Wandering Eyes

Tampa Bay Downs jockey Hector Rafael Diaz Jr., suffered a dislocated left shoulder April 18 when he was unseated in the stretch run of the seventh race on the turf after his mount, 3-year-old filly Hidden Recipe, clipped heels with Mia Vita.View the full article

Local hope Pay Billy could be on to the May 17 Preakness Stakes (G1) after scoring a workmanlike victory in the $150,000 Federico Tesio Stakes April 19 at Laurel Park.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 victory of Choisya in the GI Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland. Queen Of Keeneland Rabbah Bloodstock homebred Choisya (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), a winner of the G2 Cape Verdi and G2 Balanchine at Meydan this winter, took her show on the road and ran out a half-length winner of the GI Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland on April 12 (video). She is trained by Simon and Ed Crisford. Also a winner at listed level in Britain, the chestnut is out of Fragrancy (Ire) (Singspiel {Ire}), who was placed in the Listed Severals Stakes as a 4-year-old. Choisya is the 10th of 12 foals for her dam and one of four black-type horses. The Jenny Wiley winner's half-siblings include listed winner and G3 Sceptre Stakes third Pelerin (Ire) (Shamardal) and fillies by Earthlight (Ire) foaled in 2022 and 2024. The extended family features dual top-level winner Hibaayeb (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) and her daughter Wuheida (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), a winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf and the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac. Darley's Night Of Thunder has sired 12 winners from 20 runners in the U.S. (60%). Choisya is his best to date there, and he also has three additional graded winners and a listed winner to his credit, all fillies. He stands for €150,000 at Kildangan Stud in Ireland this year. Successful raid! The British trained CHOISYA took the G1 Jenny Wiley @keenelandracing for @gainsboroughHQ! pic.twitter.com/ACBMcrwUYl — World Horse Racing (@WHR) April 13, 2025 Blue Point Filly Blitzes Rivals In Florida Gainesway Stable and LNJ Foxwoods-owned Make Haste (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}) won her second American start by 4 3/4 lengths at Gulfstream for Christophe Clement on April 13 (video). Bred by Sheraton Bloodstock, the bay was a 40,000gns weanling acquisition by Ballymaw Bloodstock from the Tattersalls December Foal Sale before catching the eye of Byron Rogers, Diego Dias and Star Bloodstock as a 75,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 yearling. The filly was a winner for Dias and owners Simon Chappell, Mrs. A. Frost and M Eves at Naas on debut, and LNJ Foxwoods and Gainesway had bought into the filly prior to her start in the G2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot last June. She was second in the Listed Marwell Stakes back at Naas for that ownership group in July and switched to the U.S. after five starts. The fourth winner from five to race out of the winner Quick March (GB) (Lawman {Fr}), Make Haste is a granddaughter of listed winner and dual Group 3-placed Strut (GB) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). Her dam has a 2-year-old colt by Harry Angel (Ire). G3 Prix Chloe heroine Araminta (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) is out of G3 Bengough Stakes victress Mince (GB) (Medicean {GB}), herself a half-sister to Quick March. Priced at €100,000 at Kildangan Stud in Ireland this year, Darley's Blue Point has 50% winners from runners (7/14). His trio of stakes winners are led by GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint victor Big Evs (Ire). Make Haste and @zayas_edgardo impressively score in race 8, Sunday's featured race at #GulfstreamPark. pic.twitter.com/grA0cG0e9d — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) April 13, 2025 'TDN Rising Star' For Pinatubo Pinatubo (Ire) filly Al Jafara (GB) was named a 'TDN Rising Star' in her third start and American debut at Keeneland for Chad Brown on April 12 (video). She now races in the colours of Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb and Richard Schermerhorn. Bred by V. I. Araci, the 3-year-old filly was a 15,000gns Book 2 yearling out of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale to Shanaville Stables, and brought €37,000 at the Arqana May Breeze-Up Sale when selling to KGS. After a fourth for Mansour Aguel and trainer Hedi Ghabri at Chantilly, she won at second asking at that venue over 1800 metres in September. Sold for €250,000 at Arqana's Arc Sale to Oceanic Bloodstock, she was exported Stateside for these connections. Out of the placed mare Predawn (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), herself a full-sister to G1 Oaks heroine Qualify (Ire) and four-time group-placed Shogun (Ire), the filly is her third foal and second winner. Predawn has a 2-year-old colt by Too Darn Hot (GB) and a yearling filly by Oasis Dream (GB). This is the same clan as G1 St. Leger winner Brian Boru (GB) (Sadler's Wells) and GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Flute (Seattle Slew). Another Darley representative, Pinatubo (Ire) has an 40% strike rate in the U.S. with two winners from five to race, including the GIII With Anticipation Stakes third Cavallo Bay (GB). His 2025 fee is £30,000 at Dalham Hall Stud. Al Jafara wins her U.S. debut in R8 at Keeneland under Flavien Prat for trainer Chad Brown! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/eeCgJrEC2K — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) April 12, 2025 Lope De Vega Game At Keeneland Farfellow Farms' Expensive Queen (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) made her U.S. bow a winning run, clawing out a neck victory at Keeneland for trainer Brendan Walsh on April 18 (video). Bred by Fermoir, Ltd., the 4-year-old filly was purchased out of the Arqana August Yearling Sale for €260,000 by Rabbah Bloodstock. She broke her maiden at Haydock for Kevin Ryan and Jabber Abdullah in July of 2023, and, after five starts, made a pair of starts for James Tate before being sold and traveling to the U.S. A full-sister to G3 Prestige Stakes and G3 Princess Royal Stakes heroine Antonia De Vega (Ire) and the stakes-placed Luckin Brew (Ire), the filly is out of the multiple stakes-placed Witches Brew (Ire) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}). The dam has a pair of full-siblings to Expensive Queen–a juvenile colt and a yearling filly–yet to race. She is kin to G1 Prix Jacques le Marois hero Al Wukair (Ire) (Dream Ahead). Ballylinch Stud's Lope De Vega now has 46 winners from 86 runners (53%) in the U.S. His 11 U.S. stakes winners include four Grade I winners–Carl Spackler (Ire), Program Trading (GB), Newspaperofrecord (Ire) and Aunt Pearl (Ire). He stands for €175,000 in 2025. (6) Expensive Queen (IRE) rallies up in time to win the night cap, bringing Luis Saez his third win on today's card! (2) Mystifying finishes second and (10) Alimara (FR) is third. pic.twitter.com/K3ZwVSBdLu — Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 18, 2025 Third Time's The Charm For Dublin's Knight Second in his first two starts at Gulfstream for Wells Watson and trainer Brendan Walsh, Dublin's Knight (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) got the job done switched to Keeneland on April 13 (video). The Rosemont Stud-bred chestnut was picked up by Grove Stud for €180,000 out of the Goffs November Foal Sale in 2022, and was snapped up by Watson for €235,000 at the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale in 2023. Placed in the Listed UAE 1000 Guineas, Good Place (Street Cry {Ire}) has foaled seven offspring so far, of which Dublin's Knight is her fourth winner. Her latest is a filly by Starspangledbanner (Aus). The winner's female family traces to third dam Canny Lass (Aus) (Bletchingly {Aus}), a winner of the G1 Marlboro Cup, G1 Elders Mile, and G1 William Reid Stakes among others. Dublin's Knight is the only colt to win in America for his sire, so far from three runners. (9) Dublin's Knight (IRE) storms to the finish in race 3 for @iradortiz! (11) World Beater and (10) Salamis follow. pic.twitter.com/RJ7OnAdCLD — Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 13, 2025 Mehmas Filly Finds Minimum Trip To Her Liking Brendan Walsh saddled Miso Spicy (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}) to a 4 1/2-length tally at Gulfstream Park on April 12 (video). Bred by Haras d'Haspel, the bay is raced by Bridlewood Farm, e Five Racing Throughbreds and Michael Dubb. The €70,000 Arqana October yearling was purchased by Mandore International Agency and was making her fourth start. Miso Spicy is the third foal and first winner for Exceed And Excel (Aus)'s Karishma (Ire). Second dam Karasiyra (Ire) (Alhaarth {Ire}) won the Listed Lenebane Stakes and was placed in the G3 Noblesse Stakes, while her half-sister Kirinda (Ire) (Tiger Hill {Ire}) was second in the G3 Kilboy Estate Stakes. Tally-Ho Stud's Mehmas, priced at €70,000 this year, is responsible for 18 winners from 32 runners (56%) in the U.S. His seven American stakes winners (22%) are anchored by top-flight winners Going Global (Ire), Chez Pierre (Fr), and Magnum Force (Ire). Miso Spicy (FR) and @zayas_edgardo romp in race 4 at #GulfstreamPark! pic.twitter.com/GGylMTKJbr — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) April 12, 2025 Bungle Colt Strikes At Gulfstream Trainer George Weaver's Insubordination (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) won his third career start at Gulfstream Park on April 12 (video). A silkbearer for Two Eight Racing, Berry Family Racing and Kaleta Racing, the 3-year-old was bred by Patrick Thompson. Placed in two Saratoga starts last August, the son of the two-time winner Chabelita (GB) (Lawman {Fr}) was originally an €11,000 buy at the Goffs November Foal Sale by Q-Cross Stables. Sent back through the Goffs ring during Book 2 of the Orby Yearling Sale in 2023, he made €62,000 when selected by Legion Bloodstock. Out of a half-sister to multiple stakes winner In Front (Fr) (Intello {Ger}) and G3 Prix Noailles second More Than A Dream (Ire) (Halling), he is followed by a 2-year-old colt by Galileo Gold (GB). Bungle Inthejungle has sired seven winners from 10 to race in America (70%). Manhattan Jungle (Ire) won the Listed Sweet Life Stakes. The 15-year-old stands for €7,500 at Rathasker Stud this term. Repeat Winners Multiple Grade I winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) returned to this column with a 4 1/4-length victory in the GI Maker's Mark Mile Stakes at Keeneland for e Five Racing Thoroughbreds and Chad Brown on April 11 (video). Listed winner No Nay Hudson (Ire) (No Nay Never) also returned to Making Waves with a half-length tally at Keeneland on April 18 (video). He is raced by Andrew Farm and For The People Racing Stable and trained by Wesley Ward. Pure class! Carl Spackler is back with a dominant win in the Grade 1 Maker's Mark Mile at @keenelandracing! pic.twitter.com/5Mvbj4IKm0 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 11, 2025 The post Making Waves: From Dubai To Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release Professor Gordon Jones passed only four days after his 95th birthday. Jones was a pioneer of speed and pace handicapping. His best-selling book, “Gordon Jones to Win” (1976), inspired his popular pre-race handicapping seminars that were attended by legions of race goers. He brought his numbers to the track at a time when people would laugh at him, and he would hide his spiral notebook. Speed numbers are now a common barometer. He graduated from Whittier College, where his father had been president for several years. He went on to get his Master's Degree from the University of Oregon. Jones taught journalism at USC and Arizona State. He was awarded the “Top Banana Award” several times by his students at USC, which was awarded to their favorite professor. Many of his students went on to say that he was the reason they went on to successful careers as journalists. Renowned sportscaster Al Michaels has said numerous times that Gordon Jones was his favorite professor! He talked about how they used to go to the racetrack together at Turf Paradise while Michaels was a student at ASU. Later in life, Jones was hired by former students to be the turf columnist and handicapper for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner. When the 1984 Olympics came to Los Angeles, it was all hands on deck in the sports department and Jones was sent to cover some of the more obscure events. Jones laughed about it for years because each event they sent him to turned out to be a gold medal for the USA, and he continued to get the front page story in the paper. His popularity transcended the sport. Jones was given a small role in the Ryan O'Neal movie Fever Pitch and did voiceover work on the award-winning Indie film George B. He even had a big write up in Los Angeles Magazine. His devotion to his students, both on college and university campuses and the racetrack, was lifelong. Jones continued to receive correspondence from students as far back as the 1960s. His words and teachings were impactful, and his articles resonated with so many, bringing in many new fans to the sport. Oaklawn Park was always a favorite track for him. He applied his speed and pace method and called it a “berry patch.” He wrote about Oaklawn Park in the Herald Examiner and that article was framed and hung in the Oaklawn executive offices. Jones was a highly intelligent man. During the draft for the Korean War, he placed first in math and third in science in the required draft testing. They would not allow him to fight but put him instead in an office at Fort Monmouth in New Jersey. Jones taught his daughter, Joanne, how to handicap and so began a long career for her in television and radio covering the races from Coast to Coast. He is survived by his daughter, Joanne Jones; grandson, Ethan Jones; his longtime partner, Margaret Davis; his former wife and close friend, Kathy Jones; his brother, Dr. Alfred Jones; sister-in-law, Dr. Elyane Jones; niece, Elizabeth Jones; and daughter, Brienna Jones. Plans for a memorial service honoring his life will be announced at a later date. The post Handicapper and Professor Gordon Jones Passes Away at 95 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coming off a third-place finish in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Instant Replay outclassed his five rivals to capture the $200,000 Bathhouse Row Stakes April 19 at Oaklawn Park.View the full article

By Michael Guerin Steven Reid might be wondering whether he should let his partner buy all his horses. Because it seems to have worked with exciting juvenile Jumal, who remained unbeaten in two when thrashing his opponents at Addington on Saturday. The son of Downbytheseaside put six and three-quarter lengths on his rivals even after sitting parked in the $20,000 Breckon Farms Easter Stakes, with a 57.4 second last 400m. Trainer Reid has always thought Jumal was a smart one and the colt has again demonstrated Reid’s eye for a yearling even if technically “Reidman” didn’t buy him. His partner Bella Storer did. “Our owner Malcolm Wrigley wanted to get a good horse and I was having no joy finding him one after two days of the sales,” explains Reid. “But we really liked this one and we were supposed to have a budget of around $40,000-60,000. “When he was going through the ring I was actually on a Skype call of all things for business so Bella and I were talking before and I said, ‘lets just buy it.” “Bella rang me after to tell me we had got it but he cost $95,000. “So we ended up staying in him for a share which is in Bella’s name and it has worked out great because he is a really smart horse.” Reid says Saturday wasn’t even the best version of Jumal as he brought him to the races without a mate and he got quite fractious. “So I think he can go even better.” He will get his chance to prove that at Diamonds Day at Invercargill next Sunday where he heads for the $100,000 Diamond Creek Farm Classic at Group 1 level. “After that we have a decision to make whether we stick around for the Welcome Stakes or head to the paddock but I am confident he will come back a stronger horse in the second half of the season, which is where so much of the big money is.” Driven by Sam Ottley, Jumal was one of the stars of the Addington day programme that also saw NZ Derby placegetter Harrison John continue a great last month for trainers Hayden and Amanda Cullen. While he has just turned four at the other end of the spectrum was the feature trot winner in Franco Josiah, the 10-year-old winning for popular trainer Ben Waldron, proving too strong in the testing conditions for Father Time, who fitness is improving and a win isn’t too far away. The $30,000 Racing Rewards race had a great spread of different trainers and drivers winning, which is the whole idea of the concept. View the full article

Qatar Racing LLC, Resolute Racing and Marc Detampel's JUST A TOUCH (c, 4, Justify–Touching Beauty, by Tapit) made light work of a very classy nine-furlong Keeneland allowance Saturday afternoon, earning himself the right to return to some of the top races on offer over the coming months. Favored at 2-5, the $300,000 OBS April breezer won the break and carried the lead into the first turn, but Florent Geroux took a tug and was content to lay second while maintaining a foothold at the fence as Passing Game (Medaglia d'Oro)–ostensibly there to help set things up for the more accomplished Skinner (Curlin)–was intent on making the lead. Geroux sat against Just a Touch before giving him his head with better than a half-mile to race and the colt was firmly in front entering the turn. They lined up to try to take a crack at him nearing the stretch, but Just a Touch continued to go through his gears, opening up at will and easing home a very good-looking winner. 'TDN Rising Star' Parchment Party (Constitution) closed well from the back of the pack to earn second money over Gould's Gold (Goldencents). Sales history: $170,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP; $125,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT; $300,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 7-3-3-0. O-Qatar Racing LLC, Resolute Racing & Marc Detampel; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Brad Cox. (5) Just A Touch wins race 8 convincingly with @flothejock in the saddle! (2) Parchment Party rallies up for second, (8) Gould's Gold is third. pic.twitter.com/UWyPFf1PrA — Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 19, 2025 The post Justify’s Just A Touch Rolls In Salty Keeneland Allowance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Journalism had his final work April 19 at Santa Anita Park before shipping to Churchill Downs, where he is expected to be the favorite in the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

1/ST TV has curated the workouts by contenders for the 151st Kentucky Derby (G1) hopefuls in one location in one location on the 1ST.TV website under the heading "Triple Crown Trail." View the full article

Instant Replay (c, 3, Maximum Security–Academy Gal, by Medaglia d'Oro), a very good closing third in the GII Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds Mar. 22, became the first stakes winner for his second-crop sire in Saturday's Bathhouse Row S. at Oaklawn Park, a 'Win and You're In' for the GI Preakness Stakes. Favored at 3-5, the Gary and Mary West homebred raced much closer to the front this time around, chasing in fifth through fractions of :23.54 and :49.42. He began to launch while four wide on the far turn and came with a sustained rally down the stretch to defeat narrow Sunland Park Derby runner-up Caldera (Liam's Map) by 3/4 of a length. Instant Replay, a runaway maiden winner in a $100,000 seller at third asking at Churchill Downs Nov. 9, was an impressive winner two starts later in an optional claimer while making his sophomore debut at Fair Grounds Feb. 17. Instant Replay's dam Academy Gal, a fellow West homebred and maiden of three career starts, is also represented by a Maximum Security colt of 2023 and a Kantharos filly of this year. Academy Gal brought $5,000 from Gaelic Bloodstock at the 2023 KEENOV sale. BATHHOUSE ROW S., $200,000, Oaklawn, 4-19, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:52.06, ft. 1–INSTANT REPLAY, 118, c, 3, by Maximum Security 1st Dam: Academy Gal, by Medaglia d'Oro 2nd Dam: Flashy Gal, by Smart Strike 3rd Dam: Oneofacat, by Deputy Minister 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Gary & Mary West; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Flavien Prat. $117,000. Lifetime Record: GSP, 7-3-1-1, $313,358. 2–Caldera, 118, c, 3, Liam's Map–Send Me On My Way, by Tiznow. ($75,000 Ylg '23 FTKJUL; $500,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-MyRacehorse; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-D. Wayne Lukas. $39,000. 3–First Division, 118, c, 3, Omaha Beach–Ice Women, by Street Sense. ($130,000 Ylg '23 FTKJUL; $15,000 2yo '24 FTDJUL). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Baer, Deann, Logan, Brett & Baxter, Bill; B-Deann Baer & Greg Baer DVM (IN); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. $19,500. Margins: 3/4, 1, NK. Odds: 0.70, 2.20, 20.30. Also Ran: Hymn, Pretty Capable, Hot Gunner. Scratched: Tiz Secure. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Instant Replay gets the job done in the Bathhouse Row S. at Oaklawn Park! @bradcoxracing trains and Flavien Prat had the mount. TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/fcli6EphLZ — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) April 19, 2025 The post Instant Replay Becomes First Stakes Winner for Maximum Security, Earns Preakness Berth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rodeo Creek Racing's GIII Gazelle-winner Ballerina d'Oro worked a half-mile on Saturday over the Belmont Park training track in preparation for the GI Kentucky Oaks, NYRA said in Saturday press release. Trained by Chad Brown, the daughter of Medaglia d'Oro breezed under jockey Dylan Davis and was caught by NYRA clockers covering the distance in 48 seconds flat outside of 'TDN Rising Star' & GISP Hill Road (Quality Road), who the conditioner said is pointing to the GIII Peter Pan Stakes during the Belmont at the Big A meet May 10. Hill Road was forced to miss the GII Wood Memorial Stakes in early April after he spiked a fever on the Thursday before the race. “She [Ballerina d'Oro] worked super and is cooling out good, so she'll ship over to Churchill and leave tomorrow,” said Brown, who added he was also pleased with the way Hill Road galloped out. “She's been pretty uncomplicated in her races, so I'm not sure she what happened coming off the turn in the last race.” Ballerina d'Oro was a hard-fought nose winner over Early On (Union Rags) in the Gazelle Apr. 5, but she drifted out considerably down the lane. Brown said the talented grey reminds him of champion 3-year-old colt & 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), who has been working at Payson Park throughout April and is expected to arrive at Belmont Park soon to train towards the GI Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs June 28. “I'm not going to react to that. It was such an isolated thing for me,” Brown said of the Gazelle stretch run. “She has enough steering equipment on her between her bit and a small blinker. I'm not going to overreact here. “She cruised around there with Hill Road and Dylan gave us good feedback and said, 'Chad, I don't know where that came from, because she was straight for me today.' She might hold her head in a little bit, but she's a lot like Sierra the way she trains. He [Sierra Leone] might cock his head a little bit, but in the mornings, we have never seen him on one line or had a rider complain about him–same as her. “I think with more going on in a full field of the Oaks, she's not going to come off the turn six-wide with no one in either five lanes of her,” Brown said. “That's kind of the way she was [in the Gazelle], and she's going to have horses near wherever she is in this race.” The post Ballerina d’Oro Works For Oaks Start, Brown Also Offers Plans For Hill Road, Sierra Leone appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-Gulfstream, $44,770, Msw, 4-19, 3yo, 1m, 1:38.45, ft, 9 3/4 lengths. VIBE (c, 3, Into Mischief–Nonna Mia {GISP, $127,150}, by Empire Maker) ran a disappointing and money-burning fourth on career debut over six furlongs of this main track Mar. 15. With the addition of blinkers here, the colt stretched out to the one-turn mile and put it all together en route to an easy victory at Gulfstream on Saturday afternoon. Away without incident, the 3-2 favorite took up a stalking position behind pacesetting Mahovlich (McKinzie). The leader posted an opening quarter-mile in :23.92 and began to pour on the pressure through a very quick next internal sectional that was timed in :22.69. Sent into the lead by Emisael Jaramillo with fully three-eighths of a mile to run, the $3-million topper out of the 2023 Keeneland September Sale opened up a sizeable advantage passing the quarter pole, felt the crop in upper stretch, failed to swap his leads until deep inside the final furlong, but was too far in front to make any difference. The winning margin over 6-1 Radical Rhetoric (Always Dreaming) was 9 3/4 lengths. His dam's last registered foal of record, the winner is a half-brother to current sire Outwork (Uncle Mo), GISW, $701,800 and Nonna's Boy (Distorted Humor), MSP, $299,044. Nonna Mia is also responsible for Nonna Bella (Stay Thirty), who herself produced Champion 2-year-old colt Fierceness (City of Light) and his full-brother GSW Mentee. Sales History: $3,000,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $29,300. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV . O-Repole Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds, CJ Stables, Woodford Racing, Lane's End Racing and Patrick K. McGee; B-Repole Stable, Inc. (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. Vibe and @JaramilloJockey win by a daylight in race 6, first leg of the Rainbow Pick6. #GulfstreamPark #RoyalPalmMeet pic.twitter.com/X4oTjRC5YM — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) April 19, 2025 The post Into Mischief Keeneland September Topper Vibe Romps at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1/ST TV has curated the workouts by contenders for the 151st Kentucky Derby in one location on their website under the heading “Triple Crown Trail,” the platform said via a release on Saturday. With the Kentucky Derby just 14 days out, fans, horsemen and horseplayers alike will have free access to not just the penultimate workouts of those looking for a spot in the starting gate, but previous drills for the contenders as well. The “Triple Crown Trail” portal is part of the thousands of workouts that the 1/ST TV teams around the country capture, log and upload each year. Click here to sign-up and access the library. The post 1/ST TV: ‘Triple Crown Trail’ Portal Has Array Of Derby Works appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott was impressed with Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) winner Sovereignty's first breeze over the Churchill Downs surface April 19 ahead of the Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

With two weeks remaining until the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1), seven of the race hopefuls currently stabled at Churchill Downs appeared on the work tab April 19.View the full article

Trainer Ian Wilkes discusses Blue Grass Stakes (G1) winner Burnham Square after he breezed four furlongs in :49 2/5 at Churchill Downs April 19.View the full article

Frankie Dettori's switch to riding in the U.S. and the rivalry of owners Mike Repole and John Stewart are just two of the storylines viewers can expect to see in "Race For The Crown," the latest sports documentary to air on Netflix. View the full article

Trainer Brendan Walsh discusses East Avenue's reemergence as a Kentucky Derby (G1) hopeful following his runner-up effort in the April 8 Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland.View the full article

The $350,000 Bewitch Stakes (G3T), won three times by multiple grade 1 winner War Like Goddess in 2021-23, marks the final graded stakes feature of the 15-day Keeneland spring meet.View the full article

Part of a favored Klaravich Stable entry favored at 70 cents on the dollar, STRATEGIC FOCUS (c, 3, Gun Runner–Curlin's Mistress, by Curlin) turned in a highly polished debut effort, outfinishing a pair of older rivals to become the newest 'TDN Rising Star' for his boom sire. Drawn widest in a field of eight, the $500,000 Keeneland September purchase broke fractionally to his right and was taken in hand by Dylan Davis to race in the second half of the field behind a good pace. Kept out in about the six path passing the half-mile marker, the clean chestnut was asked to go a bit on the turn and tracked into it nicely three wide, following the move of his more-experienced entrymate Duration (Mitole). Steered out to the grandstand side in upper stretch, Strategic Focus sustained his run to hit the front five off the inside at the entrance to the final furlong and edged clear late to best the well-backed 4-year-old Hop Sing (Curlin), a big-figure second at Gulfstream Park Feb. 27 where he was more or less on even terms at the wire with Duration, who was officially fourth. The winner is a full-brother to Klaravich's Headline Numbers, who earned the first stakes victory of her career in the Top Flight Stakes at Aqueduct on Apr. 12. The winner's dam is a full-sister to Curlin's Approval, the dam of the Brown-conditioned recent GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes third Praetor (Into Mischief). Sales history: $500,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Klaravich Stable; B-Alter's Racing Stable Inc (KY); T-Chad Brown The post Gun Runner Firster Bests Elders Stylishly, 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

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Under what was described as “perfect conditions” by analyst Kaitlin Free, a busy Saturday morning at Churchill Downs ensued as seven GI Kentucky Derby contenders logged published workouts for the “Run for the Roses” and a pair of GI Kentucky Oaks contenders also drilled for their connections, according to a press release from the track on Saturday morning. The tab included top Derby point getter Burnham Square (Liam's Map), who went a half-mile in :49.40 under pilot Brian Hernandez Jr. Trained by Ian Wilkes, the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes hero clipped through fractions of :24.40 and :37 and galloped out five furlongs in a composed 1:02. Burnham Square breezes 4F in :49.40 for trainer Ian Wilkes. #KyDerby pic.twitter.com/1zuKINjzLb — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 19, 2025 “It was just a maintenance work this morning since he just ran 11 days ago,” Wilkes said. “If I don't do something with him, he'll get too upset. I know I needed to run him more because he was making too many mistakes, and I thought I needed to educate him more so he doesn't make those mistakes in the Derby.” Putting in their own licks were Publisher (American Pharoah) and Tiztastic (Tiz the Law) who worked in company for their trainer Steve Asmussen. They completed their penultimate work for the Derby with a five-furlong move in :59.60. The former, with exercise rider Carlos Rosas aboard, and the latter, with jockey Joel Rosario in the saddle, began their move with an eighth-mile clocking of :12.80. Publisher briefly took advantage over his stablemate, working a quarter-mile in :24.20 and three-eighths in :36. Tiztastic's splits were :24.40 and :36.40. The colts galloped out six furlongs in 1:11.80. Steve Asmussen's #KyDerby contenders, Tiztastic & Publisher work 5F in company in :59.60 pic.twitter.com/1Nqjf5zlAS — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 19, 2025 Also making moves were: 'TDN Rising Star' East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro) (four furlongs, :47.60); Final Gambit (Not This Time) (five furlongs, 1:00.80); Flying Mohawk (Karakontie {Jpn}) (five furlongs, 1:00); and Sovereignty (Into Mischief) (five furlongs, 1:00.60). Kentucky Derby contender Sovereignty works 5F in 1:00.60 for trainer Bill Mott pic.twitter.com/jNWzLLDWFX — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 19, 2025 At Turfway Park, GII Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby runner-up Chunk of Gold (Preservationist) worked a half-mile in :50 and galloped out five furlongs in 1:02. Also of note, likely Kentucky Derby favorite Journalism breezed a half-mile in 47 flat alongside stablemate Feel the Magic (Good Magic) at Santa Anita on Saturday morning. The Michael McCarthy trainee is scheduled to arrive at Churchill Downs on Tuesday. As for the Oaks hopefuls, trainer Whit Beckman's duo of Simply Joking (Practical Joke) and Drexel Hill (Bolt d'Oro) lit up the Saturday work tab–cruising five furlongs in :58.40. That time was the fastest of 56 works at the distance. Simply Joking, with Florent Geroux aboard, and Drexel Hill, with Ben Curits up, posted a sharp opening quarter-mile of :22.60 while continuing three furlongs in :34. The pair galloped out six furlongs in 1:11.60, according to Churchill clocker John Nichols. Kentucky Oaks contenders, Drexel Hill and Simply Joking work 5F in company in :58.40 for trainer Whit Beckman pic.twitter.com/U8wHoX9CrS — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 19, 2025 Easter Sunday is expected to be a quiet morning at Churchill Downs. The next group of Derby contenders is scheduled to breeze Tuesday, led by Admire Daytona (Jpn) (Drefong) and Coal Battle (Coal Front). The post Burnham Square And Simply Joking Drill On Busy Churchill Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Never in the history of the breeze-up game have the top horses been worth more. That was evident at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale last week when the record for the most expensive horse ever sold at the sale was broken not once but twice and top agents Richard Brown and Billy Jackson-Stops admitted to finding it hard to land a blow. Malcolm Bastard's 1.75 million gns record-breaking Havana Grey colt played a pretty significant role in the turnover reaching an all-time high of nearly 20 million gns. On top of that, the clearance rate rested at an extremely healthy 83%, suggesting there was a real depth to the market. Another encouraging sign for vendors going forward. However, Con Marnane, who sold the fifth most expensive horse in the sale–a 650,000gns Havana Grey colt to Godolphin–says there are still gaps in the market, pointing to the fact that he brought home two expensively-bought Too Darn Hot colts from the sale. “Hats off to Tattersalls,” Marnane said, “it was a remarkable sale–the crowds that were there and the money that was around the place was phenomenal. We enjoyed a fantastic result with the Havana Grey colt but we also took two Too Darn Hots home with us, which I was shocked about. But they are mile/mile-and-a-quarter horses who didn't do a time and, unfortunately, that's the way the thing is gone. We'll just have to race them now and, if they show something on the track, they'd sell like hot cakes to Australia.” Few agents, if any, can boast the roll of honour that Blandford Bloodstock's Brown has in recent years and, despite buying on behalf of a country, he could only come away with two horses–colts by Starman and Starspangledbanner for a combined 590,000gns–from the Craven. Reflecting on the trade, Brown said, “It must have been the strongest breeze-up sale ever. The top was very strong but, for me, it also felt as though there was a lot more depth to the market than normal. People say that there can be a knock-on effect to the top end of the market being strong. I don't necessarily agree with that because you are only talking about two or three very select lots that obviously made big money. I actually felt there was a lot of depth in that 50,000-200,000 range, which is so important.” He added, “Olly Tait [Wathnan Racing Manager] has been very clear that we set a value on these horses and stick to that value. We didn't value horses as highly as other operations did so we didn't buy very much last week. If that continues to be the case at Doncaster, Arqana and beyond, so be it. It may well be the case that we don't buy many breeze-up horses this year if they keep exceeding the valuations that we put on them.” Con Marnane | Tattersalls Jackson-Stops said he found filling orders at the Craven to be “tricky”. He spent 390,000gns on three horses but admitted to being surprised by the strength of Amo Racing–who spent 3.16 million gns on seven lots, ending the sale as the leading buyer–, who played a pivotal role in the sale exceeding all expectations. He said, “It was definitely tricky. But it always is. When you are spending between 150,000-250,000, you always end up on the 400,000 and 500,000 horses and you're just hoping that it might fall into your bracket. I didn't think the Craven would be as strong as it was. I thought buyers like Amo Racing, for example, would not be as active given they had filled their boots at the yearling sales but clearly they wanted to continue. So it was difficult. But we have managed to buy nice horses out of Doncaster, France and Tattersalls Ireland, so there is no panic. There are enough sales so patience is key.” With all of this money floating about and leading buyers openly admitting to struggling to fill orders, a case could be made that there has never been a better time to be a breeze-up handler. Not quite. Of the 133 pinhooks that went through the ring, 80 made a profit and 53 fell flat on their face. That means that 60% of the yearlings that were purchased for the sole purpose of going breezing made a profit. Another promising statistic, it must be said, but lest we forget that the cost of production has never been higher and the Craven is very much an elite sale. For many handlers, when they have a horse that can jump through the hoops, it needs to go on and make a premium to pay for the others. A case in point being Marnane's performance last week in netting a cool 650,000gns for the Havana Grey but bringing home two horses that stood him six figures. Rest assured there were plenty of others in that boat and the handler has put forward a quirky suggestion that might help prop up the middle market in the years to come. Marnane said, “I think that something should be done to help the sales houses, the consignors and the purchasers. A bonus scheme could work well and I've floated the idea before. Say for example if you took 2% of the turnover from the breeze-ups sales last year, there would be a million worth of bonuses. If you had, say, 100 bonuses to the value of 10,000 per bonus for every breeze-up horse that went on to win a race, it could be a huge help. How that money was collected would need to be decided upon by the sales companies, the vendors and the buyers but it could be something that would help the middle market going forward. The prize-money in Britain and Ireland is a disgrace and there's no doubt that it's hurting the middle to lower end of the market so we need to do something.” Billy Jackson-Stops | Tattersalls Goffs chief Henry Beeby was far from dismissive of such an idea and, speaking ahead of his breeze-up sale next week, revealed that the sales house has gone to great lengths to attract buyers from all over the world–particularly the Middle East–to help prop up the middle to lower tiers. Regarding the top end of the market, Brown, who purchased last year's Queen Mary heroine Leovanni (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) along with many other top-notchers from the sale, warned that Wathnan's principals would not be changing. If people thought the ace agent was sitting on his hands at the Craven in anticipation for Doncaster, they may think again. Brown says he will only be shopping if the price is right. “It's very simple,” he explained. “We value the horses. Olly and I sit down, he then goes to the powers that be in Qatar for approval, and they give us approval or they don't. That's it. The values are set. For me, there were a lot of horses there [at the Craven] that went a long way beyond our valuations. Like I said, it may well be that we don't buy many breeze-up horses this year if the market continues like that. We've set out to be very disciplined and I think that will stand to us in the long run.” He added, “We'll see what's up there [at Doncaster]. But how hopeful am I? Not very given the marketplace. There will be other opportunities that will present itself if the market is very strong but we will go up there and work the sale hard and, if there are some nice horses up there, I am sure we will try. But we may only be trying. We don't feel we have to go and buy a load of breeze-up horses. We're not under pressure. We have the horses-in-training market, we have our own two-year-olds coming through from the yearling market and then we buy off the track as well. So we're not under pressure to go and buy, say, 10 breeze-up horses. We just deal with each sale, each horse and each opportunity that presents itself.” The post Market Reflections: Record-Breaking Trade At Tattersalls Points To More Of The Same At Goffs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-Keeneland, $110,000, Msw, 4-19, 3yo, 7f, 1:28.47, ft, 7 1/4 lengths. CRUDO (c, 3, Justify–Blossomed, by Deputy Minister) was looking to atone for a debut fourth at odds-on at Gulfstream Feb. 8 in which he had some trouble at the break but was nevertheless there to win the race in upper stretch before weakening late. Favored this time at 44-100, the $350,000 Keeneland November weanling purchase was fastest of the sextet into stride and quickly opened up on his rivals, requiring just :24.02 to negotiate the first couple of furlongs with token pressure to his outside. Lobbing them along ears pricked into the turn, Crudo was saved for a finish and responded when asked by John Velazquez, widening at will to take it by 7 1/4 lengths. Crudo is the full-brother to the 5-year-old mare Awesome Result, MSW-Jpn, $1,108,666, perfect in her eight career starts and who went over the $1-million mark in career earnings in the Listed Queen Sho at Funabashi this past February. That was her first start since being scratched from a potentially mouth-watering clash with eventual Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff Nov. 2. Crudo is also a half-brother to Bodacious Babe (Mineshaft), GSP, $154,259, the dam of recent Heavenly Cause Stakes heroine Royal Spa (Violence); and to Saayedd (Malibu Moon), SW-UAE, $136,825; and Sippican Harbor (Orb), GISW, $262,650. Sales history: 350,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $520,000 RNA Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $70,148. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-James Ventura & B Flay Thoroughbreds; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt (KY); T-Todd A Pletcher. Check out CRUDO ($2.88)! Wow!@ljlmvel was on board the three-year-old by @CoolmoreAmerica's Justify in the 2nd at @KeenelandRacing. @PletcherRacing trains the colt for James Ventura and @bflay. Action right here https://t.co/XjcuFHFoEq pic.twitter.com/qjYEQFYwDL — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) April 19, 2025 The post Justify’s Well-Related Crudo Airs At Second Asking at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday, Toulouse, France, post time: 16:07, PRIX AYMERI DE MAULEON – FONDS EUROPEAN DE L'ELEVAGE-Listed, €55,000, 3yo, 8fT Field: Tipinso (Fr) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Instant Fragile (Fr) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Eggleston (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Charengo (Ire) (Shalaa {Ire}), Merano (Swi) (Vanishing Cupid {Swi}), Rue Roy (Fr) (Inns Of Court {Ire}), Eponine (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), Medusa Merger (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), Stupor Mundi (Fr) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Given the time of year, there is still scope for this to be a Classic trial if the right type steps up and the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulcihes entry Eponine could be just that after two wins from two starts at Pau. Out of a half to the 2017 winner of that Classic, Precieuse (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), the Cotton House Bloodstock homebred meets last year's Listed Criterium du Languedoc winner Tipinso, who was not disgraced under a penalty on his seasonal bow here last month. Sunday, Toulouse, France, post time: 16:42, PRIX CARAVELLE – HARAS DES GRANGES – FONDS EUROPEAN DE L'ELEVAGE-Listed, €55,000, 3yo, f, 10 1/2fT Field: Zakharova (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Ginalyah (Ire) (Chachnak {Fr}), Rabbit's Foot (Fr) (Golden Horde {Ire}), Pinatique (Fr) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Porte Molitor (Fr) (Taj Mahal {Ire}), Three Pearls (Fr) (Intello {Ger}), Feve (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Soccer Sister (Ire) (Havana Gold {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Another unbeaten and unexposed type shows up here in Pinatique, a G1 Prix de Diane entry who hails from the distinguished family of Chicquita (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) and Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). While she needs to up her game on her last-out win at Bordeaux-le-Bouscat in March, with her genetics and connections it is hard to say how far she can go at this stage. The debut course-and-distance winner Rabbit's Foot is interesting, being by the sprinter Golden Horde but endowed with stamina from the dam who has already produced last year's G2 Prix d'Harcourt scorer and G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes runner-up Zarakem (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}). Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Eponine Tests Classic Future In Prix Aymeri de Mauleon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article