Wandering Eyes

By Mike Love Allamericanplayer stamped himself as the current best two-year-old in the country by winning the Group 2 Rakaia Seed Cleaning NZ Sapling Stakes for $60,000 over 1700m at Ashburton yesterday. The Steve and Amanda Telfer-trained runner repeated the dose of a week ago when he beat race favourite Fugitive in a similar display in the Group 1 Welcome Stakes at Addington. Yesterday Allamericanplayer, with driver Tim Williams, were able to secure the one by one early, while main race rival Fugitive did the donkey work parked, then eventually lead. Allamericanplayer was left parked from the 1050 metre mark. Locking horns with Fugitive on the swing for home, Williams and Allamericanplayer pulled out more stocks to run away and win with ears pricked at the line, scoring by one length from a game Fugitive in a scorching 1:53 mile rate, accompanied by a 56.2 800m and 27.8 400m. “He’s only just starting to learn how to race. The trip down south has been great for him. I think it’ll be the making of him,” said co-trainer Steve Telfer. The two-year-old Bettors Delight colt was bred by Breckon Farms and was a $155,000 purchase at last year’s Auckland NZB Standardbred sale, and is now raced by Stonewall Stud LTD, Forever Optimistic Syndicate and Steve Corps. Allamericanplayer has now won three from seven, placing four times and has won over $115,000. “He’ll go straight to the paddock, and we will have a look at him after a month then come back at the end of the year.” The Telfers made it a double on the card by winning the $30,000 Rural Business Accountants 3YO Championship Stakes with Sweet Lou gelding Bar Louie. Starting from an awkward draw of one on the second line over 1700m, driver Tim Williams was able to get off the pegs early in the race. Bar Louie made a lightning move from the 900m to stride to the lead, where they never looked in doubt from that point on. They pinched a break at the top of the straight and never conceded any ground, winning by three lengths in a whopping 1:52 mile rate with an 800m of 56.1 and 400m of 26.9. “Once we were able to get off, and got a clear position through, we ended up in not a bad spot early,” said Williams. “He’s a horse with a lot of ability, and they’ve always had a bit of an opinion on him.” Other highlights on the card included an emphatic victory by The Queen’s Gambit in the Group 3 Helen Pope 2YO Fillies Classic, while Kyle Cameron made it win 150 in the sulky behind What The Dragon who he also trains in the maiden trot. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Luke McCarthy has urged fans not to judge Don Hugo too harshly for his disappointing Cambridge display. The champion horseman explained Don Hugo was found to have a virus after his tiring fourth to Leap To Fame in the $1mil Race by betcha at Cambridge on April 4. A subsequent Perth trip was aborted and Don Hugo had a short spell. “Leap To Fame was just amazing that night, he was too good. I’m not taking anything away from him, but I know we didn’t have the best Don Hugo. I think his form before it showed that,’ McCarthy said. “He came home with a virus and needed some time out, so it explains the run.” Leap To Fame’s Cambridge win gave him a 2-1 edge over Don Hugo from three clashes and at will renew acquaintances as then two big guns in next month’s Brisbane Inter Dominion series. Leap To Fame dominates pre post betting at $1.55 for the $1 million final on July 19, while Don Hugo is a standout second elect at $4. “I’m sure we’ll be really competitive against him and you want to take him on, he’s the best around and one of the best we’ve seen,” McCarthy said. “No doubt the long distance of the final (3157m) plays to Leap To Fame because he’s such a great stayer, but we’ve got to go in optimistic and give it a real crack.” Don Hugo returns to racing at Menangle on Saturday night. “It’ll be his first of two lead-up runs. He’ll back up the week after. I want to give him these two runs, then have three weeks between runs into the first round of heats (July 5),” McCarthy said. “He’s as ready as I can have him. He enjoyed the time out, had a trial two weeks back and I took him back into Menangle last week for a solid hit out.” Don Hugo is one of a big team McCarthy is taking to Queensland for an extended raid on the winter riches. Also in the team are high-class Kiwi pair Coastal Babe and Beach Ball, who has impressed McCarthy since joining his Cobbitty stable. The big spending Josh Davine bought Coastal Babe, while one of McCarthy’s major owners, Mick Harvey, now races Beach Ball. “I really like them both,” he said. “Beach Ball will go to the Inter Dominion with ‘Hugo’, while Coastal Babe will join my other top mare, Eye Keep Smiling, in all the good mares’ races in Brisbane.” McCarthy confirmed Eye Keep Smiling, Australia’s top ranked mare, and exciting three-year-old Hesitate would also race at Menangle on Saturday night. “Eye Keep Smiling is airborne and I’ll just keep her ticking along, while Hesitate is back from a bit of a break and he seems terrific. “Hesitate will go towards the Queensland Derby and Mac Bon will, too, but I’ll take him through the Redcliffe Derby. “I’ll also take Soho Americano up for Mick Stanley (trainer) to have a crack at the (Queensland) Oaks.” View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Rowe Cup winner Bet N Win won’t race in New Zealand before his “trip of redemption” to Queensland. Instead, co-trainer Stacey White said the five-year-old’s lone lead-up race would be in a 2300m trotting free-for-all at Menangle on June 21. “It’s the best option. The only race here was in Auckland and he’d have been off at least 30m,” she said. “He’s booked a flight to Sydney on June 17 and running on the 21st (of June) fits well before he heads up to Brisbane. “I think Bob (Butt, driver) is looking forward to having a spin around Menangle on him.” The first round of Inter Dominion heats are at Albion Park on July 5. With growing doubts on Keayang Zahara heading to Brisbane, Bet N Win looks set to challenge for pre-post favouritism for the $500,000 trotting final on July 19. “We’re thrilled to have a horse good enough to take and it’s great to be going because he wasn’t going just a few days before the Rowe Cup, but he won that so well it turned everything around.” Bet N Win hasn’t raced since the Rowe Cup win on May 2, which took him to 12 wins from just 22 starts. Importantly, the Rowe Cup is 3200m and this year’s Brisbane trotting final is a gruelling 3157m. Bet N Win will return to the scene of his aborted Aussie campaign last year. He won an Albion Park race on July 6 and was a commanding favourite for the Group 1 Great Square before a hoof issue derailed him. White said her husband David (White) would take Bet N Win to Australia and stable him with training legend Vic Frost and Gail Geeson as they did last year. “They’re about 90 minutes from Albion Park, but train right near the beach and this horse loves the beach,” she said. “That’s where he’s been lately, at Bob’s (Butt) place keeping up to the mark and spending time at the beach, but he’s back home and into it again from tomorrow (Monday).” Bet N Win and star veteran Oscar Bonavena are clearly NZ’s best hopes in either division of the Inter Dominion. “It’s really exciting, I’m booked to go across with the kids the day before the first round of heats and stay all the way through,” she said. Oscar Bonavena is already in Australia and could have the first of his lead up races as early as Saturday night. View the full article

Spring stakes assignments are in the crosshairs for exciting gelding Twain (NZ) (Per Incanto) following his victory in the Waihou Tavern (1150m) at Te Aroha on Monday. The four-year-old son of Per Incanto and Group One-winning mare Fleur de Lune (NZ) (Strvinsky) had won four and placed in two of his previous seven starts and was sent out a short-priced $1.20 on Monday by punters. From his outside barrier in the six-horse field, Twain drifted back early to sit second-to-last before jockey Triston Moodley elected to punch forward to sit outside leader Caitlyns Wish (NZ) (Belardo). Twain headed his rival at the top of the straight and continued to build on his advantage, eventually running out a comfortable 1-1/4 length victor, much to the relief of trainer John Bell. “We had Julius and Mosse, and I have never been as nervous my whole life, there was a little pressure on,” Bell said. “He didn’t like that (Heavy9) ground either I don’t think. We may give him another start and put him aside and wait for those black-type races later on in the spring and summer time. “Ellerslie is nice, he enjoys that, and it’s a good surface. We will find something in the next three weeks.” Moodley was just as pleased with the winning effort and is hopeful he can retain the ride on the progressive galloper. “When I came out of the gates, he didn’t come out too well, so I decided to take a sit and go behind them, but no one wanted to lead and Maria (Sanson, Jockey aboard Caitlyns Wish) was going forward, so I decided I would lock onto her and follow her through, and it paid dividends,” Moodley said. “Coming into the straight I had so much horse under me, so I let him stride forward and didn’t fight him anymore. He pulled away in the straight and even had the audacity to wait for them at the end. “Hopefully I can stick with the ride for the future.” Twain’s dam won six races, including the Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1200m) and Gr.3 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), and Bell has his eyes on the latter with Twain early next season, which now holds Group Two status. “He is a true professional, he is a horse we are going to enjoy in the future,” he said. “It is nice to have some nice horses in the stable. For an old fella to get out of bed in the morning, I am starting to struggle, so a nice horse gets you out.” View the full article

Two thoroughbred industry stalwarts have been bestowed one of New Zealand’s highest honours in the King’s Birthday honour list, including Catriona Williams, who has been appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport. Williams, the founder and driving force behind the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, has been a pillar of the worldwide effort into spinal cord injury research over the last two decades, and her efforts were recognised on Monday. Williams was one of New Zealand’s leading international equestrian riders but following a riding accident more than 20 years ago, which damaged her spinal cord, resulting in Williams becoming a C6/C7 tetraplegic, she is now confined to a wheelchair. Williams’ determined natured, which led to her becoming a top rider, was then harnessed to help researchers find a cure for spinal cord injuries, and as a result, the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust was formed in 2005. It was very apt that Williams was honoured on the 20th anniversary of the Trust, but she said the accolade won’t dampen her resolve to find a cure. “CatWalk was originally started by a group of friends who wanted to help me,” said Williams, who operates Little Avondale Stud with her husband, Sam. “When we had a big chat about it, we talked about the fact that ACC are here for the practical things like ramps into houses and making things like showers accessible. “We decided that if we were going to make a difference, we needed to back research and no one was doing it at the time. That is how CatWalk came about, and it has just grown from an idea into a real movement in 20 years. “What we are really proud of is that we are now a global entity. We work closely with our partnerships with Spinal Research UK, Christopher Reeve Foundation, Perry Cross in Australia, and we are so close to some really significant breakthroughs, it is really exciting. “We are 20 years in, which is great, but the ultimate goal would be for CatWalk to be obsolete and not required anymore. That’s a goal, and the money can go elsewhere. I am really proud of our team who continue to work so hard and keep the flag flying.” Williams said the thoroughbred industry has been a pivotal supporter of the Trust. “CatWalk could not have done it without the backing of the thoroughbred industry,” Williams said. “They have been an enormous support. “We are not stopping yet, there is still more to achieve. It is not about the accolades, it is about getting people back on their feet, so there is more to come.” Williams has also been recognised for her services to equestrian sport, with Monday’s honour complementing her induction into the Equestrian Sports New Zealand Hall of Fame two years ago. She owes her love for the horse to her mother, Maureen, and said her formative years in the saddle were a key part in building her resilient nature and preparing her for the struggles of life in a wheelchair. “I was lucky to have a mum that was horse mad and got me into horses,” Williams said. “I always say horses take you places, so it doesn’t matter whether it is polo, eventing, showjumping or racing, the relationship with the horse is key for so many reasons. “Life is hard, and it throws a lot of challenges at you, and especially in the horse world. The highs are jolly high, but by golly the lows can be low. I think having that education on a horse at an early age set me up for dealing with this spinal injury. “It doesn’t matter who you are, we all have our challenges, and it is about getting up, getting going and keep putting one foot in front of the other and doing the best you can.” Williams has been inundated with messages since the announcement of her Damehood, but said the first to reach out this morning was Cambridge Stud’s Brendan Lindsay, who was also recognised in the King’s Birthday honours, having been appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and philanthropy. “One of the first texts this morning was from Brendan,” Williams said. “I feel very fortunate to be in great company and from someone I admire enormously for all the work that he has done from the business he built up and the work that he continues to do. To be beside him is a treat. “I also had a beautiful text from one of our (CatWalk Trust) ambassadors this morning, Sophia Malthus, and her words were ‘congratulations, but most of all, thank you’, so that meant a lot. “I got a lovely text from our ambassador, Lance O’Sullivan, and I received a really lovely video from Roddy and Gina Schick (Windsor Park Stud). It meant so much. “We have great people in our industry, and I feel very fortunate to be here.” View the full article

The Cambridge Stud legacy continues to grow, with current co-principal Brendan Lindsay appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to business and philanthropy. Lindsay purchased the renowned operation off founder Sir Patrick Hogan, who received the same honour 25 years ago for services to the thoroughbred industry. “Sir Tristram (former Cambridge Stud stallion), Sir Patrick and now Sir Brendan,” Lindsay said. “It is a real honour, and you are joining a pretty exclusive club. It is a bit surreal, and we are over the moon obviously, it’s great. “We are going to have a bit of fun and enjoy it with the family today, so that’s the main thing.” While Lindsay, and his wife Jo, are major players in the thoroughbred industry, it’s Lindsay’s deeds outside the sport that led to Monday’s honour. He founded plastics storage container business Sistema Plastics in 1982 and built it into a global food storage brand. He was recognised for his achievements when he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business in 2012, and eight years later he was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to business. Lindsay sold Sistema to an American firm in 2016, with the buyer committing to keep production in New Zealand for 20 years. He started Sistema in his garage, and he said he had no idea of the heights his business would take him. “I was just trying to pay the mortgage, I never thought anything else but that at the time,” he said. “There’s never quite enough hours in the day when you first start your business.” Following the sale of Sistema, the Lindsays established the Lindsay Foundation to support New Zealand charities, focusing on family, education, disabilities and animal welfare. The many charitable organisations assisted include Pet Refuge, Starship National Air Ambulance Service, New Zealand Riding for the Disabled and Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust. Lindsay is a foundation partner of The Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata in Le Quesnoy, France, which commemorates the 122 New Zealand soldiers who died liberating that village from occupation at the end of the first World War, with no loss of life to the town residents. “We are in a privileged position, and we need to enjoy it and help other people on the way that aren’t quite as fortunate as us,” Lindsay said. “We try to make a bit of a difference wherever we can, and that (philanthropy) gives you a great deal of pleasure.” While the Lindsays get great satisfaction from their charity work, thoroughbred racing is their other passion, and one they have substantially invested in over the last few years, headlined by their state-of-the-art training facility in Karaka, and world-renowned farm in Cambridge. The Lindsays gain great enjoyment from racing and breeding, and it forms a part of their life motto. “It is about enjoying life,” Lindsay said. “We are not going to live forever, so we need to make the most of it and create a new memory every day, that’s our motto.” While rapt to receive Monday’s honour, Lindsay said he was just as pleased when he found out fellow thoroughbred racing identity Catriona Williams, founder of the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, has been appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport. “When I read the paper this morning, I saw Catriona’s name first and thought ‘that is so cool’,” Lindsay said. “She is such a wonderful person.” View the full article

David Eustace believes the step up in distance could be the key to Colourful King’s chances in the Class Two Wan Chai Gap Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Blue Point gelding has stuck to the minimum 1,000m trip in four Hong Kong starts, building on a promising Sha Tin debut with a pair of city circuit wins. He quickened up smartly in a pair of Class Three races, winning the latter Hong Kong China Rugby Club Handicap by an impressive two lengths. After travelling well in...View the full article

Ryan Moore showed his class once again as Camille Pissarro got the gaps in the nick of time to win the Group One Prix Du Jockey Club (2,000m) at Chantilly on Sunday. The $3.4 favourite was always prominent in the box seat under Moore but as the field began to sprint in the home straight, he was stuck behind a wall of horses. Camille Pissarro was forced to sit and suffer, but Moore kept the revs up on the Wootton Bassett galloper and when Bowmark began to weaken on the rail, the 41-year-old...View the full article

Exactly one year after her last victory, Three Diamonds Farm's homebred Pin Up Betty got the job done in the $237,000 Mint Julep Stakes at Churchill Downs June 1.View the full article

Leading jockey Edgard Zayas rode five winners on the nine-race program at Gulfstream Park Sunday. Zayas opened Sunday's card at the Hallandale oval with a win aboard Murabeh and he went on to visit the winner's circle following subsequent victories aboard Basilea in the fifth race, Nate the Great in the seventh and Saratoga Flash in the eighth. The 31-year-old native of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico finished his big day with a victory aboard Corta Fuego in the ninth race. The post Five-Win Day for Zayas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Brett Gray’s form only needs to continue at Ascot Park on King’s Birthday. The trainer has enjoyed an outstanding past month, with his results headed by the unbeaten Miki’s Deal and his smart trotting mare, Julie Jaccka. It’s a brother-and-sister act that’s among the best of Gray’s Invercargill chances. Little brother Jaccka Henry and big sister Haley Jaccka both look like serious winning threats. Though Haley has proven form on the board, it is Henry who gets the nod as the Gray stable’s biggest chance. “Neither have drawn ideally, but Haley is one on the second row, so she is going to need some luck,” Gray said. “It could work out perfect for her, but it could turn pear-shaped.” “Henry’s two on the second row, and he seems the type of horse that can do a bit of work.” “So I would have to go with him.” Jaccka Henry heads to Ascot Park in Ra e 4, the Hyde Landscaping Mobile Pace (1.06pm) after only just missing in his debut second at Winton. “He is a bit of a surprise package — he started off slowly, but he has been getting better each time he’s been off the place.” “His second was good, and that race seems to have done him the world of good.” “He should be a good chance on Monday.” Haley Jaccka has mixed it with better fields than she faces in Monday’s third heat of the Diamond Creek/SBSR Silk Road Series (4.19pm). But whether she can show her best will depend on where she lands from her tricky draw. “It will depend on how things pan out — if she got any luck, she would go pretty good,” Gray said. “She’s so consistent, and she’s come on from her last run.” Always Ticking starts alongside Haley Jaccka, and she looks far from the stable’s second stringer. “She went a nice race last start, and she was fresh up, so she’s better for that run. “Hopefully, there is a bit of speed on, because she loves that.” The Gray stable starts a three-pronged attack in Race 9, the South Port NZ Ltd Bluff Cup (3.52pm) on Monday with Foxing Easton, Janaka’s Delight, and Stillyourshot. “Foxing Easton is in a great space at the moment. It’s a step up in grade, but he should handle it pretty well.” “Janaka’s Delight went a great race last start — she’s working well and could go another cheeky one.” “Stillyourshot is coming in fresh, which suits him — he’s not the worst, either.” Gray also starts Jaccka Evan in Race 7, the Mountfort Fishing Company Mobile Pace (2.40pm). “He is working nicely enough to go another solid race — it might just depend how it pans out from that draw (8).” Gray’s stable manager, Daniel Anderson, takes the reins behind Jaccka Evan. View the full article

Mindframe (Constitution–Walk of Stars, by Street Sense), most recently winner of the GI Churchill Downs Stakes, will take up stud duties at Claiborne Farm at the conclusion of his racing career, the farm announced Sunday evening. Tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following his 13 3/4-length debut victory at Gulfstream Park last March, the dark bay colt was second–beaten just a half-length by Dornach (Good Magic)–in the GI Belmont Stakes in just his third trip to the post. He was second again after recovering from a stumbling start in the GI Haskell Stakes the following month. Mindframe is unbeaten in two starts to date this year, winning the Mar. 1 GII Gulfstream Park Mile and the May 3 Churchill Downs Stakes. A $600,000 purchase at the 2022 Keeneland September sale, Mindframe races for Mike Repole's Repole Stable and Vinnie Viola's St Elias Stables and is trained by Todd Pletcher. “He's such a versatile horse,” Pletcher said of the 4-year-old. “From just missing last year in the Belmont and now winning a Grade I going seven-eighths. It just shows how special of a horse he is.” Claiborne president Walker Hancock added, “Mindframe is the kind of rare talent that has the ability to be a breed-shaping stallion. He has been brilliant in every start, he is versatile from seven to 10 furlongs, and is battle tested against the very best of his class. His pedigree, physical presence, and proven ability at the highest level make him an exceptional addition to our stallion roster. We are thrilled to welcome him to Claiborne.” On the board in all six lifetime starts to date, Mindframe has won four times and earned $1,292,160. “I've always believed Mindframe was a special colt, capable of winning from six furlongs to a mile and a quarter,” said Repole. “We are honored to be able to partner with Claiborne, an historic and iconic farm. There is no better place for a horse of his caliber to begin his next chapter than Claiborne. Their legacy in shaping the breed is second to none, and we're excited for what the future holds. Because we believe in Mindframe, Vinnie and I have stayed in for a significant share and will be supporting him with top-class mares.” The post Claiborne Secures Breeding Rights to Grade I Winner Mindframe appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Pin Up Betty captured her second graded stakes win under the Twin Spires with a late-running victory in the GIII Old Forester Mint Julep Stakes Sunday. The 5-1 shot was unhurried from the start and settled slightly off mid-pack while racing three wide on the first turn. Charlene's Dream was unchallenged on the front end, taking the field through fractions of :23.75, :47.45 and 1:11.35 and turned for home two lengths in front, but Pin Up Betty made rapid progress on the bend and closed powerfully down the center of the course. She overtook the pacesetter inside the final furlong and strode home in stakes record time of 1:40.55, eclipsing the mark of 1:40.70 set by Quite a Bride in 2007. “I really enjoy riding this filly–she's just a fun horse to ride,” said winning jockey Luis Saez. “She tries hard every time. I think she liked the firm ground here today and seems like she really enjoys this turf course.” Pin Up Betty won back-to-back nine-furlong races over the Churchill lawn last spring, breaking her maiden after a string of four runner-up efforts May 9 before winning the June 1 GIII Regret Stakes. She was winless in six starts since, but was beaten just a neck when second last time out in the May 3 GII Churchill Distaff Turf Mile. “She likes to be on the outside of horses, so even though we lost a little position early, it probably worked out for the best,” said winning trainer Mike Maker. “We didn't get the best of the photo last time but thankfully we did today.” Pedigree Notes: Kirk Wycoff's Three Diamonds Farm purchased I'm Betty G for $150,000 at the 2016 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. She won three stakes races and was three times graded-placed in the farm's colors. Also the dam of stakes winner and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint runner-up Governor Sam (Improbable), the 11-year-old mare has a 2-year-old filly by City of Light who sold for $500,000 at this year's OBS Spring sale. Her 2024 foal by Jackie's Warrior died and she was barren when bred back to Constitution last year. While carrying Governor Sam, she sold for $275,000 to Stoneriggs Farm at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. Pin Up Betty is one of 38 graded winners for Constitution. #8 PIN UP BETTY ($12.50) and @luissaezpty come from off the pace to win the $250,000 Mint Julep Stakes (G3) at @ChurchillDowns for @trainerMMaker and owner Three Diamonds Farm (@jordanwycoff). Congratulations to all connections with this 4yo filly by @WinStarFarm's Constitution. pic.twitter.com/8aImF4u7z1 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 1, 2025 Sunday, Churchill Downs OLD FORESTER MINT JULEP S.-GIII, $237,000, Churchill Downs, 6-1, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16mT, 1:40.55, fm. 1–PIN UP BETTY, 118, f, 4, by Constitution 1st Dam: I'm Betty G (MSW & MGSP, $353,100), by Into Mischief 2nd Dam: Lady in Ermine, by Honour and Glory 3rd Dam: Lucky Lady Sarah, by Polish Numbers O/B-Three Diamonds Farm (KY); T-Michael J. Maker; J-Luis Saez. $146,560. Lifetime Record: 16-3-6-1, $774,591. *1/2 to Governor Sam (Improbable), MSW & GISP, $459,298. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Charlene's Dream, 120, f, 4, Qurbaan–Clara Kelly, by War Front. ($22,000 Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $35,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $35,000 2yo '23 EASMAY). O-Domeyko Taylor LP; B-Eric & Randi Moreau-Sipiere (TX); T-Ed Moger, Jr.. $37,600. 3–Movin' On Up, 118, f, 4, Accelerate–Stifle Yourself, by Cairo Prince. O-Kenneth L. Ramsey; B-Estate Of Harvey A. Clarke (KY); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.. $23,800. Margins: 1HF, 3/4, 3/4. Odds: 5.25, 7.51, 3.33. Also Ran: Venencia (Fr), Deep Satin, Duvet Day (Ire), No Mo Candy, Adrasteia, Gavea (Ger), Serene Seraph (Ire), Neon Icon. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Pin Up Betty Breaks Losing Skid With Game Effort in Mint Julep appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Under a ride from Ryan Moore that trainer Aidan O'Brien dubbed "a masterclass," Camille Pissarro won the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby, G1) at Chantilly June 1.View the full article

Baley Hare, an experienced racing official and third-generation horseman, has been named racing secretary at Ellis Park. He succeeds Dan Bork, who will transition to the same role at Colonial Downs in Virginia.View the full article

Croix du Nord reclaimed his spot atop Japan's 3-year-old division with a smooth victory in the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1) June 1 at Tokyo Racecourse.View the full article

Following a June 1 breeze over the Saratoga Race Course main track, Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Journalism will be entered in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1), according to trainer Michael McCarthy.View the full article

2nd-Monmouth, $56,175, Msw, 6-1, 2yo, f, 4 1/2f, :53.21, ft, 2 1/2 lengths. DEE'S ON DOW (f, 2, Nyquist–Helena the First, by Lemon Drop Kid), sent off at 9-5 for this unveiling, broke alertly and was sent to the front, carving out an opening quarter in :22.54. Straightening for home while in the clear as the slow-breaking favorite Stormy City (Sea Wizard) took up chase on the outside, Dee's On Dow proved best on the day, scoring by 2 1/2 lengths over Stormy City. Jetty's Home (Enticed) rounded out the trifecta. A half-sister to MGSW and GISP Pretty N Cool (Scat Daddy), Helena the First is also responsible for a yearling filly by Olympiad and dropped a colt by Flameaway this season. Sales history: $65,000 Wlg '23 KEENOV; $27,000 RNA Ylg '24 KEESEP; $130,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $31,500. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Lea Farms LLC; B-Nancy C. Shuford (KY); T-Jorge Delgado. The post Nyquist’s Dee’s on Dow Graduates in Career Unveiling at Monmouth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

4th-Churchill Downs, $117,750, Msw, 6-1, 2yo, 5 1/2f, 1:04.32, ft, 2 1/4 lengths. COMPORT (c, 2, Collected–Bartlett Narrows, by Flatter) debuted as a 6-1 shot here, and got the jump on heavy favorite Cannoneer (Into Mischief). The chalk suddenly accelerated to seize the lead before the end of the backstretch, but Comport was not going to intimated. The pair battled into the lane, but the 2-year-old got the better of his rival and surged ahead to graduate by 2 1/4 lengths. 'Insight' runners like Password (Uncle Mo) came from the clouds to finish as the runner-up, while Cannoneer faded to third. Macchiato (Gun Runner) was fifth. A half-sister to SW Trace Creek (Harperstown), the winner's dam is responsible for a yearling colt by Daredevil and she foaled a filly by Nyquist Apr. 26. Sales History: $135,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $69,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Joseph W. Sutton; B-Edwin Anthony (KY); T-Eddie Kenneally. Comport was first in R4 at @churchilldowns under @luissaezpty for trainer Eddie Kenneally! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/x9x6a4ZYcj — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 1, 2025 The post Collected Colt Exhibits ‘Comport’-ment In Maiden Score At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

4th-Monmouth, $51,275, Msw, 6-1, 3yo/up, 6f, 1:11.05, ft, 9 1/2 lengths. SINGLEMINDED (c, 3, Win Win Win–Eva London {SP}, by Adios Charlie) debuted Apr. 5 at Gulfstream Park in a mile turf maiden, and never left midpack for most of the race, finishing sixth in what became a blanket scramble on the wire. Moved to the main track and given blinkers for this second jump, the betting public made him the 6-5 second choice behind Bob Mo (Uncle Mo), who stepped forward to set the tempo as the 4-5 favorite. Never far from that leader behind :22.30 and a half in :46.22, Singleminded took command passing the quarter pole and the race was over from there as he drew away from his rivals to win by 9 1/2 lengths over Bob Mo. The victor is a half-brother to SP London Ghost (Shaman Ghost), and is his dam's fourth winner in a row from as many on the ground. Their 2023 Awesome Slew sibling died but Eva London did produce a yearling colt by Colonel Liam before being bred back to the stallion for 2025. Singleminded is the 20th winner for Win Win Win (by Hat Trick {Jpn}). Sales history: $80,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $31,930. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Klaravich Stables, Inc.; B-Ocala Stud, Dr. William & Alice B. Russell & William J. Terrill (FL); T-Chad C. Brown. The post Win Win Win’s Singleminded Goes Turf to Dirt, Graduates Stylishly at Monmouth Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Baley Hare has been named racing secretary at Ellis Park Racing & Gaming. He succeeds Dan Bork, who will transition to the same role at Colonial Downs in Virginia. Hare, a native of Illinois, grew up in the industry alongside his father, Scott, a former jockey and longtime jockey agent, and his mother, Darcy, a former trainer. Before working in racing offices across Kentucky, Hare was a racing official in Louisiana and Texas. “I'm thankful for the opportunity and appreciate the confidence from our team in naming me to this role,” Hare said. “Ellis Park has always held a special place in Kentucky racing, and it's exciting to build on the strong, year-round racing product we have across the state.” In addition to his new duties at Ellis Park, Hare will continue in his role at Churchill Downs, where he serves as paddock judge and racing official during the Spring, September and Fall meets. Bork, who has served as racing secretary at Ellis Park since 2006, praised Hare's growth and readiness for the position. “I wouldn't leave this position in anyone else's hands besides Baley,” Bork said. “Over the past several years, we've worked hand-in-hand managing entries and coordinating the day-to-day racing operation. With Ellis Park and Colonial Downs both operating as top-tier summer circuits, I know we'll continue to support each other and the broader goals of our racing program.” The post Baley Hare Named Ellis Racing Secretary appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-Churchill Downs, $91,300, Msw, 6-1, 2yo, 5f, :58.46, ft, 1/2 length. DUKE OF SUGGINS (c, 2, Tom's d'Etat–Graceful Fancy, by Liam's Map), let go at 26-1 to for debut, was hustled into contention but soon settled in fourth as 2-1 choice Pupil (Tacitus) and Gold Pearl (Om) showed the way through a :22.36 quarter. With still plenty to do in early stretch, Duke of Suggins found his best stride late, forging to the lead en route to a 1/2-length score over closing Sleepingonfreedom (Independence Hall) with Mo' Em Down (Caracaro) up for third. Favored Pupil faded to seventh. Carrying this colt, Graceful Fancy was purchased for $100,000 by breeder Sun Valley Farm at the Keeneland January sale in 2023. A daughter of Grade I winner Icon Project (Empire Maker), the half-sister to GSW Fashion Business (GB) (Frankel {GB}) produced a filly by Twirling Candy last term followed by a Life Is Good colt this season. Sales history: $12,000 Wlg '23 KEENOV; $11,000 Ylg '24 EASOCT; $50,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $52,320. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Greg McDonald; B-Sun Valley Farm (KY); T-Albert M. Stall, Jr. The post Tom’s d’Etat’s Duke of Suggins Wins on Debut at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Brian Knippenberg knew there was something wrong with Mercante (Gun Runner), but didn't know what it was. He also knew that the horse had a ton of talent and maybe he could patch him up and he'd be a useful horse. Not many would have done so. It would have been easy to give up on a horse that was sidelined for 15 months after he finished third in a July 22, 2023 allowance race at Saratoga for trainer Bill Mott. Fast forward to the present and Mercante looks like one of the best turf horse in training. His latest win came in the GIII Arlington S. on Saturday at Churchill Downs. It was after that July 2023 race that Mott sent the horse back to Hermitage Farm, owned by Carl Pollard. Knippenberg is his farm manager and trains a few horses for him on the side, mainly the ones that aren't good enough to make it at the bigger circuits. Knippenberg wasn't given any instructions or given a time frame. Rather, Pollard wanted him to look under the hood and try to figure out what was wrong with Mercante. Mercante had a tendon problem, but it was an unusual one. There was swelling in the afflicted area, but otherwise Mercante appeared to be perfectly sound. “There was no structural damage and he wasn't unsound,” Knippenberg said. “It was just an unsightly swelling. Nobody could figure out what was happening.” So, with the blessing of his veterinarian, Knippenberg decided to put Mercante back into serious training. He also asked Pollard if he could train the horse. “I told Mr. Pollard that I appreciated every horse he's ever sent me,” the trainer said. “I've loved winning races for him. How about giving me a chance with a potentially big time horse like Mercante? He waited about 30 days and then he said go for it. That's how the whole thing got set in motion.” The swelling remained an issue, but Mercante was otherwise training well and Knippenberg thought he was ready for a race. “We had him entered at Churchill and two days before the race, the leg just blew up. It was really bad. We sent him straight to the clinic. As is the case so often in life, the swelling was a blessing in disguise.” This time someone figured out what was going on. “They did an ultrasound on him and they found this tiny tear in what is called the manica,” Knippenberg said. According to the website vet-anatomy, the manica flexoria are bands of tissue proximal and distal to the fetlock, made of lateral and medial margins of the superficial digital flexor tendon. If they could repair this problem, there would be no reason why Mercante couldn't come back and, perhaps, develop into a stakes horse. But would it be worth the cost, the time and the effort? All he had done for Mott was break his maiden in six starts. “There was no damage to the tendon,” Knippenberg said. “It's not a weight bearing structure. There was just this tiny tear in the manica that was rubbing the tendon. This is an expensive surgery that involves a lengthy recovery. I stood by the horse. He would have been fine without surgery. It wasn't a quality of life issue. I told Mr. Pollard that this horse was worth it. He was on the sidelines for 15 months. Six months of that was post op after the surgery. Mr. Pollard went for it. Thank goodness he did because the horse has backed him up.” The Arlington was his seventh race since the long layoff and he's won four of them and was second in the GI Old Forester BourbonTurf Classic at Churchill. “I'm proud of Brian because he fooled with him and fooled with him,” Pollard said. “Bill Mott did a great job with him, but there was always something wrong. I was ready to give up on him.” Knippenberg said most owners probably would have given up on Mercante. “Mr. Pollard is the greatest owner in the world,” Knippenberg said. “He always defaults to his trainers and his farm managers. He will have an opinion, but he will trust the experts. He wasn't pushing to retire him. I presented him with the possible options. We could retire him and give him away as a riding horse or we could do this surgery The success rate on that surgery is about 70-30, which is not really great odds for something that is pretty expensive. But he went for it. He's game and he loves racing. As far as caring for horses, even the ones that can't race, I've never seen anyone like him. It's never a money issue with him. He always does what's right by the race horse.” For Knippenberg, Mercante has been a once-in-a-lifetime horse. He's been training since 2003 and has won 53 races. But many of the horses that came his way were Hermitage horses that didn't look like they had much of a future. “I'm not looking to train a string of horses,” Knippenberg said. “It was kind of a side thing I do with horses that have a little bit of a rap sheet. That's why this is such a cool story that a horse like Mercante would come in to the barn. We're not going to the sales and buying $500,000 horses to try to win big races. It just one that passed through our hands and turned out to be this kind of a horse.” Knippenberg has one other horse in training. The other is the claimer Sassy and Bold (Daddy Long Legs). Like Mercante, she has won three races so far this year. Knippenberg is 6-for-10 on the year. “The most special part is that Mr. Pollard has supported me by naming me his farm manager and sending me horses to train,” Knippenberg said. “It was really special to win this race for him. It is gratifying because you always wonder why am I racing on the small circuits? Is it because I don't know what I'm doing? So it is nice to have a horse with this ability and he runs to his abilities. It's been really fun.” Knippenberg wasn't sure what would be next for Mercante, but he said he will look at all the top grass stakes. “We used to be a Cinderella story,” the trainer said. “Not anymore. With the way he's been running, there are very high expectations every time he starts.” Patching Up “Patches” Reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan (Reload) was scratched from Saturday's GIII Jacques Cartier S. at Woodbine, but trainer Bob Tiller is optimistic that the 5-year-old won't be sidelined for long. “We came in early [Saturday] morning and the first thing we looked at him and as soon we saw him, we knew that something wasn't right,” Tiller said. “He looked dull to me and we looked in the corner and he had left a lot of food. He wasn't feeling right. We couldn't run him. I would never run a horse in a situation like that where you might get a poor performance and make him even sicker. We love him to death. We adore him. We had to do the right thing and scratch him. He's much better today. It's just the second day, but we are optimistic. We'll do a lot of tests on him. I'm very confident he'll snap out of this.” The post The Week in Review: Brian Knippenberg Never Gave Up on Mercante and Now He’s Being Rewarded appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bobby Flay and James Ventura's Crudo (Justify) confirmed his readiness for Saturday's GI Belmont Stakes with a four-furlong work in :48.86 (4/17) over the Oklahoma training track Sunday in Saratoga. Last-out winner of the Sir Barton Stakes, the colt worked in company with GI Woody Stephens Stakes contender Gate to Wire (Munnings). He broke off about one length back and traveled to the outside of Gate to Wire as NYRA clockers timed him through splits of :12 4/5, :24 4/5, and out in 1:01 3/5 and 1:14 3/5. “I thought it was an excellent move,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “He worked really well, galloped out nicely. I was very pleased with him. He's had a good couple weeks since he ran.” Crudo, a front-running 7 1/4-length maiden winner going seven furlongs at Keeneland Apr. 19, romped home by 7 1/2 lengths in the 1 1/16-mile Sir Barton at Pimilco May 17. He will be making his fourth lifetime start in the Belmont. “It's undoubtedly a pretty strong field,” Pletcher said. “The top three from the Derby look to be really good colts. We've always been really high on the way the horse trained. His last two races have been very good.” Pletcher will also saddle WinStar Farm and Repole Stable's Uncaged (Curlin) in the Belmont. The post Crudo on Go for Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) tuned up for his rematch with Derby runner-up and GI Preakness Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin) in Saturday's GI Belmont Stakes with a four-furlong work in :48.84 (3/17) over the Oklahoma training track in Saratoga Sunday. The Godolphin homebred, working solo under exercise rider Neil Poznansky, was caught by NYRA clockers through splits of :12 3/5, :24 2/5 and out in 1:02 flat and 1:16 3/5. “He went well,” trainer Bill Mott said of the work. “We just wanted a nice breeze, in :48, :49, which is what we got. He galloped out good. He looked smooth. He came back good. It was a maintenance-type breeze, and that is what we got.” Sovereignty made his racetrack debut at Saratoga last summer, finishing fourth Aug. 24. Sunday's work was the colt's third straight breeze at the upstate New York venue since winning the May 3 Derby. He worked four furlongs in :49.76 (13/32) May 17 and five furlongs in 1:02.54 (4/5) May 24. The post ‘He Looked Smooth’: Sovereignty Tunes Up for Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article