Wandering Eyes

The Kentucky Horse Park is partnering with Visit Horse Country, the premier resource for equine-related tours in Kentucky, it was announced Monday. The Park will serve as a convenient location for guests to purchase one-of-a-kind equine tours based on their specific interests. “The Kentucky Horse Park was developed to get people close to the horse, and for more than 40 years has done an excellent job pursuing that mission,” said Anne Sabatino Hardy, executive director of Visit Horse Country. “We’re proud to be joining the resources and experiences of our privately-owned locations as a complement to the work of the Commonwealth at the park.” Visit Horse Country, founded in 2014, is a not-for-profit organization representing 39 members across Kentucky. Tours are available at stallion farms, nurseries, clinics, feed mills and aftercare organizations including the Maker’s Mark Secretariat Center and Spy Coast Farm–both located on or near the Kentucky Horse Park. View the full article

Garrett Smith has been hired as the new trainer at Donald Dizney’s Double Diamond Farm in Ocala, Fla. the farm announced Monday. Smith, who has already taken up his post, joins Double Diamond following a four-year stint at GoldMark Farm in Ocala. Prior to that, he managed a training center in South Carolina where he worked with such stakes stars as Congrats, Flatter, First Samurai, and Madcap Escapade, and he also served as Farm and Racing Manager at Stonecrest Farm, where he worked with multiple Graded stakes-winning multi-millionaire Perfect Drift. “I am very excited about the opportunity to work with this first-class operation that Mr. Dizney and General Manager Roger Brand have assembled here at Double Diamond,” Smith said. “The sky is the limit. It’s a beautiful farm, we can train on dirt and turf, and we have lush, spacious paddocks which make it beneficial for lay-ups and rehabilitation as well.” View the full article

Jason Beem, a veteran racecaller with more than a decade of experience, will handle Monmouth Park’s announcing duties until the return of Frank Mirahmadi following the conclusion of the Santa Anita meet June 23, general manager Bill Anderson announced Monday. Beem, a Washington state native who called races at Portland Meadows for 10 years starting in 2006, will begin his new assignment when Monmouth Park kicks off its 74th season of Thoroughbred racing Saturday, May 4. Mirahmadi will return for his fifth season at the Jersey Shore track starting with the June 28 card. He was hired as the full-time announcer by Santa Anita last fall. “I was happy to recommend Jason for this opportunity,” said Mirahmadi. “Jason does an excellent job calling races and I know the fans and horsemen will appreciate his talents.” “If you look at Monmouth Park’s last three announcers–Larry Collmus, Travis Stone and Frank Mirahmadi–you’re talking about the guy who calls the Breeders’ Cup, the guy who calls the Kentucky Derby and the guy who calls Santa Anita,” added Beem. “So I’m flattered even as a fill-in to get the opportunity to call there. I’m certainly nervous but it’s a good nervous. I’m excited for this opportunity.” View the full article

History, of a minor sort, was made at Lingfield on Feb. 23 when Wissahickon landed the G3 Winter Derby to become the first European group winner by America’s two-time champion sire Tapit. The same 4-year-old colt had already become his sire’s first black-type winner in any of the major European racing powers when he won the Listed Quebec S. on his final start of 2018. I should add, though, that Tapit had gone very close to notching up that elusive first European group success nearly 10 years earlier when his Spanish-trained son As de Trebol–a member of Tapit’s first crop–had narrowly landed the G3 Prix du Palais-Royal, only to lose the race in the stewards’ room. Bearing in mind that the 18-year-old Tapit has been represented by well over 100 black-type winners in North America, his previous lack of high-level European success seems extraordinary. The knee-jerk reaction is that it must be because Tapit raced exclusively on dirt and is a grandson of A.P. Indy, another stallion who made a far greater impact in his native U.S. than in Europe. It mustn’t be forgotten, though, that doubts about the adaptability of dirt stallions often become self-fulfilling prophecies. European breeders and buyers usually demand that such stallions prove themselves in Europe before they are prepared to support them, but how can the stallions prove themselves if only a few of their offspring are brought to Europe? Although Tapit has had well over 900 starters in North America, statistics show that he has had just 16 runners in Britain, 13 in France and six in Ireland. This didn’t deter George Strawbridge from sending Wissahickon to be trained by John Gosden and he’s had no cause to regret the decision. A highly progressive son of that excellent broodmare No Matter What, Wissakickon has won eight of his ten starts, including six of his seven appearances on all-weather tracks. However, the BHA considers his best effort came when he ran to a figure of 117 in winning the Cambridgeshire H. on a fast turf course. Of course, it’s said that one swallow does not a summer make, and I would still be somewhat wary of Tapit’s progeny in Europe. However, there are now encouraging signs that any such prejudice need not be applied to the progeny of Tapit’s broodmare daughters. In the last few weeks we have seen them represented by Scat Daddy’s fast son Sergei Prokofiev, who added the Listed Cork S. to his 2018 win in the G3 Cornwallis S., and War Front’s Munitions, who was winning for the third time in five starts when he narrowly landed the G3 Prix Djebel. Sandwiched between these two wins was the Japanese 1000 Guineas victory of Deep Impact’s daughter Gran Alegria, with this winner of the G1 Oka Sho being a daughter of Tapit’s GI turf winner Tapitsfly. This success has also spread as far as Australia, where this year’s Group 2 seven-furlong winner Qafila was sired by Not A Single Doubt from Zighy Bay, a Tapit mare who was placed in the French Provinces. It was a bold move by Godolphin to send Munitions to be trained in Europe after purchasing the Winchell-bred colt for $550,000. After all, the Djebel winner is by War Front, a stallion who raced only on dirt during a 13-race career, and he is out of War Echo, a four-time winner on dirt, including in the GIII Silverbulletday S. over 1 1/16 miles and the Daily Racing Form Distaff S. over a mile and an eighth. War Echo is herself a three-parts-sister to Pyro, a GI-winning dirt specialist sired by Tapit’s sire Pulpit. As I’ve already mentioned, War Echo is by Tapit, another who raced only on dirt. The next dam, Wild Vision, won on dirt on her only appearance and was a sister to Wild Wonder, a multiple graded winner at up to 1 1/16 miles on dirt. Perhaps the Godolphin team remembered that War Echo’s brother Farrier handled turf well enough to finish second to Tryster in the G1 Jebel Hatta in 2016. Of course the Godolphin team will also have witnessed the turf exploits of numerous European-raced progeny of War Front, such as Roly Poly, U S Navy Flag, Declaration of War, Air Force Blue, Brave Anna and War Command. It will be interesting to see whether Munitions can become another European Group 1 winner for the Claiborne stallion. His chances of doing so will improve if he stays a mile, which he should. Munitions belongs to a crop which promises to be one of War Front’s best, and most versatile. Other members include Omaha Beach and War of Will, both of whom have done so well on dirt that they are on the Kentucky Derby trail. Omaha Beach ranks second on the points table behind Tapit’s son Tacitus, having amassed 137.5 points, principally from his victories in the GII Rebel S. and the GI Arkansas Derby. War of Will (whose pedigree I reviewed on Jan. 21) ranks 12th, with 60 points, having won the GIII Lecomte S. and the GII Risen Star S. Omaha Beach RNA’d at $625,000 as a yearling, despite possessing a first-rate pedigree. His dam, the Seeking The Gold mare Charming, has already produced a champion in the top American juvenile filly Take Charge Brandi. Charming is also a daughter of the outstanding racemare Take Charge Lady, which makes her a half-sister to the top colts Will Take Charge (GI Travers S.) and Take Charge Indy (GI Florida Derby). This reads like a dirt pedigree, but Omaha Beach’s older brother Courage Under Fire chased home Caravaggio after setting the pace for his long-odds-on stablemate in the G1 Phoenix S. in 2016. Other members of War Front’s 2016 crop, which was sired at $150,000, include Fog of War (GI Summer S,), Dogtag and Simmering (both listed winners on turf at two in the U.S.) and the group-placed fillies Secret Thoughts and Happen. View the full article

When Country House finished third in the Arkansas Derby (G1), he left Bodexpress at the top of the list of as many as five 3-year-olds who may be re-routed to the Preakness unless there is a rash of defections from the May 4 Kentucky Derby (G1). View the full article

While moving twilight racing at Belmont Park from its traditional Friday spot to Thursday may seem curious, it was rooted in a willingness to experiment and an understanding of a market that includes twilight racing on Thursdays at Churchill Downs. View the full article

Addressing your thoughts, questions and statements about Hong Kong racing. Have something to say? Send a tweet to @SCMPRacingPost.Lucky Hero charges down the centre of the track to score under Vincent Ho Chak-yiu for Danny Shum Chap-shing – @HKJC_RacingWin 250 is a major one for Hong Kong’s local jockeys – it signifies the end of their claim (after completing their apprenticeship, they get three pounds from win 70 to 95 and then two pounds from 95 to 250).So when Ho collected his milestone… View the full article

Another Group Two Italian Derby (2,200m) winner enters Hong Kong racing at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, with Party Together following in the footsteps of Super Chic.Super Chic won the 2016 Italian Derby before joining Tony Cruz’s stable and Party Together is now trained by Peter Ho Leung after winning last year’s edition when named Summer Festival.Party Together debuts in the Class Two King’s Park Handicap (1,650m) and Super Chic, who has won four times in Hong Kong, was almost there to… View the full article

Chris Waller reflects on an amazing day at Randwick on Saturday with Radio Trackside’s Des Coppins.... View the full article

Trainer Daniel Miller discusses the win of Sheezallmine at Te Rapa on Sunday.... View the full article

Te Rapa trainer David Greene discusses his double at his home track on Sunday.... View the full article

Te Akau trainer Jamie Richards talks with Radio Trackside’s Des Coppins... View the full article

Zacada could be set to embark on a new career on the racetrack after failing to shape up in Sydney. Twelve months after finishing second to Who Shot Thebarman in last year’s Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m), Zacada could do no better than 14th in Saturday’s edition of the Randwick staying feature. It was his third start this campaign in Sydney and he had also disappointed in his other two outings, finishing last in the Gr.3 Manion Cup (2400m) and beating just four home in the Gr.2 Chairman’s Handic... View the full article

Talented galloper Adrossan recorded two further Group placings in his recent Australian campaign but he has joined the injured list and is returning home to trainer Stephen Marsh’s Cambridge barn for rehabilitation. “Ardrossan unfortunately comes home tonight (Monday) with a slight strain of the suspensory,” Marsh said. “That was a bit of a blow to the team because he was flying that horse. He’s out of the top draw that one, so it’s a real shame. “We will just bring him home and lo... View the full article

Quality New Zealand juvenile Probabeel will not contest Saturday’s Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick despite finding the line well in the Gr.1 Sires’ Produce (1400m) when beaten less than two lengths by Microphone. “She’s going to come home,” trainer Jamie Richards said. “We’re going to give her a break. She has done a terrific job for us and we believe that she has got it all in front of her. “She is headed home tonight (Monday) and she will have a break and be set for ... View the full article

It may have been a day of celebrating the career of world champion Winx at Randwick on Saturday, but there was no one happier in the crowd than the connections of her talented stablemate Verry Elleegant. The daughter of Grangewilliam Stud stallion Zed took out the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) and a tremendous roar emanated from her supporters when she struck the lead down the home straight. There’s a distinct Kiwi flavour behind the talented New Zealand-bred filly. She is trained and ridden by... View the full article

New Zealand Bloodstock’s Karaka May Sale has played a leading part in the recent successes of Group One winners Yourdeel (NZ) (Dundeel) and Gingernuts (NZ) (Iffraaj). Not only has the Sale been a source of top performers, but also a commonplace for the practice of pinhooking. Yourdeel and Gingernuts are just a couple of the golden opportunities that have been realised by astute buyers who have made a return on investment, followed by bright futures on the racetrac... View the full article

John Sadler is starting to show a knack for turning East Coast horses into West Coast graded stakes winners. His latest example came with Woodford Racing's Campaign, who earned his first stakes win in the $100,000 Tokyo City Cup (G3) April 14. View the full article

Winx was long gone as Chris Waller valiantly held back tears and spoke to everyone and anyone who put a microphone in his way. View the full article

He’s Eminent is pressing on to Hong Kong despite a shock lack-lustre performance against the world champion Winx at Randwick on Saturday. He’s Eminent beat just one of the nine runners home in the A$4 million Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), finishing 16 and a half lengths from Winx. But his connections, trainer Sir Mark Todd and owners Sir Peter Vela and Hubie de Burgh, have decided to take the gamble and continue on to the Gr.1 QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin. “He’s going to Hong Kong ... View the full article

Makfi mare Moyrabella proved once again her determination to win, adding a fifth victory in superb style at Wingatui last week. Trained by Terri Rae, the now five-year-old is proving a rewarding purchase for the syndicate having returned $57,840 to her new connections in the 13 starts since her purchase online in April 2017 for $26,000. Jumping from the widest barrier with Chris Johnson in the saddle on Thursday, the pair were three wide without cover for most of the trip. Moyrabella k... View the full article

Five riders suspended View the full article

In a knock-down, drag-out fight to the wire April 14, Bloom Racing Stable, Madaket Stables, and Allen Racing's Midnight Bisou emerged victorious over Escape Clause in a photo finish to take the $750,000 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) at Oaklawn Park. View the full article

... View the full article

MIDNIGHT BISOU (f, 4, Midnight Lute–Diva Delite, Repent) faced a very still challenge from the plucky Manitoba-bred Escape Clause (Going Commandy), but ultimately prevailed in a photo in Sunday’s GI Apple Blossom H. at Oaklawn. The 4-5 favorite, who uncorked a big turn move from off the pace under GI Arkansas Derby-winning pilot Mike Smith, stopped the clock in 1:43.88. Elate (Medaglia d’Oro) settled for third after missing the break. Midnight Bisou kicked off her 4-year-old campaign with a victory in the GIII Houston Ladies Classic Jan. 27, and most recently bested Elate in the GII Azeri S. here Mar. 16. Sales history: $19,000 yrl ’16 KEESEP; $80,000 2yo ’17 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 14-8-3-3. O-Bloom Racing Stable, LLC, Madaket Stables LLC and Allen Racing LLC. B-Woodford Thoroughbreds (Ky). T-Steven Asmussen. View the full article