Wandering Eyes

Here's a look at the sixth installment of our Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for 2025: Things are really starting to heat up. Last weekend saw Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro), who is now 6 for 6, winning the Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks. For now, she looks like a strong favorite in the GI Kentucky Oaks. At Turfway Park, Bless the Broken (Laoban) won the Bourbonette Oaks, but didn't show enough versus a weak field to crack our top 10. This will be a huge weekend of preps that will include the GII Gulfsteam Park Oaks and the GII Fantasy S. at Oaklawn. 1) GOOD CHEER (Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) O/B-Godolphin (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 6-6-0-0, $877,630. Last Start: Won Mar. 22 GII Fair Grounds Oaks. Kentucky Oaks Points 145. Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, CD, May 2 All she does is win. Good Cheer has yet to run a big number. The 90 she received for winning the Fair Grounds Oaks is her career best. And she doesn't take your breath away during her races. In most of her races, it looks, early on, like she's going to put in a pedestrian effort and then the next thing you know she's somehow four in front at the wire. She's now 6 for 6 and the closest anyone has come to her is 2 1/2 lengths, the distance between her and runner-up Quietside (Malibu Moon) in the GII Golden Rod Stakes. Brad Cox is good at a lot of things, but his biggest strength is creating top-class 3-year-old fillies. 2) TENMA (Nyquist–Amagansett, by Tapit) O-Baoma Corp.; B-B Flay Thoroughbreds (Ky); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $200,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $850,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GISW, 5-4-0-1, $429,000. Last Start: Won Feb. 2 GIII Fasig-Tipton Las Virgenes Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 33. Next Start: GII Santa Anita Oaks, SA, Apr. 5. If Tenma wins the GII Santa Anita Oaks, which she should, she'll likely be the second choice in the Kentucky Oaks. Trainer Bob Baffert has been patient with this filly, which is why he didn't run her in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. It has paid off as she is 2-for-2 since, including an impressive victory in GIII Las Virgenes Stakes. Tenma was his eighth consecutive winner in the Las Virgenes for Baffert. With all the top 3-year-old fillies he has had over the years, surprising to see that Baffert has won the Kentucky Oaks only three times. 3) QUIETSIDE (Malibu Moon–Benner Island, by Speightstown) 'TDN Rising Star' O/B-Shortleaf Stable (Ky); T-John Ortiz. Lifetime Record: GSW & MGISP, 6-2-3-1, $552,200. Last Start: Won Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 68. Next Start: GII Fantasy Stakes, OP, Mar. 29. After a string of second and third-place finishes, Quietside finally broke through to win the GIII Honeybee, which had a loaded field. She goes next in Saturday's GII Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn, where she's the 2-1 morning line second choice. “Maintenance,” John Ortiz told the Oaklawn notes team after Quietside worked four furlongs in 49 seconds last Sunday. “We already know she's fast. She looked really good. Ramon (Vazquez) jumped off the horse and he called me right away. He says: 'Johnny, I got a little tingle in my tummy when I went down the stretch because she really knows how to stretch out. Nice maintenance, felt great, galloped out nicely, he said. He said all the gears lined up.'” Now must prove that she can put in two big efforts back-to-back. 4) MUHIMMA (Munnings–Princesa Carolina, by Tapit) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Shadwell Stable; B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $700,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-3-0-1, $319,460. Last Start: Third Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: GI Ashland Stakes, Kee, Apr. 4. Formerly No. 1 in this poll, she slipped down to fourth after a lackluster third-place finish in the Honeybee. Considering how well she ran in her final start as a 2-year-old, earning a victory in the GII Demoiselle Stakes, the race was a disappointment. Maybe she didn't make the transition from two to three or maybe she just had a bad day We shall find out in the GI Ashland, where she'll need a big effort to stay in the conversation when it comes to the top 3-year-old fillies in training. 5) MAYSAM (Game Winner–Sefani, by American Pharoah) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Michael L Petersen; B-Seclusive Farm, Chester & Anne Prince (Ky); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $140,000 yrl '23 FTKJUL; $500,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-0-0, $98,500. Last Start: WON Mar. 2 GIII Fasig-Tipton Santa Ysabel Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: TBD. After a horrible effort by Maysam in the Sunland Park Oaks, where she was the 1-10 favorite, Bob Baffert was left with no choice but to run her back in two weeks to try to get her back on track. It worked as she gamely fought off Supa Speed (Justify) to win the GIII Fasig-Tipton Santa Ysabel Stakes by a nose. It has been a less than smooth journey to the Kentucky Oaks for her, and that's a big factor with this horse. But this appears to be a talented filly who could win if things go her way. She looked sensational breaking her maiden at Santa Anita by six lengths on Jan. 24. Maysam winning the GIII Santa Ysabel | Benoit Photo 6) FIVE G (Vekoma–Triumphant, by Quality Road) O/B-Gatsas Stables (NY); T-George Weaver. Lifetime Record: SW & GSP, 5-2-2-0, $240,290. Last Start: Second Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Park Oaks, GP, March 29 The Gulfstream Park Oaks will be a big test for this daughter of Vekoma. After two turf starts, the New York-bred looked terrific when switching to the dirt and winning the Cash Run Stakes at Gulfstream by nine lengths. After finishing a close second in the Honeybee, she returns home to South Florida to take on an interesting group of six opponents. Note that Irad Ortiz Jr. took off her to stick with The Queens M G (Thousand Words). Considering that she won a mile-and-a-sixteenth maiden on the turf at Aqueduct, distance should not be a problem 7) BALLERINA D'ORO (Medaglia d'Oro–In the Moonlight, by Tapit) O-Rodeo Creek Racing, LLC; B-Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-Chad Brown. Sales history: $320,000 yrl '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: MGSP, 5-1-1-1, $176,975. Last Start: Third Mar. 1 GII Davona Dale Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 16.25. Next Start: GI Ashland Stakes, Kee, April 4 If not trained by Chad Brown, Ballerina d'Oro wouldn't make this list. But it looks like Brown has carefully crafted a plan to get her to the Oaks at her very best, and it may just result in a win. She was supposed to make her 3-year-old debut in the Rachel Alexandra, but was knocked out of that race by a fever. Brown had to wait all the way to March 1 and the GII Davona Dale Stakes to get her back on track. She ran third, but considering the layoff and that the race, at a mile, was a bad fit for her distance-wise, it was an encouraging effort. She should run much better next time. 8) SIMPLY JOKING (Practical Joke–Imply, by E Dubai) O-Grantley Acres, Ryan Conner, & Berkels0813; B-Barlar LLC (Pa); T-D Whitworth Beckman. Sales history: $65,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MSW, 2-2-0-0, $153,000. Last Start: WON Jan. 18 Silverbulletday Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: GII Fantasy Stakes, OP, March 29 It's now or never for the daughter of Practical Joke. She was entered in the Rachel Alexandra, but lost her appetite a few days before the race. Trainer Whit Beckman ordered a blood test that revealed a developing illness. Simply Joking recovered fairly quickly and is now entered as the morning line favorite in Saturday's Fantasy at Oaklawn. She's 2-for-2 and has a win in the Silverbulletday Stakes on her record, but she hasn't run since Jan. 18 and has zero Kentucky Oaks points. To win the Fantasy won't be easy, but maybe she's that good. 9) LA CARA (Street Sense–Cara Caterina, by Bernardini) O/B-Tracy Farmer (Ky); T-Mark Casse. Lifetime Record: GSW, 8-3-2-0, $418,520. Last Start: Second Mar. 1 GII Davona Dale Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 51.75. Next Start: GI Ashland Stakes, Kee, April 4. She looked like she was ready to have a big year after romping in the Suncoast Stakes at Tampa in her 3-year-old debut. She dropped back to a one-turn, one-mile race for the Davona Dale and the results were less than encouraging. She finished third in a race where the winner, The Queens M G (Thousand Words), turned in a Beyer of only 80. She's been a little bit erratic throughout her career. There's every chance she cold jump up in the Ashland and run a big race. 10) THE QUEENS M G (Thousand Words–Show Queen, by Grindstone) O-C2 Racing Stable LLC & Mathis Stable LLC; B-T F VanMeter, Samuel Hernandez, Jesus Torres, Justin Vinalay (Ky); T-Saffie Joseph, Jr. Sales history: $3,500 yrl '23 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 8-4-0-2, $422,480. Last Start: WON Mar. 1 GII Davona Dale Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 43.5. Next Start: GII Gulfstream Park Oaks, GP, March 29 She's dangerous when the races are shorter and around one-turn. She won the one-turn, one-mile Davona Dale Stakes by 2 3/4 lengths and also won last year's GIII Adirondack Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs and the six-furlong Schuylerville Stakes at six-furlongs. But she's never been two turns. So the big question for her is can she handle the distance in the mile-and-a-sixteenth Gulfstream Park Oaks? She doesn't look like a two-turn horse, but we'll give her a chance to prove us wrong Saturday at Gulfstream. The post The Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for Mar. 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner White Birch (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) will defend his G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup crown on May 25, according to assistant trainer George Murphy, who assists his father, John. The Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez runner won all three of his starts in 2024–April's G3 Alleged Stakes, the G2 Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh a month later, and the May 26 Gold Cup, claiming the scalp of Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the latter. He was benched for the remainder of the year with a setback just before Royal Ascot. “He's wintered very well and looks superb and we couldn't be happier with how he's training,” said George Murphy, assistant to his father. “We'll more than likely start off at the Curragh, we'll probably skip the Group 3 [Alleged Stakes, Apr. 12] and head to the Mooresbridge [Stakes, Curragh, May 5] and then we'll go on to the Tattersalls Gold Cup,that I think will be the plan. Hopefully he gets there in one piece, but he's in good shape at the moment anyway.” The post Tattersalls Gold Cup Defence On The Agenda For White Birch appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are five horse racing meetings set for Australia on Thursday, March 27. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Gosford. Thursday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – March 27, 2025 Gosford Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 27, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! 4 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 5 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

A judge in Louisiana has dismissed Jonathan Wong's complaint against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) in the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Lafayette Division, ruling that the state does not have jurisdiction over HISA, according to Brent Malmstrom, one of Wong's owners. The case, which stemmed from a June, 2023 Metformin positive, saw Wong receive a two-year suspension and spurred his move to Louisiana, where the Act is not in effect. In the complaint filed Tuesday, Wong asserted that the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) had threatened the immigration status of an employee who cared for the horse who tested positive, Heaven and Earth (Gormley), and who had been prescribed Metformin, preventing him from testifying. HIWU denied that charge. The complaint also questioned the constitutionality of the law, like the case against HISA currently in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, as well as the chain of command of the blood and urine. The complaint asked that the decision be vacated. Heaven and Earth broke her maiden at Indiana Grand on June 1 but subsequently tested positive for metformin. As a matter of protocol at that time, HIWU initially provisionally suspended Wong at the beginning of June when the A sample returned a positive finding for Metformin. The B sample also tested positive for Metformin, and a HISA arbitration panel imposed the maximum possible sentence-a two-year ban and a $25,000 fine. Attorneys for Jonathan Wong and the horse's owner Brent Malmstrom issued the following statement: “We are disappointed in the Louisiana federal district court's decision to dismiss Jonathan Wong's case for jurisdictional reasons. The ruling is procedural and does not address the substance of Jonathan's claims. The FTC and HISA forced Jonathan to move to Louisiana by suspending him, and yet they both fought against having to defend themselves there. Jonathan's case has always been–and will continue to be–about ensuring fair and equal treatment and holding the FTC, HISA, and HIWU to the rules they set for themselves. While we disagree with the federal court's ruling, we are pleased that the court acknowledged that Jonathan may file his case in a different court. We are considering all legal options, including an appeal. We look forward to Jonathan finally having the merits of his claims decided by the rule of law, which is all Jonathan has ever asked for. Given the ongoing nature of the dispute, we will have no further comment.” The post Louisiana Court Dismisses Wong’s Complaint Against HISA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland announces that Valvoline Global Operations, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, is the new sponsor of the $400,000 Shakertown (G2T) to be held April 5.View the full article

Woodbine and the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario jointly announced March 26 that they have reached an agreement in principle on a new two-year deal that boosts purses by CA$5.7 million.View the full article

Woodbine Entertainment and the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario have reached an agreement in principle on a new two-year deal that boosts purses by $5.7 million, according to a press release from the racetrack on Wednesday afternoon. The new agreement commits $64.7 million in purses in 2025 and $65 million in 2026, both with 128-day race meets. The upcoming 2025 season kicks off on Saturday, Apr. 26 and concludes on Sunday, Dec. 14. “We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with the HBPA that increases purses for our racing community, even as the industry continues to face significant challenges and headwinds,” said Michael Copeland, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment. “Reaching an agreement allows our horse people to plan and move forward,” said HBPA President Sue Leslie. “The 128 racing days and the purse increase provides needed stability for our members and while there is always more work to be done, we believe that this is a necessary and positive step forward for racing in Ontario.” The post Woodbine Entertainment And Ontario HBPA Reach New Two-Year Deal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Have you ever fancied gaining an insight into how trainers like Jessica Harrington or Johnny Murtagh prepare their horses to win big-race riches all over the globe? Or perhaps you'd like to better understand the breeding industries and take a peek behind the scenes at some of the biggest stud farms in Ireland? The recently-launched Horse Country, which is funded by Failte Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland and the Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, will offer such experiences to interested parties and its CEO Laura Magee spoke of her excitement about the concept. “The industry can be quite closed doors unless you are working in it or know somebody who is working in it,” Magee explained. “I'm from Dublin with not a really strong horse background but my Dad and Granddad had a huge love for it and worked in the sport. That's where I got the love from but, even for me to try and get in behind the scenes and find out a little bit more when I knew it was something I wanted to do as a career, it was tricky.” She added, “The race day is not the full story but, for some people, it might be their only touch point. But so much has gone on behind the scenes in the build-up to the race day. As our relationship with Failte Ireland has grown, so too has their appreciation for how important our industry is. “Obviously it's important on an economic basis, but much more than that, the connection that the Irish people have with the horse is also extremely important. We looked at a destination development plan, which sounds wicked fancy, but it is similar to the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland's Ancient East. They give a name and a theme to an area that they want to collectively promote. In this instance, we looked at Kildare and Tipperary as being the areas we wanted to try and promote. Kildare is known as the HQ for the horse racing and breeding industries in Ireland while in Tipperary we have Aidan O'Brien and Coolmore which are recognised globally so that's what sets us apart.” Horse Country is something that has thrived in recent years in Kentucky. Magee concedes that her friends in America “are 10 years ahead” but spoke of her excitement about what the future might hold for Ireland's newest tourism destination ahead of its official launch at Punchestown on April 30 where Minister for Enterprise, Tourism & Employment, Peter Burke and Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, Martin Heydon, will be in attendance. Magee said, “By allowing visitors access to your training yard or stud farm, that's not going to make anyone rich. Nobody is doing that to have another revenue stream although they are paid for it. This is for the betterment of the industry because, if we don't start opening the doors and letting people in and experience what happens on these stud farms and the various stages of a thoroughbred's life, to be honest, I think the industry might look very different in 10 years time. “Not everyone can be an owner and get that behind-the-scenes feel and knowledge and get to go into Johnny and Orla Murtagh's kitchen and have breakfast and ask them questions. We've developed these experiences where people can feel like an owner for the day and really feel a part of it.” A VIP experience with Johnny and Orla Murtagh is advertised at €2,000 for a group of eight on the Horse Country website while an hour with Jessica Harrington is priced at €400 for two people. That includes a gift and afternoon tea. There are also behind the scenes tours at the Curragh, which are priced at €25 per person, the Kildangan Stud 'Foal to Fame Tour' at €35 per person and much more. The post Newly-Launched Horse Country Is For “Betterment Of The Industry” Says CEO appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Topping the Arqana March Online Sale was Siyouni (Fr)'s Why Not Again (Fr) (lot 1), who went for €250,000 to Willingham on Wednesday. Sent through the ring by Fabrice Chappet, the winning bay is out of dual Group 1 winner Watch Me (Fr) (Olympic Glory {Ire}). City Light (Fr)'s Scapecity (Fr) (lot 13) made €155,000 on the bid of Willingham, once again. The 3-year-old filly, also offered by Chappet, was third in the Listed Prix Zeddaan in November of 2024. Blue Seabhac (Fr) (Seabhac) was knocked down to James Summers for €150,000. The 3-year-old gelding (lot 16), consigned by Mickael Seror, has placed from his sole start at Fontainebleau. Overall, 13 of the 16 lots offered sold (81%) for a gross of €824,000. The post Why Not Again Tops Arqana Online’s March Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade 3 winner West Balboa (Ire) (Yeats {Ire}) (lot 38) leads a 62-strong catalogue for the Tattersalls Online April Sale. Scheduled for Tuesday Apr. 1 through Wednesday Apr. 2, the sale features 45 horses in- and out-of-training, nine broodmares, four yearlings, three point-to-pointers and one store. West Balboa was runner-up in the G1 Challow Novices' Hurdle and is out of the Fleminsfirth mare Rostellan (Ire), herself a half-sister to Grade 2 winner Clew Bay Cove (Ire) (Anshan {GB}). Another Grade 3 winner in the jumps sphere is Uncle Phil (Ire) (lot 36). The 8-year-old son of Walk In The Park (Ire) took the G3 Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse; while Grade 2-placed Miss Manzour (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}) (lot 23), out of a winning half-sister to the dam of dual Group 1 winner Hello Youmzain (Fr), is also offered. On the Flat, the winner Quandary (GB) (Intello {Ger}) (lot 28) qualifies for a free entry in the All-Weather Championships Finals Day at Newcastle. Rated 86 by Timeform, she is a half-sister to last season's promising juvenile winner Surprised (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}). There is also a yearling (lot 52) by Grade I winner and sire Oscar Performance from the family of Rogue Lightning (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). The post Grade 3 Winners Highlight Tattersalls Online April Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Valvoline Global Operations, a provider of automotive and industrial solutions, is the new sponsor of Keeneland's $400,000 GII Shakertown Stakes to be held opening Saturday of the 2025 Spring meet, the racetrack said via a press release on Wednesday. “Keeneland is pleased to welcome Valvoline Global to our team of stakes sponsors, whose participation enables us to continually elevate our world-class racing program,” Keeneland Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Christa Marrillia said. “As Lexington-based companies, Keeneland and Valvoline Global share a commitment to the community, and we thank them for their support of Thoroughbred racing.” “For more than 150 years, Valvoline Global has been dedicated to driving innovation and excellence–on and off the road,” said Valvoline Global's Chief Brand Officer Rob Kenny. “We are proud to partner with Keeneland, uniting our mutual passion for horsepower and community.” The Valvoline Global Shakertown is a 5 1/2-furlong turf race for 3-year-olds and up. First run in 1997, the race is named for America's largest and completely restored Shaker community and living museum located 25 miles southwest of Lexington. The post Valvoline Global To Sponsor Keeneland’s Grade II Shakertown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When he has the right horse to do so, California-based conditioner Chief Stipe O'Neill isn't the smallest bit hesitant to showcase them on the foreign stage. On Apr. 5, the 56-year-old will send out Grade I winner Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) in an attempt to win the G2 Godolphin Mile for the third time in his career and the second time in succession. “It's a real honor to have a horse that's classy enough to travel to meetings like this,” said O'Neill, a two-time winner of the GI Kentucky Derby whose success overseas includes an upset victory with one-time claiming horse Fleetstreet Dancer (Smart Strike) in the Japan Cup Dirt in 2003. “It's great for the whole crew and the owners, so I'm just grateful to be working alongside an equine athlete that's so gifted and so classy to take us to a race like this.” A $75,000 purchase out of the 2023 OBS April Sale, having failed to meet his reserve at $27,000 at Keeneland September prior to that, the bay colt was an impressive debut winner at Del Mar two summers ago, but his true coming-out party happened around this time last year at Churchill Downs when he won a seven-furlong allowance race by a wide margin in slick time. “He's always been very impressive since he's been out and running, but that race at Churchill was like, 'whoa, okay,'” he said. “To travel away from his home base and to run that sort of race, we knew we were on to something. That's when we decided we might have something pretty special.” RAGING TORRENT ($19.32) had some place to be and that place was the winner's circle in @ChurchillDowns Race 13! He sprinted away from the field under @Antonio1Fresu for trainer @DougONeill1. He's a 3yo by @spendthriftfarm's Maximus Mischief! Last race: https://t.co/Ufc0tno7Rp pic.twitter.com/iW7dymItzf — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 5, 2024 Two races later, Raging Torrent found himself lining up against the mighty The Chosen Vron (Vronsky), arguably the best California-bred sprinter of all time, in the GII Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar. After laying down strong fractions up front, Raging Torrent was headed by his older rival with time ticking away, but he battled back tenaciously to win by a neck to punch his ticket to the Breeders' Cup. “That was a pretty special race because The Chosen Vron is a legend,” said O'Neill. “Horses eyeball him and typically back up, but Raging Torrent really showed how tough he is that day.” Only seventh to recent G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint hero and Eclipse Award winner Straight No Chaser (Speightster) in the GI Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint, Raging Torrent had the services of one Frankie Dettori for the first time in the GI Malibu Stakes and easily validated 12-5 favoritism in that traditional Boxing Day feature. “We circled the Godolphin Mile after the Malibu,” said O'Neill, who will look to make it back-to-back wins in the Mile after Two Rivers Over–a son of fellow Godolphin Mile hero Tamarkuz–ran down Walk of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the shadow of the post 12 months ago. O'Neill, whose other Mile success came with Spring At Last (Silver Deputy) in 2007, is counting his blessings to have a jockey in the irons who knows his way around Meydan. “Having Frankie in the saddle, arguably one of the best of all time, it's a great asset,” said O'Neill. “He knows him well, he's worked him and won on him so it's definitely a big plus.” Raging Torrent turned in his most serious piece of work at O'Neill's Santa Anita base on Mar. 9, going six furlongs in a stiff 1:12.20. He's since had a couple of easier maintenance moves, but the trainer said the colt is sitting on ready and has taken the long trip from California to Dubai in his stride. “Yeah, he shipped great, his appetite has been really good and his energy level is excellent as well according to my staff, so it's so far, so good,” he commented. And while a look at his early form shows that Raging Torrent struggled with distances up to a mile and a bit farther, O'Neill said next weekend's trip holds no concerns. “Not at all, I think the one-turn mile is the key,” he said. “He's got tons of stamina. He's a little more precocious than [Spring at Last and Two Rivers Over], who were two wonderful horses, but he's got that six-furlong sort of speed and he can stay a mile. He checks all the boxes and now we just need to stay injury-free between now and the race.” O'Neill said Raging Torrent would get a bit of a leg-stretch this coming weekend and he will be at Meydan to oversee final preparations from Apr. 3. The post O’Neill Looking For More Smiles In Godolphin Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 03/25/2025 Licensee: Collin Maragh, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 26, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Lidocaine–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Cajun's Cookin, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 2/14/25. Date: 03/25/2025 Licensee: John Toscano, trainer Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 26, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of DMSO–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Mr. Mendelssohn, who finished second at Turf Paradise on 1/25/25. Date: 03/24/2025 Licensee: Michael Zalalas, trainer Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person pursuant to ADMC Program Rule 3323, with credit given for the 36-day suspension served, which was issued by the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission in connection with these violations; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. Admission. Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on ATM Awesome on 9/1/23; and Secret Spell on 3/14/24. Date: 03/21/2025 Licensee: Carlos Rondon-Mora, trainer Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 22, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Tramadol- Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Marvelous Lady, who won at Tampa Bay on 12/6/24. Date: 03/21/2025 Licensee: Salvador Soto, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horses' Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500 per violation, for a total fine of $1,500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points per violation, for a total of 4.5 Penalty Points. Treated as one violation. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violations for the presence of Methocarbamol, Phenylbutazone and Dexamethasone–all controlled substances (Class C)–in samples taken from Geebeesbigboy, who finished fourth at Zia Park on 12/2/24, and from Stormy Dame, who won at Zia Park on 12/9/24. Date: 03/20/2025 Licensee: Fernando Ferreira, trainer Penalty: 60-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 21, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $5,000. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violations for an Intra-Articular Injection Within Fourteen (14) days of a Post-Time on Nice Weather on 10/25/23; on Dance a Little Jig on 10/26/23; and Spikes Shirl on 11/3/23. Date: 03/20/2025 Licensee: Thomas Pierce Jr., trainer Penalty: 2-year period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 21, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results obtained on 09/02/24 and 09/29/24, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $25,000. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol–a banned substance except in certain circumstances–in a sample taken from Angel's Shadows, who won at Albuquerque on 9/2/24. Pending ADMC Violations 03/26/2025, James Nicholson Jr., trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Midnight Getaway on 2/20/25. 03/24/2025, Wayne Catalano, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Jimmy the Hat on 2/25/25. 03/21/2025, Kasey Ray Kemper, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from El Siete Leguas on 2/24/25. 03/21/2025, Bill McLean, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Mo Town Gal on 2/20/25. Violations of Crop Rule Penn National Jordano Joel Tunon–violation date Mar. 20; $250 fine, one-day suspension Turf Paradise Harry Hernandez–violation date Mar. 20; $500 fine, two-day suspension Francisco Garcia–violation date Mar. 20; $750 fine, three-day suspension The post Weekly National Regulatory Rulings, Mar. 20-26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Connie Costello is the new group chief financial officer of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Peter Roe has been named the head of racing at HRI Racecourses. Costello previously worked at the Central Bank of Ireland, having previously held senior positions in First Active PLC, Ulster Bank, An Post and the Department of Public Expenditure (National Shared Services). HRI CEO Suzanne Eade said, “With a wealth of commercial experience and expertise, Connie is a significant addition to the team at HRI. Her career to date has included high level roles in both the private and public sector, and this, combined with an appreciation and understanding of racing and thoroughbred breeding, gives her the platform to make a telling contribution to our industry.” Roe, who has worked for HRI for 25 years and started at Tipperary, has been the general manager of Fairyhouse Racecourse since 2010. He will report to HRI Racecourses CEO Paul Dermody. Dermody said, “We are proud that Peter has built a strong reputation with all our key industry stakeholders in his roles at Tipperary and Fairyhouse. Peter will ensure consistency, quality, and innovation across each of the four racecourses, while maintaining a strong focus on individual track development, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.” The post Connie Costello And Peter Roe Fill New Roles At HRI And HRI Racecourse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was Thornton's first grade 2 win and first graded stakes win since 2011 when he won the Stars and Stripes (G3) at Arlington Park. The win was over a field that included Sierra Leone making his first start since the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). View the full article

Fast-improving sophomores Cornucopian, Disruptor, Tappan Street try top Kentucky Derby (G1) prep races, the Arkansas Derby (G1) and the Florida Derby (G1).View the full article

NBC Sports will continue to present the Breeders' Cup World Championships on NBC, Peacock, and USA Network through 2030, as Breeders' Cup and NBC Sports announced a multi-year extension of their partnership March 26 .View the full article

During its annual review of the graded and listed stakes races in Canada, the graded stakes committee for The Jockey Club of Canada decided to downgrade the standing of three stakes for 2025.View the full article

California-based conditioner Chief Stipe O'Neill will send out grade 1 winner Raging Torrent in an attempt to win the Godolphin Mile (G2) April 5, for the third time in his career and the second time in succession.View the full article

The Dubai World Cup card this year falls a week later than is traditionally the case, a development driven by the dates of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which comes to an end with Eid al-Fitr expected to fall Sunday evening (March 30). View the full article

Coming off a sharp gate-to-wire conquest in the Mac Diarmida Stakes (G2T), Capture the Flag now looks to win again at Gulfstream Park in the March 29 Pan American Stakes (G3T). View the full article

The following continues a look at how long-term economic developments shape today's Thoroughbred sport. To read part I, click here. Defining Development #5–Real Estate Realities Has there ever been a time when rising real estate values have not heavily influenced the physical locations of Thoroughbred breeding farms and racetracks? This economic maxim has been especially dominant in the U.S. in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. As for breeding farms, anyone who has driven over the past four decades along Harrodsburg Road south of New Circle Road in Lexington, or along Florida State Road 200 both northeast and southwest of I-75 in Ocala, cannot fail to have noticed remarkable changes. Both routes once bordered farms that were key players in the advancement of Thoroughbred breeding in their states. Both are now full-fledged commercial corridors with restaurants, retail shops, office buildings, apartments, condominiums and single-family homes. In Lexington, Keeneland co-founder Hal Price Headley has never been anybody's idea of a dummy. Occupied and expanded since the late 19th century by Headley and his father and grandfather before him, the family's Beaumont Farm grew to 4,000 acres of rolling Bluegrass hills and farmland. Some pricier chunks of land close to the expanding city have long since been sold. One supposes that it was always in Headley's plan to retain sufficient acreage so that his estimable successors can continue the family tradition of leadership at Mill Ridge Farm on the rural western edge of the original Beaumont. Much the same pattern has unfolded in Ocala. The retail, hotel and restaurant strip near the city's Paddock Mall, which opened in 1980, once was home to horse farms. Meanwhile, the high-value commercial strip extending southwest from I-75 was, until the 1990s, horse-farm territory. In the primest of all Ocala real estate, near the Interstate, were the sizable holdings of Bonnie Heath, one of the Florida industry's patriarchs. When Heath died in 2001, it only made sense for his family to sell the prime acreage and establish a successor Bonnie Heath Farm farther out from Ocala. Buying rural property in path of residential or commercial development has been, maybe forever, an essential part of long-term planning for horse farm owners. Such plans provide an exit strategy for established breeders, should things go awry or succeeding generations choose different paths. They also work for newly smitten breeders seeking to set up operations, fulfill personal dreams, produce some good horses, maybe make some money, or at least have fun trying. Then to cash out, perhaps 10, 15, or 20 years later when land values have escalated, thereby preserving or enhancing the kids' inheritance. Nowhere has this plan been more prevalent than in California, long the nation's most explosive real estate market. If it works for horse farm owners, who thinks it should be any different for operators of racetracks? Racetracks have their own real estate history, which has led to an excruciating handful of long-cherished properties being sold off, amid declining financial returns, for their burgeoning real estate value. Unfortunate casualties of the harsh realities of 21st century racing include several tracks established during the Great Depression when state governments were desperate for any kind of tax revenue. These tracks include Bay Meadows, which opened in 1934, Hollywood Park (1938) and Golden Gate Fields (1941). Others, whose heads, hearts, and spirit rest uncomfortably close to the chopping block, include Santa Anita (1934) and Gulfstream Park (1939). All were built in locations distant enough from city centers so that open tracts of land were available at affordable prices. After decades of first rising and then falling economic fortunes in racing, Hollywood Park was sold in 1999 for $140 million to Churchill Downs, which then resold it in 2005 to a property development firm for $260 million. Both Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park are now said to be worth multiples of that price for their development potential. Is there any conceivable business model for racetracks today that would support such underlying real estate values? If so, has anyone worked harder to find it than the owners of Santa Anita and Gulfstream? Santa Anita | Benoit photo Both Frank Stronach, the immediate past owner of the two tracks, and his daughter Belinda Stronach, in charge today, despite their public battles, have labored to introduce new ways of attacking some of racing's key problems. Frank, an unvarnished visionary whose visions are sometimes clear and sometimes not, aspired to build his own satellite network to simulcast races from a coast-to-coast roster of racetracks. Over the years, that roster has included either outright ownership or leasing of simulcast rights at Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Pimlico, Bay Meadows, Golden Gate Fields, Lone Star Park, Colonial Downs, Remington Park, Portland Meadows, Thistledown and Great Lakes Downs. Only the first three on that list remain, at least for the moment, as parts of the Stronach racing package. Family interests in all others have been sold off for various reasons, including several primarily for their property value. Over the years, Frank's original idea of a satellite network has evolved into FanDuel Sports Network's pair of racing channels. Among numerous other efforts, the Stronachs strived, ultimately with little success, to build a home team kind of competition between Florida and California with the Sunshine Millions. Belinda has invested substantial sums in her own initiatives. These include continuing to upgrade Gulfstream's Pegasus World Cup, first started by Frank, and establishing Santa Anita's California Crown, both of which aim to attract new fans with food and entertainment packages supplementing high-class horse racing. Additional Stronach father-and-daughter innovations include various forms of coast-to-coast multiple wagers on this continent, and links with Royal Ascot and other international race meetings. Considerable investment also has been required to maintain three racing surfaces–dirt, Tapeta, and grass–after racing ceased at the former Calder Race Course in 2020, leading Gulfstream to operate the dreaded year-round schedule. Have any other tracks anywhere in the U.S. attempted so many innovations? Some of this investment has generated additional revenue, but not nearly enough to produce a return consistent with the tracks' real estate value. Without taking sides in the Stronach family war, it is hard to envision how Gulfstream, coupled or decoupled, can survive as a racetrack amid current economic realities. Other industry stake holders, beleaguered by financial challenges of their own, have seen fit to blame Belinda for the injustice of it all. From the safe distance of my vantage point, it looks to me like critics might as well bay at the moon, or work out some scaled-down ownership model of their own. Churchill Downs has followed a different path. As a publicly traded corporation tied by the short hairs to relentless demands of its shareholders, Churchill has little sympathy for anything that does not generate the requisite Return On Investment. When real estate values escalate to a point exceeding a racetrack's ability to produce adequate returns, Churchill sells it off and employs the capital elsewhere. Churchill's decision to rid itself of Arlington Park fits this pattern. Rising real estate values allowed Churchill to cash out its investment in Arlington when a potential casino at the track posed a competitive threat to a free-standing casino the company operates 10 miles away. Arlington Park | Coady The Kentucky Derby is a far different story. The year's first Triple Crown race has long provided the sport's best grip on widespread public attention, and best way to draw in aspiring racehorse owners. Even at that, Churchill's corporate ownership has proven through hundreds of millions of dollars of continuing investment that the Derby had been an under-utilized asset. This investment has vastly improved the track's aging physical facilities and enabled the Derby to maintain its market-leading television ratings. It also has enticed fans to ante up rising ticket prices for the matchless Derby experience of food, fun, hats, menacing juleps and a springtime weekend of racing at the highest level. None of this would have been possible without Churchill's access to capital markets, based on its ability to generate a consistently high ROI. Such access is not available to the private ownership of Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita. Two other real estate-related developments, both favorable to racing, involve racetrack makeovers underway in New York and Maryland. Both represent instances where the sport has benefitted from changes in the value of property long occupied by racetracks. In New York, the escalating value of Aqueduct's real estate, adjacent to JFK Airport, provided an important bargaining chip for the New York Racing Association to use in securing funding for rebuilding Belmont Park. NYRA essentially traded the Aqueduct property to the state for a funding plan to right-size Belmont. A different scenario unfolded in Maryland. There, ancient Pimlico, opened in the late 19th century, is based in a neighborhood where property values have struggled. This circumstance incentivized The Stronach Group to pass the deed to Pimlico to a new state-sanctioned racing authority, whose aim is to preserve Maryland racing and breeding. In exchange, The Stronach Group received, among other things, an agreement to eventually close Laurel Park and develop its more valuable real estate. In New York, the sport stands to benefit from transferring racing from a dismal Aqueduct to a fresh and re-imagined Belmont. The challenges of winter racing remain, but declining foal crops may soon force some season-shortening in New York, and at numerous other tracks across the country. In Maryland, rebuilding Pimlico provides hope for sustaining the national popularity of the Preakness. The race and events surrounding it retain an invaluable hold on popular culture in the state, the like of which is hard to find anywhere outside of Louisville on the first Saturday in May. That sense of infectious excitement should not be allowed to fade from the local or national scene. Isn't it clear that today's racing leaders should work to overcome whatever obstacles there may be to lengthening the time span of the Triple Crown season, so as to preserve and enhance the at-risk second jewel? The challenge, as with so many other lost opportunities in racing's past, is to innovate, not stagnate. Tomorrow, the conclusion: Blessed are the Survivors David L. Heckerman, 80, is a native of Southwestern Indiana and 1966 graduate of DePauw University. He spent most of his working years as a writer, editor, and columnist in the newspaper world, and, from 1980-2000, covering Thoroughbred auctions and the economics of racing and breeding at trade magazines based in Lexington, KY. He now lives in retirement in Evansville, IN, and may be reached at davidheckerman@twc.com. The post Why We Are Where We Are, Part II–Real Estate Realities appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

British jockey spears Chill Kaka, Fashion Legend and Rising Force to victory on Wednesday night’s all-dirt card.View the full article

Three previously graded races in Canada have been downgraded following an annual review of graded and listed stakes in the country by The Jockey Club Of Canada's Graded Stakes Committee. The Committee reviews the North American Race Committee (NARC) figures and Race Quality Scores (RQS) for all graded, listed and potentially listed races and determined that the GII Autumn Stakes and GII Seagram Cup Stakes, each run at Woodbine, will carry Grade III status in 2025. Additionally, the GIII BC Premier's Handicap at Hastings Park in Vancouver, will be downgraded to listed status. A total of 41 graded events will be contested in Canada in 2025, all but two of those at Woodbine. The GIII Canadian Derby is held at Century Mile, while Hastings plays host to the GIII British Columbia Derby. The five Grade I events on tap for 2025 are the Canadian International Stakes–back after a one-year hiatus–the E.P. Taylor Stakes, the GI Woodbine Mile, the GI Natalma Stakes and GI Summer Stakes. The Graded Stakes Committee meeting was conducted by new Committee Chair, Bernard McCormack, who was accompanied by the appointed Committee Members David Anderson, Jim Bannon, Jeff Begg, Catherine Day Phillips, Ross McKague, and The Jockey Club of Canada's Chief Steward, Chief Stipe Anderson. The attending racetrack representatives included Allen Goodsell and Teagan Goodsell from Alberta, Scott Henson from British Columbia, Ross McKague representing Manitoba, and Julia Bell from Ontario. The post Three Canadian Stakes Downgraded For 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NBC Sports will continue to present the Breeders' Cup across its various networks and platforms through 2030, as the two organizations announced a multi-year extension of their partnership Mar. 26. The championships will be telecast on the parent network as well as Peacock and USA Network for the next six years. The new deal commences this year with a total of 10 hours of coverage of the 2025 Breeders' Cup from Del Mar, including 3 1/2 hours of programming on NBC in addition to coverage on the USA Network. Peacock will stream the event live over the course of the two days. NBC broadcast the inaugural Breeders' Cup World Championships in 1984, and presented the first 22 events (through 2005) before returning as the media home of the event in 2012. NBC Sports will have served as the home of the Breeders' Cup in 41 of its 47 years at the conclusion of this new agreement. “NBC sets the gold standard in sports broadcasting and will continue to bring the thrill and prestige of the World Championships to millions of fans around the world,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “We look forward to their award-winning team showcasing the sport's greatest moments and sharing the magic of the Breeders' Cup with a global audience.” “Our partnership with Breeders' Cup spans four decades and has featured thrilling races and memorable stories,” said Jon Miller, President, Acquisitions & Partnerships, NBC Sports. “We are excited to extend our relationship through 2030 and look forward to more world-class racing at the season-ending championships.” NBC has won the Eclipse Award for Live Television Programming in each of the last five years, including for the 2023 broadcast from Santa Anita. This year's Breeders' Cup will take place Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1. The post NBC, Breeders’ Cup Extend Partnership Through 2030 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article