Wandering Eyes

2nd-Belmont, $82,000, Alw (NW1$X)/Opt. Clm ($80,000), 6-1, 3yo, f, 1 1/8mT, 1:49.40, gd. CAFE AMERICANO (f, 3, Medaglia d’Oro–Roxy Gap {Ch. Female Sprinter & Ch. Older Mare-Can, MGSW, $952,790}, by Indian Charlie), a popular debut winner going a mile over the Gulfstream lawn Feb. 9, stayed perfect in this first attempt versus winners. The rail-drawn 6-5 chalk sat a perfect trip just behind the leaders in third through a half mile in :49.46. She was tipped out four wide on turn for home and kicked nicely while swooshing her tail once given her cue in the stretch en route to a two-length decision. Repatriated Gem (GB) (Medaglia d’Oro) completed the exacta for her leading sire. Two-time Canadian champion Roxy Gap, an $850,000 purchase by Fred Hertrich III, agent, at the 2013 FTKFEB Sale, is also represented by an Empire Maker filly of 2017 and a Curlin filly of 2018. She was bred back to Gun Runner. Sales history: $625,000 Ylg ’17 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $70,900. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. O-Peter M. Brant; B-Blue Heaven Farm (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. The post Medaglia d’Oro Filly Stays Perfect at Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Edwin J. Gregson Foundation will host a charity fundraising dinner honoring jockey Victor Espinoza. The event will take place Monday, Aug. 12, at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar Resort. Having taken a hiatus last year in respect of the events surrounding the San Luis Rey Training Center fire, the Foundation is ready to get back on track to hold its annual fundraiser. “We’re delighted to kick things off again, and how better than to celebrate Victor and his illustrious career and accomplishments,” said Jenine Sahadi, president of the Foundation. “I’m honored to be recognized by the Gregson Foundation and to stand alongside fellow jockeys Julie Krone, Eddie Delahoussaye and Laffit Pincay, Jr., Mike Smith and Gary Stevens, and all the past honorees who are truly a Who’s Who of California racing,” said Espinoza. “I’m a long-time supporter of the Foundation and its work, and anything that is done on behalf of the stable area workers I am behind 100%!” Proceeds of the event will be used for continued sponsorship of various educational and recreational programs to benefit California’s worthy backstretch workers and family members. These programs include provision of scholarship grants, English as a Second Language courses, community-focused family social events, sports and recreation activities and outings, and much more, for the workers in both Northern and Southern California. The post Espinoza to be Honored by Edwin J. Gregson Foundation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An alteration to the schedule for the Summer Thoroughbred Festival at Los Alamitos Race Course was made official May 31. The three-week season will now commence Saturday, June 29, rather than the originally scheduled Thursday, June 27. View the full article

An alteration to the schedule for the Summer Thoroughbred Festival at Los Alamitos Race Course was made official May 31. The three-week season will now commence Saturday, June 29 rather than the originally scheduled Thursday, June 27. View the full article

After the heat of Saturday’s action at Epsom, the Chantilly faithful will be trying to keep their distinguished cool despite the presence of potentially Europe’s middle-distance champion elect in Persian King (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) in Sunday’s G1 QIPCO Prix du Jockey Club. Bidding to become the fourth colt to complete the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains-Prix du Jockey Club double since the distance was shortened from a mile and a half to 10 1/2 furlongs in 2005, Godolphin and Ballymore Thoroughbred Ltd’s ‘TDN Rising Star’ will be aided by livelier conditions than those he encountered in the May 12 ParisLongchamp Classic. What will play against him is his wide draw, but that was no hindrance to the fellow Andre Fabre-trained Poulains-Jockey Club hero Lope de Vega (Ire), who emerged from stall 20 nine years ago. “The draw is what it is and we’ll see what happens,” Fabre commented. ” He has progressed with every run of his life, only losing once and that was on his debut. Now, the next thing he needs to prove is that he can stay 10 furlongs. Kingman was only a miler, but since he has been at stud he has produced horses who have stayed further. On the dam side, there is no doubt about the trip being out of a Dylan Thomas mare.” Fabre also saddles the Wertheimers’ unbeaten Slalom (Fr) (Intello {Ger}), who took the G3 Prix Noailles over this trip at ParisLongchamp last time on Apr. 14, and the May 1 G2 Prix Greffulhe scorer Roman Candle (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}). “Slalom has good acceleration and is a horse I like, so we’ll see,” Fabre commented, while Godolphin’s Lisa-Jane Graffard said of Roman Candle, “He is possibly a horse for the [July 14 G1] Grand Prix de Paris, so we are hoping that he can run a good race here and potentially head there afterwards. We would be delighted if he made the frame.” Andrew Balding brings across the impressive Listed Fairway S. winner Raise You (Ire), a son of the aforementioned Lope de Vega, and it is hard to say what the ceiling of his talent is at present. “It looks a very deep race, but he seems in good form and we’re looking forward to it,” his trainer said. “It’s a big step up in class obviously but I’ve been very pleased with his two wins this year and hopefully he’s up to it.” Aidan O’Brien’s trio include a full-brother to Highland Reel (Ire) in Cape of Good Hope (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who was runner-up in the G2 Superlative S. and third behind Mohawk (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G2 Royal Lodge S. at two before returning to take Epsom’s Listed Blue Riband Trial over 10 furlongs on Apr. 24. “He has come forward a lot,” the Ballydoyle maestro warned. Take out Persian King and the Classic is wide-open, with Freddy Head prepared to chance Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s unbeaten Motamarris (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}) after his eight-length success in a course-and-distance conditions race May 11. “He is very well, but whether he is good enough is another question,” Head said. “He has had the perfect preparation. He has had his three easy races, which is what I wanted, but he has beaten nothing. This is a big step up in class, so we will see how good he is.” Roger Varian pitches the highly-regarded G2 Dante S. third Surfman (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and said of him, “He has had three runs, but he doesn’t have vast experience,” he said. “I thought he made up eye-catching ground in the straight [at York]. I thought it was a very good trial and performance.” In front of Roman Candle and behind the subsequent Poule d’Essai des Poulains runner-up Shaman (Ire) (Shamardal) in the nine-furlong G3 Prix la Force at ParisLongchamp on Apr. 7, Claudine Excoubet’s Rockemperor (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) is a live contender hailing from the yard of the youngest trainer Simone Brogi. “It has been raining a lot at Pau recently, but the colt’s preparation hasn’t been interrupted thanks to the considerable assistance provided by the racecourse,” the Pau-based 28-year-old explained. “The colt created a good impression when pitched in at group level. He was up against some quality performers and made a good visual impression. The trip should pose no problem. He likes good ground and he should get those conditions on Sunday.” Chantilly’s clutch of group races begin with the G2 Prix de Sandringham for the 3-year-old miling fillies, where Obligate (GB) (Frankel {GB}) bids to back up the impression she made when winning the Listed Prix des Lilas on soft ground over this track and trip on May 6. She encounters the Wertheimers’ Matematica (Ger) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}), who was fifth in the G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches at ParisLongchamp on May 12 and therefore brings that Classic form under the microscope. The G2 Prix du Gros-Chene features last year’s G1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp runner-up Gold Vibe (Ire) (Dream Ahead) and Godolphin’s budding sprinter Inns of Court (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). Successful over six furlongs in the Listed Prix Servanne at Maisons-Laffitte Apr. 26, the G1 Prix de la Foret and G1 Prix Jacques le Marois runner-up is looking to clinch a place on the plane to Royal Ascot. “Inns of Court won in good style on his first start of the season and looks to be in excellent form as a 5-year-old,” Godolphin’s Lisa-Jane Graffard commented. “The idea of running here is that, all being well and he runs a good race, he can head on to Royal Ascot for the [June 22 G1] Diamond Jubilee S. There are no suitable races over six furlongs in France, but this contest fits in well in terms of timing and should be a good prep race.” Godolphin also have the Fabre-trained G2 Prix Eugene Adam winner Gyllen (Medaglia d’Oro) in line for the G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly. Sixth in the G3 Prix d’Hedouville over this mile-and-a-half trip at ParisLongchamp on May 4, he re-opposes the first and second in that contest Petit Fils (Fr) (Makfi {GB}) and Folamour (GB) (Intello {Ger}). “Gyllen had a couple of little niggles last year and didn’t really convince anyone on his comeback race,” Lisa-Jane Graffard admitted. “We are hoping to see a slightly more encouraging effort this weekend.” The G3 Prix de Royaumont plays host to another Fabre trainee who tantalises in Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Pelligrina (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}). Successful over 10 1/2 furlongs at Saint-Cloud on debut on May 13, the homebred meets two His Highness The Aga Khan representatives including Dariyza (Fr) (Dawn Approach {Ire}), who was third in a decent conditions event also over that trip here last time on May 17. In Germany, Baden-Baden stages the G3 Derby Trial in which the British raider and Apr. 14 G3 Prix Noailles third Surrey Thunder (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) tackles the home team including Rennstall Gestur Hachtsee’s well-regarded Hanover maiden winner Peppone (Ger) (Pastorius {Ger}). The post Is The Double On For The King appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When quizzed on ITV Racing before Saturday’s G1 Investec Derby which of the Ballydoyle protagonists would hold sway, Michael Tabor was at a loss and now we know why. At the end of another pulsating finish over a two days blessed with them, there was just over a half length between the winner Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and fifth-placed Sir Dragonet (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), with the stable’s Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) in between. Only the runner-up and fellow Irish-trained Madhmoon (Ire) (Dawn Approach {Ire}) could get embroiled in the Rosegreen scrap and deny the Co. Tipperary outfit a remarkable whitewash completed by the sixth-placed Circus Maximus (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Partnered by Seamie Heffernan, Anthony Van Dyck was giving Aidan O’Brien a record-equalling and post-war record-setting seventh renewal and became the first winner of the May 11 Listed Lingfield Derby Trial to go on to glory here since High-Rise (Ire) 21 years ago. Not always at ease on the terrain as he raced on the rail in mid-division, the 13-2 shot was short of room in the straight and had to be switched to the far rail for his effort as the 11-4 favourite Sir Dragonet battled with Madhmoon up ahead. Picking up with the pace that saw him win a G2 Futurity S. and G3 Tyros S. at two, the bay struck the front 150 yards out and led the four-horse blanket by a half length at the line. Madhmoon had a nose over Japan, with two short heads back to Broome and Sir Dragonet. The Galileo sire line was responsible for the first four home and the mighty stallion’s significance was not lost on the winning rider. “He was hard-pushed the whole way down the straight, but he’s a Galileo and I knew he’d be with me when I needed him,” Heffernan said. Saturday, Epsom, Britain INVESTEC DERBY S.-G1, £1,623,900, Epsom, 6-1, 3yo, 12f 6yT, 2:33.38, g/f. 1–ANTHONY VAN DYCK (IRE), 126, c, 3, by Galileo (Ire) 1st Dam: Believe’N’Succeed (Aus) (GSW-Aus, $157,067), by Exceed and Excel (Aus) 2nd Dam: Arctic Drift, by Gone West 3rd Dam: November Snow, by Storm Cat 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; B-Orpendale, Chelston & Wynatt (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Seamus Heffernan. £921,538. Lifetime Record: MGSW & G1SP-Ire, 9-5-1-1, $1,497,861. *1/2 to Bounding (Aus) (Lonhro {Aus}), Ch. Sprinter-NZ, G1SW-NZ & GSW-Aus, $578,367. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Madhmoon (Ire), 126, c, 3, Dawn Approach (Ire)–Aaraas (GB), by Haafhd (GB). O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum; B-Shadwell Estate Company Ltd (IRE); T-Kevin Prendergast. £349,375. 3–Japan (GB), 126, c, 3, Galileo (Ire)–Shastye (Ire), by Danehill. (1,300,000gns Ylg ’17 TATOCT). O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Newsells Park Stud (GB); T-Aidan O’Brien. £174,850. Margins: HF, NO, NO. Odds: 6.50, 10.00, 20.00. Also Ran: Broome (Ire), Sir Dragonet (Ire), Circus Maximus (Ire), Humanitarian, Norway (Ire), Line of Duty (Ire), Sovereign (Ire), Hiroshima (GB), Bangkok (Ire), Telecaster (GB). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. The post Anthony Van Dyck Prevails In Galileo-Dominated Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Hong Kong’s champion Beauty Generation might not be there, but Sunday’s Group One Yasuda Kinen is still a hot contest with Japanese superstar Almond Eye taking on the talented Danon Premium.It was initially going to be a clash between the three big guns, but with Beauty Generation’s connections opting not to make the trip to Tokyo, the race is now headlined by the two home-grown heroes.Almond Eye, who has won her past seven starts, returns to racing for the first time since her victory in the… View the full article

He has a stable full of gun horses but master trainer Tony Cruz has admitted that he especially likes working with Ka Ying Star as he prepares the gelding for Sunday’s Group Three Lion Rock Trophy (1,600m).Cruz, who is targeting Ka Ying Star at the Longines Hong Kong Mile on international day in December, says the four-year-old is a dream to train.“He’s a very quiet horse, he’s got a very good character about him. In his box he’s like a baby, you can pinch him, do anything to him, he’s so… View the full article

Apprentice jockey Teo Nugent made the most of his first race ride for in-form trainer John Sadler when he partnered Fastnet Rock gelding Asgard Massif to victory at Caulfield on Saturday. For Nugent, it was just his fifth career city success but his 70th overall this season as the 20-year-old extended his lead in the race for apprentice honours in Victoria in 2018/19. But while Nugent can look forward to future successes at Caulfield, it is an unlikely scenario for Asgard Massif with the horse... View the full article

Tough as teak Dolcetto shrugged off his bridesmaid tag as he prevailed in a thrilling four-way finish to the second of the feature events at Wanganui on Saturday, the Listed Ag Challenge Stakes (1600m). The Sylvia Kay-trained six-year-old had been thereabouts in his recent starts but had failed to greet the judge since winning at Awapuni back in December 2017. In his defence, eleven of his 15 subsequent runs have been in stakes company including a last start third in the Listed Rangitikei Gold C... View the full article

Each Saturday NTRA and BloodHorse provide a one-stop guide to the day's graded stakes races. Races are listed in chronological order (all times Eastern). For full preview, click race link. View the full article

Useful three-year-old Annie Okay returned to her best form when she downed her age-group rivals over 1400m at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Shaun and Emma Clotworthy-trained Battle Paint filly had disappointed somewhat since running third behind Media Sensation in the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) at just her second start. Two unplaced runs to kick her off her current campaign saw her ignored by punters for Saturday’s contest where the Jamie Richards-trained Burgundy Belle was installed a warm fa... View the full article

Te Rapa visitor Flaunting coped best with the testing Heavy11 track conditions prevalent at Wanganui on Saturday as she slogged through the mud to take out the Listed John Turkington Forestry Ltd. Castletown Stakes (1200m). The Showcasing filly had not been seen since finishing near last in the Karaka Million 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie in January however a smart win over 800m at the Avondale trials back in May showed she was on target for a bold first-up performance. A tardy beginning saw Flauntin... View the full article

Suspensions - Troy See: Three months, Duric: Three days View the full article

Jomo is back and over seven furlongs View the full article

Time Lord shows his potential with solid win View the full article

A Beautiful Day for Tan and Lerner View the full article

Qiji Commander finally salutes View the full article

Track conditions and course scratchings June 1 View the full article

Horses' body weights June 1 View the full article

Early scratchings June 1 View the full article

Riduan suspended three days View the full article

Neptune's Storm will try to build on his first stakes win, while undefeated Gregorian Chant makes his stakes debut June 2 in the $150,000 Cinema Stakes at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

Patience paid off for Trelawney Stud and trainer Stephen Gray on Friday night after Strap Marks bolted up in the Open Maiden race over 1200m in Singapore. The famous New Zealand stud (War Affair was born there) run by Brent and Cherry Taylor should have seen the son of Jimmy Choux make his Kranji debut as a three-year-old two years ago, but an unfortunate barrier trial injury derailed those plans. Strap Marks fractured his pelvis in a barrier trial on October 3, 2017. Vets gave a guarded prognos... View the full article