Review Category : Uncategorized

Northern California Racing Update

From Golden State Racing PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2024) — Since the announcement of the closure of Golden Gate Fields in 2023, which was Northern California’s hub for racing for over 80 years, California horseracing was at an impasse. Do we close shop and only hold races in Southern California or do we adapt and forge a new chapter for the north? The decision was simple, in order for racing to flourish and grow in the Golden State it was imperative to find a new primary racetrack in the north where the appetite for horseracing is alive and well. The challenges have not been easy. However, the united effort of those who live this sport and have dedicated the best of their professional efforts to horse racing are beating the odds. We are on course to succeed in creating a highly viable, profitable, end engaging Northern California racing season. Thanks to AB 1074 authored by Assemblyman Juan Alanis (R-Modesto) that allowed California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) time to set their... ...

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Melanie’s Tiger, Druidic in Mt. Diablo Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2024) – Stakes-placed California-breds Melanie’s Tiger and Druidic are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Mt. Diablo Stakes at the Golden State Racing meet at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Melanie’s Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Gotham City mare Melanie’s Rose, was bred by Martin Bach and owner Daniel Weiner and is trained by Manuel Badilla. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $126,221 and is coming off a fifth in an Oct. 19 allowance. Druidic is by Boisterous, out of the Rocky Bar mare Shared Image, was bred by owner Robert Traynor and is trained by D. Wayne Baker. He has four wins in 28 starts, earnings of $99,452 and is coming off a fourth in an Oct. 31 optional claimer. ...

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Cal-bred Scramble in Betty Grable Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Pushiness, Big Summer and Irish Wahine bring sharp current form into Sunday’s $100,000 Betty Grable Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Del Mar. Roberta’s Love is by Collected, out of the Broken Vow mare West Coast Gal, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by BG Stables & Royalty Stable and is trained by Hector Palma. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $125,800 and is coming off a 10th in the Sept. 28 Unzip Me Stakes, presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has five wins in 21 starts, earnings of $522,750 and is coming off a ninth in the Oct. 12 California Distaff. She was fifth in this race last year. Big Summer is by Mr. Big, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Ultimate Summer, was bred by Bob Abrams... ...

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The Chosen Vron Misses Cary Grant Stakes

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2024) – Although the $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes this year is similar to the Cary Grant last year, a key element is missing from the Golden State Series sprint stakes Saturday at Del Mar. The Chosen Vron, the most accomplished sprinter in California and winner of the Cary Grant the past two years, is out until March. His absence creates a void in the West Coast sprint division and an opportunity for last year’s 2-3-4 Cary Grant finishers to improve their position. Big City Lights, Moose Mitchell, and None Above the Law try again in the Cary Grant, a seven-furlong stakes with five entrants including 3-year-old Curlin’s Kaos and Man O Rose. The Cary Grant was won in 2022 and 2023 by heavily favored The Chosen Vron, who is out for the winter. “We’re going to turn him out four months,” The Chosen Vron’s trainer, Eric Kruljac, said this week. A winner of 18 stakes, including two Grade 1s, The Chosen Vron was... ...

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Oakland Stakes Next for Clovisconnection

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2024) –California-bred multiple stakes winner Clovisconnection seeks to add to his resume in Saturday’s $75,000 Oakland Stakes at Golden State Racing at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Regal Patriot is by Jersey Town, out of the Michael’s Flyer mare Look to the Sky, was bred by Daehling Ranch and is owned by Rangel, Hector M., Morfin, Gonzalo and trainer Torres, Arnold. He has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $88,248 and is coming off back-to-back allowance wins. Bob’s Blue Moon is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Good Journey mare Nicolette Charmant, was bred by Rancho San Miguel, is owned by Blue Moon Racing, Ltd., Dietrich, Steve and Halasz, Thomas E. and trained by Steve Sherman. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $120,650 and is coming off a 10th in a Sept. 8 optional claimer. Lmlooknformischief is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Tizbud mare Just Lookn Again, was bred by West 12 Ranch and is owned by Terri Oyarzun and trainer... ...

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TOC Owners Seminar at Pleasanton Nov. 16

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Nov. 6, 2024) — Current and prospective owners are invited to TOC’s free owners seminar at the Alameda County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 10:30 a.m. Meet outside the jockey’s room near the paddock to hear from Tom Doutrich, Racing Secretary for California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF), and learn about the day-to-day operations of the Racing Office, as well as the various resources available to owners. To register, click here. ...

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Cloud Blitz Rushes into Gold Rush Futurity

AURORA, Colo. (Nov. 6, 2024) – Cloud Blitz is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $54,500 Gold Rush Futurity for 2-year-olds at Arapahoe Park. Cloud Blitz is by Cloud Computing, out of the Greatness mare Red Shelby, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Hickey, Wendy, Luedtke, Walter and trainer Martinez, Jr., O. A. He won his lone start July 7 at Wyoming Downs with earnings of $3,600. ...

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Golden State Juvenile Draws R Heisman

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2024) – R Heisman is the lone stakes winner entered in Friday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Steak Fries is by Sir Prancealot, out of the In Excess mare Salty Fries, was bred by owner Legacy Ranch and is trained by Craig Lewis. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $45,500 and is coming off a Sept. 7 maiden win. Got’m Cot’m is by Bolt D’Oro, out of the Flower Alley mare Annabird, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Cami Cottam and trained by Val Brinkerhoff. He is a maiden making his third start with earnings of $12,300. Stakes winner R Heisman is by Far From Over, out of the First American mare Parisienne, was bred by Highclere Inc., is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $123,200 and is coming off a fifth in the Oct. 6 Zuma Beach. Stakes-placed... ...

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Hot Girl Walk in Golden State Juvenile Fillies

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2024) – Stakes winners Hot Girl Walk and In the Air Tonight head a field of nine Golden State Series-eligibles in Friday’s $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar. Hot Girl Walk is by Bodexpress, out of the Awesome Again mare Awesome Mama, was bred by owner Richard Barton Enterprises and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $117,000 and is coming off a win in the Sept. 2 Generous Portion. Multiple stakes placed Thirsty Mama is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Stormin Fever mare Easter Fever, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by  Lovingier, Terry C., Mihaljevich, John and Moroney, John and trained by Steve Miyadi. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $79,200 and is coming off a second in an Oct. 2 optional claimer. Tequilaandtherapy is by Mrazek, out of the In Excess mare Chexcess, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers... ...

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Stay and Scam, Sassy Nature in Ken Maddy

DEL MAR, Calif. (oct. 29, 2024) – California-bred stakes winners Stay and Scam and Sassy Nature are entered in Friday’s $200,000 Senator Ken maddy Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Stay and Scam is by Square Eddie, out of the mare Puff Pastry, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $416,360 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 12 California Distaff. Sassy Nature is by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire LLC, is owned by C T R Stables and trained by Luis Mendez. She has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $337,790 and is coming off a sixth in the Oct. 12 California Distaff. ...

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Sabertooth’s Connections Pick TAA

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2024) – California-sired Sabertooth, who could have drawn into Friday’s $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf from the also-eligible list, instead will run in Friday’s $200,000 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes for 2-year-olds at Del Mar, trainer Tim Yakteen told Daily Racing Form. Sabertooth, a registered California-sired son of Grazen, is out of the Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, was bred by 2500 Determined Stud and is owned by George Sharp. The Maryland-foaled colt is a maiden with earnings of $70,000, having finished second in each of four starts, including the Grade III Zuma Beach and Del Mar Juvenile Turf stakes. ...

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Gun Runner’s Corporal to Stand at Dehesa

Dehesa Farms Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2024) – Corporal, purchased by Coolmore partners for $1.15 million, will be the first son of Gun Runner to stand in California next season at Dehesa Farms in San Miguel, formerly the location of Easterbrook Livestock. Corporal, out of the multiple stakes-winning and graded-stakes placed Bluegrass Cat mare Kathballu, was trained by Brad Cox in a two-race career ended earlier this year by injury. The now 3-year-old was sold at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Dehesa Farms, formerly Dahlberg Farms under the management of Easterbrook Livestock Management, is now owned and operated by Shane Easterbrook. Dehesa Farms is a full service horse farm, providing quality care for all aspects of raising equine athletes. ...

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Sneaker Seeks Stakes Win in Autumn Miss

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 24, 2024) – Sneaker is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Autumn Miss Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Sneaker is by Oscar Performance, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Lime Beach, was bred by Fountain of Youth Breeding, is owned by R L Stables and trained by George Papaprodromou. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $157,128 and is coming off a win in a Sept. 29 optional claimer. ...

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Sabertooth Looks to Draw in to Juvenile Turf

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2024) – Sabertooth, a registered California-sired son of Grazen, is second preference on the also-eligible list for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Friday, Nov. 1, at Del Mar. Sabertooth, out of the Johannesburg mare Hard to Resist, was bred by 2500 Determined Stud, is owned by George Sharp and trained by Tim Yakteen. The Maryland-foaled colt is a maiden with earnings of $70,000, having finished second in each of four starts, including the Grade III Zuma Beach and Del Mar Juvenile Turf stakes. ...

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Curlin’s Kaos in Grade II Twilight Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2024) – Curlin’s Kaos seeks a second consecutive stakes win as the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Twilight Derby for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Curlin’s Kaos is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda and Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $258,520 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 2 Real Good Deal Stakes. ...

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Turf Sprint or Allowance for Forbidden Kingdom?

DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 23, 2024) — Having earlier been pre-entered in the $1 million Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, to be run Saturday, Nov. 2, at Del Mar, Forbidden Kingdom was also entered in a Sunday allowance race at Santa Anita. Forbidden Kingdom, set to begin stud duties at Legacy Ranch in 2025, is by American Pharoah and was purchased for $310,000 by Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch in Clements as a stallion prospect. A three-time stakes winner on dirt and turf, Forbidden Kingdom has raced twice in the last year, winning the Grade 2 Joe Hernandez Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on the flat turf course at Santa Anita last December, but finishing last of seven in the Kona Gold Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on dirt at Santa Anita in April in his last start. ...

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Vet Scratches The Chosen Vron from Sprint

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 22, 2024) — The Chosen Vron, an 18-time stakes winner including the last two runnings of the Grade 1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar, will not start in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Nov. 2 at Del Mar after being scratched by a Breeders’ Cup veterinarian, co-owner John Sondereker said Tuesday afternoon. Sondereker said The Chosen Vron was inspected Monday by a veterinarian who made the decision. “He’s off a little bit sometime,” Sondereker said. “I can barely see it and I’ve been around him forever. “I’ve been with him for six years. He has a little hitch in his backside. It’s not a problem, no medication.” The news was first reported by XBTV commentator Zoe Cadman on X.com, formerly known as Twitter. A 6-year-old gelding, The Chosen Vron won the Bing Crosby Stakes on July 27 at Del Mar for his sixth consecutive win, and was second by a neck to BC Sprint hopeful Raging Torrent in the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien... ...

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Noms Close Thursday for Golden State Stakes

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 21, 2024) – Nominations close this Thursday for stakes races on the Breeders’ Cup undercard, which includes a pair of Nov. 1 stakes restricted to Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds. Nominations close for the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes and $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes, both to be run at seven furlongs. Breeders’ Cup has increased the benefits to connections of horses running on the undercard. Undercard Benefits Available this year 1. Complimentary Reserved Seats: Allocated Stretch Run Reserved the day your horse runs, with options to purchase more if available. 2. Parking Passes: Preferred parking pass for the day your horse runs. 3. Paddock Passes: Paddock passes, passes granting more access to the Winner’s Circle. 4. Owner & Trainer Enclosure Access 5. Breakfast Tickets: One-time use tickets for Breakfast at the Breeders’ Cup on Wednesday, October 30 6. Gift Bag For further information, contact David Jerkins at the Del Mar Racing Office, 858-755-1141 ext. 3815. ...

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Benefits for Breeders’ Cup Undercard Entrants

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2024) – Breeders’ Cup has increased the benefits to connections of horses running on the undercard stakes Nov. 1 and 2 at Del Mar, which include a pair of 2-year-old races restricted to Golden State Series eligibles. Nominations close Thursday, Oct. 24 for the $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes and $175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes, both to be run on Friday, Nov. 1, at seven furlongs. Undercard Benefits Available this year Complimentary Reserved Seats: Allocated Stretch Run Reserved the day your horse runs, with options to purchase more if available. Parking Passes: Preferred parking pass for the day your horse runs. Paddock Passes: Paddock passes, passes granting more access to the Winner’s Circle. Owner & Trainer Enclosure Access Breakfast Tickets: One-time use tickets for Breakfast at the Breeders’ Cup on Wednesday, October 30 Gift Bag ...

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Golden State Racing Launches Saturday

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Oct. 17, 2024) — The Golden State Racing meeting begins on the Alameda County fairgrounds in Pleasanton on Saturday, with the intent of providing Northern California racing with something absent on the circuit for more than a year. Stability. In July 2023, California racing was stunned by the announcement that Golden Gate Fields, the flagship track in the northern part of the state, would close. The track’s parent company, 1/ST Racing, which also owns Santa Anita in Southern California, intended to shut Golden Gate Fields last December, but were coaxed into racing through June of this year. Since the announcement of Golden Gate’s closure, a group of breeders, owners, and trainers, working with the California Authority of Racing Fairs, have sought to develop replacement meetings for Golden Gate Fields. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. The consortium, known as Golden State Racing, was granted racing dates for the upcoming fall meeting by the California... ...

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NorCal Sale Grads Vie in Bart Heller Stakes

PLEASANTON, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduates Breve and Jessebear, and fellow California-bred Mars Magic, are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Bart Heller Stakes for fillies and mares at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. Breve is by Will Take Charge, out of the A.P. Indy mare Artfully, was bred by Legacy Ranch, is owned by Hanna, Mark A., Hanna, Maria, Page, Scott, Page, Cecilia, Tootle, Herbert, Tootle, Janet, Vendosdel, Eric and Vendosdel, Sabrina and trained by Manuel Badilla. The $35,000 Northern California Yearling Sale purchase out of the Woodbridge Farm consignment has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $80,353 and is coming off back-to-back allowance wins. Jessebear is by Misremembered, out of the Crowd Pleaser mare Cagey Girl, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by McLean Racing Stables and trained by Aggie Ordonez. The $6,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale from the Barton Thoroughbreds consignment has two wins in 15 starts, earnings of $146,220 and is coming off a Sept. 20 optional claiming... ...

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More Black Type Lures Man O Rose

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2024) – A sharp gelding on his way up meets a well-bred graded winner on his way back in the $80,000 Lure Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita. The grass mile might be a two-horse race, or it might be a trap. Recent runaway route stakes winner Man O Rose and Grade 2-winning comebacker Seal Team enter with clear attributes, yet both face challenges. Man O Rose, a California-bred stakes winner, has never run long on turf. Seal Team has not started in nearly a year. Nine are entered in the Lure, a turf mile with conditions made to order for the favorites. The race is restricted to nonwinners of a stakes this year at a mile or longer other than California-bred. Man O Rose romped in a stakes for California-breds last month; Seal Team hasn’t raced since winning the Twilight Derby last year. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. The Lure... ...

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Retired Thoroughbreds to Benefit from Their Art

From After the Finish Line RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. (Oct. 16, 2024) — ReRun Thoroughbred Adoption and After the Finish Line announce after nearly two years the Moneigh Auctions will resume with the first auction to be hosted on eBay starting Sunday, October 20 and ending Sunday, October 27 at 6p PT/9p ET. Bid at, ebay.com/str/rerunthoroughbred. Eighteen original Moneighs by horses that have raced in and/or won Breeders’ Cup races are up for bid. This includes Cody’s Wish, Serena’s Song, Authentic, Kitten’s Joy, Afleet Alex, Blame, Ghostzapper, Midshipman, and more. Moneighs are abstract artwork created by Thoroughbreds using their lips, muzzle, hoof, and/or whiskers. The name is derived from the artist, Monet, and the neigh of a horse. Moneigh is a registered trademark of ReRun, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit that rehabilitates and retrains Off Track Thoroughbreds for adoption in New York. In partnership with After the Finish Line, a California Off Track Thoroughbred charity that awards grants, we paint with the premier stallions and broodmares in Kentucky to create sought... ...

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California Thoroughbred Foundation

The California Thoroughbred Foundation, known for its support of equine research and veterinary education, is transitioning. We’re establishing endowments to continue funding fellowships at UC Davis and Western University. We’re also donating our extensive library to Cal Poly Pomona to ensure its continued accessibility. Thank you for your past support of our projects. To learn more, explore the links below A message from Ada Gates Patton, CTF President Connection and giving for the Carleton F. Burke Memorial Library at Cal Poly Pomona UC DAVIS VETERINARY MEDICINE California Thoroughbred Foundation Rowan Research Fellowship Give Online: https://give.ucdavis.edu/Go/Rowan Checks, Checks for IRA donations; Stock and Wire Transfers; Special Gifts: EIN: 94-6081352 Checks are payable to: UC Davis Foundation Memo: California Thoroughbred Foundation Endowed Research Rowan Fellowship OR Fund # 125558 (CTF Research Rowan Fund) Mail To: UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine – Office of Advancement Attn: Sasha Wirth PO Box 1167, Davis, CA 95617 Sasha Wirth, Executive Director of Development-Veterinary Medical Complex Direct Line: (530) 754-5873   Cell: (530)-383-1273   Office: (530)... ...

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California Thoroughbred Foundation

The California Thoroughbred Foundation, known for its support of equine research and veterinary education, is transitioning. We’re establishing endowments to continue funding fellowships at UC Davis and Western University. We’re also donating our extensive library to Cal Poly Pomona to ensure its continued accessibility. Thank you for your past support of our projects. A New Chapter for the Foundation: Endowing the Future of Equine Research A message from Ada Gates Patton, CTF President Cal Poly Pomona Stewards the Carleton F. Burke Memorial Collection Please continue your support to CTF Rowan Research Fellowship, Endowed Scholarship, Third Year Equine Veterinary Student Donate to California Thoroughbred Foundation Helping develop veterinarians and funding research are unquestionably essential. However, we cannot do it without your support. Please help us with a gift today. Your help is invaluable if you care about the welfare of horses. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Please make checks payable to California Thoroughbred Foundation and send to 201 Colorado Place, Arcadia, CA 91007. For PayPal or Credit Card, click the “Donate” button above... ...

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Moment’s Pleasure Seeks More in Swingtime

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Stakes winner Moment’s Pleasure is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $80,000 Swingtime Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Moment’s Pleasure is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Lamazone, was bred by Rainmaker Racing LLC, Ben & Sally Warren & Bret Lewis, is owned by Rainmaker Racing LLC and Lewis, Bret and trained by Craig Lewis. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $230,460 and is coming off a third in a Sept. 29 optional claimer. ...

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Rancho San Miguel Open House Nov. 16

Rancho San Miguel Press Release SAN MIGUEL, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2024) —A new autumn date and an expanded stallion roster will greet attendees at Rancho San Miguel’s Open House & Stallion Show on Saturday, November 16. Current and prospective Thoroughbred owners and breeders are invited to participate in the free program, which will be hosted from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.   The San Luis Obispo County farm, which will commemorate its 25th anniversary as one of California’s most respected Thoroughbred breeding centers in 2025, will open the gates to its 250-acre site for the second time this year. Similar events were hosted in January 2023 and January 2024, prior to those respective breeding seasons.   “By moving our Open House earlier on the calendar to November, well ahead of the upcoming breeding season, we’re hoping to give regional mare owners a helpful headstart on making their all-important breeding decisions for 2025,” said Rancho San Miguel owner Tom Clark. “As part of that effort, we’re also proud to introduce two... ...

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Breeders’ Cup Before Forbidden Kingdom Breeds?

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. – A Breeders’ Cup sprint race may be on Forbidden Kingdom’s schedule despite not having raced since April. On Sunday, trainer Richard Mandella said the BC Sprint at six furlongs on dirt and the BC Turf Sprint at five furlongs are “both a thought” with the 5-year-old Forbidden Kingdom. Forbidden Kingdom, who is by American Pharoah, was sold for $310,000 to Pete Parrella’s Legacy Ranch of California at a Fasig-Tipton digital sale in May as a long-term stallion prospect in California. Mandella acknowledged that Forbidden Kingdom may not be selected to race, particularly for the BC Turf Sprint, which often draws a full field. A three-time stakes winner on dirt and turf, Forbidden Kingdom has been plagued by foot issues this year, Mandella said. :: ON SALE NOW: DRF Breeders’ Cup Packages! Get everything you need to win and save 41% off the retail price. Forbidden Kingdom has raced twice in the last year, winning the Grade 2 Joe Hernandez Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on the... ...

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None Above the Law in California Flag

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2024) – Graded winner None Above the Law drops out of the Grade I Pacific Classic to duel nine-time winner Johnny Podres and seven others in Sunday’s $100,000 California Flag Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Johnny Podres is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Malibu Holiday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by David Bernsen and Rockingham Ranch and trained by Librado Barocio. He has nine wins in 41 starts, earnings of $539,650 and is coming off a sixth in the Sept. 28 California Crown Eddie D. He was second in this race last year. Barely Funtional is by Mrazek, out of the Tapit mare Walkingonadream, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 20 starts, earnings of $237,738 and is coming off a fifth in a Sept. 7 optional claimer. Hacking It Up is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Hacktivism, was bred by Reddam Racing and... ...

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Coalinga Road, Shortman Duel in Bull Dog

FRESNO, Calif. (Oct. 10, 2024) – Stakes winner Coalinga Road and fellow California-bred Shortman are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Bull Dog Stakes at Fresno. Coalinga Road is by Quality Road, out of the Johannesburg mare Coco Ecolo, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in 29 starts, earnings of $468,394 and is coming off a third in the Sept. 14 E.B. Johnston Stakes. He was second in this race in 2022. Shortman is by Prince of Love, out of the Smarty Jones mare Shorty Jones, was bred by Sergio Zepeda, is owned by Zepeda Racing and trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has four wins in 34 starts, earnings of $210,682 and is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 14 E.B. Johnston. ...

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Rose Maddox, Chismosa in California Distaff

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 9, 2025) – Defending champion Rose Maddox and graded winner Chismosa head a full field of 12 entered in Saturday’s $100,000 California Distaff Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Back On Track is by Prospect Park, out of the Good Journey mare Peg’s Journey, was bred by Carole Fernandez and is owned by trainer Paul Capestro. She has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $125,605 and is coming off a fifth in the Aug. 31 Torrey Pines. Rebalation is by Acclamation, out of the He’s Tops mare Reba is Tops, was bred by Eric Schweiger, Gordy Jarnig & Kenny Marshall, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and is trained by Librado Barocio. The stakes winner has nine wins in 23 starts, earnings of $260,856 and is coming off a seventh in a Sept. 28 optional claimer. Prancingthruparis is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Bellamy Road mare She’s a Big Winner, was bred by owners SAF Racing, Ciaglia Racing LLC... ...

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Cal-bred Sprinters in Weekend Spotlight

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 7, 2024) — California-bred sprinters on the Santa Anita hillside will be in the spotlight Oct. 12-13. The $100,000 California Distaff Handicap is Saturday; the $100,000 California Flag Handicap is Sunday. While the California Distaff could include stakes winners Big Summer, Connie Swingle, Sassy Nature, and Stay and Scam, the California Flag open to both genders will not include the top three Cal-bred males currently racing or training toward a comeback. Grade 1 winner The Chosen Vron is aiming for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Nov. 2 at Del Mar, and stakes winner Man O Rose is more likely for the restricted Lure Stakes on Oct. 19 at Santa Anita than the California Flag. Meanwhile, six-time stakes winner Kings River Knight recently returned to trainer John Sadler after taking the summer off. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. Kings River Knight, first or second in 15 of his 16 starts, is aiming for... ...

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Magic Tiger on the Prowl for Don Getty

WINNIPEG, Alberta (Oct. 10, 2024) – Magic Tiger is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Don Getty Handicap at Century Downs. Magic Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Funny Gal, was bred by Robert Heinz & Michelle Machado, is owned by Wind Dancer Stable and trained by Rodney Cone. He has 13 wins in 37 starts, earnings of $196,074 and is coming off a fourth in a Sept. 4 allowance. ...

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Majestic Oops Enters Chouinard Stakes

WINNIPEG, Alberta (Oct. 10, 2024) – Majestic Oops is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Lynn Chouinard Founders Distaff Stakes for fillies and mares at Century Downs. Majestic Oops is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodavor mare Miss Oops, was bred by William Dory, Sandy Dory, Gary Kropp & Janet Kropp, is owned by Sublime Stables Inc, Kropp, Gary and Kropp, Janet and trained by Craig Smith. She has four wins in 20 starts, earnings of $117,250 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 24 Northlands Distaff. ...

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Cal-bred Trio Enters Manzano Stakes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (Oct. 7, 2024) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Karaoke Hero and fellow Cal-breds Street Colors and Roadswitcher are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Manzano Stakes for 2-year-olds at Albuquerque. Karaoke Hero is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Songandaprayer mare No Tunes, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Tyson Esquibel and trained by Timothy Gleason. The $2,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $4,400. Street Colors is by Mucho Macho Man, out of the Orientate mare Ocean Colors, was bred by Jason Hall & Joe Wheeler, is owned by Juan Zamora and trained by Johnny Singh. He is making his debut. Roadswitcher is by Bodexpress, out of the Street Sense mare La Strada, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Edward Sepich Jr. and is trained by Timothy Gleason. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $2,200. ...

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R Heisman Heads to Zuma Beach

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2024) – California-sired stakes winner R Heisman and California-bred Cali Cat are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Zuma Beach Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. R Heisman is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Far From Over, out of the First American mare Parisienne, was bred by Highclere, is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in five starts, earnings of $121,200 and is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 8 Del Mar Futurity. Cali Cat is by American Pharoah, out of the More Than Ready mare Ready for Romance, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Hronis Racing and trained by John Sadler. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $45,500 and is coming off an Aug. 30 maiden win. ...

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Tequilaandtherapy Enters Surfer Girl Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 3, 2024) – Tequilaandtherapy is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Surfer Girl Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Tequilaandtherapy is by Mrazek, out of the In Excess mare Chexcess, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers and trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $58,317 and is coming off an Aug. 30 maiden win. ...

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Chismosa, Irish Wahine in Chillingworth

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa and fellow California-bred Irish Wahine are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Chillingworth Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Irish Wahine is by Grazen, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. & Neary Racing, is owned by GMT Racing Stables and trained by Librado Barocio. She has 11 wins in 27 starts, earnings of $290,456 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 25 Rancho Bernardo. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $544,250 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 25 Rancho Bernardo. ...

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Cal-bred Pair Enters Oak Leaf Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2024) – California-breds In the Air Tonight and Om N Joy are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Oak Leaf Stakes, presented by Oak Tree, for 2-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. In the Air Tonight is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Sky Mesa mare Angel Allie, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Chacon, Flores or Lovingier and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $108,400 and is coming off a second in the Sept. 2 Generous Portion. Om N Joy is by Om, out of the Hard Spun mare Margie’s Minute, was bred by Jerry Baker & Connie Baker, is owned by Baker, Golovko or Scanlan, et al and is trained by Aggie Ordonez. She is a maiden making her third start with earnings of $18,000.  ...

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NorCal Sale Grad Enters Speakeasy Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate I’m a Bad Boy and fellow California-bred Timty are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II $100,000 Speakeasy Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. I’m a Bad Boy is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Roman Ruler mare Donita’s Ruler, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by C T R Stables and trained by Luis Mendez. The $18,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in four starts, earnings of $78,480 and is coming off an Aug. 31 maiden win. Timty is by Stanford, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by Wayne Atwell, is owned by Kasparoff, Leatherman or Mayberry and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $55,620 and is coming off a fifth in the Sept. 6 I’m Smokin. ...

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CHRB Canceled Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board meeting that was scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2024, has been canceled. The two items that were on that agenda will be considered at the next meeting of the Board on November 21 at Cal Expo in Sacramento. ...

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Clovisconnection Seeks Harris Farms Repeat

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2024) — A few strides after the start of Sunday’s $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles, Clovisconnection will either be in front or near the lead. Jockey William Antongeorgi knows Clovisconnection well, having won four times aboard the gelding in eight races. Antongeorgi’s early race tactics will be partially determined by what jockey Assael Espinoza does aboard Bob’s Blue Moon, who has shown speed at times. Bob’s Blue Moon is drawn to the outside of Clovisconnection in the Harris Farms Stakes, which is run at six furlongs. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. “If he guns them out of there, I can sit and try to get to the outside,” Antongeorgi said of Espinoza’s strategy. “If he doesn’t break, I can take it.” Either way, Clovisconnection is the focus of the Harris Farms Stakes, a race he won last year for owners and breeder Bill and Judy Hedrick and... ...

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See Through It Enters Santa Anita Sprint

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2024) — See Through It is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Anita Sprint Handicap, presented by Estrella Jalisco. See Through It is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Chester House mare Crystal House, was bred by Ed Allred, is owned by Lizbeth Medina and trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has 15 wins in 45 starts, earnings of $487,354 and is coming off a sixth in the Aug. 24 Pat O’Brien. ...

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TOC NorCal Meeting on Oct. 26

From CHRB PLEASANTON, Calif. (Sept. 26, 2024) — Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) invites all members to the Northern California Annual Meeting, to be held Oct. 26, 2024, in the Sky Lounge of Pleasanton Racetrack at 10 a.m. The general business meeting will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include a question-and-answer session. Following the meeting, a complimentary breakfast brunch will be served. Registration is required with a current CHRB license. To register, click https://www.eventbrite.com/e/northern-california-annual-meeting-tickets-940662756627?aff=ebdsoporgprofile ...

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Johnny Podres, Fast Buck in Eddie D.

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept 24, 2024) — California-breds Johnny Podres, Fast Buck and Boss Sully are entered in Saturday’s $750,000 California Crown Eddie D. Stakes, presented by FanDuel Racing, at Santa Anita. Johnny Podres is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Malibu Holiday, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Rockingham Ranch or David Bernsen and is trained by Librado Boracio. He has nine wins in 49 starts, earnings of $539,150 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 31 Green Flash. Fast Buck is by Gallant Son, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Zephyr Racing and trainer by Cesar de Alba. He has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $285,292 and is coming off a fifth in the Aug. 31 Green Flash. Boss Sully is by Street Boss, out of the Candy Ride mare Eternally, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Brown, Klein or Lebherz trained by Brian Koriner. He has three wins... ...

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Cal-bred Trio Enters Unzip Me Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 24, 2024) — California-breds Andiamo Ragazza, Roberta’s Love and Back on Track are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Unzip Me Stakes, presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Andiamo Ragazza is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Acclamation mare Ragazza di Vola, was bred by , is owned by breeder Hat Trick Racing, Wachtel and Barber and is trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $69,340 and is coming off a 10th in a Sept 8 optional claimer. Roberta’s Love is by Collected, out of the Broken Vow mare West Coast Gal, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by BG Stables or Royalty Stable and is trained by Hector Palma. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $125,300 and is coming off a seventh in the July 26 Fleet Treat Stakes. Back on Track is by Prospect Park, out of the Good Journey mare Peg’s Journey, was bred by Carole Fernandez and is... ...

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Liberty Forever in Budweiser Special

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. ( Sept 25, 2024) — Liberty Forever is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $70,000 Budweiser Special Stakes at Albuquerque. Liberty Forever is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Roll Hennessey Roll mare Back Seat Roll, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Todd Fincher. She has three wins in 13 starts, earnings of $179,632 and is coming off a second in an Aug 31 optional claimer. ...

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Cal-breds in Fasig-Tipton Spotlight

By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2024) — A large contingent of California-breds make up the bulk of the catalog for the Sept. 24 Fasig-Tipton California fall yearling sale. The sale, which will be held at Fairplex in Pomona beginning at 11 a.m. PT with 279 cataloged, has produced major Cal-bred stakes winners Big City Lights and Ceiling Crusher. Ceiling Crusher, an RNA in the 2022 sale’s horses of all ages portion, won the $1 million Cotillion Stakes (G1) at Parx Racing in 2023 and went on to be named the year’s champion Cal-bred 3-year-old female. Big City Lights, a $22,000 graduate of the 2020 sale and on the cover of this year’s catalog, won this year’s Palos Verdes Stakes (G3) Feb. 10 at Santa Anita Park. He is a nominee to the Sept. 29 Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G2). Both Ceiling Crusher and Big City Lights are by deceased California sire Mr. Big. That stallion has a colt in the catalog, hip 107, consigned by Kim McCarthy’s McCarthy Bloodstock Agency.... ...

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CTBA Winter Mixed Sale on Jan. 28

POMONA, Calif. (Sept. 21, 2024) — The 2025 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Winter Mixed Sale will be held Tuesday, Jan. 28, at noon at Hines Pavilion at Fairplex. Broodmares, racing prospects, yearlings and 2-year-olds will be available in a sale that previously produced stakes winners like Lord Prancealot (2023 Graduation Stakes at Del Mar) and Grade 1-producing broodmares like Expo Gold (dam of Preakness-winning filly Swiss Skydiver). For further information and to obtain credit, contact Loretta@ctba.com or call (626) 445-7800 ext: 227. ...

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Starlet, Futurity Noms Close Sept. 30

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 20, 2024) — The window for nominations to the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Starlet and Grade II, $200,000 guaranteed Los Alamitos Futurity will remain open until Monday, Sept. 30. The two signature events of the upcoming Winter Thoroughbred meet, which will begin Friday, Dec. 6and continue through Sunday, Dec. 15, are for 2-year-olds. The Starlet – for fillies – is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 while the Futurity will be run a week later (Saturday, Dec. 14). The Starlet, which has been run at Los Alamitos since 2014, has been won locally by such notables as Take Charge Brandi, the 2014 champion 2-year-old filly, Abel Tasman, the 2017 champion 3-year-old filly and Kentucky Oaks winner, and multiple stakes winner Eda, is part of the ‘’Road to the Kentucky Oaks’’ series. The winner of the Starlet will receive 10 points towards earning a berth in the 2025 Kentucky Oaks, which will be run next May 2 at Churchill Downs. The 2024 renewal of the Los... ...

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Eddie D. Next for Johnny Podres

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Sept. 17, 2024) — California-bred Johnny Podres must earn his way into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar on Nov. 2. A 7-year-old son of Grazen, Johnny Podres is scheduled to start in the richest running of the Grade 2 Eddie D Stakes at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita on Sept. 28. The value of the race has been enhanced from $200,000 in 2023 to $750,000 this year, one of three stakes with significantly higher purses on Sept. 28 through a promotion by the track’s parent company, 1/ST Racing. The winner of the Eddie D Stakes receives $450,000 and Johnny Podres may need a win to justify a $100,000 supplemental nomination fee. In addition, there are $30,000 in pre-entry and entry fees. The gelding, bred by Nick Alexander, races for Rockingham Ranch and David Bernsen. :: Bet with the Best! Get FREE All-Access PPs and Weekly Cashback when you wager on DRF Bets. “If we win, they... ...

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CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept 15, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, September 19, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m.at Cal Expo in Sacramento.  This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #9, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes.  For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and package of materials have been newly formatted into a single link:  https://www.chrb.ca.gov/meeting_agendas.asp These materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

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Man O Rose Back on Dirt in E.B. Johnston

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2024) – Man O Rose, a four-time winner this year, will make his Los Alamitos debut against seven opponents in the $75,000-guaranteed E. B. Johnston Stakes Saturday. Restricted to 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California, the one-mile Johnston is the last of eight races on the second day of the September Thoroughbred meet. Post time Saturday is 1 p.m. and approximate post time for the Johnston is 4:30 p.m. Trained by Jeff Mullins for B and B Zietz Stables, Inc., Man O Rose, a 4-year-old Stanford gelding out of the Good Journey mare Kathleen Rose, rattled off his 2024 victories in succession before he trailed in a turf sprint at Del Mar Aug. 2. A winner of six of 11 lifetime with earnings of $277,840, Man O Rose will be competing beyond 6 ½ furlongs for the first time, but he has won three of four on dirt. Third in the 2023 Johnston won by Kings River Knight, Shortman will... ...

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Fresno Starts Expanded Five-week Meet

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Sept. 11, 2024) — In a year of widespread change in Northern California racing, five weeks of racing begins at Fresno on Friday, a departure from the two-week seasons held for decades in conjunction with the county fair in early October. There are two stakes for Thoroughbreds at Fresno in coming weeks – the $75,000 Harris Farms Stakes for California-bred sprinters at six furlongs on Sept. 29, and the $50,00 Bull Dog Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on Oct. 13. With the permanent closure of Golden Gate Fields in June, additional racing at Fresno was added to the Northern California calendar to fill a void. In past years, Golden Gate Fields held a race meeting from late August through September. As part of the revamped calendar, the Humboldt County Fair meeting in Ferndale was extended from two weeks to three, ending last Sunday. The first weekend at Fresno is technically run as the final week of the Humboldt county license, as part of an agreement with the... ...

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None Above the Law Leads Johnston Noms

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Sept. 7, 2024) — None Above the Law, the upset winner of the Bertrando Stakes during the Los Angeles County Fair earlier this year, is among 13 nominations to the $75,000-guaranteed E.B. Johnston Stakes. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California will be run Saturday, September 14, the second day of the September meet at Los Alamitos. The six-day season will continue through Sunday, September. 22. Bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban, None Above the Law, a 6-year-old gelded son of Karakontie, took advantage of a fast early pace to capture the Bertrando at 9-1 June 22. The win was his second in three starts at Los Alamitos. Fast Draw Munnings and Shortman, the 2-3 finishers behind Kings River Knight in the 2023 Johnston, are also nominated. A 5-year-old gelded son of Munnings, Fast Draw Munnings was claimed for $40,000 by trainer John Sadler for owner Hronis Racing LLC... ...

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R Heisman Steps Up for Grade I Futurity

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2024) – Stakes winner R Heisman, who was also entered in Friday’s I’m Smokin Stakes, apparently will opt for the $300,000 Grade I Del Mar Futurity for 2-year-olds as the lone California-sired. R Heisman is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Far From Over, out of the First American mare Parisienne, was bred by Highclare, is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $115,200 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 9 Graduation Stakes. ...

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Five Cal-breds Enter Del Mar Juvenile Turf

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2024) – A quartet of California-breds is entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes for 2-year-olds. Run for Kidder is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Unusual Heat mare Winemenow, was bred by Mike Ryan, is owned by Firsthome Thoroughbreds, Anschel, Harold, Barnhart, Nancy and Ryan, Michael John and trained by Adam Kitchingman. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $53,200 and is coming off an Aug. 9 maiden win. Johnson’s Magic is by Mr. Big, out of the Malibu Moon mare Keep the Magic, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Legacy Ranch and trained by John Sadler. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $15,000. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Panuco is an also-eligible by Stanford, out of the Lucky Pulpit mare Swiftly Risen, was bred by Michael Allen, is owned by Tricar Stables and trained by Jorge Periban. The $15,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in... ...

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Five Cal-breds in Humboldt County Marathon

FERNDALE, Calif. (Sept. 5, 2024) – Five California-breds will be seeking their first stakes win in Sunday’s $50,000 C.J. Hindley Humboldt County Marathon at Ferndale. Shot of a Lifetime is by Many Rivers, out of the Chapel Royal mare Penuche Royale, was bred by Rob Creighton, is owned by Sue Gilmour and trained by James Gilmour. He has 18 wins in 83 starts, earnings of $315,611 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 10 Slim Williams Memorial at Tillamook Fair. Druidic is by Boisterous, out of the Rocky Bar mare Shared Image, was bred by owner Robert Traynor and is trained by D. Wayne Baker. He has four wins in 26 starts, earnings of $86,152 and is coming off an Aug. 25 allowance win. Sea of Liberty is by Boisterous, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Seekitana, was bred by Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Shapiro, is owned by Gustavo Ponce and trained y James Gilmour. He has nine wins in 41 starts, earnings of $205,884 and is coming... ...

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Without R Heisman, I’m Smokin a Scramble

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 4, 2024) — Securely atop the California-bred juvenile class after winning the Graduation Stakes last month, R Heisman will aim for a more ambitious goal. Despite being the early favorite in the $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds Friday at Del Mar, R Heisman is expected to scratch to run Sunday in the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity. Bred by Highclare, owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller, the colt is an outsider in the Futurity, which Miller won in 2019 with 35-1 longshot Nucky. “I think we’re going in the Futurity,” Miller said Wednesday, referring to R Heisman. “That’s what Mr. Barber wants to do, so that’s what we’re going to do.” The likely defection of R Heisman from the I’m Smokin leaves five runners, including impressive debut winner Shea Brennan, speedster Bodacious, Miller’s maiden winner Style Cat, maiden The Gypsy Cowboy, and longshot Timty. The six-furlong tilt is the second race on Friday’s card which begins at... ...

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Los Alamitos Sept. Meet Opens Friday

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. Sept. 4, 2024) – The $75,000- guaranteed E.B. Johnston for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California is one of two stakes scheduled for the 2024 Los Alamitos September meet. The one-mile race will be run Saturday, Sept. 14. The six-day season will begin Friday, Sept. 13 and continue through Sunday, Sept. 22. Racing will be conducted Friday-Sunday (Sept. 13-15 and 20-22) both weeks. Post time will be 1 p.m. The more lucrative of the stakes is the $125,000 Dark Mirage. The race at one mile for fillies and mares – 3-year-olds & up – will be offered Saturday, Sept. 21. Grandstand admission is $3 and $2 for seniors 62 and older. Admission to Burgart’s and Vessels Club is $10. Tickets can also be purchased online at LosAlamitos.com. Los Alamitos offers free general parking. Preferred parking is $5. The wagering menu includes a pair of $1 Pick 4’s on races 2-5 and the final four races along with a $2 Pick Six as well as the... ...

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Class Code Enters Delta Colleen Handicap

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Sept. 4, 2024) – Class Code is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Delta Colleen Handicap for fillies and mares at Hastings Racecourse. Class Code is by Desert Code, out of the Cutlass Reality mare Reality With Class, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Barbara Heads. She has 10 wins in 44 starts, earnings of $130,966 and is coming off a fifth in an Aug. 9 optional claimer. ...

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Cal-sired R Heisman Seeks Another Trophy

DEL MAR, Calif. (Sept. 1, 2024) – R Heisman, coming off last month’s Graduation Stakes win, looks for another in Friday’s $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-olds at Del Mar. R Heisman is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Far From Over, out of the First American mare Parisienne, was bred by Highclare, is owned by Gary Barber and trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $115,200 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 9 Graduation Stakes. Shea Brennan is by Tough Sunday, out of the Old Topper mare Carrie Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He won his lone start July 26 with earnings of $45,000. Timty is by Stanford, out of the Tribal Rule mare Tribal Feathers, was bred by Wayne Atwell, is owned by Kasparoff, Tim, Leatherman, Ty and Mayberry, Thomas and trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $51,620 and is coming off... ...

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Another Trifecta Sweep for Breeder Lovingier?

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 30, 2024) – Monday’s $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar will be a reunion of the trifecta-sweeping progeny of Stay Thirsty and their breeder, CTBA board member Terry Lovingier. In the Air Tonight is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Sky Mesa mare Angel Allie, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Chacon, Anthony J., Flores, Victor M. and Lovingier, Terry C. and trained by Steve Knapp. She has won both starts with earnings of $89,400 and is coming off a win in the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes Aug. 4. Thirsty Mama is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Stormin Fever mare Easter Fever, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Mihaljevich, John and Moroney, John and trained by Steve Miyadi. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $62,200 and is coming off a second in the Aug. 4 CTBA Stakes. Thirsty in Vegas is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Indian Charlie... ...

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Curlin’s Kaos Enters Del Mar Derby

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2024) – Stakes winner Curlin’s Kaos is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $300,000 Grade II Caesars Sportsbook Del Mar Derby for 3-year-olds. Curlin’s Kaos is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Curlin mare It’s Vengeance, was bred by James Shenouda & Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $258,520 and is coming off a win in the Aug. 2 Real Good Deal Stakes. ...

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Cal-bred Stakes Winners in Green Flash

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2024) – Five California-bred stakes winners, including females Sassy Nature and Connie Swingle taking on the boys, are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar. Graded stakes winner Fast Buck is by Gallant Son, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch and is owned by Zephyr Racing and trainer Cesar DeAlba. He has five wins in 11 starts, earnings of $282,292 and is coming off a fourth in an Aug. 2 optional claimer. He was ninth in this race last year. Sassy Nature is a filly by Straight Fire, out of the After Market mare Renee’s Queen, was bred by Straight Fire LLC, is owned by C T R Stables and trained by Luis Mendez. She has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $336,790 and is coming off a win in an Aug. 2 optional claimer. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Star Racer is a stakes winner by Vronsky, out of the Bold Badgett... ...

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Grand Slam Smile Enters Torrey Pines

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 28, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile and fellow California-bred Back On Track are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Torrey Pines Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Del Mar. Grand Slam Smile is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Grand Slam mare Royal Grand Slam, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steven Specht. She has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $433,400 and is coming off a second in the July 26 Fleet Treat Stakes. Back On Track is by Prospect Park, out of the Good Journey mare Peg’s Journey, was bred by Carole Fernandez and is owned by trainer Paula Capestro. She has three wins in 11 starts, earnings of $122,605 and is coming off a fourth in the July Fleet Treat Stakes. ...

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None Above the Law in Pacific Classic

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 27, 2024) — Graded winner None Above the Law is the lone California-bred in Saturday’s $1 million Grade I Fanduel Pacific Classic at Del Mar. None Above the Law, winner of the 2021 Del Mar Derby, is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, is owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban. He has seven wins in 35 starts, earnings of $651,892 and is coming off a third in the Aug. 3 California Dreamin’. ...

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Bound for Heaven Bound for Osiris Stakes

WINNIPEG, Manitoba. (Aug. 27, 2024) – Bound for Heaven is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $50,000 Osiris Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Assiniboia Downs. Bound for Heaven is by Stanford, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Run for Retts, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Naherniak, Garry and Hougham, Leon W. and trained by Mike Taphorn. She won her lone start Aug. 14 with earnings of $8,801. ...

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The Chosen Vron Preps for BC Sprint

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2024) – Statebred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron and three fellow California-breds take on Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Pat O’Brien Stakes at Del Mar. For The Chosen Vron, bred by Tiz Molly Partners, it will be his final prep before the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Owned by Sondereker Racing LLC, Kruljac, J. Eric, Fetkin, Robert S. and Thornburgh, Richard and trained by Kruljac, The Chosen Vron has 19 wins in 24 starts, earnings of $1,659,678 and has reeled off victories in 14 of his last 15 starts, all stakes. The other Cal-breds are See Through It, Big City Lights and Moose Mitchell. See Through It is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Chester House mare Crystal House, was bred by Edward Allred, is owned by Lizbeth Medina and trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has 15 wins in 44 starts, earnings of $486,854 and is coming off a fourth in the July 27 Bing Crosby. Big City Lights is... ...

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Cal-bred Trio Enters Rancho Bernardo

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 21, 2024) – Multiple stakes winners Chismosa and Tom’s Regret are joined by fellow California-bred Irish Wahine in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Rancho Bernardo Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jaime Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $502,250 and is coming off a seventh in the July 6 Great Lady M. Tom’s Regret is by Tom’s Tribute, out of the Quality Road mare Pure, was bred by DP Racing, is owned by Cinema Thoroughbreds, Beckerle, Michelle K., Flores, Victor M., Johnson, Burton and Zondlo, Eugene and trained by Steven Miyadi. She has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $373,823 and is coming off a second in the July 20 Governor’s Cup Stakes. Irish Wahine is by Grazen, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. & Neary Racing, is owned... ...

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Cal-bred Pair Seek Canadian Derby Win

NISKU, Alberta (Aug. 21, 2024) – California-breds J Dutton and Shining Tiger are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Canadian Derby at Century Mile. J Dutton is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Cat Five’ O, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Christoff, Gordon and Giesbrecht, Lance B. and trained by Robert Anderson. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $70,734 and is coming off a fourth in the Aug. 5 BC Cup Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trial. Shining Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the southern Halo mare Brooke’s Halo, was bred by PT Syndicate # 1, is owned by Mohammad Kahn and trained by James Brown. He has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $31,686 and is coming off a win in the July 28 Grande Prairie Derby. ...

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Spitten Kitten Seeks to Extend Win Streak

NISKU, Alberta (Aug. 21, 2024) – California-bred Spitten Kitten risks her stakes win streak in Saturday’s $75,000 Northlands Distaff Handicap for fillies and mares at Century Mile. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Marvin Buffalo, Deb Buffalo and Arnold Soustar. She has eight wins in 13 starts, earnings of $151,515 and is coming off three consecutive wins. Also entered in Cal-bred Majestic Oops. She is by Majestic Harbor, out of the Olmodovar mare Miss Oops, was bred by William Dory, Sandy Dory, Gary Kropp & Janet Kropp, is owned by Sublime Stables Inc, Kropp, Gary and Kropp, Janet and trained by Craig Smith. She has four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $106,249 and is coming off a third in an Aug. 2 allowance. ...

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Stay and Scam Antes Up for Solana Beach

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 16, 2024) — The $1,500 supplemental fee required to make Stay and Scam eligible for Sunday’s $150,000 Solana Beach Stakes at Del Mar may be money well spent. A two-time stakes winner this year, Stay and Scam was not nominated earlier this month for $150 in what trainer Doug O’Neill said was an oversight. “This was definitely the plan all along,” he said. :: Get Del Mar Clocker Reports straight from the morning workouts at the track. Available every race day. Stay and Scam, who races for Paul and Zillah Reddam, will be favored to win the Solana Beach Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at a mile on turf. Stay and Scam won the Fran’s Valentine Stakes for statebred fillies and mares at a mile over the Santa Anita turf on May 25 as the 1-2 favorite. In her only subsequent start, Stay and Scam was third by three lengths behind Connie Swingle in the July 27 Daisycutter Handicap against open company at... ...

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Del Mar’s Friday Post Time Now 3 p.m.

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 14, 2024) — This Friday’s first post will shift from 4 p.m. to 3 p.m. and remain at that time on Fridays for the balance of the meet, which concludes on Sunday, September 8. The time shift is keyed on the setting of the sun in the San Diego area, which corrects by almost an hour over the course of the summer. Sunset on Opening Day (July 20) was at 7:55 p.m. Sunset on Closing Day (September 8) is 7:04 p.m. Additionally, first post on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays will adjust to 1:30 p.m. from the normal 2 p.m. beginning on Saturday, August 31. It will continue at those 1:30 starts on those days for the remainder of the session.   ...

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CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 12, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, August 15, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Del Mar Hilton.  This meeting will be open to the public. Those who wish to provide unsolicited public comment on agenda items will be limited to two minutes. Comments must relate specifically to the agenda item. Note that for agenda item #12, Public Comment, no further comments will be allowed after thirty minutes.  For those who are unable to attend the meeting, a webcast audio link is available on the CHRB website via the Media Room link. The agenda and meeting package of materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

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Pat O’Brien Prep for The Chosen Vron

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2024) — Trainer J. Eric Kruljac noted immediately following the G1 Bing Crosby at Del Mar last month that he would not be training The Chosen Vron’s up to the Breeders’ Cup this year. That at some point he would run his star gelding in a prep between now and November. Now he’s decided on what that prep will be. Kruljac says he will run in next Saturday’s G2, $250,000 Pat O’Brien Stakes, a 7-furlong affair that may also attract this year’s Saudi Cup winner, Senor Buscador. “He’s doing great,” Kruljac says of The Chosen Vron. ”We’re going to breeze tomorrow (Saturday) morning. So far he’s hitting on all cylinders and I couldn’t be any more pleased with his training.” The Chosen Vron put in his first work since the Bing Crosby last Saturday when he went three furlongs in :36.00, fourth best of 16 works at the distance that morning. So what does Kruljac do to keep ‘Vron’ in top form?... ...

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NorCal Yearling Sale Tuesday in Pleasanton

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (Aug. 9, 2024) — A year ago, the CTBA’s Northern California yearling and horses of racing age sale was held at Pleasanton mere weeks after the announcement that Golden Gate Fields was soon to be closed. Despite a turbulent time, demand for yearlings was strong with a higher average price compared to the 2022 auction. This year’s sale will be held Tuesday in Pleasanton amid a different setting for the sport in Northern California. Pleasanton will host an autumn race meeting later this year on dates previously run at Golden Gate Fields, which closed June 9. A group of owners, trainers, and breeders, working with the California Authority of Racing Fairs, will conduct the meeting, and have plans to hold a winter-spring meeting in early 2025. Many of the backers of the new Pleasanton meet will be active buyers and sellers on Tuesday. Over the years, this sale’s graduates have often raced in Northern California, with a fewer number sent to Southern California. Tuesday’s sale has drawn... ...

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Abhita Enters CTT & TOC Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2024) – Abhita is the lone California-bred entered in Friday’s $100,000 CTT & TOC Stakes for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Abhita is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Wildcat Heir mare Wild Caroline, was bred by James Shenouda, is owned by Zephyr Racing and trained by Antonio Garcia. She has two wins in 15 starts, earnings of $141,756 and is coming off a fifth in a July 21 optional claimer. ...

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Northern California Sale Catalog Now Online

PLEASANTON, Calif. (July 12, 2024) – The catalog for the 2024 Northern California Yearling and Horses of Racing Age sale is now online at this link: norcalsale-catalog-2024-2.pdf (ctba.com) The sale will be held at noon on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton. The catalog includes 118 individuals with an upset price of $1,000. For further information, contact Loretta Viega at Loretta@ctba.com or at 626-445-7800. ...

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Clovisconnection Targets Longacres Mile

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Clovisconnection is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $150,000 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by owner William & Judy Hedrick and is trained by Blaine Wright. He has nine wins in 14 starts, earnings of $320,550 and is coming off a win in the June 29 Oak Tree Sprint Stakes. He is 2-for-2 in Emerald Downs stakes races. ...

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Cal-breds Surround Robert Dupret Derby

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (Aug. 7, 2024) – Multiple winners Right Hand Ryder and Keen Movin’ On are among the half dozen California-breds among entries in Saturday’s $75,000 Robert Dupret Derby for 3-year-olds at the Wine Country Meet at the Sonoma County Fair. Elegant Boy is by Big Bad Leroybrown, out of the Trapper mare Trappers Magic, was bred by owner Hector Preciado and is trained by Sergio Perez. He is a maiden making his 10th start with earnings of $24,866. Right Hand Ryder is by G. G. Ryder, out of the Bertrando mare Hand Tricks, was bred by owner Sergio Saiguero and is trained by Samuel Calvario. He has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $35,488 and is coming off three consecutive second-place finishes in starter’s allowance races. Baby Waylon is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Snow Ridge mare Ju Ju Baby, was bred by owner Robert Traynor and is trained by D. Wayne Baker. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $47,250 and is making... ...

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Lovingier Packs Friday’s Graduation Stakes

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 5, 2024) – As the breeder and co-owner of five of the eight runners in the $101,000 CTBA Stakes at Del Mar last Sunday, it was little surprise that California Thoroughbred Breeders Association director Terry Lovingier was involved with the first three finishers. A similar scenario may develop in Friday’s $100,000 Graduation Stakes for Golden State Sereis-eligible 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs. Of the nine entrants, Lovingier bred five and has an ownership stake in three starters, including the colt Bodacious. Bodacious, co-owned by Lovingier, Griffin Stables, and Paul Sabesky, has had mixed results in two starts. After a dazzling win in a maiden race by 5 3/4 lengths at 4 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita on May 3, Bodacious was sixth of 12 as the 2-1 favorite in the Bashford Manor Stakes at six furlongs at Churchill Downs on June 30. :: DRF’s Del Mar Handicapping Packages: Get everything you need to play the races with confidence. Lovingier insists that Bodacious — a... ...

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Daffodil Sweet Tries Again in Emerald Distaff

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Daffodil Sweet and fellow California-breds Tizzy Twister and Nan Eliabeth are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Emerald Distaff for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. Tizzy Twister is by Tiz a Minister, out of the Tiznow mare Hurricane Tiz, was bred by Sayjay Racing LLC & Beerman Family Trust, is owned by David A. Bernsen LLC and Rockingham Ranch and trained by Justin Evans. She has six wins in 28 starts, earnings of $264,880 and is coming off a sixth in the July 21 Washington State Legislators Stakes. Daffodil Sweet is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Lion Heart mare Easy on My Heart, was bred by Michael Terry, is owned by One Horse Will Do and is trained by Marshall Allen. She has 10 wins in 22 starts, earnings of $216,661 and is coming off a second in the July 21 Washington State Legislators Stakes. She was third in this race last year and sixth in 2021. Nan Elizabeth is... ...

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Signora Vittoria Seeks First Win in Oaks

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2024) – Signora Vittoria is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Washington Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Signora Vittoria is by Bernardini, out of the Ghostzapper mare Pragmatic Princess, was bred by Warlock Stables, Myrick, Dougan, English, Perry and Denise Martin, is owned by Warlock Stables and Martin, Perry and trained by Tim McCanna. She is a maiden making her 11th start with earnings of $16,200. ...

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Polis Enters Emerald’s Muckleshoot Derby

AUBURN, Wash. (Aug. 7, 2024) – Polis is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Muckleshoot Derby for 3-year-olds at Emerald Downs. Polis is by Kantharos, out of the A.P. Indy mare Choral Symphony, was bred by Stetson Racing, is owned by Darrin Paul and trained by Frank Lucarelli. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $15,078 and is coming off an Aug. 2 maiden claiming win. ...

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Oak Tree Helps Fund Del Mar Saturday Card

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 2, 2024) — The Oak Tree Racing Association, which operated the fall season at Santa Anita for decades, has made a cash infusion of $157,000 to the purses of seven races at Del Mar on Saturday, and plans a similar investment at Santa Anita on Oct. 5. The funding comes from Oak Tree’s endowment, which also provides annual donations to racing-related charities, officials said. On Saturday, Oak Tree has provided $100,000 of the $400,000 purse for the Grade 1 Clement Hirsch Stakes for fillies and mares on dirt. In addition, the organization will pay bonuses of $9,500 to the first three finishers of six overnight races. Those funds will be divided equally between owners and trainer and are worth $5,000 for first, $3,000 for second, and $1,500 for third. :: DRF’s Del Mar Handicapping Packages: Get everything you need to play the races with confidence. Oak Tree is also providing a $500 gift to the groom of the horse voted as the best turned out... ...

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CTBA Stakes a Lovingier Breeding Showcase

DEL MAR, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2024) – Sunday’s $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 2-year-old fillies at Del Mar will have a field of eight, five of which were bred by CTBA Board member Terry Lovingier. Nostri Vires is by Phantom Boss, out of the Wicked Strong mare Wicked Fresh, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Daniel Hawkins, Lovingier and Amanda Navarro and is trained by Craig Dollase. The $10,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in two starts, earnings of $27,840 and is coming off a July 6 maiden win. Coralgableskaylin is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Bellamy Road mare Mandy’s Grace, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Here We Go Brothers and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $35,400 and is coming off a June 22 maiden win. Lil’ Bit Bossy is by Phantom Boss, out of the Rock Hard Ten mare Pebble Beach Baby, was... ...

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Craig Fravel Leaves Stronach Group

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2024) — Craig Fravel, former executive vice chair of Stronach Group’s 1/ST Racing, has joined the investment management firm Brown Advisory as a partner and senior adviser in Southern California. Fravel joins Brown Advisory after a significant career in the Thoroughbred racing industry. In his position with Stronach, he oversaw Stronach Group-owned tracks Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, Rosecroft, Santa Anita Park, and the recently closed Golden Gate Fields. Before his tenure with Stronach Group, Fravel was the president and CEO of the Breeders’ Cup, from 2011 through 2019, and president of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, where he worked from 1990 to 2011. “We are very excited to have Craig join our firm. He has a demonstrated track record of success and trust—he knows how to bring people together and get things done,” said Mike Hankin, president and CEO of Brown Advisory. “Craig’s thoughtful approach to finding solutions combined with his connections, network and expertise in and beyond horse racing will be very valuable to... ...

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Craig Fravel Leaves Stronach Group

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Aug. 1, 2024) — Craig Fravel, former executive vice chair of Stronach Group’s 1/ST Racing, has joined the investment management firm Brown Advisory as a partner and senior adviser in Southern California. Fravel joins Brown Advisory after a significant career in the Thoroughbred racing industry. In his position with Stronach, he oversaw Stronach Group-owned tracks Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Pimlico Race Course, Rosecroft, Santa Anita Park, and the recently closed Golden Gate Fields. Before his tenure with Stronach Group, Fravel was the president and CEO of the Breeders’ Cup, from 2011 through 2019, and president of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, where he worked from 1990 to 2011. “We are very excited to have Craig join our firm. He has a demonstrated track record of success and trust—he knows how to bring people together and get things done,” said Mike Hankin, president and CEO of Brown Advisory. “Craig’s thoughtful approach to finding solutions combined with his connections, network and expertise in and beyond horse racing will be very valuable to our... ...

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Carmelita’s Man Dreamin’ of Three-peat

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 31, 2024) – Carmelita’s Man, who has won the last two editions of the race, takes on multiple stakes winners None Above the Law and Passarando in Saturday’s $150,000 California Dreamin’ Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Del Mar. On the Whim is by Acclamation, out of the Maria’s Mon mare Whimsy, was bred by owner Harris Farms and trained by Dean Pederson. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $79,240 and is coming off a sixth in a June 16 allowance. Catalina Eddy is by Square Eddie, out of the Johar mare Frege, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Rainmaker Racing and trained by Craig Lewis. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $164,310 and is coming off a sixth in a June 7 optional claimer. Disko Tribute is by Tom’s Tribute, out of the Country Reel mare Disko Dasko, was bred by DP Racing, is owned by Flawless Racing, Flanagan, Brian, Jarvis, Michael and Weseloh, Michael and trained... ...

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Shady Tiger Risks His Win Streak Friday

DEL MAR, Calif. (July 26, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Shady Tiger risks his four-race win streak breaking from the outside post in a field of 13 entered in Friday’s $150,000 Real Good Deal Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Del Mar. Pure Madness is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Quality Road mare Pure, was bred by DP Racing and is owned by trainer Brian Koriner & Janet Lyons. He won his lone start with earnings of $42,120. Mio Bambino is by Richard’s Kid, out of the Decarchy mare Bella Castagna, was bred by owners Nat & Alma Rubinfeld and is trained by Andy Mathis he won his lone start with earnings of $19,500. Stay On the Fence is by Pavel, out of the The Factor mare Factor of Two, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $157,100 and is coming off a 10th in the May 25 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by... ...

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TOC Annual Meeting, Reception Aug. 10-11

From TOC DEL MAR, Calif. (July 28, 2024) — Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) invites all members to the Southern California Annual Meeting on Saturday, Aug. 10 in the Veranda Cafe at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, beginning at 8:30 a.m., with an Owners Appreciation Reception on Sunday, Aug. 11 at the Plaza de Mexico Fountain from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The general business meeting will allow directors an opportunity to bring the membership up to date on important issues and will include a question-and-answer session. Award presentations will also be made to the winners of the Chairman’s Award, annual Owner Awards, and a complimentary buffet breakfast will be served. REGISTRATION REQUIRED WITH CURRENT CHRB LICENSE Register Here   TOC and Del Mar Thoroughbred Club invite licensed owners to join us for an Owner Appreciation reception this summer! Enjoy an afternoon with fellow owners, music, and food at the Plaza de Mexico Fountain (stretch run side of the grandstand) at Del Mar Racetrack. We welcome you to bring one guest. Additional... ...

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Princesa Del Tigre Stalks Luther Burbank

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (July 31, 2024) – Princesa Del Tigre is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Luther Burbank Stakes for fillies and mares at the Sonoma County Fair. Princesa Del Tigre is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Flame Thrower mare Corazon de Leo, was bred by Roberto Gonzalez, Wright Batlin, Marc Batlin & Kathleen Parnello, is owned by La Penita Racing Stable, Batlin, Marc, Batlin, Wright, Donsife, Rebecca and Parnello, Kathy and trained by Tim McCanna. She has four wins in 18 starts, earnings of $140,734 and is coming off a third in the June 22 She’s a Tiger Stakes. ...

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Si That Tiger in WTBOA Lads Stakes

AUBURN, Wash. (July 31, 2024) – Si That Tiger is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 WTBOA Lads Stakes at Emerald Downs. Si That Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Rosburg mare Ros’s Girl, was bred by Darlyne Krieg, is owned by Maryanski, John, Maryanski, Janene, Schneider, Gerald E. and Schneider, Gail and trained by Blaine Wright. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $14,400 and is coming off a July 13 maiden win. ...

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J Dutton Trains Sights on Derby Trial

VANCOUVER, B.C. (July 31, 2024) – J Dutton is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 BC Cup Sir Winston Churchill Derby Trail Handicap for 3-year-olds at Hastings Racecourse. J Dutton is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Pleasantly Perfect mare Cat Five’O, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Christoff, Gordon and Giesbrecht, Lance B. and trained by Robert Anderson. He has one win in seven starts, earnings of $68,900 and is coming off a June 7 maiden win. ...

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Buttonwood Tree Trying for a Classic

VANCOUVER, B.C. (July 31, 2024) – Buttonwood Tree is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 BC Cup Classic Handicap at Hastings Racecourse. Buttonwood Tree is by Stanford, out of the Hennessy mare Wall St Widow, was bred by Donald Valpredo and is owned by trainer Dave Milburn. He has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $64,631 and is coming off a fourth in a July 27 optional claimer. ...

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Cal-bred Pair Enters W. Va. Governor’s Stakes

NEW CUMBERLAND, W. Va. (July 30, 2024) – California-bred stakes winner Play Chicken and California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale grad Discretionary Day are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 West Virginia Governor’s Stakes at Mountaineer. Discretionary Day is by Acclamation, out of the Gone West mare Westline, was bred by Donald Valpredo, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables, Jacobs, Jeff and Colone, Dave and trained by Juan Silva. The $5,500 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has four wins in 25 starts, earnings of $144,956 and is coming off a July 29 claiming win. Play Chicken is by Square Eddie, out of the Distorted Humor mare Smoove, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables and trained by Juan Silva. He has seven wins in 31 starts, earnings of $192,094 and is coming off a third in a July 23 starter’s allowance. ...

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