Oak Tree Moving Offices to CTBA

May 14, 2014 Posted by CTBA In Announcement

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 14, 2014) — The Oak Tree Racing Association will move from its longtime offices at Santa Anita Park into a wing of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association office sometime in June. “We are very pleased with the quarters and look forward to moving over there,” said Sherwood C. Chillingworth, executive vice president of the not-for-profit organization well known within the racing industry for its support of research and charity. Workers have been busy preparing the area for the arrival of Oak Tree personnel. The CTBA offices are located at 201 Colorado Place in Arcadia, across the street from the Santa Anita parking lot that serves the track’s infield. Oak Tree has kept offices at Santa Anita since its inception in 1969, when it first hosted a fall race meeting at Santa Anita. Oak Tree also has a long history with the CTBA. The two organizations co-hosted the California Cup program for California-bred runners during the Oak Tree meeting beginning in 1990. Santa Anita now hosts... ...

Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com BALTIMORE, Md. (May 15, 2014) — California Chrome chose neither his parents nor his destiny. As a Thoroughbred racehorse, you pretty much work with what you’re handed at birth, and what he has done is remarkable, rising from the protection of restricted stakes competition to sit atop the sport on a five-race winning streak crowned by the Kentucky Derby. As for the two-legged members of his tribe, they all had a choice. Nowhere was it written that the Shermans, the Delgados or the Rodriguez family had to sink their lives so deeply into the Thoroughbred world. But they did, and the results of their labors will be on display again Saturday when California Chrome tries to add the 139th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico to his growing reputation. Alberto Delgado and his younger brother, Willie, are familiar names on the Maryland scene. For their own reasons, they ventured out West, hoping to tap into one of California’s famous reinventions. Last year, Alberto ended up... ...

Wednesday’s ‘Chrome Report

BALTIMORE, Md. (May 14, 2014) — Trainer Art Sherman was typically upbeat Wednesday morning after watching his Kentucky Derby (G1) winner California Chrome gallop 1 1/2 miles in preparation for Saturday’s 139th Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course. Sherman spent nine days between the Derby and the Preakness in California supervising his stable based at Los Alamitos, while his son, Alan, oversaw the daily training of California Chrome. Art Sherman, 77, inspected the horse after flying to Baltimore Tuesday and watched him gallop under exercise rider Willie Delgado Wednesday shortly before 7 a.m. on a gray, damp, chilly morning. “I thought it was a good gallop,” Sherman said. “He looked around quite a bit the first time around like he usually does. He’s a very inquisitive horse. Then he took a hold of the bit and was pulling pretty good the next time around. That’s his style and the way he gallops every day.” California Chrome won the Derby impressively over a track surface that Sherman and his son... ...

Siblings Win at Golden Gate

ALBANY, Calif. (May 15, 2014) — Half-sisters Runninismygame and Sheza Trip won races on the same Thursday card at Golden Gate. Both fillies are out of the Rio’s Lark mare Run Kaitlyn Run, were bred by owner Patricia Ford and trained by Bill Delia. Runninismygame, a 2-year-old by Game Plan, won the first race, a maiden special weight, by three lengths at odds of 3-1. Sheza Trip, a 3-year-old by Good Journey, won the fourth race, a claimer, by a neck at odds of 9-2. ...

Harris Farms Celebrates ‘Chrome

By Louisville Courier-Journal It was mid-afternoon in Coalinga, Calif., as 30 people jammed into a conference room best suited for eight. The horse handlers and maintenance and office staff at Harris Farms huddled around a television, anxiously waiting to see the chestnut colt they had raised since birth take America’s grandest racing stage for the Kentucky Derby. Dan Kiser, racing and bloodstock manager for the owners of California Chrome’s sire, was at Churchill Downs to root on the son of their stallion, Lucky Pulpit. He saw California Chrome capture the 140th Kentucky Derby by 13/4 lengths. He heard the near-record crowd’s roar. He felt the rush of victory. He burst with pride. But it was later, watching a YouTube video of those Harris employees, that a different kind of emotion hit, as he realized that, while the program lists Steve Coburn and Perry Martin as owners, those working in anonymity on Harris Farms and at the track feel a propriety kinship with California Chrome that’s every bit as valid. Staff... ...

She’s Ordained Enters Skipat

BALTIMORE, Md. (May 13, 2014) — She’s Ordained is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $100,000 Skipat Stakes for fillies and mares at Pimlico. She’s Ordained is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Not For Love mare Whole Lotta Love, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Ronald Ulrich and is trained by Timothy Kreiser. She has 14 wins in 33 starts, earnings of $359,325 and is coming off a fourth in the Apr. 19 Primonetta. ...

NorCal Sale Pinhook Brings $85,000

POMONA, Calif. (May 13, 2014) — An $85,000 purchase at Monday’s Barretts May Sale of 2-Year-Olds was a $10,000 pinhook from last year’s Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale. The chestnut filly, Hip No. 70, is by Majesticperfection, out of the mare Ennui, and was purchased Monday by James Cassidy and was consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne). As the property of H & E Ranch, the filly sold last year at CTBA’s Northern California Sale at Pleasanton to Adrian Gonzalez as Hip No. 95. ...

Tuesday’s California Chrome Report

By DRF.com BALTIMORE, Md. (May 13, 2014) – California Chrome had been standing on the Pimlico loam for only a minute or two Tuesday morning when he let out an inordinately long and loud whinny, as if to say, “What is this new place?” Some 30 minutes later, after the colt had made an uneventful first-ever circuit of the track, assistant trainer Alan Sherman grinned about it. “That’s him,” said Sherman. With regular exercise rider Willie Delgado aboard, California Chrome stood in place for several minutes before breaking into a slow, clockwise jog, touring the one-mile Pimlico oval once before being led off by Sherman at the same quarter-pole gap. He then walked back to the stakes barn, with the entire light-training routine taking no more than 20 minutes. ::DRF Live: Reports from training hours at Pimlico 8-9 a.m. ET this week “I just wanted him to get familiar with the track,” said Sherman, who has been deputizing for his father, trainer Art Sherman, since shortly after California Chrome won the... ...

Cal-bred Sells for $260,000

By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (May 12, 2014) — Long Hot Summer, a Street Boss filly raised at the same ranch as California Chrome, topped the Barretts May 2-year-old sale at $260,000. She was one of seven six-figure horses at the sale, held May 12 in Pomona, Calif., with four of the top five priced horses bred in California. McCarthy Bloodstock consigned the California-bred sale-topping filly out of stakes winner Hotlantic, by Stormy Atlantic , for John Harris and Don Valpredo. Long Hot Summer was raised at Harris’ Harris Ranch in Coalinga, Calif., and its nearby River Ranch in Sanger. Those are the same connections that brought up Steve Coburn and Perry Martin’s California Chrome, winner of the May 3 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum Brands (gr. I). With a smaller catalog than last year, the May sale declined in average and total receipts from 2013. A total of 70 horses averaged $43,307 on a gross of $3,031,500, a decrease of 21.7% in average and 37.7% in gross. In 2013, 88 horses... ...

‘Chrome Arrives in Baltimore

By DRF.com BALTIMORE, Md. (May 12, 2014) – Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome, escorted by four Baltimore city police officers on motorcycles, arrived at Pimlico Racecourse a little before 3:15 p.m. Monday after shipping from Churchill Downs. The Derby winner traveled by van from Churchill – where he has been based since shipping from California on April 28 – to Lexington, where he boarded a Tex Sutton charter accompanied by groom Raul Rodriguez, exercise rider Willie Delgado, and Jordan Olsen, a longtime friend of assistant trainer Alan Sherman. Sherman flew on a separate plane that landed at Baltimore-Washington International Airport at roughly the same time as California Chrome’s, and he led the horse off the van and into his new stall at Pimlico. California Chrome, as he did arriving in Kentucky, declined to be cajoled off the van walking forward, and had to be backed out the door. “That’s just something he wants to do,” said Sherman. “He did it coming off the plane, too.” ::DRF Live: Reports from training... ...

Cal-bred Maiden a Record Breaker

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif . (May 12, 2014) — Eddie’s First lowered the course record for about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf at Santa Anita on Sunday, leading throughout to finish in 1:10.73. The clocking beat the previous mark of 1:11.10 set by California Flag in the Grade 3 Morvich Handicap in September 2008. Eddie’s First ($4.20) disputed the pace throughout Sunday’s fourth race for California-bred maidens. Ridden by Elvis Trujillo, who carried 117 pounds, the 3-year-old Eddie’s First was a head behind Smart Journey after an opening quarter-mile in 21.48 seconds. Eddie’s First took the lead on the hillside, and led by a length through a half-mile in 42.58 seconds. Eddie’s First widened his lead in the final three furlongs. He led by five lengths with a furlong remaining and won by 9 1/4 lengths over Smart Journey, who was 4 1/2 lengths in front of third-place finisher Otto’s Echo in the field of eight. The final time was slightly faster than a hand-timed clocking by track... ...

Monday’s California Chrome Report

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 12, 2014) — California Chrome was among the first horses to step onto a fast Churchill Downs surface early Monday before being guided through a routine 1 1/2-mile gallop by exercise rider Willie Delgado. California Chrome was sent earlier than normal by assistant trainer Alan Sherman so as to be fully prepared when a horse van picked up the colt at about 10 a.m. Eastern for the short ride to Lexington, from where he and 12 others would be flown to Baltimore via equine charter. ::2014 PREAKNESS STAKES: Latest news, video, and more “He’s happy, ready to go,” Sherman said as the colt was still cooling out before 7 a.m. “He’ll probably just jog [Tuesday] at Pimlico, andthen he’ll start back galloping the next day and on into the race.” Sherman said California Chrome “lost a little weight out of the [Derby], like all horses do, but he’s gained it all back and a little bit more since then. We’re just trying to keep him... ...

Stallion’s Brother Wins Laz Barrerra

From EA Ranches ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2014) — Top Fortitude, a 3 year old colt owned and bred by Triple AAA Ranch delivered a decisive upset victory in the Lazaro Barrera Stakes at Santa Anita. Going off as the second longest shot in the field at 30-1, the 3 year old colt pulled away from the field in the stretch and completed the 7 furlong race on the dirt course in a final time of 122.98 with a 1-1/2 length winning margin. Top Fortitude’s stakes victory comes in only his third career start. Top Fortitude is a full brother to Uh Oh Bango, a multiple graded stakes winner standing at EA Ranches in Ramona, CA. For more information on Uh Oh Bango please contact Marguerite Eliasson at 760-789-1498 or visit the farm website at earanches.com. ...

Cal-bred Day at Golden Gate June 8

ALBANY, Calif. (May 11, 2014) — California-bred day at Golden Gate Fields will be held Sunday, June 8. The nine-race card will include a pair of $100,000 stakes restricted to Golden State Series eligibles and a pair of maiden special weight races restricted to California-bred and sired runners. The $100,000 Campanile Stakes is for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies. Nominations close May 29. Last year’s edition was won by Unusual Way. The $100,000 Silky Sullivan Stakes is for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds. Nominations close May 29. Last year’s edition was won by Surfcup. Both stakes races are to be run at one mile on turf. Also on the card will be two Cal-bred maiden races that qualify for the Maiden Bonus Program: one at 5 ½ furlongs for 3-year-old fillies, one at six furlongs for 3-year-olds. ...

G. G. Ryder Takes Alcatraz

From Golden Gate Fields Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (May 11, 2014) — The promising California-bred colt G. G. Ryder earned his first stakes victory Sunday at Golden Gate Fields when he held off Pazmeifucan down the stretch and won the $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes by 1 3/4 lengths under jockey Russell Baze. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, G. G. Ryder took the one-mile turf race for 3-year-olds in 1:36.98 and paid $3.40 as the 3-5 favorite in a field of five. Pazmeifucan, ridden by Ricardo Gonzalez, finished three lengths in front of third-place Flagman and jockey Barrington Harvey. G. G. Ryder, who has five wins in six starts this year, improved to 2-for-2 on turf and is 3-for-6 on synthetic surfaces. “He’s an athletic colt, so I don’t think it’s going to matter too much what surface you lead him over to,” said Baze. G. G. Ryder stalked pacesetter Latitudefortytwo through honest early fractions (23.16 and 47.46), moved up to challenge for the lead midway... ...

‘Chrome’s Feet Wear Special Shoes

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (May 11, 2014) — With white hooves on all four feet, Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome always has needed a little extra attention to hoof care, and his trainer, Art Sherman, said blacksmith Judd Smith came up with a unique solution. California Chrome races in glue-on shoes, but the shoes are not glued on, they are affixed with nails. The shoe, not the glue, is the reason, Sherman said. The shoes that California Chrome wears “help so he doesn’t go back on his heels,” Sherman said. ::2014 PREAKNESS STAKES: Latest news, video, and more “All horses with four white feet are prone to needing more care because of the lack of pigmentation. The hoofs can be shellier,” Sherman said this weekend at Los Alamitos, where he is overseeing his local stable before heading to Pimlico this week for the Preakness Stakes. “It takes more effort to keep them in shape. “We’re always working on his feet. Horses with white hooves, they have a tendency to have... ...

Luscious Lonna Repeats in ‘Poppy

ALBANY, Calif. (May 11, 2014) — California-bred Luscious Lonna, a 12-1 outsider when she won the 2013 Golden Poppy Stakes, successfully defended her title in the 1 1/16-mile turf stakes as an even-money favorite Saturday at Golden Gate Fields. Just as she did 13 months ago, Luscious Lonna led from start to finish in the 2014 edition of the Golden Poppy. Trained by Nick Sloan and ridden by Juan Hernandez, Luscious Lonna scored by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:43.13 and paid $4.00. Koby Jo, ridden by Ricardo Gonzalez, took second by three-quarters of a length over Spring Bloom and jockey William Antongeorgi III. The Golden Poppy field was reduced to seven runners Saturday morning when Halo Dolly, the 8-5 morning line favorite who was coming off a third-place finish in a stakes at Santa Anita on April 26, was scratched. “We just decided that we were probably bringing her back a little too soon,” said Jerry Hollendorfer, trainer of Halo Dolly. ... ...

Sunday’s California Chrome Report

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 11, 2014) — Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome came onto the track for his daily routine early Sunday morning. Under regular exercise rider Willie Delgado, the colt spent about 20 minutes on the track, backtracking to the wire in a jog, then galloping about 1 3/4 miles. As usual, everything was accomplished rather slowly, carefully, and without incident. “I just let him take his time, do whatever he feels like,” said Delgado. “He’s a rock star. Sometimes I’ll just let him stand for 10 or 15 minutes before we do anything. I say, ‘You’re the Kentucky Derby winner. You can do what you want.’ ” ::2014 PREAKNESS STAKES: Latest news, video, and more Alan Sherman, who is deputizing here for his father, trainer Art Sherman, said he expected to have California Chrome among the first horses on the track Monday at 6 a.m. Eastern. Sherman said he wants to have everything ready for the colt to ship out of Churchill at about 10 a.m. for... ...

Saturday’s ‘Chrome Report

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 10, 2014) – Neither rain nor mud nor a slightly altered schedule could keep Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome from his appointed rounds early Saturday at Churchill Downs. Heavy overnight rain that lasted into the morning hours led assistant trainer Alan Sherman to send California Chrome out for a routine gallop shortly before 6:30 a.m. Eastern, about a half-hour earlier than usual. Under regular exercise rider Willie Delgado, the colt had no mishaps when spending about 15 minutes on a sloppy, sealed racetrack. “I didn’t want to take any chances of him having to go over a chewed-up track,” said Sherman, who is deputizing here for his father, trainer Art Sherman, before the colt leaves Monday for Baltimore and the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the 139th Preakness on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course. “He’s tolerable of any surface. He went over it just fine. He pretty much takes his racetrack with him.” Sherman said California Chrome also will gallop Sunday and Monday before... ...

Grade I Stakes Move to Los Alamitos

From Los Alamitos Race Course CYPRESS, Calif. (May 10, 2014) — Two Grade I juvenile stakes in California will have a new home in 2014. The $500,000 guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity, formerly run as the Cash Call Futurity for 2-year-olds, and the $350,000 guaranteed Starlet for 2-year-old fillies, will now be run at Los Alamitos Race Course in 2014 after being previously held at Betfair Hollywood Park. Nomination forms for both of these events are now available at losalamitos.com and the original nominations will close on Thursday, May 15. Both will be contested at a mile and one sixteenth. Send nominations to Bob Moreno, Thoroughbred Racing Secretary at Los Alamitos Race Course. ...

‘Chrome’s Impact on California Breeding

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 9, 2014) — At its core, California Chrome’s Kentucky Derby victory is a “local boy makes good” story. The chestnut colt was foaled and raised at Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif., which is also the home of his sire, Lucky Pulpit. California Chrome never raced outside of his home state until the Kentucky Derby, and even his name furthers his status as a living billboard for the statebred program. If anything else, California Chrome’s success has helped serve as a morale booster for the state’s breeding industry, which had been on a 51-year drought since Decidedly became the third California-bred to win the Kentucky Derby in 1962. He has also given the program its biggest equine celebrity since Horse of the Year Tiznow’s dominance in the early 2000s. “It’s just a tremendous boost for the breeding program here in the state,” said Doug Burge, executive vice president and general manager of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “It really validates the significance of the whole Cal-bred... ...

DRF.com on ‘Chrome’s Breeders

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 9, 2014) — Katherine Martin, 83, had seen enough of her hospital room in Iron Mountain, Mich., on May 1. She was being treated for the flu but, feeling better, was ready to leave. With a better offer in Louisville, Ky., a few days later, she checked out of the hospital, despite pleading from nurses. “They told her, ‘Mrs. Martin, you could die,’ ” recalled her son, Perry Martin. “She said, ‘I know I could die, but not until I see my son’s horse in the Kentucky Derby. I’m ready, and I’m going.’ ” With that, Katherine Martin was picked up by another son and driven to Louisville. She was there when Perry Martin’s horse California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby on May 3. “She’s pretty tough,” Perry Martin said of his mother. Katherine Martin was back at home in Michigan by the end of the weekend and recovering well at home, according to her son. “She’s the hometown hero,” Perry Martin said. “She had... ...

Friday’s California Chrome Report

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 9, 2014) – It was business as usual Friday morning for Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome, who turned in another routine gallop at Churchill Downs as his prepares for the second leg of the Triple Crown, the May 17 Preakness at Pimlico in Baltimore. As is his custom, he went slowly under exercise rider Willie Delgado in his first lap around the Churchill Downs oval before picking up his pace over a gallop of approximately 1 3/4 miles Alan Sherman, assistant to his father, trainer Art Sherman, is overseeing the colt’s training with his father attending to his horses at Los Alamitos in Southern California this week. Alan Sherman said arrangements had been worked out for California Chrome to fly on a Tex Sutton flight from Lexington to Maryland Monday afternoon. He will train Monday morning at Churchill before traveling, Sherman said. The connections of California Chrome have long wanted to leave for Baltimore on Monday, rather than on Wednesday, when a flight had long been... ...

‘Chrome Cap Giveaway at Santa Anita

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 7, 2014)—Santa Anita Park has announced that the first 10,000 fans attending The Great Race Place on Preakness Day, Saturday, May 17, will receive a free California Chrome baseball cap with paid General Admission. The cap is a replica of California Chrome’s distinctive purple and teal colors and will surely be a fan favorite as the California-bred sensation seeks his sixth win in-a-row in the middle jewel of racing’s Triple Crown. A chestnut colt by Lucky Pulpit, California Chrome followed his win in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 5 with a stirring 1 ¾ length triumph in 140th Run for the Roses May 3—thus becoming only the fourth California-bred to win the Derby and the first since Decidedly in 1962. Owned and bred by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, California Chrome is trained by Art Sherman and has been ridden to his last five victories by Victor Espinoza. First live race post time at Santa Anita on Preakness Day is... ...

California Chrome Cracks Top-10 List

By Bloodhorse.com Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner California Chrome moved into the fourth position on the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings off his May 3 victory in the Louisville classic. A total of three U.S.-based horses landed in the top 10 as California Chrome is joined by Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) winner Game On Dude (ranked third), and Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) winner Will Take Charge (tied for fifth). Two-time Horse of the Year Wise Dan, who has won a pair of grade I races this year on turf, is tied for 11th. Japan-based Just a Way, who won the Dubai Duty Free Stakes (UAE-I) by more than six lengths in March at Meydan, retains his position at the top. LONGINES World’s Best Racehorse Rankings Rank Horse Rating Trained 1 Just a Way 130 JPN 2 Variety Club 126 UAE 3 Game On Dude 125 USA 4 California Chrome 124 USA 5 African Story 123 UAE 5 Cirrus des Aigles 123 FR 5 Designs On... ...

Thursday’s ‘Chrome Report

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 8, 2014) – In his second day back training after winning the 140th Kentucky Derby last Saturday, California Chrome galloped 1 1/2 miles at Churchill Downs on Thursday as he prepares for the May 17 Preakness at Pimlico. His gallop under regular exercise rider Willie Delgado was routine and much like those he turned in before the Kentucky Derby. Settled for the first mile or so, he picked up his pace over the final half-mile. With Alan Sherman, assistant trainer to his father, Art Sherman, watching closely from the backstretch, Delgado said he didn’t even need words to describe how California Chrome felt beneath him. He just smiled at him, conveying all that needed to be communicated. “He came out of the race really good, a lot stronger than usual,” Delgado told reporters later. “It gives me chills thinking about it, if he keeps coming out of races like that.” Alan Sherman said his father, who is back in California tending to his stable at Los... ...

Haskin on California Chrome

By Steve Haskin, Bloodhorse.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 7, 2014) — As I mentioned in my recap, the 2014 Kentucky Derby was about dreams and fate, an improbable hero from humble parentage, memories of Derbys long ago, and a favorite owned and trained by underdogs. In short, it was about life and its quirky twists and turns that lead us to places envisioned only in dreams and guided only by fate. Thoroughbred racing was once dubbed The Sport of Kings. Well, there are no more kings and we are trying desperately to convince the world we are still a sport. There are only mere fragments left of past dynasties, as we witnessed in last year’s Derby. For the most part, the nobility that was once racing has morphed into a sport dominated by “dumb ass partners.” Working stiffs Steve Coburn and Perry Martin are the first to admit it by branding themselves as such. The California breeding industry has for years been considered by the elitists as the other side of... ...

Halo Dolly on Verge of a Million

ALBANY, Calif. (May 7, 2014) – Halo Dolly can become the latest California-bred millionaire when she joins defending champ Luscious Lonna and fellow California-bred Spring Bloom in Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Poppy Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Halo Dolly is by Popular, out of the Comic Strip mare Spanish Halo, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, is owned by Hoefflin, Hoefflin, Hollendorfer, O’Farrell, Robin, et al and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has 18 wins in 38 starts, earnings of $994,316 and is coming off a third in the Apr. 26 Fran’s Valentine. She was third in this race last year. Luscious Lonna is by Benchmark, out of the Thunder Gulch mare Striking Point, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Jon Harris, Bonnie Marshall and Nicholas Sloan and is trained by Sloan. She has seven wins in 16 starts, earnings of $183,575 and is coming off a third in an Apr. 12 allowance. Spring Bloom is by After Market, out of the Bertrando mare... ...

Cal-bred Quartet in Alcatraz

ALBANY, Calif. (May 8, 2014) – Four of the five entrants in Sunday’s $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate are California-breds. Flagman is by The Good Life, out of the Tychonic mare Tychonics Mistress, was bred by Jose Naranjo, is owned by Joseph Shoneff and trained by Thomas Valenzuela. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $45,504 and is coming off a fifth in an Apr. 26 starter’s allowance. Latitudefortytwo is by Rockport Harbor, out of the Great Above mare Way Up, was bred by owner Thomas Bachman and is trained by Michael Larson. He is coming off a maiden win in his second start with earnings of $20,985. G. G. Ryder is by Chhaya Dance, out of the Storm Boot mare Stormy Gigi, was bred by Eagle Oak Ranch, is owned by jerry Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. He has four wins in seven starts, earnings of $86,230 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 12... ...

She’s Stella Marie at Emerald Downs

AUBURN, Wash. (May 8, 2014) – She’s Stella Marie is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Hastings Handicap for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. She is by Leroidesanimaux, out of the Pleasant Colony mare Stellarina, was bred by owner Willow Creek Farm and trained by Jeffrey Metz. She has two wins in 16 starts, earnings of $40,769 and is coming off a fifth in the Feb. 15 Sun City. ...

Wednesday’s ‘Chrome Report

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 7, 2014) – Four days after winning the 140th Kentucky Derby, California Chrome finally took a victory lap around Churchill Downs. With exercise rider Willie Delgado aboard Wednesday, the chestnut colt never got out of a slow jog when going once around the one-mile oval clockwise. It was his first trip back to the track where he became the first California-bred since 1962 to win the Derby and the only horse to keep alive hope of becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 36 years. “He was on the bit and happy,” said Alan Sherman, who is deputizing here for his father, trainer Art Sherman, before the colt leaves for Baltimore and the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the 139th Preakness on May 17 at Pimlico Race Course. “He wanted to train. He was tired of walking.” Sherman said the daily routine would be notched up to galloping Thursday as California Chrome eases back into a slightly more vigorous regimen. His father, back home in... ...

Looking at ‘Chrome’s Pedigree

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 6, 2014) — Much has been written about California Chrome’s pedigree over the past three months, ever since the 3-year-old son of Golden State stallion Lucky Pulpit drew raves with a 5 1/2-length victory in the California Cup Derby on Jan. 25 at Santa Anita. The scrutiny only intensified afterward, as California Chrome in succession took the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes and the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in dominant fashion to head into the Kentucky Derby as the clear favorite. Analyses of California Chrome’s breeding focused on the modest race and stud record of his sire and on the captivating, up-from-the-bootstraps tale of his owners and breeders Perry Martin and Steve Coburn, who purchased the colt’s dam, the Not for Love mare Love the Chase, for $8,000. California Chrome’s bloodlines and backstory thus only added to his outsider allure, and the colt’s authoritative 1 3/4-length win Saturday under the twin spires in Derby 140 is a rubber stamp for one of horse racing’s... ...

Seven Stakes at Los Alamitos

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (May 6, 2014) — The Los Alamitos summer Thoroughbred meeting will feature seven stakes, including two Grade 2 races previously run at Hollywood Park under different names. The track’s summer meeting will run eight days, July 3-13, replacing racing dates previously held by Hollywood Park, which closed for development last December. The highlight of the Los Alamitos meeting will be the $500,000 Los Alamitos Derby on July 5, a Grade 2 race over 1 1/8 miles. The race was previously run at Hollywood Park as the Swaps Stakes and was worth $150,000 in 2013. The distance is unchanged. The meeting’s second weekend will be highlighted by the $200,000 Great Lady M Stakes for fillies and mares over 6 1/2 furlongs July 12. The Grade 2 race was previously run as the A Gleam Handicap over seven furlongs at Hollywood Park. The 2013 running of the A Gleam included a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint through the Win and You’re In program.... ...

$250,000 NorCal Sale Bonus Offered

PLEASANTON, Calif. (May 5, 2014) – A $250,000 bonus will be paid to the registered owner at the time of nomination to any yearling that goes through the ring at the Northern California Yearling Sale and wins a Grade I race in North America at ages 2, 3 or 4 years. The registered owner will be determined according to The Jockey Club papers. This year’s Northern California Yearling Sale, which also includes horses of racing age, will be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, August 12, beginning at noon, and conducted by California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. Entries for the sale close Monday, June 9, with supplemental entries accepted until the day of sale. Click here for the entry form. For further information, contact Cookie Hackworth at 626-445-7800 ext. 243 or email cookie@ctba.com. ...

‘Chrome to Travel Next Week

By DRF.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 5, 2014) — A total of 21 horses were entered in the Kentucky Derby, 19 ran, and of the 18 who chased home California Chrome on Saturday at Churchill Downs, it appears only a few will try him again in the Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, on May 17 at Pimlico. As of Monday, there were more newcomers to the Triple Crown trail for the Preakness than there were Derby alumni. In addition to California Chrome, the only others coming out of the Derby still under consideration to run back in the Preakness were Danza (who was third) and Ride On Curlin (seventh), with only Ride On Curlin a certainty. Terry Finley of West Point Thoroughbreds said runner-up Commanding Curve would await the Belmont. Others under consideration for the Preakness are Bayern, Dynamic Impact, Kid Cruz, Pablo Del Monte, Ring Weekend, and Social Inclusion. ::2014 PREAKNESS STAKES: Latest news, video, and more Untapable, the filly who won the Kentucky Oaks, will... ...

‘Chrome Fine Day After Historic Run

From Churchill Downs LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 4, 2014) — The chestnut colt California Chrome carved his name in the history books Saturday afternoon at Churchill Downs, earning himself the right to sleep in until 6 o’clock Sunday morning at his Barn 20 new Kentucky home. “He’s fine,” reported the newest oldest trainer (77) to win a Kentucky Derby, Art Sherman, to an early bird gathering of media types Sunday at the barn. “He left just a handful of grain in his tub last night, but that’s all. His appetite was good. He got a little tired, but not too bad. Victor (jockey Victor Espinoza) told me yesterday that he did get a bit tired on him at the end; that he eased him a bit that last 70 yards. He said he didn’t ask him for too much thinking about saving something for the next one, for the Preakness.” Espinoza began to draw clear from his 18 rivals inside the quarter pole, but mostly kept busy aboard his mount through the lane. He popped... ...

CTBA Outsources California Thoroughbred

From CTBA ARCADIA, Calif. (May 4, 2014) — CTBA has made the decision to outsource the production of the California Thoroughbred magazine to The Blood Horse publications. It will continue to be published monthly and will have a larger distribution. ...

DRF.com on Art Sherman

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. – For trainer Art Sherman, winning the Kentucky Derby Saturday with California Chrome still hadn’t sunk in yet Sunday morning. “I’m still numb, to be honest,” he said Sunday morning. “I can’t describe it. The Kentucky Derby is the Kentucky Derby. I was so happy when we won the Santa Anita Derby, when you think of all the good horses that have won that race. That was my biggest thrill – until now. “It’s pretty cool. You wake up in the morning and go, ‘I just won the Kentucky Derby.’ It’s a dream come true for me.” With five straight wins, California Chrome will now head to Pimlico for the second leg of the Triple Crown, the May 17 Preakness Stakes. As of Sunday, it appeared he would face very few challengers from the Derby, plus several new faces to the Triple Crown. California Chrome is certain for the Preakness, and the only other possibilities from the Derby field were Commanding Curve (who finished second), Danza... ...

SI.com on California Chrome

By SI.com LOUISVILLE — This is what a horse can do on the first Saturday in May: He can make three grown men dance under a setting sun on a famous racetrack, spinning little circles in the dust, tears rolling down their cheeks. He can make a 77-year-old trainer think about dear friends who passed away long ago and embrace the improbable gift of such a success so late in life. He can make an injured jockey, his body and brain still bruised from a terrible spill, climb on a same-day flight to see his little brother ride in and win the most important horse race in the world; and then he can make that little brother cry just thinking about those less fortunate than he is. He can make two rookie owners — one a loquacious cowboy with a lucky 10-year-old hat and the other a reserved businessman who brought his 83-year-old mother to Churchill Downs for the race (and supported her fragile body from a spot on the... ...

Art Sherman’s Feel-Good Derby

By Associated Press LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 3, 2014) — Success at the Kentucky Derby may not change Art Sherman. It just took his entire career at the racetrack to find it. The 77-year-old became the Kentucky Derby’s oldest winning trainer on Saturday thanks to his California-bred star pupil, California Chrome, who ran close with the leaders before taking charge after a mile and cruising to a nearly two-length victory. Sherman was an exercise rider 59 years ago for Swaps, who won the 1955 Derby. He visited the horse’s grave this week, praying for a chance to experience winning the marquee race himself. “I’m so thankful that I’m here,” Sherman said after the race. “I don’t think I change much anymore. I have a lot of friends on the racetrack, been around a long time.” Sherman then elicited the biggest laughter in the postrace news conference, adding, “I’m just the same old Art Sherman, you know — except, I won the Kentucky Derby.” Indeed, the old-school Sherman promised that he’d be... ...

‘Chrome’s Breeder Predicts Triple Crown

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 3, 2014) — A Kentucky Derby victory is awfully hard to top as a birthday present. But Steve Coburn, who turned 61 on Saturday, has his sights set even higher with California Chrome, the 3-year-old colt he co-bred and co-owns with Perry Martin. “I believe this horse will win the Triple Crown,” Coburn said. “It’s an incredible, incredible journey that we’ve been on,” Coburn said. “To see all this happen for my partner Perry Martin and our wives and families, to see this dream come true that we have put so much blood, sweat, and tears into, our savings, our retirements into this horse, and see this horse win the Kentucky Derby – I have no words. I really have no words.” Steve and Carolyn Coburn, who now live in Topaz Lake, Nev., and Perry and Denis Martin, who live in Yuba City, Calif., first met when Steve and Perry owned small shares in several horses through the California-based Blinkers On Racing syndicate. One of... ...

California Chrome

California Chrome wins the 2014 Kentucky Derby ...

California Chrome Wins Kentucky Derby

By Bloodhorse.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 3, 2014) — Derby dreams do come true. Favored California Chrome pulled clear in the stretch to win the May 3 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) by 1 3/4 lengths over closer Commanding Curve. Danza finished third (VIDEO). The winner, ridden by Victor Espinoza, got the 1 1/4 miles in 2:03.66. Espinoza was winning his second Derby. He guided War Emblem to Derby glory in 2002. “He’s an amazing horse,” Espinoza. “He started very well. I wanted to let him go the front, but I backed off. I went to the outside early and it wasn’t a problem.” California Chrome, bred and owned by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin, is a Cal-bred son of Lucky Pulpit –Love the Chase, by Not For Love . He is trained by 77-year-old Art Sherman, who becomes the oldest trainer to win the Derby. Charlie Whittingham won the second of his two Derbys at age 76 with Sunday Silence in 1989. “He gave me the biggest thrill I’ve... ...

‘Chrome On Track This Morning

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 3, 2014) — Steve Coburn knew when he saw the newborn colt. “I saw this baby twice,” the co-owner of California Chrome said. “Once in a dream, and then the day after he was born.” Since the chestnut colt with the white face hit the ground Feb. 18, 2011, the clock has been ticking down to today. Tick-tock. On Saturday morning, California Chrome went for an easy one-mile jog with exercise rider Willie Delgado aboard, the sun just beginning to brighten the twin spires as they loomed over the Kentucky Derby favorite. More than three years of planning, now just over 12 hours to post. Tick-tock. The colt walks back to Barn 20, his home for the last week since arriving with trainer Art Sherman to intense media scrutiny. He disappears into the shed row. He won’t leave the stable area again until just before 6 p.m., when the call comes for the 19 Derby horses to assemble in the chute for the walkover. Across... ...

‘Chrome’s Connections’ Quotes

Art Sherman, trainer of California Chrome, first – “Just awesome. I’m breathless. This is so cool. I think I rode the horse with Victor (Espinoza) the last 70 yards. It was a picture-perfect ride. He was right where he should have been all the way around. Coming down the stretch I was thinking: ‘Keep rollin’ big boy. Keep rollin’.’ This has to be the sweetest moment of my life. To be my age and have something like this happen, what can you say? For all my friends in California, this is for you. We did it!” Victor Espinoza, jockey of California Chrome, first — “Awesome. I never dreamed I’d win a second Kentucky Derby, but here it is. This was a typical race for him. He ran like he always does. Art (Sherman) just said: ‘You know him, ride him.’ I had the trip I wanted. I don’t mess with him too much. I just stretch his legs and little bit and then let him do his thing. Pressure will... ...

‘Chrome Early 3-1 Betting Favorite

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 2, 2014) – After the close of ontrack wagering Friday, Santa Anita Derby winner California Chrome was the 3-1 favorite in advance wagering for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, with Wood Memorial winner Wicked Strong and Arkansas Derby winner Danza co-second choices at 8-1. Ride On Curlin, to be ridden by three-time Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Calvin Borel, was next at 12-1 odds, followed closely by Louisiana Derby runner-up Intense Holiday at 13-1. These odds reflected only wagers made onsite at Churchill Downs, perhaps reflecting the popularity of Ride On Curlin, with Borel being a local favorite. The Kentucky Oaks/Kentucky Derby double will-pays largely mirrored the Derby win wagering, with the payoff to California Chrome reflecting the shortest payoff at $11.40, following by the combination to Wicked Strong at $39.60 and to Danza at $44.60. Ontrack handle on the Kentucky Derby was $202,807 by the close of wagering Friday, with offtrack wagers not yet incorporated. The handle reflects only a tiny fraction of the total amount that ultimately will... ...

Sherman Hoping ‘Chrome’s a Hero

By Bloodhorse.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 2, 2014) — Let Art Sherman write the story for you. “We need heroes right now, and I’m hoping he’s one of them,” the 77-year-old trainer of California Chrome said his first morning at Churchill Downs while reporters circled, the cameras rolled, and his flashy chestnut colt became the talk of the backstretch. Here was Sherman, once the exercise rider for 1955 Kentucky Derby winner Swaps and a 60-year veteran of the sport, standing up on a mounting block to address the scrum—funny how life comes around. And here was California Chrome, handling his first cross-country trip with his usual intelligence, about to be installed as the 5-2 favorite in a 19-horse field. “All the years you put into this game, this would just be a dream come true to win,” Sherman said. “But at the same time I’m very satisfied with my career. I never made it in the big, big horses, but I’ve won a lot of graded stakes, always had fun, a lot... ...

Tribal Rule Passes at 18

From Ballena Vista Farm RAMONA, Calif. (May 2, 2014) — Leading California sire Tribal Rule died May 1 at Ballena Vista Farm as a result of a heart attack while covering a mare. At the time of his death, the 18-year-old son of Storm Cat led California’s general sire list with 2014 progeny earnings of over $1.6 million. “Itʼs a very sad day for the thoroughbred industry and more regionally here in California as Tribal Rule has ranked at the top of the sire lists year after year and he will continue to be a force in California for many years to come,” stated Ballena Vista Farm owner Donald Cohn. “My heart goes out to all that were around this magnificent horse. He was a popular sire and I wish to thank all the breeders whose continued support contributed to his success at stud. He will be buried here at Ballena Vista Farm.” With eight crops to the races numbering 568 foals, Tribal Rule has sired 36 stakes winners and earners... ...

Thursday Update from Churchill Downs

From Churchill Downs CALIFORNIA CHROME – The morning-line favorite for the Kentucky Derby, Steve Coburn and Perry Martin’s California Chrome, went trackside Thursday morning at 6:55 as hundreds of cameras clicked and video rolled. The handsome chestnut colt stopped and took it all in, then did the same several times more as he backtracked his way to the frontside and under the iconic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs, before heading up the tunnel way to the paddock to “school,” just as he had the day before. Following his paddock tour, exercise rider Willy Delgado took the colt to the starting gate for a nice stand. “Willy told me he did fine in the gate,” trainer Art Sherman said afterward. The 77-year-old conditioner had watched his charge go about his morning business from the second floor of the old clocker’s stand on the backstretch near the five-furlong gap. “He’s usually fine in there, but sometimes he hesitates going in. He was fine today.” Following the gate education, Delgado put the California-bred... ...

Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 1, 2014) — In his preview of the 1958 Kentucky Derby for Sports Illustrated, Whitney Tower took a step back from the hoopla surrounding the exciting California favorite to shed a little calm on the proceedings. “Silky’s accomplishments, belittled in some quarters, exaggerated in others, have placed him in the unique position of being a full-fledged hero before his supreme trial,” Tower wrote. “As a California phenomenon – in a land where phenomena are not uncommon – Silky Sullivan is more popular than the Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants and even, as one Santa Anita regular dared to suggest recently, ‘more popular than Swaps ever was.’ ” In a way, it is comforting to realize that all things pertaining to the Kentucky Derby were just as insanely exaggerated 56 years ago as they are in 2014. The social media of that bygone era – better known then as newspapers, corner bars and a smattering of network TV – were captivated heart... ...

Barretts May Sale Supplements

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2014) — Fourteen two-year-olds have been supplemented to the 2014 Barretts May Two-Year-Old in Training Sale. The supplemental horses will be sold directly after the end of the main catalog on Monday, May 12. A complete list of the catalog supplement is shown at the bottom of this e-mail. The entire sale catalog can be viewed at http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catmay2014/catalogTABLE.asp The official training preview is scheduled to be held on Friday, May 9 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. Among the successful graduates of the May Sale in the past year are stakes winners Jeranimo, Stormy Lucy, Dice Flavor, Full Ransom, Can The Man, City by the Bay, L.A. Weekend, Lotsa Mischief, Scirocco Strike and Tasty Treat. ...

Post No. 5 for California Chrome

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 30, 2014) — California Chrome, the morning line favorite for the May 3 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) drew post 5 for the 1 1/4-mile Run for the Roses. The California-bred colt will be ridden by Victor Espinoza and face 19 fellow 3-year-olds in the $2 million Run for the Roses. Art Sherman trains California Chrome for breeder/owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin. The son of Lucky Pulpit —Love the Charm, by Not For Love , has won all three of his starts at 3 by a combined 18 lengths. He was installed the 5-2 morning line favorite. Sherman, at 77, would become the oldest trainer to win the Derby, surpassing the legendary Charlie Whittingham who won his second Derby with Sunday Silence in 1989 at age 76. California Chrome has won six of 10 starts, all in Southern California, and has earned $1,134,850. He will be attempting to become the first Cal-bred winner of the Derby since Decidedly in 1962. Sherman was an exercise... ...

Kentucky Derby Draw Today

From Churchill Downs LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Apr. 30, 2014) – Through various sources, the Churchill Downs communications team has confirmed that 21 horses are known to have been entered in Saturday’s $2 million Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. The horses known to be entered in the Kentucky Derby are (in order of preference by points earned on the “Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by TwinSpires.com): California Chrome, Vicar’s in Trouble, Dance With Fate, Wicked Strong, Samraat, Danza, Hoppertunity, Intense Holiday, Wildcat Red, We Miss Artie, Ride On Curlin, Chitu, Tapiture, General a Rod, Medal Count, Candy Boy, Uncle Sigh, Vinceremos, Harry’s Holiday and Commanding Curve. Pablo Del Monte would be on the “also eligible” list. Big Bazinga, who would have been behind Pablo Del Monte on the “also eligible” list was not entered in the Derby and instead will run in the $250,000 American Turf Presented by Ram Trucks (GII). The “also eligible” horses could draw into the field should any horse(s) be scratched before scratch... ...

Hovdey on California Chrome’s Groom

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Apr. 29, 2014) — Art Sherman was seeing to a few last-minute items around the barn late Sunday morning before sending California Chrome to Kentucky. He was outwardly calm, if by calm one means checking his phone every 30 seconds to see who’s calling now, or glancing furtively at the computer screen images from the closed-circuit cameras in California Chrome’s stall. He made sure the colt’s bag of horse treats were by the door, ready to ship, then picked up a bundle of clothes. “Alan’s – can you believe that?” Sherman said. “At his age, sending laundry home for his mom. And she’ll do it, too!” This was a trainer on the verge of a life-changing event, if indeed your life can be changed significantly by anything at the age of 77. Art and Faye Sherman, who renewed their vows on their 50th anniversary two years ago aboard a ship off the coast of Spain, would be leaving the next day for Kentucky and... ...

DRF.com on Art Sherman

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Apr. 29, 2014) – The first time Art Sherman came to the Kentucky Derby, in 1955, it was as a stable hand for trainer Mesh Tenney, and he traveled from California by railcar, sleeping on straw, next to the horse who brought him here, Swaps. Sherman was a bit player in the story of Swaps, who won that Derby. But when he left California on Monday, Sherman did so as the trainer of the horse acknowledged as the favorite for Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, California Chrome. And his friend, trainer Tom Proctor, wanted everyone – at least everyone on their flight Monday – to know about it. They took separate flights from different Southern California airports before connecting in Phoenix along with jockeys Mike Smith and Gary Stevens. Proctor, who has an outsized frame and personality, convinced the gate attendants to let Sherman on the plane first and convinced the flight attendants to announce who Sherman was and why he was on that flight to Louisville. “I just... ...

California Chrome Arrives in Kentucky

By DRF.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Apr. 28, 2014) – By the end of the week, at the end of the long prep season toward the Kentucky Derby, handicappers and horsemen alike often simply look to the heavens for some sort of inspiration or intervention, but this year they needed to look earlier, for on Monday, the heavens opened, the rains came, and then, after a dramatic morning, this year’s chosen one dropped from the sky. California Chrome, the favorite for the 140th Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs, arrived from California around midday after a tumultuous morning here that saw two of his rivals work, separated by a suspension in training necessitated by fierce lightning in the area. Fortunately, California Chrome arrived without incident, both Tapiture and Hoppertunity safely got through their final drills, and Derby Week, which started out underwater, finally got underway. Tapiture was scheduled to work around 6 a.m. Eastern on Monday, but because rain had started to fall, trainer Steve Asmussen waited a bit longer to go, desirous... ...

California Chrome by OCRegister.com

By OCRegister.com LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (Apr. 27, 2014) – To reach the star’s hideaway, the drive requires passing places that promise to be packed: a Costco, a gym, a Seventh-day Adventist church with a sign – “Everyone Welcome.” http://www.ocregister.com/articles/california-611493-derby-track.html?page=1 ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB BERKELEY, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2014) – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Friday, April 25, 2014, at Golden Gate Fields. 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: Representatives of Fairplex Park and Los Alamitos Race Course reported on their ongoing discussions concerning the possible application to the CHRB for Fairplex to move its race meet to the Orange County facility. They are expected to give a more detailed presentation if any application is presented for discussion and action at the May or June monthly Board meeting. Acting on a request from and full support of the Jockeys’ Guild, the Board approved for 45-day public notice a proposed regulatory amendment to prohibit jockeys from using the riding crop, or whip, more than three times in succession without allowing the horse... ...

Awesome Return

Awesome Return wins $250,000 Snow Chief Stakes ...

Pepper Crown Upsets S.F. Mile

By Brisnet.com ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2014) — California-bred Pepper Crown saved ground to the stretch and then slipped up the inside of 6-5 favorite Summer Hit in the final sixteenth to register a 46-1 shocker in the Grade 3, $100,315 San Francisco Mile at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday.A four-year-old colt bred, owned and trained by Alex Paszkeicz, Pepper Crown rated in fourth behind Summer Hit, who set fractions of :23 2/5, :47 3/5 and 1:11 4/5 over the yielding turf. When the favorite drifted left inside the final furlong, jockey Abel Cedillo sent the previously bottled-up longshot through the gap and on to victory by three quarters of a length. Pepper Crown completed the distance in 1:36 4/5 and paid $94.20. Summer Hit, runner-up by a neck in the 2013 San Francisco Mile, settled for the place again. He finished 1 3/4 lengths clear of Hudson Landing, the 2012 Mile hero. Completing the order of finish were Longview Drive, Horizontalyspeakin, Pepnic, Tribal Jewel, and Fast Track. Pepper Crown... ...

TOP KISSER — $125,000 Spring Fever Stakes

By Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2014) – Tommy Town Thoroughbreds’ homebred Top Kisser, returning froma nine-month layoff to race on dirt for the first time, ran down pacesetter Marks Mine to win Saturday’s $125,000 Spring Fever Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares on the Gold Rush card at Santa Anita Park. Top Kisser is a 5-year-old mare by Old Topper, out of the Cherokee Run mare Cherokee Kiss, is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and was ridden by Corey Nakatani. “We thought we had her ready,” said Hollendorfer. “She was in the clear and responded when asked to run. We got lucky and got out of the game good, too. The Tommy Town facilities (owned by Tom and Debi Stull) are real nice and we turn a lot of horses out there, so we turned her out there and gave her some time and she came back and responded.” Nakatani was riding Top Kisser for the first time. It was Top Kisser’s... ...

Storm Fighter

Storm Fighter wins the $100,000 Tiznow Stakes. ...

Dancingtothestars

Dancingtothestars wins $125,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes. ...

STORM FIGHTER — $125,000 Tiznow Stakes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 26, 2014)—Golden Eagle Farm’s homebred Storm Fighter dispatched heavily favored Rousing Sermon turning for home and went on to an impressive 3 ¼ length win in Saturday’s $125,000 Tiznow Stakes for older horses bred or sired in California. Ridden by Edwin Maldonado and trained by Bruce Headley, the 4-year-old colt by Stormin Fever covered a flat mile in 1:35.06. Breaking from post position three in a field of five, Storm Fighter broke sharply and assumed command into the Club House turn and controlled the race throughout, carving out fractions of 23.20, 46.45, 1:10.00 and 1:22.30. “There was no speed in the race, so we thought we would take advantage of that,” said Maldonado. “I thought one of Hollendorfer’s horses would go with me to pressure us, but we made the lead easy and it was all him.” Off as the second choice at 5-2, Storm Fighter paid $7.60, $3.40 and $2.60. Bred by the late Larry Mabee, son of Golden Eagle founders John... ...

DANCINGTOTHESTARS — $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2014) – Dancingtothestars accelerated past the tiring frontrunners turning for home, then withstood a rider’s objection to win Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares on the Gold Rush card at Santa Anita. Dancingtothestars is a 6-year-old mare by Good Journey, out of the In Excess mare A Lil Excess and was bred by owner Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds. “We’re very proud of her,” said Cathy Lambert, daughter-in-law of Marjorie Lambert of Burbank, who races as Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds. “This is really special because we lost her dam last year. She had been bred to Atticus and then got colic. To win the Megahertz (Stakes, three starts back) and now the Fran’s Valentine, this is unreal.” Dancingtothestars is trained by Doug O’Neill and was ridden by Mario Gutierrez. “Mario knows her well,” said O’Neill. “He was out of town the last time she ran (third in the Irish O’Brien). Joe Talamo gave her a great ride, but the Ren-Mar... ...

California Chrome Works Before Shipping

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Apr. 26, 2014) — With many fans making their first-ever visit to Los Alamitos just to see him, California Chrome put in his final work April 26 before he heads to Louisville for the May 3 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). Jockey Victor Espinoza took California Chrome a half-mile in :48 1/5, and the California-bred colt galloped out five-eighths in 1:01. “It was perfect,” said trainer Art Sherman, who watched from the West end of the grandstand. “He does everything so easy. It always looks effortless.” Before the work, fans approached Sherman for autographs and photos. “People love him—he’s like a rock star and I’m his manager,” said the trainer, who sported a purple California Chrome hat. He later added a California Chrome button courtesy of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, which made buttons available to people who “liked” the CTBA’s Facebook page. Espinoza brought California Chrome out around 8 a.m. PDT, accompanied by a pony. They took an easy gallop past the... ...

Legislators in Derby ‘Throw Down’

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 25, 2014) — California State Senator Andy Vidak (R-Hanford) and Kentucky State Representative David Osborne (R-Prospect) are in a Kentucky Derby “Throw Down” of sorts. “California Chrome, a California Central Valley-bred Kentucky Derby contender can best any Kentucky-bred contender on May 3 is the challenge,” said Vidak. According to the Sacramento Bee (4/20/14). “Most Derby horses are born to wealth in lush Kentucky bluegrass, not California’s Central Valley. Only three California-bred colts have won the Kentucky Derby, and the last was 52 years ago.” The challenge involves California-grown cherries from Vidak’s farm and Woodford Reserve, a Kentucky-distilled bourbon. In a business where buying a yearling for $400,000 is a common occurrence, the owners took a mare that they paid $8,000 for and bred it to a stallion for $2,500. The result is California Chrome. He is at the top of the leader board for the Kentucky Derby with the most earnings of any horse. “Representative Osborne says he likes cherries, but he won’t be enjoying them anytime soon,”... ...

Oak Tree to Run Pleasanton Fair Meet

From Oak Tree Racing Association ALBANY, Calif, (Apr. 25, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board today approved a license application submitted by Oak Tree Racing Association and Alameda County Fair to conduct three weeks of racing at the Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, beginning on June 19, 2014 and running through July 6, 2014. CHRB approval represents the latest step forward in a year-long effort by Oak Tree, Alameda County Fair and the California Authority of Racing Fairs to offer a new concept for racing in Northern California. Earlier in the year, the three organizations worked with California legislators to carry a bill which would clear the way for this effort. In March, the legislature passed AB 1303 (Hall), which enabled Oak Tree to run at a Fair in Northern California. Governor Brown signed the legislation on March 28, 2014. An application for a racing license was submitted to the CHRB on April 11, 2014. “On behalf of the Oak Tree Board of Directors, we want to thank the California legislature,... ...

NorCal Sale Grad Wins Baby Race

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 25, 2014) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate The One We Stole won the first race at Golden Gate on Friday, a two-furlong maiden special weight race for 2-year-old fillies. The One We Stole is by Tannersmyman, out of the Top Account mare Get the Money, was bred by Jim Eaton, is owned by Troy Johnson and trained by Salvador Naranjo. The One We Stole, winning at first asking, was a $2,300 purchase. She ran the two furlongs in :21.90 and won by a nose at odds of 9-2. ...

Journey On Picks Wilshire

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2014) – Journey On is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Wilshire Handicap for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Journey on is by Good Journey, out of the American Chance mare Miss Del Mar, was bred by Leatherman Racing, is owned by Neil Haymes & Robert Master and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $154,910 and is coming off a sixth in the Mar. 29 American Beauty. She scratched out of Saturday’s Fran’s Valentine Stakes. ...

Summer Hit in San Francisco Mile

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 23, 2014) – Graded winner Summer Hit, runner-up in this race last year, is back for Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III San Francisco Mile at Golden Gate. Summer Hit is by Bertrando, out of the Tough Knight mare Mia F Eighteen, was bred by Kenneth and Janice Heidt, is owned by John Carver and Jerry Hollendorfer and trained by Hollendorfer. He has 10 wins in 18 starts, earnings of $452,219 and is coming off a Mar. 15 allowance win. He was second in this race last year. Pepper Crown is by Peppered Cat, out of the Crowning Storm mare Crown This Lady, was bred by owner and trainer Alex Paszkeicz. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $96,433 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 30 optional claimer. Pepnic is by Peppered Cat, out of the Tychonic mare Prochonic, was bred by Alex Paszkeicz, is owned by David Taylor Jr. and trained by Tim McCanna. He has five wins in 23 starts, earnings of... ...

CHRB Meeting Friday

From CHRB ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 22, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting this Friday, April 25, in the Bayview Lounge (Turf Club) at Golden Gate Fields beginning at 9:30 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 for this meeting are available on the website through the following links: agenda, package. ...

California Chrome

California Chrome gallop. ...

Solid Foundation for California Chrome

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Apr. 22, 2014) — If trainer Art Sherman seems surprisingly calm for a Triple Crown newcomer who figures to be saddling this year’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) favorite in California Chrome, some of that confidence traces to the solid racing foundation of the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner. While many trainers have reduced the number of starts for their top 2-year-olds, California Chrome enters this year’s Derby with seven races as a juvenile and a total of 10 starts. No Derby favorite in this century has boasted more 2-year-old starts than California Chrome. The most recent Derby favorite with more juvenile starts is filly Excellent Meeting (an entry with General Challenge in 1999), who raced eight times as a 2-year-old. Sherman believes the road to the Derby can be taxing on horses without solid foundations. “They all run a mile-and-an-eighth prior to running in the Derby,” Sherman said. “I just think that being seasoned and not having to do a whole lot... ...

Los Alamitos Improvements Underway

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Apr. 22, 2014) — Los Alamitos Race Course is embarking on a series of improvements designed to help the Cypress, Calif., racetrack play a more major role in the Southern California Thoroughbred picture. Plans for the construction of additional stalls and frontside improvements are under way, said Brad McKinzie, the general manager of the Los Alamitos Thoroughbred meetings. “We’re moving forward with a lot of the improvements right now,” said McKinzie. “We’re on the agenda of the City of Cypress’s meeting of May 12 to construct the new barns.” The barns, which Los Alamitos management hopes to have in place by mid-June, would add 200 stalls to the 500 already in use for year-round Thoroughbred training. McKinzie said that Los Alamitos would also have a temporary ship-in facility of about 60 stalls for use during the race meetings. Frontside improvement plans include expansion of the Vessels Club, addition of an upscale bar, a viewing terrace, and boxes, and enlarging the walking ring. Los Alamitos conducts year-round... ...

California Chrome

California Chrome workout ...

Fairplex Phasing Out Sales, Training

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Apr. 25, 2014) — Over the next several months, the Los Angeles County Fair plans to phase out its racing-related activities at Fairplex Park, chief executive officer James Henwood told the California Horse Racing Board April 25. Meeting at Golden Gate Fields, CHRB commissioners had the opportunity to question Henwood and Brad McKinzie, Los Alamitos Racing Association vice president, on the proposed relocation of the 11-day LACF meeting to the Orange County facility Sept. 5-21. The discussion was for informational purposes, coming four days after the announcement of the proposed move was made. Action on the date transfer is likely to occur May 22, once a formal application has been submitted for the board’s regular monthly meeting at Santa Anita Park. None of the six commissioners present spoke against the proposal—in fact, some indicated they favored it. But they did ask several probing questions during the two-hour session. In response, Henwood said Fairplex “is not up the level of major league racing” patrons in Southern California... ...

Stallion Benchmark Pensioned

From Ballena Vista Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2014) — Ballena Vista Farm announced today that Benchmark has been retired from the breeding shed. Initially the farm thought he was physically and reproductively capable of another season and bred a handful of mares to him the first two months of the 2014 season. Benchmark failed to impregnate them and will now be pensioned alongside fellow retiree Beau Genius. Throughout his stud career Benchmark has been a stalwart of the California breeding industry. He had nine consecutive years of over $2.3 million in progeny earnings and has total progeny earnings of $30.1 million. His 41 stakes winners and 10 graded winners from 742 foals of racing age, include Grade I winners Brother Derek, Idiot Proof, Silent Signs and Eclipse Award champion Points Offthebench who was honored as the 2013 Male Sprinter of the year. Benchmark, as a racehorse was a multiple Grade 2 winner of $636,707, and as a sire, he is the leading son of Alydar by progeny earnings. ...

Lawmaker Tours Thoroughbred Farms

RAMONA, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2014) — On Friday, April 18, Assemblymember Brian Jones, along with his wife Heather, their children, his mother and father, family friends, and staff members Gail Ramer and Leann Files joined CTBA President Doug Burge, CTBA Board Member Leigh Ann Howard and Event Coordinator Christy Chapman in eastern San Diego County to tour Ballena Vista Farm and E.A. Ranches at his request to visit Thoroughbred breeding and training farms. At Ballena Vista Farm, farm foreman Frank Ochoa guided the group along a tour that included viewing a newborn filly by Calimonco who was born just hours before their arrival, witnessing first-hand the vet checking a mare to confirm pregnancy, learning about the use of an Euroxciser, viewing the breeding shed and lab, and visiting leading sire Tribal Rule. At E.A. Ranches, farm manager Marguerite Eliasson showed the group stallions Uh Oh Bango, Rocky Bar and their 5/8 mile training track. Assemblyman Jones, and group, emerged quite educated after asking many questions while thoroughly enjoying their day... ...

Allen Gutterman Joins NYRA

By DRF.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. – Allen Gutterman, who served as vice president of marketing for the New York Racing Association in the early 1990s, has returned to the company as a marketing consultant, NYRA officials confirmed Wednesday. Gutterman, who has also worked as a marketing official at The Meadowlands, Hollywood Park, and Santa Anita, will be here for the next three months, through the Belmont spring/summer meet that runs from May 1 through July 13. “Allen’s here for a mutually agreed-upon, finite period to assist in the marketing of what will be the biggest Belmont Stakes ever, a new event on July 5th, Stars and Stripes Day, and a Saratoga meet that is expected to have a number of other firsts, including an enhanced Whitney Day,” said Eric Wing, NYRA’s director of communications and media relations. “Allen has experience at NYRA and also working with Martin Panza,” Wing added. “It’s a great fit for everyone concerned.” Panza became NYRA’s senior vice president of racing operations last November after spending... ...

Tamarando Tries Turf in Snow Chief

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2014) – Santa Anita is the new home of the California Gold Rush, and turf is the new surface of the $250,000 Snow Chief Stakes for 3-year-olds. The timing is perfect for Snow Chief favorite Tamarando. Jerry Hollendorfer trains Tamarando and six others entered in five stakes for California-breds on Saturday at Santa Anita, where the Gold Rush program will take place for the first time after 13 years at Hollywood Park. And for the first time, the Snow Chief is on turf. The Grade 1 winner Tamarando is the class of the Snow Chief and is trying new footing. Based on his turf workouts, Hollendorfer assistant Dan Ward is certain he will love it. “I’ve seen him work [many] times, and I’ve never seen him work like he works on turf,” Ward said. “On the turf, he’s a different horse. He seems like he gets a hold of it.” [DRF Live: Get live reports and handicapping insights from Santa Anita this Saturday] If Tamarando... ...

Swiss Lake Yodeler, Rovenna in Melair

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2014) – Rovenna has been flawless in sprints for California-bred 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita in recent months, winning an optional claimer in February and the $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes over 6 1/2 furlongs April 5. How she performs over 1 1/16 miles in Saturday’s $250,000 Melair Stakes for California-bred 3-year-old fillies will determine her 2014 campaign. “If she stretches out and runs a big race, we’ve got a lot of options with her,” trainer Mike Machowsky said. Machowsky insists that Rovenna should not be judged on her past two-turn races. Last November, Rovenna finished third, beaten by 5 1/2 lengths, behind Swiss Lake Yodeler in the $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes over a mile on the undercard of the first day of the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita. In January, she was third, beaten by 1 1/4 lengths, in the California Cup Oaks over a mile on turf. [DRF Live: Get live reports and handicapping insights from Santa Anita this Saturday] “When I... ...

Marks Mine in Spring Fever Stakes

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2014) – Marks Mine has developed a reputation as a top female sprinter in Northern California in the last two years, compiling four stakes wins. Her record at Santa Anita is not as strong. A winner of 8 of 16 starts, Marks Mine is winless in three starts at Santa Anita, a trend she will try to reverse in Saturday’s $125,000 Spring Fever Stakes at Santa Anita. The Spring Fever, for California-bred fillies and mares at six furlongs, is one of five stakes for statebreds on Saturday’s Gold Rush card. Marks Mine was third in the California Breeders’ Champion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies here in January 2013, her local debut. She was ninth of 11 in the Evening Jewel Stakes two months later, but emerged with an excuse. [California Gold Rush: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s card live] “She was buried on the inside and came up with a little virus afterward,” trainer Steve Specht said. “That’s about the only time she’s run a clunker.” In... ...

Rousing Sermon Back With Cal-breds

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 20, 2014) — Rousing Sermon drops out of the Santa Anita Handicap to face defending champ Kate’s Event in Saturday’s $125,000 Tiznow Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles on the Gold Rush card at Santa Anita. Multiple stakes winner Rousing Sermon is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Awesome Again mare Rousing Again, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has five wins in 26 starts, earnings of $710,992 and is coming off a sixth in the Mar. 8 Santa Anita Handicap. Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Gerald Benowitz and Sandra Powell, Mathilde and Paul Viskovich and is trained by Leonard Powell. He has five wins in 23 starts, earnings of $269,526 and is making his first start since a fifth in the Dec. 14 Native Diver. Storm Fighter is by Stormin Fever, out of the Deputy Commander mare Throne Seeker, was bred... ...

Halo Dolly Looks for a Million

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 20, 2014) – Halo Dolly seeks to become the latest California-bred millionaire when she faces a talented field in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares on the Gold Rush card at Santa Anita. Graded winner Ciao Bella Luna is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Tribal Rule, out of the Conquistador Cielo mare Shadow of the Moon, was bred by Dennis and Carol Yokum, is owned by Rockingham Stable and trained by Peter Miller. She has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $284,110 and is coming off a fifth in the Apr. 12 Las Cienegas Stakes. Defending champion Unusual Hottie is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ski Champ mare Branco Como Neve, was bred by owner Ali Nilforushan and is trained by Jeff Mullins. She has seven wins in 20 starts, earnings of $418,128 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 29 American Beauty. She won this race last year at Betfair Hollywood Park. Multiple stakes winner... ...

Lakerville Enters Last Tycoon

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 20, 2014) — Lakerville is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $100,000 Grade III Last Tycoon Stakes at Santa Anita. Lakerville is by Unusual Heat, out of the Out of Place mare Foreverinthegame, was bred by Abrams and Team Green, is owned by Barry Abrams and M. Auerbach and is trained by Abrams. He has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $312,910 and is coming off a second in the Apr. 13 San Simeon Stakes. ...

Joy Boy Enters Bosselman

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (Apr. 24, 2014) — Joy Boy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Bosselman Gus Fonner Stakes at Fonner Park. Joy Boy is by Tribal Rule, out of the Half Term mare Joyously, was bred by Dr. and Mrs. William Gray, is owned by TK Stables and trained by Kellyn Gorder. He has seven wins in 25 starts, earnings of $295,943 and is coming off a Mar. 15 allowance win. He was third in this race last year. ...

California Chrome Works at Los Al

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Apr. 19, 2014) — Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner California Chrome, early favorite for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) took another step forward when he cruised four furlongs at his Los Alamitos headquarters the morning of April 19 in :47 4/5. Regular rider Victor Espinoza was aboard for drill, the first for the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit since romping in the April 5 Santa Anita Derby by 5 1/4 lengths. The drill was the eighth swiftest of 29 at the distance at Los Alamitos and came shortly after the renovation break. “Victor said he went great,” trainer Art Sherman said after the 8 a.m. drill. Following a traffic incident during a recent gallop caused by other horses on the oval, Los Alamitos officials made sure California Chrome had the track to himself Saturday. “The track was immaculate,” Sherman said. “He’ll have his final workout next Saturday (April 26) and ship early Monday morning (April 28) for Kentucky. There were some... ...

Los Alamitos Seeks Fairplex Dates

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2014) — Officials with Barretts Sales and Racing at the Los Angeles County Fair are in advanced discussions with colleagues at Los Alamitos Racecourse to relocate the 13-day Fairplex meeting to the Orange County track this September, according to a Fairplex Park official. If the racing dates are transferred, it is likely to mark the end of live racing at the Los Angeles County Fair, located at Fairplex Park in Pomona. Racing has been held at the Los Angeles County Fair since September 1933, shortly after the legalization of parimutuel racing in California. Discussions between officials of the two tracks and other industry representatives were held on Thursday and were expected to continue on Friday, according to Mike Chee, the director of communications for Fairplex Park. An agreement on the transfer of dates could be reached as early as Friday, he said. “Things are going hour to hour,” Chee said late Thursday afternoon. “We’re hopeful we can close an agreement by the end of... ...

Sherman Followed Owner’s Plan

From UTSanDiego.com LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2014) — Art Sherman was a teenager hanging around his father’s barber shop at Silver Lake in the center of Los Angeles one day when a few of his father’s customers offered some career advice. “They were horseplayers, and they told my father I was just the right size to be a jockey,” said Sherman, who was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., but moved with his family to California as a youngster. Sherman took the advice and soon he was at legendary owner-breeder Rex Ellsworth’s ranch learning how to ride horses, seeing such movie stars as Rita Hayworth, sans make-up and pretenses. When Ellsworth went to the 1955 Kentucky Derby with the great Swaps, Sherman accompanied him as an exercise rider. Occasionally, he rode Swaps and shortly after Swaps won the Derby, Sherman became a full-time jockey. He rode for 23 years before moving to the backstretch as a trainer. And now, after training for all these years, Sherman, 77 and now living with his... ...

D’Amato Takes Over for Mitchell

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 17, 2014) — The stable of leading Southern Californian conditioner Mike Mitchell will be restructured starting April 21, with longtime assistant Philip D’Amato taking over the reins as head trainer. Mitchell has been a mainstay on the Southern California circuit for the past 40 years with 2,690 winners and $67,294,321 in earnings. He has earned 19 Southern California training titles, as well as the distinction of being the all-time leading trainer at Del Mar. Mitchell, who turns 66 April 25, believes it is the time is right to step down from his head trainer role. He underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in June 2012, and while he is winning his fight against cancer, it has given him a new perspective on life. He said he wishes to spend more time with his family without the pressures involved with running a large racing stable. “I feel great and am pleased to report that my doctors couldn’t be happier with my health, as my tumor... ...

Behind the Gate Opens May 15

Behind the Gate, a documentary examining the changes in the horse racing industry, has gained the sponsorship of Santa Anita Park in advance of its May 15 release date. The movie recently won a Wrangler Award from the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The film is produced by Mark and Daryle Ann Lindley Giardino; directed by Mark Giardino and Jack Lucarelli and narrated by Joe Pesci. Among the sport’s stars appearing in the film are Bob Baffert, Doug O’Neill, Laffit Pincay, Gary Stevens and Ron McAnally. ...

Kay Bender Passes Away

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 17, 2014) –Longtime horsewoman and former California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board member Kay Bender has passed away. Bender suffered a head injury in a fall at home two weeks ago, lapsed into a coma and died shortly after, according to Sue Greene, CTBA’s Secretary. A memorial service will be held in Yorba Linda May 18, with final details to be determined. ...

Hovdey on Cal-bred Derby Winners

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com An expert in statistical theory and application would suggest that if something has not happened in 51 years, it is unlikely to happen in the 52nd. Such an expert also would recommend against playing cards with a guy named Ace or betting on the Vikings in the Super Bowl. Any Super Bowl. Those who are prepared to follow California Chrome over the cliff of passionate favoritism in the 140th Kentucky Derby two weeks from now would be wise to keep that number – 51 – in mind, because the last time a racehorse who was born and raised in the Golden State won the Derby was in 1962, when a Catholic was president, Cuba had missiles, and gasoline was 25 cents a gallon. [ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays] This is not to say it matters squat to the Thoroughbred in question where he was born. It wasn’t as if California Chrome staggered to his wobbly legs on the 18th of February,... ...

Barretts May Catalog Online

From Barretts POMONA, Calif. (Apr. 15, 2014) — The catalog for the Barretts May Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age is now on-line and will be mailed soon. This auction of 129 horses will be held on Monday, May 12 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/catmay2014/catalog.asp The May Sale catalog is also now available for your ipad. Click here for details. The official training preview is scheduled to be held on Friday, May 9 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. Among the successful graduates of the May Sale in the past year are stakes winners Jeranimo (G1), Stormy Lucy (G2), Dice Flavor (G2), Full Ransom (G3), Can the Man, City By The... ...

Gold Rush Nominations and PPs

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 15, 2014) — The five-race, $850,000 Gold Rush for California-breds and -sireds, will be held Saturday, Apr. 26, at Santa Anita. For nominations and past performances for the five stakes, click on the appropriate link: 2014 Gold Rush Nominations and Past Performances $125,000 Spring Fever Stakes: http://www.santaanita.com/stakesrace/2014/spring-fever-stakes $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes: http://www.santaanita.com/stakesrace/2014/frans-valentine-stakes $250,000 Snow Chief Stakes: http://www.santaanita.com/stakesrace/2014/snow-chief-stakes $250,000 Melair Stakes: http://www.santaanita.com/stakesrace/2014/melair-stakes $125,000 Tiznow Stakes: http://www.santaanita.com/stakesrace/2014/tiznow-stakes ...

Phyllis Lambert Passes at 67

By Wendy Averill Phyllis Lambert, who passed away from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on Mar. 27, 2014, was a fixture at California Thoroughbred sales since the late 1960s. But more than being a “fixture,” she changed the way Thoroughbred sales, and hence the industry, employed women. In 1973, she and (CTBA Director) Leigh Ann Howard were hired by Rollin Baugh, of California Thoroughbred Consultants, to create at Hollywood Park anything necessary to conduct probably the most prestigious and most unprecedented Thoroughbred sale ever conducted in California up to that time. Fletcher Jones, of Westerly Stud Farm, had been killed in an airplane crash and all of his 140 horses were to be dispersed. As Auction Sales Manger, Phyllis and her colleague, Leigh, were responsible for everything horse related for the Westerly Dispersal. The sale barns they were to use at Hollywood Park were a mud bog so truckloads of rock dust had to be dropped and leveled. Stall screens had to be borrowed, sand blasted, painted in Rollins’ colors and,... ...

Graded Stakes Double for Ballena Vista

From Ballena Vista Farm RAMONA, Calif. (Apr. 13, 2014) — California-breds by Ballena Vista Farm sires Tribal Rule and Beau Genius captured both graded stakes at Santa Anita on April 12. In her first graded stakes effort, Tribal Rule’s 4-year-old filly Tribal Spy successfully stepped into open stakes company to win the $100,500 Las Cienegas Stakes-G3 on the hillside turf course, becoming the fifth graded winner for her sire who currently leads California’s general sire list with earnings of $1.5 million. Retired from stud following the 2009 breeding season, Beau Genius, now 29, is back in the headlines as the sire of Big Macher, a multiple stakes winner from his final crop. Winner of the California Cup Sprint January 25 at Santa Anita in his stakes debut, Big Macher was defeated just a half-length in the San Carlos-G2 on March 8. Not to be denied victory in the $200,750 Potrero Grande-G2, Big Macher charged three wide down the stretch, caught the pace setter with sixteenth to go and prevailed by... ...

Cal-breds Perform for CARMA

By Bloodhorse.com LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Apr. 14, 2014) — Heaven Szent, a 14-year-old who never won a race under his registered name of General Attack, was the star of the April 12-13 Thoroughbred Classic Horse Show at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank, Calif. The Siegel CARMA Foundation sponsors the horse show as a way to demonstrate the versatility of former racehorses. Owned by Suzi Bright of Carpinteria, Calif., and ridden by Bright and trainer Shauna Pennell, Heaven Szent won several classes, including the $1,500 Hunter Derby April 13. “This was just fabulous,” said Bright, who won two classes aboard her horse. “I got him nine years ago. He’s like a dog—he would come sit on the couch with you. As far as I was concerned, he was heaven sent, which is how he got his name.” Heaven Szent is a gelded son of General Meeting—Private Maid, by Private Account. Joseph and Linda DiPietro bred him in California. As General Attack he started 10 times with his best efforts... ...

She’s Ordained Enters Primonetta

BALTIMORE, Md. (Apr. 16, 2014) – She’s Ordained is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Primonetta Stakes for fillies and mares at Pimlico. She’s Ordained is by Ministers Wild Cat, 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 32 starts, earnings of $353,325 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 29 starter’s allowance. ...

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