Cicero Farms Press Release CLEMENTS, Calif. (Oct. 13, 2023) — California stallion He Be Fire N Ice has been relocated to Legacy Ranch to stand the 2024 breeding season, owner Cicero Farms announced on Friday. He Be Fire N Ice, a 15-year-old California-bred stakes-winning son of Unusual Heat, has six crops of racing age with progeny earnings of more than $1.3 million, including top-earner Oubabe and Lil Nas, who is entered in Sunday’s California Flag Stakes at Santa Anita.   ...

From Harris Farms Press Release COALINGA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2023) – Stanford, California’s Leading Freshman Sire of 2021 and current co-leading Third-crop sire by black type winners and Eight Rings, the G1-winning son of Empire Maker, will stand the 2024 breeding season at Harris Farms in Coalinga, California. Stanford, the multiple graded stakes winning son of Malibu Moon, entered stud in 2018 and was an immediate success. Leading the sire charts in California as a freshman and finishing second on the sire of Two-year-olds list that same season, has sired 5 black-type horses, including multiple stakes winner, Opening Buzz, and 61 individual winners from his first two crops to race. Stanford stands as the property of Tommy Town Thoroughbreds. His 2024 stud fee is $5,000, Live Foal. Eight Rings, entered stud in 2023. Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, he was a $520,000 purchase by SF Bloodstock and Starlight West at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. At 2, he won his racing debut by 6 1/4 lengths at Del Mar with trainer Bob Baffert... ...

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2023) — When Clovisconnection was passed by Top Harbor in early stretch of Saturday’s $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes at The Big Fresno Fair in central California, trainer Blaine Wright expected a second-place finish. “I would have settled for that,” Wright said. Despite losing his lead, Clovisconnection was not finished. Racing on the inside, Clovisconnection ($5.80) rallied from a length behind 3-5 Top Harbor to win by a head. “That was a heckuva win,” Wright said. :: Bet the races with a $250 First Deposit Match + $10 Free Bet and FREE Formulator PPs! Join DRF Bets.  “What a game race throughout. They hadn’t been winning from off the lead and they haven’t won from the inside and he did both.” The win was the fourth consecutive stakes win for Clovisconnection, who races for owners and breeders William and Judy Hedrick. Clovisconnection, who was ridden by William Antongeorgi, ran six furlongs in 1:09.50. The Harris Farms Stakes was restricted to Golden State Series eligibles. Top Harbor,... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 5, 2023) — California-bred Slow Down Andy, emphatic winner of the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes last weekend at Santa Anita, will have to wait until next year for another shot at the Breeders’ Cup, trainer Doug O’Neill said Thursday. The good news is breeders-owners Paul and Zilla Reddam plan to race the son of Nyquist next season at age 5. O’Neill said the colt’s setback is minor, though untimely.  “He came out of the [Awesome Again] with a little bit of filling in an ankle,” O’Neill said. “He was sound on it, but had a little bit of filling. We X-rayed him, and he X-rayed clean. We followed up with a nuke scan, and he’s got some heat in the ankle.” Expectations are Slow Down Andy, the leading money earner sired by Reddam-owned and O’Neill-trained Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, will return next season as good as ever. :: BREEDERS’ CUP 2023: See DRF’s special section with top contenders, odds, comments, news, and more for... ...

By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2023) — Buyers with connections to many equine families on offer at the Sept. 26 Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of Racing Age Sale in Pomona, Calif., were willing to step up for prospects. From trainer John Sadler assisting in buying the $250,000 sale topper, a half brother to Sadler-trained Kings River Knight , to Eric and Sharon Waller’s emotional acquisition of a half-sister to their deceased graded stakes winner Spectator , the kinship felt for the horses brought buyers out in ways not every sale accomplishes. West Point Thoroughbreds purchased the sale topper, with Sadler and his assistant, Juan Leyva, doing the bidding. John Harris’ Harris Farms consigned the colt, a California-bred son of Vronsky —Seasontoperfection, by Poteen. The mare has produced Kings River Knight, a three-time stakes winner this year under Sadler’s tutelage, most recently in the Sept. 16 E.B. Johnston Stakes at Los Alamitos Race Course, and the stakes-placed Irrefutable  (Big Bad Leroybrown ). “This horse looks a lot like (Kings River Knight), so we thought he’d be good for the Cal-bred program,” said... ...

By DRF.com BENSALEM, Pa. (Sept. 23, 2023) — “This was our Breeders’ Cup,” exclaimed trainer Doug O’Neill after Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher took them gate to wire in Saturday’s Grade 1, $1 million Cotillion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies racing 1 1/16 miles at Parx Racing. Ceiling Crusher is the first Grade I winner for her sire, Mr. Big. She’s out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by Harris Farms and is owned by Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff and Ty Leatherman. The $22,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale from the Harris Farms consignment has six wins in seven starts, earnings of $938,400 and was coming off a win in the Grade III Torrey Pines on Sept. 2. Making her initial start over a sloppy track and starting for the first time outside of Southern California, Ceiling Crusher showed her customary gate speed under jockey Edwin Maldonado. Ceiling Crusher cleared to the lead going into the first turn and faced only token... ...

From Old Friends Press Release GEORGETOWN, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2023) – Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, Ky., is deeply saddened to announce that California-bred champion Amazombie, the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner and 2011 Eclipse Award winning Champion Sprinter, was euthanized on Monday, Sept. 18 due to a fractured ankle. The 16-year old bay gelding arrived at the farm in 2014 courtesy of his trainer/owner, William “Bill” Spawr, and co-owner Thomas Sanford, who continued to support him during his retirement. Bred by Gregg Anderson, Amazombie, who was by Northern Afleet–Wilshe Amaze, by In Excess (Ire), was foaled on April 18, 2006 in California. Winning 12 of 29 starts, his career earnings of $1,920,378 rank 13th on the all-time Cal-bred list. The story of how Spawr purchased Amazombie is an interesting one. About a year before Amazombie ran his first race, Spawr was at a farm talking with his friend, Judd Morse, who would eventually break Amazombie. “It was a cold day, with heavy fog, and we all... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2023) — A busy summer at Del Mar will lead to a light fall campaign at Santa Anita for Dr. No No, the winner of the I’m Smokin Stakes for 2-year-old California-breds at Del Mar on Sept. 4. Trainer Brian Koriner said on Sunday that Dr. No No will be pointed for the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile for 2-year-old Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita on Nov. 3 as part of the undercard on the first day of Breeders’ Cup races. “He needs a break,” Koriner said. “If they run three times at Del Mar, they need time. Hopefully that will make him a better horse by giving him some time.” Owned by the partnership of Rusty Brown, Alan Klein, and Phil Lebherz, Dr. No No has won 2 of 3 starts and earned $130,290. Dr. No No was third in his debut in a maiden race on July 22, won a maiden race by 8 1/4 lengths on Aug. 13, and won... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept 18, 2023) – A California-bred daughter of perennial top stallion Ghostzapper sold for $185,000 at Monday’s session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The May foal, out of the stakes-placed Maclean’s Music mare Consulting, was bred by consigner Glen Hill Farm and purchased by Quarter Pole Enterprises. Also on Monday, a Kentucky-foaled son of California stallion Om sold for $90,000 to Alistair Roden, agent. He is out of the El Prado mare Fresia, is a half-brother to multiple stakes-winning Cal-bred Galilean and was bred by Bar C Racing Stable, breeder of Galilean. ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 16, 2023) – Keeping it in the family, odds-on favorite Kings River Knight, bred and co-owned by the Ellwood Johnston Trust and its Old English Rancho, outlasted Fast Draw Munnings in a stretch-long duel to win Saturday’s $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes for California-breds at Los Alamitos. Kings River Knight is by Acclamation, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, is co-owned by Integrity Thoroughbred Racing and trained by John Sadler. “I told (jockey) Juan (Hernandez) to go out there with the intent to go to the lead, but if somebody wants to go crazy, let them and let him settle nicely and that’s what he did,” said assistant trainer Juan Leyva. “Juan rode a really good race. This is a really cool horse. He loves his job and he shows up every time.’’ A multiple stakes winner, Kings River Knight has six wins in 12 starts, earnings of $366,010 and was coming off a second in the Aug. 5 California Dreamin’ Stakes at Del Mar. Sent off at... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 16, 2023) – A California-bred daughter of stallion Omaha Beach sold for $210,000 at Saturday’s session of the Keeneland Yearling Sale. The filly, out of the Montjeu mare Turns My Head, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, LLC & Gallop Out Racing, LLC, consigned by Pope McLean, agent, and was purchased by Mayberry Farm. She was originally purchased for $110,000 out of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. ...

1/ST RACING Press Release BERKELEY, Calif. (Sept. 16, 2023) – 1/ST RACING announced that they expect to file a request with the California Horse Racing Board for an allocation of race dates for the first half of 2024 at Golden Gate Fields. The request is tied to extending the announced closing date of the track located in the cities of Albany and Berkeley to June 30, 2024. The decision follows the passage of AB 1074 at the end of the 2023 legislative session in Sacramento, which authorizes the reallocation of purse and commission revenues generated in the Northern zone of California to support racing in the Southern and Central zones should there be unallocated weeks in future years. The bill will not be law until signed by Governor Newsom. “We are pleased we could work out a solution with our industry stakeholders to be able to keep Golden Gate Fields open for an additional and final meet,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST RACING & GAMING.  This extension follows extensive consultation with various... ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Sept. 20, 2023) – California-bred Magic Tiger won Tuesday night’s $50,750 Gold Cup Stakes at Assiniboia Downs. Magic Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Funny Gal, was bred by Robert Heinz & Michelle Machado, is owned by Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meikle and trained by Wendy Anderson. He has 12 wins in 30 starts and earnings of $166,376. Magic Tiger ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:52.30 and won by a length at odds of 9-5. ...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Sept. 24, 2023) – California-breds My Man Biggie, Let There Be Peace and Special Moment are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Charles Taylor Derby for 3-year-olds at Albuquerque. My Man Biggie is by Mr. Big, out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Twin Spirit, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Cameron McVay and trained by Shannon Simpson. He has three wins in 19 starts, earnings of $67,207 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 11 Arapahoe Park Derby. Let There Be Peace is by Stanford, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Minster’sadventure, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Amanda Sweeten and is trained by Andres Gonzalez. He has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $47,232 and is coming off a win in a May 6 allowance. Special Moment is by Stanford, out of the Blame mare Blame It Onthesong, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds and Gaylon McGee and is trained by H. Ray Ashford. He... ...

By DRF.com Stoic Luna, winner of the Golden Gate Turf Distaff on Saturday, is likely to make her next start at Santa Anita in early October. She is likely to be followed by many other runners trained by Jack Steiner. Steiner said over the weekend that he plans to relocate his stable from Golden Gate Fields to Southern California in the near future in light of the news in recent months that Golden Gate Fields will close. The track’s parent company, 1/ST Racing, announced on Saturday that it will request racing days for a winter-spring meeting from late December to early June, a change from a previous plan to close Golden Gate Fields in December. The winter-spring meeting at Golden Gate Fields will likely be the track’s final season. The subject of 2024 racing dates in Northern California is scheduled to be discussed by the California Horse Racing Board at its monthly meeting on Thursday. Regardless of when Golden Gate Fields closes, Steiner said he has firm plans to move... ...

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2023) — California legislators passed a bill Sept. 14 that determines how simulcast revenue in the state will be distributed once Golden Gate Fields closes its doors, which is anticipated to be June 30, 2024. As part of the negotiations with racing industry leaders in putting the legislation together, The Stronach Group has indicated it will keep racing at Golden Gate for the first six months of next year. The Stronach Group’s 1/ST Racing threw the California racing scene into turmoil July 16 when it announced it would close the San Francisco Bay Area track when its meet ended in December because the track has not been financially viable. The goal, at the time, was to shift the horse population to the tracks in Southern California and bolster field size. The change, however, was too sudden for horsemen and the racing fairs in the North to adjust, particularly to develop a racing schedule solution that would serve the North long-term. At an Aug. 16 meeting... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (Sept. 17, 2023) – Multiple stakes winners Blazingbellablu and Slew’s Tiz Whiz, Washington-breds by California stallions Grazen and Slew’s Tiznow, won a pair of Sunday stakes at Emerald Downs. Blazingbellablu, a 5-year-old Grazen mare out of the Sky Mesa mare Bellomesa, won the $50,000 1/ST BET Washington Cup Filly & Mare Stakes, presented by Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation Center. Blazingbellablu ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.60 and won by a neck at odds of 6-5 in a field of seven. She has eight wins in 22 starts and earnings of 293,061. Slew’s Tiz Whiz, a 5-year-old gelded son of Slew’s Tiznow out of the Rosberg mare Ros’s Girl, won the $50,000 Muckleshoot Tribal Classic Stakes, presented by Pegasus Training and Rehabilitation Center. Slew’s Tiz Whiz ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.90 and won by three lengths as the 1-20 favorite in a field of seven. He has eight wins in 19 starts and earnings of $268,357. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 13, 2023) – A California-bred son of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah sold for $190,000 in Wednesday’s session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The colt, out of the stakes-winning More Than Ready mare Ready for Romance, was bred by Thomas Bachman, consigned by Havens Bloodstock, agent for Fairview, and purchased by Martin Anthony. ...

ERIE, Pa. (Sept. 13, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Opening Buzz is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $300,000 Grade II Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes. Opening Buzz is a multiple stakes winner by Stanford, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Open Mic, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jeff Engler. She has five wins in nine starts, earnings of $204,493 and is making her first start since a 10 in the Apr. 15 Giant’s Causeway. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2023) – Three offspring of California stallion Tamarando won races at Golden Gate on Monday. Made the Team, a 4-year-old gelding out of the Huddle Up mare Team Decision, won the second race. He is owned by Harris Farms, who co-bred the gelding with Double D Farms and trained by Sheldon Paldanius. She ran the six furlongs in 1:11.03 and won by 3 ¾ lengths. Wild Jewels, a 2-year-old gelding out of the Distorted Humor mare Ribbon of Jewels, won the third race, an optional claimer. He is owned by breeder Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and trained by Steve Specht. He ran the six furlongs in 1:11.00 and won by 4 ¼ lengths. Tam’s Time, a 4-year-old gelding out of the General Meeting mare Gn. Group Meeting, won the seventh race. He was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is owned by trainer Daniel Franko. He ran the mile in 1:38.78 and won by a neck. ...

CALGARY, Alberta (Sept. 16, 2023) – Multiple stakes winner Big Hug, an Alberta-bred daughter of California stallion Mr. Big, won Saturday’s $50,000 Alberta Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Century Downs. Big Hug, out of the Unusual Heat mare Temeeku, has seven wins in 12 starts, earnings of $191,701 and was coming off a fourth in the Century Casino Oaks. ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Sept. 15, 2023) – Magic Tiger is the lone California-bred entered in Tuesday’s $50,000 Gold Cup Stakes at Assinboia Downs. Magic Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Funny Gal, was bred by Robert Heinz & Michelle Machado, is owned by Wind Dancer Stable and Bill Meikle and is trained by Wendy Anderson. He has 11 wins in 29 starts, earnings of $143,686 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 29 Bocage Stakes. ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Sept. 14, 2023) – Stakes winner Big Stretch is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 Manitoba Matron Stakes for fillies and mares at Assiniboia Downs. Big Stretch is by Mr. Big, out of the Curling mare Mr. Zito, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by A2 Thoroughbreds and trained by Michael Nault. She has four wins in 31 starts, earnings of $175,168 and is coming off a third in the Aug. 28 Miss Sandy Dee Stakes. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept.9,2023) — Riding a stakes-winning mare such as California-bred Closing Remarks at Del Mar on Saturday helped ease any lingering discomfort from a spill on Aug. 31 for jockey Umberto Rispoli. Rispoli rode the Harris Farms homebred to a smart win in the $250,000 Grade 2 John C. Mabee Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles on turf, the 35-year-old jockey’s first stakes win since he resumed riding on Friday after a week of recovery from an incident in which he was unseated after his mount clipped heels. “Adrenaline helps,” Rispoli said, responding to a question of how he felt. Closing Remarks, trained by Carla Gaines, won the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap at 1 1/16 miles on Aug. 12. She is the first filly or mare to sweep the two since Precious Kitten in 2007. :: Get Del Mar Clocker Reports straight from the morning workouts at the track. Available every race day.  Bettors expected Closing Remarks to thrive in the Mabee. Sent... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 8, 2023) — Brown, Klein or Lebherz’s Dr. No No made the lead inside the eighth pole, then just hung on by a whisker to capture the 34th edition of the I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar Friday. The photo-finish camera showed Dr. No No, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Smiling Tiger, and rider Ramon Vazquez a nose best at the end of the six-furlong feature, just holding off fast-closing Mici’s Express, who is owned by Thomas Halasz. “He got to lay outside and stalk them around there,” said trainer Brian Koriner. “At least there were enough horses up front with the speed horse so we didn’t have to do all the work. He broke a little more sharp than I thought he would and he was a lot closer than I thought he would be. That’s why I was worried about the horse that ran second, because he nabbed us two races back on the wire... ...

AURORA, Co. (Sept. 4, 2023) – California-bred Lite Ranchin Kid unleashed a wire-to-wire win in Sunday’s $50,000 Gold Rush Futurity for 2-year-olds at Arapahoe Park. Lite Ranchin Kid is by Lemon Drop Kid out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Lorelei’s Song, was bred by owner Regan Wright and is trained by Rafael Barraza. He has won both starts with earnings of $37,800. Lite Ranchin Kid ran the six furlongs in 1:13.35 and won by 5 1/4 lengths at odds of 7-2. ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2023) – Overcoming a lengthy pre-race maintenance delay and an awkward break from the inside post, odds-on favorite Crazy Hot proved best nonetheless in Sunday’s $125,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Crazy Hot is by Goldencents, out of the Rockport Harbor mare Harbor Mist, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Edward Brown & Cory Thabit and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $134,850 and was coming off a third in the Aug. 6 CTBA Stakes. “You hate drawing the one hole and this race was a disaster,” said Bonde. “For whatever reason they delayed it and with young 2-year-olds some of them tolerate it, some of them don’t, so you’re going to see a new side of them when that occurs. He’s (jockey Mike Smith) a great speed rider and he did a good job.”  Crazy Hot went off as the 4-5 favorite, ran six furlongs in 1:11.93... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher rebounded from her first career loss five weeks ago with her first graded victory, a front-running win in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Ceiling Crusher is by Mr. Big, out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff and Ty Leatherman and is trained by Doug O’Neill. “I think I had her in a route mentality and last time (in the Fleet Treat) I kept her one turn and it was a difficult challenge,” said O’Neill. “So I think getting her back to two turns, she drew perfectly and Edwin (Maldonado) did a great job. We did the old find the lead and improve your position. That confident, arrogant thing you do and often times you get pie all over your face, but this particular time it worked perfectly.” According to Daily Racing Form, O’Neill did... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2023) – Slow Down Andy became the latest California-bred millionaire on Saturday. By finishing third in the $1 million FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic at Del Mar, his $120,000 in earnings boosted Slow Down Andy’s career total to $1,096,600. Slow Down Andy is a multiple graded stakes-winning 4-year-old son of Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Edwina E, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. ...

By DRF.com SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 27, 2023) – Like trainer Brendan Walsh here three weeks ago, following Pretty Mischievous’s victory in the Grade 1 Test, his counterpart Esteben Martinez found it difficult to celebrate after California-bred One in Vermillion rallied from last to upset Saturday’s H. Allen Jerkens following the catastrophic injury suffered by New York Thunder when 1/16-mile from an apparent one-sided triumph in the Grade 1 race for 3-year-olds. Somewhat lost due to the unfortunate and heartbreaking circumstances that cast such a pall over the Allen Jerkens was that One in Vermillion gave Martinez, who is currently stabled at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, Minnesota, the first Grade 1 victory of his seven-year training career. One in Vermillion went postward at 19-1 odds, the second-longest price in the field, in the seven-furlong Allen Jerkens despite having won six of a dozen previous starts, including the seven-furlong Laz Barrera by 5 1/4 lengths this spring at Santa Anita and being ridden for the first time by the meet’s leading... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2023) — Reddam Racing’s homebred gray Eddie’s New Dream sat in the garden spot for virtually all of the one-mile grass run that was Friday’s Solana Beach Stakes at Del Mar, then accelerated come stretch time and pulled away to a length and a quarter tally in the $151,000 headliner for Golden State Series eligibles. The winner, a 5-year-old daughter of Square Eddie, was registering the eighth victory of her career and earned a first prize of $85,500. She also has eight seconds and four thirds from 26 starts and now has earnings of $705,580. Final time for the race was 1:36.16 and the winner returned $7.20 to win for her backers. Eddie’s New Dream was piloted by her regular guy, Mario Gutierrez, and is trained by Ben Cecil. “Usually she’s up in the bit, but today she was happy right where she was; nice and relaxed,” said Gutierrez. “As she’s gotten older, she’s gotten better. She’s real mature now and she’s... ...

From CTBA Board of Directors ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 25, 2023) — The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board of Directors unanimously supports racing in Northern California and Southern California. Furthermore, CTBA strongly supports protecting our infrastructure, farms, breeders and others critical to breeding Cal-breds in Northern California. ...

From NYRA Publicity SARATOGA, N.Y. (Aug. 18, 2023) — Paradise Farms Corp., David Staudacher, Kevin Haynes and John Huber’s California-bred Ship Cadet, who finished second in two consecutive stakes outings earlier this summer, put it all together for trainer Mike Maker in Friday’s $150,000 Skidmore, a 5 1/2-furlong main track sprint for juveniles that was originally scheduled for the Mellon turf, at Saratoga Race Course. Ship Cadet was a bridesmaid no more with his swift gate-to-wire score under Manny Franco, avenging losses on the main track in the June 11 Tremont at Belmont Park and on turf in the July 30 Tyro at Monmouth Park. The son of Midshipman now boasts two victories, adding to a debut maiden win sprinting five furlongs over the Belmont green in May. Bred in California by Mr. and Mrs. William T. Griffin, Ship Cadet banked $82,500 in victory and improved his lifetime record to 4-2-2-0. The $79,000 Washington Thoroughbred Breeders’ Yearling and Mixed Sale purchased returned $6.90 for a $2 win ticket. “He’s certainly... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2023) – A racy son of Vronsky sold for $100,000 to top Tuesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age Sale, which posted year-over-year result increases. The sale-topper, the first foal out of the Acclamation mare Back to the River, was bred by Harris Farms and Gary Parker and purchased by PT Syndicate #1 and Meister. Bidding at the Alameda County Fairgrounds was robust early on as the first yearling in the ring, a filly by Stay Thirsty, sold for $80,000 to Mark & Michael Wilkes. The filly, out of the Indian Charlie mare Letsgotovegas, was consigned by Lovacres Ranch, agent, and bred by Terry Lovingier. With 114 yearlings sold, gross sales were $1,064,900 for an average of $9,260 and median price of $5,500. Last year, 105 yearlings sold for $871,100, an average of $8,296 and median price of $4,500. The average sales price for yearlings this year was 11.6 percent higher than last year. For complete sales results, click 2023-norcalsale-result8.pdf... ...

See final sales results of 2023 Northern California Yearling Sale ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (Aug. 27, 2023) – Great Escape, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Midnight Storm, won Saturday’s $100,000 Speed to Spare Championship Stakes at Century Mile. Great Escape, out of the Indian Charlie mare Chickasaw Gal, ran the 1 ¼ miles in 2:04.00 and won by 1 ¾ lengths at odds of 3-1. He has four wins in 18 starts and earnings of $442,215. ...

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 28, 2023) – Special Diva, a Washington-bred daughter of California stallion Misremembered, won Sunday’s $50,000 Washington Cup Juvenile Filly Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Special Diva, out of the Private Gold mare Special Holiday, has two wins in four starts and earnings of $38,780. She ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:19.43 and won by 2 ¾ lengths at odds of 8-1. ...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Aug. 27, 2023) – Giant’s Brite Eye is the lone California-bred entered in $70,000 JR Malouff Stakes at Albuquerque. Giant’s Brite Eye is by Niagara Falls, out of the High Brite mare Briteeyednbushytail, was bred by Margaret Scherr & Martine Bellocq and is owned by trainer Jesus Uranga. He is a maiden making his fourth start with earnings of $9,260. ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2023) – When John Harris researched Aspen Galand found that she had won half of her 10 starts and was graded stakes-placed at Belmont Park, he felt the mare was worth $42,000 at the 2005 Keeneland November sale. She certainly was, as Aspen Gal is now the second dam of Closing Remarks, who with her victory in the Aug. 12 Yellow Ribbon Handicap (G2T) at Del Mar sent her earnings over $700,000 for owner/breeder Harris Farms and trainer Carla Gaines. Closing Remarks could have earned quite a bit more money with better racing luck. The 5-year-old mare comes from off the pace and a few times has found her road to victory blocked until it was too late. But jockey Umberto Rispoli found a perfect path for her to get the job done in the Yellow Ribbon, a 1 1/16-mile turf event. Ganadora, trained by Bob Baffert and making her turf debut, took the lead when the gate opened. Closing Remarks, favored at... ...

By DRF.com SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2023) – The three-race winning streak California-bred Clovisconnection has compiled in Washington State and on the California fairs this summer is only a foreshadowing of what the gelding can accomplish later, to the mind of trainer Blaine Wright. “He will be a super, super route horse,” Wright said late Saturday afternoon after Clovisconnection won the $76,350 Robert Dupret Derby at 1 1/16 miles on turf at the Sonoma County Fair in Santa Rosa, Calif. “He’s a great sprinter, but he’ll be a route horse.” Clovisconnection led throughout the Dupret Derby for his sixth win in nine starts for owners and breeders William and Judy Hedrick. The Dupret Derby was the longest race of Clovisconnection’s career and his first start around two turns. :: Bet with the Best! Get Free DRF PPs and Cashback when you wager. Join DRF Bets. Clovisconnection was fifth in the Gold Rush Stakes at a mile on the synthetic track at Golden Gate Fields last December in his final start... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2023) — The bay colt Lord Prancealot was just too quick for seven California-bred rivals in the five and one-half furlong Graduation Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Del Mar Friday as he hung on late under old pro Kent Desormeaux to capture the 72nd running of the $126,000 dash. The Hall of Fame rider, who was winning his third race on the afternoon, had his gelded son of Sir Prancealot away quickly and in front all the way through fast splits of :21.87 and :45.12. His rivals were closing in stoutly inside the sixteenth pole, but Desormeaux had just enough in the tank to get home by a head in a final time of 1:04.59. The winner — a graduate of the CTBA January Sale — is owned by Edward Brown and Jeff Ganje. Ganje is also the breeder. One race earlier, Prancingthruparis, a daughter of Sir Prancealot, won her debut in a 2-year-old filly Cal-bred maiden special weight for breeders/owners Ciaglia... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2023) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher, a two-time stakes winner beaten for the first time in her fifth start July 27, is an intended runner in the Grade 3 Charles Town Oaks in West Virginia Aug. 25, if she can gain a berth in the field. The $750,000 Charles Town Oaks at seven furlongs drew a whopping 65 nominations, but will be limited to 10 runners, with four also-eligibles. If the race draws more than 10, as expected, the field will be determined by graded stakes wins or placings, or graded stakes earnings as the first two criteria. Ceiling Crusher has raced only against California-breds and has no such earnings. “We don’t want to put her on a plane if she can’t get in,” trainer Doug O’Neill said. O’Neill said on Wednesday that he is “working” on a backup plan for Ceiling Crusher if she fails to draw into the Charles Town Oaks. One option is the Grade 3 Torrey... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2023) — Unbeaten in two starts, the 2-year-old California-bred filly Pushiness may have her first start in a graded stakes as soon as early September after winning her stakes debut in the CTBA Stakes at Del Mar last Sunday. Owner Mike Repole and trainer Michael McCarthy have two options for Pushiness before the current Del Mar summer season ends Sept. 10 – the $125,000 Generous Portion Stakes for statebred fillies at six furlongs on Sept. 4, or the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante at seven furlongs on Sept. 9. The $300,000 Del Mar Debutante is the lone Grade 1 race for 2-year-old fillies in California prior to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, which will be run at Santa Anita on Nov. 3. “We could see where she stacks up,” McCarthy said of a potential start in the Debutante. Pushiness, a daughter of Kantharos bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, was nominated to the Del Mar Debutante in June. In the CTBA Stakes for statebred... ...

WILMINGTON, Del. (Aug. 11, 2023) – Cashing Big Checks, a stakes-winning graduate of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale, has been recognized as the 2022 Leading 3-year-old filly by the Delaware Certified Thoroughbred Program. Cashing Big Checks is my Mr. Big, out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by David Bernsen and trained by Lacey Gaudet. She is a full sister to multiple stakes-winning Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Ceiling Crusher. Cashing Big Checks was purchased out of the Harris Farms consignment to the CTBA January Sale for 1,500 by Troy Johnson. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2023) — California-bred Bus Buzz’s days of racing exclusively in main track sprints for statebreds ended, at least temporarily, with his emphatic win in the Real Good Deal Stakes for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs on dirt at Del Mar last Friday. For his final start of the Del Mar summer meeting, Bus Buzz is scheduled to run in the Grade 3 Green Flash Handicap at five furlongs on turf Sept. 2. The $150,000 Green Flash Handicap will be Bus Buzz’s stakes debut against older horses. The winner receives a fees-paid berth to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita on Nov. 4. “We’ve all got to dream, right?” trainer Steve Knapp said. :: Visit the Del Mar Handicapping Store for Past Performances, Clocker Reports, Picks, Betting Strategies, and more. In the Real Good Deal Stakes, Bus Buzz, who was 9-5, took the lead at the start and was never challenged, leading by as many as six lengths and winning by 4 1/4 lengths... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 5, 2023) – Defending champion Carmelita’s Man overhauled even-money favorite Kings River Knight in deep stretch for a repeat win in Saturday’s $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Del Mar. Carmelita’s Man is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the North Light mare Carmelita, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises & Robert Traynor, is owned by Lawrence and Ann Jett and is trained by Dean Pederson.  “The end result is what we were hoping for that’s for sure,” said Pederson. “I was a little worried around the turn. He was in between horses and it looked like he was backing up a little bit but once he got him outside and in the clear it was good. He’s still got it, I guess. He’s just very reliant on pace. We got a little help today and he’s still willing to do it.” Carmelita’s Man has eight wins in 27 starts, earnings of $554,670 and was coming off a third in the May 28... ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (Aug. 7, 2023) – Lone California-bred Big Stretch circled the field turning for home and ran off to a 4 1/4-length win in Monday’s $50,000 Escape Clause Stakes for fillies and mares at Assiniboia Downs. Big Stretch is by Mr. Big, out of the Curlin mare Baby Zito, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by A2 Thoroughbreds and trained by Michael Nault. She has four wins in 30 starts, earnings of $187,847 and was coming off a second in the July 18 Canada Stakes. The 5-2 second choice in a field of five, Big Stretch ran the mile in 1:39.65. ...

From Bloodhorse.com SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (Aug. 4, 2023) — Three of the most accomplished horses in recent memory were inducted Aug. 4 into the National Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., all of them in their first year of eligibility. All Eclipse champions, Arrogate , Songbird , and California Chrome   also attracted wide popular support, especially California-bred California Chrome, whose devoted followers were christened “Chromies” and who were well represented at the ceremony, eliciting appreciation from the podium by Steve Coburn, who co-bred and co-owned the 2014 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1) winner.   “I don’t know how to express the love people gave this horse,” he said. “The ‘Chromies’ are here; they came from all over the place. Thank you, fans.”   A two-time Horse of the Year, California Chrome was also voted the 2014 champion 3-year-old male and 2016 champion older horse. He retired in 2017 with earnings of nearly $14.8 million and seven grade 1 wins, including the 2016 Dubai World Cup (G1) and Pacific... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, CA…. Ed Allred, owner and CEO of Los Alamitos Race Course, announced on Thursday morning that he will be investing a minimum of $500,000 and up to $1,000,000 over the next 12 months on a series of significant improvement projects to the backstretch facilities at the Orange County track with the first set of new upgrades beginning immediately.           Los Alamitos Race Course management, which includes Track President Cathy Monji, Interim Racing Director Jordan Castaneda, and Track Superintendent Frank Sherren, have been conducting thorough inspections of all backstretch areas in recent weeks in order to designate and prioritize the projects. On Monday, August 7, work will start with modernizing men’s and women’s bathrooms in the backstretch. New concrete has already been poured into designated areas to help prevent standing water and avoid excess mud around the barns.           The improvements are in addition to the year-round repairs conducted by the maintenance staff at Los Alamitos in the barn area, which includes any type of roofing... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (Aug. 6, 2023) – Big Hug, an Alberta-bred daughter of California stallion Mr. Big, won Saturday’s $49,000 CTHS Sales Stakes for fillies at Century Mile. Big Hug is out of the Unusual Heat mare Temeeku. She has six wins in 10 starts and earnings of $167,179. She ran the seven furlongs in 1:23.89 and won by a neck at odds of 7-5. ...

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 30, 2023) — Om, who twice finished second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T)—in 2016 and 2019, earned his first winner July 30 when Zen State won his maiden at Cal-Expo Race Track. The 2-year-old gelding out of the Tiznow mare Tizn’t Caught won his five-furlong debut by two lengths in :59.09. The win on a fast track earned Zen State $7,800.  Zen State was bred in California by Harris Farms and is owned by CYBT and Michael Nentwig. He was sold at the 2022 California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Sales Northern California Yearling Sale for $32,000 by Peter Miller out of the Harris Farms consignment. Among the sire Om’s top victories are the Del Mar Derby (G2T), Twilight Derby (G2T), and the Mile Stakes (G2T). He nearly achieved glory in his first Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint appearance, falling short by a nose to Obviously (IRE) in 2016. In addition to 2019, Om also appeared in the 2017 Breeders’ Cup, finishing eighth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 30, 2023) — Trainer Eric Kruljac indicated that California-bred The Chosen Vron, winner of Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Bing Crosby Stakes, will be supplemented to the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint.  “He’s perfect this morning,” Kruljac said of his horse. “He’s a survivor. He had a lot left at the wire. He could have gone another quarter I think. Watching the replays he looked the strongest. I think he could be a miler.” In addition to a bit of celebrating last night, Kruljac also had some serious discussions with partners about The Chosen Vron’s future and whether he would go in the Breeders’ Cup. The Bing Crosby was a ‘Win & You’re In’ for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint which means a free entry into the race for the winner. But the horse has to be Breeders’ Cup nominated and The Chosen Vron is not. So the owners will have to pay a $100,000 supplement to get him in. Kruljac is one... ...

From Rancho San Miguel Press Release DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2023)—Lord Prancealot, a 2-year-old colt by the prominent international stallion Sir Prancealot (Ire), etched a spot in history on July 29 as the first North American-bred winner for his sire with a dominant debut in a 10-horse maiden special weight race at Del Mar. Guided by Racing Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux, the youngster powered to a front-running, 3 1/2-length victory in :58.62 for the five-furlong dirt test, emulating his sire as a winner at first asking.  Lord Prancealot, a graduate of the CTBA January Sale from the Checkmate Thoroughbreds consignment, was bred in California by Jeff Ganje, who campaigns the colt in partnership with Edward “Rusty” Brown. The Jeff Bonde trainee, who is the third winner from as many starters for the stakes-winning Country Reel mare Disko Dasko (Fr), is being pointed to the $125,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for state-breds on September 8 as his follow-up race. He hails from the first North American-conceived foal crop of... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 29, 2023) – California-bred champion The Chosen Vron emerged from a wall of contenders turning for home to hold off Anarchist and favorite Dr. Schivel and win Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Bing Crosby Stakes, his eighth consecutive victory making him a millionaire earner. The Bing Crosby is a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the $2 million Qatar Cup Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita Nov. 4. The Chosen Vron will need to be supplemented to the Breeders’ Cup, but will not need to pay entry fees. The Chosen Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners and is owned by Sondereker Racing, trainer J. Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin and Richard Thornburgh. He has 13 wins in 17 starts and earnings of $1,032,678. “I wanted to see what he could do against the big boys,” said Thornburgh. “He proved what kind of horse he really is. We’re so proud of him. Santa Anita is his favorite... ...

From The Stronach Group ARCADIA, Calif. (July 28, 2023) – The Stronach Group’s 1/ST RACING today announced a plan to help consolidate racing operations in Southern California, invigorate an aging business model that has plagued California racing for decades and build on the state’s recent reforms that have vastly improved safety. “We are confident that this comprehensive package of important measures will not only bolster the racing, training, owner and fan experience at Santa Anita Park, “The Great Race Place”, but also support Northern California stakeholders through a challenging transition period, and lead the way with state and industrywide changes that will result in a healthier, competitive and sustainable future for Thoroughbred racing in Southern California,” said Belinda Stronach, Chairwoman, Chief Executive Officer and President, The Stronach Group and 1/ST.   Among the steps and financial commitments announced today:   Over $1 million to support the relocation of horses, trainers, jockeys, backstretch employees and caregivers from Golden Gate Fields to Santa Anita Park as part of the consolidation of racing in Southern California, and... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 27, 2023) — George Krikorian’s homebred Big Pond fired through the lane Thursday at Del Mar and came away a one-length winner of the 38th edition of the Fleet Treat Stakes for 3-year-old Cal-bred fillies. The daughter of Mr. Big ran seven furlongs in 1:23.37 under Ramon Vazquez to pick up a first prize of $99,750 from the gross purse of $175,000. It was her second win in only her second start and increased her earnings to $136,350. Finishing second in the dash was Jaime Renella’s Chismosa, who had a length and a quarter on Cady, Kasparoff or Leatherman, et al’s Ceiling Crusher, who went off as the stout 3-10 favorite but missed the break. Big Pond paid $9.80 to win and $5.80 to place. Second-place finisher Chismosa paid $5.20 to place. All three of the runners paid $2.10 to show.  “I liked the way the race set up for us.,” said winning trainer Tim Yakteen. “We had a good draw. She has... ...

Fron Del Mar Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 22, 2023) – The Del Mar turf course has defined the career of California-bred Warrens Candy Girl, the upset winner of Saturday’s $134,500 Osunitas Stakes for fillies and mares. Warrens Candy Girl won for the fifth time in her 12th start on the course in the Osunitas at a mile, closing from 10th in a field of 14 to win by a length over 6-1 Awake at Midnyte. Owned by breeders Ben and Sally Warren, Warrens Candy Girl may be switching surfaces for her next start. Trainer Craig Lewis said Warrens Candy Girl will be considered for the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on dirt on Aug. 5. The $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles on turf on Aug. 20 is another option. Warrens Candy Girl won the 2022 Solana Beach Stakes. In the Osunitas, jockey Ramon Vazquez urged Warrens Candy Girl into contention with a wide rally on the turn. Warren’s... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (July 23, 2023) – Using an incredible turn of foot, Slew’s Tiz Whiz, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Slew’s Tiznow, surged past Bridleuptothebar in deep stretch and scored a 1 ¼-length victory in Sunday’s $50,000 Governor’s Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs. With Jose Zunino riding at 120 lbs., Slew’s Tiz Whiz covered 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.09 and paid $5.60 as the public betting choice in a field of 10. Tom Wenzel, accomplishing a sweep of Sunday’s stakes, is the winning trainer for Slew’s Crew Racing, composed of Roy and Tammy Brewer, Terry and Mary Lou Griffin, Jodee Snyder, along with Wenzel and wife Melissa. With the victory, Slew’s Tiz Whiz joins Trooper Seven (1980-81) and Wasserman (2007-08) as two-time winners of the venerable Governor’s, and the 5-year-old appears poised to defend his Longacres Mile title in the Northwest’s most prestigious race on Sunday, August 13. Bridleuptothebar, the 5 to 2 second choice ridden by Isaias Enriquez with co-high weight... ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 22, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sales graduate Chancery Way scored a 2 3/4-length win in Saturday’s $75,000 Governor’s Cup for fillies and mares at Cal-Expo. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms & John Nicoletti, is owned by Andy Smolich and Rob Smolich and is trained by Jamey Thomas. The $6,500 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has five wins in nine starts, earnings of $191,995 and was coming off a third in the June 11 Dream of Summer. Chancery Way ran the six furlongs in 1:09.46 and was the 5-2 favorite in a field of six. ...

MEXICO CITY, Mex. (July 25, 2023) – With a furious rally through the stretch, Mi Vecino, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Jack Milton, won Saturday’s Grade I LXXVII Handicap Presidencial by a neck at Hipodromo de las Americas. Mi Vecino, out of the Mineshaft mare Best of Times, is a former Horse of the Year in Mexico, Champion Older Horse and Champion 2-year-old colt. He ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.40. ...

From DRF SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 19, 2023) — A revamped Northern California racing calendar will be consolidated to Cal-Expo in Sacramento as soon as late December following the scheduled closure of Golden Gate Fields on Dec. 10, racing officials said earlier this week. The Stronach Group, parent company of Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita in Southern California, shocked the state’s racing community with an announcement on Sunday that racing will cease at Golden Gate Fields in Albany, Calif., later this year. The Stronach Group cited a desire to consolidate racing to Santa Anita, with the hope that Northern California-based owners and trainers will move their runners to Santa Anita and allow Santa Anita to expand its racing schedule from three days per week in recent years to four. But few Northern California-based stables, if any, have the depth to be competitive on a year-round basis in Southern California. Instead, racing officials in Northern California are developing a calendar for racing primarily at Cal-Expo with stops on the fair circuit... ...

WINNIPEG, Alberta (July 20, 2023) – Magic Tiger and Tiger Dad, California-bred sons of Smiling Tiger, finished 1-2 in Wednesday’s $50,000 R.J. Speers Memorial Stakes at Assiniboia Downs. Magic Tiger, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Funny Gal, was bred by Robert Heinz & Michelle Machado, is owned by Wind Dancer Stable & Bill Meikle and is trained by Wendy Anderson. He has 10 wins in 27 starts and earnings of $130,729. Magic Tiger ran the 7 ½ furlongs in 1:32.01 and won by one length at odds of 8-5. ...

CINCINNATI, Ohio (July 22, 2023) – I Recall, an Ohio-bred daughter of California stallion Misremembered, won Saturday’s $75,000 Vivacious Stakes for fillies and mares at Belterra Park. I Recall, out of the With Distinction mare Real Distinctive, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.95 and won by 3 1/4 lengths as the 2-5 favorite in a field of nine. She won this race last year. ...

By DRF.com AUBURN, Wash. (July 16, 2023) — Sunday’s $50,000 Irish Day Stakes at Emerald Downs turned into a great contest between the two favorites with California-bred multiple stakes winner Clovisconnection prevailing by a neck under a vigorous ride by Kevin Radke. Runner-up Lloyds Logic, making just his second start of 2023 for Tom Wenzel, darted clear from the opening bell and led the field through a soft opening quarter-mile of 22.11 seconds. Clovisconnection, the 3-5 favorite, soon cruised up on the outside to take command just inside the three-eighths marker while appearing then as if he would make short work of his rivals. From that point on, Lloyds Logic battled fiercely from the inside while Radke selected a path toward the middle of the track that afforded plenty of room in which to urge his charge. Clovisconnection was bred by owner William and Judy Hedrick and is trained by Blaine Wright. The 3-year-old son of Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, covered the 6 1/2 furlongs in... ...

By Bloodhorse.com SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (July 16, 2023) — The racing industry microcosm is not immune to the highs and lows of life; in fact, it often acts as an amplifier. Adrian Gonzalez of Checkmate Thoroughbreds, member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board of Directors, is especially well versed in the subject following the events of the past couple weeks. Devastation over losing several yearlings in a fiery trailer accident last month turned to pure joy as he and his family gathered around the television in their California living room July 15 to cheer Yo Yo Candy  home in the Sanford Stakes (G3) at Saratoga Race Course. “We were very, very thrilled to have a homebred running at a venue like Saratoga. It just was really a special moment. We were watching it on the couch, my wife and I, and the kids were screaming,” Gonzalez said. “We’re a pretty small operation, the whole family comes out to the barn at night when the mares foal so everyone has nicknames for the babies. “It’s really cool to... ...

SARATOGA, N.Y. (July 15, 2023) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Yo Yo Candy, off at 46-1, pulled away to win Saturday’s $175,000 Grade III Sanford Stakes for 2-year-olds at Saratoga. Yo Yo Candy is a California-bred by Danzing Candy, out of the Two Punch mare Yolando B. Too, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, is owned by Happy Tenth Stable and trained by Daniel Velasquez. Yo Yo Candy is the first graded stakes winner for Danzing Candy, a multiple graded winner who stands at Rancho San Miguel. Yo Yo Candy was a $6,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale and was resold for $35,000 at the OBS March Sale of 2-year-olds. The colt has two wins in three starts, earnings of $141,250 and was coming off a third in the June 11 Tremont Stakes, which was won by Gold Sweep, the odds-on favorite of the Sanford who stumbled at the start and rallied to finish second. Ridden by Angel Castillo, Yo Yo Candy ran the six furlongs in 1:11.83... ...

ARCADIA, CA (July 12, 2023)—With Santa Anita Park set to host the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships for a record 11th time on Nov. 3 & 4, Santa Anita’s 19-day Autumn Meet will open on Friday, Sept. 29 and will provide fans and horsemen with a comprehensive stakes schedule that will include a total of 42 stakes, including 31 graded events, highlighted by 15 Grade I’s, with four stakes restricted to California-bred or sired horses.                 Two of those state-bred stakes will be run on the Breeders’ Cup undercard on Friday, Nov. 3. They are for 2-year-olds — the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile and the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Filles.                  Santa Anita will honor the late Sherwood Chillingworth, a longtime director with Santa Anita-based Oak Tree Racing Association, with the Grade III Chillingworth Stakes for fillies and mares at  6 ½  furlongs, on opening day, Sept. 29.                 Legendary Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Delahoussaye will again be honored with the Grade II... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 11, 2023) — A Maryland-bred son of California stallion Grazen sold for $100,000 at Tuesday’s Fasig-Tipton July Select Yearling Sale. The colt, out of the stakes-winning Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, was sold to Bill Goodman, agent for George Sharp, and is a half-sibling to Grade I winner Going to Vegas. ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (July 11, 2023) – California-bred Spitten Kitten extended her win streak to four with a romp in Monday night’s $50,000 Jack Hardy Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Assiniboia Downs. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Marvin Buffalo, Deb Buffalo and Arnold Souster. She has five wins in eight starts and $81,434 in earnings. She ran the 7 ½ furlongs in 1:312.84 and won by 10 ¼ lengths as the 9-5 favorite in a field of 10. ...

HOKKAIDO, Japan (July 11, 2023) – A Japanese-bred colt out of two-time California-bred Horse of the Year Spiced Perfection sold for nearly $1.2 million at Tuesday’s JHRA Select Sale. The colt is by American Pharoah and out of Spiced Perfection, who was by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Perfect Feat and was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds. The winning bid was for $1,188,812 (USD). Spiced Perfection had nine wins in 22 starts and earnings of $1,224,705. Among her wins were the Grade I La Brea and Madison Stakes, the Grade II Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes and the Grade III Go for Wand Handicap. ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 2, 2023) – Tom’s Regret finished second in three consecutive starts at Santa Anita in the spring – twice in stakes for California-breds and the Grade 3 Senorita Stakes. The filly’s summer season began with a much brighter performance. Tom’s Regret won her second career stakes, and ended a five-race losing streak, with an easy win in Sunday’s $75,900 Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks for statebred 3-year-old fillies at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif. Ridden by Kyle Frey, Tom’s Regret ($3.60) closed from last on the backstretch to take command of the six-furlong race on the turn. Frey moved Tom’s Regret on the inside to challenge pacesetter Lady Wolf, who quickly faded from contention. Tom’s Regret was clear of six rivals with a furlong remaining “I knew with her long stride she would eat up the stretch,” Frey told a television audience. :: Bet the races on DRF Bets! Sign up with code WINNING to get a $250 Deposit Match, $10 Free Bet,... ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 1, 2023) – Odds-on favorite Top Harbor rallied wide in the final quarter-mile for a comfortable win in Saturday’s $76,350 Oak Tree Sprint Stakes for California-breds and -sireds at the Alameda County Fair, confirming his status as the leading sprinter in Northern California. Top Harbor won the $75,900 Lost in the Fog Stakes at six furlongs on the synthetic main track at Golden Gate on April 29, and was second by a neck in the $66,350 Albany Stakes at five furlongs on turf there on June 10. In the Oak Tree Sprint at six furlongs, Top Harbor broke from the rail and was last briefly on the backstretch. Ridden by Frank Alvarado, Top Harbor raced on the rail to the turn when Alvarado moved the 5-year-old horse to the outside. Top Harbor closed well to win by two lengths, finishing in 1:10.29. Evenerevenworse (6-1) broke sharply from the outside post in a field of eight and led through fractions of 23.41 seconds for the opening... ...

From TIEA.org LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 30, 2023) — The Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards presented by Godolphin recognize and reward the outstanding talent, diligence and commitment of the unsung heroes in the Thoroughbred industry who are at the heart of our sport. Nominations are now being accepted for deserving individuals. Visit: Home – Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (tiea.org) for details. ...

HENDERSON, Ky. (June 29, 2023) – Fowler Blue, a California-bred by Curlin to Mischief, set a track record for 1 3/8 miles at Ellis Park in a Thursday allowance win. Bred by William Branch and Arnold Hill and owned by Branch, Fowler Blue ran the distance in 2:03.53 on a muddy and sealed main track. The race was originally scheduled to be run on the turf. Fowler Blue, out of the Unusual Heat mare Roses for Joni, is a 4-year-old gelding trained by Doug O’Neill. He has three wins in 15 starts and earnings of 159,249. He won Thursday by two lengths at odds of 10-1 in a field of six.   ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (June 28, 2023) — California-bred Tiger Dad outdueled Big Nick through the stretch to win Wednesday night’s $50,000 Free Press Stakes at Assiniboia Downs. Tiger Dad is a 7-year-old gelding by Smiling Tiger, out of the Unusual Heat mare Q T Shea, was bred by Mark Devereaux, Scott Gross & Mark Gross, is owned by Rosette Ranch and trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has eight wins in 39 starts, earnings of $513,250 and has four stakes wins. Tiger Dad ran the six furlongs in 1:11.17 and won by a head at odds of 4-1 in a field of nine. ...

By DRF.com VACAVILLE, Calif. (June 30, 2023) — California owner, breeder and trainer Ellen Jackson retired from training this week and is downsizing her breeding operation in Northern California. Jackson, 68, said on Wednesday that she has turned over her 16-horse racing stable to longtime assistant Alberto Ruvalcaba, who will have his first two runners at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., on Saturday. “He’s been my assistant trainer for so many years,” Jackson said. “I handed everything over to him.” Ruvalcaba, 58, said on Thursday that he began working for Jackson in 1991 as an exercise rider and later as an assistant. Jackson cited health reasons as the primary reason for the change. She has been suffering from the effects of West Nile virus, primarily fatigue, she said. “I retired,” she said. “I gave up my license. “I need to get rid of the stress in my life. I’ve had poor health. Once a month, I’ll have an episode when I can’t get up.” As a trainer, Jackson won... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 25, 2023) – California-bred Bridleuptothebar used his dazzling speed for a one-length victory Sunday in the $50,000 Budweiser Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at Emerald Downs. In winning the first stop on the road to the Longacres Mile, Bridleuptothebar sizzled six furlongs in a stakes record 1:07.57—besting a 1:07.71 clocking by Papa’s Golden Boy last year—and paid $9.40 as second choice in a full field of 12 older horses. Niccolo Troiani, saddling his first Emerald Downs stakes winner, is the trainer for owner/breeder Holly Rydman of Olympia, Wash. Ridden by Isaias Enriquez at 122 lbs., Bridleuptothebar controlled the pace while setting fractions of :21.40 and :43.61 for the quarter and half-mile, repelled a strong bid from Canadian invader Aquitania Arrival in the stretch, and proved best to the wire. A 4-year-old gray by Fullbridled bred in California by Mark Rydman and owner Holly Rydman, Bridleuptothebar improved to 5-1-0 in nine career starts with earnings of $91,189—including $27,500 for the Budweiser triumph. Bridleuptothebar had... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 24, 2023) — In the $50,000 Hastings Stakes for older fillies and mares, Blazingbellablu held off Slack Tide for a half-length victory in a stakes record-tying 1:08.27 for six furlongs. Ridden by Alex Cruz at 119 lbs. and trained by Charles Essex, Blazingbellablu earned $27,500 for co-owners Essex and Petra Lewin, boosting her career total to $238,211. Washington’s Horse of the Year in 2021, Blazingbellablu now has three Emerald Downs stakes wins and is 5-2-0 in nine career starts here. A 5-year-old Washington-bred by California stallion Grazen, Blazingbellablu has an overall record of 7-5-2 from 18 starts including two stakes wins at Turf Paradise. Sunday’s race was her first of 2023 and improved her record to 4-1-1 in six career starts at six furlongs. Third choice in the wagering, Blazingbellablu paid $8.80 to win. In last place early, Blazingbellablu circled three wide into the lane and hooked into Slack Tide, with the two classy distaffers battling head and head to the wire with... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 24, 2023) — A switch from turf to dirt proved no issue for favored Kings River Knight in the $100,500 Bertrando Stakes for Golden state Series eligibles Saturday at Los Alamitos. Four weeks after a gate-to-wire victory in the Crystal Water on the Santa Anita grass, the 5-year-old Acclamation gelding used similar tactics to defeat Lovesick Blues and four others in the race restricted to horses bred or sired in California. Bred by Old English Rancho and trained by John Sadler for  Integrity Thoroughbred Racing LLC, the Ellwood Johnston Trust and Kenneth Tevelde, Kings River Knight, who is by Acclimation out of the Poteen mare Seasontobeperfection, prevailed in 1:35.31 for the one mile. The win was the fifth for the 8-5 choice, who has been worse than second  only once in 10 starts. He’s now earned $296,260. Able to outrun longshot Positivity for the early lead, Kings River Knight, who had finished second – when trained by Andy Mathis – in his career... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (June 24, 2023) — Greek Geek, an Alberta-bred son of California stallion Misremembered, won Saturday’s $49,500, Spangled Jimmy Stakes at Century Mile. Greek Geek, out of the Johannesburg mare A E Phi Sensation, has 10 wins in 31 starts and earnings of $270,211. He ran the seven furlongs in 1:23.58 and won by one-half length at odds of 9-2 in a field of seven. He was second in this race last year. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (June 21, 2023) — After decades of fighting through painful chronic pancreatitis, Chad Phillip Schvaneveldt, 59, passed away on June 12, 2023, in Phoenix, AZ. surrounded by love of his family. He was born on March 4, 1964 in Preston, Idaho to Phil Schvaneveldt and Zefa Mortensen Schvaneveldt. Chad spent happy childhood days in Weston, ID. where he developed close relationships and deep love with maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who became close, lasting friends. His free spirit kept everyone guessing what would be next! It was in Weston that he developed a love of basketball, and his height didn’t seem to matter for the left-handed hotshot. From childhood, Chad dreamed of being a jockey. He jumped through hoops to be able to start his career at age 17. He rode, and won, his first two horse races at Centennial Racetrack in Littleton, Colorado. Since his first race in 1981, until his last in 2011 at Golden Gate Fields in California, he rode in over... ...

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (June 21, 2023) — California-bred Spitten Kitten won Tuesday’s $50,000 Chantilly Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Assiniboia Downs. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Marvin Buffalo, Deb Buffalo and Arnold Souster. Spitten Kitten ran the six furlongs in 1:12.95 and won by a length at odds of 4-1 in a field of six. ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 18, 2023) – California invader Clovisconnection powered home to a record-setting 4 ¼-length victory over Lloyds Logic in the $50,000 Auburn Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings Sunday at Emerald Downs. With Kevin Radke aboard at high weight of 123 lbs., Clovisonnection covered six furlongs in 1:07.59 and paid $3.60 as the odds-on favorite in a field of six. Blaine Wright—saddling his fourth consecutive Auburn Stakes winner—is the trainer for owner/breeder William Hedrick of Clovis, Calif. The winning time is the fastest six furlongs of the meeting and eclipsed the stakes record of 1:07.98 set by Baja Sur in 2019. Breaking alertly from the No. 1 post, Clovisconnection slipped through to take command into the turn, powered clear while running a half-mile in a blistering :43.59 and proved much the best in his local debut. A California-bred son of Vronsky, Clovisconnection earned $27,500 to boost his career total to $133,880. His overall record is 4-1-0 from seven starts including a triumph in the... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (June 18, 2023)— Grand Slam Smile was doing well on Sunday morning and on a van headed north to Pleasanton a little more than 12 hours after winning the five-furlong $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Debutante for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.             Trained by Steve Specht, Grand Slam Smile won the Debutante by a half-length under Frank Alvarado when making her first start on dirt. The Smiling Tiger filly, who won her debut going 4 ½ furlongs on synthetic at Golden Gate May 14, paid $9.40 as the third choice in a four-horse field.             Grand Slam Smile was bred in California by Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams, who also campaign the filly. Specht said Grand Slam Smile was sent to Santa Anita with a high degree of confidence despite having never raced or worked on a dirt surface.             “If a horse is a runner, it’s a runner,” Specht said. “Some tracks might not be to their biggest benefit, but if they have talent... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 17, 2023) — Kid Corleone, a graduate of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale, looks to be a serious player the second half of the year for trainer Doug O’Neill after a sparkling win in his seasonal bow Friday at Santa Anita.             Sent off the 2-1 second choice in a six-furlong allowance on dirt, Kid Corleone dueled through a sharp opening half mile in 44.44 seconds and kept right on going under Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez to win by 1 ½ lengths. The winning time was a swift 1:08.85, which earned a 95 Beyer Speed Figure.             A 4-year-old Shackleford colt bred by The Quarter Company, Kid Corleone was making his first start since finishing sixth in last year’s GII Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Oct. 1. He has now won three of six starts with $139,400 in earnings for owners Roadrunner racing and Barbara Evenson.             O’Neill reported all was well with Kid Corleone the day after his... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (June 11, 2023) – The talented sprinter Sadie Bluegrass picked up right where she left off at Golden Gate Fields, returning to the races off a 10-month layoff and running down early pacesetter Sassy Future to win the inaugural $75,000 Dream of Summer Stakes on Sunday. The Dream of Summer is for California-bred or sired fillies and mares 3-year-olds and upward and is part of the Golden State Stakes Series schedule.      Out of the gate, Sassy Nature broke from the rail and set lightning quick fractions of 20.74 seconds for the first quarter mile and 44.11 seconds for the first half mile. Sadie Bluegrass, who broke alertly from post position eight, sat fourth down the backstretch. Into the far turn, Sadie Bluegrass took the third position, swung outside into the clear for the stretch drive, and ran down Sassy Nature in the final strides for a half-length score. Sadie Bluegrass completed the five furlongs over firm turf in a swift 56.74 seconds.      Sadie Bluegrass,... ...

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (June 10, 2023) – Supplemented into the $50,000 Albany Stakes on entry day Wednesday, California-bred 5-year-old bay gelding Evenerevenworse rewarded his connections with a gate to wire win on Saturday at Golden Gate Fields for 3-year-olds and upward at five furlongs on the turf. Evenerevenworse was sent off at odds of 7-1.         Evenerevenworse broke like a rocket from post position three, assumed control on the front end, opened up over two lengths down the backstretch and dived to the rail in the early stages of the race. Setting speedy fractions of 21.11 and 44.49 seconds, Evenerevenworse led throughout the first half mile before feeling the presence of 6-5 race favorite Top Harbor, a fellow Cal-bred who stalked the pace early in the race and had come out of the pack to challenge Evenerevenworse for the win. In the final sixteenth of a mile, Evenerevenworse grittily fended off Top Harbor’s challenge and hit the wire a neck in front of the... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 10, 2023) — There looks to be a bright future ahead for Pushiness following her 6 ½-length debut win here Friday going five furlongs against California-breds for top owner Mike Repole.             Bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and trained by Michael McCarthy, Pushiness was bet down to the 1-5 favorite for her belated debut. The daughter of Kantharos was previously entered here on May 20 in a similar statebred maiden race. She had to be scratched after hitting a wood rail in the saddling enclosure, resulting in a minor abrasion to her chest. She was back on the work tab five days later.             On Friday, Pushiness broke alertly under Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez and went the opening quarter mile in 21.85 seconds. She extended her lead to five lengths through a half mile in 45.68 before crossing the wire in a final time of 58.66 seconds. Four races earlier, the 2-year-old Cal-bred Stay Quiet won... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 8, 2023) — Condolences are in order to friends and family of longtime California breeder/owner Nick Cafarchia, who passed away on Monday at age 84.  California-breds Road to Slew, who earned more than $875,000 and won the Grade I Kilroe Mile in 2001 and Rare Charmer, a Grade II winner who banked more than $540,000, rank among Carfarchia’s top homebreds. ...

From Barton Thoroughbreds SANTA YNEZ, Calif. (June 1, 2023)—Shaaz, a $1,100,000 two-year-old thoroughbred purchase, has arrived and will be standing stud at Barton Thoroughbreds in Santa Ynez beginning in the 2024 breeding season. A son of Champion Uncle Mo out of a graded stakes-producing Mineshaft mare, Shaaz had a brilliant career on the race track, earning nearly $200,000 before his racing career ended. Shaaz won his first three starts at Santa Anita in excellent times and earning exceptional Beyer and E numbers.  He defeated current graded-stakes winner Hopkins in his first start. Favored in all of his five career starts, Shaaz next ran third in a graded stakes mile in Texas, and in the last race of his track performance, he ran fourth in the Grade I Bing Crosby at Del Mar. Possessing faultless conformation, a black-type pedigree, and superior racing ability, Shaaz would appear to be one of the most desirable bloodlines to be available in California. Shaaz will be standing for a fee of $5,000 LFSN in 2024,... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ELK GROVE, Calif. (May 30, 2023) — Not only did Fast Buck ‘s dogged win in the May 27 Daytona Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park hand his trainer Cesar De Alba his first win in graded company, but it was the first graded win for the gelding’s sire Gallant Son  as well. With a record of 11-5-6 from 40 starts, Gallant Son retired to stud in 2016 at Daehling Ranch in Elk Grove, Calif., as a multiple stakes winner capped by a victory in the 2010 Inglewood Handicap (G3T). He was initially entered into stud in partnership, but is now owned by Justin and Julia Oldfield who took over the ranch when Julia’s father/founder Joe Daehling died several years back. “My wife and I are second generation. My father-in-law passed away in 2019 and we took over the business and are continuing on with the operation and trying to grow it,” said Justin Oldfield. “Gallant Son went to Washington for a couple years and we had the opportunity to get him back this... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (June 3, 2023) – Big Hug, an Alberta-bred daughter of California stallion Mr. Big, won Friday’s $50,000 Chariot Chaser Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Century Mile. Big Hug is out of the Unusual Heat mare Temeeku and has five wins in six starts with earnings of $129,837. She ran the six furlongs in 1:11.05 and won by 2 1/2 lengths at odds of 3-2. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (May 29, 2023)—Trainer Eric Kruljac reported The Chosen Vron was “in great shape” Monday morning one day after earning his seventh consecutive victory in the Thor’s Echo Stakes for statebreds.             “All is good. He’s a special horse,” Kruljac said when reached by phone.             In the six-furlong Thor’s Echo, The Chosen Vron sat comfortably behind a contested pace under Hector Berrios before rolling to a dominant 5 ½-length win. He paid $3.40 as the popular 3-5 favorite in a four-horse field.             Left in The Chosen Vron’s wake Sunday were runner-up Tigre De Slugo and Brickyard Ride, who himself has been a win-machine for trainer Craig Lewis and owner-breeder Alfred A. Pais.             Brickyard Ride, the 4-5 second choice in the Thor’s Echo, dueled on the lead with longshot Sunrise Journey through fractions of 21.82 and 44.41 seconds before fading in the stretch. Lewis reported Brickyard Ride also appeared no worse for wear Monday morning.             “He’s alright. It just wasn’t his day.... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity   ARCADIA, CA (May 29, 2023)—Old Pal served notice for trainer Mark Glatt Sunday when uncorking a furious rally in the final furlong to win his stakes debut in the Snow Chief Stakes presented by City National Bank for 3-year-old statebreds going 1 1/8 miles on turf.             Sent off as the 5-2 second choice, Old Pal raced near the rear of the field while saving ground throughout under Santa Anita leading rider Juan Hernandez. With Clouseau showing the way up front, Old Pal began to steadily improve his position on the second turn. Then when the field reached the stretch, it was “go” time for Old Pal. The Grazen gelding responded, sizzling the final furlong in under 12 seconds to reel in a game Clouseau for trainer Ian Kruljac.             Old Pal crossed the wire in 1:50.14 on a firm course to win by three-quarters of a length. He returned $7.40 as the second choice in the wagering. Boss Sully, the 8-5 favorite who had... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 28, 2023)—A California-bred superstar in the making, Doug O’Neill’s Ceiling Crusher led throughout en route to a smashing 17-length victory in Sunday’s $100,000 Melair Stakes at Santa Anita.  Ridden by Juan Hernandez, the Northern California Yearling Sale graduate remained unbeaten in four starts and in her first try around two turns, got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:44.25.                 The Melair is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses.                 A 15 ½ length winner of the 6 ½ furlong Evening Jewel Stakes on April 8, Ceiling Crusher went straight to the front out of the gate and although she was tested around the far turn by eventual third place finisher Chismosa, the Melair was never at any point in doubt as the 3-year-old daughter of Mr. Big had a sixth length advantage three sixteenths of a mile out in an absolute rout. “She is a very nice filly. She’s top notch and a quality... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity   ARCADIA, CA (May 28, 2023)—Paul and Zillah Reddam’s homebred Eddie’s New Dream bounded to the lead out of the starting gate and was in control thereafter en route to a half length score in Sunday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes at Santa Anita.  Trained by Ben Cecil and ridden by Mario Gutierrez, Eddie’s New Dream, a 5-year-old California-bred mare by Square Eddie, got a mile on turf in 1:35.05.                 The Fran’s Valentine is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired horses.                 Although the Nick Alexander owned and bred Rose Maddox poised menacingly turning for home and was gaining inches late, she couldn’t get on terms with the winner in a big effort. “She was a lot fresher and sharp today,” said Gutierrez.  “I was looking for an easy lead and they weren’t pressing me.  I knew she would be tough to beat on the front end. She gave me her best at the end.”                  Most recently third sprinting... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (May 28, 2023)—In control on the lead throughout, John Sadler’s Kings River Knight powered to a 2 ¼ length win in Sunday’s first race at Santa Anita, the $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes.  Ridden for the first time by Juan Hernandez, the 5-year-old gelding by Acclamation got one mile on turf in 1:34.55.                 The Crystal Water is part of the lucrative CTBA-sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired runners.                 With Hernandez nurturing his natural speed on the front end to the far turn, Kings River Knight kicked into high gear turning for home and was widening on runner-up Coalinga Road at the wire, providing his connections with his first stakes win in career start number nine. “I told (Juan Hernandez) it is probably best when you draw the one to set the pace,” said Sadler. “The horse has done very well. He came to me in good shape from Andy Mathis, who thought there were a few more opportunities down here for... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (May 27, 2023)—Ridden for the first time by Hector Berrios, California-bred Fast Buck broke like a shot and was never headed in taking Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Daytona Stakes at Santa Anita by a neck.  Trained by Cesar DeAlba, Fast Buck got about 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:11.68.                 A gate to wire second condition allowance winner going six furlongs out of Santa Anita’s turf chute, Fast Buck rocketed through an opening quarter mile in 21.05, and a half mile in 42.62 as held a six length advantage at the quarter pole en route to an interior split going six furlongs in 1:05.58.                 “The trainer told me to just keep moving him and not let him think,” said Berrios.  “That’s what I did, I took him to the lead and I kept him moving until the wire.  I knew I was the winner, the last eighth, I came out a bit to let the other horse (Whatmakessammyrun) catch... ...