Wandering Eyes

Catalina Delcarpio has looked every inch a burgeoning star for trainer Paddy Twomey, and she disputes favoritism with Andrew Balding's Musidora Stakes (G3) runner-up Serenity Prayer in the 1 1/2-mile Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot.View the full article

These 6 horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week they head back to the racetrack. Duchess Of Kent (3f Art Major – Galleon’s Honour) Tr. L Pearson Rewarded her followers at Invercargill (2/6/25) with an easy front running maiden win at only her 4th start in a 1:58MR, last 800m in 57.0 Had previously won a trial (16/5/25) at Winton so the win was not unexpected. Since her raceday victory, she has been back at the Winton workouts where she showed her customary gate speed to lead & did enough to hold out 2 rivals without being really pushed. Goes to Forbury Park (racing at Wyndham) this Thursday (Race 11) where she takes on some handy fillies/mares but does have a good draw to utilise her gate speed and should prove competitive again. Princess Sadie (4m Muscle Mass – Shell Seeker) Tr. M Williamson Smart 3yo from last season getting her 4yo campaign started at Forbury Park this Thursday in Race 5, where she faces 5 rivals off a 20m handicap. Has won 3 from 17 and $141k in stakes after featuring in many of the 3yo specials of last season. Went to the Oamaru trials (10/6/25) where she led (after getting a 20m headstart) Love N The Port (Rowe Cup winner) & Empire City, did enough to hold those ‘esteemed’ rivals at bay MR:2:11.7, 800m in 58.5. Had been placed at an earlier trial at Ashburton (27/5/25) where she cam from last in a 7 horse field to just miss picking up the winner in a 57.7 800m. Her class alone should take her very close. Wicked Wanda (5m Sweet Lou – Bettor Be A Lady) Tr. G Rogerson 5 win mare with a good record (32 starts + $84k in the bank) who has been back to the Pukekohe workouts in recent weeks for impressive wins (2). The latest (10/6/25) where she led then cleared out from 4 rivals over the final stages to win by 5L. MR:2:03.1, 800m in 57.2, 400m in 27.2 Goes to Auckland this Friday (Race 2) where she should be able to use her gate speed to advantage over the short 1700m trip, challenging her main rivals who have drawn to her outside. Deserves to get another ‘W’. Always B Mattie (4g Always B Miki – Diamonds & Dust) Tr. T Hopkins Won a 3 horse workout at the ‘Park’ (2/5/25) in a good time MR:2:00.9, 800m in 57.7, 400m in 28.5 after leading. 2 race day runs back been hampered by poor draws although did run on strongly last time behind Kevin Kline when placed 3rd. 3rd up this Friday at Auckland in Race 4 where he has a major upgrade in the draw this time and with his natural fitness getting better, he should be close to his best. He is the highest rated horse in this field although there are others in career best form all the same. Bettor Be Quick (3f Bettor’s Delight – Righteous Franco) Tr. R & J Dunn Placed 4x at 2 from 8 starts behind the likes of Arafura & Sacetas, the well bred filly reappeared at the Rangiora trials (4/6/25) and after sitting parked over the last 700m, proved too good for Missing In Action (placed last week behind the impressive Show Stopper) MR:2:01.4, 800m in 56.8, 400m in 27.7. Begins her 3yo season with a race day start this Friday at Addington (Race 2) against the maiden fillies/mares. Draw no help but still expected to be very competitive and a likely stepping stone for ‘richer’ assignments later in the year. Full sister to the very smart group performer Pats Delight (12 wins + $296k) Brett’s Mate (6g The Pres – Eyrewell Pegasus) Tr. K Cameron Won a trial at Rangiora (21/5/25) where he got over the top of Macho Man from a handy sit in a field of 6 MR:2:08.9, 800m in 60.7, 400m in 30.8 Went to Addington for his resumption where he wasn’t disgraced in 3rd behind the smart Wilma’s Boy then a good thing beaten last Sunday when badly hampered by a breaking runner with 500m to run, big late recovery for 4th 1L from the winner. Back at Addington this Sunday, 3rd up in Race 4 and can deliver with some change in his fortune. View the full article

by Adam Hamilton Jonny Cox is looking forward to launching his Aussie campaign with the exciting Pinseeker at Menangle on Saturday night. Cox and Pinseeker arrived in Sydney late yesterday (Tuesday) along with the David and Stacey White pair Bet N Win and Betterthancash, who also step-out at Menangle on Saturday. Pinseeker (gate four) will clash with Betterthancash (three) over a mile in the opening race on Saturday. “I don’t know a lot about the form yet, but it looks a good starting point because we’re racing a class below the free-for-allers,” Cox said. “He travelled well, had a jog around at Luke’s (McCarthy) place this morning and seems to have settled in well.” Cox, who will do the driving on Saturday, said he wasn’t sure how quickly Pinseeker would begin from gate four. “He’s had lots of standing start racing at home, but has been in more mobiles this year and is slowly getting used to them,” he said. “It’ll be good to get this run into him two weeks out from the start of the Inter Dominion (July 5 at Albion Park). “It also breaks the trip up a bit before we head-up to Queensland where we’ll stay with Michael Brennan and Darrel Graham’s old place.” Although that first race at Menangle is for second tier pacers, it does include former Victoria Cup winner Rock N Roll Doo (gate 10) and James Rattray’s emerging Our Luciano (gate five). Later in the night, Bet N Win looks superbly placed to open his Aussie raid with a win in a 2300m trotting free-for-all (race seven). The best of Bet N Win is a league above his rivals where consistent Victorian free-for-aller Harry Stamper looks a clear second elect. Regular driver Bob Butt will make the trip to Menangle to partner Bet N Win, who is $1.15 in early markets for Saturday. One of Bet N Win’s key Inter Dominion trotting rivals, London To A Brick is a $1.10 favourite to win the eighth race at Menangle, the $50,000 NSW 4&5YO Trotting final (1609m). On the same card, Brad Hewitt’s classy pacer Captains Knock gets his chance to return to winning form from gate three in the 1609m free-for-all. Other major chances include classy mare My Moonlite Dream (two), Max Delight (six), Nyack (eight), Kingmaker (10) and Major Hot (11). View the full article

by Jonny Turner Wyndham punters will need to choose between outstanding age-group form and rock-hard fitness on Thursday. Princess Sadie will line up in a Silk Road Trotting Series heat, her first start since signing off an excellent three-year-old season in December. Just two starts ago, the now four-year-old mare ran second behind superstar Aussie Keyang Zahara in the Group One New Zealand Trotting Oaks. It looks outstanding form to bring to Young Quinn Raceway, even if the trotter has a 20m handicap to overcome. While her class can’t be doubted, Princess Sadie’s fitness can be given she hasn’t started in over six months. Trainer Matthew Williamson has prepped his stable star with two trials and is confident Princess Sadie is ready to make her presence felt. “I have been happy with both of her trials; she has had a good build-up,” Williamson said. “She is as ready as she can be without having had a race. “You can’t beat race fitness but knowing her and what she is capable of, I would think she is ready to run a nice race.” Williamson opted to give Princess Sadie a good break at the end of her three-year-old season, ruling her out of autumn feature racing. It’s a decision that has paid off, judging by the mare’s development. “I have been really happy with the way she has come back—she’s definitely carrying more condition now.” “Hopefully she can show in her races that she’s stronger now.” Hayden Douglas gets an outstanding opportunity to partner Princess Sadie under Thursday’s junior driver conditions. The reinsman has the job of guiding the trotter away from her first standing start. “She has stepped away nicely in her trials and is a sensible horse,” Williamson said. “There are only two horses off the 20m, there shouldn’t be too many excuses for her.” Joyride returns in Thursday’s finale after racing against New Zealand’s best two-year-old fillies last year. Like Princess Sadie, trainers Cran and Chrissie Dalgety gave the three-year-old a decent break after her last start in December. Two starts ago, Joyride was fourth behind Stella Rouge and Captains Mistress in the Group One Ace Of Diamonds at Addington. Also like Princess Sadie, Joyride had two trials ahead of her return. “Her trials have been perfect — she’s been running on nicely in both of them,” Carter Dalgety said. “Her work since then has been great, and even though she’s drawn wide, she looks a nice chance.” Joyride has drawn barrier 8 in Thursday’s Silk Road Series pacing heat. View the full article

by Jordyn Bublitz The father-daughter duo of Derek and Neita Balle have two runners set to take the stage tonight at Cambridge Raceway. A relatively new partnership, Neita admits she didn’t quite believe her dad when he first offered to train together. “We were having a laugh a few months ago when I jokingly asked him when we were going into partnership,” she said. “He told me, ‘Whenever you want to,’ and I laughed it off.” “Three months down the track, he walked into the barn and asked if I wanted to go into a training partnership. I just stood there stunned, I had to go inside and ask Mum if he was being serious!” With Derek away in Europe for the next eight weeks, Neita has been given sole charge of their Pukekohe barn. “What feels the best is the trust he has in me, for him to leave me with his horses and the owners. Knowing he can go away and that I’m capable of keeping things going here feels really special.” The first of their runners to step out this evening will be the dual-gaited Conrad H in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Mobile Pace (7:54 p.m.) “It was a really bad drive by me last start,” Neita laughed. “I was really happy with him though. He’s drawn awkwardly tonight, but he’s consistent and always runs a good race. He’ll never let you down.” Best of the night for the Balle team comes in the form of Rewiri Hill, who finds a nice step back in grade after winning three starts ago. The gelded son of Muscle Hill hits the track for the Mid-Winter Christmas Tickets On Sale Now Trot (8:19 p.m) “He’s been back out at the beach and that’s where he was when he was going his best for us. We’ve gone back to working him out there, and we’re really happy with him,” she said. “He won three starts ago and has since had some average runs and dropped a couple of points, so he’s found a really suitable race that I can see him winning.” View the full article

An immigration raid at Delta Downs racetrack Tuesday morning resulted in the apprehension of 84 undocumented individuals, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The surprise morning raid at Delta Downs—currently in the middle of a Quarter Horse meet—involved multiple law enforcement agencies including ICE, the U.S. Border Patrol, the Louisiana State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI. Those undocumented individuals taken into custody, said ICE, were processed for administrative immigration violations before being taken to the Lake Charles Border Patrol Station in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Two undocumented individuals with known criminal records were apprehended as part of the sweep, the agency added. Events at Delta Downs have set racing's teeth on edge, said Will Velie, an immigration attorney who works closely with the horse racing industry. “I've been getting calls since it happened from very, very many tracks,” he said. Indeed, in light of Tuesday's raid, Eric Hamelback, CEO of the national Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) circulated an email to several horseman's groups outlining some fundamental legal rights. For example, no ICE agent, or any individual representing the organization, should be permitted access to the backside of a racetrack or area under HBPA-affiliate oversight without the presentation of a “valid, judicially-approved warrant signed by a federal judge or magistrate,” Hamelback writes in the email. ICE Photo “A simple administrative or agency-issued 'warrant' (such as ICE Form I-200 or I-205) is not legally sufficient to authorize entry into non-public, private areas such as stable areas, dormitories, barns, or tack rooms. “This is well-established under the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which protects against unlawful searches and seizures without proper judicial authorization,” Hamelback wrote. Should any ICE agent present such a warrant, it must be carefully reviewed by legal counsel before they're permitted access to the track, wrote Hamelback. “If there is any doubt, contact National HBPA or your affiliate general counsel,” he added. Hamelback shared these additional points: – Racetrack security, backside gate personnel, and all facility management must not grant ICE agents entry based solely on request or agency credentials. – Entry is to be denied unless a search or arrest warrant, signed by an Article III judge or magistrate, is physically presented and its scope reviewed. – If ICE personnel appear requesting access without such a warrant, they are to be politely informed that no entry will be granted without judicial approval. – Immediately notify your local HBPA counsel and the National HBPA office of any such encounter. Over the past few months, Velie has also routinely distributed flyers (put together by the American Immigration Lawyers Association) outlining the constitutional rights of undocumented workers and their families. “I sent them down to Louisiana just yesterday,” he said. This document—geared towards undocumented employees—contains six main bullet points: – Stay calm. – You have the right to remain silent. – You are not required to show immigration documents. – You have the right to contact a lawyer. – You do not have to sign anything. – And what to do if you believe your rights have been violated. As for the specifics, it recommends that undocumented workers download and carry this card (colloquially called red cards or tarjetas rojas), which states that you do not wish to speak, answer any questions, or sign any documents. This document—geared towards undocumented parents with children—contains detailed advice on the following points: – Making a family safety plan. – Gathering key documents. – Legal preparations. – Communication and emergency contacts. – Financial preparations. – And a warning on child protection services. ICE Photo For example, it recommends that parents have the following papers and documents—where possible—gathered together and readily available: birth certificates, passports and social security cards; proof of legal status; and school and medical records. In terms of undocumented workers, Velie recommends having a plan in place and a designated legal representative in the event of being apprehended. “If you don't have a derogatory immigration background, no criminal arrest, no deportations, and you've been here for two years, then you're going to be bonded out. You will have a hearing, and you will be able to go before a judge,” said Velie. “And if there is pathway, then you can exercise that,” said Velie. “So, have somebody on the outside that's going to be able to help you get a bond hearing, so that you can be outside and make the decisions that you need to make that are best for yourself at your speed, not because you're locked up and you sign something just to be done with it.” In a Wednesday press release, ICE wrote about the Delta Downs sting that it was conducted “after authorities received intelligence indicating that the businesses operating out of the stables at the racetrack were employing unauthorized workers. Those suspicions were further confirmed during a subsequent site visit.” The raid has occurred amid the Trump administration's increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, hitting hard those sectors, like horse racing, that rely heavily on an immigrant labor force. In February, immigration enforcement officers descended upon the Frontera Training Center in Sunland Park, New Mexico, in a targeted visit for specific individuals. Similar targeted visits have also involved Oaklawn Park and other tracks in recent months, according to several sources. Tuesday's raid at Delta Downs, however, is believed to be the first major immigration sweep of a racetrack since the new administration regained power in January. Just last week, Trump posted on his Truth Social media platform that the “very aggressive” raids were hurting farmers and hotels. Subsequent reports indicated that the administration had told ICE officials to largely pause raids and arrests in the agricultural industry, hotels and restaurants. Reports on Monday, however, suggested that the administration had already reversed that order. When asked how the raids are being conducted—and whether immigration officers were complying with legal requirements—Velie said that “generally” they're complying with the law. “I'm not sure what the circumstances were at Delta Downs yesterday, if they had a judicial warrant, or if they came and said they want to come in, and Delta said 'okay.' I don't know the answer to that,” said Velie. “Horse racing's a small town,” Velie added. “These are our neighbors. And the people who aren't facing this need to stand up, let them know we support them, and that we'll do everything we can—if they are taken away—to bring them back.” The post Immigration Crackdown: Knowing Your Legal Rights appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With just some 20 hips left in the OBS June sale, Randy Miles went to a sale record $975,000 to acquire a filly by Curlin (hip 850) on behalf of Gus King. The chestnut, out of graded winner Mufajaah (Tapit), will be trained by Steve Asmussen. She was consigned by Saul Marquez's Caliente Thoroughbreds and worked a furlong last week in :10 flat. Marquez and partners purchased the filly for $200,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October sale. Just six hips later, Miles was in action as a consignor, selling a filly by Gun Runner (hip 857) for $525,000, the auction's second-highest price. The gray filly was purchased by MyRacehorse. The post Curlin Filly Brings OBS June Record $975k From Gus King appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ombudsman produced a blistering turn of foot to power clear of Anmaat in the June 18 Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse.View the full article

Ombudsman produced a blistering turn of foot to power clear of Anmaat in the June 18 Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse.View the full article

An Aidan O'Brien-trained hotshot may seem like a sure thing but Charles Darwin will have to defy a 17-year losing trend for favorites in the opener on the third day of Royal Ascot. View the full article

Most trainers don't get one Gold Cup legend in their training career, but Aidan O'Brien is already on two and on the look-out for a third as Illinois flies the flag in Thursday's Royal Ascot feature. Tasked with bringing home a 10th renewal, one of last high-class sons of Galileo has an ideal profile having contested the St Leger and won this meeting's G2 Queen's Vase at three. While his predecessor Kyprios took time to show his true class, this colt was among the best of the Classic generation and his return win in Chester's G3 Ormonde Stakes screamed Gold Cup heavyweight. “Everything has gone well so far and we always thought he was a horse who could step into the role of a Gold Cup horse,” O'Brien said. “We thought he could do that next year and he was standing in line behind Kyprios, but he's had his run and it went well. We have always thought he would stay the trip, but it's not until you go past the quarter pole in the Gold Cup that you find out.” If Illinois fails to live up to his billing, the Aga Khan Studs representative Candelari (Frankel) could be the chief beneficiary having dominated last month's G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier. Rattling off a closing three-furlong sectional of :34.58 which is fast for a stayer, the unexposed homebred bids to become the first French-trained winner of this since Westerner 20 years ago. Nemone Routh revealed that Candelari was close to being one of the operation's cast-off before his sudden rise to prominence. “He is a horse who has taken us massively by surprise,” the Stud's racaing manager said. “We nearly sold him unraced in November, but took him out during the week of the sale because he is so well-bred and he hadn't had any major setbacks. He's just a big horse who was quite immature and after we castrated him it took us a while to get him fit again.” “The question marks are over whether he will stay the distance, we believe he will because he finishes his races strongly but obviously that is an unknown and he probably lacks the experience of the rest of the field. He only made his debut in December, so he's only really been racing for six months, but then he's not got as many miles on the clock as some of the others and I think he's a natural stayer and a very genuine horse.” Godolphin's Trawlerman (Golden Horn) was a length behind Kyprios 12 months ago and five lengths clear of stablemate Sweet William (Sea The Stars) and has maintained his level admirably, but he probably needs the 4-year-olds to flop. James Fanshawe is a trainer always worth paying respect to at this meeting and there is a lot to like about the way he has delivered Wonder Legend (Sea The Stars) to this race. Better than ever when running away with the All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap on Newcastle's Tapeta, he hasn't a great deal to find with the principals. Charles Darwin To Continue Ballydoyle's Streak? Having completed a major double in the Coventry and Queen Mary on the opening two days, Aidan O'Brien takes aim at the G2 Norfolk Stakes with TDN Rising Star Charles Darwin (No Nay Never). The full-brother to Blackbeard gave eight pounds to Cardiff By The Sea at Naas last time and that form was franked when that daughter of St Mark's Basilica ran a close fourth in Wednesday's Queen Mary. As with Gstaad and True Love, the market is speaking loudly at present. Al Shaqab Racing's Chantilly scorer Afjan (Mehmas) is out of Al Johrah who beat all bar Lady Aurelia here in the 2016 Queen Mary, while Godolphin's TDN Rising Star Wise Approach is a half-brother to the 2021 winner of this race, Perfect Power. In the G2 Ribblesdale Stakes, TDN Rising Star and G3 Salsabil Stakes runner-up Catalina Delcarpio (Lope De Vega) warrants respect, but her stamina will be tested here and it is not guaranteed. Westerberg's G3 Musidora Stakes runner-up Serenity Prayer (Dubawi) was closest to Whirl at York and that looks smart form now, with this step up to a mile and a half sure to suit. Ballydoyle's contingent includes the Listed Naas Oaks Trial Stakes winner Garden Of Eden (Saxon Warrior) and Ecstatic (Lord Kanaloa) whose dam Magic Wand captured this in 2018. There is a renewing of G1 Prix du Jockey Club rivalry in the G3 Hampton Court Stakes, with Juddmonte's Detain (Wootton Bassett) and Ballydoyle's Trinity College (Dubawi) having been third and fourth respectively in the Chantilly Classic. “It was a huge run the last day and he was beaten three-quarters of a length which is very little,” Juddmonte's Barry Mahon said of Detain. “We initially thought Ascot would come too soon, but he has bounced out of Chantilly well and John and Thady are both very happy with him.” Zarigana & Falakeyah In Line For Coronation Battle Friday's Royal Ascot confirmations have been made and the clash between the Aga Khan Studs star Zarigana (Siyouni) and Shadwell's exciting Falakeyah (New Bay) in the G1 Coronation Stakes is the highlight of the card. The former, who was awarded the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches last month, will attempt to establish herself at the top of the fillies' pecking order in this mile category with fellow TDN Rising Star Falakeyah dangerously unexposed coming back in trip after her scintillating win in Newmarket's Listed Pretty Polly Stakes. Others of note among the 11 contenders include the 1,000 Guineas runner-up Flight (Siyouni) and another Listed winner stepping into the heat of Group 1 battle in Kon Tiki (Night Of Thunder). In the fixture's other Group 1 contest, 22 sprinters take part in the Commonwealth Cup with Godolphin's G1 Middle Park Stakes winner Shadow Of Light (Lope De Vega) the key protagonist dropping back to six having been third in the 2,000 Guineas. Juddmonte hold a strong hand, with the G1 Phoenix Stakes winner Babouche (Kodiac) lining up alongside the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains runner-up and fellow TDN Rising Star Jonquil (Lope De Vega), while Ballydoyle's duo include the G1 Prix Morny winner Whistlejacket (No Nay Never). There are 11 set to feature in the G2 King Edward VII Stakes, where the unbeaten Ralph Beckett-trained Listed Cocked Hat Stakes scorer Amiloc (Postponed) occupies favouritism over Ballydoyle's Listed Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master (Camelot). Of the 17 2-year-old fillies confirmed for the opening G3 Albany Stakes, Tony Bloom and Ian McAleavy's daughter of first-season sire Starman, the Carlisle winner Venetian Sun, is the market-leader at present in an open renewal. The post Illinois Has The Gold Cup Baton As O’Brien Seeks Number 10 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jorge Navarro, the self-proclaimed “Juice Man” and a central figure in the doping scandal that rocked the sport in 2020, was released Wednesday from the federal prison FCI Miami, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator website. On December 17, 2021, Navarro was handed a five-year sentence for his leading role in the felony drug misbranding and adulteration charges arising from an investigation that involved the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of New York. He began serving his sentence on March 18, 2022. Had he served his full sentence he would not have been released until March, 2027. It was not immediately known why he was released so early. Federal parole was largely abolished for crimes committed after November 1, 1987. Sentencing guidelines call for a prison term of up to five years with a requirement that at least 85% of the eventual sentence be served. Navarro served only three years and three months of his sentence or 65% of the original five-year sentence. “For years, Mr. Navarro, you effectively stole millions, cheating other trainers, owners and jockeys you competed against,” Judge Mary K. Vyskocil said at his sentencing. “You also demonstrated, Mr. Navarro, a collective, callous disregard for the well-being of the horses. The bottom line is you likely killed or endangered the horses in your care.” It was not known where Navaro went Wednesday, but his stay in the U.S. may not last long. Before his client was sentenced attorney Jason Kreiss said that it was all but certain that Navarro would be deported to his native Panama after serving his sentence. He is not a U.S. citizen. “He is facing an almost certain deportation to (Panama) where he has almost no familial, social, or economic ties” and “may even serve a longer incarceration term than ordered by the Court as a result of the collateral consequences of separate (Department of Homeland Security) deportation proceedings, which will only commence once he is transferred from the (Federal Bureau of Prisons) to (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement),” Kriese said. Trainer Jason Servis, the other major name in the case, is serving his sentence at Pensacola FPC and is not scheduled to be released until 7-16-26. This story will be updated. The post Jorge Navarro Released from Prison appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NYRA CEO David O'Rourke has a lot on his plate these days. There's the rebuild of the Belmont stands, the shuffling back and forth between Long Island and Saratoga for the GI Belmont Stakes and the preparation for the return of the Breeders' Cup in 2027. That meant there was a lot to cover when O'Rourke joined our team for this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland. O'Rourke was the Gainesway Guest of the Week. On the subject of moving the GI Belmont Stakes a few weeks back on the calendar so that there is more time between Triple Crown races, O'Rourke said that is not something that will happen anytime soon. “For the near future, nothing is going to happen. Next year is the World Cup. So, it's going to start right after the week after Belmont. So nothing would happen in the near term,” O'Rourke said. When the idea of running the three races on the first Saturday in May, the first Saturday in June and the first Saturday in July came up O'Rourke didn't seem eager to go in that direction. “Do people have to stick to the pattern?” he said. “Would we be moving these things just for NYRA's benefit or just for the industry? I agree that for the industry, the Triple Crown is the Holy grail. It's the one thing that works. How much do we want to play with it? If you've moved it that far and it didn't work, what do you do? So I would say that you're probably looking at what's being contemplated internally. And there have been some conversations that would be more of an incremental move than a drastic one because this is the one thing is sacred to really our sport. It's the one thing where the metrics are significant. It's our moment. And if we move, if we play with it too much, we could break it.” With so much rain falling during the Belmont-at-Saratoga meet, which cost NYRA more than $30 million in handle, is there any talk of putting in a synthetic track at Saratoga? “We've looked at it,” he said. “It's just difficult with the configuration. So, in the near term, no. Now might we play around with the training surface somewhere, possibly an uphill for long jogs, something like that. But in terms of the main surfaces now, there's even some ideas out there, and you can think of them as sort of crazy, as putting one over at Oklahoma and bringing off the turf races over there in bad weather.” NYRA has been plagued by short fields in the stakes races it has run so far this year. It not unusual to see them come up with four horses with the racing being run as the second on the card. “We're constantly looking at the stakes schedule,” he said. “From the owner point of view, that black-type is really important, especially on the female side. I understand your point that there are too many options at certain times for certain divisions and at a certain level? Let's just think about the graded level and I'll fall back onto a pattern committee in terms of kind of forcing the best horses in a certain pattern direction. I think that would be best for the sport, but that's going to take another version of consensus with everyone buying in. But I hear what you're saying.” In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment, which is sponsored by WinStar, we went over the many reasons there are breed to WinStar stallion Constitution. The fastest horse of the week was Nash (Medaglia d'Oro), who ran a 106 when winning a June 13 allowance at Churchill Downs Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, 1/ST Racing and 1/ST TV, the team of Randy Moss, TD Thornton and Bill Finley discussed the raid of the Delta Downs backstretch by agents of ICE and wondered if this would be the first of many raids at racetracks. They also talked about the situation in Louisiana, which seems to change by the minute, but it now appears that the 2025-2026 meet at the Fair Grounds will be run. And now that he's won over 3,000 races, including two GI Kentucky Derbies and 43 graded stakes in all, does Chief Stipe O'Neill deserve too be in the Hall of Fame? To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To view the show as a podcast, click here. The post David O’Rourke Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented by Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Triple Crown race alumni Clever Again and Chunk of Gold will bump heads in a chance at redemption in the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) at Thistledown. View the full article

Last week, economics professors Marshall Gramm and Nick McKinney published a study in these pages showing the impacts at Aqueduct the past four winters from CAW players during the last flash across all the pools. According to that study, the percentage share from CAW players of monies wagered last-minute into the Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta and Early Pick 5 pools (among others) had jumped significantly between 2022 and 2024. In light of that published study, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has issued a statement explaining that, in the fall of 2023, the organization had switched tote operators—from AmTote to United Tote—resulting in “material differences” in how the pool cycles are managed. “It would be impossible to make any meaningful determinations about the final cycle data without understanding and accounting for the 2023 change in tote operations,” wrote NYRA spokesperson, Pat McKenna. NYRA's full statement is as follows: “NYRA transitioned tote operations from AmTote to United Tote in the Fall of 2023, an important fact not mentioned or discussed in the analysis recently published by TDN. There are material differences in how these operators manage pool cycles, which is reflected in the 2024 data as compared with 2023. It would be impossible to make any meaningful determinations about the final cycle data without understanding and accounting for the 2023 change in tote operations. “In recent years, NYRA has implemented a series of policies that effectively restrict the wagering activity of CAW groups. In addition, NYRA is developing technology designed to provide retail customers with advanced wagering tools and more information than ever before.” The post NYRA: CAW Trends Impacted by Changes in Tote Operations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bringing up a second renewal of Royal Ascot's Listed Windsor Castle Stakes for Eve Johnson Houghton since 2021, Havana Hurricane (Havana Gold) rounded off day two. Sent off at 7-1 having finished second in Epsom's Woodcote Stakes, the bargain 9,000gns Tattersalls Somerville graduate emerged from the far-side group under Charles Bishop to forge a 1 1/2-length success from Dickensian (Pinatubo), with half a length back to another Havana Grey in Azizam. HAVANA HURRICANE WINS THE WINDSOR CASTLE STAKES! #ROYALASCOT pic.twitter.com/c9e327oFDF — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 18, 2025 The post Havana Hurricane Wins Windsor Castle For Emotional Johnson Houghton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

ASCOT, UK — From a maiden on May 9 to a Group 2 winner at Royal Ascot less than 40 days later is some going but, as ever with bloodstock, the story reaches back much further than these few glorious weeks. In the case of the Queen's Vase winner Carmers (Wootton Bassett), his owner-breeder Fiona Carmichael bought his dam Signe (Sea The Stars) as a yearling more than a decade ago and, as a half-sister to Group 1 winner Lord Shanakill, she carried the pretty hefty price tag of €1.1 million. But, just 16 days later another of her half-siblings, Together Forever, won the G1 Fillies' Mile, and would later become even more celebrated as the dam of City Of Troy, while four years on yet another, Forever Together, would win the Oaks. It's a family that just keeps giving. Signe herself won her first three starts but never quite progressed enough to gather a bit of black type. Her third foal, however, is making up for that and Carmers can justifiably now be considered a candidate for the St Leger having won his first three starts on the bounce, including breaking the track record in the Queen's Vase. “It's all fairly new to me but I am living the dream, and what has happened today is absolutely amazing,” said Carmichael, standing alongside her trainer Paddy Twomey and bloodstock agent Amanda Skiffington. “It has made me so nervous today. It's what dreams are made of, it's something to look forward to. This helps my mare, and, just the whole programme I've got involved in, I hadn't intended to when I first got involved in racing but it has been fabulous.” Skiffington added, “Fiona named this horse after his husband. That's his nickname, Carmers, and she said we had better find a good one to give that name to.” Signe had been bred at Ballylinch Stud, who consigned her for sale on behalf of her breeders Vimal and Gillian Khosla, and she later returned 'home', where her celebrated dam Green Room (Theatrical) had been a long-term boarder, for the start of her own breeding career. Watching on as the celebrations started for Carmichael and co, Ballylinch Stud's managing director John O'Connor recalled, “Signe was a lovely yearling. Amanda loved her and Fiona backed her judgement and now it's really starting to pay off, because this family has exploded really in the number of years that it's been with us. There's been some amount of high-quality horses to have come out of that family.” He added, “The Khoslas have another daughter [of Green Room] called Fenella, who is also by Sea The Stars, so it's exciting times for them as well. Green Room was just a really special mare.” Ballylinch Stud could also feel some pride in the valiant run in second of Furthur (Waldgeist), who races for Jason Singh's The Merry Pranksters syndicate (fans of Ken Kesey will enjoy the naming of the Andrew Balding-trained colt). Ballylinch consigned Further for breeders Max and Lyn Morris at the Goffs November Foal Sale, where he was bought by the Motherways' TDM Bloodstock. Singh later bought him with Balding at Book 2 of the October Yearling Sale – as one would expect of a Tattersalls man. Ombudsman Shines for Father of the Bride Hanly From the previous year's Book 2 has emerged a colt who has almost sneaked his way into the biggest spotlight of all since winning on debut this week last year at Newmarket for John and Thady Gosden. Ombudsman, yet another exciting runner for Night Of Thunder, has done little wrong in the intervening 12 months, winning five of his six starts for Godolphin, culminating in the Prince of Wales's Stakes. The four-year-old son of Night Of Thunder was co-bred by James Hanly of Ballyhimikin Stud and Jono Mills, bloodstock manager of Godolphin and Darley. “James is an amazing breeder and he owns the mare,” said Mills. “The team at Ballyhimikin, Frisk and Helen, did an amazing job with him – he was a lovely yearling and it's all down to them. I was a tiny part of it.” He added, “He really was always a beautiful yearling, Anthony [Stroud] bought him, and the horse has been beautifully managed by John and Thady. They have given him the time he needed to come to the fore.” James Hanly had good reason not to be in attendance at Royal Ascot as he was otherwise engaged at his daughter's wedding. In between the 'I dos', he commented, “It's a major boost. I'm afraid I couldn't make it as I am here at my daughter's wedding in Greece. Duty called! But we watched it on the telly and it's just unbelievably exciting.” Hanly added, “He'll be rated highly after this, I'd imagine. The mare [Syndicate] is a beauty and he is a beauty as well. He made a lot of money [340,000gns] as a yearling and was very, very attractive back then as well. John Gosden is such a good trainer and those good trainers give these horses time if they need it.” Hanly sourced Syndicate (Dansili) from Juddmonte at the 2017 December Mares Sale for just 25,000gns. He recalled, “We picked her out from Juddmonte and sent her to John Feane, who won a race with her. John said 'this is a good filly and you definitely need to breed from her.' It's a good Juddmonte family – it's a right good pedigree. This is what we dream about and sometimes dreams come true. We're very lucky to have her and we've a great team at home minding them. Helen and Diarmuid Jones manage the farm [ Ballyhimikin] for me and they are the key to all of this. It's a team effort.” Away from the roasting action on the track, those at Ascot this week looking for a little calm can take advantage of a special installation of the Queen's Reading Room at the racecourse to mark the 200th anniversary of the Royal Procession. The Queen's Reading Room charity was launched two years ago by Queen Camilla to “promote the power and benefits of reading”. We at TDN encourage you to follow the Queen's lead, and her influence has perhaps spread to the guest list for the royal carriages this year, which have so far included the writers Anthony Horowitz, Robert Harris and William Boyd. And if you are jetting off on holiday after an exhausting week at Royal Ascot, we suggest packing a copy of Boyd's most excellent Any Human Heart. The post Signe of the Times as Carmers Breaks Track Record for Owner-Breeder Fiona Carmichael appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA) will host the Commonwealth's first-ever Pennsylvania Yearling Show. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Brandywine Polo Club in New Garden, PA (232 Polo Road, Toughkenamon, PA 19374). Pennsylvania-Bred horses will be vying for more than $5,000 in awards and prizes. Horses will be placed in one of four classes depending on whether they are colts, geldings or fillies, as well as whether they were sired by a Pennsylvania stallion. “We created the Pennsylvania Yearling Show as a way to showcase our Pennsylvania-bred Thoroughbreds and generate interest in horse breeding here in the Commonwealth,” said Brian Sanfratello, Executive Secretary of the PHBA. “Our goal is to build on this inaugural event and expand the size and scope each year to create a major annual showcase of Pennsylvania yearlings. We encourage the public to come out and enjoy a family-friendly day at the Brandywine Polo Club and see some of our Pennsylvania-bred horses up close.” The horses will be judged by Russell Jones, a long-time Pennsylvania breeder and member of the Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission. The post PA Horse Breeders Association to Host First-Ever Yearling Show appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

True Love gave Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore a second 2-year-old winner of the week at Royal Ascot with an authoritative performance in the June 18 Queen Mary Stakes (G2).View the full article

The National Thoroughbred League continued its record-breaking 2025 campaign with the June 15 Philadelphia Cup at Parx Racing, drawing more than 6,000 fans, an NTL record, and generating a $1.55 million handle.View the full article

A Father's Day event hosted by The National Thoroughbred League (NTL) at Parx drew over 6000 fans, an NTL record, and generating a $1.55 million handle—a 65% increase over last year's Father's Day card at Parx, according to a NTL release Wednesday. The event was hosted by the Philadelphia Stallions, which is co-owned by retired basketball star Julius “Dr. J” Erving. The California Shamrocks won the Philadelphia Cup with the top four teams finishing within 2 points of each other. The New York Knights remain in first place overall at the midpoint of the league's third season. Numerous celebrities attended the weekend festivities, including Erving, Philadelphia Eagles legends Seth Joyner and Hollis Thomas, Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos and Jarobi White, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member of A Tribe Called Quest. For more information on the NTL and upcoming events, visit www.NTL.Racing. The post National Thoroughbred League Draws 6,000 Patrons for Philadelphia Cup at Parx appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 06/17/2025 Licensee: Luis Fernando Gonzalez, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone and Flunixin–both controlled substances (Class C)–in a sample taken from Swen on 5/2/25. Date: 06/17/2025 Licensee: Jorge Abreu, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Curlin's Angel on 5/2/25. Date: 06/16/2025 Licensee: Tanner Tracy, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Rockets Sister on 5/8/24. Date: 06/12/2025 Licensee: Carmelo Ortiz-Ruiz, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Boxster on 4/6/25. Pending ADMC Violations 06/17/2025, Natalie Cowan, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Beauty Bolt on 5/2/25. 06/16/2025, Edward Barker, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Mepivacaine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Cajunette, who finished second at Finger Lakes on 5/12/25. 06/13/2025, Ricardo Vega, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Regalpains, who finished fourth at Parx Racing on 5/13/25. 06/11/2025 and 6/17/25, Dr. Donald J. McCrosky, veterinarian: Pending violations for the use or attempted use of the banned substance Testosterone on Tigger Attack for an event dated 10/29/24; as well as for the “Possession of a Banned Substance, and for the “Tampering or Attempted Tampering by a Covered Person with any part of Doping Control or Medication Control,” involving the banned substances Levothyroxine, Ammonium Chloride, Testosterone Cypionate/DHEA, Ammonium Sulfate and Osphos for an event dated 4/22/25. 06/11/2025 and 6/17/25, Angel Sanchez-Pinero, trainer: Pending medication violations for the presence of bronchodilator Formoterol (Aformoterol)–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Laguardia, who finished second at Parx Racing on 3/26/25; and for the presence of bronchodilator Albuterol (Salbutamol)–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Gone Boy, who won at Aqueduct on 4/19/25. The post Weekly Rulings: National Regulatory Rulings for June 12 -18 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Woodbine Entertainment has relaunched the philanthropic initiative Woodbine Cares under a renewed banner: “For the Love of the Horse Racing Community,” according to a track release Wednesday. “This refreshed focus on 'For the Love of the Horse Racing Community' reflects our organization's commitment to what matters most – the people, the horses, and the entire racing community,” said Michael Copeland, CEO, Woodbine Entertainment. “By concentrating our efforts on horse welfare and on those who work tirelessly behind the scenes, Woodbine Cares is helping build a vibrant and sustainable future for Ontario horse racing. We're investing in the well-being of our equine athletes and the dedicated individuals who care for them, because their success and welfare are the foundation of our sport's success for generations to come.” As part of the relaunch, Woodbine Cares is donating $250,000 annually towards three key focus areas and invest in major new initiatives across each: Equine Welfare & Aftercare, Food programs and Support for Backstretch Workers and Racing Workforce Development. For more information on the Woodbine Cares initiative, click here. The post Woodbine Cares Relaunched Under ‘For the Love of the Racing Community’ Banner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thursday, Ascot, post time: 16:20, THE GOLD CUP-G1, £650,000, 4yo/up, 19f 210y Field: Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Dubai Future (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Sweet William (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}), Wonder Legend (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Yashin (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Illinois (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). TDN Verdict: No Kyprios, but in Illinois Ballydoyle have a serious follow-up act with this trip looking within his compass. Getting better as the year progressed at three, the St Leger form is looking much better after the Coronation Cup and he sets the standard. Candelari is the unknown quantity, having mastered the newly-promoted G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier in the manner of a potential staying star, but it is a long time since this had a French winner and the likes of Vazirabad have been found wanting in recent times. Of the outsiders, Wonder Legend has abundant promise as the winner of the All-Weather Championships Marathon Handicap and one who loves the all-weather which seems link so well with this track. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Ascot, post time: 15:40, THE RIBBLESDALE STAKES-G2, £250,000, 3yo, Open, 11f 211y Field: Caspi Star (GB) (Camelot {GB}), Catalina Delcarpio (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Ecstatic (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Garden Of Eden (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Go Go Boots (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Hollys Graces (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Island Hopping (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Lady Vivian (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Life Is Beautiful (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire]), Serenity Prayer (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Understudy (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). TDN Verdict: This is an open renewal with just the one Oaks runner in Go Go Boots due to the quick turnaround from Epsom this year. Catalina Delcarpio didn't look the strongest stayer when second in the 10-furlong G3 Salsabil Stakes at Navan in April, so it is a surprise to see her here while the G3 Musidora Stakes runner-up Serenity Prayer and Ballydoyle's Listed Naas Oaks Trial Stakes winner Garden Of Eden also move up in trip. The latter is one of three from Ballydoyle, but there is a case to be made for Ecstatic who despite seeming to tread water of late is out of Magic Wand who took a while to fine her feet too. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Ascot, post time: 14:30, THE NORFOLK STAKES-G2, £150,000, 2yo, Open, 5f 0y Field: Afjan (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Ameeq (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Charles Darwin (Ire) (No Nay Never), Clear Force (Ire) (Supremacy {Ire}), Comical Point (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Exclamation (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), First Legion (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Graft (Ire) (US Navy Flag), Hey Tru Blue (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Irish Fighter (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}), Lil Brother (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), London Boy (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Naval Light (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Sandal's Song (Mendelssohn), Star Material (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Wise Appraoch (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Verdict: No Outfielder, so this race has lost a potential superstar but there are still plenty who could emerge just as Gstaad did in the absence of Albert Einstein on Tuesday. Like Wesley Ward's hot prospect, Charles Darwin is another on the TDN Rising Star list who as a full-brother to Blackbeard has all the boxes ticked. Wise Approach is a half-brother to Perfect Power, who won this in 2021, while French interest is in the form of the Chantilly winner Afjan. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Ascot, post time: 17:35, THE HAMPTON COURT STAKES-G3, £150,000, 3yo, Open, 9f 212y Field: Al Shababi (GB) (Without Parole {GB}), Arabian Force (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Detain (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Emit (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Glittering Legend (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Great David (GB) (Ribchester {Ire}), High Stock (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Jackknife (GB) (Kameko), Reyenzi (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Sea Scout (Ire (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Stardrop (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Tiberius Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Tornado Alert (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Trinity College (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Two colts who showed up prominently in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club renew rivalry in Detain and Trinity College, with the 2,000 Guineas fourth and Derby sixth Tornado Alert bringing the Epsom form to the table. Glittering Legend has been laid out for this following his Listed Burradon Stakes win and shapes as a progressive type who should appreciate this track. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Royal Ascot, post time: 16:20, THE CORONATION STAKES-G1, £725,750, 3yo, f, 7f 213yT Field: Cathedral (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Cercene (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Chantilly Lace (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Duty First (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Exactly (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Falakeyah (GB) (New Bay {GB}), Flight (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Kon Tiki (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Simmering (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Zarigana (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}). TDN Verdict: All connected with Zarigana will be hoping that the blueblood can finally shine at the top level after two narrow misses with the second resulting in a promotion by the stewards. There is no doubt that she was compromised by Shes Perfect's errant passage late on in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches without stating that she was definitely the better of the pair. What we do know is she is top-drawer material on the clock and she has a distinct edge over her chief rival Falakeyah in that regard, as for all that Shadwell's homebred was impressive in the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes it is one thing producing an excellent time performance over 10 furlongs and another to do it over a mile. Kon Tiki has it to do to get to this level despite her obvious promise and is currently a shorter price than Ballydoyle's Pouliches fourth Exactly, who has proven form in some important races and could prove an able deputy for Lake Victoria. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Royal Ascot, post time: 15:05, THE COMMONWEALTH CUP-G1, £725,750, 3yo, c/f, 6fT Field: Ain't Nobody (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Arabie (GB) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Arizona Blaze (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev), Berkshire Whisper (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Big Mojo (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Diablo Rojo (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Ides Of March (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Jonquil (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Shadow Of Light (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Soldier's Heart (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Strong Warrior (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never), Arabian Dusk (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Babouche (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), Carla Ridge (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Lady With The Lamp (Ire) (King Of Change {GB}), Leovanni (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Sayidah Dariyan (Ire) (Dariyan {Fr}), Shisospicy (Mitole), Sky Majesty (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Time For Sandals (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}). TDN Verdict: This is as good a Commonwealth Cup as has been run so far and one of the best races of the meeting, such is the depth of quality. Shadow Of Light beat Whistlejacket hollow in the Middle Park and proved in the 2,000 Guineas that he has not taken one step backwards with a huge run in third. Babouche has also dealt with Whistlejacket in both the Phoenix Stakes and in Naas's G3 Lacken Stakes last month and if it wasn't for her below-par effort in the Cheveley Park would be hard to oppose, while Jonquil is may not be quite quick enough even allowing for the stiff nature of this sprint. Ballydoyle's second string Ides Of March retains promise despite his defeats this term, while Rayevka dazzled in Chantilly's Listed Prix Marchand d'Or and is very much a contender. Other Stakes-winning fillies Sky Majesty, Shisospicy, Arabian Dusk and Lady With The Lamp add considerable weight to the line-up. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Royal Ascot, post time: 17:35, THE KING EDWARD VII STAKES-G2, £250,000, 3yo, c/g, 11f 211yT Field: Amiloc (GB) (Postponed {Ire}), Convergent (Ire) (Fascinating Rock {Ire}), Galveston (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Green Storm (Ire) (Circus Maximus {Ire}), Minhad (GB) (Universal {Ire}), Nightwalker (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Opportunity (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Puppet Master (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Regal Ulixes (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Kameko), Zahrann (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Amiloc had to miss the Derby, as he is a gelding, so this is very much his Blue Riband and he has looked a formidable talent on the rise in his two starts at Goodwood this term. Given the quality of Aidan O'Brien's middle-distance colts, Puppet Master warrants maximum respect having been targeted at this since his Listed Lingfield Derby Trial win, while The Aga Khan Studs representative Zahrann is another live Irish contender having won Leopardstown's Listed King George V Cup in style. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Royal Ascot, post time: 14:30, THE ALBANY STAKES-G3, £125,000, 2yo, f, 6fT Field: Awaken (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Balantina (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Bibi Dahl (American Pharoah), Fairy Oak (GB) (A'Ali {Ire}), Fitzella (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Gold Digger (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Green Sense (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Indigo Dawn (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Ipanema Queen (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Magny Cours (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Nandita (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Oh Cecelia (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Senorita Vega (Ire) (Lucky Vega {Ire}), Signora (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Spinning Lizzie (GB) (Kameko), Tahalel (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Venetian Sun (Ire) (Starman {GB}). TDN Verdict: This looks wide-open, but the money has spoken for the impressive Carlisle winner Venetian Sun and Ballydoyle's Signora who was third on debut behind Lady Iman in Naas's G3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Blackbeard Fillies Sprint Stakes. The latter is out of the 2017 Queen Mary winner Heartache, so has the genetics to succeed here and it is obviously expected that she has made significant enough progress from her first day at school to reverse form with that race's runner-up Green Sense. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Open Gold Cup With Kyprios Retired appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thriving for a searching pace made by the Ballydoyle runners, Godolphin's Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder) leapt to the fore to win Wednesday's G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes. Anchored behind by William Buick early, the John and Thady Gosden-trained 7-1 shot powered past labouring rivals and beyond the reigning Champion Stakes title-holder Anmaat (Awtaad) to score by two lengths, with 2 1/2 lengths back to See The Fire (Sea The Stars) in third. The 13-8 favourite Los Angeles (Camelot) looked to have gone too fast and paid the price in the straight. Ombudsman, whose career prior to this had been highlighted by a win in the G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange last term and a second to Almaqam in Sandown's G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes last month, ran the race in 2:02.51, the second-fastest since it was staged as a Group 1. He is only the second horse to clock under 2:03 for the prestige event after the stable's course-record holder The Fugue in 2014. “This place tames lions,” said a jubilant William Buick after the race. The win was John Gosden's 70th (solo and in partnership) at the Royal meeting. WOW! OMBUDSMAN THROUGH TRAFFIC TO WIN THE PRINCE OF WALES'S STAKES! #ROYALASCOT pic.twitter.com/xRL1TAXgbz — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 18, 2025 The post ‘This Place Tames Lions’: Buick Relieved As Ombudsman Wins Prince Of Wales’s appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article