Wandering Eyes

The Saratoga Institute Conference on Horse Racing and Gaming will be held Aug. 7. Topics include: immigration and the horse racing industry, animal welfare in racing, the future of wagering, gambling in New York and Indian Gaming. View the full article

Trainer Chad Brown has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Backstretch Employee Service Team, a non-profit dedicated to providing free health care and social services to backstretch workers at Belmont, Saratoga and Aqueduct. “I’m honored that was I was elected to participate in this important organization,” Brown said. “I look forward to contributing in any way I can to their cause of improving the life of our backstretch family. All my co-workers are like family and B.E.S.T. is a wonderful organization that does so much for them and the entire backside. I’m excited about the possibility of B.E.S.T. continuing to grow and doing even more for all of the backstretch workers.” View the full article

Saratoga will host Italian-American day, presented by Aperol Spritz, Aug. 8. The festivities will include Italian music, dancing, crafts and food from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Saratoga Pavilion. There will also be an Aperol Spritz tasting from 3-5p.m. View the full article

Everywhere he has turned this year Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum’s Dee Ex Bee (GB) (Farhh {GB}) has met at least one immoveable force, and connections will be hoping that another is not lurking among his trio of opponents in Saturday’s G3 Qatar Gordon S. at Goodwood. While a second placing in the June 2 G1 Epsom Derby could never be described as disappointing, particularly when he started at 20-1, he has twice since failed to capitalise on seemingly less-demanding contests. Behind eight other rivals in both the G1 Irish Derby at The Curragh June 30 and in the July 14 G1 Grand Prix de Paris, he again encounters the fast ground that was probably to blame for those reversals but connections could not resist this opportunity. “Plan A was to bring Mildenberger (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) here for it, but sadly he has just missed a bit too much time since Ascot and we are not happy bringing him here at this stage,” trainer Mark Johnston’s son and assistant Charlie explained. “We made the entry for Dee Ex Bee on Monday morning, as there were only six in it at that stage, and it was one of those we felt too good to pass by really. We don’t want to go to the well too often on fast ground this summer as we want to still have the horse in good form for his main target, the St Leger [but] he is eight pounds clear on official ratings. We know he handles the track, as he won here last year. We will walk the track on Saturday morning and as long as we are happy, he will take his chance.” Dee Ex Bee’s biggest problem could be the inclusion of Juddmonte’s filly Sun Maiden (GB) (Frankel {GB}), a 12-length novice stakes winner over 10 furlongs at Salisbury May 17 who ran third behind Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Thursday’s G1 Nassau S. winner Wild Illusion (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G2 Ribblesdale S. over this mile-and-a-half trip at Royal Ascot June 21. As a half-sister to the brilliant Midday (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), who captured three renewals of the Nassau here, the ‘TDN Rising Star’ has the pedigree to excel and Sir Michael Stoute’s string are in a good place at the moment. Charlie Appleby relies on the July 14 Woodford Reserve H. winner Cross Counter (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) and he said of the Ascot scorer, “He is stepping up in class, but we feel that he is capable of taking on better horses now and this should hopefully give us a pointer for the rest of the season.” View the full article

Group 1 winner Long River (A.P. Indy–Round Pond, by Awesome Again) has been retired to stud at Anchor & Hope Farm in Port Deposit, MD, joining the likes of Holy Boss and Imagining. The 8-year-old will stand for a fee of $5,000 LFSN. The Godolphin homebred started his career in New York under the care of Kiaran McLaughlin, where he won a pair of listed stakes and finished third in the 2014 GI Jockey Club Gold Cup S. He was sent to Dubai-based conditioner Salem Bin Ghadayer in 2015 and achieved a career high at Meydan Racecourse, winning the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 in March 2017. The chestnut retired with a record of 27-5-4-2 and earnings of $770,347. Long River is the first foal out of 2006 GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Round Pound, who was purchased by Godolphin for $5.75 million at the 2007 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. View the full article

In this continuing series, Alan Carasso takes a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Sapporo and Niigata Racecourses: Sunday, August 5, 2018 1st-SAP, ¥9,550,000 ($86k), Maiden, 2yo, 1500mT MAQUIS (c, 2, Pioneerof the Nile–Life Well Lived, by Tiznow), a $350K Keeneland September graduate, was sent off at a tick under 3-1 for his career bow at Toyko June 17 and finished a creditable fourth (gate 7). Joao Moreira takes over at the controls on the bay, whose Grade I-winning half-brother American Patriot (War Front) stood his first year at stud at Darley Japan in 2018. The February foal is also kin to SW Well Humored (Distorted Humor) and to MGSP Muqtaser (Distorted Humor). Second dam Well Dressed (Notebook) produced G1 Dubai World Cup hero Well Armed (Tiznow) and GSW Witty (Distorted Humor). Life Well Lived was sold to James Delahooke, agent for Bobby Flay, for $1.25 million at KEENOV last fall and produced an American Pharoah filly earlier this year. B-WinStar Farm LLC (KY) 8th-NII, ¥14,250,000 ($128k), Allowance, 3yo/up, 1200m ORO LINCE (f, 3, Discreet Cat–It’schemistrybaby, by Meadowlake) got her career off on a high note with a narrow victory at Nakayama last December (see below, gate 6), but is unraced since finishing well beaten a little less than three weeks hence. A $50K KEESEP acquisition, the chestnut is a half-sister to the overachieving MGSW & MGISP Majestic City (City Zip) and SP Backstreet Hero (Street Hero). The deeper female family includes GI Arlington Million (1990) and Japan Cup (1991) winner Golden Pheasant. B-Trackside Farm & Tenlane Farm (KY) 12th-SAP, ¥28,600,000 ($257k), Allowance, 3yo/up, 1800mT AMERICAN WORLD (c, 3, Kitten’s Joy–Limonar {Ire}, by Street Cry {Ire}) just missed going this distance at Kyoto in late April, then went one better next time, defeating fellow US-bred Battle Meister (Bodemeister) over Toyko’s one-mile trip May 20 (see below, gate 1). A $350K KEESEP purchase, American World is a half to GSW Mokarris (More Than Ready) and is out of a stakes-winning half-sister to GISW Talco (Fr) (Pivotal {GB}). His third dam was responsible for champion Bachelor Duke (Miswaki). B-St Elias Stables LLC (KY) View the full article

Parlay wagering is now available through Xpressbet via online, mobile and telephone platforms. It is currently available at Santa Anita and Del Mar. More tracks are expected to be added in the future. When betting parlays, Xpressbet customers can play the races they want, how they want, regardless of the order of races on the card. Additionally, parlays allow bettors to reinvest all of their winnings on a win, place or show bet into their next wager. View the full article

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II could not be at Belmont Park to watch her 4-year-old homebred colt, Call To Mind (GB), win the $400,000 Belmont Gold Cup Invitational Stake (G2T) on June 8. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Hall of Fame class of 2018 may have lacked the modern ties that characterized classes in recent years, but there was no shortage of reverence for the sport’s rich history at the induction ceremony held Friday morning at Fasig-Tipton’s Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Springs. With 12 “Pillars of the Turf,” including iconic figures such as Cot Campbell and the late Penny Chenery, being honored, the number of overall Hall members in that category was doubled. “Today we are here to honor and celebrate the history,” said NBC sportscaster Kenny Rice, who served as the event’s emcee. “When you see the inductees we have, we’re talking about the embodiment of the history of racing and what it has meant from then until now.” Campbell, an innovator in the realm of racing partnerships through his creation of the massively successful Dogwood Stable, gave a heartfelt speech reflecting on his passion for the sport. “I’m honored to be a Pillar of the Turf and I’m flabbergasted to be a Pillar of the Turf,” said Campbell, joking that he is the only “Pillar” who is still alive. “Much of my superb life is due to racing horses…I am probably the only person in this building–or maybe this town–who ever saw Man o’ War. I want to thank Man o’ War because he lit the fuse that caused me to pursue this wonderful life.” Chenery, celebrated as a pioneering woman in the game of racing and best known as the owner of 1973 Triple Crown hero Secretariat, took her rightful place in the Hall and was represented by her daughter, Kate Chenery Tweedy. “She really learned an admiration for horses as athletes,” Tweedy said, stressing the importance of aftercare as a legacy of Chenery’s contributions to the industry. The lone contemporary inductee to the Hall of Fame was Phipps Stable’s Heavenly Prize, and trainer Shug McGaughey was on hand to accept the award on behalf of his long-time clients. McGaughey fondly recalled the day Heavenly Prize broke her maiden, which was part of a split-division race. The other division was captured by commonly owned and trained champion Inside Information, touching off a particularly memorable time in the Phipps Family’s extensive history. “I’d like to thank the entire Phipps family for giving me the opportunity to train their wonderful horses over the past 30 years or so,” McGaughey said, adding praise for Claiborne Farm for their role in the family’s success. Claiborne founder Arthur B. Hancock, Sr. was also inducted later in the morning. Fittingly, on the eve of the GI Whitney S., the ceremony included a major Whitney family presence with the induction of William Collins Whitney, Harry Payne Whitney and Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney. Mary Lou Whitney and Lev Miller, nephew of C.V. Whitney, were on hand to accept the honor. Miller spoke of a “generational addiction” to racing present in the family and expressed pride in the entirety of the Whitneys’ accomplishments. Also inducted as “Pillars of the Turf” were Charles H. Strub and Elias J. Baldwin and John W. Galbreath, an instrumental figure in the growth of New York racing and the founder of Darby Dan. Darby Dan’s John Phillips accepted the award on behalf of his grandfather and emphasized how the farm continues to pursue a “great passion.” The New York racing theme continued with the induction of “Pillars” John Morrissey and August Belmont I. Hal Price Headley, meanwhile, was remembered primarily for his instrumental role in the foundation of Keeneland Race Course. “He loved his horses and was passionate about the horse,” said Hal Price Headley’s grandson Headley Bell. “He was passionate about sharing that experience with the fans. And truly, there is no better example of that than what we see at Keeneland.” The record-setting horse Preakness and trainer William Lakeland added some 19th-Century flavor to the 2018 class. The Hall of Fame also rolled out plans for a new interactive theater which will bring visitors closer to the most iconic achievements by members of the Hall. John Hendrickson, husband of Mary Lou Whitney, said the project will require a $20-million investment and will require industry-wide participation–a goal which set off on the right foot with a $1-million donation from Whitney and Hendrickson. View the full article

In a race of mixed fortunes, Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum’s Pretty Baby (Ire) (Orpen) had the right blend of a charmed run and being streetwise enough to land Friday’s G3 L’Ormarins Queens Plate Oak Tree S. at Goodwood. Earning a tilt at black-type with wins at Chelmsford in October and Redcar May 3 by a cumulative margin of 8 1/2 lengths, the bay proved more than comfortable in that territory when annexing Nottingham’s Listed Kilvington S. over six furlongs May 12 and was just a short-head shy of adding the G3 Summer S. to her tally at York July 13. Always in the right spot tracking the pace from her low draw, the 3-1 favourite ground her way to the front inside the last 75 yards to deny the luckless Dancing Star (GB) (Aqlaam {GB}) by a neck. “Dane [O’Neill]’s saddle slipped and she was lugging a bit, but this was her first time at seven and she liked it,” trainer William Haggas said. “We always thought she would. She would have won the Summer Stakes in another couple of strides and is getting better. She’s always been feisty and I think she can go up in grade now. She is in the [G2] Hungerford [at Newbury Aug. 18] and I think she’s got a bit to give over seven, so we’ll campaign her boldly now.” On pedigree, there is no doubt that Pretty Baby has latent stamina as a daughter of an unraced half to the G2 Prix Hocquart and G3 Prix de Conde scorer Prairie Star (Fr) (Peintre Celebre) and the G2 Prix de Malleret winner Pacific Rim (Ire) (Singspiel {Ire}). The second dam is the G3 Prix Minerve winner Prairie Runner (Ire) (Arazi), who is a half to Poussin (Ire) (Alzao) who scored at listed level and was second in the G1 Prix d’Ispahan. Pretty Baby was part of the Wildenstein dispersal from the Castlebridge Consignment at Goffs Orby 2016 and her subsequent physical development was notable enough for her to rise in value at last year’s Arqana Breeze-Up. Premiere Danseuse also has a yearling colt by Kendargent (Fr). Friday, Goodwood, Britain L’ORMARINS QUEENS PLATE OAK TREE S.-G3, £80,000, Goodwood, 8-3, 3yo/up, f, 7fT, 1:25.42, g/f. 1–PRETTY BABY (IRE), 123, f, 3, by Orpen 1st Dam: Premiere Danseuse (GB), by Gold Away (Ire) 2nd Dam: Prairie Runner (Ire), by Arazi 3rd Dam: Paix Blanche, by Fabulous Dancer 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. (€50,000 Ylg ’16 GOFORB; €190,000 2yo ’17 ARQMAY). O-Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum; B-Dayton Investments Ltd. (IRE); T-William Haggas; J-Dane O’Neill. £45,368. Lifetime Record: 6-4-2-0, $123,397. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Dancing Star (GB), 129, m, 5, Aqlaam (GB)–Strictly Dancing (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire). O-Mr J. C. Smith; B-Littleton Stud (GB); T-Andrew Balding. £17,200. 3–Indian Blessing (GB), 132, f, 4, Sepoy (Aus)–-Alpen Glen (GB), by Halling. (€95,000 Ylg ’15 ARAUG; €170,000 2yo ’16 ARQMAY). O-Mr P K Siu; B-Jocelyn Targett (GB); T-Ed Walker. £8,608. Margins: NK, HF, HD. Odds: 3.00, 7.00, 20.00. Also Ran: One Master (GB), Poetic Charm (GB), Most Gifted, Betty F (GB), Di Fede (Ire), Promising (Ire), Dance Diva (GB), Dan’s Dream (GB), Pepita (Ire), Carolinae (GB), Sequilla (Fr), Lida (Ire), Binti Al Nar (Ger). Scratched: Could It Be Love, Shepherd Market (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. View the full article

MG1SW Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire})’s progress towards a comeback took another step forward this week with a gallop at Newmarket on Wednesday. John Gosden’s champion suffered a setback earlier in the season and has been sidelined since. The Juddmonte representative’s main aim is the defence of her G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe crown, but a return in the G1 Juddmonte International at York on Aug.22 has been mooted, although she will not be rushed. Owner Khalid Abdullah’s racing manager Teddy Grimthorpe said, “Enable worked on the Al Bahathri on Wednesday. It was nothing very serious, but she showed a good action, and attitude as well, and she’s taking little steps towards a comeback run. York would be a nice option, but we will certainly not push her to get there just for that race and we have the option of the September S. at Kempton [on Sept. 8] if not.” View the full article

In an exhibition of pure sprinting prowess, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum’s Battaash (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) brought all his power to bear on his rivals on Friday to register back-to-back successes in Goodwood’s G2 King George Qatar S. Sent off the 8-11 favourite following his latest second in the June 19 G1 King’s Stand S. at Royal Ascot, the 4-year-old was in front before he had raced two furlongs and clear soon after. At the line, there was a four-length margin separating him and the 2014 and 2016 winner of this race Take Cover (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}), with the 2015 winner Muthmir (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in third, a half length away. “He’s a man now and I’m so pleased with the way he is behaving,” trainer Charlie Hills commented. “It will be York [for the Aug. 24 G1 Nunthorpe S.], then Ireland [for the Sept. 16 G1 Flying Five at The Curragh] and France [for the Oct. 7 G1 Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp].” BATTAASH (IRE), 131, g, 4, by Dark Angel (Ire) 1st Dam: Anna Law (Ire), by Lawman (Fr) 2nd Dam: Portelet (GB), by Night Shift 3rd Dam: Noirmant (Ire), by Dominion (GB) (200,000gns Ylg ’15 TAOCT). O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum; B-Ballyphilip Stud (IRE); T-Charles Hills; J-Jim Crowley. £176,935. Lifetime Record: Hwt. 3yo-Fr at 5-7f & G1SW-Fr, G1SP-Eng, 13-7-1-3, £790,326. View the full article

This Sunday, Deauville Racecourse plays host to the Group 1 Larc Prix Maurice de Gheest, which is open to horses three years or older. This six and a half furlongs contest has £192,152 in prize money on offer. The 2017 Prix Maurice de Gheest witnessed the Kevin Ryan-trained Brando take the title and the son of Pivotal is declared to run again on Sunday in a bid to take the title for the second consecutive year. The six-year-old chestnut gelding’s last outing was in the middle of July where he finished second to U S Navy Flag in the Group 1 Darley July Cup Stakes and with this run behind him and his enviable course form he will be one to watch. Efaadah, trained by Freddy Head, may just renew the French trainers winning streak in the Prix Maurice de Gheest. His last performance on the track was in late June where he put in a strong performance under the guidance of jockey Aurelien Lemaitre to win the Group 3 Prix de la Porte Maillot. Freddy Head is the leading winning trainer of the Prix Maurice de Gheest, taking the title six times with Marchand d’Or (2006, 2007 and 2008) and returning to the winners’ enclosure in 2011, 2012 and 2013 with Moonlight Cloud. Polydream is the second runner for Head. The three-year-old won on her last outing under Maxime Guyon in the seven-furlong Prix du Palais-Royal at Longchamp and holds leading claims of landing this contest on the back of that. After Larchmont Lad’s impressive performance last month at the Curragh he may be one to watch on the French track this weekend. The David O’Meara-trained four-year-old put in a strong performance to take the Group 2 seven furlongs Minstrel Stakes, by James Doyle and connections are now keen to shoot for Group 1 glory. Ballydoyle maestro Aidan O’Brien fields three runners with Intelligence Cross, Fleet Review and Actress. Fleet Review looks to be the strongest contender as on the three-year-olds last outing he finished third at Newmarket in the July Cup is part of the Group 1 British Champions Series. Newmarket trainer James Fanshawe send over The Tin Man in the Prix Maurice de Gheest and the ground conditions of the French track may do the six-year-old gelding justice. The French style of racing may suit the son of sire Equiano, who hoping to return to the winners’ enclosure. Selection: Brando The Group 1 German Oaks is the feature race at Dusseldorf on Sunday where twelve fillies will be battling it out for the €500,000 purse. Andreas Wohler has won three of the last four renewals of this contest and he is set to be represented by four fillies this time around. Chief among these is Sand Zabeel who was a Group 2 winner in Italy in June and will now be looking to add a Group 1 to her CV. She won’t have things her own way Well Timed who snugly won the Oaks trial on her most recent start which should prove the perfect prep run for the German Oaks. Night Of England ran very well when upped in grade for a Group 3 event in Hamburg most recently having only taken her maiden prior to this. She needs to markedly step up on this form to feature but does seem to be improving. Others to note include the Markus Klug trained Dina, Viva Gloria and Come On City. Selection: Well Timed The post Sunday Preview – Prix Maurice de Gheest & German Oaks appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Having struck with Mirage Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the previous race on the card, Sir Michael Stoute extended his record haul to six when saddling Regal Reality (GB) (Intello {Ger}) to success in Friday’s G3 Bonhams Thoroughbred S. at Goodwood. Typical of one benefitting from the master trainer’s patient approach, Cheveley Park Stud’s homebred bay went into hibernation after picking off a Sept. 20 seven-furlong maiden at the renowned Great Yarmouth schooling ground in his sole juvenile outing and shook away the rust when opening this campaign with a sixth to subsequent G1 St James’s Palace S. hero Without Parole (GB) (Frankel {GB}) upped to this trip tackling Sandown’s May 24 Listed Heron S. in his only other appearance last time. Regal Reality was anchored several clicks off the pace racing fifth of the six contenders through halfway here. Nudged along to close in the straight, the 10-1 chance was three lengths in arrears entering the final eighth, but found top gear under a Franke Dettori swagger and swooped late to usurp the duelling Ostilio (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) and Chief Ironside (GB) (Lawman {Fr}) by 1 3/4 lengths and a short head, respectively, for a career high. Regal Reality, who is a half-brother to an unraced 2-year-old gelding by Exceed and Excel (Aus) and a colt foal by Free Eagle (Ire), is the lone performer representing G3 Prestige S. and G3 Oak Tree S. victress Regal Realm (GB) (Medicean {GB}), herself a granddaughter and the leading descendant of G1 Cheveley Park S. heroine Regal Rose (GB) (Danehill). Friday, Goodwood, Britain BONHAMS THOROUGHBRED S.-G3, £100,000, Goodwood, 8-3, 3yo, 8fT, 1:36.79, g/f. 1–REGAL REALITY (GB), 127, c, 3, by Intello (Ger) 1st Dam: Regal Realm (GB) (MGSW-Eng, $116,452), by Medicean (GB) 2nd Dam: Regal Riband (GB), by Fantastic Light 3rd Dam: Regal Rose (GB), by Danehill 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Cheveley Park Stud Ltd (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute; J-Lanfranco Dettori. £56,710. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $80,641. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Ostilio (GB), 127, c, 3, New Approach (Ire)–Reem Three (GB), by Mark of Esteem (Ire). O/B-Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum (GB); T-Simon Crisford. £21,500. 3–Chief Ironside (GB), 127, c, 3, Lawman (Fr)–Moment of Time (GB), by Rainbow Quest. (155,000gns Ylg ’16 TAOCT). O-Clive Washbourn; B-W & R Barnett Ltd (GB); T-William Jarvis. £10,760. Margins: 1 3/4, NO, HF. Odds: 10.00, 4.00, 20.00. Also Ran: Glorious Journey (GB), Threeandfourpence, Threading (Ire). Scratched: Curiosity (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. View the full article

Australian Group 1 heroine Lasqueti Spirit (Aus) (Beneteau {Aus}–Supriym Story {Aus}, by General Nediym {Aus}) has been retired according to trainer Lee Curtis, Racenet.com reported on Friday. The freshly minted 5-year-old is best known for her shock 100-1 victory in the G1 Crown Oaks at Flemington in 2016, her lone win in 22 starts. Second in the G1 Chipping Norton S. and third in the G1 Australian Oaks both in 2017, the Queensland-bred earned $730,003. Bred by the S J E Family Trust, the bay was purchased by Curtis for an ownership group for A$150,000 out of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in 2015. Lasqueti Spirit’s winning dam is a half-sister to SW & GSP My Destiny (Aus) (Stratum {Aus}). Under the third dam is G1 Doomben Cup victor Mr Bureaucrat (Aus) (Bureaucracy {NZ}) and GSW & G1SP All Black Gold (Aus) (Canny Lad {Aus}). View the full article

Mirage Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who hit the board in last term’s G3 Hampton Court S. and G2 Great Voltigeur S., opened this semester with a second in Ascot’s Listed Buckhounds S. and registered a first stakes triumph in the May 26 Listed Tapster S. over this course and distance. The homebred bay then slipped to fifth in Royal Ascot’s June 19 Listed Wolferton S., before posting a runner-up finish in Newmarket’s July 12 G2 Princess of Wales’s S., and he justified a sustained gamble in Friday’s G3 Bombay Sapphire Glorious S. at Goodwood to secure a personal best in taking fashion, lifting Sir Michael Stoute to within one of Luca Cumani’s record seven renewals. At the line, the 6-5 chalk had 3 1/2 lengths to spare over Red Verdon (Lemon Drop Kid) with Second Step (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}) running on to finish another length adrift in third. Mirage Dancer was settled off the tempo in third for most of the contest. Bounding to the front approaching the quarter-mile marker, he stayed on strongly under urging thereafter to provide Ryan Moore, and Stoute, with a third straight win following Kings Fete (GB) (King’s Best) in 2016 and subsequent dual Group 1 hero Poet’s Word (Ire) (Poet’s Voice {GB}) last year. Mirage Dancer is the leading perfomer produced by GI Beverly D. S. and GI Matriarch S. heroine Heat Haze (GB) (Green Desert), whose progeny also includes GI Maker’s Mile third Forge (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Listed Michael Seely Memorial S. runner-up Radiator (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Heat Haze, who has the hitherto unraced 2-year-old colt Ironclad (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and a yearling full-brother to Mirage Dancer to come, is a daughter of storied blue hen Hasili (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}), herself the winner of the Listed Prix des Sablonnets and the dam of the four other MG1SW champions Banks Hill (GB) (Danehill), Intercontinental (GB) (Danehill), Cacique (Ire) (Danehill) and Champs Elysees (GB) (Danehill), plus G2 Prix du Muguet-winning sire Dansili (GB) (Danehill). Banks Hill is the dam of G1 Prix Jean Romanet heroine Romantica (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). Friday, Goodwood, Britain BOMBAY SAPPHIRE GLORIOUS S.-G3, £100,000, Goodwood, 8-3, 4yo/up, 11f 218yT, 2:33.69, g/f. 1–MIRAGE DANCER (GB), 127, c, 4, by Frankel (GB) 1st Dam: Heat Haze (GB) (MGISW-US & SW-Fr, $1,183,696), by Green Desert 2nd Dam: Hasili (Ire), by Kahyasi (Ire) 3rd Dam: Kerali (GB), by High Line (GB) 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Khalid Abdullah; B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute; J-Ryan Moore. £56,710. Lifetime Record: 10-3-2-2, $204,211. *1/2 to Forge (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), GISP-US & MGSP-Eng, $234,079; and Radiator (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), SP-Eng. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Red Verdon, 127, h, 5, Lemon Drop Kid–Porto Marmay (Ire), by Choisir (Aus). ($85,000 Ylg ’14 KEESEP; 90,000gns 2yo ’15 TATBRE). O-The Hon R J Arculli; B-Liberty Road Stables (KY); T-Ed Dunlop. £21,500. 3–Second Step (Ire), 127, g, 7, Dalakhani (Ire)–My Dark Rosaleen (GB), by Sadler’s Wells. O/B-Merry Fox Stud Ltd (IRE); T-Roger Charlton. £10,760. Margins: 3HF, 1, 1 3/4. Odds: 1.20, 6.00, 3.50. Also Ran: Blakeney Point (GB), Eminent (Ire), Top Tug (Ire), Scotland (Ger). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. View the full article

Connections of Lightning Spear (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) are eyeing a start in the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile after the 7-year-old scooped the G1 Sussex S. a “Win And You’re In” qualifying race for that Churchill Downs feature in November. After several near-misses, the popular David Simcock-trained Qatar Racing colourbearer struck at Group 1 level at the 16th attempt in the mile showpiece at Goodwood on Wednesday, beating Expert Eye (GB) (Acclamation {GB}) in the hands of Oisin Murphy. “He really did deserve that victory,” said Newmarket-based Simcock. “We can enjoy him like we always do, but we can enjoy him a little bit more now. I don’t really know where we will go at the moment and we will sit down and talk about it. I know Sheikh Fahad would like to end up at the Breeders’ Cup, so that is where he will probably end up. He loves travelling and he loves racing his horses, so that is where we will probably end up. Where we go between now and then, I don’t know.” View the full article

Christian Williams has joined Cheveley Park Stud as a management assistant, the stud announced on Friday. Previously a stud groom at Overbury Stud since 2015, Williams is also the current Chairman of the TBA’s young person’s initiative, The Thoroughbred Club. “With the recent expansion in the Thompson family’s bloodstock interests, I am delighted to welcome Christian to the team here at Cheveley Park Stud as management assistant,” said Cheveley Park Stud Managing Director Chris Richardson. “It is a busy time at Cheveley Park Stud and I know Christian’s contribution will help me and the current management team enormously.” “I am thoroughly delighted and eagerly looking forward to joining the management team at Cheveley Park Stud and I am extremely grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, who stand a world-class roster of stallions, for this opportunity.” View the full article

The catalogue for the Goffs UK Silver Yearling Sale, scheduled for Doncaster on Aug. 30, is now online. A total of 174 yearlings are slated to go under the hammer, up from 149 in 2017. Group 2 winner Pleaseletmewin (Ire) (Power {GB}) and listed winner Fashion Queen (GB) (Aqlaam {GB}) are both past Silver Sale alumni successful this season, as are Weatherbys Supersprint one-two Ginger Nut (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire}) and Moojim (Ire) (Moohaajim {Ire}). Lot 518, a son of Zebedee (GB), is a lot of note. The Killulla Stud-consigned yearling is out of a half-sister to G1SW Distant Way (Distant View), Group 3 winner Cima de Pluie (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) and listed winner Way to Paris (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}). Another well-bred yearling is lot 546, a daughter of Cable Bay (Ire), who will be offered by Harry Dutfield. Her dam is a half-sister to G1 Nassau S. heroine Sultanina (GB) (New Approach {Ire}), as well as the listed-placed Coconut Creme (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). Veteran sire Raven’s Pass is represented by lot 566, a filly out of Saxon Princess (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}), who is a half-sister to European champion 3-year-old colt and three-time Group 1 winner Cracksman (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and a full to G3 Solario S. hero Fantastic Moon (GB). She will be offered by Battlefield Stud. “Like the Premier Yearling Sale, the Silver Sale has taken a step up this year in terms of quality,” said Goffs UK Managing Director Tony Williams. “The sale’s focus remains, first and foremost, on the individual and there are some cracking horses in the sale following unprecedented demand for places in Premier. Last year we saw further support from the domestic market with more buyers targeting this sale and we attracted a large number of purchasers from throughout Europe as well which drove the clearance rate to 87%. That success, followed by the results of graduates such as Ginger Nut, Moojim and Pleaseletmewin on the track, have meant the sale has enjoyed a successful year which has translated into further support from consignors, some of which are new to the sale in 2018.” View the full article

Saturday marks the final day of Glorious Goodwood and it’s a card packed full of fiendishly difficult handicaps. The first of these is the Stewards’ Sprint which is the consolation race for the Stewards Cup. Sophie Ralston has built up a great rapport with Oeil De Tigre and the pair have landed a hat-trick of wins during the summer but that has resulted in a big rise in the weights and he may just be too high in the handicap. The jockey booking that catches the eye is undoubtedly Ryan Moore on Ian Williams’s Boy In The Bar who is only one pound higher than his last winning mark. This course and distance winner has run well this season without getting his head in front and is a strong contender. Recent Ayr winner Militia will be many peoples idea of the winner hailing from the formidable Richard Fahey stable and with Paul Hanagan in the saddle. The daughter of Equinao has won two of her starts this season and will be looking to add a third season victory under a penalty. Selection: Boy In The Bar The Summer Handicap gives the staying handicappers a chance to strut their stuff at Goodwood and the improving previous course winner Walton Street heads the betting for the contest. The very lightly raced son of Cape Cross had a profitable campaign in Meydan before finishing a credible third in the Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes behind Dash Of Spice. Sir Michael Stoute runs Melting Dew who is seeking a hat-trick of victories here but the worry has to be that he’s been beaten on all seven attempts at a distance further than 1m 2f. However, on the upside, he has the assistance of Ryan Moore and seems to be on an upward curve. Platitude has really recaptured his form since joining Amanda Perrett this season, with a course and distance victory and a runner-up finish in a Sandown listed race on both starts. The five-year-old finished midfield in the race last year behind Soldier In Action off a one pound higher mark but after a wind operation, there may just be more improvement to come from Platitude. Others with chances include Pacify, Sofia’s Rock and Sir Chauvelin. Selection: Soldier In Action Dee Ex Bee finishing 2nd in the DerbyThe Gordon Stakes is the only group race on the final day of Goodwood and Mark Johnston’s Derby runner-up Dee Ex Bee should win this comfortably if reproducing that form. The son of Farhh only faces three rivals in Cross Counter, Sun Maiden and Bombyx, none of which should really be troubling Silvestre De Sousa’s mount. Selection: Dee Ex Bee The Stewards’ Cup is the highlight on Saturday with twenty-eight highly strung horses set to do battle for the £250,000 prize fund. Three of the last seven runnings of this have been won by the favourite which gives hope to punters. Last season’s Portland winner Spring Loaded has already landed a heritage handicap at Ascot this season over five furlongs but the return should be no problem to Paul D’Arcy’s charge and with Ryan in the saddle, he must go close. Lancelot Du Lac was a surprise 25/1 winner of the race last year under Frankie Dettori and Dean Ivory’s inmate now races off a mark just one pound higher. His turf form has been poor this season but a return to form cannot be ruled out. The class act in the race is Clive Cox’s Tis Marvellous who was a Group 2 winner as a two-year-old in France and the lightly raced four-year-old has shown consistent form this year including a fourth in the Wokingham. He got a two-pound rise for that run but still looks feasibly treated and must go close. Glenamoy Lad is three from five since joining Michael Wigham from Ireland and even though he has to overcome a 247-day absence, the booking of champion jockey Silvestre De Sousa looks significant and he’s an intriguing contender. Others with chances include Solar Flair, Gifted Master and Foxtrot Lady. Selection: Tis Marvellous The Listed Chalice Stakes is the feature at Newmarket where nine fillies and mares go to post. Crimson Rosette arguably has the best form on offer following placed efforts in listed and Group Three events on her last two starts. The removal of the hood is a slight worry but she still holds leading claims. John Gosden and Frankie Dettori team up with Highgarden and although the Nathaniel filly has only won a novice event on debut she has run well in the Ribblesdale and a listed event over course and distance. She is open to improvement and is my idea of the winner. Others to consider include Luca Cumani’s Alwaysandforever, Melodic Motion and Winginit. Selection: Highgarden RaceBets have some fantastic offers this weekend, make sure to check them out here The post Weekend Preview – Can Lancelot Land Back To Back Steward Cups? appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

LAST YEAR Lancelot Du Lac landed the Stewards’ Cup under Frankie Dettori and he is back for another crack at the race this weekend. Jockey Robert Winston is in the saddle this time around as he bids to build on what has been a good season for the rider. We spoke to Winston about his chances in the Stewards’ Cup as well as getting updates on some of his leading chances for the rest of the season, What do you think a horse needs to succeed at Goodwood? You need a horse that has a high cruising speed and is very well balanced. Your horse needs to be able to adapt to running down hill and around sharp turns, so you often need a very tough individual. The more willing your horse the better your chances. Dean Ivory is your main supporter and is a dab hand with sprinters. What do you think makes him so good with such horses? He’s a very good trainer and he’s never leaves a stone unturned. His horses are well fed, he has a full-time physio in there and the horses are always checked over and given the best of everything. He can read a horse very well and I’ve seen that several times. He spoils his horses too, which is always nice to see. You ride last year’s winner Lancelot Du Lac in the Stewards’ Cup over stablemate Eirene. Why is that? The weight is the main reason I’m riding Lancelot Du Lac but he’s also the defending champion. He’s proven at the track and is back down to a winning mark. Good ground will be fine for him. Lancelot Du Lac winning the 2017 Stewards Cup Speaking of Eirene, what do you make of her chances? Eirene is highly thought of. It was a good run in the Nell Gwyn earlier this season and at Ascot the time after that she wasn’t right in herself, almost like she’d lost her way a bit. We’ve got every faith in her that she’ll land a big prize, although she’d ideally like a little more rain for this race. You start the day by riding in the Stewards’ Cup consolation race. How much of an impact will the result have on how you ride in the main race? It’s always a tricky one but ultimately it comes down to where the pace is. There are times when the tracks are watered that it can be a bit uneven and strips are left that are a bit quicker, but generally the pace dictates what happens in a race. You won the Northumberland Plate on Withhold last time. What do you think of him? He’s a very talented horse. He was quite impressive in the Northumberland Plate the way he picked up off his own pace and galloped on so strongly. The plan had been to take a lead, but I said to everyone that if I’m in front don’t worry as it means they’re going no pace. I couldn’t believe they just left me alone and he did it easy. Do you think he will handle the Melbourne Cup? He goes in quick conditions and has plenty of pace. He looks to have a nice weight for the race too. There are questions around whether he’ll acclimatise etc, but I think the plan is he’ll go there early to give him the chance to acclimatise. Librisa Breeze is in action in the Prix Maurice de Gheest on Sunday. How are things with him? The ground is always important to him. Hopefully it’ll be good and that’ll be helpful, although it’s hard to know with the heatwaves around at the moment. We think he’s in good shape for the race and his ultimate aim is Ascot on Champions Day. It’s the obvious place for him. Librisa Breeze (Robert Winston) wins the 2017 Qipco British Champions Sprint Stakes And, finally, how are things with Ebor candidate Stratum? He was quietly fancied for the Ascot Stakes but from start to finish everything went ‘Pete Tong’ for him. Despite all that he still ran a credible third and he was the eyecatcher of the race. He was dropped to two miles at Newbury on a lovely, galloping track and he got the pace he needed. Mr [Willie] Mullins put on a hood, a grackle noseband and a ring bit and he settled much better. I was taken with how he picked up and galloped relentlessly to the line, which is typical of one of Willie’s. The post Robert Winston on the Stewards Cup, Withhold, Librisa Breeze and more appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

Dennis Farkas, Brett Franklin, and Cheryl Franklin's Big Dollar Bill rallied from last and outkicked 1-5 favorite Hard Study in the stretch to win the $100,000 Birdstone Stakes Aug. 2 at Saratoga Race Course. View the full article

Track conditions and course scratchings August 3 View the full article

Horses' body weights August 3 View the full article

Rehaizat in survival mode at riding comeback View the full article