Wandering Eyes

Classy sprinter Wewillrock (NZ) (El Roca) was a winner and black-type placegetter in Sydney last winter, and a return to Australia is looming large on his horizon after an easy win in Saturday’s Carpet Maintenance & Cleaning (1200m) at Wanganui. The well-performed El Roca gelding was sent out as a $2.60 favourite for the sprint feature and lived right up to those high expectations, leading all the way and kicking away from his outclassed opponents down the straight to win by three lengths. “That puts a bit of pressure on now,” said Leah Zydenbos, who trains in partnership with Guy Lowry. “We love supporting New Zealand racing and so do the owners, but there’s some good money available in Australia coming up, so we’ve got some thinking to do. There are a few suitable races coming up in Sydney in about three or four weeks’ time.” Wewillrock was a multiple stakes placegetter as a three-year-old in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), then headed to Australia around this time last year and recorded a second at Rosehill, third in the Listed June Stakes (1100m) at Randwick and a win in a Benchmark 88 handicap at Randwick in July. Unplaced in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) and Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m) in the first two appearances of his five-year-old season, he showed more promising signs with a second in the Listed City of Napier Sprint (1200m) at Otaki on April 13. At Wanganui two weeks later, he was right back on the top of his game. “It’s just great to see a good horse like him back to his best,” Zydenbos said. “He can sometimes take a while to get fit, but when he’s on his game, he’s really on.” Wewillrock carried 60kg on Saturday and was ridden by Jonathan Riddell, who has now guided him to three wins and three placings from eight rides. “He’s a fair animal and one of my favourites,” Riddell said. “He’s a better horse than what he was racing against today, so it was good to get the result. “I think Guy might have liked me to take a sit today, but he’s a pretty competitive horse and I would have had to hold him back to do that. I also might have ended up stuck behind another horse coming back in my face. “He was travelling well all the way, and I was just hoping staying inside was the right move. He kicked strongly.” View the full article

Two weeks after finishing second to Sumi (NZ) (Atlante) at the previous Te Rapa meeting, Freeze Frame (NZ) (Vadamos) reversed that result in Saturday’s rematch with the talented Taranaki raider. The Hutton Contracting (1400m) was the second clash this month for the pair, who had finished first and second over the same course and distance on April 14. Sumi beat Freeze Frame by half a length that day, with the remainder of the field another four lengths away. Sumi’s weight increased from 54.5kg to 56kg for Saturday’s rematch, with Freeze Frame rising only slightly from 54kg to 54.5kg. That swing in the weights, combined with a well-timed ride from Warren Kennedy and a potent finishing burst down the Te Rapa straight, propelled Freeze Frame to an emphatic win. Sumi took up a handy position in third through the early stages of the $40,000 race, keeping a close watch on the front-running Fonteyn. Freeze Frame settled much further back in eighth, more than half a dozen lengths behind the leader. Freeze Frame was badly blocked behind a wall of horses early in the home straight, but Kennedy eventually spotted an opening and launched his run. Freeze Frame charged home with a push-button sprint, joining Karman Line and Sumi in the final 50m and catching them right on the finish line. He beat Karman Line by a head, with Sumi another nose away in third. “That swing in the weights made a difference today,” Te Akau Racing’s racing manager Reece Trumper said. “It was a good ride by Warren. He’s a horse that you can’t bustle early – he needs time to get into his rhythm and get breathing. Fortunately he got the gap at the right time today and was good enough to get through it.” Freeze Frame was bought for $80,000 by David Ellis from the yearling draft of Rich Hill Stud at Karaka in 2021. The Vadamos gelding has now had 18 starts for five wins, nine placings and $145,910 in stakes. The four-year-old has a particular affinity for 1400m, where his nine starts have produced two wins and six placings, while his seven appearances at Te Rapa have yielded two wins and three placings. “He might not be ideally suited to open handicaps just yet, but the way he’s placed at the weights in Rating 75 company meant we had to run him in this open race today,” Trumper said. “He’s certainly going to continue to get better with time, and I think he’ll get up over more ground too.” View the full article

Lammas, who was purchased in England at age 5, was already a nice import for owners Ron Charles and Samuel Gordon. The now 7-year-old gelding delivered his biggest payoff by winning the $175,000 San Francisco Mile Stakes (G3T) at Golden Gate Fields.View the full article

Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) winner Tarifa is the 7-2 morning-line favorite for the May 3 Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs. Leslie's Rose, Just F Y I, Thorpedo Anna, and Ways and Means are other headliners.View the full article

In her first start for trainer Phil D'Amato, Australian-bred Uncorked captures the Royal Heroine Stakes at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Featuring $200-million worth of improvements in its new paddock area, Churchill Downs hosted the draw ceremony for next weekend's GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks during its opening night card Saturday. As usual, the proceedings drew some cheers, and jeers, from the crowd. Possibly numbered among the latter, the connections of the 5-2 morning line favorite Fierceness (City of Light) couldn't have been overly thrilled with drawing post 17 for Saturday's Run for the Roses. Campaigned by his breeder Mike Repole, the reigning juvenile champ comes into the race off a scintillating victory in last month's GI Curlin Florida Derby. Already developing a bit of a reputation for his propensity for being a one on, one off type of character, the colt's trainer was pragmatic about the post position moments after the draw. “We just need to break cleanly like he did in the Florida Derby, and I think he has enough talent to put himself in the right spot,” Todd Pletcher said. The colt will be accompanied by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, who was also aboard for the colt's latest three victories, including last fall's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita. His antipodal counterpart in the gate, Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith's Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) drew post 2, and was installed the 3-1 second choice on the morning line. Trained by Chad Brown, who is looking for his first Derby win, the $2.3 million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate is undefeated this season, having won the GII Risen Star S. and GI Toyota Blue Grass S. Perfect under Tyler Gaffalione, the 11-time leading rider at Churchill Downs has the mount. Brown also saddles Klaravich Stables' Domestic Product (Practical Joke), who will exit post 15. Installed a 30-1 chance on the morning line, the GIII Tampa Derby winner will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. “Not that bad,” said Brown when asked how he thought his horses drew. “Sierra Leone, he's in just a touch farther in than I wanted but he didn't get the 1 hole, so I'm OK with that. With this particular horse, what I didn't want was the 19 or 20. In fact, it would have been hard for him to drop over without losing ground, significant ground around the first turn.” He continued, “With Domestic Product, I thought it was a very good draw for him. He has a lot of natural speed, he should be in the second flight, and I think that Irad [Ortiz Jr.] will have plenty of options from the 15 for that long run down the stretch the first time to sort of position himself hopefully, behind the half dozen speed horses.” The only other horse under 10-1 on the morning line is GII Louisiana Derby scorer Catching Freedom (Constitution), who was penciled in at 8-1 while exiting post 4. Carrying the flag for Albaugh Family Stables, the Brad Cox trainee is reunited with Flavien Prat, who was also aboard for his latest victory. A pair of sophomores were given 10-1 chance-Qatar Racing, Resolute Racing and Marc Detampel's Just a Touch (Justify), runner up in the Blue Grass and Japanese invader Forever Young (Jpn) (Reel Steel {Jpn}). The former, who breaks from post 8, will be accompanied by Florent Geroux, while the latter, who won both the G3 Saudi Derby and G2 UAE Derby, will get the services of Ryusei Sakai and will exit the 11 hole. The trainer with the most prior Derby wins with four, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, saddles B C Stables' Just Steel (Justify), who drew favorably in post 6. The colt will be ridden by Keith Asmussen, who will be competing in his first Kentucky Derby Saturday. A $500,000 Keeneland September purchase by Lukas, the colt was given a 20-1 chance on the morning line. “It's fine,” said Lukas. “I just didn't want inside. I don't care for the inside, but anything from probably the 5 out is comfortable.” The remaining Derby horses are listed as follows: 1) Dornoch (Luis Saez, 20-1); 3) Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez, 20-1); 5) Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, 30-1); 7) Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, 20-1); 9) Encino (Axel Conception, 20-1); 10) T O Password (Jpn) (Kazuski Kimura, 30-1); 12) Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, 20-1); 13) West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, 50-1); 14) Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, 30-1); 16) Grand Mo The First (Emisael Jaramillio, 50-1); 18) Stronghold (Antonion Fresu, 20-1); 19) Resilience (Junior Alvarado, 20-1); 20) Society Man (Frankie Dettori, 50-1). AE 21) Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, 50-1); 22) Mugatu (Joe Talamo, 50-1). Tarifa Set as Oaks ML Favorite Highlighting a 14-horse Oaks field, Godolphin's Tarifa (Bernardini) drew post 8 and was established the 7-2 morningline favorite for Friday's Classic for the fillies. Flavien Prat has the mount on the the GII Rachel Alexandra S. and GII Fair Grounds Oaks winner. The homebred filly is trained by Brad Cox. “I think post positions are a little overrated,” said Cox. “If you have the right horse, you can really win from anywhere. I think both horses [Tarifa and stablemate Gin Gin breaking from post 2] had a solid work the other morning so that's most important at this stage to me.” Coady Media The second choice on the morning line at 4-1, Whisper Hill Farm's Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief), drew on the far outside in post 14 for trainer Todd Pletcher. A $1.15 million Keeneland September purchase, the winner of the GI Ashland S. will be reunited with Irad Ortiz Jr., who has been aboard all four of her lifetime starts. Last season's juvenile champion filly Just F Y I (Justify) draws lucky number 13 in the Oaks gate for George Krikorian and trainer Bill Mott. Victorious in last season's GI Frizette S. and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, the homebred will be ridden by her regular partner, Junior Alvarado. She was installed the 9-2 third choice on the morning line. “She won the Breeders' Cup from the 12,” said Mott. “Hopefully, she'll have a good clean trip and have a chance to get over. If she's on her game, she'll break pretty good and hope it works out as well as it did in the Breeders' Cup.” A pair of fillies were weighted at 5-1 on the morning line-GII Fantasy S. scorer Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), who drew post 5 and Ways and Means (Practical Joke), who will exit post 11. The former is campaigned by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing and trained by Ken McPeek. The latter, a Grade I placed filly conditioned by Chad Brown, is a homebred for Klaravich Stables. Thorpedo Anna will be ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr. while the latter will be accompanied by Tyler Gaffalione. The remaining horses in the field are: Tap Jenalie (Manny Esquivel, 30-1); Where's the Ring (Jose Lezcano, 15-1); Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, 20-1); Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, 30-1); Fiona's Magic (Luis Saez, 30-1); Everland (Abel Cedillo, 30-1); Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, 30-1); Power Squeeze (Daniel Centano, 12-1). AE 15) Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, 15-1); 16) Candied (Luis Saez, 20-1) The post Derby Favorite Fierceness Draws in 17, Sierra Leone Gets Post 2 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) winner Tarifa is the 7-2 morning-line favorite in the Kentucky Oaks (G1). The field, post positions, and morning-line odds for the Kentucky Oaks (G1).View the full article

Fierceness, 2023 champion 2-year-old male and winner of the Florida Derby (G1), is the 5-2 morning-line favorite and will break from post 17 in the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

What Goulburn Races Where Goulburn Race Club – Racecourse Dr, Goulburn NSW 2580 When Monday, March 29, 2024 First Race 1:05pm AEST Visit Dabble The new week of racing is set to get underway at Goulburn on Monday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-race program lined up for punters. The rail is in the true position throughout the entire circuit, and with the rainfall predicted to hit the course proper after the last, participants should be racing on a genuine Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled for 1:05pm local time. Best Bet at Goulburn: Aunty Ginny Aunty Ginny toyed with her rivals on debut at Canberra on December 1 and has since been put away by the Scott Collings barn. She sat outside the leader on that occasion before letting down with a scintillating turn-of-foot to clear out by 2.8 lengths. She seems to have plenty of untapped ability, and with a soft run in transit from stall four, Aunt Ginny gets an excellent opportunity to remain undefeated. Best Bet Race 7 – #3 Aunty Ginny (4) 3yo Filly | T: Scott Collings | J: Matthew Cahill (56.5kg) -166.67 with PlayUp Next Best at Goulburn: Skit ‘N’ Skat Skit ‘N’ Skat returns after almost a year off the scene and appears primed for a first-up assault. The son of Xtravagant was too bad to be true before being tipped out for spell, eased down in the concluding stages. His barrier trials since have caught the eye, with the four-year-old cruising through the wire in his most recent piece of work at Hawkesbury on April 16. Alysha Collett gets the nod on resumption and provided Skit ‘N’ Skat can shift his trial form to race-day, he must be considered the one to beat. Next Best Race 3 – #1 Skit ‘N’ Skat (7) 4yo Gelding | T: John O’Shea | J: Alysha Collett (60.5kg) +190 with Neds Next Best Again at Goulburn: Chaotic Beauty Chaotic Beauty was given very little chance of success last start at Wagga on April 21, ridden stone cold turning for home. The mare by Kiss And Make Up was doing her best work late, however, showing a sharp sprint to finish within two lengths of Capital Express. Coriah Keatings will likely have no choice but to drag back from barrier seven, but if she can be a bit more positive and slot in for cover, Chaotic Beauty should be figuring in the finish. Next Best Again Race 2 – #2 Chaotic Beauty (7) 5yo Mare | T: Danielle Seib | J: Coriah keatings (a2) (59.5kg) +400 with Bet365 Goulburn Monday quaddie tips – April 29, 2024 Goulburn quadrella selections Monday, April 29, 2024 1 1-4-6 3-4-5-6 3 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Snazzytavi dominates a competitive line-up to win the time-honoured Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m) on Saturday at Te Rapa. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Two years after taking out the Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m) with Carolina Reaper, Matamata trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall have repeated and surpassed that result with a one-three finish headed by the rising star Snazzytavi. The time-honoured autumn showpiece was run for the 150th time on Saturday, a week later than expected and at a new home of Te Rapa due to the abandonment of the Ellerslie meeting last weekend. But despite the unusual circumstances, Snazzytavi produced a performance that will take a special place in the Easter Handicap’s recent history. The four-year-old daughter of Tavistock was having only the 10th start of her career, and she settled near the back of a strung-out field for jockey Warren Kennedy. Coming up to the home turn, she had only three horses behind her and was close to 10 lengths from the lead. But then Kennedy brought Snazzytavi to the outside and let her rip down the Te Rapa straight. She charged past nine rivals within the space of a few powerful strides, taking command at the 150m mark and opening up a winning margin of three and three-quarter lengths. Making the result even sweeter for Richardson and Norvall, the winner’s stablemate Channel Surfer also produced an eye-catching finish into third. 2024 Group 3 Easter Handicap Replay – Snazzytavi “That was enormous, and what a great run from the third horse too,” Richardson said. “I can’t wait until next year with Snazzytavi. I think she’ll get up over more ground in time as well – she just needs to learn a little bit more about being a racehorse. Races like the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Group 1, 2000m) and Zabeel Classic (Group 1, 2000m) are great targets that we can try to work towards. “Channel Surfer will be even better next year too. He’s just a little bit funny in the head, but he’s a very cool horse and has much more in front of him.” Snazzytavi capped a four-win day for Kennedy, who had previously scored aboard Tomodachi, Thooza and Freeze Frame. “I think the step back down to the mile today suited her – she’ll get up over further in time, but at the moment she’s just not quite doing everything right over those longer distances,” the premiership-leading jockey said. “But she can really turn it on. They went at a good clip out in front, and then she made up five or six lengths in the space of about 100m in the straight. It was really quick, really sharp, and she sustained it to the line. I think they’ll have a lot of fun with her next season, and I think she can definitely be up to that Group One sort of level in time.” Horse racing news View the full article

Tomodachi powers away to score at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Progressive filly Tomodachi provided a fitting result in the opening event at Te Rapa on Saturday, a day where one of the greats of the New Zealand training ranks was remembered after the passing of Dave “DJ” O’Sullivan twenty-four hours earlier. The Sir Peter Vela-bred and owned daughter of Tarzino is trained by O’Sullivan’s legendary jockey and now trainer son Lance, in partnership with Andrew Scott and as she hit the line in front there were many dabbing away tears at the result. Guided to perfection by National Jockeys’ premiership leader Warren Kennedy, Tomodachi came with an irresistible finish to score comfortably from Taranaki visitor Bridal Train and Solidify in the three-year-old 1600m contest. Scott was quick to thank racing fans for their kind wishes to the O’Sullivan family and Wexford Stable staff after the race. “It was great for all the team at home and on behalf of team Wexford we’d like to thank everyone for their support and messages as it means a lot to us,” Scott said. “What a promising filly she is for Sir Peter as she won with a bit in hand and hopefully we can take her to Brisbane with a bit of confidence after a chat with Sir Peter. “She is a very promising stayer and will make a Group (stakes) horse in time as she has just quickened so well today. “We’ve had to teach her to stay, so to see her kick on is great and she is bred to go a lot further.” Tomodachi is out of Vela’s lightly raced High Chaparral mare Quintessentially and comes from a female line that includes horses of the calibre of multiple Group One winner Ethereal and Hong Kong Cup (1600m) winner Romanee Conti. Kennedy was full of praise for the effort. “She was just fantastic and was a real treat today as she did everything right,” he said. “She settled really well and when I let her build into the race she quickened nicely. “She was looking around and waiting for a challenge after I hit the front as she wanted something to chase.” Tomodachi has now won three races in a row after finishing third at Taupo on debut. The win equalled the O’Sullivan/Scott partnership’s previous best for a season of 49 wins, with three months of the current racing season still to come. Horse racing news View the full article

Lantern Way (inside) returns to the winner’s circle with a powerful showing at Wanganui on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images PN) Handy three-year-old Lantern Way returned to his best at Wanganui on Saturday with the aid of a gear change paving the way for a visit to the winners’ enclosure. The strapping son of Satono Aladdin had looked to have immense promise when he took out the Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) at Hastings back in September last year, and followed up with a meritorious fifth in the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) before heading to the spelling paddock. Much was expected upon his return to racing last month but a middling effort for seventh in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) at Trentham and an abject failure next up at the same venue left trainer Lisa Latta scratching her head. The Manawatu mentor added a tongue tie to his gear for Saturday and he produced in fine style as he stormed home in the hands of Jonathan Riddell to head Matamata filly Loch Katrine in the shadows of the post and register his second career victory. “We left Wellington pretty dejected three weeks ago as he was gone a long way out,” Latta said. “We couldn’t put it down to a lot, so we added the tongue tie, and he looked super today. “I was a little bit worried about the real heavy track (Heavy 8) but he has dug deep to win. “While the weather is still good, we will put him out for six weeks then have him ready for Hastings in the Spring. “He has always shown a lot and he is an absolute beauty.” Riddell also made mention of his disappointment in Lantern Way’s Trentham run. “I was so frustrated last start as I went to races and thought he would win but he dropped out,” he said. “He went through his gears today coming around the corner and that tongue tie has helped. “He is a lovely horse, so nice around the stable and he is one on my favourites.”. Horse racing news View the full article

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By Mike Love Rangiora trainer Tom Bamford will line up four runners at today’s Rangiora meeting, including stable star Rakero Rocket in the Waimakariri Businesses Rangiora Winter Cup. Bamford kicks off his chances with his 100th starter to the races in race 2 the Anne Thompson graduation series for pacers, with heat one over 2600m. In this event Rakero Chase ($26.00FF) with Gavin Smith in the sulky. “She’s getting used to racing. We can put a line through her last start, but her first start she ran home good at Banks Peninsula. She will probably find a spot in the running line and she should be a top four chance.” Bamford will drive Midnight Babe ($31.00FF) in the Happy 60th Birthday Andy and Deb stand over 2600m. “She was much better last time at Ashburton. She got too far back and found the line nicely. She’s another that’s just adjusting from stepping up out of maidens. She’s usually a quick beginner from the stand so hopefully we can settle handy. She’s another good top four chance with the run.” Bamford trains and drives his self-described best of the day in race seven the Canterbury Plains Challenge (Heat Five) with Ebury Street ($6.00FF). “I think she can win this race.” “She was really good at Addington last time out. She found the line really strongly. We’ll probably be driving her the same again. Get back and have one run at them. She’s a winning chance with the right run, she’ll be there at the finish.” The $25,000 feature race on the card is race eight, the Waimakariri Businesses Rangiora Winter Cup over 2600m from the stand. In what draws a very big and competitive field, Bamford lines up Rakero Rocket ($6.50FF) with Blair Orange taking the drive. “His first time from the stand under race conditions but I don’t think it’ll worry him. He should step away. It’s a massive step up in grade but being off the front I would like to think he’ll be in the top four.” Bamford also has a drive behind Emily ($18.00FF) for trainer Michael Howard in the Happy 90th Birthday Warner Donald trot. “Michael is our farrier. She’s generally got good manners. So hopefully we can secure a nice run and get into it at some point. She’s definitely good enough to be a top four chance.” Bamford to date has trained 16 winners for stakes over $185,000, and currently works a team of around 12 from his training base at Rangiora. Racing commences this morning from 11:45am. View the full article

The strongest 3-year-old male sprinter in Hot Springs, Valentine Candy (Justify–Taste Like Candy, Candy Ride {Arg}) won the fourth stakes race of the Oaklawn meet when he netted the Bachelor S. on Saturday afternoon. With stakes scores in his ledger–including the Advent, Renaissance and Ozark–the colt went off as the 7-5 favorite here. Tracking Frost Free (Frosted) from the bell and around the far turn, it looked as though the Steve Asmussen trainee was in trouble. However, in deep stretch he kept finding and in the end it was enough to get the job done over his target. The final running time was 1:10.18. This was his trainer's ninth victory in the Bachelor S. Lifetime Record: 9-5-1-1. Sales History: $250,000 '22 FTKOCT. O-L. William Heiligbrodt, Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm, Whispering Oaks Farm LLC and Coteau Grove Farms LLC; B-Pine Creek LP; T-Steve Asmussen. VALENTINE CANDY ($4.80) gets a sweet victory in the $200,000 Bachelor stakes at @OaklawnRacing. The 3-year-old Justify (@CoolmoreAmerica) gave trainer Steve Asmussen his 9th win in this stakes. @RSantana_Jr was in the saddle. Play the next: https://t.co/oe6KMARgBG pic.twitter.com/pw1iPwNRk8 — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) April 27, 2024 The post Valentine Candy Wins Bachelor, Nets Fourth Stakes During Oaklawn Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella this week shared potential upcoming graded stakes assignments for three of his top fillies, Coffee in Bed, Ruby Nell, and Tamara. All three are owned by Spendthrift Farm.View the full article

West Saratoga may be a longshot in the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1), but trainer Larry Demeritte is familiar with overcoming the longest of odds.View the full article

With a strong leg kick late, Good Lord Lorrie (Hard Spun–Spinning Wheel, Smart Strike) took home his first black-type win of his career in the Woodhaven S. at Aqueduct on Saturday afternoon. The chestnut was last seen breaking his maiden at Saratoga last summer. Off as a 5-2 shot here, the 3-year-old watched as a pair sped off to an early lead into the first turn. However, the two pacesetters began to lose steam at the end of the backstretch. In the meantime, Good Lord Lorrie started to get underway. Entering the lane, as The Big Torpedo (Big Brown) made his bid for the top prize with a furlong left, the George Weaver trainee dug down, found the right gear and got up just in time for the win. The final running time was 1:34.85. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. Sales History: $90,000 '22 KEESEP. O-Harrell Ventures LLC; B:G. Watts Humphrey (KY); T-George Weaver. GOOD LORD LORRIE, the 3YO son of @DarleyAmerica stallion Hard Spun, gets the win in the Woodhaven Stakes under Flavien Prat for George Weaver! pic.twitter.com/N6E8mXjoJG — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) April 27, 2024 The post Hard Spun Colt Good Lord Lorrie Blazes Home Late In Woodhaven appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sugar Kun (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn})–a half-brother to Kitasan Black (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}), Japan's Horse of the Year in both 2016 and 2017–put himself in contention for top honours with a narrow victory in Saturday's G2 TV Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho at Tokyo Racecourse, cementing his place in next month's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) over the same course and distance. Trained by Hisashi Shimizu, Sugar Kun was partnered by legendary jockey Yutaka Take, the regular rider of Kitasan Black and a six-time winner of the Tokyo Yushun. Take had his mount in a handy position, with four in front of him hard against the rail, as Power Hall (Jpn) (Suave Richard {Jpn}) took the field along in the early stages, initially racing a couple of lengths clear of his closest pursuer. By the home turn Power Hall had built up a healthy advantage over the chasing pack, but his early exertions soon took their toll and he was a spent force entering the final two furlongs as the cavalry closed in. Gradually Sugar Run made his way to the front, taking over from the tiring Win Maximum (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) inside the final furlong, and he just did enough from there to hold off the fast-finishing Shonan la Punta (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) by a head, with Dual Wielder (Jpn) (Yoshida {Jpn)} also running on well from rear to take third. Sugar Kun was gaining his third win from four starts and Take was impressed by the progress the three-year-old has made in such a short space of time as he told www.netkeiba.com, “While Kitasan Black is an irreplaceable champion, this horse has only debuted in February and has shown such remarkable performances in just a few months. I sense growth with each race. Today, he settled well and showed a good response when asked to accelerate. Winning and securing the right to run in the Derby is exciting.” The Tokyo Yushun, the second leg of the Japanese Triple Crown, will be run at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday, May 26. G2 2400m 3yo Aoba Sho (Japan Derby Trial) Tokyo: Won by 3c 7. SUGAR KUN (Duramente x Sugar Heart) x legend Yutaka Take 2.24.2 for the 12F Won 3 from 4, past 3 in a row Just held 3c 15. SHONAN LA PUNTA (Kizuna) 1-2 get Gates in the Derby!#JRA pic.twitter.com/Jp0MSkLbhZ — Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) April 27, 2024 Pedigree Notes Sugar Kun looks potentially another Classic contender for his sire Duramente, who was responsible for last year's Triple Tiara heroine Liberty Island (Jpn). He has also produced Stars On Earth (Jpn), who won the G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1,000 Guineas) and G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) in 2022, plus a pair of G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) winners in Titleholder (Jpn) and Durezza (Jpn). Kitasan Black, a half-brother to Sugar Kun, also won the Kikuka Sho in 2015 before proving himself the outstanding older horse in Japan at four and five. He won a total of seven Group 1 races in his career, including the Japan Cup as a four-year-old and the Arima Kinen on his swansong at five. He was retired to Shadai Stallion Station and has quickly made a huge success of his second career at stud, most notably as the sire of Equinox (Jpn), Japan's Horse of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Sugar Kun's unraced dam, Suger Heart (Jpn) (Sakura Bakushin O {Jpn}), has produced seven winners and four black-type performers in Japan. As well as Sugar Kun and Kitasan Black, she is responsible for the Group 2-placed Shonan Bach (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) and the Listed-placed Everyone Black (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}). Her latest produce are colts by Rey De Oro (Jpn) and Contrail (Jpn) in 2022 and 2023. This is the extended family of noted sire Cee's Tizzy, responsible for dual GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner and Grade I sire Tiznow. Saturday, Tokyo, Japan TV TOKYO HAI AOBA SHO-G2, ¥105,240,000, Tokyo, 4-27, 3yo, 2400mT, 2:24.20, fm. 1–SUGAR KUN (JPN), 126, c, 3, Duramente (Jpn) 1st Dam: Sugar Heart (Jpn), by Sakura Bakushin O (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Otome Gokoro (Jpn), by Judge Angelucci 3rd Dam: Tizly, by Lyphard 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Yorikatsu Tsujiko; B-Yanagawa Farm (Jpn); T-Hisashi Shimizu; J-Yutaka Take; ¥55,218,000. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0, ¥74,142,000. *Half to Shonan Bach (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}), MGSP-Jpn, $1,292,648; Kitasan Black (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}), 2x Horse of the Year-Jpn, 2x Ch. Older Horse-Jpn, MG1SW-Jpn, $16,575,955; Everyone Black (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}), SP-Jpn, $745,999. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Shonan la Punta (Jpn), 126, c, 3, Kizuna (Jpn)–Furia Azteca (Arz), by Zensational. 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (¥94,000,000 Ylg '22 JRHAJUL). O-Tetsuhide Kunimoto; B-Shadai Farm (Jpn); ¥22,348,000. 3–Dual Wielder (Jpn), 123, c, 3, Yoshida (Jpn)–Dance With Kitten, by Kitten's Joy. 1ST BLACK TYPE. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Shadai Race Horse; B-Shiraoi Farm (Jpn); ¥14,156,000. Margins: HD, 3/4, NK. Odds: 3.50, 11.70, 6.70. Also Ran: Satono Strasse (Jpn), Win Maximum (Jpn), Foster Bond (Jpn), Cosmo Buddleja (Jpn), Redentor (Jpn), Avandel (Jpn), Schwarze Kugel (Jpn), Trovatore (Jpn), Gran Artista (Jpn), Marshall Point (Jpn), Power Hall (Jpn), Jinsei (Jpn), Nishino Fiance (Jpn), Logi Ruler (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post Kitasan Black Sibling Enhances Classic Claims With Aoba Sho Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., reinstated last summer after suspension by CDI pending an investigation into two horse deaths, is back competing at Churchill Downs. The Florida-based horseman runs longshot Catalytic in the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) May 4.View the full article

GI Blue Grass S. winner Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) led a total of nine GI Kentucky Derby hopefuls on the work tab a week out from the Run for the Roses. Breezing in company with stablemate and fellow Derby hopeful Domestic Product (Practical Joke), the pair went five furlongs in 1:00.20 (15/58) through splits of :13, :24.80, :36.40 before galloping out in 1:13.20 and 1:26.20. “It [the work] was executed perfectly,” said Chad Brown, the trainer for both workers. “I wanted them to a good five-eighths out in three-quarters but well within themselves. [Sierra Leone] is super fit and it was just an outstanding work. I'm just trying to get him in there happy and sound. He's a very rare horse. He's just everything you want as a trainer.” Watch as Domestic Product and Sierra Leone work five furlongs in 1:00.1. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/ERIrHvX8ub — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 27, 2024 Joining that pair on the Derby work sheet was two more groupings of stablemates–Catching Freedom (Constitution) and Encino (Nyquist)–who also went five furlongs together in :59.20 (2/58) and Dornoch (Good Magic) with Society Man (Good Magic) clocked in four furlongs at :46.60 (2/130). They were joined by Just a Touch (Justify) (five furlongs in 1:00.80 {26/58]), West Saratoga (Exaggerator) (three furlongs in :37.20 {8/27}) and Mystik Dan (Goldencents) (five furlongs in 1:01.20 {35/58}). “The track is playing super fast right now,” said trainer Danny Gargan. “We thought we'd [Dornoch and Society Man] go in 47 and change, I got them 46 and 4. They went out nice though and … that's kind of the work for everybody, they're all going around the same time. We wanted to go a little bit slower but they looked good doing it, they were in hand, no one was asking them. We're just hoping they come back good, everything looks good and they're cooling out good.” Society Man and Dornoch finishing a half-mile in :46.3. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/YANzAYwfDv — Kevin Kerstein (@HorseRacingKK) April 27, 2024 Trainer Michael McCarthy also confirmed GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks winner Endlessly (Oscar Performance) for the Derby off his work Friday morning. “It's been done,” said McCarthy. “We'll be running in the Derby.” GI Kentucky Oaks workers were led by Regulatory Risk (Omaha Beach) (four furlongs in :49.60 {90/130}) and Lemon Muffin (Collected) (five furlongs in a bullet :58.20 {1/58}). There are several workers lined up for Sunday as contenders look to get their final breezes ahead of next weekend. Scheduled to work Sunday are Stronghold (Ghostzapper), Catalytic (Catalina Cruiser) and Just F Y I (Justify). The post Sierra Leone Tops Saturday Derby Work Tab appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Wesley Ward said debut winners Saturday Flirt and Burning Pine, who captured the first two races at Keeneland April 26, are on the right track to compete during Royal Ascot in June.View the full article

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5th-GP, $60k, Msw, 3yo, f, 1mT, 3:15p.m. ET Going to post carrying the legendary Claiborne colors is STRIFE (War Front), a homebred for the storied operation under the tutelage of Christophe Clement. Out of Black Dynamite (More Than Ready), a winning half-sister to MGSW Chocolate Ride (Candy Ride {Arg})–himself a course-record setter in the GII Melvin H. Muniz Jr. H., Strife is the first to the races for that mare. Her dam is also a half-sister to GISW Killer Graces (Congaree), who made a name in Japan as the dam of G1SW-Jpn Killer Ability (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and SP-Jpn Killer Presence (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}). This is the immediate female family of three-time Turkish champion Hakeem (Harlan's Holiday). The morning line has Strife at 7-2 in this mile maiden on the turf. TJCIS PPs The post Apr. 28 Insights: Well-Met Claiborne Homebred Debuts in Florida appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Light Up Racing, an industry collective which seeks to counter negative reporting and perceptions about horse racing, issued the following statement Saturday about the Hulu/FX/New York Times documentary “Broken Horses,” which debuted Friday. The statement is printed in its entirety. “The recent FX documentary 'Broken Horses' has cast a spotlight on the historical issues and implications of illegal doping in horse racing. The presentation attempts to address significant challenges within the industry, particularly focusing on the critical issue of racehorses sustaining life-ending injuries and the urgent need for reforms to address doping and medication use. As Broken Horses highlights, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is now providing the sport with independent federal oversight for the first time in history, encompassing comprehensive veterinary protocols, enhanced track and jockey safety, and a stringent anti-doping and medication control program. While not in place to address the devastating clusters of fatalities at Churchill Downs in 2023, we can look forward to a safer future under HISA's leadership integrity. Strategically released just a week before the Kentucky Derby, the documentary unsurprisingly leans into historical drama and sensationalism to boost viewership, focusing on illegal activities that thankfully resulted in imprisonment for the inexcusable acts. Reporting did not, however, emphasize a 34 per cent reduction in the equine fatality rate over the last 15 years, the result of the significant progress already made towards safer racing practices. Additional equine safety changes made in the last 24 months, under-represented in the documentary's narrative, include: Every Thoroughbred is required to have a pre-race veterinary inspection every time it races to help ensure horses with pre-existing injuries do not compete. HISA receives close to 3,000 veterinary treatment reports each day. Artificial intelligence is being used to examine compiled data, flagging any horses entered to race who may present potential risk factors for injury. This is similar to how other sports, like the NFL, are utilizing data and AI to enhance player safety. Wearable technology has been implemented, similar to that used in human sports, to identify at-risk horses by the algorithms that are generated in the process of training and racing. Huge investment in onsite or expedited access to advanced diagnostic imaging like PET scans (an enhanced bone scan), MRIs, and CT scans allow trainers and vets to detect hard-to-identify precursors to injuries. There is now a national vets list that places all horses unfit to compete on a comprehensive list that monitors Thoroughbreds throughout their careers. The void claim rule deters entry of horses with health or soundness issues into claiming races. It is imperative that the progress and efforts of countless individuals dedicated to the daily care and safety of racehorses are acknowledged and not overshadowed by dramatized reporting. The assertions in the presentation that leading trainers 'abuse' horses and neglect basic care are not only unfair but are also logically inconsistent with the practices necessary to prepare elite Thoroughbred athletes to race successfully. Light Up Racing is in full support of all reforms that will push horse racing to achieve the highest standard in equine welfare and transparency, with the goal of positioning our industry for a sustainable future. A constant pursuit to substantially reduce the fatality rate is non-negotiable. If you have concerns about horse racing but are interested in gaining a deeper understanding, please contact us. We would be happy to arrange a firsthand look behind the scenes at stables, farms, racetracks, and veterinary hospitals.” The post Light Up Racing Issues Statement On ‘Broken Horses’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article