Wandering Eyes

From an immediate-return standpoint, jockey Flavien Prat's trip to King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Saturday paid off handsomely. Imagination (Into Mischief) took home the $1.2 million winner's share of the purse in the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint, and the $3.5 million runner-up money earned by 'TDN Rising Star presented by Hagyard' Nysos (Nyquist) was a lucrative consolation prize for crossing the wire second behind dual-continent champ Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in the G1 Saudi Cup. But there are tradeoffs to any business decision, and the future cost that the 33-year-old Prat might have to incur could be that by going overseas to ride in the world's richest horse race in February, he vacated the mount on the GI Kentucky Derby favorite for May. Prat had piloted the undefeated Paladin (Gun Runner) in each of the $1.9 million FTSAUG colt's first two victories in New York for trainer Chad Brown. Tyler Gaffalione picked up the mount in the Feb. 14 GII Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, and the result was a convincingly professional stalk-and-pounce victory by half a length (93 Beyer Speed Figure) that established Paladin atop the Derby-prospect totem pole nearing the 10-week mark to the first leg of the Triple Crown. Paladin's persistent Risen Star score was punctuated by a length-of-stretch reeling-in of a staying-on lone speedster, a prolonged unwinding that Gaffalione launched from mid-pack on the backstretch on an afternoon when horses either on the lead or dueling for it won five of seven dirt races in New Orleans. Coupled with a previous win in the Dec. 6 GII Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct, Paladin now owns two victories over nine furlongs, and his final prep for the Derby is likely to be the 1 1/8-miles Apr. 4 GI Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland. The last eight times Brown has had at least one starter in the Blue Grass, the results have included three wins, three close seconds, and a third. Reached Sunday afternoon, Brown told TDN via text message that it's still too early to say whether Gaffalione will retain the mount on Paladin in the Blue Grass or beyond. “Paladin came back well so far,” Brown wrote. “Tyler rode a flawless race [Saturday], we are very appreciative of his effort. No decision on jockeys moving forward, many preps still to be run.” But if the 31-year-old, third-generation rider does get asked to stick with Paladin, the chance could counterbalance an opportunity Gaffalione lost two years ago when Brown took him off 'Rising Star' Sierra Leone after a runner-up effort in the roughly run 2024 Derby and replaced him with Prat. Two years ago, Gaffalione had picked up the mount on Sierra Leone for the Risen Star Stakes after Manny Franco broke the colt's maiden and Jose Ortiz rode him to a lugging-in second-place finish in the Remsen. Gaffalione won aboard Sierra Leone in the 2024 Risen Star, then again in that April's Blue Grass Stakes. Sierra Leone (left) and Forever Young battling in the Derby | Coady Media But Sierra Leone continued to have problems staying straight in his stretch runs, and in that year's Derby, Gaffalione careened into the lane eight wide with serious late-race torque. Sierra Leone was leaning all over eventual third-place finisher Forever Young the entire length of the stretch, culminating in a frenzied three-way photo for the win that ended up with Mystik Dan on top. Gaffalione was fined $2,500 by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission “for touching a rival with his left hand.” It appeared that Gaffalione was trying to keep Sierra Leone from Forever Young and used his hand to push off. Brown told TDN prior to Sierra Leone's next start in the 2024 GI Belmont Stakes that Gaffalione should have had his whip in his left hand, not the right, earlier in the Derby stretch drive. “He didn't have his stick in his left hand until the eighth pole, and it cost him,” Brown said at the time. “This is not a punishment. The understanding is that's the way this horse likes to travel and you have to be prepared for this horse.” Brown not only switched to Prat, but also put a different steering bit in Sierra Leone's mouth. Although neither move resulted in immediate victories (Sierra Leone ran third in the Belmont, second in the GII Jim Dandy Stakes, and third in the GI Travers Stakes), the colt did win the season-culminating GI Breeders' Cup Classic and the Eclipse Award for champion 3-year-old male of 2024. Prat retained the mounts on Sierra Leone through the colt's 1-for-5 season at age 4, and he was voted champion jockey for both 2024 and 2025. Gaffalione continued to ride other horses for Brown during that same time frame. But he missed any opportunity to ride in the 2025 Kentucky Derby after breaking an ankle in a post parade accident at Gulfstream last March. He took extra time to heal and came back in July, winning both the summer meet riding title at Ellis Park and the early fall title at Churchill Downs. Paladin is owned in partnership by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter Brant, Brook Smith and the colt's breeder, Summer Wind Equine. Several of those same partners also teamed up to campaign Sierra Leone. In Saturday's Risen Star, Paladin broke alertly and was responsive to Gaffalione's early efforts to get him to settle between horses into the first turn. Paladin was fourth, about four lengths off lone leader Chip Honcho (Connect) in the early part of the backstretch run. A half-mile out, Gaffalione repositioned Paladin outside and sent him up into second. By the three-furlong pole Paladin loomed menacingly, and his seizure of the lead from the 7-1 pacemaker looked to be a matter of “when” not “if.” But Chip Honcho, who had won the Dec. 20 Gun Runner Stakes and was a narrowly beaten fourth in the Jan. 17 GIII Lecomte Stakes over the same Fair Grounds strip, wasn't caving to the pressure from the 7-10 fave. Gaffalione-who a half-hour earlier had just ridden 'Rising Star' Bella Ballerina (Street Sense) to a half-length victory in the GII Rachel Alexandra Stakes after leading throughout, getting passed in deep stretch, then clawing back the lead along the rail in the final strides-knew full well that inside speed was holding at Fair Grounds and that Paladin would have to come up with something extra for the win. Gaffalione roused Paladin with both left- and right-handed stick work, and although his hustling deep-stretch efforts did not yield one big, blast-off move, the colt churned out a measured, grind-down finish that put him over the top just before the wire and extended into a purposeful gallop-out. Three participants in the history of the Risen Star Stakes have gone on to win the Kentucky Derby, but two of them-Country House in 2019 and Mandaloun in 2021-achieved their Derby victories by getting elevated via disqualification. (War Emblem ran sixth in the 2002 Risen Star and won the Derby outright). In both 2022 and 2023, the winners of the Risen Star went on to start as favorites in the Kentucky Derby. Epicenter was second in the 2022 Derby at 4-1 odds, and Angel of Empire was the same price when third in the 2023 Derby. The post Week in Review: Paladin Tops Sophomore Totem Pole, Who Will Ride Remains Open Question appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following a busy weekend of racing in the Middle East between Doha and Riyadh, Emma Berry will be bringing her popular Seven Days column back from its winter hibernation for a one-off edition this week, providing a helpful summary for those lucky few whose Valentine's Day obligations took them away from the racing on Saturday in favour of a cinema trip to see Wuthering Heights. Really, only me? Anyway, you can rest assured that Margot Robbie hasn't prevented your Winter Watch columnist from keeping an eagle eye on the all-weather action in Britain, Ireland and France since the most recent edition went to print a fortnight ago. For this instalment, we've once again highlighted five notable performances on the all-weather – ranked in reverse order – that most definitely make for better watching than the latest adaptation of Emily Brontë's classic novel. 5. Warriors Whisper – Deauville, February 7 Three fillies fetched a seven-figure sum at the Arqana August Yearling Sale of 2024, most notably Diamond Necklace (St Mark's Basilica), who topped the sale at €1.7 million and looked every bit money well spent when ending an unbeaten juvenile campaign with her first Group 1 success in the Prix Marcel Boussac. Then there was Skydance (Night Of Thunder), a filly from the same family as Diamond Necklace who also showed a high level of form at two, despite failing to get off the mark in five starts. Last seen finishing fifth (beaten less than four lengths) behind another Ballydoyle champion, Precise (Starspangledbanner), in the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes, the €1-million purchase was also third in the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes and second in the G3 Silver Flash Stakes. Completing the trio of millionaires at Arqana was Warriors Whisper (Lope De Vega), who showed black-type potential of her own when making a belated debut at Deauville on February 7. Admittedly, she made hard work there of justifying odds-on favouritism, beating Shelzawa (Zelzal) by just a short-neck, but there was plenty to like about the manner in which she dug deep to edge the verdict, having travelled smoothly into contention. The runner-up also had the benefit of a previous run, having finished second on her debut at Pornichet the previous month. Trained by Carlos and Yann Lerner for Victorious Racing, Warriors Whisper has a pedigree befitting one with her €1-million price tag. She is out of the G3 Park Express Stakes winner Normandel (Le Havre), a half-sister to the G1 Grand Prix de Paris scorer Mont Ormel (Air Chief Marshall). Normandel is also a full-sister to La Pyle, the dam of the G1 Coronation Cup and G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes hero Pyledriver (Harbour Watch). The Lerners and Victorious Racing will be hoping that this filly has better luck as a three-year-old than We'll Defend (Zelzal), who earned 'TDN Rising Star' status when making a successful debut on the all-weather at Chantilly in March last year. Unfortunately, We'll Defend hasn't been seen on a racecourse since, so here's hoping Warriors Whisper gets the opportunity to fulfil her obvious potential as a middle-distance filly in 2026. 4. Star Strewn – Dundalk, February 11 TDN Europe's very own Brian Sheerin and Adam Potts of BBA Ireland find themselves in illustrious company on this list, alongside the likes of the Aga Khan Studs, Godolphin and Victorious Racing as owners who have unleashed a promising winner on the all-weather in recent days. Star Strewn (Starman) is the filly in question for Sheerin and Potts, a stylish winner of the seven-furlong maiden run at Dundalk on Wednesday. Starting out for Adrian McGuinness following a couple of solid efforts in defeat last autumn when trained by Cormac Farrell, Star Strewn was always ideally placed in the hands of jockey Adam Caffrey, shadowing every move of the long-time leader, He's Holding Court (Magna Grecia), before moving to the front at the top of the straight. From there she soon established a clear advantage which she never looked likely to relinquish, ultimately reaching the line with 2 1/2 lengths to spare over her closest pursuer, Glitter And Glory (Lucky Vega). A €50,000 purchase at the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-up Sale, having previously sold for €20,000 at Book 2 of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale, Star Strewn is out of the unraced Bernardini mare Marian Halcombe, a half-sister to the G1 Middle Park Stakes third Huntdown (Elusive Quality), as well as Falling Petals (Raven's Pass), the dam of the dual Group 1 winner Saffron Beach (New Bay), and Continua (Elusive Quality), the dam of the high-class sprinter and sire Cotai Glory. This victory also saw Star Strewn become yet another first-crop winner for Tally-Ho Stud's Starman, with McGuinness confirming afterwards that this filly will now try to emulate the likes of Venetian Sun and Lady Iman by making an impact in Pattern company. “I definitely think she's a black-type filly – there is no doubt,” McGuinness told Racing TV. “We'll put her away and bring her back for the turf later on. We don't want to go handicapping as she's better than that. It's great to have a filly like this. She's going to strengthen up really well, and we might even talk about a Guineas trial later on in the year.” 3. Edaja – Chantilly, February 12 Can the team at the Aga Khan Studs possibly continue the remarkable run of results it enjoyed in 2025? It will likely be some time before we get a definitive answer to that question, but things are off to an encouraging start thanks to Edaja (Siyouni), who became the first winner of 2026 in the famous green and red silks when making a successful debut at Chantilly on Thursday. One of 14 newcomers going to post for that one-mile contest, Edaja raced enthusiastically in mid-division for much of the race, before making steady headway in the straight to get to the girths of stablemate Morgana Gold (Too Darn Hot) entering the final furlong. Responding well to the urgings of jockey Clement Lecoeuvre, she was ultimately well on top at the line, landing the spoils by 1 1/2 lengths in decisive fashion. The homebred Edaja is the second winner from as many runners out of the Jockey Club Oaks Invitational winner and G2 Prix de Malleret and G2 Prix du Conseil de Paris second Edisa (Kitten's Joy). Edisa, in turn, is out of the G2 Prix de Royallieu winner Ebiyza (Rock Of Gibraltar), whose other notable progeny include the G2 Prix Corrida and G2 Prix de Pomone heroine Ebaiyra (Distorted Humor). Ebaiyra was also placed at the top level on three occasions, including when runner-up in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Certainly, Edaja is bred to stay middle-distances, though the speed she demonstrated at Chantilly suggests her connections don't need to be in any rush to step her up in trip. She's in the best of hands with Francis-Henri Graffard, a master of his craft when it comes to placing his horses, and it will be no surprise if he finds another winnable opportunity for her on the all-weather in the coming weeks before she steps up in grade. 2. Al Rateel – Cagnes-sur-Mer, February 15 Jerome Reynier endured another near miss in Riyadh on Saturday with his star sprinter Lazzat (Territories), who filled the runner-up spot for the third time in his last four starts when narrowly outpointed by Reef Runner (The Big Beast) in the $2-million G2 1351 Turf Sprint. Closer to home, Reynier was back among the winners at Cagnes-sur-Mer on Sunday when Al Rateel (Violence) maintained her unbeaten record in impressive fashion, fully confirming the promise of her debut at the same venue five weeks earlier – form which had already worked out well with the runner-up, Aspire (Zarak), and fourth, Queen Mekhtaal (Mekhtaal), both winning next-time-out. On Sunday, Al Rateel switched to the all-weather for a one-mile conditions event against faced five other previous winners, none of whom could lay a glove on her as she dominated from start to finish. Still cruising at the head of affairs as the field turned into the straight, she gradually went through the gears from there and powered through the line for a three-length success, recording the fastest sectional for the final furlong of any horse in the race. Most recently sold for 100,000gns at the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-up Sale, Al Rateel had previously changed hands twice at Keeneland, first for $70,000 as a foal and then for $20,000 as a yearling. She is one of six winners from seven runners out of the Listed Shakespeare Caress Stakes third Zermatt (Tiznow), who was also fourth in the GII Thoroughbred Club Of America Stakes for the Todd Pletcher barn. Zermatt, in turn, is out of the GIII Tempted Stakes third Sisti's Pride (Forestry), from the family of Chad Brown's multiple Grade I winner Rushing Fall (More Than Ready). Already a winner on both turf and the all-weather, Al Rateel could hardly have made a more promising start to her career and her scope for more improvement suggests she ought to be competitive in Pattern company when the situation demands it. 1. Shabab Al Ahli – Southwell, February 5 Charlie Appleby is still operating at a 100% strike-rate on British soil in 2026, with the recent victories of Shabab Al Ahli (Frankel) and Into The Light (Dubawi) making it three from three for the team at Moulton Paddocks after that of 'TDN Rising Star' Palladas (Lope De Vega) at Kempton last month. Into The Light showed more than a bit of promise when making a winning debut in Saturday's 10-furlong maiden at Lingfield, but the performance produced by Shabab Al Ahli at Southwell the previous week was certainly a notch above in terms of the wow factor, identifying him as yet another high-class prospect for the Appleby team. Shabab Al Ahli did it in the manner of a thorough stayer, lengthening right away from his three rivals in a novice staged over 11 furlongs of the Nottinghamshire track. After moving to the front entering the final two furlongs, he proceeded to turn the screw on his chief market rival, Asia Force (Frankel), in no uncertain terms, to the extent that he was fully 8 1/2 lengths clear of the Karl Burke trainee at the line. In terms of distance, Shabab Al Ahli is likely to take after his Group-winning half-brothers, Kemari (Dubawi) and Klondike (Galileo). Kemari enjoyed his career highlight when winning the G2 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot over a mile and six furlongs, while Klondike was a Listed winner over the same distance, before later landing the G3 Prix de Reux over an extended mile and a half. Their dam, the G3 St Simon Stakes heroine Koora (Pivotal), a half-sister to the St Leger-winning sire Milan, is also responsible for the G3 Lester Piggott Stakes third Chorus (Kingman) from only five runners. It's little wonder that Shabab Al Ahli was in high demand when he featured as part of the Fittocks Stud draft at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, eventually being knocked down to Godolphin for 500,000gns. He seems sure to progress and win more races as his stamina is drawn out further. The post Winter Watch: From Wuthering Heights to All-Weather Hotshots appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Marc Wampler has been involved with racing since 1993 and currently is the racing manager and bloodstock agent for Pocket Aces Racing as well as offering similar services to private clientele. When breeding, the first thing Wampler asks his clients is whether they are breeding a racehorse or a sales horse. He says he believes it's an important initial step in the process as the pool of potential stallions to use varies depending on the answer. “If breeding to race, the stud book offers many options and an opportunity to find value. If breeding to sell, the focus narrows to commercial sires–in today's market that usually means the most-recently retired, fashionably bred, graded stakes winners–and it will take money to make money.” From there, Wampler says he likes to start zeroing in on specific stallions by establishing a stud fee range that suits the mare, based on her pedigree, performance, and physical. “Over-breeding your mare can be just as dangerous as under breeding, especially from a commercial standpoint. You don't want your weanling or yearling to show up at the sale as one of the worst-bred progeny by a particular sire.” “I also like to make a critical assessment of each mare's physical attributes and flaws so I can match her up to a stallion who will hopefully improve her weaknesses and further enhance her assets.” Wysteria, 10, Tale of the Cat–Smokey Diplomacy, by Dynaformer Wysteria was unraced, but she has been a huge success for my commercial breeding client–Somewhere Stable. She is the complete mare as she delivers on the racetrack (her first foal was Grade II winner Implicated) and the sales ring (with foals bringing $150K, $155K and $290K at auction). We approach breeding her very carefully as Somewhere Stables only has two mares, and her progeny have the potential to either “make” or “break” their year financially. After careful consideration, and a protracted effort to find an available season, we decided that Yaupon would be the perfect match for Wysteria in 2026. As we did our research, Yaupon quickly rose to the top of our “wish list” as he is a proven success with his progeny's racing results (2025 champion freshman sire) and sales results (53 of his foals sold as weanlings in 2025 and they averaged more than $165K). In addition, we thought the sales history of both horses was a good indication that the breeding would mostly produce a foal that was physically attractive at a young age, as Yaupon was a $350,000 sales yearling and Wysteria brought $200,000 at the same age. While he is standing for $60,000 in 2026, we're optimistic that he will be standing for even more by the time we sell Wysteria '27. Neom, 10, Mineshaft–Noble Grey, by Forestry Going into 2025, Neom was a big question mark for us, because despite her half-sister Ag Bullet's achievements, they didn't seem to translate into more money for Neom or her foals. As time went by, the aforementioned sister developed into one of the, if not the best, turf sprint fillies in North America. To date, said mare is a Grade I winner of more than $2.9-million and was placed in both the 2024 and 2025 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint against the boys. That said, our luck changed when Neom produced a gorgeous Good Magic colt last year, and he sold for $140,000 at Keeneland November via the Nicky Drion consignment. We weren't entirely sure what changed, but she was finally living up to our hopes for her. For 2026, we decided to breed her to Gunite. The son of Gun Runner was a tremendous juvenile, and is by a stallion who needs little introduction as he annually sits near the top of the sire list. Gunite's sales record in 2025 for mares in foal and weanlings was a great indication that breeders and buyers are going to stick with him for the long haul. We're basically making a bet here that his offspring are going to come out running early and at a high level. If we're right, we should get rewarded. Pocket Aces Racing Pocket Aces Racing has been around for 20 years now and for much of that time we have sold, or placed, our fillies and mares once their racing careers are over. However, enough time has gone by now that we've been able to see a few of those fillies and mares go on to have success producing sales horses and racehorses for other people. Considering this, we've become more cautious about which fillies and mares exit our program, especially ones we anticipate having an upside in the not-too-distant future and that might not sell particularly well at the time of retirement. Chemical Reaction will be bred to Barnes | Patrycja Szpyra Chemical Reaction, 5, Collected-It'schemistrybaby, by Meadowlake This maiden mare is being transferred from the racing division of Pocket Aces Racing to the broodmare wing of the operation. A flashy chestnut with an excellent physical, we think she'll be able to produce good-looking sales babies as well as bringing a nice page with her as the half-sister to MGSW Majestic City (City Zip) and stakes-placed Backstreet Hero. We have decided to breed Chemical Reaction to Barnes for 2026. As many know, finding value with freshman stallions has become a real challenge. However, we have noticed that some farms are starting to buck the trend and offer fees for first year sires that work for everybody and we think Barnes is just such an opportunity. We like him because he is a son of Into Mischief, the best horse at stud in North America, who is also well on his way to establishing himself as a sire of sires. Barnes was classy with plenty of speed, and was a $3.2-million sales yearling. As commercial breeders, it behooves us to produce successful racehorses in the long run, but we have to remember that the sale comes first. It is always comforting to know that the stallion must've been attractive as a young horse because they sold so well. Windy Lu Who, 9, Justin Phillip–Windsail, by Grand Appointment Pocket Aces Racing campaigned stakes winner Windy Lu Who for most of her career, along with her breeder/trainer, Susan Anderson. Racing six seasons, she was the model of consistency, soundness and determination at a high level on the regional scene. At approximately 16.1hh, she is built like a tank with a flashy chestnut coat and striking white blaze on her face. As the old saying goes, “black kittens come from black cats” and we are confident in her ability to produce good-sized, correct foals with a little flash to them–attributes you need in the sales ring. For 2026, we have decided to breed Windy Lu Who to Jonathan's Way. We were looking for a first year stallion that represented good value, and he ticked off those boxes. It also helped that Susan bred and sold Jonathan's Way for $290,000 as a weanling. Of course, we did do our due diligence and considered several other options, however, we just kept coming back to the son of 2024 champion first crop and 2025 champion second crop sire, Vekoma. The physical match was ideal for producing a commercial foal and we knew what a talented, but hard luck, racehorse he was. Considering the market premium on incoming sires, the stud fee of $8,500 was exceptional value, given all we were getting. The post 2026 Mating Plans: Marc Wampler, Pocket Aces Racing and Somewhere Stables appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With his third-place finish in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) Feb. 14, Wathnan Racing's Tumbarumba became the leading Louisiana-bred earner of all-time.View the full article

Recently, while reviewing board elections for several major organizations in our industry, I noticed something that gave me serious pause; there are very, very few women at the highest levels of policy and decision-making on those boards. My initial reaction was the typical frustration I have felt for decades, but I must have matured enough at some point to realize that frustration alone does not move an industry forward. I wanted to try to figure out why this is and consider what opportunities we might be missing. I serve on several boards and committees across the Thoroughbred world and have sat on others in past. Interestingly, many of our aftercare and charitable organizations are heavily represented by women. The communication on these boards is strong. The collaboration is constant. The sense of shared purpose is tangible. Their dedication to the horse is unwavering. There is a sense of compassion, kindness and understanding over shared goals and that culture of collaboration has produced real progress. In my experience, most women working in breeding, racing, and training are not here because it is easy or lucrative. They are here because they are deeply invested in the animals and the long-term health of the sport. My dear friend Katie Taylor, Vice President of Operations at Taylor Made, said it best to me when we were talking about it this week. Women are not title-driven; we are difference-driven. We want to apply our energies, time and passion in places where we truly feel we can make an impact. I was so taken by her comments that I actually named one of the two-year-olds we are going to race with our trainer Michelle Elliott `Difference Driven.' Katie and I started the Thoroughbred Ladies Cocktail Club wanting to make connections easier in the lives of those young women coming down the pipeline; to have an outlet to meet and have access to the already successful women in our industry. The TLCC has been a huge hit with a Facebook outreach page and many in-person events last year and this year, with more on the schedule. A simple example of what women bring to the table: walk into the Keeneland dining area today. The transformation from a stark, cafeteria-type feel of years past to a welcome, home-away-from-home with fireplaces and comfy couches, reflects the vision of Morgan Richardson and her team. Yesterday I had lunch with colleagues Jen Roytz, with whom I serve on the USHJA Thoroughbred task force; Kristin Werner, who runs the T.I.P program at The Jockey Club; and Emily Dresen with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) to discuss an initiative that I and others have been working on aimed at creating opportunities for Thoroughbreds in the sport horse world in an effort to increase their value and the demand for them at the conclusion of their racing careers. What struck me was the level of coordination, aligning programs, ideas connecting, communication, and also friendship. There is long-term strategy being built collaboratively so that the 2026 Thoroughbred hunter classes and beyond work symbiotically rather than competitively. That is what effective leadership looks like. I'll admit something personal: I did not run for the Breeders' Cup board the last time I could have because I doubted whether I would receive the necessary votes from the stallion farm owners. That hesitation says more about culture than capability. It is something I regret and also something really sad, considering what our farm and horses have accomplished. Leadership choices shape culture and culture shapes experience. The Thoroughbred industry faces serious challenges: communication gaps, public perception, aftercare funding/programs and more, all of which threaten our long-term sustainability. Expanding representation at the highest levels, including more women who are already deeply embedded in every aspect of this business, is not symbolic; it is strategic. The women I know in this industry are operators, managers, trainers, owners, breeders, executives, program directors, grooms, farriers, etc. Many of them manage teams, budgets, families, crises and horses every single day. The question is not whether women are capable of leadership, the question is whether we are fully utilizing the leadership already present within our ranks. Let's increase the presence of accomplished women on our most influential boards. We deserve to have seats at the table and I believe the industry that we all love and cheer for would be far stronger for it. Editor's Note: Have an opinion for publication on why there aren't more women on industry boards? Email suefinley@thetdn.com. The post Letter to the Editor: Women in the Thoroughbred Industry Deserve Seats at the Table appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tentyris stamped himself as the most exciting sprinter in Australia and took a large step towards living up to Anthony Freedman's huge assessment of him with a breathtaking win in the Feb. 14 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (G1) at Flemington.View the full article

The Feb. 16 special holiday racing program at Santa Anita Park will be postponed due to the declining weather forecast. A three-day storm is slated to hit after the conclusion of the Feb. 15 races.View the full article

Monday's special President's Day racing program at Santa Anita Park will be postponed due to the declining weather forecast. A three-day storm is slated to hit Sunday evening after the conclusion of the Sunday races. The storm is expected to bring up to three inches of rain to the area surrounding Santa Anita Park, prompting evacuation warnings in several surrounding communities. The eight races carded for Monday will be rescheduled in the coming week. A makeup day for the postponed President's Day card will be added to the Classic Meet prior to the end of the season. The post Santa Anita Postpones Monday’s Holiday Card Due to Incoming Storm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chris So Wai-yin is hoping Top Dragon can get the rub of the green in Thursday’s Class Two Year Of The Horse Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin after a string of luckless runs in defeat for his smart prospect. The Pierata galloper is a three-time winner in Hong Kong, gaining his most recent victory when running riot in Class Three company over 1,400m at Sha Tin in October. Subsequently, he finished second to Little Paradise over the same trip when not enjoying the smoothest of passages in transit, before...View the full article

David Eustace is looking for Seraph Gabriel to serve up the perfect Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) aperitif when he bids to shed his local maiden in the Class Three Red Packet Handicap (2,000m) at Sha Tin on Thursday. The Saxon Warrior galloper was a one-time winner in the UK pre-import at Lingfield and also posted a huge effort to finish second in the Class Two Golden Gates Handicap (1,993m) at Royal Ascot on his final British start. He has subsequently taken well to racing in Hong Kong, finishing an...View the full article

Impressive Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) winner Autumn Glory (NZ) (Ocean Park) has had an ownership change ahead of her tilt at the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday, with the daughter of Ocean Park to sport the colours of Yulong Investments. The late bloomer has been patiently handled by Roger James and Robert Wellwood and the filly dominated her male rivals at Te Rapa last week to advance her record to two wins from three starts, having broken maiden ranks at Ruakaka in January. Bred and raced by the Smithies family under their Monovale Holdings banner, Autumn Glory’s sale this week enhances the Yulong footprint in New Zealand. The well-known green and white silks are now worn by three of New Zealand’s best fillies, with Oaks favourite Ohope Wins and unbeaten Guineas winner Well Written also in the camp. “It’s a privilege to have international owners of their magnitude in the stable, and it’s great to see them becoming involved in New Zealand in a bigger way,” Roger James said. “I think it’s just a reflection on what we can offer them in New Zealand in the way of stakes and high-class horses. “Our aim is the New Zealand Oaks and what happens after that will be discussed after the race, but it is a Group One and that is what we are focussed on. “We’re really happy with the way she’s bounced through the Waikato Guineas. She’s feeding well and looks great in the coat. “She won a maiden and then we threw her straight into black-type racing, because we thought she was well above average, but unfortunately, we struck a bottomless track at Taranaki at her second start. “To the filly’s credit, she came through that trip and hard run well, and we had the confidence to line her up again in the Waikato Guineas. We went into that race with confidence and her work had gone to a different level, and she raced and won accordingly.” Monovale’s Joe Smithies said the sale of Autumn Glory ensures cashflow for their breeding operation. “Yulong has purchased her outright, and she will stay with Roger and Robert for the Oaks, who have done a terrific job,” Joe Smithies said. “We’ve got to stick to our core business model, which is breeding horses for the yearling sales. “Racing for us is probably a by-product of what we do, but having said that, we really do enjoy racing horses, particularly nice fillies like Autumn Glory.” Smithies said the mating of Autumn Glory’s mother Venus’s Dream with Ocean Park had worked well, with successful siblings to the filly including Loveplanet and Existential Bob. “We were consistently getting a good type and selling well at the sales,” Smithies said. “This particular filly, Autumn Glory, we were just a touch behind the eight ball for where we thought she needed to be for the yearling sales. So we elected to hold on to her and just grow her out. “We always really liked her but felt that the sale probably just came a touch too soon for her.” In recent years Monovale have sold the likes of subsequent stakes winners Scarlet Oak (Kermadec) and Goldman (NZ) (Verdi) from their small racing team, while the Smithies still have stakes-winning three-year-old filly Acer (NZ) (Savabeel), who will line up as an outsider in the Oaks. “It’s a huge buzz to have bred two fillies that will run in the Oaks that are both already stakes winners,” Smithies said. “Ultimately, it’s why we do it and these results are not easy to get, so you certainly have to enjoy them. But we’ve been exceptionally lucky. “It was a great yearling sale for us at Karaka this year and to have Acer win the Oaks Prelude (Listed, 1800m) at Taranaki on Karaka Millions night and cement her place in the Oaks field was immensely rewarding.” View the full article

A $50,000 carrot is dangling in front of the connections of Timaru gelding Smooth Operator (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) following his victory in the Olphert Contracting Ltd Invercargill Gold Cup (2600m) at Ascot Park on Saturday. It was the second leg of the Southern Cups Bonus Series, where a $50,000 winner-takes-all bonus is up for grabs, and Smooth Operator now sits atop the standings, alongside Gore Cup (2200m) winner In Vegas, on five points. The stakes performer jumped a $2.90 favourite from the ace barrier in Saturday’s contest and was given a rail-hugging ride by jockey Tina Comignaghi for the majority of the journey. He looked blocked in when searching for a run from the 600m, but Comignaghi eventually found a gap at the top of the straight and Smooth Operator quickly took it, bounding up alongside leader Caffeinated before dashing away to a 6-1/4 length victory, much to the delight of his large group of supporters. Smooth Operator ran third in the race last year and trainer Stephanie Faulkner was delighted to go two better in this year’s edition. “I was a little bit worried, there wasn’t a lot of pace on,” Faulkner said. “He was pulling a bit but Tina was patient as ever, gave him a beautiful trip and he was dragged into it at the right time and showed them what he can do.” With the victory, Smooth Operator brought his career tally to seven wins and six placings from 42 starts, with more than $232,000 in earnings. Bred by Go Bloodstock Australia Pty Ltd, Smooth Operator was initially purchased out of KB Bloodstock’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale draft by Shaune Ritchie for $32,000, and he had four starts for the Cambridge trainer before heading south to Stephanie Faulkner, who has enjoyed a fruitful last three years with the gelding, and she is hoping to add to it in the coming months. The Southern Cups Series marches on to Wingatui next week with the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m), which Smooth Operator finished runner-up in last year, before it heads to Gore a fortnight later for the Wyndham Cup (2000m), and culminates at Riverton on April 4, where double points are up for grabs in the series final – the Riverton Cup (2147m). “We will press onto the final at Riverton,” Faulkner said. “It’s really exciting.” View the full article

Central Districts gelding Enrico (NZ) (El Roca) was rewarded for his consistency when taking home a big winner’s cheque following his victory in Saturday’s $350,000 Comag Wairere Falls (1500m) at Matamata. The Levin galloper trekked north to tackle the lucrative feature following a rich run of form for trainer Ilone Kelly, which included three stakes placings in his previous four starts, including the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m), Gr.3 Phar Lap Trophy (1600m), and Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m). Despite his recent performances, he was unwanted by punters on his northern venture, drifting out to a 23-1 outsider, but that didn’t deter his regular jockey Madan Singh, who was full of confidence in his charge, and he was intent on making his 53.5kg impost. “I was definitely a little bit confident, but 53.5kg is a bit hard for me,” Singh said. “But I knew he was a good chance and she (Kelly) has always been a big supporter of mine, so that’s why I made 53 to ride this horse.” Singh was positive on Enrico from the jump, entering an early speed duel with Leroy Brown and Vegas Queen, but he elected to ease his charge back to settle in the trail for a softer trip. The pair continued to stalk pacemaker Leroy Brown, and while he kicked clear by two-lengths at the top of the straight, Singh didn’t panic, knowing his charge was capable of making up the deficit. And he did just that, reeling in Leroy Brown in the concluding stages to nab him at the line to win by a head. Singh was rapt to get the result for Kelly and breakthrough for an elusive win following a series of placings. ““It was very good,” Singh said. “He is a nice horse who is always knocking on the door, and he always has wide draws. “We got a nice enough draw (6) and got a nice run and when I asked he gave me a really good response.” Enrico, who was co-bred and is part-owned by respected Horowhenua horsewoman Syliva Kay, has now won seven and placed in nine of his 33 starts to date, with more than $420,000 in earnings. View the full article

One of New Zealand racing’s most famous families has lost another member, with the recent passing of Martin Dennis, aged 82. Martin was the youngest member of the Dennis Brothers quartet, with the family facing a particularly tough last six months, with the passing of brother Tony in September. The brothers have been a pillar of South Island thoroughbred racing for more than 60 years, with a plethora of elite equine athletes coming off their Woodlands property. Dennis’ nephew, respected Southland trainer Robert Dennis, the son of the late Tony Dennis, said Martin had a wealth of knowledge on pedigrees and form, with the partnership relying on his expert analysis for their mares’ mating selection. “He was an integral part of their operation,” Robert said. “His strength in the partnership was the breeding and the pedigree side in the later years. Earlier on he was more involved in the training side. “He was extremely knowledgeable about pedigrees and crosses, and he analysed all the stallions and mares, and he had his own rating system. “For me personally, when buying horses, I would call on him to get his opinion on what he thought of pedigrees.” The brothers are well known for their horses carrying the prefix ‘The’, which was made famous by several top-flight performers, spanning more than 60 years. Among their leading flagbearers was the Gr.1 Penfold Chardon Mile (now TAB Classic) winner The Twinkle, while The Dimple and The Fantasy were the stakes winners of a combined 34 races. The breeding side of their operation included the three-time top-flight winner and Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) runner-up The Phantom, and his brother The Phantom Chance triumphed in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m), while The Jewel won the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and trained on to claim the Gr.1 Waikato International Stakes (2000m). In more recent times The Oaks Stud resident sire The Chosen One was another elite-level winner who also placed in the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m). It was fitting for Martin to go out a winner, with the octogenarian cheering home a winning double at Wingatui last weekend, with the Dennis Brothers’ colours carried to victory by The Ocean Heart (NZ) (Ocean Park) and The Princie One (NZ) (Savabeel). “Last week we had a double for the brothers,” Robert said. “Martin was at home with a lot of his family and a few friends. Apparently, there was quite a big crowd there and he in particular really enjoyed the day. It was a good sendoff for him.” The brothers’ colours also came close to victory at Ascot Park on Saturday when The Radiant One (NZ) (Darci Brahma) finished second in the Southland Stakes (1200m), and he will now head to Wingatui in a fortnight to tackle the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge WFA (1600m). “It was good to see her back to what we know she can do,” Robert said. “Things haven’t worked out lately for her. We ran in the Hazlett (Listed, 1400m) and she was very wide with no cover the whole way. She got a few more favours yesterday and she was only just beaten. “She is getting a bit older now but she has still got plenty of spring in her step and we might look at heading to the White Robe next.” Martin will be farewelled at a Requiem Mass in St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Perth Street, Invercargill on Tuesday, February 17 at 2.30pm. According to Martin’s wishes, bright colours are to be worn. Messages can be sent to 161 Edendale-Woodlands Highway, RD1 Invercargill 9871, or to Martin’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where a link to the livestream of the Mass will be available. View the full article

Paladin runs down free-running leader Chip Honcho to win the $495,000 Risen Star Stakes (G2) Feb. 14 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

Bella Ballerina wins the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2), following the path her half sister, Pretty Mischievous, took when victorious in the 2023 edition of this race and the Kentucky Oaks (G1). View the full article

After being limited to minor awards in four consecutive graded stakes, Mondego earned a breakthrough victory for trainer Michael McCarthy Feb. 14 in the $101,500 San Marcos Stakes (G3T) going 1 1/4 miles on the downhill turf at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Paladin (Gun Runner) needed the length of the stretch to get there, but surged late to reel in pacesetter Chip Honcho (Connect) by a half-length in the GII Fasig-Tipton Risen Star S. over a speed-favoring course at Fair Grounds Saturday. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Golden Tempo (Curlin), a last-to-first winner of the GIII Lecomte S., was third. Making his sophomore debut after defeating subsequent Sam F. Davis S. winner Renegade (Into Mischief) in the GII Remsen S. at the Big A Dec. 6, the 3-5 chalk raced in fourth through an opening quarter in :23.81. Hung out three-wide in a joint-second through a half mile in :47.49, Paladin set his sights on Chip Honcho on the turn for home. Chip Honcho continued to dig in gamely down the stretch, but Paladin just kept on coming on the outside to secure 50 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. “I'm very thankful for the entire ownership team and Chad Brown for giving me the opportunity to ride such a nice horse,” winning jockey Tyler Gaffalione said. “He really fought hard today to get the win. The more I asked of him, the more he was able to dig in to get by (Chip Honcho).” The $1.9-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale purchase is campaigned in partnership by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter Brant, Brook Smith and Summer Wind Equine, who also bred the colt. The Coolmore partners, Brant and Smith also campaigned Gun Runner's brilliant Sierra Leone, who also kicked off his sophomore campaign for trainer Chad Brown with a win in this same race in 2024. Paladin was placed first via disqualification after falling a head short of the aforementioned Renegade on debut going a one-turn mile at Aqueduct Oct. 17. Paladin was previously steered in his first two career starts by Flavien Prat, who rode the Saudi Cup card Saturday. “It was an incredible performance today,” Brook Smith said. “He dug in late to get by (Chip Honcho). He's an incredibly talented horse. Hopefully, we'll have him back in Kentucky in April then onto the Derby a month later.” Pedigree Notes: Paladin is one of 35 graded/group winners worldwide for Gun Runner. Broodmare sire Tapit was also represented by GIII Mineshaft S. winner Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) and unbeaten GII Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra S. winner and 'Rising Star' Bella Ballerina (Street Sense) on the undercard. The unraced Secret Sigh (Tapit), a daughter of MGSW India (Hennessy), is also represented by a 2-year-old colt named Golden Rebellion (Into Mischief), a $900,000 Keeneland September purchase by Case Clay Thoroughbred Management. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0. Sales history: $1.9-million yrl '24 FTSAUG. O-Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter M. Brant, Brook T. Smith & Summer Wind Equine, LLC; B-Summer Wind Equine LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. Paladin runs down Chip Honcho to win the Fasig-Tipton Risen Star worth 50 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby! pic.twitter.com/EkoQZluK19 — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) February 14, 2026 Saturday, Fair Grounds FASIG-TIPTON RISEN STAR S.-GII, $495,000, Fair Grounds, 2-14, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:49.14, ft. 1–PALADIN, 122, c, 3, by Gun Runner 1st Dam: Secret Sigh, by Tapit 2nd Dam: India, by Hennessy 3rd Dam: Misty Hour, by Miswaki ($1,900,000 Ylg '24 FTSAUG). O-Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter M. Brant, Brook T. Smith and Summer Wind Equine, LLC; B-Summer Wind Equine LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $300,000. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, $484,250. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Chip Honcho, 122, c, 3, Connect–Miss My Rose, by Magician (Ire). 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($210,000 Ylg '24 FTKJUL). O-Leland Ackerley Racing, LLC, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe and John Cilia; B-Venneri Racing Inc. & Tony Fanticola (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $100,000. 3–Golden Tempo, 122, c, 3, Curlin–Carrumba, by Bernardini. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard'. O/B-Phipps Stable & St. Elias Stables, LLC (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. $50,000. Margins: HF, 5HF, 1 3/4. Odds: 0.70, 7.40, 3.90. Also Ran: Universe, Carson Street, Courting, Quality Mischief, Colt Forty Seven. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Paladin Guns Downs Chip Honcho in Fasig-Tipton Risen Star appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wathnan Racing's Hit Show—prepping for the March 28 Dubai World Cup (G1), a $12 million race he won in 2025—wins the $242,500 Mineshaft Stakes (G3) Feb. 14 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. emerged with a third straight victory in the $150,000 Royal Delta Stakes (G3) as Miller Racing's Claret Beret posted a dominant victory in the 1 1/16-mile main track event Feb. 14 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' BELLA BALLERINA (f, 3, Street Sense–Pretty City Dancer, by Tapit) outlasted a gusty Luv Your Neighbor (Constitution) to stay perfect in Saturday's GII Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra Stakes at Fair Grounds. The half-sister to another 'Rising Star' and 2023's GI Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief), Bella Ballerina had things largely her own way on the front end as the 4-5 favorite, breaking cleanly and leading ahead of Luv Your Neighbor up the backstretch through fractions of :23.40 and :46.98. As the rest of the field began to fade from view, the top two fillies hit the quarter pole together for a stretch-length showdown. Luv Your Neighbor, second in her last three starts, looked poised to finally become the bride as she got the better of the favorite into the final sixteenth. But gutsy as ever while pinned along the rail, Bella Ballerina refused to yield and fought back in the last strides to get up in time under Tyler Gaffalione. The Rachel Alexandra was the first 50-point race on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. Bella Ballerina is also one of 11 fillies nominated to the Triple Crown series. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0. O/B-Godolphin; T-Brendan Walsh. She's a tough one! 'TDN Rising Star' BELLA BALLERINA (Street Sense) extends her perfect record to 3-for-3 as she battles to victory in the GII Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra Stakes at @fairgroundsnola. The @brenpwalsh trainee earns 50 #KyOaks points. pic.twitter.com/IjoHde2lBr — TDN (@theTDN) February 14, 2026 The post Bella Ballerina Outlasts Luv Your Neighbor In Rachel Alexandra appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last year's G1 Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) sat a little closer to the front than usual and just got up to nail the wandering pacesetter 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Accelerize (Omaha Beach) by a head in Saturday's GIII Mineshaft S. at Fair Grounds. Time to Win (Not This Time) was third. The even-money favorite tracked in a three-wide third through an opening quarter in :23.53. Back a spot into fourth through a half mile :47.04, Hit Show was asked to quicken three furlongs from home. He ranged up three deep at the top of the stretch and came rolling down the lane. Accelerize veered out beneath John Velazquez in deep stretch, but Hit Show just kept on coming to punch his ticket back to Dubai. Hit Show stopped the timer for 1 1/16 miles in a sharp 1:42.49, just off the track record of 1:42.01, set by Olympiad in the 2022 edition of the Mineshaft. “He's a fighter,” jockey Florent Geroux said. “When he's in a fight, he'll give it his all the entire way. He's always been regarded as a nice horse. He was on the Kentucky Derby trail as a 3-year-old. That development has helped him continue to step his game up from his 2-year-old season to now.” “We knew coming into this race Accelerize was the horse to beat,” said Ricky Giannini, assistant trainer to Brad Cox. “He beat a nice one of ours, Just a Touch, in his last start. It was a dog fight the entire way. Hopefully, we can get lucky to get another Dubai World Cup win. We've had him since he was a 2-year-old when he was with Gary and Mary West. Now with Wathnan Racing, we really appreciate them keeping him in our care.” Hit Show made five subsequent starts after his upset in the desert, including wins in the West Virginia Governor's S. at Mountaineer and GIII Hagyard Fayette S. at Keeneland. He concluded his 2025 campaign with a runner-up finish in the GII Clark S. at Churchill Downs Nov. 28. Pedigree Notes: Hit Show is one of 59 graded/group winners worldwide for Candy Ride (Arg). Broodmare sire Tapit is responsible for 68 graded/group winners worldwide. Gary and Mary West homebred Actress, a daughter of Canadian champion 3-year-old filly Milwaukee Appeal, was a two-time graded winner. She was bred to Candy Ride for the 2026 season. MINESHAFT S. PRESENTED BY HAGYARD-GIII, $242,500, Fair Grounds, 2-14, 4yo/up, 1 1/16m, 1:42.49, ft. 1–HIT SHOW, 122, h, 6, by Candy Ride (Arg) 1st Dam: Actress (MGSW, $545,150), by Tapit 2nd Dam: Milwaukee Appeal, by Milwaukee Brew 3rd Dam: Appealing Forum, by Open Forum O-Wathnan Racing; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox; J-Florent Geroux. $150,000. Lifetime Record: G1SW-UAE, 24-12-2-1, $9,052,183. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Accelerize, 124, c, 4, Omaha Beach–Motion Emotion, by Take Charge Indy. ($400,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Spendthrift Farm LLC and Repole Stable; B-Spendthrift Farm, LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $50,000. 3–Time to Win, 118, r, 4, Not This Time–Nagambie, by Flatter. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($650,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Spendthrift Farm LLC, Lawrence, William H., Big Easy Racing LLC, Titletown Racing Stables, Winners Win, Golconda Stable, Goodrich, Ali and Parkinson, Mark; B-Fred W. Hertrich (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. $25,000. Margins: HD, 3/4, 1HF. Odds: 1.10, 2.10, 3.70. Also Ran: Duke of Duval, Stowaway, Moonlight. Scratched: Cadet Corps. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. HIT SHOW ($4.20) kept coming on the outside to get past Accelerize late to win the $250,000 Mineshaft Stakes (G3) at @Fairgroundsnola. The son of Candy Ride (@LanesEndFarms) is now 12 for 24 lifetime and now has over $9M in career earnings. @flothejock was up for @Bradcoxracing. pic.twitter.com/e4d2yi5M2O — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 14, 2026 The post Hit Show Gets Up in Mineshaft appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Still undefeated in two starts, FRENCH FICTION (f, 3, City of Light–Private Ensign, by A.P. Indy) showed her six-length maiden score was no fluke as she wired the field in Saturday's Dixie Belle Stakes at Oaklawn Park. Racing in the midst of a downpour on a sloppy track, jockey Cristian Torres kept his filly's face clean, letting her sit up front all the way even after she was initially outrun at the break. Only longshot Evolution (Brethren) kept pace with her early into the far turn but was ultimately no match as French Friction hit the stretch alone and easily kicked clear of the mud-covered closers for another open-lengths victory. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-DJ Stable; B-Siena Farms LLC; T-Mark Casse. Sales History: $250,000 ylg' 24 KEESEP. The post City Of Light’s French Friction Stays Perfect In Dixie Belle Romp appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shop Time becomes the first winner for his sire Shoplifted in taking the non-black-type Jim's Orbit Stakes at Sam Houston Race Park Feb. 14 in his fourth career start.View the full article

By Mike Love Canterbury junior driver Riley Harrison is for a busy day at Motukarara. She has nine drives on the 12-race programme starting just after noon, many look to be excellent each-way value. Harrison, who works for Woodend Beach trainers Robert and Jenna Dunn, starts her day off in those colours with Amici ($6.50FF) in Race 1, (12:05pm) the NZ Bloodstock Airfreight Mobile Pace over 2000m. Drawn a little awkwardly, Harrison suggests though the mare is racing well, some luck will be required from their second line draw. “Hopefully we don’t get too far back on the markers and she should be a good chance. She’s been racing a lot better lately,” said Harrison. Rondo Trouble ($11.00FF) for trainer Michael Heenan is Harrison’s next assignment in Race 2, (12:30pm) the Peter Smith Memorial Trot over 2170m. Rondo Trouble is a 21-start maiden yet is a runner you need to cover in first four and trifecta combinations. “He has good manners, but things will need to go his way.” Harrison gave a decent push for her next steer, Unico Tessa ($6.50FF) for trainer Henderson Hunter in Race 3, (12:58pm) The Famous Grouse Mobile Pace over 2000m. The 19-start maiden has placed seven times and at her most recent placing Harrison drove and was given confidence that today will bring another strong performance. “She’s been racing really well without any luck. If we can get some luck, she’s a really good winning chance.” Lavros Segil ($12.00FF) for trainer Peter Shennan produced a stout second at her recent start, giving Harrison confidence the now 11-year-old mare could likely produce a similar effort in Race 5, (2:07pm) the Temps Bar/Mark Templeton Memorial Trot over 2170m. “Hopefully she’ll be running on at the finish again like her last start. She’s drawn to get one run at them.” In Race 6, (2:44pm) The Pint & Pony Racing & Sports Bar Mobile Pace over 2000m, Harrison drives Normie Stead ($3.50FF), who is now trained by Robert and Jenna Dunn. Harrison suggests they will learn a lot more about the two-race-winning six-year-old gelded son of Bettors Delight today. “First start, no trials for us but his works been good at home. He’s got a nice draw and we are hoping for a good run, but we will learn a bit from him from the race.” In the race of the day, Race 7 (3:14pm) the Revell Douglas Memorial Series Junior Drivers (Mobile Pace) over 2000m, Harrison links up with the Robert and Jenna Dunn trained Bruntwood Brigade ($6.50FF), who is shooting for a hat-trick of wins. “I’ll look to drive him positively from the gate. He goes best when he’s leading.” In Race 8, (3:39pm) the Moore Walker Davey Searells Accountants Trot over 2170m, Jasprit Trouble ($8.50FF) for trainer Michael Heenan has been racing in terrific form, despite a blimp last time out at Methven, a run which Harrison says we can put a line through. “He’s a good sit-sprint horse. So we will be looking to drive him like that and he should be hard to beat.” Six-year-old mare Judine ($11.00FF) lines up in the mares’ race, Race 9 (4:09pm) the Check Out Lot 285 “Image” Mobile Pace over 2000m for trainers Robert & Jenna Dunn. “She’s very off and on, so it’s up to her and how she feels on the day.” Rounding out Harrison’s busy day is Country Gold ($19.00FF) for trainer Henderson Hunter in Race 10 (4:47pm) The Golden Mile Pace over 2170m. “He was really good last start and got held up on the last bend. Hopefully, we get another good run but with some luck this time.” View the full article