Wandering Eyes

Making her first start in the United States, Resolute Racing's Village Voice displayed an impressive turn of foot down the lane and swept by her rivals to win the $175,000 Waya Stakes (G3T) at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Monday's Observations features a daughter of Anapurna. 3.30 Yarmouth, Novice, 2yo, f, 8f 3yT SACRED GROUND (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is the third foal out of Frankel's Oaks and Prix de Royallieu heroine Anapurna who cost Marcstown and Andrew Rosen 550,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 1. The John and Thady Gosden-trained filly meets Salhia Stud's 925,000gns graduate of that same auction and fellow newcomer Bintsaleh (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), a William Haggas-trained daughter of the Prix de Malleret winner Waldlied (New Approach) who is a half to Waldgeist. The post Yarmouth Debut For Anapurna’s Daughter Sacred Ground appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Favored at 2-1 for her career debut, Sneaky Good (Into Mischief–Gale, by Tonalist) went to the front of Keeneland's seventh race Sunday and stayed there, becoming Into Mischief's newest TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard, by a geared-down four lengths over Betty's Pearl (Munnings). In front through initial splits of :22.57 and :46/24, the flashy chestnut shook clear of Betty's Pearl turning for home and drew off to win by an easy margin. Final time for the 6-furlong race was 1:11.54, only marginally slower than Bella Ballerina's (Street Sense) 'TDN Rising Star'-earning performance earlier in the card. Sales history: $450,000 yrl '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $64,000. O-NK Racing & LNJ Foxwoods. B-Andrew Warren (KY); Brad Cox. Sneaky Good is a nice debut winner in R7 at @keeneland for trainer @bradcoxracing with @iradortiz in the saddle! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/yTmez6eHhh — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) October 5, 2025 The post Into Mischief’s Sneaky Good Runs Off To ‘TDN Rising Star’ Victory at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All five stakes winners on Saturday's card at Santa Anita–GI American Pharoah Stakes winner Intrepido (Maximus Mischief), GII Oak Leaf Stakes winner Explora (Blame), GII Rodeo Drive Stakes winner Mission of Joy (Kitten's Joy), GIII Chillingworth Stakes winner Tamara (Bolt d'Oro) and Speakeasy Stakes winner Later Than Planned (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB})–were reported to be doing well Sunday and will move on to the Breeders' Cup. “He's got a lot of class,” trainer Jeff Mullins said of Intrepido, who earned an automatic berth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile with his American Pharoah win. “Kind of a tall, lanky horse. Not a real stoutly made horse, but he's very professional and I think he has a lot of growing to do.” Desert Gate (Omaha Beach), runner-up as the odds-on favorite in the American Pharoah, may also move on to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, trainer Bob Baffert said Sunday morning. Desert Gate showed the way in the American Pharoah before being nailed late by Intrepido. “I was really puzzled by that,” Baffert said. “He was really tired. I think he needed that race. He came back well, but was exhausted. We'll see how he's doing next week, but he's still possible for the Breeders' Cup. He's a better horse than that.” Explora, making her two-turn debut, rolled to a 4 1/4-length win in the 1 1/16-mile Oak Leaf to earn a berth to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. “She passed the [distance] test, so that was good,” Baffert said. “She ran well and came back well. I liked the way she was able to relax. I couldn't be happier.” Gary Mandella, assistant for trainer Richard Mandella, said all was well Sunday morning with Tamara following her eye-catching 3 3/4-length victory in the Chillingworth–her first start in nearly a year. The 4-year-old filly will now move on to the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Mission of Joy rallied through the stretch and just got her head down on the wire in the final strides of the Rodeo Drive to earn a spot in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, while Later Than Planned won the Speakeasy by a half-length going five furlongs on turf and will now move on to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Both runners are trained by Phil D'Amato. “Both came out of their races in really good shape and we'll definitely point them to their respective Breeders' Cup races,” D'Amato said. The post Breeders’ Cup Next for Santa Anita Stakes Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy was full of admiration for Autumn Glow after her dazzling victory in the Epsom Handicap (G1) at Randwick Oct. 4. View the full article

Trainers Will Walden and Robbie Medina likely booked their first Breeders' Cup starters with stakes winners at Keeneland over the weekend. Walden earned his first Grade I win when Rhetorical (Not This Time) came home first in the GI Coolmore Turf Mile Saturday. “He ran big and we are so proud of him,” Walden said of Rhetorical, who returned to Churchill Downs Saturday night. “He was doing so good and training better than he ever has. We use a lot of metrics with our horses and he was just off the charts. We decided to take a swing at it.” The win earned Rhetorical an automatic berth in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile at Del Mar Nov. 1. Walden expects to ship the 4-year-old New York-bred gelding to California Oct. 25 or 27. Medina, who made the trip to Del Mar three times for former boss Shug McGaughey, will make the trip in three weeks to saddle Newtown Anner Stud's Praying (Vekoma) in the GI Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint. The 3-year-old earned her championship berth with a half-length victory over Vahva in the GII Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes Saturday. Medina, who worked for McGaughey 25 years before going out on his own in 2020, said he learned plenty from the Hall of Fame trainer. “I would say the number one thing I learned from him was patience,” Medina said of McGaughey. “He is the greatest trainer at being patient and letting a horse develop.” Medina has been around horses all of his life. “My dad was a foreman for a few trainers in Chicago, and he would take me to work with him at the track,” Medina said. “Then he brought me to Keeneland and Churchill Downs in 1983 and that sealed the deal for me.” Two Spendthrift Farm colorbearers from the barn of trainer Todd Pletcher earned automatic berths to the Breeders' Cup with wins at Keeneland on opening weekend. Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) was walking the shedrow Sunday morning at Pletcher's barn a day after his 2 3/4-length victory in the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity. His stablemate Tommy Jo (Into Mischief) was the winner via disqualification of the GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes Friday. “They will head to Saratoga where Todd has his Breeders' Cup horses on Monday,” said Sophie Green, who is overseeing the Pletcher barn at Keeneland. The post Walden, Medina Eye Breeders’ Cup Debuts with Keeneland Stakes Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's Bella Ballerina (Street Sense) came from just off the pace to earn TDN Rising Stardom, Presented by Hagyard, in her career opener at Keeneland Sunday afternoon. Content to settle in right behind the leading draft through an opening quarter in :22.47, the 7-5 choice, who was clocking the pace wide, was given her cue from Tyler Gaffalione turning for home. Unfurling her long legs from there, the homebred drew clear in the late stages to win by a convincing 4 1/4-length margin over fellow firsters Debbie Doll (Liam's Map) and Karma Wins (Tapiture), who was farther back in third. The winner is a daughter of GI Spinaway winner Pretty City Dancer (Tapit), a half-sister to Grade I winner Lear's Princess (Lear Fan). Bella Ballerina is a half-sister to Champion 3-year-old Filly Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief), the winner of a trio of Grade I races–the GI Kentucky Oaks and GI Acorn and GI Test–before retiring with earnings of $2,112,560. Pretty City Dancer produced a colt by Into Mischief in 2024 and was barren this season. She was bred back to Gun Runner. 5th-Keeneland, $102,155, Msw, 10-5, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:11.36, ft, 4 1/4 lengths. BELLA BALLERINA, f, 2, by Street Sense 1st Dam: Pretty City Dancer {GISW, $286,344}, by Tapit) 2nd Dam: Pretty City, by Carson City 3rd Dam: Pretty Special, by Riverman Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $63,085. O-Godolphin, LLC; B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh. Click for the Equibase.com chart. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Street Sense’s Bella Ballerina Earns TDN Rising Stardom in Keeneland Unveiling appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bloodstock agent Will Douglass has joined Ocala Breeders' Sales Company as the company's international representative. Douglass, who began his career as a bloodstock agent in January 2010 when he started working with industry veteran Charlie Gordon-Watson, has also served as assistant to trainers Luca Cumani, Ed Dunlop, and David Hayes. He established Will Douglass Bloodstock in January, advising clients on all aspects of private sales, auction purchases, bloodstock, and racing management. “I am looking forward to working with the team at OBS and helping them expand their international client base,” Douglass said. “OBS has a long history of selling outstanding horses that are successful all over the world, such as Crimson Advocate winning at Royal Ascot whilst [Group 3-placed and OBS October graduate] The Publican's Son looks be a horse to follow next year.” The post Will Douglass Joins OBS as International Representative appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Miguel Clement sent out a pair of runners to earn automatic berths in Breeders' Cup races with wins at Aqueduct this past weekend and the trainer expects both to make the trip to Del Mar, but other conditioners were taking a wait-and-see approach before committing their Aqueduct stakes winners to championship weekend. The Clement-trained Bottas (Vekoma) took his record to two-for-two with a win in the GII Pilgrim Stakes Friday. That victory earned him a spot in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. “Bottas was very impressive in just his second start,” said Clement. “He showed yet again another strong turn of foot. The plan is to go for the Breeders' Cup. We just have to get lucky with a good trip and a good draw. It is going to be a full field, sometimes it can be a bit of a messy race. Nevertheless, he is a talented horse. We will look after him and he will take care of the rest.” Stablemate Intricate Spirit (Complexity), meanwhile, earned a spot in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint with his win in the six-furlong GIII Futurity. “That was a very impressive performance,” Clement said of the Futurity win. “He showed a lot of speed. I don't think the cutback in distance [to five furlongs] at the Breeders' Cup will be a hindrance whatsoever. That is the plan. On to Del Mar with Joel Rosario. The connections are very excited. As long as the horse is doing well, we will go for it.” Clement said that Tawny Port (Pioneerof the Nile), a narrowly beaten second in the GI Canadian International Saturday at Woodbine, could make his next start in either the Nov. 1 GI Breeders' Cup Turf or the GII Red Smith Stakes the following day at Belmont at the Big A. Trainer Danny Gargan said that Iron Orchard (Authentic)'s participation in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies was “in flux” following her win in the GI Frizette Stakes Saturday. “She's won a Grade I now and she's had a tough campaign, so we'll figure it out,” Gargan said. “I thought a mile would be a tough task for her and she got it done by a nose. California is two turns… she's only an April foal.” Gold Square's Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map) earned an automatic berth to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile with his 6 1/2-length victory in the GI Champagne Stakes Saturday. “We're going to leave it up to the horse and see how he's doing,” trainer Chad Summers said of a possible trip to Del Mar at the end of the month. “If he gives us any indication that he's taking a little while longer to get over the race–which he has every right to do having run as fast and hard as he did–then we'll skip it. If he comes out of it good and he's kicking down the walls and feeling good, we'll look to move forward.” Summers said that Gold Square's Dry Powder (Gun Runner), most recently a neck second to Clicquot in the GI Cotillion Stakes at Parx, remains under consideration for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. “She's going to breeze on Tuesday and we'll see,” Summers said. “We'll watch the GI Spinster today and see. I would like to go, but it's ultimately Mr. [Al] Gold's decision, and it's an expensive decision. If we go, we'll go early and there's a lot that goes into it.” Trainer Kelsey Danner said Ground Support (Army Mule), who earned a spot in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf with her win in the GII Miss Grillo Stakes Saturday, will return to her Turfway Park base Monday to train up to the Breeders' Cup. “She came out of the race in good order and looks good this morning,” Danner said. “She'll train at Turfway for a little bit, and we'll try to plan some logistics tomorrow before we ship out there.” Gary Barber and Peter Deutsch's Final Accord (War of Will) has trainer Mark Casse eyeing the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf after her win in the GIII Matron Stakes last Thursday. “She came out of it great,” Casse said. “We are going to aim for the Breeders' Cup. To me, in both of her races, it seemed like she wanted a little bit more ground, so I think the mile is perfect for her.” Meanwhile in upstate New York, Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) continued preparations for a defense of his GI Breeders' Cup Classic title with a four-furlong work in :48.88 (13/56) Saturday at Saratoga. Trainer Chad Brown called the work “super,” before adding that he is unsure if he will send Sierra Leone downstate to make his final preparations for the Breeders' Cup, as he did last year, or remain at Saratoga. “He's loving Saratoga right now,” Brown said. The post Connections Mull Breeders’ Cup Options for Aqueduct Stakes Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Courtesy Santa Anita The news late Saturday of the passing of Jeff Siegel, the legendary handicapper and longtime member of the Santa Anita Park family, hit with an unexpected weight. Not that his passing at age 74 was unexpected, as he had been fighting aggressive cancer since earlier this year. But the finality of the news brought with it the realization that Jeff was gone and the hole that he left behind is unlikely to be replaced. “Jeff Siegel was, and will always be the epitome of Santa Anita Park,” said Nate Newby, SVP & General Manager. “He was incredibly respected, especially by his peers, which is somewhat unique in horse racing. He loved the sport, he lived the sport, and he was devoted to passing that passion along to everyone he met. He was the best of us.” Jeff was a true multi-faceted, Damon Runyon character. A graduate of Fairfax High School, he began his career some 50 years ago, working at Hollywood Park and as a published handicapper throughout Southern California. In the mid-1980s, he and Barry Irwin formed Clover Racing Stable, one of the original syndicates for “regular people.” They had almost instant success, winning the Santa Anita Handicap, Breeders' Cup Turf and Arlington Million for their clients. Clover Racing begat Team Valor, which Siegel remained a part of for some time. Siegel continued to maintain a small stable that ran in his own name. His last horse, the 2-year-old filly Surfin' U.S.A., debuted on Sept. 26 at Santa Anita in partnership with longtime LA Times sportswriter Eric Sondheimer for trainer Leonard Powell. It was, however, his handicapping and analytical prowess for which he was best known. He was a featured part of “Inside Santa Anita,” a weekly magazine-style TV show that began in the early 1990s and aired originally on KDOC and then on Prime Sports. Siegel was also the featured handicapper on “Santa Anita Today,” a weekly, and then daily, live racing show that aired from 1994-2000 on Prime Ticket and then FOX Sports. He was a key part of “The Best of Santa Anita: 1999,” the 1999 Eclipse Award winner for Local Television. Those shows led to the founding of HRTV in 2003 and Siegel was one of the original hosts, and the driving force behind several of the network's most popular shows. He remained with HRTV until it was sold to TVG (now FanDuel) in 2015. Next up was XBTV the following year, which was rebranded as 1/ST TV earlier this year. His analysis, picks and blogs were also integral to XBTV, 1/ST Bet and the Santa Anita Park website. At an age when most have either retired or looking towards retirement, Siegel embraced a new challenge last year when he became the Morning Line Maker for the first time, prognosticating where the public wagering would place the final odds. It was a new puzzle for him to solve, not picking the winner, but trying to pick how others saw the race. He began first at Del Mar in the summer of 2024, and then with Santa Anita until his illness forced him to step down in March of this year. There was a moment of silence observed in his honor in the Santa Anita Park winner's circle after Sunday's first race. Jeff Siegel is survived by his sister Michele, his brother Barry, and their families, along with legions of friends, colleagues, and fans. Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. California Trainers Remember Jeff Siegel “I had so much respect for him. He had so much passion for the game. I loved talking to him about horses because he was so knowledgeable and watched everything. Every time I would break a maiden with a good horse, he would run to the paddock to talk to me about him. Like Justify. He came and said, 'You're going to win the Derby with that horse.' He just knew talent. With all those horses, he was always right. He would tell me things with like a horse's style. He'd say, 'That horse doesn't want to run like that.' He would give me tips. I'll really miss him. I would listen to his commentary. He was the best one out there.” Bob Baffert “I go a long way back with him. Back in the early '80s, he had a horse in training in France with my dad (David Powell). The name of the horse was Land Lady. Jeff knew me when I was still wearing diapers. He was always very kind to me and very astute.” Leonard Powell “He was a great guy. A very intelligent handicapper, and even more so a great person. He was one of the early founders of syndicates with Barry Irwin and Clover Racing and so forth. He had a lot of success there. He was great to talk to. You could talk to him about anything, he was just a well-rounded person. I did television with him on HRTV. He was very sharp at that. I don't know anyone who ever said a bad thing about Jeff Seigel.” Sean McCarthy “I thought he was the greatest handicapper. Even if he was incorrect, his decision-making process was so good that you always learned something. I found him quite educational. He was my neighbor for many years. Not like we spent a lot of time together, but he was just a good guy and an intelligent man. We're going to miss him.” Vladimir Cerin “Jeff to me was one of the best handicappers I've seen. And with Team Valor, he was able to pluck some really nice horses for them. He was one of the go-to handicappers on the West Coast for a couple of decades. I remember being a kid and listening all the time to whatever radio or TV show he would be on. It's a great loss.” Phil D'Amato The post Legendary Handicapper Jeff Siegel Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Daryz overhauled favorite Minnie Hauk just strides from the finish to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) Oct. 5 in the colors of the late owner-breeder, the Aga Khan.View the full article

Aidan O'Brien and Christophe Soumillon completed the juvenile group 1-double on Arc day Oct. 5 as Puerto Rico dominated the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (G1) from the front, holding Nighttime and Rayif at bay for a 2 1/2 length success. View the full article

The final round of preps for the Breeders' Cup took place this weekend and there was no shortage of stories or races. There were 26 graded stakes run from Friday through Sunday and nine of them were Grade I's. As always, this weekend helped to clear up the Breeders' Cup picture. Here's a look at what happened: GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile: You had three races, the GI Champagne, the GI Breeders' Futurity and the GI American Pharoah and each race featured a potential superstar in Ted Noffey (Into Mischief), Desert Gate (Omaha Beach) and It's Our Time (Not This Time). It was a somewhat disappointing show from the juveniles as Desert Gate and It's Our Time didn't come through, but Ned Toffey did in spades. Yes, Brant (Gun Runner), the $3-million colt residing in the Bob Baffert barn passed the American Pharoah and will go in the Juvenile as one of the horses to beat. But not the horse to beat. That's clearly Ted Noffey, who looked very good while beating a tough competitor in Blackout Time (Not This Time) by 2 3/4 lengths in the Breeders' Futurity. He was the star 2-year-old of the day. In the Champagne, It's Our Time didn't come back to run anywhere close to his smashing debut. He finished fourth, beaten 8 1/4 lengths. Would be surprised if trainer Tom Amoss sent him to the Breeders' Cup. The winner was Napoleon Solo (Liam's Map) who won by 6 1/2 lengths and obviously deserves a spot in the Juvenile. In the American Pharoah, Bob Baffert started four of the six horses in the field, but could not win the race for the 14th time as Intrepido (Maximus Mischief) mowed down Baffert's Desert Gate in the stretch to win by three-quarters of a lengths for trainer Jeff Mullins. He looks like an improving horse who will have a shot in the Juvenile. GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies: This does not look like a particularly strong group and the GI Frizette came up particularly weak. The winner was the New York-bred Iron Orchard (Authentic), who won by a nose over Rileytole (Mitole). Neither one looks like they'll be a major factor in the Juvenile Fillies. In the GI Oak Leaf at Santa Anita, the Baffert-trained Explora (Blame) was an easy winner at 2-5, making amends for her losing the GI Del Mar Debutante at 3-5. Baffert also has Del Mar Futurity winner Bottle of Rouge (Vino Rosso) waiting in the wings. The GI Alcibaides was certainly the strangest race of the weekend. Heavy favorite Tommy Jo (Into Mischief) crossed the wire second, but was placed first when the stewards took down Percy's Bar (Upstart), who mugged Tommy Jo. Even if she had crossed the wire first, this was not a great effort from Tommy Jo, who wasn't the same horse who won the GI Spinaway by 6 1/2 lengths. Her stock has fallen. The GI Breeders' Cup Turf: There was only one race for this group, the GI Canadian International at Woodbine. The even-money favorite was Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), who disappointed in a third-place effort. The winner, however was another European shipper, Wathnan Racing's Silawi (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won by a nose over Tawny Port (Pioneerof the Nile), who suffered his 15th consecutive loss. Can't see anyone from the group winning on Breeders' Cup day. The GI Breeders' Cup Sprint: The key prep this week was Friday's GII Phoenix S. at Keeneland. Nakatomi (Firing Line) won by a neck over Durante. It was a modest field of six. Don't expect a Sprint winner to come out of this. The GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint: There were two preps for this group, the GII Nearctic S. at Woodbine and the GII Woodford at Keeneland. Woodford winner Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) ran an incredible race. He lost about two or three lengths when breaking slowly and was still last in midstretch. But, under Frankie Dettori, he somehow got by the whole field to win by a neck. The amazing 9-year-old ran third in a Grade II race at Kentucky Downs in his prior start. Certainly belongs in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. Bring theband Home (Into Mischief) went off as the 1-2 favorite in the Nearctic and laid an egg, finishing last. The winner was No Nay Hudson (Ire) (No Nay Never), who is a solid turf sprinter, but doesn't look like Breeders' Cup material. More interestingly, 2023 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Nobals (Noble Mission {GB}) ran a much-improved effort to finish second and might be rounding back in top form. The GI Breeders' Cup Filly Sprint: Seven lined up for the GII Thoroughbred Club of America S. and the bettors thought it was a two-horse race between Vahva (Gun Runner) and Zeitlos (Curlin), but neither was able to handle the 3-year-old Praying (Vekoma). Also the winner of the GIII Prioress S., Praying is hot right now, but might find the waters to be too deep in the Breeders' Cup. Vahva, who finished second, may not have liked the six-furlong distance. A seven-furlong specialist, she'll return to her favorite distance in the Breeders' Cup and will deserve another chance. The GIII Chillingsworth S. featured the return of Tamara (Bolt d'Oro), the daughter of Hall of Famer Beholder. She had had just one start since the 2023 Breeders' Cup, so she has to have some problems. But winning this race was a big step and makes her a contender in the Filly Sprint. She got a 95 Beyer. GI Juvenile Fillies Turf: Brendan Walsh and Frankie Dettori teamed up to take the GII Jessamine S. with Imaginationthelady (Not This Time). But her Beyer figure of 73 doesn't bode well for the Breeders' Cup. Remember Ground Support (Army Mule)? She won on debut at Kentucky Downs at the price of 100-1. She was only 12-1 in the GII Miss Grillo S. at Aqueduct, and rewarded her backers again. She wired the field under Adam Beschizza. Can she win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf? Why not? She obviously likes to win, no matter what her odds are. GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf: Chad Brown had been invincible in the GI First Lady, winning the race eight times, including the last seven runnings. But nobody's perfect. The best Brown could do was a second-place finish with Segesta (Ghostzapper). The win went to Simply in Front (Summer Front), who was dismissed at 13-1. Simply in Front is a consistent sort and is in particularly good form now. But will need a huge effort to win in the Breeders' Cup. GI Breeders' Cup Mile: They made European Group 1 winner Diego Velazquez (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) the heavy favorite in the GI Coolmore Turf Mile, but he could do no better than fifth for Aidan O'Brien. Meanwhile Rhetorical (Not This Time), a New York-bred trained by Will Walden, won his fourth straight and his first open company stakes. He also got a 101 Beyer, the best number given to any of the weekend's stakes winners. Beating the Euros in the Mile is never an easy task. They have won four of the last five years, but this horse is for real. Editor's Note: Sunday's GI Spinster S. was run after the deadline for this story. The post The Week in Review: A Slew of Stakes Races and How They Might Affect the Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In many ways, the seven-furlong G1 Qatar Prix de la Foret around ParisLongchamp's bends was tailor-made for Maranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett) and with the all-important draw and testing ground in his favour he was able to produce a career-defining performance on what looks to be his swansong. While this is a 'Win And You're In' for the Breeders' Cup Mile, the chances are we have seen the last of Bond Thoroughbred's high-powered cruiser who had so long promised to live up to his status as a TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard. Always full of energy on the front end under Aurelien Lemaitre, the 9-2 shot who had been placed in the Prix Jean Prat and City Of York kicked decisively in the straight en route to a 1 1/4-length success from The Aga Khan Studs homebred Zarigana (Siyouni). “He is definitely the best horse I've trained–he is so good,” Christopher Head said. “He has something else. It's incredible to deal with that kind of strategy throughout his three-year-old season and come back and do this. He could be one of best stallions around in the future. He goes on any ground, so I need to talk to the owners to see what they want to do but this could be the end of the road. What a road it's been, I've loved it! It was insane!” MARANOA CHARLIE TAKES THEM ALL THE WAY IN THE GROUP ONE QATAR PRIX DE LA FORET! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/2bBihljFAt — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France QATAR PRIX DE LA FORET-G1, €350,000, ParisLongchamp, 10-5, 3yo/up, 7fT, 1:20.80, vsf. 1–MARANOA CHARLIE (FR), 126, c, 3, by Wootton Bassett (GB) 1st Dam: Koubalibre (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Kheleyf's Silver (Ire), by Kheleyf 3rd Dam: Silver Arrow, by Shadeed TDN Rising Star. 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (€220,000 Ylg '23 ARQAUG). O-Bond Thoroughbred Ltd; B-Haras d'Etreham, Riviera Equine SARL & Gestut Zur Kuste AG; T-Christopher Head; J-Aurelien Lemaitre. €199,990. Lifetime Record: G1SP-Eng, 10-6-1-1, €617,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Zarigana (GB), 122, f, 3, Siyouni (Fr)–Zarkamiya (Fr), by Frankel (GB). TDN Rising Star. O/B-Aga Khan Studs; T-Francis-Henri Graffard. €80,010. 3–Ten Bob Tony (Ire), 128, g, 4, Night Of Thunder (Ire)–Hug (Ire), by Dark Angel (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (€65,000 Ylg '22 GOFOR; €100,000 2yo '23 ARQMAY). O-TBT Racing; B-Knocktoran Stud; T-Ed Walker. €40,005. Margins: 1 1/4, 1HF, HD. Odds: 4.50, 2.10, 19.00. Also Ran: More Thunder (Ire), Geography (Ger), Exxtra (Fr), Godspeed (Fr), Roshvar (Fr), King's Gamble (Ire), Sajir (Ire), Zoum Zoum (GB), Witness Stand (GB), Topgear (Fr), Devil's Point (Ire), Zerostress (Ger), Exactly (Ire). The post ‘He’s Definitely The Best I’ve Trained’: Head Hails Foret Hero Maranoa Charlie appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday's G1 Prix de l'Opera Longines had an open feel beforehand and there was a predictable bunch finish with Alpha Racing's Barnavara (Calyx) hanging on to clinch victory from See The Fire (Sea The Stars). Sent forward by Shane Foley to dictate, the Jessica Harrington-trained three-year-old who had been impressive in last month's Blandford kept digging in as threats emerged on either side to prevail by a short neck at 9-1. Less than a length covered the first five home, with One Look (Gleneagles) getting third, a short head behind See The Fire. This is an automatic qualifier for the Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. “This was always my main ride today and she has improved all year,” Foley said. “She wears her heart on her sleeve and I've been saying all year she's very good–she's just learning how to relax and race now. She was a big girl at two and has matured now.” BARNAVARA WINS THE GROUP ONE LONGINES PRIX DE L'OPERA! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/EmTzWFiZYm — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX DE L'OPERA LONGINES-G1, €500,000, ParisLongchamp, 10-5, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT, 2:05.52, vsf. 1–BARNAVARA (IRE), 123, f, 3, by Calyx (GB) 1st Dam: Alfea (GB), by Kentucky Dynamite 2nd Dam: Askania Nova (Ire), by New Approach (Ire) 3rd Dam: Bal De La Rose (Ire), by Cadeaux Genereux (GB) 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (€70,000 Ylg '23 GOFOR). O-Alpha Racing; B-Andriy Milovonov & Viktor Tymoshenko; T-Jessica Harrington; J-Shane Foley. €285,700. Lifetime Record: MGSW-Ire, 13-5-0-5, €533,475. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–See The Fire (GB), 128, f, 4, Sea The Stars (Ire)–Arabian Queen (Ire), by Dubawi (Ire). O-J C Smith; B-Littleton Stud; T-Andrew Balding. €114,300. 3–One Look (Ire), 128, f, 4, Gleneagles (Ire)–Holy Salt (GB), by Holy Roman Emperor (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (€40,000 RNA Wlg '21 GOFNO1; €65,000 Ylg '22 GOFOR). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Tullpark Ltd; T-Paddy Twomey. €57,150. Margins: SNK, SHD, SNK. Odds: 9.80, 3.40, 13.00. Also Ran: Wemightakedlongway (Ire), Grand Stars (Ire), Tamfana (Ger), Start Of Day (GB), Nicoreni (Ger), Royal Dress (Ire), Qilin Queen (Ire), January (Ire), Merveilleux Lapin (Ire). The post Barnavara Prevails In Blanket Finish To The Opera appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Producing a stirring finale to Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, The Aga Khan Studs runner Daryz (Sea The Stars) wore down Ballydoyle's star filly Minnie Hauk (Frankel) to cap a stellar season for Francis-Henri Graffard. Having been given an unorthodox preparation for this monument which culminated in a close second to Croix Du Nord (Kitasan Black) in the G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange, the 16-1 shot followed swooped off the pace set by the Japanese challenger with just the triple Oaks-winning 5-2 favourite to catch. Minnie Hauk looked to have sealed a treble for O'Brien and Soumillon everywhere bar the last 50 metres, where Mickael Barzalona was able to conjure a decisive surge to earn a head success. Sosie (Sea The Stars) was 5 1/2 lengths away in third. This was the first Arc winner in these famed colours since Zarkava in 2008 and the first since the passing of the The Aga Khan IV. “We've always held him in high regard and he came back a lot stronger from [the Juddmonte International at] York, which was a messy race,” Barzalona said. “He was very relaxed today, travelled very well and quickened up well. I knew Minnie Hauk would give me a tough race, but my horse is very talented. It is a big privilege to ride for The Aga Khan Studs and be part of this team.” Graffard added, “That was a great horse race and everything worked to plan,” he said. “The spirit of the horse at the end! This is special.” WHAT A RACE! DARYZ WINS THE GROUP ONE QATAR PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/qr2qiOMT3j — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 The post Daryz Prevails In Epic Arc Tussle With Minnie Hauk appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unable to take part in Sunday's G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines moments before the off due to a misplaced passport, Asfoora (Flying Artie) followed all that pre-race drama with a welcome straightforward display to make history. Overpowering the outsider Jawwal (Wooded) inside the final furlong, the 5-2 favourite asserted her superiority under Oisin Murphy to record a half-length success, the first of any kind for her nation in France. “It's surreal–we were within a minute and a half of not running,” trainer Henry Dwyer said of the seven-year-old who had plundered the Nunthorpe in August. “I had an Uber driver on a retainer of £200 to get the passport here in time!” “We planned this whole journey, trying to experience new things and here we are winning a Group 1 on Arc day,” he added. “We were confident it was fresh ground where she was and hopeful that she might be okay on it and she was.” Murphy added, “She was on the bridle throughout and still had her summer coat today, which takes some managing.” ASFOORA WINS IN THE GROUP ONE PRIX DE L'ABBAYE! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/tLHjpLXXBa — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX DE L'ABBAYE DE LONGCHAMP LONGINES-G1, €350,000, ParisLongchamp, 10-5, 2yo/up, 5fT, :56.39, vsf. 1–ASFOORA (AUS), 133, m, 7, by Flying Artie (Aus) 1st Dam: Golden Child (Aus), by I Am Invincible (Aus) 2nd Dam: Predestined (Aus), by King's Best 3rd Dam: Hard Rider (NZ), by Maroof (24,000 RNA Ylg '20 MGMADE). O/B-Noor Elaine Farm Pty Ltd; T-Henry Dwyer; J-Oisin Murphy. €199,990. Lifetime Record: MG1SW-Eng, MGSW & MG1SP-Aus, 29-12-3-2, €2,290,826. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Jawwal (Fr), 136, g, 3, Wooded (Ire)–Al Johrah (GB), by Bated Breath (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (€13,000 2yo '24 ARQNOV). O-Jiri Odchazel-Joly; B-Al Shaqab Racing; T-Vaclav Luka. €80,010. 3–She's Quality (Ire), 133, f, 4, Acclamation (GB)–Quality Time (Ire), by Exceed And Excel (Aus). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (€195,000 Ylg '22 GOFOR). O-Aristia Park Bloodstock & Partners; B-Rathbarry Stud; T-Jack Davison. €40,005. Margins: HF, 2HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 2.70, 32.00, 20.00. Also Ran: Ponntos (Ire), Mgheera (GB), Monteille (GB), Ain't Nobody (Ire), Afjan (Fr), Star Of Lady (GB), Frost At Dawn, Sky Majesty (Ire), Jm Jungle (Ire), First Instinct (GB), Washington Heights (GB), Night Raider (Ire), Rumstar (GB), Against The Wind (GB). Scratched: Megarry (Ire), Rayevka (Ire). The post Abbaye Heroine Asfoora Breaks New Ground As Australia’s First Winner In France appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race two on Arc day saw a quickfire double for Ballydoyle and Christophe Soumillon, with Puerto Rico (Wootton Bassett) making all to dominate the G1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, a Breeders' Cup “Win And You're In” for the Juvenile Turf. Up to this seven-furlong trip for the first time to cause a minor upset in Doncaster's G2 Champagne Stakes last time, the 4-1 shot was again placed straight on the front and despite veering off a true line in the run to the line was always in control. Aidan O'Brien, who was winning this for the 10th time, has the Breeders' Cup in mind for the 2 1/2-length winner who was followed home by the crack French colts Nighttime (Wootton Bassett) and Rayif (Sea The Moon). “He won very well the last day and is a lovely straightforward horse who handles this ground well,” he said. “He took a little bit time to come, but as every month went by he's got stronger and this was only his second time at seven.” “He still very green and Christophe was worried about that–he thought he might be here too and he was right,” he added. “Wootton Bassett was an incredible stallion and we are so lucky to have three generations of them still to come. Like [last year's Lagardere winner] Camille [Pissarro], he's a big powerful horse and so I think the Breeder's Cup is very possible as he's strong, mature and experienced.” PUERTO RICO LEADS THEM ALL THE WAY IN THE GROUP ONE QATAR PRIX JEAN-LUC LAGARDERE! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/9AsRdNXbL1 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 The post Quickfire Group 1 Double For O’Brien and Soumillon With Breeders’ Cup-Bound Puerto Rico appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

ParisLongchamp's Arc card got underway in style as Ballydoyle's Diamond Necklace swooped to provide St Mark's Basilica with his first Group 1 winner in the Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac. Sent off the favourite for the first of the fixture's six Breeders' Cup “Win And You're In” races, the Listed Ingabelle Stakes winner who is a TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard, was always comfortable and when asked to mow down the Wertheimers' unbeaten Green Spirit (Kingman) did so without any need for the whip. “She's amazing,” commented a smitten Christophe Soumillon after steering the 11-10 favourite to a cosy length success. “I was very confident, she was my best ride of the weekend. The last time, she gave me a great sensation and was so relaxed going to the start and professional. She picked up so easily and it was just hands and heels only. She will be a great filly for next year, she is going to do something great.” Aidan O'Brien revealed that the 1,000 Guineas is the likely starting point in 2026. “A first [Group 1] for St Mark's Basilica makes it very special,” he said. “We were a little bit worried she was a little bit babyish to come here, but Christophe was adamant it would suit her. She's a lovely Classic filly and I'd say she'll be very comfortable starting at a mile and she will stay a trip I would imagine. She's very exciting and a typical St Mark's, every week goes by they're getting better and stronger.” DIAMOND NECKLACE WINS THE GROUP ONE QATAR PRIX MARCEL BOUSSAC! #QPAT pic.twitter.com/LJ6GxsPHGI — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 5, 2025 The post ‘She Is Going To Do Something Great’: Soumillon Wowed By St Mark’s Basilica’s First G1 Winner Diamond Necklace appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All eyes will be on Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising at the Randwick barrier trials but the session will also provide an important hit-out for Group One winner Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth). Originally being targeted at Saturday’s Epsom Handicap (1600m), the four-year-old was ruled out of the feature after a setback caused him to miss a scheduled start in the Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m) last month. While it was only a minor ailment, it was enough to force a rejig of Linebacker’s spring program. “In simple terms, he sprained an ankle. It just meant being on the easy list for a week or so,” co-trainer Tom Charlton said. “Once he missed that run we were never going to the Epsom half-prepared. “But if he can have a good couple of weeks’ now there might be a light at the end of the tunnel in the Golden Eagle, which was always his aim throughout the campaign anyway.” The winner of the Randwick Guineas (1600m) in the autumn, Linebacker raced handy to the speed from a wide draw first-up, finishing seventh to Pericles in the Tramway Stakes (1400m). He will step out in a 1050m heat at Randwick on Tuesday with the Group 3 Silver Eagle (1300m) on October 18 his likely next start ahead of the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) a fortnight later. While connections would have preferred the horse’s campaign had gone to plan, Charlton was optimistic Linebacker’s set back could prove a blessing in disguise. “It might work out for the best,” he said. “The one thing you don’t like having is hiccups throughout the preparation but if we can have a good trial and go to the Silver Eagle we’ll be back on track.” “The 1300 of the Silver Eagle should be good for him and keep him on the fresh side.” Tuesday’s trial session is highlighted by the opening 1000m heat restricted to horses contesting The Everest (1200m) and King Charles III Stakes (1600m) and has attracted an elite line-up of six. Along with marking Ka Ying Rising’s first public appearance in Sydney, it will also include fellow Everest contenders Joliestar, Angel Capital and Overpass along with King Charles Stakes hopefuls Fangirl and Mr Brightside. View the full article

Lady Performer (NZ) (Sacred Falls) put plans of the broodmare paddock on hold for another year after capping off a consistent run of form in the Johnny Neil Builders (1400m) at Hawera on Saturday. The eight-year-old had nearly been retired at the end of the spring last season, but her owner-trainer Lydia Pickford opted to bring her back for another winter, which has paid off with Lady Performer recording a win, two seconds and five thirds since resuming in early April. She was due another winning turn, but facing Rating 75 grade for the first time, she was underrated in the market closing at $15, with Librero and Ghazzah the two fancied runners of the field. Carrying a featherlight 52kg under apprentice Amber Riddell, Lady Performer went back early to settle outside of Sotirio, while Our Akashinga eventually took the lead at a leisurely tempo. The pressure dialled up at the 600m and the mare was cruising into contention on the outside, hitting the lead at the 200m alongside Overdraft. Spread wide apart on the track, it was hard to line up Lady Performer and Overdraft as they powered to the line in unison, but there was no doubting the photo finish which crowned Lady Performer the victor by a head. “She’s a really honest mare and tries hard, she’s probably gotten better with the more racing she’s had this season,” Pickford said. “She really deserved that. “She’s not the soundest horse, she’s got a few little issues, so we nurse her along and she’s going very well. She’s probably the soundest she’s ever been. “It was interesting to see her step up to Rating 75 grade and cop it, that’s the grade she has to race in from now on so we’ll see how we go.” The daughter of Sacred Falls boosted her total earnings above $136,000, a far cry from the $1,200 outlaid to purchase her through gavelhouse.com in 2023. “She was a bit tricky when we first got her, she wasn’t the easiest to manage, but she’s a nice mare that has mellowed in her older age,” Pickford said. “I was actually going to retire her last year but Leah Hemi (jockey) said to me that she would be alright for another winter. “I was going to put her in foal at the end of last season but it got late enough, and she was sitting in the back paddock, so I thought we may as well then send her away this spring. But, you can’t retire her the way she’s going at the moment, so that’ll likely be put in hold until next year now. “She does a lot of jumping and enjoys that as well, my daughter likes show jumping her and mucking around with that so she may have a calling with that too. Out of a More Than Ready mare Peak Performer, Lady Performer is a half-sister to Toesonthenose, a six-race winner in Queensland, and recent maiden winner Paddy The Farmer. In 54 starts, she has recorded four wins and 17 minor placings. “It’s great to have one that tries so hard, it would be easy if they were all like her,” Pickford said. View the full article

This week Guy Heveldt is joined by Aidan Rodley and Jayne Ivil to review a wet weekend of racing across the country. Kim Reid joins us to talk about the family connection of Hi Yo Sass Bomb and then we turn our sights across the Tasman after a star filled Saturday. Weigh In, October 5 View the full article

Progressive mare Afterglo (NZ) (Ardrossan) got her preparation back on track in impressive style in the deteriorating conditions at Matamata on Saturday. A winner on debut at the course in April, she has been patiently handled by local trainer Stephen Autridge and appeared first-up this spring in a competitive Rating 65 contest at Ellerslie, where she finished below expectations in 11th. Heeding advice from jockey Matt Cameron, Autridge moved on to the Colliers Waikato Rural Real Estate (1400m) with the daughter of Ardrossan, who started the eventual favourite in a field halved in size by scratchings. Ridden on this occasion by Opie Bosson, Afterglo settled a good rhythm midfield with cover, while the second elect Zenith took the early lead. After the pace steadied, Wiremu Pinn opted to go forward with Just A Tipple and he had stretched out to an eight-length lead at the 600m. Seeing what was unfolding, Bosson got moving on Afterglo and she looked to be the only chance of chasing down Just A Tipple on the corner, and she did just that, skipping through the heavy ground to take over and charge clear by 2 ¼ lengths, with a further seven lengths back to Zenith in third. Autridge was hoping she would have the ability to catch the tearaway leader, which he identified was no easy feat. “We were hoping we could, but it is a hard job to do and the horse that does it often comes off second best,” he said. “We were pretty rapt in the effort she put in. “We were expecting a big run at Ellerslie but she was cramped for room coming up the straight, which she’d never experienced before. “Matty Cameron said to forget about the run and make sure she’s got plenty of room next time, and he couldn’t ride her this time, so we grabbed Opie and he’s done a great job. “I’ve always been happy with the mare, she seems to be above average and loves wet ground.” There are likely to be options on rain-affected ground going forward, but Autridge is confident she can bring her form on to a better surface if need be. “The next month or six weeks will have wet tracks here and there, but we’re not frightened of better tracks,” he said. “She trialled well at Ellerslie and she handled the firmer ground there, so things are looking pretty good for the next couple of months. Who knows, if she does handle good tracks, we might find a nice race over Christmas somewhere.” The meeting set to stage the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) was abandoned following Afterglo’s win, but Autridge had already scratched his chance in the feature, Livid Sky (NZ) (Proisir). A multiple Group Two performer, she had been eye-catching first-up when third behind Tardelli at Ellerslie, and Autridge is hopeful of another fruitful campaign for the five-year-old. “She’s ready, it was only the conditions that made us pull her out,” he said. “She’s only let us down once and that was on a heavy track, so we weren’t going to risk her. “Her sectionals were outstanding (at Ellerslie) and that was against very good horses, so where she is in the handicaps, if we get in the right race and everything goes our way, she’s a chance of getting some good black-type. “You’d think they’ll be rescheduling this race, so we’ll be looking at that.” Looking ahead to Avondale on Wednesday, Autridge will have a filly stepping out on debut in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series (1200m) in Shiniqua (NZ) (Hello Youmzain). By in-form sire Hello Youmzain, Shiniqua has shown good ability in three trial appearances. “She’s definitely trialled very well, she appears to have come on nicely and she’s in that race because she’s Pearl Series (eligible),” Autridge said. “It’s a big ask against older maideners, but she shows a fair bit, so we’ve got our fingers crossed.” View the full article

Iron Orchard has a perfect record, a grade 1 win, and a newfound ability to rally from off the pace. But will it be enough to propel her into the Breeders' Cup?View the full article

Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman's EXPLORA (f, 2, Blame–Collections Choice, by Bernardini) atoned for a runner-up effort to her stablemate Bottle of Rouge (Vino Rosso) in the GI Del Mar Debutante with a comprehensive success in Saturday's GII Oak Leaf Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar on Friday, Oct. 31. Named a 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard when romping in her 5 1/2-furlong debut at Del Mar Aug. 17 and fractionally disappointing after making the running in the Debutante, the 2-5 chalk, getting the blinkers off this time, was trapped out a bit wide at the first corner and had no choice but to punch the breeze three wide as 'Rising Star' stable companion Himika (Curlin) showed the way through a half in :46.98. Felt for by Juan Hernandez at the three-eighths pole, Explora raced upsides of Himika at the head of the stretch and she kicked on nicely through the final furlong to take it by about five lengths. Debutante third La Wally (Constitution) rounded out the exacta ahead of longshot La Ville Lumiere (City of Light). Sales history: $22,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $350,000 2yo '25 FTMMAY. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0. O-Watson, Weitman and Pegram; B-Mesingw Farm (KY); T-Bob Baffert EXPLORA ($2.80) put on a show in the $200,000 Oak Leaf Stakes (G2) at @Santaanitapark. @BobBaffert trains the daughter of Blame (@claibornefarm). @JJHernandezS19 was up on the 2YO for the @LanesEndFarms @BreedersCup #WAYI race for the Juvenile Fillies . pic.twitter.com/W0RGtVKms8 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 5, 2025 The post Blame ‘Rising Star’ Explora Rolls Home In the Oak Leaf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article