Wandering Eyes

Talk to Me Jimmy (Modernist) took the race to them right from the bell, and ran his rivals off their feet to take home Kentucky Derby points in the Wither Stakes. Out to set the pace after an even beginning, the New York-bred suddenly opened up on the field through the bend and asked them if they planned to catch him. Entering the lane with a clear advantage, Schoolyardsuperman (Practical Joke) tried to respond, but could not cut into the margin. Talk to Me Jimmy hit the line with air to spare as Grittiness (Curlin) closed for second and Ottinho (Quality Road) claimed third. Talk to me Jimmy earns 20 points toward the Road to the Kentucky Derby with this victory. The victor was last seen breaking his maiden in a similar fashion, going gate-to-wire against state-bred maidens at this venue last November to graduate by 5 1/2 lengths. Sales history: $24,000 RNA Wlg '23 FTNMIX; $31,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. O-SEI Thoroughbreds and Rodriguez, Rudy R.; B-Majestic View Farms Intl. (NY); T-Rudy Rodriguez. What a performance! #6 TALK TO ME JIMMY ($26.54) ran away from the field to easily win the $200,000 Withers Stakes and pick up 20 points towards the @KentuckyDerby. The son of Modernist was ridden by @Ruben_Silvera and is trained by @RudyRodriguezNY. pic.twitter.com/sw8SXxd7Qa — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 6, 2026 The post Modernist’s Talk to Me Jimmy Dominates the Conversation, Wins Derby Points in Withers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Neither the Suncoast Stakes nor the Sam F. Davis Stakes, both run at Tampa Bay Downs, are graded stakes races, but that doesn't seem to bother trainer Todd Pletcher. He has made it no secret that he loves to put some of his best 3-year-old candidates on the Tampa route to Churchill Downs, and he will be doing so again on Saturday. Zany (American Pharoah), currently ranked No. 1 in the TDN's Top 10 poll for the GI Kentucky Oaks, will make her 3-year-old debut in the Suncoast, where she will be heavily favored. In 2022, Pletcher launched the 3-year-old campaign of Nest (Curlin) in the Suncoast, and she went on to win an Eclipse Award that year as the sport's champion 3-year-old filly. Six races later on the Tampa card, Pletcher will send out one of his top 3-year-old colts in Renegade (Into Mischief). Although technically a maiden, he was second behind the well-regarded Paladin (Gun Runner) in the GII Remsen Stakes and crossed the wire ahead of that same rival in an Aqueduct maiden, only to be disqualified for interference. Pletcher will be seeking his eighth win in the Sam F. Davis. He said he likes the timing of the Suncoast and the fact that it is run around two turns. The first two 3-year-old filly preps at Gulfstream for the Kentucky Oaks are around one turn. “It's really about the timing and the two-turn aspect of these races,” Pletcher said. “With Zany, she's already won going a mile and an eighth in the Demoiselle. I just didn't feel like it made sense to back her up at Gulfstream, either into the Forward Gal or the Davona Dale, since they are both one-turn races. I like that there was good spacing from the Demoiselle to this, and it gives us ample time to get ready for the [Apr. 3] Ashland at Keeneland.” Todd Pletcher | Sarah Andrew Pletcher did not have Zany ready for the GI NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, but had her extra sharp by the time of the GII Demoiselle at Aqueduct Dec. 6. She won by 8 1/2 lengths and earned a Beyer figure of 89. “It was the way that she did it, the way she showed a high cruising speed and showed that she'll handle the distance very well,” the Hall of Fame trainer said. “She's a filly that's always trained exceptionally well.” The offspring of American Pharoah typically prefer the turf, but owner Mike Repole was willing to spend $350,000 on Zany at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale and, according the Pletcher, the plan all along was to turn her into a dirt horse. “She never gave us any reason to think about anything besides dirt,” Pletcher said. “She's out of an Uncle Mo mare [Mo' Green], who's turning out to be a tremendous broodmare. I think she's getting a lot of influence from the Uncle Mo side. She's just always done everything very professionally.” Zany was one of 11 fillies nominated to the Triple Crown. Pletcher said he's not interested in running her in the Derby, but wanted to keep his options open. “She's a filly that we think will handle plenty of distance,” the trainer said. “Of course , the Belmont this year will be at a mile and a quarter again. We did run Nest a few years ago in the Belmont and she finished second. We just like to leave our options open. We're not necessarily pointing for the Belmont, but you never know.” Pletcher will also start Kadabra (Good Magic) in the Suncoast. She's a filly that has only broken her maiden and has never gone beyond 6 1/2 furlongs, but Pletcher believes this may be a good spot for her to earn some black type. “I think she's better than she ran last time,” Pletcher said. “She was stuck on the inside and under pressure the whole way from the one pole. I think, being a daughter of Good Magic, she might be better stretching out. But I realize she would have to jump way up and move way forward to be in Zany's category. Some black type could be important for her.” Renegade inside of Paladin before he was disqualified and placed second in a MSW during the Belmont at the Big A meet Oct. 17 | Coglianese Pletcher said that he likes the Sam F. Davis for many of the same reasons he likes the Suncoast. “It's much the same scenario as the Suncoast,” he said. “Good timing, a mile and a sixteenth, two turns. The race puts you in a position to come back in four weeks in the Tampa Derby or some other spots, or you could take a little more time and point for another race. We're kind of thinking Sam Davis, Arkansas Derby. This race puts you in a good position with a lot of options. I also feel like it's a good safe surface, and we've had pretty good luck prepping there at Tampa over the years.” Though Renegade wasn't able to win the Remsen, Pletcher liked what he saw that day. “I thought he handled the mile and an eighth really well,” the trainer said. “If you watched that race, it seemed like the horses that were in post five and inside got pretty good trips, and the horses who broke from the six post out had it pretty rough. Going into the first turn, they got stuck pretty wide. I thought he ran very well. I think he showed that he's going to handle the trip and, for only his third start, I thought it was an excellent performance. And I love the way he's been training coming into this.” Irad Ortiz Jr. has the mount on both Zany and Renegade. Renegade will be attempting to become Pletcher's second winner in a GI Kentucky Derby prep race within a week. The other winner, of course, is Nearly (Not This Time), the impressive winner of the GIII Holy Bull Stakes. Nearly's win came just days after it was announced that Pletcher's top 3-year-old, Ted Noffey (Into Mischief), had been taken off the Kentucky Derby trail due to bone bruising. “That's the world we live in,” Pletcher said. “Every day is a roller coaster. You come in every day hoping they're healthy and ready to move forward, but you know that they're living, breathing creatures that sometimes have issues. And so in Ted Noffey's case, we felt like it was a tough call the day before. The day before we did some tests, he galloped a mile and a half, and we were in full training. But he was just giving us some signs that he wasn't as good as he was last fall. And we just felt like we had to make a decision sooner than later. “If you wait another 30 days, another 45 days, you put yourself in a position,” he said. “If the horse needs 90 days off, you could almost blow the whole year. So we had to make a tough decision early in the year to hopefully make sure that we have a horse in really good condition for the summer and fall.” The post Pletcher’s Route To The Derby And Oaks Will Make A Stop At Tampa On Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Intrepido (Maximus Mischief), an upset winner of the GI American Pharoah S. at Santa Anita last fall, kicks off his sophomore campaign in Saturday's GIII Robert B. Lewis S. at Santa Anita. The 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' won the American Pharoah by three-quarters of a length over the re-opposing Desert Gate (Omaha Beach). It was another nose back to Plutarch (Into Mischief) in third that day. Intrepido, a $30,000 KEESEP yearling turned $385,000 OBSAPR breezer, followed with a disappointing fifth at 5-1 in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar. He is owned in partnership by Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures and is trained by Jeff Mullins. Hall of Famer Bob Baffert has won the Lewis 13 times and has won the last seven renewals. He trains the aforementioned rail-drawn 6-5 morning-line favorite Desert Gate, Plutarch and the maiden of four career starts Cherokee Nation (Not This Time). Last year's runaway GIII Best Pal S. winner Desert Gate hasn't raced since the American Pharoah, his first attempt around two turns. Plutarch made two subsequent starts on grass, including a last- out maiden win at Del Mar Nov. 30. Cherokee Nation, a $1.15-million Keeneland September yearling, was second behind Robusta (Accelerate) in a maiden special weight over track and trip Jan. 9. The Robert B. Lewis offers 20-10-6-4-2 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Santa Anita's nine-race program also features the return of GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint heroine Splendora (Audible) in the GII D. Wayne Lukas S. and the GIII Thunder Road S., headed by Gas Me Up (Hard Spun). The post Led by Intrepido, American Pharoah Top Three Meet Again in Robert B. Lewis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Employing a paint-scraping ride in the lane, Two Bits (American Pharoah) muscled her way to the lead and fought off her challenger to win the Ruthless Stakes at Aqueduct. Breaking her maiden two back Nov. 29 at this venue, the Amelia Green-trainee was last seen running a well-beaten second Jan. 3 in the Busanda Stakes behind MSW Dazzling Dame (Girvin). Watching the race unfold from a ground saving trip, jockey Jaime Rodriguez opted to take the inland path as a wall of runners lined up to his outside with Interstatelovesong (Bolt d'Oro) to catch. Closing up the rail and able to push into a narrow advantage, the fillies battled down to the wire with Two Bits winning the photo. Our Golden Gator (Golden Lad) claimed third. Sales history: $75,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. O-EGL-One Racing; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Amelia Green. #5 TWO BITS ($7.54) rallied up the inside under Jaime Rodriguez to win the $135,000 Ruthless Stakes at Aqueduct. The daughter of American Pharoah (@coolmoreamerica) is trained by @Ameliajgreen and owned by EGL-One Racing. pic.twitter.com/O7ySm4Xz6e — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 6, 2026 The post American Pharoah’s Two Bits Game as They Make’em to Win Ruthless appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Invincible Army will stand the 2026 season at March Hair Stud in England for £5,500, according to published reports. The son of Invincible Spirit spent his 2025 season at Haras des Etincelles after spending several seasons at Yeomanstown Stud in Ireland. A group sire of G2 Greenlands Stakes hero James's Delight, Invincible Army won the G2 Duke Of York Stakes among other group contests during his racing days. From 173 foals of racing age, he is the sire of 91 winners, five stakes winners and another three stakes horses. Stakes winner Kitty Rose was second in both the G3 Staffordstown Stud Stakes and the G3 Priory Belle Stakes. The post Invincible Army To Stand At March Hare Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was a battle late in the Martha Washington Stakes, and Search Party (Gun Runner) came out on top to win the Oaklawn filly feature, taking home Kentucky Oaks points for her effort. In no hurry early as the loose leader posted fractions of :23.10 and a half in :47.83, it was left to Search Party to continue Mark Casse's big day when 3-5 favorite, and stablemate, Counting Stars (Honor A.P.) faded to the back of the pack as they came off the bend. Closing stoutly from the overland route with Newtown Pike (McKinzie) challenging her, she gamely kept that one at bay to win in a photo. Search Party was last seen breaking her maiden Dec. 27 at this venue by six lengths. O/B-Tracy Farmer; T-Mark Casse. 20 Kentucky Oaks points goes to SEARCH PARTY in the Martha Washington at Oaklawn Park! The 3YO filly had a ground saving trip before fighting her way to the front under @cristiantorr64 for trainer @markecasse! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/NfZBwgyT3M — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) February 6, 2026 The post Gun Runner’s Search Party Wins the Late Battle, Takes Martha Washington appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

She may've been left behind at the jump, but Always A Runner (Gun Runner) turned the tables in the lane as she effortlessly cruised home to 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' honors at Tampa Bay Downs. Tabbed as a horse to watch in the 'Insights' segment for this unveiling, the Chad Brown-trainee entered this contest with a healthy worktab at Belmont and Payson Park, and commanded the betting dollars to the tune of 3-5 favoritism. Right from the jump, she made her backers sweat when Always A Runner hopped at the gate, leaving her well behind the rest as the field went on its way. Racing along from the rear, with only Goldy Gate (Charlatan) beaten after that one had an even worse beginning, the daughter of Gun Runner made an eye-catching move around the far turn and was plucking off her rivals with little asking from her rider via the overland route. In command and playing with her foes, she won geared down with ear pricked by 6 1/2 lengths over Evangalina (Practical Joke). Always A Runner, who was sold to Douglas Scharbauer for $1.05-million at the Keeneland September sale in 2024 before Three Chimneys stayed in for a piece, is the first foal to the races for fellow 'Rising Star' Always Carina, who was the bridesmaid in the GII Mother Goose Stakes during her racing career. Three Chimneys, who bought second dam Miss Always Ready (More Than Ready) for $400,000 at the 2014 Keeneland April 2-year-old sale, bred not only Always A Runner but also Always Carina. The dam has been to Gun Runner four times, producing this 'Rising Star', a juvenile full-sister, a yearling full-brother, and is due back to that stallion for 2026. The aforementioned Miss Always Ready is herself a full-sister to GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine More Than Real, who was exported to Australia after her racing career ended and became a multiple Group producing dam and granddam. Most notably hailing from her branch of the family is G1 Golden Slipper victress Lady of Camelot (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}), who was also crowned Australia's champion juvenile filly. Miss Always Ready was no slouch herself as the dam of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero Structor (Palace Malice). After a slow start, #6 ALWAYS A RUNNER ($3.20) circled around the field to win for fun, geared down under @SamyCamacho1 at @TampaBayDownsFL. The daughter of Gun Runner (@Three_Chimneys) is trained by Chad Brown. Douglas Scharbauer and @Three_Chimneys owns. pic.twitter.com/ccJaQ7IOZw — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 6, 2026 3rd-Tampa Bay Downs, $32,000, Msw, 2-6, 3yo, f, 1m 40y, 1:42.93, ft, 6 1/2 lengths. ALWAYS A RUNNER, f, 3, by Gun Runner 1st Dam: Always Carina {GSP, $218,800}, by Malibu Moon 2nd Dam: Miss Always Ready, by More Than Ready 3rd Dam: Miss Seffens, by Dehere Sales history: $1,050,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $19,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-Douglas Scharbauer and Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (Goncalo B. Torrealba); B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. The post Aptly Named Always A Runner Blows Rivals Away to Garner ‘Rising Star’ Honors at Tampa Bay Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Roll On Big Joe makes his 2026 debut in the Feb. 8 King Cotton Stakes for older horses at 6 furlongs after completing a stellar 2025 campaign, capped by his win in the Dec. 13 Ring The Bell Stakes.View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will host a job fair on Thursday, Feb. 26, to recruit employees for the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course, the track said via a press release Friday. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival job fair will be held from 2-7 p.m. ET on the first floor of the 1863 Club. Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and have New York State Certified Working Papers. Prospective security guards, cashiers and betting clerks must be at least 18 years of age to apply; security guards must have a high school degree or GED. All job seekers must present a photo ID and Social Security card or I-9 alternative. Attendees should enter through the Wright Street entrance (Gate 8) with parking available in the 1863 Club lot. The post NYRA To Host Belmont Stakes Racing Festival Job Fair At The Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, post time: 20:00, ABU DHABI GOLD CUP-Listed, $1,000,000, 4yo/up, SH 3yo, 1600mT Field: Maljoom (Ire) (Caravaggio), Jonquil (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Quddwah (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Comanche Brave (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Aomori City (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Witness Stand (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Chicago Critic (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Strauss (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), Dark Trooper (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Tumbler (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Crown Board (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Vafortino (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Andreas Vesalius (Ire) (Caravaggio), Folk Festival (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Dioptase (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Western Writer (Ire) (Shamadal). TDN Analysis: Multiple group winner Jonquil appears a likely sort for this contest after victories in the G2 Celebration Mile and G3 Greenham Stakes. G2 Lennox Stakes hero Witness Stand also tests his mettle in the UAE. G2 Zabeel Mile scorer Quddwah is third on ratings in the 16-strong field, while his fellow Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum colourbearer Maljoom is coming in off a third-place run in the G1 Dubai Turf from last April. Click here for the complete field. The post Black-Type Analysis: Witness Stand Goes On Trial In Abu Dhabi appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

TAJ MAHAL (c, 3, Nyquist–Oola Gal {SP, $117,257}, by Quality Road) was made the 3-2 favorite for this unveiling after posting a series of strong works over the track for trainer Brittany Russell. Out slowly and finding himself last in the early stages, he navigated to the outside of runners entering the far bend and was rolling with a full head of steam from five wide as they swung for home. Taking command not long after as Sir George (Street Sense) tried to make a race of it, Taj Mahal drew off from that one to win by 4 1/4 lengths. The victor is the second to get a picture taken from as many to the races for the dam, a stakes-placed half-sister to the mother of SW Baby Max (Maximus Mischief). Oola Gal has a juvenile full-sister to Taj Mahal in the wings who RNA'd at the Keeneland September sale last year for $375,000 as well as a yearling filly by Upt to the Mark. She is due to Arabian Knight for 2026. 3rd-Laurel, $47,705, Msw, 2-6, 3yo, 6f, 1:12.42, ft, 4 1/4 lengths. TAJ MAHAL (c, 3, Nyquist–Oola Gal {SP, $117,257}, by Quality Road) Sales history: $525,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $28,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-SF Racing, LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, LLC, Stonestreet Stables, LLC, Bashor Racing, LLC, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital, LLC and Donovan, Catherine; B-Vegso Racing Stable (FL); T-Brittany T. Russell. 3yo colt Taj Mahal (Nyquist) was just too good. Slow at the break. @SheldonRussell1 took his time, keeping him wide to avoid taking too much dirt. He always looked like he was cruising five wide, six wide into the top of the stretch, then kicking clear. Pretty good impression… pic.twitter.com/Ww1VGDSPOr — Tom Ryan (@TomRyanKY) February 6, 2026 The post Nyquist’s Taj Mahal Runs Up the Score at Laurel to Break Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Due to frigid temperatures and windy conditions, Aqueduct Racetrack, Laurel Park, and Charles Town have preemptively canceled racing Feb. 7. Aqueduct and Laurel also canceled racing Feb. 8View the full article

Delaware Park is expected to have 75 days of live racing during it's 89th season.View the full article

"We're just hoping Wayne is looking after us from heaven," owner Dr. Aaron Sones said of Lemon Muffin in the Feb. 7 D. Wayne Lukas Stakes (G2) at Santa Anita Park. "If anybody can pull it off, it's him."View the full article

NYRA announces that guardrails requiring computer-assisted wagering activity to cease at one minute to post in many pools have been suspended for one racing day, Feb. 6, to allow for technical upgrades to the tote system.View the full article

The Board of Directors of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) held its first meeting of 2026 on Thursday, Feb. 5 and unanimously elected Rockridge Stud's Lere Visagie, to serve as president through 2028, the organization said in a press release on Friday. Current NYTB Director Rick Burke, owner of Irish Hill Century Farm, was elected vice president. The Board also elected Jane McMahon, of McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, to serve as secretary-treasurer. Visagie, owner of Rockridge, has served as an NYTB Director since 2019 and succeeds Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, shareholder of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga Springs, and owner of River Valley Farm, who served as NYTB President beginning in 2024. “On behalf of our Board of Directors and membership, I want to thank [Dr.] Scott [Ahlschwede] for his leadership of NYTB,” said Visagie. “As president, I am committed to building on that foundation and ensuring New York remains on a positive path for breeding, racing, and the continued growth of our organization.” The post NYTB Board Votes In Rockridge’s Visagie As President appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $500,000 GIII Delaware Handicap, to be contested Saturday, Sept. 26, is the focal point of the $4.3-million stakes schedule for 2026 at Delaware Park, track officials released on Friday. Once a fixture of the summer months, the nine-furlong contest is now positioned as a potential prep race for older fillies and mares that may be progressing towards the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff just over a month later. The base purse of the Del 'Cap increases to $600,000 if a Grade I winner from 2025 or 2026 enters and starts in the race. A minimum of $1 million is up for grabs on a program that features three other black-type races. Delaware's other graded event on the calendar is the $300,000 GIII Delaware Oaks, which is part of the June 13 program that also includes the $300,000 Delaware Derby. During the inaugural running of the Delaware Derby in 2025, the tack reported an all-time handle single-race record of nearly $6.5 million. Delaware will stage 75 days, with the 89th year of live racing set to begin Wednesday, May 13. Racing will continue through Saturday, Oct. 17. Click here for the full stakes schedule. The post Delaware Handicap Highlights Delaware Stakes Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

J. Keeler Johnson handicaps the Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs.View the full article

4th-OP, $126K, OC 100k/C, 4yo/up, 1 1/16m, 2:32 p.m. ET. Sandman (Tapit), winner of last term's GI Arkansas Derby and third-place finisher in the GI Preakness S., kicks off his 4-year-old campaign in Hot Springs. The $1.2-million OBS March breezer was last seen finishing ninth in the grassy GIII DK Horse Nashville Derby Invitational S. at Kentucky Downs Aug. 30. He will race with first-time Lasix with Jose Ortiz aboard. He is owned in partnership by D. J. Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables and is trained by Mark Casse. “He had a long, hard campaign,” Casse said. “We ran him all winter long. No question he tailed off some in (late summer). Gave him some time off. He's grown up, he looks good. A big race here could set him up for the (GIII) Razorback (Feb. 28).” TJCIS PPS 6th-TAM, $55K, Msw, 3yo, 1m40yds, 2:42 p.m. ET. Make My Day (Gun Runner), a $1.1-million Keeneland September purchase by Spendthrift Farm and Repole Stable, will make his debut around two turns for Todd Pletcher. The bay is a half-brother to MGSW and GI Breeders' Cup Sprint runner-up Imagination (Into Mischief) and GSW & MGISP Occult (Into Mischief). Pletcher will also saddle the debuting Powershift (Constitution), a $500,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by Repole Stable. TJCIS PPS 6th-GP, $84K, Msw, 3yo, 7f, 2:50 p.m. ET. Ezum (Essential Quality), a half-brother to MGISW Beach Patrol (Lemon Drop Kid), kicks off his career for trainer Brad Cox. The gray brought $485,000 from Shadwell Stable as a Keeneland November weanling. Palpable (McKinzie), a half-brother to GISW Declassify (Orientate), debuts for Tramp Hollow Stable and trainer Melanie Giddings. He brought $270,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. The field of 11 also includes promising second-time starters: $425,000 Keeneland September yearling Growth Equity (Nyquist), a solid second on debut for Chad Brown at Saratoga last summer; and OXO Equine homebred and 9-5 morning-line favorite High Camp (Instagrand), second with an 83 Beyer at Gulfstream Dec. 28. TJCIS PPS The post Saturday’s Racing Insights: Sandman Returns at Oaklawn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Having already been forced to cancel its live racing program for Saturday, Feb. 7, officials at Laurel Park have called off the card for Sunday, Feb. 8, citing continuing frigid temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic region. Live racing is expected to resume at Laurel on Thursday, Feb. 12, with a first post of 12 p.m. ET. The previously canceled card for Feb. 7 will not be redrawn and will be conducted that afternoon. Sunday's scheduled races will be listed as guaranteed extras on the overnights throughout next week. These races will be run over the weekend with the same number of horses after a redraw, provided they remain intact. Laurel Park and The Maryland Jockey Club OTB network will remain open on Sunday for simulcast. Aqueduct Racetrack is also closed both Feb. 7 and 8 due to the cold weather. The post Laurel Park Cancels Live Racing On Feb. 8 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Roll On Big Joe makes his 2026 debut in the Feb. 8 King Cotton Stakes for older horses at 6 furlongs after completing a stellar 2025 campaign, highlighted by his win in the Ring The Bell Stakes.View the full article

Ricardo Santana, Jr. rode the 800th winner of his career at Oaklawn Park on Thursday, when he guided Will Take It (Tapit) to a hard-fought victory in the $150,000 Fifth Season Stakes. He is the fourth rider in the history of the track to achieve the milestone. Others to cross that threshold are Pat Day (1,264 wins), Larry Snyder and Calvin Borel. The 33-year-old credits trainer Ron Moquett and his fellow jockeys Terry Thompson and Borel with steering him towards the Arkansas track in 2011. “Got lucky, you know?” Santana, Jr. said moments after the Fifth Season. “Moquett, he helped get me here and gave me a lot of opportunities when I started. I have to say thanks to Terry Thompson. There are a lot of people who don't know how much he helped me. Calvin Borel, too. Those are two top riders that I respect.” Having registered his first Oaklawn victory 15 years ago last month, Santana, Jr. made the most of his association with Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen to be the leading local jockey on seven occasions (2013-2018, 2020). He is Oaklawn's career leader in purse earnings ($47.9 million) and ranks second in career stakes wins (65). “I'm really thankful that I've won 800,” Santana said. “Arkansas opened the door for me and made me who I am.” Santana, Jr. enjoyed a long run with agent Ruben Munoz, who brought the jockey to the United States in 2009. New York-based P. J. Campo now books rides for Santana, Jr. Santana, Jr. rode the 2,000th winner of his career in Hot Springs in April 2025. The post Santana, Jr. Celebrates 800 Oaklawn Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

From a small commercial broodmare band, which currently numbers just six mares, Vincent Colbert has had a remarkable amount of success in a short amount of time, breeding Grade I winners Callback and Chocolate Gelato, as well as Grade III winner Shotgun Hottie. The Massachusetts native had success almost right from the start of his breeding operation with the purchase of Quickest (Forest Wildcat) for $40,000 as a 2-year-old at the 2007 Keeneland January sale–three years before her half-brother Super Saver (Maria's Mon) won the GI Kentucky Derby. The bay mare never made it to the races, but she produced Callback (Street Sense). Colbert discussed his 2026 mating plans with Thoroughbred Daily News. QUICKEST (21, Forest Wildcat–Supercharger, by A.P. Indy) Will be bred to First Mission (Street Sense) I picked him because the cross works–Street Sense is Callback's sire–and he's $10,000. The family is cooking with Mob [a first-out 3-year-old winner out of Quickest's daughter Onslaught (Street Sense), Six Speed, and [Callback's son] Page Turner (Jpn) in Japan. She's getting old and this is the last time I will breed her. She will be retired after this. MPEMBA (8, Frosted–Quickest, by Forest Wildcat) Will be bred to Locked (Gun Runner) She is a half to Callback and she is the only female that I still have in the family. She has a 2-year-old by Practical Joke that is selling at OBS this year and shouldn't be missed. She is currently in foal to Domestic Product–physically, I had to go to him. She is going to Locked at Gainesway. I wanted to do a foal share with Gun Runner, but I got shot down with that. Locked, as a freshman sire, $35,000 is a great price point for him. The connections are really good. To me it was a no-brainer for her. ALLIANNA (11, Flat Out–Elusive Royalty, by Elusive Quality) Will be bred to Violence (Medaglia d'Oro) We sold her and then I bought her back privately. I got her back in foal to Maclean's Music and last night she foaled a full-brother to [stakes winner] Coming In Hot. She is going to Violence. It's a good cross, he's a gorgeous horse and I think he's a proven sire for $30,000. He's got Boyd, Forte, Volatile, Mullikin, Obliteration. Why not? FUNDAY SUNDAE (5, Palace Malice–Special Treat, by Candy Ride {Arg}) Will be bred to Maximus Mischief (Into Mischief) She is a half-sister to Chocolate Gelato (Practical Joke). She had a few little issues, so I didn't race her. I bred her to Timberlake last year pretty much just because he was a son of Into Mischief and she's going to Maximus Mischief this year. For $20k at Spendthrift, so now I get invited to the breeders' party in September. GIBBET (11, War Front–Cross, by Mighty) Will be bred to Essential Quality (Tapit) I own her with my cousin Jim Connor. She is currently in foal to Tapit Trice. We picked him last year because he's just a gorgeous horse and my cousin Jim is a lot like Dave Portnoy, he only wants to breed to gray stallions. This year we are going to Essential Quality. He has [Jerome Stakes winner] My World on the Kentucky Derby trail and I think The Puma is running this weekend at Tampa [in the Sam F. Davis Stakes]. He was a dynamite racehorse from a deep family. We got a good price on him from Darley. I enjoy doing business with Darley. I think Kate is great. And they throw me swag. Swag is very important. SHANGHAI TARIFF (11, Shanghai Bobby–Star White, by Naevus) Will be bred to Johannes (Nyquist) She was a fast filly who raced a lot, but her babies haven't done that good for me at the sales. I am sending her to Johannes. Number one because he's by Nyquist and two, the female family, that first dam, Cuyathy (Congrats) is cooking. Every one of her babies has had black-type–well not every one–we might find out on Saturday if the current one will as well. Soaring Angel (Knicks Go) is entered in the Sweet Life Stakes at Santa Anita Saturday. Plus, it was only $10,000. Jacob West purchased Chocolate Gelato as a 2-year-old, so I figured I would throw him a bone and help him get his new career [at Claiborne Farm] off to a good start. The post 2026 Mating Plans: Vincent Colbert appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It would have been understandable had Pierre Gasnier felt daunted by the task at hand when he succeeded Georges Rimaud as manager of the French studs for the Aga Khan family at the start of 2025. But then, so eventful a year did it out turn to be, it was probably for the best that he didn't have much chance to stop and weigh up the enormity of his new role. For a start, this week brought with it the one-year anniversary of the death of His Highness Aga Khan IV, who became one of the most successful owner-breeders of the modern era after taking control of the family's bloodstock interests upon the death of his father, Prince Aly Khan, in 1960. The loss of Aga Khan IV was a hammer blow to all of those who worked for him, as well as instilling in them a determination to continue the methods that had been successful for so many years. “Very badly, as you can imagine,” Gasnier says of how the tight-knit team at the Aga Khan Studs was affected by the death of its leader. “We started the year in bad way, because there are people who have been working at the Aga Khan Studs for so long that, when the news came about the loss of His Highness, they were very much heartbroken. “But we still had to do our job and to look after the horses in the best way possible – the way he would have liked us to do it. We did that and, thankfully, nature played in our favour.” Certainly, events on the racecourse in 2025 could not have worked out much better for the team at the Aga Khan Studs, now operating under the guidance of Aga Khan IV's daughter, Princess Zahra Aga Khan. Daryz (Sea The Stars), winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and Classic heroine Zarigana (Siyouni), who was successful in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, were among the leading lights in the famous green and red silks, but star billing must go to Calandagan. The son of Gleneagles was recently crowned Longines World's Best Racehorse for 2025, having registered four straight Group 1 victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Champion Stakes and Japan Cup. “The horses went all year from strength to strength, better than we expected. It was amazing, really,” says Gasnier. “If I sum up the emotions around the year that happened, I think the fact that we're a small team, working very closely with Princess Zahra and her family, makes it all the more special and amplifies the emotion. “I will never forget the first time that I met her. She kept telling me that the objective and the goal was to race to breed, which is something that needs to be mentioned because it's very special nowadays. Every foal we produce will be going at one stage to one of our trainers, which means that we know the family extremely well, and it's special because you're going full circle.” Gasnier is indebted to that small team at the Aga Khan Studs for their guidance and support ever since he first joined, having initially served as Rimaud's assistant for two years. “Very well – I think, anyway!” he says of how he's settled into the position held by Rimaud for 25 years before him. “I'm extremely lucky to have the team that I work with. I owe special thanks to Nemone Routh [director and French racing manager], Pat Downes [manager of the Irish studs] and, of course, Princess Zahra. “They worked with His Highness the Prince Aga Khan IV for many, many years, so they know the operation very well and they can teach me and guide me every day. I'm also surrounded by very good people on the farms. All of the advice is very important to me, because I have plenty to learn still, so I'm very lucky that they were there before I came.” Of his two years working with the fountain of challenge that Rimaud must have been, he adds, “It was a short period of time when you think about it, because you could spend a lifetime learning from a man like him. He is a true professional and a very passionate breeder. He's a man of great presence, intelligent, extremely rigorous and liked by everyone. “He taught me to always show respect towards the people and the staff that we work with, as well as to our clients and always to approach the situation with transparency. Also, patience, because breeding takes time. He kept reminding me that if you make sure every step of the way that the process is done well, it will pay off sooner rather than later. I learned plenty, but I could have learned much more.” Gasnier is also very grateful to another institution in racing and bloodstock circles for giving him his grounding at the coalface of the sport, at a time when he wasn't entirely sure that he wanted to devote himself to a career in racing. “I always grew up with horses,” he says of his background. “My parents always used to keep a couple of mares, especially National Hunt, to breed from. My brother, who is younger than me, was also a National Hunt jockey. So, you can imagine that I spent most of my weekends as a child touring the countryside racetracks. “I was following my family, let's say, but I didn't really want to work with horses. I studied Agriculture and Wildlife Protection and, when I was finished studying, I decided I needed to learn English, so I travelled to Ireland in 2010. I arrived in Tipperary and I stayed there for 13 years in Coolmore. That's really when I got the passion and it all made sense. I loved every bit of it. All credit to Mr Magnier and his family. I will be forever thankful to them for their trust.” Explaining how the opportunity to join the team at the Aga Khan Studs came about, he continues, “They were looking four years ago to employ a stud groom at [Haras de] Bonneval and [Haras de] Saint-Crespin to help Mr Rimaud. Obviously, I thought the opportunity was a nice one to consider and we started discussing it. I felt it was something that I shouldn't miss if I wanted to keep learning and building my career in the breeding industry.” Now, a few weeks into his second year as manager of the French studs, Gasnier is understandably optimistic about what the future holds for this most respected of operations, whilst still having to pinch himself to realise that it isn't all a dream. “As a young Frenchman, you're in full admiration of the Aga Khan Studs and the family,” he sums up. “The green and red silks are the most famous on the racetrack for years. It's a symbol of excellence, tradition and, obviously, great success. If you'd told me a long time ago that I would be a part of it, I would never have thought about it. It's a dream come true. “Again, I'm privileged, grateful and deeply thankful to Princess Zahra, her family and all of the team. Going forward, we just have to keep doing what we do. We are in a very good position because our stallion roster is performing at the highest level, led by Siyouni, and we can imagine and hope that we will have more stallions in the next couple of years entering our stallion barn.” He continues, “A special mention must go to Daryz, a son of Sea The Stars who is out of Daryakana, which is a magnificent family. He won the Arc, and he is a horse that is improving and very good-looking. He is a superstar and we really wish for him to continue to do well. We have others that will be coming along, including Rayif, Samangan and some that haven't raced yet but are showing plenty of potential. “Also, our broodmare band is very, very strong, with many young mares in foal to top stallions, so we can be optimistic and still believe that success will keep breeding success.” The post ‘It’s A Dream Come True’ – Pierre Gasnier Still Pinching Himself in Senior Role at the Aga Khan Studs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LEXINGTON, KY–Hagyard Equine Medical Institute observed its Founder's Day on Thursday, Feb. 5, with a formal commemoration of its sesquicentennial. The occasion served as the kickoff to a year-long celebration of 150 years of accomplishments and contributions to the equine veterinary field. Hagyard announced plans to honor the milestone through a series of commemorative initiatives and events slated for the coming year. “At 150 years old, Hagyard is in elite company,” Hagyard's CEO Ken Ford said at Thursday's event. “Enduring for 150 years puts us in the same category as businesses such as John Deere, Wells Fargo and Anheuser-Busch. Less than half a percent of businesses in the U.S. make it through 100 years, so to make it to 150 is a remarkable achievement started by our founders. These milestones just scratch the surface of Hagyard's history and legacy.” Hagyard was founded in 1876 by Dr. Edward Thomas Hagyard, who traveled from Ontario, Canada to Central Kentucky and opened the original Hagyard practice with his two sons on East Short Street in downtown Lexington. In 1951, his grandson, Dr. Charlie Hagyard, partnered with Dr. Arthur Davidson and Dr. William McGee to form Hagyard, Davidson, McGee Associates. Twenty-three years later, they broke ground on the current facility on Iron Works Pike, which now sits on 110 acres. In 2004, the business was reincorporated and formed what is now known as Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Today, the practice employs 65 veterinarians and over 400 support staff. Dr. Luke Hagyard Fallon, DVM, a fifth-generation representative of the Hagyard family recently profiled in the TDN, spoke to the firm's enduring legacy during Thursday's event. Fallon highlighted his family's multi-generational passion for equine care, noting that a sixth generation, including his son and niece, is currently enrolled in veterinary school. “Our mission is to deliver innovative, state-of-the-art equine veterinary care with a deep commitment to our legacy of integrity, compassion and a broader community,” he said. “This is as true today as it was in February of 1876 and we are dedicated to continuing our legacy of enduring passion and unrivaled expertise for another 150 years.” Fallon said that Hagyard has curated several initiatives to celebrate the milestone throughout the year. Chief among them, the Institute has partnered with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to introduce the E.T. Hagyard 1876 Scholarship. The program aims to address the shortage of equine veterinarians by reducing the cost of veterinary school for students pursuing the field. “Approximately one percent of graduating veterinarians choose equine practice and of that one percent, nearly fifty percent leave equine practice after the first five years of being out in the job market,” Fallon noted. Keith Kleine, Director of the AAEP's charitable arm The Foundation for the Horse, added, “The equine veterinary profession is currently facing a critical crossroads. The cost of a four-year veterinary school in the U.S. now ranges from $200,000 to $400,000 over the four-year period. Most graduates enter the field with over $175,000 in debt. The challenges we face are real, but they are not insurmountable.” The goal for the E.T. Hagyard 1876 Scholarship is to raise $1.5 million over the next three years to endow the fund, providing three $25,000 scholarships annually. Hagyard intends to continue supporting the fund with the goal of doubling the endowment every three years. Hagyard also announced plans to host a global continuing education symposium during the Keeneland Fall Meet for the institute's extensive alumni network of former interns, fellows and residents. Additionally, Hagyard revealed that a permanent monument will be erected on the Hagyard campus to serve as a lasting tribute to the 150-year milestone. Lexington mayor Linda Gorton was on hand Thursday to present a proclamation declaring Feb. 5, 2026 as Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Day in Lexington. “What started as a small family operation has grown into one of the finest equine medicine institutes in the world, and it's right here in Lexington,” said Mayor Gorton. “Since day one, Hagyard has continued to raise the bar, not just in Kentucky, but for the entire equine industry worldwide.” The post Hagyard Kicks Off Sesquicentennial, Unveols Year-Long Anniversary Plans appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article