Stay and Scam

May 25, 2024 Posted by CTBA In Video

Stay and Scan wins $100,000 Fran’s Valentine. ...

Kings River Knight

Kings River Knight wins $100,000 Crystal Water. ...

Stallion Tough Sunday Gets First Winner

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) – California stallion Tough Sunday was represented by his first winner when the 3-year-old filly Neezer Dalton won Saturday’s third race at Santa Anita, a $50,000 maiden claimer. Winning in her racing debut, Neezer Dalton is out of the Bertrando mare Hey Cowboy, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steven Miyadi. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.27 and won by 2 ½ lengths in a field of six. ...

Progress Made on Veterans Equine Therapy

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 24, 2024) — Yesterday, the House Appropriations Committee convened to review the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. The Committee approved the bill with a 34 to 25 vote. The bill includes an initiative led by Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) to allocate up to $5 million in grants for equine therapy under the Veterans Affairs (VA) Adaptive Sports Program. These grants will be awarded by the VA to eligible organizations to plan, develop, manage, and implement equine therapy programs for Veterans and Armed Forces members with disabilities. “Funding initiatives to help Thoroughbreds find a second career is a top priority for the NTRA, and to be able to do that while aiding Veterans is a big victory,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “This grant will fund equine therapy programs so our retired racehorses can benefit our nation’s Veterans. Those of us who have been blessed to spend time with Thoroughbreds... ...

Johnny Podres Seeks Third Straight Stakes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 23, 2024) – The winning streak began with a come-from-behind victory in a $50,000 claimer in a turf sprint at Santa Anita on a Friday in early March. Nearly three months later, the 7-year-old California-bred gelding Johnny Podres is a multiple stakes winner, has won three consecutive starts, and is possibly on the verge of his first graded stakes win in Sunday’s Grade 3 Daytona Stakes at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita. It will not be easy. The race is full of contenders. The $100,000 Daytona Stakes drew a field of 10, including six other stakes winners capable of a victory – Air Force Red, Astronomer, First Peace, Lane Way, Mucho Del Oro, and Whatmakessammyrun. The other runners are Almendares, Daniel’s Magic, and Nineeleventurbo. Johnny Podres, claimed for $40,000 in May 2023, was bred by Nick Alexander and races for David Bernsen and Mi Familia Racing Stable. Since being claimed, Johnny Podres has earned $191,950, with the bulk... ...

DRF.com on Saturday’s Cal-bred Stakes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 23, 2024) – There is no red carpet for the star of the show Saturday at Santa Anita, but there certainly is for the main supporting player. Seems it should be the other way around. Millionaire gelding The Chosen Vron probably will win the $100,000 Thor’s Echo anyway, but he must overcome an unwelcome obstacle – post position – in the race 3 sprint that is the first of five Cal-bred stakes on Saturday. A half-hour later in race 4, Kings River Knight is lone speed in the $100,000 Crystal Water at a mile on turf. Kings River Knight figures to be long gone and win the Crystal Water a second time. The Chosen Vron and Kings River Knight, 6-year-old geldings, enter their races as perceived low-odds standouts. From a betting perspective, the Thor’s Echo and Crystal Water offer less appeal than three stakes later. From a sporting perspective, who doesn’t love The Chosen Vron? A winner of 16 stakes, The Chosen Vron is stuck... ...

The Chosen Vron Seeks Second Thor’s Echo

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – California-bred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron faces four opponents when he attempts to defend his title in Saturday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles 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, Fetkin, Thornburgh and trainer J. Eric Kruljac. He has 17 wins in 22 starts, earnings of $1,359,678 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 27 Kona Gold, his 12th win in the last 13 starts. Sawasdee is by Desert Code, out of the Congaree mare Scary Fast, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Ronald Yayoshi and trained by Craig Dollase. He has seven wins in 29 starts, earnings of $262,780 and is coming off a May 5 allowance win. Graded stakes winner Big City Lights is by Mr. Big, out of the Exchange Rate mare Champagne Exchange, was bred by Bar C... ...

Kings River Knight Wants Crystal Water Repeat

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Defending champ Kings River Knight risks his four-race win streak in Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. Barely Functional is by Mrazek, out of the Tapit mare Walkingonadream, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 17 starts, earnings of $215,262 and is coming off a third in a May 5 optional claimer. Coalinga Road is by Quality Road, out of the Johannesburg mare Coco Ecolo, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in 25 starts, earnings of $438,814 and is coming off a third in a May 5 optional claimer. He was second in this race last year. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban. He has six wins in 32 starts, earnings... ...

Stay and Scam in Fran’s Valentine Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Stay and Scam, who hit the board in graded stakes in her last two starts, gets the outside post in a field of 11 in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Carmen Miranda is by Stanford, out of the Tribal Rule mare Miranda Rose, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Hronis Racing and trained by John Sadler. She has five wins in 18 starts, earnings of $326,576 and is coming off a fourth in a Mar. 29 optional claimer. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Jessebear is by Misremembered, out of the Crowd Pleaser mare Cagey Girl, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by McLean Racing Stables and trained by Aggie Ordonez. The $6,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in 11 starts, earnings of $104,960 and is coming off a fourth in a Mar. 15 optional claimer. Abhita is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Wildcat Heir... ...

Streaking Shady Tiger in Snow Chief Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Stakes winner Shady Tiger draws the rail in Saturday’s $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank, for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Shady Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Full Mandate mare Divine Legacy, was bred by owner Rusty Brown and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $166,400 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 6 Echo Eddie Stakes, his third consecutive win. CTBA January Sale graduate Size Does Matter is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Mr. Big, out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Belloma, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Brent Malmstrom and trained by Peter Miller. The $2,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in five starts, earnings of $31,200 and is coming off a third in an Apr. 28 optional claimer. Takes Three is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Radish, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned... ...

Grand Slam Smile Takes Swing in Melair

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile seeks to continue her division domination in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. CTBA January Sale graduate Safa is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Hadarra, was bred by Derek Lawson, is owned by Souheil Bisharat and Khalil Khoury and is trained by Gary Stute. A $23,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $148,060 and is coming off four consecutive runner-up finishes. 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 Peter Miller. She has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $123,580 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 7 Island Fashion Stakes at Sunland Park. Loretta Lynn is by Grazen, out of the Tribal Rule mare Sunday Rules, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil... ...

Morning-line Maker Jon White to Retire

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 21, 2024) — Jon White, who first went to work for Santa Anita Park as a television commentator in 1993 and later took over as the morning-line oddsmaker in 2009, has announced that he will be retiring when the track’s current Hollywood meet ends on June 16. Longtime handicapper Jeff Siegel will take over as Santa Anita morning-line oddsmaker. “I’ve been contemplating retirement for four years or so and feel the time is right,” White said. “I’m about to turn 69 and would very much like to retire while in good health. I am very grateful for the opportunity to first work as a television broadcaster for both Santa Anita and HRTV and then to make the track’s morning line for all these years.” “On behalf of everyone at Santa Anita Park, we thank Jon White for his lifetime commitment to Thoroughbred racing,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Park’s Senior Vice President & General Manager. “He was incredibly and meticulously dedicated to his craft, and we wish... ...

Legacy Ranch’s Plan for Forbidden Kingdom

By DRF.com ARCADIA. Calif. (May 20, 2024) — Forbidden Kingdom, the winner of three Grade 2 stakes, was sold for $310,000 during the Fasig-Tipton digital sale last week as a stallion prospect for 2025. But the 5-year-old’s racing career may not be finished, trainer Richard Mandella said on Sunday. Forbidden Kingdom may have additional starts later this year after a short-term vacation at Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch, where the horse will be based as a stallion. “We’ll give him a little rest and we might try him again before breeding season and see how it goes,” Mandella said. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Forbidden Kingdom, the most expensive hip of the sale, was previously owned by My Racehorse and Spendthrift Farm and was sold to dissolve the partnership. Forbidden Kingdom, by American Pharoah, has won 4 of 13 starts and earned $680,000. In 2022, Forbidden Kingdom won consecutive starts in Grade 2 stakes at Santa Anita – the... ...

TOC, Fairs Reach Agreement for NorCal Racing

By DRF.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 19, 2024) — The Golden State Racing meeting at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., this fall will offer approximately $170,000 per day in purses and will run largely on a Friday-through-Sunday basis for nine weeks from Oct. 19 to Dec. 15, according to an agreement reached earlier this month between the Thoroughbred Owners of California and a consortium of executives and horsemen that will operate the race season. The terms were part of an agreement reached between the TOC and the California Authority of Racing Fairs in advance of the Alameda County Fair’s summer meeting, which will run for 13 racing days from June 14 to July 7. CARF officials will run the Golden State Racing meeting. The Golden State Racing meeting will replace Golden Gate Fields on the Northern California circuit later this year. Golden Gate Fields is scheduled to close permanently on June 9. The Golden State Racing meeting will have a minimum of 208 Thoroughbred races through the season, a... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 17, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Brenda Washington Davis, and Thomas Hudnut. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcastlink, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: The Board heard extensive testimony on the subject of funding for its own budget in fiscal-year 2024-25. The underlying issues still have not been resolved. The funding mechanism must be in place by July 1, essentially at the June 20 meeting of the Board. California racetracks and horsemen always have paid for CHRB operations. In 2009, the California Legislature and Governor approved a statute restructuring license fees and the method of CHRB funding. That 2009 statute specifically requires all racetracks to pay the costs for stewards, official veterinarians, and equine drug testing at their own race meets.... ...

Big Pond in New York for Vagrancy Stakes

By Bloodhorse.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. — (May 16, 2024) — California-bred Big Pond was a big deal at Santa Anita Park over the winter, winning the Feb. 18 Spring Fever Stakes in fast time after a nose defeat when second in the Dec. 26 La Brea Stakes (G1). Now George Krikorian’s homebred 4-year-old daughter of Mr. Big battles five East Coast rivals in the $175,000 Vagrancy Stakes (G3) May 18 at Aqueduct Racetrack. Her principal foes in the 6 1/2-furlong dirt sprint are stakes winners Hot Fudge , Leave No Trace , and Beguine . Saturday’s race marks Big Pond’s first start for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and her second outside California, where she was foaled. All seven of her prior starts previously came for trainer Tim Yakteen, including a recent seventh in the April 6 Madison Stakes (G1) at Keeneland that came after an awkward start. She recorded three wins and two seconds for Yakteen, earning $279,480. Junior Alvarado will be the fourth jockey to ride Big Pond in her last four races, following Flavian Prat, Frankie Dettori and... ...

Chismosa, Rebalation in Mizdirection Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 15, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa and fellow California-bred Rebalation are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Mizdirection 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 16 starts, earnings of $429,750 and is coming off a sixth in the Mar. 6 Monrovia. Rebalation is by Acclamation, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by Eric Schweiger, Gordy Jarnig & Kenny Marshall, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and trained by Librado Barocio. She has nine wins in 19 starts, earnings of $249,828 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 19 starter’s allowance. ...

Cal-bred Trio Tangle in San Juan Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2024) – California-breds Luca Grazie, Big Event and Galactic Core are among the entrants in Sunday’s $75,000 San Juan County Commissioners Stakes at Sunray Park. Luca Grazie is by Boisterous, out of the Comic Strip mare Kukaluka, was bred by Gary Barber and Aam Wachtel, is owned by Homer Thoroughbreds and is trained by Travis Wheeler. He has one win in 15 starts, earnings of $99,250 and is coming off ninth in an Apr. 16 optional claimer. Big Event is by Mr. Big, out of the Forestry mare Magnetic, was bred by George Kirkorian, is owned by Gina Lujan and Marissa Esquibel and is trained by Danny Morales. He has three wins in 16 starts, earnings of $74,798 and is coming off a fourth in an Apr. 28 optional claimer. Galactic Core is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Mizzen Mast mare Masterful Lass, was bred by Louis Neve, is owned by Christine Belt and trained by Danny Morales. He has one win in seven starts,... ...

TJC Scholarship Winners Named

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 16, 2024) — The Jockey Club announced today the recipients of its five academic scholarships, which will be awarded for the 2024-2025 academic year. Lauren Maas was selected to receive The Jockey Club Scholarship ($7,500 per semester), which is awarded to a student on an academic path toward employment in the equine industry. Lauren has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with an equine emphasis from UC-Davis and is a candidate for a Master’s of Science in Animal Biology with the thesis, “Arrhythmogenesis and Sudden Cardiac Death in Thoroughbred Racehorses.” After receiving her Master’s, Lauren will attend veterinary school at the Royal Veterinary College in London, England. The Jockey Club Advancement of Women in Racing Scholarship ($10,000 per semester) is being awarded to Sophia Vega. Sophia plans to graduate from the University of Kentucky in the spring of 2026 with a degree in Animal Science / Pre-Vet with an equine emphasis. She works as a nursing technician at Rood and Riddle equine... ...

Applications Accepted for T.I.P. Awards

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 15, 2024) — Applications for The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program’s (T.I.P.) two annual awards, the Thoroughbred of the Year Award and the Young Rider of the Year Award, are now available online at tjctip.com. Applications are due June 30, 2024. The T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award recognizes a Thoroughbred that has excelled in a non-competitive career, such as equine-assisted therapy or police work. The award includes a $5,000 grant to the non-profit organization associated with the horse or, if no organization is associated with the horse, to a horse-related charity chosen by The Jockey Club. To apply for the T.I.P. Thoroughbred of the Year Award, owners can go to tjctip.com/About/TBNCA. The T.I.P. Young Rider of the Year Award recognizes young riders, 18 or under as of January 1, 2024, who own or lease a Thoroughbred for use in 4-H, Pony Club, or other activities. The winner(s) will be determined through an essay contest with a total award of $5,000 that can be applied to... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 10, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, May 16, 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 #10, 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 package of materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

Jockey Club Racing Manual Now Online

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 9, 2024) — The PDF of the 2024 edition of The American Racing Manual, which contains historical data through 2023, is now available through The Jockey Club Fact Book. The Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and auction sales in North America. The Jockey Club is accepting feedback for potential modifications to The American Racing Manual, which can be submitted to contactus@jockeyclub.com. ...

Cal-bred Pair Meet in Santa Barbara

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 8, 2024) – California-breds Illhaveanotherkiss and Vincero Grande are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Santa Barbara Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Illhaveanotherkiss is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Tribal Rule mare Family Girl, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Joe Navarro and trained by Doug O’Neill. She has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $95,280 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 26 starter’s allowance. Vincero Grande is by Mr. Big, out of the Unusual Heat mare Patsy G and Me, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by SLO Stables and trained by Mike Puype. She has two wins in 17 starts, earnings of 141,886 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 4 optional claimer. ...

Nominations Open for Employee Awards

Press Release from Godolphin LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 8, 2024) — Nominations for the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards open today, Wednesday, May 8th, and will close Monday, July 15th. The TIEAs were held in America for the first time in 2016. Godolphin, the global racing and breeding operation founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is the principal sponsor of the awards in association with The Jockey Club, the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the Breeders’ Cup. Godolphin also sponsors equivalent awards in Ireland, Australia, Great Britain, and France. Cash prizes totaling $122,000 will be awarded to winners and two finalists in a total of seven categories as well as monetary awards going to two runners-up. The awards are the Dr. J. David “Doc” Richardson Community Award, Katherine McKee Administration Award, Dedication to Breeding Award, Dedication to Racing Award, Newcomer Award, Support Services Award and Management Award. TIEA is also pleased to announce that our category sponsors, which lent their support... ...

Churchill Downs Next for CTBA Sale Grad

From DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 8, 2024) — California trainer Jorge Periban will put a perfect record in Kentucky on the line June 30, when he sends the dazzling 2-year-old debut winner Bodacious from Santa Anita to Churchill Downs for the Bashford Manor Stakes. Periban is 2 for 2 in Churchill stakes with California-breds – Phantom Boss won the 2019 Bashford Manor, Tom’s Regret won the 2022 Kentucky Juvenile. Both were favorites. Based on an impressive debut, the newest Periban trainee may follow suit. Bodacious, a California-bred colt by Smokem and bred by Terry Lovingier, was purchased at the California Thoroughbred Breeder Association January Sale for $7,000 from the Lovacres Ranch consignment. He won by more than five lengths May 3 at Santa Anita in the meet’s first juvenile race. Bodacious zipped 4 1/2 furlongs in a quick 52.01. Before the maiden race, Periban was so confident that he already envisioned travel. “Do you want to go to Kentucky again?” Periban said to jockey Tyler Baze. Bodacious “showed me a lot... ...

Big Bowie Wins Turf Paradise Spring Futurity

PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 4, 2024) – Big Bowie, a California-sired gelded son of Mr. Big, remained unbeaten by winning Saturday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity for 2-year-olds. Big Bowie, bred in Washington by Dr. & Mrs. Jack Root and trained by Frank Lucarelli, is out of the Artie Schiller mare Be My Baby. He has won both starts with earnings of $53,100. He ran the five furlongs in :57.41 and won by one-half length at odds of 6-1 in a field of 10. ...

Shamrockin Lookin for Luck in Senorita

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 3, 2024) – Shamrockin is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Senorita Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Shamrockin is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. & Neary Racing, is owned by Metanoia Racing and Craig Seidler and is trained by Pau Aguirre. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $83,220 and is coming off a Mar. 16 optional claiming win. ...

Caution Cardinal Wins Fleming Derby

PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 3, 2024) – Caution Cardinal, an Arizona-bred son of California stallion Stanford, won Thursday’s $66,278 Gene Fleming Breeders’ Derby for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Caution Cardinal, out of the Mr. Greeley mare Ms. Caution, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.70 and won by a nose at odds of 3-1 in a field of six. He has two wins in nine starts and earnings of $69,411. ...

Traceability Update from The Jockey Club

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 1, 2024) — The Jockey Club’s traceability initiative, which was announced at the 2023 Round Table Conference, is scheduled to launch this summer. In preparation, the Registry encourages anyone with a digital certificate of foal registration in their account who no longer has possession of the horse to transfer the certificate to the current owner or appropriate certificate manager. “We strongly encourage everyone to log on to Interactive Registration and check that the horses in their accounts are still in their possession,” said Rick Bailey, registrar of The Jockey Club. “Traceability is a priority for the Thoroughbred industry, and The Jockey Club’s commitment in this area, demonstrated by this project and others, underscores that significance.” The first phase of the initiative will trigger email prompts to certificate managers of horses that have no racing activity and no Thoroughbred Incentive Program number in the past two years. The initial phase will focus on racetracks and sales companies. “The goal of the traceability initiative is to ensure... ...

Bertrando Stakes June 22 at Los Alamitos

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. —Three stakes – including the $100,000 Bertrando for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California — highlight the eight-day Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The Bertrando will be run on Opening Day, Saturday, June 22. The meet will continue through Sunday, July 7. Racing will be conducted Saturday-Sunday the first two weeks (June 22-23 and June 29-30) then Thursday-Sunday (July 4-7) the final week. Post time will be 1 p.m. The richest race of the meet will be the $400,000 Grade II Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies & mares at 6 ½ furlongs. Won a year ago by multiple graded stakes winner Eda, the Great Lady M. will be offered Saturday, July 6. The $100,000 Los Alamitos Derby, which was won by Reincarnate in 2023, giving Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert his seventh consecutive victory in the race, will be run Saturday, June 29. The Derby is for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles. Baffert has won the local... ...

The Chosen Vron

The Chosen Vron wins $100,000 Kona Gold. ...

Another Triumph for The Chosen Vron

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (April 27, 2024)— Nothing against morning workouts, but California-bred horse of the Year The Chosen Vron prefers afternoon races. That is why trainer Eric Kruljac supplemented the veteran gelding to a stakes he originally had no intention to enter. In the Santa Anita winner’s circle on Saturday after The Chosen Vron ($2.40) won the $101,000 Kona Gold Stakes, his 17th career win and 16th stakes, Kruljac said The Chosen Vron gave him no choice after he worked a bullet half-mile in 46.60 one week ago. “Our read on him, his last couple workouts (was) we’d better pull the trigger now and let him stretch his legs,” Kruljac said. “He just told us he was ready, and we listened.” The Chosen Vron stretched his legs 6 1/2 furlongs Saturday, winning the Kona Gold by three-quarters of a length over Happy Jack. Express Train finished five lengths back in third, while second favorite Forbidden Kingdom faded to last in the field of seven. The Chosen Vron ran a... ...

Cal-bred Pair Enters Hasta La Vista

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Apr. 28, 2024) –California-breds Bel Ragazzo and Hapi Hapi are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Hasta La Vista Stakes at 1 7/8 miles at Turf Paradise. Bel Ragazzo is by Exaggerator, out of the Belgravia mare Bricks and Clicks, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Anthony DeMarco and trained by Edward Kereluk. He has four wins in 35 starts, earnings of $48,322 and is coming off a third in an Apr. 24 claimer. Hapi Hapi is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Wildcat Heir mare Wild Caroline, was bred by James Shenouda and is owned by trainer Jesus Uranga. He has eight wins in 46 starts, earnings of $225,095 and is coming off a sixth in an Apr. 21 starter’s allowance. ...

Cal-bred Juveniles Seeking Black Type

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Apr. 28, 2024) – Six California-breds are part of a full field of 12 entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity for 2-year-olds. Ligerazo, a graduate of the CTBA January Sale, is by Stanford, out of the Royal Applause mare Tinderella, was bred by Rancho San Miguel and Var Reeve, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables and Tricar Stables and is trained by Jose Silva. He finished second in his lone start with earnings of $6,000. Inexpress is a filly by Bodexpress, out of the Declaration of War mare Love of Art, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Jacque Guerra. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $1,500. Narizon is by Stanford, out of the Into Mischief mare Zakar, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables and is trained by Jose Silva. He was second in his lone start with earnings of $5,700. Bottle Caps, a graduate of the Northern California Yearling... ...

Del Mar Offering Eight Cal-bred Stakes

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Apr. 25, 2024) — Del Mar once again will offer eight black-type events strictly for California-breds at its 31-day meeting that runs from Saturday, July 20 through Sunday, Sept. 8. Del Mar will offer the most lucrative purses in California and the west, with an average daily distribution to horsemen and women of $860,000. Maiden Special Weight races will be run for $75,000. Del Mar will be the host track for this year’s renewal of the Breeders’ Cup on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 with its more than $33 million in purses and awards to go along with its 14 championship races. The Cal-bred stakes, which carry overall purses of $1 million: Fri. Jul 26 FLEET TREAT STAKES Fillies, Three-year-olds, Cal-Bred $150,000 Guaranteed 7 Furlongs Fri. Aug 02 REAL GOOD DEAL STAKES Three-year-olds, Cal-Bred $150,000 Guaranteed 7 Furlongs Sat. Aug 03 CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’ STAKES Three-year-olds & up, Cal-Bred $150,000 Guaranteed 1 1/16 Miles (T) Sun. Aug 04 CTBA STAKES Fillies, Two-year-olds,... ...

The Chosen Vron Chooses Kona Gold Stakes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2024) – The plan for The Chosen Vron to take it easy in April went out the window when the popular chestnut gelding worked four furlongs in a blazing 46.60 seconds last weekend under a hold by jockey Hector Berrios. “I wanted to freshen [The Chosen Vron] off his previous race, but thought better of it because he’s just feeling so good,” trainer Eric Kruljac said. Instead of two months between starts, waiting for a California-bred stakes in May, The Chosen Vron was supplemented to the $100,000 Kona Gold Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita. “He’s just training so sharp, he hasn’t been any better,” Kruljac said. Few sprinters in California are better. The Chosen Vron, a 16-for-21 millionaire 6-year-old with 15 stakes wins, seeks another on Saturday against Grade 2 winner Forbidden Kingdom and classy comebacker Express Train. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Seven entered the Kona Gold, a 6 1/2-furlong... ...

Cal-bred Trio Takes Aim at San Francisco Mile

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Freeport Joe and fellow California-breds Clovisconnection and Coalinga Road are entered in Saturday’s $175,000 Grade III San Francisco Mile at Golden Gate. Coalinga Road is by Quality Road, out of the Johannesburg mare Coco Ecolo, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in 24 starts, earnings of $430,234 and is coming off a fifth in the Mar. 24 Sensational Star. Graded winner Freeport Joe is by English Channel, out of the Sadler’s Wells mare Winds of March, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Larry Odbert and trained by Gloria Haley. He has nine wins in 28 starts, earnings of $345,102 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 5 allowance. The $2,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale was seventh in this race in 2022. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by owners William and Judy Hedrick... ...

Stay and Scam Enters Royal Heroine

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2024) – The main question in the Grade 3 Royal Heroine Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita concerns the likely pacesetter – can California-bred Stay and Scam stay the trip? At a mile on turf, the Royal Heroine may or may not be within reach for Stay and Scam. She ran well finishing second last out in the Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes, her initial try at two turns. But she also squandered a 2 1/2-length lead in the stretch. “I guess until you win [at two turns], it’s always going to be a question mark,” trainer Doug O’Neill acknowledged. “She really stepped up against open company and showed she belongs. I’m just confident she’s doing well. I think she fits in there.” Stay and Scam fits perfectly in the $100,000 Royal Heroine, which is race 9 on Saturday. The card includes the $100,000 Kona Gold, race 4, in which The Chosen Vron could be odds-on. By comparison, the Royal Heroine is wide open. Stay... ...

NTRA’s Safety Runs First Program Announced

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky (April 23, 2024) – Today the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced a new national campaign, Safety Runs First, and corresponding website to promote the sport’s collective commitment to safety, welfare, and integrity. Safety Runs First (safetyrunsfirst.com) highlights reforms being implemented in the sport of Thoroughbred racing and their results to date, including the impacts of the national regulatory oversight body, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA); emerging technologies and their applications on the future of equine safety and welfare; new veterinary and track surface protocols; and other measures being taken by the sport to enhance safety practices. The campaign and website are designed to be a continuing, long-term resource for the public as the racing industry furthers its investment in programs and resources to help reduce injury risk and enhance the safety of its athletes. “Safety Runs First will be a key part of our sport’s commitment to transparency and accountability as we continue to strive for ways to create the safest environment possible... ...

Clement L. Hirsch Elected to Hall of Fame

By DRF.com SARATOGA, N.Y. (Apr. 23, 2024) — Clement L. Hirsch joins Thoroughbreds Justify and Gun Runner and the jockey Joel Rosario in the nine-member class elected for induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, it was announced Tuesday. The class of 2024 also includes the longtime Daily Racing Form columnist Joe Hirsch (no relation to Clement L. Hirsch) and Harry Guggenheim as chosen for induction by the Pillars of the Turf Committee. Jockey Abe Hawkins and Thoroughbreds Aristides and Lecomte were selected for induction by the Pre-1900 Historic Review Committee. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. The induction ceremony will be held on Aug. 2 at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs at 10:30 a.m. Justify, Gun Runner, and Rosario — all in their first year of eligibility — were chosen in the contemporary category, receiving at least 50 percent plus one vote on 177 ballots returned from eligible voters. There were 17 contemporary... ...

Johnny Podres

Johnny Podres wins $100,000 Siren Lure. ...

Dodger Namesake Johnny Podres Wins Again

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2024) – Ignored despite winning twice in March, Johnny Podres closed from fourth to record a 16-1 upset in Sunday’s $100,000 Siren Lure Stakes for turf sprinters at Santa Anita. Similar to his victory at 5-1 in the Sensational Star Stakes for California-breds on March 24, Johnny Podres needed the entire stretch to reach the front, catching 4-5 favorite First Peace in the final strides. Johnny Podres ($35.80) won by a half-length, finishing about 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:11.57 on a warm afternoon. From trainer Librado Barocio’s perspective, the key to the two stakes wins was a victory in a $50,000 claimer at six furlongs on the main turf oval on March 1, a win that ended an eight-race losing streak since a turf sprint at Golden Gate Fields in October 2022. “When he won that race, it gave him confidence,” Barocio said in the winner’s circle in reference to the $50,000 claimer. “He’s always been a good horse and I think he’s a... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 19, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, April 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 Thomas Hudnut. 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: Northern California stakeholders took another step towards filling in the 2024 racing calendar – reflecting the permanent closure of Golden Gate Fields after June 11 – by dividing up summer weeks vacated by Golden Gate and extending fair meets in Sacramento, Ferndale, and Fresno. While the individual meet applications still must be considered by the Board, those interests made the customary request that their meets along with the Alameda County Fair at Pleasanton be designated as one continuous meet, largely for pari-mutuel carryover reasons. The Board approved the request for a continuous meet. A fourth fair... ...

Cal-bred Ghostzapper Filly Sells for $325,000

OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 19, 2024) – A California-bred daughter of Ghostzapper sold for $325,000 at the Friday session of the Ocala April Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. The filly, out of the stakes-placed Maclean’s Music mare Consulting, was bred by Glen Hill Farm, consigned by Eddie Woods, agent, and purchased by George Papaprodromou, agent. A May 9 foal, the filly worked a furlong under tack in :10. ...

Big Novel Takes Big Step in Santa Maria

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2024) – Multiple stakes-placed Big Novel is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Maria Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Big Novel is by Mr. Big, out of the Heatseeker mare Steamy Novel, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by John Sadler. She has four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $370,902 and is coming off a win in a Mar. 22 optional claimer. ...

Johnny Podres Gets the Start in Siren Lure

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2024) – Stakes winner Johnny Podres is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Siren Lure 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 eight wins in 36 starts, earnings of $422,870 and is coming off a win in the Mar. 24 Sensational Star. ...

Cal-bred None Above the Law in Californian

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 17, 2024) – California-bred graded winner None Above the Law has found a compact field of four rivals against which to end his losing streak in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Californian Stakes at Santa Anita. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban. He has six wins in 31 starts, earnings of $567,302 and is coming off a sixth in the Mar. 24 Sensational Star after being claimed for $50,000. His last win was the Grade II Del Mar Derby, 2 ½ years and 18 races ago. ...

Lamporghini Takes a Spin in Providencia

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 17, 2024) – Lamporghini is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Lamporghini is by Danzing Candy, out of the Storm Boot mare Storm Lamp, was bred by owner Ed Delaney and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $123,040 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 24 optional claimer. ...

Horseman, Entrepreneur Marty Wygod Passes

From TDN.com and DMTC.com RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. (Apr. 12, 2024) — After a long lifetime marked by notable wins on the racetrack and in the business world, prominent owner-breeder, entrepreneur and philanthropist Marty Wygod has passed away aged 84. The hub of Wygod’s breeding empire-which he owned and operated with his wife, Pamela-was the 250-acre River Edge Farm, in California’s Santa Ynez Valley, close to Santa Barbara. There, they stood several successful stallions, like Bertrando, Tribal Rule, Benchmark and Dixie Chatter. But it’s the many talented performers Wygod bred, owned and co-owned that he’s arguably best remembered for in the racing world. The Wygods bred Life is Sweet (Storm Cat), a two-time Grade I winner who took the 2009 GI Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic. Sweet Catomine (Storm Cat) won the 2004 GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. Tranquility Lake (Rahy) was a seven-time graded stakes and dual Grade I winner and went on to produce a $9.7-million Keeneland September sales-topper. Idiot Proof (Benchmark) claimed the 2007 GI Ancient Title S.... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 12, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, April 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 package of materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

Stakes-winning Cal-bred Pair Earn a Breather

By DRF.com SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Apr. 14, 2024) — California-bred Alotaluck, the runner-up to Kentucky Derby probable Stronghold in the Grade 3, $400,000 Sunland Park Derby, is getting about a month off, trainer Ty Garrett said Saturday. The horse last raced on April 7, and won the $125,000 Mine That Bird Derby by 2 1/2 lengths at Sunland. “We turned him out yesterday,” Garrett said. “We’re going to give him like 30 days. We’ll let him tell us, then we’ll look for a spot.” Garrett is racing at SunRay Park and following the meet his stable could base at either Canterbury or Arapahoe. Alotaluck is a California-bred whose dam, Colinda Dawn, won the Colorado Derby at Arapahoe. Only One America, a California-bred who won the $125,000 Island Fashion for 3-year-old fillies on the same card as the Mine That Bird, will likely get some downtime, trainer Todd Fincher said. “She might be due a little break,” he said. ...

Sir Prancealot’s Sir Sway Wins Redelva Stakes

MORPHETTVILLE, Australia (Apr. 14, 2024) – Sir Sway, an Australian-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won Saturday’s listed $120,000 The Fotobase Group Redelva Stakes at Morphettville Racecourse in Southern Australia. It was the first stakes win for Sir Sway, a 3-year-old gelding out of the Commands mare Silent Sway. He has four wins in six starts and earnings of $161,495. He ran the 1100 meters in 1:04.33 and won by three-quarters of a length in a field of 11. ...

Only One America Takes Island Fashion

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Apr. 7, 2024) — California-bred Only One America cruised to a 5 1/2-length win over Deviletta in Sunday’s $125,000 Island Fashion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies ar Sunland Park. Only One America ($12.40) set the pace in her two-turn debut, putting up fractions of 24.66 seconds for the opening quarter, 49.79 for the half-mile, and 1:14.34 for six furlongs before going on to cover the mile for 3-year-olds fillies in 1:38.23. Todd Fincher trains Only One America for her breeders, J. Kirk and Judy Robison. Only One America is a daughter of Marking and out of the mare That’s the Ideal, who also produced five-time stakes winner Competitive Idea. Sent iff at odds of 5-1, Only One America is now 2 for 9 for earnings of $123,580. ...

Alotaluck Wins Mine That Bird Derby

By DRF.com SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Apr. 7, 2024) — California-bred odds-on favorite Alotaluck became a stakes winner on Sunday when he moved past No Trouble in the stretch for a 2 1/2-length win in the $125,000 Mine That Bird Derby at Sunland Park. It was another 4 3/4 lengths back in third to Young Pope. The Mine That Bird Derby was one of five stakes on the closing-day card. The stakes were worth a total of $650,000. Presidential won the richest offering, the $200,000 Sunland Park Handicap. Alotaluck ($2.10) came into the Mine That Bird Derby off a runner-up finish to Stronghold in the Grade 3, $400,000 Sunland Park Derby. Stronghold returned to win the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby on Saturday. Alotaluck, meanwhile, tracked the pace set by No Trouble on Sunday, with that one taking the field through fractions of 23.54 for the opening quarter, 47.81 for the half-mile, and 1:12.65 for six furlongs. Alotaluck moved in on No Trouble from there, and worked to get past the... ...

Shady Tiger

Shady Tiger wins $125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes. ...

Shady Tiger Draws Off in Echo Eddie

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 6, 2024) – Shady Tiger ran his win streak to three on Saturday, exploding from the pack at the top of the stretch to run away with the $125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. Shady Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Full Mandate mare Divine Legacy, was bred by owner Rusty Brown and is trained by Philip D’Amato. ”That was an impressive performance,” said D’Amato. “This horse has done nothing wrong in the mornings. He has impressed me, and I think he wants to go longer the way he galloped out today. We’ve been trying to get him to go in a two-turn race, but there really hasn’t been anything. I think in the months to come there’s a Cal-bred stake going long. Who knows, he might be able to compete against open company going long. ”I thought Tom Seaver got the jump on him at the turn and Juan was stuck on the inside, but when Juan got him... ...

Roberta’s Love Wires Evening Jewel Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 6, 2024) – Longshot Roberta’s Love, fresh off a maiden win, added black type to the resume with a wire-to-wire win in Saturday’s $125,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. She is by Collected, out of the Broken Vow mare West Coast Gal, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by BG Stables and Royalty Stable and trained by Hector Palma. “Everyone was surprised to see her in front,” said Palma. “Last time she was in second, but she got a good kick this time. I really think this filly is going to go the distance. They are going at an easy pace, and she’s very smart. She’s been a great filly since the beginning.” Roberta’s Love has two wins in three starts and earnings of $121,800. She ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.83 and won by three-quarters of a length over Safa, with Clubhouse Bride third in a field of six at odds of nearly 10-1. Said winning... ...

Roberta’s Love

Roberta’s Love wins $125,000 Evening Jewel. ...

Yvonne’s Miss Targets Wilma Mankiller Stakes

CLAREMORE, Okla. (Apr. 9, 2024) – Yvonne’s Miss is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 Wilma Mankiller Stakes for fillies and mares at Will Rogers Downs. Yvonne’s Miss is by Bucchero, out of the Posse mare Deputy Miss, was bred by Ari Herbertson, is owned by Carlton Sanders and trained by Sarah Davidson. She has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $98,534 and is coming off back-to-back allowance wins. ...

Tapatio Leo Ready for Eclipse at Oaklawn

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Apr. 4, 2024) – Tapatio Leo is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $175,000 Eclipse Stakes at Oaklawn Park. 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 and is trained by Peter Miller. He has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $253,026 and is coming off a seventh in a Feb. 23 allowance that snapped a four-race win streak. ...

Full Field Assembled for Echo Eddie

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Stakes winners Last Call London and Lord Prancealot take on the unbeaten Tom Seaver in Saturday’s $125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. Stay On the Fence is by Pavel, out of the The Factor mare Factor of Two, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has one win in nine starts, earnings of $98,600 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 4 optional claimer. Prince Prancealot is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Richard’s Kid mare Lemon Crush, was bred by Melody Conlon and is owned by trainer Paula Capestro. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $52,960 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 4 optional claimer. Shady Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Full Mandate mare Divine Legacy, was bred by owner Rusty Brown and is trained by Philip D’Amato. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $91,400 and is coming... ...

Clubhouse Ride Trio in Evening Jewel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Three daughters of stallion Clubhouse Ride comprise half of the field entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Safa is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Hadarra, was bred by Derek Lawson, is owned by Souheil Bisharat and Khalil Khoury and is trained by Gary Stute. The $23,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in eight starts, earnings of $112,060 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 3 optional claimer. Mirinda is by Mitole, out of the More Than Ready mare Whim, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Thomas Nichols and trained by Gary Mandella. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $70,200 and is making her first start since a third in the Nov. 3 Golden State Juvenile Fillies. Roberta’s Love is by Collected, out of the Broken Vow mare West Coast Gal, was bred... ...

Yo Yo Candy Returns in Bay Shore Stakes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate and graded winner Yo Yo Candy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Bay Shore Stakes for 3-year-olds at Aqueduct. Yo Yo Candy is by Danzing Candy, out of the Two Punch mare Yolanda B. Too, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, is owned by Happy Tenth Stable and trained by Daniel Velazquez. The $6,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale, consigned by breeder Checkmate Thoroughbreds, has two wins in five starts, earnings of $149,050 and is making his first start since a fifth in the Nov. 5 Nashua. ...

Curlin’s Kaos Steps Up to Santa Anita Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Curlin’s Kaos is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $750,000 Grade I Santa Anita Derby for 3-year-olds. 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 Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $82,520 and is coming off a fourth in the Feb. 18 Sunland Park Derby. ...

Chismosa Ready for Monrovia Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Monrovia 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 15 starts, earnings of $429,250 and is coming off a third in the Mar. 17 Irish O’Brien. ...

Big Pond Ships to Keeneland for Madison

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 2, 2024) – Stakes winner Big Pond is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $600,000 Grade I Resolute Racing Madison Stakes for fillies and mares at Keeneland. Big Pond is by Mr. Big, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Beside Still Water, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by Tim Yakteen. She has three wins in six starts, earnings of $273,230 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 18 Spring Fever. ...

Cal-bred Pair Tries Island Fashion Stakes

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Apr. 2, 2024) – California-breds Only One America and Raspberry Wine are entered in Sunday’s $125,000 Island Fashion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park. 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 eight starts, earnings of $46,080 and is coming off a sixth in a Mar. 14 allowance. Raspberry Wine is by Cat Burglar, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Terri Rust and Rusty Wire Racing and is trained by Rust. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $41,975 and is coming off a fifth in the Feb. 18 Sunland Park Oaks. ...

Alotaluck Enters Mine That Bird Derby

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Apr. 2, 2024) – Alotaluck is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $125,000 Mine That Bird 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 has one win in three starts, earnings of $132,360 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 18 Sunland Park Derby. ...

Bad Weather is Good for Stay and Scam

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 31, 2024) – One unexpected benefit to the Santa Anita rain cancellation last week is the subsequent upgrade to the field for the Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes, a turf-mile for fillies and mares postponed from Saturday to Thursday. The five-day delay provided California-bred stakes-winning sprinter Stay and Scam 19 days between starts, and allows her to run in the Wilshire as the likely pacesetter and most probable winner. If the race had been run as scheduled last Saturday, Stay and Scam would have stayed in the barn. “She was not planned to run last weekend,” trainer Doug O’Neill said. “The postponement definitely opened up that conversation, and here we are.” Stay and Scam’s owner and breeder, Paul Reddam, supplemented Stay and Scam to the Wilshire for $2,000. The move may pay dividends. Stay and Scam won the Irish O’Brien Stakes for California-bred turf sprinters on March 17 and could be long gone in Wilshire. That is, if she stays two turns. “If the pace scenario... ...

Santa Anita Cancels Weekend Cards

From DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2024) — With heavy rain forecast for this weekend, Santa Anita has canceled live racing on Saturday and Sunday. A makeup card will be added next Thursday, April 4, with entries to be taken on Saturday. According to the National Weather Service, rain is expected to arrive in the area Friday evening and remain throughout the weekend. Thursday’s makeup card will include both the GIII Wilshire Stakes on turf, which was scheduled for Saturday, and the GIII American Stakes on turf that was set to be run this Sunday. In addition to Thursday’s card, Santa Anita plans to run extra races Friday through Sunday. All races in the condition book for this weekend will be offered back next week. Next Thursday’s card will start a four-day race week at Santa Anita, which is highlighted by the GI Santa Anita Derby card on Saturday, April 6. In addition to the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby, which is a major prep for the Kentucky Derby, the card... ...

TOC Owners Appreciation Lunch at GGF

From TOC ALBANY, Calif. – The Thoroughbred Owners of California will hold an Owners Appreciation luncheon for licensed owners at Golden Gate Fields on San Francisco Mile Dale, Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. in the Turf Club. This event is free for licensed Owners and one complimentary guest. Additional guests will result in a fee – $50 per person. Reservations are required. RSVP by Tuesday, Apr. 23. Click here to register. Contact Wayne Atwell with questions at watwell@toconline.com. ...

Jockey Club Fact Book Available Online

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 25, 2024) — The Jockey Club announced today that the 2024 edition of the Fact Book is available in the Resources section of jockeyclub.com. The online Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and auction sales in North America and is updated quarterly. This edition of the Fact Book includes a new page with an estimate of the total number of registered Thoroughbreds in North America based on 25-year periods. Other updates to the fact book will be published throughout the year, including exports by age and average earnings per starter by various sire metrics. The Jockey Club is continually seeking ways to provide information in novel formats concerning the Thoroughbred industry to the public. Please email Shannon Luce, vice president, Communications, with your ideas: sluce@jockeyclub.com. The 2024 State Fact Books, which feature detailed breeding, racing, and auction sales information specific to numerous states, Canadian provinces, and Puerto Rico, are also available on The Jockey Club website. The State... ...

Johnny Podres

Johnny Podres wins $100,000 Sensational Star. ...

Johnny Podres Gives Grazen Sensational 1-2

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 24, 2024) — Johnny Podres was an all-star in Sunday’s $101,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible turf sprinters at Santa Anita, as stallion Grazen sired the first two finishers. The 7-year-old gelding, named after the star pitcher for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1950s and 1960s, rallied widest of all from sixth in a field of seven to win the first stakes of his career in his 36th start. The Sensational Star was the ninth time that jockey Geovanni Franco was aboard Johnny Podres, and the third time they won as a team. Johnny Podres broke well and raced four lengths behind pacesetter Clovisconnection through early fractions of 22.14 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 44.66 for a half-mile. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports As the field crossed from the hillside onto the main turf overall, Franco moved Johnny Podres to the outside. “I knew he’d come out... ...

Daddysruby Enters Matron at Oaklawn

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Mar. 24, 2024) – Grade I-winning California-bred Daddysruby is entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Matron Stakes for fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park. Daddysruby is by 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. She has five wins in seven starts, earnings of $364,014 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 18 Spring Fever, having just RNA’d at a high bid of $940,000 in the Fasig-Tipton Digital March Sale. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, March 21, 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, Thomas Hudnut, 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 completed 2024 date allocations for Northern California by allocating dates from October 16 through December 25 to a new thoroughbred meet at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. Commissioner Alfieri needed to step away shortly before, so the final vote was 6-0 in favor of the allocation. This followed three hours of discussion, including comments from more than 20 Northern California stakeholders in favor of the allocation. The new meet is a result of the announced permanent closure of Golden Gate Fields after June 11. The Board previously allocated dates for the... ...

Stay and Scam

Stay and Scam wins $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes. ...

Clovisconnection Returns with Streak Intact

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2024) – Clovisconnection returns from a six-month break with a four stakes win streak in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Disko Tribute is by Tom’s Tribute, out of the Country Reel mare Disko Dasko, was bred by DP Racing, is owned by Flawless Racing, Brian Flanagan, Michael Jarvis and Michael Weseloh and is trained by Craig Dollase. He has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $147,058 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 9 starter’s allowance. Lovesick Blues is by Grazen, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Queenofhercastle, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steven Miyadi. He has seven wins in 30 starts, earnings of $352,968 and is coming off a fourth in a Feb. 15 optional claimer. Catalina Eddy is by Square Eddie, out of the Johar mare Frege, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Rainmaker Racing and trained by Craig Lewis. He has three wins in... ...

I’ll Have Another Retired to Old Friends

Old Friends Press Release GEORGETOWN, Ky. (Mar. 21, 2024) – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Ky. is pleased to announce the arrival of 2012 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner, I’ll Have Another to the farm on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 for his retirement. The 14-year old California stallion was donated to Old Friends courtesy of his owner, Paul Reddam. “Welcoming I’ll Have Another is an auspicious and historic moment for Old Friends,” said John Nicholson, president and CEO of Old Friends. “We are deeply grateful to Paul Reddam and Doug O’Neill for choosing Old Friends to care for this great champion and to celebrate his magnificent legacy with thousands of our annual visitors. Being able to welcome our fourth Kentucky Derby winner to retire at Old Friends is further tribute to the vision and values of our founder and my friend, Michael Blowen.” “It is fantastic that he will have a permanent home at Old Friends where everyone can visit him,” said Reddam. “There... ...

Stay and Scam

Stay and Scam wins $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes. ...

Cal-bred Maiden Bonus Adjusted

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 15, 2024) — Beginning with the start of the Hollywood (Spring) Meet at Santa Anita Park, the bonus for registered California-breds or California-sired horses winning maiden special weight races in restricted and open company will be reduced from $17,500 to $15,000. The popular program has been in place since 2009 and the bonus is offered in races run at 4 ½ furlongs or longer. “The reduction is due to the growing success of the California-bred program, which is producing winners at an exceptionally high rate,” said Doug Burge, President of the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (CTBA). Owners of California-breds that win an open maiden special weight race also receive the benefit of the current Cal-bred bonus available in open company in addition to the maiden bonus. The maiden bonus program is funded jointly by the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) and the CTBA to increase the value of investing in California-bred and California-sired horses. Beginning on April 19, the maiden special weight bonus at participating California tracks... ...

The Chosen Vron Targets Another Bing Crosby

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2024) — Newly-crowed California-bred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron, winner of the 15th stakes of his career at Santa Anita on Saturday, will not have a busy race schedule in coming months prior to an expected start in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar in the summer. The Chosen Vron won his Grade 1 debut in the Bing Crosby Stakes last July, a victory trainer Eric Kruljac said remains a personal highlight. “That’s the milestone moment of my career,” Kruljac said on Sunday. “That, and winning the Test.” Kruljac, 71, won his first Grade 1 race with Leave Me Alone in the 2005 Test Stakes at Saratoga. The Chosen Vron was Kruljac’s second Grade 1 win in the Bing Crosby. Del Mar has yet to announce its summer stakes schedule, but often runs the six-furlong Bing Crosby in late July or early August. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker... ...

Stay and Scam Wins Irish O’Brien Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2024) – Favored Stay and Scam held off Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way to win Sunday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Stay and Scam is by Square Eddie, out of the Momentum mare Puff Pastry, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $290,760 and was coming off a Feb. 10 optional claiming win. “She ran great,” jockey Mario Gutierrez said. “She broke out of there good and I was going to go to the lead but I wasn’t going to push her either. When the other horse (Chancery Way) took the lead, I settled behind her pretty nicely. was just waiting to make my move. When I asked her to go, she went.” She has found her top form since switching to turf in the fall, particularly over Santa Anita’s unique hillside layout. Stay and Scam entered off a second-level allowance... ...

Stallion Cistron Passes at Age 10

Harris Farms Press Release COALINGA, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2024) – It is with much sadness that Harris Farm announces the passing of our young stallion, Cistron, to complications from colic. The grade 1 winning son of The Factor and earner of $768,719 was standing his third season in 2024. Cistron was a durable and consistent performer, winning or placing 19 times in 30 starts over a variety of distances and surfaces. Campaigning for Hronis Racing and trainer John Sadler, his biggest win came in the 2019 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) over the main track at Del Mar. Among his other stakes victories were the San Simeon Stakes (G3) down the hill at Santa Anita Park, the Kona Gold Stakes (G2) and Northern Spur Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Bred in Kentucky by St. George Farm, LLC, Cistron was produced by Officer mare Major Allie. Cistron was consigned by Lane’s End to the 2015 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where he was purchased by D. M. I. for $180,000. Cistron’s first crop numbers... ...

The Chosen Vron

The Chosen Vron wins $100,000 Grade III San Carlos Stakes. ...

Touched by Autism Relocated to Daehling

ELK GROVE, Calif. (Mar. 19, 2024) – Stallion Touched by Autism has been relocated to Daehling Ranch, where he will stand for the remainder of the 2024 breeding season. The 11-year-old graded stakes-placed son of Sierra Sunset, bred in California by George and Mary Clare Schmitt, was purchased by Johnny Toboada at the Northern California Yearling Sale and earned $307,230 on the track, winning eight times, including the 2018 Oakland Stakes at Golden Gate Fields. Touched by Autism was named to bring awareness to those living with Autism. For further information, call 510-409-5244. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, March 21, 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 package of materials are also available on the CHRB website. # ...

NorCal Sale Grads Square Off in Irish O’Brien

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduates Chancery Way and All Dialed In take on multiple stakes winner Rose Maddox and graded winner Chismosa in Sunday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Madiha is by Shaman Ghost, out of the Great Notion mare Very Few Details, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Zahra Madiha and Amanda Navarro and is trained by Craig Dollase. She has three wins in 24 starts, earnings of $285,477 and is coming off a fifth in a Mar. 9 optional claimer. Graded winner 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 14 starts, earnings of $417,250 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 3 Santa Monica Stakes. Stay and Scam is by Square Eddie, out of the Momentum mare Puff Pastry, was bred by owner Reddam... ...

Back to Work for HOY The Chosen Vron

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2024) — Newly crowned California-bred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron and fellow California-breds See Through It and Super Chief are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III San Carlos Stakes, presented by FanDuel TV, 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 Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin and Richard Thornburgh. The Grade I winner, named Cal-bred Horse of the Year on Tuesday night, has 15 wins in 20 starts, earnings of $1,239,678 and is coming off a win in the Jan 13 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. Stakes winner 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 31 starts, earnings of $363,712 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 10... ...

The Chosen Vron Cal-bred Horse of the Year

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 12, 2024) — Millionaire The Chosen Vron was named 2023 California-bred Horse of the Year at the CTBA Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting Tuesday night at Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia. Ceiling Crusher and Kings River Knight were the other finalists. The Chosen Vron was a runaway winner on the strength of a remarkable season in which he extended his winning streak to eight, all stakes, including a thrilling victory in the Grade I Bing Crosby at Del Mar. The Chosen Vron, previously named Cal-bred champion older male and turf horse for 2022, repeated as 2023 champion older male and added champion sprinter to his resume. In 2022 he was Cal-bred champion 3-year-old. His trainer, Eric Kruljac, was named 2023 Trainer of the Year. “Incredible, the whole thing, but what’s incredible is the horse,” said Kruljac. “I wish I could share his personality in the shed row when he’s not making money. He’s just the coolest dude in the world.” The Chosen Vron was bred by Tiz... ...

Millionaire Closing Remarks Retired

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 7, 2024) — Millionaire Harris Farms California-bred Closing Remarks is retiring following a sixth-place finish March 3 in the Buena Vista Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Park. “She’s 100% healthy and sound,” said trainer Carla Gaines. “I think she’s thinking of other things, kind of over this racing thing.” The 6-year-old daughter of Vronsky was coming off a career-best year in 2023, winning four grade 2 races. Her most recent win came in the Goldikova Stakes (G2T) at Santa Anita Nov. 5. In addition to her graded wins, she placed in seven other graded stakes throughout her career, including a second-place finish in the 2021 Del Mar Oaks (G1T). Closing Remarks was known for her closing kick and consistency. Every race she was just phenomenal,” Gaines said. “She ran so hard for all those races. Every race was more exciting than the last.” SIGN UP FOR BLOODHORSE DAILY Ending the year with a sixth, beaten only two lengths, in Del Mar‘s Matriarch Stakes (G1T) Dec. 3, Gaines gave the mare a... ...

Minister of Soul Appears Again in Gold Cup

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 8, 2024) – Iron horse 10-year-old Minister of Soul, making his sixth appearance in the race, is part of a California-bred quintet entered in Thursday’s $60,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Stakes at Turf Paradise. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul is by Minister’s Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has 18 wins in 65 starts, earnings of $589,722 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 27 optional claimer. He was seventh in this race last year, fifth in 2022, third in 2021, second in 2020 and won in 2019. 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 35 starts, earnings of $550,005 and is coming off a fourth in... ...

Madison Mae Ships for Turf Paradise Oaks

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 8, 2024) – Stakes winner Madison Mae and fellow California-breds Where is Zizi and Lady Mary Lou are entered in Thursday’s $60,000 Arizona Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Madison Mae is by Pavel, out of the Scat Daddy mare Taffeta, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by John Rockfort, Rafter JR Ranch, STD Racing Stable and Michael Nentwig and is trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $116,440 and is coming off a seventh in a Mar. 4 optional claimer. Where is Zizi is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Don’t Sell, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. She is a maiden making her third start with earnings of $12,900. Lady Mary Lou is by English Channel, out of the Tapit mare Carocuore, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by John Campo III and trained by Stacy Campo. She won her lone start Mar. 4 with earnings of... ...

Last Call London in Turf Paradise Derby

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 8, 2024) – Stakes winner Last Call London is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Derby for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Last Call London is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Empire Way mare Zo Lo’s Luv, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Tom London, Lovingier and Eugene Zondlo and is trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $184,096 and is coming off a fourth in a Feb. 11 optional claimer. ...

Starship Defiant Enters Correction Stakes

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Mar. 6, 2024) – Starship Defiant is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Correction Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. Starship Defiant is the Empire Way, out of the Street Boss mare Bossy Belle, was bred by Terry Lovingier and is owned by trainer David Jacobson. She has seven wins in 30 starts, earnings of $297,408 and is coming off a fifth in a Jan. 28 starter’s allowance. ...

Spitten Kitten Risks Win Streak in Return

TAMPA, Fla. (Mar. 6, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner California-bred Spitten Kitten returns from an eighth-month break in Saturday’s $50,000 overnight handicap at Tampa Bay Downs. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Marvin Buffalo and Deb Buffalo. She has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $81,434 and is making her first start since a win in the July 10 Jack Hardy Stakes. ...

Stallion Visitant’s First Foal a Colt

Arroyo Vista Farm Press Release VALLEY CENTER, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2024) — Arroyo Vista Farm’s graded stakes placed and multiple stakes winner Visitant sired his first reported foal on 3/4/24 at Harris Farms. The first foal is a colt out of Miss Graziella by Mutkaddim. Harris Farms bred and own the colt and mare, Miss Graziella, who is represented by two recent winners in Mr. Big Bucks and High Gunner. Miss Graziella is out of the stakes winner Graziella ($126,098), a half-sister to Stakes winners Room For Me ($454,650) and Uncle B (431,634). Visitant is an 8-year-old son by Ghostzapper out of the Distorted Humor mare Peppermint Lounge. Visitant is a multiple stakes winner of $712,927.00, winning five stakes races and set a new track record while also placing on dirt and turf in grade II contests. He ran from ages 3-7, with wins in each year of racing. He stood his first year at Arroyo Vista Farms in 2023 and returned to the track, placing in the Grade II Del Mar Mile. He returns to Arroyo Vista Farm for the... ...

Santa Anita Tapeta Training Track Reopens

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 2, 2024)—Santa Anita Park has opened its all-new synthetic Tapeta inner training track, effective Saturday morning. Following the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in early November, Santa Anita embarked upon an $8 million project to provide horsemen with a state-of-the-art all-weather surface that will complement its one-mile natural dirt main track and serve as a safe and viable component in the conditioning of Thoroughbreds on a year ’round basis. Manufactured by Maryland-based Tapeta Footings, Inc., Tapeta, which is currently in use at a total of nine different racecourses, has proven to be the safest and best all-weather surface in the world. “At Tapeta, our aim is to maintain the surface so that we have a soft cushion below and a slightly firmer finish on top,” said Joan Wakefield, of Tapeta Footings. “This helps to reduce kickback and provide stability without as much impact on the horse. For the training track at Santa Anita, we have used a high temperature wax specially blended... ...

1/ST Announces $25 Million Series

1/ST Racing Press Release BALTIMORE, Md. (Mar. 1, 2024) – 1/ST Racing announces a $25 million racing and incentive series connecting Preakness 149, The California Crown and the 2025 Pegasus World Cup. Kicking off at Preakness 149, 1/ST’s three premier race days will feature more than $12.5 million in elevated purses and $7.5 million in incentives for both dirt and turf participants. 1/ST is offering a $5 million bonus, in addition to the respective purses, to the owner(s) of the horse who wins the 149th Preakness Stakes (GI), The California Crown (GI) and the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (GI). For turf stars, 1/ST will award a $2.5 million bonus, added to the elevated purses, to the connections who win the Dinner Party Stakes (GIII), The California Crown John Henry Turf (GII) and the Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (GI).Preakness 149 celebrations, taking place on May 18 at Pimlico Race Course, will mark the inaugural races in this new series. The 149th Preakness Stakes purse will increase to $2 million, and the Dinner Party Stakes will increase to $500,000, making... ...

King Glorious Co-owner Magerman Passes

From Santa Anita Publicity CARLSBAD, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2024) — Prominent longtime Thoroughbred owner Alan Magerman passed away this past Saturday at age 88 in Carlsbad, CA. Magerman employed racing Hall of Fame trainer Buster Millerick in the 1960s and 70s and was the co-owner, along with Ted Aroney, of California-bred stalwart King Glorious, a son of Naevus, who won eight out of his nine starts while banking $1.1 million. Conditioned by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, King Glorious won a pair of Grade I stakes, taking the Hollywood Futurity in 1988 and the 1989 Haskell Invitational in 1989. A Philadelphia native, memorial Services for Alan Magerman are set for Tuesday in Trevos, Pa. ...

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