Wandering Eyes

Race favourite Billy Boy (So You Think), who was having just his third start over hurdles, produced one of the great staying performances to capture the Aztech Engineering Wellington Hurdle (3200m) at Trentham on Saturday. The Jo Rathbone-prepared son of So You Think made a winning debut over fences at Woodville in September last year before returning to the hurdling caper at Trentham three weeks ago to take out the Manawatu Hurdles (2500m) at his second jumping start. Punters installed the seven-year-old a solid $4 Fixed Odds favourite for Saturday’s contest and in the hands of Joshua Parker he delivered in spades, simply refusing to be beaten after leading throughout the gruelling two mile journey on a deep and testing Heavy 10 surface. Parker had no hesitation in leading on his charge and he set up a steady speed that soon had the field stretched out and chasing as Billy Boy applied pressure with his faultless jumping. Auckland visitor Mont Ventoux (NZ) (Nom Du Jeu) kept hard on his tail as runner by runner the rest of the field tired with only topweight and superstar hurdler Nedwin (NZ) (Niagara) (72.5kgs) making any significant headway on the leader as he approached the home bend. Out on his feet as his efforts told, Billy Boy refused to yield and eventually broke clear of Mont Ventoux over the second last fence to win by just on ten lengths from the gallant runner-up who held out a determined late charge by Nedwin. Parker was all smiles as he celebrated the victory in remarkably clean silks while his rival jockeys looked as though they had been dragged around the track behind a tractor. “I just can’t believe it but he is such a tough horse and he just tries so hard” Parker said. “Jo (Rathbone) has done a super job with him as she has never rushed him and he gives you his all as you just saw. “Billy was the one in charge out there, not me, although the plan was to go forward and dictate and hope a few stuffed up before we went again. “He is a very fun horse, quite quirky and lazy at times at home but he has proven himself now and he just keeps doing it.” Billy Boy was bought for just $5500 on Gavelhouse.com in 2021 by then owner Dennis Leamy, who sadly died at Palmerston North Hospital just six days before his horse’s Manawatu Hurdles win. From 31 starts, Billy Boy has now recorded six wins and seven placings and has earned $132,990. View the full article

Dreams came true in the GIII Penn Mile Stakes Friday evening when Dream On (c, 3, Not This Time-Mamma Kimbo, by Discreet Cat)–winner of Aqueduct's Woodhaven Stakes in April–split horses in late stretch after trailing throughout to capture the first graded victory of his career. Cairo Caper (Cairo Prince), a stakes winner at two who finished seventh in the Woodhaven, got up for second while Out On Bail (Tiz the Law), who has never been off the board in eight career starts, held third after pressuring the frontrunning 3-5 favorite Mi Bago (Vekoma). The final time for the mile on the Penn National lawn was 1:35.62. After being twice postponed due to weather complications, the Penn Mile finally ran Friday night only to suffer yielding turf conditions and three scratches in the field of eight. The remaining quintet made an even start with Mi Bago taking the initiative to find his preferred spot up front. Under stiff restraint, he led the field through :23.97 and :48.30 fractions while Out On Bail tracked from his outside. Panagiotis (Violence), the longshot in the field at 39-1, kept pace in third while glued to the rail. Entering the far turn, Javier Castellano gave Dream On his cue and the D J Stable runner responded in an instant from the back. He joined the fray, split horses in mid-stretch, and powered clear in the final sixteenth to win by a length. Like the pacesetter, Dream On is trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse. Dream On has been on the grass since his second career start, when he captured an Ellis Park maiden special weight last July. Sent to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf after placings in both the GI Summer Stakes and Soaring Free Stakes at Woodbine, he finished fifth. Regrouping with an optional allowance win at Gulfstream in January, he faltered in Tampa's Columbia Stakes in March before finally getting his first black-type victory in the Woodhaven. Casse has been publicly high on the $380,000 OBS April 2-year-old. The Penn Mile was his first graded win. Pedigree Notes: The newest of 24 graded winners for Taylor Made's Not This Time, Dream On is also one of 47 black-type winners for the son of Giant's Causeway. Bred by long-time Taylor Made patrons Aaron and Marie Jones, Dream On is out of 2012 GII Fantasy Stakes winner Mamma Kimbo, whom the couple purchased for $1.2 million in 2013 at the Fasig-Tipton November sale. The mare's first foal for the couple was black-type winner Balandeen (Bernardini); her most recent is a Mar. 28-foaled Arabian Lion colt. Mamma Kimbo is a granddaughter of dual Canadian champion Deputy Jane West. DREAM ON ($6.00) made a huge move up the rail under @jjcjockey to take the $400,000 Penn Mile (G3) at @HollywoodPenn! @markecasse trains the talented son of Not This Time (@TMStallions) for @DJ_Stable. Bet the next: https://t.co/TRYSLJ5hdW pic.twitter.com/eYUKzqjEtg — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 27, 2025 Friday, Penn National PENN MILE S.-GIII, $400,000, Penn National, 6-27, 3yo, 1mT, 1:35.62, yl. 1–DREAM ON, 122, c, 3, by Not This Time 1st Dam: Mamma Kimbo (GSW, $242,250), by Discreet Cat 2nd Dam: Bag Lady Jane, by Devil's Bag 3rd Dam: Deputy Jane West, by Silver Deputy 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($295,000 RNA Wlg '22 FTKNOV; $245,000 RNA Ylg '23 KEESEP; $380,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-D. Stable LLC; B-Aaron & Marie Jones LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse; J-Javier Castellano. $240,000. Lifetime Record: GISP-Can, 9-4-1-1, $487,740. *1/2 to Balandeen (Bernardini), SW, $372,352. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Cairo Caper, 122, g, 3, Cairo Prince–Summer Clothes, by Summer Front. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($50,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Maple Lane Farm LLC; B-Bret Jones (KY); T-Phil Schoenthal. $80,000. 3–Out On Bail, 122, c, 3, Tiz the Law–Judge Lee, by Street Cry (Ire). 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($40,000 Ylg '23 SARAUG; $110,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-Case Chambers, Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher; B-Matthew Nestor (NY); T-Michael J. Maker. $44,000. Margins: 1, HD, 1. Odds: 2.00, 15.20, 3.80. Also Ran: Mi Bago, Panagiotis. Scratched: Barbadian Runner, States' Rights, Zulu Kingdom (Ire). Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Not This Time’s Dream On Wakes Up in Penn Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

His stablemate Mi Bago was bet down to less than even money and on a clear lead through reasonable fractions, but D. J. Stable's Dream On came running when it mattered to win the $400,000 Penn Mile Stakes (G3T) June 27 at Penn National Race Course.View the full article

Executing a well-timed turn of foot like a seasoned professional, Laurelin (Zarak {Fr}) ran to her odds and in the process swept up the Penn Oaks at dusk. The chestnut came in as a deserving favorite, since her record was without blemish. After breaking her maiden at first asking during the Belmont At The Big A meet last October, the filly picked up the Tepin Stakes at the Big A in mid-November. Turned out for the winter, Laurelin returned to Ozone Park and promptly took home the Memories of Silver Stakes Apr. 27. With four scratches and the field down to five, the Graham Motion trainee was slammed at the windows to the tune of 60 cents on the dollar here. The 3-year-old broke from the outside gate and set up shop towards the rear as a longshot tried the pillar to post method. Laurelin knew what game was afoot and her middle move up the backstretch put her in good stead into the far turn. With a sweeping three wide tip, the chestnut began to turn up the pressure on new leader Candy Quest (Connect) in the final stages. Laurelin shifted into high gear and asserted her authority like the black-type winner she has become. The winner's dam last registered foal is a current 2-year-old colt by Space Blues (Ire). Bari claims six foals, three to race and has tallied a trio of winners, including Maud Gonne Spirit (Ire) (Intello {Ger}) who captured an Irish listed race. As for Bari's immediate family, her half-sister is English stakes winner Brindisi (GB) (Dr Fong) and the dam of G2 Doncaster Cup hero Thomas Hobson (GB) (Halling). Digging a little deeper into Laurelin's extended female line, we find G1 Investec Epsom Oaks heroine Talent (GB) (New Approach {Ire}). Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. PENN OAKS, $150,000, Penn National, 6-27, 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:35.54, yl. 1–LAURELIN (IRE), 122, f, 3, by Zarak (Fr) 1st Dam: Bari (Ire), by Cape Cross (Ire) 2nd Dam: Genoa (GB), by Zafonic 3rd Dam: Yawl (GB), by Rainbow Quest (€160,000 Ylg '23 GOFOR). O-Newstead Stables LLC; B-M. H. Dixon & Mount Coote Estates (IRE); T-H. Graham Motion; J-Jose G. Ruiz. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0, $296,250. 2–Candy Quest, 118, f, 3, Connect–Candy Crush, by Candy Ride (Arg). ($225,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Glassman Racing; B-G. Watts Humphrey (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. $30,000. 3–Reining Flowers, 122, f, 3, Midnight Storm–Mi Fiori, by Congrats. O/B-4G Racing LLC (KY); T-John Alexander Ortiz. $16,500. Margins: 1 1/4, 3, HF. Odds: 0.60, 3.40, 7.90. Also Ran: Bessie Abott (Ire), Pure Majestic. Scratched: Accent (GB), Love You Anyway, Love and Poetry, Midway Memories. LAURELIN (IRE) ($3.20) keeps her undefeated record intact while winning the $150,000 Penn Oaks at @HollywoodPenn. Jose G. Ruiz was on board the 3YO. The filly by Zarak (Fr) (@AgaKhanStuds) is conditioned by @GrahamMotion. It's time for the Penn Mile: https://t.co/EpTihNew82 pic.twitter.com/IrfTbgyGKN — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 27, 2025 The post Laurelin Swipes Penn Oaks Late, Stays Perfect appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Flavien Prat secured his 2,000th career victory in North America aboard Iron Max as part of a memorable five-win day June 27 at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

11th-Churchill Downs, $122,025, Msw, 6-27, 3yo/up, 6 1/2f, 1:16.02, ft, 1 1/2 lengths. TAYLOR'S VERSION (c, 3, Into Mischief–Taylor S {SW & GSP, $121,519}, by Medaglia d'Oro) endured a wide trip from a high draw on his belated racetrack debut May 18 and retreated through the stretch to finish about a dozen lengths behind repeat winner Camp Hale (Mo Town) in eighth. Off right at his 8-1 morning line for this second go, the Albaugh homebred scratched down into the one hole and left there running, covering the opening quarter in :22.41. Going along nicely on the bend, he had those immediately behind him hard at work and turned for home with a bit of a cushion. Able to put more daylight on his rivals at the furlong grounds, Taylor's Version kept on well enough to report home a 1 1/2-length winner, giving Corey Lanerie his 1,233rd winner at Churchill Downs and surpassing Calvin Borel for second place on the track's all-time leading jockeys' list. The debuting Bold Strength (Constitution) made up a stack of ground from the back of the field to complete the exacta, then galloped out strongly. The winner's dam is a homebred daughter of Miss Macy Sue (Trippi), who won this track's GIII Winning Colors Stakes and was third in the inaugural Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in 2007. Miss Macy Sue has gone on to excel in the breeding shed as the dam of MGISW sire and 'TDN Rising Star' Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song) and the Dale Romans-conditioned GSW/GISP stallion Not This Time (Giant's Causeway). Taylor S was herself named a 'Rising Star' after graduating in front-running fashion at first asking at this track in September 2014 and was third in the 2015 GII Forward Gal Stakes before annexing the Any Limit Stakes. The cross of Into Mischief over Medaglia d'Oro is now responsible for 28 winners from 34 runners, among them seven stakes scorers. Taylor S is also the dam of the 2-year-old filly Aunt Sheryl (Authentic) and a yearling filly by Flightline. She was barren to Constitution for 2025. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $70,555. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Albaugh Family Stables LLC (KY); T-Dale L Romans. No clowning here, Taylor's Version was #1 in the finale @churchilldowns at 8/1 for trainer @romansracing with @coreylanerie aboard! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/TVh7aDv8k1 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 27, 2025 The post Immaculately Bred Into Mischief Colt Taylor’s Version Graduates at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, The Curragh, post time: 15:30, PADDY POWER PRETTY POLLY STAKES-G1, €180,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 10fT Field: Higher Leaves (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Jancis (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Magical Hope (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Survie (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Wemightakedlongway (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Whirl (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Whirl looks set to gain compensation for her narrow and game Oaks defeat and continue the progression she has shown throughout her career. Getting 12 pounds weight-for-age from last year's G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes winner Kalpana, she should be able to make that count with everything in her favour. Fourth in the Oaks, Wemightakedlongway has work to do to get on terms with the Ballydoyle filly and might not be suited by a drop in trip. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 13:45, AIRLIE STUD STAKES-G2, €72,000, 2yo, f, 6fT Field: Artista (Ire) (Caravaggio), Beautify (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Lady Iman (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Leblon Queen (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), Luna Mia (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Skydance (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Verdict: All eyes on the unbeaten Lady Iman, looking to become the official queen bee after True Love boosted her Listed First Flier Stakes form. Ballydoyle fire another bullet at her in the course-and-distance maiden third Beautify, while Al Shira'aa Racing's €1million Arqana Deauville August sensation Skydance is an intriguing candidate off a promising debut effort. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, York, post time: 14:25, AL BASTI EQUIWORLD DUBAI CRITERION STAKES-G3, £100,000, 3yo/up, 7T Field: Prague (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Lake Forest (GB) (No Nay Never), Lethal Levi (GB) (Lethal Force {Ire}), Nostrum (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Paborus (GB) (Recoletos {Fr}), Quinault (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Room Service (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Formal (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). TDN Verdict: With an eye on the G1 City of York Stakes, William Haggas lets the Golden Eagle winner Lake Forest enjoy a spin over the course and distance. Successful in this track's G2 Gimcrack Stakes at two, it all looks like a carefully worked plan for the 4-year-old, whose main rival is the Listed Surrey Stakes winner Formal from the in-form Andrew Balding yard. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newcastle, post time: 14:10, JENNINGSBET CHIPCHASE STAKES-G3, £90,000, 3yo/up, 6fT Field: Kind Of Blue (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Al Shabab Storm (GB) (Advertise {GB}), Alyanaabi (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), Array (Ire) (No Nay Never), Diligent Harry (GB) (Due Diligence), Ferrous (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Spycatcher (Ire) (Vadamos {Fr}), Fair Angellica (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}), Havana Pusey (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}). TDN Verdict: Kind Of Blue needs to prove that what happened at the start of the G3 Prix du Gros-Chene was a one-off as he bids to put himself back in the conversation for Europe's leading sprinter. All-weather specialist Ferrous is on the upgrade, while Shadwell's enigmatic Alyanaabi is dropped in trip and tried in blinkers as Owen Burrows looks to find the key to this talented performer. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 14:55, AL BASTI EQUIWORLD, DUBAI INTERNATIONAL STAKES IN HONOUR OF KEVIN PRENDERGAST-G3, €60,000, 3yo/up, 10fT Field: Trustyourinstinct (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Deepone (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Layfayette (Ire) (French Navy GB}), Elizabeth Jane (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Roosevelt (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Gotomylovely (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). TDN Verdict: Trustyourinstinct looked an improved performer in the Listed Orby Stakes over 12 furlongs last time and sets the standard, especially as he gave Jan Brueghel something to think about in this last year. As a daughter of Sapphire, Dermot Weld will be looking to get a Group win out of Moyglare's beautifully-bred Elizabeth Jane and she is still unexposed. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 14:20, JEBEL ALI RACECOURSE AND STABLES ANGLESEY STAKES-G3, €36,000, 2yo, 6f 63yT Field: Flushing Meadows (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Killourney Reigns (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Stop The Nation (Ire) (Sioux Nation), She's Too Kool (Ire) (Far Above {Ire}), Suzie Songs (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). TDN Verdict: Flushing Meadows looks to add his name to past Aidan O'Brien winners Johannesburg, One Cool Cat, Oratorio and Little Big Bear and there was a lot to like about his debut win here earlier this month. Moyglare's Cork debut winner Suzie Songs looks the only credible threat if he lives up to expectations in a weak renewal. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 15:32, TATTERSALLS PRIX DE SAINT-PATRICK-Listed, €55,000, 3yo, c/g, 8fT Field: Diego Ventura (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Darius Cen (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Sahlan (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Dreamliner (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Uthred (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Reach The Sky (Fr) (Calyx {GB}), Dynamitic (GB) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), TIego The First (Fr) (Blue Point {Ire}), Madero (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Verdict: With Listed Surrey Stakes runner-up Saqqara Sands boosting the form in style earlier this week, Diego Ventura's third in that Epsom contest stands out as a benchmark for this open renewal. Wathnan Racing's consistent black-type performer has been well placed to add to his victory in May's Listed Prix de Pontarme. Patrice Cottier trainee Reach The Sky was just over three lengths behind Henri Matisse when seventh in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and, brought here after running fourth to Maranoa Charlie in this month's G3 Prix Paul de Moussac, rates an obvious danger. Al Shaqab's G3 Prix de Fontainebleau runner-up Sahlan was 1 1/2 lengths and two places adrift of Reach The Sky in that ParisLongchamp Classic. TDN Rising Star Tiego The First failed to fire in four starts after annexing last year's Listed Prix Roland de Chambure and needs to step up markedly coming back off a narrow handicap win at Saint-Cloud earlier in the month. The same applies to Antoine Griezmann's hitherto undefeated Compiegne conditions winner Uthred. [Sean Cronin]. Saturday, Chantilly, France, post time: 16:42, TATTERSALLS PRIX DE BAGATELLE-Listed, €55,000, 3yo, f, 8fT Field: Vadinska (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Eponine (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), Alsaba (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Yoga Master (GB) (Persian King {Ire}), Kaadi (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}), Relaxx (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Iron Bird (GB) (Showcasing {GB}). TDN Verdict: Aga Khan Studs homebred Vadinska attained TDN Rising Star status over this course and distance on debut last month and lines up for this third start returning off a fifth in Chantilly's G2 Prix de Sandringham. She encounters a sextet stacked with experience, which includes Sandringham second and fourth Eponine and Relaxx. Kaadi and Iron Bird have already registered black-type placings while the Andre Fabre-trained duo Alsaba and Yoga Master come back off conditions wins at ParisLongchamp last month. [Sean Cronin]. 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]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Whirl And Kalpana Vie In Pretty Polly Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Flavien Prat, who has been riding in the United States full time since 2015, scored the 2,000th North American victory of his career Friday afternoon aboard the Brad Cox-trained Iron Max (Caravaggio) in Race 7 on the inner turf at Belmont at the Big A. Prat didn't stop there, as he also added victory 2,001 as part of a five-win day. “Honestly, when I started riding, I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would be here in New York and celebrating 2,000 wins, so I'm very grateful,” said Prat. “There's a lot of people along that way that believed in me and gave me an opportunity, so I'm very thankful. The trainers, owners, and my agent has done a great job, and my family have supported me as well.” Prat, France's champion apprentice jockey in 2009, led the U.S. jockey standings last year with over $37 million in purse earnings. He closed 2024 with an Eclipse Award as outstanding jockey after setting the record for stakes wins in a single year with 82 and graded wins in a season with 56. Among his top mounts have been Horse of the Year Flightline and last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone. He's won the Breeders' Cup seven times, the GI Preakness Stakes in 2021 with Rombauer, and the 2019 GI Kentucky Derby with Country House. “Being on Flightline, the whole journey was just amazing,” said Prat. “Wins in the Preakness, Kentucky Derby, obviously Sierra Leone last year was a key horse for me. But all of the horses as well. Every win is special. It's been a great journey and I try to enjoy it as much as I can. I'm fortunate to have good people around me.” Brad Pegram, Prat's agent, added: “He's very disciplined. He's very even-keeled. He's never too high and never too low, just steady–one race at a time. He's very dedicated and extremely competitive. He loves what he does, loves the sport, and is always moving forward.” The post Flavien Prat Gets North American Career Win 2,000…and 2,001 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Keeneland September Yearling Sale has settled into a reliable format over the last several years, starting off its first week with a two-day Book 1 and Book 2, followed by a dark day, before the sale resumes with two-day books through the remainder of the auction. With an extra dose of quality entries this year, sales officials have decided to conclude the 2025 auction with a four-day Book 5 separated into Parts 1 and 2. Keeneland's Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy, Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach, and Director of Sales Operations Dean Roethemeier sat down with TDN to discuss the change, and to provide a behind-the-scenes look at how decisions on book placement are made for the industry's bellwether two-week yearling auction. TDN: You're just coming off a season of yearling inspections and placements. What behind-the-scenes factors go into this process in how you construct the September Sale that people might not even be aware of? Tony: The process begins with each consignor's wish list, and we move horses only when necessary to balance the catalogue. Dean: We often get asked: “Why don't you just sell more horses earlier in the sale?” Simply put, session sizes are limited by stabling space. We also have to allow buyers the necessary time to look at yearlings, which is why we catalog fewer horses in Books 1 and 2 to provide plenty of time and space for inspections Cormac: Behind the scenes, we rely heavily on data to help us make informed, objective decisions. The make-up of the catalogue evolves year over year, and we do our best to adapt. This approach has contributed to record-setting results for the September Sale in recent cycles and shows the confidence of our customers in this marketplace. TDN: We've heard a lot about the rise in overall “quality” in recent years. What impact has that had on commercial breeding and how has that changed the sale process? Tony: Commercial breeders have become remarkably sophisticated. The cost of breeding and raising a yearling is substantial, making it economically challenging to produce anything less than a quality individual. Today's market demands quality at every level and breeders are consistently meeting that challenge. As a whole, the yearling crop is at a higher level than it was a decade ago. Cormac Breathnach and Tony Lacy | Keeneland TDN: How have larger stallion books and the presence of first-crop sires shaped your approach to organizing the catalogue? Cormac: Our approach to organizing the catalogue has not changed, but this is a trend that we have seen over the last few years, particularly this year. This catalogue includes more than 1,400 yearlings by first-crop sires–compared to last year's figure of around 850. Eleven of those sires stood for $25,000 or more, compared to just five in the previous class. It's an exceptionally deep and commercially appealing group. TDN: Beyond individual quality, what are some of the key considerations that determine book placement? Dean: We treat every entry as an individual. We've seen well over 3,000 of these yearlings. Physical conformation and athleticism are the top priorities when it comes to book placement. But sire power, strength of female pedigree, and recent sales history are also significant factors. These indicators help us structure the books accordingly. TDN: You've made the decision to divide Book 5 into two parts. Can you walk us through the thinking on this decision? How does this change better reflect the quality and structure of the sale? Dean: This decision reflects the strength and depth in this year's catalogue. With so many high-quality yearlings, including a strong crop by first-season sires, we recognized that the level of quality extends deep into the later sessions–right through to the 12th day. Tony: In 2021, we had an appropriate number of entries to offer a three-day Book 5. The horses in Book 6 were consolidated into a third session of Book 5, and it was well received. We're expanding on this concept this year. With a high volume of entries, we will have four sessions in Book 5 divided into 5A and 5B. While the shift in language is subtle, it's designed to recognize the rising standard of the yearlings in the later sessions. Dean Roethemeier | Keeneland TDN: How have buyer perceptions of Book 6 evolved in recent years, and how do you expect this update to influence how they look at Book 5? Cormac: In the last three years, we've seen excellent activity in Book 6. Over 1,150 horses have been sold to 520 unique buyers, with a very healthy 10% RNA rate across those three years. Tony: The broader perception of what constitutes a particular “Book” is shifting. With today's breeders producing quality stock more consistently across the board, the traditional notions of book segmentation are evolving. We believe buyers will approach all books–including the newly expanded Book 5–with strong engagement Cormac: The later sessions continue to draw serious buyers, including many of the leading domestic trainers and agents, as well as international participants. In recent years, you've seen buyers like Kenny McPeek, Wesley Ward, Donato Lanni and many more among the names on the summary sheets to the very end of the sale. TDN: Is there anything else you'd like to add about this change? Tony: We're very excited about the group of yearlings that have been entrusted to us, and we think the market is going to be just as excited as we are. We'll be spending the rest of the summer actively recruiting buyers from the U.S. and around the world to participate throughout the entire sale. The post More Quality Lengthens Book 5 at Keeneland September Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a son of Newspaperofrecord. 1.15 Curragh, Mdn, €20,000, 2yo, c/g, 7fT BENVENUTO CELLINI (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) is the second foal out of the accomplished Newspaperofrecord (Lope De Vega) after the Listed Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Giselle also by Frankel. Not Ryan Moore's choice in this Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden won by countless top-class colts including City Of Troy, Coolmore and White Birch Farm's homebred is joined by the once-raced first-string Dorset (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a relative of Winter, and another newcomer New Zealand (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), a son of the G3 Albany Stakes winner and dual Group 1-placed Different League (Dabirsim). 3.40 York, Novice, £25,000, 2yo, 7fT HANKELOW (IRE) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) debuts for Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum in a potentially hot affair, with the 750,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase in deep against some experienced peers. A half-brother to the Listed scorer Epic Poet (Lope De Vega), the Karl Burke trainee is from the family of the high-class Perfect Power and last week's G2 Norfolk Stakes runner-up Wise Approach. The post Ballydoyle Unveil Son Of Newspaperofrecord At The Curragh appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release The Emerald Downs' racing community is mourning the loss of longtime trainer Bonnie Jenne, who succumbed to lymphoma Thursday at age 76. A mainstay since the track's opening in 1996, Jenne saddled 247 winners at Emerald Downs, including 15 stakes victories and over $2.9 million in earnings. “Today is a very sad day in the Washington Thoroughbred community,” said Emerald Downs Director of Publicity Joe Withee. “Bonnie Jenne has been part of every Longacres, Yakima Meadows, and Emerald Downs race meeting since the late 1960s as a highly respected horsewoman. Bonnie usually took the winters off and came back every year to Barn 10 with her hard work and mischievous smile and laugh.” Under Jenne's care, Ladyledue won six stakes and honors as track and state champion filly of 2008, and track and state champion 3-year-old filly of 2009. Other top runners for her included Couldabenthewhisky, Mr. Makah, Naab the Win, Colony Lane, Makah Lane, and Itsallabouttheride. Jenne's final stakes victories were in 2024 with He's Not Talking in the Washington Cup Juvenile Colt & Gelding and Dynamic Secret in the Emerald Derby. Sporting the familiar yellow and green silks that date back to the 1960s, Dynamic Secret romped by 2 3/4 lengths and subsequently took honors as Emerald Downs' champion 3-year-old colt or gelding. Born Dec. 30, 1948, Bonnie Jenne grew up in a house across the street from Yakima Meadows, where her father Ed Lewis won training titles in 1977 and 1978. Bonnie's beloved husband, Wally, a former track superintendent, preceded her in death in 2020. The post Pacific Northwest Trainer Bonnie Jenne Dies as 76 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dual champion and classic winner Essential Quality was represented by his first winner June 27 when 2-year-old filly Chopsticks won the third race at Churchill Downs in her career debut.View the full article

The June 28 Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) at the Curragh brings an intriguing clash of the generations as Whirl and Wemightakedlongway, second and fourth in the Epsom Oaks (G1), do battle with their elders, headed by the high-class Kalpana.View the full article

A bay gelding by Poet's Word caught the eye of Ballyboy Stables' Denis Murphy and was knocked down for €52,000 to top the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale Part II on Friday. This year marked the first time the Derby Sale Part II had been staged since 2017. Sold by Drumloose Stables, the gelding just the second lot in the ring, and Murphy said, “I know this pedigree well and I love Poet's Word – this is the first by him that I have bought, I have not been able to buy them. He is one for myself and Cormac Doyle.” The gelding, one of six on the day purchased by Murphy for €210,000, is a 3-year-old half-brother to four winners, including Wild Romance (Kalanisi), runner-up in a Grade 2 hurdle. She was produced by Murphy to finish second in her point-to-point. A total of 113 lots sold from 162 offered (70%) and grossed €1,995,500. The average was €17,659 and the median was €16,000. Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins said, “After two electric days of trade earlier this week, we approached Part II of the Derby Sale with measured expectations. While the market remains selective, the demand followed through from Wednesday and Thursday and it was encouraging to see strong competition on a good number of horses and several new faces ringside once again. “We're grateful to the vendors who supported today's session and to the buyers – particularly those active in the point-to-point sphere – who remain such an important part of this trade. We thank all those who took part this week and look forward to seeing these horses succeed on the track in the seasons ahead.” The post Poet’s Word Gelding Tops Derby Sale Part II appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton has released the initial catalogue for its July Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, to be held on Tuesday, July 8 in Lexington, Kentucky, immediately following the conclusion of the July Selected Yearling Sale that same day. Fasig-Tipton will continue to accept approved entries up until sale time. “July Selected Horses of Racing Age is a fantastic complement to our July Selected Yearling Sale,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning. “This year's catalogue has quality at all levels, from graded stakes winners down to impressive debut performers still eligible for their maiden condition.” Offerings of note include: Giant Mischief (Hip 313): Grade I performing son of Into Mischief was recently third in GIII Aristides S. at Churchill Downs May 31. Consigned by Elite, agent. New King (Hip 324): Four-year-old stakes-placed son of Into Mischief won his most recent start in an allowance June 7 by more than three lengths. Consigned by Elite, agent. Red Route One (Hip 329): Multiple graded stakes winning son of Gun Runner won this year's GIII Essex H. at Oaklawn. He has current earnings of more than $2,100,000. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. Rosie Jeeks (Hip 332): Four-year-old filly has won both her starts this year, including the Goldwood S. at Monmouth June 21. Consigned by Elite, agent. Star of Wonder (Hip 339): Four-year-old son of Uncle Mo was third in the GIII Pimlico Special S. May 18. Consigned by Elite, agent. Batten Down (Hip 346): Four-year-old son of Tapit is a multiple stakes winner, including the GIII Ohio Derby. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent for Juddmonte. Since the sale's launch in 2013, graduates of the July Selected Horses of Racing Age have now notched 86 stakes wins and nearly $100 million in earnings. Entries may now be viewed via the sale's enhanced online catalogue, which features pedigrees, race replays, statistical links, Ragozin “sheet” numbers, and continuously updated Daily Racing Form and Thoroughmanager past performances. The post Fasig-Tipton July Selected Horses of Racing Age Catalogue Available Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Now that the Derby and Royal Ascot are in the rearview mirror, it is time for Flat Season Part 2 and that begins at The Curragh this weekend. Every year, there is a distinct shift that follows the high-pressure action on Epsom Downs and Berkshire as the summer envelops all and the paths open up for the various movements of the main players over the next weeks. While Sunday's Irish Derby is the key event of the next two days, the most notable change in tempo is with the 2-year-olds now that the speed tests of the Royal meeting are done and dusted. Saturday's G3 Anglesey Stakes sees Ballydoyle's exciting son of Wootton Bassett, Flushing Meadows, take centre stage in one of the few races in which Aidan does not current hold the record. For the time being, that still rests with Dr Vincent O'Brien, whose list of 13 include the revered Nijinsky, Roberto and Storm Bird. Opening Saturday's Curragh card is a key maiden for Ballydoyle, with the seven-furlong Barronstown Stud Irish EBF Maiden now a time-honoured Classic pointer and window into the stable's pecking order. It is the one that City Of Troy took two years ago, the one that played host to Rip Van Winkle, Gleneagles, Roderic O'Connor, Duke Of Marmalade, Horatio Nelson and Lambourn's sire Australia. Ryan Moore is on Dorset, another Wootton Bassett who is grey like his dual Guineas-winning relative Winter, with two newcomers joining in including Peter Brant's colour-bearer Benvenuto Cellini, a son of Frankel and Newspaperofrecord. Get ready for 2,000 Guineas moves if either of these impress. Saturday's feature is the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes, where Juddmonte's Kalpana (Study Of Man) takes part in her King George prep confronted by the Oaks runner-up Whirl (Wootton Bassett) in a fascinating clash of the generations, while the six-furlong G2 Airlie Stud Stakes sees the O'Callaghans' unbeaten Lady Iman look to extend her record. At Newcastle, where Saturday's action revolves around the marathon Northumberland Plate, the handicap better known as the “Pitmen's Derby”, Wathnan Racing's Kind Of Blue (Blue Point) bids to get back on track in the G3 Chipchase Stakes having blown the start on his comeback in Chantilly's G3 Prix du Gros-Chene. James Fanshawe and the Wathnan team are hoping that proves an aberration and not a sign of things to come as last year's G1 British Champions Sprint Stakes hero is very much one of the country's leading sprinters. “We left Ascot behind in favour of coming here to hopefully give him a chance to start his season properly and we're looking forward to seeing him run,” Wathnan's racing adviser Richard Brown explained. “I think the July Cup will come too soon, but we will see how this goes before making any firm plans. At the moment, we want to see Kind Of Blue show us he's as good as he was on Champions Day last year. All the signs are positive and he's been working very well but he's got to go and show it on the racecourse.” Also on Saturday, York stages the G3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Criterion Stakes for the first time, with the seven-furlong contest moved from Newmarket to serve as a prep for the newly-promoted G1 City Of York Stakes in August. Always alive to big opportunities in his native county, William Haggas saddles No Nay Never's Lake Forest. You know, the one that beat Lazzat in the Golden Eagle. After Royal Ascot, that looks an even mightier achievement than it did at the time. Amazingly, this is only his third run at or around this trip which is threatening to break out of its former “niche” categorisation and give all those “in-betweeners” the chance to shine at the highest level. The post A New Chapter Begins On Irish Derby Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-Curragh, €20,000, Mdn, 6-27, 2yo, 7fT, 1:26.43, gd. COMPOSING (IRE) (f, 2, Wootton Bassett {GB}–Epona Plays {Ire} {MGSW-Ire, $208,285}, by Australia {GB}), the subject of support into 3-1 second favouritism, was up in the front line from the outset in this maiden won 12 months ago by stablemate Lake Victoria. Pressed by Cape Sounion (No Nay Never) inside the final two furlongs, the first foal out of the Group 2-winning dam stayed on to score by 3/4 of a length. “She's a filly that will get further, she's uncomplicated,” Aidan O'Brien said of the winner, who had been fifth over six furlongs here on debut last month. “Wayne [Lordan] said she went to the line with her ears pricked and she probably has the makings of a lovely filly. She's out of an Australia mare, so she's going to stay as well.” Epona Plays, who captured the G2 Ridgewood Pearl Stakes, G3 Park Express Stakes and G3 Denny Cordell Lavarack & Lanwades Stud Stakes, is a half to the G3 Athasi Stakes winner Dolce Strega (Zoffany) and to the dam of Siyouni's G1 Kingston Town Classic winner Amelia's Jewel. She also has a yearling colt by Lope De Vega. Sales history: €300,000 Ylg '24 GOFORY. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $14,497. O-Mrs J Magnier/M Tabor/D Smith/Westerberg; B-Renzo Forni; T-Aidan O'Brien. Off the mark €300,000 buy Composing (Wootton Bassett) steps forward nicely from her debut to strike @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/a5C57j6nWI — Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 27, 2025 The post ‘She Has The Makings Of A Lovely Filly’: O’Brien Sweet On Wootton Bassett’s Composing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rob MacLennan will serve as Racing Secretary during the upcoming summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced in a release Friday. MacLennan joined NYRA in April 2021 as a Racing Official and was subsequently named Assistant Racing Secretary before taking on his current role as Racing Secretary in joint capacity with NYRA's Senior Director of Racing Keith Doleshel in October 2024. With Doleshel focused on other key racing department responsibilities, MacLennan will be charged solely with overseeing the writing of condition books and related duties at Saratoga. The 2025 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course will open Thursday, July 10 and continue through Monday, Sept. 1. The post MacLennan to Serve as Racing Secretary During Saratoga Summer Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

About the only thing missing from Saturday's $1-million GI Stephen Foster Stakes is a Horse of the Year–for good measure, she runs elsewhere on Saturday's blockbuster program on the final weekend of racing at Churchill Downs–but the nine-furlong event is rich in quality and brings together the winners of such prestigious events such as the GI Breeders' Cup Classic, the GI Kentucky Derby, and the G1 Dubai World Cup. A 'bananas' Foster, indeed. The horses that will line up for the 'Win and You're In' qualifier for this year's Classic have amassed earnings of better than $26 million, the most in the history of the Foster and even more noteworthy that just a field of seven heads to the post. Curlin (2007-2008) and Fort Larned (2012-2013) completed the Classic/Foster double and 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone–a son of 2017 Foster/Classic hero Gun Runner–looks to join that select group on Saturday. Having earned a field-best 112 Beyer when getting the set-up of all set-ups at Del Mar last November, the dark bay was perhaps a bit ring-rusty when staying on into third behind all-the-way winner Touchuponastar (Star Guitar) in the GII New Orleans Classic in his lone appearance this season over three months ago. He wants a truly run race and there doesn't appear to be a great deal of pace signed on for the 5-2 morning-line favorite. Mystik Dan (Goldencents) can make history as he would become the first Kentucky Derby winner to follow up with a victory in the Foster. Soundly defeated in the GI Malibu Stakes and in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes, the homebred bay bounced back to something approaching his best when just failing to catch Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming) in the May 3 Lake Ouachita Stakes at Oaklawn Park. He was the recipient of a golden trip in the May 31 GIII Blame Stakes and took full advantage, coming away to score by 1 1/4 lengths under his regular mate Brian Hernandez, Jr., who feels the colt is holding his form. “He worked last Saturday, in company with [nine-furlong track-record setter] Gould's Gold (Goldencents), and it was phenomenal,” Hernandez, Jr. said. “He did everything just like we wanted him to and his gallop out was very impressive. He looks like he's going into this race well and on the right track. The nice thing about him right now is his mind is really good.” Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) caused a massive surprise in upsetting the likes of Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in this year's World Cup back on Apr. 5 and looks to follow in the hoofprints of Street Cry (Ire) in 2002 and Curlin in 2008 to tack on a win in the Foster. Impressive winner of the GIII Louisiana Stakes on his 5-year-old debut in January, the gray was a distant third to 'Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) in the GI Santa Anita Handicap, but validated the decision by Wathnan Racing and Brad Cox to make the trip to the desert, coming from a seemingly unlikely position to run down Mixto (Good Magic), with Forever Young third. 'TDN Rising Stars' First Mission (Street Sense) and Mindframe (Constitution) add considerable depth to the Foster. Fourth as the odds-on pop in last year's renewal, First Mission has looked good in his two starts this term, just missing in the GIII Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Feb. 23 before running out a two-length winner of the GII Oaklawn Handicap, earning a career-best 109 Beyer. Luis Saez takes over for Flavien Prat, who sticks with Sierra Leone. After finishing runner-up in last year's GI Belmont Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes, Mindframe scaled the heights when proving best in a four-way photo in the GI Churchill Downs Stakes May 3. He is the possible speed from gate two. All Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) has done is win 11 of his 32 starts for earnings of $3.6 million. And still, he looks like a bit of an outsider here, though he enters off a 3/4-length victory in the GII Hollywood Gold Cup May 26. Ashcroft (Munnings) completes the field and it would be a major shock if his starting price is less than 100-1. 'Anna' On Recovery Mission In Fleur de Lis Reigning Horse of the Year and 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) gets Saturday's graded action off on a high note as the prohibitive favorite in a field of five in the GII Fasig-Tipton Fleur de Lis Stakes, with an all-expenses-paid trip to the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at stake. With a 2 1/2-length defeat of Raging Sea (Curlin) in that event last fall, the $40,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling sewed up divisional and HOTY honors and, in all fairness, she was more workmanlike than she was brilliant in taking out the GII Azeri Stakes and GI Apple Blossom Handicap in her first two starts at four. Expected to extend her winning streak to five in the GI Fasig-Tipton La Troienne Stakes May 2, she was knocked around going into the first turn and never quite looked herself, finishing last of seven. But she's worked well since and retains the full confidence of her trainer. “It looks like it took the breath out of her,” said Ken McPeek. “That's really all we could figure out that happened. Talking to [jockey] Brian Hernandez, Jr., he said she got hit pretty good. Any way you look at it, she didn't run well. The best-laid plans didn't work out. “In the meantime, we've just sort of taken our time and it's been nearly two months since her last run and we're really optimistic she can get back to her top form.” Calumet Farm's Gin Gin (Hightail) proved that her 38-1 upset of the GIII Baird Doubledogdare Stakes was no fluke, finishing a good second to Royal Spa (Violence) in the GIII Shawnee Stakes on Foster Preview Day May 31, while La Troienne runner-up Taxed (Collected) will nevertheless need to find a handful of lengths to be a factor here. In the day's other graded events beneath the Twin Spires, Booth (Mitole) looks to make it five straight–four in graded company–but faces a stiff challenge in the GIII Kelly's Landing Stakes in the form of the intriguing California raider Dr Venkman (Ghostzapper) from the barn of Mark Glatt. Brillant Berti (Noble Mission {GB}) looms the one to beat in the GII Wise Dan Stakes having finished runner-up to the Cinderella kid Mercante (Gun Runner) after uncustomarily making the running in the GIII Arlington Stakes four weeks back. Fort Washington (War Front) ships in for Shug McGaughey off a one-length success in the GIII Dinner Party Stakes over rain-affected Pimlico turf May 17, and Mi Hermano Ramon (Creative Cause) ships in from the Golden State off a near-miss second in the GI Shoemaker Mile Stakes May 26. 'Patches' Resurfaces In the Highlander Woodbine plays host to five graded events Saturday afternoon that comprise the Canada Day Racing Festival, and that country's reigning Horse of the Year is also on display. Patches O'Houlihan (Reload) makes his second start of the season in the GII Highlander Stakes and looks to stay unbeaten in three tries on the grass, including the GII Nearctic Stakes over this course and six-furlong distance last October. Subsequently beaten by GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint hero Nobals (Noble Mission {GB}) in the GII Kennedy Road Stakes back on the Tapeta in November, the homebred resumed with a four-length score in the May 4 Thorncliffe Stakes. He makes his first start since being scratched from the GIII Jacques Cartier Stakes on May 31. Caitlinhergrtness (Omaha Beach), who beat the boys in the 2024 King's Plate, returns to the turf for the card-closing GII Nassau Stakes. An allowance winner over 7 1/2 furlongs last July, she was third to She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}) in the GI QE II Challenge Cup in October and exits a five-length tally in the May 31 GIII Belle Mahone Stakes on the synth. Sophomore colts and fillies get their chance in the GIII Marine Stakes and GIII Selene Stakes, respectively, and a well-matched field of eight heads to the post for the GIII Dominion Day Stakes. The post Foster Anchors A Super Saturday At Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When the debuting Chopsticks (Essential Quality–Miss Southern Miss, by More Than Ready) closed into a hot pace at Churchill Downs on Friday and got her picture taken, the win was the first for her freshman sire. Sent off as a 2-1 shot here, the 2-year-old watched as a pair of speedballers went to the front and burned up the backstretch. Not willing to quit, Chopsticks began to engage around the far turn and she rolled down the lane to score by three lengths over a fading Sina (Gun Runner). The final running time was 1:10.21. The filly, who was purchased by Andrew Cary, is part of a 119 foals of racing age for the Darley-based stallion. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: $300,000 '24 KEESEP. O-Selective LLC; B-Machmer Hall (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. Chopsticks takes advantage of the pace and is a debut winner for freshman sire Essential Quality in R3 at @churchilldowns! @flothejock was up for trainer @bradcoxracing. TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/CDtkoSC4oC — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 27, 2025 The post Freshman Sire Essential Quality Gets His First Winner At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-CD, $120K, Msw, 2yo, 5f, 12:45 p.m. ET. The news broke this past week that Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas would be stepping down as the head of his stable because of health reasons and assistant Bas Nicholl would be taking over for the man known to many as 'Coach.' In Saturday's opener on the card, TRACK LEGEND (Charlatan) will be unveiled for owner Live the Legacy and Nicholl. Out of Canadian champion female sprinter Moonlit Promise (Malibu Moon), the dark bay went for $550,000 at last year's Keeneland September Sale. Track Legend's third dam–who produced MGISW Court Vision (Gulch)–is a full-sister to GI Preakness Stakes hero Summer Squall (Storm Bird) and a half-sister to Horse of the Year A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew). TJCIS PPS 6th-CD, $120K, Msw, 3yo/up, f&m, 6 1/2f, 3:19 p.m. ET. Pretty in a Dress (Constitution), trained by Brendan Walsh, is out of Whatdreamsrmadeof (Graeme Hall), who was taken home by Jane Lyon for $1.65-million at the Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale in 2016. This dam's most well-known progeny is MGISW Curalina (Curlin). Also set for her first start is Steve Asmussen trainee Crimsonite (Tapit). The Winchell homebred's dam Bleeding Heart (Broken Vow) is a full-sister to GII Twinspires.com Fair Grounds Oaks heroine Chocolate Martini. Last but not least, Repercussion (Bernardini) debuts for owner-breeder Godolphin. Trained by Eoin Harty, the bay's dam Orchestrate (Tiznow) is a full-sister to champion 2-year-old filly Folklore and is a half-sister to MSP Delightful Quality (Elusive Quality), who is responsible for current sire Essential Quality (Tapit). TJCIS PPS The post Saturday’s Insights: Charlatan Colt Running For A ‘Track Legend’ On Debut at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The winner of last year's GI Jockey Club Gold Cup, Highland Falls (Curlin–Round Pond, by Awesome Again) emerged from time off a winner against optional claimers at Aqueduct on Friday. Ready to go out of the blocks, the 5-year-old bided his time just off the speed up the backstretch. Highland Falls pounced around the far turn and entering the lane the homebred took control. Sprinting away, the Brad Cox trainee won by several lengths over Full Screen (Big Screen). The final running time was 1:34.40. Lifetime Record: 11-6-2-1. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. Highland Falls is an easy winner in R2 at BAQ! @bradcoxracing trains and Flavien Prat had the mount. pic.twitter.com/gA1BNqNGyp — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 27, 2025 The post Highland Falls Comes Off The Bench To Win Optional Claimer At Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF)'s 2025 Saratoga Summer Event Series will feature three evenings of food, community, and philanthropy. The events directly support TRF's mission of providing dignified lifetime care for retired Thoroughbreds and offering life-changing opportunities through its TRF Second Chances Program. Gumbo with Kendrick Date: Monday, July 21 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Location: Principessa Elena Society, 13 Oak Street, Saratoga Springs, NY Now in its fifth year, this fan-favorite dinner brings beloved jockey Kendrick Carmouche back to the kitchen to prepare his signature Louisiana gumbo. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, a cash bar, and an authentic taste of Kendrick's southern roots. LALO “For Jocks & Horses” Date: Tuesday, July 30 Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Location: The Adelphi Hotel, 365 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY This cocktail-style event is hosted in partnership with LALO Tequila and benefits both the TRF and the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Featuring signature drinks, small bites, and an opportunity to mingle with jockeys and horsemen, this evening invites guests to support two meaningful causes while enjoying the vibrant Saratoga scene. TRF Backyard BBQ at Rood & Riddle Date: Tuesday, Aug. 19 Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Location: Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, 63 Henning Road, Saratoga Springs, NY The summer series concludes with the TRF Backyard BBQ hosted by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. Held on the grounds of their Saratoga Springs facility, the evening will feature classic BBQ fare, cash bar, live entertainment, a silent auction and the chance to meet and network with equine professionals, supporters, and racing professionals. To purchase tickets or learn more, please visit: www.trfinc.org/events The post Gumbo With Kendrick Kicks Off TRF Saratoga Summer Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fourteen wildcards have been added to the Tattersalls Online July Sale, including a complete dispersal of 10 lots from the estate of the late Kevin Prendergast following the passing of the legendary Irish trainer. Bidding will open at 11am on Tuesday, July 1 and close at 11am the following day. Among nine horses in training in the dispersal is the three-year-old filly Glory To Be, who confirmed the promise of her debut effort when filling the runner-up spot in a five-furlong maiden at Cork last time. The daughter of Cotai Glory, who is out of a half-sister to the dam of Group 1 winners Creative Force and Persuasive, will be offered as lot 110. Another attractive prospect is the three-year-old gelding Iowntheball (lot 111). A winner over seven furlongs as a juvenile and placed twice this year, the son of Advertise is a half-brother to the Listed-placed Zim Baby. A colt named Mergus Serrator (lot 115) features among a selection of unraced two-year-olds. The son of Masar is out of a full-sister to the Listed winner and Group 1-placed Whitecliffsofdover, while the dispersal also includes the broodmare Butterfly Garden (lot 117), a winning daughter of Awtaad who is being offered in foal to Mac Swiney. Meanwhile, Ralph Beckett's Kimpton Down Stables have added two colts to their draft, including Too Don Juan (lot 104), a son of Too Darn Hot and out of a daughter of the multiple Group 1-winning mare Islington. He is joined by Invincible Duke (lot 105), another well-bred colt who has been placed twice to date and is a half-brother to the Group 3-placed Duchess Of Dubai. The full catalogue is available to view here. The post Kevin Prendergast Dispersal Headlines Tattersalls Online July Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Goffs chief Henry Beeby has described himself as 'quietly hopeful' ahead of the groundbreaking new Classic Breeze-Up Sale, due to kick off at 6.15pm on Saturday. This will be the first sale of its kind in Ireland with Goffs bidding to cater to a sector of breeze-up handlers who would usually be making their way to Arqana in France by this time of year with their later-maturing juveniles. The breeze itself took place at Naas on Monday with inspections continuing that evening and into the following morning. Handlers returned to the Kildare Paddocks on Friday morning to continue showing and, while footfall is reported to be steady, Beeby says he has no doubt that the horses assembled at Goffs have the right profile to attract a good buying bench on Saturday. “We're quietly hopeful,” he said. “It's obviously a big test as it's the first time there has been a new breeze-up sale in Ireland for a number of years. We've had rave reviews about the location of the breeze at Naas and we can't say enough good things about that. There has been plenty of interest and we believe there are enough good horses here to attract a good buying bence so let's see what happens.” Asked if it was too early to think about how this sale could be refined going forward, Beeby said, “Internally, we will review it on Monday and take some soundings back from the vendors in particular. There's nothing I'm thinking, 'oh Lord, I wish I had done this differently' about. We've had a bigger gap than is traditional in Europe between the breeze and the sale. Whether that ends up being a positive or a negative will be found out on Saturday. We've made sure the integrity of the process has been maintained by taking blood tests post-sale and will offer that again at the point of purchase. We're delighted with the catalogue that we have assembled and we have been well-supported by the breeze-up community.” Tom and David Brickley of Ard Erin Stud openly admit to being major fans of the new concept. The Brickleys will offer colts by Zarak and Sioux Nation that were put aside with this sale in mind. David explained, “The two horses we brought here are later-maturing types that needed a bit of time. You'd imagine that the Zarak colt is tailor-made for this sale and the Sioux Nation colt is out of a good Aga Khan family and is coming to himself at the right time also. It's a different concept, a bit like America where the breeze and the sale are spaced out a bit, but we're delighted to be supporting it. The one thing I would say is, while we haven't been overrun with shows, the phone has been busy all week and we have had plenty of calls from different buyers. That has to be a very positive sign.” He added, “The breeze-up consignors were crying out for a sale like this and credit to Goffs for taking it on. We're all hoping that it goes well and that there is something to build on. Anyone that I have spoken to definitely thinks that there is, so fingers crossed for Saturday.” Beeby acknowledged that the boutique nature of the sale means that footfall will naturally be down compared to the usual breeze-up sales and shared that he expects a lot of work to be done online and over the phone by agents and buyers on Saturday. He said, “We know there are people coming who haven't been on the ground yet but we are also expecting a fair bit of telephone and online bidding. That is the nature of the breeze-ups – there is so much transparency with the film of the breeze and vetting etc. This is a sale where a few pairs of eyes can cater for a lot of different people. Our indication is that there are a number of horses that will have plenty of interest in them.” Asked what would deem this new sale a success, Beeby concluded, “Deemed a success would mean people will walk away saying that was a good sale. How a good sale is defined is by selling a good proportion of the horses. We'd also like to sell some horses for a price that will catch people's eye. We want this sale to be seen as a viable part of the breeze-up season. We obviously have the Doncaster Breeze-Up Sale which is massively successful and has a great record in the ring and on the track. This is the next step in adding to our portfolio.” The post Goffs ‘Quietly Hopeful’ Ahead Of Groundbreaking New Classic Breeze-Up Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article