PASADENA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2016) – The late Gimme Da Lute, a two-time graded winner bred and owned by the partnership of Karl Watson, Mike Pegram and Paul Weitman, was named California-bred Horse of the Year for 2015 by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. The son of Midnight Lute was named champion at Wednesday night’s annual CTBA Awards Dinner at the Westin Pasadena, outpolling the other two finalists, California Chrome and Spanish Queen. Gimme Da Lute earlier had been named champion Cal-bred 3-year-old male and sprinter. Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes accepted the award on behalf of the winning connections. A five-time stakes winner, Gimme Da Lute had won five consecutive stakes when he suffered a catastrophic training injury. He won six of nine career starts, including victories in the Grade II Los Alamitos Derby and Grade III Affirmed Stakes, with earnings of $627,560. The other champions presented at the dinner: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Tribal Rule, property of The Tribal Rule Syndicate. Champion Sire of... ...

By Paulick Report SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2016) — California assemblyman Adam Gray has filed a bill that is offering racetracks in the state an annual payment of $60 million in exchange for giving up the opportunity to be a part of the proposed online poker market. He has begun to flesh out the bill, AB 431, according to calvinayre.com, detailing a 15 percent tax rate and $15 million upfront deposit for poker licenses. Over 95 percent of the $60 million payment would go to California racetracks, to be split with horsemen for purse payments and breeders incentives on a formula similar to current revenue sharing. Racetrack employee pension funds would also benefit. The other five percent would support state agricultural fairs. While the racetracks’ participation in the online poker industry has been directly opposed by local tribal casinos, Gray has not been able to garner the full support of those tribes for his bill. A Thursday meeting with the tribes left some leaders feeling as though progress had been made, but others... ...

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 15, 2016) – Catholic Cowboy, a Florida-bred son of California stallion Heatseeker, won Monday’s $60,000 Old Hickory Starter’s Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Catholic Cowboy, out of the Meadowlake mare Kombat Lake, ran the 1 1/16 miles I 1:43.22 and won by three-quarters of a length as the 6-5 favorite. He has five wins in 28 starts and earnings of $403,876. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2016) — One of America’s top apprentice jockeys in the early 1980s, Kenny Black was at times overcome with emotion yesterday following his biggest training achievement to date–a brilliant 3 ¼ length win in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic by Old English Rancho-bred What a View, who was ridden by Kent Desormeaux. What made the win especially emotional was the fact that E.W. “Bud” Johnston, who had headed the farm’s breeding and racing operation (which was founded in California in 1948 by his father, E.B. “The Pie Man” Johnston and his wife, Betty) dating back to 1957, passed away unexpectedly one day shy of his 78th birthday last year on May 5. “I’ll be forever grateful to Buddy Johnston and his family for the opportunity they’ve given me,” said Black, who was hired by Johnston as the farm’s private trainer following the retirement of longtime conditioner Don Warren last year. “Buddy has had his horses here in the same stalls since... ...

By John Cherwa Los Angeles Times ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2016) — The numbers are startling, the reality is staggering. If California’s first-class horse racing tracks are to survive, they are in large part dependent on a third-place breeding program. A track such as Santa Anita needs inventory, and if it didn’t have California breds running, it probably would be racing only two days a week. Under that scenario, it wouldn’t be long before the track would be turned into a residential or retail development. Or a sports stadium. Doug Burge, president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Assn., took up the challenge of figuring out a way to essentially bribe people to breed, buy and race here. “We have these carrots we put out there to give people a reason to breed in California,” he said. Among those are a $30-million program of incentives, awards and purses that go to California breds racing here. Part of that is the Golden State Series of 40 stakes races with at least $6... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2016)–With the red and white colors of California’s legendary Old English Rancho flying proudly, What a View assumed command turning for home and took Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic, presented by City National Bank, for Golden State Series eligibles, by an impressive 3 ¼ lengths under Kent Desormeaux. Trained by former rider Kenny Black, the 5-year-old California-bred gelding by Vronsky got a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:47.39. A restrained second to pacesetter Image of Joplin into and around the far turn, What a View made the lead well within himself a quarter mile from home and was clearly best among a field of 12 older horses bred or sired in the Golden State. “Kent knows what’s he’s doing, he’s won a few more of these than I have,” said Black, who registered his biggest win as a conditioner in the Classic. “He knows this horse. I always thought he was better when he (What a View) has one... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2016)–Harris Farms’ homebred Velvet Mesquite rallied four-wide at the top of the stretch to take Saturday’s $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint for Golden State Series eligibles by 1 ¾ lengths under Kent Desormeaux. Trained by Blake Heap, the 6-year-old mare by In Excess outran 10 other older fillies and mares and got 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:13.14. Although winless in seven starts last year, Velvet Mesquite, who’s five career wins had all come over the hillside turf, was the 5-2 post time favorite and paid $7.80, $4.60 and $3.20. Today’s race was her 19th career start and with the winner’s share of $90,000, she increased her earnings to $433,446. A close third while under restraint past the half mile pole, Velvet Mesquite took charge a furlong out and was clearly best. “She just strutted her stuff today,” said Desormeaux. “I was so confident after only 50 yards…This is the first time going to... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2016)–Sunday Rules, scratched out of last Saturday’s Grade II Santa Monica Stakes, took on the boys for the first time in her nine-race career and responded with a rollicking 2 ¼ length win in the $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint for Golden State Series eligibles today at Santa Anita. Trained by Phil D’Amato, the Nick Alexander homebred 5-year-old mare by Tribal Rule was ridden by Edwin Maldonado and stopped the timer for six furlongs in a rapid 1:08.42. “She’s a small filly, but she has such a long stride,” said Maldonado, who hadn’t ridden her since August of 2013 at Del Mar. “I just want to thank Phil and Nick Alexander for giving me the opportunity to get back on her…I was confident she could win this race.” The second choice at 9-5 in a field of seven, Sunday Rules paid $5.80, $4.80 and $3.80. Out of the General Meeting mare Sunday Dress, she picked up her eighth career win and... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2016)–Unbeaten Smokey Image, in his first try around two turns, annihilated six California-bred rivals en route to a 8 ½ length win in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Derby for Golden State Series elibigles at Santa Anita. Ridden for the first time by Victor Espinoza and trained for the first time Carla Gaines, the California-bred colt by Southern Image got a mile and a sixteenth in 1:43.49 and no-doubt stamped himself a ticket to the Kentucky Derby trail in his next start. Breaking from post position two, Smokey Image easily out-footed Glory Bound to the first turn and set comfortable fractions of 23.49, 47.48 and 1:11.63. “He reminds me of California Chrome!” said Espinoza. “I was expecting him to run a big race today. I worked him the other day and he worked unbelievably. I was very impressed. For me, I don’t look at it like Cal-bred or not. I just look at him and ask where he has potential…The way he ran... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2016)–In her first-ever try on turf, heavily favored Pacific Heat responded with a resounding 5 ¼ length win in Saturday’s $200,000 California Cup Oaks for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies. Ridden by Flavien Prat and trained by Peter Eurton, the California-bred daughter of Unusual Heat got one mile in 1:35.75. Pacific Heat was bred in California by Harris Farms and Donald Valpredo. Attentive to the pace throughout, Pacific Heat took command going to the quarter pole and the Oaks was, for all intents and purposes, over. “She was relaxed going down the backside,” said Prat. “But when a horse came up on her outside (Run Like the Boss, with Joe Talamo), she grabbed the bit and was a little bit aggressive after that. I think it was just because she is a ton of horse and she doesn’t know much yet. She’s pretty impressive.” Off at 4-5 in a field of eight, she paid $3.80, $2.80 and $2.20. “The way she... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2016) — California Thoroughbred Breeders Association director Terry Lovingier’s Lost Bus provided a 64-1 stunner in the $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 23 at Santa Anita Park. The 4-year-old Bring the Heat filly, who last won in March, 2015 in a California-bred restricted allowance/optional claiming race, dueled with Finest City to set fractions of :22.42 and :44.93 through a half-mile and outlasted her frontrunning rival to the wire. “I’m kinda lost for words,” said Lovingier. “I didn’t expect this and not too many others did either; she was 60-1. We claimed her (for $32,000 three starts back on Nov. 19) because she battled quite a few times with My Fiona (stakes-winning filly owned by Lovingier) when they were both 2-year-olds. I don’t claim that often anymore, but I did claim quite a few horses before I started breeding them.” With jockey Fernando Perez aboard, Lost Bus ran the seven furlongs in 1:21.78 and finished a head in front. Tara’s Tango engaged in the... ...

From Legacy Ranch CLEMENTS, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2016) – Grade II stakes winner Gervinho has relocated for his second season to Legacy Ranch in Clements. A stakes winner at 2 and 3, and a California Champion at 3, Gervinho won Santa Anita’s $200,000 grade II Sir Beaufort Stakes along with Del Mar’s $100,000 Oceanside Stakes. Gervinho earned over $420,000 and was on the board in eight of nine career starts, including the $250,000 grade I Hollywood Derby, the $250,000 grade II Del Mar Derby and Santa Anita’s $150,000 grade III Twilight Derby. A 6-year-old son of the remarkable Unusual Heat out of Foreverinthegame, by Out of Place, although raced primarily on the turf, Gervinho possess solid credentials for racing on multiple surfaces. “One of the best horses I have ever trained, Gervinho had an amazing turn of foot and an incredible mind. It’s very disappointing we never had the chance to try him on the dirt as he trained brilliantly on it,” said trainer Carla Gaines. “Gervinho is absolutely gorgeous... ...

PHOENIX, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2016) – Somethings Unusual, the lone California-bred in the field, rallied from next to last to win Saturday’s $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile at Turf Paradise. Somethings Unusual is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Prospect, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by Bruce Treitman and trained by Michael McCarthy. He ran the mile on turf in 1:37.01 and won by a head at odds of 8-1 in the field of nine. ...

By Paulick Report BONSALL, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2016) — Severe storms have battered Southern California this week, one of which spawned a small tornado which damaged one of the barns at San Luis Rey Training Center. The Daily Racing Form reports that trainer Peter Miller’s barn was damaged late Wednesday afternoon when an apparent tornado ripped the roof off several stalls. Miller told the Form that none of his horses or employees were injured. All of the horses in the damaged barn have been relocated. Miller believes that the damage is so extensive that the barn will have to be torn down. “It’s miraculous that no person or horse was injured,” Miller said early Thursday. “I’ve had to move the entire barn. The barn is compromised.” ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 2, 2016)–California-bred San Onofre sat second early to speedy Distinctiv Passion and responded to aggressive handling from Alex Solis to win Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Midnight Lute Stakes by a half length while covering 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.82. Breaking from the inside in a field of six older sprinters, the 6-year-old gelding by Surf Cat, who was bred by trainer Bruce Headley, trained by his daughter, Karen, and owned by his wife Aase’s Matson Racing, was hustled from the gate and settled nicely in second going into the far turn. Sitting behind fractions of 21.72, 44.00 and 1:08.53, San Onofre, who was put into a vigorous drive leaving the three eighths pole, took charge a furlong out and held off favored Salutos Amigos late. Off at 4-1, San Onofre paid $10.00, $4.40 and $2.60. “He’s been training really, really good,” said Solis of San Onofre, who had been idle since running fourth in the Grade I Triple Bend Stakes at Santa Anita... ...

From Rancho San Miguel SAN MIGUEL, CA (Jan. 1, 2016)-Slew’s Tiznow is the top California freshman sire of 2015. From his first crop of twenty-one foals, in 2013, Slew’s Tiznow sired the earners of $185,537. They are highlighted by the Del Mar maiden special daylight winner Tiz Love and multiple winners Tribal Headdress and One Bye Two. Additionally, Slews Tiznow ranks 34th on the Blood Horse North America Freshmen Sire lists. Slew’s Tiznow first crop of yearlings averaged over $20,000 in that sales year. Slew’s Tiznow is a record-setting 1 1/16 miles 1:40.34 performer and a Grade 1 performing multiple stakes winning son of Tiznow that will stand for $2,500 in 2016 at Rancho San Miguel. ...

By America’s Best Racing OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 2, 2016) — After twice chasing highly regarded Mohaymen in vain last autumn, Flexibility capitalized on his arch-rival’s absence to gain an easy 4 1/4-length victory in the $200,000 Jerome Stakes (gr. III) Jan. 2 at Aqueduct Racetrack. Watch Video Flexibility — a New York-bred by California stallion Bluegrass Cat — took his debut by 1 3/4 lengths Oct. 10 at Belmont Park before placing second to Mohaymen in a pair of grade II contests at Aqueduct. He fell short by 1 3/4 lengths in the Nashua Nov. 4 and by 1 1/2 lengths a little more than three weeks later in the Remsen. With trainer Kiaran McLaughlin opting for much warmer surroundings and targeting Mohaymen for the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. II) Jan. 30 at Gulfstream Park, Flexibility was left with a golden opportunity to pick up 10 points in the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” qualifying series. “It gives you a sigh of relief to not face him right now,” said Cherie... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2015)–Favored California-bred Sunday Rules made short work of seven rivals in storming to a 4 ¼ length win in Wednesday’s $98,850 Kalookan Queen Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Owned and bred by Nick Alexander, the 4-year-old daughter of Tribal Rule got 6 ½ furlongs under Mike Smith in 1:14.77. Blessed with an abundance of natural speed, the Phil D’Amato-conditioned Sunday Rules broke running from post position five, shook clear of longshot Dancinthenightaway leaving the quarter pole and cruised home to her seventh win from eight lifetime starts. Off at 4-5, Sunday Rules paid $3.80, $2.80 and $2.40. “Once we jumped well and she got a clear lead, I felt confident that she was going to run well, but you also never know how fast they’re going to push you,” said Smith. “The track is playing really quick and although we were running fast, it was well within her scope and she was fine. When Dancinthenightaway came up to me... ...

FLORENCE, Ky. (Dec. 29, 2015) – Tribal Custom, a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Tribal Rule, scored win No. 12 on the year Sunday in a Turfway Park starter’s allowance, topping all North American Thoroughbreds in wins for 2015. Tribal Custom is a 5-year-old out of the Bertrando mare Villa Marqurite, and was bred by Pam and Marty Wygod. She has earnings of $89,203 this year. ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2015) – California stallion Bold Chieftain was represented by his first winner when I Came to Party won the third race at Los Alamitos on Sunday. I Came to Party is out of the Decarchy mare Onefunsonofagun, was bred by Ellen Jackson, Kevin Nish and Kim Nish, is owned by Robert Bone, John Martin, Joey Platts and William Strauss and is trained by Martin. The 2-year-old gelding ran the mile in 1:39.92 and won by 6 ½ lengths at odds of 9-2 in the field of six. ...

By Bloodhorse.com STEVINSON, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2015) —  Boat Trip, a multiple stakes-winning son of Harlan’s Holiday, will enter stud in 2016 at Running Horse Equine Center near Stevinson, Calif. The fee will be $2,500, with a no fee option. Included among the five victories for the 5-year-old horse trained by Michael Pender for B. J. Wright and James Hirschmann III were the Hollywood Turf Express Handicap and Tsunami Slew Stakes, both on grass. He also finished second in the Eddie D Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Santa Anita Park. He earned $268,410. Boat Trip is one of nine winners from 13 foals produced from the French group III-placed mare Turning Wheel, a daughter of Seeking the Gold who has also produced four stakes-placed runners. Among the stakes horses produced by his third dam, multiple stakes-placed Kankakee Miss, was Clever Trick—the multiple stakes-winning winner of 18 of 29 starts and a sire. ...

From Unusual Heat Syndicate COALINGA, Calif. (Dec. 17, 2015 – Unusual Heat, the six-time leading sire in California (2008-2013) and California’s All Time Leading Stallion in Total Progeny, Turf and Cal-Bred earnings, will stand at John C. Harris’s Harris Farms in Coalinga for the 2016 breeding season.  Unusual Heat is booked full for 2016 at $20,000 and is accepting approved mares to a waiting list. Unusual Heat set the all-time California record for progeny earnings in 2008 with over $5.8 million and was again the California earnings champion for 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, achieving the milestone of being leading sire in the state for an unprecedented sixth consecutive season in the modern era.  In 2015 Unusual Heat achieved an unmatched ninth consecutive season of over $3 million in progeny earnings and also his astounding 12th consecutive California-bred North American Turf Earnings Championship. He has sired one Eclipse Award winner and 14 California champions. Unusual Heat made his mark in 2015 as a broodmare sire adding six new stakes... ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2015) — Even-money favorite Found Money welcomed a return to the California bred or sired ranks on Saturday with a 1 1/4 length victory in the $101,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos Race Course. Watch Video Never far off the pace while kept in the clear by jockey Mario Gutierrez, the 2-year-old son of Square Eddie   and the General Meeting mare Chanel My Belle won for the third time in seven starts for owner-breeder J. Paul Reddam’s Reddam Racing. Fourth in the Delta Jackpot (gr. III) three weeks earlier in Louisiana, Found Money completed the mile in 1:37.46 while increasing his earnings to $286,100. He paid $4, $3 and $2.60. “All credit to Mario,” said trainer Doug O’Neill. “He rode him with confidence. He felt he was on the best horse and rode him accordingly. Mario’s ridden well at this track. It’s a long straightaway and you have to conserve your horse and he did just that.” Glory Bound, a 16-1 outsider... ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2015) – California stallion Noble Court was represented with his first winner when Noble Edition won the second race for California-bred maiden 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos on Friday. Noble Edition is out of the Skip Away mare Chloe’s Edition, was bred by Willow Tree Farm, is owned by Geoff Holly, Dean Pederson and Paige Schvaneveldt and is trained by Pederson. Noble Edition ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.67 and won by 5 ¾ lengths at even money in her racing debut. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2015) – Dave McGlothlin, Jim & Pat Thompson, Fran’s Valentine and Nostalgia’s Star have been elected into the California Racing Hall of Fame by the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association. The winners will be inducted at the CTBA’s annual awards dinner, to be held Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2016, at the Westin Pasadena. McGlothlin has been manager of the horse division at Harris Farms, which has tripled in physical size and quadrupled in equine population during his nearly four decades of service. The farm has produced more than 50 stakes horses, including double classic winner and Horse of the Year California Chrome. Jim & Pat Thompson are synonymous with the operation of Ridgeley Farm in Hemet. Among the stakes-producing stallions that have stood there were Memo and Iam the Iceman. The newest stallion arrival is stakes winner He Be Fire N Ice. Fran’s Valentine won several Cal-bred championships, along with 14 races and earnings of more than $1.3 million for trainer Joe Manzi and the Green Thumb Farm of auto... ...

From Magali Farms SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (Dec. 10, 2015) — Barton Thoroughbreds is pleased to announce that five-time Grade I winner Einstein (Spend a Buck—Gay Charm, by Ghadeer) will be added to the Magali Farms stallion roster and stand in California for the first time, starting in 2016. Einstein comes to stand in California as a multiple graded stakes winner of nearly $3,000,000 over dirt, turf, and synthetic tracks. His first crop of 3-year-olds has placed him among the top three third crop sires in Canada. His runners already include stakes horses on dirt and synthetics, and winners on all three surfaces. His top runners include 4-year-old Graded Stakes-placed Winner Rankhasprivileges ($206,878), 3-year-old Multiple Stakes-placed Winner E Equalsmcsquared ($77,603) and 2-year-old stakes placed Scholar Athlete ($52,550). With three crops of racing age, his current runner earnings total $1,384,267. A 2-year-old colt by Einstein sold for $150,000 in the 2015 Barretts May sale, third-highest sale price overall. During his racing career, Einstein earned triple digit Beyers on dirt, turf and all-weather... ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2015) – Roo’s Valentine led all the way to win Saturday’s $100,500 Soviet Problem Stakes for 2-year-old Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Roo’s Valentine is by Vronsky, out of the Cindago mare Black Valentine, was bred by owner Kretz Racing and is trained by Kristen Mulhall. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $116,240 and was coming off a Nov. 5 maiden win. Roo’s Valentine ran the mile in 1:37.75 and won by one-half length at odds of 5-2. Favored Just Google Me was second and Run for Retts was third in the field of seven. ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2015) –Mana Strike ($22.20), an easy winner in his debut here before running sixth behind the undefeated Smokey Image in his stakes debut, rallied from last to score an impressive 2 1/4-length victory Saturday in the $75,105 Gold Rush Stakes at Golden Gate Fields. Mana Strike — a Washington-bred son of California stallion Papa Clem — was last as maiden Mad Bum set the pace for six furlongs in the one-mile race for 2-year-olds. He began to move up while three wide on the second turn. As the field left the quarter pole turning for home, jockey Pedro Terrero swung Mana Strike into the clear as Algenon opened a two-length lead at the eighth pole. Mana Strike had all the momentum as he quickly collared the leader and pulled clear to win in 1:38.36. Algenon, who never has finished off the board and had placed in his three previous stakes attempts, was an easy second as the field paraded home. Marqula, the longest shot... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2015) — Race caller Trevor Denman, the voice of Santa Anita Park since 1983, has announced his retirement from the Southern California track. He will not return for the 2015-16 race meet, which begins Dec. 26. “After calling the races for 44 years, 33 at Santa Anita, I have come to the decision that it is time for me to kick back, relax and enjoy the rest of my life on my farm in Minnesota and do some travelling both throughout American and overseas,” said Denman, 63. “It is time to stop counting dollars and to start counting the stars.” Racing fans will still hear Denman at Del Mar next summer, as the seaside oval’s shortened schedule will fit into his retirement plans, Santa Anita said in a release. “We knew this situation would come one day,” said Keith Brackpool, chairman of Santa Anita Park, “but we were selfishly hoping it would be many years down the line. We have had the privilege of... ...

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... ...