Wandering Eyes

Australian jockey aims to continue top form with a solid book of six rides at the city circuitView the full article

A lack of entries has caused Golden Gate Fields to cancel racing for the second time in three weeksView the full article

Manny Franco earned a repeat of the riding title at the Aqueduct Racetrack spring meet and his third overall title at the meet. View the full article

Like most things, horse racing often becomes someone's passion after being introduced to it by a parent. That is no different for Lance Gasaway, co-owner and co-breeder of Mystik Dan, who is set to run in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. View the full article

9th-Santa Anita, $57,000, Msw, 4-28, 3, 4,/5yo, f/m, 6fT, 1:09.01, fm, 3/4 length. CHARM YOUR WORLD (f, 3, Candy Ride {Arg}–Charm the Maker {MSW & MGISP, $340,290}, by Empire Maker) debuted with Lasix as a 27-1 longshot here. From the bell, the 3-year-old settled mid-pack as Heart of the Night (City of Light) tried to steal the race up the backstretch. As the pacesetter began to run out of gas around the far turn, it was 3-2 favorite Not A Sinner (GB) (Land Force {Ire}) who took over. Seemingly in control down the lane, the new leader strode confidently towards the wire with less than half a furlong left. However, the homebred had not thrown in the towel and began to weave through traffic. With a dive to the rail, the filly motored right on past her rival to seal the deal and swipe the money. Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally and his wife Deborah bred and raced Charm Your World's dam, as well as second dam Charm the Giant (Ire) (Giant's Causeway) and third dam Olympic Charmer (Olympio). Charm the Maker produced full-brother to the winner GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby hero Rock Your World, and another full-sibling in GSP She's Our Charm, who the McAnallys purchased for $600,000 at the 2017 Keeneland September Sale. More recently, their mare is responsible for a yearling filly by Curlin. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $32,400. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Deborah McAnally Trust; B-Ron McAnally & Deborah McAnally (KY); T-Ronald L. McAnally. #10 CHARM YOUR WORLD ($56.60) puts a spell on her competitors to upset R9 at Santa Anita Park. The three-year-old filly by @LanesEndFarms' Candy Ride breaks her maiden for trainer Ronald McAnally with @JoseValdiviaJr aboard. pic.twitter.com/v1fM6SrF0k — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) April 29, 2024 The post Full-Sister To Rock Your World Takes The Santa Anita Finale For McAnallys appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Warrnambool May Racing Carnival Day 1 Where Warrnambool Racing Club – 2-64 Grafton Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280 When Tuesday, April 30, 2024 First Race 11:20am AEST Visit Dabble The Warrnambool May Racing Carnival is set to commence on Tuesday, with a stacked 10-race meeting headlined by the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) under handicap conditions. Big fields are the theme of the day, and despite the track being rated a Heavy 8 at the time of acceptances, a clear forecast suggests we should be racing on an improving track throughout the three-day carnival. The rail sticks in its true position, with the action commencing at 11:20am AEST. Brierly Steeplechase Tip: Britannicus Having claimed this race 12 months ago, the Symon Wilde-trained Britannicus returns second-up from 10 months off the racing scene. The nine-year-old gelding desperately needs an improving track, which he should get, and with a 4.5kg weight advantage on odds-on favourite Stern Idol, the defending champ offers great value with the top betting apps. He will be spotting Stern Idol a start, but Britannicus will take a power of beating in the Brierly. Brierly Steeplechase Race 6 – #2 Britannicus (7) 9yo Gelding | T: Symon Wilde | J: Aaron Kuru (68.5kg) +800 with Picklebet Best Bet at Warrnambool: Divus Romulus Despite getting too far back to get the job done as favourite at Bendigo on April 13, Divus Romulus was enormous in defeat to Samuel Langhorne — a subsequent Flemington winner. With a genuinely run 2350m event expected, the race looks perfectly set up for this four-year-old gelding. Jumping from barrier eight under John Allen, Divus Romulus can absorb the pressure from the rear of the field before thundering down the heart of the track late to salute in the quaddie opener. Best Bet Race 7 – #9 Divus Romulus (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Nick Ryan | J: John Allen (59kg) +180 with Picklebet Next Best at Warrnambool: Irish Butterfly Irish Butterfly was rolled as an odds-on favourite at Pakenham on March 25, but the son of O’reilly put 12 lengths on the third-placed horse. The eight-year-old gelding followed up that effort with a strong trial at this track on April 19. Will McCarthy should have him close to the speed throughout, and with a repeat of what he dished up at Pakenham, Irish Butterfly should reign supreme. Next Best Race 3 – #5 Irish Butterfly (8) 8yo Gelding | T: Henry Dwyer | J: Will McCarthy (69.5kg) +100 with Dabble Best Value at Warrnambool: Wichitall Wichitall rarely runs a poor race, and at a big price with online bookmakers, the Symon Wilde-trained gelding can finally break maiden ranks at start six. He ran on strongly first-up at Terang when defeated 2.8 lengths by the handy Sea Mist, while he already has a runner-up performance to his name when second-up. Jordan Childs will have the son of All To Hard settled in the second half of the field, but with a swift turn of foot, Wichitall can win it all. Best Value Race 4 – #2 Wichitall (15) 4yo Gelding | T: Symon Wilde | J: Jordan Childs (59.5kg) +2200 with Neds Tuesday quaddie tips for Warrnambool races Warrnambool quadrella selections Tuesday, April 30, 2024 7-9 1-4-5-7-11-12 3-5-11-14-17 4-7-9-12-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

The least surprising news surrounding the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) is that Mike Repole has contrarian thoughts about the conventional wisdom in horse racing.View the full article

In his first victory at the highest level, T O Royal (Jpn) (Leontes {Jpn}) swept to the lead and never looked back, leaving the race for second in the G1 Tenno Sho Spring in Kyoto on Sunday. Coming into the contest with two Group victories from as many jumps in 2024, by name the G3 Diamond S. Feb. 17 and G2 Hanshin Daishoten S. Mar. 17, T O Royal had redemption to claim, having finished third in the 2022 edition of the G1 Tenno Sho Spring S. held at Hanshin. Jumping well, the field watched as Matenro Leo (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) hustled to the front to lead the marathon turf contest. T O Royal took up position sharing fourth with Savona (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) to that one's outside and found himself wide around the initial bend going by the grandstand for the first time. As they settled in for the trip, Matenro Leo had opened up a several length lead on the field heading into the second turn, and the runners largely kept position save for 198-1 longshot Hapi (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), who was pulled up out of the race on that bend. With 1100 metres left to run, Matenro Leo's advantage was shortening and Deep Bond (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) briefly took over by the time they swung into the homestretch as the longtime leader threw out the white flag. It was about then that T O Royal, too, launched his bid, and the eventual winner inhaled his rivals from three off the fence, his margin expanding as they passed the 200 metre mark. Deep Bond tried to break his three-year runner-up record in the contest, but could not catch the winner, and was eventually overtaken for second by Blow The Horn (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), who marked the fastest last three furlongs in the process. With the two-length triumph here, T O Royal has now won three Group races in succession. “[T O Royal] raced in good rhythm and responded well going downhill after the third corner. So, we were able to turn the last corner comfortably, and slip out of the pack with ease,” commented Yuji Hishida, who claimed his first Group 1 victory as well. “I'm really happy to have won this race because I decided to become a jockey when I saw this race 20 years ago.” G1 3200m Tenno Sho Won by 6h 14. T O ROYAL (Leontes x Meisho Ohi (Manhattan Cafe)) x a brilliant Yuji Hishida ride 3.14.2 for 3200m Won 8 from 18, past 3 in a row. They finally have him right! Charging 2nd was 5h 5. BLOW THE HORN (Epiphaneia)#JRA pic.twitter.com/czbX592qtf — Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) April 28, 2024 Pedigree Notes: Kicking off what could be a memorable week for owner Tomoya Ozasa, who will be represented by Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier T O Password (Jpn) (Copano Rickey {Jpn}) in the GI Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4, T O Royal is his dam's second multiple Group-winning offspring behind Meisho Hario (Jpn) (Pyro), who also tallied placings in the G1 February S. and G1 Tokyo Daishoten to his credit. That pair also claims a winning eldest sibling. The last registered runner for dam Meisho Ohi (Jpn) (Manhattan Cafe {Jpn}) is the placed 3-year-old Meisho Sota (Jpn) (Drefong). The female family is notably busy through the second dam, with 12 winners in the first two generations including MGSP-Jpn Meisho Kadomatsu (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}). This is the dam line of Broodmare of the Year Courtly Dee, who most notably produced champion juvenile filly Althea–winner of the GI Arkansas Derby in a track record-equaling performance–and who herself would go on to produce Japanese champion juvenile filly Yamanin Paradise. Saturday, Kyoto, Japan TENNO SHO SPRING-G1, ¥423,400,000, Kyoto, 4-28, 4yo/up, 3200mT, 3:14.20, fm. 1–T O ROYAL (JPN), 128, h, 6, by Leontes (Jpn) 1st Dam: Meisho Ohi (Jpn), by Manhattan Cafe (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Alpine Rose, by Kris S. 3rd Dam: Amizette, by Forty Niner 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Tomoya Ozasa; B-Mishima Bokujo; T-Inao Okada; J-Yuji Hishida; ¥223,780,000. Lifetime Record: 18-8-1-2, ¥518,266,000. *Half to Meisho Hario (Jpn) (Pyro), MGSW & MG1SP-Jpn, ¥473,305,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Blow the Horn (Jpn), 128, h, 5, Epiphaneia (Jpn)–Halteclere (Jpn), by Durandal (Jpn). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. O-Makio Okada; B-Okada Stud; ¥89,080,000. 3–Deep Bond (Jpn), 128, h, 7, Kizuna (Jpn)–Zephyranthes (Jpn), by King Halo (Jpn). (¥17,820,000 Ylg '18 JBBJUL). O-Shinji Maeda; B-Murata Farm; ¥55,540,000. Margins: 2, HF, HF; Odds: 1.80, 7.80, 26.50. Also ran: Smart Phantom (Jpn), Warp Speed (Jpn), Savona (Jpn), Tastiera (Jpn), Meisho Breguet (Jpn), Gold Princess (Jpn), Plume d'Or (Jpn), Scar Face (Jpn), Saliera (Jpn), Matenro Leo (Jpn), Chuck Nate (Jpn), Durezza (Jpn), Silver Sonic (Jpn). DNF: Hapi (Jpn). Scratched: Hindu Times (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post T O Royal Shows Them His Heels In the Tenno Sho Spring appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Romantic Warrior is a two-time Hong Kong Cup winner. Prize money for three of Hong Kong’s premier Group 1 races – the Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m), Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) and Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) – will be increased for the 2024/25 racing season by a total of HK$10 million next season. The 2025 FWD Champions Mile will rise from HK$22 million to HK$24 million, up 9.1%, while the Hong Kong Cup remains Hong Kong’s most lucrative race with record prize money of HK$40 million – an 11.1% increase of HK$4 million. The Hong Kong Mile has been boosted by HK$4 million to HK$36 million, a rise of 12.5%. The increases add HK$8 million to 2024 Hong Kong International Races for a total Group 1 prize money purse of HK$126 million, while the three Group 1 races at 2025 FWD Champions Day will offer HK$74 million. The growth in prize money means Hong Kong’s 12 Group 1 races – all of which featured in the 2023 World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races – will offer a record HK$265 million for the 2024/25 racing season. The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Executive Director, Racing, Mr Andrew Harding, said: “Hong Kong’s two international race days – the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races and FWD Champions Day – are among the elite meetings on the global stage. “As such, The Club believes it is appropriate to provide strategic and targeted prize money increases to flagship races at our international race days. “The FWD Champions Mile, LONGINES Hong Kong Mile and LONGINES Hong Kong Cup were all ranked in the top 20 of the LONGINES World’s Top 100 Group 1 Races last year, providing incredible competition and entertainment with the victories of Golden Sixty and Romantic Warrior against world-class opposition. “The prize money increases demonstrate the Club’s commitment to adequately rewarding both the Hong Kong and international owners vying for success in three of our top races.” Horse racing news View the full article

Horse racing on Monday, April 29, will feature four meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Goulburn. Monday Racing Tips – April 29, 2024 Goulburn Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on April 29, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Monday, April 22. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these complimentary promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximize your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for April 29, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Place A 4 Leg Multi, If One Leg Fails, Bonus Back Up To $50 Applies to your first eligible 4+ leg multi each day. Paid in bonus cash. Must use available balance. T&C’s apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for April 29, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Haya Zark (FR) struck a blow for his unheralded connections April 28 and boosted his profile as much more than a mudlover by landing a Prix Ganay (G1) in which the first five home were covered by just three-quarters of a length.View the full article

Horse racing, like most things, becomes someone's passion after being introduced to it by a parent. That is no different for Lance Gasaway, co-owner and co-breeder of Mystik Dan, who is set to run in the Kentucky Derby May 4 at Churchill Downs. View the full article

Manny Franco rode the winners of 28 races to claim the leading jockey title during the 16-day spring meet at Aqueduct which concluded Sunday. The 29-year-old native of Carolina, Puerto Rico earned a repeat win and his third overall title at the meet after capturing last year's Big A spring title with 37 wins and the 2019 title with 18 wins. “It feels great to be back on top,” said Franco, who is represented by agent John Panagot. “I'm just grateful and happy to be in this position. I want to say thanks to all the trainers and owners and all the people who make this possible.” Linda Rice saddled the winners of 18 races to notch her 15th training title at a NYRA meeting and her seventh at the circuit's last eight meets. It was her fifth Big A spring meet title, adding to wins in 2011-12, 2017 and 2023. Seth Klarman's Klaravich Stables claimed its 26th owners' title at a NYRA meeting and fifth Big A spring title, posting a record of 18-7-5-1 and $480,960 in earnings to be the leading Big A spring owner for the third consecutive year. The post Franco, Rice Lead Aqueduct Standings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breeders' Cup winners White Abarrio and Nobals record recent workouts toward starts in June or later in the year.View the full article

Trainer Nicky Henderson took to social media late Sunday night to announce the passing of stable star Shishkin (Ire) (Sholokhov {Ire}) after getting cast in his stable and fracturing a hind leg. The multiple Grade 1-winner had been scheduled to leave for Punchestown Monday morning for a tilt at the G1 Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup. Shishkin had launched his 2024 season victoriously with a trip to the winner's enclosure Feb. 10 in the G2Betfair Denman Chase and had last been seen running fourth Apr. 11 in the G1 William Hill Bowl Chase. “Tragically, we have lost Shishkin this evening after he got cast in his stable and fractured his hind leg,” the statement on X from Henderson began. “Everyone involved with Seven Barrows, particularly his owners, Joe and Marie Donnelly, Jaydon, Nico and George are obviously devastated that such a great horse, friend, and warrior is gone.” “He was due to leave for Punchestown tomorrow morning, but sadly this now not to be. He was an absolute superstar and his CV is testament to that–except the King George is not in it even though we believe it should have been…” Henderson ended with, “This is a very sad night. He was our star, and we will never forget him. Thank you, Shishkin, for the wonderful memories.” The post Shishkin Euthanised After Stable Accident appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Romantic Warrior reigns supreme in Hong Kong as the only winner among three local superstars on Champions Day April 28 at Sha Tin Racecourse.View the full article

T O Royal swept to victory in the two-mile Tenno Sho (Spring) April 28 at Kyoto Racecourse, taking his first Grade 1 win in his third try at the top level.View the full article

With the assignment of GI Kentucky Derby post positions over the weekend, speculation takes a (slight) shift toward logical assessment. Here are some random takeaways on, well, randomness now that fate has left its gentle impression on the field… Dornoch getting buried in post one didn't exactly help the chances of two full-brothers winning the Derby in back-to-back years. This son of Good Magic will have a tough enough task getting out ahead of the field from the rail–which has an 8.5% Derby win rate since the use of a starting gate began in 1930–without being additionally saddled by trying to live up to the family legacy of big brother Mage's 15-1 upset in 2023. The last Derby winner to break from post one was Ferdinand in 1986. You have to go all the way back to Chateaugay in 1963 to find the previous Derby winner to start from the fence. The coincidence of two full-brothers making it into the Derby in consecutive seasons isn't the only bloodstock oddity in this year's starting gate: The dams of the undefeated Japan-bred contender Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) are half-sisters. Both broodmares were bred by Debby Oxley, out of the Oxley-campaigned Darling My Darling. Forever Young's dam, the 2013 foal Forever Darling (Congrats), sold for just $8,000 as a Keeneland yearling. Yet she ended up winning the GII Santa Ynez S. at age three. Sierra Leone's dam, the 2015 foal Heavenly Love (Malibu Moon), was not offered at auction and raced for Oxley. She won the GI Alcibiades S. in 2017. After dropping their own foals on opposite sides of the globe in 2021, the two colts out of those two sisters are now pegged as the second and fourth choices on the Derby morning line, drawn nine gates apart from one another. That's a longshot accomplishment in and of itself, regardless of where Forever Young and Sierra Leone end up finishing. Another odd historical quirk is that when Darling My Darling broke her maiden at first asking at Saratoga in 1999, the filly who ran third behind her was named Endlessly (End Sweep). Now it's 25 years later, and Darling My Darling's two grandsons are running in the Derby against a colt who is also named Endlessly (Oscar Performance). The longest active drought for any single Derby post position is gate 14, which has not yielded a winner since Carry Back in 1961 and is 2-for-67 overall. Endlessly has that assignment in 2024. Among posts one through 20, the only gate assignment never to have produced a Derby winner is post 17, which has been assigned to 'TDN Rising Star' and 2-year-old champ Fierceness (City of Light). Post 17 is 0-for-44 in the Derby since the advent of the gate. The last in-the-money finish from that draw was in 1988, when Forty Niner ran second. Can you guess which Derby post (again just from the starting-gate era onward) actually has the highest win percentage? The answer is extremely unintuitive: Surprisingly, post 20 has produced an 11.1% strike rate. The sample size is small, however, with just 18 starters yielding two winners. The price on this year's outermost-drawn Society Man (Good Magic) is likely to be closer to that of the 80-1 Rich Strike, who won from post 20 in 2022, than it will be to the favored mutuel of Big Brown, who was the 2.4-1 choice when he won from way out wide in 2008. The only other Derby posts to have a win percentage in double-digits are posts five (10-for-94 = 10.6%) and 10 (9-for-87 = 10.3%). The year 2020, when the pandemic necessitated that the Derby be run in September, was the last time that the number of starters in the Derby dipped to 15. Prior to that, the Derby field size hadn't been that low since 1998 and 1997, when 15 and 13 horses, respectively, started. There were 13 starters in 1985 and 1980, but the Derby hasn't edged below that number since 1979, when only 10 started. In general, the Derby's larger fields during the 21st Century have yielded favorable results for higher-drawn horses. Since 2000, there have been 10 winners from post 15 outward (counting horses awarded wins via disqualification in 2019 and 2021). During that same time frame, there have been no winners from the first three inside posts, and only one winner from post four (Super Saver in 2010). Trainer Bill Mott might not have had the above-referenced stats handy when Resilience (Into Mischief) landed in post 19, but the Hall-of-Fame trainer's post-draw comment essentially backed up those numbers. “I'm fine with it. For me, I would have preferred to be in the outside half than the inside half,” Mott said. “We have a certain amount of speed, but not the speed that you would need to get away from the one hole or even the two hole. So you know, I think I'm happy enough being out there. Part of it is the trip and you have a chance from there to have a clean trip at least through the stretch. And hopefully, by the time you get to the turn, something works out in your favor, and you can track in a little bit.” Trainer Brad Cox had no complaints after his trio of colts drew these Derby assignments: Catching Freedom (Constitution) post four; Just a Touch (Justify) post eight; Encino (Nyquist) post nine. “Post positions are pretty overrated in my opinion,” Cox said. “They all drew fine. If you're a good enough horse, you can overcome any post position. We can't control posts, so I like to keep things in perspective of what I can control, which is their training.” The post The Week in Review: Random Thoughts on Fate’s Gentle Nudge at the Derby Post Draw appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sweet Rebecca, dubbed a 'TDN Rising Star' off her Gulfstream debut March 10, made her first start for John Stewart's Resolute Racing Sunday in the Memories of Silver S. at Aqueduct. Moved from Brendan Walsh to Chad Brown following her private sale, the full-sister to Sweet Melania stepped into stakes company and was well-backed, jumping at odds of 1-2 with Tyler Gaffalione in the saddle as he was on her debut. Kept in mid-pack fourth while clearly eager to be closer to the front, Sweet Rebecca stayed covered up behind horses into the far turn, tipped out for a run past the quarter pole and easily darted past pacesetter Faith Understood to win going away. Dam Sweet N Discreet, a $1.6m FTKNOV broodmare purchase by Mt. Brilliant Farm (who owned and raced Sweet Rebecca in partnership for her debut), is herself a full-sister to GSW/GISP Discreet Dancer and a half to GSW Travelin Man (Trippi). Her 2-year-old Tapit colt failed to meet his reserve on a final bid of $435,000 at OBS April earlier this month and she reported a Constitution filly last year but was barren to Flightline for 2024. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. MEMORIES OF SILVER S., $150,000, Aqueduct, 4-28, 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:35.79, fm. 1–SWEET REBECCA, 118, f, 3, by American Pharoah 1st Dam: Sweet N Discreet (SW & GSP, $366,447), by Discreet Cat 2nd Dam: West Side Dancer, by Gone West 3rd Dam: Bering Cruise, by Danzig 'TDN Rising Star' ($250,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Resolute Racing; B-Mt. Brilliant Farm & Ranch, LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $82,500. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $124,500. *Full to Sweet Melania, MGSW & GISP, $576,210. 2–Faith Understood, 118, f, 3, Catholic Boy–Zia, by Munnings. 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Robert V. LaPenta; B-Whitehorse Stable (KY); T-Jonathan Thomas. $30,000. 3–Curlin's Girl, 118, f, 3, Curlin–Quality Rocks, by Rock Hard Ten. ($360,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Team Spoor; B-Blue Heaven Farm (KY); T-Anthony W. Dutrow. $18,000. Margins: 1HF, 1 1/4, NO. Odds: 0.50, 18.30, 9.10. Also Ran: Living Magic, Munny Grab, Youknownothing, Miss Mottley. Scratched: Camera, Most of All, Thirteen Red Flags. SWEET REBECCA ($3.00) looked much the best under @Tyler_Gaff in the $150,000 Memories Of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct. Chad Brown trained the undefeated 3-year-old daughter of @CoolmoreAmerica's American Pharoah for owner @rresoluteracing. Late Pick 3 now: https://t.co/M85Kx40soc pic.twitter.com/jeGmJuK2ac — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) April 28, 2024 The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Sweet Rebecca Ultra Smooth In Memories of Silver At Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Monday's Observations feature the first foal out of G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest heroine Polydream as well as the debuting daughter of Fiesolana and a half-sister to G1 Irish Derby runner-up Piz Badile. 15.40 Chantilly, Debutantes, €27,000, 3yo, c/g, 10 1/2fT POLYSPEED (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) is a significant runner for the Wertheimers, being the first foal out of their G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest heroine Polydream (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}). In the hands of Christophe Ferland, he faces a notable Juddmonte purchase in Pergamon (Fr) (Frankel {GB}), an Andre Fabre-trained son of the G2 Rockfel S. winner Spain Burg (Fr) (Sageburg {Ire}) who cost €450,000 at the Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale. 16.50 Chantilly, Debutantes, €27,000, 3yo, f, 10 1/2fT EARENDEL (IRE) (Galileo {Ire}) is another Andre Fabre newcomer with serious upside, being a daughter of the Niarchos Family's G1 Matron S. heroine Fiesolana (Ire) (Aussie Rules). Responsible for Galileo's multiple group-placed Up Helly Aa (Ire), her latest progeny faces 12 peers tackling the Prix de Diane course and distance. 18.50 Naas, Mdn, €12,500, 3yo, f, 10f 84yT TRANQUILLITATIS (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is another Niarchos blueblood to make her first start on the day, being a half-sister to the G3 Ballysax S. winner and G1 Irish Derby runner-up Piz Badile (Ire) (Ulysses {Ire}). Also trained by Donnacha O'Brien, the granddaughter of Shiva (Jpn) (Hector Protector) encounters Frank and Luke Barry's Realt Na Ri (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), a Jessica Harrington-trained half-sister to the G1 Phoenix S. and G1 Matron S. heroine La Collina (Ire) (Strategic Prince {GB}) whose 3-year-old colt Sardinian Warrior (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) was a winner on Sunday. The post Frankel Son of Polydream Debuts at Chantilly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Antonio Fresu watched the 2023 GI Kentucky Derby on television. Though from Italy, he understood the importance of the race and knew that everybody, be it a jockey, trainer, owner, aspires to win it. But he had no reason to believe that he'd ever win the Derby, let alone ride in it. In late April of last year, just eight days before the Derby, he had started riding in the U.S. at Santa Anita. He was unknown and unproven to the trainers in the U.S. “I came here to find out if I would like it,” the 32-year-old rider said. He won a race at Santa Anita on Derby Day, guiding Baladi (Pioneerof the Nile) to a win. The victory came in a modest starter/optional claimer, but it was a good sign. He rode five horses on the day and had already caught the attention of top trainers like Chief Stipe O'Neill and Phil D'Amato. One year later, Fresu is not only still here, but he has wildly exceeded his expectations. Established as one of the top riders on the Southern California circuit, he will ride GI Santa Anita Derby winner Stronghold (Ghostzapper) in Saturday's Derby for D'Amato. “I'm over the moon,” he said. “I know how prestigious the Santa Anita Derby is and that it gets you to the Kentucky Derby. Winning the Santa Anita Derby was an amazing achievement. I was more than happy. He proved that he belonged in the Kentucky Derby and to ride in that race is a dream come true. Everybody wants to be in the Derby.” Fresu had been splitting his time between riding in Italy and in Dubai, where he won the 2021 GI Golden Shaheen aboard Zenden (Fed Biz) for U.S.-based trainer Carlos David. He was doing well in Dubai, but was looking for new challenges because racing was on decline in Italy. But going to America didn't seem practical. He didn't know anyone there, nobody knew him, and he didn't have an agent. That all changed when he met O'Neill, who, in 2022, sent a string to Dubai. “I got to meet Chief Stipe O'Neill through my agent, Michael Adolphson, who is an American who was working in Dubai,” Fresu said. “He was pushing me hard to go to America. He always said that I would do great over here. He put me in touch with Chief Stipe O'Neill. I knew I could ride some for Chief Stipe and he lined me up with my new agent, Tom Knust, who has been doing a fabulous job. I figured it was time to take a chance.” “I'm so impressed with Antonio on how good he is at getting horses in good positions, and always seeming to have run for the stretch,” O'Neill said. “He's a real smart rider who can really help a trainer make tweaks to help bring the best out of each horse. He's a great addition to American racing. At Del Mar, Fresu's career took off. At the 2023 summer meet, he rode 31 winners, second best behind Southern California kingpin Juan Hernandez. “Coming into Del Mar, I still wasn't sure if I would stay or not,” he said. “My wife Veronika [who is an assistant trainer in Dubai] still isn't here with me. I had to take a lot of things into consideration. In the beginning, I didn't know what I was going to do. But after the meet I had at Del Mar, it would have been stupid not to stay. I wasn't expecting that things would go so well and would go so well so quickly.” Fresu also finished second in the standings behind Hernandez in the recently concluded winter meet at Santa Anita, and much of his success had to do with his association with D'Amato. He's had nine wins this year for the trainer, including four stakes victories, two of them coming with Stronghold. Joe Talamo rode the colt in his first two starts before Fresu took over in the GIII Bob Hope S. at Del Mar, where he finished second behind the talented colt Nysos (Nyquist). “Phil always thought he was a very good horse,” Fresu said. “I started breezing him back at Del Mar. We ran him against Nysos at Del Mar and he did well, finishing second. But he was still immature. After that, Phil brought him to Los Alamitos for the Futurity in December and the horse showed a lot of improvement even though he was second again. Since that race we were thinking we may have a Derby horse.” Next up, Stronghold won the GIII Sunland Derby and then the Santa Anita Derby, overcoming trouble to beat the Bob Baffert-trained Imagination (Into Mischief). “Phil sent him to Sunland and he won the Sunland Derby, which gave him more confidence,” Fresu said. “After the Sunland Derby and before the Santa Anita Derby, I breezed him a couple of times and he was working super. He was showing that he was more mature and more grown up. He was showing a lot of talent. When we went into the Santa Anita Derby, I was pretty confident. He fought pretty hard to win that race.” Fresu will be one of two Italian-born riders to have mounts in this year's Derby. Frankie Dettori will be aboard longshot Society Man (Good Magic). “Frankie has always been my idol,” Fresu said. “Ever since I was a kid, he was the jockey that I looked up to. Now that I get to ride with him in California, it's like a dream that came true. First of all, he's an amazing person. To me, he is the best jockey in the world, and he is still my idol.” For Fresu and Stronghold, winning the Derby will not be easy. The Santa Anita Derby was not a particularly tough race and, on the Beyer figures, Stronghold isn't fast enough to beat horses like Fierceness (City of Light) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). He is 20-1 on the morning line. “Before this year, I have only watched the Derby on television and I never expected to be there,” Fresu said. “It is the most prestigious race in the country. I don't know how it's going to end up, but getting there is really important for everyone who is involved with this horse. It is a very tough race. You need to have a good trip because there are so many runners. But the horse is doing great and is in good shape. We'll take our chances. I am really honored to have this opportunity.” The post With a Derby Mount, Fresu’s Star Continues to Rise appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Five contenders took advantage of a mild, dry Sunday morning in Louisville to put in final works at Churchill Downs ahead of next weekend's GI Kentucky Derby. First of the group to work was BC Stable's Just Steel (Justify), who went out just as the track opened at 5:15 a.m. Sunday. The bay colt worked four furlongs in :50.40 (52/60), registering splits of :13.40 and :25.20 before being eased up on the gallop out. “Just a slow maintenance work. We're close to the race, we didn't want to do much,” trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who watched the work from his pony, said. “We pretty much did what we thought. I didn't want him to gallop out much because I didn't want to do too much this close. He probably could have done more, but that's what it was.” Runner-up in the GI Arkansas Derby, Just Steel won the Ed Brown S. over the Churchill strip last November. He worked one mile in 1:40.00 in Louisville Apr. 20. Lukas said the colt should have no problem with the Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance. “I think he has a pedigree to do this, very much so,” Lukas said. “And his running style probably complements it too. If he's good enough, he'll show up. But we've got something to work with with his pedigree.” L and N Racing, Clark Brewster, Jerry Caroom and Breeze Easy's Track Phantom (Quality Road) was next of the Derby contenders to work, hitting the track before 6 a.m. Sunday. The GIII Lecomte S. winner and GII Risen Star S. runner-up worked five furlongs in company in 1:00.00 (5/16). He began his move through a solid opening quarter-mile of :24.20 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60, according to Churchill Downs Clocker John Nichols. “I think Track Phantom has a beautiful rhythm to him with a nice, beautiful stride,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “I don't think he's a horse that has to be on the lead. In his last two starts there were very tepid paces. I think for him to be wrangled back in either of those two races wouldn't have been to his style. I obviously expect there to be more pace in the Derby, everybody does with the quarter-mile run into the first turn. I think in a full field, I still want him to jump away from there well, but I'd be very surprised to see him on the lead in this year's Derby.” Track Phantom was most recently fourth in the GII Louisiana Derby Mar. 23. During the 7:30-7:45 a.m. training window for Derby and Oaks horses, Eric and Sharon Waller's Stronghold (Ghostzapper) worked five furlongs in company in :59.80 (3/16). Joe Talamo was aboard for the work, which was done in company with GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint contender Motorious (GB) (Muhaarar). “He felt real good,” Talamo said of the GI Santa Anita Derby winner. “I've worked this horse before and today he showed me another gear. He's a different horse now; he did this easy.” Trainer Phil D'Amato, who watched the work from the frontside grandstand, said he was pleased with the drill. “I told them I just wanted a maintenance work today; nothing too serious,” D'Amato said. “And in the end, it was an ideal drill. I said maybe go in 1:01 or so, but the way the track is playing right now their times were plenty good. This horse has raced six times at six different racetracks and he knows what he's doing out there now. We've checked all the boxes and I'm very happy with where we stand coming up to the Derby.” Stronghold | Renee Torbit/Coady Media Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman's Resilience (Into Mischief) put in his third work in 10 days when going four furlongs in :49.20 (37/60) Sunday morning. The GII Wood Memorial winner worked just after stablemate Just F Y I (Justify) worked four furlongs in :49.40 (38/60) in anticipation of Friday's GI Kentucky Oaks. “I would say I was hoping to see exactly what we got,” trainer Bill Mott said. “I was hoping for a :49 work. We put a really good work into both horses six days ago, so we just wanted our final work to be nice and smooth and cross our fingers and hope they come back good. It looked like they both breezed well, finished up well and came back nicely. Neither one of them was being pushed.” Mott said that, rather than a walk day, he may send Resilience back to the track on Monday for an easy jog. Tami Bobo, Julie Davies and George Isaacs' Catalytic (Catalina Cruiser) worked four furlongs in :47.80 (13/60) in company with Jose Ortiz aboard Sunday. “It was a good time, a good work,” said trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., who added he was pleased with the colt's post five. “I thought it went as good as we could have asked, and Jose is happy with him. Hopefully we have a good week, and go on from here.” Ortiz gave a thumbs-up to the work. “He looked great, felt great,” Ortiz said. “It was just a maintenance work, and exactly what we were looking for. The horse is happy. Keeping him happy is all we have to do until Saturday.” Catalytic will be making just his fourth lifetime start Saturday. He captured his debut at Gulfstream last October and was second in a six-furlong optional claimer at Tampa Bay in March before earning his spot in the Derby with a runner-up finish in the GI Curlin Florida Derby. “He's showing a lot more energy here than he does at Gulfstream,” Joseph said. “And there, he doesn't seem to pay attention. Here he seems very focused.” Courtlandt Farms' Our Pretty Woman (Medaglia d'Oro), listed as the first also-eligible for the Oaks worked a half-mile in :50.60 (53/60). Also working for the Oaks, Foster Family Racing, William Wargel, R.K. Eckrich Racing and Maxis Stable's Everland (Arrogate) went four furlongs in :51.60 (60/60). While the official Kentucky Derby draw was held Saturday, Churchill Downs will host an aftercare post-position draw at 10:30 a.m. Monday, pairing each Derby runner with an aftercare organization. Each organization is guaranteed at least a $5,000 donation from the Churchill Downs Foundation with the organization paired with the winner of the Kentucky Derby receiving a $25,000 donation. The runner-up will be awarded $20,000, the third-place finisher will receive $15,000 and fourth place will garner $10,000. The organizations chosen this year are: After the Races, Friends of Ferdinand, Galloping Out, Horse and Hound Rescue, James River Horse Foundation, Kentucky Equine Adoption Center, MidAtlantic Horse Rescue, New Vocations, Old Friends, Racing For Home, Remember Me Rescue, ReRun, Inc., Second Stride, Secretariat Center, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Thoroughbred Retirement Network of Louisiana, TRRAC, United Pegasus Foundation, Virginia Thoroughbred Project and Win Place Home. Fans can place a donation in the name of their favorite Derby contenders online at www.kentuckyderby.com/derbygives. The post Five Derby Hopefuls Tune Up Sunday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Including appearances from a pair by Bill Mott trainees, Resilience and Just F Y I, eight horses pointed to either the May 3 Kentucky Oaks (G1) or May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1) turned in workouts April 28 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

by Alexa Crament Alexa Crament is a Junior at the University of Kentucky majoring in Equine Science and Management. She recently completed an internship with the TDN's social media and video department where, among many other projects, she took lead on a TDNtv video series highlighting Visit Horse Country. Alexa is also a regular tour guide at Godolphin's Jonabell Farm. Seven years ago, I was planning my first trip to Lexington, Kentucky during my spring break week. I fell in love with the racing industry after Nyquist's Kentucky Derby win back in 2016 and I planned this trip to get to visit some of racing's biggest champions at Thoroughbred farms in the area. As I was doing research on how I would be able to book these tours, I stumbled upon Visit Horse Country and purchased tickets to go to Jonabell Farm, home of the Darley stallions of Godolphin. If you had told me back then that I would end up working for Godolphin as a tour guide one day, I wouldn't have believed you. Visit Horse Country is a not-for-profit organization with the goal of developing fans by connecting guests to the horses, land and people of Kentucky's equine industry through immersive experiences at member locations such as farms, vet clinics, racetracks and feed mills. Hallie Hardy, the Executive Director of Visit Horse Country, has seen the organization flourish in recent years. “We started with tours in 2015 when the Breeders' Cup was first here at Keeneland in Lexington and those were unique experiences,” said Hardy. “Since then, we've shown growth in terms of how many people we've welcomed through Horse Country members' gates. Even since COVID we have just absolutely blossomed. We've had about a 40% increase in guest numbers from 2022 to 2023.” That growth has created an impact here in the Lexington area. One thing that I have noticed throughout my own tours at Jonabell Farm as well as attending tours at other farms is the abundance of people. Whether they are fans or visitors just passing by, they start to develop a better understanding of and an appreciation for the industry throughout the experiences. I've had countless times where visitors would come up to me after the tour concluded and express their gratitude for how much they had seen and learned throughout their visit. Many people who purchase tickets and take time out of their day to go on a tour generally have no previous knowledge of horses, let alone the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. As a tour guide, we have the responsibility to provide accurate and informative knowledge of the farms and other organizations we represent while also creating a welcoming atmosphere during our tours. It has been a privilege for me to be that source for people wanting to learn more about the industry. In our TDNtv series partnering with Visit Horse Country, we shine a light on the importance of equine tourism ahead of this year's 150th running of the GI Kentucky Derby on May 4. I had the fortunate opportunity to tag along on some public tours and an additional exclusive experience that included a special meet-and-greet with Zenyatta for her twentieth birthday. While speaking to several guests on these tours, I noticed that many had developed a newfound appreciation for the sport after learning so much about the industry during their visit. “It's just more work than I thought, taking care of [the horses] every single day,” said Felix Martignetti, a visitor from Boston who went on a tour at Taylor Made Farm. “I'm talking to these guys that just seem like they love their job so much that it is easier. It's easier to work when you love your job.” During Zenyatta's meet-and-greet at Lane's End Farm, it was safe to say every person who was lucky enough to purchase a ticket was honored to be there in her presence during the visit. Most of them took a trip down memory lane after watching her career on the racetrack. “I went and saw both times she was in the Breeders' Cup Classic,” said Lori Vanover, a visitor who came all the way from Milwaukee to see the champion mare. “But I always wanted to have an opportunity to see her up close in an opportunity like this. I can't believe I actually got the chance to come and it was everything I was hoping it would be.” “We have such an incredible asset here with the horses, which many people don't have the opportunity to connect with,” Hardy said about the significance of providing these experiences to the public. “You add in our beautiful land here which provides a platform for raising great racehorses, and then lastly, the people who are here that are passionate about what they do. I think it's important for us to be doing that at any point in time, but especially in April and October, and most importantly on that first Saturday in May. [That's when] all eyes are on us, our industry and on Central Kentucky.” Kentucky Derby week is here and now more than ever, this is a crucial time for the Thoroughbred industry to open its doors and allow the general public to go behind the scenes. It gives people the chance to experience and become more educated about different operations and their commitment to these magnificent animals. Allowing access and being transparent is even more paramount now due to the magnifying glass placed on the industry. There will always be more ways we can improve, but there is one main critical component to its longevity and that remains the general public's perception of the horse and the Thoroughbred industry. Visit Horse Country currently provides a gateway into the Thoroughbred industry for the general public to go on unique and immersive experiences, plus opportunities that showcase our passion, so why not use that to our advantage as we prepare for the biggest day of the year in Kentucky? Approximately 150,000 people come from all over the world to experience the best two minutes in sports, and it is during this time that we have the biggest chance to create a long-lasting impact on these visitors. My own passion for the racing industry led me on different tours throughout the years and it eventually became a catalyst in my career path. While being a full-time college student at the University of Kentucky and majoring in Equine Science and Management, I am in my current position with Godolphin as a tour guide intern, a social media intern for TDN as well as taking part in the Collegiate Opportunities Program at Keeneland as an Ambassador. The center point of it all for me was the opportunity to visit these racehorses that I had fallen in love with after spending so much time keeping up with their careers on the track on my own TV screen. Going on my first tour at Jonabell Farm all those years ago felt like heaven and seeing stallions such as Nyquist, Frosted and Bernardini honestly took my breath away. It felt so surreal to see them, and now having the ability to share those moments with other visitors as a tour guide feels even more special. These tours opened up doors for me that I had not known existed previously and for that I will be forever grateful. The impressions left on visitors after these experiences can have a significant impact, which can only be beneficial for the sport in the long run. The post The Impact of Visit Horse Country Tours appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article