Wandering Eyes

Stepping lively down the lane, Zany (American Pharoah–Mo' Green, by Uncle Mo) ran to her odds as she took the 104th running of the GII Demoiselle Stakes at the Big A on Saturday and earned herself 10 points on the trail to the GI Kentucky Oaks. A first-out winner on debut at Gulfstream Park in early November, the 2-year-old was backed to the hilt at the windows for her first higher-level attempt. Zany tracked Shilling (Global Campaign) into the first turn and up the backstretch. When it was time to move, the chalk responded to the outside and entered the lane full of run. She proceeded to run up the score and win by multiple length in geared-down fashion. Jumping the Gun (Gun Runner) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:50.55. The win gave trainer Todd Pletcher his 10th Demoiselle. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. Sales History: $350,000 FTSAUG '24. O-Repole Stabe; B-D.J. Stable (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. ZANY stays perfect! She goes 2-for-2 with a dominant score in the G2 Demoiselle under @iradortiz for trainer @PletcherRacing, who gets his 10th win in this race. She also picks up 10 points on the road to the Kentucky Oaks! pic.twitter.com/BMjZE5Tbuu — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) December 6, 2025 The post Oaks Points Go To Zany As She Runs Up Score In Demoiselle Stakes At Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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New Zealand-breds filled three of the first four placings in Saturday’s A$1.5 million Tabtouch Northerly Stakes (1800m) at Ascot, headed by tenacious and impressive winner Cosmic Crusader (NZ) (Maurice). Carrying on from highly successful spring carnivals in Sydney and Melbourne, where Group One victories were recorded by Kiwi-breds Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), Globe (NZ) (Charm Spirit), Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress), Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) (two) and Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto), Cosmic Crusader brought up the seventh Group One win for the (NZ) suffix in Australia this season and was backed up by third and fourth placegetters Western Empire and Osipenko. The Northerly was the first appearance at Group One level for Cosmic Crusader, who had risen through Perth’s ranks with wins in five of his seven previous starts dating back to October of 2024. His only defeats during that period were third placings in the Gr.3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) on November 1 and the Gr.3 R J Peters Stakes (1500m) on November 15. Those defeats meant the five-year-old was among the emergencies for the Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1600m) on November 22 and missed a start, but the emerging star confirmed his Northerly tilt with a dominant undercard victory in the Listed Carbine Club of WA Stakes (1400m). Ridden again on Saturday by his usual partner Clint Johnston-Porter, Cosmic Crusader settled in eighth among a strung-out field before swooping around the outside and pouncing at the top of the straight. Railway Stakes winner Watch Me Rock (Awesome Rock) went with him, and the pair drew more than four lengths clear of the rest of the field to fight out a desperate battle to the finish. Watch Me Rock briefly looked like he had the upper hand, but Cosmic Crusader lifted again and held him out. Racing in the cerise colours of his owner-breeder Bob Peters, Cosmic Crusader became the first Group One winner for trainer Michael Grantham and the second for Johnston-Porter. “I thought I was the one getting in his way,” Johnston-Porter said, referring to the two defeats last month. “I always thought he was a good horse and I was so gutted when he when he won the Carbine Club and I thought he should have won the Railway that day. So for me to get it right today is pretty special. “I just want to say my granddad passed away last night and it means a lot winning this. It really does. “Bob and Michael support me so much, and to get the job done is quite special. “I felt Watch Me Rock coming in the straight, but he just gritted his teeth. He just found something I didn’t know he had.” Cosmic Crusader has now had 16 starts for eight wins, four placings and A$1.23 million in stakes. “It’s really good to see,” Peters said. “It makes you wonder what might have happened in the Railway, but that’s the past and it’s very good to win this race. “He had an injury early on and I gave him 12 months off to get over it. I think that was the making of him, because, you know, he was a bit fine before, but he developed well and he’s a big strong horse now.” Cosmic Crusader is by Maurice out of the Street Sense mare Cosmic Storm, whose seven wins included the Group Three La Trice Classic (1800m) and three Listed races. Cosmic Storm is a half-sister to three stakes winners including the Gr.1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) winner Superstorm. While in New Zealand, Cosmic Storm was served by Windsor Park Stud stallion Charm Spirit. The resulting filly foal was named Cosmic Spirit and is also trained by Grantham. She has had three starts for two wins and a third. View the full article

Midnight Edition (NZ) (Wrote), who has genuine claims to the title of most improved galloper in the North Island this season, stepped up to a new level at Pukekohe when he claimed the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m) in emphatic fashion. The Bruce Wallbank-trained four-year-old had shown plenty of promise during his three-year-old campaign, including a dead-heat for first with Yaldi in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) only to be relegated to second in a post-race protest. He finished that season off with a victory at Te Rapa in April and then returned in style with a fresh-up win at the same venue in September, which has been followed by three successive placings, including two at stakes level. Bidding to get the stakes race monkey off his back on Saturday, the son of Wrote trounced a handy field courtesy of a copybook front-running ride from Matthew Cameron. Cameron took the initiative from the moment the starting gates opened, allowing Midnight Edition to stride to the front and set up a leisurely pace to suit themselves as the rest of the six runners allowed the pair to dictate terms. Cameron had a lapful of horse early in the run home and when he let the brakes off, Midnight Edition scooted away from his rivals and held out the late closing Master Fay (Deep Field) and Tardelli (I Am Invincible) to win by just under a length. Wallbank admitted he felt his charge had been a little unlucky when going down narrowly after ducking in sharply close to the winning post when finishing third in the Gr.3 Counties Bowl (1100m) at his last start. “He is a very good horse and last time he heard the band playing and shied inwards, otherwise we would have won that one too,” Wallbank said. “There was nothing the matter with him that day and he is really tough. “We had thought of going to the Telegraph (Gr.1, 1200m), but he is only a four-year-old so we are going to bypass it. “We will go to the open handicap on the 1st (of January) at Ellerslie and then to a mile at Te Rapa, as I think he can run a very good mile.” Bred by Aston Racing Ltd from the Wallbank family’s outstanding race mare Midnight Gossip (NZ), who won two of her six starts and finished fourth in the 2016 Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Midnight Edition is the younger sibling of the well-performed Midnight Mass (NZ) and Midnight Scandal (NZ). Saturday’s victory is the fifth of his 17-start career, where has now won more than $273,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

It was an anxious few moments for the connections of Provence (NZ) (Savabeel) as they waited to hear the judge’s call following the Gr.1 TAB Mufhasa Classic (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday, and they erupted when their mare’s name was called out first. In shades of the photo finish between Enzo’s Lad (Testa Rossa) and Ferrando (NZ) (Fast ‘N’ Famous) in the 2019 Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at the Upper Hutt track, there was a significant delay to the judge’s call as they studied the tight photo finish between Provence, Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) and La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos), with the former eventually getting the nod by a nose over Waitak. Trainer Stephen Marsh was up in Pukekohe overseeing his northern team, and he was left multi-tasking watching the aftermath on his phone while legging up a handful of riders on his quintet of horses in the last race. “I had my phone in one hand and the most horses I have ever had in a race,” he said. “We had five horses in the next (at Pukekohe) and all the jockeys were crowding around us to see if we had won. It was a hectic few minutes, but it made it very worthwhile. It was an awesome feeling to get the result. “I don’t know why it took so long. It was an anxious moment, but we certainly got the right result and I am absolutely over the moon.” Provence has made pleasing progression this preparation, finishing seventh in the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) under a big impost first-up before finishing runner-up to Qali Al Farrasha (NZ) (Almanzor) in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), and went one better over her pet distance on Saturday. “I thought her first-up run in the handicap with 60 kilos was very good, I liked it, she just peaked on her run late,” Marsh said. “She was terrific second-up again and I thought she just needed the run again. Today she stripped a much better horse again. “Where her fitness is at, I think that was probably the winning of the race because she got held up a bit longer than she wanted to and sprinted well. She probably started to peak on her run a little bit late, but she was terrific. “What a great field it was. It was a brilliant race with Group One winners galore and she pulled out and won. It could have gone either way of three.” It was Provence’s third Group One win in a year, having previously won the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) in January and Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) in March. “By Savabeel, they just keep getting better and better,” Marsh said. “Once they hit form and know how to win, they are bloody hard to beat. We need more of them.” The win capped a great end to a frustrating day for Marsh, with his stable placing in six races prior to the breakthrough win. “It was a really frustrating day,” Marsh said. “Jockeys were coming in apologising and didn’t get the right run, and a bad draw cost us. “It was one of those days where nothing seemed to be gelling at all, and it was getting frustrating, but to end it with a Group One is great, they are why we all do it.” Two of those placings came at stakes level at Pukekohe, with To Cap It All (Capitalist) runner-up in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) and Tardelli (I Am Incincible) third in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1200m). “To Cap It All was great, she jogged up to them,” Marsh said. “I think we will bring her back to a sprint trip. You will probably see her on Karaka Millions night in a race like the Almanzor (Gr.3, 1200m). “We are definitely going to have a crack at the Telegraph (Gr.1, 1200m) with Tardelli. I think the big 1200m of Wellington will suit, he just probably got left a little bit flat-footed and probably peaked the last 100m today. He was still good to the line, it was a nice field, and I think that run will bring him on nicely.” Marsh has yet to decide the next steps for Provence, but said the ultimate aim is to defend her crown in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes at Ellerslie on Champions Day. “I don’t want to step her up to 2000m, I don’t feel that she is a 2000m horse at all,” he said. “I think a mile is her pet distance. “We want to get her back to Ellerslie in March for the Breeders’. For the foreseeable future there is not a Group One to target her towards, but we will get her home and I will obviously have to talk with Tony (Rider, breeder and part-owner) and the team. “She doesn’t need to do too much more, she is a three-time Group One winner.” View the full article

by the Doyle Family The family of Mike Doyle is deeply saddened to share that he passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, at the age of 74 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Born in Dublin, Ireland, on October 23, 1951, Mike carried with him a true Irish spirit, warm-hearted, charismatic, and always ready with a story. His passion for horse racing was woven through every chapter of his life. Whether he was at the track, in the barn, or sharing a moment with fellow horse people, Mike found joy and purpose in the horses and the community that surrounded them. In his spare time he loved playing golf with his friends, especially those holes filled with laughter, friendly competition, and the simple pleasure of good company. Mike had a gift for storytelling, he could turn an ordinary moment into a memory worth retelling. He loved the craic, and his presence lit up every room he entered. His humour, charm, and ability to bring people together made him unforgettable. Mike is survived by his wife, Deirdre, his children, Melissa (Darren) and Marshall, his grandchildren, Declan and Harlan and his dear brother Peter. He will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, kindness and his deep, steady love for his family. His laughter, wisdom, and the countless stories he shared will continue to echo in the hearts of all who knew him. If you wish to honour his memory, a donation to LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society would be appreciated. A celebration of life will be planned in Toronto at a later date, where loved ones can gather to share stories, reflect on his impact, and honour the remarkable man he was. In Tribute “Michael Doyle gave me my first job in racing when I went away to Canada. He was truly, an amazing man who made a contribution towards many young people in the industry and to their careers, whilst being light hearted and affable with his lovely attitude. Beneath it all he was one of the most talented men in racing. I will never forget his kindness, humour and support as a young man when I was away from home. He is a fine example of a man, from one of the best families in racing. He will be missed dearly, but he will certainly be remembered as a true gentleman of the sport that we all love. My thoughts are with his family and I share the proudness that his family have. I am sure his family are extremely proud of him and his huge legacy. Thank you Michael.” –Richard Hannon The post Doyle Family Remembers Late Canadian Hall Of Famer Mike Doyle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars FIT FOR BEAUTY - R5 (3) Looks far too good for Class Four company and can salute again here Jay Rooney BOTTOMUPTOGETHER - R8 (1) Won only dirt start and can overcome a wide draw here Owen Goulding WE ARE HERO - R6 (5) Close up despite a nightmare run last start and now drops in grade Phillip Woo WITH A SMILE - R5 (2) Ran well first up and is ideally drawn to strike over a suitable trip Shannon (Vincent Wong) AURIO - R3 (1) Has shown a good turn of foot and gets his chance to...View the full article

The lead-up to Hong Kong International Races continues at Sha Tin on Sunday, with 10 races on the programme and some smart prospects out to play. Owen Goulding is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections for the competitive card. Race 1 – Class Five Ashley Handicap (1,650m) Go Go Go is a frustrating sort but he ran his best race in a long time over course and distance last up and can find a good position from gate one. Season 2024/25 is underway! 🥳@zpurton bags the...View the full article

By Jonny Turner There’s one factor punters don’t have to worry about leading into Wingatui’s Christmas on the grass meeting on Sunday. The grass track prowess of Ricky Gutsell’s brother and sister act of Hacksaw Ridge, Still Rockin, Insarchatwist and Baltic Star simply cannot be questioned. The quartet can be unofficially labelled southern harness racing’s first family of grass track harness racing and they have the stats to back it up. Few horses will step out at Wingatui on Sunday with the record Insarchatwist has at the long-standing thoroughbred venue. The mare won at the Christmas on the grass meeting in 2022 and 2023 before running a close-up second last year. Insarchatwist tuned up for her return to Wingatui with an easy grass trial win last weekend after taking on strong company at the New Zealand Cup Carnival. “Her trial was good, she did it on her ear, really,” Gutsell said. “She loves Wingatui, it is a drop-down in grade for her but there are still some nice horses in there.” Gutsell has Hacksaw Ridge and Still Rockin in the Forbury Pacing Cup on Sunday. Older brother Still Rockin beat home Hacksaw Ridge when they went head to head in a grass trial last weekend. Hacksaw Ridge has a major handicap advantage over his brother who has to start from a 10m handicap. But that doesn’t mean Gutsell is siding with the younger of the duo as his stable’s best chance. “To be honest I think it will come down to whichever horse gets the best run.” Hacksaw Ridge comes into Sunday’s feature after running second in the race last year. The six-year-old ran second in the South Of The Waitaki event on Show Day, which continued his excellent run of form this time in. “If he could step away nicely he could be right there because it is only 2200m and it is hard for the backmarkers.” “He is a horse that when he is right he is pretty consistent.” “He might not be a star but he will go out there and try his best.” Still Rockin was largely luckless in his last start outing at the New Zealand Cup Carnival. The seven-year-old was second in the Waimate Cup and Akaroa Cup, both on grass tracks, before that. “He has gone well in those grass track cup races.” “He seems really well and I have been quite happy with him.” “If he gets a decent run he should go a good race.” Baltic Star isn’t quite the grass track achiever her half-brothers and sisters are, but she looks a legitimate place chance in her maiden assignment on Sunday. Though the mare hasn’t placed on grass, she has cracked the top four on a handful of occasions. Harness racing hits the hallowed Wingatui turf with its annual Christmas on the grass meeting returning on Sunday. Jonny Turner’s Five for the Day at Wingatui Race 10 – Hacksaw Ridge Wingatui racegoers may remember this grass track specialist running second in last year’s edition of the Forbury Pacing Cup. The pacer made a handy beginning, raced on the speed and went a nice race. The key difference this year is that Hacksaw Ridge returns with much stronger form. His last-start second at Addington was excellent and he’s trialled well on grass since. Starting from the front line is a big factor for Hacksaw Ridge, given he takes on a stronger field than last year. But if he can step cleanly and race on the pace again, he will give them something to catch. Race 1 – Airwaves As far as winning threats go, Airwaves rates as good as any that are stepping out at Wingatui. He brings great form to a very suitable grade and race and has the early toe to overcome his wide draw. However, anyone who knows the southern form and knows this horse will be well aware there can be two versions of Airwaves. The one that tries hard and the one that is just plain disinterested. The former should prove exceptionally hard to beat and, going by his form, Airwaves has been in a great space lately. If the latter shows up, don’t expect too much. A look at the stats sheet suggests Airwaves doesn’t like Wingatui too much. His best result in five attempts is a sixth placing, beaten more than 16 lengths. While all of this doesn’t make his $2 opening win price terribly enticing, he’s still one that must be watched on Sunday. Race 6 – Flashpoint This three-year-old’s form references stand out boldly going into Sunday. He was the Group 2 Southern Supremacy Stakes runner-up in the autumn before racing at Group 1 level. Flashpoint would need to win or go a big race in defeat to suggest that form was no fluke. And judging by his two runs back this time in, he is ready too. The pacer sat parked first-up in good time when fading late. Then, second-up, he ran home nicely into fifth placing in a harder field. Third-up and fitter for those two outings, he looks to get his winning shot. Race 11 – Buffy Northstains This mare loves grass tracks like few stepping out at Wingatui on Sunday. She brings handy enough recent form, with those efforts all coming on all-weather tracks. Buffy’s last start at Timaru was sound, she ran on after running into plenty of trouble in the home straight. Before that she was caught wide and worked too hard in a competitive affair at Addington. The switch back to turf racing is the key to her chances on Sunday. She slots into a suitable grade and she’s beaten several of her key rivals on grass before. Despite starting from a 10m handicap, she looks a big each-way threat. Race 3 – Hillary As a maiden with 21 starts to her name, it is fair to say this mare is no sure thing. And with eight starts on grass without filling a placing, she’s disappointed before. However, Hillary looks to get a premium winning chance on Sunday. Her last-start third is arguably the best run of her career, given she worked hard in the middle stages and fought on gamely. The field she meets this week looks a notch down on the one she faced at Ascot Park, suggesting she can go two places better. Hilary was beaten by her main rival Lydah Valley in her previous outing; however, she should strip much fitter third-up on Sunday and it might just be her day. View the full article

He’s one of the more exciting up-and-coming gallopers racing on Sunday’s card at Sha Tin, but Top Dragon will face a stern test according to trainer Chris So Wai-yin. An impressive winner at three of his past five starts, Top Dragon will bid to enhance his standing as a leading Classic Series contender when he tackles the Class Three Salisbury Handicap (1,400m). The son of Pierata continued his upward spiral when he finished powerfully from back in the field under champion jockey Zac Purton to...View the full article

Lightly raced six-year-old The Scunner (NZ) (Shamexpress) showed his last start runner-up finish at Group Three level was no fluke as he backed that effort up with another professional display to capture the Gr.3 Taylor Property Plus Spring Sprint (1400m) at Trentham. The Ashley Meadows-prepared son of Shamexpress was having just his 15th career start on Saturday but showed he has now hit his straps with a vengeance as he downed the top two favoured runners in the contest, Riccarton visitor Mystic Park (NZ) (Ocean Park) and Cambridge raider Kitty Flash (NZ) (Ace High), in decisive fashion. Given a perfect trip in transit by rider Kelly Myers, The Scunner tracked pacemaker Ifndoubtgetout (NZ) (Keano) into the home straight before ranging alongside that runner shortly after straightening. Kitty Flash and Mystic Park made their runs wider out and looked as though they would swamp The Scunner, however, under the urgings of Myers, The Scunner found another gear in the last 150m to pull clear and win by a length in a smart 1.22.88 for the 1400m journey. Meadows believes his charge has finally matured fully for his current campaign that has provided two wins and a runner-up finish in the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) as evidence of that. “I was watching him during the running and saw a few of them were getting scrubbed up and he was still travelling well, so I had a bit of confidence,” Meadows said. “I wasn’t sure how well he was going to kick on top of the ground, but he showed a good turn of foot and was tough to the line. “You can’t fault him this prep and I think he has just matured as he is bigger and stronger and going well, with more in store for him. “We will just have to see what the handicapper does to him now, as he is getting up there (in the weights). “Originally we tried to sell him as a young horse, but he failed the vet, although he has paid for himself now.” Bred by Gloria Kenny from her Diamond Express mare Miss Daphne (NZ), The Scunner’s grand dam is Miss Katella (NZ), who is a half-sister to Group One winner Gee I Jane (NZ) and the stakes winner Miss Jessie Jay (NZ), who produced Group One winners Katie Lee (NZ) and Banchee (NZ). He has now won six of his 15 starts and earned more than $228,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Chris Wood has had faith from day one that his promising youngster That’s Gold (Lucky Vega) would make an impact on the track, and he repaid that on Saturday when taking out the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe. The three-year-old son of Lucky Vega had shown plenty of ability for Wood as an early juvenile, placing in two starts and running fourth in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m), but a win remained elusive. He returned as a three-year-old and placed first-up at Te Aroha in October before breaking through for his maiden win at the Waikato track last month, much to Wood’s delight. He was subsequently backed into a $7.10 fifth favourite in his second tilt at stakes level on Saturday, and Wood had every faith of a bold showing from his charge. From his inside draw, That’s Gold was only fair away, but apprentice jockey Tayla Mitchell hunted him up on the rail to regain his early deficit to settle midfield. Turning for home, they had a wall of horses in front of them, but Mitchell was able to navigate her charge into clear running room out wide where That’s Gold was able to let down and reel in leader To Cap It All (Capitalist) to win by half a length. Wood cut an emotional figure post-race, delighted his gelding is starting to fulfil the promise he has always shown. “It’s been a little while since I won a Group race,” he said. “I really like this horse, I might have over-raced him a couple of times as a two-year-old. I was kicking myself as I thought he would win a race in that timeframe, but we didn’t get one. “I have always had a lot of faith in him, he has got plenty of ability. “It was a 10/10 ride from Tayla. I said to her ‘if you miss it, don’t panic because he will get trucking, so just let him relax and find his feet’. I couldn’t have asked for a better ride.” Wood said That’s Gold has matured a lot as a three-year-old and he is rapt his decision to knock back sizeable offers for his gelding as a juvenile has now been justified. “He has matured physically and mentally,” Wood said. “After a couple of starts Yulong (breeders) rang me to try and buy him back, but I wasn’t going to pass him up. I knew he had it in him to get to where he is now, and today was his day.” Wood is hoping That’s Gold can continue his winning momentum, and he now has his sights set on feature racing at Ellerslie in a couple of weeks. “We are looking forward to the big meeting (at Ellerslie) on Boxing Day,” he said. View the full article

Hastings Racecourse and Casino, a track located in Vancouver, British Columbia that began racing in 1889, has ceased the conduct of thoroughbred horse racing at the facility with immediate effect, the track announced Friday evening. In a statement posted to social media, the track noted that racing is typically conduced between the months of April and October and as such, there were no horses currently stabled on site. “This was an extremely difficult decision, especially given the historical legacy of Hastings Racecourse in the local community and its importance to the province's racing industry,” said Wayne Odegard, Regional Vice President, Great Canadian Entertainment. “Unfortunately, it's strictly a business decision based on a lack of economic feasibility to move forward with another season of horse racing at Hastings. We are incredibly thankful for our dedicated members, racing participants and fan base for their support and patronage for so many years.” The statement added that operations of the casino and simulcast racebook at the facility would not be impacted by the decision to cease live racing. “Our focus moving forward will be supporting our impacted team members through this transition, as well as racing participants as they assess their options for thoroughbred racing in the province in the future,” Odegard added. The post Horse Racing To End At Hastings Racecourse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mark Newnham has high hopes of continuing his good record on the dirt this season and replicating his success from the same Sha Tin meeting last year when he bids to extend his championship lead on Sunday. Heading the premiership standings with 23 wins including four on the all-weather track, Newnham boasts a strong team of seven runners headlined by dirt specialists Sing Dragon and Talents Ambition in the feature Class Two Chatham Handicap (1,200m). Sing Dragon returns to the surface of his...View the full article

Horses that win a California-bred first-level allowance race will enjoy expanded opportunities beginning with the Dec. 26 opening of the Classic Meet at Santa Anita, the track announced Friday. The Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), in collaboration with Santa Anita, Del Mar, Los Alamitos and the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA), have reached an agreement to broaden the available options to include two wins over the same surface in Cal-bred first conditioned allowance races. Under the existing policy, Cal-breds are entitled to two wins in the first level allowance if the wins are recorded on different surfaces (dirt or turf). The new enhancement bolsters this program by permitting two wins on the same surface at two separate distance categories: one win at seven furlongs or less (short) and the other at one mile or longer (long). The agreement to expand the available options is on a one-year trial basis for 2026 with the understanding that the cap of a maximum two wins within the condition is unchanged. “These expanded opportunities in the Cal-bred first-level allowance races is the latest measure taken to further strengthen the state bred program,” said Bill Nader, President of the TOC. “This follows recent announcements where purse levels for maiden special weight and first-level allowance races have been significantly increased to $70,000 at Santa Anita for the Classic meet, of which half of the races are restricted to horses bred in California. The increase in the owner bonus from $10,000 to $12,500 in Cal-bred maiden special weight races run at Santa Anita also begins with immediate effect on Dec. 26. Much of this momentum is a direct result of the success of the single circuit which channels our resources more effectively.” “This is a great modification to the current policy, and it will be helpful to horses and horse owners,” said trainer Mark Glatt, a TOC board member. “It provides a secondary path by making horses eligible for a second win in the category on the racing surface of their choice. Horses that take this path will need to run both short and long. I would like to thank the racing offices at the southern California racetracks for their willingness to trial this in the coming year.” CTBA President Chief Stipe Burge applauded the new policy, saying “it is a great addition to the $30 million Cal-bred racing and incentive program that now offers even more opportunities to the California-breds, which currently make up roughly 50% of our field sizes. Through the support of TOC and the racing associations, we continue to reward those breeding and racing in the state. If you race in California, it now pays more than ever to have Cal-breds in your barn.” Santa Anita Park's 2025-26 Classic Meet kicks off Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. The post Cal-Breds To Enjoy Expanded Opportunities At Santa Anita’s Classic Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article