Review Category : Uncategorized

She’s Ordained in Primonetta

BALTIMORE, Md. (Apr. 15, 2015) – She’s Ordained is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Primonetta Stakes  for fillies and mares at Pimlico. She’s Ordained is by Minsters Wild Cat, out of the Not For Love mare Whole Lotta Love, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Ronald Ulrich and trained by Timothy Kreiser. She has 15 wins in 39 starts, earnings of $435,025 and is coming off a win in a Jan. 15 optional claimer.  She was fourth in this race last year. ...

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Feel-good Story for Brazeau

By Paulickreport.com A few days after Wild in the Saddle’s win in the Dream of Summer Stakes at Santa Anita, Nadine Anderson was running on a few hours’ sleep, but her voice hadn’t lost the glow of an owner’s first stakes win. Anderson is a co-owner and manager at Brazeau Thoroughbred Farm in Hemet, Calif., where she does everything from overseeing the grounds crew to helping break young horses to foaling out mares—the latter responsibility being the one that’s keeping her up all hours these days. Anderson is a life-long horsewoman who grew up showing horses and began galloping as a teenager to make extra cash. “Once you’ve gotten into it, it’s going to stick with you for life,” she said. Anderson moved on to racing Arabians, where she was enormously successful. She worked for Sheikh Mohammed, took horses to each of the major Arabian stakes races in America, and was the breeder of Pacifica, one of the first Arabians exported from the States to the UAE. “They had an... ...

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CHRB Meeting Changes

From CHRB ALBANY, Calif. (Apr. 13, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting this Thursday, April 16, in the Bay View Lounge (Turf Club) at Golden Gate Fields beginning at 10 a.m. The Northern California Race Dates Ad Hoc Committee will meet at the Top of the Stretch (club house) at Golden Gate Fields this Wednesday, April 15, beginning at 1:30 p.m.  The public is encouraged to attend both meetings. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board agenda and supportingpackage of materials as well as the committee agenda and supporting package also are available on the website.. ...

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Morey Services on Friday

By DRF.com SAN MATEO, Calif. (Apr. 14, 2015) — Services for trainer William J. Morey Jr. will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. Pacific in the Pacific Chapel at Skyline Memorial Park in San Mateo, Calif. (Hwy. 92 at Skyline Blvd.). Morey, 74, died April 10 after a long battle with cancer. A member of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame, he trained millionaire graded stakes winners Dixie Dot Com and Bold Chieftain. ...

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Guy Code Enters San Pedro

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 9, 2015) – Guy Code is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 San Pedro Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Guy Code is by Blazonry, out of the Gone West mare Stayingalive, was bred by Running Horse Equine Training and Wellness Center, is owned by Heart Racing Stable and is trained by G.F. Almeida. He has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $77,100 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 5 optional claimer. ...

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San Onofre vs. Masochistic, Spirit Rules

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 8, 2015) – California Cup Sprint winner Spirit Rules and fellow California-breds San Onofre and Masochistic are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Kona Gold Stakes at Santa Anita. Masochistic is by Sought After, out of the Unusual Heat mare Trotinette, was bred by Francoise Dupuis & Louis Julian, is owned by Los Pollos Hermanos Racing and Jay Em Ess Stable and is trained by Ron Ellis. He has four wins in six starts, earnings of $223,850 and is coming off a win in a Feb. 28 optional claimer. San Onofre is by Surf Cat, out of the Native Regent mare Marrakech Gold, was bred by Bruce Headley, is owned by Matson Racing and trained by Karen Headley. He has four wins in six starts, earnings of $195,040 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 24 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. California Cup Sprint winner Spirit Rules is by Tribal Rule, out of the Danzatore mare Heavenly Lady, was bred by John and Allegra Ernst,... ...

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Go West Marie in Las Cienegas

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 8, 2015) – Stakes winner Go West Marie and fellow California-breds Home Journey and Heavens Stairway are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Las Cienegas Stakes at Santa Anita. Home Journey is by Good Journey, out of the Came Home mare Goodtobehome, was bred by Mark and Daryle Ann Giardano and John Elick, is owned by GGG Stabales and Russell Sarno and is trained by Mike Puype. She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $219,920 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 24 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. Go West Marie is by Western Fame, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Marie’s Rose, was bred by Summer Mayberry, is owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Eddie Truman. She has six wins in 18 starts, earnings of $462,520 and is coming off a three consecutive wins. Heavens Stairway is by Decarchy, out of the River Flyer mare Kind Friends, was bred by Joshua Litt and AJM Racing, is owned by AJM... ...

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Uzziel, Melanistic in Santa Lucia

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 5, 2015) – California-breds Melanistic and Uzziel are entered in Friday’s $75,000 Santa Lucia Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Melanistic is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Charismatic mare Back Door Girl, was bred by Ron Goodman, is owned by Abbondanza Racing and trained by Richard Baltas. She has 11 wins in 43 starts, earnings of $274,764 and is coming off a second in the Mar. 22 Dream of Summer. She broke her maiden in a $2,500 claimer at Los Alamitos in 2012. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and is trained by J. Keith Desormeaux. She has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $223,138 and is coming off a fourth in the Mar. 14 Santa Margarita. ...

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‘Chrome Arrives in England

By Bloodhorse.com NEWMARKET, England (Apr. 2, 2015) — California Chrome arrived in Newmarket April 1 and is settling in at the yard of trainer Rae Guest, who will supervise the U.S. Horse of the Year’s preparations for a tilt at Royal Ascot. After finishing second behind Prince Bishop in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I), the 4-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit   is expected to race in the June 17 Prince of Wales’s Stakes (ENG-I), but could first start May 16 in the J.T. Lockinge Stakes (ENG-I) at Newbury, where he would meet Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT) winnerKarakontie. Art Sherman will remain the trainer of record for last year’s winner of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and Preakness Stakes (gr. I), while his son and assistant trainer Alan Sherman has scheduled a trip to Guest’s yard to check up on the stable star in about a month. BALAN: Sherman: Ascot Could be Rough on ‘Chrome’ Guest issued a positive update on the well-being of California Chrome following his arrival in Britain, according to the... ...

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Long Hot Summer in Evening Jewel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2015) – Stakes winner Long Hot Summer leads a field of 13 entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Generous Portion stakes winner Long Hot Summer is by Street Boss, out of the Stormy Atlantic mare Hotlantic, was bred by Harris Farms and Donald Valpredo, is owned by Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino and is trained by Phil D’Amato. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $145,580 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 19 optional claimer. Niassa is by Papa Clem, out of the Tale of the Cat mare Glamour Cat, was bred by owners Barbara and Jack Owens and is trained by William Morey. She has three wins in six starts, earnings of $114,680 and is coming off a fourth in the Feb. 7 California Oaks. Desert Thief is by Desert Code, out of the Cat Thief mare Daylight Thief, was bred by Caesar Dominguez and William Foltz, is owned... ...

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Unbeaten Richard’s Boy in Echo Eddie

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2015) – Unbeaten Richard’s Boy leads a field of nine in Saturday’s $200,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-olds at Santa Anita Rocko’s Wheel is by Grazen, out of the Double Honor mare Honored Gold, was bred by Jimmy Ukegawa and Mike Mitchell, is owned by Little Red Feather Racing and Ukegawa and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He is coming off a maiden win Mar. 8 in his second start with earnings of $35,100. Pay the Fine is by Square Eddie, out of the Wild Rush mare Heckuva Rush, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He is a maiden making his third start with earnings of $11,450. McHeat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Half a Year mare Style of theYear, was bred by owner Madeline Auerbach and is trained by Barry Abrams. He is coming off a Mar. 22 maiden win in his fourth start with earnings of $38,330. Richard’s Boy is by Idiot... ...

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Singing Kitty Opts for Oaks

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2015) – Multiple stakes winner Singing Kitty is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Santa Anita Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Singing Kitty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare natural Singer R N, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds and Peter Jeong and is trained by Matthew Chew. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $235,378 and is coming off a back-to-back stakes wins. ...

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Spanish Queen Enters Providencia

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 1, 2015) – Spanish Queen is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Spanish Queen is by Tribal Rule, out of the Unusual Heat mare Spanish Bunny, was bred by owners Jack Nakkashian, Harry Bedarian & Harout Kamberian and is trained by Richard Baltas. She won her lone start Mar. 5 and has earnings of $33,600. ...

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‘Ship and Win’ Expands Thursday

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 31, 2015) – A program to financially reward owners and trainers for bringing race-ready horses to Del Mar expands to the entire Southern California circuit on Thursday. Known as “Ship and Win,” the program has two levels of incentives – a 30 percent purse bonus in a horse’s first start in an overnight race and a $1,000 appearance fee for a horse’s first start in Southern California. Horses are eligible if they have not raced in California in the last year and are not first-time starters. The incentives will be available at Del Mar, Los Alamitos, and Santa Anita. “This is a way to encourage owners who were thinking of shipping a horse here,” said Rick Hammerle, Santa Anita’s racing secretary. “Now that it’s year-round, you don’t have to wait for a certain time frame.” In 2011, the program’s first year, 107 horses from outside of California were eligible for the bonuses at the Del Mar summer meeting, and that rose to 187 horses last... ...

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‘Chrome Heading to Ascot

By Sacramento Bee SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 29, 2015) — California Chrome will take the long way home. After a second-place finish in the $10 million Dubai World Cup, California Chrome will go directly to Newmarket, England, to prepare for a start at Royal Ascot, according to co-owner Perry Martin. “I’ve talked to (trainer) Art (Sherman) and I’ve decided we are going to Royal Ascot directly from here,” Martin said via e-mail after Saturday’s World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. “We will train at Newmarket were (European champion) Frankel trained. Then, we’ll do our best at Royal Ascot.” Making only his second start of his 4-year-old season, California Chrome finished second in the World Cup to Prince Bishop, who is owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. The runner-up effort was still worth $2 million for California Chrome. He is owned by Perry and Denise Martin of Yuba City and Steve and Carolyn Coburn of Topaz Lake, Nev. “We are so proud of Chrome,” Perry Martin added. “With everything... ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Santana

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 27, 2015) – Storm Fighter and fellow California-bred stakes winner Rousing Sermon are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Santana Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. Storm Fighter is by Stormin Fever, out of the Deputy Commander mare Throne Seeker, was bred by Larry Mabee, is owned by Golden Eagle Farm and is trained by Bruce Headley. He has three wins in 10 starts, earnings of $164,218 and is coming off a sixth in a Feb. 6 optional claimer. Rousing Sermon is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Awesome Again mare Rousing Again, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has six wins in 32 starts, earnings of $816,042 and is coming off a Feb. 20 optional claiming win. He is also entered in Saturday’s Tokyo City Cup. ...

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‘Chrome Likely Dubai Favorite

By DRF.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 26, 2015) — The story was told a thousand times during the 2014 Triple Crown, how a young Art Sherman had traveled by train from California to Louisville with the great Swaps in 1955. The trip Sherman took this week offered less grist for myth. It traded a dim train car smelling of horse for a business-class sleeper seat and all the free champagne one could stomach. Thousands more miles were covered in far less time, and instead of mainly glory waiting at the end of the line, there sits a vast pot of dollars, the biggest in the world, in fact. They would have it no other way here in this posh emirate. The lovable, affable Sherman blew into Dubai this week and found waiting his trusty assistant and son, Alan, the minor celebrity exercise rider Willie Delgado, and yes, the horse, too. California Chrome will try Saturday night to win the $10 million Dubai World Cup. The biggest American equine celebrity since Zenyatta... ...

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Rousing Sermon in Tokyo City Cup

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 25, 2015) – Multiple stakes winner Rousing Sermon and fellow California-bred Image of Joplin are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Tokyo City Cup Stakes at Santa Anita. Rousing Sermon is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Awesome Again mare Rousing Again, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has six wins in 32 starts, earnings of $816,042 and is coming off a Feb. 20 optional claimer win. Image of Joplin is by Southern Image, out of the Bernstein mare Sensitive Soul, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Lucas Downs and trained by Matthew Chew. He has four wins in 19 starts, earnings of $100,657 and is coming off a fourth in a Feb. 25 optional claimer. ...

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Big Macher, Baltas Enjoy Dubai

By DRF.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 25, 2015) — Claim a maiden for $20,000, and the last thing a person can realistically expect is to have a future stakes winner. Or a future Grade 1 stakes winner. Or a horse good enough to send to Dubai for Saturday’s $2 million Golden Shaheen at Meydan Racecourse. All of that so-called logic has vanished in the last 20 months for owners Tom Mansor and Brendan Bakir and trainer Richard Baltas. Big Macher, their former maiden claimer, is a Grade 1 winner starting in the Golden Shaheen. “He’s been nothing but a blessing,” Baltas said last week before traveling to Dubai. “He has defied the odds.” On Saturday, Big Macher will be one of three American-based runners in the Golden Shaheen, including the New York stakes winner Salutos Amigos and Secret Circle, who won the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita. :: DUBAI WORLD CUP: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s Meydan card live Big Macher has won 6 of 15 starts and $557,678, highlighted... ...

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‘Chrome Draws Outside Post

By DRF.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 25, 2015) — The California-bred with the humble pedigree and the first-time, one-in-a-million owners always has been a racing outsider, and so it will be Saturday night at Meydan Racecourse when California Chrome breaks from post 9 in the $10 million Dubai World Cup. A final field of nine was announced and post positions drawn late Wednesday afternoon at Meydan, and California Chrome will be loaded last into post 9. There does not appear to be a great deal of pace in the World Cup, and though inside posts have done better than outside during the Meydan racing season, California Chrome should be just fine provided  he and jockey Victor Espinoza break cleanly and secure a favorable forward position before hitting the first turn. “The horse has some serious speed,” co-owner Steve Coburn said after the draw. “He can get out there.” :: DUBAI WORLD CUP: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s Meydan card live Outside may well be better than inside for California Chrome, the derailment... ...

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Dubai Race on Fox Sports 1

From The Jockey Club DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 24, 2015) — How will Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome fare when he takes on a field of international standouts in the Dubai World Cup? A national television audience will find out Saturday, March 28, when The Jockey Club Tour on FOX Sports 1 airs the world’s richest race, the $10 million Dubai World Cup from Meydan Racecourse, for a second consecutive year. The show will air from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. EDT on FOX Sports 1, and FOX Sports Go. The telecast will feature live interviews conducted in Dubai by analyst Simon Bray as well as commentary and color from Greg Wolf, Richard Migliore, Andy Serling and Alyssa Ali in the FOX Sports studio in Los Angeles. “The Dubai World Cup generated the largest audience we had for our FOX series last year, and we expect even greater interest this year due to the presence of a horse as well known and as popular as California Chrome,” said Jason Wilson,... ...

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‘Chrome’s Tuesday in Dubai

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 24, 2015) — With exercise rider Dana Barnes in tow, Dubai World Cup contender California Chrome breezed a half mile early Tuesday morning in :50 over a fast Meydan main track. “He got the last eighth in 11 seconds,” said Alan Sherman, assistant and son of trainer Art Sherman. “We just wanted to stretch his legs. If he’s not fit by now, it’s too late.” With all six of his wins as a 3-year-old coming against restricted company, California Chrome took full advantage of his sophomore season to claim Eclipse Award honors as Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male, but Sherman believes he can be as successful now that he is facing older horses. “He’s not a real heavy horse but I do think he’s grown into his 4-year-old season and that he’s a lot stronger,” Sherman said. “I’m just glad the owners (Steve Coburn and Perry Martin) decided to run him another year.” Jockey Victor Espinoza, who has partnered with Chrome for... ...

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‘Chrome’s Monday in Dubai

By Bloodhorse.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 23, 2015) — Steve Coburn and Perry Martin’s California Chrome, the likely Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) favorite, continued his preparation for Saturday’s race by galloping 2,400 meters over the Meydan dirt oval on Monday morning. According to assistant trainer Alan Sherman, the 4-year-old son of Lucky Pulpit   will breeze a quarter mile Tuesday morning at approximately 5 a.m. local time “He seems to be handling the track well but we will know a little more after the work,” Sherman said. “He has run well on every track he has ever been on so it’s not a big concern.” A nine-time winner with grade I wins in the Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Hollywood Derby on his resume, California Chrome would eclipse the US$10 million mark in career earnings with a win on Saturday. “I’m just glad the owners decided to run him another year,” Sherman said. “The Dubai World Cup has always been on (co-owner Martin) Perry’s radar.” Steve Coburn and 77-year-old... ...

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‘Chrome to Work Once in Dubai

By DRF.com DUBAI, U.A.E. (Mar. 20, 2015) — Alan Sherman, the son and main assistant of trainer Art Sherman, traveled with California Chrome to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby, to Baltimore for the Preakness, and to Long Island, N.Y., for the Belmont Stakes. The three Triple Crown stops all have their particular charms and quirks. But none would have prepared him for his latest trip with the 2014 Horse of the Year – to Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. “It’s different, I’ll say that,” Sherman said by phone Friday morning from Dubai. But good news: California Chrome seems no different to Sherman. He and 15 other American-based horses arrived in Dubai on Wednesday after a 19-hour journey, and California Chrome took the trip without issue. “He seems to be good,” Sherman said. “He’s a good traveler, and he’s in good shape.” California Chrome is one of two U.S.-based horses scheduled to start in the $10 million Dubai World Cup next Saturday at Meydan. Also slated for the big race is Lea,... ...

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Sweet Marini in Dream of Summer

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 19, 2015) – Stakes winner Sweet Marini is the linely favorite in Sunday’s $100,000 Dream of Summer Stakes for Golden State Series eligible fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Anniversary Kitty is by Tribal Rule, out of the Bertrando mare Justanotherblonde, was bred by Mike Abraham, is owned by Highlander Racing Stable and West Point Thoroughbreds and is trained by Craig Dollase. She has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $131,058 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 28 optional claimer. Sudden Sunday is by Bertrando, out of the General Meeting mare Sunday Dress, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steve Miyadi, She has five wins in 24 starts, earnings of $193,039 and is coming off a Mar. 13 optional claiming win. Melanistic is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Charismatic mare Back Door Girl, was bred by Ron Goodman, is owned by Abbondanza Racing and trained by Richard Baltas. She has 11 wins in 42 starts, earnings of... ...

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Ashleyluvssugar in San Luis Rey

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2015), Ashleyluvssugar is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s 200,000 Grade II San Luis Rey Stakes at Santa Anita. Ashleyluvssugar is by Game Plan, out of the Urgent Request mare Ashley’s Folly, was bred by owners Estate of Alesia, BranJam Stables & Ciaglia Racing and is trained by Peter Eurton. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $215,504 and is coming off a Feb. 5 optional claiming win. ...

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Temple Keys Enters Pasadena

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2015) – Temple Keys is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Pasadena Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Temple Keys is by Temple City, out of the Fusaichi Pegasus mare Camas Creek, was bred by Linda Madsen& Joy Seifert, is owned by JK Racing and trained by Thomas Proctor. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $49,810 and is coming off a Feb. 13 maiden win. ...

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Warren’s Knockout Seeks Repeat

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 18, 2015) – Defending champion Warren’s Knockout and fellow California-bred Omar are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes at Sunland Park. Warren’s Knockout is by Stormed, out of the Doneraile Court mare Now My Precious, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Len Schermer and trained by Justin Evans. He has 10 wins in 36 starts, earnings of $428,757 and is coming off a fourth in the Sept. 7 Premier Cup. He won this race last year and was second in 2013. Omar is by Bertrando, out of the Beau Genius mare Perfect Doll, was bred by Omar Aldabbagh, is owned by Randy Exelby, Running Rabbit, Rick and TG Racing and is trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has eight wins in 24 starts, earnings of $148,017 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 14 Phoenix Gold Cup.   ...

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No Tricks for Jack in Henson

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 18, 2015) – No Tricks for Jack is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s 100,000 Harry Henson Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. No Tricks for Jack is by Jackpot, out of the Mazel Trick mare Swift Trick, was bred by Vessels Stallion Farm, is owned by J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Henry Dominguez. She has 13 wins in 42 starts, earnings of $191,552 and is coming off a three consecutive wins. ...

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Bodhisattva Enters Private Terms

LAUREL, Md. (Mar. 18, 2015) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Private Terms Stakes for 3-year-olds at Laurel Park. Bodhisattva is by Student Council, out of the Talk Is Money mare Dr. Cheryl P., was bred by Andy Stronach and is owned by trainer Jose Corrales. He has two wins in nine starts, earnings of $85,095 and is coming off a fourth in the Feb. 16 Miracle Wood. ...

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CHRB Meeting Canceled

From CHRB SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 16, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board monthly meeting that was scheduled for this Thursday, March 19, at Cal Expo has been canceled. The next scheduled meeting of the Board will be held April 16 at Golden Gate Fields. ...

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Hovdey on Warren’s Veneda

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 12, 2015) — The owners and trainers of upwardly mobile older fillies and mares were looking at $700,000 on the table Saturday and a choice between running in the Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park against champion Untapable or the Santa Margarita at Santa Anita Park against a California-bred winner of one major event who was sired by a $1,000 stallion. Guess which way they went. Larry Jones, who won the Santa Margarita in 2013 with Joyful Victory, put Fox Hill Farm’s Cassatt on the bus to California for her 10th start at her ninth different racetrack. And no, she’s not on the lam from loan sharks. The daughter of Tapit already has won more than 600 grand. Meanwhile, Todd Pletcher scanned his overstuffed shed row and noticed that Dame Dorothy, a daughter of Bernardini, was primed and ready to go for owner Bobby Flay, so it was off to Santa Anita for her as well. “I’d like to think they’re running here because... ...

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Marks Mine Seeks Repeat

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 13, 2015) – Marks Mine attempts to defend her title in Saturday’s $50,000 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate. Fast and Foxy is by Thisnearlywasmine, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch, is owned by Joe Daehling and Holly Evans and is trained by Evans. She has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of 4149,009 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 15 allowance. She was seventh in this race last year. Tabled With Gold is by Formal Gold, out of the Never Tabled mare Tabled with Saros, was bred by Patricia Zacker & Ellen Hughes, is owned by Zacker and trained by Antonio Diaz. She has seven wins in 16 starts, earnings of $114,541 and is coming off a Feb. 15 allowance win. Look Quickly is by Run Away and Hide, out of the Western Fame mare Fame’s Flame, was bred by William Morey Jr., is owned by Morey Family Trust and is trained by... ...

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Go West Marie in Irish O’Brien

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 11, 2015) – Trained by Eddie Truman, Stakes winner Go West Marie returns Saturday to the surface she has excelled over since joining the Truman barn this past summer, and she heads a field of seven set to go in Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes at 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s unique hillside turf course. Trained by Truman since June 2014, the formerly East Coast-based Go West Marie will again attempt to prove the admonition in her name Saturday having only run out of the money once in eight starts since shipping to California. ‘GWM’ will seek her second win in-a-row down Santa Anita’s downhill turf course in the O’Brien and her third in-a-row since teaming with Hall of Famer Gary Stevens. A winner of the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint Stakes Jan. 24 in her last out, she has never been worse than third over the course. “Eddie’s done a great job with this filly,” said Stevens following the... ...

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Warren’s Veneda, Uzziel Duel

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 11, 2015) — Warren’s Veneda will look to keep trending upward with a win in the $400,000 Santa Margarita Stakes (gr. I) March 14 at Santa Anita Park. Coming off her first graded score in the Feb. 14 Santa Maria Stakes (gr. II), the Benjamin Warren-owned 5-year-old daughter of Affirmative will try to extend her stakes win streak to three with her first grade I try in the 1 1/8-mile test over Santa Anita’s dirt course. Under the guidance of jockey Tyler Baze for the sixth straight race, the Craig Lewis trainee will break from the outside in a seven-horse field of older fillies and mares, and will take on many of the same rivals she has beaten in her last two wins. All entrants will carry 118 pounds. BALAN: Improving Warren’s Veneda Wins Santa Maria “Every race is a separate entity. It’s all a different occasion and a new race,” Lewis said. “You always want to ride the upswings. It’s the downswings you worry about.... ...

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‘Chrome Readying for Dubai

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Mar. 6, 2015) — Art Sherman wasn’t convinced California Chrome was quite ready for his last race, a 1 1/2-length second-place finish to Shared Belief in the San Antonio Invitational Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park. But the trainer believes the 2014 Horse of the Year is back on track after arguably his best workout of the year—a bullet six furlongs in 1:11—March 6 at Los Alamitos Race Course. “I just didn’t think he was tight enough last time out against Shared Belief,” said Sherman, who noted the 4-year-old Lucky Pulpit   colt galloped out seven furlongs in 1:24 2/5 . “Right now, he’s actually doing pretty good. I want him to get it back together and as tight as he needs to be for Dubai.” The 15-hour plane ride to Meydan Racecourse for the $10 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 28, among other things, is a concern for Sherman, who admits he is working with a lot of unknowns because he has... ...

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Harlington’s Rose Goes in Las Flores

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 5, 2015) – Stakes winner Harlington’s Rose is one of four California-breds among the entries in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Las Flores Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Harlington’s Rose is by Harlington, out of the Orientate mare A Rose for You, was bred by Y-Lo Racing Stables, is owned by Halasz, Johnson, Newhart, Miller, et al and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has three wins in 20 starts, earnings of $311,040 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 12 optional claimer. Sagebrush Queen is by Unbridled Energy, out of the Tough Knight mare Nite Moon, was bred by Oak Hill Farm, is owned by Larry Konecne and Sandi Mattei and is trained by Jorge Gutierrez. She has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $213,770 and is making her first start since a third in the July 12 Great Lady M. Global Hottie is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Desert God mare Sonora Desert, was bred by Baseline Equine, is... ...

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Kilroe Mile Lures Mega Heat

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2015) – Mega Heat is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. Mega Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Native Prospector mare Laguna Sunrise, was bred by Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Sharon Alesia, Ciaglia Racing and Rob Dyrdek. He has 10 wins in 22 starts, earnings of $437,500 and is coming off a consecutive optional claiming wins. ...

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Crimson Giant Bids for Big ‘Cap

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2015) – Longshot Crimson Giant is the lone California-bred challenging Shared Belief in Saturday’s $1 million Santa Anita Handicap. Crimson Giant is by Formal Gold, out of the Exclusive Era mare Mia Lena, was bred by owner Bryan Carney and is trained by Charles Stutts. He has one win in 66 starts, earnings of $172,642 and is coming off a second in at Feb. 20 optional claimer. ...

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Pulmarack Takes San Felipe Shot

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2015) – Pulmarack is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade II San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Pulmarack is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has one win in five starts, earnings of $121,600 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 24 California Cup Derby. ...

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San Carlos Draws Blues Blaster

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2015) – Blues Blaster is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II San Carlos Stakes at Santa Anita. Blues Blaster is by Redattore, out of the Rhythm mare Miss Rhythmic, was bred by Briere Thoroughbreds and is owned by trainer Bruce Dillenbeck. He has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $103,194 and is coming off a win in a Feb. 8 optional claimer. ...

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Singing Kitty in China Doll

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 4, 2015) – Stakes winner Singing Kitty is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 China Doll Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Singing Kitty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Natural Singer R N, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds and Peter Jeong and is trained by Matthew Chew. She has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $175,438 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 24 Xpressbet California Cup Oaks. ...

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Seabiscuit Movie Showing Cancelled

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2015)–Due to a high probability of rain, Santa Anita Park has cancelled a special screening of the 2003 hit movie Seabiscuit this Saturday, which had been scheduled to start following the races at 6:30 p.m. in the track’s Paddock Gardens Area. The screening, which was planned to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the legendary Seabiscuit winning the 1940 Santa Anita Handicap, will be rescheduled at some point later this spring or summer, according to track officials. Directed by Gary Ross, “Seabiscuit” was nominated for seven Academy Awards and it marked the big screen debut of jockey Gary Stevens, who portrayed jockey George “The Ice Man” Woolf. Stevens, who returned to riding following a seven-year retirement in January, 2013, has won four Santa Anita Handicaps dating back to 1990, and he is scheduled to ride Chilean-bred Catch a Flight in this year’s $1 million Big ‘Cap on Saturday, March 7. Stevens will be available to media in the lead-up to America’s longest... ...

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‘Chrome Continues Working Toward Dubai

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 27, 2015) — California Chrome, the California-bred dual classic winner and 2014 Horse of the Year, continued to prepare for an appearance in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) with a five-furlong workout in 1:00 at Los Alamitos Racecourse Feb. 27. Trainer Art Sherman said he was pleased with the Lucky Pulpit   colt’s breeze, which was the eighth fastest of 36 works at the Southern California track and followed a four-furlong jaunt by the colt in :48 4/5 Feb. 21. “He’s been pretty darn good,” Sherman said. “He’s right on schedule.” Sherman said the California-bred 4-year-old owned by Steve Coburn and Perry Martin will continue to work locally until he ships to Dubai March 17. Then he’ll get a breeze over Meydan Racecourse‘smain track in preparation for the $10 million World Cup March 28. “We’ll blow him out (after he arrives in Dubai),” Sherman said. “It won’t be too long. Probably a half-mile to get him ready.” Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/90370/california-chrome-working-steadily-for-dubai#ixzz3SzLThktZ ...

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Woodmans Luck Entered at Sam Houston

HOUSTON, Tex. (Feb. 24, 2015) – Woodmans Luck is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Maxxam Gold Cup Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park. Woodmans Luck is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Woodman mare Royal Woodman, was bred by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams, is owned by Jeffrey Kass and trained by Randy Mayfield. He has four wins in 38 starts, earnings of $289,740 and is coming off a Feb. 3 allowance win. ...

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Final Barretts Fairplex Sale on Monday

By Bloodhorse.com POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2015) — Barretts will hold its final sale at Fairplex Park in Pomona, Calif., Feb. 23 before relocating to Del Mar with its selected 2-year-olds in training sale. Pinhooks, primarily from the 2014 Keeneland and Barretts fall yearling sales, dominate the catalog. Moved up from its usual slot in March, which puts it first among the nation’s major 2-year-old auctions, the sale will begin at 2 p.m. PST. It will be conducted in the Hinds Pavilion, now in use year-round and very popular as a simulcast facility called the Finish Line Sports Grill. As it usually does, the catalog consists of consignments from around the country, mostly from Florida and California. While local buyers have always patronized the sale, it has attracted East Coast trainers as well as many horsemen from Japan. John Brocklebank of St. George, Utah, is bringing the most expensive pinhook to the Barretts sale. The colt, Hip No. 46, is by Super Saver  , whose first crop to the races last... ...

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‘Chrome Works at Los Alamitos

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 21, 2015) — Still prepping for a likely run in the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse March 28, Steve Coburn and Perry Martin’s California Chrome highlighted the group with a half-mile work in :48 4/5 at his home track, Los Alamitos Racecourse. The Art Sherman trainee comes off a runner-up finish to Shared Belief in the Feb. 7 San Antonio Invitational Stakes (gr. II). ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Curribot

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 22, 2005) – California-breds Gospel Music and Real Heat are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Curribot Handicap at Sunland Park. Gospel Music is by Blazonry, out of the Pivotal mare Carbon Copy, was bred by Fred & Charlene Davis, is owned by J. Kirk and Judy Robison and is trained by Henry Dominguez. He has three wins in 15 starts, earnings of $94,200 and is coming off a fifth in a Jan. 9 allowance. Real Heat is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach and Barry Abrams, is owned by Class Racing Stable and trained by Bart Hone. He has four wins in 20 starts, earnings of $130,189 and is coming off a third in a Jan. 9 allowance.     ...

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TVG to Acquire HRTV

By Bloodhorse.com INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Feb. 18, 2015)– Betfair and The Stronach Group announced Feb. 18 that TVG will assume operations of HRTV, bringing together the two competitors that televise North American and some international horse races. Under the deal, TVG will assume the operations of HRTV, which will be operated from the TVG Studio complex in Los Angeles, according to a release. The unified television operations will feature races from Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park, and Golden Gate Fields over a seven-year period, as well as additional premium domestic and international racetracks. According to the release, Betfair will make an initial payment of $25 million and estimates that it will pay further consideration totaling $47.8 million over the seven-year period, although the total is dependent upon TVG’s future handle. Based on projected future cash flows, the present fair market value of these payments is estimated to be $56.3 million. In the last 12 months, under previous agreements, TVG paid $4.3 million in television fees to... ...

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Ambitious Brew Back for Sensational Star

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 16, 2015) – Defending champion Ambitious Brew, one of seven stakes winners in the field, makes his first start since the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in Saturday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Santa Anita. Patriots Rule is by Tribal Rule, out of the Seattle Bound mare Candy Factory, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Charles Garvey and trained by Sean Williams. He has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $271,920 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 24 Cal Cup Turf Classic. Boozer is by Unusual Heat, out of the Cape Canaveral mare Kitty and Boo, was bred by B. Abrams, V. Loverso, C. Perez, Huston Racing and M. Auerbach, is owned by Al and Saundra Kirkwood and trained by Mark Glatt. He has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $345,242 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 24 Cal Cup Turf Classic. Weewinnin is by Comic Strip, out of the Roman Dancer mare... ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Turf Paradise Derby

PHOENIX, Az. (Feb. 16, 2015) – California-breds Best Asset and General Dixie are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Turf Paradise Derby for 3-year-olds. Best Asset is by Never Shamed, out of the Crimson Slew mare Crimson Cricket, was bred by Dick and Peggy Hopwood, is owned by Peggy Hopwood and is trained by Dan McFarlane. He has one win in nine starts, earnings of $39,586 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 4 Chuck N Luck Stakes. General Dixie is by Dixie Chatter, out of the General Meeting mare Song of Summer, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Richard Rennie and Eugene Burns and is trained by Burns. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $4,755 and is coming off a Feb. 6 maiden win. ...

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Marino’s Wild Cat in Lost in the Fog

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 15, 2015) – Stakes winner Marino’s Wild Cat and fellow California-bred Mah Gellin are entered in Monday’s $50,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate Marino’s Wild Cat is by Marino Marini, out of the Dayjur mare Faxene, was bred by Goy Guinnane, is owned by GCCI and trained by Cliff DeLima. He has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $175,410 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 24 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. Mah Gellin is by Skimming, out of the Maheras mare Mahrin, was bred by Racing Edge, is owned by Joe and Lola Sample and is trained by Duane Offield. He has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $148,598 and is coming off a win in a Jan. 18 optional claimer. ...

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Uzziel Cross-entered in Buena Vista

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2015) – Uzziel, who is also entered in Saturday’s Santa Maria Stakes, is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $200,000 Grade II Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and trained by J. Keith Desormeaux. She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $159,138 and is coming off a fifth in the Dec. 26 La Brea. ...

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Bodhisattva Enters Miracle Wood

LAUREL, Md. (Feb. 13, 2015) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s $100,000 Miracle Wood Stakes for 3-year-olds at Laurel Park. Bodhisattva is by Student Council, out of the Talk Is Money mare Dr. Cheryl P., was bred by Andy Stronach and is owned by trainer Jose Corrales. He has two wins in eight starts, earnings of $79,095 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 29 Frank Whiteley Stakes. ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Baffle Stakes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2015) – California-breds Hot Lightning and Not Enough Eddie are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Hot Lightning is by Stormin Fever, out of the Two Punch mare Two Punch Gal, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Tim Goodwin, Steven Zolotas and Sabina Romo and is trained by Alfredo Marquez. He has one win in six starts, earnings of $43,240 and is coming off a maiden claiming win Jan. 17. Not Enough Eddie is by Square Eddie, out of the In Excess mare Too Much Excess, was bred by owner Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $25,700 and is coming off a seventh in the Nov. 1 Juvenile Turf Sprint Stakes. ...

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Mischief Clem in El Camino Real

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2015) – California Cup Derby winner Mischief Clem is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III El Camino Real Stakes for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Mischief Clem is by Papa Clem, out of the Bold Badgett mare Glitteringmischief, was bred by SLU, is owned by Griffin Thoroughbred Stables and trained by Robert Hess Jr. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $266,380 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 24 California Cup Derby. ...

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Cal-bred Trio in Santa Maria

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2015) – California-breds Uzziel, Warren’s Veneda and Sweet Marini are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Maria Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Uzziel is by Harlington, out of the Lord At War mare Pretti Woman, was bred by owners James and Tammy McKenney and trained by J. Keith Desormeaux. She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $159,138 and is coming off a fifth in the Dec. 26 La Brea. Warren’s Veneda is by Affirmative, out of the Flying Continental mare More Cal Bread, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $467,612 and is coming off a win in the Paseana. Sweet Marini is by Marino Marini, out of the In Excess mare Excessing, was bred by BMWZ Stables, is owned by Kaleem Shah and trained by Bob Baffert. She has five wins in 13 starts, earnings of $411,418 and is coming off a second in the... ...

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Joy Boy Enters Essex

HALLANDALE, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2015) – Joy Boy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Essex Handicap at Gulfstream Park. Joy Boy is by Tribal Rule, out of the Half Term mare Joyously, was bred by Dr. and Mrs. William Gray, is owned by TK Stables and is trained by Kellyn Gorder. He has 10 wins in 32 starts, earnings of $392,611 and is coming off consecutive optional claiming wins. ...

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Omar Enters Phoenix Gold Cup

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 11, 2015) – Omar is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap at Turf Paradise. Omar is by Bertrando, out of the Beau Genius mare Perfect Doll, was bred by Omar Aldabbagh, is owned by Randy Exelby, Running Rabbit, Rick and TG Racing and is trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has eight wins in 23 starts, earnings of $140,742 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 24 Swift Stakes. ...

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Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2015) — There is a school of thought – or at least a correspondence course – that holds that the reigning Horse of the Year should have no easy afternoons. That he or she should be tested to the max in each and every race, and that the title bestowed for the previous season should be validated at every possible turn. Sounds good to me. It probably was fun to watch but hard to be impressed when 1947 Horse of the Year Armed came out in early January of ’48 to beat Stageboy by half a length in an allowance race at Gulfstream Park. Roman Brother was a compromise choice as 1965 Horse of the Year when he got very good in the fall and won the Woodward, the Manhattan, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup in a 27-day span, but he hardly enhanced his status with his 1966 debut in an allowance race at Hialeah. And the mighty Forego would get... ...

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Harlington’s Rose in Wishing Well

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 5, 2015) – Stakes winner Harlington’s Rose and fellow California-bred Global Hottie are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Wishing Well Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Harlington’s Rose is by Harlington, out of the Orientate mare A Rose for You, was bred by Y-Lo Racing Stables, is owned by Thomas Halasz, Ryan Johnson, Paul Newhart, Marth Miller et al and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has three wins in 19 starts, earnings of $301,680 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 19 Santa Monica. Global Hottie is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Desert God mare Sonora Desert, was bred by Baseline Equine, is owned by Karl Watson, Mike Pegram and Paul Weitman and is trained by Bob Baffert. She has four wins in six starts, earnings of $156,490 and is coming off a Jan. 18 optional claiming win. ...

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‘Chrome to Battle Shared Belief

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2015) — Some things are worth waiting for. It’s been a long time since racing fans have witnessed the great rivalries that were such an integral part of the sport when names like Affirmed and Alydar, Damascus and Dr. Fager, Swaps and Nashua, and Seabiscuit and War Admiral seemed to roll off the tongue as a single entity. Today, fans have had to settle for great rivalries of the mind, in which they could do no more than envision what it would be like for Zenyatta and Rachel Alexandra to face each other. A rivalry like the one in 2010 and ’11 between Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, as competitive as it was, never seemed to capture the interest of mainstream America. What racing needs is a good old fashioned male rivalry, gunslinger versus gunslinger, with a popular Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner at the center of it. It was a long time coming, but it looks as if those California protagonists, California... ...

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‘Chrome Stars on FOX Sports 1

By The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, KY. (Feb. 4, 2015) — The Jockey Club Tour on FOX Sports 1 will break from the gate in dramatic fashion Saturday with a two-hour telecast featuring four major stakes races from historic Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park, a Pick Four wager on those races, a betting challenge that will benefit equine charities and several feature stories on horses and people. The telecast, which will air from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. EST on FOX Sports 1, will include the $500,000 Donn Handicap, the $500,000 San Antonio, the $300,000 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap and the $200,000 San Marcos Stakes. The San Antonio will feature 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome and 2013 Eclipse Award winner Shared Belief as the two renew a rivalry that started in the controversial running of  the Breeders’ Cup Classic last November 1. America’s Best Racing has produced a promotional video for “The Rematch.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frJ1jkzG2Qk&feature=youtu.be The Donn Handicap field will include Lea, who won last year’s Donn; Constitution, the... ...

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Cal-bred Trio Enters Oaks

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2015) – A trio of California-breds is entered in Saturday’s $50,000 California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Niassa is by Papa Clem, out of the Tale of the Cat mare Glamour Cat, was bred by owners Barbara and Jack Owens and is trained by William Morey. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of 110,780 and is coming off a Jan. 8 allowance win. Swiss Skimmer is by Swiss Yodeler, out of the Skimming mare Coastal Skimming, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Seven Specht, She has one win in nine starts, earnings of $45,103 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 24 Xpressbet California Cup Oaks. Aly’s Last Magic is by Alymagic, out of the Tychonic mare Prochonic, was bred by owner and trainer Alex Paszkeicz. She is a maiden making her second start with earnings of $4,056. ...

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Cal-bred Champions of 2014 Announced

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2015) — The California-bred Horse of the Year for 2014 will be announced at the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, to be held Feb. 9 at the Pasadena Westin. The three finalists for Horse of the Year, in alphabetical order, are: Alert Bay, Big Macher and California Chrome. The business session of the annual meeting begins at 4 p.m. with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception and a 7 p.m. awards dinner. For reservations, please contact Christy Chapman at 626-445-7800 ext: 247 or email at christy@ctba.com. The other champions that will be presented at the dinner: Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Lucky Pulpit, owned by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings – Unusual Heat, owned by the Unusual Heat Syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Two-Year-Olds by Earnings – Papa Clem, property of a syndicate. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number of Winners – Tribal Rule. Champion Breeders of... ...

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Sherman Wanted Faster Chrome Work

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2015) — Horse of the Year California Chrome put in the final major drill for his 4-year-old debut when breezing five furlongs in 1:01 3/5 Feb. 1 at Los Alamitos Racecourse. California Chrome is set to run in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park, a race that is expected to also draw champion Shared Belief and Clark Handicap (gr. I) winner Hoppertunity. Working on his own over a track cleared of other horses, California Chrome was steadily put through his paces by regular rider Victor Espinoza. The California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit   galloped out six furlongs in 1:14. Trainer Art Sherman said afterward that he was looking for California Chrome to go about a second faster, but noted that Espinoza didn’t want to encourage the powerful chestnut colt because he might go too fast. “I think it was a good work, but I just wanted to have a little sharper workout for him going into this race,”... ...

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‘Chrome Memorabilia at Auction

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 30, 2015) — Collectors, “Chromies,” and curators will be vying for the race-worn winning silks of a champion as well as other prized pieces in a historical opportunity when the California Chrome Vox Populi Charity Auction begins today. This unique, 10-day online auction will feature five museum-quality pieces celebrating California Chrome, the winner of last year’s Kentucky Derby and Preakness as well as the 2014 Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year and the Secretariat Vox Populi Award, which recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for Thoroughbred racing. The items–all with impeccable provenance and of profound significance–were donated by California Chrome’s owners Steve Coburn and Perry Martin in collaboration with Mrs. Penny Chenery and the Secretariat Archives, to benefit the Secretariat Foundation. Most notable in this impressive collection are the actual DAP Racing silks worn by Victor Espinoza when he guided California Chrome to his first significant win in the San Felipe... ...

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Cal-bred Pair in El Diario

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 2, 2015) – California-breds Popalicious and Hidethgoodstuff are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 El Diario Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Popalicious is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Forestry mare Sea Poppy, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Solitaire Stables, Allen Aldridge, Tom Mansor and Skyler Kelley and is trained by Henry Dominguez. She has five wins in 20 starts, earnings of $207,392 and is coming off a fourth in a Jan. 17 allowance. Hidethegoodstuff is by Old Topper, out of the Storm Boot mare Minimums Minimums, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Henry Dominguez. She had three wins in 19 starts, earnings of $157,067 and is coming off a fifth in a Jan. 17 allowance. ...

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BetAmerica Sponsors CTBA Awards

From BetAmerica ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) – BetAmerica has agreed to be the presenting sponsor for the 2014 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA) Annual Awards Dinner, to be held at the Westin at Pasadena on Monday, Feb. 9, 2015. Every year the CTBA names California-bred champions in nine categories, including the prestigious Horse of the Year. As feted as Points Offthebench was last year, it’s expected that California Chrome will be named Champion Three-Year-Old and will be the frontrunner for Horse of the Year. Hall of Fame inductions, as well as Trainer of the Year, Leading Breeder and five categories of Leading Stallion awards will also be included in the night’s honors. “2014 was the year we launched in California and, after a successful first year, we are delighted to be able to support this event which honors California breeders” said John Ford, CEO of BAM Software and Services, which powers BetAmerica. “We are delighted to have BetAmerica as a sponsor of this premier event which should be extra special this... ...

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Big Macher Returns in Palos Verdes

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2015) – Grade I winner Big Macher is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Palos Verdes Stakes at Santa Anita. Big Macher is by Beau Genius, out of the Kris S. mare Insight, was bred by Ballena Vista Farm, is owned by Tom Mansor and Tachycardia Stables and trained by Richard Baltas. He has six wins in 14 starts, earnings of $553,678 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 23 Cary Grant. Big Macher was claimed by Richard Baltas from his first start, a $20,000 maiden claiming race on July 17, 2013, has paid his way and then some. Baltas had ticketed Big Macher for the $150,000 California Cup Sprint on Sunshine Millions California Cup Day last Saturday, but after drawing the one post position, opted to wait for the Palos Verdes, one reason being he hoped to get a more advantageous post position. “I didn’t expect him to achieve what he has so far, hell no,” Baltas said of the 5-year-old gelding. “When... ...

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Pair Archives Hollywood Park History

By Raceday 360 INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2015) — On Friday, January 16, after almost 69 years in operation, Atlantic City Race Course closed its doors. The announcement seemed inevitable after more than a decade of deterioration to the physical plant, despite the track’s successful boutique turf meet that saw increases in both handle and attendance each year. ACRC was the latest casualty of racing’s contraction, following the closure of Suffolk Downs in October after 79 years of racing and of Betfair Hollywood Park in 2013 after it completed its 75th racing season. Three venerable tracks that once played host to the brightest human and equine stars in the sport, venues that were once considered the best of racing, shuttered. How will the history of these tracks be documented? Much of their narrative—from attendance numbers to the story of their declines—can be found in local libraries and racing databases. But what of the untold stories? What of the documents, created over decades by teams of pressbox citizens, photographers and videographers?... ...

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‘Chrome Preps for San Antonio

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2015) –Horse of the Year California Chrome breezed one mile in 1:41 2/5 at his Los Alamitos Race Course headquarters Jan. 25 as he moves ever closer to his 4-year-old debut in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes. Under regular rider Victor Espinoza while wearing blinkers on a cleared racetrack, Califonia Chrome clocked through fractions of :25 3/5, :51 flat, 1:03 2/5, 1:15 3/5, and 1:29 for seven furlongs by Los Alamitos head clocker Russ Hudak. “He looked good,” Hudak said. “He came to the wire under a nice hold.” Added Alan Sherman, son of and assistant to his father, trainer Art Sherman: “It was a very good work. I’m really, really happy with him.” California Chrome is zeroing in on the San Antonio Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park. Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Bayern, meanwhile, has been virtually ruled out of the San Antonio as he is recovering from an abscess on a hind foot. “I had to get a work into... ...

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Bodhisattva Entered in Whiteley

LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 25, 2015) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $100,000 Frank Whiteley Jr. Stakes for 3-year-olds at Laurel Park. Bodhisattva is by Student Council, out of the Talk Is Money mare Dr. Cheryl P., was bred by Andy Stronach and is owned by trainer Jose Corrales. He has two wins in seven starts, earnings of $73,095 and is coming off a Dec. 18 optional claiming win. ...

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Cal Cup Turf Classic Draws Alert Bay

By DRF.com Click here for Past Performances ARCADIA, Calif. – Alert Bay was the best California-bred 3-year-old in 2014 who did not win the Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year. In 2014, Alert Bay started the year as a maiden and finished as a five-time stakes winner. That record will make him the favorite in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic at Santa Anita, a race that does not include Horse of the Year California Chrome. Alert Bay is part of a field of 12 in the 1 1/8-mile Cal Cup Turf Classic. “This race has been a target for a while,” trainer Blaine Wright said on Thursday. The Turf Classic is the fifth and final stakes for California-breds on a 10-race California Cup program that begins at noon Pacific. :: CALIFORNIA CUP: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s Santa Anita card live Earlier in the day, there are eight 3-year-olds in the $250,000 California Cup Derby, a race California Chrome won in 2014. The other stakes are the $200,000 California... ...

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Big Macher Scratches from Sprint

By DRF.com Click here for Past Performances ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2015) –Disillusioned by drawing the No. One post position, trainer Richard Baltas scratched likely favorite Big Macher from Saturday’s $150,000 California Cup Sprint and will point the California-bred son of Beau Genius to next Saturday’s Grade II Palos Verdes Stakes instead. With the scratch, San Onofre inherits the inside post position, as well as the role of morning-line favorite. :: CALIFORNIA CUP: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s Santa Anita card live California Cup Sprint (race 8) Key contenders San Onofre (Last 3 Beyers: 97-99-99) * San Onofre has not raced since last February, when he won an optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs for his fourth consecutive win. The California Cup Sprint will be San Onofre’s stakes debut. * Mike Smith, who has ridden the gelding during the win streak, has the mount. San Onofre is quick and certainly can lead but has shown the ability to race from slightly off the pace. “He’s so versatile,” trainer Karen Headley said. “He can go... ...

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Acceptance Risks Perfect Record

By DRF.com Click here for Past Performances ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2015) – The unbeaten 3-year-old Acceptance will try to stay perfect Saturday at Santa Anita, where his chance to win the $250,000 California Cup Derby hinges partly on the status of a key rival. Tough Sunday scored a highly rated maiden win last out, but a bruised left front foot forced trainer Steve Miyadi to work the colt without shoes Wednesday. His participation in the 1 1/16-mile derby, race 6, will be a race-day decision. Win or lose, Tough Sunday is a key player. From the rail post, stretching out to a route, Tough Sunday likely would set the pace. Acceptance drew post 2. :: CALIFORNIA CUP: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s Santa Anita card live Tough Sunday’s barefoot work Wednesday went in 1:00.60 for five furlongs. “His shoes were bugging him,” Miyadi said. “We’ll see how he is with the shoes on; that will be day of race.” DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 2 Acceptance. Trainer Don Warren is 43-2-7-4 with... ...

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Velvet Mesquite in Tough F&M Turf Sprint

From Santa Anita Publicity Click here for Past Performances ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 19, 2015) – Stakes winner Velvet Mesquite returns once again to the surface she has clearly excelled over on Saturday. Velvet Mesquite will take on 13 rivals in the Sunshine Millions Cal Cup Day’s edition of the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint at 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s unique hillside turf course for Golden State Seres eligibles. Owned and bred by Harris Farms and trained by Blake Heap, the 5 year-old mare was a strong third in the Gr. II Monrovia down the hillside in her last out Jan. 4. A staggering five for seven when running over the course, Velvet Mesquite will seek her second stakes win Saturday. By In Excess out of the Huddle Up mare Mesquite, Velvet Mesquite is 11-5-2-1 overall with earnings of $284,606. A hillside professional in her own right, Carla Gaines’ Heat Trap comes off a second place finish in the Gr. II Monrovia. Owned and bred by Mark... ...

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Heat the Rocks Seeks Cal Cup Oaks Win

By DRF.com Click here for Past Performances ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 23, 2015) — He trains them. He owns them. And, sometimes, he even breeds them. Jerry Hollendorfer is a triple threat, best exemplified by Heat the Rocks, one of two fillies he will send out Saturday in the $200,000 California Cup Oaks at Santa Anita. The Cal Cup Oaks, at one mile on turf, drew a field of eight 3-year-old fillies, with half the runners attempting turf for the first time. Included in that quartet is Hollendorfer’s duo of Heat the Rocks and Light One, both of whom figure to be strongly backed in the wagering. By Unusual Heat, Heat the Rocks comes off a second-place finish in the one-mile Soviet Problem for statebreds at Los Alamitos, her first start beyond a sprint. Hollendorfer, who bred Heat the Rocks in a partnership, said her pedigree is a reason he wants to try her on turf. DRF FORMULATOR FACT: No. 4 Heat the Rocks. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer is 25-2-4-4 with a... ...

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Acceptance’s Roots Run Deep

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2015) — It’s a little early to proclaim a Cinderella story in the making, but Old English Rancho does seem to have a nice colt in its homebred Acceptance. Racing for the partnership of Old English owners E.W. “Bud” and Judy Johnston and Robert Riggio, Acceptance kept his unbeaten record intact with a professional score Dec. 14 in the King Glorious Stakes at Los Alamitos. If “King Glorious Stakes” has a familiar ring, it should. Last year’s edition, the final one held at Hollywood Park, was the coming-out party for the partnership of California Chrome and jockey Victor Espinoza and the launching pad for some California dreaming come true. Acceptance still has a lot to prove before anyone mistakes him for a second California Chrome. His story would be a very different one anyway, for unlike Chrome’s neophyte owner/breeders, Old English Rancho has been around for decades. Acceptance’s roots go deep into Old English Rancho’s history, for the farm has developed the family that... ...

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Art Sherman Flying High

By DRF.com HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 18, 2015) – Art Sherman had an early morning flight Sunday to head back to California, but he probably didn’t need the plane, so high was he emotionally after his colt California Chrome was named Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male Saturday night at the 44th annual Eclipse Awards dinner at Gulfstream Park. “When they said Horse of the Year, I said, ‘Wow,’ ” Sherman said. Sherman was instrumental in California Chrome getting both titles. After his loss in the Breeders’ Cup Classic to Bayern, California Chrome had a resume that included victories in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Santa Anita Derby, but he was winless since mid-May. Sherman initially thought California Chrome was done for the year, but he was so impressed with the way California Chrome came out of the Classic that he trusted his instincts and rolled the dice by running California Chrome on turf for the first time in the Hollywood Derby at Del Mar four weeks later. California... ...

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Fans Side with California Chrome

By Bloodhorse.com HALLANDALE, Fla. (Jan. 17, 2014) — Dual classic winner California Chrome would be a slam dunk for the Eclipse Award Horse of the Year title if the fans seated on the apron and around the paddock at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino had a vote. But it comes with an important caveat. At least half of the two dozen fans questioned, in what can only be described as the most casual of polls, didn’t know who Bayern was and had not watched any of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships last fall. Bayern beat California Chrome in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I). California Chrome, Bayern, and Main Sequence (winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf, gr. IT) are the finalists for Horse of the Year, which will be named at the Eclipse Awards ceremony Jan. 17. “Gulfstream Park is racing for us; this is what we like to do when we come down here,” said Leigh Taylor of Charlotte, N.C. “I would pick California Chrome because I like his... ...

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Harlington’s Rose Back for Santa Monica

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2015) – Stakes winner Harlington’s Rose and fellow California-breds Dancinthenightaway and  Sweet Marini are entered in Monday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Harlington’s Rose is by Harlington, out of the Orientate mare A Rose for You, was bred by Y-Lo Racing Stables, is owned by Thomas Halasz, Ryan Johnson, Paul Newhart, Martha Miller, et al and is trained by Steve Knapp. She has three wins in 18 starts, earnings of $277,680 and is coming off a win in the Dec. 28 Kalookan Queen. Dancinthenightaway is by Indian Charlie, out of the General Meeting mare Last Dance for Me, was bred by owners Al and Saundra Kirkwood and is trained by Mark Glatt. She is unbeaten in four starts with earnings of $123,720 and is coming off a win in a Dec. 27 optional claimer. Sweet Marini is by Marino Marini, out of the In Excess mare Excessing, was bred by BMWZ Stables, is owned by Kaleem Shaw and... ...

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HRTV to Televise Eclipse Awards

By Bloodhorse.com HALLANDALE, Fla. (Jan. 15, 2015) — HRTV will again provide live coverage of the Eclipse Awards ceremony Jan. 17, organizers announced Jan. 14. The event-day television coverage of the Eclipse Awards, to be held at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla., will air from 8-11 p.m. EST. Live coverage of the ceremony will also be available via HRTV.com, Racetrack Television Network, and DRF.com. Jeannine Edwards of ESPN will again host the ceremony. The crowning point of the evening will be the announcement of Horse of the Year, with Bayern, California Chrome, and Main Sequence as the three finalists. HRTV will conduct guest interviews with personalities who figure prominently in the big night during its day-long Saturday racing coverage. Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/89601/hrtv-to-again-broadcast-eclipse-awards-live#ixzz3Ouqd0tix ...

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BetAmerica Sponsors CTBA Awards Dinner

From BetAmerica SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Jan. 14, 2015) — BetAmerica today announces that it has agreed to be the presenting sponsor for the 2014 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Annual Awards Dinner, to be held at the Westin at Pasadena on Monday, February 9, 2015. Every year the CTBA names California-bred champions in nine categories, including the prestigious Horse of the Year. As feted as Points Offthebench was last year, it’s expected that California Chrome will be named Champion Three-Year-Old and will be the frontrunner for Horse of the Year. Hall of Fame inductions, as well as Trainer of the Year, Leading Breeder and five categories of Leading Stallion awards will also be included in the night’s honors. “2014 was the year we launched in California and, after a successful first year, we are delighted to be able to support this event which honors California breeders” said John Ford, CEO of BAM Software and Services, which powers BetAmerica. “We are delighted to have BetAmerica as a sponsor of this premier event... ...

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CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2015) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular monthly meeting this Thursday, January 15, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Medication and Track Safety Committee will hold a meeting in the same location on Wednesday, January 14, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend both meetings. An audio-only webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through a link on the CHRB website (webcast). The Board agenda / committee agenda and supporting Board package / committee package of materials also are available on the website. ...

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Warren’s Veneda in Paseana

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2015) – Warren’s Veneda is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Paseana Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Warren’s Veneda is by Affirmative, out of the Flying Continental mare More Cal Bread, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Craig Lewis. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $407,012 and is coming off a second in the Dec. 6 Bayakoa. ...

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Cal Cup, Sunshine Millions Noms Due Sat.

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2015) – Nominations close this Saturday, Jan. 10, for the five stakes on the card for California Cup and Sunshine Millions, to be held at Santa Anita on Saturday, Jan. 24 for horses bred or sired in California. The stakes to be run: $150,000 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint, Four Year Olds and Upward, Six Furlongs. $150,000 Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint, Fillies And Mares, Four Year Olds and Upward, About Six And One Half Furlongs (Hillside Turf Course). $200,000 California Cup Oaks, Fillies Three Year Olds, One Mile (Turf). $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic, Four Year Olds and Upward, One Mile And One Eighth (Turf). $250,000 California Cup Derby, Three Year Olds, One Mile And One Sixteenth. ...

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‘Chrome Among Eclipse Finalists

By Bloodhorse.com HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 7, 2015) — Finalists for the 44th annual Eclipse Awards were announced Jan. 7 on HRTV by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. Of the 280 eligible voters, 265 sent in their ballots, nearly 95%. The awards will be presented Jan. 17 at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla. The event begins at 6 p.m. Jeannine Edwards, sports broadcaster for ESPN and ABC, will host for the fourth time. Here are the three finalists in each category, listed alphabetically: Horse of the Year: Bayern, California Chrome, Main Sequence 2-year-old Male: American Pharoah, Hootenanny, Texas Red 2-year-old Filly: Condo Commando, Lady Eli, Take Charge Brandi 3-year-old Male: Bayern, California Chrome, Shared Belief 3-year-old Filly: Stopchargingmaria, Sweet Reason, Untapable Older Male: Main Sequence, Palace Malice, Wise Dan Older Female: Close Hatches, Dayatthespa, Don’t Tell Sophia Turf Male: Karakontie, Main Sequence, Wise Dan Turf Female: Crown Queen, Dayatthespa, Stephanie’s Kitten Sprint Male: Goldencents  , Private Zone,... ...

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Progress Continues on Del Mar Track

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Jan. 6, 2015) – Del Mar continues its progress toward the installation of a dirt main track, president Joe Harper said Sunday. Harper said the Polytrack synthetic surface should be fully removed by early February, with the installation of the new dirt surface set to be completed by April. The new track will be used for the first time for training in advance of the Barretts May sale of 2-year-olds on May 27. A training preview of sale horses is scheduled for May 25. Barretts will not conduct sales at its Pomona location after February. The new surface at Del Mar will be used for the first time in races in July. The dirt being used at Del Mar is similar to what is in place at Santa Anita, and it is being stored in Oceanside, Calif., Harper said. “The dirt has been screened and is ready,” Harper said. ◗ Trainer Richard Baltas and jockey Martin Pedroza were each fined $250 by track stewards last weekend... ...

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Velvet Mesquite, Heat Trap in Monvrovia

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2015) – Stakes winner Velvet Mesquite and fellow California-bred Heat Trap are entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II Monrovia Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Heat Trap is by Unusual Heat, out of the Deposit Ticket mare Trapunto, was bred  by owners Scott Gross and Mark Devereaux and is trained by Carla Gaines, She has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $251,956 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 21 optional claimer. Velvet Mesquite is by In Excess, out of the Huddle Up mare Mesquite, was bred by owner Harris Farms and is trained by Blake Heap. She has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $260,606 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 1 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes. ...

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Eclipse Finalists Announced Jan. 7

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 30, 2014) — Finalists for 2014 Eclipse Awards will be announced Wednesday, Jan. 7, during a 30-minute program on HRTV that will begin at 11:30 a.m. EST. The announcement from Santa Anita Park will be hosted by Christina Blacker and Laffit Pincay III, with reporters Scott Hazelton and Caton Bredar. The Eclipse Awards, honoring excellence in Thoroughbred racing, are voted upon by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, National Turf Writers And Broadcasters, and Daily Racing Form. Winners in all 17 human and equine categories will be announced at the 44th annual Eclipse Awards dinner Saturday, Jan. 17, at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla. HRTV also will provide live coverage of the ceremony that will include presentations of the Award of Merit to Tom Durkin and the Special Award to Old Friends Farm. Tickets to the Eclipse Awards are available for $400 each. More information at http://www.ntra.com/en/eclipse-awards/2015-eclipse-awards or by contacting Michele Ravencraft of the NTRA at mravencraft@ntra.com. Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/89355/eclipse-finalists-to-be-announced-jan-7#ixzz3NPaDjsXX ...

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Cal-bred Registration Deadline Dec. 31

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 29, 2014) – The deadline to register foals of 2013 as California-bred or California-sired is Dec. 31, 2014.   The registration fee for members of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association is $125 per foal. The registration fee for non-members of the CTBA is $250 per foal.   The registration fee after Dec. 31 is $750 per foal for CTBA members and non-members.   For Cal-bred foal forms, click https://ctba.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/NOM-CalBredFoalRegistrationApplication-5-1.pdf.   For Cal-foaled foal forms, click https://ctba.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/NOM-AppCalSiredReg-4-1.pdf.   For more information, contact Mary Ellen at the CTBA office, 626-445-7800 ext. 236 or email registration@ctba.com. ...

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Big Bane Theory Back in San Gabriel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 31, 2014) – Graded winner Big Bane Theory is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita. Big Bane Theory is by Artie Schiller, out of the Alysheba mare Shebane, was bred by owners Scott Gross and Mark Devereaux and is trained by Carla Gaines. He has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $365,640 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 28 Seabiscuit. ...

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Bettys Bambino Wins Daytona

By Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2014) – Trainer Peter Eurton’s red-hot Bettys Bambino made his stakes debut a successful one on Sunday at Santa Anita, as the 4-year-old California-bred gelding by Unusual Heat took the Grade III, $100,000 Daytona Stakes by a half length under Martin Garcia, negotiating 6 ½ furlongs down the hillside turf course in 1:12.49. In winning his third consecutive race down Santa Anita’s unique Camino Real turf course, Bettys Bambino was ridden confidently by Garcia, who broke from post position seven and was fifth in a field of nine crossing the dirt at the top of the stretch. “He loves this course and who knows, he might like a mile, but we never really had the opportunity,” said Eurton. “But he does love the downhill and I don’t think we’ll ever change that…We’re just kind of going to enjoy this one right now and see what comes up at a later date.” The second choice at 3-1, Bettys Bambino paid $8.00, $4.00 and $3.00.... ...

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Harlington’s Rose Wins Kalookan Queen

By Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2014) – Longshot Harlington’s Rose wheeled into the stretch four-deep and ran down favorites Awesome Baby and Tribal Gal to take the $75,000 Kalookan Queen Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths under Joe Talamo. Fifth turning for home, Harlington’s Rose, trained by Steve Knapp, ran into splits of 21.66, 44 flat, 1:08.90 and came home 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.48. Off at 17-1 in a field of eight fillies and mares, Harlington’s Rose paid $37.60, $12.60 and $8.60.  In her first stakes win, she improved her overall mark to 18-3-5-0 and with the winner’s share of $60,000, she increased her earnings to $277,680 for owners Halasz, Johnson, Newhart and partners. “She’s been training as good as she possibly could,” said Knapp. “In her last race at Del Mar (five furlong turf allowance on Nov. 22), she was blocked from the sixteenth pole to the wire and she still only got beat 1 ¾ lengths. She’s a good filly.” Talamo, who got his second win... ...

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‘Chrome Works Toward San Antonio

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 27, 2014) — Both Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) winner Bayern and Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) victor California Chrome posted works Dec. 27 with a possible rematch looming that could include Shared Belief. All three contenders for 2014 Horse of the Year honors are under consideration for the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes (gr. II) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park. In their most recent confrontation in the controversial BC Classic Nov. 1 at Santa Anita, Bayern prevailed by a nose, with California Chrome third. Shared Belief was fourth as the favorite after a rough start involving Bayern compromised his chances. Both California Chrome and Shared Belief have come back with grade I victories since, while Bayern is yet to race since. California Chrome returned to win the Hollywood Derby on grass at Del Mar Nov. 29, while Shared Belief captured the Malibu Stakes (gr. I) on opening day of the Santa Anita winter meet Dec. 26. At Los Alamitos Race Course,... ...

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Another Win for Cal-bred Alert Bay

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 26, 2014) – Alert Bay gave trainer Blaine Wright his first Santa Anita stakes win when the gelding won the $200,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for California-bred sprinters last March. Friday, Alert Bay gave Wright his first win in a Grade 2 stakes in the $201,250 Mathis Brothers Mile on turf at Santa Anita. Patiently ridden by Tyler Baze, Alert Bay ($20.40) stalked the pace to early stretch and outfinished Home Run Kitten to win by a neck, finishing in 1:35.06. “The horse never gets the respect he deserves; he’s a really talented horse,” said  Baze. “A couple times when we ran second or third we had a bit of a rough trip, but today I was happy when the horse inside me broke slow. I’m really going to ride him with confidence because he’s a push-button horse who really gives it his all. He always gives 150 percent.” Wright had a few anxious moments when Alert Bay raced behind pacesetters Red Outlaw and Heart to... ...

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Singing Kitty Enters Blue Norther

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2014) – Singing Kitty is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Singing Kitty is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Natural Singer R N, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Chris Aulds, Peter Jeong and Brandon Hillman and is trained by Matthew Chew. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $65,188 and is coming off a Dec. 11 claiming win. ...

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Whatsthequestion at Parx?

BENSALEM, Pa. (Dec. 27, 2014) – Whatsthequestion is the lone California-bred entered in Tuesday’s $75,000 Valley Forge Stakes at Parx Racing. Whatsthequestion is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Horse Chestnut mare You Are the Answer, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Mason Dixon Stable and trained by Tim Kreiser. He has five wins in 18 starts, earnings of $117,340 and is coming off consecutive optional claiming wins. ...

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‘Chrome Wins Vox Populi Award

By Bloodhorse.com LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 26, 2014) — Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) winner California Chrome has been selected to receive the 2014 Secretariat Vox Populi Award. Created by Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery, the Vox Populi, or “Voice of the People,” Award recognizes the racehorse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the public and gained recognition for the sport during the past year. Trained by Art Sherman for DAP Stable, the Derby and Preakness Stakes (gr. I) winner built a coast-to-coast fan base of “Chromies” and was the clear favorite among the record number of voters in the Vox Populi online poll, according to Secretariat.com. The total number of votes was not released. The winner was selected on the equally weighted basis of the online poll voting and input from Chenery and the Vox Populi Committee, comprised of individuals from within and outside the racing industry.  Trained by Art Sherman, California Chrome won six of nine starts and earned more than $4 million in 2014.... ...

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