Wandering Eyes

Practical Move, sidelined since winning the Santa Anita Derby (G1) in April, is set to return at Santa Anita Park Oct. 6 in a competitive one-mile classified allowance for trainer Tim Yakteen.View the full article

When the GI American Pharoah S. even-money morning-line favorite and 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic) brought a sale-topping $2 million at OBS March earlier this year, it wasn't exactly a surprise to see Saudi businessman Amr Zedan and Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert heading back to the Top Line Sales consignment for more. Fellow Top Line graduate and Zedan Racing Stables Inc. colorbearer 'TDN Rising Star' Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo) will line up next as one of the favorites in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic after posting a game wire-to-wire success over his elders in this summer's GI FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic S. at Del Mar. Arabian Knight topped last spring's OBS April sale (:9 4/5) at $2.3 million. 'TDN Rising Star' Princess Noor (Not This Time), heroine of the 2020 GI Del Mar Debutante S. while carrying Zedan's sky blue, red and white silks, commanded a sale-best $1.35-million pricetag at the COVID-19 postponed OBS April sale in 2020 after breezing a quarter for Jimbo and Torie Gladwell's operation in :20 1/5. She subsequently realized $2.9 million from Katsumi Yoshida while in foal to Into Mischief at the following year's Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Mixed sale. “They're such a powerhouse team,” Torie Gladwell said. “It's like the dream team when you see them walking around. I have to give a lot of credit to (bloodstock agents) Donato Lanni and Gary Young. You just pray that they land on one of your horses. They know what they're doing, that's for sure. Princess Noor and Arabian Knight and now this one. Hopefully, he's as good as those other two and he gets a Grade I.” Torie & Jimbo Gladwell | Photos By Z Muth hails from the second crop of Hill 'n' Dale's promising young sire Good Magic, who, of course, is also responsible for this year's GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage. The first foal out of the winning Don Alberto homebred Hoppa (Uncle Mo), Muth brought $190,000 from the Gladwell family's pinhooking partnership out of the Hill 'n' Dale Sales Agency consignment on day seven of last year's Keeneland September sale. Don Alberto purchased Handoverthecat (Tale of the Cat), with Hoppa in utero, for $170,000 at the 2015 Keeneland November sale. Hoppa's yearling filly by Violence was purchased by Rigney Racing for $385,000 at Keeneland September. “When we bought him (as a yearling), he was pretty light on the page, but just a standout physical,” Gladwell said. “We gave quite a bit of money for him because at the time Good Magic was kind of on the bubble. We just liked the horse that much.” Muth was the talking horse on the grounds at OBS March after delivering a :9 3/5 bullet breeze and a much-discussed monster gallop out during the under-tack show. “We were behind on him going into the sale,” Gladwell said. “He had a little setback, so we actually had to stop on him. His prep at the sale was his first breeze back after coming off a little layoff and it was pretty spectacular. When he prepped we were like, 'ooh this is gonna be fun.'” She continued, “When he breezed we weren't ever thinking :9 3/5–that was a surprise–but we knew he was extremely fast because he was as fast on the farm all winter. And then his gallop out. He didn't just go the first eighth really fast, he went the whole three-eighths extremely fast.” Muth has also been extremely fast on the racetrack. A no-brainer 'Rising Star' following a spectacular 8 3/4-length debut score at Santa Anita June 18, Muth was second-best with a 93 Beyer Speed Figure behind his unbeaten stablemate and fellow 'TDN Rising Star' Prince of Monaco (Speightstown) in the six-furlong GIII Best Pal S. at Del Mar Aug. 13. A late scratch out of Saratoga's GI Hopeful S. on Labor Day, Muth makes his two-turn debut Saturday while facing seven rivals in the 1 1/16-mile American Pharoah, a 'Win and You're In' for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. He has breezed four times since returning to the Golden State from upstate New York, including a sharp five-furlong drill in :59 1/5 (2/87) in Arcadia Oct. 2. Baffert has won the American Pharoah a record 11 times. How will Muth handled the added distance? “That's always a question,” Gladwell said. “When we're getting these horses ready for the 2-year-old sales, we don't really let them do too much on the farm because they're still so young. His three-eighths to half-mile gallop out at the sale was the most we ever really let these horses do before they move on to their trainer.” She concluded, “I think he's extremely talented. I'm hoping he can do it. We'll find out this weekend.” The post ‘Top’ of the Market: $2-Million OBS March Graduate Muth Headlines Saturday’s American Pharoah appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's Dubai and Newmarket-based trainer Charlie Appleby will go for a third straight win in the Jockey Club Derby Invitational (G1T) Oct. 7 with Measured Time, an undefeated Frankel colt making his stakes debut. View the full article

Hope After Service, a new organization pairing retired racehorses with veterans with PTSD, as well as with autistic children, has been formed in Shawnee, Ok. Founded by disabled veterans Ashton Strader, Robert Whitlow, and Craig Whitlow, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit's mission is “bringing hope, healing, and renewal to veterans, retired racehorses, and communities nationwide.” The founders have backgrounds in racing and plan to select retired racehorses to undergo retraining as trusted companions and therapists, offering solace and healing to those in need. Horses in the program not suitable for this work will be retrained for essential roles within the federal government, as well as state and local governments. “Our vision is to contract with the government, providing a centralized location for training these horses to meet government standards.” said Craig Whitlow, who serves as executive director. “This streamlined approach saves the government valuable time, money, and manpower while allowing these retired equine athletes to find a meaningful second career. Moreover, they will serve our nation and communities, safeguarding our borders, aiding in search and rescue operations, and contributing to law enforcement's mounted units. “There has always been a profound connection between humans and horses. In today's world, where some may question the utility of retired racehorses, we believe in thinking outside the box. These horses have a wealth of untapped potential, and we are committed to proving their worth beyond the racetrack.” For more information, visit the Hope After Service website. The post New Therapy Horse Program for Vets in Oklahoma appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Master of The Seas, one of the most underrated milers on the European circuit and a head away from calling himself a Two Thousand Guineas (G1) winner, will attempt to become a dual grade 1 winner in North America in the Oct. 7 Turf Mile Stakes (G1T).View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Things are hotting right up at home for Purdon Racing, but they still have some unfinished business in Australia. Their three-horse Victorian team still has four feature races on the agenda, starting with tonight’s (Friday) $50,000 Group 2 Need For Speed Princess final (1720m) at Melton. High Energy will have to overcome a back row draw and star local Rockinwithattutide. “She’s not a filly who can take a lot of work, so she was underdone in the heat, but she’s very close to her top for this final,” co-trainer Nathan Purdon said. “It won’t be easy from the draw and Rockinwithattitude was terrific in the heat and has a good draw (gate three), but I still think she’ll run well.” High Energy will then cap her Aussie raid when she backs-up in the Group 1 Victoria Trotters’ Oaks on Victoria Cup night (October 14). “We’re not staying for the Breeders Crown anymore, she and (The Real) Sherlock will head home after Victoria Cup night,” Purdon said. The Real Sherlock missed the Group 1 Vicbred final with an untimely hoof abscess, but sparkled winning an easier race at Melton on September 23. He has the outside draw (gate seven) against pre-post Victoria Derby favourite The Lost Storm in the second heat of the series at Melton tomorrow (Saturday) night. “He’s really well. It’s a shame the way the draws have fallen this week, but he’s right on target for the final,” Purdon said. “If he comes through the heat well and gets an advantageous draw in the final, I think he can really make his presence felt in the final.” Purdon said two-year-old filly High Step, who also runs at Melton tonight (Friday) in the $20,000 Bob Conroy 2YO Classic, will stay on Victoria a bit longer. “She’s not going home with the other two,” he said. “We’ll leave her with Greg (Sugars) and Jess (Tubbs) to have a crack at the Redwood (2YO Classic) at the end of October.” Also at tonight’s Melton meeting, glamour former Kiwi trotting mare Queen Elida steps out again as a $1.65 favourite in the George Gath (2240m). She’s aiming for her ninth win from her past 10 starts, but will have to earn it with classy mare Im Ready Jet drawn the pole and the speedy Mufasa Metro in gate four. Queen Elida has gate five. Queen Elida will then back-up the following two weeks at Melton. She’s got the Group 1 Bill Collins Sprint on Saturday week and the Maori Miss Trotters’ free-for-all for mares on October 20. View the full article

The fall isn't really, The Fall, until Keeneland arrives. Well, get your steaming pot of burgoo ready, because it's here. Scheduled for Friday, Oct. 6, the meet's opening day at the Old Keene Farm is upon us and the 10-race card includes a trio of graded stakes which all have Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' implications. Leading off is the GII Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix S. for 3-year-olds and up going six furlongs on the Main Track. Suitors for the GI Breeders' Cup Qatar Racing Sprint include MSW Bango (Congrats) who nabbed the top morning-line at 5-2 with multiple leading rider Tyler Gaffalione in the irons. The 6-year-old is going to have to prove that he can run in graded company and away from his favorite spot at Churchill Downs. Just a few weeks ago, the Greg Foley trainee tied the record for most wins under the Twin Spires. Opposing him are a number of experienced runners with their share of stakes credentials. Multiple leading trainer Wesley Ward sends MGSP Nakatomi (Firing Line) back to a course that he loves (4-3-0-0). With Irad Ortiz aboard, the tactical 4-year-old chestnut gelding will be a tough customer down the lane. One other entrant of note is the victor from the G1 Golden Shaheen S. on Dubai World Cup Night, Sibelius (Not This Time). The 5-year-old was last seen running seventh in the GI Bing Crosby S. at Del Mar in late July and the Jeremiah O'Dwyer trainee is looking to get back on track here. “The Phoenix was the plan after the Bing Crosby because we wanted to bring him home and freshen him up and give him plenty of time between starts after all the traveling he has been doing,” O'Dwyer said. “He would have to win the Phoenix pretty impressively for me to consider sending him to the Breeders' Cup, even though that is somewhere we'd love to get to run,” O'Dwyer said. Shifting over to the Haggin Turf Course, the GII Jessamine S. offers a path to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Grass routers include Time to Dazzle (Not This Time), who broke her maiden by three lengths at first asking for Mark Casse at Woodbine in mid-September. The gray filly will face to her inside along the rail, Smooth Waves (English Channel), who won at Kentucky Downs by 9 1/4 lengths in what was her fourth maiden try Sept. 10 for trainer Mike Maker. Also not to be missed is Appellate (Constitution), who missed by a head on debut July 23 at Saratoga when she ran second to Wednesday's GII Miss Grillo S. heroine Hard to Justify (Justify). The Todd Pletcher trainee was unlucky upstate once again Sept. 3. Finally, the Friday feature is the GI Darley Alcibiades S., which pits some top 2-year-olds females against one another as they route for an opportunity to ship to the GI Breeders' Cup NetJets Juvenile Fillies. Leading the way on many a handicapper's list is the undefeated Brightwork (Outwork) from John Ortiz's shedrow. The WSS Racing-owned filly has rattled off three stakes wins in a row after breaking her maiden first out, which includes the GIII Adirondack S. and GI Spinaway S. this summer at Saratoga. Her tactical ability makes her very dangerous. Standing in her way is the impressive 8 3/4-length winner of the GIII Pocahontas S. Sept. 16 at Churchill Downs, V V's Dream (Mitole). Named a 'TDN Rising Star' after she debuted a winner back in May, the Ken McPeek trainee will look to avenge her only loss when she was beaten half a length by Brightwork in the Debutante S. at Ellis Park July 2. “I don't think she will have any trouble going 1 1/16 miles for the first time,” McPeek said about her chances in the Darley Alcibiades. “She seems to be a push-button filly, and I think the added distance will suit her even more.” Making the starting gate are several other challengers which include Alys Beach (Omaha Beach), Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}), Wine On Tap (Tapit) and Emery (More Than Ready). The post Stars Bright As Keeneland’s Fall Trumpet Sounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Tom Bagrie got a pleasant surprise when his star trotting filly Walkinonsunshine arrived in Invercargill ahead of the Southland Trotting Oaks. The Northern Oaks winner isn’t the best traveller, but that wasn’t evident when she stepped off the float on Thursday afternoon. “She can be a bit of a nervous traveller but she was really settled coming down here,” the trainer said. “I couldn’t have been happier with the way she came off the float, which is a good start.” Walkinonsunshine comes into Friday’s feature after running third behind race rival Isolate in the recent Sires Stakes Classique at Addington. Though placed at Group Three level, the filly appeared to race a touch below her best. “It is hard to be disappointed when you run third in a Group race, but we were hoping she would go a little bit better,” Bagrie said. “She burnt early and did a lot of work to get across them.” “We had a good look over her and there was nothing amiss.” “Maybe it was second-up syndrome, we have stepped her work up since then and she seems to be responding.” “We have taken her to work at the beach a few times and she has worked really nice.” Phil Williamson’s pairing of Isolate and Aroha Kenny, plus Walkinonsunshine, look like the clear top three picks in the Southland Trotting Oaks. Williamson goes into the race with full respect for Bagrie’s filly and her driver Blair Orange. The master trainer has the best of the draws with Aroha Kenny in barrier 4, inside Isolate (6) and Walkinonsunshine (7). But Williamson doesn’t see it as a huge advantage “It does look a nice draw for her, but with only seven in it, it could be a tactical wee race.” “I think Tom’s filly will be harder to beat this week.” Isolate was hugely impressive in her recent Sires Stakes Classique win. Though she was fresh up in that outing, punters shouldn’t expect her to strip a whole lot fitter on Friday. “I wouldn’t think she would be much better, she trialled well leading into her last race and I was expecting her to go very well,” Williamson said. “She is a great, big immature horse, so she is not one that will improve with racing.” “She’s a nice filly and hopefully she can go well again.” Krackaling looks to rate next best in the Southland Trotting Oaks, behind the top three picks. The Brad Williamson trained filly worked hard in the Sires Stakes Classique, before fading late. Check out our comprehensive betting guide with suggested bets for today’s NSTC Dancinginthedark Trotting Oaks Day at Ascot Park NSTC Punting Picks Race 1 Punters will be greeted by a well above average maiden line up to start the day. Following an excellent debut, where she chased a smart winner into second placing, Torquay Street rates top pick. Expect her to benefit from that first outing and be even sharper today. Stablemates Joeking and Yosemite look quite evenly matched heading into their debuts. There hasn’t been much between them in their trials and they look set to run well. Lime In A Bottle is another who has trialled well ahead of her first start, she looks right up to featuring. Selections: Torquay Street (8), Joeking (10), Lime In A Bottle (7), Yosemite (5) Suggested Bet: Torquay Street – Win NSTC Punting Picks Race 2 The timing looks to be right for the old boy Franco Huntington today. His good recent efforts have him fit and ready for a big run, while landing barrier 2 looks a key advantage for him. I’m Watching You loves this track, is racing well and should put in another honest shift. Ellz Angel doesn’t bring the best form but her last start showed enough that she can get amongst it from barrier 1. Sherwood Maggie and Chezz Dale rate next best. Selections: Franco Huntington (2), I’m Watching You (7), Ellz Angel (1), Sherwood Maggie (9) Suggested Bet: Franco Huntington – E/W NSTC Punting Picks Race 3 Win betting may not be the way to go in this race with Wayward Angel looking a standout top pick. She charged home late to run second at Winton and if she’s close enough to them today, she will be winning. Mataura B B likes to race on the pace and from a handy draw he is a key place, quinella and trifecta option alongside the favourite. A Major Starr is a must include, his latest trial on the track had real merit and he’s drawn perfectly in barrier 1. The Wulver and Judith Gwenda are also two to consider in you combo bets. Selections: Wayward Angel (6), Mataura B B (3), A Major Starr (1), Judith Gwenda (7) NSTC Punting Picks Race 4 She’s probably not one you want to have your last dollar on, but on ability Fernleigh Blackbird has to rate top pick. She’s been racing in far stronger fields recently and if she shows up with her best game she should be putting this field away. The early speed of Sagwitch puts him right in contention, expect him to be in front and giving you a good run for your money. Grinning Again has been very consistent lately an deserves respect. With A Bang clearly has the ability to win this race but he is a more risky play given he hasn’t been racing at his best lately. Selections: Fernleigh Blackbird (9), Sagwitch (8), Grinning Again (5), With A Bang (7) Suggested Bet: Sagwitch – E/W NSTC Punting Picks Race 5 With two runs under his belt, expect to see Our Pinnochio at peak fitness today. There has been merit in those two recent outings and now he lands in a very winnable race. Gift Card has taken on stronger fields than this recently and racing well, so he must be included. Dwindle Star was just fair in her last start, but much better prior to that under similar conditions to this race, don’t drop her. Steve’s formline has been great recently, expect another bold effort from her. Selections: Our Pinocchio (8), Gift Card (7), Dwindle Star (5), Steve (4) Suggested Bet: Our Pinocchio – E/W NSTC Punting Picks Race 6 The draw for today’s feature race looks a key form factor and it has clearly fallen the way of Aroha Kenny. She’s a brilliant beginner and a quality filly, so expect her to be right on the speed giving you a great run for your money. Isolate was very impressive in her first start of the spring, she’s a big winning threat. As is Walkinonsunshine, she was beaten in her last start but expect her to run a bigger race today. Krackaling rates behind the top three picks and is one you must consider in Trifecta and First4 bets. Selections: Aroha Kenny (4), Isolate (6), Walkinonsunshine (7), Krackaling (5) Suggested Bet: Aroha Kenny – E/W NSTC Punting Picks Race 7 There is plenty of talent to choose from in a cracking finale to today’s programme. An epic comeback story could play out with U May Cullect looking well placed in this race. Though there are plenty of queries around him given he’s been away from racing for such a long time, his fresh up run in the Hannon hinted he can win this race. Miki Knows deserves big respect, he ran an excellent race fresh up and he should strip fitter and be right amongst it. Street Art defeated Miki Knows at this track recently, he has strong winning hopes with the only question mark being how he will handle today’s standing start. Joes Rock is a quality performer who has trialled well ahead of her return, don’t underrate her. Selections: U May Cullect (8), Miki Knows (6), Street Art (4), Joes Rock (7) Suggested Bet: Miki Knows – E/W View the full article

McKulick provides trainer Chad Brown's best chance at extending his success in the Waya Stakes. Brown has won four in a row and six of the last eight editions. The two that he didn't win—2018 and 2019—he didn't have a runner entered.View the full article

Two assistants to a pair of already-convicted Standardbred trainers in the 2020 racehorse doping conspiracy scandal avoided prison terms beyond their time already served on Wednesday when a judge in United States District Court (Southern District of New York) sentenced them each to two years of supervised release and joint responsibility for monetary penalties. Both had cooperated with authorities in obtaining the convictions of others in the network, according to court documents. Conor Flynn, who worked for the former trainer Richard Banca, pleaded guilty to one felony count of drug alteration and misbranding conspiracy, with two similar felony charges against him dropped, according to the court docket. Brandon Simpson, who worked for the former trainer Renee Allard, pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to defraud the U.S. via drug alteration and misbranding conspiracy, the docket stated. According to a pre-sentencing report filed by his counsel, Flynn “timely accepted full responsibility for his ill-advised actions in a horse doping scheme organized by his then-employer and direct supervisor, Richard Banca [and] Dr. Louis Grasso, a licensed veterinarian who treated horses trained by Banca. “Although Conor participated in the scheme, he played a minor role. Conor did not devise the scheme. Conor did not profit from the scheme, did not expect to profit from the scheme, and did not receive a raise or bonus in exchange for his participation in the scheme,” Flynn's court filing continued. “Squarely put, Conor, an unsophisticated young man with only a high school diploma, who desperately wanted to move up into Banca and Dr. Grasso's prominent horse racing circle, simply got caught up in Banca and Dr. Grasso's culture of misdeeds, ill-gotten power, and greed.” According to a pre-sentence report filed by his counsel, Simpson admitted that he “assisted Mr. Allard in administering performance-enhancing drugs on a day of a race to enhance a horses race performance. In addition, Mr. Simpson also assisted in obtaining prescription drugs that were obtained without valid prescriptions, and those drugs were administered to racehorses in violation of the applicable racing rules and regulations. “Significantly, Mr. Simpson does not hide from his illegal conduct. In fact, it is quite the opposite,” Simpson's court filing continued. “Mr. Simpson, after being contacted by authorities, agreed to cooperate with federal agents and prosecutors in an attempt to assist them in their efforts against other individuals and he did so knowing that it was the right thing to do in order to help in some way to right his wrongful behavior.” The judgment on the court docket stated that Flynn must pay $16,220,794 in restitution that is “joint and several” with Bianca and a $129,975 forfeiture that is “joint and several” with Grasso. Simpson's judgment stated that he must pay $31,435,782 restitution that is “joint and several” with Grasso and a $628,553 forfeiture that is “joint and several” with Allard. Grasso in 2022 got sentenced to 50 months in federal prison. Banca was sentenced to 30 months. Allard got 27 months. The post Assistants to Convicted Harness Trainers Avoid Prison in 2020 Doping Conspiracy Sentencings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Jena Antonucci oversaw Belmont Stakes (G1) and Travers Stakes (G1) winner Arcangelo as he posted his first breeze at Santa Anita Park Oct. 5, covering five furlongs in 1:02 1/5 on a fast main track.View the full article

Wertheimer and Frere will add two new trainers to its team this year in the form of Yann Barberot in Deauville and Christopher Head in Chantilly, their manager Pierre-Yves Bureau told the Jour de Galop on Thursday. The two have enjoyed success on French and European racecourses this past season. Their addition to the training ranks comes after the brothers' addition of the Wildenstein Family's Dayton Investments bloodstock portfolio this past August. Bureau also told the JDG that they would be retaining their existing trainers; Andre Fabre, who currently has 22 horses for them at Chantilly; Christophe Ferland, 31 at Chantilly; Carlos Laffon-Parias, also 31 at Chantilly; and Edouard Montfort, with nine at Luche-Pringe, according to the JDG. The 2022 yearlings are expected to join their trainers' strings next week, the JDG reports. The post New Trainers For Wertheimer Et Frere appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Betty McCue has been selected as the winner of the Maryland Million 2023 Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award. Presented by the Board of Directors of Maryland Million Ltd, the award honors the memory of Maryland Million publicist Joe Kelly and celebrates important characteristics that are valuable, but sometimes go overlooked. McCue runs EHM Stables with her sister, Evelyn Martin, offering lessons, boarding, lay-ups, sales and leases. In addition, McCue is very active in pony racing. She maintains a large stable of ponies and is an avid participant in the U.S. Pony Racing meets held throughout the year in the Mid-Atlantic. McCue will be honored at this year's Jim McKay Maryland Million, which will take place at Laurel Park Oct. 14. The post 2023 Joe Kelly Unsung Hero Award to Betty McCue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Owner Mike Repole was brimming with enthusiasm heading into Travers Stakes (G1) weekend, eager as could be to see his champions Forte and Nest race. View the full article

By Emma Berry and Brian Sheerin NEWMARKET, UK–A Frankel (GB) filly out of the brilliant G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Millisle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) provided a sprinkling of stardust on the final day of the Tattersalls Book 1 October Yearling Sale when selling to Shadwell for 1.6 million gns. Sheikha Hissa has been a notable presence on the sales ground all week and, according to Shadwell's racing manager Angus Gold, it was her determination that helped see off the attention of underbidder Kieran Lalor for the first foal out of the former Jessica Harrington-trained star. That result brought Shadwell's haul of fillies to seven and pushed the operation's total spend to 3.66 million gns this week. Gold said of the filly bred by Stonethorn Stud Farm, “Sheikha Hissa absolutely loved her when she saw her. I said she's probably going to make a lot of money and she said, 'well, we need fillies for the stud.' “A first foal out of the Cheveley Park winner by one of the world's great stallions, it's sort of self-explanatory. She seemed very athletic and had a very good mind for a Frankel. A very well-balanced filly.” He added, “I thought she'd make a million and two, probably a million and three. We were determined to buy her and there is obviously a period of rebuilding. It's a long-term project for Sheikha Hissa. It's exciting times for the stud but obviously you need to keep regenerating. Shadwell did not add any colts to the team this week but that's not to say that the major owner-breeders would be against the idea with Gold going on to reveal that there is a possibility that Shadwell will be active at next week's Book 2 sessions. He said, “Obviously we'll be looking. The concentration has been fillies but we will see what Sheikha Hissa wants to do.” The day-three topper was consigned by Watership Down Stud, who also sold a Dubawi (Ire) filly to Shadwell earlier this week for 450,000gns. Watership Down's Simon Marsh said, “This is a real reward for the breeder who has been with us for about 15 years. The filly was born and raised on our farm in Ireland at Kiltinan Castle Stud and it was a great result all round. “It's wonderful for Sheikh Hissa and it's great to see the success of Shadwell since the very sad passing of Sheikh Hamdan. It's a great testament to him to see what's been happening on the racecourse. and it's wonderful to see her wanting to buy lovely fillies to put into the broodmare band in the future.” The filly was the sole millionaire offering of the final session, with the trade lagging some way behind the record figures of 2022. The deficit was acknowledged by Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony in his closing statement. He said, “Book 1 of last year's Tattersalls October Yearling Sale produced some outlandish figures which will most likely remain in the record books for many years to come, and it is no surprise that this year's renewal has not matched the extraordinary 2022 returns which saw a year on year rise in turnover of almost 40 million guineas. “Nevertheless, Europe's premier yearling sale has enjoyed plenty of memorable moments, very much reflecting the quality of the yearlings which have been on show throughout the past three days.” Cumani: 'We Owe That Family a Hell of a Lot' The last Frankel (GB) colt in the sale, lot 493, from the Cumani family's terrific Souk (Ire) dynasty, lifted the spirits as the afternoon drew to a close when joining the list of Coolmore's purchases this week at 950,000gns. Last year the Cumanis' Fittocks Stud sold Euphoric (GB) (Frankel {GB}) to MV Magnier and White Birch Farm for 1.9 million gns, and he timed his run rather well to score on debut at Navan on Wednesday. So it was back to a trusted source, and in fact as association that stretches back at least 24 years to when the Coolmore team bought the a Sadler's Wells colt for 650,000gns at the Houghton Sale for 650,000gns and named him Milan (GB) after the birthplace of his breeder Luca Cumani. As a St Leger winner and a leading National Hunt sire for Coolmore, he served his owners well. In the case of the team's latest purchase, a decent update could be in the offing, because John and Thady Gosden think enough of the Frankel colt's three-year-old half-sister Naaey (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) to be planning entering her in the G2 Pride S. in the coming weeks. The dam Materialistic (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) won twice and was Listed-placed for Cumani in his training days. Now 10, she is a great-grand-daughter of the Fittocks foundation mare Souk, who was herself by Ahonoora (GB). “From the moment he was born he was strong,” said Cumani of the yearling. “Obviously yesterday's result helped, and we have to thank the Juddmonte team, as they were underbidders and without them we wouldn't have got this far.” His wife Sara added, “It'll be great for all the guys at the farm as it's not been the easiest sale. [The market has been] up and down. We sold one for more than we expected, four for less than we expected and two we took home. Anything that is bred to look like a mile-and-a-half horse they didn't seem to be excited about. But this was a great result and we are grateful to the people who support us and grateful to the people who work with us.” Materialistic is now back in foal to Frankel, having lost an earlier colt by him as a weanling, and she has a colt foal by Wootton Bassett (GB). Luca Cumani added, “We'd like to thank Coolmore very much. They have been great supporters of ours, especially this year and last year. “I bought Souk as a yearling in Goffs for Ir£100,000, which was a lot of money in those days, and I got home and got quite a bollocking. I'm glad it has worked out okay. [Her grand-daughter] Platonic, who struggled to win, and finally won as a four-year-old in the French provinces, we sold for 100,000gns, and look what she has produced. It is a great family. We owe that family a hell of a lot.” Talking Points Edmond Mahony highlighted a “selectivity to the market”, and that is reflected in the figures for Book 1. The final day's trade dipped by 35% year-on-year to 29,158,000gns, with the median being the lowest of the week at 155,000gns (-35%) and the average at 219,233gns (-32%). Across the three days, the aggregate was down to 95,395,000gns (-25%), which was still up on the 'Covid years' of 2020 and 2021 and just beneath the preceding three years when the turnover passed 100 million gns. From 470 yearlings offered, 391 were marked as sold, to give a clearance rate of 83% (-5%) The median price for the three days was 180,000gns (-10%) and the average was 243,997gns (-18%). The trade at last year's Book 1 reached record levels, but it is worth reflecting that more than 10 million gns of that was attributed to yearlings 'bought' by Saleh Al Homaizi which ultimately had to be reoffered after payment wasn't forthcoming. Another 2.7 million gns was spent by John Dance of Manor House Farm, who has not been active in the yearling market this season since Dance's business affairs came under investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority earlier this year. On the other hand, Richard Knight, who last year signed for the yearlings on Al Homaizi's list, is now acting on behalf of a new name on the buyers' sheet, the Saudi Arabia-based Al Salhia Stud, which is owned by Mohammed Saleh Bin Laden. Al Salhia Stud, which has previously been involved in Arab racing, is now branching out into Thoroughbreds and was active at Arqana in August. Through Book 1, the operation bought 10 yearlings for a total of 2,555,000gns. Though Godolphin was still a significant presence as the leading buyer, with 20 horses bought for just north of 12 million gns, even this expenditure pales next to last year's outlay of 25.3 million gns for 35 Book 1 yearlings. Rabbah Bloodstock, too, spent 1.5 million gns at last year's sale but was absent from the buyers' list this week. Tom Goff and Richard Brown buy for a range of clients, and their Blandford Bloodstock was the second-leading buyer at Book 1, with 25 yearlings signed for at a total outlay of 8.1 million gns. Brown has been the main buyer of horses in training for Wathnan Racing, owned by the Emir of Qatar, and a new name in the owner ranks in recent seasons. Though no confirmation was given of any yearling purchases for the operation, it is fair to assume that some of those bought under the Blandford banner may be seen racing in the Wathnan colours in the future. For the sixth year in a row, Graham Smith-Bernal's Newsells Park Stud topped the Book 1 consignors' list with 25 sold for a total of 10,565,000gns. There were also noteworthy results from the select drafts of Anthony Oppenheimer's Hascombe & Valiant Stud, which sold six yearlings at an average of 554,167gns, including the overall top lot, and for Paul and Marie McCartan's Ballyphilip Stud, which averaged 504,000gns for five sold. Frankel was responsible for the most expensive colt and filly in the sale, and two of the seven yearlings to have sold for a million or more. That number of seven-figure lots was down from 16 last year. Twelve late withdrawals on the day from the final session tells its own tale of how some vendors viewed the dip in trade on Thursday. Another Gem for Grangemore Grangemore Stud's full-sister to the Group 2 winners Charyn (Ire) and Wings Of War (Ire), both by Dark Angel (Ire), will join her brother Charyn in the ownership of Nurlan Bizakov, who, under his Sumbe banner, when to 850,000gns for the daughter of the 10-year-old mare Futoon (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). Grangemore owner Guy O'Callaghan bought Futoon in partnership with his brother David for 100,000gns, and she has more that repaid that outlay, with her repeat matings with Yeomanstown Stud's Dark Angel having produced those two black-type winners from as many foals of racing age. O'Callaghan said of the yearling filly [lot 376], “She's always been a spectacular filly at home. I'm thrilled with the price she made and the home she's going to. We had to come over to the sales a day early with the storm last week, so she's been here nine days and she's not put a foot wrong. It's a lot for a yearling to take and she's been a class act. They're all so great out of the mare but she was probably the best of them.” Futoon, who was placed multiple times at Listed level, is from the family of the G2 Mill Reef S. winner Galeota (Ire) and of the Group 3-winning siblings Burnt Sugar (Ire) and Brown Sugar (Ire). O'Callaghan added, “My brother David and I bought the mare here as a four-year-old from Steven Hillen and Kevin Ryan. We were following her as a racehorse and she's been very lucky for us ever since. It's a real fast, tough family. There was a good Dark Angel in the family already, and she just made so much sense.” Along with Nurlan Bizakov, major owner-breeder operations Cheveley Park Stud, Shadwell and Al Shira'aa Farms were also among those to have selected well-bred fillies on the final day of Book 1. On Shadwell's behalf, Angus Gold went to 575,000gns for lot 427, Meon Valley Stud's daughter of Sea The Moon (Ger) and Group 2 winner Jazzi Top (GB) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), whose second and third dams, Zee Zee Top (GB) (Zafonic) and Colorspin (Fr) (High Top {GB}) are both Group 1 winners. Kieran Lalor picked up another smart filly for Al Shira'aa in lot 393, a Siyouni (Fr) half-sister to Al Husn (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won the G1 Nassau S. after publication of the catalogue. Shadwell were under-bidders on the filly, having sold her dam Hadaatha (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) to David Nagle of Barronstown Stud for 400,000gns when she was in foal to Siyouni in 2021. Bennett's Merry Week Craig Bennett of Merry Fox Stud signed off on a good week of selling alongside Newsells Park Stud when Godolphin went to 800,000gns to secure his Dubawi filly out of Luminate (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}). Along with Newsells Park, Bennett brought four yearlings to the market this week and sold all four, with the owner-breeder describing himself as happy with the business conducted at Tattersalls. He said, “Great week-I sold four out of four. Going home now! The first mare we bought in partnership with Newsells was Luminate. She is clearly a lovely-walking mare and she passes that walk on. This is the first one we have brought to market and got very well paid to go to a good home. It's a great cross and the Rainbow Quest in the second generation really suits the sire, particularly for fillies, so I think they have got a very good chance of her being a very good racehorse. The mare is in foal to Lope De Vega, carrying a filly, and we are just working out mating plans for next year.” Market View There were plenty of positives to take from Book 1, the highest-priced yearling sold in Europe this year being one of them, but there were just seven lots all told to break the million gns throughout the three days. Unlike the Orby Sale at Goffs, where well-bred fillies led the way, the majority of the big-ticket horses sold at Tattersalls this week were colts. Kieran Lalor, who buys on behalf of major owner-breeder Al Shira'aa Farms, cut the image of a frustrated figure on Thursday when sharing his feeling that the well-bred colts matched up better physically than the fillies this week. That played out in the results and Al Shira'aa signed for four yearlings–two fillies and two colts–in what was at times a patchy sale. Bloodstock agent Mark McStay shared that while he felt the top end of the market remained strong at Tattersalls this week, the middle tiers were difficult at times. In other words, the recession-proof buyers were there, but in reflection of what is going on in the wider world outside racing, the middle market has taken somewhat of a dent. He explained, “Like every sale that I have attended for the past number of years, for the very good stock, the trade is highly competitive. Underneath that top level, business is being done but it can be sticky in patches. “The standard of horses has been high and all of the big players are here. What we have seen play out this week is probably a fair reflection of the worldwide bloodstock market.” He added, “Some people who have been active here in the past number of years haven't appeared but, then again, some of the bigger players, the likes of Sheikh Mohammed, have participated stronger than ever.” A much clearer picture will be painted on the middle market, according to McStay, after Books 2, 3 and 4 take place at Tattersalls next week. He continued, “I am very happy with how my week went. We bought some nice horses and, while we weren't in the big league, I'm happy and am looking forward to Book 2 and onwards. Next week will be telling and it will be interesting to see what trainers have orders.” Edmond Mahony concluded his own assessment of the market in a philosophical fashion. He commented, “Year on year the consignors show enormous faith in Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale with the sale showcasing the very best that Europe has to offer, and yet again we have seen so many of the world's leading owners competing for the finest turf-bred yearlings to be found anywhere in the world. “Amongst them have been a greater number of yearlings selling for one million guineas or more than all other European yearling sales combined, Europe's highest-priced yearling yet again, and 40 yearlings selling for in excess of 500,000gns which similarly is more than all other European yearlings sales to date this year. “As ever Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale has attracted buyers from throughout the world, so many of them drawn annually to Park Paddocks by the consistent success of Book 1 horses at the highest level on the global stage. In the course of the past three days buyers from Abu Dhabi, Australia, Bahrain, China, Dubai, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the USA have all made significant contributions at all levels of the market confirming the unparalleled esteem in which the finest European yearlings are held and specifically those found annually at this particular sale. This is a sale that produces stallions and breed-shaping broodmares on an annual basis and it is the sale's unrivalled reputation which annually makes this fixture an unmissable event for so many of the most influential thoroughbred owners in the world.” He added, “Amongst the success stories and numerous pinhooking triumphs, there has nevertheless been a selectivity to the market which we must recognise. Last year's game-changing October Book 1 was always going to be a challenging target, and so it has proved with the sale turnover some way short of the massive 2022 total, but the median has held up well, second only to last year's record level, the average of almost 250,000gns is an impressive figure, and the clearance rate in excess of 80% is a solid number. We extend our gratitude as ever to the consignors and purchasers alike whose support is what makes Newmarket and Tattersalls a true hub for the European bloodstock industry and we look forward to seeing this year's crop of October Book 1 yearlings competing globally at the highest level as well as earning their owners in Britain and Ireland yet more lucrative £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonuses.” The post Frankel On Top Again as Book 1 Figures Take a Dip appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association announced Oct. 5 a substantial increase in awards paid to Florida breeders and stallion owners for 2024 through their Annual Awards Plan approved Thursday.View the full article

Thunderstorms and heat waves contributed to a nearly 6.7% drop in U.S. wagering and a 6.8% decline in race days.View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, a four-time winner of the Frizette Stakes (G1), pursues a fifth when he runs Repole Stable's Life Talk in the $400,000 race at Aqueduct Racetrack Oct. 7.View the full article

Westover has been retired after suffering a career-ending injury when second in the Oct. 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1).View the full article

Max Player (Honor Code–Fools in Love, by Not For Love), winner of the 2021 GI Jockey Club Gold Cup S., has been retired and will stand the 2024 breeding season at Annestes Farms in Middletown, New Jersey. “After an impressive career on the racetrack, we are excited about his prospects as a sire,” majority owner and New Jersey resident George Hall said. Max Player's resume also includes wins in the 2021 GII Suburban S. and 2020 GIII Withers S. and third-place finishes in the 2020 GI Belmont S. and GI Runhappy Travers S. Max Player, a $150,000 KEESEP RNA, posted a career record of 16-4-1-2 and earnings of $1,551,266. Annestes Farms is hosting a meet and greet for breeders on Oct. 10 between noon and 6 p.m. The post Max Player to Stand at Annestes Farms in New Jersey appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin The spring of the punter’s warnings continues at Alexandra Park tonight and this time the flashing light sits atop of speed sensation Old Town Road. The hype horse of last spring went on to show his open class worth at the New Zealand Cup carnival and finish second on the $1million Race by Grins but hasn’t raced since finishing fifth in the Auckland Cup in May. With many of our best pacers returning later in the year because they are now expected to race through until May they are tending to be vulnerable to fitter rivals who have been out and about earlier trying to get money before the big boys divide up the major races. That has seen the trainers of horses like Copy That, Self Assured, Akuta, Don’t Stop Dreaming and even exceptional trotter Muscle Mountain warn punters they were vulnerable fresh-up and true to their words they have all been beaten by fitter rivals in the last month. Trainer John Dickie expects that could happen again when Old Town Road contests the Kerry Hoggard Memorial at Alexandra Park tonight. “He is actually worse off than most of them as he had a small issue in his paddock when spelling so has come back a bit bigger than I would have liked,” says Dickie. “He has been good at the workouts the last two weekends but he peaked on his run last Friday there and he is going to improve a lot with this run. “I don’t think he is ready to head off around them mid-race so he will be driven for speed, which he has plenty of, but he will need a lot of luck to win.” The race has changed complexion enormously with the scratching of Copy That, with the two-time New Zealand Cup winner injured and out for the spring and summer, with Old Town Road now maybe the best pacer in the north. The question will be whether he can still win when underdone or whether a freegoer like Fernleigh Cash gets too easy a time in front and/or whether Nicholas Cage can handle the standing start better and try for the same. The race after Old Town Road returns wonderful trotter Bolt For Brilliance does the same and he might be able to overcome his 50m back mark. Trainer-driver Tony Herlihy is confident he is ready enough to latch on to the back of key rival All Cashed Up (40m) and follow him into the race so he could break the run of outs for many of our returning stars this spring providing those on the front line don’t trot 3:30 or quicker. View the full article

2nd-KEE, $100K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:32 p.m. Drawn inside facing a field of 12, ROYAL SLIPPER (Uncle Mo) for Wesley Ward is out of $1.5m Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale pick up Laffina (Arch), making her a full-sister to MGISW and $4.2m FTKNOV purchase Bast. The dam is a half to GSW/GISP Mananan Mclir (Royal Academy) and to the dam of GISW Fault (Blame), another FTKNOV spotlight at $1.2m. Lady Chai (Kantharos), a $570,000 Keeneland September buy, is a half-sister to GSW/GISP Shivaji (First Samurai) and to SW/MGISP Tarabi (First Samuari). Cherie Devaux trains for an ownership group that includes CHC INC., Hinkle Farms, David Ingordo and LBD Stable LLC. Making her second start is $1,000,000 FTSAUG yearling Charlottesapproval (Into Mischief) who needs to improve in this spot after a well-beaten eighth on debut at Ellis Park Aug. 18. TJCIS PPS 7th-BAQ, $90K, Msw, 2yo, 1m, 3:48 p.m. In a race redrawn from last Friday's rain out, Digital Ops (Nyquist) is the second foal out of MSW/GISP Flora Dora (First Dude). Picked up on a final bid of $600,000 at this Spring's OBS March sale, the colt is a half-brother to 'TDN Rising Star' Spun Intended (Hard Spun). Drawn outside is fellow first timer and stablemate Unique Insight (Gun Runner). This one, a $360,000 Fasig-Tipton October pickup by Klaravich Stables, is a half to runaway Albany S. winner Drake's Passage (Tonalist). To graduate, that pair will have to face a trio of salty second-time starters paced by the half-brother to Cody's Wish (Curlin) in Hunt Ball (Into Mischief). The Bill Mott trainee and Godolphin homebred stayed on to be second in his Saratoga debut Aug. 19 behind next-out GIII Iroquois S. runner up Risk It (Gun Runner). Enlighten (City of Light), a $450,000 yearling, finished the best of the debuting runners in his own Saratoga race Sept. 2 but was ultimately fourth through a speedy seven furlongs. Arguably the best-bred colt of the bunch, Pentathlon (Speightstown) adds blinkers for his second start after managing sixth behind Just Steel (Justify) and 'TDN Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) at the Spa Aug. 5. The Phipps Stable-bred counts MGISW My Flag as his third dam with family members such as champion 2-year-old filly Storm Flag Flying (Storm Cat). TJCIS PPS The post Friday Insights: Maiden Fillies Kick Off Keeneland Opening Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The post The Lexington Dressage Company appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The post Goat Mascots appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots has announced that 73 stakes worth a combined $9.7 million will be offered during the 76-day 2023-24 Thoroughbred meet. The stakes purses count base purse funds for hosting the Claiming Crown.View the full article