Wandering Eyes

Ballydoyle trainer has five of 15 in June 20 grade 2 at Royal Ascot. View the full article

4th-CD, MSW, $101k, 3yo/up, 5.5fT, 2:13 p.m. ET Wesley Ward is represented by Shang Shang Shang (Shanghai Bobby) who debuted with an impressive victory over Keeneland’s main track in April of her juvenile season before crossing the Atlantic to land the prestigious Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot in June. Scratched from a series of turf sprints since then, she gets the services of Tyler Gaffalione for her long awaited return. TJCIS PPs 6th-MTH, MSW, $45k, 3yo/up, F&M, f, 3:05 p.m. ET Tan and Tight (UncleMo) gets underway for trainer Chad Brown and eFive Racing Thoroughbreds. A $250,000 purchase as a yearling, she realized the same price when agent Mike Ryan signed the ticket at Fasig-Tipton’s Midlantic sale in May. Colts Neck Stables’ Down in Front (War Front), who is out of stakes winner Goin to the Window (Tapit), was purchased as a weanling for $500,000 at the Keeneland November sale. She is trained by Jorge Duarte Jr. TJCIS PPs The post June 16 Insights: Royal Ascot winner Shang Shang Shang Returns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Omaha Beach (War Front), the pre-race GI Kentucky Derby favorite who was an early scratch a few days before the race with an entrapped epiglottis, has returned to trainer Richard Mandella’s barn at Santa Anita. The striking bay had surgery to correct the condition at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and spent more than a month recovering at WinStar Farm in Kentucky. “He arrived here Monday night; we scoped him yesterday and he’s near-perfect,” Mandella said Friday morning. “We’re riding him under the shed row for a couple days and will increase his exercise every few days.” Mandella said a timetable for Omaha Beach’s first work was undetermined, as was a target race for the sophomore colt. The post Omaha Beach Back to Mandella’s Barn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple graded stakes-winning warrior Hogy (Offlee Wild) has been retired to Old Friends, the equine retirement haven near Georgetown, Ky. A winner of 19 of his 55 starts over nine seasons of campaigning, the 10-year-old gelding won or placed in 21 blacktype events, including GIII victories in the 2013 Hanshin Cup S., the 2017 Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint S., and the 2018 Canadian Turf S. Hogy, claimed in 2017 for $80,000 by current owner Michael Hui, earned over $1.3 million and was last trained by Mike Maker. “It’s always rewarding to pension one of racing’s great warriors,” said Old Friends founder and president Michael Blowen. “Hogy has seen it all and done it all–multiple tracks, multiple surfaces, competing in claimers up to grade one stakes. Now we hope he will just enjoy being loved and admired by his friends and fans.” The post MGSW Hogy to Old Friends appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A speedy Ghostzapper filly consigned as Hip 914 with a timely pedigree update lit up the Ocala Breeders' Sales June 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale bid board June 14, going for $600,000 to the account of Stetson Racing. View the full article

All five graded stakes to be run in North America June 15 are at Churchill Downs, where a "Downs After Dark" program gets underway at 6 p.m. Eastern. View the full article

Gary and Mary West’s Maximum Security (New Year’s Day) makes his first start since being DQ’d from first to 17th in the May 4 GI Kentucky Derby Sunday in Monmouth’s Pegasus S., the local prep for the GI Haskell Invitational S. July 20. Winning his first three starts by a combined 34 1/2 lengths, including a $16,000 maiden claimer and a pair of starter optional claimers, at Gulfstream, the homebred took things to the next level with a front-running score in the GI Florida Derby Mar. 30. The bay crossed the line first on the First Saturday in May, but was taken down in a controversial DQ for interference in the stretch. Maximum Security will be the overwhelming favorite in this six-horse affair, but Todd Pletcher sends out a pair of runners worth a look. King For a Day (Uncle Mo) graduated at second asking in his two-turn debut at Belmont in October and was fourth next out in the GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. Nov. 24. He returned to winning ways in his seasonal bow at Pimlico, capturing the Sir Barton S. May 18. Stablemate Last Judgement (Congrats) also earned his diploma second out in a state-bred test at Gulfstream and followed suit with an open optional claimer score at Oaklawn Mar. 16. He was last seen finishing a well-beaten ninth in the GIII Pat Day Mile on Derby day. The post Maximum Security Returns in Pegasus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Colonial Downs will offer free general admission to everyone during its upcoming 15-day race meeting Aug. 8 – Sept. 7. Other seating options are available as tickets go on sale this weekend. Live racing, which will be conducted Thursday – Saturday during the month-long period, will feature approximately $7.5 million in purses. Gates open at 4 p.m. ET and post time for all race days is 5 p.m. ET. The highlight of the racing season the return of the Virginia Oaks and Virginia Derby, both scheduled for Aug. 31. “Interest in the horse community and among fans is growing exponentially as we quickly approach Aug. 8, and the return of Thoroughbred racing to Colonial Downs,” said Jill Byrne, Colonial Downs Vice President of Racing Operations. “We are already getting calls about ticket sales. It has been so long since we had live racing in the area fans are chomping at the bit to get their tickets!” General admission will provide apron access with track and paddock-side viewing, covered bench seating and access to the Paddock Bar and Homestretch Hospitality tent. Additionally, Colonial Downs will offer clubhouse dining, clubhouse boxes, turf club dining and turf club suites at prices ranging from $5 per person to higher levels for full-season seats and suites. For more information visit www.colonialdowns.com. The post Free Admission for Colonial Downs Return appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Roadster and Mucho Gusto head a three-pronged assault by trainer Bob Baffert on the June 16 Affirmed Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

A speedy Ghostzapper filly consigned as Hip 914 with a timely pedigree update lit up the Ocala Breeders' Sales June 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale bid board June 14, going for $600,000 to the account of Stetson Racing. View the full article

The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation recently announced the creation of a Professionals’ Circle Program and Rider Ambassador Program, both of which are sponsored by sport horse enthusiast Jacqueline B. Mars. Through the Professionals’ Circle Program, members can offer monetary contributions as well as their time toward supporting Grayson’s work and research. Included among Grayson Ambassadors, Margie Goldenstein Engle, Beezie and John Madden, Mike Smith, Lauren Kieffer, Sophie Doyle, Tom Morley and Maggie Wolfendale. “We are grateful to Ms. Mars for sponsoring this program, which will allow individuals to spread awareness about Grayson’s work to improve the lives of horses of all breeds and disciplines, including the sport horse community,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. “The launch of these programs coincided with the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows in Lexington, Kentucky, and reflects how Grayson-funded research has a wide-ranging impact on the equine community.” Hall of fame rider Mike Smith added, “When I think about all that horses have done for me, it seems natural to help give back to them through my support of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. This organization has great past performances in identifying and funding research projects designed by experts to help keep horses sound and healthy and to treat them when they do have problems.” Additional information is available at grayson-jockeyclub.org. The post Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation Launces Program appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Roadster and Mucho Gusto head a three-pronged assault by trainer Bob Baffert on the June 16 Affirmed Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

A speedy Ghostzapper filly consigned as Hip 914 with a timely pedigree update lit up the Ocala Breeders' Sales June 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale bid board June 14, going for $600,000 to the account of Stetson Racing. View the full article

At its annually held election fills five open seats on the board, the Maryland Horse Breeders Association membership announced Thursday it has elected incumbents Louis Merryman, Sabrina Moore and James B. Steele Jr.in addition to Richard Blue Jr., who last served on the board in 2017, and Michael F. Horning. The year’s elected members will serve for the next three years. Blue Jr. is serving his fourth term on the board, having previously served from 2001 to 2002, and 2011 to 2017. Horning–a current board member and treasurer of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association–was a presidential appointee to the MHBA board in 2018. Owner of Anchor & Hope Farm, Merryman has been on the board since 2016. Moore–manager and co-owner of GreenMount Farm–has served as a committee member for the Maryland Horse Industry Board as well as the MHBA’s Social Media & Marketing Committee. She was first elected to the MHBA board in 2016. Steele begins his sixth three-year term on the board, was MHBA president from 2006 through 2009 as well as vice-president from 2004-2005 and secretary-treasurer in 1999. Of the five directors whose terms expired in 2019, Rebecca B. Davis and David DiPietro were ineligible to stand for reelection because of having served six consecutive years as a member of the MHBA Board. Those whose terms have not expired are Brooke Bowman DVM, Michael Harrison DVM, Christy Holden, TK Kuegler, D. David Moose, Larry Murray, Kent Allen Murray, William S. Reightler, David Wade and Theresa Wiseman. The complete election results, along with Committee presentations, will be on the agenda at the MHBA annual general membership meeting, to be held Wed., June 26, starting at 12 p.m., at the Maryland State Fairgrounds’ Vista Room in Timonium, Maryland. The post 2019 MHBA Board Election Results appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Today’s Observations features a full-brother to multiple Group 1 winner Integral. 5.00 Sandown, Mdn, £8,550, 3yo/up, 9f 209yT Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum’s 375,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 acquisition TWO BIDS (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}), a William Haggas trainee, is a son of G1 Matron S. victress Echelon (GB) (Danehill) and thus a full-brother to G1 Falmouth S. and G1 Sun Chariot S. heroine Integral (GB). One of three hitherto unraced nominees in a 10-strong field, his experienced rivals include St Albans Bloodstock’s Caen Na Coille (Medaglia d’Oro), who is out of GSW GI Just A Game S. second Strathnaver (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) representing the Ed Dunlop yard; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s €235,000 BBAG September yearling Nette Rousse (Ger) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), who is a Ralph Beckett-trained half-sister to dual Hong Kong Group 1 winner Pakistan Star (Ger) (Shamardal). The post Observations: June 15, 2019 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kathy Locke has joined the NYTHA in the newly created position of Membership Services Coordinator. “We are excited to have Kathy join our team,” NYTHA President Joe Appelbaum said. “Our members will now have a dedicated resource at their disposal. Whether it is helping secure hospitality options at the track or assisting a trainer with sourcing a cheaper insurance policy, Kathy will be a great value for our members as they navigate the often complicated world of Thoroughbred ownership and training.” Locke formerly served as Director of Customer Service for the Daily Racing Form and as Marketing and Special Events Manager for NYRA. In her new role, Locke implement and administer initiatives focused on assisting owners and trainers, with responsibilities including, primary liaison with NYTHA membership; managing the NYTHA “Help Desk” for owners and trainers, providing information and guidance on all areas related to participation in New York racing and over overseeing the Continuing Education Program for trainers and assistant trainers. “I am thrilled to join the NYTHA team,” Locke said. “I hope that my years of experience in the industry, in event planning and in customer service, will benefit the New York horsemen. I am looking forward to getting started.” The post Kathy Locke Joins NYTHA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Churchill Downs, $93,919, Msw, 6-14, 2yo, 5 1/2f, 1:04.23, ft. BY YOUR SIDE (c, 2, Constitution–Revered, by Dixie Union) became the second winner for his freshman sire when he graduated over the Louisville oval. Sent off at 4-1, the $240,000 KEESEP purchase tracked comfortably behind the early leaders through an opening quarter in 22.2. Jockey Corey Lanerie steered the flashy bay three-wide around the final turn and he dug in gamely between horses down the stretch, thrusting his nose in front at the wire over even-money favorite Basin (Liam’s Map). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $54,848. O-Anderson Stables, LLC; B-Columbiana Farm LLC (KY); T-Eddie Kenneally. The post Constitution Juvenile Graduates First Out at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

At odds-on to collect a fifth straight trainers’ title at Royal Ascot, it goes without saying that Aidan O’Brien is loaded for next week’s Royal meeting. Four days out from the start of the meeting, the master of Ballydoyle ran through some of his leading contenders on Friday starting with his chief hope in the curtain raiser, the G1 Queen Anne S., in last-out G1 Lockinge S. fifth Le Brivido (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). “Le Brivido ran a very good race in the Lockinge, Ryan [Moore] just said that he got caught up in traffic at a bad time when the race was just getting going,” said O’Brien. “We felt he ran a very good race and we’ve been very happy with him since then. In an ideal world you’d just like nice ground for him–he’s got a lovely action, so as long it’s nice ground he’d be fine.” Wednesday’s G1 Prince of Wales’s S. is shaping up as not only the race of the day but perhaps the meet, and O’Brien sends out Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who is unbeaten in three starts this year including the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup last out. “Magical has done everything right so far this season and has won three races–we’re looking forward to running her,” said O’Brien of the 4-year-old filly. “Last year we were getting her ready for the Investec Oaks, but she had a setback which meant we just had to go gentle for a lot of the year with her. She just started to get it together before Ascot when she won the [G1] Fillies’ And Mares’ [S.], and then she went to America, where she was just beaten by Enable [in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf].” After Hermosa (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) completed the Guineas double in the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas on May 26, there was talk of stepping her up in trip for Sunday’s G1 Prix de Diane, but she will instead stick to a mile for the G1 Coronation S. “Obviously we were delighted with what she did at Newmarket, and to win the way she did again at The Curragh,” O’Brien said. “We’re looking forward to running her and decided to keep her at a mile for now.” Last year’s G1 Middle Park S. winner Ten Sovereigns (Ire) (No Nay Never) will reappear for the first time since finishing fifth in the G1 2000 Guineas when he drops back in trip for the G1 Commonwealth Cup. “We were delighted with Ten Sovereigns in the Guineas and we were always thinking in our mind that we would run him in the Guineas and then bring him back for this race,” said O’Brien. “We’ve been delighted with him since Newmarket and we’re looking forward to getting him back over six furlongs. “He travelled so well in the Guineas–he ran a great race–but this was the trip he was very comfortable at last year, so you’d imagine he’ll be happy. He was still in front on his side in the Guineas until late on, having been up there all the way, so we were actually delighted with him in the Guineas.” O’Brien holds the record for most wins in the G1 Gold Cup (seven) and this year he looks to the last two winners of the G1 St Leger, Capri (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Kew Gardens (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) to build on that. “You can never be sure about a horse getting two and a half miles, but we always thought Kew Gardens had a chance of getting the trip,” he said. “You can’t ever be sure a horse will stay–it’s an extreme distance, and you never gallop them over that far, obviously–but we’re looking forward to running him in it. “Kew Gardens has a very similar profile to Yeats. He was favourite for the Derby before he got injured, of course, and both of them ran in the Coronation Cup as a 4-year-old before going on to run in the Gold Cup. So we always thought Kew Gardens might be a horse for the Gold Cup. “While they obviously have to have stamina, they won’t win it if they don’t have class–and Capri won an Irish Derby and Kew Gardens the St Leger, so hopefully they have that.” O’Brien also took a moment to reflect on the accomplishments of Yeats (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells), who is responsible for four of his seven Gold Cup wins. Yeats completed the quartet 10 years ago. “It’s amazing to think it’s 10 years since the last of his Gold Cups–time does fly,” said O’Brien of the horse who is immortalized with a statue in the Ascot parade ring. “He was an incredible horse, to win four Gold Cups was out of this world–for a horse to do that was incredible. Another great thing about him is that he’s now a very successful National Hunt stallion for Coolmore.” The post O’Brien Looking Ahead To Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After earning a pair of grade 1 placings at long odds in turf races in Kentucky, Clyde's Image will take a step down the class ladder in search of his first graded stakes win in the $300,000 Poker Stakes (G3T) June 16 at Belmont Park. View the full article

With three straight victories including a stakes score on Woodbine's all-weather surface, She's the Berries will be on familiar ground when she seeks her first graded stakes win June 16 in the Trillium Stakes (G3) at the Toronto track. View the full article

A filly by Into Mischief set off fireworks in the OBS sales ring, selling for $900,000 early in Friday’s final session of the June sale. Bloodstock agent John Dowd, bidding on behalf of Larry Best, made the final bid on the filly who is a full-sister to Best’s multiple Grade I placed Rowayton. The bay, who RNA’d for $400,000 at the OBS March sale, was purchased by Carlo Vaccarezza for $375,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. She was consigned to the June sale by Top Line Sales and marked a career high sale price for the consignment of Torie and Jimbo Gladwell. The post Into Mischief Filly Lights Up OBS appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

‘TDN Rising Star’ Winter Sunset (Tapit) looks to return to winning ways in Saturday’s GIII Regret S. at Churchill Downs. A good-looking debut winner at the Fair Grounds Nov. 29, the gray captured the Shantel Lanerie Memorial S. next out in NOLA Feb. 9. Third to Concrete Rose (Twirling Candy) in Tampa’s GIII Florida Oaks Mar. 9, she completed the trifecta again behind that rival and GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf romper Newspaperofrecord (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) in this venue’s GIII Edgewood S. last time May 3. Princesa Carolina (Tapit) enters off a win in a 1 3/16-mile allowance at Keeneland Apr. 25. She kicked off this term with a second to recent GIII Wonder Again S. winner Cambier Parc (Medaglia d’Oro) in Gulfstream’s GIII Herecomesthebride S. Mar. 2 and was third in Keeneland’s GIII Appalachian S. over a soft course Apr. 7. Herecomesthebride third-place finisher Belle Laura (Mucho Macho Man) is also entered here. Third in the GII Jessamine S. last term, she was most recently a head-scratching sixth in Gulfstream’s Sanibel Island S. The post Winter Sunset Seeks Redemption in Regret appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Recently retired nine-time Irish champion jockey Pat Smullen will be the racing ambassador for this year’s Longines Irish Champions Weekend. Irish Champions Weekend, set for Sept. 14 and 15 at Leopardstown and The Curragh, will this year for the first time include a number of fundraising activities and events with all proceeds going towards the fight against pancreatic cancer, which Smullen was diagnosed with last March. “I was made acutely aware of the great work that is being done in the area of pancreatic cancer research and my objective is to return to my carers three things: awareness, funds and gratitude,” Smullen said. “Being involved with the greatest show in town is exciting for me and I appreciate the support of the Longines Irish Champions Weekend committee, Leopardstown and The Curragh in my efforts.” The post Smullen Named Irish Champions Weekend Ambassador appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A diverse group of 12 older males line up Saturday night for the GII Stephen Foster S. at Churchill Downs. The race likely goes through Hronis Racing’s Gift Box (Twirling Candy), who invades from California off a trio of stellar outings since changing hands. Sold privately and transferred from Chad Brown off an 8 3/4-length Aqueduct optional claiming romp last March, he resurfaced to defeat the star-crossed Battle of Midway (Smart Strike) in the GII San Antonio S. at Santa Anita on the day after Christmas. He upended another formidable foe in MGISW McKinzie (Street Sense) to take the GI Santa Anita H. by a nose Apr. 6, but was upset himself by Vino Rosso (Curlin) in the GI Gold Cup at Santa Anita May 27. Despite the defeat, he earned a career-best 105 Beyer for that last effort–a repeat of that number seems very likely to get the job done here. While in the past there has been talk of Sadler runners failing to show up with their best outside of Southern California, the exploits of last year’s GI Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Accelerate (Lookin At Lucky) and last Friday’s GII True North S. winner Catalina Cruiser (Union Rags) should have done plenty to allay those concerns. The same connections’ Nolo Contesto (Pioneerof the Nile) could provide another barometer in the GIII Matt Winn S. a few races earlier. Tom’s d’Etat (Smart Strike) and Seeking the Soul (Perfect Soul {Ire}) finished second and third, respectively, behind the aforementioned and impressive McKinzie in the GII Alysheba S. here May 3. McKinzie was a tough-trip second in a blockbuster running of the GI Metropolitan H. last week in New York. Tom’s d’Etat, previously ninth in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S., set the pace last time but appears to have some speed to his inside here. Seeking the Soul annexed the GI Clark H. over track in trip in 2017, and was second in the Pegasus before finishing eighth in the G1 Dubai World Cup behind Met Mile third Thunder Snow (Ire) (Helmet {Aus}). The added sixteenth he’ll get to work with here should certainly improve his chances, and he fired a :59 2/5 bullet (1/15) over the strip June 7. “He’s really been bouncing around perfectly over this track,” trainer Dallas Stewart told the Churchill notes team. “He was doing so well after the Dubai World Cup that we ran him in the Alysheba as a prep for the Stephen Foster. He ran good that day, but I think he can do much better in the Foster.” Other logical contenders for the Foster include dual-surface Grade I winner and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Yoshida (Jpn) (Heart’s Cry {Jpn})–last seen finishing sixth in Dubai; the overlapping ownership group’s GII Oaklawn H. winner and ‘Rising Star’ Quip (Distorted Humor); and 2018 GII Jim Dandy winner and May 17 GIII Pimlico Special S. scorer Tenfold (Curlin). The post Competitive Cast Assembled for Foster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Accomplished ‘TDN Rising Star‘ Elate (Medaglia d’Oro) gets a bit more ground to work with as she resurfaces in Churchill’s nine-panel GII Fleur de Lis H. Some of the Claiborne Farm and Adele Dischneider homebred’s best work has come at this trip or longer–she annexed the 2017 GI Beldame Invitational S. by 8 1/4 lengths going 1 1/8 miles in 2017, and she’s a two-time graded winner over 1 1/4 miles (2017 GI Alabama S. and 2018 GII Delaware H.). Her career-best 105 Beyer Speed Figure was earned when coming up a neck short to nemesis Abel Tasman (Quality Road) in a roughly run renewal of the GI Personal Ensign S. last August. Second to leading older female Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute) in the GII Azeri S. at Oaklawn Mar. 16, she was third behind that recent GI Ogden Phipps S. heroine in the GI Apple Blossom H. back in Arkansas over 8 1/2 furlongs Apr. 14. She’s been off since then, but shows an upbeat string of local works. Her only prior outing here was a runner-up finish in a 2017 optional claimer. “She’s a horse that wants every bit of 1 1/8 miles,” trainer Bill Mott, who got 2019 Hall of Fame inductee Royal Delta back in form to annex the 2012 running of this race, told the Churchill press department. “Part of the reason why we wanted to run in the [Fleur de Lis] was because of the distance. I think she loves 1 1/8 miles and even up to 1 1/4 miles.” Elate’s main challenge should come from the in-form She’s a Julie (Elusive Quality). The Steve Asmussen trainee secured the third graded tally of her career in Oaklawn’s GIII Bayakoa S. Feb. 18, and added the GI La Troienne S. on the GI Kentucky Oaks undercard May 3. Blue Prize (Arg) (Pure Prize) was third that day as the favorite. Most of She’s a Julie’s accomplishments have come at 1 1/16 miles, but she was a well-beaten second in last year’s Alabama and sports a 5-3-1-0 record at Churchill. “I was so proud of her effort in the La Troienne,” said Asmussen, who took this race in 2010 with his own Hall of Famer in Rachel Alexandra. “It was a lot of fun winning that race with such a special filly to our barn and named after my wife.” The post Will Mile and an Eighth Make the Difference for Elate? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article