Wandering Eyes

A classy field of synthetic specialists assembled at Riccarton Park in search of the rich spoils on offer in the inaugural Ripple Creek Equine Polytrack $100,000 (1200m), but the glory went the way of local trainers Russell McKay and Ashley Harrington with Spartan(NZ) (War Decree). A winner of his maiden on the synthetic early last year, Spartan had proven himself in strong company on turf over the summer and was targeted at the feature back in May, with the father-daughter training partnership electing to run him in a fresh state. Plenty of talent had travelled south from the Central Districts, including $4.20 race-favourite Kana, who looked a big danger after a convincing win on the course a fortnight ago. Spartan also had plenty of support late in the market closing at $6.70 and jockey Tegan Newman showed intent early from the extreme outside barrier, pushing forward to take the lead over Showbastian Coe and Motiontime. Finding a powerful kick off the home turn, Spartan kept finding down the straight and was too strong for a fast-finishing Kana with the final margin a half-length, while Miss Nico Belle was game into third. Newman was full of praise for the imposing five-year-old, indicating the best is still yet to come. “That’s a massive buzz,” she said. “I’ve always said it’s quite scary, he’s got the ability there, but he just doesn’t know how fast he is yet. He’s just a big baby. “Today, that was phenomenal. He’s come from the outside barrier and he still had more at the line too which is the exciting thing about him. “He was a little bit slow away, he’s normally quite quick but it ended up working out because the speed to my inner ended up pulling back. “They’ve (McKay and Harrington) been so loyal to me and they’re such good people to ride for, so to get a win like that is a really good feeling.” Harrington was equally delighted, particularly for McKay who she joined in partnership at the beginning of the 2020/21 season. “He (Spartan) did so well, we had a plan to go forward and it all worked out,” she said. “He didn’t jump the gates that well, but when he hit the ground, he hit the ground running and they let him away with it. He tries so hard and Tegan loves him just as much as we do. “Dad works so hard and he’s been doing it for so many years so to have a good horse like this is pretty cool.” The pair are among the ownership group of the son of War Decree, who has now earned more than $158,000 in stakes with four wins from 16 starts. His Falkirk dam, Sweet Revenge, also produced seven-race winner Sea Shepherd. View the full article

It’s been a week to remember for the Woodsford family. Family patriarch Steven Woodsford tasted success at Riccarton last Saturday with Street Fightin Man(NZ)(Pure Champion), and on Wednesday his daughter Bridget followed suit when recording her first win as a trainer courtesy of Blue Bay(NZ)(Preferment) in the 3F At West Fitzroy Apartments Maiden (1600m) on the Riccarton Synthetic. Blue Bay had finished runner-up first-up on the surface last month and Woodsford was confident her mare could go one better at the midweek meeting. “It was a big confidence boost when she ran second,” Woodsford said. “I thought she was going to go alright, she pulled up well after that last race and had been working well this week, so I had a bit of hope in her that she was going to go alright.” Formerly trained in Cambridge by Tony Pike, Blue Bay had three placings from 11 starts in the north before she was offered on gavelhouse.com where Woodsford secured her with a final bid of $3,500. “She looked like a nice type so we thought we would give her a go,” she said. The daughter of Preferment has proven to be a bargain buy, nearly recouping her purchase price in her first start for Woodsford, who is now well in the green after picking up $11,200 for Wednesday’s triumph. Both of Blue Bay’s southern starts have been on Riccarton’s synthetic, and Woodsford said she elected to try her mare on the surface after seeing she had performed well on Cambridge’s polytrack at the trials. “She had a trial up north on it and she had won, so I thought we would give her a go down here and see what she thinks of it,” she said. Woodsford shares in the ownership of Blue Bay with Sanjay Balloo and Vikash Pothanna, both of whom she met through her partner, jockey Akshay Balloo. “My partner’s uncle shares in the ownership as well as Vikash, who is a friend through Akshay,” she said. Balloo was aboard runner-up Iff I Get Paaid, and Woodsford said she is glad to have the bragging rights in the relationship for the next wee while. The 29-year-old horsewoman has had a lifelong involvement with racing, and has spent time working in both thoroughbred and harness racing stables, and is now enjoying making her own mark as a trainer. “My Dad is a trainer, so I grew up with the horses,” she said. “I had ponies when I was young and then I eventually moved on to helping out with the racehorses. “When I was 18, I started to work for Tarsh and Michael Stokes. I was with them for five years and then I went to the trotting side for a couple of years and worked for Andrew Stuart. I then went back to Dad’s and started to help him out and last year I thought I would give it a go myself. “I have got two in work at the moment and I am really enjoying it. I am still working full-time, so I am enjoying working them around that.” View the full article

Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are excited for what spring has instore for their premiership-winning team, with several of their stars stepping out at the Te Rapa trials on Tuesday. One of those stars is Group One winner Move To Strike, who finished runner-up by a head to Alabama Lass in their 900m heat, showing he has lost none of the brilliance he showed as a juvenile when winning the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham in April. “He’s a lovely colt that we always thought was going to be better as a three-year-old, and he is developing into a lovely horse,” Bergerson said. “He looks magnificent and is coming up well. “Opie (Bosson, jockey) was really taken with his trial, and we plan to trial him again on 21 August at Taupo, ahead of resuming in the El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy (Listed, 1200m) on the 7th of September at Hastings.” Stablemate Captured By Love was third behind Move To Strike in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce to cap a pleasing two-year-old term, which included victories in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m), Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), and placing in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). She also made her first public appearance of the season at Te Rapa on Tuesday where she wasn’t asked too much in her 900m heat, which was taken out by Group One winner Velocious. “She had a really good blow and Opie said she’ll certainly improve for the trial,” Bergerson said. “She’ll go to Taupo for the Group and Listed trial over 1100m on August 21 and then onto the Gold Trail Stakes (Gr.3, 1200m) at Hastings.” Bergerson was also rapt with the trial performance of Group One winner Romancing The Moon, who was runner-up to multiple Group One winner Legarto in their 900m heat. “She seems to be coming up well and is still loving her racing,” Bergerson said. “She’s a tough, gritty mare and has always been very competitive in her style of racing. “It was certainly no disgrace being run down by Legarto, who trialled super, but Wiremu (Pinn, jockey) was really happy with Romancing The Moon, and she’ll probably now go to the midweek trial before the races at Taupo.” View the full article

What Ballarat Races Where Ballarat Turf Club – 240 Kennedys Rd, Miners Rest VIC 3352 When Thursday, August 8, 2024 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble Ballarat Turf Club will host its second meeting in the space of 48 hours this Wednesday. This time, the action will be held on the turf, and with clear skies forecast, we should be racing on an improving Soft 6 surface. The rail comes out 9m for the entire circuit, which could suit those up on speed as the meeting progresses. Best Bet at Ballarat: Desert Star Desert Star has been rolled as a favourite in both starts this campaign, most recently at Geelong as a $1.55 pop. The five-year-old gelding gets his chance to right those wrongs at Ballarat, coming up against a relatively weak BM64 affair. Barrier 12 is a touch sticky, but Celine Gaudray will likely roll forward and have the son of Deep Field settled close to the speed throughout. From there, Desert Star should prove too hard to hold out in the quaddie opener. Best Bet Race 6 – #6 Desert Star (12) 5yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Celine Gaudray (a0) (59kg) +200 with Bet365 Next Best at Ballarat: Muktamil Muktamil has been beaten as favourite on all three outings in his maiden Australian campaign. The son of Sea The Stars went down by the barest of margins in his first two starts on these shores before failing as a long odds-on favourite with online bookmakers at Mildura. He draws barrier one for this, and if John Allen can stalk the speed throughout, Muktamil should have no issue in disposing of his rivals when the run appears. Next Best Race 4 – #3 Muktamil (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: John Allen (59.5kg) +240 with Picklebet Next Best Again at Ballarat: Dreamzel Dreamzel had won three in a row before losing at Sandown in a tough BM64 on July 24. The four-year-old mare looks to have found a winnable BM58 affair, and with Jordyn Weatherley on board claiming 3kg, she gets in nicely at the weights. Weatherley will look to offset barrier 12 with Dreamzel’s strong early speed, and if the pair can find the rail without burning too many carrots, this girl should prove too hard to gun down over the 1000m scamper. Next Best Again Race 9 – #1 Dreamzel (12) 4yo Mare | T: Tom Dabernig | J: Jordyn Weatherley (a3) (59.5kg) +450 with Neds Ballarat Thursday quaddie tips Ballarat quadrella selections Thursday, August 8, 2024 1-6 2-4-8-9 1-3-4-6-7-8-10 1-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Newcastle Races Where Newcastle Racecourse – 100 Darling St, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 When Thursday, August 8, 2024 First Race 12:35pm AEST Visit Dabble Newcastle is the destination for provincial racing on Thursday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program scheduled to get underway at 12:35pm local time. The rail is out +3m for the entire circuit, and with sunny skies predicted in the lead-up, punters can expect the surface to improve from the early Heavy 8 rating. Check out our best bets and quaddie numbers for the Newcastle races on August 8. Best Bet at Newcastle: Lost Illusions Lost Illusions appears ready to peak fourth-up after chasing gallantly at Grafton on July 17. The daughter of Proisir got too far back on that occasion and was forced wide in the middle stages, blunting her turn of foot as she charged down the centre of the course to get within a half-length of Beauer. Barrier three should allow Benjamin Osmond to sit closer to the speed in this 1850m affair, so watch for Lost Illusions to career over the top as she looks to break her maiden. Best Bet Race 2 – #7 Lost Illusions (3) 4yo Mare | T: Kris Lees | J: Benjamin Osmond (a3kg) (57kg) Bet with Unibet Next Best at Newcastle: Chartwell The Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald-trained Chartwell drops back significantly in grade after a luckless effort at Canterbury on July 24. The five-year-old couldn’t go through the gears when asked for the ultimate effort, going down by 5.7 lengths. Tommy Berry takes the reins this time, and although gate one could mean the gelding is held up at some stage, trust the star hoop to get clear as Chartwell proves too strong for Class 1 company. Next Best Race 3 – #1 Chartwell (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | J: Tommy Berry (59.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Value at Newcastle: Copacabana Copacabana looks primed for a first-up assault after two strong barrier trials. The son of Toronado cruised through the wire in a jump-out at Rosehill on July 23, making strong inroads under Reece Jones to get within 4.3 lengths of Listentozou. It was more impressive than the margin might suggest, and as the Hawkes team thought him worthy of a Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) run last preparation, Copacabana should prove hard to hold out in maiden company. Best Value Race 6 – #2 Copacabana (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | J: Reece Jones (59kg) Bet with Neds Newcastle Thursday quaddie tips – 8/8/2024 Newcastle quadrella selections Thursday, August 8, 2024 1-5-10-13 2-4-7-9-11 6-9-10 3-6-8-10-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, which opened Monday with figures on pace for a third year of records, concluded Tuesday with an electric session which demolished the sale's previous high for gross, average, and median. At the close of business Tuesday, 154 yearlings sold for $82,160,000–highest ever in the auction's 103-year history, surpassing the previous record of $75,055,000 set last year. The average of $533,506 also improved on the 2023 record figure of $487,370, while the median of $425,000 bettered the previous mark of $375,000 reached in both 2022 and 2023. “You start off tonight with the [Complexity] share and that was really good,” Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr. said Tuesday night. “But we almost went back-to-back with million-dollar horses with the first two horses to go through the ring. And that momentum carried throughout because of the quality of horses. The success of the sale is completely dependent on the quality of the horses that our consignors give us the opportunity to sell. We felt very confident that the quality of horses in this catalogue was the best we ever had. I think that the buyers proved us right. Buyers have a tremendous level of confidence when they come to Saratoga–they feel like they will come find some of the best-conformed yearlings in the world. And now we get some of the best pedigrees in the world.” Browning continued, “It's a rewarding and fulfilling situation where there is a tremendous level of confidence in the marketplace. And there is a tremendous level of confidence in Saratoga. It's a magical place. It's unbelievable racing. Unbelievable community support. It's a great feeling.” Tuesday's session of the auction opened with the sale of a share in freshman sire Complexity, purchased for $510,000 by the Heider family and the action only escalated from there, with Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm purchasing the day's first million-dollar yearling just two hips into the session. Bloodstock agent Marette Farrell, on behalf of Speedway Stable, made the day's highest bid when going to $2.4 million for a son of Into Mischief. Through the two-day sale, 12 horses sold for seven figures, up from 10 in 2023. The 12 million-dollar yearlings were purchased by nine unique buyers. While 52 yearlings sold for $500,000 or more in 2023, 70 reached that mark this year. “We felt very confident coming here this year that the quality of horses in this catalogue was the best we've ever had.” Hear from @btbrowning following the conclusion of #FasigSaratoga. pic.twitter.com/eVKhdmwsiM — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 7, 2024 “What it really shows you is the depth of the quality of the horses that were here on these sales grounds,” Browning said of the strength of the market during the two-day auction. “And I think the buyers responded. It's not because the buyers decided they were going to pay a lot of money for them. The buyers decided they were really good horses. There was really competitive bidding and it reflected the quality of horses on the grounds.” Speedway Gets a 'King' Peter Fluor and K.C. Weiner's Speedway Stable was the last bidder standing when purchasing a son of Into Mischief (hip 183) for $2.4 million midway through Tuesday's session of the Saratoga sale. Bloodstock agent Marette Farrell handled bidding alongside Zoe Cadman out back, while on the phone with her clients. “We absolutely loved this colt,” Farrell said. “I felt he commanded the room, as they say. He was the king. He is by Into Mischief, who we all know is an amazing stallion. He is from very good breeders, very good consignors and was raised at an amazing farm in Lane's End, with very good land.” Consigned by Lane's End, the yearling was bred by Pam Wygod and her late husband Marty, who passed away this spring. “I think he is very special and I'm thrilled to get him.” Hear from Marette Farrell and Zoe Cadman on their purchase of Hip 183, an Into Mischief colt, for $2,400,000. @zoecadman #FasigSaratoga pic.twitter.com/Q5BzgaprOt — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 7, 2024 “We would love to honor Marty Wygod and have bought a really good horse because he was such a big supporter of our Thoroughbred business and was so successful,” Farrell said. “And I cannot thank Peter and K.C. enough. I am still shaking because I loved this horse, but I really had hoped we wouldn't have to go to this amount of money. And they knew that we loved the horse. So I hope he's a lucky horse. I hope he's a good horse. They deserve this.” Of the colt's final price tag, Farrell admitted, “We were on our absolute last bid a couple of times. Zoe gave me the elbow to go on. We are thrilled we got him, but hate that we had to pay that kind of money. He is a stallion in the making and I really think he's a fabulous horse.” The bay colt is out of stakes-placed Sweet Sting (Awesome Again), who is a daughter of champion Perfect Sting (Red Ransom). The mare is a half-sister to graded winner Smart Sting (Smart Strike). Sweet Sting was purchased by the Wygods for $310,000 as a 5-year-old at the 2020 Keeneland November sale. She is also the dam of an unraced 2-year-old full-brother to the yearling who has been working at Churchill Downs and she produced a filly by Not This Time this year. @JessMartiniTDN Wygods Rewarded With $2.4M Into Mischief Colt Prominent horse owner and breeder Marty Wygod passed away a week after a Wygod homebred, Resilience (Into Mischief), punched his ticket to the Kentucky Derby with a victory in the GII Wood Memorial. While the colt would finish sixth in the Run for the Roses, the Wygod family would find themselves in front on Day 2 of Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga Sale when another colt they bred (Hip 183), also by Into Mischief, realized $2.4 million from Speedway Stable. The colt was consigned by Lane's End. “He was a rockstar foal at the home,” said Emily Bushnell, the daughter of the late entrepreneur and philanthropist who also co-owns Resilience. “He came up [to Saratoga] and was very professional and did everything right every step of the way. We couldn't ask for anything more.” #FasigSaratoga Tuesday: Hip 183, an Into Mischief colt out of Sweet Sting, sells for $2.4 million to Speedway Stable. Consigned by @LanesEndFarms, agent for Pamela Wygod & The Wygod Family Revocable Trust. pic.twitter.com/LIg1TLTLiz — TDN (@theTDN) August 7, 2024 Seated in the back row of the pavilion, Bushnell erupted with emotion as well wishers descended on her moments after the yearling was knocked as the session's leading price. “This is really special,” said Bushnell. “He was very busy and had a lot of looks every day. We were just hoping people really liked him when he came out into the ring. We're so happy that so many people liked him as well.” Out of SP Sweet Sting (Awesome Again), the Mar. 28 foal is a grandson of champion grass mare Perfect Sting (Red Ransom). The colt's 9-year-old dam was purchased by the Wygod's for $310,000 at Keeneland November in 2020. “We've had the family for a little bit. We bought [Sweet Sting] during COVID when we were all house bound,” Bushnell recalled. “She's been a part of our broodmare band since then. We also have a 2-year-old that we love that is a full-brother [named Reverse Merger] and hopefully this one will be just as nice for his new owners.” While a nifty score for the Wygods by any measure, Tuesday's Into Mischief colt was a long way off from the record sale price by a Wygod-bred horse. The mark was registered by GSW Jalil (Storm Cat–Tranquility Lake) and who brought a staggering $9.7 at the Keeneland September Sale in 2005.–@CbossTDN Coolmore, Brant Strike for $1.9M Gun Runner This past May, Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) came within a nose of taking the GI Kentucky Derby for a partnership including Coolmore and Peter Brant. The partners were back in action Tuesday evening to secure Hip 146, also by the Three Chimneys stallion, with the hope the chestnut colt might find his way into the starting gate the First Saturday in May in 2026. With the volleys coming fast and hard from the main pavilion and from the back ring, where the Coolmore team assumed its regular position of attack, the bidding finally ended with M.V. Magnier locking it down with a $1.9-million bid. “For us it's all about the Classic horse,” said Magnier. “It's all about the Epsom Derby and Kentucky Derby. That's what these guys really want to achieve.” M.V. Magnier/@WhiteBirchFarm_ pick up a GUN RUNNER (@Three_Chimneys) colt out of Secret Sigh for $1,900,000 at The Saratoga Sale! Congrats to the buyer, consignor @LanesEndFarms, agt, and breeder Summer Wind Equine (KY!) @coolmoreamerica @MoreSummerWind #FasigSaratoga pic.twitter.com/rLXYWXBLU1 — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 6, 2024 In reference to this season's heartbreaking Derby miss, Magnier explained, “When Sierra Leone got beat in the Kentucky Derby, Derrick Smith decided that's all he wants, to win it.” In addition to the Coolmore partners and Brant, Sierra Leone was also campaigned by Westerberg and Rocket Ship Racing and trained by Chad Brown. The colt won the GII Risen Star Stakes and GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes earlier in the spring prior to his Derby second. He subsequently finished third in the GI Belmont Stakes and most recently was runner-up in the GII Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga. “Gun Runner is a very good stallion. We've been very fortunate with that,” Magnier added. “He was very popular [at the Saratoga Sale] last year. Everyone really liked the horse, so we were hoping to get him.” Brown, who was standing next to the Coolmore team during the bidding process, is likely to train the new acquisition. “That's the plan at the moment,” Magnier said. “We'll bring him to Ashford and figure that out.” White Birch and Coolmore also secured a colt by Into Mischief out of Distorted Music (Distorted Humor) (Hip 300 for $1 million) on Day 1. The colt was consigned by Lane's End on behalf of his breeder, Jane Lyon's Summer Wind Equine. Out of the unraced Secret Sigh (Tapit), the Feb. 27 foal is a grandson of dual graded stakes winner India. The daughter of Hennessy is responsible for G1 Yasuda Kinen and G1 February Stakes scorer Mozu Ascot (Frankel {GB}) in addition to SW Kareena (Medaglia d'Oro). The family also represents the family of Grade I winners To Honor and Serve and Angela Renee. “For somebody like Jane Lyon who has such a wonderful operation it is like a dream,” said Lane's End's Allaire Ryan. “It's what every commercial breeder looks for. So it's nice to see everything come full circle and be rewarded.” Commenting on the colt's appeal prior to last night's sale, she explained, “We knew he would sell really well and was received by the top-end users of the market, so we knew we had a top product to offer. But you can't always know how the seller and the buyer will fare in a situation like this.” Secret Sigh's 2021 colt by Uncle Mo realized $1.5 million at this venue in 2022 and the mare produced a colt by Into Mischief this season. “Honestly he surpassed our expectations,” said Ryan of the session topper's final price. “Obviously, we had a top quality horse here but it's impossible to predict what they will actually bring. It just comes down to how somebody values them in their own program and if they're willing to go to the end stakes for it.” During the Day 2 session, Lane's End also sold a colt by Into Mischief (Hip 183) on behalf of Pamela Wygod and the Wygod Family Trust for $2.4 million. “It's been a super healthy market for us,” said Ryan. “We try to bring quality individuals here, across the spectrum. We bring the horses that show themselves well and are good representations for the breeders and for us and we're rewarded for it.” She concluded, “There is great traffic on the sales grounds. We give a lot of credit to Fasig-Tipton for the recruitment here. I think we've been the busiest we've ever been at Saratoga. That has to be a reflection of the sale company's efforts, too. If you bring quality at any point in the spectrum, you will be rewarded for it.”–@CbossTDN Pope on the Board with Gun Runner Filly Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm made its first–and only–purchase of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale early in Tuesday's second session of the boutique auction, going to $1.5 million to acquire a daughter of Gun Runner (hip 123). The filly is out of multiple Grade I winner Pure Clan (Pure Prize) and is a half-sister to Grade I placed Princesa Carolina (Tapit). She was bred by Three Chimneys Farm and was one of three seven-figure yearlings consigned to the Saratoga sale by Antony Beck's Gainesway. #FasigSaratoga Tuesday: Hip 123, a filly by Gun Runner out of GI winner Pure Clan, sells for $1.5 million to @whisper_hill from the @Gainesway consignment. A half-sister to PRINCESA CAROLINA. pic.twitter.com/X3qpPoNcSp — TDN (@theTDN) August 6, 2024 “Obviously, her mom was a great race mare and we are hoping she will inherit those genes,” Pope said after signing the ticket on the yearling. “It's a young family with some other half-sisters in there that might really go on and produce and build the pedigree as she goes.” Pope was represented this spring by GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes winner Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief), a $1.15-million Keeneland September purchase. The sophomore was second in the GI DK Horse Acorn Stakes. Pope is hoping her newest seven-figure yearling purchase will follow a similar trajectory. “She is gorgeous,” Pope said of the yearling. “She's big and strong. She is very sensible from what we could see. We are just hoping for another GI Kentucky Oaks and an Ashland.” Pope admitted she had plenty of competition in bidding during Monday's first session of the auction. “It's extremely difficult,” she said. “We were outbid quite a bit yesterday, but you have to value them and stick to your guns. And some of them we get and a lot of them we don't.” Whisper Hill was on the other side of the ledger later in the evening, selling a colt by Into Mischief out of Unrivaled Belle (Unbridled's Song) (hip 199) for $700,000 to Resolute Bloodstock. @JessMartiniTDN Stewart's Saratoga Buying Spree Continues John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock, which purchased five yearlings during Monday's first session of the auction, was quick to get back into the action at Fasig-Tipton Tuesday evening, going to $1.2 million to acquire a filly by Ghostzapper (hip 147). The Resolute broodmare band already includes a daughter of Ghostzapper in champion Goodnight Olive, who was purchased by the operation for $6 million at last year's Fasig-Tipton November sale. Stewart admitted his newest yearling reminded him of the two-time GI Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint winner. “She reminds me of Olive,” Stewart said. “We got Goodnight Olive in foal with a Not This Time colt, which is really exciting after what Not This Time has done here. We are trying to start to build families. We are starting to concentrate around families and we really like Ghostzapper and how he matches up with some of our other breeding program. She fits right into that. And then from a racing standpoint, we think there is some speed in that horse and has a good physical. We've already got some trainers lined up for her. So we are pretty excited.” #FasigSaratoga Tuesday: Hip 147, a filly by Ghostzapper out of Seeking the Blue, sells for $1.2 million to @rresoluteracing Bloodstock from the @Gainesway consignment. A half to GIII-placed Janis Joplin. pic.twitter.com/Dj0PeopNzS — TDN (@theTDN) August 7, 2024 The filly, consigned by Gainesway, is out of Seeking the Blue (Arch) and is a half-sister to multiple graded-placed Janis Joplin (California Chrome) and multiple stakes-placed Vino Rouge (Vino Rosso). She was bred by Payson Stud. Of his first foray at the Saratoga sale, Stewart said, “This has been fantastic. I've been up here a couple of times for the races. My first time here, the first race, we won the GI New York Stakes with Didia. Saratoga is always going to be kind of special because it was our first Grade I. The people are really nice, the facilities are great and it's a great atmosphere. Everyone from all over the world is here and it's exciting to see all of these top-quality horses. We experienced it in Australia with the Inglis sale and now to experience it here has been a lot of fun.” At the close of the two-day auction, Resolute Bloodstock had purchased 11 yearlings for $9,085,000. Three of the group were seven-figure purchases, led by a colt by Gun Runner sold Monday for $1.7 million. @JessMartiniTDN Clay Strikes for Into Mischief Colt Robert Clay made his second purchase of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale when going to $1 million to acquire a colt by Into Mischief (hip 201) late in Tuesday's second session of the auction. Consigned by Indian Creek, the bay is the first foal out of the unraced Validest (Medaglia d'Oro), a half-sister to multiple graded winner Global View (Galileo {Ire}). “Everything,” Clay said when asked what he liked about the yearling. “I loved him. It's so hard to buy them here. I was swinging for the fences and finally got one.” INTO MISCHIEF (@spendthriftfarm) colt sells for $1,000,000 at The Saratoga Sale! Congrats to buyer Grandview Equine, consignor @IndianCreekKy, agt, & breeder Hubert Vester. #FasigSaratoga pic.twitter.com/EP9ch30oAr — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 7, 2024 Of his plans for the youngster, Clay said, “Same old thing. We will break him, see how good he is, send him to a good trainer and hope for the best.” Clay's Grandview Equine purchased a colt by Twirling Candy (hip 49) for $500,000 during Monday's first session of the auction. “I bought a couple, but I missed several,” Clay said. “It's very difficult to buy. Everybody is here and you just feel lucky to come away with one. I have never seen so many people at the sale. It's amazing how many people are here. So given that, I'm not that surprised. But it's difficult to buy.” The yearling was bred by Hubert Vester, who purchased Validest for $350,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. @JessMartiniTDN Don Alberto Takes Saratoga by Storm The Solari family's Don Alberto Corporation was not messing around at Saratoga this week. The operation brought five yearlings to the two-day auction and watched three of the youngsters bring seven figures. Leading the way was a filly by Curlin out of Matera (Tapit) (hip 85), consigned by Gainesway, who sold for $1.9 million to Robert and Lawana Low Monday. The trio also included a colt by Tapit out of Mopotism (Uncle Mo) (hip 97), who sold for $1.5 million through the Lane's End consignment to Flying Dutchmen. A colt by Justify (hip 174), co-bred with Justify Syndicate and consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, sold for $1 million to Godolphin. @Godolphin goes to $1,000,000 to secure this JUSTIFY (@coolmoreamerica) colt out of Dolce Lemone at The Saratoga Sale! Congrats to the buyer, consignor @HunterValleyKY, agt, and breeder @hsdonalberto & Justify Syndicate (KY)! #FasigSaratoga pic.twitter.com/1VAlvCH6nI — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 7, 2024 “We knew we were bringing some good horses, but it certainly exceeded our wildest dreams,” Don Alberto's Reed Ringler said of the farm's results in Saratoga. “We are so thrilled. Carlos and Ms. Liliana have worked for so long to build this foundation of broodmares. We knew that we were coming up with some good horses, but it's just taken time to get all the traction, to get runners on the track, like Muth and Arcangelo. This is where Carlos likes to come and compete in the sales ring and on the racetrack. We are so happy.” Don Alberto bred last year's champion 3-year-old Arcangelo (Arrogate) out of its mare Modeling (Tapit) and multiple Grade I winner Muth (Good Magic) out of its mare Hoppa (Uncle Mo). Don Alberto's Saratoga yearlings also included a filly by City of Light (hip 32) who sold to Centennial Farms for $500,000. A Tacitus half-brother to Muth RNA'd for $490,000 late in Tuesday's session. The operation will hope its momentum continues next month in Lexington. “We are very blessed,” Ringler said. “We have some beauties coming to Keeneland; Angela Renee (hip 313) has got one in, Unique Bella (hip 275) has got one in, Paola Queen (hip 156) has got one in. We have got more goods to come in September. I hope the momentum keeps going. The market feels so strong. We are just really blessed to be up here and participating in it.” @JessMartiniTDN Heider Pays $510,000 For Share In Leading Freshman Sire Complexity A share in Airdrie Stud's hugely successful first-crop sire Complexity (Maclean's Music) was the first lot on offer during Tuesday's second session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Selected Yearling Sale, and was hammered down to David Lanigan, bidding on behalf of Scott Heider, for $510,000. Representing a 2.5% interest, the share is not subject to syndicate clearance, according to a pre-sale announcement from Fasig-Tipton's Grant Williamson before the bidding began. Complexity | Sarah Andrew “We bought a Nyquist filly off Airdrie last year, so there is a connection to the family and the farm,” Lanigan said. “The horse is off to a very good start to his career and Mr. Heider was very interested in him. We just decided to watch him go through and see what he would bring. “I thought that [the price] was reasonable. If he continues to go on and if his fee is where we estimate it may be next year, this will be sensible enough.” The 8-year-old stallion, whose Charlatan half-brother was purchased by John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock for $1.5 million Monday evening, is already the sire of 13 individual winners, leaving him in a share of the top spot in that particular category with Vekoma. Complexity is the leading freshman sire by progeny earnings and has already accounted for three black-type winners, including GIII Sanford Stakes hero Mo Plex, recent G2 Richmond Stakes victor Black Forza and Stewart's Mensa, who romped in the Victoria Stakes, giving the stallion stakes winners on dirt, turf and synthetic surfaces. He is also the leading general sire of 2-year-olds with winners in five different jurisdictions, including Shin Forever, who broke his maiden impressively at first asking at Niigata in Japan on Aug. 3. The post Saratoga Sale a Record Smasher; $2.4-Million Into Mischief Tops Day 2 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Porter on PedigreesView the full article

Robert Clay signed the winning ticket on hip 201 Tuesday evening at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga, going to $1 million for a colt by perennial leading sire Into Mischief. Consigned by Indian Creek, agent, the April-foaled bay colt is out of the unraced Validest (Medaglia d'Oro), a half-sister to the multiple graded-winning Global View (Galileo {Ire}). This is also the family of MGSW A. P. Warrior (A.P. Indy). Breeder Hubert Vester acquired Validest for $350,000 in foal to Authentic at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale. The post Clay Goes To $1 Million For Into Mischief Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An Into Mischief colt from the immediate family of champion and Breeders' Cup winner Perfect Sting (Red Ransom) became Tuesday's new leader at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale when selling for $2.4 million to Speedway Stable. Consigned by Lane's End, agent for Pamela Wygod and the Wygod Family Revocable Trust, Hip 183 was bred in Kentucky by Wygod and her late husband, Martin Wygod. The couple bought the colt's dam, stakes-placed Sweet Sting (Awesome Again), for $310,000 in 2020 at Keeneland November. The mare is out of the aforementioned Perfect Sting, a three-time Grade I winner and a graded producer. The $2.4-million colt, a Mar. 28 foal, has an unraced year-older full-brother named Reverse Merger who has been retained by the Wygods. INTO MISCHIEF (@spendthriftfarm) colt out of Sweet Sting sells for $2,400,000 at The Saratoga Sale! Congrats to buyer Speedway Stables, consignor @LanesEndFarms, agt, and breeder Pam & Martin Wygod. pic.twitter.com/ZmWXV4WFZO — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 7, 2024 The post $2.4-Million Into Mischief Purchase by Speedway Stable New Tuesday Leader appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 8 BOB & COLLEEN DONALDSON MEMORIAL 1600m OUTER FOCUS (R Elliot) – Trainer Mr. A Sharrock reported to Stewards, upon return to the stable OUTER FOCUS underwent farrier attention where the off-hind plate was removed which revealed slight bruising to the sole. A Sharrock further advised it is his intention to continue on with the gelding’s preparation once the bruising subsides and may look to nominate at the New Plymouth Raceway meeting on 17 August. The post Taumarunui Racing Club @ Te Rapa, Saturday 27 July 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 2 GARTSHORE CONSTRUCTION 1400m KEY LARGO (J Nishizuka) – Trainer Ms. P Gerald reported to Stewards, she was satisfied with the post-race condition of KEY LARGO and it is her intention to carry on with the gelding’s current preparation. Race 3 CONTRIBUTER STANDING AT MAPPERLEY STUD 1400m SILVER JAVELIN (S Mxothwa) – Co-trainer Mr. A Scott advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, and it is their intention to carry on with SILVER JAVELIN’S current preparation, where they may nominate her for the Waikato TR meeting at Te Rapa on 10 August. The post Racing Tauranga @ Tauranga, Wednesday 31 July 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Sheikh Mohammaned bin Rashid al Maktoum's Godolphin signed for its first horse at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale approaching the midway point of Tuesday's second session, going to an even $1 million for a colt by Justify. Hip 174 was bred by Don Alberto Corporation and the Justify syndicate and is out of Dolce Lemone (Lemon Drop Kid), whose stakes-winning daughter Dolce Lili (Scat Daddy) was represented by a City of Light filly purchased by Centennial Farms for $500,000 during Monday's opening session at Saratoga. Dolce Lemone is herself a half-sister to Canadian Broodmare of the Year Noble Strike (Smart Strike), the dam of champion and Queen's Plate winner Inglorious (Hennessy) and GSW and Prince of Wales Stakes winned Dixie Strike (Dixie Union). Hip 174 was consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent. #FasigSaratoga Tuesday: Hip 174, a Justify colt out of Dolce Lemone, sells for $1 million to @godolphin from the @HunterValleyKY consignment. pic.twitter.com/TaR1RsOLQC — TDN (@theTDN) August 7, 2024 Hip 1⃣7⃣4⃣ @HunterValleyKY barn 2⃣ @FasigTiptonCo colt by #justify @coolmoreamerica Watch “FTSAUG24_Hip 174_Dolce Lemone 23” on #Vimeo https://t.co/99o7CSHATd — Hunter Valley Farm (@HunterValleyKY) August 3, 2024 The post Godolphin Makes First Saratoga Purchase, Give $1M For Justify Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Robbie Patterson is eyeing major spring targets with the three top-rated performers in his New Plymouth operation. Puntura (NZ) (Vespa), One Bold Cat (NZ) (The Bold One) and Mary Louise (NZ) (The Bold One) were chief contributors to his stakes tally during a personal best season in 2023/24 and the Taranaki trainer again has high hopes for the trio. Patterson sent out 53 winners last term with seven at Group or Listed level and stable earnings topped $2.3 million. Puntura was the individual star with success in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m), the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) and the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) and, like his high-profile stablemates, trialled at Otaki on Tuesday. “They were all there for a day out to stretch their legs and they’re coming along well,” Patterson said. “Puntura might go to the Foxbridge Plate (Gr.2, 1200m) and then target the Tarzino Trophy (Gr.1, 1400m) and the mile (Gr.1, Arrowfield Stud Plate, 1600m).” The Vespa gelding hasn’t been out since he tailed the field home in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield. “He came in as the underdog last season and worked his way up, he got whipped in the All-Star, but he was at the end of it and we couldn’t turn it down. “He’s come back from defeats before and picked himself up.” Puntura made all the running for a soft win in his 1000m heat at Otaki, while Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) champion Mary Louise settled last and ran to the line under her own steam for fifth. “The New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m) is Mary Louise’s main target, so we’ll work our way back from that,” Patterson said. “She’ll probably resume over 1400m and then go to a mile. She’ll be getting a bit more serious when she gets up in distance. “She’ll run in the Metropolitan (Listed, 2600m) and then into the Cup.” Mary Louise is a daughter of The Bold One whose son One Bold Cat won the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) last preparation and finished third in the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m). A last-start sixth from the outside gate in the Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m), the six-year-old sat back in his 1000m heat and worked to the line well to please Patterson. “He was good and, potentially, he’ll run in the mile (Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate, 1600m) but definitely in the Livamol (Gr.1, 2040m),” he said. “He will run in a 1200m at Wanganui at the end of this month and then a 1400m at New Plymouth and a couple of weeks later to mile at Hastings, although there is another mile at Te Rapa the day before. “I don’t want to be travelling him too much, he’s never stayed away before and it might be too bigger a shock to his system, but the Livamol will be his main target.” View the full article

Brendan and Jo Lindsay celebrated a string of major results in the 2023/24 season from both the proven and promising members of their racing team. Such was the extent of the Cambridge Stud principals on-track successes, the couple claimed the New Zealand Ownership Premiership with 27 winners of 40 races from 38 runners. The winner is determined over the season, with points awarded according to the quality of the race and the individual shareholding. Most importantly for the iconic Waikato nursery, they registered five Group victories, a brace at Listed level and multiple Group placings. “It was a great season for us and the highlight was gaining valuable black type for our mares,” Brendan Lindsay said. “The majority of them are going to end up in the Cambridge Stud broodmare band and that adds to the variety and future opportunities.” Among them is the homebred American Pharoah filly About Time, who with Habana, spearheaded a glorious New Year’s Day for the farm at Pukekohe Park. Prepared at Karaka by private trainer Lance Noble, About Time claimed top honours in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2050m) while stablemate Habana triumphed in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m). They were two of a remarkable seven winners on the day for champion jockey Warren Kennedy, who enjoys a close association with the farm. Habana also landed the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m) while About Time added a placing in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial (1500m) to her record. Snazzytavi proved herself to be a rising star on the domestic scene when the Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall-trained Tavistock mare rapidly marched through the grades. She won four of her seven starts last preparation, including the Gr.3 Easter Handicap (1600m) and Stella Artois Championship Final (1500m) and placed in the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). The now retired Aquacade carried the familiar gold and black silks of Cambridge Stud to victory in the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2050m). Trained by Noble, the home-bred daughter of Dundeel also placed in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) and Listed Matamata Cup (1600m). “We tried her at Group One level and she wasn’t quite good enough, she might not have got to the level we were hoping for but she still did us really proud,” Lindsay said. Bella Waters went from a maiden success at Ruakaka last November to victory in the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) to continue a long-standing and successful association with trainer Moira Murdoch. Now operating in partnership with daughter Kieran, she trained Marky Mark to claim the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) in 2015 to provide the Lindsays with their first top-flight winner. Heading the tally of black type placegetters was the Sires’ Produce Stakes runner-up Red Sea while Luberon, Polygon, Zourion and Terra Mitica also featured and Jaarffi was the inaugural winner of the Rangitoto Classic (1500m). The Lindsays are also part of the ownership groups of the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) winner and Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) third Ascend The Throne and the Listed El Roca-Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) winner Tokyo Tycoon. View the full article

A Gainesway-consigned Ghostzapper filly out of winning Seeking the Blue (Arch) hammered to John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock for $1.2 million at Tuesday's session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. The half-sister to MGSP Janis Joplin (California Chrome) and MSP Vino Rouge (Vino Rosso) was bred in Kentucky by Payson Stud and went through the ring as Hip 147. The May 5 filly joins another Ghostzapper purchase in the Resolute portfolio–Stewart purchased champion Goodnight Olive at Fasig-Tipton's November sale for $6 million. GHOSTZAPPER (@HillnDaleFarm) filly sells for $1,200,000 at The Saratoga Sale! Congrats to buyer Resolute Bloodstock (@rresoluteracing), consignor @Gainesway, agt, and breeder Payson Stud (KY)! #FasigSaratoga pic.twitter.com/OOuKZV9ZQH — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) August 6, 2024 The post Stewart Springs for $1.2-Million Ghostzapper Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hip 146, a colt by boom sire Gun Runner bred on a cross over Tapit mares that has proved a rich source of high-class runners, was hammered down to Coolmore and Peter Brant for $1.9 million to skip to the head of class during the first hour of trade during Tuesday's second session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. The Feb. 27 foal was consigned by Lane's End on behalf of the colt's breeder, Jane Lyon's Summer Wind Equine, and hails from one of her best families. Hip 146 is out of Secret Sigh (Tapit), whose MGSW dam India (Hennessy) is responsible for Japanese dual-surface Group 1 winner Mozu Ascot (Frankel {GB}) and the stakes-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Kareena (Medaglia d'Oro). The third dam is also replete with black-type and includes the likes of MGISW To Honor and Serve and GISW Angela Renee. The current 3-year-old from the mare, the colt Stop The Press (Uncle Mo), fetched $1.5 million at this sale in 2022. When bred to Tapit mares, Gun Runner has produced GISW Society and other graded winners Wicked Halo, Red Route One and Disarm, et. al. Hip 146 A super balanced and athletic looking colt by Gun Runner selling tonight @FasigTiptonCo bred by @MoreSummerWind #lesales #saratoga pic.twitter.com/Iz5eyriYaQ — Lane's End (@LanesEndFarms) August 6, 2024 The post Gun Runner Colt Takes The Early Lead at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brilliant Berti, coming off three consecutive wins at Churchill Downs over firm turf, could get his first test on wet ground Aug. 10 in the $500,000 Secretariat Stakes (G2T) at Colonial Downs.View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of July 29-Aug. 4View the full article

A share in Airdrie Stud's hugely successful first-crop sire Complexity (Maclean's Music) was the first lot on offer during Tuesday's second session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Selected Yearling Sale, and was hammered down to David Lanigan, bidding on behalf of Scott Heider, for $510,000. Representing a 2.5% interest, the share is not subject to syndicate clearance, according to a pre-sale announcement from Fasig-Tipton's Grant Williamson before the bidding began. “We bought a Nyquist filly off Airdrie last year, so there is a connection to the family and the farm,” Lanigan said. “The horse is off to a very good start to his career and Mr. Heider was very interested in him. We just decided to watch him go through and see what he would bring. “I thought that [the price] was reasonable. If he continues to go on and if his fee is where we estimate it may be next year, this will be sensible enough.” The 8-year-old stallion, whose Charlatan half-brother was purchased by John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock for $1.5 million Monday evening, is already the sire of 13 individual winners, leaving him in a share of the top spot in that particular category with Vekoma. Complexity is the leading freshman sire by progeny earnings and has already accounted for three black-type winners, including GIII Sanford Stakes hero Mo Plex, recent G2 Richmond Stakes victor Black Forza and Stewart's Mensa, who romped in the Victoria Stakes, giving the stallion stakes winners on dirt, turf and synthetic surfaces. He is also the leading general sire of 2-year-olds with winners in five different jurisdictions, including Shin Forever, who broke his maiden impressively at first asking at Niigata in Japan on Aug. 3. The post Heider Pays $510,000 For Share In Leading Freshman Sire Complexity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The second horse through the ring Tuesday night at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga sale, a Gun Runner filly out of $4.5-million broodmare Pure Clan (Pure Prize), brought a cool $1.5 million from Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm LLC. Consigned as Hip 123 by Gainesway, agent XI, the chestnut filly was bred in Kentucky by Three Chimneys Farm and is a half-sister to Princesa Carolina (Tapit), course record setter in the Dueling Grounds Oaks whose graded placings include the GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes. Dam Pure Clan won the GI American Oaks Invitational Stakes and GI Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes and foaled this filly Mar. 14. #FasigSaratoga Tuesday: Hip 123, a filly by Gun Runner out of GI winner Pure Clan, sells for $1.5 million to @whisper_hill from the @Gainesway consignment. A half-sister to PRINCESA CAROLINA. pic.twitter.com/X3qpPoNcSp — TDN (@theTDN) August 6, 2024 The post Mandy Pope Kicks Off Saratoga Sale with $1.5M Gun Runner Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Next week, when the international sales scene shifts to France for the Arqana August Yearling Sale, a good chunk of American agents, owners, and trainers will head on over for the party. No one ever needs an excuse to go to Deauville, but if you're looking to justify your trip to your principals or partners, look no further. We've got you covered. The selected sessions of the Arqana sale run from the 16th to the 18th, Friday to Sunday, and are followed by the V2 sale on Monday. “This is the sale that, pound for pound, produces the most Group 1 winners in the world,” said Michel Zerolo, whose Haras des Capucines will have the largest yearling consignment in the first three select days of the sale-45-and another 17 in the V2. Only three American sires-Kitten's Joy, Justify, and Maximum Security-are represented at the sale, but Americans don't come to Arqana to buy what they could buy at home, says Freddy Powell, Arqana's CEO, who sums up the appeal of the sale succinctly. “We have the best sires in Europe represented at the sale,” he said. “It's a really good way to have a feel for what's going on in Europe. As well as having a good time, in Deauville you will see-in quite a short time without too much hard looking at 600-700 horses–a very good representation of what is done the best in Europe. You will quickly see a very good diversity of stallions, a way of breeding, and pedigrees. If anyone wants an introduction to European racing, it is a wonderful one in Deauville.” In just the past few years, the sale has produced the French Derby and Arc winner Ace Impact (Ire), the French Derby winner Look de Vega (Fr), the French 2000 Guineas winner Metropolitan (Fr). Two 2023 graduates won races at Royal Ascot this year–Rashabar (Ire), who won the G2 Coventry Stakes, and Highbury (Fr), the winner of the G2 Queen's Vase. “Obviously, the success of the sale is a very good reason to come and buy horses in Deauville,” Powell stressed, “but when you go to some sales in Europe at the end of the year, you have to look at a lot of horses to see what's best and the diversity of product is not as wide as it is in Deauville for only 325 horses catalogued.” Young sires have been making headlines in Europe lately, Powell said, and most of the exciting young sires will be on offer next week. “In Europe in general we have a very good generation of new sires coming out, with sires like Blue Point (Ire) (seven on offer), and Too Darn Hot (GB) (six),” whose Oversubscribed (GB) was second in the GIII Lake George at Saratoga last week. “Zarak (Fr) (16 in the sale) is doing well, and we're pretty happy with the Zaraks we have.” Powell mentioned three sires with first two-year-olds that he said Americans would find interesting. “Some stallions to look at would be Hello Youmzain (Fr), a strong, powerful, well-balanced type of horse who throws horses with big hips. They are good models. Sottsass (Fr) had two very good runners here in France for Peter Brant two weeks ago–a winner and a second, both very impressive. And don't forget that his sister, Sistercharlie, won five Group 1s in the U.S. He produces those well-balanced horses who can adapt. I'm getting quite excited about that sire. And then there are a couple of Kamekos. He's a son of Kitten's Joy who is off to a good start at stud, and I think people will be interested in seeing them.” Among first-crop yearling sires, there is St Mark's Basilica (Fr), who Powell said was throwing well-balanced yearlings, and Victor Ludorum (GB). “He's by Shamardal, who has always worked on both sides of the Atlantic.” Among established sires, there are 30 Wootton Bassetts (GB), “who is working everywhere,” he said, 22 yearlings by perennial leading French sire Siyouni (Fr), and five from leading European sire Dubawi (GB), including the half-brother to last year's sales topper. Haras des Capucines offers three yearlings by American sires this year, a filly by Maximum Security and two fillies by Justify. The latter two were purchased as weanlings for $200,000 apiece at the Keeneland November sale. Lot 200, says Zerolo, “is out of a good Argentinian filly, Lucevan, who has already produced a good grass filly by Street Sense,” he says, referring to GII Gulfstream Park Oaks winner Champagne Anyone. “Here,” says Zerolo, “we have the Mr Prospector cross again, and she's a nice, big, strong filly and a good mover.” Lot 294 is a Justify filly out of San Saria (Ire). “I have an affinity for that pedigree because we used to own the second dam, San Sicharia (Ire), who became a nice filly, a Grade III winner, and this filly is lovely, with a old Lagardere pedigree that has been revived. If I recall, Vadsa (the fifth dam) and Vadsa Honor came out of the Newstead Farm dispersal in 1985.” “They are pretty similar,” said Zerolo of the two Justify fillies. “(Lot 294) has a little more white, two white socks, a very attractive head. She's a nice, attractive chestnut filly with an attractive walk. “I'm not an expert on Justify, but to me they look like what Justifys should look like,” Zerolo continued. “Having said that, City of Troy and the Nassau winner, Opera Singer, are light bays. These two are chestnuts–big, strong, athletic American-looking horses. The success of Justify is amazing, which is why he stands for what he does. The appeal is going to be across the board. The Europeans, Americans, Japanese and Australians will be interested in them.” Not that Americans need to cross the pond to buy Justifys, he said. “I would imagine Americans coming to Europe are looking to buy European horses. Otherwise, what's the point?” And to that end, he said, “the sire that I really, really like here this year is St Mark's Basilica. They remind me-and only the old guys like me will remember this-of the good Nureyevs, five generations back. He is producing lovely, lovely fillies. I'm quite taken by what I've seen. A lot of class.” Arqana charters a plane every year on the Wednesday after the Saratoga sale, flying from Albany straight to Deauville. “It's nearly full, so that's exciting,” said Powell. “Every year, we've got more people showing interest, people who came the previous year and sent back good reports. Some who came on their own are now bringing friends.” The Saratoga Sale and the Arqana August sale pair back-to-back events with great quality in a great environment. What's not to love? “Deauville is a wonderful way to discover Europe,” he said, “and we love showing the way. I'm pretty confident the French breeders and consignors have done a great job with their prep work because the horses we saw in the spring were quite exciting. There are a lot of good vibes and people are in good spirits.” The post Arqana For Americans: Diversity, Sire Power, and Some of the Best Europe Has to Offer in 325 Hips appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Ed Brown Society, led by Chairman Greg Harbut and President Clark Williams, accepted the 2024 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame award on behalf of the late jockey Abe Hawkins during the induction ceremony Friday at Saratoga Springs. Hawkins, who died in 1867, is known for riding Lecomte to victory over the previously undefeated Lexington in 1854. The Ed Brown Society is a Lexington, KY-based organization whose mission is to celebrate the history of African Americans in the equine industry, and to provide exposures, experiences, resources, and professional development to talented and focused young people of color who wish to pursue careers in the industry. Williams, who spoke during the acceptance speech for Hawkins, said: “We must work together… because we are better together… May this be the springboard our industry desperately needs to work together and do better for the sport we all love.” The post Ed Brown Society Accepts Racing Hall Of Fame Award For Jockey Abe Hawkins appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brilliant Berti, coming off three consecutive wins at Churchill Downs over firm turf, could get his first test on wet ground on Aug. 10 in the $500,000 Secretariat Stakes (G2T) at Colonial Downs.View the full article

For Godolphin's Ottoman Fleet, the Fourstardave Handicap (G1T) could showcase a new dimension for the multiple graded stakes winner.View the full article

Porter on PedigreesView the full article