Wandering Eyes

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

The unbeaten Juddmonte filly Babouche downed the colt Whistlejacket to land the Aug. 10 Phoenix Stakes (G1) at The Curragh for jockey Colin Keane and trainer Ger Lyons. View the full article

Still one of the best of her sex on her day, Cheveley Park Stud's Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) heads back to Deauville on Sunday to bid to achieve what none other has in the G1 Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois. So impressive here in 2022 and 2023, the John and Thady Gosden-trained 5-year-old is in unchartered territory tackling a third that the likes of Miesque, Spinning World and Palace Pier (GB) were never asked to entertain. Found out for lack of stamina in the G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot last time, the homebred has given no indication that she has lost any of her former prowess and with the weather playing ball it is all in place for her to register the landmark win. The Prix Jacques le Marois is a “Win and You're In” for the GI Breeders' Cup Mile. It could be that those most likely to spoil Inspiral's party are Nurlan Bizakov's G1 Queen Anne Stakes hero Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's unbeaten G2 Summer Mile scorer Quddwah (GB) (Kingman {GB}), with the latter dangerously unexposed having been nurtured by the Crisfords thus far. Charyn has turned himself inside out this term, maturing from a colt that was thoroughly likeable and dependable but limited to one who gives the impression he is fit to take on anything. Trainer Roger Varian is relishing the opportunity to back up his Royal Ascot success over a track that should suit. “He's grown into himself this year and is starting to look the finished article,” he explained. “He's always been a good horse and he just seems to have found a new level this year, which is great for everyone involved. We're enjoying the journey and had a great day at Royal Ascot and hopefully he has another big run in him on Sunday.” Quddwah has some way to go from his Summer Mile win and this has historically proven a tough race for those lacking top-level practice, but it is significant that his shrewd connections have unwavering faith in him. “We discussed the Sussex, but we felt the straight mile at Deauville would be more suitable for him. It's a high-quality field and a very good race, but he's got form to suggest he should be in the mix,” Ed Crisford said. “The way Charyn won the Queen Anne was very impressive and if Inspiral can bounce back to form, she's a two-time winner of the race already, there's the French Guineas winner there and Richard Hannon's Haatem so they are all dangers but we're just hoping to run a really good race and we'll learn a lot about him,” Crisford Jr added. “I think he'll suit a nice strong pace. When he hits the front Callum [Shepherd] said he felt he was always doing enough and if they'd got to him at Ascot he would have gone again.” Peter R Bradley and Scuderia Scolari's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains winner Metropolitan (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) probably needs last year's runner-up Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) to set a strong pace, but Wathnan Racing's dual 2,000 Guineas-placed Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) would be happier with it being slack given his seven-furlong speed. “We gave him a little bit of time off to freshen up after Royal Ascot, but Richard [Hannon] reports he's in very good form,” the owners' European racing adviser Richard Brown said. “It is obviously a very deep race, but he deserves to take his chance and we're looking forward to seeing him run. We know he is tough and wears his heart on his sleeve, so he will put in a brave performance, I'm sure.” Al Riffa Takes Aim At Grosser Preis von Berlin… Having roughed up City Of Troy (Justify) in the Eclipse, Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) goes hunting for his first Group 1 win since the 2022 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes in Sunday's Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten. Up to a mile and a half for the first time, he has a form edge over Godolphin's Listed Tapster Stakes and Listed Fred Archer Stakes winner King Of Conquest (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) with last year's G1 Deutsches Derby and G1 Grosser Preis von Baden runner-up Mr Hollywood (Ire) (Iquitos {Ger}) gradually working his way back to his best. Back at Deauville, the G3 Prix Francois Boutin sees a case of nominative determinism in action with the unbeaten Houquetot (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) carrying the Al Shaqab Racing silks. That operation also have the smart Al Hakeem (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) engaged in the G3 Prix Gontaut-Biron Hong Kong Jockey Club, where he meets another past kingpin needing a reversal of fortunes in Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB}). That sentiment also applies to TDN Rising Star Gala Real (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who looks to rebound from her G1 Prix de Diane flop in the G3 Prix Lady O'Reilly. The post Inspiral On The Brink Of History At Deauville appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love Leithfield beach trainer Robbie Holmes trucks a team of four down to Ashburton today in what is the first winter meeting in Canterbury held outside Addington Raceway since June. In race 1, the Once Over Da Moon trotter One Mhor For Heather lines up in the Chertsey Trotting Club Trot over 2400m. The filly will be having her fourth start and will be looking to head in the right direction after a strong fourth at Addington a week ago. “She’s come through the run pretty well. She’s putting it together now. It’s the first time she’s drawn the front line, she’s doing everything right from the stand.” “I’d like to see her up handy on the pace and I don’t think she’ll be too far away.” A quick turnaround for Holmes sees The Golden Skipper compete in race 2, the Ashburton U Hire Mobile Pace over 1700m. Holmes believes the four-year-old gelding by Gold Ace has some ability but will need a touch of luck to feature from a wider draw over a short distance. “He’s a horse who has no real sprint so he’s going to have to race handy to the pace.” “Take him on chance” Keeping It Kiwi takes to the track in race 6, the White Racing/Foothills Shearing Handicap Pace over 2400m. Since breaking his maiden back on June 9 at Addington, the son of Art Major has had his share over niggles to overcome. “We’ve had a few issues since his race – foot infections and all sorts of things. But we’re on top of all that now and he’s working well.” “We should get away okay from that draw and be handy.” Rounding out Holmes’ chances will be another last start winner Midnight Diamond in race 7, the Fulton Hogan Ltd Mobile Trot over 1700m. The four-year-old mare by Royalty For Life was the first winner for the stallion when successful at Addington on July 26. “She seems good. She’s got good standing start manners and the race looks like it might pan out pretty nicely.” “We will race her a bit now then she’ll have a break in the spring time.” Holmes has trained 578 winners in his career to date, including nine winners this season and trains around 27 horses. Racing commences today from 12:50pm. View the full article

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1st-Ellis, $71,000, Msw, 8-10, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 1:01.84, fm, neck. CIVETTA (f, 2, Into Mischief–Sentiero Italia {MGSW & MGISP, $994,900}, by Medaglia d'Oro), a half-sister to Santin (Distorted Humor), MGISW, $1,918,820, was a very game winner in Saturday's opener at Ellis Park. The 9-2 chance hounded the debuting $600,000 KEESEP yearling Lovely Emma (Twirling Candy) from the outside through sharp fractions of :21.20 and :44.00 and finally fought her way to the front in deep stretch to graduate by a neck in a race that didn't deserve a loser. After producing a colt by Dubawi (Ire) in 2024, Sentiero Italia was bred back to Tapit. The aforementioned Brendan Walsh-trained Godolphin homebred Santin won the GI Arlington Million and GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $41,285. Click for the Equibase.com chart. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh. #8 Civetta is a debut winner in the opener at @ellisparkracing at 9/2 under @luanmachado85 for trainer @brenpwalsh! @cp365 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/loNxQtbNL8 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 10, 2024 The post Godolphin Homebred Civetta Game on Debut at the Pea Patch appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dual champion sire Frankel (GB) sired his 100th group/graded winner with Lake Victoria (Ire) in the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday. He accomplished that feat in only 3,144 days, a new record, and faster than fellow Juddmonte-bred Danehill, Deep Impact (Jpn), Galileo (Ire), and Dubawi (ire). Juddmonte's general manager UK, Simon Mockridge said, “Frankel and his record-making achievements seem to know no bounds. Frankel excels physically and mentally in all that he does–from racehorse to stallion, and simply in his day-to-day routine. What a privilege it is to witness this extraordinary horse in our lifetime. “It goes without saying this significant milestone and Frankel's status as one of the sport's elite sires could not have been reached without the support of our breeders worldwide to whom we are extremely grateful.” Named the champion sire in 2021 and 2023, he has been tops of the chart by prize-money in Europe the past three years. In addition, he sired more Group 1 winners (11), group winners (27) and stakes winners (42) than any other stallion in the world. Frankel already has accrued 34 top-level winners, anchored by European Classic scorers Chaldean (GB), Soul Sister (Ire), Westover (GB), Homeless Songs (Ire), Adayar (Ire), Anapurna (GB), Nashwa (GB), Hurricane Lane (Ire), and Logician (GB). Other notables by the son of Galileo include G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Alpinista (GB), European champion Cracksman (GB), G1 Australian Oaks winner Hungry Heart (Aus), G1 Japanese Oaks victress Soul Stirring (Jpn), and GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Inspiral (GB). His percentage of group winners to runners stands at 12%, while he has 17% black-type winners to runners. Added Mockridge, “Frankel's importance to the sport of horseracing cannot be underestimated both as a household name that extends far beyond our industry, and to the thoroughbred breed. Frankel and his progeny are the jewels in the crown that is Prince Khalid's legacy of dedication and passion for the thoroughbred which has been rewarded beyond comprehension; the same commitment is felt by his family for Juddmonte and its horses.” The post Juddmonte’s Frankel Sires 100th Group Winner In Record Time With Win Of Lake Victoria On Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-SAR, $100K, Msw, 2yo, f, 7f, 3:53 p.m. ET. Lining up for another competitive maiden special weight at Saratoga, several 2-year-old fillies will be making the first start of their careers. TRADING STRATEGY (Quality Road) was purchased for $500,000 by Klaravich Stables during last year's Keeneland September Sale. The Chad Brown trainee is out of Dothraki Sea (Union Rags), herself a 2020 $560,000 Keeneland November buy for Band of Brothers while GSP Mc Vay (Constitution)–a $1.25 million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling Sale grad–was in-utero. This dam is a half-sister to GISW Dixie Chatter (Dixie Union) and GSW Rumor (Indian Charlie). Also making the race is a filly bred by Pam and the late Martin Wygod named Table Flirt (Constitution). Trained by Bill Mott, the bay is the first foal for GSW Into Chocolate (Into Mischief) who is part of an extended female family which includes MGISW Harmonious (Dynaformer). Quickick (McKinzie) will be unveiled for trainer Tom Amoss. Initially bought as a weanling by Whisper Hill Farm for $275,000 at the Keeneland November Sale, the filly went to Greg Tramontin through the same ring the following September for $550,000. Her dam GSW Graeme Six (Graeme Hall) is responsible for GSW Cali Star (Street Cry {Ire}) and GSW Delightful Joy (Tapit), who produced GSW Window Shopping (American Pharoah). Exiting from the outside gate for Jon Clay's Alpha Delta Stables is homebred Trango Tower (Curlin). Also conditioned by Chad Brown, the juvenile is out of MGSW/MGISP Lewis Bay (Bernardini), whose own dam–GSW Summer Raven (Summer Squall)–was one of the top-priced offerings when she brought $1.7 million during Keeneland November in 2009. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: Well-Bred Troop Of Juvenile Fillies Debut At The Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, Alan Carasso takes a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for Sunday running at Sapporo Racecourse in the north of the country: 5th-SAP, ¥13,720,000 ($94k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800mT MATENRO SON (c, 2, Into Mischief–Miss Panthere {Jpn}, by Daiwa Major {Jpn}) is the latest foal to the races for his dam, who defeated Japanese Horse of the Year Lys Gracieux (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) in Group 2 company over a mile while tacking on a further three victories at Group 3 level. His year-older full-sister Miss Matenro was placed at two and the mare is also represented by a yearling Authentic colt and a filly from the first crop of Flightline. B-Chiyono Terada (KY) The post Into Mischief Firster Looks To Pounce at Sapporo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Just five days removed from a record-smashing select sale, bidding returns to the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion Sunday evening for the first of two sessions of the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearlings Sale in Saratoga Springs. The session, originally slated to start at 7 p.m., will now begin at 7:30 p.m. in deference to a pair of rescheduled graded races which will extend the race day at the track across the avenue. After a day and a half of rain in Saratoga, the sun was shining as potential buyers–led by a large contingent of pinhookers– crowded the sales grounds Saturday morning. “Yesterday, luckily, it didn't completely wash out,” said Kerry Cauthen in front of his Four Star Sales consignment. “It was rainy, but we really had a pretty good gap. Traffic was off a little bit yesterday, but that's catching up today. I think it's very typical traffic, but with an added number of groups that you wouldn't necessarily see stay over for this sale who have definitely made their way around.” The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, held last Monday and Tuesday, set records for gross, average and median, and consignors are hoping that momentum carries into the New York-bred sale. “The first sale was unbelievable, really,” Cauthen said. “And I expect that to roll on through at some level. I think it just creates confidence. This will be much more a test of the real market as opposed to the rare air, but I think that when you see it tick up like that, it definitely has an affect.” Asked if a competitive select market might lead people to shop the New York-bred sale more aggressively, Summerfield Sales' Francis Vanlangendonck said, “Definitely. There are people who did not spend any money at the last sale.” With a larger-than-typical catalogue of 365 head last year, the New York-bred Yearling Sale produced its highest-ever gross when 217 head sold for $20,806,000. The sale average was $95,880 and the median was $75,000. There are 300 yearlings in this year's catalogue, with the first 100 scheduled to go through the ring Sunday evening. “It's been the same way for the last three or four years,” Vanlangendonck said of expectations for the market over the two days. “The really good ones that vet are going to sell really well. This sale, the middle market does well, because there are so many people who want to buy these horses and they have good purses. The bottom end is going to get killed. But there are a lot of people here and if you know how to appraise one, you shouldn't have to buy one back.” The New York Racing Association's announcement last fall that the 2024 New York-bred foal crop would be running for the same purses as opening company beginning in 2026, added extra buzz to the an already buoyant state-bred program. “If you look at the purses, even now, they are really good,” Vanlangendonck said. “And that's just going to get better. You see a lot of the same people looking now that were at the first sale. That's because some of the horses here are going to outrun the horses that sold last week. They are looking for them.” Bill Johnson's Turning Point Bloodstock, headquartered some 15 miles outside of Saratoga, offered its first select yearlings last week. The operation sold a half-brother to GI Preakness Stakes winner Rombauer (Twirling Candy) for $550,000. “We were very excited to sell our first through the ring. it's nice to own Ferraris,” Johnson said with a smile. Looking ahead to the New York-bred sale, he added, “I have high expectations for this sale. There was a ton of energy at the first sale and I think it's going to carry over to this sale. I think the New York market is going to show everybody how strong it is.” The introduction of purse parity between open and state-bred races in the coming years should only increase the demand for New York-breds, Johnson agreed. “The fact that we are going to run for the same purses that the open company horses are, why not? We have a smaller crop here in New York, but we are going to be as competitive and now we are going to have the money to follow it up,” he said. Following the Sunday evening session, the New York-Bred Yearling Sale will continue Monday at noon. The post New York-Bred Yearlings Take Center Stage Sunday at Fasig-Tipton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 8-10, 2yo, 7f, 1:23.62, ft, 1 3/4 lengths. SANDMAN (c, 2, Tapit–Distorted Music, by Distorted Humor) debuted fifth as the favorite going six furlongs at Churchill Downs June 27 in his first start since bringing $1.2m at OBS March for the partnership including West Point Thoroughbreds. Now trying seven furlongs and favored once more at 2-1, the grey took his time from mid pack, rating nicely in fourth as Innovator (Authentic) paced the field through fractions of :22.54 and :45.83. Slipping through along the rail, he powered up to engage that leader off the turn and pulled away inside the final sixteenth to win nicely by 1 3/4 lengths. Distorted Music, purchased for $375,000 earlier this year at FTKFEB from the Lothenbach Stables dispersment, has already produced this runner's half-sister in She Can't Sing (Bernardini), GSW, $883,558 who sold at the same sale from the same dispersment for $1.1m to Hill 'n' Dale. The dam is a half to GSP Zinzay (Smart Strike) who produced SW/GISP Moon Over Miami (Malibu Moon). The family also includes MGISW Music Note (A.P. Indy), the dam of G1 Dubai World Cup hero Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper). Distorted Music's yaerling Into Mischief colt, who first sold at the dispersment for $650,000, brought $1,000,000 from M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm at last week's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. Sales History: $1,200,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $58,600.Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables; B-Lothenbach Stables Inc (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. Enter SANDMAN, the 2YO son of @Gainesway stallion Tapit, who breaks his maiden in the first race with @DavisJockey up for trainer @markecasse. pic.twitter.com/6Az1PqplFF — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 10, 2024 The post Sandman Graduates Second Time Out At Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When the dust settled at Ascot on Saturday, the Ladies Team had eked out a victory in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup for a fifth time since a female team was first introduced in 2012. Consisting of Hayley Turner, who had earned her third Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle Award, Marie Velon, and Joanna Mason, the Ladies Team edged Team Europe 71 points to 60. Team Rest of the World was third with 58 points and Team Great Britain/Ireland finished fourth on 55 points. Turner and Mason ran one-two aboard New Image (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Yantarni (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), respectively, in the final race, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile, giving the Ladies Team the victory. Turner also road Ranch Hand (GB) (Dunaden {Fr}) to score in the day's second race, the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers. The most successful jockey in the history of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, Turner now has 11 winners spread across 17 appearances and a total of 357 points throughout that run. She just nipped Rachel Venniker (Team RotW) for the title, as both had 35 points at the end of the day, but Turner earned the Silver Saddle on countback. She had previously earned titles in 2018/2019. Turner said, “It's so nice. I've got three Silver Saddles now and Alistair Haggis was a big inspiration for getting the girls involved in the Shergar Cup, so it means a lot. “Alistair Haggis was actually the reason that the girls started on the Shergar Cup teams. When I started there were two teams and Alistair suggested that each team had a girl, so Emma-Jayne [Watson] represented the Rest of the World and I represented Great Britain and Ireland. Since then, it has just snowballed. Obviously, Alistair is not with us now but he played a key part in all the Shergar Cup victories I've had. “It's always such a fun event. It's great as everyone gets involved and it's a really light, fun atmosphere. It's great and something a bit different. The team was so much fun. I really enjoyed their company and everyone rode so well. We've got wristbands for the concert as well–I probably won't be getting home early tonight!” Mason said, “It's brilliant to be part of the winning team. Obviously, Hayley has had a fantastic day, riding two winners. It's something a bit different, but the girls have come out on top and have actually won a lot of the races today, which just shows that stereotypes are going out the window and women jockeys are coming to the fore. It's a brilliant day, and nice to be in a team and have such good camaraderie.” Velon said, “It's such an honour to be here on the Ladies team and I'm so happy that we have won again. It's wonderful for me.” The post Ladies Team Takes Shergar Cup, As Turner Wins Third Silver Saddle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer racing season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced offspring from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, with links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Sunday at Ellis Park and Del Mar: Sunday, August 11, 2024 Ellis 1, $71k, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 12:50 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Gardiner (Audible), FTMMAY, 26,000, :10 2/5 C-Best A Luck Farm LLC, agent; B-Joseph Besecker Ellis 2, $71k, 2yo, f, 7f, 1:20 p.m. ET Liam in the Dust (Liam's Map), OBSMAR, 250,00, :9 4/5 C-Top Line Sales, agent; B-R Brisset, agent for Storyteller Racing Our Shenanigan (Practical Joke), OBSMAR, 170,000, :10 1/5 C-Old South Farm, agent; B-Hidden Brook, agent Ellis 7, ELP Juvenile S., $175k, 2yo, 7f, 3:52 p.m. ET Politicallycorrect (Violence), OBSMAR, 195,000, :9 4/5 C-New Hope AB LLC, agent; B-Five Fillies Stable Three Echoes (Echo Town), OBSMAR, 130,000, :10 1/5 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-L & N Racing LLC Ellis 8, ELP Debutante S., $175k, 2yo, f, 7f, 4:19 p.m. ET Mrs Worldwide (Global Campaign), OBSMAR, 100,000, :9 4/5 C-Dynasty Thoroughbreds; B-Boardshorts Rich City Girl (City of Light), OBSMAR, 435,000, :9 4/5 C-Top Line Sales, agent; B-Patricia's Hope LLC Shezafunkydrummer (Maclean's Music), OBSMAR, 200,000, :9 4/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (C Dunne), agt; B-Patricia's Hope LLC Del Mar 3, Best Pal S.-GIII, $150k, 2yo, 6f, 6:00 p.m. Ivan the Great (Kantharos), OBSMAR, 150,000, :10 C-Coastal Equine (J Hoppel), agent; B-Steve Rothblum, agent for Mark Davis Mischief River (Into Mischief), OBSAPR, 500,000, :10 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-Bow River Ranch, Hoby Kight, agent Del Mar 7, $75k, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 8:00 p.m. ET Arrakias (Bernardini), OBSMAR, 255,000, :10 C-Omar Ramirez Bloodstock, agt; B-LRF Racing, John Dowd, agt Brother Tony (Unified), OBSMAR, 72,000, :10 C-Flynt Fesmire, agent; B-Peter Miller, agent Gaming (Game Winner), OBSMAR, 250,000, :20 2/5 C-Pick View LLC, agent; B-Three Amigos The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: August 11, 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first of two sessions of the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearlings Sale will begin Sunday evening at 7:30 p.m. ET after originally being scheduled to kick off at 7 p.m. The change was necessitated by the postponement of the GI FanDuel Fourstardave Handicap and GI Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes from Saturday to now be run as the final two races on Sunday's program at 6:16 p.m. and 6:49 p.m., respectively. The two races were supposed to take place last Saturday, but were rescheduled due to heavy rainfall. Sunday's opening session at the Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion will feature hips 301-400, while hips 401-600 will go under the hammer beginning Monday at noon ET as originally planned. The post Start Of Fasig-Tipton NY-Bred Sale Pushed Back By 30 Minutes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As a heralded and unbeaten member of the increasingly dominant 2-year-old fillies' division entering Saturday's G1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh, Juddmonte's TDN Rising Star Babouche (GB) (Kodiac {GB}–Pavlosk, by Arch) was always going to be a force to be reckoned with and in the event she was too much for Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never) to handle in the first major clash of the sexes in this age group. Surrendering a length and a half from the gates to the Ballydoyle representative, the Ger Lyons-trained G3 Anglesey Stakes winner was visibly motoring under Colin Keane with that 8-13 favourite hassled on the front by old rival Arizona Blaze (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev). Rolling by them both a furlong from home, the full-sister to the stable's multiple group winner Zarinsk (GB) surged away to win by 1 1/2 lengths as the 5-2 second favourite, with Arizona Blaze 1 3/4 lengths further back in third. Group 1 GLORY for 𝐁𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡𝐞 Progressive filly Babouche extends her winning run to three as she sees off Whistlejacket to land the @keeneland Phoenix Stakes under @ctkjockey. @curraghrace | @JuddmonteFarms pic.twitter.com/bUwZ1yPVsE — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 10, 2024 The post Phoenix Glory For Juddmonte’s TDN Rising Star Babouche appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien trainee Lake Victoria (Ire) (Frankel {GB}–Quiet Reflection {GB}, by Showcasing {GB}) attained 'TDN Rising Star' status with a narrow victory in her June 28 debut tackling seven furlongs at the Curragh and doubled up in style with a pillar-to-post victory in Saturday's G3 JenningsBet Sweet Solera Stakes over the dame trip at Newmarket. The Sean Levey-ridden filly broke smartly and was a shade keen on the front end through the early strides of this black-type bow. Settling into a comfortable rhythm by halfway, the 11-8 favourite was held together until stirred into action with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining and kept on powerfully up the hill to easily account for 'TDN Rising Star' Mountain Breeze (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) by two lengths. Lake Victoria looks a smart filly and makes it two from two, making all under @LeveySean in the Group 3 JenningsBet Sweet Solera Stakes for Aidan O'Brien pic.twitter.com/B5mFOgiLMp — Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) August 10, 2024 Pedigree Notes Lake Victoria, full to a yearling colt and weanling colt, becomes the 100th Group-race winner for her sire and the first produced by G1 Commonwealth Cup and G1 Haydock Sprint Cup heroine Quiet Reflection (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), whose first foal is G2 Dante Stakes third Bluegrass (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), was a 2.1-million guineas acquisition at Tattersalls' 2017 December Mares sale. Quiet Reflection is a granddaughter of Listed Hilary Needler Trophy victrix Clare Hills (Ire) (Orpen), herself out of a half-sister to the dam of G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes runner-up Fear And Greed (Ire) (Brief Truce), and hails from the family of GI Kentucky Derby-winning sire Alysheba (Alydar). Saturday, Newmarket, Britain JENNINGSBET SWEET SOLERA STAKES-G3, £60,000, Newmarket, 8-10, 2yo, f, 7fT, 1:25.69, g/f. 1–LAKE VICTORIA (IRE), 128, f, 2, by Frankel (GB) 1st Dam: Quiet Reflection (GB) (MG1SW-Eng, GSW-Fr & Ire, $926,853), by Showcasing (GB) 2nd Dam: My Delirium (GB), by Haafhd (GB) 3rd Dam: Clare Hills (Ire), by Orpen TDN Rising Star. 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier; B-Coolmore (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Sean Levey. £34,026. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $56,207. *1/2 to Bluegrass (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), GSP-Eng. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Mountain Breeze (Ire), 128, f, 2, Lope De Vega (Ire)–Lava Flow (Ire), by Dalakhani (Ire). TDN Rising Star. O/B-Godolphin (IRE); T-Charlie Appleby. £12,900. 3–Elsie's Ruan (Ire), 128, f, 2, Ulysses (Ire)–Lost Control (Ire), by Helmet (Aus). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (9,000gns RNA Ylg '23 TATOCT; 22,000gns 2yo '24 TATGBU). O-UK Lift & Escalator Company Ltd; B-Hyde Park Stud (IRE); T-Gemma Tutty. £6,456. Margins: 2, 1, HD. Odds: 1.38, 2.00, 12.00. Also Ran: Flaming Stone (GB), Liberalised (GB), Angelica Bay (Ire), Dream Voyage (GB). The post TDN Rising Star Lake Victoria Makes All in Newmarket’s Sweet Solera, 100th Group Winner for Frankel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shadwell's 140,000gns Tattersalls December foal Anmaat (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}–African Moonlight {UAE}, by Halling) had been on a 439-day sabbatical after annexing last term's G1 Prix d'Ispahan and the 6-year-old gelding added to his victory in 2022's G3 Betfred Rose of Lancaster Stakes with a narrow victory in Saturday's latest renewal at Haydock. The 8-11 favourite raced in third through the initial stages, but slipped to fourth at halfway in this extended 10-furlong test. Nudged along with three furlongs remaining, he inched ahead passing the furlong pole and stayed on well under continued cajoling to prevail by a neck from Certain Lad (GB) (Clodovil {Ire}). Job done Anmaat defies a fairly hefty absence to land the Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes under @JimCrowley1978 @haydockraces | #PremierRacedaypic.twitter.com/zKO6KY9PzV — Champions Series (@ChampionsSeries) August 10, 2024 Pedigree Notes Anmaat, one of his sire's five pattern-race scorers, is the sixth of 10 foals and the leading performer from eight winners out of a full-sister to dual G3 Curragh Cup victor Mkuzi (GB) (Halling). His dam African Moonlight (UAE) (Halling) is also kin to Group 3-placed Listed Grand Prix de Compiegne winner Alliteration (GB) (Polish Precedent), the dual stakes-placed Key To Peace (Ire) (Kheleyf) and Listed Prix Georges Trabaud runner-up Concordat (GB) (Selkirk). The February-foaled chestnut's stakes-placed second dam African Peace (Roberto) is a daughter of multiple Group-winning G1 Prix Vermeille third Galla Placidia (Fr) (Crystal Palace {Fr}). Anmaat is a half-brother to GIII Kent Stakes victor Syntax (Ire) (Haatef), Listed Criterium del Mediterraneo runner-up Sir Gin (Ire) (Moss Vale {Ire}) and a yearling filly by Palace Pier (GB). Saturday, Haydock, Britain BETFRED ROSE OF LANCASTER STAKES-G3, £85,000, Haydock, 8-10, 3yo/up, 10f 100yT, 2:09.44, g/f. 1–ANMAAT (IRE), 133, g, 6, by Awtaad (Ire) 1st Dam: African Moonlight (UAE), by Halling 2nd Dam: African Peace, by Roberto 3rd Dam: Galla Placidia (Fr), by Crystal Palace (Fr) (140,000gns Wlg '18 TATFOA). O-Shadwell Estate Company Ltd; B-Ringfort Stud (IRE); T-Owen Burrows; J-Jim Crowley. £48,204. Lifetime Record: G1SW-Fr, 13-8-4-1, $598,536. *1/2 to Syntax (Ire) (Haatef), GSW-US, $390,211; and Sir Gin (Ire) (Moss Vale {Ire}), SP-Ity. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Certain Lad (GB), 133, g, 8, Clodovil (Ire)–Chelsey Jayne (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). (13,000gns Ylg '17 TAOCT; 170,000gns RNA 3yo '19 TATAHI). O-C R Hirst; B-Barry Walters (GB); T-Jack Channon. £18,275. 3–Regal Reality (GB), 133, g, 9, Intello (Ger)–Regal Realm (GB), by Medicean (GB). O-Peter Done; B-Cheveley Park Stud Ltd (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute. £9,146. Margins: NK, 1, 3/4. Odds: 0.73, 7.00, 14.00. Also Ran: Al Mubhir (GB), Mujtaba (GB). Scratched: Lord North (Ire), Bracken's Laugh (Ire). The post Last Year’s Ispahan Hero Anmaat Returns With Rose Of Lancaster Triumph appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Curragh's American Racing Channel Irish EBF Fillies Juvenile Race is always a race worth intense scrutiny and Saturday's renewal did not disappoint with Coolmore dominating the finish and their prized homebred Falling Snow (Ire) (Justify–Winter {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) edging it to become the second TDN Rising Star on the card. Sent off the 7-2 second favourite for this seven-furlong conditions event won in the recent past by Hydrangea (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and in which Opera Singer (Justify) was runner-up to A Lilac Rolla (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}) 12 months ago, the Donnacha O'Brien-trained grey sat close to Ballydoyle's 8-13 favourite Ballet Slippers (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) from the outset with Gavin Ryan notably full of horse. Looking held at the furlong pole, the fourth foal out of the brilliant G1 1,000 Guineas, G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas, G1 Coronation Stakes and G1 Nassau Stakes heroine managed to subdue the long-time leader, the first foal out of the multiple group 1-winning Magical (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), close home and win by a neck. There was five-length gap back to the Joseph O'Brien-trained €225,000 Goffs Orby graduate and newcomer Celtic Motif (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) in third, with the winning time outstanding, over two seconds faster than the earlier TDN Rising Star Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) had run. She is Justify's 10th TDN Rising Star, with City Of Troy and Ramatuelle the key members of the brigade so far. “She's a filly with a great pedigree and had won a barrier trial nicely at Dundalk recently,” Donnacha O'Brien said. “When she walked down off the box I was happy to see her! With those pedigrees, there's always a chance you have a good one and fingers crossed, she might be one. She was quite professional today and she took a step forward from her trial and I think she'll take another step forward again. Her ears were pricked at the line and this race has traditionally thrown up good fillies. She's a big filly and we'll take her along gently–she's tall and I'd be keen to take it slowly. This year is going to be more about education and I'm not sure she's ready physically for that Debutante-Moyglare route, she could come come back here for one of those group 3s later on. She'll probably stay ten at three and so a mile will be no problem for her this year.” The post Justify’s Daughter Of Winter A 10th TDN Rising Star For Her Sire appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. After losing just about any chance at the break, Praetor (c, 2, Into Mischief–Curlin's Approval, by Curlin) showed plenty of promise in defeat finishing third behind ultra-impressive 'TDN Rising Star Ferocious (Flatter) on debut at Saratoga Aug. 3. Well-backed at 7-2 for trainer Chad Brown over a muddy and sealed surface, Praetor was bumped and pinched back at the start and trailed the field of nine through an opening quarter in a sharp :22.06. He began to catch the eye with a flashy move beneath Flavien Prat on the far turn and was suddenly in the mix while hung out five wide at the top of the stretch. Wearing plenty of the racetrack in third and dare we say in with a puncher's chance as they turned for home, $1.3-million OBS March breezer and narrow 3-1 favorite Ferocious quickly put that notion to bed and blew the race apart to win with authority by 7 3/4 lengths. Praetor came up a nose short of runner-up honors behind the pacesetting second-time starter El Prestigio (Practical Joke). The final time for six furlongs was 1:09.65. Ferocious earned a 96 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort, the highest of any 2-year-old so far this year. Praetor, campaigned in partnership by William H. Lawrence, CHP Racing and Gainesway Stable, received a 79 Beyer. “They expected a lot (from Ferocious) and he showed up, but I thought our guy put in a gallant effort considering–he had a hell of a start, got banged and sandwiched coming out, mud in his face all the way around and he still ran a pretty gutsy race,” CHP Racing's Phil Hatfield said. He added with a laugh, “And hey, look, Chad likes him, so that's a good thing.” Curlin's Approval | Coglianese Bred in Kentucky by Bridlewood Farm and Alter's Racing Stables, Inc., Praetor brought $725,000 as a yearling from bloodstock agent Mike Ryan on behalf of the aforementioned trio out of the Gainesway consignment at last year's Keeneland September sale. Praetor, a son of the all-conquering Into Mischief, was produced by Curlin's Approval, a three-time graded winner of $654,725 for Happy Alter and Bridlewood Farm. The 11-year-old mare is also responsible for the 3-year-old filly and $1-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate Charlottesapproval (Into Mischief) and an Into Mischief colt of this year. She was bred back to Justify for 2025. The Into Mischief over Smart Strike cross is also responsible for GISW Timberlake, who was produced by a Lookin At Lucky mare; and this spring's GII Wood Memorial S. winner Resilience. Like Into Mischief's MGSW General Jim, Praetor is also out of a Curlin mare. “Mike Ryan is our guy,” Hatfield said. “In this business, you've got to spread yourself out a little bit on these colts. I think you need more (horses) to try to get these Classics and you've got to spread the risk. Praetor ticked off all the boxes for ourselves and (William) Lawrence, and Gainesway stayed in, too.” Hatfield continued, “From what I see and from what Chad indicates, I think he's gonna stretch out two turns. But you know how that goes. They got to prove it one step at a time.” Clever Mischief graduates at the Spa July 12 | Sarah Andrew CHP Racing currently has approximately 10 horses in training, including the Hatfields' homebred 3-year-old colt Clever Mischief (Into Mischief), who graduated at second asking for Brown on the Saratoga lawn earlier this meet July 12, and comebacking 2023 GIII Cardinal S. runner-up Saffron Moon (Malibu Moon). “It was my wife (Christine)'s idea–she came from the Arabian show horse world in California,” Hatfield said. “She always wanted to have racehorses. Right now, we have about 10 in training. Chad is our main guy and he's doing a good job for us.” The 'Second Chances' Honor Roll is headed by Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin), fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) and GISWs A Mo Reay (Uncle Mo), Honor A. P. (Honor Code), Locked (Gun Runner), Paradise Woods (Union Rags) and Speaker's Corner (Street Sense). FEROCIOUS responded to the expectations, recovering from a slow start, to surpass the front runner and easily win on his debut, ridden by @jjcjockey for trainer Gustavo Delgado and co-owned by @RamiroRestrepo FEROCIOUS gana una gran carrera en su debut al recuperarse de una… pic.twitter.com/ykkKig5RXY — Agentes305 (@agentes305) August 3, 2024 The post Second Chances: ‘Gallant Effort’ in Defeat From Into Mischief’s Praetor in Live Maiden at the Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Like many Ballydoyle juveniles, Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}–Tepin, by Bernstein) is very much a work in progress but everybody had a glimpse of what was to come in The Curragh's opener on Saturday as the son of the US legend overcame adversity to win his maiden with comfort. In doing so, the heavily-supported 2-5 favourite was become the stable's latest TDN Rising Star and his sire's 42nd in that category. Showing distinct promise when second on his Leopardstown debut last month, the half-brother to the yard's G3 Stanerra Stakes-winning 3-year-old Grateful (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) provided some anxious moments when rearing in the stalls before the start but was quickly able to get on the lead after they had opened. Looking lay and green for Ryan Moore throughout the early stages, he was there to be shot at during the last three furlongs but threw in a final two-furlong split of 22 seconds to seal the result. At the line, he had 1 3/4 lengths to spare over his eye-catching stablemate Acapulco Bay (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), the first foal out of a full-sister to Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) whose daughter Ecstatic (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) had become a TDN Rising Star at Tipperary on Friday. Joseph O'Brien, who had won this maiden with his subsequent G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes winners Thunder Moon (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) and Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), was third and fourth with Dante's Lad (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Hostility (Ire) (No Nay Never). Job done Group 1-entered 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐱 makes no mistake second-time out despite getting worked up in the stalls beforehand. Stablemate Acapulco Bay looks one for the notebooks after a most eye-catching run in second. @curraghrace | @coolmorestud pic.twitter.com/9Wl1u8foUi — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 10, 2024 The post Dubawi’s Son Of Tepin A New TDN Rising Star appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

West Coast winning the 2024 Grand National Steeplechase. Photo: Race Images South Sensational steeplechaser West Coast etched his name amongst the greats of the New Zealand jumping scene when he collected his third win in a row in Saturday’s Grand National Steeplechase (5600m). The son of Mettre En Jeu became only the second horse to win the race three times since its first running in 1875, and the first to do it consecutive years at the 149th edition of the event. The Mark Oulaghan-prepared fencer won his first National with 65kg on his back, but carried the maximum allocated weight of 73kg on Saturday, with jockey Shaun Fannin bringing up his 11th win from 16 starts aboard the nine-year-old with a copybook ride. Fannin had him tracking pacemaker Al’s Red Zed throughout and with 600m to run he looked the likely winner as he strode to the front with two fences to clear. Lightweight Matamata raider Auld Jock was having none of that and chased West Coast with menace into the final 400m but couldn’t quite muster enough of a sprint at the end of the 5600m journey as West Coast held him comfortably by around a length at the line. Oulaghan was taking it all in his stride but the pride in his voice was unmistakeable as he evaluated the winning performance. “I think to win three in a row, something that hasn’t been done for around 130 years, is pretty special,” Oulaghan said. “It’s great and he is a great horse. “Really good fencer, clean winded and stays, he just seems to have it all. “The owners are great people and strong supporters of South Island racing so deserve to end up with a horse like this. “You never know, but it is on the cards we could be back again next year.” Fannin was rapt with run as he gave all the plaudits to his mount. “He is an absolute superstar, the crowd came here to see a superstar and they did,” he said. “He is such a good jumper that he makes up ground at each fence and when Al’s Red Zed jumped off the rail at the 800m I saw the chance to put some pressure on. “I made that move before we hit the worst of the ground in the home straight and he was just too tough. “I’m honoured to work with Mark and a wonderful team and I’m proud to be part of this journey.” Horse racing news View the full article

Portia Matthews salutes after Berry The Cash won his second Grand National Hurdles (4200m) on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Despite a few anxious moments in running, outstanding jumper Berry The Cash made light work of his 73kg topweight to extend his winning streak to seven races on the trot as he captured his second Grand National Hurdles (4200m) on Saturday at Riccarton. The Mark Oulaghan-prepared son of Jakkalberry had collected a somewhat fortuitous victory seven days earlier in the Sydenham Hurdles (3100m), due to a final fence bungle by Dictation, but this time he dominated the closing stages of a fascinating contest, storming home from second last at the 600m to win going away by two lengths at the post. Tipped as a two-horse battle between the $1.70 favourite and the Paul Nelson-trained Nedwin ($2.60), who also carried 73kgs, the early stages of the race were anything but comfortable for rider Portia Mathews aboard Berry The Cash as they spent most of it cluttered up behind runners while also putting in a faulty leap at the third fence on the journey. In contrast, Nedwin set up a leisurely speed in front but when he bungled the fence leading into the home straight the first time he was joined by Lord Spencer who continually shaded him at each obstacle until taking a clear lead with 800m to run. Nedwin began to fade and tightened Berry The Cash as Matthews was urgently trying to extract her mount into clear air approaching the home bend. Berry The Cash picked himself up and changed around the outer before unleashing a powerful staying burst in the closing stages that saw him stride past runner-up Run Jakko Run in the last 150m, with Metallo battling on gamely for third. “Mark (Oulaghan) and I discussed the plan, and we were always going to ride him back like last year rather than forward like we had been lately,” a beaming Matthews said. “He just travelled so well throughout and although I go a bit stuck after that jump at the 600m, as soon as I got through I had so much under me, and I never doubted him. “Mark’s training puts so much confidence into me and I knew how fit he (Berry The Cash) was and how he could jump. “I’m also pleased for his group of owners who are such lovely people and are reaping the rewards for all the patience they have shown in him.” Oulaghan was his normal circumspect self as he accepted congratulations for his sixth victory in the event. “He (Berry The Cash) is that sort of old-style horse who is a good stayer and just grinds out a finish,” he said. “He had an easy run early on and he can just about finish over the top of anything like that. “He was only five or six lengths off them down the back straight so I wasn’t panicking. “It’s a great result and always good to win big races like this down here.” Horse racing news View the full article