Review Category : Uncategorized

Go West Marie in the East

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Mar. 13, 2014) — Go West Marie is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Cicada Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Aqueduct. Go West Marie is by Western Fame, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Marie’s Rose, was bred by Summer Mayberry, is owned by Funky Monky Stable and is trained by David Donk. She has one win in five starts, earnings of $51,700 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 24 optional claimer. ...

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Dancingtothestars in Irish O’Brien

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 12, 2014)—Classy Dancingtothestars, a winner of the one mile turf Megahertz Stake two starts back, Ciao Bella Luna, an extra game winner of the Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint going 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course Jan. 25, and Tribal Spy, who pressed the pace and was third, beaten a half length by “Ciao,” head a competitive field of seven in Saturday’s $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for older fillies and mares coming down the hill. Easily the leading money earner in the field with $401,122 to her credit, Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds homebred Dancingtothestars ran an even seventh, beaten 5 ½ lengths, in her most recent start, the Grade II, one mile turf Buena Vista Handicap on Feb. 17.  A 6-year-old mare by Good Journey, Dancingtothestars was third in last year’s Irish O’Brien and was second coming down the hill in the Feb. 10, 2013 Wishing Well Stakes. Conditioned by Doug O’Neill, Dancingtothestars has been ridden in 13 of her... ...

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California Chrome Romps in San Felipe

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 6, 2014)—In a breathtaking performance, California Chrome, under Victor Espinoza, won Saturday’s Grade II, $300,000 San Felipe Stakes in gate to wire fashion by 7 ¼  lengths, covering 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.59, the second fastest final time in the 77-year history of the race,  potentially stamping himself as the horse to beat in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 5. Breaking like a shot from the number two post position as the 7-5 favorite in a field of six 3-year-olds, the Art Sherman-conditioned California Chrome was quickly in-hand around the Club House turn with second choice Midnight Hawk to his outside and was full himself through splits of 23.09, 45.55, 1:09.45 and 1:35.94. “He ran like I expected him to,” said Espinoza.  “I wanted to try something new today, so I let him go right out of the gate.  I don’t know if people expected me to go right to the lead, but I wanted to let him enjoy his... ...

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Bloodhorse.com on California Chrome

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 8, 2014) — Favored California Chrome proved he belongs on the Triple Crown trail with a front-running stampede to victory in the $300,000 San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) March 8 at gleaming Santa Anita Park (VIDEO). The modest California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit   ran his current winning streak to three while scoring his first triumph over open company in the 1 1/16-mile test for 3-year-olds by 7 1/4 lengths. His combined margin of victory during his current streak is 19 lengths. The victory was worth 50 points toward a start in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) for California Chrome, who is trained by Art Sherman. The shiny chestnut colt posted prior stakes wins over restricted foes in the King Glorious Stakes Dec. 22 and California Cup Derby Jan. 25, and also captured the Graduation Stakes last summer at Del Mar. Sherman, who has been in the racing business for more than 50 years as jockey and trainer, has his first serious... ...

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California Chrome Seeks Derby Points

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 5, 2014) – California Chrome is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $300,000 Grade II San Felipe Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. California Chrome is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Not For Love mare Love the Chase, was bred by owners Martin Perry and Steve Coburn and is trained by Art Sherman. He has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $354,850 and is coming off consecutive wins in the King Glorious and California Cup Derby. ...

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Rousing Sermon Goes for the Big ‘Cap

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 5, 2014) – Rousing Sermon is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $750,000 Grade I Santa Anita Handicap. 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 five wins in 25 starts, earnings of $709,842 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 11 San Pasqual. ...

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Lakerville Enters Kilroe Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 5, 2014) – Lakerville is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $350,000 Grade I Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita. Lakerville is by Unusual Heat, out of the Out of Place mare Foreverinthegame, was bred by Abrams & Team Green, is owned by Barry Abrams and Madeline Auerbach and trained by Abrams. He has five wins in eight starts, earnings of $292,660 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 22 Sensational Star. ...

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San Carlos Draws Cal-bred Duo

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 5, 2014) – California-bred stakes winners Big Macher and Cyclometer are entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II San Carlos 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 is trained by Richard Baltas. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $146,428 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 25 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. Cyclometer is by Cyclotron, out of the Eastern Echo mare Moana Loa, was bred by owners Bruce Headley, Irwin Molasky and Andrew Molasky and is trained by Headley. He has five wins in 18 starts, earnings of $332,754 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 25 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

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Cal-bred Pair in China Doll

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 5, 2014) – California-breds Anniversary Kitty and Uzziel are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 China Doll Stakes for 3-year-old fillies 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 trained by Craig Dollase. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $65,000 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks. 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 two wins in four starts, earnings of $49,440 and is coming off a win in a Jan. 31 optional claimer. ...

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Talamo Reclaims Mount on Cyclometer

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 2, 2014) — With Mike Smith opting to ride Shakin It Up in the San Carlos Stakes, one of four graded races on next Saturday’s blockbuster card, it opened the door for Joe Talamo to reunite with Cyclometer, and he’s happy to be back. “He’s a nice horse,” said Talamo, who rode Cyclometer in his first 10 starts, winning three. Smith had ridden Cyclometer in six of his last seven races, the last four in a row. “He runs hard every single time,” Talamo said of Cyclometer, a 6-year-old Cyclotron horse owned and bred by Irwin and Andrew Molasky and Bruce Headley, who also trains the California-bred chestnut. “I think he’s a better seven-eighths horse than six (furlongs), because he often doesn’t break that sharp, even though he’s a speed horse,” Talamo said. “That first jump, he always seems to break a little slow.” Such was the case last out, when Cyclometer bobbled at the start and finished fifth as the 3-2 favorite... ...

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California Chrome Preps for San Felipe

By Bloodhorse.com CYPRESS, Calif. (Mar. 2, 2014) — California Chrome worked five furlongs in 1:00 2/5 at Los Alamitos March 2 in preparation for the upcoming San Felipe Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park. Jockey Victor Espinoza was aboard. “He went perfect,” said trainer Art Sherman. “He galloped out (six furlongs) in 1:13 and change. The horse looks like he’s ready to go.” Because of the recent heavy rain that has hit Southern California, Sherman delayed the work a day. “I was the only horse out here,” said Sherman. “Los Alamitos bent over backward for me to have a good track.” It was an important workout for California Chrome with the San Felipe set for March 8. It was his first drill since Feb. 22. The rain forced Barretts Sales & Racing to move its preview for the March 2-year-old sale up a day from its originally scheduled Feb. 28. Los Alamitos canceled its live Quarter Horse racing from Feb. 28-March 2 due to the weather. Sherman plans to... ...

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Barretts March Sale on Monday

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 28, 2014) — Average price has risen three consecutive years at the Barretts March select sale of 2-year-olds in training – and may be going higher on Monday. The Barretts sale is the first of the year for the 2-year-old market, and can serve as a barometer for the nation. Last year, Barretts had the year’s first 2-year-old sale and saw a 31 percent increase in average price to $143,459, compared with $109,429 in 2012. Three other select sales – Fasig-Tipton Florida, Ocala Breeders’ March select sale, and Keeneland April – subsequently showed increases in average price last spring. The Barretts March sale had declining average prices of $178,027 in 2008 and $123,245 in 2009, bottoming out at $90,652 in 2010. The average increased to $100,709 in 2011. Monday’s sale, which begins at 2 p.m. Pacific, has a catalog of 140 juveniles. “There is a lot of depth,” said Barretts general manager Kim Lloyd. “With the upswing in the market, we expect an uptick in... ...

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Espinoza Excited About California Chrome

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 27, m2014) — It’s been more than a dozen years since Victor Espinoza won his only Kentucky Derby, and more than a half a century since a California-bred won the Run for the Roses. Espinoza and his No. 1 Derby prospect, California-bred California Chrome, could end those voids if the fates allow come May 3, when the 140th Derby unfolds at Churchill Downs. As always in horse racing, however, it’s first things first, and next up for Espinoza and California Chrome is a major test against open company in the Grade II, $300,000 San Felipe Stakes on March 8, a race worth 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. Since he has been beating up on state-breds in his last two races, presently, California Chrome has zero points, and trainer Art Sherman is acutely aware of that deficiency. Espinoza, who won the 2002 Kentucky Derby wire-to-wire on War Emblem for Bob Baffert, has ridden California Chrome in his last two victories, the King... ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Santa Ysabel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 26, 2014) — Multiple stakes winner Swiss Lake Yodeler and fellow California-bred Anniversary Kitty are entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Santa Ysabel Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Swiss Lake Yodeler is by Swiss Yodeler, out of the Meadowlake mare Domasco Lake, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has three wins in five starts, earnings of $235,850 and is coming off an 11th in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks. Anniversary Kitty is by Tribal Rule, out of the Bertrando mare Justanotherblonde, was bred by Mike Abraham, is owned by Highlander Racing Stable and trained by Craig Dollase. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $65,000 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks. ...

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Magnum Force Enters Maxaam Gold Cup

HOUSTON, Tex. (Feb. 25, 2014) – Magnum Force is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Maxaam Gold Cup Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park. Magnum Force is by Redattore, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Tonsilitis, was bred by Carol Lingenfelter, is owned by Brent Gasaway and Brian Poppenberg and is trained by Dallas Keen He has two wins in 14 starts, earnings of $72,839 and is coming off a Jan. 31 allowance win. ...

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Santa Anita Field Size Declines

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 25, 2014) – The winter-spring meeting at Santa Anita reached the halfway point earlier this month with an increase in all-sources handle, but a decline in average field size that has concerned officials. The 69-day meeting began Dec. 26 and continues through April 20. Thursday’s program at Santa Anita will be the 40th day of the winter-spring meeting. The track’s spring-summer meeting begins April 25 and runs through June 29, replacing much of the former Hollywood Park spring-summer meeting. At Santa Anita, all-sources handle has risen approximately 3 percent through last Saturday’s program, but field size has dropped from 8.3 runners per race at this point of the 2012-13 meeting to 7.69 runners through Sunday. The entire 2012-13 meeting averaged 8.08 runners per race. “We’re all concerned about field sizes,” track president George Haines said last weekend. Despite the drop in average starters, Haines said there are no plans to alter the racing schedule, such as going to a three-day racing week. “It’s not something we’ve... ...

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Santa Anita ‘Cap Added to FOX Lineup

From The Jockey Club ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 24, 2014) — FOX Sports 1 and The Jockey Club announced today that the network will provide live coverage of the $750,000 Santa Anita Handicap from Santa Anita Park on Saturday, March 8. The telecast, as part of The Jockey Club Tour on FOX, will air from 7 – 7:30 p.m. ET. The 77th edition of the Big ‘Cap is expected to feature leading handicap horses Game On Dude, Mucho Macho Man and Will take Charge. Game On Dude won the historic race in 2011 and 2013 and Mucho Macho Man beat Will Take Charge by a nose in the $5 million Breeders’s Cup Classic at Santa Anita last November 2. Will Take Charge, the Eclipse Award winner as outstanding 3-year-old of 2013, was second to Lea in the Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park in his 2014 debut, which was shown live on FOX Sports 1 on February 9. Mucho Macho Man won the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park on January 18... ...

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Barretts Preview Rescheduled

From Barretts                 POMONA, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2014) — With rain predicted for the end of the week, Barretts Sales officials have made the decision to re-schedule the March Sale Training Preview from Friday, February 28 to Thursday, February 27 at 10 a.m. The 25th annual auction of 141 selected 2-year-olds in training will begin at 2 p.m., Monday, March 3 in the Hinds Pavilion located at Fairplex Park in Pomona California. For further information, contact the Barretts sales office: www.barretts.com Tel: (909) 629-3099. ...

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California Chrome Preps for San Felipe

From Santa Anita Publicity CYPRESS, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2014) — California Chrome worked six furlongs at Los Alamitos Saturday morning in 1:11.80 under regular rider Victor Espinoza as the California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit moved closer to a start in the Grade II, $300,000 San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on March 8. “I’m real happy with the work,” trainer Art Sherman said. “I got him galloping out seven furlongs in 1:25. He’ll have one more breeze at Los Al and we’ll ship to Santa Anita five days before the race for schooling and final preparations. Victor said he went really nice.”   ...

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Ambitious Brew Wins Sensational Star

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 22, 2014)—Ambitious Brew, ridden by Brice Blanc, got a perfect stalking trip and upset favored Lakerville to win Saturday’s $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for California-breds by 1 ½ lengths, covering 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:12 flat. The 4-5 favorite in a field of six older horses bred in California, Lakerville, ridden by Gary Stevens, finished second, a half length in front of Summer Hit and Rafael Bejarano. A 4-year-old Tizbud gelding trained by Marty Jones, Ambitious Brew sat third early, stalking pacesetting longshot Coach Bob and Summer Hit through fractions of 22.00, 44.22 and 1:06.28 and hit the front three-wide a furlong out. “Mike (Smith, regular rider) was out of town today and I worked him the other morning,” said Blanc.  “…I talked to Mike a little about the horse, I watched the replays and it seemed pretty straight forward.  He has plenty of tactical speed and this race looked like it had a few speed horses... ...

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Lakerville Heads Sensational Star Field

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 19, 2014)—Owner, trainer and breeder Barry Abrams hopes for some personal “Showtime” at Santa Anita on Saturday, as his Lakerville heads a field of seven in the $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for older California-breds going 6 ½ furlongs down the Camino Real Turf Course. Idle 17 months, Lakerville, a 6-year-old horse by Unusual Heat, came back running to easily win the restricted Clockers’ Corner Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths down the hill on Jan. 26.  Lightly raced, Lakerville, in his only other try down the hill, was a first-out maiden winner over the course on Oct. 22, 2011. Owned in-part by Abrams and Madeline Auerbach, Lakerville has a tremendous closing kick and has five wins and two seconds from seven overall starts.  He’ll be ridden for the first time by Gary Stevens, as Corey Nakatani, who was up for the Clockers’ Corner win at 8-1, is committed to ride Gold Hawk in the Grade II Risen Star at Fairgrounds in New Orleans. Jerry... ...

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Jones Duo in Sensational Star

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 20, 2014) — Marty Jones plans to test the stakes waters Saturday with Ambitious Brew and Mr. Ornery in the $100,000 Sensational Star Stakes for California-breds at about 6 ½ furlongs on Santa Anita’s unique downhill turf course. Ambitious Brew will be making only his second stakes start in this, his seventh lifetime race, while Mr. Ornery makes his stakes debut in start No. 13. “They’re stepping up in class and Lakerville’s a tough horse, but they both have run well down the hill and they’re doing well, so we’ll try him,” Jones said. Ambitious Brew, a 4-year-old gelded son of Tizbud owned and bred by Pamela Ziebarth, won Nov. 3 in his first try over the downhill course. He has never been worse than second in six starts. Mr. Ornery, a 5-year-old Cee’s Tizzy gelding owned and bred by Donald and Sally Valpredo, also won over the same course on Jan. 20 despite an eventful trip. ...

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CHRB Meeting Advisory

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 17, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Friday, February 21, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park. This meeting will begin at 9 a.m.  The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only Webcast of the meeting can be heard through the “Webcasts” link on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov). The agenda and supporting package of materials are available on the CHRB website through the following links: agenda, package. ...

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Buena Vista Draws Cal-bred Pair

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2014) – California-breds Dancingtothestars and Unusual Hottie are entered in Monday’s $200,000 Grade II Buena Vista Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dancingtothestars is by Good Journey, out of the In Excess mare A Lil Excess, was bred by owner Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $400,872 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 18 Megahertz. Unusual Hottie is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ski Champ mare Branca Como Neve, was bred by Ali Nilforushan, is owned by Seyyed Nilforushan and is trained by Jeff Mullins. She has seven wins in 18 starts, earnings of $397,278 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 25 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint. ...

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Cal-bred Pair Lost in the Fog

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 14, 2014) – California-breds Mah Gellin and Ourwestcoastghost are entered in Monday’s $50,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes at Golden Gate Mah Gellin is by Skimming, out of the Maheras mare Mahrin, was bred by Racing Edge, is owned by Joe and Lola Sample and trained by Duane Offield. He has four wins in 12 starts, earnings of $122,078 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 18 optional claimer. Ourwestcoastghost is by Muqtarib, out of the In Excess mare Xpress Xcess, was bred by owners Ron and Lillian Lang and D. Wayne Baker and is trained by Baker. He has four wins in 11 starts, earnings of $135,462 and is coming off a ninth in the Jan. 25 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint. ...

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Grazen’s Hope Enters San Vicente

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2014) – Unbeaten Grazen’s Hope is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $200,000 Grade II San Vicente Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Grazen’s Hope is by Grazen, out of the Bartok mare Chelcee’s Hope, was bred by owner Nick Alexander and is trained by Steve Miyadi. He has won both career starts with earnings of $43,680. ...

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Cal-bred Trio in Baffle

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 13, 2014) – California-breds Gangnam Guy, Red Outlaw and Life Is a Joy are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Baffle Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Gangnam Guy is by Roi Charmant, out of the Unusual Heat mare The Toast of Troy, was bred by B&B Zietz Stables, is owned by Richard Barton and trained by Mike Machowsky. He has one win in eight starts, earnings of $113,420 and is coming off a second in a Jan. 16 optional claimer. Red Outlaw is by Tribal Rule, out of the Slewpy mare Anachristina, was bred by Liberty Road Stables, is owned by Blinkers On Racing Stable, Aurelio, Bizovi, Coons, Dizonno, Gaylord, et al and is trained by Peter Miller. He has won both career starts with earnings of $54,600. Life Is a Joy is by Globalize, out of the Indian Charlie mare Tadita, was bred by owners Jerry and Janet Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in seven starts, earnings of... ...

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Cal-bred Pair in El Camino Real

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 12, 2014) – Grade I winner Tamarando and fellow California-bred Infosec are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade III El Camino Real Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate   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 three wins in nine starts, earnings of $505,120 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 25 California Cup Derby.   Infosec is by Heatseeker, out of the Vindication mare Sistine, was bred by Kaleem Shah, is owned by Remmah Stable and trained by Frank Lucarelli. He has two wins in four starts, earnings of $40,020 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 18 California Derby. ...

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Sweet Life Draws Cal-bred Quartet

ARCADIA, Calif. (Feb. 12, 2014) – California-breds Sprague River, Susans Express, Harlington’s Rose and Smoove It are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Sweet Life Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita.   Sprague River is by Tribal Rule, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Tina’s Love, was bred by Carl Asadurian, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $59,440 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks.   Susans Express is by Decarchy, out of the In Excess mare Excessive Susan, was bred by Ed Delaney, is owned by Elliston Black, Saul Carrillo, Ed Delaney and Jorge Periban, et al, and is trained by Periban. She has two wins in six starts, earnings of $143,140 and is coming off a win in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks.   Harlington’s Rose is by Harlington, out of the Orientate mare A Rose for You, was bred by Y-Lo Racing Stable, is owned by Thomas Halasz,... ...

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Cal-bred Trio in Gold Cup

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 12, 2014) – California-breds Spirit Rules, Goodbye Charlie and L. A. Weekend are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Handicap at Turf Paradise.   Spirit Rules is by Tribal Rule, out of the Danzatore mare Heavenly Lady, was bred by John and Allegra Ernst, is owned by Barbara Accardy, Paul Aguirre, Craig Siedler, Jim Xitco, et al and is trained by Aguirre. He has three wins in nine starts, earnings of $135,598 and is coming off a fourth in the Jan. 25 Donald Valpredo California Cup Sprint.   Goodbye Charlie is by Old Topper, out of the Relaunch a Tune mare Musical Girl, was bred by owner Pete Gallegos and trained by Dan McFarlane. He has four wins in 22 starts, earnings of $74,411 and is coming off a fifth in the Jan. 25 Swift Stakes.   L. A. Weekend is by Tribal Rule, out of the Avenue of Flags mare Storybook Fair, was bred by Dennis Johnston, is owned by Rick Wiest and trained by... ...

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Tamarando Confirmed for El Camino Real

From Golden Gate Publicity ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 11, 2014) — Eight 3-year-olds, including Grade 1 stakes-winner Tamarando, are confirmed to start in the Grade 3 $200,000 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields Saturday.      Entries for Northern California’s official Kentucky Derby prep will be taken Wednesday morning and the following horses are scheduled to start: Craftsman (Dennis Carr will ride), Dance With Fate (Aaron Gryder), Enterprising (Gary Stevens), I’ll Wrap It Up (Juan Hernandez), Infosec (Isaias Enriquez), Neverwherecauseway (Alex Bisono), Puppy Manners (Frank Alvarado), and Tamarando (Russell Baze).      Grazen’s Hope, Life Is A Joy and Pearl Spectre are listed as possible entrants.      The El Camino Real Derby is a 1 1/8-mile contest and is part of the “Road to the Kentucky Derby,” a 34-race series that awards points to the top four finishers in each race.  The top 20 point earners nominated to the Triple Crown will get a spot in the starting gate for the Kentucky Derby on May 3 at Churchill Downs.... ...

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Points Offthebench Horse of the Year

BERKELEY, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2014) — The late Points Offthebench was named California-bred Horse of the Year for 2013 at Monday night’s California Thoroughbred Breeders Association’s Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner at the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Berkeley. Halo Dolly, Teddy’s Promise and Tiz Flirtatious were the other finalists for Horse of the Year. Points Offthebench was sired by Benchmark, out of the Free House mare Mo Chuisle, was bred by Gary Rocks, was owned by Donnie Crevier and Charles Martin and trained by Tim Yakteen. Points Offthebench was a two-time Grade I winner in 2013 (Bing Crosby Stakes and Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes) and had a five-race win streak when he suffered a fatal injury working out in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. He had six wins in eight starts and earnings of $514,940. Earlier this year Points Offthebench was named Eclipse Award champion sprinter for 2013. He also was named champion Cal-bred sprinter and older male. The other champions presented at the dinner: Champion... ...

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California Chrome, Espinoza at Los Al

From Santa Anita Publicity The Kentucky Derby is still three months away, but Victor Espinoza is hopeful both he and California Chrome can make it to the 140th Run for the Roses on May 3. Hard to believe it’s going on 12 years since Espinoza scored a 20-1 Derby upset in 2002 when he piloted War Emblem to a front-running victory for trainer Bob Baffert. Art Sherman trains California Chrome, a 3-year-old California-bred son of Lucky Pulpit owned and bred by Martin Perry and Steven Coburn. Espinoza has ridden California Chrome twice, registering impressive daylight wins against Cal-breds each time, in the King Glorious at Hollywood Park and the California Cup Derby at Santa Anita. Next up: open company in the Grade II San Felipe Stakes on March 8. “He’s very consistent,” said agent Brian Beach in evaluating the 41-year-old Espinoza’s success this meet which has placed him among the top five in victories. “People know what they’re going to get from him. He’s not one of the young guys;... ...

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Kris Furillo in California Oaks

ALBANY, Calif. (Feb. 6, 2014) — Kris Furillo is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 California Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at Golden Gate. Kris Furillo is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Chetten County, was bred by owners Carliwood Farms, Bari Amadio and Peter Amadio and is trained by Michael Larson. She has one win in two starts, earnings of $21,310 and is coming off a seventh in the Jan. 1 Blue Norther. ...

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Wine Thief at Sunland Park

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Feb. 4, 2014) – Wine Thief is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 El Diario Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park Wine Thief is by Benchmark, out of the French Parliament mare Malbay Slew, was bred by Robert Osaki, Eileen Osaki and West 12 Ranch, is owned by SEJ Stables and trained by Justin Evans. She has seven wins in 24 starts, earnings of $155,035 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 21 Bold Ego. ...

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Go West Marie Runs Back East

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Feb. 4, 2014) – Go West Marie is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Dearly Precious Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Aqueduct. Go West Marie is by Western Fame, out of the Swiss Yodeler mare Marie’s Rose, was bred by Summer Mayberry, is owned by Funky Munky Stable and trained by Carlos Martin. She is coming off a Dec. 29 maiden win in her third start with earnings of $29,300. ...

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Big Plans for California Chrome

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2014) — The Cessna 172 is a single-engine, fixed-wing private plane that seats four, costs about $290,000 new, and can be seen by the dozens at regional airports throughout the world. The plane was going to be Steve Coburn’s new hobby a few years ago. “I wanted to buy an airplane,” Coburn said last weekend. “My wife said no.” Carolyn Coburn was not keen on the aviation idea, leading the couple to seek an alternative investment. They chose Thoroughbred racehorses. When Carolyn Coburn put her foot down over the airplane, she made a decision that put her family on the 2014 Triple Crown trail. After several years of investing with the California-based Blinkers On racing syndicate, the Coburns and fellow partners Perry and Denise Martin bought broodmare prospect Love the Chase in 2009. Her first foal, by the young California stallion Lucky Pulpit, arrived in 2011 and was named California Chrome. Now 3, California Chrome has won three stakes, most recently the $250,750 California... ...

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Angus Represented by First Winner

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2014) – California stallion Angus was represented by his first winner Friday when Spanishsugarrr won the fifth race at Golden Gate, a $20,000 maiden claimer. Spanishsugarrr is out of the Comic Strip mare Spanish Halo, was bred by Greg James and Roger Wynn, is owned by Wynn and trained by James. Spanishsugarrr ran the mile in 1:41.21 and won by three lengths at odds of 2-1 in the field of seven. Angus, a son of Smokester, stands at Geocel Ranch. ...

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Sue Greene

Sue Greene is secretary of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association, and past president. Q: When and how did you first get involved in the Thoroughbred breeding industry? How does your professional background influence your Thoroughbred breeding plan? A: I was introduced to Thoroughbred racing in 1968 after I convinced my Dad to buy the horse I was competing with in endurance racing.  We completed the Tevis Cup 100 mile one day ride that summer and in order to continue competing I had to have a job to pay the expenses. I went to the track with a friend I rode with and got my first race track job cleaning stalls for Skip Retherford. I left the track to attend Cal Poly but returned after graduation and spent 12 years on the track. I purchased my first farm with Mr. Retherford. We stood the stallions Mr. Airstream and Battle Call. I have built two farms since, beginning a career in the breeding end of the racing industry. I have brought the knowledge gained at... ...

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Hovdey on California Chrome

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2014) — Art Sherman woke up last Saturday morning hoping his horse would get a decent piece of a $250,000 pot offered for Cal-breds to be run later that day at Santa Anita. He went to bed that night wondering about hotel rates in Louisville. It’s a long jump from the last Saturday in January to the first Saturday in May, which means there is nothing that says California Chrome necessarily will make it to the Kentucky Derby. History indicates he’s got a steep climb, and not even his authoritative, 5 1/2-length romp in the California Cup Derby gets him any closer to the starting gate, let alone the winner’s circle, at Churchill Downs. The stats alone are brutal on horses reared out West. The last California-bred to win the Kentucky Derby was Decidedly, a son of Derby winner Determine, who was bred and raised at George Pope’s El Peco Ranch near the town of Madera in the state’s vast Central Valley.... ...

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Barretts January Sale Results

By DRF.com The Barretts January mixed sale concluded on Monday with steady improvements in each of the major economic categories. The one-day sale, held at the Ralph M. Hinds Pavilion in Pomona, Calif., finished with 224 horses sold for revenues of $1,944,900. That marked a 30 percent improvement compared with the 2013 auction, where 184 horses brought $1,536,100. The average sale price rose 4 percent, from $8,348 to $8,683, while the median of $5,350 climbed 19 percent compared with $4,500 last year. The buyback rate fell to 17 percent after finishing at 23 percent in 2013. Topping the sale was a short yearling and an unraced 2-year-old, each dropping the hammer at $70,000. Patrick Keogh secured a yearling Midnight Lute colt out of the placed Deputy Minister mare Bellastrega. Bred in California by John Perrotta and Edward Mercaldo, the colt is a sibling to two winners from as many foals to race, and he is from the family of Grade 2 winner Chieftan’s Command and stakes winner and Saratoga turf... ...

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Showtime for Lakerville

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 26, 2014)—Away 17 months, 6-year-old Lakerville smoked late under Corey Nakatani to take Sunday’s $75,000 Clockers’ Corner Stakes by 1 ¼ lengths, getting 6 ½ furlongs down Santa Anita’s hillside turf course in 1:11.75. Well in-hand approaching the dirt crossing at the top of the lane, Nakatani was about five lengths behind a three-horse spread consisting of early leader Ankeny Hill, El Commodore and 2-1 favorite Ready for More.  Nakatani set after the leaders crossing back to the turf and overhauled Ankeny Hill and Edwin Maldonado inside the sixteenth pole to comfortably hold off a late run from Sweet Swap and Rafael Bejarano. Off at 8-1, Lakerville, a California-bred horse by Unusual Heat, paid $19.60, $8.40 and $6.40. Idle since Aug. 15, 2012 at Del Mar, Lakerville made his seventh career start in the Clockers’ Corner. “He was ready to come back two or three times, but he just got away from us in the mornings,” said trainer and co-owner/breeder Barry Abrams.  “When... ...

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$125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Sprint — CIAO BELLA LUNA

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2014)—In her second career try down Santa Anita’s unique 6 ½ furlong hillside turf course, Ciao Bella Luna, with Kent Desormeaux up, sat second to Marks Mine and Frank Alvarado down the hill, took the lead outside Marks Mine crossing the dirt at the top of the lane and prevailed in a head and head duel with the pacesetter to the wire, winning Saturday’s $125,000 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint by a half length in 1:12.81. Trained by Peter Miller, Ciao Bella Luna was the third choice at 5-1 in a field of 11 older fillies and mares bred in California and paid $13.00, $6.40 and $4.80.                 . “I thought we would be way back early,” said Desormeaux.  “She broke horrible her last out so the only thing I did differently was I asked her to leave there better.  “She carried me the rest of the way.  She was in the bridle, just really floating along.” A 4-year-old filly by... ...

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Barretts January Sale on Monday

By DRF.com POMONA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2014) — Barretts Sales and Racing starts the 2014 auction season in California on Monday with its one-day January mixed sale of breeding stock, 2-year-olds, horses of racing age and yearlings. The sale, which begins at 11 a.m. Pacific, has a catalog of 276 horses and a supplemental catalog with 40 horses. Broodmares in the sale have been bred to such notable regional stallions as Unusual Heat and Tribal Rule, who were first and second in progeny earnings among California stallions in 2013; and Square Eddie, the state’s leading freshman stallion in 2013. There are also yearlings and 2-year-olds by those stallions in the catalog. The young stallions Acclamation and Calimonco, whose first foals arrive this year, are represented in the sale as covering sires. Acclamation has one mare in the supplemental catalog, while Calimonco has 12 mares in the main catalog. The sale includes three complete dispersals – 10 horses owned by the Chaiken Family Trust, 13 by Eagle Oak Ranch and seven... ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Laurel Stakes

LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 23, 2014) – She’s Holy and She’s Ordained, California-bred daughters of Ministers Wild Cat, are entered in Saturday stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. She’s Holy goes in the $100,000 Wide Country Stakes for 3-year-old fillies. She is out of the Pulpit mare Rector’s Lady, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Johnnie Nall. She is coming off a maiden win in her fourth start Sept. 29 with earnings of $22,113. She’s Ordained runs in the $100,000 What a Summer Stakes for fillies and mares. She is 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 30 starts, earnings of $330,685 and is coming off a a win in the Dec. 28 Willa On the Move Stakes. ...

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Knight Flame Enters Budweiser

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 26, 2014) – Knight Flame is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Budweiser Handicap at Sunland Park. Knight Flame is by Flame Thrower, out of the Olympic Native mare Knight Olympienne, was bred by Oak Hill Farm, is owned by Marvin Baldwin and trained by Lynette Baldwin. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $32,000 and is coming off a Jan. 2 allowance win. ...

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Winning Image Takes What a Summer

LAUREL, Md. (Jan. 25, 2014) – Winning Image, a Kentucky-bred daughter of California stallion Southern Image, won Saturday’s $100,000 What a Summer Stakes for fillies and mares at Laurel Park. Winning Image ran the six furlongs in 1:10.37 and won by 1 ¾ lengths at odds of 7-2. She is out of the California-bred stakes-winning Apollo mare Harvest Girl and has 12 wins in 25 starts and earnings of $585,637. For Winning Image’s pedigree, click http://www.pedigreequery.com/winning+image2.   ...

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DRF.com on Cal Cup Classic

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2014) – Summer Hit is in the midst of a career that plays in all seasons. When the 5-year-old gelding starts as the favorite in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic at Santa Anita, Summer Hit can win his fifth stakes, and first in the winter. He won the 2012 Silky Sullivan Stakes and 2013 All American Stakes at Golden Gate Fields in the spring of those years, the 2013 Harry Brubaker Stakes at Del Mar last summer, and the Grade 3 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate in his last race Nov. 29. The only blemish on his recent record was a seventh as a 26-1 outsider in the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes on dirt at Santa Anita in September. “Look who he was running against,” said Dan Ward, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer’s assistant. The Awesome Again Stakes was won by Mucho Macho Man, who later won the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Summer Hit races for John Carver and Hollendorfer and has won 9 of 15... ...

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Hot Summer Hit in Cal Cup Classic

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014)—Multiple stakes winning Summer Hit, fresh off a front-running six length score in the Grade III Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate Fields Nov. 29, looms strictly the horse to beat in Saturday’s $250,000 California Cup Turf Classic, which attracted a field of 14 older horses at 1 1/8 miles on grass. An important component to the Golden State Series for horses bred or sired in California, the Turf Classic is part of a newly created Sunshine Millions Cal Cup Day at Santa Anita that will offer fans six stakes and 10 races overall. A 5-year-old gelding by Bertrando, Summer Hit has three wins, a second and a third from six starts on turf.  A dedicated speedster, Summer Hit has been a marvelous claim for trainer and co-owner Jerry Hollendorfer, who took him out of a nine-length first-out maiden $12,500 score on Jan. 21, 2012. In addition to the Berkeley, in which he earned a 103 Beyer Speed figure, Summer Hit took the... ...

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DRF.com on Teddy’s Promise

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2014) – When the fairy-tale racing career of Teddy’s Promise ends Saturday at Santa Anita, owners Ted and Judy Nichols might shed a tear before they say goodbye. “I’m already starting to get sad and tear up a little,” Ted Nichols said this week. “She was my first horse. I can’t believe how fantastic she has been.” Teddy’s Promise, a 6-year-old, can top the million-dollar mark by winning the Grade 2, seven-furlong Santa Monica Stakes for female sprinters a second straight time. And it would be a fitting finale for the only California-bred in the lineup. The $200,000 Santa Monica is race 4 on a card otherwise devoted to statebreds. The Sunshine Millions California Cup program includes five stakes, finishing with a pair of $250,000 races – the California Cup Turf Classic (race 9) and the California Cup Derby (race 10). Teddy’s Promise faces six rivals in the Santa Monica – La Brea Stakes upset winner Heir Kitty, stakes-winning comebacker Iotapa, the allowance-caliber Scherzinger and... ...

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Teddy’s Promise Farewell in Santa Monica

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 22, 2014)—California-bred Teddy’s Promise, a seven-time stakes winner owned by her breeders, Ted and Judy Nichols, seeks millionaire status in Saturday’s Grade II, $200,000 Santa Monica Stakes at seven furlongs, her final career start before a planned mating to top Kentucky-based stallion Smart Strike this spring.  A winner of last year’s Santa Monica, “Teddy” heads a field of seven older fillies and mares competing in the prestigious sprint that will be run for the 57th time. A winner of the Grade I La Brea Stakes on Dec. 31, 2011, Teddy’s Promise comes off a dominant 1 ¼ length win in six furlong Playa Del Rey Stakes on Dec. 15, which followed a disappointing run in the Grade I Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Nov. 2. A 6-year-old mare by Salt Lake, Teddy’s Promise made her first eight starts for David Hofmans, and has been expertly managed by trainer Ron Ellis over the past 2 ½ years. Both Ellis and regular rider Victor... ...

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Cyclometer Fits Headley Barn

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 20, 2014) — Longevity is a strong suit at the Bruce Headley barn. The veteran trainer is rare among horsemen when it comes to elderly stakes winners, counting Softshoe Sure Shot and champion Kona Gold among his former trainees that captured stakes victories at advanced ages. Kona Gold won the 2003 El Conejo Handicap at nine, racing four times at that age. Softshoe Sure Shot won the Grade II San Carlos Handicap at nine in 1995, when he ran twice. For good measure, toss in Son of a Pistol, who raced once at nine and won his last race—the San Carlos in 2000—at the age of eight. Fast forward to Saturday, when Headley will send out 6-year-old Cyclometer in the $125,000 California Cup Sprint at six furlongs. A chestnut horse by Cyclotron, Cyclometer counts the Midnight Lute on Jan. 4 among his five career victories. “He’s a stud but you would never know it,” said Bruce’s daughter, Karen, a trainer in her own... ...

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Dancingtothestars Wins Megahertz

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2014) – California-bred Dancingtothestars employed a perfect tracking trip to take the lead turning for home and win Saturday’s $91,000 Megahertz Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dancingtothestars is by Good Journey, out of the In Excess mare A Lil Excess, was bred by owner Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds, is trained by Doug O’Neill and was ridden by Mario Gutierrez. “I thought she ran a great race,” said O’Neill.  “I thought Mario did a good job at keeping everyone honest, at keeping the pace honest.  I thought he made another good move going down the backside when he made sure Fanticola didn’t get a chance to catch a breather.  She’s a game, gutsy filly but I thought his ride won the race for us.” She has six wins in 20 starts, earnings of $400,872 and was coming off a second in a Dec. 5 allowance. Dancingtothestars ran the mile on turf in 1:33.77 and won by three-quarters of a length at odds of 9-2. For Dancingtothestars’... ...

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Unusual Way Travels to Texas

HOUSTON, Tex. (Jan. 21, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Unusual Way is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday night’s $400,000 Houston Ladies Classic Stakes for fillies and mares at Sam Houston Race Park. Unusual Way is by Unusual Heat, out of the Great Above mare Way Up, was bred by Thomas Bachman, is owned by Edward Brown Jr. and Philip Lebherz and is trained by Jeff Bonde. She has five wins in 14 starts, earnings of $588,360 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 27 Zia Park Oaks. ...

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Two EHV-1 Cases at Santa Anita

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 18, 2014)  — Two horses based at Santa Anita with trainer Tim Yakteen have tested positive for equine herpesvirus, the California Horse Racing Board and the trainer confirmed on Friday. Yakteen identified the horses as Santa Fe Belle and Easy Ten. They have not raced. The health of the horses is not considered to be in danger, according to Yakteen. Santa Fe Belle was diagnosed with equine herpesvirus, commonly known as EHV-1, on Jan. 10. The case was confirmed by an equine clinic in San Diego County. Easy Ten was diagnosed on Friday and is under isolation in a stall at the end of Yakteen’s shed row, away from other horses in the barn. In a brief statement, the racing board said the horses identified have the “non-neuropathogenic strain of the virus, which is generally considered less virulent. Biosecurity measures recommended by the CHRB are being taken to ensure a safe environment.” Yakteen said that Santa Fe Belle has “shown improvement” in recent days. “She’s moving... ...

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Sailors Brother Enters at Sunland

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Jan. 19, 2014) – Sailors Brother is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $50,000 KHEY Y Country Sprint Stakes at Sunland Park. Sailors Brother is by Whatsthescript, out of the Petionville mare Sailor’s Sister, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Johnnie Nall. He is coming off a Jan. 2 maiden win in his seventh start with earnings of $34,328. ...

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Teddy’s Promise Readies for Swan Song

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 16, 2014) — California-bred multiple graded stakes winner Teddy’s Promise is on course as she prepares for her final race, the $200,000 Grade II Santa Monica Stakes Jan. 25. “That’s her swan song,” trainer Ron Ellis said. “She’ll be bred to Smart Strike (who stands at Lane’s End for $100,000). If she can win the Santa Monica, it will put her over a million dollars (in earnings), so that would be pretty neat.” Teddy’s Promise is by Salt Lake, out of the Capote mare Braids and Beads and was bred by owners Ted and Judy Nichols. She has 11 wins in 28 starts and earnings of $882,397. ...

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Elmonte Cristo in San Pedro

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2014) – Unbeaten Elmonte Cristo is the lone California-bred entered in Monday’s 75,000 San Pedro Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Elmonte Cristo is by Don’tsellmeshort, out of the Yankee Victor mare Reina Xochilt, was bred by Al Diaz, is owned by Mark DeDomenico, Jerry Hollendorfer, Mark Schlaich and George Todaro and is trained by Hollendorfer. He has won both of his starts with earnings of $20,040. ...

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Eidson Hired by Aqueduct

OZONE PARK, N.Y. (Jan. 16, 2014) — Dan Eidson has been hired as the racing secretary for Aqueduct, one of two racing secretaries the New York Racing Association will employ in 2014, according to Martin Panza, senior vice president of racing operations for the organization. Panza said the announcement of a racing secretary for the Belmont Park and Saratoga meets is still about two weeks away. Panza, who came here from Hollywood Park in November, believes that having one person writing condition books for 52 weeks a year of racing is “too much to ask of one person.” Typically, NYRA has employed only one racing secretary, most recently P.J. Campo, who last month left NYRA to join the Stronach Group as vice-president of racing. From 1995-97 NYRA employed Howard Battle as racing secretary during the Saratoga meeting. “Hats off to P. J. and [Mike] Lakow for doing it for all these years. I think it’s better to split it up,” Panza said. “Certainly, the salary is split up too.” Eidson... ...

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HRTV to Air Eclipse Awards

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2014) — HRTV will again provide live coverage of the 43rd annual Eclipse Awards ceremony at Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in Hallandale Beach, Fla., from 8-11 p.m. (EST) Saturday, Jan. 18. HRTV will also air on-site interviews during its “Grandstand” show Saturday, beginning at 4 p.m. EST (1 p.m. PST) and offer a half-hour Eclipse Awards recap show, hosted by Scott Hazelton, beginning at 11 p.m. EST. Live coverage of the ceremony will also be available via Racetrack Television Network (RTN), DRF.com, and HRTV.com. For the third consecutive year, Jeannine Edwards of ESPN will host the ceremony. Voting was conducted among designated representatives of the NTRA, Daily Racing Form, and the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters. Awards also are given to recognize members of the media for outstanding coverage of Thoroughbred racing. Read more on BloodHorse.com:  http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/82815/hrtv-to-air-eclipse-awards-ceremony#ixzz2qPYAH2ij ...

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Megahertz Draws Dancingtothestars

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2014) – Dancingtothestars is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Megahertz Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Dancingtothestars is by Good Journey, out of the In Excess mare A Lil Excess, was bred by owner Ren-Mar Thoroughbreds and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has five wins in 19 starts, earnings of $340,872 and is coming off a second in a Dec. 5 allowance. ...

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Infosec in Cal Derby Test

ALBANY, Calif. (Jan. 15, 2014) — Infosec is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 California Derby for 3-year-olds at Golden Gate. Infosec is be Heatseeker, out of the Vindication mare Sistine, was bred by Kaleem Shah, is owned by Remmah Racing and trained by Frank Lucarelli. He has two wins in three starts, earnings of $28,020 and is coming off a win in a Dec. 15 starter’s allowance. ...

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CHRB Meeting on Thursday

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2014) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Thursday, January 16, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park beginning at 9:30 a.m.  The Medication and Track Safety Committee will conduct a meeting in the same location on Wednesday, January 15, beginning at 2 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend both meetings. An audio-only Webcast of the Board meeting on Thursday can be heard through the “Webcasts” link on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov). The agenda and supporting packages of materials for both meetings can be accessed on the CHRB Website through the following links: agenda, package. ...

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Tax Provision Extender Bill Introduced

From American Horse Council WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 13, 2014) — During 2013 horse owners, breeders, and businesses enjoyed a number of favorable tax provisions that have now reverted to lower levels or expired. The American Horse Council reported Jan. 13 more than 60 tax provisions expired; some applied to all businesses, including the horse industry, and one was specifically applicable to owners of racehorses. While the Tax Extender Act of 2013 has been introduced to extend various tax provisions, legislation will not be passed quickly or easily, the AHC said. In addition, the AHC said any extension is affected by the desire in Congress to deal with broader, fundamental tax reform involving much of the current tax code. For the last few years, the so-called Section 179 business expense deduction was set at $500,000, meaning anyone in the horse business, or any business for that matter, could immediately depreciate up to $500,000 of the cost of any investment in business assets, including horses. The deduction was reduced dollar-for-dollar once investment... ...

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Halo Dolly, Warren’s Veneda in Paseana

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 9, 2014) — California-breds Halo Dolly and Warren’s Veneda are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Paseana Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita. Halo Dolly is by Popular, out of the Comic Strip mare Spanish Halo, was bred by Rod and Lorraine Rodriguez, is owned by Hoefflin, Hoefflin, Hollendorfer, O’Farrell, Robin, Todaro, Schneider et al, and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has 17 wins in 35 starts, earnings of $910,256 and is coming off a win in a Nov. 11 allowance. 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 11 starts, earnings of $300,064 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 7 Bayakoa. ...

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Cal-bred Pair in San Pasqual

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2014) — California-breds Spud Spivens and Rousing Sermon are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II San Pasqual Stakes at Santa Anita. Spud Spivens is by Tizbud, out of the Cutlass Reality mare Oceans Reality, was bred by Harris Farms, is owned by Vincent and Audrey Marchionno and Henry Moreno and trained by Henry Moreno. He has four wins in 24 starts, earnings of $269,044 and is making his first start since a fourth in the July 7, 2012 Hollywood Gold Cup. 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 five wins in 24 starts, earnings of $705,842 and is coming off a third in the Dec. 14 Native Diver. ...

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Life Is a Joy Enters Sham

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 8, 2014) – Life Is a Joy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Sham Stakes for 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Life Is a Joy is by Globalize, out of the Indian Charlie mare Tadita, was bred by owners Jerry and Janet Hollendorfer and George Todaro and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in six starts, earnings of $131,330 and is coming off a second in the Dec. 22 King Glorious Stakes. ...

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Joy Boy in Fifth Season

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Jan. 8, 2014) – Joy Boy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s 100,000 Fifth Season Stakes at Oaklawn 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 trained by Kellyn Gorder. He has six wins in 22 starts, earnings of $252,583 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 2 Mountaineer Mile. ...

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Eldwin Burch Memorial Service Friday

By DRF.com FRESNO, Calif. (Jan. 5, 2014) — A memorial service will be held Friday in Fresno for former trainer Eldwin ‘Tex’ Burch, 78, who died of pancreatic cancer on Dec. 18 in his home in Fresno. The service will be at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of the Light, 1620 W. Belmont, Fresno. Burch, who also enjoyed success with roping and cutting horses, trained and raced horses in Northern California for 47 years at Golden Gate Fields, Bay Meadows and the fair circuit. His wife, Audrey, was his assistant. In addition to his wife, Burch is survived by stepchildren Bobby Burns and Cindy Wilfer, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. ...

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Cal-bred Pair in San Gabriel

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2014) – Empty Headed and Huntsville, California-bred sons of Unusual Heat, are entered in Saturday’s $200,000 San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita. Empty Headed is out of the Ole mare Chi Chi Nette, was bred by Madeline Auerbach  & David Abrams, is owned by Auerbach and trained by Barry Abrams. He has three wins in 14 starts, earnings of $143,450 and is coming off a seventh in a Dec. 13 optional claimer. Huntsville is out of the Jade Hunter mare Lethal Hunter, was bred by David Abrams & Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Barry Abrams and Auerbach and is trained by Barry Abrams. He has three wins in 36 starts, earnings of $281,521 and is coming off a sixth in the Dec. 14 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes. ...

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Uzziel in Compact Santa Ynez Field

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2014) – Uzziel is the lone California-foaled entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Grade II Santa Ynez Stakes in a field of four 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 William Morey. She broke her maiden in her second start Nov. 23 with earnings of $19,440. ...

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Cyclometer in Midnight Lute

ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2014) – Cyclometer is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Midnight Lute Stakes at Santa Anita. Cyclometer is by Cyclotron, out of the Eastern Echo mare Moana Loa, was bred by owners Bruce Headley, and Irwin and Andrew Molasky and is trained by Headley. He has four wins in 16 starts, earnings of $270,554 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 24 On Trust. ...

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Kris Furillo in Blue Norther

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 28, 2013) – Kris Furillo is the lone California-bred entered in Wednesday’s $75,000 Blue Norther Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Kris Furillo is by Dixie Chatter, out of the Giant’s Causeway mare Chetten County, was bred by owners Carliwood Farms, Bari Amadio and Peter Amadio. She won her lone start Nov. 24 and has earnings of $21,060. ...

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TCA Stallion Season Auction Jan. 2-4

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 26, 2013) — The 24th annual Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) Stallion Season Auction will be held Thursday, January 2 – Saturday, January 4 and will offer a wide variety of seasons, trips, tickets, unique experiences and other auction items. The three-day fundraiser consists of a telephone and online auction that culminates with a live Select Stallion Season Auction on January 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Keeneland Entertainment Center in Lexington , Ky. The majority of TCA’s seasons will be offered and sold during the telephone and online auction. Online bidding will open at 9 a.m. on January 2 and continue through 10 a.m. (EST) on Saturday, January 4. Telephone bids will be accepted January 2-3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and January 4, 9 a.m.–10 a.m. (EST). Approximately 200 seasons representing stallions in 12 states and Canada are available in the auction. A link to the list of seasons and bidder registration is available by visiting www.tca.org. Seventeen seasons and all non-season items will be sold in the live... ...

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Golden Gate Reopens on Thursday

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2013) — Golden Gate Fields opens its 2013-14 racing season Thursday and is caught up in the ripple effect of the makeover of the Southern California racing calendar. With the closing of Hollywood Park, Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita, both owned by the Stronach Group, hold all the state’s racing dates until the start of the Northern California fair season at Pleasanton on June 19. Tom Ludt, the former president of Vinery Farm and chairman of Breeders’ Cup Ltd., is now a senior vice president of the Stronach Group and is focusing on the company’s relationships with horsemen and bettors. Golden Gate is squarely in his plans, including getting more live races on TVG. “Our industry is struggling,” Ludt said. “I used to tell people, ‘This is what I’d do if I ran a track.’ If things were working, you might try to tweak them. If not, you have to try bigger things. I’d like to tell you everything will work, but only some will... ...

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Racing Focus Shifts to Santa Anita

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 23, 2013) – Thursday represents more than the cherished opening day of the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting. It starts a new era of racing in California. http://www.drf.com/news/santa-anita-opens-long-meet-takes-larger-role-racing   ...

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Ain’t No Other Cal-bred in the Race

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2013) – Ain’t No Other is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $100,000 Grade III Daytona Stakes at Santa Anita. 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 nine wins in 31 starts, earnings of $541,765 and is coming off a fifth in the Nov. 16 Oakland Stakes. He was third in this race last year. ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Eddie Logan

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 22, 2013) – California-breds Lucky Views and Flagman are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Eddie Logan Stakes for 2-year-olds at Santa Anita. Lucky Views is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Forest Camp mare Deja Views, was bred by David & Marion Christensen, is owned by Richard Barton and trained by Michael Machowsky. He won his lone start Nov. 17 and has earnings of $27,000. Flagman is by The Good Life, out of the Tychonic mare Tychonics Mistress, was bred by Jose Naranjo, is owned by Joseph Shoneff and trained by Thomas Valenzuela. He is coming off a maiden win Nov. 10 in his fourth start with earnings of $25,532. ...

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Cal-bred Pair Entered at Laurel

LAUREL, Md. (Dec. 22, 2013) — California-breds She’s Ordained and Popalicious are 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 Live mare Whole Lotta Love, was bred by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, is owned by Ronald Ulrich and trained by Timothy Kreiser. She has 13 wins in 29 starts, earnings of $270,685 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 27 Lady in Waiting Stakes. Popalicious is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Forestry mare Sea Poppy, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Todd Beattie. She has four wins in eight starts, earnings of $94,190 and is coming off a Nov. 29 optional claiming win. ...

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Tiz a Minister, Gervinho in Sir Beaufort

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2013) — Stakes winners Tiz a Minister and Gervinho are entered in Thursday’s $200,000 Grade II Sir Beaufort Stakes for 3-year-olds on the Opening Day card at Santa Anita. Tiz a Minister is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Tiz a Mistress, was bred by Dahlberg Farms, is owned by Sayjay Racing and trained by Paul Aguirre. He has three wins in 17 starts, earnings of $480,780 and is coming off a third in the Oct. 19 California Flag. Gervinho is by Unusual Heat, out of the Out of Place mare Foreverinthegame, was bred by Barry Abrams and Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Keith Brackpool and trained by Carla Gaines. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $302,140 and is coming off a fourth in the Dec. 1 Hollywood Derby. ...

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Journey On to La Brea

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 21, 2013) — Journey On is the lone California-bred entered in Thursday’s $300,000 Grade I La Brea Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on the Opening Day card at Santa Anita. Journey On is by Good Journey, out of the American Chance mare Miss Del Mar, was bred by Leatherman Racing, is owned by Neil Haymes and Robert Master and is trained by Doug O’Neill. She has four wins in six starts, earnings of $139,050 and is coming off a Nov. 29 optional claiming win. ...

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Jay Hovdey on Hollywood Park

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 20, 2013) — In a 2009 article published in Harper’s magazine, the cultural essayist Richard Rodriguez dwelt on the looming end of a local institution, the San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.drf.com/news/jay-hovdey-after-75-years-its-closing-time-hollywood-park ...

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Swiss Lake Yodeler, Sprouts in Soviet Problem

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 18, 2013) – Stakes winners Swiss Lake Yodeler and Sprouts are among the entries in Saturday’s $200,000 Soviet Problem Stakes for 2-year-old fillies eligible to the Golden State Series at Betfair Hollywood Park. Rovenna is by Vronsky, out of the Northern Afleet mare Amadamprez, was bred by owner Donald Dizney and is trained by Michael Machowsky. She has one win in four starts, earnings of $52,960 and is coming off a third in a Nov. 22 allowance. Meinertzhageni is by Stormin Fever, out of the Peaks and Valleys mare Hot Desert, was bred by Robert Harmon, is owned by Jeff Bonde, Miguel Carranza, Stephen McGovern and Mersad Metanovic and is trained by Bonde. She has two wins in five starts, earnings of $93,300 and is coming off a Nov. 22 allowance win. Casey’s Clem is by Papa Clem, out of the Wall Street Dancer mare Three Star Casey, was bred by Marie Goda, is owned by Michael Groscost and is trained by Richard Baltas. She won her... ...

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Subscribe December Special

Christmas Gift Subscription Rates (One Year Only) December 2013 – November 2014 These Special Rates are good only until December 24, 2013   California thoroughbred subscription rates: – 1 year: $55 $40 until December 24, 2013 – 2 years: $100 $60 – 3 years: $140 Foreign – 1 year: $85 – 2 years: $170 – 3 years: $255   Fill out my online form.   ...

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NorCal Racing Dates Approved

By Bloodhorse.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2013) — After months of discussion, the racing date calendar for Northern California for 2014 was approved Dec. 12 by the California Horse Racing Board. In an unusual move, the board approved the dates with a contingency that California State Fair and Exposition, or Cal Expo, receive a three-week block of dates for 2015, though the dates were not specified. Cal Expo, located in Sacramento, will race two weeks in 2014. The board had hoped to complete the calendar for both years but it became apparent during a prolonged discussion during the meeting, held at Santa Anita Park, that there were too many objections from participants. Meeting on the 2015 calendar are to resume in January. An ad hoc committee of the CHRB made up by commissioners Steve Beneto and Jesse Choper recommended the dates that were approved by the board for 2014. Vice chairman Chuck Winner noted that part of the agreement on 2014 was because the committee postponed the decision on Cal... ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Playa del Rey

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 12, 2013) –California-breds Teddy’s Promise and Warren’s Blossom are entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Playa del Rey Stakes for fillies and mares at Betfair Hollywood Park. Teddy’s Promise is by Salt Lake, out of the Capote mare Braids and Beads, was bred by owners Ted and Judy Nichols and is trained by Ron Ellis. She has 10 wins in 27 starts, earnings of $822,397 and is coming off an eighth in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Warren’s Blossom is by Extra, out of the Present Value mare Past ‘n Present, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Jorge Gutierrez. She has five wins in 12 starts, earnings of $185,950 and is coming off a second in an Oct. 26 optional claimer. ...

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Gig Harbor Retired to Victory Rose

By Bloodhorse.com Dual stakes winner Gig Harbor will begin his initial season at stud in 2014 at Ellen Jackson’s Victory Rose Thoroughbreds near Vacaville, Calif. He will stand for $1,500 live foal as the property of Daniel O’Neill, who raced him throughout his career. Gig Harbor, a 5-year-old son of City Zip  —Miss Blue Grass, by St. Jovite, broke his maiden on his first try at 3 at Golden Gate Fields, and went on to capture the 2011 Alcatraz Stakes and the 2012 Oakland Stakes, both in wire-to-wire fashion at the Northern California track. The Steven Specht-trained Gig Harbor retired from racing with a career record of 5-0-1 from nine starts, for earnings of $143,300. Gig Harbor is a half brother to stakes winner Alsono (by Limehouse  ) and a full brother to stakes-placed runner My Lil Shamrock. His second dam is grade III victor Daloma (by Bellypha). Victory Rose said he will be the only son of City Zip standing in California in 2014. “The horse has the pedigree of a king,” said pedigree... ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Grade I Cash Call

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2013) – California-breds Tamarando and Electric Eddie are entered in Saturday’s $750,000 Grade I Cash Call Futurity at Betfair Hollywood Park. Tamarando is by Bertrando, out of the Dehere mare Tamrack Bay, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $355,120 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 23 Real Quiet. Electric Eddie is by Square Eddie, out of the Gilded Time mare Electric Daze, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and is trained by Ben Cecil. He is a maiden making his sixth start with earnings of $65,630. ...

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Huntsville Enters Turf Cup

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2013) – Huntsville is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $250,000 Grade II Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes at Betfair Hollywood Park. Huntsville is by Unusual Heat, out of the Jade Hunter mare Lethal Hunter, was bred by David Abrams & Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Barry Abrams and M. Auerbach and is trained by Barry Abrams. He has three wins in 35 starts, earnings of $281,271 and is coming off a fourth in a Nov. 9 optional claimer. ...

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Rousing Sermon Runs in Native Diver

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2013) – On Trust Handicap winner Rousing Sermon and fellow California-breds Soi Phet and Mobilized are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Native Diver Handicap at Betfair Hollywood Park. Soi Phet is by Tizbud, out of the Siberian Summer mare Summer Jersey, was bred by ARCHA Racing, is owned by Gerald Benowitz and Sandra Powell, mathilde and Paul Viskovich and is trained by Leonard Powell.  He has five wins in 22 starts, earnings of $266,526 and is coming off a fourth in the Oct. 31 Big Bear. Mobilized is by Soul of the Matter, out of the Red Ransom mare Valleyofthebells, was bred by Robert Reseigne, is owned by Double JH Stable and Reseigne and is trained by Gary Mandella. He has six wins in 31 starts, earnings of $427,840 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 24 On Trust. Rousing Sermon is by Lucky Pulpit, out of the Awesome Again mare Rousing Again, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and... ...

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CHRB Meeting Advisory

ARCADIA, Calif. (Dec. 6, 2013) — The California Horse Racing Board will conduct its regular meeting Thursday, December 12, in the Baldwin Terrace Room at Santa Anita Park beginning at 10 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend. An audio-only Webcast of the Board meeting can be heard through the “Webcasts” link on the CHRB Website (http://www.chrb.ca.gov/). The agenda and supporting packages of materials for this meeting can be accessed on the CHRB Website through the following links: agenda, package. ...

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Jonny’s Choice in Hollywood Turf Express

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 5, 2013) – Jonny’s Choice is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Hollywood Turf Express Stakes at Hollywood Park. Jonny’s Choice is by Unusual Heat, out of the Boundary mare Knows No Bounds, was bred by Old English Rancho & Berumen, is owned by Patsy Berumen, E.W. Johnston, Jonathan Hilvers and Judy Johnston and is trained by Donald Warren. He has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $105,966 and is coming off a Nov. 23 allowance win. ...

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CHRB Meeting Date Changed

From CHRB ARCADIA, Calif. (Nov. 23, 2013) — The meeting of the California Horse Racing Board originally scheduled for December 17 has been rescheduled for December 12 at Santa Anita Park. The starting time for this meeting will be listed on the agenda, which will be posted on the CHRB Website no later than December 2. An audio-only Webcast of this Board meeting can be heard through the “Webcasts” link on the CHRB Website (www.chrb.ca.gov). ...

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Unusual Americaine in Gold Rush

ALBANY, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2013) – Unusual Americaine is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $75,000 Gold Rush Stakes for 2-year-olds at Golden Gate. Unusual Americaine is by Unusual Heat, out of the Loup Solitaire mare Riche Americaine, was bred by William Preston, is owned by Malibu Valley Farms, Prestonwood Racing and William Morey and is trained by Morey. He has one win in three starts, earnings of $33,460 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 9 Golden Nugget Stakes. ...

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Cal-bred Pair in Bayakoa

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Dec. 4, 2013) – California-breds Warren’s Veneda and Curvy Cat, 1-2 finishers in the recent Cat’s Cradle, are entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade II Bayakoa Handicap for fillies and mares at Betfair Hollywood Park. 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 10 starts, earnings of $282,064 and is coming off a win in the Nov. 17 Cat’s Cradle. Curvy Cat is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Distorted Humor mare Curvy Girl, was bred by owner Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has seven wins in 21 starts, earnings of $292,425 and is coming off a second in the Nov. 17 Cat’s Cradle. ...

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Rocky’s High in KLAQ

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Dec. 3, 2013) – Rocky’s High is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 KLAQ Handicap at Sunland Park. Rocky’s High is by High Brite, out of the Cee’s Tizzy mare Rockville Tizzy, was bred by Robert O’Neil, is owned by Scott Owen and Kerri Greene and trained by Owen. He has three wins in eight starts, earnings of $11,541 and is coming off back-to-back claiming wins. ...

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Tiz Flirtatious Enters Matriarch

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2013) – Tiz Flirtatious, runner-up in the race last year, is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Grade I Matriarch Handicap for fillies and mares at Betfair Hollywood Park. Tiz Flirtatious is by Tizbud, out of the Victory Gallop mare Masquerade Belle, was bred by owner Pamela Ziebarth and is trained by Martin Jones. She has eight wins in 13 starts, earnings of $774,800 and is coming off a sixth in the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. She was second in this race last year. ...

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Hollywood Derby Draws Gervinho

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (Nov. 28, 2013) – Gervinho is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $250,000 Grade I Hollywood Derby at Betfair Hollywood Park. Gervinho is by Unusual Heat, out of the Out of Place mare Foreverinthegame, was bred by Barry Abrams and Madeline Auerbach, is owned by Keith Brackpool and trained by Carla Gaines. He has three wins in seven starts, earnings of $287,140 and is coming off a third in the Nov. 1 Twilight Derby. ...

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