Jump to content
NOTICE TO BOAY'ers: Major Update Coming ×
Bit Of A Yarn

Wandering Eyes

Journalists
  • Posts

    121,059
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    2

Everything posted by Wandering Eyes

  1. Colin Keane says that he is delighted to have been chosen to partner Field Of Gold in Saturday's Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. John and Thady Gosden have gone with the Irish champion jockey rather than Kieran Shoemark, who partnered the Juddmonte-owned colt to finish second in the 2,000 Guineas. Keane has already tasted Classic glory in the famous Juddmonte silks, having won the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Siskin for Lyons in 2020 and when he was booked by Ralph Beckett for Westover in the Irish Derby in 2022. “I'm delighted to be asked to ride him, he looks a very good ride going into the race, I'm very much looking forward to it,” said Keane. “The Juddmonte colours are those that growing up watching racing, you know who they are. I've been very fortunate to win two Classics wearing them and a couple more Group Ones and I'm just delighted to be asked to ride the colt at the weekend. “Winning the Irish Guineas a few years ago for Ger was one of my best days. It's such a huge race and Juddmonte hadn't long been in the yard, he was their first Group One together. “To get a horse of Siskin's calibre very early on was very special and for him to then go and win a Classic was very special, it was a brilliant day.” The post Juddmonte And The Gosdens Turn To Keane For Field Of Gold Ride In Irish Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  2. Donnacha O'Brien has revealed that impressive Group 3 Athasi Stakes heroine Atsila will be supplemented for the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Tuesday entries stage. Atsila did not make her debut until April this year when winning at Bellewstown before taking a massive step forward when landing the Athasi Stakes at the Curragh. “The plan is to supplement her on Tuesday for the 1,000 Guineas,” O'Brien said. “Her form looks strong. To be fair to Barry [Fowler, owner] he is game for anything. It was my fault that I didn't have her in the race in the first place but he's more than happy to supplement and take a chance. I think she's entitled to be in the race.” O'Brien also plans on being represented in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas by Comanche Brave after he pushed Henri Matisse close on his seasonal return. That form was boosted when Henri Matisse did the business in the French 2,000 Guineas. “He is working very well and I think he'll probably outrun his odds,” O'Brien continued. “He's not a big horse but he's always worked like a very good horse. We're going to give him a chance in the Guineas. “We could end up going back to seven [furlongs] for the Jersey at Ascot. He's working very well so I'm happy to let him take his chance.” Stable star Porta Fortuna, a multiple Group 1 winner last year, is on course to return in the Lanwades Stud Stakes. “She's going to go to the Lanwades. She's in good form. She put on plenty of weight. Everything has gone smooth with her but she's probably taken a bit longer to get fit this year. She's probably going to take the run and then go to Ascot but she's in great form so I'm looking forward to getting her back on track.” O'Brien also mentioned that Falling Snow, by Justify out of Winter, would miss the 1,000 Guineas but should be back in the second half of the season. The post Donnacha O’Brien To Supplement Atsila For Irish 1,000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  3. Trainer praying for some rain to help his Classic Cup (1,800m) winner measure up at the elite level.View the full article
  4. Jockey hopeful the six-year-old galloper will spend his retirement on his property.View the full article
  5. By Michael Guerin New Zealand’s chances of having a serious Inter Dominion pacing contender this winter could be finalised at a quiet Pukekohe trial meeting on Tuesday. That is if any horse can be termed a serious contender going to Queensland to take on local champion Leap To Fame on his home track at Albion Park. The Inter Dominions move to July this year and revert to two rounds of heats on July 5 and 12 into the July 19 pacing final for A$1million. The stake increase will go some way to helping return the credibility of the series but the reality is most of New Zealand’s best pacers simply aren’t good enough to even make the trip. Merlin and Don’t Stop Dreaming are both in the paddock and not even nominated for the series while Republican Party is but won’t be going unless something happened to rule Leap To Fame out of the series. “That is why we are leaving him in for now but basically he won’t be going unless some major names, most obviously Leap To Fame, come out,” says driver Carter Dalgety. “And even then that would need to happen soon because after this week he would have been spelling too long to get him back up and fit enough for the series.” While horses like Pinseeker and Beach Ball, who has transferred to Sydney trainer Luke McCarthy, could start in the series the only Group 1-winning contender New Zealand still has is Chase A Dream. He has become the great enigma of New Zealand harness racing, wonderful some weeks but woeful others. The four-year-old doesn’t have to go down the traditional Inter Dominion path as trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon have accepted an invite to the Rising Sun on the first night of the carnival and if he wins that Three and Four-Year-Old race he will basically be invited straight into the Inter Final two weeks later. The problem is nobody, not even one of the greats of all time in Mark Purdon, knows what to expect from Chase A Dream. He was supposed to race at Alexandra Park last Friday but was too highly rated compared with his rivals so wasn’t allowed to start, so he heads to the Pukekohe trials on Tuesday along with stablemates Rubira and Akuta. Akuta has not raced in this country since 2023 because of a tendon injury. That trial is set to go at 11.45am. “At this stage Queensland is still on,” Purdon says of Chase A Dream. “He’d obviously need to trial ok and if he does he will be on a plane with Oscar Bonavena and Rubira on Sunday.” That would see the trio land in Sydney and go by road to Brisbane in the hope of gaining consistent racing leading into the series. “We are still keen to take him and Oscar will be going as this is possibly his last season and it is a big stake [A$500,000] for the trotters. “Rubira was one of our better three-year-olds until he got hurt in a trackwork incident but he will go with the two open class boys and race in the Derbies.” Purdon knows just how awesome Leap To Fame is as Chase A Dream finished second to him in his stunning Race by Betcha win at Cambridge before the latter’s form fell off a cliff. “We are hoping he can get to Queensland and get into at least one easier lead-up race away from Leap To Fame so maybe we can get his confidence back up,” says Purdon. “We toyed with the idea of not going but we still think he is good enough to be there.” Oscar Bonavena may have taken loyal punters on a rollercoaster ride this year but the Inters could be his last shot at big-time glory, especially with doubts over trotting series favourite Keayang Zahara, who is drifting to turn up in Brisbane. If the young superstar doesn’t head there then Oscar Bonavena and Rowe Cup winner Bet N Win look two of the few realistic chances in the series alongside TAB Trot winner Arcee Phoenix and highly talented Victorian mare Susan Is Her Name. While Republican Party is long odds to go to the pacer’s series his juvenile stablemate Fugitive looks certain to get a slot in the A$500,000 Ladbrokes Protostar on July 12 especially if he wins the Welcome Stakes at Addington this Friday. View the full article
  6. Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) was proud to represent the harness racing community at the 2025 Australasian Equine Industry & Management Association (AEIMA) Animals in Emergencies and Disasters Conference, held at Massey University’s Large Animal Teaching Unit on May 9-10. The conference brought together a wide range of equine professionals — from veterinarians and scientists to welfare advocates and racing officials — to explore current challenges and innovations across the industry. HRNZ’s representative was Education and Animal Care Manager Natalie Gameson. The conference included hands-on, scenario-based training which gave the team direct insight into what it takes to respond effectively and safely to incidents involving horses during racing and equestrian events. A key message from the emergency response training was simple yet powerful: Plan collaboratively, prepare for different situations and be ready to respond. It reinforced the need for continued collaboration across all areas of the industry to ensure that horses receive the best possible care when it matters most. While we’ve made good progress, there’s still more to learn — and HRNZ is committed to being part of that ongoing improvement. Moving forward, HRNZ will continue its collaboration with the Racing Integrity Board, NZ Horse Ambulance Trust, and NZTR to ensure our practices continue to meet evolving welfare standards. This may include reviewing race day protocols, refining emergency response strategies, and advocating for resources that support horse wellbeing. At HRNZ, we know our horses are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s through training, emergency response, or long-term welfare initiatives, we are committed to ensuring that harness racing remains a sport that puts the welfare of the horse first. View the full article
  7. By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk More than half a century after his first success, veteran Methven-based trainer Terry May was back in the winner’s circle at Rangiora yesterday. The 92-year-old combined with Slyx in the Anne Thompson Pacers Graduation Final, with the Terror To Love three-year-old having his first win at start number three. To make it even better this was a family affair – the horse was driven by son and Hall of Famer Ricky May, and bred by Ricky’s wife Judy. “It was a big thrill no doubt about that,” Terry May says, “it’s been a long time.” His last winner was with another son of Terror To Love, also bred by Judy May, called The Terrorfier at Addington in 2022. It’s 50 years since his first win on his own account. That was with Deeside at Forbury Park on September 12, 1975. According to HRNZ records he also had 62 in partnership with his father Clarrie between 1969 and 1975. Clarrie, who was a blacksmith, started out training in the 1940s while his brother Leonard May trained from Kumeu between 1952-85. Clarrie’s sons, Terry, Leo and Clive then followed them into the sport, with Ricky becoming the third generation to get involved. So was May senior confident about his chances yesterday? “No – not in that field,” he laughs. Drawn one the second row Slyx had an extraordinary run in the Final. Ricky May found himself five back the pegs mid-race before getting some much-needed luck. “I was down the end of the back straight and they all pulled off the fence and I got a run down the inside.” Ricky May says. He found himself in the trail around the home turn and then scooted up the passing lane to win by a length. “It was a good time too,” says May. Slyx cut out the 2600 metre mobile in 3:13.22 Terry was among the May clan on course to enjoy the moment. “He still helps me out every day on the farm”, Ricky May says, “he keeps pretty fit.” May was also quick to credit his good mate Brendon Hill for the work he’d done with the horse at his Swannanoa stables in North Canterbury. “He (Slyx) had a problem with getting grit in his face – he just didn’t like it and I could only work him by myself at Methven on the grass.” “So he’s been with Benny the last couple of weeks and working with the other horses he got used to it.” May recorded a double at Rangiora with the Joseph Gray-trained Louis winning the Road Metals – Oamaru Mobile Pace. It was his third win in six starts and his fourth overall. May, the third most successful driver ever in this country, now has 3174 wins dating back to the late 1970s, with only Tony Herlihy (3707) and Maurice McKendry (3420) ahead of him. View the full article
  8. Nominations close tomorrow (Tuesday) for the Harness 5000 Maiden Series that gets underway at Timaru this Sunday (May 25). The Series is for non-winners whose sire stood for an advertised service fee of $5,000 or less in the breeding season of conception. Sunday’s series opener will be worth $12,000 for 3YO and older pacers. The first four place-getters are guaranteed a place in the $15,000 Final at Addington on Friday, June 13, if nominated. A second harness 5000 heat will be held at Ashburton at their King’s Birthday weekend on Sunday, June 1. Ashburton also held a Harness 5000 race in February, won by the Graham Court-trained Hilarious Love. For more information on the Harness 5000 Series contact matthew.peden@hrnz.co.nz View the full article
  9. The closing date for nominations for the Entain Industry Excellence Awards has been extended through to 5pm on Wednesday (May 21). Originally nominations were going to close yesterday (Sunday, May 18). Winners of the nine awards categories will receive $10,000 with finalists in each category receiving $2,000. The supreme winner will receive an extra $5,000 on top of their $10,000 category win, and a $5,000 educational package. These awards, for the under 40s, are designed to recognise the future leaders and rising stars of New Zealand’s racing codes. Last year harness racing was represented by two winners, Jo Ferguson (nee Stevens) and Chanelle Dickie. The awards ceremony will be held on June 29,2025. Click here for more information View the full article
  10. By Jonny Turner Lil Whip’s eight-length annihilation of her opposition at Ascot Park on Sunday has earned her a feature race night tilt at Addington. The mare led and never gave her rivals a look-in, powering to an emphatic win for trainer Tyler Dewe and driver Brad Williamson. The victory completed a winning double for the four-year-old, who scored in a tougher grade in her last start at Winton. Lil Whip’s excellent form will now see her head to Addington, though Dewe is still weighing up which race to target. “We’ll see how things pan out. She could go in the Heather Williams Memorial, or there is a rating race on the night too.” “Both are 1980m mobiles, and she loves the mobile.” Dewe attributes his mare’s great recent form to three factors. Firstly, her ability, but also the work he and his team have done on her feet, as well as her love of being in front. “We’ve been working on her feet, which are now as good as we’ve ever had them.” “She’s a lovely mare with quite a lot of ability, but she hates the grit in her face.” “That’s why she loves being in front.” “Hopefully, she can get better at racing in the field, because I actually think she is faster than she is tough.” Lil Whip is raced by Eastern Southlanders Graham Hand and Jeff Rankin. Dewe was especially thrilled to deliver a timely win for the former. “Graham’s mother, Karen, passed away early in the week.” “It has been a tough week for him and his family.” “Brad wore a black armband for Karen, and it was great that the horse was able to get the job done for her.” Lil Whip’s victory marked another win for the trainer since his move to train at Winton late last year. After working on establishing his facilities near Central Southland Raceway, the trainer is excited about the future. “We have great facilities, and we’re training on the best track in New Zealand, in my opinion.” “We have a nice team coming through — we secured three horses at the yearling sales this year, and they all broke in really nicely.” “Graham is in all three of them as well.” Dewe also produced Share A Dream to run second at Ascot Park, with the pacer likely to head to Addington next week too. View the full article
  11. Astoria Brooke (NZ) (American Pharoah) has inherited a number of qualities from her dam Astor, most importantly her talent on the track, which was evident with back-to-back victories at Hawera on Sunday. A filly by American Pharoah, Astoria Brooke is prepared by Cody Cole, just as Astor was when she delivered the Matamata horseman his first stakes victory in the Listed Mufhasa Fasttrack Stakes (1300m) in 2018. Astor (NZ) (Iffraaj) was subsequently bred from by Trelawney Stud, who entrusted her daughter with Cole for breaking in. “I broke her in for Brent and Cherry (Taylor) and she was quite hard work both mentally and physically, she was quite unsound back then,” Cole said. “She was initially meant to be heading to Australia, but because of her issues they opted to leave her with us and send another over to Peter Moody. “It was really kind of them to do so, then she was late scratched in the gates at Matamata early on, so she’s not been straightforward. “She’s going the right way now which is good, because I’ve always had a lot of time for her.” Astoria Brooke has found her place on the track, with two wins prior to Sunday’s Rating 75 contest including a last start victory over Monday Melody (Snitzel) earlier in May. In the hands of Craig Grylls, the filly settled in fourth as Bay Express (NZ) (Shamexpress) set a strong tempo in the testing conditions at Hawera. The field were all well and truly off the bit turning for home and Astoria Brooke travelled better than most, finding her momentum and keeping up a strong gallop to salute by three quarters of a length to McKhan (NZ) (Mongolian Khan). “We were pretty confident she could run a bold race, my only reservation was that she’d been up a while and she’d had a couple of unlucky runs after her run in the Eight Carat (Gr.2, 1600m),” Cole said. “It was nice to get a win at Te Rapa and after she came through that so well, we thought we would press on for one more and hopefully get her in a nice position in the rating points for the spring. I think she’s well capable of looking at some better options. “Astor was very hard work to train herself, that was probably one of the reasons she ended up with me as well. But they both have a will to win and even Craig got off yesterday and said she’ll make the grade, she wasn’t really copping the track, but she gave her all to get over the line in front. “That’s definitely a trait they both share.” Astoria Brooke is off for a deserved spell and the same fate likely lies ahead for stablemate Old Bill Bone (NZ) (Swiss Ace), who continued his enviable record when powering late to win a competitive Manuka Doctor (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Old Bill Bone had never finished out of the first two in five starts and faced his toughest task to date in the Rating 75 contest, where Reptak (NZ) (Shocking) ripped into his work and strung the field out down the back straight. Watching on from Trentham, Cole thought his charge was out of contention when under pressure at the 600m, but he was pleasantly surprised to see the son of Swiss Ace charge over the top in an exciting finish. “I thought at the 600, ‘we can’t win here’, he was off the bridle and chasing,” Cole said. “But when he got balanced up and Ryan (Elliot) asked him, he really quickened up quite nicely. “He just seems to find a way to get himself right in the finish.” With just six starts now under his belt, Old Bill Bone is a late-maturing horse and Cole believes he has plenty of upside heading into next season. “He was just immature physically and took a lot of time to put it together, and mentally, he’s still just really figuring it out in his last few runs,” he said. “I haven’t talked to Russell Warwick from Westbury (Stud) yet, but looking at the programme, there doesn’t seem to be anything suitable at Ellerslie for him and that would probably be the only place we would get a decent track. He’s not a horse you can back-up or race too often either. “It’s more than likely that he’ll head to the paddock now and look towards the spring.” Out of a Postponed mare Simplicity, Old Bill Bone is a full-brother to stablemate St Giles, a winner of his last two starts. Looking ahead to the new week, Cole is hoping to continue an outstanding run of form that has him currently placed within the top 10 on the trainer’s premiership with a career-best of 33 winners. His contenders this week will include Group performer Renovations after she came through her latest success at Wanganui with flying colours. “We’re going to give Renovations one more run, she’s come through Wanganui absolutely bouncing out of her skin and the weather looks good this week, so we’re going to keep her in,” he said. “She’ll head to the three-year-old 1400 at Te Rapa, Rareza will most likely head there as well in the Rating 75 1400m. “We scratched The Nomad over the weekend and he’ll head to New Plymouth on Saturday.” View the full article
  12. In an exciting step for the Club’s future, the Matamata Racing Club (MMRC) is proud to unveil plans for a significant expansion of its racehorse training facilities – an investment that promises to boost not only the Club’s training capacity but also the strength and sustainability of New Zealand’s thoroughbred industry. The Club’s acquisition of the neighbouring Valachi Downs property has enabled it to explore expanding its current training facilities, addressing growing demand and supporting not only the Club’s financial position but also the broader growth of the New Zealand racing industry at this crucial time. This development will transform the landscape of local racing, with the proposed construction of up to 20 state-of-the-art barns designed to accommodate up to 250 more horses. These new facilities will complement the existing stabling infrastructure, which already caters to approximately 150horses. “This is more than just an expansion. It’s a vote of confidence in our trainers, our horses, and the future of New Zealand racing,” says MMRC General Manager Regan Donnison. “We’re responding to real demand and positioning ourselves—and our region—as a key contributor to the national industry moving forward.” MMRC has long been a cornerstone of New Zealand racing, home to many legendary trainers and the launchpad for countless equine champions. In the 2023/24 season alone, horses trained at Matamata won 45 individual stakes races, including a remarkable 40% of all Group 1 races run in New Zealand. The current season is also shaping up to be a strong one for Matamata trained thoroughbreds, with a dominance of some key spring & summer majors including the inaugural running of the $3.5M NZB Kiwi. The Club’s on-course training facility is already one of the busiest in the country, servicing around 40 trainers and up to 850 horses monthly. Its amenities, including multiple training tracks, a swimming pool, schooling fences, weighing scales and other modern aids including customised jumpout gates, have made it a preferred destination for trainers at all levels. This next phase of development will ensure Matamata remains at the forefront of the industry for years to come, while strengthening the Club’s ability to continue investing in its facilities with the goal of achieving world-class standards in the near future. Andrew Scott, co-trainer of Wexford Stables, welcomed the move, saying: “It’s great to see a local club taking a progressive approach. If all goes to plan, their proposed facilities will be a real asset to the industry — creating more opportunities for people to train on track, in line with a growing trend across Australasia. There’s still a way to go before it’s fully realised, but it’s a strong step in the right direction.” And the Club’s ambitions extend beyond infrastructure. MMRC’s vision is firmly focused on supporting a vibrant and sustainable future for the entire racing community. By providing affordable, purpose-built stabling solutions and encouraging collaboration between racing clubs and trainers, MMRC is actively working to secure the long-term sustainability of racing in the Northern region and beyond. Expressions of interest for leasing barns in the new development are now open, with flexible sizing aimed at accommodating a wide range of trainers, from established operations to up-and-coming professionals. “This project is about growth, opportunity, and making sure we’re doing everything we can to support our trainers and the industry at large,” Donnison said. “We’re incredibly excited about this next chapter of Matamata’s racing story.” For more information or to express your interest, contact Regan Donnison at regan@matamataracingclub.co.nz. View the full article
  13. Knights Realm (NZ) (Castledale) missed out on a maiden stakes scalp by the barest of margins at Trentham on Saturday in the Listed Rangitikei Cup (1600m), which has only enhanced trainer Clinton Isdale’s thirst for success. The five-year-old son of Castledale had been runner-up in five of his previous seven outings, and with just 53kg on his back, punters supported him in their droves, sending him out a short-priced $2.30 favourite. He looked ominous throughout, sitting outside pacemaker Bradman (NZ) (Pins), but at the business end of the race, he was pipped at the post by a nose, with Francee (NZ) (Iffraaj) taking the victory in a close three-way finish. While proud of his charge’s consistency and pleased with the way he has come through his weekend run, Isdale admitted he is getting tired of the taste of silver. “He has come through the run really well, I am just a bit gutted that he has run second again,” the Cambridge trainer said. “I had to look twice at the result, I thought he had got it on the line.” After attaining black-type with his weekend result, Knights Realm is now on a path towards winter riches following a run closer to home later this month, with a small freshen-up planned in the interim. “He will probably go to Te Rapa in two weeks for an open handicap, put the blinkers on him and drop back to 1400m,” Isdale said. “He will go out for a two week freshen-up and then head to the Opunake Cup (Listed, 1400m), with the ultimate aim being the Winter Cup (Gr.3, 1600m).” Meanwhile, Isdale will head to his local synthetic meeting on Wednesday where he has two guaranteed runners, with Novak (NZ) (El Roca) on the ballot for the Pride’s Ezifeed 2000. Mahoe (NZ) (Alamosa) will be first-up in the Waipa Earthworks 1550 following a South Island summer campaign, while Mirabella (NZ) (Sweynesse) will be trying to replicate her winning feat from two starts back in the TAB 970. “Mahoe has come back from the South Island. He is consistent and likes the poly,” Isdale said. “He has had two nice trials leading into it and he will be thereabouts knocking on the door. “Mirabella loves the poly, she trialled up well on it the other week. She will be a nice chance. View the full article
  14. Emma-Lee Browne says they will likely take a little bit of time to savour Basilinna’s (NZ) (Staphanos) Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) win before looking to lock down the right pathway for the mare to this year’s Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Basilinna earned herself a ballot exemption into this year’s Melbourne Cup with her victory in Saturday’s Andrew Ramsden at Flemington in rain-affected conditions. “I think it’s everything we all dreamed about, so it’s a massive result for the team,” Browne said on Sunday of qualifying Basilinna for the Cup. Browne, who trains at Pakenham in partnership with husband David, confirmed the mare would head for a spell now she has gained the golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup, as they aim towards a dream tilt at the famous race on the first Tuesday in November. “She will go to the paddock now,” Browne said. “I think we’ll just enjoy it for a week or so before sitting down and really getting a plan together about how we can get her there as best we can, where she’s hopefully right at her peak. “We’ll just enjoy it for a week, and she can go out to the paddock and enjoy a well-deserved spell. “I think we’ll do a bit of research into it, speak to a few people that have obviously done it well and make a bit of a plan from there. But we’re just kind of enjoying it at the moment.” Browne said Basilinna, who finished third in the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington during her three-year-old season in the spring of 2023, had come through Saturday’s win in super fashion. “She loves that distance and because she enjoys running over that distance she always pulls up super afterwards,” Browne said. “The (Soft) track conditions were perfect for her, she got through it really, really well. And we’re just over the moon with how she’s pulled up.” View the full article
  15. Francee’s (NZ) (Iffraaj) victory in the Listed Rangitikei Gold Cup (1600m) was of special significance for Haunui Farm on a number of fronts. Not only was it a first stakes victory for the homebred and raced Iffraaj mare, it also brought back memories of a successful association and coincided with stud managing director Mark Chitty’s university reunion. Trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, the well-related Francee added black-type performance to her pedigree and ensured she will be a valuable future addition to the Haunui broodmare band. She is a daughter of the former top performer Calveen (NZ) (Canny Lad), who won 10 races including the Gr.1 Easter Handicap (1600m) and a further four events at Group Two level. “It was a wonderful result and the long association we had with Don McLaren made it even more special,” Chitty said. “We had a good working relationship and owned some mares together and on Don’s passing we purchased his mares off the family. “Calveen was one of them and sent her to Iffraaj and elected to keep the filly that is Francee, so it was very satisfying. “We had to put Calveen down earlier this year, she had got to a fair age, and this is her first stakes winner, she did have a stakes performed mare (Miss Delveen) previously.” Haunui is also breeding from Francee’s winning half-sister Hi Gorgeous (NZ) (Savabeel). “She’s a Savabeel mare and she’s got a Hello Youmzain filly and is back in foal to him,” Chitty said. Francee is now a four-time winner and her immediate future has yet to be confirmed. “She’s been up for a fair while and we’ve found our level, she’s a rising six-year-old so we’ll let the dust settle and then think about it,” Chitty said. “I’d like to pay special credit to the team at Te Akau and their vet Ronan Costello because in August 2023, I arrived off a plane in Sydney and got a call from Mark Walker to say the mare was a bit off. “It was getting toward the start of the breeding season and maybe we wanted to think about mating her, but we worked with Ronan and got her back to the track so, thanks to his good work, Saturday was very rewarding. “She had pulled up sore after working and I’ve got veterinary experience and talked through things with Ronan, who did all the work, and she came right and the rest is history.” Also a vet, Chitty was on Saturday at a Massey University reunion and proved to be a popular figure after Francee’s victory. “A few of the boys lined their pockets late in the day, so it was great,” he said. “There were 25 of us and it was good fun, the stars aligned, and we might have consumed one or two more than we should have.” View the full article
  16. Firenze Flavor emerged victorious in the three-way photo finish as only a pair of noses separated the top three finishers in a thrilling edition of the Honeymoon Stakes at Santa Anita Park. View the full article
  17. The Amazing Mizzen (Mizzen Mast) has earned 'retirement for life' at Old Friends via her victory in Race 2, the Old Friends Purse, at Pimlico Saturday, May 18, the organization announced via press release Sunday afternoon. Claiming victory as a 44-1 longshot, the grey will have an automatic entry at Old Friends upon her retirement or pensioning, should she require it. The Old Friends Purse benefits Old Friends and its 'Old Friends for Life' retirement program. If The Amazing Mizzen joins the farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, she will be accompanying three other 'Old Friends for Life' retirees–Next Shares, Kalamos, and Get Western. Two other winners of the Old Friends Purse, MGSP Desvio (Yoshida {Jpn}) and SW Be Better (Uncle Mo), are still racing. “Today has been a special day for Old Friends in Maryland on Preakness Day,” said John Nicholson, president and CEO of Old Friends, who handed out the winner's trophy Saturday. “We are so grateful to Pimlico for making the Old Friends Purse possible and for giving Thoroughbred Aftercare such a large platform.” “[Saturday's] race was very exciting! We congratulate the connections of The Amazing Mizzen on her impressive upset victory. A place awaits her at Old Friends when the time comes.” The post The Amazing Mizzen Earns ‘Retirement for Life’ at Old Friends via Old Friends Purse at Pimlico appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  18. In what came down to a blanket finish in the GIII Honeymoon Stakes at Santa Anita, Firenze Flavor (Liam's Map–Summer Escape, by Giant's Causeway) won the bob and got to the winner's circle on Sunday. As a 7-1 choice here, Firenze Flavor watched as favorite Jungle Peace (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) set the pace from the bell through the top of the lane. The leader began to tire in the final jumps and that allowed both Firenze Flavor and Miso Phansy (Karakontie {Jpn}) to get into the game. A blanket finish and ensuing photo showed the Paddy Gallagher trainee scored her first graded victory of her career. Miso Phansy was the runner-up and Jungle Peace finished third. The final running time was 1:49.91. Lifetime Record: 5-3-0-0. O/B-Oda Racing and U.S. Equine (KY); T-Paddy Gallagher. Three horses were practically inseparable at the wire in the $100k Honeymoon Stakes (G3) at @SantaAnitaPark, but the photo showed FIRENZE FLAVOR ($17.40) on top! This is the first graded win for the 3YO filly by @LanesEndFarms' Liam's Map. Patrick Gallagher trains, @DraydenV up. pic.twitter.com/E6ScOU1myB — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 18, 2025 The post Honeymoon Stakes Thriller As Firenze Flavor Wins Photo At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  19. Leading the charge were last-out topflight winners Raging Sea and Spirit of St Louis, who posted their first works since their respective wins on Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs. View the full article
  20. Highlighted by runner-up finishes in both the Preakness Stakes and Black-Eyed Susan, Brendan Walsh earned the top prize of $50,000 in 1/ST Racing's $100,000 trainer bonus program.View the full article
  21. Brendan Walsh earned the top prize of $50,000 in 1/ST Racing's $100,000 trainer bonus offered to horsemen for their participation in stakes races over Preakness weekend at Pimlico, the group announced via press release Sunday afternoon. Highlighted by runner-up efforts in the GI Preakness Stakes with GSW Gosger (Nyquist) and in the GII George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes with Paris Lily (City of Light), his charge Austere (Mendelssohn) came short of catching Charlene's Dream (Qurbaan) on the lead in the GIII Gallorette on the Preakness undercard. He started the May 16 card in the Listed Hilltop Stakes where he ran first and fourth respectively with Play With Fire (Oscar Performance) and Sign No More (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). GSP San Siro (Classic Empire) would contribute to the tally when running fourth in the GIII Pimlico Special Stakes. Walsh finished with a total of 37 points–six more than runner-up and four-time top prize winner Steve Asmussen. To be eligible for the bonus, trainers had to run a minimum of five horses in the 15 Thoroughbred stakes–seven graded–worth $4.35-million during Preakness weekend. Points were accumulated for finishing first (10), second (seven), third (five), fourth (three) and fifth through last (one). The trainer with the most points earned $50,000, followed by $25,000 for second, $12,000 for third, $7,000 for fourth, $4,000 for fifth, and $2,000 for sixth. This was the ninth year that the trainer bonus program was offered. Asmussen earned the top prize in 2017, '18, '21, and '22. Brad Cox broke the streak in 2019, Make Maker in 2020, and Graham Motion in 2023. Last year's winner was Cherie DeVaux. The 2025 results, from first to last were: Brendan Walsh, Steve Asmussen, Brad Cox, Saffie Joseph Jr., Graham Motion, and Brittany Russell. A total of $50,000 in bonus money was also offered for trainers having the most points in non-stakes races during the weekend. Points accumulated in a similar fashion with $25,000 going to the leader, $10,000 to second, $7,500 to third, $4,000 to fourth, $2,500 to fifth, and $1,000 to sixth. Trainers needed a minimum of three starts to qualify. The four who did and earned bonus money were Mike Trombetta (24 points), Russell (21), Jose Magana (nine) and Jane Cibelli (five). Money for the remaining places reverted back to 1/ST. The post Brendan Walsh Earns Preakness Weekend Trainer Bonus, Beats Steve Asmussen for Top Prize appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  22. TIMONIUM, MD – After a two-day break, the under-tack preview of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale resumed under sunny skies Sunday morning in Timonium in what was billed as a 'gallop only' session with no officially timed breezes. Originally scheduled for three days, the under-tack preview was delayed a day by weather before beginning with a first session last Wednesday. It was suspended about halfway through Thursday's second session when a fatal breakdown on the track was followed by an intense rain storm. With some 240 horses galloping through nine sets Sunday, the marathon session began at 8 a.m. and concluded at 4:30 p.m. “I think they made the right decision,” bloodstock agent John Dowd said of foregoing timed workouts when the preview resumed Sunday. “As buyers, we buy yearlings on the end of the shank. We get to look at 2-year-olds that are trainining and see them move, they are already broke. They are further down the road than if we had bought them as yearlings, and invested the time and training.” Dowd who was in attendance during all three days of the preview said the change did not interrupt his process for evaluating horses on the track. “My process is more to see the way horses move and the way they gallop out, not totally because of how fast they go, but mechanically how they move. And we still get that opportunity today,” he said. When the last horse in the last of nine sets walked off the track Sunday afternoon, buyers and agents faced the prospect of comparing horses who worked over the sloppy going last week and those that galloped Sunday. “That's going to be difficult,” admitted bloodstock agent Alistair Roden. “It was hard to handicap in the first place because it was a sloppy track. So it was hard to get a handle on it, and then you go from a sloppy track to a fast track where they are galloping.” Watching horses who have been readied for a breeze, but instead gallop down the lane presented its own challenges, according to Roden. “You are looking for the stride, the movement and some of these horses get choked up and you don't get to see them move because they are trained to go to the pole and break off,” he said. “So if [galloping previews] is something to do in the future, it's something that consignors will probably have to have a different approach. Some of these horses have come from other sales and they get to the pole, they know what they are doing, they are breaking off and going fast.” While there were no official times listed, stopwatches could be heard throughout the grandstand and, despite the advertised 'gallop only' session, many horses were breezing. “A lot of these horses are breezing,” confirmed bloodstock agent Pete Bradley. “There are a lot of :10 2/5s and :10 3/5s. What I think is interesting is that a lot of them are going quick without the whipping and driving that we see on a regular day. And in some ways, I can see the horse's movement better because they are not scrambling down the lane.” A gallop-only preview will force buyers to recalibrate their expectations, Bradley said. “We are all one-trick ponies in a way, we get used to a certain system,” he said. “So now we have to step back and say, when we watch horses work at the racetrack and they go in :12, :24, :36, we say that was a good work. Here my brain isn't functioning right to get around that. Maybe by the time I watch the videos and I take in the whole day and who the consignors are and where they starting, I will make some changes in how I look at it. But it's still going to have a different feel then those who go in the standard style we do at 2-year-old sales.” Bradley concluded, “Bad moving horses are easy to pick out. Is it going to be tough to differentiate the very good and the good ones? Yeah. I think it's going to make my job tougher. But I think it is an interesting exercise today and I might even learn something from it.” Suzanne Smallwood of Equix still needed to provide her clients with the company's ProStride stride-length data even without official breeze times. “There is still a lot to gain from watching them go today,” Smallwood said. “Because we do the stride-length calculations and we sell that, we still have to get a final time, a breeze time. I am having to clock them so we can put in the stride length calculations. So it's a little more work because usually Fasig-Tipton is clocking. It's an extra step.” ProStride ranks each horse using its average stride length and breeze time. Smallwood said the calculations from Sunday's session would be adjusted based on what the horse was doing on the track. “The data will be different because at a gallop the timing is different then it is in a breeze,” she explained. “But as long as you have your notes and you know the horse really did a slow gallop, or this consignor elected go more of an open gallop, and then a couple are doing a little bit more than that, then you know how to interpret everything. There is not anything easy. Everybody still has to do their homework. And that's the bottom line. Everybody out here is still doing their homework and still needs information to help them sort through the horses to decide what they want to go look at in the barns.” Ocala horseman Jimmy Gladwell, along with his wife Martha, watched the action from high up in the grandstand throughout the preview. “I think [Fasig-Tipton president] Boyd [Browning] has made the right decision to go with the gallop out with no timed workouts,” Gladwell said. “I think it's going to make it a little more difficult to sort through them. But at the end of the day, I think it's the best thing for the horses and the riders and the sale at this time.” Gladwell is a patriarch of a family of pinhookers and said he still thought timed breezes were an important part of the 2-year-old sales process. “When you take these horses to the next level, it is a race and the faster horses win the races,” Gladwell said. “We have seen Mucho Gusto work a bullet here and go on to be a graded stakes winner, we've seen Gamine work a bullet here and go on and be a Grade I winner. So it's nice to see them separate themselves. We've been doing it a long time, everybody wants to throw up, 'Well the horse went in :11 flat and was a stakes horse,' but that's the unusual situation. The faster horses and the better horses usually separate themselves on the racetrack. Which makes it easier for the buyers. But that's not going to happen here, so the buyers are going to have to be a little sharper.” Of the additional homework buyers will have to put in ahead of the Midlantic May sale Tuesday, Gladwell said, “It turns into a conformation situation. If you go to the Saturday afternoon races, there are bad movers who win graded stakes. There are good movers who are slow. So it's going to turn more and more into conformation, more like a yearling sale. I think you've got a lot of great buyers and agents out here, so I think they will sort through them all and make the right decisions, but it will be a little tougher job.” Gladwell has been pinhooking 2-year-olds for four decades. Of the evolution of the auctions and the increased safety measures, he said, “When we started out 40 years ago at Hialeah, the horses were breezing and there were maybe a mixture of them that were galloping. They were breezing in sets. So that really hasn't changed. There has been one speed at the 2-year-old sale and that's wide open, as fast as they can go. In the past five years, they have eliminated spurs, they've eliminated hitting horses behind the shoulder after they break off, no hitting them when they gallop out, much less medication than ever before. So everything is evolving in the right direction. We've always got more to do, just like at the racetrack. As HISA has come in, it's made a big different on the breakdowns, and I feel like these changes that we've made are going to be very positive in the long run. And we've still got work ahead of us.” Asked if HISA should be policing the 2-year-old sales, Gladwell said, “I think if we can do a little better job self-governing, I think everybody is under the microscope right now, the industry leaders that I've spoken to, everyone is looking for more ideas and opportunities for making it safer for the horses and better for the riders. I think we can do a good job ourselves, without HISA's involvement.” The Midlantic May sale will be held over one session to be held Tuesday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. Bidding is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. The post Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Under-Tack Preview Concludes with a Day of Gallops appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  23. GISW Scottish Lassie (McKinzie) continued her preparations for the GI DK Horse Acorn Stakes over the Oklahoma training track while 'TDN Rising Star' Shred the Gnar (Into Mischief) joined the discussion by officially being pointed for the contest set for June 6 during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga. The former, trained by Jorge Abreu, breezed five panels alone Sunday morning in 1:04 flat shortly after the 8:15 a.m. renovation break. She was the only work at the distance on the day. “It was good, and more than enough,” Abreu said. “She came out of her race with good attitude and is doing everything good, like her old self.” The day prior, trainer Brian Lynch watched his 3-year-old charge Shred the Gnar breeze a half-mile in :47.60 (12/71) at Churchill Downs and liked what he saw as they inch closer to testing the waters at the elite level. “She is pointing to the Acorn,” said Lynch. “I just got a maintenance half-mile into her as she is pointed towards the Acorn. She worked by herself. Her last effort was pretty self-explanatory. Everything seems to be going great with her.” Lynch Provides Updates on Highway Robber, Owen Almighty GSW & GISP Highway Robber (Hard Spun), a length back in third to MGISW Spirit of St Louis (Medaglia d'Oro) in the GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes May 3, is in consideration for the GI Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes June 7 at Saratoga in what could become a rematch with that familiar face. The gelding breezed a half-mile in :50.80 (67/71) Saturday. “He's tentatively schedule to go into the Manhattan,” said Lynch. “He's an honest horse. It was just a maintenance work, first work back since his last race, letting him stretch his legs.” Regarding GSW Owen Almighty (Speightstown), who finished fifth in the GI Kentucky Derby, Lynch has no immediate plans in mind for him beyond knowing that he will likely pass on any Belmont Stakes Racing Festival targets. “He's not slated to do anything up there,” said Lynch, adding that the colt is doing well. “We are just giving him a little more time. No plans for him at the moment, just going to let him do his thing.” The post ‘Rising Star’ Shred the Gnar Joins the Hopefuls as Acorn Preparations Continue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  24. Five of Chad Brown's Grade I-winning brigade hit the work tab at Saratoga over the weekend, led by MGISW Raging Sea (Curlin) and MGISW Spirit of St Louis (Medaglia d'Oro). Heading out Friday in her first work since pulling the upset in the GI La Troienne on Kentucky Derby weekend, Raging Sea was clocked doing four furlongs over the Oklahoma training track in :49.25 (8/32) while in company with GSW & MGISP Occult (Into Mischief). She is being pointed to the GI Ogden Phipps June 6 during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival while plans for Occult are still in the works. “Raging Sea is doing fine, and she's on target for the Ogden Phipps,” Brown said. “She came out of the race well and settled in here fine. She's had a good history here. For her to win a Grade I off the layoff, I was pretty impressed. She's had a great career so far. Hopefully she continues it.” Also working that morning was Brown's Klaravich Stables-owned pair of GISW Ways and Means (Practical Joke) and MGISW Randomized (Nyquist). Both worked solo half-miles, the former clocked in :50.23 (8/24) and the latter in :51 flat (20/24), and showed Brown what he wanted to see from them. Randomized is on target for the Ogden Phipps as Ways and Means is pointed to the GII Bed O' Roses on the same day. “Randomized might have needed her run, and in the past, she's done better with a race under her belt,” said Brown. “Ways and Means is doing fine.” Spirit of St Louis led the procession Saturday morning, covering a half-mile alone in :49.25 (8/32) as he continued his preparations for an intended tilt in the GI Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes June 7. “He did fine [in the work] and came out of his big win [in the GI Old Forester Turf Classic, May 3] in good shape, so he's headed to the Manhattan,” Brown said. “He's certainly over-achieved, he's a very solid horse and I respect him a lot. He's developed into one of the top turf horses in the country, which would have been hard to believe a couple of years ago. He's doing good.” Rounding out the five was 'TDN Rising Star' MGISW Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie) Sunday morning, who had his second work since going briefly to the sidelines after a dull effort in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland in early April. He also worked a half-mile alone in :51.50. Brown said there were no immediate plans for him, and that they were also in the process of figuring out a path for 'TDN Rising Star' MGISW Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), who is also reportedly doing well. With five of his seven Grade I winners currently stabled at Saratoga having gone out this past weekend, Brown is still eyeing a start in the GIII Pennine Ridge Stakes June 7 for Zulu Kingdom (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) despite the ridgling's absence from the work tab since his win May 3 in the GI American Turf Stakes. “He missed a little bit of time with a foot issue, but I think we have it resolved,” Brown said. “He's back on the track now, so we'll see if we can still make the Pennine Ridge.” The post Chad Brown’s Grade I Brigade Works at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  25. While no immediate plans for the GI Belmont Stakes have been made for Saturday's sensational Preakness 150 hero Journalism (Curlin), connections report that when their colt leaves the Pimlico grounds in a couple days, he will either go directly to Saratoga or to Michael McCarthy's Kentucky base at Churchill Downs. With the son of Curlin under consideration for the GI Belmont Stakes June 7 at Saratoga, McCarthy and Eclipse Thoroughbreds' Aron Wellman spoke to the press Sunday morning and said the decision will be made in the next day or two, though the former made a straight ship to New York sound more likely. “[Shipping to Saratoga] puts him in a position to run,” McCarthy said. “He could go back to Churchill Downs and hang out for a week or two, and then make his way to Saratoga. But it seems a little counterproductive to go 12 hours by van back to Kentucky to head back to New York, whether it be by plane or by van.” Wellman reiterated that Journalism would ultimately decide their course of action regarding a start in the final jewel of the Triple Crown. “We'll go through the same analysis as we went through between the Derby and the Preakness,” Wellman said. “That horse in Stall 33 will tell us whether he's ready to go back in three weeks.” “It's something we'd like to do. It's something that we're going to prepare for logistically in the event he does give us the green light. But whereas from the Derby to the Preakness, we really had a week to make that decision, we'll have two-plus weeks to assess him.” Regarding a potential rematch with GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), McCarthy admits it's a tempting prospect, but has said the intention was to proceed 'very carefully' when making their decision. “I think I'd like to see what he's kind of telling us,” McCarthy said. “Now it's two races in two weeks. Ate up last night. Seems like he's pleased with himself. We'll weigh the pros and cons.” “I said to Aron last night as we were walking down the stairs, 'Part of me, feels like we could have been here two-for-two.' But winning any of these three races is quite an accomplishment, so just happy to grab one of them. He's acting like he's wanting some more here. By going to New York, at least, it puts us in a position.” An examination Saturday night and again Sunday morning showed the Preakness winner was no worse for wear after the well-documented incident at the top of the stretch. The Journalism team said they celebrated the 'impossible' comeback until the wee hours of Sunday morning. “It really defied logic,” Wellman said. “I think anybody that's watched any number of races and has any appreciation for what these magnificent animals can do, what he did there as a matter of guts and courage and bravery to begin with. Then to have the physical ability to accelerate again and mow a good horse down like Gosger, you just don't see it happen.” The list of potentials for the GI Belmont Stakes is a heady list with the likes of Sovereignty; Journalism; Gosger; 'TDN Rising Star' Baeza (McKinzie); 'TDN Rising Star' Hill Road (Quality Road); Preakness-fifth Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P.); and 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic) currently in the discussion. Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr.'s GIII Peter Pan runner-up McAfee (Cloud Computing)–the race won by Hill Road–is not Triple Crown nominated and would have to be supplemented for a $50,000 fee should his connections opt to nominate the half-brother to Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna). Nominations for the other Belmont Stakes Racing Festival stakes races close on May 24. No Plans for Gosger, Ships to Kentucky Sunday Trainer Brendan Walsh reports his Preakness runner-up Gosger (Nyquist) is already on a return trip to Churchill Downs. Walsh said he was proud of the effort, but added that Belmont Stakes plans remained undecided for the grey. “We were obviously disappointed to not win, getting so close, but not disappointed in the horse,” Walsh said. “He ran a very good race.” “I think he is still improving. I don't know about the Belmont yet. I'm going to give it a few days and talk to the owners to try to come to a decision pretty soon. I'm not sure which way we are going right now. He seems fine. We just shipped him back to Louisville today. We'll see how it all goes and come to a decision within the next few days.” Sandman's Lack of Focus Bites Again, Blinkers Likely in His Future Hall of Famer Mark Casse had a bittersweet moment after he watched Sandman (Tapit) run a gutsy third in the Preakness. While he was proud of the effort, there was an element of frustration after speaking with his rider, Hall of Famer John Velazquez, at the conclusion of the race. “Johnny [who was riding the grey for the first time] said that at the three-eighths pole, he thought he was going to win,” Casse remarked. “But then [Sandman] lost focus.” With 10 starts in his career and five this season, Casse says a start in the GI Belmont Stakes is unlikely for Sandman, even as the horse ships to Belmont Park Sunday to prepare for his summer at Saratoga. The current target is reportedly the GII Jim Dandy Stakes July 26. While he's not thrilled with the prospect, Casse also mentioned that an equipment change might be in order for the son of Tapit. “I don't like doing it, but we may put blinkers on,” Casse said. “I have given him plenty of time to grow up. [Velazquez] said all the way down the lane, he wasn't focused.” But before any future plans are made, Team Sandman intends to give their charge a little time to catch his breath. “We want to give him a little break.” Goal Oriented Heads Home to California as Rodriguez Takes Aim at Belmont 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time), part of the dramatic bumping at the head of the stretch Saturday, will head back to trainer Bob Baffert's Southern California home base at Santa Anita, and will not be making a start in the Belmont Stakes. “I know he is a good horse,” Baffert said. “[Journalism] was the best horse. He showed it.” “The way he is made, he reminds me of [2014 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner] California Chrome a little bit. He is nimble, light athletic and he moves that way in the morning when I watch him train. He just finds a way to get there.” Baffert says he will be patient deciding what's next for Goal Oriented as the Preakness was only his third lifetime start. While this 'Rising Star' won't be heading to New York, 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez will be carrying the banner for the connections instead after missing the first two legs of the Triple Crown with a lingering foot bruise. The GII Wood Memorial winner will be pointed to the June 7 marquee in place of his stablemate. The post Journalism’s Belmont Status TBD, Final Jewel Starts Taking Shape as Some Bow Out for New Targets appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
×
×
  • Create New...