TOC Announces 2015 Awards

Mar 25, 2016 Posted by CTBA In Announcement

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 25, 2016) — The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) has announced the winners of its 2015 statistical awards for leading California owners. Reddam Racing LLC was leading owner in purse money won in California as well as leading owner by number of wins; Watson, Pegram and Weitman led all owners by number of California stakes wins; and Kings River Ranch was leading owner by number of California starts. David and Mark Greco, Patrick Grohl and Brent Malmstrom were selected as Rookies of the Year. Reddam Racing runners earned a total of $2,922,316 in California last year, with 49 wins from 251 starts. Top earners were Nyquist, winner of the Del Mar Futurity and the FrontRunner and Best Pal stakes, Mrazek, winner of the Graduation Stakes, and Found Money, winner of the King Glorious and Santa Anita Juvenile Stakes. The partnership of Karl Watson, Michael Pegram and Paul Weitman won a total of 10 California stakes races in California last year. Their leading... ...

Scratchy Lass Wins in Australia

OAKBANK, South Australia (Mar. 28, 2016) — Scratchy Lass, an Australian-bred daughter of California stallion U.S. Ranger, won Saturday’s $100,300 Ubet Oakbank Stakes. She has six wins in 10 starts and earnings of $133,761. Scratchy Lass ran the 1100 meters in 1:05.52 and won by a nose at odds of 2-1. ...

Sheer Pleasure in Dream of Summer

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 24, 2016) – Sheer Pleasure and fellow multiple stakes winner Singing Kitty are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Dream of Summer Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Kiss At Midnight is by Decarchy, out of the Distinctive Cat mare Mink Kiss, was bred by Steven Greco, is owned by Marasa, Messineo or Robershaw et al and is trained by Richard Baltas. The stakes winner has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $292,260 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 27 optional claimer. Lucy in Diamonds is by Rock Hard Ten, out of the Relaunch mare Spritz, was bred by Al Graziani & Joe Russell, is owned by Graziani or Russell or Parks and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $89,008 and is coming off a sixth in a Feb. 25 optional claimer. Swissarella is by Swiss Yodeler, out of the Doneraile Court mare Donerella, was bred by Heinz Steinmann, is owned... ...

Los Al Derby to be Run in September

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Mar. 24, 2016) — Los Alamitos Race Course intends on running the next edition of the Los Alamitos Derby (gr. II) during its September meet, a track official said during a California Horse Racing Board meeting March 24 at the California Exposition and State Fair in Sacramento. Los Alamitos for 2016 lost its July meet—which featured the Los Alamitos Derby the last two years—but gained spring dates through negotiations with Santa Anita Park and Del Mar, so the Orange County track had to move one of its signature races either to its upcoming April-May meet, or meets later in the year, in September or December. BALAN: CHRB Approves 2016 California Race Dates With the Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) running April 9, Brad McKinzie, Los Alamitos general manager of Thoroughbred racing, said September would be the best fit. “In cooperation with the Thoroughbred Owners of California, they have requested that we continue to run the Los Alamitos Derby,” McKinzie said. “Obviously, the Los Alamitos Derby doesn’t... ...

World Cup Report About ‘Chrome

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 24, 2016) –Stand on the Meydan surface and soak up the morning sun, and watch California Chrome stride out onto the racetrack. There’s his signature ear prick, a turn of the head toward snapping cameras—the look of eagles. It’s looming, Chrome’s chance at redemption, as these last few days to the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) count down. He comes in a fresher, stronger horse after his runner-up finish to Prince Bishop in the World Cup of 2015, but faces a slew of tough challengers including Godolphin’s own grade I winner Frosted. Anticipation is mounting, and at the center of it all stands this 2014 Horse of the Year, the one who charmed thousands through his Triple Crown campaign as a 3-year-old and somehow, in a world of brief campaigns and early stud deals, still races on at 5. NOVAK: California Chrome Draws Wide for World Cup You’ve heard of “Chromies,” those zealous folks who track the every move of the Art Sherman trainee.... ...

Wrona Named Santa Anita Announcer

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 24, 2016) — Golden Gate Fields announcer Michael Wrona has won the contest to take Trevor Denman’s position as Santa Anita Park‘s permanent race caller. The 49-year-old native of Australia was handed the job after a worldwide search in which three others—Frank Mirahmadi and international announcers Craig Evans and David Fitzgerald—auditioned for the job at Santa Anita. The announcement was made March 24. “It was an exceptionally close decision, but Michael just raised his game here at Santa Anita,” said Joe Morris, senior vice president of West Coast Operations for The Stronach Group. “We are honored to welcome him to the historic fabric of ‘The Great Race Place.’ He has earned the right to make that booth his own.” Wrona will continue calling Santa Anita’s races through the end of the winter/spring season April 10. He begins his full-time position May 5 when Santa Anita opens its spring/summer meet. Wrona’s replacement at Golden Gate will be named in the next few weeks. ...

Jeff Lukas Passes at 58

By Bloodhorse.com ATOKA, Okla. (Mar. 24, 2016) — Tough, dedicated, and determined are how friends remember Jeff Lukas, who died this week at age 58. Also being remembered is the brilliant training career cut short by the aftermath of severe brain injuries Lukas suffered in December 1993, when he collided with Tabasco Cat, loose and in full stride through the Santa Anita Park barn area. “I started off with Jeff as an exercise rider, at the bottom, and I mean he was tough,” said trainer Dallas Stewart, who rose through the Lukas Racing Stable organization to become an assistant under Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas, Jeff’s father. “He was focused and a really great horseman.” When Stewart started with the Lukas stable, he worked with Winning Colors, the 1988 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Jeff Lukas is credited with developing. “To be the kind of trainer he was, you just have to have it in you—it can’t be taught. He had it,” Stewart said. “And after the accident, he... ...

California Chrome Draws Outside Post

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 23, 2016) — California Chrome drew wide for his March 26 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) quest, a bid to go one better after running second in 2015. But if trainer Art Sherman is bothered by post 11 in a field of 12, he’s not letting it show. “Listen, the outside is good, if you’ve got the horse, and I hope we do,” Sherman said March 23, as he and other connections of the 2014 Horse of the Year waited until second-last to see their runner’s name drawn for post position selection for the $10 million Dubai World Cup. “There wasn’t too much I could do about the draw. He’s got tactical speed, so I’m not going to worry about it.” Grade I winners Frosted, Mshawish, Hoppertunity, and Keen Ice join the charismatic chestnut in representing the U.S. in the 21st edition of the World Cup. Last year California Chrome broke from post 9 and was beaten 2 3/4 lengths by Prince Bishop. “We lost ground on... ...

‘Chrome ‘Perfect’ for Dubai World Cup

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 22, 2016) — After flying from California to Dubai, trainer Art Sherman had trouble sleeping, which allowed him to get to the barn and see California Chrome earlier than anticipated. Shortly after 2 a.m. local time March 22, Sherman showed up at the 5-year-old’s stall and fed him a couple of cookies. In addition to the colt’s strong appetite, Sherman liked what he saw in advance of the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (UAE-I) March 26, “Either I’m getting smaller or he’s getting bigger,” Sherman said on a National Thoroughbred Racing Association conference call March 22. “There’s been such a big change in him. You wouldn’t recognize him now from how he looked as a 3-year-old. He’s turned into a great individual.” Following a 2015 season that was plagued by questionable decisions by his ownership and a variety of ailments, California Chrome has a new ownership group and a new lease on life. He was given time off for rest and relaxation at... ...

Barretts Supplements 10 2-Year-Olds

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2016) — Ten quality two-year-olds have been supplemented to the 2016 Barretts March Select Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training to be held on the grounds of the Del Mar racetrack. These supplemental horses will be sold directly after the end of the main catalog on Wednesday, March 30. A complete list of the catalog supplement is shown at the bottom of this e-mail. The entire supplement in PDF can be found at http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catmar2016/documents/B116_Supplements.pdf Hard copies of the supplemental catalog will be found both in the Santa Anita racing office in Arcadia and on the sales grounds located on the Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California later this week. They will show up in the Ipad version by tomorrow. The entire sale catalog can be viewed at http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catmar2016/catalogTABLE.asp The official training preview is scheduled to be held on next Monday, March 28 on the Del Mar racetrack beginning at 10:00 a.m. The preview will be streamed live at http://www.barretts.com/sales/ViewSale/index.aspVideo clips for... ...

‘Chrome Enters Dubai World Cup

By DRF.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 22, 2016) — California-bred California Chrome is one of 12 horses entered in Dubai for Saturday’s $10 million Dubai World Cup. The list of final declarations doesn’t include Intilaaq, who made the set of probable entrants distributed last week by the Dubai Racing Club and was entered instead in the $6 million Dubai Turf, but the five Americans – California Chrome, Frosted, Mshawish, Keen Ice, and Hoppertunity – are set to take their chance Saturday night at 9 local time, which is 1 p.m. Eastern. The other seven in the World Cup are Candy Boy, Gun Pit, Hokko Tarumae, Mubtaahij, Special Fighter, Telextext, and Vadamos. Post positions for the World Cup and four more of the nine stakes on the World Cup card will be drawn Wednesday. Posts were drawn Monday for the Kahayla Classic, Godolphin Mile, Gold Cup, and UAE Derby. There were no major surprises among the final declarations, though Market Rally wasn’t among the entrants in the UAE Derby. That race has... ...

CHRB Meetings Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, March 24, at the California Exposition and State Fair in Sacramento beginning at 10:00 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The meeting agenda and supporting package of materials also are available on the CHRB website. ...

‘Chrome in Final Prep for Gold Cup

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 21, 2016) — Several U.S.-based contenders have recently drilled at Meydan for the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), including last year’s runner-up, 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome . The son of Lucky Pulpit , owned by Perry and Denise Martin and Taylor Made Farm, worked out on main track at Meydan March 19, covering five furlongs in :59 2/5. “He came out of the work great,” assistant trainer Alan Sherman said of California Chrome, who walked the shedrow Sunday and trotted for 15 minutes Monday on the Quarantine Centre training track under exercise rider Dihigy Gladny. “He is very happy this morning.” Commenting on the 5-year-old’s development since winning the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I), Sherman said, “He’s gotten bigger and stronger. He looks fantastic.” ...

Jockey Gonzalez Breaks Jaw in Fall

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2016) — Jockey Santiago Gonzalez will be sidelined for six weeks because of a broken jaw, agent Craig Stephen said March 21. Gonzalez sustained the injury March 20 at Santa Anita Park, where he fell off Follini in the fifth race after the Western Fame gelding stumbled in the turn during the six-furlong claiming race. Gonzalez appeared to fall right into the path of two horses, but Stephen said he was unsure whether the jockey was struck by one of the trailing runners. Follini, owned by William Branch, Cory Wagner, and trainer Mark Glatt, appeared to emerge from the incident unharmed and was corralled by a Santa Anita outrider. Gonzalez was immediately transported to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, Calif., where he was treated for his injuries. Gonzalez is second in Santa Anita’s jockey standings, with a 47-34-33 record from 269 mounts and nearly $1.9 million in purse earnings during the meet that began in late December. He only trails perennial leading jockey Rafael... ...

CTBA at Ag Day at the State Capitol

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2016) — Ag Day at the California Capitol was held Wednesday and California Thoroughbred Breeders Association was there, representing breeders and offering legislators information on the vital role the Thoroughbred industry plays in the state’s agricultural economy. CTBA past Presidents Sue Greene and Leigh Ann Howard, along with event coordinator Christy Chapman promoted the sport and educated visitors to the CTBA booth on general horse facts and Thoroughbred racing and breeding in California. Among the legislators that visited the booth were: Assemblymembers Brian Jones, Steven Bradford, Brian Maienschein, Devon Mathis, Frank Bigelow, James Gallagher, Brian Dahle, Jim Cooper, Matthew Harper, Mike Gipson, Marc Steinorth, Speaker of the House Toni Atkins, Senators Andy Vidak, Cathleen Galgiani, Mike Morrell , Patricia Bates, Ted Gaines and CTBA lobbyist Robyn Black. Legislators were able to visit with a 20-year-old retired Thoroughbred racehorse named Viva Pentelicus. He is now part of an organization called Healing Arenas and works as a therapy horse with veterans with PTSD. For a photo gallery of... ...

Gold Rush Dancer Enters San Pedro

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2016) – Gold Rush Dancer is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 San Pedro Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Gold Rush Dancer is by Private Gold, out of the In Excess mare Dances On Water, was bred by owner John Parker and is trained by Vann Belvoir. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $83,393 and is coming off a fifth in the Dec. 5 Gold Rush Stakes. ...

Daddy Nose Best Has First Foals

HEMET, Calif. (Mar. 17, 2016) — California stallion Daddy Nose Best has sired his first foals, both colts. BG Stables is the breeder of the colts, one out of the mare Rachel Jones, delivered Feb. 7, the other out of the mare Huera Bonita, delivered Feb. 16. Daddy Nose Best stands at BG Thoroughbred Farm. ...

Ag Day 2016 Gallery

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Velvet Mesquite in Irish O’Brien

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2016) – Velvet Mesquite and Qiaona, first two finishers in the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, square off again in Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Demonica is by First Defence, out of the Lion Hearted mare Storm Hearted, was bred by Lee and Susan Searing, is owned by CRK Stable and is trained by Peter Eurton. She has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $98,982 and is coming off a fifth in a Feb. 12 optional claimer. She was fifth in this race last year. Nite Delite is by War Chant, out of the Mountain Cat mare One Tough Cat, was bred by Angel Crest Farm, is owned by F. Jack Liebau and is trained by Art Sherman. She has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $124,390 and is coming off a Feb. 11 allowance win. Smoove It is by Square Eddie, out of the Distorted Humor mare Smoove, was bred... ...

Ralis Returns in Rebel at Oaklawn

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Mar. 16, 2016) – Grade I winner Ralis is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $900,000 Grade II Rebel Stakes for 3-year-olds at Oaklawn Park. Ralis is by Square Eddie, out of the Ten Most Wanted mare Silar Rules, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $272,323 and is making his first start since a 14th in the Oct. 31 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Camilla Urso

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2016) – California-breds Fast and Foxy and Toomuchisnotnough are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate Fast and Foxy is by Thisnearlywasmine, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Joe Daehling and Holly Evans and is trained by Evans. She has 10 wins in 32 starts, earnings of $264,242 and is coming off a win in a Feb. 5 optional claimer. She was fifth in this race last year and seventh in 2014. Toomuchisnotnough is by Trapper, out of the Tinners Way mare Waytoomuchfun, was bred by Joseph P. Morey Revocable Trust, is owned by Randy Marriott or Daniel O’Neill and is trained by Jack Steiner. She has six wins in 11 starts, earnings of $109,157 and is coming off a Feb. 21 claiming win. ...

Clubhouse Ride’s First Foals Arrive

By Bloodhorse.com COALINGA, Calif. (Mar. 15, 2016) — The first reported foals for California stallion Clubhouse Ride are two fillies each born the week of March 7. A bay filly out of the Stormin’ Fever mare Fever’s Bet was bred and is owned by Michael Frazee and Neale Jensen, and a bay filly out of the Decarchy mare Oscillator was bred and is owned by Rick Seidner of Six S Racing Stable. An 8-year-old son of Candy Ride —Seeking Results, by Seeking the Gold, Clubhouse Ride stands at Harris Farms near Coalinga, Calif. as the property of Six S Racing Stable and Craig Lewis. His 2016 fee is $2,500. Clubhouse Ride won back-to-back editions of the Californian Stakes (gr. II) in 2013 and 2014 and finished second in the 2013 Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) and 2014 Gold Cup at Santa Anita (gr. I). He retired with a 5-9-10 record from 43 career starts and $1,341,131 in earnings. ...

Barbara Kelly Passes

Barbara Kelly, owner and breeder of the California stallion Fullbridled and a longtime member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, passed away Friday. Funeral services will be Saturday at noon at Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills. Fullbridled, a 15-year-old son of Unbridled’s Song, stands at Daehling Ranch. ...

Found Money at Sunland Park

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 13, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Found Money is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $400,000 Sunland Park Festival of Racing Stakes. Found Money is by Square Eddie, out of the General Meeting mare Chanel My Belle, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $292,100 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 9 Sham Stakes. ...

Cal-bred Pair in Plum Pretty

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 13, 2016) – California-breds L J’s Awesome Girl and Sweet Bea are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Plum Pretty Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park. L J’s Awesome Girl is by Awesome Gambler, out of the In Excess mare Excessive Girl, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by A and A Equine and EC Racing and is trained by Justin Evans. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $35,162 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 26 Island Fashion Overnight Stakes. Sweet Bea is by Grace Upon Grace, out of the Gilded Time mare Sweet Elite, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Jeff Plotkin and trained by Justin Evans. She has one win in seven starts, earnings of $44,380 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 26 Island Fashion Overnight Stakes. ...

Warrens Puppy Love Back for Henson

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 13, 2016) – Warrens Puppy Love is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Harry Henson Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Warren’s Puppy Love is by Mongol Warrior, out of the Mecke mare Brrneedfur, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Donna Eaton and is trained by N. Summers. She has five wins in 15 starts, earnings of $125,776 and is coming off a win in the Mar. 1 El Diario Overnight Stakes. ...

Whine for Wine Enters Bill Thomas

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 13, 2016) – Whine for Wine is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes at Sunland Park. He is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Jump Start mare Mrs. Began, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Johnnie Nall. He has three wins in 17 starts, earnings of $173,500 and is coming off a sixth in the Feb. 28 Curribot Handicap. ...

Greg Baugh Hired by Barretts

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 13, 2016) — Barretts Sales has announced that Greg Baugh has been hired to the newly created position of Director of Business Development. The Del Mar resident also serves as Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s customer service manager during its race meets. Baugh, 50, will be in charge of Barretts auction operations at Del Mar as well as overseeing its outreach program in the sizeable San Diego equine community. He additionally will ensure that the needs of auction consignors and purchasers are properly met at the group’s six local venues. “Greg brings to this position a solid history of success in operations, customer service and sales,” said Kim Lloyd, Barretts general manager. “His knowledge and relationships within the Thoroughbred racing industry will be important resources for generating new business for Barretts as well as expanding the Barretts at Del Mar brand.” Baugh has worked with Barretts’ staff members over the past year as they have made the transition from presenting their sales at Fairplex Park... ...

What a View

What a View wins $400,000 Grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile. ...

What a View Steals Kilroe Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 12, 2016) – California Cup turf Classic winner What a View led all the way to score a win in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manilla mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old English Rancho, Patsy Berumen & Sal Berumen, is owned by Finish Line Racing, Ellwood Johnston Trust or Bermen et al and is trained by Kenny Black. “He’s in the skybox, up there cheering for us.”,” co-breeder Judy Johnston said of her late husband, Buddy. He has five wins in 11 starts, earnings of $532,148 and was coming off a win in the Jan. 30 California Cup Turf Classic. “We’ve had some issues with his feet and I just wanted to keep him on the grass,” said Black. “There were some really tough horses in here: Bolo, Bal a Bali and Om, so we knew we were going to have to run big to win.” “He was loaded... ...

Mahorney Passes at 75

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2016) — William Mahorney, a former jockey and trainer in Northern California, died March 10 after contracting pneumonia. He was 75. Mahorney was born Oct. 22, 1940, in Washington, D.C., and he was introduced to horse racing by his father, James Mahorney, who was a bookmaker. After riding Quarter Horses in the early 1960s, he switched to Thoroughbreds in 1965 and was that year’s leading apprentice jockey in wins. Mahorney severely injured both of his knees in a 1965 automobile accident. He made a successful return from the accident, winning riding titles in Chicago and New York, but the accident required him to undergo numerous knee surgeries. Mahorney eventually received an artificial knee, earning him the nickname “Bionic Bill.” He won the 1975 Golden Gate Fields riding title with 72 wins and on four other occasions finished among the top three jockeys at Golden Gate or Bay Meadows. His major wins in Northern California include the 1966 Golden Poppy (Gala Host), 1971 Golden Poppy... ...

Weather Disrupts Santa Anita Card

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2016) –As the rain subsided at Santa Anita Park March 11 following a short but heavy rainstorm, track officials announced the final three races of the Friday card would be canceled because of concerns expressed by the jockeys about standing water on the dirt main track. Included in the canceled races was the $75,000 San Pedro Stakes, which Santa Anita racing secretary Rick Hammerle said could be rescheduled as soon as next week. “It was just the standing water on it. With the big day tomorrow, it’s best to stop now and make sure we’re set,” said Joe Morris, senior vice president of West Coast operations for The Stronach Group, referencing the 11-race card March 12 that features the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) and the San Felipe (gr. II). Morris, who estimated the Arcadia, Calif. track experienced an inch of rain in a span of about an hour and 15 minutes, said he was not concerned with the dirt track’s condition for Saturday,... ...

Smokey Image Adds to McCaffery Legacy

By Nicole Russo, DRF.com Nearly a decade after the death of prominent California owner, breeder, and racing-industry philanthropist Trudy McCaffery, her legacy lives on – both on the track and off. The undefeated California-bred Smokey Image hails from a female family cultivated by McCaffery, who died at age 62 in 2007 following a battle with cancer. The colt will take his first shot against open company Saturday in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita – the same race that his grandsire, Free House, McCaffery’s favorite runner, won nearly two decades ago. Watching intently around the country will be dozens of racing-industry professionals who are alumni of Kids to the Cup, the organization McCaffery founded to expose young people to racing. Many have gone on to follow their dreams of working in the industry. “She genuinely believed that giving young people access to the barns, the horsemen, and the inner workings of the sport would give us the courage and contacts to pursue our dreams, and I think... ...

Golden Gate to Broadcast in HD

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2016) — Golden Gate Fields will begin to broadcast its races using high-definition cameras and video March 17, The Stronach Group announced March 10. The new high-definition Golden Gate signal also will feature three new cameras—one on the starting gate, a camera near the walking ring for paddock coverage, and a scenic camera. The track will implement a new high-definition graphics package, similar in format to the one currently in use at Santa Anita Park. More cameras will be added in the future., the track said in a release. On-track patrons will be able to watch Golden Gate’s races on 500 new high-definition televisions that have been installed on the Turf Club tables, in the Top of the Stretch betting carrels, and throughout the Golden Gate facility. “Taking the Golden Gate broadcast signal HD is another example of The Stronach Group’s continuing commitment to long-term racing in California,” said Joe Morris, senior vice president of West Coast operations for the company. “Golden Gate, with... ...

‘Chrome Tops Longines Rankings

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 10, 2016) — The top spots in the 2016 season’s initial Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings feature a trio of U.S.-trained horses, headed by 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome . Off season-opening victories in the San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park and a handicap at Meydan, where he spotted his rivals 15 pounds, California Chrome is tied for first in the rankings that consider races from Jan. 1-March 6. ANGST: Another Shining Victory for California Chrome California Chrome, who is being pointed by trainer Art Sherman to the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), where he finished second last year, is tied in the initial rating with Dubai City of Gold Sponsored by Skycargo (UAE-II) winner Postponed and Duramente, winner of the Nakayama Kinen (Jpn-II). All three have earned a 121 ranking. Just behind the top three is Frosted, who opened his 4-year-old season for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin with a five-length score in the Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Sponsored by EGA (gr.... ...

Smokey Image Risks Perfect Record

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2016) – Unbeaten Smokey Image gets the class test as the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade II San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Smokey Image is by Southern Image, out of the Free House mare Special Smoke, was bred by C Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable and trained by Carla Gaines. He has six wins in six starts, earnings of $435,100 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 30 California Cup Derby. ...

What a View in Kilroe Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2016) — California Cup Turf Classic winner What a View is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. What a View is by Vronsky, out of the Manilla mare Oceans N Mountains, was bred by Old English Rancho, Patsy Berumen & Sal Berumen, is owned by Finish Line Racing, Ellwood Johnston Trust or Bermen et al and is trained by Kenny Black. He has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $292,148 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 30 California Cup Turf Classic. ...

San Onofre Enters San Carlos

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2016) – Graded winner San Onofre is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade II San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita. San Onofre is by Surf Cat, out of the Native Regent mare Marrakech Gold, was bred by Bruce Headley, is owned by Matson Racing and trained by Karen Headley. He has five wins in 11 starts, earnings of $342,040 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 30 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

Pacific Heat Returns in China Doll

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar 9, 2016) – California Cup Oaks winner Pacific Heat and fellow California-breds Nine Point Nine and How Unusual are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 China Doll Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Nine Point Nine is by Tribal Rule, out of the Cahill Road mare Cielo Dulce, was bred by Stormy Hull and Ginger Samples, is owned by Holly and David Wilson and trained by Vladimir Cerin. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $77,200 and is coming off a consecutive claiming wins. Pacific Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Hotlantic, was bred by Harris Farms and Donald Valpredo, is owned by Alesia, Burns or Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. She has three wins in four starts, earnings of $250,250 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 30 California Cup Oaks. How Unusual is by Unusual Heat, out of the Bartok mare Veela, was bred by owners Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams and is trained... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 10, 2016) — The Medication and Track Safety Committee will conduct a public meeting March 16 in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park beginning at 10 a.m. The agenda and package of materials, which are for discussion only, focus on horse welfare and expanded out-of-competition testing, including a ban on anabolic steroids. The horse welfare items would mandate the transfer of records pertaining to joint injections for claimed horses, require trainers to maintain records of veterinary treatments, and insure that all treatments are justified by a medical condition and based on advice from a veterinarian. ...

TOC Open Forum Apr. 23

From TOC CYPRESS, Calif. (Mar. 9, 2016) — All horsemen are invited to an open forum at Los Alamitos Saturday, April 23, 11 a.m. in the Post & Paddock Room. Meet TOC staff and directors for a discussion of current events and a chance to have your questions answered. For more information or to register for this event, click http://www.toconline.com/events/open-forum-at-los-alamitos-2/. Registration opens March 23. ...

California Chrome Tops NTRA Poll

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Mar. 9, 2016) – California-bred California Chrome, off his win in a prep for the Dubai World Cup, is ranked No. 1 in the weekly NTRA weekly top thoroughbred poll. California Chrome received 24 of 44 first-place votes and 402 points, with Mshawish second and 301 points and Beholder third with 205 points. ...

Ernie Myers Passes at Age 86

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 8, 2016) — Ernie Myers, a San Diego media star whose two great passions in life were radio and horse racing, died Tuesday morning of the effects of Parkinson’s disease at his home in La Mesa. He was 86. Myers, who at one point was the top radio DJ in San Diego over a career that spanned nearly four decades, died in the company of his longtime friend Onyx Novelle Jones. She said he had been fighting Parkinson’s for the past four years and had just recently entered into a hospice care arrangement. He grew up in Glendale and aspired to be an actor as a teenager, landing parts in several movies. Subsequently he did a four-year tour in the Army, then turned to the radio business. The affable and smooth-toned Myers was a “DJ” from the 1950s through the 1980s. He started playing big band music, then transitioned to “rock” and subsequently talk radio and was the leading radio personality in San... ...

Gold Rush Dancer in San Pedro

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 7, 2016) – Gottstein Futurity winner Gold Rush Dancer is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $75,000 San Pedro Stakes at Santa Anita. Gold Rush Dancer is by Private Gold, out of the In Excess mare Dances On Water, was bred by owner John Parker and is trained by Van Belvoir. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $83,393 and is coming off a fifth in the Dec. 5 Gold Rush Stakes. ...

‘Chrome Works for World Cup

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 6, 2016) — He may have been half a world away when California Chrome recorded his first breeze March 6 since scoring a victory in a Dubai handicap Feb. 25, but Art Sherman got a good report from his son and assistant Alan Sherman about the half-mile run. “He went a half in :48 and seems to be right on his toes,” the elder Sherman said of his workout session for the March 26 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I). “Alan just said (exercise rider Dihigi Gladney) worked him handily.” ANGST: Another Shining Victory for California Chrome Sherman added that they don’t have to do too much in training with the son of Lucky Pulpit leading into the World Cup, because the 1 1/4-mile handicap laid a good foundation as a prep. “It was just what I wanted,” the trainer said. “He was under wraps the whole time and we don’t have to do much with him now. He’s got that mile and a quarter in him,... ...

Diane and Betty Irvin

BY EMILY SHIELDS As longtime, staunch supporters of California racing, the Irvin family has had its share of stakes wins. Watching their Triple Crown trail-bound homebred Smokey Image storm to an impressive victory in the $245,000 California Cup Derby tops the list. Although family patriarch Robert Irvin passed away in 2015, his legacy lives on through the efforts of his wife, Betty, daughter Diane, and the exploits of Smokey Image. Robert Irvin was a lawyer-turned-businessman, acquiring Armored Transport Inc. and turning it into a nationwide livelihood. His passion, however, lay in both ranching and horses. In 1968 he purchased C-Punch Ranch in Lovelock, Nev. The fully functional cattle ranch and alfalfa farm has been operating since the mid-1800s, and now boasts an inn and casino in addition to its horse division. The Irvins tried Quarter Horse racing at first and found modest success, but the pull of Thoroughbred racing soon won them over. A $12,000 purchase, Tepee Party, went on to produce stakes winners Big Squaw and Indian School. Big... ...

Santa Anita Replacing Turf Course

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2016) — Santa Anita Park has announced it will begin installation of a completely new Bermuda turf course on June 20, which will be ready for use in advance of Santa Anita’s Autumn Meet which begins in late September. “With the impact of additional racing dates and increased demand for turf racing, the replacement of the course is something we have been anticipating and planning for several months,” said Joe Morris, Senior Vice President, West Coast Operations for The Stronach Group. “The new course will be very tight-knit and uniform, and we’re confident that we can have it fully installed by early July, which will give it the time it needs during optimum growing conditions. “Turf racing is extremely popular with our fans and horsemen, and with our expanded racing calendar, we are placing demands on this course that have never before existed. The new turf is designed to be robust enough to handle the additional use. The horsemen are fully supportive... ...

Warrens Puppy Love Wins El Diario

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 2, 2016) – Warrens Puppy Love rallied late to win Tuesday’s $75,000 El Diario Overnight Stakes for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Warrens Puppy Love is by Mongol Warrior, out of the Mecke mare Brrneedfur, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Donna Eaton and trained by Camille Telford. Warrens Puppy Love has five wins in 15 starts, earnings of 125,776 and was coming off an eighth in the Sept 27 Flashy Lady Stakes. She ran the six furlongs in 1:10.09 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 7-1. ...

NTRA Recognizes Legislative Supporters

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 2, 2016) — The NTRA’s federal legislative team relies on the NTRA Legislative Action Campaign’s ¼% Check-off Program and the Foal Program for funding of its effort to advocate for Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Washington, D.C. In 2015, the Campaign realized a double-digit percentage increase over 2014 from nearly 900 industry members worldwide. Thank you to all who contributed in 2015. The NTRA also recognizes the following industry partners for their support: Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company, Barretts, Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association and Breeders’ Sales Company of Louisiana. Other organizations supporting the Campaign include (in alphabetical order): The Blood-Horse, California Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (CTBA), Daily Racing Form (DRF), Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), Santa Anita Park, Texas Horsemen’s News, The Saratoga Special, Thoroughbred Daily News (TDN), Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders’ Association (TOBA) and Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC). Learn more about how you can join your peers... ...

Haimish Hy to Stand at E.A. Ranches

From E. A. Ranches RAMONA, Calif. (Feb. 29, 2016) — Forty Niner grandson and Grade 1 stakes winner Haimish Hy (by Ecton Park), will stand his first season at stud in California at E.A. Ranches in Ramona. The Art Sherman-trainee won the 2010 Grade 1 Hollywood Derby and placed in the Grade 2 San Luis Obispo Stakes, the Grade 2 Jim Murray Handicap, and the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby for total earnings of $360,988. During a campaign that was conducted exclusively in California and spanned four years, Haimish Hy competed in 13 stakes, of them graded, and was on the board in 10n of his 19 career starts. Retired to present owner George Krikorian’s private farm in Kentucky, the now 9-year old dark bay or brown horse returns to the state of his impressive racing career to embark on his stallion career. His first foals will arrive in 2017.Haimish Hy will take up stud duty at E.A. Ranches to continue a sire line that also produced millionaire and... ...

Boozer

Boozer wins $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes. ...

Boozer Takes Sensational Star

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2016) – Boozer caught Richard’s Boy in the final strides to win his first stakes in 16 months in Saturday’s $102,070 Sensational Star Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Boozer ($14) ran about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course in 1:13.03. Boozer had endured a seven-race losing streak since winning the 2014 California Flag Handicap for state-breds on the hillside turf course in October, 2014. Boozer, a 6-year-old gelding by Unusual Heat, has won 6 of 20 starts and earned $461,192. Owned by Al and Sandee Kirkwood, Boozer has had three starts at this meeting, finishing fifth in an optional claimer on dirt on Jan. 3, and third in the $251,000 California Cup Turf Classic at 1 1/8 miles on turf on Jan. 30. Boozer was bred by Abrams, Loverso, Perez, Huston Racing and Auerbach and he gave jockey Gary Stevens his seventh stakes win of the winter-spring meeting. He leads all riders in that category, three of clear... ...

Smokey Image Finds Morning Competition

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2016) — California-bred Smokey Image and Danzing Candy put on an unintentional preview of the March 12 San Felipe (gr. II) during their morning workouts Feb. 27 at Santa Anita Park. In the last workout session of the day, the two Triple Crown hopefuls found each other. Danzing Candy, with Mike Smith aboard, and workmate Radio Silent broke first, but Smokey Image and Victor Espinoza were right behind. A little rank early and four lengths back, not overjoyed with the dirt in his face, Smokey Image moved three wide alongside the Cliff Sise-trained pair through most of the turn but settled in the stretch and cruised to hit the wire in 1:12 1/5, about two lengths behind Danzing Candy. The time was tied for the fastest drill at the distance, among 30 workers at six furlongs Saturday morning. Cautious Giant also worked 1:12 1/5. “Do you believe we did that again?” trainer Carla Gaines said to Espinoza after the work, referencing the Southern Image ... ...

Barretts March Catalog Online

From Barretts DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2016) — The catalog for the 27th Annual Barretts March Sale of Selected Two-Year-Olds in Training is on-line and will be mailed soon. This auction of 121 two-year-olds will be held on Wednesday, March 30 in the Surfside RacePlace located on the grounds of Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar, California beginning at 2:00 p.m. The catalog can be viewed now at http://www.barretts.com/sales/Catalogs/catmarch2015/catalog.asp The March Sale catalog is also now available for your ipad. Click here for details. The official training preview is scheduled to be held on MONDAY, March 28 on the Del Mar racetrack 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 following morning the preview at http://www.barretts.com/sales/TrainingPreviews/index.asp Since its inception, the Barretts March Sale has been the leading producer of top quality race horses west of Kentucky. Among the many Grade One winners are Awesome Gem, Brocco, Brother Derek, Dubai Escapade, Henny... ...

CHRB Meeting Summary

From CHRB ARCADIA, CA – The California Horse Racing Board conducted its regular meeting Thursday, February 25, at Santa Anita Park. Chairman Chuck Winner presided. Vice Chair Richard Rosenberg and Commissioners Madeline Auerbach, Steve Beneto, Jesse Choper, George Krikorian, and Alex Solis also 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: * A representative of the Thoroughbred Racing and Protective Bureau (TRPB) reported industry progress in updating odds postings more rapidly, so that significant odds changes late in the running of the race have been greatly reduced. Efforts are continuing to further speed up final pool reports from all locations after the start of the race. * The TRPB also reported that 90 percent of wagering locations now are providing Santa Anita with sufficient data for the track to post the details of noteworthy winning Pick 6 tickets as they occur – nearing the level of transparency that the CHRB has been advocating for many... ...

How Sensational Star Stakes Got Its Name

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2016) — It’s approaching 30 years since Bill Spawr claimed Sensational Star for $32,000 with the hopes of turning him into a stakes winner. Spawr wasn’t disappointed. Sensational Star would go on to become a graded stakes winner under Spawr’s tutelage and retired with a career record of 39 starts, 13 wins, 11 seconds and $442,445 earned, this in the pre-inflation era. Saturday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes, for Golden State Series eligibles, is named for Spawr’s clever claim. Spawr is known for his keen eye at the claim box. His most accomplished bargain was Exchange Rate, taken for $50,000. She went on to win three Grade I stakes and earn more than a million dollars. Spawr, a native of Bell, California, who turned 76 last Dec. 13, had his day in the sun with 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Amazombie, who would go on to win an Eclipse Award. Claimed in 1988, Sensational Star later won the Pat O’Brien Breeders’ Cup Handicap... ...

Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com In order to fully appreciate California Chrome’s race in Dubai on Thursday evening, UAE time, it was necessary to perform a few calculations and cultural translations. As breakfast was served, and with more than two hours to post (9:55 a.m. Pacific), there still was plenty of time. The race is on the dirt course at Meydan at 2,000 meters. The dirt course at Meydan is laid out inside the turf course. One meter is equivalent to 0.000621371 miles, which multiplied by 2,000 is 1.24.26, close enough to call it a mile and a quarter, the distance of the $10 million World Cup on March 26, which is why California Chrome is there in the first place. The race is called the Trans Gulf Electromechanical Trophy. Trans Gulf Electromechanical Construction is part of the Dubai-based Al Naboodah Group, which sponsored all the racing on Thursday’s program. Al Naboodah and its subsidiaries played a key role in the construction of the Meydan complex that includes the racecourse. The... ...

Arabian Race at Santa Anita Approved

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board Feb. 25 approved a proposal from Santa Anita Park to offer gambling on an Arabian race in April, with pending legislation on the topic expected to pass soon in Sacramento. Santa Anita representative Scott Daruty said a group from Abu Dhabi is willing to contribute $175,000 to a potential April 2 race, with $100,000 going to the purse and $75,000 going to the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund. The pending legislation, AB 558, would allow Santa Anita to conduct six Arabian races a year with wagering, as long as it doesn’t conflict with the Northern California fair circuit, which also puts on races for the breed, and gets approval from the CHRB and the Thoroughbred owners of California. But there were still concerns expressed on the board and by industry stakeholders about how Santa Anita should go about carding the Arabian race during its Thoroughbred meeting. “I don’t have a problem with this, per se. What I would have... ...

California Chrome

California Chrome wins the $150,000 Trans Gulf Electromechanical Trophy Handicap in Dubai. ...

California Chrome Wins in Dubai

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Feb. 25, 2016) — California Chrome appears to be going into the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (UAE-I) in top form after cruising to an easy two-length victory in the $143,000 Trans Gulf Electromechanical Trophy Handicap Feb. 25 at Meydan Racecourse in the United Arab Emirates. With Victor Espinoza sitting chilly, California Chrome tracked two- or three-wide in the far turn just behind early leader Success Story, a Korean-bred who had not previously placed in a stakes. When asked just a bit in early stretch, the 2014 Horse of the Year quickly opened up on the over-matched field and waltzed to the wire. The winning effort marks a second straight stakes score for California Chrome, who opened his 5-year-old season for trainer Art Sherman with a clear victory the San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 9 at Santa Anita Park. Now campaigned by “California Chrome Inc.”, which includes Perry and Denise Martin, Taylor Made, and several prominent breeders, California Chrome is being pointed to the... ...

California Chrome Draws the Rail

By Paulick Report DUBAI, U.A.E. (Feb. 24, 2016) — California-bred California Chrome drew the rail and will face seven rivals when he goes to the post in a 2000-meter (about ten furlongs) handicap on the main track at Meydan Racecourse Feb. 25. The 2014 Horse of the Year will be spotting his rivals 15 pounds in the race, which he is using as a prep for the G1 Dubai World Cup March 26. “He is a bigger and stronger horse this year,” assistant trainer Alan Sherman told the Dubai Racing Club. “He has done everything we have asked of him and are very pleased with his preparations. “We decided to run this week rather than on Super Saturday to give him a month between races before the World Cup. “We could not be happier with him and are really excited about having another crack at the Dubai World Cup.” Unsurprisingly California Chrome heads the weights, carrying 7kg more than his seven opponents with the handicapper giving him 60kg – the... ...

Alert Bay Enters Sensational Star

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2016) – Millionaire Alert Bay leads a talented field of 11 entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Image of Joplin is by Southern Image, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Lucas Downs and is trained by Matthew Chew. He has seven wins in 27 starts, earnings of $199,887 and is coming off an 11th in the Jan. 30 California Cup Turf Classic. Solid Wager is by Birdonthewire, out of the Valid Wager mare G Ma, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Barber or Barber or Sanford Stable and is trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 26 starts, earnings of $350,296 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 30 Donald Valpredo Cal Cup Sprint. Aotearoa is by Good Journey, out of the Lil Tyler mare Madera Royal, was bred by owner Paul Viskovich and trained by Leonard Powwell. He has four wins... ...

Espinoza Wins George Woolf Award

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2016) — As America’s first Triple Crown-winning jockey in 37 years, Victor Espinoza helped Thoroughbred racing project a positive image far beyond the confines of the industry throughout 2015. Accordingly, Espinoza, a 43-year-old native of Mexico City, has been selected by a vote of jockeys nationwide as the winner of Santa Anita Park‘s highly coveted 2016 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award. “It’s quite an honor for any rider to be selected by his peers as the winner of such a prestigious award,” said Terry Meyocks, national manager of the Jockeys’ Guild. “And I would like to congratulate Victor on this great achievement.” In addition to numerous national television appearances through the 2015 Triple Crown and last fall’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Espinoza also remained tireless in his efforts on behalf of cancer-stricken youth, donating a percentage of his winnings to support pediatric cancer research at City of Hope, in Duarte, Calif. In addition to winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes (all... ...

Santa Anita to Overhaul Turf Course

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2016) —Santa Anita Park plans a complete overhaul of its turf course and officials will meet Feb. 25 to decide details and timing of the plan. The Stronach Group senior vice president of West Coast operations Joe Morris said Feb. 23 that track executives will discuss details of the plan, including timing. Morris said the course has not been completely redone in 20 years. Santa Anita will host this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships Nov. 4-5. Should the track opt to completely renovate the turf course before Breeders’ Cup, the longest gap of time without live racing is July 11 to Sept. 29. With heavy rains associated with El Nino hitting Santa Anita this year, races have been taken off the course several racing days at the current meet. Beyond the races taken off the main turf course, additional races using the hillside turf course also have been moved to the main track. ...

Warrens Puppy Love at Sunland

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 23, 2016) – Warrens Puppy Love is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 El Diario Overnight Stakes for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Warrens Puppy Love is by Mongol Warrior, out of the Mecke mare Brrneedfur, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Donna Eaton and trained by Camille Telford. She has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $80,776 and is making her first start since an eighth in the Sept. 27 Flashy Lady Stakes. ...

Cal-bred Trio in Island Fashion

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 23, 2015) – California-breds Sweet Bea, Mc Hottie and L J’s Awesome Girl are entered in Friday’s $75,000 Island Fashion Overnight Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park. Sweet Bea is by Grace Upon Grace, out of the Gilded Time mare Sweet Elite, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Jeff Plotkin and trained by Justin Evans. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $27,880 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 1 allowance. Mc Hottie is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Mr. Greeley mare Gender Motors, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Henry Dominguez. She has one win in eight starts, earnings of $30,030 and is coming off a Jan. 16 maiden win. L J’s Awesome Girl is by Awesome Gambler, out of the In Excess mare Excessive Girl, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by A and A Equine and EC Racing and is trained by Justin Evans. She has two... ...

Sherman Expects Big ‘Chrome Effort

By Paulick Report DUBAI, U.A.E. (Feb. 23, 2016) — Trainer Art Sherman and jockey Victor Espinoza both departed the United States en route to Dubai on Monday, where California Chrome is set to make his Meydan debut in a handicap event on Thursday. The 5-year-old will be making his second start off the layoff in preparation for the Dubai World Cup to be held March 26, and blazed through his final work Friday in 47.2 seconds for the half-mile, according to The National. “He’s never carried so much in a race before,” said Sherman. Chrome is slated to carry 60kgs (132lbs) in the race Thursday. “With Dihigi (Gladney, exercise rider) on board he has 150lbs on his back every day anyway. He’s been training great, has been forward in his training and is right on schedule. I know weight is a denominator and it kills horses at some point but I think you’re going to see a champion run from him this Thursday.” California Chrome will face eight rivals on... ...

‘Chrome Enters World Cup Prep

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Feb. 22, 2016) — California Chrome , the U.S. Horse of the Year of 2014, as expected was entered for a 1 1/4-mile handicap at Meydan Racecourse Feb. 25 that will be his first start in Dubai this year and serve as his prep for the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 26. The 5-year-old California-bred Lucky Pulpit horse, who finished second to Prince Bishop in last year’s World Cup, has an official rating of 121, which makes him the highest-rated horse in the field of 10 when entries were revealed Feb. 22. Final declarations, along with jockeys, post positions, and post time will be announced Feb. 23. It’s the same race Curlin used to prepare for his 2008 World Cup win. Winner of the San Pasqual Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 9 at Santa Anita Park in his last start, California Chrome, trained by Art Sherman for owners Perry Martin and Taylor Made, is the 132-pound highweight in the handicap and will be giving from... ...

Whine for Wine in Curribot

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 21, 2016) – Whine for Wine is the lone California-bred entered in $75,000 Curribot Handicap at Sunland Park. Whine for Wine is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Jump Start mare Mrs. Began, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Johnnie Nall. He has three wins in 16 starts, earnings of $172,000 and is coming off a fourth in a Dec. 28 optional claimer. ...

Eventful Workout for Smokey Image

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2016) — Smokey Image just seems to find trouble working recently in the mornings at Santa Anita Park, and although that might make trainer Carla Gaines uncomfortable in the moment, it may end up being a blessing in disguise. Encountering traffic in training may prepare the California-bred son of Southern Image for potential trouble on the Triple Crown trail. The morning of Feb. 21, things didn’t go quite as planned for the second week in a row. Irvin Racing Stable’s chestnut colt was supposed to trail a workmate by two lengths on the outside, but jockey Victor Espinoza had to make a decision in the backstretch when some interference entered their path. The pair moved to the inside to avoid a potential collision and worked along the rail inside his workmate. BALAN: Smokey Image Logs First Work for San Felipe “It was so close,” Espinoza said after the five-furlong drill in 1:00 2/5. Smokey Image did just fine after that, though. He moved past... ...

CHRB Meeting Advisory

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 29, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting Thursday, February 25, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Legislative, Legal, and Regulations Committee will meet in the same location on Wednesday, February 24, beginning at 2 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend both meetings. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The meeting agendas (Board/Committee) and supporting packages of materials (Board/Committee) also are available on the CHRB website. ...

Los Alamitos Stakes Schedule Released

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2016) — Five stakes—two of them graded—worth $625,000 highlight the inaugural spring Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos Race Course. The 12-day meet will begin April 14 and continue through May 1 on a Thursday-through-Sunday schedule. At 6 1/2 furlongs, the $200,000 Great Lady M. Stakes (gr. II) is the richest event on the schedule. For fillies and mares, the Great Lady M. will be run April 23. A longtime fixture at now-closed Hollywood Park, the race had been run during Los Alamitos’ summer Thoroughbred meet in July the previous two years. Los Alamitos ran in the summer during each of its first two years putting on afternoon Thoroughbred races, but will run the spring dates instead in 2016. BALAN: CHRB Approves 2016 California Race Dates The $100,000 Los Angeles Stakes (gr. III)—run previously at Hollywood Park and Santa Anita Park (2014-2015)—is the other graded race on the schedule. For 3-year-olds and up at 5 1/2 furlongs—a sixteenth of a mile shorter than in the past—the... ...

He Be Fire N Ice’s First Foals Arrive

From Ridgeley Farm HEMET, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2016) – He Be Fire N Ice, a stakes winner and multiple Grade II-placed son of dominant California sire Unusual Heat, sired his first foal on February 4 at Ridgeley Farm. The big roan colt born out of multiple stakes winner and Grade III-placed Smoke Glacken mare Dimple Punch was bred by Cicero Farms. Dimple Pinch’s 2014 Uncle Mo colt sold for $170,000 at the Keeneland September Sale last year. He Be Fire N Ice’s first filly foal arrived on Super Bowl Sunday, out of Quiet Optimism, a Deputy Minister mare with five prior winners, also owned by Cicero Farms. He Be Fire N Ice burst upon the national scene in the summer of 2013 when the handsome gray won three straight races in electrifying come-from-behind style culminating in a victory in the California Dreamin’ Stakes at Del Mar. In his next two starts, He Be Fire N Ice made his usual thrilling stretch runs but lost by a head in both the... ...

Barretts Sets Sale Calendar

DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2016) — The Barretts sales calendar will again feature an August selected yearling sale at Del Mar and a Fall yearling sale in October. Last year’s select sale was held after the races at Del Mar’s Surfside RacePlace ITW, but this year’s sale will be conducted during daylight hours on Tuesday, August 30th. Barretts general manager Kim Lloyd: “Despite the fact that we had an all-time California yearling record median sales price in our inaugural August sale last year, it made for too long of a day for both buyers and consignors. The move to a dark day of racing will benefit everyone involved in this sale.” Due to stabling concerns in Southern California resulting from the Breeders’ Cup, the October Yearling Sale will be held at the Los Angeles Fairgrounds in Pomona on Monday, October 17th. Yearlings will be stabled in the Barretts barns. Nominations for the Select Yearling Sale close April 1, 2016. ...

Balance the Books, Big Surf to Special T

From Special T Thoroughbreds TEMECULA, Calif. (Feb. 9, 2016) — EAS Equine Alliance welcomes to California multiple graded stakes winner Balance the Books, the son of champion and Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid, and winning Storm Cat son Big Surf, whose dam is the Champion 3-year-old filly and four-time Grade I winner Surfside, and grand dam is the champion 2-year-old filly and three-time Grade I and Breeder Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Flanders. The stallions will stand at Rick Taylor’s Special T Thoroughbreds in Temecula. For viewing information call Special T at (951) 303-0313. To discuss breeding options contact Crystal Conway at (845) 332-8292 or (760) 239-0004. ...

Cal-bred Champions for 2015 Announced

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2016) — The California-bred Horse of the Year for 2015 will be announced at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, to be held Wednesday, Feb. 17 at the Pasadena Westin. The three finalists for Horse of the Year, in alphabetical order, are: California Chrome, Gimme Da Lute and Spanish Queen. The business session of the annual meeting begins at 4 p.m. with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception and a 7 p.m. awards dinner. For reservations, please contact Christy Chapman at 626-445-7800 ext: 247 or email at christy@ctba.com. The other champions that will be presented at the dinner: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Tribal Rule, property of The Tribal Rule Syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings – Unusual Heat, property of The Unusual Heat Syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Two-Year-Olds by Earnings – Square Eddie, property of Reddam Racing. Champion Freshman Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Slew’s Tiznow, property of Joseph... ...

Omar, Canducharlie in Phoenix Gold Cup

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 9, 2016) – Multiple stakes winner Omar and fellow California-bred Canducharlie are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap at Turf Paradise. Omar is by Bertrando, out of the Beau Genius mare Perfect Doll, was bred by Omar Aldabbagh, is owned by Randy Exelby or Rick Running Rabbit or TG Racing and is trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has 13 wins in 34 starts, earnings of $206,443 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 23 Hank Mills Sr. Handicap. He was third in this race last year Canducharlie is by Cindago, out of the Bertrando mare Nandu, was bred by Lee & Susan Searing, is owned by Ernie Turner and trained by Dan Morgan. He has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $69,717 and is coming off a Jan. 27 allowance win. ...

Touched by Autism in El Camino Real

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2016) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Touched by Autism is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Touched by Autism is by Sierra Sunset, out of the Beau Genius mare Beau’s Gem, was bred by George and Mary Clare Schmitt, is owned by Johnny Toboada and trained by Marcia Stortz. The $2,700 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase has one win in five starts, earnings of $57,936 and is coming off a Jan. 7 maiden win. ...

Marino’s Wild Cat Seeks Repeat

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2016) – Marino’s Wild Cat seeks to repeat his 2015 victory in Sunday’s $50,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate. Holdthismiss is by Hold Me Back, out of the Northern Afleet mare Glamorous Miss, was bred by Malibu Valley Farms, is owned by Below the Rim Stable and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $114,452 and is coming off a second in a Jan 2 optional claimer. Marino’s Wild Cat is by Marino Marini, out of the Dayjur mare Faxene, was bred by Roy Guinnane, is owned by GCCI and is trained by Cliff DeLima. He has eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $271,388 and is coming off a third in an Apr. 19 allowance. Mah Gellin is by Skimming, out of the Maheras mare Mahrin, was bred by Racing Edge, is owned by Joe & Lola Sample and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has six wins in 21 starts, earnings of $193,968 and... ...

How Unusual Debuts in Sweet Life

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2016) – How Unusual is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. How Unusual is by Unusual Heat, out of the Bartok mare Veela, was bred by owners Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams and is trained by Abrams. She is making her racing debut. ...

Indian Gods has First Foal

From Brazeau Thoroughbreds HEMET, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2016) — Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms stallion Indian Gods was represented by his first foal, a filly out of Silent Deposition, a winning daughter of Breeders Cup Turf Champion Silic (FR). ...

Burton Johnson

By Emily Shields The adage goes, “How can you tell if a pilot is in the room? He’ll tell you.” While JetBlue pilot Burton Johnson still enjoys his job, he has a new passion to discuss to anyone who will listen: horse racing. His favorite racing-related topic? Ultimate Eagle, his young stallion whose first foals are yearlings this season. “I had no connection to horse racing,” Johnson said. “It’s the kind of sport where you are either born into it or you’re rich enough to get involved.” A friend of Johnson’s urged him to visit the racetrack and mentioned meeting up with another friend, Santa Anita-based trainer Mike Pender. “It turned out we already knew each other,” Johnson said. “I said, ‘I went to kindergarten with that guy!’ Sure enough, around the corner comes the Mike Pender I knew.” Johnson immediately took to the sport, falling madly in love and devouring all the information he could find. But when Pender asked why Johnson didn’t buy into a racehorse, Johnson replied,... ...

CHRB Annual Report Available

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2016) — The California Horse Racing Board’s Annual Report for fiscal year 2014-15 and racing year 2015 is available on the CHRB Website. The CHRB no longer publishes a print edition. ...

Alert Bay Latest Cal-bred Millionaire

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2016) – With his second-place finish in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank, Alert Bay became the latest Cal-bred million-dollar earner. Alert Bay, second to What a View in the Turf Classic, pocketed $47,500 to increase his career earnings to $1,028,235. That made him the 62nd Cal-bred millionaire and 57th on the all-time earnings list as he climbed past Native Diver’s $1,026,500. Alert Bay is by City Zip, out of the Dushyantor mare Hickory, was bred by Thomas Bell and Ross McLeod, is owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Blaine Wright. The multiple graded winner has 11 wins in 23 starts. ...

Sleep Apnea Tools Might Help Foals

By Paulick Report For many foals born on farms too remote to easily access an equine hospital with ventilators and round-the-clock care, the inability to catch their breath can spell big trouble. The Horse reports that a group of Australian veterinarians have recently modified a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help foals breathe better. This machine could allow veterinarians to provide respiratory support in the field, without sending the neonatal foal to a hospital. At the 2015 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, Rosemary McKean, BVetBio/BVSc (Hons. 1), explained the system’s design, which utilizes a human sleep apnea machine attached to an equine anesthesia mask. The machine uses mild air pressure to keep the airways open, which can help prevent airway collapse, decrease the effort needed to take a breath, increase oxygenation and reduce lung inflammation. The Horse reports that the CPAP research team determined that: The system was effective and had no adverse effects on the foals’ heart rates, blood pressure, or other measurements Treatment improved foals’ oxygen extraction... ...

‘Chrome Owners Sell Share

By Paulick Report In a move that both parties hope will improve his future success as a sire, co-owners Taylor Made Farm and Perry Martin both gave up 10 percent of their share in champion California Chrome. According to Thoroughbred Racing Commentary, 10 unnamed breeders were sold a two percent share of the future stallion, which would entitle them to two lifetime breeding rights as well as a percentage of his earnings over the rest of his career. “To allow them to come in,” said Martin, “we made them promise they would send two of their very best mares to California Chrome. So we’re not only looking toward his future at the racetrack, but his future as a sire as well and we brought on a whole bunch of excited partners in the process.” Set to enter stud in 2017, California Chrome has a few more conquests to make before he retires, including the March 26 Dubai World Cup. The $10 million (US) purse in that race would allow new... ...

Black Savors Biggest Training Win

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2016) — One of America’s top apprentice jockeys in the early 1980s, Kenny Black was at times overcome with emotion yesterday following his biggest training achievement to date–a brilliant 3 ¼ length win in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic by Old English Rancho-bred What a View, who was ridden by Kent Desormeaux. What made the win especially emotional was the fact that E.W. “Bud” Johnston, who had headed the farm’s breeding and racing operation (which was founded in California in 1948 by his father, E.B. “The Pie Man” Johnston and his wife, Betty) dating back to 1957, passed away unexpectedly one day shy of his 78th birthday last year on May 5. “I’ll be forever grateful to Buddy Johnston and his family for the opportunity they’ve given me,” said Black, who was hired by Johnston as the farm’s private trainer following the retirement of longtime conditioner Don Warren last year. “Buddy has had his horses here in the same stalls since... ...

Northern Causeway has First Foal

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2016)-Graded stakes winner Northern Causeway, standing at Rancho San Miguel, sired his first foal on Jan. 28, a filly out of the stakes-placed Swiss Bliss. Mike Harrington bred the filly, whose multiple winning dam won $122,210. Farm manager Clay Murdock said, “I see lots of Giant’s Causeway expressed in her with that beautiful face and body.” Northern Causeway, owned by Rozamund Barclay, is a graded stakes winner of $265,367 by sire-of-sires Giant’s Causeway, out of Getaway Girl (Silver Deputy). This is the immediate family of successful sires Ghostzapper and City Zip. Northern Causeway covered 35 mares in 2015 and will once again stand for a $2,500 live foal fee payable October 1 of the year bred with no booking fee. For additional information contact Rancho San Miguel farm manager Clay Murdock at (805) 467-3847. ...

Lakerville has First Foal

COALINGA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2016) — California stallion Lakerville had his first foal when a filly out of the Smokester mare Craven Cottage was delivered Jan. 25 at Harris Farms, bred by Barry Abrams. ...

Los Angeles Times on Cal-breds

By John Cherwa Los Angeles Times ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2016) — The numbers are startling, the reality is staggering. If California’s first-class horse racing tracks are to survive, they are in large part dependent on a third-place breeding program. A track such as Santa Anita needs inventory, and if it didn’t have California breds running, it probably would be racing only two days a week. Under that scenario, it wouldn’t be long before the track would be turned into a residential or retail development. Or a sports stadium. Doug Burge, president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Assn., took up the challenge of figuring out a way to essentially bribe people to breed, buy and race here. “We have these carrots we put out there to give people a reason to breed in California,” he said. Among those are a $30-million program of incentives, awards and purses that go to California breds racing here. Part of that is the Golden State Series of 40 stakes races with at least $6... ...

Cal Cup Stable Notes — Friday

From Santa Anita Publicity UNBEATEN SMOKEY IMAGE TRIES TWO TURNS IN CAL CUP DERBY Undefeated Smokey Image seeks his sixth straight victory and his first for Carla Gaines when the son of 2004 Santa Anita Handicap winner Southern Image goes two turns for the first time in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Derby at 1 1/16 miles. “He’s been here since the first week in November,” Gaines said of the chestnut colt owned by Betty Irvin of Pacific Palisades, who campaigns as Irvin Racing Stable. Smokey Image won his first four races by daylight margins, and his last, the seven furlong Golden State Juvenile at Del Mar on Oct. 30, by three-quarters of a length after he bobbled at the start and steadied at the 5/16 marker. “We have a good feeling about his going two turns,” Gaines said. “We’ll find out Saturday. His pedigree indicates he’ll do it and we’re hoping he’ll improve going two turns, but if doesn’t, he’s still a good sprinter. He’s always galloped out beautifully from... ...

Stellar Field in Filly & Mare Turf Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2016)–In what looms as the most competitive race on an action-packed Sunshine Millions Day program Saturday at Santa Anita, the $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint for Golden State Series eligibles, to be run at 6 ½ furlongs down the Camino Real Turf Course at Santa Anita, has attracted a field of 14 older fillies and mares, with 12 to start. In a tough call, Harris Farms’ homebred Velvet Mesquite, who comes off a close seventh place run in the Grade II Monrovia Stakes down the hill on Jan. 3, may rate top billing for trainer Blake Heap. A 6-year-old mare by In Excess, she is 11-5-1-2 over the course, including a win in the Calirornia Distaff Handicap here in October, 2014. Although winless in seven starts last year, she had a pair of seconds and thirds, which included a close second down the hill in the Grade III Sen. Ken Maddy Stakes three starts back on Oct. 25. Out... ...

Smokey Image in Derby Stretchout

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2016)–Unbeaten in five starts, Irvin Racing Stable’s Smokey Image heads a field of seven Golden State Series-eligible sophomores as he tries two turns for the first time in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Derby. The Derby, to be contested at 1 1/16 miles, will be run for the 26th time and is one of five stakes restricted to California-bred or sired horses on Santa Anita’s annual $1 million Sunshine Millions Day. Originally trained by Northern California-based Greg James and currently conditioned by Carla Gaines, Smokey Image, a chestnut colt by Southern Image, has been idle since winning the seven furlong Golden State Juvenile at Del Mar at odds of 1-2 on Oct. 30. Favored in four out of his five starts, “Smokey” overcame significant early trouble in the Juvenile to win by three quarters of a length. Ridden in all five of his races by Golden Gate Fields-based Juan Hernandez, he’ll be handled for the first time Saturday by Victor Espinoza. Bred by... ...

Roo’s Valentine Seeking Oaks Win

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2016) – With the only turf attempt under her belt, Roo’s Valentine heads a field of eight in Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Oaks, presented by Xpressbet, for 3-year-old Golden State Series eligible fillies going one mile on the Santa Anita turf. Owned and bred in California by Kretz Racing, LLC, Roo’s Valentine has never been out of the money in five lifetime starts. After two thirds and a second when sprinting over the main track in maiden special weights late summer and into the fall, Roo’s Valentine seemed to finally find her footing around two turns. After breaking her maiden going a mile on the grass Nov. 5 at Del Mar, she followed up with a win in the one mile Soviet Problem Stakes at Los Alamitos. Trained by Kristin Mulhall, Roo’s Valentine is by California sire Vronsky, out of the Cindago mare Black Valentine. Cindago, who died in Sept. 2012 was a California sire who stood at Legacy Ranch. Roo’s Valentine... ...

Alert Bay Seeks Turf Classic Repeat

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2016) – Northern based defending champion Alert Bay heads a wide open field of 12 California bred or sired, 4-year-olds and up, in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank, for Golden State Series eligibles going 1 1/8 miles on the Santa Anita turf course. Bred in California by Thomas Newton Bell and Ross John McLeod, Alert Bay will once again ship in from Golden Gate Fields in Berkeley, CA in hopes of winning the Turf Classic for the second year in-a-row. Since joining the barn of Blaine Wright in November, 2014 Alert Bay has gone on to win the Grade II Mathis Brothers Turf Mile on Opening Day of Santa Anita’s Winter Meet Dec. 26 in 2014, the Cal Cup Turf Classic by a neck over returning rival Boozer Jan. 24, 2015 and the Grade II City of Hope (Turf) Mile, Sept. 27. Alert Bay, who boasts the highest-ever Beyer Speed Figure in this group with a... ...

Sunday Rules Faces Boys in Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2016)–Trainer Karen Headley’s graded stakes winning San Onofre will square off with top distaffer Sunday Rules as they headline Saturday’s $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. The Sprint, to be run for the 26th time, attracted a field of seven older horses and will be contested at six furlongs. The Sprint is one of five stakes restricted to horses bred or sired in California on Santa Anita’s annual Sunshine Millions Day. A “blast off” sprinter with an abundance of natural speed, San Onofre exhibited a new dimension in winning the Grade III, 6 ½ furlong Midnight Lute Stakes here on Jan. 2, as he rated kindly in second positon early and rallied strongly under Alex Solis for a half length win. A 6-year-old gelding by Surf Cat who was bred in California by Headley’s father, veteran conditioner, Bruce Headley, and is owned by the family’s Matson Racing, San Onofre has five wins from 10... ...

‘Chrome to Run in Dubai Prep Feb. 25

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Jan. 27, 2016) — California Chrome will run in a 2,000-meter (1 1/4 miles) handicap Feb. 25 at Meydan Racecourse to prep for the March 26 Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) rather than racing on the March 5 “Super Saturday” program, assistant trainer Alan Sherman confirmed Jan. 26. “I want to run him in the handicap and not on Super Saturday because it gives us another week before the World Cup.” Sherman told The National. “The World Cup will be his third race after a long layoff and I just think it suits our schedule better.” The 2014 Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male will have his first serious breeze in about 10 days as he begins tuning up for his second start of the season. He has settled in well at Meydan after arriving Jan. 22 off his successful return to the races Jan. 9 with a victory in the San Pasqual (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park. That was the first... ...

High Cotton Filly Tops Barretts

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Jan. 27, 2016) — A 2-year-old Florida-bred daughter of High Cotton topped the Barretts January mixed sale, selling for $55,000. The sale, held at Del Mar Jan. 20, had an average of $8,239, down 2.9% from the 2015 average of $8,487. Elena Crim’s H & E Ranch consigned the High Cotton filly, and Kristina and Jerome Russell of Lincoln, Neb. purchased her. The filly is out of the stakes-placed Crafty Prospector mare Think Fast, who has also produced Canadian stakes winner Ciaran’s Prize. The Russells were the sale’s leading buyers, with six horses purchased for a total $134,000. They also went to $35,000 for a 2-year-old son of War Chant from the consignment of Mary Knight, the leading seller. The top-priced 2-year-old colt of the sale, he is out of the Bernardini mare Primp. Knight also sold the second-highest-priced horse, a 2-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Eskendereya. Ted Aroney’s Halo Farms paid $45,000 for the filly, who is out of the stakes-placed Old Trieste mare Sandra’s... ...

California Chrome Departs for Dubai

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2016) — California Chrome will begin another journey to the other side of the world Jan. 21, when he’ll depart from his double-wide stall at Los Alamitos Race Course at 5 a.m. PT with Dubai in his sights. The California-bred and 2014 Horse of the Year got in a final two-mile gallop the morning of Jan. 20, and assistant trainer Alan Sherman, exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, and groom Raul Rodriguez departed for the United Arab Emirates later Wednesday afternoon. “He went really good this morning,” said Art Sherman, who will remain in California to continue training his local stock for the time being. “It’s going to be a long trip—almost 24 hours—so he’s getting a lot of electrolytes, and he’ll be traveling with a vet, Chuck Jenkins.” While in Dubai, the 5-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit owned by Perry Martin and Taylor Made will have one local prep race before trying the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) for the second straight year. In... ...

Somethings Unusual

Somethings Unusual wins $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Handicap. ...

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