By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 24, 2021) — When California Chrome   began collecting adoring fans, he couldn’t have had a better trainer than Art Sherman, who has announced that he will retire from training at the end of the year. Not only did Sherman do a magnificent job training the flashy chestnut to win two-thirds of the Triple Crown and a host of other major races, he always had time to talk to the horse’s fans. The Chromies, as the fans are called, have stayed so involved, in fact, that Sherman owns a 2-year-old son of California Chrome named Chasing Alchemy in a partnership that includes some fans. The juvenile is twice unplaced. “About eight women own about 10% of him,” said Sherman. “They’re all Chromies, and they have a lot of fun. They meet all the time. Every Saturday they’re at the barn. ‘Chrome’ is such a popular horse. I still get all kinds of letters. He’s been a people’s horse.” Upon retirement, Sherman, 84, will probably send the horses he currently... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2021) — Mia Familia Racing Stable’s Principe Carlo, the longest price in the field at better than 18-1, came widest but strongest of all at the finish to win by the proverbial whisker at the conclusion of the $100,500 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles Sunday at Del Mar. The 5-year-old horse by Coil, claimed for only $20,000 in October 2020 and given a year off, gave owner/trainer Librado Barocio his first stakes victory ever and lit up the tote board with a $39.00 mutuel. Old pro Kent Desormeaux took the overland with the horse and got him up for the Hall of Famer’s 85th stakes victory at the seaside oval. Final time for the seven-furlong heat was 1:22.33. Principe Carlo was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and Barocio is the sole owner under the Mia Familia Racing Stable banner. Finishing second was C T R Stables or Aldabbagh’s Positivity, a neck in front of Jay and Julie Manoogian’s Colt... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2021) – Stakes-placed Code Ribbon is among the entries in the second division of Friday’s $50,000 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Sen Sen is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Gotham City mare She’s So Vain, was bred by Martin Bach, is owned by Antone Metaxas and trained by Steve Specht. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $35,550 and is coming off a fourth in the Oct. 30 Pike Place Dancer. Tiz a Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Tizzy Retsina, was bred by C-Punch Ranch, is owned by Irvin Racing Stable and trained by Bill McLean. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $24,990 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 6 starter’s allowance. Code Ribbon is by Desert Code, out of the Gran Reward mare Jumanah, was bred by Seamist Racing, is owned by Michael Pollowitz and trained by Jacqui Navarre. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 20, 2021) – Stakes winner Tiger Dad is the lone California-bred entered in ? $60,000 Luke Kruytbosch Stakes at Turf Paradise. Tiger Dad is 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 Racing and is trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $322,097 and is coming off a Nov. 12 win when claimed for $50,000. ...

By DRF.com OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Nov. 20, 2021) — California-bred Popular Kid became a stakes winner at the age of 7 on Friday night when he held off a stretch bid from Catdaddy for a length victory in the $100,000 Jeffrey A. Hawk Memorial at Remington Park. It was another three-quarters of a length back in third to Absaroka. The Hawk Memorial was for 3-year-olds and up over one mile, 70 yards. Trident Hit was the odds-on favorite and closed for fourth Friday. Popular Kid ($8.80), bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, tracked the pace set by Absaroka, who put up fractions of 24.75 seconds for the opening quarter and 48.58 for the half-mile. Popular Kid moved to the lead through six furlongs in 1:13.19 and went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:43.55. Jose Alvarez was aboard the winner for trainer Shawn Davis. :: Bet the races with confidence on DRF Bets. You’re one click away from the only top-rated betting platform fully integrated with... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2021) – The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale, scheduled for its next renewal on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, had its most recent successful graduate on Saturday when Kid Corleone won an open maiden special weight race for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Kid Corleone is a colt by Shackleford, out of the Indian Charlie mare Corleone, was bred by The Quarter Company, owned by Roadrunner Racing and Barbara Everson and trained by Doug O’Neill. He was a $10,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale in 2021 and resold for $62,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Santa Anita 2-year old in training sale to Dennis O’Neill. Kid Corleone ran the 6 ½ furlongs in a speedy 1:15.58 and won by a length at odds of 14-1 in a field of eight. He went wire to wire in his second career start and clicked off fractions of 21.78, 44.09 and 1:08.98. The next CTBA Winter Mixed Sale will start at noon on Feb. 1, 2022 at Fairplex in... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 15, 2021) – A mare by California stallion Stay Thirsty sold for $100,000 at Sunday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. The 5-year-old multiple stakes-placed mare, Stay Smart, is a sibling to stakes winner Valedictorian and was sold as a racing or broodmare prospect to Julian Blaxland. ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 13, 2021) – Dr Pescado outdueled fellow California-bred through the stretch to win Saturday’s $63,450 Golden Nugget Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. Dr Pescado is by Fullbridled, out of the Peppered Cat mare Sweetly Peppered, was bred by Juan Heredia and is owned by Ruben Arechiga and trainer Felix Rondan. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $59,668 and was coming off a fourth in a Sept. 24 optional claimer. He ran the six furlongs in 1:11.51 and won by one-half length at odds of 7-2 as the third choice in a field of five. “He’s a nice horse, and (jockey Pedro Torrero) gave him a nice ride,” Rondan said. “We wanted to be about two lengths back.” As the field straightened out into the lane, C’Mon Man, the 6-5 favorite, looked to be making a strong move along the rail but was discouraged by Stanford Bay, who was the second choice at 7-5. But Terrero had Dr Pescado in gear outside... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2021) – Been Studying Her and Stealthediamonds, mares bred in California by KMN Racing, sold for $330,000 and $260,000, respectively, at Friday’s session of the Keeneland November Sale. Been Studying Her, by Fast Anna, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, sold for $330,000 to Natlama. The multiple stakes winner, who earned $305,602, is in foal to Improbable. Stealthediamonds, by Unusual Heat, out of the Pure Prize mare No Better Terms, sold for $260,000 to Astute Bloodstock. The stakes winner, who earned $335,655, sold as a racing or broodmare prospect. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2021) – A California-bred weanling by Omaha Beach sold for $200,000 at Thursday’s session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. The colt, out of the Jump Start mare North Freeway, is a half-brother to stakes winners Take the One O One and Square Deal. He was bred by Fairview LLC and purchased by Gayle Van Leer, agent. ...

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2021) — A stakes-winning daughter of Old Fashioned  thrilled her consignor when she lit up the board early at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale Nov. 11 in Lexington. In the sale’s opening Book 2 session Thursday, Streak of Luck , from the consignment of James B. Keogh (Grovendale)—who also was part owner of the horse—sold for $620,000 to Aaron and Marie Jones.  “Wow, it couldn’t be any better,” Keogh said. “Mr. and Mrs. Jones are great people. I’m thrilled and delighted they got her. They are dear friends.”  Sold as Hip 265, the 6-year-old daughter of the Unbridled’s Song son Old Fashioned is the first stakes winner for her dam, Valeria , who has produced three winners from as many starters. Valeria is a daughter of Elusive Quality . Streak of Luck is believed to be in-foal to 2020 classic winner and Horse of the Year Authentic  . SIGN UP FOR BLOODHORSE DAILY Frank Taylor of Taylor Made Sales, purchasing on behalf of the Jones’, said the mare is a great physical and has plenty of ties... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 10, 2021) — A pair of stakes-winning California-bred mares were six-figure purchases at Wednesday’s opening session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Super Patriot, a 6-year-old daughter of Unusual Heat, out of the Redattore mare Patriot C H, sold for $300,000 to Woodford Thoroughbreds. Super Patriot, who earned $371,554 on the track, was bred by Harris Farms and is in foal to Gun Runner. Sircat Sally, a 7-year-old daughter of Surf Cat, out of the In Excess mare Sister Sally, sold for $150,000 to Joel Hunsberger. Sircat Sally, who earned 552,860 on the track, was bred by Joe Turner and is in foal to Munnings. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2021) — Kaleem Shah’s Bella Vita sat a good trip, then zoomed to the lead at the head of the stretch and went on to a length and a half victory in the $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series fillies and mares at Del Mar Sunday, the day after the two-day Breeders’ Cup Championships had been presented at the seaside oval. The 4-year-old California-bred daughter of Bayern, out of the Storm Cat mare Queenie Cat, was bred by Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, was making her 13th career start and registering her fourth victory. She also shows five seconds and with the $57,000 share of the winner’s purse she boosted her bankroll to $346,722. Del Mar’s leading rider, Flavien Prat, was aboard the bay miss as he won his fifth consecutive edition of the Betty Grable. The winner is trained by Simon Callaghan. “This looked like a good opportunity (for Bella Vita) back on dirt,” said Callaghan. “She’s definitely a dirt... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2021) – Hard to Resist, in foal to California stallion Grazen, sold for $350,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Hard to Resist is by Johannesburg, out of the Gulch mare Anja, and was purchased by Phil Schoenthal, agent for Determined Stud, for $350,000. The 13-year-old mare has produced Grade 1 winner Going to Vegas. She also has a yearling filly by Grazen and a weanling colt by Om. ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2021) — Favored Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso won his fourth straight stakes at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday as he repeated last year’s victory in the $64,250 Joseph T. Grace Stakes. There was a twist this year as the race was switched from turf to the main track. His other stakes wins, including two in the Rolling Green, had come on turf, but prior to the race trainer O.J. Jauregui had said he believed the 8-year-old Suances gelding ran just as well on Golden Gate’s Tapeta surface. “He’s a trier,” said Jauregui of Camino Del Paraiso, who earned $39,450 for his ninth win in 44 starts. Bred by Red Baron’s Barn and owned by Paradise Road Ranch, he has career earnings of $559,392. :: Join DRF Bets and play the races with a $250 First Deposit Bonus. Click to learn more. Usually a stalker, Camino Del Paraiso got into trouble when boxed in on the first turn and sat back... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2021) — California-bred multiple graded stakes winner Lieutenant Dan finished a game second in Saturday’s $1 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint Saturday at Del Mar. The son of Grazen, out of the Indian Charlie mare Excusable, doggedly chased front-running winner Golden Pal throughout the five-furlong trip, finishing 1 ¼ lengths back to add $200,000 to his career bankroll, which is now $833,740. Golden Pal tied the course record of :54.75. “He wasn’t ready to run against a rocket ship,” said trainer Steve Miyadi. “He ran great, probably the best race of his life.” Breeder and owner Nick Alexander paid $100,000 to supplement Lieutenant Dan into the race. He was coming off three consecutive wins, which followed 13 months on the sidelines. “I had a great trip,” said jockey Giovanni Franco. “He gave us a great race, I thought. He always tries very hard for us. I’m not disappointed in his effort.” ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov, 5, 2021) — Finneus had the most stakes experience of any of the 12 runners in Friday’s Golden State Juvenile. Under a well-timed ride from Joel Rosario, Finneus recorded his first stakes win in the seven-furlong race for 2-year-old statebreds. Ridden for the first time by Rosario, Finneus ($10) closed with a wide rally to finish a half-length in front of Slow Down Andy, a second-time starter and the even-money favorite. Finneus, who races for breeder Terry Lovingier, Amanda Navarro and Naseer Fusihuddin and trainer Walther Solis, won a maiden race for statebreds in June in his second start. He was later second in the Grade 2 Best Pal Stakes and Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity here during the summer meeting, but sixth in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on Oc. 1 in his only start around two turns. The son of Stay Thirsty, out of the Ghostzapper mare Mi Fiona, has two wins in six starts and career earnings... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 5, 2021) — Friday’s $176,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies could have been called George Krikorian’s Golden State Juvenile Fillies. Big Switch and 8-5 favorite Big Novel – both bred and owned by Krikorian – finished first and second in the seven-furlong race for statebreds. Yes, Krikorian said he had the exacta, which paid $10.70 for $1. The fillies are by Mr. Big, owned by Krikorian. “It makes me feel proud,” Krikiorian said. “They were 1-2 against some pretty good competition. It’s exciting. “They both look to have good futures.” :: BREEDERS’ CUP 2021: See DRF’s special section with recaps, results, charts, news, and more for each division Big Switch, ridden for the first time by Irad Ortiz, Jr., closed from fifth in a field of eight to win by 2 3/4 lengths over Big Novel, who was ridden by Joe Bravo. Big Switch was timed in 1:22.39. He paid $8.60. Ortiz said Big Switch’s ability made for an easier race. “I didn’t do much,”... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 5, 2021) – California-bred multiple graded stakes winner The Chosen Vron came off a three-month layoff to win Friday’s $60,000 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise. The Chosen Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners, is owned by J. Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker and Richard Thornburgh and is trained by Kruljac. He has five wins in seven starts and earnings of $340,678. He ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:24.74 and won by one-half length as the 6-5 second-choice. Fellow Cal-bred stakes winner Minister of Soul, the even-money favorite, was second. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2021) – Top Harbor got the head bob on the wire to nose out In Our A and win Sunday’s $75,000 El Dorado Shooter Stakes for California-breds at Golden Gate, part of a double win for the broodmare and breeder/owners. Top Harbor is by Harbor the Gold, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by owners Eric Schweiger, Gordy Jarnig & Kenney Marshall and trained by Tim McCanna. He has four wins in 11 starts and earnings of $187,774. He ran the six furlongs in 1:09.46. War Games was third. Rebalation, a half-sister to Top Harbor, added to the fun by winning the eighth race, an allowance. She is by Acclamation out of Reba Is Tops. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2021) – Longshot Vaping Angel led a California-bred sweep of Saturday’s $75,000 Pike Place Dancer Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Vaping Angel is by Southern Image, out of the Comic Strip mare Nada Joke, was bred by owners Dr. & Mrs. William Gray and was trained by Felix Rondan.  She earned $45,000 for her second victory in four starts and has now earned $74,826 with a third and fourth to go along with her two victories. She ran the mile on turf in 1:40.90 and won by 1 ¼ lengths over Jessebear, with Code Ribbon third. It was her first start on turf, although she had broken her maiden at one mile on Sept. 4. Vaping Angel was last early and didn’t begin to move up until midway around the second turn. Jockey Pedro Terrero guided her to the open rail as she began to make her move. Sen Sen, coming off a maiden sprint victory, set a comfortable pace of 23.76, 48.68 and... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2021) – Freshman sire Pontiff, a Giant’s Causeway half-brother to the major sire Pulpit, was represented by his first winner on October 29, when his 2-year-old colt Octavius Prime dominated a one-mile maiden turf race at Golden Gate Fields. Piloted by jockey Frank Alvarado for trainer Tim McCanna, Octavius Prime broke on top and led at every call of the $20,000 maiden claiming race, which he completed in 1:42.31 while holding off his nearest rival by a non-threatening 1 1/4 lengths. The colt had signaled his readiness for this test with a narrow runner-up finish at the same level, course and distance in his previous outing on September 24. Octavius Prime is the second foal, runner and winner out of Basket of Gold, an unplaced daughter of Harbor the Gold who is back in foal to Pontiff for 2022. He is campaigned by breeder Tim Floyd’s Warlock Stables in partnership with Kyle Digges, Gena Loper and Helen Myrick, and has earned $11,510 from four starts to... ...

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2021) — The Jockey Club today released Report of Mares Bred (RMB) statistics for the 2021 breeding season that showed a 4.4% increase for California over 2020. The 2021 total of mares bred in California was 1,843, placing the state second in the nation behind only Kentucky. Based on RMBs received through October 18, 2021, The Jockey Club reports that 1,016 stallions covered 27,829 mares in North America during 2021. The Jockey Club estimates an additional 2,500 to 3,500 mares will be reported as bred during the 2021 breeding season. RMB statistics for all reported stallions in 2021 are available through the Fact Book section of The Jockey Club’s website at jockeyclub.com. Of the top 10 states and provinces by number of mares reported bred in 2021, stallions in Kentucky, California, Ontario, and Indiana covered more mares in 2021 than in 2020, as reported at this time last year. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2021)–Longshot Indian Peak settled nicely off the early pace and mounted a furious stretch rally under Juan Hernandez to outrun favored North County Guy by a head in Sunday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap at Santa Anita.  In his third start for Peter Miller and his first try down the hillside turf course, Indian Peak got about 6 ½ furlongs in 1:12.52. The California Flag Handicap, named for the High Card Ranch’s homebred millionaire who won the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita, is part of the lucrative CTBA sponsored Golden State Series for California-bred or sired three-year-olds and up. Breaking from the far outside in a field of nine, Indian Peak was sixth, about five lengths off the lead at the half mile mark while well within himself.  Six-wide and on the move at the dirt crossing, Indian Peak pinned his ears and outran North County Guy late in a thriller. “He felt really comfortable, he’s a nice horse,” said... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2021)–Classy Warren’s Showtime overcame a pedestrian pace and rallied from last to take Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Handicap for owner/breeders Ben and Sally Warren and trainer Craig Lewis.  An ultra consistent chestnut filly by top sire Clubhouse Ride, Warren’s Showtime, in her first try down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course, got about 6 ½ furlongs under Juan Hernandez in 1:13.76 in the race restricted to Golden State Series eligibles. Last after the first half mile but only about four lengths off the lead, Warren’s Showtime, who was shortening up after five consecutive turf miles, loomed ominously as the field made the dirt crossing at the top of the lane and sliced her way through traffic in what was to become her seventh career stakes victory. “I wasn’t confident when I saw the first quarter, but I could see Juan was confident, so that gave me some hope,” said Lewis, who also conditioned millionaire Clubhouse Ride and Warren’s Showtime’s Grade I winning dam,... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (oct. 14, 2021) — California-bred Brandothebartender, a $40,000 claim in 2018 who later won four stakes, has been retired from racing because of a recent injury sustained in a workout at Santa Anita. Brandothebartender will be retired to the Old Friends retirement farm in Kentucky, according to Jerry Weseloh of Flawless Racing, which is part of the group that owns the 8-year-old gelding. Trained by Craig Dollase at the end of his career, Brandothebartender was under consideration for Saturday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap for statebred turf sprinters at Santa Anita when the injury was detected. “We decided to retire him,” Weseloh said earlier this week. “All he needed was rest, but heading to a ninth year seemed ambitious.” Bred by John R. Haagsma & Wesley Ward, Brandothebartender won 10 of 47 starts and earned $782,464 in a career that began in 2016. Flawless Racing, Brian Flanagan, and Michael Jarvis claimed Brandothebartender in the summer of 2018 and had a quick return on the purchase when the... ...

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2021) – Odds-on favorite Fashionably Fast, bred and co-owned by Harris Farms, won Saturday’s $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes at the Big Fresno Fair for the second time. The son of Lucky Pulpit, out of the Forestry mare Fall Fashion, was bred by Harris Farms, Per Antonsen and John Nicoletti. It was his ninth win in 26 starts and increased his earnings to $683,891. Fashionably Fast went off at odds of 2-5 and won by 1 ¼ lengths in a field of five Golden State Series eligibles, with Top Harbor second and Jamming Eddy third. He is trained by Dean Pederson. Fashionably Fast won the race in 2019 and was second in 2018. ...

By Bloodhorse.com Oscar Nominated has been relocated to Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch near Warner Springs, Calif., owner Frederick Larsen announced Oct. 6. Next year will be the first full season for the versatile multiple grade 3-winning, grade 1-placed millionaire.  “I am very excited about the move to Lovacres,” stated Larsen. “BG (Thoroughbred Farm) is a great farm and has great people. It was a very hard decision, but I feel ‘Oscar’ deserves a bigger stage here in California and standing next to Stay Thirsty  , I don’t know how much bigger you can get.” Oscar Nominated won three stakes at 3, including the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral (G3) at Turfway Park. He was also a graded winner at 4, taking the Calumet Farm Kentucky Turf Cup (G3T) at Kentucky Downs. That season he also placed in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1T) and Pattison Canadian International (G1T). At 5 he added the W. L. McKnight Handicap (G3T) at Gulfstream Park to his win column. He had a record of 6-8-2 from 30 starts with earnings of $1,502,639. By Kitten’s Joy and out of Devine Actress, by Theatrical (IRE), Oscar Nominated... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 6, 2021) — In the much-loved 1994 film “Forrest Gump,” the title character says his mother told him, “Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Owner-breeder Nick Alexander, who counts “Forrest Gump” as one of his favorite movies, didn’t quite know what he had with Lieutenant Dan, his California-bred gelding named after Forrest’s friend in the film. But the gelding belied his modest beginnings and overcame a long layoff to emerge as a multiple graded stakes winner this season, making his case to be a supplemental entry to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Lieutenant Dan, by Alexander’s homebred graded stakes winner Grazen, was the seventh foal out of stakes winner Excusabull, who had been a serviceable, if not spectacular, broodmare career. “Every horse she had at least broke their maiden, but they were all claiming horses,” Alexander said. “When he came along, we kind of assumed he would be – he didn’t look much different.” :: BREEDERS’ CUP 2021:... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 4, 2021) – The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association will conduct its Winter Mixed Sale on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 at noon at Fairplex in Pomona. The catalog will consist of breeding stock, 2-year-olds, yearlings and horses of racing age. The entry closing date is Tuesday, November 23, 2021. For further information, contact Loretta Veiga – (800) 573-2822 Ext 227 or email: loretta@ctba.com or Christy Chapman – (800) 573-2822 Ext 247 or email: christy@ctba.com. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 1, 2021)–Celebrated by racing fans nationwide, racing returned to Santa Anita’s Camino Real hillside turf course on Friday as California-bred Lieutenant Dan pressed the pace and took control turning for home en route to a half-length victory in the $200,000 Grade II Eddie D Stakes.  Ridden by Geovanni Franco, “Dan” got about 6 ½ furlongs down the hill in 1:11.74. Owned and bred by Nick Alexander, Lieutenant Dan sat a close third early to pacesetter Charmaine’s Mia, who was pressed to her immediate outside by Law Abidin Citizen.  Hand-ridden over the dirt crossing at the top of the stretch, Lieutenant Dan cruised to the lead and was never seriously challenged through the lane. After the race, Alexander said Lieutenant Dan would be supplemented to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. “He earned the amount to (supplement) it is $100,000, if he comes out of this race in one piece, that’s our next goal,” Alexander said. ““I love that turf course. We have always excelled... ...

California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All Ages (2021) | Fasig-Tipton Results By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 28, 2021) — Yearlings proved extremely popular in the California market, as demonstrated by the strong showing at the Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All Ages Sale. In pleasant fall weather with an outdoor setting at Fairplex in Pomona, the yearlings on averaged $40,683, topped by a $350,000 California-bred daughter of American Pharoah   consigned by breeder Terry Lovingier’s Lovacres Ranch as Hip 196. The sale topper moved the bar along quite well for this sale, which began in 2019 with a $150,000 sale topper and sold one for $200,000 last year. Five yearlings brought $200,000 or more Tuesday. All five are Cal-breds, four by Kentucky sires American Pharoah, Practical Joke  , City of Light  , and Nyquist  , and the fifth by pensioned California sire Square Eddie . “Today was the most encouraging day we’ve had in California in a sales environment in the last three years that we’ve been involved,” said Boyd Browning Jr., president and CEO of Fasig-Tipton. “There... ...

From TDN Another Pharoah for Beckerle Tom Beckerle, who already has a stakes winner by American Pharoah, purchased another filly by the 2015 Triple Crown winner for a sale-topping $350,000 Tuesday at the Fasig-Tipton California sale. The yearling (hip 196) was bred by Terry Lovingier and was consigned by his Lovacres Ranch. In partnership with Lovingier and Amanda Navarro, Beckerle campaigns Fi Fi Pharoah (American Pharoah), who won the Melair S. in June. “I have some partners that wanted to get an American Pharoah,” Beckerle said. “We liked her for breeding down the road and Fi Fi Pharoah has already made us a couple hundred thousand dollars. We think this one can do the same thing. We will see what happens.” Hip 196 is out of the unraced Ez Indy (A.P. Indy), who is a half-sister to champion Banshee Breeze (Unbridled). The mare, in foal to Animal Kingdom, was purchased by Lovingier for $85,000 at the 2016 Keeneland November sale. Beckerle, based in Fallbrook, California, purchased three other yearlings from... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2021) – Thirsty Always upset heavily-favored stablemate Rock N Rye, leading throughout in the $75,000 Royal Owl Stakes for California-bred 2-year-olds, the closing day feature of the Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. In his first collaboration with jockey Abel Cedillo, the 2-year-old Stay Thirsty colt out of the Not for Love mare Angela’s Love, quickly established command against his four opponents and went on to win by 1 ½ lengths in 1:03.28 for the 5 ½ furlongs. The 5-1 third choice, he paid $13, $3.20 and $2.40. The victory was his third in five starts and pushed his earnings to $147,600 for owners Tom Beckerle, Saul Carrillo and breeder Terry Lovingier and trainer Walther Solis. Rock N Rye, also trained by Solis – as was fifth-place finisher Mr. T’s Thirsty – and bred by Lovingier, finished four lengths clear of 18-1 shot Drizella as the 2-5 favorite. He returned $2.20 and $2.10 while the show price on Drizella was... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Pa. (Sept. 25, 2021) — The tenacity of Mind Control , illustrated this summer with a head upset of Firenze Fire  in the John A. Nerud Stakes (G2), was again on display in the $200,000 Parx Dirt Mile Stakes Sept. 25 at Parx Racing. The winner, owned by Madaket Stables and breeder Red Oak Stable, is a 5-year-old son of California stallion Stay Thirsty  . Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher began training the horse this spring, shortly before the Nerud, after making his initial 20 starts for trainer Gregg Sacco. Appearing beaten with a sixteenth of a mile to run, as favored Silver State  wrested command to open up a half-length advantage, Mind Control battled back to edge that rival by a head in a duel between two grade 1 winners. Silver State had previously taken the Hill ‘N’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap (G1) this year, Mind Control the 2018 Hopeful Stakes (G1). “He didn’t give up, I didn’t give up,” Velazquez said of the 23-time starter. “When I asked for more, he gave me more.... ...

From Delaware Park Publicity WILMINGTON, Del., (Sept. 25, 2021) — R Racing Stable’s No Sabe Nada notched his first career stake victory in the Delaware bred or certified $100,000 First State Dash at Delaware Park today. With Roberto Alvarao Jr astride, the 2-year-old son of California stallion Jersey Town, returned $6.00 as the second choice in the field of ten. The Kentucky-bred trained by D. Scott Peck won by a half-length and covered the five and half furlongs in 1:03.69 over fast main track. The 3-to-2 favorite Rebel Empire, with Aubrie Green, finished second. It was 1 ¾-lengths farther back to Amazing Alex, with Victor Rosales, in third. “It is nice to get a stakes win on Owners Day,” said winning trainer D. Scott Peck. “We are happy he got the win and we are looking forward to stretching him out. We are going to point for the stake going long here in a few weeks. ($50,000 Rocky Run Stakes a one mile on October 16th)” No Sabe Nada raised... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 20, 2021) – A Kitten’s Joy colt out of the California-bred mare Cheekaboo sold for $100,000 at Monday’s session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The colt, purchased by Charles Marquis, is the first foal out of Cheekaboo, an Unusual Heat mare who won the Grade II Honeymoon Stakes and the Campanile Stakes. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 18, 2021) – A pair of California-bred yearlings bred by Richard Barton Enterprises sold for six figures at Saturday’s session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. A colt by Not This Time sold for $210,000 to Hugo Merry Bloodstock for Barry Schwartz. The colt is out of the Not For Love mare Love Abounds. A colt by Liam’s Map sold for $160,000 to Tom McCrocklin for Slugo Racing. He is out of the Henny Hughes mare Diva’s Tribute, who also produced Grade II Sorrento Stakes winner Spectator.  ...

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (Sept. 16, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul cruised to an easy win in Thursday’s $50,000 Tom Metzen H.B.P.A Stakes at Canterbury Park. Minister of Soul is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The 7-year-old gelding ran the six furlongs in 1:08.98 and won by 4 ¼ lengths as the 6-5 favorite in the field of five. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2021) – California-bred mares continue to produce yearlings attractive to buyers at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, as a filly out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Strike sold for $105,000 in Wednesday’s session. The Louisiana-bred filly, by Not This Time, was purchased by Rio Del Sol Stables. She is a half-sister to stakes winners Jimi’s a Star and Berniestrike. Meanwhile, a filly out of Maddie’s Odyssey, who has produced three California-bred stakes winners, sold on Wednesday for $500,000 in foal to Tapit. The yearling filly was purchased by Tracy Farmer. Maddie’s Odyssey, a daughter of Kitten’s Joy, has produced Grade II winner Sneaking Out, Grade III winner Grecian Fire and multiple stakes winner Been Studying Her. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2021) — Brickyard Ride, a multiple stakes winner and quickest sprinter in California, has been turned out after a tough-luck summer at Del Mar. Trainer Craig Lewis and owner-breeder Alfred Pais opted to end his campaign after the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien on Aug. 28 at Del Mar. Brickyard Ride broke through the gate, ran off before the start, then finished ninth in the Pat O’Brien. In his previous start in the Grade 1 Bing Crosby, he broke slowly, rushed to the lead, and finished fifth. Brickyard Ride won three stakes this year at Santa Anita, including the Grade 2 San Carlos and a pair of statebred stakes. Brickyard Ride, who can blaze his first quarter in 21 and change and first half in 44 seconds, has won eight races and $470,977 from 18 starts. He won 3 of 7 this year, and set the pace in each start. :: Join DRF Bets and play the races with a $250 First Deposit Bonus. Click to... ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 14, 2021) – Progeny of California-bred broodmares made an impact in the first two sessions of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. In the first session on Monday, a Speightstown colt out of the Unusual Heat Cal-bred mare Jax El was purchased for $575,000 by Courtlandt Farm. The colt is a half-brother to Grade II winner Dr. Dorr. Also on Monday, a Mastery colt out of the Bertrando Cal-bred mare My Tina was purchased for $150,000 by Mike Rutherford. The colt is a half-brother to millionaire Grade I winner Midnight Storm. And an American Pharoah colt out of the Benchmark Cal-bred mare Smooth Performer was purchased for $150,000 by Kim Valerio, agent for D.J. Stables. He is a half-brother to stakes winner Into Trouble. In the second session on Tuesday, an Uncle Mo filly out of the Siberian Summer Cal-bred millionaire mare Dream of Summer was purchased for $500,000 by D. Wayne Lukas, agent. The filly is a half-sister to millionaire Creative Cause, Grade I winner Vexatious and... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 12, 2021) – Making his first start since June 12 and the longest shot in the field of six at 10-1, Loud Mouth captured the $75,000 E.B. Johnston Stakes for California-breds via disqualification Sunday at Los Alamitos. At the finish, the 5-year-old son of Boisterous was a half-length behind 7-1 shot Peaceful Transfer, but was bumped solidly by that rival inside the final sixteenth of a mile, leading stewards Grant Baker, Luis Jauregui and Tom Ward – by a 2-1 vote – to make the change in the order. Bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, owned by Thomsen Racing LLC and trained by Steve Knapp, Loud Mouth, who is out of the Tale of the Cat mare Drama Cat, is now 8-for-29 in his career. The $42,000 winner’s share of the purse pushed his bankroll to $374,070. Well positioned early in third off the pace set by 8-1 shot Tom’s Surprise, Loud Mouth had failed to hit the board in four previous tries at... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (Sept. 12, 2021) – Cobra Jet, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Curlin to Mischief, won Sunday’s $50,000 Washington Cup Juvenile Colts & Geldings Stakes at Emerald Downs. Cobra Jet, out of the Ata Boy Roy mare Atta Gal Val, ran the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.28 and won by 5 ¼ lengths. Ridden by Juan Gutierrez at 121 lbs, Cobra Jet ran 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.28 and paid $4.80 as second choice in a field of six. Frank Lucarelli is the winning trainer and co-owner with Roy Schaefer and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Cobra Jet stalked A View From Above through fractions of :21.85 and :44.35 for the quarter and half-mile, engaged from the outside into the lane and blew past the 1 to 2 betting favorite and powered home for a convincing victory. Cobra Jet earned $27,500 for the win and boosted his career total to $65,918. The dark bay or brown gelding is 3-1-0 in four starts including stakes victories in the King County Express... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (Sept. 13, 2021) – Multiple stakes winner Greek Geek, an Alberta-bred son of California stallion Misremembered, won Saturday’s $59,971 Century Mile Handicap, tying a track record. Greek Geek, a 4-year-old gelding out of the Johannesburg mare A E Phi Sensation, ran the mile in 1:36.03 and won by a neck at odds of 4-1 in a field of nine. ...

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (Sept. 10, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $50,000 Tom Metzen HBPAS at Canterbury Park. Minister of Soul is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling sale has 11 wins in 32 starts, earnings of $292,038 and is coming off a starer optional claiming win Aug. 18. ...

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Sept. 11, 2021) – Groovy Huey is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $55,000 Manzano Stakes for 2-year-olds at the Downs at Albuquerque. Groovy Huey is by Dads Caps, out of the Orientate mare Floatthrutheair, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Alvarez Racing Stables and is trained by Bill Brashears. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $17,894 and is coming off an Aug. 20 maiden win. ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate and multiple Golden Gate Fields stakes winner Camino Del Paraiso successfully defended his title in Monday’s $50,000 Rolling Green Stakes, his first start of 2021. The 8-year-old California-bred is by Suances, out of the Successful Appeal mare Loni’s Appeal, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn, is owned by Paradise Road Ranch and trained by O.J. Jaurequi. He has eight wins in 42 starts and earnings of $519,442. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:42.won by a neck at odds of 5-2 in the field of eight. ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2021) – Hronis Racing’s Cistron, a Grade I winner of $768,719, has been retired from racing and will enter stud next year at John Harris’ Harris Farms outside Coalinga, Calif. The versatile multiple graded stakes winner won or placed in 13 black-type events from 5 ½ furlongs to 1 1/16 miles on dirt and turf, including victories in the Bing Crosby Stakes (G1) at Del Mar, the Kona Gold Stakes (G2) and San Simeon Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita and the Northern Spur Stakes at Oaklawn Park. His sire The Factor, a multiple G1 winner of $922,180 set Santa Anita’s current six-furlong track record of 1:06.98 as a 2-year-old in 2010. He is the sire of 29 stakes winners and has amassed six-crop progeny earnings approaching $35 million. Cistron is now available for inspection at the farm. A stud fee will be announced later this fall. For further information, contact JonnyHilvers@harrisfarms.com. ...

By DRF.com PHOENIX, Ariz. (Sept. 5, 2021) — Trainer Molly Pearson, who won more than 900 races in a career spanning nearly 40 years, died Wednesday, according to family and friends. She was 56. Pearson won 914 races, and her runners had purse earnings of more than $11 million. Her best year came in 2005, when she won 54 races and had purse earnings of more than $645,000. This year, she had won 18 times from 110 starters and had purse earnings of $245,453. Her last runner was Tactical Attack, who finished second in the Coyote Springs Stakes at Arizona Downs on Tuesday. Pearson raced primarily in Arizona and California, and had runners at both Arizona Downs and Del Mar at the time of her death. The horses in California are being moved to other trainers. Five 2-year-olds went to Eric Kruljac, who also races in Arizona and California, according to Cynthia George, a long-time assistant to Pearson. According to a Facebook post from her sister, Leslie Ivanchan, Pearson “sustained a... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR Calif. (Sept. 4, 2021) — Given a ground-saving ride by veteran Joe Bravo, the gray California-bred gelding None Above the Law fired in the lane and came away a winner of the 77th running of the Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby at the seaside course Saturday, proving best by three-quarters of a length in the $254,000, Grade II headliner.   The son of the Japanese stallion Karakontie who was bred in California by his owners, J. Kirk and Judy Robison of El Paso, TX, found running room in the stretch and outfinished 12 rivals late to tally his sixth victory and earn a first prize of $150,000, which pushed his earnings up to $454,060. He is trained by Peter Miller) “Peter told me this horse can do anything,” said Bravo. “He wins running seven eighths on the dirt; he wins going a mile and one-eighth on the grass. We just saved all we could and I showed him daylight turning for home. He really got... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept 4, 2021) — Brown, Klein and Lebherz’s unbeaten Joker Boy shook off several challenges and drew away late to tally by three and a half lengths Saturday at Del Mar in the $100,500 I’m Smokin’ Stakes for Golden State Series- eligible 2-year-olds. The colt by Practical Joke, out of the Dixieland band mare Bandera, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds and had Edwin Maldonado in the irons for trainer Brian Koriner as he picked up a winner’s check for $57,000 to enhance his bankroll to $99,000 and his record to two-for-two. He ran the six furlongs in 1:10.77.  “After he won (his maiden) we thought of this race,” said Koriner. “We thought he might be good enough to go in the Futurity. But then you’ve got Bob Baffert freaks in there so we opted for the easier spot and it worked out. Now on Breeders’ Cup Day they have a Cal-bred race for $150,000 or $200,000 (it is the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 3, 2021) — Nick Alexander’s homebred Connie Swingle grabbed a good spot early in the six furlong Generous Portion Stakes Friday, then drew well clear in the lane to tally by three and a quarter lengths Friday at Del Mar as the 7-10 favorite in a field of 10 2-year-old California-bred fillies. Owner-breeder Alexander also ran second in the $102,000 feature with his Carmen Miranda. Finishing third was George Krikorian’s homebred Big Novel. Connie Swingle, who was ridden by Giovanni Franco and is trained by Phil D’Amato, had scored the initial victory of her career in a straight maiden race at Del Mar on August 6 and her winner’s share of $57,000 in the dash increased her bankroll to $108,000. Connie Swingle is by Grazen, out of the Sky Mesa mare Sky Marni and is a full sibling to graded stakes winner S Y Sky.   “I think she showed her class down the lane,” said D’Amato. “That’s a very respectable time for Cal-bred... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2021) – California stallion Texas Ryano was represented by his first winner on Thursday when Peppermint Flirt won the sixth race at Del Mar, a $70,000 maiden special weight for Cal-bred 2-year-old fillies. Peppermint Flirt, out of the Artie Schiller mare Dial a Date, was bred by Williamson Racing, is owned by Masino Racing Stable and trained by Craig Dollase. This was her second career start. She is Texas Ryano’s second foal to race. She ran the mile on turf in 1:37.66 and won by a neck at odds of 5-1 in a field of nine. Texas Ryano stands at Arroyo Vista Farm in Valley Center. ...

By DRF.com OCEANPORT, N.J. (Aug. 29, 2021) — Pickin’ Time, a New Jersey-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, won his first appearance in a race restricted to New Jersey-breds on Sunday in the $100,000 New Jersey Breeders Handicap at Monmouth Park. The race was for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs and was one of three stakes on the card – all restricted to horses bred in New Jersey. Purses for the races totaled $325,000. Pickin’ Time won last year’s Grade 3 Nashua at Aqueduct and the Smoke Glacken at Monmouth and was the 2-year-old New Jersey-bred champion of 2020. He came into the New Jersey Breeders Handicap off a fifth-place finish in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational. Pickin’ Time ($8.60) was content to sit just off the pace, with Pnutbutter Special taking the field through an opening quarter in 22.13 seconds and Golden Brown, the 3-5 favorite, taking over through a half-mile in 45.23. Pickin’ Time soon moved to the fore, drifted in the lane, and went on... ...

From Delaware Park Publicity WILMINGTON, Del., (Aug.) 25, 2021 — California-bred Cashing Big Checks, a graduate of the CTBA’s January Sale, notched her first career victory in Wednesday’s restricted $50,000 Blue Hen Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Delaware Park. The 2-year-old daughter of Mr. Big is out of the Indian Charlie mare Palisadesprincess, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Troy Johnson & Jagger Inc. and is trained by Jamie Ness. The $1,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale is a maiden making her second start with earnings of $9,500. The California-bred won by a nose over Mama G’s Wish with Xavier Perez. It was 9 ¼-lengths farther back to the 3-to-5 favorite in the field of four, My Boss with Daniel Centeno, in third. Cashing Big Checks covered the five and a half furlongs in 1:05.38 over a fast main track. In her only other career outing, she finished second in a five furlong maiden at Delaware Park on August 4th. “She gave me everything today,” said winning... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 22, 2021) — Nick Alexander’s homebred Lieutenant Dan was just too fast for seven rivals in Sunday’s $101,500 Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar, running five furlongs on turf in :55.98. The 5-year-old California-bred gelding by Alexander’s prime stallion, Grazen, shook off pressure early, then cleared late to finish two and a quarter lengths best in the dash for 3-year-olds and up. He picked up a check for $60,000 for the win and pushed his bankroll to $543,740. Geovanni Franco rode the winner for trainer Steve Miyadi. “In this day and age you’re always worried about the bounce. I didn’t train him particularly hard for (a win here July 23), because I was thinking about this race and I was pleasantly surprised at how well he ran,” said Miyadi. “That’s when you worry about the bounce. He overcame my training.” “Since he’s come back from his layoff (was away from June 2020 to July 2021), he’s more puffed up. He’s acting like a... ...

By TDN.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 18, 2021) — George Krikorian has been named California Breeder of the Year by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and will be honored with other state winners at the organization’s Sept. 11 national awards dinner. “TOBA congratulates the remarkable achievements of all of the state and Canadian breeders, who truly represent the foundation of our sport,” said Dan Metzger, president of TOBA. “Their commitment to excellence and devotion to the horse epitomizes what makes Thoroughbred racing a truly unique and special sport.” Also honored during the TOBA National Awards program will be the National Owner of the Year, National Breeder of the Year, National Small Breeder of the Year, National Broodmare of the Year, Cot Campbell Racing Partnership of the Year, Industry Service Award, Claiming Crown Horse of the Year and the Sport Horse of the Year. TOBA’s National Awards will be presented live at Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa, with a special performance from legendary Motown artist Gladys Knight. ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug.17, 2021) — Fasig-Tipton has cataloged 267 entries for its California Fall Yearlings and Horses of All Ages Sale, to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Fairplex in Pomona, Calif. The sale will begin at 12 p.m. PT. Hips 1-248 are all yearlings—primarily bred in California—by leading sires both nationally and regionally. Hips 249-267 consist of broodmares, racing and or broodmare prospects, and weanlings. Covering sires include Danzing Candy  , Maximum Security  , Sir Prancelot, Smiling Tiger  , and Street Boss  . Weanling sires include Danzing Candy, Mitole  , and Sir Prancealot. “We are very pleased with how this catalog has come together, especially from a pedigree point of view,” said Fasig-Tipton California representative Mike Machowsky. “Sire power represented among the yearlings is very strong—an exciting mix of leading sires both locally and nationally, and strong representation from promising first- and second-crop yearling sires. “We are also excited to add a horses of all ages segment to this sale for the first time, providing another valuable outlet for local racing and breeding operations to offer quality stock.” ... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2021) — For the second year in a row, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams’ Pulpit Rider was up in the very last stride to win by a nose in the $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. The now 6-year-old mare by the late sire Lucky Pulpit benefitted from a heady ride by Del Mar’s top jockey, Flavien Prat, and caught Legacy Ranch’s Nardini right on the wire. This was actually Pulpit Rider’s third straight start in the Solana Beach. In 2019 she finished second, but was disqualified back to sixth for interference. “I rode her with a lot of confidence,” said Prat. “Mike (trainer Puype) gave me that confidence. He said she was ready and to ride her that way. I thought I’d won the bob at the end, but you don’t know about those things. It worked out.”  The winner ran the mile on grass in 1:34.21 in the Cal-bred headliner. She picked up... ...

From Daehling Ranch ELK GROVE, Calif. (Aug. 17, 2021) — Pontiff, a winning son of multiple leading sire Giant’s Causeway and half-brother to major sire Pulpit, has relocated from Washington to stand at Daehling Ranch in Northern California for the 2022 breeding season. His fee is $2,500, live foal guarantee. Bred in Kentucky by Claiborne Farm and sold for $310,000 as a Keeneland yearling in 2011, Pontiff was rated highly enough by original trainer Dale Romans and former owner Donegal Racing to contest Gulfstream Park’s $1 million Florida Derby (G1) in his third lifetime start as a 3-year-old maiden in 2013, in a race that was won by subsequent Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Orb. Following an unplaced finish in that early test, he went on to record victories on dirt in Oklahoma and on turf in Minnesota and Texas, excelling at two-turn distances as an older horse. Pontiff retired from racing in 2017 with three wins and 17 placings from 35 career starts, and total earnings of $126,481. He initiated his... ...

Click here to see the sales result: 2021-NorCal-Sales-Results.pdf PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 10, 2021) – Tuesday’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Northern California Yearling Sale posted strong gains across the board from 2020, with average yearling sales price of nearly $10,000, highest in six years. A filly by promising new stallion Stanford was the sale topper at $45,000. She is out of the Broken Vow mare Jeannie’s Genie, bred by Michael Allen, consigned by Easterbrook Livestock and purchased by Robert Jones. The highest-priced colt is by Vronsky, purchased by GCCI for $36,000. He is out of the Tizbud mare Just Lookn Again, was bred by West 12 Ranch, Inc. & Craig Allen and consigned by Hanson’s River Ranch. Average yearling sales price of $9,977 was nearly 40 percent higher than last year’s $7,217 and is the highest since $11,537 in 2015. Gross yearling sales on Tuesday were $917,900, compared to $505,200 last year for 69 sold. Yearling median price doubled from last year’s $3,000 to $6,000. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2021) — Sons of stallion Stay Thirsty finished 1-2-3 as Lovingier, London or Zondlo’s Rock N Rye scampered home by four and a quarter lengths in Sunday’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar, then had to withstand a rider’s objection before he was made the official winner of the five and one-half furlong dash for California-bred juveniles. The race originally had six youngsters entered, but two scratches reduced the field to four and cancelled show betting. The winner covered the distance in 1:05.77. Umberto Rispoli rode Rock N Rye, who is trained by Walther Solis. The Stay Thirsty colt was bred by co-owner Terry Lovingier. The dark bay or brown juvenile picked up a check for $57,000 and increased his earnings to $100,920. “This horse is getting better each start and I think as he continues to mature he’ll be able to handle longer distances,” said Solis.  Finishing second in the stakes was McMahon or Rudy’s... ...

By TDN CLEMENTS, Calif. (Aug. 6, 2021) — Successful California-bred sire Mr. Big (Dynaformer–Fashion Delight, by Fappiano) has been relocated to Pete and Evelyn Parrella’s Legacy Ranch in Clements, Ca. He most recently stood at Rancho Temescal in Piru, Ca. for a $4,500 fee. His 2022 stud fee will be announced at a later date.   “We thoroughly enjoyed standing Mr. Big at Rancho Temescal and watching his foals find great success in 2021,” stated Tim Cohen, President of Rancho Temescal. “We have decided to stop breeding and foaling going forward. Rancho Temescal will continue to provide care for all our clients, while leaving the niche of breeding and foaling to larger farms in California. We will continue to support Mr. Big at Legacy Ranch.”   “Myself and my staff led by farm manager Terry Knight look forward to the 2022 breeding season with Mr. Big added to our stallion roster that also includes leading sire Clubhouse Ride and the hot freshman sire Straight Fire,” added Pete Parrella. ...

From Del Mar Publicity DEL, MAR, Calif. (Aug. 5, 2021) — With equal parts courage and fine horsemanship, rider Tyler Baze and his filly At the Spa squeezed through the tightest of holes on the rail  in the stretch, then went on to capture the 68th edition of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies Thursday afternoon at Del Mar. The homebred 2-year-old daughter of Outwork proved a neck the best at the end of the five and one-half furlong headliner for California-bred fillies and earned her connections $57,000 from a total purse of $101,500. Final time for the race was 1:06.11. At the Spa, now undefeated in three starts, is owned by the trio of Terry Lovingier (her breeder), Tom Beckerle or Saul Carillo. The victory pushed her bankroll to $164,580. “We’ve been training her in the morning to run like this; to come from behind, take a little dirt in her face,” said Baze. “I think she gets more aggressive when that happens.... ...

From Indiana Grand Publicity SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Aug. 4, 2021) – Pearl Tiara and Diamond Solitaire, Indiana-bred daughters of California stallion Majestic Harbor, finished 1-2 in Wednesday’s $150,000 Indiana First Lady Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Indiana Grand. Pearl Tiara is out of the Mineshaft mare Pearl Pendant. She has four wins in 10 starts and earnings of $225,313. She ran the mile and 70 yards in 1:43.65 and won by a neck over Diamond Solitaire as the 6-5 favorite in a field of 10. Pearl Tiara used her inside post to her advantage early in the one mile and 70-yard event. They rallied out for good early positioning and found themselves on the lead without much of a challenge. Diamond Solitaire was able to hold her position on the inside behind Pearl Tiara with Voodoo Justice and Orlando Mojica sitting to the outside in third. As the race unfolded in the final turn, the field of 10 began to get into position to make an impact in the stretch. Diamond Solitaire... ...

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (August 2, 2021) – The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced today that the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of Thoroughbred breeding and racing in California and host of two annual Thoroughbred sales, will participate in the NTRA Legislative Action Campaign’s ¼% Check-off Program, which supports the NTRA’s federal lobbying efforts. The CTBA’s participation will commence with its August 10 Northern California Sale at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, Calif. and continue at its January Mixed Sale. Starting with the August 10 sale, buyers and consignors/sellers at CTBA sales may elect to have .25% of the sale price of each horse donated to the Legislative Action Campaign. This percentage equals $2.50 for every $1,000 in sale price. The CTBA joins Keeneland, Fasig-Tipton, Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company and the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association as Thoroughbred sales companies that participate in the Campaign’s fundraising efforts. “The CTBA recognizes the importance of having the NTRA’s skilled and consistent presence in... ...

From Del Mar Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 30, 2021) — Downstream Racing’s gray stretch runner None Above the Law found a perfect spot just behind the leaders early, then pounced at the quarter pole and won in the clear in Friday’s featured $175,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for 3-year-old Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. The win was $99,750 to “Law’s” connections. The homebred gelding – whose winning margin turned out to be 5 1/4 lengths – was winning the fifth race of his career and raised his bankroll to $304,060. Downstream Racing is the nom du course of J. Kirk Robison of El Paso, TX. The 3-year-old test was conducted over seven furlongs and the winner covered the distance in 1:22.90. Leading rider Flavien Prat was in the boot on “Law” for his third winner of the afternoon. Leading trainer Peter Miller tightened the cinch on the son of Karakontie for his third victory on the day. After eight days of racing at the Del Mar stand,... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2021) — California-bred The Chosen Vron, a three-time stakes winner this year, was found to have bled after a second-place finish in the $175,500 Real Good Deal Stakes last Friday at Del Mar, and will be given a rest. Trainer Eric Kruljac said over the weekend that The Chosen Vron will have “a few months off.” During that time, The Chosen Vron will undergo treatment in a hyperbaric chamber, he said. The Chosen Vron was beaten 5 1/4 lengths by None Above the Law in the Real Good Deal Stakes for 3-year-old California-breds at seven furlongs. The Chosen Vron had won his three previous starts in stakes at Santa Anita this year, including the Grade 3 Affirmed Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on June 13. Kruljac said the Grade 1 Malibu Stakes at seven furlongs for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita on Dec. 26 is a long-range goal. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 25, 2021) — The hard-knocking veteran Brandothebartender set ‘em up and knocked ‘em down late Sunday in capturing the $152,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes by a half length at Del Mar. The 8-year-old gelding by Tribal Rule made the 46th start of his career a winner and took down the top share of $85,500 from the purse for Golden State Series eligibles. Bred by John Haagsma & Wesley Ward, he now has total winnings of $772,864 after six seasons at the racetrack and a performance record that reads 46-9-7-15. Umberto Rispoli was aboard the winner, the 12th time he’s ridden him in a race. The bay veteran is trained by Craig Dollase, who got his owners to invest $40,000 in claiming him three years ago at Del Mar. The ownership group consists of Flawless Racing of Jerry Weseloh and Brian Flanagan, both of San Diego, and Michael Jarvis of Manhattan Beach, CA. “The owners are just a great bunch of people; we were so... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (July 25, 2021) — Continuing her ascendancy in the sophomore filly ranks, Blazingbellablu powered to the lead into the stretch and drew off for a 2 ¼-length victory over Broad Approval in the $50,000 Kent Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. With Alex Cruz riding at 120 lbs., Blazingbellablu ran 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.34 and paid $6 as the betting favorite. Charles Essex is the winning trainer and co-owner with Petra Lewin of Centralia, Wash. Blazingbellablu — a Washington-bred daughter of California stallion Grazen — earned $27,500 to increase her career total to $66,958. Her overall mark is 3-2-0 from six starts, including three straight victories at Emerald Downs. In the Kent, Blazingbellablu raced slightly off the pace as Coastal Son set fractions of :22.39 and :45.26 for the quarter and half-mile. The winner advanced three deep on the turn, overtook Coastal Son and Zippin Sevenz into the lane, and proved clearly best through the stretch. Canadian shipper Broad Approval, ridden by Kevin Radke at... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 23, 2021) — KMN Racing’s I’m So Anna fought off a determined rival in Red Baron’s Barn or Vaya Con Suerte’s Teddy’s Barino and drew clear late to tally by one length in the 36th edition of the Fleet Treat Stakes for 3-year-old California-bred fillies Friday at Del Mar. The homebred daughter of the late stallion Fast Anna was hooked by Teddy’s Barino right from the git-go and was still fighting her off at the sixteenth pole. But the winner had a bit extra in the tank and got home to give rider Kyle Frey his first stakes win at Del Mar. Teddy’s Barino finished second, a half length in front of the race favorite, Harris Farms’ Closing Remarks. Final time for the seven furlong test was 1:24.34. I’m So Anna is trained by Steve Sherman, who races primarily in Northern California and had his father Art – famous for his handling of two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome – deputized for... ...

By Shelby County Post SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 22, 2021) — Mojo Man, a Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, came into Indiana for the first time with impressive credentials, including Graded Stakes experience. But he’s leaving with a new title as he scored his first stakes win in the inaugural running of the $65,000 Send It In Army Stakes Wednesday at Indiana Grand. Mojo Man (photo) began his journey from the outside in the five-horse field and sat back as Rock N June Bug and Tommy Pompell set quick fractions of 22.03 seconds and 44.73. He was joined by Long Weekend and Jose Batista and Double Tuff and Jesus Castanon, who moved up between horses, in the only turn of the six-furlong race. In the stretch, Mojo Man accelerated past rivals, picking them off one by one before moving comfortably under the wire for the win by two and one-quarter lengths. Double Tuff finished second over Long Weekend for third. The final time of the stakes race was 1:09.35, which becomes... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (July 18, 2021) – Heavily favored Cobra Jet remained unbeaten Sunday with a dominating 13 ½-length victory in the $50,000 King County Express for 2-year-old colts and geldings at Emerald Downs. The winner is a Washington-bred gelding by California stallion Curlin to Mischief. With Juan Gutierrez aboard at 121 lbs., Cobra Jet ran 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.13 and paid $2.20 as the overwhelming choice in the field of five. Frank Lucarelli is the winning trainer and co-owner with REV Racing and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Gutierrez wore the black and light blue silks of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners in Sunday’s race. Headed by Aron Wellman of Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., Eclipse bought a share of the dark bay gelding following his 6 ¾-length maiden score on June 30. Breaking from the No. 4 post-position, Cobra Jet dueled with Firewalker through fractions of :21.59 and :45.47, gained command into the stretch and drew off to win with complete authority. Purchased for $5,500 as a yearling, Cobra Jet earned $27,522 to... ...

BALTIMORE, Md. (July 18, 2021) – California stallion Heaven’s Glory was represented by his first winner when Fox Force Five, a Maryland-bred daughter, won the fifth race at Pimlico on Sunday. Fox Force Five, out of the Argentine-bred mare Leioa, ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:47.81 and won by 3 ½ lengths in a field of eight. ...

FLEMINGTON, Australia (July 18, 2021) – Gonnadancealot, an Australian-bred daughter of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won Saturday’s $150,000 Byerley Handicap for 2-year-old fillies at Flemington. Gonnadancealot, out of the Danehill mare Tresillian, ran the 1 1/8 miles in 1:52.52 on a soft surface and won by 2 ¾ lengths in the field of 12. She was ridden by Melbourne’s leading jockey, Jamie Kah, and is part-owned by UK-based trainer Jane Chapple-Hyam. Her next start is likely to be the Nov. 4 Group 1 Kennedy Oaks at Flemington. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 12, 2021) – Stakes-winning California-bred mare Mo See Cal sold for $110,000 at Monday’s Fasig-Tipton July Breeding Stock Sale. Mo See Cal is a 6-year-old by Uncle Mo, out of the Lydgate mare Do Dat Blues, was bred by Rozamund Barclay, was raced by Rockingham Ranch and was purchased by Rosemont Stud. She was not pregnant. Mo See Cal won six of 22 starts with earnings of $348,758. She won last year’s Betty Grable Stakes at Del Mar and was sixth in the Grade I Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff. ...

By Bloodhorse.com COTTONWOOD, Calif. (July 12, 2021) — California stallion Far From Over, a 9-year-old son of Blame   who was standing at Dr. William Gray’s Gray Farms near Cottonwood, Calif., died July 11 after suffering a seizure the night before, Fountain of Youth Breeding announced Sunday. Bred by Alexander Groves Matz, Far From Over sold for $550,000 at the 2013 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Out of the A.P. Indy mare Alchemist, he was a half brother to the grade-1 placed And Why Not  (Street Cry), who is the dam of this year’s WinStar Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes (G2) victor Fearless  and stakes winner Just Whistle . Far From Over was trained by Todd Pletcher and raced under the colors of Black Rock Thoroughbreds, Madaket Stables, and James Covello. The Kentucky-bred broke his maiden at first asking as a 2-year-old at Aqueduct Racetrack, followed by a gutsy score in the 2015 Withers Stakes (G3) in his sophomore debut. He was training for a start in the Twinspires.com Wood Memorial Stakes (G1) and was an early-line favorite for the Kentucky Derby Presented... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (July 11, 2021) – Back on track after a rare misfire in the Hastings Stakes last month, Daffodil Sweet overhauled fellow California-bred Ima Happy Cat in the stretch and scored a 2 ½-length victory over Dontkissntell in Sunday’s $50,000 Washington State Legislators Stakes for older fillies and mares. Ridden by Juan Gutierrez at 119 pounds, Daffodil Sweet covered 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.19 and paid $8.80 as third choice in the wagering. Chris Stenslie is the winning trainer for owners Jody Peetz of Issaquah and Steve Shimizu of Bellevue. A 4-year-old daughter of Ministers Wild Cat bred by Michael Terry, Daffodil Sweet earned $27,500 and is 5-0-1 in seven career starts with earnings of $91,545. Her only losses were a second in the mile and a sixteenth in the 2020 Washington Oaks and a seventh in the Hastings, when she completely missed the break and never was involved as the 9 to 10 favorite. Daffodil Sweet got away cleanly Sunday, stalking Ima Happy Cat through fractions of :21.81 and... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 10, 2021) – Thirsty Always stalked and pounced five wide then pulled away for an easy win in Saturday’s $75,000 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at Pleasanton. Thirsty Always is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Not For Love mare Angela’s Love, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Beckerle, Carrillo and Lovingier and is trained by Walther Solis. The colt ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.40 and won by 4 ¾ lengths at odds of 6-1 in the field of nine. Drinking Again, another son of Stay Thirsty, was second with Hijo Galante third and favored Mr. T’s Thirsty, another son of Stay Thirsty, fourth. ...

GRAND PRAIRIE, Tex. (July 10, 2021) – Longshot Streak of Silver, a Louisiana-bred son of California stallion Graydar, won Saturday’s $100,000 Texas Futurity for 2-year-olds at Lone Star Park. Streak of Silver is out of the Van Nistleroy mare Sammy Van Ammy and won by 3 ½ lengths at odds of 17-1 in the field of nine. ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (July 5, 2021) – California stallion Prince of Love sired his first winner July 5 when his 2-year old colt Shortman  graduated first time out at Los Alamitos Racecourse for owner and breeder Sergio Zepeda Jr. Sent off at 9-1 odds in the field of 5, the bay chased his rivals in fourth position behind an early first quarter in :22.77 before moving into contention around the turn under jockey Diego Herrera. Barreling down the lane on the inside, Shortman overtook the pacesetter in the final strides for a half-length tally. Trained by Sally Rivera, Shortman ran the five furlongs in :58.65 on a fast track. Bred in California, Shortman is the third foal out of the unraced Smarty Jones  mare Shorty Jones, all of whom are winners. Shortman hails from the family of grade 1 stakes winner Jack Milton   and grade 3 victress Peace Preserver . Prince of Love, an unraced 8-year-old son of Caros Love , was bred in California by Rancho San Roberto Inc. and Genaro Vallejo. He entered stud in 2018... ...

By Bloodhorse.com WILMINGTON, Del. (July 5, 2021) — Legacy Ranch stallion Straight Fire  sired his first winner July 5 when his son Fourteeneightyfour  won a 5-furlong maiden special weight at Delaware Park in his debut effort, defeating a field of 6 other juveniles. Bred in California by Straight Fire LLC, Fourteeneightyfour is raced by Valentin Jimenez and trained by Baltazar Galvan. Straight Fire LLC bred the colt out of the stakes-winning Gone Astray  mare, It’s High Time , who won the 2015 Florida Sire Desert Vixen Stakes and was third in both the Cassidy Stakes and Florida Sire Susan’s Girl Stakes, all at Gulfstream Park. Fourteeneightyfour was the first foal on the ground for stallion Straight Fire and is the dam’s first runner; she has a Copper Bullet   colt at foot. Straight Fire, a 7-year-old son of Dominus  , bred in Kentucky by Spendthrift Farm, entered stud in 2018 at Legacy Ranch. Campaigned his 2-year-old year, he ran second in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) and third in the FrontRunner Stakes (G1). Straight Fire has two crops on the ground (totaling 48 foals), with 28 2-year-olds for... ...

By Bloodhorse.com ELMONT, N.Y. (July 4, 2021) —  Mind Control, son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, challenged Firenze Fire  through every point of call and edged the 2-5 favorite for good in the final furlong, gaining the slight advantage from the outside and prevailing by a head to win the July 4 $250,000 John A. Nerud Stakes (G2) at Belmont Park. The 11th running of the John A. Nerud, for 4-year-olds and up competing at seven furlongs on the main track, secured the 5-year-old Mind Control’s spot in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) Nov. 6 at Del Mar as a “Win and You’re In” qualifier. It marked the Stay Thirsty   son’s first win in nine starts dating to his score in the Tom Fool Stakes (G3) in March 2020 at Aqueduct Racetrack. Mind Control, breaking from post 2 under Hall of Famer John Velazquez, challenged Firenze Fire upfront, leading by a head with the opening quarter-mile in :23.05 seconds before Firenze Fire put his head in front with the half-mile in :46.03 over the fast track.... ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (July 2, 2021) – Progeny of California first-year stallion Stanford won both maiden special weight races for 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos on Friday when Carmen Miranda took the first race and Drizella the fourth race. Carmen Miranda, out of the Tribal Rule mare Miranda Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and trained by Phil D’Amato. She ran the five furlongs in :58.48 and won by a length in a field of seven. Drizella, out of the Royal Applause mare Tinderella, was bred by Magee-Wolfson, is owned by William Peeples and trained by Luis Mendez. She ran the five furlongs in :57.95 and won by one-half length in a field of seven. ...

GIFFORD HILL, South Australia (July 4, 2021) — California stallion Sir Prancealot was represented by his first Australian winner when the 2-year-old filly Bell of Yorkes won at Murray Bridge on Saturday. Belle of Yorkes, out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Charzoo, ran the 1200 meters on turf in 1:12.63. ...

By Shelby County Post SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 2, 2021) – Ever Wonder, an Indiana-bred daughter of California stallion Jersey Town, went gate to wire to win Wednesday’s $77,300 Checkered Flag Stakes for fillies and mares at Indiana Grand. Ever Wonder, out of the Forest Wildcat mare Wildcat Wonder, ran the six furlongs on a sloppy track in 1:09.25 by 8 ½ lengths as the even-money favorite. She has nine wins in 23 starts and earnings of $269,937 after her first stakes win. Starting from post five, Ever Wonder was on top of the field of eight in the first few jumps with open lengths to the field behind her. Serena Beck and Santo Sanjur left the gate from the outside post to get good early positioning and was joined by Hungarian Princess and Sammy Bermudez as they tracked Ever Wonder on the front end. The remainder of the field was gapping behind the top three in the early stages of the race. In the stretch, the daughter of Jersey Town... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 26, 2021) – Favored Desmond Doss rallied from off the pace to wear down Tom’s Surprise, the longest shot in the field at 27-1, to win the $100,000 Bertrando Stakes Saturday for Golden State Series eligibles at Los Alamitos. Owned by breeder Nick Alexander and trained by Steve Miyadi, the 5-year-old son of Grazen and the Malek mare Malley Girl prevailed by a half-length in the race restricted to 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California. Although Desmond Doss’ trip was not what Miyadi envisioned, the result was the right one for his connections and was the fifth win in 14 starts for the versatile gray. He’s won three of five on dirt and was second in his two defeats and is also a double winner on grass. “I thought he would be where (Tom’s Surprise) the whole way,’’ said Miyadi, who also won Saturday’s first race in tandem with Alexander with Father O’Flaherty. “I think that was the plan coming out... ...

From Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (June 23, 2021) – A California-bred filly by first-year stallion Shaman Ghost sold for $100,000 at Wednesday’s Fasig-Tipton Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale at Santa Anita. The filly, the first foal out of the Greeley’s Galaxy mare Pearls for Girls, was bred by Premier Thoroughbreds, consigned by Excel Bloodstock, agent for Lebherz Racing, and was purchased by High Tech Racing. The filly was one of eight six-figure purchases at the sale, conducted in the winner’s circle at Santa Anita Park. A large crowd occupied the boxes during the sale, which saw 52 sell for a total of $2,966,000, an average of $57,038, and a median of $50,000. A total of 16 were not sold for a buyback rate of 23.5%. Trainer Carla Gaines purchased the sale-topping Tiznow filly (Hip 36) for B. Wayne Hughes’ Spendthrift Farm for $250,000. The sale topper is out of the Empire Maker mare Soot Z, who has also produced 2019 Sorrento Stakes (G2) winner Amalfi Sunrise  and stakes-placed Gotti  and Senatus. Geoff Nixon’s Tolo Thoroughbreds and Art Tanaka bred... ...

By Bloodhorse.com SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (June 23, 2021) – California sophomore stallion Majestic Harbor  sired his first black-type winner June 23 when Pearl Tiara took the $77,200 fillies’ division of the Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Stakes at Indiana Grand. Tim Glyshaw trains the filly for Loren Hebel-Osborne, Carol Hebel, Claudia Pirman, Fred Pirman, David Osborne, and Dan Ison. Diamond Solitaire, another daughter of Majestic Harbor, finished second.  Pearl Tiara, out of the Mineshaft mare Pearl Pendant, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.60 and won by 8 ¾ lengths at odds of 5-1 in a field of seven. The Indiana-bred has three wins in nine starts and earnings of $120,314. Majestic Harbor is a 13-year-old son of Rockport Harbor  who won the 2014 Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G1). He also collected wins in the Alysheba Stakes (G2), Mineshaft Handicap (G3), and Tokyo City Cup Stakes (G3) while racing from ages 2-8. Paul McGee and Sean McCarthy both trained Majestic Harbor for Gallant Stable throughout his career. He earned $1,295,814 from a 10-8-7 record in... ...

From Whitehouse Equine AUBURN, Wash. (June 21, 2021) — California sire Finnegan’s Wake sired his first winner June 9 at Emerald Downs when his son Club Champ easily captured a maiden claiming sprint by 3 1/4 lengths. Bred in California by Rockingham Ranch out of the Big Drama daughter Miss Big Stuff, Club Champ now has a win and three seconds out of eight career starts. This is the mare’s first foal. She has a 2-year-old full brother in training at Golden Gate Fields. Club Champ pressed the pace and drew off well in hand at the 3/8 pole, winning with plenty left in reserve under jockey Javier Matias’ guidance. Owner Eli Diamant claimed Club Champ at Turf Paradise for $7,500 in late March, The victory also marked Diamant’s first win of the 2021 racing year. Finnegan’s Wake is a grade 1 winner by Powerscourt (GB) out of the Silver Ghost winner Boat’s Ghost. He won or placed in 12 black-type stakes, with victories in the 2016 Woodford Reserve Turf... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 20, 2021)–Hard-hitting Warren’s Showtime got the early pace pressure she’s been craving the entire meet and took full advantage on closing day Sunday at Santa Anita, as she unfurled an impressive stretch kick to take the Grade III, $100,000 Wilshire Stakes.  Owned and bred in California by Ben and Sally Warren, trained by Craig Lewis and ridden by Juan Hernandez, Warren’s Showtime won going away over pacesetter and fellow Cal-bred Leggs Galore while stopping the clock of a mile on turf in 1:34.29. As expected, Leggs Galore was hustled away from the gate by Ricky Gonzalez and she held a 1 ¾ length advantage over Chilean-bred Brooke as the field straightened up for their run up the backside with long-striding Warren’s Showtime ambling along while next to last. Although Leggs Galore spurted clear, commanding a two-length edge on Brooke at the quarter pole, Warren’s Showtime was in high gear under Hernandez, who wheeled four-wide at the top of the lane.  From there, there... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 20, 2021)–A seven-length first-out maiden winner versus California-breds on May 7, Terry Lovingier’s homebred At the Spa made it look easy in open company on Sunday at Santa Anita, as she dispatched of favored Laurel Canyon turning for home en route to a 2 ¼ length score in the $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Debutante.  Trained by Jorge Periban and ridden by Tyler Baze, At the Spa got five furlongs in 59.79. With Laurel Canyon hustled from her rail post, At the Spa was immediately alongside as the raced as a team into the far turn.  With Baze riding confidently, At the Spa shook loose a furlong out and proved much the best. “Today, she had to fight it out a little bit and she prevailed,” said Baze, who also won the day’s previous race aboard Restrainedvengence in the Grade III American Stakes.  “She’s matured so much from the first race, she’s just getting better.  It’s going to be a bright future for her.” Off as... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 20, 2021)–Although much the best, heavily favored California-bred Big City Lights had to survive a lengthy steward’s inquiry in winning Sunday’s $100,000 Fasig-Tipton Futurity at Santa Anita.  Trained by Luis Mendez and ridden by Juan Hernandez, Big City Lights won gate to wire by 7 ¼ lengths while getting five furlongs in 58.20. Bred by Bar C Racing Stables and owned by William Peeples, Big City Lights, who is out of the Exchange Rate mare Champagne Exchange and sold for $22,000 at the Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearling Sale, picked up $60,000 for the win, increasing his earnings to $96,600. As expected, Big City Lights was in front at once from his number three post position, but 7-2 second choice Street Art, who broke from the rail with Kent Desormeaux, was a close second, just to the winner’s inside, by about three quarters of a length. Heading to the half mile pole, Desormeaux took up sharply, losing all position as things got tight. With... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 19, 2021)–As Yogi Berra once famously noted, “It’s déjà vu all over again.”  Such was the case in the 81st running of the Grade III, $100,000 San Juan Capistrano Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita, as 7-year-old California-bred gelding Acclimate skipped to a 3 ¾ length victory, replicating his gate to wire score in the 2019 San Juan.  Trained by Phil D’Amato, who collected his third consecutive win in Santa Anita’s signature turf marathon, Acclimate was ridden by Ricky Gonzalez, who coaxed a mile and three quarters out of the son of Acclimation in 2:49.74. Bred by Old English Rancho and Sal and Patsy Berumen, Acclimate, who is out of the Boundary mare Knows No Bounds, is owned by the Ellwood Johnston Family Trust, Timmy Time Racing, LLC and Ken Tevelde, had been winless since winning the Grade II Del Mar Handicap nine starts back on Aug. 17, 2019.  With his third graded stakes win in-hand, Acclimate is now 25-7-4-4 and with the winner’s... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 19, 2021)–Unexpectedly last early, Terry Lovingier’s homebred Fi Fi Pharoah battled through the lane with Eddie’s New Dream to win by a half length in Saturday’s $150,000 Melair Stakes at Santa Anita.  Trained by Walther Solis and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, Fi Fi Pharoah, a 3-year-old daughter of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, got a mile and one sixteenth in 1:46.41. Co-owned by Lovingier, Tom Beckerle and Amanda Navarro, Fi Fi Pharoah, who is out of the Ghostzapper mare My Fiona, notched her first stakes win today and improved her overall mark to 5-2-1-1.  With the winner’s share of $90,000, she increased her earnings to $178,560. The Melair is part of the lucrative Golden State Series.  Sponsored by the CTBA, the Golden State Series is for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Breaking from the number three post position, Fi Fi Pharoah, who had pressed the pace en route to a one length maiden score going a flat mile on May 15, found... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 19, 2021)–Attentive to the pace throughout, longshot Jimmy Blue Jeans was all heart late as he held off heavily favored None About the Law by a neck in Saturday’s $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita.  Trained by Golden Gate Fields-based Andy Mathis and ridden by Kent Desormeaux, Jimmy Blue Jeans got a mile and one eighth in 1:48.69. The first stakes winner by James Street, out of the Marino Marini mare Blue Blizzard, Jimmy Blue Jeans is owned by his breeders Perry Bruno and John Gezon.  With his first stakes win, “Jimmy” bagged $90,000 on the day and increased his earnings to $143,646. The Snow Chief is part of the lucrative Golden State Series.  Sponsored by the CTBA, the Snow Chief is for eligible California-bred or sired horses. Second, just off the hip of early pacesetter Found My Ball, Jimmy Blue Jeans seemed relaxed while into a rhythmic stride up the backside, took command a sixteenth of a mile from... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (June 18, 2021) — In the $50,000 Hastings Stakes for older fillies and mares, California-bred Ima Happy Cat took the early lead and was never headed while rolling to a 2 ¼-length victory over Squan’s Kingdom in 1:08.50 for six furlongs Ridden by Julien Couton at 119 pounds, Ima Happy Cat set fractions of :21.89, :44.10 and :56.10, opened a commanding five-length advantage into the stretch, and held sway to the wire. Trained by Dan Markle for owners Sue and Tim Spooner of Olympia, Ima Happy Cat paid 11.60 as third choice in the wagering. Ima Happy Cat now has three stakes wins at Emerald Downs, including the last two runnings of the Hastings Stakes. Ima Happy Cat, a 6-year-old California-bred by Smiling Tiger, has an overall mark of 8-5-3 in 27 starts with earnings of $274,962. Thursday’s win was worth $27,500. Daffodil Sweet, the 4 to 5 betting favorite, hesitated leaving the starting gate and never got untracked Thursday, losing for the first... ...

SHAKOPEE, Minn. (June 16, 2021) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $100,000 Dark Star Turf Sprint at Canterbury Park. Minister of Soul is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has nine wins in 29 starts, earnings of $249,988 and is coming off a sixth in the May 27 Honor the Hero. ...

From Martin Racing ALPINE, Wy. (June 15, 2021)  — It is with great sadness that Martin Racing announces the passing of Denise Martin, the co-founder, and heart, of Martin Racing, a Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding and racing organization based in Alpine, Wyoming, with global equine holdings. The accomplished chemist, business leader, horse owner and mother to two died on June 14 at 61. With her husband and co-founder, Perry, serving as the public voice and operations manager for Martin Racing, Denise took on the critical role of managing all communications and behind-the-scenes business needs for the small, family-owned organization, which was founded in 2016. The Martins were thrust into worldwide fame in 2014, when their wildly popular and charismatic colt California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the first of his two Eclipse Award titles as North America’s Horse of the Year. The California-bred superstar, whom the Martins co-bred and initially raced in partnership with another couple under the stable name Dumb Ass Partners, also won the 2016 Dubai... ...