Wandering Eyes

The winner of the Nov. 3 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita Park is likely to be one of the favorites for next year's Kentucky Derby (G1). But through the years, such winners have performed more like longshots to win the Run for the Roses. View the full article

Thousands upon thousands–likely hundreds of thousands–of words have been written about the legendary Zenyatta, who captured the heart and soul of racing during her time on the racetrack and remains just as beloved today, 13 years after her retirement. Winter Quarter Farm's Don Robinson, who foaled her, was kind enough to share his memories of her formative years with TDN. “Zenyatta was the ultimate,” said Robinson. “I can't say enough superlatives about her. I could speak endlessly about her. “The real satisfaction is I delivered her mother, too. I had three generations, so its kind of the breeder's ultimate reward. Their owner–Eric Kronfeld, who has passed away–over the years we became very fast friends. We formed such a very close human relationship that became obviously closer and closer over Zenyatta's career. He was a great friend. I still miss him. “My family has been three or four generations in the Thoroughbred business. I don't think we ever could have thought we'd have the good fortune to be such an integral part of such a magnificent horse like Zenyatta. I feel she's the best horse of our lifetimes. I'll leave that to others to decide, but no matter who I run into, people tell me that they feel she's the best horse they've ever heard of or seen. It's heartwarming; it's rewarding; it's all the superlatives. Zenyatta in September at Lane's End | Sarah Andrew “The three generations of her family that I had started with For the Flag [Zenyatta's granddam], whom Eric very carefully bred to the Roberto line to get Vertigineux [Zenyatta's dam]. He was so taken with Street Cry that he bred Vertigineux to her and got Zenyatta. I never knew she'd be that kind of horse; you just never know. “I'd raised all of Vertigineux's foals. It was a really neat family. Balance [Zenyatta's half-sister by Thunder Gulch] was totally precocious. She felt like a quick 2-year-old, so fast and so hot. She was quite remarkable. She'd get away from you. Zenyatta had much more cool; she was a bit more level headed. “Of course, everyone knows the infamous story about Zenyatta at the [2005 Keeneland September] sale: Street Cry wasn't particularly well received and she was immature. She had a Street Cry hind leg; there was no precocity to her at all. Zenyatta | Sarah Andrew “There were really just two people interested in her at all and I think David Ingordo had a little bit of a leg up because Balance was really impressive and he was either in the same barn or next to the barn of Balance. “Zenyatta looked like a project to many people. She didn't grab them. We thought more of her, but we got her on the ground and raised her well, I hope. “But the best thing that ever happened was that David purchased her for Jerry Moss, who was one of the more patient owners. He and [trainer] John Shirreffs just really had a sense of Thoroughbreds and giving them time. What a great team. They left the horses alone if they needed it and gave them the time they needed to mature. “I think that time was really essential for Zenyatta. So much of the key is giving them the time they need. “My friend Eric Kronfeld said, 'I never could have done that; I would been impatient.' Most people would, but she was in the right hands.” Zenyatta and Mike Smith celebrate after the 2009 Classic with trainer John Shirreffs in the background | Sarah Andrew Robinson also talked about Zenyatta's three Breeders' Cup appearances. She won the 2008 Ladies' Classic, briefly rebranded as that name from the Distaff; the 2009 Classic against the boys, the only filly or mare to win the Breeders' Cup's signature race; and then closed out her career with her only official loss in 20 starts in the 2010 Classic. “My favorite race, what I thought was her crown,” said Robinson, “was her Distaff. She went off–for her–at a fairly long price and was discounted some because she had remained in California, except for the Apple Blossom in Arkansas. She just annihilated the field. That race was, 'Oh my goodness; she's the real deal.' She just performed like no other horse. She was pretty unusual. And then she kept improving. “When I went to her Distaff, I had not seen Zenyatta since I'd raised her. I was kind of leaning around the wall in the saddling paddock when she made a pass by. She went past me, stopped, and turned her head completely around. She took her time, looked straight at me. There was no question she sensed me. It was like she was saying, 'Where have you been?' She had such a presence. It really gave me the chills. She singled me out, no question. Isn't that remarkable? She was just an incredibly unusual horse. She was so intelligent. Zenyatta and her team | Sarah Andrew “Everyone loves the Classic she won, but I think her best race was the one at Churchill she lost in her last start. There was silence afterward. But I came away thinking, 'That was the most sensational race.' She was absolutely out of contact with the field. Floundering. For her to get up and just miss that wire by a head…. I've never seen a horse on dirt make up that kind of ground. It was the best. “Sometimes I go to YouTube and look up Zenyatta. All her starts are there. You almost end up on the floor, it's so sensational to see her break patiently, get up, and measure the wire. You end up breathless. “I'm 75 years old and the experience with her has been extraordinary. “Now, years later, I still sort of pinch myself to think I had a horse like that on this land. To have raised her and to have that sort of extraordinary performance and career and presence and just everything… I can't imagine a greater experience in this industry, but hope springs eternal.” Zenyatta (2004 dark bay or brown mare, Street Cry {Ire}–Vertigineux, by Kris S.) Lifetime record: Horse of the Year, Ch. older mare (three times), MGISW, 20-19-1-0, $7,304,580 Breeders' Cup connections: B-Maverick Production, Limited (KY); O-Mr. and Mrs. Jerome S. Moss; T-John Shirreffs; J-Mike Smith. Current location: Lane's End Farm, Versailles, Ky. Breeders' Cup: Celebrating 40 Years of the Breeders' Cup from Thoroughbred Daily News on Vimeo. The post Catching Up with Breeders’ Cup’s 2008 Ladies’ Classic and 2009 Classic Winner Zenyatta appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing administrator talks about his journey from strapping horses in Albany to handicapping horses in Hong Kong, via 18 sets of Melbourne Cup weightsView the full article

The entries for the 14 races of the 2023 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita Park, including the Breeders' Cup Classic.View the full article

The Challenge, presented by GaineswayView the full article

While there will be plenty of debate about who will win this year's $4 million Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) Nov. 4 at Santa Anita Park, it's a sure bet that the outcome of the 1 1/2-mile test will impact international rankings.View the full article

New Zealand has held a strong influence on the A$10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) since it was added to Sydney’s spring itinerary four years ago, and top-class Matamata mare Legarto has the opportunity to add to that record at Rosehill on Saturday. Restricted to four-year-olds, the Golden Eagle is the fourth-richest race in the world, and the second-richest on turf behind another Sydney spring showpiece, the A$20 million The Everest (1200m). The inaugural running of the Golden Eagle in 2019 was won by Kolding, a New Zealand-bred Ocean Park gelding from the stable of champion expat Kiwi trainer Chris Waller. Shocking’s outstanding son I’m Thunderstruck added his name to the roll of honour two years later, followed by last year’s winner I Wish I Win, the freakish son of Savabeel who races in the colours of owner-breeders Waikato Stud. For good measure, fellow New Zealand-breds Icebath and Gypsy Goddess have also been placed in the race. Legarto heads into Saturday’s 2023 edition with credentials that stack up favourably with what any of those previous stars had achieved at the same stage of their careers. The daughter of Proisir has won seven of her nine starts, including Group One triumphs on both sides of the Tasman as a three-year-old last season. She won the New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton by almost five lengths last November, then became the first New Zealand-trained winner of the Australian Guineas (1600m) in Melbourne in March. That was the only Australian appearance so far for Legarto, who has since kicked off her four-year-old season with an unlucky placing in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and a last-start win in the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m). Legarto flew across the Tasman earlier this week, with trainers Ken and Bev Kelso believing her Golden Eagle build-up has so far gone perfectly to plan. “I was very pleased with her exhibition gallop at Rotorua, and she worked particularly well again on the course proper at Matamata on Tuesday,” Ken Kelso said. “She’s done everything right. She’s very bright and well. We couldn’t be any happier with how the preparation has gone. It’s all up to her now.” Legarto has drawn gate six and will be ridden by her Australian Guineas-winning jockey Michael Dee. The expat New Zealander is based in Melbourne, but is sacrificing Derby Day at Flemington to continue his association with Legarto. “It gives us a bit of confidence that he was willing to come to Sydney to ride her, even if it meant giving up rides on Derby Day,” Kelso said. “He rang me immediately after the Matamata Cup and said, ‘Lock me in. I’ll be there.’ That was quite encouraging to hear.” Legarto’s formidable opposition on Saturday includes Group One winners Amelia’s Jewel, Golden Mile, Kovalica, Rediener, Communist and Ruthless Dame, along with elite placegetters Hawaii Five Oh, Pericles, Osipenko and the Japanese raider Obamburumai. “It’s a very, very good field – we know that,” Kelso said. “It’s a $10 million race, so you’d be dreaming if you expected the opposition to be anything other than exceptionally strong. But we think she deserves her place in that line-up. She’s only four once.” View the full article

Puntura will head to Trentham on Saturday to help ready him for a trip south to Riccarton later this month to tackle the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m). The six-year-old gelding finished runner-up when first-up at Te Rapa last month and trainer Robbie Patterson believes he has taken a lot of improvement from the run ahead of the Courtesy Ford Redcraze Bowl (1400m) this weekend. “He has done really well since Te Rapa. He needed the run that day, so he should strip a lot fitter. He is a happy horse,” Patterson said. The Group Three performer has been lumbered with 60kg on Saturday but will get some weight relief with Lemmy Douglas aboard. “Stable apprentice Lemmy Douglas has got a three-kilogram claim, and he knows the horse well,” Patterson said. “There are a few winter gallopers there and it might be a bit better track for them, but you have got a horse in there like Belclare, a Group One horse, and on her day she can compete with anything. It won’t be easy.” Puntura was runner-up in the Gr.3 J Swap Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa last December before running fourth in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at the Hamilton track on New Year’s Day, and Patterson is hopeful he can strike a similar vein of form over New Zealand Cup week in a fortnight. “We will get through tomorrow hopefully safe and sound and we will wander down to Christchurch. This should top him off nicely for a mile,” Patterson said. “He deserves a bit of luck on his side and hopefully it is in one of these good races.” Patterson is also excited about the prospects of One Bold Cat in the Mode Technology Feilding Gold Cup (2100m) on Saturday. “I am very happy with him, both runs in have been super,” Patterson said. “He has got back in both of them and run the quickest sectionals in the whole day. “Getting up to 2100m is a nice trip for him, he will hopefully relax midfield and come into it at the right time. He just needs a bit of luck on his side and he will be very competitive.” Patterson will also be represented by a handful of other chances at Trentham, but he is particularly upbeat about the chances of Tanzanite Rose in the Manawatu ITM 1200, and Winkle Bay and Our Jumala in the Stock Lines Transport 1600. “Tanzanite Rose trialled up really well the other day. If she is left alone for her last sprint, she can really fly. There is a lot of pace on tomorrow, so I am hopeful she will go well,” he said. “Winkle Bay is a bit of an enigma but on her day she can be competitive. I really like Our Jumala in the same race. She went a really good race at Te Rapa the other day and any sting out of the track won’t worry her. She is rock hard fit and ready to go.” View the full article

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and the International Thoroughbred Breeders’ Federation (ITBF) have announced a new collaboration with an eye toward improving the Thoroughbred industry. Under a recently signed Memorandum of Agreement between the IFHA and the ITBF, the global leaders for Thoroughbred racing and breeding will work together on matters of mutual interest which impact the breeding industry. Through a dedicated working party of senior officials that represents members’ interests from around the world, the two federations will meet regularly to discuss ideas, share information, provide expert advice, and develop policy on breeding matters. “This will prove to be a positive development for the future of Thoroughbred breeding and racing globally,” said IFHA Chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. “Breeding and racing are intertwined in every aspect of the equine value chain, and with the importance of welfare at every stage of a Thoroughbred’s life, it is important that we work together in harmony. I look forward to everything that we can achieve together in the years ahead.” ITBF Chair Kirsten Rausing said, “ITBF warmly welcomes this collaborative foundation stone between our two organisations, upon which we can build further. A fully functioning working relationship between our inextricably connected industries is the basis for ensuring a secure and successful future for the Thoroughbred breed and the sport of horse racing.” About IFHA The IFHA is a federation of more than 60 racing authorities from different countries and regions in the world. It is the global leader for the international sport of Thoroughbred racing, seeking to promote all facets of the worldwide sport; protect the welfare of the equine and human athlete; and protect and grow its global social and economic significance for current and future generations. Major areas of the IFHA’s activities include: Making and amending the International Agreement on Breeding, Racing and Wagering Policy development relating to welfare and safety of horses and riders International race planning and grading (“black type”) World rankings The fight against equine prohibited substances and practices Harmonisation of racing rules Certification of IFHA reference laboratories Fostering commercial development of the racing industry globally Email: achesser@jockeyclub.com About ITBF The ITBF, a not-for-profit organisation, is a federation of 25 Thoroughbred breeding associations from around the world. Its missions are to provide a platform for mutual collaboration and assistance; to address the challenges and opportunities faced by the international Thoroughbred breeding industry; and to act as a liaison body with racing and allied institutions and authorities so that the international Thoroughbred breeding industry is represented and given space on worldwide forums. Major areas of the ITBF’s activities include: Upholding the global integrity of the Thoroughbred, by ensuring the continued worldwide ban on the use of any artificial breeding methods Conceived and developed by ITBF, the ICC reporting system continues to be the single most effective worldwide control in the spread of equine disease International support and education of members, to benefit their countries’ own industry To gather and disseminate globally relevant breeding and veterinary related information To be the collective voice of breeders spanning 6 continents Provide an opportunity for the global networking of breeders A biennial conference for members and their veterinary advisors, hosted by different ITBF nations, with presentations from world-experts in breeding, racing and veterinary science. A first-hand insight into the host nation’s industry is also gained. Annual global breeding webinar – attended by approximately 700 industry individuals from 42 countries each January. Email: info@international-tbf.com View the full article

ARCADIA, CA – Forty looks good on you, Breeders' Cup. With defending winners Caravel (Mizzen Mast) (Turf Sprint), Cody's Wish (Curlin) (Dirt Mile), Elite Power (Curlin) (Sprint) and Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper) (F/M Sprint) all back to defend their titles, the two-day Championships–consisting of 14 races with purses and awards totaling more than $31 million–gets underway for a record 11th time at Santa Anita Friday. Sunny skies and temperatures in the 80s–welcome back to Southern California!–will be on the menu as the weekend kicks off with a 10-race, 'Future Stars Friday' program. “This is what it's all about,” Santa Anita track announcer Frank Mirahmadi said. “The Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita, there is nothing that's bigger than that in our game.” All eyes will be on Spendthrift Farm's unbeaten 'Rising Star' Tamara (Bolt d'Oro) as she looks to emulate her larger-than-life-dam Beholder (Henny Hughes) with a win in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. A terrific field has been assembled for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, led by last-out GISWs and 'Rising Stars' Locked (Gun Runner), Timberlake (Into Mischief), and the Bob Baffert-trained duo of Muth (Good Magic) and Prince of Monaco (Speightstown). Some of the headliners for the trio of wide-open 2-year-old turf races include: Royal Ascot G2 Coventry S. winner River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) (Juvenile Turf); GI Natalma S. heroine She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}) (Juvenile Fillies Turf); and returning G2 Queen Mary S. winner Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) (Juvenile Turf Sprint). Baffert will very likely be favored to secure a fifth win in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic with 'Rising Star' Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo) following the late defection and subsequent retirement of GI Belmont S. winner Arcangelo (Arrogate). The $6-million feature also includes G1 Dubai World Cup winner Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) and GI Whitney S. winner White Abarrio (Race Day). The GI Breeders' Cup Turf could arguably be the best race of the weekend. European heavyweights Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and King of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}) will take on the best from these shores, led by Up to the Mark (Not This Time) in the 1 1/2-mile event. Other high-profile runners in action this weekend include: Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Warm Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (F/M Turf); Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) and Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) (Mile); and Idiomatic (Curlin) and Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) (Distaff). The Breeders' Cup World Championships will be televised live by NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and FanDuel TV. For wall-to-wall coverage of all 14 Championship races, click here for Friday's preview edition and click here for Saturday's preview edition. The post Breeders’ Cup 40 is Here! appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breeders' Cup Limited will reprise the 'Million Dollar Finish' fantasy game, offering fans the chance to win $1 million by predicting the correct order of finish in the Nov. 4 $6-million GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic. A secondary prize for the next-best order selection will go to five entrants from that pool, who will be randomly selected to win $1,000 each. The game, which closes at 6:40 p.m. ET Saturday, is free to enter and play. Visit BreedersCup.com/Contest for more information. The post Breeders’ Cup Fantasy Game Returns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

George Weaver spent about a dozen years working as an assistant trainer for Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas and then Todd Pletcher, a couple of stints that will pay a dividend Nov. 3. View the full article

While there will be plenty of debate about who will win this year's $4 million Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) Nov. 4 at Santa Anita Park, it's a sure bet that the outcome of the 1 1/2-mile test will impact international rankings.View the full article

ARCADIA, CA – The imposing Bill Mott-trained duo of Just F Y I (Justify) (Juvenile Fillies) and champion Elite Power (Curlin) (Sprint) immediately caught the eye as the curtain was lifted at Santa Anita with a spectacular sunrise beneath the San Gabriel mountains on Breeders' Cup eve. Japanese superstar Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), the 5-2 morning-line favorite for the Mile, began his marathon training session, while the horse to catch in the Dirt equivalent 'Rising Star' Zozos (Munnings) left the pony raring to go. John Gosden, represented by potential race favorites for the Filly & Mare Turf and Turf with the brilliant duo of Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), made his way through the less congested apron as the lively 'Breakfast at the Breeders' Cup' crowd packed into the legendary Clockers' Corner viewing area at the top of the stretch. Aidan O'Brien, also in town from the other side of the pond, will be loaded for the Championships as well. Standouts from his arsenal include: River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) for the Juvenile Turf; Warm Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the F/M Turf; and, of course, the G1 Epsom Derby winner Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the Turf. Elite Power back to defend his Sprint title and feeling good exiting the track pic.twitter.com/4wdhwZMYbs — Steve Sherack (@SteveSherackTDN) November 2, 2023 Royal Ascot last out G2 Queen Mary S. heroine Crimson Advocate (Nyquist), one of three entered for former Wayne Lukas assistant George Weaver in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, made a nice impression while sporting a white bridle as she gets ready to face off versus the boys from her rail draw. Speaking of white bridles and former Lukas assistants, the Todd Pletcher-trained 'Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) has also stood out in the mornings during training hours this week. The blaze-faced chestnut is the 7-2 morning-line favorite for a fantastic renewal of Friday's Juvenile. Co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners will also be well-represented by unbeaten Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}) in the Juvenile Fillies. Locked | Sherackatthetrack After assembling a highlight reel of morning breezes since his game win in this summer's GI Pacific Classic–do yourself a favor and head to XBTV's fantastic website if you haven't already done so yet–Classic horse to beat 'Rising Star' Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo) was feeling mighty good during a light gallop while giving his exercise rider a workout of his own just two days out from the $6-million main event. Stacked with nine Breeders' Cup runners, including Classic duo Dreamlike (Gun Runner) and Bright Future (Curlin) and Turf standout Up to the Mark (Not This Time), owner Mike Repole was in good form as always while making the rounds with jockey, err, daughter Gioia, who was sporting a pair of the family's blue-and-orange silks. Shirl's Speight (Speightstown), a rallying second at 55-1 in last year's Mile, couldn't be looking any better in the flesh at the age of six as he seeks to go one better. Could he be sitting on another big effort at a price? Shirl's Speight | Sherackatthetrack 'Rising Star' Tamara (Bolt d'Oro) made her way through the purpled-out paddock as training hours began to wind down. The daughter of Beholder's many admirers in attendance included her trainer Richard Mandella as well as a big Spendthrift Farm crew, led by owners Eric and Tamara Hughes Gustavson, and Ned Toffey and Mark Toothaker. The post Thursday’s Breeders’ Cup Report: Locked and Loaded for the Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brightwork enters the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) Nov. 3 at Santa Anita Park off the first bump in the road of her racing career but trainer John Ortiz believes there are plenty of reasons to move forward to her biggest challenge yet.View the full article

He may not be chasing international glory in the Breeders' Cup Sprint but local hero Bango will attempt to cement his name in a different type of racing history when he goes for a record 12th Churchill Downs win in the Nov. 4 Bet on Sunshine Stakes.View the full article

Breeders' Cup NotebookView the full article

Bobby O'Ryan and Dermot Weld purchased the top two lots during the second session at the Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale on Thursday. A filly (lot 727) from the family of Gilt Edge Girl (GB) (Monsieur Bond {Ire}) by Havana Grey (GB) topped the session and the two-day sale at €65,000 from the consignment of Erenagh House Stud. Earlier in the day, lot 538, a son of Blue Point (Ire), brought €50,000 from the same duo from the draft of Rochestown Lodge Stud. Across the two days, the clearance rate dropped a point to 76% with 387 yearlings of 508 marked as sold. The aggregate was €3,240,300. Both the average and the median dropped, with the former reaching €8,373 (-11%) and the median at €5,000 (-9%). “The gateway to the world for Irish breeders” is often how Goffs is promoted and it was certainly true that Kildare Paddocks welcomed a truly international group of buyers this week,” said Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby. “This followed another concerted and coordinated campaign by Irish Thoroughbred Marketing and the Goffs Buyer Attraction team who have travelled endlessly to promote the three sections of the Irish National Yearling Sale over the last couple of months. “We are indebted to our overseas agents for their sterling work alongside ITM that has succeeded in attracting visitors from Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and, of course the UK whilst we are not forgetting the home team as the top six lots were bought to stay in Ireland. “Whilst celebrating our overseas clients we acknowledge that the last two days have been challenging for many and that is symptomatic of the issues facing the industry at the moment. Indeed, our sale has followed the trends at other recent sales at this level and it only goes to underline the importance of overseas investment in our produce. How blessed we are to have ITM working with us, not just to bring people to Ireland but also to ensure they have a positive experience and want to return. ITM are great ambassadors for Irish bloodstock and they complement the work of Joey Cullen, Hayley O'Connor, Tom Taaffe, Mark Richards and the superb Goffs overseas agents in making sure that a trip to Goffs is hassle free, memorable and productive. To put that into context 88 lots from the last two days head to Italy and another 62 will be spread across Eastern Europe which graphically illustrates their contribution to the market whilst their positivity and enthusiasm ensured a lively atmosphere from start to finish. “We now turn our attention to our market leading November Sale which features the cream of the Irish foal crop and some beautifully bred mares and fillies headed by the iconic Niarchos Draft of 41 blue bloods from one of the world's leading owner breeders over the last half century. If ever Goffs was going to be the centre of the bloodstock world, it's going to be later this month and we can't wait.” The post Filly By Havana Grey Tops The Second Day Of The Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

ARCADIA, USA — In case you're wondering, Aidan O'Brien had scrambled eggs for breakfast. That was just after he had watched his squad of ten take a stronger turn around Santa Anita's dirt track and before he had a chance to consider a second course at the lavish buffet by politely stepping outside to answer questions from a few annoying hacks, this one included. Ryan Moore has been aboard Friday's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint contender Cherry Blossom (Ire) (No Nay Never) these last two mornings. “Is that a tip,” we enquired. “No, someone asked me that already. I'll show you,” replied O'Brien, digging his phone from his pocket and flicking past his selfies (just kidding) to find a photo of said filly throwing shapes worthy of the rodeo. “She's not for kids,” said the trainer with a grin. “You need a parachute to ride her.” Moore, evoking thoughts of the Man from Snowy River, never shifted in his seat, his kid gloves deployed with aplomb to ensure that there were no repeat antics from Cherry Blossom. She whipped them in as the dependable Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) led them all around the cambered turn of the main track, pretty much in age-descending order. As ever, the Ballydoyle horses on tour have been one of the highlights of a morning at the track. No other visitors have as many to go out together, and horses trained at Santa Anita tend to appear for exercise solo or in pairs. It is an arresting sight then, with the sun fully up as if to light the group to full effect, to witness this spectacle of almost synchronised breezing. “They might have got a bit of a shock this morning,” said O'Brien referring to the kickback for those in behind Broome, which included his fellow Longines Breeders' Cup Turf runners Bolshoi Ballet (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Auguste Rodin (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). “We didn't want to go on the grass today as it's plenty quick and [the dirt] opens up their mind anyway.” Five of the pack, the youngsters at the back, will face the starter on Friday; the other half take their chances come Saturday. With Cherry Blossom finding what O'Brien believes could be her optimum conditions in the Turf Sprint, she reverts to five furlongs for the first time since her debut, and is the first of the team to jump into action, hopefully not literally. “She's a fast filly and wasn't really getting six at home, and this flat track should suit her, as well as the ground,” he said. Content (Ire) is out of a fast filly in Mecca's Angel (Ire) but as her sire is Galileo (Ire), the mile of the Juvenile Fillies Turf seems more her go. “She'll definitely get the trip, the fast ground will suit her better and she has a nice draw,” the trainer added. Tick, tick, tick for the last-start winner of the G3 Staffordstown Stud S. “Ryan will probably take his time on her and ride her for a little bit of luck. She needs to relax a little bit early and then she should run well.” Ballydoyle is mob-handed in the final race of Friday's card, the Juvenile Turf, with the first two favourites, both by Wootton Bassett (GB), being River Tiber (Ire) and Unquestionable (Fr), ridden by Moore and Frankie Dettori. They are joined by Mountain Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never), the imposing mount of Dylan Brown McMonagle. Of River Tiber, O'Brien said, “We think he's come right since Newmarket and he's rated 3lbs below the other horse but he was always a very classy horse. He should get a mile around here; it's a nice draw and a flat track and I'm looking forward to seeing what he does.” There's something for everyone in Saturday's team. The three-year-old Aesop's Fables (Ire) (No Nay Never), who was just a length off Highfield Princess (Fr) when third in the Prix de l'Abbaye, is perhaps a little overlooked in the Turf Sprint, especially since the defection of Bradsell on Wednesday evening. “Ryan felt in France that if he had challenged the winner a little earlier he might have been even closer but it was a huge run from him,” said his trainer. Before that there's the intriguing puzzle of Cheveley Park Stud's Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) stepping up in trip while O'Brien's Warm Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) comes back in distance for the Filly & Mare Turf after her victories in the Yorkshire Oaks and Prix Vermeille. And it must be said, having been lucky to see her at close quarters over the last few days, it's hard not to fall in love with Warm Heart. Her demure demeanour clearly masks her warrior instincts, however, as O'Brien said of the three-year-old, “She doesn't lie down, she does fight. She has a nice draw and I imagine that Ryan will probably go forward on her. She has tactical speed and will get the trip very well.” There's no doubting that the race most of the huge European contingent now camped out at Santa Anita is looking forward to the most is the Breeders' Cup Turf. Shadwell's stud plans for Mostahdaf (GB) (Frankel {GB}) were confirmed on Thursday morning, while we already know that Onesto (Ire), also by Frankel, is joining Haras d'Etrenham and King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}) will remain in training next year. What then for Auguste Rodin? If he knows, O'Brien ain't telling, but it is a safe bet that plans are to an extent contingent on what happens this weekend. Would American breeders appreciate another chance at the sire-line of the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic winner who got away, Sunday Silence? Or is Ireland the natural home for a dual Derby and Irish Champion S. winner? Could we even see Auguste Rodin race on next year? Time will tell, maybe as soon as Saturday night, but in the meantime, there is the prospect of an almighty tussle between four of the best horses in Europe and some smart Japanese and American runners. “Obviously we'd love to have him but it will be whatever the boss decides,” said O'Brien, ever the diplomat, on the subject of Auguste Rodin's post-Breeders' Cup future. Of the immediate matter in hand, he said, “Rachel [Richardson] rode him this morning and was very happy with him. He cruised around on the dirt; he's a lovely long-striding horse. The plan was always for him to go to Leopardstown and then to come here. This is what we've been looking forward to all year. He's won two Derbys and a Champion Stakes and he's only a three-year-old. He really has done well since Leopardstown.” O'Brien added, “Did you see him on the dirt this morning? He looks like a dirt horse. If you look at Sunday Silence and look at him they are almost identical.” It certainly was a sight to behold, as Auguste Rodin stretched out over the track where Sunday Silence was trained more than 30 years ago. The colt, who can appear on the small side in the company of burlier sprinters, looks an entirely different animal unleashed at full stretch. The image of him extending past King Of Steel down the hill at Epsom is still vivid in the mind but there have been good days and head-scratching days since then in the career of Auguste Rodin. With no disrespect to his stable-mates and competitors Bolshoi Ballet and Broome, he's the one on whose near-black shoulders the hopes are resting. Maybe we'll get the chance to see if Auguste Rodin really is a dirt horse in next year's Classic, but for now his sole aim is to emulate another Ballydoyle star, High Chaparral (Ire), in taking the Derby, Irish Derby and Breeders' Cup Turf in the same season. Game on. The post Auguste in November as O’Brien Team Goes Sunny Side Up appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners have an excellent opportunity to land the stakes double on Sunday when Queen Goddess and Anisette go to post in the Goldikova (G2T) and Autumn Miss (G3T) stakes Nov. 5.View the full article

Several Breeders' Cup horses were announced as scratched by Breeders' Cup officials and horsemen over the past 24 hours.View the full article

Group 1 winner Creachadoir (Ire) (King's Best–Sadima {Ire}, by Sadler's Wells) died at Haras de la Tricoliere due to a suspected cardiac event after the 2023 breeding season, Jour De Galop reported on Thursday. Bred by Frank Dunne, the bay was an €83,000 Tattersalls Ireland September Sale grad when picked up by his first trainer Jim Bolger. He raced in the colours of Bolger's wife and John Corcoran through his first nine starts at two and three which resulted in a pair of Group 3 victories and placings in both the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas and the French equivalent. Purchased by Godolphin, he made his first start for the Saeed bin Suroor barn a winning one in the G3 Joel S. at Newmarket in October of 2007. Second later that year in the G1 Hong Kong Mile at Sha Tin, he resumed at four with a victory in the G1 Lockinge S. in May of 2008. Eventually retired with a mark of 15-4-3-2 and $1,161,141 in earnings, Creachadoir stood at several French farms throughout his career. He moved to Haras de la Tricoliere this year. Utilised as a sire under both codes, he left stakes winner What About Carlo (Fr) on the Flat. His best NH horse was Footpad (Fr), who won a quartet of Grade 1 races. He is a half-brother to dual Group 1 winner and sire Youmzain (Ire) (Sinndar {Ire}), as well as group winner Shreyas (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}). Noted runner Pilsudski (Ire) (Polish Precedent), who took top-level races in five countries, is under the third dam. Tin Horse (Ire) (Sakhee), who has six stakes winners over jumps, will stand at Haras de la Tricoliere for €2,500 next year. The post Lockinge Hero Creachadoir Dead At 19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

ARCADIA, CA – With a trio of longshot chances entered in this weekend's Breeders' Cup, trainer John Sadler found a quiet spot on the apron to watch his 9:00 a.m. set train at Santa Anita on Wednesday morning. It was a very different scene ahead of last year's Championships as the 67-year-old put the finishing touches on the once-in-a-lifetime Flightline (Tapit), who concluded his brilliant career unbeaten from six starts with a performance for the ages in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland. How's life after Flightline treating you these days John Sadler? “He's one of the greatest horses to ever run, so it's a little different,” he replied. “I've been doing this a long time, so I know the ebb and flow of it. Even though you may not have another one like that, you're gonna sure be looking for one. Everybody goes, well, is it easier this year?” “I'll take last year any day,” Sadler said with a big laugh. Located directly below Santa Anita's signature facade in the grandstand breezeway, a spectacular mural depicting Flightline's jaw-dropping 11 1/2-length victory in the 2021 GI Runhappy Malibu S. was unveiled on opening day at the Great RIP last winter. Sherackatthetrack photo There are plenty of reminders of the big horse scattered around the facility. “It's great to see,” Sadler said while seated just a few feet away from a cardboard cutout of the 2022 Horse of the Year, who covered 152 mares during his first season at stud at Lane's End this year. “What's gonna be fun is that he's gonna set the market next week at Keeneland (and Fasig-Tipton)–some of those mares will sell in foal to him and next year he'll have foals on the ground. His saga is still being written.” The fun will begin for Sadler this weekend with $240,000 OBS April graduate Slider (Jimmy Creed) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint on Friday. The Hall Racing, Pearl Racing and West Point Thoroughbreds colorbearer, listed at 8-1 on the morning-line, captured the local Speakeasy S. in his first try on turf Oct. 7. Flightline won the Classic for him last year, will John Sadler get another Breeders' Cup win this year?" frameborder="0" width="600" height="300"> The stretch-running Kirstenbosch (Midnight Lute) figures to get a nice set up in Saturday's speed-laden GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. The Keith Abrahams homebred, given a 10-1 shot on the morning-line, was a come-from-behind, last out winner of the local prep GIII Chillingworth S. Sept. 29. Missed the Cut (Quality Road), meanwhile, will be one of the longest shots on the board as Sadler goes for a third win in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic. The dominating 1 1/2-mile GIII Tokyo City Cup S. Oct. 1 winner, a $400,000 KEENOV weanling and 40,000gns TATFEB graduate, is campaigned in partnership by Bee Zee, Lanes End Racing, St. Elias Stables, Edward P. Babington, Edward J. Hudson, Jr. and Lynne Hudson. “It's one of the things that I'm proudest of that we end up in the Breeders' Cup a lot of these years,” Sadler said. “We're going over there with horses that may not be the favorite, but they all have chances. When you get at this level, you have to realize that everybody you're running against is top class. They're good, tough races, but that's the way it should be.” The post A Year Removed from a Horse of a Lifetime, Sadler Three Deep at Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The three-strong roster at Haras de la Baie will be anchored by Martinborough (Jpn) at €3,000 in 2024, the Jour de Galop reported on Thursday. Responsible for six stakes winners over jumps in France this season, the son of Deep Impact (Jpn) also sired G1 Prix Saint Alary heroine Elusive Princess (Fr) on the Flat. Joining the 18-year-old are Kamsin (Ger) (Samum {Ger}) and AQPS Voiladenuo (Fr) (Network {Ger}), who will each stand for €2,500. The post Martinborough Leads Haras De La Baie Roster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A son of Jack Hobbs (GB) (lot 21) and a daughter of Nathaniel (Ire) (lot 59) won their respective divisions of the Goffs British NH Breeders' Showcase on Thursday. The former was shown by Little Lodge Stud in the Richard Aston Colts' Class, and his connections earned £3,000. Goldford Stud's Nathaniel filly won a like amount after taking her division, the Robert Chugg Fillies' Class. Both foals, alongside 66 others participated in the inaugural edition of the show. The first edition of the Goffs British NH Breeders' Showcase Sale will begin on Friday at 12 p.m., with 100 foals set to go under the hammer. The post Jack Hobbs And Nathaniel Foals Win Their Classes At Goffs British NH Breeders’ Showcase appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article