Wandering Eyes

Veteran trainer aiming to add to his outstanding overseas record in Sunday’s Group One Yasuda Kinen (1,600m)View the full article

Making his first trip to Penn National, Frankie Dettori completed a stakes double with a last-jump success aboard Qatar Racing and Hunter Valley Farm's FIRST WORLD WAR (c, 3, War Front–Sundaysatthebeach, by Medaglia d'Oro) in Friday's GIII Penn Mile. Sent off as the 33-10 third betting favorite behind last-out GII American Turf S. upsetter Trikari (Oscar Performance) and the twice-raced Good Lord Lorrie (Hard Spun), the $285,000 Fasig-Tipton November weanling took up a position just behind midfield as 6-1 Set (Oscar Performance) galloped his rivals along through enervating fractions of :23.09 and :46.31. Slipstreaming Trikari down the backstretch and into the turn, First World War was given a dig leaving the three-furlong peg and was steered out four wide into the lane. When Set rolled away from the inside turning for home, Cristian Torres atop the rail-skimming 17-1 shot Aspenite (Constitution) took full advantage, sending his mount through to challenge Trikari, who raced prominently throughout after departing from the widest gate. First World War wanted to hang on his incorrect lead into the final eighth of a mile, but once he switched over, he gobbled up the ground three off the inside and won the tightest of photos over Aspenite, with Trikari right there between them in third. Winner two back of the GIII Kitten's Joy S. at Gulfstream Feb. 3, First World War found some trouble and could do no better than ninth, but not beaten far, in Keeneland's GIII Transylvania S. Apr. 5. Dettori won the co-featured Penn Oaks one race earlier with favored Poolside With Slim (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). Sales history: $285,000 Wlg '21 FTKNOV; $135,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 7-3-2-0. O-Qatar Racing LLC & Hunter Valley Farm; B-Skyfall Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Brendan Walsh. What a finish in the $400,000 Penn Mile Stakes (G3)! #4 FIRST WORLD WAR ($8.80) got a nose down on the wire ahead of Aspenite and Trikari to give @FrankieDettori a double at Penn National! pic.twitter.com/8qcUX8O4Ax — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) June 1, 2024 Friday, Penn National PENN MILE S.-GIII, $400,000, Penn National, 5-31, 3yo, 1mT, 1:33.50, fm. 1–FIRST WORLD WAR, 122, c, 3, by War Front 1st Dam: Sundaysatthebeach (GSP, $129,280), by Medaglia d'Oro 2nd Dam: Ask the Moon, by Malibu Moon 3rd Dam: Always Asking, by Valid Appeal ($285,000 Wlg '21 FTKNOV; $135,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Qatar Racing LLC and Hunter Valley Farm; B-Skyfall Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $230,400. Lifetime Record: 7-3-2-0, $501,713. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Aspenite, 122, c, 3, Constitution–Aspening, by Candy Ride (Arg). 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($375,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC; B-Glen Hill Farm (KY); T-Steven Asmussen. $76,800. 3–Trikari, 122, c, 3, Oscar Performance–Dynamic Holiday, by Harlan's Holiday. ($9,000 Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $27,500 Ylg '22 OBSOCT). O-Amerman Racing LLC; B-Michael A Slezak & Amy Boll (KY); T-H. Graham Motion. $42,240. Margins: NO, NK, 1HF. Odds: 3.40, 17.40, 2.00. Also Ran: Good Lord Lorrie, Set, Please Advise, Freedom Principle, I Know Map, Tropandhagen. Scratched: Dancing Groom. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post War Front’s First World War Gives Dettori Back-To-Back Stakes in Penn Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After reading Dan Ross's Aftercare gaps article in the May 31 edition of the TDN, I have some suggestions. Jeff Bloom (TAA president) hit the problem on the head: “One way or another we need a mandatory sustainable fundraising solution. So who's going to pay for that?” As TAA's Founder and first President in 2012, I was a complete failure in attaining mandatory funding through our Industry. It continues to baffle me on how we could not raise $15-$20 million to help solve this problem. Maybe that's not enough either, but let's make that our goal. Sales companies: Mandatory 1% fee for top 70% of horses purchased, 0.5 % for bottom 30% purchased. Consignors/Sales companies 0.5% on purchase price. If this had been implemented last year, that would have amounted to $3,280,000. If Mike Repole buys $15 million worth of stock, do you think he would care about designating 150,000 to Aftercare of choice? Starlight would be happy to commit 1% of our $4-5 million spend at the sales. Tracks: Australia commits a decent percentage of purses to aftercare. I don't see why U.S. tracks can't do the same thing. In 2012, Breeders' Cup, Keeneland and The Jockey Club committed $300,000 in seed money to get TAA off the ground. I had hoped that the industry would have continued to grow funds for aftercare. This has not happened to the level I had hoped. Registration fees need to have a mandatory level that makes a difference. I think Keeneland and Breeders Cup and The Jockey Club need to be the leaders in mandatory increase of significant amounts. I really thank the three organizations that helped to get us get started, but it's time for mandatory requirement from every level of the industry. We should make the $3-$5 million look like $15-$20 million and let the TAA worry about operations, which they are great at, and let the fundraising be the responsibility of the three organizations. Looking at the Board of the TAA, they should have the ability to execute mandatory significant fees to get this up to the $15-$20 million level. If they choose not to do it, how can HISA help? If you are going to play this game, you have to find a way to take care of our retired horses even if you are taking care of your own after retirement. Jack Wolf Starlight Racing The post Letter to the Editor: Jack Wolf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two defendants charged in the indictment that landed former trainers Jorge Navarro and Jason Servis in federal prison for multiple years were sentenced in May, more than four years after they were originally charged.View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit has issued trainer Patricia Farro a four-year suspension after two of her runners tested positive for cobalt salts. View the full article

Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux rode for the first time in a decade at Gulfstream Park on Friday, and made the trip worth his while when piloting Lady Cha Cha (Vino Rosso) to a victory for trainer Laura Cazares in the afternoon's featured seventh race. “All credit to the horse. What a nice filly,” the three-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey told the Gulfstream notes team. “Thank you to Laura. I've never met her, but she put me on her horses today. I appreciate the opportunity.” The 54-year-old rode two horses on the program as he awaits a June 7 meeting with California Horse Racing Board stewards. “I'll make up my mind after that,” said Desormeaux. “I have a protocol that I have to go through that prevents me from competing with my peers. I'll leave it at that.” The Louisiana native told the Gulfstream media office that should the 'situation with the CHRB go unresolved' that he would consider relocating to either Gulfstream or Colonial Downs. Desormeaux, winner of the 2008 GI Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park aboard future dual Classic winner Big Brown (Boundary), is named on one horse on Saturday's program and another on Sunday before he returns to Southern California. Friday's victory was the 6,171st of his career. Kent Desormeaux takes the 7th @GulfstreamPark aboard Lady Cha Cha! Thank you to Laura Cazares and her team for the win pic.twitter.com/IcNol9kcc7 — Jose Santos Jr. (@joesantos_33) May 31, 2024 The post Desormeaux Rides Gulfstream Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frank Mirahmadi's announcing career has been on the rise over the past five years, named Santa Anita Park's permanent race caller beginning with the 2019 winter/spring meet and then as Saratoga Race Course's announcer in 2023.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. Saturday's Observations features an expensive juvenile. 17.08 Doncaster, Mdn, £6,800, 2yo, f, 6f 111yT ARABIAN DUSK (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) represents the Shaikh Duaij Al Khalifa and Simon and Ed Crisford connection successful in the G2 Norfolk S. in 2019 with A'Ali (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}). This filly, who cost 525,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up, will have the Royal meeting on the agenda if she lives up to her billing on debut. The post Craven Breeze-Up Sensation Hits The Track At Doncaster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) has penalized a second Parx-based trainer this week for multiple violations of the banned substance cobalt salts. Two separate May 30 “final decision” summaries were posted on the HIWU website for trainer Patricia Farro, suspending her for a total of four years and fining her $50,000 after cobalt salts were detected in two Parx winners she trained earlier this year: Deplane (He's Had Enough) on Feb. 6 and Knockout Win (Winchill) on Feb. 28. The cumulative penalties were the result of the pair of two-year suspensions/$25,000 fines being combined. The case summary was listed as “resolved,” but it was unclear at deadline for this story if Farro intends to appeal HIWU's final decision. Farro's penalties followed those imposed one day earlier upon trainer Monte Gelrod, who was suspended for 18 months and fined $12,500 after his trainee, Ratified (Constitution), tested positive for cobalt salts after winning her fourth race in a row at Parx on Feb. 19 and again after running sixth there on Mar. 4. Gelrod's lesser penalties for the same banned substance were the result of his having agreed to an “admission of rule violation and acceptance of consequences” settlement with HIWU. As TDN's Dan Ross reported on Wednesday, cobalt has been proven to stimulate the production of red blood cells. Its use as a performance-enhancer has to do with greater blood cell production helping endurance and decreasing muscle fatigue. The horses involved have all been disqualified and are in the process of sitting out a six-month ineligibility period. The post Second Parx Trainer This Week Penalized For Cobalt Salts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Emma Berry & Heather Anderson Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club is an enticing affair, with Group 1 winner Sunway appearing poised to return to his best form. There are several intriguing new shooters, including listed winner Fast Tracker, who will be making his debut in the Wathnan Racing colours. British raider and group winner Ghostwriter, who ran fourth in the 2000 Guineas, will be plying his trade in France for the first time. All in all, most of the field is in with a chance, with the potential wet weather definitely set to play a part. WAHDAN (IRE) Siyouni (Fr)–Lamorlaye (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) Sales info: Offered by Haras de Castillon, this Khalifa al Attiyah-bred colt was a 140,000gns buy-back at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1. Pedigree/form notes: The sixth foal of his winning dam, Wahdan is a half-brother to the G3 Prix Imprudence third Talbah (GB) (Style Vendome {Fr}) and German listed winner Wasmya (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}). His granddam, Love To Dance (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), was third in the G2 Blandford S., and she, in turn, is a half-sister to six-time Group 1 winner and sire Dylan Thomas (Ire) (Danehill), who won the Irish Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe among other top-notch races. He is also related to the Classic winners Homecoming Queen (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Serpentine (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Remember When (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). Never worse than third in three starts, this winner was fourth to the re-opposing Fast Tracker (GB) (Churchill {Ire}) and Dollar Index (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) in the Listed Prix de Suresnes over 2,000 metres in soft ground at Chantilly on May 2. Needs to find more to make an impact on Sunday. RAMADAN (FR) Le Havre (Ire)–Raushan (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}) Pedigree/form notes: A homebred for Nurlan Bizakov's Sumbe operation, the half-brother to stakes winner and G3 Hopping S. second Rasima (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) won a soft-ground maiden at Chantilly and then ran fourth in the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud at Saint-Cloud to end his juvenile year. Kin to G1 Pretty Polly S. heroine Chinese White (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}), the sixth foal out of Raushan thumped the Listed Prix Omnium II field by five lengths this spring and added the G3 Prix de Fontainebleau next out in April before a solid fifth in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains this month. Ramadan should love the ground regardless of how much rain falls at Chantilly. A live chance. GRECIAN STORM (GB) Churchill (Ire)–Dalila (Ger) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) Pedigree/form notes: By the sire of 2022 Jockey Club winner Vadeni (Fr), Grecian Storm was bred by SCEA Marmion, Catherine Kairis and Nightchill, LLC. Already a winner of three races at two and three in ground ranging from good to soft to heavy, the son of Listed Premio Coolmore runner-up Dalila was third in the G3 Prix de Guiche. Kin to the three-time group-placed Drummer (Ger) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}), Grecian Storm must find more, as the waters are deeper in this test. FIRST LOOK (IRE) Lope De Vega (Ire)–Bilissie (GB) (Dansili {GB}) Sales info: Part of breeder Haras de la Perelle's draft at the Arqana August Sale, he was purchased by BBA Ireland for €340,000. Pedigree/form notes: A juvenile winner over the all-weather, First Look has shown marked improvement this year, with a third in the G3 Prix la Force in April before running second in the G3 Prix de Guiche on May 11. His dam won the Listed Prix Charles Laffitte, and he is her fourth foal and second winner. Second dam Balladeuse (Fr) (Singspiel {Ire}), who won the G2 Prix de Royallieu and is a half-sister to G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winner Plumania (GB) (Anabaa), produced G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Left Hand (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) among other talented runners. No issues with soft ground, and could surprise at a price. DOLLAR INDEX (FR) Kendargent (Fr)–Kikinda (Fr) (Daliapour {Ire}) Sales info: A shrewd €36,000 buy by Chauvigny Global Equine from the Haras du Petit Tellier consignment at the Arqana October Yearling Sale. Pedigree/form notes: Bred by Patrick Chedeville, Dollar Index sports a pair of wins over the all-weather (at two) and turf in heavy ground on April Fools' Day. He was a distant second to seven-length Listed Prix de Suresnes winner Fast Tracker on May 2. Not yet the most talented offspring of his winning dam, the 11th foal of Kikinda is a half-brother to listed winner High Alpha (Fr) (Fuisse {Fr}), who was second in the G3 Prix des Chenes, while Stillman (Fr) (Vespone {Ire}) placed five times in France a group level and was also third in the G2 Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen (German 2000 Guineas). Well-related, but has more to find on his own merits. MONDO MAN (GB) Mondialiste (Ire)–Moghrama (Ire) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) Sales info: Sent through the Arqana ring for the May Breeze-Up Sale by the Bloodstock Connection, the Elwick Stud-bred caught the eye of trainer Pia Brandt for €30,000. Pedigree/form notes: He found the Deauville all-weather to his taste when a four-length winner over 1,800 metres making his 3-year-old bow in February. Third in the Listed Prix Maurice Caillault at Chantilly in March, Mondo Man was second in the G3 Prix la Force at ParisLongchamp in heavy ground on Apr. 7. His dam is a half-sister to the group winners Mythical Magic (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) and Esentepe (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}). It remains to be seen whether the long break will have served him well. SUNWAY (FR) Galiway (GB)–Kensea (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) Sales info: This full-brother to G1 Gran Criterium/G1 Champion S. hero and Jockey Club second Sealiway (Fr) was retained at €300,000 at the Arqana August Yearling Sale by his breeder Guy Pariente. Pedigree/form notes: Second in the G2 Champagne S. and a winner of the G1 Criterium International at two, this son of Listed Prix Herod heroine Kensea appeared to be lacking fitness when fifth in the G3 Prix la Force on Apr. 7. He showed plenty of progression to be only a neck behind Wootton Verni (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in the G3 Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud on May 6. Deservedly one of the favourites, especially as he has already shown he thrives on ground with plenty of cut. LOOK DE VEGA (FR) Lope De Vega (Ire)–Lucelle (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) Sales info: Haras de la Morsangliere bought out breeding partner Ecurie des Charmes for €180,000 when the colt was offered at the Arqana August Yearling Sale. Pedigree/form notes: From the further family of the 2007 winner of this race, Lawman (Fr), Look De Vega is out of the treble winner Lucelle, a half-sister to G2 Lancashire Oaks winner The Black Princess (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}). All four of the mare's foals are now winners, and he is unbeaten in his two starts for Carlos and Yann Lerner. He made his debut over 1,800m at Fontainebleau last November before winning easily over 2,000m at Longchamp in early May. Takes a big step up here but is clearly progressive. ALCANTOR (FR) New Bay (GB)–Bianca De Medici (GB) (Medicean {GB}) Sales info: Bred by SCEA du Grand Chene, he was a €180,000 Arqana foal, bought by Nick Bell on behalf of Baron Edouard de Rothschild's Haras de Meautry. Pedigree/form notes: A close third in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, improving nicely on his sixth-place finish in the Craven S. at Newmarket. He was also runner-up in the G1 Criterium International at two. He is the sixth winner from as many runners out of his winning dam – a half-sister to the Hungarian champion Thunder Teddington (GB) (Halling) – with the others including the G2 Oppenheim-Union-Rennen victor Boscaccio (Ger) (Mount Nelson {GB}). The descendants of his third dam, Trevillari (Riverman) – a full-sister to the G1 Prix Saint-Alary victrix Treble – include the dual G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Treve (Fr) (Motivator {GB}, while his fourth dam Trevilla (Lyphard) is an unraced half-sister to the great Triptych (Riverman). GHOSTWRITER (IRE) Invincible Spirit (Ire)–Moorside (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) Sales info: Offered by his breeders Norelands Stud and the Irish National Stud as a foal at Tattersalls, he was bought by David Bowe on behalf of Jeff Smith's Littleton Stud for 100,000gns. Pedigree/form notes: His Juddmonte-bred granddam Marching West (Gone West) is a sister to the 1993 2,000 Guineas winner Zafonic and also to Zamindar, who ran fifth to Entrepreneur in that same race four years later. Moorside, who was second in the Cheshire Oaks, was her sole black-type performer. Ghostwriter won all three starts last year, including the G2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge S., and took fourth in the 2,000 Guineas, in what is already starting to look like a strong edition of that Classic. The second and third – Rosallion (Ire) and Haatem (Ire) – went on to finish first and second in the Irish 2,000 Guineas last weekend. He should cope with this step up in distance. DIEGO VELAZQUEZ (IRE) Frankel (GB)–Sweepstake (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) Sales info: Bred by Denis Brosnan's Epona Bloodstock, he sold to MV Magnier and White Birch Farm for 2.4 million gns at Tattersalls October Book 1. Pedigree/form notes: Earned a 'TDN Rising Star' on debut at two before following up in the G2 Champions Juvenile S. Ran a solid fourth in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, only a length off the winner, and it would be no surprise to see him step forward again on only his second start this year. He is a half-brother to the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winner Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) as well as Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who gained the sixth black-type victory of his career in this year's G3 Ormonde S. Their dam is a Listed winner out of the Suave Dancer mare Dust Flicker (GB), herself a full-sister to the G3 Prix de la Nonette victrix Dust Dancer (GB). Dust Dancer, in turn, is the granddam of the late sire and Group 1 winner Zoffany (Ire) (Dansili {GB}). ARROW EAGLE (FR) Gleneagles (Ire)–Absolutly Me (Fr) (Anabaa Blue {GB}) Pedigree/form notes: Owned and bred by Waltraut Spanner, this colt has plenty to live up to as a half-brother to last year's sensational winner Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}). He has made a similarly promising start to his career, winning twice at Cagnes-sur-Mer over the winter and more recently finishing second to fellow challenger Sosie in a conditions race at Longchamp. Arrow Eagle will be bidding to become the fourth black-type performer for his dam, who was herself a winner over a mile as well as being Listed-placed. FAST TRACKER (FR) Churchill (Ire)–Emma Knows (Ire) (Anabaa) Pedigree/form notes: Bred by Guy Heald, in whose colours he has run until his recent private sale to Wathnan Racing, Fast Tracker only made his debut in late January but has had plenty of seasoning since then and now has five starts under his belt. He has won his last three races, at Cagnes-sur-Mer, Chantilly and Longchamp, progressing from 1,500m to 2,000m, with his most recent win coming in the Listed Prix de Suresnes. That contest was won last year by Ace Impact en route to Classic glory. His dam Emma Knows, also bred by Heald, is an unraced half-sister to the stakes-placed Leader Writer (Fr) (Pivotal {GB}) and King Of Camelot (Fr) (Camelot {GB}), and she has also produced the Listed-placed My Scholar (Fr) (Pour Moi {Ire}). Fast Tracker is proven on the type of ground he is likely to encounter on Sunday and looks to have a major chance. ATLAST (FR) Farhh (GB)–Pitamore (More Than Ready) Pedigree/form notes: His dam won over 7.5f and is a half-sister to the prolific stayer Funny Kid (Lemon Drop Kid), whose eight wins include the Prix de Barbeville. A strapping individual, Atlast was a winner at two on the Chantilly all-weather and bounced out at three with an impressive win in the G3 Prix La Force in heavy ground. Keenness perhaps got the better of him when fading to last of five in the G3 Prix de Guiche on his most recent start. If he settles he could be a leading player and he is one of two in the race for owner-breeders Wertheimer & Frere. SOSIE (FR) Sea The Stars (Ire)–Sosia (Ger) (Shamardal) Pedigree/form notes: The second of the Wertheimer duo, Sosie got the better of Arrow Eagle on his most recent start at Longchamp over 2,150m. Last year he won on debut at Chantilly on September and returned to that track to take second in October's Listed Prix Isonomy behind War Chimes, who was third in the Oaks on Friday. He is a half-brother to three black-type performers, including dual Listed winner Anasia (GB) (Intello {Ger}), out of a winner from one of the best families in Germany. Granddam Sahel (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) is a full-sister to three German Classic winners in Samum (Ger), Schiaparelli (Ger) and Salve Regina (Ger), making Sosie similarly bred to the Deutsches Derby winner Sea The Moon (Ger). The post The Lowdown: Qatar Prix Du Jockey Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An online auction featuring a large 6-liter bottle of Luc Belaire Rare Rose adorned with 2024 Santa Anita Derby Day artwork by artist Juliana Paige and autographed by Santa Anita jockeys is now underway. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The auction will run through 8 p.m. ET on closing day of the Santa Anita Hollywood Meeting Sunday, June 16. Crafted by fifth and sixth generation winemakers at a renowned French Maison founded in 1898, Luc Belaire Rare Rose holds a rich legacy of excellence and workmanship, according to a release. This one-of-a-kind Rose is praised for its astounding flavor and sophisticated appearance which carries on the founders' legacy by combining classic elegance with modern luxury, the release states. The post Luc Belaire Rare Rose Auction to Benefit TAA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In it seems no time at all, Coolmore's big horse City Of Troy (Justify) has gone from “our Frankel” to a colt carrying a huge symbolic question mark over a head that appeared poised to carry racing's crown. There have been few greater anti-climaxes in the history of Ballydoyle than that which accompanied his abject 2,000 Guineas performance and, following the roller-coaster experience of last year's Derby, we are unexpectedly back in familiar territory. What occurred at Epsom last June was heralded as a feat of training without equal as Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) pulled himself back from a tame effort at Newmarket, but 12 months on Aidan O'Brien has had to do it all over again. Studying the pioneer of Rosegreen over a seismic last four weeks, it is hard to recall him engaging in a more passionate defence of a reputation since he began there in the 90s. The colt that he describes as “vital” has come under an intense scrutiny from the media that is both understandable and reasonable given his blow-out in the Guineas and he has answered the probing with ardent faith. We have had the reasons for his eclipse; the winter preparation that was in hindsight too soft and the stalls panic at Newmarket and heart-rate issues. O'Brien has railed against critics of the colt's physique, of which there are many, but at 4.30 on Saturday afternoon it is all out of his hands and up to City Of Troy and Ryan Moore who has given up a Derby ride on Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) that any jockey would give his right arm for. The rider in question is in no doubt he is on the best horse in the line-up, but also aware that there is some ground to make up after the Guineas. “We were clearly all a touch bemused by that performance at the time, but hopefully Aidan has got him back to somewhere near his brilliant two-year-old best at home and if he has then he will take all the beating,” he said. “We always thought this trip would suit him at three, but he has to go out and prove it now and even more so after Newmarket. But there is only one place to find out and we are here.” Where there were valid reasons for believing that Auguste Rodin could turn around his fortunes 12 months ago, with more suitable ground conditions and a favourable draw to help as well as the obvious pedigree credentials and striding data, City Of Troy has many more factors against him. From stall one, Moore will have to use up energy from the outset which contributed to the colt's downfall at Newmarket, while the surface is also likely to ride on the dead side. What is in his favour is the fact that his dam's full-sister won a soft-ground Oaks and his full-brother Bertinelli was a mile-and-a-quarter and mile-and-a-half slogger. Oh, and the fact that up until the start of last month he looked a phenomenon in the making. The Danger Within… Where City Of Troy is a quandary wrapped up in an enigma, the yard's second-string Los Angeles is a case of what you see is what you get. Ideally positioned as a Derby prospect given his stats and form, the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud and G3 Leopardstown Derby Trial winner comes here via a tried-and-trusted route with Euphoric (GB) (Frankel {GB}) presumably here to aid his cause in front. As if he didn't have enough in his favour, his family features Urban Sea (Miswaki) so he has Epsom in the veins. If he is on City Of Troy's case in the closing stages, we could well be in for another High Chaparral-Hawk Wing scenario. Best Of The Brits? Given the forecast earlier his week, Charlie Appleby must have been thinking that the pieces were falling into place for last year's G1 Futurity Trophy hero Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) but the expected rain has failed to materialise as expected and his prospects have diminished as a result. There was a time, pre-Workforce when defeat in the Dante was the kiss of death here and, given he was beaten six lengths in York's time-honoured trial, it is hard to enthuse about the Godolphin runner. That cannot be said about the leading British contender Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who dominated a Listed Lingfield Derby Trial that has received a subsequent boost and he is charged with bringing more Epsom Classic glory to the Gredley Family who 32 years ago celebrated an Oaks victory courtesy of User Friendly (GB). James Fanshawe will be a welcome sight in the paddock beforehand and he is keeping typically cool ahead of a big day for his longstanding Pegasus Stables. “Of course there is a real buzz in the yard about having a Derby contender. There seems to be a real interest in Ambiente Friendly and that's great,” he said. “We've had plenty of Group 1 successes, but we haven't had too many runners in the Classics. We've had a second in the 1,000 Guineas with Spacious and Soviet Song wasn't quite right when she was fourth, but the Derby is the Derby and a lot of things are judged on the result of it.” “All I can say is Ambiente Friendly has done it and won his trial in a good time and seems to have come out of the race in good shape,” he added. “Over the winter and even since the Feilden S., he has grown up a lot. He was a little bit fresh at Newmarket, but at Lingfield he went round a bend as good as any horse went round there.” To War Again… Perhaps such an open Derby provides the heavy investors King Power Racing and Amo Racing their breakthrough opportunity after continued trying with the likeable Listed Blue Riband Trial winner Bellum Justum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and G3 Ballysax S. winner Dallas Star (Fr) by Sea The Stars's son Cloth Of Stars (Ire) respectively. Dallas Star, who hails from the family of Friday's G1 Coronation Cup hero Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), was another soundly beaten by Arabian Crown in last year's G3 Zetland S., but his comeback effort for Adrian Murray marked him as a middle-distance colt to take seriously. Interestingly, Bellum Justum had the pace to beat a certain Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal) in his Newmarket maiden in September, while the Blue Riband Trial third Chief Little Rock (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) did much to enhance his credentials in Sunday's Gallinule. He also descends from the excellent producer Lucayan Princess (GB) (High Line {GB}), whose son Warrsan (Ire) (Caerleon) captured two Coronation Cups and loved this place. Other Parts Of The Puzzle… There are genuine stamina doubts surrounding the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains runner-up Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), despite his pedigree suggesting the step up to a mile and a half should suit, while a win for Juddmonte's Macduff (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) would serve to stir up a what-might-have-been moment for Charlie Appleby given how readily he was beaten by the sidelined Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G3 Sandown Classic Trial. The post “There Is Only One Place To Find Out” – Can City Of Troy Gain Derby Redemption? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release The TAKE2 Thoroughbred League announced today new 2024 awards worth a total of $6,000 in recognition of Junior and Amateur Riders who compete in the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper divisions nationwide. The high-point Amateur Rider in each division of the TAKE2 League standings will earn a $1,000 bonus, while the leading Junior Rider will earn a $500 bonus. In addition, the top-finishing Amateur and Junior in each division of the TAKE2 Finals will be awarded $1,000 and $500, respectively. “Amateurs and Juniors ride head-to-head with Professionals in the TAKE2 League divisions,” TAKE2 Executive Director Andy Belfiore said. “While they more than hold their own, we wanted to put the spotlight on their success, and encourage even more participation from the non-professionals. Our mission is to inspire all horsemen and women to consider a Thoroughbred for their next Hunter or Jumper, and this is one more way we hope to accomplish that.” The TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program was established in 2012 to highlight the talent of retired racehorses as Hunters and Jumpers. Nearly 500 horse shows in 25 states offer TAKE2 divisions, and more than 2,500 Thoroughbreds have competed in the classes to date. TAKE2 has distributed more than $1.1 million in prize money and awards since it was launched. “Another generous and positive step towards heightening the non-racing career of our beloved Thoroughbreds,” said Amateur Rider Marty Nevins, who has been competing with 12-year-old Classic Brother in the TAKE2 League since 2019. “Congrats to TAKE2 on your new Amateur and Junior awards for the 2024/25 season!” The $20,000 TAKE2 Hunter and Jumper Finals will be held Sept. 22, 2024, at the Kentucky National Horse Show in Lexington. The post TAKE2 Adds Awards For Juniors, Amateurs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

If City of Troy recaptures his 2-year-old brilliance in the June 1 Epsom Derby (G1) it will be an almost exact replica of stablemate Auguste Rodin 12 months ago.View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) victor Resilience is currently under consideration for a bid in the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Two defendants charged in the indictment that landed former trainers Jorge Navarro and Jason Servis in federal prison for multiple years entered guilty pleas in May, more than four years after they were originally charged.View the full article

Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman's Resilience (Into Mischief), most recently sixth behind Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the GI Kentucky Derby May 4, is under consideration for the June 8 GI Belmont S., trainer Bill Mott told the NYRA media office Friday. The Hall of Famer said a decision would likely come this weekend after the GII Wood Memorial S. winner breezes at Saratoga. “We've got some discussions to have with the owners, but we're giving it strong consideration,” Mott said. “We're going to work on the weekend and once he breezes we'll know what we're going to do.” Resilience had his first work since the Derby on May 27, going an easy half-mile in :50.45 (5/7) over the Oklahoma training track. A pair of runners owned by George Krikorian recorded workouts Friday morning at Saratoga. Three-time Grade I winner War Like Goddess (English Channel) tuned up for her 7-year-old debut in the GII New York S. with a four-furlong move that was timed in :50.65 (41/53). “I was happy with her work this morning,” Mott said of War Like Goddess, who was a pace-disadvantaged sixth in last year's New York S. over a mile and a quarter. With the shift to Saratoga, this year's race will be contested over 9 1/2 furlongs. Eclipse Award-winning juvenile filly Just F Y I (Justify) went a bullet five-eighths in 1:01.20 (1/11) at Oklahoma as she readies for a potential rematch with GI Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in the GI Acorn S. June 8. The latter remains a possibility for the GI Belmont S., according to trainer Ken McPeek. Grade I Turf Winners Go Around For Brown A trio of top-level winning turf distaffers from the barn of Chad Brown prepped for Belmont Stakes Racing Festival engagements Friday morning. Shortly after 10 a.m., Whitebeam (GB) (Caravaggio) covered five furlongs in 1:00 3/5, while Gina Romantica (Into Mischief) went a similar distance in 1:00 1/5. McKulick (GB) (Frankel {GB}) worked in the company of her Grade II-placed stablemate Coppice (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and the duo were timed in 1:00 4/5. “Whitebeam went great, super,” said Brown. “Then Gina Romantica went solo and I was very happy with her. It was a nice team with McKulick and Coppice, and they did just was I was looking for them to do. They've all been training excellent.” Whitebeam, Coppice and Gina Romantica are set to be joined by barnmates Chili Flag (Fr) (Cityscape {GB})–who defeated Coppice in the GII Distaff Turf Mile May 4–and Beaute Cachee (Fr) (Literato {Fr}), all-the-way winner of the GI Jenny Wiley S., in the GI Just A Game S. June 7. Chili Flag and Beaute Cachee went four furlongs in :50.23 over the Oklahoma dirt surface Friday morning. “Those two horses went great,” said Brown. “I'm very happy. They've been doing very well breezing on the dirt, so I just wanted to keep them happy with what they're doing for the maintenance work. They seem happy each week doing that, and I'm pleased with how they've been exiting their works.” McKulick and GIII Sheepshead Bay S. winner Royalty Interest (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) will represent the stable in the New York S. There they could encounter Aspen Grove (Ire) (Justify), last year's GI Belmont Oaks upsetter who went a half in :48 2/5 over the Oklahoma turf training track for trainer Jack Sisterson. A star-studded set for Chad Brown go out to work on the turf. In order, WHITEBEAM, GINA ROMANTICA, COPPICE and MCKULICK. pic.twitter.com/AbHr0JTyGq — Mary Eddy (@singmysongbird) May 31, 2024 The post Resilience Possible For Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Romantic Warrior seeks a fifth straight grade 1 win while taking on some of Japan's top milers in the Yasuda Kinen (G1) June 2 at Tokyo Racecourse.View the full article

Luxembourg controlled the pace from the start and turned away challenges from Emily Upjohn and Hamish to seal a stylish victory in the May 31 Coronation Cup (G1) at Epsom Racecourse. View the full article

Trainer Dermot Weld landed his second Epsom Oaks (G1) success 43 years after his first as Ezeliya stormed clear in the final furlong under Chris Hayes. View the full article

Regally bred Adeera won her debut race May 31 at Churchill Downs to give 2020 champion 3-year-old male and Horse of the Year Authentic his first winner as a stallion.View the full article

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EPSOM, UK–With squally showers and a freezing wind, it wasn't really the day for a 99, unless you're the Aga Khan. Ezeliya (Fr), the bonny bay filly from a family replete with class and stamina, made the Oaks her own from a long way out, and in so doing broke the Epsom hoodoo of her sire Dubawi (Ire) in becoming the 99th individual Group 1 winner for her stalwart of a breeder. “Days like this are why we all do it,” said a beaming Pat Downes, manager of the Aga Khan Studs in Ireland, who divulged that Princess Zahra Aga Khan had missed out on this latest Classic winner for her family's celebrated breeding operation owing to a badly timed technical hitch with her flight. “She was on her way, but it's very frustrating,” he said. “Hopefully she'll be there for the next one.” And there surely will be more bright days ahead for Ezeliya, the owner of a stonking pair of ears with the talent and attitude to match. Her trainer Dermot Weld had won his first Classic at Epsom back in 1981, when Blue Wind (Ire) won the Oaks in the hands of Lester Piggott. More than 40 years later, Chris Hayes took his turn in the saddle. He's won a Classic at home in the last two seasons on Tahiyra (Ire) and Homeless Songs (Fr), and now has one in Britain to add to the collection. The mild-mannered Hayes couldn't hide his delight. “I actually said if she wins, I'll be real cool, calm and collected like a Mick Kinane,” he said of his celebration as he crossed the line. “But this is unique and it was just a surge of adrenaline in the last 50 yards – I had to do something.” From the balcony of the royal box, the King and Queen looked on as their own filly Treasure (GB) found the trickiness of Epsom beyond her. There was an upside, though, as within their own broodmare band resides Estimate (Ire), the Ascot Gold Cup winner gifted to the late Queen Elizabeth II by HH the Aga Khan as a foal and from the immediate family of Ezeliya. In the last few years Estimate has returned to the Aga Khan Studs for visits to Sea The Stars (Ire) and Siyouni (Fr). Epsom hasn't always been a happy hunting ground for the Aga Khan. The disqualification of Oaks winner Aliysa (GB) in 1989 prompted the owner's exodus from Britain, but in the intervening 35 years Sinndar (Ire) and Harzand (Ire) have significantly eased that woe with victories in the Derby to bring the tally of wins to five in that particular Classic for Aga Khan IV, matching the record of his grandfather, whose first Derby victory came in 1930 with Blenheim (GB). Downes spoke of the enjoyment the perennially successful breeder derives from what he has memorably described as “a game of chess with nature”. “For him it's all about nurturing families and that's still the case today,” Downes said. “He will get tremendous satisfaction from this. It's a family that's been in his family for so long, and here we have another top-notch filly from the family. “Between His Highness and Princess Zahra that's now 99 individual Group 1 winners. That's quite a benchmark.” Indeed it is, and a benchmark of a similar kind was set by the admirable Luxembourg (Ire), who really does deserve a little more love. In days when the top colts are all too readily whisked off to stud, it is becoming rare to see a horse win Group 1 races in multiple seasons but Luxembourg has now done just that at two, three, four and five. A son of the 2012 Derby winner Camelot (GB), Luxembourg looked right at home at Epsom as he added the Coronation Cup to his Futurity Trophy, Irish Champion S., and Tattersalls Gold Cup. As Derby Day dawns it brings with it the month of June, and we can but hope that, if not flaming, it is a little less Arctic in conditions than Oaks Day. From the shivering racegoers, however, there was a truly warm welcome for King Charles III, who was back on a racecourse for the first time since watching Desert Hero (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) finish third in the St Leger last September. The Sport of Kings it is once more. The post Aga Khan Blueblood Warms the Epsom Faithful appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Though she won the May 11 Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies S. at Gulfstream, which is a “Win and You're In” race for the Royal Ascot meeting, Bullet (War Front) will be staying in North America, reports D J Stable's General Manager Jon Green. Horses that win the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies or the Royal Palm Juvenile S. are offered an automatic berth into a 2-year-old stakes at Royal Ascot plus a $25,000 travel allowance. Gabaldon (Gone Astray), the winner of the Royal Palm division for colts, will make his next start at Royal Ascot for trainer Jose D'Angelo. “The official word is that we are not sending her to Ascot,” Green said. “She is already at Woodbine, where she will run in a three-race series, which finishes off with the GI Natalma S. It was a combination of a number of things. First and foremost was the schedule we want her to follow. The Canadian races enable us to put her on a schedule that we prefer. The races increase in distance every four weeks and we can keep her in one place, have her train in the cooler weather and then, if she has earned a spot, send her to the [GI] Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. That also allows us to train on the Tapeta course and the turf up there. I can see where running at Royal Ascot is a bucket-list event and, hopefully, someday we'll be in this position again and will be able to go. At this point in time, it just didn't make sense.” Last year, the George Weaver-trained Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) began her career with a win in the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies and came right back to win the G2 Queen Mary S. at Ascot. The schedule calls for Bullet to make her next start in the July 13 My Dear S. at 5 1/2 furlongs on the synthetic track, before switching back to the turf for the 6 1/2-furlong Catch a Glimpse S. Aug. 17 and then the one-mile GI Natalma S. on Sept. 14. All three races are at Woodbine. The Natalma is a “Win and You're In” race for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. “We like the fact that these races are all four weeks apart,” Green said. “If we're fortunate enough to do well in the Natalma, that gives us six weeks to get her from Canada to California.” Bullet was a $425,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland September sale. She won the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies S. by 2 1/4 lengths despite breaking slowly. The flashy grey BULLET ($9.80) shot down the lane to draw off in the $120,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes @GulfstreamPark. The 2yo daughter of War Front (@claibornefarm) was ridden by @JaramilloJockey for trainer @markecasse. This was a Win and you're in to Royal @Ascot! pic.twitter.com/mli4ItKxIl — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) May 11, 2024 The post Bullet To Pass On Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article