Wandering Eyes

Journalism rebounded from a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby (G1) to post a resilient victory in the $2 million Preakness Stakes (G1) May 17 at Pimlico Race Course.View the full article

JOURNALISM (c, 3, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo), the post-time favorite when second to Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in the 151st running of the GI Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, looked all but beaten–and beaten up–entering the final furlong of Saturday's 150th GI Preakness Stakes, the last renewal to be held at old Pimlico Race Course. In trouble for most of the penultimate furlong, the $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate bulled his way into the clear and, with a final eighth-of-a-mile burst that nearly defies explanation, caught GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes hero Gosger (Nyquist) in the final two strides in one of the most dramatic finishes in the history of the event. Clever Again (American Pharoah) came across from gate eight, as expected, to lead past the grandstand for the first time, with Gosger not far away. Journalism, confirmed for the Preakness just one day before entries were taken last Monday, broke fairly and settled in about midfield, racing on his incorrect lead as they came past the wire for the first time. Clever Again took them along at a very solid pace–the half-mile was up in :46.66–and Journalism traveled inside, but didn't look entirely happy as Umberto Rispoli was niggling at him approaching the second turn. Clever Again looked in deep water as Gosger and Luis Saez took the race to him at the quarter pole, but the true drama was developing a few more lengths behind. By this time, Journalism had jumped back into the bridle, but was in very tight and was bumped very hard to his outside by Goal Oriented (Not This Time), evoking memories of the incredible feat of athleticism displayed by Afleet Alex when he nearly went down in the 2005 Preakness. In turn, Journalism was forced into Clever Again, who steadied sharply and was effectively eased from that point, but most importantly, Journalism had somehow overcome the bumper cars to find the daylight he so badly needed. In the meantime, Gosger had well and truly gotten the jump and went several lengths clear, forcing even Rispoli to question whether he had the means to get the job done. But get home he did, clawing his way past Gosger, who'd run too well to lose, in the final 20 yards. Sandman (Tapit), for a stride or two ahead of Journalism at the furlong grounds, finished third. Journalism's own sire won the 2007 Preakness, defeating Derby winner Street Sense in a similarly thrilling conclusion, while trainer Michael McCarthy was winning his second Preakness, after saddling Rombauer (Twirling Candy) in 2021. Sales history; $825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 7-5-1-1. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Robert V., Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Michael McCarthy. Congrats to the connections of #FasigGrad JOURNALISM, winner of the Preakness S. (G1) at @PimlicoRC! O: @EclipseTBP, @bridlewoodocala, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5, Magnier, Tabor, & Smith T: @mwmracing J: @umbyrispoli Br: @hsdonalberto pic.twitter.com/dzgO9nERKV — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) May 17, 2025 The post Journalism Defies All Odds To Win Preakness 150 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 3-year-old Justify colt Crudo lived up to his name, exhibiting raw talent in blowing away the field by 7 1/2 lengths in the $100,000 Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico Race Course May 17.View the full article

By Mike Love After training a hat-trick at the previous meeting there, Woodend beach trainers Greg and Ben Hope will be looking to continue their good form at today’s Rangiora meeting. They’ll line up a solid team of seven. “I can’t really label one as being a certainty – but they’ve all got good chances,” said co-trainer and driver Ben Hope. In Race 2, the C ME 1ST Painters Pace over 2600m three-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven filly Rena ($8.00FF) will have to step from barrier one to be competitive – and Hope thinks she will. “I don’t think the draw will bother her too much. If she gets an economical trip I’d like to think she’s a first four chance.” Westar Molly ($2.90FF) will start as favourite in Race 4, the Canterbury Plains Challenge Consolation drawn one over 2600m. “She’s been going near enough and with her good draw we will look to use that and try and stay handy. She’s a realistic chance of going close again.” Also in the event is Krystal Delight ($15.00FF) to be driven by Gemma Thornley. The 10-year-old mare may be having one of her final career starts today at start 149. “She’s good enough on her day, but she’s getting close to a broodmare paddock.” The meeting today showcases the finals of the Anne Thompson Graduation series. Kashanova ($3.30FF) in Race 5 looks a very strong chance in the trotters version. “Smart horse with a big future. He’s still learning. Paddy McDaddy looks hard to beat, but I think on ability alone we will go close.” Race 7 is the pacers version of the Graduation Series Final, and the Hopes line up Justa Rippa ($17.00FF) for just his second race day start after a strong debut placing. “It’s a tricky field. If we can finish in the first four or five we will be quite happy. He is well bred and he will do a nice job in the future. He won’t be a maiden for long.” Crown The Moment ($2.70FF) looks well poised to go close in Race 9, the Dawe Contracting Mobile Trot over 2000m. The five-year-old Father Patrick gelding has been in fine form lately – and has the draw to work in their favour. “He’s another that’s found one better his last couple. We will use the draw and see where we end up.” Rounding out the day and the chances for the Hopes is grand campaigner Jack Tar in the Farewell From Rangiora HRC Until Next Season Mobile Pace over 2000m who will be driven by Gemma Thornley. “He’s tough and sticks on well. Miki Bennett looks hard to beat but just with his toughness you’ve got to say he’s a first four player.” Race one gets underway today at 11.25am. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Mark Hurrell will head to Ascot Park on Sunday chasing more success after enjoying the biggest thrill of his career. Hurrell started a wave of southern success at Addington on Friday night when he teamed up with Beach Day to win the Listed Uncut Gems Mares Classic. The victory brought up the reinsman’s first black-type win, marking a career highlight. “That’s my first major race win — first in a Group or listed race — so it’s probably the biggest thrill I’ve had,” Hurrell said. Trainer Greg Hunter also notched his first black-type win with Beach Day’s victory. Hurrell has formed a great partnership with Hunter since his shift to work for the Craig Ferguson stable in recent seasons. The reinsman paid tribute to Hunter for his outstanding results with his small team. “He’s a great fella, Greg, and he does a stellar job with his horses,” Hurrell said. “His strike rate is second to none, and when he lines his horses up, they’re always fit and healthy.” Few have questioned Beach Day’s talent throughout her short career, but she has shown plenty of quirky tendencies. However, at Addington on Friday night the pacer had her mind firmly on the job. “She’s a top horse, but she’s always had a few tricks,” Hurrell said. “She hates being in front — she knocks off and pulls up when she goes past other horses.” “She still has a bit of ringcraft to work on. She was great at Addington, and if she can keep doing that, she’ll be a top horse.” Hurrell is looking for more success with his three drives at Ascot Park on Sunday. Share A Dream clearly rates as the best of them, despite disappointing in his last start. “I think he’ll be tough to beat — sitting parked last time wasn’t his go.” “Hopefully, we can drive him like we did when he won the start before that.” “He’s pretty quick, so if he gets the right trip, he has the speed to be finishing over the top of them.” Glenkenick looks good enough to run a solid race for Hurrell, but starting from the unruly is a major disadvantage for the pacer. “He’ll win one — they need to go hard and not run home too quickly.” “Once he gets off the unruly and gets a good draw, he should get one.” Hurrell also links up with Foxing Easton, who looks a rough hope on Sunday. View the full article

Debuted earlier this season at Gulfstream to be a troubled fourth, the well-related Crudo really put his best foot forward at second asking when wiring a maiden special weight at Keeneland by 7 1/4 lengths Apr. 19. Triple Crown nominated for trainer Todd Pletcher, the son of Justify opted for this restricted spot on Preakness Day in Baltimore for his two-turn debut and showed much the same talent from a month ago. The rail-drawn 7-2 second choice jumped clear to the lead but had quick early pressure from race favorite Invictus (Into Mischief) to his outside into the first turn. Kept in a nice rhythm under John Velazquez, Crudo maintained his narrow advantage ahead of the favorite through fractions of :23.32 and :46.86. Invictus looked to make a race of it into the far turn but wilted past the quarter pole with Crudo well-gone for a stretch-length procession to net his first stakes win. Just a Fair Shake, second to GI Preakness Stakes entrant Pay Billy (Improbable) in the Federico Tesio Stakes Apr. 19, rallied for a clear second as the field came in single file. The raw final time of 1:44 flat was 0.20 slower against the clock than maiden special weight winner Varney (Vekoma) in race three, but does not account for any slowing in the racing surface as the track continued to dry out throughout the afternoon. “We've been looking forward to getting him stretched out around two turns and he handled that really well,” said Pletcher. “He got a good trip, got to the first turn in good position and got into a good rhythm. That is what he has been showing us in the morning. A talented colt. We were a little disappointed in his debut (4th at Gulfstream as the 4-5 favorite) because he had trained lights out. He came out of that race with some minor issues that we had to address and once he has come back, he has trained dynamite. His race at Keeneland was pretty easy and today was very impressive as well. [Invictus] was the big favorite and we just wanted to get to the first turn in good position and we figured he would be stalking us, which he was. It looked like they both got into a good rhythm and fortunately our colt kept going.” Pletcher indicated that the colt may take yet another step up in class for his next start, including a potential start in the GI Belmont Stakes at Saratoga. “We just approached today like kind of seeing where we are and we'll see how he bounces out of it,” Pletcher said. “There are a lot of big races all summer. We've got options with a colt that has shown some promise.” Crudo is the 44th stakes winner for Coolmore's Triple Crown champion Justify. Blossomed, though unraced herself, has enjoyed a wildly successful broodmare career with 10 winners from 11 to race including four stakes winners racing worldwide led by Crudo's full-sister Awesome Result who is a multiple stakes winner in Japan as well as his half-sister in GI Spinaway Stakes winner Sippican Harbor (Orb), a $1.45m RNA at FTKNOV in 2019. Another half-sister, GSP Bodacious Babe (Mineshaft), has already produced a stakes winner in Royal Spa (Violence). Blossomed herself last went through the ring for just $425,000, selling to Springhouse Farm at KEENOV in 2018. Crudo is her last reported foal. CRUDO ($9.40) was impressive in the $100,000 Sir Barton Stakes at @PimlicoRC! The three-year-old Justify (@CoolmoreAmerica) colt is 2-for-3 for trainer @PletcherRacing and owners @bflay and James Ventura. pic.twitter.com/6zOaG9zIO8 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 17, 2025 SPENDTHRIFT FARM SIR BARTON S., $100,000, Pimlico, 5-17, (C), 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:44.00, ft. 1–CRUDO, 118, c, 3, by Justify 1st Dam: Blossomed, by Deputy Minister 2nd Dam: Texas Cinema, by Mt. Livermore 3rd Dam: French Flick, by Silent Screen ($350,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $520,000 RNA Ylg '23 FTSAUG). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Bobby Flay and James Ventura; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher; J-John Velazquez. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $130,148. *Full to Awesome Result, MSW-Jpn, $1,108,666; 1/2 to Bodacious Babe (Mineshaft), GSP, $154,259, Saayedd (Malibu Moon), SW-UAE, $136,825 and Sippican Harbor (Orb), GISW, $262,650. 2–Just a Fair Shake, 118, c, 3, Laoban–Ladymidtown, by Midshipman. ($8,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-LaShawna Lynch; B-Brookstone Farm, Lee Mauberret, & James Blazek (KY); T-Daniel J. McKenzie. $20,000. 3–Invictus, 118, c, 3, Into Mischief–Serengeti Empress, by Alternation. ($1,200,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-CHC, Inc. and WinStar Farm LLC; B-Joel Politi (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $10,000. Margins: 7HF, 3HF, 3 1/4. Odds: 3.70, 6.20, 0.50. Also Ran: Bear Claw Necklace, Authentic Gallop, Bestfriend Rocket, Bold Diversion. Scratched: Hymn, Mr. Bogan. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Justify’s Well-Related Crudo Dominates From the Front In Sir Barton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Wedding Mood beneath the Twin Spires on May 10. Wedding Mood Rings The Bell At Churchill Downs Epic Horses, LLC's Wedding Mood (Wootton Bassett) ran out a 1 1/2-length winner over the Churchill turf on May 10 (video). Trained by Brian Lynch, the filly was bred by Coolmore in Ireland. Sold privately for €240,000 by Baroda Stud at the Arqana August Yearling Sale in 2023, the daughter of G3 Munster Oaks heroine Snow (Galileo) was making her fourth start. Racing for Ecurie Jean-Louis Bouchard for her first two runs in France, her best was a third-place finish at Deauville for trainer Mario Baratti in November prior to traveling to the U.S. Runner-up at Keeneland in April, Wedding Mood is the first foal from her dam, who has two offspring by Siyouni yet to race–a 2023 filly and a 2024 colt. The full-sister to G1 St Leger/G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner and sire Kew Gardens was covered by Justify last spring. Coolmore's Wootton Bassett has sired 23 winners from 42 runners (55%) in the U.S. A trio of them are Grade I winners, with Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero Henri Matisse taking the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains in France just last weekend. Wootton Bassett stands for €300,000 in Ireland. #10 WEDDING MOOD (IRE) ($6.90) and @flothejock came flying down the @ChurchillDowns stretch to win Race 5 for trainer @BLynchRacing and owner Epic Horses. Tune in to @FanDuelTV for more from Churchill. Bet with @FanDuel. pic.twitter.com/3R3eN8raHh — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 10, 2025 The post Making Waves: Wootton Bassett Filly Airs At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a long wait to get into graded stakes company, Charlene's Dream took advantage of the opportunity and scored a convincing 3 3/4-length win in the $150,000 Gallorette Stakes (G3T) at Pimlico Race Course May 17.View the full article

Drawn widest in a field of 11 for Saturday's Chick Lang Stakes at Pimlico, RETRIBUTION (c, 3, Vekoma–Granny's Drink, by Old Fashioned) found another gear in the final 150 yards to pull away from a fractionally unlucky Ancient World (Into Mischief) to become the 11th first-crop stakes winners (from 120 starters entering Saturday's action) for champion 2024 freshman sire Vekoma. One of the first to break the line, the $87,000 Keeneland September acquisition was a forward factor early on, then retreated to sit just ahead of midfield as favored One Nine Hundred (Dialed In) blazed an opening quarter in :22.86. Advancing three or four off the inside around the turn, Retribution rolled up to join the favorite to his outside at the midstretch marker and poked his head in front as Ancient World, steadied on the backstretch run and short of room for a few strides thereafter, made ominous headway as One Nine Hundred called it a day. Retribution kicked on smartly in the final furlong to post a decisive score from Ancient World, as Touchy (Nyquist) ran on nicely for third. Sales history: $87,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-1. O-Belladonna Racing LLC, Twin Brook Stables, Woodford Racing LLC, B.C.W.T. Ltd., Savvy Stables, GRC Racing LLC and Taylor Creek; B-Andrea McNeely Harden (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. RETRIBUTION ($20.00) turned them away in the lane of the $150,000 Chick Lang Stakes at @PimlicoRC. @reredevaux conditions the son of Vekoma (@spendthriftfarm). @iradortiz was in the irons. The Pick 5 is waiting: https://t.co/MqFrLWHbQ5 pic.twitter.com/MwTBk0Sg3m — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 17, 2025 The post Retribution Another First-Crop Stakes Winner For Vekoma in the Chick Lang appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For trainer Steve Asmussen, the $148,500 Maryland Sprint Stakes (G3) was truly a family affair.View the full article

The strongly backed Lead Artist justified a sustained market move when denying Dancing Gemini in a thrilling finish to the May 17 Lockinge Stakes (G1) at Newbury Racecourse.View the full article

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Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Sunday's Observations features the return of a 'TDN Rising Star'. 1.30 Naas, Cond, €40,000, 2yo, 5fT CHARLES DARWIN (IRE) (No Nay Never) drops back in trip having put in a TDN Rising Star performance when scoring by 5 1/2 lengths over nearly six at Navan last month. The full-brother to Blackbeard is going to be heading to Royal Ascot with plenty of experience under his belt at this rate. 3.45 Newmarket, Novice, £21,000, 2yo, 6fT TREANMOR (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) is out relatively early for a precious €2 million Goffs Orby Book 1 topper, with Charlie Appleby starting him in the same race he won 12 months ago with the ill-fated G2 Superlative Stakes winner and G1 Dewhurst Stakes third Ancient Truth. Out of Invincible Spirit's Listed scorer and dual Group 3-placed Loch Lein, Godolphin's exciting colt faces five fellow newcomers. The post Charles Darwin Opens Naas Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday, Naas, post time: 16:03, COOLMORE STUD IRISH EBF BLACKBEARD FILLIES SPRINT STAKES-G3, €42,000, 2yo, f, 5f 205yT Field: Dawn Romance (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Green Sense (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Lady Iman (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Leblon Beach (GB) (Ubettabelieveit {Ire}), Miami Destination (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Saffron Dandy (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Signora (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Simply Astounding (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star Simply Astounding takes the Meditate and Fairy Godmother route presumably to the Albany at Royal Ascot and in terms of promise she has it all. In Lady Iman she has a serious rival, but Saturday's reversal of True Love tempers enthusiasm a touch given how close that runner got to her in the five-furlong Listed First Flier Stakes at The Curragh. Interestingly, Aidan O'Brien also saddles the unraced Signora and she is hard to ignore as a half-sister to Exactly. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Naas, post time: 16:33, GOFFS LACKEN STAKES-G3, €42,000, €36,000, 3yo, 5f 205yT Field: Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never), Babouche (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), Bodhi Bear (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Treasure Isle (Ire) (No Nay Never), Carla Ridge (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Temperance (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Whistlejacket renews rivalry with Babouche, with the filly in front on their first meeting in The Curragh's G1 Phoenix Stakes in August. What the defeat of Ides Of March at Newbury on Saturday means to the prospects of Ballydoyle's G1 Prix Morny hero remains to be seen, with very little separating them in Navan's Listed Committed Stakes last month. Babouche ran a solid return under a penalty in the Listed Polonia Stakes at Cork earlier this month and is bred to go on at three. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Cologne, Germany, post time: 16:33, COOLMORE CITY OF TROY GERMAN 2000 GUINEAS-G2, €125,000, 3yo, c/f, 8fT Field: Ciaran (Fr) (Van Beethoven), Dhitjari (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Eternal Elixir (Ire) (Shaman {Ire}), Mehmas Champion (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Square Carnot (Fr) (Taj Mahal {Ire}), Windfang (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Lips Vega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Matilda (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Vertical Blue (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Last year's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Vertical Blue takes on the colts on this seasonal bow in an unconventional move by Francis-Henri Graffard, but when you are in the kind of form his stable are in you can more or less pick and choose where you go. Her nose defeat of stablemate Zarigana looks even better now and she probably only has to beat another filly in the G3 Schwarzgold-Rennen third Lips Vega to collect with the domestic colts looking short of standard. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Hannover, Germany, post time: 14:00, GROSSER PREIS DER BURCKHARDT-GRUPPE – PREIS DE NEUEN BULT-Listed, €25,000, 3yo, f, 11fT Field: Asteria (Ger) (Nutan {Ire}), Fire And Ice (Ger) (Masar {Ire}), Lady Charlotte (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}), Nyra (Ger) (Isfahan {Ger}), Que Bella (Ger) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Ruby Lips (Ire) (Highland Reel {Ire}), Starlight Lips (Ger) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Favourite here is the unbeaten Lady Charlotte after her wins at Warsaw last term, with Fantastic Moon's half-sister Fire And Ice possibly the biggest threat having won on debut at Hoppegarten. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Tokyo, Japan, post time: 15:40, VICTORIA MILE-G1, ¥253,400,000, 4yo/up, f/m, 1600mT Field: Christmas Parade (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Stellenbosch (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Argine (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Safira (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), Ravel (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Mi Anhelo (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Wide Latour (Jpn) (California Chrome), Shinryokuka (Jpn) (Satono Diamond {Jpn}), Admire Matsuri (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Bond Girl (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), Sing That Song (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Shirankedo (Jpn) (Declaratio Of War), Beyond The Valley (Jpn) (Isla Bonita {Jpn}), Masano Canaria (Jpn) (Silver State {Jpn}), So Dazzling (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), Queen's Walk (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Ascoli Piceno (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), Alice Verite (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}). Click here for the Japanese preview. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Whistlejacket And Babouche Rivalry Resumes In Lacken Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following severe weather Friday evening in Timonium, Maryland, Fasig-Tipton has adjusted the format of Sunday's final session of its Midlantic May Two-Year-Olds in Training under tack show as all horses will now gallop only and there will be no timed breezes, the auction company said in a press release Saturday. “The severe thunderstorms that moved through here last night dropped torrential rains in a very short amount of time,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “In light of these conditions, we feel that the responsible course of action is for horses to gallop only in tomorrow's final under tack show session. Today and tomorrow's forecasts call for good weather and we expect favorable conditions under which to conduct the under tack show.” Officials have assessed the condition of the racetrack and determined that the surface will require additional time to dry out to provide optimal conditions for breezing. “We have received an unprecedented amount of rainfall over the last two weeks, including these past several days,” Browning said. “The track crew here at the Maryland State Fairgrounds has done an admirable job keeping the racetrack in excellent condition to this point in time, however with this additional rain last night, we feel it is best to change our format for the remainder of the under tack show.” The Sunday under tack show session will begin at 8 a.m. ET. The entire auction will be held on Tuesday, May 20 beginning at 10 a.m. ET. This is a change from the previously scheduled two-day format on May 19-20. The post Final Session Of Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Under Tack Show Will Be Gallop Only appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

10th-SA, $61k, Msw, 3-5yo, 6 1/2fT, 8:38p.m. ET Side by side in the gate for their debut, HARMONIQUE (Nyquist) and Neema (Curlin) will be unveiled for their respective connections in this night cap at Santa Anita Park. The former is a homebred for Thor-Bred Stables, and is a daughter of GI Oak Leaf Stakes victress Rigoletta (Concerto)–thus a half-sister to the late GI Breeder's Cup Dirt Mile winner Battle of Midway (Smart Strike). She also claims MSW & MGSP Moretti (Medaglia d'Oro) as a half-sibling as well as the dam of SW Upper Case (American Pharoah). Harmonique hails from the extended female family of champion female sprinter MGISW Musical Romance (Concorde's Tune) and a Hong Kong group winner in 2024. She heads out from the shed row of trainer Neil Drysdale. To her inside, Neema goes to post carrying the colors of Michael Lund Peterson for trainer Bob Baffert. A $460,000 FTKOCT buy in 2023, the daughter of Curlin hails from the female family of SP Echo Echo Echo (Eastern Echo), whose branch of the family yielded GSW Letgomyecho (Menifee), herself dam of the late champion juvenile filly MGISW Echo Zulu (Gun Runner). That mare is also responsible for sire GISW Echo Town (Speightstown) and GSW J Boys Echo (Mineshaft). Neema comes into the race with a bullet work May 4 at this venue–four furlongs in :46.60 (1/32) on the training track–as well as a five panel move May 11 in 1:00.80 (5/21). The morning line has Harmonique at 20-1 and the latter at 10-1. TJCIS PPs The post May 18 Insights: Fillies from Family of Echo Zulu, Battle of Midway Unveiled in California appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's GI Kentucky Derby-winning homebred Sovereignty (Into Mischief) returned to the work tab Saturday at Saratoga Race Course, breezing a solo half-mile over the Oklahoma dirt training track for trainer Bill Mott in preparation for the GI Belmont Stakes next month. Guided through the work by Eclipse Award-winner Neil Poznansky, Sovereignty stretched his legs with a gallop around most of the oval first before assuming position on the backside to break off into his work and post splits of :12.88 seconds, :25.02 and the half-mile in :49.76. He galloped out in 1:04.29 and 1:20.10, according to NYRA clockers. “He went well–nice,” Mott said. “He had good energy and was willing to do more.” G1 Kentucky Derby winner SOVEREIGNTY (Neil Poznansky up) returned to the work tab today over the Oklahoma. NYRA clockers caught him through splits of 12.88, 25.02, the half-mile in 49.76, and galloping out in 1:04.29 and 1:20.10. pic.twitter.com/j7fHYQpYuW — Mary Eddy (@singmysongbird) May 17, 2025 Also on the tab for the Hall of Fame trainer on Saturday was last year's GI Whitney Stakes hero Arthur's Ride (Tapit), who worked in company with SW Poca Mucha (Tourist) later in the morning. NYRA clockers caught the pair through splits of 13 1/5, 25 4/5, and the half-mile in 50 3/5 before galloping out in 1:04 1/5 and 1:19 2/5. Other workers of note include MGISW White Abarrio (Race Day), who reacquainted himself with the Spa's main track Friday, posting a half-mile breeze in :49.27 seconds in company with New York-bred Bustin Bullet (Bustin Stones) for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. “He went a half from the three-eighths and he galloped out five-eighths, which was a little more than he should have, but we just wanted him to stretch his legs over the surface,” Joseph, Jr. said. “So far, so good.” The conditioner reported that White Abarrio is still on target for the GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap, and will have two more breezes. A more intense drill will take place between Thursday and Saturday. (1/2) Multiple G1 winner WHITE ABARRIO breezed a half-mile over the Saratoga main track this morning in company with Bustin Bullet. NYRA clockers caught them through splits of 12.70, 36.51, the half in 49.27, and galloping out 5F in 1:02.49. pic.twitter.com/85a9z5Fped — Mary Eddy (@singmysongbird) May 16, 2025 The post Sovereignty Back To Work At The Spa While White Abarrio Drills For Met Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The track for the 150th Preakness Stakes (G1) May 17 will have time to dry out after Friday’s storms, with a predicted high of 82 degrees Saturday. Nine horses will head to the post at 7:01 p.m. ET.View the full article

Off at 90 cents on the dollar after sitting up on the board at 1-2 for a good portion of the wagering, 'TDN Rising Star' BOOTH (c, 4, Mitole–Sophia's Song, by Bellamy Road) was given a stiff test every step of the way by the hard-knocking and well-backed Epic Ride (Blame), but at the end of the day, his class prevailed en route to a third straight success at the Grade III level in Saturday's Maryland Sprint Stakes at Pimlico. Off like a shot in a field scratched down to just five short-track specialists, the $120,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $225,000 OBS March breezer was off to a flying start beneath Erik Asmussen and showed the way through an opening couple of furlongs in :23.30, with one-time Kentucky Derby participant Epic Ride keeping pace to his outside. Continuing to hold a slender advantage around the turn and past the quarter pole in :45.99, Booth was made to work for it by a very game Epic Ride, but he managed to hold sway to add to his prior victories in the GIII Whitmore Stakes and GIII Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at his winter base at Oaklawn Park. Concrete Glory (Bodemeister) dwelt at the start and was pulled out of the race by jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. It was a record-equaling fourth win in the race for the jockey's father Steve, who most recently saddled the recently retired 'Rising Star' Jaxon Traveler (Munnings) in the 2022 renewal. Sales history: $120,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $225,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 11-7-0-0. O-Bill & Corinne Heiligbrodt, Whispering Oaks Farm & Jackpot Farm; B-Clearsky Farms (KY); T-Steve Asmussen. What a fantastic run from BOOTH ($3.80) in the $150,000 Maryland Sprint Stakes (G3) at @PimlicoRC. Erik Asmussen was up for trainer Steve Asmussen. Another winner for Mitole (@spendthriftfarm)! Looking for a Pick 5? Look here https://t.co/28CDidrNEI pic.twitter.com/un8AH7C3Rs — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 17, 2025 Saturday, Pimlico MARYLAND SPRINT S.-GIII, $148,500, Pimlico, 5-17, 3yo/up, 6f, 1:10.39, ft. 1–BOOTH, 126, c, 4, by Mitole 1st Dam: Sophia's Song (SW & GSP, $155,892), by Bellamy Road 2nd Dam: Dreamscape, by Mt. Livermore 3rd Dam: Big Dreams, by Great Above 'TDN Rising Star'. ($120,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $225,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR). O-L. William Heiligbrodt, Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm and Whispering Oaks Farm LLC; B-Clearsky Farms (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen; J-Erik Asmussen. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 11-7-0-0, $851,191. *1/2 to Musical Mischief (Into Mischief), GSW & GISP, $519,276 and Bright Future (Curlin), GISW, $947,940. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Epic Ride, 120, c, 4, Blame–Pick a Time, by Gio Ponti. ($160,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Welch Racing LLC; B-Fred W. Hertrich (KY); T-John Ennis. $30,000. 3–Celtic Contender, 120, c, 4, Irish War Cry–Celtic Katie, by Posse. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O-Lewis Family Racing Stable; B-Fred T Lewis (MD); T-Hamilton A. Smith. $15,000. Margins: 1, 6 3/4, 5 1/4. Odds: 0.90, 1.50, 6.70. Also Ran: S S Sinatra, Concrete Glory. Scratched: Ninetyprcentmaddie, Prince of Jericho. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post ‘Rising Star’ Booth Stays Hot In Maryland Sprint Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-Pimlico, $50,960, Msw, 5-17, 3, 4, 5/6yo, 1 1/16m, 1:43.80, gd, 5 1/2 lengths. VARNEY (c, 3, Vekoma–Summer of Fun {SW & GISP, $306,671}, by Include), who cost a whopping $775,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale, got the Preakness program off to a winning start for the Bob Baffert barn, leading every step of the way to break his maiden at career start number four late Saturday morning at Pimlico. Favored at 4-5 at post time stretching out to two turns off a fourth to his 'TDN Rising Star' stablemate and Preakness entrant Goal Oriented (Not This Time) in what has become a productive Santa Anita maiden Apr. 6, the dark bay colt had to be asked to go early on by Flavien Prat, but secured the lead passing under the wire for the first time, with third choice Energize (Medaglia d'Oro) doing the chasing. Last Man Standing (McKinzie), who was pulled out into the clear with about six furlongs to race, worked into the race nicely while covering ground four deep on the turn, but Varney was always firmly in front, and despite some wayward ways and gawking about in the stretch, came away to take it by 5 1/2 lengths. One of five winners from as many to race from his dam, a stakes winner and third in the 2012 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Summer of Fun was acquired by Saudi Arabian interests for $35,000 in foal to Spendthrift's Rock Your World at Keeneland November in 2022 and produced a colt from the first crop by the Candy Ride (Arg) stallion in 2023. Sales history: $775,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 4-1-0-1, $42,800. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-By Talla Racing LLC, Spendthrift Farm LLC & St Elias Stables LLC; B-Spendthrift Farm LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Flavien Prat kept VARNEY ($3.60) on task and wins the 3rd at @PimlicoRC. @BobBaffert trains the three-year-old colt by @spendthriftfarm's Vekoma. It's time for a Pick 4: https://t.co/ekE1MG5OIw pic.twitter.com/v28DMm2CdX — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 17, 2025 The post Expensive Vekoma Colt Goes Wire To Wire to Graduate at Old Hilltop appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Paying a big compliment to her Listed Pretty Polly Stakes conqueror Falakeyah on Saturday, TBT Racing's Qilin Queen booked her ticket to the Oaks in Newbury's Listed Childwickbury Stud Fillies' Trial Stakes. Quickly placed on the lead by Hollie Doyle, the Ed Walker-trained daughter of Pinatubo had to battle late to get to the line in front of the Lawn Stud homebred Revoir but proved up to the task to score by a short head as the 18-5 second favourite. The runner-up, a daughter of Study Of Man who also holds an Oaks entry and was having only her second start and first of the campaign, was half a length in front of the 100-30 market-leader Sand Gazelle, the daughter of Frankel who had also finished behind Falakeyah in the Pretty Polly. Just held on! Qilin Queen sees off Revoir to win a thriller at @NewburyRacing for @HollieDoyle1 and @edwalkerracing… pic.twitter.com/T6uFOGiqcE — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 17, 2025 The post Pinatubo’s Qilin Queen Oaks Bound After Newbury Success appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars HINOKAMI KAGURA - R2 (2) Is itching to win one and looks well placed to do just that here Jay Rooney PAKISTAN LEGACY - R9 (4) Maps to get a more economical run from the draw and can strike Trackwork Spy PAKISTAN LEGACY - R9 (4) Hasn't done a lot wrong so far and looks well placed here Phillip Woo SUGAR BALL - R8 (1) Looks a live chance with a return to the level of two wins earlier this term Shannon (Vincent Wong) RISING FORCE - R3 (1) Scored well on debut last start and can repeat the dose today Racing Post Online ORIENTAL SMOKE - R4 (2) Kept on well enough for third last start and can score with Purton aboard Tom Wood RISING FORCE - R3 (1) Excelled on the dirt on debut and looks tough to beat againView the full article

4th-Newmarket, £40,000, Novice, 5-17, 2yo, f, 6fT, 1:12.82, g/f. DANCE TO THE MUSIC (GB) (f, 2, Dubawi {Ire}–Miss Lucifer {Fr} {GSW-Eng, $193,403}, by Noverre), a full-sister to the yard's triple top-level-winning Breeders' Cup Mile hero Space Blues, raced close to the early pace. Green running into the dip, the 2-1 second favourite battled gamely to overhaul Eskimo Pie in the final yards to earn a length verdict over that daughter of Kodi Bear. Miss Lucifer, who captured the G2 Challenge Stakes, produced as her first foal Elusive Quality's G2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1, G3 UAE Oaks and G3 Burj Nahaar winner Shuruq who in turn is the dam of Hard Spun's GIII The Very One Stakes and Saratoga Oaks winner and GI Belmont Oaks and GI American Oaks-placed Antoinette and Medaglia D'Oro's GII Royal Heroine Stakes runner-up Javanica. From the family of the 1,000 Guineas heroine Virginia Waters, her yearling filly is also by Dubawi. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $27,379. O/B-Godolphin; T-Charlie Appleby. A winning combination @loughnane_billy makes it 7 winners from 13 rides for Charlie Appleby by steering home Dubawi filly Dance To The Music on debut. @godolphin | @Tattersalls1766 pic.twitter.com/OyiCmo1ehW — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 17, 2025 The post Space Blues’ Sister Dance To The Music On Top At Newmarket appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A renewal of Newbury's G1 BoyleSports Lockinge Stakes which read like a puzzle went the way of Juddmonte's Lead Artist, with the son of Dubawi the one peaking at the right time on Saturday. Supported into 17-2 for the mile feature with the Gosdens fully expecting the regally-connected homebred to leave his latest last-of-eight in the G2 Sandown Mile way behind, the otherwise progressive 4-year-old was positioned near the steady early tempo by Oisin Murphy with the race's main fancies anchored too far back. As the heat was turned up at halfway, it was the Sandown Mile winner Dancing Gemini who attacked first of the closers and he managed to get in front of Lead Artist inside the final furlong only to pay for his hard effort near the line. There was a neck between the winner and that 2-1 favourite there, with Rosallion 2 1/4 lengths away on his return. LEAD ARTIST storms home to win the @BoyleSports Lockinge Stakes! @oismurphy | @NewburyRacing pic.twitter.com/dpiJ0hbjmN — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 17, 2025 The post Dubawi’s Lead Artist Wins The Lockinge For Juddmonte And The Gosdens appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien has issued an upbeat bulletin on star stayer Kyprios following his Saval Beg Stakes victory at Leopardstown on Friday evening. The seven-year-old claimed a third success in the Group 3 contest, with the dual Gold Cup winner seemingly well on course for another trip to Royal Ascot. However, O'Brien expressed some concern about the horse's movement leaving the winner's enclosure, saying Kyprios was “moving a little bit gingerly in front”. He has subsequently been checked over and was reported to be sound on Saturday morning. O'Brien, quoted on the X account of the horse's owners Coolmore, said, “Kyprios is very good this morning and is sound. “We think he knocked his pastern after turning sharply in the winners enclosure. X-rays and scans were all clean and we are very happy with him.” Kyprios is very good this morning and is sound. We think he knocked his pastern after turning sharply in the winners enclosure. X-rays and scans were all clean and we are very happy with him. Aidan O'Brien, @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/w4sAXCgXBR — Coolmore (@coolmorestud) May 17, 2025 The post Champion Stayer Kyprios ‘Sound’ After Leopardstown Injury Worry appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article