Review Category : Uncategorized

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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She’s Ordained in What a Summer

LAUREL, Md. (Dec. 31, 2014) – She’s Ordained is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 What a Summer Stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. She’s Ordained is by Ministers 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 Tim Kreiser. She has 14 wins in 37 starts, earnings of $386,525 and is coming off a 10th in the Dec. 6 Willa On the Move Stakes. She was second in the Jan. 25 What a Summer Stakes. ...

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Golden Gate Opens Friday

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 24, 2014) — The $200,000 El Camino Real Derby (gr. III), Northern California’s official Triple Crown prep, headlines the stakes schedule for the 2014-2015 winter/spring meeting at Golden Gate Fields. Golden Gate Fields kicks off its 98-day season Dec. 26 with a nine-race program that begins at the special early post time of 12:15 p.m. PST. Santa Anita Park, Golden Gate Fields’ sister racetrack, also opens its winter-spring season Friday and first post at the Arcadia oval is noon. Shared Belief, the popular champion gelding stabled at Golden Gate Fields in the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, will run in the opening-day feature at Santa Anita, the $300,000 Malibu Stakes.  Fans will be able to watch Shared Belief compete as Golden Gate Fields simulcasts all the action from Santa Anita. Golden Gate Fields’ winter/spring meet runs through June 14 with the standard post time of 12:45 p.m. PT. The normal racing week is Thursday through Sunday, although there will be a special... ...

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Registration Deadline Approaching

From The Jockey Club LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 2, 2014) — The Jockey Club reminds owners of unregistered yearlings and 2-year-olds that to avoid additional late registration fees the requirements for registration must be completed by December 31, 2014.   The late registration fee increases from $550 to $800 after December 31 of the yearling year and from $800 to $2,025 after December 31 of the 2-year-old year.   Interactive RegistrationTM (IR) is the most efficient means to complete the Application for Foal Registration and other registration requirements. IR enables customers to check the status of their applications and, through the Registration Center, view and resolve outstanding conditions of registration.   Sign-up is free at registry.jockeyclub.com. ...

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Frankel Stakes Draws Kathleen Rose

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2014) – Kathleen Rose is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Robert J. Frankel Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Kathleen Rose is by Good Journey, out of the Decarchy mare Cantina’s Rose, was bred by owner B&B Zietz Stables and is trained by Mike Machowsky. She has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $339,488 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 28 allowance. ...

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Cal-bred Trio in Eddie Logan

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2014) – California-breds Avanti Bello, Notorious and Tomasino are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Eddie Logan Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Avanti Bello is by Include, out of the Mizzen Mast mare Masterful Lass, was bred by Lou Neve, is owned by Darin Tsukashima and trained by Doug O’Neill. He won his lone start Nov. 20 with earnings of $20,280. Notorious is by McCann’s Mojave, out of the Ghazi mare Ghazi’s Lass, was bred by Steve Specht, is owned by Lauren Robson and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $33,850 and is coming off a Oct. 29 maiden win. Tomasino is an also-eligible by Silic, out of the Houston mare Diamond Oak Diva, was bred by Nadine Anderson, is owned by Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms, Nadine Anderson and Penley Leonard and is trained by Robert Leonard. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $17,770 and is coming off a win in a Dec. 11 maiden claimer. ...

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Tamarando Takes on Shared Belief

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2014) – Grade I winner Tamarando and fellow California-bred Frensham take on Shared Belief in Friday’s $300,000 Grade I Malibu Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has four wins in 14 starts, earnings of $665,370 and is coming off a seventh in the Nov. 29 Native Diver. Frensham is by Square Eddie, out of the Formal Gold mare Farnham, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and is trained by Doug O’Neill. He has two wins in 12 starts, earnings of $119,628 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 9 optional claimer. ...

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More Complexity, Uzziel in La Brea

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2014) – Betty Grable Stakes winner More Complexity and fellow California-bred Uzziel are entered in Friday’s $300,000 Grade I La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies 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 is trained by Mike Puype. She has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $153,138 and is coming off a sixth in a Nov. 28 allowance. More Complexity is by Square Eddie, out of the Yonaguska mare Marquis Diamond, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Edward Freeman. She has four wins in 10 starts, earnings of $214,970 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 9 Betty Grable. ...

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Alert Bay Risks Stakes Streak

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2014) – Multiple Derby winner Alert Bay is one of five California-breds entered in Friday’s $200,000 Grade II Mathis Brothers Mile Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Alert Bay is by City Zip, out of the Dushyantor mare Hickory, was bred by Thomas Bell and Ross McLeod, is owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Blaine Wright. He has six wins in 12 starts, earnings of $497,207 and is coming off a three consecutive stakes wins, two of them Derbies, the most recent being the Nov. 26 Zia Park Derby. 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 Robertino Diodoro. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $244,170 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 23 Cary Grant Stakes. Red Outlaw is by Tribal Rule, out of the Slewpy mare Anachristina, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Blinkers On Racing... ...

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‘Chrome Drills at Los Alamitos

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 19, 2014) — California Chrome drilled a handy half mile in :49 flat at Los Alamitos Race Course Dec. 19 as he prepares for his 2015 debut in the $500,000 San Antonio Stakes (gr. II). Meanwhile, trainer Art Sherman weighed in the Horse of the Year balloting. The dual classic winner had regular rider Victor Espinoza aboard on a cleared track for the workout. The workout was California Chrome’s second drill at his home oval since capturing the Hollywood Derby (gr. IT) over the Del Mar turf Nov 29. Sherman has targeted the 1 1/8-mile San Antonio for the chestnut colt’s season debut Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park. As far as the 2014 campaign is concerned, all that awaits is the counting of the ballots to determine Horse of the Year honors, to be announced at the annual Eclipse Award dinner Jan. 17. With four grade I victories to his credit and six wins overall, California Chrome is a leading contender. Sherman says he... ...

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‘Chrome a Moment of the Year Finalist

From NTRA LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 18, 2014) – Voting is now underway via the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) website, www.ntra.com, for the 16th annual NTRA Moment of the Year. Fans can choose from among 10 of the year’s most memorable, moving and significant events in Thoroughbred racing. The winning moment will be revealed the morning of January 16 at the annual ThoroFan Awards Breakfast at Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla., and recognized at the following evening’s 44th Annual Eclipse Awards, also at Gulfstream Park. Those that vote for the eventual winner automatically will be entered in a random drawing to win a $100 gift certificate for Breeders’ Cup merchandise. To vote for the “NTRA Moment of the Year,” visit ntra.formstack.com/forms/ntra_moment_of_the_year. The eligible moments were selected to illustrate a wide range of human emotions and achievements as well as outstanding displays of equine athleticism. Listed chronologically, the events that fans can choose from are: ·         Seven-year-old gelding Game On Dude wins the $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap by... ...

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Warrens Venedalucy in Bold Ego

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Dec. 14, 2014) – Defending champion Warrens Venedalucy is one of four California-breds are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Bold Ego Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Papa’s Dancing is by Papa Clem, out of the Helmsman mare Dancing Stripes, was bred by E-Racing.com, is owned by T and T Roofing and SG Drilling Consultants and is trained by Johnnie Nall. She has three wins in 12 starts, earnings of $53,960 and is coming off a Nov. 29 allowance win. Hidethegoodstuff is by Old Topper, out of the Storm Boot mare Minimums Minimums, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Johnnie Nall. She has three wins in 17 starts, earnings of $155,417 and is coming off a seventh in a Nov. 16 optional claimer. Warrens Venedalucy is by Doc Gus, out of the Carson City mare State the Obvious, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Ace Racing Stable and trained by Justin Evans. She has eight wins in 34 starts,... ...

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Acceptance Shoots for Third Straight

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2014) – Golden State Juvenile Stakes winner Acceptance risks his perfect record in Sunday’s $200,000 King Glorious Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-olds at Los Alamitos. Kluszewski is by Northern Afleet, out of the Malek mare Melinda Rose, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Phil D’Amato. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $34,100 and is coming off a Dec. 4 maiden win. Comanche Ruler is by Tribal Rule, out of the Rio Verde mare Super Flo, was bred by Judi Garfi-Partridge & Serenity Oaks Farm, is owned by John Elick, Firsthome Thoroughbreds and William Peeples and is trained by Adam Kitchingman. He has one win in four starts, earnings of $68,850 and is coming off a fourth in the Nov. 1 Golden State Juvenile Stakes. Acceptance is by Vronsky, out of the Perfect Mandate mare Allswellthatnswell, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by E.W. and Judy Johnston and Robert Riggio and is trained by Donald Warren.... ...

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Golden Gate Cancels Thursday Card

By Bloodhorse.com ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2014) — Golden Gate Fields canceled its seven-race live program Thursday, Dec. 11, due to a severe storm that drenched the San Francisco Bay Area with heavy rains and gusty winds. The storm has caused flooding, power outages, and transportation problems throughout the Bay Area. Golden Gate Fields announced the decision to cancel the races early Thursday morning. The track plans to resume racing Friday, Dec. 12, at 12:45 p.m. PST. The full-card cancellation is believed to the first at Golden Gate Fields due to weather concerns since Dec. 22, 2002. There was a partial cancellation of a program after three races Jan. 14, 2005 due to unsafe track conditions. Golden Gate debuted its all-weather Tapeta racing surface in November 2007.   ...

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My Fiona in Soviet Problem

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner My Fiona in the leading earner and high weight in Sunday’s $200,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 2-year-old fillies at Los Alamitos. Heat the Rocks is by Unusual Heat, out of the Tribal Rule mare Rockella, was bred by Jerry Hollendorfer, George Todaro, Gallop Out Racing and John Yee, is owned by Hollendorfer, Brett Tahajian and Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. She has one win in three starts, earnings of $48,160 and is coming off a Nov. 7 maiden win. Easter Fever is by Stormin Fever, out of the Jade Hunter mare Hunting Jade, was bred by Schroeder Farms, is owned by Gary and Cecil Barber and trained by Peter Miller. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $59,000 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 22 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... ...

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House Passes Tax Depreciation Bill

From NTRA WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 4, 2014) — A provision that retroactively extends three-year tax depreciation for all racehorses was passed by the United States House of Representatives yesterday as part of H.R. 5771, the “Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014.” The bill, which extends retroactively through the end of 2014 numerous provisions which expired at the end of 2013, was passed by a vote of 378-46 and now goes to United States Senate for consideration. Maintaining the three-year recovery period for racehorse purchases has been a top legislative priority for the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) since the provision’s initial enactment as part of the 2009 Farm Bill. The provision allows taxpayers to depreciate using a three-year schedule for racehorses 24 months of age and younger when purchased and placed into service, as opposed to a seven-year schedule. The accelerated schedule better reflects the length of a typical racehorse’s career and is more equitable for owners. H.R 5771 also retroactively extends two other provisions that spur investment in racehorses.... ...

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Golden Gate to Honor Art Sherman

By DRF.com ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 2, 2014) — Art Sherman, who based his operation in Northern California for many years, will be honored by Golden Gate Fields and feted by his many friends and fans here Saturday. Sherman trained California Chrome to victories in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness this year. The colt might have locked up Eclipse Awards as Horse of the Year and the nation’s top 3-year-old male with his victory last Saturday in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby on turf. Fans will receive California Chrome posters, and Sherman will be available near the winner’s circle to sign the posters after being interviewed by local television and radio host Sam Spear following the fourth race. “I’m looking forward to it,” said Sherman. “I’m looking forward to seeing old friends like [trainers] Tony Diaz and Bill Delia.” ◗ The annual grooms’ Christmas party, sponsored by the Race Track Chaplaincy of America and California Thoroughbred Trainers, will be held Thursday, Dec. 11. Fans can donate gifts at specially marked locations... ...

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Warren’s Veneda Enters Bayakoa

CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2014) – Warren’s Veneda is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Bayakoa Stakes for fillies and mares at Los Alamitos. 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 18 starts, earnings of $367,012 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 9 Betty Grable. She was third in this race last year at Hollywood Park. ...

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Lucky Forty Niner in Gold Rush

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 3, 2014) – Lucky Forty Niner is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes  for 2-year-ods at Golden Gate. Lucky Forty Niner is by Lucky J. H., out of the Forty Niner mare Miner’s Gal, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Mary Jo Bright and trained by Wendell McDaniel. He has one win in 10 starts, earnings of $41,110 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 8 Golden Nugget. ...

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Glass Slipper Draws Rebecca’s Surprise

HALLANDALE, Fla. (Dec. 3, 2014) – Rebecca’s Surprise is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $110,000 Glass Slipper Starter Stakes for fillies and mares at Gulfstream Park. Rebecca’s Surprise is by Marino Marini, out of the Montbrook mare Violet Brook, was bred by Milt Policzer, Zuer Racing and Ray Jones, is owned by USA Thoroughbreds and trained by Kelly Breen. She has 11 wins in 26 starts, earnings of $261,198 and is coming off a win in an Oct. 16 starter’s allowance. ...

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She’s Ordained Enters at Laurel

LAUREL, Md. (Dec. 3, 2014) – Defending champion She’s Ordained is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Willa on the Move Stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. She’s Ordained is by Ministers 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 14 wins in 36 starts, earnings of $386,525 and is coming off a third in the July 12 Sweet and Sassy Stakes. ...

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Los Alamitos Opens Thursday

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Dec. 1, 2014) — Los Alamitos Race Course’s 12-day winter meet opens Dec. 4 and runs through Dec. 21. Two grade I races for juveniles anchor the meet: the $500,000 Los Alamitos Futurity at 1 1/16 miles Dec. 20 and the $350,000 Starlet for fillies at the same distance Dec. 13. The Los Alamitos Futurity is part of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series of races that carry important points to determine preference should more than 20 horses be entered for the 2015 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). Joining the Los Alamitos Futurity and the Starlet on the five-race winter stakes schedule are two major California-bred juvenile stakes, both at one mile: the $200,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for fillies Dec. 7 and the $200,000 King Glorious Stakes, which is set for Dec 14. California Chrome won last year’s King Glorious by 6 1/4 lengths to cap his 2-year-old campaign and went on to win the 2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes (gr.... ...

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Stryker Phd, Marino’s Wild Cat in Berkeley

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2014) – California-sired Stryker Phd and California-breds Marino’s Wild Cat, G. G. Ryder and Pepper Crown are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Grade III Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate. Stryker Phd is by Bertrando, out of the Smart Strike mare Striking Scholar, was bred by Char Clark Thoroughbreds and Todd Havens, is owned by Mona Hour and is trained by Larry Ross. He has five wins in 17 starts, earnings of $308,651 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 30 Big Bear Stakes. Marino’s Wild Cat is by Marino Marini, out of the Dayjur mare Faxene, was bred by Roy Guinnane, is owned by GCCI and is trained by Clifford DeLima. He has five wins in 10 starts, earnings of $170,410 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 15 Oakland Stakes. G. G. Ryder is by Chhaya Dance, out of the Storm Boot mare Stormy Gigi, was bred by Eagle Oak Ranch, is owned by Jerry Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained... ...

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Sherman Pleased with ‘Chrome’s Gallop

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 27, 2014) — Trainer Art Sherman eschewed his usual mezzanine-tier viewing spot in the grandstand for a ground-level one on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course as California Chrome went through a gallop on the grass Thursday morning just prior to 7 a.m. The purpose of the drill for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, with exercise rider Willie Delgado up, was to reaffirm Sherman’s thoughts that his star was ready for his first grass race, Saturday’s $300,000 Grade I, 1 1/8 mile Hollywood Derby. Reaffirmation accomplished. “They had a hard time pulling him up (on the backstretch), he was on the bit pretty good,” Sherman said as he turned to cross the track back to the grandstand. “Now I feel a lot better. I liked it. It was just what I wanted.” California Chrome drew the No. 5 post position in a field of six. The Hollywood Derby goes as the eighth on a nine-race program, with a post time of around 4... ...

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‘Chrome Enters Del Mar Derby

From DMTC Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2014) — Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome was entered Wednesday morning for Saturday’s Grade I $300,000 Hollywood Derby  and will face five rivals in the 1 1/8-mile run over the Jimmy Durante Turf Course. California Chrome would become the seventh Kentucky Derby champion to race at Del Mar after winning the Run For The Roses. Gato Del Sol (1982 Kentucky Derby winner), Ferdinand (1986), Unbridled (1990), Silver Charm (1997), War Emblem (2002) and Giacomo (2005) all subsequently raced at Del Mar. It will be the first race on turf for California Chrome, a son of Lucky Pulpit owned by Perry Martin and Steve Coburn. Trainer Art Sherman nominated California Chrome for both the Native Diver Handicap, 1 1/8-miles on Polytrack, and the Hollywood Derby, two of three graded stakes on Saturday, the penultimate day of the Bing Crosby Season. California rules stipulate that only one race could be entered, and when the time came Wednesday morning, Sherman did not... ...

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Cal-bred Entered in Remsen

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Nov. 26, 2014) – Bodhisattva is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade II Remsen Stakes for 2-year-olds at Aqueduct. 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 one win in five starts, earnings of $37,155 and is coming off a third in an Oct. 16 optional claimer at Laurel Park. ...

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Can Can Babe Enters Debutante

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2014) – Can Can Babe is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Golden Gate Debutante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Can Can Babe is by McCann’s Mojave, out of the Johannesburg mare Book’em Babe, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steven Specht. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $37,961 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 15 optional claimer. ...

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Native Diver Draws Tamarando

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 26, 2014) – Grade I winner Tamarando is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III Native Diver Stakes at Del Mar. Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamarack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has four wins in 13 starts, earnings of $665,120 and is coming off a second in the Oct. 18 California Flag. He won last year’s Grade I Del Mar Futurity. ...

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Big Bane Theory in Seabiscuit

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2014) – Graded stakes winner Big Bane Theory and fellow California-bred stakes winner Boozer are entered in Friday’s $250,000 Grade II Seabiscuit Handicap at Del Mar. 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 12 starts, earnings of $360,640 and is coming off a fifth in the Oct. 31 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. 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 12 starts, earnings of $292,672 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 18 California Flag. ...

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Stoney Fleece in Hollywood Turf Cup

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2014) – Graded stakes winner Stoney Fleece and fellow California-bred Bench Light are entered in Thursday’s $250,000 Grade II Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes at Del Mar. Stoney Fleece is by Decarchy, out of the Deputed Testamony mare Gold Fleece, was bred by Joseph Alvarez III, is owned by Michael Terry and trained by Carl O’Callaghan. He has eight wins in 35 starts, earnings of $580,664 and is coming off a third in an Oct. 24 claimer. Bench Light is by Benchmark, out of the Habitony mare Lightly Go Lightly, was bred by Ellen Jackson and Margaret Scherr, is owned by Cunningham Stable, A. Herbertson, D. Medina, S. Herbertson, et al and is trained by Michael Pender. He has seven wins in 25 starts, earnings of $254,841 and is coming off a sixth in the Sept. 28 John Henry Turf Championship. ...

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‘Chrome Impressive in Turf Work

From DMTC DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2014) — Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner California Chrome made his first appearance of the year at Del Mar on Sunday morning, breezing a half-mile on the turf in 52 seconds under regular jockey Victor Espinoza with trainer Art Sherman looking on from the second level of the grandstand. California Chrome is nominated to both the $300,000 Hollywood Derby on grass and the $200,000 Native Diver on Polytrack on Saturday, November 29 at Del Mar. Sunday’s workout, the first for California Chrome on turf, was to determine his affinity for the surface and help in the stakes decision. “I was satisfied with the work,” Sherman said at a news conference an hour later. “Victor said (California Chrome) didn’t know if he was going to work or gallop because he’d never been on the grass before. But Victor said he felt smooth underneath him and that was my main concern.” If California Chrome runs next Saturday, he will be the seventh Kentucky Derby... ...

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Hovdey on Cary Grant Stakes

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 21, 2014) — In “To Catch a Thief,” the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock thriller, reformed cat burglar John Robie declares to the rich girl played by Grace Kelly, “You know I have about the same interest in jewelry as I have in politics, horse racing, modern poetry, and women who need weird excitement – none.” She doesn’t believe him, of course, but not because Robie is played by Cary Grant, and everyone knew Cary Grant liked everything about horse racing. She doesn’t believe him because Robie’s got “guilty” written all over him right up until the twist at the end, when the real thief is revealed to be – But you know all that. Cary Grant movies play all the time. On the American Film Institute’s list of the Greatest Screen Legends, men’s division, Cary Grant is ranked No. 2, behind Humphrey Bogart. The list is 15 years old, but chances are Grant’s spot is still secure. That is because Cary Grant was... ...

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Napravnik Among Woolf Finalists

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 20, 2014) — Rosie Napravnik, who recently announced her retirement from riding to start a family, heads a list of five riders named Thursday by Santa Anita as finalists for the 2015 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award. James Graham, Mike Luzzi, Leslie Mawing, and Corey Nakatani – all men – are the other finalists for the award, which has been presented annually by Santa Anita since 1950. The award is held in conjunction with the Jockeys’ Guild and is voted on by jockeys nationwide. If Napravnik were to win, she would be the first female rider so honored. Julie Krone, the only female jockey in the Hall of Fame, has never won the award. The Woolf Award is presented to a jockey whose career and personal character earn esteem for both the rider and the sport. It is named in memory of the Hall of Fame jockey who suffered fatal injuries following a racing accident at Santa Anita on Jan. 3, 1946. The winner will... ...

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Luscious Lonna Seeks Graded Win

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Luscious Lonna is the lone California-bred in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Red Carpet Handicap for fillies and mares at Del Mar. Luscious Lonna is by Benchmark, out of the Thunder Gulch mare Striking Point, was bred by Nick Alexander, is owned by Jon Harris, Bonnie Marshall and Nicholas Sloan and is trained by Sloan. She has nine wins in 21 starts, earnings of $271,515 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 18 Miss America Stakes. ...

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Big Macher, Red Outlaw in Cary Grant

DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 19, 2014) – Multiple graded winner Big Macher and unbeaten Red Outlaw lead a contentious field in Sunday’s $100,000 Cary Grant Stakes for Golden State Series eligibles at Del Mar. Celebrity Status is by Vronsky, out of the Something Lucky mare A Lucky Happening, was bred by Old English Rancho, is owned by E.W. and Judy Johnston and Cherry Hawk Stables and is trained by Donald Warren. He has two wins in 14 starts, earnings of $168,636 and is coming off a second in an Oct. 31 optional claimer. Got Even is by Stephen Got Even, out of the Blare of Trumpets mare Kathryns Birthday, was bred by Madera Thoroughbreds, is owned by Altamira Racing, Bruce Chandler and FU Stables and is trained by Peter Miller. He has four wins in 30 starts, earnings of $338,330 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 7 optional claimer. Patriots Rule is by Tribal Rule, out of the Seattle Bound mare Candy Factory, was bred by Dahlberg... ...

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Alert Bay Shoots for Zia Derby

HOBBS, N.M. (Nov. 19, 2014) – Multiple graded winner Alert Bay is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $200,000 Zia Park Derby for 3-year-olds at Zia Park. Alert Bay is by City Zip, out of the Dushyantor mare Hickory, was bred by Thomas Bell and Ross McLeod, is owned by Peter Redekop and trained by Blaine Wright. He has five wins in 11 starts, earnings of $368,279 and is coming off a back-to-back Grade III wins at Hastings Park. ...

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Doinghardtimeagain in Zia Distaff

HOBBS, N.M. (Nov. 19, 2014) – Multiple graded-stakes winner Doinghardtimeagain and fellow California-bred stakes winner Warren’s Venedalucy are entered in Wednesday’s $75,000 Zia Park Distaff Stakes for fillies and mares at Zia Park. Doinghardtimeagain is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Conquistador Cielo mare Silver Hawk Lady, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has six wins in 16 starts, earnings of $713,766 and is coming off a fourth in the Sept. 7 Orange County Stakes. Warren’s Venedalucy is by Doc Gus, out of the Carson City mare State the Obvious, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Ace Racing Stable and is trained by Justin Evans. She has eight wins in 33 starts, earnings of $206,174 and is coming off a second in a Nov. 9 optional claimer. ...

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Jackpot Rebound Spot for Wake Up Nick

By DRF.com VINTON, La. (Nov. 18, 2014) — California-bred Wake Up Nick will find himself in an unfamiliar situation on Saturday when he starts in the Grade 3, $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot. He will be looking to get back into the win column after suffering his first loss in six career starts earlier this month at Santa Anita. Wake Up Nick ran second in the $196,000 Golden State Juvenile on the Breeders’ Cup undercard Nov. 1. He was beaten 1 1/4 lengths after having to go around horses when unable to advance along the inside at a key point in the race, said his trainer, Leandro Mora. “He lost his momentum,” Mora said. “It was a very good race. He’s becoming more and more of a pro.” :: DELTA DOWNS JACKPOT: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s card live Wake Up Nick was entered Tuesday in the Jackpot, a 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-olds run around two turns on the six-furlong track at Delta. The field will be capped at 10.... ...

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‘Chrome Works at Los Alamitos

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 17, 2014) — Dual classic winner California Chrome handily worked four furlongs in :47 4/5 Monday, Nov. 17 at Los Alamitos Race Course. Perry Martin and Steve Coburn’s homebred California Chrome is preparing for his first career start on turf in the Hollywood Derby (gr. IT) Nov. 29 at Del Mar. California Chrome finished a close third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I) Nov. 1 at Santa Anita Park in his most recent start. Monday’s work was the seventh fastest of 17 reported at the distance at Los Alamitos on a fast track.   ...

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Oakland Draws Cal-bred Stakes Winners

ALBANY, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2014) – Five California-bred stakes winners, including Harris Farms Stakes winner Marino’s Wild Cat, are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Oakland Stakes at Golden Gate. Marino’s Wild Cat is by Marino Marini, out of the Dayjur mare Faxene, was bred by Roy Guinnane, is owned by GCCI and trained by Cliff DeLima. He has five wins in nine starts, earnings of $157,410 and is coming off a win in the Oct. 5 Harris Farms. Ain’t No Other is by Old Topper, out of the Shadeed mare Miami Margie, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has 10 wins in 39 starts, earnings of $616,645 and is coming off a fourth in the Oct. 5 Harris Farms. He was fifth in this race last year and third in 2012. Mandala is by Benchmark, out of the Rehaan mare Kriskeri, was bred by Rhianon Farms & Don Smith, is owned by Rhianon Farms and Gloria Haley and is trained by Haley. He... ...

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‘Chrome Could Run at Del Mar

By DRF.com DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2014) –Trainer Art Sherman indicated Wednesday morning that he is considering two possibilities at Del Mar for an additional race for California Chrome – the Hollywood Derby on grass and the Native Diver Handicap on Polytrack. Both races are at a mile and one eighth and both on Saturday, November 29. The Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, who most recently finished third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, is slated to work on the Jimmy Durante Turf Course at Del Mar on Sunday, November 23, Sherman indicated. A decision on a start for the horse could be made following the drill. California Chrome, a son of Lucky Pulpit bred by his owners – Perry Martin and Steve Coburn, has never run on grass. He is a winner of eight of 15 starts and over $4 million. He ran twice on Polytrack at Del Mar as a 2-year-old in 2013, winning the Graduation Stakes for California-breds, then running sixth in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity.... ...

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TOC Open Forum Dec. 6

From TOC CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2014) — All are invited to an Open Forum at Los Alamitos Racecourse on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11:00 a.m. Attendees will have a chance to meet TOC staff and board members, ask questions, and get an update on the current state of affairs in California Thoroughbred racing. The event will be held in the Post & Paddock Room, Clubhouse First Level. To register for this free event, please click here. ...

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Del Mar Changes Weekend Post Time

From Del Mar Publicity DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2014) — Starting next weekend, first post at Del Mar on Saturdays and Sundays will be shifted from noon to 12:30 p.m. The change will mean all racing programs at the seaside track for its November “Bing Crosby Season” – with one exception – will begin at 12:30. The lone exception will be Thursday, November 27, Thanksgiving Day, when racing will begin at 11 a.m. “We thought the noon post on the weekend might be a good way to go,” said DMTC president and CEO Joe Harper. “But after a sampling, our horsemen and our fans have indicated to us that they like the slightly later start for several reasons. In addition, it allows us to advertise one time for our start time and cuts down on confusion for all. In the end, we are adapting and adjusting, which is what you have to do with a new venture like this.” The track will continue to schedule nine races on weekends... ...

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CHRB Meeting Nov. 19

From CHRB DEL MAR, Calif. (Nov. 7, 2014) — The regular meeting of the California Horse Racing Board will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at 9:30 a.m., at the Del Mar Surfside Race Place, (Downstairs General Admission Area) 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, California.. The audio portion only of the California Horse Racing Board regular meeting will be available online through a link at the CHRB website (www.chrb.ca.gov) under “Webcasts.” The agenda for the regular meeting will consist of the following matters: Action Items: 1. Approval of the minutes of October 23, 2014. 2. Executive Director’s Report. 3. Public Comment: Communications, reports, requests for future actions of the Board. Note: Persons addressing the Board under this item will be restricted to three (3) minutes for their presentations. 4. Discussion and action by the Board regarding the distribution of race day charity proceeds of the Los Angeles Turf Club, Inc. in the amount of $190,658.20 to 12 beneficiaries. 5. Discussion and action by the Board regarding the distribution... ...

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Former Trainer Jacque Fulton Passes

By DRF.com PHOENIX, Ariz. (Nov. 5, 2014) — Jacque Fulton, a former trainer who worked for more than a decade as racing manager for California owners Marty and Pam Wygod, died on Tuesday of Alzheimer’s disease, according to her cousin, trainer Dan Hendricks. Fulton was 60. She had spent recent months in the Phoenix area, close to family. In the 1970s, Fulton worked as an exercise rider for Charlie Whittingham, galloping such prominent horses as Dahlia, King Pellinore and Cougar II. In the 1980s, she was briefly married to former Southern California trainer John Fulton. Jacque Fulton began training in 1985 and later gave up a racing stable to work for the Wygods, when their breeding and racing stable was at its height in California. Fulton trained Blonde Fever, the winner of the 1992 Fleet Treat Stakes at Del Mar, and won the 1988 Princess Stakes at Hollywood Park with Clean Lines, who had been claimed for $40,000, and the 1988 Songstress Stakes at Golden Gate Fields with Super Avie.... ...

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California Chrome Fine Day After

From Santa Anita Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Nov. 2, 2014) – Trainer Art Sherman said California Chrome “pulled up good” after finishing a close third in Saturday’s $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. Sherman spoke from his Los Alamitos base Sunday after shipping the 3-year-old California-bred back from Santa Anita Saturday night. “It was a great race for him, and a game race to get beat by a neck,” added Sherman of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Santa Anita Derby winner. “Maybe with a stronger race the one before (Pennsylvania Derby) he might have won, but I don’t know.” Sherman said future plans for the California-bred colt had not yet been formulated. “I’ll have to talk to the owners,” said Sherman of Steve Coburn and Perry Martin. As for Eclipse Award honors for California Chrome and Horse of the Year, Sherman thought the controversial finish left the outcome unclear. “It’s up in the air now,” said the trainer. Regardless of the outcome, the 77-year-old trainer could not imagine a more memorable... ...

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Sherman: ‘Chrome Looks ‘Great’

From Breeders’ Cup Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 31, 2014) — California Chrome “looked great,” trainer Art Sherman said Friday after the Kentucky Derby winner galloped 1 5/8 miles at 6 a.m. under regular exercise rider Willie Delgado for Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. “I plan to jog him in the morning the wrong way for a mile,” said Sherman of the final touch with the 4-to-1 second choice in the race. “I’m hoping everything goes smooth. He’s as good as I can get him. Let the cards fall where they may.” Sherman said he was concerned about a forecast of rain, but added that he did not think it would hamper California Chrome, who has raced on tracks listed fast in all 14 of his starts. “We trained him on an off track at Los Alamitos and he seemed to handle it good,” said Sherman. Co-owner and co-breeder Steve Coburn visited his colt for the second straight morning. “He’s in disguise today,” quipped Coburn. “He’s dressed like a horse. It is... ...

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Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2014) –It was a sight for sore eyes. California Chrome was putting on a show Tuesday in the Santa Anita saddling barn, up on his hind legs, manhood on display, giving Alan Sherman fits on the ground and Willie Delgado all he could handle at the wheel. “The reins were in my lap,” said Delgado, the man with the slick red chaps. “I had ahold of mane with one hand and used the other to push him away from the partition. Did I have him? Sure, I had him, just like he had me.” This was the California Chrome his tribe had been waiting for – a sign that their Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner had shaken the cobwebs of his Triple Crown letdown and was back to the colt they knew last winter. A video of the moment went gleefully viral, and the message was clear: California Chrome was home, back at the track where he ripped through three straight victories... ...

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California Chrome Meets the Ducks

From Breeders’ Cup ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2014) — California Chrome galloped 1 5/8 miles at 6:30 Wednesday morning, said assistant trainer Alan Sherman said, beaming with the way the 3-year-old colt looked under regular exercise rider Willie Delgado. “He stood in the gate and was perfect,” continued Sherman. “All systems are go. He’s performed so well on this track in the past, I’m not worried about the surface.” Sherman said the California-bred colt will gallop up to the race. “He will go to the paddock tomorrow and jog the morning of the race.” Visitors to the stall of the superstar in Barn 56 included members of the Anaheim Ducks NHL hockey team. Grooming the colt has provided a thrill of a lifetime for Raul Rodriguez. “It’s like a dream,” said the veteran, who has been California Chrome’s groom since the colt joined the Sherman barn as a 2yo last year. “It is very exciting and makes me feel proud,” said Rodriguez of seeing the development of the racing star.... ...

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