Wandering Eyes

It was a day for favorites at Tampa Bay Downs, as both 1-9 Book'em Danno and 4-5 Mystic Lake scored stakes victories in the Pasco Stakes and Gasparilla Stakes, respectively, Jan. 13.View the full article

Unbeaten Horse of the Year and champion older male Flightline (Tapit) was represented by his first two foals Friday evening. Juju's Map (Liam's Map) foaled a filly late Jan. 12 at Taylor Made in Kentucky and Lady Scarlet (Union Rags) foaled a colt in the early hours of Jan. 13 at Thirty Year Farm in New York. Both are first foals for the mares. Juju's Map, owned by Albaugh Family Racing Stables LLC, won the GI Darley Alcibiades S. and was runner-up in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. “We are very happy with this Flightline filly out of Juju's Map. She has lots of leg and class to her. Juju's Map has been a great mom,” said Melissa Couture, Taylor Made Broodmare Manager. Lady Scarlet, winner of the GIII Miss Preakness S., campaigned for owners Paradise Farms Corp and David Staudacher while racing. She was purchased for $625,000 by Thirty Year Farm at the 2023 Keeneland November Sale. “He's a good-looking boy. A solid straightforward colt with ample bone, eager to latch on, and entertain a large audience on first day. We're equally excited that one of the first, of what we're sure will be many spectacular Flightlines, is a New York-bred,” said Kristen Esler, co-owner of Thirty Year Farm with her husband Matt. Flightline stands for $150,000 at Lane's End in 2024. Juju's Map welcomed her first foal, a filly by Flightline, into the world last night We are so excited, and we are happy to say that Juju and her baby are doing great! Juju's Map, a grade 1 winner, and Flightline, the undefeated champion, produced a gorgeous looking filly… pic.twitter.com/mIqGH0XQpb — Albaugh Family Stables (@Albaughstables) January 13, 2024 The post Unbeaten Horse of the Year Flightline Represented by First Two Foals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Repole Stable's 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light), the favorite to be named champion 2-year-old male of 2023 following his dominant victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita, remains on track to make his sophomore debut in the GIII Holy Bull S. Feb. 3 at Gulfstream Park. He posted his second work of the new year Saturday at Palm Beach Downs, breezing five furlongs in 1:01.17 (8/12). “He worked super this morning and everything is going according to plan, so far,” Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher said. “We're targeting the Holy Bull.” He continued, “We like the little bit of space to the (GI Curlin) Florida Derby (Mar. 30), and we like the five weeks from the Florida Derby to Kentucky. We've still got a long way to go, but so far it's going according to plan.” The post Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Winner Fierceness Works for Holy Bull appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Despite enduring a season's worth of trouble in Saturday's eighth race maiden at Gulfstream, Courtlandt Farm's CONQUEST WARRIOR (c, 3, City of Light–Tea Time, by Pulpit) snatched victory from the jaws of defeat and with it, becomes yet another 'TDN Rising Star' for his Lane's End-based sire. Pinched back badly and pinballed around in the opening strides, the $1-million Keeneland September graduate raced in a detached last down the backstretch, but began to improve his position as they passed the half-mile marker. Committed to an inside run around the turn, the 7-2 chance found himself in a jackpot at the quarter pole and was forced to wait, with only the short-stretch finish to try to make up for lost time. Finally pulled out into the clear with a furlong to race, the colt steamed down the middle of the track and grabbed the debuting Antiquarian (Preservationist) for a highly improbable victory. It is the second 'Rising Star' in as many weeks for City of Light, whose son Crimson Light posted an equally unlikely success at Aqueduct Jan. 7. Sales history: $1,000,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. O-Courtlandt Farms; B-Betz/B & K Canetti/J Betz/CoCo Equine/D J Stables (KY); T-Shug McGaughey. This is certainly a 3-year-old to watch going forward! #2 CONQUEST WARRIOR ($9) rated professionally down the backstretch, tipped out on the turn, and absolutely flew down the stretch to nail Antiquarian on the line to graduate in the 9th at Gulfstream. Conquest Warrior, a $1… pic.twitter.com/hbpqlK7kp5 — TVG (@TVG) January 13, 2024 The post Conquest Warrior Overcomes Major Trouble To Become a ‘Rising Star’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first foal for 2022 Eclipse Award-winning champion 3-year-old male and GI Runhappy Travers S. winner Epicenter (Not This Time) arrived at Twin Creeks Farm on Saturday when the stakes-placed Peaceful (Declaration of War) produced a quality filly. “Excited about our new Epicenter filly out of Peaceful! Day one has us impressed, and we're big fans of the sire,” said Randy Gullatt. The Coolmore stallion will stand the 2024 season for $40,000. The post First Foal for Champion Epicenter Arrives appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Team Valor International and Gary Barber's Wakanaka seeks new beginnings as a full field of 11 go about 6 1/2 furlongs in the $100,000 Las Cienegas Stakes (G3T) on the downhill course at Santa Anita Park Jan. 14.View the full article

After earning a stakes placing as a 2-year-old last season, Gin Gin opened her 3-year-old campaign with a clear victory in the $97,000 Busanda Stakes Jan. 13 at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Kalispera at Gulfstream Park. Ten Sovereigns Filly Delivers In Florida William Werner's Kalispera (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) won her American debut at Gulfstream Park for trainer Brian Lynch earlier this month (video). A product of the storied Annemarie O'Brien breeding programme, the 3-year-old rattled off a trio of group placings at two in her colours when third in both the G2 Debutante S., and G3 Newtownanner Stud S., and second in the G3 Prix d'Aumale for former trainer Joseph O'Brien in September. Sold privately to these connections, the filly is a half-sister to G2 Ridgewood Pearl S. second Emphatic Answer (Ire) (No Nay Never) and G3 Silver Flash S. third La Dolce Vita (Ire) (Caravaggio). The trio are out of placed runner Ask Me Nicely (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who is a half-sister to G1 Dewhurst winner Beethoven (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}). Kalispera is one of two winners from five (40%) to race in American for her Coolmore sire whose eldest foals are now 3-year-olds. The winner Irish Gent (Ire) was second in the Listed Atlantic Beach S., while the placed Loterie (Ire) was runner-up in the Listed Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf S. A tightly bunched group of fillies battle for their maiden win in the Gulfstream finale and #10 KALISPERA (IRE) ($5.40) takes the outside path under @jose93_ortiz for the victory. Another win for the @BLynchRacing team. The Ten Sovereigns (IRE) filly is owned by William Werner. pic.twitter.com/TM50VMXGkR — TVG (@TVG) January 7, 2024 By Any Other Name Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and MyRacehorse's Forever Rose (Ger) (Cracksman {Ire}) won at Tampa for trainer Greg Sacco this month (video). Making her third start, the Gestut Etzean-bred bay was a €49,000 Baden-Baden yearling turned €420,000 Arqana May 2-year-old when picked up by Stephen Hillen. Her dam Forever Beauty (Ger) (Dashing Blade {GB}), a winner at two and listed placed over a mile in Germany at four, has a juvenile filly named Fabulous (Ger) (Areion {Ger}) and a yearling colt called Fawkes (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}) still to come. Forever Beauty is a half-sister to a trio of stakes winners led by G1 Deutsches Derby winner Feodora (Ger) (Lord Of England {Ger}). Darley's Cracksman is now best known as the sire of French wunderkind Ace Impact (Ire), an undefeated Classic-winning victor of the 2023 G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. However, Cracksman is not a one-horse sire, as he has six other stakes winners worldwide including G2 Premio Dormello victress Aloa (GB). In the U.S., Forever Rose is the first winner from two to race for her sire. Long Live The King Boardshorts Breeding and Racing's King Julien (Kingman {GB}) graduated at Gulfstream Park at second asking on Jan. 7 (video). Trained by Brian Lynch, the Glen Hill Farm-bred dark bay sold for $300,000 as a Keeneland September yearling when picked up by Taylor Creek. Dam Deer Valley (Speightstown), who won Monmouth's Crank It Up S. at Monmouth, is already responsible for stakes winner Wide West (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), and she was covered by Good Magic last spring. Crisp (El Corredor), a half-sister to Deer Valley and a winner of the GI Santa Anita Oaks, is the dam of star Japanese dirt performer Danon Pharoah (Jpn) (American Pharoah). Juddmonte's Kingman has sired 36 winners from 59 runners (61%) in the US and Canada. His eight stakes winners are anchored by Domestic Spending (GB), a winner of three Grade I races; and Grade II winners Technical Analysis (Ire), who was second in the GI Diana S. and GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup and Serve The King (GB), who was second in the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic S. King Julien and @ljlmvel are the winners of the first leg of the Rainbow Pick6 at #GulfstreamPark! pic.twitter.com/GEDIwbv5W4 — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 7, 2024 Repeat Winners Cheyenne Stable's Ozara (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) added a first listed victory to her resume in the Ginger Brew S. at Gulfstream Park at the beginning of the year for trainer Christophe Clement (video). She first featured in this column after a win at Saratoga in August. Another repeat winner is Zoustar (Aus) filly Lunar Impact (GB), who races for D K Racing, LLC, Qatar Racing, LLC, Radley Equine, Inc., Rick Gold and Dave Odmark. She won her second race at Santa Anita near the start of January for trainer Dan Blacker (video). #4 OZARA (IRE) ($8.00) sat a perfect stalking trip before rallying up the rail to win the $125,000 Ginger Brew Stakes! This is the second consecutive stakes victory over the Gulfstream turf for the filly, who was ridden by @Tyler_Gaff for @clementstable and Cheyenne Stable. pic.twitter.com/PKk9SDk2LB — TVG (@TVG) January 6, 2024 The post Making Waves: Daughter Of Ten Sovereigns Strikes At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Whether you're a trainer, a pre-trainer, a breeder or just a general racing nut, it seems as though the Irish Stallion Trail was the place to be on Friday and Saturday. But how much can be gleaned from two days of stallion parades? Quite a lot, actually. Relationships have been forged and business has been done on the Trail and luminaries of the industry Johnny Murtagh, Dick Brabazon, Guillaume Vitse and Craig McCracken were left singing the praises of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing [ITM] for what proved to be another stellar weekend. Vitse was a notable force on the Trail. Breeder of Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, the master of Normandie Breeding was at Coolmore Stud on Friday where the Frenchman promised to make the most of his visit to Ireland. Vitse said, “It was lovely to see Wootton Bassett. We tried to see him last year but obviously he wasn't here because he was in Australia. We also went to Rathbarry, Castlehyde, Coolmore and Ballylinch today. We are going to Yeomanstown, Kildangan, the Irish National Stud and Tally-Ho Stud on Saturday.” He added, “I am a big fan of Blackbeard (Ire). He is a stunning horse. I really fancy him. He is just what my wife [Camille] and myself love in a horse. He's the perfect mover and he has everything. I love him. “I like quality horses and this guy, from my point of view, has so much quality. I really like Sottsass (Fr) as well. He's another really good mover. He has a short back and is very strong and was a champion racehorse as well. Sottsass and Blackbeard are very different horses but we like both of them.” While France offers the Route des Etalons, the Irish Stallion Trail is a slightly newer phenomenon with over 30 stallion farms opening its doors to visitors across the two days and Vitse voiced his support of the initiative. He said, “This is my first time doing the Stallion Trail. It was pretty cool to go around and see the stallions. I think the Stallion Trail, just like the Route des Etalons, provides you with a good opportunity to meet a lot of people. I think it's a very good initiative and now we have a good idea about the stallions we like. When we get back home, we will discuss with our partners the right pick for our mares.” Asked what stallions he was most looking forward to viewing on Sunday, Vitse added, “Mehmas (Ire). I am really looking forward to seeing him. I am looking forward to seeing Good Guess (GB) and Kodiac (GB) as well. It is probably the last few years we can use Kodiac so it will be good to see him.” Leading Irish breeder Craig McCrackaen of McCracken Farms, top trainer Johnny Murtagh and renowned pre-trainer Dick Brabazon were others who reported to have gotten huge value from the two-day event. McCracken said, “I've been to Coolmore, Yeomanstown, Tally-Ho, Starfield and Kildangan. Of the cheaper stallions, I'd give Dubawi Legend (Ire) a chance. I have a breeding right in the horse but he did finish second in a Dewhurst and he is a son of Dubawi (Ire) so I can't see him not working. He has every chance at a price. Good Guess (GB) was one of the main takeouts of the weekend for me. He's a very slick horse, a lovely cross between Kodiac (GB) and Pivotal (GB). He could be what the market is looking for. He's a very obvious one for me. At our level, and of the stallions we can afford, I'd be weighing in behind Good Guess, Little Big Bear (Ire) and Native Trail (Ire). Those are the ones who have caught our imagination.” He added, “I'd be a big fan of the weekend. I mean, in what other industry would you get it? Would the manager of your local football club get the opportunity to pick the brains of Pep Guardiola? The answer is no. Take Mrs Tally-Ho [Anne O'Callaghan] for example. That woman could run the country. For me to have the opportunity to run my thoughts through some of the best in the business, that has to be worth something, so the weekend is of huge value to me.” It wasn't just the breeders who were out in force. Murtagh and Brabazon were other notable figures to be getting the miles in with the latter revealing the weekend provided a huge networking opportunity. Brabazon said, “I have one mare and, while I am unlikely to be using some of the top stallions, my clients are using the stallions and it's very important for me to be able to talk to them and say that I have seen the stallions. That's what's important. You see the good points and the bad points and you're clued in to what traits they might pass on to their progeny. “Also, when you see horses on the racetrack, it's fascinating to see how they have developed as stallions. Paddington (GB) for example, he's a fine-looking horse but you can still see the racehorse in him, and I can't wait to go back and see him next year when you will see the stallion in him. The other thing I became very aware of is that Siyouni (Fr) is becoming a very important influence. You have Paddington and St Mark's Basilica (Fr) at Coolmore. If you went back a few years, he didn't exist. Now, he's a very important influence. We're slowly seeing the changeover from Galileo (Ire).” He added, “I did quite a bit of small bits of business on the Trail. I bumped into clients at Ballylinch and we got to talk about their horses. It's an important networking opportunity and I think it's wonderful. We should open up the training yards, open up the studs, and open up the industry more going forward. We're building up the interest in the industry in the sport over those two days and that can't be a bad thing. “The studs are great that way. I'll give an example, I was down at Coolmore and, the group in front of us, a lot of the visitors had special needs. There was nobody rushing them through or anything like that. They got the same treatment as everyone and it wasn't a case of Coolmore selling a breeding right or anything like that. I think that shows a bit of class from Coolmore and fair play to them for providing everyone on the tour with the same level of care and attention.” Murtagh has won some of the best races around the world as a jockey. Think Sinndar (Ire), Yeats (Ire) and High Chaparral (Ire). In his role as a trainer, he was busy scouting some of the new kids on the blook and he wasn't disappointed. He said, “We have one mare here belonging to us and I just went down to Kildangan Stud to have a look at some of the stallions I never saw before. I never saw Blue Point (Ire) before and, given he had a phenomenal year, I was keen to see him. On the Friday of the tour, you probably get more of the breeders in attendance while the Saturday is more of a casual racing fan. But, listen, as trainers, we probably don't get around to see these wonderful stud farms as much as we'd like. There were a lot of nice horses on show and we'll probably go and see some of the stallions at the Irish National Stud on Saturday as well.” Asked about his thoughts on some of the younger sires coming through, Murtagh said, “We've a King Of Change, an Arizona, an Earthlight and a few others by first-season sires. We try to buy a few first-season sires because you never know who is going to be the next superstar. We buy the yearlings on spec. We went last year to the sales with the idea of buying two-year-old types and we bought Havana Greys, Kodiacs, Mehmases, Ardads and Oasis Dreams. You know, we have two-year-old types and we go and buy as many as we can on spec then we try to sell them when we get back. It's a tough business and we put our own money up front but we buy the horses we like and you need to have those two-year-old types.” The post ‘He Could Be What The Market Is Looking For,’ – Heavyweights Weigh In On Stallion Trail appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) and O'Connor (Chi) (Boboman), multiple graded stakes winners trained by Saffie Joseph, Jr., breezed at Gulfstream Park Saturday morning in preparation for scheduled starts in the $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Jan. 27. Skippylongstocking and O'Connor were joined on the worktab at Gulfstream Park's satellite training facility in Palm Beach Country by Ny Traffic (Cross Traffic), who is on the reserve invitational list for the Pegasus World Cup. Skippylongstocking breezed a bullet five furlongs in 1:00.25 (1/21) ahead of his first start since finishing third in the Nov. 4 GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita. O'Connor, who is coming off back-to-back graded-stakes victories in the GII Hagyard Fayette S. at Keeneland Oct. 28 and GIII Harlan's Holiday S. at Gulfstream Dec. 30, breezed a half mile in :50.35 (112/170). Joseph said that Skippylongstocking and O'Connor have given him reason to expect them to improve on seventh- and 11th-place finishes, respectively, in last year's running. “They're both doing well. They've both have become more consistent. O'Connor has rattled off two wins and overcame adversity, so you like to see that,” Joseph said. “Skippy used to be a horse that gave you one good one and one bad one, but he's been consistent the last four races.” Ny Traffic, who finished third behind O'Connor in the Harlan's Holiday, breezed three furlongs in :36.45 (5/61). At Fair Grounds, 'TDN Rising Star' First Mission (Street Sense) breezed five furlongs in 1:00 (1/51) to produce his second straight bullet workout in preparation for the Pegasus World Cup. The Brad Cox trainee, who won the GIII Stonestreet Lexington S. at Keeneland last year, was nosed by Pegasus Invitee Trademark (Upstart) in the Nov. 24 GII Clark S. at Churchill Downs. At Palm Beach Downs, 2022 GII Suburban S. winner Dynamic One (Union Rags) (five furlongs in :59.31) and narrow Harlan's Holiday runner-up Grand Aspen (Dialed In) (half mile in :48.40), who are on the invitational list for the Pegasus, breezed for the Pegasus World Cup. “We worked pretty much everything. I thought overall it was a good morning. We had some good works,” Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher said. “Everybody seemed to have done what we hoped, so right now we're right on schedule.” Top West Coast older horses Dirt Mile runner-up National Treasure (Quality Road) (five furlongs in a bullet :59.60) and GII San Antonio S. winner Newgrange (Violence) each worked Saturday at Santa Anita towards potential starts in the Pegasus World Cup as well. The post Saffie Joseph-Trained Invitees Breeze for Pegasus World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Top Santa Anita Park older horses National Treasure and Newgrange each worked Saturday towards potential starts in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park Jan. 27.View the full article

Due to impending freezing temperatures and snow forecasted, Oaklawn has made the decision to cancel the races on Sunday, Jan. 14.View the full article

Due to impending freezing temperatures and snow forecasted, Oaklawn has made the decision to cancel its nine-race card on Sunday, Jan. 14. The Oaklawn hotel, resort, and casino will remain open. The post Sunday Racing at Oaklawn Park Canceled appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's edition of this column features Kate Harrington, assistant trainer to her mother, Jessica Harrington. Proudest moment of 2023? Of the team at Commonstown throughout the year. They all worked so hard in 2023 to finish third in the trainers' championship. We had more winners in 2023 than we did in 2022 and we all know the winners helped Mum beat cancer. What is your biggest ambition for the new year? Helping Jessica Harrington to train as may winners as possible in 2024. Give us one horse to follow and why? Givemethebeatboys (Ire). We definitely haven't seen his full potential on the racetrack yet. And a young person in the industry to keep an eye on… Keithen Kennedy. He is a 7lb claimer who rode three winners for us at the end of last season from very few rides. He could be going places. Who do you think will be champion first-season sire this year? Even though we haven't got one in the yard yet, I love Pinatubo (Ire). I loved his stock at all the sales. He was a champion two-year-old himself and I think he has bred his precociousness into his stock. And the best value stallion in Europe? It has to be Calyx (GB). He's operating at an impressive strike-rate with his first runners and had three Group-winning juveniles last year. He looks good value to me. What's the one horse you wish you'd bought in 2023? If we had an open cheque book the, the Frankel (GB) filly out of Millisle (Ire). Out of a Group 1-winning two-year-old and by a champion, she was a beautiful filly and from a family we know very well at Commonstown. I can't see why she won't be a superstar. Biggest regret? Have no regrets. Whatever happens, happens, and tomorrow is a new day. Biggest influence on your career? Aidan O'Brien. I spent three years working at Ballydoyle and that experience left a lasting impression on me. If you could sit down for dinner with three people (dead or alive) who would they be and why? Johnny Harrington. There are too many questions I never got to ask him when he was alive and he was always one for a good story. Kevin Prendergast would have to be there as well. He's just an absolute legend. Then the third guest would be Amy Marnane as you'd be guaranteed not to have silence at any point in the evening! The post In The Hot Seat: Kate Harrington appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Arkansas-bred star Whelen Springs will miss the remainder of the Oaklawn Park meeting that ends May 4 because of a minor injury, John Gasper said Jan. 10. Gasper is racing manager for Arkansas lumberman John Ed Anthony.View the full article

Horse of the Year candidate and GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner White Abarrio (Race Day) will kick off his 5-year-old campaign in the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup at King Abdulaziz Feb. 24. A subsequent start in the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan Mar. 30 could be in the cards as well. The Rick Dutrow, Jr.-trained C2 Racing Stable LLC and La Milagrosa Stable, LLC colorbearer has breezed three times at Santa Anita since Christmas Eve, including a five-furlong move in 1:00.40 (9/58) Jan. 8. “He's gonna go over (to Saudi Arabia) from Santa Anita basically 10 days before,” C2 Racing Stable's Mark Cornett said. “That's when the plane goes over there from Miami. So, he'll fly into Miami from L.A., then he'll get on the flight with the rest of the horses from the U.S. going over to Riyadh.” Cornett continued, “He's on his game, I'll tell you that. We backed off him a little bit (after the Classic). He's been working very good. They're easy works, nothing serious yet. The horse is such a good work horse.” The Saudi Cup will be White Abarrio's first start since concluding his 2023 season with a powerful win as the 5-2 favorite in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita Nov. 4. The longshot runner-up that day Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) could potentially return for a rematch in the Saudi Cup. Was a prep race–i.e., the $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. at Gulfstream Park Jan. 27–ever in play for White Abarrio before heading to the Middle East? “Not really,” Cornett replied. “The timing, I don't understand why the Pegasus doesn't move their race and give you some more time to the Saudi Cup. It just isn't enough time with flying and everything else. You can't justify going to that race when you've got $20 million on the table.” White Abarrio's seven-career victories have come at six different distances ranging between 6 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/4 miles. The 1 1/8-mile distance of the Saudi Cup is contested around one turn. The handsome gray's resume includes two wins at the Saudi Cup distance, albeit both around two turns, in the 2022 GI Curlin Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park and last summer's GI Whitney S. at Saratoga. “We think that's gonna be what he really wants to do,” Cornett said. “He can do pretty much everything–he can sprint, he can go seven furlongs, he can go a one-turn mile, he can go 1 1/4 miles, etc. The one-turn 1 1/8 miles could be his absolute best.” As for the appeal of the Saudi Cup, Cornett continued, “It's the distance and the purse money. It's those two factors and you combine them. Plus, it leaves the door open for the Dubai World Cup. It's possible. Obviously, we would be over there already. But the horse has to come out of the race the right way. He has to run the right way, too. If he has to run too hard, we'll pass and get him back over here and get him ready for the Saratoga meet.” In addition to a runaway win in the Whitney with a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 110 and a decisive victory in the headliner at the Championships three months later, White Abarrio's 2023 season also featured a better-than-it-looked third-place finish after stumbling at the start in the prestigious GI Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan H. at Belmont Park June 10. Previously campaigned by Saffie Joseph, Jr., White Abarrio was transferred to Dutrow prior to the Met Mile. White Abarrio is a finalist for champion older dirt male at the upcoming 53rd Eclipse Awards to be held at The Breakers Palm Beach Jan. 25. Horse of the Year finalists won't be announced until that evening. “It's nice to be in the conversation,” Cornett said. “In my opinion, he won the two most prestigious route dirt races in the U.S.– the Whitney and the Breeders' Cup Classic. Obviously, he doesn't have the storyline of a Cody's Wish. But it just depends how much the voters are gonna factor that into the equation.” Cornett concluded, “We're not in it to win these things. We're in it to manage the horse the right way. Things that are out of our control, whatever happens, we're ok with that.” Work of the Day from @santaanitapark—White Abarrio worked 4 Furlongs in 48.00 on January 1st, 2024, for trainer @RickDutrow59. pic.twitter.com/oa6sdDkUB2 — XBTV (@WatchXBTV) January 2, 2024 The post Breeders’ Cup Classic Winner White Abarrio Training Up to Saudi Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Arkansas-bred star Whelen Springs will miss the remainder of the Oaklawn Park meeting that ends May 4 because of a minor injury, John Gasper said Jan. 10. Gasper is racing manager for Arkansas lumberman John Ed Anthony.View the full article

4th-GP, $89K, Msw, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:38 p.m. ET. Bred by Stonehaven Steadings & Leah O'Meara, LESLIE'S HUMOR (Kantharos) makes the races for LSU Stables. Initially sold for $125,000 at the Keeneland September Sale, the chestnut RNA'd for $110,000 at OBS April before going for $500,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale in June. The second to race for La Titina (Distorted Humor), the 3-year-old filly's younger half-brother by Not This Time was purchased for $310,000 last September at Keeneland by Hartley/De Renzo Thoroughbreds. Granddam and MGISW Ask the Moon (Malibu Moon), a $1.8 million acquisition by Stonestreet while carrying MSW Belgrano (War Front), also produced the stakes placed dam of recent Mucho Macho Man S. runner-up First World War (War Front). TJCIS PPS 5th-TAM, $53K, Msw, 3yo, 1m 40yds, 2:34 p.m. ET. Atrocious (Ghostzapper) makes his first start for Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and their partner Stonestreet Stables, who also bred this colt. A $500,000 buy at the Fasig-Tipton Select Saratoga Yearling Sale, the Christophe Clement trainee is out of GII Black-Eyed Susan S. heroine Fiftyshadesofhay (Pulpit). She is also the dam of SW Locally Owned (Distorted Humor). TJCIS PPS 6th-GP, $89K, Msw, 3yo, f, 6f, 2:38 p.m. ET. The Phipps Stable sends out for her debut Mystifying (Curlin). The homebred is out of SP Puzzling (Ghostzapper) who is also responsible for a 2-year-old by Street Sense. That colt went to Centennial Farms for $500,000 at Keeneland September. The Shug McGaughey runner hails from an extended female family which includes GI Manhattan H. hero Dancing Forever (Rahy), SW Miss Yearwood (Will Take Charge), GSW Carrumba (Bernardini), and deeper still under her third dam, the strong line of champion 3-year-old filly Heavenly Prize (Seeking the Gold). TJCIS PPS The post Sunday’s Racing Insights: Leslie’s Humor Debuts At Gulfstream Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rhyme Schemes (c, 3, Ghostzapper–Katherine, by Distorted Humor), sidelined since posting a jaw-dropping, 9 1/2-length victory for trainer Norm Casse in last summer's GII Saratoga Special S. Aug. 12, is being aimed at a late spring/early summer return to the races. The Pura Vida Investments LLC colorbearer is currently laid up with Gabriel “Spider” Duignan at Springhouse Farm in Kentucky and could resume light training in March. “He's doing great,” Pura Vida's managing partner Deuce Greathouse said. “He wasn't going to make the Derby preps, so we decided to give him some extra time. We'll have him ready by late spring/early summer if we have no hiccups.” He added, “He needed plenty of time, but it wasn't something that should hinder him going forward. He's got a really good mind on him, so he's been a good patient. Knock wood, everything has gone to plan to this point. I don't want to jinx anything, but he's on schedule.” A well-beaten sixth in a live maiden special weight on debut at Churchill Downs May 18, Rhyme Schemes won his next two starts with the addition of blinkers by a combined margin of 19 lengths. He was a daylight, front-running winner with a gaudy 94 Beyer Speed Figure at second asking at Ellis June 15, then showed a different dimension by rallying powerfully from fourth after bumping with a rival at the start in the 6 1/2-furlong Saratoga Special. “We'll let him tell us when he's ready,” Greathouse said. “We'll probably just give him an a-other-than (allowance), and if that goes to plan, then look at stakes.” Rhyme Schemes, one of 54 graded stakes winners worldwide for Ghostzapper, brought $210,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. He is the second foal out of the winning Distorted Humor mare and $575,000 OBS April breezer Katherine, who hails from the extended female family of GISWs Dream Rush (Wild Rush), Dreaming of Julia (A. P. Indy), Malathaat (Curlin), et al. The Ghostzapper x Distorted Humor cross is also responsible for GISWs Guarana and Molly Morgan. Rhyme Schemes was bred in Kentucky by Parks Investment Group, LLC. “He's such a cool horse,” Greathouse said. “With his pedigree to go long, and as deep as that family is, we couldn't be more excited. Now, we just gotta keep our fingers crossed and hope that he comes back the same horse that he was. Physically, there's no reason for me to think that he's one of those early 2-year-olds that won't develop into a 3-year-old.” Greathouse concluded, “It was obviously heartbreaking not getting to go to those big races at the end of his 2-year-old-year. Hopefully, it's for bigger and better things down the road.” RHYME SCHEMES wins the Herb Moelis Memorial Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) impressively with @RSantana_Jr up for @NormCasse! #Saratoga pic.twitter.com/9q8ISdQ4uK — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 12, 2023 The post Saratoga Special Winner Rhyme Schemes Aiming for Late Spring/Early Summer Return appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A clear 7-2 second choice on debut taking on 3-4 Have You Heard (Hard Spun), Spendthrift Farm's TUSCAN SKY (c, 3, Vino Rosso–South Andros, by Sky Mesa) found his best stride entering the final furlong and streaked home to open his account impressively at first asking in the Saturday opener from Aqueduct. Tuscan Sky won the break and took his four rivals along through the opening furlong, but Have You Heard wrested command before the half-mile marker as the debuting Ambition (Street Sense) tried to press the pace around the turn. Tuscan Sky traveled with a bit of a high head carriage down the backstretch and was third into the turn, but didn't look to be loving the rain-affected conditions under foot and was one-paced three wide nearing the stretch. But produced wide into the lane by Manny Franco, the $200,000 Fasig-Tipton July purchase jumped into the bridle and quickened up nicely to report home about a five-length winner. Sales history: $200,000 Ylg '22 FTKJUL. O-Spendthrift Farm LLC; B-Sierra Farm (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. The post Vino Rosso’s Tuscan Sky Airs At First Asking at the Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Group 1-winning globetrotter Falbrav (Ire) (Fairy King-Gift Of The Night, by Slewpy) died at Shadai Stallion Station in Japan on Friday, Netkeiba reported on Saturday. The eight-time Group 1 winner, who was pensioned in 2015, was 26. “Falbrav passed away at the age of 26 in Shadai Stallion Station, Japan,” the Japanese news site posted on X. “Rest in peace.” Eisuke Tokutake, manager of Shadai Stallion Station, told Sanspo.com, “He had a little colic and was a little sick since the end of last year.” Bred by Azienda Agricola Francesca and raced by Scuderia Rencati originally, the bay won one of four starts at two in Italy for trainer Luciano d'Auria. At three, he ran second in the G1 Derby Italiano, however it was at four and five that he truly shone. The G1 Premio Presidente della Repubblica and G1 Gran Premio di Milano went his way in consecutive starts in the late spring of 2002, and his first start outside of Italy was a third in that September's G2 Prix Foy. His final appearance at four was a nose victory over Sarafan (Lear Fan) in the G1 Japan Cup. Transferred to Luca Cumani, he started his 5-year-old season with a third in the G1 Prix Ganay in the spring and won the G1 Prix d'Ispahan in May, with new co-owner Teruya Yoshida signed on. Successful in the G1 Eclipse S. in England in July, he added the G1 International S. two starts later in August and would never be out of the money in four more appearances that season. Second to High Chaparral (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) in the G1 Irish Champion S. in September of 2003, Falbrav cut back to a mile and landed the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. later that month. At the Breeders' Cup, held that year in California, he was only a head behind GI Turf deadheaters High Chaparral and Johar (Gone West) at the end of October. His career swansong was a two-length victory in the G1 Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin that December. His record stands at eight Group/Grade 1 wins in five different countries with a mark of 26-13-5-5 and $5,825,517 in earnings. Falbrav spent the majority of his career at Shadai Stallion Station in Japan, although he did stand at Cheveley Park Stud in England at one point and also shuttled to Australia. A total of 18 of his 819 foals were stakes winners, with 12 making the grade at Pattern level. His best progeny included Fravashi (Aus), I'm Yours (Jpn), Fanunalter (GB), A Shin Virgo (Jpn), and Brava Fortune (Aus), who won Group 2 races in Australia, Japan, the UK, Japan, and Australia, respectively. As a broodmare sire, Falbrav is responsible for 18 stakes winners overall and 11 group winners, with Group 1 winners Kenedna (Aus), a dual Group 1 winner in Australia, and Harp Star (Jpn) and Stelvio (Jpn) flying the flag for his daughters. Out of the Slewpy mare Gift Of The Night, who ran second in the Listed Prix Herod, Falbrav was a half-brother to the stakes-placed Fattsota (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), and three of his half-sisters are black-type producers. How good was Falbrav He conquered Group 1 races across the globe The Japan Cup The Prix d'Ispahan The Coral-Eclipse Stakes Juddmonte International Queen Elizabeth II Stakes Hong Kong Cup pic.twitter.com/eIAPtUvToT — Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) November 25, 2023 The post Globetrotter Falbrav Dies At 26 In Japan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey tastes success for the first time in 62 rides and hopes Tsuen Wan Glory’s unremarkable Class Five win marks a turning point in his seasonView the full article

Championship-leading handler ponders Classic Series bid for exciting speedster as wins of I Give and Super Commander add to early title chargeView the full article

By Jonny Turner A different kind of challenge awaits Alta Meteor following his outstanding win in the Nelson Cup. The Stonewall Stud pacer shrugged off mid-race work as he outstayed his rivals in the 3000m on Friday for driver Tim Williams. Race conditions couldn’t be much more contrasting with the four-year-old setting out over a mile, from the outside of the gate, in the Nelson Classic on Sunday. But with the form he is in, Alta Meteor looks right up for the challenge. “It will be interesting – it is a totally different kettle of fish and he isn’t known for his gate speed,” Williams said. “But he was good enough to give them a head start and beat them on Friday.” “I may have to drive him for his speed and he might need a little bit of luck, but if he is close enough to them there is no reason he couldn’t get over top of them.” With back-to-back cup wins, there is little doubt that Alta Meteor is in a great space at the moment. “Leading into Motukarara he had been working super and seemed right back to his best.” “He has continued that and he is in a really good space at the moment.” Williams will reunite with Twista following his big effort for second at Nelson on Friday. The three-year-old has also drawn wide, but he also looks capable of overcoming it. “He is a lovely horse, he gave me a great feel on the first day.” “Just having the half blinds on, he didn’t see the winner until it got past us, but to his credit, he kicked back well.” “The draw isn’t ideal but he should be going a pretty nice race.” Some slick early manoeuvring from Jonny Cox helped Rock Band go two-from-two at Friday’s meeting. On Sunday it will be up to Williams to help the pacer make it three-from-three. “I think the mile suits him, he has come down from up north and the team there think he has good speed.” “For a horse that hasn’t had a lot of racing, it will be interesting; he is taking on horses that have had a lot of racing.” “But on what he has shown, he looks like he is up to it.” Williams will take several outside drives at Nelson on Sunday with Monarch Prince and Bondi Lustre looking the best chances among them. View the full article