Wandering Eyes

Paradise Farms and David Staudacher's grade 1-placed The Wine Steward returned to the work tab at Gulfstream Park Feb. 17 for trainer Mike Maker after a four-month respite.View the full article

Trainer Jeffrey Englehart will not face sanctions after the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit determined that he was not responsible for a positive clenbuterol finding from a November 2023 test of one of his horses.View the full article

In the previous four runnings of the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup, American-based horses have–surprisingly–passed the post in first on a single occasion while finishing second on each occasion. That 'victory' came in the much-discussed inaugural running in 2020, a result that seems likely to soon be overturned, albeit to the benefit of another American horse. So, even though the U.S. is the epicenter of world dirt racing, its five representatives this year arguably still have something to prove when a field of 14 loads the gate around 12:40 p.m. ET Saturday afternoon. And it's anything but a fait accompli that one of them gets their picture taken in the King Abdulaziz winner's enclosure a short time thereafter. We will analyze America's chances in these pages and will have a look at the runners from defending champion Japan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, plus previews for Saturday's five other group races back in TDN Europe. White Abarrio (Race Day) looks to become the first winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Classic to double up in Riyadh and races first-up since his defeat of the re-opposing Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) at Santa Anita on the first Saturday of November. The 5-year-old really came to life at the back end of 2023, powering home in the Whitney prior to his Classic effort. “We thought we had a chance of beating a couple of horses in the [Whitney],” trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr. told the Saudi Cup notes team earlier this week. “We weren't expecting or hoping to beat Cody's Wish (Curlin), but two turns at Saratoga might not have been Cody's Wish's game, who knows, so we said we'd take a chance. He continued, “But I never got to breeze him for the race, so we were like 10 days without breezing and you just show up. But we did breeze him the morning of [the race] and Irad [Ortiz] happened to be there watching. It wasn't my plan, I wasn't even there, I was on my way up because I had to train at Belmont but Irad caught it and he was wondering if we were going to scratch!” laughed the trainer. “When I knew that we were coming here, it was like 11 days before we came and I was like man, they are playing into our hands because we don't need to breeze him,” the conditioner continued. “We can play the same game and right now I feel that he is over the trip and he's himself now.” White Abarrio, who will carry the red-and-white silks of Prince Faisal Bin Khaled Bin Abdulaziz, has saddle cloth 14, but gate one, and he'll want to leave there running to be handy to a pace that maps above-average quick. Dutrow has expressed his intention to blow out his charge on race morning. “' !” HRH Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, co-owner of WHITE ABARRIO, looks ahead to the 2024 G1 Saudi Cup. #TheSaudiCup | #サウジカップ pic.twitter.com/kTuPC1QMgC — The Saudi Cup (@thesaudicup) February 23, 2024 National Treasure is one of three in the race for Quality Road, who accounted for 2022 Saudi Cup stunner Emblem Road. The $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga grad employed front-running tactics to take out last year's GI Preakness S. and nearly pulled off the upset when ridden the same way in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile last November. But the 4-year-old showed a bit of a rating gear when last seen in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S., as he shook free into the final furlong and held the rallying Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) in the run to the line. “He has a good post to work from in seven,” said Jimmy Barnes, assistant to trainer Bob Baffert. “This is our fifth runner in this race, we have been second three times (Charlatan, 2021, Country Grammer, 2022-23), so we are hoping to make the breakthrough.” Senor Buscador figures to sit a good trip from gate four beneath Junior Alvarado. Reigning GI Pennsylvania Derby winner Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming) may have been out of his depth in the Classic, as he was a beaten horse a long way from home, but this 1800-meter trip figures to suit him much better. He was a convincing winner of the GIII Louisiana S. when last seen Jan. 20, but those immediately behind that day made no impact in the GIII Mineshaft S. last weekend. “I think he's more suited from a mile [1600m] to a mile and an eighth [1800m] and the one turn should be ideal for him,” jockey Florent Geroux said. “It's a very deep race. I've been on him many times before, I know him very well, the work rider has done a perfect job and I'll leave it to them.” Hoist the Gold (Mineshaft) is the least-likely among the five U.S. horses, but did post a 109 Beyer in wiring the GII Cigar Mile H. back in December. “It's all about winning,” said trainer Dallas Stewart. “If you're not in it to win, you best stay home and if you don't want to be in great races like this, you ought to go do something else.” The post The Avengers: Five Americans Look To Take Back Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Road to the Kentucky Oaks goes through Florence, Ky., when Turfway Park stages the March 1 Cincinnati Trophy Stakes. The $150,000, one-mile race on Tapeta drew a capacity field of 12, plus two also-eligibles.View the full article

by Alan Carasso, Heather Anderson & Jill Williams Following the Thursday scratching of Meisho Hario (Jpn) (Pyro), Japan is left with a team of four as they look for back-to-back victories in the world's richest horserace, the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh. After fielding five starters in the first three runnings of the 1800-metre contest–a pair of sixth-place efforts were the best they could do–no fewer than a half-dozen jetted in from the Land of the Rising Sun 12 months ago, and the results were more than anyone could have reasonably expected. Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) made all from gate one, as his compatriots filled third, fourth and fifth placings. And, if anything, those on site this week are a collectively classier bunch. Like Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) will try to parlay a placing in the G3 Saudi Derby into Saudi Cup success. The G2 UAE Derby winner and GI Kentucky Derby sixth, the chestnut was audaciously spotted first-up for six months in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic and was getting to White Abarrio (Race Day) before time ran out. He reportedly suffered an eye injury in transit, and while connections can't be completely sure he'll run his race, the signs remain positive. “The horse has got more mature, stronger I think,” said jockey Christophe Lemaire. “He knows the place so he was more focused on what he had to do this morning. He was very smooth, reacting very well when I put him a little bit under pressure. He was actually very good. He looks happy here so I'm very confident.” Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) took advantage of his only previous trip to the Middle East to plunder last year's G1 Dubai World Cup and was scarcely disgraced in the Classic when fifth. He exits a defence of his title in the G1 Tokyo Daishoten at Ohi just 56 days after the Santa Anita effort, demonstrative of the toughness he's show over the past two seasons. “He is very settled in and is fit and ready now,” said Masakazu Fukami, assistant to trainer Noboru Takagi. Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid) is Japan's reigning champion dirt galloper and earned his ticket to the Saudi Cup when overcoming the dreaded outside gate to take out the G1 Champions Cup at Chukyo on Dec. 8. While he controlled things from the front, getting there this time around is going to prove tricky, though he did win the G1 February S. from off the speed. “We've enormous confidence in our jockey [Ryusei Sakai], in our last race we drew the very outside and a horse had never won from that position before,” Godolphin Japan President Harry Sweeney said at Wednesday's draw. “Lemon Pop overcame those odds. He's going to have to do it again but we'll see how it goes. It's a big ask for Lemon Pop, we're respectful of all.” Crown Pride (Jpn) (Reach the Crown {Jpn}) was a decent fifth in this last year and the 2022 G2 UAE Derby hero continued his world travels by outclassing his rivals by 10 lengths in the G3 Korea Cup at Seoul last September before disappointing when only 11th at Chukyo. The home team had just six runners in the first three Saudi Cups–including the victorious Emblem Road (Quality Road)–and for the second year running is represented by four entrants. Defunded (Dialed In) was a dual Grade I winner for Bob Baffert in the States, but was recently acquired privately by Muhaideb Abdullah A Almuhaideb and makes his first start since finishing runner-up in defence of his title in the GI Awesome Again S. in late September. Former Baffert inmate Carmel Road (Quality Road) ran them off their feet in the King Faisal Cup over a mile Jan. 13, while the most intriguing of the locals is Power in Numbers (Girvin), winner of four from five in Saudi, including the Jan. 27 King's Cup over course and distance, where he had Scotland Yard (Quality Road) a half-length back in second. The latter gained a run with the withdrawal of Meisho Hario. Isolate (Mark Valeski), last year's G2 Godolphin Mile hero, is the lone representative from the nearby United Arab Emirates and was last seen annexing the G2 Al Maktoum Cup at Meydan on Dec. 29. He tries nine furlongs for the first time Saturday. He drew into the Saudi Cup once Aidan O'Brien re-routed Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) for Saturday's G2 Neom Turf Cup. –Alan Carasso Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick? John and Thady Gosden trained subsequent multiple Group 1 winner Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) to an explosive seven-length drubbing of the G3 Neom Turf Cup field in 2023, and the father-son training duo are back for more with Jack Darcy (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), this time in the upgraded $2-million 2100-metre Group 2 over the King Abdulaziz grass course on Saturday. Formerly trained by Paul and Oliver Cole, the French group winner was a 266,667gns pickup for Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz out of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale. The 5-year-old gelding ran out of steam to take eighth in the G2 Prix du Conseil de Paris in October. “All good,” co-trainer Thady Gosden said. “He did some nice exercise on the dirt and so far his prep has gone as we would have hoped.” The Coolmore partners' Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) is a three-time Group 1 winner for trainer Aidan O'Brien. He was only a nose shy of added top-level victory number four in his final run of the season in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup on Dec. 10. Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) had German Pattern scorer Calif (Ger) (Areion {Ger}) well in his wake in the G2 Bahrain International Trophy S. in November. The G3 Strensall S. hero, who races for a partnership including Sir Alex Ferguson, was a solid fourth to Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the G1 Jebel Hatta warming up for this on Jan. 26. Trainer Richard Fahey said of the son of Frankel, “He did a very nice piece of work there last week. We'll have no excuses for him in terms of his preparation.” King Power Racing's The Foxes (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), a dual Pattern winner and fast-finishing second in the GI Belmont Derby Invitational S. last year, adds some intrigue to the race. The Andrew Balding trainee was a close third in his seasonal opener, an all-weather conditions race near the end of January. “He's got here in great form,” training representative Anna Lisa Balding said. “We're delighted with his position in gate six and Oisin Murphy is back on and he rides him so well.” Naturally Japan has thrown their weight behind a trio of runners in this undercard affair, and leading them is Carrot Farm's Killer Ability (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). The G1 Hopeful S. winner rallied mildly to take fourth over 2000 metres in the G2 Chunichi Shimbun Hai on Dec. 9, a race he won in 2022. The added real estate could be right up his alley, and he partners with Cristian Demuro from stall five. –Heather Anderson Japan's Bathrat Leon Aims to Defend 1351 Turf Sprint Title Thrust onto the international stage in 2022 when he captured the G2 Godolphin Mile in Dubai, Bathrat Leon (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) kicked off a landmark day for his home country in 2023 when he won the G3 1351 Turf Sprint–which has been upgraded to a Group 2 this year worth $2 million and is now presented by Saudi National Bank–as the first of three Japanese-bred and -trained group winners on the Saudi Cup card. He's back this year for an attempt to defend his title in the 1,351-metre, or about 6 3/4-furlong, event. Yoshito Yahagi's assistant Yusaku Oka indicated Bathrat Leon had done all his preparations at home and is not being asked for much during training in the days leading up to the Turf Sprint. “He is tuning up for the race and is very well,” said Osa earlier this week. “Hopefully he keeps good form until the race.” Japan sends four to the Turf Sprint this year, including Aguri (Jpn) (Caravaggio). The G3 Hankyu Hai winner has been in the mix in his last few and will be reunited with Christophe Lemaire, who piloted him to a third in the G2 Hanshin Cup two back. Tim Easterby's striking grey veteran Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) aims to make it a fifth consecutive year of adding at least one group win to his CV. He's been freshened since October after his biggest lifetime score: victory in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint S. at Ascot. “He is a wonderful little horse, the perfect gentleman and we're lucky we've got him,” said Easterby. “He has run well on fast ground, he has run well on heavy. He goes on quick ground no problem–but when they win on a bog one day they get a name for it–but this is a great track and we're looking forward to it. I'm always confident when he runs because he can gallop.” Godolphin homebred and Canadian Grade I winner Mysterious Night (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is in form for Charlie Appleby with two Meydan wins, including the G2 Al Fahidi Fort, separated by just a week last month. Yeomanstown Stud's Dark Angel is the sire of not just Art Power and Mysterious Night, but two others–Dr Zempf (GB) and Raaed (Ire)–also in the field. Neither has found the winner's circle since early last year, but Dr Zempf competed in a couple of Grade Is in America and Raaed finished third in the 2023 edition of this race behind Bathrat Leon. —Jill Williams Forever Young Full of Potential For Japan, Yahagi Japan won the first two renewals of the G3 Boutique Group Saudi Derby with the Hideyuki Mori-trained Full Flat (Speightstown) and Pink Kamehameha (Jpn) (Leontes {Jpn}) and filled the second and third slots in 2022 ahead of Derma Sotogake's effort last winter. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi is the leading trainer at the Saudi Cup, his two victories in 2023 taking him to three overall, and he'll tighten the girth around the exciting Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}). By a full-brother to Yahagi star Loves Only You (Jpn), the 3-year-old hails from the family of champion Zenno Rob Roy (Jpn), but his immediate female side is all American dirt and he has run brilliantly over the surface. He is perfect in three tries, including a towering seven-length score in the Listed Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun in December and will jump a hot favourite with Ryusei Sakai up. “Forever Young has a good chance in the Saudi Derby,” said the rider, who guided Yahagi's Bathrat Leon (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) in last year's G3 1351 Turf Sprint. “He has huge potential that even I can't imagine.” Pinehurst (Twirling Candy) in 2022 is the lone U.S.-based Saudi Derby winner to date, and there are arguments to be made for each of the American runners this time around. Book'em Danno (Bucchero) took his career mark to four wins from five outings with a 12 1/2-length romp in the Pasco S. at Tampa Bay Downs Jan. 13 and although his lone blemish to date came over Saturday's 1600-metre distance, he found himself on the lead on that occasion and was outfinished in the Nashua S. while full of run through the line. Bentornato (Valiant Minister) ran the table in his first four starts, including a pair of stakes wins against Florida-bred competition, but he failed to see out the 1700-metre trip in the In Reality S. on Dec. 2 and cuts back to one turn here. Commissioner King (Commissioner) won this for Saudi Arabia last year and perhaps the best chance among the locals comes in the form of Haayeet (Outwork), a maiden winner at first asking over 1400 metres Dec. 26 and a 1 1/2-length winner when dropped back to 1200 metres last time. Leading jockey Camilo Ospina has the mount. —Alan Carasso Japanese Hat Trick On The Table In Red Sea Turf A quartet of Japanese horses have lined up to take on 10 challengers in their quest to collect the $2.5-million G3 Longines Red Sea Turf H. over 3000 metres on grass for the third year running after Stay Foolish (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) (2022) and Silver Sonic (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) (2023). The race sees Hirotsugu Inokuma's Iron Barows (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) the tip of the Japanese spear and he brings no stamina concerns. He delivered in the 3600-metre G2 Sports Nippon Sho Stayers S. two starts back in December–the same race Silver Sonic won before his Riyadh triumph–although his form has been hit-and-miss at times. Ridden by Cristian Demuro, the 7-year-old will be making his seasonal bow, while Yu Hirai's dual Group 3 winner Echt (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) is aiming to build on a seventh-place run in 2023. Yoshito Yahagi is gunning for his second win in the race after Stay Foolish's 4 1/2-length triumph two years ago. He brings the lightly raced Koji Maeda-owned 4-year-old Libyan Glass (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), who was fourth in the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) in October and is stretching back out after a pair of fruitless 2400-metre tries. “As he's abroad for the first time in his career, he has done well. He feels great, maybe greater than he is at home. He likes these surroundings,” assistant trainer Yusaku Oka said of his charge who is booked for gate nine with Yuga Kawada to ride. “I hope this experience is going to be his big advantage for him in future and also I really hope he runs well.” Only 2 1/2 lengths back of Silver Sonic at the wire in 2023, Tracey Bell and Caroline Lyons's Enemy (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) was kept busy with 11 starts as a 6-year-old, and is already rounding back into form, with a head victory over Southwell's all-weather on Jan. 25, two better than the Grade I-placed The Foxes (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). Scuderia la Tesa's G2 Yorkshire Cup S. hero Giavellotto (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) was a close third in August's G2 Lonsdale Cup and enters the fray from stall eight coming off a six-month break. Patrice Cottier has entered G1 Prix de Royallieu bridesmaid Diva Donna (Fr) (Cima De Triomphe {Ire}), and she carries once of the lightest weights in the 14-horse field at 128 pounds while drawn in stall one. –Heather Anderson Desert Deja Vu as Trainer Trifecta from 2023 Dirt Sprint Back with Top Contenders While this year's renewal of the G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint lacks the star power of the 2023 edition, a dozen will line up to take a shot at the $1.5-million purse, including Bill Mott, trainer of two-time American champion and winner of last year's renewal, Elite Power (Curlin). This year Mott brings Bold Journey (Hard Spun), whose upward trajectory includes his last three straight, all at this 1200-metre distance on the dirt. His American speed figures hit the highest marks of his career in that win troika while he also tallied his first graded score as he toted three pounds more than he'll be asked to carry here. “He is a late-developing horse that has rounded into a nice sprinter on the dirt,” said Mott. “He has won his last three starts, two of them stakes races. In his recent wins, he has been held up off the pace to finish strongly in the stretch and I guess we can expect the same tactics again. My team there tell me that he has arrived in good shape and is training with plenty of good energy.” Trainer Steve Asmussen, second in this event last year with Gunite (Gun Runner), takes another crack at the winner's circle with Skelly (Practical Joke). The graded-winning gelding is on a seven-race win streak, all at 1200 metres, with all but one at his home track in Arkansas. He's tossed up bigger speed numbers than his fellow American and the two, who have never faced each other back home, make an intriguing match half a world away. Remake (Jpn) (Lani) threatens to have something to say about the outcome and looks to improve on his third in this event last year. The well-traveled entire, trained by Shintani Koichi, tried the 2023 G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen after his stint in Riyadh, finishing a slow-starting fifth, and has since been first or second in four starts spread between Japan and Korea. Fellow Japanese contender Jasper Krone (Frosted) has dropped three Group 1s since October between Japan, the U.S., and Hong Kong, but Hideyuki Mori has long been accustomed to the international stage and this horse owns a pair of Group 3 wins at the distance in Japan. This will, however, be his first start on dirt. No European trainer or horse is entered in the Dirt Sprint this year, while Rebellious Stage (Justify) ranks as one of the top local hopes. Undefeated in all five of his Saudi tries, including an romp over a track and trip prep on Jan. 26, he started his career in the U.S. for Brittany Russell. Albadah Abdullah has handled his conditioning since his move to the desert. —Jill Williams The post Japan Coming In Hot In Defence Of Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Originally charged with administering Clenbuterol to his horse and facing a possible two-year suspension, trainer Jeffrey Englehart was cleared Friday by the Horse Racing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU). The positive was found in an unraced, unnamed horse out of the mare Fast Heart that Englehart purchased for $14,000 at the OBS auction on June 15. He argued that he did not give the horse the drug and that it was had to have been given to the horse prior to his purchase at OBS. Englehart and his attorney requested that HIWU perform a segmented hair test colt, which can provide a time line for when a drug is administered. HIWU had the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California, Davis perform the segmented test and it revealed that the Clenbuterol was in fact administered before Englehart became the trainer. Friday, HIWU issued a statement, which read: “Following a positive test result for Clenbuterol in hair collected from Fast Heart 2021, trainer Jeffrey Englehart requested B Sample analysis and provided a formal explanation to HIWU that he believed that Clenbuterol was administered to the horse prior to his becoming the horse's Responsible Person. The right to request B Sample analysis and submit an explanation for an alleged violation is available to all Covered Persons subject to a potential violation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program.” “Segmented analysis was performed on the B Sample of the hair by the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California, Davis. The results of this analysis indicated that clenbuterol was administered to Fast Heart 2021 before he became a Covered Horse and before Mr. Englehart became his trainer. Thus, Mr. Englehart's explanation was confirmed, and HIWU withdrew the Equine Anti-Doping Notice that had been served on him. The case was dropped before a Provisional Suspension was imposed on Mr. Englehart or a Charge letter was served on him. “This is great news,” said an emotional Englehart who said he did not know that the charges had been dropped until being told so by the TDN. “I'm so happy I'm shaking right now. I'm very emotional and very happy that HIWU did the right thing. The sport needs their oversight and I'm glad that in my case they decided to do the right thing.” The colt, who was by Classic Empire, broke down on Nov. 21 at Finger Lakes and had to be euthanized. It is standard procedure for HIWU to perform tests on any horse that has to be put down, and those tests confirmed the presence of Clenbuterol, which is a banned substance. However, Clenbuterol is known to stay in a horse's system for as long as a year, which meant there was a possibility that someone gave it to the horse before he was purchased at Ocala. The colt was purchased for $4,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October Yearling Sale Oct. 26, 2022. The purchaser was Juan Centento, who entered the horse back in the Ocala Sales. Centeno, who sells under the name of All Dreams Equine, has not responded to numerous phone calls, texts and emails from the TDN seeking comment. Englehart said he got Centeno on the phone for about 20 seconds before he hung up on him The post HIWU Drops Its Case Against Jeffrey Englehart appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

D. Wayne Lukas, announced Feb. 23 as a Lifetime Achievement Award winner by the Kentucky Derby Museum, speaks with news editor Byron King about the honor and his support of the museum, where his memorabilia has been on display since 2017.View the full article

Seven times has Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) gone to post over the 2000 metres at Sha Tin Racecourse and on six of those occasions, he has proved victorious, more times than not in convincing fashion. His lone blemish over the course and distance came in the 2023 G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup, when he was run down close home by multiple Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) as the odds-on pop, but barring something unforeseen, Romantic Warrior should be righting that wrong against 10 others in this year's Gold Cup Sunday afternoon. It has been a carefully managed season thus far for Romantic Warrior, who likely was in need of the run when fourth in the G1 Turnbull S. in Melbourne before just prevailing in the G1 Cox Plate three weeks later. Despite a six-week turnaround and a period of quarantine once returning from Australia, Romantic Warrior outlasted the nails-tough Luxembourg (Ire) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup Dec. 10. A victory Sunday would complete the set of Hong Kong features over the mile and a quarter, which also includes the 2022 BMW Hong Kong Derby and last year's G1 FWD QE II Cup. He would join the likes of Vengeance of Rain (NZ) and Designs On Rome (Ire) should he do so. “He's very good. He's happy, healthy and in good form. Hugh Bowman gave a very positive report to me,” said trainer Danny Shum following a Tuesday gallop on the grass. James McDonald will be in from Australia for the ride. The Kiwi was aboard Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) when he registered a maiden Group 1 success in the Stewards' Cup going a mile Jan. 21 and stretches back out to 10 furlongs for the first time since causing a 45-1 upset in last year's Hong Kong Derby. A good performance could lead to an appearance in the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan in five weeks' time. Straight Arron (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) took advantage of Romantic Warrior's absence to defeat Sword Point (Aus) (American Pharoah) in the G2 Jockey Club Cup in November and was a troubled fourth, beaten under a length, in the Hong Kong Cup. The 5-year-old returns to level weights after carrying 135 pounds to a third-place effort behind Nimble Nimbus (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) and Five G Patch (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in the G3 Centenary Vase H. Feb. 4. The post Romantic Warrior Front and Centre In Hong Kong Gold Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

France's Maryline Eon had the International Jockeys Challenge wrapped up after the first two races Feb. 23 on the eve of the Saudi Cup (G1).View the full article

It is the G3 Winter Derby, so it must be time for the return from hibernation of the Clarehaven stalwart and late-winter specialist Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Gearing up for his attempt at a fourth consecutive G1 Dubai Turf, the 8-year-old will be reunited with Robert Havlin who has partnered him in the last two editions of this prize formerly staged over 10 furlongs at Lingfield. Now at Southwell with an extra furlong added on, it will represent a different test for the high-class veteran whose probable limit is a mile and a quarter. “We think he is where he was this time last year before the Winter Derby–working slightly better than the year before, when he was second to Alenquer,” Havlin said. “Lord North is an eight-year-old now and takes a bit of getting fit, but he seems to be bright in himself. From a fitness perspective, he will improve as he always needs this first run to get all the lights switched on, but he is the class act and we are expecting a big run.” “He is quite an uncomplicated horse, as he relaxes into a race and it is up to you when to press the button. His optimum trip is probably nine furlongs given his record in the Dubai Turf, but he has run well over a mile and a half at the Breeders' Cup.” While Godolphin's Listed Lingfield Derby Trial winner Military Order (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) failed to go on after that promising performance last May, the now-gelded full-brother to Adayar (Ire) showed form strong enough to be a major player here when second in the course-and-distance Winter Derby Trial Conditions S. in January. Possibly more attuned to the greater stamina test than Lord North, he represents a worthy rival alongside Prince Faisal's long-absent Eydon (Ire) (Olden Times {GB}) who is seen for the first time since finishing fourth in the 2022 G1 2000 Guineas. “Military Order has definitely come forward since his last start,” trainer Charlie Appleby said. “He ticks a couple of boxes in that he has run well already this year over the track and trip. He should be a big player based on the pick of his three-year-old form and what he achieved in the trial.” Ted Voute, racing manager to Prince Faisal, said of Eydon, “Andrew [Balding] has been pleased with him and was pleased with his gallop at Kempton. It's a pretty even field and they are all rated around the same figures apart from Lord North and we will see.” The post Lord North Treads A Familiar Path appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson is back with his best for Ashburton View the full article

Colin Bowe, who has blooded top-notchers like Samcro, Envoi Allen and more, topped the one-day Tattersalls Cheltenham February Sale with Ballinaboola point-to-point winner Korkoran (Fr) (No Risk At All {Fr}) fetching £240,000 to Ed Bailey Bloodstock on behalf of trainer Harry Derham. Korkoran's win came in the same maiden won by two-time Cheltenham Festival Grade 1 winner and Tattersalls Cheltenham February graduate Envoi Allen, who is aiming for a repeat victory in next month's Ryanair Chase. Now an eight-time Grade 1 winner, Envoi Allen was owned as a young horse by pinhooker and consignor Walter Connors, also the producer of Korkoran. He said, “Seamus Murphy bought Korkoran privately for me as a foal. It is a wonderful family and we have for a long time hoped to get one from that stud farm. “We have been fond of him all along, and the sire needs no introduction. He is a middle of May foal and we thought he would not run until April, but he has come to hand earlier than expected. Colin has done a great job and we are lucky he keeps a couple of boxes for us each year.” Derham, who took out his trainer's licence last year, was in the news earlier this month when spending close to €500,000 on smart chasing prospect Imagine and talented race mare Mollys Mango at the Caldwell Dispersal, was visibly delighted to bag another big-priced recruit to his yard. He said, “Ed has been following this horse for a long time, he is back and forth to Ireland all the time. The horse is a beautiful model, a good athlete and to have done this so early in his career, the type of horse he is, strikes us that he must be pretty smart – to be performing to that level already would bode pretty well. You look at him and think what a horse you will be in two years' time.” Of the horse's owner, Derham outlined, “He is for Ian Barratt, a new owner to me and who is wanting to develop real high-class team of horses both for the Flat and National Hunt codes–he owns the Jamie Osborne-trained Emaraaty Ana who won in Qatar last weekend. Jamie recommended me, which was very nice of him. Ian and his family are really enthusiastic, let's hope they are lucky.” The Tattersalls Cheltenham February Sale produced a solid afternoon's trade which saw 34 horses sold for an aggregate of £2,469,500 with a strong clearance rate of 89%. The post Colin Bowe’s Korkoran Tops Tattersalls Cheltenham February Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release The Kentucky Derby Museum has named Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas as the inaugural recipient of the Kentucky Derby Museum's Lifetime Achievement Award. With Lukas in attendance at the Derby 150 Birthday Tribute Dinner, scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Apr. 11 at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Lukas has achieved remarkable success, including four GI Kentucky Derby victories. His unparalleled dedication to the sport and influence on countless individuals in the racing community make him a deserving recipient of the Museum's first award. In response to the announcement, Lukas shared his appreciation, saying, “I am deeply honored to receive the Kentucky Derby Museum Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working with incredible horses and talented individuals. Looking back, I get the greatest satisfaction from seeing the young people, who have been with me through thick and thin, come through our program and achieve their own great successes. The Kentucky Derby Museum has been instrumental in documenting and sharing the joy of racing with the world, and I extend my sincere thanks to the Museum for this prestigious honor.” Entrance to the Kentucky Derby Museum | Kentucky Derby Museum Patrick Armstrong, President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Museum expressed his gratitude for Lukas' significant contributions, stating, “D. Wayne Lukas is a true icon in horse racing, and his legacy is woven into the fabric of the Kentucky Derby. We are honored to recognize his unparalleled achievements and lasting impact with the first-ever Kentucky Derby Museum Lifetime Achievement Award. His support for the Museum has been invaluable, and we are thrilled to celebrate his remarkable career.” Attendees will also be the first to watch the premiere of a brand-new Derby 150 film, “Down The Stretch,” which will play in conjunction with the Museum's feature, “The Greatest Race”, through 2024. Click here for more information. The post Derby Museum To Honor D. Wayne Lukas With Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former Manchester United team manager Sir Alex Ferguson says he is enjoying the extra dimension that becoming a breeder has brought to his involvement in horse racing, as he looked forward to Spirit Dancer contesting the Neom Turf Cup (G2T) Feb. 24.View the full article

D. Wayne Lukas, announced Feb. 23 as a Lifetime Achievement Award winner by the Kentucky Derby Museum, speaks with news editor Byron King about the honor and his support of the museum, which his memorabilia has been on display since 2017.View the full article

The 38th edition of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day will take place Saturday, Oct. 12 at Laurel Park, the organization that puts on the event said in Friday release. Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, Maryland's Day at the Races, is designed to promote Maryland stallions, whose offspring compete in the races with purses and awards of over $1 million each year. “Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, now known as Maryland's Day at the Races, celebrates Maryland's horse industry,” said Maryland Million executive director Cricket Goodall. We have a an exciting race card and also welcome families and new fans. Every winner that day has a great story to tell. And the on-track entertainment between the races showcases all kinds of horse activities with a special kids area by the paddock.” The post Jim McKay Maryland Million Day Set For Oct. 12 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's NAVAL POWER (GB) (g, 4, Teofilo {Ire}-Emirates Rewards {GB}, by Dubawi {Ire}) showed no signs of rust when closing in taking style to win the AED850,000 G2 Singspiel S. Presented by Longines on Friday. San Donato (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) gave a good account of himself to take second by two lengths.The 1800-metre turf affair was not clear cut for all runners, however, as Sean (Ger) (Excelebration {Ire}) was mounting a clear challenge before the stalking Make Me King (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) drifted directly into his path, forcing the Jamie Osborne-trained gelding to be taken up and temporarily halting his forward momentum. The German-bred recovered to finish third another 1 1/2 lengths back. The final time was 1:48.57. Lifetime Record: 7-6-0-0. O/B-Godolphin. T-Charlie Appleby. What. A. Comeback! Naval Power, whose only defeat came in the Dewhurst @NewmarketRaces two years ago, defies a 392-absence in the Group Two Singspiel Stakes Presented By @Longines #DubaiCarnival | @godolphin pic.twitter.com/AP57z0aMZ8 — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) February 23, 2024 The post Long Break No Problem For Godolphin’s Naval Power In Singspiel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Operation Cashmere Club's assault on the White Turf of St. Moritz under the leadership of Generals Bromagen, Restrepo and Scherer began with a two-pronged attack, the primary force descending from Zurich in the North and a secondary force coming up from Milano in the South. The combined force of 70 plus Americans, Canadians, Irish, English and French converged upon the Hotel Kempinski Bar at 18:30 hours Thursday. In the face of such overwhelming odds the Kempinski Bar offered no resistance. The pattern continued Friday with a daytime assault on The Paradiso completely depleting its stores of champagne, rose' and lobster. Activities were renewed Friday evening with Kings Social Club at Badrutt's Palace subjugated until 04:30 Saturday. The White Turf race | Davant Latham The disappointing news of racing being canceled due to unsafe surface conditions did not lessen the esprit d'corp of this expeditionary force, however it did call for a change of tactics. The force was divided into smaller groups and successful forays continued on the slopes, among the tents on the racecourse, in the shopping district and at the Segantini Museum. Saturday evening a White Turf Reception for racing owners was held, where our forces were welcomed and invited to return. Our force has vowed to return in our pursuit of the ultimate goal, the Grosser Preis St. Moritz. –The Cashmere Club P.S. Although an initial effort led by General Restrepo against the Dracula Club was repulsed, a later commando effort was successful in breaching its high security and infiltrating the objective. The secrets of the Dracula Club are now known but highly classified and not available to the general public. The post Letter To The Editor: White Turf Dispatch From The Cashmere Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Michael Hilary Burke and Negar Burke's KILLER COLLECT (c, 3, Collected–Comforter, by Nobiz Like Shobiz) was game to the end of the Listed Al Bastikiya Presented by Longines to fend off the persistent challenge of Auto Bahn (Arg) (Asiatic Boy {Arg}) to win by a neck. A pointer for the G2 UAE Derby at the end of March, the race featured the winner pressed by his chief foe in earnest by the time they reached the 400-metre mark. Those two eventually separated themselves by daylight from the chasing pack and slugged it out to the wire. At one point, it appeared Auto Bahn would grind by, but Killer Collect fought back, and undoubtedly benefitted from a 10-pound pull in the weights. Tactical Bound (Good Magic) wound up third, 5 1/2 lengths behind the top two at the wire. The final time for the 1900-metre distance over the fast dirt was 1:59.01. Sales history: $70,000 Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $75,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; €55,556 RNA HRA '23 GOFMAR. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-0, AED741,500. O-Michael Hilary Burke & Negar Burke. B- Romar Farm, LLC & BRS (KY). T-Bhupat Seemar. What a finish! Killer Collect and @OsheaTadhg show tremendous resolution to deny Auto Bahn in the Listed Al Bastakiya Presented By @longines@BhupatSeemar's colt simply refused to give in #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/ZnaQmxkQCo — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) February 23, 2024 The post Collected Colt Guts Out Front-Running Score In UAE Derby Pointer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Susanne Born will take up position as the new press officer at Berlin-Hoppegarten Racecourse, announced the venue via press release on Friday. A veteran of similar positions in Hannover and Baden-Baden, Born will work to develop effective communication strategies for the international media sector as well as a focus on the long-term strengthening of the presence and perception of horse racing in Germany's capital region. “The mission is clear: Born should increase public enthusiasm for our sport. A particular focus is on gaining new fans and media partners who recognise and share the uniqueness and fascination of our sport,” said Berlin-Hoppegarten owner Gerhard Schoningh. The post Susanne L. Born New Press Officer at Berlin-Hoppegarten Racecourse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin and Frankel (GB) were represented by the first two home in the AED850,000 G2 Balanchine Presented by Longines at Meydan on Friday. His ENGLISH ROSE (IRE) (f, 4, –Sobetsu {GB}, by Dubawi {Ire}) was 2 1/2 lengths to the good of the more fancied Sapphire Seas (GB) at the end of the 1800-metre turf affair. The final time was 1:47.64 over the good turf. The winner had more left in the late stages and pounced in midstretch, with Nibras Angel (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}) punching home third. O/B-Godolphin. T-Charlie Appleby. A 1-2 in Gr.2 Balanchine at Meydan for world-leading sire FRANKEL (GB) ENGLISH ROSE, who is out of Gr.1 winner SOBETSU (GB), wins in the @godolphin blue. She gives the @JuddmonteFarms stallion consecutive wins in the race after WITH THE MOONLIGHT.pic.twitter.com/JlkKr524uN — GBRI (@GBRI_UK) February 23, 2024 The post Godolphin Exacta As English Rose Becomes Frankel’s Newest Stakes Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dedicated to international racing and those who take the greatest care of its star athletes, Fasig-Tipton will sponsor a Best Turned Out prize of $2,666 for the world's richest race, the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) Feb. 24. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton will sponsor a world-record Best Turned Out prize of $2,666 (SAR 10,000) for the world's richest race, the Group 1, $20 million Saudi Cup Feb. 24, the auction house said in a release early Friday. Best Turned Out honors for each of the remaining eight races of The Saudi Cup Saturday card will also be offered, with prizes of $667 (SAR 2,500) to each winning groom. Fasig-Tipton will be represented on site by Anna Seitz (Director of Client Relations) and Michael Adolphson (Middle East Representative), who will help judge the contests. The Saudi Cup's Saturday card boasts $33.5 million of the global showcase's record $37.6 million in purses, including two Group 1s. Seven Fasig-Tipton graduates will compete, topped by Power In Numbers (Girvin), Scotland Yard (Quality Road) and National Treasure (Quality Road) in G1 Saudi Cup. Christopher Bevan, Chief Commercial Officer of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said, “The racing industry is built around the people who take such good care of our equine athletes and we are very pleased to join forces with Fasig-Tipton to honor and recognize their efforts on our biggest race night of the year.” “The Saudi Cup has stamped itself as one of the world's great race meetings and we are honored to take part, especially with so many great horsemen in the region having supported Fasig-Tipton over the years,” said Boyd Browning, President and Chief Executive Officer of Fasig-Tipton. We are thankful to the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia for not only being part of our growing and gratifying relationship with the Middle East, but also allowing us to reward those who work so hard taking such great care of the beautiful animals so integral to our lives.” Fasig-Tipton will also offer $2,666 (SAR 10,000) in Best Turned Out prizes on King Abdulaziz Cups Day, Mar. 9, including $400 (SAR 1,500) for both of the King Abdulaziz Cup races. The post Fasig-Tipton To Sponsor Record Best Turned Out At Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 38th edition of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day will take place Oct. 12 at Laurel Park. The event is designed to promote Maryland stallions, whose offspring compete in the races with purses and awards of over $1 million.View the full article

Irish 2,000 Guineas winner and Group 1-winning two-year-old Mac Swiney (Ire) has relocated from the Irish National Stud to Anngrove Stud for the 2024 season. Mac Swiney lit up the 2021 season for trainer/breeder Jim Bolger when beating his stable-mate, the 2,000 Guineas winner Poetic Flare (Ire), to land the Irish 2,000 Guineas. A three-time winner as a juvenile, he had ended his debut season with victory in the G1 Vertem Futurity having also landed the G2 Beresford S. Mac Swiney's dam Halle Na Saoire (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) is a full-sister to the Group 2 winner Light Heavy (Ire). Anngrove Stud's Alastair Pim commented, “We are delighted to stand Mac Swiney. It's rare that a small stud gets the chance to stand a Classic winner in his first year at stud. He was a high class two-year-old who showed speed and versatility and is a Classic winning three-year-old. As the late great Paddy Mullins said to my father 'every National Hunt mare in the country will stay three miles, it's the bit of speed they need in the final furlong' and Mac Swiney certainly fits that criteria.” MacSwiney, described by Bolger as 'tough, courageous and adaptable' joined the Irish National Stud roster initially for 2024. However, the switch to Anngrove Stud is thought to better suit his appeal to the dual-purpose breeders. Irish National Stud boss Cathal Beale said, “In recognition of the Irish National Stud's enduring support of National Hunt racing and breeding we are delighted to offer a horse of Mac Swiney's calibre to the breeders of Ireland, he is a beautiful specimen with lots of quality and a big strong athletic walk. INS has a long tradition of standing our dual-purpose horses with the Pim family at Anngrove Stud. The sire line speaks for itself with horses like Pied Piper flying the flag for New Approach.” The post Irish 2,000 Guineas Winner Mac Swiney Relocates To Anngrove Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article