Wandering Eyes

Having only recently returned from injury, Yutaka Take put a terrific ride on 21-5 second favourite DO DEUCE (JPN) (c, 4, Heart's Cry {Jpn}–Dust and Diamonds, by Vindication), who kicked on sharply when asked entering the Nakayama straight and managed to outfinish a very game 4-year-old filly Stars on Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) for his fourth victory in the 'Grand Prix', the G1 Arima Kinen, Sunday afternoon. Outfooted and relegated to the tail of the field, with 5-2 pick Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) bringing up the rear, 2022 G1 Tokyo Yushun hero Do Deuce traveled strongly as Titleholder (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) opened a long lead through the middle stages as was widely expected. That retiring 5-year-old took the Arima Kinen field into the final 600 metres and still appeared to be going well, but the swoopers began to descend entering the final quarter-mile. Titleholder was brave on the lead, but just couldn't quite see it out, as Do Deuce rolled home to score cosily, giving Take an 81st elite-level success on the JRA. Stars on Earth was given a positive ride from gate 16 by Christophe Lemaire and went down swinging from between horses in second, while Titleholder managed to hold off Justin Palace for third. Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), like Do Deuce a winner of the Tokyo Yushun (2021) was fifth, while reigning Derby winner Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}) was eighth. Two-time graded-stakes winner Dust and Diamonds, also runner-up to Groupie Doll in the 2012 GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint for Padua Stables and Richard Santulli, changed hands for $900,000 at that year's Fasig-Tipton November Sale and won the GIII Sugar Swirl S. in a single racetrack appearance for Borges Torrealba Holdings and Three Chimneys Farm. The mare foaled MGSP Much Better (Pioneerof the Nile) for that operation. She was later purchased by Katsumi Yoshida for an even $1 million in foal to Pioneerof the Nile at the 2016 Keeneland November Sale. Lifetime Record: 13-6-1-1. O-Kieffers Co Ltd; B-Northern Farm; T-Yasuo Tomomichi. The retiring TITLEHOLDER looked to have the G1 Arima Kinen won… …until Yutaka Take and DO DEUCE swamped to take the prize! #ドウデュース | #武豊 | #有馬記念 | #競馬pic.twitter.com/08XARLt3ba — World Horse Racing (@WHR) December 24, 2023 The post Do Deuce Gives Legendary Take a Fourth Arima Kinen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rider Penalties S Wynne | Ashburton 20 December; use of whip; suspended 31 December – 5 January inclusive. B May | Ashburton 20 December; careless riding; suspended 31 December – 5 January inclusive. A Najib | Ashburton 20 December; careless riding; suspended 31 December – 4 January inclusive. L Allpress | Ashburton 20 December; use of whip; fined $500. R Elliot | Levin 21 December; failed to make weight; fined $200. B Rogerson | Matamata 22 December; careless riding; suspended 2-6 January inclusive. D Cooper | Waikato 23 December; careless riding; suspended 31 December – 5 January inclusive. N Parmar | Waikato 23 December; medical clearance required. B Jacobson | Matamata 22 December (heard Waikato 23 December); use of whip; fined $250. S O’Malley | Manawatu 23 December; careless riding; suspended 27-30 December inclusive and fined $250. Trainer Penalty L Latta | Manawatu 23 December; late rider declaration; fined $100. Horse Penalties GUNGAGAI STAR | Ashburton 20 December; bled; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. SINDEE | Levin 21 December; late scratching after failing to load; must complete trial. BAXTER | Matamata 22 December; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. WITHEEZE | Matamata 22 December; late scratching after refusing to load; must complete trial. DOUBLE VISION | Matamata 22 December; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. INVINCIBEEL | Matamata 22 December; lame; veterinary clearance required. MISS MARTINI | Matamata 22 December; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. LIVE DRAMA | Manawatu 23 December; late scratching after failing to load; must complete trial. LEO’S HIPPO | Tapanui 24 December; late scratching after failing to load and found to have lacerations to hind legs; veterinary clearance required and must complete trial. The post 18-24 December 2023 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Trainer/Handler Penalties M Clark | Non-raceday dated 19 December; failed to present runner free of prohibited substance; fined $800. R Wales | Christchurch 22 December; failed to present runner; fined $50. Dog Penalties AMALTHEA | Christchurch 17 December; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. ALPHA DAVE | Christchurch 17 December; cramped in running; must complete trial. OPAWA AVA | Southland 20 December; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. HOMEBUSH DELIGHT | Christchurch 22 December; turned in boxes; must complete box trial. GOLDSTAR PENN | Christchurch 22 December; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. The post 18-24 December 2023 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Over the next three months, Hall of Fame horseman Graeme Rogerson could be racing for more than $4 million in prizemoney with two members of his Tuhikaramea stable. As well as training in partnership with his wife Debbie, Rogerson also part-owns the reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Sharp ‘N’ Smart and highly promising three-year-old Just As Sharp Triple Group One winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood) is rapidly closing in on a return to racing, while Just As Sharp (NZ) (Swiss Ace) will shoot for the fourth win of his five-race career when he lines up in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day. “I think we’ve got a bit to look forward to,” Rogerson said. “Sharp ‘N’ Smart will be running on January 14 in an open sprint at Ellerslie. Bailey (Rogerson, granddaughter) will ride him there and claim three kilograms in that race. From there, he’ll head into that new four-year-old race on Karaka Millions night.” The TAB currently rates Sharp ‘N’ Smart a $12 chance for that race, the inaugural $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27. Legarto is the $2.50 favourite, with Desert Lightning at $6 and Waitak $10. Meanwhile, Just As Sharp heads into Boxing Day as a $9 fourth favourite for the Auckland Guineas. The Swiss Ace gelding has barely put a foot wrong in his four starts so far. He made his debut in a $40,000 special conditions maiden at Cambridge on July 26, lining up as a two-year-old against older horses and beating Ka Ying Lucky by a short neck. The third placegetter finished another four and a half lengths behind the first pair. Just As Sharp’s three-year-old debut came at Ruakaka in early August, where he placed behind the undefeated Crocetti, who went on to win the Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), Gr.2 Sarten Memorial (1400m) and Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) through the remainder of the spring. Just As Sharp returned from a freshen-up with a three-length win in Rating 65 company at Rotorua on November 21, then stepped into stakes class with an impressive last-to-first win in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial (1500m) at Te Rapa on December 2. “That was a top win, and I think he has the makings of a very good horse,” Rogerson said. “I’ve been very happy with him since then. He galloped with Sharp ‘N’ Smart on Tuesday morning and had a real good hitout. Ryan (Elliot, jockey) is thrilled with him. “I was a little bit worried about going from 1500m back down to 1400m, but he’s certainly going in the right direction and I think he’ll run a big race. “We’ll take him to Wellington after this for the Levin Classic (Gr.1, 1600m), and then he’ll come back up to Auckland for the Karaka Millions meeting. We’ll decide what we do with him after that – it could be the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m), or it could be the Avondale Guineas (Gr.2, 2100m). We’ll be working our way towards the Derby (Gr.1, 2400m). “It might not seem like it for a son of Swiss Ace, but I really think he’s a Derby horse. The way he won the other day, he gives us the impression that he’ll go a lot further. Ryan is very confident that he will.” Just As Sharp is rated a $16 chance in the TAB’s market for the $500,000 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic at Trentham on January 13. He is available at a quote of $14 for the $1.5 million TAB Karaka Millions 3YO at Ellerslie on January 27. The chestnut is a $61 outsider for the $600,000 Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa on February 10, and he is rated an $18 chance for the $1 million Trackside New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie on March 2. View the full article

Kingsclere Stables are hoping to sing a winning tune at Pukekohe Park on Boxing Day, with their talented three-year-old trio headed by Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m). Orchestral indicated her promise early as a two-year-old, scorching into second on debut ahead of Eight Carat favourite Molly Bloom, before breaking maiden status smartly in May. The daughter of Savabeel possibly wasn’t appreciative of the Soft conditions at Hawke’s Bay first-up in her three-year-old season, but a three-month hiatus seemed to do wonders as she narrowly missed causing a minor upset in the Gr.3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) on December 9, going down by a nose to Lupo Solitario with an impressive 32.86 last 600m. “I really like the filly, but she has got to measure up to the best company yet,” co-trainer Roger James told TAB NZ. “First-up her sectionals were very impressive. Having said that, there is a lot of form in that field that she is meeting on Boxing Day, so she is going to have to be at the top of her game, and have a bit of luck on her side as well. “I haven’t done a lot with her since, but you would think after a spell that there would be natural improvement. “She hasn’t met any of those horses bar Molly Bloom first-up, and there was only a nose between them. “1600m at this stage of her prep will be ideal for her. I haven’t seen her over further than what she did the other day (Bonecrusher Stakes), so you learn as you go at this stage.” Orchestral will have the services of Opie Bosson in the saddle, the top hoop all too familiar with winning the fillies’ feature, having won recent editions in 2020 and 2021 with Te Akau’s Amarelinha and Belle En Rouge. James, who trains in partnership with Robert Wellwood, hasn’t been short of three-year-old talent this season, and the Cambridge trainers will also be well represented in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) with Zabmanzor (NZ) (Almanzor) and December (NZ) (Shamexpress). An exciting Almanzor colt, Zabmanzor built to a tidy maiden victory in November, and made a bold statement in just his fourth race-day appearance with an electric four-length demolition in the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki last-start. December has taken a different route to Pukekohe than his stablemate but has been equally effective remaining unbeaten in his two career attempts over 1200m at Tauranga and Wanganui. Craig Grylls will partner the Shamexpress gelding in his step-up in grade and distance, while regular rider Masa Hashizume will guide Zabmanzor in the $225,000 feature. “Zabmanzor was impressive (at Otaki), I don’t know the quality of the field that he beat, it is certainly not up to the quality of the field he is going to meet on Boxing Day,” James said. “December has won two trials and two races. He is a laidback customer that doesn’t tell you much in his work, but he couldn’t have done any more than he has done at this stage.” James is hopeful the pair will progress onwards to the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1600m) on January 13, while Zabmanzor holds future nominations in both the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m). “They are both in good order. We would like to think that one or both of them would get into the Levin Classic, but we are keeping that open,” he said. View the full article

In-form gelding One Bold Cat (NZ) (The Bold One) will get his first tilt at elite-level on Boxing Day when he heads north to Pukekohe to tackle the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (1600m). The Taranaki galloper has won seven and placed in two of his 12 career starts for trainer Robbie Patterson, and handled the step-up to stakes level with aplomb at Pukekohe last month when taking out the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m). He will return to the South Auckland venue on Tuesday following a pleasing exhibition gallop at Otaki last Thursday. “He missed out on a trial on Tuesday so I gave him an exhibition gallop and Gryllsy (Craig Grylls, jockey) was rapt with him. We are going in the right direction,” Patterson said. One Bold Cat will be met by a handy line-up in the Group One feature, but Patterson is confident his gelding will be competitive in his first weight-for-age outing, particularly if there is any precipitation. “It is a pretty strong field,” he said. “I know going from handicap conditions to weight-for-age is another kettle of fish but I think he is a horse that will cope with it. He is very honest and is a good galloper so I can’t see any reason why he can’t handle the step up. “The weather is going to be the dictating factor I would say. There is a bit of rain coming, which won’t worry us as he has won six from seven on a heavy track. “We are praying for rain, as it helps us, but on top of the ground it is a really even field.” A freshen-up awaits One Bold Cat following Tuesday’s contest before he is set for further Group One assignments later in summer. “I don’t think we will go to the Thorndon Mile (Gr.1, 1600m), it is just not his race, he needs further. He will deserve a week to 10 days in the paddock after this,” Patterson said. “If we he can go well in that the natural progression will be to go to the Herbie Dyke (Gr.1, 2000m) and then the Bonecrusher (Gr.1, 2000m), and that will be his season I would say. “Then we would get him ready for Hawke’s Bay (Spring Carnival) as he can handle off ground.” View the full article

The training combination of John and Karen Parsons and Varma Ramhit look to hold the key to success in the main race at Wingatui on Boxing Day, the Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Hazlett Stakes (1200m). The trio will line up the early Fixed Odds favourite in consistent mare Watch Out ($4) while stablemate Amberecho ($11) is a strong second candidate if she can shake off some bad luck of late. Karen Parsons found it hard to separate the pair with the prevailing track conditions on the day likely to have a say in how the race plays out for their runners. “We are keeping an eye on the weather as it is currently a Slow 7 and while Watch Out (NZ) (Highly Recommended) can handle some cut in the surface she wouldn’t want it any worse than that,” Parsons said. “Amberecho (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven) handles a wet track a lot better so she won’t mind if there is rain around, she just needs to finally get some luck as the only luck she has had lately has been bad. “She likes to get up on the speed and with her barrier draw (1) we’re hoping Sam (Wynne) can get her away and she gets a good run near the lead. “Watch Out is a little more versatile and she has really impressed us during this campaign. “She has only been out of the first three once in 11 starts and that day she got stuck wide and just kept on giving to run sixth in her first attempt at stakes company. “While she is dropping back to 1200m we think she will still be very competitive as long as Jasmine (Fawcett) can get her handy at the start as that is the key to the 1200m races at that track.” Parsons admits there are also bragging rights on the line between her and husband John. “While it has my name in the book, Watch Out is actually John’s horse while Amberecho is mine along with a group of good clients,” she said. “There will be a fair bit of banter on Christmas Day no doubt and we will just have to see who gets the upper hand. “Every year we are travelling on Christmas Day and this year is no exception as we have a pretty big team entered so we will be on the road early. “It would be nice to get a winner to make up for it.” The Parsons and Ramhit team have numerous runners littered throughout the Wingatui programme, with Parsons nominating Miss Brittany and Stolen Decree as two of their better chances with track conditions to suit. View the full article

Punters were on good terms with themselves as they saw promising mare Islington Lass (NZ) (Proisir) make it consecutive victories to open her summer campaign with a determined effort to take out the Noel Eales Memorial Cup (1600m) at Trentham. The lightly raced five-year-old had saluted in fine fashion first up on her home track a month ago and despite the four week break stripped a picture of fitness for trainer Allan Sharrock. Backed in to start a $2.70 favourite the daughter of Proisir enjoyed a lovely trip in transit courtesy of rider Micheal McNab, who made his move on the mare rounding the home bend. The pair set out after pacemaker Wolfgang and his stablemate Bad ‘n’ Bouj, who looked likely to fight out the finish until Islington Lass dug deep in the final 100m to thrust her head in front and record career win number four at just her seventh start. Sharrock was pleased to see the progress the mare has made during this campaign and expects her to be just as competitive at a higher level. “She beat the second-up bogey today which was my main concern,” Sharrock said. “She had a soft jumpout after her first up win and has come on well. “Black type is the goal for her and I wouldn’t be afraid to have a go at a race like the Trentham Stakes (Gr.3, 2100m) as we tried her over 2100m last season but the track was too hard that day. “She loves a bit of dig in the ground so we will be looking for a little bit of rain when we do have a go.” Islington Lass is a daughter of Montjeu mare Miss Relentless, a half sister to Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Boundless and comes from an extended family that includes Gr.1 Brisbane Cup (3200m) winner Limitless and four-time Group One winner Veyron View the full article

After mastering the step up from Rating 65 to open class in the $50,000 Print House Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa on Saturday, in-form five-year-old Lingjun Xiongfeng (The Factor) has a Group Two feature on New Year’s Day in his sights. Previously a placegetter behind Pinarello in the Gr.2 Championship Stakes (2100m) as an autumn three-year-old in April 2022, the talented grey recorded his first win in 21 months with a stunning burst from the back of a 14-horse field at Pukekohe on December 9. Backing up two weeks later in a much higher grade, Lingjun Xiongfeng went back-to-back on Saturday with an even better performance. Patiently ridden by Billy Jacobson, the five-year-old entire dropped out to the back of the field before being brought to the outside at the top of the Te Rapa straight. Jacobson released the brakes and Lingjun Xiongfeng exploded, bounding past his seven rivals with ease. He kept going from there, opening up a winning margin of five and a half lengths. Monza finished a distant second, with last year’s Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) winner Asterix producing an encouraging first-up run for third. Trained by Mike Moroney and Pam Gerard, Lingjun Xiongfeng has now had 21 starts for three wins, eight placings and $122,335 in prize-money. He was bought for only A$40,000 in Adelaide as a yearling in 2020, and he is owned by Ma Junping. “He’s absolutely flying at the moment,” Gerard said. “He’s jumping out of his skin, working and eating well and looks terrific. He’s very fit and I’d been very happy with the way he’d been working. “He was absolutely amazing at Pukekohe last start, and I think in the last month he has grown lengths after being a little bit wayward, obviously still being a colt. “About a month ago he just started looking like something different, and he’s shown that in races – winning in Rating 65 grade and now a big win against very nice horses in an open handicap. “He’s a horse with a lot of potential and could now prepare for the Rich Hill Mile (Gr.2, 1600m) at Pukekohe.” Lingjun Xiongfeng completed a Te Rapa double for Moroney and Gerard, who also won the Waikato/BOP Racehorse Owners Association Mile (1600m) with Mineshaft (NZ) (Merchant Navy). The four-year-old collected a deserved maiden win after recording two seconds and three thirds from his five previous starts. Mineshaft will now be aimed at the inaugural $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham on January 20. Saturday’s race at Te Rapa was a ‘golden ticket’ for that race, meaning Mineshaft is now exempt from the ballot. “He’d done well for being freshened,” Gerard said. “He’d been faultless in his work leading into the race, obviously has a liking for the course, and the win qualifies him for a big race.” View the full article

Nash failed to follow up his scintillating victory last month at Churchill Downs with a strong performance in the $98,000 Gun Runner Stakes Dec. 23 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots and finished third as the 1-5 favorite to Track Phantom.View the full article

Winless in three efforts since his gutsy Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) victory in March, the Jeremiah O'Dwyer trainee may have earned his ticket back to Meydan after taking the seven-furlong Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) for the second year in a row. View the full article

Souper Blessing held off a fast-closing Irish Aces to win the Tropical Park Derby in just his second start on turf.View the full article

After taking three tries over the Churchill main track to break his maiden, TRACK PHANTOM (c, 2, Quality Road–Miss Sunset, by Into Mischief) shipped south to the Fair Grounds and immediately picked up a stakes win along with 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby in Saturday's Gun Runner S. Breaking from the far outside gate, the Steve Asmussen trainee got the jump to the front along with longshot Next Level (Vino Rosso) and the pair raced side by side until Track Phantom kicked on for home past the quarter pole. 'TDN Rising Star' Nash (Medaglia d'Oro) made a brief move but settled for third while Snead (Nyquist) came running home well for second. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-1. O-L and N Racing LLC, Brewster, Clark O., Caroom, Jerry and Breeze Easy, LLC; B-Breeze Easy, LLC; T-Steve Asmussen. Sales History: $500,000 ylg'22 KEESEP. TRACK PHANTOM wins the Gun Runner Stakes and earns 10 points on the Road to the #KyDerby! pic.twitter.com/Q54avTYiTv — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) December 23, 2023 The post Track Phantom Upsets Nash In Gun Runner S. appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Sunday, December 24. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these complimentary promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximize your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for December 24, 2023, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Ipswich Race 1 – Run 2nd or 3rd score up to $100 in Bonus Cash Enter the Bonus Code BONUS100 on the Bonus Bets/Offers page, place a fixed win bet on Ipswich race 1 and if your selection runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $100 in Bonus Cash. One Bonus per week. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo 10% Bonus Winnings – Up to 100% Bonus Cash at Tamworth, Taree & Gore. Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH up to $100 (including SRM). First Bet Only. T&Cs apply Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Sunday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-3 at Belmont Back a horse in races 1-3 at Belmont and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get your stake back as a bonus bet. Min. 6 runners. Fixed odds only Check Vault for eligibility. Limits may apply. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for December 24, 2023. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimize your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

ALPINE PRINCESS (f, 2, Classic Empire–Le Moine, by Curlin) took the field gate-to-wire to pick up her first stakes win Saturday in the Untapable S. at the Fair Grounds. Breaking from the inside, the last-out winner led at every call under a confident Florent Geroux and only opened up through the final furlong to win easily over a closing West Omaha (West Coast). Lifetime Record: 5-3-0-1. O-Full of Run Racing II, LLC and Madaket Stables LLC; B-Betz/DJ Stables/Peter V. Lamantia/Classic Empire Syndicate; T-Brad Cox. Sales History: $190,000 ylg'22 KEESEP. The post Alpine Princess Goes Gate-To-Wire In Untapable appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Boxing Day is not a holiday observed on the American calendar–thanks, Revolutionary generation. However, the day after Christmas is circled in red by the horse racing cadre because it means one thing: Opening Day at Santa Anita Park. This Tuesday, an 11-race card kicks off at 2 p.m. ET under the picturesque San Gabriel mountains in Arcadia, California–six of which are graded stakes. To entice the horseplayer, the Classic Meet sports a $1 Pick Six, a 14 percent takeout on both the .50 Early and Late Pick 5, and we will see the return of the $3 All-Turf Pick 3, which was announced during the recent Autumn Meet. As for the graded lineup, of course the feature is once again the GI Malibu S. for 3-year-olds going seven furlongs on dirt. Trainer Bob Baffert has GSW Speed Boat Beach (Bayern), GSW Fort Bragg (Tapit) and GISP Hejazi (Bernardini) ready to go. The Hall of Famer, who won last year's edition with 'TDN Rising Star' Taiba (Gun Runner), is seeking his sixth win in the Malibu. That would tie fellow Hall member Richard Mandella for most wins all-time in the race. The 3-year-old fillies take the stage in the GI La Brea S. going seven furlongs. GISP Clearly Unhinged (Into Mischief) looks to be the leading contender. The Michael McCarthy-trainee was most recently sixth at 'The Great RIP' in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Nov. 4. Baffert, who has won the last two La Breas, and with a record of nine overall, enters GSP Fast and Shiny (Bernardini), while trainer Brad Cox ships in SW Howl (Practical Joke). Anisette | Benoit In the GI American Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/4 miles on turf, GISW Anisette (GB) Awtaad (Ire) is the standout. The Leonard Powell-trainee won the GI Del Mar Oaks and GII San Clemente S. at Del Mar earlier this year. Most recently, Anisette was the runner-up in both the GII Rodeo Drive S. Oct. 7 and GIII Autumn Miss S. Nov. 5, both at Santa Anita. Alongside the three Grade Is are the same number of Grade IIs, which all carry a purse of $200,000. The GII San Gabriel S. for 3-year-olds and up at nine furlongs on turf includes Easter (Fr). The Phil D'Amato-trainee won his first start for his new barn in the GII Seabiscuit H. at Del Mar Nov. 25. The 5-year-old Australian-bred by Exosphere (Aus) was previously based in New York with trainer Graham Motion. The GII San Antonio S. is for 3-year-olds and up going 1 1/16 miles on dirt. Present are Stilleto Boy (Shackleford), winner of this year's GI Santa Anita H.; GSW Newgrange (Violence); MGSW Brickyard Ride (Clubhouse Ride); and GSW Salesman (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Add in South American import Subsanador (Arg) (Fortify), who is a Argentinian multiple Group 1 winner, and this makes for a pretty salty affair. In what might be the most open battle on the whole card, the GII Mathis Mile S. over the grass for 3-year-olds includes GSP Almendares (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), SW Dandy Man Shines (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) and GSP Panic Alarm (Ire) (Kuroshio {Aus}). The post Simple Pleasure: Graded Racing On Opening Day In Arcadia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Pukekohe trainers Peter and Vaughan Blanchard will be hoping their run of success continues at Cambridge Raceway’s iconic Christmas Eve race meeting tonight. The father and son partnership start five horses with the first of those being God Dam to be driven by Sailesh Abernethy in Race 2, the Summer of Racing @ CR Starts 7th Jan Mobile Pace over 2200m. “She’s new to the stable and we are still getting to know her, but we’ve been happy enough with her work through the week” says Blanchard. Acushla Machree, a winner of three races in a row before finishing 8th in the Group 3 Caduceus Club Northern Breeders Stakes, starts in Race 5, the NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale 18-21 Mobile Pace. “She’s had a big campaign but seems well, and despite the tricky draw of 8 over 1700m I think will go a good race” says Blanchard. Cyclone Lucky Linda and Ruby Ridge contend in Race 7, the IRT Cambridge Xmas Handicap Trot, with both horses starting off the front line and driven by Zachary Butcher and Peter Ferguson, respectively. “These two mares have had minor issues and haven’t come back quite as we hoped but we think they’re getting to their best now and provided they get good trips and do things right they should be hitting the line well” says Blanchard “Ruby Ridge also prefers racing left-handed having won 4 races here.” The Blanchard’s final runner, Sunshine Shelby, also looks a good chance in Race 8, the Mark Wambold Memorial Mobile Pace over 2200m. The 3 year old by Sunshine Beach brings solid Alexandra Park form and was a gallant 2nd when beaten narrowly by My Copy on the 8th of December. “I think he’s our best chance of the night, he’s really grown up and learnt what racing is all about now” says Blanchard “On the whole the team is pretty well placed tonight.” Sunshine Shelby starts from barrier 3 with Peter Ferguson driving. Race 6, the Dunstan Horse Feeds Cambridge Xmas Handicap Pace, will be one not to miss with the ten horse field including a host of competitive performers. Recent country cup winners Bad Medicine, Miki Shan and Brookie’s Jaffa all start in the field and 15 race winner New York Minute starts fresh in his first start since July. The race starts at 4:47pm and is a Country Championship Qualifier. The first race begins at 2:10pm and keep your eyes peeled for Santa who is set to hit the track! View the full article

"To win the big races in the same year is always very special, but to win two of the Triple Crown races, and on two different horses, is really special." —Javier CastellanoView the full article

Lightly raced but with plenty of potential, Legalize (c, 2, Constitution–Allez Marie, by Unbridled's Song) was part of the early pace rush and despite being floated very wide coming into the lane, the Cherie DeVaux trainee proved too much to reel in for 'TDN Rising Star' American Rascal (Curlin) en route to scoring his career-first black type in the Sugar Bowl S. Agoo (Munnings) rounded out the trifecta. The final time was 1:10.56. Sales history: $250,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $500,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. O-Twin Brook Stables, Belladonna Racing, LLC, Nice Guys Stables, West Point Thoroughbreds, Iapetus Racing, Hornstock, S., Runnels Racing, Perrine Time Thoroughbreds, R T R Stables, LLC, Peppermint Stables, LLC and Manganaro Bloodstock; B-Stud TNT, LLC (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. #4 LEGALIZE ($5.40) pressed the early pace before gaining the lead in the stretch en route to a first stakes victory in Fair Grounds' $100,000 Sugar Bowl Stakes. The 2-year-old by @WinStarFarm's Constitution was ridden by @b_hernandezjr for trainer @reredevaux. pic.twitter.com/khofRoyXC1 — TVG (@TVG) December 23, 2023 The post Constitution’s Legalize Too Much for Sugar Bowl Rivals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ethan Energy (c, 2, Uncle Mo–Sass and Class, by Harlan's Holiday), a well-beaten sixth on debut sprinting at Keeneland Oct. 22, took a major step forward stretching to two turns at second asking at Fair Grounds Saturday. Removing blinkers and adding Lasix for this, the 2-1 chance raced in fifth rounding the clubhouse turn. Racing under a tight hold by Florent Geroux, he began to settle down the backstretch in that same slot, made a flashy four-wide blitz approaching the quarter pole and leveled off nicely down the lane to win by five lengths over El Magnifico (Street Sense). The final time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:44.98. Sass and Class, also responsible for MGSW Royal Charlotte (Cairo Prince), had a colt by Authentic in 2022 and a colt by Curlin in 2023. She was bred back to Uncle Mo for 2024. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0. O-Stonestreet Stables LLC; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. The post Uncle Mo Colt Brings the ‘Energy’ Second Out at Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bob Baffert-trained Speed Boat Beach, Fort Bragg, and Hejazi are set to face off against shippers Giant Mischief, Raise Cain, and Damon's Mound as part of Santa Anita's opening-day card.View the full article

I just wanted to express my frustration and disappointment that we, as an industry, seem incapable of presenting a meaningful response to the negativity we are currently facing in the mainstream media. For example, when the 60 Minutes documentary aired several weeks ago, it elicited a wave of legitimate outrage. But the industry's side of the story was nowhere to be seen outside the trade press. We have a collective tendency, at times like this, to wring our hands and shuffle our feet, figuratively speaking. Surely the Thoroughbred Racing Industry, with all the fine bodies encompassed within it, with all their titles and acronyms, should have a public relations/damage control body tasked with countering some of the misinformation and negative reporting circulating in the free press? We have so many positives to present: the improvements to injury detection, increased out of competition testing, the monitoring of training and workouts, more pre race veterinary oversight, the dedication of Thoroughbred Retirement facilities and the huge success of the Thoroughbred Makeover Project, stricter drug testing and uniformity of rules through HISA and HWIU, more stringent protocols at sales and the resulting improvements to horse and jockey safety, all of which are clearly reflected in independent studies. And while with most of these we are playing off the back foot, playing defense, none of it takes into account the many 'feel good' stories from this year's racing, the magnificent spectacle of Thoroughbreds racing on a big race day, the euphoria of backing a winning combination or the sheer joy of owning a competitive racehorse. We now face the fallout from another damaging 'documentary' on racing, titled, 'Broken Horses', this time from the Disney Company, in which we are told that Thoroughbred horseracing's social license to exist is to be questioned, among other things. How many more such exposés in the mainstream media can we survive? Yet more fodder for the abolitionists. At what point will the New York State legislature decide to scrap plans for Belmont's renovation and spend the funds elsewhere? It seems we are in desperate need of an intelligently choreographed, sustained PR campaign stressing the love of the animals that is inseparable from our fine sport, the significant economic impact of the industry in racing states, of the beauty of the horses themselves or of the farms that nurture them, the rich traditions of its history, the international competition between owners, trainers and racing jurisdictions globally and the excitement associated with owning, or just betting, a winner. These are significant talking points, of which we could make far better use. We have industry insiders loudly and publicly calling for an overhaul of the sport, of purging 'the evildoers' and of the rampant use of performance enhancing drugs, which only adds fuel to the firestorm of public criticism. Yes, we need constantly to raise the bar and continue to make ongoing improvements in every aspect the sport, which, by the way, we are doing. We all agree on this. But it seems to me that it is past time to link arms and present a united front that gives a more accurate portrayal of our beautiful sport, and its fine athletes, than that which is fed to the public by certain factions of the mainstream media. With the many powerful intellects and social influencers among our participants, it defies credibility that we seem unable to create an entity whose sole task is to present the multitude of positives our sport has to offer. Perhaps now would be a really good time to form such a body. –Nick de Meric. The post Letter To The Editor: Nick de Meric appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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As 2023 draws to a close, the TDN is asking industry members to name their favorite moment of the year. Send yours to suefinley@thetdn.com After all summer fighting in Saratoga with so much competition there, I think my biggest win was the GIII Virginia Derby with Integration for Shug McGaughey. That brightened up my summer and he got to come do it again at Aqueduct [in the GII Hill Prince S.] and I'm looking forward to staying on that horse in the future. –Kendrick Carmouche, jockey The post What Was Your Favorite Moment Of 2023: Kendrick Carmouche appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The catalogue for the Bloodstock South Africa Cape Yearling Sale, held at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Sunday, Feb. 25, is now available. Beginning at 12:30 p.m. local time, the sale features 156 yearlings set to go under the hammer by established sires Flower Alley, Futura (SAf), Ideal World, Legislate (SAf), Master Of My Fate (SAf), Pathfork, Querari (Ger), Rafeef (Aus), The United States (Ire), Vercingetorix (SAf), What A Winter (SAf), One World (SAf), and Talk Of The Town (SAf). There are also several yearlings catalogued by new sires like Declarationofpeace, Erik The Red (SAf), Hawwaam (SAf). The post Cape Yearling Catalogue Features Black-Type Pedigrees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article