Wandering Eyes

A classy field of some of the best and brightest gallopers in New Zealand racing went around in an open 1100m trial to kick proceedings off at Te Rapa on Saturday. For most, the trial provided the perfect opportunity to test fitness levels ahead of their looming spring assignments with a number of eye-catching runs, none more so than the first three home in the contest. Leading sprinter/miler Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) led comfortably throughout with rider Triston Moodley having a good grip on the five-year-old entire the length of the Te Rapa straight as he stopped the clock in a respectable 1.07.12 for the journey on the Heavy10 surface. “He went okay, and Triston never moved on him,” co-trainer Grant Cooksley noted. “He had a decent blow afterwards but we’re very pleased as the run and trip away from home will clean him up nicely for his first-up assignment. “At this stage he will go to the Foxbridge Plate (Gr.2, 1200m) back at Te Rapa in a fortnight and then to the Tarzino Trophy (Gr.1, 1400m) at Hastings on 7 September. “He appears to have come up well and through those first two we will reassess what we do with him next.” Cambridge mentor Andrew Forsman had three runners in the trial and was pleased with the efforts of all three as last season’s Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) winner Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) looked sharp chasing home the winner, while Saint Bathans (Maurice) and Red Sea (NZ) (Pierata) battled home well, especially the latter who completely blew the start. “Mustang Valley was advantaged by pinging the gates and putting herself there on the speed,” he said. “She relishes that type of track and has had a nice day out with no real pressure. “She will go to the Foxbridge and then the first two Group Ones at Hastings. She is the most forward of the three I had in, and her coat looks great, so she is coming up well. “Saint Bathans made up good ground and we will concentrate on handicap racing with him for the time being. “He has his quirks but is a happy horse and not far from kicking off. “Warren (Kennedy, jockey) said Red Sea just dipped a little coming out and didn’t like that ground much. “As tracks are going to stay pretty wet for a while yet I think we will head straight to Melbourne with him.” Another talented individual heading to Melbourne later in the spring is Cups contender Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood), who delighted rider Ryan Elliot and co-trainer Graeme Rogerson with a sharp effort to finish close-up behind the first two home. “He went super and is right back to his best,” Rogerson said. “Ryan came back in and his exact words were he has his mojo back, which was gratifying to hear after the problems we had with him in his last prep. “I think Debbie (wife and co-trainer) is leaning towards giving him a run in the Foxbridge Plate and maybe one more after that before we head over to Melbourne. “We have him entered in both the Caulfield Cup (Gr.1, 2400m) and Melbourne Cup (Gr.1, 3200m) and we’re hopeful he can bring the form he showed as a three-year-old over there as we know he would be very competitive if he’s in that shape.” Sharp “N’ Smart was one of the standout three-year-olds of the 2022/2023 racing season with victories in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m), Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) Gr.1 Champion Stakes (2000m) while also finishing runner-up in the Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m). View the full article

Master Marko (NZ) (Contributer) continued to make an impression since returning to New Zealand at Riccarton Park on Saturday, picking up his second victory in four starts with a decisive display in the Heatstore Open Handicap (1400m). The son of Contributer is owned by trainer Kelvin Tyler and his wife Vanessa, who campaigned him across the Tasman for just shy of two years after he placed in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1500m) as a three-year-old. After collecting four wins racing in Queensland, Master Marko returned to his homeland in the late autumn and made an immediate statement first-up for second at Ashburton, before putting on a 6 ½ length demolition job in the Oamaru Cup (1600m). The win gave Tyler confidence to move forward into last Saturday’s Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) where the gelding finished seventh, 2 ¾ lengths from the winner in Jay Bee Gee. Reverting back to 1400 metres on the final day of the carnival, Master Marko was rated the $3.80 race-favourite ahead of Epee Beel ($5.60). Local apprentice jockey Yogesh Atchamah allowed Master Marko to find his feet early in the testing conditions and settled in the second-half of the field, while top-weight Conor O’Ceirin went straight to the head of the field setting a genuine tempo. Tracking Epee Beel into the straight, Atchamah pulled Master Marko to the outside and set up a battle to the post with Lord Darci, with Master Marko proving too strong in the finish scoring comfortably by 1 ¾ lengths. Tyler had been wary of the track deteriorating throughout the card and was pleased to see the gelding’s class prevail. “I thought his run in the Winter Cup was probably a little bit disappointing, but he just couldn’t get rolling when he needed too and what not,” he said. “There was a bit of speed in that race today and they’ve come off the back of it so that really helped him too. It’s a relief really because I wasn’t sure how he would handle that track. “We’ll go home and give him a freshen-up and regroup, we’ll take it from there. There are some nice races coming up and another nice race here, so we’ll keep ticking away. “I think a better track will be even better, so we’ll just get today out of the road and enjoy it.” Atchamah collected a double on the card after winning earlier aboard Riviera Rebel (NZ) (Pure Champion), in a meeting where the southern apprentices jockeys were to the fore with Denby-Rose Tait collecting a treble and Donovan Cooper also saluting. “It’s a big effort for me, it’s hard to win a race at a big meeting like this but I’m proud of myself,” Atchamah said. “He’s a very good horse and I just listened to Mr Tyler’s instructions, he told me if I get going at the 600 metres just keep going and rolling with him and it paid off.” Bred by Raffles Dancers, Master Marko has earned north of $222,000 with six wins and 14 minor placings in 41 starts. The six-year-old holds early nominations for both the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) and the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2050m) during the upcoming Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival. View the full article

Rider Penalties T Jonker | Canterbury 7 August; use of whip; suspended 11-23 August inclusive. K Mudhoo | Canterbury 7 August; failed to make weight; fined $100. L Allpress | Canterbury 7 August; medical clearance required. R Juan | Canterbury 7 August; medical clearance required. M Cartwright | Waikato 10 August; use of whip; fined $500. D Subrabranium | Canterbury 10 August; use of whip; suspended 17-29 August inclusive. B Murray | Canterbury 10 August; use of whip; suspended 17-28 August inclusive. A Balloo | Canterbury 10 August; use of whip; suspended 17-28 August inclusive. L Callaway | Canterbury 10 August; careless riding; suspended 11-23 August inclusive. S Wynne | Canterbury 10 August; use of whip; suspended 11-28 August inclusive. D Tait | Canterbury 10 August; careless riding; suspended 11-17 August inclusive. Trainer Penalty C Wood | Rangitikei 9 August; incorrect gear; fined $50. Horse Penalties POSTER BOY | Waikato 8 August; cardiac arrythmia; veterinary clearance required. BILLY BOY | Canterbury 10 August; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. KOYAMA | Canterbury 10 August; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. The post 5-11 August 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

King Of Conquest is out to emulate May’s Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) conqueror in Sunday’s Group One Grosser Preis von Berlin (2,400m) at HoppegartenView the full article

Nooni looked every bit worthy of her $1.8 million price tag with her emphatic score in the $147,000 Sorrento Stakes (G3) Aug. 10 at Del Mar. View the full article

Naughty Rascal dug in gamely through the lane to win the $95,000 Proud Man Stakes Aug. 10 at Gulfstream Park to remain undefeated and give second-crop sire Rogueish his first stakes winner.View the full article

No matter the trip, traffic, or weight, Anisette will get the job done. The brilliant British-bred filly registered the fifth graded stakes score of her career with a late-rallying win in the Aug. 10 Yellow Ribbon Handicap (G2T).View the full article

Off at a firming 5.70-1 while making a belated first trip to the races, QUEEN MAXIMA (f, 3, Bucchero–Corfu Lady, by Corfu) overcame a couple of spots of adversity to post an extremely impressive victory in the Saturday finale at Del Mar. Drawn the fence, the $40,000 OBS June graduate bombed the start and was clearly last early before making some ground to be about midfield into the turn. Traveling strongly and full of run passing the five-sixteenths, but in need of room as the field neared the stretch, the chestnut bided her time, was pointed at daylight leaving the eighth pole and exploded through a hole to score by good 2 1/2 lengths. Sales history: $40,000 2yo '23 OBSJUN. O-Irving Venture LLC or Arthur; B-Saul Rosas (FL); T-Jeff Mullins. On debut #1 QUEEN MAXIMA ($13.40) by Bucchero tips out and rallies between horses before pulling away to easily win the finale at Del Mar. @LugoJr gets his second win on the day, this time aboard for @Jmullinsracing. pic.twitter.com/6HixTW06BY — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 11, 2024 Check out the drone view of #1 QUEEN MAXIMA getting thru traffic to win the finale at Del Mar with @LugoJr aboard. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/TXN4Wh8D08 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 11, 2024 The post Bucchero Filly Queen Maxima Wows In Del Mar Finale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Beauty Bark became the first winner for Washington-based first-crop stallion Barkley in capturing her debut by 4 1/2 lengths in a $24,200 maiden race at Emerald Downs Aug. 10.View the full article

Nooni looked every bit worthy of her $1.8 million price tag with her emphatic score in the $147,000 Sorrento Stakes (G3) Aug. 10 at Del Mar. View the full article

Prohibitively favored at 3-10 in Saturday's GII Yellow Ribbon Handicap at Del Mar, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' ANISETTE (IRE) (f, 4, Awtaad {Ire}–Tutti Frutti {GB}, by Teofilo {Ire}) gave her backers perhaps a few seconds' scare at the top of the lane, but she exuded class through the final furlong and half to remain perfect in two starts as a 4-year-old. Void of early speed and settled last but one past the stands for the first time, Anisette switched off nicely under a long hold from Umberto Rispoli as longshot Ever Smart (Broken Vow) went a good gallop on the front end. Eased out into the clear with about three furlongs to travel, she began to take closer order rounding the turn and for a stride or two, it appeared that Rispoli was going to circumnavigate the field. Instead he went for an inside run and while it took a stride or two for Anisette to hit top gear, she came with a stinging run one off the inside with a furlong to race and kicked home smartly. Sales history: 26,000gns Ylg '21 TATSEP. Lifetime Record: 11-7-3-0. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-Morera Partnership; T-Leonard Powell. #2 ANISETTE (GB) wins the $200,000 G2 Yellow Ribbon Stakes at Del Mar with a confident @umbyrispoli in the saddle. Congratulations to @Leopowellracing and owners @EclipseTBP. pic.twitter.com/4vtk2SiLhi — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 11, 2024 The post Anisette Outclasses Them In the Yellow Ribbon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Troy Johnson and Maritza Weston's Win N Your In becomes the first stakes winner for first-crop stallion Win Win Win in taking the $95,000 Sharp Susan Stakes at Gulfstream Park Aug. 10 by 4 3/4 lengths.View the full article

Front-runners Full Count Felicia and Stormcast proved uncatchable in Aug. 10 stakes at Woodbine. Full Count Felicia took the Canadian Stakes (G2T), and Stormcast captured the Bison City Stakes.View the full article

It perhaps wasn't the complete tour de force that the wagering public was expecting from their 1-2 shot but 'TDN Rising Star' Nooni (Win Win Win) found a way to get it done Saturday with a win in the GIII Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar. The $1.8m OBS March sales topper, dubbed a 'Rising Star' off a 9 1/2-length drubbing of her competition at Santa Anita June 13, had to contend with only three rivals here–including her Bob Baffert-trained stablemate in $775,000 OBS April grad and fellow 'Rising Star' Casalu (Caracaro). In fact, all four runners represented first-crop stallions with Spun to Run's Night Beacon and Debutante Stakes winner Vodka With a Twist (Thousand Words) filling out the foursome. Three of the four showed early speed and, as Night Beacon took back to trail, it was Nooni from the rail who broke through the line to set the tempo with Casalu not far off her through fractions of :21.87 and :44.90. The field stayed together around the far turn and everyone looked to have a chance with a quarter-mile to run even as Nooni remained up front under Juan Hernandez. Vodka With a Twist was the first to break up the stablemates with an outside run at the leader but was never quite able to reel her in and was relegated to second with Nooni roused to stay ahead to the wire. “She was really comfortable,” said Hernandez. “She was really quick out of the gate. I had to push her a little at the end, but we did it. I asked her to run around the quarter pole and she switched leads and picked it up really well. You know, she gave me another good breath and she took another good step. It's only her second race but she looks really good so far. Can't wait to see how she improves.” Baffert added: “When you're on the inside like that you have to go. I was hoping they wouldn't be battling each other. They went fast early but I like the way Nooni kept on going. I haven't really trained her that hard but she's just got real class. 2-year-old, second out, you don't know how they're going to respond to the dirt but these are nice fillies.” Pedigree Note: Freshman sire Win Win Win (by Hat Trick {Jpn}) has four winners from five starters with Nooni being his only stakes winner to date from his first crop. He was also represented by Saturday's Sharp Susan Stakes winner Win N Your In earlier in the day at Gulfstream Park. She is the third foal and second winner out of a Union Rags half-sister to MSW/MGSP Courtesan (Street Sense) and to SW Chary (Montbrook), herself the dam of SW Walker Stalker (Stroll), SP Chary Ride (Excessive Passion) and SP Scary Cherry (Metaboss). Another of her dam's half-sisters would produce GIII Holy Bull Stakes winner Hades (Awesome Slew) and last year's Astoria Stakes winner Devious Dame (Girvin). Third dam GISW Pretty Discreet is responsible for GISW Discreet Cat (Forestry), GISW Discreetly Mine (Mineshaft), MSW/MGISP Pretty Wild (Wild Again) and the dam of GISW Awesome Maria (Maria's Mon). Unanimity has a yearling full-brother to Nooni and foaled a colt by Gretzy the Great this year. She is due back to Win Win Win for 2025. Saturday, Del Mar SORRENTO S.-GIII, $147,000, Del Mar, 8-10, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.41, ft. 1–NOONI, 120, f, 2, by Win Win Win 1st Dam: Unanimity, by Union Rags 2nd Dam: Lady Discreet, by Boundary 3rd Dam: Pretty Discreet, by Private Account 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. 'TDN Rising Star'. ($1,800,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.; B-Ocala Stud, Joseph M. O'Farrell III, David O'Farrell, et al. (FL); T-Bob Baffert; J-Juan J. Hernandez. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $122,400. Werk Nick Rating: D. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Vodka With a Twist, 123, f, 2, Thousand Words–Bourbon and a Kiss, by Sky Mesa. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($2,500 Ylg '23 FTKOCT; $90,000 RNA 2yo '24 KEEAPR). O-Medallion Racing, Omar Aldabbagh and William Strauss; B-Pillar Property Services Inc (KY); T-Philip D'Amato. $30,000. 3–Casalu, 120, f, 2, Caracaro–Key d'Oro, by Medaglia d'Oro. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. 'TDN Rising Star'. ($775,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman; B-LLP Performance Horses, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $18,000. Margins: 1HF, 3 1/4, 5 3/4. Odds: 0.50, 2.10, 6.40. Also Ran: Night Beacon. Scratched: White Sands. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #1 NOONI ($3.00) goes gate-to-wire in the GIII Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar. @JJHernandezS19 was in the irons for trainer @BobBaffert and owner @ZedanRacing. pic.twitter.com/eAOBkOcNlu — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 10, 2024 The post Win Win Win’s OBS March Topper Nooni Wires Sorrento For Baffert appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Anytime a trainer with 20 years of experience wins his second graded stakes, it figures to be an emotional moment. But for Wayne Potts, that second graded stakes win triggered far more than the typical cascade of feelings.View the full article

Now 2-for-2, Showcase benefitted from a skillful, patient ride by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. and will likely point to the Champagne Stakes (G1) or Breeders' Futurity (G1) next. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — Tenacious Leader (Not This Time) served up a sample of his grit Saturday in what turned into a decisive maiden special weight victory at Saratoga Race Course. The Spendthrift Farm and Repole Stable colt turned in a textbook performance under leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr. and finished 4 3/4 lengths ahead of Clock Tower (Not This Time) in the $100,000 one-mile race on the main track. Race 7 on the program was originally scheduled for 1 1/16 miles on the inner turf course, but the New York Racing Association (NYRA) moved all the races off the grass following a rainy couple of days provided by the remnants of Hurricane Debby. Tenacious Leader completed the eight furlongs in 1:37.93 and paid $5.20 as the 8-5 favorite. Spendthrift and Mike Repole joined forces in the purchase of Tenacious Leader for $375,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He is trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher. “We pretty routinely, will buy yearlings at sale,” said Ned Toffey, the Spendthrift general manager. “We've been looking for opportunities. One of the things that we do, that over the last few years, is a little bit newer, is that we do a lot of partnering, particularly on colts.” Toffey said the farm has done a lot of business standing stallions with Repole through the years. “We sort of approached each other about the idea of going partners on some colts,” Toffey said. “Every year at the sales, we kind of get together and compare notes. For us, the goal is to get a horse into the stud barn when we buy colts. A horse with the sire power and the pedigree that this horse has got; it's always a long shot, but you hope that they can do enough to make it to the stud barn. So far, so good with this colt.” Half of the original 10 horses in the race were scratched when the race was moved to the dirt, but two others drew in. Starting from the middle of the field of seven, Tenacious Leader and Ortiz were toward the inside in the first turn, but went a bit wider, though never far from the lead, on the backstretch while Clock Tower was turning in fractions of :24.02, :47.91 and 1:12.49. In the second turn, Tenacious Leader took over, was in front at the top of the stretch and extended his advantage in the run through the stretch. In his career debut at 5 1/2 furlongs on dirt on July 13, Tenacious Leader was well back early and made up a bit of ground, but still finished 13-3/4 lengths behind Tough Catch (Complexity). A two-turn turf race was the plan for the second start, but the wet weather got in the way. No matter for the Tenacious Leader team. “We knew he needed distance,” Repole said. “The first race was five furlongs. It was nice to give him a start, and then we were going to run him dirt or turf. He's trained well on the turf, and he's trained well on the dirt. Then coming off, I think, let's be honest, it was an advantage, especially having a start. But when you look at the time 1:37, it's a very good time for a 2-year-old going one mile. Very happy with that one.” Toffey said it's too early to tell what will be Tenacious Leader's best surface. “This game, it's such a great game because, even guys like Todd Pletcher just never really know for sure,” he said. “Todd's always very honest, that he'll tell you which way he's leaning. I think people felt like he would run well, and he needed the first race to sort of figure some things out. We were leaning towards turf, but are kind of glad how things have worked out the way they did. He certainly handled himself really well today on the dirt. That's the first preference, because there's more commercial appeal for breeders for a dirt horse. Hopefully that can carry on.” #7 Tenacious Leader stretches out to 1 1/16-miles and pulls clear in R7 at Saratoga! The 2YO colt was piloted by @iradortiz for trainer Todd Pletcher and owners @spendthriftfarm and @RepoleStable! pic.twitter.com/pJcW2ltHmS — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 10, 2024 7th-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 8-10, 2yo, 1m (off turf), 1:37.93, ft, 4 3/4 lengths. TENACIOUS LEADER (c, 2, Not This Time–Diamonds and Rust, by Curlin) debuted on the Saratoga main track going 5 ½ furlongs July 13 finishing a well-beaten fifth. Meant for the turf here but rained off, the 8-5 favorite also got the stretch out to one mile and showed good early speed while just behind pacesetter Clock Tower (Not This Time). That pair drew well clear of the rest of the field and continued to duel into the turn before Tenacious Leader finally got the jump on his rival with an outside move inside the eighth pole, clearing off late to win by 4 3/4 lengths. Diamonds and Rust, purchased with the winner in utero at KEENOV for $150,000, is a half to MGSW/GISP War Story (Northern Afleet) and GSW/MGISP Land Over Sea (Bellamy Road). She produced a yearling City of Light filly and foaled another filly by Epicenter this year before visiting Maclean's Music. Sales History: $375,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $59,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Spendthrift Farm LLC and Repole Stable; B-Castleton Lyons & Kilboy Estate (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. The post Entered for Turf, Tenacious Leader Shows He Is Capable On Dirt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY–Honor Marie (Honor Code) has his partner for the $1.25 million GI Travers Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 24. Trainer Whit Beckman said Saturday that Tyler Gaffalione will ride the colt in the marquee race of the summer at the Spa. Beckman made it official after Honor Marie, with Gaffalione on board, worked four furlongs in 48.75 (12/44) on the Oklahoma Training Track Saturday morning. They worked in company with stablemate Anthem King (Bolt d'Oro), who was ridden by T. C. Stevens. “Tyler knows how to close,” Beckman said outside his barn at the Oklahoma Saturday. “He fits him very well.” Gaffalione has worked Honor Marie his last three works. He will become the fourth jockey to ride him this year. Rafael Bejarano was on board when Honor Marie finished fifth in the GII Risen Star Stakes at Louisiana Downs in his first start this year. Ben Curtis rode him to a second-place finish in the GII Louisiana Derby and an eighth in the GI Kentucky Derby. Curtis then dislocated his shoulder and was replaced by Florent Geroux, who rode Honor Marie to a fourth-place finish in the GI Belmont Stakes. “It's going to be an impressive field in the Travers,” Gaffalione said after the work. “I'm looking forward to competing in it. I definitely have a ton of confidence in my horse. He has shown he can compete with these. All he needs is a chance.” Saturday, Beckman put blinkers on Honor Marie for the first time during a breeze. Beckman said he was not sure if he would use the equipment in the Travers. Honor Marie has never had blinkers on during a race. “He is a horse that likes to set himself pretty far back,” Beckman said. “With some of his races, especially the Belmont, he was just so far back. We want him to maybe get a little more responsive so, when it's time to go, he will pick it up a little easier.” Honor Marie and Gaffalione came onto the Oklahoma at 9:30 a.m. after a renovation break. They were on the outside of Anthem King and Stevens, the son of Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens. “They broke out a little quick, but recovered well and sat perfectly together,” Beckman said. “Time wise, it was perfect. I would have wished the first part would have been a little slower, but everything is on target. We got through the work, we got the rider and we're happy to be here.” Honor Marie, who is owned by Ribble Farms LLC, Michael H. Eiserman, Earl I. Silver, Kenneth E. Fishbein and Dave Fishbein, will have his final pre-Travers work next weekend. Maker Quietly Climbing Up The Ladder In Trainer Standings It's no secret that trainer Mike Maker is a man of very few words. He lets his horses do the talking for him and, halfway through the Saratoga meet, they are doing just that. Through 22 days of the 40-day season, Maker has 15 wins from 73 starts. “So far, so good,” Maker said while sitting in his office at his barn on the Saratoga backstretch Saturday morning. Maker, who is a constant on the Kentucky circuit, has no thoughts of winning the training title at this meet. Chad Brown, who has won–or tied–for the title in five of the last six years, is the favorite to land on the top this summer. After Saturday's card, Brown has 19 victories. Maker came into this meet knowing he was going to have frequent trips to the winner's circle. “I had a lot of horses that fit, and it has panned out that way,” he said. This is not a first for the 55-year-old Maker, one of several assistants to Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas who have gone on to have their own successful careers. He has had Saratoga success in the past. In 2021, he had a personal best of 25 wins, 24 seconds and 19 thirds from 140 starts and finished third in the trainer standings. He was also third in 2020 (20 wins), fourth in 2022 (17) and fifth last year (12). “Saratoga is the most famous racetrack and I love everything about it,” Maker said. “We don't come in here with any goals. Everyone here is so competitive. You are lucky to get one (win).” With the Saratoga season taking aim at the end of summer, Maker said he still has some bullets left to fire. But to think he could overtake Brown? “No,” he said. “We kind of die down a little bit at the end of the meet. We point towards Kentucky Downs.” The all-turf meet at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky. starts its seven-day meet on Aug. 29. Maker has been the leading trainer at that meet seven of the last nine years. In 2022, the last time he wore the crown, he had a record 12 wins. He is the all-time leading trainer at Kentucky Downs with 84 wins. “We'll have quite a few to run there,” he said. “People show up for the races there, it's a fun little town and the money, well, it's not too shabby either.” More Than Looks Returns To Races In Fourstardave; First Start Since Breeders' Cup Mile It has been 280 days since we last saw More Than Looks (More Than Ready) in a horse race. Trainer Cherie DeVaux is putting her 4-year-old colt in an ambitious spot as More Than Looks is entered in Sunday's $500,000 GI FanDuel Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga. The race was originally carded for Saturday but was moved up a day to give the turf courses more time to recover from Friday's heavy rain brought on from the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby. “He is doing tremendous,” DeVaux said outside of More Than Looks's stall at her barn on the Saratoga backstretch Saturday morning. More Than Looks, owned by Victory Racing Partners, last ran in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita on Nov. 4, finishing sixth, beaten just two lengths. After that, DeVaux gave him some time off after his eight-race (four wins) 2023 campaign. More Than Looks was unraced as a 2-year-old. DeVaux wanted to get him restarted in March at the Fair Grounds, but, the day of his return race, More Than Looks had his own plan. “We had him entered in an allowance race and, on the day he was supposed to run, he put his leg over the webbing and injured a tendon,” DeVaux said. “Horses … they just like to make sure our plans never happen!” DeVaux said More Than Looks came back quicker than she could have hoped for. The new target was the Lure Stakes at 1 1/16 miles at Saratoga on Aug. 3. “That would have been a more ideal spot, but we got another week of breezing,” she said. I was encouraged how he worked on Monday (four furlongs in 48.65 1/54) to enter in this spot.” DeVaux's plan is to run More Than Looks once more after the Fourstardave–most likely at Keeneland–and then take another shot at the Breeders' Cup Mile. “He showed he belonged (in the Breeders' Cup),” DeVaux said. “He was left with too much to do at the top of the stretch. Maybe with a better trip we would have had a better placing.” Because of the long layoff, asking More Than Looks for a win – he is the 7-2 third choice on the Fourstardave morning line– might be too big of an ask. But DeVaux knows the horse knows what he can do. “This is a big step up coming off the layoff and we don't really have him cranked up for this,” DeVaux said. “Would I be surprised if he won? No. But I am going to manage my expectations and the clients' expectations. We are just happy to get him back to the races and, hopefully, he gives a good showing of himself.” The post Saratoga Notebook, Presented By NYRA Bets: Honor Marie Works, Gaffalione To Ride In Travers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

8th-Ellis, $73,000, Alw, 8-10, (NW1X), 3yo/up, f/m, 5 1/2fT, 1:00.73, fm, 5 3/4 lengths. ELLEN JAY (f, 3, Constitution–Covfefe {Ch. Female Sprinter, Ch. 3-year-old Filly, MGISW, $1,110,025}, by Into Mischief) broke her maiden by a nose at third asking over the grass at Ellis Park July 15. The 2-1 favorite here was quickest out of the gate and she established a clear lead up the backstretch. With some competitors on her back around the far turn, the homebred was poised to accelerate spinning into the turn. Her turn of foot was too much as she won by 5 3/4 lengths over Huntress for Hire (Nyquist). LNJ Foxwoods paid $250,000 for Covfefe at the 2017 Keeneland September Sale and she went on to become champion 3-year-old filly and champion female sprinter in 2019, winning the GI Test Stakes and the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. The first foal for her dam, the winner has a half-brother in 2-year-old Rothko (Tapit) and a weanling half-sister by Gun Runner who was foaled Feb. 4. A half-sister to Japanese Group 1 NHK Mile Cup runner-up Albiano (Harlan's Holiday), Covfefe was bred to Olympiad–who LNJ Foxwoods partially owns–for next term. Ellen Jay's third dam produced UAE Horse of the Year Festival of Light (A.P. Indy) and his half-sister GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes heroine Acoma (Empire Maker). Lifetime Record: 4-2-0-1, $102,348. Click for the Equibase.com chart. O/B-LNJ Foxwoods (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. #4 ELLEN JAY ($6.26) shows off on the Ellis Park turf with @flothejock in the saddle for the @bradcoxracing team. Congratulations to @LNJFoxwoods on this impressive win with the 3YO filly by @WinStarFarm's Constitution. @Fijithegreat pic.twitter.com/ao80rcsuLN — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 10, 2024 The post Homebred Ellen Jay Sparkles For Dam Covfefe At Ellis Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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The build-up to this year's Prix Jacques le Marois (G1) at Deauville has been dominated by Inspiral, or more specifically the question of who will ride the mare, with connections ultimately opting for Ryan Moore on the 2022 and 2023 winner.View the full article

It is no longer referred to as the 'International Festival of Racing' and, sadly, it no longer calls Arlington Park home, but Colonial Downs' Festival of Racing is set for Sunday afternoon, shoved back to Sunday when the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby tracked up the East Coast over the course of the last few days. The featured GI Arlington Million has attracted field of six led by Godolphin's Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), who makes his eighth North American appearance in career start number 18. Winner of the GI Saratoga Derby and GI Jockey Club Derby two seasons ago, the homebred proved easily best in last year's GI Canadian International Stakes, but is winless in two tries this term. Third to stablemate Silver Knott (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) in the GII Man O'War Stakes May 11 he exits a runner-up effort to the Appleby-trained Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the GI Manhattan Stakes at Saratoga June 8, and were that runner in here, he'd be strictly the one to beat. Integration (Quality Road) can play the role of spoiler as he looks to win for the fourth time in as many local appearances. Victorious in last year's GIII Virginia Derby at career start two, the $700,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga grad could be given the benefit of the doubt for his first three tries in Grade I company this term, but he was reunited with Derby-winning pilot Kendrick Carmouche and most recently pummeled his rivals in the Million Preview Stakes in soft conditions July 13. He could find it similarly easy underfoot today, but would probably want a race that was run truly. Ancient Rome (War Front) is one of two in the race for Jim and Fitri Hay and represents the Charlie Hills yard. A five-time winner while under the care of Andre Fabre, the dark bay handled the undulations at Kentucky Downs to take out last year's GIII Mint Millions Stakes and appears to be approaching something resembling his top form, having finished second in the G2 Summer Mile Stakes over the demanding straight course at Ascot July 13. Talk of the Nation (Quality Road) gives his sire two in the race and tries the 10-furlong trip for the first time in his career. He has made his last eight starts at a mile, including a third in a paceless renewal of the GIII Poker Stakes at Saratoga June 8 and a tough runner-up effort to Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) when last seen in the July 13 GIII Kelso Stakes at the Spa. Moira Primed For Beverly D., Secretariat Wide Open Reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Moira (Ghostzapper) was given an option for a title defense of Saturday's GII Canadian Stakes at Woodbine, but swerves that test in favor of Sunday's GII Beverly D. Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Subsequently third to this race's 2023 winner Fev Rover (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}) when pace-disadvantaged in the GI E.P. Taylor Stakes, Moira was a cracking third to Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the Filly & Mare Turf before changing hands for $3 million at Fasig-Tipton November. She ventured south of the border for her 5-year-old debut in the GI Diana Stakes at Saratoga and was getting there late, but fell 3/4 of a length short of repeat scorer Whitebeam (GB) (Caravaggio). Fev Rover does not appear to be in the same form as last year, as she is winless in three starts since the E.P. Taylor. Sixth in the GI New York Stakes June 7, she endured a tough trip when runner-up in the GII Nassau Stakes June 29, a race in which she defeated Moira by 4 1/4 clear-cut lengths in 2023. There should be a scramble for favoritism in the GII Secretariat Stakes, where Brilliant Berti (Noble Mission {GB}) looks to make it four on the trot in his graded debut. He most recently came from midfield to down GIII Penn Mile Stakes hero First World War (War Front) by 2 1/4 lengths in the June 29 American Derby at Churchill Downs. Trikari (Oscar Performance) won the GII American Turf Stakes in May, prevailed narrowly in the GI Belmont Derby July 6 and was cross-entered for Sunday's Saratoga Derby. He looks likely to run here for Graham Motion. Mattingly (Bucchero) was meant to try this distance for the first time in the GIII Manila Stakes in late June, but was a race-day withdrawal. He stretches out off a series of turf-sprint stakes, including a better-than-it-looks third in the July 14 My Frenchman Stakes at Monmouth. Grade Is Close The Card at Saratoga Some eight days late, owing to a bunch of miserable weather, Saratoga stages the GI FanDuel Fourstardave Handicap and the GI Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes. The Fourstardave, a 'Win and You're In' race for the GI Breeders' Cup Mile, goes with a field of six after reigning Mile champion Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) came out of the race earlier in the week. 'TDN Rising Star' Carl Spackler won the GII Hall of Fame Stakes and GIII Saranac Stakes in the summer of 2023 and most recently atoned for a below-par fifth in the GIII Poker Stakes with a very game defeat of Talk of the Nation in the GIII Kelso Stakes July 13. “When he's on his game, he's a top-level horse and he seems to be rounding right back into form,” said trainer Chad Brown. “He's a very solid horse and I do think he's got another forward move in him at some point. I hope that's in this race.” Master of the Seas has a very capable understudy in the form of Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who looks to make it three straight on this current U.S. visit. Just beaten when defending his title in the GII Fort Marcy Stakes May 4, the bay struck from close range in the June 1 Arlington Stakes and made all the running last time in the June 29 Wise Dan Stakes at Churchill. More Than Looks (More Than Ready), third in the Hall of Fame, won the Jefferson Cup at Churchill last September and charged home to be sixth, but beaten just two lengths, in the Mile. He was meant to return to action against softer in the restricted Lure Stakes, but was scratched when the race was rained onto the main track. “It is not an ideal 'Plan B' to come off such a long layoff into this spot,” trainer Cherie DeVaux said. “Ultimately, I think he obviously belongs with these horses, but it's a tough spot to return to the races. The goal is definitely to run him back in the Breeders' Cup Mile.” Once it was repositioned, the Saratoga Derby lost one of its main draws when the connections of Diego Velazquez (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) decided not to wait around. In a field which now lacks a standout, Godolphin's Legend of Time (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) could prove the one to beat. Perfect from three starts in Dubai this winter, including the Listed Jumeirah Classic Mar. 2, the bay was a headstrong fifth in the American Turf, was up on the wire to win the GII Pennine Ridge Stakes May 25 and exits a third to Trikari in the Belmont Derby. 'TDN Rising Star' Deterministic (Liam's Map) won the GIII Gotham Stakes first off an August layoff and after finishing well-beaten in the GII Wood Memorial Stakes and GIII Peter Pan Stakes, switched to the turf to be second to Neat (Constitution) in the Manila Stakes. The latter returned to annex last Friday's GII Hall of Fame Stakes. Carson's Run (Cupid), winner of last year's GI Summer Stakes at Woodbine, was fourth–placed fifth–in Aqueduct's Woodhaven Stakes Apr. 27 and exits a convincing three-length score in the June 23 Tale of the Cat Stakes at Monmouth Park. White Sands Against Boys…Again…In Best Pal Entered against her own sex in the GIII Adirondack Stakes at Saratoga and in this track's GIII Sorrento Stakes, White Sands (Into Mischief) will put her undefeated record on the line against four males in Sunday's GIII Best Pal Stakes. The bay has won her two trips to the post by a combined 23 1/4 lengths, a 9 1/2-length romp to graduate first time out at Belterra Park May 25 ahead of a 13 3/4-length score versus males in the Prairie Gold Juvenile Stakes in Iowa July 6. “She is a good filly but we'll see how good she is now,” says Blake Heap, assistant to trainer Wesley Ward. “Wesley's not afraid of [running against the] boys with babies.” Bob Baffert goes for a record 11th Best Pal with 'TDN Rising Star' Getaway Car (Curlin). A $700,000 Keeneland September purchase, the dark bay made all the running in his July 20 bow, pulling clear late to take it by 3 1/4 lengths. If the pace collapses, Tiz Happy (Runhappy) and Mischief River (Into Mischief) could be in a position to pick up a slice. The post In Spite Of Debby Delay, Million Day Is Anything But a Downer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' Showcase (c, 2, Uncle Mo–Buy Sell Hold, by Violence), a runaway debut winner at the Big A July 6, muscled his way out for racing room in the stretch and stayed perfect in style in Saturday's GII Saratoga Special Stakes. The 3-1 chance traveled nicely in an inside fourth through an opening quarter in :21.85. All dressed up with nowhere to go at the top of the stretch, Irad Ortiz, Jr. shifted Showcase out in the lane and he ran to daylight to win going away by four lengths. First Resort (Uncle Mo) was second; Smoken Wicked (Bobby's Wicked One) was third. The final time for 6 1/2 furlongs was 1:16.40. The result stood after a stewards' inquiry involving the stretch run. Showcase, a half-brother to Bourbon Bash (City of Light), MSP, $511,294, is one of 19 'Rising Stars' for leading sire Uncle Mo. Uncle Mo is now responsible for 103 stakes winners/52 graded stakes winners worldwide. The winner's dam Buy Sell Hold, a full-sister to GISW and young sire Volatile, was a 2-year-old debut winner for J. Kirk and Judy Robison and Steve Asmussen at Keeneland and followed up with a victory in the Kentucky Juvenile S. at Churchill Downs. Buy Sell Hold is also responsible for the unraced 3-year-old filly Sweet Pea (Union Rags) and a yearling colt by Gun Runner. She was bred to Life Is Good for 2024. Showcase's third dam Lady Tak won the GI Test S. and GI Ballerina H., both at Saratoga. Sales history: $300,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Harrell Ventures, LLC; B-WinStar Farm, LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. SHOWCASE, son of @coolmoreamerica stallion Uncle Mo, wins the Grade 2 Saratoga Special Stakes with @iradortiz aboard for trainer @PletcherRacing. pic.twitter.com/YUrNYvbufo — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 10, 2024 The post Uncle Mo ‘Rising Star’ Puts on a ‘Show’ in Saratoga Special appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Sunday's Observations features a full-brother to a Breeders' Cup heroine. 14.30 Leicester, Novice, £9,000, 2yo, 7fT MATAURI BAY (IRE) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) debuts for the Ralph Beckett stable which has won the last two renewals and is a significant newcomer as a full-brother to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine Aunt Pearl (Ire). Valmont, along with the colt's breeders Ballylinch and Ecurie des Charmes, hold shares in this 500,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase who encounters the similarly-unraced Nightwalker (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Juddmonte's half-brother to their two-times GI Diana Stakes heroine Whitebeam (GB) (Caravaggio) from the Sir Michael Stoute stable. The post Brother To Aunt Pearl Debuts At Leicester appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article