Wandering Eyes

In a stylistically similar effort to her maiden score, 'TDN Rising Star' Himika (Curlin) rolled away from her rivals to win the GIII Sorrento Stakes and collect her career first black-type. A $900,000 purchase by Baoma Corp. at the OBS April sale this spring, the Bob Baffert runner easily handled a maiden field June 12 at this venue by six lengths to earn the stamp of approval from the TDN, and was made the overwhelming 1-5 favorite for this stakes debut. Breaking well but outrun early from the rail, she had to be asked to improve her position and she did so willingly from between runners. Weaving into clear sailing after an opening quarter in :22.11, Himika was the leader entering the top of the stretch and only expanded her advantage from there to win in hand. Mo' Em Down (Caracaro) was a long way back in second while Thank You India (Practical Joke) ran third. Sunday, Del Mar SORRENTO S.-GIII, $150,500, Del Mar, 8-10, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.61, ft. 1–HIMIKA, 120, f, 2, by Curlin 1st Dam: Motivated Seller (SP, $157,400), by Into Mischief 2nd Dam: Coup, by Empire Maker 3rd Dam: French Lady (Nz), by Entrepreneur (GB) 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. 'TDN Rising Star'. ($900,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR). O-Baoma Corp; B-Klaravich Stables Inc. (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Juan J. Hernandez. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $126,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Mo' Em Down, 123, f, 2, Caracaro–Welcome Aboard, by Rock Hard Ten. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($40,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Altamira Racing Stable, Tom Kagele and Ernest Marchosky; B-Pope McLean, Marc McLean & Pope McLean Jr. (KY); T-Peter Miller. $30,000. 3–Thank You India, 118, f, 2, Practical Joke–Flame Mingo, by Blame. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($70,000 Ylg '24 FTKOCT; $140,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR). O-Michael Jawl; B-Burger Racing Stables LLC (KY); T-Andy Mathis. $18,000. Margins: 4 1/4, 3 1/4, 3HF. Odds: 0.20, 4.00, 21.80. Also Ran: My Kat, Stuffy Mist, Dreaming of Alys. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. HIMIKA ($2.40) is 2 for 2 after her impressive victory in the $150,000 Sorrento Stakes (G3) at @DelMarRacing. @JJHernandezS19 was aboard the 2YO daughter of Curlin. Congratulations to trainer @BobBaffert and owner @BaomaCorp. Bet Del Mar with @FanDuel Racing. pic.twitter.com/zIanyUqkeR — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 10, 2025 The post Curlin’s Himika Effortless in Sorrento Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chopsticks became the first black-type winner for Godolphin's homebred sire Essential Quality when the 2-year-old filly won the $200,000 Debutante Stakes Aug. 10 at Ellis Park. View the full article

Godolphin's homebred and two-time Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) winner Rebel's Romance secured his eighth group 1 win in the Grosser Preis von Berlin (G1) at Hoopegarten Aug. 10. View the full article

Juddmonte's Spiced Up took advantage of a quick early pace to close from well off of it and take Sunday's Saratoga feature, the GIII Mahony Stakes. Given a 9-2 chance with Junior Alvarado in the saddle, the sophomore was settled back early as Ortley Avenue (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) and Gabaldon (Gone Astray) exchanged blows up front, carving out a crisp opening quarter in :21.15. Still several lengths to make up through a half in :43.71, the bay seemingly had a lot left to do straightening for home. Rallying with purpose down the lane, the son of Quality Road got up in the final strides to best 1-2 favorite Governor Sam by two lengths. No Evidence rounded out the trifecta. “The horse broke very well,” said Alvarado. “I was thinking to be a little more forwardly placed, but I guess they went very quick. I thought I was a little farther back than I wanted to be, but they were moving along pretty quick.” He added, “When I hit the five-sixteenths pole, I thought that I could feel the horses coming back to me, and my horse was picking it up at that time. I knew I had a good chance, so I had to make sure to tip out all the way to the clear to give him a clear run, and he finished up very strong.” Fifth in his career debut going 5 1/2 panels over the Churchill dirt last September, the bay returned to finish fourth sprinting in the slop there Nov. 14. Shelved for the remainder of the season, the homebred kicked off his 3-year-old campaign with a confident score going six furlongs over the Big A turf June 20. “We were thinking about that last year,” said winning trainer Bill Mott. “Most of the babies, I went through a stage last year where I wanted to try everything on the dirt. We got a couple races on the dirt and then we had to stop on him–forced to stop on him, to give him a little time and the decision was made to bring him back on the turf this year. He's halfway bred for it.” He added, “Visually, for me, he finished good [on turf] where on the dirt he was showing a lot of speed, and he wasn't finishing. Going six furlongs on the dirt, at the eighth pole he was kind of folding it up. But, if they like the grass, it will carry them.” Asked what's next for the Lightly-raced colt, Mott said, “The plan is to go to Kentucky Downs. The reason we jumped over a condition race is to see if we could get him eligible to go to Kentucky Downs –there's a $2 million race.” Pedigree Notes: Spiced Up, the 47th group/graded winner for sire Quality Road, boasts a deep female family, courtesy of her dam Cardamon (Pioneer of the Mile), also bred and raced by Juddmonte and trained by Bill Mott. Herself a daughter of Juddmonte's Soothing Touch, Cardamon is a half-sister to Juddmonte's MGISW Emollient (Empire Maker)–dam of Group 2 scorer Raclette (GB) (Frankel {GB})–and MGISP Hofburg (Tapit). Also under the second dam, Calm Water (Empire Maker) is responsible for G1 Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River (Into Mischief). This represents the extended family of French highweights Coup de Genie (Mr. Prospector) (fourth dam) and her daughter Denebola (Storm Cat). Cardamon has an unraced juvenile full-sister to Spiced Up and a yearling 1/2-sister by Into Mischief. Earlier this season, she produced a colt by Flightline and was bred back to that Horse of the Year. Sunday, Saratoga MAHONY S.-GIII, $175,000, Saratoga, 8-10, 3yo, 5 1/2fT, 1:01.22, fm. 1–SPICED UP, 118, c, 3, by Quality Road 1st Dam: Cardamon, by Pioneerof the Nile 2nd Dam: Soothing Touch, by Touch Gold 3rd Dam: Glia, by A.P. Indy 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-William I. Mott; J-Junior Alvarado. $96,250. Lifetime Record: 4-2-0-0, $152,600. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Governor Sam, 122, c, 3, Improbable–I'm Betty G, by Into Mischief. ($50,000 Ylg '23 FTKOCT; $275,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-Bregman Family Racing LLC and Swinbank Stables, LLC; B-Stoneriggs Farm (KY); T-George Weaver. $35,000. 3–No Evidence, 118, c, 3, Vekoma–Hidden Facts, by The Factor. ($100,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $225,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $325,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, R. Hill Stable and Brandon M. Dalinka; B-Haymarket Farm LLC (KY); T-Miguel Clement. $21,000. Margins: 1 1/4, HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 4.50, 0.55, 23.40. Also Ran: Innovator, Gabaldon, Ancient World, Ortley Avenue (Ire), Jet Sweep Joe. Scratched: Saturday Flirt. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Spiced Up passes the graded stakes test in the G3 Mahony at Saratoga! @juniorandkellya piloted the 3YO colt for trainer Bill Mott and @JuddmonteFarms! pic.twitter.com/xMqBYVUT4d — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 10, 2025 The post Quality Road’s Spiced Up Flies Late to Take Mahony appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After running headlong into 'TDN Rising Star' Brant (Gun Runner) in their mutual unveiling July 26, Balboa (Not This Time–Tap of War, by War Front) had his time in the California sun in Sunday's opener at Del Mar and earned his own 'Rising Star' honors while he was at it. A distant third in the aforementioned debut, he was bet to 1-2 favoritism here and did not disappoint. Riding the rail as he dominated the tempo through :22.03 and a half in :45.29, the race was over at the top of the lane when Juan Hernandez cut his mount loose and the question became how much he fancied winning by as the margin grew. His stablemate Huber (Omaha Beach) was a well-beaten second. The victor is out of a full-sister to GI Fourstardave hero Halladay (War Front). Sales history: $875,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine; B-Albaugh Family Stables (KY); T-Bob Baffert. BALBOA ($3.00) breaks his maiden in the @DelMarRacing opener and @BobBaffert gets the Exacta. @JJHernandezS19 was aboard this 2YO son of Not This Time (@TMStallions). Congratulations to the connections. @MadaketStables @StarlightRacing Bet Del Mar https://t.co/kxLtjbx3tn pic.twitter.com/LpC0zAKv01 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 10, 2025 The post Not This Time’s Balboa Earns His ‘Rising Star’ Seal in Del Mar Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS – About 15 minutes after Final Score (Not This Time) won Saratoga's fourth race–a $100,000 maiden special weight–Avery Johnson, who made his bones in another sport, cackled up in the clubhouse. He had just been part of the entourage of owner Mike Repole, who owns Final Score, a 1 3/4-length winner in the 1 1/16-mile test on the Inner Turf course. Repole is famous for massive winner's circle pictures, but the big dog wasn't in town Sunday, so the group was much more manageable. Johnson, 60, who spent 16 years in the National Basketball Association, was part of that smiling cluster. He does not own any horses himself, but he knows Repole, knows him well. He pulled out his phone to prove it. Johnson had just done an interview, along with winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., with NYRA TV analyst Maggie Wolfendale and had retreated out of the hot sun. Repole had already sent him images off the television feed of his chit-chat with Wolfendale. Johnson smiled some more. “He is texting me right now,” he said. “He said 'great interview.” The friendship the two share goes back to 2010 when he was coaching in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets. “We became friends, and our families have been close ever since then,” Johnson said. “He has been very supportive of my two adult children. We have been to the Breeders' Cup together, the Kentucky Derby, Gulfstream, Aqueduct, Belmont–before it was closed–and here in Saratoga.” Final Score–an apt name for a basketball guy–gave trainer Todd Pletcher his eighth victory in the maiden special weights. He started his career with a second-place finish to stablemate Malus (Into Mischief), who beat him by three lengths here on July 13 in a race originally scheduled for turf but moved to the main. “He showed a little bit of speed going 5 1/2 (in the debut) and we anticipated going long he would be close,” Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, who won his eighth top level maiden special weight race of the meet, said. “You never know in these baby races. You may or may not have the lead. It worked out really nicely and he got a very comfortable pace up front.” Final Score | Sarah Andrew Final Score broke to the lead and Ortiz was able to get soft early fractions (24.61, 50.88, 1:16.61) and Final Score had more than enough left for the run to the wire. The 9-5 favorite was too good for runner-up Heeere's Johnny (Oscar Performance), the 5-2 second choice. He was timed in 1:45.48 and paid $5.60, $3.50 and $2.80. Final Score had never trained on the grass before, but Pletcher thought he would take to it. His breeding suggested it he would. Repole bought the colt at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale for $600,000. Johnson, who calls Dallas home now, said he will be in Saratoga for the next three weeks. He doesn't own any horses but said he grew up with a fascination for the sport. His father was a fan. “Instead of throwing the football with my dad, we went to the horse races,” he said. “I have been going to the horse race tracks for 50 years. I know how to read a racing form, Up and down. I have fun with it.” This year was the 15th that he and his wife Cassandra attended the GI Kentucky Derby. Johnson has also been a Breeders' Cup Ambassador for 10 years. His “day” job also includes being an NBA and college basketball analyst for CBS Sports. He is also the CEO of Avery Capital, a commercial real estate private equity fund. He stays busy enough, but also finds time to be involved in racing. Maybe one day he will have his own horses. For now, it's ok to tag along with the Repole crew. “We are out early in the morning watching the horses work out,” Johnson said. “I get out with my coffee at 5 in the morning. I will go to Todd's barn and hang out with him. The way people use golf for building relationships and building their business, I use horse racing.” The post Saratoga Maidens, Presented by Keeneland: Repole’s Pal Part of the Entourage After Final Score’s Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This day 11th August in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Shelley Wright kicks off season on winning note at Te Rapa Shelley Wright was rapt to kick off her season on a winning note at Te Rapa on Saturday, courtesy of … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Muswellbrook free racing preview & quaddie tips | August 12, 2024 Racing heads to Muswellbrook for a seven-race card on August 12, 2024. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview of the meeting … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Bill Thurlow claims training double at Woodville Bill Thurlow’s top performers are still waiting in the wings, but that didn’t stop the Waverley horseman from picking up … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Blake Shinn wins back-to-back Scobie Breasley Medals Reigning Scobie Breasley Medal winner Blake Shinn has retained Victorian racing’s highest individual honour following a massive 2023/24 season … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Today’s free horse racing tips & best bets | Sunday, August 11 Eight horse racing meetings are scheduled for around Australia today on Sunday, August 11. Check out HorseBetting’s free betting tips … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Punt Drunk: Racing Victoria going rogue? Punt Drunk is back for another week with our eyes firmly focused on what is happening in Victoria. More importantly … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Coleraine races betting preview & quaddie | August 13, 2023 Coleraine Racing Club is scheduled to host an eight-race card on Sunday afternoon. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview and quaddie … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Moe races preview & quaddie tips | Sunday, August 13 Racing heads to Moe for a 10-race program on Sunday afternoon. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview and quaddie tips here … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Savage back in Adelaide with Savatoxl for Behemoth Stakes Red Centre trainer Will Savage might well start the new Australian racing season with wins in both Adelaide and Alice … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | August 11, 2023 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Morphettville racing preview & quaddie tips | Saturday, August 13 The Group 3 Spring Stakes headlines the nine race card scheduled for Morphettville on Saturday afternoon and Horsebetting’s South Australian … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Caulfield racing tips & quaddie picks | Saturday, August 13 A bumper nine-race card awaits punters on Saturday afternoon from Caulfield, headlined by the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes. HorseBetting’s … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Belmont best bets & quaddie selections | August 13, 2022 Belmont plays host to nine metropolitan races on Saturday, headlined by the Listed Belmont Newmarket over 1200m. HorseBetting’s WA racing … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Saturday’s Eagle Farm racing tips & quaddie | 13/8/2022 Queensland racing returns to headquarters on Saturday for nine races at Eagle Farm. HorseBetting’s Queensland racing expert presents his best … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Rosehill racing tips & quaddie numbers | Saturday, August 13 Saturday’s 10-race card at Rosehill Gardens will give us a first look at some of the better three-year-olds as they … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Ipswich best bets, top odds & quaddie numbers | August 12, 2022 Racing in Queensland on Friday heads to Ipswich for a competitive nine-race program. HorseBetting’s Queensland racing analyst presents you with … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Geelong racing preview, top tips & best odds | Friday, August 12 Racing heads down the highway on Friday afternoon to Geelong, where an eight-race card is set down for decision. HorseBetting’s … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago West Coast primed for Riccarton country Athleticism may be West Coast’s edge heading into Saturday’s Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton, according to his Awapuni trainer … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Caulfield Cup dream with Mr Brightside Trainers Ben and JD Hayes are dreaming of a tilt at the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) with Group One … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Shoshone out to turn form around at Tauranga Wet track specialist Shoshone will attempt to get her winter campaign back on track at Tauranga on Saturday following a … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Happy days for Myers after Grand National win Happy Star cemented Kevin Myers at the top of the Grand National Hurdles (4200m) ladder when winning the Wanganui trainer’s … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | August 11, 2022 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Leading NT jockey Jarrod Todd unlikely to forget 2021/22 season He is the leading jockey in the Top End and has enjoyed a successful period in recent times, but Jarrod … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Birdsville Races postponed to 2022 due to COVID concerns The iconic Birdsville Races have been postponed until 2022 due to COVID-19 concerns, with the Queensland town set to host … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Shosha delivers for Gollan with impressive win at Doomben Tony Gollan and Stephanie Thornton combined in the second race of the day at Doomben on Wednesday for an impressive … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Sale betting tips, value bets & quaddie | Thursday, August 12 HorseBetting.com.au’s James Herbert brings you his best bets, value picks and quaddie selections for the bumper nine-race card at Sale … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | August 11, 2021 Horse racing around the country sees five meetings being held around the country on this Wednesday afternoon. Our racing analysts … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Pike on weather watch Cambridge trainer Tony Pike will be keeping a close eye on the weather ahead of racing at Te Rapa on … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Crozier upbeat about Ringbolt ahead of Grand National Canterbury locals will have just the one runner to cheer for in Wednesday’s Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury 131st Grand National … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Sword in healthy state Last season’s outstanding juvenile Sword Of State was back in action at the Cambridge trials on Tuesday, where he finished … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Wet track to suit Tulloch Lodge improvers Tulloch Lodge will bid to continue its successful affinity with the Up And Coming Stakes, nominating two progressive colts for … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Waller to make quiet start to Vic carnival Champion trainer Chris Waller is poised to have his first stakes runner in Victoria this season with Kings Will Dream … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Derby winner set for Sydney spring return Australian Derby winner Quick Thinker and stablemate The Chosen One will headline the spring carnival arsenal of trainers Murray Baker … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Rothfire steals the show at Doomben trials Outstanding three-year-old Rothfire has starred at the Doomben barrier trials, recording a brilliant all-the-way win in fast time … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing regional roadshows NZ Thoroughbred Racing will be conducting regional roadshows around the country as the industry adapts to the changes brought about … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Group 1 placing for Hello Youmzain Dual Group 1 winner Hello Youmzain just came up short of adding a third elite-level victory to his burgeoning CV … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Captaintwinkletoes impresses on debut Wanganui trainer Jo Rathbone has been riding the crest of a wave with quality jumper Tallyho Twinkletoe and she may … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Winning double for Bishara South Auckland horseman Nicholas Bishara is tickled pink with the way his boutique stable has started the new season. He … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Stars come out for barrier trials Some potential spring stars will run in trials at Randwick but a few more will wait at home for another … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Tony Sears to start new partnership Leading Toowoomba trainer Tony Sears is set to start a new training partnership with his daughter Maddy … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Vassilator set to kick off in Regal Roller Vassilator is set to start his spring campaign on his home track at Caulfield after impressing trainer Colin Little in … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Consensus on target for Cox Plate mission Class mare Consensus will have her first run of the new season in Saturday’s Group 2 US Navy Flag Foxbridge … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago The Candy Man heading to the Epsom Hcp Fan favourite The Candy Man is one of many top horses getting ready to trial in Queensland as he prepares … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Classy fillies to clash in Quezette Stakes The Danny O’Brien-trained Absolute Flirt will be among the talented fillies to clash in the Group Three Quezette Stakes at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Cummings team gearing up for spring Two horses who emerged as potential stars late last season will spearhead Anthony Cummings’ spring carnival arsenal … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news, United Kingdom Horse Racing News 6 years ago Ho shines as Rest of the World team triumphs in Shergar Cup Vincent Ho marked his first day in the saddle at one of the world’s most famous racecourses with a win … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Lawrence return for dual Group 1 winner Kenedna Dual Group One winner Kenedna will be among the high profile horses who will begin their latest campaigns in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Chelsea Hall to fill Qld apprentice void The experienced Chelsea Hall will help fill a void in Brisbane racing with a lack of three-kilo claiming apprentices when … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago The Harrovian in line for huge bonus The Harrovian has given his connections a chance at a $200,000 bonus by winning the Cairns Cup … Read More Australia horse racing news, United Kingdom Horse Racing News 6 years ago Mark Zahra in Shergar Cup win at Ascot Mark Zahra has helped the Rest of the World team to victory on the Shergar Cup jockeys challenge at Ascot … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Australia-wide winners for Darren Weir Four winners at Flemington for Darren Weir has been complimented with victories at Moe, Morphettville and Newcastle … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Voodoo Lad shines in Aurie’s Star Hcp Quality sprinter Voodoo Lad has overhauled import Home Of The Brave to claim another stakes victory in the Group Three … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Paret stamps Epsom Handicap claims Trainer Chris Waller has compared Rosehill winner Paret to the stable’s multiple Group One winner Boban and will set him … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Harper’s Choice wins Premier’s Cup Prelude Harper’s Choice has backed up his last-start win in the Winter Cup with a determined victory in the Premier’s Cup … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Sandbar adds Rosebud to his resume Sandbar has claimed the new season’s first stakes race for three-year-olds, the Listed Rosebud at Rosehill for trainer Brad Widdup … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Stablemates quinella Doomben staying test A plan to take advantage of an apparent lack of pace has helped trainer Robert Heathcote quinella the Brisbane BMW … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Crockett turns form around at Flemington A switch of environment has brought about a change of fortune for the Tony McEvoy stable, with Crockett winning at … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Bandipur makes it back-to-back wins The James Cummings-trained Bandipur has backed up a recent win in Sydney with another victory in his return to Melbourne … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Smith’s frustrating run ends with win Trainer Brian Smith’s frustrating run with top horse Order Again has ended with the gelding’s impressive win at Doomben … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Lifesaver gives Dunn another Highway win Lifesaver has given Murwillumbah trainer Matt Dunn his 18th Highway win and staked his claims for inclusion in the $1.3 … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Jaameh keeps the Lindsay Park run going Lindsay Park is hopeful Jaameh can be a player in bigger spring races after a strong staying performance to win … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Stewart questions his tactics on Ef Troop Jockey Brad Stewart is wondering if he should have been more aggressive on Ef Troop after the $1.45 favourite was … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Defeat proves making of Shesees Everything A narrow defeat in the Magic Millions maiden at the Gold Coast seems to have been the making of Shesees … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Racing NSW commits $1m for drought relief Racing NSW has announced it has allocated $1 million for immediate relief for drought stricken thoroughbred participants in the state … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Ben Currie inquiry adjourned again An inquiry into activities at trainer Ben Currie’s Toowoomba stable has been adjourned again … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Jungle Cat all set for Australia challenge English trainer Charlie Appleby will bypass the Hungerford Stakes next Saturday with Jungle Cat in favour of sending him straight … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Francis Of Assisi to run at Haydock Francis Of Assisi will run in the Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock in preparation for a second trip to … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago James Innes Jr to miss Rosehill Apprentice James Innes Jr to miss Rosehill meeting after hurting his shoulder in a race at Kembla Grange … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Hollie Doyle on standby to replace Payne Apprentice Hollie Doyle has been placed on standby in case she is needed to replace an ailing Michelle Payne in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Distance switches no issue for Arbeitsam Co-trainer Adrian Bott is impressed with the versatility of Arbeitsam ahead of the Premier’s Cup Prelude at Rosehill … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Diamond Tathagata to shine on firm ground Mark Newnham is looking forward to watching Diamond Tathagata perform on a good track when he opens his Golden Rose … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Fillies emulate their mothers at Geelong More than eight years after Black Caviar and Absolute Faith scored their first wins at the same race meeting, their … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Admire Deus set to battle ex stablemate Australian Bloodstock is excited about its purchase of Japanese stayer Admire Deus who is being set for the Caulfield or … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Heavy winter workloads force transfers Upcoming trials at Cranbourne and a race meeting at Swan Hill have been transferred because of heavy workloads … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Nolen watches Black Caviar’s daughter win A light weight has stopped Luke Nolen riding Black Caviar’s daughter in her first win at Geelong but the jockey … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Debutant Highway favourite after plunge Brett Cavanough is confident Another Sin can justify a betting plunge that has the unraced three-year-old favourite for the Highway … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Consistent Confluence chasing first win Confluence will be trying to convert three second placings into a maiden victory at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Fitness test for apprentice James Innes Apprentice James Innes Jr will have to pass a fitness test to ride at Rosehill after hurting his shoulder at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Black Caviar’s first foal wins at Geelong Oscietra, the first foal of champion Black Caviar, has won her first race at her second career start at Geelong … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Four Lindsay Park runners in Aurie’s Star The Lindsay Park stable has a strong hand in the Group Three Aurie’s Star Handicap with four of the 10 … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Black Caviar filly Oscietra notches up win Three-year-old filly Oscietra, the first foal of champion sprinter Black Caviar, has broken her maiden at Geelong … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Weight’s right for Oink at Doomben Trainer Kelly Schweida believes has found the right race at Doomben to get Oink back in the winner’s circle … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Payne cites illness for media incident Michelle Payne is reported to have stormed out of a media function in England after telling Shergar Cup organisers she … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Four in a row would be a dream result After winning three on the trot and his past two at Flemington, Riyadh will attempt to extend his winning sequence … Read More Horse Racing Tips 8 years ago Bendigo racing free tips, odds and form, Sunday August 13 BETTING on Sunday racing isn’t for everyone, but the spring performers are starting to get busy and you’ll often find … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Punters await Guineas decision for Catchy Blue Diamond Stakes winner Catchy can’t run in both the Thousand Guineas and Caulfield Guineas but she’s still prominent in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Kubis needs a change of luck at Doomben Trainer Robert Heathcote rates Kubis the unluckiest horse he has trained but hopes that can change at Doomben … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Marty set to party at Doomben First starter Let’s Party Marty has attracted plenty of attention ahead of his debut at Doomben with a strong trial … Read More Horse Racing News, New Zealand horse racing news 8 years ago Te Rapa Racing dispels unofficial claims of an unsafe track TE Rapa Racing General Manager, Ken Rutherford, has dispelled unofficial claims that the Waikato-based racing surface was unsafe. 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The … Read More View the full article

He hadn't been in the winner's circle since spring at Keeneland, but 'TDN Rising Star' Big Truzz (Justify) rediscovered his winning form to score in the Ellis Park Derby. Garnering the 'Rising Star' rosette on debut Apr. 12, he was tasked with taking on optional claiming company May 3 at Churchill Downs and ran a solid second to fellow 'Rising Star' Patch Adams (Into Mischief), who was most recently seen winning the GI Woody Stephens June 7 where Big Truzz ran third. The son of Justify was last seen July 5 in the GIII Indiana Derby in the back half of the field. He was a different horse here as he put himself into contention right from the jump, sailed into the lead off the bend, and left his rivals in his wake to win by an eye-catching margin in 1:34.73, just three-fifths of a second off the track record. Jimmy's Dailys (Vekoma) was second and Admiral Dennis (Constitution) claimed third. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. O-Flying Dutchmen; T-Brian Lynch. Back-to-back stakes wins for the @blynchracing barn, and a fifth win today for jockey @tyler_gaff! Big Truzz put on a big performance in the Ellis Park Derby @ellisparkracing! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/pQMZkodSiC — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 10, 2025 The post ‘Rising Star’ Big Truzz Dominates the Ellis Park Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Gaming Commission steward at Saratoga, Braulio Baeza Jr., rules with an iron first. Make any mistake, no matter how small, inadvertent or innocent, and you will be penalized, fined as much as $4,000. Just ask trainer Gary Contessa, clocker Richie Glazer, former senior vice president of racing operations Frank Gabriel Jr., racing secretary Keith Doleshel and Assistant Racing Secretary Rob MacLennan. Each one made what amounted to an innocent and minor mistake and they paid a hefty price. There are, of course, three stewards. But the Gaming Commission steward is the only one who can hand down suspensions or fines. Baeza is allowed to seek the opinion of the other two stewards, but the final decision is left up to him and him only. Common sense rarely seems to enter into the equation. Things happen, people make mistakes and when that happens you don't need to always throw the book at them. For instance, Contessa was fined $4,000 in 2024 after he claimed a horse at Saratoga and ran it back at Delaware Park 45 days later. He did not know that the rule, which had been that you had to wait 30 days to run a claimed horse outside of New York, had just been changed. He even checked the NYRA website, which had not been updated and still listed the old rule. Maybe some sort of punishment was appropriate, like a fine of $500, but certainly not $4,000. Contessa said that Baeza told him “We give fines that count now.” Baeza rules with a heavy hand. So what happens when the stewards make a mistake? It happened again Saturday at Saratoga when the last race on the card was run at the wrong distance. The race was carded at a mile-and-an-eighth on the turf but was accidently run at a mile-and-sixteenth. This wasn't the first time it had happened. A similar issue occurred at Saratoga in 2018, when the fifth race on the Aug. 8 card that year was run at a mile-and-an-eighth instead of a mile-and-a-sixteenth. On Sunday, NYRA issued a statement on the race run at the wrong distance. It read: “Saturday's final race at Saratoga Race Course [Race 12], which was scheduled and carded at 1 1/8-miles on the Mellon Turf Course, was instead contested at 1 1/16-miles due to an incorrect gate placement that was confirmed after the race was made official. “On Saturday, the temporary rail was set at 18 feet on the Mellon Turf Course which dictates an alternate starting location to accommodate for the change in distance around the circumference of the inner rail of the track. However, the gate was incorrectly placed at the starting location for a 1 1/16-mile race. “Following this incident, staff from The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) met with the Stewards and determined that human error caused the gate to be placed in the incorrect position. NYRA has implemented measures to ensure that racing officials and Stewards proactively acknowledge and verify the correct gate placement prior to the start of every race. “The Stewards are responsible for overseeing the integrity of every race here on the NYRA circuit,” said NYRA Steward Victor Escobar. “We would like to apologize to the betting public, fans and racing participants for failing to meet those standards on Saturday.” It's not just running races at the wrong distance. This year's GII Hall of Fame S. at Saratoga may go down as the most controversial race of the meet. Zulu Kingdom (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) was first past the wire, but was disqualified for allegedly bothering two horses on the first turn. Just about everyone, except for the three stewards, agreed that the horse never should have come down. Then there was the infamous 2023 Great White Way S. fiasco in which the stewards apparently disqualified the wrong horse. Brick Ambush (Laoban), crossed the wire second in a division of the $500,000 stakes for New York-breds, but was disqualified and placed last. It was a roughly run race, but Brick Ambush, racing wide, clearly wasn't involved in the bumping. To its credit, NYRA has taken steps to be more transparent. A “Stewards' Review” segment airs once a week on the NYRA feed. When it came to Zulu Kingdom, Escobar and Jockey Club steward Cody Watkins gave in-depth answers to Sterling's questions about the Hall of Fame S. and showed drone shots of the race. Serling asked all the right questions and expressed his opinion that it was a bad call. Baeza was conspicuously absent from the broadcast. Acacia Clement also interviewed Escobar about the Zulu Kingdom DQ on the “Saratoga Live” broadcast on Fox. But the question remains: Who's policing the policemen? Clearly, the answer is no one. Baeza should answer to the New York Gaming Commission, but no there has ever shown any concern about mistakes made by the stewards or even acknowledged that mistakes have been made. You wonder if the Gaming Commission is paying any attention. Baeza can't fine himself, though maybe he should. It is, or should be, the responsibility of the stewards to make sure a race is run at the correct distance. With millions bet on races at Saratoga, this mistake was far more egregious than Contessa running a horse out of town before it was out of jail. Enough already. Executives from the NYRA, the Jockey Club and, particularly the Gaming Commission, need to sit down with the stewards, told that they are concerned about the number of mistakes they have made and Baeza's draconian punishments. They need to do a better job and, if not, changes need to be made in the stewards' booth. Best of Luck to Tyler Conner Jockey Tyler Conner, who was seriously injured in a July 24 race at Colonial Downs, took to social media to announce that he is mending but will not ride again. He explained that he broke his C1 vertebra, has a compression fracture of his T5 vertebra, and is recovering from central cord syndrome due to bruising his spinal cord. “I was fully paralyzed for a small amount of time,” said the 31-year-old Conner on X. “Everything's kind of slowly coming back… everything feels like it's asleep, especially my hands. My left hand is basically useless at the moment.” He should be commended for making a difficult and brave decision. He could have been killed in the spill and it is not yet clear whether or not he will fully recover. There are few things in life more dangerous than being a jockey and he decided he was done risking his life. It's amazing that more jockeys, after being seriously injured, don't make the same decision. The post Who Holds the Stewards Accountable? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Human error was at the root cause of a snafu in which the starting gate was positioned at the wrong distance for the 12th race at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 9, according to a New York Racing Association release. View the full article

4th-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 8-10, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:45.48, fm, 1 3/4 lengths. FINAL SCORE (c, 2, Not This Time–Precious Dixie, by Bernardini) came on from the back on debut and ran second July 13 at this venue in a baby dash that was ultimately taken off the turf. Back on the grass and stretched out here, the 9-5 favorite was quick to the front and controlled the tempo through :24.61, :50.88, and 1:16.61 splits. Under pressure as the field closed ranks for the homeward drive, Final Score was called on for his best and he responded to clear his rivals by 1 3/4 lengths on the wire. Heeere's Johnny (Oscar Performance) had to settle for a well-beaten second. The victor is his dam's second winner from three to the races and one of six male offspring that the mare has produced. His youngest half-brothers are a yearling by Good Magic and a 2025 Cody's Wish. Precious Dixie, herself a full-sister to GISP Lady Kate, went to Muth for 2026. In addition to the elite-placed runner, the dam's half-siblings also include GSP Princess Theorem (Nyquist), MGSP Prince of Arabia (Mineshaft), and GSP Bernard Shaw (Into Mischief). Sales history: $600,000 Ylg '24 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $75,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Repole Stable; B-BG Stables (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. The post Not This Time’s Final Score Graduates at Second Asking at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was another game display from the juveniles as Comport (Collected–Bartlett Narrows, by Flatter) refused to be denied late, and kicked home best to claim the Ellis Park Juvenile. Content to watch Spice Runner (Gun Runner) as that 8-1 shot set the early pace in :22.88 and a half in :46.01, the chestnut looked poised to take command at the head of affairs, but the longtime leader would not be felled so quickly. The duo drew off from the field but Comport eventually got the best of his rival to win by a clear margin. Papa Ken (Yaupon) ran on to claim third. The winner entered this contest with a maiden-breaking score at Churchill Downs June 1, and a runner-up June 29 to Romeo (Honor A.P.) in the Bashford Manor Stakes–which was won in stakes record time. Sales history: $135,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. O-Joseph W. Sutton; B-Edwin Anthony (KY); T-Eddie Kenneally. #6 COMPORT ($2.70), a colt by @AirdrieStud's Collected, won the $200,000 Ellis Park Juvenile at @EllisParkRacing. @Tyler_Gaff was aboard for trainer @kenneallyracing. This is Comport's first stakes victory. He was 2nd in the Bashford Manor Stakes in June. pic.twitter.com/OTatyPGVuG — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 10, 2025 The post Collected’s Comport Game in Ellis Park Juvenile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

She had to work for it, but Chopsticks (Essential Quality–Miss Southern Miss, by More Than Ready) justified her favoritism here with a game victory in the Ellis Park Debutante and becomes her sire's first stakes winner. Entering the race with a three-length maiden score at Churchill Downs June 27, the grey was made the 3-5 chalk on a day were the public could not choose incorrectly and continued that parade of short prices here. Off well to track the pace as Kingsolver (Omaha Beach) and Boom Boom Bell (Combatant) put up :22.43 and a half in :45.57, she was the looming threat from the overland route as they turned for home and was on a short lead at the head of affairs. In command but having to brace for the second wind of Kingsolver, she kept that one at bay late while Prowess (Tiz the Law) fought on for third from the rail. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. O-Selective, LLC; B-Machmer Hall (KY); T-Brad Cox. Chopsticks re-rallies and stays perfect in the Debutante at @ellisparkracing! @flothejock was aboard for trainer @bradcoxracing. #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/r3dKQYj4CW — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 10, 2025 The post Essential Quality’s Chopsticks Scores First Lifetime Stakes for Sire and Herself, Takes Debutante at Ellis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Queen Azteca (Sharp Azteca), winner of the G3 UAE Oaks in February at Meydan Racecourse, arrived in Saratoga Au8. 8 and cleared quarantine to gallop over the Oklahoma training track Sunday morning. Trained by Niels Petersen, the bay was purchased privately by Team Valor International and is expected to make her North American debut in Saturday's GI Alabama Stakes. Queen Azteca was accompanied to the training track by her exercise rider Carlos Toro Montecinos and a pony, calmly taking in her surroundings before jogging a half-mile and galloping once around the dirt oval. “She settled in very good. She's a very good traveler. This was her first time out on track, and she loved it. She's as big as the pony, and the pony is big,” said Montecinos, with a laugh. “She has a nice temperament too. She's never seen a pony at home.” Queen Azteca, who was based in Norway with Petersen, made her two most recent outings at Jagersro in Sweden, winning at 11 furlongs in June and finishing a 1 3/4-length second in 12-furlong Jockeyklubben Svenskt Derby on July 13. “That's what she needs – long distance,” Montecinos said of the Alabama 10-furlong distance. “She flies really good at the end – she has a really good finish.” Out of Princessa Helena (Palace Malice), the $22,000 KEESEP purchase will stay in the U.S. following the Alabama and will be trained by Rodolphe Brisset. The post Queen Azteca Arrives in Saratoga, Prepares for Stateside Debut in Alabama appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Twenty years ago, Dubawi claimed his third Group 1 victory in the Prix Jacques Le Marois. On Sunday, Sajir, his third-generation male-line descendant, claimed his own first top-level win, also in Deauville, when lowering the colours of hot favourite Lazzat in the Prix Maurice de Gheest. In TDN on Friday, Ted Voute told Adam Houghton how the team behind Prince Faisal and his homebred Sajir were “quietly quite excited” in the build-up to a race which could seal Sajir's place at stud. Well, they can be loudly very excited now, after the four-year-old's decisive win in the Normandy sunshine. Soft-ground lover? You know what that say: good horses go on any ground. Prince Faisal's association with Sajir's Ballylinch Stud-based sire Make Believe has been well documented. He bought the colt from the first crop of Makfi, who was in turn from the first crop of Dubawi, as a foal from breeder Simon Hope of Aston Mullins Stud. Make Believe went on to emulate his Classic-wining forebears by winning the Poule d'Essai des Poulains followed by the Prix de la Foret. He then threw the mighty Mishriff in his own first crop. Make Believe remains an extremely useful stallion, and stood at the enticing fee of €8,000 this year. Appropriately, it is Prince Faisal who has had the greatest success with his own stallion, being responsible for both his Group 1 winners to date. Mishriff will be one of the next young sires to come under scrutiny at the foal sales later this year, and Sajir will surely now join him at stud eventually somewhere in Europe. The weekend's results have served a strong reminder that, at 23, Dubawi remains an incredibly dominant force. Godolphin's Rebel's Romance claimed his eighth Group/Grade 1 success at the age of seven in the Grosser Preis von Berlin, a race he first won three years ago. In the process he gave young jockey Billy Loughnane his first Group 1 success. More notably from the Darley/Godolphin perspective however, was a first Group 1 winner for another youngster. Dubawi's son Space Blues has his first two-year-olds in action and is now the first of his fellow freshman sires to break through at the top level thanks to Power Blue's victory in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes for Amo Racing. For good measure, on the same afternoon, Dance To The Music, a full-sister to Space Blues, stamped her name on the ledger of Classic prospects for 2026 with her victory in the Newsells Park Stud Sweet Solera Stakes, a race won in the last two seasons by Lake Victoria and Fallen Angel, the latter by another son of Dubawi in Too Darn Hot. Then there's Dubawi's French-based sire Zarak, a precious son of the great Zarkava, who is now among the most in-demand members of the French stallion ranks. On Saturday, the Aga Khan homebred was represented by the winner of the G3 Prix Dubai Racing Club at Deauville, Marquis, and farther afield by Laurelin, who took the GII Saratoga Oaks for Graham Motion and Newstead Stables, while another three-year-old daughter, Koffi Kick, landed Sunday's Listed Hoppegartener Stutenpreis. Everywhere we looked this weekend, Dubawi was somewhere, his prevalence ensuring that his sire Dubai Millennium will not fade from the breed anytime soon, however unlikely that may have seemed at his untimely demise in the first flush of his own stud career. The post Twenty Years On, It’s Still Dubawi’s World appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

4th-ELP, $100K, Msw, 2yo, 7f, 2:16 p.m. ET. MARAUDER (Gun Runner) heads the gate for Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen. Co-owned by Winchell & Stonestreet, the colt is out of MGSW Dream Pauline (Tapit). She was bred and campaigned by Stonestreet and her own dam is MGISW Dream Rush (Wild Rush), a $3.3-million purchase by Halsey Minor during the 2007 Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale. Dream Pauline's immediate family includes another Stonestreet homebred, Dreaming of Julia (A.P. Indy) who was the 2022 Broodmare of the Year. Of course, she produced dual champion Malathaat (Curlin) and GSW Julia Shining (Curlin). Also set for his unveiling is $500,000 Fasig-Tipton November Sale buy Direct Strike (Into Mischief). The Brad Cox trainee is a half-sister to GI Madison Stakes heroine Finley'sluckycharm (Twirling Candy), who was taken home by Katsumi Yoshida for $1.5-million during the 2018 Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale, and has since produced Japanese MGSW Sixpence (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}). TJCIS PPS The post Monday Insights: First To the Races For Dream Pauline Raids Pea Patch Post Before Sundown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Monday at Ellis Park. Monday, August 11, 2025 Ellis 4, $100k, 2yo, 7fT, 2:16 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Highly Connected (Connect), OBSAPR, 170,000, :10 2/5 C-Hernandez Stables, agent for Nova Stables; B-Galyn Bennett September Silver (Liam's Map), OBSAPR, 130,000, :10 1/5 C-Top Line Sales LLC, agent; B-David Berman Your Wildest Dream (Not This Time), FTMMAY, 345,000, G C-Navas Equine; B-Norm Casse Ellis 5, $100k, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 2:44 p.m. ET Final Shipman (Midshipman), OBSJUN, 15,000, :21 C-Omar Ramirez Bloodstock, agent; B-Jarvis Racing Stable Vanish (Vekoma), OBSAPR, 120,000, :10 1/5 C-Golden TBs Training & Sales; B-Eclipse TB Partners/D J Stable Windy Houston (Munnings), OBSMAR, 350,000, :20 4/5 C-Tom McCrocklin, agent; B-Sara & Brandon Bray The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Monday, August 11, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's beloved stalwart Rebel's Romance (Dubawi) has done wonders for Sheikh Mohammed and Charlie Appleby down the years, but Sunday ensured that he will be forever sacred for Billy Loughnane too as he provided the young jockey with a first Group 1 success. Sent off the 1-5 favourite for Hoppegarten's Westminster 135th Grosser Preis von Berlin that began his top-level-winning spree three years ago, the seven-year-old was made to fight by Junko (Intello) to bring up an eighth victory in this company but was equal to every call as usual to score by 3/4 of a length. “It's a feeling I can't describe, it's a feeling of ecstasy, what a horse and I'm very lucky to be riding in these colours and riding a horse like this,” Loughnane said. “He's a superstar and has been going for a good few seasons now. Big thanks go to William Buick–I spoke to him last night and he told me exactly what to do.” A global superstar! REBEL'S ROMANCE retains his Grosser Preis von Berlin crown in Germany to earn his eighth G1 for @godolphin. #WorldPool | @wettstar_de pic.twitter.com/RhKqkxfbQ7 — World Pool (@WorldPool) August 10, 2025 Sunday, Hoppegarten, Germany WESTMINSTER 135TH GROSSER PREIS VON BERLIN-G1, €155,000, Hoppegarten, 8-10, 3yo/up, 12fT, 2:27.81, gd. 1–REBEL'S ROMANCE (IRE), 132, g, 7, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Minidress (GB) (SP-Eng), by Street Cry (Ire) 2nd Dam: Short Skirt (GB), by Diktat (GB) 3rd Dam: Much Too Risky (GB), by Bustino (GB) O/B-Godolphin; T-Charlie Appleby; J-Billy Loughnane. €100,000. Lifetime Record: MGISW-US, G1SW-HK & UAE, MGSW & MG1SP-Eng, GSW-Qat, 27-19-0-1, €11,747,132. *1/2 to Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), G1SW-UAE, GISW-US & SP-Eng, $1,568,523; and Petticoat (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}), SP-Ire. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Junko (GB), 132, g, 6, Intello (Ger)–Lady Zuzu, by Dynaformer. O/B-Wertheimer & Frere; T-Andre Fabre. €30,000. 3–Cold Heart (Brz), 132, h, 5, Alpha–Netherlands (Brz), by Point Given. O/B-Fazenda Mondesir; T-Peter Schiergen. €15,000. Margins: 3/4, 2, 6. Odds: 0.20, 5.00, 13.40. Also Ran: Nastaria (GB), Straight (Ger), Narrativo (Ger). The post ‘A Feeling Of Ecstasy’: Rebel’s Romance Delivers First Group 1 For Billy Loughnane appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Deauville's G1 ARC Prix Maurice de Gheest was one of the very few French Pattern races to have evaded Andre Fabre until Sunday, but Prince Faisal's Sajir (Make Believe) duly put that right with a command performance. Anchored in last early by Oisin Murphy, the 26-1 shot was always travelling like the best horse and after making his move on the wing tanked to the front a furlong out en route to an authoritative 1 3/4-length success from the 1-2 favourite Lazzat (Territories). Last year's winner was a head in front of the G1 Prix Jean Prat winner Woodshauna (Wooded). “Sajir was brilliant today–he relaxed great and I had a lot of confidence,” Murphy said. “He won really well and I'm delighted for everyone connected with the horse.” Sajir springs a shock in the Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest! pic.twitter.com/JEJqGTe1b7 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 10, 2025 The post Sajir Causes Upset To Provide Fabre With First Maurice de Gheest appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Ballarat Races Where Ballarat Turf Club – 72 Midas Rd, Miners Rest VIC 3352 When Monday, August 11, 2025 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble Ballarat’s poly returns with the rail true and the weather set fair, so punters can expect a typical “on-speed and lanes-even” profile early before tempo sorts them out late. The first event is scheduled to jump at 1pm AEST. Best Bet at Ballarat: Spirited Defence Spirited Defence has been a model of consistency since switching to the synthetic and he strikes a very winnable BM64 to close the program. He’s 4:2-2-0 on the all-weather, returns to his pet trip (1200m), and draws barrier one to park in the box seat for John Allen. His recent form stacks up — dominant Class 1 winner here two back, then brave on heavy at Swan Hill — and a return to Ballarat’s poly looks ideal. If he jumps cleanly and holds the box seat, Spirited Defence will prove too hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 8 – #2 Spirited Defence (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Andrew Noblet | J: John Allen (61kg) Next Best at Ballarat: Southby Southby was terrific winning the BM70 2200m here on July 22, edging away late over Shadeelaa, and he returns to the Ballarat poly with the right set-up again. From barrier one, Luke Currie should land leaders’ back or control if they hand up, and the drop to 2100m looks perfect for his fifth run this prep. Provided he holds a spot early, Southby gets every chance to stamp authority again. Next Best Race 2 – #2 Southby (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Luke Currie (58.5kg) Next Best Agaub at Ballarat: Mr Tickles Mr Tickles finds a very suitable BM58 1000m and looks hard to roll in the penultimate. He’s 2:1-1-0 at the track/trip, with a last-start BM64 win to his name, and gets in nicely with Sarah Field’s 1.5kg claim. From barrier eight he can slide across to stalk a genuine tempo and use his proven short-course dash to good effect. With Cosmic Rhapsody and The Bont ensuring pressure, the race sets up for Mr Tickles to overpower her rivals late on. Next Best Again Race 7 – #2 Mr Tickles (8) 6yo Gelding | T: Mitchell Leek | J: Sarah Field (a1.5/53kg) Monday quaddie tips for Ballarat Synthetic Ballarat quadrella selections Monday, August 11, 2025 1-4-11 1-2-4 1-2 2-3 Horse racing tips View the full article

Versatile galloper Gigi (NZ) (Ghibellines) took a step up in grade in his stride at Te Rapa on Saturday, while delivering a special milestone for his trainer Jim Pender. The son of Ghibellines had posted victories on better tracks through the summer, but struck a bottomless surface first-up this preparation at New Plymouth, a performance he was expected to bounce back from. Starting among the better-backed runners in the Fulton Hogan Mile (1600m), Gigi was eased back into midfield by Joe Doyle to find cover early. The top pick in Diomedes went straight to the lead and controlled the tempo throughout, which slowed and the field compressed near the 600m. Doyle got off the back of the leaders turning for home and had a task on his hands to chase down Diomedes, but Gigi didn’t give up, digging in for the final 50m to run down the favourite right on the line. Pacheco was just a neck away in third, while a notable run came from staying specialist Canheroc, who closed strongly into fifth. Pender indicated that Gigi had overcome a hoof issue through the latter part of the autumn, so Saturday’s effort was a particularly pleasing result. “I thought it was huge,” he said. “He had a stone bruise problem back at the end of April, so we’ve been trying to get that right, then I took him down to New Plymouth and I don’t think many horses would’ve been on a track that deep. “I was aiming to get him up over ground, but I thought rather than trialling I’d run him in the Open 1600m on Saturday, and his work has steadily gotten better and better. “I was not confident of winning, being his first time in open company, but I thought he would run quite a good race. “Joe Doyle gets along very well with him and I leave it over to him, he’s got enough pace to be up near the lead, which is an advantage when they’re running home a bit quicker, he doesn’t have to make up all that ground. “He just tries so hard and he doesn’t like getting beat.” Pender is planning on returning to the Waikato venue in a fortnight, but is looking forward to seeing Gigi back on a Good surface when possible. “I think the better the track, the better he’ll go,” he said. “He’s better on top of the ground, and for a little horse, he’s got quite a big stride. “He’ll go back to Te Rapa again in two weeks, there’s an Open 2100m, then we’ll try and map out a programme from there.” The Tauranga horseman was pleasantly surprised to find out that he’d recorded the 300th winner of training career, with 10 of those coming at Group or Listed level. “I didn’t actually know that at the time, but it was a bit of milestone I suppose,” he said. “It was really enjoyable.” View the full article

Untapped galloper Im Bartholomew (NZ) (Contributer) delivered a maiden victory four years in the making for Tony Dravitzki at Hawera on Sunday. Initially purchased by Dravitzki as a weanling, Im Bartholomew trialled impressively at Waverley in September 2023 and was subsequently sold to Australia. In the care of Victorian trainer Henry Dwyer, he produced a fourth from four starts, the last of those coming in December last year. Dravitzki had remained in the ownership of the gelding, and following his most recent effort, the opportunity presented to purchase Im Bartholomew back outright. He didn’t hesitate to do so, and after a long build-up, his charge was ready to make an awaited Kiwi debut in the Miss Lizzie (1200m). In the hands of Mereana Hudson, Im Bartholomew went back from a wide draw, while Our Time Keeper sped up to take the lead in the trying conditions at Hawera. A number of his rivals were already under pressure nearing the 600m, but Im Bartholomew was cruising into contention and hit the lead at the top of the straight. Coming down the outside, Im Bartholomew was off and gone, taking a comfortable 2 – ¼ length victory over Nightowl who was game on debut. Dravitzki took great satisfaction out of the result, having had such a long journey with the son of Complacent. “It wasn’t my biggest win, but it was the win that has given me the most satisfaction so far in my training career,” he said. “I’ve always known the horse had ability, for whatever reason he didn’t show that in Australia. “I bought him off Gavelhouse as a weanling when I was in hospital, then took him through to trialling as a three-year-old. I sold him to Australia while keeping a small share in him myself, but he didn’t really come up over there, so I bought him back off Inglis Digital. “I’ve had him back for about nine months, so going into his first start, I was expecting a good run, while being a little worried about the track. “I’ve always known the horse had ability and he raced very professionally today, he had the four starts in Australia while a few of these were first-starters. “The future looks quite bright for him and I think he’ll be better on top of the ground, based on what he shows in the training track. “He’s not the biggest of eaters, but he has improved all the way through and is finally eating up, which he didn’t as a young horse and would lose condition very easily. It’s been a long, slow build-up, which seemed to have worked.” Based at Stratford, Dravitzki had seen plenty of his mother, Dream Dancer, during her racing career, and leapt at the chance to purchase one of her progeny. “His mother, Dream Dancer, was a very good mare trained at Stratford,” he said. “I had a horse at the same time that was often racing against her, so I knew her ability. “I like the Complacent horses as well, I have about five of them in my stable.” View the full article

Timaru galloper He’s Tunza Grunt (NZ) (Pure Champion) capped off a coming-of-age winter campaign with a commanding performance to win the Heatstore Open Handicap (1800m) at Riccarton Park on Saturday. Starting his preparation in May, He’s Tunza Grunt was a 68-rated horse, but took a big leap in the ratings when causing a minor upset in the Waimate Cup (1600m) second-up. He took the step up in his stride from there, placing in open company in the Amberley Cup (1600m) and Oamaru Cup (1600m), but struck unsuitable track conditions when finishing back in last Saturday’s Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m). That performance saw him fly well under the radar on the third day of the Grand National Festival of Racing, closing a $25 hope in a field headed by Winter Cup runner-up Who Knows ($2.20) and fellow Central Districts visitor Bozo ($5.60). In his customary fashion, He’s Tunza Grunt settled back near the tail of the field in the hands of Brandon May, while Taimate Diva drove through to take up the pacemaking role. In the torrid track conditions, the field spread wide across the home straight and May opted to stick right to the outside, where his gelding kept up a strong gallop to get the upper hand on Cork, who was game in second ahead of Bozo. May was delighted with the son of Pure Champion, who he rode for trainer Stephanie Faulkner. “I did come into the race fairly confident, he loves a loose track and not too sticky, whereas last week in the Winter Cup, it was just on the sticky side for him,” he said. “The outside is obviously just the better place, and not being too handy on this track today. He did get a bit keen through the middle stages, so I tried to save every inch. “A big thanks to Steph Faulkner and the owners, they’ve really been supportive of me and I’m really happy for the team – and this horse. “He’s come on and come on, it’s quite amazing to see his career go this way and to be partnered with him.” Faulkner echoed those sentiments, and indicated He’s Tunza Grunt will now head for a deserved break. “It was a beautiful ride by Brandon, I said to do what you did on the last one and he did that, so we got the result,” she said. “I don’t get too confident because I hate things to go wrong, but it was great. “I was going to chuck him out now and get him ready for Christmas, I haven’t had a look what’s on, but he needs a break now.” Raced by Diana Goodeve and the estate of the late Bob Goodeve, He’s Tunza Grunt has won six races from 45 starts and just shy of $140,000 in stakes earnings, much of that coming in the last 12 months. The eight-year-old is out of an unraced Encosta De Lago mare Sacred Jewel, who is a half-sister to multiple Australian Group One winner Sacred Habit. View the full article

Del Mar leading rider Juan Hernandez rode Heredia for the first time and won the Yellow Ribbon Handicap (G2T) for his sixth victory on the Aug. 9 card at Del Mar.View the full article

Saratoga's 12th and final race on the Aug. 9 card, an allowance for New York-breds originally carded for 1 1/8 miles on the turf, was accidentally contested at 1 1/16 miles. The race was declared official, with the error first pointed out by DRF's Dave Grening. The official Equibase chart made note of the error, stating: “Please note that the race was originally scheduled to be run at a mile and one-eighth on the Mellon Turf course. However, the gate was positioned for a mile and one-sixteenth start on the Mellon Turf course and therefore the split times and final time have been omitted pending video review and the points of call have been corrected to reflect a mile and one-sixteenth race.” New York Racing Association (NYRA) officials will review the situation, with no official comments made by press time. R.T. Racing Stables and Hablan Los Caballos, LLC's Fidelightcayut (Leofric) won the race. A similar issue occurred at Saratoga in 2018, when the fifth race on the Aug. 8 card that year was run at 1 1/8 miles instead of 1 1/16 miles. Read more about it here. The post Saratoga Runs Saturday’s Last Race at Wrong Distance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article