Wandering Eyes

Track conditions and course scratchings July 15 View the full article

Early scratchings July 15 View the full article

Once On Whiskey (c, 3, Bodemeister–Crespano, by Mineshaft) was let go at odds of 7-1 trying a route of ground for the first time in Saturday’s GIII Los Alamitos Derby in Orange County, but belied his inexperience at two turns to peg back favored Draft Pick (Candy Ride {Arg}) in the shadow of the wire. Exiting an apparently excuse-free third in a seven-furlong Churchill allowance test May 5, the $150,000 Keeneland September purchase raced at the back of the Los Al Derby field alongside Blended Citizen (Proud Citizen) as Ax Man (Misremembered) set the pace from Draft Pick in the middle and a three-wide King Cause (Creative Cause). Ax Man was never given a breather and Draft Pick put him to the sword with three-eighths of a mile to travel, having won that battle. Having firmly put away that Baffert runner, Once On Whiskey emerged as the fresh challenge entering the final furlong. Draft Pick kept plugging away as he was looking for the line, but Flavien Prat shoved Once On Whiskey home narrowly in front. The third graded winner and eighth black-type winner for his sire, Once On Whiskey is a maternal grandson of SW Code Of Ethics (Honour and Glory) and hails from the family of GSW Careless Heiress and GSW One and Twenty (Honour and Glory). The winner’s dam has a yearling filly by The Factor and a filly foal by Not This Time. The mare was bred to Runhappy. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-1. O-Pegram, Watson & Weitman; B-Gabriel Duignan & Crosshaven Bloodstock (KY); T-Bob Baffert. View the full article

In a wild, 1 1/8-mile trip over the Delaware Park turf, Golden Brown fired in the final lengths of the stretch to win the $200,000 Kent Stakes (G3T) and take home his first graded win. View the full article

In her first outing since last year's Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), Elate served notice when she galloped to a 3 1/4-length victory in the 1 1/4-mile Delaware Handicap (G2). View the full article

Jockey Manny Franco capped a three-win day with a sweep of both stakes for owner Barry K. Schwartz July 14, winning the $150,000 Forbidden Apple with Voodoo Song and the $100,000 Rockville Centre aboard La Fuerza. View the full article

The Minnesota Racing Commission is soliciting 501 (c) (3) non-profit racehorse aftercare organizations in operation for a minimum of one year to be considered for funding. The funds come from legislation drafted in 2015 that channels fines collected via rulings issued at Canterbury Park and Running Aces to be used towards racehorse adoption, retirement and repurposing. The application can be downloaded here. “The Minnesota Racing Commission is eager to help provide racehorse aftercare funds to organizations that will help retired racehorses find a safe and productive post-racing career,” stated Tom DiPasquale, Executive Director of the Minnesota Racing Commission. “The Commission’s efforts, in combination with the already instituted programs of Canterbury Park, Running Aces and their horsepersons’ organizations, will further our goal to provide resources to care for these gifted animals.” Up to $40,000 will be distributed to organizations that care for and repurpose Standardbreds, Quarter horses and/or Thoroughbred racehorses. The application for racehorse aftercare funds includes a questionnaire, limited financial reporting information, and documentation of 501(c) (3) status. Organizations must submit applications by Aug. 15, 2018 to be considered for funding. For more information visit: https://www.mrc.state.mn.us/. View the full article

11.40 Maisons-Laffitte, Debutantes, €27,000, 2yo, f, 6fT EXCELLENCY (FR) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) is a surprising runner over so short a trip at this fledgling stage of her career, as she is a stoutly-bred half-sister to the four-times Group 1-winning heroine The Fugue (GB) (Dansili {GB}), whose best moments came in the Irish Champion S. and Prince of Wales’s S. Henri-Francois Devin introduces Al Shaqab Racing’s exciting prospect against Al Shira’aa Farms’ 250,000gns TATOCT purchase Sicilia (GB) (Kingman {GB}), a Carlos Laffon-Parias trainee whose dam is a full-sister to Footstepsinthesand (GB). View the full article

Heavily favored despite returning at 10 furlongs off a fourth as the favorite in last year’s GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff, ‘TDN Rising Star’ Elate (f, 4, Medaglia d’Oro–Cheery, by Distorted Humor) was given a cerebral ride by Jose Ortiz and showed her class through the stretch of Saturday’s GII Delaware H., drawing off toe score by a daylight margin. Void of early speed behind a tempo that was very slow for the opening half-mile, the multiple Grade I winner was clicked up by Ortiz with about five furlongs to race and was in a share of the lead as they entered the turn. Held together as long as possible, Elate was allowed to open up at the top of the lane and proved not for catching from there. Sneaky Betty (Mineshaft) plugged away for second ahead of Teresa Z (Smart Strike) in third. Lifetime Record: 11-5-3-1. O/B-Claiborne Farm & Adele B Dilschneider (KY); T-Bill Mott. View the full article

Making just his second appearance on turf, having run a half-length second to New Jersey-bred champion Irish Strait (English Channel) in the Dan Horn S. at Monmouth Park June 17, Golden Brown (Offlee Wild–Suzee Sunrise, by Chester House) sat a mostly midfield trip, came off heels in upper stretch and quickened up best of all to cause a 15-1 upset in Saturday’s GIII Kent S. at Delaware Park. Trainer Pat McBurney told Gabby Gaudet post-race that plan A was to send Golden Brown to the lead, but jockey Jairo Rendon had to call an audible when 30-1 Archaggelos (Temple City) took the early initiative. He drifted back through the field all the way into about fifth position nearing the turn, but he was still on the bridle, and when Rendon popped the question in the lane, Golden Brown responded and outfinished his rivals for the victory. The win was the second in a graded event for McBurney, who saddled Just Call Kenny to win last year’s GIII Philip H. Iselin H. at Monmouth. The race’s hard-luck story was favored ‘TDN Rising Star’ Untamed Domain (Animal Kingdom), who was hampered in the stretch before re-rallying to cross the line sixth. Archaggelos was ultimately disqualified from a dead-heat fourth and placed sixth for initiating the incident that caused Untamed Domain to be stopped in his tracks. Lifetime Record: 7-3-3-0. O-ABL Stable, et al; B-Esther de Jong (NJ); T-Pat McBurney. Saturday, Delaware Park KENT S.-GIII, $200,375, Delaware, 7-14, 3yo, 1 1/8mT, 1:48.06, fm. 1–GOLDEN BROWN, 116, c, 3, by Offlee Wild 1st Dam: Suzee Sunrise, by Chester House 2nd Dam: Diane’s Birthday, by With Approval 3rd Dam: Pretense d’Or, by Medaille d’Or 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($22,000 Ylg ’16 FTKOCT). O-ABL Stable, D. Bossone, P. Donnelly & J. Schnoor, Jr.; B-Esther de Jong (NJ); T-Patrick B. McBurney; J-Jairo Rendon. $120,000. Lifetime Record: 7-3-3-0, $209,500. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Werk Nick Rating: A. 2–Hot Springs, 117, c, 3, Uncle Mo–Magical Victory, by Victory Gallop. ($750,000 Ylg ’16 KEESEP). O-Woodford Racing, LLC; B-Bo Hirsch LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. $40,000. 3–Carrick, 116, c, 3, Giant’s Causeway–How Far to Heaven, by Distorted Humor. ($75,000 Ylg ’16 KEESEP). O-Donegal Racing; B-Patricia Pavlish (KY); T-Thomas Morley. $22,000. Margins: 1 3/4, 1, HF. Odds: 15.60, 6.40, 2.60. Also Ran: Way Early, Untamed Domain, Archaggelos, Gunnison, Duc de Calas (Fr). Scratched: Blame the Rider. Click for the Equibase.com chart, the TJCIS.com PPs or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. View the full article

Multiple graded stakes winner Gunnevera, sidelined since his run in the March 31 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1), breezed five furlongs in 1:00 at Gulfstream Park West July 14 in preparation for a return. View the full article

MGSW Gunnevera (Dialed In) fired a five-furlong bullet in 1:00 flat (1/16) at Gulfstream Park West Saturday morning as he prepares for a first start since exiting an eighth-place finish in the Mar. 31 GI Dubai World Cup with a hoof injury. “The horse worked very well,” trainer Antonio Sano said. “He went :23, :36, :48 1/5, and five furlongs in a minute flat.” The near $3-million earner had been freshened in Ocala for two months before returning to Sano’s stable. Saturday’s spin was his fourth since getting back into serious training. Gunnevera is expected to use a race at Gulfstream some time next month as a springboard to the Sept. 1 GI Woodward S. at Saratoga. A graded winner at two and three, Gunnevera was second in last year’s GI Travers S. and third in the lucrative GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. this January. “I’ve never had a horse like him before in my life,” said Sano. “I don’t have the words to say how great Gunnevera has been for me and my family. I am very proud of what he has accomplished. To run in the Kentucky Derby, the Breeders’ Cup, the Pegasus and then Dubai, it’s been amazing.” View the full article

The Saratoga 150 Committee announced the two newest inductees to the Hoofprints Walk of Fame at Saratoga Race Course: champion Checkmate (Glen Athol–Full Cry, by Vandal) and 1979 GI Travers S. winner General Assembly (Secretariat–Exclusive Dancer, by Native Dancer). Horses are considered for the Hoofprints Walk of Fame based on their accomplishments in major stakes races at Saratoga Race Course throughout its 150-year history. The selection committee considers additional horses for the Walk of Fame on an annual basis. The selection committee consists of National Museum of Racing Librarian Allan Carter, racing historian and author Ed Bowen, and turf columnist Michael Veitch. “We are thrilled to welcome these champion Thoroughbreds to the outstanding class of horses who make up the Hoofprints Walk of Fame at Saratoga Race Course,” said Saratoga 150 Honorary Chair John Hendrickson, who conceptualized the project in conjunction with the Saratoga 150 committee. “These equine athletes competed at their highest level and have become part of the rich history of Saratoga Race Course. It’s a privilege to recognize the real stars of this sport at the Hoofprints Walk of Fame where they are permanently enshrined.” Modeled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hoofprints Walk of Fame was installed outside the clubhouse gates to Saratoga Race Course in 2013 in conjunction with the sesquicentennial celebration of the first organized race meeting in Saratoga Springs. The Hoofprints Walk of Fame honors the most prolific and notable horses to compete at Saratoga Race Course. Owned by James T. Williams, Checkmate was trained by James Rowe and ridden by Edward Feakes and Isaac Murphy. A multiple stakes winner in 1880, he won seven of his eight races at Saratoga–including four stakes–the following season. A homebred for Bertram and Diana Firestone, General Assembly was trained by LeRoy Jolley and ridden by Darrel McHargue and Jacinto Vasquez. His memorable wins include the GI Hopeful S. and GII Saratoga Special S. in 1978; and in 1979, he took the GII Gotham S. and GII Vosburgh S. before taking the Travers in course record time, a record that stood until 2016. He also finished runner up to Spectacular Bid in the 1979 GI Kentucky Derby. The additions of Checkmate and General Assembly bring the total number of inductees to 40. Among the notable Thoroughbreds inducted to the Walk of Fame include Affirmed, Man O’ War, Native Dancer and Secretariat. View the full article

Barry K. Schwartz homebred LA FUERZA (c, 2, Flatter-Jonata, by Proud Citizen) built on a 7 3/4-length debut success over 5 1/2 furlongs of the Belmont main track June 22 with another facile victory in Saturday’s state-bred restricted Rockville Center S. in Elmont. Favored at 45 cents on the dollar to take this next step, La Fuerza was off far better than he was in his bow and took up a spot from fourth behind a trio of front-runners. Idling a bit on the turn, he felt a crack of Manny Franco’s whip nearing the stretch, switched out and around first-time starter Red Zinger (Will Take Charge) at the top of the lane and kicked it in from the eighth pole to score by a handy four lengths. Bustin Mach Four (Bustin Stones) outfinished Red Zinger for second. The 46th black-type winner for his Claiborne-based sire, La Fuerza is out of a half-sister to SW & GISP Pinch Pie (Victory Gallop) and hails from the family of GI Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Volponi (Cryptoclearance). La Fuerza is kin to a colt foal of this year by Mizzen Mast. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Barry K Schwartz; B-Stonewall Farm (NY); T-Todd Pletcher. View the full article

Dropping back down to a mile and a half for ParisLongchamp’s G1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris following his win in the 14-furlong G2 Queen’s Vase at Royal Ascot June 20, Kew Gardens (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) duly delivered a group 1 double to Ballydoyle on the day with Ryan Moore driving the 7-5 favourite to a 1 1/4-length success over Neufbosc (Fr) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}). Held up again as he had been at the Royal meeting, the bay was served up a relentless gallop by stablemate Nelson (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and after gaining a slight edge over the leading domestic hope with 300 metres remaining stayed on strongly to deny the grey, with the G1 Epsom Derby runner-up Dee Ex Bee (GB) (Farhh {GB}) eventually three lengths away in third after running another lethargic race. Saturday, ParisLongchamp, France JUDDMONTE GRAND PRIX DE PARIS-G1, €600,000, ParisLongchamp, 7-14, 3yo, c/f, 12fT, 2:28.62, gd. 1–KEW GARDENS (IRE), 128, c, 3, by Galileo (Ire) 1st Dam: Chelsea Rose (Ire) (Hwt. 3yo Filly-Ire at 9.5-10.5f, G1SW-Ire & G1SP-Ity, $527,260), by Desert King (Ire) 2nd Dam: Cinnamon Rose, by Trempolino 3rd Dam: Sweet Simone (Fr), by Green Dancer 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Barronstown Stud (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Ryan Moore. €342,840. Lifetime Record: GSW-Eng & GSP-Ire, 10-4-2-1, €549,605. *1/2 to Thawaany (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), GSW & G1SP-Fr, $262,616; and Hamlool (Ire) (Red Ransom), SP-Eng. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Neufbosc (Fr), 128, c, 3, Mastercraftsman (Ire)–Nonsuch Way (Ire), by Verglas (Ire). O-Gerard Augustin-Normand; B-Franklin Finance SA (FR); T-Pia Brandt. €137,160. 3–Dee Ex Bee (GB), 128, c, 3, Farhh (GB)–Dubai Sunrise, by Seeking the Gold. O-Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum; B-Godolphin (GB); T-Mark Johnston. €68,580. Margins: 1 1/4, 3, 1 1/4. Odds: 1.40, 3.30, 2.20. Also Ran: Folamour (GB), Nelson (Ire), Downdraft (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. View the full article

U S Navy Flag carved himself a niche in racing history when he captured the July 14 Darley July Cup (G1), completing a Newmarket group 1 triple that includes his victories in last year's Juddmonte Middle Park and Darley Dewhurst Stakes. View the full article

Multiple graded stakes winner Gunnevera, sidelined since his run in the March 31 Dubai World Cup Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1), breezed five furlongs in 1:00 at Gulfstream Park West July 14 in preparation for a return to action. View the full article

Labeled a TDN Rising Star following her debut success over a mile here Apr. 19, Zarkamiya who is a daughter of the brilliant Zarkava (Ire) (Zamindar) was only fourth in a 10 1/2-furlong conditions event at Chantilly May 18 and so had questions to answer on this return. Anchored in mid-division early by Christophe Soumillon, the 19-5 second favourite had to navigate her way past the errant long-time leader Aumale (GB) (Dansili {GB}) inside the final quarter mile as fellow TDN Rising Star Enchanting Skies (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}) got first run on her. Finding some of her dam’s famous acceleration to close the gap, the bay managed that in the last 50 metres to assert for a short-neck success. Alain de Royer-Dupre is hoping she can still measure up to her outstanding pedigree. “She’s a sweet filly, but she has a tendency to worry about everything and her rider has to manage her stress,” he explained. “He did that very well today and she was able to show her true quality. Of course, you would expect there is improvement to come as she is very lightly-raced and so well-bred, so we’ll see how she comes out of this. The [Aug. 12 G3 Prix] Minerve at Deauville is a possibility.” The Aga Khan’s racing manager Georges Rimaud added, “This is obviously a nice stallion and mare combination. She was sore in her back after last time and she took a long while to come back. She also likes an even track like this.” PRIX DE THIBERVILLE-Listed, €55,000, ParisLongchamp, 7-14, 3yo, f, 12fT, 2:31.31, gd. 1–ZARKAMIYA (FR), 126, f, 3, by Frankel (GB) 1st Dam: Zarkava (Ire) (HotY-Eur & MG1SW-Fr, $4,793,989), by Zamindar 2nd Dam: Zarkasha (Ire), by Kahyasi (Ire) 3rd Dam: Zarkana (Ire), by Doyoun (Ire) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. O-H H The Aga Khan; B-H H The Aga Khan’s Studs SC (FR); T-Alain de Royer-Dupre; J-Christophe Soumillon. €27,500. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, €42,800. *1/2 to Zarak (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), G1SW-Fr & GSW-UAE, $1,355,479. 2–Enchanting Skies (Ire), 126, f, 3, Sea the Stars (Ire)—Estefania (Ger), by Acatenango (Ger). (€500,000 Ylg ’16 BBAGS). O-Qatar Racing Ltd, Ecurie des Monceaux & Mme Barbara M Keller. €11,000. 3–Hermaphrodite (Fr), 126, f, 3, Le Havre (Ire)–Decency (Ire), by Celtic Swing (GB). (€27,000 Ylg ’16 ARQNOV). O-Ecurie de Montlahuc. €8,250. Margins: SNK, 1HF, 3/4. Odds: 3.80, 2.10, 6.20. Also Ran: Ligne d’Or (GB), Standing Up (Fr), Jaylan, Aumale (GB), Wagga Wagga (Fr), Sextine (GB). DNF: Holy Ruler (Fr). Click for the Racing Post result. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. View the full article

Sunday’s action is low-key in Europe and Maisons-Laffitte starts early with France in the World Cup Final in the afternoon. Centre stage is occupied by the G2 Prix Eugene Adam, or Grand Prix de Maisons-Laffitte, where the G1 Prix du Jockey Club third Louis D’Or (Ire) (Intello {Ger}) bids to become the fourth group winner to emerge from that 10 1/2-furlong Chantilly Classic on June 3. Interestingly, Khalid Abdullah has shown a preference for this race which he has won five times and it is worth noting that the Juddmonte silks are carried this time by the June 21 G3 Hampton Court S. runner-up Crossed Baton (GB) (Dansili {GB}). In the G3 Prix de Ris-Orangis, France’s sprinting stalwarts Finsbury Square (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) and Signs of Blessing (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) race under penalties against some unexposed rivals including Godolphin’s G1 Prix Jacques le Marois runner-up Inns of Court (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). “We don’t see the step down to six furlongs as being a problem–he is a horse who likes a strong pace, so we hope that this will play to his strengths,” the operation’s Lisa-Jane Graffard said of the latter. “This is a completely different task, but he ran well over the straight mile at Deauville last year and this is a straight six furlongs. He is in good form and we hope that he can show the promise of his races last year.” View the full article

Successful over six furlongs at La Teste de Buch May 8 and Toulouse June 8, Harmless continued his progress into this Paris bow as he extended his sequence, providing his first-season sire Anodin (Ire) with a first black-type winner in the process. Sent off the 17-10 second favourite, the Wertheimer representative was perfectly nestled against the fence just off the early pace by Maxime Guyon. Delivered to the inside as the rail cutaway, the chestnut seized the advantage with 300 metres remaining and held his rivals at bay to score by 3/4 of a length from Pivottina (Fr) (Vision D’Etat {Fr}). “He’s a nice precocious horse who has been doing well,” trainer Christophe Ferland said. “Last time at Toulouse, he had to give a lot of weight to the second but still managed to win and I was afraid he had had a hard race there, but he recovered well and was in top form today. I like the way he controlled the race when he got to the front and you will not see much of him now until September, when he will be back for the [Sept. 2 G3 Prix la] Rochette. If he is good enough, he’ll then go for the [G1] Grand Criterium.” The owners’ racing manager Pierre-Yves Bureaux added, “He is from the first crop of Anodin, so obviously it is a nice start for him. This is especially pleasing, as he is not a homebred and we bought him.” PRIX ROLAND DE CHAMBURE-Listed, €60,000, ParisLongchamp, 7-14, 2yo, 7fT, 1:22.26, gd. 1–HARMLESS (FR), 128, c, 2, by Anodin (Ire) 1st Dam: Snowbright (GB), by Pivotal (GB) 2nd Dam: Snow Gretel (Ire), by Green Desert 3rd Dam: Snow Princess (Ire), by Ela-Mana-Mou (Ire) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. (€35,000 Ylg ’17 ARAUG). O-Wertheimer & Frere; B-Sydney Vidal (FR); T-Christophe Ferland; J-Maxime Guyon. €30,000. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, €51,000. 2–Pivottina (Fr), 125, f, 2, Vision d’Etat (Fr)–Pixy (GB), by Pivotal (GB). (€8,000 Ylg ’17 ARQNOV). O-Andrew James Smith. €12,000. 3–Pizzicato (Ity), 128, c, 2, Dabirsim (Fr)–Resaca (Ger), by Touch Down (Ger). (€62,000 Ylg ’17 ARAUG). O-Antoine Gilibert, Ecurie Vivaldi & Fabrice Chappet. €9,000. Margins: 3/4, 3/4, SHD. Odds: 1.70, 9.00, 1.00. Also Ran: Julius Limbani (Ire), All Star Cast (Ire), Baileys Coquette (Fr). Click for the Racing Post result. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. View the full article

With a pair of black-type juveniles to his credit already this season, Showcasing (GB) sits third on the European 2-year-old sire list, and is very much building on the foundation laid by champion sprinter Quiet Reflection (GB) from his second crop. That standout mare was conceived at just £4,500 at Whitsbury Manor Stud, and in the six years since Showcasing’s fee has climbed to £35,000. Fresh off wins by Showcasing’s Soldier’s Call (GB) in Royal Ascot’s Listed Windsor Castle S. and Advertise (GB) just last week in the G2 Arqana July S., TDN‘s Alayna Cullen caught up with Whitsbury Manor’s Ed Harper to talk about Showcasing, and we have an excerpt from her video interview here. AC: So far, 2018 has been an exciting year for Showcasing. Can you tell us a little bit about his successes on the track so far? EH: 2018 was always going to be the year that people were really putting the spotlight on him, as it’s the first year the 2-year-olds have been bred from a slightly increased fee. The 2-year-olds this year were bred on a £15,000 fee. He’s already had a couple of stakes winners; he had the Royal Ascot winner for Archie Watson and now he’s had the July S. winner. He’s had a lot of very promising 2-year-olds run. He’s had seven individual 2-year-old winners already this year, but a number of seconds first time out that I’ve been equally excited about. I couldn’t be happier. AC: How has Showcasing’s 2018 breeding season gone? EH: It’s gone very well. He covered 140 mares and got 136 in foal, which we are very proud of. He’s always been very fertile, but the fertility actually gets easier as their fees increase, with the quality of mares coming to him. We’re always going to limit him to the number of mares he’s covered because our clients do like the fact that we never go mad on numbers. And we’ve always done that across the board with our stallions. {"id":3,"instanceName":"Articles No Playlist","videos":[{"videoType":"HTML5","title":"Ed Harper on Showcasing","description":"","info":"","thumbImg":"","mp4":"https://player.vimeo.com/external/279995038.hd.mp4?s=b8fe99d3a922680b75aad265c5177dc0571f152a&profile_id=174","enable_mp4_download":"no","prerollAD":"yes","prerollGotoLink":"prerollGotoLink","preroll_mp4_title":"preroll_mp4_title","preroll_mp4":"https://player.vimeo.com/external/279154669.hd.mp4?s=6cd103df93200bea1e30b99a712c015e8bd8695a&profile_id=174","prerollSkipTimer":"5","midrollAD":"no","midrollAD_displayTime":"midrollAD_displayTime","midrollGotoLink":"midrollGotoLink","midroll_mp4":"midroll_mp4","midrollSkipTimer":"midrollSkipTimer","postrollAD":"no","postrollGotoLink":"postrollGotoLink","postroll_mp4":"postroll_mp4","postrollSkipTimer":"postrollSkipTimer","popupAdShow":"no","popupImg":"popupImg","popupAdStartTime":"popupAdStartTime","popupAdEndTime":"popupAdEndTime","popupAdGoToLink":"popupAdGoToLink"}],"instanceTheme":"light","playerLayout":"fitToContainer","videoPlayerWidth":720,"videoPlayerHeight":405,"videoRatio":1.7777777777778,"videoRatioStretch":true,"videoPlayerShadow":"effect1","colorAccent":"#000000","posterImg":"","posterImgOnVideoFinish":"","logoShow":"No","logoPath":"","logoPosition":"bottom-right","logoClickable":"No","logoGoToLink":"","allowSkipAd":true,"advertisementTitle":"Ad","skipAdvertisementText":"Skip Ad","skipAdText":"You can skip this ad in","playBtnTooltipTxt":"Play","pauseBtnTooltipTxt":"Pause","rewindBtnTooltipTxt":"Rewind","downloadVideoBtnTooltipTxt":"Download video","qualityBtnOpenedTooltipTxt":"Close settings","qualityBtnClosedTooltipTxt":"Settings","muteBtnTooltipTxt":"Mute","unmuteBtnTooltipTxt":"Unmute","fullscreenBtnTooltipTxt":"Fullscreen","exitFullscreenBtnTooltipTxt":"Exit fullscreen","infoBtnTooltipTxt":"Show info","embedBtnTooltipTxt":"Embed","shareBtnTooltipTxt":"Share","volumeTooltipTxt":"Volume","playlistBtnClosedTooltipTxt":"Show playlist","playlistBtnOpenedTooltipTxt":"Hide playlist","facebookBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Facebook","twitterBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Twitter","googlePlusBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Google+","lastBtnTooltipTxt":"Go to last video","firstBtnTooltipTxt":"Go to first video","nextBtnTooltipTxt":"Play next video","previousBtnTooltipTxt":"Play previous video","shuffleBtnOnTooltipTxt":"Shuffle on","shuffleBtnOffTooltipTxt":"Shuffle off","nowPlayingTooltipTxt":"NOW PLAYING","embedWindowTitle1":"SHARE THIS PLAYER:","embedWindowTitle2":"EMBED THIS VIDEO IN YOUR SITE:","embedWindowTitle3":"SHARE LINK TO THIS PLAYER:","lightBox":false,"lightBoxAutoplay":false,"lightBoxThumbnail":"","lightBoxThumbnailWidth":400,"lightBoxThumbnailHeight":220,"lightBoxCloseOnOutsideClick":true,"onFinish":"Play next video","autoplay":false,"loadRandomVideoOnStart":"No","shuffle":"No","playlist":"Off","playlistBehaviourOnPageload":"opened (default)","playlistScrollType":"light","preloadSelfHosted":"none","hideVideoSource":true,"showAllControls":true,"rightClickMenu":true,"autohideControls":2,"hideControlsOnMouseOut":"No","nowPlayingText":"Yes","infoShow":"No","shareShow":"No","facebookShow":"No","twitterShow":"No","mailShow":"No","facebookShareName":"","facebookShareLink":"","facebookShareDescription":"","facebookSharePicture":"","twitterText":"","twitterLink":"","twitterHashtags":"","twitterVia":"","googlePlus":"","embedShow":"No","embedCodeSrc":"","embedCodeW":720,"embedCodeH":405,"embedShareLink":"","youtubeControls":"custom controls","youtubeSkin":"dark","youtubeColor":"red","youtubeQuality":"default","youtubeShowRelatedVideos":"Yes","vimeoColor":"00adef","showGlobalPrerollAds":false,"globalPrerollAds":"url1;url2;url3;url4;url5","globalPrerollAdsSkipTimer":5,"globalPrerollAdsGotoLink":"","videoType":"HTML5 (self-hosted)","submit":"Save Changes","rootFolder":"http:\/\/wp.tdn.pmadv.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/Elite-video-player\/"} AC: Can you tell us about any particular mares that have gone to him this year? EH: He’s had a host of group winners this year. I’ve never been one to sound too smug over the phone when you book a big one in, because I think they could come from all sorts of places. But he has covered quite a few Pivotal mares this year, which is encouraging with Advertise being out a Pivotal mare. He’s also beginning to have a nice record with Dansili mares, I think. He got sent quite a few of them. So, it was a nice book across the board, and we sent I think 20 of our own group mares to him.” View the full article

The voting assembly of the Associazione Nazionale Galoppo (ANG) was held on July 11 in Milan, Italy. The assembly resulted in election, upon direction of the listed associations, of its representatives in the Consiglio Direttivo of ANG, listed below: A.G.R.I: Nicola Casati A.N.A.C.: Isabella Bezzera – Massimo Parri A.N.A.G.: Riccardo Menichetti F.I.A:: Stefano Luciani U.I.F.: Luca Maniezzi S.I.R.E.: Giorgio Guglielmi U.N.P.C.P.s.: Riccardo Cantoni – Mario Masini Massimo Parri, president of the ANAC Associazione Nazionale, said, “it is with great satisfaction that ANG’s electoral journey has concluded; this event signifies the creation of a body that finally represents the Italian Thoroughbred Racing World’s unity and cohesion, to take on the challenges that Italian racing faces. We must extend our thanks to Dr. Pio Bruni, who was the first to believe in this project and begin this long journey, successfully concluded today.” View the full article

Aidan O’Brien’s relatively quiet week at Newmarket suddenly burst into life where it really mattered on Saturday as U S Navy Flag (War Front) made all to capture the festival’s feature G1 Darley July Cup. Positively ridden as usual by Ryan Moore, the 8-1 shot who had completed the rare G1 Middle Park-Dewhurst double on the Rowley Mile here in the autumn was given most to think about by Brando (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) inside the final furlong but drew on the stamina that had seen him finish second in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh May 25 to pull away and win by 1 3/4 lengths. Stablemate Fleet Review (War Front) grabbed third, a further 3/4 of a length away with another Ballydoyle raider Sioux Nation (Scat Daddy) in a close-up fifth. The 5-2 favourite Blue Point (Ire) (Shamardal) was only seventh. U S NAVY FLAG, 126, c, 3, by War Front 1st Dam: Misty For Me (Ire) (Hwt. 2yo Filly-Fr & Ire, Hwt. 3yo-Ire at 9.5-11f, MG1SW-Ire, G1SW-Fr & GISP-US, $1,124,364), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Butterfly Cove, by Storm Cat 3rd Dam: Mr. P’s Princess, by Mr. Prospector O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Misty For Me Syndicate (KY); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Ryan Moore. £283,550. Lifetime Record: Hwt. 2yo Colt-Eur, GSW & G1SP-Ire, 16-5-2-2, £848,345. *Full to Roly Poly, MG1SW-Eng, G1SW-Fr, GSW & G1SP-Ire, $939,537; and 1/2 to Cover Song (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), GSW-US, $122,227. View the full article

Zoustyle (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}) earned ‘TDN Rising Star’ status with a five-length maiden score at Doomben on June 27, and the dark bay followed up on the Sunshine Coast on Saturday with another facile front-running score, stopping the clock in :58.66 for the five furlongs over soft going. Trainer Tony Gollan told Racing Queensland that the 2-year-old will sit out the spring before aiming at a Sydney autumn campaign. “He ran a good time again, which is good and he was very impressive once again,” Gollan said. “The spring has probably come a bit too early for him this time so I’ll put him away for a decent spell. This is his first preparation so I’ll let him enjoy it and he can come back matured and a lot stronger. He’s a good horse in the making and deserves to be looked after.” “He’ll come back after a break and have one or two runs and possibly in a stakes before we look at the Sydney autumn with him.” Zoustyle is one of a handful of standouts for the dominant leading first-season sire by prizemoney, Zoustar, who stands at Widden Stud and will shuttle for the first time to Tweenhills Stud in Britain next year. View the full article

Backed with conviction for Saturday’s G2 bet365 Superlative S. at Newmarket, Godolphin’s ‘TDN Rising Star’ Quorto (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) gave his supporters few concerns as he emerged clear best in this important juvenile staging post. Showing dash to win a six-furlong novice stakes here on debut June 22, the son of the dual Oaks-placed Volume (GB) (Mount Nelson {GB}) was always going to be stronger over this extra furlong and was sent off the 5-4 favourite with punters uninterested in anything else. Racing enthusiastically in the hands of William Buick as Cape of Good Hope (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) led at a steadily-increasing tempo, the handsome bay overhauled that full-brother to Highland Reel (Ire) and Phoenix Thoroughbred Limited’s Neverland Rock (GB) (No Nay Never) with a furlong remaining. Despite not looking entirely comfortable on the fast ground, he stayed on to register a 3 3/4-length success from the Ballydoyle raider and provide a passable impression of his sire who took off for the first time in this race in 2004. Cape of Good Hope had no answer the winner’s finishing power, but battled on late to regain second from Neverland Rock by a half length. “He really impressed me there and has done everything right,” Buick said. “He’s very natural and it was lovely the way he did that today. He was green, but travelled so well and ideally I’d have liked to have something to follow for a bit longer. He has plenty of speed, so he doesn’t need to go any further for now and he’ll make into a lovely 3-year-old as well.” QUORTO (IRE), 127, c, 2, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Volume (GB) (SW & G1SP-Eng & G1SP-Ire, $210,078), by Mount Nelson (GB) 2nd Dam: Victoire Finale (GB), by Peintre Celebre 3rd Dam: Victoire Bleue (GB), by Legend of France 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Godolphin; T-Charlie Appleby; J-William Buick, £45,368. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, £50,543. View the full article