Wandering Eyes

Fandom (GB) returned a winner at Keeneland April 7 in $250,000 Palisades Stakes, overtaking an impressive group of runners at the finish at the same meet he broke his maiden. View the full article

A return to one-turn proved a difference maker for Denim and Pearls April 7 as she romped in the seven furlong $400,000 Beaumont Stakes (G2) at Keeneland.View the full article

Stellenbosch (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) reversed the form with her G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies conqueror, Ascoli Piceno (Jpn) Daiwa Major (Jpn), as she ran out an authoritative winner of Sunday's G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1,000 Guineas) at Hanshin Racecourse, the first leg of the Japanese Triple Tiara. The hitherto unbeaten Ascoli Piceno was crowned champion Japanese two-year-old filly in 2023, though Stellenbosch didn't have much to find with the favourite on their Hanshin Juvenile Fillies running when she'd finished best of all from the rear of the field to be beaten just a neck at the line. This time Joao Moreira's mount always had Ascoli Piceno in her sights having recovered quickly from a slow start to race on the immediate inside of her old rival, with the pair finding a slot in mid-division as Shonan Manuela (Jpn) (Just A Way {Jpn}) led the field in the early stages. Swinging wide on the home turn, Stellenbosch quickly moved ahead of Ascoli Piceno and again impressed with her strength at the finish as she powered home to claim brief leader Etes Vous Prets (Jpn) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) in the final 100 metres. Ascoli Piceno tried to match strides with the winner but was still three quarters of a length behind at the line, with another half a length back to the fast-finishing Light Back (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) in third. It was a third victory in the Oka Sho for trainer Sakae Kunieda, who was previously successful in 2010 with Apapane (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}) and in 2018 with the brilliant Triple Tiara heroine Almond Eye (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), while Brazilian-born Moreira was celebrating his first win in the Classic. “She didn't jump very well, but she did nothing wrong during the race–she was very impressive,” said Moreira. “When we were approaching the home turn, we were trapped but as we passed by the 500-metre marker, we were able to split horses. She went up front a little bit too early and I was worried she couldn't sustain her speed all the way to the end but, as with all good horses, she has proved to be capable and has given me my second Group 1 win in Japan which will be in my heart forever.” Stellenbosch shares her sire with Daring Tact (Jpn), who also completed the Triple Tiara in 2020, while Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) became the seventh filly to win all three legs in 2023. The next leg, the G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), takes place at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday, May 19. Prior to filling the runner-up spot in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies, Stellenbosch won two of her first three starts last year, making a successful debut over nine furlongs at Sapporo in July before bouncing back from her first defeat to double her career tally over a mile at Tokyo in November. Pedigree Notes Stellenbosch is one of three Classic winners and four Group 1 winners for Epiphaneia, who won the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) himself in 2013. He later doubled his tally at the top level when also winning the Japan Cup the following year. As well as the Triple Tiara heroine Daring Tact, Epiphaneia is also responsible for the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) winner Efforia (Jpn), who subsequently struck in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) and G1 Arima Kinen in a brilliant three-year-old campaign in 2021. Circle Of Life (Jpn) was the champion two-year-old filly for Epiphaneia the same year when the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies was her standout victory. Last year's Hanshin Juvenile Fillies runner-up Stellenbosch is the first winner and first runner out of the winning Bloukrans (Jpn), who did her best work at around 10 furlongs on turf. Bloukrans is in turn out of a half-sister to the late Deep Impact (Jpn), the Japanese Triple Crown winner who quickly rose to become one of the world's most influential stallions. Deep Impact and Stellenbosch's grandam, Land's Edge (Jpn), were both out of the blue hen Wind In Her Hair (Ire), herself a Group 1 winner in Germany and runner-up in the G1 Oaks at Epsom. Sunday, Hanshin, Japan OKA SHO (JAPANESE 1000 GUINEAS)-G1, ¥304,040,000, Hanshin, 4-7, 3yo, f, 1600mT, 1:32.20, fm. 1–STELLENBOSCH (JPN), 121, f, 2, Epiphaneia (Jpn) 1st Dam: Bloukrans (Jpn), by Rulership (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Land's Edge (Jpn), by Dance in the Dark (Jpn) 3rd Dam: Wind in Her Hair (Ire), by Alzao 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. 1ST GROUP WIN. 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Katsumi Yoshida; B-Northern Farm (Jpn); T-Sakae Kunieda; J-Joao Moreira; ¥166,628,000. Lifetime Record: 5-3-2-0, ¥215,468,000. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Ascoli Piceno (Jpn), 121, f, 3, by Daiwa Major (Jpn)–Ascolti (Jpn), by Danehill Dancer (Ire). O-Sunday Racing; B-Northern Farm (Jpn); ¥63,608,000. 3–Light Back (Jpn), 121, f, 3, by Kizuna (Jpn)–In The Spotlight (Ire), by Exceed And Excel (Aus). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (¥242,000,000 Ylg '22 HOKJUL). O-Kazuhiro Masuda; B-Lake Villa Farm (Jpn); ¥38,804,000. Margins: 3/4, NK, HF. Odds: 3.30, 2.50, 13.60. Also ran: Sweep Feet (Jpn), Etes Vous Prets (Ire), Wide Latour (Jpn), Sekitoba East (Jpn), Queen's Walk (Jpn), Teumessa (Jpn), Hawaian Tiare (Jpn), Ipheion (Jpn), Chicago Sting (Jpn), Cervinia (Jpn), Mask All Win (Jpn), Cecile Plage (Jpn), Corazon Beat (Jpn), Shonan Manuela (Jpn), Catfight (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. It was overnight glory for Stellenbosch and magic man Joao Moreira in the Japanese Oka Sho (1000 Guineas)!#ステレンボッシュ #競馬 #桜花賞 @netkeiba pic.twitter.com/qLZVWiwIUb — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 7, 2024 The post Strong Finish Carries Stellenbosch To Oka Sho Glory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chad Brown sends out a strong hand of fillies and mares, led by grade 1 winners Gina Romantica and Surge Capacity, in search of his seventh Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1T) victory in the last 10 years.View the full article

When Wood Memorial (G2) winner Resilience was a foal, he carried himself in the way that elite racehorses do; with a self-assured manner that showed he knew what was expected of a horse with his pedigree.View the full article

What Gundagai Cup Day @ Wagga Where Murrumbidgee Turf Club – Travers St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 When Monday, April 8, 2024 First Race 12:35pm AEST Visit Dabble Country racing heads to the NSW Riverina on Sunday afternoon for the annual running of the $36,000 Gundagai Cup (1800m). The rail is in the true position throughout the entire circuit, with the track rated Heavy 8. Racing at Wagga is set to commence at 12:45pm local time. Note: This meeting was set to be run at Gundagai on Sunday, but was transferred to Wagga’s Riverside track as a meeting on Monday. Wagga Cup Tip: Cliff House Cliff House should be able to make it back-to-back wins after careering away with the Albury Mile (1600m) last time out. The son of Starcraft was far more dominant visually than the half-length margin might suggest, as he and the runner-up cleared out on their rivals in the concluding stages. The 1800m looks ideal, and although Danny Beasley may need to circle the field from stall 17, Cliff House appears classy enough to get the job done in the Gundagai Cup. Gundagai Cup Race 8 – #3 Cliff House (17) 5yo Gelding | T: Tim Donnelly | J: Danny Beasley (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Bet at Wagga: Luna Rocks Luna Rocks resumed after a 201-day spell at Albury on March 22, and although she was beaten by a length, it was a positive outing for the Mitchell Beer-trained mare. She made strong inroads from the rear of the field, managing to sprint into second place despite the long layoff. Expect Angus Villiers to send her forward this time from barrier four, and with Luna Rocks set to relish the Heavy conditions, she will look the winner at some stage. Best Bet Race 6 – #2 Luna Rocks (4) 4yo Mare | T: Mitchell Beer | J: Angus Villiers (a1.5) (61.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Wagga: Suspect Suspect kicked clear to claim his maiden victory at Albury on March 21 and gets a terrific opportunity to make his way back into the winners’ circle. The son of I Am Invincible had been crying out for a step up in trip to 1400m and managed to put them away stylishly when given his cue. This Class 2 contest will prove a much tougher task, but with a confidence-building win under his belt, Suspect can secure another victory at start seven. Next Best Race 7 – #1 Suspect (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Mitchell Beer | J: Angus Villiers (a1.5) (59.5kg) Bet with Dabble Monday quaddie tips for Gundagai Cup Day Wagga quadrella selections Wagga, April 8, 2024 2-7-8-11-12 2-4-5-9 1-2 3 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Denim and Pearls (f, 3, Into Mischief–Majestic Presence, by Majestic Warrior) was making her first appearance against Graded company, but she looked like a seasoned pro as the daughter of Into Mischief sailed home to win the GII Beaumont with ease. Breaking well and content to watch as a longshot put up the early fractions, Denim and Pearls was swung to the outside of even-money favorite Youalmosthadme (Oxbow) late on the bend when that one started her bid for the front. When the pacesetter threw up the white flag on the rail, the betting choice took over the lead but the eventual winner was looming as the danger via the overland route. Denim and Pearls caught a wicked second wind entering the lane and disappeared from the field to win with air to spare. Harbor Springs (Lookin At Lucky), entered in the race on the back of a six-length maiden romp, overtook Youalmosthadme for second while that one held on to third. The final time was 1:26.54. Big run from a big filly! #1 DENIM AND PEARLS ($5.58) shines with an effortless romp in Keeneland's $400,000 Beaumont Stakes (G2)! The flashy filly by @spendthriftfarm's Into Mischief was ridden by Flavien Prat for @bradcoxracing and Red White and Blue Racing. pic.twitter.com/dZ6sp8c1zi — TVG (@TVG) April 7, 2024 Sales history: $500,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG. O-Red White and Blue Racing; T-Brad Cox; B-Town & Country Horse Farms, LLC (KY) Sunday, Keeneland MIDDLEGROUND CAPITAL BEAUMONT S.-GII, $395,063, Keeneland, 4-7, 3yo, f, 7f, 1:26.54, ft. 1–DENIM AND PEARLS, 118, f, 3, by Into Mischief 1st Dam: Majestic Presence (GSP-USA, MSP-Can, $227,896), by Majestic Warrior 2nd Dam: Shining Victory, by Victory Gallop 3rd Dam: Phoenix Sunshine, by Encino 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($500,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG). O-Red White and Blue Racing LLC; B-Town & Country Horse Farms, LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Flavien Prat. $244,900. Lifetime Record: 5-3-2-0, $457,435. *Full to Newgate, GISW, $535,775. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Harbor Springs, 118, f, 3, Lookin At Lucky–Northern Michigan, by Broken Vow. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O/B-Donamire Farm (KY); T-Gregory D. Foley. $79,000. 3–Youalmosthadme, 118, f, 3, Oxbow–Good Gator, by Good and Tough. ($12,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Resolute Racing; B-Pope McLean, Marc McLean & Pope McLean Jr. (KY); T-Brad Cox. $39,500. Margins: 9 1/4, 3, 1 3/4. Odds: 1.79, 8.71, 1.07. Also Ran: Chi Chi, Tipsy Tammy, Vicountess. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Denim and Pearls Dominates Beaumont in Graded Company Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stellenbosch turned the tables on Japan's reigning 2-year-old filly, Ascoli Piceno, in the first leg of the country's filly Triple Crown, the Oka Sho (Japanese One Thousand Guineas-G1).View the full article

Unraced since fading from contention in last summer's G2 Coventry S. at Royal Ascot, FANDOM (GB) (c, 3, Showcasing {GB}–Brogan {GB}, by Pivotal {GB}) returned a winner at the same meet he broke his maiden last spring, taking the Palisades S. at Keeneland Sunday. Racing wide under John Velazquez, the 7-1 shot closed with a strong late surge to get by a group of runners on the line that included No Nay Mets (Ire) (No Nay Never). Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0. O-Stonestreet Stables LLC; B-Chasemore Farm; T-Wesley Ward. Sales History: 170,000gns ylg '22 TATOCT. #6 FANDOM (GB) ($17.50) shows an explosive turn of foot to get up in Keeneland's $250,000 Palisades Stakes! This is the third start–and first stakes score–for the @StonestreetFarm-owned son of @WhitsburyManor's Showcasing (GB). @jose93_ortiz was riding for Wesley Ward. pic.twitter.com/lbYMpUids8 — TVG (@TVG) April 7, 2024 The post Fandom Returns A Winner For Wesley Ward And Stonestreet In Palisades appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company launched an action-packed week of under-tack shows ahead of its Spring 2-year-olds in Training Sale, which will run from Apr. 16 through Apr. 19. A total of eight juveniles–half fillies and half colts–led the way Sunday morning with joint :9 4/5 moves. WinStar's freshman sire Improbable was the only sire to be represented by a pair of session-topping workers–Hip 131, a colt out of I Know That Mom (Distorted Humor) (S G V Thoroughbreds LLC), and Hip 133, a colt out of MSW and MGSP I'm Betty G (Into Mischief) (Wavertree Stables). Also among the fastest eighth-working colts Sunday was Hip 87, a Florida-bred colt by Neolithic out of Harbor Sunset (Fast Anna) (Grassroots Training & Sales LLC), in addition to a Florida-bred son of Army Mule, Hip 108, out of GSP Hermione's Magic (Forest Wildcat) (Envision Equine, Agent). Leading the fillies Sunday were Hip 28, a daughter of Gun Runner out of Forest Valentine (Forestry) (de Meric Sales, Agent VIII) ; Hip 32, a Florida-bred by Girvin out of Foxy Mischief (Into Mischief) (Six K's Training & Sales LLC, Agent VI) and Hip 102, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Authentic out of GSP Heavenly Hill (City Zip) (Grassroots Training & Sales LLC). The connections of Hip 173 (Grade I Investments) hope that lightening can strike twice for Florida's freshman sire Win Win Win, who had a filly bring $1.8 million to top the final session of the OBS March sale. Out of Lookin At Lucky's Jilly, the Sunshine State-bred filly is from the family of Grade I winners Roman Ruler and El Corredor. A pair of juveniles posted a session-heading :20.3 quarter miles Sunday. Hip 166 (Tom McCrocklin), a filly by Uncle Mo, recorded the day's co-fastest time at the distance. A half-sister to GISP Be You (Curlin), the May 16 foal is out of Jacaranda (Congrats), herself a half-sister to Group 2 scorer Boynton (More Than Ready), in addition to dual Grade I winning sire Constitution. A colt by freshman sire Mr. Money (Hip 9) equaled the day's fastest time for Omar Ramirez Bloodstock. The Florida-bred is out of Fast City (Half Ours). Sessions begin each day at 8 a.m. The breeze schedule for the remaining days are–hips 174-345 on Monday; hips 346-518 on Tuesday, hips 519-690 on Wednesday; hips 691-863 on Thursday; hips 864- 1035 on Friday; and hips 1036-1208 on Saturday. The post OBS Spring Kicks off Busy Under-Tack Week appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When Fierceness (City of Light) put on a show in the GI Florida Derby there didn't seem to be any question over who the favorite would be in the GI Kentucky Derby. The Mike Repole-homebred put on quite a show that day, winning by a record 13 1/2 lengths while earning a 110 Beyer figure, the fastest dirt number recorded by any horse this year. He gave the impression that if he could duplicate that race in the Kentucky Derby, there wouldn't be a horse on the planet that could beat him that day. Then again… Just seven days after the Florida Derby, Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) turned in a special performance of his own in the GI Blue Grass S. at Keeneland. He didn't win by 13 1/2 lengths. The margin was just 1 1 /2 lengths. He didn't get a triple digit Beyer. It was a 98. It was a very different race than the one turned in by Fierceness but was every bit as special, maybe even more so. His story really begins at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. The Coolmore team and Peter Brant have a sharp eye for talent and it looks like this was a horse they had to have. They paid $2.3 million for him, which made him the sale topper. With Brant involved, the horse was sent to his main trainer, Chad Brown. He broke his maiden in November at Aqueduct and came back in the GII Remsen, where he staged an epic duel with Dornoch (Good Magic). He lost by a nose but Dornoch was hugging the rail on a day where the inside was the place to be. Sierra Leone kicked off his 3-year-old season winning the GII Risen Star S. at the Fair Grounds. Catching Freedom (Constitution), who was third, went on to win the GII Louisiana Derby. Resilience (Into Mischief) was fourth in the Risen Star and came back in his next start to win the GII Wood Memorial. But it was the Blue Grass where Sierra Leone really showed how special he is. He acted up prior to the start and delayed the race. That's oftentimes a kiss of death, but it proved not to be a problem. With Tyler Gaffalione aboard he dropped back to ninth in the ten-horse field before launching his bid. Midway on the turn, he still had to get past six horses, which wasn't any sort problem. He came with monstrous, ground gobbling strides and flew past Just a Touch (Justify) to win going away. He ran like a horse who should love the mile-and-quarter and one who has yet to peak. “We're just trying to maintain pretty much the way he's been his whole life, a special horse,” said Brown, who is 0-for-7 in the Derby. “I don't know if they ever fully figure it out, but he's only had a handful of starts.” So this was a race where Sierra Leone had to fight and show what he is capable of. He also beat some top quality horses in Just A Touch and GII Fountain of Youth winner Dornoch, who was fourth. That wasn't at all the case for Fierceness in the Florida Derby. Perfectly ridden by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, he was wisely taken to the lead and Velazquez was able to slow the pace down. Fierceness was in front the whole way while posting tepid fractions. He went the first quarter in 24.06, the half in 47.50 and the three quarters In 1:11.31. No one was ever going to catch him with the trip he was able to work out. And to make matters even easier on him, neither of his top two challengers fired. Conquest Warrior (City of Light) was fourth, beaten 16 lengths. Hades (Awesome Slew), the GIII Holy Bull S. winner, was even worse, finishing fifth, beaten 19 3/4 lengths. Catalytic (Catalina Cruiser), a 29-1 shot, was second and 21-1 shot Grand Mo the First (Uncle Mo) was third. Both will be among the longest shots on the board in the Kentucky Derby. Then there is Fierceness's erratic nature. He runs well every other start and seems unable to overcome any adversity. In the Derby, with 20 horses, he's never going to get a clear, uncontested lead and a slow pace and probably, at some point will encounter some trouble. It's a very hard race in which to get a trouble-free trip. When it comes to Fierceness-versus-Sierra Leone, the deciding factor could be the pace. As strong a late kick as he has, Sierra Leone still doesn't want to be 19th in the Derby with someone, maybe Fierceness, setting slow fractions. If Fierceness can get loose on the lead he can absolutely win, Just don't expect that to happen in a 20-horse race where there is usually a pretty quick pace. Even without Bob Baffert's participation, this looks like a deep, Derby field with a lot of quality. Can Fierceness win? Despite his tendency to throw in bad races, absolutely. But he's going to have to beat Sierra Leone and so will 18 other horses. He's the horse to beat. Post Time is on a Roll The GII Carter at Aqueduct has seen better days. Once one of the most important sprint races on the calendar, it was downgraded to a Grade II for this year and the race attracted all of four horses. But the winner was notable. Even with the small field, this was the biggest test to date for the Brittany Russell-trained Post Time (Frosted). He came into the race with seven wins from eight career starts but some were arguing that he was just beating up on inferior competition in Maryland. His lone defeat had come in the Perryville S. at Keeneland, the only time he had run outside of Maryland. As expected, Super Chow (Lord Nelson) got off to an uncontested lead and was allowed to set easy fractions. He went in 24.38 and 48.18 and Post Time was last. He then got carried out to the middle of the track by Super Chow, who has a bad habit of bearing out in the stretch. Despite all that, he was able to get the win, beating Castle Chaos (Palace Music) by a neck. With Elite Power (Curlin) and Gunite (Gun Runner) both having been retired, Post Time could be on his way to an Eclipse Award. The post Week In Review: The Horse to Beat in the Derby? It’s Sierra Leone appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but the photo examined by the Keeneland stewards in the April 7 opener was worth much more to Spendthrift Farm as their stallion Thousand Words achieved his first winner from his first starter.View the full article

1st-Keeneland, $74,144, Msw, 4-7, 2yo, f, 4 1/2f, :52.44, ft, head. THE QUEENS M G (f, 2, Thousand Words–Show Queen, by Grindstone) became her freshman sire's first winner Sunday. One of the longest shots on the board at 45-1, she flashed early speed from the far outside gate but was quickly confronted by West Memorial (Caracaro) to her inside on the run around the far turn. That pair opened up a sizable gap to the rest of the field with The Queens M G just getting the better of the photo finish to win at first asking. West Memorial was valiant in defeat on the rail and it was 11 lengths back to Island Ride (Catalina Cruiser) in third. The first winner sired by MGSW Thousand Words, The Queens M G counts GSW/GISP and $5m FTKNOV broodmare Untouched Talent (Storm Cat) and GI Arkansas Derby winner Bodemeister (Empire Maker) among her extended family members. Also under that third dam is MGISW and $3m FTKNOV purchase She's A Julie (Elusive Quality). Show Queen is due to Independence Hall this spring. Sales History: $3,500 Ylg '23 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $45,880. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Israel Acevedo; B-T.F. VanMeter,Samuel Hernandez, Jesus Torres, Justin Vinalay (KY); T-Israel Acevedo. What a way to kick off the day at @keenelandracing! #12 THE QUEENS M G ($92.74) got a head down on the line to upset the opener for owner/trainer Israel Acevedo and jockey @SanjurSanto! This is the first runner and first winner for @spendthriftfarm's Thousand Words. pic.twitter.com/MEYP56LB1T — TVG (@TVG) April 7, 2024 The post The Queens M G Becomes First Winner For Thousand Words appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The GII Louisiana Derby runner-up GSW Honor Marie (Honor Code) and fourth-place finisher GSW Track Phantom (Quality Road) returned to the work tab Sunday morning at Churchill Downs as they continue to train towards Kentucky Derby 150. In the early hours, Track Phantom breezed five furlongs in 1:02.00, the ninth fastest of 19 on the morning while sporting new equipment–a small set of blinkers. With Joel Rosario in the irons, the pair went in company with another Asmussen trainee and Track Phantom galloped out six furlongs in 1:15.20. “I thought it was a nice first work getting back to Churchill,” Asmussen's assistant trainer Scott Blasi said. Two hours later, Honor Marie breezed a half-mile in :47.80 in company, the third fastest move of 36 others after finishing a length ahead of his workmate, and galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.60 as timed by Churchill clocker John Nichols. “I thought it was a really good move for his first work back here at Churchill,” conditioner D. Whitworth Beckman said. “He did well this winter down at Fair Grounds and the [GII] Risen Star is proving to be a very key race leading into the Derby.” The winner of said Risen Star was Saturday's GI Toyota Blue Grass victor 'TDN Rising Star' GISW Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) while fourth place finisher GSW Resilience (Into Mischief) would win New York's crowning Derby prep, the GII Wood Memorial, the same day. The third-place finisher from the Risen Star GSW Catching Freedom (Constitution) would win the GII Louisiana Derby Mar. 23. The post Honor Marie, Track Phantom Back On Work Tab in First Post-LA Derby Breeze appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On a brisk Sunday morning at Churchill Downs April 7, Louisiana Derby (G2) runner-up Honor Marie and fourth-place finisher Track Phantom returned to the work tab as they train towards the 150th running of the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) May 4.View the full article

While they may not have received the end result they were hoping for, nearly 300 owners enjoyed a memorable weekend at Keeneland as their horse Seize the Grey (Arrogate) ran in the GI Blue Grass S. A $300,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga purchase for MyRacehorse trained by D. Wayne Lukas, Seize the Grey was coming into his Grade I debut off a third-place performance in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks S. The colt's connections were hoping that he would be able to run in the money in order to acquire enough points to earn a spot in the GI Kentucky Derby, but he proved to be overmatched this time around and finished seventh. While his 27 points probably won't get Seize the Grey into the Kentucky Derby starting gate, his 2,000-plus owners have plenty to look forward to going forward and many will look back on an eventful weekend in Lexington. Almost 300 MyRacehorse partners descended upon Lexington hailing everywhere from Washington and Virginia to Michigan and Florida. On Saturday, MyRacehorse hosted a tailgate at Keeneland so that owners could meet up ahead of the big race. “It's hard to get everyone together, so we threw a tailgate so they could come at their leisure before going inside,” said MyRacehorse's Caitlin Dunne. “Usually the only time we can get everybody together is the winner's circle, so if that happens, it's great. But if not, the biggest thing for us is getting to celebrate the experience of ownership. We've had this horse since he was a yearling so it has been fun for everyone to get to see him go from this pudgy little colt to this big, beautiful Arrogate colt.” Owners who arrived in Lexington ahead of Saturday's race were also able to watch Seize the Grey train in the morning. “He shipped in on Wednesday and every morning we wanted to be able to get owners out to come watch him train,” Dunne said. “D. Wayne and his assistant have been all-stars. They would bring him into the paddock every morning and stand him in front of the owners so they could take pictures with him.” Diana Kramer, a lifelong racing fan from Evansville, Indiana, is one of the many owners of Seize the Grey. She first learned about MyRacehorse in 2020. “I started doing some research on it because I always wanted to get involved if I could afford it,” she explained. “I bought in on Authentic, so we kind of started at the top there.” Kramer was a fan of Hall of Famer Arrogate during his time on the racetrack, so when a son of his became available through MyRacehorse, she jumped at the chance to become involved. While Seize the Grey probably won't be running in the Kentucky Derby, Kramer and several other MyRacehorse partners already have plans for the first Saturday in May. “There's a bunch of us that owned Authentic and became friends,” said Kramer. “We all hang out and usually have a Derby party. We have an auction for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Last year we raised $6,000. It's a great way to meet other people who love racing and learn more about the industry.” The post Seize the Grey Owners Enjoy Memorable Blue Grass Experience appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Providing a boost to the form of the G3 Staffordstown Stud S., Dun Shing Lee's Dare To Dream (Fr) (Camelot {GB}–Debutante {Fr}, by Gold Away {Ire}) made her foray to ParisLongchamp a successful one on Sunday as she captured the G3 Prix Vanteaux for the Gavin Hernon stable. Third behind Ballydoyle's Content (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Kitty Rose (GB) (Invincible Army {Ire}) in that Curragh contest when last sighted in October, the 9-1 shot was held up in rear early by Alexis Pouchin. Delivered wide with a surge to take control 300 metres from the finish, the €67,000 Arqana Deauville October graduate stayed on strongly to score by two lengths from Almara (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}). “I thought she brought the best form into the race, so I was confident and she's strengthened up so much from two to three,” Hernon said. “Quite a lot of Montjeu comes through in her via Camelot, so I was impressed with how much she relaxed and settled through the race. We haven't turned any screws yet, so I think there is quite a bit of progression to come. I would imagine she'll come back here for the [G1] Prix Saint-Alary and her owner has entered her in the Oaks and I entered her in the Irish Oaks last year and that might be the time to step her up to a mile and a half. I had it in my head all winter that she would go Vanteaux-Saint-Alary-Diane and then the Irish Oaks if we wanted to go a mile and a half. She'd be best on good-to-soft, but she wouldn't want it too firm.” Rentrée probante pour 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 (A.Pouchin) ! La pouliche de Gavin Hernon s'adjuge l'Al Shira'aa Racing Prix Vanteaux (Gr.3) devant Almara et Survie. La fille de Camelot avait montré d'évidents moyens à 2 ans, se classant quatrième du Prix d'Aumale (Gr.3). pic.twitter.com/v8Ii5JOqXm — Equidia (@equidia) April 7, 2024 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France AL SHIRA'AA RACING PRIX VANTEAUX-G3, €80,000, ParisLongchamp, 4-7, 3yo, f, 9fT, 2:00.58, vhy. 1–DARE TO DREAM (FR), 126, f, 3, by Camelot (GB) 1st Dam: Debutante (Fr) (MSP-Fr), by Gold Away (Ire) 2nd Dam: Danedrop (Ire), by Danehill 3rd Dam: Rose Bonbon (Fr), by High Top (Ire) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. (€67,000 Ylg '22 ARQOCT). O-Dun Shing Lee; B-Ecurie des Monceaux, Meridian International SARL & Scuderia Waldeck SNC (FR); T-Gavin Hernon; J-Alexis Pouchin. €40,000. Lifetime Record: GSP-Ire, 4-2-0-1, €68,500. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Almara (Fr), 126, f, 3, Almanzor (Fr)–Molly Mara (Ger), by Big Shuffle. 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€10,000 Ylg '22 ARQOCT). O/B-Zied Ben M'Rad (FR); T-Carlos & Yann Lerner. €16,000. 3–Survie (Ire), 126, f, 3, Churchill (Ire)–Sotteville (Fr), by Le Havre (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Gerard Augustin-Normand; B-Franklin Finance SA (IRE); T-Nicolas Clement. €12,000. Margins: 2, 3HF, 4. Odds: 9.20, 11.00, 4.90. Also Ran: Molten Rock (Ire), Mlle Moliere (Ire), Blush (Ire), La Mandala (Fr), Around The World (Fr), Shiffrin (Ire), The First Dance (Fr). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. . The post Vanteaux Win For Camelot’s Dare To Dream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One of the least-exposed types assembled for Sunday's G3 Prix la Force at ParisLongchamp , the Wertheimers' Atlast (Fr) (Farhh {GB}–Pitamore, by More Than Ready) emerged with the prize to prompt Classic talk. Content to track the leaders under Maxime Guyon, the Christophe Ferland-trained 11-2 shot swept to the front with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining and asserted to score by 1 1/4 lengths from Mondo Man (GB) (Mondialiste {Ire}). “He is obviously a very nice horse and it's nice to start the season like this,” Ferland said. “He had very good promise in his two runs last year and the target is the Prix du Jockey Club. We will see which route we take to get there depending how he comes out of this one. I have no doubt he will stay further, but the French 2000 [Poule d'Essai des Poulains] could be a possibility in between. We'll talk to the jockey to get his view and we'll decide in time. The ground is very testing, but he did well and trained well on the all-weather so I have no worries about the ground in the future.” Le Prix la Force (Gr.3) revient à 𝗔𝘁𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 ! Plus revu depuis son succès à Chantilly le 12 octobre, le pensionnaire de Christophe Ferland s'est imposé avec autorité. La casaque Wertheimer & Frere a remporté quatre des six dernières éditions de cette épreuve. pic.twitter.com/doHjGimqiy — Equidia (@equidia) April 7, 2024 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX LA FORCE-G3, €80,000, ParisLongchamp, 4-7, 3yo, c/g, 9fT, 2:05.13, vhy. 1–ATLAST (FR), 128, c, 3, by Farhh (GB) 1st Dam: Pitamore (SP-Fr), by More Than Ready 2nd Dam: Pitamakan, by Danzig 3rd Dam: Vantive, by Mr. Prospector 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Wertheimer & Frere (FR); T-Christophe Ferland; J-Maxime Guyon. €40,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, €66,500. Werk Nick Rating: F. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Mondo Man (GB), 126, c, 3, Mondialiste (Ire)–Moghrama (Ire), by Harbour Watch (Ire). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€30,000 2yo '23 ARQMAY). O-Ecuries Serge Stempniak , Pia Brandt & Nils-Petter Gill; B-Elwick Stud (GB); T-Pia & Joakim Brandt. €16,000. 3–First Look (Ire), 128, c, 3, Lope De Vega (Ire)–Bilissie (GB), by Dansili (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€340,000 Ylg '22 ARQAUG). O-Ecurie Ama.Zingteam; B-Haras de la Perelle (IRE); T-Andre Fabre. €12,000. Margins: 1 1/4, 3/4, HD. Odds: 5.70, 11.00, 7.90. Also Ran: Saganti (Fr), Sunway (Fr), De Sica (Fr). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. . The post Farhh’s Atlast Takes The Prix La Force appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Relishing the testing ground at Leopardstown on Sunday, Amo Racing's Dallas Star (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}–Agathe Rare {Ire}, by Sadler's Wells) sprung a 50-1 shock in the G3 P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax S. Taken straight to the lead by Seamie Heffernan, the Adrian Murray-trained 50,000gns Tatts Book 2 graduate accepted a lead before forging ahead again passing two out. Staying on strongly to the line, the former Dominic ffrench Davis trainee who was last seen finishing a distant third in Newmarket's G3 Zetland S. in October beat the Ballydoyle pair The Euphrates (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Illinois (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) by three lengths and 2 1/4 lengths respectively. UPSET 50/1 outsider Dallas Star causes an almighty shock in the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes @LeopardstownRC. What on earth do we make of that?@amoracingltd | @AMurrayRacing pic.twitter.com/ltHqYlJjqr — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 7, 2024 Sunday, Leopardstown, Ireland P W MCGRATH MEMORIAL BALLYSAX S.-G3, €50,000, Leopardstown, 4-7, 3yo, 10fT, 2:23.39, hy. 1–DALLAS STAR (FR), 131, c, 3, by Cloth Of Stars (Ire) 1st Dam: Agathe Rare (Ire), by Sadler's Wells 2nd Dam: Agathe, by Manila 3rd Dam: Albertine (Fr), by Irish River (Fr) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. (€30,000 Wlg '21 ARQDEC; 50,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT; 180,000gns RNA 2yo '23 TATBRE). O-Amo Racing Ltd; B-Mme Eliane Dieuaide & SAS Domaine Billard Pere Et Fils (FR); T-Adrian Murray; J-Seamus Heffernan. €30,000. Lifetime Record: GSP-Eng, 6-2-0-3, $57,632. *1/2 to Apache Spirit (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), SW-Fr, $456,835. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–The Euphrates (GB), 131, c, 3, Frankel (GB)–Auld Alliance (Ire), by Montjeu (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (800,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). O-Brant, Magnier, Tabor, Westerberg & Smith; B-Bobby Flay Thoroughbreds (GB); T-Aidan O'Brien. €10,000. 3–Illinois (Ire), 131, c, 3, Galileo (Ire)–Danedrop (Ire), by Danehill. O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Coolmore (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. €5,000. Margins: 3, 2 1/4, 5HF. Odds: 50.00, 7.00, 0.73. Also Ran: Deepone (GB), Ocean Of Dreams (Ire). . The post Cloth Of Stars’ Dallas Star In Ballysax Shock appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unbeaten entering Sunday's G3 Ballylinch Stud “Priory Belle” S. at Leopardstown, A Lilac Rolla (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}–Mejala {Ire}, by Red Ransom) carried on where she left off with a battling success from Kitty Rose (GB) (Invincible Army {Ire}). Last seen beating the subsequent G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Opera Singer (Justify) at The Curragh in August, the Paddy Twomey-trained €40,000 Tatts Ireland September bargain was delivered to tackle Kitty Rose at the furlong pole and gave generously to Billy Lee to eke out a head success at odds of 9-2. Ballydoyle's Buttons (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) was a further 2 3/4 lengths away in third. 3⃣ out of 3⃣ A Lilac Rolla makes it three wins from as many starts by grinding out victory in the Group 3 "Priory Belle" Stakes on return. It looked hard work but she is tough!@paddytwomey | @wjlee24786 | @BallylinchStud pic.twitter.com/4Lxm85grOj — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 7, 2024 The post Harry Angel’s A Lilac Rolla Wins The Priory Belle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ballydoyle's season cranked up a gear at Leopardstown on Sunday as the No Nay Never pair Battle Cry (Ire) and Samuel Colt (Ire) completed a one-two in the G3 Ballylinch Stud “Red Rocks” S. Runner-up in the Listed Star Appeal S. at Dundalk when last seen in October, Battle Cry who is a son of the listed scorer I'll Have Another (Ire) (Dragon Pulse) was switched off in rear early by Ryan Moore. Launched wide in the straight, the 10-1 shot overhauled his stablemate passing the furlong marker for a half-length success, with five lengths back to My Mate Alfie (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in third. Last to first! Battle Cry sweeps by his rivals under Ryan Moore to land the Group 3 @BallylinchStud "Red Rocks" Stakes despite ground conditions being far from ideal.@Ballydoyle | @coolmorestud | @LeopardstownRC pic.twitter.com/51ZDDBGhyt — Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 7, 2024 The post Ballydoyle And No Nay Never One Two In The Red Rocks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Seven newcomers went to post for ParisLongchamp's opening contest of Sunday afternoon, the 10 1/2-furlong Prix Juigne for unraced 3-year-old colts and geldings, and it was Coolmore and Westerberg's Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}–Whatami {GB}, by Daylami {Ire}), who returned with a 'TDN Rising Star' after outpointing his rivals in the style of an above-average individual. Patiently ridden off the tempo in sixth for the most part, the 8-5 favourite eased forward off the home turn and lengthened clear in taking fashion once quickening to the fore at the furlong pole to easily account for Godolphin's Kind Of Kiss (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) by an impressive 3 1/2 lengths. “Delius is a nice horse, who will develop into a good middle-distance prospect,” commented trainer Jean-Claude Rouget. “The more we advance through the season, the better he will be. He quickened really nicely and won well, so that is most encouraging.” Delius is the ninth of 11 foals and fifth scorer produced by a full-sister to Listed Chesham S. victrix Whazzat (GB) (Daylami {Ire}), herself the dam of G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest runner-up and dual Group-winning sire James Garfield (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). Descendants of his second dam Wosaita (GB) (Generous {Ire}), herself a half-sister to G1 Prix de Diane-winning matriarch Rafha (GB) (Kris {GB}), also include multiple Grade I-winning US champion and GI Breeders' Cup Mile heroine Uni (GB) (More Than Ready). The February-foaled bay is a full-brother to multiple Group-placed Listed Wolferton S. winner Juan Elcano (GB) and a half to G3 Hoppings S. victrix Nkosikazi (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). He is also kin to a 2-year-old filly by Sea The Moon (Ger) and a yearling filly by Kingman (GB). 1st-ParisLongchamp, €27,000, Mdn, 4-7, unraced 3yo, c/g, 10 1/2fT, 2:25.34, vhy. DELIUS (GB), c, 3, by Frankel (GB) 1st Dam: Whatami (GB), by Daylami (Ire) 2nd Dam: Wosaita (GB), by Generous (Ire) 3rd Dam: Eljazzi (Ire), by Artaius Sales history: 675,000gns Wlg '21 TATFOA. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €13,500. *Full to Juan Elcano (GB), SW & MGSP-Eng, $175,305; and 1/2 to Nkosikazi (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}), GSW-Eng. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Susan Magnier, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor & Westerberg; B-Mr & Mrs David Brown (GB); T-Jean-Claude Rouget; J-Cristian Demuro. The post Frankel’s Delius Attains TDN Rising Star Status In Paris appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After nine months of riding at his first overseas venture in Singapore, young Brazilian jockey Bruno Queiroz landed his first feature win aboard Ace Of Diamonds (NZ) (Swiss Ace) in the S$110,000 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) on Saturday. After being caught four wide with no cover Ace Of Diamonds had plenty of work to do but when Queiroz levelled up with the leading pack at the 350m, he looked to be doing it easy before hitting the afterburners at the 300m to put the race beyond doubt in a matter of strides. Although he wandered about slightly in the last furlong, Ace Of Diamonds still had them all covered a long way from home, eventually winning by a length from the Donna Logan-trained Artillery, who ran on strongly in second. The winning time was 1 min 9.57secs for the 1200m on the Short Course. Ace Of Diamonds’ fourth win from nine starts took his prizemoney to over S$200,000 for owner Leonardo Javier. Queiroz was overjoyed with his first feature win in Singapore and reckoned Ace Of Diamonds will improve further in the Singapore Three-Year-Old Classic (1400m) and the Singapore Guineas (1600m), which will be run on 27 April and 18 May respectively. “I’m very happy as I didn’t have a big win in Singapore and today was perfect,” said the humble hoop, whose spoken English has improved from when he first stepped foot in Singapore. “The horse was very well. A good job by Ricardo and the stable. “He was alone at the last 200m and he watched (looked around), so I picked up the whip and he picked up and finished well. “I think the longer distance (races) will be better for him.” Meanwhile, Le Grange, who has been a big supporter of Queiroz’s, was confident before the race and praised Ace Of Diamonds for overcoming the wide gate and tough run to win. “He’s (Ace Of Diamond) probably as good as I thought he is,” said Le Grange after the race. “He did it a bit tough today. The draw was not ideal and racing wide on the ‘C’ Course made it really tough. “I brought him back from the 1400m (in a Class 3 race at his last start), so I had to freshen him up and put some speed into his legs. “So, I thought he would be a bit strong today, which he was. I think both the 3YO Classic and Guineas will be well within his reach. “We will just keep training him now as per normal, keep him safe and out of harm’s way. “To Sandy (Leonardo) and Karen (Javier), he’s a really smart horse and they deserved it. They are great patrons of the game. I’m just very happy.” Other New Zealand bred winners in Singapore on Saturday included Sacred Buddy (NZ) (Sacred Falls) & Lim’s Smythe (NZ) (Saxon Warrior). View the full article

Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges strives for stronger processes after malfunction hits revenue on SaturdayView the full article

Hong Kong racing legend becomes just the third handler to reach the milestone after Group Two successView the full article