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... ...

From Rockingham Ranch ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb., 4 2017) – Peter Miller is hopeful to take California-bred Richard’s Boy to the Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse. With the wind at his back, Miller has continued to keep his barn hot. Miller finished 2016 as the leading trainer at the Del Mar meet with 16 wins in 46 starts giving him a winning percentage of 35% and finishing in the money an impressive 59%. He goes into this weekend as leading trainer of the Santa Anita meet with 13 wins in 48 starts and a winning percentage of 27% and finishing in the money 66% of the time. Last weekend Miller won the Cal Cup Sprint with Richard’s Boy, a son of Idiot Proof. Miller has nominated Richard’s Boy for both the Al Quoz Sprint – GI at 1200m on the turf and the Dubai Golden Shaheen – G1 at 1200m on the dirt at the Dubai Word Cup. “He has shown a ton of versatility, being able to win on... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2017) — California-bred Grade 1 winner Ralis has been retired from racing because of a tendon injury and will participate in the 2017 breeding season, trainer Doug O’Neill said Feb. 4. O’Neill said he was unsure where Reddam Racing’s homebred 4-year-old son of Square Eddie   will stand. As a 2-year-old, the California-bred shipped to Saratoga Race Course to win the 2015 Hopeful Stakes (G1) and never returned to the winner’s circle. He did run well in multiple tries on turf, however, including a second-place run in the 2016 Del Mar Derby (G2T). MITCHELL: Ralis Rallies to Hopeful Stakes Upset “It was unfortunate that he didn’t win as a 3-year-old, but after winning a grade 1 as a 2-year-old on dirt, he turned out to be a really nice turf horse,” O’Neill said. “He had a couple races, if maybe we had a little more luck, he could have won, but he’s had a great career and should be a useful stud.” Ralis won two races... ...

By Bloodhorse.com RICHMOND, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2017) — Trainer Armando Lage died of a heart attack Dec. 31 at his home in Richmond, Calif., according to his long-time friend, fellow trainer O.J. Jauregui. Lage was 59. A Bay Area fixture in recent years, Lage won 1,259 races from 9,083 starters and earned more than $20 million in purses. “He was a good trainer and a better person,” said trainer Steve Miyadi. “He was strong mentally and physically, (and) a great father and a stand-up guy who told it the way it was, which so few do.” Lage is survived by his wife, Iga, two daughters, and several grandchildren. ...

By Bloodhorse.com NICHOLSVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2017) –Two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome   is settling in at Taylor Made Farm near Nicholasville, Ky., after arriving Jan. 29. X-rays following his final race are all clear. After finishing ninth in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) Jan. 28 at Gulfstream Park, trainer Art Sherman said there was a small amount of swelling in California Chrome’s right knee, which the trainer didn’t think was too serious. To be cautious, Taylor Made conducted X-rays of the knee and found no injury, according to Taylor Made’s Duncan Taylor. In fact, as it has after every California Chrome race, Taylor Made conducted a full set of X-rays and the champion is all clear. “They thought that when he jogged he may have been a little off in the right front, and they thought there might have been a little heat in his right knee,” Duncan Taylor said Jan. 30. “We’ve been X-raying him after every race, so we went ahead and did a full set of... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2017)–In an exhausting stretch run, Reddam Racing’s homebred Ann Arbor Eddie was the last man standing in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Derby for Golden State Series eligibles, as the 3-year-old Square Eddie gelding wore down California Diamond to win by a half length.  Ridden by Mario Gutierrez and trained by Doug O’Neill, he got 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.65. Breaking from post position two in a field of seven California-bred or sired sophomores, Ann Arbor Eddie sat a close second throughout, but trailed the pacesetter by about two lengths with a furlong to run. “When we turned for home, we were in trouble and he just keeps trying and trying and trying,” said Dennis O’Neill, who serves as an assistant to his brother, Doug, who was away on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.  “We prayed that the wire wouldn’t come too soon.  We had a good day.  We had three seconds.  It’s great for Paul (Reddam).  Paul puts a lot into the Cal-breds. ... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2017)–In a thrilling stretch drive, favored Ashleyluvssugar overhauled What a View to prevail by a half length in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Ridden to perfection by Flavien Prat and conditioned by Peter Eurton, the 6-year-old California-bred gelding by Game Plan got a mile and one eighth in 1:46.43. As expected, What a View went to the lead under Tyler Baze and held a two length advantage mid-way around the far turn, but Prat stepped on the gas approaching the quarter pole, and it was “game-on” from there to the wire, with Ashleyluvssugar gaining the advantage in the final fifty yards. “He got a perfect ride,” said Eurton. “I think they (Prat and the horse) are just getting to know each other. I think ‘Flavvy’ was just a little bit nervous in the paddock, but the kid is so good, so good. Other than telling him the horse likes to be outside, I... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2017) — Nearly two years after he was acquired privately, Richard’s Boy is still providing massive rewards for Gary Hartunian’s Rockingham Ranch. In Saturday’s $150,345 California Cup Sprint at Santa Anita, Richard’s Boy held off a stubborn Well Measured to win the six-furlong race for California-breds by a nose. The winner’s share was worth $90,000. Richard’s Boy won his third stakes in the Cal Cup Sprint, and first on dirt. He won sprint stakes on turf here and at Santa Rosa in 2015. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Richard’s Boy earned Saturday’s victory. He was challenged early by Jimmy Bouncer and Acceptance, racing within a neck of the lead through early fractions of 21.89 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 44.38 for a half-mile. Acceptance led narrowly with a quarter-mile remaining, but Richard’s Boy led by a half-length over Acceptance at the eighth pole and held off Well Measured at the finish. Richard’s Boy ($6) ran six furlongs in 1:08.71. “He’s an old, classy horse,”... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2017)–A winner of her first two main track starts by a combined 17 lengths, Joe Turner’s homebred Sircat Sally tried turf for the first time on Saturday at Santa Anita and she waltzed to a facile 2 ¼ length win in the $200,000 California Cup Oaks for Golden State Series eligibles under Tyler Baze.  Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, she negotiated a flat mile in 1:35.08. Off as the heavy 4-5 favorite in a field of eight California-bred or sired 3-year-old fillies, she paid $3.80, $3.40 and $2.10. Out of the In Excess mare, Sister Sally, she picked up $110,000 for the win, increasing her earnings to $198,200. A comfortable second, just a neck off pacesetter Adios Cali with three furlongs to run, Sircat Sally took charge a quarter mile from home and was never threatened. Longshot How About Zero, who removed blinkers today, ran well from off the pace to be second, 1 ¾ lengths in front of Princess Roi.  Off at... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2017)–Nick Alexander’s classy homebred Enola Gray showed her customary early zip and went on to an authoritative 3 ¼ length win under Tyler Baze in Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, the first of five stakes restricted to horses bred or sired in California that are Golden State Series eligible.  Trained by Phil D’Amato, the 4-year-old Grazen filly got 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12.10. Breaking from post position two in a field of eight older fillies and mares, Enola Gray sat just outside of eventual third place finisher Desert Steel down the hill through splits of 21.55, 43.04 and 1:05.86.  Head and head at the dirt crossing three sixteenths of a mile from home, Enola Gray asserted her superiority leaving the sixteenth pole and won in-hand. “I had a beautiful trip,” said Baze.  “She’s an unbelievable filly.  Once I put Bejarano away (aboard Desert Steel) it was pretty much over from there and... ...

By Bloodhorse.com HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2017) — Any time a horse is honored with the title Horse of the Year, he or she joins elite company. But California Chrome  ’s second Horse of the Year honor for 2016—which was awarded to his connections Jan. 21 at Gulfstream Park—uniquely situates the chestnut in the history of the game. Plenty of previous horses have earned multiple Horse of the Year awards—11 (since 1936, when awards became official), to be exact—but only two before California Chrome won in non-consecutive years. The fleeting nature of the sport, which often sees youthful horses retire before full maturity, does not lend itself to horses finding top form in non-consecutive years. But the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit   who has captured so many hearts is now in the company of Hall of Famers Native Dancer (1952 and 1954) and John Henry (1981 and 1984) as those who have sustained excellence enough to be considered the best horse in the country at significantly different stages of their... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 20, 2017) –The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced Jan. 20 that California Chrome  ‘s win in the Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) has been named the 2016 NTRA Moment of the Year based on the results of a record 2,817 votes cast via Twitter and an online poll.   California Chrome’s connections—owners California Chrome LLC (Perry and Denise Martin, Taylor Made Stallions, et al.), trainer Art Sherman, and jockey Victor Espinoza—will be awarded the 2016 Moment of the Year trophy at the 46th Annual Eclipse Awards Presented by Daily Racing Form, Breeders’ Cup, and The Stronach Group Jan. 21 at Gulfstream Park.   California Chrome became North America’s all-time earnings leader with his win in the world’s richest race, the $10 million Dubai World Cup, at Meydan Racecourse. The $6 million winner’s share pushed his career bankroll to $12,532,650, surpassing Curlin  ‘s previous mark. The winning margin was 3 3/4 lengths but might have been even wider had Espinoza not felt his saddle... ...

TEMECULA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2017) — Box Score, a 6-year-old son of standout stallion Dynaformer, will stand the 2017 breeding season at Milky Way Farm for a $1,000 fee live foal guarantee. Box Score was unraced because of injury while preparing for racing at Del Mar for Carla Garines and breeder Spendthrift Farms. Box Score is out of the Danzig mare Curriculum, a half-sister to leading stallion Malibu Moon. ...

From Rockingham Ranch RAMONA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2017)- Rockingham Ranch has retired $1.5 million-earning Grade I winner Finnegans Wake and he will enter stud at Ballena Vista Farm for a fee of $3,500, as the property of Rockingham Ranch. Campaigned by Donegal Racing and Rockingham Ranch, the son of Powerscourt (Sadler’s Wells) broke his maiden second outing and went on to capture eight wins from 37. Overall, he was in the money 43 percent of the time while competing against the best turf horses of his generation. In taking the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (Grade I) he defeated Grade I winners Seek Again and Jack Milton.  Finnegans Wake also captured in succession the San Marcos Stakes  Grade II, San Gabriel Stakes Grade II and the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes Grade II. Finnegans Wake was produced from the 100 percent-producing Silver Ghost broodmare Boat’s Ghost, and is a half sibling to graded stakes filly Puca.  Peter Miller was the  trainer of Finnegans Wake for his connections for the major wins... ...

By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2017) — Andy Havens’ Havens Bloodstock Agency sold the leading 2-year-old at Tuesday’s Barretts January mixed Sale, a California-bred daughter of Storm Wolf which brought $45,000, and the sale’s top-priced yearling, a Kentucky-bred son of Lucky Pulpit   sold for $40,000. Dr. Patrick Sheehy’s Super Horse purchased the Storm Wolf filly, who is a half sister to grade 2 stakes winner Dothraki Queen. The dam, the Saint Ballado mare Sharaiji Blossom, is a half sister to Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Blushing K. D., Canadian champion Ambitious Cat, Hong Kong Horse of the Year Electronic Unicorn, and stakes winner February Storm. Havens consigned the Storm Wolf filly for Liberty Road Stables. Trainer Peter Eurton accompanied Sheehy to the sale. Eurton has just begun training for Sheehy, whose stable includes the unraced 3-year-old filly Flower Heart Deer, a name given to her by the owner’s granddaughter. “The filly is nicely conformed, and I think her sire is underused,” said Sheehy of the filly he bought and her... ...

By Bloodhorse.com COALINGA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2017) — Grade 3 winner Metaboss has been retired and will enter stud this year at Harris Farms near Coalinga, Calif., for a fee of $2,000 stands and nurses. A versatile 5-year-old son of Street Boss  , Metaboss won the El Camino Real Derby (G3) as a 3-year-old and was a fast-closing second in the 2016 Del Mar Handicap Presented by the Japan Racing Association (G2T) on grass. Produced from the stakes-placed Free House mare Spinning Yarns, Metaboss was bred in Kentucky by Mr. and Mrs. John Toffan and purchased by Mersad Metanovic for $10,000 from the Mill Ridge offerings at the 2012 Keeneland November breeding stock sale. Racing for a partnership that included Metanovic, Nevada-based Daniel Preiss, Chuck Azacarate, Milan Mcfetridge, and M&S Stables, among others, Metaboss won three of 12 starts and earned $300,420. Metaboss was retired after sustaining a small sesamoid fracture during a workout in preparation for last year’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T). He was trained primarily by Phil D’Amato,... ...

LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 18, 2017) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Native Dancer Stakes at Laurel Park. Bodhisattva is by Student Council, out of the Talk Is Money mare Dr. Cheryl P., was bred by Andy Stronach and is owned by trainer Jose Corrales. He has five wins in 26 starts, earnings of $263,633 and is coming off a sixth in the Dec. 31 Dave’s Friend. ...

By Bloodhorse.com HALLENDALE, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2017) — Alan Sherman still has a job to do. Most important, so too does the champion chestnut Sherman and his father have had in their care for over four seasons now. So as much as Sherman gets asked about the emotions of the moment, how his barn will cope once they officially have to move on from being the home of 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome  , he needs all involved to remain laser focused on the fact the son of Lucky Pulpit   isn’t done yet. There is still one last target, the most lucrative one yet, and a expected adversary who not be the least bit forgiving if his older rival brings anything but his best game to the table. With California Chrome’s penultimate move before his expected career finale in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup (G1) Jan. 28, Sherman made sure not to leave anything to chance. In the 6-year-old horse’s first serious breeze since arriving at Gulfstream Park... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2017) –Breeders’ Cup has notified trainer Ron Ellis and the owners of California-bred Masochistic, Jay Em Ess Stable and Los Pollos Hermanos Racing, of action taken pursuant to its prohibited substance rule and convicted trainer rule. As a result of the issuance of a ruling by the Santa Anita Park board of stewards disqualifying Masochistic from a second-place finish in the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), and redistributing the purse based upon a positive test finding for the anabolic steroid stanozolol, the following actions have been taken. With a first violation of the prohibited substance rule in a Breeders’ Cup World Championships race, Ellis, and all horses directly or indirectly in his care will be ineligible to participate in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2017. Breeders’ Cup rules prohibit the transfer of horses in Ellis’ barn to any other person associated with Ellis for the purpose of competing in the Breeders’ Cup. Under the convicted trainer rule, Masochistic will be ineligible to compete in the 2017... ...

By Bloodhorse.com HALLANDALE, Fla. (Jan. 8, 2017) — On an unseasonably cold morning in South Florida, Pegasus World Cup (G1) contender California Chrome   paid his first visit to the Gulfstream Park main track Jan. 8 with a spirited jog. With his regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney aboard, California Chrome, who arrived at Gulfstream from Southern California Jan. 6, hit the track at 5:45 a.m. The temperature at the time was in the mid-40s with a strong and persistent northerly wind. After jogging once counter-clockwise around the track, Gladney advised assistant trainer Alan Sherman that the 6-year-old needed another spin around the oval to take the edge off. “That’s why we ended up jogging him twice, just because he has been off three days,” Gladney explained. “They walked him yesterday after he got here on Friday, so I knew today was going to be tough. And this weather today was not my best friend, either. But you know what? He’s the type of horse that has energy, regardless. He doesn’t care whether... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 7, 2017) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Divine Spark won a state-bred maiden special weight race at Santa Anita on Saturday. Divine Spark is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Mulberry Lane, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by George Bolton, Jeff Davenport, Andrew Molasky and David Whelihan and is trained by Bob Baffert. Divine Spark was purchased at the Northern California Yearling Sale for $20,000 by Sean McCarthy, agent, and re-sold at Barretts for $150,000. The 3-year-old filly won by a head at odds of 1-2 in the field of eight and ran the 5 ½ furlongs on a sloppy track in 1:04.87. ...

By Bloodhorse.com HALLANDALE, Fla. (Jan. 6, 2017) — California Chrome   arrived at Gulfstream Park Jan. 6 to continue preparations for a highly anticipated rematch with Arrogate in the inaugural running of the $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) Jan. 28.              Accompanied by a state police escort from Palm Beach International Airport, the van carrying the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner drove through the stable gate at 5:40 p.m. ET, completing a journey that began at Los Alamitos Race Course in Southern California early Friday morning.              Supervised by trainer Art Sherman’s son and assistant, Alan Sherman, California Chrome quickly settled into Stall 2 in Barn 2 on the Gulfstream backstretch. “He looks great. He traveled well. He’s drinking and looking for his hay,” Alan Sherman said. “He’s bright-eyed. He looks good.”              Alan Sherman said California Chrome will walk the shedrow Jan. 7 and is scheduled to get acquainted with the Gulfstream racetrack Jan. 8. Thoroughbred racing’s most... ...

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2017) — A dozen or so of California Chrome’s loyal fans were gathered at Art Sherman’s Los Alamitos barn in the wee hours of a chilly Friday morning to pay homage to their chestnut hero as he prepared to leave for Florida and his final start in the Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 28. It was a little before 2 a.m. The mood was reverent. Then Sherman pulled up in his Mercedes GLC 300, and the party started. “Are we ready?” Sherman announced, playing to the small crowd. What began as a melancholy vigil morphed into a milling celebration. Someone produced a tray of cupcakes with each letter of “Good Luck California Chrome” twirled on the frosting. The coffee pot in Sherman’s brightly lit office was drained dry. The Friday morning flight from Ontario International, just to the east of Santa Anita, aboard the Hubbard Transportation charter would be stopping in El Paso, Texas, before going on to Fort Lauderdale, Fla.., not... ...

From Legacy Ranch CLEMENTS, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2017) — Owner Vince Scuderi announced today that his multiple graded stakes-winning homebred millionaire Dads Caps will join the California stallions ranks at Legacy Ranch.  Dads Caps is a seven-year-old son of Discreet Cat, out of the multiple stakes producing Grindstone mare Seeking the Silver.  Dads Caps’ multiple graded stakes winning half-sister Paulassilverlining recently passed the million-dollar mark in earnings, winning the Garland of Roses Stakes. In her previous start, she was third in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint and is currently Eclipse Award nominated in her division.     Dads Caps won or placed in 14 stakes—all on the NYRA circuit, while accumulating $1,110,467 in lifetime earnings.     Dads Caps won back-to-back editions of the Grade 1 Carter Handicap in 2014 and 2015, and narrowly missed the hat trick with a close third-place finish in 2016. “We had a tremendous run with Dads Caps,” said Scuderi.  “For four seasons he took on the best sprinters of his generation and his record is... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2016) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association will hold the 2017 Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale on Tuesday, August 15, at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, beginning at noon.Entries close on Monday, June 5, 2017 and entry forms will be mailed around May 1, 2017.For further information, contact Cookie Hackworth at 626-445-7800, ext. 243, or email cookie@ctba.com<mailto:cookie@ctba.com>. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2017) — Arrogate and California Chrome battled it out in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and are the leading contenders for Horse of the Year after they were named as two of the three finalists for the year’s top honor – along with the 3-year-old filly Songbird – when the three finalists in each of 11 equine and six human Eclipse Award categories were announced on Thursday. All three finalists for Horse of the Year are heavy favorites to win divisional titles, with Arrogate the leading prospect to be crowned champion 3-year-old male, California Chrome champion older dirt male, and Songbird champion 3-year-old filly. Songbird is a decided outsider for Horse of the Year, but the choice between Arrogate and California Chrome basically boils down to this – does an overall body of work supersede a lone meeting? That is what the voters – representing Daily Racing Form, the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters Association, and racing secretaries and Equibase employees who vote under the... ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Jan. 4, 2017) — California Chrome   stepped on the track at Los Alamitos Race Course for the last time Jan. 4. You wouldn’t know it from the way he behaved on the track, because the 6-year-old chestnut went through the motions like he has so many times before. Under regular exercise rider Dihigi Gladney, the California-bred stood motionless at the gap, overseeing his domain for the last time, before backtracking and then galloping into his work. The drill was his professional norm, a carbon copy of his morning workouts in recent years—pulling on Gladney early with an eagerness to run and powerfully accelerating in the stretch. The first quarter went in :25 flat, but he quickened to run a half-mile in :48 2/5 and hit the wire in 1:00 1/5 for five furlongs, with a gallop out to six furlongs in 1:13 3/5. “He looked like he was going so easy,” trainer Art Sherman said. As the son of Lucky Pulpit   made his way back to... ...

NEW ORLEANS, La. (Dec. 31, 2016) – Kathballu, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, won Saturday’s $50,000 Pan Zareta Stakes for fillies and mares at Fair Grounds. She ran the six furlongs in 1:10.72 and won by 3 ½ lengths as the 4-5 favorite in the field of five. Kathballu has six wins in 22 starts and earnings of $327,864. She was coming off a win in the Nov. 19 Orleans Stakes. ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 31, 2016) –Trainer Peter Miller is on quite a run at Santa Anita Park—so much so that he won the $100,000 Midnight Lute Stakes (gr. III) Dec. 31 with two different horses. California-bred Solid Wager and St. Joe Bay, both trained by Miller, made it a crowded winner’s circle Saturday with a dead-heat for first in the 6 1/2-furlong Midnight Lute. The  two arrived at the wire with entirely different trips. Altamira Racing Stable and David Bernsen’s St. Joe Bay—a 4-year-old by St. Anddan—set the pace under jockey Kent Desormeaux, with fractions of :21.47 and :43.57 through a half mile, while Solid Wager—a 5-year-old Birdonthewire gelding owned by Gary and Cecil Barber and Stanford Stable—lagged well behind the top four horses, as many as eight lengths behind the leader. Under the guidance of Victor Espinoza, however, Solid Wager began to make up ground in the turn and surged in the stretch on the outside to move alongside his stablemate in the final strides. The top... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2016)–Last with three furlongs to run, California-bred Bad Ju Ju surged to the lead a sixteenth of a mile from home to take Friday’s $75,000 Kalookan Queen Stakes at Santa Anita by 2 ½ lengths under Norberto Arroyo, Jr. Trained by Peter Miller, the 4-year-old daughter of Desert Code got 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.04 over a main track listed as wet fast. Claimed three starts back for $40,000 on Oct. 8, Bad Ju Ju got her first stakes win while winning for the third consecutive time for Rockingham Ranch. Off at 4-1 in a field of eight fillies and mares three and up, she paid $10.80, $5.20 and $5.00. “What a ride!” exclaimed Miller. “She was down inside and then he was able to tip outside coming to the quarter pole…I could see he was loaded, but I was afraid he was going to get stopped. We’ll nominate to the Santa Monica (Grade II, seven furlongs on Jan. 21), but she’s... ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2016) — Stallion Heatseeker (2003 h., by Giant’s Causeway out of Rusty Back, by Defensive Play) was euthanized on December 27 at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis due to injuries incurred in a paddock accident at Harris Farms. The 14-year-old G1 winning millionaire entered stud in 2009 at Hill ‘n Dale Farm in Kentucky and moved to Harris Farms in 2012. Bred in Ireland by Richard F. Barnes, Heatseeker broke his maiden in Ireland at first asking and was G1 placed as a 2-year-old. Campaigned by William Deburgh and trained by Robert Frankel, Heatseeker moved to North America and won an allowance race and was stakes placed at Hollywood Park as a 4-year-old. After transferring to Jerry Hollendorfer’s barn, Heatseeker went on to win the Native Diver H. G3, Santa Anita H. G1 and Californian Stakes G2 while setting four track records and retiring with earnings of $1,177,778. From five crops to race, Heatseeker has sired 189 foals... ...

From American Horse Council WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 29, 2016) –The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has published a proposed rule regarding withholding requirements on pari-mutuel winnings. The proposed rule would make changes to withholding requirements that are more accurate and reflect the current state of wagering in the horse racing industry. These changes, if made final, will be of great benefit to horse players and the racing industry. Specifically, the proposed rule would define “amount of the wager” as the total amount wagered by a bettor into a specific pari-mutuel pool on a single ticket for purposes of determining whether wagering proceeds are subject to 25% withholding on winnings of $5,000 or more and are at least 300 times as large as the amount wagered. Currently, the IRS does not recognize the total amount wagered on an exotic bet with “boxes,” “wheels,” and “keys,” when determining whether the 300:1 ratio has been met and 25% withholding is triggered, only the cost of the individual winning bet. This greatly increases the number... ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 29, 2016) — Rain in the forecast forced a change in California Chrome  ‘s training schedule in preparation for the Jan. 28 Pegasus World Cup (gr. I), but it didn’t alter the standard mood on the deck at Schwanie’s At The Gap Dec. 29. Per usual, trainer Art Sherman and assistant trainer Alan Sherman greeted onlookers with warmth or an occasional, good-natured verbal jab on the elevated platform of Los Alamitos Race Course‘s trackside grill. In the absence of normal Schwanie’s workmate, Quarter Horse trainer John Cooper, Hall of Fame conditioner Jerry Hollendorfer filled in as the lights turned on in the early morning darkness. “We opened the track early for you. What took you so long?” Alan Sherman said with a laugh, as the well-known early riser Hollendorfer approached in a golf cart. “Make sure you write in your article that I woulda worked him five-eighths,” Hollendorfer playfully shot back. California Chrome didn’t work five furlongs, of course, but covered a half-mile in an easy... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 26, 2016) — Course specialist Bettys Bambino returned spectacularly from a 22-month layoff by winning Monday’s $102,415 Grade III San Simeon Stakes, his fifth consecutive victory, all on Santa Anita’s unique hillside turf course. Bettys Bambino is by Unusual Heat, out of the High Brite mare Brite Betty, was bred by owners Alesia, Ciaglia and Mellen and is trained by Peter Eurton. “We’ve been away 22 months and I was just hoping we’d run and then run back in the Cal Cup (Sprint, Jan. 28),” said Joe Ciaglia. “This is so amazing. He was one week away from running here last spring and he hurt his shoulder. I can’t believe it. We came from off the pace and there were some good horses in here. Breeding horses like this . . . owning the mare, breeding her and seeing her kids grow up, it’s just an amazing experience. There’s nothing more satisfying.” Bettys Bambino has seven wins in 11 starts, earnings of $378,036 and was making his... ...

By DRF.com CLEMENTS, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2016) — The gamble will take all of 2017 to unfold. California owner and breeder Richard Barton has amassed a massive broodmare band in recent years and has sent many of them to the young stallion Champ Pegasus, whose first foals race next year. By next Christmas, Barton is hoping the stallion will be the talk of California racing. Barton, 69, has been a racehorse owner for decades but has intensified his investment in recent years, with significant purchases at the Keeneland November sale – 51 horses last month, for example, mostly broodmares. In the next year, his operation will be active through ongoing support of Champ Pegasus, racing a small number of horses and offering yearlings at sales throughout the state. “We’ll try to make it a better year,” Barton said in a recent interview. “2016 wasn’t a bad year. We haven’t had any big stakes horses, and we didn’t have big runners. We didn’t lose any money.” Finding a “big horse” in... ...

By DRF.com COALINGA, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2016) — Lucky Pulpit’s reign atop the California sire ranks was cemented less than a quarter of the way through 2016, as California Chrome stormed down the stretch to dominate the $10 million Dubai World Cup. The victory in what was then the world’s richest race helped California Chrome become North America’s all-time leading earner, with career earnings standing at $14.5 million following his win in the Los Alamitos Winter Challenge on Dec. 17. With his champion son powering him, Lucky Pulpit bankrolled a staggering $10,705,253 from all his runners combined through that date to lead the California general sires list, with 75 winners from 161 starters. Lucky Pulpit not only outdistanced the next stallions on the earnings list – California newcomer Bluegrass Cat ($5,509,827), the pensioned Unusual Heat ($3,613,115), and the late Tribal Rule ($3,230,802) – he also shattered Unusual Heat’s single-season California record for progeny earnings of $5.8 million. Lucky Pulpit, by Pulpit, raced as a homebred for Idaho-based owners Larry and... ...

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2016) — Sometimes it’s okay to just watch them run, to strip away all the folderol that has nothing to do with the heart of the matter and simply enjoy the sight of a remarkable Thoroughbred in action. It happened that way with Tom Fool on Oct. 24, 1953, when he faced just two in the Pimlico Special, the final start of his career. There was no betting on the race – I mean, what’s the point? – and Tom Fool already had secured his Horse of the Year title with nine straight wins. But the 18,965 fans were there to see the big horse run, as well as gamble on eight other races, and Tom Fool did not disappoint. He won by eight in track-record time. The New York fans who gathered at Aqueduct on Sept. 22, 1965, had no way of knowing that the featured Stymie Handicap would be Kelso’s last moment in the sun. Yes, he was 8 years... ...