Wandering Eyes

Te Akau scored a kiwi bred quinella in an action-packed Two Rivers Steeplechase at Casterton on Sunday, as Steven Pateman and The Mighty Spar (NZ) (Savabeel) pulled clear of Prismatic (NZ) (Savabeel) and Will Gordon late. The Mighty Spar was supported late ($3.20 into $2.80) to take favouritism from his stablemate ($2.30 out to $3.50) and got a perfect run for most of the 3800-metre contest. Despite guest appearances from an enthusiastic but riderless Flying Pierro, and a gawking kangaroo, The Mighty Spar jumped beautifully throughout and took the lead as the field began the final lap. Pateman quickened things upon return from the open country, and his mount never looked like being caught from there, streaking seven lengths clear of Prismatic in the run home. It was a hugely enjoyable, albeit action-packed win for Pateman, who missed riding on the second and third days of this year’s Warrnambool carnival after a fall on the Tuesday. “That was fantastic – so much fun. He’s a really cool little horse,” he said with a grin post-race. “First time out the back, there was a big (kangaroo) and I couldn’t stop staring at it! Then Custom Of The Sea and Tommy Ryan’s horse (Aquileon) sort of jumped underneath me. “I was like, ‘snap out of it – it’s just a kangaroo’… I was on a Kiwi (horse), I’ve seen plenty of roos, but he hasn’t. “He’s obviously won around here, so he knew where he was going – it was super fun.” Pateman thanked Te-Akau’s Ben Gleeson for securing his spot on the talented chaser, who has won both of his starts over the live hedges. He also noted the support of the ‘Tangerine Army’ amongst the Victorian jumps scene, which has been notable since Te Akau opened an Australian base in 2023. “Shoutout to Ben Gleeson for getting me the ride, I really love the horse,” he said. “Te Akau, they’ve got beautiful Kiwi-bred and non-Kiwi-bred horses for the game, and they’re beautifully prepared.” View the full article

Veteran handler lands three-timer at Sha Tin to reduce John Size’s premiership lead to six wins.View the full article

Debutant showcases big potential with a barnstorming performance to deliver Italian jockey a milestone success.View the full article

Cantopop star’s patience pays off as four-year-old steams to victory at Sha Tin on Sunday.View the full article

Classy mare Sunshine In Paris gained a deserved third group 1 success May 17 when toughing it out to deny the returning Rothfire in a thrilling edition of the Doomben Ten Thousand (G1) in Queensland.View the full article

On a bumper weekend of simulcast racing, Sunshine In Paris also prevails with a gutsy performance in Australia.View the full article

Driver Penalties R Close | NZ Metropolitan 14 May; contacted track marker; fined $100. L Hibell | Waikato Bay of Plenty 15 May; careless driving; fined $200. J Dickie | Auckland 16 May; contacted track marker; fined $100. P Nairn | NZ Metropolitan 16 May; use of whip; suspended 24 May – 6 June inclusive C Butt | NZ Metropolitan 16 May; use of whip; suspended 26 May – 6 June inclusive. C Ferguson | NZ Metropolitan 16 May; use of whip; suspended 24 May – 2 June inclusive. B Weaver | Rangiora 18 May; medical clearance required. J Young-Grant | NZ Metropolitan 14 May (heard Rangiora 18 May); use of whip; suspended 26 May – 6 June inclusive. M Hill | Invercargill 18 May; contacted track marker; fined $150. Trainer Penalties Z Meredith | Waikato Bay of Plenty 15 May; incorrect gear; fined $100. S & A Telfer | Auckland 16 May; late gear notification; fined $50. G Smith | Rangiora 18 May; late to present runner on to track; fined $100. Horse Penalties COS I CAN | Waikato Bay of Plenty 15 May; tendon injury; veterinary clearance required. WHAT’S UP THE HILL | Auckland 16 May; broke in running; must complete trial. BOUNCE N BEYOND | Auckland 16 May; respiratory infection; veterinary clearance required. RISE N SHINE | NZ Metropolitan 16 May; out of position at start; must complete mobile start trial. MICK ALMIGHTY | Rangiora 18 May; eased out of race; veterinary clearance required. KENNY’S MATE | Invercargill 18 May; broke at start; must complete standing start trial. TUNEINSPORTSFANS | Invercargill 18 May; late scratching when found to be lame; veterinary clearance required. The post 12-18 May 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Dog Penalty SUGAR SUGAR | Wanganui 13 May; turned in boxes; must complete box trial. General Race 1 Wanganui GRC meeting of 16 May was declared a no race in the interests of safety. Race 6 Auckland GRC meeting of 18 May was declared a no race due to the lure losing power. The post 12-18 May 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Former New Zealand mare Enchanted Elle (NZ) (Jakkalberry) marked herself as a hurdler to watch this season at Casterton on Sunday, breaking her jumps maiden in fine style under the in-form Will Gordon. Trained by Symon Wilde, the daughter of Jakkalberry had done little in three Australian flat runs since arriving last October, but she ran a game second to Singforpeace in a maiden hurdle at Warrnambool last start, with a 20-length gap to third. Enchanted Elle ($2.70) jumped a clear second pick behind the consistent Balinor ($2), but Wilde’s mare was left with the race to lose when the favourite made a big mistake at the fourth of the last. But given how well Enchanted Elle travelled in front throughout, Balinor mightn’t have been any match regardless, as Gordon clicked his mount up and soon had a mammoth lead in hand. The home straight was essentially a schooling display, as Gordon ensured nothing untoward would occur over the last two hurdles, but the margin back to Teewaters ($12) was still over four lengths on the line. The dual-code English hoop has won an impressive eight of his 33 in the last eight days, with his 300th Australian win aboard Pat Kearney’s Kiss My Rock amongst them. But he gave all credit to Enchanted Elle for Sunday’s dashing victory. “I was probably just a bit of a passenger, to be honest, for most that,” Gordon said. “She’s tailor made for a track like this, Casterton – she jumps like an absolutely rabbit, makes up many lengths at the hurdles. “When I was able to wing those three down the back and she still gave me a kick around that home corner, I thought, ‘surely nothing’s coming to me here’.” View the full article

There were a couple of nervous moments for Kurtis Pertab ahead of War Queen’s (NZ) (Proisir) debut at Hawera on Sunday, but the filly brought her trial form to the races and delivered a tidy victory in the Grangewilliam Stud (1200m). A daughter of Proisir, War Queen had a reputation for barrier woes and that almost continued at the Central Districts meeting, taking her time to link into barrier one. But, the filly eventually took her place and flew out when the gates opened, settling in the lead under Ace Lawson-Carroll. War Queen travelled comfortably through the deteriorating track conditions and had her rivals off the bit turning for home, proving too sharp in the finish to score with ease by 1 ¾ lengths to Good Craic. Pertab had recently taken over the filly’s training and was rapt, albeit relived to see her put it all together on raceday. “I was really confident with her, but I brought three favourites down and didn’t have much luck earlier in the day,” he said. “Lucky Coral just pulled too hard over 2100m for the first time and Shamokin didn’t cop the wet track. “I was a little bit nervous when she wouldn’t load away, she came to me with a reputation and hasn’t been in the stable for long but she’s shown really good ability at home and at the trials. “She trialled very well on a heavy track, and we’ve had a fair bit of rain at home, so I knew she would handle the track today. That wasn’t a query, just her barrier manners on race day and she got a little bit warm with the delay.” While the three-year-old filly skipped through the heavy ground, Pertab is wary of maintaining her condition when assessing how far she will go through this preparation. “We’ll see how she comes through it, she’s a very small filly with not a lot to her and she came up from the South Island without a lot of condition,” he said. “She doesn’t take a lot of work at home and we’re mindful of not doing too much, we’ll see how she travels home and eats over the next couple of days before making a plan. If she does, we’ll carry on.” Bred and owned by Rich Hill Thoroughbreds, War Queen is out of a Group Two-winning mare Passchendaele, who has produced seven winners out of as many foals to race. Among her progeny is Group One performer Masetto and the promising Takeshi. War Queen’s performance capped off a successful week for Pertab, having collected a winning double on his home track of Matamata on Wednesday. The first of these came from Brilliant Battle (NZ) (War Decree), a son of War Decree that Pertab has always held in high regard. The gelding showed promise as a juvenile but was still searching for that elusive maiden success, one he couldn’t have done more impressively in the Ewen and Wilcox 1400. In the hands of Jasmine Fawcett, Brilliant Battle showed good early speed and found the front from a wide barrier, setting a solid tempo along the back straight. The field was chasing from a long way out and the gelding just kept finding, putting seven lengths on the nearest horse (Bradley) at the post. “It was about time really, he’s a horse I’ve always really liked, ever since I bought him as a foal,” Pertab said. “He’s had really good ability but just never had much luck, then first-up this preparation, I thought he was a certainty, but just didn’t have a very good trip there (at Woodville). “We gave him one more chance and he’s finally delivered. “He’ll definitely press on from here, he’s a three-year-old who has had a fair bit of racing having raced as a two-year-old and an early three-year-old, but he’s only had the two starts this time and he copped the track excellent.” His stablemate Pistol Whip (NZ) (Ocean Park) showed good improvement from his first-up effort to deliver in the final event of the day, the Matamata Glass and Joinery (1400m). Kate Hercock ensured the gelding was on the front foot from the outset, hunting to find the lead and controlled the tempo throughout. Despite a strong challenge from Zanzibar, Pistol Whip showed his fighting spirit all the way to the line, holding on by a long neck. “He’s a tough horse without a lot to him, but he’s got a lot of heart and a lot of try,” Pertab said. “It was nice to see him knuckle down and keep going because he’s such a laidback character.” By Ocean Park out of a stakes performer Quattro Katie, Pistol Whip was purchased as a weanling by Pertab and was initially intended to be a trading prospect. “He was purchased as a potential trade horse and was a nice, tidy type at the weanling sales. He’s out of a really good racemare, Quattro Katie, who was a stakes horse for Te Akau, but he just didn’t grow enough so we ended up racing him. “He showed good ability at the trials, he’s only had four starts and he’s placed to Tuxedo whose turned out to be a very good horse. His second-up record is very good.” View the full article

King Of The North (NZ) (Jon Snow) went from zero to hero in the space of two minutes at Ellerslie on Saturday, surprising even his trainers with a massive performance to win the Join TAB Racing Club 2100. An aptly named son of Jon Snow, King Of The North has made a strong early impression as a stayer and was sent out favourite in Saturday’s Rating 75 contest – but he looked more like a pauper than a king after missing the start by five lengths. But, in-form apprentice jockey Triston Moodley maintained his composure, allowing the gelding to find his feet at the tail of the field as Special Swey took up the role of pacemaker. Kirrawee joined the leader in front but both looked to be under pressure turning for home, leaving all to play for as the field straightened. Meanwhile, Moodley had quietly started to make up ground on King Of The North and he suddenly looked a major threat at the 200m. The gelding put in big strides to power over the top of Procella and win by 1 ½ lengths, still pulling after the line. Co-trainer Lance O’Sullivan was the first to admit he believed the gelding’s hopes were dashed with such a sedate beginning. “When he went past us with a round to go, I switched to watch the other horse (stablemate, Desert Mystic) to be honest,” he said. “I thought he was no chance from there, that was what I was thinking. “He tagged on the back of them and got into a good rhythm, but he just kept steadily improving around them and it was a very good performance.” Bred by Tim Harrison, King Of The North was a $60,000 purchase by Wexford Stables out of Te Runga Stud’s draft at the 2022 National Yearling Sales at Karaka. The four-year-old is out of a two-win mare Higher Authority, who is a half-sister to Australian stakes winner Alinga. O’Sullivan and his training partner Andrew Scott identified the gelding as a staying prospect from that stage and are happy to continue allowing him the time he needs to mature. “We’ve always really liked this horse, right from when Team Wexford purchased him at the yearling sales,” O’Sullivan said. “We thought he’s going to make a stayer long-term and he’s only four, he’ll go to the paddock now but he’s going to make a proper racehorse when he’s six. “He’s just been very slow to learn and he’s got a long way to go, but one thing we know is he can stay and he’s got a lot of raw ability. “He’s trying to do things right, he’s a very kind horse on the ground and is just taking a long time to come to it in his racing. We certainly believe we’re on the right track with him.” With three wins and over $100,000 in stakes to his name, King Of The North is the best performer on home soil for Group One winner Jon Snow. Across the Tasman, No Fuss is flying the flag for the Clearview Park Stud sire, having won his last four races on the bounce for Tony and Calvin McEvoy. View the full article

Promising staying mare Who Knows (NZ) (Redwood) delivered the result many anticipated when she took out a competitive John Turkington Forestry / Waipine Country Cup (2200m) at Trentham on Saturday. The daughter of Redwood has been patiently handled by Niall Quinn, with just ten prior starts including two wins at a mile and 2100m. After building nicely into her autumn campaign, Who Knows was back out to a distance she truly thrives at and was backed as the horse to beat on Saturday, closing a shortening $2.10 favourite. While punters expected Who Knows to be in front at the finish line, that wasn’t meant to be on the first lap, but the mare jumped away positively under Kate Hercock and she allowed her to stride forward to sit outside the leader Malfy Rosa. The two mares maintained a solid tempo along the back straight and Who Knows was still travelling comfortably at the 600, while Malfy Rosa began to tire and was caught by Quid and Lincoln Star. The long Trentham straight becomes even longer for the horse in front from the outset, but it was of no concern to Who Knows, as she kept up a strong gallop to hold off second-elect Quid to score by a neck. Wanganui-based Quinn revealed he and Hercock had intended to go forward and was rapt to see their plan pay off. “She’s a pretty progressive mare and we’ve been pretty happy with her going into this,” he said. “We wanted to go forward, and I thought that today was a better chance for her to get handier, with the way she was drawn. “She’s just a really nice, honest horse. Emma (Quinn) does a lot of work with her at home so we’re very pleased. “I think we’ll just keep taking her through the grades, we’ll take each race as it comes. We’ll work on from there.” Hercock echoed Quinn’s praise for the five-year-old, indicating a serious staying race is well within her capabilities. “Niall said she does have a tendency to be slow out, so give her a dig out, but I think as I was coming past the winning post the first time Niall would’ve been screaming,” she said. “But, I rode her like the best horse in the field, there was no speed so I just let her roll along. There’s no point in trying to walk and sprint and she’s won very nicely. “She just goes to sleep, you could ride her anywhere. Today, we’ve ended up sitting outside the leader in front, but other days you can ride her back. She’s very economical.” Out of the Zabeel mare Bello Cappello, Who Knows has now won three of her 11 starts and over $70,000 in stakes for the Fast Horses Syndicate. Bello Cappello is out of a top race mare Cinder Bella, a dual Group One-winner on home soil and Group Two performer in Australia. View the full article

Rider Penalties R Elliot | Matamata 14 May; failed to make weight; fined $100. T Davies | Canterbury 15 May; use of whip; fined $500. L Callaway | Canterbury 15 May; failed to make weight; fined $100. T Mitchell | Auckland 17 May; use of whip (2 charges); suspended 26 May – 21 June inclusive. L Kauri | Auckland 17 May; careless riding; suspended 19-28 May inclusive. M Alam | Auckland 17 May; failed to make weight; fined $100. E Sole | Rangitikei 17 May; careless riding; suspended 25-31 May inclusive. W Featherstone | Egmont 18 May; celebratory gesture; fined $300. J Riddell | Egmont 18 May; medical clearance required. Trainer Penalties J & K Parsons | Canterbury 15 May; presented incorrect horse; fined $600. A Carston | Canterbury 15 May; late rider notification; fined $50. S Marsh | Auckland 17 May; incorrect saddlecloths; fined $50. Horse Penalties VANBRUGH BELLE | Matamata 14 May; lame; veterinary clearance required. PROSERVE | Canterbury 15 May; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. WATERGATE | Canterbury 15 May; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. REPTAK | Auckland 17 May; slow recovery; veterinary clearance required. General B Collins (Starting Gate Attendant); Non-raceday dated 13 May; misconduct; fined $250. The post 12-18 May 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Utah Beach's powerful late rally got him first across the wire for his second consecutive graded stakes win in the May 17 Louisville Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Journalism rebounded from a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby (G1) to post a resilient victory in the $2 million Preakness Stakes (G1) May 17 at Pimlico Race Course.View the full article

Fort Washington accelerated to an impressive win in the $250,000 Dinner Party Stakes (G3T) May 17 at Pimlico Race Course, crossing the finish line ahead by one length to give trainer Shug McGaughey his sixth win in the historic race.View the full article

Journalism rebounded from a runner-up finish in the Kentucky Derby (G1) to post a resilient victory in the $2 million Preakness Stakes (G1) May 17 at Pimlico Race Course.View the full article

JOURNALISM (c, 3, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo), the post-time favorite when second to Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in the 151st running of the GI Kentucky Derby two weeks ago, looked all but beaten–and beaten up–entering the final furlong of Saturday's 150th GI Preakness Stakes, the last renewal to be held at old Pimlico Race Course. In trouble for most of the penultimate furlong, the $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate bulled his way into the clear and, with a final eighth-of-a-mile burst that nearly defies explanation, caught GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes hero Gosger (Nyquist) in the final two strides in one of the most dramatic finishes in the history of the event. Clever Again (American Pharoah) came across from gate eight, as expected, to lead past the grandstand for the first time, with Gosger not far away. Journalism, confirmed for the Preakness just one day before entries were taken last Monday, broke fairly and settled in about midfield, racing on his incorrect lead as they came past the wire for the first time. Clever Again took them along at a very solid pace–the half-mile was up in :46.66–and Journalism traveled inside, but didn't look entirely happy as Umberto Rispoli was niggling at him approaching the second turn. Clever Again looked in deep water as Gosger and Luis Saez took the race to him at the quarter pole, but the true drama was developing a few more lengths behind. By this time, Journalism had jumped back into the bridle, but was in very tight and was bumped very hard to his outside by Goal Oriented (Not This Time), evoking memories of the incredible feat of athleticism displayed by Afleet Alex when he nearly went down in the 2005 Preakness. In turn, Journalism was forced into Clever Again, who steadied sharply and was effectively eased from that point, but most importantly, Journalism had somehow overcome the bumper cars to find the daylight he so badly needed. In the meantime, Gosger had well and truly gotten the jump and went several lengths clear, forcing even Rispoli to question whether he had the means to get the job done. But get home he did, clawing his way past Gosger, who'd run too well to lose, in the final 20 yards. Sandman (Tapit), for a stride or two ahead of Journalism at the furlong grounds, finished third. Journalism's own sire won the 2007 Preakness, defeating Derby winner Street Sense in a similarly thrilling conclusion, while trainer Michael McCarthy was winning his second Preakness, after saddling Rombauer (Twirling Candy) in 2021. Sales history; $825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 7-5-1-1. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Robert V., Elayne Stables 5 LLC, Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B. and Smith, Derrick; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Michael McCarthy. Congrats to the connections of #FasigGrad JOURNALISM, winner of the Preakness S. (G1) at @PimlicoRC! O: @EclipseTBP, @bridlewoodocala, Don Alberto Stable, LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5, Magnier, Tabor, & Smith T: @mwmracing J: @umbyrispoli Br: @hsdonalberto pic.twitter.com/dzgO9nERKV — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) May 17, 2025 The post Journalism Defies All Odds To Win Preakness 150 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 3-year-old Justify colt Crudo lived up to his name, exhibiting raw talent in blowing away the field by 7 1/2 lengths in the $100,000 Sir Barton Stakes at Pimlico Race Course May 17.View the full article

By Mike Love After training a hat-trick at the previous meeting there, Woodend beach trainers Greg and Ben Hope will be looking to continue their good form at today’s Rangiora meeting. They’ll line up a solid team of seven. “I can’t really label one as being a certainty – but they’ve all got good chances,” said co-trainer and driver Ben Hope. In Race 2, the C ME 1ST Painters Pace over 2600m three-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven filly Rena ($8.00FF) will have to step from barrier one to be competitive – and Hope thinks she will. “I don’t think the draw will bother her too much. If she gets an economical trip I’d like to think she’s a first four chance.” Westar Molly ($2.90FF) will start as favourite in Race 4, the Canterbury Plains Challenge Consolation drawn one over 2600m. “She’s been going near enough and with her good draw we will look to use that and try and stay handy. She’s a realistic chance of going close again.” Also in the event is Krystal Delight ($15.00FF) to be driven by Gemma Thornley. The 10-year-old mare may be having one of her final career starts today at start 149. “She’s good enough on her day, but she’s getting close to a broodmare paddock.” The meeting today showcases the finals of the Anne Thompson Graduation series. Kashanova ($3.30FF) in Race 5 looks a very strong chance in the trotters version. “Smart horse with a big future. He’s still learning. Paddy McDaddy looks hard to beat, but I think on ability alone we will go close.” Race 7 is the pacers version of the Graduation Series Final, and the Hopes line up Justa Rippa ($17.00FF) for just his second race day start after a strong debut placing. “It’s a tricky field. If we can finish in the first four or five we will be quite happy. He is well bred and he will do a nice job in the future. He won’t be a maiden for long.” Crown The Moment ($2.70FF) looks well poised to go close in Race 9, the Dawe Contracting Mobile Trot over 2000m. The five-year-old Father Patrick gelding has been in fine form lately – and has the draw to work in their favour. “He’s another that’s found one better his last couple. We will use the draw and see where we end up.” Rounding out the day and the chances for the Hopes is grand campaigner Jack Tar in the Farewell From Rangiora HRC Until Next Season Mobile Pace over 2000m who will be driven by Gemma Thornley. “He’s tough and sticks on well. Miki Bennett looks hard to beat but just with his toughness you’ve got to say he’s a first four player.” Race one gets underway today at 11.25am. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Mark Hurrell will head to Ascot Park on Sunday chasing more success after enjoying the biggest thrill of his career. Hurrell started a wave of southern success at Addington on Friday night when he teamed up with Beach Day to win the Listed Uncut Gems Mares Classic. The victory brought up the reinsman’s first black-type win, marking a career highlight. “That’s my first major race win — first in a Group or listed race — so it’s probably the biggest thrill I’ve had,” Hurrell said. Trainer Greg Hunter also notched his first black-type win with Beach Day’s victory. Hurrell has formed a great partnership with Hunter since his shift to work for the Craig Ferguson stable in recent seasons. The reinsman paid tribute to Hunter for his outstanding results with his small team. “He’s a great fella, Greg, and he does a stellar job with his horses,” Hurrell said. “His strike rate is second to none, and when he lines his horses up, they’re always fit and healthy.” Few have questioned Beach Day’s talent throughout her short career, but she has shown plenty of quirky tendencies. However, at Addington on Friday night the pacer had her mind firmly on the job. “She’s a top horse, but she’s always had a few tricks,” Hurrell said. “She hates being in front — she knocks off and pulls up when she goes past other horses.” “She still has a bit of ringcraft to work on. She was great at Addington, and if she can keep doing that, she’ll be a top horse.” Hurrell is looking for more success with his three drives at Ascot Park on Sunday. Share A Dream clearly rates as the best of them, despite disappointing in his last start. “I think he’ll be tough to beat — sitting parked last time wasn’t his go.” “Hopefully, we can drive him like we did when he won the start before that.” “He’s pretty quick, so if he gets the right trip, he has the speed to be finishing over the top of them.” Glenkenick looks good enough to run a solid race for Hurrell, but starting from the unruly is a major disadvantage for the pacer. “He’ll win one — they need to go hard and not run home too quickly.” “Once he gets off the unruly and gets a good draw, he should get one.” Hurrell also links up with Foxing Easton, who looks a rough hope on Sunday. View the full article

Debuted earlier this season at Gulfstream to be a troubled fourth, the well-related Crudo really put his best foot forward at second asking when wiring a maiden special weight at Keeneland by 7 1/4 lengths Apr. 19. Triple Crown nominated for trainer Todd Pletcher, the son of Justify opted for this restricted spot on Preakness Day in Baltimore for his two-turn debut and showed much the same talent from a month ago. The rail-drawn 7-2 second choice jumped clear to the lead but had quick early pressure from race favorite Invictus (Into Mischief) to his outside into the first turn. Kept in a nice rhythm under John Velazquez, Crudo maintained his narrow advantage ahead of the favorite through fractions of :23.32 and :46.86. Invictus looked to make a race of it into the far turn but wilted past the quarter pole with Crudo well-gone for a stretch-length procession to net his first stakes win. Just a Fair Shake, second to GI Preakness Stakes entrant Pay Billy (Improbable) in the Federico Tesio Stakes Apr. 19, rallied for a clear second as the field came in single file. The raw final time of 1:44 flat was 0.20 slower against the clock than maiden special weight winner Varney (Vekoma) in race three, but does not account for any slowing in the racing surface as the track continued to dry out throughout the afternoon. “We've been looking forward to getting him stretched out around two turns and he handled that really well,” said Pletcher. “He got a good trip, got to the first turn in good position and got into a good rhythm. That is what he has been showing us in the morning. A talented colt. We were a little disappointed in his debut (4th at Gulfstream as the 4-5 favorite) because he had trained lights out. He came out of that race with some minor issues that we had to address and once he has come back, he has trained dynamite. His race at Keeneland was pretty easy and today was very impressive as well. [Invictus] was the big favorite and we just wanted to get to the first turn in good position and we figured he would be stalking us, which he was. It looked like they both got into a good rhythm and fortunately our colt kept going.” Pletcher indicated that the colt may take yet another step up in class for his next start, including a potential start in the GI Belmont Stakes at Saratoga. “We just approached today like kind of seeing where we are and we'll see how he bounces out of it,” Pletcher said. “There are a lot of big races all summer. We've got options with a colt that has shown some promise.” Crudo is the 44th stakes winner for Coolmore's Triple Crown champion Justify. Blossomed, though unraced herself, has enjoyed a wildly successful broodmare career with 10 winners from 11 to race including four stakes winners racing worldwide led by Crudo's full-sister Awesome Result who is a multiple stakes winner in Japan as well as his half-sister in GI Spinaway Stakes winner Sippican Harbor (Orb), a $1.45m RNA at FTKNOV in 2019. Another half-sister, GSP Bodacious Babe (Mineshaft), has already produced a stakes winner in Royal Spa (Violence). Blossomed herself last went through the ring for just $425,000, selling to Springhouse Farm at KEENOV in 2018. Crudo is her last reported foal. CRUDO ($9.40) was impressive in the $100,000 Sir Barton Stakes at @PimlicoRC! The three-year-old Justify (@CoolmoreAmerica) colt is 2-for-3 for trainer @PletcherRacing and owners @bflay and James Ventura. pic.twitter.com/6zOaG9zIO8 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 17, 2025 SPENDTHRIFT FARM SIR BARTON S., $100,000, Pimlico, 5-17, (C), 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:44.00, ft. 1–CRUDO, 118, c, 3, by Justify 1st Dam: Blossomed, by Deputy Minister 2nd Dam: Texas Cinema, by Mt. Livermore 3rd Dam: French Flick, by Silent Screen ($350,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $520,000 RNA Ylg '23 FTSAUG). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-Bobby Flay and James Ventura; B-Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher; J-John Velazquez. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $130,148. *Full to Awesome Result, MSW-Jpn, $1,108,666; 1/2 to Bodacious Babe (Mineshaft), GSP, $154,259, Saayedd (Malibu Moon), SW-UAE, $136,825 and Sippican Harbor (Orb), GISW, $262,650. 2–Just a Fair Shake, 118, c, 3, Laoban–Ladymidtown, by Midshipman. ($8,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-LaShawna Lynch; B-Brookstone Farm, Lee Mauberret, & James Blazek (KY); T-Daniel J. McKenzie. $20,000. 3–Invictus, 118, c, 3, Into Mischief–Serengeti Empress, by Alternation. ($1,200,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-CHC, Inc. and WinStar Farm LLC; B-Joel Politi (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $10,000. Margins: 7HF, 3HF, 3 1/4. Odds: 3.70, 6.20, 0.50. Also Ran: Bear Claw Necklace, Authentic Gallop, Bestfriend Rocket, Bold Diversion. Scratched: Hymn, Mr. Bogan. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Justify’s Well-Related Crudo Dominates From the Front In Sir Barton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Wedding Mood beneath the Twin Spires on May 10. Wedding Mood Rings The Bell At Churchill Downs Epic Horses, LLC's Wedding Mood (Wootton Bassett) ran out a 1 1/2-length winner over the Churchill turf on May 10 (video). Trained by Brian Lynch, the filly was bred by Coolmore in Ireland. Sold privately for €240,000 by Baroda Stud at the Arqana August Yearling Sale in 2023, the daughter of G3 Munster Oaks heroine Snow (Galileo) was making her fourth start. Racing for Ecurie Jean-Louis Bouchard for her first two runs in France, her best was a third-place finish at Deauville for trainer Mario Baratti in November prior to traveling to the U.S. Runner-up at Keeneland in April, Wedding Mood is the first foal from her dam, who has two offspring by Siyouni yet to race–a 2023 filly and a 2024 colt. The full-sister to G1 St Leger/G1 Grand Prix de Paris winner and sire Kew Gardens was covered by Justify last spring. Coolmore's Wootton Bassett has sired 23 winners from 42 runners (55%) in the U.S. A trio of them are Grade I winners, with Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero Henri Matisse taking the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains in France just last weekend. Wootton Bassett stands for €300,000 in Ireland. #10 WEDDING MOOD (IRE) ($6.90) and @flothejock came flying down the @ChurchillDowns stretch to win Race 5 for trainer @BLynchRacing and owner Epic Horses. Tune in to @FanDuelTV for more from Churchill. Bet with @FanDuel. pic.twitter.com/3R3eN8raHh — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 10, 2025 The post Making Waves: Wootton Bassett Filly Airs At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a long wait to get into graded stakes company, Charlene's Dream took advantage of the opportunity and scored a convincing 3 3/4-length win in the $150,000 Gallorette Stakes (G3T) at Pimlico Race Course May 17.View the full article

Drawn widest in a field of 11 for Saturday's Chick Lang Stakes at Pimlico, RETRIBUTION (c, 3, Vekoma–Granny's Drink, by Old Fashioned) found another gear in the final 150 yards to pull away from a fractionally unlucky Ancient World (Into Mischief) to become the 11th first-crop stakes winners (from 120 starters entering Saturday's action) for champion 2024 freshman sire Vekoma. One of the first to break the line, the $87,000 Keeneland September acquisition was a forward factor early on, then retreated to sit just ahead of midfield as favored One Nine Hundred (Dialed In) blazed an opening quarter in :22.86. Advancing three or four off the inside around the turn, Retribution rolled up to join the favorite to his outside at the midstretch marker and poked his head in front as Ancient World, steadied on the backstretch run and short of room for a few strides thereafter, made ominous headway as One Nine Hundred called it a day. Retribution kicked on smartly in the final furlong to post a decisive score from Ancient World, as Touchy (Nyquist) ran on nicely for third. Sales history: $87,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-1. O-Belladonna Racing LLC, Twin Brook Stables, Woodford Racing LLC, B.C.W.T. Ltd., Savvy Stables, GRC Racing LLC and Taylor Creek; B-Andrea McNeely Harden (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux. RETRIBUTION ($20.00) turned them away in the lane of the $150,000 Chick Lang Stakes at @PimlicoRC. @reredevaux conditions the son of Vekoma (@spendthriftfarm). @iradortiz was in the irons. The Pick 5 is waiting: https://t.co/MqFrLWHbQ5 pic.twitter.com/MwTBk0Sg3m — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 17, 2025 The post Retribution Another First-Crop Stakes Winner For Vekoma in the Chick Lang appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article