Wandering Eyes

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Today’s Observations features a potentially smart filly from the John Gosden stable. 2.10 Newmarket, Novice, £8,000, 2yo, f, 8fT WASAAYEF (IRE) (Kingman {GB}) holds an entry in the Oct. 11 G1 Fillies’ Mile over this course and distance and bids to give six pounds away all round as a result of her defeat of the subsequent G2 May Hill S. third Alpen Rose (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) over seven furlongs on the July Course here in July. Representing John Gosden, Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum’s 580,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 graduate from the family of the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas heroine Nightime (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) encounters a potentially tricky opponent in Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s Queen Daenerys (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), a $500,000 KEESEP Roger Varian-trained half-sister to the GI Garden City Breeders’ Cup S. heroine Magnificent Song (Unbridled’s Song) who was second to Cloak of Spirits (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) on debut at Ascot in July. 4.05 Newbury, Novice, £8,050, 2yo, 7fT MAURIMO (GB) (Kingman {GB}) debuts for the Roger Charlton stable responsible for Friday’s headline act Quadrilateral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and is a notable newcomer as a half-sister to this year’s G1 Irish Oaks and G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Star Catcher (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), the GI Canadian International winner Cannock Chase (Lemon Drop Kid) and his G2 Prix Eugene Adam-winning full-brother Pisco Sour. Racing in the colours of Miranda Beaufort and Partners, the March-foaled bay encounters a John Gosden-trained fellow newcomer in Hissa Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Haqeeqy (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), this year’s Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze-Up topper whose dam is a half to the G2 Euro-Cup winner Fight Club (Ger) (Lavirco {Ger}). 7.50 Wolverhampton, Novice, £7,500, 2yo, 8f 142y (AWT) YA HAYATI (Dubawi {Ire}), the first foal out of Wedding Toast (Street Sense) who captured the GI Ogden Phipps S. and GI Beldame S. for Godolphin, debuts for Charlie Appleby. From the family of Congaree (Arazi), the February-foaled bay colt steps onto the Tapeta enjoyed by Pinatubo (Ire) (Shamardal) on his racecourse introduction in May. The post Wasaayef Looks To Defy Penalty At Newmarket appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maryland-rooted Sagamore Farm is keeping a focus on its home state with an entry Sept. 21 at Laurel Park, where He Hate Me runs in the $250,000 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G3). View the full article

When Goldwood (Medaglia d’Oro) streaked to victory in the Sept. 1 Safely Kept S., it capped off a stellar summer campaign for the Colt’s Neck Stable runner that saw her capture four consecutive stakes over the Monmouth Park turf course. That feat hasn’t been accomplished at the Jersey Shore oval since Get Serious (City Zip) in 2009. While her trainer Jorge Duarte, Jr., has always believed Goldwood was a stakes horse from the moment she stepped onto Richard Santulli’s farm as 2-year-old, it was the decision to equip the filly with blinkers that Duarte credits for her improved form and success. After breaking her maiden in her fourth try as a sophomore at Laurel, Goldwood failed to hit the board in two New York optional claiming events. Sent to Palm Meadows for the winter, Duarte and previous Colt’s Neck Stable trainer and current stable manager, Alan Goldberg, made the joint decision to put the blinkers on the filly to sharpen her focus. The equipment change paid off handsomely for her connections as Goldwood has found the winner’s circle in seven of her last eleven starts. The rangy bay began the year with a strong third-place finish behind Samara (Hard Spun) and recent GIII Spendthrift Farms Ladies S. victress Morticia (Twirling Candy) in Gulfstream’s Mar. 9 Captivia Island S. Despite being her only losing effort of 2019, the Captiva Island S. foreshadowed the summer that was to come from Goldwood. “She had a horrible trip that day,” said Duarte. “Her entry mate went out in a speed duel with Morticia and they blazed on the front end. Goldwood was forced wide the whole way and probably could’ve won that race if things went a little more her way. I thought she ran huge.” Following a three-month freshening back at Colt’s Neck Stables, in Colt’s Neck, N.J., Goldwood relished the Monmouth turf and put together back-to-back scores in the May 18 Politely S. and June 8 Unbridled Elaine S. in decisive fashion. In the Politely, she defeated Mominou (Congrats), who in her subsequent start triumphed over a strong group of fillies in Saratoga’s Caress S. July 21. The Aug. 10 Incredible Revenge S. poised a challenge for the firm-turf course specialist after rainstorms in days leading up to the race left the turf course rated as “good.” “We were lucky to have a drier summer this year than in years past,” said Duarte. “Goldwood likes when there’s a bounce in the ground. When the turf course came up as good on race day we were debating if she could overcome that or not just because she’s shown she doesn’t it when the turf is too soft.” Goldwood responded with a courageous performance in securing the win by a half-length over Auldwood Lane (Bodemeister). “To me, that was her best race of the season,” said Duarte. “She had to dig in a few times to get to the front and ran over a turf course she didn’t like. She was challenged and pressed a lot. She showed a lot of heart. And then after the race she cooled out in like five minutes. It was incredible. She’s all racehorse.” The Sept. 1 Safely Kept, however, was the crowning moment for Goldwood as she swept under the wire and etched her name into the Monmouth Park history books. The victory was especially sweet for her connections, who owned the race’s namesake, the brilliant Safely Kept. “It was a race we really wanted the barn to win,” said Duarte. “I definitely felt the pressure coming into the race. Safely Kept means everything to the farm, she was the beginning for Al and Rich.” Safely Kept (Horatius) will be forever immortalized in the minds of race fans as the determined filly who defeated the British Horse of the Year Dayjur (Danzig) in an erratically run stretch drive in the 1990 GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint. The champion sprinter strung together a Hall of Fame race career that included 24 wins in 30 trips to the post. Safely Kept, trained by Goldberg, was owned by Jayeff B. Stable, which was comprised of Barry Weisbord, Santulli, and George Prussin. Prior to her stunning win in the Breeders’ Cup, Safely Kept was one of just three horses Santulli had in training with Goldberg at the time. That runner’s success paved the way for a 29-year partnership between the two men. Santulli later purchased his private training facility, Colt’s Neck Stables, in 1998, naming Goldberg as the head conditioner of the operation. Goldberg trained for Santulli up until last year, when he then handed the reins over to his long time assistant, Duarte. Coincidentally, the dam of Goldwood, Crimson Maple (Rahy), who was also campaigned by Santulli, is out of Maplejinsky, a half-sister to none other than Dayjur. Crimson Maple has two offspring still remaining with Colt’s Neck Stables, including the unraced 3-year-old filly Spin Control (Hard Spun) and a yearling colt by Hard Spun. “They both look pretty nice,” said Duarte. “The yearling is at Mill Ridge and we’re definitely going to keep him.” In addition to Santulli’s achievements as an owner, he has bred and sold Grade I winners Oxbow (Awesome Again) and Panty Raid (Include). Santulli also bred and owned the recently retired millionaire Force the Pass (Speightstown), who romped in the 2015 inaugural GI Belmont Derby. He stands at Anchor and Hope Farm in Maryland. Goldwood will attempt to continue her winning ways in this Saturday’s Turf Amazon S. at Parx or in the Sensible Lady Turf Dash S. at Laurel. Interestingly enough, Sensible Lady was another Goldberg trainee and six-time stakes winner for Santulli. “I think she’s not too far away from the top turf sprinting mares in the country as far as ability and performance wise,” said Duarte. “There are good fillies out there and we’ve tested her against the best and she’s gotten beaten by that much. And coming off her summer she has the confidence now.” The post Goldwood: Queen of the Monmouth Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Omaha Beach is tentatively scheduled to return to Churchill Downs from his Southern California base Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. to compete in next Saturday's $150,000 Ack Ack Presented by GE Appliances (G3). View the full article

Fresh off a head-turning debut July 13, Meru ventures into stakes company Sept. 21 in the $75,000 Smoke Glacken Stakes at Monmouth Park, a race trainer Jorge Duarte Jr. hopes will lead to higher-level opportunities. View the full article

Through a combination of hard work and a lot of shrewd and often brave bloodstock trading, Brendan Holland has developed his Fermoy-based Grove Stud from humble beginnings into one of the leading consignors in Europe. Whether it’s pinhooking foals and presenting them as yearlings or selecting yearlings and forming them into ready-made 2-year-old racehorses, it all seems to come alike to Holland and when one peruses the list of equine pupils to have passed through his hands it is clear that he has become a master of his craft. Horses like The Grey Gatsby (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), and more recently the group winners Terebellum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Alounak (Fr) (Camelot {GB}) and Stormy Antarctic (GB) (Stormy Atlantic) as well as Royal Ascot winner Thanks Be (GB) (Mukhadram {GB}) are just a few examples of his eye for an athlete. Such regular and high-profile racecourse success can only be good for Grove Stud trade in the sales ring and that was the case last year at Tattersalls Ireland’s September Yearling Sale when a Grove Stud-consigned son of Kodiac (GB) topped the sale when purchased by Shadwell for €275,000. The full-brother to MGSW Adaay (GB) had been pinhooked by Holland for €60,000 as a foal and while not bold enough to predict such stellar returns from his six-strong draft this time around at the latest renewal of the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale on Sept. 24 to 26, Holland is confident his yearlings will be well received. “I’ve always been lucky there, we’ve brought some nice horses to this sale over the years and have been well paid for them,” Holland said. “In recent years we’ve been bringing a better quality of horse as the sale has been on an upward curve and has been getting some great results on the track.” Al Shaqab stallion Shalaa (Ire)’s first batch of yearlings have been well received since they came on stream at Arqana last month and Holland is responsible for the only two yearlings in the sale by the Group 1-winning son of Invincible Spirit (Ire). Both are homebred by Holland and are qualified for French premiums. First up is lot 32, a bay filly out of Sky Colours (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), herself a daughter of stakes winner Rosa Grace (GB) (Lomitas {GB}). “She’s a nice, easy moving, racy filly, very light on her feet,” Holland said. “I thought Shalaa was well worth a try. I thought he was the best horse to retire to stud that year and Invincible Spirit looks like being quite an influential sire of sires. His stock are good-bodied, racy looking horses so I think he has a great chance of being successful.” Grove Stud also offers a Shalaa colt as lot 376 out of stakes winner Miracle Seeker (GB) (Rainbow Quest). The mare has bred four winners from four runners including the stakes-placed Loaves And Fishes (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). “He’s not overbig but is a strong colt and a real 2-year-old type,” Holland said. “I’m hoping because the stallion stands in France that they will stand out a bit as they’re the only ones by the sire in the sale and obviously being qualified for the French premiums won’t do them any harm either.” Holland has two yearlings by Starspangledbanner (Aus) on offer at Tattersalls Ireland but unlike the Shalaas these are both pinhooks. Lot 39, a chestnut colt, is the first produce out of Spirit Of Paris (Ire) (Big Bad Bob {Ire}) and cost €28,000 at Goffs last November. Lot 94, meanwhile, is a filly out of the unraced mare Zain Art (Ire) (Excellent Art {GB}) who is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Battalion (GB) (Authorized {Ire}). This yearling was also purchased at Goffs last year for €42,000. “I like the stallion and for a horse that didn’t have a lot of runners early in his career he still established himself as a sire of quality 2-year-olds,” Holland said. “These are two lovely horses with great action and I think they should appeal to buyers. Starspangledbanner has had well documented fertility problems in the past and the fact that he produced several above-average horses from such a small early sample is a testament to him.” The Coolmore stallion is also having plenty of success with his 2-year-olds this year with the Jessica Harrington-trained Millisle (Ire) failing only narrowly recently at Salisbury to add a second stakes win to her CV while Sheila Lavery’s Lil Grey (Ire) has also hit the crossbar in a few stakes races and will surely get her turn before long. In a year when his son Battaash (Ire) has scorched the turf and reminded owners and trainers of the sire power of Dark Angel (Ire), Holland looks to be sitting pretty with lot 117, a Dark Angel filly he acquired at the Bobby Flay dispersal last year at Tattersalls for 27,000gns. The filly is a half-sister to three winners from the family of Authorized (Ire) and Holland is pleased with her progress in the last nine months. “She wasn’t overly expensive but she was a weak foal to be fair,” he said. “She has done well since and everyone knows what the sire is capable of getting. This sale fits in well for her as she wasn’t quite forward enough for Doncaster. She is a nice, good moving, clean-limbed filly. She has taken her work well and has a great constitution.” The last of the Grove Stud offerings is an Equiano (Fr) colt, lot 432, out of the winning Speightstown mare Perino (Ire) whose pedigree traces back to the mighty Seattle Slew. “I’ve bought quite a few Equianos down through the years and while he’s had a few up and down years this season he’s come back with a couple of good horses,” Holland said. “He is a very capable stallion and one I’ve had some luck with in the past. This is a very strong physical horse. A real 2-year-old type and he should be an easy sell as he is a homebred that isn’t standing me too much.” Due to Holland’s success in the breeze-up sector one could assume that if he wasn’t happy with how the market was valuing one of his yearlings that he wouldn’t have any problem taking it home and continuing on to the next stage. However, that is definitely not part of the Grove Stud policy. “I’m very keen not to breeze my own yearlings,” he said. “If I can’t sell a horse then I might have to but as a rule I don’t because I think it’s best for buyers to understand that they are two distinct parts of my business. I like to try and sell all the yearlings and start then with a fresh batch specifically for breezing. “Having success on the track is the most important aspect of the whole business. It’s great to get money in the ring but to continue to get money in the ring your horses have to deliver on the track. Also when you get money in the ring you reinvest it straight away and that new investment is dependent somewhat on how the previous horses perform on the track. I’m delighted with how our graduates have performed this summer but it’s vital for the business that they do.” While Holland is in charge of his own decisions when it comes to selecting and purchasing the following year’s harvest there are elements, both politically and economically, which are beyond his control. “We’re always going to be worried what the market is going to be like, or how the economy is going to be affected by political situations but you won’t go broke if you have a nice horse,” he said. “The only way to stay in the game–whether the market goes up or down–is to have a nice horse and that is what we are constantly aiming to achieve. I’m at it 25 years now and there is no doubt the more experience you have the less mistakes you make. I have a great team and great partners and that takes time to build up and put in place. A bit of luck along the way helps too.” The post Holland Ready For “Lucky” Tattersalls Ireland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Michael Stinson’s ‘TDN Rising Star’ King Jack (Jimmy Creed) may be short on experience, but he’s proven to be long on talent, and the chestnut figures to be a significant favorite in Saturday’s GII Gallant Bob S. at Parx, upgraded from a Grade III for this year’s renewal. Debuting June 1 at Santa Anita, the $100,000 Keeneland September grad scored a sharp 3 1/4-length success and legitimized that effort with an allowance victory July 17 at Del Mar for which he earned a co-field best 99 Beyer. He repeated that figure when second to likely GI Pennsylvania Derby chalk Improbable (City Zip) going two turns for the first time in the Shared Belief S. Aug. 25 at the seaside oval. The Jerry Hollendorfer pupil shows three sharp interim drills, including a five-furlong spin in :58 3/5 (2/19) Sept. 10 at Los Alamitos. Breeders’ cup champion Bulletin (City Zip) tries the main track for the first time in his sixth career start. A dominant winner of the Hollywood Beach S. on debut last September at Gulfstream, the $250,000 KEESEP buy repeated in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and picked up right where he left off when annexing the Palisades Turf Sprint S. in his 3-year-old bow Apr. 4 at Keeneland. Then came a shocking fourth at 1-10 in the William Walker S. Apr. 27 at Churchill though, followed up by a third in his first route attempt in the Better Talk Now S. Aug. 25 at Saratoga. Bulletin is bred to handle this surface switch, being a half-brother to dirt GISW Tiz Miz Sue (Tiznow) out of main-track GSW Sue’s Good News (Woodman). Landeskog (Munnings) graduated powerfully at first asking Mar. 31 at Oaklawn and was a good second in that track’s Bachelor S. after dictating a sizzling pace Apr. 27. Fading to be ninth in the GI Woody Stephens S. two back June 8 at Belmont, the gelding matched King Jack’s 99 Beyer with a powerful allowance tally Aug. 4 at Del Mar. Trophy Chaser (Twirling Candy) looms a threat second off the bench. Breaking his maiden by an eye-popping 15 3/4 lengths last summer at Gulfstream, he was off the board in the GI Champagne S. before running second in both the Street Sense S. and Mucho Macho Man S. Sidlined for nearly eight months after the latter try, the dark bay resurfaced with a sharp allowance conquest Aug. 30 at Gulfstream. The post ‘Jack’ Favored in Upgraded ‘Bob’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sharon O’Regan will succeed Russell Ferris-recently named chief executive officer of Weatherbys-as general manager of Weatherbys Ireland. O’Regan has been a key member of the Weatherbys Ireland team for several years and over the past 18 months has been deeply involved in the digital transformation of the general stud book. “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to lead the fantastic team in Weatherbys Ireland as general manager,” O’Regan said. “This is an exciting time for Weatherbys as we look to deliver new digital technologies and solutions, whilst at all times remaining focused on our commitment to do everything we can to help support the Thoroughbred breeding industry.” The post O’Regan Named General Manager of Weatherbys Ireland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Three Chimneys Farm’s undefeated ‘TDN Rising Star’ Guarana (Ghostzapper) will try to put a stranglehold on the 3-year-old filly championship hunt as the favorite in a layered 11-horse renewal of the GI Cotillion S. Saturday at Parx. Debuting as a 4-5 favorite Apr. 19 at Keeneland, the homebred ran to the money and then some, cruising home a 14 3/4-length victress, easily good enough for ‘Rising Star’ honors. She backed that up with a devastating six-length triumph in the GI Acorn S. June 8 at Belmont. Stretched out to two turns for the first time in the GI Coaching Club American Oaks July 21 at Saratoga, the bay was much less brilliant, but still triumphant, holding off subsequent GI Alabama S. runner-up Point of Honor (Curlin) by a length after setting a slow pace. Joel Politi’s Serengeti Empress (Alternation) could launch herself right back into the title race with a victory. Last year’s 19 1/2-length GII Pocahontas S. scorer annexed the GII Rachel Alexandra S. to open her sophomore account and, after a disastrous run in the GII Fair Grounds Oaks, went all the way in a 13-1 upset of the GI Kentucky Oaks. The dark bay was no match for Guarana when second in the Acorn, but she would’ve had to be a super-horse to prevail that day after setting blistering fractions of :21.89, :43.99 and 1:08.03. She again set a fast pace in the GI Longines Test S. Aug. 3 at Saratoga before coming up a half-length short while earning a career-best 98 Beyer for the runner-up finish. A pair of 2018 star juveniles look to regain their top form in DJ Stable’s Jaywalk (Cross Traffic) and Kaleem Shah’s Bellafina (Quality Road). Jaywalk, named last year’s 2-year-old filly champion for victories in the GI Tito’s Handmade Vodka Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and GI Frizette S., has scored just once in five tries as a 3-year-old when left alone on the lead in the GIII Delaware Oaks two back. That scenario is unlikely to transpire in this speed-laden group, and the gray comes in off a loss at 1-5 when second behind re-opposing Horologist (Gemologist) in the GIII Monmouth Oaks Aug. 17. Bellafina, a three-time Grade I winner, finished a no-excuse fifth in the Kentucky Oaks and was well beaten when third in the Test last out. Adding blinkers for this test, the $800,000 Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream buy comes in off a five-furlong bullet in :59 3/5 (1/54) Sept. 15 at Santa Anita. The post Guarana Looks to Strengthen Divisional Grip in Deep Cotillion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

QUADRILATERAL (GB) (f, 2, Frankel {GB}–Nimble Thimble, by Mizzen Mast), off the mark over course and distance Aug. 16, was the 7-4 second favourite behind another debut-winning daughter of Frankel in Melnikova (GB) and quickly surrendered a four-length advantage to that leader with Jason Watson anchoring her in last. Arriving on the front end with real menace 1 1/2 furlongs out, the Juddmonte homebred whose dam is a half to Three Valleys (Diesis {GB}) powered clear to win by nine lengths from Kalsara (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), with Melnikova short head away in third. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, £14,735. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. O-Khalid Abdullah; B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB); T-Roger Charlton. The post Frankel’s Quadrilateral a New Rising Star At Newbury appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saying that “a unified industry group believes banning Lasix will adversely impact the health and welfare of racehorses, as well as the strength of our industry,” the National HBPA distributed a letter Friday with more than 600 signatures in support of protecting Lasix as a choice for horsemen and veterinarians to administer on race day, “for the well-being of equine and human athletes,” the letter read. The complete letter reads as follows: “A recent open letter proclaimed that `horse racing is at a pivotal moment in its long history in the United States.’ On this we agree. We also agree all of us love and cherish the equine athletes upon which our industry is built. To that end we believe in practicing the highest standards of horsemanship, and we continually work to improve the care, health and safety of our thoroughbred racehorses. In that regard, we support horsemen and our veterinarians having the continued option to run a horse with a race-day administration of the therapeutic and protective medication furosemide (Lasix). We, too, are ready for change and will eagerly embrace change if the alterations are done for the greater good of equine health and welfare. We are committed to reforms emphasizing transparency and developments that will address misunderstandings from those in the non-racing public as well as ensuring our horses are treated with the highest degree of care. The eradication of our choice to administer race-day Lasix will not do any of those things. It is our belief that banning Lasix will adversely impact the health and welfare of our racehorses as well as the strength of our industry. Research also proves an increased number of horses will bleed significantly out of their nostrils, or into in their lungs, and an increased number will die. We understand and agree things can and should be done to improve the safety and welfare of our equine athletes. It is just as important to understand what is NOT causing catastrophic injuries, as it is understanding the underlying causes. Many continue to claim Lasix will interfere with postrace drug testing due to dilution, but this argument has long been disproven. Lasix is a short-acting diuretic and the dilution effect is gone in two hours. However, the tightly regulated administration of Lasix is required four hours before a race. Thus, Lasix has no ability to interfere with blood or urine testing after a race. No one takes our stance on this position casually, but we believe we must not be led down a path created by perception and not facts. For this reason we must stand for what is in the best interest and safety for our equine and human athletes.” Included in the initial release of names were owners and trainers such as Rusty Arnold, Steve Asmussen, Buff Bradley, Bret Calhoun, Anita and James Cauley, Dr. Nancy Cole, Brad Cox, Boyd Caster, Wayne Catalano, Jake Delhomme, Michael Ann Ewing, Greg Foley, Vickie Foley, Tim Glyshaw, Larry Jones, Dallas Keen, Marshall Gramm, Dr. Chuck Kidder. Mike and Penny Lauer. Mike Maker. Ron Moquett, Randy Morse, Maggi Moss, Loren Hebel-Osborne, Joe Orseno, Joel Politi, Allen Poindexter, Louis J. Roussel III, Clay Sanders, Chester Thomas, Mike Tomlinson, Tom Van Berg, Kelly Von Hemel, Gary and Mary West, Ian Wilkes, Jack Wolf, and Erv Woolsey. The entire list may be viewed on HBPA.org or by clicking here. Signatures will continue to be collected here via email and through HBPA.org The post Over 600 Racing Stakeholders Sign Letter to Protect Lasix as a Raceday Choice appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a lull between Doncaster’s Leger meeting and Leopardstown’s Irish Champions weekend and the upcoming Newmarket Gold Season and Arc weekend, Newbury provides the G2 Dubai Duty Free Mill Reef S. as Saturday’s feature. King Power Racing’s Mystery Power (Ire) (No Nay Never) looks to have the edge on proven form, having captured the G2 Superlative S. over seven furlongs at Newmarket July 13 and he had excuses for his subsequent flop when sixth of seven in the G2 Vintage S. at Goodwood July 30. “He came back with a respiratory infection after his disappointing run at Goodwood and that took a couple of weeks to get over, but he is flying along now,” explained the owners’ racing manager Alastair Donald. “It looks a good opportunity and it doesn’t look the strongest Mill Reef.” Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum’s ‘TDN Rising Star’ Pierre Lapin (Ire) (Cappella Sansevero {GB}) has not been seen since his emphatic debut win over this six-furlong trip at Haydock May 24, while Mr Kiki (Ire) (No Nay Never) represents the form of Mums Tipple (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}). Fourth and beaten around a length by that Hannon star on debut at Ascot July 26, he went on to score at Yarmouth Aug. 8 and trainer Michael Bell said, “The form of his debut run is working out very well and I thought he won nicely at Yarmouth. We’ve been happy with him since and I think he’s fully entitled to be there.” Newbury’s G3 Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup was established as an Arc Trial and carried that title, but it is far from that in its current form with connections of Desert Encounter (Ire) (Halling) using it to limber up the 7-year-old for his defence in the GI Canadian International. After smooth wins in the G3 Glorious S. at Goodwood Aug. 2 and Windsor’s G3 Winter Hill S. Aug. 24, he is the form of his life. At ParisLongchamp, the G3 Prix du Prince d’Orange has attracted a John Gosden raider in the highly-regarded Dubai Warrior (GB) (Dansili {GB}) who takes on the Wertheimers’ Sept. 1 Listed Prix de Liancourt winner Soudania (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}). Intriguingly, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s Dubai Warrior still holds an entry in the Arc, the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. and G1 QIPCO Champion S. The post Mill Reef Leads Saturday Action appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was just four months ago that Gary Barber’s War of Will (War Front), fresh off a satisfying GI Preakness S. success, appeared to be sitting firmly atop the 3-year-old male division. Two poor efforts since have mostly left the three-time graded stakes winner out of that conversation, but with the defection of Maximum Security (New Year’s Day), he still has a golden opportunity to recapture his championship momentum in a six-horse renewal of Saturday’s GI Pennsylvania Derby at Parx. Starting his sophomore season with convincing scores in the GIII Lecomte S. and GII Risen Star S., the bay lost his action early before finishing ninth at odds-on in the GII Louisiana Derby and was placed seventh after being interfered with by Maximum Security in the GI Kentucky Derby. Riding the rail to victory in Baltimore, he was a non-factor ninth in the GI Belmont S. and tired to finish fifth after setting the pace in the GII Jim Dandy S. when last seen July 27 at Saratoga. Passing on a try at the GI Runhappy Travers S. after that, War of Will has been working up a storm in the past month and closed out preparations for this with a half-mile bullet in :47 2/5 (1/48) Sept. 14 at Belmont. “He is fantastic,” Mark Casse told the Parx notes team. “He looks good. He has put on some weight. He has matured. He is sharp. He is ready. Now, it’s just a matter of having some good racing luck. He has done a lot of good things and there is no question he is an extremely talented horse. His last two races have tarnished his reputation a little bit. We’re anxious to regain that.” In the absence of Maximum Security, favoritism will likely fall to Improbable (City Zip). A perfect three-for-three to start his career, including a top-level success in the GI Los Alamitos Futurity, the ‘TDN Rising Star’ was second in both the GII Rebel S. and GI Arkansas Derby to start his 3-year-old campaign and fourth in the Run for the Roses. Shelved after running an even sixth in the Preakness, he returned with a score in the Shared Belief S. Aug. 25 at Del Mar, earning a career-top and field-best 104 Beyer for the effort. Improbable will look to give trainer Bob Baffert his third consecutive Pennsylvania Derby triumph after West Coast (Flatter) and McKinzie (Street Sense)’s victories in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Allied Racing Stable’s Mr. Money (Goldencents) steps into Grade I company for the first time since running fourth at 41-1 in last year’s GI Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Off the board in his first two sophomore starts, the bay has caught fire to reel off four consecutive Grade III successes in the Pat Day Mile S., Matt Winn S., Indiana Derby and West Virginia Derby, each time winning by open lengths. “Obviously it’s deeper water here,” trainer Bret Calhoun said. “We’ve been looking forward to it for a long time. I think developmentally, physically but obviously mentally, he’s learned how to be a complete racehorse. Learning how to settle and relax, that’s the big thing. Of course I’ve said it a hundred times: His confidence level is unbelievable right now. He’s a beast.” The post War of Will Gets Second Chance in Pennsylvania Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey David Cabrera began circling the top jockeys at Remington Park like a shark in dangerous waters by winning four races on the Sept. 19 card. View the full article

Baffert, Sadler, O'Neill, Baltas, and McCarthy are among those with large stables running horses at Santa Anita for a meet that begins Sept. 27. View the full article

Retired jockey Pat Smullen’s fundraiser for Cancer Trials Ireland for pancreatic cancer trials and awareness has thus far raised over €2.5-million. A huge fundraising drive took place last weekend over Longines Irish Champions Weekend, including a charity dinner, online auction of donated items, the sale of souvenir cups and the crowning event, the Pat Smullen Champions Race won by A.P. McCoy. Donations also continue to be accepted on cancertrials.ie, and will be put to use in the near future for two cancer trials ready to commence. “I never dreamed that we would reach a figure like this and it is a tribute to the kind nature of everyone in the racing and breeding industry–I am overwhelmed,” Smullen said. “Sunday at The Curragh was a special day and a huge thank you to everybody who came along. I don’t think we’ll ever see a race like that again and I owe so much to my good friends, the nine champion jockeys, who came out of retirement to ride in it, as well as the race sponsors, owners and trainers who made the race possible. “I also want to thank everybody in Horse Racing Ireland for their energy, ideas and encouragement throughout the campaign, the Longines Irish Champions Weekend committee, The Curragh, Leopardstown and the IHRB, the media, all the volunteers and everybody who played a role in helping us achieve our goals. Having worked with the team in Cancer Trials Ireland, I am excited with how they can make your donations work to give hope to those families affected by cancer. A sincere thank you to one and all.” Eibhlin Mulroe, chief executive officer of Cancer Trials Ireland, said, “The generosity of racegoers and people in the racing industry is breathtaking. We really cannot believe what has been made possible. It is a credit to Pat Smullen’s drive, energy and vision and, of course, the respect and love in which he is held within racing at home and abroad. “These few weeks have been so exciting and what Pat and the team have achieved is potentially game-changing. I want to assure everybody that we will use your kind donations to the best of our ability and immediately put into action those two cancer trials which we hope will make a big difference to people’s lives.” The post Over €2.5-Million Raised For Cancer Trials Ireland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Delphian (GB) (Frankel {GB}), an unraced 3-year-old half-brother to Horse of the Year and standout young sire Kingman (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), has been sold to stand in Pakistan at Qadirabad Stud. The deal was brokered by Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock. Qadirabad Stud owner Abdul Qadir Khan Mamdot said, “I am very excited to have bought Delphian who is by world champion and successful young sire Frankel. He is a very good-looking, correct individual who has an amazingly deep Juddmonte pedigree that has consistently produced successful stallions.” Qadirabad Stud is a leading stud in Pakistan and has bred nine domestic Derby winners. The post Kingman Brother To Stand In Pakistan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

TCI’s Jon and Joel discuss this weekend’s Cotillion S. (G1), which is shaping up to be one of the best races of the year. They also launch a brand new top 5 for the Distaff. View the full article

This weekend ITV Racing welcomes a jam-packed programme of entertainment for racing fans and punters alike. Here are our views on the racing set to take place at both Ayr Racecourse and Newmarket Racecourse. Ayr William Hill Foundation: Uniting Against Dementia Handicap The one-mile William Hill Foundation Handicap is set to welcome 12 runners to […] The post Saturday Preview – Lyon in the Zone for the Ayr Gold Cup appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

The Race of the week is going to be at Laurel Park for the 2019 grade 3 Xpressbet Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash. Laurel Park is running a 12 race card that is filled with very good races on it. The Memorial Dash is race 8 on the card of 12, and features 8 […] The post $250,000 G3 XPRESSBET FRANK J. DE FRANCIS MEMORIAL DASH appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

The Jockey Club hopes to replace Wednesday night’s cancelled Happy Valley meeting later in the season, but a stacked schedule means it is unlikely to happen until the end of the term.The 88-meeting programme ensures there are only occasional gaps in the calendar and when combined with public holidays that cannot be raced on and other commitments, it leaves limited opportunities.Looking at the schedule as it stands, there are only two available slots – on June 17 and July 15.But given that first… View the full article

He came closer than anyone to toppling Beauty Generation’s perfect season and trainer Tony Millard is hoping to go back to the well one more time with his battle-hardened galloper Singapore Sling.The South African import got within a half-length of Beauty Generation last preparation under handicap conditions and Millard says they are going to follow a similar plan this time around as they look to extract the best out of last year’s Classic Cup winner (1,800m).The six-year-old will kick off his… View the full article

Racing is built into three types of racing. There are sprints, middle distance and staying races. In an earlier piece, I wrote about how I prepare for a spring racing carnival and how so much of that preparation is the key to hopefully having a successful carnival. View the full article

Betfair Australia has announced it will no longer host markets on Hong Kong racing.In a surprise move, the wagering company has backed down after the Jockey Club sent an open letter earlier this month demanding it cease and desist from operating on its product.Betfair is hoping by withdrawing its markets it will be able to reach an agreement with the Jockey Club and enter into a “product fee and integrity agreement”.“We listened to you and we launched Hong Kong racing on the exchange, but… View the full article

The season is only three weeks old but Joao Moreira says he “couldn’t be any happier” as he settles back into life as a freelance jockey.After an interrupted 2018-19 campaign that included a stint in Japan and the final seven months of the season as John’s Size stable rider, Moreira is thriving on the freedom that comes with being a club jockey.“I couldn’t be any happier. Things are going well and I feel like I have been getting enough support from some trainers and I think I can make good use… View the full article