aug. 28, 2016) – Jersey Blues, a New Jersey-bred son of California stallion Eddington, won Sunday’s $61,200 Charles Hesse III Handicap at Monmouth Park. Jersey Blues ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.57 and won by 2 ¼ lengths at odds of 7-2 in the field of nine. He has four wins in 12 starts, and earnings of $138,134. “He’s a big horse who’s a funny traveler, but he can run,” said winning trainer John Mazza, who conditions the Hesse winner for Holly Crest Farm. “Paco (Lopez) rode a great race and I guess we got lucky today. It feels great to win such a race at my home track on Jersey-bred Day.” ...

California Diamond Could be Smokin

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2016) – California Diamond is the lone stakes winner entered in Wednesday’s $150,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Rinse and Repeat is by Square Eddie, out of the Gilded Time mare Electric Daze, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $68,520 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 13 Best Pal. Elwood J is by Vronsky, out of the In Excess mare Preservingthepeace, was bred by Old English Rancho, Patsy Berumen & Sal Berumen, is owned by Joe Turner and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He won his lone start July 29 with earnings of $37,800. Upstaging the Cast is by Coil, out of the Horse Chestnut mare Phoenician Star, was bred by Mike Ryan, is owned by Longley, Nesheim or Ryan and is trained by Adam Kitchingman. He won his lone start Aug. 13 with earnings of $37,800. California Diamond is by... ...

Miss Sunset Wins Generous Portion

From DMTC.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2016) –Miss Sunset, the 1-2 favorite on the basis of her career debut which she won stylishly by four and three-quarter lengths, improved on that performance Saturday with an easy victory in the $150,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series eligible two-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Ridden confidently by jockey Fernando Perez, Miss Sunset took charge in the stretch and was not threatened in scoring by five and one-quarter lengths in 1:10.46 for the six furlongs. How About Zero, making her first start, ran creditably to be second, five and one-half lengths in front of Rocketann in the field of six fillies. Miss Sunset, a daughter of Into Mischief bred by Premier Thoroughbreds and Alan Klein, owned by Klein and Lebherz and trained by Jeff Bonde, rewarded her supports with an across the board payoff of $3, $2.60 and $2.20 while earning $85,500. How About Zero, who was piloted by Mario Gutierrez, returned $4.40 and $3.20, while Rocketann paid $5.80 to show.... ...

Masochistic Brilliant in Pat O’Brien

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2016) — Masochistic, the overwhelming favorite at 1-5, delivered as expected Saturday with a brilliant front-running victory under jockey Tyler Baze in the featured Grade II $200,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes. Running versus only two rivals, Masochistic breezed to the front in the first few strides and was on cruise-control for the remainder of the seven-furlong sprint, Baze never uncocking his whip as his mount strolled to the wire three and three-quarter lengths in front of Vyjack, second choice at 5-2, with Indexical a distant third another seven and one-half lengths farther back. Outside Nashville and Cautious Giant were withdrawn from the original field. Masochistic, a six-year-old California-bred gelded son of Sought After, was bred by Francoise Dupuis & Louise Julian, is owned by Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Jay Em Ess Stable and is trained by Ron Ellis. His time of 1:20.31 narrowly missed the track record of 1:20 flat set by Solar Launch in the 1990 Real Good Deal Stakes. The... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2016) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, August 25, at Del Mar’s Surfside Race Place. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, 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: · Seven individuals concerned about racehorse fatalities at Del Mar’s current meet addressed the Board during the comment period to express those concerns. CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker described some of the rules, policies and practices the CHRB has in place with respect to the safety of horses and riders. He and Chairman Winner assured the public that this Board’s primary objective is the health and safety of horses and riders. · The Board approved a rolling three-year racing calendar for thoroughbred meets in Southern California as submitted by racetracks and horsemen and reflecting a multi-year agreement on... ...

Love the Chase to be Sold

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2016) — The mare who produced 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome will be offered at the Fasig-Tipton November sale, owner Perry Martin said. Love the Chase will be sold through the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment in foal to Tapit. Actually, the first mare of the year confirmed in foal to North America’s leading sire. “I’m keeping 10% of California Chrome , so that means I’ll need some mares, which means I can’t keep everything,” Martin said. “I plan on selling her and using the proceeds to buy other mares. I’m also breeding horses with the idea of breeding to Chrome. “For tax purposes, what we are doing is a 1031 exchange, which is basically exchanging assets. This is mostly used for real estate but you can use any asset as long as they are similar in kind, and you have window of opportunity to do that.” A key purchase for Martin’s broodmare program down the road was an Ohio-bred Munnings filly now named Not... ...

Nite Delite in Smart N Fancy

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 26, 2016) – Nite Delite is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Smart N Fancy Stakes for fillies and mares at Saratoga. Nite Delite is by War Chant, out of the Mountain Cat mare One Tough Cat, was bred by Angel Crest Farms, is owned by Jack Liebau and trained by Linda Rice. She has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $188,540 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 14 Blue Sparkler. ...

Soi Phet

Soi Phet wins $75,000 Harry F. Brubaker Stakes ...

Magic Mark

Magic Mark wins $75,000 Harry F. Brubaker Stakes. ...

Enola Gray Seeks a Grade

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 26, 2016) – Unbeaten multiple stakes winner Enola Gray and fellow California-bred Nine Point Nine are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. 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 won all three races, $229,100 and is coming off a wins in the Melair and Fleet Treat. Nine Point Nine is by Tribal Rule, out of the Cahill Road mare Cielo Dulce, was bred by Stormy Hull and Ginger Samples, is owned by David and Holly Wilson and trained by Vladimir Cerin. She has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $150,300 and is coming off a fourth in an Aug. 4 optional claimer. ...

Masochistic Primed for O’Brien

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2016) — Masochistic, one of the top sprinters in 2015, made a strong return to racing in a July 8 allowance race at Santa Anita Park after a nine-month layoff and has been training forwardly for the $200,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes (gr. II) Aug. 27 at Del Mar. The 6-year-old California-bred son of Sought After led gate-to-wire in his last-out win and finished 6 1/4 lengths in front, covering 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:13.74 under Mike Smith for Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Jay Em Ess Stable. “Visually, it was very impressive, he looks like a different horse this year,” trainer Ron Ellis said. “He always used to be a bit of a run-off and it was nice to see how he settled for Mike. Even though they were going fast, (Masochistic) had his ears up in the air and was really relaxed, which was kind of a different thing for him.” The result was vastly different from Masochistic’s previous start, when he finished a distant last of 14... ...

Magic Mark Wins Second Division

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2016) – California-bred Magic Mark ($23) disputed the pace throughout the $100,735 second division of Wednesday’s Harry F. Brubaker Strakes at Del Mar to score by 2 1/4 lengths over 18-1 Songforjohnmichael. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Magic Mark was timed in 1:35.55. Trainer Ron Ellis said being near the front is key for Magic Mark. “When he gets dirt in his face, he’s not as brave,” Ellis said. “He’s got a high cruising speed. Drayden did an amazing job.” Magic Mark, 6, races for breeders Dorine and John Lanza. By Benchmark, Magic Mark has won six of 16 starts and earned $325,634. Magic Mark won the Bertrando Stakes at Los Alamitos in July 2015. ...

Overland Route Suits Soi Phet

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2016) – California-bred Soi Phet won the $99,145 first division of the Harry F. Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar on Wednesday despite a wide trip throughout the mile under jockey Kent Desormeaux. Soi Phet ($4.20) was three wide in the six path on the backstretch and four wide on the turn before pulling away in the final furlong to win by 2 1/4 lengths over 15-1 Solid Wager. Soi Phet ran a mile in 1:35.05, the second-fastest time of the meeting at the distance. “I was so scared because he was going so wide,” trainer Leonard Powell said. “Kent was waiting and waiting, and I was hoping he had something left. He ran a good time.” Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Benowitz Family Trust, Powell or Viskovich and is trained by Leonard Powell. He has 10 wins in 47 starts, earnings of $705,096 and was coming off a sixth... ...

You’re Late in Generous Portion

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2016) – You’re Late, winner of last month’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes, returns in Saturday’s $150,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Dixie Chick Rocks is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Rock Hard Ten mare Incredible Ten, was bred by owners John or Allegra Ernst and is trained by Dan Hendricks. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $38,145 and is coming off an Aug. 13 maiden win. You’re Late is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Smart Strike mare Coastal Strike, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $97,320 and is coming off a win in the July 29 CTBA Stakes. Miss Sunset is by Into Mischief, out of the Trippi mare Tuscan Sunset, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, is owned by Klein & Lebherz and trained by Jeff Bonde. She won her lone start July... ...

Masochistic Seeks Breeders’ Cup Spot

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2016) — California-bred Masochistic, one of the top sprinters in the country in 2015, made a strong return to racing after a nine-month layoff in an allowance race at Santa Anita on July 8. The 6-year-old son of Sought After, bred by Francoise Dupuis & Louise Julian, led wire-to-wire and finished 6 ¼ lengths in front, covering 6 ½ furlongs in 1:13.74 under Mike Smith. “Visually, it was very impressive, he looks like a different horse this year,” Ellis said. “He always used to be a bit of a run-off and it was nice to see how he settled for Mike. Even though they were going fast, (Masochistic) had his ears up in the air and was really relaxed, which was kind of a different thing for him.” The result was vastly different from Masochistic’s previous start, when he finished a distant last of 14 in the $1.5 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Keeneland in Lexington, Ky. “He fractured a hind leg coming out... ...

Woodmans Luck on Stand By

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (Aug. 24, 2016) – Woodmans Luck is the lone California-bred entered for main track only in Saturday’s $75,000 Brooks Fields Stakes at Canterbury Park. Woodmans Luck is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Woodman mare Royal Woodman, was bred by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams, is owned by BCMC Stables, Kovalchuk Stables, North Star Thoroughbreds, et al and is trained by J Sharp. He has 11 wins in 60 starts, earnings of $439,155 and is coming off consecutive starter optional claimers. ...

Racing Dates for 2017 Approved

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. – The California Horse Racing Board approved a three-year racing calendar for the Southern California Thoroughbred circuit starting in 2017, with dates similar to the 2014 and 2015 seasons. The racing board was presented with a proposed calendar by racing officials at a committee meeting on Monday. The full board approved the calendar on Thursday. For the 2017 season, Santa Anita will run from Dec. 26, 2016 to July 4, 2017, followed by a two-week meeting at Los Alamitos. Del Mar’s summer meeting will run from July 19 to Sept. 4. Los Alamitos will host the Los Angeles County Fair meeting for three weeks in September before Santa Anita begins a five-week autumn meeting in the final days of September through October. In the final months of the year, Del Mar will run a four-week meeting from Nov. 1-26 before Los Alamitos hosts a three-week meeting from Nov. 30 to Dec. 17. Del Mar’s autumn meeting will include the Breeders’ Cup races on Nov. 3-4.... ...

Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 22, 2016) — You could hear it throughout the stands Saturday at Del Mar. Gasps of “Oh!” as California Chrome took command of the Pacific Classic right from the start and dared anyone to run with him. “Gee” as he bounded along, oblivious to those in pursuit. “Wow” when he burst clear once and for all at the head of the stretch. Oh-gee-wow moments in horse racing are few and far between. They require a race of importance, preferably of some length, with a best-case scenario for unforgettable drama. When it happens, the grandchildren will be told the tale. Still, oh-gee-wow means very little without context, which is why those closest to California Chrome should be taken at their word for the joyous excess of their post-game comments. Art Sherman said Chrome should be heading straight to the Hall of Fame, and Sherman sat on Swaps, which is all the historical context anyone ever needs when it comes to judging horseflesh. Victor... ...

‘Chrome Fine, Ships Home to Los Al

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2016) — After a nice, late dinner at Chin’s Szechwan Cuisine, 79-year-old Art Sherman felt like getting back on a horse Aug. 21 at Del Mar, a day after California Chrome ‘s dominant victory in the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I). Almost an octogenarian, the former exercise rider for Swaps would just like one chance to get on his brilliant chestnut. “I’d love to just sit on him one time,” Sherman said with his trademark wry smile. “I’ll tell (jockey) Victor (Espinoza), ‘Just don’t make any mistakes, because he might get a different rider.’ “I’ve had dreams of being on that horse.” Barn CC on the Del Mar backside had a party-like atmosphere Sunday morning—with a large group of connections and fans huddled around the 2014 Horse of the Year’s stall—following what Sherman called the best performance of his career. BALAN: California Chrome Superior in Pacific Classic “I knew the race was over at the three-eighths pole, because I know what the horse... ...

Stakes Winners in Brubaker Division

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2016) – California-bred stakes winners Soi Phet, Solid Wager and Grazen Sky are entered in the first division of Wednesday’s $75,000 Harry F. Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar. Grazen Sky is by Grazen, out of the Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Mark Rheinford. He has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $360,266 and is coming off a win in a July 15 optional claimer. Solid Wager is by Birdonthewire, out of the Valid Wager mare G Ma, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Barber or Barber or Stanford Stables and is trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 27 starts, earnings of $350,641 and making his first start since an 11th in the Feb. 27 Sensational Star. Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Benowitz Family Trust, Powell or Viskovich and is trained by Leonard Powell.... ...

Magic Mark in Brubaker Division

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2016) – California-breds Magic Mark, Songforjohnmichael and Avanti Bello are entered in the second division of Wednesday’s $75,000 Harry F. Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar. 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 five wins in 15 starts, earnings of $264,734 and is coming off a fourth in the July 4 Thor’s Echo. Songforjohnmichael is by Songandaprayer, out of the Quiet American mare Silent Demand, was bred by Kathleen Kennedy, is owned by RL Stables and trained by Dan Hendricks. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $166,550 and is coming off a fourth in an Aug. 10 optional claimer. Avanti Bello is by Include, out of the Mizzen Mast mare Masterful Lass, was bred by Lou Neve, is owned by Suarez or Keh or Richardson, et al and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has four wins in 15 starts, earnings... ...

CHRB Meetings Advisory

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, August 25, preceded by committee meetings Monday and Wednesday, all at Del Mar’s Surfside Race Place and open to the public. The Race Dates Committee will meet Monday beginning at 11 a.m. The Medication and Track Safety Committee will meet Wednesday beginning at 11 a.m. followed by the Legislative, Legal and Regulations Committee at 2 p.m. The regular Board meeting will commence at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board agenda and supporting package of materials as well as the Race Dates Committee agenda and package, Medication Committee agenda and package, and Legislative Committee agenda and package all are available on the CHRB website. ...

NorCal Sale Grad in Shared Belief

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2016) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Touched by Autism and fellow California-bred Taman Guard are entered in Friday’s $100,000 Shared Belief Stakes for 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Taman Guard is by Midnight Lute, out of the Deputy Minister mare Bellastrega, was bred by John Perrotta and E. Mercaldo, is owned by Jungle Racing, KMN Racing or LNJ Foxwoods and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $87,660 and is coming off a fourth in the July 27 Real Good Deal. Touched by Autism is by Sierra Sunset, out of the Beau Genius mare Beau’s Gem, was bred by George and Mary Clare Schmitt, is owned by Johnny Toboada and trained by Marcia Stortz. The $2,700 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $118,281 and is coming off a third in the Apr. 30 California Chrome. ...

Mirahmadi Released from Hospital

By DRF.com NEPTUNE CITY, N.J. — Monmouth Park race-caller Frank Mirahmadi was released from the Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune City, N.J., on Monday, a week after undergoing colon surgery. Mirahmadi, 48, will continue his recovery at his New Jersey residence. It has not been determined when Mirahmadi will return to the Monmouth announcer’s booth, but he is eager to do so. Angelo Chinnici, the medical director at Monmouth who convinced Mirahmadi to go to the hospital and then was instrumental in getting him admitted, was already devising a plan last Saturday on how to get Mirahmadi to the press box without draining his energy. When asked by text whether he would return this weekend, Mirahmadi responded, “It’s like an inquiry. Picture the numbers on the board flashing. I know I can do it but will defer to the decision of doctors.” ...

California Chrome

California Chrome wins $1 million Grade I TVG Pacific Classic ...

‘Chrome Crushes Pacific Classic Field

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 20, 2016) –California-bred California Chrome, all-time leading money-winner in North America, embellished his growing stature as one of the finest Thoroughbreds to grace the racing scene in recent times with a brilliant triumph in the Grade I $1 million TVG Pacific Classic Saturday. Sent to the lead by jockey Victor Espinoza from his inside post position in the opening strides, the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit cruised along in front setting comfortable fractions of :23.20, 47.29, 1:11.22 and 1:35.69 in the mile and one-quarter race. “Before the race, no matter what strategy I have, everything changes when the gate opens,” said Espinoza. “So, right when I was behind the gate I thought ‘You know what, I’m going to send out of here. I’m going to send hard out of the gate and then move out just a little toward the middle of the track. I tapped California Chrome a couple of times and I was surprised I opened up two or three lengths right... ...

Ashleyluvssugar Hangs on in Del Mar

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 20, 2016) –Masterfully-rated on the lead by Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, 5-2 favored California-bred Ashleyluvssugar held on desperately in the final strides to nose out rallying Metaboss and win the Grade II $250,000 Del Mar Handicap on the day of the Grade I $1 million TVG Pacific Classic. Ashleyluvssugar, runner-up in the mile and three-eighths grass event a year ago, went to the front shortly after the start, was well in hand while setting a slow pace under Stevens, but was forced to go all out to prevail by the narrowest of margins. Longshot Texas Ryano was third, a length behind Meta Boss, who rallied from last under Rafael Bejarano to just miss, while another longshot, El Huerfano was fourth in the field of a dozen older horses. “He was waiting on horses,” said Stevens. “I tried to stay busy on him, but he was waiting. They (the other riders) know it and know him. They came at him out in the... ...

Ashleyluvssugar

Ashleyluvssugar wins $250,000 Grade I Del Mar Handicap. ...

Agreement Reached on Racing Dates

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2016) — Southern California racing officials have reached a tentative agreement for racing dates for three years and long-term offtrack stabling beginning in 2017, executives said on Thursday. The proposal will be presented to the California Horse Racing Board for ratification at committee and board meetings in the coming days at Del Mar. No agreement has been reached on racing dates for the Northern California Thoroughbred circuit, with negotiations likely to continue for another month or two, several officials said. The racing board’s dates committee is scheduled to meet Monday to hear updates on proposed dates for both Thoroughbred circuits. The Southern California schedule from 2017 to 2019 is likely to look similar to the 2014 and 2015 seasons, the first two years of racing following the closure of Hollywood Park in late 2013, officials said. For 2017, Santa Anita will run from Dec. 26, 2016, to July 4, followed by a two-week summer meeting at Los Alamitos. Del Mar will race for... ...

CHRB Steps Up Drug Testing

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board has stepped up drug testing in Southern California with industry cooperation and soon things will be going really high tech with a new focus on biological markers supported by The Jockey Club. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) hired an additional examining veterinarian for the current meet, while the CHRB appointed a second official veterinarian, which have allowed for increased out-of-competition drug testing – an increasingly important strategy for detecting substances and practices not easily identified through traditional post-race screening. CHRB Executive Director Rick Baedeker said the increased drug testing will continue indefinitely. The Ken Maddy Laboratory at UC Davis is critical to this effort, as it is considered the preeminent facility of its kind and administers the testing for horses participating at Del Mar, Santa Anita, and all other racetracks in the state. Research is a key component of the Maddy Laboratory’s commitment to equine health and safety, and now the lab is breaking new ground... ...

Memorial Service Tuesday for Diaz

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2016) — A celebration of life will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. PT in the turf club at Golden Gate Fields for Antonio L. “Tony” Diaz, a top Northern California rider and trainer who died of cancer Monday at age 67. Diaz was the leading rider on the Northern California circuit during the 1970s, winning riding titles at Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows, and he became a trainer following his retirement. He rode 2,505 winners before his retirement in 2002 and trained 441 winners from 2,421 starters, including Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies runner Meadow Rendezvous. Diaz won a number of riding titles at both Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows while scoring 2,505 career wins before his retirement in 1992. His mounts earned more than $20 million. Following his retirement, Diaz began training horses and took Meadow Rendezvous to the 1993 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, where she finished eighth under his brother, Juvenal Diaz. Diaz had 441 winners from 2,421 starters as... ...

Majestic Heat

Majestic Heat wins $150,000 Solana Beach. ...

Jockey Club Adds Pair

From The Jockey club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 17, 2016) — Barbara Banke and J. Michael O’Farrell Jr. have been elected to the board of stewards of The Jockey Club, filling the expired positions of Stella F. Thayer and Peter S. Willmott. Banke is a Thoroughbred owner and breeder and proprietor of Jackson Family Wines, based in Santa Rosa, California. She serves on the boards of the Breeders’ Cup, TOBA, and National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame and has been a member of The Jockey Club since 2013. She owns Stonestreet Stables, which has campaigned the winners of 100 stakes races, including horses of the year Curlin (2007, 2008) and Rachel Alexandra (2009), and is a leading developer of stallions, including Curlin, Kantharos, Carpe Diem, Maclean’s Music and Astrology. Her Lexington-based Stonestreet Farm is a leading commercial breeder and has produced the winners of 38 graded stakes and more than $38,000,000 in purses. O’Farrell owns and operates Ocala Stud, the oldest active Florida Thoroughbred farm, in Ocala, Florida. Ocala... ...

City Zip Colt Tops NorCal Sale

Sales Result in pdf format Sales Result in xlsx format PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2016) – A colt by City Zip brought a sale-topping $50,000 and a pair of California-bred colts by stallion Acclamation were close behind in Tuesday’s 2016 Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The high-bid colt is out of the stakes-placed Runaway Groom mare Mama Ruth, who also has produced a full brother that earned $150,050. He was bred by H & E Ranch and was purchased by Robert Hess, Jr. H & E Ranch also bred the topper at the sale two years ago. The second-highest priced sale was a California-bred bay colt by California stallion Acclamation, out of the stakes-winning Jump Start mare North Freeway, bred by Thomas Bachman, sold for $47,000 as property of Fairview and was purchased by Terry Knight. The other Acclamation, out of the Falstaff mare Evening Walk, was consigned and bred by Harris Farms and was purchased for $40,000 by John Brocklebank,... ...

‘Chrome Draws Rail for Saturday

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2016) –America’s top racehorse – California-bred California Chrome – drew Post No. 1 and was installed as the 8/5 morning line favorite Tuesday for this Saturday’s $1,000,000 TVG Pacific Classic at Del Mar. Among the eight rivals who will face him in the 26th edition of the mile and one-quarter Classic is Beholder, America’s top racemare and the defending champion in the prestigious headliner that is the west’s richest race for older horses and the signature event of the seaside course’s summer race meeting. Beholder drew Post No. 7 and was listed at 3-1 on line maker Russell Hudak’s board. Joining the top two is the multiple-stakes winner Dortmund, the huge 4-year-old who gave California Chrome a stout test in the San Diego Handicap here July 23 in the big colt’s first outing in nearly eight months. He drew Post No. 8 and was actually hung as the second choice at 5/2. The TVG Pacific Classic “Draw” took place at the popular... ...

NorCal Sale Streamed Live Now

Click HERE for live streaming of the Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale, beginning at noon PT. ...

Ambitious Brew in Del Mar Mile

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Ambitious Brew is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Del Mar Mile Handicap. Ambitious Brew is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Martin Jones. He has six wins in 18 starts, earnings of $427,225 and is coming off a second in the July 24 California Dreamin’. ...

Hovdey on ‘Chrome’s Groom

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 19, 2016) — There is a chance that the season could peak too soon on Saturday afternoon, when the darlings of the American turf – Songbird, California Chrome, and Beholder – will be competing coast to coast. Songbird is laying her unbeaten record on the line in the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga, a 10-furlong race that has been won by so many fabulous fillies that it saves time to note only those who made it all the way to the Hall of Fame. There have been a cool dozen. The Pacific Classic will not be run until 6:15 Pacific on Saturday evening, and already local historians are making room for the 2016 version alongside the 1938 Del Mar match race between Seabiscuit and Ligaroti, the last hurrah of 8-year-old Native Diver in the 1967 Del Mar Handicap, and the epic duel between champion Paseana and the unwavering Exchange in the 1994 Chula Vista Handicap. And that’s okay. When a Horse of the... ...

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