Bel’s Starlet Passes at 27

Oct 24, 2014 Posted by CTBA In Announcement

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

CHRB Meeting Partial Transcript

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

Starspangled Heat Also Enters Lure

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

Boisterous to Stand at Tommy Town

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

NTRA Featured Legislator: Jim Costa

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

Stormin Fever to Rancho Temescal

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

Golden Eagle Closing, Stormin Fever Moving

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

Sherman Sees a ‘Chrome Rebound

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

California Breeding Stats Increase

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

‘Chrome Leads Cal-bred Pre-entries

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

Cal-bred Trio in Pike Place Dancer

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

CHRB Meeting on Thursday

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

Red Outlaw

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

Big Macher Works Toward Sprint

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

Red Outlaw Remains Perfect

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

Boozer

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

Luscious Lonna Wins Miss America

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

California Chrome Works Six Furlongs

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

Boozer Wires Field in California Flag

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

Noms Closing for Juvenile Stakes

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

Golden State Series Deadline

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

Barretts Cancels Nov. Del Mar Sale

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

Red Outlaw Opts for Uniformity

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

Baltas Confident in Big Macher

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

NTRA Featured Legislator: Diane Feinstein

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

Tamarando in California Flag

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

Luscious Lonna in Miss America

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

Alert Bay Holds On for Premier Win

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

Downtown C. T. Wins Bull Dog

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

Velvet Mesquite

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

Velvet Mesquite Wins Distaff Handicap

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

Another Quick Work for ‘Chrome

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

Winning Image Wins Cornucopia

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

Unusual Heat Ranks No. 1

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

Truely Quick Enters Speakeasy

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

Classic Crusader Enters at Northlands

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

2015 Edition

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

Sherman wins Mr. Fitz Award

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

Lucky Pulpit Fee $10,000 for 2015

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

Sherman Confident in ‘Chrome for Classic

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

CHRB Also Bans O’Neill

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

Bluegrass Cat Moves to Ballena Vista

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

Alert Bay Enters Premier’s Handicap

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

Mesa Thunder has First Winner

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

Gates Buys Rancho Paseana

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

Tribal Spy Targets California Distaff

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

Unusual Way Enters Harvest

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

Cal-bred Brings $175,000 at Barretts

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

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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. ...

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