Wandering Eyes

It may not have been by design, but Balcairn trainer Centaine Spittles got her hands back on the Gore Cup following In Vegas’ (NZ) (Telperion) win in the KB Contractors & MLT-sponsored 2200m feature at Wingatui on Saturday. The seven-year-old daughter of Telperion won the southern Cup at Gore last year and Spittles didn’t have any intention of her mare defending her crown, however, the race’s transfer to Wingatui following Gore’s abandonment last week opened up a window of opportunity. “We got a little bit lucky with them putting Gore off and transferring the Cup to Dunedin,” Spittles said. “I was never backing her up after Marlborough, we were always going to go to Dunedin (for the Dunedin Cup). That (abandonment) gave us a second chance to have a crack at that Cup.” In Vegas headed into the race in good form, having finished runner-up in the Kumara Gold Nuggets (1810m) and Marlborough Cup (2000m) last month, giving Spittles plenty of confidence heading south. From her outside barrier in the 10-horse field, In Vegas was taken back to settle at the rear of the field before jockey Akshay Balloo asked his charge to improve three-wide from the 800m. In Vegas loomed ominously at the turn and after balancing up she began to wear down the leaders, capturing the lead with 100m to go and dashed away to a 1-1/4 length victory over Generation Joy. “I was pretty confident with her going down and she ran up to what I expected,” Spittles said. “Akshay knows her really well. I thought she was pulling too hard in the running, but he got going right when he needed to.” The Gore Cup is the first leg of the Southern Cups Bonus Series where a $50,000 winner-takes-all bonus is up for grabs. In Vegas’ bid last year was curtailed by injury and Spittles is intent on chasing the cash on offer, with her next target being the Listed Positive Signs + Print Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) at Wingatui in a fortnight. “We are going to crack onto the Dunedin Cup and then all going well we might as well go for the final and then give her a freshen-up after that,” Spittles said. “Last year we planned on doing the series because she won the Gore Cup, but she got hurt coming home so we will have another go at it this year.” A $500 purchase off gavelhouse.com, In Vegas has proven to be an astute buy for Spittles, with the mare having won seven and placed in 10 starts to date and has earned more than $217,000 in prizemoney. “She has been great,” Spittles said. “She has taken a bit of time and tests your patience at times, but those ones are always worth it.” Spittles was also pleased with the runner-up performance of stablemate Flower Moon (NZ) (All Too Hard) in the Otago Engineering (1400m). A fellow gavelhouse graduate, Flower Moon, a daughter of stakes winner Silver Eclipse, was purchased by Spittles off Pencarrow Stud for $8,000. She has won three races for Spittles and more than $60,000 in prizemoney, and the North Canterbury horsewoman was pleased with her effort on Saturday. “The draw (15) didn’t help her that much, but she just seems to be a better mare when she keeps rolling around them,” Spittles said. “It was a tough run but the winner beat her fair and square. “She is another one that is back in form. She will probably go to Ashburton in two weeks over 1400m and we may step her up to a mile somewhere to see if she can get the distance.” View the full article

Trelawney Stud’s Australian import Miss Jones (Deep Field) continued her faultless New Zealand form at Te Rapa on Saturday when extending her unbeaten sequence to four following her victory in the Horses & Henley Park 1200. Purchased as a yearling by the farm’s former manager Kevin “Millie” Walls, under his KPW Bloodstock banner, Miss Jones began her career in Australia for the Cambridge farm with trainers Richard and Will Freedman, for whom she placed in six of her 10 starts. Trelawney Stud principals Brent and Cherry Taylor thought she may be better placed in New Zealand and decided to bring her across the Tasman and entrusted her to the care of Matamata trainer Cody Cole last spring. She has thrived in the rural environment of his Waikato property and showcased that first-up when clearing maidens at Ellerslie in December. She has been perfectly placed in her subsequent outings, contesting three MAAT races and she has brought home a winning cheque on each occasion. The daughter of Deep Field was backing up just a week after her last start at Trentham and that was her connections only concern heading into Saturday, but she was able to hold off the late challenge of a luckless Sarti, who was hampered early in the race, to win by a head. “She was really tough,” Cherry Taylor said. “I thought if she was going to get beaten it would have been today on a short back-up. “He (Cole) has done an amazing job with her. She is a filly that is not easy. The Freedman boys did a great job with her (in Australia) but she really likes being trained out of the paddock, so it has been perfect to bring her back here and get those wins on the board as a broodmare in the future.” Miss Jones will now head to the spelling paddock on a high, with her connections now hatching a plan to tackle some stakes targets with their mare as they set their sights towards her future broodmare career. “She is going to the paddock now for a well-deserved spell and we will bring her back and hopefully get some black-type with her,” Taylor said. While bought on their behalf by their former farm manager, Miss Jones also has a connection to Trelawney Stud’s current manager, Callum Jones, with the mare named after his daughter. “She is named after Vienna Jones, Callum, our manager’s daughter,” Taylor said. “She is out of Vienna Miss, so we thought Miss Jones was perfect. Vienna was super excited to see her win.” View the full article

Progressive three-year-old That’s Gold (Lucky Vega) never left the inside rail as he stormed home to collect his richest career win in the $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. The Chris Wood-prepared son of Lucky Vega hasn’t shied away from tackling the best of his age group in his current preparation having taken out the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) three starts ago before finishing fifth to Well Written in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) and third behind Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) contender Chilling Out at his most recent performance. Wood has made no secret of his regard for his charge and gave rider Sam Collett a clear plan before the race, which she followed to the letter. “I thought drawn (barrier) one he had to be hard to beat,” Wood said. “I said to her don’t dig him up too much as he will get over-racing as we are trying to get him to settle as we head towards those 2000m and more races.” Bounced away quickly at the start by Collett, That’s Gold enjoyed a perfect trail behind Thorax before sticking hard against the running rail turning for home. Eventual runner-up Rambling On issued his challenge wider out as That’s Gold hit the front at the 200m and the pair went to the line locked together, with That’s Gold securing the line by a head at the winning post. Wood wasn’t afraid to shed a tear as he thanked his owners and stable staff for the contribution they have made to the horse. “It’s a huge, huge thrill and I’m over the moon,” he said. “His work this week has been exceptional. He has a great syndicate of owners and I have to thank them, my staff at home who are incredible, and my farrier. “I have a lot of good people around me who are a big help and it was also a lovely ride by Sam.” Wood noted the horse would now head to the Gr.2 Eagle Technology Avondale Guineas (2200m) at Ellerslie on 21 February before contesting the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) a fortnight later. Collett was delighted with the run given her mount was up against quite a few older runners. “He is only a three-year-old and there were quite a few four-year-olds in the race with more experience,” she said. “He showed what he can do and he is a much better chaser, so I had a bunny to follow today, the rail opened up and he did the rest. “He quickened really well and he has just kept improving on his Derby path.” That’s Gold was purchased by Wood alongside Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Catheryne Bruggeman for A$57,500 out of the Yulong draft at the 2024 Inglis Premier Sale. He has now won three of his 14 starts and over $287,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Plutarch, who had placed in three stakes, including two on the turf, proved best of Bob Baffert's three entrants and defeated Intrepido to win the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) Feb. 7 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Splendora's return to the races after winning the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) is a winning one in the Feb. 7 D. Wayne Lukas Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher continued his supremacy in the $210,000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, winning the Kentucky Derby (G1) prep for a record-extending eighth time with 2025 Remsen Stakes (G2) runner-up Renegade.View the full article

Mrs. J. Magnier, D. Smith, and M. Tabor's Plutarch (c, 3, Into Mischief–Stellar Wind, by Curlin) was bred to be a star–he is out of 2015's champion 3-year-old filly turned $6-million Keeneland mare–and he made good on that promise Saturday in the $100,000 GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita. Midpack early, he hooked up with 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Intrepido (Maximus Mischief) and two battled down the lane before Plutarch dispensed of his rival to secure a one-length victory with his ears pricked under Florent Geroux. Intrepido held for second while Secured Freedom (Practical Joke) got up for third. Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert won his eighth consecutive Bob Lewis and 14th overall. The race was worth 20-10-6-4-2 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. After a 2-year-old campaign which netted placings in the GI American Pharoah Stakes and GIII Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes, Plutarch broke his maiden in his last out, a Del Mar maiden special weight on the lawn. O-Mrs. J. Magnier, D. Smith, and M. Tabor; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Florent Geroux. A determined #2 PLUTARCH ($10.20) puts himself on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with a win in the $100,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) at @SantaAnitaPark. This colt is by Into Mischief (@SpendthriftFarm) out of the champion mare Stellar Wind. @flothejock up for Bob Baffert. pic.twitter.com/KRBcx1medt — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 8, 2026 Saturday, Santa Anita ROBERT B. LEWIS S.-GIII, $101,000, Santa Anita, 2-7, 3yo, 1m, 1:37.02, ft. 1–PLUTARCH, 120, c, 3, by Into Mischief 1st Dam: Stellar Wind (Ch. 3-year-old Filly, MGISW, $2,903,200), by Curlin 2nd Dam: Evening Star, by Malibu Moon 3rd Dam: Sequins, by Northern Fashion 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. O-Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Michael B. Tabor; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Florent Geroux. $60,000. Lifetime Record: GISP, 6-2-2-2, $192,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Intrepido, 124, r, 3, Maximus Mischief–Overly Indulgent, by Pleasantly Perfect. 'TDN Rising Star, by Hagyard'. ($30,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $385,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR). O-Dutch Girl Holdings LLC and Irving Ventures LLC; B-Sierra Fria Farm LLC (KY); T-Jeff Mullins. $20,000. 3–Secured Freedom, 120, c, 3, Practical Joke–Securely, by Uncle Mo. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($110,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Leslie A. And Pierre Jean Amestoy, Jr. and Roger K. Beasley; B-Audley Farm Equine, LLC (VA); T-Tim Yakteen. $12,000. Margins: 3/4, 3 1/4, NO. Odds: 4.10, 4.10, 3.20. Also Ran: Desert Gate, Cherokee Nation, Robusta, Briggs Armypower. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Baffert Wins Eighth Consecutive Bob Lewis, Into Mischief’s Plutarch Gets Derby Points appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After racing well within herself through most of the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) Feb. 7 at Oaklawn Park, Nitrogen put away game stablemate Nerazurri in the stretch and drew off to a 2 3/4-length win.View the full article

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article

It was hard not to lament the loss when asked about D. Wayne Lukas in the paddock, but trainer Bob Baffert was given an emotional win in the race named after his longtime friend when Splendora (Audible) kicked home to claim the inaugural running of the GII D. Wayne Lukas Stakes at Santa Anita Park. The clear horse to beat after wrapping her 2025 with a stylish victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint last November, the daughter of Audible entered this contest on a three-race win streak. She'd dominated the Tranquility Lake Stakes two back, also at Del Mar as a prep for the championships, and earned a career-best 100 Beyer. The start of her string was a 3 1/2-length success against optional claiming company at the Oceanside venue in late July. Content to watch Me and Molly McGee (Vekoma) as the 10-1 shot stepped out to set the fractions, the compact field tracked that one through an opening quarter in :22.78 and a half in :45.63. Trying to shake loose through the bend, but with 2-5 favorite Splendora looming the danger entering the lane, the longtime leader yielded to the Breeders' Cup champion in midstretch as she rolled in to stop the clock in 1:22.09. Formula Rossa (Vekoma) closed the trifecta in third. Also entered in the race was Lemon Muffin (Collected), who finished fourth, and who spent a good portion of her career in the barn of the late, great Hall of Famer. Under his guidance, she won the 2024 GIII Honeybee Stakes at Oaklawn Park and competed in the GI Kentucky Oaks. The grey last raced for Lukas June 13 last year at Churchill Downs, after which she was moved to Rodolphe Brisset and later Patrick Gallagher for this jump. @BreedersCup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) winner #5 SPLENDORA ($2.80) returns with an easy victory in the $200,000 D. Wayne Lukas Stakes (G2) at @SantaAnitaPark. @JJHernandezS19 piloted the five-year-old Audible (@WinStarFarm) mare for trainer Bob Baffert. pic.twitter.com/HNLTCxS4TL — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 7, 2026 Pedigree Notes: Splendora is the second to the races for Miss Freeze, a stakes winner at Belmont Park in her career, behind winning eldest sister Firsttimeinforever (Always Dreaming). The mare's 2022 Bernardini died, but she did produce a now 3-year-old colt named Oracle of Beaufort (Demarchelier {GB}) as well as a yearling filly by Tiz the Law. She is due to National Treasure in 2026. Saturday, Santa Anita Park D. WAYNE LUKAS S.-GII, $200,500, Santa Anita, 2-7, 4yo/up, f/m, 7f, 1:22.09, ft. 1–SPLENDORA, 124, m, 5, by Audible 1st Dam: Miss Freeze (SW), by Frost Giant 2nd Dam: Reata's Vixen, by Sligo Bay (Ire) 3rd Dam: Top of the League, by Lite the Fuse ($125,000 Ylg '22 FTKJUL). O-By Talla Racing, LLC; B-The Elkstone Group LLC (MD); T-Bob Baffert; J-Juan J. Hernandez. $120,000. Lifetime Record: GISW, 11-6-4-0, $980,800. Werk Nick Rating: D+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Me and Molly McGee, 120, f, 4, Vekoma–Molly McGee, by Quality Road. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($110,000 Wlg '22 FTKNOV; $170,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Burns Racing, LLC, Exline-Border Racing, LLC, Hudock, William Dan, Kennedy, Aaron and Wilson, Susanna; B-Four Pillars Holdings LLC (KY); T-Peter Eurton. $40,000. 3–Formula Rossa, 120, f, 4, Vekoma–Fay Na Na, by Majestic Warrior. ($130,000 Ylg '23 KEEJAN; $270,000 Ylg '23 FTKOCT). O-Muir Hut Stables LLC; B-Greathouse Equine, LLC & Glencrest Farm, LLC (KY); T-Mark Glatt. $24,000. Margins: 1 3/4, 2 1/4, 3 1/4. Odds: 0.40, 10.50, 2.50. Also Ran: Lemon Muffin, Irina's Charm, No Bad Beats. Scratched: Simply Joking. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Splendora Gives Baffert An Emotional Win in Inaugural D. Wayne Lukas at Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Repole Stable and Robert and Lawana Low's RENEGADE (c, 3, Into Mischief–Spice Is Nice, by Curlin) entered Saturday's Sam F. Davis as a high-profile, three-start maiden and after 8 1/2 furlongs in the diminishing daylight, emerged as a leading Classics contender, as he turned in an irresistible late rally to score convincingly and give trainer Todd Pletcher a record-extending eighth success in the race. Carrying the Repole colors, the GII Remsen Stakes runner-up was content to drop out to near the tail of the field as longshot Wayne's Law (Tiz the Law) made the running in advance of Game for It (Known Agenda). Guided out towards the outside of the track approaching the end of the backstretch, Renegade worked his way into the race nicely while wide, confronted Wayne's Law under a full head of steam approaching the final furlong and pulled clear to score as the 6-5 favorite and earn 20 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Wayne's Law held gamely for second in advance of the maiden The Puma (Essential Quality), who sat a two-path trip not far from the front, was disappointed for a run in upper stretch and got home well to round out the trifecta. The final time was 1:43.54. Sales history: $975,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 4-1-2-1. O-Repole Stable & Robert & Lawana Low; B-Robert & Lawana Low (KY); T-Todd Pletcher The post Into Mischief’s Renegade Retrieves Bounty, Gives Pletcher an Eighth Sam F. Davis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

History was made at the Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Feb. 7 as Japanese runner Strauss delivered a landmark victory, under rider Joao Moreira and for trainer Ryo Takei.View the full article

The betting public thought it would be a welcome parade, and Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) did not let them down, striding home much the best in the GIII Bayakoa Stakes to kick off her 2026 campaign at Oaklawn. In no rush from the outside as 40-1 longshot Rose Palace (Palace) showed the way though an opening quarter in :24.02, and a half in :48.33, Nitrogen improved her position from that overland route. Confidently handled through six panels in 1:12.86, Nitrogen was still in cruise control as they swung for home and her stablemate Nerazurri (Protonico) took a tentative lead. Swapping to the wrong lead in midstretch when Jose Ortiz asked the champion 3-year-old filly to keep her mind on running, she strolled in with air to spare in a final time of 1:43.53. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Quietside (Malibu Moon) battled gamely to get up for third. Sovereign Award 2024 Champion 2-year-old Filly, Eclipse Award 2025 Champion 3-year-old Filly. O/B-DJ Stables; T-Mark Casse. NITROGEN with all her class wins her 4YO debut in the G3 Bayakoa at Oaklawn Park! @jose93_ortiz was up for trainer @markecasse. #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/GTefrWn9sg — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) February 7, 2026 Saturday, Oaklawn BAYAKOA S.-GIII, $250,000, Oaklawn, 2-7, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16m, 1:43.53, ft. 1–NITROGEN, 119, f, 4, by Medaglia d'Oro 1st Dam: Tiffany Case (SP), by Uncle Mo 2nd Dam: Biblical Point, by Point Given 3rd Dam: Bibical Sense, by Blushing Groom (Fr) O/B-D. J. Stable, LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse; J-Jose L. Ortiz. $146,250. Lifetime Record: Ch. 2yo filly & GISP-Can, Ch. 3yo filly & GISW-U.S., 13-7-4-2, $2,192,854. *1/2 to Love to Shop (Violence), SW & MGSP, $240,778. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Nerazurri, 121, f, 4, Protonico–Beautiful Liar, by Candy Ride (Arg). O-Michael H. Eiserman; B-Porta Pia Stables LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. $48,750. 3–Quietside, 119, f, 4, Malibu Moon–Benner Island, by Speightstown. O/B-Shortleaf Stable, Inc. (KY); T-John Alexander Ortiz. $24,375. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Margins: 2 3/4, 6 1/4, 3HF. Odds: 0.30, 4.60, 4.10. Also Ran: In Just My Heels, Miss Authentic, Rose Palace. Scratched: Peignoir. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post The Leading Lady Returns: Nitrogen Kicks Off ’26 Campaign with Bayakoa Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Del Mar Oaks winner Iscreamuscream (Twirling Candy) (hip 385) is set to go through the ring Monday as part of the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale in Lexington, Kentucky. And while she may not be accompanied by the upbeat jingle of an ice cream truck, she appears set to provide her new owner with just as sweet a future. Consigned as part of the Taylor Made Sales Agency contingent, the 5-year-old daughter of Twirling Candy sells with a confirmed nomination to top stallion Not This Time who is already booked full for 2026. This is the second time Taylor Made has sent Iscreamuscream through the ring, first offering up a 33% share in her as a 3-year-old at the Fasig-Tipton Midsummer Digital Sale in 2024 shortly after she took down the GII San Clemente Handicap. It was there that Agave Racing Stable bought in, going to $330,000 to secure a filly who would become a Grade I winner in her next start for her new connections. “The thing we're most excited about is that she was a brilliant, kind of freaky-fast, talented filly,” said Taylor Made Stallions President Travis White. “She worked :9 4/5 at the OBS March 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale when [Little Red Feather Racing] bought her for $145,000. She broke her maiden first time out as a 2-year-old in 1:08 and change. And then she came back and ran a big number in her 3-year-old debut in an allowance race, running a 9+ on the sheets early in the year which is a very, very good number for a filly. And then she was able to stretch out. She won the San Clemente and then she won the Del Mar Oaks, beating five other graded stakes winners and some really nice fillies. She's just a classy, smart filly.” Off the track since the end of 2024, Iscreamuscream was meant to return to the races for trainer Phil D'Amato and a partnership group that now includes John Hundley, Jr., Marsha Naify, John and Stacey Snyder in addition to both Agave Racing Stable and Little Red Feather Racing. But with breeding season just around the corner and a Grade I-winning mare who needed a little bit more time, the decision was made to hold a spot for her in Not This Time's 2026 book. “Physically, she's a great fit for him,” White said. “She's 16.1, so commercially, she'll fit a lot breeders. She's got a tremendous, good-sized body and the cross [for Not This Time] has worked very well so far. [The new owner] has a chance at a seven-figure foal if things go your way. She's a type that can throw that kind of foal. And not just by Not This Time. She'd be a great fit for a lot of stallions.” Iscreamuscream not sits poised as a big fish in the catalogue ahead of Monday's Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale, with White indicating that the market, which continues to crave young, talented mares, should be more than welcoming. “For people that may have gotten shut out in November or in January, this is a chance to get a fresh start,” White said. “It's an opportunity to get a really, really good race mare. High-quality, good looking mares, with nice physicals, some pedigree and some sire power, it's tough to buy them. She's going to be the star of the show. Any one that comes to look at her, they're going to really like what they see.” The post A Sweet Future Ahead For Iscreamuscream At Fasig-Tipton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Zany, one of the top 2-year-old fillies of 2025, improved to 3-for-3 in kicking off her 2026 season with a confidently handled, 2 3/4-length victory in the $100,000 Suncoast Stakes Feb. 7 at Tampa Bay Downs.View the full article