By DRf.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 27, 2024) — Top Harbor has been a mainstay in the Northern California sprint division, winning five stakes in the last four years. The Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton has been pivotal to that success. A winner of 3 of 4 starts at Pleasanton, Top Harbor makes his 2024 debut in Saturday’s $50,000 Oak Tree Sprint at six furlongs, a race he won last year and nearly won in 2021. To succeed this year, Top Harbor races against a daunting fellow California-bred rival in Clovisconnection, a five-time stakes winner who is expected to set the pace. Top Harbor, trained by Tim McCanna, will be closing. Top Harbor’s layoff since November does not concern McCanna as much as the presence of Clovisconnection, who is trained by Blaine Wright and will be a strong favorite. “The horse of Blaine’s is really tough,” McCanna said. “We need to sneak up on that guy.” Top Harbor has been sharp after lengthy rests since his career began with a win... ...

CYPRESS, Calif. (June 25, 2024) — Curlin’s Kaos, fourth in the Grade I Santa Anita Derby, is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Los Alamitos 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 and Alfred Pais, is owned by Zephyr Racing and Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has two wins in six starts, earnings of $144,700 and is coming off a seventh in the May 25 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank. ...

By Drf.com LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 25, 2024) – California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Bodacious is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $225,000 Bashford Manor Stakes for 2-year-olds at Churchill Downs. Drawing a field of 13 2-year-olds, all are making their stakes debuts in the six-furlong race. Six members of the field are Churchill maiden winners. Of the others, just one is a maiden winner in California. One might be all a noteworthy West Coast contingent needs. Bodacious earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 84 winning his debut on May 3 at Santa Anita for trainer Jorge Periban. The figure is the third best by a 2-year-old this year behind the 88 jointly posted by Mentee and Colloquial in a track-record performance on June 15 at Aqueduct. Going 4 1/2 furlongs, Bodacious set the pace before powering clear to win by 5 3/4 lengths over next-out winner R Heisman. California-bred Bodacious, owned in partnership by Griffin Stables, breeder Terry Lovingier, and Paul Sabesky, has breezed six times since his... ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (June 27, 2024) – Miss Union is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 Monashee Handicap for fillies and mares at Hastings Racecourse. Miss Union is by Unionize, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Rachels Belle, was bred by Francis O’Leary, is owned by J.G. Williamson and is trained by Steve Henson. She has nine wins in 34 starts, earnings of $266,108 and is coming off a second in the June 8 Emerald Downs Stakes. ...

PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 19, 2024) – California-breds Princesa Del Tigre and Bold Daughter are entered in Sunday’s $50,000 She’s a Tiger Stakes for fillies and mares at the Alameda 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 17 starts, earnings of $132,934 and is coming off a second in a May 4 optional claimer. Bold Daughter is by Bold Chieftain, out of the Bertrando mare Pali Girl, was bred by Mike O’Farrell, is owned by Paul Lininger and trained by Roger Hansen. She has five wins in 25 starts, earnings of $97,411 and is coming off a fourth in a May 18 optional claimer. ...

By DRF.com and Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 20, 2024) — There has already been a major bet associated with Cowboy Mike’s appearance in Saturday’s $100,000 Bertrando Stakes for California-bred milers on the opening day of the Los Alamitos summer meeting. Earlier this week, Cowboy Mike was supplemented to the Golden State Series of stakes for statebreds for $25,000, a prerequisite for a start in the Bertrando. The expensive fee makes the 4-year-old Cowboy Mike eligible for the statewide series for the remainder of his career. “We took a gamble,” trainer Bob Baffert said. The idea for the supplemental nomination was discussed in 2023 by Baffert and owner-breeder Connie Pageler. The presence of The Chosen Vron in many of the leading stakes for statebreds last year prevented the investment. :: Bet the races with a $200 First Deposit Match + FREE All Access PPs! Join DRF Bets. “We were going to do it as a 3-year-old,” Baffert said. “He was going to be running against The Chosen Vron. We... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (June 17, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Daffodil Sweet returns from a 10-month layoff as the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Hastings Stakes for fillies and mares at Emerald Downs. 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 20 starts, earnings of $206,161 and is coming off a third in the Aug. 13 Emerald Distaff. She was seventh in this race last year, third in 2022 and sixth in 2021. ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 15, 2024) —The Chosen Vron, one of the most accomplished California breds in history, is among 11 nominees to the $100,000-guaranteed Bertrando Stakes. The one-mile race for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in the state will be run Saturday, June 22, opening day of the Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The eight-day LACF season will continue through Sunday, July 7. Owned by Sondereker Racing LLC, Richard Thornburgh, Eric Fetkin and trainer J. Eric Kruljac, the 6-year-old Vronsky gelding has won 18 of 23 and banked $1,419,678. He has won 13 of his last 14 with the lone defeat coming when he was fifth in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Sprint last Nov. 4. Out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, The Chosen Vron is 1-for-1 at Los Alamitos, having won the E.B. Johnston Stakes – at the Bertrando distance – Sept. 17, 2022. Owner-breeder Nick Alexander and trainer Steve Miyadi, who teamed to win the Bertrando with Desmond... ...

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (June 15, 2024) — Stakes winner Big Pond is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Bed ‘o Roses Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. Big Pond is by Mr. Big. Out of the Lemon drop Kid mare Beside Still Water, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by Bill Mott. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $314,480 and is coming off a second in the May 18 Vagrancy. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 14, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, June 20, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo.  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 #14, 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. ...

By DRF.com PLEASANTON, Calif. (June 12, 2024) – In her 14-race career, which includes four stakes wins and seven overall victories, Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Chancery Way is unbeaten in one aspect of her career – she has never lost on the California fair circuit. Chancery Way has won three races in as many starts at fair meetings at Pleasanton and Sacramento since her career began in 2022. The streak is in jeopardy when Chancery Way starts in Saturday’s $75,000 Mary Clare Schmitt Pleasanton Oaks for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at six furlongs at the Alameda County Fair. Chancery Way is by Mr. Big, out of the War Chant mare This Means War, was bred by Harris Farms & John Nicoletti, is owned by Andy and Rob Smolich and is trained by Jamey Thomas. The $6,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has seven wins in 14 starts, earnings of $365,770 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 17 Irish O’Brien. Chancery Way, a... ...

From Los Alamitos Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (June 11, 2024) – Three stakes worth a combined $400,000 highlight the 2024 Los Angeles County Fair meet at Los Alamitos. The eight-day season will begin Saturday, June 22 and continue through Sunday, July 7. Racing will be conducted Saturday-Sunday (June 22-23 and 29-30) the first two weeks and Thursday-Sunday (July 4-7). the final week. Post time will be 1 p.m. The initial stakes of the season is the $100,000 Bertrando for 3-year-olds & up bred or sired in California. The one-mile race will be run Saturday, June 22. The richest of the stakes races is the Grade II, $200,000-guaranteed Great Lady M. Stakes. The race at 6 ½ furlongs for fillies and mares – 3-year-olds & up – will be offered Saturday, July 6. The other stakes event is the $100,000 Los Alamitos Derby for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles. The Derby will be run Saturday, June 29. Grandstand admission is $3 and $2 for seniors 62 and older. Admission to Burgart’s and... ...

AUBURN, Wash. (June 6, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Grease Missile and fellow California-breds Signora Vittoria and Victoria’s Charge are entered in the June 15 $50,000 Seattle Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Emerald Downs. Grease Missile is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Midnight Lute mare Midnighthush, was bred by Dino Bates and Josephine Bates, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and is trained by Miguel Hernandez. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $126,528 and is coming off a sixth in a May 27 optional claimer. 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 Perry Martin and is trained by Tim McCanna. She is a maiden making her 10th start with earnings of $14,200. Victoria’s Charge is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Mr. Greeley mare Feel the Charge, was bred by owners Brett Brophy & Kelly Dougan and is trained by Alan Bozell. She... ...

VANCOUVER, B.C. (June 5, 2024) – Miss Union is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Emerald Downs Stakes for fillies and mares at Hastings Racecourse. Miss Union is by Unionize, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Rachels Belle, was bred by Francis O’Leary, is owned by JG Williamson Racing and is trained by Steve Henson. Miss Union has nine wins in 33 starts, earnings of $258,844 and is coming off a third in a May 18 allowance. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 30, 2024) – Graded stakes winner Chismosa and fellow California-bred stakes winner Tom’s Regret are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Desert Stormer Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Chismosa is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Cat Dreams mare You Can Dream, was bred by owner Jamie Renella and is trained by Rafael DeLeon. She has four wins in 17 starts, earnings of $441,750 and is coming off a third in the May 18 Mizdirection Stakes. 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 is trained by Steven Miyadi. She has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $306,073 and is coming off a second in a May 11 optional claimer, her first race in nearly 11 months. ...

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 29, 2024) – State-bred stakes usually give horses an option to obtain black type while ducking tougher competition they might encounter in graded stakes. The talented California-bred sprinter The Chosen Vron  has turned that scenario upside down for the June 1 Triple Bend Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita, to the potential benefit of fellow Cal-bred Big City Lights . It has already worked once. After winning two stakes, Big City Lights finished second to The Chosen Vron in four consecutive Cal-bred stakes, the only losses of his career. So trainer Richard Mandella and owner William Peeples skipped the Jan. 13 California Cup Sprint with Big City Lights, leaving that victory to The Chosen Vron. Big City Lights instead faced open company in an allowance optional claimer and the Feb. 10 Palos Verdes Stakes (G3), acing both tests. The Chosen Vron and Big City Lights appeared together in the entries for the May 25 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Cal-breds, but Mandella and Peeples may have found a better path yet again. They... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 25, 2024) – Grand Slam Smile continued the favorite fest on Gold Rush Day with an emphatic win in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies. 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 seven starts, earnings of $404,900 and was coming off a win in the Jan. 13 Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks, one of her four stakes wins. Grand Slam Smile ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.70 and won by five lengths over Safa, with Loretta Lynn third. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 23, 2024) – The winning streak began with a come-from-behind victory in a $50,000 claimer in a turf sprint at Santa Anita on a Friday in early March. Nearly three months later, the 7-year-old California-bred gelding Johnny Podres is a multiple stakes winner, has won three consecutive starts, and is possibly on the verge of his first graded stakes win in Sunday’s Grade 3 Daytona Stakes at about 6 1/2 furlongs on the hillside turf course at Santa Anita. It will not be easy. The race is full of contenders. The $100,000 Daytona Stakes drew a field of 10, including six other stakes winners capable of a victory – Air Force Red, Astronomer, First Peace, Lane Way, Mucho Del Oro, and Whatmakessammyrun. The other runners are Almendares, Daniel’s Magic, and Nineeleventurbo. Johnny Podres, claimed for $40,000 in May 2023, was bred by Nick Alexander and races for David Bernsen and Mi Familia Racing Stable. Since being claimed, Johnny Podres has earned $191,950, with the bulk... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (May 23, 2024) – There is no red carpet for the star of the show Saturday at Santa Anita, but there certainly is for the main supporting player. Seems it should be the other way around. Millionaire gelding The Chosen Vron probably will win the $100,000 Thor’s Echo anyway, but he must overcome an unwelcome obstacle – post position – in the race 3 sprint that is the first of five Cal-bred stakes on Saturday. A half-hour later in race 4, Kings River Knight is lone speed in the $100,000 Crystal Water at a mile on turf. Kings River Knight figures to be long gone and win the Crystal Water a second time. The Chosen Vron and Kings River Knight, 6-year-old geldings, enter their races as perceived low-odds standouts. From a betting perspective, the Thor’s Echo and Crystal Water offer less appeal than three stakes later. From a sporting perspective, who doesn’t love The Chosen Vron? A winner of 16 stakes, The Chosen Vron is stuck... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – California-bred Horse of the Year The Chosen Vron faces four opponents when he attempts to defend his title in Saturday’s $100,000 Thor’s Echo Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. The Chosen Vron is by Vronsky, out of the Tiz Wonderful mare Tiz Molly, was bred by Tiz Molly Partners and is owned by Sondereker Racing, Fetkin, Thornburgh and trainer J. Eric Kruljac. He has 17 wins in 22 starts, earnings of $1,359,678 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 27 Kona Gold, his 12th win in the last 13 starts.   Sawasdee is by Desert Code, out of the Congaree mare Scary Fast, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Ronald Yayoshi and trained by Craig Dollase. He has seven wins in 29 starts, earnings of $262,780 and is coming off a May 5 allowance win. Graded stakes winner Big City Lights is by Mr. Big, out of the Exchange Rate mare Champagne Exchange, was bred by Bar C... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Defending champ Kings River Knight risks his four-race win streak in Saturday’s $100,000 Crystal Water Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. Barely Functional 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 17 starts, earnings of $215,262 and is coming off a third in a May 5 optional claimer. 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 25 starts, earnings of $438,814 and is coming off a third in a May 5 optional claimer. He was second in this race last year. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban. He has six wins in 32 starts, earnings... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Stay and Scam, who hit the board in graded stakes in her last two starts, gets the outside post in a field of 11 in Saturday’s $100,000 Fran’s Valentine Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Carmen Miranda is by Stanford, out of the Tribal Rule mare Miranda Rose, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Hronis Racing and trained by John Sadler. She has five wins in 18 starts, earnings of $326,576 and is coming off a fourth in a Mar. 29 optional claimer. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate 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 has one win in 11 starts, earnings of $104,960 and is coming off a fourth in a Mar. 15 optional claimer. Abhita is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Wildcat Heir... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Stakes winner Shady Tiger draws the rail in Saturday’s $125,000 Snow Chief Stakes, presented by City National Bank, for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Shady Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Full Mandate mare Divine Legacy, was bred by owner Rusty Brown and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has three wins in four starts, earnings of $166,400 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 6 Echo Eddie Stakes, his third consecutive win. CTBA January Sale graduate Size Does Matter is a Kentucky-bred by California stallion Mr. Big, out of the Yankee Gentleman mare Belloma, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by Brent Malmstrom and trained by Peter Miller. The $2,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in five starts, earnings of $31,200 and is coming off a third in an Apr. 28 optional claimer. Takes Three is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Radish, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 22, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile seeks to continue her division domination in Saturday’s $125,000 Melair Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. CTBA January Sale graduate Safa is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Hadarra, was bred by Derek Lawson, is owned by Souheil Bisharat and Khalil Khoury and is trained by Gary Stute. A $23,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $148,060 and is coming off four consecutive runner-up finishes. Only One America is by Marking, out of the Diabolical mare That’s the Idea, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $123,580 and is coming off a win in the Apr. 7 Island Fashion Stakes at Sunland Park. Loretta Lynn is by Grazen, out of the Tribal Rule mare Sunday Rules, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil... ...

By Bloodhorse.com OZONE PARK, N.Y.  — (May 16, 2024) — California-bred Big Pond  was a big deal at Santa Anita Park over the winter, winning the Feb. 18 Spring Fever Stakes in fast time after a nose defeat when second in the Dec. 26 La Brea Stakes (G1). Now George Krikorian’s homebred 4-year-old daughter of Mr. Big   battles five East Coast rivals in the $175,000 Vagrancy Stakes (G3) May 18 at Aqueduct Racetrack. Her principal foes in the 6 1/2-furlong dirt sprint are stakes winners Hot Fudge , Leave No Trace , and Beguine . Saturday’s race marks Big Pond’s first start for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott and her second outside California, where she was foaled. All seven of her prior starts previously came for trainer Tim Yakteen, including a recent seventh in the April 6 Madison Stakes (G1) at Keeneland that came after an awkward start. She recorded three wins and two seconds for Yakteen, earning $279,480. Junior Alvarado will be the fourth jockey to ride Big Pond in her last four races, following Flavian Prat, Frankie Dettori and... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 15, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa and fellow California-bred Rebalation are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Mizdirection Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. 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 four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $429,750 and is coming off a sixth in the Mar. 6 Monrovia. 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 trained by Librado Barocio. She has nine wins in 19 starts, earnings of $249,828 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 19 starter’s allowance. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 12, 2024) – California-breds Luca Grazie, Big Event and Galactic Core are among the entrants in Sunday’s $75,000 San Juan County Commissioners Stakes at Sunray Park. Luca Grazie is by Boisterous, out of the Comic Strip mare Kukaluka, was bred by Gary Barber and Aam Wachtel, is owned by Homer Thoroughbreds and is trained by Travis Wheeler. He has one win in 15 starts, earnings of $99,250 and is coming off ninth in an Apr. 16 optional claimer. Big Event is by Mr. Big, out of the Forestry mare Magnetic, was bred by George Kirkorian, is owned by Gina Lujan and Marissa Esquibel and is trained by Danny Morales. He has three wins in 16 starts, earnings of $74,798 and is coming off a fourth in an Apr. 28 optional claimer. Galactic Core is by Bluegrass Cat, out of the Mizzen Mast mare Masterful Lass, was bred by Louis Neve, is owned by Christine Belt and trained by Danny Morales. He has one win in seven starts,... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 10, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo.  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 #10, 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. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 8, 2024) – California-breds Illhaveanotherkiss and Vincero Grande are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Santa Barbara Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Illhaveanotherkiss is by I’ll Have Another, out of the Tribal Rule mare Family Girl, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Joe Navarro and trained by Doug O’Neill. She has two wins in 11 starts, earnings of $95,280 and is coming off a win in an Apr. 26 starter’s allowance. Vincero Grande is by Mr. Big, out of the Unusual Heat mare Patsy G and Me, was bred by George Krikorian, is owned by SLO Stables and trained by Mike Puype. She has  two wins in 17 starts, earnings of 141,886 and is coming off a second in an Apr. 4 optional claimer. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (May 3, 2024) – Shamrockin is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Senorita Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Shamrockin is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Broken Vow mare Irish Winnie, was bred by Moger Inc. & Neary Racing, is owned by Metanoia Racing and Craig Seidler and is trained by Pau Aguirre. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $83,220 and is coming off a Mar. 16 optional claiming win. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Apr. 28, 2024) –California-breds Bel Ragazzo and Hapi Hapi are entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Hasta La Vista Stakes at 1 7/8 miles at Turf Paradise. Bel Ragazzo is by Exaggerator, out of the Belgravia mare Bricks and Clicks, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Anthony DeMarco and trained by Edward Kereluk. He has four wins in 35 starts, earnings of $48,322 and is coming off a third in an Apr. 24 claimer. Hapi Hapi is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Wildcat Heir mare Wild Caroline, was bred by James Shenouda and is owned by trainer Jesus Uranga. He has eight wins in 46 starts, earnings of $225,095 and is coming off a sixth in an Apr. 21 starter’s allowance. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Apr. 28, 2024) – Six California-breds are part of a full field of 12 entered in Saturday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Open Spring Futurity for 2-year-olds. Ligerazo, a graduate of the CTBA January Sale, is by Stanford, out of the Royal Applause mare Tinderella, was bred by Rancho San Miguel and Var Reeve, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables and Tricar Stables and is trained by Jose Silva. He finished second in his lone start with earnings of $6,000. Inexpress is a filly by Bodexpress, out of the Declaration of War mare Love of Art, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Jacque Guerra. He is a maiden making his second start with earnings of $1,500. Narizon is by Stanford, out of the Into Mischief mare Zakar, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables and is trained by Jose Silva. He was second in his lone start with earnings of $5,700. Bottle Caps, a graduate of the Northern California Yearling... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2024) – The plan for The Chosen Vron to take it easy in April went out the window when the popular chestnut gelding worked four furlongs in a blazing 46.60 seconds last weekend under a hold by jockey Hector Berrios. “I wanted to freshen [The Chosen Vron] off his previous race, but thought better of it because he’s just feeling so good,” trainer Eric Kruljac said. Instead of two months between starts, waiting for a California-bred stakes in May, The Chosen Vron was supplemented to the $100,000 Kona Gold Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita. “He’s just training so sharp, he hasn’t been any better,” Kruljac said. Few sprinters in California are better. The Chosen Vron, a 16-for-21 millionaire 6-year-old with 15 stakes wins, seeks another on Saturday against Grade 2 winner Forbidden Kingdom and classy comebacker Express Train. :: Access morning workout reports straight from the tracks and get an edge with DRF Clocker Reports Seven entered the Kona Gold, a 6 1/2-furlong... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Freeport Joe and fellow California-breds Clovisconnection and Coalinga Road are entered in Saturday’s $175,000 Grade III San Francisco Mile at Golden Gate. 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 24 starts, earnings of $430,234 and is coming off a fifth in the Mar. 24 Sensational Star. Graded winner Freeport Joe is by English Channel, out of the Sadler’s Wells mare Winds of March, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Larry Odbert and trained by Gloria Haley. He has nine wins in 28 starts, earnings of $345,102 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 5 allowance. The $2,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale was seventh in this race in 2022. Clovisconnection is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare La Darling, was bred by owners William and Judy Hedrick... ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 24, 2024) – The main question in the Grade 3 Royal Heroine Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita concerns the likely pacesetter – can California-bred Stay and Scam stay the trip? At a mile on turf, the Royal Heroine may or may not be within reach for Stay and Scam. She ran well finishing second last out in the Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes, her initial try at two turns. But she also squandered a 2 1/2-length lead in the stretch. “I guess until you win [at two turns], it’s always going to be a question mark,” trainer Doug O’Neill acknowledged. “She really stepped up against open company and showed she belongs. I’m just confident she’s doing well. I think she fits in there.” Stay and Scam fits perfectly in the $100,000 Royal Heroine, which is race 9 on Saturday. The card includes the $100,000 Kona Gold, race 4, in which The Chosen Vron could be odds-on. By comparison, the Royal Heroine is wide open. Stay... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2024) – Multiple stakes-placed Big Novel is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Maria Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Big Novel is by Mr. Big, out of the Heatseeker mare Steamy Novel, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by John Sadler. She has four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $370,902 and is coming off a win in a Mar. 22 optional claimer. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 18, 2024) – Stakes winner Johnny Podres is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Siren Lure Stakes 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 Mia Familia Racing Stable and is trained by Librado Barocio. He has eight wins in 36 starts, earnings of $422,870 and is coming off a win in the Mar. 24 Sensational Star. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 17, 2024) – California-bred graded winner None Above the Law has found a compact field of four rivals against which to end his losing streak in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Californian Stakes at Santa Anita. None Above the Law is by Karakontie, out of the Northern Afleet mare Legally Blanca, was bred by J. Kirk & Judy Robison, is owned by Hector Castrellon and trained by Jorge Periban. He has six wins in 31 starts, earnings of $567,302 and is coming off a sixth in the Mar. 24 Sensational Star after being claimed for $50,000. His last win was the Grade II Del Mar Derby, 2 ½ years and 18 races ago. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 17, 2024) – Lamporghini is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Lamporghini is by Danzing Candy, out of the Storm Boot mare Storm Lamp, was bred by owner Ed Delaney and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $123,040 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 24 optional claimer. ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Apr. 12, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, April 18, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo.  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 meeting package of materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

CLAREMORE, Okla. (Apr. 9, 2024) – Yvonne’s Miss is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $50,000 Wilma Mankiller Stakes for fillies and mares at Will Rogers Downs. Yvonne’s Miss is by Bucchero, out of the Posse mare Deputy Miss, was bred by Ari Herbertson, is owned by Carlton Sanders and trained by Sarah Davidson. She has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $98,534 and is coming off back-to-back allowance wins. ...

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Apr. 4, 2024) – Tapatio Leo is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $175,000 Eclipse Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Tapatio Leo is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Rio Verde mare Sweet Lips Pooh, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Griffin Stables, Lovingier, Amanda Navarro, John Ryan and John Moroney and is trained by Peter Miller. He has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $253,026 and is coming off a seventh in a Feb. 23 allowance that snapped a four-race win streak. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Stakes winners Last Call London and Lord Prancealot take on the unbeaten Tom Seaver in Saturday’s $125,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series-eligibles at Santa Anita. 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 one win in nine starts, earnings of $98,600 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 4 optional claimer. Prince Prancealot is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Richard’s Kid mare Lemon Crush, was bred by Melody Conlon and is owned by trainer Paula Capestro. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $52,960 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 4 optional claimer. Shady Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Full Mandate mare Divine Legacy, was bred by owner Rusty Brown and is trained by Philip D’Amato. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $91,400 and is coming... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Three daughters of stallion Clubhouse Ride comprise half of the field entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. California Thoroughbred Breeders Association January Sale graduate Safa is by Grazen, out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Hadarra, was bred by Derek Lawson, is owned by Souheil Bisharat and Khalil Khoury and is trained by Gary Stute. The $23,000 purchase at the CTBA January Sale has one win in eight starts, earnings of $112,060 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 3 optional claimer. Mirinda is by Mitole, out of the More Than Ready mare Whim, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Thomas Nichols and trained by Gary Mandella. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $70,200 and is making her first start since a third in the Nov. 3 Golden State Juvenile Fillies. Roberta’s Love is by Collected, out of the Broken Vow mare West Coast Gal, was bred... ...

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate and graded winner Yo Yo Candy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Bay Shore Stakes for 3-year-olds at Aqueduct. Yo Yo Candy is by Danzing Candy, out of the Two Punch mare Yolanda B. Too, was bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, is owned by Happy Tenth Stable and trained by Daniel Velazquez. The $6,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale, consigned by breeder Checkmate Thoroughbreds, has two wins in five starts, earnings of $149,050 and is making his first start since a fifth in the Nov. 5 Nashua. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Curlin’s Kaos is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $750,000 Grade I Santa Anita 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 one win in five starts, earnings of $82,520 and is coming off a fourth in the Feb. 18 Sunland Park Derby. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2024) – Graded winner Chismosa is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Monrovia Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. 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 four wins in 15 starts, earnings of $429,250 and is coming off a third in the Mar. 17 Irish O’Brien. ...

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Apr. 2, 2024) – Stakes winner Big Pond is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $600,000 Grade I Resolute Racing Madison Stakes for fillies and mares at Keeneland. Big Pond is by Mr. Big, out of the Lemon Drop Kid mare Beside Still Water, was bred by owner George Krikorian and is trained by Tim Yakteen. She has three wins in six starts, earnings of $273,230 and is coming off a win in the Feb. 18 Spring Fever. ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Apr. 2, 2024) – California-breds Only One America and Raspberry Wine are entered in Sunday’s $125,000 Island Fashion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park. Only One America is by Marking, out of the Diabolical mare That’s the Idea, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Todd Fincher. She has one win in eight starts, earnings of $46,080 and is coming off a sixth in a Mar. 14 allowance. Raspberry Wine is by Cat Burglar, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Terri Rust and Rusty Wire Racing and is trained by Rust. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $41,975 and is coming off a fifth in the Feb. 18 Sunland Park Oaks. ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Apr. 2, 2024) – Alotaluck is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $125,000 Mine That Bird Derby for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park. Alotaluck is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Lucks Mine mare Colinda Dawn, was bred by owner Eleanor Martin and is trained by Ty Garrett. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $132,360 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 18 Sunland Park Derby. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 31, 2024) – One unexpected benefit to the Santa Anita rain cancellation last week is the subsequent upgrade to the field for the Grade 3 Wilshire Stakes, a turf-mile for fillies and mares postponed from Saturday to Thursday. The five-day delay provided California-bred stakes-winning sprinter Stay and Scam 19 days between starts, and allows her to run in the Wilshire as the likely pacesetter and most probable winner. If the race had been run as scheduled last Saturday, Stay and Scam would have stayed in the barn. “She was not planned to run last weekend,” trainer Doug O’Neill said. “The postponement definitely opened up that conversation, and here we are.” Stay and Scam’s owner and breeder, Paul Reddam, supplemented Stay and Scam to the Wilshire for $2,000. The move may pay dividends. Stay and Scam won the Irish O’Brien Stakes for California-bred turf sprinters on March 17 and could be long gone in Wilshire. That is, if she stays two turns. “If the pace scenario... ...

From DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 28, 2024) — With heavy rain forecast for this weekend, Santa Anita has canceled live racing on Saturday and Sunday. A makeup card will be added next Thursday, April 4, with entries to be taken on Saturday. According to the National Weather Service, rain is expected to arrive in the area Friday evening and remain throughout the weekend. Thursday’s makeup card will include both the GIII Wilshire Stakes on turf, which was scheduled for Saturday, and the GIII American Stakes on turf that was set to be run this Sunday. In addition to Thursday’s card, Santa Anita plans to run extra races Friday through Sunday. All races in the condition book for this weekend will be offered back next week. Next Thursday’s card will start a four-day race week at Santa Anita, which is highlighted by the GI Santa Anita Derby card on Saturday, April 6. In addition to the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby, which is a major prep for the Kentucky Derby, the card... ...

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Mar. 24, 2024) – Grade I-winning California-bred Daddysruby is entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Matron Stakes for fillies and mares at Oaklawn Park. Daddysruby is by Frac Daddy, out of the You and I mare Youtheprizeandi, was bred by Jethorse, is owned by Jethorse, Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber and is trained by Peter Miller. She has five wins in seven starts, earnings of $364,014 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 18 Spring Fever, having just RNA’d at a high bid of $940,000 in the Fasig-Tipton Digital March Sale. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 21, 2024) – Clovisconnection returns from a six-month break with a four stakes win streak in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. 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, Brian Flanagan, Michael Jarvis and Michael Weseloh and is trained by Craig Dollase. He has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $147,058 and is coming off a third in a Mar. 9 starter’s allowance. Lovesick Blues is by Grazen, out of the Ministers Wild Cat mare Queenofhercastle, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steven Miyadi. He has seven wins in 30 starts, earnings of $352,968 and is coming off a fourth in a Feb. 15 optional claimer. 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... ...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, March 21, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo.  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 meeting package of materials are also available on the CHRB website. #   ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 14, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduates Chancery Way and All Dialed In take on multiple stakes winner Rose Maddox and graded winner Chismosa in Sunday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for Golden State Series-eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Madiha is by Shaman Ghost, out of the Great Notion mare Very Few Details, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Lovingier, Zahra Madiha and Amanda Navarro and is trained by Craig Dollase. She has three wins in 24 starts, earnings of $285,477 and is coming off a fifth in a Mar. 9 optional claimer. Graded winner 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 four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $417,250 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 3 Santa Monica Stakes. Stay and Scam is by Square Eddie, out of the Momentum mare Puff Pastry, was bred by owner Reddam... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 8, 2024) – Iron horse 10-year-old Minister of Soul, making his sixth appearance in the race, is part of a California-bred quintet entered in Thursday’s $60,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Stakes at Turf Paradise. Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul is by Minister’s Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The $16,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has 18 wins in 65 starts, earnings of $589,722 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 27 optional claimer. He was seventh in this race last year, fifth in 2022, third in 2021, second in 2020 and won in 2019. Principe Carlo is by Coil, out of the Rahy mare Princess Ezra, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by Mia Familia Racing Stable and Rockingham Ranch and is trained by Justin Evans. He has nine wins in 35 starts, earnings of $550,005 and is coming off a fourth in... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 8, 2024) – Stakes winner Madison Mae and fellow California-breds Where is Zizi and Lady Mary Lou are entered in Thursday’s $60,000 Arizona Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Madison Mae is by Pavel, out of the Scat Daddy mare Taffeta, was bred by Reddam Racing, is owned by John Rockfort, Rafter JR Ranch, STD Racing Stable and Michael Nentwig and is trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $116,440 and is coming off a seventh in a Mar. 4 optional claimer. Where is Zizi is by Nyquist, out of the Square Eddie mare Don’t Sell, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Antonio Garcia. She is a maiden making her third start with earnings of $12,900. Lady Mary Lou is by English Channel, out of the Tapit mare Carocuore, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, is owned by John Campo III and trained by Stacy Campo. She won her lone start Mar. 4 with earnings of... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Mar. 8, 2024) – Stakes winner Last Call London is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $60,000 Turf Paradise Derby for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Last Call London is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Empire Way mare Zo Lo’s Luv, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Tom London, Lovingier and Eugene Zondlo and is trained by Peter Miller. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $184,096 and is coming off a fourth in a Feb. 11 optional claimer. ...

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Mar. 6, 2024) – Starship Defiant is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Correction Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. Starship Defiant is the Empire Way, out of the Street Boss mare Bossy Belle, was bred by Terry Lovingier and is owned by trainer David Jacobson. She has seven wins in 30 starts, earnings of $297,408 and is coming off a fifth in a Jan. 28 starter’s allowance. ...

TAMPA, Fla. (Mar. 6, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner California-bred Spitten Kitten returns from an eighth-month break in Saturday’s $50,000 overnight handicap at Tampa Bay Downs. Spitten Kitten is by Air Force Blue, out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Zahrah, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Marvin Buffalo and Deb Buffalo. She has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $81,434 and is making her first start since a win in the July 10 Jack Hardy Stakes. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 29, 2024) – Multiple Grade II winner Closing Remarks, the newest California-bred millionaire, seeks to add to her bankroll in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Closing Remarks is by Vronsky, out of the Unusual Heat mare Orange Cove, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Carla Gaines. She has seven wins in 26 starts, earnings of $1,000,320 and is coming off a sixth in the Feb. 3 Megahertz. She was third in this race in 2022 and 2023. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity    ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 29, 2024)—With a weather forecast calling for heavy rains into and through Saturday afternoon, Santa Anita Park has announced that there will be no live racing on Saturday and that the Grade I Santa Anita Handicap and three other graded stakes will be shifted to this Sunday, March 3, with first post time for a 10-race card at 12:30 p.m.                 A much more favorable weather scenario is in store on Sunday, as Sunday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and a high temperature of 62 degrees.  Accordingly, the decision to move Saturday’s card to Sunday was done in consultation with Dennis and Robert Moore, who oversee Santa Anita track maintenance, as well as with officials from the CHRB, TOC, CTT and Jockeys’ Guild.                 The Santa Anita Handicap, Grade I Kilroe Mile (turf), Grade II DK Horse San Felipe Stakes and the Grade II Buena Vista Stakes at one mile on turf will highlight what figures to be a tremendous afternoon of world... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2024) — Kings River Knight, a winner of three straight California-bred stakes and five overall in 15 starts, tests open company Saturday in a $69,000 second-level allowance/optional claimer at a mile on turf. He is the 9-5 morning-line favorite for trainer John Sadler.       Kings River Knight was slated to run in Monday’s Tiznow Stakes for statebreds at a mile on dirt, but that plan fell through when the card was canceled due to heavy rain. Sadler audibled to Saturday’s fifth race, which also attracted a pair of geldings dropping out of graded stakes in Cathkin Peak (3-1) and Great King (5-1).       Kings River Knight’s current win streak includes the E.B. Johnston at a mile on dirt at Los Alamitos last September, the California Flag Handicap on the hillside turf course in October and most recently the Unusual Heat Turf Classic at 1 1/8 miles here Jan. 13.      “He was training to run on Monday.... ...

From TOC ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2024) — The Thoroughbred Owners of California will hold an Owners Education Seminar on Saturday, March 23 on the Baldwin Terrace at Santa Anita Park, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Meet world-renowned Track Superintendent Dennis Moore and champion Trainer John Sadler as they talk about racing surfaces, including the new Tapeta track. The seminar is FREE for licensed Owners and one complimentary guest. Additional guests and the public are welcome to attend – $25 per person. For questions and / or to coordinate payment, please email Elsa Peron at eperon@toconline.com. Continental breakfast provided. Check-in & Breakfast – 8:30 AM Seminar Begins – 9:00 AM RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED – RSVP BY MONDAY, MARCH 18 Owner Education Seminar Tickets, Sat, Mar 23, 2024 at 8:30 AM | Eventbrite ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Warrens Candy Girl and fellow California-bred Carmen Miranda are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Warrens Candy Girl is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Affirmative mare Warren’s Jitterbug, was bred by owners Ben & Sally Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has six wins in 24 starts, earnings of $499,360 and is making her first start since winning the July 22, 2023 Osunitas Stakes. Carmen Miranda is by Stanford, out of the Tribal Rule mare Miranda Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has five wins in 16 starts, earnings of $320,694 and is coming off a win in a Jan. 6 optional claimer. ...

By DRF.com HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Feb. 21, 2024) — The best word to describe Tapatio Leo’s four straight wins heading into Friday’s ninth race at Oaklawn Park is simple. “He’s hot,” said trainer Peter Miller. The word also is a play on the horse’s name. “Tapatio is a brand of hot sauce,” explained the trainer. Friday’s race is a six-furlong conditioned allowance for 4-year-olds and up that figures to produce starters for the Grade 3 Whitmore here March 16. The field of seven includes stakes winners Ryvit, Excess Magic, Sir Wellington, Empire of Gold, and Devil’s Tower. Tapatio Leo has not yet tested stakes company, but the local sprint series is one reason the horse was sent to Oaklawn from his base in Southern California. “The Whitmore and the Count Fleet are certainly in our sights,” said Miller. Miller won the 2021 Count Fleet and Whitmore, which was previously named the Hot Springs, with the recently retired C Z Rocket. The baton is now passed to Tapatio Leo, who looks to... ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 18, 2024) – Stakes winner Lite Ranchin Kid and fellow California-bred Shining Tiger are entered in Thursday’s $60,000 Luke Kruytbosch Stakes for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Shining Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Southern Halo mare Brooke’s Halo, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Mohamad Khan and trained by Steve Koler. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $9,060 and is coming off a sixth in a Feb. 5 claimer. Lite Ranchin Kid is by Lemon Drop Kid, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Lorelei’s Song, was bred by owner Regan Wright and is trained by Rafael Barraza. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $49,850 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 28 Zia Park Juvenile Stakes. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 20, 2024) – California-breds Stay Quiet, Grease Missile and Bourbon Tiger are entered in Monday’s $60,000 Princess of Palms Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turf Paradise. Stay Quiet is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Midnight Lute mare Pandura, was bred by Terry Lovingier and is owned by trainer Don Schnell. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $40,320 and is making her first start since a sixth in the Aug. 6 CTBA Stakes. Grease Missile is by Clubhouse Ride, out of the Midnight Lute mare Midnighthush, was bred by Dino Bates and Josephine Bates, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Bart Hone. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $64,730 and is coming off a Dec. 12 allowance win. Bourbon Tiger is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Sky Mesa mare Spring Again, was bred by PT Syndicate #1, is owned by Dan Warden, Benjamin Root and Margaret Root and is trained by Frank Lucarelli. She has two wins in... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 17, 2024)—With heavy rain forecast for Monday, Santa Anita’s Presidents’ Day racing has been cancelled.  Nine-race programs on Saturday and Sunday will go ahead as scheduled, with good weather predicted and first post time each day at 12:30 p.m.                 Additionally, Santa Anita will be open on Monday for simulcast wagering in the Grandstand Paddock Room, beginning at 10 a.m.  Free parking and admission are offered.                 Races that had been offered for this Monday will now be offered as extra races next Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-25.                 There is a $1 Pick Six carryover of $56,500 coming into today.  Saturday’s Pick Six will cover races four through nine, with average field size today of nine runners per race.  Leg one in today’s Pick Six starts with race four, approximate post time at 2 p.m. PT.                 For entries and morning line information for this Saturday and Sunday, please visit santaanita.com. ...

By DRF.com HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Feb. 16, 2024) – Tapatio Leo won his fourth straight race in a Feb. 10 allowance at Oaklawn, and the California-bred likely will see stakes action at the meet, according to trainer Peter Miller. Tapatio Leo is by Stay Thirsty, out of the Rio Verde mare Sweet Lips Pooh, was bred by Terry Lovingier, is owned by Griffin Stables, Lovingier, Amanda Navarro, John Ryan and John Moroney.  He has five wins in seven starts and earnings of $250,660. Tapatio Leo shipped in from Southern California, where he had reeled off three straight allowance wins dating back to September at Del Mar. “He’s a very fast and really good sprinter, and we’re thinking about possibly the sprint series over at Oaklawn,” Miller said. :: Get the Inside Track with the FREE DRF Morning Line Email Newsletter. Subscribe now.  The next race is the Grade 3, $250,000 Whitmore on March 16. Tejano Twist is on deck for the Whitmore, trainer Chris Hartman said. The millionaire won the race... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 15, 2024)—Separated by a scant nose when last they met going seven furlongs in Santa Anita’s Grade I La Brea Stakes Dec. 26,  talented California-breds Daddysruby and Big Pond will tackle older fillies and mares for the first time as they figure prominently in Sunday’s $100,000 Spring Fever Stakes at six furlongs.                 Trained by Peter Miller, Daddysruby, who led every step of the way in the La Brea and is unbeaten in three starts at six furlongs, rates a very narrow nod over the Tim Yakteen-trained Big Pond.                 A galloping 5 ¼ length six furlong allowance winner in open company two starts back on Oct. 27, Daddysruby, although ridden to victory in four out of her last five starts by Juan Hernandez, will be ridden for the first time by Drayden Van Dyke on Sunday.                 Quick from the blocks, Daddysruby, a 4-year-old filly by Frac Daddy out of the You and I mare Youtheprizeandi, earned an 87 Beyer Speed Figure in her... ...

SUNLAND PARK, M.M. (Feb. 12, 2024) – Stakes-placed Surroundedbyangels and Alotaluck and fellow California-bred Curlin’s Kaos are entered in Sunday’s $400,000 Grade III Sunland Park Derby for 3-year-olds. Surroundedbyangels is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Dunkirk mare Angel of Battle, was bred by Willow Tree Farm and G. W. Thomas, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Bart Hone. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $26,800 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 19 Riley Allison Derby. 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 Alfred Pais and is trained by Antonio Garcia. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $63,120 and is coming off a Jan. 27 maiden win. Alotaluck is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Lucks Mine mare Colinda Dawn, was bred by owner Eleanor Martin and trained by Ty Garrett. He has one win in two starts, earnings... ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 12, 2024) – Raspberry Wine is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Sunland Park Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Raspberry Wine is by Cat Burglar, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Terri Rust and Rusty Wire Racing. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $34,550 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 19 Borderplex Stakes. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 12, 2024) – Busker Allie is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $60,000 Molly P Stakes for fillies and mares at Turf Paradise. Busker Allie is by Grazen, out of the Alfeet Alex mare Shesabronxbomber, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Tijuana Racing Stables and trained by Juan Silva. She has three wins in 29 starts, earnings of $158,460 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 7 starter’s optional claimer. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2024) – California-bred stakes winners Big City Lights and See Through It are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Palos Verdes Stakes at Santa Anita. Big City Lights is by Mr. Big, out of the Exchange Rate mare Champagne Exchange, was bred by Bar C Racing Stable, is owned by William Peeples and trained by Richard Mandella. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $332,420 and is coming off a win in a Jan. 6 optional claimer. See Through It is by Curlin to Mischief, out of the Chester House mare Crystal House, was bred by Edward Allred, is owned by Belico Racing and Lizbeth Medina and is trained by Genaro Vallejo. He has eight wins in 30 starts, earnings of $351,712 and is coming off a Jan. 19 allowance win. Also entered is stakes winner The Big Wam, a Washington-bred son of California stallion Mr. Big, out of the Forestry mare Magnetic, bred by Keith Marks, owned by Michael Bello and Charles Bartlett... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2024) – Multiple stakes winner Wild Jewels, Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Come Out Fighting and fellow California-bred Old Triangle are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Wild Jewels is by Tamarando, out of the Distorted Humor mare Ribbon of Jewels, was bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steve Specht. He has four wins in seven starts, earnings of $154,810 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 13 California Chrome Cal Cup Derby Come Out Fighting is by Cat Burglar, out of the Awesome Again mare Fight Again, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by Chris Carpenter and trainer Bill McLean. The $3,000 purchase at the Northern California Yearling Sale has one win in six starts, earnings of $30,900 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 27 starter’s allowance. Old Triangle is by Gig Harbor, out of the Shackleford mare She’s Cookin, was bred by owner... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 7, 2024) – Shortman is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita. 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 26 starts, earnings of $190,530 and is coming off a third in a Dec. 17 optional claimer. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 7, 2024)—With training suspended since Sunday due to historic rainfall from a series of storms, Santa Anita Park, in consultation with its horsemen, postponed Friday’s nine-race card to give time for horses to return to a normal routine before this weekend’s races. The Friday races will be offered back next Thursday. Per CHRB rules, they will be re-drawn when entries are taken this Saturday.        “With training suspended for the last four days, per the CHRB protocols only joggers will be allowed on Thursday and we return to regular training Friday morning,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager. “Many of our trainers and horse owners have conveyed they would prefer an extra day for their horses to resume training before we race this weekend.        “Dennis Moore and his maintenance team have done a terrific job taking care of the track. We got over 10 inches of rain since Sunday afternoon, but the forecast... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity  ARCADIA, CA (Feb. 2, 2024)—With more than two inches of rain in the forecast for this Sunday, Santa Anita Park has announced Sunday’s eight-race program has been cancelled and that a pair of graded stakes, the Grade III, $100,000 Las Virgenes and the Grade III, San Marcos, will be rescheduled for Saturday, Feb. 10, with entries taken this Wednesday.                 Although racing is cancelled for Sunday, the National Weather Service forecast for Saturday is very good.  Accordingly, Saturday’s 10-race program, which begins with first post time at 12:15 p.m., will go forward as planned.  Conditions for the main track and turf on Saturday are expected to be fast and firm.                 Saturday’s card will include four graded stakes, the Grade III, $100,000 Megahertz, for older fillies and mares at one mile on turf; the Grade III, $200,000 Robert B. Lewis, for 3-year-olds at one mile; the Grade III, $100,000 Thunder Road, for older horses at one mile on turf and the Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica,... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2024) — Multiple stakes winner Grand Slam Smile is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Las Virgenes Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. A five furlong stakes winner versus open company in her second start here last June, trainer Steve Specht’s Grand Slam Smile has proven to be an ultra-tough customer on dirt, synthetic and most recently, routing on turf, as she’s competed exclusively in stakes company in her last five starts—winning three.                 Bred in California by her owners, Mr. and Mrs. Larry D. Williams, Grand Slam Smile is based at Golden Gate Fields and she comes off the biggest win of her career, a 2 ½ length score in Santa Anita’s Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks at one mile on turf Jan. 13.                  On the lead turning for home under regular rider Frank Alvarado, Grand Slam Smile was tackled from all sides but regrouped and opened up late in a performance not often seen on grass. ... ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, CA (Jan. 31, 2024)—Fresh off the best year of her amazing 25-race career, Harris Farms’ classy 6-year-old homebred Closing Remarks is back at a preferred distance over a course she adores as she heads a field of seven older fillies and mares at one mile on turf in Saturday’s Grade III, $100,000 Megahertz Stakes at Santa Anita.                  A gutty half length winner of the Grade II Goldikova at one mile on turf here two starts back on Nov. 5, Closing Remarks finished strongly while in close quarters to be sixth, beaten two lengths in the Grade I Matriarch at one mile over the Del Mar turf in her next start on Dec. 3.                 A 6-year-old mare by Vronsky out of the Unusual Heat mare Orange Cove, Closing Remarks posted four wins and two thirds from 10 graded stakes starts last year, good for 2023 earnings of $601,000.                 Trained throughout her career by Carla Gaines, Closing Remarks has five overall stakes victories and... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2024) – California-bred stakes winners Chismosa and Rose Maddox are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. 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 four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $377,250 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 13 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. Rose Maddox is by Grazen, out of the Unusual Heat mare Heat the Rocks, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steve Miyadi. She has seven wins in 20 starts, earnings of $515,782 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 13 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Spring. ...

Outs for Tuesday’s CTBA Winter Mixed Sale: 4 7 8 9 13 29 30 32 33 34 35 41 47 51 67 69 71 74 85 87 90 91 95 105 110 125 135 143 144 145 147 152 154 155 161 163 166 ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2024) – California-breds Johnny Podres and Standing O are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Clocker’s Corner Stakes 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 Mia Familia Racing Stable and is trained by Librado Barocio. He has six wins in 33 starts, earnings of $327,810 and is coming off a ninth in the Dec. 30 Joe Hernandez Stakes. Standing O is by Acclimation, out of the Dixie Chatter mare Dixie Dame, was bred by owner Ali Nilforushan and is trained by Philip D’Amato. He has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $244,248 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 23 optional claimer. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 25, 2024) – California-breds Go Go Saide and Diamonds Danzing are entered in Wednesday’s $60,000 Jeff and Jack Coady Sr. Stakes for fillies and mares at Turf Paradise. Go Go Saide is by Tamarkuz, out of the Hard Spun mare Bonus Spin, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises & Art Carreon, is owned by Clurichaun Stables and trained by Jacque Guerra. She has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $48,165 and is making her first start since a fourth in a Feb. 7, 2023 optional claimer. Diamonds Danzing is by Danzing Candy, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Temper, was bred by H & E Ranch, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and trained by Lorenzo Campusano. She has two wins in 14 starts, earnings of $169,020 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 20 optional claimer. ...

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 17, 2024) – Self Isolation is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Interborough Stakes for fillies and mares at Aqueduct. Self Isolation is by Square Eddie, out of the Spring At Last mare Loan Savant, was bred by Reddam Racing and is owned by trainer David Jacobson. She has nine wins in 27 starts, earnings of $453,670 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 3 allowance. She was fourth in this race last year. ...

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Jan. 22, 2024) – Northern California Yearling Sale graduate Minister of Soul, who won this race five years ago, and fellow California-breds Prayer of Jabez and Principe Carlo are entered in Monday’s $60,000 Hank Mills Sr. Stakes at Turf Paradise. Multiple stakes winner Minister of Soul is by Minister Wild Cat, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms and is owned by trainer Esteban Martinez. The 10-year-old has 18 wins in 63 starts, earnings of $582,322 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 5 KLAQ Handicap. The $16,000 purchase from the Northern California Yearling Sale was fifth in this race in 2022, second in 2021 and first in 2019. Prayer of Jabez is by Stanford, out of the Kafwain mare Alwazabridesmaid, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Anthony DeMarco and trained by Edward Kereluk. He has five wins in 25 starts, earnings of $169,376 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 5 KLAQ Handicap. Stakes winner... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2024) – Online voting for California-bred champions of 2023 is now available to members of California Thoroughbred Breeders Association through this link: Click here! CTBA membership must be valid for 2024 to vote. Deadline for voting is Jan. 25, 2024. Winners will be honored at the annual Awards Dinner March 12, 2024, at the Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia. ...

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 21, 2024) — Stakes winner Sassy Nature is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Inside Information Stakes, presented by Don Julio, for fillies and mares at Gulfstream Park. 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 Jack Sisterson. She has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $271,610 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 3 allowance. ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2024)—An 18-1 longshot in a field of five older horses and the lone California-bred in the lineup, See Through It rallied wide turning for home en route to a 1 ¼ length win as Bob Baffert’s odds-on favorite Hopkins tired late off of a 10-month layoff.                 Based at Los Alamitos with trainer Salvador Naranjo, See Through It, ridden by Tiago Pereira for the first time since Nov. 13, 2021, sat a patient trip, about four lengths off of both Hopkins and $2 million earner C Z Rocket heading into the far turn.                 Content to keep his mount four-deep approaching the quarter pole, Pereira stayed busy through the drive and picked up the tiring speed in a huge performance.                 “There were a few fresh horses in the race and we thought they’d be going for the lead and they did,” said Naranjo.  “I told Tiago, ‘Just hang back two or three lengths behind them if you can and see if... ...

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2024) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct an in-person meeting on Thursday, January 18. 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Cal Expo.  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 meeting packet of materials are also available on the CHRB website. ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 13, 2024) – Raspberry Wine, a half-sister to Grade I winner One in Vermillion, and fellow California-bred Only One America are entered in Friday’s $65,000 Borderplex Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park. Raspberry Wine is by Cat Burglar, out of the Any Given Saturday mare Given Star, was bred by Richard Barton Enterprises and is owned by trainer Terri Rust and Rusty Wire Racing. The half-sister to Grade I winner One in Vermillion has one win in three starts, earnings of $28,050 and is coming off a Jan. 12 maiden win. Only One America is by Marking, out of the Diabolical mare That’s the Idea, was bred by owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Todd Fincher. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $44,140 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 12 allowance. ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 13, 2024) – California-breds Alotaluck and Surroundedbyangels are entered in Friday’s $100,000 Riley Allison Derby for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park. Alotaluck is by Sir Prancealot, out of the Lucks Mine mare Colinda Dawn, was bred by owner Eleanor Martin and is trained by Ty Garrett. He won his lone start Dec. 11 with earnings of $27,000. Surroundedbyangels is by Smiling Tiger, out of the Dunkirk mare Angel of Battle, was bred by Willow Tree Farm & G.W. Thomas, is owned by Jeremy Ramsland and is trained by Bart Hone. He won his lone start Jan. 5 with earnings of $16,000. ...