Wandering Eyes

by Stefanie Grimm & Alan Carasso For the first time in it's 24-year history, Virginia's Colonial Downs will play host to a Kentucky Derby winner as 2024 winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents) will make his turf debut in Saturday's 1 1/4-mile GI Arlington Million. Trainer Kenny McPeek has had his eye on the turf for his Derby winner for quite some time, telling the TDN this week that the idea had been on his mind for at least a year. “It was kind of an audible at the line of scrimmage,” McPeek told the TDN's Tim Wilkin Wednesday at Saratoga. “He was doing really well and the (Million) seems to be modest in depth. We decided to put him in.” The rail-drawn Mystik Dan will line up against seven rivals Saturday, each of whom has a plethora of prior turf experience. But McPeek isn't worried, saying, “Good horses will run on anything. We are going to prove it Saturday.” Perhaps his strongest challenge will come from the widest gate as horse-for-course and 8-5 morning-line favorite Integration (Quality Road) returns to the scene of his early success. The 5-year-old broke his maiden on the Secretariat turf course in August 2023 and came right back in his next start to take the GIII Virginia Derby for Shug McGaughey. Returning for the 2024 summer meet, he added a win in the listed Million Preview Stakes before having to settle for second behind MGISW Nation's Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) in the Million itself one year ago. And while he hasn't visited the winner's circle in taking the GII Red Smith Stakes at Aqueduct late last year, Integration's gave a good account of himself with runner-up spots in the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational, the GI Maker's Mark Mile and, most recently, the GI Manhattan Stakes at Saratoga June 8. Sandwiched between that pair, European invader Cairo (Ire) (Quality Road) ships in for Alice Haynes and owner Refal Alghraiban off a third (at odds of 100-1!) in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot June 17. “He's fit coming here,” Haynes said. “We just gave him a two-furlong blow and let him have a look at the track so he's all set for Saturday.” The well-traveled Coolmore bred is making his first trip to the States having made prior starts in England, Ireland, Hong Kong and the UAE. “We took off from England, landed at JFK and quarantined there before (coming to Colonial Downs),” Haynes continued. “He's a seasoned traveler–he loves it. Another stamp for his passport.” Another runner knocking on the Grade I door is McGaughey stablemate Fort Washington (War Front) who has racked up nearly three-quarters of a million in career earnings on the turf and put up back to back graded stakes wins this year in the GIII Canadian Turf at Gulfstream and the GIII Dinner Party Stakes at Pimlico on the Preakness undercard. Regular pilot, this year's Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Junior Alvarado, stays aboard. He and Grand Sonata (Medaglia d'Oro), the 6-year-old Todd Pletcher entry for Whisper Hill Farm, both seek their first Grade I win after lengthy, successful careers. Beverly D. Runs Through Be Your Best Five-year-old mare 'TDN Rising Star' Be Your Best (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) stepped up her game to take down Santa Anita's GI Gamely Stakes at 1 1/8 miles May 26 and it would appear that anyone looking to have success in the GII Beverly D. Stakes would need to conquer the Saffie Joseph Jr. entry first. Cross-entered in the GII Ballston Spa Stakes at Saratoga Friday, the millionaire opts for Colonial Downs and the 1 3/16-mile spot as she seeks a fifth win in her last six starts. Be Your Best | Benoit Just to her outside, Beach Bomb (SAf) (Lancaster Bomber) put in a game rally to outrun her 17-1 odds and nab second just a half-length behind She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}) in the GI New York Stakes at the Spa June 6. She's been speedy since starting her 5-year-old campaign, taking both the GIII The Very One Stakes and the GIII Orchid Stakes in gate to wire fashion for owner Cayton Park Stud. Other challengers include the GIII Gallorette Stakes winner Charlene's Dream (Qurbaan) who impressed at 1 1/16 miles on the Preakness undercard at Pimlico May 17 for Ed Moger Jr. Drawn widest of the six-horse field, Duvet Day (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) seeks her first win of 2025 having taken the GIII Cardinal Stakes at Churchill to close out her 5-year-old season. “She seems to be in the best form of her career, numbers-wise,” trainer Michael McCarthy said of Duvet Day. “It's a big ask to run in a prestigious race like (the Beverly D.), but it's always nice to be able to participate in those kinds of races.” Secretariat Has Plenty Of Takers A group of eight has assembled for the one-mile GII Secretariat Stakes with the top two finishers coming out of the GIII Penn Mile led by Dream On (Not This Time) for Mark Casse while Cairo Caper (Cairo Prince) was one length back. Bill Mott brings Simulate (Kitten's Joy) here for his stakes debut off a strong win at Saratoga in allowance company July 18. Maui Strong (Kitten's Joy) has been knocking on the stakes door but still seeks his first win since breaking his maiden at Churchill going the mile in early November. Since, he's been on the board in the Kitten's Joy, the GIII Transylvania and just two lengths back of GISW Zulu Kingdom (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) when fourth in the GIII Manila Stakes in New York July 4 for Dale Romans. Giocoso (Not This Time) ran in four of the prep races ahead of the Run for the Roses and managed to be third in the GII Iroquois Stakes last year but ultimately wound up back on the grass for Keith Desormeaux. “I tried to make a Derby horse out of him, but he's just not as good on dirt,” Desormeaux said. “He's ready to go for the second half of the year. He's always been a high-level horse. I expect a big race out of him in the Secretariat.” Godolphin Pair Look To Make Amends in Sword Dancer Charlie Appleby will send out a Godophin-owned duo in Saturday's GI Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes at Saratoga, a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders Cup Turf at Del Mar in about three months' time. The globetrotting Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) could have been programmed for a defense of his Arlington Million title, but instead returns to the site of his victory in the 2022 GI Saratoga Derby. The globetrotter struggled in his two starts after the Million, finishing 10th in the G2 Bahrain International Trophy and ninth as the favorite in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes, but bounced back with a smooth success in the G2 Singspiel Stakes at Meydan Mar. 1.He could do no better than 10th in a red-hot renewal of the G1 Dubai Turf and is unraced since. He tries a 12-furlong trip for the first time since finishing fifth to stable companion Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the 2022 Turf at Keeneland. “I think the step up to a mile and a half at this stage of Nations Pride's career is needed to hopefully get him back on track at the top level,” Appleby said. “I'm looking forward to stepping him up and if he brings his 'A' game, he will be a big player around there, especially with his experience.” Nations Pride with Kieren Fallon | Sarah Andrew El Cordobes (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) tries top-level competition for the first time and loses William Buick to Nations Pride, but enters off a two-length victory in the G2 Princes of Wales's Stakes at Newmarket July 10. Flavien Prat rides. Far Bridge (English Channel) looks to make it back-to-back wins in the Sword Dancer, having been ridden enterprisingly when outbattling Rebel's Romance's ill-fated half-brother Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) here 12 months ago. Whereas he came into last year's renewal off a sound defeat in the GII United Nations Stakes, he is in search of his fourth win from five runs this season, including a three-length score over El Rezeen (English Channel) in a yielding-turf running of the GII Bowling Green Stakes July 12. “He's in tip-top shape and I'm bullish about him and hoping for the same result as last year,” trainer Miguel Clement said. “If you look after these horses, they'll look after you and have longevity and that's why we have had so many older horses come back.” Laurelin Brings Unblemished Mark Into Oaks The waters get significantly deeper for Laurelin (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}) in Saturday's GII Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational, but with a career mark of four wins from as many starts, she certainly has earned a crack at a race of this quality. Winner of the Tepin Stakes at two, the chestnut hasn't broken any clocks this term, but also hasn't been beaten, including a 1 1/4-length success in the postponed Penn Oaks in easy ground June 27. “We got a little messed up with the race at Penn that kept getting pushed back, but maybe in the end, that'll be a blessing,” trainer Graham Motion said. “She's kind of bred to do this, so I don't have any concerns about the step up. She's very kind to train, but she can also be very tough and straightforward.” Laurelin | Sarah Andrew Opulent Restraint (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), whose dam won the 2019 GII Ballston Spa Stakes in the colors of Stephanie Brant, was beaten a neck into second by Laurelin in the Apr. 27 Memories of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct and made the majority of the running in the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational on July 5 before yielding grudgingly to be third. The Clement barn is represented by Bobby Flay's European import Go Go Boots (GB) (Night of Thunder {Ire}), whose two victories to date have come over the all-weather track at Lingfield for John and Thady Gosden. If forgiving a distant ninth in the G1 Epsom Oaks, her third to the high-class Whirl (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in York's G3 Musidora Stakes in May and a decent fourth of 11 in the G2 Ribblesdale Stakes at Royal Ascot last time June 19 suggest that she is not out of her depth at this level. “She's a very straight-forward, typical European filly,” Clement said. “She came to me in great condition from Mr. Gosden and I'm very excited to train her for Mr. Flay, who gave our stable our only Breeders' Cup winner Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), so we'll do our best with this talented filly.” Juvenile Colts Get Their Shot In Best Pal A compact field of five will head to the gate for Saturday's GIII Best Pal Stakes, where Pegram, Watson and Weitman's impressive debut winner Desert Gate (Omaha Beach) looks to have his rivals over a barrel. The chestnut colt was hammered into 2-5 favoritism for his five-furlong debut at Santa Anita June 13 and settled kindly enough off the pace set by the well-meant firster Acknowledgemeplz (Bucchero), then took over a furlong out before edging away by 2 1/4 lengths. The 86 Beyer Speed Figure for covering the distance in a slick :57.35 is far superior to anything else posted by the other four juveniles. Brigante (More Than Ready) is a bit of an 'X'-factor as he transitions to the dirt for the first time. In retrospect, his debut second in a Santa Anita turf sprint on June 1 looks strong, as the winner of that event, Hey Nay Nay (Ire) (No Nay Never), romped by seven lengths in the Tyro Stakes at Monmouth Park last weekend. In preparation for this, the Calumet homebred worked a bullet half-mile from the gate on the main track in :46 4/5 (1/99) on Aug. 3. The afternoon's final graded event is the GII Yellow Ribbon Stakes, where a legitimate case can be made for at least half of the eight turf distaffers. Making her seasonal debut for Phil D'Amato, the rail-drawn Hang the Moon (Uncle Mo) is a tepid 3-1 favorite on the morning line. The post Derby Fever Arrives At Colonial Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When Parchment Party won the Aug. 6 Birdstone Stakes, a 1 3/4-mile race dirt race at Saratoga, a plan to tackle one of the most celebrated races in the world, Australia's Melbourne Cup (G1), was foremost on the minds of the colt's owners.View the full article

Royal Ascot winners and Aidan O'Brien-trained stablemates Gstaad and True Love are set to go head-to-head in the Aug. 9 Phoenix Stakes (G1) at the Curragh in a battle of the sexes. View the full article

Saturday, Curragh, post time: 16:00, KEENELAND PHOENIX STAKES-G1, €210,000, 2yo, c/f, 6fT Field: Do Bronxs (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Power Blue (Ire) (Space Blues {Ire}), Puerto Rico (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Green Sense (Ire) (Starman {GB}), True Love (Ire) (No Nay Never). TDN Verdict: If allowed to run against each other, Gstaad and True Love will offer an exciting poser given how impressive they were at Royal Ascot. Ryan Moore is booked for the former, one of the best winners of the Coventry in some time who could be on course to do a “Johannesburg” and attempt the clean sweep of Europe's premier juvenile six-furlong contests in 2025. Since dominating the Queen Mary, True Love has followed up in style over course and distance in the Railway and her three-pound allowance could swing matters. It looks as if there is a gap between the Rosegreen pair and the Robert Papin winner Green Sense, while we know there is a sizeable one separating them and the consistent Power Blue and Puerto Rico. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Haydock, post time: 15:00, THE BETFRED ROSE OF LANCASTER STAKES-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 10f 100yT Field: First Conquest (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}), Certain Lad (GB) (Clodovil {Ire}), Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Haunted Dream (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Military Order (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Okeechobee (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Royal Dubai (Fr) (Seahenge), Detain (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Back at the trip over which he took Royal Ascot's Listed Wolferton Stakes, Haatem holds pole position from the three-year-old Detain who needs to recapture the form of his Prix du Jockey Club third. Eight pounds weight-for-age will help Juddmonte's runner, who is joined by the operation's Okeechobee, another who needs to get back on track after a disappointing start to the campaign. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 15:40, THE NEWSELLS PARK STUD SWEET SOLERA STAKES-G3, £60,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: Dance To The Music (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Midnight Tango (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Princess Petrol (GB) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Sapphire Steps (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), True Test (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Venetian Lace (Ire) (Masar {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Withdrawn from the Princess Margaret last month, Dance To The Music bids to make up for that lost opportunity taking on the experienced Midnight Tango who was fourth in that Ascot contest. Princess Petrol impressed in a novice at Ascot last time and may be the most progressive of the other unexposed types. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 15:25, FBD HOTELS AND RESORTS PHOENIX SPRINT STAKES-G3, €42,000, 3yo/up, 6fT Field: Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Big Gossey (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}), Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Kind Of Blue (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), King Cuan (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), My Mate Alfie (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Spycatcher (Ire) (Vadamos {Fr}), Tango Flare (Ire) (Fulbright {GB}), Nighteyes (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Vespertilio (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Babouche (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), Black Forza (Complexity), Ides Of March (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Fregada (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Lady With The Lamp (Ire) (King Of Change {GB}). TDN Verdict: Art Power's record in Ireland reads 1111164, but this is his seasonal debut and is a tough assignment at his veteran stage. To varying degrees, last year's wonderkids Kind Of Blue and Babouche are threatening to go the wrong way along with Ides Of March and when you add in the likes of Bucanero Fuerte, Vespertilio and Black Forza this is definitely the most interesting race of the day. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Deauville, France, post time: 13:58, PRIX DUBAI RACING CLUB (PRIX DE REUX)-G3, €73,200, 3yo/up, 12 1/2fT Field: Marquisat (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}), Rashford (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Sevenna's Knight (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Simca Mille (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), Uther (GB) (Camelot {GB}). TDN Verdict: Revived this term, Simca Mille could be on the way back to his prime which would be bad news for these rivals. In his last five starts, Sevenna's Knight has finished fifth in the Arc and runner-up in the Royal-Oak and Vicomtesse Vigier and the strength of the older brigade here makes life tough for the three-year-old Uther, who has flattened out after his win in ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix Noailles in April. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Deauville, France, post time: 14:33, PRIX DE LA VALLEE D'AUGE-Listed, €54,900, 2yo, 5fT Field: Graft (Ire) (U S Navy Flag), Pen And Sword (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), First Legion (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Valasara (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Miss Yechance (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Wateen (Ire) (Profitable {GB}), Shine On Me (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}). TDN Verdict: Sixth in the Queen Mary and fourth in the Duchess Of Cambridge, Shine On Me forms the spearhead of a typically-strong British challenge on a Deauville August two-year-old race along with the Listed National Stakes runner-up First Legion. The Aga Khan Studs are represented by Valasara, who beat the subsequent winner Repel on debut over six here last month but who as a member of the all-conquering “V family” may find this on the sharp side. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Deauville, France, post time: 17:35, PRIX MICHEL HOUYVET-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, 15fT Field: Asmarani (Ire) (Sottsass {Fr}), Dschingis Spirit (Fr) (Dschingis Secret {Ger}), I Got Rhythm (Fr) (Telecaster {GB}), Allure (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Hotheaded (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Starlord (Fr) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Espoir Avenir (Fr) (Montmartre (Fr), Golden Weaver (Fr) (Romanised {Ire}), Zingaro (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Sapodilla (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Through The Flames (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Andre Fabre has four in here, with the G3 Prix du Lys fourth Hotheaded perhaps the pick, but they all have to step up markedly to get to the level of the G3 Prix Hocquart runner-up Asmarani. Disappointing in the Queen's Vase when last seen, he will be more comfortable in these waters. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Hoppegarten, Germany, post time: 15:40, WESTMINSTER 135TH GROSSER PREIS VON BERLIN-G1, €155,000, 3yo/up, 12fT Field: Cold Heart (Brz) (Alpha), Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}), Narrativo (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Straight (Ger) (Zarak {Fr}), Nastaria (GB) (Outstrip {GB}). TDN Verdict: Godolphin's globetrotting superstar Rebel's Romance has saluted seven times at the highest level and will bid for a repeat success having annexed the 2022 renewal of this contest. He will head postward at prohibitive odds and has little to fear coming back off a repeat third-place finish in Ascot's G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Junko's two Group 1 victories have come at this trip and his chances of victory will hinge on the Charlie Appleby contender falling below his usual high standard, while the largely uninspiring home defence is led by G2 Grosser Hansa-Preis runner-up Narrativo. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Deauville, France, post time: 16:05, ARC PRIX MAURICE DE GHEEST – FONDS EUROPEEN DE L'ELEVAGE-G1, €380,000, 3yo/up, 6 1/2fT Field: Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal), Beauvatier (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Sajir (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}), Regional (GB) (Territories {Ire}), Tribalist (GB) (Farhh {GB}), Topgear (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}), Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Symbol Of Honour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Woodshauna (Fr) (Wooded {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Wathnan Racing's Lazzat took care of Inisherin and Topgear in Royal Ascot's G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes and will be a warm order to defend his title in this straight dash. Resolute Bloodstock's Woodshauna is an obvious danger, having notched a career high in last month's G1 Prix Jean Prat, and is taken to confirm form with G1 2000 Guineas third Shadow Of Light. Ed Bethell-trained G1 King Charles III Stakes third Regional has hit the board in all three starts this term and goes beyond six furlongs for the first time here. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Deauville, France, post time: 17:15, PRIX DAPHNIS – SAMUEL LIBERMAN (ARG)-G3, €73,200, 3yo, 8fT Field: Sahlan (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Selenien (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Chibitty (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Khafiz (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Ciaran (Fr) (Van Beethoven), Al Aali (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Heybetli (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}), Scoville (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Tiego The First (Fr) (Blue Point {Ire}), Madero (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Silius (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Tito Mo Cen (Ire) (Uncle Mo). TDN Verdict: William Haggas representative Scoville is unbeaten in two career starts and encounters hotter opposition on black-type debut coming back off a 14-length rout over this distance at Newmarket last month. Silius snagged three of his first five starts this term, finishing second at this level in the other two, and will head postward coming back off an eighth when highly tried in last month's G1 Prix Jean Prat. Lucie Pontoir trainee Al Aali finished just over six lengths adrift of Camille Pissarro when 12th in June's G1 Prix du Jockey Club, having previously finished second in May's G3 Prix de Guiche, and holds each-way claims dropping down to one mile for the first time this year. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Deauville, France, post time: 13:56, PRIX MOONLIGHT CLOUD – URUGUAY BOOK 1 (URU)-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, 6fT Field: Burhan (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Misunderstoond (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Dos Mukasan (Fr) (Golden Horde {Ire}), Mise En Boite (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Cacofonix (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Kerkila (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Fraise Des Bois (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Daylight (Fr) (Earthlight {Ire}), Secret Wood (Fr) (Birchwood {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Last term's dual Group 1-placed G3 Prix de Cabourg victrix Daylight gets some respite from elite-level action and has an opportunity, down significantly in grade, coming back off close-up unplaced efforts in this year's G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches and G1 Prix Jean Prat. Al Shaqab's G3 Prix des Chenes winner and G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere third Misunderstood is another on a retrieval mission and returns off an unplaced effort in May's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains. Dos Mukasan finished just under two lengths ahead of Misunderstood in that Longchamp Classic, but has been unplaced twice and gelded in the interim. Fraise Des Bois and Secret Wood boast pattern-race form, but need to step up to feature. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Gstaad And True Love Vie For Phoenix Honours appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will recognize all service members past and present on Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga Race Course next Thursday, Aug. 14, it was announced via press release Friday afternoon. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. with first post scheduled for 1:10 p.m. during the annual event. All veterans and service members will receive free admission with proper military identification. NYRA will also make complimentary tickets available through VetTix, which provides tickets to events for veterans and active-duty personnel. The day's fifth race is named in honor of Military Appreciation Day and special recognition will be given to representatives from the various branches of the United States Military while the third race is named for The Wesley Community, a senior living campus located in Saratoga Springs which is home to dozens of veterans. The event gets underway at 12:40 p.m. with the National Anthem performed by Staff Sgt. Frankie Aisporna from West Point. NYRA employees who are veterans or active members of the military or National Guard will be recognized during that time. A host of special recognition events will take place during the course of the day. “NYRA is honored to pay tribute to our courageous veterans and active-duty service members on Military Appreciation Day, which has become an important annual tradition here at Saratoga,” said NYRA president and CEO David O'Rourke. “We look forward to sharing an enjoyable and festive day to celebrate all those who protect our freedoms.” For more information on upcoming events at Saratoga and to purchase tickets for certain race days, please go here. The post NYRA to Host Annual Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Klaravich Stables' DEEP LEARNING (f, 2, Cairo Prince–Dovima, by Union Rags) sat a midfield trip while saving all the ground in Friday's third race from Saratoga, hugged the fence into the lane, and when she was popped the question by Flavien Prat with better than a furlong to go, she left her rivals in the dust, careering away to graduate by a good three lengths to achieve 'TDN Rising Star' status. Sent off favored at 2.35-1, the $27,000 Keeneland September buyback who blossomed into a $325,000 OBS April breezer (see below) was content to gain a foothold at the fence from centerfield as Beach Ballad (Omaha Beach) sped to the front from her rail draw and made the running in advance of an up-close Fraudster (Charlatan). Going well within the grasp of Prat into the final half-mile, Deep Learning was held together on the bend and when an opening large enough to drive a tractor through materialized, Deep Thinking took full advantage, pinching ground before being angled away from the inside and, despite flip-flopping her leads back and forth and finishing on her incorrect leg, in fact, put the race to bed within a matter of strides to win as miles the best. Sales history: $27,000 RNA Ylg '24 KEESEP; $325,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Klaravich Stables; B-Tony Dardis, Dell Ridge Farm, Ken Donworth & Des Ryan (KY); T-Chad Brown. #4 DEEP LEARNING ($6.70) puts on a clinic in her debut with Flavien Prat in the saddle at Saratoga. This 2yo filly by @AirdrieStud's Cairo Prince is trained by Chad Brown and owned by Klaravich Stables. Bet the Saratoga Pick 4⃣ with @FanDuel.https://t.co/90o2oVtOII pic.twitter.com/wLvfaySQ77 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 8, 2025 The post Cairo Prince Filly Goes ‘Deep’ On Debut, Becomes A ‘Rising Star’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade I-winner Gift Box (Twirling Candy) has been sold to Saudi Arabian interests and will join their breeding ranks beginning in 2026, Lane's End announced Friday afternoon. The GI Santa Anita Handicap hero, and GI Gold Cup at Santa Anita Stakes runner-up, was purchased by HRH Prince Abdlaziz Bin Mousd Bin Saud ALSaud after he had stood at Lane's End in 2025 for a fee of $5,000. Hailing from the Machmer Hall breeding program, the grey had been purchased by W.S. Farish for $135,000 as a weanling from the 2013 FTKNOV sale before going on to a career which saw him retire with an elite victory and earnings north of $1.1-million to his name. As a sire, some his leading runners include SW Powdered Sugar; SW Huracan Boricua; SP Grayson's Girl; French victor Ironico; and allowance-tested Cadeau d'Argent. In total, he currently tallies 34 winners from 72 starters on both hemispheres. The post Gift Box Sold to Saudi Arabian Interests, Will Stand in Kingdom Starting 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-Newmarket, £10,000, Mdn, 8-8, 2yo, f, 8fT, 1:41.68, g/f. EVOLUTIONIST (IRE) (f, 2, Night Of Thunder {Ire}–Model Guest {GB} {GSP-Eng}, by Showcasing {GB}), a €600,000 Goffs Orby Book 1 purchase who was too green on debut when fourth at Haydock last month, was an entirely different proposition this time breaking smartly to lead. Staying on powerfully up the rising ground to the line, the 13-8 favourite held Lyrics Of Life (Pinatubo) by a length, with that well-regarded Sangster & Babington-Meehan project in turn 4 1/4 lengths in front of Juddmonte's newcomer Legacy Link (Dubawi), the immediate relative of Frankel and Noble Mission from the Gosdens. The G3 Sweet Solera Stakes-placed dam, whose yearling full-brother to the winner is catalogued in the upcoming Tattersalls October Book 1, hails from the family of Danehill Dancer's G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud-placed Feels All Right and G3 C. L. Weld Park Stakes scorer Venturi. She also has a filly foal by Ghaiyyath. Sales history: €600,000 Ylg '24 GOFORY. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $7,881. O-Yuesheng Zhang; B-Gigginstown House; T-Karl Burke. The Maritime Cargo Services Ocean Freight Frenzy Maiden Fillies' Stakes is won well in the end by Evolutionist who looked green for much of the race under Shane Foley for the Karl Burke stable! @karl_burke pic.twitter.com/uZ8jl8lcqf — Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) August 8, 2025 The post Yuesheng Zhang’s Orby Sensation Evolutionist Off The Mark At Newmarket appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features the well-bred Hawk Mountain. 1.45 Curragh, Mdn, 2yo, 7fT HAWK MOUNTAIN (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) debuts for Ballydoyle in a maiden which has been won in recent times by Delacroix, Diego Velazquez, Al Riffa and Thunder Moon and is a key player as a son of Galileo's Matron and British Champions Fillies & Mares heroine Hydrangea. A half-brother to Dubawi's Fillies & Mares-placed Wingspan and Tetrarch winner Officer, he is the pick of Ryan Moore over a pair by St Mark's Basilica (Fr) in the Fairyhouse runner-up Charles Fort (GB) and newcomer Port Of Spain (Ire), with the latter being a half-brother to Free Wind (Galileo). On the form of his debut third in the course-and-distance Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden, Alwasmiyah, Ballylinch and Umm Al Shukhout's Al Haarith (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), a full-brother to the G3 Princess Royal Stakes winner Antonia De Vega from the Joseph O'Brien stable is a worthy favourite. 2.32 Newmarket, Mdn, 2yo, f, 7fT ZANTHOS (FR) (Sioux Nation) debuts for KHK Racing and the Crisfords, having cost €1 million when the top-priced filly at the Arqana May Breeze Up. A granddaughter of the smart Bahia Breeze, she encounters Wathnan Racing's 360,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase Proposal (GB) (Frankel {GB}), the William Haggas-trained daughter of the G3 Blue Wind Stakes winner and Nassau runner-up One Voice (Poet's Voice) who missed her intended debut at Goodwood's Qatar Festival last month. 2.50 Curragh, Cond, 2yo, f, 7fT DIAMOND NECKLACE (IRE) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}) is an intriguing newcomer for Ballydoyle in this Grand Hotel Malahide Irish EBF Fillies Juvenile Race won in 2016 by Hydrangea and in which A Lilac Rolla beat Opera Singer two years ago. Out of Prudenzia (Dansili), she is a half-sister to the former stable stalwart Magic Wand (Galileo) and the Irish Oaks heroine Chicquita (Montjeu) from one of the best pedigrees anywhere. Jockey arrangements suggest strongly that the €1.7-million Arqana Deauville August topper will need this introduction, as Ryan Moore sticks with the 1.5 million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 sensation Minerva (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) despite the daughter of Prize Exhibit (Showcasing) being winless in three starts. Donnacha O'Brien saddled Falling Snow to win on debut last year and puts forward Lookingforarainbow (Justify), a daughter of the Phoenix heroine Damson (Entrepreneur) and half-sister to Dansili's Group-winning sprinter sire Requinto, while the form filly is probably Newtown Anner Stud Farm's homebred Justiciar (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), one of Ger Lyons's smart team of juvenile fillies who was third behind the subsequent Silver Flash winner Composing here in June. The post Ballydoyle’s Hawk Mountain Catches The Eye As Son Of Hydrangea Set To Debut In Key Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sprinters young and old hold sway this weekend, with the juveniles centre stage on Saturday in the G1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes before the hardened category specialists take over in the G1 ARC Prix Maurice de Gheest 24 hours later. In the former contest, Aidan O'Brien looks set to add an 18th renewal with either the Coventry winner Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) or the Queen Mary winner True Love (No Nay Never) having missed out in six of the last seven. Gstaad and True Love's powerhouse performances at Royal Ascot set them apart from the four peers lining up against them and it is probably a simple case of who is the better of the two stablemates, especially given the filly's subsequent Railway rout of the boys including the yard's hard-grafter Puerto Rico (Wootton Bassett). Aidan O'Brien issued a note of caution regarding the colt on Friday, however. “Gstaad has been working well, but he was just a little bit quiet this morning,” he explained. “I don't think it was anything serious–all his work has gone well but he was just a little quiet so hopefully he'll be okay. They've met before obviously and the filly has that little bit more experience than the colt. It has always been the plan for him to run at Ascot, have a little break and then go to the Curragh.” Only Green Sense (Starman) makes any sense outside of the Ballydoyle contingent, but while Simon Munir and Isaac Souede's admirable filly had her Robert Papin form franked at the weekend she has it all to do to bridge the gap to the front pair. At Deauville on Sunday, Wathnan Racing's Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee hero Lazzat (Territories) will be heavily favoured to record back-to-back renewals of the 6 1/2-furlong feature. His older contemporaries have questions to answer, so it could be up to the three-year-olds to put him to the test. The Aga Khan Studs representative Rayevka (Blue Point) was probably the moral winner of the Commonwealth Cup given the path she charted, with Godolphin's Shadow Of Light (Lope De Vega) putting up the first of two disappointments. Shadow Of Light offered an even more deflating performance behind Resolute Bloodstock's Woodshauna (Wooded) in the Prix Jean Prat and at this stage the Graffard runner looks more upwardly-mobile, but we are talking about a Middle Park and Dewhurst winner and a 2,000 Guineas third and he remains a danger to all. Also on Saturday is an intriguing edition of The Curragh's G3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes, where last year's Phoenix heroine Babouche (Kodiac) takes on the reigning British Champions Sprint Stakes winner Kind of Blue (Blue Point) and other classy types with fluctuating fortunes. At Newmarket, the G3 Newsells Park Stud Sweet Solera Stakes sees Billy Loughnane team up with Charlie Appleby for the ride on Godolphin's exciting filly Dance To The Music (Dubawi) before making the dash for Hoppegarten on Sunday to partner the yard stalwart Rebel's Romance (Dubawi) in the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin he won in 2022. At this time of year, next year's Classics are never far from the mind and Saturday's supporting card at The Curragh sees an intriguing seven-furlong maiden whose recent list of winners includes Delacroix, Diego Velazquez, Al Riffa and Thunder Moon. Ballydoyle's newcomer Hawk Mountain is a son of Wootton Bassett and Hydrangea with Ryan Moore booked in preference to an experienced stablemate, so a significant performance is bound to cause major ripples in the ante-post markets. In the third race on the card, the often-informative Grand Hotel Malahide Irish EBF Fillies Juvenile Race won in 2016 by Hydrangea herself, Aidan O'Brien's debutante Diamond Necklace is a St Mark's Basilica half-sister to Magic Wand and Chicquita. Donnacha O'Brien, who took this last year with Falling Snow, saddles another beautifully-bred newcomer in Lookingforarainbow, a daughter of Justify and the past Phoenix winner Damson. As always with these pedigrees, the past continues to inform the present as we ready ourselves for the next cycle of Classic contenders. The post Speed Tests The Weekend Focus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kevin Attard never doubted that he had what it took to train a racehorse. What he wasn't sure of, at least back then, was whether that confidence would be enough. The lifelong horseman was from a family of Canadian trainers and jockeys and he had practically grown up on the backside at Woodbine, but in 2005, his barn was down to five horses. He wrapped up the year with just four wins. “It was the first time in my life that I wrote a resume,” Attard recalled. “I had a young family and had bought a home and it just wasn't paying the bills. You're coming into work knowing you're losing money, but you're trying to have somebody give you an opportunity. That's the hope—that someone recognizes the talent in you.” At the eleventh hour, Attard's uncle, Canadian Hall of Fame jockey Larry Attard, heard that Steve Stavro of Knob Hill Stable was looking for a private trainer. Securing the position wasn't just the break Attard desperately needed. It was the first thread in a tapestry that would one day stretch all the way to the Breeders' Cup winner's circle. One of the first horses Attard trained for Stavro, Leonnatus Anteas (Stormy Atlantic), developed into a champion 2-year-old in Canada. That colt had been picked out by the then up-and-coming bloodstock agent Donato Lanni. Years later, Lanni would be the one who organized the racing partnership behind Moira (Ghostzapper), the Canadian champion who gave Attard his first win at the Breeders' Cup in the 2024 GI Filly and Mare Turf. For a trainer who once questioned his future in the sport, the breakthrough victory was more than just a career milestone. It was a reflection of the special bond he shared with a talented horse and the pride he felt in representing his country on the world stage. Kevin Attard at Woodbine Racetrack | Katie Petrunyak “When you look at some of the great Canadian trainers who have worked here and applied their trade at Woodbine, it's a small list of trainers that have been lucky to win [a Breeders' Cup race],” Attard explained. “So for me to be in that club in a sense, it means a lot to me. We're kind of like a little island here in Canada. There are a lot of great horse people here. It's just that the opportunity to win some of those races isn't as easy to come by being in Canada. I'm one of the fortunate ones I guess that can claim a Breeders' Cup win and hopefully it's the first of many more to come.” Growing up, Attard worked as a hot walker, groom and exercise rider for his father, Tino Attard. He struck a deal with his parents that he would go to college, but after earning a degree in accounting he went straight back to the racetrack to be his father's assistant trainer. “I always wanted to follow in my dad's footsteps,” said Attard. “I really enjoyed being with horses. I thought I had a connection with them. It wasn't an easy road, but I really believed in myself and thought I could be successful at what I did.” After Knob Hill's racing program dissolved in 2012, Attard faced the challenge of building his stable back up again. By that point, he had gained a reputation for success and quickly brought in clients like Terra Racing Stable, Elizabeth and Gordon Lickrish, and Stephen Chesney and Cory Hoffman. The stable established itself as a top operation in Canada, but in 2016 Attard's profile expanded internationally when he competed at the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita with Calgary Cat (Cowtown Cat) in the GI Turf Sprint and Melmich (Wilko) in the GII Marathon Stakes. Both finished fourth in their respective races, fueling Attard's resolve to make it back to the championship meet. He got the opportunity in 2020 with Starship Jubilee (Indy Wind), a filly he had picked out from the claiming ranks at Gulfstream Park and developed into a multiple Grade I winner. The stable star was coming into the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf in top form for her final career start, but lost all chance when she stumbled at the break and lost her rider. Horse and jockey walked off unscathed, but even years later, Attard is still emotional when he reflects on what could have been. Attard and 2024 King's Plate Stakes winner Catherinehergrtness | Katie Petrunyak “I'll never forget watching her come out of the gate, fall to her knees and drop the rider,” he said. “It almost didn't feel real, to be quite honest. It was tough and it still kind of chokes me up. Just to see her end her career like that, I didn't think it was fair.” Again, having a Breeders' Cup victory come within reach left Attard wanting more. “You definitely have that taste that you want to come back and prove to the world that you belong,” he said. “It's the best of the best and I don't think people realize how hard it is to compete and get your horse to peak on that day.” The year after Starship Jubilee retired from racing, another filly started showing promise in Attard's barn. Moira was purchased by Donato Lanni for a racing partnership put together with the goal of winning Canada's historic Queen's Plate. From the start, Attard could tell that the daughter of Ghostzapper was something special. “When she first came to me at the age of two, she had some tendencies where she was difficult to handle,” he explained. “She had a bit of a temper and wasn't shy about showing it. I had a lot of confidence in her and I told Donato that I had this wacky idea to start her off in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, a prestigious 2-year-old race for Canadian-breds. He was willing to go ahead with it and sure enough, she came up with an authoritative win. That was just the beginning of a great journey that I don't think anybody could have envisioned how it would turn out.” After winning the 2022 Queen's Plate just as her connections had hoped, Moira continued to thrive. She made her Breeders' Cup debut that year in the Filly and Mare Turf, finishing a well-fought fifth. The next season she ran in the money in all six starts as a 4-year-old, capped by a fast-closing third back at the Breeders' Cup behind talented turf fillies Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Warm Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Moira's Breeders' Cup placing could have marked the end of her racing career, but her connections decided to keep her in training for one more season with one goal in mind–a Breeders' Cup win. “We had unfinished business,” Attard confirmed. “We put a plan together to get to the Breeders' Cup and we worked our way backwards. The whole season went really well for her, but as we got closer to the Breeders' Cup, there was just something different about her I thought.” This time, the Breeders' Cup really would be Moira's last dance with Attard. Looking back now, Attard said he tried not to let himself feel that added pressure until his stable star was in the post parade. “You're focused so much on trying to make sure she's in the best condition and peaking on that day that you're not even thinking about what's past this next race,” Attard explained. “You're throwing the bridle on her before we head over to the paddock and that's when it starts to hit you that this is probably it. A lot of emotions start running through your head, but there's a job to be done still. With her too, you never know how she's going to handle things in the paddock so you've got to be sharp and ready, but she did everything perfect from the time she left the barn. I don't know if she knew, but she gave it her all.” When Moira made her move around the final turn and came flying down the stretch, time seemed to slow for Attard as he took it all in from his spot near the finish line at Del Mar. Attard greets Moira and Flavien Prat after the win | Breeders' Cup Eclipse Sportwire “For a Canadian kid coming in from Woodbine, it was pretty surreal to watch,” Attard recalled. “When I saw Moira make that kick, I had a lot of faith and confidence in her and sure enough, she got the jump and was able to stave off challengers. The wire couldn't come soon enough at that point, but when it did and she was in front, I embraced my wife and my daughter. It was something I'll never forget.” Two days after reaching the pinnacle of the sport, Attard had to part ways with Moira when she went through the ring at Fasig Tipton and sold for $4.3 million. The champion was sent to Australia, where she is now in training with top trainer Chris Waller. Attard still keeps close tabs on his former pupil and hopes to visit her on day. To him, she is more than just a horse he once trained–she's a part of his story. A photo of her Breeders' Cup triumph is still the image on his phone's lock screen, a daily reminder of what they achieved together. “She became so important in my life,” he explained. “You get so emotionally attached to these animals and I don't think people realize how much you love them. She has done so much for my career and it's hard because she's in a very far place and it's not like you can get in your car and drive to go see her. One day I will get to Australia and hopefully see a baby by her side.” It's not just Moira that Attard holds close to his heart. In the quiet routine of shedrow, his love for the horses is evident. And that deep affection runs through his entire team. Attard believes it's been a driving force behind their stable's many achievements. “We were predominantly a claiming stable for a long time and many of the assistant trainers and grooms that were with me at that time are still here today,” he said. “In a sense, it's a family and not a team because we've spent so much time and so many hours together over the years. It's a lot of hard work by a lot people and you just stay determined to be successful. The post Breeders’ Cup Breakthrough: For Kevin Attard, Moira’s Win More Than a Milestone appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the win of Luther (Frankel) in Saratoga's National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes. Frankel Colt Pens His Name Into The Hall Of Fame Paul Hickman and Nicholas Jones's Luther was put up via the disqualification of Zulu Kingdom (Ten Sovereigns) in the GII National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes at Saratoga on August 1 (video). The Frankel colt is trained by Charlie Fellowes. Bred by Jones at his Coln Valley Stud, the 3-year-old brought 250,000gns at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 when picked up by on Hickman's behalf by Will Douglass. His breeder retained a share. Luther, who won the Listed Ascendant Stakes at Haydock last year, placed third in the GI Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes on July 4. He is out of the group winner Give And Take (Cityscape), whose daughter Good Gracious (Kingman) was placed in a pair of listed stakes. Swiped (Too Darn Hot), her juvenile colt who was a 90,000gns Book 2 graduate, is unplaced in one start, and she has a yearling colt and a filly foal of this year both by Baaeed. Under the third dam is the high-class multiple Group 1-winning stayer and sire Fame And Glory (Montjeu). Juddmonte's Frankel has sired 37 winners from 70 to race in the U.S. (53%). Luther is one of 22 stakes winners for the son of Galileo there. Ghaiyyath Colt Gets It Done In La Jolla Phil D'Amato trainee The Padre (Ghaiyyath) broke his U.S. and stakes duck in Sunday's La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar (video). Bearing the silks of Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables and Marsha Naify, he was bred by John Halley. Although he did not meet his reserve when passed in for 60,000gns as a Tattersalls October Book 2 yearling, The Padre won his debut at Dundalk in Halley's silks when trained by his son, Josh, in January. The Padre resurfaced with a second at Santa Anita in June, with the La Jolla his third start. Out of G1 Prix de l'Opera heroine Shalanaya (Lomitas) who also was placed in the GI E. P. Taylor Stakes and G1 Prix Ganay, the colt is her 10th foal. A half-brother to Zoffany's G3 Premio Ambrosiano third Shalamaba, The Padre counts a yearling filly by Camelot and a weanling full-brother as his latest siblings. He is kin to the star-crossed dual Derby hero Shergar (Great Nephew). Darley's Ghaiyyath has had three runners in America, with The Padre his first winner and stakes winner. Close it out Padre! @umbyrispoli pilots The Padre to victory in the La Jolla Handicap. pic.twitter.com/RELYLujwPp — Del Mar Racetrack (@DelMarRacing) August 4, 2025 'Rising Star' Nod For Capital Partner Chad Brown and Klaravich Stables teamed up with Kingman's Capital Partner, who claimed an ultra-competitive GI Whitney Stakes Day maiden–and 'TDN Rising Star' rosette–at Saratoga on August 2 (video). Part of the Fittocks Stud and Arrow Farm Stud breeding programme, the son of Blue Waltz (Pivotal) was knocked down for 360,000gns to Mike Ryan out of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. The sixth foal, fifth runner and third winner for his three-time winning dam, the 2-year-old colt is a half-brother to G3 Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial Stakes second Euphoric (Frankel). Granddam Blue Symphony (Darshaan) is the dam of multiple group/graded heroine Fantasia (Sadler's Wells), and Pink Symphony (Montjeu), who won the G3 Give Thanks Stakes and is herself the dam of GI Man o' War Stakes hero Highland Chief (Gleneagles). Kingman's 48 winners in America from 80 runners arrive at a 60% strike rate. Nine of his American-raced progeny have struck at stakes level, with Domestic Spending, a three-time Grade I winner, leading the charge. City Light Filly New Saratoga Winner Prix Herod second Griselda (City Light) won her American debut when running out a half-length winner for Chad Brown at Saratoga on August 6 (video). Bred in France by Thierry de la Heronniere, she is now raced by Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb, William Strauss and Michael Caruso. A €22,000 Arqana October yearling buy when the training duo of Carlos and Yann Lerner signed the ticket, the daughter of Narcisca (Maxios) made all five of her French starts in the colours of Serge Assous, winning once. Put back through the Arqana ring, she failed to sell when at €245,000 during the Summer Mixed Sale last July, before earning her stakes-placing that October. She changed hands for €200,000 out of the Arqana Vente d'Elevage when picked up by Mandore International Agency on behalf of Madaket Stables last December. The first foal out of her dam, Griselda has a 2-year-old full-brother, Mon Pote Leo, who is a winner in three starts so far, and a yearling half-sister by Sealiway. Her dam is a half-sister to the group winners Narrativo (Adlerflug) and Nikkei (Pivotal), with the former having been second in the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin. Haras d'Etreham's City Light has sired 80% winners from his runners in North America. Griselda is his fourth scorer from five to race. GRISELDA impresses on her debut at Saratoga! From last to first, she stormed home to win under Flavien Prat for trainer Chad Brown. Purchased by Mandore International Agency on behalf of @MadaketStables & partners at the @InfoArqana Arc Sale. Congrats to all involved! pic.twitter.com/2yzD8wedxl — Nicolas de WATRIGANT (@MandoreAgency) August 7, 2025 Biles Shines In The Great White North The second time was the charm at Woodbine for Biles, as she landed a maiden on July 26 (video). Trained by Josie Carroll for NK Racing and LNJ Foxwoods, the chestnut is by Night Of Thunder. Originally a 150,000gns Tattersalls December foal, the Castlefarm Stud-bred bloomed into a 450,000gns Book 1 yearling when catching the eye of Alex Solis and Jason Litt in that same ring in 2022. A full-sister to G3 Ballysax Stakes third Tiberius Thunder, Biles is out of the G3 Park Stakes heroine Ellthea (Kodiac), who was also placed at stakes level in France. Her latest pair is a 2-year-old named Quality Start (Mehmas) and a yearling filly by Blue Point, who has been entered in Book 1 of the 2025 Sale. Second dam Tropical Lady (Sri Pekan) claimed the G2 Royal Whip Stakes, G3 Brownstown Stakes, and G3 Meld Stakes. Night Of Thunder has sired 14 winners from 22 runners (64%) in the U.S. Of that number, five are stakes winners with Dynamic Pricing and Choisya his two Grade I winners. Showcasing Filly Sprints To Colonial Win So Sophia (Showcasing) did her new connections proud with a neck victory at Colonial Downs for trainer Abraham Gardea on July 25 (video). Bred by Carmel Stud and Whitsbury Manor Stud, the dark bay was knocked down to Ben McElroy for 325,000gns on behalf of Stonestreet Stables out of Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. After a sixth-place effort for Barbara Banke's operation and trainer Brad Cox, So Sophia changed hands for $70,000 at the Fasig-Tipton May Digital Sale and now races for Next Level Stables. The daughter of the dual-winning Kyllachy mare So Brave is the second foal, runner and winner for her dam, who foaled the colt Zain Primus (Pinatubo) in 2023. Her latest is a weanling colt by Havana Grey. Fourth dam Interval (Habitat) captured the Prix Maurice de Gheest when it was a Group 2 and has been a steady fount of stakes winners, just not through So Sophia's branch of the maternal line. With the victory of So Sophia, Showcasing now has 18 winners from 33 runners (55%) in North America. His sextet of stakes winners are led by a trio of Grade II winners in Prize Exhibit, Projected and Bodhicitta. Blue Point Filly Strikes In Indiana Brad Cox saddled Keeley Jones to take the fifth race at Horseshoe Indiana on Thursday (chart). The daughter of Blue Point, bred by Barronstown Stud, was making her first start. The eighth foal out of the Oasis Dream mare Albaraah and a €300,000 Goffs Orby graduate, the filly is owned by Hoffman Family Racing and RT Stables. The Listed Prix le Fabuleux heroine and G3 Prix de Flore runner-up Albaraah is also the dam of Alrahma (Shamardal), a group winner and second in the G1 Prix Morny, as well as Efaadah (Dansili), who won the G3 Prix de la Porte Maillot. A yearling son of No Nay Never is the mare's last reported foal. Notable relatives included the Group 1-winning sires Hernando (Niniski) and Johann Quatz (Sadler's Wells). Blue Point, already the sire of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint hero and Tally-Ho Stud sire Big Evs, now has nine winners from 16 to race in the US. His other North American stakes winner is Raqiya, who landed the GIII Goldikova Stakes at Del Mar. Debut success for #GoffsOrby grad KEELEY JONES in the 5f Maiden Fillies Turf Sprint @HSIndyRacing for @bradcoxracing, @GregHoffman13 & RT Stables@cscherer1984 / Stripes bought the 3yo Blue Point filly (@DarleyStallions) from breeders @BarronstownStudpic.twitter.com/UwdE584TgY — Goffs (@Goffs1866) August 8, 2025 No Nay Never Filly A Star At Hawthorne After a pair of unplaced efforts elsewhere, Star Blessing (No Nay Never) found the Hawthorne turf to her liking and outran her rivals pillar-to-post in Illinois on August 7 (video). Flying the flag for Tommy Town Thoroughbreds and trainer Wayne Catalano, the filly was bred by Lynch Bages and Lindy Farms. Sold for $250,000 to her current owners at the 2023 Keeneland September Sale, Star Blessing is the fourth foal, runner and winner for the Galileo mare Like A Star, herself a full-sister to multiple group winner Battle Of Marengo. Her dam foaled full-brothers to the winner in 2023 and 2024. The former sold for 100,000gns to Lynn Lodge Stud as a Tattersalls December Foal. Of No Nay Never's 111 North American runners, 66 have visited the winner's circle (59%). His 11 stakes winners include three graded winners with the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine Meditate the most decorated. Repeat Winners LSU Stables' La Mehana added another graded race to her win column in the GII Glens Falls Stakes at Saratoga on July 27 (video). Trained by Miguel Clement, the 6-year-old daughter of Al Wukair, third in the G1 Prix de Royallieu, also has the GIII Waya Stakes on her ledger. The Tyro Stakes went to Hey Nay Nay (No Nay Never) at Monmouth Park on August 2 (video). Raced by Hronis Racing and Iapetus Racing, the 2-year-old colt is trained by John Sadler. Lope De Vega's Mondego added his third lifetime victory at Del Mar on August 2 (video). Trained by Michael McCarthy, the Grade I-placed gelding is owned by Cheyenne Stable. The post Making Waves: Luther Put Up In Hall Of Fame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One of the early flagbearers for his first-crop sire St Mark's Basilica, Thesecretadversary became the landmark first black-type winner for Ballydoyle's former brilliant runner on Friday when breaking his maiden in the Listed Coolmore Stud Churchill Stakes. Expected to shed that tag when long odds-on at Ayr last month, Cayton Park Stud and Susan Magnier's Chesham runner-up put that blip firmly behind him with a length verdict over Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star Brussels (Wootton Bassett) in the Tipperary feature. “I'm glad I got another chance after getting beaten at Ayr last time and he's a nice horse who is still a bit weak,” Seamie Heffernan said of the Fozzy Stack-trained 3-1 second favourite, who had also run second to Ballydoyle's subsequent Superlative third Italy on debut at Leopardstown in May. “The head went down today, but he's just not a two-year-old. He'll definitely make a mile-and-a-quarter horse–you could make him keen and a quick runner, but we'd be cautious about keeping the revs down and making him a middle-distance horse instead.” REDEMPTION Group 1-entered Thesecretadversary makes amends for his odds-on defeat last time by taking down the well-fancied Brussels in the Listed @coolmorestud Churchill Stakes.@tipperaryraces pic.twitter.com/jRGk6AyhvQ — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 8, 2025 The post Thesecretadversary First Black-Type Winner For St Mark’s Basilica In The Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Jerome Reynier is looking for Royal Ascot winner Lazzat to put down another significant marker in the Aug. 10 Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1).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 Saturday at Ellis Park and Del Mar. Saturday, August 9, 2025 Ellis 3, $44k, Moc, 2yo, 1mT, 1:48 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Jorge's Ace (Basin), OBSAPR, 14,000, :21 4/5 C-CM Thoroughbreds; B-Emeterio Rodriguez Ellis 5, $100k, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 2:44 p.m. Glazin' Fury (Mitole), OBSMAR, 100,000, :9 4/5 C-Omar Ramirez Bloodstock; B-Matt Shirer for Darrick Hayden Miso Speedy (Mendelssohn), OBSAPR, 60,000, :10 C-Top Line Sales LLC, agent; B-Bradley Thoroughbreds LLC, agent Vanish (Vekoma)-AE, OBSAPR, 120,000, :10 1/5 C-Golden TBs Training & Sales; B-Eclipse TB Partners & D J Stable Del Mar 2, $100k, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f, 5:30 p.m. Bank Shot (Game Winner), OBSAPR, 160,000, :10 C-Randy Miles, agent; B-William Simon Pentle Bay (Uncle Mo), OBSAPR, 180,000, :10 1/5 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-Fergus Galvin, agent Dmr 4, Best Pal S.-GIII, $150k, 2yo, 6f, 6:30 p.m. Desert Gate (Omaha Beach), OBSMAR, 260,000, :9 4/5 C-Navas Equine, agent; B-Three Amigos The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Saturday, August 9, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Champion Croix Du Nord, freshened since winning the G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), has resumed training at Ritto Training Centre in advance of a start in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October. Trainer Takashi Saito told Net Keiba, “We have brought him back into training, working backwards from the two planned races in France. It's still hot, but from here we will make sure to get him into peak condition before heading to France.” A winner of the G1 Hopeful Stakes during a three-for-three juvenile season, the son of Kitasan Black was second in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) in the Sunday Racing colours before taking the Japanese Derby on June 1. His first target is the G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange at ParisLongchamp on October 14 over 2000 meteres. The Arc is scheduled for Sunday, October 5. The post Japanese Derby Hero Croix Du Nord Begins Arc Preparations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Danny Shum will welcome G1 Irish Derby second Serious Contender to his stable once the Hong Kong season begins. Formerly trained by Aidan O'Brien for the Coolmore partners, the son of Wootton Bassett has two wins on his ledger and was also second in the King George V Handicap at Royal Ascot in June. Other horses bound for Hong Kong include Boniface Ho Ka Kui's Listed Burradon Stakes winner and G3 Hampton Court Stakes third Glittering Legend (Too Darn Hot) from the yard of James Fanshawe, former Ralph Beckett trainee Seraph Gabriel (Saxon Warrior), and Jack Davison's 2024 maiden winner Glenderry (Mohaather). The trio are all heading to David Eustace. The King's Falcon (Dubawi), who has a win and two placings for William Haggas will join John Size. Listed Churchill Stakes second Beckman (Beckford) from the yard of Ger Lyons, and John Joseph Murphy trainee and Gowran debut winner Maestro Mark (Tamayuz) are both also bound for Hong Kong. The first day of the Hong Kong 2025/2026 season begins at Sha Tin on September 7. The post Irish Derby Second To Continue Career In Hong Kong appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grass Wonder (Silver Hawk) has died at the age of 30, Japan's Big Red Farm announced on Friday. The 1997 Japanese champion juvenile colt, the paternal grandsire of 2015 Japanese Horse of the Year Maurice, was diagnosed with multiple organ failure on Thursday and died August 8. A statement from the farm read, “Grass Wonder passed away today, August 8, 2025. He was undefeated from his debut, winning the Asahi Hai in record time and had a brilliant career as a racehorse, including three consecutive Grand Prix victories. “As a stallion, he produced multiple Group 1 winners, and his son, Screen Hero, has produced a successor in Maurice. “He turned 30 this year and was in good health, but his condition worsened yesterday evening. He passed away this evening [Friday]. Our deepest condolences to a distinguished horse who left a significant achievement in Japanese horse racing. Rest in peace, Grass Wonder.” Bred by Phillips Racing Partnership and John Phillips in Kentucky, the second foal out of Ameriflora (Danzig) was offered at the 1996 Keeneland September Yearling Sale by Phillips's Darby Dan Farm. Grass Wonder sold for $250,000 to Nobuo Tsunoda. Raced by the Hanzawa family, the full-brother to two-time Grade I winner Wonder Again was trained by Mitsuhiro Ogata and was undefeated en route to his championship. He added his first Arima Kinen at three, and the Takarazuka Kinen and another Arima Kinen at four. Of his nine lifetime victories, four of them were elevated to international Group 1 status in subsequent years–the Asahi Hai Sansai Stakes, the Arima Kinen (1998/1999) and the Takarazuka Kinen (1999). Retired after his 5-year-old season in 2000, he began his stallion career at the Breeders Stallion Station and would later move to Big Red Farm where he would stay until being pensioned in 2021. At stud, he sired 736 winners from 1327 foals (55%). Just 15 of those were stakes winners, with the Takarazuka Kinen hero Earnestly and G1 Japan Cup hero Screen Hero his only top-level scorers. Maurice, who stands at Shadai Stallion Station and Arrowfield Stud in Japan and Australia, respectively, is the sire of 32 stakes winners, with 22 at group level anchored by six top-flight winners. The post Champion Grass Wonder, The Grandsire Of Maurice, Dies At 30 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-SAR, $100k, Msw, 2yo, 6f, post time: 3:19 p.m. ET SASSMASTER (Curlin) was purchased by Alistair Roden on behalf of his client Mark Breen for a sales-topping $550,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October Sale and the early April foal has drawn widest in a field of eight for this first visit to the races. Bred by Stonestreet, the bay is kin to a pair of winners, including 2019 GII Prioress Stakes and GIII Victory Ride Stakes heroine Royal Charlotte (Cairo Prince), who is in turn the dam of the 3-year-old Medicine Dog (Constitution), third in last year's Clever Trevor Stakes. Senior Lender (Volatile) has gate seven and the $450,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by Klaravich Stable is out of a half-sister to the fleet stakes-winning track-record setting Mundaye Call (Into Mischief) and Bullard (Gun Runner), winner of the GIII Bob Hope Stakes at two in 2024. Golden Tornado (McKinzie), a half-brother to undefeated stakes-winning 'TDN Rising Star' and GI H. Allen Jerkens-bound Verifire (Authentic), was knocked down to Reeves Thoroughbred Racing for $475,000 at KEESEP last fall. The colt's stakes-placed dam is a daughter of Grade III winner Queen ofthe Catsle (Tale of the Cat). TJCIS PPs Hip 801 c. CURLIN o/o Sass and Class sells for $550,000 at Kentucky October Yearlings! Congrats to the connections: B: Alistair Roden, agent for Mark Breen C: @TaylorMadeSales, agt for Stonestreet Bred & Raised Br: @StonestreetFarm (KY) pic.twitter.com/ykSHeniNOJ — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) October 22, 2024 2nd-DMR, $100k, Msw, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f, 5:31 p.m. ET BAD MANNERS (Into Mischief), purchased by Spendthrift for $700,000 at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga a year ago, is the current 2-year-old out of three-time Grade I winner I'm A Chatterbox (Munnings), whose yearling full-brother to this filly was hammered down for $2.6 million at this week's Saratoga Sale to Spendthrift, who was buying out their partners Fletcher and Carolyn Gray. A daughter of MSP Chit Chatter (Lost Soldier), the $2.35-million earning I'm A Chatterbox is also the dam of Juniper's Moon (Galileo {Ire}), third in the 2023 GIII Florida Oaks and sold on for $625,000 at the 2024 Keeneland January Sale. Bobby Flay purchased Brooklyn Blonde (Gun Runner) for $510,000 at KEESEP last year and she debuts here for trainer Michael McCarthy. A daughter of two-time stakes winner and Grade I-placed Shenandoah Queen (Henny Hughes), the chestnut worked a half-mile from the gate in :46 4/5 (1/105) in the company of her recent maiden-winning stablemate La Ville Lumiere (City of Light) on Aug. 2. TJCIS PPs The post Saturday Insights: Fasig October Topper Sassmaster Drawn Wide For Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Be Your Best leads a trio of stakes starters for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Aug. 9 at Colonial Downs.View the full article

Jockey Katie Davis has promised not to just make up the numbers in the Aug. 9 Shergar Cup and will be calling upon a certain Frankie Dettori for last-minute instructions before her Ascot debut.View the full article

Baoma Corp's Himika, the talk of the town following an impressive debut score, has the chance to back up that performance when she tries stakes company for the first time in the Aug. 10 $150,000 Sorrento Stakes (G3) at Del Mar.View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has appointed Eric Johnston to the position of stakes coordinator, according to a Friday morning press release by the track operator. Johnston brings more than four decades of racing industry experience to his new role, and was previously the director of racing and sportsbook at Penn National. As the new coordinator, Johnston succeeds Andrew Byrnes, who had held the position since 1999 and will retire at the conclusion of the summer meet at Saratoga. Johnston will assume his stakes coordinator responsibilities Oct. 3. In addition, NYRA has promoted Harry Wright from racing official to the dual position of assistant stakes coordinator and racing official. The post Eric Johnston Named NYRA Stakes Coordinator appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Happy but not surprised was how co-trainer Amanda Telfer sums up one of the best training performances of her career. Because when Alta Meteor stomped past some very good horses on a soaked Addington home straight on Friday night, he was only showing Telfer what her team had been seeing at home. Telfer runs the southern barn of what is unofficially our premiership winning stable and their golden winter was probably capped by the win in the NZI Insurance National Handicap Pace. Alta Meteor hadn’t raced since last year’s New Zealand Cup and not many pacers win off 30m anywhere in harness racing these days, let alone in their comeback race against fellow Cups horses. But that is exactly what Alta Meteor did, blasting past leader American Me, with trailer Franco Marek getting up the passing lane to get closest in second. There was plenty to like about how fellow backmarker Mo’unga found the line up the inside back in sixth but make no mistake, this was a statement performance from Alta Meteor. So why wasn’t Telfer, the sister of her training partner Steve, surprised? “He had been working well and he is a good horse,” she explains. “He has been good in his two trials so we knew he was quite ready.” Alta Meteor will now return to Addington for the Maurice Holmes Vase on August 22 which has an automatic ticket into the IRT New Zealand Cup, which Telfer admits is a mountain to climb. “If Leap To Fame and Swayzee come over we know how hard it is going to be but we’d rather be in the race and qualified than having to worry about getting in.” Earlier in the night the stable produced another smart two-year-old in B B King, who was super impressive coming from last to win on debut. “He has always shown us something but we put him aside after his first trials because he is so big. “The aim is the Sires’ Stakes for him but that is going to mean a bit of juggling as we have a few being aimed at that. “So at this stage we will keep racing them and give them experience.” And one of the highlights of the South Island junior driver’s season went, again, to Sam Thornley, when he led throughout on Royal Gypsy to win the Darren DeFilippi Memorial Trot. Thornley got the sectionals inch-perfect and Royal Gypsy did the best for owner-trainer-breeder Fred Fletcher and his wife Fay. View the full article

By Michael Guerin It wasn’t perfect but it was the next best thing. Because while Akuta may not have won his comeback race at Alexandra Park on Friday he came out of the race with a big tick and trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon still came away with the win. That was courtesy of Treacherous Baby, the stablemate of the hot favourite in the $20,000 World’s Best Hoof Oil Pace, the 1700m centrepiece of the Alex Park meeting. Akuta was fresh up to the races after 20 months and what once seemed a career-ending injury and he peaked on his run in the last 100m to go down fighting in third. Co-trainer and part-owner Mark Purdon was more than satisfied and had the bonus of watching Treacherous Baby peel off Akuta’s back to slingshot past leader You Little Beauty. “She has been racing really well and was obviously a lot fitter than Akuta,” says Purdon. “He had a really good blow after and blew up over his back. “At this stage he will come back here in two weeks for a similar race then head south.” Treacherous Baby will join Akuta in Canterbury as she is being set for the new series of mares races in the region, which are already looking a winner with the depth of talent they are attracting. Earlier in the night the father-and-son stable also produced juvenile Georgie Best to win on debut even if things didn’t go to plan for him early. He was forced to go back to near last but got the one-one a lap from home and sprinted like a good colt to down the talented Captain Moonlight. “He is a nice horse, still with plenty to learn but a nice motor,” says Purdon. The stable will have at least six horses in Canterbury from early next month, with Akuta and Treacherous Baby to be joined by Oscar Bonavena, juvenile Andretti and Chase A Dream. Later in the night there was a huge thank you wave of the whip from Taitlyn Hanara when she won the main trot on Castana. The emotion was because it was the 200th New Zealand training success for trainers Dave and Clare McGowan, Hanara’s long-time employers and biggest supporters. View the full article