Wandering Eyes

Valerie Clement has arguably seen more horses in her lifetime than many of the younger bloodstock agents working this year's Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Sale. For the past 40 years, she has stood alongside her husband Christophe as he has inspected horses at countless sales, farms and racetracks around the world. Following her husband's passing in May, it would have been understandable if Clement had chosen to step away from the game, but to her that was never an option. In addition to running a thriving stable, Christophe was also involved in several broodmare partnerships in both New York and France—a part of the business Clement is now determined to continue. “I am committed to carrying out what Christophe started,” she explained. “At times it is a lot, but I don't quit. I'm learning and I'm enjoying it. I want a fair chance to learn and I'm very blessed because I'm surrounded by people I trust and that I've known for a long time.” On Sunday, a colt that Clement co-owns with Richard Leahy's Oak Bluff Stables will sell as Hip 357 at the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Sale. The son of Not This Time is out of a mare that Christophe once trained. Savvy Sassy (Street Sense), a half-sister to MGSW Southdale (Street Cry {Ire}), was campaigned by Waterville Lake Stables. She won her first two starts under Clement's tutelage in 2014. The Ontario-bred was later trained by Arnold DeLacour and in 2016, went through the ring at the Keeneland November Sale and sold to the Oak Bluff-Clement partnership for $80,000. The mare has been a shining success story for her ownership group as her first four foals have all brought six figures at the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Sale. Bourbon Bay (Bayern) sold for $205,000 and went on to collect multiple stakes placings, including a runner-up effort in the 2020 Jerome Stakes. Brattle House (Malibu Moon) set a New York-Bred Sale record when she brought $775,000 in 2019 and the filly also earned blacktype credit on the racetrack. The mare's three-year-old of this year, Real Savvy (Authentic), was a $360,000 purchase for MyRacehorse and RT Racing. The colt broke his maiden for Christophe last November and is now training at Belmont. “Savvy Sassy is such a great story and it's a great partnership,” said Clement. “When it's a good partnership, you're friends as well. Dick and Christophe started the breeding partnership together. Dick is very analytic, so no decisions were taken without endless conversation. Christophe had the other side of the talent–his gut feeling as a horseman. So the partnership has been very successful and it's the story you hope for when you get Savvy Sassy. Being with people you trust is the key.” Clement credits their small breeding program's success to the relationships behind it. She has two mares in France at Ecurie des Monceaux with Henri Bozo, a former intern for Christophe. For the New York division, Leahy was a longtime owner for Christophe as a partner in Waterville Lake Stables. Savvy Sassy's yearling will sell at Fasig-Tipton with Denali Stud. Consignor Conrad Bandoroff said the colt has made steady progress since arriving at their farm in May. “He's one of those horses you get more and more excited about,” said Bandoroff. “We had one very respected agent who came out to the farm and asked why this horse wasn't in the main sale. There's a reason why Christophe is pictured on the inside cover of the New York-bred catalogue this year. Christophe was such a supporter of the New York-bred program and of this sale. If he was still around, this is where he would have put this horse. He was a believer in putting the best horses in this sale and letting them stand out and we believe that's what this horse is going to do.” Clement said that she has always enjoyed the breeding and sales side of the industry and is interested in staying involved going forward. “With the breeding, I enjoy how you see the full circle of the industry,” she explained. “You go to those farms to see the babies and you dream big. You think, 'Oh, I've spotted a champion.' When you approach it with the full story, you're not just looking at the finish line.” She knows she has a lot to learn, but in the months since her husband's passing, a voice in the back of her mind has been guiding her forward. “Back then, I had the answer,” she said. “I'm used to him constantly commenting about horses, whether we're at the races or at the sales. Now I have to say, 'What would he think of this horse? What would he see?' I'm trying to remember what he was teaching me.” The post “Carrying Out What Christophe Started,” Clement-Bred Colt Sells in Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-SAR, 100K, Msw, 3yo/up, 1m, 1:10 p.m. Pin Oak has been patient with LIMO (Uncle Mo), a colt they went to $1,000,000 to secure as a yearling two years ago at Keeneland September in 2023. First dam Flighty Almighty, a winner in England in her own career, is a daughter of Wall of Sound (GB) who was stakes placed twice on the turf in England and also hit the board in North America on the dirt in the GII Goldikova Stakes. He's drawn just inside of Fun to Tap (Tapit) who makes his first start since Nov. 2024 for Whisper Hill Farm who brought him home from FTSAUG for $1,200,000 two years ago. He was last spotted finishing second to future Jerome Stakes winner Cyclone State (McKinzie) in a one-mile spot at Aqueduct. TJCIS PPS 5th-SAR, 100K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f, 3:28 p.m. Everytimeithinkofu (Curlin) is a Jay Em Ess homebred out of their MGISW By The Moon who earned over $1.5m on the track and has already produced GSW Full Moon Madness (Into Mischief). Resolute Racing and trainer Chad Brown debut Memorized (Tapit), a $900,000 KEESEP grad bred by Brereton Jones who is a half to not only Panama's Horse of the Year Sol Principe Gris (Summer Front) but also to GISW and young Spendthrift stallion Zandon (Upstart). First dam Memories Prevail is also a half to MGSW/MGISP Cairo Memories (Cairo Prince). TJCIS PPS 1st-DMR, 100K, Msw, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 5:00 p.m. First-time starter Noble Testament (Constitution) is a half to GI Preakness Stakes winner Rombauer (Twirling Candy) out of Cashmere who RNA'd for $1.1m at FTKNOV in 2022. The mare has also produced GSW Alexander Helios (Cairo Prince) and and SP Cono (Lucky Pulpit). He faces two Bob Baffert stablemates making their second starts in Balboa (Not This Time), who ran third behind 'TDN Rising Star' Brant (Gun Runner), and Huber (Omaha Beach) who debuted on the turf and now tries the dirt. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: Seven-Figure Uncle Mo Colt Unveiled At Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Space Blues had made a strong start to his stud career in 2025 and his son Power Blue took it to the next level on Saturday when causing a surprise in The Curragh's feature G1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes. Handed an easier task by the withdrawal of Ballydoyle's Coventry winner Gstaad (Starspangledbanner), Amo Racing's Marble Hill runner-up was also able to benefit from the drop off of his comprehensive Railway conqueror True Love (No Nay Never) to land the spoils by 1 1/2 lengths at 10-1. “It's unbelievable–he has got bigger and stronger and has been improving all year,” commented trainer Adrian Murray, who had earlier saddled the owner's Bucanero Fuerte to win the Phoenix Sprint. “He never lets us down and a furlong out I was thinking the filly wasn't going to get to him as he was still in his comfort zone.” Oh. My. Goodness …. 1-4 favourite True Love is outgunned by in the @keeneland Phoenix Stakes @curraghrace What a day for @amoracingltd, @AMurrayRacing and @DavidEgan99 pic.twitter.com/6tviaSISyO — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 9, 2025 The post Power Blue Causes Phoenix Upset, Delivers Space Blues’ First Stakes Win In Style appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin homebred Dance To The Music (Dubawi) notched a one-length debut triumph at Newmarket's Rowley Mile track in May and maintained her unbeaten record with a battling display in Saturday's G3 Newsells Park Stud Sweet Solera Stakes at the town's summer venue. Stalking the pace in second through halfway, the 11-4 chance was shaken up to launch her challenge passing the quarter-mile marker and kept on in resolute fashion once gaining an edge approaching the final furlong to defeat Princess Petrol (St Mark's Basilica) and Venetian Lace (Masar) by a neck and a half-length. strikes a winning chord in the @newsellspark Sweet Solera Stakes @NewmarketRace @loughnane_billy | @godolphin pic.twitter.com/L4pslwSQi5 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 9, 2025 Pedigree Notes Dance To The Music is the 11th of 12 foals and one of seven scorers out of G2 Challenge Stakes victrix Miss Lucifer (Noverre), herself the leading performer out of a half-sister to G2 King Edward VII Stakes-winning sire Amfortas (Caerleon). The April-foaled homebred chestnut is a full-sister to multiple Group 1-winning sire Space Blues and a yearling filly. She is also kin to multiple Group-winning distaffer Shuruq (Elusive Quality) and to the dam of G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup winner Taj Dragon (Mehmas). Shuruq, in turn, is the dam of GIII The Very One Stakes victrix and GI Belmont Oaks Invitational runner-up Antoinette (Hard Spun) and the dual Graded-placed Javanica (Medaglia D'Oro). The post Godolphin’s Dance To The Music Sets the Tempo in Newmarket Feature appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Now that the summer is high, St Mark's Basilica's stud career is readying for take-off and Saturday saw Coolmore's freshman have his first TDN Rising Star in Ballydoyle's exciting Diamond Necklace. Partnered by Wayne Lordan in The Curragh's Grand Hotel Malahide Irish EBF Fillies Juvenile Race, the half-sister to Magic Wand (Galileo) and Chicquita (Montjeu) who was the €1.7million Arqana Deauville August topper swooped on Ryan Moore's pick Minerva (Frankel) inside the final furlong for a smooth 1 1/2-length success. “She'd been working lovely and is very exciting for next year,” Aidan O'Brien said. “St Mark looked for all the world a two-year-old, but he didn't win his maiden for another three weeks and we saw what he did as soon as he turned three. They are ahead of what he was doing and the Fillies' Mile could be for her this year–we have other fillies for the Debutante and Moyglare and those races beforehand, so we can give her the time and not rush her.” Lovely performance … St Mark's Basilica filly – a half-sister to Magic Wand – looks another juvenile jewel in the crown for @coolmorestud and @Ballydoyle judged by her striking success on debut @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/RU9pcgPODD — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 9, 2025 The post Fillies Mile-Bound Diamond Necklace Is St Mark’s Basilica’s First TDN Rising Star appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Curragh, €20,000, Mdn, 8-9, 2yo, 7fT, 1:23.64, gd. GERYON (IRE) (c, 2, Lope De Vega {Ire}–Oboe, by Mizzen Mast), sent off at 18-1 for this hotly-contested maiden, travelled smoothly without cover just off the pace throughout the early stages. Joining Kensington Lane (Starspangledbanner) inside the last half a furlong, the newcomer asserted to score by 1 1/4 lengths. “We have two colts that we like, this fella and Res Ipsa who ran at Leopardstown on Thursday,” trainer Ger Lyons said. “Res Ipsa fluffed his lines so I suppose it took away confidence and hence his starting price, but they are two similar horses.” “You would like to think there would be plenty of improvement, as it was his first day away from Glenburnie and first day on turf. The best-looking horse I had by Lope de Vega was Endless Drama who was second in the Guineas and this is the second-best one I've had by him. He's a very good-looking colt.” Colin Keane added, “It was smooth the whole way and I'd say there is a good bit of improvement in him–he went to the line well and he'll go an extra furlong as well, no problem.” The dam, a 290,000gns purchase out of the Juddmonte draft at 2019 Tattersalls December, has a yearling full-brother to the winner due to sell at the upcoming Goffs Orby Book 1. The second dam is Seattle Slew's Alabama and Kentucky Oaks heroine Flute, whose daughter Filimbi by Oboe's sire Mizzen Mast was successful in the GII Goldikova Stakes before producing the GIII West Virginia Derby and GIII Indiana Derby winner and GI Pennsylvania Derby third Dragoon Guard (Arrogate). Also close up in the pedigree are the GIII Dixiana Bourbon Stakes scorer Current (Curlin), the Ashland heroine Weep No More (Mineshaft) and Scat Daddy's Qabala who took the Nell Gwyn and was third in the 1,000 Guineas. Descended from the Oaks runner-up Media Luna (Star Appeal) which also links her to Brian Boru (Sadler's Wells) and Sea Moon (Beat Hollow), Oboe's filly foal is by Showcasing. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $13,970. O/B-Newtown Anner Stud Farm Ltd; T-Ger Lyons. Pretty, pretty, pretty good Debutant (Lope De Vega) handsomely defeats a strong bunch in the seven-furlong @IrishEBF_ maiden @curraghrace Previous recent winners of this include a certain Delacroix last season and Al Riffa … pic.twitter.com/4Ct3fU8fxS — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 9, 2025 The post Lyons Keen On Lope De Vega’s Curragh Maiden Winner Geryon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

KHK Racing's Zanthos (Sioux Nation) hit the €1-million mark at May's Arqana Breeze-Up sale and recovered some of that initial outlay with a TDN Rising Star display in Saturday's Tattersalls £40,000 EBF Newcomers' Maiden Fillies' Stakes at Newmarket. In command throughout the seven-furlong newcomers' test, the 4-5 favourite was rowed along with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining and kept on strongly under mild urging in the closing stages to easily outpoint Classic Cuvee (Siyouni) by an impressive three lengths. Blimey …. €1m breezer shows class, speed and stamina in the @Tattersalls1766 £40,000 @BritishEBF fillies' maiden @NewmarketRace @oismurphy | @gainsboroughHQ | @KHK_Racing pic.twitter.com/VMJCUf2HA1 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 9, 2025 2nd-Newmarket, £40,000, Mdn, 8-9, unraced 2yo, f, 7fT, 1:24.22, g/f. ZANTHOS (FR), f, 2, by Sioux Nation 1st Dam: Brioniya (GB) (MSP-Fr), by Pivotal (GB) 2nd Dam: Bahia Breeze (GB), by Mister Baileys (GB) 3rd Dam: Ring Of Love (GB), by Magic Ring (Ire) Sales history: €48,000 Ylg '24 ARQAUG; €1,000,000 2yo '25 ARQMAY. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, £20,616. *1/2 to Bakhchisaray (Fr) (Motivator {GB}), MSP-Fr, $195,962. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-KHK Racing Ltd; B-Viktor Timoshenko & Andriy Milovanov; T-Simon & Ed Crisford; J-Oisin Murphy. The post Arqana Millionaire Zanthos Impresses With TDN Rising Star Display in Newmarket Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lazzat will take the next step in cementing himself as the best European sprinter when he goes for back to back wins in the Group One Prix Maurice de Gheest (1,300m) at Deauville on Sunday. The Jerome Reynier-trained speedster is a perfect three from three at the sprint trips and bagged his second top-level success when making all the running in the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1,200m) at Royal Ascot. He gave his connections a scare post race, however, unshipping his jockey James...View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Sunday at Saratoga, Ellis Park and Del Mar. Sunday, August 10, 2025 Ellis 3, $100k, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 1:48 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Janey's Flyin (Knicks Go)-AE, OBSAPR, 60,000 PS, :10 2/5 C-Thorostock LLC; B-Chad Schumer, agent Ellis 4, Debutante S.-L, $200k, 2yo, f, 7f, 2:16 p.m. ET Kingsolver (Omaha Beach), OBSMAR, 95,000, :10 C-J V C Training & Sales, agent; B-RB Bldstk, agt. Storyteller Rcg. Saratoga 4, $100k, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 2:53 p.m. ET Spherical (City of Light), OBSMAR, 130,000, :21 3/5 C-Tom McCrocklin, agent; B-Robin Smullen, agt for Eric Dattner Ellis 6, ELP Juvenile S.-L, $200k, 2yo, 7f, 3:12 p.m. ET Papa Ken (Yaupon), OBSAPR, 160,000, :21 C-Ocala Stud; B-Ken Reimer Street Player (Street Boss), OBSMAR, 35,000, :10 1/5 C-Six K's Training & Sales, agent; B-Nolan Ramsey, agent Saratoga 5, $100k, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f, 3:28 p.m. ET Karey (Beau Liam), OBSMAR, 95,000, :10 1/5 C-Britton Peak, agent; B-High Point Bloodstock, agent Lovely Christina (Vekoma), OBSMAR, 425,000, :10 1/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (C Dunne), agt; B-Leland Ackerley Del Mar 1, $100k, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 5:00 p.m. ET Parker's Candy (Twirling Candy), OBSMAR, 300,000, :9 4/5 C-Kings Equine, agent; B-Steven W Young, agent Dmr 3, Sorrento S.-GIII, $150k, 2yo, f, 6f, 6:00 p.m. ET Himika (Curlin), OBSAPR, 900,000, :9 4/5 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-Donato Lanni, Agent For Baoma Corp Thank You India (Practical Joke), OBSAPR, 140,000, :10 C-Niall Brennan Stables, agent; B-California Here We Come The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Sunday, August 10, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Talented sprinter Oak Hill (NZ) (Per Incanto) resumed from a short winter break with an impressive victory at The Valley over 1000m with connections hoping the win is a pre-cursor to bigger things. Prepared by Ben, Will and JD Hayes, Oak Hill was originally prepared by the late Mike Moroney and Glen Thompson and maintained his unblemished record since joining his new quarters. A winner at his first start for the Lindsay Park team in May, Oak Hill was patiently ridden by Blake Shinn to come from last in the small field of five to comfortably run down leader Midwest. The son of Per Incanto will now follow the path trod by race rival Mornington Glory (Shalaa), who used the early season sprint as a springboard to victory in the Listed Norman Carlyon Stakes (1000m) before usurping the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m), also at The Valley. “We are very lucky, he came to us in great order from Ballymore Stables, and has not done much wrong since he has arrived and he is quite a straightforward horse,” Ben Hayes said. “Today what I loved was that he relaxed beautifully, there was a nice genuine tempo and the way he rounded them up was really exciting. “As a young horse he over-raced a bit, but now he is starting to relax. “He relaxed today and finished off strongly and beat a small but competitive field. We could not be happier and we are looking forward to the rest of his prep.” There has been plenty of work behind the scenes to ensure the stable can get the best out of Oak Hill, with the five-year-old notching his seventh victory from just 14 starts, with Blake Shinn fully understanding the brief to get the gelding to settle and let his talent do the rest. “With a lot of these horses they just mature and then they just get better and better,” Hayes said. “It is about keeping them in a routine and having a good rider on them, and they learn to relax, that’s what he did today and that’s why we saw such a good turn of foot. “It was nice to see him win on a soft surface too. It’s very exciting and now it is full steam into the Carlyon and the Moir. “He only had one jump-out and really good strong gallop going into this, so I think there will be a lot of improvement out of today.” Oak Hill was bred by German native Wessel Van der Scheer under the Mahoenui Partnership and is by Little Avondale Stud’s outstanding sire Per Incanto out of the High Chaparral mare Isstoora. That makes Oak Hill a half-brother to Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai), who has won six races including the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m), Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), Gr.3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) and the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic (1600m). Oak Hill was presented in Little Avondale’s Book 1 yearling draft at Karaka 2022, where Paul Moroney Bloodstock and Ballymore Stables bought him for $180,000. With Saturday’s victory, Oak Hill advanced his career earnings to A$472,015. View the full article

A decision to head to the races earlier than intended with Midnight Scandal (NZ) (Belardo) has paid dividends for trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander. The Te Awamutu couple were weighing up between trialling their mare or lining her up in the Dunstan Horsefeeds 1200 at Te Rapa on Saturday, eventually opting for the latter. From their outside gate in the eight-horse field, jockey Matt Cameron elected to settle Midnight Scandal off the pace at the rear of the pack. Cameron asked his charge to gradually improve from the 600m, and turning for home he presented her in the middle of the track, just a few lengths off the lead. Midnight Scandal showed a good turn of foot in the better part of the track and reeled in Twain (NZ) (Per Incanto) to score by a head, with a further 1-3/4 lengths back to Spencer (NZ) (Derryn) in third. “She is the sort of mare that races handy, but off the hot speed I thought this would be a time to go back,” Cameron said. “As long as I had Nabba’s (Michael McNab, jockey) horse (Force Of Nature (NZ) (Savabeel)) on the inside I knew that we were going to get over the top. She got to the better part of the track and was good.” It was a fruitful result for the Alexanders, who were pleased they opted to head to the races with their mare. They had their sights set on the Gr.3 Grangewilliam Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) in October with the daughter of Belardo following her placing in the Gr.3 Tauranga Classic (1400m) in June. They subsequently gave the mare a week in the paddock before an intended slow build-up to the Taranaki feature, but they are pleased they fast-tracked their initial plans. “We gave her a spell after those first three runs in the winter and she has been back in the stable just ticking over,” Katrina Alexander said. “We earmarked a race for her in early October, the Breeders’ Stakes down at Taranaki. She was coming to hand quite nicely, so we quickly got our skates on. “We were going to trial her this morning before the races, but I was worried whether she was going to get a trial start, and the owners were keen to race instead.” Alexander was pleased they elected to head to the races and is now looking forward to what they hope to be a lucrative spring with their mare. “It was a quality field, so it was great to get the result,” she said. Saturday’s victory was the fifth of Midnight Scandal’s career, and Alexander said she is only just now starting to hit her straps. “She has just taken a bit of time to get there,” she said. “It (ability) has always been there. She has got a bit of sass and a bit of confidence now, she always gives it 110 percent.” View the full article

Marton visitor Captains Run (NZ) (Nom du Je) proved his eye-catching run for second in last week’s Koral Steeplechase (4250m) was just what he needed as he went one better to capture the 150th running of the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Billed as a two-horse war between favourite Jesko (NZ) (Atlante), who had won the Koral the week before and West Coast (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu) who was looking for his fourth win in the event, the unpredictability of racing came to the fore throughout the contest. While co-trainer and pilot Shaun Fannin was happy to take up the pacemaking duties throughout on the $1.80 race favourite Jesko, he was accompanied by outsider Hey Hey Hey (NZ) (Shocking ) after 1000m who niggled away at him throughout. West Coast, with visiting rider Willie McCarthy aboard, sat back in fourth and was travelling comfortably under his 73kg topweight when he had a life at fence with just on a lap to run which took the sting out of his challenge. While this was all happening rider Joshua Parker had Captains Run relaxed in fourth before inching into contention with three fences left to clear. Jesko shook off Hey Hey Hey at the second last and went for gold, however Captain Run stalked him along the inner and put his head in front turning for home. Safely over the last fence he strode away to win by an increasing seven length margin from a gallant Jesko, with Nedwin (NZ) (Niagara) further back in third. Trainer Dan O’Leary was beaming with pride after he greeted his charge back at the Riccarton birdcage. “That was a huge thrill as this is such a time honoured race,” O’Leary said. “It is the 150th year and there are not a lot of sporting occasions in New Zealand that have that history, so to win it now is just so special. “Josh rode a beautiful race and it all worked out well as he (Captains Run) jumped good and travelled well. “The horse improved from last week and I thought he would be better today.” O’Leary is no stranger to big-race success having co-owned Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m) and Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) winner Who Shot Thebarman, who also was placed in a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), alongside his three brothers. “I thought when Who Shot Thebarman won the Auckland Cup, our whole family was there and we had a wonderful day,” he said. “When he ran third in the Melbourne Cup it was even bigger but this one also rates as a pretty special day.” A mud spattered Parker was finding it hard to put into words what the victory meant to him. “I’m finding it hard to describe how I feel, but it is the best feeling in the world,” he said. “He just jumped superbly and has gone an amazing race as he just ran his heart out. “Dan said just don’t let go of him until the end and this time I didn’t. “What a horse as he looks a picture and the team at home have done a wonderful job. “His jumping ability is so good as his jumps are so sleek. “I was told to be on the inside rail and that’s what I did and it just worked out for us. “You can’t beat this feeling; there’s nothing like it.” Bred and raced by O’Leary and his wife Jane, Captains Run was adding just the second victory to his career record, which also includes 14 placings and now over $234,000 in prizemoney.” View the full article

Lightly-raced six-year-old mare Jennivamoose (NZ) (Vadamos) scored a comfortable victory in the Donnellans The Tyremen Handicap (2500m) at The Valley on Saturday under a patient Harry Coffey ride. Prepared by Ciaron Maher for Tony and Lynn Ottobre’s Cape Schanck Racing, Jennivamoose was dropped out to near the rear of the field by Coffey but quickened readily when asked. The daughter of Vadamos looped the field and ran out a length and a quarter winner over fellow Kiwi breds Bluestone (NZ) (Reliable Man) and Flamin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines). “It was a class ride,” Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull said. “They didn’t go that hard either so I was a little bit worried, but she picked up when he asked her and she was strong through the line. “It was a very good win. She ran a really good race here a long time ago when trained by Andrew Noblet where she was beaten by one of ours, so it was good to see her repeat the effort at the same venue today. “She was off the scene with an injury but we got her in great order and she flicks between Cranbourne and Tony Ottobre’s property at Cape Schanck where they do a wonderful job with her. “She had such good colour to her today, was very fit and clearly she has got an affinity with this track. “We have aspirations to get to better races and this is all part of it so we won’t step out of our mark too much but we can go to an 84 somewhere in the next three or four weeks and then progress to better races.” The winner of four of her 13 starts with a further three-placings, Jennivamoose has won A$183,950 in prizemoney to date. Purchased as a yearling at Karaka by Ottobre from the draft of Rich Hill Stud for $110,000, Jennivamoose is out of the High Chaparral mare So Ard. Bred by Brisbane-based Rick Hill, So Ard is domiciled at Rich Hill Stud near Matamata and the mare is a half-sister to Gr.1 Irish Oaks (2400m) winner Even So and comes from a Group One winning family that features English Derby winner Dr Devious, The Oaks winner Dancing Rain, Guineas winner Saxon Warrior, and Takamatsunomiya Kinen winner Suzuka Phoenix. Jennivamoose is a half-sister to the five-win mare Bozo (NZ) (Satono Aladdin), who finished fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) in her Classic year. View the full article

Bevan and Robyn Wilson were disappointed their trio of runners didn’t feature in last week’s Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m), but they got a consolation prize at Riccarton Park seven days later. The Ashburton couple returned to the Christchurch venue on Saturday with Lord Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and Victorian Charm (NZ) (Charm Spirit) to contest the Stephanie Murray Mortgages Open Handicap (1400m), and got the perfect result, securing the quinella with the pair. Lord Darci drew the outside gate in the eight-horse field and settled at the rear of the field for apprentice jockey Yogesh Atchamah, with race favourite Bradman (NZ) (Pins) setting the pace upfront. Atchamah bided his time before presenting his charge on the extreme outside when turning for home, with Lord Darci running over the top of his rivals to score a one length victory over stablemate Victorian Charm. Atchamah was pleased to get the win and he was confident of the result a long way out. “At the 600m I had plenty of horse under me and I saw everyone was under pressure,” he said. “He was cruising under me, that is why I was waiting for the right moment to ask him to go. He loves a wet track.” Bevan Wilson had been pleased with the former Winter Cup winner’s sixth-placed performance last week, but said the Group Three mile came up a week too soon, which was reflected in Saturday’s winning result. “He went pretty well the other day, but he had a bit of a setback going into that and it probably just came up a bit early for him this time,” he said. “It is good they bounced back. They all went well the other day.” The Wilsons haven’t mapped out further assignments post Saturday’s run, but they haven’t ruled out heading into spring with the energetic eight-year-old. “I think he can go through a spring,” Wilson said. “His form is definitely better on the loose heavy, but on a softer track in the spring he will be alright. “We are always day-to-day with him. He is a sound horse, but he just gets himself into trouble every now and again. He is a very active horse. Hopefully there is another year or two yet (with him).” Saturday’s victory was the sixth of Lord Darci’s career, highlighted by his win in the 2022 edition of the Winter Cup, and it boosted his career earnings past the $200,000 mark. View the full article

Trainer Ken Kelso was wearing a wide smile as he left Te Rapa racecourse on Saturday afternoon after witnessing his two stable stars provide him with suitable evidence they are both on target to kick off their Spring campaigns in fine fashion. He and wife Bev lined up Alabama Lass and Legarto in the 1050m open class trial with rider Lynsey Satherley never letting Alabama Lass out of second gear as she led all the way to defeat Ardalio and Sacred Satono, while stayer Sharp N Smart shaded Legarto for fourth as they made up good ground in the closing stages. Kelso has his sights set on a Melbourne raid for Alabama Lass who closed her three-year-old year in late March with a victory in the Listed Moomba Plate (1100m) at Flemington in the hands of Craig Williams. He is delighted with how the now four-year-old mare has come back a bigger and better specimen for the new season. “That was a very nice trial as she has really grown and thickened up during the break and looks fantastic,” Kelso said. “I got Lynsey to ride her today as she had ridden her in a trial before the Railway (Gr.1, 1200m) last year so had some knowledge of her. She came back in and couldn’t believe how much she had developed. “She (Alabama Lass) did exactly what we wanted and I think we will follow Plan A which is to take her to Melbourne to tackle the Moir Stakes (Gr.1, 1000m) at The Valley first up on 6 September. “There is a bit of water to go under the bridge but at this stage it is likely Craig Williams will take the ride on her again. “We are thinking if she goes well we might stay on and tackle the Manikato (Gr.1, 1200m) three weeks later, but that is only a thought at this stage.” Kelso was also satisfied with Legarto who settled near last for rider Vinnie Colgan and made up good ground in the final 400m. “Legarto needed the run and she will have an exhibition gallop, or possibly a trial, before we take her to Ellerslie for the Proisir Plate (Gr.1, 1400m) on the 6th of September,” he said. “The plan with her is to tackle the three races of the Spring Triple Crown which has two legs at Ellerslie this year. The money is very good and she will appreciate stepping up in distance over the series. “Some might say she doesn’t go as well at Ellerslie as she has only won one of her four starts there, but the other three races saw her run second to Desert Lightning in the Aotearoa Classic, second to El Vencedor in the Bonecrusher (Gr.1, 2000m) along with finishing third in the New Zealand Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.1, 1600m). “There are plenty who would be well satisfied with a record like that.” With renovations making the Hastings track unavailable to host the traditional Spring Triple Crown, the Gr.1 Prosier Plate, Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) and Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) will be held at Ellerslie on 6 September, Te Rapa on 27 September and Ellerslie on 18 October, respectively. View the full article

Veteran hurdler Suliman (NZ) (Redwood) turned back the clock to his former glory days when he proved toughest in a four-horse war at the finish of the Hospitality NZ Canterbury Grand National Hurdles (4200m) at Riccarton. The twelve-year-old gelding has both an Awapuni Hurdles (2800m) and Wellington Hurdle (3400m) under his belt along with a Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m) victory on the flat but had mixed his form in recent times after resuming following a year off after a bleeding attack suffered during the 2023 edition of the Grand National Hurdles. Suliman became trainers Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal and owners the I See Red Syndicate’s only runner in the event, when their pre-post favourite Dictation was withdrawn during the week after suffering a minor injury following his Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) on the first day of the Carnival. Jockey Matthew Gillies, who was to partner Dictation (NZ) (Tavistock) in the contest until his withdrawal, set up a sharp pace on the Kevin Myers-trained Happy Star (NZ) (Fabulous) from outsider Mr Fabulous (NZ) (Fabulous), Mr Fahrenheit (NZ) (Zed) and Suliman while the hot favourite Berry The Cash (NZ) (Jakkalberry), second favourite Quid (NZ) (Rios) and Lord Spencer (NZ) (Zed) were back several lengths on the very testing Heavy 0 surface. Things began to get serious with 1200m to run as Mr Fahrenheit dropped off when Mr Fabulous tackled Happy Star to turn the contest into a true staying test. Rounding the turn Happy Star was still in front but Suliman and rider Hamish McNeill were hot in pursuit alongside Mr Fabulous while Quid and Berry The Cash chased gamely several lengths adrift. Mr Fabulous threatened a massive upset when he hit the front after jumping the last, however Suliman closed resolutely to hit the lead with 100m to run before holding off a charging Quid by a nose with Happy Star and Mr Fabulous next over the line as less than a length covered the first four at the end of the gruelling 4200m. Nelson was shaking his head a little with the final result after thinking Suliman may have been beaten in the shadows of the post. “I was a little bit doubtful that he had got there although I got assured he had pretty quickly,” Nelson said. “That was just great. The track being as bad as it was helped him, as when he won the Wellington Hurdles the track was horrible and he just kept going. “Unfortunately, he missed a year last year but it is bloody lucky that he has come back. “Any race win is good but a National is just wonderful. “The syndicate who race this guy have been with me for twenty years. It was a shame for them when Dictation came out but this will have fixed that.” An ecstatic McNeill was nearly lot for words as he described the finish where he dropped his whip shortly after clearing the last obstacle. “I dropped my stick after the last and I was cursing myself when I saw them coming down the outside,” he said. “I’m not too sure which way the camera angle goes here, so I’m a bit lost for words. “As soon as the rain came (over the past 24 hours) I thought he and Quid would be the ones to beat. “To do it for Paul is very special as we have had a close association.” Suliman has now won eleven of his 64 starts, with five of those over the hurdle fences, and now more than $342,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Caley Myers has been a frequent visitor to Riccarton Park’s Grand National Festival of Racing, campaigning her father Kevin Myers’ team, but on Saturday it was her name in the result sheet as a winning trainer, courtesy of Duke Of Plumpton (NZ) (Bachelor Duke). The veteran campaigner was previously trained by part-owners Kevin Myers and Patrick Payne on their respective sides of the Tasman, but he was entrusted to Caley’s care earlier this year to help bolster her growing racing team. He was a welcome addition to Myers’ newly established Palmerston North stable, having already won seven races on the flat and one over hurdles, with close to $250,000 in earnings. With an eye to a future over hurdles, the son of Bachelor Duke had two flat runs before placing in his first hurdle test for Myers at Te Rapa last month, and he was kept up to the mark with a flat run at Waverley before heading south to Riccarton. Myers elected to bypass the opening day of the carnival with her charge, and she was hopeful of a bold showing in Saturday’s Speight’s Ultra On Tap 0-1 Win Hurdles (3100m). With just four other rivals, jockey Corey Wiles kept Duke Of Plumpton handy throughout, sitting just off his brother Kylan on pacemaker Doctor Iris (NZ) (Mongolian Khan). Duke of Plumpton jumped well and struck the lead turning for home. He continued to increase his advantage over his rivals, eventually running out a 14-length victor over Doctor Iris, with race favourite Hidalgo (NZ) (Pure Champion), the only other finisher, back in third. Wiles was rapt with Duke Of Plumpton’s performance, and he believes the 10-year-old gelding has a great jumping future instore. “It was a good race, Kylan set the tempo well and I sat behind and cruised behind him,” he said. “At about the 600 or 700m I thought I still had a lot of horse under me and he cruised to the front. He is an awesome horse. “He has jumped enormous. We are really happy with the horse and Caley has done a great job.” Myers was pleased to get her first win with Duke Of Plumpton and continue the family’s legacy, with the gelding carrying her father’s colours. “It was a good effort,” she said. “He is rather consistent. If he likes you, he likes you, but if you don’t get along with him, he doesn’t help you very much. “I have had a lot of help along the way from Mum and Dad and Jason and Luke (brothers) school the horse for me.” Myers hasn’t set a plan in stone with Duke Of Plumpton, but said his next test will likely be much closer to home. “We will just get home and go from there,” she said. “We might look to go to Hawera” View the full article

Ozara has a long way to go to match Fourstardave or even Casa Creed as a Saratoga Race Course legend, but she is certainly moving in the right direction. View the full article

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JAL Racing's Doncho not only picked up an allowance-optional claiming race victory Aug. 8 at Ellis Park, he also established a North American record in completing 5 1/2 furlongs in :59.75 on firm turf.View the full article

Race 10 GROUP 1 RACEDAY PARTY – 13 SEPTEMBER 1800m STORMS AHEAD (T Comignaghi) –Trainer Ms. S Faulkner advised Stewards, that blood tests taken from STORMS AHEAD on Monday, 4 August, revealed the presence of a slight virus, with no signs of tying-up. The gelding will have a week off before continuing with his current campaign. The post Canterbury Jockey Club @ Riccarton Park, Saturday 2 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

A horse for course at Saratoga is a good thing to have, and that's exactly what the Miguel Clement stable has as Ozara (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) cruised home to collect the GII Ballston Spa Stakes. While her three wins from as many starts at the New York mecca will be a popular point, Ozara entered into the race with three victories already to her name this year alone–the two in Florida were against optional claiming company Jan. 3 at Tampa Bay Downs and Apr. 26 at Gulfstream Park in the Monroe Stakes. She had to settled for the last trifecta spot two back June 14 at Monmouth Park when she tried her fortunes in the GIII Eatontown Stakes, and was well-beaten by GSW Whiskey Decision (Into Mischief) and that one's stablemate, Argentinian Group 1-placed Maggie Go (Arg) (Winning Prize {Arg}); both of whom returned here for trainer Chad Brown. She redeemed that defeat last out July 10 in the local De La Rose Stakes when she overhauled Spinning Colors (Hard Spun) in the final yards to win by a half-length. Sent off here carrying 7-2 odds as the betting dollars drifted the way of Deep Satin (American Pharoah) at 5-2 favoritism, she broke well but was eased off the pace to track from fourth as Edict (Arg) (Il Campione {Chi}) was sent out to set the tempo through :23, :46.69, and 1:10.33 splits. Saving ground as she inched closer to that early leader, she was asked for more outside the quarter pole but had to muscle the betting choice over to nudging her way to clear running as they entered upper stretch. Wrestling command away passing the sixteenth pole, she strolled home with ears pricked to win by 1 1/2 lengths over Deep Satin, who valiantly held on to second in a photo with No Mo Candy (Uncle Mo). “She's based here, and she got into a great momentum here and was able to raise it to another level,” said Clement afterwards. “…I guess Saratoga suits her by having so much tactical speed. Today, they were rolling–46 and change–and she was always traveling strong on the bridle. Short stretch, a bit speed-favoring and that's her type of game.” When asked about a potential start in the GI First Lady Stakes Oct. 4 at Keeneland, Clement said, “You have to think about it. You have the Grade I at Keeneland potentially–or at the end of the year the [GI] Matriarch [Stakes, at Del Mar]. Look at the historical stats of what De La Rose winners have done in the Matriarch recently. It's food for thought. Let's just enjoy it and see how she comes out of it.” OZARA levels up! She earns back-to-back stakes wins and her first graded stakes score in the G2 Ballston Spa with @DavisJockey up for trainer @clementstable. pic.twitter.com/EPjk08qbYb — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 8, 2025 Pedigree Notes: Ozara is heiress apparent to a fabulous female line as her dam is a half-sister to not only the mighty multiple Group 1 winner Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}), but also to SW-Eng, MGSP Eastern Belle (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}). The aforementioned sister has gained fame via the exploits of her sons–multiple Group winner Megallan (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and SW & GSP-Eng Glittering Legend (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Dam Cercle d'Or (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) has produced one other winner before Ozara, a 5-year-old gelding named Laser Guided (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). After the victress, she has an unraced 3-year-old filly in Australia named Kalgoorlie Girl (Aus) (Frankel {GB}) as well as a juvenile colt by Maurice (Jpn). Her most recent on the ground is a 2025 full-sister to Ozara. The second dam Fleche d'Or (Dubai Destination) claims her fair share of successful siblings as the half-sister to English Group 1 winner Rebecca Sharp (GB) (Machiavellian); English Group winner Mystic Knight (GB) (Caerleon); and Listed winner and multiple Group-placed Hidden Hope (GB) (Daylami {Ire}). Friday, Saratoga BALLSTON SPA S.-GII, $300,000, Saratoga, 8-8, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16mT, 1:39.65, fm. 1–OZARA (IRE), 122, f, 4, by Lope de Vega (Ire) 1st Dam: Cercle d'Or (Ire), by Acclamation (GB) 2nd Dam: Fleche d'Or (GB), by Dubai Destination 3rd Dam: Nuryana (GB), by Nureyev 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. (350,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). O-Cheyenne Stable LLC; B-Fleche D'Or Partnership (Ire); T-Miguel Clement; J-Dylan Davis. $165,000. Lifetime Record: 13-7-2-2, $598,257. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Deep Satin, 122, f, 4, American Pharoah–Take the Ribbon, by Chester House. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O-John D. Gunther and Eurowest Bloodstock Services; B-Eurowest Bloodstock Services (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. $60,000. 3–No Mo Candy, 120, f, 4, Uncle Mo–Sweet, by Blame. ($80,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Niall J. Brennan and Michael J. Ryan; B-Claiborne Farm (KY); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. $36,000. Margins: 1HF, HD, 1HF. Odds: 3.60, 2.65, 8.20. Also Ran: Whiskey Decision, Edict (Arg), Maggie Go (Arg), Ocean Club. Scratched: Amanda's Folly, Be Your Best (Ire), Bernietakescharge, Freedom Speaks, Just Music. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Ozara Continues Love Affair With Saratoga, Confidently Scores in Ballston Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-Saratoga, $80,000, (R), Msw, 8-8, 2yo, 6f, 1:12.64, ft, 1 1/2 lengths. AYE EYE (c, 2, Essential Quality–Divine Queen {MSW, $339,344}, by Divine Park) might have touched 500-1 if there were in-play wagering on American racing, but turned in a rally for the ages to graduate going away at first asking. Dismissed as the longest shot on the board ad 26-1, the gray colt walked out of the gate and at the end of the first two furlongs, was nearly 20 lengths behind pacesetting favorite Escape Hall (Independence Hall). Still well out of the picture as the rest of the field rounded the turn, the February foal finally made an appearance, but still had a dozen lengths to find at the head of the stretch. Gradually working his way into it approaching midstretch, with a daunting task still ahead, Aye Eye dove down to the inside, prompting an incredulous Frank Mirahmadi to exclaim 'could that be Aye Eye?' and he maintained the gallop to the line for a highly improbable score. The second winner for his freshman sire (by Tapit), Aye Eye is out of a daughter of SW Town Queen (Williamstown), also the dam of SW & GSP Queen's Award (Medaglia d'Oro). Divine Queen has a yearling colt by Life Is Good and was covered by both Twirling Candy and McKinzie this year. Sales history: $140,000 RNA Ylg '24 KEESEP; $45,000 2yo '25 EASMAY. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $44,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Robert Cotran; B-Betz Thoroughbreds/DJ Stables/Graves/Gainesway/Lamantia/Ramsby (KY); T-Joseph F Orseno. You HAVE to see this Nobody had an eye on AYE EYE… until he blew past them all at 26-1 in a late rally you have to see to believe! @jjcjockey was aboard for trainer Joseph Orseno. pic.twitter.com/V2ifFFh7oK — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 8, 2025 The post Essential Quality Colt Aye Eye Comes From The Clouds–Or Beyond–To Win First Time Out appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — There a was an easy-to-embrace educational angle to Deep Learning (Cairo Prince)'s victory in the third race Friday at Saratoga Race Course. In her career debut Klaravich Stables' 2-year-old filly dealt with some bumping exiting the gate leaving her a bit farther off the early pace than trainer Chad Brown expected. With a patient ride by Flavien Prat and an impressive finish, Deep Learning scored by 3 1/4 lengths over Beach Ballad (Omaha Beach). She completed the 1 1/16 miles $100,000 maiden special weight contest on the inner turf course in 1:42.50 and paid $6.70 as the 2-1 favorite. After the slowish start, Deep Learning was sixth, some eight lengths back, in the first run through the stretch while Beach Ballad was setting early fractions of :24.08 and :48.61. Prat guided the filly to an inside trip, took her to the outside at the three-sixteenths pole and she finished with resolve, passed the pacesetter near sixteenth pole and kept rolling. “I was hoping she wouldn't be too far away, and they should be saving ground,” Brown said. “She accomplished a bunch of things today. Not only did she win, but she was able to learn something traveling behind horses and such and waiting.” Brown purchased the filly out of Dovima by Union Rags for $325,000 at the OBS April 2-year-old sale. “We don't buy that much there,” owner Seth Klarman said, “but he thought she kind of looked really great, and maybe (was by) a little bit of an off sire for what people were looking for. He said she always impressed him. Chad is just amazing with turf horses. Flavien gave her a brilliant ride. Very fortunate today.” Brown said there were a few factors in the purchase: an impressive breeze at the sale and that she was handled by consignor Eddie Woods, who retired this spring. “I bought so many great horses off him, including Lady Eli, and many others that he either sold me or just sent to me that he had through his program,” Brown said. “I loved buying his horses. I've loved receiving his horses through the years. So that was a big plus for me, after I saw her work. “She reminded me of some of the better 2-year-old prospects I've gotten out of 2-year-old sales in the past, so we pulled the trigger. I'm fortunate enough to have the backing of Mr. Seth Klarman, who really lets me sort of direct traffic up front of what direction we're going and what prospects we're looking at.” Bred by Tony Dardis, Dell Ridge Farm, Ken Donworth and Desmond Ryan, her dam was trained by Brown, but he said he didn't make the connection until after he had already decided she was a prospect to purchase. Brown said that he probably will give Deep Learning some time to recover from the maiden score and point her toward the GII Miss Grillo Stakes on Oct. 6. That race is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series with a berth in the GI Juvenile Fillies' Turf up for grabs. Deep Learning was Klaravich's meet-leading sixth victory. Typically, Klarman gives his horses names connected to finance, so Deep Learning is a bit different. “I would say it's an AI term,” he said. “It's sort of the idea of how they train the AI models. I'm just always looking for words that go together that sound like a racehorse.” The post Saratoga Maidens Presented By Keeneland: Deep Learning Passed Her Tests In Saratoga Maiden Special appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse needed a very good reason to miss next weekend's prestigious $1-million Listed King's Plate at Woodbine. Actually, he has two of them. Casse will miss Canada's oldest thoroughbred horse race–one has won three times–because he's staying in Saratoga to try and win the $600,000 GI Alabama Stakes for the first time. He will be well represented by La Cara (Street Sense) and Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) in Saratoga's premier race for 3-year-old fillies. The King's Plate at Woodbine and Alabama are both being run next Saturday. La Cara, who has had a up and down summer at Saratoga, had her final Alabama work Friday morning, going four furlongs on the main track in :49.77 (28/52) with regular exercise rider Mary Rose Hitt on board. “She went perfect,” Casse said outside his barn on the Saratoga backstretch. “She is always that way. The crazy thing is that she could go in 46 and still do it effortlessly. I told Mary to go in about 50 and she went in 49.3 so that is pretty good.” Hitt has been La Cara's partner all summer. She has also exercised her as a 2-year-old and out in California last year for the Breeders' Cup. “I love riding her,” Hitt said after the work. “She loves to train; she knows her job and you always know what you're going to get with her. Every work, you are sitting against her the whole time. She always wants to do more.” La Cara won the GI Acorn Stakes at Saratoga on June 6 and was being pointed to the GI Coaching Club American Oaks on July 19. She was the 8-5 morning-line favorite in that race, but a quarantine placed on her barn because of a case of strangles on another horse put the kybosh on that. Casse then refocused and pointed La Cara, owned by bred by Tracy Framer, to the Alabama. “The quarantine was definitely a crazy deal,” Casse said. La Cara has won three of five starts this year. She also won the GI Ashland. A win in the Alabama would put her squarely in front of the division. She also ran in the GI Kentucky Oaks but tired over the sloppy Churchill Downs strip after setting the pace. She performed much better on the Saratoga slop in the Acorn when she led from gate-to-wire and won by three lengths. Casse will have two horses–Ashley's Archer (ON) (Karakontie {Jpn}) and filly No Time (ON) (Not This Time)–in the King's Plate. “I have to be here,” Casse said about staying for the Alabama. “The Alabama is a race I have been dreaming about since I was a little boy.” Motion Will be at Colonial Saturday, but will Have an Eye Toward Saratoga Laurelin | Sarah Andrew It will be a busy day for trainer Graham Motion Saturday as he has horses running in stakes races at Colonial Downs, Del Mar and Saratoga. He has chosen to be in Virginia where he has horses entered in the GII $500,000 Secretariat Stakes (End of Romance (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) and GII $500,000 Beverly D. Stakes (Beach Bomb (SAf) (Lancaster Bomber). At Del Mar, Motion will be represented by Heredia (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the GII, $200,000 Yellow Ribbon Handicap. He'll also be keeping a close watch on the GII, $500,000 Saratoga Oaks Invitational on the Mellon Turf Course where his undefeated Laurelin (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}) is the headliner. Owned by Newstead Stables LLC, Laurelin is the 9-5 morning-line favorite in the field of six and will be ridden by Kendrick Carmouche. Laurelin has won all four of her starts and will be trying the 1 3/16-mile distance for the first time. Her last three wins have come at a mile “Nothing makes me think that she shouldn't handle it,” Motion said by phone from Virginia Friday afternoon. “Pedigree…the way she trains.” Laurelin has won three ungraded stakes in her career, the latest being the Penn Oaks at Penn National on June 27. Before that, Motion had toyed with the idea of taking her to England for the Royal Ascot meet. “I really thought about it, but I kind of got cold feet about it,” he said. “I always thought she was of that quality. Once we did not go to England, I wanted to keep things conservative with races like these in mind for the summer.” Motion gives credit to trainer Jamie Osborne, who had Laurelin in England and prepared her to come over to the states from the 2023 Goffs Orby Yearling Sale. When she came to Motion, she showed immediate talent, winning both her starts as a 2-year-old. “(Osborne) had suggested she was of good quality,” Motion said. “And she really has been a pleasure. She hasn't skipped a beat. We liked her as much as any 2-year-old we had last year, and she has proven to be the real deal.” Shug Looking for a Million Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey has never won the GI Arlington Million, which will be run at Colonial Downs for the third straight year following the closing of Arlington Park. He might have his best chance to get it this year as he is sending two horses to Virginia from his base in Saratoga. Integration (Quality Road), owned by West Point Thoroughbreds and Woodford Racing LLC, is the 8-5 morning-line favorite and Magic Cap Stables' Fort Washington (War Front) is 4-1 in the field of eight. Integration, who will be ridden by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, has won three of four starts at Colonial, but McGaughey said that is not why he shipped the 5-year-old. “I've had this on my mind for a while,” he said outside his barn at the Oklahoma Training Track Friday morning. “He likes Colonial, but he has run good everywhere. He has been training good, he is fresh, so let's see what happens.” Integration has run four times this year without a win. But he has been oh, so close. In his last start, he was defeated by Deterministic (Liam's Map) by a head in the GI Manhattan at Saratoga on June 8. Earlier this year, he lost the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational by a neck to Spirit of St. Louis (Medaglia d'Oro). For his career, Integration has five wins, four seconds and a third in 14 stats. Last year, he was second in the Arlington Million, losing by 1 3/4 lengths to Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) by 1 3/4 lengths. Nations Pride is running in the GI, $750,000 Sword Dancer at Saratoga Saturday. “He deserves to win one of these,” McGaughey said of Integration. McGaughey will stay in Saratoga on Saturday. His son, Reeve, will be in Virginia to saddle the horses. The post Saratoga Notebook, presented by NYRA Bets: La Cara “Perfect” Heading into Next Weekend’s Alabama appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article