Wandering Eyes

Vasilika's connections are considering the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T) as the former claimer is showing herself to be a top-shelf turf filly at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

A field of six 3-year-olds will contest the $125,000 Ontario Derby Oct. 13, and favorite Mr Ritz will try for his first graded stakes win. View the full article

As the ditty after which he is named says, the thermometer goes way up on Saturday when ‘TDN Rising Star’ Too Darn Hot (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) shoots for champion juvenile status in Newmarket’s G1 Darley Dewhurst S. Off the mark by seven lengths in a mile maiden on debut at Sandown Aug. 9, extending his tally by four back there for the Sept. 1 G3 Solario S. and sweeping to a smooth verdict in the G2 Champagne S. at Doncaster Sept. 15, potentially the Lloyd-Webbers’ best-yet needs to conclude his campaign with a comprehensive full-stop here. John Gosden knows what he is dealing with, as the bay is a full-brother to the G3 Musidora S. scorer So Mi Dar (GB) and recent G1 St Leger runner-up Lah Ti Dar (GB). “He’s a quick learner and is more precocious than the rest of the family, but it is a big jump,” he commented. “I am not surprised that he came to hand quickly, because he is a very active, joyful horse, who has always been on the front foot and he just presented himself. He’s a happy, cheerful horse, which is helpful as they let you know when they are bouncing.” The ground at “headquarters” was riding quick yesterday and his trainer is awaiting the verdict on how the current 2000 Guineas favourite will handle himself on this terrain. “Doncaster is a different track to Newmarket, what with the dip and the quick ground, but we have been happy with him,” he added. “He is a bit of a buzz horse, but he has won his races well. He’s a lot like So Mi Dar and he’s got a great turn of foot, but I’m not convinced that he will stay more than a mile and a quarter next year.” Another ‘TDN Rising Star’ is Khalid Abdullah’s Sangarius (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who also covered the same seven-furlong trip as Too Darn Hot a day earlier on Doncaster’s Town Moor when winning the Listed Flying Scotsman S. Without question, his time performance in that race leaves him far behind his peer but the manner of his success merely confirmed the highly favourable impression he created on his winning debut at Newmarket Aug. 24. Racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said, “He’s picked a bad year to be a good 2-year-old. Everything he has done has been progressive. He’s a nice, scopey horse, with a very good temperament. He looks quite like Kingman from that point of view.” Trained by Sir Michael Stoute, Sangarius looks to make up for last year’s disappointment with Expert Eye (GB) (Acclamation {GB}) and provide the handler with just a second edition and end a 32-year drought after Ajdal. When someone like the master of Freemason Lodge gives a positive signal, it only has to be subtle and Teddy Grimthorpe revealed that the vibes emanating from there are positive. “He exudes a very pleasant attitude when he is talking about him,” he revealed. “We’ve always thought he had good potential. He’s probably progressed quicker than we originally expected, so Sir Michael is happy enough for him to take his chance in the Dewhurst.” Already successful in this category, Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited’s Aug. 12 G1 Phoenix S. hero Advertise (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) has to prove stamina for this extra furlong and he did not look as if he was crying out for seven furlongs there or when winning the July 12 G2 July S. on the other track in this town. Trainer Martyn Meade insists he is made to measure for the extra distance and said, “It was always the plan to wait for the Dewhurst after the Phoenix, I just thought the little break would do him good. He’d had four runs anyway, he couldn’t have had a better preparation as far as I’m concerned. I think he’s a bit undervalued at the moment, personally, but there we go.” Aidan O’Brien is looking for a seventh renewal and a fourth in succession and he saddles a formidable trio in Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Mohawk (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Christmas (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). First, second and third, respectively, in the G2 Futurity S. at The Curragh Aug. 26, they kept the same order when second, third and fourth behind Quorto (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) over the same course and distance in the G1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National S. Mohawk has since taken the G2 Royal Lodge S. over a mile here Sept. 29 and his inclusion suggests a demanding tempo is on the cards. “We think Anthony Van Dyck is getting better and progressing with every run. We think he has come forward nicely from the Curragh,” the Ballydoyle handler said. “Mohawk is back to seven again, but he came out of the last run well and he likes a nice bit of ground.” If there is one in danger of being ignored it is Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah’s Kuwait Currency (Kitten’s Joy), who scored over a mile at Salisbury in the Aug. 24 Listed Stonehenge S. “Kuwait Currency has done very well since he won the Stonehenge S. at Salisbury,” trainer Richard Hannon said. “The drop back to seven furlongs shouldn’t bother him and if they get a bit of rain that might help, though fast ground on that nice straight course ought to be fine for him anyway. The opposition looks pretty good–it’s a very hot race. This edition of the Dewhurst will probably be the best 2-year-old race run anywhere this year.” The preceding race at Newmarket is an exciting encounter in its own right, with Ballymore Thoroughbred’s ‘TDN Rising Star’ Persian King (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) making the trip to Andre Fabre’s favourite racecourse for the G3 Masar Godolphin Autumn S. If the bare performance of his five-length dismissal of fellow ‘TDN Rising Star’ Lone Peak (Fr) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) in a mile conditions event at Chantilly Sept. 15 is a reliable measurement of his ability, he is an outstanding prospect for France’s longstanding champion trainer. “We’d always been looking towards this race rather than the Lagardere,” he revealed. “Anodor (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}) beat him on his debut and he ran well in the Lagardere, while mine was impressive last time out so we’ll know where we are going after this race. I wouldn’t like soft ground for him, so I hope there is not much rain. I will get excited about him if he wins this, but at the moment I’m just hopeful.” Donnacha O’Brien is on the impressive Sept. 30 Naas seven-furlong maiden scorer Magna Grecia (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) ahead of the Sept. 22 Gowran Park mile winner Circus Maximus (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), which gives a guide as to the perceived relative merit of the pair who represent Niarchos interests. “Magna Grecia won nicely at Naas, where he was green, and he’s in good form,” the trainer said. “He has come forward from Naas, but will come forward more. Circus Maximus is the same. He was very green at Gowran and has come forward from there, but we think he will come forward even more again.” Karl Burke was forced to scratch Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited’s Kadar (Scat Daddy) from the Royal Lodge two weeks ago and he has ongoing concerns about conditions for the €700,000 relative of Kalanisi (Ire), who beat ‘TDN Rising Star’ Waldstern (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) in a mile novice stakes at Haydock Sept. 6. “He’s a lovely horse, but he wouldn’t want the ground to be rattling quick,” his trainer said. “We pulled him out at Newmarket a couple of weeks ago because of the ground and we’ll keep an eye on it, but he’s a very exciting horse for the future. He might be by Scat Daddy, but he’s out of a Sinndar mare and has a little bit of a knee action and he’s a big, powerful galloper.” Waldstern appears elsewhere on the card in the Listed Godolphin Flying Start Zetland S. won 12 months ago by Kew Gardens (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). He is bred to appreciate this 10-furlong trip, over which his half-brother Waldgeist (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) captured the 2016 G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud at the same fledgling stage of his career. Aidan O’Brien has the convincing Oct. 2 Naas maiden scorer Norway (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) engaged alongside the Royal Lodge runner-up Sydney Opera House (GB) (Australia {GB}), while he is also responsible for a rare runner in the card’s prestigious Cesarewitch H. The Sept. 15 G1 St Leger third Southern France (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is a potential blot on the 18-furlong handicap and the Ballydoyle trainer said, “He’s in good form. It’s a competitive handicap for a 3-year-old, but we’re going to leave him off after this with the view to having him next year. Obviously the trip is what we’re not sure about, but we think he’s in good form and we think he is running off a nice mark.” View the full article

R.A. Hill Stable & Reeves Thoroughbred Racing have purchased an interest in Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber’s recent GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic winner Channel Maker (English Channel). The chestnut stamped his ticket to the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf with his victory at Belmont Sept. 29. “Randy [Hill] and I are thrilled to partner with two pillars of the Thoroughbred racing industry and are excited to be in this year’s Breeders Cup with one of the nation’s top-rated Thoroughbreds,” Dean Reeves said. Trained by Bill Mott, the 4-year-old gelding captured the GII Bowling Green S. at Saratoga July 28 and was second in the GI Sword Dancer S. upstate Aug. 25 prior to his career high at Belmont last time. View the full article

It was the old dilemma, really: heart versus head. Joe Minor adores the mare and it was always going to be a wrench to sell her. But sometimes fate just seems to be tapping you on the shoulder, giving you the kind of chance you really shouldn’t have to think about. The fact is that a mare as young as Akron Moon (Malibu Moon) was hardly entitled to expect another update, with her daughter Bellafina (Quality Road) having already added a second Grade I success in the Chandelier S. since Fasig-Tipton published their November Sale catalogue. Especially as Bellafina is set to line up for the GI Tito’s Handmade Vodka Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies barely 48 hours before the auction. Nonetheless Akron Moon somehow profited from another boost last weekend when her half-brother Have At It (Kitten’s Joy) posted a breakout success in the GII Hill Prince S. at Belmont. And there’s more. The very next day after Bellafina won the Chandelier, her 3-year-old brother Diamond King (Quality Road) gained his third graded stakes placing–when caught only in a three-way photo finish for the GIII Oklahoma Derby. Akron Moon, it scarcely needs stating, is carrying a sibling to the pair. And, as the icing on the cake, Lane’s End this week announced that their sire’s fee would be than doubled in 2019 to $150,000. However conflicted, Minor’s decision was made with a following wind. Even so, its strength won’t really become apparent until Akron Moon is standing in the ring. She’s only eight, and by a celebrated distaff sire. If someone else wants her as a foundation mare, then Minor will have to be satisfied that he is getting her full value. He did exactly that, after all, with the horse who has made Akron Moon such a valuable commodity–and was vindicated in spectacular fashion. When bidding on the filly we now know as Bellafina stalled at the Keeneland September Sale last year, at $220,000, Minor took her home to try again in Florida in the spring. This time, after a bullet breeze, she made $800,000. And even that is looking a pretty good deal for owner Kaleem Shah, now that Bellafina has emerged as the leading filly of her generation on the West Coast, with dominant wins in the GII Sorrento S. and GI Del Mar Debutante S. before the Chandelier. With Hip 208 on Nov. 4, then, Minor will again have to take a detached view of where sentiment ends and viability starts. At some point, you have to take chips to the counter. “I’m in this business for it to be sustainable,” he said. “I was sitting at Keeneland a few years ago with John Greathouse [II] and bought a Malibu Moon filly for $775,000; and the very next hip, I paid $725,000 for a Smart Strike filly. When you start paying that kind of money for horses, you need to get rewarded. I’d love to see all Akron Moon’s pretty babies come along, and lead them into the ring. But even to insure the mare, now that she’s made herself so desirable, never mind the foal inside as well, is very expensive. Because if that foal comes out like her first three, it’s going to be worth a lot of money.” Besides Bellafina and Diamond King, Akron Moon’s only other foal to date is the Verrazano (More Than Ready) filly Minor retained for $480,000 at Keeneland last month. That was another case of making a value call; of remembering, above all as a breeder, that there is more than one stage of a filly’s life at which to optimize her value. That said, Minor stresses that he means business every time he sends a horse into the ring. He recalls Bellafina’s reserve, last September, as $250,000 or maybe even $225,000: one more bid. “That would have been okay, I’d have let her go,” he shrugged. “They’re for sale. I don’t lead them over there to get somebody’s opinion.” By overcoming sentiment with Akron Moon, however, Minor should not be viewed simply as some hard-headed businessman applying principles learned in his life away from the track. If anything, in fact, he owes his pragmatism to horses. When he observed that the raising and selling of bloodstock is no different from any other kind of farming, Minor spoke advisedly. “And when you farm, your crop can be wiped out any time,” he reflected. “By weather, by disease, by a lot of things. Same in the horse business. Things can go really, really right; and they can go really, really wrong. But that’s true of all business, of life in general. Most worthwhile ventures come with risks attached.” For Minor was himself raised on a small horse farm on the Paris Pike. Breezy Crest, they called it. A few good horses came out of there: Yellmantown was probably the best, a frontrunning grey who racked up 20 wins in the 1950s. But Minor’s father died when he was 12, leaving his mother to eke a living for seven children out of those 27 acres. “I guess the barn was maybe 16 stalls,” Minor said. “It was used for tobacco, too. We grew crops, we had cattle. A great place to grow up? Yeah. Riding horses since you were a kid, it’s a good life. But sometimes a hard life, too. I remember mornings when the water was frozen in the troughs and having to get an iron digger to break it. There wasn’t anything fun about that, I didn’t think, before you went to school. But then it wasn’t up for a vote, whether you did things or not! And when I went to school, none of those priests or nuns had much of a democracy either. You either did what you were supposed to do, or you suffered the consequences. Understanding the consequences was engrained in me pretty early.” That grounding has sustained Minor through serial business successes in fields as diverse as automobiles, event planning and heavy equipment rental. These, in turn, gave him the resources to go back to his roots, initially with a few partnership horses. Along the way, he found people he could trust to help build something small on his own account; and, with time, something not quite so small. In 2013 Minor, along with Greathouse, was looking for one or two fillies at Saratoga, to upgrade the seedcorn. Another valued counselor, Ciaran Dunne, came and found them. There was a horse they should see, in Peter O’Callaghan’s draft. “Trouble was, it was a colt,” recalled Minor. “Quality Road, first crop. But he was beautiful. Horse’s name was Blofeld, and he went on to do what Blofeld went on to do.” Which is to say, win three Grade II races and really put his sire on the map. Minor had got in on the ground floor with Quality Road. So the fact that she was carrying one of the emerging sire’s foals was a major draw when, the following year, the stakes-placed Akron Moon came onto the market as a 4-year-old at the Keeneland November Sale, offered by Shel Evans through Timber Town. Minor bought her for $175,000. “I think I purchased about half a dozen mares in foal to Quality Road at that sale!” laughed Minor. The foal this one was carrying turned out to be Diamond King, who was put through Wavertree for Fasig-Tipton’s Midatlantic 2-year-old sale. “He was all there, a very athletic, well-balanced horse,” Minor said. “And Mr. Chuck Zacney [of Cash Is King] paid me $235,000 for him, which was a fair price at that time. But then she had Bellafina, and I absolutely loved her from the very beginning. She just had a presence about her.” When Minor brought her back from Keeneland, he sent her on to Dunne too. Last Christmas, flying back to Lexington from his Florida home at Naples, Minor decided to drop into Ocala. “Now Ciaran, like most people, keeps the colts and fillies in separate facilities,” Minor said. “We were looking at the colts first. And then I see this horse second or third in line. And I think: ‘Hey, that’s the Akron Moon!’ So I said: ‘Why the hell you got her in there with the colts?’ And Ciaran said: ‘I didn’t think you’d pick her out!’ But there she was, next to a lot of really nice colts–and she held her own, totally. Definitely an alpha female.” That has evidently been the way with all three of the mare’s foals. “They’ve all got great minds,” said Minor. “They try hard. In the field, ‘little’ John Greathouse [III] would tell you they’ve all been the leader of the pack.” Only a very natural racehorse, certainly, would have breezed the way Bellafina did at Fasig-Tipton’s Gulfstream sale. Ten flat, moreover, was the tip of the iceberg. “At the beginning of her breeze she kind of threw her head, and the rider had to get her back on track,” Minor explains. “Had that not happened I don’t know what she’d have breezed, something freakish, :9.4 maybe. As it was, she did really well. And I did really well. I mean, $800,000, that’s a big number. And now she’s rewarded Mr. Kaleem Shah, and his whole team, Simon Callaghan and Ben McElroy, for their belief. So yes, kudos to them. Obviously it’s self-serving, because I have the mare, but I really couldn’t be happier for them.” Nor is Akron Moon the only seam of gold Minor has found as JSM Equine. His 9-year-old mare S S Pinafore (Street Sense), picked out for $77,000 at Fasig-Tipton’s Kentucky Mixed Sale in February 2014, is also going places. Her 3-year-old Plainsman (Flatter) impressed in a Belmont allowance last month; her 2-year-old Achilles Warrior (Warrior’s Reward) broke his maiden at Saratoga; and $450,000 for her yearling by Liam’s Map (Unbridled’s Song) was the top price for any colt in his debut crop at the Keeneland September Sale. But Minor is hardly immune to the unluckier twists inevitable with Thoroughbreds: as co-owner, for instance, of Onlyforyou (Malibu Moon), four-for-four and heading to the Kentucky Oaks in 2014 when she took a bad step working one morning, suffering an irreparable condylar fracture. To that extent, there is a limit to how far anyone can apply sound business principles to horses. “But you try,” Minor said. “I’m fortunate to have a group of people I can always call upon, to bounce things off the wall: good quality people who do things the right way. I’m a capitalist. I believe in a society that’s founded on those basic principles of hard work; and that if you have a good product and set a fair price and treat your clients right, then they’ll come back. I think if you work hard, good things can happen. “In the racing game, though, you do need a lot of luck. Sometimes, like with Onlyforyou, you’re just one step away. But it’s a fun business, and it’s rewarding. I’m a born-and-raised Lexingtonian, I’ve been coming to Keeneland since I was way too young to bet. If you started in the center of downtown and drive three miles in any direction you’d almost run into a horse farm. No question, it gets in your blood. “It’s an adrenaline rush, whether you’re betting two dollars or own the horse. But if I am in this to make a profit, I don’t know that the stars can align a whole lot better than Bellafina’s dam being in foal to Quality Road.” He smiled and shook his head. “I don’t know if anyone can get a whole lot luckier than that.” View the full article

The catalogue for Tattersalls Ireland’s Flat Foal and Breeding Stock Sale on Nov. 9 is online. The one-day sale, which begins at 10:30 a.m., consists of 229 lots. Of those, 196 are foals and 32 are fillies and broodmares. Click here for the catalogue. View the full article

James Crowhurst, consultant clinician at the Newmarket Equine Hospital, has joined the board of trustees of the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association as a co-opted member. Crowhurst said, “I am delighted to join the TBA Board of Trustees. I have worked as a TBA Veterinary Advisor for some time now and I will still be actively involved in the TBA’s Veterinary Committee. Veterinary research and horse health will be my principle areas of interest and I look forward to working with the board.” View the full article

Rathbarry Stud has purchased last year’s G2 Mill Reef S. winner James Garfield (Ire) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}-Whazzat {GB}, by Daylami {Ire}) and will stand the horse next year. The deal was brokered by Howson & Houldsworth Bloodstock. In addition to his Mill Reef win at two, James Garfield finished third in the Listed Windsor Castle S. and second in the G3 Acomb S. He opened his 3-year-old campaign this year with a win in the G3 Greenham S. and was beaten a half-length when second in the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest in August. James Garfield’s dam, Whazzat, was a stakes-winning 2-year-old who has produced five winners. She is from the family of sires Invincible Spirit (Ire) and Kodiac (GB). Rathasker has had success this year with first-season sire Bungle Inthejungle who, like James Garfield, is by Exceed and Excel. A fee will be announced at a later date. View the full article

There was nothing remarkably fancy about Two Dot Slew, the dam of Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) contender Next Shares, when owner Rick Chastain decided to sell her privately at the end of her racing campaign in 2004—but Doug Arnold saw her potential. View the full article

Upping her game after a latest third in Leopardstown’s Listed Ingabelle S. over seven furlongs Sept. 15, Chantal Regalado-Gonzalez’s Iridessa (Ire) (Ruler of the World {Ire}) relished the extra trip to register a 14-1 upset in Friday’s G1 bet365 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket. Always in striking distance of the leaders under Wayne Lordan, the bay wore down Pretty Pollyanna (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) a furlong out and held off the 5-2 favourite Hermosa (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) to lead another Joseph-Aidan O’Brien one-two by 1 1/2 lengths, with Pretty Pollyanna 3/4 of a length away in third. “She was always held in high regard and back up to a mile was a huge plus,” her rider said. “Lack of experience caught her out before, but she was good today.” View the full article

Mot Juste (Distorted Humor) shaped with promise despite finishing off the board in her first two starts–at Newmarket’s July course on debut Aug. 24 and at Goodwood Sept. 4–and stepped off a facile seven-length score at Beverley in her third outing Sept. 19 to garner Friday’s G3 Godolphin Lifetime Care Oh So Sharp S. at Newmarket’s Rowley Mile track. Mirroring the earlier tactics employed by Sergei Prokofiev (Scat Daddy) in the G3 Autumns S., she was sheltered from the wind racing off the pace underneath the stands’ side fence through the early fractions of this stakes bow. Weaving a passage into contention passing the two pole, the 12-1 chance quickened smartly to challenge passing the furlong marker and kept on strongly for continued rousting in the closing stages to hit the line 3/4-of-a-length ahead of Angel’s Hideaway (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). “She’s a bonny little filly, she likes that ground and travelled smoothly through the race,” explained jockey William Buick. “She broke her maiden in good style last time, she really saw the trip out here and won well. It’s a nice step up on what she’s done before. The conditions are tough and a lot will be made of getting cover from the wind and so forth. It’s difficult to get that cover and some cope better than others.” Mot Juste, full-sister to a yearling colt and half to a colt foal by Fastnet Rock (Aus), is the leading representative and one of three winners produced by G2 Prix de Malleret and Listed Cheshire Oaks victress Time On (GB) (Sadler’s Wells), herself the star performer for G3 Musidora S. winner and G1 Prix de Diane and G1 Nassau S. third Time Away (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}). Time On is a full-sister to winning 3-year-old Time Control (GB), herself the dam of G1 Moyglare Stud S. Cursory Glance (Distorted Humor), and her third dam is storied MG1SW British champion distaffer Time Charter (Ire) (Saritamer). MOT JUSTE (f, 2, Distorted Humor–Time On {GB} {GSW-Fr & SW-Eng, $184,163}, by Sadler’s Wells). O-R Barnett; B-W & R Barnett Ltd (KY); T-Roger Varian; J-William Buick. View the full article

Multiple grade 1 winner Mind Your Biscuits turned in a solid leg-stretcher in the early morning hours Oct. 12 at Churchill Downs, covering five furlongs in 1:00 2/5 in his first work since his victory in the Sept. 29 Lukas Classic Stakes (G3). View the full article

Confronted with gale-force winds for Friday’s G3 Newmarket Academy Godolphin Beacon Project Cornwallis S. at Newmarket, ‘TDN Rising Star’ Sergei Prokofiev (Scat Daddy) sought cover from the gusts–as conservation of energy proved key in the five-furlong dash–and swooped late to secure a first pattern-race triumph with authority. Allowed to drop out and race under cover at the tail of the field through halfway, the 3-1 favourite weaved a passage to the outside approaching the final furlong and quickened smartly up the hill to easily account for Well Done Fox (GB) (Acclamation {GB}) by 1 1/4 lengths. “He has a massive amount of talent and has had it since day one,” insisted winning rider Donnacha O’Brien. “He was too keen in his early days and it’s taken him a long time to relax. Keeping him at five [furlongs], he’s very fast and when they go quick in front he’s able to settle. I was locked up [out of the strong gusts] for most of the race and didn’t feel too much wind. When I got out, most of the ones in front were stopping and getting that cover was no harm.” Green when runner-up to subsequent G1 Moyglare Stud S. heroine Skitter Scatter (Scat Daddy) in his Apr. 11 debut at Dundalk, Sergei Prokofiev gained this publication’s stamp of approval when annexing an Apr. 23 maiden on turf bow at Navan next up and joined the stakes trail thereafter. Having garnered Naas’ May 20 Listed Rochestown S. in his most recent start at the minimum distance, he hit the board behind fellow ‘TDN Rising Star’ Calyx (GB) (Kingman {GB}) in Royal Ascot’s June 19 G2 Coventry S. before running last of five in The Curragh’s Aug. 12 G1 Phoenix S. and seventh of eight in the Sept. 29 G1 Middle Park S. at this track last time. Sergei Prokofiev is the first foal produced by a half-sister to GIII Hollywood Juvenile Championship victress Necessary Evil (Harlan’s Holiday), herself out of a half-sister to Listed Fasig-Tipton Turf Dash S. winner Forest Danz (Forestry), from a family which also includes GI Spinaway S. and GI Matron S. heroine Over All (Mr. Prospector). His dam Orchard Beach (Tapit) has also produced the yearling filly Turko Beack (Hard Spun) and a colt foal by Air Force Blue, and she was bred to Medaglia d’Oro this year. SERGEI PROKOFIEV, c, 2, by Scat Daddy 1st Dam: Orchard Beach, by Tapit 2nd Dam: Song and Danz, by Unbridled’s Song 3rd Dam: Danzig Til Dawn, by Danzig O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Anderson Farms (Ontario) Inc (ON); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Donnacha O’Brien. View the full article

This Saturday Newmarket Racecourse plays host to a stellar card of racing. ITV Racing is set to televise four of the seven races. The current going is set to be good to firm. Godolphin Flying Start Zetland Stakes The Godolphin Flying Start Zetland Stakes is the first race and is set to host seven runners. Ran over one mile and two furlongs the Listed contest is open to horses of two years of age. John Gosden’s-trained Waldstern is set to be ridden by Frankie Dettori. The son of Sea The Stars has only run twice on the track to date but has made a big impression both times with a form of 21. On his last outing at Newmarket in August, he won with ease to take the title in the EBF Novice Stakes which was run over one mile, thus seeing the colt take a slight step up in trip on this occasion. The favourite of the field, he is one to keep a close eye on. Aidan O’Brien partners with son Donnacha to take the ride on Sydney Opera House. The son of Australia has more experience on the track and connections will be hopeful he can continue to improve from previous form. On his last outing, the two-year-old finished second at Newmarket to his stablemate Mohawk in the Group 2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes. This last experience may just see him return to the track with the confidence to win. The Ballydoyle trainer comes into the race with two on the card. Norway is the second entry, who Seamie Heffernan is set to partner. His form is constantly improving and he had an impressive win on his last outing at Naas earlier this month. Archie Watson’s Nate The Great, Mark Johnson-trained I’ll Have Another, Flying Dragon who is trained by Richard Hannon and Richard Spencer’s You Can Never Tell make up the rest of the field. Selection: Sydney Opera House Kadar and Clifford Lee (white) win from Waldstern at Haydock ParkMasar Godolphin Autumn Stakes The Group 3 Masar Godolphin Autumn Stakes is set to run at 2.25pm and hosts a field of nine runners. Ran over one mile, the contest is open to horses of two years of age. Aidan O’Brien holds a hand of three on the card. Magna Grecia is set to be ridden by son Donnacha. The colt ran well at Naas earlier this month on debut to win the seven furlongs maiden and there is now a fair chance he will prove himself as a Group horse. O’Brien’s two other entries include Circus Maximus, set to be ridden by Seamie Heffernan and Western Australia who will be partnered by Wayne Lordan. French trainer A. Fabre’s Persian King is entered and is the current favourite. With a form of 211 the son of Kingman was second to a smart colt on his debut, and two minor wins after this outing has proved he is one to be reckoned with. However, it looks like it is Karl Burke’s Kadar who will set the challenge to Persian King. Set to be ridden by William Buick, was sold for €700,000 in May this year. He went on to win on his debut at Haydock in a one-mile novice and will be one to keep a close eye on at Newmarket and the future. Selection: Kadar Anthony Van Dyck ridden by Ryan Moore winning The Galileo Irish EBF Futurity StakesDarley Dewhurst Stakes The Darley Dewhurst Stakes is the only Group 1 action over the weekend at Newmarket. It is also the only race in which is open to both colts and fillies, where those that will impressive will have Classic aspirations. The Group 1 showpiece has provided an endless stream of future stars, with Dawn Approach, Churchill, Frankel and US Navy Flag all striking in the last ten years alone. The field of entries this year includes a stellar line up. John Gosden’s Too Darn Hot is bred to be at the top of the game. As a brother to Lah Ti Dar and So Mi Dar, but he has been more precocious than those two, winning three times already. Sangarius is trained by Sir Michael Stoute and the Newmarket-based trainer is looking to win the seven furlongs contest for the first time since 1986 when he won with Ajdal. Martyn Meade-trained Advertise is another strong contender. Set to be partnered by Irish man Oisin Murphy who is having a fantastic season. The son of Showcasing notably won Group 2 July Stakes and Group1 Phoenix Stakes and will be one to keep a close eye. Aidan O’ Brien holds a hand of three runners among entries, however, it is Anthony Van Dyck who racing fans will be eager to watch. The son of Galileo has an impressive form to date and will be a strong contender in this Group contest. The colt had two lesser Group wins prior to a good second in the Group 1 National Stakes. Set to be ridden by Donnacha O’Brien he will certainly be one to keep a close eye on. Selection: Anthony Van Dyck Dubai £500,000 Cesarewitch Stakes The final race set to be televised by ITV Racing is the Dubai £500,000 Cesarewitch Stakes. This handicap witnesses both jump and flat going yards head to head in the two-mile contest. With a maximum field of thirty-four entries, it leaves the betting market wide open. Stratum heads a team of seven for Willie Mullins where the ante-post favourite will be set to make amends after his last outing in the Ebor at York was unsuccessful. However, the five-year-olds previous form suggests that the son of Dansili will be one to watch in this handicap. Limini, Low Sun and Uradel are Mullins’ other contenders towards the head of betting, while Whiskey Sour, Law Girl and Meri Devie complete the trainer’s entry. Tony Martin-trained Golden Spear is one punters will be keen to keep a close eye on. The seven-year-old is set to attempt to make his mark. He was fifth in the same race in 2016 and second to Stars Over The Sea in a C & D trial recently. Others entries to keep an eye on include Lumini, Aidan O’Brien’s Southern France and Neil Mullolland-trained Vis A Vis. Selection: Stratum York Saturday York Racecourse welcomes a card of seven races on Saturday to include some excellent flat racing displays. Right is Firefright with James Doyle wins from left Mountain Angel second in Maiden Stakes at DoncasterDownload The Coral App Handicap The first race on the York Racecourse card is the Download The Coral App Handicap which is run over one mile and two and a half furlongs. Open to horses three years and older, it is set to host a field of fifteen runners. Roger Varian-trained Mountain Angel is set to be steered by David Egan and is the ante-post favourite among the field. The son of Dark Angel was unlucky in a pair of one mile and two-furlong contests last month where he finished second on both occasions. He will be one to watch and connections will be hoping he can make all the running in this contest. Finniston Farm is trained by Tom Dasombe and is set to be ridden by Richard Kingscote. The three-year-old was back in good form last month and finished second in Doncaster followed by a win at Haydock in a one mile and four furlongs handicap. One to watch on the betting market. Others to keep an eye on include, Majboor, Banditry and Mark Johnston’s Aquarium. Selection: Mountain Angel Space Traveller with Daniel Tudhope winning the Novice stakes at DoncasterThe coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes The coral.co.uk Rockingham Stakes is a Listed contest which is set to host a field of eleven runners. Ran over six furlongs it is open to horses that are two years of age. Ralph Beckett-trained Dave Dexter is the ante-post favourite. Set to be partnered by Richard Kingscote, the colt ran impressively to land the five-furlong Listed Race at Haydock on his last outing. Respected with rain ground he will be the entry others will be striding out to beat. Space Traveller is a name punters will be keeping an eye on as the Ricard Fahey trained colt will be aiming to redeem himself after his last outing where a Group 1 at Newmarket proved too much. Set to be ridden by Daniel Tudhope, he will be an interesting contender. Others to watch include Karl Burke’s Constant who will be another strong contender and Tim Easterby’s Vintage Brut who is set to be steered by David Allan. Selection: Space Traveller Flying Pursuit with R .Richardson winning the Sky Bet Dash at YorkCoral Sprint Trophy Handicap The Coral Sprint Trophy Handicap is the joint largest field of the day at York (alongisde the last race on the card, another handicap) and both host a field of twenty runners. Open to horses three years and older, it is run over six furlongs. David O’Meara’s trained Al Qahwa is the ante-post favourite and will be a big player if there is lots of rain. The son of Fast Company, he finished second in the Ayr Silver Cup out of a field of twenty-three on his last outing. One to keep a close eye on in the betting market. Tim Easterby’s Flying Pursuit is coming off the back of finishing third in the Ayr Gold Cup handicap last month. The five-year-old also finished third in this race last year and connections will be hopeful his experience since then will lead to an even better result this year. Tim Easterby also holds the hand of a further two entries with Golden Apollo being a strong contender at the head of the betting. The four-year-old is set to be ridden by Ben Robinson. He, unfortunately, hasn’t fired on his last three starts, but on his last visit to York last July, he finished a close second to stablemate Flying Pursuit who he goes up against in this contest. Runners also worth considering in the betting market are Michael Easterby’s Perfect Pasture and Kevin Ryan’s Teruntum Star. Selection: Flying Pursuit The post Weekend Preview: Can Stratum land the Cesarewitch? appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Less than a week after it hosted the first G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe back at the newly remodeled ParisLongchamp, France Galop has moved that course’s final three fixtures this year elsewhere, citing the need for ground maintenance. The Oct. 21 meeting, which includes the G2 Prix du Conseil de Paris and three listed races, and the Oct. 28 meeting, featuring the G1 Criterium International and G1 Prix Royal Oak, will take place at Chantilly. The Oct. 30 meeting will be moved to Saint Cloud. The condition of the ParisLongchamp surface-compounded by a long and cold winter, a wet spring and a dry summer–has been a growing concern throughout the season, and moving the meetings will allow scheduled maintenance to begin early. The surface caused drama during the French Guineas meeting in May when the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches was switched to the outer track some 30 minutes before the race, and large parts of the track had to be re-seeded both before and after Arc trials day in September. View the full article

Pingwu Spark’s Longines Hong Kong Mile preparation is back on track after a strong hit-out at Sha Tin on Friday morning. Benno Yung Tin-pang’s giant grey had a slight setback last month when he stumbled and lost a plate during a barrier trial, but things looks to be back to normal after he finished a close third behind Regency Bo Bo and Time Warp in a 1,200m heat on the all-weather track. Jockey Derek Leung Ka-chun was happy with the performance as Pingwu Spark, who has five wins... View the full article

Sponsored by Runhappy When in doubt, do the right thing. For his entire life, it seems that Fuhrious Warrior (Langfuhr) was destined to bring people together. As a racehorse, he attracted a following across the U.S. inspired by his name, its meaning, and how he embodied that name in his racing style. Now, in ACTT Naturally’s programs for veterans and their families, he is a shining example of Thoroughbreds excelling in equine-assisted healing programs. “He is game as a lion no matter the surface,” said managing partner William Martin, quoting trainer Thomas Morley. Fuhrious is one of only a select few horses raced by Martin and some close friends. Martin is a retired United States Army General and a highly sought-after business consultant who spent most of his adult life serving the United States in strategic operations at the highest levels of the military. Martin was raised in Watervliet, N.Y. in a house where patriotism and service to your country were first and foremost. When his parents bought a camp on Saratoga Lake, Martin met people who owned and worked with racehorses. Their passion for horses left an indelible impression on him as a young man. After graduating from La Salle Institute, Martin enrolled in the ROTC program at Siena College and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He was a Paratrooper, a Ranger and is a combat veteran. While at the Pentagon, Martin worked within the Army Initiatives Group, a think-tank that focused on improving the Army on and off the battlefield. Martin was appointed as the Deputy to New York’s Adjutant General, the de facto commander of the state’s military forces, including the National Guard, the Naval Militia and state defense forces, overseeing a 24,000-member military organization with a budget in excess of 400 million dollars. During this service, Martin was selected for the prestigious Governor Alfred E. Smith Award by the American Society for Public Administration, the only military recipient in the 60-year history of the award. During his military career, Martin worked under General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, first as a company commander, then as a strategic analyst and speechwriter, and finally as an operations officer in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment during the first Gulf War. Watching Schwarzkopf navigate the political/strategic environment of Washington and the operational challenges of leading Operation Desert Storm, Martin developed an insight into what made Schwarzkopf an effective leader: he had a talent for helping people to see what they needed to do as well as inspiring them to believe they could do it. This model has guided Martin throughout his career. What is it about Thoroughbreds and racing that caught the attention of someone as accomplished and focused as William Martin? Martin never forgot the energy and passion of the people in horse racing. Through his friend John Hicks, he met the two-year-old colt who would become Fuhrious Warrior, a horse that has struck a chord with everyone who has come to know him. Fuhrious Warrior ran 33 races and hit the board 13 times. It was his heart and willingness to try to the end, even through adverse conditions and an early breathing problem, that endeared him to trainers and riders especially Laura Tilbury. “Tils” was an integral part of Fuhrious Warrior’s life plan after racing. “I care about every horse I ride but certain ones really have an impact on you,” recalled Tilbury. “Fuhrious and I really connected. I told Bill that I would always be there for him to be sure that he had a good home.” “I loved how much Bill and the partners cared,” added Tilbury. “Bill showed up days ahead no matter where Fuhrious was racing and would spend time at the barn every day before and after the race. One time after we arrived at Laurel, Fuhrious was in his stall all day with his head in the back corner. Then, suddenly, he was at the front, head out, ears up. I called Bill and asked where he was. He said he had just gotten to the track and I laughed. Fuhrious knew he was in the area.” Trainer Jordan Blair recalled the positive influence Fuhrious and Martin and his partners had on his stable and his life. “It was all about the horse and the journey,” says Blair. “We struggled to find races that fit his conditions but would not put him at risk of getting claimed. But no one ever complained because they just enjoyed being a part of owning Fuhrious Warrior.” “We made friends for life in Martin and the partners,” added Blair. “Meeting them changed my life for the better.” It was Tils who introduced Martin to Valerie Buck of ACTT Naturally. ACTT Naturally retrains Thoroughbreds and partners them with combat veterans and others allowing them to connect with horses in a therapeutic way. Fuhrious left the track for good in July 2018. “The decision to retire him, in spite of results good enough to warrant more racing, wasn’t hard,” said Martin. “I heard General Schwarzkopf in my head saying: When in doubt, do the right thing.” Fuhrious is now with ACTT Naturally and lives at Long Shadows Farm in Cambridge, N.Y. Long Shadows is home to a number of retired and rescued horses and healing programs for people. Fuhrious has already begun participating in the Hearts in Harmony Program for Veterans and their families, as well as women and teens in need of equine-assisted coaching and healing. “I first met Fuhrious Warrior at Saratoga racecourse when he was two or three years old. His exercise rider and my good friend, Tils, asked me to come and meet him,” recalled Valerie Buck, founder of ACTT Naturally. “He was beautiful and he also had the eye and confidence that touch us on a deeper level.” “Over the years, I would get updates from Tils and she introduced me to his proud team of owners,” added Buck. “Bill Martin stayed in touch and made the call this summer that he was ready come to ACTT Naturally. The presence of Bill and Fuhrious have been a gift in many ways bringing new energy, awareness and support for our veterans’ programs.” Furious Warrior acclimated faster than most horses to the job of being calm, kind and patient while volunteers, veterans and others who have no experience with horses learn to connect and be close to them. “Patience, love and kindness are what we live by at ACTT Naturally,” added Buck. “Fuhrious was adoringly dubbed Fuzzy Warrior as we watched his demeanor quickly go from race-ready to relaxed.” Throughout Martin’s decorated career as a team leader and teacher of leadership, he credits positive energy and connection among team members as the glue that keeps a team together fueling success and satisfaction. The energy around Fuhrious Warrior and his fans showed Martin how a horse and its energy could inspire greatness in people. That Fuhrious Warrior could retire from racing and start his journey helping veterans and people in need is the perfect road for his team to travel. “Much credit needs to be given to all my partners and our trainers who have selflessly and generously enabled this horse to fulfill the very special place and purpose he has on this earth,” said Martin. “We always knew he was something very special and that his calling would transcend racing. We knew it was his destiny to bring out the best in people and unite them as one. So when the ‘universe spoke to us’, all unanimously were excited, relieved, and thankful that we would be successful in answering the higher call.” “Fuhrious Warrior was a fierce competitor, who never quit regardless of situation, circumstance, or adversity. My hope is that this same doggedness, diligence, and determination will somehow be transferred to veterans and others as they come together with him and develop relationships, bonds, and trust.” Diana Pikulski is the editor of the Thoroughbred Adoption Network. For more information on ACTT Naturally, visit www.acttnaturally.org or www.longshadowshorses. View the full article

Jockey Matthew Poon admits he was surprised by the dramatic last-to-first victory the David Hall-trained Kirov produced last month, but says there is no reason the inconsistent galloper cannot go on with it. Hampered by a wide barrier, Poon said he was forced to try something different on the gelding by going back to last during the first all-weather track race of the season. The wide draw could prove to have been a blessing in disguise, with Poon saying it adds versatility to the horse in the... View the full article

This time two year’s ago the Everest didn’t even exist but it has already become one of the main targets for any top International sprinter. There is a prize fund of $13,000,000 on offer for the twelve starters in the six-furlong Group 1 contest at Royal Randwick on Saturday. The twelve starting berths are each sold for $600,000 so it’s unsurprising that the race itself is a very competitive and tricky contest to figure out with nearly every horse in the field has a chance. There is no need to scratch your head regarding the international form as we have done all the hard work for you. Santa Ana Lane Anthony Freedman’s six-year-old son of Lope De Vega has reached a new level of form in the past twelve months, with three Group 1 victories to his name. This upward curve in form may not have reached its peak and connections will be hoping Santa Ana Lane can add a fourth Group 1 to his cv on the biggest stage of his career. Trapeze Artist Gerald Ryan’s stallion beat last season’s Everest winner Redzel to land the $2.5 million Group 1 Darley T J Smith Stakes in April at Royal Randwick, and he should appreciate the return to the track. The son of Snitzel finished in behind Santa Ana Lane in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes at Randwick last month but looks sure to improve for that run. Redzel Redzel looked to have the sprinting world at his feet as he sprinted away from his rivals to land a fifth consecutive race in the inaugural Everest last year. He followed this up with another Group 1 win at Flemington. Peter and Paul Snowden gave their stable star a break following a fourth-place finish in a Group 1 at Doomben. This race has clearly been the target all year and he must be high amongst punters lists. After winning the Group 3 Concorde Stakes connections said: “There is improvement to come, we were confident we had enough to get us by today for the big one in October.” Vega Magic The six-year-old son of Lope De Vega finished second behind Redzel in the Everest last season and has shown that he retains plenty ability this season with a Group 3 win and a close fourth behind Humidor in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes. The six-year-old has only stepped foot on the racecourse thirteen times so there may still be improvement left in him. U S Navy Flag The maestro of Ballydoyle sends the only European raider in the race in the form of U S Navy Flag. Aidan O’Brien sends last season’s Champion two-year-old down under in an attempt to add this race to his illustrious CV. Aidan attempted to stretch the son of War Front over a mile in an attempt to land a classic but it just stretched his stamina. A drop down in trip for the July Cup resulted in an impressive victory. This race has been the plan since that and he must go close. In Her Time The Premiere Stakes is the key race when examining the Everest trial races. We have already looked at most of the field but the horse to take out the race may have been In Her Time who was having his first run for Kris Lees in the race and was beaten under a length on his first start in 140 days. Given normal progression from this run In Her Time must enter calculations in such an open contest. Viddora Lloyd Kennewell’s six-year-old landed her second Group 1 at Moonee Valley when last seen in competitive action. Nature Strip was a big disappointment that day and I have a sneaking suspicion it may not have been the strongest Group 1 event. Graff Another horse hailing from the Kris Lees stable is Graff. The three-year-old is one of the least experienced horses in the field but ran very well to finished third in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes. That run came over seven furlongs and against some more experienced and speedier rivals, I think he will come up well short. Brave Smash The Darren Weir-trained five-year-old hasn’t got his head in front since winning the Futurity Stakes at Caufield in February and although this has been the target for some time I don’t see him having enough class to trouble the principals. Osborne Bulls James Cummings five year old has progressed really well through the handicap ranks in recent times but came up short behind Jungle Cat in his first run in Group 1 company. There may be a big win ahead for the son of Street Cry but I don’t see it being in this race. Le Romain The final Kris Lees runner is Le Romain who has the enviable record of shedding his maiden tag in a Group 1. This victory was over two years ago and Lees six-year-old has become accustomed to running in Group 1’s since then. The son of Hard Spun finished runner-up to the wonder mare Winx when last seen and should appreciate the drop down in trip, even if more of the field have bigger potential going forward. Selection: Vega Magic The post 2018 The Everest Preview appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

First-year surprise packet Grant van Niekerk will return to the scene of his opening day triumph on Saturday a different man, with the South African import saying he has become more relaxed with the arrival of his family. Van Niekerk has experienced a roller-coaster of emotions since arriving in Hong Kong, starting with a winner in his very first race and subsequently feeling the wrath of the stewards with a two-meeting suspension. Having chalked up six winners in his first month, Van Niekerk... View the full article

Champion jockey Zac Purton believes the local riders would be the big losers if Joao Moreira comes back to Hong Kong. After the announcement on Thursday the Magic Man failed to earn a full-time licence in Japan, speculation is rife he has been working the phones to try to engineer a return to Sha Tin – at least for a short-term stint – before having another crack at the Japan Racing Association exams again next year. While Purton is currently the undisputed top dog in Hong Kong,... View the full article

Her debut win was impressive enough to earn the ‘TDN Rising Star’ designation, but it was at Keeneland that e Five Racing Thoroughbreds’ Rushing Fall (More Than Ready) served notice that she was the real deal, scoring a powerful victory in the GIII Jessamine S. last fall to serve as prelude to her GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroics. She’ll return to the Bluegrass looking for her second Grade I success as the heavy favorite in Saturday’s GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup S. at the Lexington oval. Getting the winter off after her Del Mar triumph, the $320,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate returned with a victory in the GII Appalachian S. here Apr. 8 before running a tough-luck neck second in the GIII Edgewood S. May 4 at Churchill. Seen only once since then, it was nevertheless a strong reminder of her ability when notching a 2 3/4-length tally in the GII Lake Placid S. Aug. 18 at Saratoga. Nyaleti (Ire) (Arch) makes her second cross-Atlantic journey in two months as the second choice on the morning line. Romping in the G2 WEMPE German 1000 Guineas May 27 at Dusseldorf, the gray was fourth in the G1 Tattersalls Falmouth S. July 13 at Newmarket and ran a good sixth in the GI Beverly D. S. Aug. 11 at Arlington. Shipping back to Europe immediately after, she was fifth in the G2 Ladbrokes Celebration Mile S. two weeks later at Goodwood. Given a respite since then, she figures to be sitting on her ‘A’ race for her Stateside return. Europe will also be represented by Mission Impassible (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). The chestnut, third in the G1 Total Prix Marcel Boussac as a juvenile, captured the G2 Prix de Sandringham June 3 at Chantilly and was last seen finishing fifth in the G1 Prix Rothschild July 29 at Deauville. Two American-based Grade I winners rate outside chances. Team Valor International’s Capla Temptress (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire]) conquered the GI Natalma S. last summer at Woodbine, she’s been unable to find the mark in her next five starts, most recently running seventh in the GII Sands Point S. Sept. 15 at Belmont. Fatale Bere (Fr) (Pedro the Great) comes in with better form, notching a career-high in a mild upset of the GI Del Mar Oaks last our Aug. 18 at Del Mar. View the full article

With two former imports and one fresh one, Chad Brown holds a strong hand in Saturday’s GI E.P. Taylor S. at Woodbine as the reigning champion trainer seeks an elusive first win in the prestigious event for turf distaffers. Brown has the first two choices on the morning line, with Coolmore and Madaket Stables’ Santa Monica (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) getting narrow top billing. Debuting in North America with a facile allowance score Apr. 18 at Keeneland, the bay was a narrow third next out in the GII Sheepshead Bay S. May 5 at Belmont before earning a local success in the GII Dance Smartly S. June 30. She was last seen running second as the favorite in the GII Glens Falls S. Sept. 1 at Saratoga. Morning-line second preference Elysea’s World (Ire) (Champs Elysees {GB}) seeks her third straight graded stakes triumph. Second in the GII Canadian S. here last fall, the gray kicked off her 2018 campaign with a score in the GIII Suwannee River S. at Gulfstream and notched back-to-back tallies in the GIII Matchmaker S. and GIII Violet S. this summer at Monmouth. Brown also starts the lightly-raced sophomore filly Pollara (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). A debut victress Apr. 2 at Saint-Cloud, the bay was runner-up in the Prix de la Seine May 6 at Longchamp before annexing the G3 Prix de Royaumont June 3 at Chantilly. The bay adds Lasix in this Stateside debut. Mrs. Henri Devin’s Golden Legend (Fr) (Doctor Dino {Fr}) is the best-fancied of the European contingent on the morning line. Seventh in the G1 Darley Prix Jean Romanet Aug. 19 at Deauville, she comes into this off a defeat of males in the G3 La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte Sept. 17. View the full article

Living up to its name and history, Saturday’s GI Pattison Canadian International S. will play host to three quality Euro invaders in a competitive 11-horse renewal of the Woodbine fall staple. Leading the charge for the away team is Clive Washbourn’s Thundering Blue (Exchange Rate). The modestly-bred gray failed to stand out in his first two seasons, but has developed dramatically in this 5-year-old campaign, annexing the G2 Sky Bet York S. July 28 before running a big third at 50-1 in the G1 Juddmonte International S. Aug. 22. Shipping to Bro Park in Sweden after that, he captured the G3 Stockholm Cup International in preparation for this first cross-Atlantic voyage. Darius Racing’s Khan (Ger) (Santiago {Ger}) enters off an easily career-best effort in his native land. Unable to make a dent in a handful of previous Group 1 tries, the bay colt had the proverbial light switch go off to the tune of a six-length romp at 20-1 in the G1 Preis von Europa Sept. 23 at Cologne. Rounding out the invading triad is Abdulla Al Mansoori’s Desert Encounter (Ire) (Halling), a group winner who most recently ran a close third in the G3 Dubai Duty Free Legacy Cup Sept. 22 at Newbury in Great Britain. Augustin Stable’s Spring Quality (Quality Road) returns on short rest as the top domestic choice on the morning line. Upsetting the GI Woodford Reserve Manhattan S. June 9 at Belmont, the 6-year-old gelding ran third in the slow-paced GI Sword Dancer S. Aug. 25 at Saratoga and was no factor over soft ground when last in the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational two weeks ago at Belmont. It wouldn’t be a major North American turf race without Chad Brown and he sends out the one-two punch of Three Chimneys Farm’s Funtastic (More Than Ready) and Klaravich Stables and Bill Lawrence’s Focus Group (Kitten’s Joy). The former upset the GI United Nations S. at 23-1 two back before finishing seventh in the Sword Dancer, while the latter enters off a career high when scoring in the John’s Call S. Aug. 22 at the Spa. View the full article

Equibase Company has installed a Global Positioning System at Woodbine Racetrack, Golden Gate Fields, Laurel Park, and Pimlico, and has been named the official timer at these tracks. View the full article