EDMONTON, Alberta (July 16, 2016) – Blue Dancer, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, ran his stakes win streak to three by taking Saturday’s $50,000 Fred Jones Handicap at Northlands Park. Blue Dancer, out of the Saint Ballado mare Two Halos, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.16 and won by 2 ¾ lengths at odds of 3-2. He has 10 wins in 13 starts and earnings of $267,673. ...
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WILMINGTON, Del. (July 16, 2016) – Longshot California-bred Bodhisattva displayed a sustained rally to win Saturday’s $50,000 Carl Hanford Memorial Stakes at Delaware Park. Bodhisattva is by Student Council, out of the Talk Is Money mare Dr. Cheryl P., was bred by Andy Stronach and is owned by trainer Jose Corrales. He has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $237,883 and was coming off a win in a June 19 optional claimer. He ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.20 and won by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 11-1. ...
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From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 16, 2016) — Champion California Chrome worked a sharp five furlongs in :59 1/5 Saturday morning at Del Mar on a racetrack cleared of all but a few other runners he’s likely to face in his comeback race in the San Diego Handicap here next Saturday. The handsome chestnut had regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney in the tack as they took flight from the five-furlong pole on an overcast morning alongside the Pacific and went through splits of :12, :23 4/5, :35 3/5 and :46 4/5 en route to the final clocking. He galloped out another furlong in 1:13. Two Del Mar’s clockers timed the 5-year-old California-bred winner of more than $12.5 million in purses in the same fractions and they agreed that the horse had earned a coveted “B” for “breezing,” a term reserved for only the easiest of works. Gladney never pushed on his charge and stood up in the saddle as they went past the finish line. The clocking crew... ...
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 15, 2016) – California stallion and Grade II winner Rendezvous was represented by his first winner on Friday when Meeting in Heaven won the fourth race at Sacramento, a maiden claimer. Meeting in Heaven is out of the Doc’s Leader mare Doc’s Lil’ Angel, was bred by Laura Ann Franklin, is owned by Carrol Stubbs and trained by Armando Lage. The 3-year-old gelding ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:47.36 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 7-2. ...
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By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 15, 2016) — The Thoroughbred brand known as California Chrome clambered down the ramp of the Hubbard transport van and lifted his head to the scent of the surrounding horses in their stalls. Raul Rodriguez, his wiry groom, kept a firm hold as the horse let his legs unwind from the two-hour freeway slog from Los Alamitos, 75 miles to the north. It was Wednesday, Barn CC on the Del Mar backstretch, and Art Sherman was ready to rumble. “Look at that – barn double C,” the trainer said, trailing his chestnut star. “We’ve got everything covered.” California Chrome had not been at Del Mar since Thanksgiving weekend of 2014, when he won the Hollywood Derby over Canadian Horse of the Year Lexie Lou. Since that distant November, the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit has been back and forth to Dubai twice, trained on the gallops of Newmarket Heath, and enjoyed two separate sessions of recovery and relaxation at Taylor Made Farm... ...
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From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (July 15, 2016) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, July 14, at Del Mar Surfside Race Place. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, George Krikorian and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: · The Board approved a series of motions designed to comply with a Superior Court order, submit emergency regulations to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), and permit Los Alamitos to write race conditions for its current meet (subject to OAL approval of the emergency regulations) – all pertaining to the internal program at Los Alamitos involving the testing of hair samples to determine the eligibility of horses for certain races. · Representatives of the Stronach Group advised the Board that Golden Gate is proposing that the vanning and stabling fund not reimburse nearby Pleasanton for stabling costs during Golden... ...
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DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) – Graded winner Ashleyluvssugar is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Grade II Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar. Ashleyluvssugar is by Game Plan, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by owners Estate of Alesia, BranJam Stables & Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has six wins in 14 starts, earnings of $527,504 and is coming off a third in the June 11 Crystal Water. ...
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DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) – Graded stakes winner Cheekaboo and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Olotta Shaken are among four California-breds entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Sandy Blue Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Olotta Shaken is by Capsized, out of the Malek mare Special Venture, was bred by Rancho de Los Aviadores, is owned by KM Racing Enterprise or Papaprodromou and is trained by George Papaprodromou. The $35,000 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase has one win in 13 starts, earnings of $37,592 and is coming off a third in a July 8 claimer. Cheekaboo is by Unusual Heat, out of the Souvenir Copy mare Sandy Cheeks, was bred by Madeline Auerbach, Richard Rosenberg & Barry Abrams, is owned by Alesia, Burns or Cialia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $279,680 and is coming off a win in the June 9 Honeymoon Stakes. How Unusual is by Unusual Heat, out of the Bartok mare Veela, was bred by... ...
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From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) — California Chrome got down to the business of training for the Grade II $200,000 San Diego Handicap on July 23 with his first trip to the Del Mar track early Thursday morning. And, in the course of that, admirably performed the side duties of equine media star that come with being the all-time leading money-winner and No. 1 ranked active runner in North America. Under exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, California Chrome went to the track at 5:45 a.m. with a contingent of local San Diego TV station crews in tow. The career winner of $12,532,650, the bulk of it via a win in the $10 million Dubai World Cup in March, entered at the gap at the six-furlong chute on the backstretch, “backtracked” past the finish line, turned and galloped 1 ¾ miles around the oval before being returned to the stable of trainer Art Sherman. “He looks super,” Sherman said. “He was fresh,” Gladney said, an encouraging statement to... ...
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From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) — The catalog for the Fifth Annual Paddock Sale at Del Mar of Race Ready Horses, scheduled to be held on Saturday, July 23 in the Del Mar paddock approximately 30 minutes after the last race is declared official, is now on-line. This catalog currently consists of 8 horses of racing age and 10 two-year-olds. Additional horses are expected to be entered prior to sale time. Information including pedigree, complete past performances and a recent race video, if applicable, for each horse can be found in sortable format here. For the first time, there will be a training preview for horses in the Paddock Sale catalog on Friday, July 22. This preview will start immediately after regular morning workouts end at 10 a.m. and will be held in the manner of morning workouts. All horses who work must work at least 3/8ths of a mile. This preview will be broadcast live http://www.barretts.com/sales/ViewSale/index.asp and videos will be posted on-line soon thereafter. ... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) –After more than two and a half hours of discussion July 13 during a California Horse Racing Board Race Dates Committee meeting, a racing schedule for 2017 in both Northern and Southern California remained unresolved. At the end of talks Wednesday afternoon at Del Mar, CHRB chairman Chuck Winner adjourned the meeting and said the stakeholders involved would meet in another two weeks to again discuss the issues in each region. While industry stakeholders in the southern region of the state said they would likely be reaching an agreement soon and talks on the topic were finished relatively early in the afternoon, the northern dates disputes—between the state’s fair circuit and Golden Gate Fields—took up the majority of the time. The entirety of the Northern California debate revolves around the region’s highly desired summer and early fall schedule, which has traditionally been allocated to the fairs. In previous meetings on the topic, the California Authority of Racing Fairs proposed a schedule that... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 14, 2016) –Majority owners Perry and Denise Martin and Taylor Made Stallions announced July 14 that 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome will run to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research, as a portion of his earnings through the remainder of his racing career will be committed to the charity. California Chrome is currently pointed to the $200,000 San Diego Handicap (gr. II) July 23, and the $1 million Pacific Classic (gr. I) Aug. 20, both at Del Mar. In addition to a portion of California Chrome’s future race earnings to support The V Foundation, the California Chrome team will also hold other special events to raise charitable donations for The V Foundation. The first such event will be an auction following the San Diego Handicap that will offer California Chrome’s blinkers, jockey Victor Espinoza’s silks worn in the race, as well as a co-branded Chrome and V Foundation saddle blanket worn during the horse’s final workout at Del Mar. All proceeds... ...
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DEL MAR, Calif. (July 13, 2016) – Majestic Heat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Yellow Ribbon Handicap for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Majestic Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach & Barry Abrams, is owned by Auerbach, Ron McCauley or Bardy Farm and is trained by Richard Mandella. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $169,294 and is coming off a June 17 optional claiming win. ...
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From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 13, 2016) – Two U.S. congressmen, Rep. John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA), have submitted a joint letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew urging finalization of proposed rule changes regarding withholding and reporting of pari-mutuel winnings. The letter to Treasury was submitted on July 12 and was posted today on the official Twitter account of Rep. Boustany (@Boustany). In the text, Yarmuth and Boustany highlight the bipartisan support the new guideline enjoys, as well as recent congressional activity on the matter and the pari-mutuel wagering industry’s economic impact. The letter concludes: “As you are well aware, it has been more than a year since the proposed rule was first published and, as such, we strongly encourage you to act on this matter by finalizing the proposed rule.” A PDF file of the complete letter can be accessed here: https://www.ntra.com/wp-content/uploads/160712-Boustany-Yarmuth-Pari-Mutuel-Letter-to-Secretary-Lew.pdf. The letter comes on the heels of language in a House Appropriations Committee Report issued last week that accompanied House passage of the 2017 Financial... ...
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WILMINGTON, Del. (July 12, 2016) – Stakes winner Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Carl Hanford Memorial Stakes at Delaware Park. Bodhisattva is by Student Council, out of the Talk Is Money mare Dr. Cheryl P., was bred by Andy Stronach and is owned by trainer Jose Corrales. He has four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $207,883 and is coming off a win in a June 19 optional claimer. ...
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EDMONTON, Alberta (July 12, 2016) – Caro’s Song is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Madamoiselle Handicap for fillies and mares at Northlands Park. Caro’s Song is by Jet West, out of the With Approval mare With a Song, was bred by Eagle Oak Ranch, is owned by Bar None Ranches and trained by Ron Grieves. She has 10 wins in 43 starts, earnings of $138,640 and is coming off a three consecutive wins. ...
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AUBURN, Wash. (July 14, 2016) – Camano Comet is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Angie C. S. Stakes for 2-year-old fillies and Emerald Downs. Camano Comet is by Council Member, out of the Somersham mare Crème, was bred by Nina and Ron Hagen, is owned by How We Roll and trained by Steve Bullock. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $9,088 and is coming off a July 3 maiden claiming win. ...
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AUBURN, Wash. (July 14, 2016) – Curly Girly is by lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Boeing Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Curly Girly is by Tannersmyman, out of the Scatmandu mare Adarlyn Cat, was bred by Joseph Morey Jr. Revocable Trust, is owned by K & W Stable and trained by Larry Ross. She has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $103,291 and is coming off a fourth in a June 9 optional claimer. ...
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From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (July 11, 2016) –For the fifth summer in a row, Barretts Sales will conduct a “race ready” racehorse sale at Del Mar, providing opportunities for any and all – from first-time buyers to seasoned horsemen – to be involved in instant ownership and racing action during the summer of 2016 at the seaside oval. The sale, which will be held on the second Saturday of the meeting – July 23 – will take place in the track’s handsome paddock beginning approximately 20 minutes after the day’s final race. A still-to-be determined number – estimated to be between 35 and 40 — of runners of all ages will be offered during the session. California-based horses as well as out-of-state entrants are expected to be available for bid at the vendue. The out-of-staters – those horses who have been racing recently outside California – are eligible to immediately take part in the track’s highly successful “Ship and Win” program, now in its sixth year. Horses that qualify... ...
Read More →California Diamond wins $125,000 Santa Anita Juvenile Championship. ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 9, 2016)–A close third, two lengths off the lead with a quarter mile to run, aptly named California Diamond wheeled three-wide turning for home and kept to his task in game fashion en route to a three quarter length upset win in Saturday’s $125,000 Santa Anita Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at 5 ½ furlongs. Ridden by Edwin Maldonado and trained by John Brocklebank, the California-bred colt by Harbor the Gold got the distance in 1:03.54. “He’s very game, this horse,” said Brocklebank, who registered his first Santa Anita stakes win. “We love California Diamond, but he is for sale (Barretts/Del Mar Paddock, next Friday). Today, he was sharper than in his last out. He trained sharp all week. We didn’t do a whole lot with him after his first win. Luis Mendez, my assistant, has done a great job with him.” A first-out maiden winner going five furlongs versus statebreds here on June 17, California Diamond, who broke sharply from the far outside... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 9, 2016)–Heinz Steinmann’s homebred Theonewewaitedfor outran favored Miss Southern Miss through the stretch to take the $125,000 Landaluce Stakes for 2-year-old fillies by 2 ¾ lengths Saturday at Santa Anita. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano and trained by Mike Harrington, the California-bred daughter of Creative Cause got 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.82. A first-out maiden winner going 4 ½ furlongs in open company here on May 26, Theonewewaitedfor sat a joint second with the favorite into the far turn as they pursued the pacesetter, Cioppino Pasadino. Approaching the quarter pole, Theonewewaitedfor put a neck in front and shook off Miss Southern Miss approaching the sixteenth marker to win as much the best. “I’m speechless,” said Harrington, who also trained the winner’s sire, Creative Cause, for Steinmann. “It’s very special seeing a daughter of Creative Cause winning. His first baby won a stakes too, which puts him on the map…Ironically, she lived up to her name. I named her and when I did, I told... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (July 9, 2016) — Art Sherman didn’t get what he wanted out of California Chrome during his workout July 2, so he made sure he got it July 9, in the chestnut’s final drill at Los Alamitos Race Course before shipping south to Del Mar for the July 23 San Diego Handicap (gr. II). In a scheduled mile work in company, the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit broke four lengths behind stablemate Mishegas and tossed his head exiting the first turn, showing an eagerness to run. He settled into stride in the backstretch before moving up in the far turn, but was still under a tight hold from exercise rider Dihigi Gladney approaching the eighth pole, and hadn’t passed Mishegas when Sherman had enough. “Let him go!” the trainer yelled from his perch at Schwanies At The Gap, Los Alamitos’ trackside café. The exercise rider released his hold, asked California Chrome a bit, and the 2014 Horse of the Year responded. California Chrome was credited with a mile in 1:39... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 8, 2016)–In a breathtaking performance, heavily favored Masochistic took Friday’s $76,700 Santa Anita allowance feature by 6 ¼ lengths under Mike Smith while covering 6 ½ furlongs geared down in 1:13.74. Breaking from post position four in a field of five older horses, Masochistic, who is conditioned by Ron Ellis and had been idle since well beaten in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Oct. 31 at Keeneland, fairly glided through fractions of 21.53, 43.61 and 1:07.42. “That’s just not normal,” said Smith as he acknowledged the ease with which the 6-year-old California-bred gelding by Sought After, out of the Unusual Heat mare Trotinette, had just completed his assignment. “Ron’s done a tremendous job bringing him back. From the first time I got on him after the Breeders’ Cup until today…He was taking baby steps in his training and after his last work, Ron said ‘I’m running him.’ And that was the right move, as you saw.” A winner of the Grade I, seven... ...
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From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 8, 2016) – The U.S. House of Representatives approved the fiscal year 2017 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill Thursday evening that includes report language detailing Committee on Appropriations instructions for the U.S. Treasury to “expedite final consideration of the guidance which would modernize the rules governing pari-mutuel wagering.” The bill (HR 5485) provides $21.7 billion in annual funding for the Treasury Department, the Judiciary, the Small Business Administration, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other related agencies. A companion bill in the Senate containing identical “Guidelines for Pari-mutuel Winnings” has been passed out of committee and now awaits passage by the full Senate. Language in the House Appropriations Committee Report reads: Guidelines for Pari-mutuel Winnings.—The Committee appreciates the Department of the Treasury’s proposed rule (REG– 132253–11) published on March 4, 2015, along with the associated public hearing held on June 17, 2015. The Committee encourages the Treasury to expedite final consideration of the guidance which would modernize the rules governing pari-mutuel wagering. “The... ...
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From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 8, 2016) — “I’ve been calling races for 44 years and I’ve never had one like this.” The voice, that unmistakable voice, was Trevor Denman on the telly from his retreat in Minnesota. To be specific Kellogg, Minnesota, population 450. And the thing he hadn’t encountered in more than four decades of manning microphones up high at racetracks around the world? How about a break; a holiday; a complete shutdown. How about seven and a half months between his last call — at Del Mar on November 29, 2015 — and his next one to be – also at Del Mar on July 15, 2016. “So very different,” Denman said. “I’m feeling fresh, feeling good. But maybe there’s just a little bit of trepidation, just a bit of apprehension about that first call back. It’s been a while now. Then again, when I think about it, how lucky can I be? I’ll be calling the first day at Del Mar, the best day... ...
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From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (July 8, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, July 14, beginning at 9:30 a.m., while the Race Dates Committee will meet Wednesday, July 13, at 1 p.m. Both meetings will be held at Del Mar’s Surfside Race Place. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board agenda and supporting package of materials as well as the committee agenda and package are available on the CHRB website. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 22, 2016) –Legislation that would divert up to $57 million a year to horse racing from Internet poker operations cleared the California Assembly Committee on Appropriations June 22. The bill, which authorizes card rooms and certain Indian tribes to apply for licenses to operate intrastate online poker, has broad support from the horseracing and breeding industry as well as tribes—but not all of them. Representatives of some tribal entities told the committee “suitability” language in the bill isn’t strong enough to protect against “tainted assets,” primarily service providers found to have been operating illegally in the past. The measure now heads to the full Assembly for consideration. The committee during its meeting dealt with an amended version of the bill, which sets a tax rate of 8.847% for aggregate gross revenue below $150 million and up to 15% for gross revenue above $350 million. It also sets a license fee of $12.5 million. In exchange for not having the right to have Internet poker licenses, the... ...
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By TDN.com MONTERRICO, Peru (June 27, 2016) – California stallion Heatseeker had a Group I winner when Stud Nautica’s 6-year-old mare Ryan’s Charm posted a repeat victory in the Group 1 Clasico Pamplona Sunday to earn an automatic berth into the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf as part of the international Breeders’ Cup Challenge series. The Pamplona, Peru’s only Group 1 race reserved on the grass for fillies and mares, was the last of five Challenge races contested in South America in 2016 and one of four new races on this year’s Challenge calendar. Last seen winning the Clasico Mari July in October 2015, Ryan’s Charm returned from an eight- month layoff to record a scintillating victory, her eighth straight and 13th on the grass. “She’s an extraordinary mare,” said trainer Armando Filipuzzi. Ryan’s Charm ran the 2000 meters on turf in 2:00.50 and won by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 7-1. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (June 24, 2016) — Del Mar will reduce overnight purses for a second consecutive year, according to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club vice president of racing and industry relations Tom Robbins. Robbins said the drop will be “about 10% across the board.” The most noticeable decrease in the first condition book for the summer meet is in maiden special weight events, which will dip from $70,000 to $63,000, the lowest those races have been since 2011. “The reasoning is, we can only pay out what we generate from handle,” Robbins said. “We’ve paid out, in the last two years, a little more than we’ve generated. This is not only set by us, but also the (Thorougbred Owners of California).” Robbins pointed to several factors to explain the decrease—including heavy rains during Del Mar’s opening weekend in 2015 and the first season of dirt racing after an extended period of racing on a synthetic main track—but the most influential aspect, as it has been for the whole Southern California... ...
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (June 27, 2016) – L J’s Awesome Girl is the lone California-bred entered in $50,000 Petticoat Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Albuquerque. L J’s Awesome Girl is by Awesome Gambler, out of the In Excess mare Excessive Girl, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by A and A Equine and EC Racing and is trained by Justin Evans. She has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $67,741 and is coming off a May 30 allowance win. ...
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PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 24, 2016) – California stallion Unionize was represented by his first winner when Katy in Cahoots won the eighth race at Oak Tree at Pleasanton on Thursday. Katy in Cahoots is out of the Tomorrows Cat mare Miraloma Park, was bred by Angel Vera, is owned by Maureen Morley, Arturo Ponce and Allen Rogers and is trained by Rogers. Unionize, a 10-year-old son of Dixie Union, stands at Summer Wind Farm. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 23, 2016) –Robert Troeger couldn’t escape the proximity and immediacy of the nearby Complex fires as he drove away from Santa Anita Park late in the afternoon of June 22. “We’ve got a front-row seat for the air show,” said the former trainer, who now serves as Santa Anita’s stable superintendant, as he watched DC-10 airplanes drop flame retardant on the San Gabriel Mountains that overlook the Arcadia, Calif. racetrack. The fires, which have burned through nearly 5,000 acres since June 20 according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, have come up against many horse farms in the San Gabriel foothill communities like Duarte, Monrovia, Azusa, and Bradbury—and the effort to shelter horses being evacuated from those areas has been a concerted one. Santa Anita has taken in 40 horses from the evacuated areas, according to Troeger. Renee Hernandez, a spokesperson for the now-closed racetrack at Fairplex Park in Pomona said they currently have just less than 200 horses on the grounds. “Thank God Pomona is still there to... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 26, 2016)–In his 45th career start, venerable 8-year-old gelding Soi Phet rolled to the lead into the Club House turn and dictated terms throughout as he took Sunday’s $75,000 McCann’s Mojave Handicap by 2 ½ lengths while covering a mile and a sixteenth in 1:40.80–thus turning the tables on runner-up Avanti Bello, who defeated him by a nose in the one mile Tiznow Stakes here May 28. Breaking from the number three post position in a field of five California-bred or sired horses three and up, Soi Phet made the lead while well within himself and set fractions of 23.57, 46.75, 1:10.21 and 1:34.48. Called upon by Desormeaux with three sixteenths of a mile to run, Soi Phet responded eagerly and left Avanti Bello in his wake with a furlong to run. The 9-5 favorite, Soi Phet, who was bred by ARCHA Racing, is by Tizbud and is out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey. He paid $5.80, $3.20 and $2.10. “The... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 22, 2016) –The Thoroughbred Owners of California elected Joe Ciaglia and re-elected incumbents Nick Alexander, Ron Ellis, Billy Morey, and Samantha Siegel to its board of directors. All five were elected to three-year terms. The new board officially takes office July 1. . Ciaglia is chief executive officer of California Landscape & Design and California Skateparks. He has owned Thoroughbreds since 1999 and has campaigned several graded stakes winners, including Weemissfrankie, Dance With Fate, and Ashleyluvssugar. Alexander, who is elected to his second three-year term, serves as secretary/treasurer as well as chair of the finance committee. Ellis has served on the board for eight years as an owner-trainer representative and is a member of the Racing Affairs and Medication & Integrity committees. Morey, who is an owner-trainer member and Northern California representative, has been on the board since 2012. Siegel was appointed to fill a vacancy on the board in January of this year. A total of 6,980 ballots were mailed out to eligible voters, and 1,513... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (June 25, 2016) — Another week, another performance from Los Alamitos Race Course‘s resident superstar in front of some of his most loyal fans. About 20 “Chromies”—with donuts and coffee in tow—showed up June 25 at the Orange County, Calif. racetrack to watch California Chrome breeze about a month out from his next expected start in the July 23 San Diego Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar. “We already got our tickets,” one purple-shirted spectator said to trainer Art Sherman on the patio at Schwanies At The Gap, Los Al’s stretch-run café. “You girls are really cranked up,” the trainer responded. In his first recent work that featured urging in the stretch from regular exercise rider Dihiji Gladney, the son of Lucky Pulpit went in 1:12 2/5 for six furlongs on Los Alamitos clocker Russ Hudak’s watch, with quarter-mile splits of :25 flat and :48 3/5, and a gallop out to seven furlongs in 1:26 3/5 during his standard 5:30 a.m. PT private session at Los Al.... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (June 22, 2016) – Ambitious Brew is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita. Ambitious Brew is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and trained by Marty Jones. He has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $398,380 and is coming off a win in the May 28 Lennyfrommalibu Stakes. ...
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PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 22, 2016) — Multiple graded winner Tamarando and fellow California-breds Eagle Screams, He’s a Pepper and Extant are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Oak Tree Handicap at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet. Eagle Screams is by Redattore, out of the Free House mare Dreamy Jeanie, was bred by Don Eidson, is owned by Scott Herbertson or Deborah Kriletich and is trained by Jonathan Wong. He has 10 wins in 47 starts, earnings of $387,535 and is coming off a fifth in the May 30 All American. He was second in this race last year. Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jeff Bonde. He has four wins in 2f5 starts, earnings of 691,153 and is coming off a sixth in the May 30 All American. He’s a Pepper is by Peppered Cat, out of the Crowning Storm mare Crown This Lady, was bred by owner and trainer Alex Paszkeicz. He... ...
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From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 21, 2016) — The seventh Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit, scheduled for Tuesday, June 28, will be streamed live at grayson-jockeyclub.org/WelfareSafety/default.asp?section=50. (A link to the live stream will be available at jockeyclub.com.) The summit, underwritten and organized by The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, is being hosted by Keeneland Association in the Keeneland sales pavilion in Lexington, Ky. Biosecurity, respiratory health, racetrack surfaces, equine injuries, nutrition, use of the crop, and rider safety are among the topics to be covered by noted industry and equine professionals. Donna Barton Brothers will once again act as master of ceremonies. The summit is scheduled to begin at 8:15 a.m. EDT and conclude at 5:00 p.m. EDT. It is free and open to the public, and registration is recommended for in-person and online. Registration and a complete agenda for the summit are available at grayson-jockeyclub.org/WelfareSafety/default.asp?section=50. If you have questions for the speakers before or during the summit, please email horsesummit@jockeyclub.com or tweet using... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (June 24, 2016) – Tiznow Stakes winner Avanti Bello and three of the horses he beat in that race are among the entries in Sunday’s $75,000 McCann’s Mojave Stakes for California-breds at Santa Anita. Howdy is by Sunderban, out of the Momentum mare Foxy Babe, was bred by Crystal Valley Farms, is owned by Ciaglia Racing, Crystal Valley or Alesia and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has three wins in 15 starts, earnings of $166,145 and is coming off a sixth in the May 28 Tiznow. Songformichaeljohn is by Songandaprayer, out of the Quiet American mare Silent Demand, was bred by Kathleen Kennedy, is owned by RL Stables and trained by Dan Hendricks. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $156,470 and is coming off a fourth in the May 28 Tiznow. Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Benowitz Family Trust or Powell or Viskovich and is trained by Leonard... ...
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From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (June 17, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, June 16, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: · The Board approved a regulatory amendment requiring that authorized bleeder medication be administered only by independent, third-party veterinarians. The rule, which now goes to the Office of Administrative Law for review and final approval, conforms to recommendations by the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and Racing Commissioners International. The rule was supported by the California Veterinary Medical Board and will bring California into line with 14 other state racing jurisdictions. · The Board heard a report from the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau that identified four of the 56 hubs sending wagers to California host tracks as being habitually 8 to 12 seconds... ...
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By Paulick Report ARCADIA, Calif. (June 16, 2016) — In talking with California breeder Nick Alexander, you’d never know that he’s an entirely self-made man. He comes across as humble, pragmatic, and occasionally even self-deprecating. His success, however, both in the business realm and the Thoroughbred industry, lends itself to a more impressive evaluation. Thirty-five years ago, Alexander negotiated a bargain-bottom price on a car dealership that was nearly going under, quickly turning it into one of the largest automotive import businesses in Los Angeles. With his children at the helm of the company these days, the retired Alexander is able to focus on his passion: Thoroughbreds. Alexander currently has one of the most talked-about California-breds on the West Coast racing scene – Enola Gray. In training with Phil D’Amato, the 3-year-old filly took nearly 10 months to get to the races, regularly sidelined by one issue or another. “It got to where I stopped asking Phil how she was doing,” joked Alexander. Even on the day of her first race,... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 16, 2016)–Due to the expectation of unusually high temperatures on Sunday, Santa Anita Park has announced that in consultation with the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) and the Jockeys’ Guild, it has moved first post time on Sunday up to 12 noon in an effort to mitigate the effects of the heat. According to the National Weather Service, Sunday’s high temperature, predicted for 4 p.m., is expected to reach 100 degrees in Arcadia, which is nine degrees above normal for this date. Santa Anita’s admission gates will open on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. For additional information, fans are encouraged to visit santaanita.com, or to call (626) 574-RACE. ...
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From Ballena Vista Farm ARCADIA, Calif. (June 16, 2016) — Ballena Vista Farm freshman sire Calimonco was represented by his first winner when 2-year-old filly My California powered to a 9 1/4-length, wire-to-wire victory in a $57,035 maiden special weight at Santa Anita on Thursday in her second start. Her time for the 5 furlongs over a fast track was 58.06. Bred in California by owner Mercedes Stables, LLC and trained by Robertino Diodoro, My California is the first foal from Give My Regards, a winning daughter of Smart Strike and half-sister to graded winner Broadway Empire and Grade II-placed Cinderella’s Dream. Calimonco, a Grade II-placed, stakes-winning full brother to Storm Cat’s grade I winners and Breeders’ Cup champions Sweet Catomine and Life Is Sweet, retired with earnings of $391,486. He currently stands at Ballena Vista Farm in Ramona for a stud fee of $1,500 live foal. ...
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By Paulick Report ALBANY, Calif. (June 13, 2016) — After guiding Wahine Warrior to a second-place finish in the10th race on Sunday’s closing-day card at Golden Gate Fields, horse racing’s all-time winningest jockey, Russell Baze, said to his longtime agent and friend, Ray Harris: “That’s it. I’m going to retire.” So ends a Hall of Fame career that began nearly 42 years ago. Baze, who turns 58 on Aug. 7, rode another warrior, Oregon Warrior, to his first victory at defunct Yakima Meadows in Washington on Oct. 28, 1974. He retires with 12,842 wins, 9,600 second place finishes and 7,855 thirds from 53,578 mounts. Horses he’s ridden have earned $199,334.219. On Dec. 1, 2006, he passed Laffit Pincay Jr., who had been the sport’s leading rider with 9,530 victories. His only global rival in career wins is 55-year-old Brazilian jockey Jorge Ricardo, who is believed to be within 100 wins of Baze and still active. “I was surprised but I was happy,” said Harris, who has been agent to Baze since the fall of 1979... ...
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PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 13, 2016) – The Oak Tree Racing Association is teaming with the Alameda County Fair and the California Authority of Racing Fairs for the third straight season of summer racing commencing June 16 in Pleasanton. The “Oak Tree at Pleasanton” meet, with more than $1.7 million in purses overall, runs Thursday through Sunday over three weeks, June 16-19, June 23-26 and July 1-4. The stand marks the traditional opening for the state’s summer fair circuit season. “Oak Tree’s goal was in joining a program to strengthen Northern California racing when it became involved with the Alameda County Fair in operating that meet three years ago, and we are continuing in that intent again this year,” said Sherwood C. Chillingworth, the executive vice president for the not-for-profit racing association started in 1968. “One of our objectives this year is to attract more interest in our racing product from outside the state through advance deposit wagering. In both the live and televised racing we are looking forward to another... ...
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From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (June 10, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, June 16, while the CHRB Race Dates Committee will meet Wednesday, June 15. Both of these meetings at Santa Anita Park will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website. The Board agenda and supporting package of materials as well as the committee agenda and package are available on the CHRB website. ...
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From TOC PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 10, 2016) — All horsemen are invited to join TOC for an Open Forum at the Pleasanton Satellite Wagering Facility at the Alameda County Fair on Saturday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m. Meet TOC Directors for discussion of current events and an opportunity to have your questions answered. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (June 9, 2016) – Kate Barton has been appointed to the Board of Directors of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, it was announced by President Doug Burge. Barton was born and reared in Riverside, and from an early age attended the races with her father, Richard. She played volleyball at Cal State University, San Bernardino and graduated in 2012, majoring in Business Marketing. She went to work for the family business, California Packaging, while helping her father manage his thoroughbred breeding and racing operation. “After going to a few sales at Fairplex and eventually Keeneland with him, I fell in love with the game even more,” she said. “I decided to pursue my MBA, which I received in 2014 from California Baptist University. In the past two years, I have become much more involved with our entire operation, whether it be the breeding, selling, or racing.” The Bartons now stand California stallions Champ Pegasus and Atticus. “We are very excited for the opportunities in the future with breeding and... ...
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From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 9, 2016) — The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Wednesday passed the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2017. This bill makes appropriations for the United States Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and certain other agencies and includes language that encourages the IRS to modernize regulations for withholding and reporting pari-mutuel winnings. Last year the IRS and the Treasury began an examination of current pari-mutuel tax withholding rules at the request of the NTRA and numerous Members of Congress. Also last year the IRS and Treasury began a rulemaking process to examine the tax treatment of certain wagering winnings including pari-mutuel. NTRA President and Chief Executive Officer Alex Waldrop addressed the issue at a hearing before Treasury and IRS officials on June 17, 2015, when he outlined how wagering habits have changed in the 21st century and how current regulations are punitive. Updates proposed by the NTRA would clarify regulations by redefining the “amount of the wager” to include... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (June 9, 2016) — Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert will be honored this summer by the Edwin J. Gregson Foundation at its annual fundraising and awards dinner. The event will take place Aug. 15 at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Resort, located just a few miles south of Del Mar. “I’m honored to be recognized by the Gregson Foundation and to stand alongside past honorees who are truly a who’s who of California racing,” Baffert said in a release. Among the Gregson Foundation’s past honorees are Baffert’s fellow trainers Jack Van Berg, Ron McAnally, Mel Stute, and the late Warren Stute, in addition to such industry leaders as Ann and Jerry Moss, Mace and Samantha Siegel, Dr. Jack Robbins, and Joe and Barbara Harper. Last summer, the foundation saluted jockeys Mike Smith and Gary Stevens while raising money to provide college scholarships to the children of California’s backstretch community. “It’s pretty remarkable to see how the Gregson Foundation’s scholarship program has grown through the years,... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (June 8, 2016) – Multiple graded winner and millionaire Alert Bay, coming off a win in the San Francisco Mile, leads a field of six in Saturday’s 100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Poshsky is by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett mare Pinky’s Posh, was bred by Old English Rancho & Berumen, is owned by Barber, Silver Ranch Stable or Wachtel Stable and is trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 28 starts, earnings of $352,890 and is coming off a ninth in the May 30 All America. Zinvor is by Tribal Rule, out of the Woodman mare Shady Lady Dancer, was bred by Cole Ranch Partners, is owned by Triple B Farms and is trained by Adam Kitchingman. He has two wins in 13 starts, earnings of $153,611 and is coming off a second in a May 19 optional claimer. Ashleyluvssugar is by Game Plan, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by owners Alesia,... ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (June 8, 2016) – Stakes winner Somethings Unusual is one of seven California-breds among the 11 entries in Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. Hypnatique is by Scat Daddy, out of the Genuine Guy mare More Mascara, was bred by owners Rhianon Farms & Gloria Haley and is trained by Haley. He has five wins in 18 starts, earnings of $147,735 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 23 allowance. Somethings Unusual is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Prospect, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Bruce Treitman and trained by Michael McCarthy. He has four wins in 30 starts, earnings of $309,544 and is coming off a fifth in a May 20 claimer. Unusual Taste is by Unusual Heat, out of the Equalize mare Deliciosa, was bred by Barry Abrams, is owned by Bran Jam Stable and trained by Andy Mathis. He has three wins in 18 starts, earnings of $183,780 and making his first start since a... ...
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ELMONT, N.Y. (June 8, 2016) – Graduation Stakes winner Mrazak is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $500,000 Grade II Woody Stephens Stakes for 3-year-olds at Belmont Park. Mrazak is by Square Eddie, out of the Wild Rush mare Heckuva Rush, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $167,770 and is coming off a second in the May 14 Laz Barrera Stakes. ...
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SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (June 8, 2016) – Robert Sweeney, former executive vice president and general manager of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, passed away last week. He was 89. A California native, Sweeney spent 11 years with the CTBA, seven as executive vice president and general manager, and retired in 1989 to San Juan Capistrano. Sweeney, who would go on to be editor of the CTBA’s California Thoroughbred magazine, wrote his first article for the publication when he was in the army during World War II. After graduating from USC, Sweeney spent 19 years as director of industrial relations with Robertshaw, then with Buzza Cardozo Greeting Card Company. He turned down a vice presidency when the company was relocated to Cincinnati through a merger and, having already owned and bred a pair of mares, joined a horse sale company in Pomona. Four years later, he was hired as assistant to then-CTBA general manager Brian Sweeney (no relation), and took over as executive vice president and general manager in 1982. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 29, 2016) – Perennial leading California stallion Unusual Heat was represented by three winners on Saturday’s Gold Rush Day card at Santa Anita. In the third race, How Unusual won an optional claimer by 4 ¼ lengths as the 4-5 favorite. The 3-year-old filly is out of the Bartok mare Veela and was bred by Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams. In the seventh race, Infinite Loop won a maiden special weight by 3 ½ lengths at odds of 5-2. The 4-year-old colt is out of the Affirmed mare Midnite Mama and was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Todd. In the ninth race, Packin Heat won a maiden special weight by one-half length at odds of 14-1. The 3-year-old gelding out of the Meadowlake mare Lake Marina was bred by Liberty Road Stables. ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016)–Oakcrest Stable’s Bert’s Melody shook off a late challenge from Singing Kitty and went on to an impressive one length victory as the 9-5 favorite in Saturday’s $125,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligible older fillies and mares bred or sired in California. Ridden by Brice Blanc and trained by Sean McCarthy, the 5-year-old mare by Bertrando got one mile on turf in 1:35.36. A close second in a mile and one eighth turf allowance at Santa Anita on May 5, she cut back in distance a furlong and paid $5.80, $3.20 and $2.60. “You get all kinds of emotions when you watch them win,” said John Barr, who races and breeds as Oakcrest Stable and is on the CTBA board of directors. “Brice rides her very well. Sean trains her beautifully and she’s got some talent, so today was the day! “The California incentive program is an outstanding program, probably the best in the nation for an individual state... ...
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By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016) –Avanti Bello can be a tricky ride for a jockey. The key to success is for a rider to stay active and not overdo it the effort. “He’s a horse that likes to be ridden and not beaten up,” said Leandro Mora, trainer Doug O’Neill’s top assistant. Rafael Bejarano rode Avanti Bello for the first time in Saturday’s $150,690 Tiznow Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles and found the ideal balance in his technique to guide the 4-year-old colt to a nose win in the one-mile race for California-breds. Avanti Bello stalked pacesetter Songforjohnmichael to the turn, took the lead before the stretch, and was fully extended to earn the win over Soi Phet. Avanti Bello ($28.80) was timed in 1:35.30. Bejarano said he had the ideal trip on Avanti Bello. He wanted to race behind Songforjohnmichael and Boozer early and maintain a close position. “I tried to let the other two horses go,” Bejarano said. “I found my position. I waited as... ...
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By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016) — Gold Rush Dancer showed his affection for turf racing with a hard-fought win in Saturday’s $188,000 Snow Chief Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Gold Rush Dancer outfinished Ralis, winning by a nose as the 3-2 favorite. There were a few tense moments after the race. The stretch run was the subject of an inquiry involving fourth-place finisher Glory Bound, who took up in the final furlong while racing alongside Gold Rush Dancer. After a review, the stewards did not change the order of finish. Gold Rush Dancer ($5) ran 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:49.37. He was favored on the basis of his win in the Silky Sullivan Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds at a mile on turf at Golden Gate Fields on May 1, the colt’s first start on the surface. “I think we’ll keep him on the grass,” trainer Vann Belvoir said in the winner’s circle. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Gold Rush Dancer stalked pacesetter... ...
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By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016) – Enola Gray won sprinting first time out against maidens, and on Saturday at Santa Anita went two turns against stakes runners. Two starts, two easy wins, but trainer Phil D’Amato is in no hurry to throw her in against the best 3-year-old fillies around, preferring another building block as he lays a foundation. D’Amato said the Fleet Treat Stakes at Del Mar on July 22 likely would be next for Enola Gay, but wherever and whenever that next start comes, it will be worth watching. On Saturday, Enola Gay cruised to a 2 1/4-length victory against fellow California-breds in the $200,000 Melair for Golden State Series eligibles, needing just light encouragement from jockey Tyler Baze. “Tyler rode her very confidently,” D’Amato said. “He did the right thing. She rated, with her ears pricked. She did it in hand.” Enola Gray made the top in the 1 1/16-mile race and loped along through fractions of 23.97 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, 47.72 for... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016)–With Flavien Prat orchestrating a pedestrian opening quarter mile in 22.88, Pamela Ziebarth’s comebacking homebred Ambitious Brew marched to an impressive 2 ¼ length victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Lennyfrommalibu Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles. Trained by Marty Jones, Ambitious Brew, who had been idle since Oct. 12, covered 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:13.78. “We ended up getting a great trip,” said Jones. “You could tell after the first quarter mile that he was in the right spot and he was gonna be tough to beat. I keep feeling like I should’ve gotten more out of this horse, he’s a really good horse. Hopefully, we can finish off the year with something big with him.” The 2-1 second choice in a field of five older horses bred or sired in California, Ambitious Brew paid $6.40, $2.80 and $2.20. A 6-year-old gelding by Ziebarth’s Tizbud, Ambitious Brew is out of her Forest Wildcat mare, Kathwen. Today’s win... ...
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From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, May 26, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian and Alex Solis also were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: · With a 4-3 vote, the Board approved for 45-day public notice a proposed regulatory amendment governing use of the riding crop in races. Current restrictions prohibit using the crop more than three times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond. The amendment would further state “except in the last 16th of a mile in a thoroughbred race, at which time a jockey is prohibited from using a riding crop more than four times in succession without giving the horse a chance to respond before using the riding crop again.” The Board will conduct a public hearing on... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (May 28, 2016) —California Chrome gave a little toss of the head under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney on the backstretch May 28 at Los Alamitos Race Course, and across the track, looking through the infield palm trees, trainer Art Sherman knew the chestnut was ready to run. “When he gets that way and wants to run off, you know he’s getting ready and getting stronger and stronger,” Sherman said. The 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit looked plenty strong during his half-mile breeze early Saturday morning at the Orange County, Calif., racetrack, all alone under the lights at about 5:30 a.m. PDT. Sherman timed the four furlongs in :47 4/5, while Los Alamitos clocker Russ Hudak had the 2014 Horse of the Year in :48 4/5 with a gallop out to five furlongs in 1:01 4/5. Either way, his trainer was pleased after the drill, the third since his victory in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) with a short layoff at Taylor Made Farm in between. NOVAK:... ...
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From Santa Anita Publicity D’AMATO HOPES TO CASH IN ON GOLD RUSH DAY Leading trainer Phil D’Amato has six horses entered on Saturday’s rich California Gold Rush Day card featuring five stakes races for horses bred or sired in California, including Tough It Out in the $200,000 Snow Chief Stakes for three-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on turf and Sheer Pleasure in the $125,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for older fillies and mares at one mile on turf. “Both are doing great,” said D’Amato, atop the trainers’ standings with 11 wins, five more than Jerry Hollendorfer, Mike Puype and John Sadler, each tied with six. “The mile and an eighth distance should be perfect for Tough It Out. He’s won on the grass before and been second once, so I like this spot for him. “Sheer Pleasure came out of her second-place finish to Beholder (in the Grade III Adoration on May 8) in great shape. I think going back against Cal-breds will make the difference in getting her a... ...
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By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (May 27, 2016) — Kaleem Shah successfully bid $290,000 for a son of Candy Ride at the Barretts May sale of 2-year-olds in training and horses of racing age, and immediately pointed to his 20-year-old daughter, Sophie. “She bought the horse,” Shah said, grinning, shortly after he signed Sophie’s name to the sales slip. Bob Baffert usually buys horses for the owner, and Shah said the trainer was watching the sale closely on video. The May 27 sale at Del Mar ran concurrently with an afternoon of racing at Santa Anita Park about 100 miles to the north. John Stephens’ Stephens Thoroughbreds consigned the sale topper, who is out of stakes winner She’s Sensational, by Point Given . Baffert trained Point Given, the 2001 Horse of the Year. “Bob liked the horse very much,” Shah said. Breeder Farm III Enterprises bred the Candy Ride colt in Florida. He sold for $140,000 at the 2015 Keeneland September yearling sale and went through the 2016 Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co.’s... ...
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From TOC PLEASANTON, Calif. (May 27, 2016) — All horsemen are invited to join TOC for an Open Forum. Meet TOC Directors for discussion of current events and an opportunity to have your questions answered. The event will be held Saturday, June 18, in the Pleasanton Satellite Wagering Facility at the Alameda County Fair at 10:30 a.m. Registration is now open online. Sign up at http://www.toconline.com/events/. RSVP suggested but not required. We look forward to seeing you there. Have a hot topic? Email us in advance at info@toconline.com. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2016) –Seven people and two horses — including California-bred Lava Man — were inducted into the Arcadia Historical Society Thoroughbred Racing Walk of Champions during a gala celebration May 24. Zenyatta joined Lava Man along with Chris McCarron, Ron McAnally, Gary Jones, Mike Mitchell, Mel Stute, Buddy Johnston’s Old English Rancho, and Joe Burnham—honored by more than 200 people, most from the Southern California racing community, gathered at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden across the street from Santa Anita Park. Jockey Victor Espinoza also received special recognition for his recent achievements with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) winner California Chrome . Alan Balch, executive director of California Thoroughbred Trainers, emceed the event. Patterned after Hollywood’s famous Walk of Fame, the Walk of Champions was created in 2014 and consists of bronze plaques installed on the sidewalks of downtown Arcadia that memorialize important horses, people, and other racing industry entities. Connections of all of the honorees attended, ranging... ...
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From Breeders’ Cup ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2016) — The Breeders’ Cup World Championships are returning to sunny California and Santa Anita Park on November 4 and 5. We’re excited to offer you an exclusive ticket pre-sale window that begins now and ends on Sunday, June 5 at 11:59 p.m. ET. To purchase tickets, click http://www.breederscup.com/tickets/?utm_source=toc&utm_medium=email&utm_content=window_open&utm_campaign=pre-sale_3 and use promo code THEBEST or call (877) 849-4287 now. Don’t miss out on your chance to be there and experience the 2016 Breeders’ Cup World Championships as the best of the best compete in 13 championship races, including the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. ...
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Saturday’s Complete Gold Rush Card: http://www.equibase.com/static/entry/SA052816USA-EQB.html#RACE1 Lennyfrommalibu Stakes 4 & UP (CA), abt. 6 1/2 F (T) $100,000 Nominations Close on Thursday, May 19, 2016 Nominations Past Performances Fran’s Valentine Stakes F/M, 4 & UP (CA), 1 M (T) $125,000 Nominations Close on Thursday, May 19, 2016 Nominations Past Performances Snow Chief Stakes 3 YO (CA), 1 1/8 (T) $200,000 Nominations Close on Thursday, May 19, 2016 Nominations Past Performances Melair Stakes F, 3 YO (CA), 1 1/16 M $200,000 Nominations Close on Thursday, May 19, 2016 Nominations Past Performances Tiznow Stakes 4 & UP (CA), 1 M $150,000 Nominations Close on Thursday, May 19, 2016 Nominations Past Performances ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016) – Dressed to a T is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $300,000 Grade I Gamely Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dressed to a T is by Square Eddie, out of the Kender mare Clerical Error, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $96,933 and is coming off a seventh in a May 7 optional claimer. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2016) – Velvet Mesquite is the leading earner entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Smoove It is by Square Eddie, out of the Distorted Humor mare Smoove, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has five wins in 25 starts, earnings of $340,920 and is coming off a 14th in the May 5 Royal Heroine. Nite Delite is by War Chant, out of the Mountain Cat mare One Tough Cat, was bred by Angel Crest Farm, is owned by F. Jack Liebau and trained by Art Sherman. She has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $143,390 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 24 optional claimer. Sheer Pleasure is by Birdonthewire, out of the Blare of Trumpets mare Kathryns Birthday, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Little Red Feather Racing or RM Racing and is trained by Phil A’Amato. She has four wins... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Boozer, winner of the Bertrando Stakes in his last start, is among the entries in Saturday’s $150,000 Tiznow Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Howdy is by Sundarban, out of the Momentum mare Foxy Babe, was bred by Crystal Valley Farms, is owned by Ciaglia Racing or Crystal Valley and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $165,800 and is coming off a back-to-back allowance wins. Boozer is by Unusual Heat, out of the Cape Canaveral mare Kitty and Boo, was bred by Abrams, Loverso, Perez, Huston Racing and Auerbach, is owned by Al and Sandee Kirkwood and is trained by Mark Glatt. He has seven wins in 22 starts, earnings of $538,792 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 16 Bertrando Stakes. Songforjohnmichael is by Songandaprayer, out of the Quiet American mare Silent Demand, was bred by Kathleen Kennedy, is owned by RL Stables and trained by Dan... ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (May 27, 2016) – Defending champion G. G. Ryder and fellow California-breds Eagle Screams, Poshsky and Tamarando are entered in Monday’s $100,000 Grade III All America Stakes at Golden Gate. Multiple graded winner G. G. Ryder is by Chhaya Dance, out of the Storm Boot mare Stormy Gigi, was bred by Eagle Oak Ranch, is owned by Jerry Hollendorfer or George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. He has 11 wins in 27 starts, earnings of $457,544 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 30 San Francisco Mile. He won this race last year. Eagle Screams is by Redattore, out of the Free House mare Dreamy Jeanie, was bred by Don Eidson, is owned by Scott Herbertson or Deborah Kriletich and is trained by Jonathan Wong. He has 10 wins in 46 starts, earnings of $385,535 and is coming off a win in a Feb. 7 optional claimer. He was fourth in this race last year. Poshsky is by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett mare... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2016) – Grade I winner Ralis makes his turf debut in Saturday’s 200,000 Snow Chief Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Ralis is by Square Eddie, out of the Ten Most Wanted mare Silar Rules, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $290,923 and is coming off a 10th in the May 7 Pat Day Mile. The Big Train is by Peppered Cat, out of the Candi’s Gold mare Recklesswarrant, was bred by owner and trainer Andy Mathis. He is a maiden making his fifth start with earnings of $9,028. Glory Bound is by Heatseeker, out of the Beau Genius mare Clouds of Glory, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Highlander Racing Stable and trained by Craig Dollase. He has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $104,221 and is coming off a fifth in the May 1 Silky Sullivan. Midnight Ming is by Midnight Lute,... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2016) – Enola Gray, a 16 1/2-length winner of her only race to date, faces Campanile Stakes winner Cheekaboo in Saturday’s $200,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Enola Gray is by Grazen, out of the More Than Ready mare Unsung Heroine, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She won her lone start Apr. 10 with earnings of $33,600. Allsquare is by Square Eddie, out of the Decarchy mare Showtime Apollo, was bred by Phil D’Amato, is owned by D’Amato or Little Red Feather Racing and is trained by D’Amato. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $58,715 and is coming off a seventh in the May 1 Campanile. Cheekaboo is by Unusual Heat, out of the Souvenir Copy mare Sandy Cheeks, was bred by Madeline Auerbach, Richard Rosenberg & Barry Abrams, is owned by Alesia, Burns or Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. She has two wins in six... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2016) – Forest Chatter, a stakes winner on the downhill course, is one of five entries in Saturday’s $100,000 Lennyfrommalibu Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Forest Chatter is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Dixie Chatter, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Wild Forest, was bred by Herman Sarkowsky, is owned by Pam and Marty Wygod and trained by Richard Mandella. He has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $248,510 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 27 Sensational Star. Pay the Fine is by Square Eddie, out of the Wild Rush mare Heckuva Rush, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $168,515 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 22 optional claimer. Ambitious Brew is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Martin Jones. He has five wins in 15 starts,... ...
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RUIDOSO DOWNS, N.M. (May 24, 2016) – Popalicious is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 First Lady Handicap for fillies and mares at Ruidoso Downs. Popalicious is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Forestry mare Sea Poppy, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Solitaire Stable, Skyler Kelley, Alan Aldrich and Tom Mansor and is trained by Henry Dominguez. She has seven wins in 30 starts, earnings of $284,743 and is coming off a seventh in the May 2 Budweiser Stakes. She was third in this race last year. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2016) – Dressed to a T is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $300,000 Grade I Gamely Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dressed to a T is by Square Eddie, out of the Kender mare Clerical Error, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $96,933 and is coming off a seventh in a May 7 optional claimer. ...
Read More →By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (May 21, 2016) — California Chrome got an early wake-up call May 21 at Los Alamitos Race Course to record his second timed workout since returning to Southern California after his standout victory in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I). Out at 5:20 a.m. PT preparing for a run in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) at Del Mar July 23, which will serve as a prep for the Aug. 20 Pacific Classic (gr. I), the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit drilled a half-mile in :49 4/5 under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney. His first work back was three furlongs in :36 1/5 May 14. “It was very nice. We didn’t do very much,” trainer Art Sherman said. “It was an easy half. He’s right on schedule.” Sherman wouldn’t tip his hand on plans beyond the Pacific Classic, but did express excitement about California Chrome, LLC’s buy-in to the $12 million Pegasus World Cup in January, which means the 2014 Horse of the Year could end up... ...
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BALTIMORE, Md. (May 21, 2016) – I Came to Party is double entered on Saturday in the $100,000 James Murphy Stakes and the $100,000 LARC Sir Barton Stakes for 3-year-olds at Pimlico. I Came to Party is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Decarchy mare Onefunsonofagun, was bred by Ellen Jackson, Kevin Nish & Kim Nish, is owned by Ronald Clark and trained by Gerald Brooks. He has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $60,700 and is coming off a fourth in the Apr. 23 Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 21, 2016) — El Huerfano is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Californian at Santa Anita. El Huerfano is by Tannersmyman, out of the Capsized mare Adriftinthebay, was bred by M.A. Douzos, is owned by Barber or Wachtel Stable and is trained by Peter Miller. He has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $145,527 and is coming off a Mar. 31 optional claiming win. ...
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By Bloodhorse.com BALTIMORE, Md. (May 21, 2016) — Organizers of the $12 million Pegasus World Cup planned for January 2017 said they already have 12 ownership groups on board at $1 million each, including the owners of California-bred California Chrome. The announcement was made May 19 at Pimlico Race Course, which will host the Xpressbet.com Preakness Stakes (gr. I) May 21. The Stronach Group, which owns and operates the Maryland Jockey Club tracks, is the driving force behind the Pegasus World Cup. Starlight Racing’s Jack Wolf, who serves as chief executive officer of the Pegasus World Cup, said the period for owners to commit to the race opened May 16. All the spots were filled in about a day, he said. Those who purchased a spot in the starting gate for the 1 1/8-mile race at Gulfstream Park Jan. 28 are California Chrome LLC; Coolmore; Jerry and Ronald Frankel; Sol Kumin and James Covello; Jim McIngvale; Paul Reddam; Reeves Thoroughbred Racing; Ruis Racing; Daniel Schafer; Starlight Pegasus Partners; The Stronach Group;... ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May. 18, 2016) – Nominations close Thursday, May 19, for the five stakes races on the California Gold Rush XVII card for California-breds and sireds, to be held at Santa Anita on Saturday, May 28. Here’s the lineup for the stakes races: $200,000 Snow Chief Stakes, 3-year-olds, at 1 1/8 miles on turf (purse paid down to eighth place). $200,000 Melair Stakes, 3-year-old fillies, at 1 1/16 miles (purse paid down to eighth place). $150,000 Tiznow Stakes, 4-year-olds & up, at one mile. $125,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes, 4-year-olds & up fillies and mares, at one mile on turf. $100,000 Lennyfrommalibu Stakes, 4-year-olds & up, about 6 ½ furlongs on turf. Entries close Wednesday, May 25. For more information, contact Rick Hammerle at the Santa Anita Racing Office, 626-574-6352. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 18, 2016) – Multiple graded winner San Onofre is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Kona Gold Stakes at Santa Anita. San Onofre is by Surf Cat, out of the Native Regent mare Marrakech Gold, was bred by Bruce Headley, is owned by Matson Racing and trained by Karen Headley. He has six wins in 13 starts, earnings of $402,385 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 16 Los Angeles Stakes. He was second in this race last year. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 18, 2016) –Velvet Mesquite and fellow California-bred stakes winner Home Journey are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Mizdirection Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Velvet Mesquite is by In Excess, out of the Huddle Up mare Mesquite, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Blake Heap. She has six wins in 21 starts, earnings of $459,446 and is coming off a fourth in the Apr. 10 Las Cienegas Stakes. Home Journey is by Good Journey, out of the Came Home mare Goodtobehome, was bred by Mark and Daryle Ann Giardino & John Elick, is owned by GGG Stables and Russell Sarno and is trained by Mike Puype. She has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $336,944 and is making her first start since a third in a Nov. 22 optional claimer. She was second in this race last year. ...
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From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (May 16, 2016) — Five two-year-olds and four three-year-olds have been supplemented to the 2016 Barretts May Sale at Del Mar of Two-Year-Old in Training and Horses of Racing Age. The supplemental horses will be sold directly after the end of the main catalog on Friday, May 27. These horses will be added to the Jockey Club Ipad App for the May Sale shortly. Hard copies of the supplemental catalog can found both in the Santa Anita racing office in Arcadia and on the sales grounds located on the Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California later this week. The entire sale catalog can be viewed at http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catmay2016/catalogTABLE.asp Several horses in the sales catalog have already run, including Milton Freewater who broke his maiden in his debut in impressive manner recently. The official training preview is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, May 25 on the Del Mar racetrack beginning at 10:00 a.m. The preview will be streamed live at http://www.barretts.com/sales/ViewSale/index.asp ... ...
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BALTIMORE, Md. (May 15, 2016) – Sweetrayofsunshine is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Skipat Stakes for fillies and mares at Pimlico. Sweetrayofsunshine is by Benchmark, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Tialinga, was bred by Black Diamond Racing and is owned by trainer David Jacobson. She has 12 wins in 26 starts, earnings of $335,662 and is coming off a second in a May 1 optional claimer. ...
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ALBANY, Calif. (May 14, 2016) – Central Heat successfully defended her title in Saturday’s $61,025 Golden Poppy Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate, extending her win streak to seven. Central Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Smart Strike mare Miss Boomtown, was bred by Abrams, Huston Racing, Matties Racing and Auerbach, is owned by William Delia or Dana Rocheford and is trained by Delia. She has 15 wins in 34 starts, earnings of $364,101. Central Heat ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:43.54 and won by one-half length as the 7-10 favorite in the field of eight. The 2016 Golden Poppy was one of two wins on the card for Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze, who was returning from a four-week absence. Baze, who leads all jockeys with 12,814 wins in North America, suffered a right collarbone fracture in a spill April 16. After leaving from post position 1, Central Heat raced five lengths off the pace in sixth through an opening... ...
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From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (May 6, 2016) — The date for the monthly meeting of the California Horse Racing Board originally scheduled May 19 has been changed to May 26. That meeting location remains at Santa Anita Park. The agenda for this meeting, including the start time, will be posted on the CHRB website by May 16. ...
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ARCADIA, Calif. (May 5, 2016) – Multiple stakes-winning California-bred Sheer Pleasure takes on champion Beholder is Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Adoration Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Sheer Pleasure is by Birdonthewire, out of the Blare of Trumpets mare Kathryns Birthday, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Little Red Feather Racing or RM Racing and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $393,030and is coming off a win in the Mar. 27 Dream of Summer. ...
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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 5, 2016) – Grade I winner Ralis is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II Pat Day Mile Stakes for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs. Ralis is by Square Eddie, out of the Ten Most Wanted mare Silar Rules, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $288,423 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 2 Spiral Stakes. ...
Read More →LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 5, 2016) – Grade I winner Ralis is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II Pat Day Mile Stakes for 3-year-olds at Churchill Downs. Ralis is by Square Eddie, out of the Ten Most Wanted mare Silar Rules, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $288,423 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 2 Spiral Stakes. ...
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