Wandering Eyes

Offering 10-4-2-1 qualifying points for the GI Kentucky Derby, a field of seven will line up for Saturday’s 1 1/8-mile GIII Withers S. at Aqueduct. Our Braintrust (Freud), runner-up behind GISW Mind Control (Stay Thirsty) for Cathal Lynch and Stanton Smith Jr. in the one-turn mile Jerome S. Jan. 1, makes his first attempt for Gary Barber and Mark Casse here. He won Belmont’s Tremont S. going 5 1/2 furlongs at second asking last June. “Obviously, we haven’t had Our Braintrust for very long, but he’s done everything you can ask for,” Casse said. “I thought he’s worked well. It’s not an easy race. Everyone is trying to figure out where they fit in for the 3-year-old division. That’s what you’re doing in January and February; just trying to figure out who is going to mature from two to three.” Lucky Lee (Flatter) makes his stakes debut for trainer John Servis off a pair of good-looking scores going a mile at Parx Oct. 14 and Nov. 17. He worked four furlongs in :50 1/5 (24/48) at Palm Meadows Jan. 13. Tax (Arch), claimed for $50,000 out of a winning maiden claiming effort at Keeneland Oct. 21, enters off a third-place finish in the track-and-trip GII Remsen S. Dec. 1. R. A. Hill Stable and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing have joined Hugh Lynch and Corms Racing Stable as owners since the Remsen on the 2-1 morning-line favorite. View the full article

‘TDN Rising Star’ Mucho Gusto (Mucho Macho Man) and Gunmetal Gray (Exchange Rate) figure to vie for favoritism in Saturday’s GIII Robert B. Lewis S. at Santa Anita. The former, trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, followed a front-running win in the seven-furlong GIII Bob Hope S. at Del Mar Nov. 17 with a distant runner-up finish to unbeaten stablemate Improbable (City Zip) in his two-turn debut in the GI Los Alamitos Cash Call Futurity last time Dec. 8. Baffert won this race three out of four times between 2013-16, most recently delivering with Mor Spirit for Mucho Gusto’s owner Michael Petersen. Baffert has won the Lewis a total of six times. Gunmetal Gray, runner-up behind champion Game Winner (Candy Ride {Arg}) in the GI American Pharoah S. over this track and trip Sept. 29, followed a fifth-place finish in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with a flashy last-to-first win in the GIII Sham S. here Jan. 5. The highly regarded Nolo Contesto (Pioneerof the Nile) heads to the big leagues after posting a hard-fought maiden victory with a wide trip in his two-turn debut Jan. 4. The Lewis winner will receive 10 GI Kentucky Derby qualifying points, with the second, third and fourth-place finishers receiving four, two and one point(s), respectively. View the full article

Sunday marks Day 2 of the Dublin Racing Festival and it’s littered with some big names all across the card. The first Grade 1 is for the juveniles and it sees a re-match between the very well touted Sir Eric and Tiger Tap Tap. Only a neck separated the pair in a maiden hurdle over […] The post Dublin Racing Festival Preview – Day 2 appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Newmarket, UK–Among the hats now worn by Ted Durcan is that of a bloodstock agent, and the former jockey entered the big league in his new vocation by picking up the top lot of the Tattersalls February Sale on Friday. On what was a far busier second of two sessions, Durcan was required to step up to 105,000gns for Magic Illusion (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) (lot 316). The 45-year-old, who only retired last year after a long career which included several British Classics, retains a close association with trainer Sir Michael Stoute. Durcan also rode for Godolphin for many years and was a seven-time champion in the UAE, which is how his nose pointed him to a gelding who was leaving Sheikh Mohammed’s operation. Magic Illusion, a half-brother to Godolphin’s capable Meydan performer Gold Town (GB) (Street Cry {Ire}), had been placed twice in three juvenile starts. “He’s been bought for Satish Seemar and he’s going to race on in Dubai,” Durcan explained. “I rode for Satish many years ago so I know the sort of horse he’s looking for. He should have plenty of time to acclimatise and be a nice horse for next season.” The Irishman’s riding exploits must have made him one of the best-connected people in the industry, and he also combined with Seemar for another ex-Godolphin Dubawi performer in Recordman (GB) (lot 379), picked up for 65,000gns. It meant that Durcan Bloodstock trailed only BBA Ireland as the sale’s top buyer. He added of his new venture: “I’ll be back riding out for Sir Michael next week and this is just something I’m doing. I’ve always enjoyed going to the sales, I’ve had a few mares and fillies in my time, and I’m just looking out for horses like everyone else.” There was plenty of interest in some of the more stamina-laden offerings from the Godolphin consignment. Glockenspiel (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) (lot 313) had some form on soft ground in France for Andre Fabre that hit the right note for Noel George, son of British National Hunt trainer Tom, as he reached 42,000gns. “He ought to stay further than two miles and he’s a nice strong horse,” George said. “He should go hurdling next season.” Friday Trade Helps Recovery The record-breaking sale of Willie John (GB) (Dansili {GB}) for 1,900,000gns here 12 months ago had taken the overall figures to an historic best. Rock-bottom trade for the varied offerings on Thursday was always likely to have affected the final totals for 2019 but the horses in training from Friday, some of which arrived in the ring from the cream of British-based owners and trainers, restored respectability. Day two trade was much in line with last year, with the median only 3% down at 7,500 gns and a very strong clearance rate of 95%. Add another Willie John into the equation and the aggregate would have been very similar – 2,213,400gns compared with 4,044,500gns. As the bar had been raised so far, the totals looked somewhat less positive when viewed in the round. The average had dropped 60% to 10,677gns from 26,880, and the median to 5,000gns from 7,000. The overall total, from 2% fewer lots, was down 61% from 8,037,150gns to 3,139,100gns. Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said: “Last year’s outstanding February catalogue produced an extraordinary set of results which completely rewrote the record books for Europe’s premier midwinter sale. This year’s returns reflect a significantly less distinguished catalogue further undermined by the withdrawal of so many of the better quality lots. “Nevertheless, the all-important clearance rate has bettered last year’s record-breaking sale and the feature of the two days has been consistent demand from a large and diverse contingent of overseas buyers. Although the sale was short of highlights, the quality consignments from Godolphin, Juddmonte Farms and Shadwell were all as popular as ever and buyers from more than 20 different countries including Abu Dhabi, Australia, Cyprus, Dubai, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Qatar, the USA and Uzbekistan have all yet again demonstrated the uniquely international nature of sales at Tattersalls.” Successful Mission For Schneider Stall Salzburg racing manager Harald Schneider left with exactly what he came for after drawing up a list of two horses. On Thursday he bought Open Sea (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) (lot 150) for 22,000gns and a day later stepped in for the most expensive from the Juddmonte consignment. Runnymede (GB) (Dansili {GB}) (lot 362), a brother to the decorated Stipulate (GB), won a maiden for Henri Devin at Pornichet in France a few days ago and took the German all the way up to 75,000gns. The sale’s second top lot is to join Munich-based Sarah Steinburg, who impressed the same owners last year by winning the likes of the G2 Premio Federico Tesio with the smart mare Night Music (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). “Sarah is one of the best young trainers in Germany and this was a horse I wanted,” Schneider said. “It will be easy to find races for him in France and Germany, from conditions races to handicaps. We’ll get him home and give him a break now.” There was interest from even further afield a few lots later at 370 in the best of the draft from the William Haggas stable. Originaire (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) was secured for 70,000gns by Jamie Lloyd of Meah-Lloyd Bloodstock, having made the frame in all five starts in the colours of the China Horse Club “She’s been bought by a new client in partnership with my business partner David Meah,” Lloyd explained. “She definitely goes to California, but we’ll have to decide on a trainer. Half-sister Lola Beaux (GB) (Equiano {Fr}) was a minor success when transferred Stateside so the omens are good.” Spence Goes To War Day one’s top lot figure held for just over an hour on Friday until lot 280 knocked the 55,000gns set by All I Need (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) (lot 67) off the perch. War No More (War Front) had the looks and athleticism to match her excellent pedigree, as a daughter of the 2013 G1 1000 Guineas S. third Moth (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) who had been an expensive yearling purchase for Al Shahania Stud at Keeneland. The filly had been unplaced in three quick recent runs for Ed Walker and her new buyer, Mike Spence, who sealed the deal on his final bid of 60,000gns, is seeking a speedy return. Spence, the son of prominent owner Alan, said: “It was all about the page. She’s going to go to Roger Varian, hopefully to win a race in the next month or so before we breed from her. She might go to [G1 King’s Stand S. winner] Profitable, who my dad used to own. We haven’t got any from him yet but have three or four broodmares who might go to him.” View the full article

Newmarket, UK–Among the hats now worn by Ted Durcan is that of a bloodstock agent, and the former jockey entered the big league in his new vocation by picking up the top lot of the Tattersalls February Sale on Friday. On what was a far busier second of two sessions, Durcan was required to step up to 105,000gns for Magic Illusion (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) (lot 316). The 45-year-old, who only retired last year after a long career which included several British Classics, retains a close association with trainer Sir Michael Stoute. Durcan also rode for Godolphin for many years and was a seven-time champion in the UAE, which is how his nose pointed him to a gelding who was leaving Sheikh Mohammed’s operation. Magic Illusion, a half-brother to Godolphin’s capable Meydan performer Gold Town (GB) (Street Cry {Ire}), had been placed twice in three juvenile starts. “He’s been bought for Satish Seemar and he’s going to race on in Dubai,” Durcan explained. “I rode for Satish many years ago so I know the sort of horse he’s looking for. He should have plenty of time to acclimatise and be a nice horse for next season.” The Irishman’s riding exploits must have made him one of the best-connected people in the industry, and he also combined with Seemar for another ex-Godolphin Dubawi performer in Recordman (GB) (lot 379), picked up for 65,000gns. It meant that Durcan Bloodstock trailed only BBA Ireland as the sale’s top buyer. He added of his new venture: “I’ll be back riding out for Sir Michael next week and this is just something I’m doing. I’ve always enjoyed going to the sales, I’ve had a few mares and fillies in my time, and I’m just looking out for horses like everyone else.” There was plenty of interest in some of the more stamina-laden offerings from the Godolphin consignment. Glockenspiel (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) (lot 313) had some form on soft ground in France for Andre Fabre that hit the right note for Noel George, son of British National Hunt trainer Tom, as he reached 42,000gns. “He ought to stay further than two miles and he’s a nice strong horse,” George said. “He should go hurdling next season.” Friday Trade Helps Recovery The record-breaking sale of Willie John (GB) (Dansili {GB}) for 1,900,000gns here 12 months ago had taken the overall figures to an historic best. Rock-bottom trade for the varied offerings on Thursday was always likely to have affected the final totals for 2019 but the horses in training from Friday, some of which arrived in the ring from the cream of British-based owners and trainers, restored respectability. Day two trade was much in line with last year, with the median only 3% down at 7,500 gns and a very strong clearance rate of 95%. Add another Willie John into the equation and the aggregate would have been very similar – 2,213,400gns compared with 4,044,500gns. As the bar had been raised so far, the totals looked somewhat less positive when viewed in the round. The average had dropped 60% to 10,677gns from 26,880, and the median to 5,000gns from 7,000. The overall total, from 2% fewer lots, was down 61% from 8,037,150gns to 3,139,100gns. Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony said: “Last year’s outstanding February catalogue produced an extraordinary set of results which completely rewrote the record books for Europe’s premier midwinter sale. This year’s returns reflect a significantly less distinguished catalogue further undermined by the withdrawal of so many of the better quality lots. “Nevertheless, the all-important clearance rate has bettered last year’s record-breaking sale and the feature of the two days has been consistent demand from a large and diverse contingent of overseas buyers. Although the sale was short of highlights, the quality consignments from Godolphin, Juddmonte Farms and Shadwell were all as popular as ever and buyers from more than 20 different countries including Abu Dhabi, Australia, Cyprus, Dubai, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Qatar, the USA and Uzbekistan have all yet again demonstrated the uniquely international nature of sales at Tattersalls.” Successful Mission For Schneider Stall Salzburg racing manager Harald Schneider left with exactly what he came for after drawing up a list of two horses. On Thursday he bought Open Sea (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) (lot 150) for 22,000gns and a day later stepped in for the most expensive from the Juddmonte consignment. Runnymede (GB) (Dansili {GB}) (lot 362), a brother to the decorated Stipulate (GB), won a maiden for Henri Devin at Pornichet in France a few days ago and took the German all the way up to 75,000gns. The sale’s second top lot is to join Munich-based Sarah Steinburg, who impressed the same owners last year by winning the likes of the G2 Premio Federico Tesio with the smart mare Night Music (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). “Sarah is one of the best young trainers in Germany and this was a horse I wanted,” Schneider said. “It will be easy to find races for him in France and Germany, from conditions races to handicaps. We’ll get him home and give him a break now.” There was interest from even further afield a few lots later at 370 in the best of the draft from the William Haggas stable. Originaire (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) was secured for 70,000gns by Jamie Lloyd of Meah-Lloyd Bloodstock, having made the frame in all five starts in the colours of the China Horse Club “She’s been bought by a new client in partnership with my business partner David Meah,” Lloyd explained. “She definitely goes to California, but we’ll have to decide on a trainer. Half-sister Lola Beaux (GB) (Equiano {Fr}) was a minor success when transferred Stateside so the omens are good.” Spence Goes To War Day one’s top lot figure held for just over an hour on Friday until lot 280 knocked the 55,000gns set by All I Need (Ire) (Peintre Celebre) (lot 67) off the perch. War No More (War Front) had the looks and athleticism to match her excellent pedigree, as a daughter of the 2013 G1 1000 Guineas S. third Moth (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) who had been an expensive yearling purchase for Al Shahania Stud at Keeneland. The filly had been unplaced in three quick recent runs for Ed Walker and her new buyer, Mike Spence, who sealed the deal on his final bid of 60,000gns, is seeking a speedy return. Spence, the son of prominent owner Alan, said: “It was all about the page. She’s going to go to Roger Varian, hopefully to win a race in the next month or so before we breed from her. She might go to [G1 King’s Stand S. winner] Profitable, who my dad used to own. We haven’t got any from him yet but have three or four broodmares who might go to him.” View the full article

The Thoroughbred Industry Brexit Steering Group on Friday released an update reiterating that it is working with the UK government, colleagues in the horse sector and the Irish and French industries to prepare for Britain’s exit from the EU on Mar. 29 with or without a deal. The group reiterated its hope that a withdrawal agreement can be reached, which would allow the continuation of the current free movement of Thoroughbreds between Britain, Ireland and France until at least December of 2020, with work proceeding on longer term arrangements. A no-deal exit would mean that Thoroughbreds from Ireland and France could still travel freely into the UK, but movement the other way around would be subject to a new tripartite agreement being reached. A no-deal exit would mean the UK would be treated as a third country, and in order to be prepared for all possible outcomes the UK government has submitted an application for listing as a third-party country to continue exporting live animals and animal products to the EU post-Brexit. The European Commission’s recently published Contingency Action Plan states that “On the basis of the EU veterinary legislation, the Commission will–if justified–swiftly ‘list’ the United Kingdom [as a third country], if all applicable conditions are fulfilled, so as to allow the entry of live animals and animal products from the United Kingdom into the European Union.” The European Commission has recently published proposals that would allow UK hauliers to continue carrying goods into the EU until the end of 2019 if there is no deal, without the need for an ECMT permit. With regards to the stud book, Weatherbys has lodged an application with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for submission to the EU Commission for the General Stud Book to be recognised by the EU Commission and to be added to its list of breeding bodies. In terms of European Union citizens working in the Thoroughbred industry, the UK Government has launched a website outlining details of the EU Settlement Scheme for European Union citizens, and their families, to continue living in the UK after June 30, 2021 with either settled or pre-settled status. The application process opens in full on Mar. 30, 2019 and further guidance will be provided in advance of that date. “With continuing uncertainty around the outcome of the Brexit negotiations, it is only right that the Thoroughbred industries prepare for all scenarios, including a no deal, which we hope can be avoided,” said Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Chairman Julian Richmond-Watson. “We have been very encouraged by our engagement with government around preparations for a no deal, and endorse its stance that current systems for horse movement into the UK will continue in these circumstances.” An online hub to provide guidance to industry participants on what to do as the UK leaves the EU has been set up on the BHA website. View the full article

14:25 Sandown – Scilly Isles Novices Chase There may only be five horses lining up for this Grade 1 contest but it looks set to be a hotly run affair. If the race were to be run at Cheltenham I’d be convinced that Lostintranslation would be the one to beat after what he displayed in […] The post Picks From The Paddock Best Bet – Saturday 2nd February appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

When Monomoy Girl left Fair Grounds last March, the grade 2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes was her lone graded stakes triumph. Upon returning to the Brad Cox barn this week, she brought not only five grade I victories with her, but an Eclipse Award. View the full article

Horseman Uriah St. Lewis, best known for sending out Discreet Lover to an upset victory in last year's Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park, will aim for another stakes win in New York Feb. 3. View the full article

The Jockey Club of Canada has announced the finalists for the 2018 Sovereign Awards honoring Canada's champions and recognizing their outstanding achievements. View the full article

The Dublin Racing Festival is packed full of quality, with the opening Grade 1 novice contest giving a real flavour of what is to some over the weekend at Leopardstown. The race lost some of its allure with Battleoverdoyen not appearing among the declarations. The Closutton operation is represented by Salsaretta who was thought good […] The post Dublin Racing Festival Preview – Day 1 appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

The Contenders Hurdle may be a Listed race in status but it’s packed with quality, namely the dual reigning Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air. Nicky Henderson’s stable star suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Verdana Blue in the Christmas Hurdle most recently and beat what is now looking like a below-par Samcro in the […] The post Sandown Preview – Bailey To Be Vinndicated In The Scilly Isles appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

The Jockey Club of Canada has released the finalists in 11 equine and 5 human categories for the Sovereign Awards, to be held Thursday, Apr. 18 at the Chateau Le Jardin in Woodbridge, Ontario. The finalists for Canadian Horse of the Year will be revealed during the awards ceremonies. In addition to the divisional awards, Gus Schickedanz and the late William D. Graham will each be honored with the E. P. Taylor Award of Merit for their lifelong dedication and contributions to the Canadian Thoroughbred industry. Winners of the three media awards will also be announced during the ceremonies and awards will also be presented to Woodbine 2018 Player of the Year Nick Noce of Rochester, NY, for the outstanding handicapper and to the outstanding groom. The divisional finalists are as follows: 2YO Filly Bold Script (Speightstown) My Gal Betty (Point of Entry) Tiz Breathtaking (Tiznow) 2YO Male Avie’s Flatter (Flatter) Solidify (Tapizar) War of Will (War Front) 3YO Filly Dixie Moon (Curlin) Here’s Hannah (Numaany) Wonder Gadot (Medaglia d’Oro) 3YO Male Lookin to Strike (Lookin At Lucky) Neepawa (Scat Daddy) Sky Promise (Sky Mesa) Older Female Escape Clause (Going Commando) Gamble’s Ghost (Ghostzapper) Starship Jubilee (Indy Wind) Older Male Mr Havercamp (Court Vision) Pink Lloyd (Old Forester) Tiz a Slam (Tiznow) Female Turf Horse Dixie Moon (Curlin) Niigon’s Eclipse (Niigon) Starship Jubilee (Indy Wind) Male Turf Horse Johnny Bear (English Channel) Mr Havercamp (Court Vision) Tiz a Slam (Tiznow) Female Sprinter Code Warrior (Society’s Chairman) Escape Clause (Going Commando) Moonlit Promise (Malibu Moon) Male Sprinter Ikerrin Road (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) Pink Lloyd (Old Forester) Yorkton (Speightstown) Outstanding Broodmare Avie’s Empire (Empire Maker–dam of Avie’s Mineshaft {Mineshaft} & Avie’s Flatter) In Return (Horse Chestnut {SAf}–dam of Johnny Bear and US GISW Channel Maker {English Channel}) Loving Vindication (Vindication–dam of Wonder Gadot) Breeder: Adena Springs, Chiefswood Stables, Tall Oaks Farm Owner: Gary Barber, Chiefswood Stable, Ivan Dalos Trainer: Kevin Attard, Mark Casse, Norman McKnight Jockey: Luis Conteras, Eurico Rosa da Silva, Rafael Hernandez Apprentice: Daisuke Fukumoto, Kazushi Kimura, Lenny Seecharan View the full article

Karis Teetan is riding in career-best form but the Mauritian is not ready to rest on his laurels as the season reaches the halfway mark. The 28-year-old sits second in the jockeys’ championship with 45 wins and has been one of the shining lights of 2018-19 after he managed a solid 52 for the 2017-18 season. Despite being on track to smash his previous record, Teetan said he had set no specific goals when it comes to how many winners he hopes to rack up. “It’s pretty good this... View the full article

16:30 Lingfield The David O’Meara trained Fayez looks the bet of the day after his fine 2nd last time when having to give a lot of weight away to the useful Glory Of Paris. His run prior to that is also worth a second viewing. He was denied a run just as he was coming […] The post Picks From The Paddock Best Bet – Friday 1st February appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

A switch to the dirt helped Mongolian Legend secure his maiden Hong Kong victory last start and jockey Keith Yeung Ming-lun is confident he can go on with it in the Class Three Kam Tsin Handicap (1,650m) at Sha Tin on Saturday. The Me Tsui Yu-sak-trained five-year-old relished the move to the all-weather track, rediscovering the sort of form that saw him win five races in New Zealand before arriving in the territory. “Yes, he enjoys the surface a lot. We noticed that when we worked him in... View the full article

Champion Victorian trainer Darren Weir faces serious charges relating to electronic devices found in his stables at Ballarat and Warrnambool and Racing Victoria stewards have asked him to show cause why he should be allowed to continue his operation. View the full article

Champion jockey Zac Purton will ride early Hong Kong Derby favourite Dark Dream again after unseating Silvestre de Sousa. The Australian partnered the four-year-old in his first start in Hong Kong but missed his next start through suspension, costing him the sought-after ride in the Classic Mile last week. Purton pulled off the coup during the week, after describing the effort of his Classic Mile mount Superich as “terrible” following the race. Speaking to The Post, Purton said he... View the full article

Nothing New in the way honest mare always shows up View the full article

Wolf Warrior a lot sharper on Polytrack View the full article

Brilliant first day at the office for Siam MP View the full article

Winning Hobby seals first win for new Kuah-Azhar duo View the full article

Horses' body weights February 1 View the full article

Track conditions and course scratchings February 1 View the full article

Forever Young back to his best, says Kuah View the full article