Wandering Eyes

The $1.25 million GI Apple Blossom Handicap has joined the roster of prestigious North American races for the 2026 Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In, Breeders' Cup Limited and Oaklawn Park said in a joint release on Thursday. The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is an international series of stakes races, the winners of which receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race at the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships, scheduled to be held Oct. 30-31 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky. Offering an automatic berth into the $2 million GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff, the 1 1/16-mile Apple Blossom Handicap for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up will be the first Breeders' Cup Challenge race in the Distaff division this year. “The Apple Blossom Handicap has a long-standing reputation as one of the premier races for fillies and mares in North America,” Chief Racing Officer for Breeders' Cup Limited Dora Delgado said. “Its inclusion in the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series underscores the race's championship quality and strengthens the pathway to the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff. We are proud to welcome Oaklawn Park and the Apple Blossom into the 'Win and You're In' program as part of our continued commitment to showcasing elite racing on the road to the Breeders' Cup World Championships.” “This is a tremendous milestone for Oaklawn and for one of the most prestigious races in American racing,” said President of Oaklawn Louis A. Cella. “The Apple Blossom Handicap has long been a championship-caliber event, and earning Breeders' Cup 'Win & You're In' status reflects the quality of our racing product and the elite horses that continue to compete here. This designation further solidifies Oaklawn's place on the world stage as a premier destination for top-level Thoroughbred racing.” As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders' Cup will pay the pre-entry and entry fees to the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff for the winner of the Apple Blossom Handicap (a $60,000 value). The nominator of the winning horse will receive a $10,000 award, provided the horse is nominated before the Challenge race. All Breeders' Cup Challenge winners also receive travel benefits to the World Championships: $10,000 for starters based outside of Kentucky in North America and $40,000 for international starters based outside of North America. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 19, 2026, to receive the rewards. The post GI Apple Blossom Joins 2026 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Slate appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Online auction house Auctav and French auction house Osarus are set to merge, Jour de Galop reported on Thursday. The merger is set for next February, with the two companies working together in a series of joint sales beginning in March. The aim is to strengthen their market position and offer their expertise, innovation and accessibility to more customers. Auctav will specialise in sales of trotters and art, while Osarus will be devoted to Flat and jumps racing, as well as Arabian sales. Said Auctav president Louis Baudron, “This merger marks a major step for our sector. Together, we will be able to offer a richer and more accessible range of services, while preserving the excellence and trust that have built the reputation of both companies.” Added Osarus manager Emmanuel Viaud, “We share with Auctav a common vision of auctions, combining tradition and modernity. This partnership is a unique opportunity to better serve our clients and boost the market.” The post Auctav And Osarus Set To Merge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 20:25, AL MAKTOUM CHALLENGE-G1, AED3,680,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1900m Field: Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Imperial Emperor (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A. P.), Tumbarumba (Oscar Performance), Artorious (Arrogate), Remorse (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Kabirkhan (Calilfornia Chrome), Killer Collect (Collected), Masmak (Vino Rosso). TDN Analysis: Walk Of Stars held Imperial Emperor to second in last year's edition for trainer Bhupat Seemar who saddles six here. Those two both step forward again, while Seemar stablemate Kabirkhan exploded to a 4 3/4-length victory here in 2024, and is another gunning to reclaim his title. Imperial Emperor warmed up for Friday's challenge with an easy victory in the G2 Al Maktoum Mile on Festive Friday. Heart Of Honor is best known for the Meydan races he didn't win, but the multiple group-placed gelding rattled home a winner in the Listed The Entisar over Artorius in December and the four-year-old could be coming into his own. Tumbarumba, a Grade III hero in the U.S. is making his second start at Meydan. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 21:00, JEBEL HATTA-G1, AED1,850,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1800mT Field: Opera Ballo (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Holloway Boy (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Silawi (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Midak (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Vafortino (Ire) (New Bay {GB}). TDN Analysis: It is difficult to see beyond Opera Ballo and Nations Pride in the Jebel Hatta, as that duo ran one-two for Godolphin in the G2 Al Rashidiya in December and it was over eight lengths back to third-place finisher First Conquest (Teofilo) in third. Holloway Boy, third in this to Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) in 2025, won a listed race at Kempton in December, but was only fifth to Quddwah (Kingman) in the G2 Zabeel Mile the day after New Year's Day. The GI Canadian International Stakes was Silawi's in October, and, although he ran unplaced in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, the six-year-old gelding could cause the upset on Friday. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 19:50, BLUE POINT SPRINT-G2, AED850,000, 3yo/up, 1000mT Field: West Acre (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Cover Up (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Democracy Dilemma (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Spartan Arrow (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Tawalla (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Logo Hunter (Ire) (Brazen Beau {Aus}), Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), Echo Point (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Swift Asset (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}), The Man (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Hilitany (GB) (Ubettabelieveit {Ire}). TDN Analysis: West Acre romped in the 2025 edition of this race, with Ponntos second and Cover Up third. However, he hasn't found the winner's circle since. Friday is his 2026 UAE bow. Cover Up triumphed in the Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash prepping for this contest. Spartan Arrow bested West Acre going 1000 metres at Dundalk in October. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 18:40, AL FAHIDI FORT-G2, AED850,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1400mT Field: Witness Stand (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), Marbaan (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Mysterious Night (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Lethal Levi (GB) (Lethal Force {Ire}), Shootout (Ire) (Areion {Ger}), Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Chicago Critic (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Apollo One (GB) (Equiano {Fr}), Tumbler (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Yaroogh (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Elnajmm (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Khanjar (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Andreas Vesalius (Ire) (Caravaggio), Hougquetot (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Mountbatten (Ire) (Dabirsim {Fr}). TDN Analysis: Mysterious Night, a winner of the GI Summer Stakes back in 2022, captured the 2024 edition of this contest and was second last year to the re-opposing Marbaan. Khanjar split that duo in the Listed Business Bay Challenge on Festive Friday last month. Group 1 winner Audience came home third in the G2 Zabeel Mile earlier this month and the shorter trip could do the trick for the seven-year-old. Successful in the G3 Sprint Trophy over this distance at Cologne in September, Shootout brings German form to the table on Friday. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 22:10, AL KHAIL TROPHY-G3, AED700,000, 2810mT Field: Meydaan (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Epic Poet (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Goya Senora (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), West Wind Blows (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Real Ream (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Kihavah (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}), Nightwalker (GB) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Analysis: Meydaan prevailed in good style trying this course and distance on January 2 with the re-opposing third Nightwalker set to test him once again. A multiple group winner in France and placed at Group 1 level in Europe and Australia, West Wind Blows turns his sights to Meydan. Second in a Kempton listed race after almost two years away from the races in November, he proved he still held his old spark when taking the Listed Prix Arcangues at Deauville by 1 1/2 lengths on December 23. 2025 G2 Dubai Gold Cup third Epic Poet returns to Meydan, with his most recent effort a second-place run in rallying fashion in the G3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes in August. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 18:05, FIREBREAK STAKES-G3, AED700,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1600m Field: Fort Payne (Fr) (Rio De La Plata), Commissioner King (Commissioner), Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn), Meshtri (Medaglia d'Oro), Crown Board (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Hypnus (Into Mischief), Made In Dubai (More Than Ready). TDN Analysis: Second to Al Maktoum Challenge entry Imperial Emperor (Dubawi) in the G2 Al Maktoum Mile in December, Commissioner King is hoping to find the competition more to his liking in this class drop. Listed hero Mendelssohn Bay, third that day, returns as well. Hypnus makes his Meydan debut after running second in a 1000-metre trial over this surface earlier this month. Also making his first start in the desert is Crown Board, who exits a Chelmsford handicap with a win over this trip in December. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 21:35, UAE 2000 GUINEAS-G3, AED700,000, 3yo, 1600m Field: Legalaized (Arg) (Dabster), Namaguederaz (Uru) (Algorithms), Don Pelicano (Uru) (Midshipman), Six Speed (Not This Time), Devon Island (Practical Joke), Union Security (Maximum Security), Brotherly Love (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}), Lino Padrino (Uncle Lino), Raajehh (Complexity), Rammaas (Speightstown), Duke Of Immatin (Gun Runner), Yasup (Yaupon), Awesome Fleet (US Navy Flag), Senator Of State (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Al Khawaneej (Honest Mischief), Yamdeek (Yaupon). TDN Analysis: Two-for-three after claiming conditions races over 1200m and 1400m over the winter, Six Speed looks tough for his 15 rivals on Friday. Trying 1600 metres for the first time, he clashes with Brotherly Love, a half-brother to Heart Of Honor (Honor A. P.). Devon Island holds the same record as Six Speed and defeated Brotherly Love in November and December over the 2000 Guineas distance. Raajehh scampered home an easy winner of a 1200-metre conditions race here in December. Senator Of State already sports a tally over this trip at Dundalk, but will be making his Meydan debut. Friday, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, post time: 19:15, AL SHINDAGHA SPRINT-G3, AED700,000, 3yo/up, 1200m Field: Dark Saffron (Flameaway), El Nasseeb (GB) (Profitable {Ire}), Mufasa (Chi) (Practical Joke), Drew's Gold (Violence), Morning (Munnings), Colour Up (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Analysis: El Nasseeb is riding a three-race UAE winning streak, with his latest success a victory over Mufasa and Colour Up in the G3 Dubawi Stakes over track and trip on January 2. Drew's Gold defeated Echo Point in a 1200-metre handicap here in mid-December. A winner of the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen last April, Dark Saffron is searching for redemption. The four-year-old gelding won a conditions affair here in November, but has been soundly beaten by El Nasseeb in his last two appearances. Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, post time: 15:00, CENTENARY SPRINT CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, 3yo/up, 1200mT Field: Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}), Helios Express (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}), Fast Network (NZ) (Wrote {Ire}), Raging Blizzard (NZ) (Per Incanto), Tomodachi Kokoroe (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}), Beauty Waves (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Lucky With You (Aus) (Artie Schiller). TDN Analysis: Ka Ying Rising will attempt to make history and equal Hong Kong legend Silent Witness's record of 17 wins in a row by a Hong Kong-trained horse. A surprise here is not impossible, but Helios Express needs to find 12 pounds via international ratings. Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, post time: 16:05, STEWARDS' CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, 3yo/up, 1600mT Field: Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}), Beauty Joy (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}), Red Lion (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}), Galaxy Patch (Aus) (Wandjina {Aus}), Straight Arron (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), My Wish (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), Sunlight Power (Aus) (Capitalist {Aus}). TDN Analysis: It is difficult to look beyond Hong Kong heavyweights Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble in Sunday's Stewards' Cup. The former holds top-level form in four countries and is running in his first 1600-metre race since claiming Japan's G1 Yasuda Kinen in 2024. The latter has won two editions of the Stewards' Cup in 2024/2025. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Can Heart Of Honor Go All The Way? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The International Conference for the Health, Safety, and Welfare of Jockeys was hosted in Hong Kong Dec. 11-12. The conference featured presentations and panel discussions with leading experts in the field. A replay is now available.View the full article

Trainer James Cassidy died Wednesday at his home in Monrovia, California after suffering from heart disease. He was 80. Born Aug. 21, 1945 in New York City, Cassidy got his start working with show horses at the age of 12. He would later transition to racehorses and in 1975, Cassidy took out his trainer's license. He then spent more than a decade working as an assistant for such top Eastern-based trainers as Joe Canty, Frank Whitely and Charles Sanborne before striking out on his own. Cassidy's first starter as a trainer came Oct. 2, 1989 at Belmont Park, according to Equibase statistics. In late 1993, after only a handful of runners in New York, Cassidy moved his training operation to Southern California. He won his first-ever race at Hollywood Park Dec. 12, 1993, with the claiming horse Royal Torrent (His Majesty). Cassidy continued to operate a small stable at Santa Anita up until his death. His final starter who he also owned was Pure Chaos (Sir Prancealot {Ire}). The filly ran Jan. 11 at Santa Anita and finished third in a maiden special weight. Cassidy won 442 races in his career while compiling $30,715,582 in purse earnings. His final win came Apr. 25, 2025 at Santa Anita with Princess Snow (Sir Prancealot {Ire}) for owner-breeder DP Racing. Notable horses from the Cassidy barn were Grade I-winning millionaires Evening Jewel (Northern Afleet), The Usual Q.T (Unusual Heat) and Ticker Tape (GB) (Royal Appluase {GB}); and millionaire Grade II winner Moscow Burning (Moscow Ballet). Cassidy also served multiple terms as president of California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT), an organization that represents the interests of Thoroughbred trainers in the state. “Jim just loved horses. Period,” said Alan Balch, executive director of California Thoroughbred Trainers. “From the first time I met him, that's what stood out to me. He had his early experience on Long Island with show horses, and we had that in common when I first met him in connection with CTT. And he loved the Yankees, he always wore that cap proudly.” Cassidy served as president of the CTT in 2009 and again from 2012 through June 2019. “Jim had a special knack with fillies and mares, and the records prove it,” Balch said. “He served the backstretch community as a whole tirelessly, through both the Gregson Foundation and his CTT leadership.” Details on services will be announced at a later date. The post California-Based Trainer James Cassidy Dies At 80 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

HALLANDALE, FLORIDA–One year ago, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. couldn't have been flying higher after White Abarrio (Race Day) ran away to a sparkling 6 1/4-length victory in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park. The victory had capped a roller coaster ride for Joseph after the grey had previously won the GI Whitney and GI Breeders' Cup Classic for trainer Rick Dutrow Jr., but things seemed to go off course after that. Back under the supervision of Joseph at Gulfstream in the fall of 2024, the grey appeared to have finally turned things around, winning three out of four starts for the Florida-based trainer, however, a trio of off-the-board finishes in Grade I company at Saratoga signaled another cooling off period. And then, the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar. Entered in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, White Abarrio was unceremoniously scratched by the track veterinarian mere moments before the race, prompting the horses' connections–C2 Racing Stable, Gary Barber and La Milagrosa Stable–to launch an investigation into the matter. While failing to achieve any sort of official action from the ensuing litigation, Joseph remains steadfast that the scratch was unwarranted. Unraced since finishing fifth in last summer's GI Jockey Club Gold Cup, the 7-year-old faces the daunting task of trying to win another Pegasus World Cup on Saturday. Accompanied by Irad Ortiz Jr., White Abarrio posted his latest workout on Jan. 18, going four furlongs in :51.4 (83/86). “Last year we went in full of confidence,” said Joseph Jr. said. “This year, it's a different set of circumstances.” Asked how the long stint away from the races might affect his title defense, Joseph explained, “I don't think it's going to be fitness, because he's never had any down time. He would always gallop, gallop, gallop. When you have down time that's when you run into fitness issues.” Given a 4-1 chance on the morning line, White Abarrio will have to contend with the less-than-ideal post 11. “Nothing you can do about that. It is what it is,” Joseph said. “Irad is the best at working out bad posts. The break's the most important thing from any draw.” Hoping to turn the page on 2025 with White Abarrio, Joseph also returns to the Pegasus program with another World Cup prospect. Daniel Alonso's Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) enters the fray off of last-out victory in Gulfstream's GIII Harlan's Holiday Stakes on Dec. 20. Last season's GII Hollywood Gold Cup winner will be making his fourth start in the race, having finished achieved his best finish when third behind his stablemate last year. “There's confidence that he can win it,” Joseph said. “He's had the right preparation.” The 7-year-old finished seventh in the 2023 renewal of the race and after breaking from post 12, he was pulled up and walked off in 2024. In 2025, the bay broke from post 9. “Skippy is a hard-trying horse,” Joseph said. “The draw didn't treat White Abarrio good, but I think he can overcome it. Skippy drew better. The last couple years, [Skippylongstocking has] drawn bad. He's doing well and he goes over there with a very good chance.” In other Pegasus World Cup action, Joseph is also well represented in the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf, sending out In Our Time (Not This Time) and Movin' On Up (Accelerate). Joseph won last year's renewal of the race with Be Your Best, with In Our Time finishing third. Campaigned by Resolute Racing and Miller Racing, stakes winner In Our Time was last seen finishing second in the GI Matriarch at Del Mar in November. “In Our Time's goal was this race after finishing third last year,” he said. “She's coming off a big run.” Movin' On Up, two for three over the course, enters off a second-place finish in Gulftsream's Suwannee River Stakes over a mile on Dec. 20. “Movin' On Up is also doing well,” he said. “Obviously, she loves the course and has the course record on the track. She ran well last time. Hopefully, she'll run big again this time.” Of his World Cup chances this weekend, Joseph was pragmatic. “There's a lot of horses with chances,” he said. “Hopefully, we'll win back-to-back.” Additionally, Joseph's other chances on the stakes undercard include GSW Indy Bay (Take Charge Indy), who heads a trio of runners for the trainer in the GII Inside Information Stakes. Victorious in the GII Charles Town Oaks last August, the 4-year-old was last seen being eased in the GI Cotillion Stakes at Parx in September. Joseph also saddles Claret Beret (Not This Time) and last season's GIII Royal Delta winner and GI Ogden Phipps runner-up Dazzling Move (Not This Time). He also saddles Venencia (Recoletos {Fr}) and Ramsey Pond (Divisdero) in the renamed GIII Christophe Clement Stakes. The post Joseph Jr. Looking for Redemption in Pegasus World Cup? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen intends to run Soldier N Diplomat in the $1 million Southwest Stakes (G3) Jan. 31 at Oaklawn, with stablemate Obliteration headed to the $1.5 million Saudi Derby (G3) Feb. 14 in Saudi Arabia. View the full article

By Michael Guerin This is the campaign in which Bazooka needs to stand up but trainer Steven Reid isn’t entirely sure tonight’s main pace at Addington will be the moment it happens. Bazooka resumes after a month away in the Touchdown Rentals Pace (8.55pm) in which he faces barrier 9 in the 1980m mobile but meets few horses with his natural ability. While Beside Me ($1.85) looked a superstar filly this time last year Bazooka ($3.70) looked an open class horse in the making a year ago. “To be honest I thought he would have gone further by now,” admits Reid. “He has real ability but he went through a bit of a flat patch. “But I was a lot happier with his second at Invercargill last start (behind J T Boe) and he has been very good at the trials since. “I reckon the next three to six months we will find out what we really have with him. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he went through to the verge of open class but that is up to him now.” While an open class horse would be winning tonight’s race Reid says the barrier draw does concern him. “Being his first run in five weeks I am not that fussed about him rushing forward and trying to lead,” he explains. “I actually think he might be even better driven with a sit anyway but I realise that makes him harder to back. “I like a bet and I am keen on the horse but to be backing him this week I’d want $4 or $5,” says Reid, somewhat optimistically. Reid also has a real chance in the $35,000 Majestic Horse Floats Tasman Empress Final (7.56pm) with Nothing But You drawn barrier 1 in the small field. “She is a mare who has taken time to mature,” explains Reid. “But she is getting there now. She went two good races at Nelson and I think she will go well again.” Reid is counting down to the public return of his little superstar pacer Jumal, who was our best juvenile last season. “He will be back at the trials on February 11,” says Reid. “I’d say he will have two trials and then resume at Alexandra Park on March 13 and into the Harness Million on March 20. “I just love this horse and he has come back great. He hasn’t grown much, which always makes you wonder the others will catch up, but he has filled out. “But he looks really well so I am stoked and can’t wait to get him back.” View the full article

By Michael Guerin Nathan Purdon has plenty of reasons to be excited as he heads to the first Alexandra Park meeting of the year tonight. Because not only does the meeting boast the first juvenile race of the season but Purdon dominates it with four of the seven starters. The $17,000 Breckon Farms Young Gun heat (8.05pm) starts a run toward the $100,000 final at Alexandra Park on March 20 and the series looks set to provide a great advertisement for Purdon’s new business now that he is training on his own account. Things are looking good, we have 25 horses in work and 37 on the books,” he explained. “And this is a stage of the season we really love, when the two-year-olds start stepping out. “It has always been a big part of Dad’s career as he loved training the babies and I am the same.” Purdon says Coal Face (R7, No.6) is the clear best chance of his quartet tonight. “He is a very natural pacer who has been good at the workouts,” he explains. “Andre (Poutama) who will do most of my main driving when Dad isn’t available will be on him this week and I am have been really happy with how he has been handling our horses. “I think Dontgetmestarted (Sweet Lou) is the next best for this Friday as he is very professional and ready to go whereas I think the other two are more staying types of horses who will get better as the series goes on.” Earlier in the night Purdon will be represented by the enigmatic Pantani off the front line in the first race. Pantani once looked a budding open class trotter before his manners consistently let him down and they threatened to do so again in first outing for Purdon at Cambridge on December 24 before he recovered from a skip at the top of the straight to win. “He is a tricky horse and has a few issues,” says Nathan. “He can go out and trot faultlessly for five or six trackwork sessions in a row and then gallop in the next one for no reason. “I think the key is getting his confidence back and being off the front this week if he can step and stay in front it could suit him.” Pantani does step a long way up in grade though as he has proven group horses like One More Moment and Courmayeur just 10m behind him at the start. Tonight’s meeting also hosts two Metro heats for both the pacers and the trotters leading into $35,000 finals back at The Park on January 30. View the full article

8th-GP, $84k, Msw, 3yo, f, 1m, 3:50 p.m. ET Shadwell Stable's ELGHEED (Tapit), a $1.2-million Keeneland September purchase in 2024, makes her first trip to the post for trainer Todd Pletcher. The filly is the first foal out of Immediate Impact (Into Mischief), a half-sister to champion Arrogate (Unbridled's Song) who won her lone racetrack appearance for Bob Baffert in 2019. The mare's second foal, a filly by Flightline, sold for $1.6 million to Douglas Scharbauer at the 2025 Keeneland September sale. Brad Cox saddles firster Prom Queen (Quality Road), a homebred for Gary and Mary West. The filly is out of Miss Bling Bling (Tapit), a daughter of Canadian champion Milwaukee Appeal (Milwaukee Brew) and a full-sister to multiple graded stakes winner Actress, dam of G1 Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}). TJCIS PPs The post Friday Insights: Pricey Tapit Filly Debuts at Gulfstream Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

ThoroFan is a national non-profit Thoroughbred Racing Fan Association, Inc (501 (c)(3)) with 18 years of experience representing the interest of Thoroughbred racing fans across the country. We are proud of our monikers, “Giving the Fan a Voice” and “An educated Fan is a Better Fan.” With the current takeout rates present in parimutuel racing today, the average fan contributes, at minimum, 20-30 percent of the money that sustains the success of the industry (with larger retail handicappers/players contributing much more) yet is not allowed anywhere near that type of representation or a seat at the table with the regulatory bodies of racing. If racing is to thrive and grow by the year 2036, we see the following as being present in the industry in some form: For the Fans 1. A sport where the on-track experience draws fans to the racetrack, not just to watch on their phones or at home. While younger generations and the affluent gravitate toward premium amenities, racetracks should also create welcoming spaces for the game's veterans: those who value comfort over spectacle and deserve recognition as vital contributors to racing. 2. Industry recognition that fans and handicappers are as important to racing as horsemen, owners, breeders, jockeys, backstretch community, etc. They need to have a seat at the table. A Fan/Handicapper is given a seat on every Racing Commission or Horse Racing Board. This would not just be a “member of the public” spot, but a dedicated seat for an experienced player who understands the fan/handicapper experiences and desires. 3. Greater access for fans to all aspects of the racing industry, from breeding to racing to aftercare opportunities. This will bring more fans into the sport, not only as fans but also as participants in other areas, keeping the industry vibrant for years to come. 4. While some retail horseplayers truly wish that CAWs would be outlawed from racing entirely, ThoroFan recognizes their importance in generating purse revenue. We envision a 2036 where CAWs exist but are fairly regulated, and where a broad range of wagering options gives regular and retail players access to pools free from CAW influence. 5. True transparency of all health care given to these great equine athletes, and complete explanations to the public of what these treatments mean and are designed for. For the Industry 1. A change in the current business model to make it as lucrative to continue racing as it is to rush horses off to the breeding shed. This can be achieved through better racing “series” and better-structured local racing circuits that would provide critical support to the smaller tracks that will not survive the next decade under current economic conditions. 2. Bring back handicap races. Change the condition books based on the horse's current performance level, not age or number of wins. Under the current system, horses can win a maiden and three allowance races before they must either step into stakes or down to the claiming ranks. This was successfully implemented at Sam Houston Park Jan. 17, 2026. This system gives owners a choice, better opportunities for their horses through improved race placement, and another betting opportunity for handicappers. 3. Rule changes put in place to further ensure the health, welfare, and safety of all the athletes of the sport. These changes would ensure the highest levels of integrity in the sport, leading to more trust and wagering done by the public on it. For the Horse 1. A thriving aftercare program for these horses where there is true transparency that the fans can see and access showing exactly where each racehorse goes after their racing days are over. Ten years is a very short time in the grand scheme of things (especially considering racing's long and storied history), but this upcoming decade may become one of the most important ever in racing's history. If the industry takes a real hard look at what is best not for the individual, but for the whole, then ThoroFan sees a 2036 where we look back on the last 10 years and marvel at how far the sport has come back. If not, we may be spending 2036 merely looking back and saying, “Hey, remember when this place used to be a racetrack? Man, I miss that.” The post Letter To The Editor: ThoroFan’s Look At Racing In 2036 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Due to a major winter storm set to hit a sizable portion of the United States, many racetracks have canceled their upcoming cards.View the full article

Bill Casner's Rafter C Ranch went to $260,000 to acquire Alisal (Uncle Mo), a 3-year-old stakes-placed filly, from Tuesday's Fasig-Tipton January Digital Sale. The priciest filly or mare sold Tuesday, Alisal raced exclusively at Remington Park for trainer H. Ray Ashford, Jr., breaking her maiden in her second start Oct. 9 and adding an allowance win next out Nov. 15 before capping off her season with a runner-up effort in the Toby Keith Stakes Dec. 20. Consigned by Warrendale Sales as a racing or broodmare prospect, Casner seems fit to retire his newest acquisition to a growing broodmare band. “She's a big, pretty mare,” Casner said. “She was precocious as a 2-year-old. I watched the replays [of her stakes race] and she was really wide on both turns. When she ran, she did it the tough way, lost a lot of ground and still showed speed. She's by Uncle Mo who is arguably becoming one of the best broodmare sires out there.” Out of a winning Gone West mare, Alisal is a half-sister to MGSW/GISP Secret Message (Hat Trick {Jpn}) who was acquired by Spendthrift Farm for $625,000 out of the 2020 Keeneland November Sale and has since produced three straight foals by leading sire Into Mischief. “Secret Message was certainly a very, very good racehorse, and she's still a young mare and active,” Casner continued. “Maybe one of those [Into Mischief foals] will go on, so there's an opportunity for the pedigree to continue to improve. I think [Alisal] is the kind of mare that, if you breed her to the right stallion, you've got an opportunity to get a really good racehorse.” Alisal was one of two broodmares purchased by Casner in the January Digital Sale, the other being Fay's Rhonda Cares (Mendelssohn), the half-sister to young stallion Flameaway (Scat Daddy) who was hammered down at just $30,000. “The market's gone up on these mares,” said Casner. “You're going to have to pay a little more for these quality mares but that's the market right now. Inventory is down. It's supply and demand.” Casner acknowledged that while Alisal may still be fit to race and potentially even at a higher level, she was more than likely set to be in foal in the coming season. “We'll find something that we really like to breed her to. We'll breed her to a good stallion, for sure. In truth, she looks sound enough to where she could continue to run. But you question what upside is. It costs $50,000 to keep [her] in training and I know she could certainly pay her way and perhaps make some money. Would she be able to step up to graded stakes? I think she probably could. But I'll probably just go ahead and breed her and put her into the broodmare band, let her be a mama.” The post Rafter C Ranch Adds Alisal To Growing Broodmare Band appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

World Pool races will return across three fixtures on Friday-Sunday split between the UAE, New Zealand and Hong Kong. Four races in the UAE on Friday including the G1 Jebel Hatta and the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge, six races in New Zealand on Saturday, among them the G1 Railway Stakes and in Hong Kong on Sunday the G1 Centenary Sprint and the G1 Stewards' Cup complete an even dozen World Pool races for the weekend. The second World Pool Moment of the Day will be chosen from Ellerslie. The Railway Stakes, Centenary Sprint Cup and the Stewards' Cup all featured in the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) Top 100 Group 1 races in the last three years. The post Triple World Pool Fixtures On The Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's currently stallion trail season and, following the inaugural National Hunt showcase in Britain and last weekend's Irish Stallion Trail, over the next two days it is the turn of the original. Twenty-one studs across the north-west of France will open their doors on Friday and Saturday for La Route des Etalons, allowing access to 84 stallions from both codes. This is the 17th year of this popular promotional event which is now firmly etched in the diaries of many breeders each year. From Haras d'Etreham close to Bayeux down to Haras du Mesnil near Le Mans, a wide range of historic farms are included on the route, which takes in some fine countryside along the way. It is worth consulting the website for opening hours and show times for each farm. This year all participating studs are open on both Friday and Saturday. A new name on the list is Benoit Jeffroy's Haras de Castillon, which is standing the new stallions Tribalist and Marhaba Ya Sanafi alongside Romanised, Thunder Moon and Texas. The post La Route des Etalons Returns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

New stallion Provocateur (by Into Mischief) has his first foal, a filly out of the winning Cassidy's Reward (Warrior's Reward) who was born on Monday, Jan. 19 at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, the farm said in a release on Thursday. A multiple-stakes winner and Grade I placed competitor, Provocateur is a full-brother to GSW One Liner and SP Roderick. The McMahon stallion counts as a half-brother 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', & GII Wood Memorial Stakes hero Rodriguez (Authentic). According to the Jockey Club of America, Provocateur covered 44 mares during his inaugural season last year. Cassidy's Reward is half-sister to multiple stakes winner and stakes producer Shine Upon (Congaree) and to GISP Keep the Peace (Touch Gold). Her extended female family includes MGSP Brigand (by Flatter). The post New McMahon Sire Provocateur’s First Foal Is A Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Replays from the International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) are now available on YouTube. They can be found on the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) YouTube channel. The Performance Medicine in Racing-themed conference was held on December 11-12 in Hong Kong. The two-day conference took an applied, evidence-based approach featuring presentations and panel discussions with leading experts in the field. The 2025 ICHSWJ was organised by the Jockeys Health and Wellbeing Committee of the IFHA and proudly supported by The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). The post Replays From International Jockeys Conference Available appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Renee Geelen/TTR AusNZ Australia's best-credentialled yearlings have been catalogued for the 2026 edition of the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, with 472 lots heading through the ring on March 29 and 30. With 11 yearlings by Extreme Choice and the Snitzel colt from champion mare Winx as headline acts, Inglis is equally thrilled about the depth of the catalogue. Across the catalogue, 259 lots (55%) are the progeny of or siblings to stakes winners, with 80 of those being a half-sibling to or out of a Group 1 winner. For the first time in recent years, the catalogue is filly-heavy with 245 fillies and 227 colts, and there are 64 individual stallions with yearlings representing them across the whole 472 lots. Extreme Choice's Sensational Statistics Extreme Choice had only 44 live foals in 2024 and one quarter of them will be available to purchase at the 2026 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. The sire of 17 stakes winners, six at Group 1 level, from just 146 runners will be represented by 11 Easter yearlings. “Something that particularly excites me about the catalogue is that this will be the best group of yearlings ever assembled at a sale by a generational stallion in Extreme Choice,” said Inglis CEO Sebastian Hutch. “He's got 11 yearlings in the sale, all of whom are the progeny of or siblings to black type horses, as far as I know. He's a horse we are particularly proud of as he's a Classic Yearling Sale graduate. In itself, this is one of a number of incredible opportunities at the sale, and it's a particularly pertinent one given his capacity to deliver so frequently what it would appear the market really wants. “He's had three Group 1 winning 2-year-olds from a little over 100 runners. His sons are destined to go to stud. His statistics are just incredible.” Extreme Choice has sired G1 Golden Slipper Stakes winner Stay Inside, whose oldest runners are currently 2-year-olds, G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Devil Night, and G1 Champagne Stakes winner She's Extreme who also won the G1 Victoria Oaks at three. “Obviously the domestic market is very aware of his merit, but from the point of view of the catalogue appealing to a series of international investors, I think he's a very important feature of the sale.” All of the 11 are out of black type mares, with ten winning stakes races. The filly, Lot 117 is out of Group 1 winner Speak Fondly (Northern Meteor) who is the dam of Listed winner Compelling Truth (I Am Invincible). Of the six colts, Lot 71 is a half-brother to Group 3 winner English Riveria (Deep Field) out of juvenile stakes winner Second Time Lucky (Any Suggestion), while lot 436 is from the family of Jonker and Danewin, out of Group 3 winner Exfactor (Your Song). Born to Be a Stallion Prospect Two years ago, the Inglis sale ring at Riverside was lit up with the mind-blowing sale of Quinceanera (Pierro), the first foal of Champion racemare Winx (Street Cry), who sold for A$10 million. In 2026, Coolmore Stud, who sold both Winx and Quinceanera, will offer Winx's second foal, a colt by Champion Sire Snitzel. “It's an honour to have the opportunity to offer a horse like him. I saw him two weeks ago at Coolmore. He looks really well. He's obviously a 24th of November foal, but he's developing nicely. I know they're happy with them. “He's a very uniquely credentialled horse and we look forward to people seeing him at the sale and hopefully his preparation goes well. Everything's gone to plan with him so far, and hopefully everything goes well with the balance of preparation and people enjoy seeing them at the sale. “He's a horse with the profile to captivate the market.” Winx, who won 37 races including 25 at Group 1 level and was crowned Australian Horse Of The Year on four occasions, is out of juvenile stakes winner Vegas Showgirl (Al Akbar) who has also produced two other stakes winners and the dam of G2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint winner Enriched (I Am Invincible). Easter Is about More than One Horse “More generally, the quality of the catalogue is really incredible,” added Hutch. The progeny of 64 different stallions are represented in the sale, with Snitzel leading the crowd with 43 lots, while I Am Invincible has 41 and Zoustar has 35. The breadth of commercially successful stallions with yearlings at Easter also includes stallions like Extreme Choice, Too Darn Hot, Ole Kirk, Wootton Bassett, Home Affairs, Stay Inside, Super Seth, The Autumn Sun, Harry Angel, Per Incanto, Street Boss, Written Tycoon, Toronado, Exceed And Excel, Dundeel, Maurice, Justify, Alabama Express, Castelvecchio, Hellbent, Savabeel, Proisir, Pinatubo, Starspangledbanner, and Satono Aladdin. Internationally recognised stallions like Frankel, Baaeed, Gun Runner, Kingman, Lope de Vega, New Bay and Siyouni all have representatives in the sale. “That's an incredible concentration and quality, and that's before you go into the depth of pedigrees,” he said. “It might be granddaughters of great racemares or half-siblings to great racemares that produced yearlings in the catalogue. “You just have to skim through the catalogue, turning the pages is pretty cool for a bloodstock enthusiast. We all wait to see what's going to be in the green book.” The post Extreme Choice Brings Global Appeal To Inglis Easter appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) seeks public comment on proposed modifications to the Rule Series 5000 (Equine Testing and Investigation Standards) and 7000 (Arbitration Procedures) of its Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program by Monday, Feb. 23, the regulator said via a press release on Thursday. The proposed modifications build on HISA's ongoing review of the ADMC Program. In November, HISA distributed for public comment proposed modifications to other Rule Series comprising the ADMC Program (1000, 3000 and 4000). Comments received in response to that request are under review by the ADMC Committee. The proposed updates to Rule Series 5000 and 7000 of the ADMC Program include: Clarification regarding the sample collection process; Introduction of voluntary, non-binding mediation in proceedings before the Arbitral Body; Expanded access for Owners to intervene in cases before the Internal Adjudication Panel. A memorandum summarizing the proposed modifications is available here. A full draft of the proposed revisions in PDF redline format is available here. The redline reflects proposed updates compared to the version currently in effect and approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Comments should be sent to HISA Assistant General Counsel Sam Reinhardt at Samuel.Reinhardt@hisaus.org with the subject line “Proposed Rule Modifications–Rule Series 5000 and 7000.” Alternatively, comments may be mailed to HISA at 201 East Main Street, Suite 340, Lexington, KY 40507. Following the expiration of the public comment period, the ADMC Committee, in consultation with the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, will review and consider all relevant feedback before recommending proposed modifications to the HISA Board. If approved by the HISA Board, the proposed modifications would then be submitted to the FTC. The post HISA Seeks Public Comment On Proposed ADMC Rule Modifications appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

John Connaughton, the hotel owner who bred Group 1 winner Bay City Roller as well as the Group 3 scorer Dunboyne Express, has died almost exactly a year after he was crowned small breeder of the year at the ITBA Awards. He was 93. Connaughton enjoyed a lifetime of success in business and bloodstock. Dunboyne Express was one of the first big names that shot to prominence for the County Westmeath man while Bay City Roller provided Connaughton with a breakthrough Group 1 success as a breeder when landing a top-level triumph for George Scott in Germany last November. Tom Whelan consigned the majority of Connaughton's stock at the sales, including Bay City Roller, who sold for €320,000 at the Goffs Orby Sale in 2023. “He was an absolute gentleman,” Whelan said. “John was a very good breeder and was able to take the rough with the smooth. He was a pleasure to deal with down through the years and enjoyed a lot of success. Most importantly, he was just a gentleman and it was a pleasure to have known him.” Connaughton owned the Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullingar. He was also one of the first people to import the Simmental cattle breed into Ireland over 60 years ago. But it was his achievements in bloodstock that rightly grabbed the headlines when Connaughton was honoured at the ITBA Awards 12 months ago. “It [the award] meant a great lot to me,” Connaughton told TDN Europe in a follow-up interview after the awards. “Any time we bred a good one, it meant a lot to me, but it's not that easy to breed a good one.” A statement released by the Bloomfield House Hotel last week read, “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of John Connaughton's passing, proprietor of Bloomfield House Hotel, Leisure Club and Spa, and beloved father of our colleagues Liz [director] and Julie. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to all the Connaughton family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they mourn the loss of a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. May John rest in peace.” The post “Absolute Gentleman” Breeder John Connaughton Dies Aged 93 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming has canceled its Friday and Saturday live racing programs due to severe winter weather expected in the Florence, Kentucky area, according to a Thursday press release from operator Churchill Downs Inc. Officials from the National Weather Service are calling for wind chill values to dip into the single digits early Friday morning and persist through Saturday, along with the potential for significant snow accumulation. The canceled races from Friday and Saturday will be offered as extras on subsequent race days, including the Wishing Well Stakes. Live racing will continue as scheduled Thursday, with first post set for 5:55 p.m. ET. Winter weather update from @TurfwayPark: Tonight's nine-race card will go on as scheduled. Friday and Saturday's cards have been canceled. The canceled races will be offered as extras on upcoming race days. More: https://t.co/vK2sjPAlkS pic.twitter.com/9yhA1qZe7f — Kevin Kerstein (@HorseRacingKK) January 22, 2026 The post Winter Blast Freezes Weekend Turfway Cards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In the latest installment of 2026 Mating Plans, Anne Archer Hinkle, the co-owner and Director of Operations at Hinkle Farms, discusses the 2026 mating plans for their Paris, Kentucky-based operation. SEEKING GABRIELLE, 19, Forestry – Seeking Regina, by Seeking the Gold. Booked to Twirling Candy Seeking Gabrielle has been a very special mare for us and is the dam of Nyquist. Being 19, we know the number of foals she will have are few. Our hope is to get as many fillies as we can. Twirling Candy with Forestry mares is a proven cross and we believe this mating can result in a great physical, too. Hopefully, we will get a filly and a future broodmare. If we get a colt, Twirling Candy is certainly well received in the marketplace and they run on all surfaces. LADIES' PRIVILEGE, 12, Harlan's Holiday – Vanquished, by Empire Maker. Booked to Justify Ladies' Privilege is the dam of More Than Looks, winner of the 2024 Breeders' Cup Mile. She is booked to Justify, one of the top stallions in the world. Being the dam of a Breeders' Cup winner, this mare deserves to be bred to top stallions. A foal by Justify should be interesting to perspective buyers from all racing jurisdictions. Ladies' Privilege produces beautiful foals and one by Justify should be no exception. NEW BOSS, 8, Street Boss – Denali Dreamscape, by Corinthian. Booked to Gun Runner New Boss is a stakes-winning mare and she won on both dirt and grass. She comes from a deep family. Her dam, Denali Dreamscape, died prematurely, but her three foals to race all exhibited a lot of ability. New Boss has a yearling colt by Constitution and is pregnant to Not This Time for 2026. We want to give her every chance to produce a good horse, and she will be bred to Gun Runner in 2026. INDIAN BAY, 15, Indian Charlie – Buy the Barrel, by E Dubai. Booked to Practical Joke Indian Bay has been a wonderful mare for us, having produced three graded stakes horses and her yearlings have sold exceptionally well. Indian Charlie mares have worked well with both Into Mischief and Practical Joke. Practical Joke sires one quality horse after another. Indian Bay will be bred to him in 2026. WHITE SANDS, 4, Into Mischief – Unicorn Girl, by A.P. Five Hundred. Booked to Not This Time We purchased White Sands in November 2025, pregnant to Not This Time. White Sands was a fast filly, winning her first two starts at two followed by a third in the GIII Best Pal Stakes against colts. We are breeding White Sands back to Not This Time. Although the numbers of foals bred on this cross are limited, to date the cross has produced 25% stakes winners. We think duplicating the mating gives this young mare a great start in her career as a broodmare. BURNING ARCH, 15, Arch – Chili Cat, by Storm Cat. Booked to Tiz The Law Burning Arch is a stakes-producing Arch mare. Arch mares have been wonderful broodmares. Tiz the Law's first two crops have seen excellent performers and we expect this to continue. Tiz the Law offers exceptional value. Burning Arch produces really attractive foals and we are excited about the prospects from this mating. SURFS EDGE, 11, Malibu Moon – Essential Edge, by Storm Cat. Booked to Nyquist Surfs Edge is the dam of the very solid stakes-performing filly Ramsey Pond (Divisidero). Every time you look up, Nyquist produces another stakes horse from an A.P. Indy-line mare. Being by Malibu Moon, Surfs Edge fits the criteria. We are really excited about this mating. We think Nyquist is perfect for this mare. STAVE, 11, Ghostzapper – Buy the Barrel, by E Dubai. Booked to Flightline Filly out of Stave sells for $2 million at the 2025 Keeneland September Sale | Keeneland We raced Stave and we raced her dam, Buy the Barrel. We purchased the third dam, Affordable Price (Drouilly {FR}), in 1995. The family continues to produce runner after runner. Stave's foal of 2024 was a $2 million Not This Time filly, Maranello, purchased by Scott and Cindy Heider. We all have great hopes for her. Stave will be bred to Flightline in 2026. The market loved the Flightlines and there is tremendous anticipation to see them perform in 2026. Stave produces beautiful foals, and if the Flightlines run like the look, the resultant foal could be really special. SOUGHT, 4, Uncle Mo – Seeking Gabrielle, by Forestry. Booked to Vekoma Sought is an unraced daughter of Seeking Gabrielle and is a full-sister to Nyquist. She was injured as a yearling and, therefore, did not race. She is currently carrying her first foal by Constitution and is booked to Vekoma for 2026. Vekoma has given every indication of being a top stallion in the making and was the number one first and second-crop stallion. He has already shown an affinity for Indian Charlie mares. It is certainly reasonable to think he will cross well with Uncle Mo mares, too. NU PI LAMBDA, 9, City Zip – Giulio's Jewel, by Speightstown. Booked to Constitution Nu Pi Lambda is a half-sister to Deterministic (Liam's Map), a horse we bred, and she was a winner in Southern California of over $174,000. She is pregnant to Liam's Map, the sire of Deterministic, and is carrying her first foal. Nu Pi Lambda is booked to Constitution, a top-class stallion, and similar matings have resulted in numerous stakes winners. The 2026 mating and the expected 2026 foal should help Nu Pi Lambda get off to a great start as a broodmare. TIZ AN EDVENTURE, 8, Tiznow – Triune, by E Dubai. Booked to Mindframe We are breeding Tiz an Edventure to Mindframe, an extremely good-looking son of Constitution who has been well received with his first book of mares. Constitution works exceptionally well with Tiznow mares, and we hope to replicate that with this mating. Tiz an Edventure is an extremely good-looking mare and we think a mating to Mindframe should produce a beautiful foal. WIN THE WAR, 11, War Front – City Sister, by Carson City. Booked to Mindframe Tapit and his sons have shown an affinity for War Front mares. We are trying to repeat this and also really like the physical associated with this mating. We expect Mindframe to sire leggy foals with scope, and believe he has a great chance to be a top stallion. WHOA NESSIE, 11, Square Eddie – Electric Daze, by Gilded Time. Booked by Omaha Beach This mare is booked to Omaha Beach, who is certainly proving himself to be a top-class sire. This is a similar cross as Desert Gate, by Omaha Beach, who is on the Derby trail. Whoa Nessie has produced exceptionally nice foals for us, and we believe she has the potential to be a stakes-producing mare. All the Omaha Beach horses we have bred have been outstanding physically and we expect this to be the case with the resultant foal. The post 2026 Mating Plans: Hinkle Farms appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Magnitude (Not This Time), a game winner over older horses in his sophomore finale in the GII Clark S. at Churchill Downs Nov. 28, will make his next start in the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup. Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen will also be well-represented by 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Obliteration (Violence) in the $1.5-million G3 Saudi Derby on the undercard. Both races will be held at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh Feb. 14. “We're very excited to have both of them go,” Asmussen said. “The Saudi Cup and the Saudi Derby–definitely something we want to be a part of. Feel great about the two horses.” Asmussen added, “Jose (Ortiz)'s riding Magnitude and Joel (Rosario)'s riding Obliteration. Fortunate to keep the same riders who they've won with recently.” Forced to miss the Triple Crown series after exiting his sensational GII Fasig-Tipton Risen Star S. victory with an ankle chip, Magnitude resumed his sophomore campaign with a blowout win in the Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows July 5. A well-beaten third behind soon-to-be-crowned Horse of the Year Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in the GI DraftKings Travers S. at Saratoga Aug. 23, he showed a new dimension with a very good closing second in the GI Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Sept. 20. Magnitude defeated G1 Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) by a half length as the 2-1 favorite in the Clark. He earned a career-best 108 Beyer Speed Figure in his aforementioned front-running tour-de-force victory at 43-1 in the Risen Star. The Winchell Thoroughbreds colorbearer, a $310,000 Keeneland November weanling turned $450,000 Keeneland September yearling, has breezed five times for Asmussen at Fair Grounds this winter, most recently firing a five-furlong bullet in 1:00.20 (1/17) Jan. 19. “We're full of hope,” Asmussen said. “The horse has run some extremely good times and put it all together in the Clark. He is training exceptionally well, as is expected of him right now.” The versatile Obliteration, a runaway winner of Saratoga's GIII Sanford S. at second asking July 5 and a respectable fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar Oct. 31, began the New Year in style with a 7 1/2-length win despite stumbling at the break in the six-furlong Renaissance S. at Oaklawn Park Jan. 3. He also finished second in last term's GII Saratoga Special S. Aug. 2, Kentucky Downs Juvenile Sprint S. Aug. 31 and Indian Summer S. at Keeneland Oct. 5. The latter two were run on grass. Campaigned in partnership by Leland Ackerley Racing, James Sherwood, Jode Shupe and John Cilia, the $200,000 OBS March breezer worked five furlongs in 1:01.80 (6/23) at Fair Grounds Jan. 18. The 1600-meter (about one mile) Saudi Derby will be Obliteration's first attempt beyond 6 1/2 furlongs. “He's got a tremendous amount of talent,” Asmussen said. “Just really appreciate his personality. He's run in the Breeders' Cup (at Del Mar), at Kentucky Downs, at Saratoga, etc. He's got quite a bit of travel and experience at a very good level. He's capable of running very fast. It is a great opportunity.” Following the arrest of disgraced former trainer Jason Servis and subsequent demotion of Maximum Security, the Asmussen-trained Midnight Bisou was placed first via disqualification in the 2020 Saudi Cup. Asmussen also saddled the ill-fated Midnight Bourbon to a third-place finish in the 2022 renewal and Cowan to a second-place finish in the 2021 Saudi Derby. “International racing and being able to compete at this level is what I dreamed about from having a brother that won the Arc,” said Asmussen, who won the 2008 G1 Dubai World Cup with the legendary Curlin. “I love being a part of it.” Asmussen added that the Middle East-bound duo of Magnitude and Obliteration will fly out of Miami on Feb. 2. The post Asmussen Has Magnitude, Obliteration Booked for Saudi appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A big week for Ka Ying Rising is poised to get even bigger as the world’s best sprinter chases a record-equalling 17th straight win in Sunday’s Group One Centenary Sprint Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin. Fresh from being crowned Timeform’s Horse of the Year and the joint second-best horse in the Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings, the David Hayes-trained superstar will bid to equal Silent Witness’ Hong Kong record of consecutive victories on the weekend. Hayes said Ka Ying Rising remains in peak...View the full article