Wandering Eyes

To many horsepeople and fans, the news that 2022 GI Preakness S. winner Early Voting (Gun Runner) had been cured of a syndrome that initially–apparently–spelled doom to his stud career was a complete surprise. To New Zealand-born veterinarian and scientist Dr. Padraig (Paddy) O'Casaigh, it was just another day at the office O'Casaigh, the 'brain and chief researcher/inventor' behind the 'unique' product Chaperonze (his birthplace a contributor to this intentional misspell), has treated 'about 100' stallions with breeding problems. “My experience in my 35 years,” he said, “is that I've never had one go back and never had one that couldn't be fixed. You find with these horses, once you've turned him around, you've turned them around.” Consider his record intact. It wasn't that Early Voting was lacking in fertility–as was reported in Thursday's TDN, the stallion successfully got 120 mares from his first book in foal at Coolmore in his first year in 2023 (though it is uncertain how many mares in total were covered). But it was later discovered that Early Voting was suffering from Anejaculatory Syndrome–simply put, an inability to ejaculate. O'Casaigh, 56, has by his own accounting has flown upwards of four million miles in his lifetime and maintains offices from Lexington to Bangkok. He attended Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand, did an internship at Hagyard/Davidson/McGee in Lexington and then spent the better part of six years at the University of California, Davis, completing a residency in equine reproduction from 1989-1992 and a Ph. D. in comparative pathology. He was a post-doctoral fellow in the school's Department of Veterinary Medical Population Health and Reproduction from 1992-1995. Having worked with the likes of Nureyev and El Gran Senor and given his success in helping cure horses of problems similar to that of Early Voting, it wasn't a complete surprise when his services were requested by the consortium of owners that took over from Coolmore late last year. O'Casaigh makes use of a product Chaperonze manufactures that contains chaperone proteins. The process involves using emu oil sourced from FDA distributors to create a protein transfer oil that can carry the chaperone proteins across the skin barrier and into the bloodstream. The process calls for the admixing of freeze-dried, stable Chaperonze powder, extracted from ovine placenta, with the oil. Applied topically, chaperone proteins can find their way to damaged and injured cells that are in need of repair and once Chaperonze has entered the cells, it causes repair, rejuvenation and regeneration. And it seems to have done the trick for the now 5-year-old stallion. O'Casaigh said Early Voting has been at his new home at Taylor Made for 'about a month.' “The Coolmore group have been fantastic about everything and the only reason to taking him over [to Taylor Made] is because I have an association with them and they have a much-smaller, family-run operation, and with something like this, it's going to be a different environment for the horse and for me.” O'Casaigh reports that Early Voting was first bred to test mares and more recently to outside mares and that he has done so successfully in terms of his ability to ejaculate. His first Taylor Made-bred mares are due to be scanned in about a week's time. And it's clear the work he has done to date has been impactful and he hopes will continue to be. “It's not just species-specific,” O'Casaigh said. “If we can help endangered species or humans, alleviate disease, help horses, that's what science is, right?” The post The Curious Case of Early Voting and the Vet Who Helped Cure Him appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Jessica Martini & Stefanie Grimm LEXINGTON, KY – Driven by strong demand at the top–which saw the auction produce its first seven-figure horses in five years–the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale concluded Thursday in Lexington with a fairly steady average, but a double-digit decline in median. “I think it's been a very fair and stable market,” said Keeneland Director of Sales Tony Lacy. “We saw a lot of stability and a lot of good trade going on. When you look at the fact that we haven't had a $1-million horse in January since 2019, and we had two through the ring and one sold privately, there was a lot of quality. I think that is what we saw the first day with the increase in gross and average. People are very much focused on the quality and are willing to pay a premium for it. Overall, the numbers were very satisfactory. Speaking to the buyers and speaking to the sellers, everybody found it a fair, competitive market. Nobody had a complaint that there was any sort of perceived weakness or anything that would give us concern for the future.” Through four sessions, 831 horses grossed $38,330,300. The average of $46,126 dipped 2.28% from a year ago, while the median fell 21.05% to $15,000. The buyback rate remained steady at 22.84%. “The median is down 21% from last year, but again the average has really held up,” Keeneland Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach said. “It's a sign that the top part of the market is in really good shape. That buoyancy is helping the average. The middle and lower end of the market felt a little spotty in Book 1, but [Wednesday]'s session was better than the corresponding session last year, which I think is a good sign for the market at large.” During the auction's first session Monday, the broodmare prospect Prank (Into Mischief) became the sale topper when selling for $1.6 million to Tom Wachman of Coolmore from the Gainesway consignment. It was the first time since Coolmore spent $5 million to acquire Abel Tasman (Quality Road) at the 2019 sale that a horse had brought seven figures at a January sale. Later in that same session, Japan's K I Farm purchased Canadian champion Curlin's Voyage (Curlin) for $1 million from the Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa consignment. The 2024 January auction got a third seven-figure mare when Star Act (Street Cry {Ire}) sold post-sale for $1.2 million. Star Act's private sale marked the second Keeneland sale at which a post-sale transaction provided a seven-figure result. At the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, Puca (Big Brown) brought the auction's unofficial top price when selling post-sale for $2.9 million. “Both of those two high-profile horses brought significantly more post-sale than they RNA'd for, which to me is reflective of an active buyer base,” said Breathnach. As at the November sale, the January sale featured a vibrant post-sale trade. An additional 27 horses sold after initially being unsold in ring for $2,243,000. “Our RNA-to-sale activity is up on last year,” Breathnach said. “We saw that in November, too. So sometimes, the RNA rate can look a little spiky and sometimes it is, but it's also kind of bolstered by the fact that people are here to buy. And that's a good sign for the number of people who are here and actually active. When they really think about what these horses are worth, they are willing to reconsider and give market value and at significantly higher numbers. Maybe that is partly coincidental and only happens this year, but I think it reflects an active buyer base that is determined to buy quality and we are grateful for that.” Lacy added, “When you walk into the ring, in the hope of what something might bring, the market tells you what a horse is worth on the day. And that's a compromise between what someone is willing to spend and what you were hoping to get on the other side. There is a balance. But I think the post-sale trade also shows there is still a market after the hammer falls. And it's one that we encourage pretty strongly. It's not just in the ring. We feel like that is an important part of the process.” Prank tops this year's Keeneland January Sale | Keeneland As it was at the Keeneland November sale, the market for quality weanlings–and now short yearlings–remained strong. “[The short yearling market] was very competitive,” said Breathnach. “The ones that sold well, sold very, very well. I think people were quite surprised by the activity at the top end of the yearling market. There was a lot of money around and for the good horses. That's a great sign for the future.” In 2024, 382 short yearlings sold for $14,846,700 and an average of $38,866. A pair of yearlings shared top price of $430,000, with Cherry Knoll Farm acquiring a colt by Not This Time and John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock purchasing a filly by Candy Ride (Arg) for that price. Three yearlings sold for $400,000 or over, six sold for $300,000 or over and 11 sold for $200,000 or over. In 2023, 407 short yearlings sold through the ring for a gross of $18,055,300 and average of $44,362. A filly by Quality Road was the highest-priced yearling last year, selling for $450,000, and she was one of two to sell for $400,000 or over and five sold for $300,000 or over. Sixteen yearling sold for $200,000 or over. “I think it's a really good sign for the health of the yearling market for next September that the activity is here in the new tax year with various uncertainties, obviously, around the world and in the economy,” Breathnach said. “The economy is in good shape, interest rates are coming down and inflation levels are drastically lower than they were. Still, people have reason to look to the future and make tough decisions, but they are deciding to buy good horses at a very high level.” The January catalogue was diminished by a large number of outs. From a catalogue of 1,487, a total of 410 were withdrawn before going through the ring. “We saw an elevated number of scratches, especially on session two, I think that was a lot of people who weren't really pressured to sell,” said Lacy. “And you saw that in the short yearlings, specifically, where people were happy enough to keep them and point them to September.” The January sale attracted a diverse, and international buying bench, with the top 15 highest-priced horses bought by 13 different entities. K I Farm's Tomoyuki Nakamura traveled from Japan to attend the January Sale for the first time. Also active was Japan's Shadai Farm, which acquired broodmare prospect Dolce Zel (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), a multiple group winner, for $400,000. In addition to Europe and Japan, buyers also represented Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and Australia. “There was very broad-based, global attention focused on this sale,” Lacy said. “Our sales team has been aggressive in traveling around the world, meeting people in person in their home countries to make sure they understand Keeneland is an international marketplace. We've had correspondence from people around the world during this sale in addition to the great buyer base who were here.” Taylor Made Sales Agency was the leading consignor by gross at the January sale for the 21st time since 2001. Taylor Made sold 100 head for $5,080,200. Bloodstock agent Steve Young, who purchased four mares on behalf of Ramona Bass to support Bass's recently retired stallion Annapolis, was the auction's leading buyer. The post ‘Fair and Stable’ Keeneland January Sale Concludes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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Harry L. Veruchi's West Saratoga, the upset winner of last year's Iroquois Stakes (G3) makes his first start in over three months in the Jan. 13 Pasco Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. View the full article

Some next level glitz and glam will feature in the 2024 Team Teal campaign. Since 2018 Harness Racing New Zealand has been involved in the annual campaign to increase awareness of ovarian cancer, and raise funds for research. This year it will be involved again and a number of fresh initiatives have been confirmed, including a new competition to encourage racegoers to get dressed up in their best teal-coloured outfits. “Frocks at the Trots” is a fashion in the fields competiton – but with a twist. The top two contestants at each of four heats will qualify for the Grand Final at Addington on the final day of the Team Teal campaign on March 15. First prize will be a return trip including accommodation to a resort in Australia. There will also be prizes for heat winners and runner ups throughout the competition. The four “Frocks” heats will be : Heat 1 – Amberley Trotting Club Meeting at Rangiora – February 6 (Waitangi weekend) Heat 2 – Hororata Trotting Club Meeting at Methven – February 11 Heat 3 – Gore Harness Racing Club – February 18 Heat 4 – Cambridge Raceway – February 23 Final – Addington Raceway – March 15 Outfits must incorporate teal and all entries must be aged 18 plus and officially register prior to each of the heats. View the poster here To confirm your place in any of the heats or for more details contact courtney@hrnz.co.nz View the full article

By Jonny Turner Cran Dalgety hopes All You Need Is Me can show her speed rather than her sass in her debut at Nelson on Friday. The royally bred daughter of leading sire Captaintreacherous and the superstar racemare Adore Me will make her debut in race 5 with Carter Dalgety in the sulky. While she has plenty to live up to, All You Need Is Me has shown her share of her family’s ability in her recent trial outings. Cran Dalgety just wants to see the filly concentrating on the job at hand so that she can show her true worth. “She’s got all the breeding in the world, but unfortunately she can’t read her pedigree page,” Dalgety said. “She is quite a determined and strong-willed filly, and when we started off her focus wasn’t always on the track.” “But the further she goes on, the better she has been and her trials have been pleasing.” “We won’t say she’s going to be better than mum or dad, but she has the ability there to do a good job.” “This being her first trip away and her first start at the races, we hope she handles the occasion and shows her best.” “But we won’t know until she gets out there.” The Cran and Chrissie stable start their day at Nelson off with Wallflower in race 1. The filly looks a strong winning hope following her tidy debut second at Ashburton last month. “She would be one of our best winning chances,” Dalgety said. “Her debut run was good, then we freshened her up, and she seems to have thrived.” “She trialled well at Rangiora, and she looks well capable of clearing maidens at short notice.” Orlando Express also heads into race 2 for the Dalgety camp following a handy trial at Rangiora. Woodlea Jewel will have her first start for the Dalgety stable in race 4. The five-year-old takes on an even line-up and looks a strong winning hope. “She gets into a race she should be pretty competitive in.” “She is a rolling type, she doesn’t have super high speed but she can keep going.” “So, hopefully from the draw, she will take a bit of catching.” Watermelon Sugar cops yet another tough draw when lining up in race 7 for the Dalgety camp. Though the pacer has had little luck recently, he has been running handy races and looks a top-four threat. Fernetti will step up in grade in the Nelson Cup where he will face his first standing start and race over 3000m for the first time. While he takes on smart types, the four-year-old has never let his trainers down before. “He has been one that has kept stepping up every time we have chucked him in the deep end,” Dalgety said. “We didn’t expect to be in this race, but we are now and after he stepped away at the trials we are hopeful he can do things right and be amongst it.” “He is generally quite a sensible horse, and he sticks to the task, so those are two big things in his favour.” Carter Dalgety will drive all of the Kentuckiana Lodge runners at Nelson on Friday. View the full article

6th-Gulfstream, $72,000, Alw (NW1X)/Opt. Clm ($75,000), 1-11, 3yo, f, 7f, 1:23.36, gd, 1 length. LESLIE'S ROSE (f, 3, Into Mischief–Wildwood Rose {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) earned 'TDN Rising Star' honors when she won by 9 1/4 lengths in her first start at Aqueduct Nov. 19. Through the ring as one of the top ten prices, the Keeneland September graduate made her 3-year-old debut with Lasix and was well-backed as the heavy 1-5 favorite here. The filly allowed Gun Song (Gun Runner) to take the lead from her up the backstretch. Ranging up on the pacesetter around the far turn, the Todd Pletcher trainee cranked up the pressure into the stretch, fought her rival gamely and finally put her away in the final jumps to win by a healthy length. Leslie's Rose is out of an unraced dam who is also responsible for a 2-year-old filly by Good Magic and she was bred to Not This Time for this year. Wildwood Rose is a half-sister to 'TDN Rising Star' Materiality (Afleet Alex) and GI Kentucky Oaks runner-up My Miss Sofia (Unbridled's Song), the dam of 'TDN Rising Star' and new sire Annapolis (War Front). The winner's third dam produced SP Expanse (Distant View)–dam to GI Travers S. hero Afleet Express (Afleet Alex) and GI Alabama S. heroine Embellish the Lace (Super Saver). Sales History: $1,150,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $89,950. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Whisper Hill Farm, LLC; B-John D. Gunther & Eurowest Bloodstock Services (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher The heavily favored #2 LESLIE'S ROSE ($2.40) turned back Gun Song to keep her record a perfect two-for-two in the 6th at Gulfstream. Irad Ortiz was in the irons for trainer @PletcherRacing and @whisper_hill. pic.twitter.com/M89WLCCMuC — TVG (@TVG) January 11, 2024 The post Leslie’s Rose Looked Like A ‘TDN Rising Star’ To Stay Perfect At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 8 SPEIGHTS/SUPER LIQUOR 1810m LULO ROSE (K Williams) – Trainer Mr. A Carston advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the LULO ROSE, however, has now been sent for a spell. The post Kumara Racing Club at Kumara, Saturday, 6 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Acknowledging that there are differences of opinion about specifics of the “Pimlico Plus” plan that envisions a publicly funded future of racing at a state-owned, modernized track in Baltimore, the construction of a new training facility elsewhere, and a non-profit operator taking over day-to-day racing, the leaders of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA) on Thursday asked stakeholders not to let quibbling over details derail the larger goal of getting the ambitious plan approved by the legislature so that horsemen can control their own destiny. “There are a lot of skeptics,” said Alan Foreman, who is the general counsel for the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (MTHA) and is also that group's representative on the MTROA. “Some of the critics have already come out very quickly without letting us continue to do our work. My own personal perspective is the status quo in racing is simply not going to survive going forward. We have a once-in-lifetime opportunity here. This will not present itself again. And we can't let the perfect get in the way of the good.” The MTROA's vision for the $400-million makeover, which was made public in a Jan. 5 report, has a number of key components coming into alignment right now, Foreman said. There is support from the Maryland governor, the speaker of the House, and the president of the Senate, Foreman said. In addition, The Stronach Group (AKA 1/ST Racing and Gaming), which owns Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park, has agreed in principle to an exit strategy that would turn over ownership of Pimlico to the state and cede control of daily Thoroughbred racing operations to an entity that would function similarly to the New York Racing Association (NYRA). In exchange, The Stronach Group would be allowed to eventually sell or redevelop Laurel while retaining rights for Maryland's two signature Grade I races, the Preakness S. and the Black-Eyed Susan S. Those rights would then be leased back to the new operating entity. Despite the momentum the project seemingly has going for it, Gregory Cross, the MTROA's chair, warned that getting Pimlico Plus signed into law is far from a slam-dunk. “It's an extremely, extremely difficult budget year,” Cross said. “We're lucky to be preserving what we have [and] fitting it [into] what has been allocated-very lucky.” Foreman agreed: “We're really threading the needle here, folks.” Added Cross, “While we have been given some support, it's far from an assurance of passage, so we've got a lot of work to do.” That work, Foreman, said, includes not just the passage of legislation, but acquiring and beginning development on a training center, engaging a design consultant to flesh out the reimagined Pimlico beyond the broad concept that is currently on paper, signing off on negotiations with The Stronach Group, and putting together the non-profit operating team. The MTROA would like all of that done by Jan. 1, 2025. “There are only two states in the country where there is any forward-thinking development going on,” Foreman said. “NYRA, which is rebuilding Belmont, and now it's going to be Maryland racing. We have a very unique opportunity to position Maryland racing for the future. Through this project, I think we guarantee at least a portion of our funding base with the General Assembly. [But if] we didn't do this, we wouldn't be protected going forward.” The MTROA envisions between 140 and 160 racing dates per year at Pimlico. Foreman said the alternative, based on a presentation The Stronach Group made to the MTHA, would nearly slice that number in half. “The Stronach Group's vision of the future is a maximum of 80 live racing dates in Maryland,” Foreman said. “Two 40-day boutique meets, with a shift of [gaming] revenue from the horsemen and breeders to them, to make them profitable. Under the current scenario, they do not see a way in which they would invest any money into the Maryland tracks. So we would be essentially at the status quo if we don't do any of this.” Foreman continued: “Can you sustain live racing, and can you sustain a breeding industry, on 80 live racing days with vastly inflated purses, which is going to squeeze out the middle and the small horsemen, and bring probably large, out-of-state outfits into the state of Maryland? Where [else] do we think we can do something where we can control our own destiny and make this work?” Foreman said he “firmly believes” Pimlico Plus is feasible. He further noted that the MTHA currently pays “$11-plus million” in subsidies to the Stronach Group just to conduct basic operations that keep the sport running at Laurel (which has been besieged by main-track safety issues for years) and Pimlico (which is outdated and hosts racing only for brief meets in the spring and September). Still, the horsemen in attendance for the Jan. 11 videoconference had no shortage of concerns. Chief among them was housing for stable workers. Last week's report stated there would be no housing actually on the backstretch at Pimlico. It would be nearby, in a neighborhood widely considered to be dangerous. The report also identified three top candidates for training centers (Shamrock Farm in Woodbine, Mitchell Farm in Aberdeen, and the former Bowie Race Track in Bowie), but none of them would include dormitories for workers. Trainer Ferris Allen put it this way: “I think the [MTROA] needs to understand that a lot of our employees are on foot or on bicycles. They don't drive. They work on H-2B visas and things like that. So on-site housing is a very essential part of running our business.” As for Pimlico, Foreman said, “Working with the city, the plan is to incorporate backstretch housing into the community, contiguous to the racetrack. But that's all going to be part of a much more complete and dynamic redeveloped area, and not what you see in that area right now. It is a unique concept, one that we think will work, and one that will have to be fleshed out as we go forward.” Regarding the training centers, Cross said, “At this time there's no money for that. It's a $25- to $30-miliion cost. And the zoning is very questionable as to whether it would be allowed.” David Richardson, the executive director of the MTHA, who was moderating questions as they came in during the video conference, added that, “I will say I'm getting inundated with texts and comments about the need for backstretch housing at the training facility. If there's any feedback from horsemen, it's how crucial [the housing] component is.” Foreman and Cross both indicated the MTROA would take into account the horsemen's concerns about housing going forward. Other questions from horsemen included wanting to know specifics about the Preakness and Black-Eyed Susan S. licensing deals, but the MTROA didn't disclose many specifics. “I don't want to get into too many details on that, but essentially we would be paying an annual fee [in exchange for] full control over the Black-Eyed Susan, the Preakness, and we would have full control over all revenue streams,” Cross said. “They're going to donate Pimlico to this new operating authority. We're going to license the Preakness. That's the essence of the deal.” Asked if there was any consideration given to pushing back the proposed construction by a few months so Pimlico could capitalize off the 150th running of the Preakness at Pimlico in 2025, Cross said that idea would be too costly in terms of money and time. “At the end of the day, we decided to model after Belmont, which is closing for two years and then coming back. And that is going to allow us to complete the construction on a timely basis,” Cross said. But even though the plan calls for Pimlico to reopen in 2027, no deadlines are etched in stone at this early stage of the project. Foreman said that even if Pimlico wasn't completely renovated in time for a grand reopening in May 2027, he expected it would be “at least in [a] phase [of partial usage] that we would still be able to accommodate the Preakness.” The post Differences Over ‘Pimlico Plus’ Project, Proponents Say ‘We can’t let perfect get in the way of good’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 5 EASTROCK KINGFISH STEAKS 1400 BALZANO (C Grylls) – Trainer Mr. A Forsman advised Stewards that BALZANO was showing signs of jarring up, which has now subsided. A Forsman further advised it is his intention to carry on with the gelding’s current preparation. Race 8 NEW WORLD MOUNT MAUNGANUI MAIDEN 1400 SHE TURNS HEADS (W Kennedy) – Te Akau Racing Manager Mr. R Trumper reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, however, has now been sent for a spell. The post Racing Tauranga, Tuesday, 2 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 6 COTTER & STEVENS MAIDEN 2050m GROOMSMAN (J Chung) – Marsh Racing Trainer Assistant Mr. R Mildon advised Stewards, the gelding underwent post-race x-rays on course which revealed a fracture to the right foreleg. R Mildon further advised GROOMSMAN has now been retired from racing. The post Wairarapa Racing Club @ Tauherenikau, Tuesday, 2 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 4 AUCKLAND CO-OP TAXIS 1200 LOOKSEASY (J Collett) – Stable representative Mr. A Tweedie advised Stewards, the wounds the mare received after being galloped on during the race are healing well and further added that LOOKSEASY is back exercising in light track work. The post Auckland Thoroughbred Racing at Pukekohe Park, Monday, 1 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

5th-Gulfstream, $70,000, Msw, 1-11, 3yo, f, 5f (AWT) (off turf), :55.37, ft, 3 3/4 lengths. PRETTY LIAM (f, 3, Liam's Map–Sylphide, by Blame) debuted as the 7-2 second choice with first time Lasix here. The homebred tracked just to the inside of favorite Beanpot (Into Mischief) as the leader clocked a quarter in :21.77. Cutting to the outside just before the top of the lane, the 3-year-old unleashed a barrage down the center of the course and won over the pacesetter by 3 3/4 lengths. The winner is a half-sister to Danse Macabre (Army Mule), GSW, $957,090. A half-sister to MGSW/MGISP Cambodia (War Front), Sylphide produced a 2-year-old filly by Always Dreaming and a yearling filly by Army Mule. She was bred back to that same sire for this spring. Under the third dam we find South African champion Overarching (Arch) and the dam of GISW Abscond (Blame). Sales History: $240,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $42,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-St. Elias Stables, LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. #2 PRETTY LIAM ($9.80) barrels down the center of the tapeta to win Race 5 at Gulfstream with @iradortiz in the irons for @PletcherRacing. Congratulations to owner/breeder St. Elias Stable on your victory with this 3YO filly by Liam's Map, who stands at @LanesEndFarms. pic.twitter.com/BDj25MiL86 — TVG (@TVG) January 11, 2024 The post Pretty Liam Takes To Tapeta In Rousing Debut At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jim Bolger has encouraged breeders and racing fans alike to pay a visit to his Classic-winning homebred Mac Swiney (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) at the Irish National Stud and promised 'they won't be disappointed' by what they see. The two-day Irish Stallion Trail kicks off on Friday and Bolger is backing Mac Swiney to go down a bomb. The legendary trainer also revealed that he plans on supporting the Group 1-winning two-year-old and Irish 2,000 Guineas hero with 20 mares in his first season at stud. Bolger said, “He's the new kid on the block and he'll be a big attraction. Anybody who goes and sees him on the Irish Stallion Trail, they definitely won't be disappointed.” He added, “I've 20 mares lined up for Mac Swiney. He's a very meaningful horse to us. We knew from the time he arrived here first that he was special. He's such a good looker. He looked like a real one even from the time he was foaled. Looks-wise, he never disappointed and I'd be very disappointed if he didn't go down well.” Mac Swiney showed top-class form as a juvenile by taking out the G1 Futurity S. on his final start at two. He built on that promise at three when taking the scalp of his stablemate Poetic Flare (Ire) (Dawn Approach {Ire}) in the Irish 2,000 Guineas before finishing an honourable third in the G1 British Champion S. over 10 furlongs later that season. With that in mind, Bolger says he is confident that Mac Swiney can appeal to every facet of the market and that he is fairly priced at an opening fee of €8,000. Bolger explained, “The sprinter/miler types are the ones that are most sought after in the sales ring and Mac Swiney falls into that category being a Group 1 winner at two and a Classic-winning miler at three. I'd be confident that that's the way he will be viewed. If that is the case, I think he'll go very well at stud. I think he's great value and I wouldn't have it otherwise because breeders, now more so than ever, deserve a break. I think he's proper value at that money.” He added, “Along with his top performances at two and three, he's a great looker with the most wonderful temperament. They are going to find it very easy to manage him at the Irish National Stud.” It didn't always appear likely that Mac Swiney would be available for Irish or even European breeders. Bolger revealed that there were offers, one in particular to abroad which piqued interests, but in the end, a deal was brokered with the Irish National Stud where Mac Swiney will stand alongside fellow Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Phoenix Of Spain (Ire), Invincible Spirit, Lucky Vega (Ire), Nando Parado (GB), Equiano (Fr) and Elusive Pimpernel. Bolger said, “I got a very good offer from abroad and he nearly went away but I wasn't happy about it. Ken [Bolger], my nephew who runs Redmonstown Stud, approached the Irish National Stud and they had a deal wrapped up fairly quickly.” Mac Swiney's dam Halle Na Saoire (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) is a full-sister to the Group 2 winner Light Heavy (Ire) and he represents a family that Bolger has been involved with since 1994. Amoura (Northfields), then an 11-year-old mare who had produced seven foals and just one winner at the time, was snapped up by Bolger for just $5,000 at Keeneland. She would go on to breed Siamsa (Quest For Fame {GB}), the dam of Light Heavy, but more importantly, Halla Na Saoire (Ire), who went on to produce Mac Swiney. Not only that, but Halla Na Saoire is also by one of Bolger's most famous homebreds, Teofilo (Ire), so you could say this latest Classic-winning stallion prospect is a Bolger special in every sense of the word. He concluded, “It's a family that started out with the Aga Khan followed by Prince Khalid Abdullah and now it's the Irish National Stud and myself. It's very exciting to see him off to stud and I'm confident that he will go down very well.” The post ‘He’s The New Kid On The Block’ – Bolger Backs Mac Swiney To Be A Hit appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

During a Jan. 11 community meeting with the board of directors of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, horsemen expressed the importance of housing considerations for workers as the state plans its future.View the full article

A proposed entertainment complex to be built outside the first turn at Canterbury Park will feature a “high-end” restaurant, a music venue, and an outdoor bar and patio with a games area and fire pit, according to plans filed with the Shakopee, Minnesota, planning commission. The two facilities on the 15-acre site, to be known as “Boardwalk Kitchen & Bar” and “Stables,” will be right up against the outer rail with an up-close view of the action when Canterbury's season runs between May and September. But despite the desirable location and the name choices that are evocative of gaming and horses, neither facility will be wired into the track's pari-mutuel system, and customers won't have direct access to tellers or self-service terminals so they can bet on the races. “We're not anticipating any gaming,” Jason Haugen, Canterbury's vice president of real estate, told the Shakopee Planning Commission at a Jan. 4 meeting, at which board members specifically asked whether there would be wagering the proposed site. “There's no betting,” Haugen said. The planning commission did raise a concern that people might use cell phones while at Boardwalk or Stables to place wagers on the races through an advance-deposit wagering platform. But after briefly discussing the difficulty of establishing geo-fencing to prohibit such wireless access, board members agreed there was no simple way to “legislate” against mobile betting. The planning commission ended up voting 5-0 to advance the overall proposal to the city council. Over time, according to the documents submitted to the commission, development in that area is expected to include other entertainment and recreational venues, such as more restaurants, a hotel, pickleball courts, or a bowling alley. Boardwalk and Stables are just the first phase. After the meeting, TDN asked Jeff Maday, Canterbury's media relations manager, to explain the reasoning behind not having wagering at such a prime trackside location. He replied that it has to do with a developer taking over control of that parcel of land. “Minnesota law does not allow wagering on Canterbury races outside the confines of the two racetracks,” Maday wrote. “Because the land will be sold to a third-party developer, it is necessary to remove the parcel from the Class A license. We are currently looking at potential solutions as we do believe this is a great fit in our development plan and will be a gathering place for race fans.” A map of the track overlaid with the proposed development shows that the parcel will take over a portion of the dirt chute where Canterbury's sprints start, and this will eliminate the track's ability to run 6 ½-furlong races. “Provided our request to remove the property from the Class A license is approved by the Minnesota Racing Commission, and we expect it will be, then there will no longer be races at 6.5 furlongs in 2024,” Maday wrote. Maday confirmed that the starting point for six-furlong races will be unaffected, and that the track “likely will run more of those.” According to a count provided by Maday, Canterbury ran 45 races at 6 1/2 furlongs in 2023, compared to 74 at six furlongs. The post New Trackside Venue at Canterbury Won’t Have Betting, Will Eliminate 6.5 furlongs Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ashford Stud's three-time Grade I winner Jack Christopher (Munnings) was represented by his first reported foal when a filly was born Jan. 11 at River Valley Farm in New York. The filly is the first produce from the unraced She's a Go Go Girl (Union Rags), who was acquired by Whitecloud Bloodstock for $30,000 at last year's Keeneland November. The deeper female family includes Grade II-winning juvenile filly Magicalmysterycat (Storm Cat). “We couldn't be happier with this filly,” said Dr. Scott Ahschwede who bred her along with his wife Dr. Patricia Ahschwede and fellow veterinarian Dr. Scott Pierce. “A pretty first foal with leg and size. A great start to our season.” Winner of the GI Champagne S. as a juvenile, Jack Christopher won the GI Woody Stephens S. and GI H. Allen Jerkens S. over seven furlongs at three. “Jack Christopher was an exceptional talent,” said his trainer Chad Brown. “I've never had a dirt horse with such brilliance. He never disappointed us in a workout or a race and was just a pleasure to train.” Jack Christopher is one of 73 stakes winners for his sire, who also stands at Ashford. The post First Foal Reported For Jack Christopher appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Five stakes totaling $900,000 in purses spotlight California-bred Thoroughbreds Jan. 13 on California Cup Day at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) has released the names of the 1162 entries from no fewer than 15 racing jurisdictions around the world for the US$33.5 million Saudi Cup meeting to be held at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh Saturday, Feb. 23, 2024. Prize money is up by $2.25 million as compared to the 2023 renewal, reflecting the upgrades of the Neom Turf Cup (2100mT) and 1351 Turf Sprint to international Group 2 status. One of the two races for Purebred Arabians–the Al Mneefah Cup– has been accorded Group 1 status for the first time. White Abarrio (Race Day) is chief among the entries for the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup. The Rick Dutrow, Jr. runner is doing his preparations in California for the 1800-metre test, where he could face Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits), whom he defeated when last seen in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita in early November. The Japanese–which have 110 entries across the races–could also be represented by reigning G1 Dubai World Cup winner and Breeders' Cup Classic fifth Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) as well as Godolphin's Japanese champion dirt horse Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid), who earned a spot in the Saudi Cup field when winning the G1 Champions Cup in December. National Treasure (Quality Road), victorious in last year's GI Preakness S., is one of five entries for trainer Bob Baffert, who has also nominated GI Malibu S. winner Speed Boat Beach (Bayern) and Zedan Racing Stable's Hejazi (Bernardini), runner-up in that seven-furlong test Dec. 26. The Brad Cox barn could be represented by Saudi-owned GI Pennsylvania Derby winner Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), while Scotland Yard (Quality Road) is among the chief local chances. Aidan O'Brien has entered Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}) for what would be their dirt debuts in the Saudi Cup. Japan's Silver Sonic (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) carried 125 pounds to victory in last year's G3 Longines Red Sea Turf Cup H., but if he is to defend his title in the $2.5-million contest, he will need to tote 134 against a field in which G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin winner Simca Mille (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) is top-weighted at 136 pounds. The 3000-metre staying test has also attracted G2 Yorkshire Cup hero Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}, 133), Godolphin's group/graded winner Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}, 133), the Dermot Weld-trained 9-year-old G3 Loughbrown S. winner Falcon Eight (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}, 129), Enemy (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}, 126) and G3 Bahrain Trophy second Tower of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) for Ballydoyle. The connections of Simca Mille could opt for the G2 Neom Turf Cup, a $2-million race over an extended mile and a quarter. John and Thady Gosden sent out Mostahdaf (GB) (Frankel {GB}) to a barnstorming win in last year's race and the father-and-son partnership has Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training acquisition Jack Darcy (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) engaged. Luxembourg holds a Neom Turf Cup entry, while narrow GI Breeders' Cup Mile runner-up Mawj (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) has also been handed this stamina-stretching option by Saeed bin Suroor. Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) could try to make it consecutive wins in the race for his sire, having most recently defeated the Gosdens' Israr (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) and Point Lonsdale in the G2 Bahrain International Trophy back in November. American entries include Missed the Cut (Quality Road), unplaced when well-fancied last year, and the consistent Webslinger (Constitution). America's Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed) has endured a pair of excruciating defeats in the 1351 Turf Cup and could return for a third attempt at the race, as he remains in training into an 8-year-old campaign in 2024. The globetrotting Bathrat Leon (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) dropped his head down on the line first in last year's race for trainer Yoshito Yahagi and could be back to defend his title against a group that could also include Saudi Arabia's Raaed (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), a cracking third last year, Godolphin's Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Amo Racing's Walbank (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), an impressive handicap winner over 1200 metres at Meydan for George Boughey Jan. 5, and Forbidden Kingdom (American Pharoah), all-the-way winner of the GII Joe Hernandez S. for MyRacehorse and Spendthrift Farm at Santa Anita Dec. 30. Japanese runners have proved formidable in the G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint and a strong team includes Remake (Jpn) (Lani), who was a good third to the now-retired top American sprinters Elite Power (Curlin) and Gunite (Gun Runner) in the 1200-metre test last February. The North Hills homebred was last seen finishing runner-up to Igniter (Jpn) (Espoir City {Jpn}) in the valuable Listed JBC Sprint at Ohi Racecourse in November, and he also hold an entry. Speed Boat Beach could be re-routed for this shorter option, while other entries from the US include reigning G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen hero Sibelius (Not This Time), the in-form Bold Journey (Hard Spun) for 2023 winning conditioner Bill Mott, Forbidden Kingdom, Hejazi and recent Oaklawn allowance winner Skelly (Practical Joke). Last year's Saudi Derby winner Commissioner King (Commissioner) features among the local Sprint contingent. Over 200 entries were taken for the G3 Saudi Derby going a metric mile on the dirt. Zedan Racing's 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic), recent winner of the GII San Vicente S. for Bob Baffert, has been given an entry as has his Grade I-placed stable companion Wine Me Up (Vino Rosso) and San Vicente runner-up Pilot Commander (Justify). Yahagi's Group 3 winner and Group 1-placed Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) holds an entry as does his stablemate Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), who appears set to make the journey to the desert after convincingly defeating Aigle Noir (Jpn) (Bricks and Mortar) in the Listed Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki last month. An intriguing possibility from the Weld yard is Taraj (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), placed in one of two starts on the turf and a latest maiden winner going a mile over the Dundalk all-weather Nov. 24. Among the locals, Saudi Neom (Connect) is among the possibles, having run his record to two wins and a second from three runs with a victory over the Derby course and distance Jan. 6. Top Qatari galloper Bolthole (Ire) (Free Eagle {Ire}), third in last year's Listed H. H. The Amir Trophy and winner of a Class 2 conditions race over 2000 metres at Al Rayyan Jan. 4 for Wathnan Racing and Alban de Mieulle, is the joint-highweight for the $500,000 Saudi International H. (90-110) over 2100 metres on the grass. Click here for the full list of entries. Breeders' Cup Classic winner White Abarrio and Preakness Stakes star, National Treasure feature among Saudi Cup entries: See the full list here: https://t.co/8cUrqLW4La#SaudiCup #SaudiRacing pic.twitter.com/ScIi5JBPG1 — The Saudi Cup (@thesaudicup) January 11, 2024 The post Saudi Cup Meeting Attracts Entries From 15 Countries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Of the 95 lots catalogued for the Tattersalls Online January Sale from Jan. 17-18, the highlight is undoubtedly a breeding right in sire-on-the-rise Havana Grey (GB) (lot 95), who stands at Whitsbury Manor Stud. The grey is now the sire of the dual Group 1-winning juvenile Vandeek (GB) and other group winners Jasour (GB), Elite Status (GB), Mammas Girl (GB), Rumstar (GB), Eddie's Boy (GB), and Lady Hollywood (GB) among his best runners. There are also breeding rights in Cracksman (GB) (lot 92), the sire of the undefeated G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero Ace Impact (Ire); and Group 1 wire Harry Angel (Ire) (lot 94) catalogued. Of the 57 horses in/out of training, one of the choicest lots is the 120-rated hurdler Level Neverending (Ire) (Flemensfirth) (lot 34). In foal to Cracksman is Renzia (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), a half-sister to the Group 1-placed Stormy Len (Harlan's Holiday). The sale begins at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 17 and ends at noon the following day. The post Breeding Right To Havana Grey Anchors Tattersalls Online January Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of 376 lots have been catalogued for the two-day Tattersalls February Sale at Park Paddocks on Feb. 1-2. Divided between 146 fillies and mares in/out of training, 27 broodmares, 172 colts and geldings in/out of training, 22 yearlings and nine 2-year-olds, the sale will begin on Feb. 1 after the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Flat Stallion Parade. The second session will take place at 10 a.m. Among the lots on offer are Grade III winner Angel Terrace (Ghostzapper) (lot 67), herself a half-sister to crack stayer Order Of St George (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in foal to New Bay (GB); Peeping Fawn (Danehill)'s half-sister Crimson Rock (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) (lot 66) who is a granddaughter of Blush With Pride (Blushing Groom {Fr}) in foal to Saxon Warrior (Jpn); Taqaareed (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) (lot 107) is in foal to Pinatubo (Ire) and is a full-sister to champion Taghrooda (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}); Classic winner Galileo Gold (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire})'s full-sister Choumicha (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}) will sell in foal to Ardad (Ire); G1 Irish Derby third Covent Garden (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (lot 330) who is a full-brother to Group 1 winner Johannes Vermeer (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is set to sell; as is Composite (GB) (Cracksman {GB}) (lot 326), a half-brother to Group 3 winner Shutter Speed (GB) (Dansili {GB}); and Retort (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) (lot 129), a full-brother to the 87-rated Group 2 winner Obligate (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said, “Last year was another banner year for the Tattersalls February Sale with the dams of Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), German Oaks winner Muskoka (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) and Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), all purchased at previous February Sales for a combined total of 78,200 guineas. As well as international Group 1 producers the February Sale is a prolific and consistent source of high-class horses in training with the 40,000 guineas February purchase Missed The Cut (GB) (Zebedee {GB}) flying the flag in California with a recent Grade III win and Grade II placing at Santa Anita. The hallmark of Europe's premier midwinter sale is quality and diversity and as ever the catalogue features a combination of horses in training, breeding stock and young stock as well as consignments from many of the world's leading owner/breeders, all of which make the Tattersalls February Sale such a popular fixture with both domestic and international buyers.” The post ‘Quality And Diversity’ On Offer As February Sale Catalogue Released By Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Winchell Thoroughbreds' Disarm, unraced since a runner-up finish behind Arcangelo in the Travers Stakes (G1) Aug. 26 at Saratoga Race Course, continues his early training preparation for an expected return this spring.View the full article

Chantilly trainer Tim Donworth is the latest to face the TDN question master. What are your goals for 2024? To train more winners than 2023. More winners each year while maintaining the strike-rate has to be the goal really. Give us a horse to follow… Fathom (Ire) (Almanzor {Fr}), a big, tall filly who got black type for me last year I think she will be nice three-year-old. And a young person in the industry to keep an eye on… Joe Callan of Whitsbury Manor Stud. Who do you think will be champion first-season sire in 2024? Earthlight (Ire). And the best value stallion in Ireland, England, and France? Sealiway (Fr) for me looks good value for his profile. Your best buy of 2023? I guess we won't know until I get them to the races. However, I got a lovely Galiway (GB) filly at Arqana October called Galway Bay (Fr) that seems nice. The best yearling/weanling you saw at the 2023 sales (that someone else bought)? The Sottsass (Fr) filly out of Up in Time (GB) was was a nice buy (bought by Howson & Houldsworth Bloodstock for Chris Stedman for 110,000gns). She had a lot of class. Who is or was the perfect Thoroughbred? Frankel (GB) Your biggest professional regret? Too young and not enough time for regrets yet. I just keep going forward and try to always take the positives. If you could be someone else in the industry for a day who would it be, and why? Ah, I'm not sure who but a day with a big breeze-up operation or a big stud would be interesting as something different, but I'm pretty happy being me. The post In the Hot Seat: Tim Donworth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The nine-race program set down for decision at Ascot Racecourse in Western Australia has been postponed owing to soaring temperatures. Announced on the social media platform ‘X’, the official twitter account for The Races WA confirmed the news. “Please be advised that the meeting scheduled for Ascot on Saturday 13/1 will not proceed due to the extreme heat forecast,” the message read. “Advice from BOM is that the forecast is now 41 and will endure at that temperature until the evening. Racing WA is currently working through contingency plans for the meeting and further advice to follow.” Please be advised that the meeting scheduled for Ascot on Saturday 13/1 will not proceed due to the extreme heat forecast. Advice from BOM is that the forecast is now 41 and will endure at that temperature until the evening. Racing WA is currently working through contingency… — The Races WA (@TheRacesWA) January 11, 2024 Saturday’s meeting was set to be headlined by the Listed Miss Andretti Stakes worth $125,000, set to be run over 1100m, where the Luke Fernie-trained Wild Belle was a $2 favourite with top horse racing bookmakers. An eight-race program is scheduled for Geraldton on Saturday afternoon, with no news through about the status of that meeting. More horse racing news View the full article

Submissions are now open into a proposal to increase the number of harness race meetings in this country from August this year. TAB operators Entain has floated the idea of potentially having extra meetings in the 2024/25 season with the majority of them being held early in the week, mainly on a Monday and Tuesday. “Entain’s presence opens up an opportunity to do things differently and we are excited about that but a huge amount of work is required in terms of horse numbers, race day costs and funding,” says HRNZ’s General Manager – Racing, Catherine McDonald. Entain has identified more than 80 dates where potential meetings could take place (these are denoted in square brackets in the draft calendar – see below). Of the extra meetings most of them would be held in the North Island, mainly at Cambridge and Auckland with the remainder at Addington. It’s been suggested the stakes for those races would be in the $4500-$5000 range and they will be for the lower class horses. Another initiative Entain’s proposing is to have Addington and either Auckland or Cambridge race on Friday nights together. The aim is to have a consistency of product on a Friday night, with plans for a Friday Night Harness Show with good lead-ins and interviews to help grow the night. In coming weeks HRNZ plans to extensively liase with clubs, kindred bodies, trainers and other stake-holders to gauge the viability of the proposed changes to the racing calendar. “At this stage the calendar is a draft only and none of these changes are set in stone. We recognise that the code will need to make its own assessment and that’s why we need as much feedback as possible,” says McDonald. That consultation period will conclude on Monday, February 19 with HRNZ and the other codes needing to make a formal submission to the TAB Dates Committee by March 1. The three codes will then come together with the TAB/Entain to finalise the calendar. NZTR and GRNZ are currently in the process of finalising their draft calendars with TAB/Entain and will put their calendars out for consultation in due course. To view the draft calendar for harness racing click here For more information contact catherine@hrnz.co.nz View the full article

Champion mare Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) has ticked the first box of her next campaign, galloping smartly at Cranbourne under the watchful eye of trainer Mark Walker on Thursday morning. A short spell followed The Te Akau mare’s infallible spring, where she claimed three Group Ones in succession, and the focus has now turned to shaping her up for the Lightning Stakes in just over a month. Imperatriz was quite fired up when heading onto the training course, but Walker was far from concerned, and rather encouraged by the feisty attitude. “She’s back, she had a little bit of a tantrum going out on the track, which is good to see,” he said. “Just a little bit out of her comfort zone coming across the road, but her work was really strong, very happy. “She puts on weight really easily, so you’ve got to monitor that, but we’ve got five weeks to basically her first-up run in the Lightning, so she’s on track.” The five-year-old, who has won over A$5.3 million in prizemoney from 23 starts, will contest just three races in autumn, but all three are Group Ones. “She’ll go Lightning Stakes (on the) 17th of February, then it’s five weeks into the William Reid, and then she’ll go up to Sydney a couple of weeks later for the T.J. Smith,” Walker said. “Only the three runs in the autumn, but every G1 is hard to win, so, it’s still a good programme and they certainly don’t give G1s away.” View the full article