Wandering Eyes

2nd-Del Mar, $82,200, Alw (NW1$X)/Opt. Clm ($40,000), 8-3, 3yo/up, f/m, 6f, 1:09.14, ft, 6 1/2 lengths. FORMULA ROSSA (f, 3, Vekoma–Fay Na Na, by Majestic Warrior), named a 'TDN Rising Star' in a four-length debut Feb. 21 going six furlongs at Santa Anita–which netted a 91 Beyer Speed Figure–hadn't been seen since, even skipping the worktab entirely in April and May. Resuming timed works in June, she reappeared here as the 1-5 choice. Ears pinned after bumped from both sides out of the gate, she emerged from the fray in front, set :22.04 and :45.16 fractions, and suddenly widened on the turn all on her own. With Antonio Fresu sitting quietly and taking a peek under his right arm in the stretch, Formula Rossa kicked well clear and crossed the wire 6 1/2 lengths the best while geared down as the easiest of winners. Veteran Wishtheyallcouldbe (Grazen) closed from last to garner runner-up honors. Fay Na Na, Formula Rossa's unraced dam, has a 2-year-old Yaupon filly, who RNA'd for $250,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-year-old sale, and a yearling Cyberknife filly. She was bred to Good Magic for 2026. Sales History: $130,000 Ylg '23 KEEJAN; $270,000 Ylg '23 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $84,600. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. FORMULA ROSSA ($2.40) destroys the field in the 2nd at @DelMarRacing. @Antonio1Fresu coasted home aboard the three-year-old Vekoma (@spendthriftfarm) filly for trainer Mark Glatt. Where will we see this undefeated filly next? pic.twitter.com/fiSuU0RBxv — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 3, 2025 The post ‘Rising Star’ Formula Rossa Returns a Winner, Stays Unbeaten appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — There have been some days for trainer Chad Brown. Some real big days. Remember Arlington Million day in 2019? He won all four graded stakes races, including all three GI races. He has won a bushel full of Breeders' Cup races in his career; more than once he has had multiple winners. Brown has a pair of GI Preakness Stakes on his resume. What happened Saturday might just trump them all. At his hometown track, Brown blitzed his competition, winning four races, capped off by the biggest of them all, the $1-million GI Whitney Stakes. Sunday morning, a relaxed Brown reflected on the monster afternoon of the day before. The star of the show, Whitney winner Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) was chilling in his stall, basking in the glow of his one-length win in Saratoga's premier race for older horses. “This is way up there,” Brown said outside his barn on the Oklahoma Training Track Sunday morning. “Definitely one of the most memorable days I have had in racing. My family–my mom, my dad, my kids, my brother, my nephew–were all there. To win the race I had not won yet with the greatest horse I have ever trained…all those factors made it one of the most memorable days in my career for sure.” The wonderful Whitney came on the heels of a frustrating, disappointing Friday when Brown's Zulu Kingdom (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) won the GII National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes and then was put down to fourth after a controversial disqualification. Although clearly not happy with the decision, Brown kept quiet. “The day before was very challenging with the DQ,” he said. “I didn't agree with it, but that's horse racing and that is professional sports. It comes with the territory. Certain things are out of your control, but I think our team handled it the right way, very professionally and with class.” Instead of squawking and making a scene, Brown took the high road, accepted the steward's decision and moved on. “We were due for a good day [Saturday],” he said. “You just have to keep moving forward and focus on the next day. I thought we had some good karma coming by not getting bogged down by [the disqualification] or trying to blame people. With the good group of horses we had running Saturday, I did not want to get distracted. I have to train horses, but I also have to be a leader. I can't allow everyone to lose focus and to dwell on getting into some debate as to what happened.” Nobody was talking about the disqualification Sunday morning. It was all about Sierra Leone, last year's champion 3-year-old and GI Breeders' Cup Classic champ. What looms next for Sierra Leone–owned by Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith–could be a rematch with Mindframe (Constitution), who is at the top of the older division with three straight wins. Mindframe beat Sierra Leone by a length in the GI Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs at the end of June. That could come in the $1-million GI Jockey Club Gold Cup on Aug. 31. “Mindframe is a really top horse and trained by a really top trainer (Todd Pletcher),” Brown said. “I'm looking forward to potentially the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the GI Breeders Cup (Classic). When you are racing at the top in any division, you've got to beat them all.” Riley Mott Gets His Flowers After Winning First Graded Stake World Beater eyes his flowers | Sarah Andrew A blanket of flowers was draped over the rail at the shedrow at Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott's barn Sunday morning, but they weren't for him. They belonged to his 33-year-old son, Riley, who notched his first graded stakes training win when World Beater (Oscar Performance) upset the GI $750,000 Saratoga Derby on Saturday. “I could not have written it up any better,” Riley Mott said outside his dad's barn Sunday after World Beater won by a half-length at odds of 11-1. “Ever since I was this tall (holds right hand a few feet off the ground), I've thought about this. You hope you do it, but you are not sure it will ever happen. This is like my Super Bowl.” World Beater, owned by Jim and Dana Bernhard's Pin Oak Stud LLC, beat eight others in the 1 3/16-mile Saratoga Derby on the grass. Included in that group was Capitol Hill (Into Mischief), trained by his dad. As the race was unfolding, it was clear who Tina Mott, Bill's wife and Riley's mom, was rooting for. “Are you kidding me? She was jumping all over me,” Bill Mott said about his wife's reaction in the clubhouse box. “I had to hold her down and say, 'Whoa!' She always tells me I should scratch my horse (when running against Riley).” “She is on both teams,” Riley Mott said with a smile. “Ever since I started (training in 2022 after serving as an assistant to his father), I think she leans in my direction.” Riley Mott said he had a brief conversation with his dad right after the race and the family all met up later for pizza. Bill Mott, ever the competitor, did not want anyone's sympathy. “I was doing everything I could to beat his ass, but he won the race and I'm happy for him,” Bill Mott said. “When I get beat, I don't even want to talk about it; it's over.” Riley Mott, who has 60 horses in training, said he was going to ship World Beater back to his base at Keeneland on Sunday and wait before deciding on his next start. Rick Pitino | Sarah Andrew Pitino Visits Spa's Winner's Circle It wasn't exactly Madison Square Garden and the Big East Championship game, but there was still a lot of hooting and hollering going on in the Saratoga winner's circle after Sunday's second race. A 2-year-old colt named Johnny's Red Storm (Twirling Candy) had just broken his maiden in his first try for jockey Kendrick Carmouche and trainer George Weaver. The ownership group, led by John J. Cronin Jr. and RAP Racing was leading the cheers. RAP is Richard Andrew Pitino, also known as the head basketball coach at St. John's University. He wore a wide smile and accepted congratulations from the large group in the winner's circle. He and Cronin have been friends for years. “Obviously, basketball is life and death with me,” Pitino, a Hall of Fame coach and the first to lead three different schools (Providence, Kentucky and Louisville) to the Final Four. “When we lose, I am up all night figuring out why we lost and what we could have done different. In horse racing, if you lose, you smile and move onto the next race.” Pitino, a longtime horse owner, could not remember the last time he won a race at Saratoga. He comes to the Spa often and ranks Saratoga No. 1 on his list of favorite tracks with Keeneland and Del Mar completing his trifecta. Pitino had another horse–Aggelos the Great (City of Light)–that he owns by himself on the card. He rallied late and finished second in the seventh race. After that, he was heading back to Queens for his real job. “We have (summer) practice at 8 a.m.,” he said. Last year, St. John's finished 31-5 in Pitino's second season and made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to Arkansas. “I am thrilled for a young coach starting out like me,” the 72-year-old Pitino, who has been coaching since 1974. He said he plans to be back in Saratoga for the Travers and also for the 70th birthday of close friend Roddy Valente, a prominent horse owner. The post Saratoga Notebook, presented by NYRA Bets: Whitney Day Ranks Right Up There as One of Brown’s All-Time Best appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fallen Angel joined a select band of fillies to win group 1s at 2, 3, and 4 in thrilling fashion, pulling the Prix Rothschild out of the fire under a determined Danny Tudhope.View the full article

While Ted Noffey might be the most conspicuous of the summer meet so far, the other Spendthrift 2-year-olds have also impressed.View the full article

For Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, basketball has "life or death" meaning. Horse racing is more of a fun, relaxing pastime for him. View the full article

Reflective on his first Whitney Stakes (G1) victory the night before, trainer Chad Brown gave high praise to Sierra Leone Aug. 3, calling him "the best horse I've ever trained."View the full article

There was a brief window of time about 15 months ago when 'TDN Rising Stars' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) and Fierceness (City of Light) were well established sophomores on the Triple Crown trail, and they were joined by an intriguing new shooter, Deterministic (Liam's Map), who suddenly had “wiseguy” appeal for the 2024 GI Kentucky Derby based on just two well-spaced lifetime starts. Deterministic, too, had been named a 'Rising Star' as a juvenile off an Aug. 12, 2023, debut dirt sprint victory at Saratoga for trainer Christophe Clement. But he then missed seven months of racing because of an ankle chip after that first start before asserting himself as a Derby contender with a deft, stalk-and-split win over a sloppy and sealed track in the Mar. 2, 2024, GIII Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct. At the time, part of the allure of Deterministic as a lightly raced Derby threat was Clement himself, because the well-respected veteran conditioner who specialized in turf horses rarely ventured onto the Derby prep path unless he believed he had a colt that truly belonged. In fact, Clement had never saddled a horse in the Kentucky Derby, although he did win the GI Belmont Stakes with Tonalist in 2014. “To [just] run [in the Derby], no,” Clement said of Deterministic in the spring of '24, underscoring that he wouldn't be interested in entering based on qualifying points alone. “To win, yes,” he added with a laugh. Deterministic ended up running eighth as the beaten odds-on favorite in the GII Wood Memorial Stakes, and that poor showing meant no trip to Louisville. In fact, Deterministic raced just once more on dirt at age 3 (fifth in last year's GII Peter Pan Stakes) before Clement switched him to grass, a surface over which Deterministic finished in the money for five straight stakes to close out his sophomore season, winning the GIII Virginia Derby and GIII Hill Prince Stakes along the way. Deterministic's 4-year-old debut this spring was a second-place try in an off-the-turf Keeneland allowance. He followed that sloppy-track tightener with a course-record wiring of the GII Fort Marcy Stakes over nine furlongs at Aqueduct on May 3, 2025. Three weeks later, Clement died at age 59 from a metastatic form of eye cancer. His son, Miguel Clement, who had previously served as his father's top assistant, took over the racing stable, and Deterministic's wiring of the nine-furlong GI Manhattan Stakes at the Spa June 8 was the younger Clement's first top-level stakes victory. Deterministic benefitted from a rescheduling quirk when heavy rains forced the Manhattan to be switched from the Saturday to the Sunday of Belmont Stakes weekend at Saratoga. The race was initially slated to be run at 1 3/16 miles on the outer turf, but it got shortened to 1 1/8 miles on the inner course. Deterministic had not previously won in two starts beyond nine furlongs, and this twist of fate played to his strength-he's now 4-for-4 in nine-furlong turf stakes. Coming off that 100 Beyer Speed Figure win, the big question this past Saturday was whether Deterministic could thrive cutting back to a flat mile in the GI Fourstardave Stakes. Deterministic winning the Gotham in his previous life as a dirt horse | Sarah Andrew The answer was a resounding yes. Deterministic broke alertly, but instead of seizing the lead like in his first three starts at age 4, he conceded the front to a 19-1 pacemaker. The tempo was legit (quarter-mile splits of :23.28, :23.73 and :23.21 for the first six furlongs) before Deterministic pounced with a three-wide bid in upper stretch. He slammed the door by uncorking an even faster fourth-quarter split of :23.10 (two final eighths timed in :11.40 and 11:70). The Beyer for the 1 1/4-length score in 1:33.87 came back as a career-best 101. On Sunday, Miguel Clement reported that Deterministic came out of his race well, and that the GI Woodbine Mile on Sept. 13 and/or Keeneland's G1 Coolmore Turf Mile on Oct. 4 are next-race possibilities. About 80 minutes after Deterministic stamped himself as a grass mile kingpin in the Fourstardave, his one-time companions on the Derby trail, Sierra Leone and Fierceness, renewed their rivalry in the GI Whitney Stakes over nine furlongs on dirt. The two have now met five times. In last year's Derby, Sierra Leone ran second, beaten just a nose by Mystik Dan (Goldencents), while Fierceness was 15th as the beaten favorite. Fierceness then bested Sierra Leone in both the GII Jim Dandy Stakes and the GI Travers Stakes at Saratoga, but Sierra Leone capped the '24 season with a 1 1/2-length score over Fierceness when they ran one-two in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar. In Saturday's Whitney, Fierceness broke running but was backed off a rabbit-enhanced speed duel undertaken by the two longest shots on the board (one a stablemate of Sierra Leone's) who would end up finishing last and next to last. Fierceness thus enjoyed a no-excuse stalking trip leading the main body of the field in third for most of his trip. As the pace (splits of :23.82, :23.25, :24.52) came unraveled on the far turn, Fierceness allowed Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) to get first run on the wilting duo. Fierceness quickly accosted that rival and seemed poised to power past. But Skippylongstocking stuck just around long enough on the inside to make that task too tough, and when Fierceness simultaneously had to deal with an outside threat in the form of Highland Falls (Curlin), he capitulated in upper stretch long before Sierra Leone fully uncoiled with his wide-and-driving winning bid from last. Sierra Leone launched his late kick through a final quarter-mile split timed in :24.81, plus a last eighth of a mile through deep stretch in :12.52. Sierra Leone came over the top after no fewer than five other horses had led or shared the lead in the Whitney, and his 1:48.92 clocking for the one-length tally earned a 109 Beyer (on an afternoon when Saratoga ran no other dirt routes that might have lent context to figure-making). So did the Whitney provide answers to important divisional questions now that we're inside 90 days to the Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup Classic? Not really. We've known for a while now that Sierra Leone can effectively roll late when presented with brisk paces, and that Fierceness sometimes has difficulty sealing the deal. If anything, the horse to watch out of the Whitney might be runner-up Highland Falls (107 Beyer). Parked in fourth for most of the race, the 13-1 shot was the only horse in the front half of the field in the early going to stick around and have a say at the finish, and he briefly led between the eighth and sixteenth poles before Sierra Leone out-torqued him in the final strides. The Whitney was only Highland Falls's second start since running ninth in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic, and he's the defending winner of the 10-furlong GI Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga, which comes up this year on Aug. 31. The post Week In Review: ‘Rising Stars’ From Last Season Now in Different Orbits at The Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Set for his unveiling after topping the OBS March Sale this year, Buetane (Tiz the Law–Taboo, by Forestry) burned brightest on debut at Del Mar on Sunday and earned himself a 'TDN Rising Star' for the effort. Slammed at the windows and made the heavy favorite here, the 2-year-old followed the lead of pacesetter Cactus Charlie (Independence Hall) and stablemate Falcon Jet (Justify) up the backstretch. Buetane moved up before the far turn to engage the frontrunner and around the far turn he asserted his authority. Entering the lane, the colt found another gear and sped off towards the wire, which resulted in a multiple-length score. The final running time was 1:10.17. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: FTSAUG '24 $150,000; OBSMAR '25 $1.15-million. O-Zedan Racing Stables; B-Merriebelle Stable, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. #2 BUETANE ($2.60), a $1.15 million @OBSSales purchase named for @buehlersdayoff, lived up to expectations in his debut! @JJHernandezS19 rode the juvenile Tiz The Law (@CoolmoreAmerica) colt to this easy victory for trainer @BobBaffert and owner @ZedanRacing. pic.twitter.com/IvjFEA6LGb — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 3, 2025 The post Tiz The Law’s Buetane Pours It On To Become ‘TDN Rising Star’ At Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Once she got to the lead in the lane, they couldn't reel her back in, and Destino d'Oro (Bolt d'Oro) sailed home much the best in the GIII Pucker Up Stakes at Ellis Park. The Brad Cox runner started her career as a juvenile at Kentucky Downs in late August last season, and went back to front in a maiden special to win by 2 1/4 lengths. Deep in the field behind her were two next-out winners and GSW Will Then (War of Will). She tried a similar tactic Oct. 4 at Keeneland in the GII Jessamine Stakes, and was third in a blanket photo–the trifecta filled out by a difference of noses–with GSW & GISP May Day Ready (Tapit) and SW & MGSP Totally Justified (Justify). Gone since those efforts, she resurfaced June 19 at Churchill Downs for her 3-year-old bow and once again roared home in the lane from last to win by a length against older allowance company. Returning to graded company here, the public hammered Destino d'Oro at the windows until she left the gates as the even-money favorite. Content to track Drop the Hammer (Gun Runner) from second as that one posted fractions of :23.19, :47.65, and 1:10.97, the betting choice was the looming danger as they swung for home and the longtime leader threw in the towel at the top of the stretch. Inhaling that competition and leaving the cavalry to decide the minor placings, it was 3 3/4 lengths back to Hereforagoodtime (Justify) in second when the dust settled. Admit (Blame) was a neck back in third. Sales history: $20,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $25,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $185,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. O-Steve Landers Racing LLC; B-Hurstland Farm, Inc. & James H. Greene Jr.; T-Brad Cox. Destino D'Oro was a powerful winner in the G3 Pucker Up at @ellisparkracing! Back-to-back stakes wins for jockey @luanmachado85! @bradcoxracing trains. #TwinSpiresRepay pic.twitter.com/EoqqLH8qtw — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 3, 2025 The post Bolt d’Oro’s Destino d’Oro Powers Home in Pucker Up at Ellis 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-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Monday's Observations features a high-class daughter of Starman. 4.46 Naas, Cond, €200,000, 2yo, 5f 205yT GREEN SENSE (IRE) (Starman {GB}) is in pole position for this valuable Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes, having captured the Prix Robert Papin in which Sunday's Cabourg winner Tadej was third. One of two in the race for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, alongside fellow Joseph O'Brien trainee Green Soul (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}), she probably has most to fear from Valmont's July Stakes third Jel Pepper (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}) from the Paul and Oliver Cole stable. The post Green Sense Poised for Ballyhane Pot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mythical showed that she’s the real deal at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 3, winning the $175,000 Adirondack Stakes (G3) by 3 1/4 lengths for her third victory in as many starts, all by open lengths. View the full article

A 'TDN Rising Star' who has not been seen in over year, Midland Money (Shancelot–Magnolias in Bloom, by Flatter) made a triumphant return to the races by clearing an allowance race at Saratoga on Sunday. Marked a 'Rising Star' after a debut win at Santa Anita in June of '24, the colt was bet down to be the 6-5 choice here. The Bob Baffert shipper came firing out of the gate and led up the backstretch. With some competition materializing around the far turn, the 3-year-old was one cool customer as he entered the lane in firm control. Midland Money got his picture taken by a comfortable margin. Aggelos the Great (City of Light) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:09.83. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. Sales History: KEENOV '22 $40,000; KEESEP '23 $130,000; OBSMAR '24 $650,000. O-Edward A. Childs; B-Memory Lane Racing, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Midland Money Returns A Winner At The Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What is the common denominator between the last three runnings of the second jewel of the U.S. Triple Crown and Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga Select Yearling Sale? When Journalism (Curlin) crossed the wire first in the GI Preakness Stakes last May, it marked the third consecutive year that a yearling sold at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga venue brought home the blanket of Black-Eyed Susans. Beginning in 2023, National Treasure (Quality Road), a $500,000 Saratoga buy, won for trainer Bob Baffert and a partnership consisting of SF Racing, Starlight, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan. He Would add two more Grade Is to his repertoire the next season–the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational and GI Metropolitan Handicap. In 2024, Seize the Grey (Arrogate) gave his Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas his seventh Preakness win and his 15th Classic victory overall. Campaigned by MyRacehorse, the $300,000 Saratoga yearling purchase also won the GI Pennsylvania Derby later that year. The most recent renewal of the Preakness was won by Journalism, who realized $825,000 at the 2023 Saratoga sale. The winner of the GI Santa Anita Derby, the bay returned to take the Preakness after finishing runner-up in the GI Kentucky Derby the following month. Most recently, the Michael McCarthy trainee won the GI Haskell Stakes for the partnership of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridledwood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Bob LaPenta, Elayne Stables Five, and the Coolmore partners. “We sell hopes and dreams,” said Fasig-Tipton's President and Chief Executive Officer Boyd Browning Jr. “Fortunately, we've had consignors support us in recent years with extremely high quality horses. Those yearlings have been bought by people who have very good racing programs and those horses have been able to achieve success on the racetrack. There is no better advertisement for a sale than the success of its sales graduates.” Case in point, Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), who realized $2.3 million at the 2022 renewal of the Saratoga sale, returned to the Spa this past weekend to take the GI Whitney Stakes for Peter Brant, the Coolmore partners and Brook Smith. Named last season's champion 3-year-old colt, Sierra Leone concluded his championship campaign with a victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic after being nosed out of a win in the Kentucky Derby earlier in the season. Journalism after the Haskell | Sarah Andrew Providing some sizzle to this year's sale, Denali Stud–acting as agent for breeder Don Alberto–features an Into Mischief sister to Journalism. Offered as Hip 165, the Mar. 28 foal is out of GSW and MGISP Mopotism (Uncle Mo), who recently died due to complications from colic. “Pedigree aside, her physical stands up as well,” said Denali's Conrad Bandoroff. “She is a lovely filly. She carries herself with a lot of class and has a lot of presence. She knows she's special.” Also on behalf of Don Alberto, Denali consigned Journalism at the Saratoga Sale two years ago. “Of course, her pedigree speaks for itself,” added Bandoroff. “She is a half to a Classic winner and to the only horse in America that has won three Grade Is this year.” And how does she stack up to her illustrious brother? “She is the female version of Journalism,” confirmed Bandoroff. “You do see a lot of Mopotism in her, a lot of the Uncle Mo. When you look at her, what's not to like?” Providing further luster to this year's catalog, Peter Blum Thoroughbreds offers Hip 10, a full-brother to National Treasure. The Jan. 19 foal, who is out of Treasure (Medaglia d'Oro), is consigned by agent Bridie Harrison, who also offered National Treasure at this venue in 2021. “We really liked National Treasure as a foal so we decided to breed the mare back to Quality Road and that turned out to be a good thing,” said Harrison. “We have the full brother in the same stall [National Treasure] was is when we brought him here.” Comparing the full brothers at the yearling stage in their development, Harrison explained, “They are very much alike. This colt might have a little longer neck, but they are very nice horses.” Continuing the Classic theme in Saratoga, Mill Ridge Sales consigns Hip 209, a filly by four-time Grade I scorer Life is Good. The Feb. 22 foal is out of Smart Shopping (Smart Strike), making her a half-sister to Seize the Grey. The Kentucky-bred filly was bred by Jamm. “The half siblings to Classic winners definitely add some excitement to the catalog,” said Browning. “It's also a reflection of the types of horses in the sale. It's a great attraction.” If a Classic filly is more your jam, a stop by the Gainesway consignment might be in order. The consignment offers Hip 200, a filly by Gun Runner, also the first foal out of GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil). Purchased for $5 million at Fasig-Tipton November in 2021 by a partnership consisting of Whisper Hill Farm, Flurry Racing and Qatar Racing, the three-time Grade I winner and earner of $2.7 million was bought outright by Mandy Pope for the same sum at the venue one year later. This year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga catalog also includes: Hip 12, a half-brother to GI Forego winner Mullikin (Violence). Consigned by Taylor Made Sales, the son of Liam's Map out of Tulira's Star (Congrats). Hip 29, a half-brother to dual Grade I winner Caravel (Mizzen Mast). Out of the Congrats mare Zeezee Zoomzoom, the Justify colt is offered by agent Hunter Valley Farm. Hip 173, a half-brother to last year's juvenile champion Citizen Bull (Into Mischief). By Mandaloun, the bay is out of unraced No Joke (Distorted Humor), a half-sister to Grade I winner Moonshine Memories (Malibu Moon). Taylor Made Sales consigns the Mar. 3 foal. Hip 102, a Flightline filly who is a half to two-time Grade I winning juvenile Cave Rock (Arrogate). The daughter of GSW Georgie's Angel (Bellamy Road) is consigned by Eaton Sales. Hip 117, a colt out of Hoppa (Uncle Mo), who is a full-brother to last season's GI Arkansas Derby scorer Muth. Also by Good Magic, the May 23 foal is offered by Gainseway, acting on behalf of breeder Don Alberto. Given the economic play at the earlier sales in the calendar, Browning believes that the trend will continue at the halfway point of the sales season. “All of our markets are inter-related,” explained Browning. “The 2-year-old sales were solid, and strong for the quality offerings. The July Sale was also solid, strong particularly for quality offerings. The Horses of Racing Age Sale in July, falls in line with the others. People want good horses, that's the bottom line.” He added, “With what we've seen so far, it gives you confidence this week and heading through to the end of the year.” Could there be another Classic winner looming among the 2025 class of yearlings at the Fasig-Tipton Sales Paddocks? “Anybody that tells you they know which ones are going to be Classic winners are kidding themselves,” said Browning. “We had 2,500 yearlings nominated to our select sales process. We'll probably see 2,000 of those and we'll have three or four teams out at any point in time. We're fortunate that we have a fantastic group of horsemen and women out looking at horses.” “Our reputation and everything that we do, whether it's in July or the Saratoga New York-bred Sale, it's [based on] physical horses. People come to Fasig-Tipton and they are looking for athletic, strong, well-conformed and balanced type of horses. That's been our bread-and-butter for 30 years. We have the best buyers in the world here, so these horses have to be able to sustain the scrutiny. And you hope they have the pedigree to go along with them. So, when a man or woman come on these sales grounds as a buyer, they're thinking this can be their dream horse.” The post Classic Connections Abound at Fasig-Tipton’s Saratoga Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade I winners Excellent Truth (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) and Dynamic Pricing (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) went out Sunday morning and worked five furlongs together over the Oklahoma turf training track as the former continues preparations for an expected tilt in the GI E. P. Taylor Stakes Aug. 16 at Woodbine.. With the turf training track listed as firm, the pair cleared the five panels in 1:02.13 and left their conditioner very happy with what he saw from them. “They did a little five-eighths on the turf, really outstanding,” trainer Chad Brown said. “Excellent Truth goes to the E.P. Taylor at Woodbine and Dynamic Pricing, I'm not sure yet. More of the same from Excellent Truth. She's been a very consistent horse.” Excellent Truth was last seen gutting out a game win in the GI Dunkin' Diana Stakes July 12 over MGISW She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}) while Dynamic Pricing took home the hardware June 6 at Saratoga in the GI Just a Game Stakes. The post Excellent Truth, Dynamic Pricing Work Sunday Over Oklahoma Turf Training Track appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's racing action at Saratoga and across the country saw not only an eye-catching number of new 'TDN Rising Stars' (the final tally stopping on five), but also current members of the club securing sensational victories against salty competition. With the runners emerging from their efforts with positive prognoses, their connections are now looking ahead. Of the established 'Rising Stars', GII Saratoga Special victor Ewing (Knicks Go) returned from that win in fine form and will now be tasked with stretching his abilities out. The Mark Casse trainee was one of seven winners for the Hall of Famer in the U.S. and in Canada on Saturday and is being targeted for the GIII Iroquois Stakes in September at Churchill Downs. “He came back great,” said Casse's assistant Shane Tripp. “We're excited about him. He ate everything last night and jogged good on the road.” “We're really pleased with his performance. He broke a step slow and that was a good horse he beat ['Rising Star' Obliteration]. It was good race riding and exciting to see. What a day to display him. We're excited for the connections.” Tripp added that Ewing should relish added distance and that not getting rushed as he does in shorter races will only make things easier for the son of Knicks Go. “I think you'll see the best of him when he starts going longer.” On hand for Whitney Day was co-owner Griffin Johnson, who stuck around after the races for Sunday morning works on the Oklahoma training track. In addition to Ewing, the influencer is also involved with GISW Sandman (Tapit). “I was hollering and all these people were staring at us while we were cheering him on,” said Johnson, with a laugh. “Whenever I post videos like that, people want to know what's going on and it makes people want to experience it for themselves.” “Every day I wake up and I try to give people the real experience–yesterday was a good one.” Ewing (inside) denies Obliteration in the Saratoga Special | Sarah Andrew Ted Noffey Possible for Spendthrift Farm Hopeful Made a 'TDN Rising Star' after stopping the clock on his debut in a faster time than Ewing produced while winning the GII Saratoga Special, Spendthrift Farm's Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) is under consideration for the GI Spendthrift Farm Hopeful Stakes Sept. 1 at The Spa. Awarded a 76 Beyer for the effort, the grey completed the trip in 1:17.56 while Ewing's contest was clocked in 1:18.03 two races later. He has since emerged in good form. “I think so, yes,” said Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher of the Hopeful. “I thought that was excellent–very good debut. He had been training well, and we were looking forward to a good effort.” “It was interesting to be faster than the stake. I thought he did everything the right way. He came out of it excellent.” Pletcher also offered an update on 'Rising Star' MGISW Fierceness (City of Light), who emerged from his fifth in the GI Whitney in good shape despite disappointing as the favorite. “He looked very good this morning,” said Pletcher. “I thought it was a bit of a rough trip. He got parked out pretty wide on both turns and didn't finish quite as well as we hoped.” Delightful Claire Thrills the Family, Next Target is a Work in Progress She came within a length of graduating at first asking in Kentucky, but it turned out a trip to Saratoga was what Delightful Claire (Thousand Words) needed for her moment in the sun, and she secured a seal of approval from the TDN in the process. In her 9 1/4-length masterclass against older runners, the 3-year-old was another maiden who stopped the timer in a faster effort than stakes competition later in the card. Running the seven-furlong maiden in 1:22.77, it was quicker than what GISW Kilwin (Twirling Candy) managed in the GI Test Stakes five races later–that final time being 1:23.10. Delightful Claire took home a 'Rising Star' rosette and a 95 Beyer figure for her romp. “It was a cool call. I like how he was counting it up,” said trainer Phil Bauer, with a laugh. “She always had a ton of ability, but I don't think you ever expect them to win like that. Yesterday was amazing with the crowd and the weather. Being in the business, it's exciting to see a town like this where people rally around it.” Named after one of owner Richard Rigney (of Rigney Racing)'s children, the connections reported the namesake was equally thrilled with the filly's performance. While the GIII Prioress Stakes Aug. 30 is the next sprint stakes option for sophomore fillies, Bauer expressed wanting to stretch out the daughter of Thousand Words, but didn't offer a target along that line of thought. “She's long, leggy and she has natural speed,” Bauer said. “We were talking this morning about what the next step is. She has such a big stride to her that I think more ground would be right up her alley. We didn't get going with her until three, but it seems like she has a bright future.” The post Saratoga Updates: Ewing to Stretch Out, Ted Noffey Likely for the Hopeful appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With some pep in her step once again, Mythical (St Patrick's Day–Lailoni, by Brethren) put her perfect two-for-two record to the test in the GIII Adirondack Stakes at Saratoga on Sunday and passed with flying colors. After successfuly taking on the boys in the Tremont Stakes last out, the 2-year-old was ready to do battle with a group of fillies as the 4-5 favorite this time around. Mythical rolled out of the gate and controlled the pace up the backstretch. Unable to be caught, the homebred made for home and at the wire collected her first higher level race. Meringue (Frosted) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:17.20. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0. O/B-Arindel (FL); T-Jorge Delgado. MYTHICAL is now 3 for 3 as she wins the Grade 3 Adirondack Stakes with @JaramilloJockey aboard for trainer @RacingDelgado. pic.twitter.com/Vo4aVEDicL — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 3, 2025 The post Speedy Mythical A Fantastic Beast In Adirondack At Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-Saratoga, $80,000, Msw, 8-3, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 1:01.66, fm, 4 lengths. JOHNNY'S RED STORM (c, 2, Twirling Candy–Estoril, by Into Mischief) was unveiled for co-owner Rick Pitino's outfit as the 9-5 choice here. The favorite sprinted out of the blocks to a clear lead up the backstretch. Making every pole a winning one through the top of the lane, the 2-year-old donned cap and gown for the St. John's coach by four lengths to the good over Capanaparo (Caracaro). The winner's unraced dam–a half-sister to GSW Tide of the Sea (English Channel)–is responsible for a yearling filly by Know Agenda. A $140,000 buy for St. Elias Stable at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale while Momma Kim (Noble Mission) was in-utero, Estoril was not reported as bred for next spring. Johnny's Red Storm counts as his third dam MGISW Tates Creek (Rahy). Sales History: $60,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $44,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-John J. Cronin, Jr. and RAP Racing; B-St. Elias Stables, LLC (KY); T-George Weaver. JOHNNY'S RED STORM breaks his maiden impressively in the second race with @KendrickCarmou1 up for trainer George Weaver! @RealPitino @StJohnsRedStorm pic.twitter.com/bKchDMoDos — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 3, 2025 The post Twirling Candy Colt Johnny’s Red Storm Graduates For Coach Pitino At The Spa 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. Information compiled by Alan Carasso: Monday, August 4, 2025 Ellis 1, $44k, Moc, 2yo, (R), 7f, 12:50 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Chuck's Law (Tiz the Law), FTMMAY, 50,000, G C-Navas Equine, agent; B-CJ Stables Just Asap (Maxfield), OBSAPR, 50,000, :10 1/5 C-Eddie Woods, agent; B-Ironhorse Racing Stable, John Dowd, agt Ellis 6, $100k, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 3:12 p.m. Politics (Tacitus), FTMMAY, 25,000, G C-Cortez Racing & Sales; B-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Monday, August 4, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leaving it late to extend her unbeaten record on Sunday, the Wertheimers' Green Spirit (Kingman) was in front where it mattered at the death in Deauville's G3 Sky Sports Racing Prix Six Perfections. Successful twice at Saint-Cloud in May and June, the Christopher Head-trained homebred needed every yard of the seven-furlong trip to reel in the Albany third Balantina (Ten Sovereigns) but was favoured by the bob to register a short-head success as The Aga Khan Studs TDN Rising Star Narissa (Siyouni) finished 1 1/2 lengths away in third. (@maximeguyon_off – @HeadRacing1) préserve son invincibilité dans le Sky Sports Racing Prix Six Perfections – Fonds Européens de l'Élevage (Gr. 3). Christopher Head garde son titre dans cette épreuve qu'il avait enlevé en 2024 avec . pic.twitter.com/uKaHugLUMh — Equidia (@equidia) August 3, 2025 The post Kingman’s Daughter Green Spirit Still Unbeaten After Six Perfections Test appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An entirely different proposition away from home soil, Wathnan Racing's Fallen Angel (Too Darn Hot) regained Danny Tudhope and her mojo on Sunday to pick up the winning thread again in Deauville's G1 Prix Rothschild. Benefitting from the reestablishment of a connection that had been ruptured after her success in the Irish 1,000 Guineas last May, the 10-1 shot outstayed the 8-5 favourite January (Kingman) to prevail by a head for a first success in these silks. Start Of Day (Night Of Thunder) was 1 1/2 lengths away in third. “Toughness is her strong point–I was a bit worried about the ground, but it had dried a bit and she handled it fine,” the winning rider said of the winner, who had also garnered the Moyglare Stud Stakes in Ireland as a two-year-old and had gone four starts winless since her Classic success. “She's been an absolute superstar for me and I'm grateful to be back on her. I have to thank Wathnan and the team at Karl Burke's.” Fallen Angel rallies gamely to land the Group One Prix Rothschild at Deauville! pic.twitter.com/QGAQmHCRnJ — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 3, 2025 The post Fallen Angel Finally Rewards Wathnan Investment In The Rothschild appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gestut Ebbesloh's G3 Preis der Winterkonigin victrix Nicoreni (Brametot) finished second in both prior starts this term and she put her head in front where it mattered most and provided trainer Peter Schiergen with a fifth renewal of Sunday's G1 167th Henkel-Preis der Diana (German Oaks) at Dusseldorf. The 68-5 chance, runner-up in May's G3 Schwarzgold-Rennen and June's G3 Diana-Trial, tracked the leaders in sixth for most of this 11-furlong Classic. Bustled along with a quarter-mile remaining, she came under sterner urging thereafter and was driven out to deny long-time leader Innora (Lord Of England) by a half-length in a bunch finish. Nyra (Isfahan) kept on well in the closing stages and was a short-head back in third, while the international challengers Garden Of Eden (Saxon Warrior) and Spirited Style (Sea The Stars) where unable to land a telling blow and finished ninth and tenth, respectively. 167. Henkel-Preis der Diana – German Oaks (GR1) over 2200m at Duesseldorf 3yo fillies – Group Race – 500.000€ NICORENI by BRAMETOT INNORA by LORD OF ENGLAND NYRA by ISFAHAN Gestüt Ebbesloh Peter Schiergen Leon Wolff Gestüt Ebbesloh pic.twitter.com/Gbl1V2hWDs — Deutscher Galopp (@DeutscherGalopp) August 3, 2025 The post Ebbesloh Homebred Nicoreni Annexes Fifth Preis der Diana for Peter Schiergen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Francis Graffard trainee Cankoura (Persian King) was last seen running third in June's G1 Prix de Diane and bounced back in style to register a first pattern-race triumph for her second-crop sire in Sunday's G3 Sky Sports Racing Prix de Psyche at Deauville. The 3-5 favourite was steadied off the tempo in sixth after an alert break from the outside stall. Stirred into action soon after turning for home, she quickened smartly to launch her challenge entering the final furlong and ran on strongly in the latter stages to comfortably outpoint Life Is Beautiful (Night Of Thunder) by 3/4-of-a-length. Zia Agnese (Romanised), carrying a three-pound penalty for her G3 Prix Cleopatre success, kept on well to finish a head adrift in third. Pedigree Notes Cankoura, who becomes the first pattern-race winner for her second crop sire, is the fifth of eight foals and one of four scorers out of dual Group 2-winning G1 Prix Vermeille second Candarliya (Dalakhani), herself a full-sister to Listed Prix Scaramouche victrix Canndera and a half to multiple stakes-winning GII Belmont Gold Cup Invitational, GIII Stars And Stripes Stakes and GIII Sycamore Stakes placegetter Canessar (Kendargent). The January-foaled homebred grey is a half-sister to G3 Prix de la Grotte victrix Candala (Frankel), the dual stakes-placed Carini (Siyouni), the hitherto unraced 2-year-old colt Candizal (Zarak), a yearling colt by Siyouni and a weanling filly by Baaeed. Cankoura wins the Group Three @SkySportsRacing Prix de Psyche at Deauville! The classy filly shows a good turn of foot to put the race to bed nicely for @GraffardRacing and @AgaKhanStuds! pic.twitter.com/FpCVmfirIN — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 3, 2025 The post Prix de Diane Third Cankoura Bounces Back in Style to Annex Deauville’s Prix de Psyche appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Darwin Cup Day 2025 Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Monday, August 4, 2025 First Race 11:52am ACST Visit Dabble Cup Day at Fannie Bay features a 10-race program on the sand (Good) with the rail true and fine conditions. First jumps at 11:52am ACST; the Darwin Cup is Race 10 (5:30pm, 2050m, $200k). Expect typical Darwin dynamics: on-speed/handy runners can be hard to catch, but strong, sustained closers are lethal late at 2000m+. Darwin Cup tip: Hadouken Last year’s Cup winner Hadouken sets up beautifully to go back-to-back over 2050m. He arrives race-fit after taking the Chief Minister’s (1600m) on July 12 and draws barrier 3 to secure an economical run behind the speed. With 58.5kg under the handicap, he meets several key rivals fairly and brings the ideal Darwin profile: tractable, tough, and able to quicken on the sand. Expect a positive ride from Blake Shinn to hold a pair or three back the fence before peeling at the 300m. Feature Tip Race 10 – #3 Hadouken (3) 7yo Gelding | T: Peter Robl | J: Blake Shinn (58.5kg) Best Bet at Darwin: Dakota Lee The Top End’s sprint queen Dakota Lee returns to her pet 1000m and simply brings superior ratings to this field. Even lumping 63kg, her gate speed and Fannie Bay record make her the one they must pass. With Blake Shinn partnering Zourata and a couple of others injecting tempo, expect genuine speed—perfect for Dakota Lee to stalk, then unleash her trademark 400–200m burst. She’s 4:3-0-0 at the trip locally and handles firm sand. If she begins cleanly and lands within two lengths of the lead, her class should carry her late. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Dakota Lee (5) 7yo Mare | T: Terry Gillett | J: TBC (63kg) Next Best at Darwin: Stormfront Stormfront brings the right platform into the 1600m handicap. He’s a seasoned Fannie Bay miler with a sustained finishing style, and the booking of Blake Shinn is a significant plus. From gate eight he can slide across to a stalking position one-off, avoiding kickback before building from the 700m—exactly the pattern that wins at Fannie Bay- and especially here on Cup Day when pressure comes early and often. He cops a +2kg penalty, but his current ratings say he can absorb it. With a clean run into the bend, Stormfront should prove strongest through the last 150m. Next Best Race 6 – #4 Stormfront (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Peter Robl | J: Blake Shinn (60kg) Monday quaddie tips for Darwin Darwin quadrella selections Monday, August 4, 2025 1-2-5 1-2-3 1-4 2-3-5 Horse racing tips View the full article

Synthetic flyer Cosentino (NZ) (El Roca) silenced any doubt about running out the seven furlongs with a blistering performance to claim Sunday’s $100,000 Japac Homes Polytrack Championship (1400m) at Awapuni. In the care of local trainers Stephen and Kevin Gray, the speedy four-year-old had been near faultless through the winter period on Awapuni’s all-weather surface, recording two victories and a narrow placing to Platinum Designs in as many starts leading into the feature. Cosentino had to contend with the extreme outside draw in the 12-horse field, but had the luxury of the 54kg minimum, unlike a number of his key rivals including Lhasa (61kg) and Stonybreck (59kg). In the hands of his regular pilot Bruno Queiroz, the $3.20 favourite caused a bit of interference early when spooking abruptly inwards, but showed an electric dash to power up into the lead. Once there, Cosentino kept up a cracking tempo ahead of Lhasa, and the pair were well clear of the remainder of the field as they turned for home. Consentino kicked hard off the corner, and while he understandably started to feel the pinch late, the gelding had enough left in store to hold out an ultra-tough Lhasa by a length. Stonybreck was steaming home late to fill the minor placings under Opie Bosson, who made his return to raceday riding at the meeting. There was plenty of support in the crowd for the winner, but Stephen Gray was near-speechless after a nervous watch on the sidelines. “At the 600, I was (thinking) christ, steady up Bruno,” he said. “But, the idea was to go forward, and that was pretty impressive. “I’ve had great experience overseas in poly racing and you’ve got to keep them fresh and sharp, then take them on. That was the plan today, and he was either going to get the 1400 or run second or third. “I’m an advocate for poly racing, not just because I’m having winners on it, but also because the track is running well, they’re winning from behind, and winning in front. Having a $100,000 race on this track is awesome. “It’s a great result.” Queiroz was similarly lost for words, having also won the previous race on the card aboard Cosentino’s stablemate Exaggeration (NZ) (Embellish). “I don’t have words for it at the moment, this horse is very nice and he’s improving every day,” he said. “I’m very happy. “He was a little scared and went to the inside too quickly, I tried to hold him to the outside again but I got to the first position and he relaxed well in front. “It has been a great job from my trainer, Stephen Gray, and all the people who work at the farm.” A son of El Roca and a three-win Per Incanto mare Magico, Cosentino has boosted his earnings above $95,000 with Sunday’s success, with four wins from seven starts. View the full article

Promising filly Cashla Bay (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) is headed for a Group Three target early in the new season after recording a comfortable first-up success at Ruakaka on Saturday. Bred and raced by The Oaks Stud, Cashla Bay debuted in stakes company when finishing fifth in the Gr.3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic (1200m) run in early February, won by subsequent Group One winner Return To Conquer. She continued to improve through her juvenile campaign, defeating the older horses over 1400m in April, but headed for a short spell after finishing outside of the placings in the Listed Waikato Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m). Resuming on a soft surface in the north, Cashla Bay came out on the front foot under Matt Cartwright and sped up to sit outside the leader in Eliza James. The pair both showed a decent kick at the top of the straight, but Cashla Bay got the upper hand at the 200m, striding clear and holding off the challenge of Soundwave to salute by just under a length. The daughter of U S Navy Flag is trained by Andrew Forsman, who never doubted her class coming into the Ben and Nola Wortelboer Memorial Race 1100. “I thought on what she’d done on raceday to date, she would be hard to beat,” he said. “She was a little bit vulnerable fitness-wise, but that was the only question mark. “As it worked out, the race panned out very well for her, she’s very professional and has a great attitude. “She’ll take great improvement out of that.” The Cambridge horseman was on a fact-finding mission on Saturday, deliberating over whether Cashla Bay would head towards the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Northland Breeders Stakes (1200m) or the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) later in the month. After seeing her performance, the former is looking the likely option. “She was up for a long time and had a lot of hard racing, but I think that will set her up quite nicely this time around,” he said. “She’s got a little bit stronger physically, but she hasn’t had all that long between campaigns coming back. “She’s pretty versatile, we took her up to Ruakaka to decide whether we would go to the Breeders up there or head to Wanganui. “I think on how strongly she won, and being vulnerable fitness-wise, has us leaning towards going back up there in a couple of weeks’ time.” The filly’s dam, Fastnet Lady, finished fourth in a Wanganui Guineas, and also filled the same placing in the Listed Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) during her racing career. Cashla Bay was her final foal before passing, having produced multiple Group One performer and $674,000 earner Five To Midnight (NZ) (Domesday). View the full article