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NorCal Sale Grad Yo Yo Candy in Nashua

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Nov. 2, 2023) – Graded stakes-winning Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Yo Yo Candy is one of five entered in Sunday’s $150,000 Nashua Stakes for 2-year-olds at Aqueduct. Yo Yo Candy is by Danzing Candy, out of the Two Punch mare Yolanda B. Too, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, is owned by Happy Tenth Stable and is trained by Daniel Velazquez. The $6,000 purchase out of the Checkmate Thoroughbreds consignment has two wins in four starts, earnings of $143,050 and is coming off a 10th in the Sept. 4 Grade I Hopeful. ...

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The Chosen Vron Enters BC Sprint

From Breeders’ Cup Press Release ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2023) – Millionaire The Chosen Vron is entered in the $2 million Grade I Qatar Cup Breeders’ Cup Sprint, to be run at six furlongs on the dirt as the 11th race on Saturday, Nov. 4. Winner of the Grade I Bing Crosby “Win and You’re In” at six furlongs in his most recent start on July 29, The Chosen Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Tiz Wonderful mar Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners and is owned by Sondereker Racing, trainer J. Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin and Richard Thornburgh. The two-time Cal-bred champion has 13 wins in 17 starts, earnings of $1,032,678 and an eight-race win. He will break from post position six under Hector Berrios and is 5-1 on the morning line. The 40th Breeders’ Cup World Championships will feature 14 races with purses and awards totaling more than $31 million Nov. 3-4 at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif. It’s a record 11th time the event has... ...

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Stakes-winning Pair in Golden State Fillies

JUVENILE_FILLIES_PP_S | Santa Anita Park ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2023) – Stakes winners Grand Slam Smile and Crazy Hot and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Fly a Fantasy are entered in Friday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Recalcitrant is by Pavel, out of the Square Eddie mare Hacktivism, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $48,800 and is making her first start since a May 20 maiden win. Borntostaythirsty is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Zensational mare Spring Moon, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Thomsen Racing and Thomas Halasz and trained by Steve Knapp. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $63,640 and is coming off a Sept. 16 maiden win. Satellite Heart is by Accelerate, out of the Unusual Heat mare Tahitian Lagoon, was bred by Harris Farms & Donald Valpredo, is owned by Valle Las Palmas, Robert Cannon,... ...

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Dr. No No in Golden State Juvenile

Past Performances — GOLDEN_STATE_JUVENILE_STAKES_PP_S | Santa Anita Park ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2023) – Stakes winner Dr. No No and Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Going Mobile are among the entries in Friday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Dr. No No is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Run Away and Hide mare Enayat Alsalam, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Edward Brown, Alan Klein and Philip Lebherz and trained by Brian Koriner. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $130,290 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 8 I’m Smokin. Stay On the Fence is by Pavel, out of the The Factor mare Factor of Two, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He is a maiden making his fourth start with earnings of $33,560. Just a Guess is by Nyquist, out of the War Front mare Epistemology, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio... ...

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Love Candy Tries Golden Gate Handicap

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2023) – Love Candy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Golden Gate Handicap. Love Candy is by Danzing Candy, out of the Tapizar mare Love Winning, was bred by Stuart Tsujimoto, is owned by Mary Tucker and trained by Samuel Calvario. Claimed for $20,000 in June, he has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $165,274 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 15 Bull Dog. ...

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‘Chrome’s California Bay Enters Twilight Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2023) – California Bay is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II Twilight Derby for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. California Bay is by California Chrome, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jeff Mullins. He has two win in five starts, earnings of $83,540 and is coming off an Oct. 9 optional claiming win. ...

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Rose Maddox Entered in Ken Maddy

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2023) – California-bred multiple stakes winner Rose Maddox is entered in Friday’s $150,000 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Rose Maddox is by Grazen, out of the Unusual Heat mare Heat the Rocks, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steven Miyadi. She has six wins in 18 starts, earnings of $416,782 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 14 California Distaff. ...

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Equine Photographer Katey Barrett Passes

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2023) — Renowned equine photographer Katey Barrett, whose work was an integral part of Santa Anita’s opening day Winter Meet souvenir calendar for more than three decades, passed away following a bout with cancer this past Sunday, Oct. 22 at age 91 according to her sister, Jane Barrett.             “Katey had been on hospice and was diagnosed with cancer a couple of months ago,” she said. “She was at Santa Anita and took beautiful pictures for more than 40 years. She received many awards and she was dedicated to serving animals, all animals.  A lot of people have been calling and expressing what she has done for them personally, in their lives.              “Katey was a very selfless person.,” Jane Barrett continued. “She was dedicated to helping with the operation of a wild horse sanctuary near Mt. Lassen and keeping the horses free.  She was very dedicated to that place.  She hadn’t been up there in a while because she was unable... ...

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Ceiling Crusher, Fun to Dream Cataloged

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 26, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher has been added to the Fasig-Tipton November Sale as a racing/broodmare prospect, joining fellow Grade I winner Fun to Dream, the 2022 Cal-bred Horse of the Year. Ceiling Crusher is a 3-year-old filly is by Mr. Big, out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff and Ty Leatherman and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has six wins in seven starts, earnings of $938,400 and in her last start defeated Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous to win the Cotillion S. (G1) at Parx on September 23. She is a four-time stakes winner this year, including the Torrey Pines S. (G3) at Del Mar.  Fun to Dream is by Arrogate, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Lutess, was bred by Connie Pageler and Bob Baffert, is owned by Natalie Baffert and Pageler and trained by Bob Baffert. She has six wins in 10 starts... ...

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Runaway Storm Wins Bryan Station

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 28, 2023) — Runaway Storm, a Kentucky bred son of California stallion Midnight Storm, blew the break, circled the entire field then held on for a game win in Saturday’s $297,307 Grade III Bryan Station Stakes  for 3-year-olds at Keeneland. The gelding, out of the Run Away and Hide mare Runaway Betty, has theee wins in five starts and earnings of $288,520. He ran the mike on turf in 1:35.93 on a good turf course at odds of 20-1 in a field of eight for a head win over odds-on favorite Talk of the Nation. Midnight Storm stands at Milky Way Farm in Temecula. ...

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Bally’s Charm, Shortman Enticed by Lure

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 25, 2023) – Stakes winner Bally’s Charm and fellow California-bred Shortman are entered in Saturday’s $80,000 Lure Stakes at Santa Anita. Bally’s Charm is by Roi Charmant, out of the Arch mare Ballydonnell Drive, was bred by owners Red Baron’s Barn & Vaya Con Suerte and is trained by Jeff Mullins. He has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $315,500 and is coming off an Oct. 1 optional claiming win. Shortman is by Prince of Love, out of the Smarty Jones mare Shorty Jones, was bred by Sergio Zepeda, is owned by Zepeda Racing and trained by Salvador Naranjo. He has four wins in 23 starts, earnings of $180,414 and is coming off a third in the Sept. 16 E.B. Johnston Stakes. ...

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NorCal Sale Grad Entered in Pike Place Dancer

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Kristin Lee and fellow California-bred Susie Cru are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Pike Place Dancer Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Golden Gate Susie Cru is by Conquest Farenheit, out of the Ready’s Image mare Hot, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Monty Meier. She is a maiden making her second start. Kristin Lee is by Cat Burglar, out of the City Zip mare Norma, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Robert Jones and trained by Faith Taylor. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in five starts, earnings of $31,982 and is coming off a third in a Sept. 25 starter’s allowance. ...

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Golden Gate Adjusts for Breeders’ Cup Week

From Golden Gate Fields Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2023) — Golden Gate Fields officials announced Monday morning that Golden Gate will conduct live racing on a Friday through Sunday basis on the week of the 2023 Breeders Cup World Thoroughbred Championships. First post on Friday, November 3, Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5 will be 1:15 PM. The Breeders Cup, hosted at Santa Anita Park this year, features five championship races on Friday and nine more on Saturday. Golden Gate, which has conducted Monday race cards since the beginning of the Summer Meet in August, will be dark on Monday, November 6. The first Monday race card to be offered in the month of November will be on November 13. The feature race on Saturday, November 4 at Golden Gate is the $100,000 Grade 3 Golden Gate Handicap (formerly known as the Berkeley). The mile and one-sixteenth race for 3-year-olds and up is run on the all-weather Tapeta main track. Along with the live race card at Golden... ...

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Daddysruby Speeds to Feature Victory

From Santa Anita Publicity             ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 27, 2023)—Shortening up out of a pair of turf routes, trainer Peter Miller’s California-bred Daddysruby led throughout and registered a resounding 5 ¼ length victory in Friday’s $63,000 Santa Anita allowance feature.  With Juan Hernandez collecting his second win of the day, the 3-year-old filly by Frac Daddy got six furlongs in 1:09.56.                 Breaking sharply from the rail, Daddysruby was quickly on terms with 7-5 favorite Report and took command leaving the five furlong pole without being sent.  With a one length advantage three furlongs from home, Daddysruby opened up by three furlongs an eighth of a mile out and won geared down in what certainly appeared to be the best race of her young career.                 “She’s always shown a lot of talent, but I didn’t think she had that kind of speed,” said Miller.  “But she broke sharp and Juan just kind of inherited the lead and took it to ’em.  We’re very pleased. ... ...

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Cal-bred Standout Lieutenant Dan Retired

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2023) — Lieutenant Dan, 2021 California-bred Horse of the Year and a six-time stakes winner who was second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar in 2021, was recently retired and sent to the central California ranch of owner-breeder Nick Alexander. “He had an ankle that was causing problems,” Alexander said. “We didn’t want to push it.” Lieutenant Dan, a 7-year-old gelding by Grazen, won 9 of 18 starts and earned $923,740. All six of the stakes wins were achieved in sprints in Southern California, including three stakes for statebreds in 2019 and 2020. Trained by Steve Miyadi, Lieutenant Dan had his best year in 2021, winning three of four starts in turf sprints, including consecutive stakes in the Grade 3 Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar and the Grade 2 Eddie D Stakes at Santa Anita. Lieutenant Dan was second by 1 1/4 lengths to Golden Pal in the BC Turf Sprint at five furlongs in 2021. He won his final... ...

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Kings River Knight Wins California Flag

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Oct. 15, 2023)—A winner of three out of his last four starts coming in, John Sadler’s talented 5-year-old gelding Kings River Knight rallied powerfully under Juan Hernandez to take Sunday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap by 1 ½ lengths as he got about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in a quick 1:10.75.               The California Flag is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses.               As expected, highly accomplished stakes winner Brickyard Ride went to the front out of the gate, leading by a half length over Sadler’s other entrant, Lil Nass, to the dirt crossing at the top of the stretch.  From there, heavily favored Kings River Knight loomed menacingly four-deep and wrested control from Brickyard Ride a furlong out.               “This horse is getting better every race,” said Hernandez.  “Today, he broke really sharp but a couple of those other horses are faster early so I just let him see what was... ...

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Rose Maddox Hits Right Notes in Distaff

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 14, 2023)—With a blistering early fractions of 21.10 and 43.81 to run at, Nick Alexander’s homebred Rose Maddox unleashed a powerful stretch run to win Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap by two lengths in a very impressive effort.  Ridden for the first time by Tiago Pereira, Rose Maddox got about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in a speedy 1:11.22.                 The California Distaff Handicap is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sire horses. “We were long overdue. We’ve been a slump since April,” said Alexander. “I bet on the other Rose (Dawson). We thought Rose Dawson would follow that leader and hopefully soften her up. I think 6 ½ down the hill is perfect for (Rose Maddox). She had had a mile race before. I lot of time milers come back and win on this course. She’s a cool little horse.”                 In-hand early, Rose Maddox was about 9 ½ lengths off of... ...

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Rocktillyoudrop in Don Getty Handicap

CALGARY, Alberta (Oct. 18, 2023) – Rocktillyoudrop is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Don Getty Handicap at Century Downs. Rocktillyoudrop is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Northern Devil mare Red Hot Rocket, was bred by Patricia Wall & Bill Delia, is owned by Al Pitchko and trained by Rodney Cone. He has seven wins in 39 starts, earnings of $151,710 and is coming off a third in an Oct. 8 optional claimer. ...

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He Be Fire N Ice Relocates to Legacy Ranch

Cicero Farms Press Release CLEMENTS, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2023) — California stallion He Be Fire N Ice has been relocated to Legacy Ranch to stand the 2024 breeding season, owner Cicero Farms announced on Friday. He Be Fire N Ice, a 15-year-old California-bred stakes-winning son of Unusual Heat, has six crops of racing age with progeny earnings of more than $1.3 million, including top-earner Oubabe and Lil Nas, who is entered in Sunday’s California Flag Stakes at Santa Anita.   ...

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CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, and Thomas Hudnut. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcastlink, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: The Board approved the license application for the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club to operate a race meet in Del Mar from November 10 through December 3, plus non-racing simulcast dates. This fall meet will offer racing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, plus Thanksgiving Day. The Board approved the license application for Watch and Wager LLC to operate a harness race meet at Cal Expo in Sacramento from November 17, 2023, through May 3, 2024. General Manager Chris Schick reported that harness racing in California is continuing its upward trend by attracting more experienced drivers and... ...

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Kings River Knight in California Flag

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2023)—On a roll at age five, John Sadler’s Kings River Knight, who is a nose shy of being a four-time stakes winner, heads a field of seven going about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in Sunday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap.  The California Flag, for three year olds and up, is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses.  Unraced until June of his 4-year-old campaign, Kings River Knight is enjoying a banner year, with three wins and two seconds (one of them by a nose to top-rated Cal-bred The Chosen Vron) from six starts, good for $221,750 in earnings in 2023.  Although he’ll likely have to contend with classy Brickyard Ride for early supremacy, Kings River Knight is without question the “now horse,” coming off a facile two length win going a flat mile on dirt in the statebred E.B. Johnston Stakes at Los Alamitos Sept. 16—his third win of the year. ... ...

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Distaff a Run for Alexander’s Pair of Roses

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2023)—Longtime California owner/breeder Nick Alexander appears well represented by a pair of homebreds, Rose Dawson and Rose Maddox, as they figure prominently among a wide-open field of seven fillies and mares three and up going about 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap.  The California Distaff is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses.  Fourth in last year’s Cal Distaff, the Phil D’Amato-trained Rose Dawson comes off a runaway five length score in a six furlong first condition allowance run on dirt at Los Alamitos on Sept. 16.  A 4-year-old filly by Grazen out of the Bertrando mare Sudden Sunday, Rose Dawson was second in her only other try over the course, a classified allowance on June 11 of last year.   A winner of the one mile turf California Oaks at Santa Anita on Jan. 15, 2022 Rose Dawson earned a career-best 84 Beyer Speed Figure in... ...

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Stanford, Eight Rings Move to Harris Farms

From Harris Farms Press Release COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2023) – Stanford, California’s Leading Freshman Sire of 2021 and current co-leading Third-crop sire by black type winners and Eight Rings, the G1-winning son of Empire Maker, will stand the 2024 breeding season at Harris Farms in Coalinga, California. Stanford, the multiple graded stakes winning son of Malibu Moon, entered stud in 2018 and was an immediate success. Leading the sire charts in California as a freshman and finishing second on the sire of Two-year-olds list that same season, has sired 5 black-type horses, including multiple stakes winner, Opening Buzz, and 61 individual winners from his first two crops to race. Stanford stands as the property of Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. His 2024 stud fee is $5,000, Live Foal. Eight Rings, entered stud in 2023. Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, he was a $520,000 purchase by SF Bloodstock and Starlight West at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. At 2, he won his racing debut by 6 1/4 lengths at Del Mar with trainer Bob Baffert... ...

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Autumn Equine Fair Saturday

Milky Way Farm Press release TEMECULA, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2023) — Information-packed seminars, horse demonstrations, stallion viewings, prize giveaways and networking opportunities headline an ambitious agenda for the 2023 Autumn Equine Fair which will be conducted at Milky Way Farm in Temecula, California from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 14. Participation in this educational event is free for current and prospective horse owners and breeders.   Sponsored by the California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association and California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, the event will feature several 20-minute sessions led by professional speakers on a wide variety of topics, including horse health, feeding and nutrition, broodmare care, foal imprinting, halter breaking, weanling training, yearling conformation, evacuation preparedness for fire and flood emergencies, racing partnerships, handicapping tips, wagering strategies and racehorse retirement and retraining. A question-and-answer period will follow each session.   Attendees will be treated to coffee and donuts in the morning and street tacos for lunch. Equine-related prizes, including 2024 seasons to selected stallions, will be offered as raffle... ...

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Cal-bred Trio Enters Bull Dog at Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2023) – California-bred geldings Love Candy and Druidic and the Cal-bred filly Glorious Spring are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Bull Dog Stakes at the Big Fresno Fair. Love Candy is by Danzing Candy, out of the Tapizar mare Love Winning, was bred by Stuart Tsujimoto, is owned by Mary Tucker and trained by Samuel Calvario. He has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $150,274 and is coming off an Oct. 2 claiming win. Druidic is by Boisterous, out of the Rocky Bar mare Shared Image, was bred by owner Robert Traynor and is trained by D. Wayne Baker. He has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $50,970 and is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 4 Sam Spear Memorial. Glorious Spring is by Grazen, out of the Candy Ride mare Maziette, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Dan Blacker. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of 153,580 and is coming off an eighth in the Aug. 25... ...

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Clovisconnection Digs in to Win Harris Farms

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2023) — When Clovisconnection was passed by Top Harbor in early stretch of Saturday’s $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes at The Big Fresno Fair in central California, trainer Blaine Wright expected a second-place finish. “I would have settled for that,” Wright said. Despite losing his lead, Clovisconnection was not finished. Racing on the inside, Clovisconnection ($5.80) rallied from a length behind 3-5 Top Harbor to win by a head. “That was a heckuva win,” Wright said. :: Bet the races with a $250 First Deposit Match + $10 Free Bet and FREE Formulator PPs! Join DRF Bets.  “What a game race throughout. They hadn’t been winning from off the lead and they haven’t won from the inside and he did both.” The win was the fourth consecutive stakes win for Clovisconnection, who races for owners and breeders William and Judy Hedrick. Clovisconnection, who was ridden by William Antongeorgi, ran six furlongs in 1:09.50. The Harris Farms Stakes was restricted to Golden State Series eligibles. Top Harbor,... ...

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Fashionable Fillies Luncheon Nov. 1

From The Jockey Club ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2023) — The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation will honor trainer Carla Gaines at its Fashionable Fillies luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 3:30 p.m. in the Chandelier Room at Santa Anita. There will be cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, shopping and live music at the two-hour event, with tickets beginning at $125. For further information, contact Shannon Kelly at skelly@jockeyclub.com. The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation is a charitable trust founded in 1943 that provides financial relief and assistance to the individuals that are the backbone of the Thoroughbred racing industry: grooms, hotwalkers, night watchmen, jockeys and exercise riders, as well as office personnel, and farm and training center workers. For some individuals, The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation is their sole means of support in times of medical or financial distress. Over the last 30 years, the foundation has disbursed more than $16 million in support. ...

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Slow Down Andy to Miss Breeders’ Cup

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2023) — California-bred Slow Down Andy, emphatic winner of the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes last weekend at Santa Anita, will have to wait until next year for another shot at the Breeders’ Cup, trainer Doug O’Neill said Thursday. The good news is breeders-owners Paul and Zilla Reddam plan to race the son of Nyquist next season at age 5. O’Neill said the colt’s setback is minor, though untimely.  “He came out of the [Awesome Again] with a little bit of filling in an ankle,” O’Neill said. “He was sound on it, but had a little bit of filling. We X-rayed him, and he X-rayed clean. We followed up with a nuke scan, and he’s got some heat in the ankle.” Expectations are Slow Down Andy, the leading money earner sired by Reddam-owned and O’Neill-trained Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, will return next season as good as ever. :: BREEDERS’ CUP 2023: See DRF’s special section with top contenders, odds, comments, news, and more for... ...

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CTBA Winter Mixed Sale Jan. 30 at Fairplex

POMONA, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2023) – The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale will be held at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024, at Fairplex in Pomona. The deadline for entries is Friday, Nov. 16, 2023. The sale will include breeding stock, 2-year-olds, horses of racing age and yearlings. Internet live bidding will be available. For further information, contact Loretta Veiga at (800) 573-2822 Ext 227 or email: loretta@ctba.com. ...

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Top Harbor, Clovisconnection in Harris Farms

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2023) – The Northern California sprinter Top Harbor has started only five times this year. The races are usually worth the wait. Top Harbor has won two stakes and finished second in two others. Add an allowance race win and it’s easy to see why the 5-year-old horse will be favored to win Saturday’s $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at six furlongs at The Big Fresno Fair. “It’s hard to get a race for him,” trainer Tim McCanna said on Wednesday. “He’s a good horse and he stays sharp.” The Harris Farms Stakes drew a field of five. Top Harbor has drawn a favorable post on the outside of the small field, and should have a pace to follow from the former claimer Evenerevenworse, and the streaking 3-year-old Clovisconnection, who has won his last three starts, all in stakes. :: Bet with the Best! Get Free DRF PPs and Cashback when you wager. Join DRF Bets. Larry’s Legend and Lmlooknformischief are the other... ...

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Cal-bred Pair Enters Surfer Girl Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2023) – California-breds Putt for Dough and Sushi Sticks are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade III Surfer Girl Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Putt for Dough is by Nyquist, out of the Distorted Humor mare Almost Guilty, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and trained by Antonio Garcia. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $61,700 and is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 4 Generous Portion. Sushi Sticks is by Karakontie, out of the Tapit mare Renewed Energy, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Repole Stable and trained by Michael McCarthy. She won her lone start Aug. 25 with earnings of $49,200. ...

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Mici’s Express Hits the Zuma Beach

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2023) – Mici’s Express is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade III Zuma Beach Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Mici’s Express is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Harlan Express, was bred by Eagle Ridge Racing & Rancho San Miguel, is owned by Thomas Halasz and trained by Steve Knapp. He has one win in seven starts, earnings of $112,030 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 8 I’m Smokin. ...

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Eddie’s New Dream Enters Swingtime

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2023) – Eddie’s New Dream is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $80,000 Swingtime Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Eddie’s New Dream is by Square Eddie, out of the Tapit mare Walkingonadream, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. She has eight wins in 26 starts, earnings of $705,580 and is coming off win in the Aug. 25 Solana Beach. ...

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Cal-bred Trio Tangles in Manzano

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Oct. 7, 2023) – A trio of California-breds is entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Manzano Stakes for 2-year-olds at Albuquerque. Lite Ranchin Kid is by Lemon Drop Kid, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Lorelei’s Song, was bred by owner Regan Wright and is trained by Rafael Barraza. He has won both starts with earnings of $37,800. Salsation is by Far From Over, out of the Munnings mare Music and Art, was bred by Cynthia White, is owned by Dan Northrup and trained by Luis Mendez. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $23,900 and is coming off a third in an Aug. 27 starter optional claimer. Grease Missile is a filly by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Midnight Lute mare Midnighthush, was bred by Dino Bates and Josephine Bates, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Bart Hone. She won her lone start Sept. 30 with earnings of $15,930. ...

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Closing Remarks Takes Spin Down Rodeo Drive

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2023) — Multiple graded-stakes winner Closing Remarks is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade II Rodeo Drive Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. The consistent 5-year-old mare is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Orange Cove, and is a Harris Farms homebred. Closing Remarks rallied for a solid 1 ¾ length tally going a mile and one eighth on turf in the Grade II John C. Mabee Stakes on Sept. 9 and prevailed by a neck in the Grade II Yellow Ribbon at Del Mar Aug. 12. Trained by Carla Gaines and favored in both of her Del Mar wins, Closing Remarks has proven effective rallying from far back, mid-pack and as she demonstrated in the Yellow Ribbon, when she lays close to a legitimate early pace.  A three-time graded stakes winner, Closing Remarks has three wins from 14 tries over the Santa Anita lawn and is enjoying her best year ever, winning three out of... ...

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Lord Prancealot the Speed in Speakeasy

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2023) — Stakes winner Lord Prancealot is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Speakeasy Stakes for 2-year-olds, to be contested at five furlongs over the Santa Anita grass. Trainer Jeff Bonde’s Lord Prancealot would appear to be the speed of the field and looms very dangerous with Kent Desormeaux riding back.  A gate to wire Cal-bred maiden winner going five furlongs on dirt, Lord Prancelot came back as the 3-1 favorite in the statebred Graduation Stakes and set splits of 21.80 and 46 flat before prevailing by a head going 5 ½ furlongs on dirt in 1:04.40—thus earning a 71 Beyer Speed Figure. A disappointing fifth as the 2-1 favorite in the Cal-bred I’m Smokin at six furlongs Sept. 8, Desormeaux figures to try and ration his considerable speed while trying turf for the first time in what will be his fourth start. A colt by Sir Prancealot out of the Country Reel mare Disko Dasko, Lord Prancelot is owned by his... ...

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Jazz Hands on Stage in Woodbine Nearctic

TORONTO, Canada (Oct. 5, 2023) – Jazz Hands is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Grade II Nearctic Stakes at Woodbine. Jazz Hands is by Square Eddie, out of the Russian Courage mare Nicole and Ben, was bred by Reddam Racing, is trained by Kirk Sutherland and trained by Harold Ladouceur. He has five wins in 24 starts, earnings of $183,777 and is coming off a second in an Aug. 25 starter waiver claimer. ...

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Pair of Cal-bred Stakes at Bing Crosby Meet

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2023) — Del Mar will present its 10th fall racing session – dubbed the Bing Crosby Season to honor the track’s iconic founder – starting on Friday, November 10 and highlighted by a stakes schedule that features 15 major events over the course of its 13-day run. Two of the stakes races are for Golden State Series eligibles — the $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for fillies and mares at seven furlongs on Sunday, Nov. 12; and the $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes at seven furlongs on Saturday, Nov. 18. Topping the list of black-type tests again will be a pair of Grade I grass features – the $300,000 Hollywood Derby at nine furlongs for 3-year-olds on Saturday, December 2 and the $300,000 Matriarch Stakes for fillies and mares run at a mile on closing day, Sunday, December 3. Also on the agenda are twin Grade II turf offerings for 3-year-olds and up – the $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup at the marathon distance of 12... ...

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Slow Down Andy Speeds into Breeders’ Cup

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2023)—Breaking like a shot on wet-fast track, Reddam Racing’s homebred Slow Down Andy never did, taking eight rivals on a merry chase en route to a smashing 2 ¼ length victory in Santa Anita’s Grade I Awesome Again Stakes, final steppingstone to the Grade I, $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic here on Nov. 4.                 Trained by Doug O’Neill and ridden by Mario Gutierrez, the 4-year-old California-bred colt by 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist got a mile and one eighth in 1:47.62. “(He) ate up a full feed tub and is doing great this morning,” said Leandro Mora, assistant for trainer Doug O’Neill, said on Sunday.             Slow Down Andy won the 1 1/8-mile Awesome Again by 2 ¼ lengths as the 2-1 favorite under Mario Gutierrez, earning a 101 Beyer Speed Figure.  The victory was his first since winning the GII Del Mar Derby on turf last September and his first-ever Grade I score.  In three previous starts this year, the... ...

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Slow Down Andy Speeds into Breeders’ Cup

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2023)—California-bred millionaire Slow Down Andy earned a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic with a wire-to-wire win in Saturday’s Grade I, $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes at Santa Anita. Owned by breeder Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill, Slow Down Andy is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Edwina E. By taking the “Win & You’re In” Challenge Race Qualifier, the winner earns a fees-paid berth into the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 4. Slow Down Andy’s biggest previous performance to date came four starts back when he finished third, beaten 1 ¾ lengths by eventual Eclipse Champion Cody’s Wish in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Nov. 5, 2022 at Keeneland—earning an Awesome Again best 103 Beyer Speed Figure. Slow Down Andy, ridden by Mario Gutierrez, was third in last year’s Awesome Again and has five wins in 14 starts with earnings of $1,276,600. ...

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Son of Dads Caps Wins Iowa Breeders’ Derby

ALTOONA, Iowa (Oct. 2, 2023) – Longshot Rockin the Dad Bod, an Iowa-bred son of California stallion Dads Caps, won Saturday night’s $100,000 Iowa Breeders’ Derby for 3-year-olds at Prairie Meadows. Rockin the Dad Bod, out of the Crowd Pleaser mare Cagey Girl, has three wins in 13 starts and earnings of $141,599. He ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.30 and won by a head at odds of 51-1. ...

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Don’t Get Pickled in Miss Gracie Stakes

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 1, 2023) – Stakes winner Don’t Get Pickled is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Miss Gracie Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Gulfstream Park. Don’t Get Pickled is by Misremembered, out of the Successful Appeal mare C C’s Pride, was bred by Harry Keshian & Cheryl Keshian, is owned by Blu Boy Racing Stables and is trained by Patrick Biancone. She has two wins in 15 starts, earnings of $114,718 and is coming off a fifth in an Aug. 27 claimer. ...

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$250,000 Vronsky Colt Tops Fasig-Tipton Sale

By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2023) — Buyers with connections to many equine families on offer at the Sept. 26 Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of Racing Age Sale in Pomona, Calif., were willing to step up for prospects. From trainer John Sadler assisting in buying the $250,000 sale topper, a half brother to Sadler-trained Kings River Knight , to Eric and Sharon Waller’s emotional acquisition of a half-sister to their deceased graded stakes winner Spectator , the kinship felt for the horses brought buyers out in ways not every sale accomplishes. West Point Thoroughbreds purchased the sale topper, with Sadler and his assistant, Juan Leyva, doing the bidding. John Harris’ Harris Farms consigned the colt, a California-bred son of Vronsky —Seasontoperfection, by Poteen. The mare has produced Kings River Knight, a three-time stakes winner this year under Sadler’s tutelage, most recently in the Sept. 16 E.B. Johnston Stakes at Los Alamitos Race Course, and the stakes-placed Irrefutable  (Big Bad Leroybrown ). “This horse looks a lot like (Kings River Knight), so we thought he’d be good for the Cal-bred program,” said... ...

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Donner Lake Enters Tokyo City Cup

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2023) – Donner Lake is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Tokyo City Cup at Santa Anita. Donner Lake is by Hard Spun, out of the Quality Road mare Pure, was bred by DP Racing, is owned by The Warnick Stable and Joseph Hinkhouse and is trained by Michael McCarthy. He has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $154,400 and is coming off a Sept. 2 optional claiming win. ...

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Santa Anita Autumn Meet Opens Friday

From Santa Anita Publicity           ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2023) — Santa Anita will host 19 days of live racing beginning Friday and culminating with the 40th edition of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Nov. 3 & 4. Entries for Friday’s opening day program, which includes the GIII Chillingworth Stales for female sprinters, will be taken on Tuesday.             This year will be a record 11th time Santa Anita has hosted the Breeders’ Cup, which is the richest two days of racing in North America and lures worldwide participation and interest. This week Santa Anita will host nine stakes with Breeders’ Cup implications including the GI Awesome Again on Saturday. The 1 1/8-mile Awesome Again is a “Win & You’re In” Challenge Race qualifier for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at 1 ¼ miles on Nov. 4.             In addition to the Awesome Again, Saturday’s blockbuster card will also include the GII Santa Anita Sprint Championship at six furlongs, GII City of Hope Mile on turf... ...

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Cal-bred Stakes Set for LosAl Winter Meet

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2023) — Four stakes for 2-year-olds – including a pair for Golden State Series eligibles at one mile – highlight the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The $100,000 Soviet Problem – for fillies – will be offered Sunday, Dec. 10 while the $100,000 King Glorious will be run Sunday, Dec. 17. The six-day season is scheduled to begin Friday, Dec. 8 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 17. Racing will be conducted on a Friday-Sunday basis (Dec. 8-10 and 15-17) both weeks. Post time will be 12:30 p.m. The $300,000-guaranteed Starlet, a Grade II for 2-year-old fillies, will be renewed for the 10th time at Los Alamitos Saturday, Dec. 9 one week before the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity, which was captured by Practical Move in 2022. Won a year ago by Faiza, the Starlet – like the Futurity – will be contested at 1 1/16 miles. Completing the stakes schedule is the Grade III, $100,000 Bayakoa Stakes for fillies... ...

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Ceiling Crusher Wins Grade I Cotillion

By DRF.com BENSALEM, Pa. (Sept. 23, 2023) — “This was our Breeders’ Cup,” exclaimed trainer Doug O’Neill after Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher took them gate to wire in Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Cotillion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies racing 1 1/16 miles at Parx Racing. Ceiling Crusher is the first Grade I winner for her sire, Mr. Big. She’s out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by Harris Farms and is owned by Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff and Ty Leatherman. The $22,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale from the Harris Farms consignment has six wins in seven starts, earnings of $938,400 and was coming off a win in the Grade III Torrey Pines on Sept. 2. Making her initial start over a sloppy track and starting for the first time outside of Southern California, Ceiling Crusher showed her customary gate speed under jockey Edwin Maldonado. Ceiling Crusher cleared to the lead going into the first turn and faced only token... ...

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TOC NorCal Annual Meeting Oct. 21

From TOC ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2023) — Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) invites all members to the Northern California Annual Meeting, to be held Saturday, Oct. 21, in the Bay View Lounge at Golden Gate Fields. The general business meeting will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include a question-and-answer session. An award presentation will also be made to the winner of the Northern CA Rookie of the Year. Following the meeting, a complimentary buffet luncheon will be served.  Registration required with current CHRB License. To register, click: Northern California Annual Meeting Tickets, Berkeley | Eventbrite ...

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CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board conducted a meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Cal Expo in Sacramento. Chairman Gregory Ferraro chaired the meeting, joined by Vice Chair Oscar Gonzales and Commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos, Brenda Washington Davis, Thomas Hudnut, and Wendy Mitchell. The audio of this entire Board meeting is available on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under the Webcast link, accessed through the Media Room tab. In brief: The Board allocated race dates to Northern California thoroughbreds and fairs for the first nine months of 2024, including six months to Golden Gate Fields (GGF), after industry negotiations and pending legislation prompted The Stronach Group to delay shuttering GGF until late-June 2024. Date allocations for the final quarter of 2024 will be determined at later meetings after racing fairs decide whether to request dates beyond the normal summer fair season to fill the gap created by the closure of GGF. During any weeks when there is no racing in the north, simulcast revenue will... ...

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F-T California Fall Sale Tuesday at Fairplex

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 22, 2023) — More than likely, there will be a significant number of yearlings sold for $100,000 or more at Tuesday’s Fasig-Tipton California fall yearlings and horses of racing age sale at Fairplex in Pomona, Calif. The final number in that category may determine whether buyers are paying higher prices overall than in past years for racing prospects or unveiling an occasional bargain. In 2021, 17 yearlings were listed as sold for $100,000 or more at the Fasig-Tipton California sale compared to 14 in 2022. The 2021 sale averaged $39,173 compared to $30,522 last year. Those average figures are considerably higher than the 2020 figure of $22,504 when the sale was held at Los Alamitos in Orange County because of coronavirus crowd restrictions. Tuesday’s sale, which begins at 11 a.m., has a catalog of 360 hips before withdrawals, including a sizeable segment of horses of racing age. The Fasig-Tipton sale is the leading annual yearling auction in the state. In August, the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s... ...

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Chismosa, Smoothlikebuttah in Dark Mirage

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner Chismosa and fellow California-bred Smoothlikebuttah are entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Dark Mirage Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $289,750 and is coming off a 10th in the Aug. 25 Charlestown Oaks Smoothlikebuttah is by Mr. Big, out of the Five Star Day mare Eight Daughters, was bred by NP Thoroughbreds, is owned by Robert Bach & William Tessar and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has three wins in 43 starts, earnings of $429,366 and is coming off a fourth in the Sept. 4 Tranquility Lake. ...

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Cantey to Receive Goldstein Leadership Award

From Horse Racing Women’s Summit Press Release ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2023) — Pioneering horse racing television commentator Charlsie Cantey will be honored with the Jane Goldstein Exemplary Leadership Award at the second annual Horse Racing Women’s Summit, Sept. 27-29 at Santa Anita Park. The award is named for Jane Goldstein, ground-breaking turf publicist and California Thoroughbred Foundation Board member Jane Goldstein, who was recognized for the inaugural presentation last year. A native of North Carolina, Cantey started her career with race horses in New York after graduating from George Washington University in 1968. She worked with trainers Elliott Burch, Frank Whiteley Jr., David Whiteley, and Sidney Watters, as well as Joe Cantey after their 1969 marriage. She was persuaded by Frank Wright and Dave Johnson, co-hosts of the WOR-TV (New York) weekly racing show, to join them in 1975. Two years later she made her network debut on CBS for the Travers Stakes (G1) alongside Wright and Jack Whitaker. During nine years with CBS she originated interviews from horseback. When... ...

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Cal-bred Champ Amazombie Passes at 16

From Old Friends Press Release GEORGETOWN, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2023) – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., is deeply saddened to announce that California-bred champion Amazombie, the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner and 2011 Eclipse Award winning Champion Sprinter, was euthanized on Monday, Sept. 18 due to a fractured ankle. The 16-year old bay gelding arrived at the farm in 2014 courtesy of his trainer/owner, William “Bill” Spawr, and co-owner Thomas Sanford, who continued to support him during his retirement. Bred by Gregg Anderson, Amazombie, who was by Northern Afleet–Wilshe Amaze, by In Excess (Ire), was foaled on April 18, 2006 in California. Winning 12 of 29 starts, his career earnings of $1,920,378 rank 13th on the all-time Cal-bred list. The story of how Spawr purchased Amazombie is an interesting one. About a year before Amazombie ran his first race, Spawr was at a farm talking with his friend, Judd Morse, who would eventually break Amazombie. “It was a cold day, with heavy fog, and we all... ...

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Ceiling Crusher Steps Up to Cotillion Stakes

BENSALEM, Pa. (Sept. 18, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher, a graded winner and the lone California-bred entered in the field, takes on multiple Grade I winner Pretty Mischievous in Saturday’s $1 million Cotillion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Parx Racing. Ceiling Crusher is by Mr. Big, out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff and Ty Leatherman and is trained by Doug O’Neill. The $22,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has five wins in six starts, earnings of $374,400 and is coming off win in the Grade III Torrey Pines on Sept. 2. ...

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Fowler Blue Tries Greenwood Cup Stakes

BENSALEM, Pa. (Sept. 18, 2023) – Fowler Blue is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Greenwood Cup Stakes at Parx Racing. Fowler Blue is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Unusual Heat mare Roses for Joni, was bred by William Branch & Arnold Hill, is owned by Branch and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in 16 starts, earnings of $171,249 and is coming off a fifth in the July 22 Monmouth Cup Stakes. ...

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Golden State Juvenile Next for Dr. No No

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2023) — A busy summer at Del Mar will lead to a light fall campaign at Santa Anita for Dr. No No, the winner of the I’m Smokin Stakes for 2-year-old California-breds at Del Mar on Sept. 4. Trainer Brian Koriner said on Sunday that Dr. No No will be pointed for the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile for 2-year-old Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita on Nov. 3 as part of the undercard on the first day of Breeders’ Cup races. “He needs a break,” Koriner said. “If they run three times at Del Mar, they need time. Hopefully that will make him a better horse by giving him some time.” Owned by the partnership of Rusty Brown, Alan Klein, and Phil Lebherz, Dr. No No has won 2 of 3 starts and earned $130,290. Dr. No No was third in his debut in a maiden race on July 22, won a maiden race by 8 1/4 lengths on Aug. 13, and won... ...

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Cal-bred Ghostzapper Filly Brings $185,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept 18, 2023) – A California-bred daughter of perennial top stallion Ghostzapper sold for $185,000 at Monday’s session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The May foal, out of the stakes-placed Maclean’s Music mare Consulting, was bred by consigner Glen Hill Farm and purchased by Quarter Pole Enterprises. Also on Monday, a Kentucky-foaled son of California stallion Om sold for $90,000 to Alistair Roden, agent. He is out of the El Prado mare Fresia, is a half-brother to multiple stakes-winning Cal-bred Galilean and was bred by Bar C Racing Stable, breeder of Galilean. ...

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Cal-bred Stakes, Tweaked Pick Six this Fall

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2023)—With a traditional $1 dollar Pick Six and an all-new wager, the “Santa Anita Turf Pick 3” leading the way, Santa Anita has announced its 2023 Autumn Meet Wagering Menu, which will be in effect on opening day, Friday, Sept. 29.                The traditional Pick Six requires players to pick winners in the final six races on each day’s card and will pay out 70 percent of the net pool whenever there are six winning tickets.  If no player hits six of six, 70 percent of the net pool is carried over to the next racing day.  Thirty percent of the pool is then paid out to consolation tickets with five winners.                    Offered for the first time, the Santa Anita Turf Pick 3 is a $3 minimum wager that will be comprised of the final three turf races on each day’s program, conditions permitting.                The 19-day Autumn Meet will no doubt be highlighted by the 40th running of the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships... ...

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Minister of Soul Enters Budweiser Special

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. Sept. 24, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $70,000 Budweiser Special Stakes at Albuquerque. Minister of Soul is a multiple stakes winner by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has 17 wins in 58 starts, earnings of $534,610 and is coming off a fourth in an Aug. 6 allowance. ...

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Old English Rancho-bred Wins E.B. Johnston

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 16, 2023) – Keeping it in the family, odds-on favorite Kings River Knight, bred and co-owned by the Ellwood Johnston Trust and its Old English Rancho, outlasted Fast Draw Munnings in a stretch-long duel to win Saturday’s $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes for California-breds at Los Alamitos. Kings River Knight is by Acclamation, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, is co-owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing and trained by John Sadler. “I told (jockey) Juan (Hernandez) to go out there with the intent to go to the lead, but if somebody wants to go crazy, let them and let him settle nicely and that’s what he did,” said assistant trainer Juan Leyva. “Juan rode a really good race. This is a really cool horse. He loves his job and he shows up every time.’’ A multiple stakes winner, Kings River Knight has six wins in 12 starts, earnings of $366,010 and was coming off a second in the Aug. 5 California Dreamin’ Stakes at Del Mar. Sent off at... ...

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Cal-bred Omaha Beach Filly Brings $210,000

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 16, 2023) – A California-bred daughter of stallion Omaha Beach sold for $210,000 at Saturday’s session of the Keeneland Yearling Sale. The filly, out of the Montjeu mare Turns My Head, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, LLC & Gallop Out Racing, LLC, consigned by Pope McLean, agent, and was purchased by Mayberry Farm. She was originally purchased for $110,000 out of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. ...

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1/ST RACING to Extend Golden Gate Dates

1/ST RACING Press Release BERKELEY, Calif. (Sept. 16, 2023) – 1/ST RACING announced that they expect to file a request with the California Horse Racing Board for an allocation of race dates for the first half of 2024 at Golden Gate Fields. The request is tied to extending the announced closing date of the track located in the cities of Albany and Berkeley to June 30, 2024. The decision follows the passage of AB 1074 at the end of the 2023 legislative session in Sacramento, which authorizes the reallocation of purse and commission revenues generated in the Northern zone of California to support racing in the Southern and Central zones should there be unallocated weeks in future years. The bill will not be law until signed by Governor Newsom. “We are pleased we could work out a solution with our industry stakeholders to be able to keep Golden Gate Fields open for an additional and final meet,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST RACING & GAMING.  This extension follows extensive consultation with various... ...

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Magic Tiger Snags Gold Cup Stakes

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Sept. 20, 2023) – California-bred Magic Tiger won Tuesday night’s $50,750 Gold Cup Stakes at Assiniboia Downs. Magic Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Funny Gal, was bred by Robert Heinz & Michelle Machado, is owned by Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meikle and trained by Wendy Anderson. He has 12 wins in 30 starts and earnings of $166,376. Magic Tiger ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:52.30 and won by a length at odds of 9-5. ...

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Cal-bred Trio Tries Charles Taylor Derby

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Sept. 24, 2023) – California-breds My Man Biggie, Let There Be Peace and Special Moment are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Charles Taylor Derby for 3-year-olds at Albuquerque. My Man Biggie is by Mr. Big, out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Twin Spirit, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Cameron McVay and trained by Shannon Simpson. He has three wins in 19 starts, earnings of $67,207 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 11 Arapahoe Park Derby. Let There Be Peace is by Stanford, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Minster’sadventure, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Amanda Sweeten and is trained by Andres Gonzalez. He has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $47,232 and is coming off a win in a May 6 allowance. Special Moment is by Stanford, out of the Blame mare Blame It Onthesong, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds and Gaylon McGee and is trained by H. Ray Ashford. He... ...

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DRF.com on NorCal Revenue Legislation

By DRF.com Stoic Luna, winner of the Golden Gate Turf Distaff on Saturday, is likely to make her next start at Santa Anita in early October. She is likely to be followed by many other runners trained by Jack Steiner. Steiner said over the weekend that he plans to relocate his stable from Golden Gate Fields to Southern California in the near future in light of the news in recent months that Golden Gate Fields will close. The track’s parent company, 1/ST Racing, announced on Saturday that it will request racing days for a winter-spring meeting from late December to early June, a change from a previous plan to close Golden Gate Fields in December. The winter-spring meeting at Golden Gate Fields will likely be the track’s final season. The subject of 2024 racing dates in Northern California is scheduled to be discussed by the California Horse Racing Board at its monthly meeting on Thursday. Regardless of when Golden Gate Fields closes, Steiner said he has firm plans to move... ...

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Bloodhorse.com on NorCal Legislation

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2023) — California legislators passed a bill Sept. 14 that determines how simulcast revenue in the state will be distributed once Golden Gate Fields closes its doors, which is anticipated to be June 30, 2024. As part of the negotiations with racing industry leaders in putting the legislation together, The Stronach Group has indicated it will keep racing at Golden Gate for the first six months of next year. The Stronach Group’s 1/ST Racing threw the California racing scene into turmoil July 16 when it announced it would close the San Francisco Bay Area track when its meet ended in December because the track has not been financially viable. The goal, at the time, was to shift the horse population to the tracks in Southern California and bolster field size. The change, however, was too sudden for horsemen and the racing fairs in the North to adjust, particularly to develop a racing schedule solution that would serve the North long-term. At an Aug. 16 meeting... ...

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Strong California Ties for Emerald Winners

AUBURN, Wash. (Sept. 17, 2023) – Multiple stakes winners Blazingbellablu and Slew’s Tiz Whiz, Washington-breds by California stallions Grazen and Slew’s Tiznow, won a pair of Sunday stakes at Emerald Downs. Blazingbellablu, a 5-year-old Grazen mare out of the Sky Mesa mare Bellomesa, won the $50,000 1/ST BET Washington Cup Filly & Mare Stakes, presented by Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation Center. Blazingbellablu ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.60 and won by a neck at odds of 6-5 in a field of seven. She has eight wins in 22 starts and earnings of 293,061. Slew’s Tiz Whiz, a 5-year-old gelded son of Slew’s Tiznow out of the Rosberg mare Ros’s Girl, won the $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic Stakes, presented by Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation Center. Slew’s Tiz Whiz ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.90 and won by three lengths as the 1-20 favorite in a field of seven. He has eight wins in 19 starts and earnings of $268,357. ...

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F-T California Sale Supplement Online

Fasig-Tipton Press Release POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2023) — Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 59 horses of racing age entries for its upcoming California Fall Yearlings and Horses of Racing Age Sale.  These entries, which are cataloged as hips 301-359, will be sold immediately following the conclusion of the yearling portion of the catalog. They include several stakes performers, unraced 2-year-olds with recent public works, 3-year-olds, and older horses with current form. “There’s a lot of quality among the horses of racing age entries, and the timing works well for those looking to add to their stables as Santa Anita’s Fall meet begins,” said Fasig-Tipton California representative Mike Machowsky. “Last year’s horses of racing age supplement produced two stakes winners, including Ceiling Crusher , now a multiple stakes winner, including the Torrey Pines Stakes (G3) a couple of weeks ago.” These entries may now be viewed online, including Daily Racing Form past performances, Ragozin sheets, and race replays for all horses that have started. Print catalogs for the horses of racing age supplement will be available on... ...

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CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2023) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, September 21, 2023, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo. This meeting will be open to the public. Those providing unsolicited public comments on individual agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda items. Note that for agenda item #12, Public Comment, no further comments will be permitted after 30 minutes. For those who do not attend, the webcast audio link on the CHRB website will provide a way to listen to the meeting. The agenda and package of materials for the meeting are available on the CHRB website. ...

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Cal-bred Sells for $190,000 at Keeneland

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 13, 2023) – A California-bred son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah sold for $190,000 in Wednesday’s session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The colt, out of the stakes-winning More Than Ready mare Ready for Romance, was bred by Thomas Bachman, consigned by Havens Bloodstock, agent for Fairview, and purchased by Martin Anthony. ...

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Kings River Knight Aims for Another Stakes

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. -3, 2023) – Kings River Knight will have six opponents when he seeks his second stakes win of the year at Los Alamitos in the $75,000-guaranteed E. B. Johnston Saturday. Restricted to 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California, the one-mile Johnston is the last of nine races on the second day of the September Thoroughbred meet. Post time Saturday is 1 p.m. and approximate post time for the Johnston is 5 p.m. Bred by Old English Rancho and trained by John Sadler for Integrity Thoroughbred Racing LLC, Ellwood Johnston Trust and Kenneth Tevelde, Kings River Knight led throughout as the 8-5 favorite to win the Bertrando June 24 in his Los Alamitos debut. Juan Hernandez, the top rider on the Southern California circuit, had the call that afternoon and he has a return engagement in the Johnston. If Kings River Knight wins Saturday, it will be the 14th stakes win at Los Alamitos for Hernandez, moving him into sole possession of... ...

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NorCal Sale Grad in Presque Isle Masters

ERIE, Pa. (Sept. 13, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Opening Buzz is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $300,000 Grade II Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes. Opening Buzz is a multiple stakes winner by Stanford, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jeff Engler. She has five wins in nine starts, earnings of $204,493 and is making her first start since a 10 in the Apr. 15 Giant’s Causeway. ...

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NorCal Grad Momma Mocca in Turf Distaff

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 12, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Momma Mocca is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Gate Fields Turf Distaff for fillies and mares. Momma Mocca is by Tamarando, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by David McGlothlin, is owned by Gutierrez, Matthew, Hanna, Mark A., Hanna, Maria and Martin, Ralph and trained by Manuel Badilla. The $30,000 purchase from the Harris Farms consignment of the Northern California Yearling Sale has four wins in 23 starts, earnings of $154,556 and is coming off an Aug. 13 optional claiming win. ...

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Tamarando Sires a Golden Gate Triple

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2023) – Three offspring of California stallion Tamarando won races at Golden Gate on Monday. Made the Team, a 4-year-old gelding out of the Huddle Up mare Team Decision, won the second race. He is owned by Harris Farms, who co-bred the gelding with Double D Farms and trained by Sheldon Paldanius. She ran the six furlongs in 1:11.03 and won by 3 ¾ lengths. Wild Jewels, a 2-year-old gelding out of the Distorted Humor mare Ribbon of Jewels, won the third race, an optional claimer. He is owned by breeder Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and trained by Steve Specht. He ran the six furlongs in 1:11.00 and won by 4 ¼ lengths. Tam’s Time, a 4-year-old gelding out of the General Meeting mare Gn. Group Meeting, won the seventh race. He was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is owned by trainer Daniel Franko. He ran the mile in 1:38.78 and won by a neck. ...

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Self Isolation Wheels Back for Shine Again

BALTIMORE, Md. (Sept. 10, 2023) – California-bred Self Isolation wheels back in six days for Saturday’s $75,000 Shine Again Stakes for fillies and mares at Pimlico. Self Isolation is by Square Eddie, out of the Spring At Last mare Loan Savant, was bred by Reddam Racing and is owned by trainer David Jacobson. She has nine wins in 25 starts, earnings of $433,370 and is coming off a fourth in Sunday’s Sensible Lady. ...

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Big Hug Adds Alberta Oaks to Resume

CALGARY, Alberta (Sept. 16, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner Big Hug, an Alberta-bred daughter of California stallion Mr. Big, won Saturday’s $50,000 Alberta Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Century Downs. Big Hug, out of the Unusual Heat mare Temeeku, has seven wins in 12 starts, earnings of $191,701 and was coming off a fourth in the Century Casino Oaks. ...

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Cal-bred Magic Tiger Enters Gold Cup Stakes

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Sept. 15, 2023) – Magic Tiger is the lone California-bred entered in Tuesday’s $50,000 Gold Cup Stakes at Assinboia Downs. Magic Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Funny Gal, was bred by Robert Heinz & Michelle Machado, is owned by Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meikle and is trained by Wendy Anderson. He has 11 wins in 29 starts, earnings of $143,686 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 29 Bocage Stakes. ...

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Big Stretch Enters Manitoba Matron

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Sept. 14, 2023) – Stakes winner Big Stretch is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 Manitoba Matron Stakes for fillies and mares at Assiniboia Downs. Big Stretch is by Mr. Big, out of the Curling mare Mr. Zito, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by A2 Thoroughbreds and trained by Michael Nault. She has four wins in 31 starts, earnings of $175,168 and is coming off a third in the Aug. 28 Miss Sandy Dee Stakes. ...

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Open and Shut Case for Closing Remarks

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept.9,2023) — Riding a stakes-winning mare such as California-bred Closing Remarks at Del Mar on Saturday helped ease any lingering discomfort from a spill on Aug. 31 for jockey Umberto Rispoli. Rispoli rode the Harris Farms homebred to a smart win in the $250,000 Grade 2 John C. Mabee Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf, the 35-year-old jockey’s first stakes win since he resumed riding on Friday after a week of recovery from an incident in which he was unseated after his mount clipped heels. “Adrenaline helps,” Rispoli said, responding to a question of how he felt. Closing Remarks, trained by Carla Gaines, won the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on Aug. 12. She is the first filly or mare to sweep the two since Precious Kitten in 2007. :: Get Del Mar Clocker Reports straight from the morning workouts at the track. Available every race day.  Bettors expected Closing Remarks to thrive in the Mabee. Sent... ...

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Yes, It was Dr. No No in I’m Smokin Stakes

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2023) — Brown, Klein or Lebherz’s Dr. No No made the lead inside the eighth pole, then just hung on by a whisker to capture the 34th edition of the I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar Friday. The photo-finish camera showed Dr. No No, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Smiling Tiger, and rider Ramon Vazquez a nose best at the end of the six-furlong feature, just holding off fast-closing Mici’s Express, who is owned by Thomas Halasz. “He got to lay outside and stalk them around there,” said trainer Brian Koriner. “At least there were enough horses up front with the speed horse so we didn’t have to do all the work. He broke a little more sharp than I thought he would and he was a lot closer than I thought he would be. That’s why I was worried about the horse that ran second, because he nabbed us two races back on the wire... ...

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Lite Ranchin Kid Wins Gold Rush Futurity

AURORA, Co. (Sept. 4, 2023) – California-bred Lite Ranchin Kid unleashed a wire-to-wire win in Sunday’s $50,000 Gold Rush Futurity for 2-year-olds at Arapahoe Park. Lite Ranchin Kid is by Lemon Drop Kid out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Lorelei’s Song, was bred by owner Regan Wright and is trained by Rafael Barraza. He has won both starts with earnings of $37,800. Lite Ranchin Kid ran the six furlongs in 1:13.35 and won by 5 1/4 lengths at odds of 7-2. ...

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Santa Anita Stable Tour has Resumed

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2023)—With Santa Anita’s 19-day Autumn Meet now open, the track’s popular MyRaceHorse Seabiscuit Stable Area Tram Tours will be offered each weekend.                  Tours will depart from the parking lot west of Clockers’ Corner at 9:45 a.m. Fans are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to departure and are asked to visit santaanita.com/tramtour to see the full schedule and book a seat on the tour.  (Reservations will take priority over walk-up requests).                 For an official schedule and to book a reservation, please visit santaanita.com/tramtour                 Fans can once again visit The Great Race Place each morning free of charge seven days a week, with breakfast service available beginning at 6 a.m. at Clockers’ Corner, which is nestled at the top of Santa Anita’s legendary stretch.                 Presented by MyRaceHorse.com, the Seabiscuit Tram tours will depart from Clockers’ Corner each Saturday and Sunday at 9:45 a.m. and offer fans an “inside the ropes” experience as they... ...

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Unbeaten Pushiness in Grade I Debutante

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2023) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes winner Pushiness is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I FanDuel Racing Del Mar Debutante for 2-year-old fillies. Pushiness is by Kantharos, out of the Empire Maker mare Imperial Pippin, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Repole Stable and trained by Michael McCarthy. She has won both of her starts with earnings of $107,850 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 6 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes. ...

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Maybe Closing Remarks in John C. Mabee

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2023) – The last time California-bred Closing Remarks  ran, winning the Aug. 12 Yellow Ribbon Handicap (G2T) at Del Mar, it may have added to the cachet of her sire, Vronsky , enough for a yearling by the stallion to top the Northern California yearling sale at $100,000 a few days later. A similar situation could set up if she annexes the Sept. 9 John C. Mabee Stakes (G2T), two and a half weeks before three more Vronsky yearlings are set to sell at the Fasig-Tipton California sale. Of course, Closing Remarks has to win first, and though she has captured several attractive stakes, she has never put back-to-back victories together at any time during her career. But this could be her moment. The 1 1/8-mile Mabee only drew six runners, and most have not been competing in graded company in their most recent starts. Closing Remarks, a 5-year-old homebred for John Harris’ Harris Farms trained by Carla Gaines and out of the Unusual Heat mare Orange Cove, has five... ...

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Clockers’ Corner has Reopened

From Santa Anita Publicity                ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2023)—With Santa Anita’s 19-day Autumn Meet set to open on Friday, Sept. 29, Clockers’ Corner, a popular breakfast destination for decades, will reopen to the public this Saturday, Sept. 9.  Clockers’ Corner is accessible via Gate 8 off of Baldwin Ave. and parking and admission are free each morning.                 In addition to breathtaking views and an outstanding breakfast menu, Santa Anita’s MyRaceHorse Seabiscuit Tram Tours will be available each weekend, with one tour per morning departing Clockers’ Corner at 9:45 a.m.                With the resumption of training set for this weekend as well, Santa Anita’s stable area will begin receiving a major influx of Thoroughbreds as Del Mar’s annual Summer Meet draws to a close this Sunday, Sept. 10.                Open seven days a week, Clockers’ Corner is open for food and beverage service from 6 to 10 a.m.and affords attendees spectacular early morning views of some of the nation’s top Thoroughbreds as they... ...

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Kings River Knight Nominated to Johnston

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2023) –Kings River Knight, who is 1-for-1 at Los Alamitos, tops the nominations to the $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston Stakes. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California will be run Saturday, September 16, the second day of the September meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will continue through Sunday, September 24. Owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing and trained by John Sadler, Kings River Knight, a 5-year-old gelded son of Acclamation, went gate-to-wire as the favorite in the Bertrando Stakes in his Los Alamitos debut during the Los Angeles County Fair meet earlier this year. Kings River Knight, who was bred by Old English Rancho, has won five of 11 and earned $324,760. Other nominees to the Johnston include five-time winner Hail Freedom, Shortman, who has won three of six starts at Los Alamitos, Geezer, who broke his maiden during the 2022 September meet, Finneus, Logon to Win and Johnny Podres. The nominees for the Los Alamitos Special,... ...

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Crazy Hot Keeps Her Cool in Generous Portion

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2023) – Overcoming a lengthy pre-race maintenance delay and an awkward break from the inside post, odds-on favorite Crazy Hot proved best nonetheless in Sunday’s $125,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Crazy Hot is by Goldencents, out of the Rockport Harbor mare Harbor Mist, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Edward Brown & Cory Thabit and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $134,850 and was coming off a third in the Aug. 6 CTBA Stakes. “You hate drawing the one hole and this race was a disaster,” said Bonde. “For whatever reason they delayed it and with young 2-year-olds some of them tolerate it, some of them don’t, so you’re going to see a new side of them when that occurs. He’s (jockey Mike Smith) a great speed rider and he did a good job.”  Crazy Hot went off as the 4-5 favorite, ran six furlongs in 1:11.93... ...

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E.B. Johnston Stakes at Los Al on Sept. 16

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. – Four stakes which combined could be worth as much as $400,000 highlight the 2023 September meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will begin Friday, Sept. 15 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 24. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday (Sept. 15-17 and Sept. 22-24) both weeks. Post time will be 1 p.m. The first of the stakes races is the $75,000 E.B. Johnston for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California. The one-mile Johnston will be run Saturday, Sept. 16. The following day older horses – 3-year-olds & up – will get together in the $100,000 Los Alamitos Special at 1 1/16 miles. Completing the schedule are the $125,000 Dark Mirage for fillies and mares – 3-year-olds & up – at 1 1/16 miles and the $100,000 Capote for 2-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs. The Dark Mirage will be contested Saturday, Sept. 23 while the Capote will be run closing day, Sunday, Sept. 24. The Dark Mirage, Los Alamitos Special and Capote were... ...

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Lord Prancealot Seeks to Add to His Empire

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 3, 2023) – The quick colt Lord Prancealot has won his first two starts with a bold front-running style that will be tested at six furlongs in Friday’s $125,000 I’m Smokin Stakes at Del Mar. The running style worked for Lord Prancealot in a maiden race at five furlongs on July 29, and in the Graduation Stakes for California-breds at 5 1/2 furlongs on Aug. 11. A slightly longer distance in the I’m Smokin Stakes for statebreds may be a challenge for Lord Prancealot. :: DRF’s 2023 Del Mar headquarters: Previews, past performances, picks, recaps, news, and more. “He’s improved each week,” trainer Jeff Bonde said. “We’re hoping the experience and seasoning will carry him an extra half-furlong. “His works have been sharp and he’s keeping his weight. I like to see that.” Bonde describes Lord Prancealot as “kinda of a Quarter Horse-made guy, built for speed.” Lord Prancealot is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Country Reel mare Disko Dasko, was bred by Jeff... ...

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Yo Yo Candy Enters Grade I Hopeful

SARATOGA, N.Y. (Sept. 3, 2023) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Yo Yo Candy, upset winner of the Grade III Sanford Stakes in July, returns in Monday’s $300,000 Grade I Hopeful Stakes for 2-year-olds at Saratoga. Yo Yo Candy is the first California-bred stakes winner by Danzing Candy, out of the Two Punch mare Yolando B. Too, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, is owned by Happy Tenth Stable and trained by Daniel Velasquez. Yo Yo Candy was a $6,000 purchase from the Checkmate Thoroughbred consignment at the Northern California Yearling Sale and was resold for $35,000 at the OBS March Sale of 2-year-olds. The colt has two wins in three starts and earnings of $141,250. ...

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Ceiling Crusher Cruises to First Graded Win

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher rebounded from her first career loss five weeks ago with her first graded victory, a front-running win in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Ceiling Crusher is by Mr. Big, out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff and Ty Leatherman and is trained by Doug O’Neill. “I think I had her in a route mentality and last time (in the Fleet Treat) I kept her one turn and it was a difficult challenge,” said O’Neill. “So I think getting her back to two turns, she drew perfectly and Edwin (Maldonado) did a great job. We did the old find the lead and improve your position. That confident, arrogant thing you do and often times you get pie all over your face, but this particular time it worked perfectly.” According to Daily Racing Form, O’Neill did... ...

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