Wandering Eyes

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Saturday at Saratoga, Ellis Park and Del Mar. Saturday, August 23, 2025 Saratoga 1, $100k, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 11:10 a.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Bottas (Vekoma), OBSAPR, 300,000, :10 1/5 C-Paul Sharp, agent; B-Case Clay Thoroughbred Management Grunge (Beau Liam)-MTO, OBSAPR, 260,000, :10 C-Julie Davies, agent; B-J Migliore, agt S Rocco & West Point Ellis 3, $100k, 2yo, 5 1/2f, 1:48 p.m. ET Bricklin (Nyquist), FTMMAY, 450,000, :10 3/5 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-Imagine Maxxus (Maximus Mischief), OBSMAR, 50,000, :10 1/5 C-Caliente Thoroughbreds, agent; B-J Mackor, agt Triton TBs Stormforged (Vekoma), FTMMAY, 250,000, :10 2/5 C-Tom McCrocklin, agent; B-Case Clay Thoroughbred Mgmt Saratoga 6, $100k, 2yo, 6f, 2:00 p.m. ET Old Time Rocknroll (Maclean's Music), OBSAPR, 260,000, :10 2/5 C-Paul Sharp, agent; B-Bradley Thoroughbreds, agent Peace Negotiator (War of Will), OBSAPR, 80,000, :10 3/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (Ciaran Dunne), agent; B-Mossarosa Ellis 4, $100k, 2yo, f, 6f, 2:16 p.m. ET Annie's Allie (Tacitus)-AE, OBSJUN, 70,000, :10 C-Champions of the Future, agent; B-Eric Foster Ellis 7, $44k, Moc, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 3:42 p.m. Velcamp (Combatant)-AE, OBSJUN, 60,000, :20 4/5 C-Blue Sapphire Stables, agent; B-D J Stable Del Mar 1, $100k, 2yo, 1m, 5:00 p.m. ET Eruption (Independence Hall), OBSMAR, 200,000, :10 1/5 C-Pike Racing @ Highlander, agt; B-By Talla Racing, K Lloyd, agt The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Saturday, August 23, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a son of a Belmont Oaks heroine. 1.42 Curragh, Debutantes, 2yo, 7fT CIRCLE OF LIFE (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a notable newcomer for Ballydoyle in the maiden the stable won with Officer and Continuous in the last three years. Out of the Belmont Oaks winner Athena, he is a full-brother to the dual Group 3 winner and Prix de Diane runner-up Never Ending Story related to the Irish Oaks heroine Bracelet descended from Urban Sea. He is joined by the yard's Ice Dancer (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a full-brother to this year's Irish Derby runner-up Serious Contender. 5.45 Windsor, Novice, 2yo, 6f 12yT DIVISION (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is an important runner for Wathnan Racing, having cost 800,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 1 by virtue of the fact that he is a full-brother to last year's G2 Lowther Stakes winner Celandine. William Haggas has charge of the Middle Park Stakes entry, whose rivals include Juddmonte's €750,000 Goffs Orby Book 1 purchase Dartrey (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), the Ralph Beckett-trained half-brother to Saffron Beach who starts again having been unsteerable on debut at Chelmsford. The post Curragh Debut For Athena’s Son Circle Of Life appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Mo’unga has sealed his place in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup with an impressive win in the Allied Security Maurice Holmes Vase at Addington Raceway tonight. The Regan Todd-trained star bided his time early as favourite Franco Marek headed to the front only for driver Robbie Close to unleash late and overhaul the leader, who held on for second ahead of American Me and defending champion Dalton Shard. It was an outstanding effort from Mo’unga, who had started off 10 metres. The Bettor’s Delight six-year-old was sixth fresh up at Addington earlier in the month and was clearly improved by the outing. It was his 12th career win and on the back of his win he is a $21 equal sixth favourite for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington on Tuesday, November 11. Todd was delighted with the victory. “It is great, we can now pick and choose which races we go in.” “It wasn’t a pretty watch but Goose (Robbie Close) knew what he was doing.” “To win is great.” The Maurice Holmes Vase is the first of the automatic New Zealand Cup qualifiers, joining the Avon City Ford New Brighton Cup (September 5) and the Canterbury Classic (October 17), also at Addington, and the Holmes DG at Alexandra Park on October 3. Also at $21 for the NZ Cup is Akuta. The Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained star returned to winning ways in a small field at Alexandra Park in the Auckland Trotting Club – For the Horse Mobile Pace. It was the millionaire pacer’s 17th win in 33 stars. “He knows what it’s all about, he won well,” says co-trainer/driver Mark Purdon. Purdon had three driving successes on the night. His other winners were Special Occasion(R2) and Midnight Miki (R6). Akuta will now head to Addington for the Avon City Ford New Brighton Cup on September 5. On what was a big Friday Night Lights the trotting feature at Addington was the VIP Trade Basil Dean Mobile Free For All. Muscle Mountain was a $3 second favourite behind Love N The Port ($2.90). Muscle Mountain speared to the lead and then got the trail behind Love N The Port only to explode up the passing lane to win easily. It was a Greg and Ben Hope-trained quinella with Midnight Dash running home strongly into second. It was Muscle Mountain’s 37th success. “He’s getting older and he may not be the horse he was but it’s such a privilege to be behind him,” say winning driver and co-trainer Ben Hope. The big target is the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot on IRT New Zealand Cup day on Tuesday, November 11. It’s race he is yet to win. “We’ll head to the Ordeal Cup next,” says Hope. That will be at Addington on September 5, the same night as the New Brighton Cup. Hope had a double for the night, also winning with Our Shangri Lana (R9) while Bob Butt had a driving treble with Crunch Time (R1), the very impressive Duchess of Kent (R5) and Confessional (R6). View the full article

There really isn't a whole lot that trainer Bill Mott has left to accomplish in the Thoroughbred business. Since recording his first graded stakes victory with Heatherten–who also gave him his first Grade I success–for owner John Franks some 41 years ago, the 72-year-old has saddled the winners of over 150 top-level contests with superstars of either sex, such as Taylor's Special, Theatrical (Ire), Paradise Creek, Fraise, legendary dual Horse of the Year Cigar, Ajina, Escena, Wekiva Springs, Favorite Trick, Dream Supreme and her son Majestic Warrior, Drosselmeyer, To Honor and Serve, Royal Delta, Close Hatches, Lea, Yoshida (Jpn), Country House, War Like Goddess, Elite Power, Speaker's Corner and his most recent HOTY, Cody's Wish. And the list goes on. He's prepared those top-class runners for such prominent owners as Allen Paulson, Bert and Diana Firestone, Don Dizney, Kinsman Farm, WinStar Farm, Claiborne Farm, Joe Shields, Jr. and partners, Charlotte Weber, George Krikorian, Juddmonte and Godolphin, to name just a handful. In the twilight of his Hall of Fame career, it is Sheikh Mohammed's far-flung operation that has provided the South Dakota native with the third and fourth Classic victories this season, and Sovereignty (Into Mischief) can tick off what is to this point an unchecked box with a victory in Saturday's $1.25-million GI DraftKings Travers Stakes at Saratoga. Mott has sent out the Travers runner-up three times, including Close Hatches's son Tacitus (Tapit) back in 2019, but he's never hoisted the trophy. Not yet, in any event. “Tacitus was my best shot [in 2019, won by Code of Honor, Tacitus was second as the favorite],” Mott told TDN's Tim Wilkin earlier this week. “He was the livest horse I had coming in. “My chances keep getting better and better,” he continiued. “We were second with Vision and Verse [beaten 3/4 of a length behind Lemon Drop Kid in 1999], that was a long time ago. But I would like to do it.” Just four have signed up to face the son of Crowned (Bernardini), who beat favored Journalism (Curlin) fair and square when ridiculously nearly 8-1 in the GI Kentucky Derby in May, then skipped the GI Preakness Stakes to prepare for the GI Belmont Stakes over Saturday's course and distance on June 7. Incredibly not favored on that occasion, he posted yet another decisive victory while racing much handier to the speed and repeated the dose in the July 26 GII Jim Dandy Stakes, running away from Derby and Belmont third Baeza (McKinzie) to consolidate his spot at the head of this year's 3-year-old class. Still, his experience dictates that Mott takes absolutely nothing for granted. “His record, people have watched him, it's in black and white what he's done,” Mott said. “But by the same token, they've got to go around there. They need to do it in the afternoon. It is not a done deal, that is why they are going to run the race.” A Winchell Thoroughbreds-owned and Steve Asmussen-trained son of Not This Time named Epicenter won the 2022 Travers, and the same connections team with the progressive Magnitude (Not This Time), who has a puncher's chance to pull the Travers upset as the potential controlling speed at the 'Graveyard of Champions.' Practically out of nowhere, the $450,000 Keeneland September purchase overcame gate 12 of 12 to win February's GII Risen Star Stakes by nearly 10 lengths (108 Beyer), but was ruled off the Triple Crown trail due to injury about 48 hours later. Nursed back to health, the bay thumped five overmatched foes by 9 1/4 lengths in the July 5 Iowa Derby (Beyer 105) and if those races are not aberrations, he could give Team Sovereignty something to think about. Magnitude and Carlos Rosas work through the Saratoga fog on Aug. 17 | Sarah Andrew “We thought that was the perfect race back,” said Scott Blasi, assistant trainer to Asmussen. “He ran good figures once again. We wanted to give him plenty of time between that race and the Travers, which we've pointed to. We have to run against a [potential] champion, and that is never an easy task, but hopefully we are doing as good as we can, physically, and get the job done.” Chad Brown has yet to win the Travers in a career that will eventually land him in the Hall of Fame across Union Avenue from the track. Strategic Focus (Gun Runner) was named a 'TDN Rising Star' when running home powerfully to graduate versus older rivals going the one-turn mile at Aqueduct Apr. 19, then was somewhat controversially DQd from an apparent first-level allowance victory here on June 6. When last seen in the restricted Curlin Stakes July 24, the chestnut led late but was run down by 'Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie) and settled for third. The blinkers go on this afternoon, a 30% move for the barn, but he nevertheless needs to find several lengths of improvement to trouble the top two. “I've heard this complaint about him when he makes the lead from two different jockeys, so we'll try a little blinker on him,” Brown said. “He should have a good target to run at in Asmussen's horse–one he very well might not even get by. It's not like he's going to make the lead early on that horse–that's a good horse.” Chancer McPatrick shortens up for the GI H. Allen Jerkens Stakes earlier on the card. A victory from either McAfee (Cloud Computing)–the year-younger half-brother to Horse of the Year and GI Personal Ensign Stakes hopeful Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna)–or Bracket Buster (Vekoma) would represent an upset of near-unprecedented proportions. Stars Come Out To Play On The Undercard The Travers is supported by an additional five graded stakes, four of those at Grade I level. Sophomore sprinters are in the spotlight in the Jerkens, which could well be settled by a trio of 'TDN Rising Stars'. CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm's Patch Adams (Into Mischief) failed to shine when tried around two turns early this season, finishing fourth in the GIII Southwest Stakes and GIII Tampa Bay Derby, but he is only once-beaten at sprint trips, including a 2 1/4-length defeat of the re-opposing Madaket Road (Quality Road) in the GI Woody Stephens Stakes on Belmont Day. “He's a one-turn horse. He showed Belmont Week that he's a Grade I horse,” trainer Brad Cox said. “We always thought he was a Grade I talent and he's training like he's ready to put in a big effort. We're excited about him.” Patch Adams is unraced since taking the GI Woody Stephens S. on June 7 | Sarah Andrew Verifire (Authentic) galloped to 'Rising Star' honors on Colonial debut during their March meeting and has since added two more convincing victories, a 6 1/2-length allowance score at Pimlico on Black-Eyed Susan day May 16 and the June 29 Maxfield Stakes at Churchill, where he had next-out GII Amsterdam Stakes hero Smoken Wicked (Bobby's Wicked One) and Captain Cook (Practical Joke) in second and third, respectively. “Both are doing great–they breezed from the gate last week and are set up for big runs,” Cox said of Patch Adams and Verifire. “It's going to be a good, deep race from top to bottom, and I think they both fit very well.” As mentioned above, 'TDN Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick cuts back for the Jerkens, but was soundly defeated with no apparent alibi in the Woody Stephens. Madaket Road is joined by his Bob Baffert stablemates Barnes (Into Mischief) and the unexposed Midland Money (Shancelot), unbeaten in two starts and a 3 1/4-length allowance winner versus older here Aug. 3. Round four of the head-to-head battle between Book'em Danno (Bucchero) and Mullikin (Violence) is set for the GI Forego Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' Challenge event for the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. An argument can be made that the New Jersey-bred Book'em Danno is the best sprinter currently in training, as he convincingly defeated Mullikin–victorious here last August–in a sloppy renewal of the GIII True North Stakes on June 7 and again in the GII A.G. Vanderbilt Stakes July 19. His most recently piece of work does not appear in his past performances, but trainer Derek Ryan says the gelding is ready for the task. “We blew him out three-eighths out of the gate to sharpen him up. He's good to go,” Ryan said. “He likes the distance; he likes the track. He'd been training awfully good, and he seems to run for [jockey] Paco [Lopez]. He's 3-for-4 at Saratoga now. I just want them to get position and go from there.” Fan favorite Book'em Danno and trainer Derek Ryan back at the barn | Sarah Andrew Most Wanted (Candy Ride {Arg}), winner of last year's GIII Oklahoma Derby, is an intriguing fresh face and the half-brother to 'Rising Star' Life Is Good (Into Mischief) returns to this seven-furlong trip for the first time since winning his maiden by a neck at first asking last June. Thorpedo Anna is clearly the headliner in the GI Personal Ensign Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, but she has looked vulnerable at times this season and may have to improve to take her local record to three-from-four, having just been defeated in last year's Travers. “She's ultra-consistent. She loves her work, she's very happy in Saratoga, and has been for a long time,” trainer Ken McPeek said. “As always, she's been a pleasure to be around. She's doing great.” Raging Sea (Curlin) took down the colors of champion Idiomatic (Curlin) in this race 12 months ago, but she has also been in suspect form, including a third to 'TDN Rising Star' Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief) in the GII Shuvee Stakes July 18. Fourth after a troubled start last year, Randomized (Nyquist) wired the field in the GIII Molly Pitcher Stakes last time and has speed to lead, but loses Flavien Prat to the defending champ. Speaking of Close Hatches again, her 'TDN Rising Star' daughter Scylla (Tapit) is the 5-2 morning-line favorite in what feels a very open renewal of the GI Ballerina Stakes given the absence–via illness–of 'TDN Rising Star' Ways and Means (Practical Joke). A guaranteed berth in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint is on the line. Though she is a two-time graded winner going long, the homebred has never been able to get over the hump at the graded level around one turn, including a runner-up effort in this event last summer and a latest third to Halina's Forte (Mitole) in the GII Honorable Miss Stakes July 20. Hope Road (Quality Road), a daughter of 2018 Ballerina heroine Marley's Freedom (Blame), ran races in defeat to Kopion (Omaha Beach) in the GII Santa Monica Stakes and GI Derby City Distaff that would win this, but she was very disappointing when only third in the GIII Winning Colors Stakes May 26. Brightwork (Outwork) is three-for-three at the Spa, but is winless since a narrow victory in the GIII Prioress Stakes just under a year ago. Minnesota-bred Play With Fire (Oscar Performance) is the 2-1 favorite to give Chad Brown his fifth straight win in the GII Lake Placid Stakes, but she certainly does not lay over a field that includes GSW & GISP May Day Ready (Tapit) and Eponine (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), Group 2-placed in France this season and having her first start for Repole Stable. Thorpedo Anna | Sarah Andrew Plenty To Play For In Pat O'Brien With horses returning off extended layoffs and class horses cutting back in distance, Saturday's GII Pat O'Brien Stakes, which offers the winner an all-expenses-paid trip to the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, is a true handicapping puzzle. Stronghold (Ghostzapper) won the 2024 GI Santa Anita Derby and was runner-up in his final three starts as a 3-year-old, including the GI Pennsylvania Derby last September and when behind future G2 Godolphin Mile and GI Hill 'n' Dale Met Mile hero Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) in the GI Malibu Stakes going this seven-furlong distance Dec. 26. The homebred has just one start since, a distant 10th in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes back on Jan. 25. Express Train (Union Rags), runner-up to Charlatan (Speightstown) in the 2020 Malibu and winner of the GI Santa Anita Handicap in 2022, makes just the fifth start of his career around one turn in the O'Brien and first since finishing third to The Chosen Vron (Vronsky) in the 2024 Kona Gold Stakes. He drops in trip off a well-beaten fifth to 'TDN Rising Star' and GI Pacific Classic-bound Nysos (Nyquist) in the GII San Diego Handicap July 26. Bob Baffert won the Pat O'Brien for the first time a quarter-century ago with Love That Red and has sent out the winner seven times since. The fleet-footed Speed Boat Beach (Bayern), who earned a 104 Beyer when graduating at first asking over this track in 2022, took out the 2023 Malibu and was not seen again until the May 1 St. Mathews Overnight Stakes at Churchill, when eased home for all intents and purposes. Juan Hernandez ends up there, while Kazushi Kimura is named on 'TDN Rising Star' Maymun (Frosted), a 7 1/2-length maiden winner at first asking in January 2024 and unraced since a battling neck success going a mile at Santa Anita the following month. Dr. Venkman (Ghostzapper) was fractionally unlucky when finishing runner-up in the GIII Kelly's Landing Stakes at Churchill June 28, but there were no apparent excuses in his last, an even fourth in the GI Bing Crosby Stakes here on July 26. With Antonio Fresu sticking with Stronghold, fellow Italian Umberto Rispoli picks up the ride. The post Sovereignty Can Help Mott Break New Ground In Travers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Several years ago, Godolphin's Michael Banahan knew Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott had two notable omissions on his long list of major New York Racing Association stakes wins.View the full article

California-bred champion Chismosa has faced the brilliant Sweet Azteca four times, winning once, and will try again in the Rancho Bernardo Stakes at Del Mar.View the full article

It's been 13 years since Ortensia (Testa Ross) claimed a first G1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes for Australia and Henry Dwyer trainee Asfoora (Flying Artie) gained just reward for connections' long-held faith, doubling the antipodean tally, with a decisive victory in this year's renewal of the Knavesmire dash. Last year's G1 King Charles III Stakes victrix, fourth in the 2024 edition of this five-furlong contest, ran with credit when finishing close up, but out of the places, in June's King Charles III and this month's G2 King George Stakes at Goodwood. She settled under cover behind the front rank after breaking to the fore. Making smooth headway once past halfway, the 11-1 chance loomed large going well soon after angling into the clear approaching the final furlong and dominated the closing stages under an Oisin Murphy drive to defeat 100-1 outsider Ain't Nobody (Sand Of Mali) and Frost At Dawn (Frosted) by 1 1/4 lengths and a nose. ASFOORA! Group One success in the @coolmorestud Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/Zp71FRm58r — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2025 The post Asfoora Wins York’s Nunthorpe For Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former Group-winning trainer Harry Dunlop has announced his involvement with financial and racing specialists Stable Capital, a new company aimed at assisting racehorse trainers to balance the books and access financing options. Dunlop retired from training in 2022 and is an advocate for modernising the business side of the sport. He said, “For years I saw trainers struggling with the same problem – unpredictable costs, uneven cashflow, and too much time spent on paperwork instead of horses. “Stable Capital is designed to change that. It's a simple, transparent solution that lets trainers focus on the thrill of racing, not the stress of admin.” He added, “My career in racing taught me that success depends on great horses, great people, and sound financial planning. With Stable Capital, we're giving trainers the support they need to enjoy this great sport while keeping their finances in balance.” The post Harry Dunlop Announces Launch of Stable Capital appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

4th-Newmarket, £10,000, Novice, 8-22, 2yo, c/g, 7fT, 1:26.43, g/f. MONOCEROS (GB) (c, 2, Dubawi {Ire}–Shirocco Star {GB} {G1SP-Eng, MG1SP-Ire, GSP-Fr, $485,970}, by Shirocco {Ger}), well-supported into 6-5 favouritism, raced under restraint early with Billy Loughnane keen to conserve energy. Staying on strongly to collar the long-time leader I Can Dance (Bated Breath) in the final 150 yards, the 750,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase asserted to record a half-length success. The winner is the seventh and last foal out of the Oaks and Irish Oaks runner-up Shirocco Star, who produced this yard's G2 Challenge Stakes-winning and G1 Al Quoz Sprint and G1 Jebel Hatta-placed full-brother Al Suhail, the Dante winner Telecaster (New Approach), the G1 Prix de Royallieu third Mistral Star (Frankel) and this year's Jersey runner-up Spy Chief (Kingman). Descended from Meon Valley's foundation mare Reprocolor, the family features some high-class performers including Sadler's Wells' Opera House and Kayf Tara and Zee Zee Top (Zafonic). Sales history: 750,000gns Ylg '24 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $6,913. O-Godolphin; B-Meon Valley Stud; T-Charlie Appleby. A quick double for @godolphin as 750,000gns yearling purchase Monoceros (Dubawi) makes a successful start under @loughnane_billy for Charlie Appleby @NewmarketRace @jenningsbetinfo | @BritishEBF pic.twitter.com/O8mq26Dl3B — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2025 The post Godolphin’s Dubawi Blueblood Monoceros Off The Mark On Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Time For Sandals continued her preparation for the G1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock on September 6 with a spin over five furlongs of Newmarket's July Course on Friday morning. The daughter of Sands Of Mali won at Royal Ascot before finishing third in Goodwood's G2 King George Stakes when dropping back to five furlongs. “Coming here is as much mentally giving them a change of scenery, and a blow out, as it is physically, and we have done that,” said her trainer Harry Eustace. “She has done one bit of work since Goodwood and for a relatively inexperienced filly to then rock up in the Nunthorpe we felt it was all going to happen a bit quick for her. We have just tried to space her races out all year so we can plot our way in.” He added, “More than anything we would like to confirm what she did at Ascot and prove that wasn't a fluke and that would be nice to do. It is obviously a wide-open sprint division, but she has a good opportunity to put her hand up here as a flat six furlongs you would think would be about the sweet spot.” Time For Sandals, who is owned by David and Lori Bevan, has been ridden in all her races by Richard Kingscote, who leaves Britain to take up his contract in Hong Kong prior to Haydock. Eustace says that Kieran Shoemark is “top of the list” to take over riding duties. “I'm pretty sure Kieran Shoemark will ride her as the owners are very keen on him,” said the trainer. “We are trying to find someone who can commit to her next year as well and he is top of the list of people that can do that, so it is now up to him really.” The post Time For Sandals Primed for Group 1 Return at Haydock appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The least-experienced in the line-up for Friday's G2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes at York, Martin Tedham's Lifeplan (Kodi Bear) stepped up in style to land the six-furlong contest. Coming off a taking Thirsk novice win last month, the Declan Carroll-trained €165,000 Goffs Orby Book 1 purchase who traded at 13-2 tracked the leader Rock On Thunder (Night Of Thunder) throughout and gave all for Zak Wheatley to get up close home and win by a length as they drew clear. “There is no feeling like it, it's amazing,” Wheatley, who was unable to claim his three-pound allowance, said of his biggest riding achievement by far. “He jumped smart, but came back underneath me to take a lead and really took off. I wasn't sure I'd get past the leader, but he found that last gear. He's a beast–he's got such an engine and we've liked him for a long time. For the owners and the boss to trust me is massive.” Lifeplan (Kodi Bear) remains unbeaten to land Group Two honours in the @ABE_Dubai Gimcrack Stakes @declan_carroll | @weeto_10 pic.twitter.com/x2hJhvs7g3 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2025 The post ‘He’s A Beast’: Wheatley Enjoys Breakthrough On Kodi Bear’s Lifeplan In The Gimcrack appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Royal Ascot's G1 Gold Cup hero Trawlerman (Golden Horn) went postward as the odds-on favourite for Thursday's G2 Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup Stakes at York and, towing home fellow Clarehaven representative Sweet William (Sea The Stars), emulated his John and Thady Gosden-trained former stablemate Stradivarius by winning the two-mile York marathon as a seven-year-old. “The three-year-old [Shackleton] made it a test of stamina, Trawlerman was giving him a full stone in weight, and they made a lovely race of it together,” said John Gosden. “You go 15 rounds with this boy and you know you've gone 15 rounds. There's no sting, he just grinds you into the ground.” The 5-6 pick, burdened with a three-pound penalty for his Gold Cup triumph, broke on the lead before allowing Shackleton (Camelot) a narrow advantage passing the judge first time and sat on that rival's shoulder through halfway. Sent to the front with a half-mile remaining he came under pressure when Sweet William threatened inside the final quarter-mile and stayed on relentlessly under a continued drive to subdue that stablemate by an ultimately comfortable 1 1/4 lengths. Al Nayyir (Dubawi) fared best of the remainder and finished 4 1/4 lengths adrift in third. TRAWLERMAN wins the Lonsdale Cup @weatherbysltd | @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/dr7fKUiyiS — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2025 Pedigree Notes Trawlerman is the leading performer from two scorers out of G3 Deutsches St Leger second Tidespring (Monsun), herself one of three black-type representatives for G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Sweet Stream (Shantou). Tidespring is kin to stakes-winning G3 Munster Oaks third Loveisthehigherlaw (Kodiac) and Listed Radley Stakes placegetter Sweet Dream (Oasis Dream). Sweet Stream is the leading performer out of the stakes-placed Snug Dinner (Jareer) while Sweet Dream produced G3 Prix Penelope victrix Making Dreams (Make Believe). Snug Dinner, the best daughter of the stakes-placed Stand By Me (Home Guard), is the second dam of Listed Premio Royal Mares victrix Testa O Croce (Orpen). The post Trawlerman Leads Home Gosden Stable Exacta in York’s Lonsdale Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Challenge, sponsored by GaineswayView the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz How fortunes can change in the space of a few weeks. On July 31 Dreams Of Eric fell soon after the start of his race at Cambridge. Last night the promising three-year-old colt was back at the track and in the winners’ circle after delivering a determined front-running victory in the NZ Farmers Livestock Mobile Pace. Drawn wide in barrier 8, Dreams Of Eric faced a tough task on paper, but co-trainer and lessee Nathan Delany was quietly confident in the colt’s chances after some sharp work at home. “When I saw the draw, I wasn’t overly confident,” Delany said, “but with the way he was working he definitely felt like a winner. He felt like he’d grown a leg.” Driver Harrison Orange took the initiative early, pressing forward from the wide alley and working hard to find the front. Once there, the son of Vincent controlled the tempo and kicked strongly in the home straight to secure his third career win. “It’s a good feeling getting a win with my own horse,” said Delany, “he’s such an honest animal and for him to just come out and go ‘bang’, it’s great.” In his previous start Dreams Of Eric had to be escorted from the track by the Horse Ambulance, with Delany fearing the worst. “I saw the way he fell and I thought he might’ve broken a leg. It took him a while to get back up,” he said. “I was really worried for Andre (Poutama) too, he was lying on the ground and never really got up.” Thankfully, the colt walked away from the crash with only grazed knees and last night was fittingly wearing the colours of the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust. Since making his debut in March, Dreams Of Eric has had 10 starts for three wins and four placings, a strong strike rate for a young horse still learning the ropes. Delany, who has leased the colt since he was a yearling, has been hands-on every step of the way, from breaking him in to getting him race-ready. “I did think he’d be able to win a couple of races, but I didn’t think he’d pick them up as fast as he has.” Looking ahead, Delany has his sights set on taking him to the Harness 5000 series in Ashburton this December. “I think he’ll really enjoy the trip away and thrive. That’s our main goal for this season.” View the full article

Boom pacer Marketplace has had his first serious hit-out ahead of what promises to be a massive few months. The Bettor’s Delight three-year-old, a winner of 10 of his 16 starts, hasn’t raced since his Group 1 success in the Garrards NZ Sires’ Stakes Series 3YO Colts and Geldings Final at Addington on May 16. He then had a five week break before heading to the water walker at Brian and Leslie Court’s in Canterbury. Then there was some light cantering before getting the hobbles back on and the serious job of getting ready to head back to the races. And that’s where his midweek hit-out at Addington Raceway came into play. “He’s done a good eight weeks work now and that was his first serious hit out,” says trainer Regan Todd. It was just Marketplace and a galloping pacemaker working over 2400 metres at Addington. “It’s good because you can work them what you want. You’re not going too slow, you’re not going too quick. And we’ve sort of got everything written down. What we’ve gone with him here in the past, so everything seems pretty bang on at the minute.” says Todd. “His heart rate was sort of spot on where it needed to be at the moment. And his recovery was good. So we’ll probably look to line up at the trials in a fortnight’s time.” His first race back this campaign is likely to be the $25,000 Lazarus 3YO Stakes at Addington on September 26. A $100,000 purchase at the 2023 National Standardbred Yearling sales in Christchurch, he looks set to add significantly to his current stakes earnings of over $670K between now and the end of the year. “I’ve picked out five races for him. So there’s the Lazarus Stakes, the Flying Stakes, Ashburton, hopefully the slot race. And then the Derby is the pinnacle of the end of the year really.” The Ashburton race is the new 3YO Showcase on Labour Day, October 27. Such is his standing in the 3YO ranks, Marketplace is currently a $1.45 favourite in both the slot race (the Hill, Lee and Scott The Velocity on November 14) and the New Zealand Pacing Derby a week later on November 21. Not that Todd seems too bothered about his star three-year-old being billed as the next big thing? “We just try and enjoy them as much as we can. There is a little bit of pressure there, but there’d be a lot of people who would love to train a horse like him so, you’ve just got to embrace it.” While the next few months are looking busy, 2026 could see a step up again to taking on the very best. “We think he could be a Cup horse next year.” View the full article

Minnie Hauk enhanced her Group One Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2,400m) claims after a dominant display in the Group One Yorkshire Oaks (2,400m) at York on Wednesday, but she also has the option of the Breeders’ Cup. The Aidan O’Brien-trained filly was already towards the top of the market for Europe’s premier middle-distance race after wins in the Group One Oaks (2,400m) at Epsom and the Group One Irish Oaks (2,400m) at the Curragh, and this performance was a statement to all her potential...View the full article

James Doyle will not take up his intended mounts at York on Friday and Saturday after being diagnosed with a viral infection. The retained rider for Wathnan Racing had been due to partner Night Raider in the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes and French Master in the Ebor Handicap. Doyle said, “I felt unwell during racing on Wednesday, underwent tests on Thursday and have been diagnosed with a viral infection. I have been prescribed antibiotics and have been advised to rest for a few days. It's hugely disappointing to be missing important rides, but I wish the team well and look forward to being back in action shortly.' Doyle, who was aboard G3 Prix Gontaut Biron winner First Look and Listed Prix Nureyev winner Damysus for Wathnan over last weekend in Deauville, is expected to return to race-riding towards the end of next week. Danny Tudhope will renew his acquaintance with the former Clipper Logistics-owned Night Raider and Rab Havlin will ride French Master. The post James Doyle Stood Down With Viral Infection appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 5 LITTLE AVONDALE STUD MAIDEN 1400m UNWRITTEN (V Colgan) – Trainer Ms. D Logan reported to Stewards, that the mare was examined by the veterinarian on Monday, 18 August, which revealed muscular soreness over the rump, consistent with a strain. UNWRITTEN was treated with anti-inflammatory medication and has since been sent for a spell to recover. The post Racing Taupo @ Taupo, Sunday 17 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

Race 4 MARTY & DI’S CATERING MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE 4000m SAINT BERNARD (H McNeill) – Trainer Ms. C Bambry reported to Stewards, that the gelding was treated with anti-inflammatory medication on Sunday and Monday. Ms. Bambry advised that she is satisfied with SAINT BERNARD’S recovery and intends to continue with his preparation, with a nomination planned for the Woodville-Pahiatua Racing Club meeting on Sunday 7 September. MUSE (K Wiles) – Trainer Mr. D Wiles advised Stewards, that he was satisfied with the mare’s post-race condition and intends to nominate MUSE for the Racing Te Aroha meeting on Sunday 31 August. The post Woodville-Pahiatua Racing Club @ Woodville, Sunday 17 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

Hong Kong Horse of the Year (2024/25) Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) breezed effortlessly through his first official barrier trial on Friday morning on Sha Tin’s dirt course ahead of a return to racing on Sunday, 7 September followed by his historic bid to scale the world’s richest turf race in Australia. Aiming to win a second straight HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at the 2025/26 season’s curtain-raiser next month, Ka Ying Rising couldn’t have been more impressive as he sauntered across the finishing line by 14 and a quarter lengths in a time of 59.26s (1050m) today under trusted ally Zac Purton for dual Hong Kong Champion Trainer (1997/98 & 1998/99) David Hayes. Purton said: “You’d like to think he’s going to do it easily against those horses. It’s good to have him back out there going through his routine. He was on the wrong leg on the corner, it’s a bit frustrating how he does that, but apart from that it was all good. “He can get on the wrong leg and then in the straight he doesn’t change legs. The problem is it’s always been very easy for him in the mornings. When he gallops, he won’t change his legs because he’s just floating along and then on race day, he has got into a habit of doing the same thing.” A winner of his last 12 consecutive races, Ka Ying Rising dominated across an invincible eight-race 2024/25 campaign, headlined by two course records at Sha Tin over 1200m and four elite level successes: 2024 Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), 2025 Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), 2025 Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and 2025 Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). “He’s not fit, so he’s not going to feel at his best at the moment. He needed the trial and he’s going to improve from it. He was feeling it, which is good. Now he’s got to improve. We just wanted to see him come back nice and he’s done that. So that’s a first step. It’s a long way to go,” Purton said. Five-year-old Ka Ying Rising, rated 134 locally with HK$65.97 million banked, spent the off-season recharging at Conghua before returning to Sha Tin last week for today’s barrier trial as preparations ramp up towards his first race outside of Hong Kong on 18 October in Sydney, Australia: AU$20 million (approx. HK$100.34 million) Gr.1 The Everest (1200m). Ka Ying Rising will trial once more at Sha Tin on Saturday, 30 August. Group One winners Private Harry, Briasa and Jimmysstar also have slots in the lucrative showdown Down Under at Royal Randwick. Ka Ying Rising is expected to trial in Sydney before the race. Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) also tuned up this morning before his HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup tilt at Sha Tin, clocking a hard-fought 1m 09.29s over 1200m on the dirt – again with a set of blinkers applied – under rider Derek Leung for trainer Manfred Man. Leung said: “His action is good and everything is fine. This is first time back trialling, so he’s a bit heavy and a bit fat. His fitness should be better after this trial. I could feel his action was fine but he just needed a blow. It’s normal for every horse coming back.” Lucky Sweynesse is entered for 28 September’s Gr.1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) in Japan, a race won by Hong Kong-trained runners Silent Witness (2005) and Ultra Fantasy (2010). “We still need to see how he runs on the first day. Everything is fine right now,” Leung said. View the full article

With Blake Shinn on sidelines through suspension, Lindsay Park has gone to noted big race jockey Mark Zahra to ride Oak Hill (NZ) (Per Incanto) in a Stakes race at Moonee Valley. While the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) on Saturday may not have the prestige of a Melbourne Cup or a Caulfield Cup, it is still a nice little race to put on the CV. Zahra has not taken the race since it earned Black Type status for the 2011 edition, while Lindsay Park’s sole win came in 2018 with Faatinah. Only Ben Hayes was a part of the Lindsay Park training partnership then, preparing the sprinter with his father David Hayes and cousin Tom Dabernig. Since joining current trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes, Oak Hill is unbeaten in his two start and was a convincing winner in a benchmark 100 contest over Saturday’s course and distance on August 9 to commence his campaign. Oak Hill was previously prepared by Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson before switching to Lindsay Park when successful at Caulfield in May. The sprinter will be chasing his fifth win at The Valley from six starts and is aiming to secure a first success at Stakes level. The gelding’s only previous Stakes level run was up the straight at Flemington in the Listed Bob Hoysted Stakes (1000m) in March, after which he went to Echuca to run second to Midwest in the Country Discovery (1000m) in April. Ben Hayes said if Oak Hill can continue on his upward spiral and complete back-to-back Moonee Valley win, then the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) on September 6 is likely to be on the agenda. The early season Moonee Valley treble was completed by Mornington Glory, an opponent on Saturday, last year. Hayes said Oak Hill had bounced out of his first-up win well and did a nice piece of work on Tuesday to have him ready for Saturday’s contest. “We took him back to the farm and he did a bit of striding work towards the end of last week, and he’s freshened up well,” Hayes said. “He’s got a great record at The Valley, he’s nearly undefeated there and he didn’t have long off (after his last prep) so he’s got a base on him. “I think it’s a nice race to target and if we’re really happy with him then we’ll head towards the Moir. “He’s a beautiful, big, strong horse that’s nice and sharp, so I think he deserves his shot.” View the full article

Late starter Jack Morrison will be presented with another ideal opportunity on his home polytrack course at Awapuni on Sunday to make up for lost time. The son of Darci Brahma has proved himself to be an all-weather specialist and will chase further success in the BJW Motors 2022 Ltd Handicap (1700m). Jack Morrison has posted six wins and a minor placing from his eight appearances on the synthetic surface at Awapuni and was most recently a game fifth in the $100,000 TAB Polytrack Championship (2000m) at Cambridge. “It looks a good race for him and his run the other day wasn’t too bad,” trainer Mark Oulaghan said. “He’s racing well and seems to keep his best form for this track, so he’s a good show again.” Jack Morrison joined Oulaghan’s stable later in life and his flat form has put the original intention of going over fences on hold. “I got him as a rising five-year-old with the idea of getting him jumping, and he’ll probably end up doing that at some stage, but at the moment we’ll keep plugging away,” he said. Prior to his northern sojourn, Jack Morrison had been in fine touch with a hat-trick of wins and a sound fourth under 62.5kg to his credit. Meanwhile, top jumper Berry The Cash returned from Riccarton in good order with sights now set on the J Swap Great New Zealand Hurdle (4200m) at Te Aroha on September 19. He ran second in the Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) on the opening day of the southern carnival before finishing fifth in his bid for a third victory in the Grand National Hurdles (4200m). “He’s well and probably got a bit far out of his ground and couldn’t make it up,” Oulaghan said. “He seems pretty good, and he’ll press on toward the Northern and he’ll probably have a flat run somewhere before that.” Stablemate Semper Magico will shortly return to the stable after he was sidelined following three outings this winter. “He’s had a couple of niggling muscle problems and that’s just held him up, so he’s not doing much at the moment,” Oulaghan said. “He’s had a couple of weeks off and I’ll probably get him back in next week and hopefully get him back racing in the next month.” Semper Magico has won on nine occasions on the flat and finished runner-up in an edition of the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m), and in a brief hurdling career has a runaway win and a placing to his credit. Oulaghan is undecided about the immediate future of his star jumper West Coast, who came up short in his bid for a fourth consecutive victory in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton. The 10-year-old landed awkwardly after jumping Cutts Brush the final time and nearly unseated rider Willie McCarthy before finishing fourth under 73kg. “He spread himself at that fence and sometimes those things can take a while to get over, but he does seem to be okay,” Oulaghan said. West Coast has also won the last two editions of the Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m) at Te Rapa, but the relocation in venue for this year’s renamed Ben and Ryan Foote Great NZ Steeplechase (6200m) has cast doubt on his participation. “I’m not overly keen to run him at Te Aroha, it’s a smaller turning track so I don’t know whether it’s quite his thing, so I’m undecided whether he’ll have another run or not,” Oulaghan said. View the full article

Group Three winner Lupo Solitario has returned to New Zealand, and the care of his former trainer Danica Guy, following a six-month racing stint in Hong Kong. The now five-year-old son of Satono Aladdin had seven starts in the competitive racing jurisdiction for trainer Frankie Lor, but a race fall at Sha Tin in February knocked his confidence and a decision was made to send him back to his homeland after three subsequent unplaced runs. He has returned to Guy’s Matamata stable, where he was among the more exciting prospects in his three-year-old crop, winning three and runner-up in two of his six starts in New Zealand, including winning the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) over Orchestral, and was second behind Crocetti in the Gr.2 James And Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m). Guy is pleased to have him back in her barn, and she said she will take a cautious approach with his return. “He is back in my ownership and care,” she said. “We are going to give him a good break and get him physically right again. I am not in any hurry to get him back to the races, even if it takes 12 months, it doesn’t matter. “We will just look after him, get him back to his best, and see what we have got. “If they have got ability it never leaves them, it is still there somewhere.” Meanwhile, Guy is looking forward to kicking-off the career of promising three-year-old Dashing in the Banquo 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. By Justify, Dashing is out of Group Three performer Lubaya, who is a half-sister to Group One winner Lion Tamer and a full-sister to Group Two performer Let Me Roar, the dam of Group Two performer Mr Maestro. Bred by Milan Park principal Tony Rider, he was purchased through the farm’s 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft for $190,000 by Gary Harding, and he will carry his familiar silks on Saturday. Dashing has shown a lot of promise for Guy in his three trials to date, including winning his 900m heat at Te Rapa earlier this month. Guy is looking forward to testing his talents on Saturday, where he will jump from barrier two, with jockey Masa Hashizume aboard. “He has drawn a nice, soft gate, has a good rider on and he is well. I am very happy with him,” Guy said. “It is a very strong field. I think anything that runs in the top three is going to be looking pretty good for their three-year-old season. “We hope he measures up, but you just never know. We will just get through tomorrow and reassess, and then we will know whether we are going left or right.” Guy will also line-up nine-year-old gelding Wild West in the Ardrossan 1200. “Wild West is going well,” she said. “He is in his last couple of runs, he won’t be going around too much longer, but I think he has got another rating 65 win in him somewhere.” View the full article

Palmerston North trainers Kevin and Stephen Gray are hoping to pick up a couple of winners’ cheques this weekend as they prepare to line-up a quintet of runners at Hawera and Awapuni. The father-and-son combination will take just the one runner to Hawera on Saturday, with debutant placegetter Ready Response to contest the Canter 4 Cancer Maiden 1400. Stephen Gray has been pleased with the way the four-year-old son of Better Than Ready has come through his debut run over 1200m a fortnight ago and he is looking forward to him stepping up in distance this weekend. “He went really well on debut and he should improve with the extra distance,” he said. “We are pretty happy with him and hopefully he should be in the first three again.” Looking ahead to Awapuni’s synthetic meeting on Sunday, the Grays will line-up another debutant placegetter in the Sean Coleman Painting 1200 in Toronto. The five-year-old son of Vancouver ran third over 1000m at the track at the start of the month and Gray believes the extra distance will also be his friend on Sunday. “Toronto went super first start,” Gray said. “There were a couple of horses that were a bit more experienced and 1000m was a bit sharp. He made good ground and I think 1200m will be good back to maiden company. He is a nice horse.” Last start winner Our Akashinga will be seeking to continue her winning ways in the HR Jones & Co LTD 1200. “She ran a track record the other day,” Gray said. “She has freshened up a bit. 1200m might be a tad short, she will get further, but she has got quality and she will be right in the finish.” The stable will have a two-pronged attack in the Evans Henderson Woodbridge Barristers & Solicitors 1400 courtesy of Exaggeration and Tears Of Victory. Exaggeration has impressed in his brief career on the track, winning two of his three starts, and finished runner-up in his other outing. Gray is hopeful of another bold showing on Sunday and he is looking forward to stepping him out on the grass as tracks improve. “He did well to win last start,” Gray said. “His sectionals were huge and he is a very nice horse. “He goes up in class now, but he is a nice horse and he will be better once he gets over a mile to 2000m on the grass.” Tears Of Victory won two races prior to her unplaced run in the $100,000 Polytrack Championship (1400m), taken out by stablemate Cosentino, and Gray is hoping she can bounce back this weekend. “She just wasn’t good enough the other day and they were too sharp for her,” he said. “She gets back in class and the two-kilo claim will bring her right into contention.” The Grays weekend team will be rounded out by Yakattack in the Central ITM – Marton & Feilding 1700. He heads into the race in good form, having placed on the track first-up earlier this month following a year hiatus from racing. “He went really well first-up for us for a while, he hadn’t raced in a year,” Gray said. “He is a stayer, so we didn’t know what to expect. My rider (Bruno Queiroz) just said he needs ground, so we threw him in the deep end and he went well. If he improves a bit he can be in the first three again and could even win it.” View the full article

Two years ago, Daniel Alonso's Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) ran off to an impressive victory in the GII Charles Town Classic and returned last term to replicate the feat, winning by 5 3/4 lengths as the even-money choice. At Charles Town Friday, the 6-year-old will try for the three-peat when he lines up against seven others in the nine-furlong test. This season, the grey finished third in the GI Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream in January before taking Tampa's Challenger Stakes Mar. 8. Third in the GII Oaklawn Handicap in April, the Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee shipped cross-country to take the GII Hollywood Gold Cup at Santa Anita May 26. Let go at 20-1 in his latest race–the GI Whitney Stakes–Skippylongstocking tired late to be seventh, beaten over 12 lengths by Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). Jose Ortiz will ride the 7-5 morning line favorite. Joseph also figures prominently in the seven-furlong GII Charles Town Oaks earlier in Friday's card. The trainer is responsible for no less than four of the sophomore fillies entered, including 5-2 morning line choice Indy Bay (Take Charge Indy), winner of three consecutive races this season including the six-panel Jersey Girl Stakes at the Spa June 8. In her graded stakes debut, the dark bay finished a distant third behind the highly-regarded Echo Sound in the 6 1/2-furlong GIII Victory Ride Stakes at te Spa July 3. Joseph is also represented by last out stakes winner Andrea (Thousand Words), SW Luvumorgan (Union Rags) and recent Iowa Oaks third Paradise City (McKinzie). Searching for her first start of the season, Vodka With a Twist (Thousand Words) returns off a sixth-place finish when trying the turf at Ellis in the Pea Patch Stakes July 6. Runner-up in a pair of Grade I tests at two, the Phil D'Amato-trained filly ran second behind Kilwin (Twirling Candy) in the seven-furlong Leslie's Lady Overnight Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 8. Luis Saez will ride the filly for the first time. The post Skippylongstocking Looks for the Hat Trick in Charles Town Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article