The Pamplemousse Colt Brings $105,000

Mar 5, 2014 Posted by CTBA In Announcement

From Rancho San Miguel POMONA, CA (March 3, 2014)-The Pamplemousse colt hip number 135 fetched $105,000 from the consignment of Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), he was purchased by Laurence F. Leavy. Hip 135 is from the first crop of The Pamplemousse. After previewing in .10 seconds the gray or roan became the highest selling California sired colt in the sale. The Pamplemousse colt was bred and raised at Rancho San Miguel and is out of the Storm Cat broodmare Hurricane Alert. Hurricane Alert is the dam of stakes winner Golden Hurricane and is from the immediate family of multiple grade one winning millionaire Fly Till Dawn. The Pamplemousse started off the 2014 juvenile sales year with a six figure two-year-old; after having his yearlings average over $53,000 last fall. The Pamplemousse was a multiple graded stakes winner at Santa Anita and is standing in 2014 for $2,500. For information on breeding to The Pamplemousse please contact Clay Murdock at (805) 467-3847. ...

Three Cal-breds Bring Six Figures at Barretts

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2014) — Led by the buying power of the Coolmore group, the Barretts March select sale of 2-year-olds in training at Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif., showed gains in gross, average, and median prices on Monday. Three California-breds brought six-figure prices: A Desert Code filly out of Lujien Lujien sold for $130,000 to St. George Sales; a Dixie Chatter filly out of Never to Excess sold for $125,000 to Jerry Hollendorfer; and a The Pamplemousse colt out of Hurricane Alert sold for $105,000 to Laurence Leavy. Demi O’Byrne, seated with Michael Tabor of Coolmore, bought the sale-topper, a Giant’s Causeway colt, for $1.15 million. O’Byrne also paid $450,000 for a Malibu Moon filly. Trainer Todd Pletcher, in the company of Tabor and O’Byrne, bought two juveniles by Malibu Moon, as agent – a filly for $950,000 as the sale’s second-highest price, and a colt for $550,000. Overall, Barretts reported that 60 horses sold for a gross of $10,665,000 on Monday, an average of $177,750... ...

Northern Indy Has First Foal

By Bloodhorse.com KENNEWICK, Wash. (Mar. 3, 2014) — Stakes winner Northern Indy was represented by his first foal when a filly was born March 2. Born at breeder Keith Marks’ farm near Kennewick, Wash., the newborn filly is the third offspring out of the winning Crowning Storm mare Storming Slew. During his race career, Northern Indy compiled a career record of 3-1-1 from 18 starts, and earned $133,407 for owner Highland Yard. His best performances included a victory in the 2012 Hasta La Vista Handicap at Turf Paradise and a runner-up effort in the 2011 Canadian Derby (Can-III). Bred in Kentucky by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Walsh, Northern Indy stands for $2,500 at Paradise Road Ranch near Lathrop, Calif. Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/83633/ca-stallion-northern-indy-sires-first-foal#ixzz2uxYUvK9v ...

Talamo Reclaims Mount on Cyclometer

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 2, 2014) — With Mike Smith opting to ride Shakin It Up in the San Carlos Stakes, one of four graded races on next Saturday’s blockbuster card, it opened the door for Joe Talamo to reunite with Cyclometer, and he’s happy to be back. “He’s a nice horse,” said Talamo, who rode Cyclometer in his first 10 starts, winning three. Smith had ridden Cyclometer in six of his last seven races, the last four in a row. “He runs hard every single time,” Talamo said of Cyclometer, a 6-year-old Cyclotron horse owned and bred by Irwin and Andrew Molasky and Bruce Headley, who also trains the California-bred chestnut. “I think he’s a better seven-eighths horse than six (furlongs), because he often doesn’t break that sharp, even though he’s a speed horse,” Talamo said. “That first jump, he always seems to break a little slow.” Such was the case last out, when Cyclometer bobbled at the start and finished fifth as the 3-2 favorite... ...

California Chrome Preps for San Felipe

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Mar. 2, 2014) — California Chrome worked five furlongs in 1:00 2/5 at Los Alamitos March 2 in preparation for the upcoming San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park. Jockey Victor Espinoza was aboard. “He went perfect,” said trainer Art Sherman. “He galloped out (six furlongs) in 1:13 and change. The horse looks like he’s ready to go.” Because of the recent heavy rain that has hit Southern California, Sherman delayed the work a day. “I was the only horse out here,” said Sherman. “Los Alamitos bent over backward for me to have a good track.” It was an important workout for California Chrome with the San Felipe set for March 8. It was his first drill since Feb. 22. The rain forced Barretts Sales & Racing to move its preview for the March 2-year-old sale up a day from its originally scheduled Feb. 28. Los Alamitos canceled its live Quarter Horse racing from Feb. 28-March 2 due to the weather. Sherman plans to... ...

Barretts March Sale on Monday

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2014) — Average price has risen three consecutive years at the Barretts March select sale of 2-year-olds in training – and may be going higher on Monday. The Barretts sale is the first of the year for the 2-year-old market, and can serve as a barometer for the nation. Last year, Barretts had the year’s first 2-year-old sale and saw a 31 percent increase in average price to $143,459, compared with $109,429 in 2012. Three other select sales – Fasig-Tipton Florida, Ocala Breeders’ March select sale, and Keeneland April – subsequently showed increases in average price last spring. The Barretts March sale had declining average prices of $178,027 in 2008 and $123,245 in 2009, bottoming out at $90,652 in 2010. The average increased to $100,709 in 2011. Monday’s sale, which begins at 2 p.m. Pacific, has a catalog of 140 juveniles. “There is a lot of depth,” said Barretts general manager Kim Lloyd. “With the upswing in the market, we expect an uptick in... ...

Santa Anita Stakes Look Like Hollywood

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2014) – The first Santa Anita spring-summer meeting from April 25 to June 29 will look very similar to the Hollywood Park spring-summer meeting it replaces even though some of the race names have been changed. The list of 34 stakes includes six Grade 1 races with familiar names such as the Gamely Stakes, American Oaks, Vanity Stakes, Shoemaker Mile, and Triple Bend Stakes. The Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup has been renamed the Gold Cup at Santa Anita, and will be run on June 28, the final Saturday of the meeting. Hollywood Park closed for development after its autumn meeting in December. Ten other stakes have been renamed – the Last Tycoon Stakes was the Inglewood, the Spring Fever was formerly the B. Thoughtful, the Desert Code had been run as the Harry Henson, the Precisionist Stakes was the Mervyn LeRoy, the Adoration Stakes was the Marjorie Everett Stakes, the Angels Flight Stakes was the Railbird, the Singletary Stakes was the Tsunami Slew, the... ...

Lakow Hired by Santa Anita

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2014) – Mike Lakow, a former director of racing at the New York Racing Association, has been hired as racing director at Santa Anita, the track announced Friday. Lakow, 57, will begin working at Santa Anita on March 24 and will assistant Santa Anita racing secretary Rick Hammerle, the track said. Lakow currently works as a steward at Calder Race Course in Miami. Aside from NYRA, Lakow has worked at tracks in Delaware, Dubai, Florida, Kentucky, and New Jersey. He spent 12 years with NYRA as director of racing. “Mike brings a breadth of experience and close personal relationships with horsemen nationwide that will serve us well as we move forward into this era of expanded dates and opportunities here at Santa Anita,” Santa Anita chairman Keith Brackpool said in a statement. Santa Anita added a spring-summer meeting to its schedule this year following the closure of Hollywood Park at the end of 2013. In the past, Santa Anita ended its winter-spring meeting in mid-April,... ...

Espinoza Excited About California Chrome

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 27, m2014) — It’s been more than a dozen years since Victor Espinoza won his only Kentucky Derby, and more than a half a century since a California-bred won the Run for the Roses. Espinoza and his No. 1 Derby prospect, California-bred California Chrome, could end those voids if the fates allow come May 3, when the 140th Derby unfolds at Churchill Downs. As always in horse racing, however, it’s first things first, and next up for Espinoza and California Chrome is a major test against open company in the Grade II, $300,000 San Felipe Stakes on March 8, a race worth 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. Since he has been beating up on state-breds in his last two races, presently, California Chrome has zero points, and trainer Art Sherman is acutely aware of that deficiency. Espinoza, who won the 2002 Kentucky Derby wire-to-wire on War Emblem for Bob Baffert, has ridden California Chrome in his last two victories, the King... ...

Cal-bred Pair in Santa Ysabel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2014) — Multiple stakes winner Swiss Lake Yodeler and fellow California-bred Anniversary Kitty are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Santa Ysabel Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Swiss Lake Yodeler is by Swiss Yodeler, out of the Meadowlake mare Domasco Lake, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of $235,850 and is coming off an 11th in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks. Anniversary Kitty is by Tribal Rule, out of the Bertrando mare Justanotherblonde, was bred by Mike Abraham, is owned by Highlander Racing Stable and trained by Craig Dollase. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $65,000 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks. ...

Poker Bills Would Exclude Racing

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2014) — Two Internet poker bills have been introduced in the California Legislature for consideration this year, but neither includes the racing industry on the short list of entities eligible for licensing. Josh Rubenstein, senior vice president for development of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and spokesman for a coalition of racing interests, said the bills were disappointing in that regard but were by no means the final word. “That’s the initial language. But the way bills start out and the way they finish, as we have seen, are usually quite different,” Rubenstein said by phone Feb. 26. The measures were among hundreds introduced Feb. 21 in time to meet the submission deadline for 2014 legislation. Senate Bill 1366, authored by Sen. Lou Correa, and Assembly Bill 2291, by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, received their first readings Feb. 24. Correa’s bill is a reintroduction of SB 678, which was submitted last year but never moved out of committee. The Jones-Sawyer legislation essentially reworks a bill advanced... ...

Magnum Force Enters Maxaam Gold Cup

HOUSTON, Tex. (Feb. 25, 2014) – Magnum Force is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Maxaam Gold Cup Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park. Magnum Force is by Redattore, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Tonsilitis, was bred by Carol Lingenfelter, is owned by Brent Gasaway and Brian Poppenberg and is trained by Dallas Keen He has two wins in 14 starts, earnings of $72,839 and is coming off a Jan. 31 allowance win. ...

Santa Anita Field Size Declines

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2014) – The winter-spring meeting at Santa Anita reached the halfway point earlier this month with an increase in all-sources handle, but a decline in average field size that has concerned officials. The 69-day meeting began Dec. 26 and continues through April 20. Thursday’s program at Santa Anita will be the 40th day of the winter-spring meeting. The track’s spring-summer meeting begins April 25 and runs through June 29, replacing much of the former Hollywood Park spring-summer meeting. At Santa Anita, all-sources handle has risen approximately 3 percent through last Saturday’s program, but field size has dropped from 8.3 runners per race at this point of the 2012-13 meeting to 7.69 runners through Sunday. The entire 2012-13 meeting averaged 8.08 runners per race. “We’re all concerned about field sizes,” track president George Haines said last weekend. Despite the drop in average starters, Haines said there are no plans to alter the racing schedule, such as going to a three-day racing week. “It’s not something we’ve... ...

Santa Anita ‘Cap Added to FOX Lineup

From The Jockey Club ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2014) — FOX Sports 1 and The Jockey Club announced today that the network will provide live coverage of the $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap from Santa Anita Park on Saturday, March 8. The telecast, as part of The Jockey Club Tour on FOX, will air from 7 – 7:30 p.m. ET. The 77th edition of the Big ‘Cap is expected to feature leading handicap horses Game On Dude, Mucho Macho Man and Will take Charge. Game On Dude won the historic race in 2011 and 2013 and Mucho Macho Man beat Will Take Charge by a nose in the $5 million Breeders’s Cup Classic at Santa Anita last November 2. Will Take Charge, the Eclipse Award winner as outstanding 3-year-old of 2013, was second to Lea in the Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park in his 2014 debut, which was shown live on FOX Sports 1 on February 9. Mucho Macho Man won the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park on January 18... ...

Barretts Preview Rescheduled

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2014) — With rain predicted for the end of the week, Barretts Sales officials have made the decision to re-schedule the March Sale Training Preview from Friday, February 28 to Thursday, February 27 at 10 a.m. The 25th annual auction of 141 selected 2-year-olds in training will begin at 2 p.m., Monday, March 3 in the Hinds Pavilion located at Fairplex Park in Pomona California. For further information, contact the Barretts sales office: www.barretts.com Tel: (909) 629-3099. ...

Ambitious Brew

Ambitious Brew wins the Sensational Star Stakes. ...

California Chrome Preps for San Felipe

From Santa Anita Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2014) — California Chrome worked six furlongs at Los Alamitos Saturday morning in 1:11.80 under regular rider Victor Espinoza as the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit moved closer to a start in the Grade II, $300,000 San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on March 8. “I’m real happy with the work,” trainer Art Sherman said. “I got him galloping out seven furlongs in 1:25. He’ll have one more breeze at Los Al and we’ll ship to Santa Anita five days before the race for schooling and final preparations. Victor said he went really nice.” ...

Ambitious Brew Wins Sensational Star

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2014)—Ambitious Brew, ridden by Brice Blanc, got a perfect stalking trip and upset favored Lakerville to win Saturday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for California-breds by 1 ½ lengths, covering 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12 flat. The 4-5 favorite in a field of six older horses bred in California, Lakerville, ridden by Gary Stevens, finished second, a half length in front of Summer Hit and Rafael Bejarano. A 4-year-old Tizbud gelding trained by Marty Jones, Ambitious Brew sat third early, stalking pacesetting longshot Coach Bob and Summer Hit through fractions of 22.00, 44.22 and 1:06.28 and hit the front three-wide a furlong out. “Mike (Smith, regular rider) was out of town today and I worked him the other morning,” said Blanc. “…I talked to Mike a little about the horse, I watched the replays and it seemed pretty straight forward. He has plenty of tactical speed and this race looked like it had a few speed horses... ...

The Usual Q. T. Passes at 8

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2014) — California-bred millionaire The Usual Q. T. passed away Thursday at the age of 8, according to posts on his and co-owner Michael Nentwig’s Facebook pages. “We are very sad to announce that Multiple Grade 1 Stakes Winner, THE USUAL Q. T. has passed away at the age of eight. He brought so much joy to our lives. Melinda and I would like to thank Jim and Melanie Bassett Cassidy for providing the best care for him during his racing career and in his retirement. He was a tremendous race horse and he will live on in our hearts forever!” The Usual Q. T. was a gelding by Unusual Heat, out of the Western Fame mare Lunge, was bred by Carlee Van Kampen, was owned by Don Van Racing, Nentwig, Goerge Saadeh and Jeffrey Byer and was trained by James Cassidy. He has eight wins in 23 starts and earnings of $1,531,240. The Usual Q. T. was a multiple Grade I winner (Hollywood Derby and... ...

CHRB Questions Santa Anita Stakes

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2014) — Santa Anita Park gained approval for its first spring/summer meet from the California Horse Racing Board Feb. 21 and presented a stakes schedule for the nine-week stand that looks quite a bit like Hollywood Park, which it is replacing. The meet follows a brief break from the Arcadia track’s winter/spring stand and will run for 40 days, April 25 through June 29. The schedule calls for racing on a Thursday through Sunday schedule with an additional card for Memorial Day, May 26. The regular first post will be 1 p.m. PDT, expect for twilight Friday programs, which will begin at 3 p.m. There will be an 11 a.m. first post for each of the Triple Crown cards. Santa Anita will run 33 stakes, most of those taken over from Betfair Hollywood Park, which closed for racing in December and is expected to be demolished in 2014, then replaced by commercial and residential development. Nineteen graded stakes are on the new Santa Anita... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2014) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Friday, February 21, 2014, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. 1st Vice Chair Bo Derek, 2nd Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg, and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, and George Krikorian were in attendance. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link. In brief: · The Board approved the application for the Los Angeles Turf Club to conduct a race meet at Santa Anita Park from April 25 through June 29, essentially a continuation of the current meet in Arcadia that runs through April 20, with a four-day break in between. The application was approved pending clarification of the schedule of stake races historically run in Southern California. · Several commissioners reported on working with racetracks on the development of fire evacuation plans as well as fire prevention measures. These efforts will continue and their progress will be detailed in public reports.... ...

Native Diver’s Journey Continues

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com Of all the loose ends left by the closure of Hollywood Park, none has generated more attention than the remains of the great Native Diver. A California-bred winner of three Hollywood Gold Cups in the mid-1960s and member of Thoroughbred racing’s Hall of Fame, Native Diver was buried in what eventually became the walking ring behind the grandstand, beneath an imposing monument. Richard Shapiro, the grandson of Native Diver’s owner and breeder, Louis K. Shapiro, has become involved with the efforts of exhumation on behalf of the family. On Thursday, he had the opportunity to observe the first tentative exploration of the site. Based on reports that Native Diver’s remains were not buried directly beneath the monument, or that the monument had been moved at some point, he was ready for anything, including complete frustration. “Look, I have in a trunk at home the rundown patches he wore in his races – the little rubber patches they put on his heels,” Shapiro said before the digging... ...

Hovdey on San Luis Rey Downs

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com BONSALL, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2014) — It’s not like the place wasn’t already on the map. San Luis Rey Downs was built in 1969. But the cluster of runners that vanned up to win at Santa Anita Park last weekend helped poke a hole in the idea that the newly invigorated training center is located somewhere near the ends of the earth. It’s not, although you can see it from there. Last Saturday, Peter Miller’s San Luis Rey stable cracked with On the Backstreets (by Street Boss, out of a Springsteen classic) in the $81,650 Sweet Life Stakes down the hillside turf course, then came right back on Sunday to win the $97,450 Baffle Stakes, also down the hill, with the Tribal Rule gelding Red Outlaw. For icing, the Miller barn popped later on Sunday with the 29-1 Rathbaun in a $60,000 allowance/optional claimer, then kept rolling into the Monday holiday program with the $25,000 claimer Keyboard Courage in the first and the Street Cry colt... ...

Lakerville Heads Sensational Star Field

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2014)—Owner, trainer and breeder Barry Abrams hopes for some personal “Showtime” at Santa Anita on Saturday, as his Lakerville heads a field of seven in the $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for older California-breds going 6 ½ furlongs down the Camino Real Turf Course. Idle 17 months, Lakerville, a 6-year-old horse by Unusual Heat, came back running to easily win the restricted Clockers’ Corner Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths down the hill on Jan. 26. Lightly raced, Lakerville, in his only other try down the hill, was a first-out maiden winner over the course on Oct. 22, 2011. Owned in-part by Abrams and Madeline Auerbach, Lakerville has a tremendous closing kick and has five wins and two seconds from seven overall starts. He’ll be ridden for the first time by Gary Stevens, as Corey Nakatani, who was up for the Clockers’ Corner win at 8-1, is committed to ride Gold Hawk in the Grade II Risen Star at Fairgrounds in New Orleans. Jerry... ...

NTRA Thanks Supporters

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 20, 2014) — The NTRA thanks those industry members and partners who supported the NTRA’s federal legislative fundraising effort in 2013. More than 700 individuals, farms and racing partnerships contributed an amount to the ¼% Check-off and Foal programs that was nearly 25 percent greater than in 2012. This diverse group represents more than 40 states and 10 countries and is 12 percent larger than in 2012. The NTRA also recognizes the following industry partners for their support of this initiative: Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, Barretts Sales & Racing, Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and Breeders’ Sales Company of Louisiana. Other organizations supporting the program include (in alphabetical order) California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA), Daily Racing Form (DRF), Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (NYTHA), Texas Horsemen’s News, Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN) and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA). Learn more about how you can join your peers in support... ...

Jones Duo in Sensational Star

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2014) — Marty Jones plans to test the stakes waters Saturday with Ambitious Brew and Mr. Ornery in the $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for California-breds at about 6 ½ furlongs on Santa Anita’s unique downhill turf course. Ambitious Brew will be making only his second stakes start in this, his seventh lifetime race, while Mr. Ornery makes his stakes debut in start No. 13. “They’re stepping up in class and Lakerville’s a tough horse, but they both have run well down the hill and they’re doing well, so we’ll try him,” Jones said. Ambitious Brew, a 4-year-old gelded son of Tizbud owned and bred by Pamela Ziebarth, won Nov. 3 in his first try over the downhill course. He has never been worse than second in six starts. Mr. Ornery, a 5-year-old Cee’s Tizzy gelding owned and bred by Donald and Sally Valpredo, also won over the same course on Jan. 20 despite an eventful trip. ...

Del Mar Plans Dirt Track in 2015

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2014) — Del Mar plans to install a dirt track for its 2015 summer season, replacing the existing synthetic surface, track president Joe Harper said Tuesday. Harper cautioned that the move to a dirt track was contingent on finding the “right material” and gaining the necessary permits, including approval from the California Coastal Commission. “I hope it happens,” he said. “I think that’s our plan. It’s one step at a time with making sure we get the right permits. “It’s a matter of finding the right surface. It’s a long list to check off before we can say it.” Harper said that track officials are currently searching for material for a dirt track. Del Mar has had a Polytrack synthetic surface since 2007 and is the only Southern California track with such a surface. Barretts Sales and Racing at the Los Angeles County Fair, Los Alamitos, and Santa Anita have dirt tracks. Hollywood Park, which closed permanently in December, had a Cushion Track... ...

Greene Donates Time to Second Chances

From Second Chances CA ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2014) — Leave it up to Sue Greene to volunteer her valuable time to provide Mid-Term Practical Skills assessments for the student grooms at Second Chances CA (SCC). Among her CTBA duties, the foaling, and now breeding season, Sue’s impact on this program has remained unmatched. “It’s only through the support of our industry that our program exists”, states Julie Baker, former assistant trainer and now SCC Equine Program Director. “The retired thoroughbreds we use in our program have all raced in California at one time or another. Sue’s support is just one indicator that as we are receiving some recognition now in the industry, for training grooms and re-training the retired horses fit for adoption” Early in its second year, SCC facilitates a three month version of the Groom Elite Horseman’s Education (vocational) program and provides EAGALA sessions, or equine assisted psychotherapy (the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association), to former inmates of Stanislaus County in Modesto, CA. SCC is also... ...

Red Outlaw

Red Outlaw wins the $75,000 Baffle Stakes. ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Friday, February 21, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park. This meeting will begin at 9 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only Webcast of the meeting can be heard through the “Webcasts” link on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov). The agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the CHRB website through the following links: agenda, package. ...

Tamarando Pointed Toward Spiral Stakes

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2014) — California-bred Tamarando and Dance With Fate, the one-two finishers in the El Camino Real Derby (gr. III) Feb. 15 at Golden Gate Fields, exited the race in good order and will likely make their next starts in Kentucky. Tamarando came from last in a field of eight to win the 1 1/8-mile El Camino Real Derby by a half-length over Dance With Fate, who took second by 2 1/4 lengths over 6-5 favorite Enterprising. “He came out of the race real well,” said trainer Jerry Hollendorfer of Tamarando, who earned his third career stakes victory at odds of 2-1. All three of Tamarando’s stakes wins have come on synthetic surfaces, including the Del Mar Futurity (gr. I) on Polytrack, the Real Quiet Stakes on Cushion Track at Betfair Hollywood Park, and the El Camino Real Derby on Tapeta. Hollendorfer said he is looking at the $550,000 Spiral Stakes (gr. III), a 1 1/8-mile race that will be run March 22 at Turfway Park,... ...

Red Outlaw in Tough Baffle Win

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2014)—Red Outlaw, with Joel Rosario up, prevailed in a head and head battle the length of the stretch to take Sunday’s $75,000 Baffle Stakes by a head over favored Gangnam Guy and Victor Espinoza, getting 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12.05. The second choice at 5-2 in a field of seven 3-year-olds, Red Outlaw broke alertly from post six and sat a close second down the hill to longshot Noble Metal through fractions of 21.64, 43.69 and 1:06.39. He was carried wide by the pacesetter crossing the dirt at the top of the lane and was immediately engaged to his outside by the favorite as the field straightened for home and those two bumped a furlong out, resulting in a stewards’ inquiry. After a review of several minutes, the stewards ruled unanimously that the contact did not affect the original order of finish and they let the original result stand. Trained by Peter Miller, Red Outlaw paid... ...

Tamarando Wins El Camino Real

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2014) — California-bred Tamarando was content to sit last through the first six furlongs, but then unleashed a strong closing run to score a solid victory in the Grade 3, $200,000 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday. Tamarando, winner of last year’s Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity, was not exactly a last-minute replacement for his unbeaten stablemate Exit Stage Left, who suffered a tendon injury one week earlier. “We had talked about running him anyway,” said winning trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, who had given Tamarando, a son of Bertrando, a strong five-furlong work after his second-place finish in the Jan. 25 Cal Cup Derby at Santa Anita. Hollendorfer said that owner-breeders Larry and Marianne Williams did not want to run at Santa Anita again because the track does not play well to Tamarando’s late-closing style. Tamarando ($6.60) was last in the field of eight but sat closer to the lead than he had in recent starts. He was five lengths behind pacesetting I’ll Wrap... ...

California Chrome Works at Los Al

From Santa Anita Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2014) — California Cup Derby winner California Chrome worked four furlongs at Los Alamitos Saturday in 47.80 in preparation for his foray into open company in the Grade II, $300,000 San Felipe Stakes on March 8, where it is expected he will face, among others, the Bob Baffert-trained Bayern, smashing 15-length allowance winner on Thursday. “I got him galloping out (five furlongs) in 1:00 3/5,” said trainer Art Sherman, who had his regular exercise rider, Jay Conklin, aboard the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit. Sherman was philosophical about facing tougher foes in the San Felipe. “We can’t duck anybody,” he said. “We need points (to qualify for the Kentucky Derby on May 3). I’ll just keep my fingers crossed.” The San Felipe is worth 50 Kentucky Derby points to the winner. ...

Buena Vista Draws Cal-bred Pair

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2014) – California-breds Dancingtothestars and Unusual Hottie are entered in Monday’s $200,000 Grade II Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dancingtothestars is by Good Journey, out of the In Excess mare A Lil Excess, was bred by owner Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $400,872 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 18 Megahertz. Unusual Hottie is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ski Champ mare Branca Como Neve, was bred by Ali Nilforushan, is owned by Seyyed Nilforushan and is trained by Jeff Mullins. She has seven wins in 18 starts, earnings of $397,278 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 25 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...

Cal-bred Pair Lost in the Fog

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2014) – California-breds Mah Gellin and Ourwestcoastghost are entered in Monday’s $50,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate Mah Gellin is by Skimming, out of the Maheras mare Mahrin, was bred by Racing Edge, is owned by Joe and Lola Sample and trained by Duane Offield. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $122,078 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 18 optional claimer. Ourwestcoastghost is by Muqtarib, out of the In Excess mare Xpress Xcess, was bred by owners Ron and Lillian Lang and D. Wayne Baker and is trained by Baker. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $135,462 and is coming off a ninth in the Jan. 25 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

Grazen’s Hope Enters San Vicente

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2014) – Unbeaten Grazen’s Hope is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II San Vicente Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Grazen’s Hope is by Grazen, out of the Bartok mare Chelcee’s Hope, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steve Miyadi. He has won both career starts with earnings of $43,680. ...

Cal-bred Trio in Baffle

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2014) – California-breds Gangnam Guy, Red Outlaw and Life Is a Joy are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Gangnam Guy is by Roi Charmant, out of the Unusual Heat mare The Toast of Troy, was bred by B&B Zietz Stables, is owned by Richard Barton and trained by Mike Machowsky. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $113,420 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 16 optional claimer. 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, Dizonno, Gaylord, et al and is trained by Peter Miller. He has won both career starts with earnings of $54,600. Life Is a Joy is by Globalize, out of the Indian Charlie mare Tadita, was bred by owners Jerry and Janet Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in seven starts, earnings of... ...

Valpredo Elected CTBA President

BERKELEY, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2014) — Donald Valpredo was elected President, Harris Auerbach Vice President, Tim Cohen Treasurer and Sue Greene Secretary of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association at Monday night’s Board of Directors meeting in Berkeley. It was also announced at the meeting that John Barr, Leigh Ann Howard and Jane Johnson were re-elected to Board seats and Edward Freeman won election as the newest member of the Board. Greene had been President for the previous three years but was termed out per association by-laws. “After three outstanding years as serving as President of our organization the CTBA, Sue Green was termed out. The directors wrestled with the thought of a change in the by-laws to extend the term for another year, but after good discussion decided to pass on a by-law change,” said Valpredo. “We have some outstanding and energetic newcomers on the board and one or two oldtimers. To encourage and facilitate the learning process of some younger directors I inherited the position of once again serving as... ...

Cal-bred Pair in El Camino Real

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2014) – Grade I winner Tamarando and fellow California-bred Infosec are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $505,120 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 25 California Cup Derby. Infosec is by Heatseeker, out of the Vindication mare Sistine, was bred by Kaleem Shah, is owned by Remmah Stable and trained by Frank Lucarelli. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $40,020 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 18 California Derby. ...

Sweet Life Draws Cal-bred Quartet

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2014) – California-breds Sprague River, Susans Express, Harlington’s Rose and Smoove It are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. 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 three starts, earnings of $59,440 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks. Susans Express is by Decarchy, out of the In Excess mare Excessive Susan, was bred by Ed Delaney, is owned by Elliston Black, Saul Carrillo, Ed Delaney and Jorge Periban, et al, and is trained by Periban. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $143,140 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks. Harlington’s Rose is by Harlington, out of the Orientate mare A Rose for You, was bred by Y-Lo Racing Stable, is owned by Thomas Halasz,... ...

Cal-bred Trio in Gold Cup

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 12, 2014) – California-breds Spirit Rules, Goodbye Charlie and L. A. Weekend are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap at Turf Paradise. 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, Paul Aguirre, Craig Siedler, Jim Xitco, et al and is trained by Aguirre. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $135,598 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 25 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. Goodbye Charlie is by Old Topper, out of the Relaunch a Tune mare Musical Girl, was bred by owner Pete Gallegos and trained by Dan McFarlane. He has four wins in 22 starts, earnings of $74,411 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 25 Swift Stakes. L. A. Weekend is by Tribal Rule, out of the Avenue of Flags mare Storybook Fair, was bred by Dennis Johnston, is owned by Rick Wiest and trained by... ...

Horseman Bill Currin Passes at 77

By Bloodhorse.com Bill Currin, who bred, owned, and trained 2006 Hollywood Futurity (gr. I) winner Stormello, died Feb. 11 in Solana Beach, Calif., after a long illness. He was 77. His wife of 58 years, Betty, was at his side, as she has been since they became childhood sweethearts in North Carolina. The Currins have raced several major stakes winners. Bill trained their homebred Memorette, a graded stakes-winning earner of $896,753. As Bill liked to tell the story, the only reason the mare raced in Betty’s name was because Bill didn’t have time to get to a jewelry store one Christmas. Memorette’s second dam, Fondre, won five stakes for Currin and W.R. Hawn. She became a foundation mare for the Currins’ breeding operation. Memorette is by Memo out of Fondre’s daughter Forever Fondre. The Currins moved to California when Bill wanted to be an actor and followed Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz west when they formed an acting school. During those days, Bill lived in the Chateau Marmont hotel in... ...

Avoiding IRS Tax Audits

By Herb Wittenberg, CPA COVINA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2014) — An IRS Audit is disagreeable. It’s time consuming, requiring you and/or your accountant to gather up your supporting documentation. Perhaps you can end up paying additional taxes. Some things trigger an audit, so here are some tips to help you avoid them. The Schedule C Form requires you to enter an occupational code number for your business. The correct number for Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding is 711210. Failure to enter this number on the Schedule C can get you an IRS Audit. Each Race Track sends you a Form 1099 at year end showing your gross purse earnings. They also send the IRS a copy of the Form 1099. You must show gross purse income of at least this amount on your return or it will trigger a letter, (and perhaps an audit), from the IRS. The actual money you receive from the Race Track will always differ from the Form 1099 because the track deducts various expenses – i.e.... ...

Tamarando Confirmed for El Camino Real

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2014) — Eight 3-year-olds, including Grade 1 stakes-winner Tamarando, are confirmed to start in the Grade 3 $200,000 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields Saturday. Entries for Northern California’s official Kentucky Derby prep will be taken Wednesday morning and the following horses are scheduled to start: Craftsman (Dennis Carr will ride), Dance With Fate (Aaron Gryder), Enterprising (Gary Stevens), I’ll Wrap It Up (Juan Hernandez), Infosec (Isaias Enriquez), Neverwherecauseway (Alex Bisono), Puppy Manners (Frank Alvarado), and Tamarando (Russell Baze). Grazen’s Hope, Life Is A Joy and Pearl Spectre are listed as possible entrants. The El Camino Real Derby is a 1 1/8-mile contest and is part of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” a 34-race series that awards points to the top four finishers in each race. The top 20 point earners nominated to the Triple Crown will get a spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs.... ...

Calimonco’s First Foal Arrives

By Bloodhorse.com RAMONA, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2014) — The first reported foal for Storm Cat’s dual stakes-winning son Calimonco was a filly born Feb. 5 at Don and Karen Cohn’s Ballena Vista Farm near Ramona, Calif. Bred by Ballena Vista Farm and Martin J. Wygod, the dark bay or brown filly is the first foal out of Action Nine, a winning daughter of War Front . Calimonco, who had career earnings of $391,486, won the 2011 Wickerr Stakes at Del Mar and 2012 Sidd Finch Stakes at Santa Anita Park. He is a full brother to champion 2-year-old filly Sweet Catomine and Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic (gr. I) winner Life is Sweet. Calimonco was bred to 50 mares his first year at stud and stands his second season at Ballena Vista Farm for a fee of $1,500. Bred in Kentucky by Pam and Martin Wygod, Calimonco is out of the Kris S. mare Sweet Life. Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/83305/first-foal-for-storm-cat-son-calimonco#ixzz2t3uuEetm ...

Lookn Wild Win Streak at 9

From Tommy Town Thoroughbreds PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 12, 2014) — Lookn Wild, a gelded 6-year-old son of Ministers Wild Cat, made it nine-in-a-row with another wire-to-wire win in a Turf Paradise allowance/optional claiming six furlong race. Lookn Wild has won 14 races from 30 lifetime starts with earnings of $113,405. Bred in California by Darren Carraway & Judd Whitworth this gelding is out of the Smoke Glacken broodmare Smokin Sasa. He has won at seven different racetracks during his four-year campaign. Ministers Wild Cat was the fourth ranked 2013 sire in California with progeny earnings over $3.5 million. He sired seven 2013 stakes winners that have won eleven stakes. ...

Points Offthebench Horse of the Year

BERKELEY, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2014) — The late Points Offthebench was named California-bred Horse of the Year for 2013 at Monday night’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkeley. Halo Dolly, Teddy’s Promise and Tiz Flirtatious were the other finalists for Horse of the Year. Points Offthebench was sired by Benchmark, out of the Free House mare Mo Chuisle, was bred by Gary Rocks, was owned by Donnie Crevier and Charles Martin and trained by Tim Yakteen. Points Offthebench was a two-time Grade I winner in 2013 (Bing Crosby Stakes and Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes) and had a five-race win streak when he suffered a fatal injury working out in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. He had six wins in eight starts and earnings of $514,940. Earlier this year Points Offthebench was named Eclipse Award champion sprinter for 2013. He also was named champion Cal-bred sprinter and older male. The other champions presented at the dinner: Champion... ...

New Del Mar Turf Course by Feb. 21

By utsandiego.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2014) — If you think putting in a new turf course at a racetrack is as simple as watching grass grow, well, you don’t know worms about turf. For an understanding of how complicated it is to install a new grass course for 1,200-pound racehorses at Del Mar, know this: It all started Oct. 1, 2012 when sprigs of Greg Norman 1 (GN1) Bermuda grass were planted on a sandy, 12-acre plot in the Coachella Valley. Now, that grass is mature and ready to be cut, rolled and transported to where the new and improved turf will meet the surf at Del Mar. For nearly 18 months, the Pacific Sod Company has followed a stringent growing and maintenance plan developed by Del Mar for its turf course. “That’s almost a year and a half of growing, which is unheard of (for a project like Del Mar’s),” said Leif Dickinson, turf and landscape superintendent at Del Mar. “It was costly to do, and we don’t... ...

California Handle Jumps in January

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. – Wagering at California tracks rose 14 percent in January, bucking a national trend, according to discussions at an open forum conducted at Santa Anita by the Thoroughbred Owners of California on Saturday. “With the country being down on handle, a lot of that has to do with weather on the East Coast, wagering on California was up 14 percent and purse generation was up 12 percent,” said TOC president Joe Morris. “We’ve been consistently outperforming this year. That’s good news for us out here.” California had a dry January, with hardly any rainfall, leaving the state in a drought. That led to little disruption to racing. Across the country, many tracks were affected by snow and cold weather. Nationwide, wagering was down .23 of a percentage point in January, from $802.3 million to $800 million, according to figures released last week by Equibase. The California handle figures mentioned by Morris were part of a wide variety of issues discussed before a small group of owners... ...

California Chrome Works at Los Al

From Santa Anita Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2014) — California Chrome, seeking to become the first California-bred to win the Kentucky Derby since Decidedly in 1962, worked towards his ultimate goal Saturday morning at Los Alamitos, going four furlongs in 48 seconds under regular rider Victor Espinoza. “Perfect,” is how trainer Art Sherman described the move for the chestnut son of Lucky Pulpit, owned and bred by Martin Perry of Yuba City, California, and Steven Coburn of Wellington, Nevada. “He went in 48, just breezing,” Sherman continued. “Espinoza said he went really nice.” In eight career starts, California Chrome has faced open company twice, finishing fifth in the Willard Proctor Memorial Stakes at Hollywood Park last June, and sixth, beaten only two lengths, in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 4. He daylighted Cal-breds in his last two races, winning the King Glorious by 6 ¼ lengths and the California Cup Derby by 5 ½ lengths. Next up: the Grade II San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita... ...

California Chrome, Espinoza at Los Al

From Santa Anita Publicity The Kentucky Derby is still three months away, but Victor Espinoza is hopeful both he and California Chrome can make it to the 140th Run for the Roses on May 3. Hard to believe it’s going on 12 years since Espinoza scored a 20-1 Derby upset in 2002 when he piloted War Emblem to a front-running victory for trainer Bob Baffert. Art Sherman trains California Chrome, a 3-year-old California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit owned and bred by Martin Perry and Steven Coburn. Espinoza has ridden California Chrome twice, registering impressive daylight wins against Cal-breds each time, in the King Glorious at Hollywood Park and the California Cup Derby at Santa Anita. Next up: open company in the Grade II San Felipe Stakes on March 8. “He’s very consistent,” said agent Brian Beach in evaluating the 41-year-old Espinoza’s success this meet which has placed him among the top five in victories. “People know what they’re going to get from him. He’s not one of the young guys;... ...

‘America’s Best Racing’ App Released

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 7, 2014) — The Jockey Club and Equibase Company announced the release of the America’s Best Racing app for iPhone and Android. The free app includes video replays provided by Roberts Communications plus full charts and pari-mutuel payoffs of all graded stakes races (including the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup) for the current year as they occur, as well as every graded stakes race run since 2010. The 2014 America’s Best Racing app can be downloaded at itunes.com and play.google.com. A web version of America’s Best Racing is available at americasbestracing.net and equibase.com. “This app is the perfect tool to follow graded stakes races from your mobile device as they happen throughout the year and watch the best of racing from the past several years,” said Jason Wilson, vice president, business development, The Jockey Club. “We are happy to partner with Equibase to bring this app to a new audience of fans as part of America’s Best Racing’s fan initiatives.” “As it turns... ...

Fatalities Down in 2012-13

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2014) – Equine fatalities at California tracks dropped 24 percent in the 2012-13 fiscal year to its lowest number in more than two decades, according to the California Horse Racing Board’s annual report, published earlier this month. From July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013, 209 horses of all breeds died within enclosures under the jurisdiction of the racing board throughout the state. By comparison, there were 278 fatalities in the 2011-2012 fiscal year, and 265 in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The figure reached 325 in the 2007-08 fiscal year. “That’s a substantial drop,” said California equine medical director Dr. Rick Arthur. For the 2012-13 fiscal year, the racing board listed 90 fatalities during racing, 56 fatalities during training and 63 other deaths from such causes as heart attacks, diseases including colic, colitis and enteritis, and respiratory and neurological causes. Although the commission did not release fatalities by breed, Arthur said there were fewer Thoroughbred fatalities during the last fiscal year than any year since... ...

Relocating Native Diver

By Paulick Report INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2014) — Following the closure of Hollywood Park, the only horse remaining in track’s walking ring is one who had been in the ground for 46 years. Native Diver, often heralded as the West Coast’s Kelso, was brought to rest there after dying suddenly from a bout of colic. After the track closed on Dec. 22, officials made the decision to move the horse’s remains to Del Mar, but activists say that isn’t the end of the story. http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/dust-to-dust-exhuming-native-diver-from-hollywood-park/ ...

Lombardini, CANTER President, Passes

EAST LANSING, Mich. (Feb. 6, 2014) — Bob Lombardini, president of the national and Michigan chapters of the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER) died Jan. 28. He was 63. Lombardini was key in helping establish CANTER as a national organization, and one of the most recognizable resources in finding new homes and careers for retired racehorses. “As an officer and friend of CANTER, Bob gave countless hours in this endeavor, sacrificing his time to help establish CANTER as a national organization, while still being actively involved in CANTER Michigan,” said Nancy Koch, executive director of CANTER USA. “He was that rare person that could run a successful business and be completely accessible to help our volunteers and our horses, sometimes at all hours. Losing Bob, a man who felt a need and a duty to support CANTER, saddens us all.” Lombardini was a partner in Meier, Lombardini and Lemanski, an insurance company in East Lansing, Mich. He opened his farm in Williamston, Mich., to injured Thoroughbreds recovering from... ...

Oscillator Makes a Wish

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2014) – Oscillator is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Oscillator is by Decarchy, out of the In Excess mare Excessive Susan, was bred by Ed Delaney, is owned by Stephen Campbell and trained by Jorge Periban. She has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $140,548 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 18 allowance. ...

Kris Furillo in California Oaks

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2014) — Kris Furillo is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Kris Furillo is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Chetten County, was bred by owners Carliwood Farms, Bari Amadio and Peter Amadio and is trained by Michael Larson. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $21,310 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 1 Blue Norther. ...

General Challenge Passes at 18

RAMONA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2014) — General Challenge, two-time California champion and seventh on the all-time Cal-bred money earning list, passed away Tuesday at Golden Eagle Farm at age 18. “Its with a heavy heart that we announce the great GENERAL CHALLENGE has been euthanized,” read a post on Golden Eagle Farm’s Facebook page. “He was not doing well the last few days and today his condition deteriorated rapidly. The great ones always tell us when its their time and he told us today. Everyone at the farm was with him when he passed. He is being buried next to Best Pal at Golden Eagle Farm.” The farm included a link to this Bloodhorse.com video on General Challenge’s career. ...

Wine Thief at Sunland Park

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 4, 2014) – Wine Thief is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 El Diario Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park Wine Thief is by Benchmark, out of the French Parliament mare Malbay Slew, was bred by Robert Osaki, Eileen Osaki and West 12 Ranch, is owned by SEJ Stables and trained by Justin Evans. She has seven wins in 24 starts, earnings of $155,035 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 21 Bold Ego. ...

Go West Marie Runs Back East

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Feb. 4, 2014) – Go West Marie is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Dearly Precious Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Aqueduct. Go West Marie is by Western Fame, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Marie’s Rose, was bred by Summer Mayberry, is owned by Funky Munky Stable and trained by Carlos Martin. She is coming off a Dec. 29 maiden win in her third start with earnings of $29,300. ...

Seabiscuit’s Barn Officially Historic

By Bloodhorse.com WILLITS, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2014) — Seabiscuit’s stud barn, located at Ridgewood Ranch in Willits, Calif., officially was listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places last month. The 15-month nomination process conducted by Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation president Jacqueline Cooper was supported by individuals around the world, including Michael Howard, family historian of Seabiscuit owner Charles Howard; and organizations such as Santa Anita Park and Rotary Club of Willits, as well as the property owner, Golden Rule Church Association. “While Seabiscuit’s racing career ended prior to the construction of the stud barn, owner Charles Howard held the racehorse in such high esteem that he constructed a new barn, luxurious by equine standards, for Seabiscuit’s use,” said California state historian William Burg during a recent California State Historical Resource Commission meeting. “The barn featured a guestbook signed by over 5,000 visitors between 1940 and 1947.” Burg went on to say the building is significant based on the property’s role in horse racing history and tourism. “Because Seabiscuit was one... ...

CHRB Annual Report Now Online

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board’s Annual Report for fiscal year 2012-13 and racing year 2013 is now available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under “Publications.” For your convenience, we are attaching a pdf of the Annual Report. The CHRB no longer publishes a print edition of the Annual Report. ...

Big Plans for California Chrome

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2014) — The Cessna 172 is a single-engine, fixed-wing private plane that seats four, costs about $290,000 new, and can be seen by the dozens at regional airports throughout the world. The plane was going to be Steve Coburn’s new hobby a few years ago. “I wanted to buy an airplane,” Coburn said last weekend. “My wife said no.” Carolyn Coburn was not keen on the aviation idea, leading the couple to seek an alternative investment. They chose Thoroughbred racehorses. When Carolyn Coburn put her foot down over the airplane, she made a decision that put her family on the 2014 Triple Crown trail. After several years of investing with the California-based Blinkers On racing syndicate, the Coburns and fellow partners Perry and Denise Martin bought broodmare prospect Love the Chase in 2009. Her first foal, by the young California stallion Lucky Pulpit, arrived in 2011 and was named California Chrome. Now 3, California Chrome has won three stakes, most recently the $250,750 California... ...

Angus Represented by First Winner

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2014) – California stallion Angus was represented by his first winner Friday when Spanishsugarrr won the fifth race at Golden Gate, a $20,000 maiden claimer. Spanishsugarrr is out of the Comic Strip mare Spanish Halo, was bred by Greg James and Roger Wynn, is owned by Wynn and trained by James. Spanishsugarrr ran the mile in 1:41.21 and won by three lengths at odds of 2-1 in the field of seven. Angus, a son of Smokester, stands at Geocel Ranch. ...

Lovingier Appointed to TOC Board

From TOC Arcadia, Calif., Jan. 31, 2014 – The board of directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) unanimously voted to appoint Terry Lovingier to fill a vacancy on the board created by the recent resignation of Madeline Auerbach. Lovingier, a native of Oklahoma who was raised in Lakewood, CA, has had a lifelong love of horses. With his wife Barbara, he owns and operates Lovacres Ranch in Warner Springs just east of Temecula. The ranch encompasses over 500 acres and is home to several Thoroughbred stallions, including Awesome Gambler, Empire Way, Time To Get Even, Bushwacked, Grace Upon Grace, and Swiss Yodeler. Lovingier, who races mainly in partnerships, has campaigned many good runners including Willa B Awesome and currently has Willie B Awesome, Time For Angie, Time for a Hug and Takem By Surprise. “Terry brings a wealth of experience as both a breeder and an owner to the TOC board,” said Chairman Mike Pegram. “As a member of the CTBA board of directors as well, he will... ...

Non-member Registration Fees Increase

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2014) – Registration fees for California-bred and California-sired foals will increase as of Apr. 1, 2014 for non-members of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, it was announced on Thursday. Registration fees for non-members of the CTBA will be $200 per foal if applied for by September 30 of yearling year and $250 if applied for after September 30 of yearling year but before the following January 1. Registration fees for member fees stay the same — $100 per foal if applied for by September 30 of yearling year and $125 if applied for after September 30 of yearling year but before the following January 1. The fee will remain the same for two-year-olds and older: $750. ...

Del Mar Hires David Jerkens

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2014) — David Jerkens, currently the racing secretary at Northern California’s Golden Gate Fields, will relocate to Southern California in early June and assume the role of racing secretary at Del Mar, it has been announced. Jerkens, 35, is being brought on at Del Mar to strengthen the racing department headed by Tom Robbins, the track’s executive vice president for racing and industry relations, as well as its long-time racing secretary. Robbins will continue to work out of the seaside track’s racing office, but will turn over the racing secretary duties there to Jerkens so he (Robbins) can dedicate more time to other track assignments, including several national and international projects and committees that demand his attention. Additionally, Del Mar will hold a second fall meeting this year covering the month of November, putting more requirements on the track’s racing office and its personnel. “With the shift in the racing scene in Southern California and the racing picture in general... ...

Barretts March Catalog Online

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2014) — The catalog for the 25th Annual Barretts March Sale of Selected Two-Year-Olds in Training is now on-line and will be mailed soon. This auction of 141 two-year-olds will be held on Monday, March 3 in the Hinds Pavilion located on the grounds of Fairplex Park in Pomona, California beginning at 2:00 p.m. The catalog can be viewed now at http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catmarch2014/catalog.asp The March Sale catalog is also now available for your ipad. Click here for details. The official training preview is scheduled to be held on Friday, February 28 on the Fairplex Park racetrack adjacent to Barretts, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The preview will be streamed live at http://www.barretts.com/sales/ViewSale/index.asp Video clips for each preview can be viewed on-line by the afternoon following the preview at www.barretts.com. Since its inception, the Barretts March Sale has been the leading producer of top quality race horses west of Kentucky. Among the many Grade One winners are Awesome Gem, Brocco, Brother Derek, Dubai Escapade, Henny Hughes, Honour... ...

Sue Greene

Sue Greene is secretary of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and past president. Q: When and how did you first get involved in the Thoroughbred breeding industry? How does your professional background influence your Thoroughbred breeding plan? A: I was introduced to Thoroughbred racing in 1968 after I convinced my Dad to buy the horse I was competing with in endurance racing. We completed the Tevis Cup 100 mile one day ride that summer and in order to continue competing I had to have a job to pay the expenses. I went to the track with a friend I rode with and got my first race track job cleaning stalls for Skip Retherford. I left the track to attend Cal Poly but returned after graduation and spent 12 years on the track. I purchased my first farm with Mr. Retherford. We stood the stallions Mr. Airstream and Battle Call. I have built two farms since, beginning a career in the breeding end of the racing industry. I have brought the knowledge gained at... ...

Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2014) — Art Sherman woke up last Saturday morning hoping his horse would get a decent piece of a $250,000 pot offered for Cal-breds to be run later that day at Santa Anita. He went to bed that night wondering about hotel rates in Louisville. It’s a long jump from the last Saturday in January to the first Saturday in May, which means there is nothing that says California Chrome necessarily will make it to the Kentucky Derby. History indicates he’s got a steep climb, and not even his authoritative, 5 1/2-length romp in the California Cup Derby gets him any closer to the starting gate, let alone the winner’s circle, at Churchill Downs. The stats alone are brutal on horses reared out West. The last California-bred to win the Kentucky Derby was Decidedly, a son of Derby winner Determine, who was bred and raised at George Pope’s El Peco Ranch near the town of Madera in the state’s vast Central Valley.... ...

Tommy Town Repeats as Leading Breeder

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2014) – Led by champion 3-year-old filly Doinghardtimeagain, Tommy Town Thoroughbreds is the champion breeder of California-foaled thoroughbreds by earnings for the second consecutive year. The award will be presented at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, to be held Feb. 10 at the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkeley. Tommy Town Thoroughbreds finished with foal earnings of $3,089,448. Doinghardtimeagain, a homebred daughter of Tommy Town stallion Ministers Wild Cat, contributed the biggest chunk of that total, $388,240, including a win in the Grade II Hollywood Oaks. Tommy Town Thoroughbreds finished first in earnings in 2012 with $2,561,735, also led by Doinghardtimeagain with $198,500. Tommy Town Thoroughbreds also was the California champion breeder in 2009. ...

Barretts January Sale Results

By DRF.com The Barretts January mixed sale concluded on Monday with steady improvements in each of the major economic categories. The one-day sale, held at the Ralph M. Hinds Pavilion in Pomona, Calif., finished with 224 horses sold for revenues of $1,944,900. That marked a 30 percent improvement compared with the 2013 auction, where 184 horses brought $1,536,100. The average sale price rose 4 percent, from $8,348 to $8,683, while the median of $5,350 climbed 19 percent compared with $4,500 last year. The buyback rate fell to 17 percent after finishing at 23 percent in 2013. Topping the sale was a short yearling and an unraced 2-year-old, each dropping the hammer at $70,000. Patrick Keogh secured a yearling Midnight Lute colt out of the placed Deputy Minister mare Bellastrega. Bred in California by John Perrotta and Edward Mercaldo, the colt is a sibling to two winners from as many foals to race, and he is from the family of Grade 2 winner Chieftan’s Command and stakes winner and Saratoga turf... ...

The Story Behind California Chrome

By Robbie Rodriguez ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2014) — Two weeks before California Chrome was born, co-owner/breeder of California Chrome, Steve Coburn, had a dream. “I woke up and told my wife I had a dream and that we’re going to have a chestnut colt, with a big white blaze on his face, with four white stockings.” Coburn said. On February 18, 2011, California Chrome was born, looking exactly like the horse in his dream. “My sister Brenda passed away succumbing to cancer when she was only 36 years old, and her birthday was February 18.” Coburn said in a much deeper voice exuding with pride. “It’ll be 36 years this year since we’ve had a Triple Crown winner.” Coburn continued. “And this year’s Kentucky Derby falls on my 61st birthday.” When California Chrome’s dam Love the Chase was in training as a young filly, she was trained by Greg Gilchrist. “Greg told me I’d be a real dumb ass to get into this game.” Coburn said. “So Perry Martin... ...

Lakerville

Lakerville wins the $75,000 Clockers’ Corner Stakes. ...

Showtime for Lakerville

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2014)—Away 17 months, 6-year-old Lakerville smoked late under Corey Nakatani to take Sunday’s $75,000 Clockers’ Corner Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths, getting 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:11.75. Well in-hand approaching the dirt crossing at the top of the lane, Nakatani was about five lengths behind a three-horse spread consisting of early leader Ankeny Hill, El Commodore and 2-1 favorite Ready for More. Nakatani set after the leaders crossing back to the turf and overhauled Ankeny Hill and Edwin Maldonado inside the sixteenth pole to comfortably hold off a late run from Sweet Swap and Rafael Bejarano. Off at 8-1, Lakerville, a California-bred horse by Unusual Heat, paid $19.60, $8.40 and $6.40. Idle since Aug. 15, 2012 at Del Mar, Lakerville made his seventh career start in the Clockers’ Corner. “He was ready to come back two or three times, but he just got away from us in the mornings,” said trainer and co-owner/breeder Barry Abrams. “When... ...

California Chrome

California Chrome wins $250,000 Cal Cup Derby. ...

Susans Express

Susans Express wins $200,000 Cal Cup Oaks. ...

Big Macher

Big Macher wins the $125,000 Donald Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint ...

Ciao Bella Luna

Ciao Bella Luna wins $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf ...

Weewinnin

Weewinnin wins the $250,000 Cal Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank ...

$250,000 Cal Cup Derby — CALIFORNIA CHROME

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2014)—California Chrome proved himself best of the statebreds on Saturday at Santa Anita with an overpowering victory in the $250,000 California Cup Derby, a performance that his trainer, Art Sherman, thought was in him, and which will earn California Chrome a shot to prove himself worth of getting to another Derby, the one in Kentucky on May 3. “He had been training like a bomb,” Sherman said after California Chrome rolled to a 5 1/2-length victory in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds. Tamarando, winner of the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity last summer, rallied for second, 3 1/4 lengths in front of third-place Life Is a Joy. Awesome Return was fourth and was followed, in order, by Better Bet, Public Policy, and Lucky Views. Three horses did not finish the race. Aotearoa was eased on the far turn. And then in the stretch, Electric Eddie, while racing in fifth place, broke down, and, unable to run straight because of his injuries, veered into... ...

$250,000 Cal Cup Classic, Presented by City National Bank — WEEWINNIN

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. – Injury kept Weewinnin off the track for 11 months in 2013. After that long of a layoff, a few seconds of suspense was not an issue for his backers in Saturday’s $251,500 California Cup Turf Classic at Santa Anita. Jockey Joe Talamo had Weewinnin on the rail on the turn of the turf race over 1 1/8 miles, waiting for running room behind the pacesetters. When space developed, Talamo urged Weewinnin to the front in early stretch and guided the 4-year-old gelding to a 21-1 upset win in the year’s top race for older California-breds. Weewinnin ($44.80) finished 2 1/4 lengths in front of 10-1 Stoney Fleece, who was a neck in front of 9-2 Jules Journey. Summer Hit, the 6-5 favorite, set a quick pace of 23.45 and 46.88 seconds but faded from contention in the final furlong. Weewinnin was fourth for the first six furlongs, racing on the inside. “We had a great trip,” Talamo said. “I was able to sit behind the... ...

$125,000 Donald Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint — BIG MACHER

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2014)–Trainer Richard Baltas was all smiles following Saturday’s $125,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint for good reason, as his Big Macher, claimed seven starts back out of a maiden $20,000 claimer on July 17 at Del Mar, had just powered to a 1 ¾ length win under Rafael Bejarano, covering six furlongs in a rapid 1:08.62. Breaking from the outside post in a nine-horse field, Big Macher, the second choice at 2-1, sat second to longshot Coach Bob and Kent Desormeaux down the backside and around the far turn before taking the lead at the top of the lane. “Rafael said he was going to sit far back, but I told him that if he breaks sharp not to be too far out of it,” said Baltas. “I think that’s where he likes to be, up close, and he still can kick when he’s up close. He just came into the race real good and it was a great day.” A 4-year-old... ...

$200,000 Cal Cup Oaks — SUSANS EXPRESS

By Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2014)—With blinkers refitted, longshot Susans Express sat a close second at the rail going to the far turn and found a seam three off the fence turning for home and powered through the lane with Kent Desormeaux to take Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Oaks by 1 ¼ lengths, getting one mile on turf in 1:34.72. Off at 65-1 in a field of 14 California-bred 3-year-old fillies, Susans Express, trained and co-owned by Jorge Periban, tried the grass for the first time in the Oaks. Susans Express was winless in four starts since breaking her maiden sprinting for a $50,000 claiming tag on Aug. 30. “Jorge told me exactly how to ride this filly and obviously it worked out,” said Desormeux, who collected his second stakes win of the day. “She’s a very nice filly. I’m just glad to be back here and I have to thank Jorgie for putting me on.” A filly by Decarchy, Susans Express, owned by her breeder Ed... ...

$125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint — CIAO BELLA LUNA

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2014)—In her second career try down Santa Anita’s unique 6 ½ furlong hillside turf course, Ciao Bella Luna, with Kent Desormeaux up, sat second to Marks Mine and Frank Alvarado down the hill, took the lead outside Marks Mine crossing the dirt at the top of the lane and prevailed in a head and head duel with the pacesetter to the wire, winning Saturday’s $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint by a half length in 1:12.81. Trained by Peter Miller, Ciao Bella Luna was the third choice at 5-1 in a field of 11 older fillies and mares bred in California and paid $13.00, $6.40 and $4.80. . “I thought we would be way back early,” said Desormeaux. “She broke horrible her last out so the only thing I did differently was I asked her to leave there better. “She carried me the rest of the way. She was in the bridle, just really floating along.” A 4-year-old filly by... ...

Barretts January Sale on Monday

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2014) — Barretts Sales and Racing starts the 2014 auction season in California on Monday with its one-day January mixed sale of breeding stock, 2-year-olds, horses of racing age and yearlings. The sale, which begins at 11 a.m. Pacific, has a catalog of 276 horses and a supplemental catalog with 40 horses. Broodmares in the sale have been bred to such notable regional stallions as Unusual Heat and Tribal Rule, who were first and second in progeny earnings among California stallions in 2013; and Square Eddie, the state’s leading freshman stallion in 2013. There are also yearlings and 2-year-olds by those stallions in the catalog. The young stallions Acclamation and Calimonco, whose first foals arrive this year, are represented in the sale as covering sires. Acclamation has one mare in the supplemental catalog, while Calimonco has 12 mares in the main catalog. The sale includes three complete dispersals – 10 horses owned by the Chaiken Family Trust, 13 by Eagle Oak Ranch and seven... ...

Cal-bred Pair in Laurel Stakes

LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 23, 2014) – She’s Holy and She’s Ordained, California-bred daughters of Ministers Wild Cat, are entered in Saturday stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. She’s Holy goes in the $100,000 Wide Country Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. She is out of the Pulpit mare Rector’s Lady, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Johnnie Nall. She is coming off a maiden win in her fourth start Sept. 29 with earnings of $22,113. She’s Ordained runs in the $100,000 What a Summer Stakes for fillies and mares. She is out of the Not For Love mare Whole Lotta Love, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Ronald Ulrich and trained by Timothy Kreiser. She has 14 wins in 30 starts, earnings of $330,685 and is coming off a a win in the Dec. 28 Willa On the Move Stakes. ...

Cal-bred Champions Announced

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2014) — The California-bred Horse of the Year for 2013 will be announced at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, to be held Feb. 10 at the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkeley. The four finalists for Horse of the Year, in alphabetical order, are: Halo Dolly, Points Offthebench, Teddy’s Promise and Tiz Flirtatious. The business session of the annual meeting begins at 4 p.m. with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception and a 7 p.m. awards dinner. For reservations, please contact Christy Chapman at 626-445-7800 ext: 247 or email at christy@ctba.com. The other champions that will be presented at the dinner: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – “Unusual Heat,” owned by The Unusual Heat Syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings – “Unusual Heat,” owned by The Unusual Heat Syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Two-Year-Olds by Earnings – “Tribal Rule,” owned by The Tribal Rule Syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number... ...

Keeneland Summit Set for July

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 22, 2014) — The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation today announced that the fifth Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit will be held Tuesday, July 8, and Wednesday, July 9, 2014, in Lexington, Ky. Once again, the summit will be underwritten and coordinated by The Jockey Club and Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and hosted by the Keeneland Association. The two-day workshop brings together a wide cross-section of the breeding, racing and veterinary communities. “We owe it to our athletes, both equine and human, to do all we can to ensure their safety and convening this summit to exchange ideas and develop new programs is one of the best ways we can do that,” said Edward L. Bowen, president, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. The summit will be held in the Keeneland sales pavilion and it is open to the public; a live webcast will also be available. “The safety and welfare of our athletes is unquestionably priority No. 1,” said Keeneland... ...

Knight Flame Enters Budweiser

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 26, 2014) – Knight Flame is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Budweiser Handicap at Sunland Park. Knight Flame is by Flame Thrower, out of the Olympic Native mare Knight Olympienne, was bred by Oak Hill Farm, is owned by Marvin Baldwin and trained by Lynette Baldwin. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $32,000 and is coming off a Jan. 2 allowance win. ...

Winning Image Takes What a Summer

LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 25, 2014) – Winning Image, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Southern Image, won Saturday’s $100,000 What a Summer Stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. Winning Image ran the six furlongs in 1:10.37 and won by 1 ¾ lengths at odds of 7-2. She is out of the California-bred stakes-winning Apollo mare Harvest Girl and has 12 wins in 25 starts and earnings of $585,637. For Winning Image’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/winning+image2. ...

DRF.com on Cal Cup Classic

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2014) – Summer Hit is in the midst of a career that plays in all seasons. When the 5-year-old gelding starts as the favorite in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic at Santa Anita, Summer Hit can win his fifth stakes, and first in the winter. He won the 2012 Silky Sullivan Stakes and 2013 All American Stakes at Golden Gate Fields in the spring of those years, the 2013 Harry Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar last summer, and the Grade 3 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate in his last race Nov. 29. The only blemish on his recent record was a seventh as a 26-1 outsider in the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes on dirt at Santa Anita in September. “Look who he was running against,” said Dan Ward, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer’s assistant. The Awesome Again Stakes was won by Mucho Macho Man, who later won the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Summer Hit races for John Carver and Hollendorfer and has won 9 of 15... ...

Hot Summer Hit in Cal Cup Classic

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014)—Multiple stakes winning Summer Hit, fresh off a front-running six length score in the Grade III Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate Fields Nov. 29, looms strictly the horse to beat in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic, which attracted a field of 14 older horses at 1 1/8 miles on grass. An important component to the Golden State Series for horses bred or sired in California, the Turf Classic is part of a newly created Sunshine Millions Cal Cup Day at Santa Anita that will offer fans six stakes and 10 races overall. A 5-year-old gelding by Bertrando, Summer Hit has three wins, a second and a third from six starts on turf. A dedicated speedster, Summer Hit has been a marvelous claim for trainer and co-owner Jerry Hollendorfer, who took him out of a nine-length first-out maiden $12,500 score on Jan. 21, 2012. In addition to the Berkeley, in which he earned a 103 Beyer Speed figure, Summer Hit took the... ...

Cal Cup Derby Next for Tamarando

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014)—A winner of the Grade I Del Mar Futurity Sept. 4, and most recently third in the Grade I, 1 1/16 miles CashCall Futurity Dec. 14, Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams’ homebred Tamarando merits top billing in a field of 11 sophomores in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Derby at 1 1/16 miles. An important component to the Golden State Series for horses bred or sired in California, the Cal Cup Derby is part of a newly created Sunshine Millions Cal Cup Day at Santa Anita that will offer fans six stakes and 10 races overall. A 3-year-old colt by Bertrando, Tamarando is a deep closer who rallied from dead last to win the open Real Quiet Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 23. He tried to employ similar tactics in the CashCall Futurity, but could never threaten stable mate and top Derby prospect Shared Belief when beaten seven lengths. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, Tamarando zipped a half mile in 47.40... ...

Swiss Lake Yodeler Aims for Oaks

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014)—Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams, prominent among California’s top owner/breeders, will be represented by two talented homebred fillies, the Jerry Hollendorfer-trained Swiss Lake Yodeler, and the Steve Specht-conditioned Alasharchy, in Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at one mile on turf. An important component to the Golden State Series for horses bred or sired in California, the Oaks is part of a newly created Sunshine Millions California Cup Day at Santa Anita that will offer fans six stakes and 10 races overall. By the venerable California-based Swiss Yodeler, Swiss Lake Yodeler comes off a rousing one length win in the seven furlong Soviet Problem Stakes versus state breds Dec. 21 at Betfair Hollywood Park and is a neck away from being undefeated in four starts. Attentive to the pace, she was an easy 2 ¼ length winner of the one mile Golden State Juvenile Fillies Nov. 1 at Santa Anita and will no doubt be favored with Rafael Bejarano... ...

Proven Cyclometer in Cal Cup Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014)—Veteran conditioner Bruce Headley will be represented by 6-year-old horse and likely favorite Cyclometer in Saturday’s $125,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint for older horses at six furlongs, a race that attracted a field of 10 older horses. An important component to the Golden State Series for horses bred or sired in California, the Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint is part of a newly created Sunshine Millions California Cup Day at Santa Anita that will offer fans six stakes and 10 races overall. Fresh off victory in the six furlong Midnight Lute Stakes Jan. 4, Cyclometer would appear to be at the top of his game for Headley, who has specialized in taking his time with older horses throughout a storybook training career in the Golden State. Owned and bred by Headley and Irwin and Andrew Molasky, Cyclometer was a close second as the 8-5 favorite two starts back in the 7 ½ furlong On Trust Handicap Nov. 24, and was a... ...

Deep Field for Filly & Mare Turf

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014)—Multiple stakes winners Marks Mine and Unusual Hottie figure prominently in Saturday’s $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint at 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s Camino Real hillside turf course, a race that attracted a field of 11 older distaffers bred or sired in California. Based at Golden Gate Fields and trained by Steve Specht, Marks Mine is a three-time stakes winner who comes off a facile 4 ½ length classified allowance win going six furlongs on Dec. 26. A speedy 4-year-old filly by Benchmark, Marks Mine won the Golden Gate Debutante at two, and went on to win the California State Fair Sprint Handicap at Sacramento this past July 20 and the six furlong Harvest Stakes on Sept. 28 at Stockton. Owned by her breeders, Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams, Marks Mine was off the board in her only career turf try, a one mile classified allowance Nov. 17 at Golden Gate Fields. The Sunshine Millions Filly and... ...

Points Offthebench Wins Eclipse

By Bloodhorse.com HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2014) — The first grade I winner for trainer Tim Yakteen is now his first Eclipse Award winner as Points Offthebench received the award as champion male sprinter Saturday, Jan. 18 in South Florida. Donnie Crevier and Charles Martin’s Points Offthebench won four straight sprints in Southern California in 2013, a stretch capped by back-to-back grade I victories in the Bing Crosby Handicap at Del Mar and Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes at Santa Anita Park. In both grade I wins Points Offthebench defeated Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Goldencents, victories further flattered by Goldencents’ win in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I). Bred in California by Gary Rocks, Points Offthebench is the second Cal-bred in three years to be named champion male sprinter, joining 2011 champion Amazombie. Points Offthebench was preparing for a start in the XpressBet Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) when he broke down Oct. 26 at Santa Anita. He suffered a fractured right front fetlock and was... ...

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