From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 4, 2014) — Mike Machowsky goes for a Cal-bred double tomorrow. The 48-year-old Cincinnati native sends out Rovenna in the $200,000 Evening Jewel for 3-year-old fillies bred in California or sired by a California stallion, and Gangnam Guy in the $200,000 Echo Eddie, the Evening Jewel’s counterpart for male 3-year-olds. Gangnam Guy, owned by Dick Barton of Ontario, California, returns to the main track after two seconds on Santa Anita’s downhill turf course at about 6 ½ furlongs. Rovenna, owned by Donald Dizney of Ocala, Florida, is coming off a daylight win in an optional allowance race. “He’s training super; I don’t think dirt’s an issue,” Machowsky said of Gangnam Guy, a son of turf specialist Roi Charmant. “When he ran going two turns on dirt here (Golden State Juvenile at one mile last Nov. 1) it was too far for him, and at Fairplex (fourth in the Barretts Juvenile at 6 ½ furlongs last Sept. 15), he blew both turns. But he’s... ...

By Jay Hovdey, DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 3, 2014) — With major stakes winners Candy Boy, Hoppertunity, and California Chrome in the mix, there is a good chance that the results of the $1 million Santa Anita Derby will resonate well past the end of its nine furlongs late Saturday afternoon. You like to see a race have legs, especially a historically rich race like the Derby, despite its role as a feeder event for that other Derby at Churchill Downs. Of course, there’s no getting around it. But nothing says the top finishers of the Santa Anita Derby can’t have lives of their own after the first Saturday in May. [Santa Anita Derby Day: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s card live] Neither A.P. Indy nor Bertrando, 1-2 in the 1992 Santa Anita Derby, had anything to do with the Kentucky Derby that year. In the end, it did not matter. A.P. Indy, a $2.9 million yearling, recovered from foot trouble to win the Belmont Stakes, the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2014) – Life Is a Joy is the leading earner entered in Saturday’s $200,000 Echo Eddie Stakes for Golden State Series eligbile 3-year-olds at Santa Anita. Frensham is by Square Eddie, out of the Formal Gold mare Farnham, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Zillah Reddam and trained by Doug O’Neill. He is a maiden making his third start with earnings of $11,450. Whine for Wine is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Jump Start mare Mrs. Began, was bred by owners Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. He is coming off a maiden win Mar. 15 in his second start with earnings of $44,800. Well Measured is by Benchmark, out of the Bertrando mare Miss Thirtyfour D, was bred by Michael and Cory Wellman, is owned by Gary Barber, Wachtel Stable and Cory and Michael Wellman and is trained by Peter Miller. He has one win in two starts, earnings of $45,200 and is coming off a second... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2014) – Multiple stakes winner Sprouts is the 122-pound high weight in a field of nine set for Saturday’s $200,000 Evening Jewel Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Norastone is by Kafwain, out of the Deputy Commander mare Throne Seeker, was bred by Larry Mabee, is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and trained by Michael McCarthy. She has two wins in three starts, earnings of $45,850 and is coming off a 13th in the Jan. 25 California Cup Oaks. Sprague River is by Tribal Rule, out of the Unbridled’s Song mare Tina’s Love, was bred by Carl Assadurian, is owned by Rockingham Ranch and trained by Peter Miller. She has two wins in four starts, earnings of $65,416 and is coming off a fourth in the Feb. 15 Sweet Life Stakes. Sprouts is by Square Eddie, out of the Yankee Victor mare Ann Summers Gold, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Edward Freeman. She... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2014) — Smoove It is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $400,000 Grade I Santa Anita Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. Smoove It is by Square Eddie, out of the Distorted Humor mare Smoove, was bred by J. Paul Reddam, is owned by Reddam Racing and trained by Doug O’Neill. She has one win in eight starts, earnings of $79,760 and is coming off a third in the Feb. 15 Sweet Life Stakes. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Apr. 2, 2014) — Kukaluka is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Providencia Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Santa Anita. Kukaluka is by Comic Strip, out of the Roar mare Ms. Booty, was bred by Mr. and Mrs. William T. Gray, is owned by Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber and is trained by Peter Miller. She has one win in six starts, earnings of $36,464 and is coming off a fifth in a Mar. 13 allowance. ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Apr. 3, 2014) — Warren’s Venedalucy is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Czarina Stakes for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. 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 trained by Justin Evans. She has six wins in 25 starts, earnings of $150,384 and is coming off a fourth in the Mar. 23 Harry Henson ...

From Santa Anita Publicity ARCADIA, Calif. (March 30, 2014)—Those wishing to spend the morning at Santa Anita’s Clockers’ Corner on Saturday, April 5, are advised that Baldwin Ave. will be closed to vehicular traffic between the 210 Freeway and Huntington Drive from 7:45 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. in order to accommodate Santa Anita’s annual Santa Anita Derby Day 5k Run & Walk. Accordingly, Santa Anita’s Gate 8, which adjoins the Westfield Shopping Mall on Baldwin Ave., and Gate 7, at the track’s northeast end, will also be closed to vehicles during the same time frame. Those wishing to visit Clockers’ Corner will be able to enter the track on Santa Anita’s east end, through Gate 5, or on the track’s southern perimeter, through Gate 3.  Gates 3 & 5 will be open for easy access to Clockers’ Corner beginning at 5 a.m. and will remain open throughout the day.  Santa Anita’s main track will be closed for training at 7:30 a.m. Gate 3 is located at the intersection of Holly... ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 27, 2014) — Spud Spivens is the lone California-bred entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Santana Mile 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 is trained by Moreno. He has four wins in 26 starts, earnings of $269,544 and is coming off a seventh in a Feb. 7 allowance. He was sixth in this race two years ago. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 26, 2014) – California-breds Unusual Hottie and Journey On are entered in Saturday’s $75,000 American Beauty Stakes for fillies and mares at Santa Anita.   Unusual Hottie is by Unusual Heat, out of the Ski Champ mare Branco Como Neve, was bred by owner Ali Nilforushan and is trained by Jeff Mullins. She has seven wins in 19 starts, earnings of $397,528 and is coming off an eighth in the Feb. 17 Buena Vista Stakes.   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 nine starts, earnings of $154,660 and is coming off a third in a Feb. 16 optional claimer. ...

ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 20, 2014) – California champion Halo Dolly leads a compact but competitive field of five entered in Sunday’s $100,000 Dream of Summer Stakes for Golden State Series eligible 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, et al, and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer. She has 17 wins in 36 starts, earnings of $922,316 and is coming off a third in the Jan. 12 Paseana Stakes. She was the 2012 champion Cal-bred older female.   Warren’s Rosebud is by Affirmed, out of the Cozzene mare Elusive Rose, was bred by owner Benjamin Warren and is trained by Jorge Gutierrez. She has two wins in 10 starts, earnings of $96,080 and is coming off a Feb. 20 allowance win.   Could Be Trouble is by Ministers Wild Cat, out of the Devon Lane mare To B. Devon, was bred by John... ...

FLORENCE, Ky. (Mar. 20, 2014) – Swiss Lake Yodeler is the lone California-bred entered in Saturday’s $125,000 Grade III Fathead Bourbonette Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Turfway Park. Swiss Lake Yodeler is by Swiss Yodeler, out of the Meadowlake mare Domasco Lake, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer She has three wins in six starts, earnings of $247,850 and is coming off a third in the Mar. 1 Santa Ysabel Stakes. ...

By Bloodhorse.com FLORENCE, Ky. (Mar. 19, 2014) — Susan Moulton’s Solitary Ranger, the first horse she ever purchased, will attempt to become only the second runner in history to take the local prep at Turfway Park and win the $550,000 Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes (gr. III) March 22 at the Florence oval. Concerto, who won the 1997 John Battaglia Memorial Stakes and what was then the grade II Jim Beam Stakes (now the Spiral again), is the only 3-year-old to have aced both Turfway tests on the road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). The Spiral, to be run as the 11th on a 12-race card with an approximate post time of 6:28 p.m. EDT, is worth 50 qualifying points to the winner—enough to secure a spot in the Derby starting gate on the first Saturday in May. Solitary Ranger, a son of first crop sire U S Ranger   trained by Wayne Catalano, won the March 1 Battaglia on Turfway’s Polytrack by 4 3/4 wire-to-wire lengths... ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 20, 2014) – California-breds Warren’s Knockout and L.A. Weekend are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes at Sunland Park. Warren’s Knockout is by Stormed, out of the Doneraile Court mare Now My Precious, was bred by Benjamin Warren, is owned by Len Schermer and trained by Justin Evans. He has eight wins in 31 starts, earnings of $344,057 and is coming of a second in a Feb. 18 optional claimer. L.A. Weekend is by Tribal Rule, out of the Avenue of Flags mare Storybook Fair, was bred by Dennis Johnston, is owned by Simon Hudy and trained by Robertino Diodoro. He has 10 wins in 21 starts, earnings of $319,040 and is coming off a second in the Feb. 15 Phoenix Gold Cup. ...

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (Mar. 20, 2014) – California-breds Wine Thief and Warren’s Vendalucy are entered in Sunday’s $75,000 Harry Henson Stakes for fillies and mares at Sunland Park. Wine Thief is by Benchmark, out of the French Parliament mare Malbay Slew, was bred by Robert and Eileen Osaki and West 12 Ranch, is owned by SEJ Stables and trained by Justin Evans. She has seven wins in 26 starts, earnings of $166,613 and is coming off a second in a Mar. 1 optional claimer. Warren’s Vendalucy 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 six wins in 24 starts, earnings of $147,384 and is coming off an eighth in the Feb. 15 Sun City Handicap. ...

By Thoroughbred Daily News ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 18, 2013) — The Jerry Hollendorfer-trained California-bred Tamarando tops the list of probable for Turfway Park’s Grade III Horseshoe Casino Spiral Stakes for 3-year-olds on Mar. 22. The Grade III El Camino Real Derby winner will attempt to attain some of the 85 Kentucky Derby points up for grabs. “He’s been very sound and he’s been doing everything we’ve asked him to do,” said Hollendorfer. “He fits in this race. It looks like a good spot.” Tamarando breezed seven panels at Golden Gate in 1:28 with Russell Baze up on Sunday. ...

By DRF.com ARCADIA, Calif. (Mar. 13, 2014) — Ciao Bella Luna is the rare Kentucky-bred eligible to race in stakes for California-breds. The 4-year-old filly is by the California-based stallion Tribal Rule. A few years ago, conditions for California-breds were broadened to include California-bred and California-sired horses. The new restriction allowed Ciao Bella Luna to start in the Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint here Jan. 25, a race she won. On Saturday, Ciao Bella Luna is back with California-breds in the $100,000 Irish O’Brien Stakes for fillies and mares on the hillside turf course. Ciao Bella Luna is the only filly or mare in the field of seven not bred in the state. In the Sunshine Millions race, Ciao Bella Luna was always near the front and won by a half-length over Marks Mine. Trainer Peter Miller said Ciao Bella Luna is capable of repeating that performance. [Santa Margarita: Get PPs, watch Saturday’s card live] “She’s got a very good chance,” Miller said. “She’s doing well. She runs... ...

ALBANY, Calif. (Mar. 13, 2014) –Stakes winner Marks Mine and fellow California-bred Fast and Foxy are entered in Saturday’s $50,000 Camilla Urso Stakes for fillies and mares at Golden Gate.   Marks Mine is by Benchmark, out of the Capote mare Ermine Fever, was bred by owners Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams and is trained by Steven Specht. She has seven wins in 15 starts, earnings of $324,454 and is coming off a second in the Jan. 25 Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf Sprint.   Fast and Foxy is by Thisnearlywasmine, out of the Falstaff mare Zorra Roja, was bred by Daehling Ranch and is owned by Daehling Ranch and Holly Evans and is trained by Evans, She has four wins in nine starts, earnings of $66,540 and is coming off a second in a Feb. 17 allowance. ...

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. ...

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... ...

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... ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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... ...

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. ...

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. ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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... ...

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. ...

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,... ...

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... ...

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.... ...

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. ...

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. ...

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... ...

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. ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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... ...

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’... ...

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. ...

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... ...

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. ...

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. ...

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... ...

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 ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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... ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...

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. ...