Wandering Eyes

A grade 2 winner at a mile and a quarter, Matthew Schera's Isotherm will try something entirely different in the $100,000 San Simeon Stakes (G3T) April 29 at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

The added distance of the 1 1/2-mile Bewitch Stakes (G3T) proved a good fit for Mom's On Strike, who took command in midstretch on her way to a 3 1/4-length victory April 27 at Keeneland, closing day of the spring meet. View the full article

The added distance of the 1 1/2-mile Bewitch Stakes (G3T) proved a good fit for Mom's On Strike, who took command in midstretch on her way to about a 2 1/2-length victory April 27 at Keeneland, closing day of the spring meet. View the full article

Magnum Moon, Audible, Vino Rosso, and Noble Indy each gained the approval of their trainer April 27 after the first three each covered a half-mile in their final tune ups, with Noble Indy going five furlongs. View the full article

On the first Saturday in May, Bob Baffert will saddle Justify as the favorite in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). Before that, though, comes the last Saturday in April. View the full article

It took the better part of four days, but the OBS April sale finally had its first seven-figure transaction when bloodstock agent Steve Young made a final bid of $1.1 million to secure a daughter of Medaglia d’Oro late in Friday’s final session of the four-day auction. Consigned by Randy Bradshaw, the bay filly is out of Wilshewed (Carson City) and is a half-sister to Grade I winner Stormello (Stormy Atlantic) and graded winners My Best Brother (Stormy Atlantic) and Gala Award (Bernardini). The filly, who was a $300,000 Keeneland September yearling, worked a co-fastest furlong in :9 4/5 at last week’s under-tack preview. View the full article

Trainer Chad Brown, who has been overseeing the final preparatory moves of Kentucky Derby contender Good Magic (Curlin) at Churchill Downs in Louisville, arrived at Keeneland in Lexington Friday morning to observe the works by several other members of his team. Chief among them, undefeated Rushing Fall (More Than Ready) worked four furlongs in company in :48.40 on a fast dirt track after the morning renovation break. Victorious in Keenealand’s GIII Jessamine S. in October, she closed out the season with a score in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar in November. Among the juvenile filly finalists for the 2017 season, she returned this term with a win in the GII Appalachian S. Apr. 8. Campaigned by e Five Racing Thoroughbreds, the three-year-old is scheduled to depart Keeneland (today) Saturday ahead of a tilt at Friday’s GIII Edgewood S. The filly has also has been nominated to the one-mile G1 Coronation June 22 at Royal Ascot in England. “After speaking with owner Bob Edwards, he had a change of heart and wanted to run her one more time in Kentucky,” offered Brown in regards to Rushing Fall’s schedule. “If she bounced out of the Appalachian well, which she did, we wanted to give her every opportunity to show she’s ready to run again.” He added, “Based on what I just saw (in her breeze), she looks great.” View the full article

Stonestreet Stables and e Five Racing joined forces on a $1 million Curlin colt two years ago at Keeneland September, which turned out pretty well as that colt, now named Good Magic, went on to win the GI BC Juvenile and an Eclipse award and is now headed to the GI Kentucky Derby. The two powerhouse operations teamed up once again at OBS Friday for an $800,000 son of Kantharos, who was just recently relocated from Ocala Stud, which bred and consigned Hip 1164, to Hill ‘n’ Dale. Out of Valid Concorde (Concorde’s Tune), the colt breezed in a snappy :20 4/5. View the full article

Jumps rider Katie Walsh announced her retirement from the saddle moments after piloting Antey (Ger) (Lord of England {Ger}) to win the SalesSense International Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on Friday. The 33-year-old Walsh, who rode 158 winners over jumps in Ireland and six in Britain, including two Group 1 wins, told Racing Post, “I’ve been thinking about it for a while and it’s on to the next chapter in life. I wanted to go out on a winner and I said to myself that I’d retire whenever I rode my next winner, whether it be here at Punchestown or wherever. I’ve had a marvellous career and I’ve unbelievable memories. I wanted to go out on my own terms and everyone is here, my husband Ross and my family. I couldn’t have picked a better place.” View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Today’s Observations features a pricey yearling from the immediate family of Quarter Moon and Yesterday. 4.30 Leicester, Cond, £7,000, 3yo, 10fT LOVEISILI (GB) (Dansili {GB}), represents the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum-Roger Varian connection and is a 650,000gns TATOCT purchase who makes his debut against seven rivals. A G1 Epsom Derby entry, he is out of a full-sister to the G1SWs Quarter Moon (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) and Yesterday (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells), as well as three other significant black-type performers for that great sire. View the full article

• Two-time GI Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Todd Pletcher put his 2018 arsenal on full display Friday morning at Churchill Downs under a cloudless sky with four workers. Streaking GI Xpressbet Florida Derby winner Audible (Into Mischief) worked a half-mile in :49.40 (39/75); unbeaten GI Arkansas Derby winner and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Magnum Moon (Malibu Moon) worked a half-mile in :47.40 (4/75); Vino Rosso (Curlin), winner of the GII Wood Memorial S., worked a bullet half-mile in :47.20 (1/75); and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Noble Indy (Take Charge Indy), a game winner of the GII Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby, worked five furlongs in 1:01.60 (24/43). “This was an important day and we got perfect conditions,” Pletcher said. “All four handled the surface well. Sometimes you come in and worry that they won’t like the track, but they all got over it well.” Pletcher continued, “Magnum Moon was very good and had good energy. He galloped out strong and I was very happy with him. Audible was very good. Javier [Castellano] was happy with him. Vino Rosso was good and Johnny [Velazquez] was happy with him. All three of those were similar with Magnum Moon and Vino Rosso quicker and Audible a good gallop out. Noble Indy showed good energy and Florent [Geroux] got along well with him.” • The undefeated GI Santa Anita Derby winner and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Justify (Scat Daddy) posted his final official workout in advance of the Kentucky Derby at Santa Anita Park, breezing seven furlongs in 1:25.20 (1/1) under Drayden Van Dyke. Santa Anita clockers recorded splits of :24.60, :36.40, :48.40, 1:00.60 and 1:12.60. “That’s what you want to see,” Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert said. “You want to see a horse that’s enjoying what he’s doing. He worked well and got something out of it. I was either going to work him tomorrow or today and I moved it up an extra day because he’s going to leave on Monday.” • Lone Sailor (Majestic Warrior), narow runner-up in the Louisiana Derby, breezed a half-mile in :48 (13/75) beneath the Twin Spires Friday. “A lot of people get caught up in his fast workout times,” trainer Tom Amoss said. “That’s just who he is. He naturally works that fast so I’d be worried if he went slower. He will still need to improve. It’s a very deep field this year.” View the full article

My first experience of watching the Kentucky Derby as an owner (a very small stake) turned out to be…well, dangerous. Now, when I called the race for a number of years I could have sold my TV/VIP credential and bought a mid-sized car. I chose not to and stay employed. My calling position was seven or eight stories above the track, directly on the finish line with totally unencumbered views of the race from within an enclosed glass booth, replete with a security guard to boot. Pretty safe. But for Derby 2017, I was a fan and not cocooned in my commodious compartment. I was a fan of Always Dreaming (Bodemeister) and a part of the ownership stake that West Point Thoroughbreds had in the colt. So, for my first Derby as a civilian in over 25 years, I had a seat near my compatriots in an area facing the paddock. That was fine with me–I had seen the track view so many times over the decades and it was refreshing to check out the paddock scene. And unlike my working days, my ticket included an open bar. Nothing wrong with that. So, the afternoon turns to early evening and “My Old Kentucky Home” time approaches. I had made my way to the paddock to get near the big horse. Maybe snap a selfie. I must admit I had never experienced any thrill like this before. Admittedly…I felt pretty damn cool. Luckily, no one took my pulse rate. I would have been hospitalized immediately. Now, given my status as a minor shareholder, I stayed back a few feet behind the main principles: Vinnie Viola, Anthony Bonomo, Anthony Manganaro and Terry Finley of West Point. But I still managed that selfie. Hey, I was a tourist that day. The horses made their way onto the track. My Old Kentucky Home” wafts above and, sorry, but the song never made me weep. It was always a bad idea to be crying five minutes before you have to call the Derby. And I am not so lachrymose to begin with. Anyway…I take my dry-eyed self to the tunnel that leads from the paddock to the track. I’ll watch the race from there on the big screen infield TV across the track. And, should we win, I could have quick access to the winner’s circle across the track. Post time. 160,000 scream in unison. My heart rate is now at an incalculable rate. I am at my viewing point, standing in the tunnel up against the wall. I catch a glimpse of the tops of the horses as the huge field streaks past us. I redirect my attention to the big TV screen and then all hell breaks loose. People in the tunnel scream, “Get out of the way! Move it! Move!!!” In a flash, the red-coated outrider aloft his horse has a hold of Thunder Snow (Helmet {Aus}) and his blue-silked jockey Christophe Soumillon. People scattering, shrieking, getting the hell out of the way. I had nowhere to go. I was literally up against the wall. And coming toward me is this huge, bug-eyed animal in a panic. Turns out just as the Derby gate had opened, the Dubai-based Thunder Snow, totally unaccustomed to American racing, the muddy track conditions and 160,000 roaring maniacs just went bonkers. He was buck jumping down the track like a rodeo bull. Dangerous situation. The outrider, who did a great job by the way, had to get this very distraught and upset Thoroughbred out of harm’s way. And that way was taking him off the track and through the tunnel into the paddock all while the Derby was in full progress. And here he is scaring me to death. I swear he looked me right in the eye. Now, I must admit I am a bit afraid of horses. I never have gotten close to them because they make me sneeze and I have never felt comfortable in their company. Don’t accuse me of not loving horses. I love them as much as anyone. But I love them from a distance. That distance was now about six inches. The agitated 1,000 pounds of muscle and sinew wheeled his rear end into perfect striking position toward my person. The resulting kick would have made for a most eventful or perhaps final Derby memory for me. I was now pretty much pinned to wall and managed to push his back end away from me and just as I did that…the outrider straightened him out and they raced toward the paddock. Whew! I shake my head trying to compose myself and get my heartrate somewhere below 300 beats a minute. And then I realize…OMG! Always Dreaming. The Derby! I had missed most of the race being part of this commotion. By now the horses are three furlongs from home. I ask the girl next to me, `Where is Always Dreaming?’ He’s in front. OMG. PS: Where are they now? Always Dreaming won the Derby but did not fare well the rest of the year. Turns out he had ulcers. He is fine now and is running on Oaks Day at Churchill Downs in the $400,000 GII Alysheba S. Thunder Snow is back home where he won the $10,000,000 G1 Dubai World Cup and is considered by many to be the best dirt horse in training in the world. View the full article

Off at an ultimately generous even money, MIGHTY SCARLETT (f, 3, Scat Daddy–Thundering Emilia, by Thunder Gulch) made light work of things to graduate at second asking on closing day at Keeneland to become the newest ‘TDN Rising Star’. The chestnut, exiting a runner-up effort on the Tampa Bay Derby undercard Mar. 10, allowed whatever speed there was to clear and was guided down towards the inside to sit fourth with a lap to travel. Allowed to lob along from that position as the pace slackened through the middle stages, she was joined to her outside by her chief market rival Smart Shot (Skipshot) nearing the half-mile marker, but Mighty Scarlett was asked for some run and was alongside pacesetting Dayfa (Tiznow) as they raced around the turn. Held together into the lane by Jose Ortiz, Mighty Scarlett kicked anew into the final furlong and a half and sped away to romp by about five lengths. First-starter Brie’s Lucky Charm (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) ran on nicely to finish a highly promising second, while Smart Shot held for third. The win was the 12th from just 22 starters at the boutique meet for trainer Chad Brown. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0. O-Long Lake Stable LLC, Head of Plains Partners, Doheny Racing Stable & Thomas Coleman; B-Teneri Farm Inc & Bernardo Alvarez Calderon (KY); T-Chad Brown. View the full article

The official inauguration of ParisLongchamp racecourse takes place on Sunday despite the fact that the track opened three weeks ago and has already held five meetings. France Galop president Edouard de Rothschild has been pleased with the response to the new facilities so far, both from the horsemen and the racing public, and admits that adjustments have been made in line with feedback received. “Anybody who’s moved into a new house knows that you need time to adjust, even if you have worked alongside the architect to make it the way you felt was right,” he said. “We welcomed all our guests before we have had a chance to chill out, but we watch and listen to our visitors, we have tested everything and we have tried to adjust to the people’s wishes. It is something we are used to at France Galop, since we are a non-profit association. We do have to please as many members as we can. I must say that so far the racing people have been very positive and I am glad they are, because this racecourse is their home as much as it is mine. This is where we need to show the world what we do best. We just cannot fail.” The European turf season has started with the hangover of one of the worst winters of recent times, with soft ground a regular feature, and it looks as though Sunday’s meeting will be held in similarly testing conditions. De Rothschild continued, “We also had to deal with bad weather and it looks like Sunday, of all days, could be rainy. There’s nothing we can do about that. We just need to take our umbrellas along. But since the opening, we have had the opportunity to improve a few things, make sure the public, as well as the owners and trainers move around swiftly, find their way and their spaces easily, have a chance to enjoy the show we put on the course. In the end, of course, we are gathered here for the racing.” In that regard, de Rothschild and his team could hardly have wished for a better opening act than to be welcoming Europe’s top-rated colt, Cracksman (GB) (Frankel {GB}), to tackle the first Group 1 race to be staged at ParisLongchamp, the Prix Ganay. “It’s largely thanks to Anthony Oppenheimer and John Gosden, who have trusted us once again by showing their champion Cracksman to the French crowds,” he added. “He has been a great addition to the field of the Prix Ganay. We couldn’t dream of such a star lining up when we decided to double the race’s prize-money to €600,000. I think that it is a good idea because the Prix Ganay is wonderfully timed, early enough in the season to pull in some of the winter champions and late enough to provide a nice springboard for the main European season, with the Qatar Arc weekend as our climax. With Enable, Cracksman and the Ballydoyle squad still around, and possibly new champions revealed in the next couple of months from all over Europe, we look forward to a great homecoming Arc weekend.” View the full article

Diamond Creek Farm’s ADAM BOWDEN The Mad, Dizzy Carousel of CHESTER What’s Going On At THE KENTUCKY CASTLE? Where To Eat At This Year’s PREAKNESS Host a DERBY PARTY View the full article

6th-SAN, £10,000, Cond, 4-27, 3yo, f, 9f 209yT, 2:17.40, g/s. CRYSTAL HOPE (GB) (f, 3, by Nathaniel (Ire) 1st Dam: Crystal Etoile (GB), by Dansili (GB) 2nd Dam: Crystal Star (GB), by Mark of Esteem (Ire) 3rd Dam: Crystal Cavern, by Be My Guest Crystal Hope, who hails from the same family of the card’s G3 Gordon Richards S. winner Crystal Ocean (GB) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), was clueless when sixth on debut over an extended mile at Nottingham in October and little was expected other than further tutelage as she started at 14-1. Settled in mid-division by William Buick throughout the early stages, the homebred was delivered with a strong challenge down the outer to take command with a furlong remaining and surge clear of Give and Take (GB) (Cityscape {GB}) to win by three lengths. The 10-11 favourite Highgarden (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}), a descendant of the G1SW Rebelline (Ire) (Robellino), held every chance but could only stay on at one pace to be 1 1/4 lengths further away in third. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $9,002. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. O-Sir Evelyn De Rothschild; B-Southcourt Stud (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute. View the full article

Magnum Moon, Audible, Vino Rosso, and Noble Indy each gained the approval of their trainer April 27 after the first three each covered a half-mile in their final tune ups, with Noble Indy going five furlongs. View the full article

Beginning Thursday, May 3, first post time on all Santa Anita Park live racing days, excepting three Triple Crown Saturdays, will be at 12:30 p.m. PT. View the full article

In this ongoing 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 Kyoto Racecourses: Sunday, April 29, 2018 5th-KYO, ¥13,720,000 ($126k), Allowance, 3yo, 1800mT BEST MY WAY (c, 3, Point of Entry–Hug It Out, by Medaglia d’Oro) has placed three times from his five career appearances to date, all on the dirt, highlighted by a maiden victory going this distance at this venue Jan. 21. The bay, who is out of a stakes-placed half-sister to GSW Macho Macho (Macho Uno), tries the grass for the first time and hails from the extended female family of Grade I-winning turf miler Designed For Luck (Rahy). A $15K KEENOV weanling and $39K FTKJUL buyback, Best My Way was a $675K OBSMAR juvenile, the most expensive of 13 sold for his sire in 2017. B-Nursery Place, Donaldson & Broadbent (KY) 10th-KYO, ¥34,200,000 ($314k), Open Class, 3yo, 1400m Once second from four starts on turf to begin his career, JASPER PRINCE (c, 3, Violence–Ambitious Journey, by Bernardini) dropped in class and demolished a field of Sonoda maidens by double digits in his dirt debut Mar. 14 (gate 8). A $60K KEESEP yearling turned $100K OBSMAR breezer, the May 29 foal is a maternal grandson of Sovereign Award-winning turf mare Ambitious Cat (Storm Cat, MGSW & GISP). His third dam includes 1997 GI Kentucky Oaks winner Blushing K. D. (Blushing John). B-Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings Inc (KY) 12th-KYO, ¥34,620,000 ($317k), Allowance, 4yo/up, 1400m HONEY JADE (f, 4, Harlan’s Holiday–Hard Hat, by Hard Spun) has not finished outside the top two in five appearances on the dirt, including victories at Hanshin last September (gate 5) and a latest defeat of G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen fifth Matera Sky (Speightstown) in a 1200m test at this track Jan. 8. Produced by a half-sister to GISW Albert the Great (Go For Gin), Honey Jade was a $130K FTKJUL yearling and $300K FTFMAR breezer. B-John P Hicks, William D Hart, Dr Jerry Bilinski & John Murdza (NY) View the full article

G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches hope Barkaa (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) has been bought privately by American owners Peter Brant of White Birch Farm and Joseph Allen, according to Jour de Galop. Barkaa, who previously raced in the colours of Gerard Augustin-Normand, has won three of four starts, including this season’s Listed Prix de Californie on Feb. 11 and G3 Prix Vanteaux, which she won by four lengths on Apr. 8. Jeremy Para, spokesman for trainer Fabrice Vermeulen, told Jour de Galop, “The filly will go directly to the [G1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches on May 13]. She will then have two possibilities: the [G1] Prix de Diane Longines or the [G1] Coronation S. Barkaa is also engaged in the [G1] Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. She will certainly leave France at the end of the season to [go to] the United States.” Peter Brant has been very active as of late buying French-raced fillies. His other recent acquisitions include the French Group 3 winner Sistercharlie (Ire) (Myboycharlie {Ire}), the winner of the GI Jenny Wiley S. two weeks ago at Keeneland; last year’s Pouliches winner Precieuse (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}); and last year’s G3 Albany S. winner Different League (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}), which he partnered with Coolmore to buy at Tattersalls December last year. View the full article

The UK flat racing season is now well underway and it’s time to start looking ahead to the 2018 renewal of the Lockinge Stakes (Sunday 20th May), which is one of Newbury’s biggest contests. Our ante-post market is already live, so let’s take a look at some of the horses that are getting backed to win this prestigious Group 1 encounter. Click Here For Latest Odds! Le Brivido (FR) Age: 4 (Foaled April 3rd, 2014), Sex: Bay Colt, Breeding: Siyouni (FR) – (Dr Fong (USA)), Trainer: A Fabre, Owner: Hrh Prince Faisal Bin Khaled/mrs Magni This French challenger from Andre Fabre’s stable comes over with an excellent record. He won his only race, as a 2-year-old, on the artificial surface at Chantilly. Le Brevido was then mothballed and came back to the same course in April last year – securing victory, on the same surface. Following that run, his next race was at Deauville (the French 2000 Guineas) and he was just beaten a short head by Brametot in a fighting finish. After these promising runs, connections decided to send the colt to Royal Ascot for the Jersey Stakes where he was backed down to 2/1 before the off. He took that contest by a neck, beating Spirit Of Valour from Aidan O’Brien’s stable who was a 66/1 outsider. Le Brivido was not seen at a racecourse, on either side of the Channel, during the rest of 2017 – finally emerging in the Abernant Stakes, in April, where he was beaten by Brando. He was sent-off as the 6/5 favourite in that encounter and connections will have been disappointed with the performance. However, the outing should have done him some good and Le Brivido can be expected to run a big race. Rhododendron (IRE) Age: 4 (Foaled February 11th, 2014), Sex: Bay Filly, Breeding: Galileo (IRE) – Halfway To Heaven (IRE) (Pivotal), Trainer: A P O’Brien, Owner: Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith She’s a beautifully proportioned filly from Aiden O’Brien’s yard that runs in the Tabor/Magnier colours. The 4-year-old won at Glorious Goodwood, then also in the Dubai Fillies Mile at Newmarket as 2-year-old and started as the warm favourite for the 1000 Guineas at the same course last May. She was very unlucky in not getting a clear run and had to to be switched sharply left, a couple of furlongs out. However, she stuck to her task and took 2nd behind another O’Brien horse – Winter. Rhododendron then went to Epsom for for the Oaks and again was the bridesmaid, when well beaten by Enable, but she finished well clear of the rest of the field. The filly then ran a poor race in Ireland but bounced back to win the Prix De L’Opera at Chantilly, before heading for the USA to run in the Breeders Cup Filly And Mare Turf. She finished a very creditable second behind Wuheida. Most believe she will be better suited by the flat course at Newbury, rather than the undulations of Newmarket. Rhododendron appears to take any going in her stride, having won on good to firm twice – once on soft and once on yielding to soft, O’Brien believes she is in excellent form, she has wintered well and looks ready to prove her class. Beat The Bank Age: 4 (Foaled March 27th, 2014), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Paco Boy (IRE) – Tiana (Diktat), Trainer: A M Balding, Owner: King Power Racing Co Ltd This Paco Boy-sired gelding had a great campaign, last year, firstly winning a modest race for Darren Bunyan at Dundalk. He then crossed the Irish Sea and joined Andrew Balding’s yard. Under his new trainer he first appeared at Newmarket and won by a neck from Salsabeel. Beat The Bank was then sent to Royal Ascot for the Jersey Stakes, but was well-beaten. His next race saw him stepped-up from 7 furlongs to a mile again (at Newmarket). Victory in the Henry Cecil Stakes was followed by wins in both the Thoroughbred Stakes and the Joel Stakes. His last outing was in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes where Jim Crowley’s hold-up ride failed to pay dividends and the horse finished 10th of 15. However, Balding feels confident enough for the horse to make seasonal reappearance in the the big race at Newbury. “The likelihood is that Beat The Bank will probably start off in the Lockinge Stakes and we’ll take it from there. He’s an exciting horse, and King Power have some very exciting young horses, as have many of my other owners. We’re quite lucky to have a very nice intake this year.” Limato (IRE) Age: 6 (Foaled February 8th, 2012), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Tagula (IRE) – Come April (Singspiel (IRE)), Trainer: H Candy, Owner: Mr Paul G Jacobs Henry Candy’s charge finished the season off in style, winning the Challenge Stakes at Newmarket – seeing off Massaat by 3.5 lengths. Limato had previously run 4th in the Lennox Stakes and had every chance of winning but ran out of gas in the final furlong. Prior to that, he was runner-up in the July Cup at Newmarket (a race he won in 2016, when he beat Suedois by a couple of lengths), losing out to Harry Angel. Harry Bentley had him well-placed to challenge, but he was carried right and badly hampered. Limato still ran on well inside the final furlong and missed out by just over a length. Candy must now feel he is stronger and able to step-up to a mile in, top class company. Zabeel Prince (IRE) Age: 5 (Foaled March 7th, 2013), Sex: Chestnut Gelding, Breeding: Lope De Vega (IRE) – Princess Serena (USA) (Unbridled’s Song (USA)), Trainer: R Varian, Owner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum This 5-year-old certainly made his presence felt, last term, rattling up a 3-timer in quick succession. His maiden success at Nottingham was at the expense of the favourite Cape To Cuba, who he put firmly in his place when winning by 3 lengths. Zabeel Prince went on from that score at Yarmouth in a handicap, winning easily from London. Then once again in handicap company at York, he picked-up another easy win – beating Bravery by almost 3 lengths. Following these successes, Roger Varian decided to up the stakes and try him in the Balmoral Handicap at Ascot on British Champions Day. The race came only 8 days after his York victory and although he was sent off 4/1 2nd-favourite he was not up to the task, finishing 11th of 20. The race probably came too soon after his previous exertions and he can, perhaps, be excused that poor run. Zabeel Prince made his 2018 reappearance in the Doncaster Mile and absolutely hacked-up – beating Born To Be Alive by 2.5 lengths and putting in a performance that will surely have connections feeling bullish again. “I was pleased with Zabeel Prince at Doncaster and he will improve massively for the run. I think he was fit enough, but only to the level where I thought there would be a good chunk of improvement to come… I’m not going to rush him. I would happily go straight to the Lockinge as he goes well fresh. I think he can have a very good year.” said Varian, after the win. Inns Of Court (IRE) Age: 4 (Foaled April 9th, 2014), Sex: Bay Colt, Breeding: Invincible Spirit (IRE) – Learned Friend (GER) (Seeking The Gold (USA)), Trainer: A Fabre, Owner: Godolphin Inns Of Court has run 7 times altogether in France and has won on 4 occasions, earning over a quarter of a million euros. His first outing was at Saint Cloud and although he raced keenly and was outpaced 2 furlongs out, he made good headway and asserted his superiority close to home and got the better of Degrisement. He then went to Deauville for the French 2000 Guineas and led briefly at halfway but didn’t stay and finished 6th. Following this defeat he was dropped down in class for a Group 3 at Maisons-Laffitte, where he asserted his authority over the final furlong and was driven out to hold-off the challenge of Attendu. He followed this victory with another at Deauville, winning a shade cosily from African Ride in a Group 3 encounter. The following month he ran at Deauville again and was beaten a short-head, by Al Wukair. In his final race at Chantilly (Prix Du Moulin De Longchamp) he finished 5th in a race won by Ribchester. Inns Of Court had an excellent season in France as a 3 year old and connections will have high-hopes for the 2018 campaign. Suedois (FR) Age: 7 (Foaled May 15th, 2011), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Le Havre (IRE) – Cup Cake (Singspiel (IRE)), Trainer: D O’Meara, Owner: Mr George Turner & Clipper Logistics This much-traveled 7-year-old gelding takes his place in the Lockinge on the back of a great end to his 2017 season, which saw him win a brace of notable contests. He was originally bred in France and owned by his breeder Mme Elisabeth Vidal, until the beginning of 2016, when he was bought by George Turner as a 5-year-old. In his early career, he was mostly raced on all-weather tracks at Chantilly and Deauville. Suedois moved to David O’Meara’s stables in March 201. During his first season he didn’t make the winners enclosure, however he gained plenty of place money – only losing out to horses of the like of Limato, Quiet Reflection, Twilight Son and Magical Memory. Last season he began sprinting and went down to Tasleet, Gordon Lord Byron and The Tin Man against which he ran 7th in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. O’Meara then moved him up to 7 furlongs and he ran 3rd to Breton Rock at Goodwood and also to Talaayeb at York. The trainer then moved him up to a mile and that was the making of him. He went to Leopardstown and took the Boomerang Stakes, narrowly beating True Valour. The Le Havre-sired gelding then crossed the Atlantic to Keeneland and landed the valuable Shadwell Turf Mile. He finished the season at Del Mar coming 4th in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, but he did not get a clear run that day and can be considered a little unlucky. O’Meara admiringly describes him as a ‘proper street fighter’. Lightning Spear Age: 7 (Foaled April 5th, 2011), Sex: Chestnut Horse, Breeding: Pivotal – Atlantic Destiny (IRE) (Royal Academy (USA)), Trainer: D M Simcock, Owner: Qatar Racing Limited David Simcock’s 7 year old has had 21 races under rules and won 6 of them. Originally trained by Ralph Beckett, he was passed to Olly Stevens before reaching Simcock in April 2016. Under his watchful eye he had 5 runs in his first season, mainly at Ascot and Goodwood where he beat Zonderland in a the Celebration Mile. Lightning Spear started last season, by finishing runner-up in a race that was won by Ribchester. He did not have the pace to genuinely challenge, but kept on well enough. He then went to Royal Ascot for the Queen Anne, but made no impression and it was a similar story in the Eclipse at Sandown. Next up was the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and he gave a better account of himself, finishing just a length behind Here Comes When with Ribchester finishing 2nd. Lightning Spear then returned to Goodwood to defend his Celebration Mile crown and he inflicted more pain on Zonderland’s connections by doing just that. The victory was by just a nose and came as a huge relief to jockey Oisin Murphy.. “I just about got it right. I made no secret about how tactical the race was going to be. It was impossible to know what was going to happen, but you have to have confidence you have chosen to do the right thing and thankfully I just about got it right. The horse finished his season with a poor run at Chantilly in the Prix Du Moulin De Longchamp and a middling effort in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes – won by Persuasive. In December he went to Sha Tin and finished 10th of 14 in the Hong Kong Mile. We’ll soon see if the Winter has been kind to him. Librisa Breeze Age: 6 (Foaled February 6th, 2012), Sex: Grey Gelding, Breeding: Mount Nelson – Bruxcalina (FR) (Linamix (FR)), Trainer: D K Ivory, Owner: Mr Tony Bloom The horse has a record of 6 wins from 17 runs and 4 of those wins have come under Dean Ivory, since he took over the training of this grey gelding in February 2016 from Jeremy Noseda. His first run for Ivory was at Wolverhampton on the all-weather, where he was held up, switched right, hung left and then ran on well to lead inside the final furlong and win by a length – beating Capo Rosso. That was in April 2016 and his trainer had seen enough to send him to Ascot for the Royal Hunt Cup, where he ran second to Portage. He came back to Ascot in July to win the International Stakes from Squats and then finished 4th in the City Of York Stakes. Last year he started slowly with mediocre performances at Ascot, Goodwood and Newbury. In October he returned to Ascot and landed the British Champions Sprint Stakes – squeezing through a narrow gap to secure the win. Lightning Spear’s last outing was in the Hong Kong Mile, but he could only manage 10th place. “He’s better over 7 furlongs, though in saying that he has done very well over 6, as he has a huge turn of foot when they go a fast pace. I would think this could be a big year for him.” says Ivory. Lancaster Bomber (USA) Age: 4 (Foaled March 14th, 2014), Sex: Bay Colt, Breeding: War Front (USA) – Sun Shower (IRE) (Indian Ridge), Trainer: A P O’Brien, Owner: Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier Another of Aidan O’Brien’s 4-year-old colts who has been highly tried in his races but this one has only once visited the winners enclosure and that was at Leopardstown as a 2-year-old in 2016. The War Front colt has run in some amazing races, particularly as a 2 year old when 2nd to Churchill in the Dewhurst at Newmarket. He went to Meydan to start his 3-year-old career and ran 4th in the UAE Derby, where he finished just 2 lengths behind Thunder Snow. After that he went as a pacemaker for Churchill in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket and that has largely been the story of his career. He was asked to do the same at The Curragh, in the Irish Guineas and in the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot where he secured runner-up spot behind Barney Roy with Churchill only 4th. Connections then decided he was worthy of racing in his own right instead of just being a pacemaker but he flopped in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and was then sent across the pond to Woodbine where he finished a creditable 2nd. Lancaster Bomber was then brought back to Ascot for the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (again as a pacemaker for Churchill) but finished well-tailed-off and Persuasive proved to be too good for Churchill on the day. O’Brien put him in the Breeders Cup at Del Mar USA, Sha Tin Hong Kong and Meydan UAE, all without success. Will he ever be more than a water carrier? Betting With RaceBets Join us today and we’ll match your initial deposit with bonus cash, up to a maximum of £50! RaceBets offers markets for action taking place in over 40 countries and you’ll find all of the big upcoming races, in our ante-post section. The post 2018 Newbury Lockinge Stakes Preview appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article

After making a mockery of the prestigious Lincoln H. at Doncaster Mar. 24, Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) proved he was too good for handicaps with an emphatic success in Friday’s G2 bet365 Mile at Sandown. Kept apart from the main bunch early by James Doyle, the 6-4 favourite had an ideal lead and when shaken up in the straight earned the advantage approaching the furlong pole en route to a 2 3/4-length success from Stormy Antarctic (GB) (Stormy Atlantic). Friday, Sandown, Britain BET365 MILE-G2, £100,000, SAN, 4-27, 4yo/up, 8fT, 1:45.48, g/s. 1–ADDEYBB (IRE), 127, g, 4, by Pivotal (GB) 1st Dam: Bush Cat, by Kingmambo 2nd Dam: Arbusha, by Danzig 3rd Dam: Lulu Mon Amour, by Tom Rolfe 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN, 1ST GROUP WIN. (200,000gns Ylg ’15 TAOCT). O-Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; B-Rabbah Bloodstock Ltd (IRE); T-William Haggas; J-James Doyle. £56,710. Lifetime Record: 7-5-0-1, $217,315. *1/2 to Meer Kat (Ire) (Red Ransom), GSP-US. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Stormy Antarctic (GB), 127, g, 5, Stormy Atlantic–Bea Remembered (GB), by Doyen (Ire). (68,000gns Wlg ’13 TATFOA; 200,000gns 2yo ’15 TATBRE). O-Pak Kwan Siu; B-East Bloodstock Ltd (GB); T-Ed Walker. £21,500. 3–Aljazzi (GB), 124, m, 5, Shamardal–Nouriya (GB), by Danehill Dancer (Ire). O/B-Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar (GB); T-Marco Botti. £10,760. Margins: 2 3/4, NK, 2. Odds: 1.50, 4.50, 7.00. Also Ran: Robin of Navan (Fr), Here Comes When (Ire), Sovereign Debt (Ire), Khafoo Shememi (Ire), Mr. Owen. Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. View the full article

Newtown Anner Stud’s Beckford (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) may have stayed in the U.S. last year after his respectable fifth in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, but connections of the 3-year-old still have international ambitions, and he could be set for a trip to Royal Ascot for the G1 Commonwealth Cup on June 22. Beckford makes his 3-year-old debut-and his first start since finishing 2 1/4 lengths adrift of GI Kentucky Derby entrant Mendelssohn (Scat Daddy) at the Breeders’ Cup-on Saturday in the opening night feature at Churchill Downs, the $100,000 William Walker S. over five furlongs on the turf, for which he is a morning line 3-1. Beckford also makes his first appearance for Irish-born trainer Brendan Walsh, who is enjoying a growing profile in the U.S. Walsh is taking the colt’s preparation one step at a time, however, and said he wants to get past Saturday’s test before making any further commitments. “We’ll take it one step at a time, but we’ve nominated him for Royal Ascot to have that option there,” Walsh said. “If things were to go really well it would be a consideration for sure, but we’ll see how tomorrow goes first and go from there.” Beckford, who was purchased privately by Newtown Anner Stud from Nick Bradley Racing after winning on debut at The Curragh last May, was previously trained in Ireland and through the Breeders’ Cup by Gordon Elliott. Beckford built on that first-out promise to win the G2 Railway S. at The Curragh and then had a busy and productive six weeks, finishing second in the G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. and the G1 Goffs Vincent O’Brien National S. and fifth behind U S Navy Flag in the G1 Middle Park S. He sat last early in the Breeders’ Cup before coming up the rail to be narrowly beaten by Mendelssohn (video). Walsh said Beckford has wintered well and taken the transatlantic adjustment in stride. “He’s a grand horse,” the trainer said. “He’s very straightforward, just a nice horse to be around. He seems like he’s taken to everything here like a duck to water. He’s done well so we’re hoping for a good run tomorrow night.” The William Walker will be Beckford’s first try over five furlongs, both wins last year having come over six. The Commonwealth Cup is over six furlongs. “He’d run three-quarters in Ireland last year but it’s his first time going five eighths, so I think we’ll see what happens tomorrow then look at Ascot and the timing between everything and adjust from there if we need to make adjustments,” Walsh said. “Everything is hanging on tomorrow night so we’ll see how that goes first.” Having worked for Godolphin for five years prior to taking out his license, Walsh is no stranger to traveling horses, but a trip to Royal Ascot with Beckford would be a first international journey under his own name. “If this materialized it would be lovely to bring a horse back there, having spent a lot of time in England working and of course Ascot is great, so it would be great to have one suitable to bring there,” Walsh said. View the full article

Gestut Ammerland’s homebred Sevenna Star (Ire) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}) had opened his account by 14 lengths at Windsor Apr. 16, but he had to work a lot harder to justify 15-8 favouritism in Friday’s G3 bet365 Classic Trial at Sandown. In third early behind Chilean (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) and Ispolini (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), he got to that pairing in the final 50 yards and upstaged the latter by a short head at the line to provide trainer John Gosden with a ninth edition of this Derby prep. Friday, Sandown, Britain BET365 CLASSIC TRIAL-G3, £70,000, SAN, 4-27, 3yo, 9f 209yT, 2:14.13, g/s. 1–SEVENNA STAR (IRE), 127, c, 3, by Redoute’s Choice (Aus) 1st Dam: Sevenna (Fr) (GSW-Eng), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Silvassa (Ire), by Darshaan (GB) 3rd Dam: Slenderella (Ger), by Alpenkonig (Ger) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN, 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Gestut Ammerland; B-Ammerland Verwaltung GmbH & Co KG (IRE); T-John Gosden; J-Lanfranco Dettori. £39,697. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-1, $63,411. *1/2 to Savanne (Ire) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}), GSW-Fr, $139,572; Sassella (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), SW-Fr; and Samurai (Ire) (Shamardal), SW-Swi. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. 2–Ispolini (GB), 127, c, 3, Dubawi (Ire)–Giants Play, by Giant’s Causeway. (1,200,000gns Ylg ’16 TATOCT). O-Godolphin; B-Newsells Park Stud (GB); T-Charlie Appleby. £15,050. 3–Hunting Horn (Ire), 127, c, 3, Camelot (GB)–Mora Bai (Ire), by Indian Ridge (Ire). O-Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; B-Lynch-Bages & Rhinestone Bloodstock (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien. £7,532. Margins: NO, 1 1/4, HF. Odds: 1.85, 4.50, 7.00. Also Ran: Chilean (GB), Sovereign Duke (Ger), Wafy (Ire), Come On Tier (Fr). Scratched: Jetstream (Ire), Stephensons Rocket (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. View the full article

China Horse Club, Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and WinStar Farm's Justify put in his final timed work for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) at his Santa Anita Park home base April 27. View the full article