Wandering Eyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just nine months after coming to the U.S. from his native Puerto Rico, and at 20 years old, Eniel Cordero is preparing to saddle Vicente Stella's Le Dom Bro March 30 in the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Emerald Downs will offer Penny Breakage on all wagers Emerald Downs commencing with its 55-day 2024 season that begins on Saturday, May 4. Historically, wagers were rounded down payouts to the nickel or dime which made sense when most wagers were made with cash on track. However, the change was made because of the evolution of account wagering and vouchers on track. Emerald Downs estimates that penny breakage will return approximately $400,000 in additional payouts to bettors. Also starting in 2024, Emerald Downs will offer a “Dynamic Morning Line.” The morning line, which is typically made 4-7 days prior to race day, will now be updated using the same system and formula before each race day to reflect scratches and changes. Then, beginning in the second race each day, the line will be updated approximately 20 minutes to post time. This update will reflect wagering in closed pools such as the Daily Double, Pick 3, and Pick 4. The updated lines will be displayed on the track's simulcast broadcast. “There have been effects to calculate live projected payouts, but Emerald Downs will be the first to update and use the morning line in a format that can be efficiently communicated to bettors,” explained track president Phil Ziegler. “If a 5-1 morning line horse has lower will-pays than a 3-1 horse, we will update the line to reflect this wagering which should help guide bettors.” Emerald Downs will also assist players by keeping live odds displayed until the final horse enters the gate. Emerald Downs offers a traditional 50 cent Pick 6 each race day featuring an 8% takeout, along with a Pentafecta (Super High 5) on the final race, also with an 8% takeout. All Win, Place and Show wagers will be at 16%, Exactas and Daily Doubles at 21% and all other wagers at 23%. The post Penny Breakage, ‘Dynamic Morning Line’ Added to Emerald Downs Lineup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Arrest (Ire), who filled the runner-up spot in the G1 St Leger at Doncaster on his final start of 2023, is being prepared to make his return to action in the G3 John Porter S. at Newbury on Saturday, April 20. Though no match for the high-class Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) on Town Moor, Arrest showed that he belongs at the top level with an admirable effort in defeat, having previously failed to give his running when sent off the 4/1 favourite for the G1 Derby at Epsom. The son of Frankel (GB) had put himself in the picture for the blue riband when running out a wide-margin winner of the G3 Chester Vase S. on the Roodee, while his runner-up finish in the St Leger was preceded by a second pattern-race victory when landing the G3 Geoffrey Freer S. at Newbury. A return to the last-named venue is now on the agenda for the John and Thady Gosden-trained Arrest as he embarks on what his connections hope will be a productive four-year-old campaign in the top middle-distance events. “He was consistent all year apart from the Derby, which I think was our own fault,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte. “John, Thady and myself got wrapped up a little bit in it being the Derby and we probably shouldn't have run as the ground was a bit quick and the track obviously didn't suit. “He showed his true form on his next couple of starts and has wintered very well. John and Thady were very happy with him when speaking to them last week and the current plan, all being well, is to start in the John Porter. I think we will start off at middle-distances and see how we go. If he shows us in the middle of the summer he wants a bit further, then we will try it. But I think he has shown enough class at a mile and a half to suggest he can be competitive in those top mile-and-a-half races throughout the year.” Mahon also issued a positive update on fellow Gosden trainee Laurel (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who has been on the sidelines since finishing down the field in last year's G1 Lockinge S. at Newbury. Beaten just once in four starts prior to that, when runner-up in the 2022 G1 Sun Chariot S. at Newmarket, Laurel reportedly has the G2 Duke Of Cambridge S. at Royal Ascot as her main target in the first part of the season. “Laurel is back in training and John and Thady are happy with her,” Mahon added. “She's just having a slow preparation with a view to getting her to Royal Ascot later in the year, so we will probably just give her a prep run at the end of May or the beginning of June and then it will be straight to Royal Ascot if all is well with her. She is in good shape and seems to have got over her little injury, so with a bit of luck, if she stays injury free she could be an exciting prospect for the year.” The post Juddmonte Nominate Early-Season Targets for Gosden Stars appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Online Breeze-Up Session, scheduled to feature as part of the June Online Sale June 5-6, will be available to consignors located in Britain and Ireland with breeze-ups to be held at Chelmsford City Racecourse and at Dundalk Stadium, announced Tattersalls via press release on Monday. The under-tack previews will take place Tuesday, May 21 at Chelmsford City and Tuesday, May 28 at Dundalk Stadium. Both options are available for unraced juveniles and there will be gallop opportunities for entries on the all-weather tracks. Spectators are welcome to attend at both locations where vendors will breeze over a distance of their choice and each lot will be filmed with footage published on Thursday, May 30. All lots will be catalogued with their vendor details to allow for enquiries and to arrange inspections prior to the sale. Entries for the Online Breeze-Up Session can be submitted online and will close on Friday, May 10. “The Online Breeze Up provides vendors with a cost-effective opportunity to breeze domestically whilst reaching an international audience via the Tattersalls Online platform,” said Katherine Sheridan, Tattersalls' online sales executive. “We believe the facilities at Chelmsford and Dundalk offer an excellent option for those wishing to present their breeze-up two-year-olds to a global market in the June Online Sale and we anticipate the concept will be well supported by consignors and purchasers alike.” The post Details Released for Tattersalls Online Breeze-Up Session appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The deadline to apply for the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association paid social media internship in Saratoga is Monday, Apr. 1. Over the course of the seven-week meet this summer, the intent is to produce engaging videos and images for NYTHA's social media accounts. “This is a fantastic opportunity for a young person interested in racing to experience an insider's access and share their fresh perspective on the sport,” said Marie Kizenko, NYTHA's Communications Manager. “We look forward to sharing NYTHA's mission with all those interested.” Interested applicants should send a resume and any relevant links to jobs@nytha.com by Monday, Apr. 1. The post Deadline Approaching for NYTHA Internship Applications appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After seven years at the helm of France-Galop, the governing body of horse racing in France, Olivier Delloye arrived back at Arqana, and will take up the position of CEO upon the retirement of Eric Hoyeau on April 1. For Delloye, it's a homecoming, as he served for 10 years as their managing director before leaving to fill the same role at France-Galop in 2016. As Delloye got started again at Arqana, we sat down with him to learn what it was like to be back in Normandy, and what differences the buying and selling public could expect to see this year and beyond. TDN: First, what's it like to be back? OD: I'm very happy to be back–both back here and in the sales business and connecting with the community of buyers and vendors alike. And I'm really looking forward to the next sale and of course, the August yearling sale, which is, and has always been, the highlight of the of the year. TDN: What was the thing you missed the most about this job when you were at France-Galop? OD: Definitely it was going to farms, inspecting yearlings in spring, meeting with vendors and breeders and driving back to the office thinking that you may have seen the future stars of the sale. TDN: And what is it about France-Galop that you'll miss the most now that you're back at Arqana? OD: It's all about people. So probably the great people I have had the chance to work with and who tolerated me for about eight years. Luckily, now that I'm back, I'm finding a great team here as well. TDN: What is your ideal work-life balance? OD: It's a very difficult question. I would say it's close to ideal when both your colleagues and clients on one side and your family and friends on the other side feel that you give them enough time and attention. That's when you're close to perfection. But it never happens. TDN: What changes at Arqana can we expect this year and beyond? OD: It's a little bit early to ask me that question. I'm just coming back now. But I am coming back at a time when the company is enjoying quite a great success, so there's no need for a big revolution in the very short term. Probably the first changes that will be implemented will be purely internal, in order to make the organization ever more efficient and enable the team to have a greater focus on the horses and the clients. I'm sure there are some areas in which we can improve upon the way we operate, in the processes that are in place, so that really people can focus on their main job and on our clients. TDN: I see there is some work going on here. OD: Yes. The first thing, which is good news for all the people attending the sales, is there will be a brand new WiFi system as of the breeze-up sale. Over the next few weeks, another thing we are undergoing is that we are renovating the main yard at Arqana in the sales complex. We are actually currently raising the roofs (on the stalls) of the main yard to just provide some more comfort to horses staying in these boxes during the sales. We will do that in three phases and the first phase will be completed by the summer. TDN: How did your experience at France-Galop change or broaden your view of the overall industry? OD: I was born in the horse world as my father was a trainer and then was more involved in the institution and the ruling of racing. And then I went to work for Arqana for 10 years. Going to France-Galop was definitely the right place to go to deal with all aspects of the industry, with France-Galop being the racing authority and the operator of the major racing in France as well. So dealing with gambling with the PMU, dealing with the ministries in charge of supervising racing, dealing with anti-doping control, dealing with riding schools, but also how to run big, big events, like we do at France-Galop with the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Prix Diane Longines and so on. So it was just a perfect place to learn so many things. And, during all those years, I also had the chance to be involved in the IFHA, working alongside with Louis Romanet first and then Winfriend Engelbrecht-Bresges and its leadership team. So it really opened new doors to me as well, being exposed to other racing jurisdictions and understanding the big issues that racing can face on a global scale. TDN: What did you learn there that you can apply here? OD: Event organization is something that I probably learned quite a lot about working at France-Galop. But above all, I would say that at France-Galop, because of all it has to run with a fairly limited number of employees-there are only 350 people working full-time. It operates five racecourses, three training centres, and is a racing authority in France. It has to be a pretty well-organized company. So I'm sure that in trying to replicate a bit of that know-how in terms of process and organization in a much smaller company like Arqana, I can help it be even faster and move more quickly and be more efficient. TDN: Your successor-and predecessor–Eric Hoyeau–was known to take to the microphone. Do you have any intention of doing the same? OD: You mean at the rostrum? No plan at all. I did ask myself this question years ago when I first worked with Arqana. Now, I'm not sure I have the right talent for the job. And I see my role as just making sure that we have the best people everywhere in the place, to offer the best possible service. So we'll try to, enhance the quality of our auctioneers, to better serve our clients. But, I'm not necessarily one of them. TDN: Paris or Deauville? OD: I couldn't answer. It's like choosing between my my sons or my my daughters. TDN: Le Drakkar, or Le Buddha Bar? OD: Le Drakkar. Definitely. TDN: Bike ride in the Bois de Boulogne, or jogging on Les Planches? OD: Jogging on Les Planches. But also a little further, because it's too short. TDN: Traffic jam on the Peripherique or tractors blocking the A13? OD: Traffic jam on the Peripherique. There is always an exit nearby to escape from it. TDN: Is there anyone in the French government you feel you resemble? OD: I've often heard people say I look a little bit like Emmanuel Macron. And I've always answered that my wife is much younger. The post TDN’s Ten Questions for Olivier Delloye, Now Back at Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was the third win in four starts for the 3-year-old, who made his debut finishing 10th in a Dec. 3, 2023 maiden optional claimer at Gulfstream Park, where he ran his first three races. View the full article

Tony Calo has been named the new track announcer at Ellis Park. Calo, a veteran in the horse racing industry, will continue to serve as the announcer at Turfway Park along with being a handicapping analyst at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Grade 1 winners Muth and Timberlake square off in search of a second top-level victory when an expected field of 10 3-year-olds compete in the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park March 30.View the full article

Graded stakes winners Steal Sunshine and Tumbarumba will meet again March 30 in the 1 1/16-mile $150,000 Ghostzapper Stakes (G3) after a nose separated the pair the last time they met at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Lillian Jenkinson Holder was one of the best riders many in her area had seen. Yet her long career on bush tracks and pursuit of a license to ride at pari-mutuel racetracks remained a story hidden—until now.View the full article

Richard Hughes is eyeing a breakthrough Classic as a trainer this season–but admitted that high-class prospects Queen Of Zafeen (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) and Star Music (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) would likely bid for big-race glory in Germany or France rather than take on the big guns domestically. Both fillies will test their Classic credentials next month with Hughes stating that he has built up his strongest team yet. Queen Of Zafeen and Star Music are owned by Jaber Abdullah and, while they hold entries in the Qipco 1,000 Guineas, the Weathercock House handler is exploring options outside of Newmarket. He said, “I'm probably going to run Queen Of Zafeen in the Nell Gwyn because she has no experience on grass and it has all happened a bit quick for her really. “She will have had a nice break from the Spring Cup to the Nell Gwyn and I'm thinking the German 1,000 Guineas rather than the English version, but we will let her do the talking first.” Star Music will also be in action that week with the Oh So Sharp S. third set for a run in the Dubai Duty Free S.–better known as the Fred Darling–at Newbury on April 20. “She will go for the Fred Darling and a theory I have, which might be wrong, is that Zoustars prefer a really flat track,” Hughes continued. “They are a bit like Exceed And Excels and just seem to act better when it is really flat. She was particularly impressive when she won at Kempton but I just feel Newmarket might not be her track, even though she ran a blinder in the Oh So Sharp. I might think of Longchamp for her if she runs well in her trial.” Hughes is also holding plenty of hope for Derby entrant Kamboo (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), who is set for an early season appearance in the Bet365 Feilden S. at Newmarket, while the former champion jockey turned trainer feels he is entering the season with some real talent at his disposal. “Kamboo is one for the Feilden and is showing up well at home,” he added. “It's all a bit undecided at the moment but it's the first time I've had a handful of Group horses in my yard. “Normally we have one that is a hopeful, but this time I'm pretty confident I have four or five to go to war with, which is pretty good for a small enough string. “I'm a bit of a realist and Lizzie [Hughes's wife] says I'm negative at times. It's just this year I know I have nice horses to go to war with, so it's been a little bit different in the spring. “Now they are running so well it is a bonus–everything we seem to be running at the moment is winning or going close, so it's going really well. Meanwhile, Dominic Ffrench Davis says he is doing a rain dance ahead of a potential tilt at the 1,000 Guineas with the Amo Racing-owned Persian Dreamer (Calyx {GB}). “Persian Dreamer is not back in the yard yet, she's over with Robson Aguiar in Ireland but he tells me she's doing well so we're looking forward to her coming back,” the trainer said. “I hope this rain continues because to win a Group 1 with her would be the aim, but she needs to get her toe in.” The post Hughes Eyes Breakthrough Classic Success With His Queen And Star appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1/ST Racing's $1 Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 wager featuring Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park will be seeded with an additional $100,000 for Saturday, Mar. 30, highlighted by Gulfstream's GI Curlin Florida Derby. Additionally, the Coast-to-Coast Pick 5, which is offered every Saturday and Sunday with a 15% takeout has been extended through Santa Anita's closing day Sunday, June 16. The only exception is Apr. 13 and Apr. 14 when Santa Anita transitions to its Hollywood Meet. With the Coast to Coast's “no-consolation” provision, if there are no tickets with five correct winners then 100% of the net pool carries over to the next Coast-to-Coast Pick 5. The Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 will begin after the late Pick 4 and Pick 5 begin at Gulfstream Park. The complete sequence for Saturday's Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 will be announced Wednesday after entries are taken at Santa Anita. The post 1/ST Racing Adds $100K Bonus to Saturday’s Coast-To-Coast Pick 5 Pool appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tony Calo has been named the new track announcer at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming, Churchill Downs Incorporated announced Monday. The North California native, who replaces the departing Scott Shapiro, will continue to serve as the announcer at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming in addition to a handicapping analyst at Churchill Downs. Aside from his duties as an announcer, Calo will join Joe Kristufek, Kaitlin Free and, newly-promoted handicapping analyst, Kevin Kilroy on the Churchill Downs simulcast feed for the Spring, September and Fall Meets. “I'm honored to become the new announcer at Ellis Park,” Calo said. “Thank you to everyone at Churchill Downs Incorporated for this opportunity. Kentucky has become one of the strongest year-round circuits in North America and I'm thrilled to be a part of the great teams at Churchill Downs, Ellis Park and Turfway Park.” Calo previously served as the announcer at Bay Meadows, Golden Gate Fields and, most recently, Finger Lakes. Kilroy, who served as a member of the media relations department for the past two seasons at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, joins the handicapping team at Churchill Downs where he will be an analyst covering the racing at Churchill Downs, Colonial Downs, Ellis Park, Fair Grounds and Turfway Park. Calo and Kilroy will begin their new roles at the start of the Churchill Downs Spring Meet Apr. 27. The post Tony Calo Named New Track Announcer at Ellis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), a multiple Group 2 winner in her native Australia, is likely to travel to Britain next month with a view to running in some of the top sprints in Europe. The five-year-old Asfoora is yet to win in Group 1 company on home soil, but she proved her wellbeing when finishing a close-up fourth in Saturday's G1 Galaxy H. at Rosehill for the second year in succession. That run teed her up perfectly for an overseas campaign according to trainer Henry Dwyer, who cited a lack of opportunities in Australia in the coming weeks as a key reason behind the decision to travel. Reflecting on Asfoora's run in the Galaxy, Dwyer told Racing.com, “She was great, [it was] just a bit frustrating to get beaten 0.8 lengths and run fourth but she ran as well as she could. I've got a few calls to make in the next couple of days to work out what's what, [but I'm] still keen for us to head over there. “At the end of the day, there are zero races for her here and there are six races for her over there, so we may as well go over. She's come through the run well, she's just travelled so well, which is great knowing what's ahead.” The post European Campaign on the Cards for Aussie Star Asfoora appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article