‘Chrome Readying for Dubai

Mar 6, 2015 Posted by CTBA In Uncategorized

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2015) — Art Sherman wasn’t convinced California Chrome was quite ready for his last race, a 1 1/2-length second-place finish to Shared Belief in the San Antonio Invitational Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park. But the trainer believes the 2014 Horse of the Year is back on track after arguably his best workout of the year—a bullet six furlongs in 1:11—March 6 at Los Alamitos Race Course. “I just didn’t think he was tight enough last time out against Shared Belief,” said Sherman, who noted the 4-year-old Lucky Pulpit colt galloped out seven furlongs in 1:24 2/5 . “Right now, he’s actually doing pretty good. I want him to get it back together and as tight as he needs to be for Dubai.” The 15-hour plane ride to Meydan Racecourse for the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 28, among other things, is a concern for Sherman, who admits he is working with a lot of unknowns because he has... ...

Harlington’s Rose Goes in Las Flores

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 5, 2015) – Stakes winner Harlington’s Rose is one of four California-breds among the entries in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Las Flores Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Harlington’s Rose is by Harlington, out of the Orientate mare A Rose for You, was bred by Y-Lo Racing Stables, is owned by Halasz, Johnson, Newhart, Miller, et al and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has three wins in 20 starts, earnings of $311,040 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 12 optional claimer. Sagebrush Queen is by Unbridled Energy, out of the Tough Knight mare Nite Moon, was bred by Oak Hill Farm, is owned by Larry Konecne and Sandi Mattei and is trained by Jorge Gutierrez. She has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $213,770 and is making her first start since a third in the July 12 Great Lady M. Global Hottie is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Desert God mare Sonora Desert, was bred by Baseline Equine, is... ...

Clubhouse Ride to Stand at Harris Farms

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Mar. 5, 2015) – Clubhouse Ride, the son of Candy Ride, has been retired and will enter stud for 2015 at Harris Farms for an introductory fee of $2,500. Campaigned by Six-S Racing Stable and Bonnie and Nikolas Petralia, and trained throughout his career by Craig Lewis, the chestnut earned $1,341,132 in 43 starts including victories in 2013 and 2014 Californian Stakes. A graded-stakes performer from ages 2 through 5, Clubhouse Rideplaced in nine additional graded stakes, including the Santa Anita Handicap, Santa Anita Gold Cup, Cash Call Futurity, Charles Town Classic, San Antonio Stakes and the Daytona Stakes. He ran eight triple-digit Beyers numbers in 2013-14. Clubhouse Ride co-owner Rick Seidner commented, “He was a great horse with a huge heart that ran on all surfaces. I was thrilled to witness every race. We’re looking forward to his second career.” Lewis said, “Clubhouse Ride was a top athlete, with a great mind. He was all racehorse.” John Harris of Harris Farms said, “I thought... ...

NTRA Recognizes Contributors

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 4, 2015) — Thank you to all industry members who supported the NTRA’s federal legislative fundraising effort in 2014.More than 700 individuals, farms and racing partnerships, representing more than 40 states or U.S. territories and 14 countries, contributed to either the ¼% Check-off program at major domestic horse sales or the Foal program. These contributions enable the NTRA to represent our industry’s interests on Capitol Hill every day. Click here for a complete list of 2014 NTRA federal legislative contributors. The NTRA also recognizes the following industry partners for their support: Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, Barretts, Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and Breeders’ Sales Company of Louisiana. Other organizations supporting the program include (in alphabetical order): California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA), Daily Racing Form (DRF), Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), Santa Anita Park, Texas Horsemen’s News, Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN), Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) and Thoroughbred Owners of... ...

Kilroe Mile Lures Mega Heat

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2015) – Mega Heat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. Mega Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Native Prospector mare Laguna Sunrise, was bred by Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Sharon Alesia, Ciaglia Racing and Rob Dyrdek. He has 10 wins in 22 starts, earnings of $437,500 and is coming off a consecutive optional claiming wins. ...

Crimson Giant Bids for Big ‘Cap

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2015) – Longshot Crimson Giant is the lone California-bred challenging Shared Belief in Saturday’s $1 million Santa Anita Handicap. Crimson Giant is by Formal Gold, out of the Exclusive Era mare Mia Lena, was bred by owner Bryan Carney and is trained by Charles Stutts. He has one win in 66 starts, earnings of $172,642 and is coming off a second in at Feb. 20 optional claimer. ...

Pulmarack Takes San Felipe Shot

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2015) – Pulmarack is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade II San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Pulmarack is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $121,600 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 24 California Cup Derby. ...

San Carlos Draws Blues Blaster

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2015) – Blues Blaster is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita. Blues Blaster is by Redattore, out of the Rhythm mare Miss Rhythmic, was bred by Briere Thoroughbreds and is owned by trainer Bruce Dillenbeck. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $103,194 and is coming off a win in a Feb. 8 optional claimer. ...

Singing Kitty in China Doll

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2015) – Stakes winner Singing Kitty is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 China Doll Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Singing Kitty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Natural Singer R N, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds and Peter Jeong and is trained by Matthew Chew. She has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $175,438 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 24 Xpressbet California Cup Oaks. ...

CHRB Annual Report Online

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board’s Annual Report for fiscal year 2013-14 and racing year 2014 soon will be available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under “Publications.” For your convenience, we are attaching a pdf of the Annual Report. The CHRB no longer publishes a print edition of the Annual Report. ...

Hall of Fame Finalists Include Lava Man

By Bloodhorse.com SARATOGA, N.Y. (Mar. 2, 2015) — The 10 finalists on this year’s National Museum of Racing’s 2015 Hall of Fame ballot are jockeys Chris Antley, Victor Espinoza, Corey Nakatani, and Craig Perret; Thoroughbreds Black Tie Affair, Kona Gold, California-bred Lava Man, and Xtra Heat; and trainers King Leatherbury and David Whiteley. Four jockeys, four Thoroughbreds, and two trainers comprise the 10 finalists on the ballot, as selected by the Museum’s Hall of Fame nominating committee. Espinoza, Nakatani, Black Tie Affair, Lava Man, Leatherbury, and Whiteley are first-time finalists. Hall of Fame voters may select as many candidates as they believe are worthy of induction to the Hall of Fame. The four candidates with the highest vote totals will be elected. The voting results on contemporary candidates will be announced Monday, April 20. The induction ceremony will be at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., on Friday, Aug. 7, at 10:30 a.m. The ceremony is free and open to the public. The finalists were selected by the... ...

Choper Reappointed to CHRB

From Office of Gov. Brown SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2015) — Jesse Choper, 79, of Orinda, has been reappointed to the California Horse Racing Board, where he has served since 2006. Choper has been the Earl Warren professor of public law at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law since 1991, where he was dean from 1982 to 1992 and a professor from 1965 to 1982. He was an associate professor of law at the University of Minnesota Law School from 1961 to 1965 and was a law clerk for the Honorable Earl Warren at the U.S. Supreme Court from 1960 to 1961. Choper is a member and former vice president of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the American Law Institute and the Order of the Coif, where he was national president from 1992 to 1995. Choper was the University of California, Berkeley faculty athletic representative to the Pac-10 and the National Collegiate Athletic Association from 2004 to 2010. This position requires... ...

Seabiscuit Movie Showing Cancelled

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2015)–Due to a high probability of rain, Santa Anita Park has cancelled a special screening of the 2003 hit movie Seabiscuit this Saturday, which had been scheduled to start following the races at 6:30 p.m. in the track’s Paddock Gardens Area. The screening, which was planned to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the legendary Seabiscuit winning the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap, will be rescheduled at some point later this spring or summer, according to track officials. Directed by Gary Ross, “Seabiscuit” was nominated for seven Academy Awards and it marked the big screen debut of jockey Gary Stevens, who portrayed jockey George “The Ice Man” Woolf. Stevens, who returned to riding following a seven-year retirement in January, 2013, has won four Santa Anita Handicaps dating back to 1990, and he is scheduled to ride Chilean-bred Catch a Flight in this year’s $1 million Big ‘Cap on Saturday, March 7. Stevens will be available to media in the lead-up to America’s longest... ...

‘Chrome Continues Working Toward Dubai

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2015) — California Chrome, the California-bred dual classic winner and 2014 Horse of the Year, continued to prepare for an appearance in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) with a five-furlong workout in 1:00 at Los Alamitos Racecourse Feb. 27. Trainer Art Sherman said he was pleased with the Lucky Pulpit colt’s breeze, which was the eighth fastest of 36 works at the Southern California track and followed a four-furlong jaunt by the colt in :48 4/5 Feb. 21. “He’s been pretty darn good,” Sherman said. “He’s right on schedule.” Sherman said the California-bred 4-year-old owned by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin will continue to work locally until he ships to Dubai March 17. Then he’ll get a breeze over Meydan Racecourse‘smain track in preparation for the $10 million World Cup March 28. “We’ll blow him out (after he arrives in Dubai),” Sherman said. “It won’t be too long. Probably a half-mile to get him ready.” Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/90370/california-chrome-working-steadily-for-dubai#ixzz3SzLThktZ ...

Jockey Club Purchases Blood-Horse

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 27, 2015) — The Jockey Club and the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Feb. 27 that The Jockey Club Information Systems has purchased a majority ownership interest in Blood-Horse magazine. The purchase also includes related digital and custom printing properties of Blood-Horse, the Stallion Register, and Blood-Horse‘s 50% interest in TrueNicks LLC, according to the announcement made jointly by Ogden Mills Phipps, chairman of The Jockey Club, and Peter S. Willmott, chairman of TOBA. “The Jockey Club stewards believe that a publication with the history, influence, and brand recognition of Blood-Horse is a considerable asset for the Thoroughbred breeding and racing industry and that there are certain synergies that will make it an even stronger entity as a result of this transaction,” Phipps said in a statement. “TOBA and its predecessor breeders’ organization have been the sole owner of Blood-Horse since 1935,” Willmott said. “With the considerable changes under way in the publishing industry, it is our strong feeling that a partnership with The... ...

Gloria Haley

By Emily Shields New California Thoroughbred Breeders Association board member Gloria Haley truly believes that horse racing is a team sport, and not just within each barn. Haley would love to see the powers in racing, both in the state and the nation, band together to fix mounting problems, such as purse troubles and finding careers for retired racehorses. “Sport is important to me, and I love that that’s exactly what our game is: sport,” Haley said. As owners, trainers and racetracks, we all have to be unified in our effort to make racing succeed. We are like a clock, and we need to all turn as gears to make it work.” Sports philosophy runs in Haley’s background, as the 63-year-old grew up officiating softball and volleyball games. At Sonoma State University she studied physical education and physiology and eventually realized how much of what she was learning applied to horse racing. “I was coaching at Santa Rosa High at the time,” she said, “when I... ...

Horse PAC Disbursements Hit $3 Million

WASINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 26, 2015) — Horse PAC, the bipartisan political action committee of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), has surpassed the $3 million mark in total disbursements to federal political candidates and parties since its inception in 2002. Horse PAC has supported more than 250 candidates and 75 Leadership PACs and is the horse racing industry’s largest federal PAC. In the 2014 elections, Horse PAC-supported candidates won all 39 of their House contests and three of four Senate races for an impressive 97.6% success rate. The PAC disbursed $452,500 in the last Congress. “I want to thank the many individuals who contribute to Horse PAC for recognizing the important role it plays in supporting our industry’s efforts in Washington, D.C.,” said Horse PAC Chairman William S. Farish Jr. “I also want to express my gratitude to a small group of individuals who have contributed annually since the formation of Horse PAC.” Horse PAC supports federal political candidates who serve on Congressional committees that oversee matters... ...

Jerry Lambert Passes at 74

By DRF.com SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2015) — Jerry Lambert, best known for riding Hall of Famer Native Diver in the 1960s and for winning a celebrated match race aboard Convenience against Typecast in 1972, was found dead Monday at Magali Farms in Santa Ynez, Calif., where he had been working, according to a release put out Tuesday by Santa Anita. Lambert was 74. Lambert, nicknamed “Clyde” after the city in Kansas where he was born, rode Native Diver to consecutive victories in the Hollywood Gold Cup from 1965-67. In 1972, he won a match race at Hollywood Park aboard Convenience, who just held off the late charge of Typecast and Bill Shoemaker. “He was a great rider,” Don Pierce, the Hall of Fame rider who retired in 1984, told the Santa Anita publicity department. “I rode with him from the time he came to California in 1961 until I retired. Any time he was in a race, you had to deal with him because he didn’t make mistakes.... ...

Woodmans Luck Entered at Sam Houston

HOUSTON, Tex. (Feb. 24, 2015) – Woodmans Luck is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Maxxam Gold Cup Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park. Woodmans Luck is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Woodman mare Royal Woodman, was bred by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams, is owned by Jeffrey Kass and trained by Randy Mayfield. He has four wins in 38 starts, earnings of $289,740 and is coming off a Feb. 3 allowance win. ...

Cal-breds Sell at Barretts

POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2015) – Four California-breds brought six-figure prices at Monday’s Barretts’ 2-Year-Old in Training Sale. A Heatseeker filly out of the Capote mare Cinema Paradisa, was consigned by Brocklebank Training & Sales, agent for Dimple Dell Farms & D Legacy Farms, was purchased by Legacy Ranch for $185,000. A Lucky Pulpit filly out of the Rock Hard Ten mare Fantasy Rocks, consigned by Havens Bloodstock, agent, was purchased by Three Amigos for $180,000. A Gio Ponti colt, out of the Is It True mare Ring True, consigned by Havens Bloodstock, agent, was purchased by Point Richmond Bloodstock for $140,000. An Aragorn colt, out of the Indian Charlie mare Tavern on Rush, was consigned by Havens Bloodstock, agent, was purchased by Ryan or Liedel or Auerbach for $100,000. Falling just shy of six figures was a Slew’s Tiznow colt, out of the Unusual Heat mare Presidential Heat, consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, agent, and purchased by Barnabus Molle for $92,000. ...

Bettys Bambino

Bettys Bambino wins $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes. ...

Final Barretts Fairplex Sale on Monday

By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2015) — Barretts will hold its final sale at Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif., Feb. 23 before relocating to Del Mar with its selected 2-year-olds in training sale. Pinhooks, primarily from the 2014 Keeneland and Barretts fall yearling sales, dominate the catalog. Moved up from its usual slot in March, which puts it first among the nation’s major 2-year-old auctions, the sale will begin at 2 p.m. PST. It will be conducted in the Hinds Pavilion, now in use year-round and very popular as a simulcast facility called the Finish Line Sports Grill. As it usually does, the catalog consists of consignments from around the country, mostly from Florida and California. While local buyers have always patronized the sale, it has attracted East Coast trainers as well as many horsemen from Japan. John Brocklebank of St. George, Utah, is bringing the most expensive pinhook to the Barretts sale. The colt, Hip No. 46, is by Super Saver , whose first crop to the races last... ...

Bettys Bambino Wins Again

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2015)–Course specialist Bettys Bambino sat close to the pace and rolled to a one-length victory over favored Ambitious Brew in Saturday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligible as he covered 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12.65. Second, less than a length off of pacesetter Pathway to Yes crossing the dirt at the top of the lane, Bettys Bambino, who is conditioned by Peter Eurton, was caught four-wide and quickly assumed command en route to his fourth consecutive win over the course. “I had a lot of horse when we crossed the dirt, I was really comfortable,” said Garcia, who rode the 5-year-old Unusual Heat gelding for the fifth consecutive time. “I wanted a clean trip. He’s a really big horse and it’s better when I put him to the outside where he can run free. He loves the downhill.” The second choice, narrowly, at 5-2, Bettys Bambino paid $7.80, $4.00 and $2.60. Bred in... ...

‘Chrome Works at Los Alamitos

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2015) — Still prepping for a likely run in the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse March 28, Steve Coburn and Perry Martin’s California Chrome highlighted the group with a half-mile work in :48 4/5 at his home track, Los Alamitos Racecourse. The Art Sherman trainee comes off a runner-up finish to Shared Belief in the Feb. 7 San Antonio Invitational Stakes (gr. II). ...

Cal-bred Pair in Curribot

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 22, 2005) – California-breds Gospel Music and Real Heat are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Curribot Handicap at Sunland Park. Gospel Music is by Blazonry, out of the Pivotal mare Carbon Copy, was bred by Fred & Charlene Davis, is owned by J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Henry Dominguez. He has three wins in 15 starts, earnings of $94,200 and is coming off a fifth in a Jan. 9 allowance. Real Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams, is owned by Class Racing Stable and trained by Bart Hone. He has four wins in 20 starts, earnings of $130,189 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 9 allowance. ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2015) — – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Wednesday, February 18, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Second Vice Chairman 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 for public notice a proposed regulatory amendment requiring that authorized bleeder medication be administered only by approved third-party veterinarians. The Board approved for public notice a proposed regulatory amendment requiring that claims be voided for horses that are placed on the veterinarian’s list for having visibly bled. This provision would be in addition to the existing criteria for voiding claims. The Board continued its discussion of possible changes to the rule that governs disqualifications in races. The matter will be referred to the Stewards’ Committee. A related issue pertaining to reckless riding that endangers other jockeys and horses is... ...

TVG to Acquire HRTV

By Bloodhorse.com INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2015)– Betfair and The Stronach Group announced Feb. 18 that TVG will assume operations of HRTV, bringing together the two competitors that televise North American and some international horse races. Under the deal, TVG will assume the operations of HRTV, which will be operated from the TVG Studio complex in Los Angeles, according to a release. The unified television operations will feature races from Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park, and Golden Gate Fields over a seven-year period, as well as additional premium domestic and international racetracks. According to the release, Betfair will make an initial payment of $25 million and estimates that it will pay further consideration totaling $47.8 million over the seven-year period, although the total is dependent upon TVG’s future handle. Based on projected future cash flows, the present fair market value of these payments is estimated to be $56.3 million. In the last 12 months, under previous agreements, TVG paid $4.3 million in television fees to... ...

CHRB Discusses Riding Rules

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2015) The discussion over riding rules brought into the spotlight with the controversial start of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) continued during the California Horse Racing Board’s Feb. 18 meeting, but potential modifications to the regulations were pushed into the future. The hour-long talk on the topic at Santa Anita Park Wednesday centered around clarifying the language in the rules to limit the discretion of California’s racing stewards. With three proposed language modifications, some on the board suggested a change in rule verbiage to eliminate subjectivity from the stewards and increase consistency in rulings at all California tracks. The board plans to review the issue again after its Legislative, Legal and Regulations Committee meets with track stewards later in the year. “There’s obviously no simple answer, but if you’re looking for consistency, the most direct route to consistency is to reduce the discretion of the decision-maker,” commissioner Jesse Choper said. “The more rules you have, the more consistency. The difficulty is you... ...

Leonard Dorfman Passes at 92

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2015) – Highly respected longtime Southern California trainer Leonard Dorfman passed away peacefully early Sunday evening at his daughter’s home in Round Rock Texas. The affable Dorfman, a decorated World War II combat veteran who lied about his eyesight to enlist in the Army at age 19, would have been 93 on June 22. Best known as the conditioner of multiple stakes winners Biggs, Travel Orb, Minnesota Chief, Joni U. Bar and McCann’s Mojave, Dorfman gravitated to the track at an early age and one of his first jobs was grooming horses at movie mogul Louis B. Mayer’s farm in Hemet, Calif., circa, 1939 at age 15. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Dorfman emigrated to Los Angeles with his mother at the age of 7 and soon thereafter cultivated a lifetime love affair with horses. “He was such a kind and gentle man,” said retired Hall of Fame jockey Donald Pierce, from his home in Encinitas. “He was without a doubt... ...

Ambitious Brew Back for Sensational Star

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2015) – Defending champion Ambitious Brew, one of seven stakes winners in the field, makes his first start since the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in Saturday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles 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 Sean Williams. He has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $271,920 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 24 Cal Cup Turf Classic. Boozer is by Unusual Heat, out of the Cape Canaveral mare Kitty and Boo, was bred by B. Abrams, V. Loverso, C. Perez, Huston Racing and M. Auerbach, is owned by Al and Saundra Kirkwood and trained by Mark Glatt. He has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $345,242 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 24 Cal Cup Turf Classic. Weewinnin is by Comic Strip, out of the Roman Dancer mare... ...

Cal-bred Pair in Turf Paradise Derby

PHOENIX, Az. (Feb. 16, 2015) – California-breds Best Asset and General Dixie are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Turf Paradise Derby for 3-year-olds. Best Asset is by Never Shamed, out of the Crimson Slew mare Crimson Cricket, was bred by Dick and Peggy Hopwood, is owned by Peggy Hopwood and is trained by Dan McFarlane. He has one win in nine starts, earnings of $39,586 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 4 Chuck N Luck Stakes. General Dixie is by Dixie Chatter, out of the General Meeting mare Song of Summer, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Richard Rennie and Eugene Burns and is trained by Burns. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $4,755 and is coming off a Feb. 6 maiden win. ...

Fog Clears for Marino’s Wild Cat

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2015) — A front-running victory aboard 3-2 California-bred favorite Marino’s Wild Cat in the $60,460 Lost in the Fog Stakes highlighted a four-victory afternoon for jockey Silvio Amador at Golden Gate Fields Monday. Marino’s Wild Cat sped to the lead soon after the start of the six-furlong sprint for older horses and set fractions of 22.78 and 45.17 while being tracked by come-backing Exit Stage Left, who entered the race undefeated in three starts – all stakes victories. Marino’s Wild Cat held Exit Stage Left at bay through the length of the stretch and scored by 1 3/4 lengths in an impressive 1:08.92. Exit Stage Left, making his first start since winning the California Derby on Jan. 18, 2014, took second by a length over 15-1 outsider Giant Sandman. “I was very happy the race went the way I thought it would,” said Amador. “It was good that nobody came out to fight me on the... ...

Del Mar Track Replacement Progressing

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2015) — After clearing away all of the synthetic Polytrack material that made up the main track surface for the past eight years, crews have almost completed removing the stone sub-base of the main track. Those two-inch blue granite stones, approximately 15,000 tons worth, are earmarked for recycled uses on the 350-acre fairground. A large rock crusher has been assembled to grind or break the stones into three products – rock dust, pea gravel and three-quarter-inch rock. The rock dust will make up a portion of the new track’s sub-base; the pea gravel will be used to line the track’s inside drainage channel, and the three-quarter-inch rock will be employed on several additional maintenance projects on the fairgrounds. Digging for the inside drainage channel – which measures approximately a foot wide and 18 inches deep — began this past Monday. Water that drains down through the main track will use the existing perforated drainage pipes hooked into a new main pipe... ...

Warren’s Veneda

Warren’s Veneda Wins $200,000 Grade II Santa Maria Stakes. ...

Warren’s Veneda Wins Santa Maria

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2015)–Although she was caught wide around both turns, Warren’s Veneda rallied from off the pace to an emphatic 2 ¾ length win in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Santa Maria Stakes at Santa Anita, as the California-bred daughter of Affirmative covered 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.18. Trained by Craig Lewis and owned by her breeder, Benjamin C. Warren, Warren’s Veneda, who notched her second win in a row and got her first graded stakes victory, was the second choice in a field of eight older fillies and mares at 9-5 and paid $5.60, $3.40 and $2.60. “I was on her when she broke her maiden a couple of years ago and I knew she was a nice filly then,” said Baze. “Going into the first turn I thought about taking her back and dropping her in, but I told myself to just have confidence and I knew she was the best in the field. I lost a little ground, which I really don’t... ...

Hovdey on ‘Chrome and Dubai

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2015) — The emotional response to the decision by the California Chrome camp to head for the $10 million Dubai World Cup instead of staying home to run in the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap is perfectly understandable. I forgive myself. But dang, another race against Shared Belief in the Santa Anita event would have been a blockbuster. Fans would have had tales to tell the grandchildren. For those two minutes, the racing world would have stopped dead in its tracks to witness history, pulling a decent chunk of the general sports audience along for the ride. Who knows? ESPN might even have noticed. Still, it is hard not to be encouraged by the record of American horses in the 14 runnings of the 1 1/4-mile World Cup on dirt at Nad Al Sheba, its former Dubai home. From 1996 to 2009, there were eight American-trained winners (nine if you count Street Cry, who began his career in California with Eoin Harty and... ...

Marino’s Wild Cat in Lost in the Fog

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2015) – Stakes winner Marino’s Wild Cat and fellow California-bred Mah Gellin are entered in Monday’s $50,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate Marino’s Wild Cat is by Marino Marini, out of the Dayjur mare Faxene, was bred by Goy Guinnane, is owned by GCCI and trained by Cliff DeLima. He has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $175,410 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 24 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. Mah Gellin is by Skimming, out of the Maheras mare Mahrin, was bred by Racing Edge, is owned by Joe and Lola Sample and is trained by Duane Offield. He has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $148,598 and is coming off a win in a Jan. 18 optional claimer. ...

Uzziel Cross-entered in Buena Vista

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2015) – Uzziel, who is also entered in Saturday’s Santa Maria Stakes, is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $200,000 Grade II Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and trained by J. Keith Desormeaux. She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $159,138 and is coming off a fifth in the Dec. 26 La Brea. ...

Bodhisattva Enters Miracle Wood

LAUREL, Md. (Feb. 13, 2015) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $100,000 Miracle Wood Stakes for 3-year-olds at Laurel 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 two wins in eight starts, earnings of $79,095 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 29 Frank Whiteley Stakes. ...

Headley Inducted in CTBA Hall of Fame

By Art Wilson, Pasadena Star News ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2015) — Got about an hour? Maybe two? That’s how long it will take for Bruce Headley to tell you about all the standout California-bred horses he’s trained during his 56-year career. The old-school Headley, who believes hay, oats and water are the only ingredients a horse needs to be successful, received the highest honor a local horseman can receive Monday night at the Pasadena Westin when he was inducted into the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame. According to his daughter, Karen, his acceptance speech brought down the house. Not surprising, since Headley can be as delightful off the track as he is lethal on it. “There are a lot of great men in there, in that Hall of Fame, that I learned from, so to be in there with the guys I learned from is quite an honor,” said Headley, who discovered at a young age that if you’re good to the horses, they’ll be good to... ...

Cal-bred Pair in Baffle Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2015) – California-breds Hot Lightning and Not Enough Eddie are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Hot Lightning is by Stormin Fever, out of the Two Punch mare Two Punch Gal, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Tim Goodwin, Steven Zolotas and Sabina Romo and is trained by Alfredo Marquez. He has one win in six starts, earnings of $43,240 and is coming off a maiden claiming win Jan. 17. 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 Doug O’Neill. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $25,700 and is coming off a seventh in the Nov. 1 Juvenile Turf Sprint Stakes. ...

CTBA Awards Dinner Video

To view the presentation of 2014 Horse of the Year at the CTBA Annual Awards Dinner, click http://bit.ly/1KQ9kLr ...

Mischief Clem in El Camino Real

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2015) – California Cup Derby winner Mischief Clem is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III El Camino Real Stakes for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Mischief Clem is by Papa Clem, out of the Bold Badgett mare Glitteringmischief, was bred by SLU, is owned by Griffin Thoroughbred Stables and trained by Robert Hess Jr. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $266,380 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 24 California Cup Derby. ...

Cal-bred Trio in Santa Maria

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2015) – California-breds Uzziel, Warren’s Veneda and Sweet Marini are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Maria Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and trained by J. Keith Desormeaux. She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $159,138 and is coming off a fifth in the Dec. 26 La Brea. 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 six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $467,612 and is coming off a win in the Paseana. Sweet Marini is by Marino Marini, out of the In Excess mare Excessing, was bred by BMWZ Stables, is owned by Kaleem Shah and trained by Bob Baffert. She has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $411,418 and is coming off a second in the... ...

Joy Boy Enters Essex

HALLANDALE, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2015) – Joy Boy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Essex Handicap at Gulfstream Park. Joy Boy is by Tribal Rule, out of the Half Term mare Joyously, was bred by Dr. and Mrs. William Gray, is owned by TK Stables and is trained by Kellyn Gorder. He has 10 wins in 32 starts, earnings of $392,611 and is coming off consecutive optional claiming wins. ...

Omar Enters Phoenix Gold Cup

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 11, 2015) – Omar is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap at Turf Paradise. Omar is by Bertrando, out of the Beau Genius mare Perfect Doll, was bred by Omar Aldabbagh, is owned by Randy Exelby, Running Rabbit, Rick and TG Racing and is trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has eight wins in 23 starts, earnings of $140,742 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 24 Swift Stakes. ...

Mirahmadi Hired by Monmouth

By Bloodhorse.com OCEANPORT, N.J. (Feb. 10, 2015) — Monmouth Park Racetrack has announced that Frank Mirahmadi will become its new track announcer when the 2015 racing season kicks off on Saturday, May 9. “Frank is an exceptional talent and we’re delighted that he will be joining the Monmouth Park team,” Bob Kulina, president of Darby Development LLC, operators of the racetrack, said in a release. “His style and accuracy will be a perfect fit for Monmouth and I’m sure everyone on-track and those listening worldwide will be equally delighted with his race calls.” A veteran of the announcer’s booth for nearly 20 years, Mirahmadi got his start at Hialeah Park in 1996. Since then he’s called the races at Louisiana Downs, Turf Paradise and for the last nine years the Northern California fair circuit. He’s currently the announcer for Oaklawn Park and Los Alamitos Racecourse and works for TVG as a racing analyst and with their sales department. In addition, Mirahmadi has voiced race calls for the movie “Seabiscuit” as... ...

‘Chrome Cal-bred Horse of the Year

PASADENA, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2015) — Eclipse Award Horse of the Year California Chrome was officially named California-bred Horse of the Year for 2014 at Monday night’s annual California Thoroughbred Breeders Association awards dinner at the Pasadena Westin. California Chrome, who distanced Alert Bay and Big Macher in the voting, earlier was named California-bred champion 3-year-old and Turf champion. California Chrome was bred by owners Perry Martin & Steve Coburn. The other champions presented at the dinner: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Lucky Pulpit, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings – Unusual Heat, owned by the Unusual Heat Syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Two-Year-Olds by Earnings – Papa Clem, property of a syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number of Winners – Tribal Rule. Champion Breeders of California Foaled Thoroughbreds by Earnings – Perry Martin & Steve Coburn. Trainer of the Year – Art Sherman. Broodmare of the Year – Love the Chase, owned... ...

California Chrome Headed to Dubai

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2015) — Another bout between Shared Belief and California Chrome won’t be happening in the near future, trainers for the two horses made clear in comments Feb. 8. Both camps definitively stated where their respective runners will be headed next, a day after Shared Belief’s clear victory over California Chrome in the San Antonio Invitational Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park. Shared Belief will be pointed to the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) March 7 and California Chrome will be aimed for the $10 million Dubai World Cup (gr. I) March 28 at Meydan Racecourse. “Shared Belief was excellent this morning,” Dan Ward, assistant to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, said of the 4-year-old son Candy Ride who has won nine of his 10 career starts. “He ate all his feed. “What happened in the past is not important,” Ward said in regard to the colt’s only career loss, which came with a fourth-place finish in the controversial Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr.... ...

California Chrome

California Chrome finishes second in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes. ...

‘Chrome Second to Shared Belief

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2015) — The showdown everyone wanted to see produced a clear verdict for Shared Belief over reigning Horse of the Year California Chrome in the $500,000 San Antonio Invitational Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park (VIDEO). Second choice California Chrome, leading by a length at the head of the stretch, could not withstand the charge of even-money favorite Shared Belief, who responded to a couple of left-handed cracks of the whip from Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith in upper stretch. Before a crowd of 21,522, Shared Belief surged past in deep stretch under a hand ride on his way to a convincing win by 1 1/2 lengths. The final time for the 1 1/8-mile trip was 1:48.45 over a fast track. “I can’t even describe that performance,” Smith said. “He ranks right up there with the top five horses I have ever been on, with room to grow. It really was so impressive. There’s no telling what this horse can... ...

Salutos Amigos Wins Toboggan

By Bloodhorse.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Feb. 7, 2015) – Salutos Amigos, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Salute the Sarge, wouldn’t be denied Feb. 7, rallying through the stretch to take the $147,000 Toboggan Stakes (gr. III) at Aqueduct Racetrack by 1 3/4 lengths over Dads Caps. Sent off as the 3-4 favorite in the field of five competing over a fast inner track, Salutos Amigos overcame a four-length deficit in the stretch to reel in 9-5 second-choice Dads Caps. With Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, Salutos Amigos won his third straight stakes race and fourth stakes in the past five starts. “He’s just getting better and better,” said Jacobson, who also trains the 5-year-old Salute the Sarge gelding. “(Dads Caps) is a tough horse to run down and beat.” Dads Caps, wearing blinkers, went right to the front and set the pace under Jose Ortiz, covering the half mile in fractions of :23.08 and :45.30 while Salutos Amigos raced fourth, over six lengths behind the speedy front-runner. Turning for home,... ...

Acceptance Turned Out

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2015) — Promising California-bred 3-year-old Acceptance, who suffered his first defeat in four starts when fourth as the 1-2 favorite in the California Cup Derby Jan. 24 at Santa Anita Park, has been turned out at Old English Rancho in Sanger. “He left today (Feb. 6),” said Kenny Black, assistant to trainer Don Warren. “He’ll be freshened to deal with some shin issues.” Warren conditions the homebred son of Vronsky for Bud and Judy Johnston, who own the dark bay colt in partnership with Robert Riggio. Acceptance won the first three starts of his career, including stakes victories last year in Santa Anita’s Golden State Juvenile and the King Glorious at Los Alamitos Racecourse. Heavily favored in the Cal Cup Derby, his 2015 debut, Acceptance set the pace while under pressure from eventual winner Mischief Clem before dropping back in the homestretch to lose by 12 1/4 lengths. Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/90008/acceptance-turned-out-with-shin-issues#ixzz3R0TDK2J8 ...

Smiling Tiger’s First Foal Arrives

From Harris Farms COALINGA, CA (February 4, 2015)-Premier Thoroughbreds, LLC and Harris Farms announce that Grade One winning Smiling Tiger‘s first foal is a colt out of the Grade one-placed and stakes winning broodmare Erica’s Smile. Foaled on January 29th the colt was bred by Phil Lebherz and was dropped at Premier Thoroughbreds, LLC in Oakdale, CA. Smiling Tiger was campaigned by Alan Klein and Philip Lebherz and trained by Jeff Bonde to nine wins, two seconds and eight thirds from 23 lifetime starts. Winning three Grade One events and placing twice in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Smiling Tiger earned $1,480,704. Smiling Tiger will stand for $5,000 live foal at Harris Farms. ...

Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2015) — There is a school of thought – or at least a correspondence course – that holds that the reigning Horse of the Year should have no easy afternoons. That he or she should be tested to the max in each and every race, and that the title bestowed for the previous season should be validated at every possible turn. Sounds good to me. It probably was fun to watch but hard to be impressed when 1947 Horse of the Year Armed came out in early January of ’48 to beat Stageboy by half a length in an allowance race at Gulfstream Park. Roman Brother was a compromise choice as 1965 Horse of the Year when he got very good in the fall and won the Woodward, the Manhattan, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup in a 27-day span, but he hardly enhanced his status with his 1966 debut in an allowance race at Hialeah. And the mighty Forego would get... ...

Harlington’s Rose in Wishing Well

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2015) – Stakes winner Harlington’s Rose and fellow California-bred Global Hottie are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Harlington’s Rose is by Harlington, out of the Orientate mare A Rose for You, was bred by Y-Lo Racing Stables, is owned by Thomas Halasz, Ryan Johnson, Paul Newhart, Marth Miller et al and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has three wins in 19 starts, earnings of $301,680 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 19 Santa Monica. Global Hottie is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Desert God mare Sonora Desert, was bred by Baseline Equine, is owned by Karl Watson, Mike Pegram and Paul Weitman and is trained by Bob Baffert. She has four wins in six starts, earnings of $156,490 and is coming off a Jan. 18 optional claiming win. ...

Ascot Recruiting California Chrome

By TDN ASCOT, England (Feb. 5, 2015) — Ascot’s Head of International Racing, Nick Smith, will next week begin a three-week international tour aimed at head-hunting global stars for this year’s Royal Ascot meeting, according to Racing Post. Smith told the trade daily Horse of the Year California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) and Hong Kong star Able Friend (Aus) (Shamardal) are high on his list of horses to recruit. “Able Friend and California Chrome would be the two highest-profile horses we’ll be looking at,” Smith said. “Able Friend would be a short-priced favorite for the Queen Anne, and the owner and John Moore have been public in their aspirations to have a Royal Ascot winner. It’s encouraging we have been identified as their overseas target.” He added, “I sat down with [California Chrome’s trainer] Art Sherman at the Breeders’ Cup. Art said he was considering Dubai and Royal Ascot, possibly one of the two or both. I’ll be following up with him about plans.” Smith added that he would also be... ...

Featured Legislator: John Yarmuth

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 5, 2015) – John Yarmuth’s third district includes the city of Louisville – home to Churchill Downs, host of the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. Experience: Rep. Yarmuth is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected to office in 2007. Impact on horse racing industry: Rep. Yarmuth has previously authored legislation to address IRS reporting and withholding requirements relative to winning pari-mutuel wagers that the industry has identified as outdated and inequitable when compared to the taxation of winnings for other forms of gambling. In June of 2014, Rep. Yarmuth joined 16 other members of Congress in supporting a key initiative of the NTRA, a request that the IRS modernize the definition of the “cost of a wager” when determining whether a winning horseplayer is subject to IRS reporting and withholding. Last week, Rep. Yarmuth hosted a face-to-face meeting with the U.S. Department of Treasury to discuss strategies for addressing the industry’s concerns with current tax law. The... ...

‘Chrome to Battle Shared Belief

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2015) — Some things are worth waiting for. It’s been a long time since racing fans have witnessed the great rivalries that were such an integral part of the sport when names like Affirmed and Alydar, Damascus and Dr. Fager, Swaps and Nashua, and Seabiscuit and War Admiral seemed to roll off the tongue as a single entity. Today, fans have had to settle for great rivalries of the mind, in which they could do no more than envision what it would be like for Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra to face each other. A rivalry like the one in 2010 and ’11 between Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, as competitive as it was, never seemed to capture the interest of mainstream America. What racing needs is a good old fashioned male rivalry, gunslinger versus gunslinger, with a popular Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner at the center of it. It was a long time coming, but it looks as if those California protagonists, California... ...

Special Olympics Seeking Horses

From Special Olympics LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2015) — The Special Olympics World Games – being staged in Los Angeles July 25 – August 2, 2015 will be the largest humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The Games will welcome 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators. The World Games will feature 25 Olympic style sports throughout the Los Angeles region including eight days of equestrian competition at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship is managing the equestrian component of the World Games building on 20 years of experience mounting horse shows and serving the disabled. We are assembling a world-class team of horse professionals, volunteers and competition personnel. If you are interested in any aspect of this amazing experience, please contact us. For horse professionals this will be a once-in-a-lifetime challenge. One of the most challenging aspects of the entire... ...

‘Chrome Stars on FOX Sports 1

By The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, KY. (Feb. 4, 2015) — The Jockey Club Tour on FOX Sports 1 will break from the gate in dramatic fashion Saturday with a two-hour telecast featuring four major stakes races from historic Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park, a Pick Four wager on those races, a betting challenge that will benefit equine charities and several feature stories on horses and people. The telecast, which will air from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. EST on FOX Sports 1, will include the $500,000 Donn Handicap, the $500,000 San Antonio, the $300,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap and the $200,000 San Marcos Stakes. The San Antonio will feature 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome and 2013 Eclipse Award winner Shared Belief as the two renew a rivalry that started in the controversial running of the Breeders’ Cup Classic last November 1. America’s Best Racing has produced a promotional video for “The Rematch.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frJ1jkzG2Qk&feature=youtu.be The Donn Handicap field will include Lea, who won last year’s Donn; Constitution, the... ...

Cal-bred Trio Enters Oaks

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2015) – A trio of California-breds is entered in Saturday’s $50,000 California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Niassa is by Papa Clem, out of the Tale of the Cat mare Glamour Cat, was bred by owners Barbara and Jack Owens and is trained by William Morey. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of 110,780 and is coming off a Jan. 8 allowance win. Swiss Skimmer is by Swiss Yodeler, out of the Skimming mare Coastal Skimming, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Seven Specht, She has one win in nine starts, earnings of $45,103 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 24 Xpressbet California Cup Oaks. Aly’s Last Magic is by Alymagic, out of the Tychonic mare Prochonic, was bred by owner and trainer Alex Paszkeicz. She is a maiden making her second start with earnings of $4,056. ...

Retired Racehorses to Work with Amputees

From Healing Arenas ESCALON, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2015) — “Stable Journeys,” a new program designed by Healing Arenas, Inc., will serve the area’s underserved amputee population and their families with adoptable retired racehorses. The initiative pairs EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association – http://www.eagala.org/) certified mental health professionals and equine specialists in a program to help amputees adapt to permanent life change by the loss of a limb(s). “Horses help with the emotional transition to life without a limb(s). Overcoming the emotional obstacles, feeling loved, empowered and accepted are essential steps in maintaining a full life.” explained Julie Baker, Founder and President of Healing Arenas, Inc. “We are looking forward to providing tools for people to succeed while helping the horses prepare for their new careers after racing.” “Being an amputee is not the end of our life. It’s the beginning of a different one. Thank God someone cares to design a program to help us.” said Donna Nadalin, amputee since 2008. “Stable Journey’s” permanent location is yet to... ...

California Chrome

California Chrome works out at Los Alamitos Feb. 1. ...

Art Sherman

Trainer Art Sherman discusses California Chrome’s Feb. 1 workout. ...

Cal-bred Champions of 2014 Announced

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2015) — The California-bred Horse of the Year for 2014 will be announced at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, to be held Feb. 9 at the Pasadena Westin. The three finalists for Horse of the Year, in alphabetical order, are: Alert Bay, Big Macher and California Chrome. The business session of the annual meeting begins at 4 p.m. with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception and a 7 p.m. awards dinner. For reservations, please contact Christy Chapman at 626-445-7800 ext: 247 or email at christy@ctba.com. The other champions that will be presented at the dinner: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Lucky Pulpit, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings – Unusual Heat, owned by the Unusual Heat Syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Two-Year-Olds by Earnings – Papa Clem, property of a syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number of Winners – Tribal Rule. Champion Breeders of... ...

Nancy Probert

By Emily Shields Nancy Probert has been a member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association for so long that it’s almost part of her identity. Although her parents had nothing to do with horses, an Irish grandmother is responsible for introducing Probert to the game. “She couldn’t drive, but she liked to bet on horses,” Probert recalled. “I started liking the sport and became a CTBA member in 1963.” Nancy also connected to horses via her mother, Dorothy Kitchen, a movie star who was in numerous 1920s westerns. Nancy’s Hollywood roots included her grandfather, Thomas H. Ince, a film industry leader who made more than 600 films. But Nancy’s passion for horses didn’t really take flight until she met her late husband. Nancy caught a ride to Catalina Island on the seaplane of Dick Probert, a well-known pilot. Later Dick required a stewardess for his plane, “Mother Goose.” He hired Nancy first, then married her. They were living in Long Beach when Dick decided he needed room for his planes;... ...

Sherman Wanted Faster Chrome Work

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2015) — Horse of the Year California Chrome put in the final major drill for his 4-year-old debut when breezing five furlongs in 1:01 3/5 Feb. 1 at Los Alamitos Racecourse. California Chrome is set to run in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park, a race that is expected to also draw champion Shared Belief and Clark Handicap (gr. I) winner Hoppertunity. Working on his own over a track cleared of other horses, California Chrome was steadily put through his paces by regular rider Victor Espinoza. The California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit galloped out six furlongs in 1:14. Trainer Art Sherman said afterward that he was looking for California Chrome to go about a second faster, but noted that Espinoza didn’t want to encourage the powerful chestnut colt because he might go too fast. “I think it was a good work, but I just wanted to have a little sharper workout for him going into this race,”... ...

‘Chrome Memorabilia at Auction

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2015) — Collectors, “Chromies,” and curators will be vying for the race-worn winning silks of a champion as well as other prized pieces in a historical opportunity when the California Chrome Vox Populi Charity Auction begins today. This unique, 10-day online auction will feature five museum-quality pieces celebrating California Chrome, the winner of last year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness as well as the 2014 Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year and the Secretariat Vox Populi Award, which recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for Thoroughbred racing. The items–all with impeccable provenance and of profound significance–were donated by California Chrome’s owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin in collaboration with Mrs. Penny Chenery and the Secretariat Archives, to benefit the Secretariat Foundation. Most notable in this impressive collection are the actual DAP Racing silks worn by Victor Espinoza when he guided California Chrome to his first significant win in the San Felipe... ...

Cal-bred Pair in El Diario

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 2, 2015) – California-breds Popalicious and Hidethgoodstuff are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 El Diario Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Popalicious is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Forestry mare Sea Poppy, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Solitaire Stables, Allen Aldridge, Tom Mansor and Skyler Kelley and is trained by Henry Dominguez. She has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $207,392 and is coming off a fourth in a Jan. 17 allowance. Hidethegoodstuff is by Old Topper, out of the Storm Boot mare Minimums Minimums, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Henry Dominguez. She had three wins in 19 starts, earnings of $157,067 and is coming off a fifth in a Jan. 17 allowance. ...

NTRA Meets with Treasury Dept.

By DRF.com WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 29, 2015) — Officials with the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and several horseplayers met with an official in the Treasury Department this week in Washington to discuss the NTRA’s request for a change in how gambling winnings are taxed, the president of the NTRA said on Thursday. Alex Waldrop, the president of the NTRA, said the official for Treasury was a “high-ranking individual … who has policy responsibility.” He declined to name the official but said the person was a horseplayer who understood the dynamics of wagering and how betting is affected by tax policies. “The good news is that we now have an open dialogue with Treasury,” Waldrop said. “But we don’t have anything definitive yet.” The meeting was put together by U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, a Democrat who represents Louisville, Ky. An official with Churchill Downs Inc. also was at the meeting. Churchill operates three racetracks and the largest account-wagering company in the U.S. Last year, the NTRA sent a letter to Treasury... ...

BetAmerica Sponsors CTBA Awards

From BetAmerica ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) – BetAmerica has agreed to be the presenting sponsor for the 2014 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) Annual Awards Dinner, to be held at the Westin at Pasadena on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. Every year the CTBA names California-bred champions in nine categories, including the prestigious Horse of the Year. As feted as Points Offthebench was last year, it’s expected that California Chrome will be named Champion Three-Year-Old and will be the frontrunner for Horse of the Year. Hall of Fame inductions, as well as Trainer of the Year, Leading Breeder and five categories of Leading Stallion awards will also be included in the night’s honors. “2014 was the year we launched in California and, after a successful first year, we are delighted to be able to support this event which honors California breeders” said John Ford, CEO of BAM Software and Services, which powers BetAmerica. “We are delighted to have BetAmerica as a sponsor of this premier event which should be extra special this... ...

Big Macher Returns in Palos Verdes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) – Grade I winner Big Macher is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Palos Verdes Stakes at Santa Anita. Big Macher is by Beau Genius, out of the Kris S. mare Insight, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Tom Mansor and Tachycardia Stables and trained by Richard Baltas. He has six wins in 14 starts, earnings of $553,678 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 23 Cary Grant. Big Macher was claimed by Richard Baltas from his first start, a $20,000 maiden claiming race on July 17, 2013, has paid his way and then some. Baltas had ticketed Big Macher for the $150,000 California Cup Sprint on Sunshine Millions California Cup Day last Saturday, but after drawing the one post position, opted to wait for the Palos Verdes, one reason being he hoped to get a more advantageous post position. “I didn’t expect him to achieve what he has so far, hell no,” Baltas said of the 5-year-old gelding. “When... ...

Barretts January Sales on Par

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) — The Barretts January mixed sale finished on Monday with returns on-par with last year’s renewal. The one-day auction moved 248 horses for revenues of $2,104,800, up eight percent from the 2014 sale, when 224 horses sold for $1,944,900. The average sale price of $8,487 marked a two percent decline from last year’s figure of $8,683, while the median fell seven percent from $5,350 to $5,000. The buyback rate finished at 24 percent, up seven percentage points from last year’s auction, where the buyback rate was 17 percent. A pair of 2-year-olds and a broodmare topped the sale, each hammering for $50,000. Bruno De Berdt purchased a 2-year-old War Chant colt, as agent, out of the unplaced Bernardini mare Primp. Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, he is the second foal out of Primp, and his second dam is the multiple Grade 2 winner Runway Model. The colt sold for $15,000 at last year’s Keeneland September yearling sale and he was consigned at... ...

CTFMA Plans Pedigree Seminar

From CTFMA SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) – The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association will sponsor a pedigree clinic in February, with sessions held in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties. The first will be Feb. 7 at 10 a.m. in the Arcadia area, the second on Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the San Diego Area. The workshop will be conducted by Super Crosses’ G1 Goldmine, a pedigree software that is used by major breeders to research stallions for their mares, or to research mares for their stallion shares. The product is now used by over 2,400 users in 24 different countries including bloodstock and pedigree consultants such Avalyn Hunter, John Prather, John Sparkman, Niarchos group, Lord Derby. Entry is free but you will need to register to allow for a suitable room and catering as a light lunch or supper will be provided. To register for the seminar, email your name(s) and preferred session to Leo.Tsatsaronis@G1Goldmine.com. ...

Empire Way Sibling Wins Debut

From Lovacres Ranch WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) – Khozan, a debut winner at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, is from the family of California stallion Empire Way. Khozan is a half-brother to three-time Eclipse champion Royal Delta, who is a full brother to Empire Way, as all are out of the multiple-graded stakes winning A.P. Indy mare Delta Princess. Khozan is by Distorted Humor, Royal Delta and Empire Way are by Empire Maker. Empire Way stands at Lovacres Ranch in Warner Springs. ...

Pair Archives Hollywood Park History

By Raceday 360 INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2015) — On Friday, January 16, after almost 69 years in operation, Atlantic City Race Course closed its doors. The announcement seemed inevitable after more than a decade of deterioration to the physical plant, despite the track’s successful boutique turf meet that saw increases in both handle and attendance each year. ACRC was the latest casualty of racing’s contraction, following the closure of Suffolk Downs in October after 79 years of racing and of Betfair Hollywood Park in 2013 after it completed its 75th racing season. Three venerable tracks that once played host to the brightest human and equine stars in the sport, venues that were once considered the best of racing, shuttered. How will the history of these tracks be documented? Much of their narrative—from attendance numbers to the story of their declines—can be found in local libraries and racing databases. But what of the untold stories? What of the documents, created over decades by teams of pressbox citizens, photographers and videographers?... ...

‘Chrome Preps for San Antonio

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2015) –Horse of the Year California Chrome breezed one mile in 1:41 2/5 at his Los Alamitos Race Course headquarters Jan. 25 as he moves ever closer to his 4-year-old debut in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes. Under regular rider Victor Espinoza while wearing blinkers on a cleared racetrack, Califonia Chrome clocked through fractions of :25 3/5, :51 flat, 1:03 2/5, 1:15 3/5, and 1:29 for seven furlongs by Los Alamitos head clocker Russ Hudak. “He looked good,” Hudak said. “He came to the wire under a nice hold.” Added Alan Sherman, son of and assistant to his father, trainer Art Sherman: “It was a very good work. I’m really, really happy with him.” California Chrome is zeroing in on the San Antonio Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park. Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Bayern, meanwhile, has been virtually ruled out of the San Antonio as he is recovering from an abscess on a hind foot. “I had to get a work into... ...

Barretts 2-Year-Old Catalog Online

The catalog for the 26th Annual Barretts Sale of Selected Two-Year-Olds in Training is now on-line at www.barretts.com and will be mailed soon. This auction of 116 two-year-olds will be held on Monday, February 23 in the Hinds Pavilion located on the grounds of Fairplex Park in Pomona, California beginning at 2:00 p.m. The Select Sale catalog is also available for your Ipad. The official training preview is scheduled to be held on Friday, February 20 on the Fairplex Park racetrack adjacent to Barretts, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The preview will be streamed live at http://www.barretts.com/sales/ViewSale/index.asp Video clips for each preview can be viewed on-line by the afternoon following the preview at www.barretts.com. Since its inception, the Barretts March Sale has been the leading producer of top quality race horses west of Kentucky. Among the many Grade One winners are Awesome Gem, Brocco, Brother Derek, Dubai Escapade, Henny Hughes, Honour and Glory, Officer, River’s Prayer, Royal Anthem, Sharp Cat, Squirtle Squirt, Suni (JPN), Testa Matta (JPN), Unbridled’s... ...

Gig Harbor’s First Foal Arrives

From Victory Rose Thoroughbreds VACAVILLE, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2015) — First year stallion Gig Harbor, multiple stakes winning son of City Zip, standing at Victory Rose Thoroughbreds, had his first foal drop on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015 at Victory Rose. This first Gig Harbor colt is also a first foal for the McCann’s Mojave mare Highland Heather and was bred by stallion owner Daniel O’Neill. Gig Harbor won the Alcatraz Stakes at 3 and the Oakland Stakes at 4. He is out of the St. Jovite mare, Miss Blue Grass and a half brother to stakes horses My Lil Shamrock and Alsono. Gig Harbor stands for $1,500 live foal. For additional information please contact Ellen Jackson at Victory Rose Thoroughbreds, (707) 678-6580, or visit www.victoryrose.com. ...

Alert Bay

Alert Bay wins the $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank. ...

Mischief Clem

Mischief Clem wins the $250,000 California Cup Derby. ...

Go West Marie

Go West Marie wins the $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...

Spirit Rules

Spirit Rules wins the $150,000 Donald Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint. ...

Singing Kitty

Singing Kitty wins the $200,000 Xpressbet Cal Cup Oaks. ...

$250,000 Cal Cup Turf Classic – ALERT BAY

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2015) – Win machine Alert Bay survived a steward’s inquiry to stretch his win streak to five in Saturday’s roughly run $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank, for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Alert Bay is by City Zip, out of the Dushyantor mare Hickory, was bred by Thomas Bell & Ross McLeod, is owned by Peter Redekop, is trained by Blaine Wright and was ridden by Tyler Baze. “We scooted out of a tough one there today,” said Wright. “We could have come down. Tyler thought he had room. He said he knew it was tight, but he thought the other horse was (empty) and he thought we would stay up. Myself, I sweat these things out a little bit. “…Mr. Redekop has put some good horses in my hands, and this horse has taken me to a level where you certainly want to be. I’m very proud to be a part of it.” Alert Bay has eight wins in... ...

$150,000 Donald Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint – SPIRIT RULES

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2015) – Spirit Rules, the longest shot in the field, outdueled odds-on favorite San Onofre to win Saturday’s $150,000 Donald Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Spirit Rules is by Tribal Rule, out of the Danzatore mare Heavenly Lady, was bred by John & Allegra Ernst, is owned by Jeanmarc Murphy, Barbara Accardy, Craig Siedler, Jim Xitco and Mark Xitco, is trained by Paul Aguirre and was ridden by Iggy Puglisi. “This Cal-bred program is fantastic,” said Aguirre. “We don’t have a lot of things to hang our hat on these days in horse racing, but the Cal-bred program is really something to be proud of. It’s made this horse have a nice career.” Spirit Rules won by a half length over San Onofre, with Follini finishing third in the field of five. “Just got outrun today,” said Mike Smith, San Onofre’s jockey. “I stumbled a little leaving the gate, which cost me a clear lead, but if I’d... ...

$150,000 Sunshine Millions F&M Turf Sprint – GO WEST MARIE

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2015) – Go West Marie rallied along the rail to win Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Go West Marie is by Western Fame, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Marie’s Rose, was bred by Summer Mayberry, is owned by Peter Redekop, trained by Eddie Truman and was ridden by Gary Stevens. “A great trip,” said Stevens. “Eddie’s done a great job with this filly and I got on her at the right time. I learned a lot about her. I asked him if I could just sit on her and be quiet with her. It worked out well. She exploded with me the last eighth, and I rode her the same way today even though we were shortening up and there was so much speed. The key with a filly like this is they’re professional–let them settle and they’re going to finish for you.” She has five wins in 17 starts,... ...

$250,000 Cal Cup Derby – MISCHIEF CLEM

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2015) – Longshot Mischief Clem got the head bob over Pulmarack to win Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Derby for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita, a race won last year by Horse of the Year California Chrome. Mischief Clem is by Papa Clem, out of the Bold Badgett mare Glitteringmischief, was bred by SLU Inc., is owned by Griffin Thoroughbreds, is trained by Robert Hess Jr. and was ridden by Kent Desormeaux. “Today he was finally able to put everything together and I was able to ride him off my finger tips and he was just the consummate professional and he got a picture taken,” said Desormeaux. Mischief Clem has three wins in six starts, earnings of $266,380 and was coming off a fourth in the Dec. 14 King Glorious Stakes. Mischief Clem was a $22,000 Barretts purchase. “If we think open company, it would be on the synthetic in Mark at Turfway ($550,000 Spiral Stakes Mar. 21),” Hess said of Mischief Clem’s future... ...

$200,000 Cal Cup Oaks – SINGING KITTY

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2015) – Recent claim Singing Kitty caught favorite Heat the Rocks at the top of the lane and went on to win Saturday’s $200,000 Xpressbet California Cup Oaks for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Singing Kitty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Son mare Natural Singer R N, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds, Peter Jeong and Brandon Hillman, is trained by Matthew Chew and was ridden by Aaron Gryder. She has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $175,438 and was coming off a seventh in the Jan. 1 Blue Norther. Singing Kitty was claimed for $32,000 Dec. 11. “She was brought to my attention by a friend of mine who suggested I take a look at her and I brought it up to the owners and we all agreed to take a shot,” said Chew. “We threw her into the Blue Norther to see how she would handle the turf and the... ...

Bodhisattva Entered in Whiteley

LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 25, 2015) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $100,000 Frank Whiteley Jr. Stakes for 3-year-olds at Laurel 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 two wins in seven starts, earnings of $73,095 and is coming off a Dec. 18 optional claiming win. ...

‘Chrome is California’s Ambassador

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2015) — The horse with the ideal name has become the perfect ambassador for California Thoroughbred breeding. When the immensely popular California Chrome was named 2014 Horse of the Year on Jan. 17, he gave California breeding a much-needed boost in recognition after several years of declining foal crops in one of the nation’s most important racing regions. As California Chrome nears his first scheduled start of 2015, in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes at Santa Anita on Feb. 7, racetrack executives and leading breeders in the state are hoping that public awareness of the colt will lead to greater interest in horse racing in general and a higher investment in owning and breeding Thoroughbreds. “You know where he’s from when you see his name,” said Doug Burge, the executive director of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “We’ve been trying to capitalize on his success all year. The Horse of the Year title has been an exclamation point.” Burge has worked for the CTBA... ...

CHRB Meeting Date Change

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2015) — The date for the next meeting of the California Horse Racing Board, originally scheduled for Thursday, February 19, has been changed to Wednesday, February 18. The meeting location remains at Santa Anita Park. An agenda for this meeting, including its starting time, will be posted on the CHRB website no later than February 8. ...

Indian Evening’s First Foal Arrives

From Victory Rose Thoroughbreds VACAVILLE, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2015)- First-year stallion Indian Evening, a stakes winning son of Indian Charlie standing at Victory Rose Thoroughbreds, had his first foal drop on January 21 at Victory Rose. The Indian Evening filly is also the first foal out of the Pure Prize mare No Better Terms and was bred by Kevin and Kim Nish, KMN Racing. Indian Evening, who won the Swynford Stakes at 2, followed that up with a placing in the Three Chimneys Saratoga Special Stakes Grade III to Union Rags. He is out of the Unbridled Song mare Unenchantedevening and is from the precocious family of juvenile champion Favorite Trick. Indian Evening stands for $3,000, live foal as the property of a partnership. For additional information please contact Ellen Jackson Victory Rose Thoroughbreds (707) 678-6580 or visit www.victoryrose.com. ...

California Chrome Follows Tiznow

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2015) — Imagine his surprise the other night when Jay Robbins was sitting at home in Carlsbad, Calif., not far from Del Mar, innocently enjoying the broadcast of the Eclipse Awards on HRTV and getting a kick out of California Chrome being named 2014 Horse of the Year. As the Chrome crew made its way to the stage to accept the golden trophy, led by trainer Art Sherman and co-owner Steve Coburn, Robbins heard broadcast announcer Larry Collmus introduce the newly crowned champion as “the first-ever California-bred to win the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year.” How soon they forget. Tiznow, trained by Robbins to a Horse of the Year title in 2000, not only was the first California-bred Horse of the Year during the era of the Eclipse Awards, he was bred, foaled, and raised at Harris Farms in the Central Valley – the same Harris Farms where California Chrome hit the ground running. Such slights are to be expected.... ...

Ultimate Eagle’s First Foal Arrives

From Special T Thoroughbreds TEMECULA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2015) – The first foal of California stallion Ultimate Eagle was born Saturday, Jan. 17, at Special T Thoroughbreds. The foal is out of the Tropical Storm mare Storm Birdy. Jane Braugh is the breeder and owner of the bay filly, who is a half-sister to stakes-placed Stormy Adieu. ...

Deadline to Name Foals is Feb. 1

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2015) — The Jockey Club reminds owners and breeders that a valid attempt to name foals of 2013 must be made by Feb. 1, 2015, to avoid a $100 late fee. In December, The Jockey Club published a list of more than 46,000 names released from active use. This list is sortable by letter and available on registry.jockeyclub.com and mobile.registry.jockeyclub.com to help customers with name selections for claiming and reserving names. A majority of the released names are from horses more than 10 years old that have not raced or been used for breeding during the preceding five years. Names selected from the list for re-use are subject to approval by The Jockey Club. Names selections can be submitted to The Jockey Club from the registry website or can be submitted via iOS and Android mobile applications. The Naming Application is available for download free of charge and provides a fast and convenient way to reserve, change, or claim a name. “You... ...

California Chrome

California Chrome works seven furlongs at Los Alamitos Jan. 19, 2015 ...

Cal Cup Turf Classic Draws Alert Bay

By DRF.com Click here for Past Performances ARCADIA, Calif. – Alert Bay was the best California-bred 3-year-old in 2014 who did not win the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year. In 2014, Alert Bay started the year as a maiden and finished as a five-time stakes winner. That record will make him the favorite in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic at Santa Anita, a race that does not include Horse of the Year California Chrome. Alert Bay is part of a field of 12 in the 1 1/8-mile Cal Cup Turf Classic. “This race has been a target for a while,” trainer Blaine Wright said on Thursday. The Turf Classic is the fifth and final stakes for California-breds on a 10-race California Cup program that begins at noon Pacific. :: CALIFORNIA CUP: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s Santa Anita card live Earlier in the day, there are eight 3-year-olds in the $250,000 California Cup Derby, a race California Chrome won in 2014. The other stakes are the $200,000 California... ...

Big Macher Scratches from Sprint

By DRF.com Click here for Past Performances ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2015) –Disillusioned by drawing the No. One post position, trainer Richard Baltas scratched likely favorite Big Macher from Saturday’s $150,000 California Cup Sprint and will point the California-bred son of Beau Genius to next Saturday’s Grade II Palos Verdes Stakes instead. With the scratch, San Onofre inherits the inside post position, as well as the role of morning-line favorite. :: CALIFORNIA CUP: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s Santa Anita card live California Cup Sprint (race 8) Key contenders San Onofre (Last 3 Beyers: 97-99-99) * San Onofre has not raced since last February, when he won an optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs for his fourth consecutive win. The California Cup Sprint will be San Onofre’s stakes debut. * Mike Smith, who has ridden the gelding during the win streak, has the mount. San Onofre is quick and certainly can lead but has shown the ability to race from slightly off the pace. “He’s so versatile,” trainer Karen Headley said. “He can go... ...

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