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Calumet Farm homebred SHE BE SMOOTH (f, 3, Lexitonian–Seattle Smooth, by Quiet American) raced well out of the range of the cameraman for the opening 5 1/2 furlongs of Saturday's GII Davona Dale Stakes, but she entered the picture and finished full of run to become the first graded winner for her sire (by Speightstown) while picking up 50 points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. Allowed to jump at juicy odds of 28-5 off an impressive debut over the Davona Dale course and distance that came at the expense of next-out 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Prom Queen (Quality Road), She Be Smooth fell out of the gate and was not rushed into action by Flavien Prat, anchoring herself at the back of the pack as Omaha Bay (Omaha Beach) set the pace a couple of paths off the inside running rail while chased by Imperatrice (City of Light), runner-up to odds-on On Time Girl (Not This Time) in the GIII Forward Gal Stakes. The latter was in range and a touch wide throughout, but surrendered first run to She Be Smooth and plugged on to be a non-threatening third. Still minding her own business as they continued moving along on the front end, She Be Smooth made stealthy headway hard against the fence, pushed away from the inside under a full head of steam approaching the entrance to the stretch and rolled home a convincing winner. The final time for the one-mile trip over a dry main track was 1:37.78. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O/B-Calumet Farm (KY); T-Todd Pletcher   The post She Be Smooth A First Graded Winner For Lexitonian In Davona Dale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thank you for your translations. Very helpful indeed. While we are at it, could you possibly explain how I got this purchase so mixed up. Thanks.    

Knightsbridge romps in the Gulfstream Park Mile (G3), Tiz Dashing wins the Canadian Turf Stakes (G3T), and Lion Lake upsets Sister Troienne in the Herecomesthebride Stakes (G3T) in undercard stakes action Feb. 28 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Secured Freedom (Practical Joke), last seen finishing third to the now-sidelined Plutarch (Into Mischief) in the GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita on Feb. 7, worked five furlongs in :59.60 (3/52) over the local main track Saturday morning and will make his next start in the Mar. 7 GII San Felipe Stakes, trainer Tim Yakteen said. “It was a nice drill,” Yakteen said. “He had company the first half mile, finished up strong. We're on track.” A $110,000 Keeneland September yearling, the Virginia-bred was fourth to future GII San Vicente Stakes hero So Happy (Runhappy) on Del Mar debut Nov. 22 and broke his maiden by 4 1/2 lengths in Arcadia Dec. 28. The Lewis was his first try at two turns. The bay colt is raced by Pierre Amestoy, Jr., his wife Leslie and Roger K. Beasley, who also campaigned 2023 GI Santa Anita Derby winner, the ill-fated Practical Move (Practical Joke). Also breezing towards the San Felipe was Lewis runner-up and 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Intrepido (Maximus Mischief), who went five-eighths of a mile in 1:02.20 for trainer Jeff Mullins. Taking to the track for Bob Baffert were 'TDN Rising Stars' presented by Hagyard Boyd (Violence) and Buetane (Tiz the Law), who each went six furlongs in 1:12.20 (2/4). Boyd is unraced since winning the Nov. 29 Ed Brown Stakes at Churchill,  while Buetane is exiting a third in the GIII Southwest Stakes Feb. 6. The post Secured Freedom Gets Green Light For San Felipe appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love  West Melton trainer Joseph Gray is set for a busy afternoon at Rangiora today, with three runners across the card. Gray’s best hope comes in Race Six, the Enjoy and Support Kidz Carts Racing At Rangiora Today Pace over 2600 metres (3:04pm), where junior driver Alana Cameron will take the drive on the Stay Hungry four-year-old gelding John Stewart ($2.80FF). “He’s a nice horse. He’s come on well from his last race where they went a New Zealand record on the grass,” Gray said. Having won three from 15 starts, Gray is convinced there’s a lot more to come from him in the future. Gray has made a tactical change for today’s standing start assignment – placing John Stewart onto the unruly – to help get away safely from the tapes. “He’s probably the best horse I’ve put a bridle on. It’ll get harder for him the higher up the grades, but I think he will handle it,” said Gray. Cameron also takes the reins on Motor Mouth ($23.00FF) in Race 1, the Barnsy’s All Trade Services Mobile Pace over 1950 metres (12:15pm). He’s been knocking on the door without quite breaking through, but should be in the finish with a bit of luck in running. Getting back onto the grass at Rangiora is a big plus too. “The track at Addington last time out was too hard for him as he jars up – so he will enjoy being back on the grass,” Gray said. Baffled ($26.00FF) in Race 2, the Rangiora Hockey – Thanks For Your Assistance At CATR Trot over 2600 metres (12:40pm) will also be driven by Cameron. The mare has been coming along nicely, and last start driver Blair Orange was full of encouragement postrace at Addington last Wednesday according to Gray. “Baffled went good on Wednesday and Blair jumped off her and said she’ll pick one up soon. She’s come on really good and was bucking on the lead this morning,” Gray said. Rangiora’s 10 race programme gets underay at 12.15pm View the full article

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, post time: 3.35 p.m. CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, 3yo/up, 2000mT (PPs) Field: Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), Beauty Joy (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}), My Wish (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), Ensued (Lemon Drop Kid), Winning Wing (NZ) (Preferment {NZ}). TDN Analysis: At this time last year, Romantic Warrior was recovering from his narrow defeat in the G1 Saudi Cup and preparing for the G1 Dubai Turf, but he is back on home soil this time around looking for a second Gold Cup victory in three years. Having gone down narrowly to Golden Sixty in 2023, he proved a neck better than Voyage Bubble the following season and owns a remarkable record of 12-1-0 from 14 tries over the Sha Tin 2000 metres. The eight-year-old attempts to add this to his last-out defeat of Voyage Bubble in the 1600-metre G1 Stewards' Cup on Jan. 25. In his only start at the metric 10 furlongs, My Wish came with a flying finish to just miss winning the BMW Hong Kong Derby last March. He was a disappointing sixth to Voyage Bubble as the favourite in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile in December and was a non-threatening fourth in the Stewards' Cup. Click here for the complete field. The post Black-Type Analysis: Can Voyage Bubble Turn The Tables On Romantic Warrior? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Meydan's Super Saturday card went ahead despite military action in the Middle East which saw a fire break out at Dubai's luxury Fairmont The Palm Hotel. US and Israeli forces attacked Iran on Saturday morning in what the two countries described as a “pre-emptive” strike against a Tehran government intent on developing nuclear weapons. The attack prompted retaliation from Iran, with missiles reported to have targeted Israel and countries across the Middle East. Veteran racing broadcaster Derek Thompson was at Meydan on Saturday and said “bangs and flashes” were visible. “I've been in Dubai a few days now and I did think the meeting might be called off, but I rang the boss of the racecourse before racing and he said it was going ahead and wanted me to spread the word,” said Thompson. “It's great to be racing but, speaking personally, it's a very difficult situation and people are discussing it. While we've been at the racecourse tonight there have been bangs and flashes, and we hear one of the big hotels has been set on fire. “I was due to fly back tomorrow but, obviously, that has been delayed. Apparently, there's a 72-hour delay. We're trying to stay calm, but it is a worrying time for everyone.” He added, “I've been talking to Sheikh Mohammed after his brother's horse won. He's a great leader of this country and it was lovely to see him here. He's not getting any younger, he's in his 70s, but people support him.” Sheikh Mohammed was among the winners on Super Saturday when the marvel that is Rebel's Romance (Dubawi) added a 21st success to his remarkable CV in the G2 Dubai City Of Gold Sponsored By emirates.com. With Godolphin and Charlie Appleby at risk of drawing a blank on a card they have so often dominated through the years, it was up to the evergreen eight-year-old to reprise his rescue act from Royal Ascot last year when getting them on the scoresheet with a hard-fought defeat of the progressive Fort George (Territories), ultimately beating that rival by 1 1/2 lengths. “I just want him to get round safely these days,” said Appleby. “He means a lot and it's very emotional. He's getting older so we'll take it race by race, but we wanted him to show everyone what a great racehorse he is and, thankfully, he's done it again tonight. The Sheema Classic is a nice conversation to have, but he is getting older and I'll look after the old boy.” He added, “It's great for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to be here tonight with all his family.”   'We Love Dubai and Our Horses Love Dubai' Rebel's Romance aside, Super Saturday was dominated by the Crisfords as the father-and-son training partnership swept all before them, with the success of the suitably-named Meydaan (Frankel) headlining a notable treble that left the Newmarket-based duo dreaming of World Cup night glory. Sandwiched in between victories for stablemates Quddwah (Kingman) and Title Role (Too Darn Hot), Meydaan ran out an easy winner of the day's most valuable contest, the G2 Al Maktoum Classic Sponsored By Emirates Airline. It was a first Group-race success of any description for the son of Frankel following a number of placed efforts, including when third in last month's G3 Al Khail Trophy over 2,800 metres of the Meydan turf. On Saturday, the five-year-old faced a very different challenge, dropping fully 800 metres in distance and making a belated debut on dirt, with the result being a career-best effort in the hands of William Buick. Benefiting from a charmed run against the rail as the field turned for home, he then picked up in style when seeing daylight with two furlongs to run, quickly getting to the girths of Walk Of Stars (Dubawi) before powering clear to register an emphatic win by 5 1/4 lengths. Tap Leader (Tapiture) was third, another 3/4-of-a-length behind the runner-up. “It was a brilliant move and it's really paid off,” said Buick. “I thought they were very brave running in this race, but look what he did. We were worried about him jumping slow on the inside, and he did, but they didn't go quick and he was never taken off his feet. He just came alive half-a-mile out and I was pretty impressed with what he did. He's proven he handles the track and you couldn't have asked for more from a trial [for the Dubai World Cup].” As well as it being a landmark day for the Crisfords, the first two legs of their treble, initiated by Quddwah in the G2 Singspiel Stakes Sponsored By Emirates Airline, will have been particularly sweet for Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, with both winners being out of Group 1-winning mares who also ran in the familiar yellow and black silks of their owner-breeder. Meydaan is out of the Pretty Polly Stakes scorer Nezwaah (Dubawi), while Quddwah's dam, Sajjhaa (King's Best), registered four consecutive victories at Meydan in the first part of 2013, notably winning the Jebel Hatta and Dubai Turf at the top level. The Dubai Turf is now likely to be next on the agenda for Quddwah following his runaway success in the Singspiel Stakes, by 2 1/2 lengths from Dividend (Kodiac). It was a third victory at Group 2 level for the winner who was previously successful in the 2024 Summer Mile Stakes and the Zabeel Mile at Meydan last month. “There was no pace early,” said Ed Crisford. “Ryan [Moore, jockey] had him in completely the right position, kicked for home coming off the bend, and he won really well. We'll see how he is, but the Dubai Turf will be the plan as he saw out the extra furlong well.” Ryan Moore was in the saddle again as Title Role completed the treble for the Crisfords in the Jumeirah 2000 Guineas Sponsored By Emirates Holidays which concluded the card. The Listed contest was won 12 months ago by Ruling Court (Justify), who went on to win the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on his next start. On this occasion, however, Godolphin and Appleby had to settle for minor honours with Pacific Avenue (Dubawi) and Talk Of New York (Wootton Bassett). The latter had been highly touted following his debut victory at Kempton in October, but his inexperience was evident in this second start as he raced freely throughout. At the line, the streetwise Title Role had a length to spare over Pacific Avenue as he followed up his win in last month's Jumeirah Guineas Trial, with Talk Of New York beaten another nose into third. “All of the talk was about Charlie's horse [Talk Of New York], who had been training well, but we had the experience with two runs out here,” said Ed Crisford. “There was a lot of pace on tonight and this horse is tough. We will take him back to the UK and I would quite like to take him to the Greenham at Newbury. He's entered in the French Guineas and he could be a Jersey sort of horse – there's options.” Summing up a superb night for his team, Crisford added, “We had some big chances tonight but to have three winners on Super Saturday is just huge for our stable. We love Dubai and our horses love Dubai.”   'He'll Have A Big Chance' Following a pair of upsets to kickstart Super Saturday, at least some kind of normality was restored in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal Sponsored By Emirates Skycargo as El Nasseeb continued his love affair with Meydan in running out a determined winner. It looked unlikely for much of the 1,200-metre contest, with El Nasseeb appearing run off his feet trying to chase the fierce gallop set by Hong Kong challenger Sing Dragon (Written Tycoon). That rival had cried enough with less than two furlongs to run, but El Nasseeb was still several lengths adrift as old foes Dark Saffron (Flameaway) and Tuz (Oxbow) battled it out at the head of affairs. Responding generously to Silvestre de Sousa's urgings, the son of Profitable began to erode that deficit after being switched to the outside entering the final furlong, before reeling in Dark Saffron close home to win by a length. The fast-finishing Mufasa (Practical Joke) was a further 1 1/4 lengths back in third. For El Nasseeb, it was a third win of the Carnival and a second at Group 3 level following his victory in January's Dubawi Stakes. “He's a much better horse when there's a fast pace and today suited him very well,” said de Sousa. “He couldn't go with them early on, but from 900 metres out he came alive and responded well – he loves the dirt.” On El Nasseeb's chances in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen in four weeks' time, he added, “If he turns up in the same form he is in tonight, he'll have a big chance.” Defending champion Tuz weakened into fifth on his first outing since finishing third behind Dark Saffron in last year's Dubai Golden Shaheen, but jockey Tadhg O'Shea and trainer Bhupat Seemar enjoyed better luck in the G3 Burj Nahar Sponsored By Emirates Airline. Commissioner King (Commissioner) led home a one-two there for Seemar when handing out a comprehensive four-length beating to stablemate The Camden Colt (Footstepsinthesand), teeing the winner up perfectly for a tilt at the G2 Godolphin Mile on World Cup night. “It's good to get it done and be first and second,” said Seemar. “We're learning about this horse. He's got natural speed and we've got to let him use it, which is what we tried to do today. His weapon is his speed.”   'He Is So Keen We Can Hardly Saddle Him' Whilst having to settle for minor honours with Dark Saffron, jockey Connor Beasley and trainer Ahmad bin Harmash were already on the scoreboard by then having teamed up with Godolphin cast-off Native Approach (Too Darn Hot) to spring a surprise in the preceding G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint Sponsored By Emirates Courier Express. Winless since striking at Listed level at Meydan in December 2024, the five-year-old proved well suited here by the drop back to 1,200 metres, ultimately beating Run Boy Run (Rajasinghe) by 1 1/4 lengths as the small group who raced furthest from the stands dominated the finish. The Crisfords enjoyed another good result with Cover Up (Exceed And Exceel), who was a neck behind Run Boy Run in third, while Great Wish (Night Of Thunder) fared best of those who raced in the centre of the track in fourth. “The plan will be the Al Quoz Sprint,” said bin Harmash. “We ran him at seven [furlongs] and we ran him at a mile, but he is so keen we can hardly saddle him. We were thinking to run in a handicap next week, but the speed he shows in the yard we thought we would try this. He travelled all the way so easy and won really well.” In the Listed Jumeirah 1000 Guineas Sponsored By Emirates Skywards which opened the card, longshot Piana (Zelzal) produced a power-packed finish to edge ahead in the final strides and deny William Knight's True Test (Time Test) by a head. It was a first triumph at Meydan in the illustrious career of jockey Stephane Pasquier, while French trainer Nicolas Caullery was making a deserved breakthrough at this year's Carnival, having recently saddled another outsider, Riyabovka (Saxon Warrior), to finish second in the G2 Balanchine. “It's easy to ride like this as I had a good draw number [1], so I travelled well and came inside. I'm very happy and proud to win here,” said Pasquier. The post Rebel’s Romance and Crisfords Star on Super Saturday Marred by Middle East Attacks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An upset by Meydaan and a smooth victory by sentimental favorite Rebel's Romance highlighted Super Saturday Feb. 28 at Meydan Racecourse in the final test for locals seeking spots on the Dubai World Cup program March 28.View the full article

Godolphin homebred and 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Knightsbridge (h, 5, Nyquist–Tyburn Brook, by Bernardini) made his 1-5 odds look like a bargain in Saturday's GIII Gulfstream Park Mile S. He chased in second, took over with ease on the far turn and opened daylight in the stretch to win for fun. Steal Sunshine (Constitution) was second. Flying Liam (Liam's Map) was third. The final time was 1:35.58. Knightsbridge entered riding a three-race winning streak, headed by victories in Gulfstream's GIII Mr. Prospector S. going seven furlongs Dec. 27 and GIII Fred W. Hooper S. going a mile last time Jan. 24. He earned Beyer Speed Figures of 104 and 105 in those two victories. Knightsbridge is a half-brother to young Darley stallion Speaker's Corner (Street Sense), winner of the 2022 GI Carter Handicap. Knightsbridge's second dam is GI Breeders' Cup Distaff heroine Round Pond (Awesome Again), who brought $5.75 million from Sheikh Mohammed's global operation at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton November sale. Knightsbridge's unraced dam is a half-sister to GI Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Highland Falls (Curlin) and G1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 winner Long River (A.P. Indy). The Nyquist x Bernardini cross is also responsible for GISWs Gretzky the Great, Immersive and Nysos. Lifetime Record: 8-6-1-1. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Bill Mott. The post Streaking Knightsbridge Romps in Gulfstream Park Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article