Wandering Eyes

The ultra-consistent Ascoli Piceno and frequent rival Stellenbosch will once again lock horns, this time in the G1 Victoria Mile at Tokyo on Sunday. A qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, the race features an uphill battle to the finish. Trained by Yoichi Kuroiwa, the daughter of Daiwa Major secured the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies over Stellenbosch at two, and was second to that foe in the G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) at three, so both have won at the top level over this distance. Ascoli Piceno will leave from stall 17 in the 18-horse field and will be ridden by Christophe Lemaire. She won the G2 1351 Turf Sprint in Riyadh in February. Kuroiwa said, “This week on May 14, she had the same workout as she had a week earlier, six furlongs on the flat, chasing and passing her training partner. I had wondered how much she would improve from last week and she showed me that she had indeed improved quite a bit. Her wind is good, she's forward and, overall, I see no place where she's lacking. She is very agile and good at executing a course, even over shorter distances. I think I can leave the rest up to the jockey [Christophe Lemaire].” Second in the G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks), Stellenbosch has also finished out of the top three only once. However, after a strong third in the G1 Hong Kong Vase, the daughter of Epiphaneia turned in a puzzling 13th-place finish in the G1 Osaka Hai in April. Set to be ridden by Keita Tosaki, the 4-year-old filly will break from gate two. Trainer Sakae Kunieda said of the Katsumi Yoshida runner, “This week, she had the same training partner in fast work as last week. But this time, I had her start from behind the other horse. I think she moved well. She was a bit keen, but she did catch up and pass the other horse in the end. Her footwork was sharp, her balance and rhythm all looked very good. “She breaks well but doesn't have early speed, so with the pace likely strong from the start, she'll probably be racing from behind. If she gets a good trip, I think we have a chance.” Several fillies and mares are coming off last-out wins, including G2 Hanshin Himba Stakes victress Safira (Heart's Cry), who beat Argine (Lord Kanaloa) on April 12. They are booked in stalls four and three, respectively. Kizuna's Queen's Walk landed the G2 Kinko Sho at Chukyo in March, while Wide Latour (California Chrome) defeated Sing That Song (Duramente) in the G3 Aichi Hai. The G3 Fukushima Himba Stakes went to Admire Matsuri (Kitasan Black), and she will be cutting back to 1600 metres for this contest, as will Shirankedo (Declaration Of War), who stamped her name on the G3 Nakayama Himba Stakes in March. The post Ascoli Piceno And Stellenbosch Clash In Victoria Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Pimlico, $54,810, Alw (NW1X), Opt. Clm ($50,000-$62,500), 5-16, 3yo, 6f, 1:10.65, ft, 6 1/2 lengths. VERIFIRE (c, 3, Authentic–Ruby Trust {SP, $145,212}, by Smart Strike), named a 'TDN Rising Star' when thrashing Colonial maidens by 6 1/4 lengths on career debut going this distance on the Virginia Derby undercard Mar. 15, easily repeated the dose when pulling clear through the final furlong to take the Black-Eyed Susan Day opener at Pimlico by 6 1/2 lengths. Off at a nickel on the dollar, the $260,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $1-million OBS March breezer was first to break the line and with no run-up, got the opening quarter-mile in :23.69, as Saxton (Mosler)–the only other member of the first-race sextet in single digits at just under 5-1–did his level best to match motors. The second elect stayed right with the heavy favorite into the lane after a half in :46.22, but Verifire began to assert a furlong from home and was punched out under hands-and-heels from Flavien Prat to score like a 1-20 pop should. Gainesway purchased the winner's dam, a daughter of the Grade III-winning turf sprinter Queen ofthe Catsle (Tale of the Cat), for $180,000 in foal to Catalina Cruiser at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale and Verifire, who breezed an eighth of a mile in :9 4/5 at OBS last March, is her second foal. The mare is also responsible for the 2-year-old colt Golden Tornado (McKinzie), a $475,000 KEESEP purchase by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing last fall, and a yearling filly by Olympiad who fetched $130,000 from McMahon & Hill at KEENOV a few months later. The mare was barren to McKinzie for this year.Sales history: $260,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $1,000,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $77,400. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Resolute Racing; B-Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd (KY); T-Brad H Cox. VERIFIRE ($2.10) by as many as he wanted in the opener at @PimlicoRC. The colt by @spendthriftfarm's Authentic is undefeated in 2 starts for trainer @bradcoxracing. Flavien Prat was in the saddle. Congrats to owners @resracingky. Early Pick 4 time: https://t.co/HFu2TpnAWY pic.twitter.com/9DlNeEX0aR — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 16, 2025 The post Authentic’s ‘Rising Star’ Verifire Streaks Clear In Pimlico Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-Newbury, £12,000, Mdn, 5-16, 2yo, 6fT, 1:11.97, gd. HUMIDITY (GB) (c, 2, Ulysses {Ire}–Sultry {GB}, by Pivotal {GB}), sent off at 6-1 for this often-informative maiden won in 2018 by Advertise, broke smartly to lead under Oisin Murphy. Pressed throughout by the 7-2 favourite Title Role, the homebred hung tough to prevail by a short head from that Too Darn Hot colt who was a 500,000gns Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up purchase last month. “He's a lovely horse and we'll talk with the team and see what they want do,” trainer Andrew Balding said. “He's a horse with a lovely bright future and this six is his minimum. There were nice types in the race and I like the manner in which he did it.” The winner is a full-brother to Holloway Boy, who made an impact himself on debut by winning Royal Ascot's Listed Chesham Stakes three years ago before going on to land the G3 Superior Mile and finish third in the G1 Futurity Trophy and G1 Jebel Hatta. Offered at Tattersalls October Book 2 but bought back for 120,000gns, he is the sixth foal out of the unraced dam who is a half to the listed-placed Secret Venture by Pivotal's son Kyllachy. The third dam is the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes-winning champion Gay Gallanta, who produced the dual Group winner and G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains-placed Byron. Also connected to the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud-winning sire Gay Mecene, the dam's yearling filly is by Palace Pier (GB). Sales history: 120,000gns RNA Ylg '24 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $8,621. O/B-Cheveley Park Stud; T-Andrew Balding. Great battle at @NewburyRacing! Humidity comes out on top in a good tussle with Title Role to make a winning debut for @AndrewBalding2! pic.twitter.com/c8Ir575hyq — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 16, 2025 The post Ulysses’s Humidity Wins Hot Newbury Maiden For Cheveley Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday's G2 Boodles Yorkshire Cup was run at little more than a crawl and played directly into the lap of Godolphin's seven-time elite-level winner Rebel's Romance (Dubawi), who fared best in a five-runner battle of wits. The globetrotting seven-year-old, who had notched victories at the highest grade in four different countries, lobbed along in second as Coolmore's 2023 G1 St Leger hero Continuous (Heart's Cry) set sedate fractions on the front end. Sent wide towards the stands' side rail in early straight, the crowd's 11-10 pick inched ahead with three furlongs remaining and was resolute under a full William Buick drive inside the final quarter-mile to bravely withstand the persistent threat of Epic Poet (Lope De Vega) by a head. John and Thady Gosden trainee Sweet William (Sea The Stars) was compromised by the modest tempo and stayed on well to finish 3/4-of-a-length adrift in a bunch finish for the remaining podium spot. “He's a real favourite with his own little fan base and rightly so for what he's achieved through his career,” said Charlie Appleby. “A few people asked why we came here, but I just felt in his last few runs over a mile-and-a-half that I didn't know if he still had that kick you need at the top level. When they went as steady as they did I thought it could be interesting. I'd rather they'd have gone a decent gallop and I was always confident he was going to win. I'm a believer in that if you go that steady, then any horse has a chance. Whether they're a Group 1 horse or a handicapper, they can all sprint for a couple of furlongs. We've seen time and time again that he is one of those horses that just puts his head down and goes again when something comes to him. When William [Buick] got off he said 'he's a mile-and-a-half horse and we got away with it'. Had he gone and won a more stoutly-run race then we might have thought about [the G1] Goodwood [Cup], but on the evidence of what William said, I think we'll go back to a mile-and-a-half.” Looking ahead to future options, the trainer added, “We didn't want to go travelling just yet, we've got a bit of a career-end programme for him that will hopefully involve staying in Europe for the summer and then our American trips towards the second half of the season. He'll probably go to Germany and he's in the [G1] Coronation Cup. We'll see how he comes out of this race, but he has plenty of options. I'd imagine he'll go to Canada and then back to the Breeders' Cup.” Pedigree Notes Rebel's Romance is the leading performer out of Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes second Minidress (Street Cry), who also threw G1 Jebel Hatta and GI Manhattan Stakes heroine Measured Time (Frankel) and Listed Cairn Rouge Stakes third Petticoat (Cape Cross). Minidress is a full-sister to G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy victor Volcanic Sky out of G3 Musidora Stakes-winning G1 Oaks and G1 Yorkshire Oaks placegetter Short Skirt (Diktat). Rebel Romance's third dam is the excellent producer Much Too Risky (Bustino), whose quartet of stakes winners includes G2 Prix de Pomone winner Whitewater Affair (Machiavellian), herself the dam of multiple Group 1-winning Dubai World Cup hero Victoire Pisa (Neo Universe) and G1 Yasuda Kinen victor Asakusa De'nen (Singspiel). Short Skirt's sibling Little Rock (Warning) annexed the G2 Princess of Wales's Stakes while Much Too Risky is kin to G1 Irish St Leger hero Arctic Owl (Most Welcome) and G1 Sydney Cup winner Marooned (Mill Reef). Minidress has a 2-year-old colt by Dubawi (Ire) to come. ' @godolphin's globetrotting seven-year-old denies Epic Poet in a fab renewal of the @Boodles Yorkshire Cup pic.twitter.com/FFpYkAvgFd — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 16, 2025 Friday, York, Britain BOODLES YORKSHIRE CUP STAKES-G2, £192,200, York, 5-16, 4yo/up, 13f 188yT, 3:07.88, g/f. 1–REBEL'S ROMANCE (IRE), 134, g, 7, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Minidress (GB) (SP-Eng), by Street Cry (Ire) 2nd Dam: Short Skirt (GB), by Diktat (GB) 3rd Dam: Much Too Risky (GB), by Bustino (GB) O/B-Godolphin (IRE); T-Charlie Appleby; J-William Buick. £108,997. Lifetime Record: MGIS-US, MG1SW-Ger, G1SW-HK & UAE, G1SP-Eng, GSW-Qa, 25-17-0-1, $12,647,589. *1/2 to Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), GISW-US, G1SW-UAE & SP-Eng, $1,568,523; and Petticoat (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}), SP-Ire. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Epic Poet (Ire), 129, g, 6, Lope De Vega (Ire)–Sagaciously (Ire), by Lawman (Fr). (180,000gns Wlg '19 TATFOA; 450,000gns Ylg '20 TATOCT; 48,000gns 4yo '23 TATAHI). O-Akela Thoroughbreds Ltd; B-George Kent (IRE); T-David O'Meara. £41,323. 3–Sweet William (Ire), 132, g, 6, Sea The Stars (Ire)–Gale Force (GB), by Shirocco (Ger). O/B-Normandie Stud Ltd (IRE); T-John & Thady Gosden. £20,681. Margins: HD, 3/4, HF. Odds: 1.10, 7.00, 3.33. Also Ran: Alsakib (GB), Continuous (Jpn). The post Dubawi’s Rebel’s Romance Prevails in Yorkshire Cup Tactical Battle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

York's Listed Michael Seely Memorial Fillies' Stakes looked a strong contest full of exciting fillies on Friday and it was Peter Harris's unbeaten Kon Tiki who came through. Coming off all-weather wins at Wolverhampton and Kempton, the Jane Chapple-Hyam-trained daughter of Night Of Thunder swept by some smart peers approaching the final furlong and had half a length to spare over Bermuda Longtail at the line. Connections of the 11-2 winner are looking to avoid Royal Ascot this year. “She's trained well all winter–I had her in the Guineas, but we decided to come here instead,” the trainer said. “It was her first time on turf and I just thought this was a nice start for her and allowed her more time to come in her coat. Mr Harris likes them to go gradually up the staircase, so there's no rush. We'll go for the [G2] Sandringham at Chantilly and, for me, the race then would be the [G1] Falmouth.” (11-2) stylishly preserves her unbeaten record in the Listed @SkyBet Fillies' Stakes @yorkracecourse @DavidEgan99 and @JaneChappleHyam clearly have another good 'un pic.twitter.com/CTjgjP7WVO — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 16, 2025 Kon Tiki is the second foal out of Maid Up, who captured the G3 March Stakes and was second in the G2 Lillie Langtry Stakes and whose first was Lope De Vega's Listed Wild Flower Stakes scorer Champagne Prince. From Juddmonte's family of Dansili's G2 Celebration Mile winner Zacinto, her 2-year-old colt by Too Darn Hot had been a €550,000 purchase by Amo Racing at the Arqana Breeze Up just six days before this contest. She also has a yearling filly by Kingman and a foal full-sister to Champagne Prince to come. SKY BET FILLIES' STAKES (REGISTERED AS THE MICHAEL SEELY MEMORIAL FILLIES' STAKES)-Listed, £70,000, York, 5-16, 3yo, f, 7f 192yT, 1:39.35, g/f. 1–KON TIKI (GB), 128, f, 3, by Night Of Thunder (Ire) 1st Dam: Maid Up (GB) (GSW-Eng, $175,493), by Mastercraftsman (Ire) 2nd Dam: Complexion (GB), by Hurricane Run (Ire) 3rd Dam: Ithaca, by Distant View 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. (220,000gns Ylg '23 TATOCT). O-Mr P W Harris; B-Brightwalton Bloodstock Ltd; T-Jane Chapple-Hyam; J-David Egan. £39,697. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, $64,844. *1/2 to Champagne Prince (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), SW-Eng, $122,390. 2–Bermuda Longtail (Fr), 128, f, 3, Hello Youmzain (Fr)–Et Toi Et Moi (Fr), by Footstepsinthesand (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE. (€60,000 Ylg '23 ARQDOY; €220,000 2yo '24 ARQBRU). O-Bermuda Racing Ltd; B-S.A.R.L. Riviera Equine; T-Andrew Balding. £15,050. 3–Troia (GB), 128, f, 3, Kingman (GB)–Umniyah (Ire), by Shamardal. 1ST BLACK TYPE. (44,000gns RNA Ylg '23 TATOCT). O/B-Fittocks Stud & Andrew Bengough; T-Ed Walker. £7,532. Margins: HF, 1 1/4, 2HF. Odds: 5.50, 16.00, 12.00. Also Ran: Consecrated (GB), Glittering Surf (GB), Serving With Style (GB), Elsie's Ruan (Ire), The Third Star (GB), Gulya (Ire). Scratched: Royalty Bay (Ire). The post Night Of Thunder’s Unbeaten Kon Tiki Stars At York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group One contest in Britain includes a trio of horses who will mix it at the top table this season.View the full article

Presenter-driver-trainer Brittany Graham knows a thing or two about racing on both sides of the Tasman and now that the Queenslander is working for Trackside in this country she’s (reluctantly) agreed to write a weekly column. Kiwi update on ID2025 With only six weeks until the first round of rapidly approaching Inter Dominion heats, here is the latest on the Kiwi contingent after the second rankings were released. A total of 24 trotters (two heats of 12) will contest the trotter’s series, with 36 pacers making the cut for the first round of qualifiers on July 5. Pacers : Republican Party – ranked 3rd Despite being the highest ranked New Zealand representative, it is looking increasingly unlikely that the four-time Group 1 winner will make his second trip across the Tasman for 2025. His nomination remains, although a tilt at another New Zealand Cup after his third placing last year is looking to take precedence. Stablemate and star 2YO Fugitive is under watch for slot holders in the Protostar at Albion Park, Brisbane on July 12 though, with the colt lining up tonight (Friday) at Addington and in next Fridays Group One Welcome Stakes, as opportunities to show his talent. Pinseeker ranked 21st All plans are now penciled in for Pinseeker to make his international debut. Safely through next week’s Hydroflow NZ Country Championship Final, the lightly-raced five-year-old is booked to fly to Sydney on Tuesday, June 17. A suitable race on June 21 at Menangle is then likely before making his way to be based at the new establishment of N40 Racing in Queensland, with Jonny Cox set to partner his star throughout. Beach Ball ranked 43rd Former New Zealand Cup placegetter Beach Ball is set to become a stablemate of defending Inter Dominion Champion Don Hugo when he joins the Luke McCarthy barn. Touted to arrive on Australian soil on Sunday, he will be set towards Brisbane in July, providing he can perform to improve his rating. Trotters : Bet N Win ranked 3rd Post his superb Rowe Cup victory, Bet N Win was able to enjoy a week in the paddock before heading to the beach for a freshen. “All reports are that he is feeling very well!” said co-trainer Stacey White. He is also touted to fly to Sydney mid-June, with options for his run in lead up still being worked through and a preference to having one start a fortnight out from July 5. Oscar Bonavena ranked 4th Despite a frustrating campaign, Oscar Bonavena is set to stamp his passport once again in search of Inter Dominion glory. Last seen when sixth in the Rowe Cup, he has had a freshen subsequently and looks set to contest the series. Chase A Dream will trial on Tuesday with the result of that outing the deciding factor on whether he also heads across, while Rubira is also set to trial next week before heading to Queensland early within the next three weeks. Te Rapa and Eurokash ranked 30th and 34th respectively Right on the cusp of making the cut for Inter Dominion campaigns, the former Hope pair have already made their way to Queensland, joining local trainer Graham Dwyer. “While we are targeting them towards the series, they both fit nicely into the Queensland grading system and will stay on regardless,” said Dwyer. Dwyer recently campaigned his own talented trotter Not As Promised in the North Island and saw it a great learning and networking experience despite the racetrack results not going to plan. “Taking on these two trotters seemed a good opportunity to start up a relationship with the connections with a view to hopefully more of these types joining the stable”. “They are both ready to trial once their Australian clearances come through.” Castana and Taylad To Use ranked 51st and 52nd respectively The David and Clare McGowan pair of Castana and Taylad To Use find themselves down the rankings but could easily see themselves in contention with an upcoming victory. Taylad To Use is set to join the stables of Grant and Trista Dixon shortly, alongside Captains Mistress who is on loan to the trainers of superstar Leap To Fame for the duration of the Constellations Carnival. View the full article

A new race for the 2YO trotters has been added to the Ashburton Trotting Club’s programme for the King’s Birthday Meeting on Sunday, June 1. The mobile, for non-winners, will be worth $12,500. “HRNZ is committed to providing ample racing opportunities for all horses and in this instance we identified a month’s gap between opportunities for maiden 2YO trotters to race,” says HRNZ’s Racing and Wagering Manager Matthew Peden. “Ashburton in a fortnight was the best option to rectify that so we have added this race to their programme.” For more information contact matthew.peden@hrnz co.nz View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz A dominant win at last night’s meeting at Cambridge has proven again that Mazeppa just keeps getting better. With Crystal Hackett in the bike, the big chestnut started off 25 metres in the Betavet Buildagut Handicap Trot. They were last at one stage before making a mid-race move. They then sat parked for the last lap before tearing away to a commanding 4 length victory Formerly trained by Dr Luk Chin and now with Waiuku trainers Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett, the 7-year-old son of Love You seems to have found a new lease on life. “With an older horse sometimes a change is as good as a holiday,” says co-trainer Michelle Wallis. He was purchased earlier this year by prominent Australian trainer Brent Lilley. “The intention was to go to Australia with him, but Brent wanted to give him a couple of starts here and see if he’d earn his airfare.” Wallis credits the ease of transition to racing with their team to the preparation he received with Dr Chin. “Luk and the team there have done a super job with him and it’s a privilege to get a horse from them,” she said. “He was up and running, we hadn’t done anything. It was probably just the change of scenery. We swim him and go to the beach. It’s just something different for him and it’s changed his mindset.” The Cambridge way of racing seems to be his go, with 10 of his 11 career wins coming left-handed, and four of those since joining the Pinebrook team in March from just six starts. “We were very lucky he was down in the grade,” said Wallis, “he got a cheap win on a Tuesday and then he got a penalty free win with a junior, so he got three wins before he went up a grade. It’s just lucky the races were there at the right time for him.” As for the future plans of Mazeppa? “At this stage I don’t think Brent is that keen to take him to Australia so we’ll just have to keep looking to see where there’s suitable races for him and he’ll just keep ticking over throughout the winter.” View the full article

Gr.1 Blue Diamond (1200m) winner Little Brose (Per Incanto) has been officially welcomed to the Little Avondale stallion ranks to join his champion sire, Per Incanto. Little Brose was presented in outstanding order and is really letting down into a magnificent animal. Little Brose is very much in the mould of his father, Per Incanto and it is very exciting for breeders to have access to the 1st Australian 1200m Gr.1 winning 2YO to ever debut at stud in New Zealand. Little Brose was bred by local friend and client, David Wallace and was born and sold by Sledmere Stud at the 2022 Magic Millions Yearling Sale. Little Brose was purchased by Bloodstock agent, Dean Hawthorne for Lindsay Park Racing and Sam and Catriona Williams were delighted that both Dean and Ben Hayes (from Lindsay Park Racing) could be at Little Avondale for the launch of Little Brose. Both spoke very fondly of the horse they purchased and raced to the pinnacle of winning the Gr.1 Blue Diamond and now of his future at Stud in NZ. The horse was very well received by the general public and it was fantastic to see many of the Shareholders attending the day and seeing Little Brose for the first time. Per Incanto has had an incredible season and is one of the most commercial and sought after stallions in the Southern Hemisphere. Sale yearlings averaged $207,000 across the 5 major sales and Per Incanto was the leading NZ based stallion at Sydney Easter averaging $425,000 for 4 yearlings sold. Per Incanto is currently 11th on the Australian Premiership, cemented by double Gr.1 winner Jimmysstar and Gr.1 winner Gringotts. Per Incanto has a runner to winner ratio of 66%, is currently leading the NZ Centaine Award and is nearly at the $100 million for prizemoney earnt. The pundits definitely agreed on Little Avondale’s byline for the boys – “Like Father, Like Son” Per Incanto is standing for $60,000 plus gst LFG in 2025 and Little Brose at an introductory fee of $15,000 plus gst LFG. CONTACT: Sam Williams +64 274 853400 View the full article

Stephen Marsh is eyeing a light winter campaign with his Group One-winning sprinter Mercurial (NZ) (Burgundy), who shook off some cobwebs with a trial win at Cambridge on Friday. The winner of six of his 36 starts, including last year’s Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham, Mercurial has been off the scene since he was unplaced in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on February 8. The six-year-old Burgundy gelding pleased his trainer with a narrow but comfortable short-neck victory in Friday’s 950m heat on his home track. “I thought he trialled up very nicely without being put under much pressure,” Marsh said. “He hasn’t done much so far this time in and is still carrying plenty of condition, so there’s a lot of improvement in him. “He’ll trial again on the grass at Waipa later this month, and then he should be ready to go back to the races. “We’ll probably give him a fairly low-key winter, then head into the spring with that bit of race fitness under his belt.” Mercurial has gone winless in seven starts this season, but he has been up against elite sprint company. He finished fourth to Luberon (NZ) (Embellish) in the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m), fifth behind Babylon Berlin in the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m), second to Kelly Coe (NZ) (Proisir) in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m), seventh in Grail Seeker’s Telegraph, and 10th but less than four lengths from Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) and Alabama Lass in the Gr.1 Railway (1200m). His unplaced last-start run in the BCD Group Sprint has turned out to be an exceptional form race. The winner Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking) was runner-up in the Gr.1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) in Sydney in his next start, runner-up Bosustow resumed with a six-length win in last Saturday’s Gr.3 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m), and the third-placed Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) used that race as a springboard to a second placing in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m). “Mercurial has been running in absolutely super company all season, like the Telegraph and the Railway and the BCD Sprint,” Marsh said. “He’s been up against the best sprinters and hasn’t been disgracing himself at all. “We might start to lower our sights with him a little bit, now that he’s heading towards what could be his final season. He’s been a great horse for a big group of fantastic owners. He’s taken us to all the big racedays and given us some amazing thrills. “He’s an easy horse to ride, so we might be able to use a claim in some open handicaps in this campaign and be very competitive in those.” View the full article

Cambridge trainer Clinton Isdale had a pleasing day at Riccarton’s synthetic meeting on Thursday, and he is hoping he can take that form into the weekend. He tasted success as an owner when the John and Karen Parsons-trained Funfetti (NZ) (Embellish) romped home to a four-length victory in the Firefighters Challenge – Phil Leabourn Rating 75 (2200m), while his stable runner Elegant Explosive (NZ) (Sweynesse) was just half a length shy of winner Sonnet (NZ) (Charm Spirit) in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1400m). “Funfetti has always shown ability on the poly,” Isdale said. “She stepped up and was given a lovely ride by Tina (Comignaghi). She is probably a bit better than a poly horse, but while the prizemoney was up I told John and Karen to go for it. “Elegant Explosive went well. I took her down there for the Warstep Stakes (Listed, 2000m) and she went a bit too hard in front and didn’t see out the 2000m. I decided to back her up and try and get a bit of prizemoney for the owner to cover costs for the trip down there. “Yesterday was her last race for me, she will carry on down there for John and Karen.” Looking ahead to the weekend, Isdale is excited about the prospects of his consistent gelding Knights Realm (NZ) (Castledale), who currently sits atop the Listed James Bull Rangitikei Cup (1600m) TAB market at $4.20, ahead of the next fancied runner Khanshe (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) at $7.50. The five-year-old son of Castledale has hardly put a foot wrong for Isdale, winning two and placing in eight of his 17 starts, including finishing runner-up behind Cannon Hill (NZ) (Ardrossan) over a mile at Te Rapa earlier this month. “He is a genuine horse. He loves Trentham, he has travelled down well, he is out in the paddock eating and drinking. He will give a good account of himself,” Isdale said. “It is a bit of a step-up from last start, but there is no reason for him not to be there.” Knights Realm will be ridden by southern hoop Tina Comignaghi and will have just 53kg on his back, much to the delight of Isdale. “It is the lightest load he has carried,” the Isdale said. “He is always getting run down late. He is not an overly big horse, and he seems to carry big weights in the 75s, hence why we went to open last start. With that weight he will be hard to beat.” Further stakes tests await Knights Realm after the weekend, but which path he takes will be dictated by his weekend performance. “If he were to win well, we will probably tip him out for a little bit and have a look at the Winter Cup (Gr.3, 1600m) down at Riccarton,” Isdale said. “If he were to pull up well, there is another race at New Plymouth, the Opunake Cup (Listed, 1400m). That is an exempt race for the Winter Cup. “We will just see what he does on the weekend, it will be his biggest test to date.” Isdale will also be represented at Trentham by Melkor (NZ) (Telperion) in the Waterforce 1600 and Meandeel (NZ) Dundeel) in the John Turkington Forestry/Waipine Logging Bulls Country Cup (2200m). “Melkor was really good first-up (third) over 1400m at Waverley and it was my error last start, I took him down to Woodville and I dropped him back to 1100m because the rain was due to come, but it didn’t come until later on in the day,” Isdale said. “Up to a mile, he has drawn wide (14), but he has good gate speed and Madan (Singh, jockey) likes him. He is a little horse, but he has got a big heart.” View the full article

David Haworth’s two runners at Trentham on Saturday are a pair of full-brothers – Orlov (NZ) (Sweynesse) and Subsonic (NZ) (Sweynesse). Haworth co-bred and shares in the ownership of both geldings, who are by Sweynesse out of the Guillotine mare Diamond Cut. “They’re both in on Saturday and they’re both really well,” Haworth said. “Hopefully there’s no more rain in the Wellington area and the track stays around that Soft7 mark. If it does, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them both run big races.” Seven-year-old Orlov is already a 10-time winner from a career that spans 42 starts, and he will take his place in the field for Saturday’s Listed James Bull Rangitikei Cup (1600m). Orlov is perhaps better known for his deeds over longer distances, picking up placings in this season’s Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) and Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) along with an impressive last-start win over 2050m at Wanganui on April 27. But he has also won three races over 1600m, and Haworth is hoping to see him put his best foot forward in Saturday’s $80,000 feature. “He’s dropping back to the mile, which I’m hoping he’ll be able to get away with on a Soft7 track,” the Foxton trainer said. “He’s not a real winter galloper, so there’s not a whole lot else around for him at this stage of the season. “Hopefully we can get into a reasonable position from the draw (gate 11) and not have to do too much work. I really think track conditions will be a big factor for him. If it stays similar to what it is at the moment, I’d expect a bold run from him. The horse is bloody well.” His three-year-old brother Subsonic will line up for only the second race of his career in Saturday’s Waterforce (1600m). He made his debut over 1350m on April 27, crossing the finish line in eighth place. “I’m very pleased with him and he’s a horse that needs a mile and probably further,” Haworth said. “I think the track will suit him. “He had that first race for experience, and he’s definitely taken a heap of improvement from it. I think he can run a big race too.” View the full article

Andrew Forsman is hoping for a lucrative few weeks in Melbourne with his talented three-year-olds Yaldi (NZ) (Ardrossan), Mustang Morgan (NZ) (Preferment) and Prochester (NZ) (Proisir). The trio will all line up at Flemington on Saturday in races that are qualifying heats for the Winter Finals at the same venue on July 5. Yaldi’s assignment is the K. A. Morrison Handicap (1400m), which is a qualifier for the A$150,000 Silver Bowl Series Final (1600m). Mustang Morgan and Prochester are entered for Saturday’s Sir Henry Bolte Handicap (2000m), which is a heat for the A$200,000 Mahogany Challenge Final (2500m). “These are a couple of nice three-year-old series that run through the winter in Melbourne and allow us to race for some good money,” Forsman said. “With limited options at home for all three horses at this stage of the season, it makes sense to see how they go over there.” Yaldi is no stranger to Forsman’s Flemington stable. The son of Ardrossan crossed the Tasman as an autumn two-year-old last season, finishing third in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m). He also ran eighth in the Gr.3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in the spring. The winner of the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) on Boxing Day, Yaldi’s latest Australian mission comes on the back of a close sixth in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa on April 26. “I was very happy with that run,” Forsman said. “He drew wide and had to do a lot of work, so there was plenty of merit in his performance. “He’s been doing great leading into Saturday’s race. He’s fit and well. He travelled across perfectly. He’s been to the Flemington stable before, so it’s all been pretty seamless with him this time around.” Mustang Morgan was a fourth placegetter in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) in March. The Preferment gelding went on to finish 12th in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick, before an eighth at Caulfield on May 3 that was better than it might look on paper. “I thought he was really unlucky in that race,” Forsman said. “He had a big weight (60kg) and got squeezed back. To end up within six lengths of the winner was a good effort.” Proisir gelding Prochester finished third in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) at Trentham on March 29, then was unplaced in the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m) at Flemington on April 25. “I was disappointed with that performance,” Forsman said. “He raced quite keenly, which is unusual for him. I’m hoping that dropping back to 2000m on Saturday will suit him better.” Forsman will also be active on the home front on Saturday. The Cambridge trainer, who has a total of 982 wins in New Zealand to his name, will saddle Rufus (NZ) (Circus Maximus) in the Listed Skycity Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie. Rufus ran second at Trentham on April 12, then took on older opposition in a 1400m maiden race at Ellerslie on May 7. The son of Circus Maximus finished 10th after a tough wide run. “He was caught wide and had to do a lot of work in that race,” Forsman said. “The intention was always to run him that day and set him up for the Champagne Stakes. It’s hard to back up into a black-type race after an unplaced performance like that, but he did have excuses. The blinkers will come off this week and we’ll hope to ride him a bit more conservatively. He could be a big improver.” View the full article

Group One-winning mare Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) will head across the Tasman after being bought by Widden Stud for $480,000 on Gavelhouse Plus on Thursday. Bonny Lass was a Group winner as a two, three, four, five and six-year-old for owner-breeder Sandy Moore, co-owners Brent and Wendy Cooper and the Social Racing Starting Gates Syndicate. From the stable of Matamata trainers Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall, her 26-race career produced eight wins, eight placings and $774,950 in stakes. Widden Stud principal Antony Thompson was thrilled to secure another quality mare with Group One racetrack credentials like Bonny Lass. “Her two and three-year-old form was what really drew us to her,” Thompson said. “She raced on as an older horse and continued to perform well while being reasonably lightly raced, but when you delve into her two-year-old form, she won her first couple of starts very impressively including a Group Two. She followed that up with two very solid Group One placings against some high-quality opposition, like I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) and Sword Of State (Snitzel). “Her ability to compete against the boys in some of those top-level sprints showed that she’s a mare with plenty of class. “We weren’t able to inspect her physically ourselves, but we benefited from some high-quality photos and videos. I’m also a friend of the Bakers at Hallmark Stud, and I could rely on Mark’s feedback. He was very forthcoming in his description of the mare and really gave me the confidence to bid on her.” Bonny Lass is set to be a high-quality addition to the first book of mares for Southport Tycoon, who will stand at Widden Victoria next spring for an introductory service fee of A$38,500. The son of Written Tycoon won four races including the Group One Australian Guineas (1600m) and Manikato Stakes (1200m). “I bought Bonny Lass with Southport Tycoon in mind,” Thompson said. “I thought she’d be a lovely sort of mare for his first book. He’s a Group One-winning sprinter and Guineas winner. She seems like a good fit. “There’s a bit to work with on the pedigree side of things too, with Bonny Lass having Darci Brahma and Danehill along the top line, along with Centaine. For a young horse at stud, she appeals as a nice mare to help him get started.” Entries are now open on Gavelhouse Plus for the National Online Breeding Stock Sale to be held from 27th June to 9th July and are also open for gavelhouse.com’s next fortnightly mixed bloodstock sale. View the full article

Promising juvenile Towering Vision (NZ) (Circus Maximus) will aim to double his stakes-winning tally before heading to the paddock when he contests Saturday’s Listed SkyCity Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie. Towering Vision became the first stakes winner for his sire Circus Maximus when taking out the Listed Waikato Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m), a result that co-trainer Sam Bergerson had cautiously hoped for when heading to Te Rapa earlier this month. “We were quietly confident that he’d run well, we didn’t expect him to win but it didn’t come too much as a surprise,” he said. “His run at Matamata was really good, he just didn’t have a lot of luck but hit the line well so we were confident going up to 1400m. He had a really nice draw on the day and Gryllsy (Craig Grylls) gave him a super ride, so it was really pleasing to see him get the job done.” On a stellar run of form, Grylls will retain the ride aboard Towering Vision in Saturday’s contest, where the gelding will face the third, fourth and sixth placegetters out of his Listed success. “He looks like a really nice chance again on Saturday, he’s met quite a few of these horses before,” Bergerson said. “It’s a smaller field so it may be quite tactical, it’ll be an interesting race. “He is doing really well in the stable, he did a nice piece of work on Wednesday with Altari and we were really happy with him. “He’ll go for a break after Saturday and we’ll look forward to his three-year-old season, we had thought he would’ve been more of a three-year-old so what he’s doing now is a really nice bonus.” His stablemate Altari (NZ) (Savabeel) has also pleased Bergerson in the lead-up to Ellerslie, but the Savabeel three-year-old may be left for another day after drawing an outside gate as topweight in the Yourride 1600. “He was beaten by a pretty handy horse (She’s A Dealer) last time out and gone the right way since, but we’ve just got to have a bit of a team talk and decide whether we run from barrier 16 with 60 kilos,” he said. “That’s pretty tough on a three-year-old. “We may just wait a week and take him to Te Rapa instead, but he’s fit and well and continues to improve with racing.” Celestial Wonder is aiming to bounce back from an eighth-placed effort in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders Stakes (1200m), her first time finishing outside of the first two placings in five starts. “It was a bit of a head-scratcher, she was a little disappointing as I felt she didn’t go that hard in front,” Bergerson said. “The leaders stopped and really got swamped late, but we can’t find any excuse for her because she’d never run further back than second prior to that. “She had a quiet week and seemed to come through it well, I’m looking forward to Saturday but it has come up quite a strong field with Velocious, and if Whiskey N’ Roses runs as well. Back to 1100 will suit her though, and the three weeks between runs.” The Xtravagant filly will take her place in the Evergreen Bloodstock 1100. On the other end of the North Island at Trentham, Bergerson and training partner Mark Walker have entered a pair of runners in the Listed James Bull Rangitikei Cup (1600m) in Francee (NZ) (Iffraaj) and Fellini (NZ) (Belardo). Haunui Farm-owned mare Francee has spent plenty of time in the Central Districts of late, travelling to both Awapuni and Wanganui for the eventual running of the Listed ANZAC Mile (1600m). While fortunes weren’t in her favour on that occasion, Bergerson was satisfied with the effort, where she recorded the fastest closing sectionals. “She just didn’t get the rub of the green, she went to Palmy (Awapuni) and obviously the meeting was called off there, then stayed down and headed over to Wanganui,” he said. “Over there, the track got quite firm towards the end of the day, she got shaved at the start and was probably a spot further back than we’d have liked. “She was good late, on a track that was probably a touch firm for her. It’ll be rain-affected on Saturday, the big long straight should suit and she sneaks in with a nice light weight (53kg) in an even-enough field. “I’m happy with her, but she probably needs to take that next step up to get black-type.” Francee will be partnered by recent arrival Bruno Queiroz, while her stablemate Fellini is also a likely starter on his way north from Te Akau’s Riccarton base, where he has campaigned from through the autumn. “He’s coming up from the South Island through Wellington, so he’ll more than likely run with a nice weight (53kg) as well,” Bergerson said. “Back on the turf is suited to him, he’s another that will need to step up from recent form but he’s got a good positive racing style and gets through rain-affected going.” View the full article

In an era when corporate-controlled entities are actively looking for ways to close down much larger racetracks in various areas throughout America, the Humboldt County Fair Association–better known as Ferndale–stood out in recent months for its dogged desire to get approval to run a three-weekend race meet at the Northern California half-miler, even after the other county fairs tracks on the once-robust circuit had abandoned or were forced out of racing for 2025. But against the stated backdrop of a desire to promote “single-circuit” California racing by directing revenue from simulcasting and account wagering to supplement purses at larger venues in the south, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) on Thursday quashed hopes for the traditional late-summer season at Ferndale, voting 4-3 against awarding Aug. 13-Sept. 2 dates to the track. Ferndale's management has consistently portrayed a loss of racing there as a severe blow to the local community, and supporters have cited the denial of dates to the last remaining track that wants to cater to NorCal interests as a long-term blow to the state's racing and breeding interests. “Big mistake. Big, big mistake,” said a deflated and exasperated CHRB vice-chair Oscar Gonzales moments after the tally was read into the record at the May 15 meeting. The vote that nixed racing at Ferndale was preceded by substantial back-and-forth testimony from stakeholders on both sides of the argument, which largely carried over many of the same points articulated at the Apr. 17 CHRB meeting. Last month the board had voted down a summer race-dates allocation for a meet at Pleasanton. A separate Apr. 17 agenda item also didn't garner enough votes for the Ferndale request to be decided either way, which is why the Ferndale request was on the CHRB agenda for the second straight month. Commissioners and stakeholders were once again divided on the best path forward for California racing as a whole, widening an existential North-vs.-South rift that opened nearly two years ago when The Stronach Group, which also owns Santa Anita Park, announced plans to shutter Golden Gate Fields. The central issue revolves around whether the state's racing and breeding would be better off continuing the single-circuit method of nearly year-round meets situated in SoCal (Santa Anita, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Los Alamitos Race Course), or if NorCal proponents should be given a shot to re-establish the region now that–all within the past 10 months–Golden Gate Fields has closed, an entity called Golden State Racing failed to run a financially viable autumn meet at Pleasanton, and the California Authority of Racing Fairs shifted away from supporting any live meets at county fairs. Voting “no” for the Ferndale dates (and the track's requested simulcasting privileges) on May 15 were CHRB chairman Gregory Ferraro, DVM, plus commissioners Dennis Alfieri, Damascus Castellanos and Thomas Hudnut. Voting “yes” to keep Ferndale alive were vice-chair Gonzales, commissioner Brenda Washington Davis, and a newcomer to the board, Peter Stern. Gonzales, who has often been at odds with Ferraro on the North/South issue over the past year, almost immediately floated the idea of calling for an “emergency” meeting to bring back the Ferndale vote again in another 10 days, an idea that CHRB Executive Director Scott Chaney said probably didn't fit the legal criteria to merit true “emergency” status. “I will say this,” Gonzales said. “This is a serious, serious, serious mistake that this board made. I'm not singling out any individual commissioner. I'm just saying us, collectively. And this is going to send a hell of a message across this country about what we really stand for as Californians. [The pro-Ferndale] individuals here have come so far and have given so much for this board to not understand [the issue] on merit, but what just makes good horse racing sense.” Ferraro fired back at the vice-chair: “Commissioner Gonzales, how many votes do you want to have on this? You've lost twice. Do you not accept the vote?” “Unfortunately, I don't. I do not Mr. Chairman,” Gonzales replied curtly. “Well, that's your problem. That's not the problem with the board,” Ferraro retorted. (Technically, Ferraro was incorrect in stating that the Ferndale request “lost” last month. What actually happened was that the five members in attendance that day ended up in a 3-2 statutory stalemate with the majority voting against Ferndale dates, because by California state law, the CHRB can't pass a vote unless four commissioners vote one way or the other. On Apr. 19, commissioner Damascus Castellanos was not in attendance, and there was one vacancy on the board, which has since been filled by Stern.) When advised that his request for an emergency meeting probably wouldn't fly, Gonzales asked Ferraro outright if, as the board's chair, he'd be open to scheduling another regular meeting instead to again give Ferndale a chance to race. “I would not approve meeting in 10 days, no, to rehash this item over again,” Ferraro asserted. Back in April, Ferraro had said the decision by the board last year to approve that failed fall racing season at Pleasanton was “unwise at best or disastrous at worst.” He had forewarned those who were advocating for an approval of race dates at fairs venues not to expect the board to give the same leeway in being granted the opportunity to race as Golden State Racing had received last year. His concerns had to do with the damage such a decision might do in terms of siphoning horses and simulcasting revenue from the SoCal tracks, which are also struggling but remain more viable than any entity in the North. One month later, during the public commentary period at the conclusion for the May 15 meeting, Ferraro engaged in a back-and-forth with one speaker, expanding upon his reasoning behind not wanting to green-light any recent NorCal requests for racing. “It doesn't matter how much support we have from horsemen or people involved in the horse industry to try to get something going in Northern California,” Ferraro said. “If the general public is not interested or supportive, I think the smart thing to do, at this point in time, is to engage with the board and with the legislature and with the industry to try and do a feasibility study amongst the public in Northern California to find out if there's enough public interest in horse racing to make it go. Because if there isn't enough public interest, we're all wasting our time and we all should be doing something else. “We take a year, we take a look at this, we try and come up with a feasibility study and maybe some marketing experts that would be able to, you know, get a feeling for where the public is on this. Because without public support we can't make it go, that's for sure,” Ferraro said. “One of the things that everyone is sort of pushing now is this historical horse racing,” Ferraro said. “But we have a problem [getting that type of gaming passed] in California because of the [gaming] compacts with the governor from the Indians. So [instead of giving] up, we should negotiate with them, which we are trying to do.” The post CHRB Votes Down Meet For Ferndale, The Last Remaining NorCal Fairs Track That Wanted To Race In ’25 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

TIMONIUM, MD – Fasig-Tipton was forced to halt the under-tack preview of its Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale Thursday after a fatal breakdown that was followed by a sudden downpour. Sales officials announced Thursday evening that the preview would resume Sunday at 8 a.m. and that the sale, originally scheduled to be held next Monday and Tuesday, will be held in one session Tuesday beginning at 10 a.m. The preview has been beset by weather issues and the sales company postponed Tuesday's scheduled start by a day. The Wednesday session began an hour later than originally scheduled, but proceeded without any noticeable issues. Thursday's session, which again started an hour late, was nearing its halfway point with the sun breaking through the clouds several times, but was stopped when a filly by Practical Joke (hip 355) was injured heading into the turn after completing her furlong work. “It's obviously something that is very sad and something everyone hates to see,” Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning said of the filly's injury. “We work very diligently and strive to create the highest standards of horse safety and welfare at all our auctions and really in everything we do. It's devastating when something like that happens.” As the filly was being attended to, the clouds moved in again and soon the rain was pelting the track. With the rain picking up in intensity, a group of officials and riders gathered on the track near where the filly had fallen and were huddled up for some time. When the group dispersed, the announcement was made that the under-tack show would be abandoned for the day. “After that [injury] happened, the clouds opened up and we got another torrential downpour that was really frankly unexpected when you looked at the forecast,” Browning continued. “We initially were going to try to plan to go [Friday] and I asked the track officials to go back over and evaluate the track and at the end of the day, they thought they needed to open up the track and give it time and opportunity to dry out over the next few days. So they are working the track tonight and tomorrow and again on Saturday. The forecast on Sunday is very favorable. So we will do the best we can under those circumstances.” Of the area where the filly broke down, Browning added, “Whenever there is an incident that occurs, everybody wants to scrutinize the area and evaluate it. You had a lot of activity in that area with the horse ambulance there and so forth. I don't think there was anything specific to do with that location. A lot of horses went through that path, but there was no glaring issue with that area of the track.” Browning confirmed the filly has been sent for a necropsy. Prior to the suspension of the under-tack show Thursday afternoon, four horses shared the show's fastest furlong time of :10 1/5, with two of the quartet coming from the Pike Racing at Highlander consignment of veteran horseman Al Pike, who is overseeing his final consignment before retiring. Setting the bullet mark during the day's first set was a filly from the first crop of Yaupon (hip 219). “I was very happy with her,” Pike said. “She's been that kind of filly at home. Just straightforward and does everything right. Just naturally has got some speed to her.” Out of Lake Como (Salt Lake), the juvenile is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner and multiple group placed Cosmo Charlie (Stay Thirsty). She was purchased by Susan Moulton for $90,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton July sale. Of Yaupon's fast start at stud, Pike said, “They all show up and they all seem to be pretty quick. I've had two, I had success with one in March and this filly should sell well, too.” The Pike Racing at Highlander consignment had a second bullet in the day's third set with a colt by Munnings (hip 258). The chestnut is out of graded-placed Minewander (Mineshaft) and is a full-brother to graded placed Landeskog. He sold to Chad Frederick for $120,000 at the Fasig-Tipton February sale last year and RNA'd for $180,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale in August. “We took him to OBS March and he dumbfounded us,” Pike said. “He did not perform like we had seen him perform. So we just changed course and gave him another shot up here. He just got better every day. I think he liked the dirt and maybe he got a little more mature.” Pike, who has been director of sales and conditioner for 2-year-olds in training at Highlander Training Center since 2023, is set to retire following the Midlantic sale next week, with Colin Brennan named as his replacement. “This is it,” Pike confirmed of his retirement. “I have mixed emotions. But I am getting up there in age and I've got some things I want to do.” Hip 334 | Fasig-Tipton Also working in :10 1/5 Thursday was hip 334, a colt by Into Mischief out of stakes winner Quick Flip (Speightstown). Consigned by Raul Reyes's Kings Equine on behalf of his breeder, Spendthrift Farm, the juvenile is a half-brother to graded winner and multiple Grade I-placed Following Sea (Runhappy). “I knew he had a lot of talent and he was fast, but I didn't know how he would take to the sloppy track,” said Reyes. “But he did pretty good.” Wavertree Stables had its third bullet worker of the under-tack show with a filly by Girvin (hip 368, video). Out of Scarlet Dixie (Broken Vow), the dark bay was purchased for $240,000 at the Keeneland September sale. The post Weather Again Disrupts Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Under-Tack Show, Sale Schedule Shuffled appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Overcoming a troubled start and getting back in the game before the far turn, first timer Color Comin' In (Rock Your World–Sleepless Dixie, by Dixie Union) handed freshman sire Rock Your World (by Candy Ride {Arg}) an inaugural win on Thursday afternoon at Churchill Downs. The effort netted the filly a 'TDN Rising Star' badge. Off as a 7-1 shot here, Color Comin' In did not have the best beginning, but the Norm Casse trainee was able to resume the chase as short-priced favorite Shez Twisted (Twirling Candy) led up the backstretch. The dark bay looked every bit a professional with a move inside of the chalk while scraping paint around the turn, which put her in good stead to seize the lead past the quarter pole. With a smoothness one loves to see on debut, the juvenile could not be caught as she won by three lengths and exhibited a strong gallop out over the hard charging Americathegreat (Curlin). The $1.2-million buy from Keeneland September was 'Insighted' on Wednesday by TDN's Stefanie Grimm along with sixth-place finisher Shez Twisted. Her dam's last registered foal of record, the winner's second dam, Canadian graded stakes winner Dream About (Cherokee Run), is responsible for SW Sleepless Knight (War Chant) and GSW Deeply Undervalued (Kitten's Joy). Color Comin' In counts among her extended female family MSW Frosted Departure (Frosted) and former 'Rising Star' Rocketry (Forestry). This is first-crop sire Rock Your World's initial 'Rising Star' of his young career. 2nd-Churchill Downs, $115,272, Msw, 5-15, 2yo, f, 5f, :58.14, ft, 3 lengths. COLOR COMIN' IN, f, 2, by Rock Your World 1st Dam: Sleepless Dixie {MSP, $180,445}, by Dixie Union. 2nd Dam: Dream About {GSW-Can, $235,463}, by Cherokee Run. 3rd Dam: Social Director {SW-Can, $105,393}, by Deputy Minister. Sales History: $9,000 RNA Wlg '23 KEENOV; $11,000 Ylg '24 OBSOCT; $100,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $69,000. O-CKDS Racing Stable, LLC; B-Tomislav Mitrovski (KY); T-Norm W. Casse. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue- style pedigree. COLOR COMIN' IN ($17.42) becomes the first winner for @spendthriftfarm's Rock your World! The filly made a professional debut in the 2nd at @ChurchillDowns. @luissaezpty had the ride for trainer @NormCasse. pic.twitter.com/cDv6mOJeEI — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 15, 2025 The post Freshman Sire Rock Your World Has First Winner As New ‘TDN Rising Star’ Color Comin’ In Scores At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday, York, post time: 15:45, BOODLES YORKSHIRE CUP-G2, £192,200, 4yo/up, 13f 188yT Field: Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Sweet William (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Alsakib (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), Epic Poet (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Verdict: For so long a top-class mile-and-a-half specialist, the dual Breeders' Cup Turf hero and seven-times Group 1 and Grade I winner Rebel's Romance tries something different here and a five-pound penalty probably won't prove any kind of stop on his superior talent. Ballydoyle's Continuous was disappointing last season after a promising first run, but a mix of blinkers and return to the trip over which he won the 2023 St Leger could yield a renewal, while the race's true “Cup” horse Sweet William needs further than this. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Chantilly, France, post time: 14:53, PRIX TEXANITA-G3, €80,000, 3yo, 6fT Field: Maranoa Charlie (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Woodshauna (Fr) (Wooded {Ire}), Jenilat Bright (Fr) (Birchwood {Ire}), Fraise Des Bois (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Profumo Di Lena (Fr) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}), Time For Sandals (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Polyvega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Connections of Maranoa Charlie have gone the sprinting route, which is undoubtedly the way to go with such a generous giver. Making all in the seven-furlong G3 Prix Djebel at Deauville last month, he could be one of this division's leading lights allowed to use his unbridled speed to full effect. Fellow TDN Rising Star Polyvega had some smart form at this trip at two and is better than her latest third in the course-and-distance Prix Sigy, but she needs to take a jump up. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Leopardstown, post time: 19:23, SAVAL BEG LEVMOSS STAKES-G3, €36,000, 4yo/up, 14fT Field: Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Dallas Star (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}), Duraji (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Mont St Michel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Satin (GB), Australia (GB). TDN Verdict: After York has played host to some potential stayers, the division King sticks to a proven path. Aidan O'Brien's “miracle horse” Kyprios continues to go through the motions of swatting all potential threats to his dominion and we will learn no more from this other than the fact that he is alive and sound. [Tom Frary]. Friday, York, post time: 15:13, SKY BET FILLIES' STAKES (REGISTERED AS THE MICHAEL SEELY MEMORIAL FILLIES' STAKES)-Listed, £70,000, 3yo, f, 7f 192yT Field: Bermuda Longtail (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Consecrated (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Elsie's Ruan (Ire) (Ulysses {Ire}), Glittering Surf (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Gulya (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Kon Tiki (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Royalty Bay (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Serving With Style (GB) (Mohaather {GB}), The Third Star (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Troia (GB) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Verdict: TDN Rising Star Glittering Surf switches from the Polytrack in what is effectively a trial for next month's Coronation Stakes. Runner-up to her at Kempton last time, Bermuda Longtail renews rivalry while the likes of the impressive Newbury debut winner Consecrated and highly-regarded maiden Gulya help to make a fascinating contest which could be hosting a clutch of the season's upcoming movers and shakers. [Tom Frary]. Friday, York, post time: 14:10, CLIPPER EBF MARYGATE FILLIES' STAKES-Listed, £70,000, 2yo, f, 5fT Field: Alaskan Light (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Awraad (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Eternal Solace (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), Guernsey Lady (Ire) (Coulsty {Ire}), Harry's Girl (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}), Love Olivia (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Saucy Jane (GB) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Secret Hideaway (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Solana Rose (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Often a significant pointer to the Queen Mary, this test of raw speed sees the Newmarket debut winner Harry's Girl looking to continue the run of form of the Hannon juveniles. Eternal Solace won a minor affair at Brighton first time, but the manner of her finish was impressive and if they go hard she might love it. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newbury, post time: 14:35, BOYLESPORTS LOCKINGE STAKES-G1, £400,000, 4yo/up, 8fT Field: Checkandchallenge (GB) (Fast Company {Ire}), Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Lead Artist (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Persica (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Prague (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}). TDN Verdict: This is the best race run so far in 2025, with the brilliant miler Rosallion renewing rivalry with the almost-as-good Notable Speech as both make their seasonal debuts. Whereas the latter, who excelled in the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex, needs a strong pace to run at any kind of tactical affair will make no difference to Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's sensational St James's Palace hero. Dancing Gemini has so far successfully trod the path of last year's Lockinge winner Charyn, but this is a lot better than the 2024 version and there is no evidence he's as good as his predecessor. There is also good reason to expect last year's Sun Chariot winner Tamfana to reverse the form of their Sandown Mile encounter, as she was having her first start and was burdened with a penalty. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Rosallion Looms Large In The Lockinge, As York Welcomes Rebel’s Romance For The Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

BALTIMORE, MD — A week of soggy weather couldn't dampen the spirits around the final Preakness weekend to be held at historic Pimlico Racecourse before it gets a major facelift. Five stakes, including a trio of graded tests, headline Friday's racing action, including the GII George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. With several big-name trainers rolling into town for the marquee weekend, the locally based Brittany Russell will attempt to become only the second female trainer in Maryland history to win the Black-Eyed Susan with Repole Stable's Reply (Curlin). The only other trainer to accomplish the feat is Deborah Bodner, who won it in 1997 with a horse she also owned, Salt It. Russell is the most recent to try it, finishing sixth with 63-1 longshot Cats Inthe Timber in 2023. “It's great to be in a race like this, especially with [a filly] that I've been fond of for quite some time,” Russell said. “To have one for [Mike] Repole, here at home, it means a lot.” A debut winner going a mile at Colonial Mar. 14, Reply finished 3/4-lengths behind stablemate Complexity Jane in Laurel's Weber City Miss Stakes Apr. 19. “Completely different running style [from Complexity Jane],” Russell said. “She's just a big, grindy filly. There's no early foot to her at all. She's kind of a funny filly mentally, actually. She's improved a lot since I've had her. There might be a little more improve in her. Distance won't be an issue, and a little bit of a pace setup in front of her wouldn't hurt.” In 2023, Russell made history as the first woman to lead Maryland's annual standings in wins by a trainer at Laurel and Pimlico, a feat she repeated in 2024. Only the fourth female trainer ever to win a meet title in Maryland in the spring of 2022, she became the first to do it more than once and now has nine to her credit, the most recent coming at the Laurel Park stand that ended May 4. “Obviously, I want one for the Preakness,” she said of a major box she wants to check off her list. “I'm still looking for that horse, but we'll take aim at the Black-Eyed Susan this year. You've got to dream, right? You just hope they show up on the day.” The morning-line favorite in the nine-furlong race is Chief Stipe Scharbauer's Runnin N Gunnin (Gun Runner), winner of two of three races in 2025, including the Feb. 16 Sunland Park Oaks. Third in the GII Fantasy Stakes last time out, the filly is trained by Steve Asmussen, who will attempt to win his first Black-Eyed Susan. Godolphin's Paris Lily (City of Light) offers a sneaky opportunity to double up following a last-out win over the re-opposing Liam in the Dust (Liam's Map) in the slop while facing optional claiming foes at Keeneland Apr. 6. Joel Rosario, who was aboard for her latest victory, gets the call. The filly has been the regular workmate for GI Preakness Stakes contender and GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes winner Gosger. “She's doing really well,” trainer Brendan Walsh said of Paris Lily. “She's working a lot better than she did at any point through the year. I'm looking forward to her, actually.” Wayne Lukas also sends post ward Princess Aliyah (Into Mischief), a $1.2 million Keeneland September purchase. Winner of the Valley of the Vapors Stakes at Oaklawn Apr. 19, she returns off a 10th last time in the GII Eight Belles Stakes at Churchill Downs May 2. “We sprinted her in the Eight Belles, and I don't think that is her cup of tea. The Black-Eyed Susan is 1 1/8 miles and it will be kind of an experiment for her,” Lukas said. “She won the Valley of the Vapors and looked really good doing it. We just think she's probably better at two turns. We'll see. She should like that surface. It's a good spot to find out where we're at with her.” Making its debut in 1919 as the Pimlico Oaks, the Black-Eyed Susan was not run from 1932-36 and again in 1950 and was renamed upon its 1951 return to honor the Preakness and Maryland's state flower. Nine of its winners have gone on to be named champion 3-year-old filly, including Hall of Famers Davona Dale, Real Delight, Royal Delta, Serena's Song, Silverbulletday and Twilight Tear. Pimlico's Friday Undercard West Point Thoroughbreds, Michael Lyden and Michael Olszewski's Mila Rose (Vekoma) gets a class test Friday in the six-furlong Miss Preakness Stakes. Trained by Steve Asmussen, the chestnut was an easy 3 1/2-length winner in her career debut over the Turfway synthetic Mar. 6 before coming from off the pace to score by a length in her dirt bow at Keeneland Apr. 17. Red-hot Jose Ortiz gets the mount. Brad Cox also hopes to launch a big weekend with Stunner (Girvin), who has finished second in two starts this season, including a sloppy renewal of the seven-furlong GII Beaumont Stakes at Keeneland Apr. 6. Long Neck Paula (Uncle Mo), winner of a pair of stakes in 2024, attempts to regain the winning thread since finishing runner-up as the favorite in the Apr. 6 rained-off Palisades Stakes going 5 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland. Wesley Ward gives the call to recent Derby-winning jockey Junior Alvarado, who was aboard the filly for a win in Keeneland's six-panel Bowman Mill Stakes last November. The handicap division also gets its day with the GIII Pimlico Special. Trainer Brad Cox also offers up a pair–Grade III scorer Encino (Nyquist) and Star of Wonder (Uncle Mo), a winner of his two most recent starts, including a mile test at the Big A Apr. 4. Irad Ortiz, Jr. gets the mount on the former while Flavien Prat returns to ride the latter. Friday's undercard also features the Allaire duPont Distaff Stakes, the Hilltop Stakes and The Very One Stakes. The post A Trio of Stakes Highlight Pimlico’s Friday Card Led by Black-Eyed Susan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The field for the GI Preakness Stakes, ranked in “likeliest winner” order. 1) JOURNALISM (c, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo). 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 W. McCarthy. Sales history: $825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime record: GISW, 6-4-1-1, $1,638,880. Last start: 2nd May 3 GI Kentucky Derby. Favorites have lost the last six editions of the Preakness and eight of the last nine (lone exception: the 2-5 Justify in 2018). But Journalism at his 8-5 morning-line odds would be a pari-mutuel gift if you could actually get him at that price. He figures to be bet below that value coming off a strong second-place try in the GI Kentucky Derby. Journalism's résumé of two-turn graded stakes success, proven ability to crank out triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures, and reliable far-turn torque that he sustains deep into his stretch runs rank him a cut above the competition in the second jewel of the Triple Crown. This athletic $825,000 FTSAUG colt by Curlin was unfazed by minor crowding at the break of the Derby, and Journalism had no problem mixing it up in close quarters while asserting himself on the inside the first time under the finish wire. Umberto Rispoli edged him off the fence and out to the three path six furlongs out, and Journalism responded by picking off midpack horses four deep down the backstretch before advancing in earnest 3 1/2 furlongs out. He ramped up his run through the far turn, came five wide into the lane, grabbed the lead a furlong and a half from the finish, then was immediately accosted by Sovereignty (Into Mischief), before staying on well under urging. Journalism didn't do anything to lose the Derby–he just got outrun by a better horse. Coming off that 1 1/2-length defeat (102 Beyer), trainer Michael McCarthy has expressed confidence that Journalism's attitude and appetite indicate a “happy horse” since May 3, so it's on to Baltimore (unlike 16 other Derby starters). Those who like to see the sport's stars race on a more frequent basis will be rooting for this colt to handle running back on just two weeks of rest, and it plays to Journalism's stalking style that there is no shortage of speed in the Preakness. But the fact that Journalism has now had two demanding races in a row (he had to overcome a serious momentum stop before running hard through the lane in the Apr. 5 GI Santa Anita Derby), might tilt some bettors toward taking a stand against him. 2) SANDMAN (c, Tapit–Distorted Music, by Distorted Humor). O-D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables; B-Lothenbach Stables Inc (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. Sales History: $1,200,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime record: GISW, 9-3-1-2, $1,254,595. Last start: 7th May 3 GI Kentucky Derby. This deep-closing gray by Tapit was brushed, bumped and fanned wide in the sloppy-track Derby, which resulted in a no-impact seventh. For the Preakness he'll get a jockey switch to John Velazquez. Trainer Mark Casse said this $1.2 million OBSMAR colt might benefit from a stronger rider, which makes Velazquez a good fit. Closing from off the tailgate in a less crowded field could also work to Sandman's advantage. When entered in nine-horse fields (like the Preakness), he's won two out of his last three starts (and finished second in the other). He didn't fire his best shots in fields of 19 and 13 in the Derby and GII Rebel Stakes. Sandman's most promising races are now four and five starts back in his past-performance block. In a Dec. 13 Oaklawn allowance over a short-stretch mile, he had a ground-saving go, then sliced through authoritatively at the fence to win by 1 3/4 lengths. In the Jan. 25 GIII Southwest Stakes, Sandman buckled at the ankle, leaped sideways at the start, but rallied from well back into the teeth of a speed-favoring track to get second, beaten only a length. Sandman's third in the Feb. 23 GII Rebel Stakes was a best-of-the-rest try, and his win in the GI Arkansas Derby has to be viewed in the context of being accomplished by closing (erratically) into a major pace meltdown that slanted the outcome in the favor of any capable closer. Still, with nine races of experience under his girth (seven at a mile or longer) and his late-gain running style, there shouldn't be any question about whether he has the foundation to hit the board at this level. A Preakness win, however, would require a next-level performance. 3) GOAL ORIENTED (c, Not This Time–Bizzy Caroline, by Afleet Alex) 'TDN Rising Star.' O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Masterson, Robert E., Ryan, Tom J., Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine Owner; B-Runnymede Farm LLC & CWC Investment 2, LLC; T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $425,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime record: 2-2-0-0, $111,960. Last start: WON May 3 Churchill Downs AOC. Non-favorites have wired the Preakness in each of the last two years, and 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time) has drawn the rail after a front-running victory in a 1 1/16-miles allowance/optional claimer on the Derby undercard two weeks ago. This Bob Baffert-trained colt just hit his third birthdate May 15, putting him (theoretically) behind earlier-starting his peers, development-wise. But based on untapped potential, this undefeated colt stands out. Goal Oriented did rally from fifth as the favorite in an Apr. 6 Santa Anita maiden sprint with a big move on the turn before finishing up in hand 3 1/4 lengths clear in a race that yielded three other next-out winners. So he's not strictly one-dimensional speed, but the rail draw for the Preakness makes it likely he'll once again be sent for the lead. This $425,000 KEESEP colt has paired 91 Beyers in his only two starts. Based on the Preakness's published Beyer par of 101, he faces a tall task in terms of a numbers upgrade while stretching out in distance. But that type of leap is not out of the question. Last year's Preakness upsetter, Seize the Grey, upped his best lifetime Beyer from 88 to 100 when scoring in Baltimore after also winning at Churchill on the Derby undercard. Goal Oriented's maternal grandsire is the 2005 Triple Crown closer Afleet Alex, who ran third in the Derby and won both the Preakness (with a 112 Beyer) and GI Belmont Stakes. Goal Oriented | Coady Media 4) RIVER THAMES (c, Maclean's Music–Proportionality, by Discreet Cat) 'TDN Rising Star'. O- WinStar Farm LLC, CHC, Inc., Pantofel Stable LLC and Wachtel Stable; B-CTR Stables, LLC (NY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. Sales history: $200,000 Ylg '23 SARAUG. Lifetime record: GSP, 4-2-1-1, $261,900. Last start: 3rd Apr. 8 GI Blue Grass Stakes. 'TDN Rising Star' River Thames orchestrated a no-excuse stalking trip in the GI Blue Grass Stakes, but came up punchless in deep stretch, managing third. The two horses who finished ahead of him (plus two others who finished farther back) all ended up being also-rans in the Derby. After starting his career with two wins over the winter at Gulfstream, the race that stands out for this New York-bred ($200,000 SARAUG) by Maclean's Music was his second, beaten only a neck, by eventual Derby winner Sovereignty in the GII Fountain of Youth Stakes. River Thames pressed the pace on the inside through the first turn, then got backed off from the action and was switched outside. Roused to re-engage with three furlongs left, he took control off the final turn and shook free, but a momentary lapse of concentration contributed to him getting nailed by Sovereignty in the shadow of the wire. Opting out of the Derby (despite qualifying) might end up looking like a sharp move by trainer Todd Pletcher, who has put three half-mile breezes into River Thames since the Blue Grass. The Preakness does not boast the depth (or the potential chaos) of the Derby field. 5) AMERICAN PROMISE (c, Justify–Tapella, by Tapit). O-BC Stables LLC; B-Candy Meadows LLC (KY); T-D. Wayne Lukas. Sales history: $750,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime record: SW, 10-2-1-1, $444,874. Last start: 16th May 3 GI Kentucky Derby. American Promise, a $750,000 KEESEP colt by Justify, will be the 49th Preakness starter for Hall-of-Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, a record for the race. The 89-year-old Lukas has won the middle leg of the Triple Crown seven times. His two 21st Century winners were front-running upsetters (Seize the Grey at 9-1 in 2024 and Oxbow at 15-1 in 2013). This May 1 foal had minor trip trouble after the start in the Derby, but none of it overtly contributed to his 16th-place finish, 38 1/2 lengths behind the winner. In fact, the five most logical speed horses on paper all more or less managed to come out of the gate without incident in the Derby. American Promise reached a contending position between the two dueling leaders by the end of the back straight, but couldn't deal with pace pressure beyond the 3 1/2-furlong pole. This colt earned a 95 Beyer in both his lone stakes win at Colonial in the Virginia Derby (a one-turn configuration for nine-furlongs) and in his muddy, 1 1/16-miles maiden win at Oaklawn. Even though American Promise didn't run well over the sloppy/sealed surface in the 19-horse Derby, that previous decent try on a wet track is worth noting in case Saturday comes up wet at Pimlico. 6) HEART OF HONOR (GB) (c, Honor A. P.–Ruby Love (Chi), by Scat Daddy) O-Jim & Claire Ltd; B-David Redvers Bloodstock (GB); T-Jamie Osborne. Sales history: 35,000gns Wlg '22 TATNOV; €42,000 Ylg '23 GOFSEP; €160,000 2yo '24 ARQMAY. Lifetime record: GSP-UAE, 6-2-4-0, $340,919. Last start: 2nd Apr. 5 G2 UAE Derby. Heart of Honor (GB) won a pair of one-mile dirt allowance races at Meydan earlier this year after debuting with a second-place finish in England at Southwell (England) on an all-weather surface. He was then second in three Dubai stakes: The UAE 2,000 Guineas, the Al Bastakiya Stakes, and the G2 UAE Derby, in which he was beaten by only a nose. Trainer Jamie Osborne opted not to ship stateside for the Kentucky Derby despite having the qualifying points to do so, and he initially thought this Honor A.P. colt (35,000gns TATNOV, €42,000 GOFSEP, €160,000 ARQMAY) might need a break. But by mid-April, the former jumps jockey decided this “hardy kind of horse” was “thriving,” so “we thought [the Preakness] was worth a shot.” Osborne continued: “We're going to have a go, and if he runs okay in the Preakness, the aim is to hang on for another three weeks and go to Saratoga” for the Belmont Stakes. Heart of Honor was equipped with blinkers for the first time in the UAE Derby after striking Osborne as being “a little bit lazy [by] getting a little bit too far behind and staying on a bit too late.” Jamie Osborne's daughter, the 23-year-old Saffie Osborne, who made history at Meydan last year as the first woman jockey to win at the Dubai track, retains the mount for the Preakness. It will be her first ride in America. 7) CLEVER AGAIN (c, American Pharoah–Flattering {Ire}), by Galileo {Ire}). O-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. Sales history: $500,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 3-2-1-0, $198,400. Last start: WON Mar. 30 Hot Springs Stakes. Clever Again (American Pharoah) comes off a seven-week break since a 101-Beyer wiring of the Hot Springs Stakes. Four horses have since run back out of that $200,000 stakes, with two hitting the board and one managing a win (85 Beyer in a $175,000 sprint stakes at Oaklawn). This $500,000 KEESEP colt debuted in April of his 2-year-old season with a second-place try over 4 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland. After a 10-month gap, Clever Again wired a 1 1/16-mile Feb. 23 maiden at Oaklawn as the 2-1 favorite. Other next-out horses from that race have gone 0-for-5. Trainer Steve Asmussen expects Clever Again to come out firing on Saturday, contributing to what projects to be a lively Preakness pace. “We expect him to break clean, with the other pace obviously to his inside,” Asmussen said after the Preakness post draw. Clever Again is untested on a wet track, and the female side of his pedigree tilts toward grass success. 8) PAY BILLY (c, Improbable–Harlan's Rose, by Harlington). O-RKTN Racing, LLC; B-WinStar Farm, LLC (KY); T-Michael E. Gorham. Sales history: $38,000 Ylg, '23 FTKOCT; $60,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Race record: SW, 8-4-11, $234,475. Last start: WON Apr. 19 Federico Tesio Stakes. Pay Billy (Improbable) earned an automatic, paid berth into the Preakness by winning the Federico Tesio Stakes at Laurel last month. Trainer Mike Gorham has described this colt ($38,000 FTKOCT, $60,000 OBSAPR) as a “big, strong horse” who is getting better thanks to a relaxed attitude. The 85 Beyer in the Tesio was a lifetime best for Pay Billy. He closed from fourth while outside as the 2.3-1 favorite. It's worth noting that he had his heels clipped from behind in the first-turn scramble, and emerged with a cut on his left rear hock that has since healed. “A couple of jockeys tried to get position,” jockey Raul Mena said. “I didn't want to be on the lead, so I put my horse in the clearest path and got out of the trouble.” The second choice in the Tesio, Kentucky Outlaw (Outwork), also had trouble on the turn and came out of that race to win the Long Branch Stakes as the 9-5 favorite last Saturday at Monmouth Park. 9) GOSGER (c, Nyquist–Gloria S, by Tapit). O/B-Harvey A. Clarke Racing Stable, LLC (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-1-0, $292,200. Last start: WON Apr. 12 GIII Lexington Stakes. Gosger (Nyquist) broke his maiden with an 88 Beyer in his second lifetime start, a one-turn mile at Gulfstream Feb. 15 as the 19-10 favorite. He then returned two months later to win the GIII Lexington Stakes with an 87 Beyer at 4-1 odds. In that Keeneland stakes, this homebred colt from the racing stable of the late Harvey Clarke got second run at a softened-up 25-1 leader over the track's short-stretch configuration for 1 1/16 miles. Gosger has tactical versatility and a pace-pressing ability that could help him work out a reasonable trip from post nine in the Preakness. New jockey Luis Saez has a 15-for-77 (19%) win mark and a 48% in-the-money record when teaming with trainer Brendan Walsh over the last five years. The post TDN Preakness Preview: Journalism Aims To Rewrite Six-Year Losing Skid For Faves appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Owing to a lack of entries, the live racing program scheduled for Tuesday, May 20 at Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (FLGR) has been cancelled. According to a release from the track, the lingering impacts of a long winter combined with a wet spring resulted in trainers having limited opportunities to sufficiently prepare their horses for the season. The track says it is hopeful that entries will return to a more normal level as the inventory of fit and race-ready horses increases to the point where a Monday-through-Wednesday racing schedule is sustainable. “At Finger Lakes, we strive for large fields which create attractive wagering opportunities for our patrons,” said FLGR Racing Secretary Jerry Richards. Racing is scheduled to take place next Monday and Wednesday, May 19 and 21, with a first post of 1 p.m. ET each day. The post Racing Cancelled At Finger Lakes On May 20 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' Colloquial (Vekoma), a front-running winner of Keeneland's Lafayette S. Apr. 7, will make his next start in the GI Woody Stephens S. on the blockbuster GI Belmont Stakes program at Saratoga June 7. He worked four furlongs in :47.60 (5/54) at trainer George Weaver's Keeneland base Thursday morning, his second breeze since winning the Lafayette. He'll ship up to the Spa this weekend, per Weaver. “He's training well, we're looking forward to raceday,” Weaver said. “He's proven that the talent is there. Now, it's just a matter of doing it in a big race.” Colloquial faced pressure throughout and drew clear in the stretch to score by 2 1/4 lengths in the seven-furlong Lafayette, good for an 88 Beyer Speed Figure. He earned a gaudy 106 Beyer in his prior start, a jaw-dropping, seven-length maiden win over the Chick Lang S.-bound One Nine Hundred (Dialed In) in his sophomore debut off the bench at Aqueduct Feb. 7. Only two 3-year-olds have run faster races on the Beyer scale this year–Journalism (Curlin) (108) and Magnitude (Not This Time) (108). Colloquial's debut second–beaten just a nose by Fierceness (City of Light)'s full-brother and subsequent GIII Futurity S. winner Mentee–at Aqueduct last June was highlighted in our 'Second Chances' series. The $240,000 Keeneland September graduate is campaigned in partnership by Harrell Ventures and Starlight Racing. Colloquial hails from the first crop of the promising Spendthrift Farm stallion and Weaver-trained Vekoma, who is already responsible for a quartet of graded winners. Colloquial was produced by the John Oxley-bred, two-time winner Terminology (Bernardini). His third dam is Oxley's GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Gal in a Ruckus. He was bred in Kentucky by Michael and J.B. Orem. Watch the full replay as COLLOQUIAL turns back the challenge and captures the Lafayette (L)! pic.twitter.com/Ax9Xu6fbh1 — Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 7, 2025 The post ‘Rising Star’ Colloquial Breezes at Keeneland, Woody Stephens Up Next appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

BALTIMORE, MD — Much has been said about the genuine friendship between Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas and Bob Baffert that has developed over the years. And the lively banter between the two, as well as several of the other members of the training ranks in attendance at Thursday's Preakness Alibi Breakfast, did nothing to dispel that notion. Completely sidestepping the suggested seating assignments, Baffert planted himself at Lukas's table, which also included John Bellinger, who makes up BC Stables with partner Brian Coelho. The team is represented in this year's Preakness by American Promise (Justify), winner of the Virginia Derby. Baffert, who will be looking for his record ninth Preakness Saturday with 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time), most recently won the second leg of the Triple Crown with National Treasure (Quality Road) in 2023. Lukas, who sent out the upset-minded Seize the Grey (Arrogate) last year, stands only one win behind Baffert. Hosted by TV personality Michelle Yu, the traditional trainer commentary kicked off with a few friendly jabs between the two training titans. After taking a few swipes at Baffert for opting for On Clouds running shoes instead of cowboy boots, Lukas offered a light-hearted joke at the expense of the absent Brendan Walsh, who saddles GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes victor Gosger (Nyquist) Saturday. “I asked Brendan, 'Why is it that the Irish got all the potatoes and the Arabs got all the oil?” “And?” asked Yu. “Because the Irish had first choice.” “Here we go,” said Baffert amidst the extended laughter. Taking a moment to strike a more serious note, Baffert interjected, “I love the Preakness. I love the tradition of the Triple Crown races.” Bob Baffert at Thursday's Preakness Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico | Christina Bossinakis With the absence of GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) from the Preakness lineup, Baffert weighed in on the debate. “I hope they don't change it because it was 37 years when American Pharoah won and that had to be the biggest sports statement that we made,” he said. “I think the Triple Crown is still important even though it's tough, it takes a really special horse to do it.” Lukas briefly turned his attention to Michael McCarthy, who brings Kentucky Derby runner-up and Preakness morning-line favorite Journalism (Curlin) to this year's renewal. “I tried to help him out but he didn't listen. He put his horse in the Derby-winning stall, which is the kiss of death.” With tongue firmly in cheek, Lukas added, “Bob said to leave him in there, but I told him to move him over.” Baffert immediately jumped to McCarthy's defense. “Wayne is wrong,” he said. “Silver Charm won out of that stall. Real Quiet and War Emblem also won out of that stall.” Lukas countered, “Don't make him feel comfortable. He already has the favorite!” Baffert responded, “The best horse wins the race, Wayne. No matter what stall he's in. I think McCarthy looks pretty good right now,” “I do too,” conceded Lukas. “I think, Mike, it's his race to lose.” Baffert fires back with a hint of irony, “Yes, Mike, it's your race to lose.” With an even-keeled volley, McCarthy got into the ring. “[Lukas] had me going yesterday pretty good. Last time I was here, I had my first runner [Rombauer], and winner, from the [vicinity of the] 16- 17-18 stalls. So, if I get beat from the stall I am today by one of those two guys, I'll take my hat off.” In an unusual stroke from the typically reserved horseman, McCarthy threw down the gauntlet. “Next year, we'll come back and run from the Journalism stall, how does that sound?” It didn't take long for the Hall of Famers to rope in another Hall of Famer into the mix. “You know what, we have to watch out for that Mark Casse,” said Lukas. “He's won the Sovereign Award up in Canada about 35 times [fact check: it's 16 Sovereign titles].” “What happens in Canada, stays in Canada,” quipped Baffert. Casse trains GI Arkansas Derby winner Sandman (Tapit), who finished seventh in the Kentucky Derby last time out. Despite obviously needing to turn the attention to the other trainers in attendance, Yu cleverly kept the two legends in play. “You don't know Jamie? Come, Jamie, meet The Coach,” Yu said to Jamie Osborne, who will saddle the European invader Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A. P.), who was nosed out of the win last time in the G2 UAE Derby. “He almost beat me [Bayern] in the Breeders' Cup Classic with Toast of New York [in 2014]. That was a great race,” recalled Baffert. “Yeah, he said 'what was that horse that finished second trained by that Brit that looks like Austin Powers,” dead panned Osborne to peels of laughter. The conversation took a sharp turn to a potential match-making between one of Baffert's remaining single sons and Osborne's daughter, Saffie, who will be riding Heart of Honor Saturday. “I wouldn't wish her on my worst enemy,” quipped Osborne to another wave of laughter. Yu also looped in Michael Gorham, who trains Federico Tesio winner Pay Billy (Improbable). The Midlantic-based Gorham advised on the purchase of the $60,000 OBSAPR graduate, who is the first horse campaigned by newbie owners RKTN Stables. “What are you doing in September,” extended Lukas. “We'll go to the sale together.” Rounding back to Casse, Lukas once again poked at Casse's connections (Fact check: Mark Casse is NOT Canadian. He IS American). Craftily constructing a bait-and-switch, Casse dead-panned, “That's the nice thing about the Preakness, we are all in the same barn. So, I have to listen to that every day.” And according to Casse, his other barnmate, also liked to poke some fun too. “I tell Bob about a good restaurant, and he tells me, 'what would you know about a good restaurant, you live in Ocala.' This is what I deal with every day.” Rounding out a laughter-filled morning, Casse summed up his journey with a hint of emotion lacing the dual Hall of Famer's voice. “On a more serious note, I could not be more proud to be considered in the group that I am,” he said. “To think that, when I started 47 years ago, I would be sitting here today with two of the greatest of all time and them talking about me, it's great.” Wayne Lukas at the Alibi Breakfast Thursday | Christina Bossinakis The post No Alibis, Just Fun: The Wayne and Bob Show at the Preakness Alibi Breakfast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article