Cal-bred Brings $175,000 at Barretts

Oct 8, 2014 Posted by CTBA In News

By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2014) — The Barretts October yearling sale bounced back from its decline a year ago with a $175,000 sale topper and an average that climbed 14.8% from 2013. Trainer Peter Eurton bought the sale topper, a California-bred filly by Unusual Heat, as well as a second Cal-bred filly by the sire for $55,000 on behalf of Joe Ciaglia. Two other offspring of Unusual Heat were among the top 10 prices—a colt for $95,000 and a filly for $90,000. The sale, held Oct. 7 in the Hinds Pavilion in Pomona, Calif., averaged $22,606 for 163 sold, grossing $3,684,700. The gross rose 17.7% over the $3,130,500 figure from last year. The median also increased, from $13,000 in 2013 to $15,000 in 2014, up 15.4%. “The sale did well, and we were really pleased,” said Kim Lloyd, general manager for Barretts Sales & Racing. “We’re seeing a little more confidence in the transitional period of racing. People know we’re going forward and the racing is settling down.... ...

Five Cal-breds in Bull Dog

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2014) – Five California-breds are among the entries in Sunday’s $75,000 Bull Dog Handicap at Fresno Warren’s Joe T. is by Affirmative, out of the Apollo mare Lady Assassin, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Battle Born Racing Stable, Lazy 2 Bar Racing, W. Branch, N. Ferrara et al and is trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has five wins in 26 starts, earnings of $87,765 and is coming off a Sept. 12 allowance win. Salah Champ is by Benchmark, out of the Cutlass Reality mare Morell’s Love, was bred by Salah Said Al-Mudarris, is owned by Jerry Holledorfer, March Schlaich and George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. He has nine wins in 23 starts, earnings of $207,720 and is coming off a Sept. 28 optional claiming win. King Kelly is by Marino Marini, out of the Smart Strike mare Ask Dorothy, was bred by Lewis Figone, is owned by Frankfurt Stable and trained by Monty Meier. He has four wins in 24 starts,... ...

Big Bane Theory

Big Bane Theory wins the $200,000 Grade II City of Hope Mile Stakes. ...

Amazombie to Old Friends

By Bloodhorse.com GEORGETOWN, KY. (Oct. 6, 2014) — Amazombie has a foothold in two states—California and Kentucky. He was bred in California and did most of his racing there. But his biggest victory came in Kentucky, when he won the 2011 Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) at Churchill Downs. Thus, it is only fitting that Amazombie gets a taste of retirement in both states. When co-owner and trainer Bill Spawr retired him earlier this year, Amazombie returned to Judd Morse, who gave him his first lessons, at his ranch in San Jacinto, Calif. Now that Morse is relocating to Oklahoma to be near grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Amazombie is heading for Old Friends in Kentucky. “He’s doing well and acting like a kid,” said Morse. “He’s in about an acre to an acre and-a-half field by himself that’s loaded with grass. He’s such a nice horse. If I were 20 years younger, I’d ride him.” Amazombie was the pet of the Spawr barn for five years, beloved well before... ...

Marino’s Wild Cat Wins Harris Farms

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2014) — Marino’s Wild Cat had the best speed and used that to full advantage in scoring his first stakes victory in the $100,250 Harris Farm Stakes on Sunday at the Big Fresno Fair. Even-money favorite Ain’t No Other broke sharply and immediately when to the lead in the six-furlong race for California-breds, but Marino’s Wild Cat ($7.80), making only his second stakes start, quickly pushed past him to hold a one-half length lead through a 22.86-second opening quarter. As Silvio Amador sat completely still, Marino’s Wild Cat picked up the pace with a 21.91 second quarter, maintaining his one-half length advantage at the quarter pole. But as the field of five turned into the stretch, Marino’s Wild Cat kept going as Ain’t No other began to fade and no other runner could muster a rally. He continued on for a 5 3/4-length (win over longshot A Toast to You, covering six furlongs in 1:08.61. Spirit Rules was another 1 1/4 lengths back in... ...

Tribal Echo in Governor’s Cup

HOBBS, N.M. (Oct. 7, 2014) — Tribal Echo is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $55,000 Governor’s Cup Stakes at Zia Park. Tribal Echo is by Tribal Rule, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Serena’s Echo, was bred by The Cole Ranch, is owned by Jamie Bolles and trained by Bart Hone. He has one win in six starts, earnings of $29,710 and is coming off a Sept. 14 maiden win. ...

‘Chrome’s Impact Seen at Barretts

By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2014) — California Chrome continues to wield his influence, this time with the plethora of yearlings by his sire, Lucky Pulpit , in the Barretts October yearling sale. The catalog of 259 hip numbers includes 23 by Lucky Pulpit. Sire power is well represented in the catalog and includes top regional stallions as well as several with national credentials. The sale, which is slated for Oct. 7 beginning at 1 p.m. PDT at the Hinds Sales Pavilion in Pomona, Calif., has produced 2014 Bing Crosby Stakes (gr. I) winner Big Macher and 2013 Sir Beaufort Stakes (gr. IIT) victor Gervinho. Lucky Pulpit stands at John Harris’ Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif., where California Chrome was foaled and raised. Harris has several by the stallion in its consignment, including hip #102. The filly is out of multiple stakes winner Jetinwith Kennedy, who has also produced stakes winners Jet West, Jetinto Houston, Jetin Excess, and Triumphant Flight. Deceased Harlan’s Holiday has one in the sale, part of... ...

Top Kisser

Top Kisser wins $100,000 L.A. Woman Stakes. ...

Big Bane Theory Wins City of Hope

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2014) – California-bred Big Bane Theory is rounding into career-best form at an ideal time this fall. Saturday, Big Bane Theory won the first stakes of his career in the $201,500 City of Hope Stakes over a mile on turf. The victory could lead to a start in the Breeders’ Cup Mile here on Nov. 1. Big Bane Theory was ridden by Joe Talamo, his third win on turf on Saturday at Santa Anita. Sent off favored, Big Bane Theory ($7.60) raced on the rail throughout. Talamo had Big Bane Theory in fifth on the backstretch and closed steadily on the turn to take the lead in early stretch. “We were able to stay on the rail the whole way,” Talamo said. “The fractions were pretty good. I tried to be a good pilot and point him in the right direction.” Big Bane Theory led by 1 1/2 lengths with a furlong remaining and held off Mr. Commons to win the same margin. Jockey Tyler... ...

Top Kisser Captures L.A. Woman

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2014)–Top Kisser, the lone California-bred in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 L.A. Woman Stakes at Santa Anita, broke from the rail in a field of six and sailed home under Elvis Trujillo to win by 3 ¾ lengths as previously unbeaten Stoppshoppingdebbie checked in a disappointing fifth as the 2-1 favorite. The final time for 6 ½ furlongs was 1:14.84. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, the 5-year-old mare by Old Topper sat third behind rapid fractions of 21.48, 44.22 and 1:08.47 before taking command a furlong out. Top Kisser is by Old Topper, out of the Cherokee Run mare Cherokee Kiss, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has seven wins in 14 starts, earnings of $407,100 and was coming off a second in the Sept. 3 C.E.R.F Stakes. “It was a good race,” said Trujillo. “She broke sharp, we had a good position and I knew they were going too fast on the front end–21, 44... ...

California Chrome in Half-mile Work

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2014) — California Chrome, in his first workout since finishing sixth in the Pennsylvania Derby two weeks earlier, went a half-mile in 47.40 seconds on Saturday morning at Los Alamitos with his regular jockey, Victor Espinoza. The work was the first of four that trainer Art Sherman has scheduled for California Chrome between now and the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 1. Sherman said California Chrome would work every Saturday morning, mirroring the schedule California Chrome had in the spring, when he trained at Los Alamitos prior to victories in the Santa Anita Derby and Kentucky Derby. California Chrome came onto the track around 8:10 a.m., shortly after the mid-morning renovation break. He wore four pink polo bandages in honor of breast cancer awareness. Sherman’s wife, Faye, is a breast cancer survivor. California Chrome was initially accompanied by a pony. After jogging with the pony, he broke away for the work, which he did alone. He came through the stretch... ...

Ain’t No Other in Harris Farms Stakes

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Ain’t No Other is the high earner in a field of six entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Fresno Ourwestcoastghost is by Muqtarib, out of the In Excess mare Xpress Xcess, was bred by owners Ron Lang, Lillian Lang and D. Wayne Baker and is trained by Baker. He has six wins in 17 starts, earnings of $210,472 and is coming off a fourth in the July 4 Oak Tree Sprint Spirit Rules is by Tribal Rule, out of the Danzatore mare Heavenly Lady, was bred by John and Allegra Ernst, is owned by Barbara Accardy, Craig Seidler, Jim Xitco and Mark Xitco and is trained by Paul Aguirre. He has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $216,328 and is coming off a third in the Sept. 20 Katella Stakes. Super Ability is by Langfuhr, out of the High Brite mare Super High, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Harris Farms... ...

Lucky Forty Niner in Zuma Beach

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2014) – Lucky Forty Niner is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Zuma Beach Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. 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. She has one win in seven starts, earnings of $39,455 and is coming off an Aug. 30 maiden score. ...

Soi Phet Back for City of Hope

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2014) – Los Alamitos Mile Stakes winner Soi Phet is one of six California-breds entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II City of Hope Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. Big Bane Theory is by Artie Schiller, out of the Alysheba mare Shebane, was bred by owners Scott Gross and Mark Devereaux and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $210,640 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 30 Harry Brubaker. Poshsky is by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett mare Pincky’s Posh, was bred by Olde English Rancho & Berumen, is owned by Silver Ranch Stable and Wachtel Stable and is trained by Peter Miller. He has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $162,710 and is coming off a sixth in the Aug. 23 Del Mar Handicap. Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Gerald Benowitz, Sandra Powell and Paul and Mathilde Viskovich... ...

Top Kisser Enters L.A. Woman

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2014) – Top Kisser and fellow multiple stakes-winning California-bred Uzziel are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III L.A. Woman Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Top Kisser is by Old Topper, out of the Cherokee Run mare Cherokee Kiss, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has six wins in 13 starts, earnings of $347,100 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 3 C.E.R.F Stakes. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by Mike Puype. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $152,638 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 6 Beverly J. Lewis Stakes. Also entered in Tribal Gal, a multiple stakes-winning Arizona-bred daughter of late California stallion Tribal Rule, earner of $301,505. ...

Heat Du Jour in Swingtime

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2014) – Stakes winner Heat Du Jour and fellow California-bred Kathleen Rose are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Swingtime Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Heat Du Jour is by Unusual Heat, out of the Half a Year mare Style of the Year, was bred by Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Jerry Hollendorfer, Mark Schlaich and George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. She has five wins in 24 starts, earnings of $256,998 and is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 1 Yellow Ribbon. Kathleen Rose is by Good Journey, out of the Decarchy mare Cantina’s Rose, was bred by owner B & B Zietz Stable and is trained by Mike Machowsky. She has five wins in 11 starts, earnings of $289,540 and is coming off a third in the Aug. 17 Solana Beach. ...

Joy Boy Enters Schaefer

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Oct. 1, 2014) – Joy Boy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Michael G. Schaefer Memorial Stakes at Indiana Grand Race Course. 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 trained by Kellyn Gorder. He has eight wins in 29 starts, earnings of $331,438 and is coming off a Sept. 3 optional claiming win. ...

Leading Breeders and Sires Lists

stats1014 ...

Marsha Naify

By Emily Shields It is rare that someone in the racing industry is “just” an owner or “just” a breeder. There is a constant juggling of hats that comes with the game: Exercise riders become the gate crew, farriers become bloodstock agents, and handicappers may find themselves buying into syndicates. Although Marsha Naify’s father, Marshall, was an iconic force in the sport, having campaigned the likes of Bertrando, Manistique, and Swept Overboard, Naify herself didn’t figure to become entrenched in it. She was working for the family business, United Artists Theater Circuit, while juggling real estate, aware of the racetrack and interested in her father’s exploits, but not overly enamored with it. When Marshall died at age80 in 2000, Naify found herself dealing with the dispersal of his equines, and despite herself, she purchased a few of them. Less than 15 years later she is one of those multifaceted industry gurus, not only breeding and racing her own horses but also sitting on the board of directors at the California Retirement... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2014, at Los Alamitos Race Course. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. 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 Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s license application for a new meet that will run from November 5 through November 30 – the first fall meet at Del Mar since 1967. This meet, which uses dates previously run at Hollywood Park, will closely resemble the Santa Anita fall meet’s racing schedule, overnight purses, and wagering menu. Executive Director Rick Baedeker reported that changes to Rule 1844 will go into effect October 1, including a greater restriction on the use of corticosteroids in racing horses. The Board expressed its support for the proposed EquiLottery, which would allow Lottery players to... ...

Foal Registration Deadline Sept. 30

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2014) – The deadline to register California-bred and -sired foals of 2013 is Tuesday, Sept. 30. The fee for California Thoroughbred Breeders Association members is $100 per foal and for non-members $200 per foal. From Oct. 1-Dec. 31, the fee for members is $125 per foal and for non-members $250 per foal. After Dec. 31, 2014, the fee for members and non-members is $750 per foal. For further information, contact Mary Ellen or Dawn at 626-445-7800 ext. 236 or 237, or email registration@ctba.com. ...

Cal-bred Trio in John Henry

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2014) – California-breds Bench Light, Poshsky and Starspangled Heat last raced in the Del Mar Handicap and meet again in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II John Henry Turf Championship Stakes at Santa Anita. Bench Light is by Benchmark, out of the Habitony mare Lightly Go Lightly, was bred by Ellen Jackson and Margaret Scherr, is owned by Cobb, Cunningham Stable, Medina, Herbertson, Herbertson et al and trained by Shaun Morrow. He has seven wins in 24 starts, earnings of $254,591 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 23 Del Mar Handicap. Poshsky is by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett mare Pinky’s Posh, was bred by Old English Rancho & Berumen, is owned by Silver Ranch Stable and Wachtel Stable and is trained by Peter Miller. He has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $162,710 and is coming off a sixth in the Aug. 23 Del Mar Handicap. Starspangled Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Runaway Groom mare Bel Air Belle, was... ...

CHRB Rubber Stamps Del Mar Meet

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2014) — Del Mar was granted approval to conduct its first fall meet in more than 40 years by the California Horse Racing Board at the commission’s regular monthly meeting Sept. 23. The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, which is stepping in to help fill a void in the Southern California racing calendar due to the demise of Hollywood Park, was approved for a 15-day stand running Nov. 5-30. It will be the first autumn meet at the seaside track since 1967, which discontinued fall racing because of poor results. The meet was replaced two years later by the Oak Tree Racing Association at Santa Anita Park. The CHRB’s unanimous license approval Wednesday morning at Los Alamitos Race Course was conditioned on completion of horsemen’s agreements with the Thoroughbred Owners of California and the California Thoroughbred Trainers and the assigning of several racing official positions. With a “Bing Crosby” theme to differentiate from its popular summer meet, Del Mar marketing director Craig Dado told... ...

Look Quickly Seeks Third Stakes Win

STOCKTON, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Look Quickly, the lone filly in the race, heads a group of five California-breds entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Asparagus Stakes for 3-year-olds at Stockton. Presidentsky is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Presidential Heat, was bred by Barry Abrams, Madeline Auerbach and Huston Racing Stables, is owned by Stephen Post and trained by Michael Lenzini. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $35,150 and is coming off a fifth in a Sept. 7 allowance. Hypnatique is by Scat Daddy, out of the Genuine Guy mare More Mascara, was bred by owners Rhianon Farms & Gloria Haley and is trained by Haley. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $60,155 and is coming off a third in a Sept. 1 optional claimer. Multiple stakes winner Look Quickly is by Run Away and Hide, out of the Western Fame mare Fame’s Flame, was bred by William Morey Jr., is owned by Morey Family Trust and is trained... ...

Cal-bred Pair in Unzip Me

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 24, 104) – California-breds Cal Gal and Meinertzhageni are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Unzip Me Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Cal Gal is by Tapit, out of the Royal Academy mare Scenery Change, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Cam Allard and trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in eight starts, earnings of $67,062 and is coming off a third in an Aug. 28 optional claimer. 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 and Stephen McGovern and is trained by Bonde. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $180,120 and is coming off an Aug. 30 optional claiming win. ...

Breeders’ Cup Tickets on Sale

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2014) — General admission tickets to the 31st Breeders’ Cup World Championships Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park are now available for purchase online at http://www.breederscup.com/tickets. General admission tickets sold online offer lower price points than those at the gate on race days. Over the course of two days, 13 grade I races will be run with purses and awards totaling more than $26 million. The event will culminate with the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I), airing live in primetime on NBC on Saturday, November 1. In addition to the races, the Breeders’ Cup has curated new entertainment and experiential programming for the track’s infield and general admission ticket areas to further enhance the fan experience. “We couldn’t be more excited about the new programming we’ve implemented and the new activities for our fans,” said Breeders’ Cup president and CEO Craig Fravel. “In addition to the 13 championship races, we’re utilizing the infield to provide unique experiences and entertainment options that... ...

Ambitious Brew Returns in Eddie D.

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2014) – Stakes winner Ambitious Brew and the appropriately named fellow California-bred Eddie’s First are entered in Friday’s $100,000 Grade III Eddie D. Stakes at Santa Anita. Eddie’s First is by Square Eddie, out of the Boston Harbor mare Teresa Ann, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $62,800 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 5 E.B. Johnston. Ambitious Brew is by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Martin Jones. He has four wins in seven starts, earnings of $227,920 and is making his first start since winning the Feb. 22 Sensational Star. ...

‘Chrome Returns, Readies for BC Classic

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2014) — California Chrome was none the worse for wear following his disappointing sixth-place finish in Saturday’s Pennsylvania Derby behind Bayern, who was ridden and rated perfectly by Martin Garcia. “He came back fine,” trainer Art Sherman said from his Los Alamitos headquarters. “He looks good. He didn’t have the greatest trip in the world, but we’ll live to fight another day.” That would be in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 1. “I was blocked a little bit,” said California Chrome’s regular rider, Victor Espinoza, at Clockers’ Corner Tuesday morning. “They slowed down pretty good on the first turn (going the first quarter in a leisurely 24 seconds). That kind of hurt me right there. “It was a little stressful for me because I wanted to let him go, but I had nowhere to go and no room to go. Nevertheless, he ran a good race, and for his being away for such a long time... ...

Barretts Moves Sale Date

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2014) — The first 2-year-old in training sale of 2015 will be conducted by Barretts on Monday, February 23 at Fairplex in Pomona with the training preview scheduled for Friday, February 20. Nominations close Friday, October 24. General Manager Kim Lloyd views the earlier sale date as a positive. “We’ll kick off the 2-year-old sales season in the West again this year. Being first up the past three years we’ve had huge gains and the highest select sale average increase of 2014.” The January 26 Mixed Sale and 2-year-old Select Sale will be the final Barretts auctions conducted at the Fairplex facility, and according to Lloyd, at the February 23 finale “we’ll be celebrating our success and ongoing commitment to provide quality service to buyers and consignors.” The balance of the Barretts 2015 Sales Calendar will be conducted at Del Mar. The May Sale of 2-year-olds in Training will be later in the month on Wednesday, the 27th to insure that the new “dirt”... ...

CHRB Meeting Wednesday

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Wednesday, September 24, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Finish Line Room at Los Alamitos Race Course. Also, the Pari-Mutuel, ADW and Simulcasting Committee will meet in the same location on Tuesday, September 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend these meetings. An audio-only webcast of Wednesday’s Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The agendas and supporting packages of materials for these meeting also are available on the website (Board agenda and package/Committee agenda and package). ...

Surtsey Wins at Woodbine

TORONTO, Canada (Sept 20, 2014) – Longshot Surtsey, an Ontario-bred daughter of California stallion Heatseeker, rallied from last to win Saturday’s $127,400 Avowal Stakes for fillies and mares at Woodbine. Surtsey is a 4-year-old with four wins in 13 starts and earnings of $312,652. This was her third stakes win. Surtsey ran the seven furlongs in 1:22.58 and won by one-half length at odds of 16-1 in the field of seven. For Surtsey’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/surtsey4 ...

Sherman: ‘Chrome as Good as Ever

By Bloodhorse.com BETHSALEM, Pa. (Sept. 19, 2014) — Trainer Art Sherman couldn’t be more pleased with how California Chrome is coming up to the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby(gr. II) at Parx Racing Saturday, Sept. 20. Since arriving at Parx on Sept. 18, Sherman couldn’t be happier with the winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) when he saw him at Parx for the first time the morning of Sept. 19. “He looked great today,” Sherman said. “He was on the bit. I couldn’t be more pleased. Right now he’s as good as I’ve ever seen him.” Sherman admitted that the son of Lucky Pulpit is at a disadvantage, drawing the rail, coming off a 3 1/2-month layoff, and having to face top-class horses who are in excellent form. “They have an edge on him,” he said. “We hope he comes back sound and know what’s ahead of us. He’ll have to be at his best to beat these horses. Wherever you... ...

Santa Anita Adds Two Race Dates

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2014) — Santa Anita Park and the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) announced Sept. 19 that two additional race dates have been added to the track’s upcoming autumn meet, which opens Sept. 26. The additional dates are Thursday, Oct. 16 and Wednesday, Oct. 29, for the 25-day meet, which runs through Nov. 2. The track and TOC cited a healthy equine inventory and increasing demand for the added dates. The meet is highlighted by the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships Oct. 31-Nov. 1. “There is a great deal of anticipation for our upcoming meet and we feel these two additional dates will be well received by everyone,” said Santa Anita president Tom Ludt. “Our racing calendar here in Southern California is still in a transitional stage and we’re confident this will help to better fulfill everyone’s needs.” The first additional date, Oct. 16, will follow a special Columbus Day of racing on Monday, Oct. 13. The second date, Oct. 29, will ensure that Santa... ...

‘Ship and Win’ at Del Mar Fall Meet

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2014) — “Ship and Win,” Del Mar’s simple, yet very effective, program to attract out-of-state horses to run at the shore oval will be in place for the track’s first November race meet which kicks off on Friday, November 7. The policy – initiated by Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in partnership with Thoroughbred Owners of California in 2011 – has drawn nearly 600 out-of-state runners to Del Mar over the past four summers, most of whom remained on the California circuit. Owners shipping in, or importing, runners from other circuits are rewarded in two ways: First, they receive an automatic check for $1,000 when their horse makes its first start at Del Mar; next, they receive a purse bonus payment should that horse win that initial start. That bonus sum has varied from 20% to 33 1/3%, but will be set at 30% for the track’s fall stand. Del Mar’s 15-day fall meet will be conducted primarily on a Thursday-through-Sunday basis from November... ...

Sprague River in Las Madrinas

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2014) — Sprague River is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Las Madrinas Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. 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 trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $69,666 and is coming off a sixth in the Sept. 6 Beverly J. Lewis Stakes. ...

California Chrome Arrives in Pa.

By Bloodhorse.com BETHSALEM, Pa. (Sept. 17, 2014) — Dual classic winner California Chrome arrived on the backstretch at Parx Racing Sept. 16 ahead of his bid in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) Sept. 20. Assistant trainer Alan Sherman was at track to meet the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner, who settled him into Barn 10. California Chrome is tabbed as the even money favorite on the morning line for Pennsylvania Derby. He was joined on the Tex Sutton flight from California by Pennsylvania Derby entrants, Bayern, the 7-2 second choice and winner of the William Hill Haskell (gr. I) for trainer Bob Baffert and the John Sadler-trained Candy Boy (12-1) as well as Jojo Warrior, also trained by Baffert, who has arrived for the $1 million Cotillion (gr. I) for 3-year-old fillies, also on Saturday. Sherman said that California Chrome, owned by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, and trained by Alan’s father, Art Sherman, was loaded on a van... ...

Katella Stakes Draws Spirit Rules

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2014) – Spirit Rules is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Katella Stakes at Los Alamitos. Spirit Rules is by Tribal Rule, out of the Danzatore mare Heavenly Lady, was bred by John and Allegra Ernst, is owned by Barbara Accardy, Craig Seidler, Jim Xitco and Mark Xitco and is trained by Paul Aguirre. He has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $207,328 and is coming off an eighth in the July 27 California Dreamin’. ...

Lovmeister Enters at Charles Town

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. (Sept. 17, 2014) – Lovmeister is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Wild and Wonderful Stakes at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Lovmeister is by Nineeleven, out of the West by West mare Walk West, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by TDCBA Stable and is trained by Wayne Potts. He has five wins in 29 starts, earnings of $192,585 and is coming off a win in an Aug. 30 optional claimer. ...

Rebecca’s Surprise Enters Pink Ribbon

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. (Sept. 17, 2014) – Rebecca’s Surprise is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Pink Ribbon Stakes for fillies and mares at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Rebecca’s Surprise in an also-eligible by Marino Marini, out of the Montbrook mare Violet Brook was bred by Milt Policzer, Zuer Racing and Ray Jones, is owned by USA Thoroughbreds and trained by Kelly Breen. She has 10 wins in 24 starts, earnings of $240,608 and is coming off a third in the Sept. 20 Lady’s Secret. ...

Northern California Fair Stakes Closings

From Northern California Fair Racing ASPARAGUS STAKES Saturday, September 27 3 Year Olds, 6 Furlongs $50,000 (plus up to $15,000 for Cal-Breds) Closes Saturday, Sept. 20 HARRIS FARMS STAKES Sunday, October 5 3 Year Olds & Up (Cal-Breds), 6 Furlongs Golden State Series $100,000 Guaranteed Closes Saturday, Sept.27 HARVEST STAKES Saturday, October 11 Fillies & Mares, 3 Year Olds & Up, 6 Furlongs $50,000 (plus up to $15,000 for Cal-Breds) Closes Saturday, Oct. 4 BULL DOG HANDICAP Sunday, October 12 3 Year Olds & Up, 9 Furlongs $75,000 Guaranteed Closes Saturday, Oct. 4 Click here for nomination blanks. If you have questions, please contact Racing Secretary Tom Doutrich at (415) 271-4613. ...

Del Mar Readies Stakes Schedule

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2014) — Fourteen stakes races – nine of them graded – will serve as the touchstones for Del Mar’s new November race meeting opening Friday, November 7 for a 15-day run through Sunday, November 30. The total value of the stakes package is $2,250,000. The seaside track picked up a majority of the racing dates from the fall meeting at the now-closed Hollywood Park and in the process transferred over many of that track’s major stakes events. The Hollywood session had an emphasis on turf racing and Del Mar is carrying that forward with nine turf stakes on its agenda, including its two top offerings – the $300,000 Hollywood Derby and the $300,000 Matriarch, both Grade I events that will be run on closing weekend, which is part of the long Thanksgiving holiday. Additionally, Del Mar will employ its grass course to present the $250,000 Hollywood Turf Cup on a special early Thanksgiving Day program and the $250,000 Seabiscuit Handicap the following afternoon.... ...

Sherman Responds to Winchell

By Bloodhorse.com BETHSALEM, Pa. (Sept. 16, 2014) — Art Sherman, trainer of California-bred California Chrome, was a bit surprised to hear that Tapiture’s owner, Ron Winchell, had said earlier on a national teleconference Sept. 16 he would not have chosen the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) at Parx Racing Sept. 20 as the return race for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner. “I don’t know that I’m looking forward to a rematch with California Chrome,” he said when discussing his homebred Tapiture, the 15th-place finisher of the Kentucky Derby, “but I do think he’s definitely vulnerable, and this is not where I would run him first time back. He has to go a mile and an eighth against horses who are in top form, and shipping cross country is not the ideal position to be in if you want to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I). We have to win this race to earn our way in. We have to... ...

California Chrome Draws Rail

BENSALEM, Pa. (Sept. 15, 2014) – Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome drew the rail when entries were taken for Saturday’s $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing. The California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit is out of the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, was bred by owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn and is trained by Art Sherman. He has eight wins in 13 starts, earnings of $3,532,650 and is making his first start since a fourth in the June 7 Belmont Stakes snapped a streak of wins in six straight stakes. ...

Alert Bay Takes B.C. Derby

By Bloodhorse VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sept. 14, 2014) — Favored Alert Bay took command in the drive and posted a comfortable two-length win in the $135,225 British Columbia Derby (Can-III) (VIDEO) at Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver Sept. 14 as owner Peter Redekop won the race for a third straight year. The California-bred Alert Bay ran the 1 1/8-mile test for 3-year-olds in 1:49.12 on a fast track. It was the second straight win in Hastings’ signature race for trainer Anita Bolton and jockey Rico Walcott, who teamed in 2013 with Redekop’s Title Contender. Redekop also won the 2012 renewal with Second City, and previously won the race in 1994 with Squire Jones. Alert Bay, stalking on the outside of front-running Del Rio Harbor and 74-1 shot Off the Top, was always in position for Walcott as the pacesetter unfurled fractions of :22.90, :47.16, and 1:12.08 over the Hastings bullring. The 3-2 favorite, swinging wide around the final bend to get the advantage, took command in the stretch after a 1:36.37 mile and... ...

Wake Up Nick Still Unbeaten

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2014) — Unbeaten Wake Up Nick rallied to win the $103,900 Barretts Juvenile by 2 3/4 lengths Sept. 14 at Los Alamitos Racecourse, improving to 5-for-5 in his young career. Ridden by Elvis Trujillo, California-bred Wake Up Nick ran 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.60 and paid $4.20, $2.80 and $2.20 as the 11-10 favorite. The victory gave trainer Doug O’Neill a sweep of the weekend stakes. He won the $93,850 Barretts Debutante for 2-year-old fillies a day earlier with Sharla Rae, who was ridden by Trujillo. Owned by Reddam Racing, Wake Up Nick has four stakes victories among his five wins. Breaking from the inside, Wake Up Nick was shuffled back and was ahead of just two other horses after the opening half mile. But Trujillo found a seam with an eighth of a mile to go and pulled clear late. “He’s such a cool horse,” O’Neill said. “Elvis did a brilliant job. Watching it unfold I thought we might be in serious trouble... ...

Sherman Wins Turf Award

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 13, 2014) — The National Turf Writers and Broadcasters will honor Art Sherman, who saddled California Chrome and became the oldest trainer to win the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I), racehorse partnership pioneer Cot Campbell, trailblazing broadcaster Charlsie Cantey, and Blood-Horse‘s online content editor Tom LaMarra at its 55th annual awards dinner on Oct. 29 in Arcadia, Calif. Sherman will receive the Mr. Fitz Award, named for the legendary trainer “Sunny” Jim Fitzsimmons. Sherman first experienced the Kentucky Derby when he shared a boxcar with Swaps, the 1955 winner, from Los Angeles to Louisville. He returned to Churchill Downs this year—at age 77—to win the Derby and the Preakness Stakes (gr. I). Sherman handled a pressure-packed situation with class and grace during a Triple Crown bid that fell short when California Chrome dead-heated for fourth in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I). Campbell will be presented with the Joe Palmer Award for meritorious service to racing. Palmer was an esteemed Turf writer at the... ...

California Chrome

California Chrome workout at Los Alamitos 9/13/14. ...

Sherman Likes ‘Chrome’s Tune-Up

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 13, 2014) — In his final work before he resumes racing in the upcoming $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II), 2014 dual classic winner California Chrome drilled six furlongs handily in 1:13 4/5 the morning of Sept. 13 at Los Alamitos. Working on his own with regular rider Victor Espinoza aboard, California Chrome turned in splits of :25 2/5 for the opening quarter, :49 3/5 for a half mile, and five furlongs in 1:01 4/5. According to Los Alamitos clocker Russ Hudak, California Chrome galloped out seven furlongs in 1:27 4/5. The 1 1/8-mile Pennsylvania Derby is Sept. 20 at Parx Racing. Away since finishing in a dead heat for fourth in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 7, the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit has been stabled at Los Alamitos since early in the year. Saturday morning’s work came a week after California Chrome had gone six furlongs in 1:10.37 in an afternoon move between races. “Very nice, very nice,” said trainer Art Sherman... ...

Wake Up Nick, Rowdy Dylan in Juvenile

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Wake Up Nick risks his unbeaten record and takes on Northern California Yearling Sale topper Rowdy Dylan in Sunday’s $100,000 Barretts Juvenile for 2-year-olds at Los Alamitos. Wake Up Nick is by Cindago, out of the Lion Hearted mare Storm Hearted, was bred by Lee and Susan Searing, is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has won all four starts with earnings of $251,100. Rowdy Dylan is a Kentucky-bred by Sky Mesa, out of the Broken Vow mare Serious Vow and is coming off a maiden win in his second start with earnings of $36,400. The colt sold for $60,000 at last year’s Northern California Yearling Sale to Del Playa Bloodstock, then was re-sold for $280,000 at Barretts March Select 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Doc Charney is by Atticus, out of the Monarchos mare Unbridled Penny, was bred by Jerry Fialkowski, is owned by Laura Bailey and trained by Dominic Fama. He is a maiden making his... ...

Alert Bay in B.C. Derby

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sept. 10, 2014) – Echo Eddie Stakes winner Alert Bay is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $150,000 Grade III British Columbia Derby at Hastings Park. Alert Bay is by City Zip, out of the Dushyantor mare Hickory, was bred by Thomas Bell & Ross McLeod, is owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Anita Bolton. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $240,300 and is coming off a fifth in the Aug. 1 Real Good Deal. ...

Cal-bred Five in Barretts Debutante

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2014) – Five California-breds are among the entries in Saturday’s $100,000 Barretts Debutante for 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Elusive Mistress is by Elusive Warning, out of the Mystery Storm mare Miss Mystery, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Bill Boatman and trained by Silverio Martinez. She is a maiden making her fifth start with earnings of $1,000. Global Hart is by Globalize, out of the In Excess mare Sarah’s Hart, was bred by John Watson, is owned by Via Encanto Farms and trained by Jorge Periban. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $28,420 and is coming off a fifth in an Aug. 27 starter optional claimer. Heat the Rocks is by Unusual Heat, out of the Tribal Rule mare Rockella, was bred by Jerry Hollendorfer, George Todaro, Gallop Out Racing and John Yee, is owned by Hollendorfer, Brett Tahajian and Todaro and trained by Hollendorfer. She is making her first start. Aquacita is by War Chant, out of the Meadowlake... ...

Smiling Tiger Moved to Harris Farms

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2014) — Smiling Tiger, a three time Grade 1 winner of $1,480,704 will stand the 2015 breeding season at John Harris’ Harris Farms near Coalinga. Owned by Phil Lebherz and Alan Klein, Smiling Tiger previously stood at his owner’s Premier Thoroughbreds, LLC near Oakdale. Co-owner Phil Lebherz commented, “We are excited to announce that Harris Farms has agreed to stand Smiling Tiger. Harris Farms produced California Chrome last year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner and has world class facilities located centrally in California. Smiling Tiger has over 80 mares in foal from his first year at stud and we expect more for 2015,” Smiling Tiger, (Hold That Tiger x Shandra Smiles, by Cahill Road) won the Bing Crosby S. G1, Triple Bend G1 and Ancient Title S. G1 among his seven graded stakes victories. A stakes winner from ages two through five, Smiling Tiger won nine of twenty-three starts, eight of them stakes. Farm owner John Harris stated, “He is a big good... ...

Lil Tyler Passes at Age 31

MADERA, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2014) – California stallion Lil Tyler passed away Wednesday due to the infirmities of old age, Madera Farm announced. He was 31. The son of Halo was a multiple stakes winner on the track. As a sire, he had 16 foal crops with progeny earnings of nearly $9 million. His top earner was Awesome Daze, winner of the California Cup Classic and $652,435 in earnings. He also sired stakes winners Super Strut, Mateo, Lil Seeker, Jack’s Wild and I’m a Lil Princess. ...

Marine Fog in Starter Stakes

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sept. 10, 2014) – Marine Fog is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Champions Starters Series Final Stakes at Hastings Park. Marine Fog is by Marino Marini, out of the Huckster mare Queen Tyree, was bred by Linda Vetter, is owned by Kirk and Mitch Sutherland and trained by Theodore Hurt. He has eight wins in 49 starts, earnings of $140,985 and is coming off a fifth in an Aug. 29 starter’s allowance. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Distaff Starter Stakes

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sept. 10, 2014) – California-breds Sacred Delight and Jaz Unlimited are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Champions Distaff Starter Series Final Stakes for fillies and mares at Hastings Park. Sacred Delight is by Mutakddim, out of the Eltish mare Barbara O’Brien, was bred by Al and Saundra Kirkwood, is owned by Whieldon Thoroughbreds and trained by Rosann Anderson. She has four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $119,536 and is coming off a fourth in an Aug. 29 starter’s allowance. Jaz Unlimited is by Jazil, out of the Straight Man mare Sister Shark, was bred by E-Racing.com, is owned by Gary Williamson and trained by Steve Henson. She has two wins in 23 starts, earnings of $41,872 and is coming off a third in an Aug. 29 starter’s allowance. ...

Soi Phet

Soi Phet wins Los Alamitos Mile. ...

Barretts Adds Fall Paddock Sale

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2014) — In cooperation with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Barretts will conduct its inaugural Fall Paddock Sale of Horses of Racing Age on November 8, the first Saturday of the Bing Crosby Season. The Fall Paddock Sale continues the “One Stop Shopping” concept of the earlier July “Race Ready” Sales at Del Mar conducted by Barretts. These auctions conceived to encourage new racehorse ownership and increase the racehorse horse inventory in California, have produced excellent results for both buyers and consignors. “The Paddock Sales at Del Mar have evolved to must attend events” opines Barretts General Manager Kim Lloyd “and new owners are good for everyone in our game!” As the quality of horses offered has improved since the first Paddock Sale in 2012, so have the prices that buyers have been willing to pay. The 2014 sale average of $113,000 rose 52.8% from 2013 and a new sales record was set when Heir Kitty, a Grade I winner of $421,272 sold... ...

Breeders’ Cup Volunteers Sought

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2014) — Santa Anita Park, which will host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships for an unprecedented third consecutive year Oct. 31-Nov. 1, is seeking volunteers from the local community to help accommodate the needs of the thousands of anticipated visitors. Volunteers are needed to assist in a variety of patron services: Greeting racing fans as they enter the track’s grounds, escorting horse owners from their seats to and from the paddock, staffing various areas to answer questions, provide directions, coordinate traffic arrangements, and staff the Breeders’ Cup press center. While an interest in horse racing and familiarity with Santa Anita Park are not required, that would be helpful. Volunteers should be prepared to attend an orientation one week before Breeders’ Cup, and on the day of their volunteer sessions, to be on their feet for a six-hour period. Breeders’ Cup volunteers will have an opportunity to be involved with a world-class sports event that will be televised nationally on NBC Sports Group. Those interested... ...

Cal-bred Yearling Sells for $560,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 8, 2014) – A full California-bred brother to graded stakes winners Points Offthebench and Bench Points sold for $560,000 Monday in the first session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The Benchmark colt, out of the Free House mare Mo Chuisle, was bred by Gary Broad, consigned by Taylor Made Sales, agent, and purchased by Lael Stable of Roy and Gretchen Jackson. Also sold Monday was a pair of yearlings out of Grade I-winning California-bred mares. A Tapit filly out of the Grade I winning Bold Badgett mare Leave Me Alone sold for $400,000 and an Unbridled’s Song filly out of the Grade I winning Game Plan mare Mistical Plan sold for $190,000. ...

Elusive Warning Gets First Winner

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2014) – California sire Elusive Warning was represented by his first winner Aug. 31 at Golden Gate Fields when favored Swiss Cocoa won the sixth race in front-running fashion. The winner, a 2-year-old filly owned by Diaz Racing Stable and Andreas Psarras, is trained Antonio Diaz and was ridden by Juan Sanchez. Making her third lifetime start, Swiss Cocoa was the 9-5 choice in the $12,500 maiden claiming race. Swiss Cocoa outpaced her seven rivals while opening a three-length lead in the stretch. She won by one length under steady urging while completing the five furlongs on Golden Gate’s Tapeta racing surface in :59.04. Sheila McLeod bred Swiss Cocoa in California out of the stakes-placed winner Swiss Please, by Swiss Yodeler. The bay filly sold for $3,500 to Psarras out of the Madera Thoroughbreds consignment at the Barretts Equine Limited October 2013 yearling sale. Elusive Warning, a 10-year-old group III-winning son of Elusive Quality —Valid Warning, by Valid Appeal, stood for $2,500 in 2014 at... ...

Arcadia Launches Walk of Champions

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2014)—The Arcadia Historical Society, City of Arcadia and Santa Anita Park have announced an official Grand Opening of California racing’s first-ever “Thoroughbred Racing Walk of Champions” on Saturday, Sept. 27, beginning at 5 p.m. on First Ave. between Wheeler St. and Huntington Drive. In a manner similar to that of the world famous “Hollywood Walk of Fame,” bronze plaques of a number of legendary jockeys, trainers, owners and horses will adorn city sidewalks for fans and citizens to enjoy for generations to come. Along with live appearances from legendary retired Hall of Fame jockeys Eddie Delahoussaye and Laffit Pincay, Jr., the public will be treated to live music, free popcorn, bottled water and a vintage car display. “We are thrilled to be able to officially unveil these beautiful bronze tributes to some of the greatest people and horses in racing history,” said Sandy Snider, on behalf of the Arcadia Historical Society. “In recognition of the fact that racing has played such... ...

Tribal Gal Scores Orange County Win

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2014) – Tribal Gal, an Arizona-bred daughter of the late California stallion Tribal Rule, scored a game win in Sunday’s $75,250 Orange County Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. Tribal Gal is out of the Western Fame mare Famous Gal, was bred by owner John Pendergast and is trained by Kory Owens. She has eight wins in 19 starts, earnings of $301,505 and was coming off a win in the June 28 Oak Tree Distaff. Tribal Gal ran the six furlongs in 1:08.73 and won by one-half length as the 6-5 favorite in the field of six. For Tribal Gal’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/tribal+gal. ...

Soi Phet in Los Alamitos Mile Rout

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2014) — After scoring the first stakes win of career earlier in the summer at Los Alamitos Race Course, California-bred Soi Phet returned to the one-mile oval to register a 7 1/4-length romp in the inaugural $200,000 Los Alamitos Mile Sept. 6. The 6-year-old California-bred son of Tizbud completed the distance in a record 1:33.95 over Los Alamitos’ new one-mile oval, eclipsing the time of 1:34.50 he established in winning the Bertrando Stakes July 3. Kent Desormeaux was once again aboard Soi Phet, who rebounded from a seventh-place finish in the San Diego Handicap (gr. II) in his most recent start July 26 at Del Mar with Mike Smith riding. “The first thing I asked the outrider was if we broke the track record because it felt like it,” Desormeaux said. “He was like a machine out there, begging me to let him go and he took off when I let him.” Leonard Powell trains Soi Phet for the partnership of Gerald Benowitz, Sandra Powell,... ...

California Chrome in Sharp Work

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2014) — Readying for his return to racing later in two weeks in Pennsylvania, dual classic winner California Chrome worked a strong six furlongs between races Sept. 6 at Los Alamitos Race Course—his home track—in front of an enthusiastic and appreciative crowd. Turning in what trainer Art Sherman called his best work since he was put back in training after a brief break following his Triple Crown campaign, the 3-year-old Lucky Pulpit colt drilled six furlongs in 1:10.37 and galloped out seven-eighths of a mile in 1:24. The chestnut colt was accompanied by regular jockey Victor Espinoza through quarter-mile fractions of :24 3/5 and :47 4/5. California Chrome, who hasn’t raced since finishing in a dead heat for fourth in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) June 7, is scheduled to make his next start in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) Sept. 20 at Parx Racing. The race is the California-bred colt’s only prepe prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) Nov.... ...

Uzziel Wins Beverly J. Lewis

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2014) – California-bred Uzziel held off the challenge of Ramona’s Wildcat to post a wire-to-wire win Saturday’s $75,000 Beverly J. Lewis Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord at War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by Mike Puype. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $107,638 and was coming off a third in the Aug. 8 Daisycutter. She ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.70 and won by a length at odds of 4-1. For Uzziel’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/uzziel2 ...

Doinghardtimeagain Back Again

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Doinghardtimeagain, eased in her last race, and fellow California-breds Tasty Treat and Wild in the Saddle are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Orange County Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. Doinghardtimeagain is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Conquistador Cielo mare Silver Hawk Lady, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has six wins in 15 starts, earnings of $709,266 and is coming off being eased in the Aug. 17 Solana Beach. Tasty Treat is by Roar, out of the American Chance mare Vividora, was bred by John Greely III, is owned by Cunningham Stable and trained by Michael Pender. She has seven wins in 18 starts, earnings of $335,874 and is making her first start since a fifth in the Oct. 12, 2013 California Distaff Handicap. Wild in the Saddle is by Silic, out of the Wild Deputy mare Local Law, was bred by Dinesh Miniar, is owned by Brazeau Thoroughbred Farm and is... ...

Warren’s Knockout in at Zia Park

HOBBS, N.M. (Sept. 5, 2014) – Warren’s Knockout is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Premier Cup Handicap at Zia Park. Warren’s Knockout is by Stormed, out of the Doneraile Court mare Now My Precious, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Len Schermer and trained by Justin Evans. He has 10 wins in 35 starts, earnings of $425,757 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 2 Budweiser Special Stakes. He was second in this race last year and fourth in 2012. ...

Patriots Rule Wins Johnston Head Bob

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2014) – Odds-on favorite Patriots Rule rallied steadily through the stretch to take a desperate nose decision over Eddie’s First in Friday’s $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds at Los Alamitos. 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 three wins in nine starts, earnings of $186,680 and was coming off a second in the Aug. 1 Real Good Deal. Patriots Rule ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.60 at odds of 4-5 in the field of five, with longshot Arctic Code finishing third. For Patriots Rule’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/patriots+rule. ...

‘Chrome to Work Between Races

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2014) – It is a week of firsts for California Chrome. The Kentucky Derby winner schooled at the Los Alamitos starting gate early Thursday, his first visit to a gate since the Belmont Stakes. On Saturday, California Chrome will have his first between-races workout at Los Alamitos. Trained by Art Sherman and assistant Alan Sherman, California Chrome will work between the third and fourth races Saturday as he nears his first start since a fourth-place finish June 7 in the Belmont Stakes. California Chrome is targeting a Sept. 20 return in the Grade 2, $1 million Pennsylvania Derby at Parx. The Saturday workout under jockey Victor Espinoza will be his fifth in a weekly sequence that began Aug. 8. “He’ll go either five-eighths or three-quarters and gallop out good,” Alan Sherman said. California Chrome held his weight through a demanding Triple Crown campaign that included wins in the Derby and Preakness. According to Sherman, California Chrome returned from his six-week layoff looking much like he... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2014) — The monthly meeting of the California Horse Racing Board originally scheduled September 18 has been rescheduled for Wednesday, September 24, in the Finish Line Room at Los Alamitos Race Course. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The agenda for this meeting will be posted on the CHRB website at least 10 days beforehand and the supporting package of materials will be available on the website no later than September 19. ...

Rock Me Baby Gets Masochistic Test

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2014) – California Dreamin’ Handicap winner Rock Me Baby and streaking Masochistic are among four California-breds entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Los Alamitos Mile Stakes. Masochistic is by Sought After, out of the Unusual Heat mare Trotinette, was bred by Francoise Dupuis & Louise Julian, is owned by Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Santa Ines Stable and is trained by A.C. Avila. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $137,050 and has a three-race win streak. California Dreamin’ Handicap winner Rock Me Baby is by Rock Hard Ten, out of the Tale of the Cat mare Barbara Orr, was bred by Mercedes Stable, is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds and trained by Craig Dollase. He has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $411,802 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 24 Del Mar Mile. Bertrando Stakes winner Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Gerald Benowitz, Sandra Powell... ...

Uzziel Seeks Beverly Lewis Score

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2014) – Stakes winner Uzziel and fellow California-breds Sprague River and Mon Petite are entered in $75,000 Beverly J. Lewis Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord at War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by Mike Puype. She has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $107,638 and is coming off a third in the Aug. 8 Daisycutter. 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 trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $69,416 and is making her first start since an eighth in the Apr. 5 Evening Jewel. Mon Petite is by Papa Clem, out of the Jeune Homme mare Avranches, was bred by Barry Abrams, Madeline Auerbach and Marie Goda, is owned by Robert and Luanne Bean and trained by Robert Bean. She has... ...

Joe Daehling

By Emily Shields ELK GROVE, Calif. — Even as a young man in Germany, Joe Daehling “always liked horses,” but he couldn’t imagine where his passion would eventually take him. He tilled the fields of his native country behind powerful workhorses, admiring them and learning the skill of farming. “There were tractors in those days, but about half the work was still done with horses,” he explained. Daehling then immigrated to the United States in 1960, and after brief y pursuing life as an auto mechanic, he returned to agriculture. “I wanted to eventually fulfill my dream of raising horses,” Daehling said. “In 1973 my wife, June, and I bought a 400-acre ranch.” That property became Daehling Ranch in Elk Grove, Calif. While Daehling enjoyed making a business out of accepting boarders, he had yet to get his foot in the door of the racing industry. “I answered an ad for somebody who wanted to board a string of Thoroughbreds,” he said. “They brought out a whole bunch to live... ...

Better Bet in E.B. Johnston

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 3, 2014) – Better Bet is the lone stakes winner in the field for Friday’s $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes for California-bred 3-year-olds at Los Alamitos. 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 two wins in eight starts, earnings of $141,680 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 1 Real Good Deal. Princesskatiebella is a filly by Birdonthewire, out of the Halo’s Image mare Picky Princess, was bred by Ross McLeod, is owned by Kevan Kynaston and trained by Thomas Bell. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $17,120 and is coming off a July 13 maiden claiming win. Eddie’s First is by Square Eddie, out of the Boston Harbor mare Teresa Ann, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in seven starts, earnings of $47,800 and... ...

Los Alamitos Opens Friday

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2014) — Live daytime racing comes back to Los Alamitos Race Course from Sept. 5-21 with an 11-day fall meeting in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Fair. The brief meet will be highlighted by the $200,000 Los Alamitos Mile Sept. 6 and a pair of $100,000 juvenile races to be held on Sept. 13-14. The Los Alamitos Mile for 3-year-olds and up on the dirt, could be used as a steppingstone for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) to be held Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park. TVG will be on-site to present live, HD television coverage of the meet. One of the highlights during the opening weekend of the meet will be a public viewing of a workout by popular Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner California Chrome. Los Alamitos racing fans will be able to view California Chrome’s workout in between the third and fourth races Sept. 6 as he continues preparations toward... ...

Pepper Crown Wins Rolling Green

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2014) – Longshot Pepper Crown rallied along the rail to take the lead then held off fellow California-bred Salah Champ to win Monday’s $63,170 Rolling Green Stakes at Golden Gate. Pepper Crown is by Peppered Cat, out of the Crowning Storm mare Crown This Lady, was bred by owner and trainer Alex Paszkeicz. He has six wins in 14 starts, earnings of $210,933 and was coming off a fourth in the Aug. 3 Joseph T. Grace. Pepper Crown ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:43.54 and won by a head at odds of 10-1. For Pepper Crown’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/pepper+crown. ...

Wake Up Nick Keeps Winning

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2014) – Odds-on favorite Wake Up Nick kept his perfect record intact with a game half-length win in Monday’s $150,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. 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 Doug O’Neill. “Undefeated so far and hopefully we’ll keep it going,” said O’Neill. “I would think we’ll stay in the Cal-bred series.” Wake Up Nick has won all four starts with earnings of $251,100 and was coming off a win in the July 30 Graduation Stakes. He ran the six furlongs in 1:11.25 and went off as the 2-5 favorite. Global Magician was second and Cardiac third in the field of eight. For Wake Up Nick’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/wake+up+nick. ...

Go West Marie Goes in C.E.R.F.

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 31, 2014) – Fleet Treat Stakes winner Go West Marie and fellow California-bred stakes winner Top Kisser are entered in Wednesday’s $90,000 C.E.R.F. Stakes at Del Mar. Top Kisser is by Old Topper, out of the Cherokee Run mare Cherokee Kiss, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has six wins in 12 starts, earnings of $322,900 and is coming off a win in the July 19 California Governor’s Handicap Stakes. 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 and trained by Eddie Truman. She has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $228,280 and is coming off a win in the July 26 Fleet Treat Stakes. ...

Ain’t No Other in Pirate’s Bounty

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 31, 2014) – Ain’t No Other is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $90,000 Pirate’s Bounty Stakes at Del Mar. Ain’t No Other is by Old Topper, out of the Shadeed mare Miami Margie, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has 10 wins in 37 starts, earnings of $586,695 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 9 Jess Jackson Owners’ Handicap. He was second in this race last year and third in 2011. ...

NorCal Sale Pair Win at Golden Gate

ALBANY, Calif. (Aug. 30, 2014) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduates won a pair of 2-year-old maiden special weight races at Golden Gate on Saturday. Deb’s Wildcard, a $17,500 purchase, won the seventh race for fillies and Lucky Forty Niner, a $1,700 purchase, won the ninth race open to all 2-year-olds. Deb’s Wildcard is by Desert Code, out of the Demons Begone mare Deb’s Royal Flush, was bred by Victoria Polzin & Harris Farms, is owned by Robert Jones & Lloyd Mason and is trained by Mason. This was her debut and she ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.26, winning by 2 ¼ lengths at odds of 5-1. 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. This was his second start and he ran the five furlongs in :59.20, winning by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 18-1. ...

Red Outlaw Still Perfect

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2014) – Perfect in four races, California-bred Red Outlaw embellished his spotless record Friday with a wire-to-wire romp in the featured $100,500 El Cajon Stakes at one mile over Del Mar’s main track. Jockey Edwin Maldonado sent the son of Tribal Rule to the lead shortly after the start and beautifully rated the chestnut gelding until the top of the stretch. Turning for home, Red Outlaw spurted away from his six three-year-old rivals to win by almost four lengths at the wire. “This is a really nice horse,” said Maldonado. “And I’ll tell you something else: he’s going to be better going longer. He’ll love it when we go long.” Toowindytohaulrox rallied from last place to be second, 2 ¾ lengths in front of the lukewarm 5-2 favored Conquest Two Step, with Home School fourth. Scratched from the original field were Daraybi, Indexical, Knock Em Flat and Van Fraassen. “He’s our poor man’s Shared Belief,” trainer Peter Miller said later, “and I’d like to have a... ...

Barretts October Catalog Online

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2014) — The catalog for Barretts October Yearling Sale is now on-line and will be mailed soon. This auction of 259 yearlings will be held on Tuesday, October 7 starting at 1:00 p.m. in the Hinds Pavilion located on the grounds of Fairplex Park in Pomona, California. The catalog can be viewed at http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catoct2014/catalog.asp Submitted photographs of yearlings in the sale catalog will be posted soon after the end of next week. Recent graduates of this sale include 2014 stakes winners Big Macher (G1), Gervinho (G2), Red Ooutlaw, Rock Me Baby, Seeking the Light andUnusual Way. Among the more than 100 stallions spanning the alphabet, including every top tier stallion in California as well as many nationally ranked ones, are represented in the sale catalog including: Arch, Blame, Cape Blanco, Discreet Cat, English Channel, First Defence, Giacamo, Haynesfield, Informed, Lucky Pulpit, Midnight Lute, Noble Court, Old Fashioned, Philanthropist, Rocky Bar, Sidney’s Candy, Twirling Candy, Unusual Heat, Vronsky, Warriors Reward and Yes It’s True. ...

Wake Up Nick Risks Streak

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Wake Up Nick risks his unbeaten record in Monday’s $150,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Cardiac is by Papa Clem, out of the Unusual Heat mare Heatinaheartbeat, was bred by owners Madeline Auerbach, Marsha Naify, Barry Abrams and Onofrio Pecoraro and is trained by Abrams. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $49,500 and is coming off a maiden win Aug. 17. Truely Quick is by Yes It’s True, out of the Golden Missile mare Quick Emotions, was bred by owners George Schmitt & Philip Lebherz and is trained by Jeff Bonde. He has won both starts, is coming off a win in the Aug. 10 Cavonnier Stakes with earnings of $56,800. Hot Lightning is by Stormin Fever, out of the Two Punch mare Two Punch Gal, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Neville Callaghan and Charles Winner and is trained by Simon Callaghan. He is making his racing... ...

Heat Du Jour in Yellow Ribbon

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2014) – Solana Beach Stakes winner Heat Du Jour is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $200,000 Grade II Yellow Ribbon Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Heat Du Jour is by Unusual Heat, out of the Half a Year mare Style of the Year, was bred by Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Jerry Hollendorfer, Mark Schlaich and George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. She has five wins in 23 starts, earnings of $252,998 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 17 Solana Beach. ...

Cal-bred Trio in Rolling Green

ALBANY, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2014) – California-breds Pepper Crown, Salah Champ and Huntsville are entered in Monday’s $50,000 Rolling Green Stakes at Golden Gate. Pepper Crown is by Peppered Cat, out of the Crowning Storm mare Crown This Lady, was bred by owner and trainer Alex Paszkeicz. He has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $171,483 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 3 Joseph T. Grace. Salah Champ is by Benchmark, out of the Cutlass Reality mare Morell’s Love, was bred by Salah Said Al-Mudarris, is owned by Janet Hollendorfer, Mark Schlaich and George Todaro and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has eight wins in 21 starts, earnings of $169,710 and is coming off consecutive wins. Huntsville is by Unusual Heat, out of the Jade Hunter mare Lethal Hunter, was bred by David Abrams & Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Barry Abrams & Madeline Auerbach and is trained by Barry Abrams. He has three wins in 40 starts, earnings of $299,080 and is coming off... ...

Rebecca’s Surprise at Monmouth

OCEANPORT, N.J. (Aug. 29, 2014) – Rebecca’s Surprise is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $75,000 Lady’s Secret Handicap for fillies and mares at Monmouth Park. Rebecca’s Surprise is by Marino Marini, out of the Montbrook mare Violet Brook, was bred by Milt Policzer, Zuer Racing & Ray Jones, is owned by USA Thoroughbreds and trained by Kelly Breen She has 10 wins in 23 starts, earnings of $233,108 and is coming off a second in a July 18 optional claimer. ...

‘Chrome Works at Los Alamitos

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2014) — Dual classic winner California Chrome had his first five-furlong workout since returning to training at Los Alamitos Race Course Aug. 29, covering the distance handily in 1:01 flat with regular rider Victor Espinoza aboard. The Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner is pointing toward a return in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) Sept. 20. It would be the first start for the 3-year-old California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit since finishing fourth in the Belmont Stakes (gr. I) in his bid to sweep the coveted Triple Crown. In his fourth drill since Aug. 8, California Chrome worked on his own under a good hold from Espinoza, picking up his pace through the stretch. “I thought the work was good,” said trainer Art Sherman. “I was hoping for a bit stronger on the gallop-out. He went in a minute and change; I was a little concerned. I thought he’d go in in 13 (1:13);... ...

Tribal Spy in Tranquility Lake

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2014) – Graded winner Tribal Spy and fellow California-breds Spring Bloom and Journey On are entered in Sunday’s $90,000 Tranquility Lake Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Tribal Spy is by Tribal Rule, out of the Victory Gallop mare Victory Spy, was bred by Gary Barber, is owned by Triple B Farms and trained by Adam Kitchingman. She has six wins in 17 starts, earnings of $311,924 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 8 Daisycutter. Spring Bloom is by After Market, out of the Bertrando mare Spring Festival, was bred by Pam & Marty Wygod, is owned by RG Racing Stables and is trained by Rafael Becerra. She has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $223,650 and is coming off a third in an Aug. 14 allowance. Journey On is an also-eligible by Good Journey, out of the American Chance mare Miss Del Mar, was bred by Leatherman Racing, is owned by Neil Haymes and Robert Master and is... ...

Signature Cat in Hopeful

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 28, 2014) – Signature Cat is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $350,000 Grade I Hopeful Stakes for 2-year-olds at Saratoga. Signature Cat is by Discreet Cat, out of the Out of Place mare Cover Girl Elle, was bred by owner Southern Equine Stables and is trained by Eric Guillot. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $16,600. ...

More Complexity in Torrey Pines

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2014) – More Complexity is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. 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 two wins in seven starts, earnings of $106,730 and is coming off two consecutive wins. ...

‘Chrome a Big Get for Pennsylvania Derby

By Dick Jerardi, DRF.com The Pennsylvania Derby was run on Labor Day from 1990 to 2009, a nice race for 3-year-olds that had very little national juice. It was too close to the Travers and too far from the Breeders’ Cup to attract the best horses in the division. Prior to that 20-year stint on Labor Day, the Pennsylvania Derby had first been run on Memorial Day from 1979-84 and then in mid-September, late September, or early October from 1985-89. Once slot-machine money started to kick in when the machines went live in late 2006, an opportunity arose for Parx and its signature race to become national players. Management had the money to attract the big boys, but it was never going to happen on Labor Day, even with the purse raised to $1 million. The decision was made in 2010 to move the Pennsylvania Derby to later in September, a month after the Travers and six weeks before the Breeders’ Cup. A bonus system was instituted in 2011 to... ...

Heat Du Jour

Heat Du Jour wins Solana Beach Handicap. ...

Long Hot Summer Wins Generous Portion

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2014) –Fanticola and Scardino’s Long Hot Summer responded to the brisk urging of jockey Joe Talamo to prove best in a three-horse stretch battle in the featured $150,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series eligible two-year-old fillies Wednesday at Del Mar. Rallying on the far outside in the stretch, Long Hot Summer wore down 5/2 My Fiona and 2-1 favored Lost Bus to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:10.94 for the six furlongs on the main track. My Fiona, winner of the C.T.B.A. Stakes this season over Lost Bus, again prevailed over her rival, this time by a nose for runner-up honors. Easter Fever was a distant fourth in the field of eight fillies. Scratched from the race were Desert Steel and Do The Danse. Long Hot Summer, a daughter of Street Boss purchased for $260,000 at the Barretts sale last May, is now two-for-two in her brief career, having broken her maiden at first asking August 9 at Del Mar. She is... ...

Big Bane Theory Returns in Brubaker

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2014) – Big Bane Theory is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $90,000 Harry F. Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar. Big Bane Theory is by Artie Schiller, out of the Alysheba mare Shebane, was bred by owners Scott Gross and Mark Devereaux and trained by Carla Gaines. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $186,640 and is making his first start since a fourth in the Nov. 29 Citation Handicap. ...

Tribal Rule Yearlings Sell Well

By DRF.com AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 27, 2014) — The Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association summer yearling and mixed sale concluded on Tuesday with increased sales figures and a lower buyback rate in its flagship yearling portion. According to figures released by WTBOA, the one-day sale moved 81 horses during the yearling portion for revenues of $1,297,000, marking a 7 percent improvement compared with the 2013 edition, when 78 horses brought $1,212,600. The average sale price rose 3 percent, from $15,546 to $16,012, while the median spiked 11 percent, rising from $9,500 to $10,500. The yearling buyback rate of 18 percent bettered year’s rate, when 23 percent of the yearlings offered did not meet their reserves. Yearlings by the late California sire Tribal Rule brought the three highest prices on Tuesday. The sale-topper was a Tribal Rule filly out of the stakes-placed Slewdledo mare Bella Campana, purchased by trainer Mark Glatt for $57,000. The filly, bred in Washington by Mary Lou and Terry Griffin and consigned by their Griffin Place... ...

Los Al Futurity Gets Ky. Derby Points

By Courier-Journal.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2014) — The $500,000 Los Alamitos Futurity — the Grade I race formerly known as the Hollywood Futurity and CashCall Futurity until Hollywood Park closed last year — has been added to the points races for the 2015 Kentucky Derby. The series’ 35 races that offer qualifying points toward running in the May 2 Derby were released Wednesday by Churchill Downs, along with the companion series for the May 1 Kentucky Oaks, which this year will include the Grade I Starlet at Los Alamitos. This is the third consecutive year that Churchill will use a sliding scale of points awarded to the top four finishers in select races to determine preference for its 20-horse Derby field. At least 20 horses have entered the 1 ¼-mile classic for 3-year-olds every year since 2004, and 14 of the last 16 years. Points for first place range from 10 to 100, those coming in the major 1 1/8-mile preps three to five weeks before the Derby. Churchill... ...

Santa Anita’s Track Replaced

From DMTC ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2014)—Under the direction of Track Superintendent Dennis Moore, Santa Anita’s one mile main track has been totally renovated and its original sand and clay mix has been replaced by a single-source natural material known as El Segundo Sand. The track, which has been closed to training since July 11, will reopen for use on Sept 2, in advance of Santa Anita’s 2014 Autumn Meet, which begins Sept. 26. A naturally occurring, indigenous soil, El Segundo Sand will help to ensure balanced drainage during periods of wet weather and a uniform, safe cushion year ‘round. “It’s been my experience that the best surfaces around the country are all comprised of naturally occurring soils that are typically indigenous and not made by man,” said Moore, who was hired by Santa Anita this past December following a highly successful tenure at the now-shuttered Hollywood Park. “This entire project has gone even better than any of us had hoped for. We’ve removed and installed about 21,000 yards of... ...

My Fiona Returns in Generous Portion

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2014) – CTBA Stakes winner My Fiona and runner-up Lost Bus return in Wednesday’s $150,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. My Fiona is by Ghostzapper, out of the Two Punch mare A Vision in Gray, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Tom Beckerle, Lovingier and Amanda Navarro and is trained by Walther Solis. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $105,600 and is coming off a win in the July 18 CTBA Stakes. Lost Bus is by Bring the Heat, out of the Stavinsky mare Frysland, was bred by owners John Haagsma & Wesley Ward and is trained by Ward. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $52,600 and is coming off a second in the July 18 CTBA Stakes. Singing Kitty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Natural Singer R.N., was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and trained by Steven Miyadi. She has one... ...

Red Outlaw in El Cajon

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2014) – Unbeaten California-bred Red Outlaw risks his four-race win streak in Friday’s $100,000 El Cajon Stakes for 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Red Outlaw is by Tribal Rule, out of the Slewpy mare Anachristina, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Aurelio, Bizovi, Coons, et al and is trained by Peter Miller. He has four wins in four starts with earnings of $225,200 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 1 Real Good Deal Stakes. ...

Stryker Phd Rallies in Longacres Mile

By Bloodhorse.com AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 24, 2014) — Jim and Mona Hour’s Stryker Phd, a Washington-bred son of pensioned California stallion Bertrando, unleashed his usual rally from far back to post a game half-length victory over Boyett in the $200,000 Longacres Mile (gr. III) (VIDEO) Aug. 24 at Emerald Downs. Off as the 13-10 choice in the 12-horse field going a mile over the main track, Stryker Phd was settled last for the opening half mile by Leslie Mawing. Scat Daddybaby sprinted to a clear lead at the outset, setting quick fractions of :22.52, :44.83, and 1:08.42 through the first three-quarters of a mile while leading by 2 1/2 lengths. Stryker Phd made his move while five-wide rounding the second turn and took charge leaving the furlong pole while holding off a tenacious Boyett for the final margin. “We knew there was going to be a lot of speed, so I let him break on his own,” Mawing said after his first Longacres Mile win. “I wanted to be in a comfortable... ...

About the author ⁄ CTBA