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... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 19, 2016) — California-bred California Chrome, the 5-year-old chestnut champion whose stellar season catapulted him to be North American racing’s all-time leading earner, has been selected to receive the 2016 Secretariat Vox Populi, or “Voice of the People,” Award.   It is the second time California Chrome has been selected for the award that recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for Thoroughbred racing. He is the first repeat winner of the award.   California Chrome also received the award in 2014 after winning the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I), and building a coast-to-coast fan base of “Chromies” during his Triple Crown campaign. He earned the Horse of the Year honor that season.   Following his Cinderella story, though, injuries contributed to a disappointing 2015 racing season. California Chrome’s celebrated comeback in 2016 was highlighted by seven wins in eight starts, including commanding performances in the Dubai... ...

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2016) — Ann Arbor Eddie held off a sustained threat from the heavily favored California Diamond to win his first stakes in Sunday’s $100,000 King Glorious Stakes for 2-year-old Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos. The King Glorious Stakes was the top race on the final day of the Los Alamitos two-week winter meeting. Santa Anita opens its winter-spring meeting on Dec. 26. Ann Arbor Eddie ($7.20) won by 1 1/4 lengths over 2-5 California Diamond, the two racing within a half-length of each other throughout. The race was very much a tactical battle between jockey Mario Gutierrez on Ann Arbor Eddie and Kent Desormeaux on California Diamond. California Diamond dueled with Ann Arbor Eddie through the first half-mile, leading narrowly. Ann Arbor Eddie led by a half-length with a quarter-mile remaining and was briefly passed by California Diamond in the stretch for a few strides. Ann Arbor Eddie regained the lead and pulled away in the final sixteenth while racing on the... ...

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2016) — California Chrome won the 15th stakes of his career with a record-setting performance against nine overmatched rivals in the $180,000 Los Alamitos Winter Challenge on Saturday. In the hours after the race, trainer Art Sherman saw little evidence California Chrome had spent a small portion of the afternoon on the track. “I’ve never seen a horse that won that way and recovered that quickly,” Sherman said Sunday morning. “He’s a horse that makes you shake your head. He’s one of a kind.” California Chrome won the Los Alamitos Winter Challenge by 12 lengths after a wide trip. He ran 1 1/16 miles in a track-record time of 1:40.03 under jockey Victor Espinoza. The previous track record was held by the 3-year-old Uncle Lino, who was timed in 1:40.82 in April in the California Chrome Stakes, no less. California Chrome was wide throughout the Winter Challenge, took the lead on the final turn and scooted clear in the last furlong. Point Piper, the... ...

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2016) – Big wins have defined Sircat Sally’s first two starts. After beating maidens in her debut by five lengths at Del Mar in November, Sircat Sally won her stakes debut in Saturday’s $100,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies by 12 lengths at Los Alamitos. The win required minimal effort from jockey Drayden Van Dyke, who had Sircat Sally on the lead throughout. “She was very comfortable,” Van Dyke said. “I was very impressed. “I wanted to get her out there to get a good position. She threw her ears up and came back to me.” Sircat Sally ($3) led by 1 1/2 lengths over 17-1 Cash Prize after an opening quarter-mile in 23.39 seconds. Sircat Sally led by a length after a half-mile, the closest her five rivals got to the front. Sircat Sally pulled clear through the final quarter-mile, leading by six lengths with a furlong remaining. She finished a mile in 1:35.42. Cash Prize, a maiden... ...

By DRF.com TUCSON, Ariz. (Dec. 15, 2016) — Former jockey Garrett Gomez was found dead Wednesday, according to a family friend, Jeanette Hughes, who spoke to his daughter Shelby. “I’ve known Garrett since we were kids. I hope he’s at peace,” Hughes said. “Poor kid.” Gomez was the victim of apparent drug overdose, according to another person with knowledge of the situation. He was found at a casino hotel near Tucson, Ariz. Gomez, who would have been 45 on Jan. 1, announced his retirement in June 2015 on Facebook, but he had not ridden since 2013. Gomez had a history of substance-abuse issues, but for much of his career he had held them at bay. He was a two-time Eclipse Award winner and won 3,769 races, including 13 Breeders’ Cup races, the most significant aboard Blame when he sent Zenyatta to her only defeat in the 2010 Classic at Churchill Downs. His mounts earned more than $205 million. In the summer of 2013, Gomez told Del Mar’s stewards he had... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 13, 2016) — Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens will undergo hip replacement surgery next week, the legendary rider announced Dec. 13, and is unsure when or if he will return to the saddle for yet another comeback. Stevens had signed on to be first call rider for Ruis Racing before his hip gave out. He was trying to ride through the spring meet at Santa Anita Park, but after MRIs and x-rays Monday, he realized that was not possible.  Stevens will remain with Ruis Racing as an advisor and assistant during this time. “All I can do is have it done and hope for the best,” Stevens said of his impending surgery. “I hope I’m in a position in a few months where I can make the choice if I want to go back to riding or not. In the meantime, I am going to continue to help Ruis Racing develop their stock and see where it takes us.” The 53-year-old Stevens has mastered the art... ...

From Taylor Made Farm NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 12, 2016) — California-based mares accepted and booked to California Chrome are eligible for free direct round-trip shipping from Harris Farms in Coalinga, Calif., to Taylor Made Farms in Nicholasville, Ky.   Perry Martin, the co-owner and co-breeder of California Chrome, will have several California-based mares shipping both ways in order to take advantage of the Cal-bred program administered by the CTBA.   He will be booking an entire 65-foot van from Bob Hubbard for the trips and will offer free spots on as-available basis.  First shipment will be late January.  Please inquire with Taylor Made Stallions when booking your mares. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 9, 2016) — The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association thanks the many stallion owners for their donations that made the Thursday night Annual Stallion Season Auction a success. More than $50,000 was raised in the auction, with the entire proceeds by law going strictly toward the lobbying expenses of the CTBA, working in support of legislation that favorably impacts California Thoroughbred breeders. The sale featured seasons donated by these farms: Ballena Vista Farm, BG Thoroughbred Farm, Blue Diamond Farm, Firth Ranch, Fruitful Acres Farm, Harris Farms, Legacy Ranch, Lovacres Ranch, Magali Farms, Milky Way Farm, Oak Hill Farm, Ocean Breeze Ranch, Old English Rancho, Paradise Road Ranch, Rancho San Miguel, Ridgeley Farm, Special T Thoroughbreds, Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, Victory Rose Thoroughbreds and Woodbridge Farm. ...

By Bloodhorse.com TUCSON, Ariz. (Dec. 6, 2016) — Calling his career in horse racing as well as his association with California Chrome   “a lifetime dream,” trainer Art Sherman accepted the 2016 Big Sport of Turfdom Award from the Turf Publicists of America at the Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming Nov. 6 in Tucson, Ariz. Sherman guided 5-year-old California Chrome this season to prestigious victories in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) and Pacific Classic (gr. I), and won the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands and Preakness Stakes (both gr. I) with him in 2014. California Chrome is the all-time leading money-earning Thoroughbred based in North America. “I wouldn’t be here without my crew and my wife of 55 years, Fay,” Sherman said. “This has been a great life for me and my family, and I appreciate this honor.” Master of ceremonies and Santa Anita Park track announcer Michael Wrona introduced Sherman by saying “His responsiveness to all requests and his accessibility and likability,” are what earned the award. Sherman received... ...

From BetAmerica SAN FRANCISCO, (Dec. 6, 2016) – BetAmerica, the online advance deposit wagering website,  is pleased to announce they will be the presenting sponsor for the 2016 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) Annual Awards Dinner. Every year the CTBA names California-bred champions in nine categories, including the prestigious Horse of the Year. California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year, 3 Year Old and Turf Horse winner, as well as the 2015 Older Male, looks to pick up another trophy for his collection. Hall of Fame inductions for  Donald Valpredo, Bob Baffert and Art Sherman, as well as Trainer of the Year, Leading Breeder and five categories of Leading Stallion awards will also be included in the night’s honors. “We are looking forward to teaming together with the CTBA on a fantastic night honoring California horses and connections,” said Michelle Yu, VIP Manager for BetAmerica. “ Cal breds have become a staple across the country, and thanks to Chrome across the world, and we are proud of the affiliation.... ...

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 5, 2016) — The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), through its involvement in the H-2B Workforce Coalition, has joined other organizations and businesses in pushing to have the H-2B visa returning worker exemption reinstated in a continuing resolution that is being drafted to fund the federal government through March 31, 2017. H-2B visas are used by employers to fill temporary, non-agricultural positions that they are unable to fill with domestic workers. Horse trainers and other industry participants use the H-2B visa program to hire grooms and other stable help. The H-2B visa program has an annual cap of 66,000 visas. Qualified workers who complied with past visa requirements and worked in the program during one of the preceding three years will be excluded from the cap through the returning worker exemption. The NTRA asks industry members to contact Congressional leadership immediately and express the horse industry’s concerns and the need to reinstate the H-2B visa returning worker exemption. Starting today, Dec. 5, industry stakeholders are... ...

From Golden Gate Fields Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2016) — Fast and Foxy, with jockey Catalino Martinez aboard, spent no time waiting for the group as she took off in the stretch to win inaugural Sunday’s $75,000 Bear Fan Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at Golden Gate Fields. by 4 ½ lengths. Trained by Holly Evans, Fast and Foxy, is the winner of the inaugural $75,000 Bear Fan stakes for California-bred fillies and mares. Fast and Foxy is by Thisnearlywasmine, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Joe Daehling or Holly Evans and is trained by Evans. She has 12 wins in 36 starts, earnings of $341,300 and was coming off a Nov. 12 optional claiming win. Fast and Foxy won by 4 1/2 lengths, going wire to wire in 1:09.48. Favorites Desert Steel and Toomuchisnotenough never offered closing responses and placed third and fourth respectively behind runner-up Light One, who circled five wide to the stretch. Fast and Foxy... ...

By Paulick Report PLEASANTON, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2016) — Some Northern California horsemen are seeking new training facilities after it was announced that the Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association would close for the winter beginning Dec. 26. According to the Pleasanton Weekly, representatives from the fair association are set to meet Thursday with horsemen to discuss the closure and get feedback. The majority of the horses will be sent to Golden Gate Fields, which until this year had provided the funding needed to keep the fairgrounds open for year-round training. Golden Gate Fields had been using the Alameda County fairgrounds as an auxiliary training facility since 2008, and had paid the fair association $7,100 per day to transport and stable horses in Pleasanton. However, more space has become available at Golden Gate due to both a decline in horse population and an expansion of its stable area, so track officials decided that the Pleasanton facilities would no longer be needed. “Golden Gate Fields decided they reached the end of the line as far as going into their... ...

By DRF.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2016) — Los Alamitos has added a stakes race to its winter meeting to give California Chrome a local prep race before the final start of his career in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 28. The Winter Challenge will be run Dec. 17 at 1 1/16 miles with a purse structure designed to entice owners and trainers to run against California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year who was second in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 5. The race is likely to be worth more than $100,000, as it will offer $50,000 to the winner, $30,000 to the runner-up, $20,000 for third, and $15,000 for the fourth and fifth finishers, according to Los Alamitos racing secretary Bob Moreno. If the race draws a larger field, additional finishers will earn $10,000 each. “If I get six or seven, it’s gravy,” Moreno said. “I think we can get five or six.” California Chrome is scheduled... ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 25, 2016) – California-bred Isa Firecracker held off favorite Grand Prix to win Friday’s $60,065 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Isa Firecracker is by Heatseeker, out of the Tannersmyman mare Caroline Elena, was bred by owner Myles McMahon and is trained by Jamey Thomas. The filly ran third in the Golden State Juvenile in her previous start at Santa Anita, overcoming trouble in the stretch. “She got in trouble down the lane and looked like she was backing out of it, but she came back on,” Thomas said of her performance earlier in the month. “That’s her heart, how well she wants to compete.” Isa Firecracker had no trouble in the lane Friday after sitting behind Zensational Dancer under Kyle Frey during the opening half-mile of the six-furlong race. She made a strong move into the lane and had a 1½-length lead at the eighth pole, but had to fend off the stout rally by Grand Prix who battled her to the wire.... ...

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2016) –The purse for the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) is being withheld until at least mid-December, according to California Horse Racing Board spokesman Mike Marten. Marten would not disclose why the purse was being withheld, but did say 12 Breeders’ Cup races have been cleared in respect to drug test results and that the Sprint has not been cleared. The Sprint was won by Drefong, followed by California-bred Masochistic and Mind Your Biscuits. “At this point, the Sprint has not been cleared,” Marten said. “All the other races have been cleared and we expect the Sprint to be cleared in mid-December.” Breeders’ Cup confirmed the purse withholding in a Nov. 23 statement. “Breeders’ Cup has been advised by the California Horse Racing Board that 12 of 13 races from this year’s event at Santa Anita, not including the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, have been cleared following post-race testing by the Maddy Laboratory at the University of California at Davis,” the statement read. “Inquiries... ...

By BloodHorse.com The Turf Publicists of America (TPA) announced Nov. 22 that Art Sherman, trainer of champion and all-time North American earnings leader California Chrome, will be honored with the 2016 Big Sport of Turfdom Award—which recognizes a person or group of people who enhance coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists. Sherman won in a vote determined by the nearly 150 active members of the TPA, a trade organization of Thoroughbred racing publicists and marketing executives. “I am so delighted and honored to be among the people that have won this award, a who’s who of racing,” Sherman said. “I’ve always tried to be accommodating to the press and even anyone that asks me for an autograph. It’s for the betterment of the game. Anything for racing.” Under Sherman’s care, California Chrome has won 15 of 25 starts while amassing $14,452,650 in earnings across four seasons. As a 3-year old, the son of Lucky Pulpit won the 2014 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr.... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2016) — Rallying from last place under jockey Victor Espinoza, Solid Wager, the defending race champion, forged ahead in the final strides to win the featured $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligible Sunday at Del Mar. Providing Espinoza and trainer Peter Miller with their third victories of the afternoon, Solid Wager, the 5-2 second choice in a field of eight older Thoroughbreds, scored by a half-length over Grazen Sky, with Acceptance third and Gold Rush Dancer fourth. Magic Mark, the 2-1 favorite, was fifth. “At first I was cussing Victor (Espinoza) wondering why he was so far back,” said Miller. “Then he winds up with this amazing move, and what can you say about Victor, there’s a reason he’s the best. It means a lot to win for the owners of this horse, who are really good friends of mine and great clients. Solid Wager, bred by Madera Thoroughbreds and owned by Barber, Barber and Stanford Stable, negotiated the... ...

                VINTON, La. (Nov. 20, 2016) – Odds-on favorite Kathballu, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, won Saturday’s $75,000 Orleans Stakes for fillies and mares at Delta Downs.                 Kathballu ran the seven furlongs in 1:26.11 and won by eight lengths as the 2-5 favorite in the field of eight.                 Out of the Devil’s Bag mare Abba Gold, Kathballu has five wins in 21 starts and earnings of $296,864. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2016) –Chao Chom hooked 1-9 favored Enola Gray shortly after the start and never relented in scoring a convincing victory in the featured $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares Sunday at Del Mar. Chao Chom is a full sister to multiple stakes winner Soi Phet by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by S Samdow and trained by Gary Stute. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $146,600 and was coming off a second in an Oct. 20 optional claimer. With Kent Desormeaux in the saddle, Chao Chom dueled with Enola Gray until mid- stretch where she asserted herself over the betting choice and drew away to score by a length and three-quarters in 1:22.53 for the seven furlongs.   “We won easy, so easy,” said Desorneaux. “There were dawdling fractions. She was just cantering down the backstretch. Then we turned for home and... ...

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2016) — Hay Dakota, a Kentucky-bred by new California stallion Haynesfield, wheeled out into the middle of the Churchill Downs turf course and went on to a 29-1 upset Saturday in the 13th running of the Grade 3, $100,000 Commonwealth Turf. Ridden by Denny Velazquez and trained by Joel Berndt, Hay Dakota rallied outside of Bondurant, the 3-1 favorite in a field of 11 3-year-olds, to prevail by a neck in the 1 1/16-mile race. The Chicago shipper returned $60.20 after finishing in 1:43.60 over firm going. For horse, trainer, and jockey, it was their first graded stakes victory. “It’s one of those boxes I’ve wanted to check,” said Berndt, who has trained since 1991 and oversees a medium-sized stable that competes in Chicago and Minnesota. Hay Dakota lagged back until the field straightened for home. Both he and Bondurant angled out to launch big runs leaving the quarter pole, with Hay Dakota proving narrowly best when farthest outside. Scholar Athlete, the leader for much of... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2016) – A trio of California-sired mares were six-figure purchases at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Journey On, a stakes-placed California-bred mare, was sold for $240,000 at Friday’s session. Journey On, by Good Journey, was purchased by California Chrome/KatieRich Farms, in foal to Candy Ride, to be bred to champion Cal-bred California Chrome. She was consigned by James Keough. Somethinaboutlaura, a California-bred millionaire and multiple Grade II winner, sold at Thursday’s session for $150,000. Somethinaboutlaura, by Dance Floor, was consigned by Taylor Made Sales, agent, and was purchased by Calumet Farm in foal to Candy Ride. Grade II winner Ciao Bella Luna, out of the California stallion Tribal Rule, sold for $450,000 at Thursday’s session. Consigned by Bedouin Bloodstock, agent, Ciao Bella Luna was purchased by Clarkland Farm in foal to Pioneerof the Nile. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2016) – California-bred millionaire mare Evening Jewel sold for $950,000 at Tuesday’s Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. The multiple Grade I-winning daughter of Northern Afleet, in foal to Pioneerof the Nile, was consigned by Taylor Made Sale Agency, agent, for Aaron and Marie Jones and purchased by Shadai Farm. ...

By Bloodhorse.com NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 8, 2016) —California Chrome  , the 2014 Horse of the Year and North America’s all-time richest racehorse, will stand his first season at Taylor Made Farm in 2017 for an advertised fee of $40,000, Taylor Made president Duncan Taylor confirmed Nov. 8 during the opening session of the Keeneland November breeding stock sale.  The initial stud fee for the 5-year-old California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit is at a range Taylor called “fair, maybe even a little lower than fair” and puts the chestnut colt at a level that should give him a competitive book of mares while allowing breeders room to make a profit. To help get their future stallion off to a strong start, the Taylor Made team has already started purchasing mares to support the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) runner-up, purchasing the grade I placed Eskendereya filly Right There for $325,000 and graded stakes producer Uchitel for $420,000 under the name California Chrome, LLC during Keeneland’s opening session. “Our ultimate goal is, we’re... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2016) — Love the Chase, dam of California-bred dual classic winner and 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome  , brought $1.95 million at the Fasig-Tipton November sale Nov. 7 in Lexington. Bloodstock agent John McCormack signed the ticket for the daughter of Not For Love offered by Taylor Made Sales. “She was a nice mare, physically, she had a lovely quality,” said McCormack, who did not identify his client. “It’s right there for everyone to see that she’s the dam of a Horse of the Year and in foal to Tapit  . You can hope and believe that the story will get better and not stay static just where it is. California Chrome is a lovely looking horse; he’s a very good horse, he’s a very honest horse, and he’s a deserved champion. And when a mare like this comes into the ring producing the horse of the caliber that she has, you have to pay the market price and I thought this was the market... ...

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2016) — In show business, it’s how you leave ’em that counts – laughing, crying, wanting even more. Last Saturday’s Day 2 of the Breeders’ Cup provided all that and then some. Brilliant races from Arrogate, California Chrome, Highland Reel, and Tourist marked the day, while Peter Eurton, Phil D’Amato, Seamus Heffernan, and Flavien Prat joined the company of Breeders’ Cup winners. Even the fans, 72,811 strong, got into the act by the end of the long, dramatic afternoon, although with varying effects. As the soft twilight settled and the dying sun glowed in the distance, those heading for the exits near the walking ring were greeted by a woman wearing a red dress and a broad grin proudly waggling a homemade banner that read, “Hillary for Prison.” Times change. In 1996, signs at the Cup shouted “Cigar for President.” In 2009, it was “Girl Power! Go Zenyatta!” When someone suggested that perhaps this of all places on this of all days... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2016) – Arrogate and California Chrome, both of whom put on a show in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday at Santa Anita, emerged from the race in good order and could meet again in January in the inaugural Pegasus at Gulfstream Park, their connections said Sunday morning. Trainer Bob Baffert got his third straight Classic victory with Arrogate’s win. As with last year’s winner, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, Arrogate was trained into the Classic after running in the Travers. ”I saw him this morning, gave him a carrot, and thanked him. I told him American Pharoah is proud you’re sleeping in his bed,” said Baffert, who put Arrogate in the stall at his barn that had been occupied by American Pharaoh. “How lucky am I to have a horse like Pharoah, and come back with a horse like this?” Baffert asked. “That race was so exciting. I lost my voice. I thought he could do it. We don’t know how good he... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2016) –After checking in on California Chrome   early Nov. 6 at Santa Anita Park, trainer Art Sherman made his way back to his home base at Los Alamitos Race Course. Losing the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) for the second time Nov. 5 to conquering general Bob Baffert doesn’t change the reality of a Sunday morning. There are still horses to work. “We’ve got workers and things to do,” Sherman said. “That’s what this business is all about. You can’t sit around and cry about it.” Although there was a tinge of disappointment in the trainer’s voice, the ever-present pep Sherman displays whenever he talks about his star chestnut was still underlying. “He’s still a champion in my eyes,” Sherman said of California Chrome’s half-length loss to Arrogate in Saturday’s Classic. “He ran a great race. They were 10 lengths in front of the rest of them. It was a dominant performance by two horses.” NOVAK: Arrogate Upsets ‘Chrome’ in BC Classic The 79-year-old... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2016) — A year ago, jockey Victor Espinoza basked in the glow of an adoring Keeneland crowd after guiding American Pharoah to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, capping an unforgettable season that included the Triple Crown. On Saturday, Espinoza’s emotions were on the opposite end of the spectrum after Arrogate, under Mike Smith, went past California Chrome in the final 20 yards to win the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic by half a length, ending California Chrome’s bid for a perfect season. For once, Espinoza was searching for an excuse as he walked back to the Santa Anita jockeys’ room. And he pinned the blame on himself. “Now that I think back, I should have just opened it up a little earlier,” Espinoza said. “I waited a little longer, and the other horse caught me in the end. When I saw California Chrome’s ears pinned back, I said, ‘I’m in trouble,’ and the wire was just a little bit further.” Espinoza said that... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2016) – On Saturday, he took his first step toward doing that by taking the $200,000 Golden State Juvenile for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds by three-quarters of a length over Hot Smoke at Santa Anita. It was 2 1/2 lengths farther back to Milton Freewater in third. The win was the fifth from seven starts for California Diamond, a son of Harbor the Gold trained by Peter Miller for Gary Hartunian’s Rockingham Ranch, which purchased the colt after his second win in July. He was bred by Stormy Hull out of the Slewdledo mare Carrie’s a Jewel. In winning the Golden State Juvenile under Kent Desormeaux, California Diamond showed he could sit a little bit early and finish. The Golden State Juvenile was his first attempt at seven furlongs. “I think he can stretch,” said Miller, who recorded his meet-leading 17th victory. “Kent’s always thought he could. We’ve been working on getting him to relax and getting him to finish and not pull... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 4, 2016) – Bettors jumped off the bandwagon at the wrong time Friday as maiden How About Zero, equipped with blinkers for the first time, registered a one-length victory in the $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at odds of 10-1 at Santa Anita. Under Mario Gutierrez, How About Zero settled in fifth position in the early stages of the seven-furlong race and made a three-wide move around the far turn. Straightening away in the stretch, How About Zero made the lead, and despite lugging in during the final furlong, she was able to hold Ms Wakaya at bay near the finish. The result was a reversal of the order of finish of a Sept. 30 maiden race here, where Ms Wakaya beat How About Zero by 2 1/4 lengths. How About Zero, who had debuted in a stakes at Del Mar, was the 1-2 favorite in that Sept. 30 race. “She was bet way down last time,... ...

By RemingtonPark.com OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Nov. 4, 2016)–U S Officer, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion U S Ranger, lodged a big closing move along the rail to pass the pace-setting Divine Kaleb in the final yards to win Friday’s $100,000 Clever Trevor Stakes at Remington Park. The race is the final local prep event for 2-year-olds aiming for the Springboard Mile in December. Owned by the Weatherford, Texas partnership of Jerry Durant and Bill Jordan, U S Officer is trained by Danny Pish. Jockey David Cabrera, the only jockey to win on the colt, had the mount for the second race in a row. U S Officer settled near the back of the nine-horse field in the Clever Trevor and was last, nearly 10 lengths from the front, as the field turned for home, with plenty of work to do. “I was not really expecting to be that far back but the race played out like that,” Cabrera said after the trophy presentation. “This horse, he can sit anywhere... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 6, 2016) — Yo Y Me, an Arizona-bred son of California stallion Dixie Chatter, won Saturday’s $96,645 ATBA Fall Sale Stakes for 2-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Yo Y Me is out of the Bertrando mare Miss Ballard ran the six furlongs in 1:10.92 and won by one length as the even-money favorite in a field of 11. He has two wins in six starts with earnings of $86,858 and was coming off a maiden win Oct. 17. ...

By DRF.com NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 24, 2016) –The China Horse Club, the international horse-racing partnership, has purchased an undisclosed share in 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome, the club said on Twitter. The China Horse Club, which was launched in 2013 and has quickly purchased stakes in horses across the world, said in a tweet Friday that it was “very pleased to join ownership of California Chrome heading into [the Breeders’ Cup] and Pegasus events.” The Pegasus World Cup is a $12 million race scheduled for Jan. 28 at Gulfstream Park. Duncan Taylor, the president of Taylor Made Farm, which owns a stake in California Chrome that it has divided into marketable shares, said on Monday at the Fasig-Tipton October yearling sale that the stake purchased by the China Horse Club will give the group a share in the colt’s racing and breeding career. Taylor did not disclose the size of the stake. Last year, Taylor Made purchased a 30 percent share in California Chrome from Steve and Carolyn... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2016)–Sent hard from the gate, trainer Kenny Black’s Acceptance proved extra game in deep stretch, as he held off a tenacious Richard’s Boy to win Saturday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles under veteran Stewart Elliott. Bred in California by Old English Rancho, the 4-year-old colt by Vronsky got 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:11.51. Breaking from post position six in a field of seven California-bred or sired runners three and up, Acceptance out-dueled the runner-up going to the half mile point and was able to secure an inside position at the rail prior to crossing the dirt at the top of the lane. From there, he was all heart to the wire as he fended off serious challenges from both Richard’s Boy and favored Boozer, who ended up finishing fifth. “He was tough today,” said Black, himself a former top apprentice rider in the early 1980s. “I thought they had him two or... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2016)–Ridden by Kent Desormeaux, heavily favored California Diamond rolled to a 2 ¼ length win in Sunday’s $70,000 Speakeasy Stakes, a six furlong affair for 2-year-olds.  Owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller, the son of Harbor the Gold bred in California by Stormy Hull covered six furlongs in 1:10.96. With Crosscheck Carlos and Right Hand Man setting a fast early pace, California Diamond, who came off a restricted stakes win going 6 ½ furlongs at Los Alamitos on Sept. 18, rolled three-wide to the leaders leaving the quarter pole and put Right Hand Man away with consummate ease a sixteenth out. “He’s really talented,” said Desormeaux, who has ridden California Diamond in his last two starts.  “I think the sky’s the limit with him.  I was impressed with his performance today.  He’s quirky when he makes the lead…I think I’ve got it handled and he won very handily today.” Off at 3-5 in a field of six (four of... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 15, 2016)–The lone three year old in a field of five fillies and mares, Enola Gray tried turf for the first time and avenged her only career loss with a gutty one length win under Tyler Baze in Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Owned and bred by Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato, the grey daughter of Grazen got 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:11.57. Second as the 1-5 favorite against open company in the six furlong Beverly J. Lewis Stakes at Los Alamitos Sept. 11, Enola Gray broke from post position three today and was immediately engaged on the front end by Desert Steel, who broke from the rail under Rafael Bejarano. “I didn’t necessarily think that filly would go like she did, but it didn’t alter the way my filly ran,” said Baze. “I just wanted to give her a chance to spread her wings... ...

From Unusual Heat Syndicate COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2016) – Unusual Heat, the All Time Leading Sire in California Progeny Earnings has been pensioned from stud at 26. “It is with great emotion that we have to announce the retirement of Unusual Heat”, said Harris Auerbach, managing partner of M. Auerbach, LLC. “He’s been remarkable and even in his final season at stud in 2016 managed to get 25 of 30 bred mares in foal. It’s been an amazing run and I’m happy that “Heat” can now just relax and enjoy the rest of his days just being a horse.” Doug Burge, longtime President of the California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association remarked “He’s been the perennial leading sire in California for over a decade and his influence on CA breeding and racing through his sons and daughters will be prevalent for years to come.” Bred by John T. Jones in Kentucky, Unusual Heat is the son of Nureyev and Danish Champion mare Rossard. In 1991, he became the highest priced horse... ...

By Thoroughbred Daily News When Valerie Ashker and Peter Friedman set out to ride two retired Thoroughbreds some 3,500 across the country, they didn’t know what to expect or even if they would complete the journey. But some five months after they started the finish line is nearing, and the horses are holding up fantastically. The same can’t be said for their riders. Their mission is to promote the adoption of off-the-track Thoroughbreds, which they believe are under-appreciated by people looking for a sport horse. They figured if they could show that their two horses, Primitivo and Solar Express, could get through something so grueling and taxing then they could open people’s eyes about the temperament and fortitude of the Thoroughbred. Ashker’s daughter, Laine, is an accomplished equestrian and most of her success has come aboard off-the-track Thoroughbreds. “This has been the hardest thing I have ever done and I have done a lot of hard things,” Ashker said. “It is oppressive day in and day out, just the grind.... ...

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 8, 2016) — Jimmy Bouncer dominated a small field, scoring a wire-to-wire win in the $100,000 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at the Big Fresno Fair on Saturday. The 5-year-old Jimmy Bouncer ($6.60), a gelding by Square Eddie and a Reddam Racing homebred, took the lead out of the gate and was never seriously challenged by four rivals while setting mundane fractions of 23.03 and 45.22 seconds in the six-furlong race. As he controlled the pace, Jimmy Bouncer extended his margin to four lengths by the eighth pole before galloping home a 3 3/4-length winner under Abel Cedillo. The winning time was 1:10.17. Odds-on favorite Well Measured sat close early and was an easy second, finishing 1 3/4 lengths in front of Cartoonist. :: Enjoy news and analysis from DRF? Get handicapping analysis, real-time coverage, special reports, and charts. Unlock access with DRF Plus. The victory continued trainer Doug O’Neill’s string of success in Northern California. He won the El Camino Real... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2016) –The difference in a year for Masochistic has been noticeable, and in a good way. The California-bred Sought After gelding is still blazing fast, but during morning workouts, he’s learned to settle down. When Masochistic moved to the Ron Ellis barn in 2015, he could hardly be contained in the mornings and would often run off during works. The horse out on the track Oct. 6 at Santa Anita Park, in his fourth work in preparation for the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I), looked like a different animal. The three-time graded stakes winner relaxed well under exercise rider Balthazar Contreras and finished off his six-furlong drill in 1:12 3/5. His furlong fractions went in :12 4/5, :24 4/5, :36 2/5, :48 1/5, and 1:00 1/5. “He’s much more relaxed now,” Ellis said. “It also depends on who you put on him. (Contreras) has him down pretty good.” Thursday’s drill was Masochistic’s fourth straight bullet work since a dominant 3 3/4-length victory in... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2106)–Forwardly placed throughout, California-bred Ashleyluvssugar got a perfect stalking trip under Gary Stevens and went on to an impressive half length win in the Grade II, $200,000 John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita. Trained by Peter Eurton, the 5-year-old gelding by Game Plan got 1 ¼ miles on turf in 1:58.35. A gate to wire winner of the Grade II, 1 3/8 miles turf Del Mar Handicap on Aug. 20, “Ashley” notched his second consecutive win and his fourth from seven starts over the Santa Anita lawn. Breaking from post position six in a field of 10 and with the temporary inner rail set at 10 feet, Ashleyluvssugar sat a controlled second to longshot El Huerfano the entire trip until assuming command three sixteenths of a mile from home. “This is his kind of track,” said Eurton. “You gotta think this horse is just full of heart. When he’s healthy like he is right now, he’s great…The six hole helped us... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2016)–Superstar California Chrome was sensational yet again at Santa Anita on Saturday, taking the Grade I, $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes in gate to wire fashion by 2 ¼ lengths over rival Dortmund, who pressured him early. Ridden by Victor Espinoza and trained by Art Sherman, California Chrome covered 1 1/8 miles while geared down in 1:48.07, and thus served notice to the world that at age five, he is the horse to beat in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at The Great Race Place on Nov. 5. Breaking from the rail, the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit was hustled out of the gate as Dortmund, adding blinkers and to his immediate outside, was sent as well by Rafael Bejarano. The pair were separated by a neck into and around the Club House turn and Espinoza with a look to his outside, stepped on the gas at the 4 ½ furlong pole and the Awesome Again, was for all intents and purposes,... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2016) –A hard-fought victory against a game Dortmund in the San Diego Handicap and a wire-to-wire domination of a field that included defending champion Beholder in the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic made California Chrome the unanimous choice as Del Mar’s Horse of the Meeting for 2016. The 5-year-old, California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit, owned by Perry Martin and Taylor Made Farm and trained by Art Sherman, came into the meeting as North America’s all-time earnings leader with more than $12.5 million and added $720,000 to the total with his two wins. With jockey Victor Espinoza providing expert guidance, California Chrome stalked pace-setting Dortmund in the San Diego, took a narrow advantage at the quarter pole and refused to yield to determined Dortmund and ultimately prevailed by a half-length. Drawing the No. 1 post in the Pacific Classic, Espinoza decided to take control of the pace immediately and pursuing Beholder was never closer than 1 ½ lengths as California Chrome drew away... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2016) –Mo Soul, overlooked in the wagering at 20-1, outbattled 13-10 favored California Diamond in the stretch to win the $150,345 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series eligible two-year-olds Friday at Del Mar. With Tiago Pereira in the saddle, Mo Soul wore down California Diamond in the stretch to forge a length and one-quarter triumph in the six-furlong sprint. Rinse and Repeat was a distant third in the field of seven first-year runners. “We had a good position, but he’s a little green and I had to push on him to get him going,” said Pereira. “But he responded very well. And he finished with his ears up so he was going easy at the end.” Mo Soul, who won his career debut June 19 in a $50,000 maiden claiming race at Santa Anita but had been idle since then, sped the distance in 1:10.21 and returned $43.20, $12.40 and $6.40 while earning first money of $85,500. The gelded son of... ...

OCEANPORT, N.J. (Aug. 28, 2016) – Jersey Blues, a New Jersey-bred son of California stallion Eddington, won Sunday’s $61,200 Charles Hesse III Handicap at Monmouth Park. Jersey Blues ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.57 and won by 2 ¼ lengths at odds of 7-2 in the field of nine. He has four wins in 12 starts, and earnings of $138,134. “He’s a big horse who’s a funny traveler, but he can run,” said winning trainer John Mazza, who conditions the Hesse winner for Holly Crest Farm. “Paco (Lopez) rode a great race and I guess we got lucky today. It feels great to win such a race at my home track on Jersey-bred Day.”   ...

From DMTC.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2016) –Miss Sunset, the 1-2 favorite on the basis of her career debut which she won stylishly by four and three-quarter lengths, improved on that performance Saturday with an easy victory in the $150,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series eligible two-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Ridden confidently by jockey Fernando Perez, Miss Sunset took charge in the stretch and was not threatened in scoring by five and one-quarter lengths in 1:10.46 for the six furlongs. How About Zero, making her first start, ran creditably to be second, five and one-half lengths in front of Rocketann in the field of six fillies. Miss Sunset, a daughter of Into Mischief bred by Premier Thoroughbreds and Alan Klein, owned by Klein and Lebherz and trained by Jeff Bonde, rewarded her supports with an across the board payoff of $3, $2.60 and $2.20 while earning $85,500. How About Zero, who was piloted by Mario Gutierrez, returned $4.40 and $3.20, while Rocketann paid $5.80 to show.... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2016) — Masochistic, the overwhelming favorite at 1-5, delivered as expected Saturday with a brilliant front-running victory under jockey Tyler Baze in the featured Grade II $200,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes. Running versus only two rivals, Masochistic breezed to the front in the first few strides and was on cruise-control for the remainder of the seven-furlong sprint, Baze never uncocking his whip as his mount strolled to the wire three and three-quarter lengths in front of Vyjack, second choice at 5-2, with Indexical a distant third another seven and one-half lengths farther back. Outside Nashville and Cautious Giant were withdrawn from the original field. Masochistic, a six-year-old California-bred gelded son of Sought After, was bred by Francoise Dupuis & Louise Julian, is owned by Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Jay Em Ess Stable and is trained by Ron Ellis. His time of 1:20.31 narrowly missed the track record of 1:20 flat set by Solar Launch in the 1990 Real Good Deal Stakes. The... ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 26, 2016) — The mare who produced 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome will be offered at the Fasig-Tipton November sale, owner Perry Martin said. Love the Chase will be sold through the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment in foal to Tapit. Actually, the first mare of the year confirmed in foal to North America’s leading sire. “I’m keeping 10% of California Chrome  , so that means I’ll need some mares, which means I can’t keep everything,” Martin said. “I plan on selling her and using the proceeds to buy other mares. I’m also breeding horses with the idea of breeding to Chrome. “For tax purposes, what we are doing is a 1031 exchange, which is basically exchanging assets. This is mostly used for real estate but you can use any asset as long as they are similar in kind, and you have window of opportunity to do that.” A key purchase for Martin’s broodmare program down the road was an Ohio-bred Munnings   filly now named Not... ...

  DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2016) – California-bred Magic Mark ($23) disputed the pace throughout the $100,735 second division of Wednesday’s Harry F. Brubaker Strakes at Del Mar to score by 2 1/4 lengths over 18-1 Songforjohnmichael. Ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, Magic Mark was timed in 1:35.55. Trainer Ron Ellis said being near the front is key for Magic Mark. “When he gets dirt in his face, he’s not as brave,” Ellis said. “He’s got a high cruising speed. Drayden did an amazing job.” Magic Mark, 6, races for breeders Dorine and John Lanza. By Benchmark, Magic Mark has won six of 16 starts and earned $325,634. Magic Mark won the Bertrando Stakes at Los Alamitos in July 2015. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 24, 2016) – California-bred Soi Phet won the $99,145 first division of the Harry F. Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar on Wednesday despite a wide trip throughout the mile under jockey Kent Desormeaux. Soi Phet ($4.20) was three wide in the six path on the backstretch and four wide on the turn before pulling away in the final furlong to win by 2 1/4 lengths over 15-1 Solid Wager. Soi Phet ran a mile in 1:35.05, the second-fastest time of the meeting at the distance. “I was so scared because he was going so wide,” trainer Leonard Powell said. “Kent was waiting and waiting, and I was hoping he had something left. He ran a good time.” Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Benowitz Family Trust, Powell or Viskovich and is trained by Leonard Powell. He has 10 wins in 47 starts, earnings of $705,096 and was coming off a sixth... ...

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 22, 2016) — You could hear it throughout the stands Saturday at Del Mar. Gasps of “Oh!” as California Chrome took command of the Pacific Classic right from the start and dared anyone to run with him. “Gee” as he bounded along, oblivious to those in pursuit. “Wow” when he burst clear once and for all at the head of the stretch. Oh-gee-wow moments in horse racing are few and far between. They require a race of importance, preferably of some length, with a best-case scenario for unforgettable drama. When it happens, the grandchildren will be told the tale. Still, oh-gee-wow means very little without context, which is why those closest to California Chrome should be taken at their word for the joyous excess of their post-game comments. Art Sherman said Chrome should be heading straight to the Hall of Fame, and Sherman sat on Swaps, which is all the historical context anyone ever needs when it comes to judging horseflesh. Victor... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2016) — After a nice, late dinner at Chin’s Szechwan Cuisine, 79-year-old Art Sherman felt like getting back on a horse Aug. 21 at Del Mar, a day after California Chrome  ‘s dominant victory in the $1 million TVG Pacific Classic (gr. I). Almost an octogenarian, the former exercise rider for Swaps would just like one chance to get on his brilliant chestnut. “I’d love to just sit on him one time,” Sherman said with his trademark wry smile. “I’ll tell (jockey) Victor (Espinoza), ‘Just don’t make any mistakes, because he might get a different rider.’ “I’ve had dreams of being on that horse.” Barn CC on the Del Mar backside had a party-like atmosphere Sunday morning—with a large group of connections and fans huddled around the 2014 Horse of the Year’s stall—following what Sherman called the best performance of his career. BALAN: California Chrome Superior in Pacific Classic “I knew the race was over at the three-eighths pole, because I know what the horse... ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 20, 2016) –California-bred California Chrome, all-time leading money-winner in North America, embellished his growing stature as one of the finest Thoroughbreds to grace the racing scene in recent times with a brilliant triumph in the Grade I $1 million TVG Pacific Classic Saturday. Sent to the lead by jockey Victor Espinoza from his inside post position in the opening strides, the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit cruised along in front setting comfortable fractions of :23.20, 47.29, 1:11.22 and 1:35.69 in the mile and one-quarter race. “Before the race, no matter what strategy I have, everything changes when the gate opens,” said Espinoza. “So, right when I was behind the gate I thought ‘You know what, I’m going to send out of here. I’m going to send hard out of the gate and then move out just a little toward the middle of the track. I tapped California Chrome a couple of times and I was surprised I opened up two or three lengths right... ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 20, 2016) –Masterfully-rated on the lead by Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, 5-2 favored California-bred Ashleyluvssugar held on desperately in the final strides to nose out rallying Metaboss and win the Grade II $250,000 Del Mar Handicap on the day of the Grade I $1 million TVG Pacific Classic. Ashleyluvssugar, runner-up in the mile and three-eighths grass event a year ago, went to the front shortly after the start, was well in hand while setting a slow pace under Stevens, but was forced to go all out to prevail by the narrowest of margins. Longshot Texas Ryano was third, a length behind Meta Boss, who rallied from last under Rafael Bejarano to just miss, while another longshot, El Huerfano  was fourth in the field of a dozen older horses. “He was waiting on horses,” said Stevens. “I tried to stay busy on him, but he was waiting. They (the other riders) know it and know him. They came at him out in the... ...

Sales Result in pdf format Sales Result in xlsx format PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2016) – A colt by City Zip brought a sale-topping $50,000 and a pair of California-bred colts by stallion Acclamation were close behind in Tuesday’s 2016 Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The high-bid colt is out of the stakes-placed Runaway Groom mare Mama Ruth, who also has produced a full brother that earned $150,050. He was bred by H & E Ranch and was purchased by Robert Hess, Jr. H & E Ranch also bred the topper at the sale two years ago. The second-highest priced sale was a California-bred bay colt by California stallion Acclamation, out of the stakes-winning Jump Start mare North Freeway, bred by Thomas Bachman, sold for $47,000 as property of Fairview and was purchased by Terry Knight. The other Acclamation, out of the Falstaff mare Evening Walk, was consigned and bred by Harris Farms and was purchased for $40,000 by John Brocklebank,... ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2016) — Majestic Heat, the 3-2 betting choice piloted by Del Mar’s leading rider this summer, Flavien Prat, held on gallantly in the final strides to nose out the onrushing longshot, Tiz a Kiss, and win the featured $150,000 Solana Beach Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles Sunday at Del Mar. Majestic Heat opened a clear lead in midstretch but then was fully extended to hold off the 14-1 Tiz a Kiss, who was handled by Kent Desormeaux. Singing Kitty, 9-5 second choice in the field of ten California-bred older fillies and mares, was third, two and one-quarter lengths farther back, with Mangita, the early pacemaker, fading to fourth. Minster’sadventure was withdrawn from the original line-up. “Excellent trip for me,” said Prat. “She’s got a high cruising speed and she was right where I wanted her to be. At the end, I thought I’d won it, but I wasn’t sure. It turned out well. The competition here at this meet (among riders) is... ...

By DRF.com SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2016) — Only You Babe ($5.80) rallied from last place to score her third straight victory and second stakes triumph as she won the $62,125 Wine Country Debutante at the Santa Rosa Fair Grounds in Santa Rosa on Sunday. The 2-year-old Thorn Song filly ran down pacesetting Unbroken Code to score a half-length victory in 1:12.69 in the six-furlong stakes for 2-year-old fillies. She had also defeated Unbroken Code in a photo in the Juan Gonzalez at Oak Tree Pleasanton after losing a photo to her in a maiden race. The Larry and Marianne Williams’ Cal-bred is a half sister to Can Can Babe, who ran second in this race in 2014. Only You Babe earned $41,000 for the win and has now earned$115,600 in her five-race career, which includes three wins and two seconds. Only You Babe broke last, but did not get off badly.  Jockey Frank Alvarado did not ask for anything until beginning to move up on the turn. “I... ...

By DRF.com SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 13, 2016) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate My Friend Emma ($6) made amends for a disappointing effort in last month’s Oak Tree Sprint with a record-setting performance in the $63,550 Jess Jackson Owners’ Handicap, finishing in 55.75 seconds at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on Saturday. His time in the five-furlong turf sprint shattered Ain’t No Other’s course record of 56.47 seconds set in winning the 2013 Jess Jackson. Juan Hernandez, who rode Ain’t No Other, was also aboard My Friend Emma. The 4-year-old Tannersmyman gelding, bred by Jim Eaton, broke sharply, opening an immediate lead. Although he ran so well that it is hard to imagine anyone beating him, his cause was helped when speedy 9-10 favorite Cartoonist did not break, spotting his rival several lengths early. My Friend Emma, who won a five-furlong turf race here after being eased following a poor break in the Oak Tree Sprint at Pleasanton, was unchallenged throughout, with fractions of 22.62 seconds and 44.97 before running... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2016) – California stallion and two-time Horse of the Year Acclamation was represented by his first winner on Friday when Accountability won the eighth race, a maiden special weight for California-breds, at Del Mar. Accountability is a colt out of the Bold Badgett mare Roberta’s Mango, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Craig Martin and Paul Newhart and trained by Rafael Becerra. Accountability ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.48 and won by one-half length at odds of 7-1 in the field of nine. ...

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 11, 2016) – Free N Clear, a New York-bred daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, won Thursday’s $100,000 New York Stallion Series Stakes at Saratoga. Free N Clear is a 3-year-old out of the Wheaton mare Mama I’m Home. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $146,930 and ran the mile on turf in 1:36.94, winning by one-half length at odds of 8-1 in a field of seven. ...

OCEANPORT, N.J. (Aug. 7, 2016) – Unbeaten Ardmore Bay, a New York-bred son of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, won Sunday’s 60,000 Tyro Stakes for 2-year-olds at Monmouth Park. Ardmore Bay is out of the Candy Ride mare Collar. He has won both career starts with earnings of $70,200. He ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.12 and won by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 3-1. ...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Aug. 7, 2016) – Longshot Fork and Dagger, the lone California-bred in the field, turned back the bid of odds-on favorite He’s a Tiger and won Saturday’s $50,000 Duke City Sprint Stakes for 3-year-olds at Albuquerque. Fork and Dagger is by Rocky Bar, out of the Gulch mare Just Hoping, was bred by David Chavez, is owned by Kelley Brooks and trained by Bill Brashears. He has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $43,646 and was coming off a June 27 maiden win. Fork and Dagger ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.53 and won by 2 ½ lengths at odds of 11-1. ...

Photo from Doug O’Neill Racing Stable From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 3, 2016) — For the third consecutive year, the owner-trainer-jockey combination of J. Paul Reddam, Doug O’Neill and Mario Gutierrez won Del Mar’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes as 6-5 favored Green With Eddie easily triumphed in the 5 ½ furlong contest for Golden State Series eligible two-year-olds Wednesday.   Following the example of Wake Up Nick in 2014 and Mrazek last summer, Green With Eddie powered home three and one-quarter lengths in front of 3-2 second choice California Diamond, with Milton Freewater, his stablemate from O’Neill’s barn, checking in third in the field of six juvenile runners. Dutt Bart was withdrawn from the original line-up.   “I wasn’t worried about him being four  wide because this time he was able to kind of track and attack as opposed to being the target,” said O’Neill. “Mario rode a perfect race and (Green With Eddie) ran super. Square Eddie (the sire) keeps producing. To me, he’s good enough that he could... ...

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (July 30, 2016) – Pensador, a Minnesota-bred son of California stallion Einstein, won Saturday’s $85,000 Minnesota Derby for 3-year-old colts and geldings at Canterbury Park. Pensador, out of the Ghostzapper mare Levia Vita, ran the mile and 70 yards in 1:42.95 and won by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 6-1. He has three wins in eight starts with earnings of $110,680. ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 29, 2016) — Placed in a perfect stalking position by jockey Stewart Elliott, You’re Late pounced on the front-runners turning into the stretch and drew off to an impressive victory in the featured $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series eligible two-year-old fillies Friday at Del Mar.   Running third in the early stages of the 5 ½ furlong sprint as Love a Honeybadger set a fast pace followed closely by 3-5 favorite My California, You’re Late rallied powerfully on the outside to take command and then cruised home to score by three and one-quarter lengths.   “She’s a nice filly,” said Elliott. “I liked the post today (No. 5 in a five-horse field). You can play it as it lays in a spot like that. She ran well and I think she’ll stretch out.  It’s fun being here at Del Mar again (he rode here previously only in 2014). It’s even more fun when your business is good.”   While... ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 27, 2016) — Gold Rush Dancer, a 14-1 longshot piloted by Flavien Prat, rallied on the far outside entering the stretch to take command and then held off the late rush of Tough It Out to win Wednesday’s featured $150,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Well-placed in mid-pack by Prat in the early stages of the seven-furlong spring, Gold Rush Dancer swept to the front with a bold move but then was forced to go all out to survive by a half-length over Tough It Out, a 10-1 outsider under jockey Joe Talamo. “You know, he just might be better on dirt than he is on grass,” said Prat. “The seven-eighths (today) felt just about right. He’s fast and you can put him anywhere you want. That makes for good trips. Then again, you’ve got to give credit to the trainer. When you ride the best horse, it makes the job much easier.” Mrazek, the 8-5 favorite... ...

By Paulick Report DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2016) — When Big Score rallied from more than seven lengths back under jockey Flavien Prat to win a one-mile maiden race for 2-year-olds on turf at Del Mar on Sunday, I glanced down at my program to look at the colt’s pedigree. Bred in Kentucky by George Krikorian and carrying his magenta, black and silver silks to an impressive 2 ¾-length win at odds of 8-1, Big Score was sired by a stallion named Mr. Big and out of a mare by leading California stallion Unusual Heat. Mr. Big? I had never heard of him. But Big Score, making his first career start, beat a field that included a hot favorite in Mystic Kid, a son of Lemon Drop Kid. Other runners in the race were sired by Midnight Lute, Congrats, Gio Ponti and Hat Trick. I did some hasty online research and saw that Mr. Big was a son of the late Dynaformer who’d won two of nine starts for Krikorian,... ...

PIRU, Calif. (July 25, 2016) – California stallion Stormin Fever has been pensioned by owner Golden Eagle Farm. The 22-year-old son of Storm Cat stood this year at Rancho Temescal. On the track, Stormin Fever earned 484,664 and won eight races, highlighted by the Grade III Sport Page Handicap at Aqueduct. Among his progeny are millionaires Fusaichi Auster and Sweet Talker and Canadian champion Biofuel. He’s had 15 crops to race with nine graded winners and total earnings of more than $30 million. Stormin Fever stood in Kentucky until Golden Eagle purchased him in 2008. He was moved to Rancho Temescal when Golden Eagle Farm in Ramona closed in 2014. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2016) — Longshot Patriots Rule rallied from last place under jockey Joe Talamo to overhaul Ambitious Brew in the final sixteenth and win Sunday’s $150,690 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar.   “He broke well and I had a beautiful trip,” said Talamo. “I got over to the fence and tried to save all I could. When you’re coming from last, you’re looking for spots to get through. I didn’t want to have to go six wide and lose all that ground. I got lucky with that and he had a good kick late. I like the way this turf course is playing. It’s fair. You can win on the front end, or you can win coming from the back – like I did.”   Boozer was third, a length back of the runner-up and a neck in front of fourth-place Alert Bay in the field of eight California-bred horses. Magic Mark was withdrawn.   Patriots Rule,... ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (July 24, 2016) –“Congratulations, Mr. Sherman!” one exercise rider yelled out. “You’re a legend, Mr. Sherman!” announced a pony rider. “Atta boy, Art,” a jockey agent said as he walked by. Walking around the Del Mar barn area July 24, seemingly everyone that got within earshot of trainer Art Sherman wanted to express their appreciation for what they experienced the day before, when California Chrome   and Dortmund did battle in the stretch during the San Diego Handicap (gr. II). BALAN: ‘Chrome’ Edges Dortmund in Del Mar Battle “That was a nice prep, right?” Sherman said jokingly of the head-and-head stretch duel that ended up just 0.84 seconds off the Del Mar track record for 1 1/16 miles. What Sherman was most impressed with Sunday morning was how his star chestnut came out of his hard-earned, half-length victory. “Chrome looked good this morning,” the trainer said. “I was really happy with the way he recovered. I thought he’d be dead in the water after that trip. I... ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 22, 2016) — In a memorable renewal of the Grade II $200,000 San Diego Handicap, California-bred fan favorite California Chrome outfinished a stubborn Dortmund after a prolonged duel to score a half-length victory Saturday in the mile and one-sixteenth prep for the Grade I $1 million TVG Pacific Classic on August 20. Dortmund, piloted by Gary Stevens, went to the front shortly after the break, but was hounded by California Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza, who never allowed their rival to take a breather.  California Chrome, the 2014 Horse of the Year and the all-time richest horse  in North American racing history with earnings of more than $12.5 million, engaged Dortmund on the far turn, took a narrow lead entering the stretch and never  relented while holding Dortmund safe under intermittent urging by Espinoza. “I saved something for the end. I knew I’d have to,” said Espinoza. “I have a lot of respect for Dortmund and he made me run hard.  I could see... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 22, 2016) — Unbeaten Enola Gray, the 1-9 favorite in a field of five, ran to her odds and then some Friday as she romped to a 7 3/4 length triumph in the featured $150,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar.  The issue never seemed in doubt as Enola Gray pressed the early pace, cruised to the lead in the upper stretch under little urging from jockey Tyler Baze and breezed to the wire in the stakes record time of 1:21.24 for the seven furlongs. The former stakes record of 1:21.40 was set by Princess Royalty in 1990. This was the 31st running of the race. “I’ve never won a race any easier,” said Baze. “She’s just unbelievable. She’s so special. I’d say the race was probably over by the half-mile pole. She just goes so easy. All I’ve got to do is keep her happy. She handles all the rest.” Enola Gray, a daughter of... ...

By DRF.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 23, 2016) — The favored California-bred Toomuchisnotenough lived up to expectations with a strong stretch run to score her initial stakes victory in the $63,075 California Governor’s Handicap on Saturday at the California State Fair in Sacramento. The 5-year-old Toomuchisnotenough ($5.60), claimed on Feb. 27 by trainer Jack Steiner for Dan O’Neill and Randy Marriott after spending a year on the sidelines, recorded her third straight win after running second in the Camilla Urso at Golden Gate Fields  in her debut for her new connections. Juan Hernandez, who has ridden Toomuchisnotenough in all four starts for Steiner, gave a confident ride sitting fourth while wide but in the clear down the backstretch as Marynetta set the early pace. The 3-year-old Coniah, making her first start since Jan. 18 and first start against older fillies and mares, took over for Marynetta as the field hit the stretch, but Toomuchisnotenough seemed to have her measured and won the six-furlong race by a length in 1:09.92. Marynetta held... ...