He Be Fire N Ice to Rancho San Miguel

Nov 6, 2014 Posted by CTBA In News

By Bloodhorse.com SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2014) — He Be Fire N Ice, a stakes winner and twice grade II-placed, will enter stud at Rancho San Miguel near San Luis Obispo, Calif., in 2015 for an advertised fee of $2,500. The striking gray 6-year-old son of perennial leading California sire Unusual Heat won last year’s California Dreamin’ Handicap at Del Mar and followed that with runner-up showings in the Del Mar Mile Handicap (gr. IIT) and the City of Hope Mile (gr. IIT) at Santa Anita Park. On the strength of those turf efforts, He Be Fire N Ice earned a start in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT) at Santa Anita, finishing eighth. Bred in California by St. George’s Farm out of the Deputy Commander mare Deputy Tombe, He Be Fire N Ice was campaigned by Cicero Farms. He won five of 16 career starts and earned $332,580. Under a promotional stallion deal, He Be Fire N Ice breeders will not pay a stud fee until after their... ...

Starlight Magic Brings $150,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2014) — Starlight Magic, a California-bred broodmare, sold for $150,000 at Wednesday’s session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Starlight Magic is by Marino Marini, out of the General Meeting mare Star’s Millennium, was consigned by Woodford Thoroughbreds, agent, and purchased by Spendthrift Farm. Starlight Magic sold in foal to Congrats. On the track, Starlight Magic was a multiple stakes winner of $334,900. ...

Spring Awakening Sells for $500,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2014) – Spring Awakening, a California-bred broodmare, sold for $500,000 at Wednesday’s session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Spring Awakening is by In Excess, out of the Carson City mare Catchofthecentury, was consigned by Brookdale Sales, agent, and purchased by Three Chimneys Farm. Spring Awakening sold in foal to Orb. She has produced the stakes winner Walk Close. On the track, Spring Awakening was a multiple stakes winner of $258,178. ...

Acceptance

Acceptance wins $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes. ...

My Fiona

My Fiona wins $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes. ...

Qianoa Enters Betty Grable

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2014) – Four multiple stakes winners, led by top earner Qianoa, are among those entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Meinertzhageni is by Stormin Fever, out of the Peaks and Valleys mare Hot Desert, was bred by Robert Harmon, is owned by Jeff Bonde, Miguel Carranza, Stephen McGovern and Mersad Metanovic and is trained by Bonde. She has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $180,370 and is coming off a seventh in the Sept. 27 Unzip Me. More Complexity is by Square Eddie, out of the Yonaguska mare Marquis Diamond, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Edward Freeman. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $157,970 and is coming off a Sept. 26 allowance win. Multiple stakes winner Qianoa is by Wilko, out of the Skywalker mare Starlet Sky, was bred by B&B Zietz Stables, is owned by Curt and Lila Lanning... ...

Awesome Return Returns

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Awesome Return is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Let It Ride Stakes for 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Awesome Return is by Decarchy, out of the Mr. Broad Blade mare Awesome Broad, was bred by owner Richard Kritzki and is trained by Mike Puype. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $270,120 and is making his first start since a third in a July 19 optional claimer. ...

Cal-bred Quartet in Golden Nugget

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2014) – Four California-breds are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Nugget Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. Stalk the Wildcat is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Petionville mare Silent Stalk, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $23,280 and is coming off an Oct. 18 maiden win. Cartoonist is by Comic Strip, out of the Devil On Ice mare Ivy Lane, was bred by owners Dr. and Mrs. William Gray and is trained by Greg James. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $21,630 and is coming off an Oct. 18 maiden win. Lucky Forty Niner is by Lucky J. H., out of the Forty Niner mare Miner’s Gal, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Mary Jo Bright and trained by Wendell McDaniel. He has one win in nine starts, earnings of $39,810 and is coming off a seventh in an Oct. 24 optional claimer.... ...

Former Trainer Jacque Fulton Passes

By DRF.com PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 5, 2014) — Jacque Fulton, a former trainer who worked for more than a decade as racing manager for California owners Marty and Pam Wygod, died on Tuesday of Alzheimer’s disease, according to her cousin, trainer Dan Hendricks. Fulton was 60. She had spent recent months in the Phoenix area, close to family. In the 1970s, Fulton worked as an exercise rider for Charlie Whittingham, galloping such prominent horses as Dahlia, King Pellinore and Cougar II. In the 1980s, she was briefly married to former Southern California trainer John Fulton. Jacque Fulton began training in 1985 and later gave up a racing stable to work for the Wygods, when their breeding and racing stable was at its height in California. Fulton trained Blonde Fever, the winner of the 1992 Fleet Treat Stakes at Del Mar, and won the 1988 Princess Stakes at Hollywood Park with Clean Lines, who had been claimed for $40,000, and the 1988 Songstress Stakes at Golden Gate Fields with Super Avie.... ...

Del Mar Reopens with Hollywood Flair

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2014) — All that is familiar about Del Mar will be new when the track opens its 15-day autumn meeting Friday. Famous for its summer meeting, Del Mar has added a four-week meeting this month, replacing racing dates previously held at Hollywood Park, which closed last December. For racing fans, horsemen, track executives, and everyone else, the autumn meeting starts with questions. Will customers make their way to the track at a time when schools are in session and vacations are rare? Will owners and trainers support a meeting with a smaller purse structure than the summer season? Can track executives sell the venue in November as well as the summer? “My feeling right now is curiosity more than anything else,” track president Joe Harper said this week. The track has tapped its Hollywood roots to give the meeting an identity. The meeting is called the “Bing Crosby Season” in honor of the track’s founder, with seven stakes named after 20th-century entertainers. There... ...

California Chrome to Race Next Year

By Reuters ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2014) — California Chrome, the Kentucky Derby and Preakness champion who finished third in Saturday’s $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, will race as a 4-year-old and forego, at least for now, a lucrative career at stud, owner Steve Coburn told Reuters. Coburn, who co-owns the horse with Perry Martin, said he would choose the races California Chrome will run in 2015 very carefully. “The future is good because we’re going to race him as a 4-year-old,” Coburn told Reuters in a telephone interview. “We’re going to be very choosy in the races we’ll put this horse in. “There’s no sense in taking a chance of hurting him.” The California-bred 3-year-old colt won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness but finished fourth in the Belmont Stakes, failing in his bid to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978. After the Belmont disappointment, California Chrome took more than three months off and would start just once prior to the Classic, finishing sixth as the odds-on... ...

Warren’s Veneda Enters Kathryn Crosby

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2014) – Stakes winner Warren’s Veneda and fellow California-bred Kathleen Rose are entered in Friday’s $75,000 Kathryn Crosby Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Warren’s Veneda is by Affirmative, out of the Flying Continental mare More Cal Bread, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $355,012 and is coming off a sixth in the Oct. 11 California Distaff. Kathleen Rose is by Good Journey, out of the Decarchy mare Cantina’s Rose, was bred by owner B&B Zietz Stables and is trained by Michael Machowsky. She has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $309,520 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 4 Swingtime Stakes. ...

Street Hero to Rancho San Miguel

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2014) — Rancho San Miguel would like to welcome Street Hero, a 2-year-old Grade I stakes winner by Street Cry (IRE) out of the Summer Squall mare Squall Linda, for the 2015 breeding season. Street Hero was on the board in five out of six starts as a 2-year-old, winning the Norfolk Stakes (G1), third in the Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), and third in the Del Mar Futurity (G1). Street Hero sired six first-crop stakes horses, three stakes winners, including G1 winner Azarenka, Gabriel Charles-G2, and Street Girl. Street Girl is also multiple graded stakes placed with a second in the Humana Distaff S. – G1 in May of 2014 and a third in the Cotillion S. – G1. Saturday she finished second in the Grade II Chilukki Stakes at Churchill Downs with (lifetime earnings of over $445,000). Street Hero also sired California-bred multiple winner Stylish In Black (2014 earnings of $91,200). With lifetime progeny earnings of over $2.5... ...

Halo Dolly Brings $300,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2014) – California-bred millionaire Halo Dolly sold for $300,000 at Tuesday’s first session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Halo Dolly, a 6-year-old by Popular, out of the Comic Strip mare Spanish Halo, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, was consigned by Taylor Made Sales, agent, and purchased by Spendthrift Farm. She won 18 races, including the Grade III Wilshire Handicap, and earned $1,016,466. ...

Let Faith Arise Sells for $925,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2014) – Tommy Town Thoroughbreds’ Let Faith Arise, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Kafwain, sold for $925,000 at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Let Faith Arise, a 4-year-old out of the El Corredor mare Babe Hall, was consigned by Hurstland Farm, agent, and purchased by Sport Thoroughbreds. On the track, Let Faith Arise won the Grade I Santa Margarita, the Grade III Adoration and earned $488,240. Also selling was Yearly Report, a California-bred multiple Grade II winner and the broodmare of Grade I stakes winner condo Commander. The 13-year-old sold in foal to Jimmy Creed for $175,000 and was purchased by Gainesway Farm. ...

California Chrome Fine Day After

From Santa Anita Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2014) – Trainer Art Sherman said California Chrome “pulled up good” after finishing a close third in Saturday’s $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. Sherman spoke from his Los Alamitos base Sunday after shipping the 3-year-old California-bred back from Santa Anita Saturday night. “It was a great race for him, and a game race to get beat by a neck,” added Sherman of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Santa Anita Derby winner. “Maybe with a stronger race the one before (Pennsylvania Derby) he might have won, but I don’t know.” Sherman said future plans for the California-bred colt had not yet been formulated. “I’ll have to talk to the owners,” said Sherman of Steve Coburn and Perry Martin. As for Eclipse Award honors for California Chrome and Horse of the Year, Sherman thought the controversial finish left the outcome unclear. “It’s up in the air now,” said the trainer. Regardless of the outcome, the 77-year-old trainer could not imagine a more memorable... ...

Square Eddie Fee at $10,000

From Vessels Stallion Farm BONSALL, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2014) – Square Eddie, sire of multiple stakes winner Sprouts, will stand for a $10,000 fee for the 2015 breeding season at Vessels Stallion Farm. The 8-year-old son of Smart Strike was a Grade I winner at the age of 2 and runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He has two crops of racing age, with progeny earnings of more than $1.2 million and average earnings per starter of $38,157 for 34 runners. From a first season foal crop of 32, Square Eddie sired five stakes horse: Sprouts, Electric Eddie, Smoove It, Eddies Curl and Eddie’s First. For more information, contact Kevin Dickson at 760-414-3300 or email kdvesselsfrm@aol.com. ...

Breeders’ Cup Classic

California Chrome finishes third in $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. ...

California Chrome Third in Classic

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2014) – The roller-coaster ride that was California Chrome’s star-studded 2014 campaign came to a bittersweet end in the gloaming at Santa Anita late Saturday afternoon, where the Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner came within a half-length of winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic and clinching not only the 3-year-old championship but perhaps Horse of the Year honors as well. In the end, California Chrome had no real excuse after avoiding the early trouble that eliminated several key contenders in the Classic, including his chief rival for 3-year-old honors entering the race, the previously undefeated Shared Belief. Now it is Bayern, who survived a stewards’ inquiry to add the Classic to earlier victories in the Haskell and Pennsylvania Derby, and becomes the front-runner for the title. California Chrome, who came from humble beginnings, captured the country’s imagination following his victories in the Derby and Preakness. But he became vilified in the eyes of many when his quest for the Triple Crown ended with a fourth-place... ...

CTFMA Day at Del Mar

From CTFMA DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2014) – The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association is setting up a fun filled Day at the Races at the brand new “Bing Crosby Meet” at Del Mar’s new winter race meet. We are reserving tables in the Penthouse level II Palio Restaurant. Tickets are $25 per person for admission and a racing program. No host lunch and drinks can be ordered off the menu. We will have door prizes & fun throughout the day! Join us on Sunday, Nov. 16th, seating at 11 a.m. first post for race one is noon. Please e-mail CTFMA@YAHOO.COM to reserve your group today. ...

Acceptance Wins Golden State Juvenile

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2014)–Although he broke tardily from the rail, favored Acceptance was quickly into contention under Elvis Trujillo and fought off all challenges to win Saturday’s $200,000 Golden State Juvenile for Golden State Series eligible by 1 ¼ lengths while covering seven furlongs in 1:21.70. Trained by Donald Warren and owned by Judy Johnston, Bud Johnston and Robert Riggio, the 2-year-old California-bred colt by Vronsky was bred by the Johnston family’s Old English Rancho. A 13 ¼ length first-out maiden winner on Oct. 5, Acceptance faced winners for the first time in the Golden State Juvenile which attracted a field of seven juveniles that were Golden State eligible. “He was very impressive from the day we picked him, and right from the day we started breaking him,” said Johnston. “We named him Acceptance, and the ACC is no accident, because it’s like (Eclipse Award winner) Acclamation. “I was very concerned about the inside post and like usual, he did not break very well, and... ...

Winning Rail Trip for Favored My Fiona

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2014) –Under confident handling, 6-5 favorite My Fiona rallied at the rail around the far turn en route to an impressive three quarter-length win in Friday’s $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies, for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano and trained by Walther Solis, the daughter of Ghostzapper got the distance in 1:23.16. For HRTV video: http://www.hrtv.com/videos/race-replay-2014-golden-state-juvenile-fillies-/?VideoCategoryId=0 Bred by Terry Lovingier and owned by Lovingier, Beckerle and Navarro, My Fiona paid $4.60, $3.20 and $2.60. “I knew she likes to come from behind, but with the way speed is playing today, I didn’t want to be too far back,” said Bejarano, who rode the filly for the first time. “I put her where I felt comfortable. I decided to follow (eventual third place finisher) Stormy Adieu because I knew she would still be there in the stretch. I stayed close to the rail and when we got to the stretch, I finally got through and she showed me a big... ...

Sherman: ‘Chrome Looks ‘Great’

From Breeders’ Cup Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2014) — California Chrome “looked great,” trainer Art Sherman said Friday after the Kentucky Derby winner galloped 1 5/8 miles at 6 a.m. under regular exercise rider Willie Delgado for Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. “I plan to jog him in the morning the wrong way for a mile,” said Sherman of the final touch with the 4-to-1 second choice in the race. “I’m hoping everything goes smooth. He’s as good as I can get him. Let the cards fall where they may.” Sherman said he was concerned about a forecast of rain, but added that he did not think it would hamper California Chrome, who has raced on tracks listed fast in all 14 of his starts. “We trained him on an off track at Los Alamitos and he seemed to handle it good,” said Sherman. Co-owner and co-breeder Steve Coburn visited his colt for the second straight morning. “He’s in disguise today,” quipped Coburn. “He’s dressed like a horse. It is... ...

Big Bane Theory

Big Bane Theory works for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. ...

Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2014) –It was a sight for sore eyes. California Chrome was putting on a show Tuesday in the Santa Anita saddling barn, up on his hind legs, manhood on display, giving Alan Sherman fits on the ground and Willie Delgado all he could handle at the wheel. “The reins were in my lap,” said Delgado, the man with the slick red chaps. “I had ahold of mane with one hand and used the other to push him away from the partition. Did I have him? Sure, I had him, just like he had me.” This was the California Chrome his tribe had been waiting for – a sign that their Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner had shaken the cobwebs of his Triple Crown letdown and was back to the colt they knew last winter. A video of the moment went gleefully viral, and the message was clear: California Chrome was home, back at the track where he ripped through three straight victories... ...

Sherman Honored by Media

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2014) — Art Sherman, who trains Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner California Chrome, and others were honored the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association the evening of Oct. 29. The award was among those presented at the NTWBA’s 55th annual dinner held at the Derby restaurant in Arcadia, Calif. Sherman, who will saddle California Chrome in the Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), received the NTWBA’s Mr. Fitz Award, “typifying the spirit of racing.” The Mr. Fitz Award is named in honor of James E. “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons, the trainer who won the coveted Triple Crown twice with Gallant Fox and Omaha. Sherman, 77, began training career in Northern California after a successful career as a jockey that spanned more than 20 years. He is in the twilight of his career, with Chrome’s successful Triple Crown run ending with a fourth-place effort, 1 3/4 lengths behind winner Tonalist, in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). The Joe Palmer Award, named for... ...

Cliff DeLima Trains Marino’s Wild Cat

At 82 years old, Clifford DeLima vowed to cut back on the number of horses in his care. The trainer has been busy with racehorses at the track, horses on his ranch in Livermore, and eight great-grandchildren to spoil. “I said I was going to cut down,” DeLima affirmed again, “but then Roy Guinnane and I went to a sale and came home with eight horses. We can’t go to sales anymore.” If DeLima and Guinnane are a little eager at the moment, no one can blame them. Their 5-year-old gelding Marino’s Wild Cat is now 5-for-9 lifetime after winning the $100,250 Harris Farms Stakes Oct. 5. The 5 3⁄4-length victory was so impressive that it has DeLima and Guinnane dreaming of future stakes success, maybe even in Southern California. DeLima has trained some classy horses before, but his is far from a household name. He was born and raised in Hawaii, and when he turned 15, a visiting colonel from the United States Army befriended DeLima’s father. When it... ...

CHRB Meeting Rescheduled

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2014) — The regular meeting of the California Horse Racing Board originally scheduled for Thursday, November 20, has been moved to Wednesday, November 19. The meeting location remains the same at the Surfside Race Place (simulcast facility) in Del Mar. The agenda for this meeting, including its starting time, will be available on the CHRB website at least 10 days before the meeting. ...

California Chrome Meets the Ducks

From Breeders’ Cup ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2014) — California Chrome galloped 1 5/8 miles at 6:30 Wednesday morning, said assistant trainer Alan Sherman said, beaming with the way the 3-year-old colt looked under regular exercise rider Willie Delgado. “He stood in the gate and was perfect,” continued Sherman. “All systems are go. He’s performed so well on this track in the past, I’m not worried about the surface.” Sherman said the California-bred colt will gallop up to the race. “He will go to the paddock tomorrow and jog the morning of the race.” Visitors to the stall of the superstar in Barn 56 included members of the Anaheim Ducks NHL hockey team. Grooming the colt has provided a thrill of a lifetime for Raul Rodriguez. “It’s like a dream,” said the veteran, who has been California Chrome’s groom since the colt joined the Sherman barn as a 2yo last year. “It is very exciting and makes me feel proud,” said Rodriguez of seeing the development of the racing star.... ...

Barretts Moves to Del Mar

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2014) — Barretts Sales, which has conducted Thoroughbred auctions at Fairplex in Pomona since its inception in 1990, will shift its primary sales location to the Del Mar Fairgrounds starting in 2015. Kim Lloyd, Barretts’ general manager, said a deal has been agreed to with representatives of the 22nd District Agricultural Association – the state arm that operates Del Mar Fairgrounds – to move Barretts’ operations south approximately 100 miles following the group’s final sale at Fairplex in February, 2015. He noted that while the location of the business will change, the ownership will remain with the Los Angeles County Fair Association at Fairplex. Lloyd further indicated that the sales company will employ Del Mar’s covered, 100,000-square-foot Del Mar Arena, home to several major horse shows throughout the year, as their primary location for its sales. The facility offers seating for 3,500 with the floor capacity to hold an additional 5,000. Barretts also will conduct some of its sales in the paddock of... ...

Ambitious Brew a Horse for Course

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2014) — If success over the unique downhill turf course at Santa Anita Park is a precursor to success in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (gr. IT), Ambitious Brew should have some sort of advantage in the 6 1/2-furlong race. A 4-year-old gelding who is trained by Los Alamitos-based Martin Jones for his California breeder, Pamela Zeibarth, Ambitious Brew has raced four times down the hill at the Turf Sprint distance, resulting in three wins and a second. Overall, Ambitious Brew has shown a tremendous desire to win, having never finished worse than 1 1/2 lengths back en route to four wins and four seconds from as many starts. He has earned $247,920. Ambitious Brew is a 12-1 morning-line shot who will break from post 5 under Hall of Famer Mike Smith, who has been aboard in all but one of the gelding’s starts. Ziebarth, who has a successful track record with her homebreds, said Ambitious Brew has a strong will to win. “He just... ...

Lakerville to Stand at Harris Farms

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2014) – Lakerville, son of six-time California leading sire (2008-2013) and all-time California-bred progeny earnings leader Unusual Heat, will stand at John C. Harris’s Harris Farms in Coalinga for the 2015 breeding season. Lakerville will be available for complimentary breedings to approved mares under “Private Treaty.” Lakerville enters the breeding shed off of a dynamic career as a turf sprinting star on the Southern California racing circuit. He is a Graded placed stakes winner who recorded 5 wins and 4 seconds in 11 career starts as a deep closing turf sprinter. Out of the Out of Place mare Foreverinthegame, he is an impeccably bred 6 year old chestnut horse and the full brother to Grade 2 and multiple stakes winner Gervinho. Lakerville stands 16.0 hands and won the 2014 Clocker’s Corner Stakes at Santa Anita Park doing so off of a 16 month layoff. He also raced to unparalleled closing fractions of 20.80 for ¼ mile, 32 1/5 for 3/8 mile and 42... ...

‘Chrome’s Camp Likes Outside Post

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2014) — The California Chrome camp appears very confident heading into the Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) despite the 3-year-old colt’s disappointing trip in the Sept. 20 Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II). “He’s training great,” assistant trainer Alan Sherman said the morning Oct. 28. “I’ve never seen the horse train like he is now. He was walking around on his hind legs this morning. He’s training like a beast.” California Chrome, owned by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, drew post 13 in the 1 1/4-mile Classic at Santa Anita Park. After his trip in the Pennsylvania Derby, in which he was trapped inside early, his connections like the draw. “I can see Moreno on the lead, with Bayern right there, and California Chrome hopefully sitting a length or two back on the outside. Then he’d come running at the quarter pole, hit the lead, and keep going. “It’s nice to be out there (in post 13). He can dictate his own race. Nobody... ...

California Chrome Draws Post 13

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2014) — California-bred double Classic winner California Chrome drew post position No. 13 in Monday’s draw for Saturday’s $5 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita. The featured race drew a field of 14, with unbeaten Shared Belief the 9-5 morning-line favorite in post 6. California Chrome is the second choice at odds of 4-1. Victor Espinoza rides California Chrome. California Chrome is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, was bred by owners Perry Martin & Steve Coburn and is trained by Art Sherman. He has eight wins in 14 starts, earnings of $3,542,650 and is coming off a sixth in the Sept. 20 Pennsylvania Derby. ...

Cal-bred Quartet on Saturday BC Card

BREEDERS CUP PAST PERFORMANCES November 1, 2014 SA ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2014) – In addition to California Chrome, the 4-1 second choice in the $5 million Classic, three other California-breds drew into the rich supporting races for Saturday’s card of the Breeders’ Cup championships at Santa Anita. Ambitious Brew drew post position No. 5 in the $1 million Turf Sprint, with Mike Smith named as jockey in a field of 14. Ambitious Brew is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Marty Jones. He has four wins and four seconds in eight starts, earnings of $247,920 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 26 Eddie D. He is 12-1 on the morning line for the Turf Sprint. Starspangled Heat drew post position No. 10 in the $3 million Turf, with Corey Nakatani up in a field of 13. Starspangled Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Runaway Groom mare Bel Air Belle, was bred by M.... ...

Wake Up Nick Looking for Another

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2014) – Four-time stakes winner Wake Up Nick risks his perfect record in Saturday’s $200,000 Golden State Juvenile for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Acceptance is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Allswellthatnswell, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by E.W. and Judy Johnston and Robert Riggio and is trained by Donald Warren. He won his lone start Oct. 5 and has earnings of $33,600. Wake Up Nick is by Cindago, out of the Lion Hearted mare Storm Hearted, was bred by Lee & Susan Searing, is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Leandro Mora. He’s a perfect 5-for-5 with earnings of $308,784 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 14 Barretts Juvenile. Peradventure is by Papa Clem, out of the Boundary mare Holiday Sale, was bred by Jack and Barbara Hatch Revocable Living Trust, is owned by CTR Stables and trained by Vann Belvoir. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $58,638 and... ...

Ken Maddy Draws Velvet Mesquite

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2014) – Velvet Mesquite is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Sen. Ken Maddy 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 five wins in nine starts, earnings of $240,606 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 11 California Distaff. ...

Not Enough Eddie Enters Saturday

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 28, 2014) – Not Enough Eddie is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Juvenile Turf Sprint Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Not Enough Eddie is by Square Eddie, out of the In Excess mare Too Much Excess, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Leandro Mora. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $25,450 and is coming off a sixth in an Oct. 3 optional claimer. ...

Sapphire Cat Gets First Winner

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2014) – California stallion Sapphire Cat was represented by his first winner when Lindante won the sixth race at Santa Anita, an open maiden special weight, Friday. Lindante is out of the Dixie Union mare Sav Blanc, was bred by owner John Antonelli and was trained by Jerry Fanning. He has one win in five starts with earnings of $54,260 and he ran the about 6 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:13.13, winning by three-quarters of a length at odds of $12.50-1. For Lindante’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/lindante. ...

‘Chrome Ships to Santa Anita

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2014) — It was 6:10 on the morning of Oct. 26 when the Hubbard horse van pulled into Santa Anita Park after the 45-minute van ride from Los Alamitos Racecourse. Aboard the van were California Chrome, America’s darling of the spring, and a pair of other horses trained by Art Sherman. Waiting at the loading ramp was assistant trainer Alan Sherman, who was at Santa Anita with his yellow lab, Jasper. The dog was enjoying being on the backstretch, having been banned, along with all canines, from the backstretch at Los Alamitos. Alan Sherman couldn’t help but exude confidence in “Chrome,” winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), Preakness Stakes (gr. I), Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), and San Felipe Stakes (gr. II). “His work yesterday was amazing,” he said. “I really feel he’s going to run a big race (in the grade I Breeders’ Cup Classic),” Sherman said. The Shermans actually have two stalls at Santa Anita in Tim... ...

Soi Phet, Stryker PhD in Big Bear

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2014) – California-bred Soi Phet and fellow multiple stakes winner Stryker PhD are entered in Thursday’s $75,000 Big Bear Stakes at Santa Anita. Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Gerald Benowitz and Sandra Powell and Mathilde and Paul Viskovich and is trained by Leonard Powell. He has eight wins in 30 starts, earnings of $472,936 and is coming off a seventh in the Oct. 4 City of Hope. Also entered is Stryker PhD, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Bertrando, out of the Smart Strike mare Striking Scholar, bred by Char Clark Thoroughbreds & Todd Havens, owned by Mona Hour and trained by Larry Ross. He has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $292,751 and is coming off a three consecutive stakes wins at Emerald Downs. ...

My Fiona Returns in Golden State Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2014) – Stakes winner My Fiona heads a field of nine in Friday’s $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Stormy Adieu is by Silic, out of the Tropical Storm mare Storm Birdie, was bred by Jane Braugh, is owned by Dare to Dream Stable and trained by Ingrid Mason. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $55,060 and is coming off a third in an Oct. 2 optional claimer. Take Back Spring is by Spring At Last, out of the In Excess mare Repo, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Leandro Mora. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $55,420 and is coming off a maiden win Oct. 9. Moonie is by Square Eddie, out of the Irish River mare Moonfest, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Edward Freeman. She is a maiden making her fourth start with earnings of $19,850. My Fiona is... ...

Volkonsky Goes Long in Marathon

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2014) – Volkonsky is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $200,000 Grade II Las Vegas Marathon Stakes at Santa Anita. Volkonsky is by Vronsky, out of the Perugino mare Palace Royale, was bred by Old English Rancho & Berumen, is owned by Twilight Racing & Mark Holden and is trained by Kristin Mulhall. He has two wins in 19 starts, earnings of $167,160 and is coming off a fourth in an Oct. 11 optional claimer. ...

Patriots Rule Enters Twilight

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2014) – Stakes winner Patriots Rule and fellow California-bred Ashleyluvssugar are entered in Friday’s $150,000 Grade II Twilight Derby for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Patriots Rule is by Tribal Rule, out of the Seattle Bound mare Candy Factory, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Charles Garvey and trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $231,920 and is coming off a win in an Oct. 2 optional claimer. Ashleyluvssugar is by Game Plan, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by owners Estate of Alesia, BranJam Stables and Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $123,214 and is coming off a fourth in an Oct. 2 optional claimer. ...

Magic Mark Enters Damascus

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2014) – Magic Mark is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $100,000 Damascus Stakes at Santa Anita. Magic Mark is by Benchmark, out of the Deputy Governor mare Jewel Magic, was bred by owners Dorine and John Lanza and is trained by Ron Ellis. He has four wins in seven starts, earnings of $174,214 and is making his first start since a third in the July 4 American Flag Stakes. ...

Ambitious Brew Works for Turf Sprint

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2014) – California-bred Ambitious Brew had his final workout in preparation for the $1 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on Saturday, going five furlongs on the turf in 1:00.20 at Santa Anita. The work was third-best out of 10 on the day at the distance. Kaigun, also pre-entered for the Turf Sprint, worked the same distance in 1:00.40. Ambitious Brew is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Marty Jones. He has four wins and four seconds in eight starts, earnings of $247,920 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 26 Eddie D. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2014) — ARCADIA, CA – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, October 23, 2014, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. 1st Vice Chair Bo Derek, 2nd Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper and George Krikorian 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 the Los Angeles Turf Club’s license application for a race meet at Santa Anita from December 26, 2014, through June 28, 2015. Santa Anita President Tom Ludt reported that the Stronach Group has invested more than $30 million in improvements to the facility over the last 18 months, including replacement of the main track with materials consistent with the existing track at Los Alamitos and the new track that will be in place at Del Mar for the 2015 summer meet, providing uniformity of racing surfaces at all Southern California tracks.... ...

Big Macher

Big Macher works out at Santa Anita Oct. 25, 2014. ...

Big Macher in Final Drill for Sprint

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 25, 2014) — California-bred Big Macher worked Oct. 25 at Santa Anita in preparation for the Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I), going a half-mile in :47 2/5. Jockey Tyler Baze worked Big Macher, and both Baze and trainer Richard Baltas were pleased. “He was awesome and full of energy,” said Baze. “He couldn’t be more ready.” Baltas noted that Big Macher cooled out from the work in terrific form. “We took him over to drink water,” said Baltas, “and you know how when a horse blows, the water moved around a little? Well, the water didn’t move. He blows more when he gallops.” Baltas skipped the Santa Anita Sprint Championship with Big Macher because he feels the gelding runs better fresh. “Though it wasn’t by design, he won the Bing Crosby (gr. I) after a three-month layoff,” said Baltas. “We ran him off works, and he ran the best race of his life.” Big Macher’s most recent start was a sixth in the Aug. 24 Pat O’Brien... ...

‘Chrome Has Final Classic Prep

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Oct. 25, 2014) — California Chrome turned in his final pre-Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) work Oct. 25 at Los Alamitos Racecourse, clocking a sharp five furlongs in :59 3/5 under jockey Victor Espinoza. Afterward, trainer Art Sherman was enthusiastic in his assessment of California Chrome’s conditioning in advance of the 1 1/4-mile Breeders’ Cup Classic Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park Steve Coburn and Perry Martin’s winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) is seeking redemption off a sixth-place finish in the Sept. 20 Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) won by Classic rival Bayern. It was his first start off a brief layup that followed a fourth-place finish in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) behind another BC Classic contender, Tonalist. Los Alamitos clockers caught California Chrome in splits of :24 1/5 and :48, with a gallop out in 1:12. The chestnut colt cantered to the pole with the pony and broke off like a bullet on the... ...

Savvy Hester Wins River Memories

TORONTO, Canada (Oct. 25, 2014) – Savvy Hester, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Heatseeker, won Saturday’s $111,200 River Memories Stakes for fillies and mares at Woodbine. Savvy Hester is out of the Miswaki mare Changeable. She has five wins in 24 starts, earnings of $3890,187 and was coming off a seventh in the Sept. 14 Canadian Stakes. She ran the mile on turf in 1:36.69 and won by a head at odds of 4-1. For Savvy Hester’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/savvy+hester. ...

Unusual Heatwave to Tommy Town

By DRF.com SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2014) — Stakes winner Unusual Heatwave will begin his stallion career at Tommy Town Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez, Calif., in 2015, farm manager Mike Allen said on Thursday. Unusual Heatwave was retired earlier this year after winning 4 of 20 starts and earnings $488,752. Unusual Heatwave will stand for $2,500, Allen said. Trained by Alexis Barba for Teresa McWilliams, Unusual Heatwave was a three-time stakes winner against California-breds – the 2012 Snow Chief Stakes and Real Good Deal Stakes and the Crystal Water Stakes earlier this year. Unusual Heatwave won at distances ranging from about 6 1-2 furlongs on the hillside turf course in a maiden race to 1 1-8 miles in the Snow Chief Stakes. Unusual Heatwave, 5, is by top California stallion Unusual Heat and is out of Miss Alphie, by Candi’s Gold. Unusual Heatwave is a half-brother to Alphie’s Bet, the winner of the 2010 Snow Chief Stakes. Boisterous and Unusual Heatwave join Grazen, Kafwain, Ministers Wild Cat, and Old... ...

‘Chrome Might Be Retired After Classic

By SacramentoBee.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2014) — Horse of the Year or retirement; those are the outcomes that ride on the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic for California Chrome. Coming off two disappointing defeats, the California-bred Kentucky Derby-Preakness winner will be among the headliners in the Nov. 1 Classic at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. But with a poor performance, the $5 million race could be the 3-year-old colt’s last. “(It’s) race by race now,” said co-owner Perry Martin, confirming for the first time what many observers suspected. “A good BC Classic and we’ll keep going. (Run a) clunker and he’s off to the breeding shed.” But don’t plan a retirement party yet. California Chrome’s connections expect him to turn in a huge performance in America’s richest race. “He’s getting super sharp,” Martin said. “We expect his best ever.” With the stable name Dumb Ass Partners, Perry and Denise Martin of Yuba City and Steve and Carolyn Coburn of Topaz Lake, Nev., bred and co-own California Chrome, the first California-bred... ...

Bel’s Starlet Passes at 27

By Bloodhorse.com PARIS, Ky. (Oct. 24, 2014) — Bel’s Starlet, a multiple stakes winner who finished third in the 1993 Gamely Handicap (gr. IT), died Oct. 23 at the age of 27 at Our Mims Retirement Haven near Paris, Ky., where she had lived since 2007. The roan mare died of pleuroneumonia and endocarditis, the farm reported. Bred by Mr. and Mrs. John C. Mabee and racing for Golden Eagle Farm and trainer Richard Mandella, Bel’s Starlet had 46 starts over six seasons while compiling a 13-14-6 mark with $863,802 in earnings. She was by Bel Bolide out of the Vigors mare Vigor’s Star. In addition to her Gamely placing, she was second in the Oak Leaf Stakes (gr. I) as a 2-year-old. When she retired from racing, Bel’s Starlet went back to the farm to take up her broodmare career. She produced six foals; Grey Owl, a 1998 colt by Kingmambo, earned $171,488 on the track. She also had foals by Forestry, Point Given , and Danzig. The Mabees sold... ...

CHRB Meeting Partial Transcript

From CHRB The California Horse Racing Board apologizes for the technical problem that prevented some from connecting to the audio for the first 20 minutes of today’s Board meeting. The entire audio file, including the first 20 minutes, is now available in the archive on the CHRB website. As a convenience, we are providing this written transcript of the initial proceedings. Following the regular opening remarks and approval of minutes, Rick Baedeker provided the report of the Executive Director: “There’s been some talk about backside security and surveillance systems and so forth. I think most of you are aware that the Backside Security Committee has been exploring the use of camera surveillance systems in the stable area since June. We have identified a system currently used by the Rancho Cordova Police Department that is Wi-Fi and portable and relatively inexpensive. Staff will be seeing a demonstration of this system immediately following the Breeders’ Cup, and if it looks like it could work, then we will arrange a demo... ...

Starspangled Heat Also Enters Lure

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2014) – Starspangled Heat, who is also pre-entered in next weekend’s $3 million Breeders’ Cup Turf, is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Lure Stakes at Santa Anita. Starspangled Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Runaway Groom mare Bel Air Belle, was bred by M. Auerbach, D. Abrams and V. Loverso, is owned by Auerbach, Loverso and Barry Abrams and is trained by Barry Abrams. He has five wins in 37 starts, earnings of $464,697 and is coming off a fourth in the Sept. 28 John Henry Turf Cup. ...

Boisterous to Stand at Tommy Town

From Tommy Town Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2014) — Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, in partnership with Gary Barber, is excited to introduce Boisterous, standing for the 2015 breeding season. Boisterous, a Grade I-winning son of Distorted Humor, is a multiple graded stakes Winner with earnings of $1,458,792.00. Boisterous, winner of the Grade I Man O’ War Stakes, will be a great stallion addition to California, as the only Grade I winning son of champion Distorted Humor standing in California. ...

NTRA Featured Legislator: Jim Costa

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 23, 2014) — NTRA Featured Legislator – U.S. Representative Jim Costa (D-CA) District: California’s 16th in the Central Valley – home to the Big Fresno Fair, part of the California Authority of Racing Fairs. Experience: Rep. Costa was first elected to Congress in 2004 and is serving his 5th term in the House of Representatives. He is up for re-election in 2014. Key Committee: Rep. Costa serves on the House Agriculture Committee. Rep. Jim Costa recently visited Santa Anita Park and spent part of the day with trainer Carla Gaines and owner/breeder John Harris. ...

Stormin Fever to Rancho Temescal

From Golden Eagle Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Oct. 22. 2014) — Stormin Fever, a Grade I-producing son of sire of sires Storm Cat, has been moved to Rancho Temescal in California for the 2015 breeding season. Stormin Fever previously stood at Golden Eagle Farm in Ramona, which is closing. Golden Eagle Farm General Manager Janine McCullough said, “Although we are saddened by the closing of Golden Eagle Farm as a boarding and breeding facility we are pleased to continue owning this great stallion. He is in super health, very fertile and continues to produce making him a great value to the CA breeding program. It was important to us to find a quality facility with people we trust. We have great respect for Tim Cohen and his staff at Rancho Temescal and look forward to a successful 2015 breeding season.” Stormin Fever boasts impressive stats while always getting a big horse. Not many stallions in California have statistics like him, especially at this value. Stormin Fever gets 77% starters from foals,... ...

Golden Eagle Closing, Stormin Fever Moving

From Golden Eagle Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2014) — The Mabee’s Golden Eagle Farm boarding and breeding operation will close its doors after 40-plus years on October 31, 2014. Golden Eagle Farm General Manager Janine McCullough said, “The family has put a lot of thought into this decision since the passing of Larry Mabee in December 2012. Larry’s son, John R. Mabee, is the one of three children with interest in the business. John R., who was named after his grandfather, John C. Mabee, the founder of Golden Eagle Farm, will continue the racing stable. John R. grew up spending many days going to the track with his grandfather and has a passion for the sport. He genuinely loves the horses and is excited about continuing the famous Golden Eagle silks. We have several exciting horses in training right now and look forward to 2015. I will be staying on as John’s racing manager and continue to manage the stallion Stormin Fever, who moves to Rancho Temescal for the... ...

Sherman Sees a ‘Chrome Rebound

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2014) — While the lone start for California Chrome since the Triple Crown didn’t go as planned, trainer Art Sherman likes what he sees since his dual classic winner has arrived back at his Los Alamitos Racecourse base. Following a sixth-place finish in the Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) Sept. 20 at Parx Racing, California Chrome has worked each October Saturday at Los Alamitos. He started with a handy four-furlong bullet move in :47 2/5 Oct. 4, fastest of 34 works at the distance, before stretching out to a five-furlong move in :59 3/5 Oct. 11, and to six furlongs in 1:12 1/5 Oct. 18. Sherman will send out Steve Coburn and Perry Martin’s homebred for one more workout Saturday, Oct. 25, before shipping the 3-year-old Lucky Pulpit colt to Santa Anita Park in the following day or two in advance of the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) there Nov. 1. With just the one start between his fourth-place finish in the Belmont... ...

California Breeding Stats Increase

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 22, 2014) – California showed an increase in mares bred and stallions standing in 2014, according to The Jockey Club. There were 2,472 mares bred in California this year, a six percent increase from last year and the first increase since 2002. There were 143 stallions standing in the state, a 5.1 percent increase from last year and the first increase since 2004. California was the only state in the top seven to show an increase in stallions standing. ...

‘Chrome Leads Cal-bred Pre-entries

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2014) — Led by double classic winner California Chrome, seven California-breds were pre-entered for this year’s Breeders’ Cup championships, to be run Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Santa Anita. California Chrome: $5 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Classic — California Chrome is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, was bred by owners Perry Martin & Steve Coburn and is trained by Art Sherman. He has eight wins in 14 starts, earnings of $3,542,650 and is coming off a sixth in the Sept. 20 Pennsylvania Derby. Big Bane Theory: $1 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile & $2 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile — Big Bane Theory is by Artie Schiller, out of the Alysheba mare Shebane, was bred by owners Mark Devereaux and Scott Gross and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $330,840 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 4 City of Hope. Starspangled... ...

Cal-bred Trio in Pike Place Dancer

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2014) – California-breds Blazing Spice, Up to Speed and Sandy’s Journey are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Pike Place Dancer Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Blazing Spice is by Blazonry, out of the In Excess mare Extreme Spice, was bred by Fred Davis, Charlene Davis & Running Horse Training Center, is owned by Randy Leighton and trained by William Delia. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $43,835 and is coming off a win in an Aug. 29 optional claimer. Up to Speed is by Papa Clem, out of the Phone Trick mare Speed Dialer, was bred by owner Thomas Bachman and trained by Steve Sherman. She is coming off an Aug. 2 maiden win in her second start with earnings of $20,485. Sandy’s Journey is by Good Journey, out of the Tactical Cat mare Deborah Kadabra, was bred by Bill & Sandy Dory, is owned by Moger Inc. and Bill Dory and is trained by Ed Moger Jr. She is coming off... ...

CHRB Meeting on Thursday

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Thursday, October 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park. Also, the Medication and Track Safety Committee will meet in the same location on Wednesday, October 22, beginning at 2 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings. An audio-only webcast of Thursday’s Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website. The agendas and supporting packages of materials for these meeting also are available on the website. ...

Red Outlaw

Red Outlaw wins $75,000 Uniformity Stakes. ...

Big Macher Works Toward Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2014) — Bargain claim Big Macher worked five furlongs on a picturesque Sunday morning at Santa Anita in a bullet :58.60 for the $1.5 million Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint at six furlongs on Nov. 1. It was the fastest of 67 drills at the distance, the average time of which was 1:00.83. Haltered out of a maiden claiming race for $20,000 at Del Mar in July of 2013, the California-bred not only went on to win the Grade II Potrero Grande Stakes by a nose on April 12, but added the Grade I Bing Crosby Stakes to his resume on July 27 at Del Mar, defeating Santa Anita Derby winner and Dirt Mile winner Goldencents in the process. Big Macher disappointed in the Grade II Pat O’Brien on Aug. 24, finishing sixth, but trainer Richard Baltas feels the California-bred son of Beau Genius can make amends in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Under regular rider Tyler Baze, Big Macher broke off two lengths... ...

Red Outlaw Remains Perfect

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2014)–In one of the most impressive efforts of the current Autumn Meet, California-bred Red Outlaw ran his unbeaten streak to six in taking Sunday’s $75,000 Uniformity Stakes geared down by 2 ½ lengths under Edwin Maldonado, getting 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:11.92. Trained by Peter Miller and heavily favored 4-5, Red Outlaw rocketed out of the gate and led throughout while smoking through fractions of 21.30, 43.36 and 1:05.97. He paid $3.80, $3.00 and $2.40. Challenged momentarily as the field of eight sophomores made the dirt crossing at the top of the lane, Red Outlaw accelerated when called upon and left many onlookers thinking the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint could be a possibility on Nov. 1. “He always breaks good,” said Maldonado, who has ridden Red Outlaw to four of his victories. “I knew we were going fast, but I wanted him to be by himself so I just let him roll. He definitely... ...

Boozer

Boozer wins $100,000 California Flag Handicap. ...

Luscious Lonna Wins Miss America

By SFGate.com ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2014) — California-bred Luscious Lonna got the trip she adores in Saturday’s $65,480 Miss America Stakes, and the result was her third wire-to-wire win in a stakes event for fillies and mares on the Golden Gate Fields turf. “Those were relatively soft fractions, and that was perfect,” trainer and co-owner Nick Sloan said. “She got a softer trip than it looked like she would, and she’s pretty game like that.” With Need You Now, Loveintheshadows, and Wink and Wish not showing their usual early speed, Luscious Lonna gained a clear lead soon after a bit of a slow start in the 11/16-mile race. Central Heat offered only modest pressure from second place, so Luscious Lonna cruised through even fractions of 24.03 seconds, 48.28, and 1 minutes, 12.59 seconds while maintaining a 1-length lead down the backstretch. Luscious Lonna opened up 3 lengths on Central Heat in mid-stretch and withstood that foe’s late charge to win by three-quarters of a length. “She broke a little... ...

California Chrome Works Six Furlongs

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2014) — Dual classic winner California Chrome had his penultimate drill for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) on Saturday, going six furlongs at his Los Alamitos headquarters in 1:12 1/5. Under regular rider Victor Espinoza, California Chrome worked “great,” according to trainer Art Sherman. “It was just what I wanted. He’ll have one more before the Breeders’ Cup.” Los Alamitos head clocker Russ Hudak caught California Chrome in even fractions of :24 2/5 and :48 4/5, with a seven-furlong gallop out of 1:25 4/5. “He picked it up good in the stretch,” Hudak said. “He looked good.” ...

Boozer Wires Field in California Flag

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2014)–Heavily favored Boozer made an easy lead and never looked back en route to a 2 ½ length win in Saturday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Ridden by Rafael Bejarano, he got 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:12.36 following moderate fractions of 22.89, 45.16 and 1:06.74. 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 Saundra Kirkwood and trained by Mark Glatt. He has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $292,672 and was coming off an Aug. 31 allowance win. “I didn’t expect to get the lead too easy,” said Bejarano. “I thought Super Ability (ridden by Martin Garcia) would go straight to the lead but he broke a little slow, so I took us straight to the front and was able to sit comfortably. I didn’t have any pressure... ...

Noms Closing for Juvenile Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2014) – The closing for nominations to the seven-furlong $200,000 Golden State Juvenile, to be run Nov. 1, is Sunday, Oct. 19. The race, exclusively for horses bred or sired in California, will be run on the second day of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park. Call Santa Anita Racing Office (626-574-6356) to enter. ...

Golden State Series Deadline

The closin ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2014) – The closing for nominations to the seven-furlong $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies, to be run Oct. 31, is Saturday, Oct. 18. The closing for nominations to the seven-furlong $200,000 Golden State Juvenile, to be run Nov. 1, is Sunday, Oct. 19. The races, exclusively for horses bred or sired in California, will be run on the same days as the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park. Call Santa Anita Racing Office (626-574-6356) to enter. Click here for race conditions. g date for nominations to the seven furlong $200,000 Oct. 31 Golden State Juvenile Fillies is TOMORROW October 18. The closing date for nominations to the seven furlong $200,000 Nov. 1 Golden State Juvenile is SUNDAY October 19. The races, exclusively for horses bred or sired in California, will be run on the same day as the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park. Call Santa Anita Racing Office (626) 574-6356 to enter your horses. Click... ...

Barretts Cancels Nov. Del Mar Sale

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2014) — Barretts will not conduct a horses of racing age sale at Del Mar on Nov. 8 as previously scheduled, according to the sale company’s general manager, Kim Lloyd. Lloyd said on Thursday that Barretts has plans to conduct an autumn horses of racing age sale in October 2015 in conjunction with an open yearling sale. Barretts is planning six sales at two venues in 2015 – a mixed sale on Jan. 26, and the select sale of 2-year-olds in-training on Feb. 23 at its facility in Pomona, Calif. Those will be the final two events at that facility on the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds, which no longer conducts live race meetings each September. For the remainder of 2015, sales will be conducted at Del Mar – a sale of 2-year-olds in-training on May 27, the Paddock Sale of horses of racing age on July 19, a select yearling sale on Aug. 12, and a combined yearling and horses of racing age in... ...

Red Outlaw Opts for Uniformity

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2014) – Unbeaten Red Outlaw scratched out of Saturday’s $100,000 California Flag Stakes and was entered in Sunday’s 75,000 Uniformity Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Red Outlaw is by Tribal Rule, out of the Slewpy mare Anachristina, was bred by Liberty Road Racing, is owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Aurelio, Bizovi, Coons, Dizonno, Gaylord et al and is trained by Peter Miller. He has won all five starts, earnings of $285,200 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 29 El Cajon Stakes. ...

Baltas Confident in Big Macher

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2014) — Richard Baltas is confident Big Macher can rebound from his disappointing sixth-place performance in the Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar on Aug. 24 when he runs in the $1.5 million Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint at six furlongs on Nov. 1. The California-bred son of Beau Genius, claimed for $20,000 last July, defeated Santa Anita Derby and Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Goldencents one race before the Pat O’Brien, in the Grade I Bing Crosby. Baltas attributes the O’Brien dud to a poor blood count on the horse’s part and ill timing between the Crosby and the O’Brien on the trainer’s part. Big Macher worked six furlongs at Santa Anita Monday in a bullet 1:11.60 under regular pilot Tyler Baze. “We’ll be tough in the Breeders’ Cup,” Baltas said. “I don’t worry about anybody else’s horse. You can’t. Goldencents isn’t running and he’s the one that would concern me most. “Private Zone? He’s never won at Santa Anita. His best... ...

NTRA Featured Legislator: Diane Feinstein

From NTRA Experience: Senator Feinstein is serving her fifth term. She is up for re-election in 2018. Key Committees: Senator Feinstein is a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Judiciary Committee. The Appropriations Committee is the largest committee in the U.S. Senate and writes legislation that allocates federal funds to government agencies and departments on an annual basis. The Judiciary Committee provides oversight of the Department of Justice (DOJ). Impact on horse racing and breeding industry: Senator Feinstein has worked extensively with the agricultural industry in California and has developed an understanding of the challenges and issues faced by farmers. Her work on the 2014 farm bill helped authorize disaster relief programs for livestock indemnity that are retroactive to October 1, 2011 for losses from ongoing drought or fire. Senator Feinstein also helped introduce the Restoration of America’s Wire Act to clarify and reverse a DOJ legal opinion from 2011 that allowed states to authorize expanded online gambling, a change from the DOJ’s 50-year-old position on permissible activity through... ...

Tamarando in California Flag

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2014) – Grade I winner Tamarando leads a compact but talented field entered in Saturday’s $100,000 California Flag Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Ain’t No Other is by Old Topper, out of the Shadeed mare Miami Margie, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbred and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has 10 wins in 39 starts, earnings of $616,645 and is coming off a fourth in the Oct. 5 Harris Farms Stakes. He was second in this race last year. Super Ability is by Langfuhr, out of the High Brite mare Super High, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Harris Farms and Iconic Thoroughbreds and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $213,590 and is coming off a sixth in an Aug. 15 allowance. Heat Flash is by Unusual Heat, out of the Show Dancer mare Ballistic Lady, was bred by Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams, is owned by Abrams, Little Red... ...

Luscious Lonna in Miss America

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Luscious Lonna is among five California-breds entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Miss America Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Loveintheshadows is by Freespool, out of the Touch Gold mare Risk the Gold, was bred by Desperado Stables, is owned by Chris Carpenter and Donald Nunes and is trained by Bill McLean. She has 11 wins in 44 starts, earnings of $192,166 and is coming off a sixth in an Oct. 9 optional claimer. Wink and Wish is by Tribal Rule, out of the Cozzene mare Amapola’s Wish, was bred by Richard Bell, is owned by Richard and Michael Tannyhill and Gregory Weeks and trained by Debbie Winick. She has five wins in 18 starts, earnings of $101,030 and is coming off consecutive claiming wins. 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 Dave Del Debbio, William Delia and Dana Rocheford and... ...

Alert Bay Holds On for Premier Win

By DRF.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Oct. 14, 2014) – California-bred Alert Bay wrapped up local Horse of the Year honors with a hard-fought win over longshot Mysterious Soul in the Grade 3, $100,000 Premiers at Hastings on Monday. The Grade 3 British Columbia Derby winner, who was sent off as the favorite in Monday’s 1 3/8-mile race for 3-year-olds and up, paid $5.50. “I had a perfect trip,” Rico Walcott said between breaths following the race. “I had to work hard to get him to relax, but I had a lot of horse the whole way. He fought back when he was challenged, and I was pretty confident they weren’t going to get past him once he made the lead.” Alert Bay stalked Prohibition and Mysterious Soul, who battled through reasonable interior fractions and were lapped onto each other after six furlongs in 1:12.96. Walcott moved into serious contention on the stretch turn and outdueled a very game Mysterious Soul to win by a neck. Shooting Jacket came from well back... ...

Downtown C. T. Wins Bull Dog

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2014) – California-bred Downtown C. T. led throughout to win Sunday’s $75,560 Bull Dog Handicap at Fresno. Downtown C. T. is by Crafty C. T., out of the Bertrando mare Downtown Tali, was bred by Ellen Jackson, is owned by Carina Jauregui and Stuart Kesselman and is trained by O.J. Jauregui. He has six wins in 26 starts, earnings of $187,371 and was coming off a third in a Sept. 12 allowance. Downtown C. T. ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.62 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 3-1. For Downtown C. T.’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/downtown+c+t ...

Velvet Mesquite

Velvet Mesquite wins $100,000 California Distaff Handicap. ...

Velvet Mesquite Wins Distaff Handicap

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2014)–In her first added money foray, favored Velvet Mesquite took Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by a half length under Mike Smith while negotiating 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12.39. An absolute course specialist, Velvet Mesquite, a Harris Farms homebred 4-year-old filly by In Excess, notched her fifth win from six tries over Santa Anita’s unique hillside layout in virtual gate to wire fashion as she rocketed past eventual third place finisher Go West Marie early and cut out fractions of 22.17, 44.16 and 1:06.33. Trained by Blake Heap, Velvet Mesquite broke a bit sluggishly from the nine post in a field of 10 California-bred or sired fillies and mares, but was soon in command under Smith. “She’s a big filly and she broke a little slow,” said Smith. “She’s so tall, that it took her longer to get up after slipping a little at the start. It took... ...

Another Quick Work for ‘Chrome

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2014) — Under regular rider Victor Espinoza, California Chrome worked five furlongs at his Los Alamitos Racecourse base the morning of Oct. 11 in :59 3/5 in preparation for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I). It was the second work for the 3-year-old dual classic winner since finishing sixth in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) Sept. 20 at Parx Racing. He worked a half mile Oct. 4 at Los Alamitos in a bullet :47 2/5. “He looked good. He wasn’t pressured much on the gallop out,” said Los Alamitos head clocker Russ Hudak, noting that California Chrome got the first quarter mile in :24 1/5. “It didn’t look like he was pushed real hard. It was a good, steady work.” Added Alan Sherman, son of and assistant to trainer Art Sherman: “He worked great. We’re real happy with him. He’ll go five or six furlongs next Saturday.” The $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic is Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park. Owned... ...

Winning Image Wins Cornucopia

BENSALEM, Pa. (Oct. 11, 2014) – Winning Image, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Southern Image, won Saturday’s $77,500 Cornucopia Stakes for fillies and mares at Parx. Winning Image is a multiple stakes winner out of the Apollo mare Harvest Girl. She has 14 wins in 32 starts with earnings of $729,237. She ran the six furlongs in 1:10.12 and won by one-half length at odds of 5-1. For Winning Image’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/winning+image2. ...

Unusual Heat Ranks No. 1

COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2014) — California stallion Unusual Heat has surpassed the $45 million mark in progeny earnings, setting a record for state-bred earnings for a California sire. Counting progeny earnings outside of California, Unusual Heat ranks behind only In Excess and Bertrando for all-time earnings by progeny of stallions standing in California. Unusual Heat also has the record for state-bred turf earnings for a California sire. ...

Truely Quick Enters Speakeasy

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2014) – Truely Quick is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $100,000 Speakeasy Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Truly Quick is by Yes It’s True, out of the Golden Missile mare Quick Emotions, was bred by owners Philip Lebherz and George Schmitt and is trained by Jeff Bonde. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $57,050 and is coming off a seventh in the Sept. 1 I’m Smokin Stakes. ...

Classic Crusader Enters at Northlands

EDMONTON, Alberta (Oct. 10, 2014) – Classic Crusader is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s Harvest Gold Plate Handicap at Northlands Park. Classic Crusader is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Lite the Fuse mare Classically Lit, was bred by George and Mary Clare Schmitt, Stan Hodge and Richard Meister, is owned by CanMedia Inc. and trained by Rodney Cone. He has 12 wins in 41 starts, earnings of $129,256 and is coming off a back-to-back claiming wins. ...

2015 Edition

The 2015 Sunshine Millions/California Cup will be held Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Santa Anita. More information will be posted here as details become available. ...

Sherman wins Mr. Fitz Award

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2014) — Trainer Art Sherman is being honored on Wednesday, Oct. 29, by the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association (NTWAB) as the recipient of the Mr. Fitz Award, named in honor of legendary trainer “Sunny Jim” Fitzsimmons and presented annually to someone who “typifies the spirit of racing.” The award will be presented at a special dinner at The Derby Restaurant in Arcadia. Also being honored that night will be Cot Campbell, the well-known owner of Dogwood Stables, broadcaster Charlsie Cantey, and Tom LaMarra of the Blood-Horse magazine. The program will be emcee’d by Jay Privman. All are invited, and tickets are $100 per person. Cocktails and silent auction begin at 6:00 p.m., and dinner at 7:30 p.m. Awards begin at 8:30, and the event is expected to be over by 9:30 p.m. For tickets and information, contact Jay Privman by email or phone (917-584-3816). ...

Lucky Pulpit Fee $10,000 for 2015

By DRF.com COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2014) — Lucky Pulpit, sire of dual classic winner California Chrome, will see his advertised stud fee quadruple to $10,000 for the 2015 breeding season at Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif. The 13-year-old son of Pulpit began the 2014 season at an advertised fee of $2,500. His fee was most recently listed as private as California Chrome ripped through the San Felipe Stakes, Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, and Preakness Stakes before finishing fourth in the Belmont Stakes. Fueled by his most famous son’s exploits, Lucky Pulpit currently sits at second on the California general sire list by a margin of less than $100,000, despite having about one-third as many runners as the leader, the late Tribal Rule. Perennial leading California sire Unusual Heat leads the Harris Farms roster with a fee of $20,000 for 2015, unchanged from 2014. The roster also includes Heatseeker and Smiling Tiger at $5,000; Desert Code at $2,000; and Tizbud and Lucky J.H. at $1,500. ...

Sherman Confident in ‘Chrome for Classic

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2014) — Whether California Chrome wins the Breeders’ Cup Classic or not remains to be seen, but one thing for sure: for the first time in seven races, he won’t be favored. The Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner has been favored in his last six starts, four times at odds-on. But coming off two straight out-of-the money losses, that won’t happen when he runs in the $5 million, mile-and-a-quarter Classic Nov 1 at Santa Anita, a race that could determine Horse of the Year as well as male 3-year-old champion of 2014. After a grueling Triple Crown run that had the eyes the of world focused on California Chrome this spring, Art Sherman agrees that the pressure is off for the Classic. “Oh, yeah,” the trainer said. “He’ll be five, six to one in that race. He’s been even-money every time he’s run every place else.” That’s not to say Sherman doesn’t expect the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit to rebound.... ...

CHRB Also Bans O’Neill

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2014) — Embattled trainer Doug O’Neill has been handed an additional 45-day suspension in California for violating terms of an earlier agreement with the state’s racing board. The suspension is effective immediately and runs through Nov. 22. Coupled with his 45-day ban levied earlier in New York for a class 2 drug violation, the latest action means O’Neill will be unable to train again until Dec. 19, the California Horse Racing Board said in an Oct. 9 release. California-based O’Neill is best known for winning the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness (gr. I) with I’ll Have Another and the success of multiple grade I winner Lava Man. The CHRB and O’Neill entered into a stipulated agreement, under which the controversial trainer is suspended for 135 days—90 days of which are stayed—and placed on probation for 18 months for violation of a board decision May 24, 2012. The action followed a week-long investigation by the CHRB into whether O’Neill had... ...

Bluegrass Cat Moves to Ballena Vista

From Ballena Vista Farm LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2014) — Ballena Vista Farm, in conjunction with WinStar Farm, is announcing the acquisition of the Grade I winner Bluegrass Cat for relocation to Donald L. and Karen Cohn’s Ballena Vista Farm in Ramona, Calif., for the 2015 breeding season. As a racehorse, Bluegrass Cat earned over $1.7 million for his owner-breeder WinStar Farm. He was a multiple Grade II stakes winner at two and the winner of the Grade I Haskell at three and placed second in the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes before retiring to stud at WinStar Farm in 2007. With first-crop earnings of $1.4 million in 2010, Bluegrass Cat ranked second among North America’s Freshman sires ahead of Bernardini and War Front, and was the number two second-crop sire of 2011 with over $3.4 million in earnings. His progeny earnings topped $4.7 million in 2012 and surpassed $5.4 million in 2013. Currently Bluegrass Cat has progeny earnings of $4.4 million with five stakes winners in 2014... ...

Alert Bay Enters Premier’s Handicap

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Oct. 10, 2014) – Graded winner Alert Bay is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III BC Premier’s Handicap at Hastings Park. Alert Bay is by City Zip, out of the Dushyantor mare Hickory, was bred by Thomas Bell and Ross McLeod, is owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Anita Bolton. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $317,378 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 14 British Columbia Derby. ...

Mesa Thunder has First Winner

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2014) – California stallion Mesa Thunder was represented by his first winner Thursday when Aloha Ke Akua won the third race at Fresno. Aloha Ke Akua is out of the Flying Paster mare Brilliant Sunlight and was bred by owners Fran and Stan Hodge and trained by Victor Trujillo. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:06.65 and won by 5 ½ lengths at odds of 2-1 in the $12,500 maiden claimer. Aloha Ke Akua, a 2-year-old filly, is the first starter for Mesa Thunder, a winning son of Sky Mesa. He stands at Paradise Road Ranch. ...

Gates Buys Rancho Paseana

By Bloodhorse.com RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2014) — Bill Gates has purchased Rancho Paseana from weight-loss guru and horse owner Jenny Craig for $18 million, according to a published report. The deal on the 228-acre Thoroughbred farm about 20 minutes north of San Diego closed in mid-September, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing public records. The property, used for training and as a lay-up facility, includes a six-furlong training track, a guesthouse and office, an olive orchard, five barns, and a veterinarian’s suite. The newspaper quoted a spokesman for Gates as saying the Microsoft co-founder wanted the property because the Gates family “has enjoyed visiting the San Diego area with friends and family for many years.” The property has been on the market for several years, initially priced at about $30 million. It had recently been listed for nearly $25 million, but was later withdrawn. Rancho Paseana was closed in 2013 and there are currently no horses there, a spokesman said. Jason Berry of Barry Estates, which represented... ...

Tribal Spy Targets California Distaff

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2014) – Graded stakes winner Tribal Spy and defending champion Wilko are among those entered in Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Global Hottie is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Desert God mare Sonora Desert, was bred by Baseline Equine, is owned by Watson, Pegram and Weitman and is trained by Bob Baffert. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $64,200 and is coming off a win in a Sept. 18 optional claimer. Warren’s Veneda is by Affirmative, out of the Flying Continental mare More Cal Bread, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $354,762 and is coming off a sixth in the Aug. 17 Solana Beach. Sprague River is by Tribal Rule, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Tina’s Love, was bred by Carl Asadurian, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and is trained by Peter Miller. She has... ...

Unusual Way Enters Harvest

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Unusual Way and fellow California-bred Hidethegoodstuff are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Harvest Stakes for fillies and mares at Fresno. Hidethegoodstuff is by Old Topper, out of the Storm Boot mare Minimums Minimums, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $142,012 and is coming off an Aug. 29 allowance race in which she lost the rider. Unusual Way is by Unusual Heat, out of the Great Above mare Way Up, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Tedward Brown and Philip Lebherz and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $712,165 and is coming off a seventh in the July 19 California Governor’s Cup. ...

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