Wandering Eyes

One of the country’s most successful jumps jockeys in Mathew Gillies will make a welcome return to the riding ranks at Wanganui on Sunday. Originally hailing from Palmerston North, the Auckland-based hoop won the National Jumps Jockeys’ Premiership in the 2013-24 season and has steered home a total of 101 winners, including six in Australia. Through this period, Gillies won a number of prestige races while also spending time on the sidelines through injury, but it was the COVID-19 outbreak that kept him out of the saddle after Grand National Week in 2021. “I was living in Auckland at the time, so I was locked in and unable to ride anymore,” he said. “I looked to come back in the next season, but during that COVID period, I did a lot of tree chopping and splitting wood by hand, so I gained a lot of muscle and didn’t have the right mindset. I schooled a lot of horses for Kevin Myers, but I just couldn’t get my weight down. “I’ve been riding two or three horses a morning when I can, but my main job has been working for Airport Livestock Services, we help New Zealand Bloodstock and IRT with loading and unloading and stall set-up, things like that. I’m still doing that now as well.” While still remaining involved in the industry at a distance, Gillies had no intention of coming back to race-riding, but that all changed when he caught up with a couple of familiar faces in Queenstown recently. “I went down to Shaun Fannin’s stag party for his wedding in Queenstown and was able to catch-up with Shaun, Dean Parker and Aaron Kuru,” he said. “They were talking about where jumps is going in New Zealand, and Shaun kind of egged me into coming back. “It’s all gone to plan from there, I’m back down in Cambridge riding work for Tony Pike and I went down to school Paul (Nelson)’s horses, then rode nine in total at the point-to-point at Levin. “I’ve had to drop a lot of weight and it’s come down really well. It’s just a matter of getting it down and maintaining that, when you stop doing something for a while and don’t worry too much about weight, it comes on and you also gain muscle. “It’s just been getting my mind back into it, I’ve been doing a lot of gym work, two or three hours a day and having one meal.” Gillies is looking forward to heading back to the races on Sunday, with three rides for Nelson and training partner Corrina McDougal. He will partner Empire State in the Ken Duncan Racing Maiden HDL (3000m), Al’s Red Zed in the Dr John D. Moore Memorial Open Steeplechase (3800m) and The Bambino in The Grant Sweeney Memorial Open Hurdle (3000m). “I rode The Bambino at the point to point, he went around nicely,” Gillies said. “I’m really looking forward to it.” View the full article

Wexford Stables will head to Arawa Park on Saturday with the defending Gr.3 Rotorua ITM Stakes (1400m) champion Karman Line, but her stablemates won’t be making a repeat crown an easy task. The biggest threat on recent form is Tomodachi, a shortening $2.90 race-favourite who earned her first black-type credentials when booming home into third in the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m). The daughter of Tarzino recorded impressive sectionals in that event on a Soft5 track, and with conditions likely to worsen, trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott are hoping she can continue that record. “We were so pleased with her performance (at Trentham), she got her first piece of black-type which is always a good milestone,” Scott said. “It was a fair trip away but she’s come through it really well, she’s had a good bit of time to recover and steps up to the 1400m. We’ve seen her handle the soft ground in the past and we’re hoping she relaxes well and finishes strong. If she does things right in the run, it’s going to take her a long way in being competitive. “The draw (13 with emergencies) gives her a bit of room and an option to settle away, which is certainly the way we’ll look to ride her. It may be, with the rain coming, quite often the place to be.” Tomodachi will be partnered by Joe Doyle, who is chasing an impressive 10th stakes victory this term, while premiership-leading hoop Craig Grylls will guide the fortunes of Karman Line. Karman Line has a tendency to mix her form but often puts her best on display during this period of the season, which was enough to defeat top-liner La Crique in last year’s running. She indicated she was back in a similar vein of form when scoring at Te Rapa over Cannon Hill two starts back, then far from disgraced herself when fifth behind Super Photon on April 26. “We were really pleased with her last time out, she got a long way back and covered a lot of ground,” Scott said. “Once she starts to hit form, she tends to hold it and she’s handled the conditions at Rotorua before. We think she’s going as good as she was last year and we’re hoping she puts in a similar performance. “She looks amazing in her coat and condition for this time of the year.” Wexford Stables will also be represented in the race by Lux Libertas and Kelly Coe, the latter a winner of the Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m) back in October. “She’s (Kelly Coe) a horse that hasn’t had everything go her way in big races this season, we’ve just freshened her up a wee bit and her work on Tuesday morning was as good as I’ve seen from her all season,” Scott said. “In a fresh state on the softer ground, we think she’ll sprint well and on her day, she’s very talented. There’s no reason why she can’t be right in it. “Lux Libertas is going really well, she’s had a bit of a luckless season now that she’s hit open grade. “She handles soft ground, her run at Te Rapa was an indication that she’s going well and has taken good improvement from that as her first run in quite a while. She’s a very talented mare and we’re thinking she’ll be right in it as well.” Among Wexford’s remaining runners at the meeting is Desert Mystic, a winner of three races this preparation, who steps back from Group Three company and will contest the MacMillan Accountants 1560, with three-kilogram claiming apprentice Rihaan Goyaram’s aboard. “He drops back from the Easter into (Rating) 75 grade, he’s a consistent horse and has been all season,” Scott said. “He’s a fit gelding that looks good in the coat for this time of the year, he’s handled a long preparation well and will make a strong account of himself on the weekend.” Further south at Trentham, capable three-year-old Tristar will appear in a fresh state when contesting the Leica Lucy 3YO 1200. “She’s shown good form in soft ground earlier in the spring and we trialled her at Pukekohe last week, and she seemed to handle the ground really well,” Scott said. “She’s trained on well and we think she’ll handle the conditions, and having a wee claim with Liam aboard, she should race really well.” View the full article

By Michael Guerin Pinseeker may have started in the biggest race of the year but his grand final fortnight actually starts tonight. The five-year-old has been one of our major pacing improvers this season, developing from promising intermediate grade pacer to a big-race player. That was most clearly emphasised in the $1m Race by Betcha last month when he finished fifth, a week after sitting parked to finish third in the Flying Mile also at Cambridge. He drops back in grade for what is still a very strong Continental Event Hire Superstars at Addington tonight before the Country Cups Final back there in two weeks. “I know he has been in some huge races but these have really been his targets,” says trainer-driver Jonny Cox. “We were very proud of what he did in the north and with how much he has improved we have even thrown in a nomination for the Inters just in case the series falls away. “But this race and the Country Cups Finals have been in our plans for a long time and he has handled his busy season well so he is ready to go.” Pinseeker returned home from taking on Leap To Fame to the Winter Cup at Rangiora last start but never got into the race, finishing on well late for fourth. “I was following Renegade from our 35m handicap but he didn’t move so we never really had a winning chance but he has come through that well.” Tonight’s 2600m mobile has plenty of hard running pacers and Cox will wait to see what their drivers are thinking at the start before making up his mind whether to use Pinseeker’s gate speed or not. “We are drawn right next to Rakero Rocket and he will probably go forward so we have that option but there is also plenty of good, in-form horses inside him so we don’t have to make that decision yet.” The Superstars is a beauty as any of the 10 starters could win without stunning and so much will depend on the early burn. If Pinseeker heads forward and leads easily enough he becomes the horse to beat but if three or four horses get involved in the early burn the race could set up for those less ambitious early. Beach Ball will be seen in new colours tonight as well-known Australian owner Mick Harvey has entered into an agreement to race the six-year-olds with the Chapmans and after tonight he is likely to head to Sydney and join the Luke McCarthy stable, with the Inter Dominions still an outside chance. As deep as the Superstars field is the brightest star at Addington tonight will be Marketplace (R8, No.9), with our best three-year-old pacer facing an outside barrier draw in a Garrards Sires’ Stakes Semi Final being used to tick him over for next Friday’s final. Even from his wide draw he opened $1.30 with the TAB and will be run through many punter’s multis. View the full article

By Michael Guerin If Alexandra Park races true to recent form for tonight’s $200,000 Magness Benrow Sires’ Stakes there may be less winning chances in the Group 1 than it appears at first glance. Because while the race is the strongest of the three-year-old pacing fillies season so far the girls covering the least ground should hold a huge advantage. Tonight’s meeting caps a golden six weeks for northern harness racing but the most obvious trend has been the biggest race winners almost always coming from on the marker pegs. It was the case in all five Groups 1 here two weeks ago and two of the three held at Alexandra Park last week. It was also the case when Arcee Phoenix won the $600,000 TAB Trot at Cambridge last month with the most jarring exception to the marker pegs domination being Leap To Fame in the $1million Race by Betcha, but he is an exception to a lot of rules. The reasons for the popular pegs are well known: the times being recorded these days are so fast horses coming wide often face having to break national records just to keep up. That trend looks set to continue in tonight’s 2200m mobile Sires’ Stakes and if it does it gives an enormous advantage to Beside Me (R8, No.3) and most likely General Jen (No.2). Beside Me looks the likely leader and driver Carter Dalgety says if he gets there he won’t be handing the lead away. “She got a little too excited for her own good in the Oaks last start but that was 2700m whereas being 2200m this week I can let her roll more,” says Dalgety. Beside Me was beaten in that Oaks by Arafura, who is in tonight’s race but faces a second line draw so it could be her stablemate General Jen who emerges as the main danger to the favourite. General Jen was allowed to miss the earlier northern three-year-old features by co-trainer Hayden Cullen and she looks a fresh and happy horse when she bolted away with her Alexandra Park debut against older pacers last Friday. If she can use her gate speed to cross to the markers and trail Beside Me she could try the same sit-and-snipe tactics Arafura did two weeks ago. “I have no doubts Arafura is the best of our fillies but she may not be the best chance this week,” says Cullen. “I can see General Jen getting the better run, hopefully on the back of Beside Me, and she really impressed me how she won up here last Friday. “Arafura is tougher but if she has to race in the running line it becomes a lot harder for her.” One horse who could be on the markers but not the best version of them is Southland filly Captains Mistress. She looks the real deal but faces being three or even four deep on the markers and if so could need an intense war up front to open gaps for her to chase down tired legs later. Her trainer-driver Nathan Williamson also brings his one-start, one-win juvenile trotter Duchess Maria (R4, No.2) north for the $50,000 IRT Young Gun Final in which she will have to handle the right-handed track to down Redpark Warrior. Tonight’s other major trot the $120,000 IRT Trotters Championship should probably see Meant To Be continued on his winning march but the reduction in distance from 2700m last start to 2200m mobile tonight gives him less time to overcome his unruly start point. HOW TO TACKLE ALEX PARK 1: Roy Kent (R1, No.2): Has gate speed to stay handy and drops out of elite three-year-old race. TAB giving boosted $5 price under “Box Seat Boost”. 2: Bravehearthighlander (R2, No.3): Not the most trustworthy but strong win last start and the favourite Tu Tangata very short for a horse who doesn’t win often. 3: Tytate (R5, No.2): Comes up against some smart youngsters but many of then drawn poorly so looks a great place bet to bolster the TAB account. 4: Meant To Be (R6, No.10): Second line draw means you getting $1.75 but when he gets rolling hard to see him not getting the front. 5: Hillbilly (R9, No.8): Sat parked in Northern Derby last start and before that two big seconds off handicaps. Value each way option. View the full article

Tappan Street (Into Mischief), forced to miss the GI Kentucky Derby after suffering a condylar fracture in his right front leg, will have 60 days off before returning to light training, per co-owner WinStar Farm's Elliott Walden. Dr. Larry Bramlage performed surgery on the GI Curlin Florida Derby winner on Apr. 27, a day after his five-furlong breeze in :59.60 (8/33) at Churchill Downs. The $1-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling is campaigned in partnership by WinStar Farm, CHC, Inc. and Cold Press Racing. He is trained by Brad Cox. “He is doing well and is being a great patient,” Walden said. “(The surgery was) very straightforward. He shouldn't know that he had surgery after this.” He added, “Probably puts him back somewhere in the fall. We'll look towards the bigger races next spring. Puts him on that timeline.” Tappan Street defeated Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) by 1 1/4 lengths while making his third career start in the Florida Derby Mar. 29. He won his debut going seven furlongs Dec. 28, then was second after leading in the stretch in the GIII Holy Bull S. Feb. 1, his first start around two turns. All three of Tappan Street's career starts were at Gulfstream Park. Tappan Street, pictured in his stall at WinStar Farm, “doing well and a great patient,” per Elliott Walden | courtesy Elliott Walden “The weekend brought mixed feelings,” Walden said with a slight laugh. “We would've loved a rematch with Sovereignty, having beat him the first time. He's one of the top 3-year-olds in the class. I'm not saying that we would've beat him, but it felt like he would've been right there with him. And yet on the other hand, the glass half full says that Tappan Street's form is extremely good, so we're excited about his future.” Bred in Kentucky by Blue Heaven Farm, Tappan Street was produced by the graded-placed Distorted Humor mare Virginia Key, a half-sister to GISW Grace Adler (Curlin) and GSW & MGISP Pyrenees (Into Mischief). This is also the extended female family of GI Whitney H. winner Bullsbay (Tiznow). Tappan Street is bred on the same Into Mischief x Distorted Humor cross as last year's champion 2-year-old colt Citizen Bull as well as MGISWs Life Is Good and Practical Joke. The post Sixty Days Off for Tappan Street, a ‘Great Patient’ Following Surgery for Condylar Fracture appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The stewards at Charles Town Races on Wednesday issued a ruling that will not impose penalties against the licensure of trainer Curtis Bass after deeming that a “trace level” of a cocaine metabolite detected in a $5,000 claiming mare who won Apr. 10 was the result of “inadvertent exposure” to that drug. It's the second time in eight months that the Charles Town stewards have made that type of determination on a cocaine positive, disqualifying the winning horse but not penalizing the trainer. Although West Virginia's Thoroughbred medication testing and enforcement is not currently subject to oversight by the Horseracing and Safety Integrity Act (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) because of a preliminary injunction that is in effect while a lawsuit against HISA plays out in federal court, the May 7 ruling is similar to how HIWU dropped pursuit of two cocaine metabolite positives in 2023 when appropriate testing specifications for cocaine metabolites in blood were not fully standardized. Under HISA and HIWU rules, benzoylecgonine, the main metabolite of the human street drug cocaine, is a “banned” substance that is never to be present in any covered horse at any time. As per West Virginia's rules, benzoylecgonine is a Class 1 drug, carrying a Category A penalty (the most severe classifications), for which no acceptable threshold concentration has been established by the West Virginia Racing Commission. After benzoylecgonine was detected in Crafty Windsor Cat (Windsor Castle)'s blood subsequent to the 6-year-old mare's 4 1/2-length wiring in a 4 1/2-furlong sprint Apr. 10, Bass waived his right to a hearing and elected not to test a split sample. The ruling described that although the Charles Town stewards concluded “that while Mr. Bass is responsible for the positive in Crafty Windsor Cat [and] the presence of the drug has been established to have been in the horse during the ninth race on Apr. 10, 2025, there are mitigating factors which cause the Stewards to impose no penalty against Mr. Bass' permit in this matter… “Mr. Bass' past record as a permit holder is good in that he has never had a medication violation in any jurisdiction since his first license in 2018. “The amount of benzoylecgonine found in the horse is a trace level which lends credibility to the probability that the horse was inadvertently exposed to the drug in some manner. “Based upon an evaluation of the evidence, the Stewards conclude that the positive is attributable to inadvertent exposure. “There is no reason to believe that Mr. Bass knew of or caused the drug to be administered to the horse… Hollywood Casino sign | Coady Photography “Weighing and balancing these factors, the Board of Stewards find that while Mr. Bass is held responsible for the positive in this case, the Stewards shall impose no penalty against Mr. Bass' permit. “Therefore, the standard penalty for a first offense Class A medication violation (one-year suspension/$10,000.00 fine) is not imposed in this matter. In addition, the Stewards do not impose the 6 Multiple Medication Violation points that would typically be imposed,” the ruling stated Bass, 62, has an 0-for-17 training record this year. Tamera Bass, the mare's owner, was ordered to forfeit the winning purse, and the order of finish was revised by disqualifying Crafty Windsor Cat to last. In September 2024, the Charles Town stewards utilized nearly verbatim language in a ruling adjudicating the cocaine case of a horse trained by Justin Nixon. Back in November 2023, HIWU issued a press release that stated, “Recently, Covered Horses trained by Keri Brion and R. McLane Hendriks tested positive for [the cocaine metabolite] in blood. While controls in urine for [benzoylecgonine] have long been established, no corresponding testing specifications existed for blood. “These circumstances prompted HIWU to lift each trainer's Provisional Suspension and review scientific literature to determine appropriate testing specifications for blood such that it would correspond to existing controls in urine…. As a result of this investigation, HIWU concluded that the levels of [cocaine metabolite] detected in the blood samples for Hendriks' and Brion's horses will not be pursued as Adverse Analytical Findings,” the release stated. All four cocaine positives (the two under HIWU's jurisdiction in 2023 and the two in West Virginia in 2024 and 2025) involved detections via blood samples, although the Charles Town stewards' ruling from 2024 noted that urine testing was also utilized in Nixon's case. The post Another ‘Trace’ Cocaine Positive In A Charles Town Winner Deemed ‘Inadvertent Exposure’ 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. Friday's Observations features a daughter of multiple Group 1 winner Wild Illusion (Dubawi). 2.55 Ascot, Mdn, £15,000, 3yo, f, 9f212yT SPIRITED STYLE (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is one of two newcomers for Godolphin in this fascinating affair and the Charlie Appleby-trained daughter of Dubawi's triple Group 1 heroine Wild Illusion is slated as the early favourite. The other for the Boys In Blue is the John and Thady Gosden-trained Good Old Days (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), a full-sister to Nations Pride who has collected four at the highest level, while Clarehaven also have Shadwell's similarly-unraced El Budoor (GB) (Kingman {GB}), the first foal out of Redoute's Choice's multiple Group 2 winner Enbihaar. Throw in Chasemore Farm's homebred Little Dorrit (GB) (Camelot {GB}), a Roger Varian-trained half-sister to Kingman's high-class sprinter Noble Style, and you have one of the nicest fillies' maidens staged so far in 2025. The post Sea The Stars Filly Debuts At Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What a ride. What a feeling. What an unbelievable journey to play a part in Florida's racing legacy. I couldn't be more proud of Bridlewood graduates finishing 1-2 in the 2025 Kentucky Derby–and another in the top 10 with East Avenue. Now that I've had a moment to reflect, I can say with certainty: this finish wasn't luck. It was a testament to Florida's standing as a hub for racing excellence. Florida, and particularly Ocala, has long been a cradle for champions. With abundant sunshine, ideal soil, mineral-rich spring water, and an unmatched concentration of top-tier trainers and horsemen, Central Florida offers the perfect environment to develop elite Thoroughbreds. These conditions–combined with generations of expertise–form a recipe for success that's as consistent as it is extraordinary. Bridlewood Farm has worked hard to become a nationally premier destination for schooling and training the best young horses each fall. This year's Derby results endorse that effort. Sovereignty and East Avenue are Kentucky horses from Godolphin–a global racing empire–that came to Bridlewood for one reason: the global industry knows Florida produces results. I could not be more proud of our farm trainer, Meda Murphy, and her team for producing great results for our clients each and every year. This year, 13 of the 19 Kentucky Derby contenders had Florida ties–whether trained, raced, or raised here. Florida's nationally competitive racetracks, renowned competition such as the Florida Derby, and robust infrastructure built by multigenerational family farms make this possible. Thanks to this foundation, Florida's Thoroughbred industry contributes $3.24 billion to the state's economy annually, including over $180 million of commerce through the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company alone. For me, Florida has always represented my American Dream. As General Manager of Bridlewood Farm, I've built a life here doing what I love–and long have planned for the day my son Blaine will continue the legacy. But our story is just one of many. Florida's strength lies in its community of horsemen and women, farms big and small, all contributing to a shared future. The key to continued success? Work hard and double down on what makes Florida Thoroughbreds great. With the right resources and support, tomorrow's national champions will forever emerge from the Sunshine State. –George Isaacs is the General Manager of Bridlewood Farm The post Letter To Editor: Florida Produces Results appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While a lot of press has been given to Into Mischief and Medaglia d'Oro this week–and rightfully so, as one got his third GI Kentucky Derby winner and the other his third GI Kentucky Oaks winner–another exceptional sire once again proved why he's been at the top of the sire lists for years. You may even have missed his big weekend, as War Front didn't sire one of Saturday's headline winners. However, of the 11 graded races contested across the nation on Derby Day, three of his sons did. Three of 11: that's a remarkable 27% of the graded races on one of the premier days of the sport. Of course, eye-popping statistics are a matter of course for the 23-year-old War Front, who has stood his whole career at Claiborne Farm, where he was also born and raised. “Statistically speaking, he's still at the top of every list by percentages,” said Walker Hancock, president of Claiborne. “His results have spoken for themselves. In the era of big books, I don't know that those numbers will be eclipsed.” War Front has fewer foals, and thus starters, than any of the other North American stallions among the top 10 on the Active Lifetime Sires List–as many as 600 fewer starters than some!–and yet his quality tops the charts. When examining his percentage of black-type winners, graded winners, and Grade I winners to starters, War Front tops in each category, often by significant margins. Consider this: War Front leads with 13.95% black-type winners (a leading 23.88% by black-type horses); War Front leads with graded winners at 8.27% (a leading 16.67% by graded stakes horses); War Front leads with 2.96% Grade I winners (second with 6.03% by Grade I performers). Those sort of numbers harken back to the very best sires of yesteryear. “On all fronts, he's amazing,” said Hancock. “He started out the hard way, came in here at $12,500 and we even had to drop his stud fee down to $10,000 and beg people to breed to him. His third crop, I think it was, he had very few mares. That was the bottom for him and then he just shot into the stratosphere. “He's an international super sire, with winners all over the country and on so many continents, and now he's turned into a spectacular sire of sires. It's really cool to see his legacy being carried forward with his sons.” Kopion wins under the Twin Spires | John Gallagher/Coady Media On Saturday, War Front's son Omaha Beach sired uber-impressive GI Derby City Distaff Stakes winner Kopion, who not only got the highest Beyer Speed Figure of the weekend with a 109, but also set the highest Beyer of the year so far (110) when winning the GII Santa Monica Stakes in February. Omaha Beach is the nation's current leading third-crop sire and closed out 2024 as the nation's leading second-crop sire. The son of War Front, who stands at Spendthrift, has had a good month: in addition to Kopion, his daughter On Command won Sunday's License Fee Stakes at the Big A, son Normandy Coast won Keeneland's Palisades Stakes, and daughter Kehoe Beach was third in Keeneland's GI Jenny Wiley Stakes. Also on Saturday, War Front's Summer Front sired GII Longines Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes winner Simply in Front, while his son The Factor, who stands at Lane's End, sired GII Charles Whittingham Stakes winner Atitlan. Claiborne also stands two War Front sons: War of Will and Annapolis. The former, an American Classic winner, has his first sophomores this year, led by graded winner Will Then. The latter, winner of the GI Coolmore Turf Mile Stakes in 2022, has his first foals on the ground now. “We couldn't be where we are without the clients that we have,” said Hancock. “Joe Allen is one of them and gave us an opportunity to stand War Front and carry on the Danzig legacy here at Claiborne. We have to think It's been a huge success for all involved. It's been a great thrill for us to see how it's kind of played out with him being born and raised here. “Now he's got a couple of sons that are here; like War Front, Annapolis was also born and raised here, and is carrying on his legacy. I really think Annapolis has had some tremendous foals and with the support he's gotten from some great breeders, he's going to have every chance and opportunity to extend that War Front legacy here at the farm.” War of Will and Annapolis, as well as the aforementioned Omaha Beach, are three of the 25 Grade I winners for War Front. Only four active stallions in the U.S. have 25 or more Grade I winners; War Front has gotten his with the fewest foals. Only Tapit has more than 25; there's a three-way tie for second between Curlin, Medaglia d'Oro, and War Front. War Front's 76 runners to win or place in a Grade I race comprise 8.98% of his named foals. Despite all the wonderful stallions out there, only one (Gun Runner) can exceed this percentage in the Grade I win/place category and it's by a very slim margin. Annapolis | Sarah Andrew War Front has had such an outsized success overseas there may be somewhat of a perception he's primarily a turf sire. Hancock is quick to point out it's a perception that isn't necessarily true. The bay particularly made a stir during the 2019 Triple Crown season when War of Will won the GI Preakness Stakes two weeks after GI Arkansas Derby winner Omaha Beach scratched with an entrapped epiglottis as the morning-line favorite the week of the Derby. “A lot of his early success and what made him a great sire early on was his dirt performers,” said Hancock. “That's what kind of put him on the map, then Coolmore got involved and took a lot of them over to Europe, where he had even more success on the turf. But he actually started out as a dirt sire. He has a Classic winner on the dirt, as well as many Classic winners and champions on the turf.” A Joseph Allen homebred, War Front's own race career took place solely on the main track with Beyers up to 114. His seven stakes wins or placings include a victory in the GII Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap and runner-up finishes in the GI Vosburgh Stakes and GI Forego Stakes. Hancock compared the bay to his own spectacular sire, Danzig. That three-time leading sire also stood at Claiborne. “Danzig certainly was a tremendous talent on the racetrack. He only made three starts, but War Front puts a lot of durability in his offspring. He won the Grade II that later became a Grade I, so he's not a Grade I winner, but he's certainly made up for that with his offspring that have won Grade Is.” Syndicated into 40 shares upon retirement, War Front stood his first year in 2007. By the time his first crop of 3-year-olds had run, his $12,500 initial fee had shot up to $60,000. Two years later, he was at $150,000. Eventually, he spent several years at $250,000. A horse cannot sustain that type of fee without results. War Front had results. In addition to those 25 Grade I winners, he is responsible for 70 graded winners and 118 black-type winners. Some stallions have more, but none have those numbers from just 846 starters. War Front's percentage of career winners at 74.7%, by the way, also tops the top 10 active sires. No one would have believed it five years ago when he still commanded a $250,000 fee, but War Front is advertised at $75,000 for 2025. “Everyone gravitates to freshman sires, but that's the way our market is right now, the commerciality of it,” said Hancock. “It is frustrating when you have a horse like him that people are all going to the freshman sires. Here War Front stands, one of the greatest sires of the 2010s, I'd say. But the astute breeders are certainly taking advantage of it and are being rewarded.” While only a select few War Front yearlings make the sales ring these days, his yearling average topped out at $743,293 in 2018 when 22 were sold. His career yearling average is at $345,967. Twenty-nine of his yearlings have sold for more than $1 million in the ring, while four sold for more than $2 million. “His sale statistics were phenomenal there for a stretch,” said Hancock. “He's in the twilight of his career now, not as commercial as he once was and that's to be expected, but he still produces high-quality individuals. If you're a breed-to race-person, you'd have to consider War Front as an option, even in his older age.” Hancock said War Front is hale and hearty at 23. “He's doing great this year. He's doing just as good this year as the last few years. At this rate, we'll hopefully be able to keep going with him! But certainly we'll take one year at a time and do what's right by him. By looking at him, you would have no idea he's 23. He looks about 16 or 17. We've really managed his book throughout his career. I don't think he's ever bred more than 120 mares, so we have limited him a bit, but I think it's paid off for everyone who has bred to him and had a successful horse by him.” War Front with Claiborne's late Joe Peel | Sarah Andrew Humorously, as the elder statesman of the farm, War Front has also taken on a new role as ambassador as he greets Horse Country tour guests. It amuses Hancock. “He's certainly a fan favorite, a very well-behaved stallion. He loves his peppermints. He'll stick his tongue out at you and really interact well with the tour groups. He's really good about standing up and letting everyone take a picture with him. He just sort of looks at the camera and knows that he's something special. He's really transitioned well into being the rock of the tour for us.” War Front's grandsire, Northern Dancer, wasn't known for his size. Hancock said War Front isn't a big horse, either. “He's not very imposing. He's only 15.2, 15.3, but if you breed a middle-sized to big mare to him, you don't have to worry about size limitations. He's kind of a longer horse, kind of built downhill, kind of reminds you of a turf sprinter the way he's built. He's a gorgeous horse, really dark complected, has a pretty blaze, a nice foretop. He's just a very, very cool horse. “He's more of a middle-distance, sprinter horse but he can get a mile-and-a-half horse. He's not necessarily limited by distance, but probably does favor more toward sprint and middle distance with his offspring.” War Front and Hard Spun over at Darley remain the last major sires by Danzig, who died in 2006. Both continue to churn out tough and talented runners. Full of standout days in his career, War Front had another one just two months ago when he sired the winners of the GII Buena Vista Stakes (Liguria) and the GIII Canadian Turf Stakes (Fort Washington) on the same day a son (Lancaster Bomber) sired the winner of the GIII The Very One Stakes (Beach Bomb {SAf}). War Front bred 62 mares last year and will serve about the same this year. Hancock said it's helped the horse that he works with a variety of broodmare sire lines. “We've had a lot of luck with Blame and Arch mares, Coolmore had a lot of success with the Galileo (Ire) cross. A.P. Indy sire lines have been good to him, so have Medaglia d'Oro, El Prado (Ire). He really doesn't have any limitations in who you can breed him to.” Much has been written about Claiborne's long history of standing top sires and its longer influence in the sport, with generations of Hancocks nurturing the farm's legacy. Celt, more than 100 years ago, clinched the 1921 leading sire title to become Claiborne's first year-end stallion topper. There have been many since, including four-time leading sire Sir Gallahad III and five-time leader Nasrullah, as well as Bold Ruler, whose eight titles are a modern-day record. Where does War Front fit into such a legacy? “I think you'd have to put (two-time leading sire) Mr. Prospector right at the top,” said Hancock. “But War Front will certainly have his spot in the main cemetery here by the office. He's been unbelievable for us. We're so thankful we've had to opportunity to stand him. My dad might say something different, but for me, he's the best sire I've been around since I've been here. He's been tremendous for the farm.” The post Saturday Sires: War Front appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday, Chester, post time: 14:35, IRE-INCENTIVE, IT PAYS TO BUY IRISH HUXLEY STAKES-G2, £130,000, 4yo/up, 10f 70yT Field: Bolster (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Cairo (Ire) (Quality Road), Certain Lad (GB) (Clodovil {Ire}), Deepone (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Liberty Lane (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Space Legend (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), The Foxes (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). TDN Verdict: With no entries, Aidan O'Brien cannot complete the clean sweep of Chester's black-type races which gives others a chance after a week of renewed domination of this fixture by Ballydoyle. Even without his principal stable involved, Ryan Moore could still complete the unprecedented feat of winning all five with the Cambridgeshire winner Liberty Lane, but he has to go some to get to the level of The Foxes. None of the King Power stalwart's rivals would have a prayer of finishing fourth in a G1 Hong Kong Cup, so this is his to lose especially after a career-best latest when second in the H H The Amir Trophy. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 13:43, PRIX GREFFULHE-G3, €80,000, 3yo, 10 1/2fT Field: Midak (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Aidan's Phone (Fr) (Prince Gibraltar {Fr}), Piquoiseau (Fr) (Intello {Ger}), Dioptase (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Uther (GB) (Camelot {GB}). TDN Verdict: Sosie's half-brother Uther sets the standard in this G1 Prix du Jockey Club trial, having beaten the subsequent Listed Prix de Suresnes scorer Nitoi in ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix Noailles last month. The Aga Khan's Studs' Midak is the unknown quantity, while Aidan's Phone has another go at Uther after beating him in Saint-Cloud's Listed Prix Francois Mathet in March and finishing sixth behind him in the Noailles. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Prix Greffulhe A Done Deal For Uther? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland and Stable Recovery, a groundbreaking peer-driven program that offers recovering addicts the opportunity to learn the skills needed to find meaningful employment in the Thoroughbred industry, are teaming to launch a dedicated Maintenance Cohort at Keeneland Aug. 1, according to a Thursday press release from the track. The Maintenance Cohort will be a specialized extension of the existing 90-day Taylor Made School of Horsemanship focusing on practical skills, job readiness and character development through hard work and accountability. Keeneland will be the first race track nationally to provide on-site housing and full-time employment for the eight men participating in the new initiative who will work with Keeneland's Maintenance team to gain the hands-on experience necessary to contribute to the track's operation. “Keeneland is excited to support the life-changing work being done by Stable Recovery,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Stable Recovery and Keeneland share a commitment to social responsibility and to bettering the quality of life in our community. Together, we can create a legacy that transforms lives and strengthens our equine industry.” The Stable Recovery program works with the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship to provide an environment where men live, work and recover together, attending 12-step meetings, additional support groups and horsemanship skill groups led by top professionals in the industry. Life skills such as accountability, structure, discipline and responsibility are taught as are employable skills aimed at providing these men with the opportunities for a second chance. In addition to trade skills, the Maintenance Cohort curriculum will include hands-on horsemanship and stable management training; track maintenance and safety procedures; equine care and veterinary basics; and professional development focused on the unique demands of Keeneland. “We are deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to align with an institution as iconic and respected as Keeneland,” Stable Recovery CEO Christian Countzler said. “This collaboration is a powerful statement about the value of redemption, the healing bond between horses and humans and the shared belief that everyone deserves a second chance. Keeneland's support gives our men not only purpose and employment, but dignity and hope. We couldn't ask for a better partner in this mission.” More than 100 individuals have graduated from the Stable Recovery program, which along with founder Frank Taylor, was honored with a Special Eclipse Award in January. The post Keeneland And Stable Recovery Launch First-Ever Maintenance Cohort appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

During a panel discussion May 8 of the ongoing Association of Racing Commissioners International annual meeting in Louisville, Ky., five racing investigators spotlighted successful investigations and encouraged coordination across jurisdictions.View the full article

Consigned by Paramount Sales, Regaled (Mohaymen–Ascot Walk, by Daaher)–a 4-year-old filly who recently finished second by a neck in the Heavenly Cause Stakes at Laurel Park Apr. 12–will be offered in the Inglis Digital USA May Sale, which is scheduled for Friday, May 23 through Wednesday, May 28, according a press release from the online auction company. Bred by Chris Baccari and owned by Brittnee Caballero, Regaled is a half-sister to GI Kentucky Oaks runner-up Drexel Hill (Bolt d'Oro). “We are thrilled to represent longtime horseman Samuel G. Davis with this talented filly,” said Paddy Campion of Paramount Sales. “Regaled has a clear and exciting campaign for the summer as well as tremendous potential as a broodmare prospect. With that huge update from Drexel Hill, plus being from the Tapit sire line, she represents an excellent addition to any top operation.” Herself a three-time winner, Regaled was third in the GIII Delaware Oaks. The dark bay is being pointed by Davis to the Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes on the Black-Eyed Susan undercard at Pimlico. “Regaled is the perfect combination of racing form and a current pedigree.” said Inglis Digital USA's Sr. Director of Sales and Recruitment Kyle Wilson. “The greatest part about this filly is there is still so much more to offer. 2025 looks like a big year for Regaled and the rest of her family.” Regaled will breeze at Laurel at 7:30 a.m. ET on Friday, May 9, weather permitting. Entries close for the Inglis Digital USA May Sale on Monday, May 19 and the catalogue will be released Friday, May 23. The post Half-Sister To Drexel Hill Offered During Inglis Digital USA May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Kentucky Derby victor Sovereignty (Into Mischief) arrived early Thursday morning at Saratoga Race Course to begin his preparations for the GI Belmont Stakes June 7. Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott for owner/breeder Godolphin, the bay shipped from Churchill Downs and arrived around 7:30 a.m. ET to the barn of the veteran conditioner, along with recent Churchill runners 'TDN Rising Star' Scylla (Tapit) and Resilience (Into Mischief). “He came off the van like a tiger,” said Mott. “He's had good energy for a horse that just ran a race like that.” Mott added he will “see how he acts once he settles down” and decide from there what his exercise routine will be at the Spa. It was reported on Tuesday that Sovereignty would skip the GI Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course May 17 and target the Belmont Stakes–held at Mott's home base where he stables his top horses from April through November each year. “We feel pretty comfortable here and know our way around here, so that's a good thing,” Mott said. The @KentuckyDerby champ is in town! Sovereignty arrived at Saratoga early this morning to kick off preparations for the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by @NYRABets on June 7th! pic.twitter.com/TZe2FpRLhA — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) May 8, 2025 The post Derby Victor Sovereignty ‘Off The Van Like A Tiger’ At The Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-BAQ, $85k, Msw, 3yo/up, f/m, 6f, post time: 1:10 p.m. ET A $425,000 purchase on behalf of Repole Stable at the 2023 Keeneland September sale, NUMBERED (Nyquist) makes a somewhat belated first trip to the races this afternoon. The April foal is the fourth starter out of former Fox Hill Farm 'TDN Rising Star' Cassatt (Tapit), whose seven victories from 14 appearances included the 2014 GIII Monmouth Oaks. Purchased by Elevage Bloodstock for $2.5 million at the 2016 Fasig-Tipton November Sale in foal to Curlin, Cassatt is a maternal granddaughter of MSW & GSP Justenuffheart (Broad Brush), a half-sister to perennial leading turf sire Kitten's Joy (El Prado {Ire}) and GISW Precious Kitten (Catienus) and herself the dam of champion Dreaming of Anna (Rahy), whose offspring include GSW Dreamologist (Tapit) and Thorpedo Anna's late sire Fast Anna (Medaglia d'Oro). Justenuffheart also produced MGSW Lewis Michael (Rahy) and MGSW and GI Breeders' Cup Mile third Justenuffhumor (Distorted Humor). Cassatt was sold to Filipino interests for $50,000 in foal to Maclean's Music at Keeneland November last fall. TJCIS PPs 6th-CD, $120k, Msw, 3yo/up, f/m, 5fT, post time: 3:18 p.m. ET TEXAS QUEEN (Munnings) cost Mansfield Racing $335,000 at Keeneland September in 2023 and is out of a half-sister to three other winners, including 2016 GIII Sanford Stakes Bitumen (Mineshaft) and SW & GSP Meshell (Elusive Quality), who was a $380,000 in utero purchase at KEENOV in 2011. The Gone West line has also worked extremely well with third dam Kobla (Strawberry Road {Aus}), a full-sister to champion Ajina and more notably the dam of the outstanding track-record setting four-time Grade I winner and leading sire Quality Road (Elusive Quality). TJCIS PPs The post Friday Insights: Well-Bred Nyquist Filly Debuts For Repole appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For 21 years, trainer Todd Pletcher helped build television ratings for the Kentucky Derby (G1) by bringing dozens of top contenders to the classic. In last week's 151st edition, Pletcher helped the ratings in a completely different role. View the full article

Following their 1-2 finish in the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs May 3, Sovereignty and Journalism have joined the leaderboard in the Longines World's Best Racehorse rankings released May 8.View the full article

New York lawmakers and the governor have agreed on a package of measures to give racetracks millions of dollars in tax breaks, steer funding to a new advanced equine imaging research program, and end an antiquated payout system for horseplayers.View the full article

Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Sovereignty arrived early morning May 8 at Saratoga Race Course to begin his preparations for the $2 million Belmont Stakes (G1) June 7.View the full article

A perfect 2-for-2 to start his career, Bob Baffert-trained Goal Oriented has joined the expected field for the $2 million Preakness Stakes (G1) May 17.View the full article

During a panel discussion May 8 of the ongoing Association of Racing Commissions International annual meeting in Louisville, Ky., five racing investigators spotlighted successful investigations and encouraged coordination across jurisdictions.View the full article

Bob Baffert notified Pimlico Race Course officials Thursday of his intention to enter undefeated 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time), as well as GII Wood Memorial Stakes hero Rodriguez (Authentic) in the GI Preakness Stakes. Goal Oriented debuted at Santa Anita Apr. 6 with an off-the-pace 3 1/4-length victory in a six-furlong maiden special weight event, which earned him a 'Rising Star' badge. The 3-year-old cleared an optional claimer in front-running fashion on the Derby undercard. A $425,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale, Goal Oriented is owned by SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC's, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Diane Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan, who also campaign 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez. The Wood winner galloped at Churchill Downs Thursday morning. Baffert, who is seeking to break his own record of eight Preakness victories, has said Rodriguez will work this weekend and ship to Pimlico Monday. The Hall of Fame trainer said decisions on other horses he might bring for Preakness Week stakes will be made after those horses work. The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Goal Oriented Points To Preakness appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Deauville, FRANCE-The breeze-up circus rolls onto Arqana this week and, following the breeze on Thursday, where 162 of some of the best-bred horses in Europe were put through their paces, a number of key industry stakeholders weighed in on what might come to fruition this week. From market predictions, to revealing their highs and lows of the breeze-up season thus far, heavyweights Roger O'Callaghan, Roderic Kavanagh, Tessa Greatrex, Valfredo Valiani and Matt Coleman have answered some of the key questions ahead of what promises to be another blockbuster sale on Saturday. Has the breeze-up season met your expectations so far? Tessa Greatrex: Yes. I was slightly apprehensive about trying to repeat the success of last year, which was my first year shopping at the breeze-ups, but it has worked out really well so far. I have put a bit of pressure on myself to find some nice horses at prices I can afford but it's so far so good. I buy mainly on behalf of my husband, Warren [Greatrex, trainer], as well as Jim and Claire Bryce. Yankee Dude is probably the best horse that we have bought from the breeze-ups last year while Orchard, who came out of this sale last year, won last week. With the way National Hunt racing has developed, I think it's good for trainers to diversify, and buying these horses at the breeze-ups helps Warren's yard run all year round. Roger O'Callaghan: Yes. The results of the breeze-ups are speaking for themselves. I suppose you would have been a bit anxious about [Donald] Trump before the breeze-ups started but the results have been too good and buyers want the good horses. Even the middle market has been good. The market has been very fair. Matt Coleman: Maybe not quite, simply because the yearling sales were so strong last year, there hasn't been quite the same strength-in-depth at the breeze-ups compared to previous years. There have obviously been some outstanding horses at the sales this year but I felt it lacked some strength in depth purely because the yearling sales were so strong. I'd say we have the deepest bunch of horses at Arqana compared to any other sale this year. I'm sure there will be some serious horses to come out of it. Roderic Kavanagh: We've had some good results but I have been reminded this year more so than ever that it has become ultra-selective and, if you don't have the right product, you won't get paid. The top 25 per cent has become incredibly strong. It's just more selective than ever. But on the whole, it's been incredible. Valfredo Valiani: The market has been quite good but there are good opportunities to buy nice horses at the middle tier level and I have bought quite a few so far. I think the breeze-up handlers are doing better and better every year and Ruling Court winning the 2,000 Guineas was not a surprise to me. Let's not forget that it is not the first time that this has happened. Anthony Stroud also bought Native Trail. So he has bought two Guineas winners and, as I said, the breeze-up handlers are doing a very good job and they need to be commended for the job that they have been doing. I am actually suggesting more and more of my clients to buy horses at the breeze-ups now. What has been the biggest surprise of the year so far? Greatrex: Coming from a National Hunt background, when horses are making millions, it's always a bit of a shock. I have to say, I was delighted to see Goffs break their own record when the Mehmas colt sold to Godolphin for a million pounds. That was a great result and I think it's important for the bloodstock business that there's competition [between the sales houses]. O'Callaghan: Johnny and Danielle Hurley's Kodi Bear making half a million at Donny. That's class. Like, that's the beauty of this game. It was a bit like a couple of boys in our yard, they bought a Coulsty filly for three grand and they ended up getting 120 grand at the Guineas Sale last week. In what other game can that happen? No other business is like ours. It's amazing. Coleman: The prices that the top horses made at Doncaster and at the Craven. I didn't expect that. There are three very big buyers between Amo Racing, Wathnan Racing and Godolphin and when they clash, that's what can happen. Kavanagh: The price [£320,000] our Too Darn Hot filly fetched at Doncaster. She was expensive by the kilogram but what was there was lovely! Valiani: A lot of people go strictly on times and, as a result, some horses probably make too much money. There have been some horses where I could never have predicted they would make what they did. Personally, I am not as obsessed with times as other people. Of course, it can be important, but it is not the most important thing for me. And the biggest disappointment? Greatrex: Not being able to attract more owners to invest at the breeze-ups off the back of our success last year. The harder you look, the more likely you are to find a bargain. I'm a great believer that horses find you a bit in this game. And another thing I love about this business is building relationships with vendors and taking their word on a horse. You build up a bit of trust together. I just wish more people would get involved in buying at the breeze-up sales because I think there is value there. O'Callaghan: Nothing to do with the breeze-ups, but Big Evs getting kicked in the Willy! He missed a couple of weeks of the breeding season as a result but he's back fine again now. Coleman: There are a couple of horses I think about and wonder if I should have been stronger on them but you won't know that until they hit the track. I probably wish I bought a few more horses so far but hopefully I'll be able to buy a few this week. Kavanagh: Probably last week at the Guineas Sale because it's always been a very lucky sale for me but we didn't quite hit the mark this year. Valiani: Nothing has disappointed me too much for me to remember. I have been lucky enough not to have been disappointed this year. What did you learn this year? Greatrex: That you have to focus on the whole package without getting transfixed on times or stallions. You have to keep your eyes open when trying to source value. I must say, I have been brilliantly guided by Ant [Anthony Bromley], whose success speaks for itself. O'Callaghan: That you never know where the good horse will come out of. The beauty of the breeze-ups is that the good horses can come out of any sale and, from a vendor's point of view, if you rock up with a nice horse you will be well-rewarded. Sometimes you can lose sight of that fact. I mean, we all want to go to Keeneland or Book 1 at Tattersalls. But you can buy a nice horse anywhere and get a few quid if they are good enough. Sometimes you can forget that. Coleman: That if a vendor has a good-looking horse by the right stallion and it happens to breeze well, they will get an awful lot of money. I also learned that the bottom of the market is becoming trickier and trickier. Trainers are short on owners and short on orders. The headline horses make for good reading but the bottom of the market is becoming tougher. The rising costs and poor prize-money are leaving trainers on their heels a little bit in terms of buying too many horses on spec. Kavanagh: Plenty. I probably left some of my horses a little bit short this year. Maybe I was too confident that they were in a good spot but, in hindsight, they were probably a little bit underdone. This game is gone so professional that you need to have them ready and mine probably could have been fitter. Valiani: I try to learn as much as I can every day because this is a game where, if you think you know it all, you are finished. I usually watch the breeze with friends and I always try to discuss with them what I saw and try to understand what they saw. Anthony Stroud is a good friend and I love listening to his views on horses. Points of view can be so different with racehorses. It's fascinating. It's like I may like blonde women but you may prefer redheads or brunettes. We all have our own preferences and it is the exact same with horses. Do you think another blockbuster sale is on the cards at Arqana this week? Greatrex: There seems to be plenty of people here and there is a good vibe so why not? There seems to be a lot of nice horses here as well so it wouldn't surprise me if the momentum continues. O'Callaghan: I hope so. But on a serious note, why wouldn't it? The standard is very good and the results mean the people need to stand up and take note. Coleman: I think it will be very strong at the top again but I'm not sure what the middle market will be like as it doesn't seem overly busy thus far but I am sure a lot of the English and Irish trainers will arrive on Friday. This sale last year was extremely strong but the bottom third was skinny. I know that Arqana has made a big effort to get more normal buyers to the sale so we'll see what comes of that. Kavanagh: Yes, it has to be. The top end will be electric. Valiani: I think it will be. The only thing I will say is that the standard of horse that was here last year was exceptional. I haven't seen all of the horses in the sale yet but I think last year set a very high standard. And on a personal level, what would deem this week a success for you? Greatrex: Filling orders and finding future winners. O'Callaghan: Sell all my horses. Empty head collars. I get more anxious about how they run when they hit the track over the next couple of weeks compared to selling them in the ring. You just want them to go on and be good racehorses. Coleman: Buy horses that win good races. Kavanagh: I wanted to hit a million between my five horses but I don't know if I will do that. I'll happily take having a good week and getting them all sold. Valiani: It's quite an expensive sale and I work for a lot of foreign clients. There is very little space for Italians here but I do other business. Last year I bought two horses here. One has won and the other was placed first time out. If I could do similar business this week, I would be very happy. Can you nominate one horse from the breeze-ups worth looking out for when it hits the track? Greatrex: I bought a Lope Y Fernandez filly at the Guineas Sale last week and, while I slightly blew my budget, I loved her and I wasn't going to be beaten. I think she's exciting. O'Callaghan: We sold a Starman colt at the Craven Breeze-Up Sale to Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock. He's gone into training with Richard Fahey and I'd say he's one to follow. I think they named him Tactical Formation. Coleman: I bid on a Ubettabelieveit colt that Anthony [Stroud] ended up buying for £300,000 at Doncaster. He is a very nice horse who looks quick and tough. He should make up into a very fast two-year-old. Kavanagh: The Havana Grey filly that Nick Bell bought off me at the Craven. Let's just say Nick is a very good negotiator! I'd be hopeful about her now. Valiani: I bought a very nice Kodiac colt from Tally-Ho Stud at the Guineas Sale last week. He has gone to Italy and I think he's a lovely horse who came from an excellent consignor in Tally-Ho. The post ‘The Top Will Be Electric’ – Big Dogs Of The Bloodstock World Weigh In On Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Journalism (Curlin), a game runner-up in last Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, remains a candidate for the GI Preakness Stakes May 17 at Pimlico Race Course, the colt's connections confirmed on Thursday. Sent off at as the 7-2 favorite in the Derby, Journalism is owned by the partnership of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert V. LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 LLC., Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. Trained by Michael McCarthy, Journalism remains at Churchill Downs. The barn reported that the colt has come out of the race well. Journalism returned to the track Wednesday and was sent out for his daily exercise Thursday morning. “We're not going to rush into any determination right now. We're going to keep the Preakness in play,” said Aron Wellman, Eclipse's president and CEO. “It's an important American Classic that, whether there's a Triple Crown on the line or not, holds with it an extreme amount of prestige. We're going to monitor Journalism to the best of our ability and then make the best decision for the horse at the end of the day. But we're not saying we're in and we're certainly not shutting the door.” Journalism jogged a mile at Churchill Downs Thursday morning. The post ‘Preakness in Play’ For Derby Runner-Up Journalism appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Destructive, a three-time winner, topped the Tattersalls Online May Sale which concluded on Thursday. Sold as lot 21, the 4-year-old son of More Than Ready made 76,000gns on the bid of Deva Racing Dubai from the draft of Fitzroy House. “We are delighted to have purchased Destructive online today,” said Deva Racing's Ryan Tongue of the gelding, who had finished fourth in the Listed Al Bastakiya at Meydan this winter. “He won three of his last four starts and is on a mark of 97, which is perfect for a Dubai campaign. He will head to dual champion trainer Bhupat Seemar who does an excellent job with these types. He stays a mile and could be a future [G2] Godolphin Mile horse. I love that he already has experience in Dubai where he ran very well at three. There will be lots of options for him over there.” G3 Horris Hill Stakes hero Orne (Acclamation) was purchased by Northgate Lodge Stud for 50,000gns. Part of the Clarehaven Stables consignment, the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes second went through the ring as lot 52. Also sold for 50,000gns was lot 82, Thereyare (Jet Away), to Dan Astbury and Stockton Hall. The Churchland Stables-consigned point-to-pointer has been placed in one run at Ballysteen and is from the same family as Group 3 winner and sire Big Bad Bob. Overall, 58 lots sold (65%) from 89 offered for a gross of 576,100gns. The average was 9,610gns and the median was 5,000gns. A total of five lots made 30,000gns or more. The post More Than Ready’s Destructive Tops Tattersalls Online May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article