Wandering Eyes

What Pakenham Races Where Pakenham Racecourse – 420 Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3813 When Thursday, March 28, 2024 First Race 5:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Pakenham Racecourse is gearing up for an electrifying evening of racing this Thursday, featuring an enticing seven-race card. The track is rated a Good 4 and the rail set out 6m across the entire circuit. Racing is set to commence at 5:45pm AEDT. Best Bet at Pakenham: Magarten Magarten wasn’t beaten far by some handy types in BM70 grade on February 29, chasing home Saturday-class runners like Marble Arch and Ambassadorial when finishing fourth. He was forced to travel three wide with no cover throughout and was only outgunned late by those with a softer run in transit. From barrier five, and stepping down to BM64 grade with Luke Cartwright claiming 3kg, Magarten looks to have his opponents’ measure. Best Bet Race 7 – #1 Magarten (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Jerome Hunter | J: Luke Cartwright (a3) (62kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Pakenham: Tarvue Tarvue was the definition of a good thing beat at Caulfield prior to heading to the paddock in December, finishing a half-length back in fourth. The Tarzino progeny didn’t see daylight until the final 100m before unleashing late. She will need a touch of luck at a key point from barrier three under Daniel Moor, but Tarvue looks capable of rising through the grades and should win this if she finds clear air when it matters. Next Best Race 6 – #11 Tarvue (3) 3yo Filly | T: John Sadler | J: Daniel Moor (57kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best Again at Pakenham: Alma Rise Alma Rise made everyone’s blackbooks when she stormed home late at Sandown on March 6 to second over 1500m on debut. She steps up to 2000m on Thursday night, and with natural improvement she can go one better. The Pakenham straight will suit her perfectly, as she’ll have plenty of time to build through her gears, and if Jamie Kah can have Alma Rise in clear air at the top of the straight, she will prove too good for maiden grade. Next Best Again Race 1 – #11 Alma Rise (7) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Jamie Kah (57kg) Bet with Playup Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections Thursday, March 28, 2024 1-2-3-5-7 2-5-8 5-11 1-2 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Top End trainer Ella Clarke will be out to win her biggest race when she starts three-year-old gelding Debating in the NT Guineas at Alice Springs on Wednesday. (Picture: Caroline Camilleri/Darwin Photography Professionals) Ella Clarke was speechless when Pop Magic won the $40,000 Lightning Wet Season Series Final (1200m) in Darwin last month, so anything is possible if Debating wins the $50,000 NT Guineas (1600m) in Alice Springs on Wednesday. Clarke, daughter of leading NT trainer Gary, will start the gelding in the Red Centre’s biggest race for the three-year-olds. Day 2 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival looks set to finally go ahead after it was postponed on Saturday when relentless rain saturated Pioneer Park. “I couldn’t talk when Pop Magic won, it was my biggest win,” Clarke said. “I was gobsmacked, he has been such an amazing horse for me. “I never expect too much from him, he just goes out there and does his best. “I didn’t make it back to Darwin for his last run, I’ve been in Alice.” Pop Magic, a five-year-old gelding by Wandjina, has had 15 starts under Clarke for six wins and four seconds. The son of Reward For Effort had four starts and third minor placings for Flemington trainer Nick Ryan before arriving in Darwin, where he was a first-up seventh over 1100m against Class 2 opposition on December 30. It was then, after two narrow defeats over 1200m, that Clarke considered the NT Guineas. Stepping up to 1400m against his own age group at Pioneer Park on March 9, the gelding finished three lengths behind the Dan Morgan-trained Don’t Be Dramatic in second place. “He’s knocking on the door at the moment,” Clarke said. “He’s learnt a lot since I’ve had him and I’m learning a lot from him. “There wasn’t a lot of three-year-olds around at the time and I thought I’d give him a crack in Alice. “He was up and down with the hot weather in Darwin — the cooler weather in Alice has helped. “He had a few excuses last start, he flipped out of the barriers and lost his near front shoe. “He only got to Alice a few days prior to that race and it was a tough run, but I was happy.” Clarke agreed that Don’t Be Dramatic was the horse to beat on Wednesday. “He’s been very good for Dan,” she said. “There’s a few new ones there, but I definitely think Don’t Be Dramatic will be up there. “Debating has an awkward gate (eight), but he has a good jockey in Jarrod Todd. “His last run indicated that he will get the mile, so hopefully he’s up there and good enough to win on the day. “I don’t know what I’ll do if Debating wins, but it will definitely be exciting. “He’ll just have this run, then back to Darwin — just get him through the Guineas at this stage.” Clarke, who boasts 14 wins from 67 starts in her short career, has three horses in her stable but is on the outlook for new additions. Horse racing news View the full article

Paragon winning at Tauherenikau on Sunday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Stakes assignments are in the offing for promising three-year-old Paragon following his convincing win at Tauherenikau on Sunday. Bred by Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay, the couple race the son of Embellish with Alan and Kerry Harper, who have enjoyed early success with the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained youngster in just a handful of starts. He had particularly shown promise as a two-year-old when finishing runner-up in both of his juvenile starts, including the Listed Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe last May. He was spelled following a disappointing two-start spring preparation, and his connections were pleased to see him bounce back first-up on Sunday. Paragon was fair away and was sent forward to take up the pace-making role by jockey Jonathan Riddell. The pair didn’t relinquish their advantage and Paragon ran out a two-length victor over Tivaci’s Affair, with Rosalita a further short neck back in third. “He has shown plenty of promise, so it is good to get a maiden win out of the way,” Cambridge Stud’s head of sales and nominations Scott Calder said. “It was a really nice win, and it was nice to see him do it so convincingly. “He was a stakes performer as a two-year-old, so he has always shown plenty, particularly considering he is a mid-November foal. “The way he is bred, and being by Embellish, we always hoped he was going to get better at three, so it was nice to see him get a win on the board. “We are getting later in the season, but I am sure Rob and Roger will hatch a plan, he is a horse we think can go on with it from here.” Horse racing news View the full article

Lady Telena pictured with trainer and part-owner Kenny Moore. Photo: Race Images South Kenny Moore resisted the urge to chase the $650,000 Summer Series Bonus with his Group One performer Lady Telena in favour of targeting southern riches, and his decision is looking to have paid off. Following Lady Telena’s placing in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham in January and seventh-placed run in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa in February, the daughter of Vespa was in contention for the $100,000 and $50,000 bonuses for the second and third series placegetters, but trainer and part-owner Moore elected to resist heading north once more to tackle the final leg of the series, the Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie earlier this month. “She was in the hunt, but we didn’t go to the Bonecrusher because at the time I thought Legarto was unbeatable, but as it happened she was,” Moore said. “We had to get back here because we had to have two starts in the South Island to be eligible for that $350,000 race (Southern Alps Challenge), so she couldn’t have gone to the Bonecrusher and gone for that, so I chose to go for the South Island one instead. “It is good to have a home too, I was getting sick of travelling and I like having my babies with me.” Lady Telena showed she is more than up to the task of tackling next month’s Southern Alps Challenge (1600m) when finishing runner-up behind Burgie in the Group 3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday. “It was a brilliant finish with amazing sectionals, it was just a shame we couldn’t be a tad closer on the turn, but that is racing,” Moore said. “It is a Group Three, as well as a Group One placing now, so that is great. “She is just such a good girl, she is that little horse that could, and she does.” Moore has been pleased with the way she has come through Saturday’s run and can’t wait to try and snare the lion’s share of the big prizemoney up for grabs in the last innovation race of the season. “She is jumping out of her skin. I couldn’t be happier with her,” he said. “She is going to go forward for the Southern Alps, it is a nice chance for us little chaps to have a chance at something a little bit bigger without the big boys being in the picture.” Lady Telena has really come of age this year and Moore said he is pleasantly surprised by the success she has been having in the top echelon of racing in New Zealand. “In the first month of training her I thought she had the ability to win a race or two, but she kept improving,” he said. “She is nothing to look at, she is quite a plain, ordinary horse and you wouldn’t think she is anything special, but whatever we throw at her, she just steps up to the mark and takes it on.” Meanwhile, Moore is looking forward to kicking off the winter campaigns of a couple of his team next week. “We have got the winter team coming along now,” he said. “Steve Austin and Franni Caccini will kick-off at Ashburton next week.” Horse racing news View the full article

Asfoora will take on the world at Royal Ascot. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Following her commendable fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) last Saturday, the Henry Dwyer-trained Asfoora is now poised to embark on an overseas campaign, likely venturing to the UK. Despite narrowly missing victory by less than a length to winner Zapateo in the prestigious sprint, Asfoora’s performance has paved the way for a potential journey to Royal Ascot if connections opt for a European venture. “She was great, just a bit frustrating to get beaten 0.8 lengths and run fourth but she ran as well as she could,” said Dwyer. “I’ve got a few calls to make in the next couple of days to work out what’s what, (but I’m) still keen for us to head over there.” Highlighting the rationale behind the decision, Dwyer added, “At the end of the day, there are zero races for her here and there are six races for her over there, so we may as well go over. “She’s come through the run well, she’s just travelled so well, which is great knowing what’s ahead.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Ciaron Maher-trained Another Wil. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The dream of securing a berth for the promising gelding Another Wil in the upcoming Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) appears to be dwindling, as the Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old is unlikely to secure a place in Saturday’s Group 3 Doncaster Prelude (1500m) at Rosehill. Despite his impressive record of four victories from six career starts, including three consecutive wins, Another Wil finds himself at the bottom of the order among the 32 entries for the Prelude, which accommodates a maximum field of 16 runners along with six emergencies. With slim chances of making the cut for the Prelude, Another Wil, currently priced at +1000 and positioned fifth in the betting for the Doncaster, faces uncertainty regarding his participation in the prestigious race. Furthermore, Another Wil has also been nominated for the $150,000 Benchmark 88 (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday, where 29 nominations have been received. Horse racing news View the full article

Post Impressionist was too classy for his rivals in the Group 3 Manion Cup. Photo: RacingNSW Post Impressionist, the dominant victor of the Group 3 N.E. Manion Cup (2400m), remains a potential contender for Saturday’s prestigious Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m), as confirmed by trainer William Haggas who submitted his nomination on Monday. Following his remarkable come-from-behind triumph in the Group 3 event at Rosehill last Saturday, the son of Teofilo has surged to the forefront of the betting with top horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m). Nick Williams, son of owner Lloyd Williams, expressed thoughts on a potential swift turnaround, stating, “It’s got me wondering whether he should be running next Saturday, to be honest with you. “I’m sure he (Haggas) and dad (Lloyd) will be discussing that over the coming days. “We’ll see how the horse pulls up. He’s done that pretty easily, it was a pretty soft win, so let’s wait and see.” In addition to his Sydney Cup favouritism for April 20, Post Impressionist has also secured a prominent position, sitting at +1400, in the betting markets for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Horse racing news View the full article

Two-time Melbourne Cup runner Grand Promenade. (Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Tragedy struck at Warrnambool on Monday as Grand Promenade, a two-time Melbourne Cup contender, was euthanised following a harrowing fall during the opening race. The eight-year-old gelding, poised for victory, stumbled at the second-last hurdle, resulting in a catastrophic tumble. With a racing career boasting eight wins and eight placings out of 32 starts, Grand Promenade, adorned in the colours of owner Gerry Ryan, amassed over $1.2 million in prize money. Among his notable achievements was clinching the 2021 Group 3 Bart Cummings (2520m) and finishing sixth in the Melbourne Cup, under the training of Ciaron Maher and his former partner David Eustace. In a somber statement, Racing Victoria (RV) expressed, “It is with sadness that Racing Victoria (RV) confirms that Grand Promenade was humanely euthanized by the on-course veterinarian as a result of an injury sustained during the running of the Maiden Hurdle at Warrnambool today.” RV extended condolences to the owners, trainer Shane Jackson, and stable staff, acknowledging their sorrowful loss. Horse racing news View the full article

Cascadian ridden by Ben Melham winning the 2023 Australian Cup at Flemington. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Cascadian, victor of last year’s prestigious Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington, enters this year’s edition with a slight alteration in his preparation. Trainer James Cummings believes the extended week between the All-Star Mile (1600m) and the Australian Cup is advantageous for the now nine-year-old campaigner. “Cascadian’s had a good week since the All-Star Mile,” said Cummings. “His effort to finish third was very solid, he’s just racing so well, and the step up to ten furlongs looks good now he’s had the right grounding.” Cumminfs emphasised the benefits of the additional week between the All-Star Mile and Australian Cup. “Probably this year it’s (the break between runs) an advantage, given that I’ve raced him so sparingly in the last 12 months. “Just that little bit more time to get over the All-Star Mile is ideal.” “Last year he was just booming that week and with clear running we just couldn’t see him being held back and he flooded home. “This time, given he only had the one run (in spring), we’ve just taken our time with him.” Cascadian is on the fourth line of betting for the Australian Cup, marked as a +600 chance with leading horse racing bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

The Jockey Club announced today that the 2024 edition of the Fact Book is available in the Resources section of jockeyclub.com.View the full article

Three Thoroughbreds died March 25 after a trailer transporting them crashed in Nelson County, Ky., during the early morning.View the full article

While she made the Honeybee (G3) look easy in her come-from-behind, 3 1/2-length win, the 1 1/16-mile Fantasy for 3-year-old fillies will present its own set of challenges. It is the last of three Kentucky Oaks (G1) qualifying races at Oaklawn. View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, March 27, 2024 First Race 2:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble Sandown’s Lakeside circuit is gearing up to host metropolitan racing this Wednesday afternoon. The forecast for Melbourne suggests perfect weather for racing throughout the week. The rail will be positioned 3m out across the entire track, with the action set to commence at 2:30pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sandown: Pantelone Pantelone was rolled as favourite on resumption after he was held up for a run when trying to build momentum, and that proved to be pivotal as he went down by 1.3 lengths. The son of Street Boss draws barrier two, but Mark Zahra will look to be a touch more aggressive in landing a spot up on speed and out of trouble. Pantelone has a strong turn of foot for this level, and with even luck, he should be winning. Best Bet Race 7 – #9 Pantelone (2) 3yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Mark Zahra (58.5kg) +240 with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Sunshineinmypocket Sunshineinmypocket looks well above midweek grade and is well placed to bring up a third win from as many starts. The three-year-old gelding from Ciaron Maher’s stable has produced smart victories at Ballarat and the Hillside track at Sandown when sprinting sharply over 1200m and 1300m respectively. John Allen will have Sunshineinmypocket stalking the speed throughout, and when asked for the ultimate effort, he should be shining brightly once again. Next Best Race 4 – #6 Sunshineinmypocket (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: John Allen (58kg) -125 with Playup Best Value at Sandown: Amphactor Amphactor was beaten by a nostril on the Caulfield Heath track last time out over 1800m and looks primed to strike third-up as he steps up to 2100m. The four-year-old gelding placed in his only ever crack at the trip, and in a race that should be run at a decent clip, it sets up perfectly for Amphactor. The son of American Pharoah will absorb the pressure from a mid-field position, and with a strong finishing burst, he should have no issue reeling in the on-pacers. Best Value Race 8 – #14 Amphactor (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Mark & Levi Kavanagh | J: Daniel Stackhouse (58kg) +1000 with Picklebet Sandown Lakeside Wednesday quaddie tips – 27/3/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, March 27, 2024 1-2-3-9 2-4-5-8-10 2-9 2-9-10-13-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Horse Racing on Tuesday, March 26 will feature three meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Taree. Tuesday Racing Tips – March 26, 2024 Taree Racing Tips As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 26, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Tuesday, March 26. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these complimentary promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for March 26, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Place a 4+ leg multi, if one leg fails bonus back up to $50 Applies to your first eligible 4+ leg multi each day. Paid in bonus cash. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for March 26, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

An overnight trailer crash on the Bluegrass Parkway in Nelson County, Kentucky hospitalized the driver and killed three horses who were being transported from Oaklawn Park to Keeneland. According to a Facebook post from the Bardstown Fire Department, the accident occured shortly before 5 a.m. Monday. “When units arrived on scene they found a tractor trailer on an embankment,” the post read. “The trailer, carrying Thoroughbreds, became dislodged from the king pin and ripped the cab of the truck from the frame. Crews extricated the driver from the vehicle in about 30 minutes. The driver was flown to University of Louisville Hospital. Anderson County large animal rescue was dispatched to assist with the removal of the Thoroughbreds from the trailer. Removal of the Thoroughbreds took approximately four hours.” Four horses survived the accident and were transported to an equine hospital. Responding to the fire department's post, Kelly Wheeler, assistant to trainer Eddie Kenneally, wrote that the horses were trained by Kenneally and under her care. “I can't thank everyone enough for doing what they could to save the horses,” Wheeler wrote. “Losing three of them is an unbelievable tragedy. But because of everyone's hard work there are four at an equine hospital and hopefully on their way to recovery.” Via a Monday afternoon tweet from Cassandra Orpen's Double O Racing account, one of the dead horses was listed as recent Fair Grounds allowance winner Darkroom (Enticed). The post Kentucky Trailer Accident Kills Three Thoroughbreds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Cambridge reinsman Todd Mitchell is certainly going to be busy as he returns to Manawatu Raceway today. “It’s been a while since I’ve driven at Manawatu but (local trainer) Stephen Doody asked if I’d consider coming and with close to a full book of drives it’s worth the trip,” says Mitchell. “Most of the horses I’m driving have reasonable form on paper and hopefully we get a bit of luck.” Mitchell’s last winner at Palmerston North was with Our Pegasus Pearl in March 2022. In the feature trot (R2), the Cartown Country Cup Handicap Trot, Mitchell drives Johnny Who for Doody. A four race winner, he starts off a ten metre handicap and meets some tough competition in the form of te consistent Boyz Invasion and Castana. “Johnny Who has done a good job down here and while he maybe just lacks really high speed, I think he’s a good each way chance, says Mitchell. In Race three, the Barry’s Tacky Tours Mobile Pace, Mitchell drives Narobi. The three-year-old filly has had three placings from just five starts, including a last start second behind Carolina Moon when she was narrowly beaten by a head. “Narobi has been racing well and with a good trip should be an each way chance,” says Mitchell. “We should also be thereabouts and starting from two has a good draw to work with.” Million Dollar Chic starts in Race four, the Outback Trading Mobile Pace over 2000 metres. The three-year-old Bettors Delight filly has put in some consistent runs recently and has run three placings at Manawatu to date. “We should also be thereabouts and starting from two has a good draw to work with.” In Race seven, Mitchell partners with the Andrew and Lyn Neal trained Diamonds Are Forever. The mare was a winner here three starts ago and most recently raced at Alexandra Park in races won by Duchess Megxit and Jolimont. “She wasn’t at her best last start but meets an easier field here today,” says Mitchell. “She’s drawn well and should be able to go forward, she’s a good chance.” Mitchell drives the Mike Berger trained Invisible in Race eight, the Papaioea Mobile Pace over 2000 metres. The gelding placed third on both occasions when he raced at Manawatu in February and although he starts from a less than ideal draw of 10 today, Mitchell thinks he’s capable of featuring amongst the placings. “He’s been racing ok considering some of the draws he’s had,” says Mitchell, “the stronger the pace the better for him, and provided they are running up front he should go a good race.” Mitchell is also engaged to drive Mr Monty (R1), Bettor Grunter (R5), and Baileys Pitch (R9) all trained by Doody. “Bettor Grunter and Baileys Pitch both have a bit of form and have been racing well,” says Mitchell “Baileys Pitch has drawn three, so with a bit of luck and a good trip he’s an each way chance.” The feature pace of the day, the T Market Fresh Country Cup Handicap Pace (R6) will be a hotly contested event with the likes of Bad Medicine, New York Minute, and Village Rebel taking part. All three horses have good Manawatu form and will be looking to earn points toward the 2024 Country Championship Series Final at Addington in May. View the full article

The New York Racing Association today announced the addition of the Grade 1, $150,000 Beverly R. Steinman, a 2 3/8-mile steeplechase event for older horses to be contested Sunday, June 9, as part of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga.View the full article

First, the CHRB was put in a no-win situation. To paraphrase Board Chairman Dr. Gregory Ferraro, half of the state was going to be mad at the CHRB regardless of how they voted. And frankly, it is very sad that it even came to that, as I will explain in more detail momentarily. While it is clear that the recent letter sent by Craig Fravel did not sit well with them, it seems that the Board understood the ramifications of not having racing in the North. Meaning that it would halt the California breeding program along with completely altering the lives of those who work up there. Second, it is clear that the North and the South need each other. The North is the major center for California breeding, while the South will have the major racetracks. To lose racing in the North, as California Thoroughbred Trainers spokesman Alan Balch discussed at the meeting, will mean the loss of incentive for breeding to continue in California. And the breeding program is needed. Third, California racing must have unity. As Dr. Ferraro stated during the meeting, the North and the South need to work together. That is why this is sad that last week's meeting featured a no-win situation for the CHRB. Unity was needed years ago. It is long overdue. Unity is essential for California racing to survive. The Golden State is filled with intelligent people who love the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Surely we can come up with solutions to make it thrive. As we all know, racing has been handed down from generation to generation, as evidenced by the families who have been involved in riding, training and breeding. And it is especially true as many of us learned of the sport through family members, especially parents. We do not want to be the last generation of California racing. The sport has a rich history out here, going back to the days of Emperor of Norfolk and Lucky Baldwin. It has to continue as we move through the 21st century. We must be innovative. We must find ways to reach a younger audience. We must promote this sport. We must work together. We can also work together to generate a stronger campaign for legislation relating to sports betting in California. That is definitely worth revisiting. There is nothing like going to the racetrack to see live racing, or just being at a racetrack early in the morning. In both scenarios, there is a magic that exists nowhere else. And so many more should experience that brilliant magic. And we also need to think of the backstretch workers, those unsung heroes of the racetrack, and their families. The tracks are literally their home. What happens to them if California racing goes the way of history? Where do they go? What will they do? This sport is their life. We need to remember them, the track employees, and of course, the horses. What will happen to the horses? We must certainly not forget them. As someone whose life changed for the better after first attending the races in 2007, I can say the current state of California racing is very distressing. I do not wish for it to go away, so I am calling on all groups involved with California racing to work together and find solutions. It can be done. It must be done. Otherwise, we face an unspeakable alternative. Let's work together. Alan French The post Letter to the Editor: Alan French appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 edition of The Jockey Club's Fact Book is now available in the resources section of the organization's website, jockeyclub.com. The online Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and auction sales in North America and is updated quarterly. This edition of the Fact Book includes a new page with an estimate of the total number of registered Thoroughbreds in North America based on 25-year periods. Other updates to the fact book will be published throughout the year, including exports by age and average earnings per starter by various sire metrics. The Jockey Club welcomes ideas on new ways to provide information in novel formats concerning the Thoroughbred industry to the public. Please email ideas to Shannon Luce, vice president, Communications, at sluce@jockeyclub.com. The post The Jockey Club 2024 Fact Book Available appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $150,000 G1 Beverly R. Steinman S., a 2 3/8-mile steeplechase event for older horses, will be held June 9 as part of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course. The race is named for Beverly R. “Peggy” Steinman, who has successfully balanced decades of ownership in both the steeplechase and flat racing worlds with stars such as Dark Equation, who captured the 2008 G1 New York Turf Writers Cup, and Colstar, a multiple graded stakes-winning filly who won more than $1 million on the flat. “The New York Racing Association is excited to incorporate a steeplechase event into the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival,” said Andrew Offerman, NYRA's Senior Vice President of Racing and Operations. “We value the longstanding relationship that NYRA and the NSA have shared and are pleased to honor Peggy Steinman with this wonderful new event.” Bill Gallo, the National Steeplechase Association's (NSA) Director of Racing, said the race is a welcome addition to the steeplechase calendar. “Peggy Steinman has represented the National Steeplechase Association at the highest level for decades, particularly at Saratoga, where her presence alone, sitting in her prominent finish-line box, has reminded people in the industry, and especially at the New York Racing Association, that the traditions of steeplechasing run deep,” said Gallo. “This is a fitting and wonderful tribute to a very special person on an historic weekend in Saratoga. She is thrilled with the honor and looking forward to the Belmont at Saratoga Festival.” The Steinman will kick off a 2024 jumps program on the NYRA circuit which includes seven races worth a total of $825,000. Four stakes will be held at the Saratoga summer meet topped by a pair of $150,000 Grade 1 events at 2 3/8-miles–the A. P. Smithwick Memorial July 17 and the Jonathan Sheppard Memorial Aug. 14. Steeplechase stakes action on the NYRA circuit will conclude at the Belmont at the Big A fall meet with the $150,000 G1 Lonesome Glory and the $75,000 William Entenmann novice stakes. The post Beverly R. Steinman Added to NYRA Steeplechase Program appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Just nine months after coming to the mainland United States from Puerto Rico, 20-year-old Eniel Cordero is preparing to saddle Vicente Stella's Le Dom Bro March 30 in the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Emerald Downs announced player-friendly wagering enhancements at its 55-day 2024 season that begins May 4, becoming the first track outside of Kentucky to offer penny breakage on all wagers while also offering a "Dynamic Morning Line."View the full article

We're approaching the five-week mark to the GI Kentucky Derby, but not all contenders on this week's list are aiming for the first Saturday in May. This coming weekend's nine-furlong stakes at Oaklawn and Gulfstream have the potential to usher in a shake-up within the rankings, which have remained relatively stable as winter edges into spring. 1) MUTH (c, Good Magic–Hoppa, by Uncle Mo) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Zedan Racing Stables Inc; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $190,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $2,000,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 5-3-2-0, $716,600. Last start: WON Jan. 6 GII San Vicente S. With stablemate and fellow 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist) out of training for at least 30 days, Muth inherits the top spot on the Sophomore Top 12 despite not having raced since Jan. 6. This 3-for-5 Good Magic colt drew post seven for Saturday's GI Arkansas Derby as the 8-5 morning-line favorite. Muth is ineligible for the Kentucky Derby because of Churchill Downs's corporate ban on Bob Baffert's trainees. So it's possible Baffert is sizing up a subsequent start for him in the GI Preakness S. May 18. The athletic Muth has a no-drama way of going about his tasks, and that businesslike efficiency appears poised to bloom into substantial class. With four total races at age two that included two routes and a Grade I win in the American Pharoah S., Baffert opted to sharpen this colt's speed by starting 2024 him in the seven-furlong GIII San Vicente S., a race that Muth commanded by stalking two pacemakers before breaking away at will (90 Beyer Speed Figure). Baffert has won the Arkansas Derby four times. Favorites crossed the finish wire first in that race for five straight runnings, from 2017 through split divisions in 2020. But the chalk has gone down in defeat in each of the last three editions. 2) SIERRA LEONE (c, Gun Runner–Heavenly Love, by Malibu Moon) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Mrs John Magnier, Michael B Tabor, Derrick Smith Westerberg, Rocket Ship Racing LLC & Peter M Brant; B-Debby M Oxley (KY); T-Chad Brown. Sales history: $2,300,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-1-0, $336,750. Last start: WON Feb. 17 GII Risen Star S. With two wins and a second-place loss by only a nose, plus a locomotive-like ability to close ground when it counts, Sierra Leone's form doesn't need much validation from the horses left in his wake. Still, the win by this 'TDN Rising Star' in the Feb. 17 GII Risen Star S. at Fair Grounds now looks even better after Saturday's one-two finish in the GII Louisiana Derby by the colts who ran third and fifth behind Sierra Leone last month in New Orleans. This $2.3-million FTSAUG sale-topper will go next in the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. at Keeneland, meaning that if he exits that final Derby prep in decent order, this Chad Brown trainee will have three straight races at nine furlongs prior to attempting 10 furlongs on the first Saturday in May. That experience over a distance of ground might mitigate concerns about only having four lifetime starts before the Derby. 3) FIERCENESS (c, City of Light–Nonna Bella, by Stay Thirsty) 'TDN Rising Star'. O/B-Repole Stable (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. Lifetime Record: Ch. 2yo, GISW, 4-2-0-1, $1,127,250. Last start: 3rd Feb. 3 GIII Holy Bull S. You can expect juvenile champ and 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness to go off quite a bit lower than his 8-5 morning-line ranking in Saturday's GI Curlin Florida Derby. He drew post 10 in an 11-horse field that lured just one other colt currently ranked within TDN's Sophomore Top 12. The GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile victor is in regroup mode for start number two of 2024. He drew a very soft field for the Feb. 3 GIII Holy Bull S. Accordingly, the betting public hammered him to 1-5 odds, but Fierceness came up flat. By way of a possible excuse, trainer Todd Pletcher had referenced bumping at the break that caused jockey John Velazquez to push harder on the colt than they would have liked to in an attempt to obtain good early positioning. But still, a colt of Fierceness's perceived caliber should have finished up a lot more powerfully considering the lullaby tempo of the Holy Bull's two opening quarter-miles, which were clocked in :25.03 and :25.50. A performance on Saturday that resembles anything close to the one uncorked by Fierceness when he trounced the Juvenile field by 6 1/4 lengths en route to a 105 Beyer victory would re-establish his presence as the Kentucky Derby favorite. This Repole Stable homebred had checked a lot of boxes on that first weekend of November by flashing tactical speed while in hand from the gate, willingly pressing a pacemaker, displaying good responsiveness when encouraged to quicken, and fluidly torqueing into a higher gear through the stretch before smoothly galloping out well ahead of everyone else. Dornoch | Nicole Thomas 4) DORNOCH (c, Good Magic–Puca, by Big Brown) O-West Paces Racing LLC, R A Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding LLC, Two Eight Racing LLC & Pine Racing Stables; B-Grandview Equine (KY); T-Danny Gargan. Sales history: $325,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 5-3-2-0, $505,400. Last start: WON Mar. 2 GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth S. The anticipated rematch of Dornoch and Sierra Leone in the Blue Grass S. will end up being the highest-profile rivalry of the Derby prep campaign. In a season that has been hallmarked by shallow qualifying stakes with little horse-vs.-horse intrigue, here's hoping that showdown ends up being worth the wait. Those two last met in the Dec. 2 GII Remsen S. at Aqueduct. Racing on a sealed, muddy track that favored early speed, Dornoch outgunned five rivals for the lead, took pressure from a 27-1 shot, swatted back bids from fresh challengers on the far turn, then brushed the rail and re-surged to steal the lead late from Sierra Leone, who had taken the overland route from last against the grain of the bias. Dornoch's winning margin was a nose. Each has since had one subsequent start at age three, with Sierra Leone annexing the Risen Star S. as the 5-2 favorite and Dornoch winning at 1-5 odds in a scratch-reduced GII Fountain of Youth S. That cakewalk win at Gulfstream for this son of Good Magic didn't tell us much about Dornoch's forward progression. But trainer Danny Gargan has said he's liked what he's seen in two breezes since that race, and in choosing the Blue Grass he is underscoring that he's not ducking anyone along the way to the Derby in his hometown of Louisville. 5) DETERMINISTIC (c, Liam's Map–Giulio's Jewel, by Speightstown) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-St. Elias Stable, Langone, Ken, Duncker, C. Steven and Vicarage Stable; B-Hinkle Farms (KY); T-Christophe Clement. Sales history: $625,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 2-2-0-0, $222,750. Last start: WON Mar. 2 GIII Gotham S. Despite being one of the lightest-raced among the Top 12 contenders, the 2-for-2 Deterministic rates highly in terms of the anticipatory buzz about his next start and projections about how he might fare as a Triple Crown contender. After winning at first asking in an Aug. 12 MSW sprint at Saratoga, Deterministic was sidelined with an ankle chip that kept him out of action until the Mar. 2 GIII Gotham S. at Aqueduct. Trainer Christophe Clement had this $625,000 KEESEP colt primed to fire off the nearly seven-month layoff, and Deterministic stalked willingly under Joel Rosario prior to tipping out and splitting horses with authority in the stretch over a sealed and sloppy one-turn mile. The visually impressive win garnered a 93 Beyer, a boost of 12 points. The Apr. 6 GII Wood Memorial S. is next. 6) CONQUEST WARRIOR (c, City of Light–Tea Time, by Pulpit) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Courtlandt Farms (Donald Adam); B-Betz/B&K Canetti/J.Betz/CoCo Equine/D.J. Stables (KY); T-Claude R. McGaughey III. Sales history: $1,000,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-1, $96,000. Last start: WON Mar. 1 Gulfstream AOC. Although gate nine is not a desirable draw for nine-furlong races at Gulfstream (2-for-105 over the past 15 years according to Daily Racing Form's Mike Welsch), the wide post is probably not going to be as big of an issue for 'TDN Rising Star' Conquest Warrior, who figures to be backed off the Florida Derby pace with speed threats drawn to his inside and outside. This stout-framed, long-striding $1-million KEESEP closer will benefit from being able to sit back and zero in on targets. But he's going to need a less “busy” ride from jockey Jose Ortiz, who in a Mar. 1 allowance at Gulfstream over the same distance rated Conquest Warrior off heels at the seven-furlong pole, sent him back up to re-engage six furlongs out, came through on the inside, then sliced outside for a winning run to reel in a tiring target. There was a fair amount of lateral and back-and-forth repositioning going on in that race, and Conquest Warrior got away with all that maneuvering because he was 1-5 in the betting against five rivals who weren't Triple Crown-caliber competition. Conquest Warrior's previous race, a one-turn-mile maiden win Jan. 13, was also a bit of an adventure. He got sandwiched at the break, shuffled to last, then repeatedly ran into traffic before bursting through for a dramatic half-length score under Ortiz. Trainer Shug McGuaghey will send out the second-favorite for the Florida Derby knowing Conquest Warrior is 2-for-2 over the Gulfstream surface, that he's already won at 1 1/8 miles, and that he should get honest fractions in front of him while he unwinds from midpack or farther back. 7) MAYMUN (c, Frosted–Handwoven, by Indian Charlie) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.; B-Vision Racing & Sales LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $50,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $900,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $79,200. Last start: WON Feb. 11 Santa Anita AOC. The 2-for-2 'TDN Rising Star' Maymun will start next in the Apr. 6 GI Santa Anita Derby, according to a confirmation by trainer Bob Baffert first published by Horse Racing Nation on Friday. Maymun blitzed home first by 7 1/2 lengths in his Jan. 20 debut over 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita (93 Beyer), then scored a one-mile allowance victory (89 Beyer) there Feb. 11 despite sideswiping a stablemate on the first turn. After both colts recovered without incident, Maymun launched a spirited bid three-eighths from the wire in tandem with Imagination (Into Mischief). But he had to exert quite a bit of effort in putting away his stubborn stablemate, who seized the lead three times from the quarter to the sixteenth poles before Maymun clawed back a half-length deficit inside the final 100 yards. Imagination came back to win the Mar. 3 GII San Felipe S. with a 96 Beyer. 8) TIMBERLAKE (c, Into Mischief–Pin Up (Ire), by Lookin At Lucky) 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Siena Farm LLC and WinStar Farm LLC; B-St. Elias Stables, LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. Sales history: $350,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GISW, 6-3-1-0, $1,094,350. Last start: WON Feb. 24 GII Rebel S. Trainer Brad Cox has won the Arkansas Derby with non-favorites in each of the last two runnings, with Cyberknife at 5-1 odds in 2022 and Angel of Empire at 9-2 last season. This year, he's got 'TDN Rising Star' Timberlake who will start from post two as the 9-5 second choice on the morning line behind the favored Muth. Timberlake has plateaued 93 Beyers in three straight starts spanning nearly six months. Those races were a one-turn-mile win in the sloppy-surfaced GI Champagne S., a rank-on-the-first-turn fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, then a much more settled win in the Feb. 24 GII Rebel S. at Oaklawn. His stretch run in the Rebel wasn't flawless–Timberlake stalled momentarily, but re-engaged once roused. It was a decent enough launch point to show how he has the potential to be a legit divisional threat with some polishing. “I like the timing,” Cox said of the Oaklawn race. “Obviously, he has the experience there now, that one run under him. I kind of thought the Rebel was the spot when we were getting started. At the beginning of the winter, we thought the Rebel was the spot. It worked out.” Catching Freedom | Hodges Photography 9) CATCHING FREEDOM (c, Constitution-Catch My Drift, by Pioneerof the Nile) O-Albaugh Family Stables LLC; B-WinStar Farm (KY); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: GSW, 5-3-0-1, $877,350. Last start: WON Mar. 23 GII Louisiana Derby. Catching Freedom won't be heading to Louisville as one of the favorites. But his last-to-first win in Saturday's GII Louisiana Derby stamped him as a capable stayer. He'll be the type of colt who doesn't rank as an A-list powerhouse, but you'll probably end up agonizing over whether to include him in your exotic wagers, because he figures to be firing from off the tailgate. At Fair Grounds, Flavien Prat waited patiently at the rear of the field until 2 1/2 furlongs out behind a moderate tempo, and because he didn't want to slow this Constitution colt's momentum, he let Catching Freedom fan 12 wide into the lane. This $575,000 KEESEP grad chugged home in straight, grind-down fashion, executing his job willingly. But for the most part, he was passing horses who had already taken their best cracks at the leader. Catching Freedom's 97 Beyer came back a little higher than I might have guessed based on the visual impression of the race. He gained ground in the stretch through a final furlong and a half timed in :18.78. In the five runnings since the Louisiana Derby got elongated to 1 3/16 miles, that's the second slowest fraction for the final three-sixteenths of the race. “I didn't know what to make of it early on, being so far back and with not much pace,” said trainer Brad Cox. “But Flavien did a great job of letting him inch up. He needed pretty much the entire stretch to get there and I am very proud of the effort.” 10) MYSTIK DAN (c, Goldencents–Ma'am, by Colonel John) O/B-Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby & 4G Racing, LLC (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. Lifetime Record: SW, 5-2-1-0, $510,110. Last start: WON Feb. 3 GIII Southwest S. Mystik Dan improved his Beyer by a whopping 19 points and was geared down late while leading the way home through a final sixteenth clocked in a zippy :5.93 when he won the Feb. 3 GIII Southwest S. at 11-1 odds. Are his 101 Beyer and the distinction of having run the fastest closing half-furlong among all 18 of this season's Derby points-awarding stakes at 1 1/16 miles the real deal? Or were those impressive metrics simply artifacts of Mystik Dan relishing a muddy, sealed Oaklawn surface that was playing quirkily? We'll find out in Saturday's Arkansas Derby, where this homebred son of Goldencents for owners Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby and 4G Racing faces the difficult task of trying to outmuscle both the No. 1-ranked Muth and No. 8 Timberlake. Trainer Kenny McPeek has expressed confidence all winter long about how this keen-minded colt has learned how to rate off the pace without the transition blunting Mystik Dan's natural speed. Besides the Southwest romp by eight lengths, Mystik Dan's only other victory from five starts was a 5 1/2-furlong MSW win at Churchill back on Nov. 12 in which he wired the field by 7 3/4 lengths. 11) TRACK PHANTOM (c, Quality Road-Miss Sunset, by Into Mischief) O-L and N Racing LLC, Clark Brewster, Jerry Caroom & Breeze Easy LLC; B-Breeze Easy (KY); T-Steve Asmussen. Lifetime Record: GSW, 7-3-2-1, $405,000. Last start: 4th in Mar. 23 GII Louisiana Derby Track Phantom didn't have to be rushed from post 11 and he was allowed to dictate a moderate tempo in the Louisiana Derby. So in that respect, it's a bit disappointing that he faded to fourth in the stretch as the beaten 2-1 favorite and won't be heading to the Kentucky Derby with positive forward momentum. But that doesn't mean he gets voted off the Top 12 island, either. Especially because this is a year that is shaping up as a Derby without too many established, credible early blazers to force or set the pace. With a little honing of his established speed-centric form in two-turn races, trainer Steve Asmussen could fine-tune this $500,000 KEESEP son of Quality Road into the type of dangerous Derby prospect who gets bold on the lead. Also, consider that Track Phantom looked almost certain to be swallowed up by no fewer than five contenders ganging up behind him at the head of the lane on Saturday. I can't say for certain whether he definitively swatted them all back or if their bids just never materialized. But give this colt some credit for not ceding the lead until the sixteenth pole despite tiring under duress. Asmussen told Daily Racing Form Sunday that after talking to jockey Joel Rosario, “we thought there was a little more there, and we're going to try a little French cup blinker.” He added that Track Phantom exited the race fine and will point for the Derby. 12) IMAGINATION (c, Into Mischief–Magical Feeling, by Empire Maker) O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Robert Masterson, Waves Edge Capital LLC, Catherine Donovan & Tom Ryan; B-Peter Blum Thoroughbreds (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Lifetime Record: GSW, 5-2-3-0, $256,800. Last start: WON Mar. 3 San Felipe S. Imagination got clipped from behind on the clubhouse turn of the GII San Felipe S., then rushed up to engage stablemate Wine Me Up (Vino Rosso). The two battled around the far turn and into the home straight, with Imagination prevailing by a head. Since breaking his maiden in start number three on Jan. 1, this Bob Baffert trainee has now put together two sharp back-to-back routes races in which he has been knocked off balance early, then got locked into a prolonged tussle on the front end without backing down. Even when he lost by a neck to Maymun back on Feb. 11, that second-place try resonated as a punching-above-his-weight type of performance. This $1.05-million KEESEP colt could resurface in the Santa Anita Derby, where Baffert is expected to have “at least two starters and potentially three,” as per Sunday's Santa Anita press notes. The post TDN Sophomore Top 12: Five Contenders in Action This Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

They may not have taken home the trophy and flower garland of the Louisiana Derby (G2), but the connections of Honor Marie and Track Phantom still had quite a bit to celebrate as their colts qualified for a start in the Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article