Wandering Eyes

Museum Mile eased the pain of last year's agonising defeat for jockey Cristian Demuro when producing an irresistible late burst to win Sunday's Arima Kinen, the fan-voted 'Grand Prix' of Japan. Returning to Nakayama Racecourse, the scene of his Classic victory in April's Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas), Museum Mile was settled towards the rear of the 16-strong field in the early stages. Shadowing Danon Decile (Epiphaneia) for much of the race, the son of Leontes swung wide around the final two corners and began to pick off his rivals one by one. Moving alongside Danon Decile with 100 metres to run, he proceeded to reel in longshot Cosmo Kuranda (Al Ain) to become only the fourth three-year-old winner of the Arima Kinen this century, emulating Deep Impact (2005), Vodka (2007) and Efforia (2021). The official winning margin at the line was a half-length, with Danon Decile finishing just a neck behind Cosmo Kuranda as he occupied the final podium position for the second consecutive year. The hard-luck story of the race was the defending champion, Regaleira, who did very well under the circumstances to be beaten just 1 1/4 lengths into fourth. The daughter of Suave Richard recorded an identical time to the winner for the final three furlongs, but simply had too much ground to make up following a sluggish exit from the stalls. “It was revenge from last year,” an elated Demuro said of his reversal in fortunes, having partnered Shahryar (Deep Impact) when he was beaten just a nose by Regaleira 12 months ago. “Last year, Regaleira cut my dream and, this year, I brought it back. I just followed Danon Decile all the way. He opened the way for us in the last stretch and, when we came outside, I knew we could beat him. The horse likes the Nakayama track, so it was a big advantage for us. I'm very happy to win the Arima Kinen on its 70th anniversary.” Proving well suited by the step up to 2,500 metres when winning the Arima Kinen, Museum Mile has been beaten just once in four career starts at Nakayama, with his other win coming in September's G2 Asahi Hai St Lite Kinen. Away from his favourite stomping ground, the Daisuke Takayanagi trainee was also third in last year's G1 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes at Kyoto, while his first start against older horses resulted in a runner-up finish behind Masquerade Ball (Duramente) in last month's G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) at Tokyo. Pedigree Notes Museum Mile features among a pair of top-level winners for Leontes, who is based at the Breeders Stallion Station in Hokkaido. The Japanese champion two-year-old colt of 2015, before posting one of his best efforts as a three-year-old when finishing fifth in the Satsuki Sho, Leontes is also responsible for last year's Tenno Sho (Spring) winner T O Royal. This colt is the first foal out of the Listed Sweet Pea Stakes second Museum Hill (Heart's Cry) who, in turn, is out of a half-sister to the G3 Keisei Hai Autumn Handicap hero King's Trail (Sunday Silence) and the Listed-placed Santa Fe Soleil (Agnes Tachyon). His third dam, the winning Northern Taste mare Santa Fe Trail, is a half-sister to Shinko Lovely (Caerleon), the one-time champion older mare in Japan. Museum Hill's second foal, Festival Hill (Saturnalia), looked a filly with Classic potential for 2026 when winning last month's G3 Fantasy Stakes at Kyoto. Sunday, Nakayama, Japan ARIMA KINEN (GRAND PRIX)-G1, ¥960,040,000, Nakayama, 12-28, 3yo/up, 2500mT, 2:31.50, fm. 1–MUSEUM MILE (JPN), 126, c, 3, by Leontes (Jpn) 1st Dam: Museum Hill (Jpn) (SP-Jpn, $772,865), by Heart's Cry (Jpn) 2nd Dam: Loretto Chapel (Jpn), by French Deputy 3rd Dam: Santa Fe Trail (Jpn), by Northern Taste O-Sunday Racing; B-Northern Farm; T-Daisuke Takayanagi; J-Cristian Demuro; ¥503,528,000. Lifetime Record: 10-5-2-1, ¥961,799,000. *1/2 to Festival Hill (Jpn) (Saturnalia {Jpn}), GSW-Jpn, $295,888. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Cosmo Kuranda (Jpn), 128, c, 4, Al Ain (Jpn)–Southern Speed (Aus), by Southern Image. O/B-Big Red Farm; ¥201,008,000. 3–Danon Decile (Jpn), 128, c, 4, Epiphaneia (Jpn)–Top Decile, by Congrats. (¥135,000,000 Ylg '22 JRHJUL). O-Danox Inc.; B-Shadai Farm; ¥130,540,000. Margins: HF, NK, HF. Odds: 2.80, 110.50, 2.80. Also Ran: Regaleira (Jpn), Sunrise Zipangu (Jpn), Tastiera (Jpn), Justin Palace (Jpn), Exicite Bio (Jpn), Meiner Emperor (Jpn), Chevalier Rose (Jpn), Admire Terra (Jpn), Elton Rose (Jpn), Meisho Tabaru (Jpn), Shin Emperor (Fr), Arata (Jpn), Mystery Way (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart & video. The post Demuro Gains Arima Kinen “Revenge” Aboard Dominant Museum Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leading commentator Jerry Hannon, widely regarded as the voice of Irish racing, is next in the hot seat. The Kerry native took over from Des Scahill in his role as the leading racecourse commentator in Ireland in 2008 and his voice has been associated with some of the best and most memorable races in the country in recent years. What is your defining memory of 2025? It's always special commentating at my local racecourse in Listowel and, for Eoin McCarthy to end the week as the leading trainer there, that was an achievement that stands out above all else for me in 2025. Is there a race or a commentary that sticks out above all else? Galopin Des Champs at Leopardstown. Racing fans have a deep appreciation for him so any one of his big-race wins at Leopardstown sticks out for different reasons. He spoils for choice. Tell us something that people don't know about Jerry Hannon? That joining the priesthood was a genuine CAO option for me after I completed the Leaving Certificate in 1998! You have one of the most recognisable voices in racing. But tell us this, how did you become a commentator in the first place? It became my party piece! I enjoyed impersonating commentators' calls on many of the big races when I was younger. Michael O'Hehir's Foinavon Grand National call from 1967 was a particular favourite. What keeps you awake at night? The thoughts of sitting on the M50 motorway the following morning! If you were not a racing commentator, what career path would you have taken? Forgetting the priesthood, becoming a TV newsreader was a fallback plan. Who has been your biggest inspiration/mentor? Pat Keane, who worked with the Irish Examiner, was always a wise counsel when I was starting out in the game. Your favourite racecourse/festival and why? It has to be Galway. The mixed cards at the Festival there provide an amazing atmosphere. It is the best commentary box in Ireland. Your go-to karaoke song? Being a big Liverpool fan, I'll have to go with You'll Never Walk Alone. And finally, a trade secret to end on; do commentators have favourites? Ie, is there one trainer or jockey you shout for a little louder than others? I am impartial in the main but I love seeing young people, especially the apprentice jockeys, enjoying success. The post In The Hot Seat: Jerry Hannon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bloodstock agent Jason Kelly reflects on a memorable year highlighted by Group 1 scorer Maranoa Charlie There will be people who won't want 2025 to end. Bloodstock agent Jason Kelly is one of those people. A slew of big-races success this year was highlighted by Maranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett), an inspired mid-summer buy who delivered a breakthrough Group 1 victory for Bond Thoroughbreds in the Prix de la Foret before being snapped up by Tally-Ho Stud, where he will stand for an opening fee of €20,000 next year. There was also Group 3 glory for Bond's Black Caviar Gold while long-standing clients like Akela Thoroughbreds enjoyed a beano with some well-bred fillies trained by David O'Meara, with whom Kelly cut his teeth with and enjoys a close working relationship to this day. Put simply, there has been a lot to toot one's horn about, if one was that way inclined. But Kelly isn't. Instead, he prefers to let the horses do the talking. “I just try to get on with my work,” he says openly. “Even when the sales are on in Newmarket, I'd always stay away in Cambridge. I wouldn't be a massive talker. I don't hate it [speaking to the press] but sometimes I think a lot of it can be hot air. I mean, everyone likes the horse that they buy. We'll find out in six months' time if you were right or wrong so maybe it's better to let the horses do the talking sometimes.” Kelly revealed that, when striking a deal for Maranoa Charlie, he felt the three-year-old had the capabilities of winning a Group 1 within the next 18 months. To that extent, the Christopher Head-trained colt delivered his side of the bargain much earlier than expected when storming to that memorable triumph at ParisLongchamp. “Charlie Bond was looking to buy a high-end horse,” Kelly remembers about how Maranoa Charlie first appeared on his radar. “He had obviously invested a lot of money into the game and Maranoa Charlie had won his Group 3 and looked to be set up to run well in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat so it was there in front of us really. You were buying into a horse who could potentially run in a Group 1 on his next start so it made a lot of sense. He is a horse who has always been blessed with a lot of natural speed. The only question was whether he would conserve enough energy to be able to finish off and win one of those Group 1s. Thankfully, it all came together when he showed his speed as well as how tough he can be when he won his Group 1 in the Prix de la Foret.” He added, “In fairness, we did think that he had stallion potential – he did win a Group 3 carrying a penalty before we bought him – but, for it to work out as it did, it was a dream. We were thinking of an 18-month plan in trying to gain that Group 1 success with him so it happened quicker than we imagined it could. He was obviously based with a fantastic trainer who could deliver the goods.” Maranoa Charlie | Scoop Dyga No trainer has played an integral role in Kelly's career than O'Meara. It was on Roger O'Callaghan's advice that Kelly, who abandoned a career in finance in favour of pursuing his passion within the bloodstock industry, gained some experience with the Irishman based in Yorkshire. That was in the summer of 2013 and the relationship has endured to this day, where Kelly remains a key cog in the wheel of the operation in his role as race planner and racing manager. He explained, “My granddad bred a few horses so I was always around them from a young age. Growing up in Kildare, it was either Gaelic Football or horses, and I suppose I gravitated a bit more towards the GAA. After I went to college in UCD, I got a job in finance but quickly learned that an office job wasn't for me. So I left that and went to America, where I worked with Archie St George before I came back to Ireland and spent some time with Tally-Ho Stud. It was actually Roger who put me in contact with David. I went there in 2013 and have been associated with him ever since. Roger was keen for me to go and get some experience in a racing yard – he thought I'd learn a lot doing that – so he introduced me to David on a Friday and I was working for him by the following Monday. I didn't go over there with any great plan but it is a place where you get back what you put in. I just worked as hard as I could and, like I said, David is the type of fella who will give you the opportunities to progress.” He added, “I always loved going to the sales but David preferred to be in the yard and to be working hands-on with the horses, so there was an opportunity there. In fairness, a trainer cannot do everything either. Between watching horses working in the morning, doing entries and meeting owners, there are only so many hours in the day so you need to be delegating.” Lord Glitters, who Kelly sourced in 2017 for €270,000, put the young bloodstock agent's name in lights with a string of high-profile victories, including the Group 1 Jebel Hatta in Meydan back in 2021. The gorgeous grey earned himself a loyal fan group and amassed over £2 million in prize-money before being retired in 2022. He will forever be remembered as the horse who put Kelly on the map, yet, a horse few will remember, First Bombardment, could be credited for getting the ball rolling on Kelly's career. He explained, “The first time David let me out at a sale, I came home with a horse called First Bombardment [from the yearling sales at £18,000]. He wasn't a superstar or anything but he was beaten just a short head in the Brocklesby. It wasn't a big order but everyone was happy with him. They can't all be Group 1 horses and, when you are spending 20 grand, you've got to be realistic – you're trying to find a fun horse that will get people racing.” Kelly was a major force at all of the European yearling sales this year with business being done on behalf of a range of different clients. Along with Bond Thoroughbreds, Akela Thoroughbreds, Brighton footballer Georginio Rutter and Jinky Farms, have also enjoyed a fruitful year and remain important clients going forward into 2026. He said, “Akela Thoroughbreds are big supporters. Nighteyes (Night Of Thunder) has been brilliant for them and Mark Markey of Akela Thoroughbreds keeps his mares in Ireland. They are actually building a farm on the Curragh and that will be amazing when it is built. They have some exciting mares to retire there – Obviously Nighteyes but also Tundra Rose (Tamayuz), who is a very quick filly and was third in the Listed Montrose Stakes at Newmarket last year. Akela Thoroughbreds have had horses like Epic Poet (Lope De Vega) and Get Shirty (Teofilo) in the past but they were horses-in-training purchases. It has become harder and harder to find those types of horses at the sales so we have changed tack and bought fillies with pedigrees and it seems to be going well. Nighteyes is obviously the flag-bearer given she was second in the Group 1 Flying Five Stakes. She actually fractured her fetlock in that race. Thankfully, she has completed her rehab and is out in the field, so the plan will be for her to visit Blue Point in the new year. “Another Night Of Thunder filly, Ryka, has improved a huge amount for David this year, culminating with an impressive performance to win a Listed race in France in October. She's only a three-year-old so we're hoping there might be even more improvement and she is a good advertisement for David's capabilities as a trainer given she has progressed through the ranks this season from a filly that was rated 77 to winning her Listed race. Hopefully she can pick up a Group race next year and then retire back to the stud.” He added, “Georginio Rutter and Jinky Farms have also done quite well this year. They bought Orion's Belt (Starman), who was second in the Dick Poole, and have a number of other nice horses in training. Georginio still has horses with David O'Meara but, when he transferred to Brighton and moved south, he wanted to be close to some horses there. So we teamed up with Ross Doyle and bought three yearlings and they've all worked out. It's a good partnership and hopefully they have a lot of luck going forward.” Kelly's outlook on the game is a refreshing one. Despite closing in on his most successful year as a bloodstock agent, he is not comfortable about hogging the limelight and prefers to emphasise the important role that owners play in the whole ecosystem. He concluded, “Good trainers make a massive difference and I have been fortunate to be able to buy for David, Paddy Twomey and Richard Hannon, so that has been a massive help. As a bloodstock agent, you are only as good as the orders that you have. There's no point being able to pick the horses if you are not able to buy them. Owners are everything and I am lucky to have some great people on board.” The post ‘For Maranoa Charlie To Work Out As Well As He Has Is A Dream’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

BloodHorse has reprised its online year-end survey to ask some of the sport's leading individuals for their opinions on pertinent issues facing the sport.View the full article

Timaru trainer Stephanie Faulkner has always dreamed of winning her home cup, and that turned into a reality at Phar Lap Raceway on Sunday courtesy of Shaking Stevens (NZ) (American Pharoah). The five-year-old gelding had an army of supporters on course, and the local crowd got right in behind the son of American Pharoah, backing him from $8 into a $3.20 favourite for the Craigmore Sustainable Holdings Timaru Cup (1600m). He rocketed out of the gates from his ace barrier and took an early lead under jockey Tina Comignaghi, but soon handed up to an improving Tumuch. Comignaghi put her charge to sleep in the trail before waking him up at the top of the straight when asking him to chase down the leader and he duly responded, slowly eating into Tumuch’s advantage before hitting the front and holding out a fast-finishing Sir Albert to win by a nose. Faulkner was rapt to finally get her hands on her home Cup. “It wasn’t in my wildest dreams that I would win the big race at Timaru, but we have done it,” she said. “I had a horse years ago, when I trained back in the nineties, called Petrify and he ran second, so it was great to win it today.” Faulkner was pleased with Shaking Stevens’ condition heading into the race and was quietly confident after he jumped away so well. “He won it at the start, he jumped out that well and she (Comignaghi) could dictate what she wanted to do then,” Faulkner said. “It was a nice, cool ride by Tina, and when the pace was slapped on she let them go and relaxed him, he is a pretty easy horse.” His large group of owners were trackside on Sunday, and they were in full voice as they cheered home their charge. “The guys that own this horse are so excited, I don’t think they will be sleeping tonight,” Faulkner said. “I don’t think they have seen so many people in the birdcage to get into the photo. All the owners were there with their kids and it was really cool. There were a lot of friends and family there today which made it even more special.” Bred and formerly raced by The Oaks Stud in Cambridge, Shaking Stevens had 14 starts for Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh before being offered on gavelhouse.com earlier this year where he was purchased for $8,000. Faulkner has taken a patient approach with Shaking Stevens since he arrived in her care in March and he has turned a corner since she changed his shoeing at the start of spring and he has gone on to win four of his last five starts. “Before he started winning for us, he was hanging and carry on a little bit and doing a few things wrong,” Faulkner said. “He had a bit of trouble with his feet, so we got the shoes fixed up and balanced a bit better and got that all ironed out and he turned the corner after we gave him that treatment. “He is looking better-and-better. He looked magnificent out there today. He had a real glimmer and he walked out there like he owned the place.” While Shaking Stevens has been in work for a long time, Faulkner said he hasn’t been overtaxed and he benefited from a change of scenery a couple of weeks ago. “We have had him since March, so he has basically been in work since then,” Faulkner said. “A couple of weeks ago he had a week up at Brian Court’s place on the water walker, just for a change of scenery, and I think that really freshened him up after Cromwell (last-start win).” With Shaking Stevens’ $46,000 winning cheque in-hand, Faulkner is now eyeing loftier targets, and will likely press on to next months $350,000 Life Direct Remutaka Classic (2100m) at Trentham. “At the start of the season we planned to get him into the Remutaka Classic,” she said. “He will have a bit of weight to carry in that but there will be a couple of others on the same weight. “While you have got them in good form like him, you have got to have a crack.” View the full article

A barnstorming finish has delivered Te Akau Racing with a stunning late Christmas present as underrated galloper What You Wish For (NZ) (Embellish) came from last on the home bend to take out the Harcourts Taupo Cup (2000m) in front of a bumper holiday crowd. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared five-year-old had provided mixed results in the first four starts of his current campaign, with his most recent run seeing him finish midfield in the Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) at Trentham on 20 December. Walker and Bergerson gave him a couple of days to freshen up after the long float trip to their Matamata base and the son of Embellish looked a picture of health during his pre-start parade. With a number of runners keen on being near the pace in the feature event on the day, rider Wiremu Pinn was content to settle back near last on What You Wish For and was spotting pacemaker Knights Realm more than 10 lengths as the pressure was applied at the 800m. Pinn didn’t panic as he took his mount to the outside on the home bend and just as Knights Realm looked to have stolen the major spoils, What You Wish For stormed past him in the final 100m to claim a one length victory with ease. Bergerson was delighted to see his charge back in winning form with his last victory coming in the Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m) back in February. “It was a really good effort today, although we were happy with him heading into Trentham, but he just fails to get past 2000m,” Bergerson said. “We gave him a light week, changed it up a little and kept him nice and fresh. “It was a good, patient ride by Billy (Pinn), but geez he sprinted well. “He just loves Taupo and he won like this first up last season, so we thought we would try our luck and come back again. “He has always been a talented galloper but just hasn’t had the rub of the green at times and is a good horse on his day. “We may freshen him up again and go to the Taranaki Cup (Gr.3, 1800m) or even defend his Kaimai Stakes (Listed, 2000m) title.” What You Wish For was offered by breeders Cambridge Stud in Book 1 of Karaka 2022, where David Ellis bought him for $60,000. He has now won five of his 24 starts and $284,465 in stakes. The Taupo Cup was also the final race in the Northern Cups Bonus Series, with Agera holding on to score a two-point victory over Just Charlie to take home the $50,000 winner takes all bonus. View the full article

Join Emily Murphy and Bruce Sherwin as they break down the action from the Boxing Day Races out of Ellerslie. Plus a look forward to some of the feature races upcoming including the Group 1 Telegraph Handicap at Trentham. Weigh In, December 28 View the full article

Matamata horseman Benji King had a day to remember at Ellerslie on Boxing Day. He started the day off well when his promising mare Mid Ocean (NZ) (Ocean Park) scored in the Horizon By SkyCity 1400 in the colours of her breeder and co-owner Henrietta, Dowager Duchess of Bedford, and two races later Well Written (Written Tycoon), who he purchased and sold as a younger horse, continued her unbeaten streak when taking out the Gr.2 Jimmy Schick Shaw’s Auckland Guineas (1400m) for trainer Stephen Marsh. “I was really thrilled,” King said. “It was a fantastic day for the entire team, for us especially and for my Dad (Nick King) and the farm (Brighthill Farm), both of those horses came off his farm. It was exciting. “Both of my brothers (Harry and Charlie) and my sister Soph were all back for Christmas, so it all worked out really well.” Mid Ocean had shown ability as a three-year-old last term when winning one and placing in two of her five starts, and competed in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). “Heading into the Oaks we were always a little bit on the back foot,” King said. “It was pretty amazing to even get her there, it shows the ability that she has and the willingness to be a racehorse, that’s her biggest asset.” The daughter of Ocean Park was having her first run of the season at Ellerslie last Friday, and King admitted to being a relieved man when she was first past the post. “It was enjoyable and a slight relief because we have such a high opinion of her,” he said. “It was nice to see her match up to those decent horses on a big day like that. It gives us a bit of confidence now and we can look towards some nicer features.” King is now eyeing a return to Ellerslie with his mare next month. “At this stage, I am looking at Karaka Millions night in a fillies and mares 1400m (Jo Giles Stakes),” he said. An hour later, while still coming down from the high of training a winner on one of Ellerslie’s biggest days, King cheered home his former filly Well Written to win the Auckland Guineas. King purchased the daughter of Written Tycoon as a weanling out of Inglis’ Great Southern Sale for $35,000 on the advice of his brother Harry, who works for Yulong in Australia as their Sales and Nominations Manager. King wasn’t able to make it to the sale, so Harry sent through a short list and King said he was immediately taken by Well Written when seeing her photos and videos. “My brother Harry is based in Melbourne, so he floats a lot of horse’s profiles through,” King said. “We are always in the market to buy and sell. We didn’t make it to the foal sale, but Harry sent through a couple of pictures and videos of a handful (of weanlings), and she was one of them. “We didn’t think we would be anywhere near a chance on a Written Tycoon filly out of a nice mare, but she just had a couple of little imperfections and that is where we like to strike. She was a little bit lighter and a little bit small, but we felt like we could improve her and we bought her at a nice price.” While King bought Well Written as a racing prospect, life threw a few curve balls his way and he elected to offer her through Brighthill Farm’s 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Online Yearling Sale draft where she was purchased by her trainer Stephen Marsh and his racing manager Dylan Johnson for $80,000. “We were buying to race a nice filly like her, but I had a bit of an accident, and we decided to sell,” he said. “But everyone has got a good bite of the bone.” Well Written has been a sensation since winning on debut at Ellerslie in September, going on to win the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) before her Boxing Day triumph. While no longer in his care, King said he still feels very much a part of her journey. “We feel like we still played a big part because she was quite underdone when we got her,” he said. “She spent a lot of time at the stud and we made sure that she was well looked after. We feel like we are a big part of her career and where she has got to. “It is so nice to see a graduate go on and perform on the track.” In a full-circle moment, the King family still has a connection with the filly after Yulong Investments purchased into her prior to her NZ 1000 Guineas triumph, and Harry King, who works for the industry giant, was trackside to share in the celebrations on Boxing Day. “He (Harry) has got a big love for Written Tycoon, and he is very proud of Yulong and the job that he does there,” Benji King said. “He thought she was going to be a good buy and that has proven to be the case.” While the Kings have enjoyed the ride with Well Written, it is set to continue over the coming months, with the filly a short-priced favourite for both the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), where she will represented Entain New Zealand’s TAB slot. King purchased Well Written under his Foxhill Thoroughbreds banner, a business he established with his partner Lena Jones shortly after the pandemic. It is primarily a pre-training and breaking-in business, while King has several racehorses in his care, and they also operate their own spelling property. King said Jones plays a key role in the business on top of being the primary carer for their children Annabelle and Gracie. “We have been on this property for a couple of years now. We do breaking, pre-training and we buy and sell horses. We have even bred a couple of mares. We are testing the waters and giving our clients plenty of options,” King said. “We have 10-acres and Lena runs that and all of the spellers, and that gives me a big break so I can focus on the training side of things. She is the one behind the scenes. She does all of the paperwork and accounts, which is a big part of the business.” The business has also diversified into breeze-up sales this year, with Foxhill Thoroughbreds offering their first draft at last month’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale. King sold both of his two-year-olds and he was pleased with his debut effort. “We did our first ready-to-run draft this year and we had a bit of success,” he said. “Both horses breezed up nicely and sold really well.” Growing up on Brighthill Farm, King has always been involved in the breeding side of the industry, and that is where he spent most of his career until his interest was piqued in the racing side of the industry when he was working in Australia. “I have grown up on the stud side, that is where I have learned my trade,” he said. “That was enjoyable and I even bred a stakes winner early and I was right into the breeding. We were selling nice stock. “I went to Australia and I really found the passion that Australians had for racing was quite infectious. Once I got a taste for it, it was something that I really wanted to have a go at.” King dipped his toe in the racing water when returning to New Zealand where he began to work in the mornings at Te Akau for trainer Jamie Richards before he decided to head offshore to further his education. “I had to work hard to do it, I wasn’t a great rider,” he said. “I worked in the mornings at the stables to learn to ride for Jamie Richards. I went to Mark Todd’s in England to learn to ride and train. I felt if I could understand the riding it would help me a long way. “I tried to work as hard as I could at that. When I came back to New Zealand and was working for Dad, that was when I got the taste for the training side of the industry and I felt that if I worked for Jamie Richards at Te Akau, which I did for a few years in the mornings, I would learn a lot, which I did. I then ventured off and had a crack.” King is proud that he has taken the risk and pursued his passion for training, and he is now reaping the rewards with his fledgling business. “It has grown quite a bit and I have got some awesome people around me, it is a real team effort,” he said. “We are just trying to provide a good service for clients, whether that is a pinhook, a ready-to-run, a racehorse, or whatever it may be.” King, who is now in his fourth season of training, is excited about the prospects of his racing team, including Mid Ocean, and he highlighted three-year-old filly Burnerphone (NZ) (Microphone) as one to watch. “I really like a horse we have got called Burnerphone,” he said. “She has had two starts and she has won a couple of trials. She is just needing some time to strengthen, but she is the one we are looking forward to the most.” View the full article

Leading Queensland rider Angela Jones will make her New Zealand debut at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day where she will partner the Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-prepared mare Smart Love (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m). The 24-year-old hoop created history at the conclusion of the 2024-25 racing season when becoming the first female rider to lift the Queensland metropolitan jockeys’ premiership, and she is currently one of the most sought after riders in Australia. Her connection to the O’Sullivan and Scott team began in April 2024 when her fiancée, Kyle Wilson-Taylor, partnered Waitak in the A$5m Quokka for the stable, with Jones in attendance at the Western Australia Carnival. “We first met Angela when she came to Perth with Kyle, who rode Waitak in the Quokka for us,” Scott said. “We spent plenty of time with her and she really impressed us. We have followed her riding since then, especially during the big Brisbane carnivals, and she really is a very accomplished jockey. “She has continued to grow in confidence and is just getting better and better. She won the Queensland Premiership last season, which is a very big achievement, and a reward for how well she is riding.” Scott is confident that Jones will suit Smart Love, who has looked an exceptional talent as she has made her way through the grades this season, and is keen to see her tackle the big guns in the prestigious Ellerslie feature. “Angela jumped at the chance to come over for the day and we think she will really suit our mare,” he said. “I also think she will definitely want to put a Group Two New Zealand win on her record as Kyle won the Wellington Guineas (Gr.2, 1400m) on Grail Seeker for the stable and she won’t want him having that on his own. “We have got her on two of our other runners on the day to help get a feel for the track, and being the professional she is I’m sure she will have done plenty of homework on those rides and the Ellerslie surface, which can trip a few up the first time they go there. “Smart Love worked with Checkmate, who is a race rival, on Saturday morning and we couldn’t be happier with how they both went. “We think they are both going to be very strong, lightweight chances so it is nice to go into a big raceday with genuine contenders in races like that.” Scott also reported that stable star Waitak (NZ) (Proisir) had pulled up well from his exertions in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) on Boxing Day where the rub of the green didn’t go his way when finishing towards the rear of the field “He (Waitak) pulled up good as gold after not having a lot of luck in running,” Scott said. “They weren’t going a gallop early on so he got a bit keen and when they sprinted he was left flat footed and plugged on well enough. “He can have a couple of days off and then we will get him ready for the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr.1, 2000m) at Te Rapa in February.” View the full article

Trainer Bob Baffert has entered five 3-year-olds in the 7-furlong Malibu Stakes (G1), headed by recent Perryville Stakes (G3) winner Barnes.View the full article

Montador, which in Portuguese means "assembler," put it all together in notching his first stakes win in the $98,000 Woodchopper Stakes Dec. 27 at Fair Ground Race Course & Slots.View the full article

Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Sovereignty is preparing to compete as a 4-year-old, according to Godolphin USA director of bloodstock Michael Banahan.View the full article

A return on 13 days' rest and a stretch out from a sprint to a route proved insignificant obstacles for Counting Stars, who improved to 3-for-4 in romping in the $150,000 Year's End Stakes Dec. 27 at Oaklawn Park.View the full article

Securing his first stakes win, Knightsbridge's victory in the $150,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park Dec. 27 announced him as a threat in future one-turn mile events.View the full article

Counting Stars (Honor A. P.) opened her account at first asking with a four-length success at Churchill Sept. 25, but could not repeat the dose at short odds when a distant fifth in the Oct. 24 Myrtlewood Stakes at Keeneland. The bay bounced back in no uncertain terms with a four-length tally in the Astral Spa Stakes here just 13 days back, but was a warm item to handle the quick turnaround and added real estate. Ridden for a bit of speed from her wide draw, Counting Stars was trapped out deep into the first turn and was content to punch the breeze while not far from the pace through the middle furlongs. Allowed to stride into the lead midway on the second bend, the bay filly quickened up nicely and ran away from her rivals in the short stretch to win convincingly. Paynterbynumbers is the dam of a yearling filly by Epicenter and was not covered for 2026. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. YEAR'S END S., $150,000, Oaklawn, 12-27, 2yo, f, 1m, 1:38.68, ft. 1–COUNTING STARS, 122, f, 2, by Honor A. P. 1st Dam: Paynterbynumbers, by Paynter 2nd Dam: Ruth and Neva, by Cherokee Run 3rd Dam: Tap for Gold, by Pleasant Tap ($13,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $150,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR). O-West Point Thoroughbreds; B-HRH Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud (KY); T-Mark E Casse; J-Francisco Arrieta. $81,000. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-0, $230,606. 2–Newtown Pike, 117, f, 2, McKinzie–Newellton, by Trappe Shot. 1ST BLACK TYPE. ($75,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $140,000 2yo '25 EASMAY). O-Choctaw Racing Stable; B-Curt Leake & Elm Tree Farm LLC (KY); T-Lindsay Schultz. $27,000. 3–Scot's Law, 117, f, 2, Tiz the Law–Bodebabe, by Bodemeister. 1ST BLACK TYPE. ($50,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). O-Millard R Seldin Revocable Trust; B-Winchester Farm (KY); T-John Alexander Ortiz. $13,500. Margins: 6, 3/4, 3. Odds: 1.20, 18.60, 6.30. Also Ran: Paving, Authentic Cat, Copper Wind, Kaboom, Fizzy Lass, Sticker Shocked. #8 COUNTING STARS ($4.40) shone brightly in the $150,000 Year's End Stakes at @OaklawnRacing. The juvenile Honor A.P. (@LanesEndFarms) filly is now a two-time stakes winner. @jockeyfarrieta rode the @markecasse trainee for @westpointtbred. pic.twitter.com/bxndYO2hST — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 27, 2025 The post Quickfire Stakes Double For Honor A. P.’s Counting Stars appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse of the Year candidate and MGISW Sovereignty (Into Mischief) will return to racing in 2026. The news was confirmed by Godolphin's Michael Banahan in an interview Saturday with FanDuel TV. Questioned about the stable's star runner, Banahan told FanDuel's Caton Bredar that Sovereignty was “doing great”. “He's up in Kentucky at the moment,” Banahan said. “He's at Keeneland. He's galloping–doing fine. We'll probably get him down here to Payson [Park] early in the new year and get him [trainer] Bill [Mott]. Hopefully we'll have as a good a year as last year.” As a 3-year-old, Sovereignty earned over $5.6m, beginning his season with a win in the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes. After running second to Tappan Street (Into Mischief) in the GI Curlin Florida Derby in April, Sovereignty would go undefeated the rest of the year, winning the GI Kentucky Derby, the GI Belmont Stakes, the GII Jim Dandy Stakes and the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes. He was training up to a start in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic last month when an ill-timed fever forced his scratch in California. “We'll probably get him down here to Payson early in the new year.” @CBredar asked the question and @Godolphin's Michael Banahan gave the answer. SOVEREIGNTY will return in 2026! pic.twitter.com/lglkAlTw8h — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 27, 2025 The post Sovereignty To Return In 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Montador, which in Portuguese means "assembler," put it all together in notching his first stakes win in the $98,000 Woodchopper Stakes Dec. 27 at Fair Ground Race Course & Slots.View the full article

Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Sovereignty is preparing to compete as a 4-year-old, according to Godolphin USA director of bloodstock Michael Banahan.View the full article

Sunday, Nakayama, Japan, post time: 15:40, ARIMA KINEN (THE GRAND PRIX)-G1, ¥960,040,000, 3yo/up, 2500mT Field: Excite Bio (Jpn) (Rey De Oro {Jpn}), Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Museum Mile (Jpn) (Leontes {Jpn}), Regaleira (Jpn) (Suave Richard {Jpn}), Meisho Tabaru (Jpn) (Gold Ship {Jpn}), Sunrise Zipangu (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Chevalier Rose (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), Cosmo Kuranda (Jpn) (Al Ain {Jpn}), Mystery Way (Jpn) (Just A Way {Jpn}), Meiner Emperor (Jpn) (Gold Ship {Jpn}), Admire Terra (Jpn) (Rey De Oro {Jpn}), Arata (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}), Elton Barows (Jpn) (Deep Brillante {Jpn}), Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}). TDN Analysis: Regaleira is the most decorated runner in the field and the voting public's darling to boot. If she repeats on Sunday, she would be the sixth dual winner of the race, fifth to win it in consecutive years and the first filly or mare to do the double. She faces a tough ask, especially with the presence of Japanese 2000 Guineas hero Museum Mile and Japanese Derby winners Danon Decile and Tastiera. Monday, Ohi, Japan, post time: 15:40 p.m., TOKYO DAISHOTEN-G1, ¥170,000,000, 3yo/up, 2000m Field: Natural Rise (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Passion Cry (Jpn) (Asia Express), Narukami (Jpn) (Thunder Snow {Ire}), Bahir Dar (Pioneerof The Nile), Bell Gracias (Thunder Snow {Ire}), Nansei White (Jpn) (Talismanic {GB}), Hero Call (Jpn) (Hokko Tarumae {Jpn}), King's Sword (Jpn) (Sinister Minister), Aladdin Barows (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), Diktaean (Jpn) (King Kamehameha {Jpn}), Seesaw Game (Daaher), Ho O Roulette (Jpn) (Roses In May), Mikki Fight (Jpn) (Drefong), Night Of Fire (Jpn) (Hokko Tarumae {Jpn}), Outrange (Jpn) (Regalo {Jpn}), Grand Bridge (Jpn) (Sinister Minister). TDN Analysis: This race holds a wide-open feel, but both Natural Rise and Narukami carry five-for-seven records into this dirt affair. Placed in the G1 February Stakes, Mikki Fight could make his presence known, especially as he landed the G3 Antares Stakes last out. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Can Regaleira Defend Her Arima Kinen Title? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Given the Friday scratch of White Abarrio (Race Day), all the money in Saturday's GIII Mr. Prospector Stakes went the way of Godolphin homebred and 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' KNIGHTSBRIDGE (c, 4, Nyquist–Tyburn Brook, by Bernardini) and he rewarded his backers at 1-5 with a romp to earn his first graded stakes win. Drawn inside and making just his second appearance in graded company, the Bill Mott runner had an easy go of things up front, riding the rail under Junior Alvarado through fractions of :22.80 and 45.83. A pair of rivals stacked up to his outside with Wound Up (Mendelssohn) caught between the favorite and Super Chow (Lord Nelson). Both attempted a run at the leader but faltered as Alvarado gave Knightsbridge some rein to work with at the top of the stretch. The other two were simply unable to keep pace as he strolled home to an easy, geared-down win with Super Chow catching Wound Up for second. Lifetime Record: 6-4-1-1. O/B-Godolphin; T-William Mott. KNIGHTSBRIDGE ($2.40) takes them gate-to-wire confidently in the $150,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes (G3) at @GulfstreamPark with @JuniorandKellyA in the saddle for trainer Bill Mott and owner/breeder @Godolphin. Another graded stakes winner by @DarleyAmerica's Nyquist. pic.twitter.com/N4fAElHdtm — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 27, 2025 The post Heavily-Favored ‘Rising Star’ Knightsbridge Rolls In Mr. Prospector appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Montador (Nyquist) shot to the front with about a furlong to travel and powered home to defeat stablemate Juris Doctor (Constitution) for a first black-type success in Saturday's age-restricted Woodchopper Stakes at the Fair Grounds. Taken back off the early gallop, Montador raced two deep and with cover down the backstretch. Pulled out into the three path leaving the three-eighths, the homebred went on the attack three off the inside with a furlong to travel and quickly put the race to bed. Juris Doctor traveled into the race looking very strong passing the quarter pole, but was unable to secure a clear run in the final two panels and did well to round out a Stidham exacta. “I was just a passenger today,” said winning jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. “That performance was just a testament to Mike and his team. All I had to do was give him the cleanest trip possible. Montador did the rest for us.” Sheikh Mohammed's operation acquired second dam Hystericalady for a sales-topping $3 million at Keeneland November in 2008 and Lady Montdore is one of her six winners. Group 3-placed in France, the mare was repatriated and won the GII Glens Falls Stakes while finishing third in the GI Flower Bowl Stakes. Montador's juvenile half-brother Beekman Street (Street Sense) won his maiden going a mile over this turf course Nov. 27 and his two younger siblings include the yearling colt Strike Point (Not This Time) and a weanling filly by American Pharoah. Lady Montdore was most recently bred back to Not This Time. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. WOODCHOPPER S., $98,000, Fair Grounds, 12-27, 3yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:41.31, fm. 1–MONTADOR, 118, c, 3, by Nyquist 1st Dam: Lady Montdore (GSW & GISP-US, GSP-Fr, $318,642), by Medaglia d'Oro 2nd Dam: Hystericalady, by Distorted Humor 3rd Dam: Sacramentada (Chi), by Northair 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. O/B-Godolphin LLC (KY); T-Michael Stidham; J-Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 7-3-2-0, $279,309. 2–Juris Doctor, 116, c, 3, Constitution–Romanticism, by War Front. 1ST BLACK-TYPE. ($450,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Pin Oak Stud; B-Ashview Farm & Colts Neck Stables (KY); T-Michael Stidham. $20,000. 3–Faber, 116, g, 3, Improbable–Disobedient, by Into Mischief. ($37,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Al & Bill Ulwelling; B-Anderson Farms Ont Inc & 552727 Ontario Ltd (ON); T-Gary M Scherer. $10,000. Margins: 4 1/4, 1HF, HD. Odds: 1.10, 3.00, 26.80. Also Ran: Savion, Joejoe Go, Flying Mohawk, Coco Cool. MONTADOR got the perfect trip in the Woodchopper S. at @fairgroundsnola! @b_hernandezjr was aboard for trainer @stidhamracing! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/6Yga8pawqF — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) December 27, 2025 The post Nyquist’s Montador Stamps Authority On Woodchopper Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What will racing look like in 10 years? We asked some of racing's best and brightest to give us their predictions. Want to submit an answer? Email suefinley@thetdn.com. Corey Johnson, Longtime track executive, Thoroughbred owner/breeder Anyone who reads this publication understands that our sport has plenty of problems. Issues such as aftercare, ADW/CAW, decoupling, shrinking foal crops and the regulation of safety and integrity dominate the landscape and need to be solved. There have been some recent success stories in working together, so, I am going to focus on some developments which will positively affect our industry over the next 10 years. Triple Crown Every sport needs popular, successful marquee events that cut through the clutter and gain national attention. Thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown will be stronger than ever in 2036. Between the reconstruction of Belmont Park and Pimlico, as well as Churchill Downs' continued investment in its facilities, more than $1 Billion will have been spent. On track revenues will soar, along with greater rights fees. The competition to televise/stream championship sporting events will continue to grow. Rights fees and purses will increase. I believe with more revenue at stake, all parties will come together and solve the timing issues of the Triple Crown, thus making it a more competitive and interesting sporting event. International This prediction is easy… There will be more international growth in Thoroughbred racing. The demand for more turf racing will continue to grow. North American tracks will place a greater emphasis on grass racing. More European horses will come to the US. An increase in worldwide wagering will follow. In 10 years, technology will allow for a seamless betting system. I remember when our industry struggled with the many details involved with wagering on Canadian horse racing. Now, it is commonplace and seamless. By 2036, that will be the same with international betting. I have an interesting prediction about international dirt racing in the future. American breeders produce the best horses for that surface in the world. Lucrative purses for major dirt races will be offered in the Middle East, Far East and other markets still to emerge. So, international buyers will travel to the US in greater numbers to purchase top class dirt horses. Racing Leagues One or more of the racing leagues are going to be much more much important in 10 years. I'm not here to predict which one(s) and/or what concept will prevail. But, I believe it will happen, and it will lend itself to not only improving the sport in America but also on an international basis. Expansion/Racing Circuits I believe there will be significant expansion of pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing in the US. This will involve bringing online a number of new states. Many states without horse racing have sports wagering. People are already wagering on their phones and computers. So, it makes it easier to add advance deposit wagering and ultimately live racing to the mix. Before Lone Star Park opened for live racing in 1997, we were able to offer simulcast wagering for a year, which helped pay for construction and build up the purse fund. I predict a number of regional circuits will emerge and become a significant driver of purse money and breeders' awards. At the top of the list is the Mid-Atlantic. The $500 million investment in Maryland racing combined with its non-profit status and the investment by Churchill Downs in historical horse racing in Virginia will create new revenue that will strengthen the sport in the six-state region. As evidenced by the cooperation between Maryland and Virginia this summer, racing schedules will be coordinated. Jockey Club The Jockey Club and other national non-profits will take a greater role in the development, ownership and operation of live racing facilities in the US. The British Jockey Club took that approach more than a decade ago and saved many important racetracks in England. Political Lobbying One of the reasons I paint an optimistic picture of the Thoroughbred racing in 2036, is the belief that we will effectively educate elected officials and the public on the economic benefits of a strong horse industry. Some recent examples are the Thoroughbred Racing Initiative in Florida, and the Kentucky Equine Education Project. I believe our industry has learned we need to tell our agricultural story. We are very vulnerable when we justify our existence only from gambling and pari-mutuel wagering tax revenues. We must present a bigger picture that focuses on the agriculture and tourism impact, and the jobs and economic investment they create. I worked at Arlington Park when the brilliant racing executive Joe Joyce was at the helm. Someday, he will be recognized as a Pillar of the Turf in the Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport, with innovations such as the Arlington Million and off track betting. Being in the right place at the right time, I was fortunate he was one of my mentors. I was focused on the implementation of his many great ideas. However, he always warned that we could do everything right at the track but real change–good or bad–usually came through legislation. We can improve Thoroughbred racing. If you are a TDN reader, then you likely love the horse, receive some type of economic benefit and/or receive great joy from the sport. So, I am asking you to get involved in the political process and legislative affairs. Insist that your industry recognize this and spend time and money in this area. Contribute to industry PAC Funds and support horse friendly elected officials. Dedicate time to the process. Visit with your local Senator or Representative. Attend industry events or fundraisers. We have a compelling story to tell, so let's all get involved and make 2036 the best year ever for Thoroughbred racing. The post Racing In 2036: Corey Johnson appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sent off as the 29-10 third choice in a field of five debuting over the one-turn mile at Gulfstream Park on Saturday afternoon, Class President (Uncle Mo) saved his best for the final furlong and kicked home a decisive winner, heading up a WinStar and Uncle Mo 1-2 finish. Off without incident from the two hole, the bay colt secured the perfect spot at the fence from third as second choice Prize Pick (Tiz the Law) cut out the running while flanked by the debuting Easterly (Uncle Mo)–also representing WinStar, China Horse Club and First Go Racing–out wide. Blocked for a run as they reached the quarter pole, Class President was maneuvered off heels and into the clear in upper stretch, quickly drew alongside the front-running duo and came away to a comfortable 3 1/4-length victory. Easterly was second ahead of a late-on-the-scene Boss Dylan (Liam's Map), the 4-5 chalk. The late Uncle Mo was also represented earlier Saturday by one-time WinStar runner Star of Wonder, a $325,000 Fasig-Tipton July HORA Sale grad and half-brother to MGISW Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) who posted a convincing victory in the Listed King Faisal Cup at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia. A half-brother to American Speed (More Than Ready), SP, $161,700, Class President is out of a full-sister to SW Boston Post Road who is also the dam of the yearling filly Highest Standard (Justify) and a weanling filly by Nyquist. Top Quality is due to the latter for her 2026 produce. 6th-Gulfstream, $40,000, Msw, 12-27, 2yo, 1m, 1:38.33, ft, 3 1/4 lengths. CLASS PRESIDENT (c, 2, Uncle Mo–Top Quality {SW & GSP-Can, MSW-US, $139,704}, by Quality Road) Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $24,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-WinStar Farm LLC, First Go Racing & CHC Inc; B-WinStar Farm LLC (KY); T-Todd A Pletcher. CLASS PRESIDENT ($7.80) and Easterly complete a @WinStarFarm exacta in Race 6 at @GulfstreamPark. @iradortiz was aboard the winner for @PletcherRacing. The Late Pick 5⃣ is next at Gulfstream. Bet with @FanDuel Racing.https://t.co/n8J7Nf7Wyh pic.twitter.com/NyuOeInt84 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) December 27, 2025 The post Mo-mentum: Class President Scores On Gulfstream Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sandman (Tapit) and La Cara (Street Sense), Grade I winners for dual Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse, each had five-furlong workouts over a fast track Saturday morning at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas. GI Arkansas Derby winner Sandman, under Cristian Torres, went in :59.60 (1/16). He covered his opening eighth of a mile in :12, a quarter-mile in :24 and three furlongs in :35.80 before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.40. Unraced since late August, Sandman has had five published workouts in advance of his yet-to-be determined 4-year-old debut. “He's great,” said Torres. “He's an easy horse to work with. He did it all on his own. He's a nice horse to ride, so I just put my hands down and he did all the work. He had a target today and he actually liked it. There was a horse that started like five lengths in front of me. When I asked him at the quarter pole, he went on and passed that horse. He's feeling good.” MGISW La Cara also worked moments after the surface renovation break, clocking five furlongs in 1:00.20 (2/16) under exercise rider Autumn Lavertu, galloping out six furlongs in 1:13, according to clockers. “Went good and easy,” Caden Arthur, who oversees Casse's Oaklawn division, said. “Just trying to get her a little more fit for the race in February.” La Cara, who hasn't raced since finishing fifth in the GI Cotilion Stakes Sept. 20, is scheduled to make her 4-year-old debut in the GIII Bayakoa Stakes Feb. 7 at Oaklawn. The post Casse Works Grade I Winners Sandman, La Cara Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-SA, $70K, Msw, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 2:31 p.m. ET. NEWTON (Munnings) went through the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling sale ring and brought $975,000. Sent to Bob Baffert, the colt is out of $1.2-million buy Secret Jewel (Bernardini), whose other progeny include GSW Twenty Carat (Into Mischief) and SW Point Proven (Gun Runner). Secret Jewel's half-sisters include Canadian GSW Colonial Flag (Pleasant Tap), MGSW Sparkle Blue (Hard Spun) and last but not least GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf victress Shared Account (Pleasantly Perfect)–herself the dam of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine Sharing (Speightstown). TJCIS PPS 3rd-GP, $70K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:20 p.m. ET. Unraced Bonita Mia (Warrior's Reward), the dam of MGSW Super Chow (Lord Nelson) and SW Princess Indy (Lord Nelson), has Spendthrift homebred Authentic Chance (Authentic) headed to the post for her unveiling under the care of trainer Todd Pletcher. The filly's dam is a half-sister to GI Acorn Stakes champ Carina Mia (Malibu Moon) and her extended female family includes Argentinian champion 3-year-old filly & GISW Miss Linda (Arg) (Southern Halo). TJCIS PPS 7th-GP, $70K, Msw, 2yo, 6f, 3:18 p.m. ET. One of the best maiden special weight races on Sunday includes a number of colts who are set for their first bow. Among them, look for Brad Cox stablemates Waymark (Liam's Map) and Autobahn (Nyquist) to be in the mix. Waymark went for $700,000 during Keeneland September and is out of a stakes-winning Shortleaf dam who produced GI Arkansas Derby runner-up Caddo River (Hard Spun). As for the WinStar-bred Autobahn, his dam is GSW Take Charge Paula (Take Charge Indy), who foaled 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', Long Neck Paula (Uncle Mo). High Camp (Instagrand) makes the races for breeder/owner OXO Equine and trainer Will Walden. The first foal for his dam, the bay's grand dam is MGSW Summer Applause (Harlan's Holiday). TJCIS PPS The post Well-Bred Daughter Of Munnings Set For Debut As Santa Anita Opens appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article