Wandering Eyes

Byerley Park trainers Grant Cooksley and Bruce Wallace had a strong representation in Saturday’s star-studded 1000m trial at Te Rapa, and they are hoping a big spring is instore for their quartet of triallers. Sacred Satono was the first stable runner home, running third behind trial winner Alabama Lass, and his connections are hoping he can strike early in Group assignments in the coming weeks. “He went along alright and did what he had to do,” Cooksley said. “It will bring him on a bit. “We might run him in the Foxbridge (Gr.2, 1200m, at Te Rapa on Saturday week) and then the Proisir Plate (Gr.1, 1400m). He ran third in it (Proisir Plate) last year (when run as the Tarzino Trophy) and he goes well at Ellerslie, so he should be there somewhere.” Stablemate Meaningful Star is heading in the same direction and Cooksley said he was happy enough with the nine-year-old’s trial despite finishing last. The former Hong Kong galloper struck early in his New Zealand career, winning over a mile at Ellerslie second-up in October before returning to the Auckland venue a month later, repeating the result in the Gr.3 Great Northern Challenge Stakes (1600m). Cooksley has been pleased with the way the son of Pivotal has returned, but said they are mindful of his age and will play his spring campaign by ear. “Meaningful Star worked around (on Saturday),” Cooksley said. “He might go the Foxbridge Plate, we will just see how he goes. We will just take it as it comes with him, he is getting a bit old.” Stayers Son of Sun and Trust in You finished sixth and seventh respectively in Saturday’s trial, and Cooksley is happy with their progression heading into spring. Son of Sun began the year with a bang when winning the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day, and his trainers are hopeful of their gelding returning to that form later this spring when he likely contests the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) and Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m). “Son of Sun trialled well and he is a bit stronger this year,” Cooksley said. “He is in the last two (legs of the triple crown), but we will just see how he is coming up.” Trust In You had a busy spring last term, with four starts in Australia, including a 17th placed run in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). A return across the Tasman is in the offing, but will unlikely include a tilt at the coveted two-mile feature. “He trialled well too,” Cooksley said. “We will see how he comes up, but we are thinking more about Sydney.” View the full article

A decision to bypass the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) a fortnight ago paid dividends for the connections of Pride Of Aspen on Sunday, as the mare went three in a row in the Free Court (2100m) at Hawera. The seven-year-old was prepared for the majority of her career by training partners Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard, and when the former took a step back from training last term, she moved north to Cambridge with Wynyard. Wynyard identified suitable races for her in the Central Districts through this winter, and after placing and winning in her first two attempts at Otaki, she remained at the course in Benner’s care, and added another victory prior to Sunday’s contest. Benner had considered heading to Christchurch seven days later for the National Week feature, but after opting to stay closer to home, Pride Of Aspen looked beautifully placed in a five-horse field, where she was a deserved favourite in the hands of apprentice Amber Riddell. The mare jumped positively to sit outside leader Rua Rocks, who ensured the compact field would stream along at a decent tempo. Riddell pressed on to get on terms with Rua Rocks turning for home and Pride Of Aspen was in front a long way out, but she showed her tenacity to fend off the late challenge of a game Verry Flash and Dancin In The Dark. Benner was pleased to get the result he’d expected of his charge. “It was probably a bit of a nothing race really, but we went there expecting to win and she won, so it was good,” he said. “There wasn’t much around for her, so it was a nice race to fill the hole. “It was a big ask for a seven-day back-up and rising in class again (in the Winter Cup), and we think she’s probably better suited to the 2000m, so opted to keep her up here and get a few more runs out of her, rather than going down there and that be the last run. “She’s an eight-win mare now, so she’s done a good job and we’re very happy. “We’ll possibly go to Wanganui in two or three weeks’ time for an Open 2100 there.” A daughter of Pride Of Dubai, Pride Of Aspen was bred by Millburn Creek Stud in New South Wales and purchased for A$120,000 at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale by Aspen Bloodstock. She has now accumulated more than $177,000, with eight wins from 35 appearances. The mare was one of four winners for Benner last term, having presented just 11 starters to the races. He enjoyed having some time away from the demands of full-time training, but ultimately, the love of the sport kept him involved. “It was good to have a break, I needed to take a step back for a few reasons, but the love for the game never goes,” he said. “Once you’re in racing, you’re stuck in it for life I think. “I’ve got an awesome little team of horses, I’m planning on training around 10 or 12 this year. I’ve been very selective, just having a small operation and keeping that work-life balance. “That’s my plan going forward.” View the full article

Group One performer Faraglioni recorded one of her biggest moments on the track when runner-up in last year’s Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), but she won’t feature in the renamed Proisir Plate at Ellerslie next month. The now seven-year-old daughter of El Roca has been retired to the broodmare paddock after injuring a suspensory ligament in June. “She was getting ready for that fillies and mares race at Tauranga (Listed Tauranga Classic) over 1400m at the end of June, but she tweaked a suspensory 10 days before that,” trainer Josh Shaw said. “We just did the best thing by the horse rather than trying to get her up and going again.” Bred by Curraghmore principal Gordon Cunningham and Arkle Bloodstock’s Demi O’Byrne, Faraglioni was entrusted to the care of Levin-based Shaw and she took the trio on a great ride. She won on debut as a three-year-old over 1400m at Hastings and went on to record a further four victories in her 28 subsequent starts. While she failed to record and elusive stakes victory, she featured prominently in a number of the country’s topflight contests, including a golden run two years ago where she posted consecutive runner-up performances in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m), and Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m). She would go onto post the same result in last year’s Tarzino Trophy and Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m). Shaw said Faraglioni came along at a great time, picking up the baton from the stable’s former star, Group Two winner Hinepara. “It was great to have her come along quite quickly after Hinepara to keep us out there,” he said. “She was pretty good. She had a great run two years ago, including the Group One placing in the TAB Classic, and to go to Hastings and to be as competitive as she was in the Tarzino was pretty awesome. “She was second on five occasions in Group Ones and Group Twos, which is a pretty good effort, but she just couldn’t crack that Group One victory, which was unfortunate for her. “We have just got to try and find another one if we can now.” Shaw said Faraglioni has retired to Curraghmore in the Waikato and is set to head across the Tasman where she has a date with Coolmore stallion City Of Troy. “She has gone back to Gordon (Cunningham, Curraghmore principal),” Shaw said. “Speaking with Gordon, I think he has ambitions of sending her to Australia to go to City Of Troy. It will be pretty exciting to see what she leaves to him.” While Shaw has lost his stable star, he is excited about the future with her U S Navy Flag half-sister Chart The Stars. “She has been back in a month now and I’ll look to trial her at Foxton next week. We will head there and then sort out a campaign for her,” he said. “She has got an abundance of ability, but just at the moment the brain is a bit quicker than the feet. Once her brain slows down enough for her feet to be able to keep up, she will be right there. “She has the same sort of temperament as Faraglioni, but they are chalk and cheese physically. She is a lovely filly.” View the full article

Bill Mott is not known for sophomore turf sprinters, but the Hall of Famer sent out Juddmonte's Spiced Up to an upset win Aug. 10 in the $175,000 Mahony Stakes (G3T) at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

After having a successful first breeze on turf in :49.70 on the Oklahoma Training Track Aug. 10, the plan is for Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Sandman to switch surfaces and compete in the $3.5 million Nashville Derby (G3T) at Kentucky Downs Aug. 30.View the full article

After several starts that showed a promising future, Flying Dutchmen's Big Truzz put it altogether Aug. 10 for a dominant seven-length win in the $300,000 Ellis Park Derby.View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Monday, August 11. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for August 11, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Punters Toolbox! Use your neds Toolbox on greyhound, harness and horse racing today. Check your Neds Toolbox for Bet Back, Price Boosts and much more. Neds T&C’s Apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Bet Boost | Monday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Monday. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo 10% Winnings Boost! – Ballarat Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in bet slip. Cash bet only. Max Bonus $250. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% winnings in cash Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds win bets on Australian thoroughbred races only. Excludes boosted, multi, live and bonus bets. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any Race. Any Runner. Any Odds. Get a Bonus Back if your Multi loses by a specified number of legs. Fixed odds only. Check your Vault for eligibility. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector | If Your Horse Drifts, You Get The Bigger Price Only available on Australian Horse Racing Fixed Price Win bets placed from 8am AET the day of the race. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid. Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets. Eligible Customers Only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for August 11, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Sajir added a first win in the Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1) Aug. 10 to the glittering career haul of trainer Andre Fabre, who also trained Sajir's sire Make Believe for owner-breeder Prince Faisal. View the full article

Pennsylvania native Dominique Damico has been a horsewoman all her life, riding hunters and jumpers. Her already impressive career reached new heights Aug. 9 when a colt she bred—Diciassette won the Proud Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Trainer Kenny McPeek wanted 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) to work during her work on Sunday morning. And that is what she did. Maybe a little bit more The charismatic 4-year-old, ridden by Luis Rivera Jr., stepped onto the Oklahoma Training Track just after 7:30 a.m. and did her thing. Working with stablemate Midnight Concerto (Mendelssohn) and Danny Ramsey, Thorpedo Anna went five furlongs in 1:01.80 (3/11). However, the work had a wrench tossed into it when Midnight Concerto far in front of Thorpedo Anna, which was not by design. “The workmate was supposed to be four or five lengths in front and Danny [Ramsey] got a little extended,” McPeek said back at his barn. “But they engaged at the three-furlong pole, and it actually worked out ok. She needed a workmate, and she got it and she got it to the wire. But no, it wasn't exactly as we planned.” Midnight Concerto was clocked in 1:03.10. McPeek is targeting Thorpedo Anna to the GI, $500,000 Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 23, Travers Day. If all goes well there, Thorpedo Anna, owned by Brookdale Racing Inc., Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks, and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek), will then be pointed to the GI, $650,000 Spinster Stakes on Oct. 5 at Keeneland. And then back to the Breeders' Cup. A year ago, Thorpedo Anna won the GI Distaff to complete a season with six wins in seven starts, the only loss coming against the boys (Fierceness (City of Light) in the GI Travers Stakes. What race she goes in this year depends on how she does in the next two. The choices would be a return to the Distaff or a try against the boys in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic. “It's too early,” McPeek said about a Breeders' Cup decision. “We'll think about it (Classic). She would really have to romp in these next two. But I don't expect it to be easy. There will be good fillies in the Personal Ensign.” McPeek also said that he was encouraged with Mystic Dan's (Goldencents) fourth-place finish in Saturday's GI Arlington Million Stakes at Colonial. “He ran respectable, if you like being fourth,” he said. “We wanted to run a little bit better than that, but he has been a real good horse. He has overachieved all his life and I think it was worth the try. At the head of the lane, it looked like he was going to win.” McPeek said that Mystik Dan, owned by Lance Gasaway, 4 G Racing LLC, Daniel Hamby III and Valley View Farm LLC, may ship back to Kentucky from Colonial. A final decision on where he goes will come when McPeek decides where his next start will be. Sandman Takes to Grass, Will Head to Kentucky Downs That didn't take long. After watching his 3-year-old Sandman (Tapit) work on the grass–for the first time–Sunday, Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse is sending the colt into the deep end of the pool. After wrestling with the idea of running Sandman in the $1 million GI Pennsylvania Derby at Parx next month, Casse nixed that idea. Instead, Sandman will head southwest to Kentucky Downs and be pointed to the GIII, $3.5 million Nashville Derby at 1 5/16 miles on Aug. 30. “The only way we weren't doing it was if I wasn't happy today,” Casse said at his barn on the Saratoga main track. “I was very happy with him. More importantly, he was very happy. He was like a kid in a candy store.” Sandman, with jockey Jose Ortiz on board, worked four furlongs in :49.70 (21/76) on the turf course at the Oklahoma Training Track. In his last start, Sandman was a non-threatening fifth in the five-horse GII Jim Dandy Stakes by Sovereignty (Into Mischief). In six starts this year, he has one win (GI Arkansas Derby) and was also seventh in the GI Kentucky Derby and third in the GI Preakness Stakes. Casse said that he and Ortiz–who has ridden Sandman in five of his 11 career starts–had an idea the horse would take to the grass. They went into the work with the plan that he would not be doing a lot, just enough. “He did everything the right way,” Ortiz said. “We wanted to go an easy half. It seemed like he was having fun.” Casse was hopeful that he would see good things from Sandman, owned by D J Stable, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and J Stables on the grass. He is out of the Distorted Humor mare Distorted Music and is a half-brother to She Can't Sing (Bernardini), who won three stakes races on grass. “We had a pretty good idea,” said Casse, who added that Sandman would likely work on the grass next week. “We've been doing this for a little while. Let's put it this way: I would have been shocked and disappointed if he didn't get over it because every indication, he has ever given me was that he would like grass.” Scottish Lassie Waiting for Cotillion There was no surprise Sunday morning when trainer Jorge Abreu said that Scottish Lassie (McKinzie) was definitely going to skip Saturday's GI, $600,000 Alabama Stakes and wait for the GI, $1 million Cotillion at Parx on Sept. 20. “I just have to give her the time,” Abreu said at his Saratoga barn Sunday morning after Scottish Lassie worked four furlongs in 50.99 on the Oklahoma with Hall of Fame jockey Josel Rosario up. “The work was good. I told Rosario to go in 50 and she went in 50 4/5. Nice and smooth.” Sunday's work was her first since romping to a 15 ½-length win in the GI Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga on July 19. Abreu was not going to go to the Alabama with just one work. “Even though she won the last race by 15 lengths, I think it took a little bit out of her,” Abreu said. “I wasn't seeing her doing the same things that I saw her doing before the Coaching Club. This breeze will put her back to where I want her to be.” Abreu said he never thought about the Alabama after the Coaching Club American Oaks romp. Steve Weston of Parkland Thoroughbreds, who owns Scottish Lassie along with Sportsmen Stable, Photos Finish LLC, Corms Racing Stable and Abreu, said the original plan was to point to the Alabama, not the Coaching Club American Oaks. “We were going to wait for the Alabama, but we felt there would be a small field in the Coaching Club (there was, four) and Jorge thought she was ready,” Weston said. “Once we went to that plan, even though the Alabama was our original goal, we decided to skip it and go to the Cotillion.” Scottish Lassie has one win in three starts this year. She has given Abreu, a former assistant to Chad Brown, both of his career Grade I wins. She also won the GI Frizette last year. The post Saratoga Notebook, Presented by NYRA: Thorpedo Anna Getting Ready for Personal Ensign appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Though she wasn't exactly perfect leaving the gate in her career debut Sunday, Carmel Coast (Omaha Beach) did everything else right in the fifth race at Saratoga Race Course. With a 5 1/2-length victory in the $100,000 maiden special weight contest for 2-year-old fillies, Carmel Coast was an emphatic best-in-class performer. Runner-up Lovely Christina (Vekoma) was 10 1/2 lengths in front of third-place filly, Essential Coffee (Nyquist). Carmel Beach and jockey Kendrick Carmouche reached the wire in 1:17.25 and paid $12.20. The Legion Bloodstock team identified and purchased Carmel Coast for $120,000 at the Fasig-Tipton July sale, put together the partnership it heads that includes MHM Stables, longtime NBA executive Ed Stefanski and William Conlin and turned her over to trainer Whit Beckman. “This filly has always trained very well for us in the spring at Keeneland and bringing her up here,” Beckman said. “Kendrick has been working her up to this race and he loved her. We've always seen a lot of talent in the morning and we're just glad she just came out and showed it this afternoon.” Carmel Coast broke slightly to her left, recovered quickly and was in front after about 100 yards. She was never threatened thereafter. She had the 5 1/2-length lead by the top of the stretch, Carmouche kept her to the task at hand and he cruised to the decisive victory. The Legion partners, Travis Durr, Kristian Villante and Kyle Zorn, celebrated the score with Beckman in the winner's circle. They are in town for the Fasig-Tipton sales and the Keeneland September Sale will start the fourth year of their business together. Villante said a few factors contributed to their decision to buy the filly, who was bred by Hunter Valley Farm. “She was just a very well-balanced filly,” Villante said. “Travis actually had some of the family early on, so we kind of familiar with it. We've always liked Omaha Beach, and she's just a beautiful filly, as you saw here. The July Sale, we always think we get very good value down there, so we were happy to add her.” Caramel Coast's connections | Sarah Andrew Villante also said she has a beautiful head and is very athletic. “She's very straightforward,” Villante said. “From the time we broke her and Whit and his team have had her, she is what she is.” While Beckman was confident going in, the ease of her victory was a surprise. “I expected her to run well,” he said. “When they go on to win by open lengths you're always a little bit grateful that you've got one that's going to turn into a race horse. We want them all to win like that. When they do, it's just one of those, 'Yeah, we'll take it.'” Beckman said Carmouche was showing him the right signs when he and Carmel Coast turned for home. “Kendrick looked too comfortable,” Beckman said. “I was thinking we're in pretty good shape, honestly. just watching Kendrick's body language. He knew he had it won. Carmel Coast struck Beckman as being physically and emotionally mature for a young horse. “She's always been pretty precocious,” he said. “She's been about this size since she came in, and she just worked right through. She hasn't missed a beat. She's just one that was ready to be a 2-year-old and showcased it today in the right place to do it.” Carmel Coast wins on debut in style in R5 at Saratoga! @kendrickcarmou1 was up for trainer Whit Beckman! pic.twitter.com/yMuxvhoHh4 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 10, 2025 5th-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 8-10, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f, 1:17.25, ft, 5 1/2 lengths. CARMEL COAST (f, 2, Omaha Beach–Carmel Beauty, by Arch) went off at 5-1 odds to lead the field after initially breaking inwardly but recovering well. Sailing through a half in :46.21 with Lovely Christina (Vekoma) never far behind, she was in no danger turning for home and only increased her margin in the lane to win by 5 1/2 lengths. Her longtime shadow finished a clear second and it was over 10 lengths back to third. The victress is a half-sister to Senor Testaferro (Midnight Storm), Ch. 2-year-old Colt-PR, SW-PR, $103,248 and three other winning elder siblings. She has a yearling full-sister and a 2025 half-brother by Olympiad. Carmel Beauty was bred to Whelen Springs for 2026. Sales history: $40,000 Ylg '24 KEEJAN; $120,000 Ylg '24 FTKJUL. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $55,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Legion Racing, MHM Stables LLC, Ed Stefanski and William Conlin; B-Hunter Valley Farm (KY); T-D. Whitworth Beckman. The post Saratoga Maidens, presented by Keeneland: Much the Best Caramel Coast Easily Earns Maiden Special Diploma appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a stylistically similar effort to her maiden score, 'TDN Rising Star' Himika (Curlin) rolled away from her rivals to win the GIII Sorrento Stakes and collect her career first black-type. A $900,000 purchase by Baoma Corp. at the OBS April sale this spring, the Bob Baffert runner easily handled a maiden field June 12 at this venue by six lengths to earn the stamp of approval from the TDN, and was made the overwhelming 1-5 favorite for this stakes debut. Breaking well but outrun early from the rail, she had to be asked to improve her position and she did so willingly from between runners. Weaving into clear sailing after an opening quarter in :22.11, Himika was the leader entering the top of the stretch and only expanded her advantage from there to win in hand. Mo' Em Down (Caracaro) was a long way back in second while Thank You India (Practical Joke) ran third. Sunday, Del Mar SORRENTO S.-GIII, $150,500, Del Mar, 8-10, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.61, ft. 1–HIMIKA, 120, f, 2, by Curlin 1st Dam: Motivated Seller (SP, $157,400), by Into Mischief 2nd Dam: Coup, by Empire Maker 3rd Dam: French Lady (Nz), by Entrepreneur (GB) 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. 'TDN Rising Star'. ($900,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR). O-Baoma Corp; B-Klaravich Stables Inc. (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Juan J. Hernandez. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $126,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Mo' Em Down, 123, f, 2, Caracaro–Welcome Aboard, by Rock Hard Ten. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($40,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Altamira Racing Stable, Tom Kagele and Ernest Marchosky; B-Pope McLean, Marc McLean & Pope McLean Jr. (KY); T-Peter Miller. $30,000. 3–Thank You India, 118, f, 2, Practical Joke–Flame Mingo, by Blame. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($70,000 Ylg '24 FTKOCT; $140,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR). O-Michael Jawl; B-Burger Racing Stables LLC (KY); T-Andy Mathis. $18,000. Margins: 4 1/4, 3 1/4, 3HF. Odds: 0.20, 4.00, 21.80. Also Ran: My Kat, Stuffy Mist, Dreaming of Alys. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. HIMIKA ($2.40) is 2 for 2 after her impressive victory in the $150,000 Sorrento Stakes (G3) at @DelMarRacing. @JJHernandezS19 was aboard the 2YO daughter of Curlin. Congratulations to trainer @BobBaffert and owner @BaomaCorp. Bet Del Mar with @FanDuel Racing. pic.twitter.com/zIanyUqkeR — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 10, 2025 The post Curlin’s Himika Effortless in Sorrento Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chopsticks became the first black-type winner for Godolphin's homebred sire Essential Quality when the 2-year-old filly won the $200,000 Debutante Stakes Aug. 10 at Ellis Park. View the full article

Godolphin's homebred and two-time Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) winner Rebel's Romance secured his eighth group 1 win in the Grosser Preis von Berlin (G1) at Hoopegarten Aug. 10. View the full article

Juddmonte's Spiced Up took advantage of a quick early pace to close from well off of it and take Sunday's Saratoga feature, the GIII Mahony Stakes. Given a 9-2 chance with Junior Alvarado in the saddle, the sophomore was settled back early as Ortley Avenue (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) and Gabaldon (Gone Astray) exchanged blows up front, carving out a crisp opening quarter in :21.15. Still several lengths to make up through a half in :43.71, the bay seemingly had a lot left to do straightening for home. Rallying with purpose down the lane, the son of Quality Road got up in the final strides to best 1-2 favorite Governor Sam by two lengths. No Evidence rounded out the trifecta. “The horse broke very well,” said Alvarado. “I was thinking to be a little more forwardly placed, but I guess they went very quick. I thought I was a little farther back than I wanted to be, but they were moving along pretty quick.” He added, “When I hit the five-sixteenths pole, I thought that I could feel the horses coming back to me, and my horse was picking it up at that time. I knew I had a good chance, so I had to make sure to tip out all the way to the clear to give him a clear run, and he finished up very strong.” Fifth in his career debut going 5 1/2 panels over the Churchill dirt last September, the bay returned to finish fourth sprinting in the slop there Nov. 14. Shelved for the remainder of the season, the homebred kicked off his 3-year-old campaign with a confident score going six furlongs over the Big A turf June 20. “We were thinking about that last year,” said winning trainer Bill Mott. “Most of the babies, I went through a stage last year where I wanted to try everything on the dirt. We got a couple races on the dirt and then we had to stop on him–forced to stop on him, to give him a little time and the decision was made to bring him back on the turf this year. He's halfway bred for it.” He added, “Visually, for me, he finished good [on turf] where on the dirt he was showing a lot of speed, and he wasn't finishing. Going six furlongs on the dirt, at the eighth pole he was kind of folding it up. But, if they like the grass, it will carry them.” Asked what's next for the Lightly-raced colt, Mott said, “The plan is to go to Kentucky Downs. The reason we jumped over a condition race is to see if we could get him eligible to go to Kentucky Downs –there's a $2 million race.” Pedigree Notes: Spiced Up, the 47th group/graded winner for sire Quality Road, boasts a deep female family, courtesy of her dam Cardamon (Pioneer of the Mile), also bred and raced by Juddmonte and trained by Bill Mott. Herself a daughter of Juddmonte's Soothing Touch, Cardamon is a half-sister to Juddmonte's MGISW Emollient (Empire Maker)–dam of Group 2 scorer Raclette (GB) (Frankel {GB})–and MGISP Hofburg (Tapit). Also under the second dam, Calm Water (Empire Maker) is responsible for G1 Dubai World Cup hero Laurel River (Into Mischief). This represents the extended family of French highweights Coup de Genie (Mr. Prospector) (fourth dam) and her daughter Denebola (Storm Cat). Cardamon has an unraced juvenile full-sister to Spiced Up and a yearling 1/2-sister by Into Mischief. Earlier this season, she produced a colt by Flightline and was bred back to that Horse of the Year. Sunday, Saratoga MAHONY S.-GIII, $175,000, Saratoga, 8-10, 3yo, 5 1/2fT, 1:01.22, fm. 1–SPICED UP, 118, c, 3, by Quality Road 1st Dam: Cardamon, by Pioneerof the Nile 2nd Dam: Soothing Touch, by Touch Gold 3rd Dam: Glia, by A.P. Indy 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-William I. Mott; J-Junior Alvarado. $96,250. Lifetime Record: 4-2-0-0, $152,600. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Governor Sam, 122, c, 3, Improbable–I'm Betty G, by Into Mischief. ($50,000 Ylg '23 FTKOCT; $275,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-Bregman Family Racing LLC and Swinbank Stables, LLC; B-Stoneriggs Farm (KY); T-George Weaver. $35,000. 3–No Evidence, 118, c, 3, Vekoma–Hidden Facts, by The Factor. ($100,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $225,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $325,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, R. Hill Stable and Brandon M. Dalinka; B-Haymarket Farm LLC (KY); T-Miguel Clement. $21,000. Margins: 1 1/4, HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 4.50, 0.55, 23.40. Also Ran: Innovator, Gabaldon, Ancient World, Ortley Avenue (Ire), Jet Sweep Joe. Scratched: Saturday Flirt. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Spiced Up passes the graded stakes test in the G3 Mahony at Saratoga! @juniorandkellya piloted the 3YO colt for trainer Bill Mott and @JuddmonteFarms! pic.twitter.com/xMqBYVUT4d — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 10, 2025 The post Quality Road’s Spiced Up Flies Late to Take Mahony appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After running headlong into 'TDN Rising Star' Brant (Gun Runner) in their mutual unveiling July 26, Balboa (Not This Time–Tap of War, by War Front) had his time in the California sun in Sunday's opener at Del Mar and earned his own 'Rising Star' honors while he was at it. A distant third in the aforementioned debut, he was bet to 1-2 favoritism here and did not disappoint. Riding the rail as he dominated the tempo through :22.03 and a half in :45.29, the race was over at the top of the lane when Juan Hernandez cut his mount loose and the question became how much he fancied winning by as the margin grew. His stablemate Huber (Omaha Beach) was a well-beaten second. The victor is out of a full-sister to GI Fourstardave hero Halladay (War Front). Sales history: $875,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine; B-Albaugh Family Stables (KY); T-Bob Baffert. BALBOA ($3.00) breaks his maiden in the @DelMarRacing opener and @BobBaffert gets the Exacta. @JJHernandezS19 was aboard this 2YO son of Not This Time (@TMStallions). Congratulations to the connections. @MadaketStables @StarlightRacing Bet Del Mar https://t.co/kxLtjbx3tn pic.twitter.com/LpC0zAKv01 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 10, 2025 The post Not This Time’s Balboa Earns His ‘Rising Star’ Seal in Del Mar Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS – About 15 minutes after Final Score (Not This Time) won Saratoga's fourth race–a $100,000 maiden special weight–Avery Johnson, who made his bones in another sport, cackled up in the clubhouse. He had just been part of the entourage of owner Mike Repole, who owns Final Score, a 1 3/4-length winner in the 1 1/16-mile test on the Inner Turf course. Repole is famous for massive winner's circle pictures, but the big dog wasn't in town Sunday, so the group was much more manageable. Johnson, 60, who spent 16 years in the National Basketball Association, was part of that smiling cluster. He does not own any horses himself, but he knows Repole, knows him well. He pulled out his phone to prove it. Johnson had just done an interview, along with winning jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., with NYRA TV analyst Maggie Wolfendale and had retreated out of the hot sun. Repole had already sent him images off the television feed of his chit-chat with Wolfendale. Johnson smiled some more. “He is texting me right now,” he said. “He said 'great interview.” The friendship the two share goes back to 2010 when he was coaching in the NBA with the Brooklyn Nets. “We became friends, and our families have been close ever since then,” Johnson said. “He has been very supportive of my two adult children. We have been to the Breeders' Cup together, the Kentucky Derby, Gulfstream, Aqueduct, Belmont–before it was closed–and here in Saratoga.” Final Score–an apt name for a basketball guy–gave trainer Todd Pletcher his eighth victory in the maiden special weights. He started his career with a second-place finish to stablemate Malus (Into Mischief), who beat him by three lengths here on July 13 in a race originally scheduled for turf but moved to the main. “He showed a little bit of speed going 5 1/2 (in the debut) and we anticipated going long he would be close,” Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, who won his eighth top level maiden special weight race of the meet, said. “You never know in these baby races. You may or may not have the lead. It worked out really nicely and he got a very comfortable pace up front.” Final Score | Sarah Andrew Final Score broke to the lead and Ortiz was able to get soft early fractions (24.61, 50.88, 1:16.61) and Final Score had more than enough left for the run to the wire. The 9-5 favorite was too good for runner-up Heeere's Johnny (Oscar Performance), the 5-2 second choice. He was timed in 1:45.48 and paid $5.60, $3.50 and $2.80. Final Score had never trained on the grass before, but Pletcher thought he would take to it. His breeding suggested it he would. Repole bought the colt at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale for $600,000. Johnson, who calls Dallas home now, said he will be in Saratoga for the next three weeks. He doesn't own any horses but said he grew up with a fascination for the sport. His father was a fan. “Instead of throwing the football with my dad, we went to the horse races,” he said. “I have been going to the horse race tracks for 50 years. I know how to read a racing form, Up and down. I have fun with it.” This year was the 15th that he and his wife Cassandra attended the GI Kentucky Derby. Johnson has also been a Breeders' Cup Ambassador for 10 years. His “day” job also includes being an NBA and college basketball analyst for CBS Sports. He is also the CEO of Avery Capital, a commercial real estate private equity fund. He stays busy enough, but also finds time to be involved in racing. Maybe one day he will have his own horses. For now, it's ok to tag along with the Repole crew. “We are out early in the morning watching the horses work out,” Johnson said. “I get out with my coffee at 5 in the morning. I will go to Todd's barn and hang out with him. The way people use golf for building relationships and building their business, I use horse racing.” The post Saratoga Maidens, Presented by Keeneland: Repole’s Pal Part of the Entourage After Final Score’s Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This day 11th August in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Shelley Wright kicks off season on winning note at Te Rapa Shelley Wright was rapt to kick off her season on a winning note at Te Rapa on Saturday, courtesy of … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Muswellbrook free racing preview & quaddie tips | August 12, 2024 Racing heads to Muswellbrook for a seven-race card on August 12, 2024. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview of the meeting … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Bill Thurlow claims training double at Woodville Bill Thurlow’s top performers are still waiting in the wings, but that didn’t stop the Waverley horseman from picking up … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Blake Shinn wins back-to-back Scobie Breasley Medals Reigning Scobie Breasley Medal winner Blake Shinn has retained Victorian racing’s highest individual honour following a massive 2023/24 season … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Today’s free horse racing tips & best bets | Sunday, August 11 Eight horse racing meetings are scheduled for around Australia today on Sunday, August 11. Check out HorseBetting’s free betting tips … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Punt Drunk: Racing Victoria going rogue? Punt Drunk is back for another week with our eyes firmly focused on what is happening in Victoria. More importantly … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Coleraine races betting preview & quaddie | August 13, 2023 Coleraine Racing Club is scheduled to host an eight-race card on Sunday afternoon. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview and quaddie … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Moe races preview & quaddie tips | Sunday, August 13 Racing heads to Moe for a 10-race program on Sunday afternoon. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview and quaddie tips here … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Savage back in Adelaide with Savatoxl for Behemoth Stakes Red Centre trainer Will Savage might well start the new Australian racing season with wins in both Adelaide and Alice … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | August 11, 2023 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Morphettville racing preview & quaddie tips | Saturday, August 13 The Group 3 Spring Stakes headlines the nine race card scheduled for Morphettville on Saturday afternoon and Horsebetting’s South Australian … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Caulfield racing tips & quaddie picks | Saturday, August 13 A bumper nine-race card awaits punters on Saturday afternoon from Caulfield, headlined by the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes. HorseBetting’s … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Belmont best bets & quaddie selections | August 13, 2022 Belmont plays host to nine metropolitan races on Saturday, headlined by the Listed Belmont Newmarket over 1200m. HorseBetting’s WA racing … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Saturday’s Eagle Farm racing tips & quaddie | 13/8/2022 Queensland racing returns to headquarters on Saturday for nine races at Eagle Farm. HorseBetting’s Queensland racing expert presents his best … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Rosehill racing tips & quaddie numbers | Saturday, August 13 Saturday’s 10-race card at Rosehill Gardens will give us a first look at some of the better three-year-olds as they … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Ipswich best bets, top odds & quaddie numbers | August 12, 2022 Racing in Queensland on Friday heads to Ipswich for a competitive nine-race program. HorseBetting’s Queensland racing analyst presents you with … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Geelong racing preview, top tips & best odds | Friday, August 12 Racing heads down the highway on Friday afternoon to Geelong, where an eight-race card is set down for decision. HorseBetting’s … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago West Coast primed for Riccarton country Athleticism may be West Coast’s edge heading into Saturday’s Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton, according to his Awapuni trainer … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Caulfield Cup dream with Mr Brightside Trainers Ben and JD Hayes are dreaming of a tilt at the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) with Group One … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Shoshone out to turn form around at Tauranga Wet track specialist Shoshone will attempt to get her winter campaign back on track at Tauranga on Saturday following a … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Happy days for Myers after Grand National win Happy Star cemented Kevin Myers at the top of the Grand National Hurdles (4200m) ladder when winning the Wanganui trainer’s … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | August 11, 2022 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Leading NT jockey Jarrod Todd unlikely to forget 2021/22 season He is the leading jockey in the Top End and has enjoyed a successful period in recent times, but Jarrod … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Birdsville Races postponed to 2022 due to COVID concerns The iconic Birdsville Races have been postponed until 2022 due to COVID-19 concerns, with the Queensland town set to host … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Shosha delivers for Gollan with impressive win at Doomben Tony Gollan and Stephanie Thornton combined in the second race of the day at Doomben on Wednesday for an impressive … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Sale betting tips, value bets & quaddie | Thursday, August 12 HorseBetting.com.au’s James Herbert brings you his best bets, value picks and quaddie selections for the bumper nine-race card at Sale … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | August 11, 2021 Horse racing around the country sees five meetings being held around the country on this Wednesday afternoon. Our racing analysts … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Pike on weather watch Cambridge trainer Tony Pike will be keeping a close eye on the weather ahead of racing at Te Rapa on … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Crozier upbeat about Ringbolt ahead of Grand National Canterbury locals will have just the one runner to cheer for in Wednesday’s Hospitality New Zealand Canterbury 131st Grand National … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Sword in healthy state Last season’s outstanding juvenile Sword Of State was back in action at the Cambridge trials on Tuesday, where he finished … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Wet track to suit Tulloch Lodge improvers Tulloch Lodge will bid to continue its successful affinity with the Up And Coming Stakes, nominating two progressive colts for … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Waller to make quiet start to Vic carnival Champion trainer Chris Waller is poised to have his first stakes runner in Victoria this season with Kings Will Dream … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Derby winner set for Sydney spring return Australian Derby winner Quick Thinker and stablemate The Chosen One will headline the spring carnival arsenal of trainers Murray Baker … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Rothfire steals the show at Doomben trials Outstanding three-year-old Rothfire has starred at the Doomben barrier trials, recording a brilliant all-the-way win in fast time … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing regional roadshows NZ Thoroughbred Racing will be conducting regional roadshows around the country as the industry adapts to the changes brought about … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Group 1 placing for Hello Youmzain Dual Group 1 winner Hello Youmzain just came up short of adding a third elite-level victory to his burgeoning CV … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Captaintwinkletoes impresses on debut Wanganui trainer Jo Rathbone has been riding the crest of a wave with quality jumper Tallyho Twinkletoe and she may … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Winning double for Bishara South Auckland horseman Nicholas Bishara is tickled pink with the way his boutique stable has started the new season. He … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Stars come out for barrier trials Some potential spring stars will run in trials at Randwick but a few more will wait at home for another … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Tony Sears to start new partnership Leading Toowoomba trainer Tony Sears is set to start a new training partnership with his daughter Maddy … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Vassilator set to kick off in Regal Roller Vassilator is set to start his spring campaign on his home track at Caulfield after impressing trainer Colin Little in … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Consensus on target for Cox Plate mission Class mare Consensus will have her first run of the new season in Saturday’s Group 2 US Navy Flag Foxbridge … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago The Candy Man heading to the Epsom Hcp Fan favourite The Candy Man is one of many top horses getting ready to trial in Queensland as he prepares … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Classy fillies to clash in Quezette Stakes The Danny O’Brien-trained Absolute Flirt will be among the talented fillies to clash in the Group Three Quezette Stakes at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Cummings team gearing up for spring Two horses who emerged as potential stars late last season will spearhead Anthony Cummings’ spring carnival arsenal … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news, United Kingdom Horse Racing News 6 years ago Ho shines as Rest of the World team triumphs in Shergar Cup Vincent Ho marked his first day in the saddle at one of the world’s most famous racecourses with a win … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Lawrence return for dual Group 1 winner Kenedna Dual Group One winner Kenedna will be among the high profile horses who will begin their latest campaigns in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Chelsea Hall to fill Qld apprentice void The experienced Chelsea Hall will help fill a void in Brisbane racing with a lack of three-kilo claiming apprentices when … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago The Harrovian in line for huge bonus The Harrovian has given his connections a chance at a $200,000 bonus by winning the Cairns Cup … Read More Australia horse racing news, United Kingdom Horse Racing News 6 years ago Mark Zahra in Shergar Cup win at Ascot Mark Zahra has helped the Rest of the World team to victory on the Shergar Cup jockeys challenge at Ascot … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Australia-wide winners for Darren Weir Four winners at Flemington for Darren Weir has been complimented with victories at Moe, Morphettville and Newcastle … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Voodoo Lad shines in Aurie’s Star Hcp Quality sprinter Voodoo Lad has overhauled import Home Of The Brave to claim another stakes victory in the Group Three … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Paret stamps Epsom Handicap claims Trainer Chris Waller has compared Rosehill winner Paret to the stable’s multiple Group One winner Boban and will set him … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Harper’s Choice wins Premier’s Cup Prelude Harper’s Choice has backed up his last-start win in the Winter Cup with a determined victory in the Premier’s Cup … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Sandbar adds Rosebud to his resume Sandbar has claimed the new season’s first stakes race for three-year-olds, the Listed Rosebud at Rosehill for trainer Brad Widdup … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Stablemates quinella Doomben staying test A plan to take advantage of an apparent lack of pace has helped trainer Robert Heathcote quinella the Brisbane BMW … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Crockett turns form around at Flemington A switch of environment has brought about a change of fortune for the Tony McEvoy stable, with Crockett winning at … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Bandipur makes it back-to-back wins The James Cummings-trained Bandipur has backed up a recent win in Sydney with another victory in his return to Melbourne … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Smith’s frustrating run ends with win Trainer Brian Smith’s frustrating run with top horse Order Again has ended with the gelding’s impressive win at Doomben … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Lifesaver gives Dunn another Highway win Lifesaver has given Murwillumbah trainer Matt Dunn his 18th Highway win and staked his claims for inclusion in the $1.3 … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Jaameh keeps the Lindsay Park run going Lindsay Park is hopeful Jaameh can be a player in bigger spring races after a strong staying performance to win … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Stewart questions his tactics on Ef Troop Jockey Brad Stewart is wondering if he should have been more aggressive on Ef Troop after the $1.45 favourite was … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Defeat proves making of Shesees Everything A narrow defeat in the Magic Millions maiden at the Gold Coast seems to have been the making of Shesees … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Racing NSW commits $1m for drought relief Racing NSW has announced it has allocated $1 million for immediate relief for drought stricken thoroughbred participants in the state … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Ben Currie inquiry adjourned again An inquiry into activities at trainer Ben Currie’s Toowoomba stable has been adjourned again … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Jungle Cat all set for Australia challenge English trainer Charlie Appleby will bypass the Hungerford Stakes next Saturday with Jungle Cat in favour of sending him straight … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Francis Of Assisi to run at Haydock Francis Of Assisi will run in the Rose of Lancaster Stakes at Haydock in preparation for a second trip to … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago James Innes Jr to miss Rosehill Apprentice James Innes Jr to miss Rosehill meeting after hurting his shoulder in a race at Kembla Grange … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Hollie Doyle on standby to replace Payne Apprentice Hollie Doyle has been placed on standby in case she is needed to replace an ailing Michelle Payne in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Distance switches no issue for Arbeitsam Co-trainer Adrian Bott is impressed with the versatility of Arbeitsam ahead of the Premier’s Cup Prelude at Rosehill … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Diamond Tathagata to shine on firm ground Mark Newnham is looking forward to watching Diamond Tathagata perform on a good track when he opens his Golden Rose … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Fillies emulate their mothers at Geelong More than eight years after Black Caviar and Absolute Faith scored their first wins at the same race meeting, their … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Admire Deus set to battle ex stablemate Australian Bloodstock is excited about its purchase of Japanese stayer Admire Deus who is being set for the Caulfield or … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Heavy winter workloads force transfers Upcoming trials at Cranbourne and a race meeting at Swan Hill have been transferred because of heavy workloads … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Nolen watches Black Caviar’s daughter win A light weight has stopped Luke Nolen riding Black Caviar’s daughter in her first win at Geelong but the jockey … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Debutant Highway favourite after plunge Brett Cavanough is confident Another Sin can justify a betting plunge that has the unraced three-year-old favourite for the Highway … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Consistent Confluence chasing first win Confluence will be trying to convert three second placings into a maiden victory at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Fitness test for apprentice James Innes Apprentice James Innes Jr will have to pass a fitness test to ride at Rosehill after hurting his shoulder at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Black Caviar’s first foal wins at Geelong Oscietra, the first foal of champion Black Caviar, has won her first race at her second career start at Geelong … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Four Lindsay Park runners in Aurie’s Star The Lindsay Park stable has a strong hand in the Group Three Aurie’s Star Handicap with four of the 10 … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Black Caviar filly Oscietra notches up win Three-year-old filly Oscietra, the first foal of champion sprinter Black Caviar, has broken her maiden at Geelong … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Weight’s right for Oink at Doomben Trainer Kelly Schweida believes has found the right race at Doomben to get Oink back in the winner’s circle … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Payne cites illness for media incident Michelle Payne is reported to have stormed out of a media function in England after telling Shergar Cup organisers she … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Four in a row would be a dream result After winning three on the trot and his past two at Flemington, Riyadh will attempt to extend his winning sequence … Read More Horse Racing Tips 8 years ago Bendigo racing free tips, odds and form, Sunday August 13 BETTING on Sunday racing isn’t for everyone, but the spring performers are starting to get busy and you’ll often find … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Punters await Guineas decision for Catchy Blue Diamond Stakes winner Catchy can’t run in both the Thousand Guineas and Caulfield Guineas but she’s still prominent in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Kubis needs a change of luck at Doomben Trainer Robert Heathcote rates Kubis the unluckiest horse he has trained but hopes that can change at Doomben … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Marty set to party at Doomben First starter Let’s Party Marty has attracted plenty of attention ahead of his debut at Doomben with a strong trial … Read More Horse Racing News, New Zealand horse racing news 8 years ago Te Rapa Racing dispels unofficial claims of an unsafe track TE Rapa Racing General Manager, Ken Rutherford, has dispelled unofficial claims that the Waikato-based racing surface was unsafe. The claims … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Oscietra to resume in Geelong maiden Three-year-old filly Oscietra, the first foal of champion sprinter Black Caviar, will be out to break her maiden at Geelong … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Scottish out of Melbourne with injury Caulfield Cup runner-up Scottish will miss the Melbourne spring carnival after being found to have a recurrence of a fetlock … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Winx arthroscopic surgery revealed Trainer Chris Waller has told stewards champion mare Winx underwent arthroscopic surgery after her Doncaster win to remove a bone … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Different Moss My Name headed for Rosehill Cameron Crockett is searching for his second city winner with Moss My Name in the Highway Handicap at Rosehill on … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago O’Reilly Cyrus on trial for potential Golden Rose berth LIAM Birchley knows how to set his horses for the big races and he’s planning on doing again with talented … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Can Capitalist beat Golden Slipper curse? Capitalist is set to race for the first time since his Golden Slipper win, a comeback that’s marked the beginning … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago McDonald looking forward to Revolving Door Revolving Door commences his spring campaign at Caulfield that his trainer Clinton McDonald hopes will end with victory in the … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago The Golden Slipper – curse or climax? With Capitalist returning to the track in the San Domenico Stakes, take a look back at Golden Slipper winners who … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Can Capitalist beat Golden Slipper curse? Capitalist is set to race for the first time since his Golden Slipper win, a comeback that’s marked the beginning … Read More Horse Racing Tips 9 years ago P.B. Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield with free tips, odds and form THE $200,000 P.B. 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The … Read More View the full article

He hadn't been in the winner's circle since spring at Keeneland, but 'TDN Rising Star' Big Truzz (Justify) rediscovered his winning form to score in the Ellis Park Derby. Garnering the 'Rising Star' rosette on debut Apr. 12, he was tasked with taking on optional claiming company May 3 at Churchill Downs and ran a solid second to fellow 'Rising Star' Patch Adams (Into Mischief), who was most recently seen winning the GI Woody Stephens June 7 where Big Truzz ran third. The son of Justify was last seen July 5 in the GIII Indiana Derby in the back half of the field. He was a different horse here as he put himself into contention right from the jump, sailed into the lead off the bend, and left his rivals in his wake to win by an eye-catching margin in 1:34.73, just three-fifths of a second off the track record. Jimmy's Dailys (Vekoma) was second and Admiral Dennis (Constitution) claimed third. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. O-Flying Dutchmen; T-Brian Lynch. Back-to-back stakes wins for the @blynchracing barn, and a fifth win today for jockey @tyler_gaff! Big Truzz put on a big performance in the Ellis Park Derby @ellisparkracing! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/pQMZkodSiC — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 10, 2025 The post ‘Rising Star’ Big Truzz Dominates the Ellis Park Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Gaming Commission steward at Saratoga, Braulio Baeza Jr., rules with an iron first. Make any mistake, no matter how small, inadvertent or innocent, and you will be penalized, fined as much as $4,000. Just ask trainer Gary Contessa, clocker Richie Glazer, former senior vice president of racing operations Frank Gabriel Jr., racing secretary Keith Doleshel and Assistant Racing Secretary Rob MacLennan. Each one made what amounted to an innocent and minor mistake and they paid a hefty price. There are, of course, three stewards. But the Gaming Commission steward is the only one who can hand down suspensions or fines. Baeza is allowed to seek the opinion of the other two stewards, but the final decision is left up to him and him only. Common sense rarely seems to enter into the equation. Things happen, people make mistakes and when that happens you don't need to always throw the book at them. For instance, Contessa was fined $4,000 in 2024 after he claimed a horse at Saratoga and ran it back at Delaware Park 45 days later. He did not know that the rule, which had been that you had to wait 30 days to run a claimed horse outside of New York, had just been changed. He even checked the NYRA website, which had not been updated and still listed the old rule. Maybe some sort of punishment was appropriate, like a fine of $500, but certainly not $4,000. Contessa said that Baeza told him “We give fines that count now.” Baeza rules with a heavy hand. So what happens when the stewards make a mistake? It happened again Saturday at Saratoga when the last race on the card was run at the wrong distance. The race was carded at a mile-and-an-eighth on the turf but was accidently run at a mile-and-sixteenth. This wasn't the first time it had happened. A similar issue occurred at Saratoga in 2018, when the fifth race on the Aug. 8 card that year was run at a mile-and-an-eighth instead of a mile-and-a-sixteenth. On Sunday, NYRA issued a statement on the race run at the wrong distance. It read: “Saturday's final race at Saratoga Race Course [Race 12], which was scheduled and carded at 1 1/8-miles on the Mellon Turf Course, was instead contested at 1 1/16-miles due to an incorrect gate placement that was confirmed after the race was made official. “On Saturday, the temporary rail was set at 18 feet on the Mellon Turf Course which dictates an alternate starting location to accommodate for the change in distance around the circumference of the inner rail of the track. However, the gate was incorrectly placed at the starting location for a 1 1/16-mile race. “Following this incident, staff from The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) met with the Stewards and determined that human error caused the gate to be placed in the incorrect position. NYRA has implemented measures to ensure that racing officials and Stewards proactively acknowledge and verify the correct gate placement prior to the start of every race. “The Stewards are responsible for overseeing the integrity of every race here on the NYRA circuit,” said NYRA Steward Victor Escobar. “We would like to apologize to the betting public, fans and racing participants for failing to meet those standards on Saturday.” It's not just running races at the wrong distance. This year's GII Hall of Fame S. at Saratoga may go down as the most controversial race of the meet. Zulu Kingdom (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) was first past the wire, but was disqualified for allegedly bothering two horses on the first turn. Just about everyone, except for the three stewards, agreed that the horse never should have come down. Then there was the infamous 2023 Great White Way S. fiasco in which the stewards apparently disqualified the wrong horse. Brick Ambush (Laoban), crossed the wire second in a division of the $500,000 stakes for New York-breds, but was disqualified and placed last. It was a roughly run race, but Brick Ambush, racing wide, clearly wasn't involved in the bumping. To its credit, NYRA has taken steps to be more transparent. A “Stewards' Review” segment airs once a week on the NYRA feed. When it came to Zulu Kingdom, Escobar and Jockey Club steward Cody Watkins gave in-depth answers to Sterling's questions about the Hall of Fame S. and showed drone shots of the race. Serling asked all the right questions and expressed his opinion that it was a bad call. Baeza was conspicuously absent from the broadcast. Acacia Clement also interviewed Escobar about the Zulu Kingdom DQ on the “Saratoga Live” broadcast on Fox. But the question remains: Who's policing the policemen? Clearly, the answer is no one. Baeza should answer to the New York Gaming Commission, but no there has ever shown any concern about mistakes made by the stewards or even acknowledged that mistakes have been made. You wonder if the Gaming Commission is paying any attention. Baeza can't fine himself, though maybe he should. It is, or should be, the responsibility of the stewards to make sure a race is run at the correct distance. With millions bet on races at Saratoga, this mistake was far more egregious than Contessa running a horse out of town before it was out of jail. Enough already. Executives from the NYRA, the Jockey Club and, particularly the Gaming Commission, need to sit down with the stewards, told that they are concerned about the number of mistakes they have made and Baeza's draconian punishments. They need to do a better job and, if not, changes need to be made in the stewards' booth. Best of Luck to Tyler Conner Jockey Tyler Conner, who was seriously injured in a July 24 race at Colonial Downs, took to social media to announce that he is mending but will not ride again. He explained that he broke his C1 vertebra, has a compression fracture of his T5 vertebra, and is recovering from central cord syndrome due to bruising his spinal cord. “I was fully paralyzed for a small amount of time,” said the 31-year-old Conner on X. “Everything's kind of slowly coming back… everything feels like it's asleep, especially my hands. My left hand is basically useless at the moment.” He should be commended for making a difficult and brave decision. He could have been killed in the spill and it is not yet clear whether or not he will fully recover. There are few things in life more dangerous than being a jockey and he decided he was done risking his life. It's amazing that more jockeys, after being seriously injured, don't make the same decision. The post Who Holds the Stewards Accountable? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Human error was at the root cause of a snafu in which the starting gate was positioned at the wrong distance for the 12th race at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 9, according to a New York Racing Association release. View the full article

4th-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 8-10, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:45.48, fm, 1 3/4 lengths. FINAL SCORE (c, 2, Not This Time–Precious Dixie, by Bernardini) came on from the back on debut and ran second July 13 at this venue in a baby dash that was ultimately taken off the turf. Back on the grass and stretched out here, the 9-5 favorite was quick to the front and controlled the tempo through :24.61, :50.88, and 1:16.61 splits. Under pressure as the field closed ranks for the homeward drive, Final Score was called on for his best and he responded to clear his rivals by 1 3/4 lengths on the wire. Heeere's Johnny (Oscar Performance) had to settle for a well-beaten second. The victor is his dam's second winner from three to the races and one of six male offspring that the mare has produced. His youngest half-brothers are a yearling by Good Magic and a 2025 Cody's Wish. Precious Dixie, herself a full-sister to GISP Lady Kate, went to Muth for 2026. In addition to the elite-placed runner, the dam's half-siblings also include GSP Princess Theorem (Nyquist), MGSP Prince of Arabia (Mineshaft), and GSP Bernard Shaw (Into Mischief). Sales history: $600,000 Ylg '24 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $75,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Repole Stable; B-BG Stables (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. The post Not This Time’s Final Score Graduates at Second Asking at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was another game display from the juveniles as Comport (Collected–Bartlett Narrows, by Flatter) refused to be denied late, and kicked home best to claim the Ellis Park Juvenile. Content to watch Spice Runner (Gun Runner) as that 8-1 shot set the early pace in :22.88 and a half in :46.01, the chestnut looked poised to take command at the head of affairs, but the longtime leader would not be felled so quickly. The duo drew off from the field but Comport eventually got the best of his rival to win by a clear margin. Papa Ken (Yaupon) ran on to claim third. The winner entered this contest with a maiden-breaking score at Churchill Downs June 1, and a runner-up June 29 to Romeo (Honor A.P.) in the Bashford Manor Stakes–which was won in stakes record time. Sales history: $135,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. O-Joseph W. Sutton; B-Edwin Anthony (KY); T-Eddie Kenneally. #6 COMPORT ($2.70), a colt by @AirdrieStud's Collected, won the $200,000 Ellis Park Juvenile at @EllisParkRacing. @Tyler_Gaff was aboard for trainer @kenneallyracing. This is Comport's first stakes victory. He was 2nd in the Bashford Manor Stakes in June. pic.twitter.com/OTatyPGVuG — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 10, 2025 The post Collected’s Comport Game in Ellis Park Juvenile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

She had to work for it, but Chopsticks (Essential Quality–Miss Southern Miss, by More Than Ready) justified her favoritism here with a game victory in the Ellis Park Debutante and becomes her sire's first stakes winner. Entering the race with a three-length maiden score at Churchill Downs June 27, the grey was made the 3-5 chalk on a day were the public could not choose incorrectly and continued that parade of short prices here. Off well to track the pace as Kingsolver (Omaha Beach) and Boom Boom Bell (Combatant) put up :22.43 and a half in :45.57, she was the looming threat from the overland route as they turned for home and was on a short lead at the head of affairs. In command but having to brace for the second wind of Kingsolver, she kept that one at bay late while Prowess (Tiz the Law) fought on for third from the rail. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. O-Selective, LLC; B-Machmer Hall (KY); T-Brad Cox. Chopsticks re-rallies and stays perfect in the Debutante at @ellisparkracing! @flothejock was aboard for trainer @bradcoxracing. #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/r3dKQYj4CW — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 10, 2025 The post Essential Quality’s Chopsticks Scores First Lifetime Stakes for Sire and Herself, Takes Debutante at Ellis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Queen Azteca (Sharp Azteca), winner of the G3 UAE Oaks in February at Meydan Racecourse, arrived in Saratoga Au8. 8 and cleared quarantine to gallop over the Oklahoma training track Sunday morning. Trained by Niels Petersen, the bay was purchased privately by Team Valor International and is expected to make her North American debut in Saturday's GI Alabama Stakes. Queen Azteca was accompanied to the training track by her exercise rider Carlos Toro Montecinos and a pony, calmly taking in her surroundings before jogging a half-mile and galloping once around the dirt oval. “She settled in very good. She's a very good traveler. This was her first time out on track, and she loved it. She's as big as the pony, and the pony is big,” said Montecinos, with a laugh. “She has a nice temperament too. She's never seen a pony at home.” Queen Azteca, who was based in Norway with Petersen, made her two most recent outings at Jagersro in Sweden, winning at 11 furlongs in June and finishing a 1 3/4-length second in 12-furlong Jockeyklubben Svenskt Derby on July 13. “That's what she needs – long distance,” Montecinos said of the Alabama 10-furlong distance. “She flies really good at the end – she has a really good finish.” Out of Princessa Helena (Palace Malice), the $22,000 KEESEP purchase will stay in the U.S. following the Alabama and will be trained by Rodolphe Brisset. The post Queen Azteca Arrives in Saratoga, Prepares for Stateside Debut in Alabama appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article