Wandering Eyes

Frankie Dettori announced Oct. 29 that the Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup at Del Mar will be his stateside swansong, with the legendary jockey to retire from race riding in the United States and conclude his career in South America.View the full article

Friday, Newmarket, Britain, post time: 14:12, IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF BOSRA SHAM FILLIES' STAKES-Listed, £40,000, 2yo, f, 6f 0y Field: Anaisa (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Azleet (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), Birdcall (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Brisk Symphony (Ire) (Sergei Prokofiev), Chicory (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Coconut Cove (Ire) (No Nay Never), Elara May (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Eternal Solace (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), Fairy Oak (GB) (A'Ali {Ire}), Golden Palace (GB) (Palace Pier {GB}), Inside Story (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}), Palmeira (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Rogue Attraction (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), SOlana Rose (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Spicy Marg (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Splish Splash (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Strait And Narrow (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Thaluna (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Treasured Royal (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Vishaka (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Emma Banks's Spicy Marg has already contested four pattern-race contests and lines up for an open edition of this 20-runner charge returning off a close-up fourth here in this month's G3 Cornwallis Stakes. Her opponents include the dual winner Golden Palace, who comes back off unplaced efforts in last month's G3 Dick Poole Fillies' Stakes and G1 Cheveley Park Stakes. Michael O'Callaghan supplies two of the three Irish contenders, namely Listed Star Appeal Stakes sixth Fairy Oak and Listed Legacy Stakes seventh Strait And Narrow. Others worthy of consideration are Listed St Hugh's Stakes second Palmeira, Haydock maiden winner Splish Splash, impressive Nottingham novice scorer Birdcall and Elara May. The latter represents Charlie McBride, who won this heat in 2016 with Spiritual Lady. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Spicy Marg Aims For Bosra Sham Glory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The connections of White Abarrio have a secret weapon as they hope the winner of the 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) can add another score at the World Championships when he starts in the Dirt Mile (G1) Nov. 1 at Del Mar.View the full article

If things go according to plan, Maryland-based Matt Dorman will get his first Breeders' Cup runner at Del Mar when Seismic Beauty gets the start in the Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1).View the full article

Frankie Dettori left the Del Mar backstretch on Wednesday morning after riding his Breeders' Cup Mile mount Argine and refused all interviews as he departed the stable area. “There will be plenty of news tomorrow,” he said. But tomorrow appears to have come a day early as by lunchtime the legendary jockey had posted a statement on social media to announce his retirement from American racing after the Breeders' Cup meeting. He will also be in action across the two days aboard Wimbledon Hawkeye and Aspect Island for James Owen and the Gredley Family. Following Saturday's Californian farewell, Dettori will however take a “few rides” in South America. His statement read, “Following the Breeders' Cup on Saturday, I will be retiring from race riding in the United States and concluding my career with a few rides in South America, something I've always wanted to do. “It has been an honour to compete at the highest level of this sport for over four decades. I'm deeply grateful to my family, the owners, trainers, stable staff, and of course the supporters who have made my career possible. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey. Ciao, Frankie.” The Italian-born Dettori, 54, enjoyed his best days in the saddle through a long and successful career based in Britain. He left home to work for his compatriot Luca Cumani in Newmarket at the age of 14 and rode his first winner, Lizzy Hare, at Goodwood on June 9, 1987. Through a longstanding retainer with Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation, he went on to become recognised as one of the best jockeys in the world, with his long list of major victories including 44 European Classics, six Arcs and 15 Breeders' Cup wins. Dettori initially announced his intention to retire in December 2022 and rode for the final time in the UK on British Champions Day in October 2023. In the week leading up to his swansong he revealed a change of heart and stated his plan to continue riding in California, where he has largely been based for the past two years. The post Frankie Dettori to Retire at the Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz Northern junior driver Monika Ranger has been in sparkling form of late, and this evening at Cambridge Raceway she’ll be looking to continue her winning roll when she partners last-start winner Rewiri Hill in the Race Ready With Betavet Handicap Trot (7:06 p.m.). It’s been a standout season for the talented reinswoman, who is enjoying her most winningest season to date in the sulky. From just 98 drives, Ranger has recorded 19 wins, 12 seconds and 14 thirds, returning an impressive UDR of .3095. In the last month alone, she’s driven four winners. “I’ve been really lucky to have the same trainers who have supported me throughout – Jeremy Young, Owen Gillies, and Matty White. David and Ben (Butcher)too.” Monika said “Matty letting me drive Lord Popinjay when he doesn’t have a drive himself, and he’s one of the best horses in his barn, it’s pretty surreal. I’m extremely grateful.” That partnership with Lord Popinjay has been one of the season’s highlights, with the pair notching their 10th win together at Alexandra Park last Friday night. For Ranger, who balances her racing commitments with a full-time role at Lincoln Farms, it’s been a year of steady progress. “I’m working out at Lincoln Farms fulltime, and Shane and I have got our two out there as well, so we potter around with them,” she said. Tonight, the focus turns to Rewiri Hill, a six-year-old Muscle Hill gelding trained by Jason Teaz, who will look to back up his last-start win at Cambridge earlier this month. On that occasion, the pair sat off the speed before producing a strong finishing burst to score by 1¼ lengths. “He felt like he was still full of running at the line,” Monika said of that victory. “He’s progressing really well.” The gelding steps up in both grade and distance tonight, starting from the front line over the 2700m trip, but Ranger believes he’s capable of handling the rise. “It’s a little bit of a step up for him, there’s some nice enough horses in the field, but there’s no reason why he couldn’t run a drum if he’s handy,” she said. “It’s really going to depend on where we land, but I wouldn’t write him off as he’s still on the up!” To see the field click here https://infohorse.hrnz.co.nz/datahrs/fields/103009fd.htm#field-69385-race-5-dl View the full article

The Breeders' Cup has released an outline of its safety and integrity protocols ahead of the upcoming championship weekend at Del Mar in a press release issued Wednesday. Out-of-competition testing for the event began in July with the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, in collaboration with the Breeders' Cup Veterinary Team, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, HISA, and the California Horse Racing Board, conducting OOC testing for banned substances of potential contenders. Del Mar Track Superintendent Dennis Moore and Turf Course Superintendent John Beggin have worked closely with Dr. Mick Peterson, Program Director of the University of Kentucky Racetrack Safety Program, to ensure the most consistent racing surfaces possible at the track. Additionally, TurfTrax software has been employed to measure the condition of the turf track. Beginning in early October, the Breeders' Cup Veterinary Review Panel has assessed the records of more than 220 potential contenders, including veterinary and treatment records, training and racing patterns, and physical examinations of select horses conducted by regulatory veterinarians in the applicable racing jurisdictions around the world. At the close of pre-entries Oct. 20, medical records for all domestic contenders were requested from HISA and reviewed by the Review Panel a second time. For international contenders, the previous 30 days of medical records were requested and submitted for review. Mandatory 24-hour surveillance for all runners began at 11 a.m. PT Oct. 28 and every Breeders' Cup runner is subject to: Comprehensive on-site veterinary exams, including jog-up exams and the use of diagnostic technology as needed Additional physical examinations and the use of the AI-powered SLEIP app to analyze the horse's gait, at the determination of the Breeders' Cup Veterinary Team In-stall and on-track veterinary oversight during training and schooling Mandatory jog-up exams before entering any racing surface at Del Mar HISA-mandated pre-race veterinary examinations in the barn and veterinary monitoring of horses in the paddock and during warm-up on race day Extensive pre-race TCO2 testing, as well as post-race testing of the first four finishers along with other runners as designated by the stewards Observation of all other finishers cooling out as they exit the racetrack to determine if any aid or further assessment is required. A complete look at the Breeders' Cup's safety and integrity protocols can be found here. The post Breeders’ Cup Outlines Safety Protocols appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A huge wave of emotions will pour out if trainer Miguel Clement wins a Breeders' Cup race Nov. 1. View the full article

While most American-based horses completed their Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) workouts over the weekend, Yoshito Yahagi saved his final breeze for Japanese star racehorse Forever Young for Oct. 29 at Del Mar.View the full article

George Weaver has trained his share of talented fillies and mares, but few have shined quite like the two stable stars preparing to leave his shedrow. Grade I winners Dorth Vader (Girvin) and Sacred Wish (Not This Time) have been fixtures in the Weaver barn for several years, announcing their talent early and steadily building resumes worthy of millionaire status. Sacred Wish made her final start with Weaver at Kentucky Downs this summer, while Dorth Vader will have one last dance for her connections at the Breeders' Cup before both mares head to the Fasig-Tipton 'Night of the Stars' Sale on November 3. For Weaver, parting with the pair brings equal measures of pride and poignancy. “When you decide to be a horse trainer, the goal is to get horses of their caliber,” he said. “They have been stable stars in our barn and when it's time for them to retire, it is a little bittersweet. We love them while we have them and we root for them when they go on to their next career.” Sacred Wish has been a breakout performer for Black Type Thoroughbreds, who co-own the 5-year-old with Swinbank Stables, Steve Adkisson, Christopher Dunn, and Anthony Spinazzola. Spinazzola originally owned the daughter of Not This Time outright and the rest of the ownership group joined in after her eye-catching maiden win. She was then sent to Weaver with the goal of sending Black Type and their partners to their third consecutive Kentucky Oaks. A runner-up finish in the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks left her just shy of qualifying, but what followed surpassed all expectations. Over the next two seasons, Sacred Wish placed in nine graded stakes and proved her versatility with standout performances on both turf and dirt. Maddie Mattmiller of Black Type Thoroughbreds said one of her favorite memories was Sacred Wish's runner-up finish in the 2023 GI Coaching Club American Oaks. Mattmiller and her husband, Jake Ballis, were on their way home from a family vacation, seated on the runway as the field loaded into the gate. They watched from their phones as the plane started to take off, not realizing the race stream was slightly delayed. Maddie Mattmiller and Jake Ballis with Sacred Wish | Katie Petrunyak “We were hoping we could get it in and we're frantically watching the stretch run,” she recalled. “We're screaming and the flight attendants don't know what's going on. All of a sudden Jake gets a call from George. We had no idea what had happened so George had to tell us that we got beat by a head. But that was a very thrilling performance and we were excited with how she ran.” Sacred Wish made headlines the following year after switching to the turf with a breakthrough score in the 2024 GI Matriarch Stakes at Del Mar, where she defeated Grade I winners Gina Romantica (Into Mischief) and Ag Bullet (Twirling Candy). The victory marked not only Sacred Wish's first Grade I win, but also the first at that level for Black Type Thoroughbreds. “For her to win a Grade I, it meant everything to us and our partners,” said Jake Ballis. “She has been our best horse by money earned and credentials. She's been very sound and never missed a day of training.” “Sacred Wish is as honest as the day is long,” Weaver echoed. “She always gives one hundred percent. She loves being a racehorse.” At Fasig-Tipton, Sacred Wish will sell as a racing or broodmare prospect as Hip 140 with Vinery Sales. Sacred Wish wins the 2024 Matriarch Stakes | Benoit Photo With earnings just short of $1.2 million, the 5-year-old is Not This Time's all-time leading female. Her dam Indian Wish (Indian Charlie) is a half-sister to the dams of Grade I winners Firing Line (Line of David), Bowies Hero (Artie Schiller) and Sharp Azteca (Freud). “It's one of the deepest pedigrees and it's a pedigree that I myself am chasing,” noted Mattmiller. “It's full of Classic-type horses and Grade I producers.” Mattmiller said that when Sacred Wish hits the Fasig-Tipton sales grounds, buyers will be just as taken by her physical presence as they will be by her on-paper credentials. “She's tall, dark and beautiful,” she said. “She's got the leg, she's got the stretch and her conformation is there. She's precocious yet she was able to carry her speed, from winning at six furlongs on the dirt to being able to carry her speed a mile and an eighth. She's just one of those ideal types of mares and so I think she's going to appeal to a lot of people.” Just as Sacred Wish inspired pride for her ownership group, Breeders' Cup-bound Dorth Vader has proven equally special for her connections. The millionaire is a homebred for Ocala-based breeder John Ropes and her story began with a series of fortunate twists. Ropes had originally planned to send his mare Hardcore Candy (Yonaguska) to a different stallion in 2019, but after visiting Girvin, he changed course and bred to the sire in his first year at Ocala Stud. While in foal with Dorth Vader, Hardcore Candy suffered a serious health issue that at one point left Ropes uncertain if she would survive. Against the odds, Dorth Vader arrived the next year. Because of her challenging start in life, she was given a meaningful name honoring Ropes's partner of seven years, Dorothy Harden. Dorth Vader went on to become Ropes's first-ever graded stakes winner—and later, his first Grade I winner. “When she was younger, she trained herself,” recalled Ropes. “All she wanted to do was bullet works without asking. As she matured, she started to train properly. What makes any racehorse good is their heart and their willingness to win. She doesn't like to be in second place. She likes to win and she runs that way.” Team Dorth Vader: George Weaver, John Ropes and Dorothy Harden | Katie Petrunyak Originally trained by Michael Yates, Dorth Vader broke her maiden in her second start before scoring a pair of stakes wins in the Juvenile Fillies Sprint Stakes and the Sandpiper Stakes. The Florida-bred's Cinderella story continued the following year when she captured the GII Davona Dale at 46-1 odds and carried Ropes to his first Kentucky Oaks, where she finished fifth. From there, she was transferred to George Weaver to take her talent to New York and she immediately delivered with a runner-up effort in the GI Acorn Stakes. “That's when we really knew we had a racehorse,” Ropes noted. “She came in second by a nose to Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief), who had won the Kentucky Oaks. One step further and we would have won.” Dorth Vader earned her Grade I breakthrough almost exactly two years later in the GI Ogden Phipps Stakes, dominating over a sloppy track by nearly five lengths. Later this summer, the 5-year-old delivered another top-level performance when she went head-to-head with Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in a dramatic edition of the GI Personal Ensign. In the stretch, Dorth Vader and John Velazquez launched a strong run, bearing down on Thorpedo Anna and Brian Hernandez Jr. The two Grade I winners battled stride for stride in the final yards, with Thorpedo Anna edging her by a nose just as they hit the wire. “Hernandez even told Johnny congratulations afterward because we were just in front after they crossed the wire,” said Ropes. “The photo showed us two to three inches behind. It was that close, so we had to feel good about the race. We were racing against the number one filly in America.” “She ran huge that day and we felt like winners,” added Weaver. “Dorth Vader is very athletic and always has been. She covers ground easily, is a very forward filly and has matured over time. She's really stepped up her game this year and has been able to showcase how much she can run.” Dorth Vader and Thorpedo Anna go head to head in the GI Personal Engisn Stakes | Sarah Andrew Dorth Vader will make her final start for her current connections in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff as she looks to add one more highlight to an already remarkable run. Weaver reported that while he was “not crazy about” drawing the twelfth post position, Dorth Vader has settled in at Del Mar and is looking better than ever. Ropes, along with the mare's namesake Dorothy, has been in Del Mar since Sunday, arriving at the track early each morning to watch the star homebred train. Ropes joked that he wished the 5-year-old's morning-line odds were a bit longer than 5-1—after all, she tends to deliver some of her best performances when flying under the radar–but he admitted those odds fairly reflect her current form. “Right now she's the best that she's ever been, so we hope she shows her best on Saturday,” he said “We're looking for a win and I have no doubt she'll be right there.” After the Breeders' Cup, Sacred Wish will head to Kentucky for the 'Night of the Stars,' where she will also be consigned by Vinery Sales and will sell as Hip 209. The sales company's co-owner Matt Bowling said that offering a pair of Grade I winners at one auction is a unique opportunity. “Both are A-plus physicals,” he said. “You don't see mares like these come to the market a whole lot so we're excited to be able to bring them over and represent their connections.” Vinery Sales announced earlier this week that a portion of the proceeds of the sales of Dorth Vader and Sacred Wish, as well as 19-time stakes winner Free Like a Girl (El Deal), will go to charity. Dorth Vader will represent Starlight Children's Foundation, which offers Star Wars-themed programs to sick children in the hospital. A portion of the proceeds of Free Like a Girl's sale will be donated to St. Jude's Children Hospital. Sacred Wish will represent the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (More details here) “We're really excited this year to have the opportunity to sell two special horses coming out of George Weaver's barn,” said Fasig-Tipton's Boyd Browning. “It's really cool when you think of how, as brilliant of a stallion as Not This Time is, Sacred Wish is his all-time leading money-winning female. She's demonstrated her ability on both dirt and turf, which is kind of indicative of what you see with Not This Time. To me, Dorth Vader is a really cool mare. She demonstrated great precocity and great speed as a 2-year-old. To see what she's accomplished this year as a 5-year-old has been really exciting and hopefully, she has one more big one in her coming up.” The post Weaver Stable Stars Dorth Vader and Sacred Wish Set for Night of the Stars appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 2 winner Zarakem will stand at Haras d'Etreham's jumps division, Haras de la Tuilerie, in 2026. His fee will be €4,000. By Zarak and out of the Mastercraftsman mare Harem Mistress, the five-year-old was bred by Jean-Paul Cayrouze. Racing for Nicolas de Chambure and Sofiane Benaroussi, he won twice at listed level at three and would go on to star in the 2024 G2 Prix d'Harcourt at four. He was also second in the G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Ascot and is currently rated 122. The €85,000 Arqana October yearling would later sell in September of 2023 for €500,000 to NBB Racing and Haras d'Etreham at the Arqana Arc Sale. His dam is also responsible for listed winner and G1 Prix de Royallieu third Rabbit's Foot (Golden Horde). Franck Champion, representing Haras d'Etreham, said, “He has an outstanding and powerful physique, inherited from Mastercraftsman and Teofilo. He's elegant, well-balanced, with great strength points, clean tissues, a strong hindquarter and a beautiful head. He's like a Dubawi, only a few centimetres taller, and with even more class.” The post Zarakem To Stand For €4K At Haras De La Tuilerie appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Horseshoe Indianapolis, $32,000, Msw, 10-29, 3yo/up, 1 1/16m, 1:46.54, gd, 2 3/4 lengths. CONTRIBUTION (c, 3, Constitution–Gifting {SP}, by Street Cry {Ire}) broke as the narrow 2-1 second choice as the only first-time starter facing a field of far more experienced rivals in the mud Wednesday. Shifting sideways from the outside gate, he lacked any early speed and had only one runner beat around the clubhouse turn and into the backstretch while well off the pace through fractions of :24.24 and :48.37. Forced back and wider still behind race favorite Start to Win (Upstart) at the half-mile pole, Contribution re-rallied with an eye-catching move to circle the field around the far turn. On the lead as he straightened for home, he kept safely clear of the favorite to graduate by 2 3/4 lengths. An $850,000 yearling purchase for Resolute's John Stewart at Keeneland September in 2023, Contribution is out of a winning half-sister to GISW Streaming (Smart Stike) and to the dams of Canadian champion older dirt male Tyson (Tapit), MGSW Cezanne (Curlin) and MGISW and champion 3-year-old colt Arcangelo (Arrogate). This is the family of Better Than Honour, a prolific $14,000,000 FTKNOV broodmare responsible for another champion 3-year-old in MGISW Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy), GSW/G1SP Casino Drive (Mineshaft) and GI Belmont Stakes winner Jazil (Seeking the Gold). Gifting has a 2-year-old Charlatan colt who was exported to Ireland last year and reported a colt by Army Mule this year before returning to Army Mule for 2026. Sales History: $850,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $19,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart O-Resolute Racing; B-Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings, Inc & Stretch Run Ventures, LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. The post Contribution A Debut Winner For Resolute At Horseshoe Indy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey David Egan and Amo Racing have extended their partnership through 2028, Kia Joorabchian's operation announced on X. One of the best horses to carry the purple and white Amo colours is Arizona Blaze, who will be ridden by Egan at the upcoming Breeders' Cup meeting. The duo have won several group races and were second in the G1 Commonwealth Cup in 2025. The son of Sergei Prokofiev captured the G1 Flying Five Stakes earlier this year with Egan at the controls. Egan said, “I'm incredibly proud to extend my contract with Amo Racing. There's a long-term vision to build something special and sustainable, and I'm honoured to play my part in that journey.” The Irishman has several Breeders' Cup rides for Amo alone or in partnership including Outfielder (Speightstown) (Juvenile Turf), Arizona Blaze (Turf Sprint), Valiant Force (Malibu Moon) (Sprint), Hill Road (Quality Road) (Turf) and Cathedral (Too Darn Hot) (Filly & Mare Turf). Added Joorabchian, “Since David joined Amo Racing at the start of 2024, he has become a key team member. His understanding, dedication, and professionalism have been invaluable to our progress, and that momentum is something we're determined to continue. David is among the very best in the saddle, but it's his attitude, work ethic and the way he represents the team that truly sets him apart. Extending this partnership reflects our shared vision and belief in what we're building together.” The post Amo Racing And David Egan Extend Partnership Through 2028 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DEL MAR, USA — From the shock win of Arcangues in the 1993 Classic through the great Goldikova and Six Perfections to Talismanic, French-trained horses have left their mark on the Breeders' Cup roll of honour and it will be no surprise to see that list extended this year. Only one French trainer is here in Del Mar but he is the one who is making his own indelible mark on his country's racing scene. Francis Graffard will be champion trainer in his home country this year for the first time, but his success has not been restricted to France during his annus mirabilis. Calandagan's dual Group 1 strikes in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Champion Stakes, and the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden win for Goliath have augmented the victories of Daryz in the the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Sahlan's Prix du Moulin and the Classic successes of Zarigana and Gezora among a raft of stakes wins this year. Three of that group have travelled to California with the trainer and give Graffard “three good chances” to add a Breeders' Cup win to his rapidly expanding list of accomplishments. “They seem to have travelled really well. Everyone seems to have put their weight back on, which is a very good sign,” said Graffard on Wednesday morning after watching Goliath, Gezora and Sahlan on the main track. He also runs Temptable in the GIII Goldikova Stakes on the Breeders' Cup undercard. “Sahlan was much more relaxed this morning, and I think he looked fantastic. I've always loved him. Things didn't go his way at the beginning of the year. A mile is really the maximum trip for him, so he got caught on the line in the trial [the Prix de Fontainebleau]. Then the French Guineas was a non-event. And he was sick when he ran in the Listed race [Prix de Saint Patrick]. So I was very disappointed with that one, but after that he came back to what I was hoping he was.” That comeback began with victory in the G3 Prix Daphnis on August 10 before his Group 1 breakthrough in the Prix du Moulin, in which Sahlan had fellow Breeders' Cup Mile contender The Lion In Winter half a length behind him in third. Breeders' Cup Mile contender Sahlan | Emma Berry “I didn't want to run him again after the Moulin, because I was trying to avoid soft ground with him in Europe, so I targeted this race,” Graffard added. “He has a good draw [three]. I just hope he can jump well. He's a horse with a very strong turn of foot, so I need a lot of luck.” The trainer blames himself for sending his previous year's King George winner Goliath to Hong Kong in April, where he ran ninth of 11 in the G1 FWD QEII Cup. The gelding, owned by Resolute Racing in partnership with Goliath's breeder Philip von Ullmann, has however added two more wins to his record this season, and Graffard says that he is encouraged by the five-year-old's condition on his arrival at Del Mar ahead of lining up against Minnie Hauk and Rebel's Romance in the Breeders' Cup Turf. “I made a big mistake to send him to Hong Kong at the beginning of the year. The horse was not fine mentally, so he had a very hard race there. I really struggled to get him back,” he said. “He was sick at the same time as Sahlan when he ran the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. That's why he ran really poorly that day. But I couldn't be happier with him now. I think he's back to his best mentally. He travelled really well. I'm really happy. I think in Germany, he was not 100 per cent yet mentally and physically, but he's really coming back again. At the beginning, I thought it was a little bit hard to bring him over here, but now I have no regrets.” The one concern in Graffard's mind on Wednesday morning was how the on-course veterinary team at Del Mar will react to Goliath and his extraordinary gait caused by the neuromuscular condition of stringhalt. “I just hope they let him run,” he said, adding that he would love the faster conditions he is likely to encounter in the Turf. Mickael Barzalona, whose one previous Breeders' Cup win came in the 2017 Turf aboard Talismanic, is booked to ride Goliath for the first time, and will partner all four Graffard runners on Saturday. “For him, it all depends on him being nice and relaxed during the race. Mickael Barzalona galloped him last week. It's just a question of we don't touch anything – let him do what he wants. Every time we try to tell him to do something, he has got upset and has run poorly. But every time we let him do it in his own bubble, he has won.” Goliath, left, with Francis Graffard, right | Emma Berry Graffard also has a strong contender for the last race of the meeting, the Filly & Mare Turf, in Gezora, who was bought by Peter Brant from her breeder Haras d'Etreham at the end of her juvenile season and transferred from her initial trainer Nicolas Le Roch. The winner of the G2 Prix Saint-Alary prior to her G1 Prix de Diane victory, the only blot on Gezora's consistent record this year was finishing thirteenth in the Arc. “She didn't have a hard race in the Arc because she was really far back and she made a move, but it was a little bit of an uneven for her,” he said. The neat, light-framed daughter of Almanzor is likely now to remain in America to join Brant's strong team of turf runners in his home country. Graffard added, “She lost a little bit of weight during the journey, but she put everything back on again. She's a very straightforward filly and she has a good draw. I hope she should be able to perform well.” Graffard had his first taste of the Breeders' Cup back in 2016 with Karar in the Turf Sprint, and he has come closest in five attempts to date with Malavath, who was second in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. “It's a meeting I really love,” he said. “I have some very nice horses here with me. The job is done. I'm very pleased with my team here: they have done a good job. The horses look great. The team is happy, so fingers crossed we have a bit of luck.” The post ‘He’s Really Coming Back Now’: Graffard Seeking to Cap Sensational Year with First Breeders’ Cup Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Seismic Beauty will aim to use a well-timed arrival at the top level when she faces an expected 12 rivals in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) Nov. 1 at Del Mar.View the full article