Wandering Eyes

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. Monday's Observations features the first foal out of a high-class racemare. 15.18 Leicester, Debutantes, £15,000, 2yo, 7fT ELARAK (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is the first foal out of Shadwell's triple group 3 winner Tantheem (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) who is also a half-sister to this month's G2 Champagne Stakes runner-up Monumental (Ire) also by Kingman and who hails from the family of the G1 Irish Derby hero Santiago (Ire) (Authorized {Ire}) and his talented 3-year-old half-brother Grosvenor Square (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Charlie Hills has charge of the homebred colt, whose rivals include a pair of Godolphin representatives including the John and Thady Gosden-trained Palmarian (GB) (Kingman {GB}), a half-brother to the G1 Jebel Hatta winner Blair House (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}). The post Shadwell Unveil Kingman Blueblood at Leicester appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Despite the absence of the King George hero Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in Sunday's G1 Mehl-Mulhens-Stiftung Preis von Europa, the Cologne feature held up well with the two domestic Classic winners bidding to deny Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}–Minidress {GB}, by Street Cry {Ire}) a second edition of the prestigious mile-and-a-half contest. In the event, Godolphin's high-class stalwart was able to ward off all challenges and reproduce his 2022 success for a sixth win at the top level. Last seen finishing best of those who raced near the hot pace in an attritional renewal of the King George in July, the veteran of the Breeders' Cup Turf and Dubai Sheema Classic was settled in fourth early by William Buick cruising along in waiting for the sprint to commence. Committed two out, the 3-5 favourite gained the edge soon after as the 22-1 shot Straight (Ger) (Zarak {Fr}) emerged to threaten the upset. Perhaps idling in front, the homebred refused to let that outsider get closer than a neck in a pulsating finale, with Lordano (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) 2 3/4 lengths away in third as the G1 Deutsches Derby hero Palladium (Ger) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and G1 Preis der Diana heroine Erle (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}) failed to get involved. “He's a real international superstar and everything was good for him today–the track was in good condition and today he showed what a tough horse he is,” Buick said. “It's never easy coming here, we respect the local horses and it's great to be back to win this again. He is probably better off a stronger pace, as he gets in his comfort zone but he knows how to win and always finds a way. He's an admirable horse, a great horse.” Charlie Appleby added, “I think he will come forward for this, as we just eased off slightly after Ascot. We don't leave horses too short for group 1 races, but he wasn't quite as fit as he was heading into his last run. He is entitled to come on for this and we can look forward to the Breeders' Cup Turf.” REBEL'S ROMANCE takes the G1 Mehl-Mülhens-Stiftung – 62. Preis von Europa pic.twitter.com/ei9nzWxPTQ — Deutscher Galopp (@DeutscherGalopp) September 22, 2024 Pedigree Notes Rebel' Romance is out of the Listed Height of Fashion Stakes runner-up Minidress, who is also responsible for the stable's GI Manhattan Stakes and G1 Jebel Hatta winner and GI Sword Dancer Stakes runner-up Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}). A full-sister to the G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy winner Volcanic Sky (GB), she is a daughter of the G3 Musidora Stakes winner and G1 Yorkshire Oaks runner-up Short Skirt (GB) (Diktat {GB}) who was also third in the G1 Oaks. Short Skirt is a half to the G2 Prix de Pomone winner and dual group 1-placed Whitewater Affair (GB) (Machiavellian), in turn the dam of the triple group 1-winning Japanese champion Victoire Pisa (Jpn) (Neo Universe {Jpn}) and the G1 Yasuda Kinen scorer Asakusa Den'en (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}). The prized third dam Much Too Risky (GB) (Bustino {GB}) is also the ancestress of another Japanese champion in the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies winner Robe Tissage (Jpn) (War Emblem), as well as the G3 Round Tower Stakes-winning sire Cappella Sansevero (GB) (Showcasing {GB}). Minidress's yearling is a full-brother to Rebel's Romance. Sunday, Cologne, Germany MEHL-MULHENS-STIFTUNG – 62ND PREIS VON EUROPA-G1, €155,000, Cologne, 9-22, 3yo/up, 12fT, 2:25.91, g/s. 1–REBEL'S ROMANCE (IRE), 132, g, 6, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Minidress (GB) (SP-Eng), by Street Cry (Ire) 2nd Dam: Short Skirt (GB), by Diktat (GB) 3rd Dam: Much Too Risky (GB), by Bustino (GB) O/B-Godolphin; T-Charlie Appleby; J-William Buick. €100,000. Lifetime Record: GISW-US, G1SW-UAE & HK, GSW & G1SP-Eng, GSW-Qat, 21-14-0-1, £7,127,084. *1/2 to Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), GISW-US, G1SW-UAE, SP-Eng, $1,429,650. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Straight (Ger), 132, c, 4, Zarak (Fr)–Seductive (Ger), by Henrythenavigator. O/B-Gestut Karlshof (GER); T-Marian Falk Weissmeier. €30,000. 3–Lordano (Ger), 132, g, 5, Adlerflug (Ger)–Labrice (GB), by Dubawi (Ire). 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. O/B-Gestut Ittlingen (GER); T-Marcel Weiss. €15,000. Margins: NK, 2 3/4, HF. Odds: 0.60, 21.80, 4.10. Also Ran: Trevaunance (Ire), Erle (Ger), Palladium (Ger). The post Second Preis Von Europa For Rebel’s Romance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stylish Secret (NZ) (Sweet Orange) has landed a second city win, taking out the Victoria Derby Preview at Flemington. Trainer Mick Nolan has been around racehorses the majority of his life. He has had a couple of stints as a trainer while also working as foreman, come assistant trainer, for some of the biggest stables in Australia. Nolan is a realist and doesn’t want to start dreaming big, despite Stylish Secret taking out the Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) at Flemington on Sunday. Ridden by Luke Nolen, Stylish Secret ($5.50) scored a short neck win from Kingofwallstreet ($31) with Politely Dun ($7) the same margin away third. Nolan said he would celebrate Sunday’s victory before deciding where to head with Stylish Secret. “He is the toughest little horse and the smartest little horse that I have had to do with in all my life,” Nolan said. “This is his first prep. He’s 15.2 hands high, weighs 420 kilos and he’s at his fifth start. It’s amazing what he has done. “Jeff Hogg is in him, and he used to captain Richmond. I told them (all the owners) early on that he (Stylish Secret) reminds me of Tommy Hafey, he’s just so tough.” Nolan said Stylish Secret showed him signs early on in his preparation that he was something special. Stylish Secret was produced at the jump-outs after being in his stable for four weeks and was at the races two weeks later. The three-year-old broke through for his maiden win at Sandown last month before finishing second behind Evaporate at Moonee Valley on September 7. “I was going to spell him after Sandown. I was going to spell him after Moonee Valley, but I let him out in his paddock, and he nearly kicked my head off,” Nolen said. “We’ll let him tell us what we do, but I tell you what will be happening, we’ll be having a beer.” Nolen said Stylish Secret was there to be beaten during the run but produced a fight like a good horse. “I still think he will be a better horse in the autumn,” Nolen said. “He was there to be beaten today, but he kept on digging in.” View the full article

Hurry Curry (NZ) (Ocean Park) has stamped her Spring Carnival credentials with victory in the Crown Oaks Preview at Flemington. Trainer Danny O’Brien has his eyes fixed on the Spring staying three-year-old filly races after Hurry Curry opened her city account at Flemington. Hurry Curry took out the Crown Oaks Preview (1800m) on Sunday to give O’Brien and the filly’s connections hope for a feature race win during the Melbourne Spring Carnival. O’Brien is already planning to step Hurry Curry up to 2000m for her next outing in the Gr.3 Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield on October 19. And depending on the filly’s performance in that race, Hurry Curry would then press on to the Gr.2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 2 and potentially the Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 7. Ridden by Jye McNeil, Hurry Curry ($3.80) scored by 1-½ lengths from Inevitable Truth ($21) with Our Paramour ($3.60) a short-head away third. O’Brien said Hurry Curry was always going to be a filly that would appreciate stretching out in trip and enjoyed Sunday’s 1800m journey at only her third race start. “The first time at 1200 metres, was very much an education run and the second start at Bairnsdale she won very convincingly,” O’Brien said. “She was having her third start today and she’s probably won quite soft again. “It’s promising signs and she’s a filly that will get better again in the autumn, but we’ll give her a chance to push on into the spring now. “She probably won’t run again for four weeks. She’ll go to the race on Caulfield Cup Day and then onto the Wakeful and the Oaks if everything is going well. “She’s a typical middle-distance horse and the first time you get a good look at them is in a mile maiden, that’s when they’re suited, so if they can handle that, then you can step up the pressure and the distance. “She looks like she is going to appreciate 2000 metres and further and that’s the thing with the Derby and the Oaks, they’re early in their three-year-old season and it’s always a test how quickly they can get to that sort of distance. “She looks that sort of horse.” View the full article

Three-time Horse of the Year is honoured at a special ceremony, with fans flocking to see him parade at Sha Tin on Sunday.View the full article

Legendary trainer and Australian jockey land another feature triumph in first Group race of the season.View the full article

Apprentice breaks through with her 12th ride in the city, leading throughout aboard Douglas Whyte’s Cheval Valiant.View the full article

Jarrod Todd, Darwin’s premier jockey, celebrates one of his three wins at Fannie Bay on Saturday aboard the Gary Clarke-trained Change Is Coming. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) There’s no stopping trainer Gary Clarke and jockey Jarrod Todd as they combined for a winning treble at Darwin on Saturday. The pair celebrated success with Shakattak ($2.70), Change Is Coming ($3.10 fav) and Extreme Emotion ($3.40 fav). First up, Extreme Emotion settled second behind runaway leader Ariarne ($4.20) over 1300m before bridging the gap and hitting the front at the 100m to seal victory by 1.7 lengths. For the daughter of Extreme Choice, it was her first win since April. Shakattak won in similar fashion over 1200m when he held down second place at the 700m with Lisa Whittle’s Expert Witness ($15) three lengths clear. The son of Shalaa caught Expert Witness at the 200m, but in the end he only had half a length to spare as Jason Manning’s Bon’s Pride ($5) and Clarke’s Seguso ($5.50) powered home. The victory handed Shakattak a third straight triumph, dating back to the $40,000 Dabble Cup (1300m) during the Darwin Cup Carnival in July. Change Is Coming made amends after being rolled as a short-priced favourite on Darwin Cup Day when controlling proceedings over 1100m, winning by 2.8 lengths. Despite chewing up petrol early in the peace, the son of Capitalist was too good, with Angela Forster’s Zoumist ($5) and Cole’s Tricky Mikki ($18) filling the minor placings. It’s early days in the 2024/25 Top End and Country premiership, but who would bet against Clarke and Todd from topping the charts for a 13th and sixth straight year? Clarke (9 wins) leads Phil Cole (5) and Neil Dyer (5) after six meetings, while Todd (7) leads Stan Tsaikos (4) and Adam Nicholls (4). Dyer had success on Saturday with Yaki Ishi ($2.40 fav), while Tom Logan’s Scudetto ($4) provided respite for the bookies. Horse racing news View the full article

What Warrnambool Races Where Warrnambool Racing Club – 2-64 Grafton Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280 When Monday, September 23, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEST Visit Dabble The Warrnambool Racing Club is the destination for a bumper eight-race meeting on Monday, September 23. With rain falling leading into the meeting, the Soft 7 track rating is likely to only downgrade, while the rail comes out 5m the entire circuit. The Warrnambool races are set to commence at 1:30pm AEST. Best Bet at Warrnambool: Cherokee Brave Cherokee Brave caught the eye when hitting the line nicely at Geelong when resuming from a spell finishing second, beaten a length. The four-year-old gelding has seemingly found the right race to bring up a second career win in, with this 1700m event likely to suit those runners coming from the rear of the field. Billy Egan will look to have the son of Saxon Warrior in clear air approaching the home turn, and if he replicates the same finish that he put forward last time out, Cherokee Brave should be winning. Best Bet Race 5 – #4 Cherokee Brave (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Billy Egan (60.5kg) +280 with PlayUp Next Best at Warrnambool: Capulet Resuming from a spell, the Tony & Calvin McEvoy-trained Capulet returns to the track for the first time in six months under raceday conditions. The four-year-old mare has three jumpouts under her belt in the lead-up to this BM58, so she should be raring to go first-up from a spell. Sarah Field, who claims 3kg will likely roll forward on the Extreme Choice mare from barrier 10, and if the pair can land outside the lead, Capulet can pinch a break on the home turn, over main rival Active Duty, who will be stuck on the fence looking for an out. Next Best Race 6 – #2 Capulet (10) 4yo Mare | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Sarah Field (a3) (62kg) +450 with Dabble Best Value at Warrnambool: Zena Boy Zena Boy was a smart Mornington winner when resuming from a five-month spell, and in BM64 company presents as great each-way value with horse racing bookmakers. The four-year-old gelding is drawn in barrier two, and with all the speed drawn out wide, maps to get a beautiful run in transit just off the pace. If the likes of Rivkin and Call To Glory chop each other up out in front, Zena Boy will only need a gap in the home straight to be overhauling his rivals. Best Value Race 8 – #5 Zena Boy (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Jason Warren | J: Billy Egan (59.5kg) +900 with Picklebet Monday quaddie tips for Warrnambool races Warrnambool quadrella selections Monday, September 23, 2024 4-6 1-2 1-2-3-9-10 1-2-3-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Guy Heveldt, Emily Bosson and Jayne Ivil review the G3 Metric Mile, return to racing at Ellerslie including Orchestral’s first up performance and chat to Andrew Forsman after the win of Positivity. Weigh In, September 22 (youtube.com) View the full article

Lee Callaway has been involved with The Good Shepherd (NZ) (Power) throughout his career and was thrilled to pick up a first success training the gelding at Oamaru on Sunday. Based at Waikouaiti, Callaway balances his race riding engagements with training a small team of horses, which as of June this year, includes The Good Shepherd. Formerly trained by his owner Stephen Blair-Edie, the seven-year-old was transferred into Callaway’s care when he stepped away from training, with the pair recording 21 wins as a trainer-jockey combination. “Steve has been a good friend of mine for a while, he’s given me the opportunity to ride quite a few winners for him over the years,” Callaway said. “I broke in this horse for him as a yearling, so he turned around recently and asked if I’d like to train the horse for him. “He’s awesome to have around the stables, he’s lovely to deal with.” The son of Power had been strong in his first-up effort for Callaway back in June, but since then, had been less effective on heavier surfaces, making Sunday’s Soft 5 an appeal for the open sprint contest. Jumping from barrier four, Callaway showed plenty of intent early aboard The Good Shepherd and found himself in a comfortable position trailing Miss Harley Quinn, who sat outside of the leader in La Bella Nera. Looming closer on the turn, The Good Shepherd lifted strongly down the home straight and powered clear in the final bounds, finishing 1 ¼ lengths ahead of second-placegetter Street Fightin Man. Callaway was pleased with the performance, indicating the switch back to a better surface had benefitted his charge. “He jumped out well, got on the pace and we let one come around us, so we ended up with a nice sit with a bit of cover,” he said. “As we were turning in for home, I asked him to come off and he found a gear, he’s run home really well. “I’m not that confident he’s liking heavy tracks at the moment, his first-up run wasn’t really too heavy when he ran second, then from there, he’s been a bit disappointing in them. “Today, we had a little bit of give in the track and he just seemed to be a better horse for that.” From 44 starts, The Good Shepherd has won seven races, with a further 11 minor placings and over $150,000 in stakes to his credit. Callaway acknowledged the challenges of juggling both professions, but finds a significant thrill when being able to steer home his own horses on race-day. “I’ve always liked the training side of racing and I have five horses in the stables, it’s a great feeling to be able to train and ride them,” he said. “It does make it a bit difficult at times when you’re away riding and things like that, but I have amazing support from my lovely wife Michaela and my daughter, they help me when I’m away. “It’s really good to be doing both.” Earlier in the meeting, Callaway also guided the Nikki White-trained Stop Yelling to score in the Gore Elite Plumbing (1400m). View the full article

Cody Cole had been quietly confident heading into Saturday’s Pilet Contracting LTD / Pioneer Seeds 2YO 800 with Landlock (Merchant Navy), and the debutant duly delivered in an exciting juvenile contest at Wanganui. The first of three wins on the card for jockey Kelly Myers, Landlock entered the race without an official trial and was slightly reserved leaving the barriers, but showed plenty of early clip to get on terms with race-favourite Princess Elsa ($3.30) before the home turn. The pair went head-to-head in the straight and the filly looked like she may be on the front foot at the 150m, before Landlock fought back and found enough in the final strides to score by just a nose. Cole, who trains the son of Merchant Navy out of Matamata, was pleased to see his work in training transfer to race-day in such impressive fashion. “It was a really good effort, he hasn’t done a lot or had a trial, so he was very professional,” Cole said. “Ability probably took him a fair way there yesterday as well, he wasn’t screwed down to win a half-mile race for sure. “We just took him along quietly and every time we asked him to quicken up his work or step up, he’s done that. On Tuesday morning, we galloped him on the grass with an older horse and he worked really well, good enough to probably win if he did everything right. “He did exactly that, so it’s lucky it worked out and Kelly rode him well.” Purchased for $20,000 out of Woburn Farm’s Book 2 draft at the Karaka Yearling Sales in January, Landlock is eligible for the $1m Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) early next year, a race Cole will plan around over the coming months. “He’s a Karaka Million-nominated horse and eligible, so hopefully he can work his way to there,” Cole said. “We’ve got plenty of time up our sleeve and he’s got plenty of improvement and figuring out what he’s really doing between now and then. “We’ll give him a little break to get over this, how long that’s going to be, I’m not sure. He’s had a big long trip down there and he’s a tired wee fella today, so he can have a break before we work out where we go from here.” Bred by Katom, Landlock is the fourth foal out of Blue Blue Sky, a Lonhro mare who produced Listed juvenile winner Bright Blue Sky. “He was well-related and just a neat little type, he looked like he wouldn’t take too long to get up and going and we wanted to find a horse that we could do that with,” Cole said. “We wanted to get him out there quickly for the owners and he’s done exactly that, so it’s worked out very well.” View the full article

Kelvin Tyler’s mare Albatross (NZ) (Sacred Falls) continued her purple patch of form at Oamaru on Sunday, scoring a decisive victory in the Thomas Green (1600m) to open Gore Racing Club’s meeting. The daughter of Sacred Falls had been successful in the heavy track conditions at Wingatui a fortnight ago, and reuniting with winning rider Denby-Rose Tait who claimed three kilograms, she looked a strong hope to go back-to-back. Jumping the second-favourite ($3.10) behind Sacred Dream ($2.10) in a compact field of five, Albatross was away positively and took up her position outside leader Powerful Moss as they rolled along the back stretch. Turning for home, Tait pressed the button on Albatross and she strode to the lead with ease, powering clear of the field in the closing stages to claim the Rating 79 contest by three-quarters of a length to Vague. Riverton-based Tyler had been wary of the improved Soft 5 track for the six-year-old, but a positive game-plan in the running ensured she was on the front foot. “It was a small field and quite a winnable race for her, but my concern had been the better track,” he said. “Coming back to a mile on a better track, I wanted Denby to put the pressure on at the 800 and make it a grind home, not a sprint home. “She’s ridden her really well and has been on her a few times, so she knows what she’s capable of. “She (Albatross) has won nicely, she had a few issues over the last wee while, and since we’ve sorted that out, she’s been running well and is going really well at the moment. “There are some nice races coming up for her and we’ll probably have to come back to 1400 being out of that grade now, so we’ll keep her fresh and look for the right tracks for her.” Bred by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Albatross has won six of her 28 race-day starts and over $85,000 in stakes earnings for an ownership group which includes her trainer. Tyler had watched Sunday’s race from the North Island, where his in-form galloper Master Marko (NZ) (Contributer) may have earned himself a place in next Saturday’s Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Hastings. Master Marko had won back-to-back contests at Riccarton Park earlier in his preparation, and continued that form with a solid performance into third behind Jay Bee Gee in the Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m) at Wanganui on Saturday. “He ran well yesterday, he really struggled in the deep track,” Tyler said. “We’re hoping he’ll get into the Group One next week at Hastings, he’ll definitely go there if he does because he’s come through it well and ate his dinner last night. “There’s forecasted to be a bit of rain around during the week, so hopefully we’ll be able to catch it.” View the full article

Soul of and Angel responded well to shortening up to seven furlongs and won the $210,000 Princess Rooney Invitational Stakes (G3) Sept. 21 at Gulfstream Park, earning a fees-paid berth in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1).View the full article

Although it wasn't as easy as her three other grade 1 victories this year, Thorpedo Anna's class came through with a narrow score in the $1 million Cotillion Stakes (G1) Sept. 21 at Parx Racing.View the full article

Race 6 MILTON PARK STABLES 2140m WHISKEY SOUR (T Taiaroa) – Trainer Mr. C Lupton reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of WHISKEY SOUR, and it is his intention to carry on with the mare’s current preparation. The post Rangitikei Racing Club @ Awapuni Synthetic, Sunday 15 September 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Asked for speed at the start by jockey Jaime Torres, Seize the Grey fought all the way on the front end and won the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1) going away at Parx Racing.View the full article

Bentornato dueled for the early lead from the rail and then fended off a determined stretch bid from 17-1 longshot Sunny Breeze to record a neck victory in the $400,000 Gallant Bob Stakes (G2) for 3-year-olds Sept. 21 at Parx Racing.View the full article

Parx Racing crowned a new champ on Saturday in the GI Pennsylvania Derby, as Seize the Grey (Arrogate–Smart Shopping, Smart Strike) outlasted the field and took home his second top level score for his throng of investors. Forwardly-placed from the bell as a 4-1 shot here, the GI Preakness Stakes winner made the lead by the first turn and touched every pole as he circled the track. Down the lane with Stronghold (Ghostzapper) launching his bid, the D. Wayne Lukas trainee responded and got his picture taken over his rival. The final running time was 1:51.89. Lifetime Record: 13-5-0-3. Sales History: FTSAUG '22 $300,000. O-MyRacehorse; B-Jamm Ltd.; T-D. Wayne Lukas. #2 Seize The Grey wins the $1M Pennsylvania Derby (GI) with jockey @jaimetorresjcky in the saddle for Hall of Fame Trainer D. Wayne Lukas and @MyRacehorse.@lizzym333#TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/OpcgaHABkJ — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) September 21, 2024 The post Seize The Grey Outlasts All To Win GI Pennsylvania Derby At Parx appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Third at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in February in the G3 Saudi Derby behind Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and Book'em Danno (Bucchero), who have each distinguished themselves on the world stage since that day, Bentornato (c, 3, Valiant Minister–Her Special Way, by Put It Back) took advantage of his own moment to shine Saturday in the GII Gallant Bob Stakes at Parx. The Florida-bred and Leon King Stable Corp. colorbearer captured his first graded stakes after a string of black-type wins in Florida last year while also keeping his unbeaten streak at six furlongs intact. Bentornato wasn't quickest out of the gate, but stayed glued to the inside of July's Concern Stakes winner Sunny Breeze (Cajun Brreze), who held a head advantage at the :22:01 first quarter marker. Ohio-bred Alwaysintomischief (Maximus Mischief) joined the pair before the :45.08 half, looking every bit a threat, and the three came off the turn together. It wasn't long before Alwaysintomischief waved the white flag as Bentornato and Sunny Breeze matched strides down the lane, separating themselves from the field and brushing in the sort of pulsing stretch battle that doesn't deserve a loser. A dead heat was not to be, as Bentornato finished a determined neck to the better of a very game Sunny Breeze. Buccherino (Bucchero), the Aug. 24 winner of the Salvatore M. Debunda Sprint Stakes over both this surface and over Sunny Breeze, who was third that day, finished evenly for the show spot. “At the farm, he acts like a little baby,” said winning trainer Jose D'Angelo of Bentornato. “When he is supposed to run or train, he is very professional. That is why I went over to Saudi, because he is a horse that is all business when he trains. He is strong, and when you have a strong horse, they can do whatever they want. They help to make things easier for you. When you have the one [post], you have to go from the start and sometimes you have to make fast fractions. We didn't want to use him too much because we knew we had to have horse at the end. The key to the race was the second fraction when he made :45 and he brought it home. He is a nice horse. I am very proud of him. My plan is the Breeders' Cup for him. We have a plan, always. This horse fights all the time and he never gives up.” After making a splash in Florida at two last summer and fall–winning his first four straight, including three black-type events, all at Gulfstream–Bentornato took 2 1/2 months to prepare for the Saudi Derby. He showed the way early in the $1.5-million world event, finally finishing six lengths behind the top pair, who have each made headlines many times over since that day. While Forever Young went on to win the G2 UAE Derby and finish third in the GI Kentucky Derby, Book 'em Danno's victories since have included the GI Woody Stephens Stakes at Saratoga. Bentornato took a more modest approach, returning for a runner-up finish and a career-high 99 Beyer last month in the Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes at Charles Town in his first start since Saudi. The Gallant Bob marked his first try in a graded event domestically. The dark bay, never been worse than third in his eight career starts and three-for-three at six panels, was named Florida's champion 2-year-old male of 2023. Pedigree Notes: Ocala's Bridlewood Farm stands Valiant Minister, a $680,000 OBS 2-year-old buy who won his only career start prior to a stall accident that ended his racing career. The son of Candy Ride (Arg) has had two black-type winners from his four small crops. Bentornato is his first graded winner. Berntornato is also one of 40 stakes winners out of a mare by the late Put It Back. Her Special Way has a 2-year-old full-brother to Bentornato, as well as a yearling filly by Saketini. She was bred to Oscar Performance for next term. The year after Tanma Corp. bred Bentornato, Terry Dyer bought the mare at the 2022 OBS Winter Mixed Sale, carrying the now-juvenile, for $2,500, while Bentornato himself was a pinhook, picked up by Pro Racing Stables at the 2022 OBS Yearling sale for $45,000 and turned around to Champion Equine at the 2023 OBS March sale for $170,000. #1 BENTORNATO ($4.00) wins the battle over Sunny Breeze in the $400,000 Gallant Bob Stakes (G2) at @ParxRacing. The three-year-old Valiant Minister colt was ridden by @iradortiz for trainer @DangeloStable. pic.twitter.com/ZIpysfnjpm — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) September 21, 2024 Saturday, Parx Racing GALLANT BOB S.-GII, $400,000, Parx Racing, 9-21, 3yo, 6f, 1:09.92, ft. 1–BENTORNATO, 122, c, 3, by Valiant Minister 1st Dam: Her Special Way, by Put It Back 2nd Dam: Inaspecial Way, by Seattle Sleet 3rd Dam: Special Image, by Farma Way 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($45,000 Ylg '22 OBSOCT; $170,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR). O-Leon King Stable Corp.; B-Tanma Corp. (FL); T-Jose Francisco D'Angelo; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr. $231,000. Lifetime Record: GSP-Sau, 8-5-1-2, $791,830. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Sunny Breeze, 122, g, 3, Cajun Breeze–Love My Sunshine, by Khozan. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O/B-Stonehedge LLC (FL); T-Edward T. Allard. $77,000. 3–Buccherino, 120, c, 3, Bucchero–Bellimbusto, by First Dude. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($75,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-Happy Tenth Stable; B-Blue River Bloodstock (FL); T-Alfredo Velazquez. $38,500. Margins: NK, 1, 1 3/4. Odds: 1.00, 17.90, 1.80. Also Ran: Maximus Meridius, Alwaysintomischief, Practically Dark, One Sharp Cookie. Scratched: Awesome Ruta. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post From Florida to Saudi to Parx, Bentornato Guts Out Gallant Bob Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There is something about racing at Churchill Downs that seems to bring out sparkling performances from My Mane Squeeze. The 3-year-old filly, who won the Eight Belles (G2) there in the spring, added a second graded win Sept. 21 in the Dogwood (G3).View the full article

Although it wasn't as easy as her three other grade 1 victories this year, Thorpedo Anna's class came through with a narrow score in the $1 million Cotillion Stakes (G1) Sept. 21 at Parx Racing.View the full article

Ocean Club joined the ranks of graded stakes winners when she prevailed in a three-way blanket finish to take the Noble Damsel Stakes (G3T) Sept. 21 during the Belmont at the Big A fall meeting. View the full article

Like a torpedo in the water, it was MGISW Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna–Sataves, by Uncle Mo) who got up late to take home the GI Cotillion Stakes at Parx on Saturday afternoon. The accomplished filly who won the GI Kentucky Oaks back in May, was a short-priced favorite in the race. Not backing down from challengers here, the 3-year-old tracked Mystic Lake (Mo Town) into the first turn. Looking for a way through around the far turn, the Ken McPeek trainee finally got free and began to fight alongside Gun Song (Gun Runner). In the end, the so-called 'Grizzly Bear' won out and earned her prize. The final running time was 1:45.45. Lifetime Record: 9-7-2-0. Sales History: FTKOCT '22 $40,000. O-Brookdale Racing, Inc., Edwards, Mark, Hicks, Judy B. and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek); B-Judy Hicks (KY); T-Ken McPeek. The Grizzly Bear Thorpedo Anna had to claw the lead back deep in the stretch to win the $1M Cotillion Stakes at #parxracing under jockey @b_hernandezjr for trainer by Kenny McPeek. #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/9IpDgZDjaP — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) September 21, 2024 The post Homing Thorpedo Anna Captures Cotillion Stakes At Parx appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a ticket to the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint up for grabs, the GIII Princess Rooney Invitational Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday was won by Soul of an Angel (Atriedes–Factor One, Milwaukee Brew) A 2-1 second choice for this Challenge Series race here, the 5-year-old mare bided her time and allowed favorite Beth's Dream (Jess's Dream) to take the field into the lane. Coming with a late run, the Saffie Joseph trainee grabbed the lead in the final jumps and booked her ticket to Del Mar. The final running time was 1:23.23. Lifetime Record: 40-5-7-5. O-C2 Racing Stable and Agave Racing Stables; B-Westbrook Stables; T-Saffie Joseph Jr. SOUL OF AN ANGEL ($6.40) and @DraydenV navigated their way to the winner's circle in the $220k Princess Rooney Invitational (G3) at @GulfstreamPark. She's headed to @DelMarRacing after this @LanesEndFarms @BreedersCup Challenge Series Race. @SaffieJosephJr trained the 5yo mare. pic.twitter.com/O9kKxgDJ7s — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) September 21, 2024 The post Soul Of An Angel Earns Breeders’ Cup Berth In Princess Rooney At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article