Wandering Eyes

Agenging a prior loss to Vahva in the Raven Run Stakes (G2) last fall at Keeneland, Alva Starr turned the tables on that rival by outlasting her in the $600,000 Madison Stakes (G1) April 6 at the Lexington track.View the full article

Sierra Leone didn't want to go in the starting gate and was ninth early in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1), but he left no doubt after launching a five-wide rally on the far turn and running down all his competition in the lane April 6 at Keeneland.View the full article

Riff Rocket became just the fourth horse to complete the Victoria Derby (G1) and Australian Derby (G1) double when he landed the latter at Randwick April 6.View the full article

Rigney Racing's Buchu notched a second graded stakes win at Keeneland by triumphing in the $386,888 Appalachian Stakes (G2T) over Mo Fox Givin, Dancing N Dixie in the mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies April 6.View the full article

He wasn't the most cooperative at the stalls and he left himself plenty to do over a Keeneland main track that was playing kind to speed over the course of the afternoon, but 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (c, 3, Gun Runner–Heavenly Love, by Malibu Moon) saved his best for last and cemented his status as one of the top couple of contenders for the GI Kentucky Derby with a fast-finishing victory in the 100th running of the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. Saturday afternoon. The lanky bay colt was to be the last to load in gate 10, but he proved a bit difficult to handle, delaying the start of the Blue Grass by about three minutes. A bit easy in the market, having touched 6-5 before leaving the gates at odds just north of 8-5, the $2.3-million topper from the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale was perhaps a half-step slow to begin, but slid down into the two path and raced last but one into the first turn as stablemate Top Conor (Twirling Candy) cut out sharp fractions on the front end. Patiently handled at the tail by Tyler Gaffalione, Sierra Leone still had a double-digit gap to bridge as they raced into the final half-mile. Angled in for a two-path run around the far turn, Sierra Leone began pick off rivals and was steered wide outside of Be You (Curlin) into the lane. Just a Touch (Justify), prominent throughout, hit the front in upper stretch, but the lead was short-lived, as Sierra Leone gathered him up with relative ease while lugging in a bit entering the final sixteenth of a mile and strode clear. The win was the third in the Blue Grass for trainer Chad Brown. Saturday, Keeneland TOYOTA BLUE GRASS S.-GI, $995,782, Keeneland, 4-6, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:50.08, ft. 1–SIERRA LEONE, 123, c, 3, by Gun Runner 1st Dam: Heavenly Love (GISW, $346,200), by Malibu Moon 2nd Dam: Darling My Darling, by Deputy Minister 3rd Dam: Roamin Rachel, by Mining 1ST GRADE I WIN. ($2,300,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Peter M. Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook T. Smith; B-Debby M. Oxley (KY); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $581,250. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0, $918,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Just a Touch, 123, c, 3, Justify–Touching Beauty, by Tapit. 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($170,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP; $125,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT; $300,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-Qatar Racing, LLC, Resolute Racing and Marc Detampel; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $187,500. 3–Epic Ride, 123, c, 3, Blame–Pick a Time, by Gio Ponti. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE, 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($160,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Welch Racing LLC; B-Fred W. Hertrich (KY); T-John Ennis. $93,750. Margins: 1HF, 3 3/4, 1 1/4. Odds: 1.66, 3.31, 51.37. Also Ran: Dornoch, Mugatu, Top Conor, Seize the Grey, Be You, Lat Long, Good Money. Scratched: Encino. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #10 SIERRA LEONE ($5.32) explodes down the stretch to win Keeneland's $1,000,000 Blue Grass Stakes (G1)!@Tyler_Gaff gave the son of @Three_Chimneys's Gun Runner a perfectly-timed ride for trainer Chad Brown. Congratulations to the connections! pic.twitter.com/giC8STcap4 — TVG (@TVG) April 6, 2024 The post Sierra Leone Stamps His Authority On The Blue Grass appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a race billed almost as a match race between California star fillies Kinza (Carpe Diem), a MGSW and 'TDN Rising Star' for Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, and Kopion (Omaha Beach), a GSW for Hall of Famer Richard Mandella, it was Baffert's other entrant, Nothing Like You (f, 3, Malibu Moon–Miss Derek, by Brother Derek) who upended the GII Santa Anita Oaks in Arcadia and reported home an eased-up eight-length victress. Kinza was second, giving Baffert the exacta, and last-out maiden winner Corposo (Vino Rosso) was third. Winning jockey Frankie Dettori bided his time in fourth, letting Kinza tally early fractions of :23.43 and :46.99 up front, until room opened on the rail and he shot through with Nothing Like You in an powerful effort. Dettori, winning his fifth consecutive race on the card, and Nothing Like You got the 1 1 1/6 miles in 1:43.21. Nothing Like You was fourth behind Kinza and Kopion in the Feb. 10 GIII Las Virgenes S.. She had taken the GII Starlet S. at Los Alamitos Dec. 9. Kentucky Oaks points were on the line in the Santa Anita Oaks and were offered on a scale of 100-50-25-15-10; however, both Nothing Like You and Kinza are ineligible to earn points as Baffert's horses are unable to race at Churchill Downs. O-Georgia Antley Hunt, Jeff Giglio, & John L. Rogitz; B-Notch Hill Farm Wolverton Mountain Farm & Spendthrift Stallions, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. #1 NOTHING LIKE YOU ($16.40) runs away from her competitors in the $300,000 Santa Anita Oaks (G2). Bob Baffert trains this three-year-old filly by Malibu Moon. This is the fifth consecutive win of the day for @FrankieDettori! pic.twitter.com/mZVz2jB0UT — TVG (@TVG) April 6, 2024 Saturday, Santa Anita SANTA ANITA OAKS-GII, $300,000, Santa Anita, 4-6, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:43.21, ft. 1–NOTHING LIKE YOU, 124, f, 3, by Malibu Moon 1st Dam: Miss Derek (MSW-Can, SP-USA, $159,610), by Brother Derek 2nd Dam: Quick Text, by Tiznow 3rd Dam: Super Seniorita, by El Baba ($67,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $20,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $190,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-Georgia Antley Hunt, Jeff Giglio and John Rogitz; B-Notch Hill Farm, Wolverton Mountain Farm & Spendthrift Stallions, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 8-4-1-0, $423,160. *1/2 to South of France (Quality Road), SW, $156,005. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Kinza, 124, f, 3, Carpe Diem–Secret Wonder, by Quality Road. 'TDN Rising Star'. ($17,000 Wlg '21 FTNMIX; $30,000 Ylg '22 OBSOCT; $350,000 2yo '23 EASMAY). O-Michael Lund Petersen; B-JD Business Ventures LLC, Brushy Hill Stable & Carpe Diem Syndicate (NY); T-Bob Baffert. $60,000. 3–Corposo, 124, f, 3, Vino Rosso–Manki, by Arch. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O-Madaket Stables LLC and Slam Dunk Racing; B-Nick Cosato (KY); T-Peter Eurton. $36,000. Margins: 7HF, HF, 8. Odds: 7.20, 0.50, 12.30. Also Ran: Kopion, Ifuaintfirsturlast. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post The Other Baffert, Nothing Like You, Takes Santa Anita Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Strathalbyn trainer Kym Healy with Alice Springs jockey Paul Denton and Darwin apprentice Emma Lines after winning the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m) in Alice Springs on Saturday. Denton rode the winner Mathematics, while Lines partnered Healy’s stablemate and runner-up, Noble Magnate. Picture: Nikki Westover Photography Kym Healy’s success during the Alice Springs Cup Carnival over the years is outstanding, and now the Strathalbyn-based trainer has won his first Pioneer Sprint (1200m). Not only did he win the $100,000 feature at Pioneer Park on Saturday, but he also landed the quinella when $51 outsider Mathematics (Paul Denton) caught $2.50 favourite Noble Magnate (Emma Lines) in the shadows of the post to claim victory by 0.4 lengths. The SA trainer, winner of two Alice Springs Cups with Pretty Blonde (2014 and 2017), admitted that he has never targeted the Sprint or Darwin’s Palmerston Sprint. “We’ve had a really good day, a sensational day to be honest,” he said. “I’m not a big noter or a bragger, but today is a big achievement for me as a trainer.” After Lines piloted He’s Maverick ($2.70) – third in the NT Guineas on March 27 – home earlier in the day, Healy now boasts nine wins after four days of the Carnival with Cup Day on Sunday. For winning jockey Paul Denton, 60, who has spent 40 years riding in the NT, it was his sixth Pioneer Sprint win – his first since partnering Kerry Petrick’s Le Niska in 2007. After also riding Petrick’s Real Divine ($5) to victory on Saturday, Denton has 17 wins for the season in the Alice Springs and Provincial jockeys’ premiership to extend his lead over Sonja Logan (14.5). Denton was meant to ride Petrick’s Throw At Da Stumps in the Sprint, but when it failed to make the field, he was booked on Terry Gillett’s Brat. Brat was scratched on Saturday morning, with Mathematics – the third emergency – getting a run in the 12-horse field. Mathematics, a seven-year-old gelding, recorded five wins and plenty of minor placings for previous trainer Lisa Whittle, but when she left Alice Springs and relocated temporarily to SA last year, the son of The Factor wound up with Healy. As fate would have it, Mathematics hadn’t won a race for Healy in 10 previous starts. Adding to the intrigue, Mathematics, jumping from gate two, missed the start by two lengths but made steady ground along the fence and was sixth passing the 500m. Noble Magnate, cherry-ripe for the Sprint after winning over 1100m (0-64) and 1200m (WFA) in late March, was sitting fourth along the rails before hitting the front once turning for home. Mathematics entered the equation at the 300m, but it appeared as though Noble Magnate would hang on with 100m to go before his stablemate swooped. Ray Viney’s $12 hope Kickatorp (Jessie Philpot), who was the first emergency, and Gillett’s $21 chance Supreme Attraction (Stan Tsaikos), last year’s Sprint winner, charged home from the back of the field to finish 2.5 lengths adrift in third and fourth place, respectively. “When Noble Magnate kicked clear on the home turn, I thought he was going to win by three or four lengths,” Healy said. “Noble Magnate is a serious horse; he’s probably the best sprinter I have ever trained. “I then looked and noticed that Mathematics was coming down the outside. “I thought Noble Magnate would still win, but in the end it was a great ride by Paul and Emma did little wrong. “My wife Cassie and I own Mathematics outright, so I’ve never been prouder. “We are also part-owners of Noble Magnate. I have spoken to other part-owners, and they were pleased for Mathematics. “That leaves you with a tear in your eye. “We’ve had our issues getting to and from Alice Springs this year, so today is a great result.” 2024 Pioneer Sprint Replay – Mathematics Horse racing news View the full article

Today’s Cheviot Businesses Cheviot Cup at Addington has changed complexion, and quickly. Back markers Franco Indie and Mossdale Ben have been scratched from the event and that’s seen a wide open market, with eight of the ten runners now in single figures. Franco Indie opened an early favourite for the 2600m feature and with him now out, Waimate Cup winner Mo’unga has come into a $4.50 favourite. There’s also a lot of support too for the likes of Heisenberg, Dashing Major and southerner Tact McLeod. The well bred Mo’unga has won five from 13, with his sole Addington victory being against Bach, The Falcon and Alta Meteor in September 2023. The Cup is set to go at 4.32pm. Today’s meeting also features the Group 3 Cobbitty Equine Farm Leonard Memorial Pace for the 2YO Fillies (3.40pm). The former will see the Dalgety-trained Forever Me go out a $1.60 favourite to turn the tables on General Jen. On March 27 the Hayden Cullen-trained General Jen was left parked but proved too strong in front of Forever Me who flashed home to get within a head. Backing up after a tough run just two days ago, Trevor Grant doesn’t exactly know what to expect from his trotter George Eliot in the Rural Livestock Trot (2.15pm). The Royal Aspirations four-year-old has been installed a $3.50 favourite after finishing sixth in the Betavet Racing Rewards Showcase won by Who’s Queen on Friday night. “There are two ways to look at it,” says Grant, who bred, trains and drives the mare, “she could be tired after it or the run could have suited her and she’ll be the better for it. “It’s just so hard to tell.” The other complicating factor is that the combo have drawn one for the 2000 metre stand. She’s had ten standing starts before for four placings. Her overall tally is one win and eight placings from 26 starts. Grant acknowledges the draw is tricky but is hopeful she’ll go away ok. With a safe start and some luck in the running she’s suggested in recent runs she could be more than competitive. “At Motukarara (April 1) she was flying home (for fourth) once we found a hole and then on Friday she went on a long searching run.” In the $30,000 Showcase on Friday she was back in the field before being launched three wide and then sitting parked. In the home straight she battled on well to finish about five lengths from the winner. George Eliot’s sole win came in the very first race of 2024 at Rangiora on January 1. “I was leading the drivers and trainers’ premierships there for a while,” he quips. View the full article

The $279,000 Carter Stakes (G2) was a doppelganger for trainer Brittany Russell. Sort of. Later on the card Reasoned Analysis captured the Bay Shore Stakes at 15-1 for Klaravich Stables.View the full article

Agenging a prior loss to Vahva in the Raven Run Stakes (G2) last fall at Keeneland, Alva Starr turned the tables on that rally rival by outlasting her in the $600,000 Madison Stakes (G1) April 6 at the Lexington track.View the full article

Bo Cruz cruised to victory in the Commonwealth Stakes (G3) April 6 at Keeneland in what trainer Al Stall Jr. admitted was an experiment.View the full article

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Dale Ladner's ALVA STARR (f, 4, Lord Nelson–Sittin At The Bar, by Into Mischief) was run down by Vahva (Gun Runner) in the shadow of the winning post and dropped a narrow decision in last year's GII Lexus Raven Run S. at Keeneland, but the bay–favored by about $9,000 when all was said and done in the GI Resolute Racing Madison S.–reversed form by a similar margin Saturday. In the vanguard early, Alva Starr drifted back to sit just off the pace into the turn as Red Carpet Ready (Oscar Performance) sped through from her inside draw to take up the running through a quarter in :21.98. Forced to cover a bit of ground and to rally from farther off the pace than is her custom, Alva Starr nevertheless rolled up outside and easily claimed Red Carpet Ready in upper stretch. Still clear into the final furlong, she managed to hold sway as Vahva was taking ground off of her with every stride. Lifetime Record: 8-5-3-0. O-Dale Ladner; B-Brett Brinkman & P Dale Ladner (KY); T-Brett Brinkman. ALVA STARR ($6.32) stalked the hot pace and held off a huge move from Vahva in the $600,000 Madison Stakes (G1) at @KeenelandRacing. @Tyler_Gaff was in the irons and Brett Brinkman was the trainer. Time for the late Pick 3: https://t.co/crebR4OEDC pic.twitter.com/47to7LVeaf — TVG (@TVG) April 6, 2024 The post Alva Starr Gains Revenge On Vahva In Madison appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $279,000 Carter Stakes (G2) was a doppelganger for trainer Brittany Russell. Sort of. Later on the card Reasoned Analysis captured the Bay Shore Stakes at 15-1 for Klaravich Stables.View the full article

Marred by a spill in the stretch, Resilience (c, 3, Into Mischief–Meadowsweet, by Smart Strike) punched his ticket to the GI Kentucky Derby in Saturday's GII Wood Memorial S. at Aqueduct. Society Man (Good Magic), off at odds of 99-1, was second. Another longshot Protective (Medaglia d'Oro) was third at 38-1. Longshot Deposition (Constitution) appeared to clip heels while racing in traffic in the stretch and unseated jockey Dexter Haddock. Per Dr. Hinchliffe, NYRA Director of Veterinarians, Deposition stood up under his own power and walked onto the ambulance, the NYRA press department reported. He will be taken back to the barn area for further evaluation. Haddock was taken to on-track EMT and will visit a local hospital for further evaluation. The rail-drawn Resilience, off at odds of 5-1, sat a dream trip in third while racing with first-time blinkers through fractions of :23.45 and :47.49. He revved up three deep approaching the quarter pole, hit the front as they turned for home and kept on rolling down the stretch despite drifting late to win by three lengths. Resilience becomes the 71st graded winner for the all-conquering Into Mischief. He was represented by his 21st Grade I winner Leslie's Rose in Friday's GI Ashland S. at Keeneland. The final time for 1 1/8 miles was 1:50.28. Lifetime Record: 6-2-1-1. O-Bushnell, Emily and Waldman, Ric; B-Pam & Martin Wygod (KY); T-William I. Mott. RESILIENCE, son of @spendthriftfarm's Into Mischief, wins the Grade 2 Wood Memorial presented by @ResortsWorldNYC, securing 100 @KentuckyDerby points! Incredible ride by jockey @ljlmvel for trainer Bill Mott! pic.twitter.com/ZLCoIJWB4K — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) April 6, 2024 The post Into Mischief’s Resilience Wins Spill-Marred Wood Memorial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rigney Racing homebred Buchu (f, 3, Justify–Flowering Peach {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}), winner of the GII Jessamine S. over this course last year at two, made her 3-year-old debut a winning one and kept her Keeneland record perfect with a late-closing score in the $400,000 GII Appalachian S. Saturday. Poolside With Slim (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) set early fractions of :22.88 and :47.25, while favorite Pounce (Lookin At Lucky) tracked from third and Buchu rated midpack in the clear. Midway on the turn, Buchu unfurled a sharp turn of foot as she circled the field and hit the lead in a no-nonsense effort. Mo Fox Givin (Mo Town) and Dancing N Dixie (Neolithic) chased her home in second and third, respectively. The final time for the one mile was 1:36.36. O/B-Rigney Racing LLC (Ky); T-Philip Bauer. BUCHU ($15.04) showed her love for @KeenelandRacing winning the $400,000 Appalachian Stakes (G2) under jockey Martin Garcia. The 3-year-old Justify (@coolmoreamerica) filly was trained by Philip Bauer! Bet the late Pick 4: https://t.co/ybo2UACnE6 pic.twitter.com/LiIVrGUXwa — TVG (@TVG) April 6, 2024 The post Justify’s Buchu Stays Unbeaten at Keeneland with Appalachian Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $279,000 Carter Stakes (G2) was a doppelganger for trainer Brittany Russell. Sort of.View the full article

Where's My Ring is a maiden no more after a commanding victory in the $200,000 Gazelle Stakes (G3) April 6 at Aqueduct Racetrack. View the full article

CAEN, France–For years, laboratory testing for equine diseases has worked about the same way. Draw a sample, send it off to the lab, and in just a few days, depending upon the mail, you'll have your result. But of course, in a world that has sped up to the point where a few days seems absolutely archaic, it wasn't going to be long until someone brought the lab to you. Those people were LABEO, the Normandy Interdepartmental Analysis and Research Centre, whose new LABEO Truck was first deployed last year at the European Eventing Championships, and at this February's Arqana Sale. It's the first of its kind in Europe, and quite possibly the world. With nearly 400 pharmacists, engineers, biologists, and more on staff, LABEO is one of the largest Public Interest Groups in France, processing approximately 1,250,000 samples and conducting research each year for 80,000 clients in France and abroad in the areas of animal health, water, and food products. The truck not only looks like but is named after a food truck (and in case you're wondering what the French word for that is, it's `food truck,' said with a French accent.) The idea behind it is that in environments where you may be testing groups of horses whose proximity to one another could have serious health implications, it makes more sense to get the test results quickly, with the same precision of accuracy and standards as in the lab. The machines have been tested to ensure that even after driving over bumpy Norman roads, they maintain the same level of integrity as they do in the lab. “If we want to be credible, people have to know that if they call us, we will have the same level of service and we are the same people doing the analysis in the field as here in the lab,” said Pierre-Hugues Pitel, the head of the Health and R&D departments at LABEO. To view a 3D model of the truck, click here. The team at LABEO stresses that testing integrity. These aren't do-it-yourself rapid tests that you pick up at the pharmacy or at the vet. This is the entire laboratory, with its quality standards, brought to you, with the experts aboard to process and read the results, and to make recommendations. Pitel emphasized the essence of detection time at the beginning of an outbreak. “Sometimes it's 12 hours to 20 hours to get results back, and in the case of an emergency at a track or big show jumping event, 24 hours just for delivery of samples is a bit long,” said Pitel. “So that was the first impetus for the truck, and the second was the EHV1 crisis in Valencia in February 2021.” That outbreak in Spain resulted in the death of 18 horses, and spread to horses in 10 countries. “We received 200 nasopharyngeal swabs back at the lab and we thought how much more efficient it would have been to do this in front of the show-jumping arena.” Camille Vercken, well-known in the Thoroughbred industry as the former head of the Syndicat des Eleveurs in France and the owner and founder of the equine biosecurity company Equiways, is the head of LABEO's Equine Industry Business Unit. She said that the truck is fitted with solar panels on the roof so that it can truly be independent if it is called to an event where there is no power. Those panels power refrigerators, freezers, stoves, and heating implements along with computers. It is also equipped with WiFi. “You could park the truck at a racetrack, and offer owners the opportunity to do a full assessment of a horse who under-performed,” said Vercken. “You can take the blood and have the results before he leaves the track that day.” Stephane Pronost, one of the world's foremost virologists, is the Deputy Research Director for LABEO and a molecular biologist. He explained the importance of performing on-site Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR tests. A simple test can detect a horse with a heavy viral load, but the PCR test can detect an early-stage virus by amplifying the DNA to study it in greater detail. Stephane Pronost and Marie PIerre Toquet | Sue Finley photo “I think today, it's very easy to explain what is PCR because of COVID,” said Pronost. “And it's exactly the same for horses, with a nasal swab. If there is an equestrian event and there is an alert with one of the horses, the practitioner or the owner can come to the truck and ask for virus detection, and we can give an answer after only two hours. It's one of the most important aspects of the truck-to go directly on the racetrack or to events and to be able to very quickly detect the presence of a pathogen.” Pitel said there were three major aims for the truck. “First, prevention,” he said. “To ensure that horses who come to perform are safe. Second, an emergency. When there is a flu or EHV1 outbreak that begins, we can come and do emergency testing. And the third is if you are a stud manager and you would like to check all of the animals for flu, EHV, parasites, sending the truck makes it quicker and easier to do them all at once.” Marie Pierre Toquet, a research assistant at LABEO, displayed a menu of the tests offered to clients, which looks much like one in a restaurant (or food truck), but includes fitness or inflammation assessments, tests for rhinopneumonia, influenza, strangles, EVA, piroplasmosis, EHV 1 2 and 4, and a complete parasitological assessment, all within two hours. The purpose of the truck is not to do drug testing at the races or sales; that is handled by the French national lab. Arqana had the truck on hand at this year's February Sale, and will offer it at sales going forward, said Arthur Serres, the sales company's technical director, who said that it was an extra layer of service that they can provide both the vendor and the buyer. “In 2024, it's a valuable service to be able to offer,” said Serres. “Horses move around a lot, and this is a comforting option to have for people on the sales grounds.” Arqana's Arthur Serres | Zuzanna Lupa photo Serres said that a typical usage at the sales could be post-sale testing before a horse leaves the grounds to make sure he's free of any pathogen before heading off to the new owner's stud farm. He also said that while Coggins tests were required before a horse arrives at the sale, from time to time there were problems with the vendors not having received the paperwork by the time they arrive. “Right now, we ask for a quick test at LABEO, but going forward, with the truck, we can ask for the tests directly on the sales grounds and have the results in two hours. So we gain a lot of time and it's important because if not, the horse has to stay on the van or in another yard in Deauville and miss out on time when he could be being shown to potential buyers.” Vercken points out that the on-site nature of the machine means that a collaboration between the farm manager, the vet, and the lab tech is possible, moving horses quickly into or out of quarantine or from one field to another as results are released. The same goes for horses about to be exported. It can also quickly detect and stop the spread of a larger outbreak at a training centre helping to save money by limiting scratches and keeping racing going. The truck is cleaned and restocked before each use to ensure that the conditions inside are exactly like a lab, and it is small enough that anyone with a regular driver's licence can drive it. It was deliberately modeled after the food truck that LABEO workers see in their parking lot every day, but with a glass window instead of an open one to maintain the indoor temperatures and secure environment, while allowing transparency. For LABEO, it also allows their employees some much-appreciated contact with their regular test subject-the horse-and seeing the economic effect that something like a piroplasmosis positive has on an auction price helps them to understand their work more fully. “It's not why we built the truck, but it has been a secondary benefit,” said Pitel. “It gives meaning to their work.” For inquiries regarding the LABEO truck, contact Camille Vercken at camille.vercken@laboratoire-labeo.fr. The post The LABEO Truck: Mobile Veterinary Lab The First of Its Kind in Europe appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $279,000 Carter Stakes (G2) was a doppelganger for trainer Brittany Russell. Sort of.View the full article

Sunday sees a swing in the momentum towards the more meaningful Flat action of 2024, with Leopardstown–which has to survive an early-morning inspection–and ParisLongchamp staging a host of Classic trials. Ballydoyle's wheels are really set in motion at the former venue, with several of their promising 3-year-olds ready to be unleashed in the card's trio of preps including the 10-furlong G3 P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax S. It is in that early Derby pointer that Rosegreen's G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud third Illinois (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and impressive course maiden-winning TDN Rising Star Ocean Of Dreams (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) look to add to the stable's Blue Riband team taking on Vimal Khosla's G2 Beresford S. winner Deepone (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}) from the Paddy Twomey stable. “He has a five-pound penalty for his win in the Beresford S. last season, but we're looking forward to running him on Sunday,” Twomey said. “I think stepping up in trip will play to his strengths, I think a mile and a quarter to a mile and a half should be well within his compass.” Leopardstown also stages the seven-furlong G3 Ballylinch Stud “Red Rocks” S., where Ballydoyle again have two fascinating maiden winners in Samuel Colt (Ire) (No Nay Never) and The Liffey (Ire) (No Nay Never). Both have to meet the standard set by the G3 Killavullan S. one-two Atlantic Coast (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) and Bright Stripes (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). The fillies take part in the G3 Ballylinch Stud “Priory Belle” S., where Ballydoyle's course-and-distance maiden winner Buttons (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) is the pick of Ryan Moore tackling Deepone's unbeaten stablemate A Lilac Rolla (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}). It was in August at The Curragh when A Lilac Rolla managed to upstage the subsequent G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Opera Singer (Justify) and Twomey is hoping that she can restart where she left off. “She beat a very good filly in Opera Singer, she's wintered well and is ready to start,” he said. “The ground conditions may not be ideal, but she's in a good place and this is a good starting point for the season ahead.” At ParisLongchamp, Guy Pariente,Thomas Lines and Qatar Racing's G1 Criterium International hero Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) returns in the nine-furlong G3 Prix la Force. Trainer David Menuisier said, “It is famous last words, but the ground shouldn't be an issue. It will be hard on the horses, but we feel ours goes on it quite good and the trip shouldn't be a problem, so we go there quite positive. Later down the line, we would like to aim at the Prix du Jockey Club, but we need to take races one by one, obviously. We could drop back in trip to run in one of the Guineas or we could go up in trip to run in a Derby trial next month. It will all depend on what happens this weekend and what Oisin and the owners think–and then we will take it from there.” Also over that trio is the G3 Al Shira'aa Racing Prix Vanteaux for the fillies, where the Head Family's nine-length Saint-Cloud winner La Mandala (Fr) (City Light {Fr}) is tested against some proven peers, while the feature is the G2 Prix d'Harcourt where Ecurie Jean-Louis Bouchard's G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB}) takes on Gousserie Racing's multiple group winner and G1 Champion S. third Horizon Dore (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}). The post Classic Dreams In The Balance On Sunday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On the last day to earn points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, West Coast invader and maiden WHERE'S MY RING (f, 3, Twirling Candy–Mapit, by Tapit) shipped in to Aqueduct and lived up her billing as the 5-2 favorite in the GIII Gazelle S. Situated just off the pace into the far turn, Jose Lezcano angled his mount out to reel in longshot pacesetter Regulatory Risk (Omaha Beach) and hit the front inside the final sixteenth to not only break her maiden but also pick up 100 Oaks points. Lifetime Record: 8-1-3-1. WHERE'S MY RING…. Or lilies? She's headed to the Kentucky Oaks! @TheNYRA pic.twitter.com/S8BS2gNtyd — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 6, 2024 O-Michael McMillan; B-Don Alberto Corporation; T-Val Brinkerhoff. Sales History: $100,000 ylg '22 KEESEP. The post Where’s My Ring Ships In To Take Gazelle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Sunday's Observations features a daughter of Hydrangea (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). 13.45 Leopardstown, Mdn, €15,000, 3yo, f, 8fT WINGSPAN (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a notable newcomer from Ballydoyle, as the second foal out of the G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares S. and G1 Matron S. heroine Hydrangea (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) from the illustrious family of Hermosa (Ire) and The United States (Ire). She encounters a dozen peers, including Diane Nagle, Susan Magnier and Linda Shanahan's fellow debutante It'sonlyjustbegun (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), a Jessie Harrington-trained half-sister to the G3 Prix d'Arenberg-placed Flaming Princess (Ire) (Hot Streak {Ire}). 13.58 ParisLongchamp, Debutantes, €27,000, 3yo, c/g, 10 1/2fT QUANTUM MECHANICS (IRE) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) starts out for Flaxman Stables and Pascal Bary, who combined with his G1 Prix du Jockey Club-winning half-brother Study Of Man (Ire) by Saxon Warrior's sire Deep Impact (Jpn). He meets two Jean-Claude Rouget trainees in Gilles Forien's homebred Royal Cadeau (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}), a half-brother to the Derby hero Wings Of Eagles (Fr) (Pour Moi {Ire}); and Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Coolmore and Westerberg's 675,000gns Tatts December Foal Sale graduate who is a half-brother to the listed scorer and multiple group-placed Juan Elcano (GB). The post Daughter Of Hydrangea Debuts At Leopardstown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amerman Racing's Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) winner Endlessly returned to the work tab for the first time since his convincing victory two weeks ago at Turfway Park with an easy half-mile move in :49 3/5 April 6 at Churchill Downs.View the full article