Wandering Eyes

Ted Noffey prevailed in the battle of East vs. West, keeping his unbeaten record intact with a victory in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) Oct. 31 at Del Mar.View the full article

Irish training legend Aidan O'Brien surpassed late Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas by notching his 21st Breeders' Cup victory when Gstaad scored under Christophe Soumillon in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1T). View the full article

DEL MAR, USA — As Balantina was led back to the winner's circle after her victory in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, one man was smiling more broadly than any other, and it wasn't her trainer or any of her owners. For Aidan O'Brien, watching his son Donnacha win his first Breeders' Cup race would probably have been enough to make his day – and it was a day that had started with the disappointment of having to scratch his own red-hot favourite for that same race, Precise. But O'Brien Sr still had an ace up his sleeve and he played it latest of all, to dramatic effect. In so doing he became the most successful trainer in Breeders' Cup history. The win for Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) in the Juvenile Turf was the 21st at America's most prestigious meeting for O'Brien, taking him past the record of D Wayne Lukas, who died in June at the age of 89 and had been something of a mentor to him in his early years of training. “We came over here and we didn't know anything about American racing,” O'Brien said, recalling the trip to Churchill Downs with Giant's Causeway 25 years earlier. “He told us everything we wanted to know about from shoeing him, to the right way to take him to the track. He came down with his own horse and took him to the track himself for us to make sure that we got it all right.” O'Brien knows a thing or two now, and he and his wife Annemarie have clearly imparted plenty of their own horsemanship to their children. Between Aidan and sons Joseph and Donnacha, the O'Brien family accounted for a travelling party of 13 horses at this year's Breeders' Cup. With two winners on the board, more is clearly expected on Saturday. On the favoured horses from Ballydoyle is Christophe Soumillon, for whom it has been a long time between drinks at the Breeders' Cup – 20 years to be precise, from Shirocco to Gstaad. Looking at the jockey's gaunt cheeks at the press conference after Gstaad's victory, it has clearly also been a while between meals for him as he deprives himself in a bid to reach 8st 7lbs for the ride on Minnie Hauk in the Turf. “Minnie Hauk, everyone knows she's a big favourite,” he said, before adding to the sentence the name of one of the all-time greats. “She's by far, since Zarkava, the best filly I've ridden.” Soumillon continued, “We're not coming here to lose, but we're always respecting our opponents. You never know how things will happen in a race. I need to concentrate. I still have to lose a kilo for her tomorrow, and I'm fine because Gstaad gave me a nice meal for tonight.” Soumillon earlier had to settle for second on the slow-breaking Brussels (Wootton Bassett), who tried in vain to peg back Cy Fair (Not This Time) in the Juvenile Turf Sprint. Though Gstaad wasn't quickest on the draw himself, Soumillon wasted no time in making up his mind for him and sending the colt on to battle. “My job is to ride in the present moment,” he said. “Seeing how the horse jumps, and from there I knew which horses to follow in the race. But unfortunately, he jumped a fraction slow, but I was quite happy to see after a few strides he was able to kick in there and get close from the pace. “I knew he would probably win when I arrived at the last corner because he was travelling so well. I was seeing everybody around me start to go to action, and I was just cruising with him. I think he's still a quite immature horse. He was playing around going to the start, enjoying his time with the pony. I think he's getting more professional after each run, and I think traveling here is going to make him a great horse for next season.” The Guineas will presumably loom large in Gstaad's future and that Classic quest will fuel another winter of dreams for breeder Kelly Thomas, who had flown in to California from Wales with her father Andrew Matthews and was remarkably calm as she watched the horse she had foaled become, after Vandeek, the second Group/Grade 1 winner for her increasingly special broodmare Mosa Mine (Exceed And Excel). “I'm just a bit gobsmacked,” Thomas said. “I'm in shock. I've been waiting for this. He's taken us around the world, he's taken us on some ride, but to do that now, that's the icing on the cake. “[The mare] has been fantastic. I can't believe she has bred two on the trot. I am lost for words.” Strike One for O'Brien Junior As Porta Fortuna exits stage left to fulfil an engagement as one of the stars of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale, into her place for the same trainer and ownership group steps Balantina (Ten Sovereigns), winner of the Juvenile Fillies Turf under Oisin Murphy. While it will be hard to fill the shoes of that four-time Group 1 winner, in a sense Balantina is already one step ahead, as Porta Fortuna's own appearance in the same Breeders' Cup race two years ago resulted in a second-place finish behind Hard To Justify. Balantina has now fulfilled a long-held dream for one of her owners, Steve Weston. “Our goal every year, or my goal every year, is to make it to the Breeders' Cup with a two-year-old,” Weston said. “And we're fortunate enough to have Donnacha, and Mark McStay, who picked Balantina out at the Arqana Sale. They both liked her. “Donnacha said when I was in Ireland earlier in the year that he thought she was going to be early. And she was, and she did well. She broke poorly in her first start. Then Oisin got on her, and she broke really well when she won her second start. She went to Ascot [for the Albany Stakes]. She broke poorly. She broke 17th out of 17 but she ended up running third. So that told everybody that she had a lot of talent, and Oisin brought the talent out in her.” Weston races Balantina in partnership with Dean Reeves, Medallion Racing and Parkland Thoroughbreds, most of whom were also involved with Porta Fortuna, who provided a first taste of Royal Ascot success. He continued, “I bred another horse, Jody's Pride. She came close. She lost to Just FYI a couple years ago. And this was just a dream of a lifetime. I got into this business about ten years ago. And, you know, we've come a long way. “I have to thank my partner, Dean Reeves. Recently, we sold part of Balantina to Medallion. They're lucky. And maybe they helped bring the luck to both Dean and myself. “I thought it was exciting being with Donnacha when we won at Royal Ascot, but this might have topped the cake, being 25 or 30/1. It's just amazing.” The American-based Weston also explained his reasoning behind having horses trained in Ireland. “I believe that we are better off, the Americans, buying our horses, leaving them in Europe for a time, and letting them grow, having the advantage to compete against possibly the best turf horses in the world,” he said. “There's no reason to rush them to the States if they're able to compete in Europe under group conditions. We didn't feel right now that Balantina was at that highest level, so we thought, well, maybe we'll bring her to the States and maybe we could be fortunate enough to see if the Breeders' Cup would let us in. And they let us in. And the horse did the rest.” He added of Porta Fortuna's impending appearance in the Sceptre Sessions on December 2, “It will be sad when we do sell Porta. She's something that we'll never find again – a horse of her calibre. I'm happy to be with Donnacha, our first Ascot win was with Donnacha and now our first Breeders' Cup win is with Donnacha. And we hope to have many more in the future. “In Ireland, the horses and the people are just wonderful, and I enjoy it immensely.” For Donnacha O'Brien, though this is a first, it is on a stomping ground he has come to know well. “It feels incredible,” he said. “We've been coming here a long time, since we were babies, really. So, to watch Dad do it, year in, year out, and Joseph get winners, it's nice to be on the board. “Steve wanted to come here. Fair play to him. He made the shout to come to Breeders' Cup. So, we just walked back from here, and she'd been training exceptionally in the last few weeks. We came here thinking that we were overpriced and that we had a live shot.” Aspect Island Delights Owen Of the European raiders bidding to emulate the success last year of Magnum Force in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, it was a case of close, no cigar, but plenty to look forward to for next season. Having fluffed the break, Brussels sprouted wings to run the winner Cy Fair to three-quarters of a length, and the Wootton Bassett colt, one of three runners for Aidan O'Brien in the race, was chased home hard by Aspect Island (Showcasing), who gave trainer James Owen a memorable first run at the Breeders' Cup. “When I managed to bring him close to the rail halfway around the turn, I felt very well balanced,” said Soumillon of his game second on Brussels. “After entering the home straight, I saw Frankie move out, so I didn't have any room to manoeuvre. We were a bit close to the rail, but it was a very good performance.” Frankie is of course Dettori, who guided Aspect Island, a full-brother to multiple group-winning sprinter Tasleet, to a spot on the podium to the delight of his trainer. “Oh, fantastic run,” said Owen as he watched the replay on the big screen with owner Tim Gredley. “He's improving all the time and he's come a long way since [his maiden win at] Yarmouth. Tasleet improved, he got quicker. He's a big horse but he handled this well. We've learned a bit and he's learned a good bit as well, so we'll be looking forward to next year with him.” Owen will also saddle Wimbledon Hawkeye for the Breeders' Cup Turf, with the three-year-old son of Kameko also set to be ridden by Dettori, who is set to bring the curtain down on his stint in North America at Del Mar on Saturday. He added, “That's amazing. Frankie's a very close friend of the Gredley family and that's taken the pressure off now, but Frankie's Frankie and you don't need to give him orders.” The post Aidan O’Brien On High As Most Successful Trainer in Breeders’ Cup History appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After the scratch of Aidan O'Brien-trained Precise, it was O'Brien's son Donnacha who emerged victorious in the the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) with Balantina.View the full article

All-sources handle for the 10-race program on Future Stars Friday at the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club was $62,008,354, the track announced that evening. 2025 marks the fifth straight year that the Friday handle has exceeded $60 million. Friday's on-track attendance was 30,059 down just a smidge from 30,982 when the Breeders' Cup was held at the same track. On-track handle was $6,216,798, also down slightly from $63,679,944 last year. Racing returns to Del Mar Saturday with a 12-race card which includes nine more Breeders' Cup races for 3-year-olds and up. First post is 1:05 p.m. EST. The post Breeders’ Cup Friday Handle Tops $60 Million For Fifth Straight Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Six months in advance of Kentucky Derby 152, the pari-mutuel field of “All Other Colts and Geldings” closed as the 6-5 favorite in Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW). Friday's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner and 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) was the 10-1 second choice. Other horses who attracted individual interest from bettors were all fellow 'Rising Stars': GI Del Mar Futurity winner and Juvenile third entrant Brant (Gun Runner) (14-1); Breeders' Futurity runner-up Blackout Time (Not This Time) (20-1); and Further Ado (Gun Runner) (21-1). The pool closed Friday at 6 p.m., roughly 90 minutes before post time for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar. Total handle for the Oct. 29-31 KDFW pool–the first of six scheduled wagering pools–was an early November record $184,492 ($143,448 in the Win pool and $41,044 in Exactas), a 5.6% increase from last year's $174,785 ($138,536 in the Win pool and $36,249 in Exactas). Other Future Wager dates are set for Nov. 27-30 (Pool 2); Jan. 16-18 (Pool 3); Feb. 13-15 (Pool 4); March 13-15 (Pool 5) and April 2-4 (Pool 6). Pool 2 also will feature the Kentucky Derby Sire Future Wager, while Pool 5 will include the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks Future Wager. The post ‘All Others’ 6-5 Favorite, Ted Noffey 10-1 In KY Derby Future Wager Pool 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ted Noffey prevailed in the battle of East vs. West, keeping his unbeaten record intact with a victory in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) Oct. 31 at Del Mar.View the full article

Super Corredora went from a maiden win to grade 1 company to capture the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) for trainer John Sadler and a partnership headed by West Point Thoroughbreds.View the full article

Marooned in gate 14 of 14 for Friday's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, GSTAAD (GB) (c, 2, Starspangledbanner {Aus}–Mosa Mine {GB}, by Exceed and Excel {Aus}) was never better than three deep on the Jimmy Durante turf course, but rolled into the race under a hold approaching the stretch and leveled off beautifully once let loose by Christophe Soumillon to reward those that backed him into 6-5 favoritism. Soumillon, who had not won a Breeders' Cup race since guiding Shirocco (Ger) to victory in the 2005 GI Breeders' Cup Turf at Belmont Park, asked this year's G2 Coventry Stakes romper for a bit of early zip to gain some semblance of early position and was more or less able to slot in Gstaad into about the three path as 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Outfielder (Speightstown) went at it hammer and tong with local hope Hey Nay Nay (Ire) (No Nay Never). Slightly worse than midfield passing halfway, Gstaad was slipped a bit of rein by the Belgian, but French-based jockey and had improved into about fifth position and well in hand while working into the race ominously well. On the back of Street Beast (Street Sense) four wide off the final corner, Gstaad was yanked off that one's heels and stayed on nicely as Stark Contrast (Caravaggio) made late inroads at the fence. With the victory, Aidan O'Brien surpasses the late D. Wayne Lukas with his record-setting 21st winner at the Breeders' Cup. He is the first Breeders' Cup winner for Starspangledbanner. Sales history: 450,000gns Wlg '23 TATDEF. Lifetime Record: 6-3-3-0. O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Maywood Stud; T-Aidan O'Brien Gstaad flies home a #BreedersCup champion in the $1 Million Juvenile Turf! #BC25 Congrats to the connections! pic.twitter.com/3vmoylVbVb — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) November 1, 2025 The post Nothing Neutral About Gstaad In the Juvenile Turf As O’Brien Passes Lukas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spendthrift Farm's 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard TED NOFFEY (c, 2, Into Mischief–Streak of Luck, by Old Fashioned) sat a perfect stalking trip outside fellow 'Rising Star' Brant (Gun Runner), took command at midstretch and held off a late challenge from longshot Mr. A.P. (American Pharoah) to take out Friday's GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar, clinching championship 2-year-old male honors in the process. Off as the 4-5 chalk, a number shorter than perhaps expected with the scratching of Blackout Time (Not This Time), runner-up to Ted Noffey in Keeneland's GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity last month, the $650,000 Keeneland September yearling acquisition broke well enough, but it was Brant who showed the slightly stronger early interest, taking them along at a comfortable gallop with Ted Noffey just off his flank and Mr. A.P. tucked in at the fence from third. Asked to take closer order nearing the stretch, Ted Noffey confronted the pacesetter turning for home and looked as if he might run up the score. But although Brant fought back to be near enough on even terms inside the furlong marker, Ted Noffey pulled out a little bit extra to add the Juvenile to his previous top-level scores in the Hopeful and the Breeders' Futurity. Mr. A.P., a $150,000 claim by David and Holly Wilson, ran on nicely to complete the exacta ahead of Brant in third. The victory makes Into Mischief the leading sire of Breeders' Cup winners with nine, while Todd Pletcher was saddling his 16th winner on championship weekend. John Velazquez was riding his 22nd Breeders' Cup winner, breaking a tie with Irad Ortiz, Jr., who posted his 21st in the Juvenile Turf Sprint. Sales history: $650,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0. O-Spendthrift Farm LLC; B-Aaron & Marie Jones (KY); T-Todd Pletcher Victory belongs to Ted Noffey in the prestigious $2 Million @FanDuel #BreedersCup Juvenile, presented by @TBAftercare. #BC25 pic.twitter.com/hQ6PBwggzQ — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 31, 2025 The post Ted Noffey Completes Undefeated Season In the Juvenile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Filly Cy Fair put Schwarzenegger away near the eighth pole and was not seriously threatened the rest of the way in scoring by three-quarters of a length in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1T) Oct. 31 at Del Mar.View the full article

By Jonny Turner Brett Gray had to change his New Zealand Cup Week plans immediately after Friday’s Winton meeting. Gray’s talented trotter Julie Jaccka burst back into winning form, putting a frustrating run behind her and booking her ticket to Addington in the process. Julie Jaccka starred on New Zealand Cup Day when winning a middle-grade trot, but her chances of returning to defend her victory this year looked slim after a run of ordinary form. Though two of her recent misses had come in Group races, the five-year-old wasn’t showing anything like what she is capable of. “That is a bit of a relief seeing her back to her best today,” Gray said. “Her last few starts had been awful by her standards.” “She has had excuses — nothing has really been going right for her and we had worked on a few wee niggly things.” “Her work right the way through had been pretty good, but she wasn’t showing it on race day.” “She’s a smart mare when she’s right, and it was great she was able to show that.” Julie Jaccka won over 2000m in rating 58-75 company on New Zealand Cup Day last year. This year the corresponding race will be run over 2600m, instead. “The 2000m stand really suited her because she’s a great beginner,” Gray said. “But she’s pretty versatile — if she’s on her game, she can go a nice race over the longer trips too.” Julie Jaccka brought up a winning double for her breeders and owners, Charlie and Ailsa Smaill, who also enjoyed success with Jaccka Ace. trotters are trained by Gray, both are by Father Patrick, and both are descendants of the Smaills’ grand producer, Janine Jaccka. While Julie Jaccka was an early running age-group horse, Jaccka Ace has been quiet the opposite in debuting as a late four-year-old. “He’s been improving the whole way through – we have had to be patient with him, and that won’t change,” Gray said. “He is a bigger horse, and he is still quite green — time will be his friend.” “We will take it quietly with him now. It was a good run today; he showed a bit of toe to get over top of them.” Brent Barclay combined with Jaccka Ace, while Craig Ferguson made the most of his first drive behind Julie Jaccka. The Gray team for New Zealand Cup Week will be at least five horses strong. Julie Jaccka will be joined by Miki’s Deal, who is targeting the Group 1 Sires Stakes Fillies Championship. Haley Jaccka and Foxing Easton will be aimed at the South Of The Waitaki event on Show Day, while Party Up Denario is likely to step out at Addington before heading to Ashburton. View the full article

Dismissed on the board at odds of 20-1, BALANTINA (IRE) (f, 2, Ten Sovereigns {Ire}–Balankiyla {Fr}, by Montjeu {Fr}) exploded up the rail in the final sixteenth of the short Del Mar stretch to capture the GI John Deere Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. One of the last runners from the gate, she cleared down to the rail up the backstretch as Japan's Switch in Love (Jpn) (Contrail {Jpn}) rocketed out to lead through fractions of :22.33 and :45.96. Completely boxed in at the top of the stretch as the pacesetter wilted, Balantina desperately needed somewhere to go and finally found a seam nearing the sixteenth pole as fellow longshot Ground Support (Army Mule) hit the front. As the rail opened up, she burst through with authority to win clear of a closing Pacific Mission (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) while Ground Support lasted for third. This is the first Breeders' Cup win for trainer Donnacha O'Brien. The final time for the mile was 1:35.07. O-Medallion Racing, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and McNulty, Lissa Ann; B-Summerhill/Lynch Bages/S. Murphy; T-Donnacha O'Brien. Sales History: €100 000 ylg '24 ARAUG. Balantina blazes to victory in the $1 Million @JohnDeere #BreedersCup Juvenile Fillies Turf! #BC25 pic.twitter.com/19RmqCT06a — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 31, 2025 The post Balantina Explodes Late To Capture Juvenile Fillies Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Back against her own sex, Queen Maxima left little doubt who was best in the $201,000 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes, rallying to a decisive score Oct. 31 at Del Mar.View the full article

From maiden winner to Breeders' Cup winner, SUPER CORREDORA (f, 2, Gun Runner–Super Simple, by Super Saver) paced the field and lasted to upset the GI NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at odds of 8-1. Ridden to the front from her outside draw by jockey Hector Berrios, the John Sadler trainee put up strong fractions of :22.42 and :45.63, chased intently throughout by La Wally (Constitution) and 3-2 race favorite Explora (Blame). But pulling away as she swept past the quarter pole, Super Corredora showed no intention of coming back to the field even as Explora did her best to run her down late to finish second. A photo for third Percy's Bar (Upstart). Previously undefeated Iron Orchard (Authentic) missed the break from the rail and trailed the field throughout, coming home eased. This is the first Breeders' Cup win for Berrios. O-Spartan Equine Racing LLC, West Point Thoroughbreds, Gardiner, Robert C. and Olszewski, Michael W.; B-Woodford Thoroughbreds, LLC; T-John Sadler. Sales History: $400,000 ylg '24 KEESEP. Friday, Del Mar NETJETS BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE FILLIES-GI, $1,820,000, Del Mar, 10-31, 2yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:43.71, ft. 1–SUPER CORREDORA, 122, f, 2, by Gun Runner 1st Dam: Super Simple, by Super Saver 2nd Dam: Simplify, by Pulpit 3rd Dam: Classic Olympio, by Olympio 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN, 1ST GRADE I WIN. ($400,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Spartan Equine Racing LLC, West Point Thoroughbreds, Robert C Gardiner & Michael W Olszewski; B-Woodford Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-John W Sadler; J-Hector Isaac Berrios. $1,040,000. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-0, $1,093,600. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Explora, 122, f, 2, by Blame 1st Dam: Collections Choice, by Bernardini 2nd Dam: Model, by Giant's Causeway 3rd Dam: Snowfire (GB), by Machiavellian 'TDN Rising Star' ($22,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $350,000 2yo '25 EASMAY). O-Michael E Pegram, Karl Watson & Paul Weitman; B-Mesingw Farm LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $340,000. 3–Percy's Bar, 122, f, 2, by Upstart 1st Dam: Honestly Deb, by Super Saver 2nd Dam: Deb's Charm, by Silver Charm 3rd Dam: Ms. Cuvee Napa, by Relaunch 'TDN Rising Star' ($52,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Hat Creek Racing; B-Brereton C Jones (KY); T-Ben Colebrook. $180,000. Margins: 3/4, 3, HD. Odds: 8.80, 1.50, 7.90. Also Ran: Meaning, Tommy Jo, Bottle of Rouge, La Ville Lumiere, La Wally, Iron Orchard. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Super Corredora is our NetJets #BreedersCup Juvenile Fillies Champ! pic.twitter.com/WQnKSQJeNg — Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 31, 2025 The post Gun Runner’s Super Corredora An Upset Winner In The Juvenile Fillies appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a nice kick down the lane in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard, Cy Fair (Not This Time–Remarqued, by Arch) was strong as the filly took on the boys and won herself the opening race of the World Championships. Cy Fair was made a 'Rising Star' after a debut win at the Spa this past summer. Marked as a 5-1 shot here, the 2-year-old tracked Schwarzenegger (Not This Time) up the backstretch. Cy Fair geared up around the far turn and was able to strike the front. The George Weaver trainee never looked back as he scored by 3 1/4 lengths. Brussels (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) was the runner-up. The final running time was :56.02. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0. Sales History: OBSAPR '25 $185,000. O-Medallion Racing, Swinbank Stables LLC, Platts, Joey and Stanton, Mark; B-Marc Keller; T-George Weaver. CY FAIR ($12.00) impressed in the @BreedersCup Juvenile Turf Sprint! The daughter of @TMStallions' Not This Time is conditioned by George Weaver! @iradortiz was on board! Play the Juvenile Fillies: https://t.co/pVu3ROdoDa pic.twitter.com/DslKPpQRqY — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 31, 2025 The post A Lone Star Down The Lane, Cy Fair Takes Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winners lie thicker in the field than the falling leaves on the ground in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn), set for Sunday in Kyoto. However, it is G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) runner-up Masquerade Ball (Duramente) who leads in the advance markets as an 8-5 chance against 13 rivals, seven of them Group 1 scorers. Yet to salute at the highest level, the 2024 Listed Ivy Stakes winner's only blip in six lifetime starts was an unplaced run to his Derby conqueror Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black) in the G1 Hopeful Stakes at two. Successful in the G3 Tokinominoru Kinen over 1800 metres in February, the Shadai Race Horse colourbearer ran third to the reopposing Museum Mile (Leontes) in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) in April prior to his Derby second. Trainer Takahisa Tezuka said, “From the Japanese Derby, I'd planned to bring him back in this race. Christophe Lemaire breezed him on Oct. 23 on the woodchip course to get a reading on him. His overall time [84.3 seconds over six furlongs] wasn't that fast, but he was relaxed and ran well. Lemaire understands his quirks now and it was a good workout. He'll be up against older horses, but he'll have the weight advantage and the Tokyo course suits him.” Concerning for favourite backers, Museum Mile is exiting a victory in the G2 St. Lite Kinen at Nakayama over 2200 metres two starts on from his Classic score. He was sixth in the Japanese Derby and breaks from post nine on Sunday. Said trainer Daisuke Takayanagi, “Keita Tosaki was cool-headed and had the horse running very rhythmically in the St. Lite Kinen last out, and he gave a strong performance in the final stage and won. Compared to the spring, I was thinking he's a bit heavy, but still in the acceptable range. He's now able to handle a lot of work without losing weight.” Second choice in the markets is last out G1 Takarazuka Kinen hero Meisho Tabaru (Gold Ship), who had fellow topliner Justin Palace (Deep Impact) back in third this past June. Yutaka Take was complementary of his mount and said, “He did a fantastic job in the Takarazuka Kinen. The trainer says everything has gone well since and that he looked good in his final work on Oct. 29. There's no problem with the distance itself, but it's Tokyo, it's the Tenno Sho, and looking at how he has raced before and what kind of speed he has, I'd have to say it's a high hurdle.” Also entering the Tenno Sho (Autumn) on the back of a Group 1 win is Tastiera (Satono Crown), who claimed Hong Kong's G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup in April. The 2023 Japanese Derby hero also ran second in the 2024 edition of this race and has had several months to recover from his travels. Set to partner with Damian Lane, the Carrot Farm silksbearer leaves from stall five. Trainer Noriyuki Hori said, “After returning from Hong Kong, we decided to avoid the hot months to get him completely recovered, and start him back with the Tenno Sho (Autumn). I think he'll be able to bring out his ability over the Tokyo 2,000 meters.” Returning from a lengthy freshening after winning the 1800-metre G3 Epsom Cup in record time in May, Seiun Hades (Silver State) is joined by Shirankedo (Declaration Of War), who won the G3 Niigata Stakes over this trip at the end of August. The post Masquerade Ball Ready To Party In Tenno Sho appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

7th-Churchill Downs, $116,774, Msw, 10-31, 2yo, f, 7f, 1:24.23, ft, 5 1/4 lengths. PAIGE TURNER (f, 2, Army Mule–Sophia Mia, by Pioneerof the Nile) drew in from the also-eligible list and made the most of the chance here as the 8-5 favorite. Stalking the dueling leaders as Raspberry (Medaglia d'Oro) pushed the tempo through :22.63 and four furlongs in :46.32, Paige Turner was the looming danger via the grandstand side as she swooped in to take command passing the furlong marker. In hand in the final sixteenth, she strolled home to win by 5 1/4 lengths as Raspberry held on to second. This effort comes on the back of her runner-up debut Aug. 31 at Saratoga where she tried valiantly to run down Lovely Christina (Vekoma), but came short by 1 3/4 lengths of that even-money favorite. The victress is a half-sister to 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Speed Boat Beach (Bayern), GISW, $504,850 and a placed 3-year-old named La Fantastica (Volatile). Paige Turner is the most recent to the races for Sophia Mia, a daughter of SW & MGSP Amie's Dini (Bandini). The mare has a yearling filly by Not This Time as well as a 2025 Elite Power colt. She went to Constitution for 2026. Sales history: $350,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $89,300. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Ingordo, David, West Point Thoroughbreds and Danbro Farms, LLC; B-TMSI, Bell Tower Thoroughbreds, Omar Aldabbagh, Frank Taylor, et al (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. PAIGE TURNER ($5.20) soars home in R7 at @ChurchillDowns with @coreylanerie in the irons. The daughter of Army Mule is trained by @reredevaux. Watch @ChurchillDowns all weekend long on @FanDuelTV pic.twitter.com/dwqi040iWq — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 31, 2025 The post Army Mule’s Paige Turner Gets It Done at Second-Asking at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Connections had QUEEN MAXIMA (f, 4, Bucchero–Corfu Lady, by Corfu) under serious consideration for another start against the boys in Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, but instead opted for Friday's sex-restricted $200,000 Listed Senator Ken Maddy Stakes over those same five furlongs. Firming into 7-5 favoritism in the final tick or two, the dual graded winner made that decision look good when racing over the top of her rivals to post a soft victory while snapping a baby two-race skid. Having found trouble in the one-mile Osunitas Stakes and again behind Motorious (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) in the GIII Green Flash Handicap over the summer, the Florida-bred chestnut broke running and raced not far from the lead and between rivals in the second flight through the opening exchanges. Juan Hernandez wisely took a tug and Queen Maxima raced behind a wall of three at the midpoint of the turn as her chief market rival Shoot It True (Munnings) made her move. Slipstreaming that rival into the stretch, Queen Maxima was pulled off heels passing the eighth pole and went on to score under tender hands-and-heels from Hernandez. The final time for was :56.57. The same connections are to be represented by 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Intrepido (Maximus Mischief) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile later on the program. Sales history: $40,000 2yo '23 OBSJUN. Lifetime Record: 12-7-2-0. O-Dutch Girl Holdings & Irving Ventures; B-Saul Rosas (FL); T-Jeff Mullins #4 QUEEN MAXIMA ($4.80) rallied down the outside to win the $200,000 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes at @DelMarRacing. The daughter of Bucchero was ridden by @JJHernandezS19 and is trained by @Jmullinsracing. Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures owns. pic.twitter.com/syg4Ulx69w — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 31, 2025 The post Bucchero Filly Queen Maxima Back To Winning Ways In Sen. Ken Maddy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Far Above has been acquired by Renew Italian Breeding and will stand in Italy next year. A stud and fee will be announced in due course for the current Starfield Stud resident. A listed winner in France and successful in the G3 Palace House Stakes, the 105,000gns Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up graduate was rated 122 by Timeform. At stud, the son of Farhh is credited with two stakes winners, Kabir and Nigrum Regina. Both are also placed at group level, and his Sternle was third in the Listed Criterium du Bequet. His oldest foals are three-year-olds. The post Far Above On The Move To Italy For Renew Italian Breeding appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, Newmarket, Britain, post time: 13:07, EUROPEAN BLOODSTOCK NEWS EBF MONTROSE FILLIES' STAKES-Listed, £40,000, 2yo, f, 8f 0y Field: Aspiral (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Brigid's Well (Ire) (Ulysses {Ire}), Classic Cuvee (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Just A Girl (GB) (Bobby's Kitten), Morning Rose (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Ourbren (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Pintara (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Previous (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}), Sacred Ground (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Wetsand (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). TDN Analysis: Three undefeated fillies take centre stage with the once-raced winners Sacred Ground, Morning Rose and Pintara all set to feature prominently in the betting market. Others worthy of consideration are the dual winners Previous and Aspiral, while Listed Radley Stakes third Ourbren, G3 Oh So Sharp Stakes eighth Classic Cuvee and G3 Prix Six Perfections seventh Wetsand are the only contenders with prior black-type experience. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Tokyo, Japan, post time: 15:40, TENNO SHO (AUTUMN)-G1, ¥574,260,000, 3yo/up, 2000mT Field: Cosmo Kuranda (Jpn) (Al Ain {Jpn}), Urban Chic (Jpn) (Suave Richard {Jpn}), Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Sol Oriens (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}), Brede Weg (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Masquerade Ball (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Ho O Biscuits (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), Museum Mile (Jpn) (Leontes {Jpn}), Ecoro Walz (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}), Shirankedo (Jpn) (Declaration Of War), Seiun Hades (Jpn) (Silver State {Jpn}), Meisho Tabaru (Jpn) (Gold Ship {Jpn}), Queen's Walk (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}). Sunday, Curragh, Ireland, post time: 14:30, COMER GROUP INTERNATIONAL LOUGHBROWN STAKES-G3, £36,000, 3yo/up, 16f 71y Field: Bottler'secret (Ire) (Dragon Pulse {Ire}), Chally Chute (Ire) (Fast Company {Ire}), Duraji (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), The Shunter (Ire) (Stowaway {GB}), Uxmal (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Enfranchise (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Vischio (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Bonnie Moon (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), Island Hopping (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Two For Joy (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Analysis: Last term's G2 Queen Alexandra winner Uxmal and this year's Listed Lenebane Stakes victor and Irish Cesarewitch Handicap runner-up Chally Chute are the pick of the older brigade in this marathon. The sophomore generation is represented by G1 Irish Oaks third Island Hopping, one of two from the Aidan O'Brien yard, and September's Listed Oyster Stakes second Bonnie Moon, who ran fourth in the Listed Bluebell Stakes three weeks ago. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Cologne, Germany, post time: 14:35, SILBERNES PFERD-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, 15fT Field: Lordano (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Waldadler (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Partnun (Ger) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}), Alpina Express (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Coco Royale (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Tanami Starlet (GB) (Best Solution {Ire}), Elano (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Gestut Ittlingen's Group 1-placed Lordano won this in 2023 and, having annexed June's G2 Badischen Wirtschaft, lines up off thirds in the G3 Deutsches St Leger and G3 Herbst Trophy. August's Listed Hoppegartener Steherpreis victor Waldadler was not disgraced when a 100-1 fourth to Al Riffa in the G1 St Leger and rates a serious threat. Of the remainder, Partnun was a head too good for Alpina Express in last month's Listed Silbernes Band der Ruhr, with both possessing solid place claims. Ittlingen's second string Elano is the lone sophomore in the field. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Deauville, France, post time: 14:33, PRIX ZEDDAAN-Listed, €54,900, 2yo, 7f (AWT) Field: Cielo Di Roma (Fr) (Romanised {Ire}), Real News (Fr) (New Bay {GB}), St Marksman (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Karama Al Leith (Hard Spun), Tavana (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Sagarmatha (Fr) (Palace Pier {GB}), Kozlovskha (Ire) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Kentucky-bred Karama Al Leith was highly tried on debut, running third in Milan's Listed Premio Eupili three weeks ago, and is the only one of seven contenders with black type. Dangers include G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere seventh Cielo Di Roma and G3 Oh So Sharp seventh Tavana. Hisaaki Saito's Real News accounted for Sagarmatha when the pair met at Chantilly last month, while Kozlovskha also boasts winning form. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Undefeated Trio Clash In Montrose Fillies’ Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bryson Butterfly, who was an up-and-coming teenage apprentice jockey in Maryland when he was arrested two years ago on first-degree murder charges for his part in a staged robbery that went wrong and killed a 17-year-old high-school student, was sentenced to 20 years in prison Thursday by a Baltimore County Circuit Court judge. Butterfly, now 20, started riding horses as a toddler while growing up on a Native American Indian reservation in rural Washington. He had graduated from Pacific Northwest bush-track horsebacking to being a $2-million winning apprentice based primarily in the mid-Atlantic region through 771 races spanning 2021 through 2023. According to Sapna Bansil of the Baltimore Banner, Butterfly, in a deal bargained with prosecutors, had pleaded guilty last year to a lesser misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He testified against one other conspirator and the triggerman, who were both sentenced to life in prison with, respectively, all but 50 and 40 years suspended. Butterfly was known on the backstretch as a quick-to-learn apprentice with a big smile and braces that made him look even younger than he was when he moved cross-country at age 16 to fulfill a childhood dream of being a professional jockey. Butterfly came from a family of accomplished horse riders. His mom, Amy Nelson, had a brief 12-mount career as a jockey in western Canada in 2000. She later trained in Arizona, and had four starters at last winter's Turf Paradise meet. The Banner reported that Butterfly, wearing an orange jumpsuit and with his hands shackled in front of him, cried as he briefly addressed the court Oct. 30, while Nelson watched from the gallery. The Banner reported that Butterfly told the court he participated in the crime because he was young and trying to fit in his with his friends. “I'm so, so sorry,” the Banner quoted him as saying. “Words can't explain.” The judge told Butterfly that she believed Butterfly's contrition was sincere, the Banner reported, but added that death is a foreseeable consequence of an armed robbery, and that Butterfly should be held accountable for putting the victim in harm's way. The Banner reported that Butterfly's role in the murder was to lure a teenager he knew to a shopping center for a marijuana buy, knowing two accomplices would be there to ambush and rob them. The Banner reported that Butterfly fled while the victim fought back, and that one of the conspirators shot the teenager in the chest with a pistol. The post Former Maryland Apprentice Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Role In Shooting Of 17-Year-Old appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mid-week disappointment for the connections and fans of presumptive 3-year-old champion male Sovereignty—scratched from the Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1)—turns to opportunity for the remaining entrants in the $7 million race at Del Mar.View the full article

La Renommee (Doctor Dino) (lot 72) topped the third edition of the Goffs British NH Breeders' Showcase at Doncaster on Friday. Sold for £70,000 to Coolmara Stables, she was offered by Linacres Farm. The seven-time winner won the Listed Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares' Chase in 2024 and was carrying to Logician. The highest-priced foal was a filly by Nathaniel (lot 50) from Goldford Stud. A daughter of the listed winner and Grade 2-placed mare One Gulp (Hernando), she made £60,000 on the bid of Jerry McGrath. She is a half-sister to the Grade 2-placed One For The Team (Shirocco). The full sale's statistics resulted in 35 sold from 63 offered (56%) for a gross of £749,000 (-19%). The average rose 11% to £21,400 and the median rose 10% to £16,000. Goffs UK managing director Tim Kent said, “Today held the third edition of the British NH Breeders Showcase and as in each year since its inception in 2023, the sale once again drew plenty of interest with a sizeable buying bench featuring leading buyers from throughout the UK, France and Ireland. “Despite increases in the average and median for the foals on last year's sale and achieving £70,000 for the mare La Renommee, trade for the category remains selective. The Goffs team have been very proactive in attracting purchasers and we delivered a healthy turnout of potential buyers but as shown today, that does not guarantee blockbuster results for all. As evidenced across the market, those who impressed stood out and sold very well, but those who did not meet the market's strict requirements found proceedings difficult. “It's too early to draw any firm conclusions, and we will watch with interest over the coming weeks before working with vendors to paint an accurate picture about the events of today and how best to address the challenges going forward. Meanwhile, we look forward to returning to Newbury on Saturday 29 November for the third renewal of the Coral Gold Cup Sale which promises to be an enthralling end to a fantastic two days of National Hunt Racing.” The post La Renommee Tops Goffs British NH Breeders’ Showcase At £70k appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It wasn't a perfect night for Paco Lopez Thursday night at Delta Downs as he was 0-for-2, finishing eighth with his first mount of the night and third in his second try. But, according to his agent, Jose Garcia, Lopez saw it as a positive night for the simple fact that he was back doing what he loves. “He was very happy to be back,” Garcia said. “You have a rider who, basically, loves to ride horses.” Lopez had not ridden since Sept. 22 at Parx. Afterward he was suspended six months by HISA. Lopez received the suspension after HISA ruled that a whip violation in August at Saratoga aboard Book'em Danno (Bucchero) in the GI Forego Stakes was the last straw. The agreement was reached after Lopez received an indefinite suspension for striking a horse with his whip in the face after the race was over in December of 2024 at Parx Racing. HISA apparently thought he did not hold up his end of the deal. He is allowed to ride in Louisiana because HISA, after losing one of many court fights, has no jurisdiction over racing in that state. Lopez has only picked up five mounts over the next four racing cards at Delta. Garcia said the biggest problem is that he and Lopez have no relationship with most of the trainers at Delta. But Garcia expects that to change. “We don't know anybody here,” Garcia said. “The person giving him the most mounts is Brett Brinkman and I know him because he also runs at Delaware Parks. I've been getting him mounts from persons like that I have a past with. Today [Friday], was the first day he was on the backside. He was in Jersey doing some stuff in his house, then he flew to Miami and then he drove to Delta Downs. I'm already seeing a difference. In the last 10 minutes I got calls from four trainers who want to ride him. Garcia also fielded calls from the Brad Cox and Steve Asmussen stables for two stakes races Nov. 8. He will ride Blue Devil (Uncle Mo) for Asmussen in the $100,000 Treasure Chest Stakes. For Cox, Lopez will be aboard Zaghruta (Gun Runner) in the $100,000 Delta Mile. “He likes to work,” Garcia said. “He wants to ride seven days a week and that's why we were traveling 6 1/2 hours going back and forth to Colonial Downs this summer.” Delta Downs | Coady Photo Barring a favorable court ruling on his behalf, Lopez's HISA suspension will stay in effect until Mar. 23. Lopez will ride regularly at Delta until Fair Grounds opens Nov. 20. Garcia said he would then work horse in the mornings at Fair Grounds on Mondays and Tuesdays, ride Wednesday night at Delta and then ride the rest of the week at the Fair Grounds. He said he expects to have a big meet at the Fair Grounds. “If you ask me honestly, I think he can be the leading rider,” Garcia said. “Why am I so confident? It's the rider that I have and the work ethic that we both have. The people who train at Fair Grounds love him. We got an amazing response when I started texting people that he was going to ride at the Fair Grounds.” Garcia said Lopez tried to stay positive while originally sidelined by the HISA suspension. “He is a normal person, so he got upset about what they did to him,” the agent said. “But you know what? We're looking forward to continuing. He is a very positive person.” When asked if Lopez, who has been hit with numerous whip violations, had finally learned his lesson, Garcia said that he had but believes Lopez is treated more harshly than most every other jockey by HISA. “I think he has learned his lesson,” Garcia said. “But they judged him for raising the whip over the helmet. But if you look around the country everybody does that. But he's Paco Lopez.” Despite missing over five weeks of riding, Lopez remain the leading rider in the nation with, through Oct. 30, with 300 wins. Irad Ortiz Jr. is next with 278 victories. The post Paco Lopez Goes 0-for-2 In Return, But Is Delighted To Be Back appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article