By DRF.com and DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 6, 2017) — Continental Divide rallied widest of all to win the first race of his career in Saturday’s $101,035 Graduation Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old sprinters at Del Mar, a distance well short of what trainer Jim Cassidy hopes will be his ideal trip. The style of the win left Cassidy impressed that a colt by Animal Kingdom, who won both the Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup at 1 1-4 miles earlier this decade, could be effective at 5 1-2 furlongs on dirt. “He wants to go farther,” Cassidy said. “For him to go 5 1-2, you try him out of his element and he still wins.” Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Continental Divide ($9.20) was timed in 1:05.27, and finished three-quarters of a length in front of 3-1 Smokem. Drizzy, the 3-1 favorite, closed from last of nine to finish third, 3 1-2 lengths behind the winner. Espinoza said he was confident Continental Divide could handle a... ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Aug. 6, 2017) — Brad McKinzie, a 30-year executive at Los Alamitos Race Course, a co-founder of the Finish Line Self Insurance Group, and one of the driving forces to bring daytime Southern California Thoroughbred racing back to Los Alamitos, died from renal carcinoma Aug. 6. He was 62. McKinzie served as the vice president and general manager of the Los Alamitos Racing Association since 2014. He oversaw the expansion of the Orange County oval from a five-furlong track to a one-mile oval, as well as the addition of 700 stalls to accommodate Thoroughbreds following the closure of Hollywood Park, and running the track’s Thoroughbred meets. McKinzie started, along with business partner Michael Lyon, the Finish Line Self Insurance Group, which provides worker’s compensation coverage for the jockeys, exercise riders, and grooms for 99% of the California Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing industry. McKinzie was also part of the group that built and opened Sammy’s Original in February of 2014, an upscale restaurant in Lake Forest,... ...

From DMTC Publicity and DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2017) — Fanticola and Scardino’s Long Hot Summer rallied to the lead along the rail in the upper stretch under jockey Joe Talamo and went on to record a one-length triumph in the featured $93,800 Daisycutter Handicap Friday at Del Mar. Long Hot Summer, a five-year-old California-bred daughter of Street Boss, was third, beaten a half-length, in the 2016 renewal of the Daisycutter to So Sweetitiz, but was able to get the job done in convincing style Friday. Bred by Harris Farms and Donald Valpredo, Long Hot Summer has won 6 of 16 starts and $409,194. She won the 2014 Generous Portion Stakes for California-bred 2-year-olds at the Del Mar summer meeting. The Daisycutter was Long Hot Summer’s first win since an optional claimer at five furlongs on turf here last September. She was later fifth in the California Distaff Handicap on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita last October and seventh in an optional claimer at five furlongs... ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif (Aug 2, 2017) — Grade One winning Tom’s Tribute has moved to Rancho San Miguel for his third breeding season. Tom’s Tribute won the Grade 1 Eddie Read in a stellar career that saw him win six of 16 starts and $634,880 under the tutelage of James M. Cassidy. Tom’s Tribute, under the ownership of DP Racing, will join the Rancho San Miguel stallion roster for a fee of $2,000 Live Foal. Tom’s Tribute, a 2010 son of Lion Heart out of Halloween Fun by El Prado, was a $310,000 Ocala juvenile sale graduate that won or placed in seven stakes from 2 to 4, before an untimely fetlock injury while preparing for his five-year-old campaign. Winner of his second lifetime start, Tom’s Tribute was off the board only once as a three-year-old and only twice as a four-year-old. During his four-year-old campaign Tom’s Tribute came roaring down the stretch to win the Thunder Road Stakes at Santa Anita Park equaling the course... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2017) — Show It N Moe It, piloted by talented apprentice jockey Evin Roman, wore down 8-5 favored Kimberlea K in the stretch and went on to score a solid triumph in Wednesday’s featured $100,000 C.T.B.A. Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible two-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Always prominent under the 19-year-old Roman, Show It N Moe It moved up determinedly to engage Kimberlea K entering the stretch and responded to urging in the final sixteenth to win by a length and one-half in 1:05.11 for the five and one-half furlongs. Gorgeous Ginny finished third, with Family Girl fourth in the field of eight fillies. Spiced Perfection was withdrawn from the original line-up. Show It N Moe It, a daughter of Grace Upon Grace, is owned by the partnership of breeder Terry Lovingier, Tom London and Eugene Zondlo and trained by Gary Sherlock. The filly broke her maiden in her third attempt, scoring easily by six and one-quarter lengths at Santa Anita. “I... ...

From Magali Farm SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2017) — It is with a sad heart Magali Farm announces the passing of 20-year- old stallion Decarchy, a Graded stakes winner of $703,862, who suffered complications of laminitis. A half-brother to proven sires Empire Maker and Chester House, his progeny amassed over $14 million lifetime, led by Graded Stakes winner Stoney Fleece ($600,028). Decarchy’s average earnings per runner is $55,249. “Decarchy passed many wonderful qualities on to his progeny, his individualism, athleticism, willing heart, drive, and kind disposition. It was an honor to be a part of his life he will be truly missed,” said Magali Farms manager Tom Hudson. ...

From Legacy Ranch CLEMENTS, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2017) — Straight Fire, one of the top-rated two year olds of 2016, has been retired and will stand at Pete and Evelyn Parrella’s Legacy Ranch in Clements, CA.  Straight Fire, a son of Dominus, was a $250,000 Fasig-Tipton July yearling purchase by Solis/Litt Bloodstock.  He broke his maiden at Del Mar on August 6th by 10 ½ lengths going 6 ½ furlongs in a blistering 1 14 4/5 seconds, earning a 98 Beyer speed figure.  He was 2nd in the G1 Del Mar Futurity and 3rd in the G1 Frontrunner Stakes, with earnings of $146,400. Pete Parrella is excited to stand the grandson of Smart Strike and thinks he’ll be an asset to the California market.  “Straight Fire showed precocity, speed and brilliance in his brief career, all attributes that appeal to California breeders.  He’s a spectacular physical specimen standing at 16 2 and his pedigree is free of Northern Dancer.” Straight Fire has already been syndicated and will be supported by... ...

CHESTER, W. Va. (Aug. 1, 2017) – B Squared is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $750,000 Grade III West Virginia Derby for 3-year-olds at Mountaineer Park. B Squared 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 six starts, earnings of $178,400 and is coming off a third in the July 15 Los Alamitos Derby. ...

CHESTER, W. Va. (Aug. 1, 2017) – Judge Carr, with a three-race win streak, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Senator Robert C. Byrd Memorial Stakes at Mountaineer Park. Judge Carr is by Mizzen Mast, out of the All Gone mare Gone to Party, was bred by Louis Neve, is owned by Robert Cole, Jr., and is trained by Kevin Patterson. He has 16 wins in 59 starts, earnings of $325,401 and is coming off three consecutive wins. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 30, 2017) – Odds-on favorite Miss Sunset turned back the challenge of Dreamy Gal turning for home and kicked clear to an easy win in Sunday’s $150,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Miss Sunset is by Into Mischief, out of the Trippi mare Tuscan Sunset, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds and Alan Klein, is owned by Klein or Lebherz and trained by Jeff Bonde. “The owners bought the dam (Tuscan Sunset) in foal to breed later to Smiling Tiger and (Miss Sunset) was the baby that came out,” said Bonde. “She’s just been a wonderful horse and today was the smoothest I’ve seen her run. Taking the blinkers off at (jockey) Mike Smith’s suggestion made a big difference.” Miss Sunset has five wins in nine starts, earnings of $389,430 and was coming off a second in the May 29 Melair. Miss Sunset ran the seven furlongs in 1:224.34 and won by 5 1/2 lengths at odds of 4-5. Queen... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 30, 2017) – California-breds Long Hot Summer, Bad Ju Ju and Desert Steel are entered in Friday’s $75,000 Daisycutter Handicap for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Long Hot Summer is by Street Boss, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Hotlantic, was bred by Harris Farms & Donald Valpredo, is owned by Fanticola or Scardino and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has five wins in 15 starts, earnings of $349,134 and is coming off a fourth in a June 25 optional claiming. She was third in this race last year. Bad Ju Ju is by Desert Code, out of the Snow Ridge mare Ju Ju Baby, was bred by Lo Hi Racing Stable and Dick Barton, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller. She has seven wins in 18 starts, earnings of $309,731 and is making her first start since a fifth in the Jan. 21 Santa Monica. Desert Steel is by Desert Code, out of the Cozzene mare Lujien Lujien, was... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 29, 2017) – My Italian Babbo won Saturday’s $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar by a head, his second consecutive win by a slim margin. The California Dreamin’ Stakes was the stakes debut for My Italian Babbo. My Italian Babbo ($7.80) closed from last to catch 9-10 favorite He Will in the final strides. Ridden by Corey Nakatani, My Italian Babbo ran 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:41.91. “It was a good ride from Corey Nakatani,” Baltas said. “We got the bob.” He Will finished two lengths in front of Soi Phet, who was followed by G.G. Ryder and Incredible Luck. My Italian Babbo has won 4 of 9 starts and earned $224,226 for Cafarchia, who bred the 5-year-old gelding by Papa Clem. My Italian Babbo is unbeaten in two starts on turf, and has won three of his last four races. My Italian Babbo will remain on turf, Baltas said. It was not clear on Saturday... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 29, 2017) –Trainer Richard Baltas said there’s a good chance Tom Mansor and Tachycardia Stables’ grade 1 winner Big Macher will be retired after a suspensory injury knocked him out of the July 29 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1). The 7-year-old California-bred gelded son of Beau Genius, who won the Bing Crosby in 2014, sustained a similar injury that knocked him out of racing for all of 2016, but he targeted the Bing Crosby again after a quality win in the Thor’s Echo Handicap at Santa Anita Park June 11 to prep for the six-furlong sprint. LARUE: Big Macher Wins Thor’s Echo Off Layoff “He strained the same spot as before—suspensory,” Baltas said. “It’s not really bad, but I’m not going to take any chances. I don’t think he’s going to run again. It’s going to take time, he’s 7, and I’m not going to run him for a claiming price. It just sucks, because he came back so good and he’s staying so good, but... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2017) – Mr. Hinx outdueled even-money favorite Ann Arbor Eddie through the stretch to win Friday’s $150,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Mr. Hinx is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Put It Back mare Kitten Exchange, was bred by owner Gary Barber and is trained by Steve Miyadi. “Steve told me Mr. Hinx is still learning and getting better every day,” said Barber. “Steve’s done an amazing job with him. It’s really good because this mare is now in foal to Boisterous in California, I’ve got about 13 mares to him. It’s good for Ministers Wild Cat for the Tommy Town group. I love the Cal-bred company. It really does (pay to be Cal-bred).” He has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $326,548 and was coming off a win in a June 9 optional claimer. “He (Mr. Hinx) was born a racehorse,” said Miyadi. “Mike Allen from Tommy Town and (owner-breeder) Gary (Barber) told... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2017) – Stakes winner Kimberlea K risks her unbeaten record in Wednesday’s $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Mama’s Kid is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Restless Con mare Mama’s Con, was bred by Geri Forrester, is owned by Tricar Stables and is trained by Sal Gonzalez. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $40,600 and is coming off a July 20 maiden win. Empress of Lov is by Empire Way, out of the Not For Love mare Angela’s Love, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by London, Lovingier or Zondlo and is trained by Gary Sherlock. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $53,440 and is coming off a fourth in the July 2 Landaluce. Gorgeous Ginny is by Take Charge Indy, out of the Southern Halo mare Brooke’s Halo, was bred by Mercedes Stable, is owned by Randy Howg and is trained by Robertino Diodoro. She has... ...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (July 30, 2017) – Real Heat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Downs at Albuquerque Handicap. Real Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams, is owned by A and A Equine and Harry Veruchi and is trained by Justin Evans. He has six wins in 41 starts, earnings of $233,189 and is coming off a July 2 optional claiming win. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. – California-bred Sircat Sally was resting comfortably in trainer Jerry Hollendorfer’s barn Monday, one day after she suffered a career-ending injury in the San Clemente Handicap when losing for the first time after seven victories. Sircat Sally has a sesamoid fracture. According to assistant trainer Dan Ward, the injury likely will not require surgery if the horse is not going to race again. Sircat Sally is done racing, and her comfort level in the next two weeks will determine whether surgery is needed for her post-racing life, Ward said. Sircat Sally, a daughter of Surf Cat owned and bred by Joe Turner, won six stakes, including three graded stakes on turf, in her first seven starts. She finished third in the San Clemente. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 20, 2018) — California stallion Richard’s Kid was represented by his first winner when Mama’s Kid won the sixth race on Thursday at Del Mar, a maiden special weight for California-bred 2-year-old fillies. Mama’s Kid is out of the Restless Con mare Mama’s Con, was bred by Geri Forrester, is owned by Tricar Stables and trained by Sal Gonzalez. She ran the five furlongs in :59.01 and won by 3 ½ lengths at odds of 17-1 in a field of eight. Richard’s Kid stands at Magali Farms. ...

AUBURN, Wash. (July 16, 2017) – California-bred He’s Not Grey made his debut on Sunday a black-type windfall by winning Sunday’s $49,500 Emerald Express Stakes for 2-year-old colts and geldings at Emerald Downs. He’s Not Grey is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Smart Strike mare Obligated, was bred by Eagle Ridge Racing and Rancho San Miguel, is owned by John Parker and trained by Candi Tollett. He has earnings of $27,225 and ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.04 and won by 3 ½ lengths at odds of 11-1 in the field of seven. He’s Not Grey is the first first-time starter to win the Emerald Express in its 22-year history. He’s Not Grey sold for $10,000 at the 2016 Barretts Fall Sale, and Parker credited Roddina Barrett for picking out the gray colt. “He’s been the talk of the barn, he’s been doing so good,” a jubilant Parker said. “Winning this race is unbelievable.” He’s Not Grey commenced a four-wide bid on the turn, collared Elliott Bay and... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 12, 2017) — A California-bred yearling by Violence brought $125,000 at Tuesday’s Fasig- Tipton July Sale. The colt is out of the stakes-winning Two Punch mare Yolanda B. Too, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds LLC, Hector Cuevas & Denise Cuevas, was consigned by Bluewater Sales, agent, and was purchased by Alistair Roden Bloodstock, agent. ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 8, 2017) – Kimberlea K ($3.80), coming off a sizzling debut victory, controlled the race as she defeated males in the $100,675 Everett Nevin for Golden State Series eligibles on Saturday at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meeting at the Alameda County Fair. The homebred filly, the first stakes winner for sire Indian Evening, was outbroken by second-choice Schulace, and Holy Yodeler was also in front of her in the first 50 yards of the race, but Kimberlea K quickly took command. The Indian Evening filly is owned and bred by KMN Racing. She earned $57,000 for her victory and now has a career bankroll of $77,280. Six of the nine runners in the race for Cal-breds were coming off wire-to-wire maiden wins. Kimberlea K led Schulace, a wire-to-wire winner in his June 2 debut at Santa Anita, by one-half length through a 23.12 opening quarter. She stretched her margin to a full length through a 45.76 opening half-mile. While Joe Talamo was urging Schulace with left-handed... ...

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (July 8, 2017) – The cancelled Lennyfrommalibu Stakes at Santa Anita on July 4 is becoming a key race. The Lennyfrommalibu Stakes was scheduled for the hillside turf course, but was not used when the race failed to draw enough entries to satisfy track officials. Pee Wee Reese was intended for the Lennyfrommalibu, but started in the Grade 3 American Stakes on July 4 and won his first graded stakes. The same scenario led Ambitious Brew to the winner’s circle of Saturday’s $100,690 Bertrando Stakes at Los Alamitos. He was also meant for the Lennyfrommalibu and started in the Bertrando Stakes for Golden State Series eligible milers as a substitute. “I was disappointed when that race didn’t go,” trainer Marty Jones said. “Sometimes, things work out for a reason. I think Pee Wee Reese would have been tough to beat.” Ambitious Brew won his second stakes of the year in the Bertrando against six rivals. Ridden by Norberto Arroyo Jr, Ambitious Brew ($10.60) closed from third... ...

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (July 8, 2017) – California-bred Skye Diamonds won Saturday’s Grade 2 Great Lady M. Stakes for female sprinters at Los Alamitos to record her first graded stakes win. In the greater context of her 15-race career, Skye Diamonds, bred  by Dizney Double Diamond, has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last 11 months. She was claimed for $40,000 at Del Mar last August and has earned $329,100 since being claimed for the partnership of Tom Acker, Allen Racing, Bloom Racing, and Jon Lindo. “She’s just a good filly,” trainer Bill Spawr said. Skye Diamonds ($6.40) won the $200,000 Great Lady M. Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs by 2 1/2 lengths over Constellation, who finished 2 1/4 lengths in front of Finest City, the winner of the 2016 Great Lady M. Stakes and the champion female sprinter of 2016. Finest City rallied four-wide from fourth in a field of five, but could not keep pace with Skye Diamonds in early stretch. Skye Diamonds was timed in 1:14.79.... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 4, 2017)—If the late Dodger Hall of Famer, Harold “Pee Wee” Reese were still alive, he’d be grinning from ear to ear, as his namesake, a 4-year-old California-bred colt named Pee Wee Reese, stole home today at Santa Anita, taking the track’s closing day Grade III, $100,000 American Stakes by 1 ¾ lengths under Joe Talamo. Trained by Phil D’Amato and owned by his breeder, Nick Alexander, “Pee Wee” scampered a flat mile on turf in a rapid 1:32.26. “I saw Gary (Stevens, aboard favored Om) was riding to stay with me (heading into the far turn) and I was very happy,” said Talamo, who picked up his third win on the afternoon and his fifth American win in the last seven years. “I was loaded the whole way. I knew we were going pretty quick but this horse had his ears up, doing it pretty easy. The last horse I rode that did that was Obviously (multiple Grade I winner also trained... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 4, 2017) – California-bred Yahoo Tahoe overcame a bobble at the start to run his win streak to three by taking Sunday’s $62,350 Oak Tree Sprint Stakes at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet. Yahoo Tahoe is by McCann’s Mojave, out of the Ghazi mare Ghazi’s Lass, was bred by Steve Specht, is owned by Hollendorfer or Richard Robertson and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has 10 wins in 38 starts, earnings of $284,056 and was coming off consecutive claiming wins. Yahoo Tahoe ran the six furlongs in 1:10.53 and won by 2 ¼ lengths at odds of 11-1. ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 3, 2017) — The catalog for the 2017 Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale is available now on the Equineline app. The catalog will be online at ctba.com on July 6. The sale will be conducted at the Alameda County Fairgrounds beginning at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017. ...

By SFGate.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 1, 2017) — One of the byproducts of winning the first race of the year for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate Fields is that there are no other opportunities until the $65,600 Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes at the Alameda County Fair. Thus, California-bred Song From Above had nine weeks between her 1-length debut win against male opponents April 29 and her 3-length triumph over fellow fillies Saturday. “That’s all right,” trainer Steve Specht said. “It gave her plenty of time to get over that race, and I was able to get plenty of workouts into her.” Two of the workouts were at 6 furlongs — a 16th of a mile longer than the 5½-furlong Juan Gonzalez Memorial — so Specht and jockey Frank Alvarado knew she was plenty fit. “I wasn’t worried about anybody else,” Alvarado said. “When I got to the head of the lane, I knew I had it.” Song From Above is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Ermine’s Song... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (July 1, 2017)–Nick can’t say “no” and his prized California-bred filly, Enola Gray simply couldn’t be caught on Saturday at Santa Anita. Owned and bred by the popular owner of Nick Alexander Automotive Imports, famous in LA for his “Nick Can’t Say No” radio commercials, heavily favored Enola Gray went to the front in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Wilshire Stakes and took no prisoners, winning easily by two lengths under first-time pilot Flavien Prat. Trained by Phil D’Amato, the 4-year-old daughter of Grazen got a flat mile on turf in 1:33.03. Breaking on terms with Juno, who drew the rail with Gary Stevens, Enola Gray easily out-footed her Brazilian-bred counterpart into the Club House turn and the Wilshire was, for all intents and purposes, over at that point, as Enola Gray opened up a five length advantage after the first half mile and bounded through the homestretch in a manner indicating the field could have gone around the oval again with the result being... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 30, 2017) –After finishing up some turnout time at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky, California-bred grade 1 winner Masochistic will be transferred to the barn of trainer Bob Baffert, co-owner Will Shamlian said June 30. The 7-year-old Sought After gelding has raced twice in 2017 for trainer Ron Ellis—a second-place run in the Triple Bend Stakes (G1) and a 13th-place finish in the Churchill Downs Stakes Presented by Twinspires.com (G2)—following his disqualification from second to seventh in the 2016 TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) because of a positive test for the anabolic steroid stanozolol. Masochistic will join a star-studded older-horse lineup with Baffert. Shamlian said what happened during and after the Breeders’ Cup Sprint did not have an impact on the decision. In the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Masochistic reached the wire second, 1 1/4 lengths behind Baffert-trained Drefong. “I got together with (co-owner Samantha Siegel of Jay Em Ess Stable) and we decided it was in the horse’s best interest,” said Shamlian, who races as... ...

By Bloodhorse.com WOODSIDE, Calif. (June 28, 2017) — Jack Arterburn, a retired Northern California-based trainer who initially competed as a jockey for nearly 30 years, died May 31 at his home in Woodside, Calif. Arterburn. Arteburn, who has family ties throughout the industry, was 81. Based in Northern California, Arterburn conditioned horses from 1978-2000 and saddled stakes winners like Greager, winner of the 1988 Determine Stakes at Bay Meadows; and three-time stakes winner Pleasant Power, who won stakes at Bay Meadows and Golden Gate Fields. Some of Arterburn’s stakes winners as a rider include Any Time Lady, winner of the 1976 Santa Clara Stakes at Bay Meadows, and Never Slipping, winner of the 1977 Silky Sullivan Handicap at Golden Gate. According to wife Sue Ann Pollard Arterburn, Jack Arterburn began his riding career at Sage Acres in Idaho before going to Portland Meadows in 1951 with trainer John Nazworthy. Jack and Sue Ann met at Portland Meadows and married three years later, a bond that would last 63 years. “After going through our... ...

From Barton Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (June 28, 2017)—Kate Barton announced today that Kevin Dickson will be the Farm Manager of Barton Thoroughbreds as of August 1, 2017. Currently in Escrow in the purchase of Magali Farms, Barton said “We are more than excited to bring someone of this caliber on board. Kevin’s experience will be such an asset in the transition and development of the farm.” Kevin Dickson served as the farm manager of Ocean Breeze Ranch in Bonsall, CA since its inception in the fall of 2015.  Kevin was retained as manager after serving in that role under the auspices of Frank Scoop Vessels of Vessels Stallion Farm.  There, he began as the stallion manager in 1994, assuming the day to day care of notable stallions, In Excess (IRE) and famed Quarter Horse sire First Down Dash.  Through his more than two-decade tenure on the property, he managed the careers of a multitude of legendary race horses, stallions, and broodmares. Kevin studied Equine Science with an emphasis in... ...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (June 24, 2017) – Whenbetterthannow is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Petticoat Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Albuquerque. Whenbetterthannow is by Sway Away, out of the Grand Slam mare Whobetterthanus, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, Alan Klein and Rusty Brown, is owned by The Quarter Company and trained by Justin Evans. She has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $35,899 and is coming off a May 20 claiming win. ...

From Harris Farms PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 24, 2017) — Jacks Masterpiece made an impressive debut in taking a maiden special weight race by four-plus lengths at the Oak Tree at Pleasanton meet, giving stsallion Smiling Tiger his first winner. The bay colt is out of the $362,553 stakes-winning Marty’s Zee, by Candi’s Gold and he was bred by Martin W. Bach. Running under the ownership of Bach, Lynn Gitomer and Daniel Weiner, Jacks Masterpiece earned $20,280 for the win plus the Cal-bred bonus of $10,000. Jacks Masterpiece was trained for his winning journey by William E. Morey. Smiling Tiger was campaigned by Alan Klein and Philip Lebherz and trained by Jeff Bonde to nine wins, two seconds and eight thirds from 23 lifetime starts. Winning three Grade One events and placing twice in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, Smiling Tiger earned $1,480,704. With his first crop of 72 foals racing this year, Smiling Tiger has also sired the twice placed Spiced Perfection an earner of $17,280 and the placed filly Miss... ...

RAMONA, Calif. (June 24, 2017) — Longtime California sire Benchmark was euthanized on June 23, 2017 due to the infirmities of old age.  Benchmark was the sire of Eclipse champion Points Offthebench and champion racehorses including: Brother Derek, Idiot Proof,  Sierra Nights and Bench Points. The son of Alydar had been pensioned since 2014 and living out his retirement in his paddock and stall within the Ballena Vista Farm stallion complex. Benchmark was a multiple graded stakes winner for owner Martin and Pam Wygod, who purchased him as a weanling for $475,000.  He posted a 7-2-4 record from 16 career starts while earning $636,707. His record included three grade II wins in 1997: the Goodwood Breeders’ Cup Handicap, Del Mar Breeders’ Cup Handicap and San Bernardino Handicap. He also placed second or third in four other graded stakes including the 1998 Triple Bend Invitational Breeders’ Cup Handicap (gr. I). Benchmark was bred in Kentucky by North Central Bloodstock and was out of the graded stakes-placed Danzig mare Winters’ Love, a... ...

Harvey Furgatch, former commissioner on the California Horse Racing Board, passed away recently at age 90. Below is a column on Furgatch by San Diego Union-Tribune’s Logan Jenkins. By San Diego Union-Tribune Sometime around 1980, George Mitrovich, who founded The City Club forum, took Harvey Furgatch and other San Diegans on an insider tour of Washington, D.C. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/columnists/logan-jenkins/sd-me-jenkins20170623-story.html ...

From Golden Eagle Farm ARCADIA, Calif. (June 22, 2017) — Pensioned California stallion Stormin Fever, owned by Golden Eagle Farm, was euthanized June 22, 2017 due to the infirmities of old age. He was 23. Stormin Fever, was a graded stakes winner and earned $484,664.  Upon race retirement, Stormin Fever stood in Kentucky until Golden Eagle Farm purchased him in 2008.  He retired from the breeding shed in 2016 with over $30 million in progeny earnings including millionaires Fusaichi Auster and Sweet Talker, and sired Canadian Champion and Horse of the Year Biofuel. ...

By ThoroughbredDailyNews.com SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (June 21, 2017) — Richard Barton, a longtime racehorse owner in California who has seen his bloodstock holdings rise exponentially over the last several years, has found a centralized base for his operation with the recent purchase of Magali Farms in Santa Ynez. “We expect it to close July 31, so we’re in the process,” confirmed Barton’s daughter and racing manager Kate, a member of the board of directors of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “Our operation has gotten pretty big over the years and I think it was just about time that we have a place of our own and we can really manage our operation from the time the mare foals out until they get to be a yearling and we’re sales prepping or getting ready to break the babies. It’s nice to centralize our operation and have everything in one spot.” The Bartons have been standing Champ Pegasus at Legacy Ranch and the freshman sire, winner of the 2010 GI Clement L. Hirsch... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (June 19, 2017) – Walk On Water was the fourth winning graduate of the 2016 Northern California Yearling Sale when he won the seventh race at Golden Gate on Sunday, a maiden special weight for 2-year-olds. The colt by Tannersmyman, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Smoke Over Water, was bred by Woodridge Farm and Jim Eaton, was consigned to the sale by Woodbridge Farm and is owned by trainer Steven Miyadi, who claimed him from his first start for $25,000. Walk On Water was purchased at the Northern California Yearling Sale for $5,500 by Ed Moger, Jr., and in two races has won $21,960, plus the $10,000 maiden bonus to the owner. He won in wire-to-wire fashion, running the five furlongs in :58.42 and winning by 2 1/2 lengths at odds of 9-1 in the field of 10. Walk On Water is the third maiden special weight winner from the 2016 Northern California Yearling Sale. ...

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (June 18, 2017) – Hay Dakota, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Haynesfield, won Sunday’s $100,000 Mystic Lake Mile Stakes at Canterbury Park. Hay Dakota is out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Church by the Sea. He has five wins in 15 starts and earnings of $216,580. He ran the mile on turf in 1:35.37 and won by a head at odds of 6-1 in a field of eight. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 17, 2017)–Joe Turner’s homebred Sircat Sally, the lone California-bred in the field, remained unbeaten on Saturday at Santa Anita, as she took the Grade II, $200,000 Honeymoon Stakes by a diminishing neck over Irish-bred Beau Recall.  Ridden by Mike Smith and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, Sircat Sally got a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:46.92. A tracking second throughout behind longshot Tap It All, Sircat Sally, with Pacific Wind to her immediate inside, engaged Tap It All three furlongs from home while Pacific Wind had to apply the brakes.  At the quarter pole, “Sircat” was in command and was all-out to hold off the late charge of Beau Recall. “I just felt like if I turned my filly loose, I’d get to Tap It All because she’s got some turn of foot,” said Smith in reference to the winner.  “I just didn’t want to pull the trigger too soon and I was forced too (by the inside move of Pacific Wind),... ...

By Paulick Report The story of Caracortado, the Mike Machowsky homebred who went from a maiden claiming race at Fairplex Park to Grade 1 company, captured the imagination of many racegoers in Southern California. After a six-season campaign in which he won three graded stakes and hit the board in 15 of 22 starts, a few of the chestnut gelding’s fans began emailing the Paulick Report, wondering what happened to him after he left the track in 2014. The California-bred Caracortado retired due to a persistent foot issue and ended up in the hands of Jacqueline Kandalaft, a longtime horsewoman and exercise rider on the California circuit. Kandalaft accepted long ago that her love of horses borders on addiction. She started riding in her native England at six years old and was foxhunting and showing in dressage and jumper shows by the age of 12. At 17, she found work in a steeplechase training yard and as she says, “was bitten by the racing bug.” Kandalaft’s love of Thoroughbreds took... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (June 17, 2017) – California stallion Indian Evening was represented by his first winner on Saturday when Kimberlea K won the eighth race at Golden Gate, a maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies, at first asking. Kimberlea K is out of the Pure Prize mare No Better Terms, was bred by owner KMN Racing and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She ran the five furlongs in :58.20 and won by 5 ¼ lengths as the 3-2 favorite in the field of nine. ...

AUBURN, Wash. (June 17, 2017) – Profound Moment, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Haynesfield, won Saturday’s $50,000 Washington State Legislators Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. She has four wins in seven starts, earnings of $110,828 and was coming off a fifth in a May 13 optional claimer. Profound Moment ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.90 and won by two lengths at odds of 2-1 in the field of seventh. ...

OCALA, Fla. (June 14, 2017) – A California-bred son of Twirling Candy sold for $310,000 at the 2017 Ocala Breeders’ Sales June 2-Year-old Sale. The colt is out of the stakes-winning Sweetsouthernsaint mare Saint Knows, was bred by CRK Stables and was purchased by Bradley Thoroughbreds, agent. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 11, 2017)–Idle since November, 2015, Grade I winning Big Macher called upon all of his class to take Sunday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles by one length under Rafael Bejarano. Conditioned by Richard Baltas, the 7-year-old gelded son of Beau Genius was all-out to overhaul K Thirty Eight in the final sixteenth while getting six furlongs in a rapid 1:08.98. “He’s a very good horse,” said Baltas. “I only had one three quarter work in him, but he had a lot of long gallops. I didn’t really have him cranked, and for him to run eight and four (1:08 4/5)…Karen’s horse (trainer of K Thirty Eight, Karen Headley) ran great. There’s no easy races in California. We’ll see how he comes out of this and hopefully nominate him to the Bing Crosby at Del Mar (Grade I, six furlongs on July 29).” A winner of the Grade I Crosby in July, 2014, Big Macher was off as the 4-5... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 9, 2017)–With Santa Anita’s current Spring Summer Meet set to conclude on Tuesday, July 4, the track has modified its current racing schedule for the next two weeks, as the track will now run a pair of three-day weeks, beginning Friday, June 16 and Friday, June 23, in advance of a five-day closing week, which starts on Friday, June 30. “It’s always been our goal to run more race dates, but as we’ve said, consistently, we need to present racing cards that provide the most value and are in the best interest of our customers,” said Joe Morris, The Stronach Group’s Senior Vice President of West Coast Operations. “Looking forward, we will continue to evaluate our racing schedule as we strive to present the best possible product for our fans.” Santa Anita has added extra races Friday, Saturday and Sunday, resulting in a total of 30 races for the week, compared to 34 that were run over the previous four-day week. Additionally, entries... ...

By DRF.com GRANTVILLE, Pa. (June 3, 2017) — California-bred Richard’s Boy was the official winner of the $200,000 Governor’s Cup at Penn National on Saturday – but it wasn’t easy. As a matter of fact, things were difficult for several horses in the $200,000 Governor’s Cup as there were a pair of jockey objections regarding separate incidents. Bold Thunder, at 24-1, outsprinted 3-5 favorite Richard’s Boy for the early lead in the five-furlong turf sprint. Bold Thunder, with Irad Ortiz Jr., was digging in during the stretch run when Ortiz switched from a right-handed stick to a left and hit the 7-year-old. Bold Thunder immediately ducked outward. Ortiz quickly grabbed a hold but the damage had been done as Bold Thunder herded Richard’s Boy outward several paths. Jockey Paco Lopez, who was beaten a head on Richard’s Boy, lodged an objection and the stewards reversed the order of finish. “He carried my horse out, and then my horse was coming on again,” Lopez said. Ortiz said he did all he... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 2, 2017) – Schulace gave California stallion Champ Pegasus his first winner on Friday by taking the sixth race at Santa Anita, a maiden special weight for 2-year-olds, in his debut. Schulace is out of the Holy Bull mare Tillie Lou, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Richard Barton, trained by Mike Machowsky and was ridden by Rafael Bejarano. He ran the 4 ½ furlongs in :52.68 and won by 3 ¾ lengths at odds of 6-5 in the field of eight. Champ Pegasus stands at Legacy Ranch. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 29, 2017)–A joint fourth heading into the Club House turn, Little Red Feather Racing’s Marckie’s Water, under patient handling from Joe Talamo, bided his time around the far turn, swung five-wide turning for home and exploded late to take Monday’s $200,000 Snow Chief Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by 2 ¼ lengths.  Trained by Richard Baltas, the 3-year-old Tribal Rule colt got a mile and one eighth over the Santa Anita turf in 1:46.45. Bred in California by Frank Mermenstein and Tom McCrocklin, Marckie’s Water picked up his second win from six starts and with the winner’s check of $110,000, he increased his earnings to $155,585. “We had a perfect trip,” said Talamo, who was aboard for the first time.  “Billy Koch (Little Red Feather Racing) pretty much told me about the horse and how he likes to run.  I basically just followed Mario (Gutierrez, aboard favored B Squared, who finished sixth) around the turn and when Edwin (Maldonado, aboard third place... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (May 29, 2017) –In a thrilling finish of the $100,000 All American Stakes (G3), Jerry Hollendorfer and George Todaro’s California-bred  G. G. Ryder won a four-way blanket finish to claim a victory May 29 against familiar foes. The 6-year-old son of Chhaya Dance ran into traffic issues in last year’s edition of the All American and finished 11th, but was an easy winner two years ago, finishing 1 1/4 lengths ahead. Bred in California by Eagle Oak Ranch out of the Storm Boot mare Stormy Gigi, G. G. Ryder now boasts a record of 13-9-3 from 36 starts, with earnings of $611,095. In the one-mile test over Golden Gate Fields‘ synthetic track Monday, Alert Bay broke sharply and headed for the lead but had to settle for second behind longshot Street Lad. Dalmore raced in third and G. G. Ryder, with jockey Irving Orozco up, was fourth. Street Lad set fractions of :25.14 and :49.46 through the first half-mile. Into the second turn, jockey Juan Hernandez asked... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 29, 2017)–Nick Alexander’s homebred S Y Sky, heavily favored at 2-5, repelled a tenacious Miss Sunset after a protracted stretch duel to take Monday’s $200,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies by a half length.  Trained by Phil D’Amato and ridden by Joe Talamo, S Y Sky got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:44.69. Ridden by Mike Smith, Miss Sunset showed the way to the far turn, was collared by the winner turning for home, but proved a most-worthy adversary as she grudgingly gave way well inside the sixteenth pole. When asked about the psychology of facing Smith in such circumstances, Talamo responded, “I just wish he’d retire, that sonuvagun!  Mike’s filly really tried hard, but my filly is so nice.  She’s getting better with every race and she kept to her task and fought that other filly off.” Dispatched at 2-5 in a field of six California-bred or sired 3-year-old fillies, S Y Sky, a 3-year-old filly by... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 28, 2017)–Full of run and fourth at the rail turning for home under Gary Stevens, California-bred Ashleyluvssugar managed to split horses a sixteenth of a mile from home en route to an impressive half length win in Sunday’s Grade II, $200,000 Charles Whittingham Stakes.  Trained by Peter Eurton, the 6-year-old Game Plan gelding negotiated a mile and a quarter on turf in 1:58.49, his second win in the race named for racing’s legendary “Bald Eagle.” In a reversal in tactics from his third place finish going a mile and one half in the Grade II San Luis Rey Stakes on March 25, a race in which he went to the early lead, “Ashley” was taken back and covered up in the early stages by Stevens today. “I talked to Pete this morning and we were on the same page, we didn’t want to be sitting ducks like last time,” said Stevens.  “My horse can’t sustain a long run, but he run a long... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2017) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Saudi Chroma won at first asking on Thursday in a maiden special weight race for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. The Lucky Pulpit colt, out of the  Mr. Greeley mare Nine to Five Lady, was bred by Cole Ranch, is owned by Zedan Racing Stables and trained by Doug O’Neill. The colt, named Californiabyanose at the time, was a buyback at last year’s Northern California Yearling Sale, then was resold for $42,000 and again this year at Barretts for $360,000. Saudi Chrome ran the 4 1/2 furlongs in :52.08 and won by 3 1/4 lengths at odds of 5-2 in a field of seven. ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2017) –The California Horse Racing Board’s Race Dates Committee, which normally handles year-to-year disputes between industry stakeholders in the Northern and Southern regions of the state, discussed a wider issue of horse racing’s future May 24 at Santa Anita Park. Spurred by CHRB commissioner George Krikorian, the Dates Committee set out to discuss a radical idea—combining both regions of the state into one racing circuit, rather than two independent circuits. A move to one circuit would be a monumental shift from the current operating procedure in California, which has both circuits running concurrently throughout the year. This year Santa Anita has seen a significant dip in field size and even cancelled a Thursday card April 27 because the track’s racing office could not get enough entries to fill the scheduled races. BALAN: Santa Anita Cancels April 27 Racing “We’re faced with a number of challenging issues right now,” Krikorian said. “Field sizes, number of races, number of race days per week, inventory of horses,... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2017) — Tim Ritvo, the chief operating officer of the Stronach Group, the parent company of Santa Anita, said on Sunday that he plans to spend time in California in an effort to determine how to improve business at Santa Anita. In a phone interview, Ritvo said he plans to arrive at Santa Anita this weekend. “I want to spend more time out there like I should be,” he said. “I want to observe. There are no silver bullets and I can see what we can do to make things better. “We’re going to come in and evaluate and see what’s been working and what needs help. “I can dig into different issues.” Ritvo is based in Florida where The Stronach Group owns Gulfstream Park. The company also owns Laurel and Pimlico in Maryland and Golden Gate Fields in Northern California. Ritvo spent time at Santa Anita last winter, but has largely been based at the company’s other tracks. :: Enjoy news and analysis... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 21, 2017)–Although beaten 2 ¼ lengths, fast improving Moonless Sky was awarded the win via a stewards’ disqualification in Sunday’s $125,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita.   Trained by Eddie Truman and ridden by Kent Desormeaux, the 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Bold Chieftain got a mile on grass in 1:33.57. In winning, 4-year-old Moonless Sky, who was originally based in south Florida, is now a perfect three for three in Truman’s barn and in addition to picking up her first stakes victory, she also provided her California-based sire Bold Chieftain with his first stakes winner as a stallion. She was bred by Willow Tree Farm. Ridden by Flavien Prat, favored Pacific Heat, who rallied from last at the quarter pole, ducked in a furlong out, causing Moonless Sky, who appeared full of run, to break stride.  Although impeded, Moonless Sky kept to her task, finishing second, a half length in front of Roo’s Valentine. “Flavien’s... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (May 20, 2017) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Holy Yodeler won a maiden special weight race at Golden Gate on Saturday. Holy Yodeler is a 2-year-old son of Swiss Yodeler, out of the Holy Bull mare Holy Script, was bred in California by Rozamund Barclay, is owned by Steve Moger and trained by Ed Moger, Jr. The $18,000 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase ran the 4 ½ furlongs in :53.06 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 4-1 in the field of eight. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 20, 2017)–After three solid performances in graded stakes competition, classy What a View returned home to Santa Anita and relished his role as favorite among Golden State Series eligibles in Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes, winning in gate to wire fashion by one length.  Trained by Kenny Black and ridden by Tyler Baze, he negotiated one mile on turf in 1:33.24. “I thought (eventual second place finisher) Pee Wee Reese would be on the lead, but Tyler read it right and took the initiative,” said Black, who sent his stable star out to a good sixth place finish in the Grade I Maker’s 46 Mile (turf) at Keeneland on April 14.  “I was hoping he wouldn’t have to run as hard as he did today, but my horses have been coming out of their races on this turf course better than they come out of their works, so I’m not concerned. “We’ll come right back in the Shoemaker Mile (Grade I, $400,000 turf... ...

By Bloodhorse.com BALTIMORE, Md. (May 19, 2017) –The horse who ended the dominance of Ben’s Cat in the $100,000 Jim McKay Turf Sprint Stakes at Pimlico Race Course May 19 was taking a pretty significant step down in class. Richard’s Boy—Rockingham Ranch’s West Coast-based gelding, bred by Harold Tillema & Pamela Tillema—encouraged his connections to send him overseas to take on some of the best turf sprinters in the world March 25 in the Al Quoz Sprint Sponsored By Azizi Developments (G1) in Dubai, and he gave a good account of himself. The gray 5-year-old son of Idiot Proof finished fifth, 2 1/2 lengths behind winner The Right Man, in the $1 million race, but the six furlongs really wasn’t his specialty.  Even his game efforts in recent months in races down the Santa Anita Park hillside turf course—where he’s placed in four straight stakes—just really aren’t his best distance. The five grassy furlongs of the Jim McKay, however, are just up his alley. He came into the Jim McKay... ...

By Bloodhorse.com BALTIMORE, Md. (May 19, 2017) — For the second year in a row, the late In Excess—a former juggernaut on the California stallion scene—has figured in the first three generations of a Kentucky Derby Presented By Yum! Brands (G1) winner.  As the broodmare sire of Always Dreaming, a Bodemeister   colt who captured the Derby May 6, In Excess is also the paternal great-grandsire of last year’s Derby winner Nyquist  . Nyquist is by 2010 champion juvenile colt and leading freshman sire of 2015 and second-crop sire of 2016 Uncle Mo  , himself by Indian Charlie (a son of In Excess). In Excess—bred in Ireland by Ahmed Foustok—sired 57 black-type stakes winners from 1,046 foals (a strike rate of 5.4%) and progeny that earned more than $46.8 million. He represents an increasingly rare branch of the Nasrullah sire line, whose tail-male descendants are now mostly represented in America by Nasrullah’s son Bold Ruler and paternal grandson Blushing Groom. Nasrullah also sired Grey Sovereign, who shared his sire’s disagreeable temper and talent on... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Perennial leading California sire Unusual Heat, the all-time leading sire by California progeny earnings, died May 17 at the age of 27 due to complications from arthritis-induced laminitis.  “It is with a very heavy heart that I have to report the passing of Unusual Heat today,” said Harris Auerbach, managing partner of the Unusual Heat Syndicate. “He gave so much to racing, breeding, and Thoroughbred retirement here in California. He provided the impetus for Cal-breds to be at the forefront of California racing with runners that filled fields and raised the quality standard of the state-breds during his era. He was also the driving force behind the creation of CARMA, which has led to millions of dollars of funding for our retirees here in California.”  “I will miss him sorely,” said co-owner Madeline Auerbach. “He has been part of my family and life for the last 20 years. Being a part of him is a gift and a blessing that cannot be replicated. What his stature and presence has... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 17, 2017) – California-bred Masochistic, one of the leading sprinters in California and whose recent career has been mired in controversy, has been turned out for at least 60 days, essentially ending his 2017 campaign. Masochistic finished 13th as the 2-1 favorite in the Churchill Downs Stakes on a wet-fast track in Kentucky on May 6. Trainer Ron Ellis said Masochistic is being given a rest at Taylor Made Farm in Kentucky. “We’ve turned him out for a while,” he said. With a break of at least two months, Masochistic would not return to training until the summer and would need a few months to regain fitness. Many leading stakes for sprinters would be run before Masochistic was ready to resume racing. Masochistic, 7, has won 8 of 16 starts and earned $857,550. He was second in the Grade 1 Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita in March. Bred by Francoise Dupuis & Louise Julian and owned by Samantha Siegel and Will Shamlian, Masochistic finished... ...

From Golden Gate Fields ALBANY, Calif. (May 14, 2017) — California-bred Grecian Fire held the pace then was much the best in the stretch to win Sunday’s $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate by 1 ¼ lengths. Grecian Fire is by Unusual Heat, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, was bred by owner KMN Racing and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $90,625 and was coming off a sixth in the Apr. 30 Silky Sullivan. Ridden by William Antongeorgi III, Grecian Fire completed today’s route in 1:37.81. The performance rewarded fans $11 for their $2 wager. The runner up, fellow Cal-bred More Power To Him, by Slew’s Tiznow, trained by Faith Taylor, kept pace to the turn then moved outside to close in late for the nod. “My horse was running in spots in the last race and so I felt ok coming back in two weeks,” said Hollendorfer. “Actually, jockey Frank Alvarado, told me to try some... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (May 14, 2017) – California-bred Sharkzilla rallied from the clouds and tagged So Lucky in the final yards for a one-length victory Sunday in the $50,000 Auburn Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Emerald Downs. Rallying from last in the eight-horse field, Sharkzilla ran six furlongs in 1:08.92 under Erick Lopez and paid $37, $14.20 and $7.40. Candi Tollett—winning her first stakes race at Emerald Downs—is the winning trainer for owner John Parker of Lake Bay, Wash. Purchased for $1,200 at the 2015 Barretts January Sale, Sharkzilla earned $27,500 for Sunday’s victory and is 2-2-2 in seven lifetime starts with $70,134 in purses. The winner, bred in California by Roger Downes, is by Distorted Reality. He finished third as a maiden in the 2016 Gottstein Futurity and was coming off a runner-up finish in a starter allowance last month at Golden Gate Fields. So Lucky, ridden by Rocco Bowen, did everything but win the race. The 2016 state champion 2-year-old set blistering factions—21.25,... ...

PHOENIX – Odds-on favorite Squeeze Me, a Washington-bred daughter of California stallion Papa Clem, won Sunday’s $74,060 Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity for 2-year-olds. Squeeze Me is out of the Pioneerof the Nile mare Great Mom. She ran the five furlongs in :58.09 and won by 6 ¼ lengths at odds of 1-10. ...

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (May 6, 2017) – California-bred stakes winner Above Perfection is the dam of Always Dreaming, winner of Saturday’s 143rd running of the Grade I Kentucky Derby. Always Dreaming, a son of Bodemeister, was bred in Kentucky by Santa Rosa Partners. Above Perfection, a daughter of In Excess, was bred by Old English Rancho and won seven of 10 starts with earnings of $380,737. She won the Grade III Las Flores Handicap and was second in the Grade I Prioress Stakes in 2001. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 6, 2017)–Undefeated Sircat Sally unleashed another completely dominant front-running performance on Saturday at Santa Anita, taking the Grade III, $100,000 Senorita Stakes for 3-year-old fillies by 1 ½ lengths under Stewart Elliott.  Owned and bred in California by Joe L. Turner and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, she got a flat mile on turf in 1:35.83 while notching her sixth consecutive win. With regular pilot Mike Smith away to ride at Churchill Downs, Elliott put Sircat Sally on the lead and dictated terms through leisurely splits of 24.24, 48.45, 1:12.83 and 1:24.46. “She made the lead easily and she’s push-button to ride,” said Elliott.  She’ll slow down, speed up, whatever you want.  When I asked her the last part, she finished out.” Off at 2-5 in a field of six 3-year-old fillies, Sircat Sally, the lone California-bred in the lineup, paid $2.80, $2.20 and $2.10. “She’s very professional,” said Hollendorder assistant, Dan Ward.  “She has just as much kick as the closers, but she... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 1, 2017) – Congress reached an agreement late yesterday on a bipartisan bill to fund the federal government through September 30, 2017. The bill contains language related to various H-2B visa program concerns, including possible relief from the annual 66,000 cap of H-2B visas issued if the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation with the Secretary of labor, finds economic necessity. The total number of H-2B visas available in fiscal year 2017 may increase to as high as  129,547 from 66,000 if language in the bill is fully applied. The higher H-2B visa cap was derived from the number of new and returning workers admitted in the U.S. in fiscal year 2007, which is the fiscal year when the highest number of H-2B nonimmigrants participated in the H-2B returning worker program. Below is the related language from the bill: SEC. 543. Notwithstanding the numerical limitation set forth in section 214(g)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(1)(B)), the Secretary of Homeland Security, after consultation... ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2017) — Although his career is less than two months old, B Squared  has accomplished plenty. A 3-year-old California-bred, B Squared ($5.60)  scored his first stakes victory in his third start Sunday, stalking nicely and pulling away in the lane to win the $100,450 Silky Sullivan Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Golden Gate Fields. B Squared was making his first start on turf and first start around two turns but was still favored in the Cal-bred stakes He lived up to the favoritism with a strong performance. A son of  Square Eddie owned and bred by Redham Racing, B Squared won his March 4 debut at seven furlongs with ease. He then dueled all the way in the 61/2-furlong  Echo Eddie, losing by a nose to Mr. Hinx, who wound up fifth Sunday. Two other rivals from the Echo Eddie took charge of the race early. Tribal Storm set the early pace before Elwood J claimed it at the half-mile pole and... ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 30, 2017) — Miss Sunset  showed her gameness while scoring a wire-to-wire victory in the $100,225 Campanile Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares on Sunday at Golden Gate Fields. A  homebred daughter of Into Mischief, Miss Sunset had previously won the Generous Portion as a 2-year-old and the Sweet Life this year, but her victory Sunday  in the one-mile turf stakes for California-breds may have been her sweetest win yet. She was coming off a third in the Evening Jewel when she was nipped at the line by Radish, who was unable to beat her Sunday. As expected, Miss Sunset ($3.20) made the lead and was able to set comfortable fractions under Juan Hernandez. She picked up the pace after going a 49.60-second half-mile and was challenged at the quarter pole by Radish, who ran second all the way. The two ran in tandem through the stretch, and Radish may have stuck her nose in front at some point. But Miss Sunset... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 29, 2017) — Peter Redekop’s Alert Bay was sent off at 3-5 to defend his title in the $100,000 San Francisco Mile (G3T) April 29, and the 6-year-old gelding had no problem doing so, as he held on gamely to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Watch Video “Everybody kept telling me that it was going to be a walkover, but I know better than that. It’s a horse race … He’s a heck of a horse,” winning trainer Blaine Wright said of his millionaire runner. “We’ve got to earn every one of them and I’m very happy to be standing here.” In the one-mile test over the firm turf at Golden Gate Fields, Many Roses went to the lead, as Alert Bay tracked closely to his outside. G. G. Ryder, winner of the 2015 edition of the San Francisco Mile, raced two lengths back in third, followed by Camino Del Paraiso, Star Student, and Stryker Phd at the back of the six-horse field.  Many Roses, the 5-2... ...

By Bloodhorse.com SARATOGA, N.Y. (Apr. 24, 2017) — Three-time Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) winner Goldikova, multiple Eclipse Award-winning jockeys Javier Castellano and the late Garrett Gomez, and Triple Crown-winning jockey Victor Espinoza have been elected to the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in the contemporary category, it was announced April 24. The electees will be inducted into the Hall of Fame Aug. 4 at 10:30 a.m. at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion. The ceremony is open to the public and free to attend. Goldikova, Castellano, Espinoza, and Gomez will be inducted along with the previously announced steeplechase selections of Tom Voss and Good Night Shirt. The Pillars of the Turf inductees will be announced in May. Bred in Ireland, Goldikova (Anabaa—Born Gold, by Blushing Groom) posted a career record of 17 wins from 27 starts and earned $7,176,551. The only three-time Breeders’ Cup Mile winner (2008, 2009, 2010)—and one of only two horses along with Beholder to win three Breeders’ Cup races—Goldikova won the Eclipse Award for Champion Turf... ...

By DRF.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Apr. 22, 2017) — Bluegrass Flag, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, had experience, recency, and speed on her side. The only place she didn’t seem to have an advantage over Nobel Freud in Saturday’s $100,000 Park Avenue division of the New York Stallion Series at Aqueduct was on the toteboard. Despite the public hammering Noble Freud to 1-5 favoritism, it was Bluegrass Flag who was standing proudly in the winner’s circle afterward, storming to a six-length victory in the Park Avenue. Noble Freud, making her first start for trainer Chad Brown after a private purchase, chased Bluegrass Flag all the way around the track and was fortunate to hold second by a neck over Frosty Gal. Toni Tools, Dublin Girl, Unbridledadventure and Karen Kan completed the order of finish. The win was the third in five starts for Bluegrass Flag, a daughter of Bluegrass Cat owned by Thomas Albrecht and Vincent Fusaro and trained by Tom Morley. She was coming off a... ...

By EvangelineDowns.com OPELOUSAS, LA (April 15, 2017)–U S Officer, a Louisiana-bred son of California stallion U S Ranger, has faced some tough competition in his past, with two of his losses coming to 2017 Louisiana Derby winner, Girvin, and 2017 Arkansas Derby winner, Classic Empire, and in the $50,000 Ragin Cajun at Evangeline Downs on Saturday, the colt wasn’t even the betting favorite. However, that didn’t matter as he scored a victory as the 2-1 second choice in a field of four, covering the seven furlongs in 1:24.54 over a fast track. The betting favorite in the Ragin Cajun was Laughingsaintssong, who was sent off at odds of 3-5. He ended up dueling throughout the early stages of the race with Jilotepec. That pair set solid fractions of 22.56 seconds for the quarter-mile and 45.11 for the half-mile. U S Officer tracked that twosome under rider Diego Saenz before making a strong three-wide move to take the lead as the field came to the final furlong. From there, U S... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 8, 2017) – In sprints, Mr. Hinx is unbeaten in three starts, the latest win occurring in Saturday’s $200,345 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. In two-turn races, Mr. Hinx has struggled, finishing a well-beaten fourth twice. The way Mr. Hinx won the Echo Eddie at 6 1/2 furlongs, fighting for the lead throughout, sprints may be the focus of his 2017 campaign. Mr. Hinx is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Put It Back mare Kitten Exchange, was bred by owner Gary Barber and is trained by Peter Miller. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $195,368 and was coming off a fourth in a Mar. 9 optional claimer. “He left there running,” jockey Tyler Baze said. “I didn’t want to take anything out of him. “He’s got so much talent. There is a lot there.” Mr. Hinx ($19) won the Echo Eddie by a nose over B Squared, the two dueling for the lead... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 8, 2017) – On turf or dirt, against state-breds or in graded stakes, Sircat Sally has been unbeatable the last six months. In Saturday’s Grade 3 Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita, Sircat Sally ($2.60) led throughout to win her graded stakes debut with little urging from jockey Mike Smith. The $150,345 Providencia Stakes was the fourth consecutive stakes win for Sircat Sally. She won the Soviet Problem Stakes for Cal-bred 2-year-old fillies on dirt at Los Alamitos in December and is unbeaten in three stakes this year, all on turf: the Cal Cup Oaks against Cal-breds in January, the minor China Doll Stakes against open company March 11 and the Providencia. “It looks like she can do anything,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said. “She has speed and can run long. You can’t ask for more.” Sircat Sally, by Surf Cat, races for owner and breeder Joe Turner. Sircat Sally has earned $348,860. She won her debut at Del Mar... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (April 8, 2017)–Head and head with heavily favored Miss Sunset turning for home, Nick Alexander’s homebred first-time starter S Y Sky powered to a convincing 5 ½-length win in Saturday’s $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes under Joe Talamo.  Trained by Phil D’Amato, the 3-year-old chestnut filly by Grazen got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.52. Off at 6-1 in a field of eight sophomore fillies eligible for the Golden State Series, S Y Sky paid $14.80, $7.80 and $3.80. Out of Alexander’s Sky Mesa mare, Sky Marni, S Y Sky, who broke from post position six, got the winner’s share of $110,000, plus a Cal-bred incentive bonus for breaking her maiden of $17,500, resulting in a total payday of $127,500. Ridden by Mario Gutierrez, Radish, who broke from post two, sat third most of the way and overhauled the favorite by a head at the wire for second money.  Off at 18-1, she paid $13.20 and $4.40. Miss Sunset, who added blinkers today and broke from... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 7, 2017) – Big Score, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Mr. Big, won Friday’s $150,000 Grade III Transylvania Stakes presented by Keeneland Select, at Keeneland. Big Score, out of the Unusual Heat mare Not Unusual, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.23 and won by one-half length at odds of 10-1. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $237,800 and was making his first start since a fifth in the Nov. 4 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. ...

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Apr. 1, 2017) – She’s So Fine, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Haynesfield, ran her win streak to four in Saturday’s $80,000 Karakorum Elektra Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. She’s So Fine has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $201,737 and has won all four of her starts this year, including a $20,000 claimer. She’s So Fine, out of the Value Plus mare Speed Has Value, ran the seven furlongs in 1:26.53 and won by 3 ¼ lengths at odds of 5-2 in a field of six. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 30, 2017) — Under the direction of its new director of track maintenance, Dennis Moore, Del Mar has begun a process designed to modify its main track with an end result of having it replicate the banking and grading of its sister track to the north, Santa Anita Park. Crews began their work on the track on Wednesday (March 29) and the stripping and grading activity is expected to take several weeks. The plan is to adjust the seaside oval’s main track banking to 5% (from 4%) on the turns and 2 1/2% (from 2%) in the straightaways — as is the case currently with Santa Anita – well in advance of the opening of Del Mar’s 78th summer season on Wednesday, July 19. “Our priority, of course, is safety,” said Joe Harper, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club’s president and CEO. “One of the key elements in safety is consistency and this adjustment will give our horses and horsemen that consistency when it comes... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Mar. 30, 2017) – A Northern California Yearling Sale graduate by Lucky Pulpit brought $360,000 at Wednesday’s Barretts March Select Sale of 2-Year-Olds in training at Del Mar. Californiabyanose, a filly out of the Mr. Greeley mare Nine to Five Lady, was bred by Cole Ranch, consigned by Havens Bloodstock Agency and purchased by Dennis O’Neill for Amr Zedan. She was the fastest previewer in the sale. Another purchase of interest to California breeders was a Kentucky-bred colt by California stallion Haynesfield for $130,000. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 26, 2017)–Patiently handled by Tiago Pereira, streaking Skye Diamonds, claimed for $40,000 this past August, ran down Roo’s Valentine to take Sunday’s $100,000 Dream of Summer Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by 1 ¼ lengths at Santa Anita.  Trained by Bill Spawr, the 4-year-old California-bred daughter of First Dude got a flat mile in 1:37.34. A close second to Roo’s Valentine going to the far turn, Pereira sat motionless as “Roo,” who was ridden by Martin Pedroza, opened up by nearly three lengths leaving the three furlong pole, only to be collared a furlong from home. “I had a lot of horse left that last part,” said Pereira, who has ridden Skye Diamonds in her last six starts.  “I pushed and I smooched, but she had plenty left.  I waited a little bit today.  The one time I moved early with her, she got tired.  Today I waited, she made a move and the last part was easy.” With... ...

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Mar. 26, 2017) – Odds-on favorite Bluegrass Flag, a New York-bred daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, ran off with Saturday’s $90,000 Cicada Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Aqueduct. Bluegrass Flag ran the six furlongs in 1:11.99 and won by six lengths at odds of 3-10 in the field of three. Bluegrass Flag has two wins in four starts, earnings of $113,220 and was coming off a second in the Franklin Square Stakes. ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Mar. 22, 2017) — Del Mar Futurity-G1 winner and California-bred Champion Tamarando retires from racing with earnings of $722,652 and will enter stud this year at Harris Farms for $2,500 live foal. Bred and raced by Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams, Tamarando won at distances from 5 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/8 miles in his first 10 starts at 2 and 3, winning the Del Mar Futurity-G1 on Polytrack in his stakes debut, the El Camino Real Derby-G3 on Tapeta, the Real Quiet Stakes on Cushion Track, and placing in the FrontRunner Stakes-G1 on dirt and CashCall Futurity-G1. He received 118 pounds on the 2013 Experimental Free Handicap, the highest weight assigned to a California-bred juvenile. The youngest of 15 graded stakes winners sired by leading California sire Bertando, Tamarando is out of the Dehere G2-placed winner Tamarack Bay and is a half-brother stakes winners Luckarack ($612,607) and U’narack ($194,080), in addition to stakes-placed winners Tamarack Smarty ($284,296), Pulmarack Smarty ($235,574) and Ward ‘n... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 18, 2017)–In what may have been her best performance to date, Nick Alexander’s homebred Enola Gray rocketed clear of her competition three sixteenths of a mile from home as she went on to win Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by a comfortable four lengths under Tyler Baze.  Trained by Phil D’Amato, she got 6 ½ furlongs while in-hand in 1:11.91. Breaking from the inside in a field of seven California-bred or sired older fillies and mares, she was at once on terms with speedy longshot Emmy and I while well within herself heading to the half mile pole. “This may have been her best race,” said Alexander.  “There was a lot more speed in there today than in the last few races…I think Tyler knows that what he does best is to just barely put any pressure on the reins.  He’s pretty much loose reining her now.  She can go so fast early and not... ...

From Golden Gate Fields ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2017) — California-bred Fast and Foxy, trained by Holly Evans and ridden by Catalino Martinez, broke clean and set the pace on the rail to take the victory in the $50,000 Camilla Urso stakes. Turkish Tabby, saved ground in the stretch, but wasn’t able to get there in time, taking second. Code Warrior ridden by Anne Sanguinetti, was forced four wide, but also rallied in the stretch to finish third. Today’s race was for fillies and mares four years old and upward and was completed in a time of 1:09.20. Fast and Foxy, the betting favorite, paid $4.40 for today’s efforts. 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 15 wins in 40 starts and earnings of $437,328. Trainer Holly Evans: “I was just hoping she would hold on. She’s easy to handle she does what you... ...

By Bloodhorse.com NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Mar. 16, 2016) — Two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome   will shuttle to Oussama Aboughazale’s Haras Sumaya near Santiago, Chile, for the next three seasons, according to announcements March 16 from Taylor Made Farm and Haras Sumaya. “California Chrome has generated a lot of interest from the Southern Hemisphere, so we agreed to explore the option of shuttling,” said Duncan Taylor, president and chief executive officer of Taylor Made. “We are very happy to partner with Sumaya Stud, and feel extremely comfortable that it’s a great situation for California Chrome. This was a decision that was not taken lightly. “Ben (Taylor) and I flew down to see several potential farms and did an extensive amount of due diligence, evaluating whether or not there was a situation that met a very high set of standards established by our entire advisory team and our shareholders. Ultimately, the health and safety of California Chrome, quality of facilities, experience of staff, and reputation of the farm were all paramount.”... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2017) – Sircat Sally remained unbeaten by winning Saturday’s $94,515 China Doll Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Sircat Sally is by Surf Cat, out of the In Excess mare Sister Sally, was bred by owner Joe Turner and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She is 4-for-4 with earnings of $258,860 and was coming off a win in the Jan. 28 California Cup Oaks.   ...

By ArkansasOnline.com HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Mar. 5, 2017) — Kathballu ($12.20), a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, held off fast-closing Natural Wonder to win Saturday’s $125,000 Spring Fever Stakes by three-quarters of a length at Oaklwan Park. Fantastic Style, the 4-5 favorite, didn’t get a clean start in the 5½-furlong race, but led through early fractions of :22.33 and :45.67 for the first half mile. Kathballu stalked closely in second and stuck her head in front as the field entered the stretch, hitting the wire in 1:04.24 over a fast track. Marquee Miss finished third and was followed by D R C’s Pretty Sky, Fantastic Style and Super Saks. Durango and Her Love for Pappy completed the order of finish. Kathballu improved her record to 7-3-3 from 24 starts and has now earned $409,349. “She was all heart,” said jockey Channing Hill. “Not the ideal trip, as I was inside and had to press on the entire way. I thought (Fantastic Style) would be a little faster and... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 2, 2017) — Because of Thoroughbred racing and breeding’s reliance on foreign nationals to fill agricultural and non-agricultural jobs under temporary visa programs, many in the Thoroughbred industry have serious concerns about recent reports and efforts by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to give U.S. officials broad authority to target so-called “removable aliens” for deportation. In President Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday evening and in interviews earlier in the day, he indicated a willingness to consider comprehensive immigration reform. While it is too early to tell what this means, in the past, NTRA has strongly supported comprehensive immigration reform as the best way to address our industry’s unique concerns. Consequently, the NTRA Legislative team will be working on Capitol Hill to secure a seat at the table to make sure that if there is serious engagement on immigration reform, our industry is represented and protected. We will keep you apprised as this very fluid situation develops. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2017)–Avanti Bello took a steep drop in class and got back to his preferred distance in taking Sunday’s $100,000 Tiznow Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by 1 ¾ lengths under Flavien Prat.   Trained by Doug O’Neill, the 5-year-old horse by Include got a flat mile in 1:35.95. Breaking from the far outside in a field of seven older horses bred or sired in California, Avanti Bello, who was distanced here in the Grade II, 1 1/16 miles San Antonio Stakes on Feb. 4, broke alertly and was well within himself while procuring second position behind pacesetter Acceptance, who he tracked to the top of the lane, from where he took command. “The first part of the race, we didn’t go that fast which is good for (Avanti Bello),” said Prat.  “He doesn’t have a lot of speed the first part, but he needs to be right there at the end.  With not a lot of speed, I didn’t have to rush... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2017)–With California-bred or sired horses engaged, Saturday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles came down to an inch–with 2014 winner Ambitious Brew just getting up to win by a nose under Mike Smith over Richard’s Boy and Victor Espinoza.  A Pamela Ziebarth homebred 7-year-old gelding by Tizbud, he’s trained by Marty Jones and got the 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12.05. Ridden by Mike Smith, Ambitious Brew, idle since well beaten down the hill in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on Nov. 5, sat a close second to Richard’s boy the entire trip and gradually wore him down right on the money. “The field was short but tough,” said Smith.  “I really wasn’t looking around too much, it was just about getting comfortable.  Marty had him ready to go today.  I thought I had it at the wire.  Victor’s horse is game though.  When I stayed close, his horse really responded…I didn’t... ...

From Poplar Meadows ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2017) – The California-based stallion Bedford Falls was represented by his first black-type stakes winner on Sunday when his second-crop daughter Cuddle Alert upset Santa Anita Park’s $100,000 Spring Fever Handicap for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by a hard-fought head. After breaking from the rail at odds of 8-1 under veteran jockey Agapito Delgadillo, Cuddle Alert stalked the pace in fourth early, moved three-wide entering the stretch and relentlessly took aim upon front-runner Late ‘n Left, ultimately stopping the clock as a photo-finish winner in 1:09.86 for six furlongs. Her win also marked the first career stakes victory for trainer Melissa Saldana, who conditions Cuddle Alert for owners Reed Saldana and Leopoldo (“Polo”) Urbina. Cuddle Alert was produced by the winning Gilded Time mare Tee Dee, and bred in California by Carol Lingenfelter. The 6-year-old mare was sold privately as a 3-year-old by Bedford Falls Promotions Manager Lisa Groothedde, and has earned $229,000 to date with six wins and eight... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2017) –The odds were against Antone Metaxas’ Zakaroff during the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby (G3), and it wasn’t just because of his number on the infield tote board at Golden Gate Fields. Watch Video Off at 48-1, the Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Slew’s Tiznow   appeared to be full of run in the final turn of the 1 1/8-mile test on Golden Gate’s synthetic main track, but had nowhere to go. Traveling on the rail in sixth heading into the final turn, Zakaroff faced a wall of three horses just ahead of him, and had no way out with two horses boxing him in to his outside. But as the field turned for home, the complexion of the race changed entirely. The bunched-up group scattered and jockey Kyle Frey deftly found a path into the clear on the outside in the stretch, and the duo wore down favored Ann Arbor Eddie to win by a half-length. “Normally you might be (concerned about being... ...

By DRF.com LAUREL, Md. (Feb. 18, 2017) — The biggest win of Bodhisattva’s 28-race career came when he flashed high speed to win the $100,000 Federico Tesio Stakes at Pimlico as a 3-year-old in 2015. Generally, however, he’s a deep closer who needs to avoid traffic and make one big run. Saturday at Laurel Park, as a 22-1 longshot, Bodhisattva got both a clean trip and a big closing kick to upset odds-on favorite Page McKenney in the $75,000 John B. Campbell Handicap. In snapping a seven-race losing streak since his last win in the Carl Hanford Memorial at Delaware Park last July, Bodhisattva ($47.80), ridden by Carlos Quinones, followed up a good performance as the runner-up to Page McKenney, beaten 1 3/4 lengths, in last month’s Native Dancer at Laurel. “I was surprised he was 22-1,” said owner–trainer Jose Corrales.” He was just second to this horse last time. I finally got a jockey willing to listen to me. He rode a good race.” Corrales explained that Bodhisattva, a... ...

By Bloodhorse.com COALINGA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2017) —Lucky Pulpit  , the sire of two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome  , died Feb. 13 of an apparent heart attack while covering the first mare of the breeding season, according to Harris Farms, where he’s stood his entire career. “He was the picture of health all day,” said Dave McGlothlin, farm manager at Harris Farms. “He had a perfectly normal day. He and the teaser were talking smack to one another like they always did. We’re all stunned.” Both McGlothlin and stallion manager Raul Rosa were in the breeding shed with Lucky Pulpit when he collapsed coming off the mare. The 16-year-old son of Pulpit—Lady Soph, by Cozzene, was bred and raced by Larry and Marianne Williams. He won the Smile Stakes on the turf at Arlington International Race Course and placed in two graded stakes before retiring with $209,928 in earnings. Lucky Pulpit entered stud at Harris Farms near Coalingua, Calif., for a $2,500 fee. He stood this year for $7,500. He currently sits... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2017) — California-bred Miss Sunset lost her unbeaten record when she trailed home last of six in an optional claimer in the mud at Santa Anita on Jan. 13. The race has largely been forgotten. Miss Sunset ($14.40) rebounded on Sunday to win her stakes debut on turf in the $91,935 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on the hillside course. Ridden by Edwin Maldonado, Miss Sunset led throughout and won by a half-length over Miss Sugars, the 2-1 favorite. For Maldonado, the Sweet Life was his fourth win of the winter-spring meeting. He was out of action for nearly four months after sustaining rib injuries in a spill during morning training at Del Mar on Labor Day weekend. Maldonado returned to riding in late December. The Sweet Life was his first stakes win since California Diamond in the Santa Anita Juvenile here last July. In the Sweet Life, Miss Sunset led narrowly over Hot in the City on the hillside, after a quarter-mile... ...

PASADENA, Calif. (Feb. 8, 2017) – California Chrome was named the California-bred Horse of the Year for 2016 at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner held Wednesday night at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena. Ashleyluvssugar and Masochistic were the other finalists for Horse of the Year, an award California Chrome also won in 2014. The other champions presented at the dinner: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Lucky Pulpit, property of Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams. 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 LLC. Champion Freshman Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Empire Way, property of Heinz Steinmann. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number of Winners – Lucky Pulpit, property of Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams. Champion Breeders of California Foaled Thoroughbreds by Earnings – Perry Martin & Steve Coburn. Trainer... ...