Wandering Eyes

Comparisons, it’s said, are odious, and the medieval originators of this phrase certainly had a point. It all depends on the quality–or lack of it–of the thing to which comparisons are being made. So, when the object of a comparison is Danzig, one of the most brilliant stallions of the modern era, the subject is likely to come off second best. Danzig, after all, built an Average Earnings Index of 3.93, with his total of 198 black-type winners comprising 18% of his progeny, and he was one of the very few stallions to achieve 10% Group/Graded winners. Danzig’s other exploits included two sires’ championships and he went close to siring winners of each of America’s Triple Crown events. The one that got away was the GI Kentucky Derby, and even then he was responsible for two runners-up in Stephan’s Odyssey and Hard Spun. Another of Danzig’s sons, Polish Navy, made amends for his sire’s omission by siring Sea Hero, the Kentucky Derby winner of 1993. As if all that wasn’t enough, Danzig gave European racing two of its most influential stallions in Danehill and Green Desert, while a third son, War Front, now has the distinction of being the highest-priced American-based stallion, at $250,000. Clearly War Front has inherited much of his sire’s talent, even if he is unlikely to match most of Danzig’s extraordinary statistics. And while War Front has stepped into Danzig’s shoes at Claiborne and bears a strong physical resemblance to his sire, it isn’t fair to make direct comparisons between a son and father when their respective retirements were separated by no fewer than 26 years. The Thoroughbred breeding industry has changed a great deal in that time, crop size being one of the biggest differences. Danzig’s biggest crop numbered only 59 named foals. While War Front’s numbers are conservative by today’s standards, his recent crops have usually contained more than 80 named foals. I think it is fair to say that a bigger crop size makes it harder to produce high percentages. Also, Danzig began his stallion career at a fee of $20,000 before quickly surging to $40,000 and then to $275,000 in his fifth season, War Front, on the other hand, spent his first five years at fees between $10,000 and $15,000 and his price didn’t reach six figures until his eighth year. In other words, only his 2- and 3-year-old crops of 2018 were sired at six-figure fees and his 2019 2-year-olds are his first sired at $200,000 or more. One thing that father and son do have in common is that their appeal to European owners and breeders, and their progeny’s frequent penchant for turf, has surely limited their impact on America’s Triple Crown events. The victory of War Front’s son War of Will in the GIII Lecomte S. on dirt, with its 10 Kentucky Derby points to the winner, made me look through the Triple Crown results of the past eight years to see how many runners War Front has had. The answer was that he has had no runners in the GI Belmont S., which is hardly surprising in view of War Front’s racing career. Most of his earnings came over sprint distances, although he did gain his first stakes success over 1 1/16 miles as a 3-year-old. War Front has had only one runner in the GI Preakness (the 2013 sixth Departing) and just two in the Kentucky Derby. The first, Soldat, finished 11th in 2011; and the second, Lines of Battle, traveled from Ireland to finish seventh for Aidan O’Brien in 2013. No doubt there will be more to come from War Front’s higher-priced crops, which include so many youngsters out of mares by Galileo and his sire Sadler’s Wells. Both these stallions are noted sources of stamina, but War Front’s speed has often counteracted this staying power. None of War Front’s five black-type winners out of Galileo mares, which include the Group 1-winning siblings U S Navy Flag and Roly Poly, has so far won beyond a mile. Interestingly, the five include Fog of War, who defeated War of Will by 3/4 of a length in the GI Summer S. on turf last September. Rather surprisingly, pretty much the same applies to War Front’s four black-type winners out of Sadler’s Wells mares. The partial explanation for this is that the Group 1/Grade I-winning siblings Brave Anna and Hit It A Bomb are out of Liscanna, an unusually fast daughter of Sadler’s Wells. However, the speedy French colt The Brothers War was out of Moon Queen, a Group 2 winner over a mile and a half. So where does this leave War of Will, who has inherited War Front’s effectiveness on dirt? He is the third black-type winner produced by Visions of Clarity (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells), following Pathfork and Tacticus. Pathfork, a son of Distorted Humor, rounded off his unbeaten juvenile campaign with victory in the G1 National S. over seven furlongs but never won again. Tacticus, a son of A.P. Indy, showed plenty of stamina in Britain and the U.S. Visions of Clarity was a Listed winner over a mile at three in France, but a disappointing effort over a mile and a quarter saw her dropped back to seven furlongs on her next start. With Sadler’s Wells as her sire and Imperfect Circle (Riverman) as her dam, Visions of Clarity is very closely related to Nureyev’s outstanding miler Spinning World, who numbered the Breeders’ Cup Mile among his numerous highest-level victories. Imperfect Circle was fast enough to finish second in the G1 Cheveley Park S. over six furlongs. This family has also produced the champion American sprinter Aldebaran (Mr. Prospector) and the GI Atto Mile winner Good Journey (Nureyev). The emphasis, therefore, seems to be on milers. However, Sadler’s Wells did sire the GI Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe third Sagara from Visions of Clarity’s half-sister Rangoon Ruby (Kingmambo) and his other good winners from this family include Saddex (GB), a dual Group 1 winner at up to a mile and a half; and Chief Contender (Ire), winner of the G1 Prix du Cadran over 2 1/2 miles. It’s therefore not impossible that War of Will will stay well enough to become a Kentucky Derby contender, but his eagerness to race may not help his cause. View the full article

The Maryland Jockey Club canceled the special nine-race Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday program (Jan. 21) at Laurel Park due to severe winter weather conditions. View the full article

Despite having other options, champion Australian jockey Hugh Bowman is confident Furore can justify his faith when the four-year-old series kicks off on Sunday with the HK$10 million Classic Mile. Bowman, who was crowned the World’s Best Jockey in 2017, was in demand for the feature but he settled on Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s gelding after having a close look at the field. Furore carries a big boom after winning four races in Australia and coming third in the Group One Rosehill... View the full article

14:55 Sedgefield Gordon Elliot has sent six runners to Sedgefield in the last twelve months and has emerged with a 100% winning strike rate. The booking of Richard Johnson on Pat’s Oscar suggests that a big run is expected as the Champion Jockey has won thirty from sixty for the trainer in 2018 and he knows […] The post Picks From The Paddock Best Bet – Monday 21st January appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

While Douglas Whyte will be giving his all to lift Happy Time to victory in the Class Three So Kon Po Handicap (1,200m) on Wednesday night, he’ll also be keeping a close eye on the horse that jumps from barrier one. Although Happy Time is Whyte’s choice on this occasion, he also has a close affinity with Roman Impero, a horse he has ridden to three victories and who is returning to the track for the first time since April last year. While the 1,200m should suit Happy Time better... View the full article

Addressing your thoughts, questions and statements about Hong Kong racing. Have something to say? Send a tweet to @SCMPRacingPost. Waikuku and Ho Ho Khan advance towards BMW Hong Kong Derby – @tnews_racing Sunday was a reminder that there are many ways to find a Hong Kong Derby horse – owners do not always need to spend top dollar. While Ho Ho Khan and Waikuku come from opposite sides of the world, they are similar in that they were both relatively unexposed horses with just one win... View the full article

Surging on the outside of her foes in the final furlongs of the $100,000 Astra Stakes (G3T), Pantsonfire left nothing in her wake but divots in the turf Jan. 20 at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

Ewe twice suspended - four days out all-up View the full article

Elite Invincible is the 2018 Singapore Horse of the Year View the full article

Al Schlaich Stables, Hollendorfer, Gatto Racing, and George Todaro's Vasilika will headline a field of seven older fillies and mares going a flat mile on turf in the Jan. 21 $100,000 Megahertz Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

When you go all the way to France to buy a 2-year-old who is by War Front out of a Sadler’s Wells mare, you might have dreams of winning the GI Belmont Derby, the GI Secretariat S. or a Breeders’ Cup race on the turf. But the GI Kentucky Derby? That didn’t cross Mark Casse’s mind when War of Will (War Front) showed up at his barn after being purchased by his brother Justin last year at the Arqana May 2-Year-Old Breeze Up Sale. Why would it? On behalf of client Gary Barber, Justin Casse paid the equivalent of $298,550 for a horse whose pedigree, when it comes to grass racing, is as good as it gets. War of Will had previously RNA’d as a yearling at Keeneland September for $175,000. Casse did what any trainer would have done with a horse with that sort of pedigree. He plotted out a grass campaign, and he came away without a single win. War of Will did run second in the GI Summer S. at Woodbine, but, after finishing fifth in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, his career record stood at 0-for-4. War of Will was hardly a bust on the grass, but he now has a new lease on life, and in the last place you’d expect it–in dirt races. He won his first career race in a Nov. 24 maiden special weight run over a sloppy main track at Churchill Downs. With Tyler Gaffalione aboard, he drew off to win by five. Casse and Barber were so impressed that they immediately started to plot a route to the Kentucky Derby. “We went to New Orleans to get him ready for the Kentucky Derby,” Casse said. “I thought that when he broke his maiden that was as impressive a race I saw all year from any 2-year-old in a maiden race.” A much more important test came last Saturday. Stepping into stakes company and facing off against 11 challengers, he romped in the GIII Lecomte S. at the Fair Grounds, winning by four lengths. That made this son of War Front 0-for-4 on the turf and 2-for-2 on the dirt. “Is it a surprise that he’s done so well on the dirt?” Casse said. “Yes, a little bit. But when you work him on the dirt, he works an A-plus. I still remember one morning at Saratoga before his first start. Julien Leparoux was working a horse for me up at Saratoga that we liked pretty good. He worked out of the gate and my exercise rider was on War of Will and War of Will just blew him away. Julien said, ‘My horse can run, but I want to know who that other one is?’ Who would think you would buy a War Front in France and bring him to the U.S. to be a good dirt horse.” Casse said he and Barber considered going on the dirt in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, but that didn’t seem like a logical spot to try the dirt for the first time. Once the Breeders’ Cup was over, Casse couldn’t get the horse on the dirt quick enough. He will, of course, remain on the dirt for now, and his next start will come in the GII Risen Star S. Feb. 16. War of Will is not the first War Front to have success on the dirt, but it is less common. The Factor (War Front) won four stakes on the dirt, including the GI Malibu S. Departing (War Front) won the GII West Virginia Derby, the GII Super Derby and the GIII Illinois Derby, all on the dirt. But War Front is best know for his ability to produce stars on the grass. Throw in that War of Will’s dam, Visions of Clarity (IRE), never raced on the dirt and it’s hard to explain why this particular colt has prospered on the dirt. Then again, it’s breeding, an inexact science. Another Baffert Star? Here we go again. After being among those who hyped Coliseum (Tapit) after he broke his maiden only to watch him run sixth in the GIII Sham S., I ought to remember that trainer Bob Baffert is, well, human. But it’s pretty hard not be excited about the debut of Dessman (Union Rags) in Saturday’s seventh race at Santa Anita. With Flavien Prat, who doesn’t ride that often for Baffert, aboard, Dessman whipped a field of maidens to win by 7 1/2 lengths. Once upon a time, the fact that he did not race as a 2-year-old might have discouraged some when it comes to his Kentucky Derby chances, but as memory serves me, didn’t Baffert just win the Triple Crown with a horse that didn’t race at two? The bottomless well of 3-year-old talent in this guy’s barn never ceases to amaze. In Appreciation of Roy H Largely because sprinters don’t get the sort of fanfare that routers do, Roy H (More Than Ready) might just be one of the most underrated horses in years. Now seven years old, he kicked off his 2019 campaign with a four-length win in the GII Palos Verdes S. Saturday at Santa Anita. His next stop will be Dubai for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Before he departs, trainer Peter Miller and owner Rockingham Ranch will pick up their second straight Eclipse Award as Roy H will be named 2018 champion sprinter. He will be a repeat winner. The last horse to do that in the sprint category was Housebuster in 1991 and 1990. Based on the way he ran Saturday, there’s no reason why Roy H. can’t win a third straight Eclipse Award this year–something no horse has done since Zenyatta, who won the Older Filly & Mare title in 2008, 2009 and 2010. View the full article

FLOR DE LA MAR (f, 2, Tiznow–Sacristy {GSW, $252,112}, by Pulpit), universally tipped leading up to her debut, proved worth the hype with an easy romp at Santa Anita to earn the ‘TDN Rising Star’ nod Sunday. Bought for $500,000 as a Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling, the dark bay showed a typically sharp series of drills for trainer Bob Baffert, capped by a five-furlong spin in :59 1/5 (2/17) here Jan. 13. Off on top as the 1-5 chalk, she deferred to sit a close third past a :22.24 quarter and drew on even terms three deep passing a :45.82. Shaking loose soon after straightening for home, the Godolphin colorbearer was given occasional reminders by Joel Rosario en route to a six-length score in 1:17.45. The victress has half-sisters by Empire Maker from 2017 and 2018 and her dam was bred to Arrogate last season. Sales History: $500,000 Ylg ’17 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $33,000. O-Godolphin LLC; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Bob Baffert. View the full article

Shawn Collins, Mare Solutions ALGORITHMS, Claiborne Farm, $5,000 As we know, the breeding component is essential to the overall investment of our clients, and I have found that booking mares early is the key in the competitive race to winning coveted breeding nominations. One sire I’m particularly high on this year is Algorithms. Few horses have the distinction of retiring both a graded stakes winner and undefeated. Added to that accolade is the fact he is by classic winner and emerging broodmare sire Bernardini. I remember watching Algorithms defeat champion Hansen by five lengths in the GIII Holy Bull S. I believe he can add both speed and precocity to mares. A fourth crop sire standing at Claiborne Farm for a bargain $5,000, he is represented by 77% winners and 11% stakes horses from lifetime starters. Algorithms is the sire for people who like to win! His winning percentage is on par or better than the nation’s most elite sires. That’s pretty impressive considering his value-sire status. In 2018, Algorithms sired 10 stakes horses, including three-time 2-year-old stakes winner Taylor’s Spirit. His other lifetime stakes winners include Rich Mommy, winner of the 2017 GIII Sugar Swirl S., and multiple stakes winner Recruiting Ready. Algorithms could be poised for a profitable year in 2019. His son Value Play, a $300,000 2-year-old owned by Kaleem Shah, broke his maiden impressively when going 5 1/2 furlongs on a sloppy track Los Alamitos in December. Trainer Simon Callaghan remarked at the close of 2018 that he was one of the best 2-year-olds in his barn. With Algorithms’s notable winners-from-starters and stakes horses percentages, I wouldn’t be surprised if he soon sails north in the stallion ranks. View the full article

Set in the midst of the winter-gripped month of January, “La Route des Etalons” is by now firmly established which is no surprise given that it represents many welcome things in the post New Year slump. A chance to meet and greet old friends, both equine and human, a chance to traverse the verdant land of Upper Normandy brushed by the Atlantic air, a chance to size up the new blood among France’s stallion ranks. It helps if you like stripy buildings too, of the chocolate-box variety, as there an abundance of them and as you plough down the country lanes from Haras to Haras you become almost immune to their novel charm. Almost. It is the architecture of the studs themselves that amazes and enthrals and it is never a case of too much chocolate where they are concerned. With the region’s renowned humidity holding back in honour of the occasion, the weekend unravelled perfectly for all concerned. Breeders, prospectors, fans and their children were in heavy attendance over the two days which were marked by generous hospitality and unflinching patience from the stallions themselves who remained “tres calme” despite the excessive pedometer levels they recorded for their relentless and appreciative audience. Driving from place to place with the daylight hours running away is akin to taking part in Le Mans itself, but thankfully this is rural France on the weekend and the traffic is virtually non-existent. The Head family’s Haras du Quesnay is really something to behold, the place where Motivator (GB) (“old friend” applies here) shares his immaculate building with Anodin (Ire) (Anabaa), Attendu (Fr) (Acclamation {GB}) and Recoletos (Fr) (Whipper). Anodin, whose start at stud has been a revelation due largely to the exploits of the leading Classic prospect Anodor (Fr), has a full book according to Criquette Head who is on hand to hold court in her retirement from training. “I miss it,” she tells me wistfully as I ask how she is taking to life away from handling the careers of the racers. But she is a positive force and she has nothing but praise to heap on the initiative of the RDE. “It is a very good thing,” she states. “We have had lots of people coming from lots of European countries, close to 500 people, from the likes of England, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and Belgium. Coolmore have been and Sheikh Al Thani and people from the Aga Khan’s Studs and the Niarchos stable.” Head-Maarek describes Recoletos as “our new hope” as last year’s G1 Prix d’Ispahan and G1 Prix du Moulin hero is paraded. He has the ingredients to fit in perfectly to his exalted surroundings, while Anodin is described as having a “beautiful character” whose horses are very easy to train. Looking at his pedigree which sits next to his stable door, the legendary trainer basks in the success the members have given her own dynasty. Attendu’s virtues are his precocity, consistency and the fact that Northern Dancer is “very far off”. He has to have a shout with making a quick impact with his eventual first crop. Inside the stallion house, 43 plaques adorn the wall, which are 43 of the Head family’s success stories from Prince Taj in 1954 to Intello (Ger) in 2010. This is a place of glory, a temple of racehorse achievement but it is welcoming to all, professionals and fans alike. Just up the lane is Guy Pariente’s Haras de Colleville, where the stallion parade features France’s very own working class hero, Kendargent (Fr) (Kendor {Fr}). In the building which is used to supply the obligatory caffeine and sugar rush to the crowds, the grey is immortalised laughing dead-centre in a mural on the wall. You have to love the “etalon ameliorateur” as he looks down on his latest clutch of admirers from the raised ground outside the stallion block. His son Goken (Fr), who you are reminded via a replay on the large screen inside was unlucky not to win the 2016 G1 King’s Stand S., has his first yearlings in 2019. He is described as being about “cent per-cent vitesse et precocite” and that just about sums him up. Galiway (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) is classically good-looking, or “impressionante” as he is labelled and it is easy to see why his first crop of yearlings sold for an average of around €33,000. Colleville is at its current position due to its grey headline act and perhaps the greatest compliment to Kendargent is the fact that as you visit each yard you are asking yourself “is this the new Kendargent?” Al Shaqab’s Haras de Bouquetot is a stunning sight and it is here that you can feast on oysters for lunch before taking a stroll around the large yard where the likes of Brametot (Ire) (Rajsaman {Fr}), Al Wukair (Ire) (Dream Ahead), Toronado (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}), Olympic Glory (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}) and the immensely exciting Shalaa (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) reside. Toronado is just a beautiful specimen and worth the effort alone, but with a hospitality tent to end them all there really is no hard work involved in coming to bear witness to Bouquetot. It stands tall among the region’s establishments and with the kind of firepower assembled there should significantly supplement Normandy’s formidable reputation as a source of great accomplishment. Just over the way, the sires of Haras d’Annebault are on show, with commentary from the excellent Gunnar Nordqvist and he is in no doubt as to the effectiveness of the RDE. “It is extremely important, a shop window,” he says. “The ones we meet here are grass-roots breeders and this is the only way to meet them.” As he reels through the positive points of Niccolo and Vita Riva’s stallions, the 3-year-old son of that couple who is apparently nicknamed “the king” amuses us all by losing his boot in a muddy puddle he just could not resist. Despite the cold, he is smiling, as of course all 3-year-old boys do in these circumstances. It is a reminder of the familial feel of such occasions and there is a real warmth to this initiative. Annebault’s Reliable Man (GB) (Dalakhani {Ire}) looks set to continue his sound start in Germany during his second season in France, while Pomellato (Ger) (Big Shuffle) is back in the country of his biggest success in the 2007 G2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte after a spell in Iran. It is Annebault’s 2014 GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf runner-up Luck of the Kitten (Kitten’s Joy) who impresses all. A bold, strong chestnut, he draws the eye without trying. “Look at his size,” Nordqvist says. “It is a wonder he could do what he did at two. He is a wonderful-looking horse with lots of bone and a very good temperament who knows how to present himself.” That sentiment applies in general to the Rivas, whose march to prominence should be watched closely. Their in-demand national hunt sire Spanish Moon (El Prado {Ire}) will see to that. It is a longer drive down to Sylvain Vidal’s beautiful Haras de Montfort & Preaux, but it has to be done to pay homage to the country’s star in the ascendant, Le Havre (Ire) (Noverre). Becoming as important as the port itself, the sire of the likes of Suedois (Fr), Avenir Certain (Fr) and La Cressonniere (Fr) is described as an “etalon exceptionelle” by the Stud’s Relations Manager Mathieu Alex. It is hard to argue otherwise, with his upgrading record and witnessing at first hand his quality and his range is another pleasure to add to the list on the weekend. En route are the small villages that Gerard Augustin-Normand has used for some of his horse’s names, re-affirming the pride of this part of the country. Montfort & Preaux also house The Queen’s G3 Acomb S. winner Recorder (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who is held in high regard by the team and whose first foals arrive this year. His Highness the Aga Khan’s Haras de Bonneval welcomed allcomers on the Saturday, where the star turn Siyouni (Fr) (Pivotal {Fr}) was shown off alongside newcomer Zarak (Fr), the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud-winning product of that match of all time, Dubawi (Ire) and Zarkava (Fr). Haras d’Etreham welcomed guests to catch a long glimpse of Almanzor (Fr) and his sire Wootton Bassett (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), with the former champion as exciting a prospect as Normandy has at present. At Haras de Grandcamp, Lawman (Fr) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Dream Ahead (Diktat {GB}) and leading light Dabirsim (Fr) (Hat Tick {Jpn}) do their bit for the weekend’s extravaganza which features far more than this article can discuss in depth. Maybe a weekend is just not long enough to do the initiative justice, as you feel a personal loss for being unable to stop everywhere in the rush to get around. That just means that next year you have to explore in greater detail, but La Route des Etalons has what it takes to last. In its perfect setting among the plains and orchards, hills and meadows of this part of France, c’est un plaisir. View the full article

GMB Racing's Tom's d'Etat, six days before making his graded-stakes debut at age 6 in the $9 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1), had his final timed workout Jan. 20 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. View the full article

As a third-generation horse woman with a degree in broadcasting, the position of paddock analyst for the New York Racing Assocation was a perfect fit for Maggie Wolfendale. She started the job in 2010 and has since become the face of the New York racetracks, or at least their paddocks. “I grew up at the barn, barn 18 at Laurel Park [where her father Howard Wolfendale trained],” Wolfendale said on a blustery winter day at Aqueduct. “I had ponies and retired racehorses before really starting my life at the track. I started galloping when I was 16 for my dad. Everything progressed from there. I really fell in love with it more once I graduated high school and immersed myself in the racetrack culture. I loved working with the horses in the morning and went to school for broadcasting, so I got to marry the two. I kinda feel like the luckiest girl in the world that I got to do that.” After graduating college, Wolfendale sent out her resume and tape to every racetrack in the country and was thrilled when NYRA came calling. “I found myself very fortunate that NYRA were the ones calling me back with a serious offer,” said Wolfendale. “I obviously jumped on it because, most of the time, this is the best racing in the country. I feel very blessed.” While Wolfendale’s main focus is analyzing the horse flesh presented in the paddock, she does do her share of prep work. In addition to some light handicapping to see how the race may be run, she keeps detailed notes on all the horses she has seen before and checks pedigrees and sales workouts on first time starters. “I do this research for a basic understanding of how the race may play out, who might be the speed and who might be closing, changing surfaces, etc,” Wolfendale said. “But obviously, my main focus is when I step into the paddock. I only have 10 minutes to look at these horses, so having as many notes and things to go back on and relate to helps. But, a lot of my work is just done in those 10 minutes before I go on.” {"id":3,"instanceName":"Articles No Playlist","videos":[{"videoType":"HTML5","title":"Wolfendale Turns Lifelong Passion Into Career","description":"","info":"","thumbImg":"","mp4":"https://player.vimeo.com/external/312306147.sd.mp4?s=337a1cd124f5e4a2b94ef16edfa978b1cd2771b1&profile_id=165","enable_mp4_download":"no","prerollAD":"yes","prerollGotoLink":"prerollGotoLink","preroll_mp4_title":"preroll_mp4_title","preroll_mp4":"https://player.vimeo.com/external/281449967.sd.mp4?s=b7485f32ab2c8512189fee9b10e4f87b059d2ea3&profile_id=165","prerollSkipTimer":"5","midrollAD":"no","midrollAD_displayTime":"midrollAD_displayTime","midrollGotoLink":"midrollGotoLink","midroll_mp4":"midroll_mp4","midrollSkipTimer":"midrollSkipTimer","postrollAD":"no","postrollGotoLink":"postrollGotoLink","postroll_mp4":"postroll_mp4","postrollSkipTimer":"postrollSkipTimer","popupAdShow":"no","popupImg":"popupImg","popupAdStartTime":"popupAdStartTime","popupAdEndTime":"popupAdEndTime","popupAdGoToLink":"popupAdGoToLink"}],"instanceTheme":"light","playerLayout":"fitToContainer","videoPlayerWidth":720,"videoPlayerHeight":405,"videoRatio":1.7777777777778,"videoRatioStretch":true,"videoPlayerShadow":"effect1","colorAccent":"#000000","posterImg":"","posterImgOnVideoFinish":"","logoShow":"No","logoPath":"","logoPosition":"bottom-right","logoClickable":"No","logoGoToLink":"","allowSkipAd":true,"advertisementTitle":"Ad","skipAdvertisementText":"Skip Ad","skipAdText":"You can skip this ad in","playBtnTooltipTxt":"Play","pauseBtnTooltipTxt":"Pause","rewindBtnTooltipTxt":"Rewind","downloadVideoBtnTooltipTxt":"Download video","qualityBtnOpenedTooltipTxt":"Close settings","qualityBtnClosedTooltipTxt":"Settings","muteBtnTooltipTxt":"Mute","unmuteBtnTooltipTxt":"Unmute","fullscreenBtnTooltipTxt":"Fullscreen","exitFullscreenBtnTooltipTxt":"Exit fullscreen","infoBtnTooltipTxt":"Show info","embedBtnTooltipTxt":"Embed","shareBtnTooltipTxt":"Share","volumeTooltipTxt":"Volume","playlistBtnClosedTooltipTxt":"Show playlist","playlistBtnOpenedTooltipTxt":"Hide playlist","facebookBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Facebook","twitterBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Twitter","googlePlusBtnTooltipTxt":"Share on Google+","lastBtnTooltipTxt":"Go to last video","firstBtnTooltipTxt":"Go to first video","nextBtnTooltipTxt":"Play next video","previousBtnTooltipTxt":"Play previous video","shuffleBtnOnTooltipTxt":"Shuffle on","shuffleBtnOffTooltipTxt":"Shuffle off","nowPlayingTooltipTxt":"NOW PLAYING","embedWindowTitle1":"SHARE THIS PLAYER:","embedWindowTitle2":"EMBED THIS VIDEO IN YOUR SITE:","embedWindowTitle3":"SHARE LINK TO THIS PLAYER:","lightBox":false,"lightBoxAutoplay":false,"lightBoxThumbnail":"","lightBoxThumbnailWidth":400,"lightBoxThumbnailHeight":220,"lightBoxCloseOnOutsideClick":true,"onFinish":"Play next video","autoplay":false,"loadRandomVideoOnStart":"No","shuffle":"No","playlist":"Off","playlistBehaviourOnPageload":"opened (default)","playlistScrollType":"light","preloadSelfHosted":"none","hideVideoSource":true,"showAllControls":true,"rightClickMenu":true,"autohideControls":2,"hideControlsOnMouseOut":"No","nowPlayingText":"Yes","infoShow":"No","shareShow":"No","facebookShow":"No","twitterShow":"No","mailShow":"No","facebookShareName":"","facebookShareLink":"","facebookShareDescription":"","facebookSharePicture":"","twitterText":"","twitterLink":"","twitterHashtags":"","twitterVia":"","googlePlus":"","embedShow":"No","embedCodeSrc":"","embedCodeW":720,"embedCodeH":405,"embedShareLink":"","youtubeControls":"custom controls","youtubeSkin":"dark","youtubeColor":"red","youtubeQuality":"default","youtubeShowRelatedVideos":"Yes","vimeoColor":"00adef","showGlobalPrerollAds":false,"globalPrerollAds":"url1;url2;url3;url4;url5","globalPrerollAdsSkipTimer":5,"globalPrerollAdsGotoLink":"","videoType":"HTML5 (self-hosted)","submit":"Save Changes","rootFolder":"http:\/\/wp.tdn.pmadv.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/Elite-video-player\/"} What Wolfendale looks for in the horses is dependent on the condition of race, but, generally speaking, she is searching for horses with good muscling and shiny, healthy coats. “A lot of it depends on the conditions of the race,” the 33-year-old said. “Do they have the proverbial turf hoof? Do they have that frame, kind of angular hind end of a turf horse? When looking at horses coming back off layoffs, I look for whether they are muscled enough, strong and fit enough to come back, and maybe get the job done at first asking if they’re a short price on the board. It’s an overall kind of thing I look for in horses, but also specific to the race conditions.” Working on what is arguably the best racing circuit in America, Wolfendale gets to study some of the top horseflesh in the country, such as Triple Crown winners Justify (Scat Daddy) and American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile). When asked if analyzing those types of horses comes with more pressure of preparation, Wolfendale said, “Of course it’s more preparation, but it also makes my job a little bit easier in the paddock because I’m looking at very good horses. With good horses, what you see is generally what you get out on the track. They’re genuine. That’s why they’ve made it to the upper echelon of racing. If I see a horse that maybe is a tick below what I’ve seen from them in the past, they generally don’t run as well. Or, if they look that much better, then they improve their effort.” The lifelong equestrian’s job has also been expanded to include horseback interviews after some of NYRA’s stakes races. Those interviews are performed aboard Wolfendale’s trusty off-the-track Thoroughbred Yeager (Medaglia d’Oro), who is one of many former racehorses she has retrained for a second career as a show horse or, in this case, track pony. “I love it,” Wolfendale said about her new role. “It’s such a thrill to come back and be right there with the winning rider and horse after a big performance, after these big stake races. Just being next to those horses too, because you become a fan. You’re always a fan, at the end of the day. Being next to them and their riders, it’s very special and it’s probably the part of my job I love most.” She continued, “For instance, my husband, [trainer] Tom [Morley], won a race up at Saratoga, a stake, and being next to our mare after that was really cool for me. Also, when Imperial Hint (Imperialism) won the [GI Alfred G.] Vanderbilt, he was the only horse who wouldn’t let me interview. He was scared of me and kept backing away. Javier [Castellano] almost fell off a couple times, so I was like, ‘All right little man, you go ahead.'” In addition to being around some of the best racehorses in the world, Wolfendale also gets to interview some of racing’s top trainers, owners, breeders, riders, etc. While she found it impossible to name a favorite interview, she did recall a few recent highlights. “I interviewed Jaime Roth of LNJ Foxwoods, and she was very touching,” Wolfendale recalled. “Unfortunately, they had a horse get hurt the week before and then Dogtag (War Front) won the P.G. Johnson up there. She was very emotional, but she was very succinct in her words and just chose her words very carefully. It just came off very nicely. She allowed me to ask her some questions that might make her a little vulnerable. That was a great one.” She added, “Also, any time I get to interview Mike Smith after he wins a big stake. He’s so much fun. He won a stake at Saratoga and I actually wasn’t on the horse, but it was afterwards and people just cheer for him up there. He just relishes in it. Any time I get to interview Mike, it’s always a good interview.” When not at the track, Wolfendale can be found caring for her young daughter Grace, lending a hand in her husband’s barn or working with one of her OTTBs. Her life is truly dedicated to Thoroughbreds and she has been lucky enough to marry that passion with her career and family. Wolfendale’s extensive knowledge and understanding of racehorses and her keen eye make her an important part of NYRA racing for fans, handicappers and horsemen alike. View the full article

Though he had never finished outside the top three in his previous 17 career starts–no small feat in Hong Kong–Beat The Clock (Aus) (Hinchinbrook {Aus}) hadn’t quite been able to solve the Group 1 question, with a pair of seconds and two thirds in his four tries at the level. But a booming victory in recent trial earned him the race-day endorsement of Joao Moreira and the duo capitalized on a perfect trip to narrowly defeat two-time G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint hero Mr Stunning (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) in Sunday’s Centenary Sprint Cup at Sha Tin. Winner’s Way (Aus) (Starcraft {NZ}) came from last to finish a very good third. It appeared on paper that Mr Stunning could dictate terms in the 1200-metre test, but races aren’t run on paper and any strategizing was out the window when Zac Purton decided to ride HK Sprint fourth Little Giant (NZ) (Swiss Ace {Aus}) for speed. When stablemate and defending champion D B Pin (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}) rolled up to press the issue, that allowed Moreira to take advantage of the box seat underneath Mr Stunning. Off the fence at the 350m, Beat The Clock claimed Little Giant with ease as D B Pin retreated, then held off a late bid from a resurgent Mr Stunning to better his dead-heat second with the latter in this test 12 months ago. Beat The Clock was exiting a third to Mr Stunning when racing second-up in the Hong Kong Sprint Dec. 9. It was a first Group 1 win for trainer John Size since Ivictory (Aus) (Mossman {Aus}) beat Mr Stunning in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize last April. “Beat The Clock has taken his time to break through to Group 1 level, but he always promised to do that, and today the race was suitable for him and he managed to salute,” Size told HKJC’s Graham Cunningham. Up next? A tantalizing rematch in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup over 1400m Feb. 17, a race in which Beat The Clock dropped a narrow decision to Beauty Generation last year. Pedigree Notes: Beat the Clock, an A$70,000 Inglis Melbourne Premiere Yearling turned NZ$200,000 NZB Ready-To-Run purchase by Bill Mitchell (see related story by Michael Cox in Monday’s TDNAus/NZ), is a third top-level winner for his sire (by Fastnet Rock {Aus}), a 3/4-brother to Snitzel (Aus) formerly based at Yarraman Park, but who was tragically lost to a freak exercise accident last July. Beat the Clock’s Group 3-placed dam, a full-sister to SP Lil Elsa (Aus), is represented by a 2-year-old colt from the first crop of Rubick (Aus), who fetched A$70,000 from Legends Bloodstock, McKeever Bloodstock and Ferguson Bloodstock at the 2018 Inglis Sydney Classic Yearling Sale. Flion Fenena foaled a filly by Your Song (Aus) last Aug. 30 and was bred back to Smart Missile (Aus). Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong CENTENARY SPRINT CUP-G1, HK$10,000,000 (£981,827/€1,119,413/A$1,773,859/US$1,275,016), Sha Tin, 1-20, 3yo/up, 1200mT, 1:08.42, gd. 1–BEAT THE CLOCK (AUS), 126, g, 5, by Hinchinbrook (Aus) 1st Dam: Flion Fenena (Aus) (GSP-Aus), by Lion Hunter (Aus) 2nd Dam: Fenena (NZ), by Crested Wave 3rd Dam: On the Wind (NZ), by Sea Anchor (Ire) *1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (A$70,000 Ylg ’15 INGMAR; NZ$200,000 2yo ’15 NZBRTR). O-Merrick Chung Wai Lik; B-Miss J Henderson (NSW); T-John Size; J-Joao Moreira; HK$5,700,000. Lifetime Record: 18-7-6-5, HK$22,717,775. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Mr Stunning (Aus), 126, g, 6, Exceed and Excel (Aus)–With Fervour, by Dayjur. (A$110,000 Wlg ’13 INGGSW; NZ$250,000 Ylg ’14 NZBPRE). O-Maurice Koo Win Chong; B-Makybe Racing & Breeding (Vic); T-Frankie Lor; HK$2,200,000. 3–Winner’s Way (Aus), 126, g, 6, Starcraft (NZ)–Sunday Service (Aus), by Sunday Silence. (A$50,000 Ylg ’14 MGLJUN). O-Peter Young Wai Po & Dr Arthur Leung Shing Tat; B-Bruce Reid Racing (NSW); T-Tony Cruz; HK$1,000,000. Margins: NK, 1 3/4, NO. Odds: 21-10, 11-10, 40-1. Also Ran: Fifty Fifty (NZ), Little Giant (NZ), Styling City (Aus), D B Pin (NZ), Born In China (GB). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. View the full article

John Moore has been in the training business for the better part of five decades and has had his hands on a lot of seriously good horses. Following another imperious performance from Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock {Aus}) in Sunday’s G1 Stewards’ Cup, the conditioner had the highest possible praise for his 6-year-old galloper. “He’s the best of the lot,” the Australian handler told the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s David Morgan following Beauty Generation’s three-length thumping of the up-and-coming Conte (Aus) (Starcraft {NZ}). The gravity of that assessment cannot be understated, given the horses that have represented the yard–Able Friend (Aus) (Shamardal), Viva Pataca (GB) (Marju {Ire}), Designs on Rome (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and the late Rapper Dragon (Aus) (Street Boss) to name but a few. But with a little luck and continued good health, Beauty Generation has a chance to supplant Viva Pataca–who retired with HK$83.2 million in the bank–as the all-time money spinner in Hong Kong history. With only five others willing to take him on and sent off at a skinny 15 cents on the dollar, Beauty Generation hit the ground running and set a sensible pace through the opening 800 metres. With Zac Purton merely a passenger, he instantaneously put a couple of lengths on his scuffling rivals in upper stretch and went on about his business, with nary a hint of the wayward ways that have plagued him from time to time owing to some foot issues. Purton delivered what could only be deemed as bad news for any future takers following the win. “I thought Beauty Generation’s performance last time [in defeating Southern Legend (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile Dec. 9] was better than today,” he told Morgan. “But he had a bit of a let-up after the Hong Kong Mile and John had him on the way back up today. He’s not far off his top and he’s just shown that.” Moore confirmed that immediate overseas targets are off the agenda, and that Beauty Generation would defend his title in the Feb. 17 G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) en route to the G1 Champions Mile Apr. 28. A race like the G1 Yasuda Kinen in early June in Tokyo remains a possibility. Pedigree Notes: Beauty Generation is one of two foals from his dam to make the races and is kin to a Oct. 13-foaled filly by Tavistock (NZ) that is cataloged as lot 443 during Book 1 of the 2019 NZB Karaka Yearling Sales. Stylish Bel produced a colt by Tavistock’s G1 Rosehill Guineas and G1 VRC Derby winner Tarzino (NZ) last Oct. 31 and is in foal to I Am Invincible (Aus), according to a tweet from Rosemont Stud. The latter is the stallion home of Starcraft, sire of Conte and Centenary Sprint Cup third Winner’s Way (Aus) Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong STEWARDS’ CUP-G1, HK$10,000,000 (£981,827/€1,119,413/A$1,773,859/US$1,275,016), Sha Tin, 1-20, 3yo/up, 1600mT, 1:33.51, gd. 1–BEAUTY GENERATION (NZ), 126, g, 6, by Road to Rock (Aus) 1st Dam: Stylish Bel (Aus), by Bel Esprit (Aus) 2nd Dam: Stylish Victory (Aus), by Durham Ranger 3rd Dam: Romantic Peace (Aus), by Mikado (Aus) (NZ$60,000 Ylg ’14 NZBSEL). O-Patrick Kwok Ho Chuen; B-Nearco Stud Ltd; T-John Moore; J-Zac Purton; HK$5,700,000. Lifetime Record: Horse of the Year & Ch. Miler-HK, G1SP-Aus, 27-14-3-4, HK$68,578,220. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Conte (Aus), 126, g, 5, Starcraft (NZ)–Miss Midas (Aus), by Flying Spur (Aus). (A$50,000 Ylg ’15 INGEAS). O-Phillip Chan Kwok Chung; B-G P Nolan (Qld); T-John Size; HK$2,200,000. 3–Southern Legend (Aus), 126, g, 6, Not A Single Doubt (Aus)–Donna’s Appeal (Aus), by Carnegie (Ire). (A$280,000 Ylg ’14 INGEAS). O-Boniface Ho Ka Kui; B-Corumbene Stud (NSW); T-Caspar Fownes; HK$1,000,000. Margins: 3, NO, 1 1/4. Odds: 15-100, 11-2, 31-1. Also Ran: Pakistan Star (Ger), Northern Superstar (SAf), Beauty Only (Ire). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. View the full article

How did John Moore prepare for Beauty Generation’s run in Sunday’s Group One Stewards’ Cup? He took two heart tablets. The pressure of getting Hong Kong’s best horse ready for his next assignment is real. He is the pride of this jurisdiction, the eyes of the racing world are watching and he is expected to win. And not just win, do it easily, as his $1.15 price indicated. Moore is acutely aware of everything that comes with having a champion – this is not his first... View the full article

On a day that saw two Group One races run and won, it was perhaps the Class Three Po Hing Handicap (1,600m) that produced the happiest trainer, with Paul O’Sullivan beaming after Scared Ibis’ win. “Hello, my name’s Paul O’Sullivan,” the New Zealander said cheekily as he emerged from the weigh-in room, referencing the lack of times he’s had to front the press this season. “What can I say, it’s been a little while between drinks,” he... View the full article

He’s handled some of Hong Kong’s very best horses, Viva Pataca and Able Friend among them, but John Moore is in no doubt Beauty Generation sits atop the pile after his champion again produced on the Group One stage. It was as clinical victory as you are likely to see, with the mighty six-year-old barely raising a sweat while comprehensively saluting in the Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. “He’s the best of the lot. He just keeps doing it,” Moore... View the full article

Joao Moreira’s faith in consistent sprinter Beat The Clock has been rewarded, with the pair taking out the Group One Centenary Sprint Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday. The John Size-trained galloper broke through for his maiden Group One after threatening to many times before in his remarkable career, which has seen him never miss a placing in 18 starts. Moreira had ridden the horse 15 times before Sunday’s win and decided to go again on the five-year-old after having the choice of either D... View the full article

Progressive stayer Ho Ho Khan booked a ticket to the Hong Kong Derby on Sunday, and he will not be there just making up the numbers if his impressive victory in the Class Two New Street Handicap is anything to go by. The 1,800m contest had four Derby hopefuls, a key race for those who are missing the Classic Mile but still hope to force their way into the remaining two events of the four-year-old series. Ho Ho Khan (Vincent Ho Chak-yiu) certainly did that, coming from near the tail of the field... View the full article

With the cool poise of a seasoned professional, Roy H cruised in a perfect stalking spot just outside the leader, inhaled that rival around the far turn, and drew off under wraps in a sparkling final time of 1:08.89. View the full article

Hronis Racing's five-time grade 1 winner Accelerate turned in the final work of his career Jan. 19 at Santa Anita Park in preparation for the Jan. 26 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) at Gulfstream Park. View the full article