Wandering Eyes

Though the grandstand remains quiet during the off-season at Keeneland, the racetrack does not, as trainers' barns grow and flourish with the continuous arrival of 2-year-olds ready to take the next step towards debuting as fully-fledged racehorses. It's a time of year filled with a sense of excitement for what's to come as trainers, owners and fans alike brim with the anticipation of watching who might develop into future stars. This feeling is one that seems to reverberate most throughout Cherie DeVaux's barn following the recent arrival of one very special trainee: Nymue (War Front), the final foal out of the great champion Zenyatta (Street Cry {Ire}). After receiving her early training at April Mayberry's farm in Ocala, a facility run by a family that has overseen the breaking and training of Zenyatta and all of her progeny, the 2-year-old filly Nymue arrived at DeVaux's barn three and a half weeks ago. “For any 2-year-old that comes in to us, we want to make sure that the transition is as smooth as it can be. It's a whole different ballgame when they come from the farm and come in here because they're in such a different environment. So we really try to just let them get acclimated to a different lifestyle,” explained DeVaux. “The first day she came in, she was standing at the front of the stall wide-eyed and really not knowing what to do. But when she got out to the track, she understood what was going on. She's super, super smart, so now she knows training is a little bit later, she takes her morning nap and knows when feed time is coming. So, she knows what to expect.” Nymue at Keeneland | Sara Gordon Nymue arrived to the DeVaux barn with fellow Mayberry Farm graduate Shuggy (Twirling Candy), the first foal out of Zenyatta's oldest daughter Zellda (Medaglia d'Oro), who was retained by owner Ann Holbrook Moss after scratching from the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training back in April. The Zenyatta daughter and grandson pair have been training in company in the mornings, which has helped both acclimate to the hustle and bustle that comes with life at the racetrack. Despite being a June foal, Nymue has grown well into her own, standing at an estimated 16.3 hands. With her age and size in mind, DeVaux has continued what the Mayberrys started by easing the filly into her training with a practice of mindful patience. “She had a very deep foundation as far as fitness goes, but now we have to bring her along slowly as far as the speed work goes. That's very important when it comes to bone growth and generation,” said DeVaux. Within the past week, DeVaux kicked it up a notch with Nymue. Though the trainer didn't ask for a whole lot more than what has been expected since her arrival, the filly delivered plenty, and then some. “For a filly that has only had a couple of leg stretchers, her open gallop was what some horses breeze. I went and saw our early 2-year-olds and they were struggling to do just half of what she was doing, and [Nymue] did it with ease. Every horse is an individual, so you're trying not to put the cart before the horse, but it shows there's a lot in there,” said DeVaux. “When you have a big horse like that, they're naturally going to be faster. But it's not about time, it's about how she does it, so we'll do a lot of these exercises for her before we see a formal published breeze. We have to make sure she has the foundation.” Nymue's arrival in DeVaux's barn, alongside Shuggy, marks a new era for Holbrook Moss, who campaigned Zenyatta with her late ex-husband, Jerry. It will be Holbrook Moss's first foray into solo ownership, which she is proudly embracing with a new stable name–AHHA Stables–represented by custom black silks with a white star, which she designed herself. After sending Zenyatta's first four foals of racing age to the West Coast to train under John Shirreffs, who also conditioned their dam, Holbrook Moss made the decision to keep Nymue on the East Coast to take advantage of the racing opportunities, particularly in Kentucky and New York. Nymue outside of Shuggy | Sara Gordon “I interviewed several trainers and just clicked with Cherie. She's married to David [Ingordo], who purchased Zenyatta [as a yearling], and she's been living with Zenyatta all around her for quite a while now. I think she really understands the opportunity and sees it as a continuing story for Zenyatta, and that's the best you can ask for, right? It's the enthusiasm and brilliance that she has,” said Holbrook Moss. “With Cherie, I get to go see Zenyatta and the family [in Kentucky], and Nymue and Shuggy are right there too. I want to be on this side of the country. In the 70s, I lived in New York, and now I'm in my 70s, and I thought, 'I want to be in New York, too,' which is so good on so many levels.” For DeVaux, the care and oversight of Zenyatta's final foal is a responsibility that she does not take lightly. But in that responsibility, there is also immense pride and appreciation for the opportunity Holbrook Moss has given her. “She really put a lot of thought and process into her decision making and ultimately thought that this would be the best fit. It's really an honor. It was emotional. I was a big fan of Zenyatta, one of the many, and I do feel that there's a level of respect with every one [of her progeny]. You have to approach them as an individual,” reflected DeVaux. “You have a responsibility to the filly, to the fans, and most importantly to Ann, to give Nymue the best chance possible. I'm excited and emotional, but ultimately honored to train a filly like this.” Joining Holbrook Moss in this new chapter as her stable's manager is none other than Todd Claunch, a good friend of Holbrook Moss's who previously worked as the farm manager of Lane's End Farm, Zenyatta's home, before retiring after a 34-year career with the farm this past December. It's a role fitting for a man that accomplished so much during his tenure, and one that Holbrook Moss describes as Zenyatta's “best friend.” “When he retired, I said, 'How do we stay involved?' So, it naturally just evolved into a situation where now he's my racing manager and I'm thrilled to have him. He has a beautiful heart, so I'm really tickled that he's helping us out,” said Holbrook Moss. “Zenyatta loves Todd, that's her boyfriend. For as long as she's been there, he would go to see her first thing in the morning and right before he would leave the farm. She just loves him.” Though Holbrook Moss plans to campaign her homebreds, she has also joined a partnership for the first time, buying into a couple of horses with the Terranova family. “I love the horses. Zenyatta was the most amazing gift. When David purchased her [as a yearling], it was the same year Giacomo won the [GI] Kentucky Derby. That was a really big year and it's just been a gift all along the way,” said Holbrook Moss. “Zenyatta is an extraordinary being. She continues to touch people's hearts and uplift them. This is her legacy.” On Saturday, Nymue and Shuggy loaded onto a van bound for Saratoga Race Course, where they will continue their training throughout the summer. The horses will be stabled in DeVaux's barn on the Oklahoma training track side in the barn formerly occupied by recently retired Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas. Nymue (outside) and Shuggy work | Sara Gordon “Nobody is in a hurry and Ann is wonderful about being patient, as they were with Zenyatta, and there's no pressure on us. We have to let the filly tell us how to go. I have a feeling we'll open gallop her and she's going to have a published work without even trying, because she's just a naturally big and fast filly,” said DeVaux. Though Nymue will be the last foal out of Zenyatta to dance across the racetrack, marking a bittersweet moment for all of those connected to the beloved Hall of Fame mare, it remains a pivotal moment for Holbrook Moss, who embarks on a new venture with a renewed sense of excitement. “I just can't explain to you how blessed I feel. I have felt that every moment that I've been in the horse industry, around the horses, and with the horses, celebrating them and their achievements. And Nymue is absolutely another gift.” The post Holbrook Moss And DeVaux Embark On New Chapter With Nymue, Zenyatta’s Final Foal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's not often considered a head-scratching race when a reigning Canadian Horse of the Year wins over a strong field that includes two other Canadian champions, but that's exactly what happened Saturday in the GII Bet365 Highlander Stakes at Woodbine. Sure, 4-5 choice Patches O'Houlihan (Reload) won, just like he was supposed to, but it was the manner in which he won–veering out badly–that left perhaps more questions than answers. As a precaution after pulling up, he was vanned back to his barn and examined by veterinarians. It was quickly discovered Patches O'Houlihan suffered a soft-tissue injury. No long-term prognosis was immediately available, but the gelding and fan favorite was reportedly resting comfortably. In his first start of 2025, Patches O'Houlihan won the 5 1/2-furlong Thorncliffe Stakes by four lengths, setting a new synthetic track record of 1:02.28 at Woodbine while getting a 108 Beyer Speed Figure, the highest of the year to date in North America on synthetic. He then missed a scheduled start in the GIII Jacques Cartier Stakes when he spiked a fever, but he missed little training time. The gelding switched to the grass for the Highlander, a surface which had netted a previous win for him on the GII Nearctic Stakes last October. In addition to his Horse of the Year title, Patches O'Houlihan has twice been named Canada's champion male sprinter. He's won nine black-type events, six graded. In the Highlander, Patches O'Houlihan went right to the front, as is his custom, while last-out GI Jaipur Stakes second My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince) chased from second. The champ set a first quarter pace of :22.13, but going into the turn, regular rider Sofia Vives looked uncomfortable, as if she were applying the brakes, with her arms and legs extended far in front of her torso. 'Patches' veered out just after he rounded the turn, opening up a huge hole to his inside, which My Boy Prince took advantage of and quickly looked as if he might catch the eventual winner, eventually getting within a head. Down the stretch, Patches O'Houlihan continued to drift badly–finally running closer to the grandstand than the rail–but held sway by a neck and a huge heart as My Boy Prince also drifted and swapped to his wrong lead. While all eyes were on the first two, the eventful race concluded with MGSW Dresden Row (Lord Nelson), who was supplemented to the Highlander, in third, giving the three Canadian champions the trifecta. Pedigree Notes: Patches O'Houlihan is one of six black-type winners–two graded–for Reload, a son of Hard Spun who stands at Northern Dawn Stables in Ontario. The Highlander winner and runner-up are both out of daughters of Silent Name (Jpn), who also stands in Ontario at Adena Springs North. Maythefourthbwithu has a 2-year-old colt by Souper Speedy and a yearling full-brother to Patches O'Houlihan. All have been bred by Frank D. Di Giulio, Jr., for whom Patches O'Houlihan campaigns as a homebred. #5 PATCHES O'HOULIHAN ($3.60) drifted through the stretch but still couldn't be beaten in the $200,000 Highlander Stakes (G2) at @WoodbineTB. @SofiaLVives was aboard the five-year-old Reload gelding for trainer Robert Tiller. pic.twitter.com/S3fMQrtVXU — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 28, 2025 Saturday, Woodbine BET365 HIGHLANDER S.-GII, C$234,400, Woodbine, 6-28, 4yo/up, 6fT, 1:08.39, gd. 1–PATCHES O'HOULIHAN, 124, g, 5, by Reload 1st Dam: Maythefourthbwithu, by Silent Name (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Cat's Calling, by Caller I. D. 3rd Dam: Jazzie Jagua, by Tom Cat O/B-Frank D. Di Giulio, Jr. (ON); T-Robert P. Tiller; J-Sofia Vives. C$144,000. Horse of the Year-Can, Ch. Male Sprinter (twice)-Can, Lifetime Record: 16-13-1-0, $853,848. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–My Boy Prince, 120, g, 4, Cairo Prince–Hopping Not Hoping, by Silent Name (Jpn). (C$115,000 Ylg '22 CANSEP). O-Gary Barber; B-Murray Graham Smith (ON); T-Mark E. Casse. C$48,000. 3–Dresden Row, 122, c, 4, Lord Nelson–Elle Special, by Giant's Causeway. ($11,000 Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $70,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-True North Stable and Bloom Racing Stable (Jeffrey Bloom); B-TCR Ranch (KY); T-Lorne Richards. C$22,000. Margins: NK, 3, HD. Odds: 0.80, 2.25, 8.70. Also Ran: Playmea Tune, Niagara Skyline, Old Chestnut. Scratched: Its Time to Shine, Ms. Tart. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Canadian Horse of the Year Patches O’Houlihan Injured in Highlander Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unraced since winning the GII Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland last October, MINARET STATION (c, 3, Instilled Regard–Beau Recall {Ire}, by Sir Prancealot {Ire}) showed no rust off the layoff, firing midstretch to win the American Derby. Now a winner of his last three, the 5-2 second choice split runners in pursuit of loose pacesetter Freedom's Not Free (Omaha Beach) who took the field into the final furlong before a host of challengers drove him down late. Minaret Station, caught in a four-wide surge inside the sixteenth pole, had plenty of response for Cristian Torres to win ahead of Native Runner (Laobon) while Freedom's Not Free lasted for third. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-1. O/B-OXO Equine LLC; T-William Walden. Minaret Station and @cristiantorr64 win the American Derby for @wwaldenracing! pic.twitter.com/EMheZruspk — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 28, 2025 The post Minaret Station Takes American Derby Off The Layoff appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thorpedo Anna put to rest any lingering doubts about her talents as a 4-year-old June 28, thundering to her seventh stakes score in the $498,500 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Repole Stable and St Elias Stable's 'TDN Rising Star' MINDFRAME (c, 4, Constitution–Walk of Stars, by Street Sense) was his own worst victim in last year's GI Belmont Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes, his inexperience costing him victories in both of those marquee events for the 3-year-old generation. He got the monkey off his back, at least to some extent, when proving best in a thrilling four-way go in the GI Churchill Downs Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard, and in the GI Stephen Foster Stakes Saturday afternoon, cemented his position as one of the top handicap horses in the country with a one-length defeat of fellow 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) to stamp his ticket to this year's Classic at Del Mar, the same race won en route to a championship by Sierra Leone last fall. 'TDN Rising Star' First Mission (Street Sense) was ridden positively by Luis Saez from gate one and was quickly joined by Mindframe to his outside. Mystik Dan enjoyed the run of the race hugging the fence from just behind the pace, while Sierra Leone was unsurprisingly void of early speed, waiting for the second half of the race to deliver his best. First Mission continued to show the way down the back, but Flavien Prat asked Sierra Leone for some mid-race acceleration and the duo were up into third, three wide outside of Mindframe into the second turn. Positions were unchanged nearing the stretch and when First Mission rolled away from the inside, there was room for a rail-skimming run for Mystik Dan, if good enough. He peaked on his run, but Mindframe still had more to offer, and even though he wanted to lug in–again–at the eighth pole, he fought on bravely for the victory. Sierra Leone looked like he was under a full head of steam approaching the stretch before appearing to idle a bit from third. He, too, lengthened his stride nicely inside the final furlong and was getting to the winner. First Mission outfinished the 2024 Derby winner for third for a noteworthy 'TDN Rising Star' trifecta. Sales history: $600,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 7-5-2-0. O-Repole Stable & St Elias Stable; B-R Larry Johnson (MD); T-Todd Pletcher. Mindframe takes the G1 Stephen Foster at @churchilldowns under @iradortiz for trainer Todd Pletcher! @RepoleStable TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/8XAz8KEsYd — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 28, 2025 The post Constitution’s Mindframe Leads Home ‘Rising Star’ Triple In Stephen Foster appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a fortunate spark of front-end speed, Serendipity (Street Sense) made every pole a winning one to take her first higher level race in the GIII Selene Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday. A former member of Brad Cox's shedrow, the filly won for that trainer in her debut going two turns on the grass at Gulfstream Park Mar. 23. Forced to run on the main track at the Big A May 9, the bay was a fading runner-up against optional claimers in her next start. Tabbed as the 5-2 second choice here, the daughter of Street Sense blazed out of the gate and took the field into the first turn, while favorite Not Time (Not This Time) was a touch rank in the third position. Serendipity looked like a picture of poise through controlled splits of 50 and change through the first half mile and entering the lane she spurted away. Tiz Her Money (Tiz the Law) tried valiantly to make up ground, but it was not enough in the end as the Josie Carroll trainee hoisted the trophy. “I think she's [Serendipity] an exceptionally nice filly,” said Carroll. “I know her connections all thought the same. It was their opinion she would take to the synthetic and they were spot on. She's come up here and done nothing but train well.” Pedigree Notes: The venerable Street Sense (by Street Cry {Ire}) now has 44 graded scores to his credit, which is led by MGISW & current sparkling sire in his own right McKinzie. The winner's dam produced current 3-year-old filly in-training & 2023 OBS Spring buy Nay V Belle (Midshipman). She foaled a filly by Nyquist last year and was bred to Elite Power for last term. Cafe Belle's own dam is GIII Comley Stakes heroine Snowbell (Tapit), who also claims SW Twice as Sweet (Candy Ride {Arg}). Saturday, Woodbine SELENE S.-GIII, C$152,100, Woodbine, 6-28, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m (AWT), 1:45.22, ft. 1–SERENDIPITY, 118, f, 3, by Street Sense 1st Dam: Cafe Belle, by Medaglia d'Oro 2nd Dam: Snowbell, by Tapit 3rd Dam: Burmilla, by Storm Cat 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($250,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-NK Racing and LNJ Foxwoods; B-Scott Clarke, Reynard Bloodstock, Nicky Drion, S. Murat & Michael B (KY); T-Josie Carroll; J-Rafael Manuel Hernandez. C$90,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, $125,386. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Tiz Her Money, 118, f, 3, Tiz the Law–Money Madness, by Rahy. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($45,000 Ylg '23 KEEJAN; $55,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Peter Deutsch; B-RTA Family Trust, George E. Saufley (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. C$30,000. 3–Somethinabouther, 122, f, 3, Mendelssohn–Phantom Proton, by Ghostzapper. ($210,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-X-Men Racing IV LLC, Madaket Stables LLC and SF Racing LLC; B-Stepaside Farm LLC (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh. C$15,000. Margins: 2HF, 2HF, 1 3/4. Odds: 2.95, 7.00, 3.20. Also Ran: No Time, Madame Obey, Nata Trouble, Ella It Is, Crystalaire (GB). Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #5 SERENDIPITY ($7.90) goes wire-to-wire in the $150,000 Selene Stakes (G3) at @WoodbineTB. This is the first graded win for the three-year-old Street Sense (@DarleyAmerica) filly, who is now 2-for-3 in her career. Rafael Hernandez was aboard for trainer @jcarrollracing. pic.twitter.com/AMOYQSYwL2 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 28, 2025 The post Serendipity Draws Chance Card Early And Wins Woodbine’s Selene appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love Woodend Beach trainers Ben and Greg Hope will be looking for some luck with their four runners at today’s Addington meeting. “All runners are a chance with a bit of luck on our side,” said a statement on the Ben and Greg Hope Racing Facebook page. In the main event of the day, race eight, the Lisa Latta Racing ‘Silk Road’ Winter Series Final over 1980m for a good stake of $25,000, the Hope pair Rena and Our Shangri La will need to overcome some tricky draws to compete. Rena ($10.00FF), driven by Gemma Thornley, has drawn the outside of the gate. Coming into today off the back of a strong win last time, the three-year-old Rock N Roll Heaven filly will need to be on her game to feature, but does possess the speed to do so. Our Shangri Lana ($7.50FF), driven by Ben Hope, has drawn the outside of the second row and will need luck on her side. Coming into today third up in a campaign, the four-year-old Art Major mare has been building nicely. Other chances in the event include current equal favourites Tremendous Sensation ($5.50FF) with driver Blair Orange and trainer Ken Barron, while Major Performer ($5.50FF) for driver Carter Dalgety and trainer Trent Yesberg, who has been recently gaining some beach air while domiciled with Matt Purvis, looks a strong chance. Grettymac ($3.00FF), a newcomer to the Hope barn, has her first race for the team in race seven, the Thanks To All My Loyal Owners & Staff Handicap Trot over 2600m, driven by Ben Hope. Formerly with Jonny Cox, the six-year-old Majestic Son mare last raced in April this year and has not been seen at trials or workouts since. Randel Huston P ($2.90FF) is the current favourite for trainers Brent and Tim White, driven by Blair Orange, while Deirdre Franco ($8.00FF) looks a trotter in form for trainer Chris Thornley to be driven by regular pilot Gemma Thornley. Kowhai Nugget ($4.80FF) rounds out the Hopes’ chances in race nine, the Thanks Rangiora Equine Services Mobile Pace over 1980m. The five-year-old Sweet Lou gelding did not have things go right at his previous start, but has the draw to use to regain form. Race one gets underway at 1:13pm. View the full article

Sunday, Curragh, post time: 16:10, DUBAI DUTY FREE IRISH DERBY-G1, €725,000, 3yo, c/f, 12f Field: Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Lambourn (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Lazy Griff (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}), Pride Of Arras (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Puppet Master (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Serious Contender (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Shackleton (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Sir Dinadan (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Tennessee Stud (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Thrice (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: There is nothing not to like about the chances of Lambourn completing the Derby double, with this track sure to suit even more than Epsom but past experience suggests this is no done deal. Tennessee Stud is one of those certain to enjoy this more conventional circuit, Green Impact comes here a fresh horse spared the stresses of the big tests so far and if Pride Of Arras comes back to his Dante form he poses a genuine danger to the favourite. That isn't even mentioning how much Lazy Griff will appreciate a stiffer stamina test than the Derby and the omnipresent threat from Lambourn's stablemates, which include the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master. Ryan Moore might not need to lead from the front, but as it worked so well for Wayne Lordan in the Blue Riband it could be a case of rinse and repeat. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 17:30, GRAND PRIX DE SAINT-CLOUD-G1, €400,000, 4yo/up, 12fT Field: Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Iresine (Fr) (Manduro {Ger}), Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Junko (GB) (Intello {Ger}), Aventure (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Francis Graffard saddles two leading contenders in this small-but-select field. Calandagan was outwitted by Jan Brueghel in Epsom's G1 Coronation Cup earlier in the month and bids for a Group 1 breakthrough having run second in all four prior starts at the highest level. His Resolute Racing-owned stablemate Goliath, winner of last year's G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, will head postward coming back off a confidence-boosting victory in ParisLongchamp's G3 La Coupe earlier this month. This stellar renewal also features Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and G1 Prix Vermeille runner-up Aventure and fellow Wertheimer homebred Junko, who has already saluted twice at the highest level. Dual Group 1 winner Iresine completes the quintet. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Saint-Cloud, France, post time: 14:55, PRIX EUGENE ADAM-G2, €130,000, 3yo, 10fT Field: Daryz (Fr) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Parachutiste (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Dumonet (Ire) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Bay City Roller (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Sinileo (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}). TDN Verdict: Aga Khan Studs homebred Daryz puts his unbeaten record on the line coming back off a wide-margin victory in this month's Listed Prix Ridgway. The operation last won this in 2015 with the G1 Grand Prix de Paris and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe entry's half-brother Dariyan (Shamardal). Trainer Francis Graffard is also represented by G1 Prix du Jockey Club 10th Parachutiste. The strong overseas challenge includes last year's G2 Champagne Stakes winner Bay City Roller returning off a second to Opera Ballo, his first defeat in four, in last month's Listed Heron Stakes. He is joined by G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes hero Scorthy Champ, who is upped to 10 furlongs for the first time having finished unplaced in both G1 2000 Guineas and G1 Irish 2000 Guineas. Last month's Listed Derby du Midi winner Dumonet is not out of the reckoning while Sinileo will bid to provide Andre Fabre with a record-extending 15th win in the contest. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Lambourn Eyeing Derby Double In Ireland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a strong turn of foot, Tom's Magic (Justify–Dixie Chicken, by Rahy) was tough down the lane to take the Tale of the Cat Stakes at Monmouth on Saturday. Bet down below even-money, the 3-year-old was content to let longshots show the way out of the chute and through the first turn. Heading for home, Tom's Magic gunned his engine and got down to business. The colt seized the lead and the rest in the final furlong was history. Outrunner (American Pharoah) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:42.68. An Ontario-bred, the colt has the potential to be a contender for the King's Plate at Woodbine this summer. Lifetime Record: 5-3-1-0. Sales History: $200,000 '23 KEESEP. O-CJ Thoroughbreds and Mo Speed Racing; B-Sean Fitzhenry & Dorothy Fitzhenry (ON); T-Michael Stidham. The post Justify’s Tom’s Magic Conjures Nice Score In Tale Of The Cat At Monmouth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LUSH LIPS (GB) (f, 3, Ten Sovereigns {Ire})–Lamyaa {GB}, by Arcano {Ire}) came from just off the pace Saturday to post an impressive win in the Tepin Stakes at Churchill Downs. Second in the both GIII Florida Oaks and the GII Edgewood Stakes in her last two starts, the 8-5 favorite left little doubt, coming out of the middle of the pack under Flavien Prat and swinging for home widest of the field to challenge. Longshot Ninth Island (Constitution) gave way at the eighth pole and it was all Lush Lips from there as the daughter of Ten Sovereigns won going away on the line. Lifetime Record: 8-3-3-0. O-Medallion Racing, Weston, Steve, Hoffman, Stewart, Shanahan, Mrs. Paul and Magnier, Mrs. M. V.; B-The Pocock Family; T-Brendan P. Walsh. Sales History: £82,000 ylg '23 GOFFUK. Lush Lips breaks clear and wins the Tepin Stakes for Flavien Prat and Brendan Walsh! pic.twitter.com/eJCtydI2El — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 28, 2025 The post Lush Lips Comes From Off The Pace To Score In Tepin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Erasing the La Troienne loss from everyone's minds, reigning Horse of the Year THORPEDO ANNA (f, 4, Fast Anna–Sataves, by Uncle Mo) got back in the winner's circle at Churchill Downs in Saturday's GII Fleur de Lis Stakes, a 'Win and You're In” for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff where she will almost certainly look to defend her title from last year. Facing just four other horses, the 'TDN Rising Star' got off to a clean beginning and sat a cozy second just off Royal Spa (Violence) who handled the tempo through moderate fractions of :23.43 and :47.07. That pair opened up a gap back to the rest of the field with Thorpedo Anna always keeping the pressure on the leader, cruising up alongside midway around the far turn. Royal Spa couldn't go with her and settled for second as the 'Grizzly' came home under wraps, leading in a strung-out group with only Taxed (Collected) making up ground from out the rest of the pack late. Lifetime Record: Horse of the Year, Ch. 3-year-old Filly, MGISW, 14-11-2-0. O-Brookdale Racing, Inc., Edwards, Mark, Hicks, Judy B. and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek); B-Judy Hicks; T-Kenneth G. McPeek. Sales History: $40,000 ylg' 22 FTKOCT. “She's not done! Not even close!” – @TravisStone THORPEDO ANNA ($2.70) is BACK in the $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) at @ChurchillDowns! @b_hernandezjr piloted her to victory in the @LanesEndFarms @BreedersCup Challenge Series Race #WAYI into the Distaff for @KennyMcPeek. pic.twitter.com/1AN5FHoEsX — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 28, 2025 Saturday, Churchill Downs FASIG-TIPTON FLEUR DE LIS S.-GII, $498,500, Churchill Downs, 6-28, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/8m, 1:48.52, ft. 1–THORPEDO ANNA, 124, f, 4, by Fast Anna 1st Dam: Sataves, by Uncle Mo 2nd Dam: Pacific Sky, by Stormy Atlantic 3rd Dam: Aldebaran Light, by Seattle Slew ($40,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT). O-Brookdale Racing, Inc., Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks, and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek); B-Judy Hicks (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek; J-Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. $308,500. 'TDN Rising Star' Lifetime Record: Horse of the Year, Ch. 3yo Filly, 14-11-2-0, $5,133,413. *1/2 to McAfee (Cloud Computing), MGSP, $200,880. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Royal Spa, 121, m, 5, Violence–Bodacious Babe, by Mineshaft. O/B-Breffni Farm (KY); T-Rodolphe Brisset. $100,000. 3–Taxed, 119, m, 5, Collected–Yankee Union, by Yankee Gentleman. ($27,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; $105,000 2yo '22 OBSMAR). O-Richard Bahde; B-Brereton C. Jones (KY); T-Randy L. Morse. $50,000. Margins: 3, 4 1/4, 2 1/4. Odds: 0.35, 3.80, 14.16. Also Ran: Gin Gin, Save Time. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Thorpedo Anna Rebounds With Win In ‘WAYI’ Fleur De Lis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Breeze-up handlers were unanimous in their agreement that the Goffs Classic Breeze-Up Sale has a place in the calendar after a Starspangledbanner colt headlined the first ever edition on Saturday evening at €330,000. It was Roderic Kavanagh of Glending Stables, best known for producing multiple Group 1 winner Vandeek, who consigned the top lot at the new Classic Breeze-Up Sale. Ghislain Bozo of Meridian Bloodstock, bidding through Goffs marketing director Joey Cullen, who saw off the attention of bloodstock agent Jason Kelly. A delighted Kavanagh said, “Look, we were all a bit nervous about this sale. Even after the times came out and we saw we breezed well, we were still a small bit sceptical. I suppose it was a long and drawn out process with the breezing taking place at Naas on Monday and only selling today. But if we had the amount of shows that we had in the last 48 hours, we would have felt we were going okay. I didn't see this coming, though, and it's amazing what can happen in a live ring when two people like a horse.” Kavanagh added, “I definitely think there's something here. This sale can be tweaked and it can be built on. Definitely, I think there's a space for it. But look, if you bring a decent horse to any sale, there's always going to be a market for it. I am sure Goffs will look at it and refine it.” The Starspangledbanner colt was the headline act of what must go down as a pretty respectable debut effort from Goffs that saw 36 of the 46 horses offered find buyers at a clearance rate of 78%. The turnover hit €2,507,000, the average settled at €69,639 while the median was €51,000. The first lot through the ring, a Hello Youmzain colt consigned by Katie Walsh of Greenhills Farm, hinted at what might be in store when selling to Mark McStay of Avenue Bloodstock for €185,000. Walsh said, “A lovely horse. Originally, he was brought to Arqana in May and he got a setback over there, so we didn't actually breeze him. It was nice to have the opportunity to come back here. I have had plenty of success with Mark. He's been very lucky for me, as I have been for him. Hopefully this fella will go on. He is a gorgeous colt and by a sire who is very much on fire at the moment. He was always a very straightforward colt.” She added, “There seems to be a place for the sale. I can only give a positive feeling at this moment in time.” Fellow breeze-up handler Cormac Farrell agreed with Walsh. After selling his Sea The Stars filly – also to McStay – for €160,000, he described himself as a fan of the idea of the new sale. However, he said there would need to be changes made for the sale to thrive and become a destination sale for handlers going forward. Farrell commented, “I bought her at the Orby for €75,000 and I was delighted to get her. I'm even more delighted to get her sold to very good connections and I hope she's very lucky for them. I think she's going to Joseph O'Brien.” He added, “The sale is a good concept but it needs to be tweaked a little bit. It has a future, perhaps. The drawn out nature of the whole thing does not suit anybody, I don't think. We're possibly a little bit late in the calendar as well. For the first edition, it has been very positive and I am sure Goffs will refine it and build on it.” The post ‘There’s Definitely A Space For It’ – Goffs Breeze-Up Sale Off To Encouraging Start appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has lifted the precautionary quarantines by the New York State Department of Agriculture (NYSDA) of Barns 60 and 63 at Saratoga Race Course, the organization said in a press release on Saturday. As a result, all horses stabled in Barns 60 and 63 are once again permitted to enter races, effective immediately, and to train with the general horse population beginning Sunday, June 29. Barns 60 and 63, which contains horses under the care of trainer George Weaver, were placed under a precautionary quarantine on Saturday, June 21, when the Weaver-trained 2-year-old filly Tenacious Child (McKinzie)–located in Barn 66–was tested for a number of potential ailments. Tenacious Child subsequently tested positive for strangles and the horses in Barn 66 were placed under quarantine at the direction of the NYSDA June 25. In addition, horses previously quarantined in Barn 66 at Saratoga Race Course will be relocated to an alternate location to complete the mandatory quarantine under NYSDA oversight. Barn 66 will then be cleaned and disinfected under NYSDA protocols. One additional 2-year-old colt Ice House (Knicks Go), who is trained by Weaver and is located in Saratoga, returned a positive test for strangles on Friday and will be required to quarantine at an alternate location consistent with the horses located in Barn 66. NYRA will provide further updates as appropriate. The post NYRA Lifts Precautionary Quarantine Of Barns 60 And 63 At Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Francis-Henri Graffard has managed to keep Goliath and Calandagan apart from one another since their twin emergence as major middle-distance forces last summer, but the June 29 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1) is the perfect spot for both.View the full article

Barry Hills, one of the outstanding trainers of his generation and the founder of a major racing dynasty, has died at the age of 88. View the full article

Trainer Charlie Johnston is relishing round three between Lazy Griff and Lambourn, with the German-bred colt set to lead the British challenge in the June 29 Irish Derby (G1) at the Curragh, where the first three in the Epsom Derby (G1) meet again.View the full article

4th-CD, $120K, Msw, 2yo, 6f, 2:14 p.m. ET. In a maiden special weight at Churchill Downs on closing day there are a bevy of options among two handfuls of first-time starters. Leading the way is SEAL BAY (Munnings), who went for $625,000 during Keeneland September, and is now owned by St. Elias and Starlight. Sent to trainer Brendan Walsh, the colt's second dam is MGSW One Caroline (Unbridled's Song) and his extended female family includes Japanese MSW Master Fencer (Jpn) (Justa Way {Jpn}). I Did I Did (Curlin) claims as a relation older half-sister Sweet Loretta (Tapit), who won the GI Spinaway Stakes for St. Elias. A $300,000 OBS March buy, the colt is out of a winning dam who herself is a half-sister to GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes heroine Spring in the Air (Spring At Last). Speaking of the Alcibiades, $300,000 Keeneland September graduate Exonerate (Justify) is out of a dam who is a half-sister to Candied (Candy Ride {Arg})–the 2023 winner of the 'Fall Stars' race. Finally, King of Heat (American Pharoah) hails from American turf royalty with his second dam being none other than the incomparable, gone-too-soon Tepin (Bernstein). TJCIS PPS The post Sunday’s Racing Insights: Munnings Colt Leads Charged Maiden Race On Churchill’s Closing Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Whirl pulled out all the stops to deny Kalpana in a barnstorming renewal of the Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) June 28.View the full article

The New York State Department of Agriculture has lifted the 14-day quarantine of Barn 28 on the Belmont backstretch, according to a release from the New York Racing Association (NYRA). All horses stabled in Barn 28 are now permitted to enter races as of Saturday, June 28, and to train with the general horse population beginning Sunday, June 29. Barn 28 was placed under quarantine on June 14 after a case of strangles was identified in the barn. The George Weaver-trained 2-year-old gelding Mo Curls was sent for treatment on June 13 and returned a positive result for strangles on June 14. The post Belmont Barn Quarantine Lifted appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Commentator (Distorted Humor–Outsource, by Storm Bird), a two-time winner of the GI Whitney Handicap for owner Tracy Farmer and trainer Nick Zito, was euthanized on Friday, June 27, at Old Friends at Cabin Creek in New York due to long-term complications from Potomac horse fever. He was 24 years old. Bred in New York by Michael Martinez, the chestnut was a $45,000 Keeneland November weanling and was purchased by Farmer for $135,000 out of the 2002 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Sale. After besting his fellow Empire-breds by over 27 combined lengths in his first three starts in his debut season in 2004, he took Keeneland's Perryville Stakes by seven lengths and completed an unblemished campaign with an eight-length Churchill allowance success. Commentator set demanding factions and held on to win the 2005 Whitney by a neck over future GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner and Horse of the Year Saint Liam, the pair pulling nine lengths clear of Farmer's Sir Shackleton, and added big-margin victories in state-bred stakes company at ages five and six. He celebrated his best season at the races as a 7-year-old in 2008, taking out the seven-furlong GII Richter Scale Handicap by 13 3/4 lengths ahead of a pacesetting runner-up effort in the GI Met Mile. He bossed his rivals from the front to take the 2008 Whitney by nearly five lengths and added the final renewal of the Massachusetts Handicap in his next start, scoring by 14 lengths. A New York-bred stakes winner and third in an attempt to take a third Whitney in 2009, two-time New York Horse of the Year Commentator retired with a record of 14-1-4 from 24 starts and earnings of $2,049,845, the 10th most of any New York-bred in history. He holds the Belmont main-track record for 7 1/2 furlongs (1:27.44) and the Commentator Stakes is held each year in the gelding's honor. Commentator was originally retired to Old Friends' Dream Chase Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, before being permanently relocated to Cabin Creek in 2016. Commentator spent the final few years of his retirement in the company of Watchem Smokey while helping bring awareness to Old Friends' mission of dignified retirement for all racehorses. “He was well loved and we will miss him forever,” said Old Friends at Cabin Creek manager JoAnn Pepper. “He was a champion through and through and was very brave.” The post Two-Time Whitney Winner Commentator Euthanized appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Churchill Downs, $118,636, Msw, 6-28, 2yo, 5f, :58.10, ft, neck. PAPA KEN (c, 2, Yaupon–Whatashame, by Blame) took on a field of entirely first-time starters as the 5-2 second choice behind the son of another first-crop sire in 4-5 favorite I C Light (Charlatan). 8-1 longshot Spirit of Royal (Global Campaign) flashed speed from the outside and led this field as far he could through fractions of :22.46 and :45.67 but Papa Ken loomed off the turn from second as I C Light yielded at the quarter pole. In a driving stretch run, Papa Ken surged past Spirit of Royal late and just held on ahead of a charging The Standard (By My Standards) to graduate by a neck. The second winner for Yaupon (by Uncle Mo), Papa Ken was a $160,000 OBS April buy for Ken Reimer. This is the family of MGISW Point of Entry (Dynaformer) and MGISW Pine Island (Arch). Whatashame, who now has a winner from her first runner, sold to Girvin's Girls for $120,000 at FTKFEB and has since twice visited Girvin, producing fillies in both 2024 and 2025. Sales History: $160,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $69,300. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Ken T. Reimer; B-Brad & Misty Grady (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. On debut #8 PAPA KEN ($7.04) used a nice stalking trip under @jose93_ortiz to win the opener at @ChurchillDowns. The 2yo son of Yaupon (@spendthriftfarm) is trained by Steve Asmussen and owned by Ken Reimer. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/grUU436m8K — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 28, 2025 The post Papa Ken Becomes Yaupon’s Second Winner With Gusty Churchill Stretch Drive appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Old Friends at Cabin Creek has announced the death of longtime resident Commentator, who was humanely euthanized June 27 due to long-term complications from Potomac horse fever. The son of Distorted Humor was 24.View the full article

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's Hankelow (Night Of Thunder), a 210,000gns Tattersalls December foal turned 750,000gns Book 1 yearling, created a favourable impression with a taking debut success in Saturday's Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Novice Stakes over seven furlongs at York. Accepting a tow in third after breaking on the lead, the 3-1 second favourite was shaken up to challenge soon after passing the quarter-mile marker and was driven out in the closing stages to prevail by 2 1/4 lengths from Crest Of Fire (Phoenix Of Spain). Hankelow is the third foal and scorer produced by Listed Upavon Fillies' Stakes runner-up Sagaciously (Lawman), herself a half-sister to the dam of G1 Prix Morny, G1 Middle Park Stakes and G1 Commonwealth Cup hero Perfect Power (Ardad), last week's G2 Norfolk Stakes runner-up Wise Approach (Mehmas) and Listed Chesham Stakes third Golden Mind (Galileo Gold). The January-foaled bay is full to a yearling colt and a half-brother to multiple Group 2-placed Listed Prix Pelleas victor Epic Poet (Lope De Vega) and Listed Prix Melisande third La Filomena (Lope De Vega). 750,00gns buy Hankelow (Night Of Thunder) looks a lovely type in debut success at @yorkracecourse for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid. 37% strike-rate with first-time out juveniles in 2025 for @karl_burke pic.twitter.com/rW9CrxBRxG — Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 28, 2025 4th-York, £25,000, Nov, 6-28, 2yo, 7fT, 1:25.31, gd. HANKELOW (IRE) (c, 2, Night Of Thunder {Ire}–Sagaciously {Ire} {SP-Eng}, by Lawman {Fr}) Sales history: 210,000gns Wlg '23 TADEWE; 750,000gns Ylg '24 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $17,677. O-Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum; B-George Kent; T-Karl Burke. The post Night Of Thunder’s Hankelow Makes Waves On Debut At York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cock Of The North at Ballydoyle in the present moment, Lambourn heads to Sunday's G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh looking to emulate his sire Australia in completing the notable double. A most unlikely Blue Riband hero at this stage last term, the ever-improving colt now sits pretty having mastered the ultimate test. Providing a blueprint of how to perform in a Derby three weeks ago, he is likely to be even better suited by this more conventional galloping track and has few if any weaknesses. With Doncaster's St Leger mooted by Aidan O'Brien in the immediate aftermath of his great triumph, the one who put aside boyish tardiness to become the complete galloping machine should have no problem being asked to do it all again. Taking on once more by the Derby second and third Lazy Griff (Protectionist) and Tennessee Stud (Wootton Bassett) and joined by four others from the yard including the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master (Camelot), Lambourn is reunited with Ryan Moore for only the second time which tells the tale of how unexpected his rise through the Ballydoyle ranks has been. “He's a lovely horse and like Australia himself, an absolute gentleman,” commented O'Brien, who is looking for Irish Derby number 17. “He has a great mind, stays well and is uncomplicated. He's a lovely horse to do anything with and he's just one of those very unique horses–he's scopey and classy and obviously we were delighted with him in Epsom.” “Australia was the only horse we ever had here with no fight-or-flight response and this horse is the same. When you put him in first gear he stays in first gear and second gear is the same and third, fourth up along. He's not influenced by any of his surroundings or any horse around him–he's a total independent thinker and those type of horses are really a pleasure to deal with.” Ralph Beckett will be hoping that the Aykroyds' G2 Dante Stakes winner Pride Of Arras (New Bay) can do what several others who hated Epsom can do here and put a poor Derby effort behind him, while Marc Chan's homebred Green Impact (Wootton Bassett) is one of the race's lurkers moving up markedly in trip. The Aykroyds' racing manager Patrick Cooper said of Pride Of Arras, “He's come out of Epsom well, we're just still scratching our heads why he ran so badly. It's a bit of a mystery, he obviously didn't handle the hill and Rossa was easy on him once he knew he couldn't participate in the finish, but we still don't know truly what went wrong, so we can go to the Curragh and hopefully find out more there. Hopefully we get the horse back who showed us how good he was in the Dante, he was impressive that day and we're entitled to keep dreaming.” Green Impact's trainer Jessica Harrington said, “I think he'll stay. He's by Wootton Bassett out of a Galileo mare and is very laid-back and relaxed. He's a big, long-striding horse and the Curragh should suit him.” Sunday's other big race is the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, where Calandagan (Gleneagles), Goliath (Adlerflug) and Aventure (Sea The Stars) take part in a renewal that will prove tactically fascinating as the high-class trio prepare for their upcoming international tests. The G2 Prix Eugene Adam on the card is another tantalising affair, with the unbeaten Aga Khan Studs representative Daryz (Sea The Stars) pitched against last year's G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes winner Scorthy Champ (Mehmas), Victorious Racing's G2 Champagne Stakes scorer Bay City Roller (New Bay) and the Wertheimers' exciting Sinileo (Siyouni) who is held in such high regard by connections. The post O’Brien Relishing ‘Independent Thinker’ Lambourn’s Quest For Derby Double appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article