By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2025) — The five winners of stakes for California-breds at Santa Anita on Saturday are bound for the Del Mar summer meeting, with one prominent runner likely to also start at Los Alamitos next month. Not all are likely to run in stakes in their next appearances. Private Gem, winner of Saturday’s $100,500 Thor’s Echo Stakes for sprinters, and Santa Barbarian, the surprise winner of the $126,500 Snow Chief Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles on turf, will be considered for allowance races. Sneaker, who won the $101,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for fillies and mares on turf, is likely to run in the $100,000 Osunitas Stakes, a restricted race at a mile on turf, on July 20. Om N Joy, the dramatic winner of the $125,500 Melair Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on dirt, will be pointed to the $150,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for 3-year-old statebred fillies at Del Mar on July 25. Kings River Knight, who won Saturday’s $101,000 Crystal... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2025) — California stallion Listing was represented by his first winner on Sunday when Saul Elliott, also his first starter, won on debut at Santa Anita. A 2-year-old colt out of the Indian Charlie mare Cryptic, Saul Elliott won the fifth race, a maiden special weight for California-breds, running the 4 1/2 furlongs in :51.96, winning by 2 1/4 lengths as the 3-2 favorite in a field of eight. Listing, standing at Ocean Breeze Ranch, is by Square Eddie. Saul Elliott was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers and is trained by Doug O’Neill. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2025) – Odds-on favorite Kings River Knight continued his stranglehold on the Crystal Water Stakes on Saturday, winning the $100,000 race for Golden State Series-eligibles for the third consecutive year at Santa Anita. Kings River Knight is by Acclamation, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing, The Ellwood Johnston Trust and Kenneth Tevelde and is trained by John Sadler. “We loved it, to see him out here run like a 1-9 shot should, that’s great,” said Leonard Miranda, part owner. “I’m just happy to be a part of it, with the Johnstons, who bred this horse and of course Ken.” Kings River Knight has 11 wins in 18 starts, earnings of $710,330 and was coming off a sixth in the Mar. 30 Sensational Star. “The late great Mel Stute said, ‘Any horse that wins more than he loses is a really good horse,’” said Sadler. “And he fits that. He’s a wonderful horse and he’s... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2025) – Santa Barbarian, the longest shot in the field at 43-1, reeled in Cali Cat in deep stretch to win Saturday’s $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank, for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Santa Barbarian is by Bodexpress, out of the Storm Victory mare Ebony Cat, was bred by owner Richard Barton Enterprises and is trained by Ryan Hanson. He was the third winner on the card for the breeder. Ridden by Kazushi Kimura, Santa Barbarian was last early, ranged up into mid-pack down the backstretch, then ran down leader Cali Cat (2-1) inside the final furlong to beat that rival by a half-length. Got Soul (9-2) finished third with Drop Um (15-1) completing the superfecta. He won in a time of 1:49.80. For Kimura, the win capped a lucrative day at the office. He also won the $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes aboard Sneaker ($6.60) for trainer George Papaprodromou and the eighth race, an allowance/optional claimer, with No Cap ($16.40) for... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2025) – Sneaker took them wire to wire in winning Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Sneaker is by Oscar Performance, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Lime Beach, was bred Fountain of Youth Breeding, is owned by R L Stables and trained by George Papaprodromou. “We are really proud, we believe in Cal-breds,” said Gayle Van Leer of the ownership group. “This filly just really fit the R L Stable program and we are happy to be a winner today.” She has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of 261,948 and was coming off a third in the Apr. 26 Royal Heroine. “She loves to get the lead, that is her style, but she stepped a little slow from the gate,” jockey Kaz Kimura said. “That’s why I had to hustle a little bit from the gate to stay on the (rail). I was confident. Last time she finished well in the Grade 3, so she... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2025) – Left at the gate and nine lengths behind at the quarter pole, favored Om N Joy rallied along the rail through the stretch for an improbable win in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Om N Joy is by Om, out of the Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute, was bred by Jerry and Connie Baker, is owned by Baker, Golovko or Scanlan, et al and trained by Aggie Ordonez. “When she broke badly, I just said, ‘Well, let’s see. She likes to come from behind. Does she have anything left?” said Jerry Baker.  “And when Kent started moving down the rail, I said, “Oh my gosh, she has a shot.’ What a tremendous ride, he was patient and he did it.” Sent off at 2-1, Om N Joy has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $225,640 and was coming off a win in the Apr. 5 Evening Jewel. “That is why you ride Kent Desormeaux,”... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2025) – With odds-on favorite Book Smart and Tapatio Leo tiring from a duel up front, Private Gem slipped through along the rail at the top of the stretch and won Saturday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Private Gem, the 5-2 second choice, is by Lookin At Lucky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Geode, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Saints or Sinners and trained by Mark Glatt. “I think he had a really nice set up,” said Glatt. “We were hoping that somebody would go with Book Smart because when he shakes loose on the lead he is hard to beat. We got lucky they went fast and he had to unhook that Book Smart. Umberto (Rispoli) rode a perfect race, saved the ground and they floated off the turn a little to continue to save ground. I think he got to goofing around a little in the stretch, but he ran well. “Any time... ...

From DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 23, 2025) — The 2024 stakes winners Shea Brennan and Speedy Wilson are noticeable absentees from Saturday’s program for California-breds at Santa Anita, but are in training for summertime comebacks, trainer Phil D’Amato said. Both colts are by Tough Sunday and are owned and bred by Nick Alexander. Speedy Wilson has not raced since a win in the Golden State Juvenile for 2-year-old statebreds at seven furlongs at Del Mar last November. He missed a scheduled start in the King Glorious Stakes at Los Alamitos in December because of an elevated temperature, D’Amato said at the time. :: Santa Anita Clocker Reports are available every race day. Access now. Speedy Wilson has worked three furlongs twice this month at Santa Anita. Shea Brennan finished first in the California Cup Derby for statebreds at Santa Anita in January, but was disqualified and placed second for causing interference in the stretch. The winner of the King Glorious Stakes in December, Shea Brennan was taken out of training briefly... ...

From Del Mar Racing Office DEL MAR, Calif. (May 16, 2025) — We’re excited to announce an exclusive incentive program for horses that have been based at PLN. We truly appreciate your continued support and are thrilled to offer this opportunity. Rules and guidelines are below: Horses must have been based in Northern California since December 1, 2024, and trained by those only based in Northern California during that time. • Guaranteed $500 check for any qualified starter in their first start. • 15% bonus is applied to the qualified horse’s purse earnings for EVERY start during the summer meet. • Purse bonus applies to earnings for places 1-5, excluding stakes races. • Horses may not dual-qualify for Maiden Dirt Bonus and Ship & Win programs. • DMTC reserves the right to determine eligibility & bonuses for qualified starters. For further information, contact the Del Mar Racing office. ...

By DRF.com SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (May 14, 2025) — Smoken Boy, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Catholic Boy, won Wednesday’s $150,000 Caesars Handicap for 3-year-olds at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Smoken Boy scored by a head over 1-2 favorite Chasing Liberty in the Caesars, a big win for owner KEM Stables and trainer Cheryl Winebaugh. Smoken Boy made his first three starts in Puerto Rico, winning the Grade I Clasico Agustin Mercado Reveron Stakes in December. He earned a trip to Florida, where he finished eighth in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Smoken Boy, in his next start, was offered for a $75,000 claiming price, and KEM took him. At 112-1, Smoken Boy ran to his odds in the Florida Derby, but more than earned back his purchase price Wednesday, picking up a check worth $92,733. He has three wins in seven starts and earnings of $164,993. His third dam is Cal-bred multiple graded winner Go Go. Ridden by Manny Esquivel, Smoken Boy tracked the pace of Brodeur... ...

From Legacy Ranch LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 14, 2025) – Viewers can join “All Access with Andy Garcia” for an enlightening and heartfelt look inside Legacy Ranch Inc., where the intricate art and evolving science of thoroughbred breeding converge with an unwavering dedication to nurture the potential champions of tomorrow’s racetracks. Public Television audiences are invited to gain a profound and moving appreciation for the remarkable journey of a racehorse in an upcoming segment of “All Access with Andy Garcia” proudly featuring the esteemed Legacy Ranch Inc. Set to film later this year, this engaging and visually rich program will meticulously delve into the pivotal early stages of a horse’s life. From the strategic and thoughtful selection of breeding stock, considering lineage and genetic potential, to the consistently nurturing and carefully managed environment provided to mares, ensuring their health and well-being, the segment will illuminate every crucial step with owners Pete and Evelyn Parrella. Viewers will also witness the initial, specialized training regimens meticulously designed to build a strong foundation,... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 11, 2025) — The California-bred multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile joined trainer Sean McCarthy’s stable earlier this year at Santa Anita and is nearing her first start since late November. Owned and bred by Larry and Marianne Williams, Grand Slam Smile has won 6 of 11 starts and earned $526,400. She was previously trained by Steve Specht, who retired late last year. A 4-year-old filly, Grand Slam Smile was named Cal-bred champion 2-year-old filly for 2023 and champion 3-year-old filly for 2024. She has won five stakes on turf and dirt at Santa Anita since June 2023, including the $200,000 California Cup Oaks for statebred 3-year-old fillies in January 2024. She was given a rest after a second-place finish at 4-5 in the Livermore Valley Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at six furlongs at Pleasanton on Nov. 30, her sixth start of 2024. “They gave her some time off,” McCarthy said. “She had a good campaign.” :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 10, 2025) – California-bred Lovesick Blues wore down favored Bran in the lane to win Saturday’s $100,000 Siren Lure Stakes at Santa Anita. Lovesick Blues is by Grazen, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Queenofhercastle, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and trained by Librado Barocio. With his first career stakes win, Lovesick Blues has eight wins in 39 starts, earnings of $524,000 and was coming off a third in the Mar. 30 Sensational Star. “I knew he was getting better and better,” said Barocio. “He came off that layoff and ran a great race and last time he ran a great race against good horses and this time I had confidence. I don’t want to sound bragadocious, but I felt good. I just want to thank the good Lord above and Nick Alexander for being such a great breeder and allowing me to buy this horse from him. “He’s a little tough to handle if you don’t know him,... ...

SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (May 10, 2025) – California stallion Sir Prancealot was represented by a black-type earner in the southern hemisphere on Saturday. In Australia, his 4-year-old son Sir Sway placed second in the $1 million, Grade I Goodwood Stakes at Morphettville. Sent off a 61-1 longshot, Sir Sway was overtaken in the stretch by Reserve Bank but held off 2-1 favorite Giga Kick for the place in a field of 13. Sir Sway has eight wins in 18 starts and earnings of $592,185. ...

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (May 9, 2025) — California-bred Arkadelphia, a graduate of the Northern California Yearling Sale, was third in the $100,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds. Arkadelphia is from the first crop of Halladay, out of the City Zip mare Chili Petin, was bred by HV Bloodstock, is owned by Harrell Ventures and trained by Luis Mendez. He was raised and consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds and was making his racing debut. ...

From Old Friends Farm GEORGETOWN, Ky. (May 9, 2025) – We are sad to share the loss of California-bred Grade I winner Romance Is Diane at 21 to laminitis complications. Romance Is Diane was by In Excess, out of the Prized mare Romantic Fibs, was bred by Swan Equine Service, owned by Senji Nishimura and trained by Mike Mitchell. She had five wins in 16 starts and earnings of $712,718. Among her wins were the Grade I Hollywood Starlet, the Grade II Bayakoa and the California Cup Juvenile Fillies and Cal Cup Matron. As a broodmare prospect in 2008, she was sold to Adena Springs for $1.35 million. She produced five foals and retired to Old Friends in 2020. Her BFF Saudi Poetry will miss her, as will we. ...

By DRF.com CHICO, Calif. (May 9, 2025) — Kathy Walsh, the retired trainer who died on Thursday, was a reluctant pioneer. When she began training in 1970, following the death of her father Jim, female trainers were largely unwelcome. In that regard, Walsh broke barriers. She won training titles at Longacres in Washington State and Canterbury Downs – now Canterbury Park – in Minnesota. She won Grade 1 races in Southern California and had a starter in the Kentucky Derby. Walsh was 85 at the time of her passing at an assisted living facility in Chico, Calif. She had been ill in recent years, her friends said. She had her final starter in the fall of 2021 and her last winner earlier that year. Born in Sonoma, Calif., in March 1940, Walsh won 1,232 races from 8,030 starters who earned more than $19.3 million. She was married in 1980 and did not train for a few years in that decade. She raced under her married name of Kathy Hutchinson from... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 5, 2025) — Juveniles by the prominent California stallion Stay Thirsty won maiden races at Santa Anita last Friday and Sunday, the first races for the division this year. The filly Tapatia Mia, who won on Friday, and Fionello, who won on Sunday, were bred by Terry Lovingier, who retains an ownership interest, and are trained by Steve Knapp. Tiago Pereira rode both winners. Tapatia Mia stalked runaway early leader Still Unwritten before taking the lead in the final furlong. Tapatia Mia, who paid $9.20 as the second choice, ran 4 1/2 furlongs in 52.60 seconds and won by a length. She is a half-sibling to stake-winner Chulula Lips and a full to stakes-placed Tapatio Mio. Fionello, who was favored and paid $4, disputed the pace with 9-5 Trump Era before pulling clear to win by 1 1/2 lengths, finishing 4 1/2 furlongs in 52.86. He is a full brother to stakes- winner Finneus and a half-sibling to stakes-winner Fi Fi Pharoah. With the wins,... ...

MEXICO CITY, Mexico (May 5, 2025) — California stallion One Bad Boy was represented by his first winner on Friday when Twirling Crown won a maiden race for 2-year-old fillies at Hipodromo de las Americas. Twirling Crown is out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Stuff, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises. The filly, a $1,000 purchase from the Northern California Yearling Sale, won the 4 1/2-furlong race by 10 lengths. ...

By Punters.com MORPHETTVILLESouth Australia (Apr. 3, 2025) – It was heart in mouth viewing, but a lion-hearted Sir Kingsford, an Australian-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, staved off Victorian raider Basilinna to win Saturday’s Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville. Piloting the field in his first attempt at 2500m, Sir Kingsford refused to lay down in a toe-to-toe battle with Basilinna, after the mare threw down the gauntlet at the top of the straight. Emotions spilt over for Gawler handler Nicole Searle, who trains in partnership with husband Gary, and daughter, Brianna Callanan. “What a great feeling. To our team at home, well done,” Searle said post-race. “You’ve all worked hard. Gary and Brianna, and to the owners of this horse, it’s been a long journey. “We trained his mum, we lost her, unfortunately, last year. We were really looking forward to the filly that she was carrying but this is a tough horse. “He’s just a really nice horse and probably has taken over the mantle from Lady Silhouette as the best horse we’ve had.”... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2025) — Eric Kruljac, whose stable included retired two-time Cal-bred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron, has retired from training. Kruljac, 72, said last weekend that he plans to continue his involvement in the sport as an owner and breeder, and recently transferred his small stable to his son, Ian, 36. Eric Kruljac had his last runner at Santa Anita when Uffda finished fourth in a $20,000 claimer at Santa Anita on March 15. Three of his former runners started for Ian Kruljac at Santa Anita last weekend. He was named 2023 trainer of the year by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “It’s time,” Eric Kruljac said in a recent interview. “I turned my license in. I’ll just be an owner.” :: Santa Anita Clocker Reports are available every race day. Access now. Kruljac said he wants to focus on his group of four broodmares and a small number of horses he owns, and move away from training, notably clerical billings. “I still love... ...

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Apr. 26, 2025) – California-bred Majestic Oops, who twice went unclaimed running for a $12,500 tag, outran millionaire odds-on favorite Hoosier Philly to win Saturday’s $200,000 Dig A Diamond Stakes for fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park. Majestic Oops is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodavor mare Miss Oops, was bred by William Dory, Sandy Dory, Gary Kropp & Janet Kropp, is owned by Sublime Stables, Inc. and Kropp, Janet and trained by Dan Ward. “It’s exciting. I’m really grateful to the owner, Bill Dory, and then Ed Moger (the mare’s previous trainer) recommended he give the horse to me. I’m grateful to him, too,” said Ward. “She’s been doing great. It makes the whole meet. She just keeps getting better and better. He (jockey Abel Cedillo) did a great job. I told him: ‘Just let her take you wherever she wants.’ He had the favorite (Hoosier Philly) boxed in, too. That was pretty nice.” It was the first stakes win for the 5-year-old mare, who... ...

OAKBANK, South Australia (Apr. 19, 2025) – Sir Kingsford, an Australian-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won the $107,205 Coopers Brewery Onkaparinga Cup at Oakbank Racecourse. Sir Kingsford, a 5-year-old gelding, is out of the Al Maher mare Mighty Maher. He won by one-half length and ran the 2150 meters in 2:12.38 on a turf course rated “good” in a field of 12 as the 4-1 faorite.   ...

OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 19, 2025) – A California-bred son of Maxfield, a half-brother to Cal-bred multiple-stakes winner Straight Up G, sold for $100,000 at Friday’s final session of the Ocala Breeders Sales Spring 2-Year-Old in-training sale. The Cal-bred, out of the Sky Mesa mare Gidget Girl, was bred by Jungle Racing, consigned by Hoppel LLC, agent, and purchased by Amerman Racing. He was timed in a two-furlong breeze in :21.4. Straight Up G won the King Glorious Stakes and Mine That Bird Derby. The colt also is a half-brother to Mansetti, a stakes winner in Canada. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 7, 2025) – Santa Anita Park’s 2024-25 Classic Meet finished strongly on Sunday, April 6, with significant gains in handle, attendance, field size and safety. Bookended by a strong opening week and a robust Santa Anita Derby weekend, the track’s total all source handle topped $510 million. Horseplayers from around the world responded enthusiastically to the player-friendly modifications to Santa Anita’s wagering menu, with the total handle on just Santa Anita’s races increasing 5% from the 2023-24 Classic Meet. The season began on Dec. 26, 2024, with the third largest opening day handle in the track’s 90-year history. The Classic Meet’s final three-day weekend boasted more than $40.6 million wagered on Santa Anita’s races and attracted almost 50,000 people to the track. On track attendance posted a gain of 6% from last year, with more than 340,000 people attending the 49 day meeting, despite losing a weekend in January when the neighboring community was impacted by the Eaton Fires. More than 34,000 were... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2025) – Om N Joy, with Hall of Famer Kent Desormeaux in the saddle, provided stallion Om with his first stakes winner, pulling away from a pack in midstretch to win Saturday’s $125,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Om N Joy was last in the early going before steadily making up ground behind splits off 22.43 and 45.52 seconds for a half mile. When the field reached the stretch, Desormeaux appeared loaded with Om N Joy but found himself blocked behind multiple horses. When a seam did open, Om N Joy shot through and drew off to win by 2 ½ lengths. “She got to ‘em,” Desormeaux said. “They were all coming back to her down the stretch. I picked a pocket for her to jump through, she took off like she was going to plow through it if she had to.” Sunset Grazen (12-1) was second followed by Hot Girl Walk (3-1) and Going Deep (7-1). “She was... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2025) – Racing outside and with clear sailing under Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez, Style Cat surged to the front at the top of the stretch and continued on gamely to the wire to score by 2 ¼ lengths in the $125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds going 6 ½ furlongs at Santa Anita. Sent off as the 7-2 third choice, Style Cat was returning to dirt and was also reunited with Hernandez following a try against open 3-year-olds in the Baffle Stakes on the hillside turf course, Feb. 16. He sat just off the pace down the backstretch as multiple horses battled for the lead. Style Cat ranged up to the leaders while widest of all on the turn, and when he reached the quarter pole, the race was down to just himself and Drop Um (9-2) with Kyle Frey aboard. In a two-horse sprint to the wire, Style Cat would finish best to earn his first... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2025) — Overnight purses will increase at the forthcoming Santa Anita spring and Los Alamitos summer meetings. Santa Anita’s spring meeting runs from April 18 to June 15. The Los Alamitos summer meeting begins a three-week season on June 20. Both tracks will have higher prize money than the corresponding meetings in 2024. The added prize money is available from betting revenue through account wagering and simulcast locations throughout the state that has been consolidated and directed to Southern California tracks and purse accounts at those venues. Previously, part of that money was devoted to Northern California racing. There is no racing scheduled in Northern California in coming months after the permanent closure of Golden Gate Fields last June and the cancellation of a proposed winter-spring meeting on the Alameda county fair grounds in Pleasanton. An autumn meeting at Pleasanton had lower-than-expected business. :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances, Picks, and Clocker Reports available... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 30, 2025) – Lonesome Stew headed a Nick Alexander-bred and Grazen-sired trifecta while winning Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. Lonesome Stew is out of the Maria’s Mon mare Stash, is owned by Linear Bannasch and trained by Mark Glatt. He went last to first through the stretch under jockey Antonio Fresu. “That wasn’t the plan,” Fresu said of his tardy beginning. “He usually shows some speed, but today he was acting up a little bit inside the gate and I didn’t leave the gate very well so I just tried to bide my time and improvise a little bit and get him comfortable going down the hill. “Once the horse was nice and settled, I put him on the outside to not get him in trouble and he just flew home. Amazing job done by Mark and his team.” Glatt claimed Lonesome Stew for $32,000 out of his last-place debut Sept. 1, 2022 from Alexander. He had only four starts... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2025) — The Chosen Vron, recently voted California-bred Horse of the Year for a second consecutive year, has been retired. Co-owner John Sondereker and trainer and co-owner Eric Kruljac said March 17 that the decision has been made to let the 7-year-old gelding continue his rehabilitation and segue into a second career at the appropriate time. “It’s just wear and tear,” Kruljac said of the reasoning behind the decision. “We just don’t want to risk any further injury, especially since he’s 7. He’ll be going up to Katie Fisher’s ranch up in Solvang.” The Chosen Vron had been sidelined with an ankle injury since late last year, and Sondereker said that a recent follow-up MRI performed at Santa Anita showed that it had not yet healed enough for the gelding to return to training. “He’s been the horse of a lifetime for all of us,” Sondereker said. Sondereker, Kruljac, Richard Thornburgh, and Robert Fetkin bred The Chosen Vron in the name of Tiz Molly... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2025) – Longshot Prancingthruparis caught pacesetter Pushiness in midstretch and won Sunday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Prancingthruparis is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Bellamy Road mare She’s a Big Winner, was bred by owner Ciaglia Racing, SAF Racing and Crusberg and trained by Peter Eurton. “It’s great to breed Cal-breds,” said co-breeder Joe Ciaglia. “Her mom was a little bit crazy. The first time she went to the track, she kicked (jockey Kent) Desormeaux in the chest, so we had to scratch her, he got a big hoofprint on his chest. It was nice that we bred her to Sir Prancealot, so we got a little bit of relax so she wouldn’t be a speedball. It’s pretty exciting to make the right choice.” :: Playing Santa Anita? Get the most trusted data and information in horse racing! DRF Past Performances, Picks, and Clocker Reports available now. Prancingthruparis, by Sir Prancealot, races for owners and breeders SAF... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2025) — Iconic race caller Trevor Denman has announced his retirement after 40 years on the job at Del Mar. Denman will be succeeded at the seaside track by veteran track announcer Larry Collmus, the voice of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Breeders’ Cup for NBC Sports.  Denman, 72, who first started calling races in 1971 in his native South Africa, has been in the booth atop the Del Mar grandstand for all but one summer racing season since 1984. A Southern California racing institution, he also served as the caller at Santa Anita from 1983-2015, and for a time, called races at every stop on the Southern California circuit, including Hollywood Park and Fairplex Park. “This is one of the hardest decisions I have ever made,” Denman said. “But my soul is telling me that now is the time.”  Denman and his colorful story-telling style of race calling effectively changed how the sport was heard in America. Rather than the... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 3, 2025) — The Chosen Vron, winner a year ago, was named the 2024 California-bred Horse of the Year at Monday night’s CTBA Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting at Le Meridien Hotel. The Chosen Vron became the 10th back-to-back winner of the award and also picked up hardware for champion older male and sprinter. The other finalists for Horse of the Year were Big City Lights and Chismosa. The Chosen Vron won seven of eight starts in 2024, including the Grade I Bing Crosby. He is by Vronsky, out of Broodmare of the Year Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners, is owned by Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker & Richard Thornburgh and trained by Eric Kurljac. Other Cal-bred champions recognized at the banquet: Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Male – Speedy Wilson, bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato.   Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old Female – In the Air Tonight, bred by Terry Lovingier, owned by Anthony Chacon, Victor Flores and Terry Lovingier and trained by Steve Knapp.... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2025) — Del Mar is planning across-the-board increases to its overnight purse schedule from its top allowance offerings all the way down to the maiden-claiming ranks for its upcoming summer racing season that kicks off on Friday, July 18. This will be summer #86 in the storied history of the America’s only seaside racing headquarters and it will be conducted for 31 days over eight weeks going forward to Sunday, September 7. All told Del Mar will present approximately 300 races with overnight purses projected to be $15.7 million. That represents a blended increase of 8% over 2024’s purses. Additionally, the track will offer 38 stakes races valued at $7,825,000. Once again the highlight of that schedule will be the $1,000,000 Pacific Classic, a mile and one-quarter test that will be run as part of a sparkling five graded stakes card on Saturday, August 30. Notable in the overnight purse increases is the fact that the vast majority of the track’s owners and... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Multiple graded stakes winner Papa Clem who took his stud career from California to Turkey died recently, according to his owner Reşat Akkan. The son of Smart Strike was 19. Bo Hirsch bred and raced Papa Clem, who was the second foal out of the grade 1 winner Miss Houdini, who Hirsch also bred and raced. Trained by Gary Stute, Papa Clem won at 2 and then blossomed at 3. He ran second in the 2009 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2) before grabbing the brass ring in the Arkansas Derby (G2). He would go on to finish a good fourth in the Kentucky Derby (G1).  Papa Clem made his only start at 4 a winning one, taking the 2010 San Fernando Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park but came out of the race will filling in his left front ankle. Hirsch decided to retire the horse, who he named after his late father Clement Hirsch, and stood him initially at Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch. He retired with a... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2025) — Santa Anita Park will increase purses beginning Feb. 28 for the Classic Meet, which runs through April 6. The boost in prize money comes after increases in key business metrics for the Southern California landmark through the first six weeks of the season, which began Dec. 26. The purse increases are the result of collaborative discussions with the Thoroughbred Owners of California and will take effect with the fourth Condition Book to be issued by the track later this month. Overnight purses, or the amount of money paid out to racehorse owners each day, are set to increase an average of eight percent. Additionally, purses for Santa Anita Park’s Hollywood Meet will increase an average of 10 percent over the 2024 season, with increases ranging from eight to 11 percent depending on class level. The Hollywood Meet begins April 18 and runs through June 16. Santa Anita has had a solid start to the year, with increases in total all-sources... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2024)— Santa Anita Park’s 90th year finished the first six weeks of the season with continued momentum, posting gains over a strong first weekend in February.  Through last weekend, the Classic Meet maintained increases in both on-track attendance and total all-sources handle for the season, which opened on Dec. 26.  Wagering is up more than 7 percent as total all-sources handle has exceeded $185 million. The business increases are despite the track being closed for a week due to the impact of the Eaton Fire on the local community.  The weekend of Jan. 10-12 racing was postponed as Santa Anita hosted a pop-up relief effort/donation site in the south parking lot.  Southern California Edison continues to use the north parking lot at Santa Anita as their command center, while Cal Fire (California Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection) is using a large part of the south parking lot as their base camp though mid-February. Field size continues to be a factor in sustaining... ...

SEOUL, South Korea (Feb. 17, 2025) – World People, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Midnight Storm, won Sunday’s $33,000,000 (SKW) Overnight Handicap at Seoul. World People ran the 1200 meters in 1:15 and won by one-half length at odds of 2-1 in a field of 11. Out of the multiple stakes-winning Salty Sea mare Salty Wave, World People is a 3-year-old colt with two wins in seven starts. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 3, 2025) – California-bred stakes winner Connie Swingle sold for $290,000 as a broodmare prospect at Monday’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Mixed Sale. Connie Swingle is by Grazen, out of the Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni, was bred by Nick Alexander, was consigned by Taylor Made Sale, agent, and purchased by Mulholland Springs, agent. A 6-year-old mare, Connie Swingle is a full sister to graded winner S Y Sky and stakes winner Grazen Sky. She earned $509,564 with seven wins in 11 starts, including victories in the Generous Portion Stakes at 2, the Unzip Me Stakes at 3 and the Daisycutter Handicap at 5 off a layoff of nearly two years. ...

POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2025) – Tuesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale posted a hefty increase in average and median sale price from last year’s sale. For sale results, click here Fueled by high-priced purchases out of the Valpredo Family Trust dispersal consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, the sale recorded an average sale price of $14,799 for 83 horses sold, compared to $8,568 from 111 sold last year, an increase in price of 73 percent. The median rose 23 percent, from $6,500 to $8,000. The sale topper was Shocking Grey, who on Saturday won the $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint at Santa Anita. The 6-year-old daughter of Grazen sold for $170,000 to Francoise DuPuis, agent, for Rockingham Ranch. Shocking Grey has won 3 of 14 starts with earnings of $250,750. She was third behind Eddie’s New Dream and Stay and Scam in the Fran’s Valentine Stakes for statebred fillies and mares in May 2023, her only stakes appearance prior to Saturday. She was trained by Jeff... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Favored Take Another Card closed with a rush to win Saturday’s $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Take Another Card is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Lookin At Lucky mare You Missed It, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Simon Callaghan. “It was very exciting. Hector (Berrios) gave her a lovely ride. She was very brave, went through a very tight hole,” said Callaghan. “Nice to see she could stretch out.” Take Another Card, off at 9-5, has won both career starts with earnings of $131,000. She ran the mile on turf in 1:36.98 and won by a half-length. Miso Phansy was second and Tequilaandtherapy was third in the field of 12. “She broke perfectly out of the gate,” said Berrios. “I told her to go and she was comfortable and settled perfectly. When I saved ground, she stayed comfortable, I knew I had it. The last quarter, there was a... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Whiskeyginandbrandy, interfered with turning for home by Shea Brennan, was moved up for the win in Saturday’s $175,000 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby for 3-year-olds, with Shea Brennan placed second. Whiskeyginandbrandy is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Successful Appeal mare Appealing Susan, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Chacon, Anthony J., Flores, Victor M. and Lovingier, Terry C. and trained by Steve Knapp. Stewards ruled that Shea Brennan pushed Whiskeyginandbrandy as they both circled the field, knocking Whiskeyginandbrandy off stride. Shea Brennan finished a head in front of Whiskeyginandbrandy and the stewards’ ruling was unanimous. “My horse had a lot of trouble in his last start,” said Knapp. “He got scared in that race and he has really been training great since that race. I knew he was ready for another great race. I saw the other horse knock my horse off stride. That’s a fantastic horse (Shea Brennan) too, but that bump clearly decided the race.” He has two wins in eight... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Favored Old Pal closed with a rush to win Saturday’s $175,000 Unusual Heat California Cup Turf Classic Stakes, presented by City National Bank, at Santa Anita. Old Pal is by Grazen, out of the English Channel mare Athina Lee, was bred by Ken Miles & Sheridan Jones, is owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Corbett, Carolyn, Desai, Jai H., Dizonno, Frederick A., Garcia, Chris, Harris, Cheryl, Hocevar, Craig, Lewis, Tom, Pate, Garrett, Titus, James and Wagner, Les and trained by Mark Glatt. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $334,940 and was coming off a third in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. “He can win at a mile or a mile and a sixteenth — he just needs a good, hot pace,” said Glatt. Coalinga Road was second and On the Whim third in a field of 11. Old Pal, ridden by Antonio Fresu, ran the 1 1/18 miles in 1:47.93 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-5.... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2025) – Prohibitive favorite Big City Lights made easy work of a small field on Saturday with a victory in the $125,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita that could send him next to Dubai. Bred by Bar C Racing Stable and trained by Richard Mandella for owner Bill Peeples, Big City Lights won by 7 3/4 lengths over Clovisconnection with Smiling Beast third in the field of four. “He’s a beautiful horse. He has a classy head, great balance. Just a classy looking horse,” said Mandella. “I got a good work in him. He’s just a good horse with a lot of class. “(William R. Peeples) wasn’t here. He had shoulder surgery Monday, and I got a message that he wasn’t quite up to it. But he and this horse have been a pleasure all along. “Not sure what’s next. We kind of want to nominate him to Dubai ($2 million Golden Shaheen Sprint April 5) and daydream a little bit. I don’t... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2024) – A blue-ribbon panel of industry experts will decide all California Thoroughbred Breeders Association year-end divisional racing champions, including Horse of the Year, effective immediately. The panel will consist of California racing secretaries David Jerkens, Jason Egan and Tom Doutrich and will be overseen by Santa Anita track announcer Frank Mirahmadi. By tapping the input of executives that are most closely involved in the racing performance of California-breds, and in the best position to recognize talent and achievement, the voting change will also streamline the selection process, ensuring fair and representative outcomes. In addition to Horse of the Year, the panel will determine these champions: 2-Year-Old Male, 3-Year-Old Male, Older Male, 2-Year-Old Female, 3-Year-Old Female, Older Female, Sprinter, Turf, Broodmare of the Year. Independent statistical computations by Equibase will continue to determine Champion Stallions in each division, as well as Champion Breeder. As in previous years, winners will be honored at the CTBA annual meeting and awards dinner on Mar. 3 at the Le Meridien... ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Jan. 10, 2025)— Southern California sprint sensation Bolden, a dual-surface winner who exhibited sub-1:08 speed during his undefeated racing career, was represented by his firstborn foal on January 4: a bay colt who was foaled at Rancho San Miguel in California.   Weighing in at a strapping 125 pounds, the colt is the second foal out of the eight-time winner and $144,010-earner Trina, by Peppered Cat. He was bred by Rancho San Miguel.   “Bolden is a big, good-looking and classy stallion who has us excited for the future,” said Rancho San Miguel owner Tom Clark, whose farm stands the 7-year-old son of Grade 1 winner, 6 1/2-furlong Santa Anita Park track recordholder and leading California sire Square Eddie, by Smart Strike. “If all the Boldens look like this first one, we are going to have a lot of fun.”   Racing exclusively on the challenging Southern California circuit, Bolden won all four of his career starts by a combined margin of 21... ...

FLORENCE, Ky. (Jan. 1, 2025) – Grace On Grace, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Jersey Town, won Wednesday’s $110,000 Gowell Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turfway Park. Grace On Grace, out of the Poteen mare Trick Soso, has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $123,641 and was coming off a second in a Dec. 13 optional claimer. She ran the six furlongs in 1:12.16 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 10-1 in a field of six. ...

CANOVANOS, Puerto Rico (Dec. 25, 2024) — Undefeated Iron Skull, a Puerto Rican-bred son of California stallion Midnight Storm, won Wednesday’s $85,200 Grade I Clasico Navidad Stakes for 2-year-olds at Hipodromo Camarero Iron Skull, out of the Scat Daddy mare Angela’s Smile, was coming off a debut win Nov. 7. He ran the 1 1/16 miles on a muddy track in 1:46.66 and won by 9 1/4 lengths as the 3-2 favorite. He has career earnings of $59,276. ...

Rancho San Miguel Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2024)—The Street Fighter, a stakes-caliber performer by multiple Grade 1 winner Street Boss, has relocated to Rancho San Miguel in California for the 2025 breeding season. The 10-year-old stallion will stand for a fee of $2,500, with a live foal guarantee.   Bred by the late trainer Bruce Headley and partner Andrew Molasky, The Street Fighter made 21 starts over five years on the Southern California racing circuit, primarily in allowance and stakes company. He was saddled for 19 of his races by Headley, with the conditioner’s daughter, Karen Headley, taking over training duties after her father’s death at 86 in 2021.   Karen Headley now owns The Street Fighter with Marsha Naify, a longtime patron of the Headley barn. Both will support the stallion with their own mares.   The Street Fighter won his debut by an eye-opening 5 1/2 lengths in a six-furlong maiden special weight race for 3-year-olds on the dirt at Santa Anita Park, then later... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2024) — A complete dispersal of Donald Valpredo’s Valpredo Farms is part of the catalog for the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale. A total of 143 have been cataloged for the sale, scheduled for Jan. 21.  Valpredo, a longtime breeder and CTBA director, died Oct. 21. Adrian Gonzalez’s Checkmate Thoroughbreds is handling the dispersal, which includes mares, 2025 yearlings, 2025 2-year-olds, and older horses of racing age. About two dozen dispersal horses are in the sale. Checkmate is bringing its own large consignment, as will several major California consignors. Other consignors include Acres Farms, Dehesa Farms, H & E Ranch, Havens Bloodstock Agency, Lovacres Ranch, Milky Way Farm, and Rancho San Miguel. Doug Burge, president of the CTBA, told the California Horse Racing Board during its monthly meeting Dec. 19, “We’ll probably have a few more supplements between now and in the sale on the 21st of January.” He called the sales grounds at Fairplex, “the best facility in the state to sell... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2024) – The catalog for the 2025 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale is now online at WinterMixedSale_2025_ver2.pdf. The sale will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 12 noon at Hinds Pavilion at Fairplex in Pomona. There are 143 horses cataloged for the sale. Of that total, 25 are yearlings, 75 are 2-year-olds and 24 are pregnant mares. Online bidding will be available. To set up credit, or for further information, please contact Loretta Veiga – (800) 573-2822 Ext 227 or email: loretta@ctba.com. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Dec. 16, 2024) — After extensive consultation and discussion with, and among, Golden State Racing, California Authority of Racing Fairs, Alameda County Fair, Thoroughbred Owners of California, California Thoroughbred Trainers, the California Horse Racing Board and others, the consensus is that the industry should not pursue the Golden State Racing license on Thursday at the CHRB meeting. The mounting economic challenges felt throughout horseracing and inconsistent handle in Northern California compel the conclusion that, for now, Pleasanton operating as a training facility and Southern California running races for horses stabled there would be in the best interests of both Northern California and Southern California. While this conclusion is undoubtedly disappointing to nearly everyone involved and presents its own challenges, the CHRB views this arrangement as temporary, as well as an opportunity for all stakeholders to work together to pursue purse enhancements that are essential for California racing to remain competitive with the rest of the country. We are hopeful that should such supplements be realized, California... ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2024) – Going two turns for the first time, Shea Brennan nosed out I’m a Bad Boy to win Sunday’s $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Los Alamitos. Shea Brennan is by Tough Sunday, out of the Old Topper mare Carrie Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato. He has two wins in five starts with earnings of $144,500. “He’s a horse with a lot of ability, but he’s just still learning,” said D’Amato. “(Jockey) Antonio (Fresu) said he was still looking around through the stretch. He’s got a lot of heart, grit, determination and I think the two turns helped him a lot today. I thought (the finish) was extremely close, but after watching the slo-mo replay, I thought we had a good chance at it and sure enough they put our number up.’’ The winner withstood a challenge from Tiago Pereira, the rider aboard fourth-place finisher Whiskyginandbrandy. “He’s a baby and when we were out... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 15, 2024) – After losing a photo by a neck to fellow California-bred Drop Um, Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Mala was moved up by disqualification and declared the official winner of Sunday’s $75,000 Bay Meadows Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at Pleasanton. Mala is by Union Rags, out of the Smart Strike mare Witchy One, was bred by Carliwood Farms, is owned by Greg Avery and trained by Steve Sherman. The $40,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale — which was held at Pleasanton — out of the Easterbrook Livestock Management consignment has two wins in five starts, earnings of $77,903 and was coming off a second in a Nov. 17 optional claimer. Mala ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:48.98 at odds of 14-1. Drop Um was placed second by stewards for interference in the stretch and Accidental Genuis was third in a field of seven that included 4-5 favorite Kalea Bay, the Bob Baffert-trainee that was eased from the race and walked off. ...

SOLVANG, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2024) — California-bred stakes winner Lord Prancealot, a 3-year-old colt by Sir Prancealot (IRE), has been retired from racing after suffering a bowed tendon in training last month.  Lord Prancealot was trained by Jeff Bonde and owned by Jeff Ganje and Rusty Brown. Bred in California by Jeff Ganje, Lord Prancealot won his first two career starts, including last year’s Graduation Stakes at Del Mar.  Lord Prancealot was lightly raced due to injuries, winning three of five starts with earnings of $144,280. “Lord Prancealot was my first home-bred stakes winner and Sir Prancealot’s first Cal-bred stakes winner. He had so much talent, but never got the opportunity to fulfill his potential due to injuries,” said Ganje, who recently campaigned graded stakes-winning millionaire Shotgun Hottie. Lord Prancealot will rehab at Kingfisher Farms in Solvang, California, and will be rehomed through Kingfisher Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. (KERRI), a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to helping off-the-track Thoroughbreds find their next home.  “Lord Prancealot is the kindest and sweetest... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2024) — On the backstretch or during an afternoon at the races, a person did not travel far before crossing paths with trainer Eddie Truman at a Southern California track. Truman was seemingly everywhere, often stopping to visit with people of all walks of life, from stable employees to horse owners, frequently sharing a story that ended with his infectious laugh. Truman was warmly remembered in the racing community on Wednesday after his death early that morning. On Tuesday evening, Truman hosted a card party at his home in Sierra Madre, Calif., according to his friend and fellow trainer Jay Nehf, who confirmed Truman’s passing. “It was a real shock,” Nehf said on Wednesday afternoon. For 50 years, until January, Truman trained on the circuit, winning 763 races. He retired at the age of 77 with the intent of enjoying retirement. Truman had his final starter at Los Alamitos last December and won the final race of his career in June 2023. On the... ...

From Lovacres Ranch WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2024) – Grade III winner Hopkins, a son of Quality Road that sold for $900,000 as a yearling, will stand the 2025 breeding season at Lovacres Ranch. Hopkins, out of the Salt Lake mare Hot Spell, stands for $5,000, with special consideration to approved mares, year-round boarders and previous breeders. Hopkins, who posted a 104 Beyer in his debut and a 115 Time Form Rating in the Grade I Dubai Golden Shaheen, won the Grade III Palos Verdes Stakes by 2 ½ lengths. Also in his career he defeated Breeders Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser and finished a neck behind Gunite. For further information, contact Terry Lovingier at 562-547-9848. ...

CANOVANAS, Puerto Rico (Dec. 10, 2024) – Smoken Boy, a Kentucky-bred son of new Harris Farms California stallion Catholic Boy, easily won Sunday’s $62,000 Clasico Agustin Mercado Reveron Stakes for 2-year-olds at Hipodromo Camarero. Smoken Boy, out of the Cairo Prince mare Smoken Deb, has two wins in three starts and earnings of $46,490. Taking the lead with a bold move around the far turn, he finished the 1 1/16 miles in the mud in 1:45.09 and won by 9 ¼ lengths at odds of 3-2 in a field of nine. ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 8, 2024) – Longshot Hey Jessie rallied wide through the long Los Alamitos stretch to win Sunday’s $102,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies. Hey Jessie is by Grazen, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Bea’s Cee, was bred by owner Sayjay Racing and is trained by Sean McCarthy. She was switching surfaces to the Los Alamitos dirt after breaking her maiden at a mile on the grass at Del Mar Nov. 16. ““I’m mildly surprised. I was confident she’d run well, I didn’t know how she’d handle the course, although in saying that, I knew the stretch would be a benefit for her,” said McCarthy. “She has a big, long stride, a beautiful moving filly. She’s probably not as fast as these horses are, but I knew she’d have a good, closing kick in her because we got a good bottom in her.” McCarthy said he will point Hey Jessie to the $175,000 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at one mile on... ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2024) — California-bred Sunset Grazen was the only runner in Saturday’s $75,450 Golden Gate Debutante at Pleasanton, Calif. with a previous win around two turns. She was also the only starter in a field of 2-year-old fillies who had raced for a claiming price, winning a $16,000 claimer for maidens at a mile and 70 yards by 11 lengths on Nov. 8. Despite a jump in class and a slightly longer trip at 1 1/16 miles, Sunset Grazen led throughout the Golden Gate Debutante, setting a slow pace and holding off a sustained run from the maiden Lolo Le Plume to win by a head. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. Bred by Legacy Ranch and ridden by Santos Rivera, Sunset Grazen ($16.60) was timed in 1:46.51. Lolo Le Plume (9-2) finished five lengths clear of 2-1 Big Soiree. Border Control, the 6-5 favorite on the strength of a seven-length win in... ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2024) – Duly Noted held off odds-on favorite Grand Slam Smile for her first stakes win, and preserved her unbeaten record through four starts, in Saturday’s $76,350 Livermore Valley Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Pleasanton. Duly Noted, ridden by Luis Jiminez, had to overcome a rough trip, closing closed from sixth on the backstretch to reach the front in the final sixteenth and won by 1 1/2 lengths over Grand Slam Smile, who raced wide throughout. Chancery Way, who was part of an early speed duel with Smiling Molly, held third, beaten two lengths. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. Duly Noted ran six furlongs in 1:10.24. Irish Wahine finished fourth, followed by Blue Wildcat, Smiling Molly, Rousing Jewel, and Smiling Lady. Duly Noted is by Grazen, out of the Harbor the Gold mare Fragrant Harbor, was bred by Charlie Dunn, Al Hodge & Ray McCanna, is owned... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 30, 2024) — Ben Cecil, trainer of California-bred multiple-stakes winner Eddie’s New Dream, died on Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 56. Cecil had a nearly unparalleled introduction to Thoroughbred racing. He was the nephew of the legendary British trainer Henry Cecil. Growing up in Britain, it was easy for Ben Cecil to follow his uncle’s career during a time when he had one of Europe’s leading stables. Henry Cecil won 25 classic races in Britain. On a day trip with his uncle to Newbury Racecourse, west of London, a teenaged Ben Cecil saw the sport from a different perspective, realizing what he wanted to do. “I was hooked,” Cecil told Daily Racing Form in a 2013 interview shortly after his uncle’s death. “He was the whole reason I got into this game.” Instead of staying in Britain, Cecil wanted a more independent approach to his involvement in the sport, and relocated to California after working for trainers in Australia and Britain. In Southern... ...

By DRF.com BUELLTON, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2024) — Five years after shocking the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at 45-1 odds, the 2019 champion juvenile male Storm the Court has been retired to stud in California. Trainer Peter Eurton said the 7-year-old was relocated to Eclipse Thoroughbred Training Center in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he will begin stud duty next spring. Storm the Court paid $93.80 winning the BC Juvenile in 2019 at Santa Anita; the payoff is a Juvenile record. Storm the Court, however, never won again. He started 26 more times, including a last-place finish Nov. 17 in a Del Mar allowance that was his career finale. Sired by Court Vision, Storm the Court retires having won two races and $1,426,503 from 30 starts. His juvenile campaign was his highlight. “He matured early,” Eurton said. “The advantage you [need] to win a Breeders’ Cup with a 2-year-old is a head start on some of the horses who just aren’t developed yet.” Storm the Court won his debut in summer... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – Big City Lights, runaway winner of the Cary Grant Stakes for California-bred sprinters Nov. 9 at Del Mar, will stay with California-bred company for his next start. Trainer Richard Mandella said Big City Lights will target the $150,000 Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint tentatively scheduled for Jan. 11 at Santa Anita. The Cary Grant was Big City Lights’s fourth stakes win, and sixth win overall. A 5-year-old, Big City Lights has started only 12 times. He was bred by Bar C Racing Stables. “He’s had some things happen to him,” Mandella said while being vague about the gaps between races. “But he still performs pretty well.” His most recent win was the most decisive of his career, which includes four runner-up finishes behind The Chosen Vron in statebred stakes. The Chosen Vron, who won the Cary Grant in 2022 and 2023, is out until spring, leaving Big City Lights as the top California-bred sprinter. It is only conjecture to speculate who... ...

Dehesa Farms Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2025) — Corporal, the son of Gun Runner who is the hottest sire on the planet with 24 GSW/10 GISW and $52 million in earnings from only four crops of racing age, will stand at Dehesa Farms, San Miguel for the 2025 breeding season. Corporal was a $1.15 million 2022 Keeneland yearling, which reflects his outstanding physical and female family.  His dam is a multiple stakes winner of nearly $500,000 and sister to a multiple GSW of nearly $600,000. Shane Easterbrook, owner and manager of Dehesa Farms, recently purchased the farm from the Dahlberg family after being farm manager and operating under the name of Easterbrook Livestock Management for nearly 20 years. Shane said that standing Corporal at Dehesa Farms is “a real opportunity for breeders to access an exceptional stallion prospect,” while she continues to offer the same quality full services as in the past. For inquiries, please contact Shane Easterbrook at 805-610-9861.   For more information: https://www.bloodhorse.com/stallion-register/stallions/173006/corporal ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 10, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa, last early while odds-on favorite Pushiness pushed a blistering pace, returned to dirt with a thrilling neck win in Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. “I looked in the face of the horse today and thought, ‘She’ll win today for sure,’ ” DeLeon told FanDuel TV. “I told my jockey (Tiago Pereira) ‘Don’t push the horse.’ She got the bit, looked for a clear space and she took care of business. She closed super. I got a little scared in the last part because she didn’t change leads but fortunately my horse did the job. I was happy somebody was pushing the horse in front (Pushiness) because the horse in front is very quick.”  Chismosa has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $579,750 and... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2024) – Heavily favored Big City Lights ($3.80) seized command of the California-bred sprint division with a dominating victory in the $98,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles on Saturday at Del Mar. With nemesis The Chosen Vron turned out for the winter, Big City Lights produced one of the most lopsided victories of his career in the seven-furlong Cary Grant. He won the California-bred stakes by 8 1/2 lengths, the largest margin by a Cary Grant winner and largest winning margin by Big City Lights since his 12 1/2-length debut victory as a 2-year-old in May 2021. Big City Lights was bred by Bar C Racing Stables and is trained by Richard Mandella for owner William Peeples; Kazushi Kimura rode the 5-year-old, who was making only his fourth start of the year and only the 12th start of his career. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. “He’s had some problems... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2024) – California-bred Clovisconnection continued his dominance in the north by rallying to win Saturday’s $75,000 Oakland Stakes at the Golden State Racing meet in Pleasanton. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by owners William and Judy Hedrick and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has 11 wins in 17 starts, earnings of $438,300 and was coming off a win in the Sept. 29 Harris Farms Stakes. This was his seventh stakes victory. Clovisconnection ran the six furlongs in 1:09.12 and won by 1 ½ lengths at odds of 2-5. ...

By Bloodhorse.com BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Donald J. Valpredo, a longtime leader in the California racing and breeding industry, died Oct. 31 while overseas. He was 85. A major breeder and owner of such horses as 1994 California-bred Horse of the Year Soviet Problem, Valpredo made his most valuable contribution through his decades of service to the California Thoroughbred industry. He was a former president and former chair of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and was on that board at the time of his death. He was a commissioner on the California Horse Racing Board from 1990-98, having been appointed by California Gov. Pete Wilson. Valpredo also served on the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California from 2000-11. First elected to the CTBA board in 1972, Valpredo served as the organization’s president from 1986-90. During that time, he was instrumental in the creation of the popular California Cup series, being a co-founder and early co-chair. For his contributions, the California Cup Sprint was renamed the Don Valpredo California Cup... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2024) – California-bred stakes-placed filly Court Snort, in foal to City of Light, sold for $185,000 at Thursday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. Court Snort, by Stay Thirsty, is out of the Stravinsky mare Frysland and is a half-sibling to graded winner Lost Bus and multiple stakes winner Brandothebartender. On the track, Court Snort earned $271,566. She won her last race, an optional claimer at Del Mar in August after finishing third in the Solana Beach Stakes, both while in foal. Court Snort is a 4-year-old bred by John R. Haagsma & Don Hallmark, consigned by Taylor Made Sale, agent, and purchased by Hinkle Farms. She was claimed by trainer Leonard Powell in January for $16,000. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2024) – Class Clown, a California-foaled daughter of Practical Joke claimed for $20,000 in August, sold for $140,000 as a broodmare prospect at Tuesday’s opening session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Class Clown, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, was consigned by Blandford Stud, agent, and purchased by Centofanti Thoroughbreds/Star Guitar. Out of the Speightstown mare Miss Lavinia, Class Clown was a two-time winner of $108,434. The 4-year-old filly was claimed out of her last race Aug. 30 at Del Mar for $20,000 by trainer Samuel Calvario for owners Toboada Racing Stables and TAK Racing. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 4, 2024) – California-bred Grade I winner Daddysruby sold in foal to champion Into Mischief for $1.1 million at Monday’s Fasig-Tipton November Sale. The 4-year-old Daddysruby is by Frac Daddy, out of the You and I mare Youtheprizeandi, was bred by Jethorse LLC, consigned by Elite Bloodstock, agent, and purchased by Japan’s Shadai Farm. On the track, she was owned by Jethorse, Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. She earned $450,264 in a nine-start career highlighted by a win in last year’s Grade I La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita. She was an RNA for $940,000 at the Fasig-Tipton March Digital Sale. Her last race was a second in the July 6 Great Lady M Stakes at Los Alamitos. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2024) – An improving 2-year-old whose trainer believes wants more ground found seven furlongs just right on Friday at Del Mar. Speedy Wilson, owned and bred by Nick Alexander, scored a half-length victory over favorite R Heisman in the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible sprinters. Speedy Wilson’s trainer Phil D’Amato looks forward to two turns for the son of Tough Sunday, who was represented by his first stakes winner. “He’s just getting better and better,” D’Amato said. “He’s just a big, strapping colt horse, he definitely wants more ground.” Up in class after winning a six-furlong maiden race in his third start, Speedy Wilson ($10.80 second choice) and jockey Armando Ayuso settled wide just off a quick pace, looped outside into the lane, and won in 1:23.47. R Heisman finished 1 1/2 lengths clear of stablemate Shea Brennan. D’Amato said Shea Brennan may switch to grass for his next start. Owner-breeder Alexander often names horses after notable figures in... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2024) — Longshot Tequilaandtherapy held off the fast-closing Grateful My Love to win Friday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Tequilaandtherapy is by Mrazek, out of the In Excess mare Chexcess, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers and is trained by Doug O’Neill. “We thought the other horse (#4 Pavel Is Appealing) was better than Tequilaandtherapy, but she kind of missed the break a little bit,” said assistant trainer Leandro Mora. “So, then we went from Plan A to Plan B. And I think it’s starting to work out. I was at a different angle (to see the tight finish) and I thought the 7 (Grateful My Love) got us at the wire. But once I saw the picture come up, I was the happiest man on earth.” Tequilaandtherapy has two wins in six starts, earnings of $164,067 and was coming off a fourth in the Oct. 6 Surfer... ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2024) – Dual-surface Grade 1 winner Catholic Boy has joined the roster at Harris Farms for the 2025 breeding season. The multimillionaire son of More Than Ready, who is the Leading Second Crop Sire by Average Winning Distance, will stand for $6,000, Live Foal. Catholic Boy campaigned three seasons, winning six graded stakes and becoming only the third American 3-year-old in history to win a Grade 1 race on both dirt and turf, coming home best in both the Travers Stakes (G1) (defeating champions Good Magic and Wonder Gadot) and the Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes (G1). Those victories elevated him into the elite company of the legendary Kentucky Derby winners Secretariat and California Chrome. In a career hallmarked by versatility, Catholic Boy earned $2,134,000, with seven victories and two seconds in his 13 starts at nine different tracks. He broke his maiden at two, going 7.5 furlongs on the turf at Gulfstream Park. Shipping to Saratoga, he scored in the With Anticipation S.... ...

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2024) – Longtime horseman Heinz Steinmann, who stood California champion stallion Swiss Yodeler, passed away last week. He was 92. According to the Tri-Community News, Steinmann is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lora, 11 children, 46 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. The Swiss-born Steinmann came to the United States at the age of 16 with his family, which owned the Wrightwood ski area, Holiday Hill that later became Mountain High. He and wife Lora took over management of the facility in 1961 and sold it in 1983. From that point, Steinmann turn to his passion of Thoroughbreds. Trainer Mike Harrington purchased Swiss Yodeler for Steinmann at the 1996 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $60,000. He went on to be a Grade I winner of $761,442, but it was in the breeding shed where Swiss Yodeler starred. He led all California sires in 2006 thanks to his Breeders’ Cup Sprint-winning son, Thor’s Echo, who retired with earnings of nearly $2.5 million. Swiss Yodeler sired 15 black-type... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2024) — Adding to an already successful 2024 season, Harris Farms homebred On the Whim won his sprint stakes debut in Sunday’s $101,500 California Flag Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita. On the Whim ($8), a 4-year-old gelding, closed from fourth in a field of eight to win by a half-length over 2-1 Fast Buck. Ridden by Tiago Pereira, On the Whim was well placed throughout, racing about five lengths behind Fast Buck through an opening quarter-mile in 21.32 seconds and a half-mile in 43.44 seconds. Pereira moved On the Whim outside in early stretch and steadily closed ground to pass Fast Buck in the final furlong. :: Bet Santa Anita with confidence! Get DRF All Access Past Performances, Picks, Clocker Reports and more. “I had no trouble and had position in the stretch,” Pereira said. “The horse responded.” On the Whim ran about 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:11.54. Fast Buck held second, finishing a neck ahead... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Prior to Saturday, Grand Slam Smile had won stakes on dirt in sprints and around two turns, and on turf around two turns. She added a turf sprint to her stakes collection in Saturday’s $103,000 California Distaff Handicap for Golden Sstate Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Racing at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the track’s unique hillside turf course for the first time, Grand Slam Smile ($23.40) stalked pacesetter Sassy Nature until the field reached the stretch, and fought off a brief threat from 4-5 favorite Stay and Scam to take a late lead. Grand Slam Smile, ridden by Frank Alvarado, finished a length in front of 6-1 Big Summer, who closed from off the pace. “He was able to get her to settle and got her to run when it counted,” trainer Steve Specht said of Alvarado’s ride. :: Bet Santa Anita with confidence! Get DRF All Access Past Performances, Picks, Clocker Reports and more. Grand Slam Smile was timed in 1:12.40.... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 14, 2024) – Storm the Court, upset winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita in 2019, recently returned to trainer Peter Eurton’s stable in California and may start later this fall before going to stud in California in 2025. Storm the Court will stand at Eclipse Thoroughbred Training Center in Buellton, Calif. A 7-year-old horse by Court Vision, Storm the Court has won 2 of 29 starts and earned $1,426,003. Storm the Court left Eurton’s care in the winter of 2022-23 and had since been based with trainers Tom Amoss, William E. Morey, and most recently with Lacey Gaudet. Owned by the partnership of David Bernsen, Susanna Wilson, and Eurton, Storm the Court was fourth in an allowance race at Laurel for Gaudet in his last start on Sept. 22. :: Bet Santa Anita with confidence! Get DRF All Access Past Performances, Picks, Clocker Reports and more. Storm the Court was 45-1 in the 2019 BC Juvenile. As a 3-year-old in 2020, Storm the... ...

By DRF.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2024) – Crossing the country, California-bred Big Fame, now based in Arizona, was honored as the overall champion at the 2024 Retired Racehorse Project’s Thoroughbred Makeover, presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, at the finale competition on Saturday evening at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. More than 280 Thoroughbreds, all of whom have had a race or published work within a recent timeframe and none of whom had begun serious re-training for a second career before last December, competed across 10 equestrian disciplines at the Makeover, which offered over $100,000 in prize money across the event. After two days of preliminary competition, the top five horses from each discipline moved on to a finale on Saturday, to determine 10 divisional winners. That group was then discussed by a panel of judges in each discipline to determine an overall champion, with that award sponsored by Churchill Downs. Big Fame and Angela Carmitchel, a professional rider based out of her Taylermade Equestrian Services in Scottsdale,... ...

POMONA, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2024) — The 2025 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale has been rescheduled and will now be held Tuesday, Jan. 21, at noon at Hines Pavilion at Fairplex. Entries close Nov. 12. Broodmares, racing prospects, yearlings and 2-year-olds will be available in a sale that previously produced stakes winners like Lord Prancealot (2023 Graduation Stakes at Del Mar) and Grade 1-producing broodmares like Expo Gold (dam of Preakness-winning filly Swiss Skydiver). For further information and to obtain credit, contact Loretta@ctba.com or call (626) 445-7800 ext: 227. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2024) — Carmelita’s Man, a durable gelding who campaigned through five seasons and won eight races, including three stakes for California-breds, has run his final race. Owner Larry Jett and trainer Dean Pederson retired the 7-year-old after his fourth-place finish at Del Mar in the California Dreamin,’ a summer-season turf mile he won in 2022 and 2023. He was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and Robert Traynor “He was still running good races and he ran a good race (last out) at Del Mar,” Pederson said, referring to the fourth-place finish in which he missed by less than two lengths. But the trainer acknowledged that Carmelita’s Man had not won since August 2023. Pederson said he had “wear and tear on the body, and rather than run him for a claiming price, we came to the agreement his better days were behind him and we let him go out with a little bit of dignity.” Carmelita’s Man, who began his career in summer 2020, earned... ...

By PaulickReport.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2024) — Defining a successful stallion is a moving target that can shift with the phases of their career, their location, and the whims of the marketplace. One thing that never goes out of style, though, is getting mares to a stallion. The more mares that are bred, the more potential foals hit the ground, the more potential runners hit the track, and the more chance one has of doing something big, turning the stallion into a made man. (Click to continue) Which Stallions Saw The Biggest Spikes In Popularity In 2024? – Paulick Report | Shining Light on the Horse Industry ...

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Sept. 29, 2024) – Defending his title with consummate ease, odds-on favorite Clovisconnection blazed to a six-length win in Sunday’s $73,500 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles. Clovisconnection ($2.40) took the lead at the start and was clear throughout the six-furlong race. He was not urged late by jockey William Antongeorgi, finishing six lengths clear of 9-2 Disko Tribute in a field of five. Melanie’s Tiger, who was checked shortly after the start, recovered to finish third, followed by Scary Fast Ride and Lmlooknformischief, who stumbled at the start. Only five ran after Bob’s Blue Moon was scratched. Clovisconnection was timed in 1:08.90, winning for the 10th time in his 16-race career. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. Clovisconnection was in front by 1 1/2 lengths after a quarter-mile in 23.82 seconds and by 2 1/2 lengths after a half-mile in 45.93. “He broke well and established the lead in what was... ...

By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2024) — A full brother to California breeders state champion Finneus   topped the Sept. 24 Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings sale at Pomona, selling for $250,000. The colt emulated his older brother, who topped the 2020 edition of the sale at $200,000. Despite the Northern California racing schedule still sorting itself out in the wake of Golden Gate Fields‘ closure earlier this year, the Fasig-Tipton sale held relatively steady. A total of 163 yearlings grossed $4,781,400, for an average of $29,334 and a median of $15,000, compared with 2023 figures of 158 grossing $5,218,000, averaging $33,025, with a median of $17,000.  “All things considered, it was a productive exercise—we got the vast majority of the horses sold,” said Boyd Browning Jr., Fasig-Tipton’s president and chief executive officer, shortly after the sale’s conclusion. Of the 250 through the ring, 87 did not sell, for a buyback rate of 34.8%, a similar buyback percentage to last year (33.6%). “There will be brisk post-sale activity tonight and tomorrow as well,”... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2024) — Four stakes for juveniles — including a pair for Golden State Series eligibles – highlight the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season is scheduled to begin Friday, Dec. 6 and continue through Sunday, Dec. 15. 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 two state-bred stakes for juveniles will be run at one mile. The $100,000 Soviet Problem – for fillies – will be offered Sunday, Dec. 8 while the $100,000 King Glorious will be run Sunday, Dec. 15. Both are for horses bred or sired in California. The $200,000-guaranteed Starlet, a Grade II for 2-year-old fillies, will be renewed for the 11th time at Los Alamitos Saturday, Dec. 7 one week before the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity, which was captured by Wynstock in 2023. Won a year ago by Nothing Like You, the Starlet – like the Futurity – will... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2024) — Heading into the first turn of the $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes Saturday at Los Alamitos, jockey Edwin Maldonado had a good feeling the race was going to end well for him. The all-time leader with 142 daytime thoroughbred wins, Maldonado was aboard Man O Rose, the 11-10 favorite in the one-mile race for California breds and it was the first venture beyond 6 ½ furlongs for the 4-year-old. “He broke great and had his ears forward going into the first turn,’’ said Maldonado. Providing owner-breeders Bruce and Beverly Zeitz and trainer Jeff Mullins with several options moving forward, Man On Rose dominated his six opponents, ultimately prevailing by eight lengths. The win was the fifth in seven 2024 starts and his seventh in 12 lifetime appearances and the $42,000 payday pushed his earnings to $319,840. Out of the Good Journey mare Kathleen Rose, Man O Rose completed eight furlongs in 1:35.52 and paid $4.20, $3 and $2.60. Mullins said he... ...

From Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm SOLVANG, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2024) — Multiple graded-stakes winner Joey Freshwater, a talented son of Jimmy Creed, will stand his first season at California’s Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm for an introductory fee of $2,500, alongside Grazen, Henry Adams and Tough Sunday. Joey Freshwater won the Grade III Runhappy Stakes  and the Grade III Bay Shore Stakes. His , career-high Beyer was 108. Out of the More Than Ready mare Lake Turkana, Joey Freshwater earned $480,780. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2024) – With odds-on favorite Shea Brennan breaking last in a troubled trip, California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Bodacious rebounded from a sixth-place finish in his previous race to win Friday’s $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Bodacious is the first stakes winner by Smokem, out of the Bodemeister mare My Love Magnet, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Griffin Stables LLC, Lovingier, Terry C. and Sabesky, Paul and trained by Jorge Periban. “First time I ran the horse he ran with blinkers on and he got hit from both sides by a couple of horses and I think he got a little scared,” said Periban. “So today I took off the blinkers and it worked. He’s a nice horse. When he broke from the gate I saw him more focused and I said: ‘This is going to be the time.’ The horse was ready to go and I got lucky today.” The $7,000 purchase at... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2024) – Hot Girl Walk took charge turning for home then had to survive an inquiry for a mild upset win in Monday’s $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Hot Girl Walk is the first stakes winner by Bodexpress, out of the Awesome Again mare Awesome Mama, was bred by owner Richard Barton Enterprises and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $117,000 and was coming off an Aug. 11 maiden win. “She finally left the gate with some authority,” said Gaines. “Previously she broke slowly and had to circle the field. Today she was on it and speed holds here. Antonio (Fresu, jockey) rode a smart race when he let those two go. He sat right behind them and she still showed her kick.” In the Air tonight was second and odds-on favorite Cayucos third in a field of six. Hot Girl Walk ran the six furlongs in 1:11.28 and... ...

From Monmouth Park Publicity OCEANPORT, N.J. (Aug. 25, 2024) – Odds-on favorite Riding Pretty, a New-Jersey-bred daughter of California stallion Jack Milton, won Sunday’s $102,000 Eleven North Handicap for fillies at mares at Monmouth Park. She has five wins in 20 starts and earnings of $369,365. Riding Pretty, out of the Girolamo mare High Renaissance, ran the six furlongs in 1:10.34 and won by one length at odds of 1-2. “She hadn’t sprinted since she was 2 years old. So that was impressive,” said trainer Eddie Owens, Jr. Riding Pretty, usually a solid closer, dueled with Bel Pensiero for most of the stretch, finally pulling away. It marked the 4-year-old filly’s first time sprinting in her past 17 starts. “I blew her out in :34 on Thursday to make sure I had enough speed in her,” said Owens. “I was just hoping she didn’t fall too far behind early. But being a race where there wasn’t a lot of speed I knew they were not going in 21 (seconds) for... ...

YORK, U.K. (Aug. 24, 2024) – Group II winner Sir Busker, an Irish-bred son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won Saturday’s $100,000 Sky Bet Finale Handicap at York Race Course. Sir Busker, an 8-year-old gelding out of the Tiger Hill mare Street Kitty, has seven wins in 51 starts with earnings of $827,101. He won by one length at odds of 14-1 in a field of 17, running the 1 5/16 miles in 2:10.21. It was his first win in more than two years. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 18, 2024) — Much has changed for Moment’s Pleasure since she finished a game second in her stakes debut in the $102,500 Fran’s Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita in May. Moment’s Pleasure followed that one-length loss with a second in an allowance race there on June 14, and a win in an allowance race at Del Mar on July 28. In Sunday’s $152,500 Solana Beach Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at Del Mar, Moment’s Pleasure showed substantial improvement from her recent starts, closing from fourth on the turn to win the one-mile grass race by 1 3/4 lengths. Moment’s Pleasure is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lamazone, was bred by Rainmaker Racing LLC, Ben & Sally Warren & Bret Lewis, is owned by Rainmaker Racing LLC and Lewis, Bret and trained by Craig Lewis. She has three wins in eight starts and earnings of $221,880. Moment’s Pleasure was one of three 3-year-olds in a field of 11 in... ...

See the sales results here PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2024) – California-bred sons of stallions Smiling Tiger and Union Rags sold for $42,000 each to top Tuesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The son of Smiling Tiger, out of the stakes-winning Southern Halo mare Brooke’s Halo, was bred by Old English Rancho, consigned by Harris Farms, agent, and purchased by trainer Jeff Bonde. Brooke’s Halo also produced stakes winner Rock and Glory, who later produced the Practical Joke graded stakes-winning colt Little Vic. The son of Union Rags, the first foal out of the stakes-winning Grazen mare September Secret, was bred and consigned by Checkmate Thoroughbreds and was purchased by Michael Nentwig. He’s also from the family of stakes winner Cee’s the Point. For the yearlings, 81 sold for $481,900, an average of $5,949 and median of $3,700. For non-yearlings, 13 sold for $58,600, an average of $4,508 and median of $3,500. For complete sales results, click... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2024) — Not much went R Heisman’s way in the Everett Nevin Stakes at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., last month. The colt raced wide and was checked at a pivotal point in the sprint stakes, eventually finishing second. R Heisman’s journey in Friday’s $101,500 Graduation Stakes was a much smoother outing. Ridden by leading rider Juan Hernandez, R Heisman stalked pacesetter and stablemate Case Hit to the final furlong before taking the lead in the final 30 yards and winning by three-quarters of a length. Hernandez had R Heisman on the rail on the turn and moved outside of Case Hit in the stretch before taking the lead. Sent off favored, R Heisman ($4.60) ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:04.05. The colt was bred by Highclare, is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. Case Hit (7-1) is co-owned by Barber, Darryn Barber, and also Miller. I’m a Bad Boy, a maiden trained by Luis Mendez, finished another 3... ...

By DRF.com SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2024) — California-bred Keep Movin’ On closed from last in the final half-mile to win Saturday’s $95,700 Robert Dupret Derby on turf at the Sonoma County Cair in Santa Rosa despite an eventful stretch run and a brief inquiry. Ridden by Frank Alvarado for owner and breeder Tom Bachman, Keep Movin’ On ($5.20) finished 1 1/4 lengths in front of pacesetter Baby Waylon, a 5-2 chance. Grogu (3-1) had a troubled trip in the stretch but held third. Keep Movin’ On, who was favored, ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.17, winning his first stakes and for the third time in his nine-race career. Alvarado had Keep Movin’ On between rivals on the backstretch, and found better position stalking Baby Waylon on the turn. With a wide move, Keep Movin’ On reached contention in the stretch. He raced in close quarters with Baby Waylon, but had sufficient momentum to draw away. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when... ...

EVANSTON, Wyo. (Aug. 10, 2024) — California-bred Sunrise Mischief won Saturday’s $65,900 Rod Galloway Thoroughbred Derby for 3-year-olds at Wyoming Downs. Sunrise Mischief is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Speightstown mare Pleasing Sunrise, was bred by SLO Racing and is owned by trainer Shaun Story. A $12,500 claim in April, Sunrise Mischief has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $72,520 and has a three-race win streak. He ran the six furlongs in 1:09.22 and won by a nose at odds of 3-1 over fellow Cal-bred Raspberry Wine. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2024) — Who better to dominate the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes than one of the most prolific California breeders? Terry Lovingier, longtime member of the CTBA Board, bred the trifecta in Sunday’s $100,000 CTBA Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. In the Air Tonight won by a convincing 5 1/4 lengths, Thirsty Mama was second and Thirsty in Vegas was third. All three were by Lovingier’s stallion, Stay Thirsty, were bred by Lovingier and co-owned by Lovingier. Lovingier bred five of the eight starters in the race and In the Air Tonight is co-owned by Lovingier, Anthony Chacon, Victor Flores, and Tom Halasz. The style of her win was noteworthy on Sunday, a day in which many main track winners raced on or near the lead. Sent off favored, In the Air Tonight, ridden by Tiago Pereira, ran 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:05.37 and remained unbeaten in two starts. Starting from the outside, In the Air Tonight broke... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2024) – Harris Farm homebred On the Whim proved best by a length and a quarter in a surprise in the 19th running of the California Dreamin’ Stakes, a mile and one sixteenth on the turf course that is limited to Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds and up at Del Mar. The homebred 4-year-old gelding by Acclamation, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Whimsy, covered the distance in 1:41.44 under Abel Cedillo and returned an even $22 to his backers. “He didn’t break that well, but we got a good spot and I got him to relax,” said Cedillo. “He was going easy; I just left him alone. The fractions weren’t that fast. Then he had it when it came time. A good race for him. I’m loving winning races again. So good to be back at Del Mar. I love it here.”  Veteran trainer Dean Pederson picked up his third California Dreamin’ win. “I told him (Abel Cedillo), with the rail, you have to... ...