Wandering Eyes

Two-year-olds Antonio of Venice and My Shea D Lady took home the top prizes in their respective divisions in the rich New York Stallion Series stakes Dec. 16 at Aqueduct Racetrack,View the full article

Raise Cain is headed west to compete in the $300,000 Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park Dec. 26, opening day of the track's winter/spring meet. View the full article

Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) and O'Connor (Chi) (Boboman) each turned in works Saturday morning at Palm Meadows towards an intended appearance in the $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. Owned by Daniel Alonso, Skippylongstocking won this year's GII Charles Town Classic and was last seen finishing third to Cody's Wish (Curlin) in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Nov. 4. The soon-to-be 5-year-old covered a half-mile in :49.40 (20/64). O'Connor, campaigned by Mike Iavarone and partners, was a sound fourth in last year's Pegasus and is arguably in better form this season, having taken out Keeneland's GII Fayette S. Oct. 28. The Southern Hemisphere 6-year-old also went four furlongs Saturday, stopping the clock in :49.45 (22/64). Also on the Palm Meadows tab was Ny Traffic (Cross Traffic), who went a half in :49.50 in preparation for the Dec. 30 GIII Harlan's Holiday S. The post Joseph-Trained Pegasus Hopefuls Gear Up appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Heavy rain and high winds and a forecast calling for worsening conditions caused Gulfstream Park to cancel its final three races Saturday, including the $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes.View the full article

Godolphin's homebred Nash leads Risk It, Track Phantom, and five other juveniles in the $100,000 Gun Runner Stakes Dec. 23 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

Heavy rains and high winds combined with a forecast indicating that conditions would only worsen forced the cancellation of Satuday's final three races at Gulfstream Park outside of Miami. The $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens S., which had already been transferred to the Tapeta track, has been rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 24 and will be redrawn. The Christmas Eve program will also feature the running of the $125,000 Via Borghese S. for turf females. Live racing is expected to resume Sunday at Gulfstream, with a first post of 12:10 p.m. ET. The post Weather Forces Cancellation Of Final Three at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Adam Hamilton Nathan Purdon stood amongst the crowd at a packed Albion Park as local hero Leap To Fame smashed the track record for the biggest win of his career in last night’s Brisbane Inter Dominion. With Purdon’s stable star Akuta bound for Australia in a few weeks, he got to size-up his major rival. Leap To Fame is “very likely” to chase the Group 1 Hunter Cup at Melton in early February and that’s Akuta’s first big Aussie target. “That was great to watch …. the crowd … the atmosphere,” Purdon said. There were so many layers to Leap To Fame’s dominant win, headed by redemption over his older half-brother Swayzee from the only previous clash in the Group 1 Blacks A Fake at the same track and distance back on July 22. And the fact subsequent defeats, albeit mighty runs, in the TAB Eureka and Victoria Cup has spurred some doubters around the hype on Leap To Fame. But they were silenced as the Albion Park crowd erupted on the home bend when trainer-driver Grant Dixon “cut the ribbons” and went for home with an unassailable lead. Leap To Fame powered to a 10.6m win over much-improved Victorian raider Better Eclipse, who was superbly driven by Greg Sugars, with Swayzee fighting on very bravely for a close-up third. Leviathan owner Kevin Seymour, for so long the lifeblood of Queensland harness racing and such a steely individual, was completely overcome by emotion. As he stood to speak at the presentation, he broke down as he tried to explain how it was a lifetime thrill. “To win this race, here in front of our hometown crowd and Grant and Trista (Dixon) … I just means so much. I’m lost for words,” he said. Later, Seymour said: “I’ve said before, this is the horse Kay and I have been in the game 50 years waited for. “I’ve had some wonderful horses and won some big races, but this is as good as it gets for so many reasons.” Dixon, a champion of the sport but largely in his own Queensland backyard, said an Inter Dominion win was the ultimate. “I’ve had so much success, but have felt I’d missed out on one of those really big races on the national stage,” he said. “To get it, especially here in front of friends, family and a hometown crowd. It doesn’t get much better. “And to share it with Kevin and Kay, who have been such great supporters for such a long time … incredible.” Much debate circled around what would happen at the start with Swayzee drawn three and Leap To Fame out in five. It was Future Assured who blasted out best and just did enough to cross Swayzee, which then enabled Leap To Fame to work forward and get the lead. It changed the race and reversed the roles from the Blacks A Fake where Swayzee led. Dixon put the foot down with scorching splits of the last mile in 27.8, 28.7, 27.2 and 27.5sec. The 1min53.5sec mile took 0.3sec off the track record. Trainer Jess Tubbs said running second “felt like a win.” “We’ve come some far in 12 months and were beaten by a champion. I’m thrilled and proud of him. And Greg drove him incredibly well,” she said. Swayzee’s effort to burn early then sit parked in those times was enormous, especially after his busy schedule as a result of winning last month’s NZ Cup. “It was a mighty run. I just couldn’t quite hold-out Future Assured and that was crucial,” driver Cam Hart said. “He’s just so brave. He kept coming and coming. It was a mighty run.” Polished Grand Circuit performer Spirit Of St Louis ran another wonderful major race for fourth. Just Believe heading to NZ? The odds are firming dual Inter Dominion-winning hero Just Believe will head to New Zealand instead of Sweden next year. While co-trainer and driver Greg Sugars stopped well short of declaring a decision, he said: “the NZ slot race is certainly a very attractive option and money-wise, a smart option.” Then it was back to savouring the moment of Just Believe creating Inter Dominion history. The rising eight-year-old is the first trotter to clean sweep two successive Inter Dominions by winning all three heats and finals both years. And he did it after a lengthy stint in Sweden during the year. “To come back and go to another level is quite incredible,” Sugars said. “He’s just the perfect racehorse and makes us look good as trainers and drivers.” But that’s downplaying the work to get him back with just one lead-up run after his Swedish stint. “I’m excited and a bit emotional,” Sugars said, “it’s just been such a big year for us with so much travel and this horse means so much to us.” Sugars’ wife and co-trainer, Jess Tubbs, added: “I counted up and Greg’s been away six months of the year. It’s been a crazy year, but moments like this make it all worthwhile.” Just as he did last year, Just Believe sat parked outside the leader to win. This time it was Musafa Metro, who fought on well for second, with star Kiwi-owned Queen Elida made good ground in a slowly run race from midfield for third. But Just Believe toyed with his rivals, ripping home in closing splits of 55.8 and 28sec flat to win without being extended. For Sugars, it was his third successive driving win in the race after scoring on Maori Law in 2021 and now Just Believe the past two years. Throw in finishing second in the pacing final on Better Eclipse and it was a night to remember. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Despite being training partners and husband and wife, Colin and Julie DeFilippi will go head to head in the Rangiora Summer Cup on Sunday. The DeFilippi stable will have a big hand in the grass track feature when starting the favourite Here’s Herbie and the well-supported Heza Sport. As well as training the pair, the DeFilippis also own their two starters, with Julie the owner of Here’s Herbie while Colin races Heza Sport. Here’s Herbie was a runaway winner of the recent Geraldine Cup, and he looks hard to beat on Sunday when stepping back out on grass. “He seems to have come through the run well,” Colin said. “I have heard plenty of experts say they think their horse has come through its run well, but you don’t really know until you get to the race.” “But he seems pretty good; his work has been good, and he likes the grass, so we are hopeful he will go another pretty good race.” Heza Sport comes into the Rangiora Summer Cup after disappointing in the Group 3 Summer Cup at Addington on Grand Prix Day. After taking on top-level horses, the pacer looks well placed to give his form a boost. “He has only won seven races, but over the last 18 months, he has had to race the good ones just about every start,” DeFilippi said “Sunday’s field doesn’t look as strong; it is certainly a drop in class for him.” Though he couldn’t match it with Beach Ball, DeFilippi is hoping for better from the pacer he owns and trains on Sunday. “He went ordinary last start; he pulled up, which is not like him, so I got him scoped.” “He was a late nomination; I only put him in when I saw they weren’t going to have a full field.” “But he has worked OK this week, and I have been happy enough with him.” Though Heza Sport’s record on grass tracks is three starts for no placings, DeFilippi is certain the horse handles grass tracks. “It is just the way it has worked out; early on he got a bit of a funny run, he was in and out, and I wasn’t sure whether he went bad or whether it was the grass.” “But after that, he ran a really close sixth behind Here’s Herbie, and he made up good ground, so he definitely handles the grass.” Sunday’s feature will be a tester for Heza Sport’s chances of starting in the Group 1 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill next week. With a strong performance, the pacer is likely to head south. View the full article

The American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Dec. 16 its listing of domestic graded and listed stakes races for 2024, with more races downgraded than upgraded. View the full article

Berkeley City Council could vote on an ordinance that, if passed, would essentially lead to the premature closure of Golden Gate Fields and throw into question the near-term future of the Northern California horse colony, workforce and training colony, the latter already buffeted by 25% cuts to the track's purses. The Bay Area racetrack is scheduled to race from Dec. 26 through June 9, 2024, after which the facility is set to close permanently. The proposed ordinance–which makes the claim that confining a horse to its stall for the majority of the day is akin to animal abuse–would make it illegal to keep a horse stabled for more than 10 hours a day and requires every horse access to a minimum of one-half acre of pasture turnout. There are currently around 1200 horses stabled at Golden Gate, with nearly 290 grooms, hotwalkers and other stable employees living there, according to Dave Duggan, Golden Gate vice president and general manager. Though tweaked in places, the revised language closely resembles the original ordinance introduced earlier this year by Berkeley City councilmember Kate Harrison, who is currently running to be Berkeley Mayor. On Nov. 12, the city council's Health, Life Enrichment, Equity, and Community Committee unanimously voted to send the item to the nine-member Berkeley City Council for a formal vote. According to Harrison, the ordinance will be heard by the City Council in January and would need a majority vote to pass. The first Berkeley City Council meeting after winter recess is on Jan. 16. It's currently unclear if the ordinance, if passed, would go into effect immediately or after a period of time. California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) president Eoin Harty wrote in a statement that as proposed, the ordinance would seriously impinge upon the ability of the horsemen and women of Golden Gate to properly care for their horses. “If enacted, this measure would not protect the welfare of horses but, in fact, be detrimental to them as horses in enclosures outside of stables may suffer greater risks to their health and safety,” wrote Harty. “Stables have been honed over thousands of years to allow horses to remain social while protecting them from injury caused from other horses as well as self-inflicted harm. This ordinance would also negatively impact the large numbers of people whose own livelihoods depend on racing,” Harty added. “It's not something to be taken lightly,” said California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) executive director Scott Chaney. According to Chaney, the proposed ordinance has some “serious legal problems” in terms of Berkeley's legal jurisdiction to impose such a mandate. The nine-page proposed ordinance states that the legislation is designed to govern “only those areas not already directly covered by State and Federal laws. It specifically focuses on a limited set of conditions to supplement the existing regulatory framework.” It also claims that, as a charter city, Berkeley has the authority to “establish regulations and the jurisdiction to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare by establishing safeguards for horses as long as they do not conflict with or duplicate state and federal law.” But horse racing in California is regulated by the CHRB and by the federal government through the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), explained Chaney. “That area's been pre-empted by state and federal government, and so, I don't believe, at least preliminarily, that it would survive a legal challenge,” said Chaney. The proposed ordinance–which is specifically focused on horses “Held, Owned, Used, Exhibited, or Otherwise Kept for Racing or Other Sport, Entertainment or Profit”–makes several glaring misrepresentations of the Thoroughbred racing industry. The ordinance appears to make the erroneous suggestion that Thoroughbred racehorses, on average, live to only three to five years of age. “Many fatalities in horseracing are euthanizations after horses suffer catastrophic injuries, cutting their lives unnaturally short,” the ordinance states. “When CBS Bay Area reported on the most recent horse death at GGF in May of this year it cited the fact that 'live into their 30s, but the average age of is [only] three to five years old.'” The ordinance also states that “horse deaths continue to rise at the horse racing tracks within City limits.” According to the Jockey Club Equine Injury Database, race-day equine fatalities are declining nationwide. Last year saw the lowest statistical equine fatality rate since 2009, when record keeping began–1.29 fatalities per 1000 starts. When it comes to Golden Gate Fields, the track's equine fatality rate has been consistently below the national average since 2017. Last year, the rate was 0.56 fatalities per 1000 starts–a number less than half the national average. The proposed ordinance marks just the latest turbulence faced by the horsemen and women of Golden Gate Fields–which opened in 1941–as it lurches towards its official end. The Stronach Group (TSG) announced in July that it was closing Golden Gate Fields at the end of December with the goal of increasing field size and adding another day of racing a week at Santa Anita. After pushback from industry stakeholders who argued that such an abrupt closure would pose an existential threat to the future of racing in Northern California, TSG officials left the door open to delaying the track's closure another six months. But they appeared to make such a deal incumbent upon a reshaping of the way simulcasting proceeds are allocated in the state. The rule of thumb is that proceeds from wagers made in the “northern zone” stay in Northern California to pay for purses and operational expenses, while the proceeds from wagers made in the “southern zone” stay in Southern California for the same purposes. Initially, various stakeholders in Northern California–including representatives of the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF)–voiced resistance to TSG's idea of moving these proceeds south. In September, however, California lawmakers sought enough buy-in to pass legislation that meant if Golden Gate Fields is not licensed to operate beyond July 1 next year, proceeds from simulcast wagering in the north are funneled south when there is no live racing in the northern half of the state after that date. In recent years, Golden Gate Fields has found itself the target of animal rights activists. In March of 2021, protestors disrupted racing by running onto the track before lying in a circle with interlocking pipes. The protestors belonged to animal rights organization, Direct Action Everywhere, which had sought to shut Golden Gate Fields down for good. Alan Balch, CTT Executive Director, wrote in a statement that CTT is concerned about the negative impact the Berkeley ordinance will have on horse welfare, mirroring Harty's comments. “We are working with all segments of equestrian sports to educate legislators about horse safety, and we look forward to meeting with Berkeley's elected leaders to discuss this ordinance,” wrote Balch. Balch added: “Relying on the good faith of the Berkeley City Council and leadership, CTT believes this is a matter requiring the facts about good horsemanship and horse care–not just for horse racing but all horses–to be brought to their attention.” The post Berkeley City Council Ordinance Could Close Golden Gate Early appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple group winner Speak In Colours (GB) (Excelebration {Ire}–Maglietta Fina {Ire}, by Verglas {Ire}) has been retired and will stand at Haras des Fontaines for €1,900 next year. The Jour de Galop reported the news on Saturday. Bred by Scuderia Archi Romani, the half-brother to G1 Nassau S. heroine Lady Bowthorpe (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) won a total of six stakes over a six-year career, and was also third in the 2019 G1 Prix de la Foret. He won the G3 Phoenix Sprint S. in 2018, the G3 Renaissance S. in 2019, and the G2 Greenlands S. and G3 Ballycorus S., both in 2020. After changing hands for 22,000gns out of the 2021 Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale, he made several more starts. The grey 8-year-old's record stands at 36-8-5-4 and $512,719 in earnings. His dam won four times in Italy and England, and is from the family of stakes winners Pie In Your Eye (Spend A Buck), Pie's Lil Brother (Roar) and Monsagem (Nureyev). The last-named horse was third in the G1 Prix Jean Prat. Another on the move to Fontaines is listed hero Master's Spirit (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}–Lavayssiere, by Sicyos). Produced by Bouzid Chehboub and Kamel Chehboub's breeding programme, the four-time group-placed 12-year-old will stand for €1,600 as a dual purpose sire. His eldest foals will be 3-year-olds of 2024. The post Speak In Colours Retires To Haras Des Fontaines appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced on Dec. 16 its listing of domestic graded and listed stakes races for 2024, with more races downgraded than upgraded. View the full article

1st-AQU, $85K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 12:20 p.m. ET. Charles Matses homebred GATE SONG (Arrogate) makes her first start for trainer Ned Allard. Out of SW Shannanies Song, she counts as half-siblings GII Summertime Oaks runner-up Bellamentary (Bellamy Road), GII Swale S. hero Favorable Outcome (Flatter), Dubai Group 3 stakes winner Mouheeb (Flatter) and GIII Fantasy S. runner-up Beguine (Gun Runner). Also making her first start is Robert Evans homebred Reconcile (War Front) for trainer Linda Rice. The gray filly's dam is a half-sister to GIII Comely S. heroine Raging Sea (Curlin), while third dam GSW Welcome Surprise (Seeking the Gold) is a half-sister to Horse of the Year A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew). TJCIS PPS 8th-GP, $70K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 3:33 p.m. ET. Down in Hallandale, Whisper Hill Farm homebred Tapit's Starlet (Tapit) will make her debut. The Ralph Nicks trainee is a half-sister to GIII Lexington S. runner-up Unbridled Honor (Honor Code). A $1 million purchase by Whisper Hill at the 2011 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, dam Silvery Starlet is a half-sibling to GI Cigar Mile champ El Corredor (Mr. Greeley) and GI Haskell Invitational H. victor Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus). Kuldeep Singh Rajput's Gandharvi Racing has Urgence (Into Mischief) set for her inaugural run. Trained by Brendan Walsh, the $575,000 Keeneland September buy is out of SP Divine Elegance (Uncle Mo), who went for $750,000 to Breeze Easy at the 2018 Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale while in foal to Tapit. Urgence's extended female family includes MGISP Standard Deviation (Curlin) and GI Kentucky Oaks victress Believe You Can (Proud Citizen). TJCIS PPS 6th-OP, $115K, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/16m, 3:50 p.m. ET. Another homebred debuting is Ken McPeek trainee Common Defense (Karakontie {Jpn}), whose female family includes MGSW Fearless (Ghostzapper). Under third dam MGISW Aldiza (Storm Cat) we find the dams of MGISP Lone Sailor (Majestic Warrior) and GIII Peter Pan S. champ Timeline (Hard Spun). TJCIS PPS The post Sunday’s Racing Insights: Well-Related Daughter Of Arrogate Makes The Races At Aqueduct appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of 429 graded stakes races–down from 440 in 2023–and four fewer top-level events will be contested in 2024, the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced following its two-day grading session Dec. 14 and 15. The Committee reviewed 970 overall with purses of at least $75,000 and also assigned listed status to a further 213 races. Some 10 races were upgraded from their previous status–one new Grade I and nine Grade Iis. Four new Grade III events were also listed. Fourteen new listed raced and two new listed/restricted races were upgraded from non-listed black-type status. The Franklin-Simpson S. at Kentucky Downs is the lone new Grade I for 2024, while the Carter H., the Man o'War S., the Beverly D. S., the United Nations S. and Hollywood Gold Cup each lost its elite-level grading. Nine races were upgraded to Grade II, four races received an upgrade to Grade III, 14 races were upgraded to listed status and two races were awarded listed/restricted status. Ten races were downgraded from Grade II to Grade III, 15 were downgraded from Grade III to listed status and 13 races were downgraded to non-listed black-type. In 2024, a total of 93 Grade I races will be staged, 137 at the Grade II level and 199 Grade IIIs. Click here for the 2024 U.S. graded and listed stakes listing. Upgraded Stakes Grade II to Grade I Franklin-Simpson S., Kentucky Downs Grade III to Grade II Intercontinental S., Belmont Park Charles Town Oaks, Charles Town Locust Grove S., Churchill Downs Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Gulfstream Valley View S., Keeneland Music City S., Kentucky Downs Fantasy S., Oaklawn Saratoga Oaks Invitational, Saratoga Troy S., Saratoga Listed to Grade III Unbridled Sidney S., Churchill Downs Giant's Causeway S., Keeneland Perryville S., Keeneland Kentucky Cup Classic, Turfway Park Downgraded Stakes Grade I to Grade II Carter H., Aqueduct Man o'War S., Belmont Beverly D. S., Colonial Downs United Nations S., Monmouth Hollywood Gold Cup, Santa Anita Grade II to Grade III Forty Niner S., Aqueduct Hill Prince S., Belmont at Aqueduct Vosburgh S., Belmont at Aqueduct Sheepshead Bay S., Belmont at Aqueduct Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance S. at BC host site Penn Mile S., Penn National Californian S., Santa Anita Goldikova S., Santa Anita Royal Heroine S., Santa Anita Prioress S., Saratoga Grade III to Listed Bay Shore S., Aqueduct Fall Highweight H., Aqueduct La Jolla H., Del Mar Golden Gate H., Golden Gate Fields Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint S., Gulfstream Smile Sprint S., Gulfstream Sugar Swirl S., Gulfstream Swale S., Gulfstream Smarty Jones S., Parx BWI Invitational Turf Cup, Pimlico Iowa Oaks, Prairie Meadows Remington Park Oaks, Remington Desert Stormer S., Santa Anita Kona Gold S., Santa Anita Schuylerville S., Saratoga The post Fewer Graded Races, Net Loss Of Four Grade I Events For 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Otto the Conqueror (Street Sense) picked up a black-type feather for his cap with this gutsy victory in the Remington Springboard Mile S., and picked up 10 points for the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Locking horns almost from the jump, Otto the Conqueror and Glengarry (Maximus Mischief) refused to give each other peace, their duel opening a sizeable gap between the pair and the field. Taking the slimmest of margins coming into the straight, the eventual winner sustained his long drive best in the end, scoring his Derby points by a 3/4-length over his long-time rival as Magic Grant (Good Magic) closed from the rear to pick up third. “It's off to Hot Springs [Arkansas and Oaklawn Park] and Derby trail, here we come,” said Steve Asmussen, who has won this contest seven times. “You just saw two nice horses hook up from start to finish.” The first to the races for dam Dream It Is as 3-year-old eldest sister Petit Reve (Empire Maker) has yet to make a start, Otto the Conqueror sets a high bar for the siblings to follow for his young dam, a pair of half-sisters; a Blame yearling and a 2023 Curlin. Dream It Is was bred to Uncle Mo for 2024. This is the female line of European champion 3-year-old filly MG1SW Bosra Shame, who went on to produce GSW Rosberg (A.P. Indy) as well as Otto the Conqueror's branch of the family. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG. OTTO THE CONQUEROR ($4.80) had to fight off Glengarry to earn the win in the $300,000 Springboard Mile at @RemingtonPark. @Tyler_Gaff scrubbed him home for trainer Steve Asmussen. The Street Sense (@DarleyAmerica) colt made it 3 wins in a row! pic.twitter.com/JPFWdQnhXQ — TVG (@TVG) December 16, 2023 REMINGTON SPRINGBOARD MILE S., $300,000, Remington, 12-15, 2yo, 1m, 1:39.91, my. 1–OTTO THE CONQUEROR, 121, c, 2, by Street Sense 1st Dam: Dream It Is (GSW-USA, SW-Can, $175,544), by Shackleford 2nd Dam: Reve Enchante, by Medaglia d'Oro 3rd Dam: Reve de Fille, by Storm Cat ($450,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Three Chimneys Farm; B-Hoolie Racing Stable, LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0, $337,360. 2–Glengarry, 121, c, 2, Maximus Mischief–L. A. Way, by Tizway. ($55,000 Ylg '22 FTKJUL; $150,000 2yo '23 EASMAY). O-Kennedy, Aaron, Joseph, Toby and Doug Anderson; B-Highpoint Bloodstock (IA); T-Doug L. Anderson. $60,000. 3–Magic Grant, 121, c, 2, Good Magic–Holiday Bertie, by Harlan's Holiday. ($120,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $300,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR). O-Willis Horton Racing LLC; B-Hill N Dale Equine Holdings, Inc (KY); T-Eddie Milligan, Jr.. $33,000. Margins: 3/4, 1 1/4, 6HF. Odds: 1.40, 2.40, 13.80. Also Ran: Third Street, My Buddy Mel, Raging Torrent. Scratched: Fidget, Gettysburg Address, Rhino Runner. The post Street Sense’s Otto the Conqueror Game in Springboard Mile 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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In a two-horse throwdown, Three Chimneys Farm's Otto the Conqueror outdueled the previously unbeaten Glengarry and inched away to post a three-quarters of a length victory in the $300,000 Remington Springboard Mile Stakes Dec. 15.View the full article

The breeding stock sales are, by definition, where many of the best broodmares and foals are offered under the hammer, but many fine racing prospects have emerged from these sessions in recent years. Some farm the sales better than others, notably trainers Joseph O'Brien and Paddy Twomey, who have made a habit of replenishing their stables with high-class runners each winter. So who fared best this winter? O'Brien and Twomey were back again, with the pair signing for some interesting prospects with a view towards next season, while a number of mares with interesting profiles were sold abroad or to new partnerships with the aim of enhancing their profiles over the coming 12 months. Here are five to follow from the breeding stock sales. Rogue Millennium The case for Rogue Millennium (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was an obvious one and it was bloodstock agents David Lanigan and Ted Durcan, working on behalf of American owner Scott Heider, who secured the classy filly to go into training with Joseph O'Brien. Rogue Millennium deservedly occupied star billing in the Sceptre Sessions and she lived up to her reputation when selling for 1.65 million gns. Fillies with genuine Group 1 form and the ability to race on don't come up on the market too often, and Heider, who has already had some classy performers with O'Brien, was forced to pay to secure the four-year-old. However, Rogue Millennium showed top-notch form for former trainer Tom Clover and owners The Rogues Gallery, with her runner-up effort behind the brilliant Tahiyra (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) suggesting that she is not far off making the breakthrough at the highest level. A Group 2 winner at Royal Ascot this season, Rogue Millennium rarely disappointed and her ability to handle quick ground could mean she is a candidate to take in races abroad. Given that O'Brien is a dab hand at travelling horses all over the world, Rogue Millennium could well be the type to be on her travels next year. Now, that would be exciting. It must be said that Rogue Millennium was not the only classy prospect that O'Brien snapped up at the mares sales this winter. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Classy youngster Without Words (Mendelssohn), who Mick Murphy and Sarah O'Connell of Longways Stables put into training after failing to sell the filly at the breeze-ups, went the way of Justin Casse on behalf of the trainer for €450,000. Without Words looked a smart prospect in the making when winning second time up for trainer Francois Rohaut at Toulouse and commanded a price tag to reflect that ability. She's another to note. Lady Tilbury: has an interesting profile | Racingfotos.com Lady Tilbury Word on the street is that Lady Tilbury (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), a four-time winner over sprint trips for David Marnane, is off to Paddy Twomey after being knocked down to BBA Ireland for 150,000gns at Tattersalls. On the face of things, Lady Tilbury may not scream Group performer in the making, but the four-year-old has offered flashes of high-class form for Marnane. One thing we know about Lady Tilbury is that she is very quick. Something of a Tipperary specialist, she won three times at that track over the minimum distance, with her sole other victory coming at another speed favouring course in Cork. It may not be the craziest idea to compare Lady Tilbury's profile to that of Sonnaiyla (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who joined Twomey rated 82, but improved 26lbs and bagged a Group 3 success for the Golden-based trainer. It will be a big ask for Lady Tilbury to improve to that extent but it's worth noting that Marnane thought highly enough of the filly to pitch her into Group 3 company on her final start for the stable at Dundalk in October. Things may not have gone to plan on that occasion but an argument could be made that Lady Tilbury's best days are still ahead of her and she is one to keep an eye on in 2024. It's no secret that Twomey has done extremely well out of the mares sales in recent years and La Isla Mujeres (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) was another interesting recruit to his yard at 330,000gns. Signed for alongside bloodstock agent Jason Kelly, La Isla Mujeres showed classy form for Ralph Beckett on behalf of Valmont, winning twice and reaching a rating of 93. She was not far off achieving black-type for her former connections and, given her lightly-raced profile, rates another interesting prospect for next season. Relief Rally It's fair to say the Yulong team likes to keep everyone guessing. Between buying online and signing under different pseudonyms, Yuesheng Zhang's major ownership vehicle made things interesting at Goffs, Tattersalls and more recently at Arqana. The top lot at Arqana, Place Du Carrousel, was rumoured to have been bought by the Yulong outfit under the banner of Portofino Bloodstock for the unusual sum of €4,025,000. It was also suggested by some in the know that the Group 1 winner would be continuing her career in Australia for the powerful operation, similarly to Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never). Relief Rally (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) could be another interesting one to have joined the Yulong team. One of the star juveniles this term, Relief Rally won four of her five starts for William Haggas, culminating with a brilliant victory in the G2 Lowther S. She was knocked down to the unknown entity of Mrs A Sullivan for 800,000gns during a helter-skelter edition of the Sceptre Sessions at Tattersalls. Should time reveal Relief Rally to be another big-name signing for Yulong, she would form part of a strong group of older mares for the team to look forward to next year and definitely has Group 1 aspirations. Pipsy Young trainer Will Walden marked his first trip to Tattersalls by snapping up three quality fillies for just over 1.8million gns and Pipsy (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) could well prove the pick. Pipsy went from strength to strength in three starts for trainer Ger Lyons, building on her debut second at Cork to run out an authoritative winner of a Curragh maiden before making the breakthrough at listed level back over the minimum trip at Dundalk. The juvenile is just the type who could suit the style of racing in America and has already proved that she handles a quick surface in winning at Dundalk. She could be a name to note for Walden who also landed Aussie Girl (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) for 380,000gns and Olivia Maralda (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) for 725,000gns at the Sceptre Sessions. Royal Grey Nobody could accuse John O'Connor of Ballylinch Stud of being a rigid thinker and, while some people would turn their noses up at Italian form, he thought it worthwhile to partner up and buy Royal Grey (GB) from Endo Botti for €135,000 at Arqana last week. By the sire of the moment, Havana Grey (GB), Royal Grey showed a likeable attitude to win at listed level in Italy. What that form amounts to is hard to weigh up but she's clearly a filly who tries hard and is deserving of a tilt at black-type races in France. That's exactly what the plan is for Royal Grey, who was purchased alongside an unnamed partner to go into training with Nicolas Clement. There could be a lot of fun to be had with her over sprint trips in France next season. The post Big-Race Winners In Waiting? Five To Follow From The Mares Sales 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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Smart four-year-old gelding Grebeni (Ocean Park) recorded his sixth career victory when running out a strong winner of the Cactus Imaging Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday. The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained son of Ocean Park had previously finished midfield in the Festival Stakes (1500m) a fortnight ago and bounced back with a gritty performance on Saturday. Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Grebeni carried 53kgs to victory as he came from midfield to defeat Glory Daze (Cotai Glory) and King Of The Castle (NZ) (Castledale), in a field that featured quality gallopers Kirwan’s Lane (NZ) (Charm Spirit) and Stockman (NZ) (Tavistock). “He gets his head out and has a crack and when things go the right way, he always runs well,” Ryan said. “He had to do a bit of buffeting at the top of the straight to get out and get in the clear but a better barrier today, he paraded better with two weeks between runs and not four, and Kerrin knows him and rode him terrific. “He’s a big tall skinny horse who doesn’t carry a lot of weight, but fat horses can’t run.” A raucous bunch of owners greeted Grebeni, with 57 people sharing in the ownership. “He has taken them on a terrific journey and they’re a good bunch of people with Tim Boland. He got them into it and away we go,” Ryan said. Ryan and Alexiou will now look to pick off another A$160,000 race in the Maroubra Mile. “I was thinking about going 2000m but watching that race myself, I don’t think so,” he said. “There were a couple of races that we aimed him at this prep that he never got into and small fish are sweet. There is another mile race here on the 30th, the Maroubra Mile, which is BenchMark 100. “So we might keep him running in that and we wont go pushing him out too far this preparation.” Grebeni has now won six of his 14 starts, with a further four placings and A$452,975 in prizemoney. By high-class Waikato Stud stallion Ocean Park, Grebeni is out of the three-win Medaglia d’Oro mare Dubrovnik and was a $100,000 Gold Coast yearling. View the full article

This tour offers a unique opportunity to view almost 750 yearlings heading to Karaka 2024 on their farms. Taking place over six days, the tour is open to both industry participants and the general public. There is no fee to attend the tour and bus transport, kindly sponsored by New Zealand Bloodstock, is available, departing from and returning to Cambridge BP daily. A number of stud farms will also kindly sponsor refreshments (breakfast, lunch, dinner). The tour is open to everybody but registration is required, please contact Ed Stapleton on 027 2589114 (also Whatsapp) or email ed@esb.nz<mailto:ed@esb.nz> Find out more HERE https://esbloodstock.com/nzyearlingtour/ View the full article

Under-rated filly Still Bangon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) stepped up to stakes class and prevailed in a nail-biting finish to the Gr.3 LawnMaster Eulogy Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. Trained by Stephen Autridge for owner-breeders Paul and Maureen Guise, the daughter of Satono Aladdin came into Saturday’s black-type debut with a win, three placings and a fourth to her name from her seven previous career starts. That included a relegation to second after being first past the post in a maiden race at Taupo in September. The beneficiary of that Taupo relegation was Te Akau Racing’s promoted winner Superbly Written (Written Tycoon). When Still Bangon collected her black-type spoils in the Eulogy on Saturday, those familiar tangerine colours were right alongside her again – this time carried by the runner-up My Lips Are Sealed (NZ) (Ace High). On paper, there appeared to be many chances among a remarkably even line-up for this year’s Eulogy. That was exactly how the $100,000 feature played out on the track too, with more than half a dozen fillies lining up across most of the width of the Trentham home straight to lodge their claims in rain-affected ground. That number was eventually whittled down to three as My Lips Are Sealed, Still Bangon and Chica Mojito (NZ) (Zacinto) pulled ahead of the rest of the field in the final 150m. There was nothing between them in a head-bobbing battle to the line, but Still Bangon thrust her neck down at just the right time to snatch victory by a nose for jockey Tegan Newman. My Lips Are Sealed was second, a long head in front of Chica Mojito. “I’m thrilled to get that result,” Autridge said. “It was a very close finish and a very testing race, but she fought strongly and deserved the win. She’s been racing well all through the spring, so it’s pleasing to see her step up into black-type company and put in a performance like that. To win a Group Three race is absolutely massive for her owner-breeders and great for the filly. “I’m picking that her next target is going to be at Pukekohe, stepping up over a bit more ground for the Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (Gr.2, 2050m) on New Year’s Day.” The eighth individual stakes winner among the southern hemisphere progeny of standout Rich Hill Stud shuttle stallion Satono Aladdin, Still Bangon is a daughter of the Guises’ homebred mare Shebang (NZ) (Le Bec Fin), who herself won five races and is a full-sister to the stakes-performed Elle Tresor (NZ). With Saturday’s Eulogy Stakes victory, Still Bangon earned 6 points in the New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Series. That puts her in equal third spot alongside the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) winner Quintessa (NZ) (Shamus Award). The table is headed by Impendabelle (Impending) on 15 points, courtesy of her win in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and second placing in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Impressive 1000 Guineas winner Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) is just behind her on 12 points. View the full article

Is It Me (Iffraaj) posted a dominant win at Caulfield on Saturday, backing up his impressive last-start victory and giving Celine Gaudray an early treble at Caulfield. Prepared by Daniel Bowman, the gelding, who has only finished out of the placings twice from nine starts, was subject to heavy market support prior to the 1200m Benchmark 70 and started a $2.70 favourite. Jumping from the middle alley, Gaudray positioned the four-year-old son of Iffraaj three wide with cover down the side of the course, stalking third-elect Pink Beau Ty (Brazen Beau) ($8), who gave a decent kick around the bend. But Is It Me quickly sidled up alongside and swept passed with ease, pulling away late to make it back-to-back wins. “That was perfect – Celine kept him in plenty of galloping room, let him track up behind on the back of one of the other chances in (Brian) McGrath’s, and he was too strong,” Bowman said. “He was a bit beaten for speed early back to the 1200, and just his ability midrace, when she asked him to get on the back of that horse, he did it easily, and then quickened again. “He’s got to keep learning and going through his grades, and hopefully in six months we can have some real fun.” The Warrnambool-based trainer said he would wait and see how Is It Me pulls up before deciding whether to push on this campaign or not. “We’ll just see how he comes through it,” he said. “He really knocks himself around in a race and loses a lot of weight – we just take it one run at a time when we’re this deep into the prep with him. “But it’s all fun, everyone’s happy winning races, so we’ll keep cracking if he’s up to it.” By former Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Iffraaj, Is It Me is out of the stakes-placed Peintre Celebre mare Gosh, with Bowman purchasing the smart galloper for $40,000 at the Melbourne Yearling Sale. The gelding has won four of his nine career starts, with a further three runner-up finishes. View the full article

Consistent stayer Dionysus (NZ) (Ocean Park) provided Roger James and Robert Wellwood with a positive end to a tough week when scoring a fighting victory in the Gr.3 SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Cup (2400m) on Saturday at Te Rapa. The Cambridge training partners announced the retirement of superstar mare Prowess (NZ) (Proisir) earlier in the week, but were back at the fore on Friday at Tauranga with Hastobeawinner (NZ) (Vadamos) victorious over 1400m, and headed to Te Rapa with the Cup favourite on Saturday. With the scratching of well-fancied runner Aromatic (NZ) (Sacred Falls), Dionysus became the prominent public-elect for the Cup starting a warm $2.20 favourite, with punters backing Prise De Fer (NZ) (Savabeel) on the back-up closing at $5.30. Dionysus jumped away in his typically tardy fashion, with a prepared Warren Kennedy quickly finding cover and slotting him into a comfortable position third-last in the early stages. The tempo was steady up front with Margaret Jean (NZ) (Sacred Falls) heading the field, Kennedy stalking Prise De Fer’s every move and had Dionysus travelling beautifully widest on the home turn. Looming large on the outside, Dionysus moved up to challenge Prise De Fer, and the last 200m became a three-horse war as $27 hope Coruba Jak (NZ) (Jakkalberry) threatened an upset. Kingsclere’s charge proved too strong in the final bounds to score by a ½ length, with Prise De Fer gallant under the 59kg in second and Coruba Jak gaining a Group placing finishing seven lengths ahead of the remaining runners. Kennedy regained the ride aboard the son of Ocean Park after claiming the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) last season, followed by a third in the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m). “He went absolutely fantastic,” Kennedy said. “He’s a lovely horse and I think Roger and Robert have really brought him on the right way. He’s super fit at the moment and enjoying his racing, he can be a handful but he did everything right today, bar jumping out of the gates which he never gets right. “The race didn’t map out as I thought it would, I looked up and saw El Nymph back where I was, so I wondered where the pace would come from, but they keep a reasonable gallop all the way round. I got on the back of Prise De Fer who I thought was probably the next best, he tracked me through and this horse settled beautifully in the run, he was breathing well. “I wanted to put the horse (Prise De Fer) with the biggest weight under pressure early, so I challenged him at the top of the straight and got a bit of a lead. This horse (Dionysus) was floating around quite a bit waiting for the challenge to come, and when Prise De Fer got within a neck of me, the horse realised he had to go again and kicked on.” James was complimentary of the Cambridge trainers’ team following the victory, which couldn’t have come at better notice. “There’s no ‘I’ in team, and we’re fortunate we have a champion team behind us. Days like this reward everybody,” Roger James said. “Warren had it in his mind that he didn’t want to be snookered on the fence, he’s a class rider and he’d thought of everything we’d thought of. He rode him a treat. Now a winner of six races and over $394,000 in stakes, James indicated Dionysus will now be set to defend his crown in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup on New Year’s Day at Pukekohe, whilst holding nominations for each of the Gr.3 NZ Campus For Sport and Innovation Wellington Cup (3200m), Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m), and the Gr.2 Barfoot and Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m). “That’s the plan at this stage (Queen Elizabeth II Cup), but as always we’ll take him home and make certain he’s okay before we move on.” Bred by Sir Patrick and Lady Justine Hogan, Dionysus was purchased for $45,000 by James and Wellwood out of Cambridge Stud’s Book 1 draft at the 2019 Karaka Yearling Sales, for prominent owners Ron and Fran Dixon. “Ron was my first ever owner, he loves his racing and he’s been fortunate enough to have a lot of good horses along the way. Hopefully this is not his last.” View the full article

Handy stayer Commander Harry (NZ) (Reliable Man) returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in more than 800 days when winning the Quayclean Handicap (2000m) at Caulfield under a perfect Jamie Mott ride. These days prepared by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, the five-year-old gelding hadn’t won since breaking maiden ranks over 1450m at Kilmore in September 2021 when trained by Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young. The son of Reliable Man finished runner-up in the Gr.2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) won by Forgot You (NZ) (Savabeel) and campaigned against a number of likely types in his Classic season including placings behind the likes of Jungle Magnate (NZ) (Tarzino) and Detonator Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry). Fast-forward two seasons, and the SCT Syndications-raced galloper relished the strong tempo set in Saturday’s contest to prevail by a length and a quarter. Stable representative Jack Turnbull said the variety of facilities at the disposal of the Ciaron Maher Racing team played a key role in the return to form, including the Fingal base on the Mornington peninsula. “It has been a long-time coming. It is well-documented he has been through nearly every set-up we have. He currently lives at Fingal and full-credit to the team down there,” Turnbull said. “He has been doing a lot of jumping and a lot of alternative work. He doesn’t actually gallop a lot these days. He does a lot of bowling and surging work out there and it seems to be working. “Typically, we would bring them in once or twice a week to speed-up on grass but horses like him are educated and they don’t need to be worked at speed. They do a lot of half-pace and three-quarter pace work at Fingal which is left-handed and right-handed and we have just recently set-up a few jumping and schooling arenas. “It is effective and we’re learning and we are seeing him put it into practice with Track Kat (Head of Ciaron Maher Racing’s Sports Science Katrina Anderson, or Track Kat, as she is more commonly known in racing circles) who likes to pioneer that.” Turnbull admitted Commander Harry was the beneficiary of the strong tempo set by free-going import Blue Cup (Kendargent). “The race was set-up for him today with Blue Cup running along but to the horse’s credit he kept galloping,” Turnbull said. “I think he will get a solid ten furlongs like he did today and maybe even a mile and a half now that he is a bit more seasoned and more mature. “A big thanks to the patient ownership group that is here today, including Stephen and Tash at SCT Syndications, it is a great result.” By Westbury Stud sire Reliable Man, Commander Harry is out of the Zabeel mare Our Josephina (NZ) was bred by Greg Perry’s Greenwich Stud. Raised at Michelle Norman and Dave Keenan’s Kilmore Farm in Matamata, Commander Harry was a $50,000 purchase at the 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale by Busuttin and Young. View the full article