George Krikorian’s Mr. Big Passes at 21

Feb 28, 2024 Posted by CTBA In News

Press Release from Gayle Van Leer CLEMENTS, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2024) — Mr. Big, a stallion George Krikorian developed into one of California’s top sires of stakes horses, was euthanized Feb. 27 due to complications from laminitis. Sire of 12 black-type winners, including California-bred champions Big Fish and Ceiling Crusher, Mr. Big was 21. “I’m heartbroken—Mr. Big was a very special horse,” Krikorian said. Mr. Big had stood the past two seasons at Pete and Evelyn Parrella’s Legacy Ranch in Clements, California, and had just begun the 2024 covering season. “Myself, Evelyn and the entire staff at Legacy Ranch are devastated by this sudden turn of events,” Parrella said. “Mr. Big has become a major influence in the breeding industry in California. His loss is not just our loss but a big loss for the entire state. We are honored that Mr. Krikorian had the confidence in Legacy Ranch to have Mr. Big stand here. He’s going to be sorely missed.” Krikorian has believed in Mr. Big since purchasing him... ...

Slew’s Tiz Whiz Repeats as Washington HOY

By Bloodhorse.com AUBURN, Wash. (Feb. 27, 2024) — Slew’s Crew Racing’s multiple stakes winner Slew’s Tiz Whiz was named Washington’s top racehorse for the second year in a row at the Washington Thoroughbred Annual Awards dinner held Feb. 24 at Emerald Downs. The now 6-year-old gelding by California stallion Slew’s Tiznow and bred by the late Karl Krieg, also earned titles as champion sprinter and champion handicap horse. He is trained by Tom Wenzel. Blazingbellablu earned her third state championship title as champion older filly or mare. The 6-year-old daughter of California stallion Grazen and homebred for Petra Lewin of Rainbow Meadows Farm and trainer Charles Essex was named 2021 Washington horse of the year as a 3-year-old in 2021 and was 2022’s champion older filly or mare. For the third year in a row. Blue Ribbon Farm’s Conveyance was named sire of the year, while Ron and Nina Hagen’s Caliofrnia-bred Moscow Symphony, a first- and second-generation multiple stakes producer, was named broodmare of the year. The Hagens, who own El Dorado Farms, were also named breeders... ...

Grease Missile Wins Princess of Palms

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 26, 2024) — Prohibitive favorite Grease Missile didn’t disappoint Monday, as the California-bred coasted to an easy victory in the $60,000 Princess of Palms Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Grease Missile is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Midnight Lute mare Midnightrush, was bred by Dino Bates and Josephine Bates. Is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Bart Hone. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of $101,330 and was coming off a Dec. 12 allowance win. Ridden by Giovanni Franco, she sped the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:15.45, won by 4 1/2 lengths and paid $2.10 across the board. ...

Win Marvel Adds Another Marvelous Win

TAKARAZUKA, Japan (Feb. 25, 2024) – Multiple group winner Win Marvel, a Japanese-bred son of California stallion and Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another, won Sunday’s $548,644 (US) Group III Hankyu Hai at Hanshin Racecourse. The 5-year-old Win Marvel, who beat Asakara King by a nose, has six wins in 21 starts and earnings of $2,135,499 (US). He ran the 1400 meters on soft turf in 1:21.20. ...

Sir Prancealot’s Pagan Wins in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (Feb. 23, 2024) – Pagan, a 6-year-old Irish-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, extended his win streak to four by winning Friday’s $400,000 Invest Saudi International Jockeys Challenge Round 3 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. Under jockey Luis Saez, Pagan stalked outside pacesetter Beehive and took over the lead with 300 meters to go. He has eight wins in 28 starts and earnings of $460,994, which include the $200,000 first-place purse from Friday. Pagan came into the race off a win in the Jan. 28 Dirt Sprint Qualifier and ran the 1200 meters on turf in 1:10.84. ...

Kings River Knight Finds a Spot to Run

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2024) — Kings River Knight, a winner of three straight California-bred stakes and five overall in 15 starts, tests open company Saturday in a $69,000 second-level allowance/optional claimer at a mile on turf. He is the 9-5 morning-line favorite for trainer John Sadler. Kings River Knight was slated to run in Monday’s Tiznow Stakes for statebreds at a mile on dirt, but that plan fell through when the card was canceled due to heavy rain. Sadler audibled to Saturday’s fifth race, which also attracted a pair of geldings dropping out of graded stakes in Cathkin Peak (3-1) and Great King (5-1). Kings River Knight’s current win streak includes the E.B. Johnston at a mile on dirt at Los Alamitos last September, the California Flag Handicap on the hillside turf course in October and most recently the Unusual Heat Turf Classic at 1 1/8 miles here Jan. 13. “He was training to run on Monday.... ...

TOC Owners Seminar March 23 at Santa Anita

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2024) — The Thoroughbred Owners of California will hold an Owners Education Seminar on Saturday, March 23 on the Baldwin Terrace at Santa Anita Park, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Meet world-renowned Track Superintendent Dennis Moore and champion Trainer John Sadler as they talk about racing surfaces, including the new Tapeta track. The seminar is FREE for licensed Owners and one complimentary guest. Additional guests and the public are welcome to attend – $25 per person. For questions and / or to coordinate payment, please email Elsa Peron at eperon@toconline.com. Continental breakfast provided. Check-in & Breakfast – 8:30 AM Seminar Begins – 9:00 AM RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED – RSVP BY MONDAY, MARCH 18 Owner Education Seminar Tickets, Sat, Mar 23, 2024 at 8:30 AM | Eventbrite ...

Retired Fusaichi Zenon Returns to California

By Emily Shields SOLVANG, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2024) — Japanese-bred Fusaichi Zenon will be calling Kingfisher Farms home. The $768,157-earner was found in an auction pen in Texas on February 21, and a massive effort was rallied to bring him out safely. A son of Sunday Silence, Fusaichi Zenon broke his maiden first out in Japan at Hanshin. He won a pair of stakes races – including a Grade 2 event – early in 2000 and arrived in California in 2001. Second in an allowance race at Del Mar, Fusaichi Zenon shipped to Belmont Park to run fourth in the Grade 1 Man o’ War Stakes before retirement. Retired with a record of three wins and a second in eight starts, Fusaichi Zenon originally went to stud at Magali Farms near Santa Ynez. He completed his stallion career in New Mexico. An inspiring social media effort was made to generate the funds to secure and transport this classy horse to his new home. He will live... ...

Grade I Winner Slow Down Andy Retired

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2024) — California-bred Slow Down Andy , winner of the 2023 Awesome Again Stakes (G1), has been retired, trainer Doug O’Neill said Feb. 22. O’Neill conditioned the 5-year-old Nyquist homebred on behalf of longtime client Reddam Racing. Slow Down Andy had not raced since winning the Awesome Again. He recorded five workouts in 2024, but exited his most recent work at Santa Anita Park with a non-displaced sesamoid fracture, according to O’Neill. “He was a dream to train—a class act who gave us 100% every morning,” O’Neill said. “We’re disappointed, but we’re proud of him. He was a super competitive, classy horse.” Slow Down Andy retired with five wins from 14 starts and earnings of $1,276,600. He won the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) at age 2, the Sunland Park Derby (G3) and Del Mar Derby (G2T) at age 3, and the Awesome Again at 4. SIGN UP FOR BLOODHORSE DAILY “He was our Kentucky Derby horse prior to him getting sick,” O’Neill said. “He won graded stakes at age 2,... ...

San Carlos Next for The Chosen Vron

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2024) — The Chosen Vron, the winner of 10 stakes since September 2022, including the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar last summer, will have his graded stakes debut of 2024 in the Grade 2 San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita March 16. The winner of the California Cup Sprint at six furlongs for statebreds Jan. 13, The Chosen Vron missed a scheduled start in the $100,000 Tiznow Stakes at Santa Anita when the one-mile race for statebreds was not run on Monday when that program was cancelled because of poor weather. The Tiznow Stakes failed to draw sufficient entries when offered for Friday’s program. The $100,000 San Carlos Stakes is run at seven furlongs and is a logical alternative for The Chosen Vron’s next start, trainer and co-owner Eric Kruljac said. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports “It’s about the only target, I would think,” Kruljac said. The Chosen Vron,... ...

Warrens Candy Girl Returns in Wishing Well

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Warrens Candy Girl and fellow California-bred Carmen Miranda are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Warrens Candy Girl is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Affirmative mare Warren’s Jitterbug, was bred by owners Ben & Sally Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has six wins in 24 starts, earnings of $499,360 and is making her first start since winning the July 22, 2023 Osunitas Stakes. Carmen Miranda is by Stanford, out of the Tribal Rule mare Miranda Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $320,694 and is coming off a win in a Jan. 6 optional claimer. ...

Jensen, Former Medical Director, Passes

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2024) — Dr. Ronald Jensen, who served 10 years as equine medical director for the California Horse Racing Board through 2005, passed away at his home on February 12. Arrangements for a Celebration of Life are pending. Dr. Jensen received his DVM from Iowa State University in 1962 and MS in 1963. He worked as a racing regulatory veterinarian for 42 years, serving as a commission veterinarian for the Illinois Racing Board for 32 years and for 10 years with the CHRB under an agreement with the University of California, Davis. He then spent 10 years working with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance Accreditation Inspection Team. Dr. Jensen, an honor-roll member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), served on the AAEP Board of Directors, chaired the Racing Regulatory Committee, and was a member of the Ethics and Infractions Committee. He was the regulatory veterinary advisor for the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC)... ...

Tapatio Leo Prepping for Oaklawn’s Whitmore

By DRF.com HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Feb. 21, 2024) — The best word to describe Tapatio Leo’s four straight wins heading into Friday’s ninth race at Oaklawn Park is simple. “He’s hot,” said trainer Peter Miller. The word also is a play on the horse’s name. “Tapatio is a brand of hot sauce,” explained the trainer. Friday’s race is a six-furlong conditioned allowance for 4-year-olds and up that figures to produce starters for the Grade 3 Whitmore here March 16. The field of seven includes stakes winners Ryvit, Excess Magic, Sir Wellington, Empire of Gold, and Devil’s Tower. Tapatio Leo has not yet tested stakes company, but the local sprint series is one reason the horse was sent to Oaklawn from his base in Southern California. “The Whitmore and the Count Fleet are certainly in our sights,” said Miller. Miller won the 2021 Count Fleet and Whitmore, which was previously named the Hot Springs, with the recently retired C Z Rocket. The baton is now passed to Tapatio Leo, who looks to... ...

NTRA Thanks Legislative Supporters

From NTRA Thank you to all who supported the NTRA’s federal legislative fundraising efforts in 2023. Auction buyers, sellers, and consignors as well as farm owners, breeders, horseplayers and others contributed to the NTRA’s Legislative Action Campaign through either the ¼% Check-off Program, NTRA Foal Program, National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) Membership or by making a direct contribution. Click here to view the Contributors List. We also thank our sale company partners for their assistance with and participation in these fundraising efforts. Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS), Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (WTBOA) and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) all play an important role. Contributors to the Legislative Action Campaign are eligible to save on products and services from NTRA Advantage/Equine Discounts partners such as John Deere, Big Ass Fans, Sherwin-Williams, ODP Business Solutions and Farmers Insurance. Call toll free 1-866-678-4289 or visit EquineDiscounts.com to get started. Thanks again for your support. With appreciation, Joe Bacigalupo ...

Big Pond

Big Pond wins $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes. ...

Alotaluck Earns 10 Kentucky Derby Points

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 18, 2024) — California-bred longshot Alotaluck picked up 10 points toward a Kentucky Derby berth by finishing second to favored Stronghold in Sunday’s $400,000 Grade III Sunland Park Derby. Alotaluck is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Lucks Mine mare Colinda Dawn, was bred by owner Eleanor Martin and is trained by Ty Garrett. He closed fast at odds of 14-1 to nose out Lucky Jeremy and has earnings of $132,360. Cal-bred Curlin’s Kaos finished fourth and earned four Kentucky Derby points. He is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda & Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. ...

Big Pond Avenges Loss to Daddysruby

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 18, 2024)—Idle since a heartbreak nose defeat in the Grade I La Brea on opening day, George Krikorian’s homebred Big Pond cut back in distance a furlong and turned the tables on her California-bred rival Daddysruby as she took command a furlong out and powered to a three-length score in Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes at Santa Anita. The Spring Fever is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sponsored horses. Trained by Tim Yakteen and ridden by Frankie Dettori, Big Pond got six furlongs in 1:09.28 and could very likely be headed back to graded stakes competition in her most convincing win to date. “She’s a big scopey filly so the cut back in distance was just a little concerning especially when we drew the inside, with the speed on the outside of us, but I guess having the ground break out from underneath us went in our favor,” said Yakteen. “We were able to... ...

Veterinary Intern Partnership Announced

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 18, 2024)—Santa Anita Park and California Polytechnic University Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) have announced a partnership to provide internship opportunities to selected students who are currently enrolled in the Cal Poly Pomona, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Equine Studies Minor program. These internships will serve as a conduit to introduce prospective young professionals to the Thoroughbred industry via authentic work experience while also providing valuable insight and first-hand knowledge to be applied in their prospective careers. “We are truly excited about this new partnership with Cal Poly Pomona,” said Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager Nate Newby. “This is a tremendous way for us to introduce up and coming young professionals, as well a large group of highly motivated Cal Poly students, to our industry and best veterinary practices in Thoroughbred racing. We look forward to welcoming our new interns and we hope to make fans out of them as well.” A pair of fourth-year students, Tina... ...

SCNG Turf Writer Art Wilson Passes at 71

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 18, 2024)—A racing enthusiast since childhood, the Southern California News Group’s veteran turf writer Art Wilson died early this morning near his home in Victorville, CA, at age 71. Wilson, who had gallantly fought a form of blood cancer for more than 10 years, was scheduled to attend today’s Winter Corgi Nationals at Santa Anita but had to be transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Apple Valley late yesterday afternoon and subsequently passed due to heart failure earlier today at 3:30 a.m. First introduced to racing by his late father, Wilson, a 1970 graduate of Glendora High School, fell in love with the game as a railbird and relished the opportunity to cover the sport dating back to the mid-1980s and as recently as this past weekend, when he was at Santa Anita to cover the Grade III Palos Verdes for the Southern California News Group, a consortium of newspapers that includes the LA Daily News, Pasadena Star-News, San Gabriel Valley Tribune,... ...

Cal-bred Pair in Kruytbosch Stakes

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 18, 2024) – Stakes winner Lite Ranchin Kid and fellow California-bred Shining Tiger are entered in Thursday’s $60,000 Luke Kruytbosch Stakes for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Shining Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Southern Halo mare Brooke’s Halo, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Mohamad Khan and trained by Steve Koler. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $9,060 and is coming off a sixth in a Feb. 5 claimer. Lite Ranchin Kid is by Lemon Drop Kid, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Lorelei’s Song, was bred by owner Regan Wright and is trained by Rafael Barraza. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $49,850 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 28 Zia Park Juvenile Stakes. ...

Cal-bred Trio Enters Princess of Palms

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 20, 2024) – California-breds Stay Quiet, Grease Missile and Bourbon Tiger are entered in Monday’s $60,000 Princess of Palms Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Stay Quiet is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Midnight Lute mare Pandura, was bred by Terry Lovingier and is owned by trainer Don Schnell. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $40,320 and is making her first start since a sixth in the Aug. 6 CTBA Stakes. Grease Missile is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Midnight Lute mare Midnighthush, was bred by Dino Bates and Josephine Bates, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Bart Hone. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $64,730 and is coming off a Dec. 12 allowance win. Bourbon Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Sky Mesa mare Spring Again, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Dan Warden, Benjamin Root and Margaret Root and is trained by Frank Lucarelli. She has two wins in... ...

Santa Anita Cancels Monday’s Race Card

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 17, 2024)—With heavy rain forecast for Monday, Santa Anita’s Presidents’ Day racing has been cancelled. Nine-race programs on Saturday and Sunday will go ahead as scheduled, with good weather predicted and first post time each day at 12:30 p.m. Additionally, Santa Anita will be open on Monday for simulcast wagering in the Grandstand Paddock Room, beginning at 10 a.m. Free parking and admission are offered. Races that had been offered for this Monday will now be offered as extra races next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-25. There is a $1 Pick Six carryover of $56,500 coming into today. Saturday’s Pick Six will cover races four through nine, with average field size today of nine runners per race. Leg one in today’s Pick Six starts with race four, approximate post time at 2 p.m. PT. For entries and morning line information for this Saturday and Sunday, please visit santaanita.com. ...

Tapatio Leo Pointing to Oaklawn’s Whitmore

By DRF.com HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Feb. 16, 2024) – Tapatio Leo won his fourth straight race in a Feb. 10 allowance at Oaklawn, and the California-bred likely will see stakes action at the meet, according to trainer Peter Miller. Tapatio Leo is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Rio Verde mare Sweet Lips Pooh, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Griffin Stables, Lovingier, Amanda Navarro, John Ryan and John Moroney. He has five wins in seven starts and earnings of $250,660. Tapatio Leo shipped in from Southern California, where he had reeled off three straight allowance wins dating back to September at Del Mar. “He’s a very fast and really good sprinter, and we’re thinking about possibly the sprint series over at Oaklawn,” Miller said. :: Get the Inside Track with the FREE DRF Morning Line Email Newsletter. Subscribe now. The next race is the Grade 3, $250,000 Whitmore on March 16. Tejano Twist is on deck for the Whitmore, trainer Chris Hartman said. The millionaire won the race... ...

Racing Industry Boosts State Economy

From California Horse Power Coalition ARCADIA, Calif (Feb. 15, 2024) — As California grapples with a budget deficit in the tens of billions of dollars, the horse industry has grown financially for the state over the last five years; responsible for billions of dollars in economic impact and tens of thousands of jobs, according to a report released by the American Horse Council. In 2023, the equine ecosystem provided a total value of $11.6 billion to California’s economy and a direct contribution of $6.5 billion to state GDP, according to the report. This marks a significant increase from the American Horse Council’s previous report in 2018, which found a total value of $8.3 billion to the state economy and a direct contribution of $4.5 billion to state GDP. Through the care of the state’s near-500,000 horses, events and recreation, and the ripple effect on other sectors of the economy, the California equine industry generates 132,496 jobs across the state and directly employs 93,467 workers. Five years ago, those numbers were... ...

Daddysruby, Big Pond Meet Again

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 15, 2024)—Separated by a scant nose when last they met going seven furlongs in Santa Anita’s Grade I La Brea Stakes Dec. 26, talented California-breds Daddysruby and Big Pond will tackle older fillies and mares for the first time as they figure prominently in Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes at six furlongs. Trained by Peter Miller, Daddysruby, who led every step of the way in the La Brea and is unbeaten in three starts at six furlongs, rates a very narrow nod over the Tim Yakteen-trained Big Pond. A galloping 5 ¼ length six furlong allowance winner in open company two starts back on Oct. 27, Daddysruby, although ridden to victory in four out of her last five starts by Juan Hernandez, will be ridden for the first time by Drayden Van Dyke on Sunday. Quick from the blocks, Daddysruby, a 4-year-old filly by Frac Daddy out of the You and I mare Youtheprizeandi, earned an 87 Beyer Speed Figure in her... ...

Jack Duggan Wins Again Down Under

NEWCASTLE, New South Wales (Feb. 18, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Jack Duggan, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Jack Milton, won Saturday’s $45,000 Group Training Apprentices Benchmark Handicap at Newcastle Racecourse. The 6-year-old gelding has six wins in 27 starts and earnings of $112,000 (Aus). Jack Duggan, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Unbridled Treasure, ran the 1890 meters in 1:56.30 and won by a nose at odds of 5-1. ...

Graded Winner Brickyard Ride Retired

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2024) – Brickyard Ride, the blazingly fast California-bred who won eight stakes at Santa Anita including three graded races, has been retired at age 7. Owned and bred by Sonny Pais and trained his entire career by Craig Lewis, Brickyard Ride is from the first crop by prominent California stallion Clubhouse Ride. Brickyard Ride won 13 races and $925,477 from 31 starts and retires as the leading earner by Clubhouse Ride, also trained by Lewis. Brickyard Ride “did everything you could hope a horse could do,” Lewis said this week at Santa Anita. “He did enough for us. I’ve had some fast ones, but he obviously had some serious speed. He’s a tribute to Clubhouse Ride, and what a great stud he is.” The unspecified injury Brickyard Ride sustained in a Jan. 25 workout might not be career-ending for a younger horse, but Pais and Lewis figured Brickyard Ride’s time had come. “He’s 7, it would be silly to bring him back,” Lewis said. ... ...

Annual Cal-bred Champions Announced

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2024) — The 2023 California-bred Horse of the Year will be announced at the CTBA Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia. Finalists for Horse of the Year are, in alphabetical order, Ceiling Crusher, Kings River Knight and The Chosen Vron. For ticket information for the Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting, click Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner | CTBA or contact Christy Chapman at Christy@ctba.com. Other Cal-bred champions to be recognized at the banquet: Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Male – Yo Yo Candy, bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, owned by Happy Tenth Stable and trained by Daniel Velazquez. Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Female – Grand Slam Smile, bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and trained by Steven Specht. Champion California-bred Three-Year-Old Male – One in Vermillion, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, owned by Jonathan Kalman, trained by Esteban Martinez. Champion California-bred Three-Year-Old Female – Ceiling Crusher, bred by Harris Farms, owned by Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff and Ty Leatherman, trained... ...

Sunland Park Derby Attracts Cal-bred Trio

SUNLAND PARK, M.M. (Feb. 12, 2024) – Stakes-placed Surroundedbyangels and Alotaluck and fellow California-bred Curlin’s Kaos are entered in Sunday’s $400,000 Grade III Sunland Park Derby for 3-year-olds. Surroundedbyangels is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Dunkirk mare Angel of Battle, was bred by Willow Tree Farm and G. W. Thomas, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Bart Hone. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $26,800 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 19 Riley Allison Derby. Curlin’s Kaos is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda & Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Alfred Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $63,120 and is coming off a Jan. 27 maiden win. Alotaluck is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Lucks Mine mare Colinda Dawn, was bred by owner Eleanor Martin and trained by Ty Garrett. He has one win in two starts, earnings... ...

Raspberry Wine in Sunland Park Oaks

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 12, 2024) – Raspberry Wine is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Sunland Park Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Raspberry Wine is by Cat Burglar, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Terri Rust and Rusty Wire Racing. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $34,550 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 19 Borderplex Stakes. ...

Busker Allie Enters Molly P in Phoenix

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 12, 2024) – Busker Allie is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $60,000 Molly P Stakes for fillies and mares at Turf Paradise. Busker Allie is by Grazen, out of the Alfeet Alex mare Shesabronxbomber, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables and trained by Juan Silva. She has three wins in 29 starts, earnings of $158,460 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 7 starter’s optional claimer. ...

Big City Lights

Big City Lights wins $100,000 Grade III Palos Verdes. ...

Big City Lights Edges Hopkins in Palos Verdes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 10, 2024)—Although he didn’t show his customary early zip, Richard Mandella’s heavily favored Big City Lights kept to his task when it counted and was up to beat Bob Baffert’s Hopkins by a nose in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Palos Verdes Stakes at Santa Anita. Ridden by Flavien Prat, California-bred Big City Lights, got six furlongs in 1:09.91. With Hopkins and Juan Hernandez breaking sharply from his outside box, Big City Lights trailed by a length three furlongs from home and appeared to be in deep water at the furlong marker, as Hopkins had increased his advantage to 1 ½ lengths. From there however, Hopkins, tired a bit late at the rail and Big City Lights was just up on the money. “He broke just okay, he was pretty quiet before the race,” said Prat. “I was kind of chasing the leader actually, but he was very game to get the job done. Turning for home I thought (Hopkins) was gone. The... ...

Public Handicapper Jerry Antonucci Passes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2024) — Jerry Antonucci, a public handicapper for Los Angeles-area newspaper for nearly four decades, died on Tuesday of cancer, his friends said. Antonucci was 77. From 1973 until his retirement in 2010, Antonucci was a fixture on the front row of press boxes at Fairplex Park, Hollywood Park, and Santa Anita. Antonucci did selections and wrote articles for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner from 1973 until that paper folded in the autumn of 1989. Antonucci moved to the Orange County Register shortly thereafter and remained with the paper until his retirement. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Through the 2010s and as recently as last fall, Antonucci was an occasional visitor to the races, and the press box, on Saturdays. Antonucci’s career coincided with a time when newspaper handicappers developed a following among frequent racegoers. A person did not have to travel far in the grandstands or clubhouse to find racegoers who... ...

Big City Lights, See Through It in Palos Verdes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2024) – California-bred stakes winners Big City Lights and See Through It are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Palos Verdes Stakes at Santa Anita. Big City Lights is by Mr. Big, out of the Exchange Rate mare Champagne Exchange, was bred by Bar C Racing Stable, is owned by William Peeples and trained by Richard Mandella. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $332,420 and is coming off a win in a Jan. 6 optional claimer. See Through It is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Chester House mare Crystal House, was bred by Edward Allred, is owned by Belico Racing and Lizbeth Medina and is trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has eight wins in 30 starts, earnings of $351,712 and is coming off a Jan. 19 allowance win. Also entered is stakes winner The Big Wam, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Mr. Big, out of the Forestry mare Magnetic, bred by Keith Marks, owned by Michael Bello and Charles Bartlett... ...

Cal-bred Trio Enters El Camino Real Derby

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Wild Jewels, Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Come Out Fighting and fellow California-bred Old Triangle are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Wild Jewels is by Tamarando, out of the Distorted Humor mare Ribbon of Jewels, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. He has four wins in seven starts, earnings of $154,810 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 13 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby Come Out Fighting is by Cat Burglar, out of the Awesome Again mare Fight Again, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by Chris Carpenter and trainer Bill McLean. The $3,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in six starts, earnings of $30,900 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 27 starter’s allowance. Old Triangle is by Gig Harbor, out of the Shackleford mare She’s Cookin, was bred by owner... ...

Shortman Goes Long in San Marcos Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2024) – Shortman is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita. Shortman is by Prince of Love, out of the Smarty Jones mare Shorty Jones, was bred by Sergio Zepeda, is owned by Zepeda Racing and trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has four wins in 26 starts, earnings of $190,530 and is coming off a third in a Dec. 17 optional claimer. ...

Santa Anita Postpones Friday’s Card

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 7, 2024)—With training suspended since Sunday due to historic rainfall from a series of storms, Santa Anita Park, in consultation with its horsemen, postponed Friday’s nine-race card to give time for horses to return to a normal routine before this weekend’s races. The Friday races will be offered back next Thursday. Per CHRB rules, they will be re-drawn when entries are taken this Saturday. “With training suspended for the last four days, per the CHRB protocols only joggers will be allowed on Thursday and we return to regular training Friday morning,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager. “Many of our trainers and horse owners have conveyed they would prefer an extra day for their horses to resume training before we race this weekend. “Dennis Moore and his maintenance team have done a terrific job taking care of the track. We got over 10 inches of rain since Sunday afternoon, but the forecast... ...

My Man Biggie Enters Walter R. Cluer

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 8, 2024) – My Man Biggie is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $60,000 Walter R. Cluer Memorial Stakes at Turf Paradise. My Man Biggie is by Mr. Big, out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Twin Spirit, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Cameron McVay and is trained by Shannon Simpson. He has four wins in 21 starts, earnings of $84,761 and is coming off a Nov. 8 allowance win. ...

Leggs Galore Brings $200,000 at Fasig-Tipton

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 5, 2024) – California-bred Grade II winner Leggs Galore sold for $200,000 at Monday’s Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale. Sold as a broodmare, Leggs Galore is by Bayern, out of the Indian Charlie mare Cashing Tickets, was bred by owner William Sims, consigned by Legacy Bloodstock, agent, and was purchased by Gainesway Farm. Trained by Phil D’Amato, Leggs Galore won the Grade II Buena Vista Stakes, as well as the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint twice, the Mizdirection, Irish O’Brien and Fran’s Valentine Stakes. She finished her racing career with nine wins in 19 starts and earnings of $695,048. ...

Closing Remarks a Cal-bred Millionaire

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2024) — Multiple graded winner Closing Remarks became the newest California-bred millionaire by virtue of her earnings in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Megahertz Stakes at Santa Anita. Closing Remarks is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Orange Cove, was bred by owner Harris Farms and trained by Carla Gaines. She has seven wins in 26 starts with earnings of $1,000,320. ...

Conquest Farenheit to Hansen’s Ranch

By Bloodhorse.com KINGSBURG, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2024) — Grade 2-placed, multiple stakes winner Conquest Farenheit has been sold to Hanson’s River Ranch near Kingsburg, Calif., south of Fresno. The 10-year-old son of Scat Daddy is the farm’s first Thoroughbred stallion. “In the past, we had the pleasure of sale-prepping several of his yearlings for the Harris Farms sale consignment and were very impressed by them. When we heard he may be available, we were excited at the opportunity to acquire him,” said farm owner Dar Hanson. Conquest Farenheit will continue to stand for $3,000. A third-crop sire this year, Conquest Farenheit has sired 12 winners from 23 starters to date. His most accomplished runners include multiple stakes-placed winner Lusma, who ran third in both the Golden Gate Debutante Stakes and Everett Nevin Stakes; and, Cali Conquest, who set a nine-furlong track record of 1:50.20 at Century Downs in Canada last October. The sire was a top five second-crop sire in California for 2023 and the leading sire of his class... ...

Santa Anita Cancels Sunday Card

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 2, 2024)—With more than two inches of rain in the forecast for this Sunday, Santa Anita Park has announced Sunday’s eight-race program has been cancelled and that a pair of graded stakes, the Grade III, $100,000 Las Virgenes and the Grade III, San Marcos, will be rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 10, with entries taken this Wednesday. Although racing is cancelled for Sunday, the National Weather Service forecast for Saturday is very good. Accordingly, Saturday’s 10-race program, which begins with first post time at 12:15 p.m., will go forward as planned. Conditions for the main track and turf on Saturday are expected to be fast and firm. Saturday’s card will include four graded stakes, the Grade III, $100,000 Megahertz, for older fillies and mares at one mile on turf; the Grade III, $200,000 Robert B. Lewis, for 3-year-olds at one mile; the Grade III, $100,000 Thunder Road, for older horses at one mile on turf and the Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica,... ...

Grand Slam Smile Seeks First Graded Score

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2024) — Multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Las Virgenes Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. A five furlong stakes winner versus open company in her second start here last June, trainer Steve Specht’s Grand Slam Smile has proven to be an ultra-tough customer on dirt, synthetic and most recently, routing on turf, as she’s competed exclusively in stakes company in her last five starts—winning three. Bred in California by her owners, Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams, Grand Slam Smile is based at Golden Gate Fields and she comes off the biggest win of her career, a 2 ½ length score in Santa Anita’s Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at one mile on turf Jan. 13. On the lead turning for home under regular rider Frank Alvarado, Grand Slam Smile was tackled from all sides but regrouped and opened up late in a performance not often seen on grass. ... ...

Tax Relief for Thoroughbred Industry

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 31, 2024) — The House of Representatives passed H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, with huge bipartisan support. This comprehensive tax package includes the extension of 100% bonus depreciation until the end of 2025. Since its inception in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, 100% bonus depreciation has played a pivotal role helping more people enjoy the sport of Thoroughbred racing by fostering economic growth from within. The provision allows businesses that own horses to depreciate 100% of their purchase price in the first year when the horse starts participating in the sport. This bill will also retroactively elevate any purchases made in 2023 to the 100% bonus depreciation level, which were previously at 80%. This legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration, with the hopes that it is quickly passed and signed into law. The Thoroughbred industry has seen increased investment over the past several years in large part due to provisions such as... ...

Sir Prancealot Filly Tops CTBA Winter Sale

Sale Results By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2024) — The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale finished with solid results as a 2-year-old Sir Prancealot filly headlined the sale after realizing $37,000 from Harris Farms. Consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds (Adrian Gonzalez), the bay, consigned as Hip 146, was bred in California by her consignor and Hector Cuevas and sold at the end of Tuesday’s session. Out of the unraced Unusual Heat mare Katie’s Heat, she is half sibling to two winners. She boasts the family of multiple grade 1 winner Brother Derek and graded stakes placed Don’tsellmeshort under the second dam. The juvenile had been galloping for 90 days when it was sold and was initially offered as a yearling last year at the Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All Ages Sale but failed to sell at $27,000. Havens Bloodstock Agency sold the unraced 3-year-old stallion/racing prospect, Bling Away Baby, to his breeders H &E Ranch for $35,000; the Scottsdale, Ariz., operation initially sold him as a yearling in... ...

Closing Remarks Shoots for a Million

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 31, 2024)—Fresh off the best year of her amazing 25-race career, Harris Farms’ classy 6-year-old homebred Closing Remarks is back at a preferred distance over a course she adores as she heads a field of seven older fillies and mares at one mile on turf in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Megahertz Stakes at Santa Anita. A gutty half length winner of the Grade II Goldikova at one mile on turf here two starts back on Nov. 5, Closing Remarks finished strongly while in close quarters to be sixth, beaten two lengths in the Grade I Matriarch at one mile over the Del Mar turf in her next start on Dec. 3. A 6-year-old mare by Vronsky out of the Unusual Heat mare Orange Cove, Closing Remarks posted four wins and two thirds from 10 graded stakes starts last year, good for 2023 earnings of $601,000. Trained throughout her career by Carla Gaines, Closing Remarks has five overall stakes victories and... ...

Chismosa, Rose Maddox Enter Santa Monica

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2024) – California-bred stakes winners Chismosa and Rose Maddox are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $377,250 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 13 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. Rose Maddox is by Grazen, out of the Unusual Heat mare Heat the Rocks, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steve Miyadi. She has seven wins in 20 starts, earnings of $515,782 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 13 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Spring. ...

CTBA Winter Mixed Sale Outs

Outs for Tuesday’s CTBA Winter Mixed Sale: 4 7 8 9 13 29 30 32 33 34 35 41 47 51 67 69 71 74 85 87 90 91 95 105 110 125 135 143 144 145 147 152 154 155 161 163 166 ...

Principe Carlo Wins Hank Mills Stakes

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 29, 2024) — California-bred Principe Carlo snapped a nearly two-year losing streak with a speedy win in Monday’s $60,000 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise. Principe Carlo is by Coil, out of the Rahy mare Princess Ezra, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and Rockingham Ranch and is trained by Justin Evans. He has nine wins in 34, starts, earnings of $543,423 and was coming off a fourth in the Jan. 13 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

Slow Down Andy Progressing Toward Comeback

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2024) — California-bred Slow Down Andy, sidelined since winning the GI Awesome Again here Sept. 30, had his third work on the comeback trail Sunday for trainer Doug O’Neill. The 5-year-old Nyquist colt drilled four furlongs in 48.20 seconds. Slow Down Andy returned to the work tab Jan. 14. He missed the final three months of 2023, including a planned start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic here Nov. 4, due to filling in an ankle that developed after the Awesome Again. “He’s doing well,” O’Neill said. “He didn’t need any surgery. He was just jarred up after his win and needed some time. His recovery went as smooth as you could hope.” A homebred for Reddam Racing, Slow Down Andy has a record of 5-4-3 in 14 starts with $1,276,600 in earnings. As a 2-year-old, he won the GII Los Alamitos Futurity. As a 3-year-old he won both the GIII Sunland Derby and... ...

Johnny Podres, Standing O in Clocker’s Corner

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2024) – California-breds Johnny Podres and Standing O are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Clocker’s Corner Stakes at Santa Anita. Johnny Podres is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Malibu Holiday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by David Bernsen and Mia Familia Racing Stable and is trained by Librado Barocio. He has six wins in 33 starts, earnings of $327,810 and is coming off a ninth in the Dec. 30 Joe Hernandez Stakes. Standing O is by Acclimation, out of the Dixie Chatter mare Dixie Dame, was bred by owner Ali Nilforushan and is trained by Philip D’Amato. He has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $244,248 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 23 optional claimer. ...

Cal-bred Pair Square Off in Coady Stakes

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 25, 2024) – California-breds Go Go Saide and Diamonds Danzing are entered in Wednesday’s $60,000 Jeff and Jack Coady Sr. Stakes for fillies and mares at Turf Paradise. Go Go Saide is by Tamarkuz, out of the Hard Spun mare Bonus Spin, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises & Art Carreon, is owned by Clurichaun Stables and trained by Jacque Guerra. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $48,165 and is making her first start since a fourth in a Feb. 7, 2023 optional claimer. Diamonds Danzing is by Danzing Candy, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Temper, was bred by H & E Ranch, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Lorenzo Campusano. She has two wins in 14 starts, earnings of $169,020 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 20 optional claimer. ...

Self Isolation Enters Interborough

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 17, 2024) – Self Isolation is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Interborough Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. Self Isolation is by Square Eddie, out of the Spring At Last mare Loan Savant, was bred by Reddam Racing and is owned by trainer David Jacobson. She has nine wins in 27 starts, earnings of $453,670 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 3 allowance. She was fourth in this race last year. ...

Jockey Club Partners With Ed Brown Society

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 25, 2024) — The Jockey Club and the Ed Brown Society (EBS) are pleased to announce that The Jockey Club has become an Ed Brown Partner. The Ed Brown Partnership is the highest level of participation in support of the work of the EBS that an organization can attain. The Jockey Club and EBS will be working collaboratively to provide exposures and experiential growth opportunities to Ed Brown scholars and fellows across the various companies and initiatives operated by The Jockey Club. “We are excited to embark upon this critical work with The Jockey Club. Because The Jockey Club’s operations touch virtually every aspect of our industry, this partnership opens up many more professional opportunities for our scholars and fellows to explore. So, we salute The Jockey Club for demonstrating this commitment to our mission. Undoubtedly, this partnership will lead to a more inclusive future for our industry,” said EBS Chairman Greg Harbut. “The Ed Brown Society shares The Jockey Club’s commitment to... ...

Minister of Soul Seeks 19th Victory

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 22, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul, who won this race five years ago, and fellow California-breds Prayer of Jabez and Principe Carlo are entered in Monday’s $60,000 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise. Multiple stakes winner Minister of Soul is by Minister Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The 10-year-old has 18 wins in 63 starts, earnings of $582,322 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 5 KLAQ Handicap. The $16,000 purchase from the Northern California Yearling Sale was fifth in this race in 2022, second in 2021 and first in 2019. Prayer of Jabez is by Stanford, out of the Kafwain mare Alwazabridesmaid, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Anthony DeMarco and trained by Edward Kereluk. He has five wins in 25 starts, earnings of $169,376 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 5 KLAQ Handicap. Stakes winner... ...

Vote Now Online for Cal-bred Champions

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2024) – Online voting for California-bred champions of 2023 is now available to members of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association through this link: Click here! CTBA membership must be valid for 2024 to vote. Deadline for voting is Jan. 25, 2024. Winners will be honored at the annual Awards Dinner March 12, 2024, at the Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia. ...

Sassy Nature Enters Inside Information Stakes

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2024) — Stakes winner Sassy Nature is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Inside Information Stakes, presented by Don Julio, for fillies and mares at Gulfstream Park. Sassy Nature is by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire LLC, is owned by C T R Stables and trained by Jack Sisterson. She has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $271,610 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 3 allowance. ...

Brenda Davis Reappointed to CHRB

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan.21, 2024) —Brenda Davis, of Sacramento, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board, where she has served since 2020. Davis has been Principal at the Brenda Davis Law Group since 2007. She was Managing Counsel at the California Farm Bureau Federation from 1999 to 2007. Davis was a Legislative Advocate and Negotiator in the Executive Office of the Attorney General at the California Department of Justice from 1996 to 1999. She is a member of the California State Bar, New Mexico State Bar, Mercy Foundation Board of Trustees and the Friends of Sacramento Arts Board of Directors. Davis earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy Sciences from Duke University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Davis is a Republican. ...

See Through It Takes Santa Anita Feature

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2024)—An 18-1 longshot in a field of five older horses and the lone California-bred in the lineup, See Through It rallied wide turning for home en route to a 1 ¼ length win as Bob Baffert’s odds-on favorite Hopkins tired late off of a 10-month layoff. Based at Los Alamitos with trainer Salvador Naranjo, See Through It, ridden by Tiago Pereira for the first time since Nov. 13, 2021, sat a patient trip, about four lengths off of both Hopkins and $2 million earner C Z Rocket heading into the far turn. Content to keep his mount four-deep approaching the quarter pole, Pereira stayed busy through the drive and picked up the tiring speed in a huge performance. “There were a few fresh horses in the race and we thought they’d be going for the lead and they did,” said Naranjo. “I told Tiago, ‘Just hang back two or three lengths behind them if you can and see if... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, and Wendy Mitchell. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: The Board heard extensive testimony on the subject of 2024 date allocations for Northern California. The Board previously approved dates for Golden Gate Fields to run its final meet through June 2024 and for the fair season into early October. Allocations for the remaining months of 2024 have been on hold while northern interests discuss possible ways to fashion a northern circuit in the absence of the thoroughbred track that has been the anchor of northern racing for decades. Larry Swartzlander, executive director of the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF), speaking on behalf of all... ...

TOC Board Adds Harris, Green, Mathis

From TOC Press Release ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2024) — Arcadia, Calif., – John C. Harris, Ty Green and Andy Mathis have agreed to join the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC). Mr. Harris, owner of Harris Farms, is a legendary figure in California racing as both an owner and breeder. He was inducted into the California Racing Hall of Fame in 2008 and was honored last year by the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation for his industry service. Harris Farms has been connected to over 50 California divisional champions, including eight California Horses of the Year. He is a former California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) Commissioner and currently serves on the board of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA). Mr. Green is also an owner and breeder and is a current Board Member of the CTBA. He is a lawyer by profession, based in San Luis Obispo, and has raced under the name of SLO Racing Stable since 2010. He brings the unique prospective identifying as the “small... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, January 18. 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo. This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #9, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes. For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and meeting packet of materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

Tiznow Showdown for Winning Cal Cup Pair?

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2024) – The last time The Chosen Vron and Kings River Knight met they finished a nose apart when first and second in the Sensational Star Stakes for turf sprinters at Santa Anita last March. Both have since have outstanding careers, including stakes wins a half-hour apart against statebreds on Saturday at Santa Anita. The wins may lead to a rematch between the 6-year-old geldings in the $100,000 Tiznow Stakes for California-breds at a mile at Santa Anita on Feb. 19, a race The Chosen Vron won by 6 1/2 lengths last year. Kings River Knight did not start in the 2023 Tiznow Stakes, but did win his fifth stakes in the last year in Saturday’s $201,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic at 1 1/8 miles. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports The Chosen Vron won his 14th career stakes in the $150,000 California Cup Sprint at six furlongs, his 10th stakes win in... ...

Derby Winner Mici’s Express Earns a Vacation

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2024) – Mici’s Express won his 3-year-old debut in Saturday’s $188,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby for statebreds at Santa Anita. But instead of being a prep for a challenging start in a graded stakes in coming weeks or months, Mici’s Express is going to the sidelines. “I’ll turn him out for awhile,” trainer Steve Knapp said on Sunday. “He’s run hard enough. He deserves time off.” Mici’s Express, bred by Eagle Ridge RAcing & Rancho San Miguel and owned by Tom Halasz, had been a busy colt since last April. He has won 2 of 11 starts and earned $248,530, racing at least once a month through the final nine months of 2023. Along the way, Mici’s Express needed five races to beat maidens and then ran in five stakes in his final five starts of 2023, including a third by three-quarters of a length in the Graduation Stakes at Del Mar in August and a nose loss in the I’m Smokin Stakes... ...

Derby Winner Mici’s Express Earns Vacation

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. – Mici’s Express won his 3-year-old debut in Saturday’s $188,000 California Cup Derby for statebreds at Santa Anita. But instead of being a prep for a challenging start in a graded stakes in coming weeks or months, Mici’s Express is going to the sidelines. “I’ll turn him out for awhile,” trainer Steve Knapp said on Sunday. “He’s run hard enough. He deserves time off.” Mici’s Express, bred by Eagle Ridge Racing & Rancho San Miguel and owned by Tom Halasz, had been a busy colt since last April. He has won 2 of 11 starts and earned $248,530, racing at least once a month through the final nine months of 2023. Along the way, Mici’s Express needed five races to beat maidens and then ran in five stakes in his final five starts of 2023, including a third by three-quarters of a length in the Graduation Stakes at Del Mar in August and a nose loss in the I’m Smokin Stakes there in early September. “In... ...

Kings River Knight

Kings River Knight wins $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. ...

Kings River Knight Takes Unusual Heat Turf

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2024) – Even-money favorite Kings River Knight, a grandson of legendary California stallion Unusual Heat, went wire to wire to win Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank, at Santa Anita. Kings River Knight is by Acclamation, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing, the Ellwood Johnston Trust and Kenneth Tevelde and is trained by John Sadler. “Old English Rancho are just great California breeders, and Buddy Johnston was my neighbor for about 25-30 years across from Santa Anita here, so it’s wonderful to see these silks win,” said Sadler. “They have great people, and it is a great California legacy.” Kings River Knight has eight wins in 14 starts, earnings of $536,010 and has wins in three consecutive starts and five of his last six starts. He was fourth in this race last year. Kings River Knight ran the 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:48.02 and won by one-half... ...

The Chosen Vron

The Chosen Vron wins $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

Rose Maddox

Rose Maddox wins $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, presented by John Deere. ...

The Chosen Vron Wins Don Valpredo Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2024) – Prohibitive favorite The Chosen Vron easily reeled in graded winner and pacesetter Clubhouse Ride straightening for home and cruised to defend his title in Saturday’s $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita. The Chosen Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners and is owned by Sondereker Racing, trainer J. Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin and Richard Thornburgh. He has 15 wins in 20 starts, earnings of $1,239,678 and was coming off a win in the Nov. 18 Cary Grant. “We own his mother (Tiz Molly) and she’s been quite the mare,” said Kruljac. “Breeding in California is the best thing that I have ever done. This horse has made it worth it all by himself. He was smart enough to wait at the turn when they spread out a little bit and then he just took off.” The Cal Cup... ...

Grand Slam Smile

Grand Slam Smile wins $150,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks. ...

Rose Maddox Holds on in Filly & Mare Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 13, 2024)—Named for a Country Western star from years gone by, Nick Alexander’s homebred Rose Maddox proved extra game late in taking Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Spring by a nose under Flavien Prat. Trained by Steve Miyadi, the 5-year-old mare by Grazen got about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:13.45. The Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint presented by John Deere is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for registered California-bred or sired horses. Mid-pack about six lengths off of eventual second place finisher Chancery Way a half mile out, Rose Maddox slid up the rail to the dirt crossing, engaged Chancery Way leaving the quarter pole and proved best in a thrilling three-way photo on the money. “She fires every time,” said Alexander. “Her dam (Heat the Rocks) is by Unusual Heat and her sire is Grazen…so you’ve got the queen and the king right on top. She doesn’t... ...

Grand Slam Smile Wins Howard Cal Cup Oaks

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2024) – After dumping jockey Frank Alvarado in the paddock, favored Grand Slam Smile was all business on the racetrack, shaking off challenges from Recalcitrant and Asado Fries to win Saturday’s $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at Santa Anita. Grand Slam Smile is by Smiling Tiger, out of the prolific Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. She has four wins in six starts, earnings of $329,900 and was coming off a second in the Nov. 25 Golden Gate Debutante. “I just want to say that to win this race at this point in time for Mr. and Mrs. Williams is very special,” said Specht. “They’ve been with me a long time and with everything going on, to have a filly with this much talent…It’s really special.” Grand Slam Smile ran the mile on turf in 1:36.59 and won by 2 ¼ lengths at odds of... ...

Mici’s Express

Mici’s Express wins $200,000 California Chrome Derby. ...

Mici’s Express Wins California Chrome Derby

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 13, 2024) — With blinkers added, Mici’s Express turned the tables on even-money favorite Last Call London and won Saturday’s $200,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Mici’s Express is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Harlan Express, was bred by Eagle Ridge Racing & Rancho San Miguel, is owned by Thomas Halasz and trained by Steve Knapp. “I’m on cloud nine, I love it!” said Halasz. “To just think about it, you win the California Chrome Cal Cup Derby, now that’s one of my favorite horses of all time and I won the race. I love it. All of my horses are Cal-bred, I have 35 Cal-breds in the Cal-bred program, it is great, it is the perfect place to run, the purses are great, the fields are good. I love being with Steve Knapp and honestly, we are having more fun than we can stand.” Mici’s Express has two wins in 11 starts, earnings... ...

Slow Down Andy Returns to Work Tab

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2024) — California-bred Grade I winner Slow Down Andy, who was forced to miss the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita because of filling in an ankle, worked for the first time Sunday since his win in the GI Awesome Again here Sept. 30. Trained by Doug O’Neill, Slow Down Andy worked an easy three furlongs in 37.0 seconds. The 5-year-old full horse by Nyquist, a homebred for Reddam Racing, has banked more than $1.2 million while compiling a record of 5-4-2 in 14 starts. In addition to the Awesome Again, Slow Down Andy’s other major wins came in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity in 2021 and GII Del Mar Derby on turf in 2022. Slow Down Andy was one of 210 workers at Santa Anita Sunday. ...

One in Vermillion Sibling Enters Borderplex

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 13, 2024) – Raspberry Wine, a half-sister to Grade I winner One in Vermillion, and fellow California-bred Only One America are entered in Friday’s $65,000 Borderplex Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park. Raspberry Wine is by Cat Burglar, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Terri Rust and Rusty Wire Racing. The half-sister to Grade I winner One in Vermillion has one win in three starts, earnings of $28,050 and is coming off a Jan. 12 maiden win. Only One America is by Marking, out of the Diabolical mare That’s the Idea, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Todd Fincher. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $44,140 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 12 allowance. ...

Cal-bred Pair Enter Riley Allison Derby

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 13, 2024) – California-breds Alotaluck and Surroundedbyangels are entered in Friday’s $100,000 Riley Allison Derby for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park. Alotaluck is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Lucks Mine mare Colinda Dawn, was bred by owner Eleanor Martin and is trained by Ty Garrett. He won his lone start Dec. 11 with earnings of $27,000. Surroundedbyangels is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Dunkirk mare Angel of Battle, was bred by Willow Tree Farm & G.W. Thomas, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and is trained by Bart Hone. He won his lone start Jan. 5 with earnings of $16,000. ...

Good With People, Ohhh Daddy in Ft. Bliss

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 13, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Good With People and fellow California-bred Ohhh Daddy are entered in Friday’s $75,000 Ft. Bliss Stakes at Sunland Park. Good With People is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Roar of the Tiger mare Gator Prowl, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Todd Fincher. He has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $402,972 and is coming off an eighth in the Jan. 5 KLAQ Handicap. Ohhh Daddy is by Dads Caps, out of the Pioneering mare Wedding in Sorano, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises & Robert Traynor, is owned by Bob Matney and trained by Luis Rojero. He has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $69,500 and is coming off a sixth in a Dec. 20 allowance. ...

Swift as I Am Can Prove It in Duncan Kenner

NEW ORLEANS, La. (Jan. 13, 2024) – Swift as I Am is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Duncan F. Kenner Stakes at Fair Grounds. Swift as I Am is by Danza, out of the Artie Schiller mare As I Am, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Joel Hunsburger and trained by Tanner Tracy. He has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $118,510 and is coming off a fourth in the Dec. 23 Richard R. Scherer Memorial. ...

Alexander’s Roses Duel in F&M Turf Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 10, 2024)—Owner/breeder Nick Alexander is hoping Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, presented by John Deere, comes up roses as his homebreds Rose Maddox and Rose Dawson figure prominently among eight older fillies and mares going about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s one-of-a-kind hillside turf course. The Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series, for registered California-bred or sired horses. When last the pair met, it was all Rose Maddox, as she rallied from well off the pace to take the Cal Cup Distaff down the hill, winning by two lengths while her stablemate checked in fourth, beaten 5 ¼ lengths. Subsequently an even fourth, beaten 2 ¾ lengths down the hill versus open company in the Senator Ken Maddy on Nov. 3, Rose Maddox, who is trained by Steve Miyadi, gets a new rider in Flavien Prat. A three-time stakes winner, Rose Maddox, a 5-year-old mare by... ...

The Chosen Vron Stars in Valpredo Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 10, 2024)—An incredible California-bred story, trainer Eric Kruljac’s The Chosen Vron is without question the A-List attraction on Santa Anita’s California Cup Day this Saturday as he towers over four rival older horses going six furlongs in the $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint. The Don Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses. A winner of 14 races, 13 of them stakes, including last year’s Cal Cup Sprint from 19 starts, The Chosen Vron comes off a facile 2 ¾ length score versus statebreds in the seven furlong Cary Grant Stakes at Del Mar on Nov. 18. A three-time graded stakes winner and a winner of the Grade I Bing Crosby Stakes three starts back on July 29, this rugged 6-year-old chestnut gelding by Vronsky had an eight-game winning streak snapped two starts back, as he finished fifth in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Sprint here on Nov. 4. Although disappointed,... ...

Grand Slam Smile Tries Turf in Howard Oaks

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 10, 2024)—Among California’s most successful breeders for many years, Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams are very well represented indeed in Saturday’s $200,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks, as their homebred Grand Slam Smile stretches out and looms a solid favorite among eight rival sophomore fillies at one mile on turf. The Cal Cup Oaks is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for registered California-bred or sired horses. Unbeaten in two starts on the Santa Anita main track, Grand Slam Smile, who is trained by Steve Specht, had her biggest career moment here two starts back on Nov. 3, as she dominated nine rivals in taking the seven furlong Golden State Juvenile Fillies by 7 ¼ lengths while earning a solid 70 Beyer Speed Figure. Subsequently trailered back to her Golden Gate Fields base, she was a disappointing second as the 2-5 favorite in the six furlong Golden Gate Debutante on Nov. 25. Freshened since, Grand Slam Smile... ...

Cal Chrome Derby Next for Last Call London

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 10, 2024)—Fresh off the biggest win of his young career, Peter Miller’s Last Call London heads a wide-open field of five sophomores going a mile and one sixteenth in Saturday’s $200,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby at Santa Anita. The Cal Cup Derby is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for registered California-bred or sired horses. Extra game in taking the statebred King Glorious Stakes at one mile on Dec. 17 at Los Alamitos, Last Call London, who will be making his second two-turn start, has proven effective at Santa Anita, posting a win, a second and a third-place finish from four tries here. Bred in California by Terry Lovingier and owned by Lovingier, Tom London and Eugene Zondlo, Last Call London is a bay gelding by top California juvenile sire Stay Thirsty and is out of the Empire Way mare Zo Lo’s Lov. With an overall mark of 8-2-2-2 and earnings of $156,870, it’ll be up to... ...

Streaking Kings River Knight in Turf Classic

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 10, 2024)—Never better as a recently turned 6-year-old gelding, John Sadler’s Kings River Knight, a winner of four out of his last five starts, all stakes, should be plenty tough to beat as he stretches his considerable speed to a mile and one eighth on grass in Saturday’s $200,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank, at Santa Anita. The Unusual Heat Turf Classic is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for registered California-bred or sired horses. With 10 older horses engaged, Kings River Knight, who comes off a smashing 1 ½ length score in the California Flag Handicap at about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course Oct. 15, was a solid fourth in last year’s Turf Classic when trained by Andy Mathis, as he pressed the pace and was beaten one length on the money. With four wins and two seconds, all in statebred stakes since joining the Sadler barn, Kings River Knight, a bay... ...

Maybe I Will Sells for $100,000 at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2024) – Maybe I Will, a stakes-winning California-bred broodmare, sold for $100,000 in foal to Omaha Beach at Wednesday’s session of the Keeneland Winter Sale. Maybe I Will is by Will Take Charge, out of the Henny Hughes mare My Due Process, was bred by Thomas Bachman, was consigned by Havens Bloodstock, agent for Fairview, and was purchased by Country Life Farm, agent. A 6-year-old, Maybe I Will won the Hastings Stakes, four of 13 starts overall with earnings of $126,631. ...

Big City Lights Headed to Palos Verdes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2024) —The California-bred sprinter Big City Lights won for the first time in 17 months in an allowance race at 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on Saturday that was likely a prep for the 5-year-old’s graded stakes debut next month. Trainer Richard Mandella said on Sunday that Big City Lights may return in the Grade 3 Palos Verdes Stakes, a $100,000 race at six furlongs on Feb. 10. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Big City Lights was always near the front and won by a half-length over the 2023 graded stakes winner Newgate. Big City Lights was timed in 1:14.85 and earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 99. Big City Lights is by Mr. Big, out of the Exchange Rate mare Champagne Exchange, was bred by Bar C Racing Stable and is owned by William Peeples. He has four wins in eight starts and earnings of $332,420. Big City Lights was beaten in his four previous starts by The Chosen Vron, the leading... ...

Rancho San Miguel Open House Jan. 20

Rancho San Miguel Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2024) — Featuring an informational program that has been crafted for current and prospective Thoroughbred owners and breeders, the venerable California farm Rancho San Miguel will host its 2024 Open House & Stallion Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 20. The free event will be held at the farm’s 250-acre site in San Luis Obispo County, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Anchoring this year’s robust agenda are horse husbandry seminars, networking opportunities and a parade of the farm’s nine-horse stallion roster. In addition to a catered lunch, attendees can participate in fun giveaways and a stallion season raffle. Among the scheduled activities are a discussion on equine reproduction by Stacy Potter, DVM, of S&S Equine Veterinary Services and a session on equine nutrition by Purina feed representative Jordan Baumgartner. Several horses representing Rancho San Miguel’s large consignment to the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s 2024 Winter Mixed Sale will be on display during the... ...

Trainer Eddie Truman Retires

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2024) —Eddie Truman, a fixture among Southern California trainers for 50 years, has retired. Truman, 76, had his final runner at Los Alamitos on Dec. 17, and won most recently at Santa Anita in June. His retirement, announced on Thursday through Santa Anita’s publicity department, ends a career that includes 763 wins. A former jockey, Truman had his best year as a trainer in 1980, winning 53 races, including stakes at the Los Angeles County Fair in Pomona with Damas and Marble Court. Truman trained Casino King, a stakes winner at Remington Park in 1999 and at Golden Gate Fields in 2001, and had two outstanding California-bred mares in the 2010s with Go West Marie and Moonless Sky. Go West Marie won three of her final four starts in 2015 in stakes for statebreds, including the Fran’s Valentine Stakes at a mile on turf in May of that year. Two years later, Moonless Sky won her lone stakes of her career in the Fran’s... ...

Petit Filet Hungry for Santa Ynez Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2024) – Petit Filet is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Santa Ynez Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Petit Filet is by Pavel, out of the Momentum mare Charred Rare, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Victor Rodas III, Holly Rodas and Oscar Garcia and is trained by Alfred Vuocolo. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $76,350 and is coming off a fourth in the Dec. 10 Soviet Problem. ...

Maiden Winner Safa Pays Off for Connections

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2024) — Veteran trainer Gary Stute won his first race of the Classic Meet and breeder Derek Lawson also enjoyed a lucrative payday Sunday when the 3-year-old filly Safa won Sunday’s fourth race, a six-furlong maiden race for California-breds. Bet down to the 1-2 favorite, the daughter of Grazen blitzed the field by nine lengths under Tiago Pereira to earn her diploma. For Lawson, the victory was doubly sweet. Not only did Lawson breed Safa from his broodmare Hadarra, by Harlan’s Holiday, he also serves as Pereira’s agent. “It was a good day certainly,” Lawson said Sunday morning. “Gary did a great job to have the filly ready and Tiago got her home.” Safa was just the second horse to start at the Classic Meet for Stute. His first starter, Divine Feminine, ran second on Friday in a $10,000 claiming race. Lawson said Hadarra, a five-time winner on... ...

California Cup Nominations Due Thursday

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 3, 2024) — Nominations close on Thursday, Jan. 4, for the five stakes races of California Cup, the 34th annual winter showcase for many of the top Cal-bred and Cal-sired horses in training, to be held at Santa Anita Park on Saturday, Jan. 13. The 34th edition of Cal Cup will feature $900,000 in stakes purses, with no reduction in those purses from last year. Also on the card will be additional races for various levels of state-breds that will boost total purses for the day to more than $1 million, exclusively for Cal-breds. New this year is a fitting renaming of the California Cup Derby to the California Chrome Cal Cup Derby, honoring the all-time leading Cal-bred money-earner whose victory in the 2014 edition was the springboard to a Horse of the Year campaign that included wins in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness and, ultimately, a Hall of Fame selection. To nominate, contact the Santa Anita Racing Office at 626-574-6352. Conditions for the Cal Cup stakes:... ...

Chismosa

Chismosa wins $100,000 Grade III Las Flores Stakes. ...

Chismosa Upsets Grade III Las Flores Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2024) – Benefitting from an early speed duel between favorites Sweet Azteca and Hot Peppers, California-bred multiple stakes winner Chimosa broke through with her first graded score on Monday with a game victory in the $100,000 Grade III Las Flores Stakes at Santa Anita. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $368,250 and was coming off a fifth in the Nov. 12 Betty Grable. The key to the race was a decision by jockey Kyle Frey, when favored Sweet Azteca ducked out at the top of the stretch. Frey essentially cut the corner with Chismosa and went on to a hard-fought score. Chismosa was about two lengths off Sweet Azteca and Frankie Dettori while third mid-way on the turn. From there, she angled outside the favorite leaving the quarter pole but when Sweet Azteca... ...

Brickyard Ride Will Race in 2024

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 31, 2023) — Following Brickyard Ride’s solid third-place effort in the GII San Antonio here on opening day Tuesday, trainer Craig Lewis confirmed the popular California-bred full horse will be back next year as a 7-year-old. “He bounced out of the San Antonio in great shape. We’ll look at a few different spots for him next,” Lewis added. Brickyard Ride’s effort in the San Antonio pushed his career earnings to $895,477 for owner-breeder Alfred A. “Sonny” Pais. The son of California stallion Clubhouse Ride has won 13 times in 30 starts, which includes three graded stakes and eight stakes overall. In the 1 1/16-mile San Antonio, Brickyard Ride, set the pace under Umberto Rispoli before being overtaken in the stretch. He crossed the wire 2 ¾ lengths behind winner Newgrange. ...

Minister of Soul Seeks Repeat in Fifth KLAQ

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Dec. 29, 2023) – Defending champion and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul and fellow California-bred multiple stakes winner Good With People are among the entries in Friday’s $65,000 KLAQ Handicap at Sunland Park. Minister of Soul is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The 10-year-old, purchased for $16,000 at the Northern California Yearling Sale, has 18 wins in 62 starts, earnings of $575,822 and is coming off a win in a Dec. 20 allowance. In addition to winning this race on New Years Day of 2023, he was third in 2022, fifth in 2019 and fifth in 2018. Good With People is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Roar of the Tiger mare Gator Prowl, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robinson and trained by Todd Fincher. He has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $402,972 and is coming off a second in... ...

Chismosa Lone Cal-bred in Las Flores Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 29, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner Chismosa is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $100,000 Grade III Las Flores Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $308,250 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 12 Betty Grable. ...

Graded Winner Ward ‘n Jerry Retired

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 27, 2023) — California-bred Ward ‘n Jerry, a graded stakes winner in 2020 who gained a following in California because of his longevity, was retired on Tuesday at the age of 10. Ward ‘n Jerry was scheduled to start in a $10,000 claimer at Golden Gate Fields in the day’s eighth race, but was withdrawn at the insistence of owners and breeders Larry and Marianne Williams. “We got to worrying that he would get claimed and end up somewhere we wouldn’t like it,” Dan Kiser, racing manager for the Williamses, said on Wednesday. “We decided not to take the chance.” Tuesday’s race would have been Ward ‘n Jerry’s final start in California anyway. Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita, both owned by 1/ST Racing, have a rule allowing horses to race only through their 10-year-old seasons. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Since racehorses have official birthdays on Jan. 1, Ward ‘n Jerry will... ...

Nose Separates Cal-breds in Grade I La Brea

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 26, 2023) — Longshot Daddysruby won a head-bob by a desperate nose over Big Pond in a thrilling duel of California-breds for the prestigious $300,000 Grade I La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Daddysruby is the first graded winner by Canadian stallion Frac Daddy, out of the You and I mare Youtheprizeandi, was bred by Jethorse, is owned by Jethorse, Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber and is trained by Peter Miller. “We knew from the inside that we would have to go,” said Miller. I was hoping for an outside draw, but I drew the two hole when I listened in. We knew she had a lot of speed and we knew he kind of had to go. I told Juan, ‘Help her away from there, if they go crazy, she doesn’t need the lead you can sit, but if you can get the lead take it.’ And he did. “You don’t remember all the photo finishes that you won,... ...

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