Wandering Eyes

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

California shipper Imagination wins the $2 million Riyadh Dirt Sprint (G2) in Saudi Arabia, and Florida's Reef Runner takes the $2 million 1351 Turf Sprint (G2T) there. View the full article

GRANDE (c, 4, Curlin–Journey Home {GSW, $225,997}, by War Front), unraced since a runner-up finish in last year's GII Wood Memorial in April and since the subject of a controversial day-before scratch in the GI Kentucky Derby, returned to the races Saturday for trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Mike Repole. Tabbed the 7-5 favorite racing with the addition of blinkers, Grande would have to deal with fellow comebacker Praetor (Into Mischief), himself unraced since a third in April's GIII Lexington Stakes for Chad Brown. Both drawn outside, the favorite opted to hit the front and was allowed to lead through easy fractions of :24.14 and :47.05. The real running began into the far turn as Praetor swung first, making an outside move to get on even terms with the leader, leaving the rest of the field in their wake and only X Y Prime (Vekoma) in the same zip code. Grande hit back at the quarter pole but Praetor was driving past him into the final furlong and the favorite looked beaten coming into the final sixteenth. But in a gutsy final effort, Grande surged back along the inside, finishing with a flourish to deny Praetor by three-quarters of a length in a thrilling conclusion. It was another 14 1/2 lengths back to X Y Prime. KatieRich Farms purchased Journey Home, with Grande in utero, for $650,000 at Keeneland November in 2021. The mare, herself a daughter of MGISP Soul Search (A.P. Indy), had already produced Ticker Tape Home (Medaglia d'Oro), GSW, $361,803. While she has failed to produce a live foal since Grande in 2022, JourneyHome is due this season to Oscar Performance. Grande and @RajivMaragh battle back to deliver in race 7 for @PletcherRacing and @RepoleStable. #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/1b61kKOh9Z — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) February 14, 2026 7th-Gulfstream, $71,000, Alw (C)/Opt. Clm ($62,500), 2-14, 4yo/up, 1m, 1:36.13, ft, 3/4 length. GRANDE (c, 4, Curlin–Journey Home {GSW, $225,997}, by War Front) Sales History: $300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0, $270,800. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Repole Stable; B-KatieRich Farms (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. The post Grande Back To Winning Ways In Thrilling Gulfstream Duel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-TAM, $55k, Msw, 3yo, 1 1/16mT, post time: 2:49 p.m. ET HUMILITY (Justify) fetched $400,000 as a short yearling at the 2024 Keeneland January Sale and returned for that auction house's September Sale to bring $1 million from the partnership of CHC, Maverick Racing and Siena Racing. A half-brother to a pair of black-type runners, the May 20 foal is out of a half-sister to Negligee (Northern Afleet), champion of her generation in Canada in 2009 and winner of that year's GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes. Peter Brant's Arizona Territory (Tapit) is a homebred son of Cafe Americano (Medaglia d'Oro), a $625,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase whose victory in the 2019 GIII Pucker Up Stakes completed a Chad Brown sweep of the four graded events on Arlington Million Day (Sistercharlie {Ire}, Beverly D. S.; Valid Point, Secretariat S.; Bricks and Mortar, Arlington Million). Already the dam of the stakes-placed Lavender Disaster (Into Mischief), Cafe Americano is a daughter of two-time Sovereign Award and three-time graded winner Roxy Gap (Indian Charlie), whose four additional winners includes MGSP Angelou (Curlin) Glen Hill Farm's Third Coast (Uncle Mo) is the fifth starter for the outfit's talented Marketing Mix (Medaglia d'Oro), a two-time Grade I winner in California and runner-up in the 2009 GI Breeders” Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita. The bay gelding is a half-brother to the stakes-placed Global Brand (War Front). TJCIS PPs The post Sunday Insights: Million-Dollar Justify Colt Debuts On the Grass at Tampa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

She had a lone start to her name when she came into this contest, but Galinda (Good Magic) proved defying gravity wasn't far from her capabilities as she floated home to win the East View Stakes. Entering into this black-type debut, the daughter of Good Magic was most recently seen breaking her maiden at first-asking Jan. 10 at this venue. In a duel nearly from the jump, she went wide for most of the trip and gamely held off a fresh challenger late to score by three-quarters of a length. That contest has since yielded a next-out winner. The 6-5 favorite against this short field, with Pinky Brier (McKinzie) going off the second choice at $1.29 odds to her $1.22, Galinda went right to head of affairs after the jump and posted a comfortable opening split of :23.64. Enjoying a ground saving trip into the bend after a half-mile in :47.38, her advantage over her rivals was growing as she spun into the lane. By the time they hit the final furlong, there was an insurmountable margin back to Rina's Revenge (Yaupon) in second, who had overtaken Victory Hall (Independence Hall) as that one battled to hold third. The final margin was 9 1/4 lengths as Galina coasted in with ears pricked. After the race, 'dazzling' was the word of the day as her connections could not sing her praises loud enough. Trainer Miguel Clement said they'd thought very highly of Galinda from the first day, saying, “She was incredibly impressive. She dazzled from day one and we were very high on the filly from the get-go. She continues to deliver, and we're very happy. She's for Waterville [Lake Stables, owner] who are big time breeders, so she'll be a fun addition for their broodmare band someday.” “The next race in New York [Maddie May, Mar. 7] is a bit quick back, but I do like the fact that it's one turn,” Clement said. “The next one in early April [GIII Gazelle, Apr. 4] is two turns, which I don't love. My other option is to bring her to Florida, but that's also two turns.” “I love the idea of stretching her further but still sticking with one turn. I think the one we consider strongly is the Virginia Oaks [1 1/16-miles, Mar. 14 at Colonial Downs]. It's one turn, but still stretching her. I don't know how distance-limited she is, to be frank, but we shall see. She's a good filly.” GALINDA ($4.44) floats across the track as she dominates in the $135,000 East View Stakes at Aqueduct with Jaime Rodriguez in the saddle for trainer @miguelmclement and owner Waterville Lake Stables. Bet Aqueduct https://t.co/0T8XCoKbNV pic.twitter.com/XRNrKvl2J4 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 14, 2026 When Waterville Lake Stables's Tim Tully was asked about the importance of the New York-bred program, the owner wasn't shy in his appraisal, saying, “For the partnership, it has been [very important] for the past 15 years…we think the New York breeding program is great and to come in to our second start and win a stakes race like this speaks to the program. A $135,000 purse is pretty strong.” Galinda is the second winner to the races for Super Humor behind winning eldest brother Lifting (Curlin), but the first to garner a stakes victory. The mare, herself a half-sister to a fleet of stakes horses on the New York circuit, has a yearling filly by Munnings to her credit and is due to Essential Quality for 2026. The aforementioned half-siblings include MSW & GSP Funny Guy (Big Brown) as well as SW & GSP Funny How (Overanalyze). One of the mare's winning half-sisters is Angel Food (Sidney's Candy), the mother of SP Marion Grace (Uptowncharlybrown). Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. EAST VIEW S., $130,950, Aqueduct, 2-14, (S), 3yo, f, 7f, 1:24.97, ft. 1–GALINDA, 119, f, 3, by Good Magic 1st Dam: Super Humor (SW, $169,288), by Super Saver 2nd Dam: Heavenly Humor, by Distorted Humor 3rd Dam: Call From Heaven, by Phone Trick ($120,000 Ylg '24 SARAUG). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Waterville Lake Stables; B-Daniel J Burke & Kathleen Burke Schweizer (NY); T-Miguel Clement; J-Jaime Rodriguez. $74,250. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $115,500. 2–Rina's Revenge, 121, f, 3, Yaupon–Mine as Well, by Mineshaft. ($55,000 Wlg '23 KEENOV; $150,000 Ylg '24 SARAUG). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Harold Lerner LLC, AWC Stables and Nehoc Stables; B-TLC Thoroughbreds LLC (NY); T-Kenneth McPeek. $27,000. 3–Victory Hall, 123, f, 3, Independence Hall–Into Victory, by Into Mischief. ($30,000 Wlg '23 FTNMIX; $30,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $45,000 RNA 2yo '25 OBSAPR). O-Twin Sports Racing, Cypresshead Racing, LLC and Let's Go Racing; B-Stonegate Stables LLC & Everything's Cricket Racing (NY); T-John Alexander Ortiz. $16,200. Margins: 9 1/4, 2, 2 3/4. Odds: 1.22, 4.45, 9.37. Also Ran: Purple Divine, Pinky Brier. Scratched: Blue Note. The post ‘The Good’ Indeed: Galinda Dazzles in Aqueduct’s East View appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Just when the Saudi Derby (G3) looked like a showdown between Japan and the United States, local boy Al Haram steals the show.View the full article

Japanese superstar Forever Young repeats in the world's richest race, the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1), defeating American Nysos Feb. 14 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse.View the full article