ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2015) — The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association thanks the many stallion owners for their donations that made the Tuesday night Annual Stallion Season Auction a success. Nearly $60,000 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, E.A. Ranches, Daehling 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, Special T Thoroughbreds, Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, Victory Rose Thoroughbreds and Woodbridge Farm. ...

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 29, 2015) — Silver Ranch Stable and Wachtel Stable’s California-bred Poshsky rallied in the stretch and just got up to defeat longshot Pepper Crown in the $100,000 Grade III Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate Fields Nov. 29. Ridden by Russell Baze for trainer Peter Miller, Poshsky shipped in from Southern California after a Nov. 6 victory in an allowance race on the grass at Del Mar. The 5-year-old gelding by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett mare Pinky’s Posh, was bred by Old English Rancho and Berumen. He had won once on a synthetic surface before, and is now one-for-one on the Tapeta at Golden Gate. Poshsky tracked in third while Ankeny Hill set fractions of :24.03 for the opening quarter-mile and :48.40 for the half-mile. The leader picked up the pace through six furlongs in 1:11.93, but his advantage began to diminish after a mile in 1:36.35. Pepper Crown, last at the half-mile mark, moved up on the rail and grabbed a one-length in... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 29, 2015) — Nearly three decades of service in the Del Mar stewards’ booth will come to an end for steward Tom Ward after the final race Nov. 29 at the California racetrack. Ward came down from Northern California and started work at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park meet in 1986. He has been a fixture in the booth at Santa Anita since then and—except for a few summer seasons in the 1990s and early 2000s when he worked the Northern California fair circuit—at Del Mar. In 2004 Ward was called to work at Del Mar when steward Dave Samuel had health problems, and has missed only the 2014 season, for the fair circuit, since then. After the meet ends, Ward will take on a year-round assignment at Los Alamitos Race Course for both the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred meets. “It’s an idyllic setting, basically a stone’s throw away from the blue Pacific,” the 69-year-old Ward said of his days at Del... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2015) — Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer won the 7,000th race of his career whenKiss N Scat, who he co-owns with Steve Taub and George Todaro, won the first race at Golden Gate Fields Nov. 26 (VIDEO). Hollendorfer is now third on the all-time list of trainers by wins behind the late Dale Baird and Steve Asmussen. Kiss N Scat, a 2-year-old Scat Daddy  filly, easily captured an entry-level allowance race to kick off the card at the Northern California track. She won the one-mile race by 13 lengths under jockey Ricardo Gonzalez and paid $2.20 to win as the heavy favorite. “I’m very grateful to be able to do something like this,” Hollendorfer said by telephone from Del Mar. “I’ve had a lot of good people help me. I want to thank the horses, the owners, and the help I’ve had. All of my staff, including (my wife) Janet, have done such a good job. They’re the people who do most of the work.” ...

SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2015) — Rousing Sermon, the Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old by Lucky Pulpit, has been retired and will stand at Rancho San Miguel. The multiple stakes winner of $821,572 was the Champion California-bred Two-Year-Old primarily due to his dominant Bob Benoit California Cup Juvenile Stakes win and his photo finish for the win when second in the Grade I CashCall Futurity. Rousing Sermon went from Cal-bred Champion juvenile onto the Kentucky Derby trail, finishing third in both the Grade II Bob Lewis and the lucrative Grade II Louisiana Derby. Rousing Sermon was quick enough to break his maiden first out going five panels in June of his juvenile campaign and continued on winning at distances in excess of a mile. Rousing Sermon was trained throughout his career by Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. “Rousing Sermon was a horse with heart and determination to compete and win in the upper levels of racing. He is an attractive and balanced horse with a beautiful stride. We are expecting a load of inquires due to the overwhelming success his sire line has... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2015) – Longshot Solid Wager rallied from last through the middle of the stretch to win Sunday’s $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. Solid Wager is by Birdonthewire, out of the Valid Wager mare G Ma, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Gary and Cecil Barber and Stanford Stables and trained by Peter Miller. He has six wins in 24 starts, earnings of $330,606 and was coming off an Oct. 8 optional claiming win. Jockey Joe Talamo, who was married Friday, inherited the mount on Solid Wager when Victor Espinoza, originally named on the 4-year-old gelding, called in ill Sunday and was excused from his lone mount on the program. “Well, isn’t this sweet. Nice way to end the week,” said Talamo. “He’s a nice horse and he was a runner today. Peter didn’t give me any special instructions. He just said ride him. He said he’ll lay back and to keep him clear. He was way... ...

By Bloodhorse.com HEMET, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2015) — Pat Thompson of Ridgeley Farms announced Nov. 19 that young stallion He Be Fire N Ice   has moved to Southern California and will stand at Ridgeley Farm in Hemet. He Be Fire N Ice will stand the 2016 season for $2,500, stands and nurses. He Be Fire N Ice stood his initial season this year at Ranch San Miguel near San Luis Obispo, Calif. “We have been raising high class Thoroughbreds in the Hemet valley for over 50 years and we are extremely pleased to be adding ‘Fire’ to our stallion roster.” Thompson said. “I wanted to have him here before the stallion tour and he’s been here now for a little more than a month. He’s settled in nicely and is a great addition to our farm. We enjoy raising big horses here and we see He Be Fire N Ice a big part of our future.” The California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association will hold a stallion tour of Riverside County Farms... ...

SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2015) — Curlin to Mischief (Curlin–Leslie’s Lady, by Tricky Creek), an unraced half-brother to two-time champion Beholder and Into Mischief, will be retired to stud in 2016 at Rancho San Miguel in San Miguel, California, Feld Family Stallions announced Wednesday. In homage to Beholder and Into Mischief’s owner Spendthrift Farm, there will be the opportunity to purchase lifetime breeding rights via the “Share the Upside” program. Breeders can earn a lifetime breeding right by paying a nominal, non-refundable fee, breed a mare, having a resulting foal and paying a $5,000 stud fee. The 4-year-old will stand for $3,500, stands and nurses. “We are very excited of having Curlin to Mischief stand in the state where his family has and will hopefully continue to thrive” said Sean Feld of Feld Family Stallions. “We are excited to offer California breeders the opportunity to breed to the half-brother of Beholder and proven sire Into Mischief,” Clay Murdock of Rancho San Miguel said. “We welcome the son of Curlin,... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2015) — My Monet, the 2-1 favorite, gamely held off the late challenge of Kiss at Midnight to win Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar, as daughters of Decarchy swept the top three places. My Monet took command in midstretch and persevered in the late stages to win by a half-length over Kiss at Midnight, who rallied from last place under Rafael Bejarano to narrowly miss victory. Longshot Ashley’s Sassy, 24-1 with Alonso Quinonez in the saddle, was third, three-quarters of a length behind the runner-up and one and one-quarter lengths in front of fourth-place Wild in the Saddle in the field of eight runners. My Monet, a 4-year-old daughter of Decarchy, out of the Lord Avie mare Madam, was bred by Ridgeley Farm, is owned by the KM Racing Enterprises, Inc. of Kenji Morinaga of Arcadia, Ca and trained by Ricky Agarie, who was scoring his first success in a stakes... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 7, 2015) – Global Hottie, a graded-stakes placed California-bred daughter of Dixie Chatter, sold at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale for $100,000 on Saturday. Global Hottie, a 4-year-old out of the Desert God mare Sonora Desert, was bred by Baseline Equine and sold to Brian Kahn in foal to Midnight Lute. She has four wins in seven starts and earnings of $168,490. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 5, 2015) — Multiple stakes winning California-bred Go West Marie sold for $180,000 to Calumet as a racing or broodmare prospect at Thursday’s session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. The 4-year-old daughter of Western Fame won the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint, the Fran’s Valentine, Irish O’Brien and Fleet Treat stakes. She has earned $557,520. On Wednesday, Cayllano, a Kentucky-bred stakes-winning daughter of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, sold in foal to Cross Traffic for $120,000, bought by Spendthrift Farm. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 1, 2015) – Let Faith Arise, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Kafwain, and California-bred Grade I winner Spanish Queen brought hefty returns at Sunday’s Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Let Faith Arise, out of the El Corredor mare Babe Hall, sold for $2.1 million to Marie Jones. She is a Grade I-winner of $488,250 in foal to Tapit on a Feb. 15 cover. Spanish Queen is a 3-year-old California-bred daughter of Tribal Rule, out of the Unusual Heat mare Spanish Bunny, who sold for $500,000 to Haruya Yoshida. She won the Grade I American Oaks and Grade II Honeymoon Stakes with earnings of $423,600 and sold as a racing or broodmare prospect. She was bred by Jack Nakkashian, Harry Bederian & Harout Kamberian and owned by Nakkashian. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2015) – California-bred Uzziel went wire to wire to score a game win in Sunday’s $200,250 Grade II Goldikova Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by J. Keith Desormeaux. “Keith told me that the way to win with her today was to just let her roll,” said jockey Kent Desormeaux, Keith’s brother. “To just come away from there and keep on going. Her demeanor today was so much better than last time. She let me ride her today; she was an angel. Other times she gets too aggressive; she wants to fight you. But today she just did it. She tries every time. You’ve got to love her for that. The only way they beat her is to be better than her. But today it was her day.” Uzziel gave everybody a scare when she overheated after the race... ...

ELMONT, N.Y. (Oct. 30, 2015) – Unbeaten Mountain Music Man, a New York-bred son of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, won Friday’s $100,000 Awad Stakes for 2-year-olds at Belmont Park. Mountain Music Man is out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Unbridled Melody. He ran the mile on turf in 1:37.11 and won by 1 ½ lengths. The $450,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training purchase has won both career starts with earnings of $102,000. ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2015) — In an impressive display of determination, Smokey Image overcame traffic trouble to win the featured $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes Friday for Golden State Series eligibles and remain unbeaten in five races. Sent postward at 1-2 under regular rider Juan Hernandez, Smokey Image was shuffled back to seventh on the far turn before rallying along the rail entering the stretch. He collared 5-1 second choice Found Money with less than a sixteenth of a mile to travel and scored going away by three-quarters of a length in 1:22.94 for the seven furlongs. Family Code was third, one and one-half lengths behind the runner-up and four and one-half lengths ahead of fourth-place Swiss Minister in the field of ten California-bred two-year-olds. Smokey Image is by Southern Image, out of the Free House mare Special Smoke, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable and trained by Greg James. He has won all five starts with earnings of $297,600 and... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2015) – Lightly raced Pacific Heat cruised to an easy win in Thursday’s $201,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Pacific Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Hotlantic, was bred by Harris Farms and Donald Valpredo, is owned by Sharon Alesia, Mike Burns and Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. She won her only previous start Sept. 25 and now has earnings of $140,000. Pacific Heat ran the seven furlongs in 1:24.31 and won by 5 ¼ lengths as the 7-5 favorite. Sambamzajammin was second and Pacific Diamond third in the field of 12. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2015) – California breeder Terry Lovingier and the Northern California Yearling Sale combined for an unusual feat in the third race at Santa Anita on Oct. 22. The top three finishers of the race, all bred by Lovingier, also went through the sale that is held each summer by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association in Pleasanton. Lovingier is on the CTBA board of directors. The winner of the race, Suavamente, is by Grace Upon Grace, out of the Proud Irish mare Air Force Woman and was a $50,000 purchase. Second was Star Express, by Bushwacker, out of the Orientate mare Ballerina Angel and was an $18,000 purchase. Third was Dinner At Trani’s, by Awesome Gambler, out of the El Prado mare Sobresaliente and was bought back. ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2015)- Cee’s Tizzy, a Kentucky-bred son of Relaunch and one of the most successful California sires, was euthanized because of old age infirmities. He was 28 years old. “Cee’s Tizzy was buried in his favorite corner of his paddock which is covered with the morning sun,” said Harris Farms farm manager David McGlothlin. “Cee’s Tizzy arrived at Harris Farms in 1994 and immediately became a farm and public favorite,” said McGlothlin. “A horse with the color and conformation of Relaunch and the class of his grandsire Lyphard, Cee’s Tizzy was as personable as he was colorful.” At the 1990 Del Mar meet in the span of thirteen days, Cee’s Tizzy ran 1:07 4/5 and 1:33 2/5 in brilliant fashion while winning two allowance races. Trained by John Russell and ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye Cee’s Tizzy next went on to set the pace in that year’s Super Derby, finishing third behind Home at Last and Champion Unbridled. He incurred a carpal fracture in the... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2015) — Thoroughbred Owners of California announced Tuesday, Oct. 20 that Nick Coukos has accepted the position of president. Coukos is stepping down as vice president racing/corporate affairs at Ajax Downs, a privately owned Quarter Horse racetrack and slot facility near Toronto. Prior to that he was executive director of Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association Ontario and secretary/treasurer for the National HBPA, where he was fiscally and operationally responsible for the well-being of a membership of more than 30,000 horsemen. Coukos replaces Joe Morris, who will return to racetrack management as senior vice president of West Coast Operations for the Stronach Group effective Nov. 9. A finance and accounting major, he holds an honors degree in business administration from York University. TOC chairman Mike Pegram said the TOC is happy Cokos accpeted the position. “With his strong financial acumen, proven track record building relationships with industry stakeholders, and broad understanding of the horse industry, he is well equipped to assure TOC’s continued leadership role... ...

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2015) – Favored California-bred G. G. Ryder led all the way to win Sunday’s $62,505 Bull Dog Handicap at Fresno. G. G. Ryder is by Chhaya Dance, out of the Storm Boot mare Stormy Gigi, was bred by Eagle Oak Ranch, is owned by Jerry Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. He has 11 wins in 23 starts, earnings of $434,714 and was coming off a second in the Sept. 7 Rolling Green. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2015)–Course specialist Forest Chatter notched his first stakes win and remained unbeaten over Santa Anita’s unique 6 ½ furlong downhill turf by taking Monday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap for Golden State Series eligibles by a game head under Mike Smith. Trained by Richard Mandella and owned by Pam and Martin Wygod, Forrest Chatter stopped the clock in 1:11.94. Aggressively ridden by Smith, who has been aboard for all five of his hillside wins, Forest Chatter pressed the pace outside of longshot K Thirty Eight and proved ultra game late in holding off Somethings Unusual for the victory. Off as the 6-5 favorite in a field of seven 3-year-olds and up bred or sired in California, Forest Chatter paid $4.60, $3.60 and $2.80. “He had some race today, he really did,” said Smith. “We had to fight for all we were worth to pull it off and we were on the wining end. It worked out well…When you get one that really likes... ...

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2015) – Raised a Secret won Sunday’s $100,000 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Fresno. Raised a Secret is by Songandaprayer, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Rodney Orr and trained by Mark Glatt. He has five wins in 24 starts, earnings of $400,610 and was coming off a fifth in an Aug. 16 optional claimer. Raised a Secret ran the six furlongs in 1:09.14 and won by a head at odds of 3-1 over favorite Richard’s Boy, with Gangnam Guy third in the field of seven. ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2015) — With his connections pointing him to the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) Oct. 31 at Keeneland, California-bred grade I winner Big Macher turned in an easy five-furlong move in 1:01 2/5 Monday, Oct. 5 at Santa Anita Park. Trainer Richard Baltas said he is pointing 2014 Bing Crosby Stakes (gr. I) winner Big Macher to the Sprint off his 4 3/4-length victory in the Pirate’s Bounty Stakes Sept. 7 at Del Mar. That easy victory marked the first race for Tom Mansor and Tachycardia Stables’ Big Macher since his fifth-place finish in the March 28 Dubai Golden Shaheen presented by Gulf News (UAE-I) at Meydan. Baltas said Big Macher was impressive in the Pirate’s Bounty—earning a nice speed figure—and the trainer plans to call Breeders’ Cup officials Oct. 6 to see where he stands in terms of making it into the $1.5 million Sprint. Big Macher finished ninth in last year’s Sprint at Santa Anita Park. “We’re pointing for the Sprint;... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2015)–Joe Parker’s homebred Our Pure Creation provided trainer Val Brinkerhoff with his first-ever Santa Anita Stakes win in Sunday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares. Shifted to the main track from the 6 ½ furlong downhill turf course due to morning rain, the 5-year-old California-bred mare by Pure Prize won by 1 ½ lengths under Fernando Perez while getting the distance in 1:16.13. A close third behind dueling leaders Home Journey and Velvet Mesquite, Our Pure Creation overhauled 3-5 favorite Home Journey turning for home and had plenty left to hold off the late charge of runner up Kiss At Midnight. Off at 6-1 in a field of six fillies and mares bred or sired in California, Our Pure Creation paid $15.20, $6.80 and $5.20. “We were happy the race came off the grass this morning,” said Parker, who has bred and owned horses in California for 25 years. “I sold this mare’s mother (Creative Karen,... ...

By Seattle Times AUBURN — Heavily favored California-bred Gold Rush Dancer resoundingly answered any questions about his ability to extend his sprinter’s speed over a longer distance. Gold Rush Dancer, who had not run longer than 6½ furlongs in any of his four previous starts, pulled away after the final turn to win Sunday’s $65,000 Gottstein Futurity on closing day at Emerald Downs. Gold Rush Dancer, trained by veteran Bill Tollett for owner and breeder John Parker of Lake Bay, displayed his stamina over the 1 1/16th-mile distance, finishing 5½ lengths before My Heart Goes On to give jockey Julien Couton his 100th victory in the 70-day season at Emerald Downs and the 75th running of the Gottstein. “He has not run a bad race,” Tollett said of Gold Rush Dancer, who was a 2-5 favorite. “He’s a very nice horse and he’s got nothing but time in front of him.” ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 27, 2015) — California-bred  Alert Bay rallied late to capture the $200,000 City of Hope Mile (gr. IIT) Sept. 27 at Santa Anita Park. Martin Garcia rode the 4-year-old gelding by City Zip   out of the Dushyantor mare Hickory for trainer Blaine Wright. It was the second grade II turf victory for Alert Bay, who in 2014 won the Mathis Brothers Mile at Santa Anita. Longshot Hot Hot Heat set the early fractions of :22.69 for the opening quarter-mile and :45.74 for the half-mile before Big Cazanova took over from the pocket spot. The latter was moving well after six furlongs in 1:09.58 but couldn’t withstand the late rally of the winner. Avanzare, winner of back-to-back grade II turf stakes in California, finished third after racing in that position for most of the race. Alert Bay finished the one mile on firm turf in 1:33.58. Alert Bay, bred by Thomas Newton Bell and Ross John McLeod and owned by Peter Redekop, paid $10.80 as the third... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2015) – California-bred Singing Kitty rallied three-wide to win Saturday’s $86,170 Unzip Me Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Singing Kitty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Natural Singer R N, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds and Peter Jeong and is trained by Matthew Chew. She has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $320,988 and was coming off a second in the Aug. 14 Sandy Blue. Singing Kitty ran the about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:13.34 and won by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 9-1. ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 19, 2015) – California-bred favorite Just Google Me drew off for an easy win in Saturday’s $100,000 Barretts Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Just Google Me is by Stormin Fever, out of the Cryptoclearance mare Lila Paige, was bred by Golden Eagle Farms, is owned by CTR Stables and is trained by Scott Rollins. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $127,500 and was coming off a second in the Aug. 28 Generous Portion. Just Google Me ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.51 and won by 9 ½ lengths at odds of 4-5. ...

By Bloodhorse.com STOCKTON, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2015) — California-based freshman sire Run Brother Ron saw his first winner Sept. 18 when Gunslinger Rules drew off in the stretch to score a five-length victory in the seventh race at Stockton (San Joaquin Fair). Two-time stakes winner Run Brother Ron, a 10-year-old son of Perfect Mandate—Aloha Mangos, by Bold Badgett, stood the 2015 season for $1,000 at Paradise Road Ranch in Lathrop, Calif. Mary Jo Bright’s Gunslinger Rules completed the 5 1/2-furlong maiden claiming event in 1:06.08. Bred in California by George and Mary Clare Schmitt, Gunslinger Rules is out of the Bertrando mare Thrillofalifetime. ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 17, 2015) – California registered the biggest gain from last year of any state in the number of 2015 live foals to this point, according to The Jockey Club. California had 1,767 live foals in 2015, an increase of 8.5 percent from 2014. Next was Kentucky with an increase of 6.9 percent and Florida with a gain of 2.8 percent. All other states showed declines in live foal numbers. “The breeding statistics are the number of live foals by conception area, regardless of where the foals were born,” said Matt Iuliano, executive vice president and executive director, The Jockey Club. “The statistics do not represent live foals actually born in each state or province, and they do not represent the fertility record of any stallion.” The Jockey Club estimates that the number of live foals reported so far is approximately 90 percent complete. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2015) – A California-foaled colt by freshman California stallion Acclamation sold for $200,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The colt is out of the A.P. Indy mare Lucky C. H. and is a half-brother to graded stakes winner and sire Lucky J. H. He was bred by Harris Farms, was consigned by Valkyre Stud, agent for Harris Farms, and was purchased by Calumet Farm. Acclamation, a son of Unusual Heat, was an Eclipse champion and multiple Grade I winner of $1,958,048, bred by Old English Rancho. ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sept. 14, 2015) – Hero’s Amor, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Street Hero, won Sunday’s $100,000 British Columbia Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Hastings. Hero’s Amor ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:52.43 and won by a half-length at odds of 9-2 in the field of six. She has five wins in nine starts and earnings of $91,458. This was her third consecutive win. ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 12, 2015) – Ambitious Brew overtook pacesetter Avanti Bello around the turn and won Saturday’s $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes for California-breds at Los Alamitos. Ambitious Brew is a multiple stakes winner by Tizbud, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Kathwen, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Martin Jones. He has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $341,130 and was coming off a fifth in the July 26 California Dreamin’. Ambitious Brew ran the mile in 1:34.29 and won by two lengths at odds of 3-2. Soi Phet was second and Avanti Bello was third in the field of eight. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2015) — California-bred Grade I winner Big Macher recovered from a bobble at the start to overwhelm his rivals and win Monday’s $102,250 Pirate’s Bounty Stakes at Del Mar. Big Macher is by Beau Genius, out of the Kris S. mare Insight, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Tom Mansor and Tachycardia Stables and is trained by Richard Baltas. He has seven wins in 17 starts, earnings of $684,038 and was making his first start since finishing fifth in the Mar. 28 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Big Macher ran the six furlongs in 1:09.18 and won by 4 3/4 lengths as the even-money favorite in the field of 10. ...

By Bloodhorse.com SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. ( Sept. 7, 2015) — Reddam Racing’s California-bred Ralis shipped into Saratoga Race Course and pulled an upset victory over favored Magna Light in the $350,000 Hopeful Stakes (gr. I) for 2-year-olds Sept. 7. A home-bred son of Square Eddie  trained by Doug O’Neill, Ralis and jockey Javier Castellano stalked the early pace set by 2-1 favorite Magna Light before making a strong move at the quarter pole. With steady urging from his jockey, Ralis took over at the furlong marker and won going away, with the final margin 5 3/4 lengths. The final time for seven furlongs was 1:22.34. The victory was the second in five starts for Ralis, who broke his maiden at Santa Anita Park in his second outing and was coming off a second in the Graduation Stakes at Del Mar previous to the Hopeful. Ralis, who has earned $268,989, paid $15.80, $6.40, and $3.70. Magna Light returned $3.80 and $2.70, with Uncle Vinny paying $2.60. Sallisaw had a troubled trip to finish fourth,... ...

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2015) — Multiple graded winner Alert Bay overtook pacesetter G. G. Ryder in mid-stretch and drew off to win Monday’s $63,605 Rolling Green Stakes at Golden Gate. A Grade 2 winner on the turf, Alert Bay went off as the 7-5 favorite in the field of six and shadowed fellow California-bred second choice G. G. Ryder through fractions of 24.03 and 48.67 seconds in the 1 1/16-mile turf race. Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze prompted Alert Bay inside the quarter pole, and his mount drew off to defeat G. G. Ryder, who finished 1 ¼ lengths clear of third-place finisher Outside Nashville. Alert Bay, a 4-year-old gelded son of City Zip, completed the distance in 1:42.23 and returned $4.80 for a $2 bet. “There was never a doubt; this horse was running really well beneath me the whole way,” said Baze. “It was just a question of waiting until the proper moment to ask him to run. A very nice colt.... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2015) — Multiple stakes winner Uzziel burst into the lead at the top of the stretch and drew away to win the $84,750 C.E.R.F. Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by J.K. Desormeaux. She has five wins in 18 starts, earnings of $317,488 and was coming off a third in the Aug. 16 Rancho Bernardo. Uzziel ran the six furlongs in 1:09.08 and won by 4 1/4 lengths at odds of 7-1. ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2015) — Smokey Image, unbeaten in three starts, including victories in two stakes, in Northern California, brought his act to Southern California Friday and performed to his 3-5 odds, winning the featured $150,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles in handy style under regular rider Juan Hernandez at Del Mar. Smokey Image, a son of Southern Image, shook off the challenge of 3-1 second choice Found Money in midstretch and drew off impressively to win by four and one-quarter lengths in 1:09.60 for the six furlongs on the main track. Viviendo el Sueno was a distant third, five and three-quarter lengths behind the runner-up and six and one-half lengths ahead of fourth-place Xingontothebone in a spread out field of six California-bred two-year-olds. Smokey Image, bred by C-Punch Ranch, owned by Betty and Robert G. Irvin of Pacific Palisades and conditioned by Greg James, broke his maiden in his first outing at Pleasanton June 21, followed up with a win in the Everett... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2015) — Wild in the Saddle, a 19-1 outsider with jockey Mario Gutierrez in the saddle, outfought My Monet through the stretch to win Wednesday’s featured $108,330 Tranquility Lake Stakes for older fillies and mares. Wild in the Saddle, a six-year-old mare by Silic owned by Nadine Anderson and Cheyenne Ortiz of Hemet, Ca., won by a hard-earned three-quarters of a length over My Monet, at 7-1 with Santiago Gonzalez aboard. Our Pure Creation, longest shot in the field of ten at 55-1, was third, one and one-half lengths behind the runner-up and a nose ahead of fourth-place Sam’s Sister. Even-money favored Savings Account was fifth. Trained by Richard Baltas, the winner was scoring her ninth victory in 37 lifetime races and first money of $65,400 increased her career earnings to $360,968. To her supporters in a crowd of 7,329, Wild in the Saddle paid $40.40, $16.20 and $8.80. My Monet returned $8.80 and $6.80, while Our Pure Creation paid $17.80 to show. Time for the... ...

ELK GROVE, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2015) – Graded stakes winner Gallant Son will stand the 2006 breeding season at Daehling Ranch for a fee of $2,000. Gallant Son is a 9-year-old son of Malabar Gold, out of the Exploit mare Explicity. He won nine stakes races between 2008 and 2014, topped by a win in the 2010 Grade III Inglewood Handicap, when he defeated a California-bred champion Acclamation. He also won the 2011 Robert Kerlan Handicap, beating a pair of Cal-bred Breeders’ Cup winners, Dancing in Silks and California Flag. Overall, Gallant Son won 11 races and $552,528 in earnings. The stallion is owned by a partnership. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2015) – California stallion Slew’s Tiznow was represented by his first winner Saturday when 2-year-old Kentucky-bred Tiz Love won the fourth race at Del Mar, a maiden special weight. Tiz Love was bred by the Revocable Trust of Mikel Harrington and Patricia Harrington and is owned and trained by Patricia Harrington. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.20 and won by 3 ¾ lengths at odds of 9-1. Slew’s Tiznow stands at Rancho San Miguel. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2015) – California-bred odds-on favorite Gimme Da Lute ran his win streak to four with a game victory in Saturday’s $100,000 El Cajon Stakes for 3-year-olds at Del Mar. The winner survived a claim of foul by Flavien Prat, rider of Desert Dynamo, who finished third. “When you’ve only got three or four horses in a race, it’s harder to figure out what’s going to happen,” said winning jockey Martin Garcia. “They all wanted to go for the lead in that first turn, so I let them go. Then we went to work. I know that rider (Prat) claimed foul, but he was always behind me and never going to get past. My horse is a fighter. He did that today.” Gimme Da Lute is by Midnight Lute, out of the Proud Citizen mare Casino Gold, was bred by owners Pegram, Watson and Weitman and is trained by Bob Baffert, who has won this race seven times. “It was kind of a funny run race,”... ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2015) — Patriotic Diamond, a well-backed 9-5 second choice despite her maiden status, rallied from far back to wear down longshot Just Google Me in the stretch and win the featured $150,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies Friday. With Del Mar’s leading rider, Rafael Bejarano, in the saddle, Patriotic Diamond tallied by a length and one-quarter over 19-1 Just Google Me in the six furlong sprint. Later My Love was third, four and three-quarters back of the runner-up and two and one-quarter lengths ahead of fourth-place Sambamzajammin in the field of nine fillies. Obey, the tepid 8-5 favorite, was fifth.; Patriotic Diamond, a daughter of Hat Trick, is out of the Whywhywhy mare Patriotic Viva, was bred by Kin Hui Racing Stables, is owned by the Diamond 100 Racing Club of Ivy Tui Lan Leunghui of Arcadia, Ca and trained by Patrick Biancone. She accomplished the distance in 1:11.05 and paid $5.80, $3.60 and $2.80. Just Google Me returned $11.80... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2015) – California breeder Lou Neve bred three winners at California tracks on Friday. Chief of Staff won the fifth race, an optional claimer, at Del Mar. Olympic Lady broke her maiden at Del Mar. And Fortyninergameplan broke her maiden at Ferndale. Chief of Staff is a 3-year-old colt by Majestic Warrior, out of the Awesome Again mare Morning Jewel, is owned by Mark DeDomenico and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He ran the mile in 1:36.32 and won by 6 ½ lengths as the even-money favorite. Olympic Lady is a 3-year-old filly by Fusaichi Pegasus, out of the Touch Gold mare Daylight Song, is owned by Juan Garcia and trained by Victor Garcia. She ran the mile in 1:39.12 and won by 7 ¼ lengths as the 2-1 favorite. Fortyninergameplan is a 6-year-old mare by Game Plan, out of the Forty Niner mare Golden Chatter, is owned by Bruce Dillenbeck and Jody Hansell and is trained by Dillenbeck. The Northern California Yearling Sale purchase ran... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2015) — After multiple months of delays for negotiations, the 2016 racing calendar for the Northern and Southern California circuits was approved by the California Horse Racing Board Aug. 20 at Del Mar. In Southern California, Los Alamitos Race Course will pick up three weeks of racing—between April 14 and May 1—splitting Santa Anita Park‘s monster early-year schedule as it stood in 2015, when it ran from late December to late June. But Los Alamitos will lose the July dates it has carried in its first two seasons of Thoroughbred racing to Santa Anita. The contentious Southern California discussion meandered at times, touching everything from still-lingering stabling issues in the aftermath of Hollywood Park’s closure to the weather at Santa Anita in September. Santa Anita and Del Mar jointly made a proposal without Los Alamitos gaining the April dates, and Los Alamitos filed a proposal to retain its July dates and gain April, but in the end, both had to give something up under pressure from the... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2015) – Chati’s On Top rallied four-wide through the stretch to win Sunday’s $150,750 Solana Beach Handicap for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Chati’s On Top is by Old Topper, out of the Globalize mare Chati Valley, was bred by Bill Delia, H.C. Martin and Ray Pagano, is owned by Little Red Feather Racing and Marsha Naify and is trained by Mike Puype.  “I can’t say the fractions were overly fast and that’s why she won,” said Puype. “She came to run today. She had to run wide and speed has been pretty prevalent on the turf course lately. But when she picked up her run you could tell she meant business. She was the best today. We were entered in the Osunitas (July 18) and when it rained and it came off the turf it was a tough decision whether to scratch or not. But I figured it was best. This was our goal for the summer and she... ...

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2015) – California-bred Smokey Image remained unbeaten Sunday by winning the $62,310 Cavonnier Juvenile Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Rosa. Smokey Image is by Southern Image, out of the Free House mare Special Smoke, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Betty and Robert Irvin and is trained by Greg James. He has won all three his starts with earnings of $102,100 and was coming off a win in the July 5 Everett Nevin Stakes. Smokey Image ran the six furlongs in 1:11.46 and won by two lengths. ...

By Bloodhorse.com AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 16, 2015) — Stryker Phd closed with a huge rally and soared clear to victory in the $200,000 Longacres Mile Handicap (gr. III) Aug. 16 at Emerald Downs, taking his home state’s marquee race for a second year in a row. The 6-year-old Washington-bred son of California stallion Bertrando finished the mile dirt race in 1:34.06 under jockey Leslie Mawing, sent off the 6-5 favorite and 123-pound highweight in a field of 11. Sammy Mandeville came flying but could not catch the winner, who held safe by about three-quarters of a length. Alert Bay was third. Owned by Jim and Mona Hour, Stryker Phd came off back-to-back wins in the July 19 Mt. Rainier Handicap and the June 14 Budweiser Handicap, both at Emerald, to claim his eighth win in 21 starts for trainer Larry Ross. Last year he followed the same pattern, and in 2013 he was second in the Longacres Mile when running in the grade III stakes for the first time. The winner returned $4.60, $3, and $2.40 while Sammy Mandeville... ...

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2015) – Favored California-bred Richard’s Boy rallied three wide then held on gamely to win Saturday’s $62,975 Jess Jackson Owners Handicap at Santa Rosa. Richard’s Boy is by Idiot Proof, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Marissa’s Joy, was bred by Harold and Pamela Tillema, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller. He has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $242,240 and was coming off a fourth in the Aug. 2 Real Good Deal Stakes. He ran the five furlongs in :56.51 and won by a neck. ...

OCEANPORT, N.J. (Aug. 15, 2015) – Joya Real, a 6-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Eddington, won Saturday’s $60,000 Blue Sparkler Stakes for fillies and mares at Monmouth Park. Joya Real has nine wins in 24 starts and earnings of $371,549. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:01.96 and won by a neck. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 5, 2015) — Reddam Racing’s Mrazek, the 3-5 betting choice ridden by Mario Gutierrez, drew off easily in the stretch to win the featured $100,000 Graduation Stakes for Golden State Series eligible two-year-olds Wednesday at Del Mar.  Mrazek dueled for command to the upper stretch where he asserted his superiority to win by three and one-quarter lengths in a fast 1:03.77 for the five and one-half furlongs. Ralis, his uncoupled stablemate from the barn of trainer Doug O’Neill and also owned by Reddam Racing, closed well to be second, five and one-quarters ahead of Swiss Minister in the field of six juveniles. Viviendo El Sueno was fourth. Mrazek, another talented offspring of the young stallion Square Eddie, earned $57,000 with his second victory in four starts and now has earnings of $135,810. After breaking his maiden first time out at Santa Anita May 31, the colt was second in both the Santa Anita Juvenile and the Summer Juvenile at Los Alamitos. Mrazek returned... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2015) — A little more than an hour after his stablemate wowed the masses on the East Coast, Bob Baffert-trained Gimme Da Lute dominated in the $200,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. The 3-year-old son of Midnight Lute  —owned by breeders Karl Watson, Mike Pegram, and Paul Weitman—sat just off two dueling leaders, bypassed them with ease on the outside in the turn of the seven-furlong event, and pulled away to win by 12 1/4 lengths. “I stayed busy on him through the stretch,” said jockey Martin Garcia. “That last race at Los Alamitos (Los Alamitos Derby, July 4), when he made the lead he tried to pull himself up. I didn’t want that to happen today, so I stayed after him. I didn’t beat him up, just stayed after him. He’s a nice horse.” Rocko’s Wheel closed from last to finish second, followed by Grazen Sky a length back in third. Richard’s Boy, who broke from the rail, led early with fractions of :22.88... ...

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2015) – Favored Central Heat rallied three-wide to win Sunday’s 61,505 Luther Burbank Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Rosa. Central Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Smart Strike mare Miss Boomtown, was bred by Abrams, Huston Racing, Matties Racing and Auerbach, is owned by Del Debbio, Delia and Rocheford and is trained by William Delia. She has 13 wins in 32 starts, earnings of $295,791 and was coming off a win in the May 9 Golden Poppy. It was her seventh win in the last eight starts. Central Heat ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:44.30 and won by 1 ¼ lengths over Meeting Waters, with Aguafria third in the field of six. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2015) — Trainer Craig Lewis said that Hirsch third-place finisher Warren’s Veneda came out of the race in good shape. Lewis also said there was “an outside chance” the 5-year-old California-bred mare, who chased Beholder home while conceding weight to the champion in the Adoration Stakes in June at Santa Anita as well as the Hirsch, would run in the TVG Pacific Classic. “We’d get some pace, which we didn’t get yesterday,” Lewis said. “And we’ll finally get even weight (with Beholder).” The first quarter in the 1 1/16 mile Hirsch was run in :23.91, more than a half-second slower than that of an allowance optional $40,000 claimer that immediately followed. In Lewis’ estimation the slow early pace compromised the chances of late-running Warren’s Veneda, who carried two pounds more than Beholder. In the Pacific Classic females are accorded a five-pound break in the weights. Beholder and Warren’s Veneda would both be assigned 119. “I don’t know if we could beat Beholder under... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 31, 2015) — Ted Serna’s Obey, the 7-2 second choice under jockey Tiago Pereira, outbattled 41-1 longshot Later My Love through the stretch to win Friday’s featured $100,000 C.T.B.A. Stakes for California-bred two-year-old fillies. Obey, bred by Woodbridge Farm and Glen Road Racing, sped to a narrow advantage in the early stages of the five and one-half furlong sprint and doggedly retained her advantage through the stretch to defeat Later My Love by three-quarters of a length in 1:04.59. Later My Love, with Fernando Perez in the saddle, was five and one-quarter lengths ahead of third-place Just Google Me, with Ibelievewewillwin a distant fourth in the field of eleven fillies. “We bought her last fall from the breeder,” said trainer Sam Scolamieri. “I saw her running out in the field and thought she could be something. She’s real mature for her age. She’s almost like a 3-year-old. Things just don’t matter. A lot of things bother young horses but nothing seems to bother her.... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 31, 2015) — Heinz Steinmann bred a pair of California-bred winners on the Del Mar Friday card that are half siblings out of the Speightstown mare Laugh N Yodel. The fourth race, a maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies, was won by Yodelsong, a daughter of Thorn Song. She is owned by Steinmann and trained by Mike Harrington. The eighth race, an $8,000 claimer, was won by W. Giles, a 4-year-old son of Swiss Yodeler. He was owned by John Liviakis, trained by Phil D’Amato and was claimed by Tachycardia Stables. ...

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 31, 2015) — Jerry Dutton a prominent Thoroughbred trainer in California for more than 50 years, died Thursday in his native Idaho, where he and his wife Barbara had resided since his retirement in May 2006. Dutton was 87 years old. Dutton saddled four stakes winners at Del Mar: Linda Card (1989 Fleet Treat), I’monfireforyou (1998 I’m Smokin’), Wild Babe (2004 Oceanside first division) and Senor Fango (2004 Graduation). Dutton’s last official starter as a trainer was at Hollywood Park. According to Equibase, his trainees earned more than $20 million since 1966 with 1,624 winners from 12,645 starters. Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer started his training career as an assistant to  Dutton, who also is credited with helping the riding careers of jockeys Jerry Lambert and Roberto Gonzalez. Among Dutton’s stakes winners were Century’s Envoy, Zama Hummer, Starry Ice, Elaine’s Angel and Wild Babe. He saddled Confederate Yankee in the 1974 Kentucky Derby to a 12th place finish in a 23-horse field. He was also... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 29, 2015) — Doug O’Neill, four times the leading trainer at Del Mar in his highly successful career, set an all-time Del Mar record for most wins in a day by a Thoroughbred conditioner Wednesday when he saddled five winners on the eight-race program The 47-year-old native of Dearborn, Michigan eclipsed the mark of four wins on a single program first established by the legendary Red McDaniel on September 4, l954 and equaled by him two days later September 6. Matching the standard in subsequent years were Farrell W. Jones, who won eleven training titles at Del Mar and accomplished the feat August 13, l963, followed by two Hall of Famers, Ron McAnally (August 20, l989) and Jack Van Berg (August 3, l995. Most recently, John Sadler had a quadruple August 29, 2009. O’Neill won the first race with Hye I’m Jack at $28.80 under Tyler Baze, did not have a starter in the second, then swept the third, fourth and fifth races... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 26, 2015) – Pacesetter Weewinnin hung on through a driving finish to win Sunday’s $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. Multiple stakes winner Weewinnin is by Comic Strip, out of the Roman Dancer mare Honoree Lady, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by E-Racing.com, Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and Janet Lyons, et al, is trained by Brian Koriner and was ridden by Joe Talamo. “It seemed like he wouldn’t see horses coming and they would go by him, so we took the blinkers off so he could see them and Joe seemed to think it made a difference,” Koriner said. “This was his fifth race off a (13-month) layoff. He’s had his problems in the past but he’s doing well now. We gave him some time (since June) waiting for this race.” He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $395,480 and was coming off a third in the June 6 Crystal Water. “He was... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 25, 2015) – Unbeaten Big Book drew clear late to win Saturday’s $200,000 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Big Book is by Mr. Big, out of the Holy Bull mare Novel Twist, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by Tim Yakteen. “She didn’t run as a 2-year-old because she’s a big filly and she needed time to mature and grow into herself,” said Yakteen. “Waiting on her is a key factor in the success we’re having right now. We’ll enjoy the moment and I’ll talk to George (owner George Krikorian) before we decide what to do next. We’ll find a race for her, possibly here. ” She has won all three career starts with earnings of $178,400. Kiss At Midnight was second and odds-on favorite Sheer Pleasure was third in the field of seven. Big Book ran the seven furlongs in 1:24.77 and won by 2 ¼ lengths at odds of 7-2. “She had something... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 18, 2015) — Winless in three starts since scoring in the 2013 Del Mar Derby, Gabriel Charles showed a return to his best form with a brilliant stretch rally to win the Grade I $400,000 Eddie Read Stakes under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith Saturday.   Next-to-last in the early stages of the nine-furlong grass race, Gabriel Charles surged into contention from the outside on the final turn and dominated his opposition in the stretch to score by 3 ¾ lengths. Time for the distance over a course labeled yielding after a rain storm that hit Del Mar in the early afternoon was 1:48.13.   Gabriel Charles, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Street Hero owned by Sam Britt and Michael House and trained by Jeff Mullins, was out of action from November of 2013 until April of this year while recovering from a bowed tendon. In two starts at Santa Anita this winter he was second in an allowance race and... ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 18, 2015) – California-bred El Huerfano circled the field around the turn to take the lead and dug in for a game win in Saturday’s $62,300 Golden Bear Stakes for 3-year-olds at Sacramento. El Huerfano is by Tannersmyman, out of the Capsized mare Adriftinthebay, was bred by owner M.A. Douzos and is trained by Gil Matos. He has three wins in five starts, earnings of $64,686 and was coming off a fourth in a June 14 allowance. El Huerfano ran the six furlongs in 1:08.87 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 8-1 in the field of five. ...

EDMONTON, Canada (July 18, 2015) – Odds-on favorite win machine Blue Dancer, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, cruised to an easy win in Saturday’s $50,000 Count Lathum Handicap for 3-year-olds at Northlands Park. Blue Dancer is out of the Saint Ballado mare Two Halos and ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.15 and won by 8 ¼ lengths at odds of 1-2 in the field of seven. He has seven wins in eight starts, earnings of $172,217 and was coming off a win in the June 20 Ky Alta Handicap. His only loss was a 10th in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 15, 2015) — Spanish Queen, winner of the Grade II Honeymoon Stakes and Grade I American Oaks at the Santa Anita spring meeting, is stabled at Del Mar with a target of the Grade I, $300,000 Del Mar Oaks on Saturday, August 15. Following the victory in the May 30 American Oaks, the 3-year-old California-bred daughter of Tribal Rule shipped to Belmont Park in New York for the July 4 Belmont Oaks. Ridden by Brice Blanc, aboard for all five of her starts, Spanish Queen finished 10th in a field of 14 in a race won by undefeated – but since injured—super filly Lady Eli. “She had a very troubled trip,” trainer Richard Baltas said Tuesday morning. “But she’s back here now and she’s looking good.” Baltas notched his first two Del Mar stakes victories in 2014 with Big Macher in the Grade I Bing Crosby Stakes during the summer meeting and the same horse in the Cary Grant Stakes in the Bing Crosby... ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 8, 2015) – Odds-on favorite Handfull led all the way while winning Saturday’s $61,250 California Governor’s Cup Handicap for fillies and mares at Sacramento. Handfull is a California-bred by Comic Strip, out of the Roman Dancer mare Honoree Lady, was bred by Dr. & Mrs. William Gray, is owned by Team Green, Hollendorfer and Nakkashian and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has 14 wins in 30 starts, earnings of $294,378 and was coming off a win in a June 13 optional claimer. Handfull ran the 1 1/16 in 1:44.96 and won by one-half length at odds of 3-5 in the four-horse field. ...

By SFGate.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 5, 2015) – California-bred Smokey Image validated his 5-length debut victory over maidens June 21 with an even more authoritative 6½-length win in the $64,910 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds on closing day Sunday at the Alameda County Fair. Unlike his debut at the fair, when he broke slowly and was fourth early, Smokey Image had only Known Defense narrowly in front of him in the first quarter-mile Sunday. Smokey Image rolled past Known Defense on the turn of the 5½-furlong race and finished strongly in 1:03.73, bettering the clocking of 1:04.14 by Stays in Vegas in Saturday’s Juan Gonzalez Memorial Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. “They told me he was sharp today, so if he broke well to let him go,” jockey Juan Hernandez said. “I felt the No. 2 (Known Defense) pushing hard inside of me to get the lead, so I let him. I knew from the first race that my horse could finish, and when I asked him, he responded really well.” Trainer Greg James admitted some... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 4, 2015) — For the second time in less than one month, California-bred Gimme Da Lute got the better of Prospect Park, holding off his rival by a nose to win the Grade II, $350,000 Los Alamitos Derby Saturday. The 1-2 finishers in the Grade III Affirmed Stakes June 7 at Santa Anita dominated the Derby, finishing nearly eight lengths in front of pacesetter and 2-5 favorite Kentuckian. Trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert for owner-breeders Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, Gimme Da Lute, a 3-year-old son of Midnight Lute and the Proud Citizen mare Casino Gold, tracked the leader for most of the 1 1/8 miles, got the lead entering the long stretch and scored under jockey Martin Garcia as the 3-1 second choice. The win in 1:47.09 was the fourth in seven starts for Gimme Da Lute and the $210,000 payday increased his bankroll to $457,560. He paid $8.60 and $4.20. The place price on Prospect Park, the... ...

By Bloodhorse.com TORONTO, Canada (July 5, 2015) — Jim and Susan Hill’s Go Blue Or Go Home won his second edition of the $200,000 Highlander Stakes (Can-II) (VIDEO) in track record time July 5 atWoodbine, covering the six furlongs over firm turf in 1:07.18. The victory broke an 11-race losing streak for the 6-year-old gelded son of California stallion Bluegrass Cat   trained by Reade Baker, who last won in 2013’s Highlander, when the race was taken off the turf. “It’s amazing how this turf course can get so fast after all the rain we’ve had,” Baker said. “It’s absolutely amazing to go that fast, but he’s a gutsy horse.” The winner, off at 17-1 odds under Alan Garcia, sat just off early leader and even-money favorite Something Extra—who set fractions of :22.45 and :44.70 through a half-mile—then drove clear in the stretch and held off a late drive from Katie’s Eyes to win by a neck. “He broke good and was in a nice spot,” Garcia said. “(The pace) never slowed down. My horse kept on going running and galloped... ...

OPELOUSAS, La. (July 4, 2015) – Heatseeker Sharon, a Louisiana-bred by California stallion Heatseeker, led all the way to win Saturday’s $100,000 Louisiana Legends Distaff Stakes  for fillies and mares at Evangeline Downs. Heatseeker Sharon is out of the Carson City mare Carson City Sham. She ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.23 and won by 1 ½ lengths as the 5-2 favorite. She has four wins in 15 starts with earnings of $180,840. ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (July 2, 2015) – Longshot Magic Mark scored a game win in Thursday’s $110,800 Bertrando Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos. Magic Mark is by Benchmark, out of the Deputy Governor mare Jewel Magic, was bred by owners Dorine and John Lanza and trained by Ron Ellis. He has five wins in 14 starts and earnings of $258,734. He ran the mile in 1:35.50 and won by 1 ¼ lengths at odds of 11-1. Ambitious Brew was second, Old Man Lake third and favorite Alert Bay fourth in the field of nine. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA, (June 28, 2015)–Spanish Queen, who captured the Grade I American Oaks at 1 ¼ miles on turf May 30 after winning the Grade II Honeymoon Stakes on May 2, was named Horse of the Meet in the annual Spring Meet Media Poll. A 3-year-old California-bred filly by Tribal Rule, Spanish Queen is trained by Richard Baltas for owners Harry Bederian, Harout Kamberian and Hagop Nakkashian. Spanish Queen earned more money than any horse at the meet, $360,000. She also was named Outstanding Grass Filly or Mare. “We’re very proud of Spanish Queen and how quickly she developed,” Baltas said. “She showed ability from the start and we’re happy she put it on display at Santa Anita.” Next up for Spanish Queen is the $1 million Belmont Oaks Invitational at 1 ¼ miles on turf July 4. Hard Aces was named Outstanding Older horse thanks to his victory in the Grade I, $500,000 Gold Cup at Santa Anita. The 5-year-old Hard Spun horse trained by... ...

By Paulick Report David Jacobson and Southern Equine Stable’s Salutos Amigos sat off the early speed before storming home to a 3 ¼ length victory in the $75,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes on Sunday at Monmouth Park. Uptown Boy sprang right from the gate to the early lead before Salutos Amigos made a vigorous move on his outside to take the lead and pull away in the final furlong. “He sat off the quick early pace and I waited to wait a little longer than usual to ask him to go,” said winning jockey Cornelio Velasquez. “Once I did at the quarter pole, there was no hesitation. He got the lead with ease and finished strong.” The 5-year-old gelding by California stallion Salute the Sarge out of the Luhuk mare Sarasota finished the six furlongs in 1:08 2/5 and paid $3.40, $2.80 and $2.10. Uptown Boy completed the $34.80 exacta and paid $10.20 and $4.80.  It was another 4 ¼ lengths back to Happy My Way, who paid $2.40 for show.... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 27, 2015) – Odds-on favorite Tribal Gal successfully defended her title by winning Saturday’s $100,000 Oak Tree Distaff for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Oak Tree at Pleasanton. Tribal Gal is an Arizona-bred by California stallion Tribal Rule, out of the Western Fame mare Famous Gal, was bred by owner John Pendergast and is trained by R. Kory Owens. She has 10 wins in 27 starts, earnings of $440,801 and was coming off a third in the May 23 Spring Fever Stakes. She won this race a year ago. Tribal Gal ran the six furlongs in 1:10.19 and won by 2 ¼ lengths at odds of 1-5. Princess Bertrando was second and Frisco Fog third in the field of five. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 27, 2015)–Heavily favored Masochistic fairly toyed with six rivals en route to a sensational 3 ½ length win in Saturday’s Grade I, $300,000 Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita. Ridden by Tyler Baze and trained by Ron Ellis, the 5-year-old California-bred gelding by Sought After cruised seven furlongs in 1:20.25. Breaking from post position five, Masochistic showed his customary zip from the gate but was soon joined to his inside by San Onofre, who with Alex Solis aboard, was sent to a narrow lead before being collared by the winner mid-way around the far turn. “He broke sharp and everything went perfect,” said Ellis, who took over training Masochistic prior to his most recent start, a three quarter length win in the Grade II Kona Gold Stakes on April 11. “It helped that we had the outside post. He’s just a super-talented horse and he’s learning to relax. That’s going to make him tough.” Off at even money, Masochistic paid $4.20, $3.20 and... ...

TORONTO, Canada (June 27, 2015) – Surtsey, an Ontario-bred daughter of California stallion Heatseeker, won Saturday’s $100,000 Zadracarta Stakes for fillies and mares at Woodbine. Surtsey is out of the Bold Executive mare Kick’em Jimmy. She ran the seven furlongs in 1:27.02 and won by one length at odds of 6-1 for breeder/owner Yvonne Schwabe and trainer Kevin Attard. Surtsey, a multiple stakes winner, has five wins in 17 starts with earnings of $366,174. ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 27, 2015) – Four graduates of the Northern California Yearling Sale, two of them sons of stallion Tannersmyman, won races on the  California circuit in the last two days. My Friend Emma won the seventh race, a maiden special weight, at Oak Tree at Pleasanton on Saturday. My Friend Emma is a 3-year-old by Tannersmyman, out of the Artax mare Ma Ka Bet, was bred by Jim Eaton, is owned by Rosa Comacho and Gerardo Robles and trained by Guillermo Preciado. He ran the six furlongs in 1:09.47 and won by a neck at odds of 7-5 in the field of 10. My Friend Emma was a $1,000 purchase at the 2013 Northern California Yearling Sale. Lil Miss Awesome won the fourth race Saturday at Oak Tree at Pleasanton, a maiden claimer. Lil Miss Awesome is a 2-year-old filly by Awesome Gambler, out of the Classic Secret mare Missed The Cut, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Velocity Racing Stables and Charlie Zsebik and is... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 25, 2015) – Marquee Cat, a graduate of last year’s Northern California Yearling Sale, won the third race at Oak Tree at Pleasanton on Thursday, a $31,600 maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies. Marquee Cat is by Brave Cat, out of the Marquetry mare Angie’s Marquee, was bred by George and Mary Clare Schmitt, is owned by the Schmitts, R. Meister and G. and B. Wallace and is trained by Jeff Bonde. Marquee Cat ran the five furlongs in :58.54 and won by 2 ½ lengths at odds of 2-1. ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (June 24, 2015) — The second summer Thoroughbred meeting at Los Alamitos Race Course begins July 2. The eight-day meet will continue through July 12, with racing conducted on a Thursday-through-Sunday basis. Post time will be 2:15 p.m. PT. Four stakes—including a pair of grade II races—worth more than $700,000 will be offered before the meet concludes. The $350,000 Los Alamitos Derby (gr. II), which was won easily a year ago by Shared Belief, is the most lucrative race of the Festival. The 1 1/8-mile event for 3-year-olds will be run July 4. BALAN: Star-Studded Group Nominated for Los Al Derby Among the leading candidates for the Derby is Kentuckian, a talented son of Tiznow   who won the Lazaro Barrera Stakes (gr. III) by 6 1/4 lengths May 10 in his most recent start at Santa Anita Park. BALAN: Kentuckian Romps in Lazaro Barrera Victory A winner twice in three races, Kentuckian is trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, who also conditions Shared Belief. The other grade II on the schedule is... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2015)–Reddam Racing’s homebred and California-bred sons of Square Eddie dominated Sunday’s $125,000 Santa Anita Juvenile, as the Doug O’Neill-conditioned twosome of Found Money and Mrazek ran 1-2, with Found Money proving best by 1 ¾ lengths under Corey Nakatani. Out of the General Meeting mare Chanel My Belle, Found Money covered 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.24. “This absolutely makes me feel proud,” said J. Paul Reddam, who along with his wife, Zillah, keeps 35 broodmares in California. (Reddam Racing has won seven races at the current stand with homebred 2-year-olds–with five of them by Square Eddie). “I’m telling you, Ed Freeman did a great job preparing these 2-year-olds and that’s a big part of this. Plus, we did believe in the stallion, Square Eddie…He’s on fire right now and there are more coming that we’re excited about.” Off at 9-2 in a field of six, Found Money, who was lapped on his stablemate into and around the far turn, paid $11.80, $6.00... ...

By SFGate.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 20, 2015) — Chuck “C.C.” Lopez, a longtime jockey on the New York-New Jersey circuit, came to the Bay Area a month ago to visit his sons, David C. and Erick Lopez, who were riding at Golden Gate Fields. The elder Lopez has picked up some mounts while he’s been in the area, won some races and accentuated his visit with a front-running 40-to-1 upset victory aboard California-bred Blues Blaster in the $65,660 Oak Tree Handicap on Saturday at the Alameda County Fair. “Speed horse, speed track, speed rider. Add two plus two and the rest is history,” Lopez said. Blues Blaster had shown speed both sprinting and routing in most of his 13 starts prior to Saturday’s 11/16-mile event, but didn’t exhibit much when he finished sixth in the Grade 3 All American Stakes on May 25 at Golden Gate Fields. “The last time we weren’t able to get the lead, but we knew after watching the races (Friday) that if we could get the lead we’d feel good,”... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (June 20, 2015) — Favored Blue Dancer, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Bluegrass Cat, won Saturday’s $53,404 Ky Alta Handicap for 3-year-olds at Northlands Park. Blue Dancer is out of the Saint Ballado mare Two Halos. He has six wins in seven starts with earnings of $150,015. The multiple stakes winner’s only loss was a 10th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Blue Dancer ran the mile in 1:39.82 and won by 3 ¼ lengths at odds of 7-5. ...

OCALA, Fla. (June 17, 2015) — A New York-bred filly by California stallion Bluegrass Cat sold for $100,000 Wednesday in the second session of the Ocala Breeders Sales Company June 2-Year-Old in Training Sale. The filly, out of the Distorted Humor mare Giggly, was purchased by Narvick International. ...

From Tommy Town Thoroughbreds ARCADIA, Calif. (June 14, 2015) – California sire Kafwain was represented by two wire-to-wire winners on Sunday’s card at Santa Anita.   Fight Thru, a Gary Barber homebred three-year-old, earned his diploma in a $56,000 one mile maiden special event.   In just his fourth lifetime start the gelding captured the main track mile in 1:36 by over three lengths in wire-to-wire fashion. He now has earned $48,770 from his record of four starts, a win, one second and one third.   From the Ecton Park broodmare Astor Park, who was a stakes winner of over a $100,000 and she is the dam of three starters and three winners including Fight Thru.   Head South also by Kafwain went wire-to-wire in a down the hill Santa Anita allowance/optional claiming race to pick up his fourth 2015 win.   Overall this Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, LLC bred gelding has earned $190,945 from twelve lifetime starts.   Kafwain stood for $5,000 live foal in 2015. Kafwain is currently the... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (June 14, 2015) – California stallion Lucky Pulpit sired winners in three of the first six races on Sunday’s card at Golden Gate. Vegas Luck won the first race, a claimer; Lucky Oracle won the fifth race, a maiden claimer; and Summer Wine won the sixth race, a maiden special weight. Vegas Luck is out of the Crafty Prospector mare Stringtown Sally, was bred by Patricia Lagden and is owned by trainer Tim McCanna. Lucky Oracle is out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Tizzy Retsina, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Betty and Robert Irvin and trained by Greg James. Summer Wins is out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Madeline Ruby, was bred by owner Joseph Morey Revocable Trust and is trained by William Morey. ...

From Golden Gate Publicity    ALBANY, Calif. (June 13, 2015) — California-bred Rock Me Baby, making his first start since Oct. 4, rallied from last-to-first under veteran jockey Corey Nakatani to score a one-length victory in the $61,065 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate Fields Saturday.      Trained by Craig Dollase, Rock Me Baby won the five-furlong turf race for 3-year-olds and up in 57.76 seconds and paid $6.00 as the second choice in the betting.  Streamside placed second by head over Serbian Syclone, who took third by a neck over 8-5 favorite Alert Bay.      The victory was the seventh in 19 starts for Rock Me Baby, who earned his second career stakes win.     “This horse has a lot of talent,” said Nakatani of Rock Me Baby, who was racing five furlongs for the first time.  “He’s a route horse and I didn’t want to get his momentum stopped once I got him started.  I was able to weave my way to the outside and let... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (June 13, 2015) — Hope’s Love, a full sister to 2014 Horse of the Year California Chrome, made a strong debut June 13 at Golden Gate Fields when running a close second in a 4 1/2-furlong maiden special weight race for 2-year-old fillies (VIDEO). The Lucky Pulpit   daughter, bred by owners Perry Martin and Steve Coburn out of the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, broke awkwardly in the fourth race after being fractious in the gate and was sixth inside despite being hustled by jockey Ricardo Gonzalez early on. While eventual winner Ourprincessmelanie sped straight immediately to the front to set the pace, she was almost collared by Hope’s Love in the final strides, as the chestnut filly accelerated with an eye-catching burst once swung out from the rail to close down the stretch. Final time was :52.75 on the all-weather track after Ourprincessmelanie went a quarter in :22.09 and set up a :46.15 half. Hope’s Love finished second by a neck in the nine-horse field, bringing $3.40 and $3 as the... ...

From CARMA ARCADIA, Calif. (June 9, 2015) — Bob and Jill Baffert announced major donations to four charities that care for racing’s retired athletes.  Following American Pharoah’s historic victory in the Belmont Stakes and becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, the Bafferts said donations would be given to CARMA, Old Friends, TAA, and PDJF.  “Jill and I are blessed and honored to be in a position to be able to donate a portion of my earnings to these four special charities whose work is vital to our industry,” said Bob Baffert.  “We hope these contributions will go a long way toward supporting and bringing awareness to the very important work these non-profit organizations do in caring for our human and equine athletes.” “I spoke to both Bob and Jill before the race and they told me of their plans to shine a very bright spotlight on horse retirement,” said Madeline Auerbach, CARMA’s Founder and Past President. “We are very grateful to Bob and Jill for making such... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 8, 2015) – The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association is launching a streamlined registration process that eliminates the need to send the original Jockey Club Certificate to the CTBA to complete the Cal-bred or Cal-Sired registration. Beginning immediately, once the Cal-bred or Cal-Sired application and fee are submitted to the CTBA, and a certificate has been issued by The Jockey Club, the CTBA will be notified by the Jockey Club and will send to the person or farm submitting the application a sticker to be affixed to the Jockey Club Certificate verifying the Cal-bred or Cal-Sired registration. The sticker will be similar to ones used for annual vehicle registration by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Certificates that were already processed by the CTBA and returned to applicants will not need or receive a sticker. For further information, contact Mary Ellen at CTBA, 626-445-7800, ext. 236 or Dawn Gerber, ext. 237. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 7, 2015)–Bob Baffert’s Gimme Da Lute returned to Santa Anita and responded with a half length upset win in Sunday’s Grade III, $100,000 Affirmed Stakes. Ridden by Martin Garcia, the California-bred colt by Midnight Lute outdueled favored Prospect Park through the lane en route to getting a mile and a sixteenth in 1:41.40. A disappointing third as the favorite in the six furlong Chick Lang Stakes at Pimlico May 16, Gimme Da Lute seemed to appreciate a return to familiar environs. “He’s a tough little horse,” said Baffert assistant Mike Marlow. “I think coming back to his home track helped a lot and short fields never hurt either.” The second choice in a field of four three year olds at 7-2, Gimme Da Lute paid $9.20 and $3.20 (no show wagering). Owned by his breeders, Mike Pegram Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, all three of Gimme Da Lute’s wins have come at The Great Race Place. His overall mark now stands at 6-3-1-2... ...