Wandering Eyes

eFive Racing, Godolphin, Juddmonte Farms, Rockingham Ranch and the partnership of Winchell Thoroughbreds and Three Chimneys Farm have been named as the finalists for the National Owner of the Year, officials at the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Wednesday. The winner will be announced at TOBA’s National Awards Dinner, to be held Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Woodford Reserve Club at Kroger Field in Lexington. TOBA will also recognize breeders of the year from 23 states as well as Canada, while the national breeder of the year will be revealed at the Awards Dinner. Win Approval (With Approval), the dam of last year’s GI Breeders’ Cup Mile hero in addition to three other major graded winners, was named national broodmare of the year and Mended (Broken Vow), a former $12,500 claimer who three starts back earned Grade I black-type, will be crowned Claiming Crown Horse of the Year, sponsored by the National HBPA. Additionally, the Rood & Riddle Sport Horse of the Year will go to Arglye, owned by Skyeler Voss, and owner/breeder George Strawbridge will receive the Robert N. Clay Award, which recognizes a member of the Thoroughbred community who has made an outstanding contribution to preserving land for equine use. Tickets for the TOBA National Awards Dinner can be purchased at www.toba.org or by calling Meredith Downey at (859) 276-6793. View the full article

By the evening of Aug. 25, trainer Mark Casse won't care if Wonder Gadot's name is botched as long as she's being announced as the first filly since 1915 to capture Saratoga Race Course's most heralded test. View the full article

> After finishing second in Sunday’s fourth race at Gulfstream aboard 8-1 shot Musical Heart (Maclean’s Music), jockey Tony Maragh has been suspended 60 days and fined $1,000 by the track’s stewards for failing to persevere with his mount. In addition, the horse’s trainer, Aubrey Maragh, was ruled off the grounds pending an investigation. Tony Maragh is Aubrey Maragh’s nephew. The length of the suspension and the amount of the fine are the maximum penalties the stewards are allowed to hand out. The Maragh family was well represented in the race as Aubrey also started Northern (Adios Charlie), who was ridden by another of his nephews, Romero Maragh. Still another horse, Fafa (Blame) is trained by Aubrey’s brother, Allen and owned by Rajkamal Margh. It was not immediately clear what relation between Rajkamal and the other members of the family is. Northern and Musical Heart are also both owned by Joseph Bucci. Fafa (45-1) finished fifth and Northern (7-2) was sixth. In the six-furlong dirt race, Musical Heart was making his first start since April 22 and had been running in one-mile grass races. He was last early while not being pushed by the jockey, but began to close in on the leaders at the three-eighths pole. He kept making up ground and missed by just a head. The Equibase chart caller wrote the following in his footnote of the race: “MUSICAL HEART reserved racing wide and unasked while trailing field in early stages, began to move up closer racing wide still unasked in the turn, entered top stretch eight wide and continued to gain without being persevered with.” Tony Maragh told the stewards after the race that he was so weak from reducing in the sauna that he did not have the strength to ride the horse any harder. “That excuse didn’t fly with us,” said Gulfstream General Manager Bill Badgett. When reached by the Thoroughbred Daily News, Aubrey Maragh defended his nephew and said he had little doubt that his excessive time in the sauna was behind the problem. “This is a sickening thing, what they did,” he said. “I told them what I knew. I took my horse out there to run and the rider told me he was had been in the sauna box and he dehydrated and he locked up, that he felt like he was going to faint. That happens to a lot of jockeys. He is always having to pull weight because he is too heavy. That’s why he doesn’t ride much. “Watch the race. At 3 1/2 furlongs, he got down to ride the horse and he said he couldn’t move. He cramped up all over. He said, ‘Uncle I couldn’t do any better. All I could do is hang on. I spent too much time in the box.'” The TDN was not able to reach Tony Maragh, but his uncle said he was extremely upset. “He is sick over this,” Aubrey Maragh said. “He knows he should have won the race. He told me what happened. I said to him that it was most important that he take care of himself. Romero came out of the sauna box earlier and he dropped down and they had to take him to hospital.” Badgett said there were no unusual betting patterns on the race. Aubrey Maragh said he bet the race, using Northern on top of his tickets and Musical Heart in second and third in trifecta and superfectas. “I thought Northern was going to win the race,” he said. “He had been training really good. Musical Heart hadn’t run in four months and figured he could come on late and finish second or third.” Badgett said Maragh showed him the tickets with his bets, but he didn’t find that to be convincing evidence. “I watched the race a thousand times and I still can’t believe what I saw,” he said. “The whole thing is suspicious. The integrity of this game is what is most important to us. The economic engine of this sport is the betting public and we have to protect them.” Badgett said there could be further penalties levied against Tony and Aubrey Maragh, and that Gulfstream management has the right, as the owner of a private property, to take action above and beyond what the stewards are allowed to do. View the full article

In Roaring Lion's most authoritative and professional performance yet, the muscular grey had too much brawn for a Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) field that did not lack for quality. View the full article

A British expat steeplechasing enthusiast once commented that many overseas jumps trainers are so focused on their home ground that they could not find America on a world map. Gordon Elliott, the master of Cullnetra House in Ireland’s County Meath, suffers from no such geographic shortcoming. He has made repeated forays to the United States, and in recent years has had significant success, especially at the rich Far Hills Races in New Jersey each October. Three years ago, he brought over Eshtiaal (Dynaformer) for a good second in the G1 Grand National. Last year, he shipped in Zanjabeel (GB) (Aussie Rules) for an easy victory in the Foxbrook Champion Hurdle at Far Hills. Sold to American interests, the now 5-year-old Zanjabeel is the National Steeplechase Association’s leading earner this season. Elliott is loading up this year and firing at Saratoga Race Course’s G1 $175,000 New York Turf Writers Cup H. on Thursday. He will saddle two contenders, both race-hardened veterans who already have been purchased by American interests. Clarcam (Fr) (Califet {Fr}) is coming off the biggest win of his career, a 33-1 stunner in the €250,000 Thetote.com Galway Plate Steeplechase on Aug. 1, when he opened a gaping lead and won by six lengths. The 8-year-old is now owned by Rosbrian Farm and Wendy and Ben Griswold, who also own Zanjabeel. Highweighted at 158 pounds for the 2 3/8-mile New York Turf Writers, Clarcam was rated as the 2-1 favorite in the Saratoga program line. The Game Changer (Ire) (Arcadio {Ger}), now owned by Rosbrian, has more than 50 starts and has earned in excess of $400,000. The 9-year-old won an allowance hurdle in Ireland in June. Rosbrian will also be represented by another newcomer to American racing, Optimus Prime (Fr) (Deportivo {GB}), who is trained in Pennsylvania by Ricky Hendriks. A 6-year-old, he has proven adept over England’s bigger steeplechase fences. The American contingent in the nine-horse field is not without some firepower of its own. Jonathan Sheppard will saddle Buttonwood Stable’s All the Way Jose (Senor Swinger), a disappointment this year after strong Grade 1 performances last fall, and Hudson River Stables’ Iranistan (Einstein {Brz}), who tasted defeat for the first time over fences in Saratoga’s G1 A. P. Smithwick Memorial on July 30. The Smithwick winner, Mark W. Buyck Jr.’s Show Court (Ire) (Vinnie Roe {Ire}), also is returning in the New York Turf Writers after his one-length score over Iranistan. Jack Fisher, the reigning champion trainer who is beginning to break out after a disappointing spring season, will saddle Armata Stables’ New Member (Ire) (Alhaarth {Ire}) and Woodslane Farm’s Overwhelming (Hard Spun). New Member, with blinkers added, won Saratoga’s Jonathan Kiser Novice Stakes on July 25, and Overwhelming was third in the Smithwick, six lengths behind Iranistan. Completing the field is Magalen O. Bryant’s homebred Personal Start (Jump Start), a distant fourth in the Smithwick. View the full article

Gulfstream Park stewards suspended jockey Tony Maragh Aug. 22 the maximum allowed through Florida statutes—60 days—and fined him $1,000 for not persevering on his mount Musical Heart in the fourth race Aug. 19. View the full article

The Breeders' Cup, in conjunction with Churchill Downs, announced Aug. 22 the introduction of future wagering on this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships. View the full article

John Gosden has revealed that Cracksman is unlikely to be seen again in public until the Oct. 7 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1), when it is hoped he will join last year's winner Enable in a dual assault on the race. View the full article

10th-Saratoga, Msw, 3yo/up, 5 1/2fT, post time: 6:17 p.m. Wesley Ward saddles firster MEASURE TWICE (Scat Daddy). The 3-year-old was purchased for $525,000 as a KEESEP yearling in 2016 and is out of multiple group placed Firey Red (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) and a half-brother to group placed Firey Speech (Street Cry {Ire}). Klaravich Stables’ Identity Politics (Into Mischief), a $350,000 OBS March purchase last year, makes his second trip to the post after a runner-up effort over the Belmont turf July 6. Greek Alphabet (Medaglia d’Oro), the winner that day, returned with a romping allowance tally Aug. 11. TJCIS PPs View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.–After spending nine years working as an assistant to Chad Brown, Jorge Abreau got his solo career off to a stellar start at Saratoga two years ago, saddling an impressive winner in his first starter Woodville (Ghostzapper), who at the time was also his only horse. Fast forward to present day, Abreu now has 45 horses in his barn and is preparing to saddle his first Grade I starter at the Spa when new trainee Revved Up (Candy Ride {Arg}) heads to the post in the GI Sword Dancer S. Saturday. “I’m excited about the quality of horses I have,” Abreu said. “Last year, we had around 20 horses, but I didn’t have any good horses. My best horse was a New York-bred and I broke her maiden for $40,000. This year I have a good mix of babies, older horses, claiming, allowance and stakes horses. I’m really excited.” As for Revved Up, Abreu said, “He has a good record and he likes Saratoga. It looks like he has run his best numbers and best races at Saratoga. I had nominated him for two races, this one and the [1 1/16-mile GII] Bernard Baruch at the end of the month, but I think a mile and a sixteenth is a little too short for him. He is better going a mile and an eighth or further, so I think the mile and a half [of the Sword Dancer] is going to be right up his alley.” Revved Up is a relatively new addition to Abreu’s barn, having been purchased by Yehuda Cohen’s Kingsport Farm for $350,000 at the FTKJUL Horses of Racing Age Sale. Previously conditioned by Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey, the Phipps homebred scored two of his four career wins over the Saratoga lawn and most recently finished second in the GIII Arlington H., just two days before the Fasig July Sale. “Since I got him into the barn, he has gained a lot of weight and his coat changed,” Abreu said. “I have breezed him three times and he has trained very forwardly. Each breeze has been better than the last.” The Fasig July Sale has been a popular place to buy ready-made horses, especially due to its placement right before the prestigious Saratoga and Del Mar meets. A few of this year’s graduates have already gone on to be successful for their new owners, such as Camptown S. winner Altamura (Artie Schiller), Daisycutter H. runner-up Okinawa (The Factor) and maiden winner Brave Nation (Pioneerof the Nile). “The good thing about it is you don’t have to start from scratch with them,” Abreu said of the Fasig July sale. “The horse already has a foundation. He had run some races against some good horses, so at least you have a baseline of where he is going to be and what he is going to do.” During his time in Brown’s barn, Abreu worked with turf superstars such as champion Big Blue Kitten (Kitten’s Joy), two-time Breeders’ Cup winner Stephanie’s Kitten (Kitten’s Joy), popular MGISW Lady Eli (Divine Park), GI Manhattan S. victor Slumber (GB) (Cacique {Ire}) and many more. This experience prepared him to run in a race like the Sword Dancer. “One of the reasons I like [Revved Up] for this race is he reminds me of [2013 Sword Dancer winner] Big Blue Kitten,” Abreu said. “He is not a horse that is not very flashy in the morning, but the ability is there and he wants to do it. I think he has the body and the frame to go the distance.” He continued, “Working with Chad for nine years helped me out with my whole career so far. I worked on the track with other people. I worked with John Terranova. I free-lanced for Todd [Pletcher] and I worked for Nick Zito for six years when he had horses like Bellamy Road, but working for Chad was a big experience for me.” As for how he feels at the thought of running a Grade I winner in his own name for the first time, Abreu said, “It is a good feeling. It is a nervous feeling running a horse like [Revved Up] in that type of race.” Before he attempts his first Grade I Saturday, Abreu has a good chance of securing his first stakes winner Thursday when MGSP Goodthingstaketime (Ire) (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) lines up for the Riskaverse S. She is the 7-2 second-choice on the morning-line behind the Brown-trained Tapit Today (Tapit). “That filly is doing very well,” the Dominican Republic native said. “The only thing I don’t like is there isn’t any speed in the race and she likes to be tucked in behind horses. I think she should be tough in that spot. She’s knocking on the door to win a good race.” View the full article

After auctioning five juveniles this past spring without sending the horses hard in timed under-tack breezes, the aptly named Gulfstream Gallop LLC had already been planning to give the concept a go again in 2019. But when the first filly to start from that consignment wired a Del Mar MSW field on Aug. 18 by 5 3/4 lengths, it only emboldened agent Kip Elser of Kirkwood Stables to be on the hunt for a slightly higher class of yearlings–and potential new sales partners–to expand upon the concept of focusing on the juveniles themselves and not on the clock. Splashy Kisses (Blame), a $30,000 FTKTUR purchase, sold for $100,000 at FTFMAR to Dennis O’Neill on behalf of ERJ Racing. Trained by Dennis’s brother, Doug O’Neill, she debuted eighth on July 18 at Del Mar, then flashed strong speed straight from the gate in a six-furlong sprint to win start number two for owners ERJ Racing LLC and Dave Kenney this past Saturday. “She ran opening day, got a good schooling, and came right back and did what she was supposed to,” Elser said via phone from Saratoga earlier this week. “Kudos to Dennis, and everyone else who had the courage of their convictions to buy a horse without seeing them breezing back in the spring.” Elser, speaking on behalf of the silent partner who came up with the idea for eschewing the current convention of participating in the one- or two-furlong pre-sale breezes, noted that of the five yearlings the group purchased specifically for that purpose, four sold at the Fasig-Tipton sale at Gulfstream in March and one was bought back and later re-sold at Fasig’s Timonium sale. “We are definitely going to do it again,” Elser said. “My original client just bought the first horse at the Fasig July sale, and we’re just now putting together another group to go ahead and do it again. I think there’s room in the market to expand it somewhat. We’re right now just at the start of trying to seek out a few new partners, and I’m excited about expanding it.” The new partners could mean that Kirkwood will represent a second group of sellers separate from the initial Gulfstream Gallop venture, the founder of which wishes to continue as a silent entity. “He doesn’t want credit or blame. He loves the game, and he was very brave to come up with the idea in the first place. He just wants to enjoy it and do it privately,” Elser said. The consignment’s second starter, Irish Hustle (Data Link), was also a $30,000 FTKTUR buy. She resold for $65,000 at FTFMAR and debuted tenth in a Monday MSW turf sprint at Saratoga. “[Trainer] Brett Calhoun ran his filly here at Saratoga [Monday]. She’s trained very well, and her trip [Monday] was not too far off Splashy Kisses’ first start,” Elser said. “But everybody that I’ve talked to is pleased with the progress of their horses, and we’re looking to a big fall out of the five of them. They’re spread around the country, and we’ll let them go out and prove themselves.” Elser was asked what he learned from the first go-round of non-breezing juveniles that might change what he does the second time around. “It’s definitely contrarian,” he said. “I’ve gotten nothing but a positive response out of it. But any time you do something a little different, it’s actually more retrospective than new. I think we pretty much got it right the first time. I might try to ratchet the purchases up a notch.” View the full article

The G1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks usually attracts the best of the Classic crop and Thursday’s edition is no exception with the French and Irish Oaks heroines Laurens (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Sea of Class (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) battling for the season’s bragging rights. The latter has already upstaged the winner of the G1 Epsom Oaks in Forever Together (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the July 21 Curragh equivalent and conditions have stayed right for her. James Doyle was lauded for his ride on the Tsui family’s representative there and Sea of Class suits his style ideally. “She likes to relax, chill out in the early part of a race and then come home really good,” he explained. “She showed what she could do in Ireland and, being very lightly raced, I’ll be amazed if she has not improved since. She’s unexposed and if she keeps improving could be anything.” Laurens has enjoyed a break after prevailing in a blanket finish for the G1 Prix de Diane at Chantilly June 17 and would be providing Northern owner John Dance with a crowning moment on top of those already created in the 10 1/2-furlong Classic, the G1 Prix Saint-Alary at ParisLongchamp May 27 and G1 Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket in October. The unbuckling professionalism of Laurens means that she is a filly made for this terrain and jockey PJ McDonald has the most straightforward ride in the race. “You could go through your whole career and not find a horse like her. She’s a once-in-a-lifetime filly,” he said. “It’s been a privilege to be involved with her, but the exciting and scary thing is that she’s still improving, still getting stronger. I’m itching to ride her over a mile and a half because if she improves again for stepping up in trip then she could be an absolute monster. We always thought she would have no problem staying and I have no doubts in my mind, whatsoever, after the way she won the French Oaks. Most of them have all run over the distance, whereas my filly is still unexposed over that trip. None of us have a crystal ball and she might not get home, but I would be shocked if that was the case. The dam’s side of her pedigree is all stamina.” Trainer Karl Burke added, “William Haggas’s is a very good filly so I’m not surprised she’s favourite, but Laurens’s style of winning maybe leaves everyone to think that is all she is. We think there’s a bit more in the tank and we’ll find out here.” Aidan O’Brien’s opening day at York went by in the same vein as most of the recent ones, with mixed messages and Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is the latest big name to offer more evidence as to the stable’s overall form here. One of those affected by the virus that has rampaged through the esteemed Rosegreen establishment when fifth as favourite for the Irish Oaks last time, she had previously beaten Wild Illusion (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) with real panache by four lengths under aggressive tactics in Royal Ascot’s G2 Ribblesdale S. June 21. Compatriot Eziyra (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) is unbeaten since finishing third in the G1 Irish Oaks at The Curragh last July and enjoyed a perfect prep last time when making a successful seasonal debut in the G3 Ballyroan S. over this trip at Leopardstown Aug. 9. His Highness The Aga Khan’s representatives can never be readily ignored in this type of affair and along with the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud runner-up and King George third Coronet (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) provides a solid test for the 3-year-olds. A Royal Rematch… The G2 Sky Bet Lowther S. brings the all-important G3 Albany S. form into play yet again, with the third and fourth Fairyland (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) and Angel’s Hideaway (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) re-opposing. The former, a ‘TDN Rising Star’ who had previously captured the Listed Marble Hill S. at The Curragh May 26, has been absent since “winning” on her side in that June 22 Royal Ascot contest only to lose out to Main Edition (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) and La Pelosa (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) overall. With the Ballydoyle runners seeming to need their returns, she may find that Angel’s Hideaway has too many guns on this occasion after she subsequently took the G3 Princess Margaret S. at Ascot July 28. Cheveley Park Stud’s managing director Chris Richardson said of Angel’s Hideaway, “She’s quite a character and she’s used to dumping her lad quite regularly on the gallops. She’s a sparky filly, but truly talented. We can only go step by step, but she’s very done little wrong.” Richard Fahey’s runners always command respect at this meeting and the Cool Silk Partnership’s Flawless Jewel (Fr) (Kheleyf) is a half-sister to last year’s G2 Gimcrack S. winner Sands of Mali (Fr) (Panis) who beat modest rivals by 16 lengths over five furlongs at Pontefract July 29. “Obviously it’s a big step up for her. She’s a work in progress, so we’re giving it a punt,” he said. One of Yorkshire racing and breeding’s great connections was with the late Sir Henry Cecil and he is honoured in the Listed British EBF & Sir Henry Cecil Galtres S. for fillies and mares over almost 12 furlongs. Thursday’s renewal plays host to one of the season’s most talked-about 3-year-old fillies in the ‘TDN Rising Star’ Lah Ti Dar (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The Lloyd-Webbers’ Listed Pretty Polly S. winner remains in the St Leger, as does Khalid Abdullah’s G2 Ribblesdale S. third Sun Maiden (GB) (Frankel {GB}) who was an astonishing 38-lengths last of four in Goodwood’s G3 Gordon S. Aug. 4 which was obviously not her running. View the full article

A British expat steeplechasing enthusiast once commented that many overseas jumps trainers are so focused on their home ground that they could not find America on a world map. Gordon Elliott, the master of Cullnetra House in Ireland’s County Meath, suffers from no such geographic shortcoming. He has made repeated forays to the United States, and in recent years has had significant success, especially at the rich Far Hills Races in New Jersey each October. Three years ago, he brought over Eshtiaal (Dynaformer) for a good second in the G1 Grand National. Last year, he shipped in Zanjabeel (GB) (Aussie Rules) for an easy victory in the Foxbrook Champion Hurdle at Far Hills. Sold to American interests, the now 5-year-old Zanjabeel is the National Steeplechase Association’s leading earner this season. Elliott is loading up this year and firing at Saratoga Race Course’s G1 $175,000 New York Turf Writers Cup H. on Thursday. He will saddle two contenders, both race-hardened veterans who already have been purchased by American interests. Clarcam (Fr) (Califet {Fr}) is coming off the biggest win of his career, a 33-1 stunner in the €250,000 Thetote.com Galway Plate Steeplechase on Aug. 1, when he opened a gaping lead and won by six lengths. The 8-year-old is now owned by Rosbrian Farm and Wendy and Ben Griswold, who also own Zanjabeel. Highweighted at 158 pounds for the 2 3/8-mile New York Turf Writers, Clarcam was rated as the 2-1 favorite in the Saratoga program line. The Game Changer (Ire) (Arcadio {Ger}), now owned by Rosbrian, has more than 50 starts and has earned in excess of $400,000. The 9-year-old won an allowance hurdle in Ireland in June. Rosbrian will also be represented by another newcomer to American racing, Optimus Prime (Fr) (Deportivo {GB}), who is trained in Pennsylvania by Ricky Hendriks. A 6-year-old, he has proven adept over England’s bigger steeplechase fences. The American contingent in the nine-horse field is not without some firepower of its own. Jonathan Sheppard will saddle Buttonwood Stable’s All the Way Jose (Senor Swinger), a disappointment this year after strong Grade 1 performances last fall, and Hudson River Stables’ Iranistan (Einstein {Brz}), who tasted defeat for the first time over fences in Saratoga’s G1 A. P. Smithwick Memorial on July 30. The Smithwick winner, Mark W. Buyck Jr.’s Show Court (Ire) (Vinnie Roe {Ire}), also is returning in the New York Turf Writers after his one-length score over Iranistan. Jack Fisher, the reigning champion trainer who is beginning to break out after a disappointing spring season, will saddle Armata Stables’ New Member (Ire) (Alhaarth {Ire}) and Woodslane Farm’s Overwhelming (Hard Spun). New Member, with blinkers added, won Saratoga’s Jonathan Kiser Novice Stakes on July 25, and Overwhelming was third in the Smithwick, six lengths behind Iranistan. Completing the field is Magalen O. Bryant’s homebred Personal Start (Jump Start), a distant fourth in the Smithwick. View the full article

He has set Saratoga records that will likely never be broken. Fourteen riding titles, 11 in a row. Angel Cordero, Jr. enjoyed the best times of his career here, but also the worst. Those were the years when he literally didn’t have enough money to eat and slept on sofas and in cars. They are years few realize Cordero ever endured and years and he would just as soon forget. The story of Cordero is one not just of greatness but of perseverance. He came to Saratoga for the first time in 1962 and had his first ever mount at the iconic upstate New York racetrack Aug. 3. He finished second. It would be his best showing during a meet in which he had all of seven mounts and did not win race. “It was terrible,” Cordero recalled. “I came to this country for the first time in ’62 and I didn’t do any good anywhere, so I was hungry. I didn’t have money to pay rent, so I didn’t last too long.” As badly as he wanted to make it in the U.S., Cordero found it impossible to make a decent living and returned to his safety net, his native Puerto Rico. There, he was among the top riders. He did not return to Saratoga until 1965, the year he won his first ever race there. He did much better than he did in 1962, winning 11 races. But Cordero was still struggling financially. “It was tough because I wasn’t working for money in the morning,” he said. “I was just working trying to get on horses, but I wasn’t getting on the horses in the afternoon. I was working for free and I didn’t have any money to pay rent.” Cordero was shaken by his lack of success in the U.S., but always believed he had the talent to become a top rider here. He had grown tired of sleeping on couches and in cars and vowed to his friends that someday his annual accommodations in Saratoga would no longer be an embarrassment but a sign that he had made it. {"id":3,"instanceName":"Articles No Playlist","videos":[{"videoType":"HTML5","title":"Angel Cordero","description":"","info":"","thumbImg":"","mp4":"https://player.vimeo.com/external/286036716.sd.mp4?s=fefb0ce061b6f05553b2e2b026c958dc386451ac&profile_id=165","enable_mp4_download":"no","prerollAD":"yes","prerollGotoLink":"prerollGotoLink","preroll_mp4_title":"preroll_mp4_title","preroll_mp4":"https://player.vimeo.com/external/281450037.sd.mp4?s=32d35ac734035791c9c8185a75c624d05695df60&profile_id=165","prerollSkipTimer":"5","midrollAD":"no","midrollAD_displayTime":"midrollAD_displayTime","midrollGotoLink":"midrollGotoLink","midroll_mp4":"midroll_mp4","midrollSkipTimer":"midrollSkipTimer","postrollAD":"no","postrollGotoLink":"postrollGotoLink","postroll_mp4":"postroll_mp4","postrollSkipTimer":"postrollSkipTimer","popupAdShow":"no","popupImg":"popupImg","popupAdStartTime":"popupAdStartTime","popupAdEndTime":"popupAdEndTime","popupAdGoToLink":"popupAdGoToLink"}],"instanceTheme":"light","playerLayout":"fitToContainer","videoPlayerWidth":720,"videoPlayerHeight":405,"videoRatio":1.7777777777778,"videoRatioStretch":true,"videoPlayerShadow":"effect1","colorAccent":"#000000","posterImg":"","posterImgOnVideoFinish":"","logoShow":"No","logoPath":"","logoPosition":"bottom-right","logoClickable":"No","logoGoToLink":"","allowSkipAd":true,"advertisementTitle":"Ad","skipAdvertisementText":"Skip Ad","skipAdText":"You can skip this ad in","playBtnTooltipTxt":"Play","pauseBtnTooltipTxt":"Pause","rewindBtnTooltipTxt":"Rewind","downloadVideoBtnTooltipTxt":"Download video","qualityBtnOpenedTooltipTxt":"Close settings","qualityBtnClosedTooltipTxt":"Settings","muteBtnTooltipTxt":"Mute","unmuteBtnTooltipTxt":"Unmute","fullscreenBtnTooltipTxt":"Fullscreen","exitFullscreenBtnTooltipTxt":"Exit fullscreen","infoBtnTooltipTxt":"Show info","embedBtnTooltipTxt":"Embed","shareBtnTooltipTxt":"Share","volumeTooltipTxt":"Volume","playlistBtnClosedTooltipTxt":"Show playlist","playlistBtnOpenedTooltipTxt":"Hide playlist","facebookBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Facebook","twitterBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Twitter","googlePlusBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Google+","lastBtnTooltipTxt":"Go to last video","firstBtnTooltipTxt":"Go to first video","nextBtnTooltipTxt":"Play next video","previousBtnTooltipTxt":"Play previous video","shuffleBtnOnTooltipTxt":"Shuffle on","shuffleBtnOffTooltipTxt":"Shuffle off","nowPlayingTooltipTxt":"NOW PLAYING","embedWindowTitle1":"SHARE THIS PLAYER:","embedWindowTitle2":"EMBED THIS VIDEO IN YOUR SITE:","embedWindowTitle3":"SHARE LINK TO THIS PLAYER:","lightBox":false,"lightBoxAutoplay":false,"lightBoxThumbnail":"","lightBoxThumbnailWidth":400,"lightBoxThumbnailHeight":220,"lightBoxCloseOnOutsideClick":true,"onFinish":"Play next video","autoplay":false,"loadRandomVideoOnStart":"No","shuffle":"No","playlist":"Off","playlistBehaviourOnPageload":"opened (default)","playlistScrollType":"light","preloadSelfHosted":"none","hideVideoSource":true,"showAllControls":true,"rightClickMenu":true,"autohideControls":2,"hideControlsOnMouseOut":"No","nowPlayingText":"Yes","infoShow":"No","shareShow":"No","facebookShow":"No","twitterShow":"No","mailShow":"No","facebookShareName":"","facebookShareLink":"","facebookShareDescription":"","facebookSharePicture":"","twitterText":"","twitterLink":"","twitterHashtags":"","twitterVia":"","googlePlus":"","embedShow":"No","embedCodeSrc":"","embedCodeW":720,"embedCodeH":405,"embedShareLink":"","youtubeControls":"custom controls","youtubeSkin":"dark","youtubeColor":"red","youtubeQuality":"default","youtubeShowRelatedVideos":"Yes","vimeoColor":"00adef","showGlobalPrerollAds":false,"globalPrerollAds":"url1;url2;url3;url4;url5","globalPrerollAdsSkipTimer":5,"globalPrerollAdsGotoLink":"","videoType":"HTML5 (self-hosted)","submit":"Save Changes","rootFolder":"http:\/\/wp.tdn.pmadv.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/Elite-video-player\/"} “Being that I had suffered so much here, I got it in my mind that I would get a house with a swimming pool,” Cordero said. “They would make fun of me, they would say, ‘But you don’t even know how to swim.’ I said, ‘I know, but I just like watching the water.'” In time, he had his pool. He won four races on the opening day card in 1967 and never slowed down. That was the year he won his first Saratoga title, notching 36 victories during the 24-day meet. Yet, it was years before he would become such a prolific force in Saratoga that he earned the nickname “The King of Saratoga.” It would take him nine years to win his next Saratoga title. “In 1967, I was riding for a lot of claiming people,” he said. “I got very lucky that some of the people I was riding for had a really good meet. I was very surprised that I was leading rider. Then I didn’t get to be leading rider again until 1976. I used to get dazed every time I came here and it got harder and harder. I never thought I’d do it again. I kept the program from ’67 and I would share it with my friends. I wanted everyone to know that I had once been the leading rider in Saratoga.” In time, 1967 would become little more than a footnote to what may be the greatest winning streak any jockey has ever compiled. Few care who is leading rider at Aqueduct or Belmont, but Saratoga has always been different. It has a mystique that is missing from the two downstate tracks and to win in Saratoga against arguably the best riding colony in the world is a feat worthy of celebration. From 1976 to 1986, at the end of every Saratoga meet there would be only one name on top of the Saratoga jockey standings: Angel Cordero, Jr. “At the beginning, I wasn’t even counting,” he said. “I thought it was so great that I could come from nowhere and start winning in the most important meet in the United States. There was no pressure until they started naming me the King of Saratoga. I had to defend my throne. I was under a lot of pressure and knew I’d be embarrassed if I got beat.” He overcame injuries, big and small, and suspensions. The odds were against him in 1986. In a March 8 spill, he suffered a fractured tibia and a lacerated liver. He was 43 and did not return to riding until about two weeks before the meet started. “The doctors told me they didn’t think I was going to ride again,” he said. “I came back in the middle of July and rode two horses. I was riding one, two a day and my agent said, ‘Get ready, when you get to Saratoga you’re going to have to ride the entire card.’ I didn’t think I could. I had a stomach operation and it was kind of hard for me. I wasn’t feeling great and I had to ride all those horses.” He would win the title, 27-24, over Jose Santos. But Santos was a rising star, a younger Cordero. In 1987, Cordero was healthy and riding in good form. Santos was just better. The streak was over. He was not done. A resurgent and determined Cordero reclaimed the Saratoga riding titles in 1988 and 1989. His win in 1989 would be his last. He was still competitive, but had been surpassed by younger and talented riders like Chris Antley, Mike Smith and Jerry Bailey. In his new career, as a jockey agent, he would be linked to five additional riding titles. He protégé and client John Velazquez won the Saratoga crown in 1998, 2003, 2004, 2010 and 2011. The Saratoga riding title is now officially named after Cordero. The last three years it has been won by one of the Ortiz brothers, by Jose in 2017 and 2016 and by Irad in 2015. Both were overnight sensations. It’s doubtful that either ever slept in a car in Saratoga. They probably don’t know how easy they have had it. View the full article

After a battle royal in Sandown’s G1 Eclipse July 7, Qatar Racing’s Roaring Lion (Kitten’s Joy) was able to saunter through Wednesday’s first real clash of the generations in York’s G1 Juddmonte International and cast himself as the division leader. Always travelling with zest and purpose under cover with Oisin Murphy intent on employing the hold-up tactics that worked so well in the Eclipse despite the moderate pace, the 3-1 second favourite was able to cruise to the front approaching the furlong pole as the 8-5 favourite Poet’s Word (Ire) (Poet’s Voice {GB}) became stuck in traffic as the field took the unusual step of coming stand’s side. Sent clear as James Doyle got the G1 Prince of Wales’s S. and King George hero into his top gear, Roaring Lion was 3 1/4 lengths to the good at the line, with Poet’s Word only a half length in front of former handicapper and G2 York S. winner Thundering Blue (Exchange Rate) in third. “It worked to plan and he’s a very special horse,” his rider said. “He wasn’t the most straightforward, but they’ve done a lot of work with him at home and now he’s an outstanding horse.” John Gosden added, “This is a proper mile-and-a-quarter horse who has got bigger and stronger and he’s done nothing but improve since a difficult spring.” ROARING LION, 125, c, 3, by Kitten’s Joy 1st Dam: Vionnet (GISP-US, $175,140), by Street Sense 2nd Dam: Cambiocorsa, by Avenue of Flags 3rd Dam: Ultrafleet, by Afleet ($160,000 Ylg ’16 KEESEP). O-Qatar Racing Ltd; B-Ran Jan Racing Inc (KY); T-John Gosden; J-Oisin Murphy. £602,544. Lifetime Record: 10-6-1-2, £1,437,625. View the full article

Godolphin’s royal blue was at the forefront in Wednesday’s G2 Sky Bet Great Voltigeur S. at York, but it was the famous white cap that was was in front at the line with Old Persian (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) getting the better of Cross Counter (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) to score by a head. Tracking the pace-setting Nelson (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in second throughout, the 7-1 shot who had taken the G2 King Edward VII S. at Royal Ascot June 22 was left in front three out and had his stablemate and the 6-4 favourite Cross Counter to contend with soon after. Battling it out up the straight as the penalised Kew Gardens (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) made significant progress from behind, it was Old Persian who had the bragging rights at the line with Ballydoyle’s G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero 1 1/2 lengths away in third in an ideal St Leger prep. “Old Persian was a group two winner with proper credentials and we put a line through his Irish Derby run [when sixth],” Charlie Appleby said. “He had a good break since and his work-rider Oscar Urbina said he was in great order, so he was a live player. Cross Counter was probably backed up quickly after breaking the course record at Goodwood and got a bit warmer today in the paddock. In an ideal world, I’d have loved another 10 days but we don’t live in that world. Old Persian galloped out well and he’ll go to the [G1] St Leger [at Doncaster Sept. 15] and Cross Counter has booked his ticket to the Melbourne Cup. This might put him up a half kilo in the weights which might give him an ideal racing weight [for the Melbourne Cup] now.” OLD PERSIAN (GB), 129, c, 3, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Indian Petal (GB), by Singspiel (Ire) 2nd Dam: Wood Vine, by Woodman 3rd Dam: Massaraat, by Nureyev O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Charlie Appleby; J-James Doyle. £96,407. Lifetime Record: 10-6-1-1, £296,292. View the full article

York’s G3 Tattersalls Acomb S. has often been a significant pointer to some of racing’s bigger prizes and there was a lot to like about the way Tony Wechsler and Ann Plummer’s Phoenix of Spain (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) put the 2018 renewal to bed in the opening pattern-race of the Ebor meeting on Wednesday. Fresh from riding a five-timer at Yarmouth the evening before, Jamie Spencer allowed the impressive July 29 Wolverhampton novice stakes winner ample time to enter the equation with the pace strong up ahead. Picking up rivals from rear inside the final quarter mile, the 9-2 shot stayed on powerfully switched to the stand’s rail to head the 5-2 favourite Watan (GB) (Toronado {Ire}) a furlong from home and assert for a 1 1/2-length success. “I loved him when I rode him at Sandown [when fourth on debut], as he was raw but galloped down to the back straight there,” his rider said. “They went very slow for the first three here and only got racing 3 1/2 out. It’s hard to pick up horses off a slow pace at York, so I thought he’d done it well. The step up to a mile will help and he’s the biggest horse in the race and has a lot of filling out to do. He’s one to look forward to.” PHOENIX OF SPAIN (IRE), c, 2, Lope de Vega (Ire)–Lucky Clio (Ire), by Key of Luck. O-Tony Wechsler & Ann Plummer; B-Mrs Cherry Faeste (IRE); T-Charles Hills; J-Jamie Spencer. £56,710. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, £60,943. View the full article

Yorkshire Oaks On day two of the Ebor Festival, York Racecourse plays host to the Group 1, Darley Yorkshire Oaks. The race is open to both fillies and mares, three years and older and run over a distance of one mile and four furlongs where eight runners are set to face the starter. With top class names, this will be very competitive and will certainly provide its audiences with some cracking Group 1 action. William Haggas’s stable star Sea Of Class is a horse who has lived up to her name to date and will be ridden by James Doyle in the competitive race. The daughter of Sea The Stars has a seriously impressive form and has won three out of her four starts. The three-year-old stormed home under Doyle to win the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh last month with ease and style. She is the current favourite in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks but can she continue this impressive form? The trainer commented when interviewed by Harry Walter of Racebets: “She’s in really good shape and she’s very well. I hope she continues the improvement she’s shown this season. I’m really looking forward to her because I think she’s a filly with a lot of talent. It’s a proper race, mind. Coronet is there, Laurens is in there too and us. It’s an exciting race.” Karl Burke-trained Laurens is another hot contender. The daughter of Siyouni will be ridden by PJ McDonald and has a seriously impressive form to date. The three-year-old filly has won five out of her seven starts on the track and bids to make it to six at York. On her last outing, she keenly galloped home and held on gamely from the host of rivals in the Group 1 Prix de Diane Longines at Chantilly, France, in June. John Gosden-trained Coronet is set to steered by Frankie Dettori and is another tough contender who will be eager to make her mark. The daughter of Dubawi fought a tough race to finish third on her last outing at Ascot last month in the King George. Aidan O’Brien is triple-handed in the Darley Yorkshire Oaks where he will be represented by Magic Wand, Bye Bye Baby and Flattering. Stable jockey Ryan Moore takes the ride on Magic Wand. The daughter of Galileo will be set to make a comeback after finishing fifth in the Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh last month. Perhaps it is Ballydoyle representative Bye Bye Baby who we should be keeping an eye on as she finished a spot above her stablemate Magic Wand in the Irish Darley Oaks. The three-year-old filly is set to be ridden by Wayne Lordan and may be one to keep an eye on to price each way. She ran well and kept on well under pressure at the Curragh last month against fierce competition. Selection: Sea The Class Fairyland and Seamie Heffernan winning the Cold Move EBF Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh last MaySky Bet Lowther Stakes The Group 2 Sky Bet Lowther Stakes takes kicks off day two of the Ebor Festival. The six-furlong challenge is only open to two-year-old fillies and fields nine runners. Aidan O’Brien has just one representative in the race as Ryan Moore rides Fairyland. The daughter of Kodiac has only had three starts and will be returning to the track after a nine-week break, but has had previous very good six-furlong form and will be a strong contender if she returns in peak form. Another of John Gosden’s stable stars, Angel’s Hideaway, is set to be steered by Frankie Dettori and will be a big form player in the race. The daughter of Dark Angel impressed connections on her latest outing at Ascot where the filly comfortably won the Group 3 Princess Margret Keeneland Stakes. Richard Fahey-trained Flawless Jewel will be ridden by Paul Hanagan. The daughter of Kheleyf may struggle when facing such tough competition but should not be totally brushed under the mat. The two-year-old has only had two outings to date, so inexperience may catch her but her current form is 12. Selection: Fairyland Seniority wins from farside Sun Lover in Classified Stakes at Doncaster The Clipper Logistics Handicap This handicap fields 20 runners and is set to be an interesting and hotly contested affair. Ran over one mile it is open to horses three years and older. William Haggas has a triple hand in the handicap. It is his stable star Seniority that will be gaining the most attention, however. The four-year-old is set to be ridden by Ryan Moore and connections are hopeful that the chestnut gelding will continue with his progress from Goodwood where he took the Mile Golden Handicap. The son of Dubawi ran an impressive race at Goodwood and was clearly in command close to home. Roger Varian-trained Sharja Bridge has only had six starts to date but it is hoped this one-mile handicap may be his ticket back into the winners’ enclosure. Connections of the son of Oasis Dream are hopeful that the drop back in trip to a mile will suit the four-year-old. William Haggas-trained Original Choice may be another horse to study on the card. The son of Dragon Pulse is set to be ridden by James Doyle who also steered the gelding to finish in the third position on his last two outings, both at Goodwood. Interestingly, the four-year-old ran with just three days in between each run and finished third on both occasions. On the latter, he looked and performed just as well if not better than his run three days previous. Selection: Seniority Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes Nine runners go to post in the Sir Henry Cecil Galtres Stakes (Listed race), which takes place over one mile and four furlongs. Luca Cumani’s Alwaysandforever will be partnered with Ryan Moore and pair are expected to put on a performance for the York racegoers. The four-year-old filly showed certain elements of greenness as she tended to wander but stayed on gamely and still stormed home to win at Newmarket last month. David O’Meara’s Isabella will have the red-hot James Spencer in the saddle. The daughter of Galileo will return to York this week after having her last outing at the track last month where she finished fourth when ridden by Philip Makin. The filly has not the most consistent form but may be one to watch in the betting market. William Haggas-trained What A Home is set to be ridden by James Doyle and will be an interesting competitor. The daughter of Lope De Vega put on a good performance on her last outing to finish third in the Prix Luth Enchantee (Listed race) at Clairefontaine in France at the end of last month and connections will be hopeful the four-year-old will improve from this previous outing. Selection: Alwaysandforever The post Ebor Festival Day Two Preview: Sea Set To Be Class Act appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Tattersalls has released Books 2, 3 and 4 of its October Yearling Sale. Book 2, set for Oct. 15 to 17, features 804 yearlings that will look to follow in the footsteps of Book 2 graduates Battaash (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Poet’s Word (GB) (Poet’s Voice {GB}), both Group 1 winners this year. This year’s class includes siblings to 176 black-type winners including recent Group 1 winners Best Solution (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Blue Point (Ire) (Shamardal), Due Diligence (War Front), Unfortunately (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}) and Urban Fox (GB) (Foxwedge {Aus}). Thirty-six of the current top 40 active British and Irish sires have progeny catalogued. Book 3 will take place on Oct. 18 and 19 and is comprised of 652 yearlings. Book 4 is slated for the morning of Oct. 20 with 122 yearlings set to sell. “The highest-rated horse in Europe, Poet’s Word, and the world’s highest-rated sprinter, Battaash, were both purchased at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale and Book 3 has also enjoyed a banner year with the likes of Group 1 winner Urban Fox and top 2-year-old Signora Cabello,” said Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony. “The demand for places in the 2018 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale has ensured genuine quality from start to finish and there is no doubt that plenty more champions will emerge from the second week of Europe’s premier yearling sale.” View the full article

Outside his native South Africa, only the most hard-core racing fans would know of Grant van Niekerk, but that is about to change. The 27-year-old is the latest addition to the Hong Kong riding ranks and he wants make his presence felt in one of the world’s highest-profile jurisdictions. “The more winners I ride, the more they will get to know me,” said Van Niekerk, who has already secured seven rides for the opening meeting on Sunday, September 2. “I want people to know... View the full article

Just as he began the year at the top of the divisional heap, champion Good Magic comes into the Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1) with his old friend the bull's-eye back upon his balanced frame. View the full article

A field of 11 was drawn Tuesday evening at the Adelphi Hotel in downtown Saratoga for Saturday’s GI Runhappy Travers S., with last year’s Eclipse champion 2-year-old Good Magic (Curlin) drawing post nine before being installed the 2-1 morning-line favorite for the 1 1/4-mile race. Gronkowski (Lonhro {Aus}), who will be making his first start since a runner-up finish behind Justify (Scat Daddy) in the June 9 GI Belmont S., will break from post three and is the 4-1 second choice. Both runners are trained by Chad Brown. “I’m really happy with both posts,” Brown said. “It’s exactly what we wanted. We wanted Gronkowski inside and Good Magic outside. We will leave out of there with Good Magic, use his speed and establish a forward position early.” Good Magic, who won last year’s GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, was second behind Justify in the GI Kentucky Derby and, after a fourth-place effort in the GI Preakness S., returned to the winner’s circle with a three-length romp in the July 29 GI Haskell Invitational. He tuned up for the Travers with a best-of-17 five-furlong drill in 1:00.44 Friday. Gronkowski went the same distance Sunday in 1:00.02 (6/30). “They’ve been training terrific, thankfully,” Brown said. “Both horses have been training over this track particularly well and are coming off strong works coming into the race.” Queen’s Plate winner Wonder Gadot (Medaglia d’Oro), seeking to become the first filly to win the Travers in 103 years, is third choice on the morning line at 5-1. She will break from post two. The complete field from the rail out with morning-line odds is: Trigger Warning (Candy Ride {Arg}), 30-1; Wonder Gadot (Medaglia d’Oro), 5-1; Gronkowski (Lonhro {Aus}), 4-1; Bravazo (Awesome Again), 12-1; Vino Rosso (Curlin), 10-1; Meistermind (Bodemeister), 30-1; King Zachary (Curlin), 15-1; Mendelssohn (Scat Daddy), 12-1; Good Magic (Curlin), 2-1; Tenfold (Curlin), 8-1; Catholic Boy (More Than Ready), 8-1. Ahead of Saturday’s marquee race day at Saratoga, the New York State Gaming Commission announced the implementation of enhanced security protocols for the GI Travers S. and GI Sword Dancer S. Horses running in the Travers will be subject to continuous 72-hour dedicated watch by security personnel leading to post-time. Horses running in the Sword Dancer will be subject to intensified watch by experienced security personnel conducting mobile surveillance and direct horse checks at least three times per shift from 72 to 30 hours prior to their race, with continuous dedicated watch taking place for the final 30 hours before post-time. The security precautions also require a daily veterinarian’s record of all medications and treatments given to horses within 72 hours prior to the race and the commission will post these records on its web site each day before races, starting Aug. 22. The commission will also obtain out-of-competition blood samples of horses competing in these races and send them to the New York State Equine Drug Testing and Research Program at Morrisville State College for immediate testing. View the full article

The Satin and Lace Stakes at Presque Isle Downs produced an impressive winner in Midwest invader Hotshot Anna, but it also gave third-place finisher Jessica Krupnick the title in the MATCH Series Filly and Mare Sprint--Dirt Division. View the full article

Charles Fipke's homebred grade 1 winner Bee Jersey has been retired from racing after injuring a tendon, it was announced Aug. 21 View the full article

Following the three-day Arqana August Sale, the single session Arqana V.2 Yearling Sale was topped by lot 408, a strapping bay son of first-season sire Anodin (Ire) (Anabaa) in Deauville on Tuesday. The colt went the way of Pierre-Yves Bureau of Wertheimer & Frere, who held off trainer Jean-Claude Rouget for €140,000. Consigned by Haras du Cadran and from the extended family of champion sprinter Tamarisk (Ire) (Green Desert) and dual Arc heroine Treve (Fr) (Motivator {GB}), the son of the winning Cantalupa (GB) (Dr Fong) will hopefully follow in the hoofsteps of Harmless (Fr) (Anodin), who was one of two by the Wertheimers’ homebred sire they purchased at this sale in 2017. A €35,000 yearling here, Harmless has gotten off to a bright start, as he is one of 10 winners for the Haras du Quesnay resident, and numbers the Listed Prix Roland de Chambure at ParisLongchamp on Bastille Day among his trio of victories. “Supporting our stallions has always been part of our policy,” explained Pierre-Yves Bureau of Wertheimer & Frere. “We did it with Green Tune, Gold Away (Ire), Poliglote (GB), Intello (Ger) and have always been rewarded. It is also a way of thanking the breeders who have placed their faith in our stallions. This colt really stood out for us and time will tell if we were right.” Back in the limelight on Tuesday was Haras de Bonneval’s Siyouni (Fr), whose offspring had proved popular during the August Sale proper, including Monday’s session topper at €380,000. Two fillies, both from the draft of Haras des Capucines as lot 407 and lot 346, took the silver and bronze medals, respectively, on Tuesday. Nicolas de Chambure signed for the former, extending to €125,000 under the name of Magnolia Bloodstock for an unnamed client. The April-foaled bay is out of the winning Candinie (Bernardini), herself out of a half-sister to MGISW Grand Slam (Gone West) and MSW Leestown (Seattle Slew). The first lot in the ring on Tuesday, lot 346 hammered at €115,000. Purchased by Francois Doumen, the bay was acquired in utero by breeders Karine Morice and Dominique Ades Hazan for €60,000 during the 2016 Arqana December Mare Sale. She is the second foal out of Optica (Fr) (Hernando {Fr}), a full-sister to listed hero Semarang (GB). Under the stakes-winning third dam Gallanta (Fr) (Nureyev), who also played bridesmaid in the 1984 G1 Prix Morny, is European champion juvenile and G1 Cheveley Park S. heroine Gay Gallanta (Woodman) and G2 Gallinule S. victor Sportsworld (Alleged). “I have bought her for my loyal client Henri de Pracomtal,” said Doumen. “I have been to see her several times over the past few days. She is an energetic filly, a little bit on the small side, but with the je ne sais quoi that makes the good horses. She has a beautiful pedigree for a breeder.” Near the end of the sale, the fourth dearest yearling on the day went through the ring, and it was yet another by The Aga Khan Studs’ Siyouni, after Tom Whitehead’s Powerstown Stud struck for a son of Moojeh (Ire) (King’s Best) for €105,000. Part of the Haras d’Etreham draft, the chestnut colt (lot 482) is a half-brother to MSW Fourioso (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), while European champion miler Bahri (Riverman) and Group 2 winner Bahhare (Woodman) are nestled under the third dam Wasnah (Nijinsky II), who ran second in the Listed Pretty Polly S. Young sire Dabirsim (Fr) enjoyed a decent result on Tuesday, as Mandore International and Middleham Park Racing teamed up to acquire lot 435 for €90,000. Already named Dr Avery (Fr), the Haras de Grandcamp-consigned colt is out of the winning Fox Force Five (Ire) (Araafa {Ire}), herself a half-sister to listed winner Ossun (Fr) (Anabaa). Following the success of G3 Albany S. heroine & MG1SW Different League (Fr), Dabirsim’s fee was hiked at Haras de Grandcamp from €9,000 to €30,000 in 2018. At the close of the sale, 107 yearlings of 132 offered had found new homes good for a clearance rate of 81.1%, just below 2017’s 82.3% for an identical number sold. The gross was also down, coming in at €3,534,000. The average was €33,028 (-15.8%) and the median also declined to €27,000 (-10%). “Last year’s renewal was nothing short of exceptional and this year we have seen a return to the figures of 2016, however still with a very healthy clearance rate,” said Arqana CEO Eric Hoyeau. “Uncertainty created by Brexit and other circumstances are clearly a worry for pinhookers, but it was good to see so many French trainers and agents having a go, as well as young French-based sires maintaining their popularity in the ring.” View the full article