Wandering Eyes

Despite being carried wide on both turns and toting the co-high weight of 124 pounds, there was no denying Locked was much the best in the $300,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) March 1 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

With an electrifying rally through the stretch, Sovereignty ran down River Thames to win the March 1 Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

He had to settle for second behind White Abarrio (Race Day) in the GI Pegasus World Cup but 'TDN Rising Star' LOCKED (c, 4, Gun Runner–Luna Rosa, by Malibu Moon) did one better Saturday while romping to victory in the GI Santa Anita Handicap. Opting to skip last week's G1 Saudi Cup in favor of this spot, the 3-5 favorite never looked in doubt, surging to the front with a sweeping move around the far turn and putting 12-1 shot Express Train (Union Rags) quickly in the rearview mirror to come home by nearly double digits. The 6-year-old Express Train held second while Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) ran third in a final time of 2:01.71. #7 LOCKED ($3.40) was spectacular in the $300,000 Santa Anita Handicap (G1) at @santaanitapark! The four-year-old Gun Runner (@Three_Chimneys) colt was piloted by @jose93_ortiz for trainer @PletcherRacing. The now two-time Grade 1 winner is owned by @EclipseTBP and @WalmacLLC. pic.twitter.com/EbG0KpN8kb — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 2, 2025 Saturday, Santa Anita SANTA ANITA H. PRESENTED BY YAAMAVA' RESORT & CASINO-GI, $301,500, Santa Anita, 3-1, 4yo/up, 1 1/4m, 2:01.71, ft. 1–LOCKED, 124, c, 4, by Gun Runner 1st Dam: Luna Rosa, by Malibu Moon 2nd Dam: Gabriellina Giof (GB), by Ashkalani (Ire) 3rd Dam: Paola Quatraro (Ire), by Cure the Blues ($425,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm LLC; B-Rosa Colasanti (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher; J-Jose L. Ortiz. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 8-5-1-2, $1,661,650. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Express Train, 120, h, 8, Union Rags–I'm a Flake, by Mineshaft. ($500,000 Ylg '18 KEESEP). O-C R K Stable LLC; B-Dixiana Farms LLC (KY); T-John A. Shirreffs. $60,000. 3–Hit Show, 124, h, 5, Candy Ride (Arg)–Actress, by Tapit. 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. O-Wathnan Racing; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $36,000. Margins: 8HF, 3 3/4, 2 1/4. Odds: 0.70, 12.00, 2.90. Also Ran: Midnight Mammoth, J B Strikes Back, Katonah, New King, Mirahmadi. Scratched: Tarantino. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Locked Romps In The Big Cap appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

About half an hour removed from a stirring victory in the GII San Felipe Stakes with Journalism (Curlin), jockey Umberto Rispoli and trainer Michael McCarthy were right back into the spotlight when Mr. & Mrs. William Warren's FORMIDABLE MAN (c, 4, City of Light–Fanticola, by Silent Name {Jpn}) closed good ground hard up against the rail and was along in the final strides to add the GI F. E. Kilroe Mile Stakes. Off at odds of 5-1, the $375,000 Keeneland September yearling–by the sire who gave McCarthy and the Warrens memorable victories in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and in the GI Pegasus World Cup–was getting the blinkers off following a largely forgettable run in the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf and settled in mid-division as Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile) came across from his outside gate to establish a moderate pace up front. Continuing to skim the rail down the backstretch and into the final three furlongs, the bay colt looked to be traveling well five-sixteenths from home and Rispoli took the decision to ride for luck into the lane. Air Force Red (Air Force Blue), prominent throughout, aided that cause when drifting a bit off the inside and leaving an inviting opening at the three-sixteenths. Still with some work to do entering the final furlong, Rispoli conjured up one final rally from Formidable Man, who drove through in the dying strides for the victory. Sales history: $375,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 12-6-2-0. O-William K & Suzanne Warren; B-Town & Country Horse Farms (KY); T-Michael McCarthy. A tremendous ride from @umbyrispoli gets Formidable Man home to win his second Grade 1 in the Frank E Kilroe Mile pic.twitter.com/glNWBpuk7s — Idol Horse (@idolhorsedotcom) March 2, 2025 The post City of Light’s Formidable Man Up The Fence To Land Kilroe Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Talk about a quick dividend. In his first race since being purchased privately, not only did Flood Zone land in the winner's circle at 17-1 odds, he earned a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1).View the full article

South African grade 1 winner Beach Bomb broke through with her first United States win with a gate-to-wire score in the $150,000 The Very One Stakes (G3T) March 1 Gulfstream Park.View the full article

The question going into Saturday's GII DK Horse San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita was whether unbeaten $3.2-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga star Barnes (Into Mischief) could win at two turns. He may have if it weren't for a new star on the scene, GII Los Alamitos Futurity winner Journalism (Curlin). Barnes, favored at 2-5, set the pace in the San Felipe, while Journalism bided his time back in fourth as the 3-1 second choice. When Barnes came off the turn and sprinted for home, Journalism–running for the first time as a 3-year-old–reeled him in with gusto and finished powerfully, about two lengths on top. Rodriguez (Authentic) was a distant third. After Berlin Wall (Practical Joke) scratched Saturday, the San Felipe was worth 37.5 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the winner, instead of 50. Following the race, jockey Umberto Rispoli told FanDuel that Journalism was in “beast mode.” #2 JOURNALISM ($8.20) adds 37.5 @KentuckyDerby points to his total with a strong victory in the $300,000 San Felipe Stakes (G2) at @santaanitapark. The Curlin colt is trained by @mwmracing. @umbyrispoli was in the irons. This is Journalism's third consecutive win! pic.twitter.com/fVjRnRSqxo — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 1, 2025 Saturday, Santa Anita DK HORSE SAN FELIPE S.-GII, $300,000, Santa Anita, 3-1, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:42.24, ft. 1–JOURNALISM, 124, c, 3, by Curlin 1st Dam: Mopotism (GSW & MGISP, $876,090), by Uncle Mo 2nd Dam: Peppy Rafaela, by Bernardini 3rd Dam: Peppy Lapeau, by French Deputy ($825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG). O-Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC and Robert V. LaPenta; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy; J-Umberto Rispoli. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-1, $338,880. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Barnes, 120, c, 3, Into Mischief–All American Dream, by American Pharoah. ($3,200,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.; B-Jeff Drown and Don Rachel, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $60,000. 3–Rodriguez, 120, c, 3, Authentic–Cayala, by Cherokee Run. ($485,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson,Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Kingswood Farm & David Egan (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $36,000. Margins: 1 3/4, 9HF, 4HF. Odds: 3.10, 0.40, 3.80. Also Ran: Mellencamp, Smooth Cruisein. Scratched: Berlin Wall. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Journalism Bests Barnes in San Felipe Showdown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sportingly sent to the U.S. after years-long export regulations for South African horses were eased and after having to endure an arduous period in quarantine post-arrival, Cayton Park Stud's Beach Bomb (SAf) (Lancaster Bomber) was given a beautifully rated steer from the front by Luis Saez and led past every pole in Saturday's GIII The Very One Stakes at Gulfstream Park. A latest eighth, but not beaten far, in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Beach Bomb was ridden positively by Saez and got into a good rhythm through opening sections of a controlled :24.17 and :50.48 as Whatloveslookslike (English Channel) settled closest to her in the run. Going comfortably and ears-pricked turning down the back, Beach Bomb covered the opening three-quarters of a mile in 1:16.05, with Saez keeping his powder dry, waiting for the right moment to up the tempo. With a shake of the reins from Saez entering the last of three turns, Beach Bomb began to sprint, had a bit of a break on her rivals entering the final furlong and proved a comfortable winner over Immensitude (Fr) (Lawman {Fr}) and La Mehana (Fr) (Al Wukair {Ire}), who ran well despite being tactically disadvantaged to varying degrees. Beach Bomb is, according to available sources, the first South African-bred to win a U.S. graded event since Gypsy's Warning (SAf) (Mogok) took the GI Matriarch Stakes in 2010. The Apache (SAf) (Mogok) was first past the post in the 2013 GI Arlington Million, but was demoted to second behind Real Solution (Kitten's Joy). “I kind of told [Luis] to go forward, so I'm not surprised,” said winning trainer Graham Motion. “Luis helped her away from there. It looked like nobody wanted to go. “I think Grade I may be a stretch for her, but she didn't run badly in the Breeders' Cup. She didn't get beat that badly,” Motion continued. “We liked her. Everything had to go perfectly to get to the Breeders' Cup. We gave her a little break after that to let her catch up with herself and settle in. Things went well for this race. “I haven't thought much about [what's next]. I don't know if a mile and a half is what she wants to do. I think a mile and a quarter is a pretty good trip for her.” An upset winner of the GI Cape Fillies' Guineas at Kenilworth in Cape Town in December 2023, Beach Bomb earned her place in the Filly and Mare Turf with a victory in the GI Paddock Stakes in her next appearance. Runner-up against the boys in the GI Cape Derby in February 2024 in her final start for Candice Bass-Robinson, she arrived in New York in March following a trip from Johannesburg with a refueling stop in Barbados, but was confined to nearly no exercise while in quarantine for a period of two months-plus. She managed a trio of starts in the second half of the season, finishing a promising second in the Aug. 31 Violet Stakes at Monmouth and a good third in the GII Rodeo Drive Stakes at Santa Anita Oct. 5. Sent away at 55-1 at Del Mar, she turned in a mostly even effort from a high draw to be eighth, but just 3 1/2 lengths behind champion Moira (Ghostzapper). Pedigree Notes: Beach Bomb is one of four top-level scorers for her sire, second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in 2016 and runner-up in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile the following season before earning winning Group 1 laurels of his own in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup in his final career appearance in 2018. In the first two months of 2025, Lancaster Bomber has also supplied Eight On Eighteen (SAf), winner of the prestigious Grade 1 Met and Grade 1 Cape Derby and Rascova (SAf), victorious in the Grade 1 Majorca Stakes. Lancaster Bomber, the sire of six stakes and 84 individual winners, passed away from a suspected heart attack at Gaynor Rupert's Drakenstein Stud in 2021. Beach Bomb is one of five winners for her dam, herself a two-time champion and five-time scorer at the highest level in South Africa. Beach Beauty is the dam of the 3-year-old maiden filly Beach Queen (SAf) (Gimmethegreenlight {Aus}), the 2-year-old filly Beach Verse (SAf) (Vercingetorix {SAf}) and is due to the Drakenstein stallion Jet Dark (SAf) (Trippi) for 2025. Saturday, Gulfstream Park THE VERY ONE S. PRESENTED BY MYRACEHORSE-GIII, $150,000, Gulfstream, 3-1, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 3/8mT, 2:14.03, fm. 1–BEACH BOMB (SAF), 120, m, 5, by Lancaster Bomber 1st Dam: Beach Beauty (SAf) (Ch. Older Mare-SAf, Ch. Older Mare-SAf, Broodmare Of The Year-SAf, MG1SW-SAF, $576,854), by Dynasty (SAf) 2nd Dam: Sun Coast (SAf), by Capture Him 3rd Dam: Leisure (SAf), by Hobnob (Fr) O-Cayton Park Stud; B-Drakenstein Stud (Nom: Mrs. G. A. Rupert) (SAF); T-H Graham Motion; J-Luis Saez. $89,280. Lifetime Record: MGISW-SAf, 12-5-3-1, $251,860. *1/2 to Amanzimtoti (SAf) (Trippi), GSW-SAF; Wild Coast (SAf) (Trippi), GSW-SAf; and Narina Trogon (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}), MSW & GSP-SAf. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Immensitude (Fr), 120, m, 5, Lawman (Fr)–Ma Petite Poule (Fr), by Elusive City. (€80,000 Ylg '21 ARQDOY). O-Wathnan Racing; B-Isabelle Corbani (FR); T-William I. Mott. $28,800. 3–La Mehana (Fr), 123, m, 6, Al Wukair (Ire)–Oceanie (Fr), by Dansili (GB). (€55,000 RNA Ylg '20 ARDEAY; €400,000 4yo '23 ARQDEN). O-LSU Stables; B-S.A. Haras du Mezeray (FR); T-Christophe Clement. $14,400. Margins: 1, HF, NK. Odds: 3.70, 6.10, 3.20. Also Ran: Queen Regent (GB), Forever After All, Whatlovelookslike, Be My Sunshine, Youknownothing, Blush (Ire). Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. BEACH BOMB (SAF) ($9.40) makes her return a winning one in the $165,000 The Very One Stakes (G3) at @GulfstreamPark. @GrahamMotion trains the five-year-old mare. @luissaezpty was up! Mindframe returns in the next: https://t.co/lz4ozgmtzA pic.twitter.com/cmsKFtNezC — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 1, 2025 The post Beach Bomb Takes Them Gate To Wire in The Very One appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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In his first start since last summer, classic-placed Mindframe took care of some business March 1 by posting a clear victory in the $202,100 Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes (G2) to secure the first graded stakes win of his career.View the full article

In her second start off of an extended layoff and now trained by Michael McCarthy, Liguria emerged victorious in the one-mile Buena Vista Stakes on the Santa Anita Park turf.View the full article

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. ignored a lesson learned from C2 Racing Stable and Mathis Stable's The Queens M G's previous start and rode the filly to victory in the $200,000 Davona Dale Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park March 1.View the full article

5th-Santa Anita, $67,000, Msw, 3-1, 4/5yo, f/m, 6fT, 1:08.78, fm, 1 3/4 lengths. QUICK BROWN FOX (f, 4, Justify–Bast {MGISW, $852,200}, by Uncle Mo), the first foal out of MGISW Bast (Uncle Mo), came in off nearly a year-long layoff to break her maiden on the turf. Debuted on the main track last April, she was beaten just a neck as the favorite before going to the sidelines for owner/breeder Spendthrift Farm who took their time bringing her back to the Richard Mandella operation. Favored at even money Saturday, Quick Brown Fox was anything but early, racing in the back half of the field along the inside behind fractions of :21.62 and :44.52. Overcoming a troubled trip around the far turn which saw her have to take up while also needing racing room, Quick Brown Fox finally broke through a gap and surged to the front to win by 1 3/4 lengths over Nafisa (Quality Road). Millionarie Bast took three Grade I races in her career before selling to Spendthrift Farm for $4.2m at FTKNOV in 2020. Quick Brown Fox is her first foal and she has since produced 3-year-old The Last Straw (Into Mischief) who is placed on the main track. After not taking to Into Mischief in 2023 and 2024, she foaled a full-brother to The Last Straw this year. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $49,800. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Spendthrift Farm LLC (KY); T-Richard E. Mandella. #2 QUICK BROWN FOX ($4) was an impressive winner of the 5th race at @santaanitapark. This 4YO filly is by @CoolmoreAmerica's Justify and out of the multiple Grade 1 winning mare Bast. She was ridden by Flavien Prat for trainer Richard Mandella and owners @SpendthriftFarm. pic.twitter.com/klyfzuvpLu — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 1, 2025 The post Quick Brown Fox, First Foal Out Of MGISW Bast, Breaks Her Maiden At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last year's GIII Street Sense Stakes winner SOVEREIGNTY (c, 3, Into Mischief–Crowned, by Bernardini) came flying down the Gulfstream stretch to nail 'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music) in the shadow of the wire and take the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes and earn 50 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby Saturday. Last for much of the running as River Thames and Neoequos (Neolithic) showed the way, the Godolphin homebred, who was making his 2025 debut, began to get into high gear with a big move around the far turn. River Thames tried to put things away on the run to the first wire but Sovereignty was absolutely rolling down the center of the track and got by just in time to earn the win in a final time of 1:43.12. GIII Holy Bull winner Burnham Square (Liam's Map) was fourth as the pacesetters filled out the minor awards. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-0. O/B-Godolphin; T-William Mott. Sovereignty and @JuniorandKellyA surge late to win the @coolmoreamerica Fountain of Youth S. G2 for William Mott and @godolphin! #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/gySBOyWyhy — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) March 1, 2025 The post Sovereignty Goes Last To First In Coolmore Fountain Of Youth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

South African grade 1 winner Beach Bomb broke through with her first United States win with a gate-to-wire score in the $150,000 The Very One Stakes (G3T) March 1 Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. ignored a lesson learned from C2 Racing Stable and Mathis Stables' The Queens M G's previous start and rode the filly to victory in the $215,000 Davona Dale Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.View the full article

Cutting back in distance proved no problem for Magic Cap Stables' Fort Washington as the 6-year-old's customary late run arrived just in time to win a thrilling four-horse photo in the $150,000 Canadian Turf Stakes (G3T) at Gulfstream Park March 1.View the full article

After starting his career with two daylight wins at Gulfstream Park and Churchill Downs last year, 'TDN Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution) nearly pulled off victory in the GI Belmont Stakes in only his third career start, finishing just a half-length behind Dornoch (Good Magic), and then finishing second to that same rival in the GI Haskell Stakes. Sent to the sidelines with bone bruising, the Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables runner made his 4-year-old debut Saturday at 1-9 in the GII Gulfstream Park Mile Stakes and delivered, getting a visually emphatic win. Last year's GIII Lexington Stakes winner Encino (Nyquist) set the :24.14 and :46.61 pace Saturday, with Mindframe third, but when Irad Ortiz, Jr. decided to move on the favorite, the race was over. He assumed command under little more than a hand ride, then looked around in the stretch, allowing Steal Sunshine (Constitution) and Lightning Tones (Tonalist) to close his margin but not threaten. Mindframe was a $600,000 Keeneland September purchase. B-R Larry Johnson (MD); O-Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables LLC; T-Todd Pletcher; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr. MINDFRAME ($2.20) made it look easy in the $215,000 @GulfstreamPark Mile (G2). @PletcherRacing trains the son of Constitution (@WinStarFarm) for @RepoleStable and St. Elias Stables. @iradortiz gets another victory on the card. More action https://t.co/mnxsqMII2X pic.twitter.com/5G47mOSuwk — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 1, 2025 The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Mindframe Back to Business in Gulfstream Park Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 17-shot FLOOD ZONE (c, 3, Frosted–Curls for Girls, by Curlin) upset the GIII Gotham Stakes Saturday in his first start for trainer Brad Cox. He had to put away talented New York-bred Sand Devil (Violence), who suffered his first loss when settling for second, down the lane but had to problems doing so, hitting the wire alone as Sand Devil and Garamond (Uncle Mo) filled out the minor placings. With the win, Flood Zone earned 50 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0. O-Wathnan Racing; B-Al Figliolia Westbury Stables, LLC; T-Brad H. Cox; Sales History: $24,000 RNA ylg '23 OBSWIN, $72,00 RNA 2yo '24 OBSMAR, $45,000 2yo '24 OBSOPN FLOOD ZONE who makes his first start for @bradcoxracing with Reylu on the mount breaks up top and battles with Sand Devil down the stretch before getting the win while earning 50 points for the Kentucky Derby. #HorseRacingTips #HorseRacing pic.twitter.com/zDwI2eGxan — Matthew DeSantis (@failedtomenace) March 1, 2025 The post Flood Zone Upsets The Gotham For Brad Cox appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Just more than a week ago, Hunter Valley Farm's Fergus Galvin, who serves as a U.S. advisor to Sheikh Fahad's Qatar Racing, told TDN Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack that the talented Grade I-placed JUST A TOUCH (c, 4, Justify–Touching Beauty, by Tapit) was training 'exceptionally well' as he neared his first start since just missing in the Iowa Derby last July. Making his return to action in Fair Grounds allowance company Saturday afternoon, the colt–owned in partnership by Resolute Racing and Marc Detampel–backed up Galvin's word with an eye-catching 10 1/2-length demolition job over 8 1/2 furlongs. Ridden forward from gate three, the bay colt had secured the front by the time the field reached the first turn and raced under an easy hold through fractions of :24.39 for the first quarter mile and 48.31 to the half-mile. Continuing to lob his rivals along entering the final four furlongs, Just A Touch was nursed along on the turn, was firmly in command passing the quarter pole and kicked smartly clear while scarcely asked for an effort and despite being eased down in the final 50 yards. The final time was an exceptionally strong 1:42.32 over a fast track. Sales history: $170,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP; $125,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT; $300,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 6-2-3-0. O-Qatar Racing, Resolute Racing & Marc Detampel; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Brad Cox. The post Just A Touch Back With A Vengeance At the Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

St. Patrick's Day, March 17, has been added to the Santa Anita Park racing calendar, creating a four-day week of live racing action.View the full article

Stakes-winning 3-year-olds have excelled this year for Spendthrift Farm's Into Mischief, but as Full Moon Madness showed March 1 in the $175,000 Tom Fool Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct, the stallion's progeny are also highly effective as older horses.View the full article

DREXEL HILL (f, 3, Bolt d'Oro–Ascot Walk, by Daaher) split rivals close to home and got up in time to secure the Busher Stakes at Aqueduct Saturday. The Silverbulletday Stakes third was far back off the turn and came rolling down the rail, needing every bit of ground to reel in what appeared to be a runaway 23-1 winner in Amarth (McKinzie) and just getting by with yards to spare to win in a nicely-timed effort under Ben Curtis. The Busher awarded points on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks with Drexel Hill earning 50 points. Lifetime Record: 7-2-2-1. O-Legion Racing; B-Tuscany Bloodstock; T-D. Whitworth Beckman. Sales History: $20,000 wlg '22 KEENOV, $50,000 ylg '23 KEESEP. 5⃣0⃣ points for Drexel Hill on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks! Jockey:@_benacurtis Trainer: Whit Beckman Owner: @LegionBldstk pic.twitter.com/FSfaVgGuDn — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) March 1, 2025 The post Bolt d’Oro’s Drexel Hill Captures Aqueduct’s Busher Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mi Bago (Vekoma) completed a turf stakes double for his 2024 leading freshman sire with a powerful, all-the-way success in Saturday's Colonel Liam Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Earlier in the program, Vixen validated odds-on favoritism with a narrow victory in the GIII Herecomesthebride Stakes. The public's pick off a front-running success in a rained-off renewal of the Dania Beach Stakes, the two-time Fasig-Tipton graduate was kicked straight into the lead from an outside barrier and had his mind on running from the bell, tugging pretty hard at Irad Ortiz, Jr. through fractions of :22.55 and :45.53. He kept up the gallop, passing the quarter pole after six panels in a slick 1:08.84 and stayed on strongly in the final furlong to win with something in the locker. Enterdadragon (Outwork) was second ahead of George Briggs (Fog of War), who was badly chopped out in upper stretch and charged home with good energy for third. Mi Bago was already recording the fourth stakes victory of his career, having taken out the five-furlong Algonquin Stakes at Woodbine last October and the local Pulpit Stakes Nov. 29. The May foal is out of an unraced half-sister to NY-bred stakes winner Held Accountable (Exchange Rate) and his dam was purchased by Sean Perl Bloodstock for $45,000 in foal to Highly Motivated at last year's Fasig-Tipton Digital December Sale.The colt's third dam is replete with black-type, as Battle Creek Girl accounted for Canadian champion Wavering Girl (Wavering Monarch)–the dam of GISW Military (Danzig)–as well as the versatile Parade Leader (Kingmambo) and the Grade II-winning juvenile filly Speed Dialer (Phone Trick). Battle Creek Girl also produced MGSW Tricky Creek (Clever Trick), perhaps best known as the broodmare sire of Into Mischief. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. COLONEL LIAM S., $200,000, Gulfstream, 3-1, 3yo, 1mT, 1:32.51, fm. 1–MI BAGO, 120, c, 3, by Vekoma 1st Dam: Wabanaki, by Indian Charlie 2nd Dam: New Harmony, by A.P. Indy 3rd Dam: Battle Creek Girl, by His Majesty ($62,000 Ylg '23 FTKFEB; $90,000 RNA Ylg '23 SARAUG). O-Gary Barber; B-Highclere Inc (NY); T-Mark E Casse; J-Irad Ortiz Jr. $117,800. Lifetime Record: 7-5-0-0, $387,850. 2–Enterdadragon, 118, g, 3, Outwork–Raising Aida, by Speightstown. ($17,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK-TYPE. O-Chester A Bishop, Anthony Hinkson, Alvin Rampaul, PK Ventures & Grand Cay Breeders and Racing Company; B-Charles Fipke (KY); T-Jose Francisco D'Angelo. $38,000. 3–George Briggs, 118, c, 3, Fog of War–Bamboiselle (Ire), by Muhtathir (GB). 1ST BLACK-TYPE. O-Peter M Brant; B-White Birch Farm Inc (NY); T-Chad C Brown. $19,000. Margins: 4 3/4, NO, NK. Odds: 2.10, 8.20, 4.20. Also Ran: Forged Steel, Wakan, Bakers Street, Win With Faith, Emergence, Smooth Breeze, Fire Pit. MI BAGO ($6.20) blitzed the field in the $215,000 Colonel Liam Stakes at @GulfstreamPark. The son of Vekoma (@spendthriftfarm) took them wire-to-wire for trainer @markecasse. @iradortiz gets a double on the day. Oaks points on the line next: https://t.co/zleTqs7rGG pic.twitter.com/3nGfnVvIIZ — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 1, 2025 The post Vekoma’s Mi Bago Takes Them Coast To Coast in Colonel Liam appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

If last week's Saudi Cup card in Riyadh was dominated by Japanese-trained runners, then Super Saturday at Meydan was the day that Charlie Appleby and Godolphin served notice to the world that this is a team which will take some stopping in the weeks and months to come. At a meeting which is ostensibly made up of trials for Dubai World Cup night in five weeks' time, it was two winners with Classic pretensions back in Europe who arguably created the biggest impression, certainly so in the case of Ruling Court, the six-length winner of the Listed Jumeirah 2,000 Guineas sponsored by Emirates Holidays which concluded the card. Last seen finishing third in the G3 Acomb Stakes at York in August–a race won by 2,000 Guineas and Derby favourite The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire})–Ruling Court had arrived on the Knavesmire with such a reputation that a mere podium finish was considered a disappointing return. After this performance, it's easy to see why. This was much more like it from the colt who had fetched €2,300,000 from Godolphin when offered at last year's Arqana May Breeze-up Sale, before earning 'TDN Rising Star' status when making a successful debut, by five and a half lengths, at Sandown a couple of months later. The sweat dripping off the son of Justify as he entered the Meydan stalls might have given his supporters cause for concern, but the race itself proved little more than a procession after he was switched off heels on the home turn to guarantee a clear run. Held together entering the final two furlongs, he needed just a shake of the reins to eat up the ground on the long-time leader, Nedawy (Instagrand), before striding clear in the final furlong to win by six lengths in imperious fashion. It was a performance which earned Ruling Court quotes of 10-1 (12-1 best price) with most bookmakers for the 2,000 Guineas, though Appleby–who also has a pair of 8-1 shots for that Classic in Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Opera Ballo (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire})–was in no rush to commit to a run at Newmarket in the aftermath of this success. “In some ways was quite pleased that he got beaten [in the Acomb] because that meant we didn't force him to do more than he was ready for,” Appleby summed up. “I'm very lucky in that I can put these horses away and allow them to develop. “I think he'll continue to develop and we will go back to Europe with a sharper model. I never want to get too excited in the immediate aftermath, but we anticipated him being a 10-furlong horse so, whether we go to the Dante or take in the Guineas en route, we'll have to see.” lays down the law in the @emirates Holidays Jumeirah 2000 Guineas @godolphin's Justify colt, under an armchair @WilliamBuickX ride, is going places in a bit of a hurry #SuperSaturday | #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/PQJHjC6UUl — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 1, 2025 'TDN Rising Star' Breezes to Victory Ruling Court was the last of four winners on Super Saturday for Appleby and jockey William Buick, with the day beginning in the best possible fashion when Mountain Breeze (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), another 'TDN Rising Star', continued the Godolphin dominance of the Listed Jumeirah 1,000 Guineas sponsored by Emirates Skywards. Last year Buick and Appleby struck with their subsequent GI Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes heroine Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal), after Saeed bin Suroor had taken out of the inaugural running of the race with Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) in 2023. Mawj, of course, went on to win the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket on her next start back in Britain. The Rowley Mile could well be the next destination for Mountain Breeze after she made it two from two at Meydan, having won the newly-named Mawj Stakes in impressive fashion on her previous start. Whilst unable to match Mawj's eight-and-a-half-length winning margin in this contest, she was ultimately an authoritative winner in beating Spanish hope Octans (Spa) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}) by three and three-quarter lengths, with Buick having to resort to no more than hands-and-heels riding. “I think we were expecting that,” said the winning rider. “The important thing was for her to do it nice and smooth and not to have to be asked. Hopefully, this will set her up for a nice campaign back home.” Mountain Breeze showed a high level of form in six starts as a juvenile, notably filling the runner-up spot in the G2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes at Newmarket, but this was her first black-type win and another feather in the cap for her dam, Lava Flow (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}). All six of her runners have won at least one race and they now include three black-type winners, with the others including the European champion two-year-old and sire Pinatubo (Ire). scales new heights in the Jumeirah 1000 Guineas, sponsored by @emirates Skywards @godolphin and @WilliamBuickX have a serious horse on their hands #SuperSaturday | #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/ZDk2Rxokzl — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 1, 2025 Godolphin Pride in Popular Servant Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) might not be the best horse Buick has ever ridden, nor the best horse Appleby has ever trained, but neither could hide their love for the gelding who brought up his eleventh career victory when landing the G2 Singspiel Stakes sponsored by Emirates Airline. Three years on from his first international success in the Jumeirah Derby, the six-year-old returned to Meydan on Super Saturday as a winner in five different countries, with wins in the GI Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes and GI Arlington Million Stakes in the US, the G1 Grosser Dallmayr-Preis – Bayerisches Zuchtrennen in Germany, and the GI Canadian International Stakes, also featuring on his illustrious CV. There had been signs that his enthusiasm for the job might be on the wane when he finished down the field on his last couple of starts, but the addition of cheekpieces here seemed to work the oracle as he ran out a determined winner, always doing enough through the final furlong to hold off the challenge of the strong-travelling Holloway Boy (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) by over a length. “He's ultra-consistent and so uncomplicated–I love him,” Buick told Racing TV. “He always turns up and the team have done a great job to get him back here. He's been in quite a lot of countries this winter, so to come off the plane and run like that is very good.” Nations Pride spent much of 2024 in the US where he was joined in a select satellite squad by Silver Knott (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who showed his rivals a clean pair of heels when making every yard of the running to win the other major turf prize on the card, the G2 Dubai City Of Gold sponsored by Emirates Airline. Two lengths clear of Passion And Glory (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) at the line, Silver Knott could now join stable-mate Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the field for the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic on World Cup night. Though yet to win at the top level, he completed a hat-trick of Grade II wins on American soil last year. “Last season when he was in the States, we learnt he was very effective from the front,” Buick added of his third winner on the card. “I was delighted with that and hopefully he can improve from it. He deserves to take his chance in the Sheema Classic, but Rebel's Romance is the heavyweight champion and a legend.” Appleby, who was winning the race for the seventh time in eight years, also saddled one-time Derby favourite Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) to finish a staying-on fourth on his first start for 309 days. and @WilliamBuickX boss the @emirates Singspiel Stakes #DubaiCarnival | #SuperSaturday | @godolphin pic.twitter.com/hfv0Qz4W4u — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 1, 2025 World Cup Night Next for West Acre Another Godolphin runner had his World Cup night claims enhanced on Saturday without having to leave the comfort of his stable. Symbol Of Honour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) is the gelding in question, the only horse to have beaten the thriving West Acre (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) in the Middle East this winter when just a head separated them back in mid-January. A rematch could now be on the cards in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, after West Acre gained his second big-race success since being beaten by Symbol Of Honour in Saturday's G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint sponsored by Emirates Skycargo. Whilst the performance wasn't as explosive as that he produced when lowering the course record in the G2 Blue Point Sprint later in January, he showed other admirable qualities in digging deep to peg back the front-running Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), before passing the post three quarters of a length to the good. Owner Michael Blencowe expressed reservations about West Acre's suitability for the six-furlong trip of the Al Quoz Sprint when he spoke to TDN last month, but winning jockey Callum Shepherd was looking forward to the challenge after his willing partner had shown a different side to himself in making it four wins from six career starts on Saturday. “It was certainly harder work [than the last race],” said Shepherd. “Ponntos got into his normal groove and was slightly away from us which maybe suited him but not us. It would have been nice to have direct aim at him. “He [West Acre] got away well and got into a nice position. He dug deep, was gritty, and galloped out well after the line. I fancy he could be even better over the six furlongs of the Al Quoz Sprint.” turns on the afterburners in the @Emirates Skycargo Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint for @GScottracing and @CallumSheppy #DubaiCarnival | #SuperSaturday pic.twitter.com/FGOXfE4JK0 — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 1, 2025 Seemar Dominates the Dirt Action There was a surprise winner of the G3 Burj Naahar sponsored by Emirates Airline in French challenger Fort Payne (Fr) (Rio De La Plata), but the other contests staged on the dirt track largely went to script, much to the delight of trainer Bhupaat Seemar. Not content with winning G3 Mahab Al Shimaal sponsored by emirates.com with Tuz (Oxbow), Seemar went on to saddle a one-two in the G2 Al Maktoum Classic sponsored by Emirates Airline courtesy of Imperial Emperor (Ire) and Artorius (Arrogate). Imperial Emperor, a two-time winner for Appleby and Godolphin, before selling for AED300,000 at least year's Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) Racing in Dubai Sale, is now owned by British-based syndicate Deva Racing, whose manager Ryan Tongue was in shock after watching the gelding romp to an eight-and-a-half-length success. “Wow, what a horse!” Tongue said of the son of Dubawi (Ire), who is out of the GI Man o' War Stakes heroine Zhukova (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), a half-sister to Ghaiyyath (Ire). “He didn't owe us anything before tonight. We just wanted him to come home safe. This a dream come true–I can't believe we're in the Dubai World Cup!” Imperial Emperor looks set to feature in a very strong hand for Seemar in next month's Dubai World Cup, alongside defending champion Laurel River (Into Mischief) and G1 Al Maktoum Challenge winner Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), while 2024 winner Tuz looks set for another date in the Dubai Golden Shaheen, after making history with his Super Saturday strike. “He's a streetfighter, he just keeps coming back–he's like Muhammad Ali!” said the trainer. “He's made history by becoming the first horse to win all the big dirt sprints. “There will be some good sprinters here for the Dubai Golden Shaheen, but we have home turf.” Tremendous rattles off a SEVENTH C&D success in the https://t.co/CdxgMtk2bY Mahab Al Shimaal Just an amazing horse for @BhupatSeemar and @OsheaTadhg #DubaiCarnival | #SuperSaturday pic.twitter.com/Nd0ry36g0I — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 1, 2025 The post Classic Hopefuls Star for Godolphin on Super Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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