Wandering Eyes

MGISW Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief–Violet Wave, by Violence), whose strong resume made him the leading miler on dirt in North America, will be retired from racing after being diagnosed with a suspensory injury to his left foreleg according to his co-owner Craig Dado. The news was first reported by the Daily Racing Form's Steve Andersen on Saturday evening. Dado, whose Great Friends Racing co-owns the 4-year-old colt with Yuesheng Zhang, told DRF that the injury occurred in the weeks after the GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Mile Handicap at Saratoga June 7 and that discussions with stallion farms are underway for the 2026 breeding season. “With maybe a year off, he could come back,” Dado told Andersen in the DRF article. “We'll pass on that and retire him.” Trained by Chief Stipe O'Neill, Raging Torrent's record included seven wins across 14 starts and his earnings topped $1.1-million. During his 3-year-old campaign the bay won the Maxfield Overnight Stakes at Churchill Downs in late June and then captured the GII Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar in late August. Though the colt finished seventh in the GI Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint at the seaside oval in early November, he earned his first top level score in the GI Malibu Stakes at Santa Anita Dec. 26. O'Neill opted to send his charge to the G2 Godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup Night in early April, and Raging Torrent did not disappoint with a trip to the winner's enclosure at Meydan. The capstone to his racing career came in the Met Mile when Raging Torrent won by 2 1/2 lengths over heavy favorite Fierceness (City of Light). Bred by Rodney J. Winkler & Alfonso Mazzetti, the first foal for Violent Wave was purchased by Mark Davis for $75,000 at the 2023 OBS Spring Sale. Out of an extended female family which includes GSW The Nth Degree (Distorted Humor), Raging Torrent was handed a half-brother by Up to the Mark in mid-March. In a post on his X account O'Neill said, “Raging Torrent matured into a pure competitor. He just wanted to beat you. We look forward to his second career. Antonio Romero, his exercise rider, and Andres Martinez, his groom, accompanied him to every dance. They are the epitome of horsemen.” Raging Torrent matured into a pure competitor. He just wanted to beat you. We look forward to his second career. Antonio Romero, his exercise rider, and Andres Martinez, his groom, accompanied him to every dance. They are the epitome of horsemen. https://t.co/8AN6TZG3MW pic.twitter.com/euxDFJeTCF — Chief Stipe O'Neill (@DougONeill1) July 20, 2025 The post GI Met Mile Hero Raging Torrent Retired With Suspensory Injury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Curragh, €20,000, Mdn, 7-20, 2yo, 7fT, 1:30.21, g/y. SUGAR ISLAND (IRE) (f, 2, Dubawi {Ire}–Heaven On Earth {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}), sent off at 9-2 with Ryan Moore's original mount Signora (Frankel) withdrawn, raced close to the early leader in this maiden won in 2020 by the stable's Oaks heroine Snowfall. In front passing two out, the granddaughter of Lillie Langtry (Danehill Dancer) stayed on to prevail by half a length from Cayton Park Stud's fellow newcomer Saint Agatha (St Mark's Basilica). “Ryan said she was very green, but found plenty which is usually the sign of a nice filly and had no problem with the ease in the ground,” Aidan O'Brien said. “She'll be a mile-and-a-quarter-plus filly next year with a great pedigree and everything is there. She has a sweet head, a lovely temperament and plenty of scope.” The winner's dam, one of six mares out of the aforementioned Coronation and Matron-winning producer supreme, has already produced Justify's G3 Give Thanks Stakes-placed Mother Nature. A full-sister to the Classic-winning luminaries Minding, Tuesday and Empress Josephine, with the former responsible for Dubawi's G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes hero Henry Longfellow, Heaven On Earth's yearling filly is by Wootton Bassett. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $13,947. O-Westerberg, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor, D Smith; B-Westerberg; T-Aidan O'Brien. A sweet debut! Sugar Island (Dubawi) digs deep to land the @curraghrace opener, the Sycamore Lodge Equine Hospital @IrishEBF_ Fillies Maiden for Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore @Ballydoyle | @coolmorestud pic.twitter.com/SVue1eddY4 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 20, 2025 The post Dubawi’s Sugar Island Adds To Ballydoyle’s Juvenile Riches appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Driver Penalties J Stormont | Waikato Bay of Plenty 10 July (heard Waikato Bay of Plenty 17 July); use of whip; suspended 18-31 July inclusive. M Hill | Winton 17 July; breach of push out rule; fined $200. T Duley | NZ Metropolitan 18 July; careless driving; fined $250. K Cameron | NZ Metropolitan 18 July; breach of push out rule; fined $200. H Douglas | NZ Metropolitan 20 July; failed to drive to finish of race; suspended 21 July – 1 August inclusive. C DeFilippi | NZ Metropolitan 20 July; use of whip; suspended 26 July – 1 August inclusive. M Holbrough | NZ Metropolitan 20 July; came to start in incorrect position; fined $300. Trainer Penalty S & A Telfer | Auckland 18 July; incorrect gear; fined $150. Horse Penalties KAWARAU LIL | Waikato Bay of Plenty 17 July; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. GIFT CARD | Winton 17 July; lame; veterinary clearance required. GINA’S MAJESTY | NZ Metropolitan 20 July; broke in running; must complete trial. Protests HIGHVIEW ROCKN ROLL | Waikato Bay of Plenty 17 July; excessive galloping during race; disqualified from 4th. TICKTOCK MCGLAUGHLIN | Winton 17 July; excessive galloping in home straight; disqualified from 2nd. The post 14-20 July 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Rider Penalties L Kauri | Egmont 15 July; careless riding; suspended 18-25 July inclusive. E Nicholas | Avondale 16 July; use of whip; fined $250. Y Okubo | Avondale 16 July; use of whip; fined $500. H Hassman | Avondale 16 July; medical clearance required. B Jacobson | Oamaru 20 July; use of whip; suspended 21-30 July inclusive. B Jacobson | Oamaru 20 July; careless riding; suspended 31 July – 10 August inclusive. A Goindasamy | Oamaru 20 July; careless riding; suspended 25 July – 2 August inclusive. Trainer Penalties S Rees | Avondale 16 July; neglect in saddling; fined $100. D Hollinshead | Non-raceday dated 16 July; failed to present runner free of prohibited substance; fined $4,500. Horse Penalties CLASSY BRAHMA | Taranaki 19 July; lost chance at start; must complete trial. CAPTAIN OUMUAMUA | Oamaru 20 July; lame; veterinary clearance required. The post 14-20 July 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes are excited by the progress their New Zealand bred stables stars are making in preparation for their spring campaigns. Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) is back galloping and is due for a jump-out early next month as he gears towards a first-up run in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 30. The gelding was just pipped in that race last year by Pinstriped before returning to winning form in Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington two weeks later. Ben Hayes said Mr Brightside looks better in condition this time around that what he did 12 months ago after campaigning later into the season. Mr Brightside travelled to Hong Kong, finishing last in the Gr.1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin in April and had his spell at the Spotswood quarantine facility upon his return. “He had his first gallop last Monday and did it well,” Hayes said. “Compared to other years, he’s got a really good coat for this time of year and looks really healthy and is possibly a bit more forward at the same time as he’s been previously. “His regular rider Ross commented on it and us three boys all agree. “His action is good, and he seems a happy horse.” Hayes said Mr Brightside would have another gallop during the week and is being geared towards having a jump-out on the course proper at Flemington on August 4. Mr Brightside would then have another jump-out at Flemington prior to his first-up out in the Memsie Stakes. “He’s a horse that generally doesn’t have a big spell,” Hayes said. “We were able to give him one last year and he probably peaked first-up and got beaten, but then he came out and won. “I think he’s very forward. He’s only turning eight and we’re delighted to have him around.” The stable will give Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto) the task of maintaining Lindsay Park’s domination of the Gr.2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield on August 16 as attempts to give the stable its fourth consecutive win in the event. “He’s one of the more exciting horses in our stable. He’s very untapped; he had a lot of bad luck last preparation,” Hayes said. “I’m really happy with him. He’s grown really well and he should have a big spring.” Hayes said Evaporate’s main aim at this stage was $10 million The Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 1, although he didn’t rule out another tilt at a Gr.1 Cox Plate if his form warranted it. Last spring Evaporate won the Gr.2 Stutt Stakes at The Valley and was third in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas before finishing last in the Cox Plate. Evaporate returned in the autumn where he finished fourth in the Gr.1 Futurity Stakes before running an unlucky second in The Kiwi at Ellerslie. He then had one more start, which was an easy win in the Gr.3 Carbine Club Stakes at Randwick. Evaporate pleased Hayes with his win in an 800m jumpout at Flemington on Friday. “Evaporate trialled very well on Friday. He looks to have come back very well and he will have another trial on August 4.” Meanwhile War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel), who provided Lindsay Park with their first win in the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap at Eagle Farm when successful last month, is back at the stable’s country property at Euroa preparing for his return. Hayes said War Machine was being aimed at a first-up run in the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on AFL Grand Final eve in late September. He said the stable also hopes to get an invite for The Everest. “He’s arrived safe and sound and is back in work,” Hayes said. “We’re probably looking at running in the Manikato first-up. Going into that fresh and then hopefully The Everest, if he gets invited. “The Manikato is two weeks before The Everest, so it will fit well, then there is the $3 million race two weeks after that in Sydney and then we can come back down here for the C F Orr Stakes.” The Gr.1 C F Orr Stakes (1400m) has been transferred from its traditional autumn date to be run in mid-November this year. View the full article

Bevan and Robyn Wilson brought a formidable trio of chances into Sunday’s Crombie and Price Ltd Oamaru Cup (1600m) and all three ran with great merit, but none more so that the winner, Royal Valour (NZ) (Belardo). The Ashburton couple had accepted into the feature with Royal Valour, Lord Darci and Victorian Charm, all of which they bred and own, and each horse was well-fancied in the market, closing second, third and fourth favourite behind Iffididit. As anticipated, Royal Valour was a stride slow away from the barriers and jockey Bridget Grylls took advantage of her inside draw, sliding through to settle just worse than midfield. Regular frontrunner Vamos took up the pacemaking role and ran along at a solid tempo, with Lord Darci in his trail. Winning contenders lined up across the home straight to set up a grandstand finish, and coming powering through the centre was Royal Valour, who caught Vamos at the 50m and kept finding to salute by three-quarters of a length from a storming He’s Tunza Grunt. Vamos was just a half-head adrift in third placing, with Lord Darci, Iffididit, Victorian Charm and Bauble all within two lengths of the winner. Grylls had watched on when Royal Valour claimed the top spot last start at Ashburton, and she was rapt to get the job done when given her opportunity by the Wilsons. “He won really well last start at Ashburton with Hayley on board, he just loves this sort of track,” Grylls said. “I knew we’d get back and he’d be strong in the finish. “He was a little bit slow out of the barriers which isn’t unusual for him, I stuck there along the inside which is getting quite cut up now but I tracked the Wilson’s other horse (Lord Darci) into it. “He changed leg and I knew he was going to be in for the fight. “Even to have three in the race with form like that is a great achievement in itself, and they all went pretty well.” A son of Belardo, Royal Valour is out of another homebred Wilson mare in Royal Governess, who won three races in her career. In the broodmare paddock, Royal Governess also produced four-time winner Madam Sequoia and Guvnor, who won two races before being sold to Hong Kong. In Sunday’s success, Royal Valour brings his overall stakes to over $142,000, with seven wins and six minor placings from 34 starts. The Oamaru Cup is a key lead-in for southern horses heading towards the Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m), and in the pre-nomination TAB market, Royal Valour and Lord Darci – a former winner of the race – sit as $18 hopes. View the full article

Richard Didham maintained the perfect strike rate with a pair of ex-Hastings gallopers at Oamaru on Sunday, headlined by Candle’s (NZ) (Super Easy) success in the Glenmoa Farms Ltd River Plate Trophy (1200m). Candle, alongside her stablemate Speed Dial (NZ) (Time Test), was formerly in the care of Hawke’s Bay conditioners Guy Lowry and Leah Zydenbos, and the mare joined Didham’s Aylesbury stable recently after collecting three wins in the north. The daughter of Super Easy covered extra ground to finish a respectable eighth in her debut for Didham earlier this month, and was underrated in Sunday’s market at $22, with The Hangover closing favourite at $4.70. Drawing the extreme outside barrier, jockey Leah Hemi opted to settle back in the last pair aboard Candle, while Master Marko drove through to take the lead. Turning for home, the field fanned wide across the track, but Hemi stuck to the inside and burst into contention, outsprinting Lise Paree and a game The Hangover late to score by three-quarters of a length. Didham was delighted with the result, having combined with Hemi earlier on the card to take out the Hart Memorial (1400m) with Speed Dial. “It’s been a great day,” he said. “It was really nice of Guy Lowry to lease her (Candle) down to me and I’ve only had her for one start. Things didn’t go her way at Ashburton, and today, it was a gun ride by Leah. She stayed on the fence, never went around a horse and was too good. “She’s run against a lot of nice horses, she ran second to Provence at Auckland which is great form. “I’m just thankful to everyone that had got us here today.” Out a No Excuse Needed mare Flare, Candle has won four of her 21 starts and over $110,000 in stakes. View the full article

Group One winner Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto) has continued to improve with each campaign and connections expect that to again be the case as the rising six-year-old closes in on his seasonal return. After capturing the Big Dance (1600m) and The Gong (1600m) at the end of last spring, Gringotts returned in the autumn to claim the scalps of Fangirl and Ceolwulf in the Gr.1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m). He ended his preparation with a midfield finish in the Gr.1 Doncaster Mile, beaten less than two lengths, and trainer Ciaron Maher’s right-hand man in Sydney, Johann Gerard-Dubord, said the gelding had furnished even more. “Gringotts looks outstanding,” Gerard-Dubord said. “Every prep he looks better but he has come back stronger again and just looks so healthy.” Gringotts is set to barrier trial at either Gosford or Warwick Farm this week as he prepares to kick off his campaign in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) on August 23. Gerard-Dubord felt he would probably attract too much weight in an Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) but the Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick was an obvious carnival target. “He will likely start in the Winx Stakes and a race like the King Charles would be a nice race for him,” he said. “There is the Champions Mile in Melbourne after that.” Gringotts is by Little Avondale Stud stallion Per Incanto, who is also the sire of stablemate and Gr.1 All Aged Stakes winner Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto). The latter is on track to trial in early August with connections keen to attract a slot in The Everest (1200m). “He’s got the right credentials. He’s done a good job, he has done well at Randwick so I think he deserves one,” Gerard-Dubord said of Jimmysstar. “He is still a bit wintery but he is a lot stronger. He looks like a real sprinter now.” Like Gringotts, Jimmysstar is a rising six-year-old and Gerard-Dubord says the progeny of Per Incanto are typical of the New Zealand breed and continue to get better with age. “They’re horses where, if you don’t rush them early, you usually get rewarded later,” he said. View the full article

Progressive colt El Vaquero (NZ) (Ferrando) completed the southern juvenile season on a winning note at Oamaru on Sunday, outclassing his rivals to claim the One Smart Coffee (1200m). The striking son of Ferrando had over raced when fancied on debut back in April, but since, has shown good improvement, going down by narrow margins on two occasions to Te Akau filly Cool Aza Rene. There was no Cool Aza Rene in the field at Oamaru and El Vaquero comfortably held favouritism, closing at $2.10 over fillies Ripa Time ($6) and Ocean Boulevard ($6.10), who carried four kilograms less than the colt with apprentice allowances engaged. Jumping from the ace draw, El Vaquero was clearly the fastest out and took a clear lead early in the hands of Kavish Chowdhoory, with Ocean Boulevard off the rail in second. El Vaquero had the field strung out nearing the home turn and was going to take some catching in the straight, and despite the best efforts of his rivals, he comfortably held them at bay, scoring by 4 – ¼ lengths to Kiwi Magic, who was just a nose ahead of Ocean Boulevard. Second-elect Ripa Time closed well into fourth, having been three-wide throughout the six furlong journey. Chowdhoory, a former apprentice of the colt’s trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman, was complimentary of the effort. “He’s a very progressive horse, he’s had two nice seconds in his previous races and he came here today drawn one, as the most experienced horse in the field,” he said. “I was able to dictate, then at the top of the straight, he was still doing a few things wrong and tried to run away from the winning post. “He’s always learning.” The Riccarton-based Pitmans hold El Vaquero in high regard, and are looking forward to an exciting spring three-year-old preparation with the colt. “It was pretty easy in the end, he’s a lovely cut of a horse that is really starting to figure it out now,” Matthew Pitman said. “It was good to see him go on with it today. “Early on, he wasn’t doing things right, running with his tail in the air, but he’s started to switch on and we’ve noticed that in his work. “He’s improved a lot from run to run, and he’s right where we want him to be coming into the spring.” Bred by Graeme Rogerson MZNM, El Vaquero is out of a one-win High Chaparral mare La Achiever, making him a full brother to stablemate Giussepe Ferrante. View the full article

Thought Process gives trainer Phil D'Amato his third San Clemente Handicap (G2T) in four years and the trainer's second stakes win on the July 19 Del Mar card, following the Wickerr Stakes with Almendares.View the full article

Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Journalism mounted a sustained rally and caught Goal Oriented and Gosger near the wire to win the $1,017,500 Haskell Stakes (G1) July 19 at Monmouth Park.View the full article

Pounded into 2-5 favoritism for Saturday's GII San Clemente Stakes at Del Mar, THOUGHT PROCESS (f, 3, Collected–Creative Thinking, by Creative Cause) turned the steppingstone to the GI Del Mar Oaks into a one-horse affair, winning off as much the best. Away in good order, the blaze-faced chestnut was third and tucked away at the fence early, but appeared to get aggressive beneath Hector Berrios when a rank Amorita (Liam's Map) rolled up outside her around the first turn, and she tugged her rider up into second turning up the backstretch. Traveling strongly under a tight hold, Thought Process was allowed to stride into the lead approaching the quarter pole and when popped the question in earnest in upper stretch, displayed a nice turn of foot to win clear. 'TDN Rising Star' Casalu (Caracaro) sat a midfield trip first off a February layoff and closed well for second, while course graded winner Will Then (War of Will) picked up the show in the final strides. Lifetime Record: 7-5-0-1. O-Estate of Brereton C Jones, Little Red Feather Racing & Madaket Stable; B-Brereton C Jones (KY); T-Phil D'Amato. Far too good! Thought Process & @HIBerrios ROMP home in the Grade II San Clemente Handicap. pic.twitter.com/GVO3FgeD9G — Del Mar Racetrack (@DelMarRacing) July 20, 2025 The post Collected’s Thought Process A Very Easy Winner of the San Clemente appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association and the New York State Gaming Commission have placed a group of horses located in barn 28 on the main track side of Saratoga Race Course under quarantine due to a suspected case of strangles.View the full article

Back in against Mullikin and Nakatomi, horses he beat in the True North Stakes (G3) at Saratoga Race Course in June, the result was the same July 19 in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes (G2), with Book'em Danno prevailing by 2 1/2 lengths.View the full article

6th-Del Mar, $82,000, Msw, 7-19, 2yo, f, 5f, :58.25, ft, nose. LA WALLY (f, 2, Constitution–Moonstone, by Gemologist), off at odds of 6-1, sat the trip of the race beneath Antonio Fresu to win on debut in dramatic fashion. She chased in an outside third as the debuting, Bob Baffert-trained even-money favorite Cherry Cider (Tiz the Law) was hounded through fractions of :21.97 and :45.61. Cherry Cider began to shake free in the stretch and looked like she was on her way, but La Wally was just getting going and came rolling on the outside to get up by a nose. The winner's dam, a half-sister to GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil), is also responsible for a Life Is Good filly of 2024. La Wally is bred on the same Constitution x Tiznow cross as Classic winner and promising young sire Tiz the Law. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $48,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Muir Hut Stables LLC; B-Gage Hill Stable II, LLC, W. S. Farish & Ken Langone (KY); T-Mark Glatt. Did LA WALLY ($14.20) watch the Haskell earlier? The two-year-old daughter of Constitution (@WinStarFarm) absolutely flew down the lane to just catch favored Cherry Cider in the 6th at @DelMarRacing. What a ride by @Antonio1Fresu for trainer Mark Glatt. pic.twitter.com/e6n6opQ5U8 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) July 19, 2025 The post Constitution Filly La Wally Up By a Nose on Debut at Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Future Is Now recorded a bounce-back win in the July 19 Caress Stakes (G3T) at Saratoga Race Course after a runner-up finish in the June 5 Intercontinental Stakes (G2T). View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – A quick and eventful start provided Emphasis (Yaupon) with a strategic advantage that helped him win the seventh race Saturday at Saratoga Race Course. As a result, Emphasis–the “other” colt by first-year sire Yaupon in field of eight–led pretty much every step of the way and prevailed by a length in the $100,000 maiden special weight for 2-year-olds. Two and half lengths back in third was Stradale (Yaupon), the 4-5 favorite, who was bumped hard by Emphasis as they left the gate in the six-furlong dirt contest. The collision pushed Stradale into Honey's to Blame (Blame) and Handsome Linc (Candy Ride {Arg}). While Emphasis and jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. were out front through a first quarter in :22.87, jockey Jose Ortiz was trying to guide Stradale through traffic. After having to check hard on the backstretch, Ortiz and Stradale, a $1.3 million purchase by Kaleem Shah at the OBS April sale, moved into contention on the turn. By that point, Emphasis had turned in a half-mile time of :46.08, was a head in front of Handsome Linc and had about a three-length advantage over Stradale. Spendthrift Farm and Repole Stable's Emphasis handled the turn well, staying to the inside, while Stradale was forced to go about six paths wide. In the stretch, Emphasis spurted away from Handsome Linc at the eighth pole and reached the wire in 1:11.83. Klaravich Stable's Growth Equity (Nyquist) closed to grab second, 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Stradale. Sent off as the third choice in the wagering at 5-1, Emphasis paid $12.60 to win. Emphasis takes them gate-to-wire on debut in R7 at Saratoga under @RSantana_jr for trainer Todd Pletcher and owners @spendthriftfarm and @RepoleStable! pic.twitter.com/2NyH9Dgy97 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) July 19, 2025 Spendthrift and Repole acquired Emphasis for $625,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September. Yaupon, who won all three of his starts at Saratoga, is a son of the late Uncle Mo, trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher for owner Mike Repole. “He's a beautiful yearling by a promising young stallion that Spendthrift stands, so it was natural for us to all like him,” Pletcher said. “Fortunately, it looks like it's all panning out well.” Pletcher said that Emphasis showed he was ready to debut on the second weekend of the meet. “We were happy with the way he has trained,” Pletcher said. “We felt like his breezes have been good. We felt he broke alertly and he's the type that could be effective first time out.” That assessment proved to be spot on and Emphasis helped himself by moving to his left leaving the gate, affecting a major rival. “He's just very professional, straightforward, precocious, like Uncle Mo was himself,” Pletcher said. “It seems like they figure things out pretty quickly and have the desire to do it. He came into us at Palm Beach Downs and we've brought him along methodically. He really started to improve over the last month and has been training well.” Emphasis was Pletcher's second winner of the meet in the top-level 2-year-old maiden races. He won with Brookdale Racing's Malus (Into Mischief) on Sunday. Pletcher said his youngsters are doing well. Before the meet started, Pletcher said that his 2-year-olds would determine whether he would be a contender for his 15th training title. “We've been fortunate. It looks like they are coming together,” he said. “Some of our owners have been saying 'does it seem we are behind with our babies?' I think it's because of the effect of the Belmont Festival and the Fourth of July (racing festival). People don't realize this is just the beginning of the meet. It looks like we've got some colts that have been training well and a couple of fillies, as well. So, we're optimistic.” On a comfortable sunny Saturday at the Spa, Emphasis delivered the big performance he needed. “This looked like a loaded maiden race you would expect to see at Saratoga,” Pletcher said. We got the jump on them with an alert beginning and that made a big difference.” The post Saratoga Maidens, Presented By Keeneland: In Test Of Yaupon Maidens, Emphasis Prevails appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Five weeks after romping in front-running fashion in the 1 1/8-mile Monmouth Stakes, Redistricting proved similarly adept over a 1 3/8-mile distance in taking the $612,000 United Nations Stakes (G2T) over the turf course there July 19.View the full article

Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Journalism mounted a sustained rally and caught Goal Oriented and Gosger near the wire to win the $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1) July 19 at Monmouth Park.View the full article

Already a graded stakes winner as a 3- and 4-year-old, Randomized added to her extensive résumé at 5 with an emphatic score in the July 19 $495,000 Molly Pitcher Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park. View the full article

Future Is Now recorded a bounce-back win in the July 19 Caress Stakes (G3T) at Saratoga after a runner-up finish in the June 5 Intercontinental Stakes (G3T). View the full article

Saratoga's GII Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, downgraded for 2025, featured a rematch of the June 7 GIII True North Stakes between Book'em Danno (g, 4, Bucchero–Adorabella, by Ghostzapper) and Mullikin (Violence), who finished one-two last month, and Nakatomi (Firing Line), who had been fifth. All three showed up in a big way Saturday, filling out the trifecta, with fan-favorite Book'em Danno on top once again. The New Jersey-bred, winner of the GI Woody Stephens Stakes over this surface in 2024, let 'TDN Rising Star' Damon's Mound (Girvin) and Mullikan slug it out early up front, but Book'em Danno had the pair in his sights. He tipped out on the bend as Mullikin dispersed of Damon's Mound, collared the True North runner-up, and sailed by to win by daylight as rider Paco Lopez eased up late. Saturday, Saratoga ALFRED G. VANDERBILT S.-GII, $400,000, Saratoga, 7-19, 4yo/up, 6f, 1:08.98, ft. 1–BOOK'EM DANNO, 124, g, 4, by Bucchero 1st Dam: Adorabella, by Ghostzapper 2nd Dam: Alydorable, by Arch 3rd Dam: Esprit d'Escalier, by Diesis (GB) ($475,000 RNA 3yo '24 KEECHA). O-Atlantic Six Racing, LLC; B-Gregory J Kilka & Bright View Farm (NJ); T-Derek S. Ryan; J-Paco Lopez. $220,000. Lifetime Record: GISW, 15-9-3-1, $1,580,425. *1/2 to Girl Trouble (Fast Anna), MSW, $288,540. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Mullikin, 124, h, 5, Violence–Tulira's Star, by Congrats. ($500,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-WinStar Farm LLC; B-Fred W. Hertrich III & John D. Fielding (KY); T-Rodolphe Brisset. $80,000. 3–Nakatomi, 124, g, 6, Firing Line–Applelicious, by Flatter. ($18,000 Wlg '19 KEENOV; $25,000 Ylg '20 FTKOCT; $205,000 4yo '23 FTKHRA). O-Qatar Racing LLC and Mrs. Fitriani Hay; B-Arnold Zetcher LLC & Crestwood Farm (KY); T-Wesley A. Ward. $48,000. Margins: 2HF, 3 3/4, NO. Odds: 1.40, 1.90, 5.80. Also Ran: Damon's Mound, Baby Yoda, Nash. Scratched: Full Moon Madness, Skelly. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Book'Em Danno loves Saratoga. Saratoga loves Book'Em Danno. pic.twitter.com/IpoKYM6BP1 — TDN (@theTDN) July 19, 2025 The post In True North Rematch, Book’em Danno Wins Vanderbilt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Much as he did in winning the GI Santa Anita Derby and when managing to win the GI Preakness Stakes six weeks later, JOURNALISM (c, 3, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo) made sure Saturday's $1-million GI NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes was another cliffhanger, finding his best stride when it appeared that the race had possibly slipped through his fingers and crossing the wire with about three-parts of a length to spare over Preakness runner-up Gosger (Nyquist). 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time) led inside into the final furlong and held on for third. The 2-5 jolly, the owner of the top five Beyer Speed Figures in the eight-strong field, was off only fairly from gate two beneath his regular mate Umberto Rispoli, who was already niggling at the $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate prior to the entry to the clubhouse turn. Up front, the slow-starting Kentucky Outlaw (Outwork) made play in advance of the local Pegasus Stakes winner Bracket Buster (Vekoma) through an opening quarter in :23.33 with Goal Oriented prominent from third as Rispoli attempted to allow Journalism, a last-out second to Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in the GI Belmont Stakes June 7, to find his footing. Journalism was taken to the outside and commenced a middle move down the backstretch which had him into a more challenging position by the time the Haskell field had reached the far turn, though he was committed at that point to an overland journey, the same one eschewed at Old Hilltop two months of Saturdays in the rearview. Goal Oriented was kicked into the lead by Flavien Prat as they neared the stretch and Gosger was his gray shadow, but Journalism was following that one, and the battle was joined heading for home. Goal Oriented floated Gosger a few paths out into the track in upper stretch and Journalism was asked for everything he had by Rispoli, still three lengths down at the furlong grounds. Goal Oriented and Gosger continued to go at each other hammer and tong, but Journalism lengthened his stride and raced over the top of his rivals in the final couple of strides. Sales history: $825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 9-6-2-1. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Robert V., Elayne Stables Five, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick; B-Don Alberto Stable (KY); T-Michael McCarthy. What a performance!!! #2 JOURNALISM ($2.80) and @umbyrispoli get a perfectly timed win in the @BreedersCup WAYI $1 Million Haskell Stakes (G1) at @MonmouthPark. The three-year-old Curlin colt is now a 3x Grade 1 winner. @EclipseTBP pic.twitter.com/ldoJr7sHK9 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) July 19, 2025 The post A ‘Shore’ Thing: Journalism Arrives In Time In NYRA Bets Haskell appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Scottish Lassie (f, 3, McKinzie–Bodebabe, by Bodemeister), winless in three attempts since breaking her maiden in style in last fall's GI Frizette S., got back on track in a big way with a runaway decision in Saturday's GI Coaching Club American Oaks Invitational at Saratoga. The 2-1 shot took over from champion Immersive (Nyquist) on the clubhouse turn and made her way to the rail in the scratched-down field of four. Scottish Lassie showed the way through fractions of :23.81 and :48.09, began to get away on the far turn and opened daylight form there to win by double digits. Immersive finished second. Pedigree Notes: Scottish Lassie is one of two Grade I winners for sophomore sire McKinzie. Scottish Lassie's dam Bodebabe was an $8,000 purchase by Ascot Health Farm at the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale in 2018. She is also responsible for the unraced 2-year-old filly Scot's Law (Tiz the Law), a $50,000 KEESEP yearling; and a yearling colt by Corniche. Sales history: $50,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $85,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 6-2-0-3. O-Sportsmen Stable, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Photos Finish LLC, Corms Racing Stable and Abreu, Jorge R.; B-Winchester Farm (KY); T-Jorge R. Abreu. A spectacular display! SCOTTISH LASSIE didn't just win the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks, she had a jaw-dropping 15-length romp under @JRosarioJockey for trainer Jorge Abreu! pic.twitter.com/yhq3pvdUKt — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) July 19, 2025 Saturday, Saratoga COACHING CLUB AMERICAN OAKS INVITATIONAL S.-GI, $465,000, Saratoga, 7-19, 3yo, f, 1 1/8m, 1:50.23, ft. 1–SCOTTISH LASSIE, 122, f, 3, by McKinzie 1st Dam: Bodebabe, by Bodemeister 2nd Dam: Zaharias, by Grand Slam 3rd Dam: Scarlet Tango, by French Deputy ($50,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $85,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-Sportsmen Stable, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Photos Finish LLC, Corms Racing Stable and Jorge R. Abreu; B-Winchester Farm (KY); T-Jorge R. Abreu; J-Joel Rosario. $275,000. Lifetime Record: 6-2-0-3, $677,560. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Immersive, 122, f, 3, by Nyquist 1st Dam: Gap Year, by Bernardini 2nd Dam: Dubai Escapade, by Awesome Again 3rd Dam: Sassy Pants, by Saratoga Six O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $100,000. 3–Dry Powder, 118, f, 3, by Gun Runner 1st Dam: Tell All, by Broken Vow 2nd Dam: Whisper to Me, by Thunder Gulch 3rd Dam: Word to the Wise, by Diesis (GB) 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE, 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($525,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Gold Square LLC; B-Corser Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Chad Summers. $60,000. Margins: 15HF, 6, 3. Odds: 2.35, 0.60, 11.10. Also Ran: Take Charge Milady. Scratched: La Cara, Sweet Seraphine. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Scottish Lassie Romps in CCA Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Long live the classy mares. A fan favorite and honest as the day is long, Future Is Now (Great Notion) was ultra game in the lane to take home the GIII Caress Stakes at Saratoga. Off the board just once in her last 10 starts, the Michael Trombetta-trained star has won six of them including the GII Intercontinental Stakes and GII Franklin Stakes last year, and she kicked off her 2025 season Apr. 13 at Keeneland with a nose victory in the GIII Giant's Causeway Stakes over multiple Group/Graded stakes-placed Pandora's Gift (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). She ran second last out June 5 to MGSW Pipsy (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) when trying to defend her Intercontinental crown. Back here and a 2-1 favorite to secure redemption after being run down late in this race last year to finish third by a half-length, Future Is Now was content to watch Twirling Queen (Twirling Candy) set a demanding opening quarter in :21.15 and was the looming danger between runners as the field closed ranks after four furlongs in :43.59 entering the lane. Overhauling that early leader a sixteenth out, the mare kicked away from the blanket scramble behind her to win comfortably. There was a five-way battle for the minors that GSW Zeitlos (Curlin) won for the placing while Time to Dazzle (Not This Time) closed the trifecta from the far outside. There was a jockey's claim of foul after the race lodged by Dylan Davis aboard the third-place runner alleging interference by Future Is Now at the quarter pole but the stewards quickly dismissed it. “He [Paco Lopez] was happy to have it [post 7] and I think that just gives him options,” said Trombetta after the race. “It always gives you a chance to recover if you don't get away as good as you want, whereas if you are inside, it can be detrimental. She broke good enough, he didn't have to chase her off her feet, and obviously he was able to have horse.” “[Future Is Now] has been a gem. She is easy to train, does everything right. She shows up almost every time.” When asked about a start in the Smart and Fancy Stakes Aug. 15, Trombetta replied, “That is what we did last year. We'll see how she bounces out of it and then plan what is left of the season. This season comes and goes pretty quickly, so ultimately, we want to possibly do that, and try to get to Keeneland again in the fall.” Rider Paco Lopez had similarly high praise for the mare, saying, “She's a very good filly. [Michael] Trombetta, he does a very good job. Today, she did very well in the gate. The last time she was a little nervous, a little uneasy in the gate, but today, very quiet and relaxed. Much better for sure.” When asked about the objection, Lopez said, “I'll have to see the replay. I never did nothing for me. I break, was second. I never touched him.” Future is Now grinds out her sixth stakes win in the G3 Caress at Saratoga! @trombetta_mike trains the 5YO mare and @pacolopez1018 was up. pic.twitter.com/bh6qT0ED1X — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) July 19, 2025 Pedigree Note Future Is Now, while the most accomplished of her dam's offspring, is not the only black-type runner for Past as Prelude (Bernardini). Her half-sister Call Another Play (Audible) is a multiple stakes winner in her own right, and ran third in the GIII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes last year. Another of her black-type half-sisters is MSP Continentalcongres (Constitution), who also claims a placed full-sister named Originalist. There is an unraced 3-year-old in the family, Places in My Past (McKinzie), as the most recent of racing age. Past as Prelude has a yearling filly by Audible and a 2025 colt by Charlatan to her credit. She was bred to Life Is Good for 2026. In addition to the first dam, second dam Magical Meadow (Meadowlake) also claims GSW Street Magician (Street Cry {Ire}) as one of her accomplished offspring as well as the dam of MSW I'm Stoked (Hook And Ladder) and SP Bag of Tricks (Bernardini). Her daughter More Than Magic (More Than Ready) produced GSP Hopeful Princess (Not This Time) during her broodmare career and is the granddam of MSP Heldish (Great Notion). This female family has also yielded MGISW Mindframe (Constitution) underneath the third dam. Saturday, Saratoga CARESS S.-GIII, $175,000, Saratoga, 7-19, 3yo/up, f/m, 5 1/2fT, 1:01.08, fm. 1–FUTURE IS NOW, 126, m, 5, by Great Notion 1st Dam: Past as Prelude, by Bernardini 2nd Dam: Magical Meadow, by Meadowlake 3rd Dam: Special Kell, by Parfaitement O-The Estate of R. Larry Johnson; B-R. Larry Johnson (MD); T-Michael J. Trombetta; J-Paco Lopez. $96,250. Lifetime Record: 17-9-2-1, $884,660. *1/2 to Continentalcongres (Constitution), MSP, $313,800 and Call Another Play (Audible), MSW & GSP, $370,345. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Zeitlos, 126, m, 5, Curlin–Thyme For Roses (Aus), by Redoute's Choice (Aus). ($350,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Stonestreet Stables LLC and Peter Leidel; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $35,000. 3–Time to Dazzle, 126, f, 4, Not This Time–Staria, by Unbridled's Song. ($310,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Tracy Farmer; B-Rodney Orr (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. $21,000. Margins: HF, NK, NO. Odds: 2.20, 6.70, 7.90. Also Ran: Twirling Queen, Kairyu (Ire)-(DH), Pandora's Gift (Ire)-(DH), Toupie, Pipsy (Ire), Obstreperous. Scratched: Caress, Halina's Forte, Little Prankster. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Future Is Now Flaunts Her Class, Grinds Home to Caress Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article