Wandering Eyes

A barnstorming finish by promising four-year-old Whisky ‘N Roses (NZ) (Belardo) saw him open his Spring campaign on a winning note as he downed a handy field of open sprinters in the BCD Group Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa. The Joanne Surgenor-prepared son of Belardo looked a galloper of real promise during his three-year-old season where he was twice placed at stakes level including finishing second to champion three-year-old Savaglee in the Gr.2 James & Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m). Punters kept the gelding well in the market for Saturday’s event where he started a $6.50 third favourite behind last start winner Midnight Edition (NZ) (Midnight Edition) ($2.20), however those odds looked well off the mark when he was back last shortly after the barriers opened with the favourite getting his own terms out in front. Rider Joe Doyle didn’t panic and allowed his mount to find his feet and although he was still last rounding the home bend, Doyle had him winding up nicely out wide as he set out after Midnight Edition who had kicked clear of his nearest rivals. Whiskey ‘N Roses produced an undeniable burst as he went straight past Midnight Edition at the 75m, forging clear to win by an ever increasing one length margin at the winning post in a handy 1.13.20 for the 1200m journey on the Heavy 9 rated surface. Surgenor was delighted with the performance as Doyle followed their pre-race plan to perfection. “I said to Joe if we just sat back and didn’t get into a speed duel he normally finishes things off well,” Surgenor said. “I’m blown away though as that was just huge. “He is a lot stronger and although his trial at Ellerslie wasn’t that good, he improved immensely off it as his coat came right from there. “I was hoping for a good run but I didn’t expect that.” Surgenor kept her cards close to her chest when discussing what lay in store for her charge. “We will get him home and make a plan after we have seen how he pulls up as that was a hard run today,” she said. “We do have a couple of races in mind, but we need to see how he is as it is a long season ahead.” Doyle was equally impressed by just how well Whiskey N Roses had finished things off in the concluding stages. “We thought they would how hard and from the gate we were always going to take our time and try and finish things off strongly,” he said. “If he had snuck into the top four we would have been delighted but he has been very very good today. “Jo does good work with him and her horses always look a million dollars. “We have always thought quite a bit of him and he ran second to Savaglee one day. He seems to have strengthened up and he is a decent horse.” Bred by co-owners Peter and Sherin Walker, who race him in partnership with Haunui Farm, Whiskey ‘N Roses is out of the Fully Fledged mare Fullinbloom (NZ), a daughter of multiple stakes winner Rodrigo Rose (NZ) who was twice placed at Group One level. Included in his extended family are three-time Group Two winner Showoroses (NZ) and multiple Australian stakes winner Rosebrook. His fourth win from just thirteen starts has seen him earn over $155,000 in prizemoney for his connections. View the full article

Local three-year-old Alottago (Tagalo) thrust his name into Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) contention with a striking come-from-behind performance in the Rangiora New World Guineas Trial (1400m) at Riccarton on Saturday. The Lance Robinson-trained gelding has improved with every race in his five-start career. He placed in all of his three appearances as a two-year-old including the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) and Champagne Stakes (1200m), and he now boasts a perfect two-start, two-win record as a three-year-old. Alottago kicked off his season with a stylish maiden win at Timaru on September 7. That form was boosted before Alottago even set foot on the racetrack for his second-up assignment on Saturday, with the Timaru placegetters Origin Of Love (Snitzel) and Quisiera (NZ) (Sweynesse) fighting out the finish of the Promenade Hospitality for Cup Week Maiden (1400m) earlier on the Riccarton card. But most of the growth in Alottago’s reputation on Saturday was down to the horse himself. All nine of the runners in Saturday’s Guineas Trial field were attempting the 1400m distance for the first time in their careers, and that extra distance brought Alottago into his element. Alottago was ridden by Corey Campbell and was sent out as a $7 third favourite behind War Of Silence (Snitzel) and El Vaquero (Ferrando). He had a comfortable run in midfield as the two favourites led the field down the side of the track and around the home turn. War Of Silence and El Vaquero went to war after entering the straight, pulling a couple of lengths clear of the rest of the field and seemingly having the finish to themselves. But just as War Of Silence began to pull ahead of El Vaquero, Alottago emerged out of the pack and changed gears. He flew up alongside War Of Silence and collared him right on the finish line to win by a half-head. War Of Silence finished two and a half lengths in front of the third-placed Pontoon (NZ) (Ace High). “Once he got around the corner and balanced up in the straight, he found the line very well,” Campbell said. “It feels to me like he’ll run a strong 1600m and maybe even 2000m in time. He’s such a relaxed, laid-back horse, and then when you ask him to go, he can really sprint.” Robinson paid $20,000 to buy Alottago from Apex Bloodstock’s draft at the 2024 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka. The son of Gr.1 Blue Diamond (1200m) winner Tagaloa has now had five starts for two wins, three placings and $51,360 in prize-money. After Saturday’s win, Alottago was tightened from $31 into $16 for the Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas at Riccarton on November 15. Excluding the dual-island Te Akau Racing operation, the last South Island-trained winner of the 2000 Guineas was Hustler in 2002 for the late Paul Harris. “There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and the Guineas, but this win today has given us the confidence to carry on along that path for now,” said Robinson, who also shares in the ownership. “He was impressive. We’ve always really liked the horse and expected the step up to 1400m to suit him. To see him finish the race off as strongly as he did was a big thrill. “I haven’t looked too far beyond this race today, but the next step might be to take him to Ashburton for the Barneswood Farm Stakes (Gr.3, 1400m) in a couple of weeks. His performance there will tell us whether we keep pressing on towards the Guineas.” View the full article

Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) proved she is far from a spent force with a dominant display of front running to take out the Gr.2 Ladbrokes Feehan Stakes (1600m) which was accompanied by raucous support from the crowd of 10,000. When Declan Bates dialled up the pressure 600m from home the noise in the amphitheatre which is Valley accompanied him and by the time Pride Of Jenni had defied Treasurethe Moment it had built to a thunderous noise. So much so Bates said for the first time riding Pride Of Jenni he was aware of the noise and even used it as a guide to her prospects at the 600m mark. “I got to hear the crowd roar. I think it was the first time I had heard as it’s usually just me and her. The crowd at The Valley gave a big roar at the 600m and that’s when I thought I must have had them in trouble. What a horse,” Bates said. “From the 1000m I said let’s go and they can try and catch me. At the half mile I gave her a squeeze and I knew we were in business.” Her trainer Ciaron Maher said he was a bit reserved regarding the eight-year-old mares’ return to racing in the Feehan Stakes which was her first run since she finished 10th in the Doomben Cup. Maher was close to tears when speaking about the mare post-race “She’s an amazing horse and Dec Bates knows her so well. Full credit to Tony for having the courage to race her on. She’s 100% sound. She’s enjoying her racing,” Maher said. Ottobre said Pride Of Jenni was “just a champion”. “Ciaron is a superstar. To do this with an eight-year-old mare is unbelievable. The accolades must go to Ciaron for presenting the horse like this and Jenni is just a marvel,” he said. Pride Of Jenni was bred by Trelawney Stud and is out of the O’Reilly mare Sancerre (NZ), who was prepared by Cambridge trainer Tony Pike to win on four occasions for the stud. The star mare stems from a family fashioned over generations at the famed Kiwi nursery, which has been in the Taylor family’s ownership since 1993, having been established by Seton Otway in the 1930s. View the full article

A trip back to the Group One Saudi Cup (1,800m) is the ultimate aim for Romantic Warrior as he continues to ramp up his work in preparation for a return in the Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin in November. The 10-time Group One winner went agonisingly close to winning the Saudi Cup in Riyadh back in February but was collared in the dying strides by Forever Young, before suffering a similar fate when nosed out of the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m) in April. Subsequently, Romantic...View the full article

Derek Leung Ka-chun and an excited group of owners are dreaming of international Group One glory when they team up with top sprinter Lucky Sweynesse in Sunday’s Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) at Nakayama Racecourse. Leung, 37, is confident Lucky Sweynesse can deliver him a first overseas success at the elite level while the four-time Group One winner’s owners – the Cheng family – will fulfil a dream 17 years in the making on Sunday. Leung has ridden 499 winners in Hong Kong – including two at Group...View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Like so many Aussies, Glenn Hunter has watched New Zealand Cup Week and dreamed. In less than two months, his dream will become a reality. The 47-year-old, who has driven 244 winners and trained 45, will take his star trotting filly Gatesys Gem to Addington for the Majestic Horse Floats $500,000 Ascent on Show Day, November 14. “I’ve never been, but of course I’ve watched and loved it like everyone else,” he said. Gatesys Gem will join another star Victorian filly Tracy The Jet in a quest to defend Australia’s crown in The Ascent after the incomparable Keayang Zahara romped home last year. While this year’s pair aren’t in the Keayang Zahara class, they are very smart young trotters. Gatesys Gem has raced just 12 times for eight wins, three seconds and a fourth. Significantly, she beat the boys at Group 1 level at her latest start in the NSW Trotters’ Derby at Menangle on May 17. It came a week after Gatesys Gem beat Tracy The Jet in the Group 1 NSW Trotters’ Oaks. Tracy The Jet has franked the form with three wins from as many starts since. They are poised to meet again in the $60,000 Victoria Trotters’ Oaks at Melton on what shapes as an epic Victoria Cup night. Hunter revealed Gatesys Gem had endured a “few small issues” since she last raced, but was back on song now. “We’ve had a little bit to deal with, but I was really happy with her trial last week,” he said. Gatesys Gem beat a handy field comfortably in a 2min0.1sec mile rate for 2100m, closing off in 28.7sec. Gatesys Gem will race in The Ascent slot held jointly by Aussie trotting giants Duncan McPherson and Pat Driscoll. It’s a good fit given Gatesys Gem is by the ill-fated Aldebaran Eagle, who stood at McPherson’s Aldebaran Park. View the full article

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One day after the Jockeys' Guild issued a statement that excoriated the Horse Racing Safety and Integrity Authority for suspending Paco Lopez for six months, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus issued a statement defending the Authority's actions. In a January 17 order signed by both HISA and Lopez's representatives, the parties agreed that “this two-year suspension is probated contingent upon Lopez not committing another violation of HISA Rules that involves conduct similar to the conduct at issue in the Notice within two years of the date of this Order. If Lopez commits another violation of HISA Rules that involves conduct similar to the conduct at issue in the Notice within two years of the date of this Order, an immediate and automatic six-month suspension is imposed upon Lopez prohibiting Lopez from riding in any Covered Horserace.” Lazarus said that Lopez did exactly that. “HISA's #1 priority is and always will be the safety of all horses and riders,” said Lazarus. “Suspending Mr. Lopez for six months was not a decision taken lightly but instead a last resort after numerous efforts to encourage him to be compliant with our rules failed. On January 17, 2025, Mr. Lopez was suspended for two years for striking National Law in anger. HISA and Mr. Lopez's representatives agreed that Mr. Lopez could return to racing after 45 days, but he would remain on probation until January of 2027 with the specific proviso that if he engaged in similar behavior within two years of the agreement, he would be automatically suspended for six months. Since the start of 2025, 712 jockeys have raced in HISA jurisdictions making 126,618 total starts. During that time, there have been a total of 25 crop violations at eight different racetracks for raising the wrist above the helmet while striking a horse. Mr. Lopez returned to racing from his last suspension in late January of 2025 and still constitutes eight of those 25 violations, almost one-third of the violations across all HISA jurisdictions nationwide. Other than Mr. Lopez, no other jockey has more than two violations in 2025 for striking a horse with the wrist above the helmet. It is our sincere hope that Mr. Lopez will return to horse racing after his suspension ready to follow the rules and set a good example for his supporters.” Lopez's attorney, Drew Mollica, still insisted that the multiple crop violations did not violate the agreement between the parties. “The tenor of the agreement was that he would not comport himself with similar behavior to the National Law incident,” said Mollica. “The National Law incident was about striking a horse in anger post-race. They are conflating issues to try and punish Paco. The tenor of the agreement, the plain language of that agreement, was that he would not breach the agreement, and he did not by committing minor whip violations that were all adjudicated by the stewards. He did not hit any horse in anger.” The post Lazarus Defends Lopez Six-Month Suspension appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple Grade I-winner Locked (Gun Runner) looms the big favorite in the scratch-decimated GII Woodward Stakes on Saturday at the Belmont Big A meet, but is far from the only marquee name this upcoming weekend across the country. One of three confirmed runners for Saturday's co-feature in New York, Locked comes into the race with a two-race skid to break after he missed the board May 2 in the GII Alysheba Stakes when returning to the races after a tour de force effort in the GI Santa Anita Handicap Mar. 1 in California. His most recent effort was an even third July 4 in the GII Suburban Stakes–won narrowly by Phileas Fogg (Astern {Aus}) by the smallest of margins over Antiquarian (Preservationist). That pair would later return for the controversial GI Jockey Club Gold Cup that left Mindframe (Constitution) without a rider and Irad Ortiz Jr. sent to the hospital. Antiquarian won the race while Phileas Fogg was disqualified to unplaced. Ortiz Jr. was later cleared after miraculously avoiding major injuries. For Locked's connections, the space between the Suburban and Woodward was an intentional choice as they conceded that his earlier exploits leading up to the Big Cap may've caught up to their stable star this past spring. “He just didn't have that 'oomph' that we know he's capable of in the Suburban,” said Eclipse Thoroughbreds's Aron Wellman. “He was inside and closer to the pace than usual, which might not have been to his liking, but no excuses. He just wasn't the Locked that we know can be so brilliant. We really decided to hit the reboot button, and the last month he's been training like the 'A' version of Locked, which is highly encouraging. He's run very well at Aqueduct in the past, the Woodward is a historic race, and we're very much looking forward to getting him back on top.” The morning line favors the chestnut to the tune of 9-5 odds and he'll have the services of Hall of Fame rider John Velazquez, who rode the colt to two victories over this track and a second in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational. Post Time (Frosted) enters this contest off the back of his annual masterclass in the Polynesian Stakes, where he won by 17 lengths. His sixth in the GI Whitney Stakes two back Aug. 2 was the first time in his 19-race career that the grey had ever been off the board. He's been a frequent face at the highest levels and a tough customer no matter where he travels, so it looks to be no different here with only two other horses around him in the gate. Phileas Fogg looks for redemption after his disqualification last out, and will be looking to claim his second graded victory since being claimed for $62,500 last summer at Saratoga. Europeans Invade New York for Joe Hirsch Rebel's Romance | Megan Coggin The globetrotting titans meet the local giants as Europeans and top U.S. turf routers alike descend on New York for the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes to make for a busy day at the Belmont Big A meet. Chief among those is multiple Group/Grade I winner Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who's enjoying another strong year in his sixth season on the track with four victories. He was last seen in Germany taking top prize in the G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin by three-quarters of a length and closed well into less than ideal conditions at Ascot July 26 to finish third in the G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The prospect of soft turf kept Rebel's Romance from attempting a title defense Sunday in Germany's G1 Preis von Europa and brought the stable star to American instead. The morning line has the two-time GI Breeders' Cup Turf victor at even-money and he'll likely be lower by the time the gates open. “He's had a really solid year,” said Chris Connett, traveling assistant for Charlie Appleby. “He stepped up to a mile and six [furlongs] and won the Yorkshire Cup and then he ran back in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot and won there as well before a pretty gutsy run in the King George when the race wasn't really ran to suit him. He bounced back with a win in Germany, so he's just as good as ever really.” To that anticipated favorite's inside is stablemate El Cordobes (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), whose first trip to the States last out resulted in a half-length overhaul of Rebel Red (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the GI Sword Dancer Stakes to mark his first elite-level victory. He garnered a 105 Beyer figure there, and picks up Hall of Famer John Velazquez for this trip. The morning line has this son of Frankel sitting at 3-1 odds. “El Cordobes has led in his races before but has also been dropped in like he did in the Sword Dancer. Rebel's Romance is fairly uncomplicated, as well – he jumps out and has a big old stride on him and if they're going too slow, he can go on; and if they're going quick enough, he can take a sit.” While the Europeans will take heavy action, the locals will have something to say in the matter as 'TDN Rising Star' MGISW Far Bridge (English Channel) looks to pick up his fourth victory on the year and player spoiler against tough company. While he weakened to sixth last out Aug. 9 in the Sword Dancer, he has produced a 101 Beyer-worthy victory two back July 12 in the GII Bowling Green Stakes. That still puts him almost four points lower than El Cordobes and three below Rebel Red, but Far Bridges has shown a similar pattern of occasionally throwing a clunker before bouncing back to form, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see that repeat here. Supporting Acts on Joe Hirsch/Woodward Day Still a Salty Affair Juddmonte's Impel (Quality Road) enters the GII Gallant Bloom Stakes with a two-race winstreak to defend and locks horns with the lightly raced Senza Parole (Gun Runner) as that one makes just her third lifetime appearance in the afternoon. The former battled to a game head victory in the Groupie Doll Stakes in her most recent start, and earned a season-best 90 Beyer for the effort. Her win before that was a June 22 optional claimer at Churchill Downs which saw her clear her rivals by 1 1/2 lengths. Senza Parole started her career last season with a lone jump Aug. 23 at Saratoga, and rolled away from a maiden field to win by 7 3/4 lengths in a 'TDN Rising Star'-worthy debut. She returned last out almost a year to the day at that venue, and tired late to finish second by three-quarters of a length against first-level allowance foes. It's going to be a step up in class for her, and she's going to need to show more, but that 94 Beyer on career unveiling shows she's got the goods to be a major player. The question for her will be if her inexperience becomes her worst enemy. R Disaster | Sarah Andrew Florida-bred R Disaster (Awesome Slew) has never been off the board and will try to break through with her first graded victory after coming a neck short on two occasions this year–in the GIII Hurricane Bertie and GIII Vagrancy Stakes at Gulfstream Park and Aqueduct, respectably. She's a need-to-lead type with the rail to her disposal, so she'll be dangerous. Older horses assemble for the GIII Belmont Turf Sprint, and Twenty Six Black (War Dancer) heads a competitive field of elder statesmen in the turf dash to kick off Woodward Day in New York. The gelding enters this race with a field-high Beyer figure of 100 last out Aug. 31 at Saratoga when he won the Disco Partner Stakes. It was a matching Beyer from his effort two back July 4 in the GII Troy Stakes, where he closed late to run second to Saratoga specialist Bring Theband Home (Into Mischief). Between those last two jumps, most of his rivals have returned for this contest, including Run Curtis Run (Summer Front), who figures to be rounding back into his 2022 form where he missed the board only once in a campaign which saw him compete near exclusively against stakes-quality competition. Also among those repeat faces is Grade I-placed Alogon (California Chroma), whose elite black type came three races back June 8 in the GI Jaipur Stakes when the boys battled for the minors behind Ag Bullet (Twirling Candy). He ran fourth in the GII Troy found in several of his competition's running lines, and last out Sept. 6 came a neck short of claiming the Da Hoss Stakes at Colonial Downs. The homebreds lock horns in the GIII Vosburgh Stakes as LNJ Foxwoods colorbearer Scotland (Good Magic) draws to the inside of Godolphin's Nash (Medaglia d'Oro) for the seven-furlong battle. After having to go seven-wide last out in the GI Forego Stakes, he came within a length of eventual victor Book'em Danno (Bucchero), and was given a 96 Beyer that ended up being his best effort on paper since he won an optional claimer at Saratoga July 2024 with a 98. He posted a bullet move Sept. 20 over the Oklahoma training track when he breezed four furlongs in :48.65 (1/78). Nash also faced sprinting titan Book'em Danno, but their faceoff came July 19 in the GII Alfred G. Vanderbilt where he ran a flat sixth after being knocked around at the break. He'd entered that race a nose winner of an optional claiming contest at Churchill Downs that gave him a 108 Beyer to boast in his running lines. He's been working at Churchill, but ships up to New York for this contest. Santa Anita Hosts Two 'Win and You're Om' Contests on Busy Saturday Coast to Coast The GI Goodwood Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic, is shaping up to be a showdown between Privman (Justify) for the 3-year-olds and GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile shocker Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast), who has not missed a beat since coming to the States from South America. The latter was purchased just two races into his 2024 campaign, and debuted for Hronis Racing and trainer John Sadler in early August of that year after being imported. Full Serrano wins the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar in 2024 | Horsephotos He immediately found the winner's enclosure and started a march from there that saw him produce his best race to date last November at Del Mar when he overhauled Post Time (Frosted)–who will be contesting the GII Woodward across the country in New York–to win the Dirt Mile. He was gone until Sept. 1 after that career high, but his return to the races turned into a masterclass effort as he strolled home by 7 1/4 lengths. He's been working lights out since then and the morning line likes him to the tune of 2-1 odds. “We were really pleased with his comeback,” Sadler said. “He had a little injury early in the year and we so gave him time. He came back really well.” Privman will be the leader of the Baffert group after GISW Gaming (Game Winner) scratched out Friday evening. The son of Justify is making his stakes debut in the Goodwood, but with a 97 Beyer to his credit after his optional claiming win last out Aug. 9, he's shown the ability to be incredibly tough here. That being said, he's facing horses with deep resumes and considerably more seasoning than he does, and it's a concern even his conditioner acknowledges could be a problem. “He's still a bit immature. He got a little erratic when he made the lead the other day,” Baffert said. “This is a tough race. I'll see how he handles it, but we're looking down the road with him. We'll see how he handles it, but he's going to be a better older horse.” Stablemate Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach) comes into this contest with a four-length win in the Los Alamitos Derby and is in a similar boat as Privman regarding maturity. He last seen running second to Gaming in the Affirmed Stakes after breaking his maiden at first-asking Apr. 19. “He's a horse I've always been high on,” Baffert said. “I was going to take him to Parx [for last weekend's GI Pennsylvania Derby], but I wasn't happy with his breeze. But he's come back and breezed well.” The GII City of Hope Stakes is not only a 'Win and You're In' race for the GII Breeders' Cup Mile, but also serves as the springboard to bigger things for Johannes (Nyquist), who looks to rebound from an ugly season start Aug. 2 in the GI Fourstardave at Saratoga. Virtually eliminated from contention a few strides out of the gates, that start had been his first since Dec. 26 when he won the GII San Gabriel Stakes. His connections announced he'd been injured not long after, and the leading turf miler in the West–arguably the country–was sidelined for over eight months as a result. With a line drawn through that race, he returns to his backyard, where he's done some of his best work, and looks to return to a winner's enclosure he's quite familiar with. In his way is millionaire Cabo Spirit (Pioneerof the Nile), a frequent face not just in the graded ranks in California, but at the Grade I level as well. He's hit the board in his last five starts–two of those in the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile and GI Shoemaker Mile–with a victory in the GIII American Stakes to his credit in 2025. His last seven races have yielded Beyers of mid to high 90s and he's in the best form of his career. Johannes is going to have his work cut out for him to run this one down if traffic issues find him once again. California Gradeds Competitive Top to Bottom for Goodwood Undercard GSW Stay Hot (Summer Front) will try to turn the tables on Gold Phoenix (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) in the GII John Henry Turf Championship Stakes to take home his first graded victory since 2023. Spycatcher (Noble Mission {GB}) will also look to continue his rise after picking up a victory last out Aug. 17 against local optional claimers. The downhill GII Eddie D Stakes will ask Yellow Card (Lost Treasure {Ire}) to find the form which saw him run second in the GI Aristocrat Franklin-Simpson Stakes last year at Kentucky Downs as a competitive field assembles around him for the turf dash at Santa Anita. Reef Runner (The Big Beast), who crossed the wire in first before being disqualified to second in the GIII Green Flash Handicap Aug. 30, will look to redeem himself here in his second California start. The 3-year-old fillies will dispute who amongst them will take home the honors in the GIII John C Harris Stakes with 'TDN Rising Star' MSW & MGSP Casalu (Caracaro) playing the leading lady. The Bob Baffert runner faded to eighth last out Aug. 16 in the GI Del Mar Oaks, but returns to a fruitful distance in this contest from the 1 1/8-miles she was asked to navigate at Del Mar. To her far outside, Tight Squeeze (Sir Prancealot {Ire}) goes to post for John Sadler. While she doesn't have the most decorated of careers when compared to some of her competitors, she is returning to the sight of her career-best Beyer figure, which also functions as the best number among the field as well. If she runs back to that form, she'll be adding graded black-type to her resume here. Hit Show (outside) | Coady Media Mystik Dan Returns to Churchill Downs for Lukas Classic G1 Dubai World Cup hero Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) is the horse to beat in the GII Lukas Classic Stakes underneath the Twin Spires, but will have GI Kentucky Derby victor Mystik Dan (Goldencents) to contend with as the latter returns to the site of his greatest victory over a track he likes. The former needed every furlong of the West Virginia Governor Stakes to overpower the pacesetter, but he got the photo by a head. It was a return to winning form after he fan a flat fifth in the GI Stephen Foster in his first appearance since claiming the World Cup in the UAE in early April. The 2024 Kentucky Derby winner has consistently shown that he like the Churchill track, and Mystik Dan will try to reverse his fortunes here after a try over the turf last out at Colonial Downs in the GI Arlington Million. He finished one spot ahead of Hit Show in the Stephen Foster, and won the GIII Blame Stakes–a race which also yielded the ultra-consistent Banishing (Ghostzapper). It's never wise to count this horse out as he's only been off the board once this season, and every other time, he's either outbattled his challenger or given them all they can handle. He's probably going to do the same thing again here. In the 12th renewal fo the Lukas Classic, the late trainer's widow Laurie Lukas will be on hand to present the trophy to the winning connections. Most Wanted (Candy Ride {Arg}) will be very tough to beat in the GIII Ack Ack Stakes as the 6-5 favorite drawn along the rail. He's shaping up to be the lone speed, and it will be a tough to run him down as he's not shy about throwing down in a fight. Will Take It (Tapit) comes in with a two race winstreak and good prior efforts at this track, but will be playing catch up in the lane. Who Dey (Liam's Map) on the far outside will be looking to claim his fourth win in a row. The post Locked Looms Large in Woodward, ‘Win and You’re In’ Weekend at Santa Anita Kicks Off Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After suffering six straight defeats, R. Lee Lewis' Gun Song returned to the winner's circle in the $232,500 Beldame Stakes (G2) Sept. 26 at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

Charm Stone advertised her spring credentials when she returned from a spell with a brilliant victory in the Sept. 26 Manikato Stakes (G1) over 1,200 meters (about six furlongs) at Moonee Valley Racecourse, her second taste of group 1 honors.View the full article

By Jonny Turner Clotilde Wainwright should find life a lot easier when she returns to Gore on Sunday. In her last visit to Eastern Southland, the four-year-old ran a fighting third behind one of the rising stars of New Zealand trotting in Tarragindi. This time the Nathan Williamson-trained mare slots into a Gold Chip Final, taking on maidens and one and two-win trotters. And it has made her a clear top-pick in early betting. “She would be my best chance on Sunday,” Williamson said. “Her last run at Gore was really good and it is a step back from what she has been racing.” “She went a solid race at Addington and she’s come home and freshened up well.” “I was happy with her workout last week, it was just a quiet hit-out.” “You’d think she would be a nice chance, stepping back in class.” Williamson lines up one more runner from his stable on Sunday in Palladium. Like his stablemate, the two-year-old has had a trip to Addington and a quick freshener ahead of his Gore outing. “Having the trip to Christchurch and a race under his belt has been beneficial to him.” “He’s a progressive horse, but he is still quite green and he’s still figuring out what it’s all about.” Williamson’s outside drives are headed by the highly impressive Winton winner from in Rock Band. The Stonewall Stud pacer sat parked in tough conditions last week before powering to a big win. “It was a big effort in the conditions.” “1700m is a different ask but he began well last week and if he turns up in that sort of form he is going to be hard to beat.” Rakamick looks another big winning threat for Williamson on Sunday. The pacer has gone two big races in his two starts on the Gore all-weather, while also placing on grass there too. “The last time I drove him he only just got beaten by a nice one on the grass at Gore.” “He’s very consistent and he looks a good chance again.” Leithen Louie looks well capable of stepping up in grade on Sunday after his last start maiden win at Ascot Park. The pacer is one of two horses Williamson will link up with from the Tony Stratford stable, alongside La Dama. Styx Jewel looks another serious winning hope for the reinsman, while Haley Robyn is another solid threat. To see the Gore fields click here View the full article

Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 15:00, THE TATTERSALLS MIDDLE PARK STAKES-G1, £291,580, 2yo, c, 6fT Field: Brussels (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Coppull (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), First Approach (Ire) (No Nay Never), Five Ways (GB) (Kameko), Havana Hurricane (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}), Hilitany (GB) (Ubettabelieveit (Ire), Kansas (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), The Publican's Son (Beau Liam), Wise Approach (Ire) Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Gstaad's absence has taken something away from this Middle Park, where Godolphin's Morny third Wise Approach sets the standard as he bids to emulate his half-brother Perfect Power who took this in 2021. The Richmond winner Coppull was too free in that Deauville feature, so expect a more measured ride but he has questions to answer now. Still a maiden, The Publican's Son is the second favourite in the betting having finished runner-up on his sole start to Mission Central in the Round Tower but he has improvement to find to trouble the market-leader along with the impressive Windsor novice winner Hilitany and Sirenia scorer Five Ways. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 14:25, THE TATTERSALLS SCEPTRE SESSIONS CHEVELEY PARK STAKES-G1, £275,000, 2yo, f, 6fT Field: American Queen (Ire) (Havana Grey {GB}), Anthelia (Ire) (Supremacy {Ire}), Beautify (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Fitzella (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Golden Palace (GB) (Palace Pier {GB}), Havana Anna (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Orion's Belt (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Royal Fixation (GB) (Palace Pier {GB}), True Love (Ire) (No Nay Never). TDN Analysis: Good luck to anybody who can guess who comes out on top from the Lowther winner Royal Fixation, the Queen Mary and Railway winner and Phoenix Stakes runner-up True Love and the Airlie Stud Stakes winner and Moyglare runner-up Beautify. That isn't even accounting for the Lowther runner-up America Queen, who was probably still a work in progress at York, and the Princess Margaret winner Fitzella and even the ultra-game Dick Poole scorer Anthelia whose innate toughness will take her far. In all probability, Beautify will be the one given how she dealt with her genuine top-drawer peers Venetian Sun and Composing last time despite finding Precise too strong. Last year's winner Lake Victoria came from that seven-furlong contest and history could repeat. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 13:50, THE TATTERSALLS ONLINE ROYAL LODGE STAKES-G2, £133,750, 2yo, c/g, 8fT Field: Action (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Ancient Egypt (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Bow Echo (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Daytona (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Humidity (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Lord Britain (GB) (Universal {Ire}), Pacific Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Tailgunner Joe (Knicks Go). TDN Analysis: TDN Rising Star Bow Echo will be a warm order for this Classic pointer, given how he went through the Ascendant at Haydock last time, but there is the small matter of Ballydoyle's Action laying in wait and that half-brother to Lambourn can surely only get better with time and experience. Other TDN Rising Stars are Godolphin's Pacific Avenue, who has something to prove after his Solario fourth and will need his run timed much better here, and Amo's unbeaten Ancient Egypt who gives all the right vibes despite lacking experience. Ballydoyle have won this with second-strings in the past and Daytona can be written off by nobody. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Curragh, post time: 14:35, QATAR RACING & EQUESTRIAN CLUB BERESFORD STAKES-G2, €72,000, 2yo, 8fT Field: Al Haarith (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Geryon (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Hawk Mountain (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Port Of Spain (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Shaihaan (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Analysis: This is another contest almost dominated by the O'Briens, with the outlier being Geryon who shades favouritism having been second in the Futurity here last month. For those thinking Derby 2026, the performances of Ballydoyle's maiden winners Hawk Mountain and Port Of Spain will come under close scrutiny with the former the first-string having dominated over course and distance last month. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Curragh, post time: 14:37, WELD PARK STAKES-G3, €36,000, 2yo, f, 7fT Field: Alibah (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), Amelia Earhart (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Black Caviar Gold (Ire) (Havana Grey {GB}), Kensington Lane (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Magny Cours (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Minerva (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Pivotal Attack (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Smexy (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Zous And Me (Ire) (Zoustar {Aus}). TDN Analysis: She may have been beaten three times so far, but there is a sense that Aidan O'Brien holds Amelia Earhart in high regard and it is worth bearing in mind that she contested the same Doncaster maiden as Whirl had 12 months earlier. She is probably a different proposition to the filly that was beaten so comprehensively on her second start by Pivotal Attack at Galway and that rival re-opposes on the back of a sixth in the Moyglare, the form of which will be tested on more than one occasion this weekend. Black Caviar Gold comes into this on the back of her dominant maiden win at Cork, as does the impressive Gowran Park winner Kensington Lane. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Curragh, post time: 15:12, TOTE GUARANTEE, NEVER BEATEN BY SP RENAISSANCE STAKES-G3, €36,000, 3yo/up, 6fT Field: Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Big Gossey (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}), King Cuan (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), My Mate Alfie (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Spycatcher (Ire) (Vadamos {Fr}), Bounty (Ire) (No Nay Never), Crestofdistinction (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), Ides Of March (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Queen Of Mougins (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Vespertilio (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Fregada (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). TDN Analysis: Some stalwarts gather here such as My Mate Alfie, Art Power and Spycatcher and with the way that the current campaign has gone for Ides Of March it will probably come down to one of the older brigade. Vespertilio is one from six at the trip, but her latest second in the Ballyogan puts her right in the mix and there is nothing progressive to deal with this time. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Cologne, Germany, post time: 16:00, MEHL-MULHENS-STIFTUNG – 63RD PREIS VON EUROPA-G1, €155,000, 3yo/up, 12fT Field: Alleno (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}), Columbus (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Sibayan (Fr) (Blame, Egina (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Tiffany (Ire) (Farhh {GB}), Path Of Soldier (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Think Giant (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Sir Mark Prescott has won this with contest Albanova in 2004 and Alpinista in 2021 and sends forth last November's G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern runner-up Tiffany, who will head postward for her first start since. Her chief threats are dual Group 2 winner Sibayan, G1 Deutsches Derby fourth Path Of Soldier and G1 Grosser Preis von Bayern fourth Alleno. Of the remainder, Gestut Park Wiedingen's ultra consistent G2 Badener Stutenpreis victrix Egina makes most appeal in a competitive renewal, with her trainer Peter Schiergen seeking a sixth edition of Cologne's annual highlight. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Cologne, Germany, post time: 15:20, DINGER'S GARTENCENTER KOLN – SPRINT TROPHY-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, 7fT Field: Breizh Sky (Fr) (Pedro The Great), Schutzenzauber (Ger) (Amaron {GB}), Espero (Ger) (Territories {Ire}), Shootout (Ire) (Areion {GB}), Vafortino (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Dhitjari (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Duty First (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Quebec (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}). TDN Analysis: Breizh Sky has annexed two black-type contests this term, outpointing Shootout by a head at Cologne in June, and is taken to confirm form in this return to pattern-race company. However, he may have to give way to G1 Irish 1000 Guineas fourth Duty First, who seeks redemption having failed to beat a single rival in Royal Ascot's G1 Coronation Stakes and Newbury's G2 Hungerford Stakes in her two subsequent starts. Fellow British raider Vafortino, unplaced in last term's G1 British Champions Sprint, has run fifth in two handicaps this term and is better judged on a runner-up finish in last year's G2 City Of York Stakes. This month's G2 Oettingen-Rennen third Quebec heads the home defence. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Cologne, Germany, post time: 14:15, OERTEL & PRUMM TEAM UNTER SPANNUNG – WINTERKONIGIN TRIAL-Listed, €25,000, 2yo, f, 7 1/2fT Field: Alsterperle (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}), Believe in Me (Ger) (Intello {Ger}), Daiana (GB) (Zelzal {Fr}), Dirty Deeds (Ger) (Alson {Ger}), Madame Magic (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Miss Talvard (Fr) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}), Taromina (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}). TDN Analysis: This trial for next month's G3 Preis der Winterkonigin includes just two nominees, Alsterperle and Madame Magic, with entries for the main event itself. Both have yet to shed maiden status, while Believe In Me, Swiss raider Miss Talvard and Dirty Deeds already have wins in the bag, with the latter defeating Taromina by a head when the pair met at Magdeburg two weeks ago. Peter Schiergen trainee Daiana is highly tried on debut. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Nakayama, post time: 15:40, SPRINTERS STAKES-G1, ¥328,800,0000, 3yo/up, 1200mT Field: Puro Magic (Jpn) (Asia Express), Yoshino Easter (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}), Danon McKinley (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), Mama Cocha (Jpn) (Kurofune), Kangchenjunga (Jpn) (Big Arthur {Jpn}), Namura Clair (Jpn) (Mikki Isle {Jpn}), Satono Reve (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Pair Pollux (Jpn) (Kinshasa No Kiseki {Aus}), Drop Of Light (Jpn) (Tosen Ra {Jpn}), Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}), Toshin Macau (Jpn) (Big Arthur {Jpn}), Yamanin Al Rihla (Jpn) (Isla Bonita {Jpn}), June Blaire (American Pharoah), Ka Pilina (Jpn) (Dunkirk), Lugal (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Win Carnelian (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}). TDN Analysis: With the 2023 and 2024 winners in here in the form of Mama Cocha and Lugal, Satono Reve faces a stiff task in his first run back from an admirable second in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. Plenty of Group 1 horses are on hand to complicate matters, and former Hong Kong champion Lucky Sweynesse enters on the back of a second in Class 1 company earlier this month. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Re-routed Wise Approach Aims To Emulate Half-Brother Perfect Power In The Middle Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sitting a picture-perfect stalking trip in a four-horse field, GUN SONG (f, 4, Gun Runner–Nicole H, by Mr. Greeley) pushed by heavy favorite Randomized (Nyquist) to post the 9-2 upset in Friday's GII Beldame Stakes at Aqueduct. Positioned third for much of the first mile as the 2-5 favorite was content to lead, John Velazquez kept his filly quiet and let Margie's Intention (Honor A.P.) back out things before sweeping to the lead as Randomized was left to battle for second with a resurging Margie's Intention. Friday, Belmont At The Big A BELDAME S.-GII, $232,500, Belmont The Big A, 9-26, 3yo/up, f/m, 1 1/8m, 1:49.45, ft. 1–GUN SONG, 124, f, 4, by Gun Runner 1st Dam: Nicole H (GSW & GISP, $811,144), by Mr. Greeley 2nd Dam: Hot Chipotle, by Victory Gallop 3rd Dam: Cajun Cat, by Storm Cat ($120,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $400,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR). O-R. Lee Lewis; B-Marianne Stribling (KY); T-Mark A. Hennig; J-John Velazquez. $137,500. Lifetime Record: 16-5-5-2, $915,720. Werk Nick Rating: B. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Randomized, 124, m, 5, Nyquist–French Passport, by Elusive Quality. ($420,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Klaravich Stables, Inc.; B-Cove Springs, LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. $50,000. 3–Margie's Intention, 120, f, 3, Honor A. P.–Playful Dancer, by Into Mischief. ($57,000 Ylg '23 FTKOCT; $185,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-WinStar Farm LLC and Tom Mueller; B-Coteau Grove Farms, LLC (LA); T-Brad H. Cox. $30,000. Margins: 1 1/4, NK, 35. Odds: 4.77, 0.42, 2.60. Also Ran: Just Music. Scratched: Majestic Oops. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. GUN SONG upsets the Grade 2 Beldame Stakes at 9/2 under @ljlmvel for trainer @Hennigracing, earning credits toward @BreedersCup Distaff entry fees! pic.twitter.com/BgWHgyLYkA — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) September 26, 2025 The post Gun Song Upsets The Beldame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Santa Anita Derby and GI Preakness Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin) continued to prep for his upcoming start in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 1, working a half-mile bullet in company in :47.0 (1/41) Friday at Santa Anita. Journalism shared the bullet for the distance with his workmate, Touch of Destiny (Midshipman), an group-winning import from Uruguay who has not started in the U.S. Of Journalism, trainer Mike McCarthy said “I thought he worked well. It was just an easy half-mile, a leg stretcher.” Journalism most recently was second in the GI Pacific Classic Aug. 30 at Del Mar. The Journalism got a bit more serious today for @mwmracing, breezing outside of a mate @santaanitapark. The 3x Grade 1-winner & Classic @PreaknessStakes hero hit the wire in 47-sharp, galloping out in 59 and change. 35 days til @BreedersCup Classic. #BeastMode #BelieveBig pic.twitter.com/pkqnO5Jjzo — Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) September 26, 2025 The post Journalism Drills Ahead Of Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Sept. 27 Cheveley Park Stakes (G1) at Newmarket is by no means a straight head-to-head, with four fillies holding major claims, but it could be decided by the outcome of the rematch between Lowther (G2) 1-2 Royal Fixation and America Queen.View the full article

This year's 2-year-old program has marched on without bringing the horses with it. The division is still forming ahead of the Middle Park (G1) Sept. 27, which has as strong a claim as any to be the last real leading 2-year-old race of the campaign.View the full article

Henry and Heather de Bromhead, along with their daughters Mia and Georgia, officially opened the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre in the campus of ChildVision in Drumcondra. The 1,375 square metre indoor equine therapeutic centre, named in memory of their beloved son and brother, was built as a result of a fundraising campaign spearheaded by Chris Jones. The centre is at the forefront of specialist therapy and education for children with visual impairments and will give children with visual impairments and additional disabilities access to the best global equine activities in a supportive and purpose designed environment. The centre will allow the ChildVision equine team and volunteers to extend their services to reach more children over more hours making a life-changing difference, especially through the winter months and in bad weather conditions. “The equine centre at ChildVision is a wonderful legacy for our beloved Jack, a hugely missed son and brother,” said the de Bromhead family in a statement. “Horses are a huge part of our lives, and we know the physical experience of riding a horse offers so many potential benefits, especially helping address a host of physical, social and emotional issues. More so, the Jack de Bromhead Equine Centre will be a place of learning and hope, full of laughter and joy, traits that were such a part of Jack, all facilitated by the much-treasured horses and ponies that call the ChildVision stables home. “We are delighted to have been part of this journey and today to see this vision become a reality with the opening of the Centre. We are forever grateful to all the donors who came on board to support us – we know Jack would be really proud of what this life-changing generosity will enable for generations to come.” For more information on the centre, please visit the ChildVision website. The post Jack De Bromhead Equine Centre Launched At ChildVision Campus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A few hours after winning this year's GI Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes with World Beater (Oscar Performance), Riley Mott was home with his family eating takeout pizza. He shared a beer with his father, Bill, and was in bed by 9 p.m. The celebration was quiet, almost ordinary, but the milestone was anything but. Less than three years after going out on his own, Mott, age 33, had claimed his first Grade I win at the track that he had once called his playground and the town where he had first dreamed of following in his father's footsteps. Not long after, Mott returned to the headlines when Argos (Nyquist) claimed the GI Summer Stakes, stamping his ticket to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. Mott didn't necessarily set out with such lofty goals for his fledgling stable. His approach was simple: build the right team, attract the right owners, and trust that quality horses would eventually come into the barn. So far, the results are arriving sooner than anticipated. “To be able to win at the highest level so early in our team's career really means a lot,” Mott said. “I'm proud of the team because most of the guys and girls in the barn have been with us from day one. It also says a lot about the ownership that we are lucky enough to work with, that we can compete at the highest level when given the right horses and the right opportunities. I'm just over the moon and hopefully everything from here out this year is a cherry on top.” The son of a Hall of Fame trainer, it's no surprise that Mott's childhood memories are of spending time at the barn. Once he was old enough to start attempting to build sand castles in the shed row while horses were cooling out, he was put to work raking the barn aisle and filling water buckets. By the time he started learning how to walk the pony, he was already dreaming of becoming a trainer one day. “I got addicted to handling the horses and being hands on with them,” he said. “I groomed, I ran the shedrow and I eventually became an assistant. I was lucky enough to grow up around a lot of great horsemen and people within the operation.” After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Mott was an assistant for his father for almost nine years–a period that he describes as the graduate school of his education in the sport. In November 2022, he launched his own stable. “I had the itch for a couple years before I went out,” Mott recalled. “I was 29 and thought I could either stay under my dad for another 10 years and be happy and do well in his operation or I could put what I'd learned to the test and see what I can do on my own. I thought it was the right decision at the right time for my family and I got full blessing from my dad.” From day one, Mott placed an emphasis on curating the right team for his operation. “You can't necessarily control what horses come through the barn or the quality that you're working with every day, but one thing that you can control is the staff that you put in place,” he explained. “Then when that high quality horse or horses do come through, you're ready for it.” In the winner's circle after World Beater's Saratoga Derby score | Sarah Andrew One of the earliest supporters of Mott's operation was Jim and Dana Bernhard's Pin Oak Stud. World Beater came from the first crop of 2-year-olds Mott received from the farm. A $105,000 yearling, the son of Oscar Performance made two attempts on the main track as a 2-year-old before switching over to the turf this year and breaking his maiden at Churchill Downs on May 2. Following a win in the Audobon Stakes and a runner-up effort to Test Score (Lookin At Lucky) in the GI Belmont Derby, World Beater turned the tables on that rival in the Saratoga Derby. The win could not have been drawn up any better for Mott. “For one, it was in Saratoga,” he said. “A Grade I anywhere is special, but Saratoga is my home track where I grew up. Not only that, but my entire family was there–my children, my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, my wife's whole side of the family.” World Beater added another victory this month in the Sept. 6 GIII Old Dominion Derby. He's now on a planned layoff heading into the fall, with Mott already mapping out a big 4-year-old campaign next year. Mott helps prepare Yoshida (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) for a trip to Royal Ascot in 2018 | Emma Berry Following World Beater's breakthrough, the barn's latest standout is Argos. A $165,000 OBS March purchase, the son of Nyquist is the first horse Mott has trained for David Romanik, an attorney from South Florida, and his group of partners. Argos broke his maiden at Ellis Park on July 13 and ran third in the Soaring Softly Stakes. Off at 6-1 in the GI Summer Stakes, the bay came flying late to get the win, fending off Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' Wild Desert (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Now training back at Churchill Downs, Argos is on track for a trip to Del Mar. While Mott has plenty of Breeders' Cup experience, this will be his first representing his own stable at the World Championship meet. “My entire life, the Breeders' Cup has been my Super Bowl,” said Mott. “It's what I've looked forward to all year. I literally daydream about it constantly, so to have one going in just our third year is super exciting and he's not only one that qualified, but I think he's got a legitimate chance to be highly competitive in the race.” Since its launch, Mott's operation has grown into a stable of about 60 horses, with summer strings at Keeneland, Churchill Downs and Ellis Park, and winter bases at Keeneland and Palm Meadows. He hopes to expand further with a Saratoga barn next summer. Mott is well aware that carrying on the family name in racing comes with high expectations, but he doesn't begrudge building his career under the shadow of one of the sport's all-time greats. “It's an honor, because he's my dad and he's my superhero,” he said. “It's really flattering when people say nice things about him, but I find it as a good source of motivation to uphold the standard that he's set forth and the reputation that he has gained over his lifetime. I'd like to uphold that same standard and try to achieve the things that he has. It's a tall order, but I mean, why wouldn't you try to shoot for the stars and accomplish what he has?” Argos wins the GI Summer Stakes | Michael Burns He is quick to deflect comparisons with his father, but admits there's one area where he has the edge. “Maybe I communicate a little better than him and I'm a little more tech savvy than him,” the younger Mott said with a wry grin. “But I would say we're pretty similar. I have my own flavor to some different aspects of what we do in the barn and how we train, but his knowledge has been a major influence on our operation.” His father hasn't been the only trainer to shape his career. Mott said another mentor has influenced his approach to the sport. “One thing I took from Christophe Clement after being around his operation for so long is how he was so involved and conscious of bringing in young people and trying to help their careers,” Mott explained. “That inspired me, after he passed away, in thinking about what I could do to honor him. I think exposing the next generation is super important and something I really want to focus on.” Three University of Kentucky students are currently working for Mott at Keeneland and a University of Louisville student is in his barn at Churchill Downs. For Mott, it all comes back to legacy—not only the one he inherited, but the one he hopes to create. With two Grade I wins, a Breeders' Cup contender and a growing stable, his own story is just getting started. “The main thing is the horses,” he said. “Hopefully the good times keep rolling and we can keep getting fast horses.” The post Riley Mott Building His Own Legacy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' Damon's Mound (Girvin) leads 64 offerings in the catalog for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA October (Early) Sale which went online Friday morning. Bidding is now open for the online auction with the first lot set to close Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. Eastern, with subsequent listings hammering in three-minute increments thereafter. Among the standouts in the catalog is the aforementioned Damon's Mound, a Grade II winner offered as a racing or stallion prospect. This 'Rising Star' was a quick-starting 2-year-old, breaking his maiden on debut by an imposing 12 1/2 lengths in a Churchill Downs maiden special weight, then adding distance in the stretch to win the GII Saratoga Special Stakes by 3 1/4 lengths in his second career start. He has remained incredibly consistent through his later seasons, finishing in the money in nine of 16 starts–13 of which have been in stakes or graded stakes company–and earning over $780,000. Damon's Mound has continued to perform at a high level in 2025, kicking off his season with a victory in the Sunshine Sprint Stakes at Gulfstream Park, and earning a career-best 97 Beyer Speed Figure in this year's GII Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes. Looking to the future, Damon's Mound offers one of the first opportunities to stand a son of the young sire Girvin at stud. Girvin, the sire of Grade I winners Dorth Vader and fellow 'Rising Star' Faiza, has had yearlings command up to $700,000 at this summer's sales. Damon's Mound is offered by owner/breeder Cliff Love, and he is available for inspection at the Saratoga barn of trainer Bill Mott. Also for offer, Presha (Omaha Beach) is a 3-year-old stakes-placed filly who, after selling for $390,000 as a juvenile, showed precociousness on the racetrack, with a 3 1/4-length maiden special weight score at Horseshoe Indianapolis and a third-place effort in the Tepin Stakes on the turf at Aqueduct, where she finished three-quarters of a length behind winner Laurelin (Zarak {Fr}). Offered as a broodmare prospect, Presha offers an international pedigree, with names under the second dam including Bubble Rock, a Grade II winner in the U.S. who became Group 1-placed in Australia; and Blue Chipper, the winner of the G1 Korea Sprint who then shipped overseas to run third in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. Presha is consigned by Evergreen Equine. Breeders looking to add to their broodmare bands will also take notice of Chasing Cara (Broken Vow), a multiple stakes-placed mare who is offered in-foal as part of the debut book of champion National Treasure, winner of the both the GI Preakness Stakes and GI Metropolitan Handicap. Consigned by Brookdale, Chasing Cara earned over $326,000 during her racing career, making her contribution to one of the stud book's most influential families, with names including Hall of Famer Sky Beauty, European champion Dayjur, and Grade I winner Violence, among many others. Other mares in the catalogue are offered in-foal to stallions including Grazen, Leinster, Maximus Mischief, Rombauer, Storm the Court, Tacitus, Tizamagician, and Winchill. The slate of yearling offerings is led by a half-sister to Grade I-winning millionaire Carson's Run, by the popular young sire Maxfield. Maxfield currently ranks third on North America's freshman sire list by earnings, including 12 winners and three 'TDN Rising Stars'. Among them are Englishman, who earned an eye-popping 97 Beyer Speed Figure on debut at Churchill Downs. The filly is consigned by Frankfort Park Farm. Weanlings in the catalogue include a colt by Vekoma, the leading freshman sire of 2024. Vekoma has remained white-hot in 2025, with recent graded stakes successes like GII Gallant Bob Stakes winner Mad House and GIII Prioress Stakes winner Praying. Paramount Sales consigns the filly, as agent. “We're coming to the end of the yearling season and everyone is looking towards the breeding shed and 2026,” said Inglis Digital USA CEO Kyle Wilson. “I think we've got some really exciting prospects for breeders and pinhookers who have a little extra cash in their pockets. Racehorses are always in season and we've got some very nice ones on offer. Our team is here to help, so please reach out to any of us for anything.” Interested parties must register for an account on the Inglis Digital USA website and request a bidding limit in order to place bids. Click here to view the catalog and register to bid. The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Damon’s Mound Leads Inglis Digital USA’s 2025 October (Early) Sale Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lucky Sweynesse looks to become the third Hong Kong-based horse to win the Sprinters Stakes (G1), one of only two grade 1 sprints on the Japanese racing schedule.View the full article

1st-BAQ, 85k, Msw, 2yo, 1m, 12:35 p.m. ET Courting (Curlin), the 2024 $5-million Keeneland September topper and full-brother to MGISW Clairiere, debuts for Whisper Hill Farm, breeder Stonestreet Stables and Windancer Farm and trainer Todd Pletcher going a one-turn mile. Produced by MGISW Cavorting (Bernardini), Courting is also a half-brother to SW La Crete (Medaglia d'Oro) and a full-brother to MGSP Judge Miller. Rebel Instinct (Into Mischief), a son of GI Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic heroine Unrivaled Belle (Unbridled's Song) and a half-brother to two-time champion Unique Bella (Tapit), debuts for Chad Brown. The $700,000 FTSAUG yearling is campaigned in partnership by Resolute Racing and breeder Whisper Hill Farm. Dionysus (Nyquist) drew widest of all in post eight for this first career start. The $1.2-million KEESEP yearling is owned by Resolute Racing and is trained by Brown. Three Chimneys Farm homebred Igniter (Volatile), featured in 'Second Chances' following a wide-trip third first out in a live maiden special weight at the Spa Aug. 9, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite. He is trained by Rick Dutrow, Jr. TJCIS PPS The post Saturday’s Racing Insights: $5-Million KEESEP Topper Courting Debuts at Belmont at the Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Although he was the only guest from the Thoroughbred industry to be invited to speak on a panel largely comprised of and aimed at mental health professionals, Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith spoke eloquently and poignantly Friday while offering perspectives tinged with gratefulness and optimism regarding how the racing industry has recently stepped up its suicide prevention and wellness initiatives. Smith appeared via videoconference from his home in California during a Sept. 26 session titled “Stigma and Suicide: Breaking the Silence to Save Lives” that was hosted in-person and streamed online by Eastern Kentucky University during the final week of Suicide Prevention Month. Smith began with comments about the unique rigors of being a jockey, a profession in which mental and physical stressors can be intertwined and the workplace is intensely competitive. In racing, as in most sports, Smith said, athletes have long been conditioned to keep quiet about going through trouble in their lives. “A lot of times it's a sign of weakness. There's a lot of money spent on these racehorses. There's a lot of pressure. The purses are in the millions, at times,” Smith said. “And if you show any signs of mental health issues or depression, well, it could cost you your job. “[Owners and trainers] are going to move on to somebody that they feel is more mentally stable,” Smith said. “Although we all go through some sort of mental health issues and depression, no one's able to admit it, especially in sports and especially in a high-pressure situation like riding a racehorse where every half of a second matters and you can make all these decisions that can either win or lose you the race.” “You have to be there, 100% mentally, they believe. So if you show any signs of depression or mental health issues, it'll cost you your job,” Smith said. Smith was asked by a conference participant about what types of reactions he has observed when jockeys in the past have sought out help. “Those that seek out help basically weren't riding much anymore,” Smith said. “You know, we're self-employed. We're independent contractors. So if you're not riding, you're not making a living. It just cost them their job. There are so many jockeys in this industry, [owners and trainers] can just move on to the next guy just like that, and they do. “In our sport, when you win at 20% of the time, you're in the Hall of Fame. So you're losing 80% of the time,” Smith said with a laugh to underscore how prevalent being an also-ran is, even for the best in the business. “A lot of times there's no success, you're struggling to make both ends meet. One moment you're on top of the world and the next you're at the bottom, all depending on how the last race went,” Smith said. “And in our sport, as well, as far as jockeys are concerned, we have to keep our weight at a certain level. So we're constantly pulling weight,” Smith said. “A lot of us will pull anywhere from four to five to six pounds a day. So that takes wear and tear on your body. Not only physically, but mentally as well. So you've got to be able to pull that kind of weight and yet still perform at the highest level, which gets difficult at times,” Smith said. “There's [also] a stigma that just because you're successful, you don't have mental health issues or depression,” Smith said. “Sometimes, some of the most successful people that I've met in life, you would think, 'Why are you depressed? You've got a big house, you've done well,'” Smith said. “I think there's a stigma [that] we only think that people that aren't doing well or aren't successful are having these problems. But even very, very successful people on the highest end, sometimes they're having it just as bad, if not more than others.” Sarah Andrew Smith was asked what forms of professional assistance have been helpful for jockeys and if he, himself, is being counseled or is in recovery for mental health issues. “I'm not in any kind of recovery,” Smith said. “Although like I said earlier, I don't think there's a human being [who] hasn't suffered some sort of mental issue or breakdown or depression, whatever you'd like to call it. We've all gone through it. I'm a man of faith. I believe [in spirituality] very well. I've got a great family. Great friends. I reach out to people. But there's been times when I've even thought, you know…” Smith let that line of thought trail off into silence for a moment. “Sometimes it's just a matter of just holding on for five more minutes and all of a sudden everything changes,” Smith said. “And you like to tell people that, [whether] it's five minutes, thirty, an hour; maybe a day or two, a week. Things will change–for the better, always. At least I believe that.” And the racing industry itself has changed, Smith said. “We've got a lot going now with the Jockeys' Guild, HISA [the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority], and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America, which are on most racetracks, and the Winners Foundation here in California. We've recently partnered with Onrise. We have a lot of places to go, a lot of people to speak to,” Smith said. “Just recently, in the last two years, we've lost two young, young riders, [23-year-old] Avery Whisman and [29-year-old] Alex Canchari,” Smith said. “And they came from great families and good people, and what pushed them to die by suicide, I wish we really knew. Some of it was health issues as far as having to pull a lot of weight, and the other young man was a lot of financial issues that he was going through that caused him to die by suicide.” Smith said the industry has responded. “Our industry has really stepped up recently and taken mental health to a whole level that I never thought it would go to,” Smith said. “I have to say that I'm kind of proud of our industry and our sport that we have done that. We're learning more, and everything is just learning as we go. “Sports in general, I think sports has really done a great job of [addressing] mental health. You see it in the NBA and the NFL and all sports. It's been pretty amazing, and I'm proud of that,” Smith said. “This is something we never would have talked about a couple of years ago,” Smith said. “It's just good to be able to talk to people and to have these organizations that we have now [and] people actually talk about it now a lot more in the jocks' room.” Smith reminisced: “Man, we would never talk about [mental health] in the jocks' room [in the past]. If I was talking to the guy next to me a few years back and he was telling me he had mental issues, I'd be the first one to say that I don't want to be next to that guy, riding next to him. I mean, he's got to make a split-second decision. My life's on the line. “But we all go through it. And once we all start talking about it, I think you feel better about it. And those [who are open about discussing issues] are actually the people that once you talk about it, it's more normal. If I meet a guy that's never gone through it or never said anything, I'm not too sure about him. I think we all need to talk about it. Let it be more open,” Smith said. Smith wrapped up his part in the discussion by pointing out that while the focus of his talk has been about jockeys, there are others within the industry who need help. “Grooms, hotwalkers, the people who work on farms–I hope we can reach out to them. We all struggle, so we're hoping that it reaches everyone.” The post Mike Smith At Suicide Prevention Conference: ‘Sometimes It’s Just A Matter Of Holding On For Five More Minutes’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Legendary trainer and breeder Jim Bolger has confirmed he has put his famous Redmonstown Stud on the market as part of a consolidating of his assets. Bolger sourced the County Wexford farm back in 1990 and, under his expert management, seven Classic winners and 18 Group 1 winners have been reared there in that time. Some of the more famous graduates include Teofilo, Dawn Approach, Trading Leather and Poetic Flare and Bolger says anyone that is serious about breeding a top-class racehorse should consider the 84-acre farm that has a guide price of €975,000. “I am consolidating,” Bolger confirmed. “I have a farm in Rathvilly [in County Carlow] so I will be reducing the number of mares that I keep. They will all be looked after in Rathvilly so I won't be needing the land in Wexford [Redmonstown] anymore.” Asked to sum up how special a farm Redmonstown has been down through the years, Bolger replied, “All you need to do is look at the list of winners that have come out of there. All of the big Group 1 and Classic winners that we have bred came from that land. “We bought it in the early nineties. I don't think there is a farm anywhere in the world of that size that can claim the same amount of success. Obviously it works so anyone who is serious about breeding champions, that's the place to go.” Jackie and Jim Bolger at Goffs | ITM Along with Redmonstown being put on the market, Bolger will offer over 40 yearlings under his granddaughter Clare Manning's Boherguy Stud at the Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale. That move will result in the master of Coolcullen training “fewer horses” next year. “I will leave all of that to Clare,” Bolger explained of the selling off of his young stock. “I am going to train fewer horses next year. I don't know how many because, for one reason or another, there will be some horses who didn't get to run this year because they might have needed time or whatever. So there will be a few three-year-olds that I will keep on. But the majority of the young horses will go through a ring. I will be just keeping enough horses to keep my hand in [as a trainer] for a while.” The post ‘I Am Consolidating’ – Jim Bolger Puts Famous Redmonstown Stud Up For Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Opulence Thoroughbreds is still in its infancy as a syndicate and their flagship filly Royal Fixation (Palace Pier) has already struck gold for them by winning the Lowther, but a follow-up in Newmarket's G1 Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions Cheveley Park Stakes on Saturday would see her enter new territory. Having met with defeat once when runner-up to Venetian Sun in the Duchess of Cambridge, the Ed Walker-trained daughter of the burgeoning first-crop sire currently heads the market for the six-furlong joint-feature on the card and Opulence's racing and communications manager Ed Brown is convinced that is the right call. “I think she deserves to be favourite,” he said. “I've had the discussion with our owners already, but for a syndicate that has only been going five years she can be described as the horse of a lifetime. She's the ultimate professional at home, does everything right and I thought her run in the Lowther was exceptional.” “I got a video off Ed Walker four or five days later of her bucking and kicking,” he added. “He said that good horses come back to the yard after a race like nothing has ever happened and her preparation couldn't have gone any better. Whatever happens, this is likely to be her last run of the year. With a horse like this you might dream of the Breeders' Cup, but this has always been the aim and having never had a Group winner before the Lowther, this would cap a fantastic year for us.” Second to Royal Fixation at York was Jaber Abdullah's America Queen (Havana Grey) and she has strong claims of reversing it given that she was having only her second start there. Richard Hughes is expecting the progression that is obvious on paper. “She ran a bit green in the Lowther and Ryan [Moore] had to commit a tiny bit earlier than he ideally wanted to,” he said. “She has to find a length with Royal Fixation, but she has improved again and I expect them to be much closer together. She will definitely go close.” No renewal would be complete without strong Ballydoyle representation and in the Queen Mary and Railway winner and Phoenix Stakes runner-up True Love (No Nay Never) and the Airlie Stud Stakes winner and Moyglare runner-up Beautify (Wootton Bassett), with the latter treading the same path as last year's winner Lake Victoria. A Different Approach To The Middle Park? Newmarket's other Group 1 jewel is the Tattersalls Middle Park Stakes, where Godolphin's Prix Morny third Wise Approach (Mehmas) looks to hold the aces. Second to Charles Darwin in the Norfolk before slamming the subsequent Gimcrack runner-up Rock On Thunder in the Listed Rose Bowl at Newbury, the half-brother to the 2021 Middle Park winner Perfect Power made the biggest move in a red-hot renewal of the Deauville highlight only to pay for it at the business end. William Buick will be tasked with employing that dramatic acceleration later in the piece here, but interestingly for one of Charlie Appleby's he has never raced at Newmarket and it is possible that the dip may not play to his strengths. The trainer is not dismissing that prospect out of hand. “The only negative I can give is the track,” he said. “I do feel he's a very slick horse and that was why I was keen for him to take his chance in the Prix Morny, I felt conditions there would suit him and the track would suit him.” “We'll always use the dip here as an excuse and I did think about bringing him up here and giving him a gallop, but I just felt we might treat him with the element of surprise on Saturday,” he added. “I didn't really think we'd be participating on Saturday, because I thought ground conditions would go against him and he is a horse that I feel wants quick ground. He's in great order, the ground is tightening up and I think if he produces anything like he did in the Prix Morny he's going to be hard to beat.” Behind in the Morny was David Armstrong's impressive Richmond winner Coppull (Bated Breath), but Clive Cox believes he had valid excuses for that flop. Cox said, “It was very fast in France and we were stuck on a wing and it just didn't work out at all. I think travelling in extreme heat on that occasion didn't help also. He's got a nice middle draw in five and I would hope he would have a competitive chance.” Aidan O'Brien attacks the race with the so-far disappointing TDN Rising Star Brussels (Wootton Bassett), the Flying Childers runner-up Kansas (Wootton Bassett) and possible pacemaker First Approach (No Nay Never), but it is Joseph whose colt has attracted the key market support this week. Second in the Round Tower on debut, the Owning Hill representative The Publican's Son (Beau Liam) is the race's unknown quantity and his trainer is hinting that he could be something special. “It's a big ask, obviously, but he's very fast and we feel he is potentially one who can cope with that jump,” he warned. All Set For Guineas And Derby Pointers Newmarket's other Group race on Saturday is the G2 Tattersalls Online Royal Lodge Stakes, where two unexposed sons of Frankel in Action and Ancient Egypt tackle the unbeaten Listed Ascendant Stakes winner Bow Echo (Night Of Thunder) and the likes of Daytona (Wootton Bassett), Humidity (Ulysses) and Pacific Avenue (Dubawi) who have all excited at various stages. TDN Rising Star Bow Echo was impressive at Haydock last time and has continued to dazzle George Boughey and co in the interim. “The one piece of work he did was on the Rowley Mile and it was as impressive a bit of work we've had from a two-year-old,” he revealed. “It was nice to get some match practice, and he couldn't be in much better shape coming into his first Group 2 contest.” “He's the type of horse that if he can take this step up in grade, then the natural next step will be to work back from the 2,000 Guineas next year,” he added. “We'll likely keep him off the track for the rest of the season after this.” If Bow Echo is more one for the course-and-distance Classic next spring, then Amo Racing's 1.1million gns investment Ancient Egypt looks a Prix du Jockey Club/Derby prospect based on pedigree and style of his wins at Beverley and Goodwood. Charlie Johnston, whose father Mark won this four times including with the subsequent Guineas hero Mister Baileys in 1993, is keen to find out more. “I'm sure whatever he does this year, he will be a much better horse next year and he's only going to improve with time and distance,” he said. “But we felt this was the right next step for him in his progression and we wouldn't mind a few more with his potential through the door.” At The Curragh, the G2 Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club Beresford Stakes sees Newtown Anner Stud Farm's Futurity runner-up Geryon (Lope De Vega) taken on by a pair of Ballydoyle representatives in Hawk Mountain (Wootton Bassett) and Port Of Spain (St Mark's Basilica). The former, a son of Galileo 's starlet Hydrangea, has course-and-distance winning form and is bred to improve with each run. The post ‘Horse Of A Lifetime’ Royal Fixation Poised For Cheveley Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article