Wandering Eyes

In a stretch run no one saw coming until it was too late, Sam-Son Farm homebred El Tormenta skimmed the rail all the way to an upset victory in the $1 million Ricoh Woodbine Mile Stakes (G1T) Sept. 14 at Woodbine. View the full article

Also on the Sept. 14 card, Yorkton repeated in the Bold Venture Stakes (G3). View the full article

In a stretch run that no one saw coming until it was too late, Sam-Son Farm homebred El Tormenta skimmed the rail all the way to an upset victory in the $1 million Ricoh Woodbine Mile Stakes (G1T) Sept. 14 at Woodbine. View the full article

Godolphin's Old Persian traveled across the Atlantic to return to his winning ways and picked up his second top-level score this year as he drew clear to win the $300,000 Northern Dancer Turf Stakes (G1T) at Woodbine Sept. 14. View the full article

On paper, Godolphin’s OLD PERSIAN (GB) (c, 4, Dubawi {Ire}–Indian Petal {GB}, by Singspiel {Ire}) looked to have the field for the GI Northern Dancer S. over a barrel, and so it proved, as the reigning G1 Dubai Sheema Classic hero took over at will from the local divisional leader Tiz a Slam (Tiznow) with a furlong and a half to race and never looked like losing from there. A bit slow to begin from the inside stall, Old Persian and James Doyle mustered a bit of speed to be up into third turning down the side of the track as Cooler Mike (Giant Gizmo) opened up by the better part of 15 lengths in the opening six furlongs. The front-runner’s advantage was dwindling away rapidly as the field approached the half-mile marker, and Tiz A Slam was the first to come calling for the lead inside the final three furlongs. But knowing full well that he was aboard a superior stayer, Doyle allowed Old Persian to overtake Tiz A Slam in upper stretch and powered home to score by about three lengths as the 3-5 favorite. Nessy (Flower Alley) was up late to take a photo for second. Old Persian is the fifth North American Grade I winner and one of 41 worldwide top-level winners for his tremendously successful sire. O/B-Godolphin; T-Charlie Appleby. The post Old Persian Far Too Classy for Northern Dancer Rivals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Let go as the third-longest shot on the board at 44-1, Sam-Son Farm homebred EL TORMENTA (g, 4, Stormy Atlantic–Torreadora, by El Prado {Ire}) gave trainer Gail Cox her first top-level success, outfinishing favored Got Stormy (Get Stormy) to win Saturday’s GI Ricoh Woodbine Mile and, in so doing, earning a spot in the gate for the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita Nov. 2. Allowed to settle in mid-field, El Tormenta was able to save ground on the back of pacesetting Silent Poet (Silent Name {Jpn}) and looked to be full of run approaching the long Woodbine straight. Asked to quicken entering the final quarter-mile, El Tormenta found running room three paths off the inner rail and had Got Stormy-who looked to be cruising beneath Tyler Gaffalione-in his sights. El Tormenta made the lead inside of the chalk with less than a furlong to run and stayed on best of all. Lucullan (Medaglia d’Oro) crossed the line third, but was demoted to fourth for veering out sharply and interfering with Raging Bull (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the final stages. El Tormenta is the eighth Grade I winner for Stormy Atlantic, also the paternal grandsire of Got Stormy. Lifetime Record: 13-4-3-0. O/B-Sam-Son Farm (ON); T-Gail Cox. The post El Tormenta Upsets the Woodbine Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Albaugh Family Stable LLC’s ‘TDN Rising Star’ DENNIS’ MOMENT (c, 2, Tiznow–Transplendid, by Elusive Quality) announced himself as a major player in this year’s juvenile colts’ division with a dominating 19 1/4-length maiden victory at Ellis Park July 27. The $400,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate backed up that performance in style Saturday, landing the GIII Iroquois S. with a fair bit of authority to punch his ticket to Santa Anita and the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile the first weekend in November. Pounded into 2-5 favoritism and with Irad Ortiz, Jr. in from New York to ride, Dennis’ Moment, who dumped jockey Robby Albarado at the start of his local debut June 23, was off in good order this time around and was a forward factor from third, three wide without cover, as the Iroquois field raced into the first turn. Traveling on the bridle and in a nice rhythm down the backstretch, Dennis’ Moment was given his cue with about three furlongs to travel and made the lead while being held together nearing the lane. Firmly in front in upper stretch, he opened a daylight advantage passing the eighth pole and was well within his rider’s grasp for the better part of the final sixteenth of a mile, scoring by a two-length margin that could have been at least triple that and in stakes-record time to boot. Scabbard (More Than Ready) finished with interest to be second while no menace to the winner. Lebda (Raison d’Etat) was third home. The Albaugh-owned/Romans-conditioned Not This Time (Giant’s Causeway) won the 2016 Iroquois prior to running second in the Juvenile. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0. O-Albaugh Family Stable LLC; B-Tolo Thoroughbreds (KY); T-Dale Romans. The post Rising Star Dennis’ Moment Romps in the Iroquois appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Raiding from California off a distant fourth to Bast (Uncle Mo) in the GI Del Mar Debutante Aug. 31, LAZY DAISY (f, 2, Paynter–Romantic Intention, by Suave) fought back in the final eighth of a mile to decision a resurgent longshot His Glory (Mineshaft) in Saturday’s GII Pocahonta S. at Churchill, a ‘Win and You’re In’ qualifier for the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in early November. First to break the line from gate four, Lazy Daisy took the field under the wire and into the first turn, but made the running in the two path, allowing His Glory to slide up underneath her and hold a pace-pressing spot from the rail. Given a bit of rein by Abel Cedillo leaving the three-eighths marker, Lazy Daisy inched in front and it looked at that stage as if His Glory would fail to be a stretch factor. But although James Graham atop the 43-1 longshot was able to tap his filly’s reserves and reassume control at the three-sixteenths, Lazy Daisy had the answers and fought back late to secure the victory. Favored Portrait (Tapizar) sat a perfect trip and had dead aim on the top two turning for home, but was out on her feet at the furlong grounds, though did manage to hang on for a slice. The second graded winner for her sire (by Awesome Again), Lazy Daisy hails from the deeper female family of the good sprinter Valid Expectations (Valid Appeal) and has a foal half-brother by Commissioner. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0. O-ERJ Racing, Great Friends Stable & Tom Mansor; B-John Elder & Paynter Syndicate (KY); T-Doug O’Neill. The post Paynter Filly Earns Breeders’ Cup Berth in Pocahontas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It’s the inaugural season of SuperCoach stable, so punters are all in the same situation, we’re basically backing a two-year-old maiden race at Birdsville with rain pouring down. View the full article

Believed to have pulled a gluteal muscle, Monomoy Girl is currently at WinStar Farm in Versailles, Ky., where she will continue to be examined. View the full article

Believed to have pulled a gluteal muscle, Monomoy Girl is currently at WinStar Farm in Versailles, Ky, where she will continue to be examined. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien likes to ensure the road to greatness is paved with Ballydoyle landmines, so Enable can expect to feel the full might of Rosegreen force when she seeks to carve her own bit of history at ParisLongchamp next month. View the full article

Editor’s Note: The Jockey Club has asked for public comment on their proposal to cap at 140 the number of mares a stallion can breed annually. In this ongoing series, we will publish the perspectives of breeders, stallion farms and others on the proposal. Gerry Dilger: Some horses have very large books and it’s hard to compete, but on the other side, if the farms put up their money for these stallions, and they have to get out in two, two-and-a-half years, you have to consider those guys as well. They’re paying millions and millions for stallions and some of them, as we know, don’t make it. They have to have a shot to get their money back to reinvest. I don’t think 140 is the number. I’d say 150, 160, maybe? Give the breeders or the farms a chance to get their investment back if they can or get most of it back and they can go out there and look for the next prospect. Want to share your opinion? Email suefinley@thetdn.com The post Opinions on the Cap: Gerry Dilger appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dismissed at odds of 23-1 for his racecourse debut, BAMA BREEZE (g, 2, Honor Code–Stella Blue {Fr}, by Anabaa) rallied from the second half of the field to cause a $48 upset to become the fourth winner overall for his freshman sire (by A.P. Indy) and fourth overall Saturday and first on turf and over a distance of ground. Drawn gate one for Corey Lanerie, Bama Breeze settled about third last early on and was one spot behind centerfield entering the final half-mile. Waited with in behind the leading group approaching the stretch, the dark bay was looking for a spot to run at the eighth pole and responded three off the inside with a sixteenth to travel before kicking on nicely to take it by a little more than a length. Bama Breeze’s dam, winner of the G3 Prix Miesque in France and stakes-placed in this country for Fred Seitz and Ted Folkerth, had already produced MSW & GSP Sirius Prospect (Gone West) when she was knocked down to Hunter Valley Farm for $80,000 carrying this foal in utero at Keeneland January in 2017. Stella Blue is the dam of a yearling filly by Noble Mission (GB). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Miacomet Farm; B-Fred W Hertrich (KY); T-Ben Colebrook. The post Honor Code Gets Fourth Winner at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

I read your Baffert scopolamine story today. California Section 1859.5 very clearly states that disqualification and purse forfeiture only takes place for Class 1,2 or 3 violations, not Class 4. ARCI drug classifications apply unless otherwise voted by the CHRB Board, but the penalty is determined by California laws and rules. I hope this clears up that question. Chuck Winner The post Letters to the Editor: Chuck Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keep on Truckin (Society’s Chairman) attempts to keep his unbeaten streak intact with a victory in Woodbine’s GI Summer S., a Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita. An impressive 11 3/4-length winner in a five-furlong race at Woodbine July 7, Keep On Truckin aired by 7 3/4 lengths in the 5 1/2-panel Clarendon S. against fellow Ontario breds Aug. 3 “We had high expectations going into his first start, but watching him in post parade, when he dropped his rider [Eurico Rosa da Silva], we were shocked because he has always been such a composed horse,” explained trainer Catherine Day Phillips. “To continue the excitement, ‘Truckin’ went into the gate and moments later, Eurico came flying out the back. Despite his performances, we remind ourselves he’s still a 2-year-old, and he’s bound to make mistakes.” An injured Emma-Jane Wilson, who was aboard for the gelding’s latest start, will miss the ride, but Eurico Rosa Da Dilva, who was aboard for the chestnut’s debut, will ride. “On Sunday [Sept. 8], Emma-Jayne was hurt riding one of our horses,” explained Day Phillips. “She broke her clavicle and a couple of fingers. The irony of ironies is that now that Emma can’t ride him, Eurico is available to ride him. Bizarre is the best word. Eurico came in [Monday morning] to breeze Keep On Truckin. The breeze went very well and Eurico was delighted to be back on him. There’s no way I ever would have predicted all of this to happen.” Proven Strategies (Sky Mesa) is one of three juveniles entered in Sunday’s race. Also entered are Cucina (Northern Afleet) and Secret Stash (Ire) (Mukadram {GB}), who is cross-entered in the GI Natalma S. later in the card. Proven Strategies was fifth in his career debut going 5 ½ furlongs on the synthetic June 29 before finishing in the same spot–beaten only two lengths–while stretching to 8 ½ furlongs on the Saratoga turf July 27. Well meant in the 5 1/2-furlong Skidmore S. Aug. 16, the dark bay had to settle for second behind fellow DJ Stable runner Another Miracle (American Pharoah). Todd Pletcher is represented by Phoenix Thoroughbred III’s Mystic Lancelot (Into Mischief), who took his debut by three lengths going 5 ½ furlongs at Saratoga Aug. 15. John Velazquez, in tow that day, gets back on board this time. The post ‘Truckin’ Into Summer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With 11 group races across Ireland, France and Germany on Sunday, the only problem for onlookers is what to look forward to most and also where to look with at some stages only 10 minutes between some of the leading contests. Picking out the star turn is almost impossible, with Godolphin’s elite 2-year-old Pinatubo (Ire) (Shamardal) unable to hog the limelight from two Oaks winners who take each other on in Anapurna (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Star Catcher (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), and then there is the G1 Prix du Jockey Club hero Sottsass (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). It is a measure of the elevated standard in evidence that the clash between the G1 Melbourne Cup hero Cross Counter (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) and G1 St Leger hero Kew Gardens (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is not the main attraction. In a season during which Godolphin have hit the heights with their 2-year-olds, Pinatubo is bordering on the exceptional already having put up a performance that almost guarantees champion juvenile status when taking Goodwood’s G2 Vintage S. by five lengths July 30. That was an improvement on his impressive success in the Listed Chesham S. at Royal Ascot June 22 and Charlie Appleby is understandably optimistic as he bids to justify odds-on favouritism in the G1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National S. “Pinatubo’s form is faultless and we have been aiming him at this race since he won impressively at Goodwood on his latest start,” he said. “He has been very straightforward at home and we have been pleased with his preparation. He’s not doing anything different to what he was doing earlier in the summer. He’s not a brilliant workhorse, but he seems to produce his A-game in the afternoons. He is an exciting colt and I feel that they all have him to beat.” While it is not exactly do-or-die, in some ways the National showdown with Pinatubo is vital for Ballydoyle who put the reputation of their star 2-year-old colts Armory (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Arizona (Ire) (No Nay Never) on the line. Ryan Moore is on the former, who treads a familiar path for the stable having won the G3 Tyros S. at Leopardstown July 25 and G2 Futurity S. over this course and seven-furlong trip last time Aug. 23. Arizona is a colt of considerable substance himself, having won Royal Ascot’s G2 Coventry S. June 18 and he can easily be forgiven a comeback fourth on unsuitably heavy ground in the G1 Prix Morny at Deauville Aug. 18. “Armory is in good shape,” commented Aidan O’Brien, who has won this 11 times. “Nobody wants to see easy races–they all want to see the good horses clash. You win some and lose some. You learn if you have to improve or if you are good enough.” At ParisLongchamp, the G1 Qatar Prix Vermeille stands at the centre of the “Arc trials” card and with the pair of 4-year-olds well short of the required standard this is set to be one for the Classic generation. John Gosden has run out of options to keep his aforementioned Oaks winners Anapurna and Star Catcher apart and Frankie Dettori has had to face the unenviable scenario of getting off his Epsom heroine in favour of Anthony Oppenheimer’s Star Catcher. Her defeat of Fleeting (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) in the G2 Ribblesdale S. at Royal Ascot June 20 and G1 Irish Oaks at The Curragh a month later is probably marginally superior to Anapurna’s eclipse of Pink Dogwood (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in the May 31 Epsom Classic but it would not have been an easy choice. Samuel de Barros’s June 16 G1 Prix de Diane heroine Channel (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) is also engaged and is remarkably one of a total of seven European Classic winners due to run on Sunday. Meon Valley Stud’s Mark Weinfeld said of Anapurna, “It has been a long wait since Epsom. We were originally going to run her in the Yorkshire Oaks, but there didn’t seem much point when we saw Enable was going there. We’re just hoping she runs well now, she’s had a long break. I don’t think she’ll be staying in training, that’s not the plan at the moment anyway. We haven’t entered her in the Arc. We’ve got the Fillies and Mares race at Ascot on the agenda, but she’s also got an entry in the Prix Royallieu as well.” Anthony Oppenheimer said of Star Catcher, “She’s going very well and I think her chances are pretty obvious–she’s got a good chance. There are two Oaks winners there, lots of good horses, and they all seem to be rated about the same. She’ll like the ground, she’s really well, she’s had a long rest and Dettori is riding. I’ve spoken to Frankie and he’s very pleased with her at home, but it is a very difficult race–all the top fillies in Europe really, a very exciting race.” Peter Brant’s Sottsass is one of the most notable, having beaten Persian King (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) in convincing fashion in the 10 1/2-furlong G1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly when last seen June 2. While the form of that renewal is mixed, there has been enough subsequent evidence to suggest it was at least an average edition but with little serious opposition in the G2 Qatar Prix Niel this should be a stress-free reintroduction for the Rouget trainee. There may be more substance in the G2 Qatar Prix Foy, where TDN Rising Star Waldgeist (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) returns from battle in England to meet the Japanese interest Kiseki (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}). Unfortunate to be met with rain-softened ground when third in the June 19 G1 Prince of Wales’s S. at Royal Ascot and the G1 King George and Queen Elizabeth S. at that venue July 27, Gestut Ammerland and Newsells Park’s 5-year-old remains more than just an underdog for the Arc contender and an ideal warm-up here could be all-important. Back at The Curragh, the G1 Comer Group Irish St Leger sees the return to the fray of Kew Gardens who is up to the trip over which he recorded his last success in Doncaster’s St Leger 12 months ago. Runner-up in Epsom’s G1 Coronation Cup when last seen May 31, he is unbeaten at further than a mile and a half but he will have to be at a peak to contend with Cross Counter. When they met in York’s G2 Great Voltigeur S. last August, Kew Gardens was warming up for the Doncaster Classic under a five-pound penalty for his G1 Grand Prix de Paris success and was 1 1/2 lengths behind the Godolphin gelding as they filled second and third. Aidan O’Brien sees Kew Gardens as a stayer and said, “Kew Gardens is in good form. He went a little bit wrong on us, so we had to stop with him. He is back in good shape and is ready to start. He stays very well and gets a good trip. We were looking forward to going for the Gold Cup with him this year, because we thought he was a tailor-made Gold Cup horse. I would think he would get further than two miles and I don’t know if he would be quick enough for the Melbourne Cup.” After the Voltigeur, Cross Counter went on to annex the Melbourne Cup on his next start and there was no disgrace in his subsequent attempts to dethrone Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) in the G1 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot June 20 and July 30 G1 Goodwood Cup. Charlie Appleby is relishing this test. “He’s a horse who always travels well during his races and I think coming back to a mile and six will suit him,” he commented. “He’s run two very solid races since he came back to Europe–finishing fourth in the Gold Cup and third at Goodwood. If he brings that level of form to the table on Sunday, he’s going to be a major player. I’m hoping for a good run and hopefully it will be nice springboard before going back to Melbourne.” This prize also features the 2017 G1 Irish Derby and G1 St Leger hero Capri (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who has failed to fire all season, and last year’s Irish Derby winner Latrobe (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) who has also operated at a more modest level since his finest hour. At the other end of the distance spectrum, the sprinters have their turn in the G1 Derrinstown Stud Flying Five with Martyn Meade trying to get that elusive top-level victory for Aquis Farm’s Houtzen (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) before she retires. She was just 3/4 of a length behind Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) when runner-up in the G2 King George S. at Goodwood Aug. 2 and that form might be good enough. “Obviously she’s had to adjust to a different training routine over here–in Australia they train them at the track, but she’s actually probably well-suited to how we train here,” Meade explained. “She’s not really a typical sprinter–she’s pretty laid-back. Her run at Goodwood was excellent. I think the ground and track will be fine for her at The Curragh and she’ll then likely go to the Prix de l’Abbaye.” Eddie Lynam is an expert in this field and he has built Lady O’Reilly’s 4-year-old Soffia (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}) into a forthright sprinting star over the past four months. Going from a first black-type win in the Listed Sole Power Sprint S. over this trip at Naas May 19 to a narrow success in the six-furlong G3 Ballyogan S. here June 7, she made a leap forward with a 3 1/2-length defeat of the solid yardstick El Astronaute (Ire) (Approve {Ire}) in the G2 Sapphire S. over this track and trip July 21. As a result of that performance, she has the edge over last year’s G1 Prix de l’Abbaye heroine Mabs Cross (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) who was only third in this 12 months ago. “This has been the plan and it certainly helps we don’t have to take on Battaash,” Lynam said. “It’s going to be tough, but I’d be very happy with her.” With Blue Point (Ire) (Shamardal) and Battaash out of the way, this may represent the ideal opportunity for Soldier’s Call (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) to grab that Group 1 success he looks capable of. While he was only fourth behind Soffia in the Sapphire, he lost a shoe on that occasion and he is better judged on his performances either side when third in the G1 King’s Stand S. at Royal Ascot June 18 and runner-up in the G1 Nunthorpe S. at York Aug. 23. Jessica Harrington’s cast of 2-year-old fillies have carried all before them in 2019 and the Niarchos Family’s unbeaten Albigna (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) looks to maintain the run in the G1 Moyglare Stud S. Getting going late to take the G2 Airlie Stud S. over six furlongs here last time June 28, she will benefit from this extra distance according to her trainer. “She’s all set for it and you’d hope the step up to seven furlongs will suit her,” she said. “She’s not run for a while. I hope she’s the one to beat but you never know, because there are one or two in there who have just won maidens.” Stamina for this trip on this stiff circuit is not guaranteed for the June 21 G3 Albany S. winner Daahyeh (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), who was runner-up to Raffle Prize (Ire) (Slade Power {Ire}) in Newmarket’s G2 Duchess of Cambridge S. when last seen July 12. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s chestnut was staying on strongly up the hill there and trainer Roger Varian is hoping the distance will pose no problem. “I am hopeful of her staying the seven furlongs and very happy with her condition,” he said. “The Curragh should be no problem, but we have to find out about the seven furlongs and it is a stiff seven furlongs there. That said, she is a similar type of filly to Cursory Glance, who won the Moyglare for us in 2014, having also won the Albany. She boasts some of the best juvenile filly form and has strong credentials in the race, even if it is always a hot race at The Curragh.” Also on The Curragh card is the G2 Moyglare “Jewels” Blandford S. where TDN Rising Star Goddess (Camelot {GB}) faces her toughest test having won the nine-furlong G3 Snow Fairy Fillies S. here Aug. 30. Her rivals include His Highness The Aga Khan’s Tarnawa (Ire) (Shamardal) who looked a potential Group 1 performer when capturing the G3 Give Thanks S. over 12 furlongs at Cork Aug. 17. She bids to provide Dermot Weld with a fourth consecutive renewal and a fifth since 2014. Team Valor’s Loveisthehigherlaw (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) is one of the day’s “dark horses” and it is difficult to gauge the level of her ability at present after promising wins in minor events at Cork May 10 and Killarney Aug. 22. The post Champion Feast on Super Sunday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Already the winner of the G1 Fillies’ Mile and G1 Pretty Polly S., Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez’s Iridessa (Ire) (Ruler of the World {Ire}) made it a trio of top-level contests in Saturday’s G1 Coolmore Fastnet Rock Matron S. at Leopardstown. Tracking Laurens (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) in a share of third early, the 10-1 short was delivered by Wayne Lordan to swamp that rival and Hermosa (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) approaching the furlong pole and stay on for a 3/4-of-a-length verdict over the latter. The even-money favourite Laurens was only fourth. 1–IRIDESSA (IRE), 126, f, 3, by Ruler of the World (Ire) 1st Dam: Senta’s Dream (GB), by Danehill 2nd Dam: Starine (Fr), by Mendocino 3rd Dam: Grisonnante (Fr), by Kaldoun (Fr) O-Mrs C C Regalado-Gonzalez; B-Whisperview Trading Ltd (IRE); T-Joseph O’Brien; J-Wayne Lordan. €206,500. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Eng, 10-4-0-2. The post Ruler of the World’s Iridessa Wins the Matron appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LNJ Foxwoods' grade 1 winner Covfefe is set for the Sept. 21, $125,000 Dogwood Stakes at Churchill Downs—likely her final start in advance of the Nov. 2 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. View the full article

Godolphin’s Fair Maiden (Street Boss) has proven dominant in her two latest trips to the post and attempts to win at the highest level in Woodbine’s GI Natalma S., a Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ for the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita Nov. 1. A first-up fifth going 4 ½ furlongs over the Arlington synthetic June 23, the hombred aired by 14 1/4 lengths at that venue July 21 before trying the turf for the first time in a soggy renewal of Woodbine’s 6 1/2-panel Catch a Glimpse S. Aug. 17. A 7 1/2-length winner that day, she gave her trainer Eoin Harty plenty of reason to ponder bigger things for the filly. “After that, the Natalma became a prime consideration for her,” admitted Harty. “At this time of year, there are a lot of opportunities for 2-year-olds but she got over the course up there really well.” Fair Maiden has breezed twice at Arlington since the Catch A Glimpse, the latest a five-furlong move in 1:02 Sept. 10. “She didn’t work that fast but she worked very well,” said Harty. In regards to stretching out, he added, “I really don’t think she’ll have distance limitations, especially when it comes to a mile.” Emma-Jayne Wilson, who piloted Fair Maiden in her win at Woodbine, was injured in a spill last Sunday. Flavien Prat gets the call in the Natalma. The consistent Walk In Marrakesh (Ire) registered three consecutive victories this summer, including a narrow score in the Listed EBF Star S. at Sandown July 25. The Mark Johnson trainee finished a credible third in her most recent start over the soft going in the seven-furlong G2 Prix du Calvados at Deauville Aug. 17. Mark Casse saddles three in this test–Diamond Sparkles (War Front), Coach Lori (Cairo Prince) and Secret Stash (Ire) (Mukhadram {GB}).Diamond Sparkles, a second out winner at Thirsk in July, was subsequently purchased privately by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Gary Barber. “She’s a really nice filly,” said Casse. “Her race in England looks very good, and she’s been training well over there, so I would expect her to run well.” Both Brereton Jones homebred Coach Lori, who won at first asking in a five-furlong test Aug. 3, and Secret Stash enter the Natalma off of wins. “She got away a little slow, and I didn’t think she had any chance at all, and she was able to get up and win,” Casse said of Coach Lori. “She’s come back and trained about as good as any 2-year-old filly we’ve ever had.” Secret Stash, purchased privately by Gary Barber after winning second time out in her native Ireland, will be making her North American debut in the Natalma. “We’ve had her in Kentucky for a while,” explained Casse. “We tried to run her in a stakes [Aug. 31] at Kentucky Downs, but unfortunately she didn’t get in. So, this is Plan B.” The post Iron Maiden Headlines Natalma appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leopardstown’s G1 QIPCO Irish Champion S. proved one for the fillies on Saturday, as Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) led home stablemate Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) with the Japanese mare Deirdre (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) an unlucky fourth. After three seconds in the G1 Prince of Wales’s S., G1 Eclipse S. and G1 Yorkshire Oaks, the 11-10 favourite was perfectly positioned in second early by Ryan Moore who asked her to seal victory passing two out. Staying on strongly, she prevailed by 2 1/4 lengths with a head back to Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) for another Ballydoyle one-two-three. Deirdre, who was denied a run in the straight, finished strongly down the outer. 1–MAGICAL (IRE), 130, f, 4, by Galileo (Ire) 1st Dam: Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (MG1SW-Eng, G1SW-Ire & G1SP-Fr, $941,139), by Pivotal (GB) 2nd Dam: Cassandra Go (Ire), by Indian Ridge (Ire) 3rd Dam: Rahaam, by Secreto O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Ryan Moore. €712,500. Lifetime Record: Hwt. 3yo-Eur at 11-14f, G1SW-Eng & GISP-US, 19-8-6-0. *Full to Rhododendron (Ire), Hwt. 2yo Filly-Ire, MG1SW-Eng, G1SW-Fr, GSW & G1SP-Ire, GISP-US, $1,786,763; and Flying The Flag (Ire), GSW-Ire & GSP-SAf, $195,702. The post Irish Champion Success For Magical appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was all Logician (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in Saturday’s G1 William Hill St Leger at Doncaster as Khalid Abdullah’s homebred made light work of the task to provide his sire with a second British Classic and the first in these silks. Heavily-backed into 5-6 favouritism, the G2 Great Voltigeur S. winner was anchored towards the rear early by a confident Frankie Dettori as the pace proved predictably strong. Angled towards the stand’s side once straightening for home, the grey produced a telling surge to gain command passing the two-furlong pole and his rider was looking around for non-existent dangers in the last furlong. At the line, the unbeaten colt had recorded a new course-record time as he sauntered to a 2 1/4-length success from Sir Ron Priestley (GB) (Australia {GB}), with Nayef Road (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) a head away in third. 1–LOGICIAN (GB), 127, c, 3, by Frankel (GB) 1st Dam: Scuffle (GB) (SP-Eng), by Daylami (Ire) 2nd Dam: Tantina, by Distant View 3rd Dam: Didina (GB), by Nashwan 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Khalid Abdullah; B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB); T-John Gosden; J-Lanfranco Dettori. £396,970. Lifetime Record: 5-5-0-0, £514,013. *1/2 to Suffused (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}), MGSW-US, GISP-Can & SP-Eng, $697,248; and Battlement (GB) (Dansili {GB}), SP-Eng. The post Leger Glory For Frankel’s Logician appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Entering Saturday’s G2 KPMG Champions Juvenile S. as the 1-2 favourite, TDN Rising Star Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) had his reputation on the line but he duly emerged from the Leopardstown contest as a leading Derby hopeful. Having beaten the subsequent winner Shekhem (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) by 3 1/4 lengths in a Curragh maiden Aug. 30, the full-brother to Japan (GB) broke fast and was free without cover in the hands of Ryan Moore before settling behind the pace in a share of fourth. Enjoying a clear run turning in, he led with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining and stayed on to defeat Sinawann (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) by 1 1/4 lengths. “He might race again, as he’s three weeks ahead of where Japan was at the same time but the lads will see,” trainer Aidan O’Brien said. “He has a lovely mind and that is also Japan’s main strength.” MOGUL (GB), 129, c, 2, by Galileo (Ire) 1st Dam: Shastye (Ire) (SP-Eng), by Danehill 2nd Dam: Saganeca, by Sagace (Fr) 3rd Dam: Haglette, by Hagley 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. (3,400,000gns Ylg ’18 TATOCT). O-Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Susan Magnier; B-Newsells Park Stud (GB); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Ryan Moore. €88,500. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, €103,800. *Full to Japan (GB), G1SW-Eng & Fr, GSW-Ire, $1,601,770; Secret Gesture (GB), GSW & MG1SP-Eng, G1SP-Fr & Ger, GISP-US, $746,427; and Sir Isaac Newton (GB), GSW-Ire, SW-Eng & GSP-Aus, $403,231; and 1/2 to Maurus (GB) (Medicean {GB}), SW & MGSP-Aus, $403,286. The post Galileo’s Mogul Takes the Champions Juvenile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saddled with a three-pound penalty in Saturday’s G2 Champagne S. at Doncaster as a result of his win in York’s G2 Gimcrack S. Aug. 23, TDN Rising Star Threat (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) defied the extra burden with a neck defeat of Royal Crusade (GB) (Shamardal). Held up last of the quintet early by Pat Dobbs, the 6-5 favourite cruised to the lead approaching the furlong pole and was in control when jinking right near the line. “A lot of two-year-olds stop here because of where the finish line is–angled off to where they came out,” trainer Richard Hannon said. “The way he travelled there is what we see at home and Pat said you probably wouldn’t want to hit the front too soon. All the big races are opportunities for him now and David and Patricia Thompson have a very good horse.” 1–THREAT (IRE), 129, c, 2, by Footstepsinthesand (GB) 1st Dam: Flare of Firelight, by Birdstone 2nd Dam: Shiva (Jpn), by Hector Protector 3rd Dam: Lingerie (GB), by Shirley Heights (GB) (100,000gns Wlg ’17 TATFOA). O-Cheveley Park Stud; B-La Lumiere Partnership (IRE); T-Richard Hannon; J-Pat Dobbs. £42,533. Lifetime Record: 5-3-2-0, £253,143. The post Footstepsinthesand’s Threat Adds the Champagne To His Tally appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Four-year-old gelding War Diary (GB) (Declaration of War) (lot 1), winner of a premier handicap at The Curragh on his fourth start in June, for Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez and trainer John Murphy, topped the boutique Goffs Champions Sale on Saturday when knocked down to trainer Mick Halford for €200,000. Five horses were offered in the parade ring prior to the start of Irish Champions Weekend at Leopardstown Racecourse, with two finding new homes. In addition to War Diary, Murphy also sent out the winning 2-year-old Think Big (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) (lot 5), who was picked up by Charlie Gordon-Watson for €100,000. “The Champions Sale is set up to give a unique opportunity to owners of quality flat horses, to showcase their horses in front of an international audience,” said Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby. “We judge our flat boutique sales by different standards in that vendors are delighted if they sell for a good price, but equally are not overly disappointed if they do not sell. That was very much the case today, the two that sold, sold very well and the three that did not will race on for their existing connections and we wish them all well. The Goffs Champions Sale provides Goffs with another showcase on the international stage and has a bright future.” The post War Diary Tops Champions Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article