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.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. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2024) – Stakes winner Curlin’s Kaos is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $200,000 Grade II Mathis Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. Curlin’s Kaos is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda & Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $276,520 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov. 9 Cary Grant. ...

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... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2024) – With a clear lead on the turn, Curlin’s Kaos proved impossible to catch in the stretch of Friday’s $153,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible  3-year-olds at Del Mar, providing a milestone win for trainer Antonio Garcia and jockey Diego Herrera. Garcia, 35, won the first stakes of his career, which began in 2016. For the 20-year-old Herrera, Curlin’s Kaos represented his first stakes win at Del Mar, and the second stakes win of his career, which began in 2021. Curlin’s Kaos ($14.80) was bred by James Shenouda and Sonny Pais and races for the partnership Zephyr Racing and Pais. Curlin’s Kaos was prominent from the start of the Real Good Deal Stakes at seven furlongs, holding a narrow lead through an opening quarter-mile in 22.20 seconds. By the end of the backstretch, Curlin’s Kaos’s advantage had widened, after a half-mile in 44.78. None of the trailing 11 runners posed a threat in the stretch. Curlin’s Kaos won by... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 4, 2024) – California-bred Si That Tiger appears to be the fastest 2-year-old at Emerald Downs in 2024. In Sunday’s $50,000 WTBOA Lads Stakes, Si That Tiger took command around the turn and powered home to a convincing 5 ½-length victory, covering 6 ½ furlongs in a fast 1:16.33. Silvio Amador rode the winner at 121 lbs. for trainer Blaine Wright and the ownership partnership of John and Janene Maryanski and Gerald and Gail Schneider, all of Auburn, Wash. A $20,000 yearling purchase, Si That Tiger has won two straight by a combined 12 ¾ lengths following a trouble-filled debut eight weeks ago. Including Sunday’s first-place check worth $27,500, his earnings now stand at $41,900. Sandwiched between Kiss the Tiger and stablemate Vivacious Tribute on the backstretch, Si That Tiger spurted clear on the turn while running the half in :44.54, a potentially taxing fraction for a 2-year-old in early August. No problem, however, as the favorite finished with a flourish in a... ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Aug. 5, 2024) — California-bred Spitten Kitten extended her stakes winning streak to three in Monday’s $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes for fillies and mares at Assiniboia Downs. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Marvin and Deb Buffalo and Arnold Souster and is trained by Marvin Buffalo. She has eight wins in 13 starts, earnings of $129,072 and has won three consecutive stakes.   ...

By Bloodhorse.com COALINGA, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2024) — Smiling Tiger  , a multiple grade 1-winning millionaire who currently leads all California sires by 2024 progeny earnings, had to be euthanized Aug. 1 due to complications from ataxia. The 17-year-old had been standing at John Harris’ Harris Farms near Coalinga, Calif., where he stood for the majority of his stud career. Phil Lebherz and Alan Klein raced Smiling Tiger, who was trained by Jeff Bonde, and headed the team that supported him at stud. Lebherz owned 75% interest and Klein 25%, with many of the offspring bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, the name of many of Lebherz’s partnerships. Lebherz had a deep bond and love for Smiling Tiger, bought as a yearling in 2008. “He was actually Bonde’s first grade 1 winner ever,” Lebherz said. That victory came in the 2010 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar. “It was fun because he was a 3-year-old against older horses,” Lebherz said. “Bob Baffert had two in there and also the champion from Australia (Scenic Blast)... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2024) — The Chosen Vron, California’s top sprinter, had seven workouts between his win in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar in July 2023 and a fifth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita last November. The California-bred has not lost since, including a striking performance in Saturday’s $401,000 Bing Crosby Stakes that earned the 6-year-old gelding a fees-paid berth to the BC Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 2. For this year’s BC Sprint, trainer and co-owner Eric Kruljac is planning a more active preparation for The Chosen Vron. “I’m going to be a little more aggressive than last year,” Kruljac said on Sunday. “I backed off of Vron more than I should have” last year. In coming months, The Chosen Vron will have stronger workouts, and maybe even an additional start in the Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint at six furlongs on Sept. 29. :: Get Del Mar Clocker Reports straight from the morning workouts at... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 27, 2024) — There is no change atop the California sprint division. The Chosen Vron reigns. For the second consecutive year, The California-bred won California’s leading annual sprint, Saturday’s Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at six furlongs at Del Mar. Last year, The Chosen Vron closed from sixth in a field of 12 to win by a head. On Saturday, The Chosen Vron was always near the front and won by a convincing 2 1/4 lengths over the Kentucky shipper Closethegame Sugar. “He can do anything,” said trainer and co-owner Eric Kruljac. :: Get Del Mar Clocker Reports straight from the morning workouts at the track. Available every race day. Bred by Tiz Molly Partners and ridden by regular rider Hector Berrios, The Chosen Vron led briefly in the opening quarter-mile, raced within a length of the lead at the end of the backstretch, and made steady progress to be closer to the front early on the turn. Racing three-wide, The Chosen Vron reached... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 27, 2024) — Unraced in nearly 22 months, Connie Swingle performed like a mare in the midst of an active campaign in Saturday’s $123,100 Daisycutter Handicap at five furlongs on turf at Del Mar. California-bred Connie Swingle ($11.20) stalked pacesetter Itzel to early stretch before taking a convincing lead with less than a furlong remaining. Ridden by Kyle Frey, Connie Swingle won by 1 3/4 lengths over 9-5 favorite Elm Drive, giving trainer Phil D’Amato a winning exacta in the race for fillies and mares. :: Get Del Mar Clocker Reports straight from the morning workouts at the track. Available every race day. “I think the five-eighths helped her,” D’Amato said. “Kyle gave her a super ride. He had a good position.” Connie Swingle was timed in 56.42 seconds. Elm Drive, who closed from fifth on the backstretch, finished 1 1/4 lengths in front of 2-1 Stay and Scam. Jockey Edwin Maldonado, who rode seventh-place finisher Runninwiththeboyz, lodged an objection against Stay and Scam,... ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Aug. 2, 2024) – Magic Tiger is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 Harvey Warner Manitoba Mile Stakes. Magic Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Funny Gal, was bred by Robert Heinz & Michelle Machado, is owned by Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meikle and is trained by Wendy Anderson. He has 12 wins in 33 starts, earnings of $169,950 and is coming off a ninth in the July 16 R.J. Speers Memorial. He was fourth in this race last year. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 26, 2024) – Pushiness turned back odds-on favorite Grand Slam Smile turning for home and sped to an easy four-length win in Friday’s $151,500 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Pushiness is by Kantharos, out of the Empire Maker mare Imperial Pippin, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Repole Stable and trained by Michael McCarthy. “She’s just fast. And she knows when it’s game day,” said McCarthy. “We weren’t sure about the seven-eighths today, but it looked like she did it alright. It was a great result. I’m very happy for Mike (Repole) and his whole team. Obviously, enjoy the support out here. A filly like this, she shows up and tries every time. “Coming to the quarter pole a little bit, when the Northern California filly (Grand Slam Smile) wasn’t getting to her, I started to feel pretty good. Like I said, wasn’t sure we’d get the distance, but it seemed like she did it today... ...

From Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm SOLVANG, Calif. (July 12, 2024) — Graded stakes winner Henry Adams (IRE) will stand his first season at California’s Eclipse Thoroughbred Farm, alongside Nick Alexander’s venerable Grazen. “I asked (international bloodstock consultant) Hubie de Burgh to find us a prospect that would add something to the California bloodstock community,” said Eclipse owner Mike Scully. “After a few months he came up with Henry.” Scully said de Burgh felt strongly about the colt’s class, all-surface pedigree and conformation. “He was just stunning coming off the trailer, and he’ll look even better when he gets a little weight on him. He’s got a really nice way about him, a good mind,” he added. Bred and trained by Aidan O’Brien for the ownership trio of Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier and Michael Tabor, the 2021 No Nay Never colt won his first two starts at two, including the Japan Racing Association’s Tyro Stakes (G3) at Leopardstown. Commenting on that race, O’Brien said, “It was a very good performance…he’s a fine... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 22, 2024) — The five-time stakes winner Chancery Way will be sent from Northern California to Del Mar next month in search of an elusive goal – a stakes win at a mile. Chancery Way has developed a niche in minor stakes or California-bred stakes in the last two years, winning five sprints at Del Mar, Golden Gate Fields, Pleasanton, and Sacramento. The most recent of those was a commanding 3 1/2-length win in the $66,250 Governor’s Cup Stakes for fillies and mares at six furlongs at Cal-Expo in Sacramento on Saturday evening, a win that ended a three-race losing streak. The 5-year-old mare’s next objective is the $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes at a mile on turf for statebred fillies and mares at Del Mar on Aug. 18. Chancery Way was third by 1 1/4 lengths in the Solana Beach last year. “She wasn’t disgraced,” trainer Jamey Thomas said. “She only got beat a head for second.” Thomas said on Sunday that he is eager... ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 20, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way successfully defended her title in Saturday’s $66,250 Governor’s Cup Stakes for fillies and mares at the California State Fair meet at Cal Expo. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms & John Nicoletti, is owned by Andy and Rob Smolich and is trained by Jamey Thomas. The $6,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has eight wins in 16 starts, earnings of $415,020 and was coming off a third in the June 15 Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks. Chancery Way ran the six furlongs in 1:10.25 and won by 3 1/4 lengths over odds-on favorite Tom’s Regret with Blevy’s Tiger third in a field of five Cal-breds. Chancery Way was timed in 1:10.25 after setting an early pace of 22.88 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 45.95 for a half-mile. “She broke on top,” winning jockey Assael Espinoza said on Sunday morning. “I... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (July 21, 2024) – Slew’s Tiz Whiz, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Slew’s Tiznow, won Sunday’s $50,000 Governor’s Stakes at Emerald Downs for the third consecutive year by dead-heating with Arma d’Oro. Slew’s Tiz Whiz, who rallied furiously along the rail, is out of the Rosberg mare Ros’s Girl. He and Arma d’Oro, sped the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.91 in a field of nine. Slew’s Tiz Whiz has nine wins in 22 starts and earnings of $298,457. The three-peat is one shy of Handy N Bold’s stakes record four wins from 1999-2003. The Governor’s Stakes is the prep for the Aug. 11 Longacres Mile, a race in which Slew’s Tiz Whiz has finished third the last two years. ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (July 18, 2024)—Multiple graded stakes winner Brickyard Ride, a speedy, near-millionaire from the prolific Candy Ride (Arg) sire line, will launch his stallion duties in 2025 at Rancho San Miguel in California. He is available for inspection at the San Luis Obispo County farm, where he will stand for an introductory fee of $4,000, with live foal guarantee.   Bred and campaigned in California by Alfred (“Sonny”) Pais, Brickyard Ride won or placed in 21 of 31 starts and compiled a career bankroll of $925,477. Eight of his 13 victories were recorded in black-type races at Santa Anita Park: seven on the main track and one on turf.   Topping his résumé are the 2021 San Carlos Stakes (G2) and back-to-back editions of the Kona Gold Stakes (G3) in 2022 and 2023. His five additional stakes scores include two runnings of the California Cup Sprint Stakes, as well as the grassy Sensational Star Stakes.   Gifted with natural, early speed, Brickyard Ride set... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (July 17, 2024) – California-bred even-money favorite Spitten Kitten added to her dominating record with a wire-to-wire win in Tuesday night’s $51,000 Canada Stakes for fillies and mares at Assiniboia Downs. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Marvin Buffalo, Deb Buffalo and Arnold Soustar. Spitten Kitten has seven wins in 12 starts and earnings of $129,072. Five of her seven wins are in stakes. She ran the 7 ½ furlongs in 1:33.58 and won by four lengths in a field of nine. ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 7, 2024) – California-bred Drop Um outlasted odds-on favorite R Heisman to win Sunday’s $75,000 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at the Alameda County Fair and remain unbeaten. Drop Um is the first stakes winner by sire Far From Over, out of the Include mare Behavioral, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Gray Farms and trained by Felix Rondan. He won his only other start May 26 with earnings of $62,550. R Heisman, a Kentucky-foaled son of California stallion Far From Over, was second with Cal-bred Timty third in a field of eight. Drop Um, who had to withstand an objection from R Heisman’s trainer, Peter Miller, ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.66 and won by one length at odds of 5-1. ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (July 7, 2024) — AUBURN, Wash. (July 7, 2024) – Vivacious Tribute, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Tom’s Tribute, sprinted clear early and powered home to a decisive one and three-quarter length victory in the $50,000 King County Express for 2-year-old colts & geldings Sunday at Emerald Downs. With Karlo Lopez aboard for his first stakes victory at Emerald Downs, Vivacious Tribute covered 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.79 and paid $5.76 as the second betting choice. Blaine Wright is the winning trainer for owner Margaret Root of Newport, Ore. Vivacious Tribute set fractions of :21.51, :43.97, and :56.91, turned aside a challenge from Da Smoke into the stretch, and was clear to the wire. Bodi Zafa, a first-time starter ridden by Leslie Mawing, flew between horses late to snatch second at odds of 8 to 1, while Big Bowie, the 6 to 5 favorite ridden by Isaias Enriquez, finished third. Da Smoke, Impassable, and He’s Not Talking completed the order of finish. Now... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (July 3, 2024) — David Hofmans had the sort of results in 1996 and 1997 many trainers could only dream of accomplishing through an entire career. In 1996, Hofmans won the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Woodbine with Alphabet Soup, beating a field that included the legendary Cigar. Three weeks earlier, Dramatic Gold won the Grade 1 Meadowlands Cup in New Jersey. The following year, in the month of June alone, Hofmans won the Belmont Stakes with Touch Gold and the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine with Awesome Again. On the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 3, 1997, in a span of less than an hour, Awesome Again won the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga, while Touch Gold won the Grade 1 Haskell at Monmouth Park. Among the standout California-breds under Hofmans’ care were millionaire Greg’s Gold, fellow Grade I winner Cat’s Cradle and Cal Cup legend His Legacy. Those accomplishments, and many achievements in earlier years and more recently, were on the minds of Hofmans’s friends and... ...

PLEASONTON, Calif. (June 29, 2024) — California-bred odds-on favorite Clovisconnection took command at the eighth pole and drew off to win Saturday’s $66,250 Oak Tree Sprint Stakes at the Alameda County Fair. 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 nine wins in 14 starts, earnings of $320,559 and was coming off May 26 optional claiming win. Clovisconnection ran the six furlongs in 1:10.35 and won by 2 1/4 lengths at odds of 3-5. Fellow Cal-breds Talbot Way and Lmlooknformischief were second and third in the field of five. ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (June 28, 2024) — California-bred Mr. Stang won Wednesday’s$51,200 Free Press Stakes at Assiniboia Downs. Mr. Stang is by Atta Boy Roy, out of the Private Gold mare Special Holiday, was bred by Melvin & Lori Mellick, is owned by Maria Moreno and trained by Carlos Moreno. Mr. Stang has eight wins in 23 starts, earnings of $175,815 and he ran the six furlongs in 1:11.94, winning by a head at odds of 5-1. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 24, 2024) — None Above the Law ended a 19-race losing streak with an upset win in Saturday’s $100,000 Bertrando Stakes for California-bred milers at Los Alamitos, a division the 5-year-old gelding will see more of in the near future. Trainer Jorge Periban has selected the $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on turf for statebreds on Aug. 3 at Del Mar as None Above the Law’s next start. None Above the Law, bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, knows the Del Mar turf course quite well. In 2021, when trained by Peter Miller, None Above the Law won the Grade 2 Del Mar Derby at 1 1/8 miles on turf, the gelding’s most recent win prior to Saturday. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. “We’ll go with the Cal-breds,” Periban said. None Above the Law was claimed for $50,000 by Hector Castrellon at Santa Anita in February. None Above... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif (Sept. 22, 2024) – The longest shot in the field at 9-1, None Above the Law ended a lengthy losing streak with a last-to-first victory in the $100,000 Bertrando Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles Saturday at Los Alamitos, opening day of the Los Angeles County Fair meet. Completing a double for trainer Jorge Periban and jockey Antonio Fresu, the 6-year-old Karakontie gelding won for the first time since taking the Grade II Del Mar Derby Sept. 4, 2021 when trained by Peter Miller for owner-breeders J. Kirk and Judy Robison. Nineteen consecutive defeats followed, including three for his current connections – Periban and owner Hector Castrellon – who claimed None Above the Law for $50,000 Feb. 24, before his heroics Saturday. Content to trail while 3-1 third choice Dont Fight the Fed and 9-10 favorite Cowboy Mike battled through 23.17, 46.16 and 1:10.57 splits for the first six furlongs, None Above the Law rallied on the outside to outfinish 19-10 second choice Lovesick... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 22, 2024) – Blazingbellablu, a Washington-bred daughter of California stallion Grazen, returned from a nine-month layoff in great form Saturday afternoon at Emerald Downs, rallying for a neck victory over Young Life Laura in the $50,000 Hastings Stakes for older fillies and mares. With Alex Cruz riding his third of four winners Saturday, Blazingbellablu ran six furlongs in 1:09.29 and paid $7.72 as third betting choice in a field of eight that featured five Emerald Downs stakes winners. Washington’s Horse of the Year in 2021, Blazingbellablu now has five Emerald Downs stakes wins, seven stakes victories overall, including two straight wins in the Hastings along with a runner-up finish in the 2022 running. Bred and owned by Petra Lewin and trainer Charles Essex, the 6-year-old gray is 9-7-3 from 22 starts with $320,561 in earnings. Saturday’s triumph was worth $27,500. Aloha Breeze and Miss Dynamic lit the fuse for Blazingbellablu, dueling through grueling fractions of :21.21 and :43.58, the winner rallying with a... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 19, 2024) – The Chosen Vron, a 17-time stakes winner who was the 2023 California-bred Horse of the Year, is on schedule for the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at six furlongs at Del Mar on July 27. A 6-year-old gelding bred by Tiz Molly Partners, The Chosen Vron was nominated for Saturday’s $100,000 Bertrando Stakes at a mile on dirt for California-breds at Los Alamitos, but is not among the six entries for the race. “We’re going to go straight into the Bing Crosby,” co-owner and trainer Eric Kruljac said earlier this week. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports The Chosen Vron won his fifth consecutive stakes in the Thor’s Echo Stakes for statebreds at six furlongs at Santa Anita on May 25 in his most recent start. Kruljac said the time between the Thor’s Echo and the $400,000 Bing Crosby Stakes will help The Chosen Vron. “The main thing is going in... ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 15, 2024) — Tom’s Regret closed from a stalking position to take the lead on the turn of the $70,500 Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton on Saturday, winning the sprint stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares for the second consecutive year. Tom’s Regret’s win on Saturday gave 24-year-old jockey Luis Jimenez his first stakes win. Jimenez began riding last year. The favorite in a field of four, Tom’s Regret ($4.80) stalked pacesetter Chancery Way through an opening quarter-mile in a hand-timed 23.70 seconds. Chancery Way led on the turn while racing well off the rail. Tom’s Regret closed to the inside of Chancery Way to take the lead. Tom’s Regret pulled clear to win by 3 1/2 lengths over 9-5 Scary Fast Ride, who finished 1 3/4 lengths clear of 8-5 Chancery Way. Smiling Molly (11-1) finished fourth, beaten 9 1/2 lengths. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (June 13, 2024) — The Oak Tree Racing Association and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club will partner this summer for a special day of sport that will provide extra value to horsemen and firm up the link between two of the iconic brands of West Coast Thoroughbred racing. The key person between both groups is the late Clement L. Hirsch, who will be inducted this year into racing’s Hall of Fame in the prestigious Pillars of the Turf category. That induction will take place on Friday, August 2. The following day, Del Mar will present Oak Tree Day at the Races featuring the $400,000, Grade I Clement L. Hirsch Stakes for fillies and mares – a race the Oak Tree group is supporting with $100,000 in purse money — as well as five special races that each will provide an additional $9,500 in purse monies to be split between owners and trainers. “We are delighted to team once more with the good people of the... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 12, 2024) — Horse racing is unique in how quickly it can take you from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows, an experience on full display the weekend of June 7-9. On the East Coast, celebrations broke out as Dornoch ‘s triumph in the Belmont Stakes (G1) capped a sensational racing festival weekend at one of the sport’s most historic venues, Saratoga Race Course. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, it was a scene of mourning as Adelie  crossed the finish line in the last race ever to be held at another historic venue, Golden Gate Fields. The Belmont was held at Saratoga due to the construction of a brand new Belmont Park, set to have all the looks and amenities of a world-class sporting venue—a peek at the bright future racing can have. Meanwhile, Golden Gate’s closure has thrown California racing into a deeper hole of uncertainty and chaos—a peek at the darker future racing can have. The key to saving racing in the West could come from the source... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 9, 2024) — Kings River Knight, the winner of the $102,000 Crystal Water Stakes for California-bred turf milers at Santa Anita on May 25 for the second consecutive year, will have a vacation this summer. “He’ll get 60 days on the farm for a little freshening,” trainer John Sadler said on Sunday. Kings River Knight, a five-time stakes winner, has a remarkably consistent record of 10 wins in 16 starts and earnings of $649,830 for the partnership of Integrity Thoroughbred Partners, the family of the late Bud Johnston and Ken Tevelde. A 6-year-old gelding, Kings River Knight is unbeaten in three starts this year, beginning with the $201,000 Unusual Heat Turf Classic for statebreds at Santa Anita in January. Kings River Knight will miss the Del Mar summer meeting. He was second in the $152,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for statebreds on turf at Del Mar last August. Sadler said the current break is designed to have Kings River Knight ready for the autumn – and... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 2, 2024) – California-bred Chismosa, the pride of trainer Rafeal DeLeon’s four-horse stable, rallied from off the pace to catch the well-regarded South American import Richi in the final furlong and win her fourth stakes in Sunday’s $100,500 Desert Stormer at Santa Anita. Chismosa, ridden by Tiago Pereira, ran six furlongs in 1:09.70. Chismosa has raced from a stalking position and from well of the pace in her career. Pereira hoped to be just behind the leaders in the first half of Sunday’s race. The plan was altered when Chismosa failed to keep pace and trailed pacesetter Tom’s Regret by six lengths on the backstretch. “I wanted to be closer, but it was too fast,” Pereira said. “It was good for me. She finished really fast.” Tom’s Regret set an early pace of 22.17 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 44.39 for a half-mile. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Chismosa was fifth in... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. – The fillies In the Air Tonight and Lil’ Bit Bossy and the colt Rumble King gave California breeder Terry Lovingier a sweep of the three maiden races for statebred juveniles at 4 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on Sunday. All three are set to run in stakes this summer. Lovingier co-owns each of the winners. Two of them are by Stay Thirsty, who stands at Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch in Warner Springs, Calif., the other by Phantom Boss. Rumble King closed from sixth in a field of eight to win Sunday’s seventh race with a wide rally. Ridden by Tiago Pereira, Rumble King ($11.80) overcame contact shortly after the start to win by a half-length over 24-1 Charmz Away. Rumble King was timed in 52.77 seconds, the fastest of the three juvenile races. Trained by Steve Knapp, Rumble King earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 72. “For him to do that at 4 1/2 furlongs, he’s a pretty good horse,” Lovingier said in the winner’s circle.... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 26, 2024) — California stallion Phantom Boss was represented by his first winner Sunday when Lil’ Bit Bossy won a maiden special weight race for California-bred 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Lil’ Bit Bossy, out of the Rock Hard Ten mare Pebble Beach Baby, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Amanda Navarro and David Ross and is trained by Steven Miyadi. Lil’ Bit Bossy ran the 4 1/2 furlongs in :53.34 and won by one-half length at odds of 3-1 in a field of eight.   ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 25, 2024)—It’s now 17 stakes wins and counting for The Chosen Vron after rolling to another comfortable victory in the $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for California-breds going six furlongs Saturday at Santa Anita. Breaking from the rail under regular rider Hector Berrios aboard, The Chosen Vron (1-9) tracked pacesetter Sawasdee (17-1) in second before ranging up to the leader on the outside near the three-sixteenths pole and then kicking clear to score by 2 ¼ lengths. “That was exactly the same as our practice run,” Berrios said. “Taking the inside post bothered me because I wanted to go outside. But he settled well. I thought he felt comfortable. He made everything easy. I wasn’t stressed at all. He’s a nice horse.” Trained and co-owned by Eric Kruljac, The Chosen Vron was timed in 1:09.37 on a fast track. Sawasdee, ridden by Diego Herrera in his stakes debut for trainer Craig Dollase, held second by 3 ¼ lengths over second-choice Moose Mitchell (10-1) and... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) – In his first time racing around two turns, Shady Tiger gutted out a narrow victory in Saturday’s $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes presented by City National Bank Saturday at Santa Anita. In the 1 1/8-mile turf contest for 3-year-old California-breds, Shady Tiger under Juan Hernandez prevailed by a half-length over a fast-closing Two By Four (5-1) with Hector Berrios up. It was another neck back in third to longshot Stolen Treasure (33-1) and jockey Umberto Rispoli. “He made me work. It wasn’t easy,” Hernandez said. “I was fighting and riding all the way to the end. It came down to the wire, but we got the job done.” Shady Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Full Mandate mare Divine Legacy, was bred by owner Rusty Brown and is trained by Phil D’Amato. This was his fourth consecutive win in five starts, raising his earnings to $241,400.  Shady Tiger, who broke from the rail, and Size Does Matter raced virtually... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 25, 2024)—Kings River Knight continued his winning ways with a gate-to-wire victory under Juan Hernandez in Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for California-breds at one mile on turf. Dispatched as a heavy 1-5 favorite in a nine-horse field, Kings River Knight scored by 1 ½ lengths over 61-1 longshot Barely Funtional with Mario Gutierrez aboard. Old Pal, the 5-2 second choice with Mike Smith up, rallied from last to finish a neck back of Barely Funtional in third. Coalinga Road (26-1), with Antonio Fresu aboard for trainer Carla Gaines, rounded out the superfecta. Trained by John Sadler. Kings River Knight won in a final time of 1:35.75. He set fractions of 23.48, 48.44, 1:12.49 and 1:24.17. “Kings River Knight won the race out of the gate because he broke so sharp, two lengths in front of everyone,” Hernandez said. “You don’t do that very often. Then, he took an easy lead. That’s his style. He loves running on the lead, so I just... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) — Favorite Grand Slam Smile made it a successful trip south from Golden Gate for trainer Steve Specht when earning her fourth stakes win in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair Stakes for California-bred 3-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles on dirt at Santa Anita. Ridden by Frank Alvarado, Grand Slam Smile won by 4 ½ lengths over 2-1 second choice Safa with another 6 ½ lengths back to Loretta Lynn (8-1) in third. On the backstretch, Grand Slam Smile moved up from second to confront early pacesetter Only One America (15-1). Grand Slam Smile put away that rival on the second turn and then had no problem holding off the late bid from Safa. Grand Slam Smile won in a final time of 1:45.82 on a fast track. Fractions were 23.62, 48.07, 1:12.57 and 1:39.27. “This is the best 3-year-old I’ve ever ridden” jockey Frank Alvarado said. “By the three-eighths pole, she was looking around, and no one was coming. I didn’t even... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) – Stay and Scam earned her second stakes win and first around two turns in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at one mile on turf Saturday at Santa Anita. Parked in post 11 at the start, favorite Stay and Scam (1-2) broke alertly under Mario Gutierrez and was able to ease inward multiple paths on the short run to the first turn. Sneaker, an 11-1 shot with Kyle Frey up, would take the early lead with Stay and Scam tracking on her outside in second. On the second turn, Stay and Scam comfortably ranged up to the leader, kicked away at the top of the stretch then held off a late challenge from 27-1 shot Moment’s Pleasure to win by a length. It was another 1 ¼ lengths back to Cornelia Fort (18-1). “We figured we needed to use Stay and Scam coming out of the gate because we were in the 11 post,” Gutierrez said.... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) – California stallion Tough Sunday was represented by his first winner when the 3-year-old filly Neezer Dalton won Saturday’s third race at Santa Anita, a $50,000 maiden claimer. Winning in her racing debut, Neezer Dalton is out of the Bertrando mare Hey Cowboy, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steven Miyadi. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.27 and won by 2 ½ lengths in a field of six. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 21, 2024) — Jon White, who first went to work for Santa Anita Park as a television commentator in 1993 and later took over as the morning-line oddsmaker in 2009, has announced that he will be retiring when the track’s current Hollywood meet ends on June 16. Longtime handicapper Jeff Siegel will take over as Santa Anita morning-line oddsmaker. “I’ve been contemplating retirement for four years or so and feel the time is right,” White said. “I’m about to turn 69 and would very much like to retire while in good health. I am very grateful for the opportunity to first work as a television broadcaster for both Santa Anita and HRTV and then to make the track’s morning line for all these years.” “On behalf of everyone at Santa Anita Park, we thank Jon White for his lifetime commitment to Thoroughbred racing,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Park’s Senior Vice President & General Manager. “He was incredibly and meticulously dedicated to his craft, and we wish... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA. Calif. (May 20, 2024) — Forbidden Kingdom, the winner of three Grade 2 stakes, was sold for $310,000 during the Fasig-Tipton digital sale last week as a stallion prospect for 2025. But the 5-year-old’s racing career may not be finished, trainer Richard Mandella said on Sunday. Forbidden Kingdom may have additional starts later this year after a short-term vacation at Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch, where the horse will be based as a stallion. “We’ll give him a little rest and we might try him again before breeding season and see how it goes,” Mandella said. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Forbidden Kingdom, the most expensive hip of the sale, was previously owned by My Racehorse and Spendthrift Farm and was sold to dissolve the partnership. Forbidden Kingdom, by American Pharoah, has won 4 of 13 starts and earned $680,000. In 2022, Forbidden Kingdom won consecutive starts in Grade 2 stakes at Santa Anita – the... ...

By DRF.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 19, 2024) — The Golden State Racing meeting at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., this fall will offer approximately $170,000 per day in purses and will run largely on a Friday-through-Sunday basis for nine weeks from Oct. 19 to Dec. 15, according to an agreement reached earlier this month between the Thoroughbred Owners of California and a consortium of executives and horsemen that will operate the race season. The terms were part of an agreement reached between the TOC and the California Authority of Racing Fairs in advance of the Alameda County Fair’s summer meeting, which will run for 13 racing days from June 14 to July 7. CARF officials will run the Golden State Racing meeting. The Golden State Racing meeting will replace Golden Gate Fields on the Northern California circuit later this year. Golden Gate Fields is scheduled to close permanently on June 9. The Golden State Racing meeting will have a minimum of 208 Thoroughbred races through the season, a... ...

From DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 8, 2024) — California trainer Jorge Periban will put a perfect record in Kentucky on the line June 30, when he sends the dazzling 2-year-old debut winner Bodacious from Santa Anita to Churchill Downs for the Bashford Manor Stakes. Periban is 2 for 2 in Churchill stakes with California-breds – Phantom Boss won the 2019 Bashford Manor, Tom’s Regret won the 2022 Kentucky Juvenile. Both were favorites. Based on an impressive debut, the newest Periban trainee may follow suit. Bodacious, a California-bred colt by Smokem and bred by Terry Lovingier, was purchased at the California Thoroughbred Breeder Association January Sale for $7,000 from the Lovacres Ranch consignment. He won by more than five lengths May 3 at Santa Anita in the meet’s first juvenile race. Bodacious zipped 4 1/2 furlongs in a quick 52.01. Before the maiden race, Periban was so confident that he already envisioned travel. “Do you want to go to Kentucky again?” Periban said to jockey Tyler Baze. Bodacious “showed me a lot... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 4, 2024) – Big Bowie, a California-sired gelded son of Mr. Big, remained unbeaten by winning Saturday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity for 2-year-olds. Big Bowie, bred in Washington by Dr. & Mrs. Jack Root and trained by Frank Lucarelli, is out of the Artie Schiller mare Be My Baby. He has won both starts with earnings of $53,100. He ran the five furlongs in :57.41 and won by one-half length at odds of 6-1 in a field of 10. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (May 3, 2024) – Caution Cardinal, an Arizona-bred son of California stallion Stanford, won Thursday’s $66,278 Gene Fleming Breeders’ Derby for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Caution Cardinal, out of the Mr. Greeley mare Ms. Caution, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.70 and won by a nose at odds of 3-1 in a field of six. He has two wins in nine starts and earnings of $69,411. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (April 27, 2024)— Nothing against morning workouts, but California-bred horse of the Year The Chosen Vron prefers afternoon races. That is why trainer Eric Kruljac supplemented the veteran gelding to a stakes he originally had no intention to enter. In the Santa Anita winner’s circle on Saturday after The Chosen Vron ($2.40) won the $101,000 Kona Gold Stakes, his 17th career win and 16th stakes, Kruljac said The Chosen Vron gave him no choice after he worked a bullet half-mile in 46.60 one week ago. “Our read on him, his last couple workouts (was) we’d better pull the trigger now and let him stretch his legs,” Kruljac said. “He just told us he was ready, and we listened.” The Chosen Vron stretched his legs 6 1/2 furlongs Saturday, winning the Kona Gold by three-quarters of a length over Happy Jack. Express Train finished five lengths back in third, while second favorite Forbidden Kingdom faded to last in the field of seven. The Chosen Vron ran a... ...

By DRF.com SARATOGA, N.Y. (Apr. 23, 2024) — Clement L. Hirsch joins Thoroughbreds Justify and Gun Runner and the jockey Joel Rosario in the nine-member class elected for induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, it was announced Tuesday. The class of 2024 also includes the longtime Daily Racing Form columnist Joe Hirsch (no relation to Clement L. Hirsch) and Harry Guggenheim as chosen for induction by the Pillars of the Turf Committee. Jockey Abe Hawkins and Thoroughbreds Aristides and Lecomte were selected for induction by the Pre-1900 Historic Review Committee. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. The induction ceremony will be held on Aug. 2 at the Fasig-Tipton sales pavilion in Saratoga Springs at 10:30 a.m. Justify, Gun Runner, and Rosario — all in their first year of eligibility — were chosen in the contemporary category, receiving at least 50 percent plus one vote on 177 ballots returned from eligible voters. There were 17 contemporary... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 21, 2024) – Ignored despite winning twice in March, Johnny Podres closed from fourth to record a 16-1 upset in Sunday’s $100,000 Siren Lure Stakes for turf sprinters at Santa Anita. Similar to his victory at 5-1 in the Sensational Star Stakes for California-breds on March 24, Johnny Podres needed the entire stretch to reach the front, catching 4-5 favorite First Peace in the final strides. Johnny Podres ($35.80) won by a half-length, finishing about 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:11.57 on a warm afternoon. From trainer Librado Barocio’s perspective, the key to the two stakes wins was a victory in a $50,000 claimer at six furlongs on the main turf oval on March 1, a win that ended an eight-race losing streak since a turf sprint at Golden Gate Fields in October 2022. “When he won that race, it gave him confidence,” Barocio said in the winner’s circle in reference to the $50,000 claimer. “He’s always been a good horse and I think he’s a... ...

OCALA, Fla. (Apr. 19, 2024) – A California-bred daughter of Ghostzapper sold for $325,000 at the Friday session of the Ocala April Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. The filly, out of the stakes-placed Maclean’s Music mare Consulting, was bred by Glen Hill Farm, consigned by Eddie Woods, agent, and purchased by George Papaprodromou, agent. A May 9 foal, the filly worked a furlong under tack in :10. ...