Wandering Eyes

By Jonny Turner Matthew Williamson has chosen the right time to line up one of his biggest-ever teams at the races. Williamson brings nine runners south to Winton for Southland’s lucrative Winter Rewards Finals day on Saturday. While the trainer’s planning to have such a strong line up ready for such a big meeting has been pinpoint, Williamson couldn’t plan for the series of tricky barrier draws he has been handed. Even under preferential terms, the numbers haven’t exactly fallen Williamson’s way. But it may just mean the reinsman will have to call on all of the skill he’s produced to win more than 1000 races. Hayley Robyn is a prime example, she’s set to start favourite in a Winter Rewards Final after two excellent runs. But she must overcome barrier 1 on the second row. “She is flying at the moment, it was a great run at Wyndham last week,” Williamson said. “She has one the second line again, so she will be dictated to by what the horse in front of her does.” “But if she gets any luck, she is sure to be barrelling home.” Terra Sancta is in a similar spot, the mare has been excellent in her recent outings at Ascot Park but must overcome drawing the outside of the second line in her Winter Rewards assignment. “She has been racing really well, I am really happy with the way she has been going.” “She comes into a winnable race, she’s a good chance.” “She has been going really well.” “The outside of the second-row draw is the bugbear, but on ability, she will be hard to beat and an eachway chance.” Barrier draws aren’t so much of an issue for both Jordan Anne and Miles Away in their finals assignments. Jordan Anne looks well placed, stepping into a grade she should thrive in. “She does find a good race for her and hopefully she has good manners as she usually does, she looks a chance in that race.” Miles Away has mixed his form a little this time in, however it is important to note he was desperately unlucky in his last start. “I was very happy with his last start, he was very unlucky.” “He didn’t get a go at them, he is very similar to Jordan Anne, he looks an eachway chance.” Majesdix lands in Saturday’s highest-rated Winter Rewards Final for trotters. Though she faces a stern test, she does have the advantage of starting from the front line. “She went a nice race last start at Invercargill.” “She is at the wrong end of the ratings, unfortunately.” “But I am sure she is good enough to still run in the money and she is definitely a place chance.” Williamson also starts Autumn Belle, Abacardi Hazel, Pyramid Rose and Huzuni in the races outside of Saturday’s finals. View the full article

The Cloudy Dancer (GB) Flash Sale on Fasig-Tipton's Digital platform ended Friday afternoon with a bang as a bidding war stopped the clock at 2:04 pm with the mare sold for $430,000 to David Hutson. On June 20 of this year, Cloudy Dancer (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) 's second foal–Shareholder (Not This Time)–captured the G2 Norfolk Stakes for 2-year-olds at prestigious Royal Ascot to remain undefeated. His victory was the third fastest time in the last 40 years of the race's history. Cloudy Dancer's connections opted to offer her on Fasig-Tipton Digital, and just five days after Shareholder won the Norfolk, bidding opened for the 8-year-old daughter of Invincible Spirit (Ire) in a one-horse “flash sale.” Drawing 2,432 viewers over the next four days, the young broodmare found a new home with Hutson. Cloudy Dancer was consigned by Brendan and Olive Gallagher's Frankfort Park Farm, agent for Skyfall Thoroughbreds LLC. “This sale is a perfect example of what Fasig-Tipton Digital is about,” said Leif Aaron, Fasig-Tipton's Director of Digital Sales. “The mare's owners saw an opportunity to capitalize on her increase in value based on Shareholder's performance at Royal Ascot. We owe a huge thanks to all the participants.” The post Dam of Royal Ascot Winner Sells for $430,000 on Fasig-Tipton Digital appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bringing genuine star quality to Saturday's G1 Cairn Community Games Pretty Polly Stakes, the Gosdens' Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) makes her belated Curragh debut having missed the 2022 Irish Oaks due to a freak aviation issue. What would have happened had her flight been cancelled that July we'll never know, but her performance in last year's G1 Coronation Cup tells us she probably would have a Classic on her portfolio. Almost certainly guaranteed to be suited by this fair, galloping track, the 5-year-old may be peaking now after missing the beat during the spring and early summer. “In fairness to Emily Upjohn, we trained her in the winter to go to Dubai and that doesn't agree with a lot of fillies,” Gosden Sr explained. “We let her down in April and she really did herself well. I was having a little trouble getting her back in the zone again and she very much needed her race in the Coronation Cup. She was carrying plenty of weight and condition, but she worked well on the July Course and she'll head for what looks like a very competitive edition of the Pretty Polly.” One who did make the Irish Oaks was Juddmonte's fellow TDN Rising Star Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}), only to fall just short last term having looked the surefire winner until the dying strides. Trainer Ralph Beckett has every reason to be positive given the nature of her comeback six-length success in York's G2 Middleton Fillies' Stakes last month. “She's in good shape and I have been very pleased with her since York,” he said. “There are plenty of fast-ground elements in her pedigree and she's a good moving filly.” Stay the Course… There was heartbreak in this for Hughie Morrison 12 months ago as Ben and Sir Martyn Arbib's Stay Alert (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) was second to Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) having been interfered with by that winner in the closing stages. Off the mark on her seasonal return in Newmarket's G2 Dahlia Stakes last month, the homebred looks to have progressed again. “Time heals and we move on,” Morrison said, reflecting on the misfortune of last year. “She's done herself well and has done very well since she ran. My concern always is whether I've done enough with her, but travel can refine them down a bit and we're just hopeful that she'll run her race, perform to the levels she did at Newmarket and we'll see how good she is.” “I think both times she's gone over to Ireland, I feel I may have left a gallop short. It's been quite dry in the last two weeks, so I haven't overworked her,” he added. “If Emily Upjohn turns up as she was as a three-year-old or when winning the Coronation Cup last year we'll have to be very good to beat her and Bluestocking on the formbook looks exceptional as well.” Next Step for Jan Brueghel… It is not the norm for a 3-year-old introduced in late May to be handed a TDN Rising Star tag, but Ballydoyle's Jan Brueghel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) was simply sensational in his eight-length debut offering and he is pitched against older horses including Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's progressive Epsom handicap winner Bolster (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) in the G3 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes back at The Curragh on Saturday. A full-brother to the Irish Derby hero Sovereign (Ire), he is highly thought of by Ryan Moore who said, “This is obviously a much stiffer test and hopefully this imposing Galileo colt can deliver in this higher grade,” he said. Enchanting Presence… Also at The Curragh, the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes sees Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star Truly Enchanting (Ire) (No Nay Never) bid to emulate the feat of the stable's Matrika (Ire) who 12 months ago made the quick turnaround from Royal Ascot a successful one here. Unlike that fellow daughter of No Nay Never who had been second in the Albany, Truly Enchanting was only 13th tackling the sharper test of the G2 Queen Mary Stakes but this sixth furlong is much likelier to suit being from the family of Galileo (Ire) et al. She is joined two winning stablemates in January (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) who scored at Gowran Park and Easy Mover (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) who opened her account at and Fairyhouse, while Bond Thoroughbred's highly-regarded Listowel maiden scorer American Bar (Ire) (No Nay Never) is a fascinating contender from the Paddy Twomey yard. Kinross going out for last year's G1 Qatar Prix de la Foret | Scoop Dyga Kinross Ready for Belated Return… Withdrawn from Royal Ascot due to the fast ground last Saturday, the decision to put Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}) on the Tapeta for Newcastle's G3 Chipchase Stakes looks a good call with the dry spell unrelenting nationwide. Needing to get going this term, the 2022 G1 Prix de la Foret and G1 British Champions Sprint hero could be ideally suited to this stiff six furlongs and sets the form standard. “We just felt running over six furlongs on fast ground at Ascot would be too much for him at his age now and the extra week probably isn't a bad thing,” owner Marc Chan's racing manager Jamie McCalmont said. “Starting back on a synthetic surface looks a suitable thing to do and he should be competitive. Obviously he'll improve from the run, but we'll see.” “If he comes out of Newcastle well, there's no reason why you wouldn't run back two weeks later in the July Cup, but it just depends on how he comes out of the race. After that, there's Goodwood for the Lennox Stakes and there's the Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville around that time as well, so you've got both of those options.” A Familiar Tale? Marc Chan has another big runner on the day in the 2-year-old filly Tales Of The Heart (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) in Newmarket's Listed Maureen Brittain Memorial Empress Fillies' Stakes. Owned in partnership with Andrew Rosen, the Kempton maiden winner who was a 400,000gns Tattersalls Book 1 purchase bids to emulate the fellow Ralph Beckett-trained Lezoo (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) who took this two years ago for the same connections. Nick Bradley Racing and Elaine Burke's Teej A (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) is one of her key opponents, having beaten the subsequent G2 Coventry Stakes winner Rashabar (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) at Chester last month, but her subsequent Woodcote Stakes win has taken some knocks. Ambiente Friendly Faces Seven in Irish Derby Challenge… The Gredleys' Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) will have seven peers to contend with in Sunday's G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh after the confirmations were revealed on Friday morning. The James Fanshawe trainee will renew rivalry with Ballydoyle's Derby third Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), one of four representing Aidan O'Brien alongside The Euphrates (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Euphoric (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Grosvenor Square (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). David Menuisier saddles the 2023 G1 Criterium International winner Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), while the field is completed by Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's Leicester novice scorer Matsuri (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) from the Roger Varian stable and the Ger Lyons-trained Keeper's Heart (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}). The post Emily Upjohn Takes to the Pretty Polly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bluestocking will bid to go one better than her runner-up effort in last season's Irish Oaks (G1) in the June 29 Pretty Polly Stakes (G1) as she returns to Curragh for trainer Ralph Beckett.View the full article

4th-CD, $120K, Msw, 3yo/up, f/m, 6f, 2:15 p.m. ET. Rigney Racing made TWO SHARP (Twirling Candy) her sire's top priced offspring in 2022 when the outfit went to $925,000 during Keeneland September. Trained by Phil Bauer, the filly is the lone foal out of Double Sharp (Distorted). Woods Edge Farm acquired this dam at the 2017 Keeneland November Sale for $255,000 and she is out of MGSW/MGISP Bsharpsonata (Pulpit). Also making her first start is Greg Foley trainee Cathcart (Quality Road). The 3-year-old filly was purchased for $800,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Owned by Katherine and Michael Ball, the bay is a half-sister to MGSW Plainsman (Flatter). TJCIS PPS 1st-LRC, $41K, Msw, 2yo, 5f, 4:00 p.m. ET. SF Bloodstock, Starlight and Madaket took home Privman (Justify) for $625,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Sent to Bob Baffert's shedrow, the colt's dam Mo Knows (Uncle Mo) counts as a half-sister GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes heroine Payton d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro). After a pair of bullet drills at Los Alamitos, Mischief River (Into Mischief) debuts for trainer James Glenn. The $500,000 OBS April grad is a full-brother to GSW Into Chocolate, while their dam Candy Drawer (Candy Ride {Arg}) is herself a half-sister to MGISW and turf specialist Harmonious (Dynaformer). TJCIS PPS The post Saturday’s Racing Insights: Top Priced Twirling Candy Filly From ’22 Makes The Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Despite two losses to start her 4-year-old year, trainer Phil Bauer is confident that Xigera still has a chance to be one of the leading members of the distaff division. She has her chance to prove it June 29 in the $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2).View the full article

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen's 3-year-old filly Rainbows Edge (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}–Memory {Ire}, by Danehill Dancer {Ire}), a John and Thady Gosden trainee, backed up a debut victory at Newcastle in March with a taking 2 3/4-length success under a seven-pound penalty in Friday evening's Long Shot Seltzer Spring Fillies' Novice Stakes at Newmarket. 3rd-Newmarket, £10,000, Nov, 6-28, 3yo/up, f/m, 8fT, 1:40.11, g/f. RAINBOWS EDGE (GB) (f, 3, Night Of Thunder {Ire}–Memory {Ire} {MGSW-Eng, $127,136}, by Danehill Dancer {Ire}), who carried a seven-pound penalty for annexing her Mar. 23 debut going one mile at Newcastle in her only prior start, broke well and settled under cover in fifth for most of this turf bow. Making headway into contention approaching the quarter-mile marker, the 11-8 favourite was ridden to the fore with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining and kept on strongly up the hill to assert by 2 3/4 lengths from Inherit (GB) (Kingman {GB}). Rainbows Edge is the eighth of ten foals and seventh scorer produced by G2 Cherry Hinton Stakes and G3 Albany Stakes victrix Memory (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), herself a half-sister to G3 Tyros Stakes victrix Remember Alexander (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}) out of GIII Miesque Stakes third Nausicaa (Diesis {GB}). The April-foaled homebred chestnut is a half-sister to G3 Acomb Stakes-winning sire Recorder (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), GII Belmont Gold Cup Invitational-winning sire Call To Mind (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and G3 Stockholms Stora Pris victor Learn By Heart (GB) (Frankel {GB}). She is also kin to the twice-raced 2-year-old filly Royal Equerry (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and a yearling filly by Palace Pier (GB). Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $14,136. O-HM The King & HM The Queen; B-The Queen (GB); T-John & Thady Gosden. The post Night Of Thunder’s Rainbows Edge Doubles Up For Royal Success at HQ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the Breeders' Cup a little over four months away, the 'Win and You're In' tickets to the signature event, the GI Longines Classic, are definitely numbered. The road to Del Mar currently goes through Churchill Downs on Saturday as Classic hopefuls enter the starting gate for the GI Stephen Foster Stakes. Looking to punch his ticket to the seaside oval is Godolphin homebred First Mission (Street Sense). The 'TDN Rising Star' certainly burned brightest when he took home the GIII Essex Handicap by five lengths at Oaklawn Park in late March and followed that up with a four-length win in the GII Alysheba Stakes on the Kentucky Oaks undercard. The 4-year-old colt was tabbed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite here. “We've had this race on our schedule for a long time now,” trainer Brad Cox said. “The plan has been if he ran well in the Alysheba to run him in the Stephen Foster. He came out of the Alysheba very well and has been training great at Churchill. The Stephen Foster is always a tough race year in and year out. It's a Grade I, so that's expected. This year's field is no different, but we like our chances to try and get him his first Grade I win.” A potential derailer to First Mission's all-expense paid trip to California is a veteran 5-year-old with his own strong race resume. Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) does not have a grade I win, but the Saffie Joseph trainee certainly has accumulated his share of important victories. After collecting the GIII Challenger Stakes in early March at Tampa Bay, the bay posted a 107–the highest Beyer of his career–when he captured the GII Oaklawn Handicap Apr. 20. Making a bid in the Stephen Foster for the coveted Breeders' Cup ticket are the first and second place finishers from the GIII Pimlico Special Stakes in Baltimore last month. Pyrenees (Into Mischief), who was featured in Friday's TDN, was up in time to take his first graded race in as many tries over MGSW Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo). Also looking for a shot at the purple prize is 'TDN' Rising Star Disarm (Gun Runner). The 4-year-old's only start this year came over Churchill's main track May 18 as he went gate to wire against optional claimers. Scylla | Coady Media The stakes card under the Twin Spires does not stop there. On tap is GII Fleur de Lis Stakes for older filles and mares routing on the dirt. After a stellar start to her career in 2023, Juddmonte homebred Scylla (Tapit) has put together a solid campaign this season. Out of MGISW Close Hatches (First Defence), the bay filly was last seen getting her picture taken in the GIII Shawnee Stakes at Churchill Downs to start this month. Bill Mott's charge was 3 1/4 lengths ahead of MGSW Xigera (Nyquist), who will try to flip the script on her rival for Rigney Racing and conditioner Phil Bauer. “She [Xigera] ran a lot better in the Shawnee than she did in her first start of the year when she didn't take to the slop in the [GI] La Troienne,” Bauer said. “We're confident that she'll give us her best effort and hopefully that will be enough to turn the tables this time around.” Also facing down Scylla are a trio of runners in GSW Shotgun Hottie (Gun Runner), GSW Taxed (Collected) and MGISP Occult (Into Mischief). The other high-level race on the card in Louisville is the GII Wise Dan Stakes which includes the experienced turf specialist and English group stakes winner Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Owned by Godolphin and trained by Charlie Appleby, the even-money morning-line favorite in the Wise Dan swept over this turf course and at this distance to grab the GIII Arlington Stakes June 1. Speaking of racing on the grass, the Belmont at the Big A meet will get in on Saturday's graded action with the annual renewal of the GIII Manila Stakes for 3-year-olds. It might be a bit of surprise to see GIII Gotham Stakes hero Deterministic (Liam's Map), who is switching surfaces for trainer Christophe Clement. Deterministic | Sarah Andrew “We decided to go with the turf option for him,” said Miguel Clement, son and assistant of Christophe. “This race makes a lot of sense. The fact that it is one mile, it is a logical next step for an experiment on the turf. I think he is versatile. If the race was anywhere from seven furlongs to one mile and an eighth, there'd be no preference whatsoever.” The dark bay will face five others, which includes MSP Move to Gold (Twirling Candy) and SW Mattingly (Bucchero). Taking the Canadian path to the 165th King's Plate Stakes–set for Aug. 17–the field is steadily coming into focus. At Woodbine on Saturday the GIII Marine Stakes is the next stop for ambitious 3-year-old colts. A pair of U.S. based invaders in Cameo Performance (Oscar Performance) and Native Land (Mastery) should give the locals a run for their money. However, Piper's Factor (The Factor) poses a major threat. The local prep for the Woodbine Oaks, the GIII Selene Stakes, pits seven fillies against one another, and GSW Witwatersrand (Connect) will be tough to beat over an all-weather surface she fancies. Finally, as of two years ago the Los Alamitos Derby lost its graded status, but the race still remains an important black-type. In Saturday's edition, trainer Bob Baffert has two entries with Cornell (Into Mischief) and Wynstock (Solomini). The post Mission Breeders’ Cup: Stephen Foster Leads Saturday Graded Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

You don't see many new faces at the 2-year-old sales. When it comes to the best prospects that come through the ring, the ones that command the serious dollars, they are usually bought by the same people who give them to the same trainers. So when owner Chris Galpin and trainer James (Jimmy) Glenn, Jr. pounced on an Into Mischief colt that sold for $500,000 at OBS April, some were probably wondering…just who are these guys? The answer is: a couple of Quarter Horse guys who wanted to get into Thoroughbreds and wanted to do so at a high level. So, along with bloodstock advisor Hoby Kight, they bought two horses at the OBS April sale. One, Mischief River (Into Mischief) cost $500,000 and will be making his debut Saturday at Los Alamitos in a five-furlong maiden special weight race. The other is a Frosted filly that cost $150,000, also at OBS April. “We went to the April sale and were looking at Hoby's short list and we spotted this guy,” Glenn said. “We decided if we were going to stretch things out, this is the horse to do it with. He was a little more expensive than what we expected. But we really liked him.” Glenn had a short career as a jockey that ended in 1995. Afterward he went right into training, setting up a barn at Los Alamitos. He has won numerous stakes races and trained a champion in Quirky, a three-time Grade I winning mare. He still has 18 Quarter Horses and says he has no plans to switch over to Thoroughbreds. His plan is to focus on a handful of quality horses and, hopefully, win some races and have some fun. “At this point, no, I will not be converting to Thoroughbreds,” said Glenn. “I am real happy with where I'm at. To get a Thoroughbred ready at Los Alamitos, it is the premier place to do so. The track is excellent and is consistent every day. You can train here and then ship to Santa Anita or Del Mar to run. I do want to play with a nice horse or two. I don't plan on moving to Santa Anita, Del Mar. This gives me the freedom to still be a Quarter Horse guy, yet still play at the top level with some nice Thoroughbreds.” Glenn has had a few Thoroughbreds over the years, but they were ones that couldn't cut it at Santa Anita or Del Mar so wound up running in the cheap nighttime Thoroughbred races that are part of the Quarter Horse card. He also helped prep the Thoroughbred babies owned by Dr. Ed Allred, Los Alamitos' owner. If they were good enough they'd be sent to a Santa Anita or Del Mar-based trainer. If they weren't Glenn would run them himself at Los Alamitos. But never has he had a horse with the type of pedigree and price tag that is part of the equation when it comes to Mischief River. “At the end of the day, we bought him and then got him here,” Glenn, 59, said. “Now, the question is can he run? We breezed him the first couple of times and kept him well under wraps. In his first gate drill he was very impressive. We worked him with an older horse as company and he really handled that horse pretty easily. We've been really impressed with him. He's a nice horse to deal with and he seems to have a lot of class and he seems to have some talent. We are real pleased with him. It's exciting for me to be in there with those nice horses. We're blessed to have him. He's a really nice horse and hopefully he will meet our expectations.” The jockey will be Cesar Ortega, who primarily rides the nighttime cards at Los Alamitos. The likely favorite in the race will be Privman (Justify), who cost $625,000 at Keeneland September and is debuting for former Quarter Horse trainer Bob Baffert. Glenn says he doesn't know Baffert but says he has observed how he operates and has a lot of respect for him. “I really don't know him,” he said. “You think I would. I see him all the time when he comes over here. At those sales, I watch his team and I am very impressed. They really have a good system and they have guys who know how to find quality horses. We're hoping they missed one here with Mischief River. I like looking at horses at that level. It was fun to watch him from a distance. It was easy to see why he is successful. He has quite a team and they do quite a job. But will I be intimidated? No, not at all.” He said he'd eventually like to have four or five Thoroughbreds at a time, all quality horses. It's a big experiment and he's just starting out, but he's confident that Mischief River will get him off to a good start. “I know there are some nice horses in this race, but I wouldn't trade my horse for any of them,” he said. “I am really looking forward to seeing what he can do.” The post Quarter Horse Trainer Looking to Topple Thoroughbred Heavyweights at Los Al appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Ciaron Maher believes another wide draw will not inconvenience Bella Nipotina when the star mare makes her ninth start of this preparation in the June 29 Tattersalls Tiara (G1).View the full article

Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Seize the Grey resumed breezing June 22 at Churchill Downs after his seventh in the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. Another breeze is planned soon toward a likely start in the July 20 Haskell Stakes (G1).View the full article

Honed and prepped by Sir Mark Prescott in two listed contests in Germany, the Elite Racing Club's Tiffany (Ire) (Farhh {GB}–Affinity {GB}, by Sadler's Wells) stepped on to a bigger stage on Friday only to announce herself a new star actor in Newcastle's G3 Hoppings Fillies' Stakes. Always travelling comfortably tucked in behind the leaders by Luke Morris, the 7-2 joint-favourite was able to move to the front without the industry with which her talented rider is renowned passing two out. Forging clear of a smart bunch for this renewal, the homebred had 2 1/2 lengths to spare over last month's G2 German 1000 Guineas winner Darnation (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) at the line. Progressive Tiffany comfortably lands the Hoppings Fillies' Stakes at @NewcastleRaces for @Luke_Morris88 and Sir Mark Prescott! pic.twitter.com/DAHgyU4q7Z — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 28, 2024 The post Farhh’s Upwardly Mobile Tiffany Dominates The Hoppings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Curragh's Kildare House Hotel Irish EBF Fillies Maiden is always an intriguing affair and Friday's renewal saw two undoubtedly high-class daughters of Frankel (GB) take centre stage in Lake Victoria (Ire) and Red Letter (GB) with the former edging it to earn TDN Rising Star status. Making her debut for Ballydoyle in the maiden won 12 months ago by Frankel's G1 Fillies' Mile heroine Ylang Ylang (GB), the pick of Ryan Moore of the stable's duo was keen early tracking the leaders having broken from the widest stall. Seizing the advantage two out with a dramatic split of just over 11 seconds, the daughter of the G1 Haydock Sprint Cup and G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Quiet Reflection (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) gave a further equally dazzling surge to the furlong marker to take command and win the contest there and then. Juddmonte's Ger Lyons-trained Red Letter had been caught up in traffic in behind and delivered an impressive flourish to almost join the other 5-2 joint-favourite on the line, but a head separated the newcomers there as they pulled 3 3/4 lengths away from Senna's Girl (Ire) (Arizona {Ire}). With Aidan O'Brien already in charge of last week's Royal Ascot stunners, Lake Victoria has work to do to get up the formidable pecking order but is a high-class prospect in her own right. “She was showing lovely work at home, but it was her first day out and first day at the track, so you'd have to be very happy with her–Ryan was very happy with her,” he said. “She was green and Ryan said he didn't mean to send her on as early, but when she went there she started pricking her ears and waiting.” “He said he had to make her get down and do it, but he said she still had her ears pricked going to the line, that's always a good sign,” he added. “Obviously she'll go into one of the good fillies races. She has loads of speed, they didn't go very fast but she still travelled very well and quickened very well. I think probably on to the [G3] Silver Flash or something like that. Obviously depending on where some of the other fillies will go and see what the lads want to do.” This is TDN Rising Star number 40 for Frankel, with his tally including this race's winner in 2023 Ylang Ylang (GB), Nashwa (GB), Onesto (Ire), Homeless Songs (Ire), Snow Lantern (GB), Quadrilateral (GB), Veracious (GB) and Saturday's Listed Chesham Stakes-winning sensation Bedtime Story (Ire). Frankel x Quiet Reflection Named after the largest lake in Africa, Lake Victoria makes a winning debut for team @Ballydoyle @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/XW4rcKNjQN — Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 28, 2024 The post Lake Victoria a 40th TDN Rising Star for Frankel at The Curragh appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Six additional wildcard lots have been added to the Tattersalls July Online sale, including unraced Siyouni Flash (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), a daughter of dual Graded-winning Aigue Marine (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). Selling as lot 108, the half-sister to multiple Listed winner Fenelon (Fr) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), who ran third in the G2 Lucien Barriere Grand Prix de Deauville, is also a half-sibling to the dam of Listed Prix de la Seine winner Gala Real (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). Their dam, who set a course record in the States when winning the GIII Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes, is herself a half-sister to Group 1 winner Mekhtaal (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Group 1-placed Normandy Bridge (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}). Added as lot 109, Sam Hawkens (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) won at first asking at Salisbury May 5, and was last seen June 26 in a class 3 handicap at the track, finishing fourth. Among other winning additions is Northcliff (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), a winner in handicap company last month at Ascot. The 2-year-old wildcard addition is Mythical Rock (Ire) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}), who this week ran second at Ballinrobe in his second jump. The full catalogue, and the list of wildcards, can be viewed on their website. The post Six Additional Wildcards Added to Tattersalls July Online Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Returning to New York from a winter working in Louisiana, the first since his emigration, Ignacio Correas appeared literally a shadow of his former self. His former vet came from the old country and found that Correas, this blueblood of the Argentinian Turf, had lost around 30 lbs. “What are you doing here?” his visitor asked. “Why don't you go back? I mean, look at you.” “Don't worry,” Correas replied. “I'm going to be okay.” Now, 23 years later, he sits outside the Keeneland barn that houses the leading turf mare in America. “And I was,” he says. “It was a long road. But I was okay.” The GI New York Stakes success of Didia (Arg) (Orpen) was her first at the elite level since her arrival from their mutual homeland two years ago. It's a breakthrough that evokes the pattern set by Blue Prize (Pure Prize), who similarly took some time to adapt to her new environment before achieving full bloom in 2019, signing off with the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. And now another exceptional mare is on her way from the Southern Hemisphere, this time from Australia, with John Stewart's Resolute Racing sending Aus$3.2 million recruit Tutta La Vita to join Didia (co-owned since April). Yet surely Correas must have had moments of doubt, somewhere along the road? After all, he was already 42 when abandoning a successful training career at home, virtually his birthright as a descendant of the family that imported Diamond Jubilee, the 1900 Epsom Derby winner, to the Pampas. And suddenly he found himself back to square one, a nobody having to make his name anew. Did he never ask himself what he had done? “Not me,” he insists. “Probably a lot of people that knew me, yes, but not me. I was always sure that at some point I'm going to do well. This well? No, not in my biggest dreams. Never. But, you know, this country is very generous with opportunities. When you think, okay, I'm hitting my ceiling, another opportunity comes. If you work hard, and do things right, there's always someone looking at you, willing to give you an opportunity.” But the most important faith had come from within. As he says, “If you don't believe in yourself, you can't go anywhere.” Blue Prize | Horsephotos And what he did in 2001 took dauntless belief, not to mention nerve. A man raised with a secure sense of who he was, and what his family stood for, cast himself adrift: a rootless nomad. After getting a start under Billy Badgett in New York, he had stints as a veterinary assistant; on a farm for Barclay Tagg in Virginia; as an assistant trainer in Lexington. But nothing stable, nothing secure, until Californian trainer Bill Curran finally recognized his diligence and flair with a position that lasted over five years. “It was very tough,” he admits, looking back down all those blind alleys. “If I had to do it again, I don't know if I would–even if you grant me the results. But, you know, it wasn't the racing side of my country that brought me here: it was frustration with a lot of [other] things. I was doing well, I had 40-something horses. But I guess I needed something new. I decided to try the hard way. I was ignorant! I mean, it was very difficult to climb.” Starting in New York was good, he says, because the quickest way to learn is in the toughest environment. But there have been so many people along the way that gave him help or experience or both: Curran, most obviously, and there were also a few years at Sagamore, as farm and then private trainer. At various stages of his odyssey, he notes wryly, some people believed in him more than others. None was more constant than Diane Perkins of Wimborne Farm. “Mrs. Perkins became like my guardian angel,” he says. “I was more famous because I trained for her for 15 years in Argentina than for any other thing that I've done. Because she's tough! But she has a big heart. Anytime that I was in a bad spot, she always showed up and helped me. Whatever I have done, it's not possible without her.” When in 2015 he finally started his own stable, then comprising three horses, Perkins came to Keeneland to make a $50,000 claim. When the horse scratched, she shrugged. There were other claimers, right? She picked out a filly for $20,000. “Because she's the ugliest,” she said. “She'll be the easiest to make look good.” In the Disney version, that filly would have become the breakout stakes winner. In the real world, she was no good. But that is the same world where Correas nonetheless turned everything round: one full of discouragement, bad luck, unequal resources. And, in fact, it was Perkins who brought “the horse that probably made me” from Argentina: Kasaqui (Arg) (Lasting Approval). Tried in a Grade I, the longshot fell and was vanned off. But that same summer of 2016, he came within a neck of landing the GI Arlington Million. Kasaqui set the template. Between them, those to have followed from Argentina have disclosed a masterly touch in Correas, patiently adapting their talent. Didia exemplifies the model, one developed both through his own experience and that of other South American imports such as Siphon (Brz) and Memo (Chi). Didia | Sara Gordon “I think that if you have a decent horse the first year, they're going to thrive the second and third year,” he says. “They get much, much better after a year. We took a horse to Europe, 40 years ago, who was a monster in Argentina. And the first 10 days he was training like a freak. And then in days 15 to 20, he went to the bottom. He couldn't beat a maiden 5-year-old. After four months, he started getting better. And then he won the Premio Roma, a Group 1, by 17 lengths. He needed that time to adapt–and when he got that time, he was good.” Correas stresses that this is no personal revelation. “It's what McAnally has done, you name them, all the guys that have had success,” he says. “It's not my invention. My father sent [Charlie] Whittingham a horse and he spent four months on the farm, just marking time–and then he won the Del Mar Handicap.” It all stands to reason. The whole racing theater here is different: the sharper tracks, the emphasis on speed. Hardly any South American imports, Correas notes, have excelled round a single turn. Yet the routers are typically quite mature. How can they be reinvented at this stage of their careers? “I won't say 'reinvent,'” Correas replies. “[But] if they don't adapt, they're not going to succeed. So you need to try to get them there. Sometimes you are right, sometimes wrong. But you think, okay, this horse is going to do well this way and you try to take him there.” Blue Prize, for instance, had to learn a new style of racing. “She was always dead last in Argentina,” Correas says. “The Oaks, okay, it's a long stretch–but you can't understand how she can make up so much ground, she was 15 lengths behind. So we put blinkers on, got her sharper from the gate, not on the lead but closer. Because you can't make up that much ground here, at least not on the dirt.” Not that there is ever anything formulaic to his training. “I don't like to call it a program,” Correas says. “I'm not a program person. I might think that I'm going to work this way today, and then I come here [to the track] and change everything. That's why my number is not that big. When you go to 100, 150 horses, you need more of a program. But we try to design one for each horse. We don't always accomplish that, but that's what we try: to respect the horse, see what we can do to help. Equipment, the way you train them, how many days a week, how many miles you gallop them. Every horse is a little bit different.” So it's all about flexibility: in the horse, and in the trainer. “You have to adapt,” Correas says. “When in Rome, you do like the Romans. You can't train in America like in Argentina, or in Argentina like in America. In Argentina, we run a mile and a half with one turn. They start slow, finish fast. The ones that can! Those long stretches are very demanding.” As such, while he stresses that few Argentinian breeders can compete at the top of the U.S. market, might the commercial Thoroughbred of modern Kentucky nonetheless be vulnerable to the type of robust specimen they have cultivated so long? After all, even if they can no longer import the same caliber of blood, the land is still the same. “I don't know about that,” Correas muses. “The South American horse [that comes] here is mostly or fully developed. And I don't think it a trend only in America, that they don't last that long, or aren't that strong, or whatever. I think the thing is that 2-year-old races have never been as important. When I was a kid, 2-year-old races didn't exist. Now, they have a ton of money: money talks, and people want to run at two.” Blue Prize | Sarah Andrew But Correas feels that even the mature athlete has finite resources. “You have to remember that a good horse gives you everything every day,” he says. “Even when they jog, they give you everything. So you have to manage that to last for the whole year, or for the period that you need. A horse has a certain amount of good races in him a year. So it's up to the trainer how he manages those, and picks those spots.” He stresses that you duly need the right owners to train a horse right. “I don't run my good horses very much,” he says. “And they let me do that, they are patient. When I tell them this is the plan, they say, 'Go ahead.' And that is a big part of the success, that they let you work. They believed when I told them what we're going to do: we got lucky, and we delivered. So now, probably, for some of them it's easier to believe me.” Didia will duly be campaigned sparingly, her year split into two cycles. Her first big target is in the bag; the second will be the Breeders' Cup, via the GI Diana Stakes and potentially a defense of the GII Rodeo Drive Stakes. “Usually what I do is map a first and second half of the year,” Correas explains. “Of course, I'd have loved to win the [GI] Jenny Wiley, but against that quality maybe a mile and 1/16th is too short for her. But, yes, [the New York] was her big target. At the 5/16th, you can see that we have a ton of horse, and she kicked like a rocket. And she came out really great. She's very easy to deal with: she eats, sleeps, she wants candy and that's it. Good horses are usually easier to deal with.” With his preference for giving tailored, individual attention to smaller numbers, Correas likes to find out what makes a horse tick and then work round that. “In her case it was teaching her how to use her speed,” he says. “And that's what she has learned to do. She's relaxed easier this year.” But these special sensibilities that set the top trainers apart are little use unless harnessed to the commitment that sustained Correas through his wilderness years. As it happens, both dimensions were once honed by mentors in France. In his youth, he was sent to Alec Head and his family; and then, later on, any lingering entitlement was thoroughly quashed by David Smaga. “It was one of the best learning experiences in my life,” Correas says gratefully. “He's like my brother now, I love him to death. He made it very hard on me, all the time I spent with him. But he told me one thing, when I left, that I'll always remember. He said, 'I don't know if you learned something about horses, but you learned how to work–and you're going to do good wherever you go.' And he gave me a hug and started crying. And I thought that he hated me!” So many people, so many places: it's been a long journey. Horses like Didia, like Blue Prize, presumably make him all the prouder as a result. “I feel blessed,” Correas replies. “Those are the ones that make you a good trainer. When you have one Blue Prize, one Didia, one Kasaqui in your life, you are blessed. I have had three. Probably of the last four or five good horses from Argentina, I've had three or four. I'm very thankful for that. I don't think 'proud' is the word. I'm happy. Happy for the team I was able to build over all these years. And for the friends that I have made all around.” But that is enough credit to others, and to luck. Let's insist on that other ingredient. “I always believed in what I did,” Correas finally accepts. “I'm not trying to be cocky. Probably I have exactly the same misses as wins, as many times not made the smartest decisions. But that's how you learn. I mean, you have to stumble and get up, keep going and try the next time to be a little bit smarter. And that's it.” The post Patience Pays For Correas And His Horses Alike appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Prominent breeze-up consignor and pre-trainer Ian McCarthy says that having a genuine Derby horse through his hands will be very hard to top and explained how he will be rooting for graduate Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) in Sunday's Irish Derby at the Curragh. McCarthy sold Ambiente Friendly on behalf of the colt's breeders Al Shira'aa Farms for 80,000gns to bloodstock agent Freddy Tylicki at last year's Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale. Tylicki's opinion on the horse has since been vindicated 10 times over with Ambiente Friendly carrying the colours of the Gredley family to finish a gallant second to City Of Troy (Justify) in the Derby at Epsom. The James Fanshawe-trained runner will not have his Derby conqueror to contend with when he lines out for the 1m4f feature on Sunday but he faces a staunch defence from Ballydoyle, with Aidan O'Brien's four-pronged attack headed by Epsom third Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). Nevertheless, McCarthy is backing Ambiente Friendly to confirm superiority. He said, “I think he has a great chance on Sunday and I think the Curragh will really suit him. I breezed him, along with a horse called Slurricane (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) on behalf of Al Shira'aa, who have been huge supporters of mine for a number of years now. I do all of the pre-training and breaking for Al Shira'aa and it's brilliant to be associated with such high-quality horses. “Slurricane has already won and is a very nice horse in the making and we all know what Ambiente Friendly has done-hopefully there is even more to come on Sunday.” McCarthy added, “Ambiente Friendly is very exciting. He didn't do anything flashy in his breeze, but at the same time, he put in a good, solid gallop and showed himself to be a very nice horse. “He's a great example of what you can get at the breeze-up sales and proves that it's not all about precocity and speed. I suppose Native Trail (GB) showed that you can buy a Classic horse from the breeze-ups and now Ambiente Friendly is the latest to remind people of the quality on offer. I can remember Freddy looked at him three or four times at the sales. He took a major liking to him. He also trusted me and my opinion of the horse so I am just delighted that he has worked out because it's nice to be able to build relationships in this game.” The relationship between McCarthy and Al Shira'aa Farms, which is headed by Kieran Lalor, has gone from strength to strength. The Al Shira'aa modus operandi is to try and sell the colts when they can with the powerful owner-breeder operation obviously being concentrated on racing fillies that can one day join the broodmare band. Group 1 winner Jannah Rose (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) and more recently French 1,000 Guineas third Vespertilio (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) are high profile success stories. Both fillies learned the ropes with McCarthy, who reports the operation to be garnering huge pleasure from what Ambiente Friendly has been doing on the racecourse. He said, “It's brilliant that Al Shira'aa still has the dam, Roxity (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), at Meadow Court Stud. She is only 11 years old and I understand she has a Blue Point (Ire) colt in training with Joseph O'Brien and has some lovely progeny coming through.” Recalling his first impressions of the Irish Derby favourite, he added, “He was always going to progress with time. He was well put together-a nice and correct horse. Mentally, he is very straightforward and physically he was always going to improve. We took it nice and gentle with him and we weren't overly hard on him in his prep for the breeze-ups. He was very straightforward.” It wasn't always about nurturing the talents of top-class Flat performers for McCarthy. A former National Hunt jockey who cut his teeth with the late great Dessie Hughes, McCarthy is perhaps best known for his association with talented dual-purpose mare Jennies Jewel (Ire) (Flemensfirth), who was trained by Jarlath Fahey. The Galway native has not forgotten his roots, and still keeps a small but select number of point-to-pointers to be traded each season, but growing the breeze-up and pre-training arm of his impressive Grangecoor Farm facility in Kildare has always been the aim. The classy Hierarchy (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) was the first big name breezer that McCarthy was associated with while Queen Mary Stakes winner Quick Suzy (iRE) (Profitable {Ire}) illustrated his abilities as a pre-trainer when landing the Queen Mary Stakes for Gavin Cromwell. However, there is a feeling that the best may yet be to come and victory for Ambiente Friendly in Sunday's Irish Derby would doubtless mean a great deal. He explained, “Dessie had a massive influence on my career, without a doubt. All of the store horses that Dessie used to buy, they were all broken at home, so that was a great education. “But even from a very early age, I used to keep a few horses of my own. I would have rented stables on the Curragh from day dot and always had it in the back of my head that I would go down this route. I did a lot of work for outside people and learned as I went along.” McCarthy added, “I get great satisfaction out of dealing with young horses and seeing them progressing through the ranks. I don't think it can get any better than having a Derby horse through your hands-I'm very lucky. I just love dealing with young horses. It gives you huge satisfaction. When you provide a horse with a good education and a solid foundation, and then it goes on to do something, sure there's no better feeling.” The post Ian McCarthy: “I Don’t Think It Can Get Better Than Having A Derby Horse Through Your Hands – I’m Very Lucky” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There's no City Of Troy but Aidan O'Brien still saddles half of the eight-strong field as he seeks a remarkable sixteenth victory in the premier Irish Classic. Los Angeles looks the pick of the Ballydoyle contingent, having finished third behind his feted stable-mate in the Derby, but the son of Camelot has work to do to reverse the Epsom form with runner-up Ambiente Friendly. James Fanshawe's British raider is set to be a warm order to continue a red-hot run of form for Coolmore's own Gleneagles, the sire of another emerging force over middle-distances in the shape of last week's impressive King Edward VII Stakes hero Calandagan. AMBIENTE FRIENDLY (IRE) Gleneagles (Ire)–Roxity (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) Sales info: Bred by Al Shira'aa Farms SARL, he was bought back as a yearling when failing to find a buyer at 25,000gns. Reoffered at the Craven Breeze-up Sale, he was selected by Freddy Tylicki for the Gredley family at 80,000gns. Pedigree/form notes: This colt sets the form standard having made significant progress on his last two starts, first winning the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes by four and a half lengths and then faring best of the rest behind City Of Troy (Justify) in the G1 Derby at Epsom. He is the third foal and first to race for his dam, who won her sole career start in France. Granddam Masseera (Ire) (Alzao) managed two wins in the French provinces for Sheikh Mohammed and is a half-sister to the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Wannabe Grand (Ire) (Danehill) and Group 3 scorer Wannabe Better (Ire) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}). EUPHORIC (GB) Frankel (GB)–Blue Waltz (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) Sales info: Offered by Fittocks Stud–who co-bred the colt with Arrow Farm and Stud–at Tattersalls October Book 1, he sold to M. V. Magnier and White Birch Farm for 1.9 million gns. Pedigree/form notes: Runner-up to Los Angeles in the G3 Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown, he shouldn't be judged too harshly on his ninth-place finish in the Derby at Epsom last time, having been used as a pacemaker for his better-fancied stable-mates. He is one of two winners from four runners out of a multiple-winning half-sister to the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, G1 Fillies' Mile and GI Just A Game Stakes placegetter Fantasia (GB) (Sadler's Wells) and the G3 Give Thanks Stakes victrix Pink Symphony (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}). The latter is the dam of the GI Man O' War Stakes hero Highland Chief (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}). GROSVENOR SQUARE (IRE) Galileo (Ire)–Wadyhatta (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}) Pedigree/form notes: Beaten just once in three starts as a juvenile, when his wins included the G3 Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown, he shaped as if the run would bring him on after seven months off when finishing third in the G3 Chester Vase Stakes. This Coolmore homebred is the fourth winner from as many runners out of his winning dam, a half-sister to the G1 Prix du Jockey Club third Motamarris (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}) and the multiple Listed-placed dam of the G3 Prix de Cabourg, G3 Prix de Meautry and G3 Prix du Petit Couvert hero Tantheem (GB) (Teofilo {Ire}). His siblings include two other black-type performers, namely the 2020 winner of this race, Santiago (Ire) (Authorized {Ire})–who also won the G2 Queen's Vase and was third in the G1 Goodwood Cup–and the G1 Yorkshire Oaks and G1 Prix Vermeille third La Joconde (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). KEEPER'S HEART (IRE) Saxon Warrior (Jpn)–Sonning Rose (Ire) (Hawk Wing) Sales info: Bred by Mrs Eleanor Commins of Albany Stud, he sold to Gaelic Bloodstock for €110,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale. Pedigree/form notes: This colt steps up to the top level for the first time having acquitted himself well on his last two starts at Leopardstown, finishing fourth in the Derby Trial Stakes and third in the Listed King George V Cup. He is the fourth winner from five runners out of the Listed Chesham Stakes runner-up Sonning Rose, with the others including the G3 Weld Park Stakes scorer Elysium (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}). The dam is a half-sister to three other black-type performers, headed by the G3 Premio Carlo Chiesa runner-up Universo Star (Ire) (Excellent Art {GB}). LOS ANGELES (IRE) Camelot (GB)–Frequential (GB) (Dansili {GB}) Pedigree/form notes: A Group 1 winner at two when landing the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, he returned this year with victory in the Derby Trial Stakes and then ran another solid race, despite forfeiting his unbeaten record, when finishing third in the Derby at Epsom. Bred by Lynch Bages Ltd and Longfield Stud, he is one of three winners from as many runners out of an unraced half-sister to the G3 Prix Messidor victor Impulsif (GB) (New Approach {Ire}). He is a full-brother to the G3 Ballyroan Stakes third Hector De Maris (Ire) and the G3 Prix Penelope third Be Happy (Ire), while his third dam, G3 Prix de Flore victrix Allez Les Trois (Riverman), produced G1 Prix du Jockey Club-winning sire Anabaa Blue (GB) (Anabaa) and is a half-sister to storied blue hen Urban Sea (Miswaki). MATSURI (GB) Sea The Stars (Ire)–Along Came Casey (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}) Sales info: Bred by Highview Bloodstock Ltd, he sold to trainer Roger Varian for 700,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 2. Pedigree/form notes: This colt is only three starts into his career, identifying him as the least-experienced of the eight runners, but he showed top-class potential last time when winning a Leicester novice by eight lengths. He is a half-brother to the G3 Darley Stakes heroine Feliciana De Vega (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and one of five winners altogether out of his smart dam, who won the Listed Hurry Harriet Stakes and Listed Glencairn Stakes and was placed in the G3 Brownstown Stakes, G3 Diamond Stakes and G3 Meld Stakes. She is also a half-sister to the Group 3-placed Hallie's Comet (Ire) (One Cool Cat), who in turn produced the G2 Challenge Stakes and G3 Sceptre Stakes winner Matilda Picotte (Ire) (Sioux Nation). SUNWAY (FR) Galiway (GB)–Kensea (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) Sales info: He was retained at €300,000 at the Arqana August Yearling Sale by his breeder Guy Pariente. Pedigree/form notes: Last year's G1 Criterium International winner is yet to add to his tally in three starts this season, but the step up to a mile and a half should suit if his staying-on seventh in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club at Chantilly is anything to go by. He is the fourth winner from as many runners out of his Listed-winning dam, whose previous matings with Galiway also produced the G1 Champion Stakes and G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere hero Sealiway (Fr). The fourth dam was a half-sister to the G2 Prix de Malleret scorer Another Dancer (Fr) (Groom Dancer) and produced a pair of black-type performers by Exit To Nowhere. THE EUPHRATES (GB) Frankel (GB)–Auld Alliance (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) Sales info: Bred by Bobby Flay Thoroughbreds, he was bought by M. V. Magnier and White Birch Farm for 800,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 1. Pedigree/form notes: This colt faces a quick turnaround after his fifth-place finish in last week's G2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot, having previously proved no match for Ambiente Friendly when finishing fourth in the Lingfield Derby Trial Stakes. He is the third winner from four runners out of his stakes-placed dam, a half-sister to the G1 2,000 Guineas and G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes hero Golan (Ire) and G1 Derby runner-up Tartan Bearer (Ire), both by Spectrum (Ire). This is also the family of the Derby hero North Light (Ire) (Danehill). The post The Lowdown: Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horse Racing Women's Summit has added a limited number of tickets to their previously sold-out July 23 event at the National Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York, according to a Friday press release. The event will include a day of speakers, networking and connecting as the topic of safety of racehorses during and following their race careers takes center stage. Participants will enjoy a light continental breakfast and full buffet lunch from PDT Catering, and two complimentary drinks from Old Tavern Farms's Barrel Bar to wrap the day. Click here to purchase tickets and for a complete schedule of events. The post Horse Racing Women’s Summit Event At Saratoga Adds Tickets appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Texas tradition of festival racing continues this weekend, but the focus shifts to the turf as top grass horses descend on Lone Star Park for the fourth annual Summer Turf Festival on June 29.View the full article

The Department of Agriculture and the Revenue Commissioners have removed the need for a guarantee for the temporary admission of horses in particular circumstances, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association (ITBA) announced via presser on Friday. With the waiver, pure-bred horses for sporting events, breeding, training, grazing, or for performance of work or transport will no longer require a security deposit on import. Horses participating in sporting events will require proof of the scheduled attendance at the race meeting/sporting event to qualify for temporary admission. Bloodstock entering for breeding, training, grazing, or work/transport will require an agreement or contract which includes a passport or identification number; names and addresses of both parties to the agreement or contract, service location, length of time, and signatures from both parties. The release also included that if a nomination contract or a training agreement were amended so as to contain all of the above information, it could be used to allow temporary admission. “I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the equine breeding industry and the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (ITBA) in pursuing this issue,” said Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Martin Heydon T.D. “Since I first raised the need for a change around the treatment of horses imported for breeding and training purposes, it has been a long road to arrive at this breakthrough but this important change is finally over the line. I am confident that it will be a significant boost to the sector and that the removal of the need for a security bond will help attract more British mares to Ireland for covering by stallions here.” The post Removal of Guarantee for Temporary Admission of Horses to Ireland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On Sunday July 7, a memorial service at the Belmont Chaplaincy Center will be held in honor of Toby Sheets, the former assistant to Steve Asmussen who passed away in Greece earlier this month, according to a tweet sent on X by NYRA paddock analyst Maggie Wolfendale. The memorial will take place between 5:30 p.m. ET to 9:00 p.m. ET, and a special service is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Wolfendale said that the event will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person. Sheets, who was last seen alive Tuesday, June 11 on the island of Mathraki, in Greece, was found on a beach the following Sunday. The local coroner in Corfu, Greece, who performed the autopsy, said Sheets died from drowning. For all of those who know and loved our fantabulous friend (for those that can't be there in person, it will be live streamed) pic.twitter.com/TwPFMBnXcf — Maggie Wolfendale (@MaggieWolfndale) June 28, 2024 The post Memorial For Toby Sheets To Be Held At The Belmont Chaplaincy Center July 7 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-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a well-meant half-brother to Snowfall (Jpn) in a deep field of maidens at the Curragh. 13.15 Curragh, Mdn, €20,000, 2yo, c/g, 7fT ROCK OF CASHEL (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is the pick of Ryan Moore from a Ballydoyle trio in this maiden used by Aidan O'Brien for the introduction of City Of Troy (Justify) 12 months ago and which has played host to Rip Van Winkle (Ire), Gleneagles (Ire), Roderic O'Connor (Ire), Duke Of Marmalade (Ire), Horatio Nelson (Ire) and Australia (GB). A half-brother to the brilliant Oaks heroine Snowfall (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) out of a group-winning full-sister to Found (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), he is joined by the stable's fellow newcomers Trinity College (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a son of the 1,000 Guineas heroine Hermosa (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) carrying the colours of his part-owner Masaaki Matsushima and Bernard Shaw (Into Mischief). A $1.8-million Keeneland September sensation out of the GII Canadian S. winner and GI E. P. Taylor Stakes-placed Princess Haya (Street Cry {Ire}), he is partnered by John Velazquez. 13.40 Newmarket, Mdn, £20,000, 2yo, f, 7fT PARADISE SPRINGS (GB) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}) is a Godolphin homebred of note in this maiden won in the past three years by the Oaks runner-up Dance Sequence (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Cheveley Park's superstar Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Kin to the G1 Platinum Jubilee S. hero Naval Crown (GB) by Ghaiyyath's sire Dubawi (Ire), she meets three experienced peers on this July Course bow. 17.15 Curragh, Mdn, €20,000, 3yo, c/g, 7fT JOHN STEINBECK (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) is the third foal out of the G3 C L & M F Weld Park Stakes winner and GI Belmont Oaks Invitational third Coolmore (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) who is a full-sister to the Classic winners Gleneagles (Ire), Marvellous (Ire) and Joan Of Arc (Ire). Belated making his debut for Ballydoyle, he meets only four rivals in a substandard maiden for the track. The post Wootton Bassett Colt Heads Ballydoyle Trio Set for ‘City of Troy Maiden’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The catalogue for the Arqana August Yearling Sale, which takes place from August 16 to 18, was released on Friday. The sale has an impressive roll of honour given last year's Prix de l'Arc winner Ace Impact and this year's French Derby hero Look De Vega are both graduates. Add that to the fact top-notchers Unquestionable, Feed The Flame, Ancient Wisdom, Sunway and Bucanero Fuerte were sold at the August Yearling Sale, it's easy to see why Arqana has become and must for many of the top buyers across the world. This year's sale will take place alongside the prestigious racing weekend that will hold the Prix Morny and Prix Jean Romanet. A total of 325 yearlings will be on offer. Progeny by the leading sires Blue Point, Camelot, Dark Angel, Dubawi, Frankel, Galiway, Havana Grey, Justify, Kitten's Joy, Kingman, Lope de Vega, Mehmas, New Bay, Night of Thunder, No Nay Never, Sea The Stars, Siyouni, Starspangledbanner, Too Darn Hot, Wootton Bassett and Zarak are catalogued, as well as lots from the first crops of Lope y Fernandez, Lucky Vega, Palace Pier, Space Blues, St Mark's Basilica, Starman and Victor Ludorum. Underlining the strength of the catalogue, 40% of the colts and fillies offered are out of black-type mares, with 20 lots out of, or siblings to Group 1 winners. A total of 220 yearlings are French breds or assimilated, which makes them eligible for owners' premiums that are unique to France. The catalogue can be viewed here. The post Potential Stars On Show As Catalogue For Arqana August Sale Released appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Despite two losses to start her 4-year-old year, trainer Phil Bauer is confident that Xigera still has a chance to be one of the leading members of the Distaff division. She has her chance to prove it June 29 in the $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2).View the full article

It did not take long for Milford’s (NZ) (Savabeel) recent drought-breaking long-odds win to be forgotten by the Mike Moroney stable. The Savabeel gelding got home at $31 at Flemington on May 18 but was then desperately unlucky at the same track three weeks later. The six-year-old got shuffled back to last on the home turn and struggled for clear running for most of the straight but still finished fourth, beaten 1-1/2 lengths. As galling as that result was, it confirmed to the stable what they felt coming into the campaign and has the team buoyant ahead of this Saturday’s $150,000 Marshall White Quality (2000m) at Caulfield. “He’s absolutely flying,” Moroney’s racing manager Anthony Feroce said. “Everyone saw his run last start. As Declan (Bates, jockey) explained it, every time he zigged he should have zagged and it was like watching a car crash. “He gets back to Caulfield, where he’s won at this distance. We can’t fault the horse.” Feroce is convinced Milford is going as well as he’s gone since crossing the Tasman after his second to Rocket Spade in the 2021 New Zealand Derby (2400m). That is a promising report given he has won an Easter Cup (2000m) and Eclipse Stakes (1800m) at Group 3 level since being based at Flemington. The Easter Cup win came from barrier one, which gives Feroce confidence he will be able to make the most of barrier two this weekend. “He’s won races leading, but this prep we’ve found out he seems to be much happier chasing them,” Feroce said. “So, he likes being ridden a bit colder, but that would mean he’s going to need luck from the barrier.” Luke Currie replaces Bates aboard Milford, who is challenging last-start winner Foujita San for favouritism in the Caulfield event. View the full article