From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 22, 2020) — Thomsen Racing’s Loud Mouth tracked the leaders early, then fired his best shot in the lane under leading rider Abel Cedillo and came away with a three-quarter length score in the seventh running of the Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles on Sunday at Del Mar. The 4-year-old colt by Boisterous, bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, rang up his first stakes score in the Cal-bred offering, besting six rivals in 1:22.34 for the seven panels. He has six wins in 22 starts and earnings of $246,410. It was the second win on the day for Cedillo, who now has 18 firsts in 11 days of racing. Loud Mouth is trained by Steve Knapp. “I kept experimenting with him to find out what and how far he wanted to run,” said Knapp. “He got some real questionable rides, several of them, but I knew this horse could run. We went the seven today and worked out and he ran... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2020) – Santa Anita Park will raise the daily overnight purse distribution 10% for the 2020-21 season which begins on Saturday, Dec. 26.  The increase will bring the average daily purse money available to horsemen to over $533,000, totaling more than $43-million for the season which runs through June 20, 2021. Santa Anita’s 84th season will be highlighted by a diverse stakes schedule offering over $15-million.  The prestigious Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby, which has produced 19 winners of the Kentucky Derby, including recent Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Authentic, will be run on Saturday, April 3, 2021. “Building Santa Anita’s aggressive overnight purse schedule is a reflection of the confidence that we have in California racing even in the midst of a pandemic,” said Craig Fravel, CEO of 1/ST Racing.  “Nothing has been easy about this past year, so we are thankful to the horsemen who have continued to support our program on a daily basis.  We’ve missed the fans who have been... ...

TEMECULA, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2020) – Sawyer’s Hill, a multiple graded-stakes placed son of Spring At Last, will stand the 2021 breeding season at Milky Way Ranch in Temecula. The Kentucky-bred, out of the Vindication mare Modification, had six career wins on the track and earnings of $366,705. Trained by Kristin Mulhall and owned by Red Hill Farm, Sawyer’s Hill finished second in the Grade II Del Mar and Twilight Derbies and had four Beyer Speed Figures between 115 and 108. A half-brother to multiple graded winner Yaupon, Sawyer’s Hill also has a half-sister that sold at the 2020 Keeneland Yearling Sale for $1.2 million. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2020) – Blooming, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Graydar, sold for $240,000 at Thursday’s session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Blooming, a 5-year-old out of the Gulch mare May Night, sold in foal to Speightstown. Blooming, a half-sister to stakes winners Red Rifle and Notte D’Oro, was purchased by Black Ridge Stables. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2020) – California-bred stakes-winner Kimberlea K sold for $200,000 in Wednesday’s session of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Kimberlea K, by Indian Evening, out of the Pure Prize mare No Better Terms and bred by KMN Racing, was purchased by Oxo Equine. She won the Everett Nevin Stakes as a 2-year-old, was runner-up in the CTBA Stakes and finished her racing career with earnings of $118,995. A half-sister to stakes winner Stealthediamonds, Kimberlea K is in foal to Constitution with a weanling by American Pharoah. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 9, 2020) — The Irish offspring of California stallion Sir Prancealot continued to make headlines on Monday when Lady Prancealot, an Irish-bred daughter who ran fourth in Saturday’s $2 million Grade I Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf, sold at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale for $1.6 million on Monday. Lady Prancealot, who ran a 117 Equibase Speed Figure while collecting a purse of $100,000, closed with a rush five wide and finished only a length behind winner Audarya. The Grade I winner, who has career earnings of $740,841, sold to Shadai Farm. On Friday, Sir Prancealot’s Miss Amulet ran third in the $1 million Grade I Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in her U.S. debut. Miss Amulet, a Group II winner who posted a 105 Equibase Speed Figure, has career earnings of $262,961 after collecting $90,000 and missing second place by a neck. Beau Recall — another Sir Prancealot mare and a multiple Grade II winner of $1,481,412 — also sold at Keeneland... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2020) — Rockingham Ranch’s Mo See Cal, a 5-year-old mare who was making her first start in nearly a year, fired a good shot under Flavien Prat and scored handily by three and three-quarters lengths in the $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes Sunday at Del Mar, besting seven other California-bred fillies and mares in the seven-furlong test. Trainer Peter Miller brought the gray along slowly after a minor surgery and had her ready to roll today. Her last start was on November 17, 2019 in this same race where she finished third. For Prat it was his fourth straight victory in this stakes. For Miller it was his first, but the seven time Del Mar training champion was scoring his third stakes win of the weekend at the seaside track, but the first he got to see in person. The 54-year-old conditioner had been in Kentucky saddling Breeders’ Cup horses the previous two days. His other local stakes victories came in the Golden... ...

By DRF.com OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Nov. 8, 2020) — Pickin’ Time came into Sunday’s Grade 3, $100,000 Nashua Stakes at Aqueduct as the only stakes winner in a field of seven. He exited the race the same way, scoring a convincing 2 1/4-length victory over favored Ten for Ten in the one-mile race for 2-year-olds. Kept within three lengths of an early contested pace by Trevor McCarthy, Pickin’ Time split horses entering the turn, crept up three wide to the leaders Ten for Ten and Isolate approaching the stretch, then drew away in the final furlong. Ten for Ten, the 6-5 favorite off an eight-length maiden win on Oct. 16, set the pace before tiring to second, 10 1/4 lengths clear of Isolate. Nova Rags finished fourth followed by Civil War, Irish Honor, and Spectatorless. The victory was the third from five starts for Pickin’ Time, a New Jersey-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty owned and bred by John Bowers and trained by Kelly Breen. He was coming off... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2020) – Northern California Yearling Sales graduate Camino Del Paraiso, who took 39 starts to score his first stakes victory, won his second stakes in as many starts in Saturday’s $63,050 Joseph T. Grace Stakes at Golden Gate. Camino Del Paraiso 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. Juaregui. He has seven wins in 40 starts, earnings of 479,542 and was coming off a win in the Sept. 7 Rolling Green. He was second in the Joseph T. Grace last year. Camino Del Paraiso, a $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale, ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:43.30 and won by 3 ½ lengths as the 2-1 favorite. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2020) — Jockey Ricardo (“Ricky”) Gonzalez and trainer Peter Miller did the déjà vu all over again thing Saturday at Del Mar, this time winning the $150,000 Golden State Juvenile with J. Kirk and Judy Robison’s Good With People. Friday, they had won the $150,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies with September Secret. Good With People, a colt by the Curlin sire Curlin to Mischief, made the lead in Saturday’s seven-panel sprint soon after the break, then easily made every pole his. He was a geared-down three-quarter length winner, covering the distance in 1:26.10. The homebred picked up a winner’s share of $85,500 for his connections. “I like this, winning stakes,” said Gonzalez. “This time Peter (trainer Miller, also the trainer of GS Juvenile Fillies winner September Secret) told me: ‘Go to the front and don’t look back.’ I did it and it worked out great.” Finishing second in the Cal-bred tilt was Winner, Winner and Winner’s Positivity and third was West Point... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2020) — Rider Ricardo (“Ricky”) Gonzalez swung wide in the lane, then was able to urge his filly September Secret on to a last-jump head victory Saturday in capturing the $150,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes at Del Mar in a tight finish on Friday. There was a four-horse spread at the wire with Dylans Wild Cat second and just a nose in front of Eddie’s New Dream, who in turn had a nose on favorite Governor Goteven. The winner, a gray daughter of the prolific California stallion Grazen, was bred by Jennifer Saavedra. She ran seven furlongs in 1:25.56 giving owners Tom Kagele and Ken Shaw an $85,500 reward as their portion of the $150,000 purse in the dash for 2-year-old state-bred fillies. It was the September Secret’s third win in six starts. The stakes tally was the first ever at Del Mar for Gonzalez, but the 36th for trainer Peter Miller, who watched the race from Keeneland in Kentucky while he’s there for... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2020) – California-bred half-brothers Rousing Slammer and Luck’s Royal Flush won the early Daily Double at Gold Gate on Saturday. Both winners are out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam and were bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams. Rousing Slammer, by Rousing Sermon, won the first race, a $25,000 maiden claimer for 2-year-olds, running the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.79 and winning by 2 ½ lengths at even money in a field of seven. He is trained by Steven Specht. Luck’s Royal Flush, by Lucky Pulpit, won the second race, a $12,500 claimer, running the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.71 and winning by one-half length at odds of 7-1 in a field of seven. He is trained by Jeff Bonde. ...

GRANTVILLE, Pa. (Nov. 6, 2020) – Favored Plane Drunk, a Pennsylvania-bred daughter of California stallion Stay Thirsty, won Friday’s $80,000 Shamrock Rose Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Penn National. Plane Drunk is out of the Golden Missile mare Annette’s Jet. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $98,600 and was coming off a second in the Small Wonder Stakes. She ran the six furlongs in 1:10.62 and won by 3 ¼ lengths at odds of even money in the field of six. ...

By DRF.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 6, 2020) — Joy’s Rocket and jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. were much more straightforward in their victory in the Songbird Stakes. The Florida-bred daughter of California stallion Anthony’s Cross went right to the lead and never saw another horse. She got some pressure throughout from Farsighted, but shook free of that rival at the top of the stretch and drew away to win by three lengths. The final time was 1:16.18. The winner paid $19, $8.40, and $5.80. Farsighted held on for second and paid $6.40 and $4.20. Roc’s Princess, a 70-1 longshot, rolled in for third and paid $19. A $1 exacta paid $77.90, and the 50-cent trifecta paid $1,276.85. Joy’s Rocket was one of three fillies in the field that had already been tested in a graded stakes. She came into the Songbird off a fourth-place finish in the Frizette Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. The Songbird gave her a third win from five starts. Charles Weston’s Weston Thoroughbreds Training and Sales bred... ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 1, 2020) — Odds-on favorite Baja Sur ($3.80) is now a perfect 2 for 2 over the Golden Gate Fields main track after dominating his rivals with a four-length victory in the $75,000 El Dorado Shooter for California-bred or sired on Sunday. The 4-year-old Smiling Tiger gelding won the Oakland by 4 1/4 lengths against older last fall, earning a 100 Beyer as he clocked six furlongs in 1:08.68. Sunday’s victory was by four lengths over pacesetting Bettor Trip Nick in 1:08.76. Baja Sur was bred by John Roche out of the Supremo mare Premo Copy. With a lot of speed in the compact five-horse field, trainer Blaine Wright didn’t have detailed instructions for winning jockey Catalino Martinez. “He knows the horse, and I just told him to ride him with confidence and just don’t leave himself with a lot to do,” Wright said. “Kudos to Catalino. He came up with a good game plan.” Bettor Trip Nick, who scored two front-running wins here as... ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2020) — California-bred I’m So Anna ($9.20) bounced out of the gate, set slow fractions and held off favored Consternation in the lane as she scored the first stakes win of her career with a half-length victory in the $75,000 Pike Place Dancer at Golden Gate Fields on Saturday. I’m So Anna is by Fast Anna, out of the Jet West mare So So Fast, was bred by owner KMN Racing and is trained by Steve Sherman. She broke nicely for jockey Frank Alvarado, who let her coast through fractions of 25.04, 50.57, and 1:15.31 in the one-mile turf stakes for 2-year-old fillies. Although Consternation closed well while edging Sweetest Angel for second, I’m So Anna always seemed in control through the stretch, winning in 1:39.79. I’m So Anna has hit the board in all five starts with two wins, two seconds, and a third on Tapeta, dirt, and now turf. The KMN Racing homebred ran second as the favorite in the six-furlong Generous... ...

OCEANPORT, N.J. (Sept. 25, 2020) – Favored Stay Smart, a New Jersey-bred daughter of California stallion Stay Thirsty and is out of the mare for which the race is named, won Saturday’s $79,500 Smart N Classy Handicap for fillies and mares at Monmouth Park. Stay Smart, out of the Smart Strike mare Smart N Classy, ran the mile in 1:38.87 and won by 2 ¼ lengths at odds of 7-5 in the field of nine. Stay Smart has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $245,520 and was coming off a Sept. 20 optional claiming win. ...

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Oct. 19, 2020) — A California-bred son of Stay Thirsty  was sold for $200,000 to top the Oct. 19 Fasig-Tipton California Fall Yearlings Sale that was relocated to Los Alamitos Race Course due to COVID-19 restrictions at the original location. The sale topper, Hip 79, was purchased by Naseer Fasihuddin from California breeder Terry Lovingier, who consigned the colt through his Lovacres Ranch. The colt, named Finneus, was produced from the multiple stakes-winning Ghostzapper  mare My Fiona, a daughter of multiple stakes winner A Vision in Gray. Monday’s auction saw 298 horses cataloged, with 166 reported sold for $3,735,700, an average price of $22,504, and a $10,000 median. The RNA rate was 35.2%. At last year’s inaugural Fasig-Tipton California yearling sale, 137 horses were reported sold for $3,667,800, an average of $26,772, and a median of $13,000, with an RNA rate of 46%. This year’s auction was relocated to Los Alamitos in Orange County from Fairplex Park in Pomona due to COVID-19 restrictions on large gatherings at facilities in Los... ...

From Thoroughbred Information Agency ELK GROVE, Calif. (Oct. 20, 2020) — Faversham, a multiple winner and the only full brother to two-time Horse of the Year California Chrome, has been retired from racing to stand at Daehling Ranch in Northern California. His 2021 fee is $2,000, live foal guarantee. Lifetime breeding rights are available for $4,500. A 5-year-old son of the late Lucky Pulpit, California’s leading sire by progeny earnings in 2014 and 2016, Faversham was campaigned by his co-breeders, Perry and Denise Martin of Martin Racing, who also co-bred and raced California Chrome. Like his wildly famous older sibling, Faversham is a California-bred who won races on two different surfaces. California Chrome won the 2014 Kentucky Derby (G1), the 2016 Dubai World Cup (G1) and five additional Grade 1 races on dirt and turf before he retired to the breeding shed in 2017 with Eclipse Awards as Horse of the Year for 2014 and 2016, and a career bankroll of $14,752,650 that ranked him as the highest-earning North America... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2020)–In what amounted to a storybook ending, Benjamin and Sally Warren’s California-bred homebred Warren’s Showtime pinned her ears late and would not be denied en route to a gutty neck victory in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Autumn Miss Stakes at Santa Anita.  Ridden by Flavien Prat, the 3-year-old chestnut daughter of Clubhouse Ride provided trainer Craig Lewis with his 1,000th career victory while getting a flat mile on turf in 1:33.77. Breaking sharply from her number five post position, Warren’s Showtime was immediately taken off the pace while a joint fourth, about six lengths off of pace setting Quiet Secretary mid-way around the Club House turn.  Fifth by a similar margin three furlongs out, Warren’s Showtime wheeled four-wide at the top of the stretch and in a resolute effort, overhauled Going to Vegas close home to notch her first graded stakes win while providing Lewis with his career milestone. “What was going through my mind was she might not get there!” said... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2020)– News regarding the passing of retired Hall of Fame trainer Gary Jones hit hard at Santa Anita Monday morning, as word circulated that Jones had passed away following a lengthy illness at age 76 at his home in Del Mar. The son of one of California’s all time training greats, Gary Jones was born June 16, 1944 in Long Beach and he was unquestionably destined for a life at the racetrack, which he certainly made the most of. After an extended apprenticeship under his father, the legendary Farrell “Wild Horse” Jones, Gary Jones took over the Jones Stable in 1974 and from there, took it to new heights, as the barn produced an incredible 104 stakes winners over the next 22 years, including 1986 Eclipse Award winning Older Horse, Turkoman. In addition to stakes horses, Jones was also ultra-competitive with claiming stock, anywhere and anyhow, evidenced by his 15 Southern California training titles, four of which were here at Santa Anita,... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2020)–Trainer John Sadler’s classy Galilean cut back in distance, added blinkers and survived a stewards inquiry to prevail in Sunday’s $100,000 California Flag Handicap at Santa Anita.  Ridden by Umberto Rispoli, the 4-year-old colt by Uncle Mo was up to nip Ultimate Bango by a head while getting 5 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:02.13. Away alertly from his outside post, Galilean tracked pacesetter Mikes Tiznow and Ricardo Gonzalez into and around the far turn and was one length off of him a quarter mile out.  As Mikes Tiznow began to shorten stride, Galilean drifted inward some, causing Gonzalez to steady at the sixteenth pole and from there, Galilean was able to outrun Ultimate Bango late. “Unfortunately, my horse didn’t want to switch leads and he was hanging in the whole way,” said Rispoli, who had ridden him for the first time at Del Mar on Aug. 23.  “I was obligated to just ride it with him and to try to make... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2020)–High-weighted at 126 pounds and dispatched as the heavy 1-2 favorite, Nick Alexander’s homebred Just Grazed Me had to work for her money today at Santa Anita, as she edged clear to win by three quarters of a length in the featured $100,000 California Distaff Handicap. Trained by Phil D’Amato and ridden by Umberto Rispoli, the 5-year-old mare by Grazen defended her Cal Distaff title by getting 5 ½ furlongs on turf in 1:02.99. Idle since May 25, Just Grazed Me broke on top from her number four post position, but Gypsy Blu immediately engaged from the outside and Just Grazed Me was third, about a length off the lead with her stablemate Althea Gibson to her immediate outside three furlongs from home. At the top of the stretch, Just Grazed Me had moved into a joint second, about a half length off of Gypsy Blu, and with Rispoli shifting to the three path, edged clear in an all-out victory. “This kind... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2020)–In her 33rd career start, California-bred Cordiality dictated terms in today’s $82,600 Swingtime Stakes at Santa Anita, as she registered an impressive gate-to-wire win under Drayden Van Dyke, prevailing by three quarters of a length.  Trained by Tim Yakteen, the 7-year-old mare by Papa Clem got one mile on turf in 1:34.07. “It looked like we were the only speed on paper and that’s the way it worked out,” said Van Dyke, who was aboard Cordiality for the first time today.  “She broke sharp and we made the lead pretty easy.  I was little surprised when we came back and I saw those fractions, because it didn’t seem like we were going that fast.  She was very comfortable the whole way.  Speed’s her weapon and she carried it right to the wire.” Claimed for $62,500 six starts back on Feb. 18, 2019, Cordiality took the restricted Osunitas Stakes at one mile on turf two back on July 12 and was most recently... ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Oct. 1, 2020) – Stay Fantastic, a British Columbian-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, rallied through the stretch and drew off to win Thursday’s $50,000 S.W. Randall Plate Stakes at Hastings Racecourse. Stay Fantastic, out of the Carson City mare Fantastic City, ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.76 and won by three lengths at odds of 3-1 in a field of six. The 4-year-old is 5-for-5 this year and has six wins in 16 career starts with earnings of $86,664. ...

OCEANPORT, N.J. (Sept. 27, 2020) – Pickin’ Time, a New Jersey-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, won Sunday’s $90,000 Smoke Glacken Stakes for 2-year-olds at Monmouth Park. Pickin’ Time is out of the King of Kings mare Born to Royalty. He ran the six furlongs in 1:10.61 and won by a nose for trainer Kelly Breen at odds of 3-1 in a field of six. He has two wins in four starts with earnings of $129,025. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2020)–George Krikorian’s homebred Mucho Unusual, the lone California-bred in the field, dictated terms throughout and proved best in Saturday’s Grade I, $300,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes, winning by one and a quarter length while providing jockey Juan Hernandez with his first career Grade I victory and his third win on the day. Trained by Tim Yakteen, Mucho Unusual, a 4-year-old daughter of Mucho Macho Man, got a mile and one quarter on turf in 2:00.19. The Rodeo Drive Stakes is a Breeders’ Cup “Win & You’re In” Challenge Race qualifier, with the winner to receive a fees-paid berth into the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland on Nov. 7. In hand as the field crossed under the wire for the first time, Mucho Unusual enjoyed a one length advantage over eventual fourth place finisher Tonahutu up the backside, increased her lead to two lengths turning for home and was never seriously challenged while holding Maxim Rate safe in a... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2020)–Back on turf, trainer Peter Miller’s Bulletproof One went to the front and never looked back in Saturday’s $94,000 Unzip Me Stakes, prevailing by 2 ¼ lengths while providing jockey Ricardo Gonzalez with his first-ever Santa Anita stakes victory. A 3-year-old California-bred filly by Idiot Proof, Bulletproof One got 5 ½ furlongs in 1:01.12. “She’s so cool, to have a crack sprinter like her that just guns out of the gate and goes as fast as she can for as far as she can, it’s such a joy…,” said Aron Wellman, on behalf of co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. “We just needed her to come out of the gate and say goodbye. She’s been so good to us; Gary and Cecil Barber, Adam Wachtel, Eclipse of course. I want to thank Pete Miller and Ricky Gonzalez for continuing to find the keys to her ignition.” A well beaten sixth as the 6-5 favorite in a 5 ½ furlong dirt allowance at Del Mar... ...

From Fasig-Tipton CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 25, 2020) — Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 298 entries for its California Fall Yearlings Sale, to be held on Monday, October 19, at Los Alamitos Race Course in Cypress, California. The sale will begin at 12 pm Pacific time. The sale was initially to be conducted at Fairplex in Pomona, California on the same date.  However, due to Covid-19 restrictions on large gatherings at Los Angeles County facilities, the auction has been relocated to Los Alamitos, in neighboring Orange County. “We have a quality catalogue with 298 entries, which is up slightly over our inaugural yearling sale in California last year,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning.  “There is a good mix of both regional and national sire power, and graduates of last year’s sale are off to a flying start.” This year’s catalogue cover features POSITIVITY, winner of this year’s Graduation S. at Del Mar.  EXCHANGE VOWS, third in the Sorrento S. (G2), is also a graduate of last year’s sale. “This is an important sale... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (Sept. 25, 2020) – California-bred multiple stakes winner She Likes to Party remained unbeaten by winning Friday’s $54,000 Freedom of the City Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Century Mile. She Likes to Party is by Maclean’s Music, out of the All Gone mare Gone to Party, was bred by Lou Neve, is owned by Don Danard and trained by Karline Kingston. She ran the seven furlongs in 1:24.21 and won by 3 ½ lengths as the prohibitive 1-10 favorite in the field of four. She is 3-for-3 with earnings of 63,093 and has won her races by a combined 23 1/2 lengths.   ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 18, 2020) — Starting on opening day Friday, September 25, 2020, licensed owners with a horse entered may attend the races at Santa Anita. Due to COVID-19, space is limited to two licensed owners per horse. Unfortunately, unlicensed guests are not permitted. If a horse has more than two owners or there are other licensed owners with business to be conducted e.g. claiming horses, we will do our best to accommodate if space is available. Owners wishing to attend should email Mary Forney, Executive Director of TOC (mforney@toconline.com) to be put on a reservation list each day. Reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day. If you have any questions, feel free to contact her at (626) 826-3782. The quickest and safest way to access Santa Anita Park is to apply for a Virtual Badge before you arrive at the track. Once your badge is approved remotely, enter through Gate 8 and show your badge to the Association Gate attendant. After you... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2020) — Del Mar’s seventh fall race meeting – starting on Saturday, October 31 – will provide horsemen with a healthy 10% blended increase in their overnight purses and the highest bonuses ever tied to the popular “Ship & Win” program. Despite the ongoing pandemic situation, the track was able to hold firm on its recently announced stakes schedule that offers 16 events with $2,250,00 in purses. Beyond that, though, overnight purse levels will be increased by approximately 10% across the board.  Examples include: First level allowance purses increase from $53,000 to $59,000. Maiden Special Weight races jump from $52,000 to $57,000. $32,000 claimers go up from $33,000 to $36,000. Maiden-Claiming $50,000 rises from $28,000 to $31,000. Racing officials noted also that the track’s minimum purse has increased from 2019’s $17,000 to this fall’s $20,000. Additionally, the track’s “Ship & Win” program – now in its 10th year – will provide its richest incentive ever with a guaranteed $3,000 “starter fee” for... ...

By Tracy Gantz, Bloodhorse.com CAMARILLO, Calif. (Sept. 14, 2020) — Jeanne Lapeyre Canty, a longtime California breeder and owner and former officer of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and California Thoroughbred Foundation, died Sept. 13 in Camarillo, Calif. She was 83. Canty grew up in Moorpark, Calif., and enjoyed riding horses with her friend Mary Jo Leonard McPherson. She later married trainer John Canty, who died in 1992. John Canty trained such stakes winners as Crazy Kid, Time to Leave, Unconscious, and Royal Owl. In partnership, Jeanne Canty bred and raced stakes winners Caline, Merry Madeleine, and Kelly’s Caper and stakes-placed Terry’s Caper, and La Mimosa. John Canty trained Caline, a daughter of Ack Ack—Chamrousse, by Hillary. Caline earned $271,110 and won the 1979 Santa Susana Stakes (G1, now the Santa Anita Oaks), 1978 Anoakia Stakes (G3), and three other stakes. Jeanne Canty also worked many years as a bloodstock agent and was a CTBA member since 1967. She joined the CTBA board in 1988, serving until 2012. During her... ...

BONSALL, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2020) – Leigh Ann Howard, former president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and a driving force as a member since 1968, passed away on Thursday night. She was 78. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to: Leigh Ann Howard Memorial Scholarship Endowment for Equine Sciences Cal Poly State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Sciences 1 Grand Avenue San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0250 Please reference on check memo to: “Leigh Ann Howard Scholarship Endowment” Also, donations can be made online: http://bit.ly/calpolyhowardmemorial Howard was only the second woman to serve as CTBA president after Cecilia B. DeMille Harper. “That’s kind of a big deal,” Howard had said. She was active in every phase of the industry, having also held Board of Director positions on the CTBA since 1997, the California Thoroughbred Farm Managers Association, the Edwin Gregson Foundation, California Horse Council, Cal Poly AG Advisory Council and the California Food and Agriculture Equine Advisory Committee. At the Gregson Foundation,... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 10, 2020) – One quarter of the 16 stakes races to be run at Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season are for Golden State Series eligibles. The seventh fall race meeting at Del Mar will consist of a 15-day session starting on Saturday, October 31. Despite the concerns and obvious issues around the ongoing pandemic, the track was able to maintain the same purse amounts for its stakes as presented in 2019, including $300,000 incentives for its pair of Grade Is and $200,000 for its two Grade IIs. Additionally, because Del Mar serves as California host for the Breeders’ Cup races this year, it also will run two California-bred sprint stakes for juveniles that were not on its agenda the past two seasons. Those races are the $150,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies on Saturday, Nov. 6 and the $150,000 Golden State Juvenile on Sunday, Nov. 7. Both races are carded at seven furlongs. The other Golden State Series races are the $100,000 Betty Grable... ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2020) –Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Big Fish made the step up from maiden ranks to win the $102,500 Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes Sept. 7 at Del Mar. The Mr. Big  gelding ridden by Victor Espinoza completed the mile over firm turf in 1:38.21. Big Fish was bred in California by George Krikorian. He is the second foal out of the stakes-placed Into Mischief  mare Perched, who also has a yearling colt by Mr. Big named Big Splash. Legacy Ranch purchased Big Fish for $45,000 from the Harris Farms consignment to the 2019 California Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Northern California Yearling Sale. Big Fish sat off the pace in sixth as the favorite Get Her Number set fractions of :24, :49.32, and 1:14.71 through six furlongs. Get Her Number was pressed by Ambivalent. Big Fish reaced in between rivals at the three-eighths pole then was angled three wide on the far turn. The gelding lugged out, then lugged back in, and was able... ...

By Bloodhorse.com Miss Amulet, a cheap yearling purchase who has been transformed into a high-class 2-year-old by trainer Ken Condon, has been sold to Coolmore’s Michael Tabor and partners in a private deal. The group 2-winning juvenile is set remain under the care of the classic-winning trainer. “I can confirm that Miss Amulet has been sold outright to Michael Tabor and partners for an undisclosed figure,” said bloodstock agent Michael Donohoe of BBA Ireland, who purchased Miss Amulet as a yearling. “She remains in training with Ken Condon and the plan is to run her in the group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes.” The daughter of California stallion Sir Prancealot  has changed hands for modest sums at public auction on two occasions, having been pinhooked by Rockview Stables for €1,000 (US$1,134) as a foal before Donohoe secured the filly on behalf of owner Colm Griffin for the bargain sum of £7,500 ($9,259) at last year’s Tattersalls Ascot Yearling Sale. Despite those lowly early price tags, Miss Amulet has gone on to... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Sept. 6, 2020) — Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Camino Del Paraiso broke through for his first stakes win on Monday with a late surge to capture the $60,300 Rolling Green Stakes at Golden Gate. Camino Del Paraiso is a 7-year-old by Suances, out of the Successful Appeal mare Loni’s Appeal, was bred by Red Baron’s Barn, is owned by Paradise Ranch Road and trained by O.J. Juaregui. The $5,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has six wins in 39 starts, earnings of $440,092 and in his last race clipped heels and unseated his rider in the July 26 California Dreamin’. He ran the 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:43.09 and won by one length at odds of 5-1 in a field of seven. He was sixth in this race two years ago and second three years ago. ...

By Bloodhorse.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Sept. 5, 2020) — This time there would be no denying Beau Recall. After rating in fifth early in the spread-out field of six, the Irish-bred daughter of California stallion Sir Prancealot delivered a powerful rally through the stretch to surge past 1-2 favorite Newspaperofrecord and post a 1 1/2-length victory in the $500,000 Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes (G2T) Sept. 5 at Churchill Downs. Just two starts back, Slam Dunk Racing and Medallion Racing’s Beau Recall finished second to Newspaperofrecord when her rally from 11 lengths back in the Just A Games Stakes (G1T) June 27 at Belmont Park came up three lengths short against the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) winner. Beau Recall secured her sixth stakes win, fourth graded stakes win, and defended her 2019 score, when she defeated Got Stormy. Beau Recall is trained by Brad Cox, who secured his third graded stakes win in two days at Churchill after winning the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) with Shedaresthedevil and the... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2020) — J. Kirk and Judy Robison’s homebred Good With People adjusted nicely to an equipment change and got the money in the 31st running of the I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible  2-year-olds Friday at Del Mar. The son of the Curlin sire Curlin to Mischief had blinkers taken off today for his third start and it settled him enough to where rider Abel Cedillo was able to save his energy early and come away with a half-length victory in the six-furlong stakes. The colt took down the $57,000 winner’s share from the total purse of $94,000 after running the six panels in 1:10.37. Finishing second in the dash was Brown, Jr., Klein and Lebherz’s Touchdown Brown and running third was Litt or Solis II’s Tacoflarovedkisses. There were six scratches from the original field of 10 runners, so only four horses went. Good With People paid $3.80 and $2.40. There was no show betting. Peter Miller trains the winner and... ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sept. 5, 2020) – Northern Graystar, a British Colombian-bred daughter of California stallion Graydar, won Saturday’s $50,000 CTHS Sales Stakes for fillies and mares at Hastings Racecourse. Northern Grayster is out of the Hennessey mare Fancy Vintage. The 4-year-old has two wins in 10 starts and earnings of $56,154. She ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:46.15 and won by 1 ¾ lengths as the odds-on favorite in a field of five. ...

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Aug. 31, 2020) — Dance Money, an Indiana-bred filly by California stallion Majestic Harbor, set all of the fractions in winning her third start, a $33,000 maiden special weight for 2-year-old fillies Monday at Indiana Grand. Out of the Cactus Ridge mare Cactusa, Dance Money ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:07.13 and won by a neck over odds-on favorite Sweet Justice at odds of 23-1. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2020) — Templeton Horses’ homebred Governor Goteven shook off early heat and then drew clear late to capture the 28th edition of the $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series juvenile fillies Sunday at Del Mar. The daughter of Governor Charlie hung tough between two rivals early through quick splits, made the lead turning for home and then went clear for a four and one-half length triumph in 1:12.21 for the six furlongs. As the second choice in the field of six femmes, she returned $6.80, $3.20 and $2.40 across the board. Tiago Pereira handled the winner for trainer Lisa Bernard. That pair had teamed up with Governor Charlie here on August 1 to take down the CTBA Stakes. Both events are for California-bred runners. “I was feeling a lot of nerves (during the race),” said Bernard. “But I trust this filly and she has been training awesome. We had high expectations, but you don’t know until they prove themselves out... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2020) – Perennial top stallion Unusual Heat is gone, but four of his mares had winning offspring Friday at Golden Gate. In the first race, 15-1 longshot Everybody Does It won an $8,000 claimer. The 6-year-old is by Coil, out of the Unusual Heat mare Serious Heat and was bred by Madeline Auerbach. In the second race, Heatsky won a maiden claimer. The 4-year-old filly, by Vronsky, is out of the Unusual Heat mare Bring On the Heat and was bred by trainer and co-owner Sherrie Monroe. In the sixth race, Nolongerahobby won a $20,000 claimer. The 4-year-old gelding is by The Pamplemousse, out of the Unusual Heat mare Gannet and was bred by C-Punch Ranch. And in the seventh race, Myangelcindy won an allowance. She is by Coil, out of the Unusual Heat mare Unusual Music, and was bred by Michael Stiehr. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2020) — KMN Racing’s California-bred Sneaking Out put it in gear at the head of the lane and drew off from seven rivals to tally a handy three and three-quarter length victory Friday in the 49th running of the $101,500 Grade III Rancho Bernardo Handicap for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Packing topweight of 123 pounds and Del Mar’s leading rider, Umberto Rispoli, the homebred daughter of Indian Evening scampered the six and one-half furlongs in 1:15.57. It was win number four on the day for Rispoli, the newcomer to Del Mar this season who has established himself as its top rider and now has 32 victories at the session after 17 days of racing. “I think she was even better today (than when winning the Grade II, Great Lady M at Los Alamitos on July 4) and my rider told me he was very impressed with her,” said trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. “She’s getting good right now. She wins a Grade... ...

YORK, England (Aug. 20, 2020) — Miss Amulet, a daughter of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won Thursday’s Grade II Sky Bet Lowther Stakes at York. Miss Amulet ran the six furlongs on turf in 1:10.71 on a good course and it was her first graded win. She has three wins in six starts and earnings of $113,031. ...

By ThoroughbredDailyNews.com AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 19, 2020) — For the second time in the last four years, a colt by California stallion Smiling Tiger topped the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association’s annual summer sale, which was again held at the WTBOA Sales Pavilion located at Emerald Downs in Auburn, Wa., Aug. 18. The sale topper, Hip 57, was purchased for $70,000 by Brian Koriner, acting on behalf of Jay Em Ess Stable (Samantha Siegel) from the Critter Creek Farm consignment, agent for PT Syndicate #1 LLC. The chestnut colt is the second foal out of the stakes-placed Swiss Yodeler mare Grand Yodeler. The 2017 sale topper by Smiling Tiger, Baja Sur, was named Washington’s Horse of the Year in 2019. Preliminary results show, after 14 yearlings were withdrawn and 25 were RNAs, the 75 yearlings that were listed as sold averaged $12,652 with a $7,500 median. ...

SARATOGA, N.Y. (Aug. 21, 2020) – Joy’s Rocket, a Florida-bred 2-year-old daughter of California stallion Anthony’s Cross, followed up her win in the Aug. 1 My Dear Stakes at Woodbine with a second in Tuesday’s $85,000 Bolton Landing Stakes at Saratoga. Joy’s Rocket, a $47,000 purchase at the March Ocala Sales of 2-Year-Olds in Training, is out of the Special Rate mare Queenie’s Pride. She has two wins in three starts and earnings of $94,444. ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 15, 2020) — Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams’ homebred mare Pulpit Rider looped her field and came with a rush to get up in the final jump and capture the 27th edition of the $125,000 Solana Beach Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by a nose. Ridden by Juan Hernandez, the 5-year-old mare by the late California sire Lucky Pulpit provided a better outcome to her efforts in the one mile turf race than the one she had to accept last year. She finished second that day but was disqualified back to sixth. “She broke a little slow, so I didn’t rush with her,” said Hernandez. “She was nice and relaxed, so I felt OK. I waited until the quarter pole and then I asked her. She gave me a good kick. We had to go wide; we had no choice. But she was running. I looked over right at the wire and I saw we won. Close, but... ...

EDMONTON, Alberta (Aug. 15, 2020) — California-bred She Likes to Party lived up to her name by cruising to a 14 ½-length rout in Friday’s $40,000 Princess Margaret Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Century Mile. She Likes to Party is by Maclean’s Music, out of the All Gone mare Gone to Party, was bred by Lou Neve, is owned by Don Danard and trained by Greg Tracy. She has won both of her starts with earnings of $36,149. She ran the six furlongs in 1:12.58 at odds of 1-2 in the field of five. ...

By Bloodhorse.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2020) — Mel Stute, trainer of California-bred 1986 Eclipse Award champion 3-year-old male Snow Chief and inductee in the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame, died Aug. 12 at age 93. He was with his family at Del Mar and died at home, said his son, trainer Gary Stute. Though any mention of Snow Chief made Stute light up and launch into a tale, he trained many more good horses and was especially known as a leading conditioner in California. Stute trained Brave Raj to win the 1986 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), and the filly was voted an Eclipse Award as the year’s champion 2-year-old filly. But it was his ability with inexpensive horses that demonstrated his true training expertise. Stute would comb California sales in search of horses that cost $25,000-$30,000 because, he said, he knew he could drop them in for maiden $32,000 and “get out” (at least break even) on them. While that approach helped keep losses to... ...

COMPLETE SALE RESULTS PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2020) – A Stay Thirsty colt sold for $50,000 to top Tuesday’s Northern California Yearling Sale, where the average jumped nearly 42 percent from last year’s sale. The topper, one of three Stay Thirsty yearlings that brought at least $40,000, is out of the Forest Wildcat mare Clawpuccino, was bred by Terry Lovingier, consigned by Lovacres Ranch, agent, and was purchased by Craig Warren. Next at $47,000 was a Stay Thirsty colt out of the Speightstown mare Reign, was bred by Terry Lovingier, consigned by Lovacres Ranch, agent, and was purchased by Robert Jones. The highest-priced filly was a daughter of Vronsky, out of the Poteen mare Seasontoperfection, was bred and consigned by Hanson’s River Ranch and purchased by Robert Hess, Jr., agent, for $35,000. With 69 yearlings sold, the gross sales were $561,800 for an average of $8,142 and a median price of $3,000. Last year’s event sold 88 yearlings at an average of $5,741. ...

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2020) — California-bred American Farmer ($20.40) got a dream trip as he rallied through the stretch and easily picked up his first stakes win in the $65,550 Robert Dupret Derby Saturday at the Wine Country meeting at Golden Gate Fields. The victory was worth $39,400 to owner-breeders BKB Stables. American Farmer has two wins, a second, and three thirds in eight lifetime starts. He has career earnings of $97,722. The runner-up to Azul Coast in the El Camino Real Derby went to the sidelines with minor shin problems after that race. He returned to action in a July 3 at Pleasanton, running third behind Dupret entrants Lookin for Revenge and Sacred Rider and had six- and five-furlong bullet works since that race. American Farmer, a full brother to local stakes winner Blue Diva, drew the rail and was able to save ground while sitting comfortably in fourth behind Too Late and Lookin for Revenge. Kyle Frey had plenty of horse as he eased out... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2020) – Santa Anita’s 2020 Autumn Meeting includes a pair of $100,000 stakes in the Golden State Series. On Saturday, Oct. 10, series-eligible fillies and mares will contest the $100,000 California Distaff Handicap at 5 ½ furlongs on turf. On Sunday, Oct. 10, the $100,000 California Flag Handicap will also be run at 5 ½ furlongs on turf for 3-year-olds and up. Nominations for both races close Thursday, Oct. 1. Santa Anita will offer 24 stakes over 18 racing days through the Oct. 25 closing day. Included will be the Grade III, $100,000 Chillingworth Stakes for fillies and mares at 6 ½ furlongs on Saturday, Sept. 19. Most recently run as the Grade III LA Woman Stakes, the Chillingworth has been renamed in honor of the late Sherwood Chillingworth, a longtime Director of the Oak Tree Racing Association who was held in the highest regard throughout North American racing. Customarily high on the Autumn Meet stakes agenda is a series of Breeders’... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 8, 2020) — The memory of Sherwood Chillingworth, the longtime director and executive vice president of the Oak Tree Racing Association, will be honored with The Chillingworth Stakes to be run during Santa Anita’s Autumn season.  Known throughout the racing industry as “Chilly”, the veteran racing executive passed away last October at the age of 93. “Chilly was one of the sport’s true gentlemen,” said Aidan Butler, Executive Director of California Racing Operations for The Stronach Group.  “He was full of life and loved racing.  He actually lived here at Santa Anita and was such a part of this place, that it is only appropriate for us to honor him with The Chillingworth Stakes.” Chillingworth first served as an Oak Tree director in 1989 and was named executive vice president in 1993, just prior to the first of four Breeders’ Cups that he oversaw at Santa Anita.  He also raced a number of Thoroughbreds in the name of his Paniolo Ranch or in... ...

From Emerald Downs Publicity AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2020) — Undefeated and still unchallenged, Daffodil Sweet powered to a six-length victory over For You Only in the $40,000 Coca-Cola Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. With Juan Gutierrez riding at 121 lbs, Daffodil Sweet covered 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.86 and paid $2.80, $2.40 and $2.10. Chris Stenslie is the winning trainer for owners Jody Peetz of Issaquah and Steve Shimizu of Bellevue. It was the third consecutive dominating performance and first stakes victory for Daffodil Sweet, who joins Omache Kid as three-time winners at the meeting. Breaking from the No. 1 post-position, Daffodil Sweet gradually gained command into the turn, opened a commanding lead into the stretch and rolled home as much the best. She set fractions of :22.42, :4515 and 1:10.12. Daffodil Sweet has three victories in 37 days, all at different distances. She debuted July 2 with an 8 ¾ length victory at 5 ½ furlongs, followed by a 7 ¾-length allowance score at six furlongs on July 23,... ...

From TOC The Thoroughbred Owners of California received significant positive feedback from the owners who attended the races at Del Mar last weekend. Please note that space has been increased to four licensed owners per horse. Unfortunately, non-licensed guests are still not permitted. If a horse has more than four owners wishing to attend the races, TOC will do its best to accommodate if space is available. Owners wishing to attend should email Mary Forney, Executive Director of TOC (mforney@toconline.com ) to secure access, and reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day.  On race day, owners must show their license when entering the Del Mar Race Track and park in the designated area just outside the clubhouse. Owners will enter through the gate on the east side of the track across from the receiving barn. Owners will be required to be on the owner reservation list, provide their CHRB owners license, and undergo a full COVID-19 health screening including a temperature check. Masks will be required to... ...

NAAS, Ireland (Aug. 4, 2020) – Miss Amulet, an Irish-bred daughter of California stallion Sir Prancealot, won Monday’s $48,000 Arqana Irish EBF Marwell Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Naas. Miss Amulet ran the five furlongs on yielding turf in 1:00.10 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 12-1 in a field of seven. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. – The officiating crew at Del Mar has been kind to trainer Luis Mendez in the Graduation Stakes, a sprint for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds. Exactly one year after Mendez won the first stakes of his career with Graduation runner-up Big Returns, placed first via disqualification, Mendez won the stakes race again Sunday with Positivity, and once again track stewards were instrumental in the victory. Bred by Allen Farm, Positivity ($13.20) rallied from third to collar pacesetter Good With People in deep stretch, but the $100,500 Graduation did not become official for at least five minutes while stewards deliberated whether or not to disqualify Positivity for interference on the backstretch. Positivity and jockey Drayden Van Dyke drifted inward after the start, intimidating even-money favorite Touchdown Brown, who got shuffled to last and did not pick up his feet thereafter. He finished last of seven, after which jockey Evin Roman lodged a claim of foul against the winner. Stewards already were reviewing the backstretch run. In... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2020) – Govenor Goteven made the leap from maiden winner to stakes star on Saturday by winning the $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Govenor Goteven is by Govenor Charlie, out of the Time to Get Even mare Time Linda Goteven, was bred by owner Templeton Horses and is trained by Lisa Bernard, who notched her first Del Mar win. “I feel fantastic; it’s very wonderful,” said Bernard. “(Governor Goteven) has been a really fun 2-year-old to deal with and I knew she was training really well. We won first time out with her at Santa Anita and I had a lot of faith in her. They just tell you. You just know sometimes. I think she’s got another stakes race in her future here at the end of the month ($100,000 Generous Portion, 6 furlongs, August 30).” She has won both starts with earnings of 87,000. She ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.55 and... ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 31, 2020) — El Tigre Terrible lost turf stakes at Santa Anita in June and at Del Mar earlier this month because of traffic problems at pivotal times in the races. There were no impediments in El Tigre Terrible’s path in Friday’s $125,500 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds on the main track at Del Mar. Sent off favored, El Tigre Terrible ($4.20) stalked the pace for the first half-mile and was moved to the outside of rivals on the turn by jockey Flavien Prat for racing room. El Tigre Terrible rallied four wide to take the lead in the final furlong and pulled clear to win by 4 3/4 lengths. Bred by Martin Bach, El Tigre Terrible ran seven furlongs in 1:24.28. “It almost looked like he was going to get in trouble again,” winning trainer Peter Miller said. “He finds trouble. He reminds me of me in high school. “The horse ran really well.” Rookie Mistake (7-2) closed from... ...

DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 30, 2020) — Del Mar Thoroughbred Club today announced a 10% purse increase after a solid opening span of racing days during the month of July. The increase will be retroactive back to the track’s first day, July 10. Del Mar also announced the addition of a stakes race to its calendar – the $75,000 Del Mar Juvenile Filly Turf, a one-mile spin on the grass for 2-year-old fillies that will be held on Sunday, September 6. The race had been a regular feature here the previous eight years, but had been dropped from the original stakes schedule due to belt tightening measures. Between July 10 and July 27 Del Mar conducted seven days of racing and — though it has not had fans on board any of those days as a safety measure tied to the coronavirus pandemic — it saw wagering amounting to $133,841,412 flow from its online and satellite services, an increase of more than 5% over similar dates last year.... ...

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2020) — Starting this Friday July 31, 2020, licensed owners with a horse entered can attend the races at Del Mar. Due to COVID-19, currently space is limited to two licensed owners per horse. No guests are permitted. Up until now, licensed owners have been on track in the morning to watch workouts. The first come, first serve seating in the afternoons will be located in the same area in the spacious clubhouse box seating. Owners will be required to email Mary Forney, Executive Director of TOC (mforney@toconline.com) to secure access, and reservations can be made up until 24 hours before race day. If a horse has more than two owners wishing to attend the races, TOC will do its best to accommodate if space is available.  On race day, owners must show their license when entering the Del Mar Race Track and park in the designated area just outside the clubhouse. Owners will enter through the same area they have been using... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 27, 2020) — West Point Thoroughbreds and partners’ Galilean won the $125,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by a half length Sunday at Del Mar, giving rider Flavien Prat his fourth stakes victory on the young meet’s sixth day. The tally was also his third triumph on the 11-race card and propelled him into a three-way tie for the shore jockey crown with nine victories. Riders Umberto Rispoli and Abel Cedillo also have nine firsts. Galilean was bred by Bar C Racing Stables, a 4-year-old colt by Uncle Mo, earned $71,250 for capturing the California-bred test, his first on turf. He covered the mile and one-sixteenth in 1:40.87 and, as the 6/5 favorite, returned $4.40, $3.80 and $2.80. Second in the stakes was Reddam Racing’s Whooping Jay and third was Flawless Racing, Flanagan or Jarvis’ Brandothebartender. Galilean, a $600,000 purchase at the Barrett’s April 2-year-old sale in 2018, now has earned $514,098 with five wins in 10 starts. He is... ...

By DRF.com HENDERSON, Ky. (July 26, 2020) — Absolutely Aiden, a 4-year-old Kentucky-bred son of California stallion Stay Thirsty, continued in absolute peak form when speeding to victory Sunday in the $50,000 Good Lord Stakes at Ellis Park in western Kentucky. Always prominent under Chris Landeros, Absolutely Aiden drew clear after turning for home in the 6 1/2-furlong race prior to holding Home Base safe by three-quarters of a length. The winner returned $8.20 as a slight favorite in a field of 10 older horses after finishing in 1:15.19 over a fast track. Absolutely Aiden was making his stakes debut after winning three of six starts, all allowances, since being claimed for $40,000 last fall by trainer Wes Hawley, who owns the colt in partnership with Greg Frye. Absolutely Aiden put away Gray Attempt after contesting early fractions of 21.91 and 44.45, then held off sustained bids from Home Base and Manny Wah when racing closest to the rail down the stretch. The chestnut colt now has won seven of... ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 25, 2020) – California-bred Top Harbor remained unbeaten by rallying wide from last to win Saturday’s $68,300 Everett Nevin Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Top Harbor is by Harbor the Gold, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba Is Tops, was bred by owners Jarnig, Marshall or Schweiger and is trained by Tim McCanna. He won his lone start June 28 and has earnings of $61,080. Top Harbor ran the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:05.45 and won by one-half length over fellow Cal-bred Tom’s Song at odds of 5-2 in a field of nine. ...

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (July 24, 2020) — Big Sweep returned to a sprint and returned to the winner’s circle on Friday as Del Mar returned to action. She bounced back from the first loss of her career in her prior start to take the $117,500 Fleet Treat Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies as Del Mar resumed racing after last week’s cancellation owing to 15 jockeys testing positive for coronavirus. Big Sweep, who has raced exclusively against statebreds, won the first two starts of her career earlier this year at Santa Anita going six furlongs, including against males in the Echo Eddie on May 16. She suffered the first loss of her brief career when third last time out in the Melair going 1 1/16 miles, also at Santa Anita. Back around one turn for the seven-furlong Fleet Treat, Big Sweep also benefited by landing the outside post over a main track whose profile early on Friday tended to favor outside lanes. With regular rider Flavien Prat... ...

From Harris Farms COALINGA, Calif. (July 20, 2020) — Harris Farms resident stallion Tizbud, the Grade One sire and full brother to Tiznow, was euthanized on July 20, 2020 due to an overall decline in health. Tizbud was pensioned at the farm, in 2018, where he was foaled, raised and stood at stud. Tizbud, was bred by Cecilia Straub Rubens and is a son of Cee’s Tizzy out of Cee’s Song. He was the younger stakes winning full brother to Tiznow. Tizbud raced for Cee’s Stable LLC when he won the 2003 California Cup Classic by three lengths and placed in that years San Fernando Breeders’ Cup S. [G2]. He was trained by John Sadler. Owner Pamela C. Ziebarth stood Tizbud at Harris Farms and for her, as breeder, Tizbud sired Grade I winner Tiz Flirtatious, Grade 3 winner Ambitious Brew and stakes winner Kitty Boom Boom. For other breeders he sired stakes winners; millionaire Soi Phet, Italian Boy, Catch Lorraine, Chao Chom among others. David McGlothlin, retired farm manager... ...

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2020) — During a July 16 conference call with the Thoroughbred Owners of California, Del Mar president and COO Josh Rubinstein said the track made a request to the California Horse Racing Board for an extra day of racing July 27. The move comes after the track canceled racing July 17-19 after numerous jockeys tested positive for COVID-19. The track had largely planned to run on a three-day-a-week schedule this summer, Fridays through Sundays. “So as soon as we get approval from the CHRB—they are wrapping up a closed session of their meeting—we will put out a press release. We don’t think it will be an issue to get approval,” Rubinstein said around 2 p.m. PT Thursday. “We want to let folks know, folks on this call and other horsemen and women out there, that we intend to do our best to make up for the races that were lost this weekend. So that means extra race days or an extra race here or there on a Friday or... ...

By DRF.com SHAKOPEE, Minn. (July 15, 2020) – California-bred Streak of Luck snapped an 11-race losing streak with a wire-to-wire three-quarters length win in Wednesday’s $75,000 Lady Canterbury Stakes for fillies and mares at Canterbury Park. Streak of Luck went an opening half-mile in 48.69, a very slow tempo given course conditions, then sprinted her final half-mile in 46.16 seconds for a final time of 1:34.89. Winning Envelope, the 2-1 favorite, did all she could but was too far back, trying to rally from seventh, and could only finish second, a head better than Aife. Streak of Luck, a 5-year-old mare by Old Fashioned out of Valeria, by Elusive Quality, had raced in California throughout her career before being shipped into the barn of Kentucky-based trained Kelly Ackerman in June. Ackerman trains her for Carrie Brodgen, James Keogh, and the breeder Roncelli Family Trust. She has six wins in 28 starts, earnings of $351,359 and this was her first stakes win. ...

By Bloodhorse.com Devout racing fan, savvy horseplayer, and owner Gerald “Jerry” Benowitz died July 8 following complications associated with kidney failure, according to his family. He was 75. A native of Texas, Benowitz was a former stockbroker who embraced the analytical challenge of handicapping and eventually parlayed his enthusiasm into ownership. His wife, Sandra, shared his passion for horse racing and they, in turn, passed the racing bug onto their children. “My sister Alison and I live in Encinitas, but we were so fortunate that after my Dad and Mom retired to Las Vegas that they came back every year to Del Mar,” said Jeff Benowitz, who said Del Mar had been a regular summertime destination since the family moved to California in the late 1970s. “He loved to be here with family, go to beach, and then go to races, every single day. He was a fixture in Box 606. He was looking forward this year to being in and around the San Diego area even though he couldn’t... ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (July 12, 2020) – The quick California-bred mare Cordiality got her course and got her way up front and took them wire-to-wire in the 65th running of the Osunitas Stakes on the Del Mar lawn Sunday afternoon. Cordiality was bred by Dr. Edward Allred, is owned by Donnie Crevier and trained by Tim Yakteen. She now has a lifetime mark of 11 wins in 31 starts with seven of those victories coming on the grass. “Cordiality was much fitter today and she loves Del Mar,” said Yakteen. “This was a prep for the Solana Beach ($125,000 Saturday, August 15) that’s what we’re looking at next. She’s always been a super honest horse and I loved her even before we claimed her (for $62,500 in February of 2019). Her start date this year was delayed almost 60 days by the COVID situation when racing was shut down. I intended to get a prep race before the Fran’s Valentine (5th, June 6) but had to go... ...

From Fasig-Tipton LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 9, 2020) — Horses purchased at the July 15 Fasig-Tipton Horses of Racing Age Sale in Lexington are eligible to an additional $2,000 Ship & Win bonus program for making a start at the 2020 Del Mar Summer Meet. Horses purchased at the sale will receive a day three date from the racing office. Fasig-Tipton has catalogued an additional 16 entries to the sale, increasing the size of the catalogue to 165 entries. The July Horses of Racing Age Sale will take place Monday, July 13 in Lexington, Kentucky.  The sale will begin at 4 pm. These new entries are catalogued as hips 150-165, and may now be viewed online.  This latest group of entries includes: QUEEN OF GOD (Hip 152): Three-year-old filly captured the Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway back in March, where she earned 20 Kentucky Oaks points.  She hails from the immediate family of leading sire UNCLE MO.  She is consigned by WinStar Racing, agent. TRUE VALOUR (IRE) (Hip 154): Consistent grass runner... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (July 4, 2020) — Sneaking Out, a 7-1 shot, upset heavily-favored Bellafina in the Grade II, $201,000 Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. Owned by breeder KMN Racing LLC and trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer, Sneaking Out earned her fifth win in her 11th start, but it was the first in a graded event for the 4-year-old California bred daughter of Indian Evening. Positioned outside pacesetter Artistic Diva by jockey Martin Garcia, Sneaking Out took over inside the final quarter of a mile and prevailed by three-quarters of a length over Bellafina, the 1-2 choice who was seeking her eighth graded win. Out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Maddie’s Odyssey, Sneaking Out completed the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:14.62 and paid $16.40 and $4.40 as the fourth choice in the field of seven. There was no show wagering. Bellafina returned $2.20 while finishing two lengths clear of 16-1 shot Amuse. Artistic Diva, Hang a Star, the 4-1... ...

By DRF.com CARLSBAD, Calif. (July 3, 2020) — Sharon Alesia, who co-bred or owned such stakes winners as California-bred Ashleyluvssugar, Champagne Room, Dance With Fate, and Weemissfrankie in the last decade, died June 15 in Carlsbad, Calif., after an illness, according to her business manager, Howard Grossman. Alesia was 83. Alesia and her late husband, Frank, owned horses since the mid-1980s, always with trainer Peter Eurton. Sharon Alesia, who often owned horses in small partnerships, maintained the stable after Frank Alesia’s death in 2011. The stable frequently had a leading runner at Southern California tracks in recent years. Weemissfrankie won the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante and Grade 1 Oak Leaf Stakes prior to finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at Churchill Downs in 2011. Dance With Fate won the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland in 2014 and was later sixth in the Kentucky Derby behind California Chrome. Champagne Room won the BC Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita in 2016. Ashleyluvssugar, a six-time stakes winner, won... ...

TIMONIUM, Md. (July 2, 2020) – A filly selling for $500,000 at the recent Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale is out of the California-bred broodmare Global Hottie. The filly, sold to agent Lauren Carlisle, is by Into Mischief out of the Dixie Chatter mare Global Hottie, who was graded-stakes placed and sold for $190,000 at the Barretts 2013 Horses of Racing Age Sale. Global Hottie was bred by Baseline Equine LLC. ...

TIMONIUM, Md. (June 30, 2020) – A California-bred son of Square Eddie sold for $100,000 at Tuesday’s session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-olds in Training Sale. The May foal, out of the Indian Charlie mare Cryptic, was consigned by Wavertree Stables, Agent, and purchased by West Point Thoroughbreds/L.E.B., Agent. He was bred by Reddam Racing and had breezed one-eighth of a mile in :10.0. ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif (June 27, 2020) – A stretch to two turns and a return to Los Alamitos proved the winning moves for Galilean as he rolled to an easy victory in the $101,500 Soi Phet Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles Saturday. Bred by Bar C Racing Stables and trained by John Sadler for West Point Thoroughbreds, Denise Barker, William Sandbrook, John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith, the 4-year-old stalked the early pace from his outside post, then powered away in the final quarter of a mile to win by four lengths under jockey Juan Hernandez. The score in 1:35.49 for the mile was the first for the son of Uncle Mo and the El Prado mare Fresia since he captured the California Cup Derby Feb. 18, 2019 at Santa Anita when trained by Hall of Famer Jerry Hollendorfer. He’s now 4-for-9 lifetime with earnings of $442,948. Three of those victories – in as many starts – have come at Los Alamitos. Galilean captured... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 21, 2020)–Ben and Sally Warren’s versatile homebred Warren’s Showtime, a three-time stakes winner on grass, relaxed beautifully early and despite the fact she lost considerable ground on both turns, rallied with big strides to take Sunday’s $150,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at a mile and one sixteenth on dirt. Ridden by regular pilot Jorge Velez and trained by Craig Lewis, the 3-year-old chestnut filly by red-hot sire Clubhouse Ride got the distance in 1:44.29. Breaking from the outside in a field of six sophomore fillies bred or sired in California, Warren’s Showtime was forced four-wide into the first turn as she sat fifth, about three lengths off of longshot pacesetter Reiwa, who was hotly pursued by favored Big Sweep and Smiling Shirlee. A comfortable fifth while full of run and three lengths off the lead at the half mile pole, Velez bided his time and asked his mount for run leaving the three furlong pole, from where she wheeled... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 20, 2020)—Not satisfied with the early pace scenario, “Big Money” Mike Smith took charge turning up the backside of Saturday’s $150,000 Snow Chief Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita, as he allowed his free-running Indian Peak to stretch his legs with the result a gutty half-length win as he covered 1 1/8 miles on turf in 1:48.11.  Trained by Golden Gate Fields-based Quinn Howey, the homebred colt by Comic Strip notched his first stakes win in his 10th career start and provided Howey with his first Santa Anita stakes victory as well.                 A restrained fifth, about two lengths off the lead coming out of the first turn, Smith gave his mount his head and gained a neck advantage over favored Margot’s five furlongs out, but Margot’s Boy quickly reengaged at the rail and they basically went head and head to the sixteenth pole, where Indian Peak began to edge away.                 “He just wanted to give it to ’em,... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 20, 2020) — Veteran trainer Rafael Becerra was all smiles Saturday morning, as his talented California-bred juvenile Touchdown Brown ran lights-out in his debut in Friday’s fourth race, demolishing seven Cal-bred rivals by 5 ¼ lengths while getting 4 ½ furlongs in 52.81.           “He’s really good this morning, he pulled up great,” said the popular Becerra, 65.  “The owners told me they’re already getting a lot offers, but the good news is, they’re not selling.  I got this horse in mid-March and from day one, he acted like a good horse.  We went to the track with him right away and he galloped perfect and he’s got a very good mind.           “You could see he’s got a nice way of moving and my exercise rider really liked him right from the start.  When we started breezing him, he did everything easy and outworked a good horse of mine in company.”       ... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (June 19, 2020) – California broodmare Your Cheatin Heart was represented by a pair of California-bred half-sister winners on Friday. Her Loud Loud Music, a 3-year-old filly by Tizbud, won the seventh race at Santa Anita, an optional claimer, as the 2-1 favorite. Meanwhile, an hour earlier, Loretta, a 4-year-old filly by Grazen, won the second race at Pleasanton, an $18,000 claimer, at odds of 5-1. Both winners were bred by Nick Alexander, who also owns Loud Loud Music. Loretta is owned by Nin Auyeung. Your Cheatin Heart, a Bernstein mare, has a 2-year-old by Grazen named Ben Wade, and an unnamed yearling by Grazen, both bred by Alexander. ...

From The Racing Post Day two at a behind-closed-doors Royal Ascot will be one trainer William Knight never forgets, after he saddled an emotional first winner at the meeting when Sir Busker, a son of California stallion Sir Prancealot, landed the Silver Royal Hunt Cup. The Kennet Valley Thoroughbreds-owned four-year-old powered home late under champion jockey Oisin Murphy to defeat the Roger Varian-trained Salayel by three-quarters of a length with the first four home racing on the stands’ side from stalls 18, 17, 21 and 19. Knight, who recently moved bases from Sussex to Newmarket, said: “When Sir Busker won at Newcastle that was my first runner from the yard, which is important, but that morning my father died and he was a big supporter of mine. “So the horse has a real emotional bond to me now and to enjoy a Royal Ascot win with him is fantastic. All credit has to go to my team. “He’s tailor-made for these big mile handicaps. We’ll go where the money is... ...

From CARF PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 17, 2020) — Horse owners will now be allowed on grounds for racing at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Owners must follow these guidelines to be on grounds:   Owners only allowed to bring one guest per owner. Owners are allowed to only watch the race their horse is entered in. Owners must abide by the safety protocols of the Alameda County Fair (including wearing a face mask and social distancing.) Owners will be restricted to access only the apron and paddock areas.   We have also learned that the Alameda County Health Department has approved outside dining at the Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds will be hosting Trackside Terrace Outdoor Patio Dining on the second level of the Grandstand that owners may purchase tickets to. Those who are participating in the dining experience will be allowed to stay for the full duration of the race card. Those tickets can be purchased here and include a meal and bottomless cocktails. Questions about watching your horse run?  Contact Tom Doutrich... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 13, 2020)–With most of the attention focused on last year’s winner, trainer Carla Gaines’ “Avis choice,” consistent Tiger Dad, set the tone early as he battled head and head for the lead with a well-meant Principe Carlo, eventually gaining the ascendency in deep stretch as he drew off to win Saturday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by three quarters of length. Ridden by regular pilot Victor Espinoza, Tiger Dad, a 4-year-old California-bred gelding by Smiling Tiger, got six furlongs in 1:09.56 while never threatened by his well fancied stablemate Desert Law, who checked in third as the even money favorite. “I have been riding him quite a few times (his last eight races), so I really have the confidence in him,” said Espinoza. “When some other horse is outside, it is exactly what he wants because he won’t let them go by. I didn’t want to take the lead too soon because he has a bad habit of waiting... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (June 12, 2020) – The unfortunate combination of seven weeks of no live racing coupled with statewide increases in workers compensation costs have created a funding shortfall for the horse industry’s workers compensation program covering jockeys and backstretch workers that is operated by Post Time Self Insurance.  As a result, Post Time has found it necessary to increase the amounts to be paid by both owners and trainers, which fund the majority of program costs via per-stall charges from trainers and race per-start fees from owners. The owners’ per-start fee will be raised from $120 to $149 effective July 1, 2020. The per-start fee will continue to be automatically deducted from the owner’s paymaster account every time they start a horse.To offset increased workers’ compensation per-start increases and provide additional financial support to California owners, TOC authorized an increase in the Guaranteed Participation Purses earlier this year from $351 to $500 per start in Southern California and from $300 to $450 at Golden Gate Fields.Guaranteed participation... ...

OCALA, Fla. (June 12, 2020) – A California-bred filly by Kitten’s Joy sold for $115,000 in Friday’s final session of the Ocala Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-olds. The filly, out of the Dynaformer mare Dynarhythm, was bred by Hanson’s River Ranch, was consigned by Sequel Bloodstock and purchased by Red Baron’s Barn and Rancho Temescal. She’s a full sister to Fear the Kitten, a stakes-placed winner of $232,505. ...

From Gulfstream Park Publicity HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (June 9, 2020) – Given a short freshening after competing in five consecutive graded-stakes dating back to last fall, Kelsey’s Cross got some class relief and rallied to secure her elusive first career stakes victory in Saturday’s $100,000 Ginger Punch for Florida-breds at Gulfstream Park. Kelsey’s Cross is a Florida-bred by California stallion Anthony’s Cross, who stands at Rancho de los Aviadores. Ridden by Luca Panici for trainer Patrick Biancone, who co-owns the 4-year-old filly with Sanford Bancon, Kelsey’s Cross ($7.80) completed the distance in 1:42.94 over a turf course rated good as the 5-2 second choice in a field of 11. Kelsey’s Cross was last seen finishing ninth in the Orchid (G3) March 28 at Gulfstream, three weeks after her third-place effort in the Hillsborough (G2) at Tampa. Also third in the Wonder Again (G3), Martha Washington and Saratoga Oaks last summer, she had been training steadily for her comeback at Palm Meadows, Gulfstream’s satellite training facility in Palm Beach County. “It’s... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (June 6, 2020) – In his first start back after a year on the sidelines, Mikes Tiznow successfully defended his title in Saturday’s $50,000 Albany Stakes at Golden Gate. Mikes Tiznow is by Slew’s Tiznow, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Babes Bridge It, was bred by Eagle Ridge Racing, is owned by Mike Schott and trained by Andy Mathis. The 5-year-old gelding has five wins in nine starts with earnings of $187,555. Mikes Tiznow ran the five furlongs in :56.26 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-2 in a field of nine. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 6, 2020)–In his first-ever try going two turns on grass, the Anthony Saavedra-trained Grinning Tiger went to the front and never looked back, winning Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles by 1 ¾ lengths at odds of 90-1.  Ridden by Heriberto Figueroa, the 5-year-old Oregon-bred gelding by California stallion Smiling Tiger got a flat mile on turf in 1:35.75. Fitted with blinkers in his last three starts, Grinning Tiger was most recently sixth going 5 ½ furlongs on turf versus statebreds in the 5 ½ furlong Sensational Star Stakes here on March 22. “I really did think we could get it done,” said an elated Saavedra.  “He shuts off (relaxes) so easy, he’s not a runoff.  He will just bow that head and do whatever we want him to do.  We were dying to try two turns…We were going to scratch him at the last minute, but we all came together and said he needs to run.” In his... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (June 6, 2020)–Last by about seven lengths heading into the far turn, Super Patriot rallied three-deep turning for home to win Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares by 1 ¾ lengths under a well executed hand ride from Santa Anita’s leading man Flavien Prat. Trained by Richard Baltas, the 5-year-old Unusual Heat mare got a mile on turf in 1:35.66. Well beaten in the Grade II Buena Vista Stakes going a mile turf Feb. 22, Super Patriot was the 3-2 favorite with Prat aboard for the first time and in a field of six California-bred or sired fillies and mares paid $5.00, $2.80 and $2.10. “She’s not easy to deal with, but she’s special,” said Baltas, who notched his meet-leading 27th win. “She’s got a great turn of foot. They were walking, but she was off the bridle and looked very comfortable. All I told Flavien was ‘Don’t get her stopped.’ She was inside, they he took... ...

From Harris Auerbach COTTONWOOD, Calif. (May 30, 2020) — Multiple stakes winner, former course record holder and important California horse retirement figure Lennyfromalibu passed away due to complications from colic on Thursday evening at his home at Tranquility Farm in Cottonwood, Calif.  He was 21. Bred in California by owners Jim and Madeline Auerbach, Lennyfromalibu hailed from the first crop of California’s All Time Leading Sire Unusual Heat and was the first foal of the Half A Year mare Style of the Year.  Lenny is widely recognized as the horse who put Unusual Heat on the map as his first star runner.  Unusual Heat would go on to become a 7 time leading sire in California while Lenny’s dam Style of the Year would become an important foundation mare of 15 foals amassing over $1.6 million in earnings and producers of black type runners. A versatile athlete with pure speed, Lenny won races on dirt and turf and both sprinting and around 2 turns.  Trained by Barry Abrams, he won the 2003 California Cup Mile... ...

DEL MAR, Calif. (May 29, 2020) — Del Mar will offer eight California-bred stakes, part of the Golden State Series consisting of 39 restricted stakes for registered California-bred or California-sired horses. They are: Friday, July 24 $100,000 Fleet Treat Stakes, for 3-year-old fillies at seven furlongs; Sunday, July 26 $125,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes, for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles (turf); Friday, July 31 $100,000 Real Good Deal Stakes, for 3-year-olds at seven furlongs; Saturday, August 1 $100,000 CTBA Stakes, for 2-year-old fillies at 5 1/2 furlongs; Sunday, August 2, $100,000 Graduation Stakes, for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs; Saturday, August 15, $125,000 Solana Beach Stakes, for 3-year-olds and up, fillies and mares at one mile (turf); Sunday, August 30, $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes, for 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs; Friday, September 4, $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes, for 2-year-olds at six furlongs ...

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (May 28, 2020) — The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club announced today its intention to begin the 2020 summer race meet on July 10 and employ a three-day-a-week race schedule pending the approval of the California Horse Racing Board at its June 11 meeting. Further, following guidelines issued by San Diego County public health officials, California state officials and in consultation with other public health experts, the track’s traditional summer meeting is preparing to operate without spectators, but will continue to work with state and local officials to adopt any changes as they happen. In all cases, Del Mar will follow similar COVID-19 protocols that have enabled racing to be conducted safely in California and throughout the country. “We’re coming back and we’re going to put on the most unique show in Del Mar history,” said Del Mar’s CEO, Joe Harper. “It’s going to look different, it’s going to feel different, but it’s going to be first-class horse racing at Del Mar and in these... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 27, 20o20) — Santa Anita has announced a comprehensive plan to allow CHRB licensed owners at the race track to watch their horses breeze in the mornings. Since the number of owners attending at one time will be limited to comply with county health department protocols, reservations must be made ahead of time by your trainer. Trainers will be able to make reservations through the Santa Anita Racing Office for their owners to attend on a first-come-first-served basis. The new owners’ viewing area has been set aside in the Clubhouse section of the Grandstand overlooking the far turn. The viewing area contains tables and chairs, which have been appropriately spaced for social distancing. Extensive cleaning and disinfecting of the viewing area and restrooms will be done regularly to conform to COVID-19 protocols. There will also be coffee service available in the viewing area. Owners must enter Santa Anita through Gate 8 off Baldwin Avenue and park in the Clubhouse Valet.  They will enter through the Clubhouse... ...

By Bloodhorse.com SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 27, 2020) — The framework for a summer racing season in Northern California was discussed during a May 27 teleconference of the California Horse Racing Board Race Dates Committee, though the finalization of dates will not take place until the CHRB regular monthly meeting June 11. Under dates mentioned by committee members Oscar Gonzales and Wendy Mitchell, the summer racing season in Northern California could include an Alameda County Fair race meet at Pleasanton from June 19-July 12 followed by a Cal Expo at Pleasanton meet from July 17-Aug 2. Those dates would be contingent on Pleasanton receiving authorization from the Alameda County Public Health Department to race amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and CHRB approval at the June 11 meeting. Golden Gate Fields, currently running spectatorless and set to race through June 14, could pick up summer fair dates, resuming racing Aug. 7 and staging a Santa Rosa at Golden Gate meet through Aug. 16. It could then continue with other race dates through Oct.... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (May 26, 2020) — The California Thoroughbred Business League (CTBL) board today unanimously approved a subsidy of $2 million from its reserves to be paid to Post Time Self Insurance Group, the entity which insures California trainers for workers’ compensation. CTBL, Post Time and the California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) have agreed to support the creation of a new position of Director of Safety to establish and regulate uniform safety standards and to oversee and coordinate those standards at California tracks and auxiliary training facilities. “We spent substantial time over the last three months working with the trainers and Post Time to develop substantial improvements in the workers’ comp program, including significant safety initiatives,” said Nick Alexander, TOC Chairman and representative on the CTBL board.  “I especially want to thank Tim Yakteen, Post Time president and southern California vice-president of CTT, for his important input and the countless hours he contributed to the process.” “We greatly appreciate this funding from the CTBL,” said Yakteen. “It was vital... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 24, 2020) – Graduates of California Thoroughbred Breeders Sales have won five races in the state this weekend. Salsa Verde, a 3-year-old daughter of U S Ranger, won a maiden claimer at Golden Gate on Thursday. Out of the Victory Gallop mare Blue Sky Holiday, Salsa Verde was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by trainer Paul Aguirre and Bryce Packnit and was purchased at the 2019 CTBA January Mixed Sale for $1,000. Take the One O One, a 5-year-old by Acclimation, won an optional allowance claimer at Santa Anita on Friday. Out of the Jump Start mare North Freeway, Take the One O One was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Jay Em Ess Stable, is trained by Brian Koriner and was a $47,000 purchase at the 2016 Northern California Yearling Sale. Take the One O One has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $382,306 and is graded-stakes placed. Gardees World, a 2-year-old filly by Atticus, won an open maiden special weight race... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (May 16, 2020)–Unhurried early from her rail post position, Smiling Shirlee, under confident handling from Mike Smith, came running late to overhaul a well meant Bella Vita in taking Saturday’s $150,000 Evening Jewel Stakes at Santa Anita. Trained by Jeff Bonde, the 3-year-old daughter of Smiling Tiger got six furlongs in 1:10.49, which was .26 of a second slower than Big Sweep’s final clocking in the Evening Jewel’s counterpart, the Echo Eddie, which was run two races earlier. Sponsored by the CTBA, the Evening Jewel is part of the lucrative Golden State Series for eligible California-bred or sired horses. A one mile state-bred allowance winner on March 6, Smiling Shirlee, who is owned by Edward Brown, Jr., Alan Klein and Phillip Lebherz, had been Cal-bred stakes place on three occasions and notched her first stakes victory today in her eighth career start. “What a race she ran,” said Smith, who was aboard for the first time today. “I thought that if she ran back... ...