Wandering Eyes

MIND OUT (f, 2, Tapit–Kid Majic, by Lemon Drop Kid) took some time to figure things out Wednesday, but when she did she uncorked a serious turn rally and flew home to get up and garner the ‘TDN Rising Star’ distinction. Breaking outwardly from her wide draw to sit in a far-back last early, the 8-5 favorite moved inside of a bearing-out foe heading for home before shifting out into the center of the track for the stretch run. She responded willingly when hot-handed Flavien Prat asked her in earnest in midstretch, and collared pacesetter Nu Pi Lambda (City Zip) to score by a deceptive neck. According to Trakus data, the winner covered her final quarter in :22.48. The $850,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga buy is a half-sister to Miss Mischief (Into Mischief), Ch. Female Sprinter & Older Mare-Can, GSW, $522,980 and to the dam of last year’s MGISP Rowayton (Into Mischief), who will contest Saturday’s GI H. Allen Jerkens S. Presented by Runahppy at Saratoga. Her dam, a half herself to Grade I-winning juvenile J P’s Gusto (Successful Appeal), produced a full-sister to Mind Out in 2019 and a full-sister to Miss Mischief this Apr. 30. She was bred back to Triple Crown winner Justify. This is also the female family of champion Proud Spell (Proud Citizen). Sales history: $850,000 yrl ’18 FTSAUG. O-Gainesway Stable, LNJ Foxwoods & Andrew Rosen. B-H. Allen Poindexter & Tapit Syndicate. T-Simon Callaghan. The post Tapit Filly Flies Home to Rising Stardom at Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

John Morrison. Recently crowned junior drivers’ premiership winner John Morrison has the chance to kick start his title defence this week. Morrison heads to Addington on Thursday night to seek his first win of the new season and to reunite with promising pacer Only In America. The 5yr-old has impressed by winning two of his three career starts for trainer Mike de Fillipi. “He has done everything we have asked of him so far – only three starts and he has done a really good job,” Morrison said. “He has got a great gait and great manners – he is typical of one of Mike DeFilippi’s – he is very well mannered and great to drive.” “He is a very good judge, so it good to be pulling his colours on.” Only In America has shown versatility in his two starts by winning from the trail two starts ago and by leading all of the way in his last win. Despite the horse showing a professional attitude, Morrison is weary of the pacer stepping in up in grade to race seasoned horses in race 8. The only other thing Morrison is concerned about ahead of Thursday night’s 2600m handicap is that Only In America has not raced for over a month. “He hasn’t raced for a month, so he might need the run a wee bit.” “So far he has done everything right and there is no reason he couldn’t [step up in grade]. “He will just get better with racing, I would say.” Rollova heads Only In America’s more seasoned opposition in Thursday night’s rating 50-72 special handicap. Though the David and Catherine Butt trained 4yr-old is a relative newcomer to racing himself, with only seven starts behind him. Rollova impressed in the first run of his campaign, with hitting the line strongly for third behind Flying Mister Ideal at Addington last week. Rollova shares the 10m mark with Only In America and other leading contenders Santanna Mach and Secret Bet. Morrison has two other chances to notch his first win of the new term at Addington. He will reunite with consistent trotter Crusher Collins in race 9. The Lyndon Bond trained 6yr-old has won once and placed six times from behind the mobile. “Crusher Collins has been going really good, she went good at Oamaru on Sunday,” Morrison said. “I got to drive her in the junior championship and she went really good then.” Morrison also drives Tiger Moth, who seeks a maiden win from race 2. The Graham Bond trained 5yr-old ran last in his last start at Ashburton, but he deserved a better fate. “I was really happy with Tiger Moth until he got knocked over at about the 600m – he was going really good.” “His trial form was really good and it wasn’t his fault – I got knocked off my feet. I though he would have been in the money.” Tiger Moth has his first standing start from the unruly in race 2 on Thursday night. If he can not crack a win at Addington, he should be able to be rewarded at short notice, Morrison said. “He would win in the race in the near future, I would think.” Morrison has a strong book of drives at Gore on Sunday. It includes three good chances for trainer Paul Court in Mongolian Marshal, Storm Prince and Stick Man. View the full article

TAB News Pick6 this week – $30K Pick6 Thursday Night at Addington and $40K Pick6 Friday night at Alexandra Park. August and September – Harness First4 $6,000 Bonus First4 on a Race 4 Every Friday Night in Aug/Sept and on Race 4 at Addington on Thu 19 Sept. Addington Raceway and Events Centre – Thursday 22 August Hello Everyone, Only 83 days til Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup Day! Let’s get excited! Friendly reminder – Nominations close next week for; Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup, Airpark Canterbury Dominion Trot, and Graphite Developments Ltd Glenys & Philip Kennard Show Day Futurity. Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup – $750,000 – Group 1 – 12 November 2019 Initial Nomination Fee (incl GST) – $431.25 Due – Wednesday 28 August 2019 3pm (NZ time) Airpark Canterbury Dominion Trot – $300,000 – Group 1 – 15 November 2019 Initial Nomination Fee (incl GST) – $172.50 Due – Wednesday 28 August 2019 3pm (NZ time) Graphite Developments Ltd Glenys & Philip Kennard Show Day Futurity Series This series is for 4YO and older pacers assessed at MR (Non-Winner) as at 1 July 2019. A horse must start at two NZMTC meetings from 2 August to 25 October 2019 to be eligible to start in the series race on Show Day. Nomination Fee (incl GST) – $115.00 Due – Wednesday 28 August 2019 3pm (NZ time) For information on when all the fees are due and the full terms and conditions on these racing initiatives please visit addington.co.nz/racing/promotions-incentives/. Alternatively, please call Addington’s Racing Department on 03 338 9094 Remember to book your spot for Cup Week. Our fabulous hospitality packages are on sale for Christchurch Casino NZ Trotting Cup Day and Show Day Races. Be sure to book soon and #bepartofthemagic, as three areas are already sold out for Tuesday and limited availability on Show Day. For further details, please visit; http://www.addington.co.nz/cup-week/hospitality/. Alternatively, if you have any questions, or wish to book, please contact Joanne McMaster on joanne.mcmaster@addington.co.nz, or 021 0298 5972. We look forward to hosting you all! Have a great week everyone and we look forward to welcoming you to the races tomorrow night! From the Addington Team. Alexandra Park – Friday 23 August TENDER: Auckland Trotting Club in Conjection with Alabar have a Service Fee for Tender to Ultimate Machete. All tenders to be received by 8.00pm on Friday 20 September. For more information or to lodge your tender, contact Karen Blanchard at karen.blanchard@alexandrapark.nz or call 027 808 3150 MEZZE: A Night of Sharing | Friday 13 September from 5.30pm Inspired by the Mediterranean. Join us in Alexandra Park’s premier restaurant, Top of the Park for a night of sharing and harness racing action. Begin the night with a drink on arrival and an antipasto platter to your table followed by a grazing buffet filled with goodies and scrumptious desserts to finish the night. We have group discounts available with packages starting from $65pp. Please note; groups of less than 8 may be required to share a table. Embrace the family traditions of the Mediterranean and book today! Save time, book online www.alexandrapark.co.nz/whats-on/mezze-a-night-of-sharing/ [WIN!] Journey to Thailand with Thai Airways | Friday 27 September from 5.30pm Revel in the beauty of Southeast Asia, a tropical wonderland known for its’ rich culture, diverse communities and flavoursome food. Our ever popular Thai-inspired night at the races will take place in the Tasman Room located on level one with direct access trackside. Those who book and attend have the chance to go in the draw to WIN Flights for Two to Bangkok, Thailand thanks to our friends at Thai Airways. This is a night you do not want to miss so we recommended booking sooner rather than later! Save time, book online www.alexandrapark.co.nz/whats-on/journey-to-thailand Cambridge – Waikato Bay of Plenty Thursday 15 August INTRODUCING OUR LATEST INNOVATIVE RACE NIGHT EXPERIENCE AT CAMBRIDGE RACEWAY START YOUR WEEKEND RIGHT… UNDER THE LIGHTS Friday Nights Under The Lights is a fusion of harness racing action, social interaction, exciting light displays, inspired music and culinary adventure. Held at Cambridge Raceway over seven Fridays, Friday Nights Under The Lights is the perfect event to take after work drinks to the next level or commit to a regular night out with your besties. Feel the rush of the harness racing action, reach out and network, indulge in the food truck-style cuisine, witness the bright lights, catch up with your mates, make new friends, listen to the music, dance the night away and repeat. It’s light therapy for your senses! For more info, head along to: https://www.cambridgeraceway.co.nz/page/friday-nights-under-the-lights/ Forbury Park News – Overnight stabling charge Forbury Park Trotting Club would like to advise that we are happy for trainers & their teams to stop over at Forbury Park on your way to other race meetings, however there will be a small charge @ $7.50 + gst per horse, per night – This is to cover our staff & use of facilities. There is a form to complete prior to a visit which is available from the Forbury Office. Phone number: 03 455 2154, or email: lisa@forburypark.co.nz. We would appreciate a couple of days’ notice ahead of an intended visit so that we can have the facilities ready for your stay, and to arrange access at a suitable time for us. Otago Harness Racing Awards – September 14 A star studded line up of New Zealand’s best pacers and broodmares will vie for titles at next month’s Otago Harness Racing Awards in Dunedin. Classy youngsters Princess Tiffany and Ultimate Sniper will take on home town favourites Eamon Maguire and Majestic Man and northerners Speeding Spur and Havtime in the Best Otago Owned Horse category. Bethany, the dam of Lazarus, One Over Kenny, the dam of Ultimate Stride, and Foreal, the dam of Field Marshal with square off with 100-win producer, Fleet’s Pocket, in the Broodmare Excellence category. Each of those broodmare’s owners, Gavin Chin, Lex and Heather Williams and Syd and Shona Brown are finalists for Otago Breeder Of The Year alongside Archie Affleck. Winners of the breeding awards and the Otago Horse Of The Year will be announced at a gala evening at Forbury Park on September 14. A massive total of 23 titles will be awarded in age group trotting and pacing and training and driving categories. Winners of the age group trotting and pacing awards will be eligible to be crowned Otago’s horse of the year. Big race performers Cracker Hill, Ultimate Stride, Majestic Man and Jess Jaccka look to be some of the strongest contenders for the overall title. More than one significant contribution award will industry members at the Otago awards. Former champion thoroughbred trainer Dave O’Sullivan will be the guest speaker at the awards. Tickets are available by contacting Lisa Butler at the Forbury Park Trotting Club on lisa@forburypark.co.nz or 03 455 2154. Southland Owners Day – 21 September Harness Racing New Zealand, in conjunction with the Invercargill Harness Racing Club, are pleased to announce that on Saturday 21 September an Owners Day will be held at Ascot Park. The event is a trial and part of the HRNZ ownership initiatives and will be held on race day. It is free for all owners, not just those with horses competing at the race meeting. Guests are also encouraged to bring along friends and acquaintances who are interested in finding out more about becoming an owner themselves. Owners Day will run throughout the race meeting and will include competitions and draws, the chance for prospective owners to win phantom shares in a racehorse competing on the day and much more. An MC will interview various owners, trainers and drivers throughout the event and promote the various aspects of the sport and experiences of the winning connections. Potential owners can also meet with trainers and syndicators to learn about how they can become part of the action. There is also the opportunity for businesses to showcase their products to owners on the day, with a small expo operating in the room. This event is part of a trial following on from previous functions at Alexandra Park and Addington that will explore multiple aspects which will be used to present ideas to clubs for future events they may hold themselves. In the attempt to encourage owners to attend their race days, with options for all clubs covered. It is important that we canvas as many owners as possible to be able to provide accurate feedback so clubs can provide owners rewards in future. These events could be an annual event for clubs to thank those who have supported them by racing their horse with them, or they could be held on a more regular basis. Further information on the event will follow soon. If you are interested in attending, or if you are a trainer, syndicator or business who is keen to be present to promote yourself, please contact Jess Smith at Harness Racing New Zealand to register your interest. Space is limited so an RSVP is advised – jess@hrnz.co.nz 2019 Woodlands Stud Canterbury Harness Awards Dinner – Saturday 21 September Silks Lounge – Addington Raceway, Addington 6.30pm for a 7.15pm start Tickets $60.00 incl. GST Drinks extra at individual’s cost. Watch our for our stallion tender for Downbytheseaside and Pegasus Spur services which close on 02 September 2019. All enquiries to 021 969 969 or cantyawardsdinner@gmail.com View the full article

More Wonder winning his trial heat at Taupo on Wednesday. Team Rogerson look to have a strong hand in next week’s Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings with a potential trio of runners in the first Group One race of the season. This past weekend’s Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) placegetter Comeback is assured of a start in the race, while trainers Graeme, Debbie and Bailey Rogerson will wait until Monday before deciding whether Aalaalune and More Wonder will contest the first leg of the Hawke’s Bay triple crown. “Comeback will definitely go to the Tarzino,” Debbie Rogerson said. “He is hard fit and went a fantastic race on Saturday.” More Wonder didn’t hurt his chances of starting next Saturday with his 1100m trial win at Taupo on Tuesday. The four-year-old son of Mossman finished fourth in two Group One races last season and Rogerson is pleased with how he has returned after a lengthy spell. “I was really impressed with the horse,” she said. “He is a lot more forward than I thought. I was very happy with the barrier trial today.” “He just had a couple of little issues towards the end of last prep. We have sorted that all out and he has had a good spell. “He has had a good long build up and the proof was in the pudding at the trials.” While he contested right up to the 2400m distance of the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby last season, Rogerson believes he is better suited to shorter distances. “I think he is just a sprinter-miler, 1400m to a mile,” she said. “He is probably a lot better right-handed than left-handed. “We won’t make a decision (on the Tarzino Trophy) until Monday.” Rogerson said recent stable addition Aalaalune has settled in well to her new environment at Team Rogerson’s Hamilton barn and a Tarzino Trophy tilt remains on the cards for the Group One performer. “She has fitted in really well and we will have a good discussion with the owner (Lou Te Keeti) on Monday and we won’t make up our mind until then,” she said. “It is all up to the owner, he owns the horse 100 percent, so it’s his call whatever direction he wants to go.” Meanwhile, dual Group winner Contessa Vanessa will likely bypass the Tarzino Trophy in favour of the ITM Thermakraft Open (1300m) at New Plymouth on Saturday. View the full article

Talented four-year-old Lincoln Falls has pleased trainer Lisa Latta as he readies for a new campaign. The son of Dundeel was strong through the line at the end of a 1000m trial at Foxton on Tuesday, finishing fourth behind Not Santa after coming from the tail of the field. A winner of two of his eight starts, Lincoln Falls finished fifth in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m), and the gelding will resume at Hastings on Saturday week in a rating 72 over 1300m. View the full article

Wellfield Stud stallion Vespa’s first crop of juveniles are starting to hit the track and are showing promising signs, with two trials winners on Tuesday. A Stephen Autridge-trained filly, out of two win mare Langara, won her 650m heat at Te Rapa by half a length, while the Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard-trained Piaggio looked impressive when taking out his 600m heat at Foxton by five lengths. “He’s a neat tidy horse with a fair bit of ability,” Benner said. “He looks like his sire and wouldn’t it be nice if he turned out to be as good as him.” Vespa was himself New Zealand’s Champion two-year-old of his year, winning the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes (1200m) and Karaka Million (1200m) for Benner. He stands for a fee of $5,000+GST at Wellfield Stud with a second mare under the same ownership being free. View the full article

Dual Group One winner Madison County will spearhead a trio of runners in Melbourne this spring for trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman. Cambridge trainer Murray Baker knows what it takes to plunder marquee races in Australia and the astute horseman, who trains in partnership with Andrew Forsman, is once again honing-in on lucrative spring targets across the Tasman. A select team of horses will target features in Sydney and Melbourne as Baker looks to add to his Australian Group One haul, which stands at an impressive 21, with Baker rating his squad on par with previous years. “I think they’re on target. Naturally, when they get over there they should improve,” he said. “We’ve got two three-year-olds going to Sydney this weekend in Quick Thinker and Rhaegar and they have got to prove they are up to the class, but we have got to give them their chance. “We think they are both staying horses and when they get out to a mile and beyond, they should be at their best. “I think the New Zealand horses have proven over the decades they can stay and if they measure up, they’re a chance to get some of it.” Both Quick Thinker and Rhaegar were Listed winners at two and the pair enjoyed a hit-out at the Te Rapa trials on Tuesday to further their preparations. “They might run on Saturday week in the Ming Dynasty (Gr.3, 1400m) at Rosehill,” Baker said. “If they’re up to the class they will step through the three-year-old colts races which culminates in the Gloaming (Gr.3, 1800m) and the Spring Champion Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m).” Dual Group One winner Madison County will spearhead a team of three bound for Melbourne, and looks to have returned in good order ahead of his four-year-old assignments after trialling well at Taupo on Wednesday. The China Horse Club-owned son of Pins finished fourth in the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m), and second in both the Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) and Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) despite an interrupted campaign. “He didn’t quite get the rub of the green in a couple of races in the autumn and he was a late scratching in the Rosehill Guineas (Gr.1, 2000m) when he bumped his hip on the float going to the races. It just put him a race behind but he still ran well in Sydney,” Baker said. “He will probably be back racing towards the end of September. We will trial him in Melbourne and see where he goes from there. “He has got some class and I think he should go well over there. He is more a mile or 2000m horse, so there are plenty of options for him. He is not a big horse, but I’d like to think he will measure up at weight-for-age.” Fellow four-year-old The Chosen One also stretched his legs when finishing third in a trial at Taupo and the Savabeel entire is set to join Madison County in Melbourne. “He’s a horse that I think has got a lot of potential,” Baker said of the multiple Group Three winner. “His two runs in Sydney in autumn were outstanding. He drew barrier 17 in the Australian Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) and had to go back to last. To get home for fourth was a terrific effort. “He franked that by winning the Frank Packer Plate (Gr.3, 2000m), again coming from last, and that family usually gets going when they’re four years old. They seem to go better with time. “He might just take a race or two, as he is a four-year-old stallion, but we’re happy with him. We’d like to think that he ends up a good horse. We think he will stay and he could be a good Caulfield Cup (Gr.1, 2400m) type of horse.” Baker is still mulling over plans for three-year-old colt Long Jack, who he said could be set on a path towards the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m). “We are still making up our mind about Long Jack and he is bred to stay. We will just play that one by ear. “He is still a maiden and was narrowly beaten both times, but I would hope he could win his maiden and then get his career underway.” Baker is looking forward to the jovial banter of the Flemington trainers’ tower as the Melbourne Spring Carnival hits top gear in the coming months. “There is nothing better than being in Melbourne in the spring. The atmosphere is terrific, the racing is great and it is just a buzz to step onto the racecourse.” Meanwhile, Baker and Forsman have plenty to look forward to on the home front, with quality three-year-old filly Aretha winning a strong trial at Taupo on Wednesday and is likely to be aimed at the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November. The winner of the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) as a juvenile, Aretha was narrowly beaten when placed in the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes (1200m) and Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce (1400m), while she also placed in the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m). “She has shown very good form. Her four starts at two were all in Group races,” Baker said. “We couldn’t have asked for much more of her as a two-year-old and she looks to have come up well. She is tough and she can take a position, which is always a positive.” View the full article

Countofmontecristo. It is not unusual to see around half-a-dozen jockeys teaming up with a horse in the course of its racing career, but for Countofmontecristo, the record reads 11 in 22 starts thus far – and as many as nine different riders at his last 14 outings. The fact that Countofmontecristo has not greeted the judge for close to two years could be a strong hint why so many jockeys got to warm the saddle for only a fleeting time. The last of Michael Clements-trained and Joe Singh-owned galloper’s seven wins came in the Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m) on September 10, 2017. English jockey Alan Munro replaced regular partner Glen Boss who had to attend a wedding in Australia, and duly got the job done. Boss – who partnered the son of Echoes Of Heaven to five (Mohd Zaki was aboard at his winning debut) of his previous six wins – got his job back at his next start, but finished second to Infantry in the Panasonic Kranji Mile. It was only the second time that Countofmontecristo had tasted defeat in nine starts. Thus began the musical chairs of jockeys, many of whom figure among the A-listers. Manoel Nunes, Michael Rodd, Alysha Collett, Ryan Curatolo, Troy See, Vlad Duric, and even two overseas hit-and-run hires, Perth’s champion jockey William Pike and Korean-based Irish-Brazilian jockey Franco Da Silva, have all come and gone, but that eighth win had been elusive in 14 fruitless attempts. Reunited with Boss at his last four starts, Countofmontecristo came up with three seconds which gave connections renewed hopes, and made them realise that old firm was after all a winning formula which should not have been changed. But a fifth place in the Kranji Mile on May 25 dashed those hopes, finally driving home the message a break was the best thing left to do. Now six, Singh’s banner horse resumes in a race he ran second to Distinctive Darci last year when ridden by Rodd, the S$400,000 Merlion Trophy (1200m) alongside a new stablemate in Clements’ recent boom transfer Bold Thruster, and what do you know, a new partner, Daniel Moor. The question whether the Australian jockey will be the hero who can snap Countofmontecristo’s long run of outs is almost akin to the fable of those nobles who came from far and wide to try and pull King Arthur’s sword from the stone. But Moor is unfazed by the increasingly heavier weight of expectation. If anything, he is spurred on by the challenge. “It would be nice if I could win. It will help me keep the ride going forward,” he said matter-of-factly. “He’s always been seen as the heir apparent to Debt Collector. They’ve been sparring partners for such a long time. “Nothing would please me more than to get Count back on the scoreboard for Joe Singh. I’d like to thank Joe for the opportunity to ride his horse and it sure would be nice to stick with him right through.” Moor is aware that more serious assignments await Countofmontecristo – the same Singapore Triple Crown series he contested in, minus the last Leg, the Dester Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) considered too far for him. The 2018 results fell way below expectations, even if many felt Da Silva’s hasty ride robbed him of his chances in the Raffles Cup. This year’s series kicks off with the Raffles Cup (1600m) on September 22, followed by the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m) on October 20 and the Singapore Gold Cup on November 10. “I trialled him the other day (third to Bold Thruster on August 15) in an all-star trial and he felt in good order. He had a good break when he was in quarantine during the time he was meant to go to Australia,” said Moor. “He acquitted himself very well. He will definitely take improvement out of this Sunday’s race, but he’s certainly been well prepared. “He’s a super honest horse who’s always tried his best. We’ll just have to hatch a plan for Sunday and see what he comes up with.” -STC View the full article

Dawn Patrol shortly before his trial at Te Rapa on Tuesday. Promising galloper Dawn Patrol made a pleasing start to the new season for trainer Frank Ritchie, deadheating his 880m trial with Magnum at Te Rapa on Tuesday. “I was happy with that,” Ritchie said. “He is a bit burly and the track was hard work, he had a real blow afterwards too. I am pleased with him, he will improve a lot obviously.” Dawn Patrol won two of his six starts last season and placed in three stakes races, including a runner-up performance in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton. However, the son of Dawn Approach rounded-out his season on a sour note after finishing eighth over 1400m at Te Aroha, his only unplaced run of the season. “He didn’t pull up well after that run,” he said. “We couldn’t get him to recover enough, so we just gave him a long spell, and he came out of that alright. Hopefully we can turn the page.” Ritchie is also hoping that early signs of mental maturity will transfer to the track on race day. “One of his other problems is that he is a bit aggressive,” Ritchie said. “Sometimes he wants to overdo it, even with a race with pace, he can get on the bit. “He’s a bit older this time and even in his track work he seems to be a little more mellow. That will have a huge impact on his ability to perform better if he just waits for the call to go rather than go at will.” Dawn Patrol (inside) dead-heating his trial heat with Magnum at Te Rapa on Tuesday. Trish Dunell Ritchie is looking forward to his first-up run next month, but said he will wait to find out his ideal distance before making any stakes plans. “He will be starting at Auckland on the 7th (of September) in the (rating) 82 1200m. We will plan from there. “Because he didn’t finish his season off I didn’t get a chance to see what his most appropriate distance was. “It would be nice if he could get a mile. He ran second in the 2000 Guineas, but that would probably be his maximum trip anyway.” Ritchie also lined-up Group Three winner Fiscal Fantasy who also dead-heated her 1100m heat with the Richard Collett-trained Sweet Clementine. “She trialled terrific,” he said. “She is a little sweetheart, she does everything right. It was a lovely trial. She will also run at Auckland on the 7th over 1600m. “She will get a lot of weight, she is only a little girl, so I’ll put an apprentice on her. That will be her first up run.” A Group One tilt could be next for the daughter of Skilled, however, Ritchie said there would need to be a significant attrition rate for Fiscal Fantasy to head to Hastings for the Livamol Classic (2040m). “She is in the Livamol, but there would probably need to be some misfortune for a couple of the hot shots,” he said. “If it weakened a bit, we would be inclined to have a try, other than that we will target other races. 2000m seems to be her premier trip once she is conditioned. “There are races suitable for her throughout the summer.” View the full article

Team Rogerson look to have a strong hand in next week’s Tarzino Trophy (1400m) at Hastings with a potential trio of runners in the first Group One race of the season. This past weekend’s Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) placegetter Comeback is assured of a start in the race, while trainers Graeme, Debbie and Bailey Rogerson will wait until Monday before deciding whether Aalaalune and More Wonder will contest the first leg of the Hawke’s Bay triple crown. “Comeback will definitely go to the T. View the full article

Highland Sky tracked the early speed and had plenty in reserve entering the stretch, taking command from the outside and cruising to his first win in 14 months and first stakes win in three years in the $93,000 John's Call Stakes. View the full article

New York-breds are set to take over Saratoga Race Course Aug. 23, with six stakes worth $1.15 million highlighting New York Breeders' Showcase Day. View the full article

William S. Farish has a strong pair of contenders for the Aug. 24 Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) in Code of Honor and Highest Honors, and a rooting interest in 30-1 longshot Chess Chief. View the full article

Shannon Bishop Arvin, Gary Barber, Terry Finley, Pope McLean Jr., Jaime Roth, and Chuck Winner have been newly elected to The Jockey Club, the organization announced Wednesday. Arvin is a member of Stoll Keenon Ogden law firm in Lexington and represents many Thoroughbred organizations, including Keeneland Association, Breeders’ Cup Limited, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. She also represents a number of prominent Thoroughbred farms. Gary Barber, a native of South Africa, is the chairman and chief executive officer of Spyglass Media Group and a longtime Thoroughbred owner. Terry Finley is the president and chief executive officer of West Point Thoroughbreds. Pope McLean Jr. is a co-owner of his family’s 1,000-acre Crestwood Farm, which will enter its 50th year in 2020 and has bred and/or raised more than 270 stakes horses. Jaime Roth races horses under her family’s LNJ Foxwoods Stable, which was founded in 2012. Named OwnerView’s New Owner of the Year in 2016, LNJ Foxwoods has campaigned graded stakes winners including Covfefe, Nickname, Constellation, Dreamologist, and Fancy Dress Party. Chuck Winner has served on the California Horse Racing Board since 2012 and as its chairman since 2013. He is also on the advisory board of the California Retirement Management Account. The post The Jockey Club Elects Six New Members appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He’s 44, not that old for a jockey, and he has been the dominant rider in Canadian for several years. Based on what he is doing on the racetrack, you would think his focus would be on how many more races he can win over the next several years. But Eurico Rosa Da Silva believes there is more to life than winning races. Having grown up in a broken home in Brazil, Da Silva is very devoted to his family and wants to spend more time with his children, who are 7, 3 and 9 months old. He says the demands of being a jockey don’t allow him the family time he craves, so when Woodbine ends its 2019 meet on Dec. 15, he will officially retire. The news of his retirement was first reported by the Toronto Sun. “It’s about my family,” Da Silva said. “That’s why I am retiring. This job takes a lot of hours out of you. I have three kids and I want to have the type of life where I can spend more time with them.” He said he has been planning to retire for nearly four years and, behind the scenes, has been training to be a life coach, who will work with other athletes, and not just jockeys. He said he has already recruited some NBA players. “When you are an athlete, you are very lonely because very few people understand what you go through every day,” he said. “I’m 44. I don’t want to wait to get to 50 to start a new business. I’m still young enough to start a new business and when I am 54, 55, I will have had 10 years experience.” Though he is committed to his future profession, he said he will not take on any more than 15 clients because he does not want to find himself back in a position where his work is keeping him away from his family. Da Silva had a rough childhood and said he left home at five to live with his grandparents because his father was a “bad person.” “I grew up without my family,” he said. “I left my house when I was very young to live with my grandparents. I am very thankful to them, but it was hard. I was never around my father much, but I feel lucky that I wasn’t because he was not a good person. This is why my own family means so much to me.” He rode in Brazil and Macau before coming to Canada in 2004. He has won six Sovereign Awards as Canada’s outstanding jockey and was the leading rider each year at Woodbine from 2015 through 2018. His 237 wins in 2018 set a single season Woodbine record. Entering the Aug. 21 card, he trailed Rafael Hernandez in the standings by five wins. He’s won the Queen’s Plate twice, in 2009 and 2010, and has won over 2,175 races since arriving in North America. “Some of the other jockeys are saying that I am making the wrong decision,” he said. “Others say that I should ride at least one more year. I’ve been preparing myself for around four years to retire. I want to leave when I’m on top. I didn’t want to let myself go to the bottom and then stop. Will I make a comeback? That’s not going to happen.” He says he has hired someone to help him recruit athletes that he can coach and has already lined up a handful of clients. He said he could not name the NBA players for confidentially reasons, but said none play for the Toronto Raptors, last season’s NBA champs. He realizes he could probably make a lot more money as a jockey than in the new profession he has chosen for himself, but says that is not important to him. “I’m not looking to get busy again,” he said. “I want balance in my life.” He said his children were pleased when they learned they would soon be spending more time with their father, but his oldest was also concerned about his favorite horse, Pink Lloyd (Old Forester). Da Silva is the regular rider of the sprinter who has became a legendary figure at Woodbine. He is 20 for 25 lifetime and has won 17 stakes races. At one point, the 7-year-old gelding won 11 in a row and 13 of 14. “My 7-year-old was upset,” Da Silva said. “He said, ‘Dad, what’s going to happen now to Pink Lloyd?’ He was worried about him. I told him they will find another jockey, a very good jockey, to ride him next year. When he retires, I believe the plan is to send him to LongRun (a Thoroughbred retirement facility close to Woodbine). That’s five minutes from where I live and I told my son we can go visit him all the time.” Da Silva seems very much at peace with his decision and has been overwhelmed by the support he has received from the Woodbine community. “I will miss the people a lot and the horses,” he said. “The people…I have people at the racetrack who I consider my family. Not just owners, but grooms, exercise riders. These are people I love. You have no idea. People have came to me crying, saying ‘I can’t believe you are doing this.’ I tell them, ‘Don’t worry, I will come back to visit you.’ I have had so many texts and calls and emails from people wishing me well. That makes me feel very good.” Da Silva said he had never really before bothered to look back at his career, how much he had accomplished and how far he had come from someone growing up in a bad situation in Brazil only to establish himself as one of the top riders in Canadian history. It is starting to sink in. “When I was a kid growing up, I always visualized that I would be successful in some ways,” he said. “Now, though, that I look back, it’s quite surprising. Wow, I won all these races.” The post Star Canadian Jockey Da Silva to Walk Away While Still on Top appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

We were treated to a great day racing yesterday with Crystal Ocean just missing out to Japan in the Juddmonte. I think Day 2 can be another bumper day for Aidan with Precious Moments and Magical both well fancied in the Lowther and Yorkshire Oaks. What’s The Story can continue his love affair with York […] The post York Preview – Day 2 – Enable V Magical In The Oaks appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Woodbine Entertainment CEO Jim Lawson was appointed to The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee during the recent 2019 Round Table held in Saratoga Springs. “Having been involved in horse racing my whole life and in leadership roles as a professional, I understand the role that safety plays in creating a long-term future for the sport,” said Lawson. “Both horse racing purists and the general public demand to know that the sport they are supporting is safe for everyone involved. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the esteemed members of The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee to further its impact and reach.” The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Safety Committee was formed in May 2008 with the intention to review every facet of equine health and to make recommendations on actions the industry can take to improve the health and safety of Thoroughbreds. The 11-member committee is comprised of Craig Fravel (Chairman), John Barr, Jimmy Bell, Dr. Larry Bramlage, Dell Hancock, Chris McCarron and Dr. Hiram Polk in addition to the newest four members, Jim Lawson, Rick Arthur, D.G. Van Clief Jr. and Tommy Robbins. The post Lawson Appointed to The Jockey Club Safety Committee appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association, adjusting to accommodate the construction of a new arena for the NHL’s New York Islanders at Belmont Park, has announced first post time at the upcoming fall meet at Belmont will be 3 p.m. on weekdays. Saturdays and Sundays will feature a first post of 1 p.m. The first 23 days of the 37-day Belmont fall meet will be held at Belmont Park, kicking off Sept. 6. Live racing will shift to Aqueduct Racetrack Oct. 11 through Oct. 27 before the traditional Aqueduct fall meet opens Nov. 1. The post NYRA Adjusts Belmont Post Times appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unfortunately (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}-Unfortunate {GB}, by Komaite), a winner of the G1 Prix Morny, will stand at Linda and Reddy Coffey’s Springfield House Stud in Ireland in 2020, Racing Post reported. Also a winner of the G2 Prix Robert Papin, the Tally-Ho-bred colt’s fee will be announced later. The 4-year-old stood his first season at Cheveley Park Stud, and he will stand in County Tipperary on behalf of Cheveley and Springfield House Stud in partnership. His sire, the late MG1SW sprinter Society Rock (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}), spent three seasons at Tally-Ho Stud in Ireland. “As with all the Cheveley Park stallions, we’ll be supporting him with our own broodmare band as well as at the sales,” said Cheveley Park Stud Managing Director Chris Richardson to Racing Post. “We’ve a long and successful relationship with the Fitzsimons/Coffey family who care for our bloodstock in Ireland we look forward to standing Unfortunately in partnership with them. In addition, Unfortunately’s sire Society Rock has had exceptional results from the mares he covered at Tally-Ho Stud and the pool of mares available to him in Ireland will provide him with increased opportunities to become a successful son of his sire.” Added Springfield House’s Reddy Coffey, “It’s a great opportunity for Irish breeders to use a Group 1-winning son of Society Rock who was precocious and fast.” The post Unfortunately to Springfield House Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Martin Collins, CEO and Founder of Martin Collins Enterprises I read with interest, and a few raised eyebrows, the interview with Michael Dickinson, “American Racing Must Go Back to Synthetics.” While I wholly agree with him that racing in the U.S. should re-visit synthetic surfaces, we must first educate and deliver proof to the American racing industry that synthetic surfaces, e.g. Polytrack, can deliver a commercial advantage to the stakeholders, while at the same time providing a safer environment for their horses, reducing considerably such catastrophic break downs that are associated with dirt tracks. I was the first person to formulate and introduce synthetic surfaces over 40 years ago, and the following decades have seen us spend huge amounts of time and money into research and development in order to ensure that any product we manufacture is safe and durable. The Martin Collins Group is a global company that has experience of providing and installing synthetic surfaces for all climatic conditions. As the world’s number one, we have installed over 25 Polytrack racetracks and over 1,000 synthetic training tracks worldwide. The Polytrack product is incomparable with other brands of synthetic surface in that we specifically manufacture our surfaces based on local climatic conditions; it is not ‘a one size fits all.’ The British Horseracing Authority has approved Polytrack, recognising its contribution to the racing industry; also, over 90% of The Jockey Club’s two central training venues have Martin Collins surfaces. In addition, Martin Collins Enterprises is greatly honoured to be the only surface provider to be granted the Royal Warrant by Her Majesty The Queen. Following the success of our product in Europe, the growth of Polytrack race and training tracks in Australia, the largest racing jurisdiction outside of the U.S., has been substantial over the past few years. This is testament to our synthetic surfaces that deliver both a significant commercial contribution to their racing industry, as well as enhancing the welfare of their horses. They enable year-round racing, thereby bringing an increase in revenues to the racecourses. Stakeholders and premier trainers alike testify to the positive value that Polytrack brings. Our business has just completed or is currently undertaking installations at Pau (France), Dundalk (Ireland), Warwick Farm, Ballarat and Flemington (Aus). Whereas the object of writing this letter is not to have a ‘tit for tat’ with Michael, his comment, “The other tracks weren’t good enough, period,” was a rather sweeping statement that is factually incorrect. The Polytrack surface at Del Mar was removed in favour of a dirt surface so that the course could be considered to run the Breeders’ Cup. Not because it “failed.” The research paper prepared by Rick M. Arthur for the 56th AAER conference held on 4 January 2010, shows that there was a reduction in fatal injuries as a result of the installation of synthetic tracks, illustrating that they have the lowest rate of all surfaces, including turf. Summary from the paper: “Racing fatalities declined 37% after main track dirt racing surfaces at four major California racetracks were converted to synthetic racing surfaces over the period of this study, January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2009. The racing fatality rate was 3.09 fatalities/1,000 starts on dirt before conversion to synthetic surfaces and 1.95 fatalities/1,000 starts after conversion to synthetic racing surfaces. The racing fatality rate on turf was 2.44/1,000 starts over the same 6-year period. The fatality-rate difference between dirt and synthetic was significant (p 0.001). Author’s address: School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616; e-mail: rmarthur@ucdavis.edu. © 2010 AAEP.” In summary, it is my belief that synthetic surfaces have a place in the great American racing scene, as Arlington clearly demonstrates. All over the racing world, fans are demanding that the safety of racehorses is of paramount importance. The Martin Collins Group is developing a strategic programme in the U.S. to reach out to the trainers and racetrack stakeholders to give synthetic surfaces another chance to prove their worth. Martin Collins, CEO and Founder of Martin Collins Enterprises The post Letter to the Editor: Martin Collins appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

MGSW Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}), a winner of the G3 Ballysax S. in April and the G3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial S. in May, has been purchased by Masaaki Matsushima and will be pointed toward the G1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp on Oct. 6, Racing Post reported on Wednesday. Originally owned by a Coolmore partnership and trained by Aidan O’Brien, the G1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere and G2 KPMG Champions Juvenile S. bridesmaid will remain under the care of the Ballydoyle maestro. Yutaka Take has the call in the ParisLongchamp feature. The bay was most recently sixth in the G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby on June 29. “He’s a lovely colt and it’s great for his new Japanese owner,” O’Brien told Racing Post. “The aim is to go to the Arc but he’ll possibly take in the Leger on the way. We’ll make up our minds closer to the time.” The post Broome Changes Hands, Arc Goal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sponsored by Alex Nichols Agency 6th-SAR, $90k, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/8m, 3:30 p.m. ET Al Stall Jr. saddles the well-bred IMPERARE (Empire Maker) in Thursday’s sixth event at the Spa. Columbine Stable purchased the bay for $280,000 as a yearling at the 2018 Keeneland September Sale. Imperare is out of the mare Rhumb Line (Mr.Greeley), who was acquired by Whisper Hill Farm for $2,000,000 at the 2013 Fasig-Tipton November Sale and has produced MGISW Zazu (Tapit) and GSW/GISP second-crop sire Flashback (Tapit). Cowtown (Tonalist ) is one of two entries for trainer Todd Pletcher making their respective career debuts in this spot. The $260,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase is out of a daughter of the talented race mare Awesome Humor (Distorted Humor), a runner who captured her first four starts as a juvenile for trainer Elliott Walden capped by an impressive score over this oval in the 2002 GI Spinaway S. Cowtown drilled a :47 2/5 (3/71) half-mile from the gate in company here July 20 (Click for XBTV Video) with Patagonia (Strong Mandate), a sophomore first-out victor via disqualification at Monmouth Aug. 10. The other Pletcher trainee is Wertheimer and Frere’s homebred Portos (Tapit). The gray is out of the stakes-winning mare Fierce Boots (Tiznow), a half-sister to GISW and sire Power Broker (Pulpit). Hailing from the family of GISW Miss Shop (Deputy Minister) and MGSW Trappe Shot (Tapit), he has been working steadily at Saratoga since arriving there in the spring, breezing five panels out of the gate in 1:00 2/5 (8/36) Aug. 10 (Click for XBTV Video). TJCIS PPs The post August 22 Insights: Well-Related Juveniles Debut at the Spa in Two-Turn Test appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.–Everyone in racing knows how hard it is to win a race at Saratoga, never mind a Grade I and, despite spending most of their equine careers in the Standardbred industry, Michelle and Al Crawford are no exception. They found themselves in the spotlight on one of racing’s biggest stages pretty early on in their careers as Thoroughbred owners, winning Saratoga’s GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt S. with El Deal (Munnings) in 2017, just two years after purchasing their first Thoroughbreds. The Crawfords have a good chance to win their second Grade I at the Spa Saturday when Shancelot (Shanghai Bobby) heads to the post for the GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial S. “We didn’t really expect it then,” Michelle Crawford said, reflecting El Deal’s win. “I know how hard it is to just hope to get a Grade I winner, especially at Saratoga. We are just counting our lucky stars at this point to be in the game at this level. It has been a little bit of random luck, as you know.” Longtime Standardbred owners and breeders, the Crawfords run Crawford Farms in Durhamville, N.Y., which was founded by Al Crawford’s parents in 1966. The owners and operators of Bankers Healthcare Group initially got started in Thoroughbreds with two yearlings they purchased at Fasig-Tipton’s Saratoga Select Sale four years ago and then decided maybe the claiming game would suit them. “We have a home in South Florida, so Al was like, ‘Maybe we should look into some claimers, something to have fun so we could go over to the track,'” Crawford said. “Ours [Standardbreds] race every single week and it was kind of hard when we first started racing Thoroughbreds. We were like wait, there is sometimes four, five, six weeks, maybe longer between races. We were introduced to Jorge and we said we wanted to try and get into it a little bit, try some claimers and flip them.” Al Crawford attended the 2-year-old sales with Jorge Navarro, who trained El Deal, last year and ended up buying a few, as well as partnering with Gelfenstein Farm’s Ivan Rodriguez on a Shanghai Bobby colt, who turned out to be Shancelot. “Everybody wants a Kentucky Derby horse,” Michelle Crawford said. “Who doesn’t dream about that, right? My husband went to the 2-year-old in training sale and bought four or five with [Navarro]. We came in as a partner on Shancelot. We didn’t really know at that point that we had anything.” She added, “We had the success with El Deal which was super fun, but it is so hard to find horses like that. We have just been blessed since then. We also have a couple of 2-year-olds in training right now that [Navarro] really likes that we own 100%. We have been bitten by the bug and we are learning more and more. It is trial and error. It has just been a fun ride.” Purchased for $245,000 at OBS March after breezing in :9 4/5, Shancelot won on debut at Gulfstream Feb. 16 and followed suit with a dominant optional claiming score at Monmouth Park June 23. Favored in a large field in Saratoga’s GII Amsterdam S. July 28, the bay ran to the money, cruising home to an ultra-impressive 12 1/2-length victory (video). “I really was blown away,” Crawford said. “We were hoping he would go out there and put a good effort in. Jorge felt really, really good about the horse. We did everything right by him by not over-racing him. I think he is just a really special horse.” Shancelot will face some new rivals in Saturday’s test, including Grade I winners Mind Control (Stay Thirsty) and Hog Creek Hustle (Tapizar), but he will likely be the heavy favorite off his devastating performance last out. “I’m super nervous,” Crawford said about the Allen Jerkens. “No one wants to talk about it. They are animals and there are a lot of elements that go into getting them out of the gate. We have a huge fan club coming to cheer him on. It is nerve wracking, but it is exciting nerve wracking.” She continued, “This year we had the world’s fastest trotter Homicide Hunter. We also have [the filly] Atlanta, who won the Hambletonian [last year] and won the Futurity. To have Shancelot, is kind of just this surreal thing that is going on. Somebody pinch me!” The Crawfords are very active in the Standardbred industry. In addition to their 400 horses, which are a mix of racing and breeding stock, as well as retirees, they sponsor some of the country’s biggest harness races and make an effort to bring more fans to the game. “We are constantly trying to evolve and promote our sport,” Crawford said. “We are super active in our sport. We are a huge sponsor of the Meadowlands Pace, the Crawford Farms Trot. We participate and do a lot of sponsorships in our industry. Hopefully, we find a comfortable home in the Thoroughbreds, since this is new.” The couple are not only trying to find their niche in Thoroughbred racing, but are also trying to transition some of what they have seen in this industry to the world of harness racing. “There is such an excitement with the crowds in Thoroughbreds that Standardbreds just don’t have,” Crawford said. “I think we have always looked at how we can transition and find the same type of fan. We have been working on the crossover and getting participation in both. There is such a thrill about the Thoroughbreds and there are just so many people that follow them. Obviously, the handle is a big deal. You have to have bettors to have a great sport. I wish we had more of that in the Standardbreds and we are working on evolving that.” The post Crawford Hopes Lightning Strikes Twice at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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After a pulsating opener, York prepares for the regal visit on Thursday as Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) waves goodbye to her native England in the G1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks. Apparently fresh after a tussle with Crystal Ocean (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) that would have drained most other competitors, Khalid Abdullah’s unrelenting star mare has earned the unbeatable tag through her multiple efforts at this level. Chasing the Group 1 tally of Frankel (GB), which she will equal here all things being well, she will no doubt receive a fitting welcome back to the winner’s enclosure almost the like of that awarded to the operation’s pinnacle performer at this meeting in 2012. En route to a third G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the 5-year-old has already conquered her chief opponent Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the July 6 G1 Eclipse S. on her seasonal debut. There is little prospect of that form being turned around as they meet for the third time, with the other encounter coming in the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf in November. Enable’s stablemate Lah Ti Dar (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) is unlikely to be competitive based on her June 30 G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud third placing, but this is vital experience as the Lloyd-Webbers’ homebred is primed for occupying some of the space left by Enable’s imminent exit from the stage. John Gosden is taking nothing for granted. “I don’t see it that she’s expected to win at all, I remember seeing Roberto beat Brigadier Gerard here. It’s a little bit of a trappy race, you’ve got to work out who makes the running. Four-horse races can be messy and there’s one in there [South Sea Pearl] who shouldn’t be in there, but she is. Other than that they are three very good fillies, and Lah Ti Dar is in good form. We’ll play it by ear as you can’t have big plans for a race like that, I’ll leave it to the jockey, he knows the filly and knows the track well. If there were eight runners it would be more straightforward, but it could be trappy–if it is, that’s life. The big target always remains the Arc. “I’ve no real concerns about her coming back from the King George, she’s been in good form at home, Frankie only gave her one flick there, he was waving it thereafter. I can’t go the whole of August, September and go 11 or 12 weeks without a run, as then she’d run too fresh so she needs a stepping stone and I don’t want to go over for the Prix Vermeille. It makes sense to come here, but it’s a prep, I’m not being rude as it’s a Group 1 race, but as far as I’m concerned it’s a prep for the Arc and is not the be-all and end-all so I’m quite relaxed.” The Lloyd-Webber’s racing and bloodstock manager Simon Marsh said of Lah Ti Dar, “They say never be scared of one, but in this case we’ve got to be scared of two. We’ve always been keen to run her in the Yorkshire Oaks as she loves York and has been training well. Andrew and Madeline are very excited about it and looking forward to the race, but we all appreciate that with Enable and Magical in the race it’s a big ask. Enable is a beautiful, incredible filly and she’s been so fantastic for the sport generally. She’s been absolutely brilliantly handled by John and all the team at Clarehaven and we are very lucky to see a filly of her quality going on and racing at five.” Aidan O’Brien sprang a minor surprise in the big race on Wednesday and said of Magical, “She seems to be in good form, she’s had a little break and she’s just ready to start her autumn campaign. Hopefully she will go well.” The 2-year-old fillies open the card, with the G2 Lowther S. offering an intriguing clash between the July 31 G3 Molecomb S. winner Liberty Beach (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}) and the July 27 G3 Princess Margaret S. scorer Under the Stars (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}). The former is trying this six-furlong trip for the first time, but has given no indication that she is incapable of seeing it out having won in convincing fashion on stiff tracks at Beverley in the June 8 Hilary Needler Trophy and Sandown in the July 5 Listed Dragon S. “Everything has been fine with her since Goodwood and I’ve been very happy with her, so it’s fingers crossed,” trainer John Quinn said of Liberty Beach. “Obviously I hope she gets the extra furlong, that’s why we’re running, and she’s never been stopping at the end of her races. In her last two races her last furlongs have been her most impressive–she has looked powerful crossing the line.” Saeed Manana’s Under the Stars will have no issue with conditions and if she builds on her success in that July 27 Ascot contest will be a formidable rival to the locally-trained Liberty Beach. Trainer James Tate said, “Although she works nicely, she doesn’t overdo herself at home, so we didn’t know how much she had in hand before the Princess Margaret, but it was nice to see the improvement she made there and she seems to have come on again. She was very impressive there. She didn’t blow after the race and it didn’t take much out of her. The quicker six furlongs won’t hold any fears and I am very optimistic.” Yorkshire-born William Haggas always saves some of his best for this meeting and it is significant that he saddles Mohamed Saeed Al Shahi’s Wejdan (GB) (Dabirsim {Fr}), who has just a six-furlong Newbury novice win to her record Aug. 6. She overcame greenness and was staying on to real effect as the race wore on, so normal improvement makes her an interesting candidate. The post Welcome to Yorkshire, Enable appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A colt by Midshipman topped the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association’s Summer Yearling and Mixed sale when bringing a final bid of $120,000 Tuesday at Emerald Downs. The dark bay (hip 80), bred by William and Mary Lou Griffin and consigned by the couple’s Griffin Place LLC, is out of stakes-placed Impeached (Northern Afleet). Washington residents Todd and Shawn Hansen of Tenino purchased the sale-topping yearling, as well the auction’s second highest-priced lot, a colt by Grazen purchased for $87,000 who was also consigned by Griffin Place. In all, 72 yearlings grossed $1,239,200. The average was $17,211–a 24.97% increase from 2018–and the median was $9,250, an increase of 15.63% from a year ago. In 2018, 71 yearlings sold for $977,800. The average was $13,772 and the median was $8,000. The post Midshipman Colt Tops WTBOA Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article