Wandering Eyes

The smile on the face of Dave Rourke's face the day after the Triple Crown and the Belmont Stakes (G1) became a coupled entry for the first time told the story of a weekend that for the most part exceeded grand expectations. View the full article

After sire Good Magic and trainer Danny Gargan took home the GI Belmont S. with Dornoch on Saturday, the paired teamed once again with Society Man (Good Magic–You Cheated, by Colonel John) to capture the GIII Matt Winn S. under the Twin Spires on Sunday afternoon. Sent off at 6-1 in his first race since running 16th in the GI Kentucky Derby, the gelding was last heading into the first turn. Undaunted by the prospect ahead, Society Man got into gear by sticking to the rail around the far turn. Corey Lanerie's mount shifted to the three path at the eighth pole and took aim at Rocketeer (Curlin). Gaining the advantage at the sixteenth pole, the colt swept past and handed Gargan the win, who had both Derby entries deliver graded stakes victories over the weekend. The final running time was 1:42.33. Lifetime Record: 7-2-1-1. Sales History: $85,000 '22 KEESEP. O-Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, West Paces Racing LLC, GMP Stables LLC, Carl F. Pascarella and Yurie Pascarella; B-SF Bloodstock LLC; T-Danny Gargan. #7 SOCIETY MAN ($14.78) gets his first graded victory in the $400,000 Matt Winn Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs. @coreylanerie piloted the three-year-old Good Magic gelding for trainer @GarganRacing. pic.twitter.com/wRzdQ6sMUs — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 9, 2024 The post Society Man Scores Matt Winn, Hands Good Magic and Gargan Another Graded Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Silvestre de Sousa gained his third European Classic victory of the year on Sunday as he produced the Paolo Aragoni-trained Tomiko (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}) with a strong late run to land the G2 Oaks d'Italia Tattersalls at Milan's San Siro Racecourse, working the oracle on a filly who was remarkably gaining the first win of her career on her eleventh start. De Sousa–who'd already won the G1 1,000 Guineas on Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and the G2 German 2,000 Guineas on Devil's Point (Ire) (New Bay {GB})–was riding Tomiko for the first time on Sunday and soon had her settled at the rear of the 10-strong field, some way off the pace set by Nikkei (Ity) (Affaire Solitaire {Ire}) in the early stages. It looked like being a two-horse race for much of the straight as Sun Never Sets (Karakontie {Jpn}) moved up to challenge Nikkei at the head of affairs, but Tomiko was gradually making headway under De Sousa and there was no stopping her once she was switched to the outside after briefly meeting trouble. Relishing the step up to 2,200 metres for the first time, she powered home to secure the lion's share of the €388,300 prize fund, beating Sun Never Sets by a short neck at odds of 182-10, with Nikkei over a length further back in third. German raider Isfand (Ger) (Isfahan {Ger}), sent off the odds-on favourite, could manage only fourth. As part of their sponsorship, Tattersalls offered vouchers of 15,000 guineas, 5,000 guineas and 2,500 guineas to the owners of the winner, runner-up and third, respectively. The vouchers can to be spent at the 2024 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale or Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale, or at the 2025 Tattersalls Craven and Guineas Breeze-Up Sales. The winner, runner-up and third are also offered free entry to the Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Tomiko is already a Tattersalls graduate having sold to Marco Bozzi Bloodstock for 20,000gns when offered by breeders Awbeg Stud at Book 3 of the October Yearling Sale. She'd produced several good efforts in defeat despite failing to get off the mark in her 10 starts prior to the Oaks d'Italia, notably gaining black type as a two-year-old when finishing third in the G2 Premio Dormello and runner-up in the Listed Premio Repubbliche Marinare. Delighted connections of Gr.2 Oaks d'Italia Tattersalls winner Tomiko following her brilliant victory for Paolo Aragoni & Luigi Ginobbi under @SilvDSousa. She was bought by @Bozzibloodstock for 20,000gns at #TattsOctober Book 3 from @Awbegstud. pic.twitter.com/3OdRe3sRdM — Tattersalls (@Tattersalls1766) June 9, 2024 Pedigree Notes Tomiko is the second winner from three runners out of the unraced Lawman (Fr) mare Testimony (GB), a half-sister to the 10-time winner–including at Listed level–Saltonstall (GB) (Pivotal {GB}). Her second dam is the G2 Prix de Pomone heroine and G1 Prix Royal-Oak runner-up Macleya (Ger) (Winged Love {Ire}), who is in turn kin to the G3 Prix de Barbeville winner Montclair (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), plus the Listed-placed trio of Macassar (GB) (Tertullian), Mahnaz (GB) (Dansili {GB}) and Miramare (Ger) (Rainbow Quest), dam of the G1 Prix Ganay winner Mare Australis (Ire) (Australia {GB}). The third dam, Minaccia (Ger) (Platini {Ger}), was a dual Listed winner in Germany. Sunday, Milan, Italy PREMIO OAKS D'ITALIA-TATTERSALLS-G2, €388,300, 6-9, Milan, 3yo, f, 2200mT, 2:18.30, gd. 1–TOMIKO (IRE), 123, f, 3, by Footstepsinthesand (GB) 1st Dam: Testimony (GB), by Lawman (Fr) 2nd Dam: Macleya (Ger), by Winged Love (Ire) 3rd Dam: Minaccia (Ger), by Platini (Ger) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN, 1ST GROUP WIN. (20,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). O-Luigi Ginobbi Srls. B-Awbeg Stud (IRE). T-Aragoni Paolo. J-Silvestre De Sousa. €243,950. Lifetime Record: 11-1-4-2, €289,010. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Sun Never Sets, 123, f, 3, Karakontie (Jpn)–Kodiak West (Ire), by Kodiac {GB}. 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. ($75,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT; 16,000gns 2yo '23 TATDEC). O-Alma Racing Srl. B-Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. (KY). T-Stefano Botti Turf Srl Soc Al. €66,011. 3–Nikkei (Ity), 123, f, 3, Affaire Solitaire (Ire)–Eugubina (Ire), by Iffraaj (GB). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Fiordelli Sauro Andrea. B-Fiordelli Sauro Andrea & Roveda Luigi Pi etro (ITY). T-Biondi Roberto. €36,006. Margins: SHD, 1 1/4, 3 1/4. Odds: 19.23, 23.84, 12.92. Also Ran: Calle Almazora (Ity), Duras (Ger), Gris Celebre (Ire), Isfand (Ger), Punta Lancia ( Ire), Quetame (GB), Saman (Ger). Click for the SNAI Chart and Video. The post Footstepsinthesand’s Tomiko Thunders Home To Steal Italian Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jose Ortiz discusses reaching a career milestone as he rode his 3,000th winner at Churchill Downs June 9.View the full article

Multiple graded stakes-winner Ide (Forty Niner–Maytide, by Naskra), a 31-year-old pensioner at Old Friends retirement facility in Georgetown, was euthanized at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital Friday due to colic. The chestnut stallion had been at Old Friends since Aug. 29, 2016 thanks to the Ide Group, which consists of three cousins, Allen Peltier, Bryan Harang, and Harvey “Drew” Peltier. In addition, Peter Willmott retained a share in the horse. “Although we are sad that Ide has left us, we are also filled with gratitude that Harvey Peltier and the Ide Group allowed us to share this friendly and accomplished horse with tens of thousands of people throughout the years,” said John Nicholson, President and CEO of Old Friends. “Ide was a special part of Old Friends and a great ambassador for the sport of Thoroughbred Racing.” Harvey Peltier was also sad to hear about the loss of Ide. “I was saddened to hear of Ide's passing, but I was thrilled that Michael Blowen accepted Ide to live out his days at Old Friends,” said Peltier. “Ide got lots of attention at Old Friends where he was fed treats and carrots on a regular basis. “I'd be remiss if I didn't give thanks to Clear Creek Stud for the wonderful job of caring and promoting Ide at stud,” he continued. “Also, I'd like to give thanks for all the breeders for their support, and all the people at Old Friends for their care and a special thank you to Michael Blowen.” Racing for Willmott Stables, Ide won the 1995 GIII Kentucky Jockey Club S. and GIII Iroquois S. The following year, he won the GIII Southwest S. and GIII Rebel S. He suffered a career-ending injury while preparing for the GI Arkansas Derby and began his stud career in 1997 at the Lavin family's Longfield Farm in Goshen, Kentucky. In 2003, he was purchased by the Ide Group and moved to Clear Creek Stud in Folsom, Louisiana for the rest of his stud career. Ide sired 16 stakes winners, including Louisiana-Bred Horse of the Year Ide Be Cool, and champion colt Ide Like a Double. He was pensioned in 2015. “Ide was as kind as any Thoroughbred at Old Friends,” said Blowen, founder of Old Friends. “He graced us with his confident demeanor and, even though he lived a long, full life it wasn't long enough.” The post Ide Euthanized Due to Colic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-Churchill Downs, $123,375, Msw, 6-9, 3yo/up, f/m, 1mT, 1:37.25, fm, neck. MIXOLOGIST (f, 3, Frosted–Masquerade {MSP, $233,873}, by Silent Name {Jpn}), the well-related half-sister to both Princess Grace (Karakontie {Jpn}) and Catnip (Kitten's Joy), earned a 5-1 shot in her debut Sunday. Outrun by the half the field to her outside, she raced at the back of the pack as Grapes for Eloise (Liam's Map) paced the field through fractions of :23.32 and :48.69. Making an outside run into the turn, Mixologist still had plenty of work to do as she straightened up but more than enough momentum to reel in race favorite Deep Satin (American Pharoah) and get by in the final jumps to graduate at first-asking by a neck. Half-sister Princess Grace was exported to Australia after bringing $1.7m FTKNOV the way of China Horse Club in 2022. She's since been runner up in both the G1 Winx S. and the G1 Stow Storage Memsie S. Half-brother Catnip was no slouch at the top level either, placing in GI United Natoins S. and running third in the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational S. Masquerade has a 2-year-old American Pharoah filly named Miss U. S. A. and a yearling Gun Runner filly. She was bred to Life Is Good for this year. Sales History: $175,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $69,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-LNJ Foxwoods; B-John Moore & Susan Moore (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. #6 Mixologist graduates at 5/1 in R5 at Churchill Downs under @flothejock for trainer @bradcoxracing and owner @LNJFoxwoods! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/qGus3Y2ZvQ — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 9, 2024 The post Mixologist, Half to Princess Grace And Catnip, Graduates First Out At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer/Handler Penalty Y Castro | Waikato 18 April (heard non-raceday 4 June); misconduct; suspended 4 June – 4 August inclusive (suspended penalty) and fined $1,200. Dog Penalties CAT NAPPING NANA | Waikato 6 June; showed unreasonable aggression at lure; must complete trial. GOLDSTAR SUMMER | Christchurch 6 June; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. OPAWA TURN | Auckland 9 June; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. General Race 2 at Auckland GRC meeting of 9 June was declared a no race due to a mechanical failure with the boxes. The post 3-9 June 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Jockey Jose Ortiz celebrated a career milestone June 9 as he won his 3,000th career race aboard Save The Trees in the third race at Churchill Downs.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. Monday's Observations features the breeze-up topper from Goffs for the same connections as multiple Group 1-winning Vandeek. 18.10 Windsor, Novice, £9,950, 2yo, 6f 12yT ADRESTIA (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) debuts for KHK Racing and the Simon and Ed Crisford stable, who combined last year with Havana Grey's G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S. hero Vandeek (GB), and holds abundant promise as the £420,000 Goffs UK Breeze Up topper. Connected to none other than City Of Troy (Justify), she encounters 10 rivals on this racecourse bow. The post Havana Grey Goffs UK Breeze Up Topper Debuts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following a thrilling victory in the Epsom Derby (G1) June 1, Coolmore's City of Troy will target the Eclipse Stakes (G1) at Sandown July 6.View the full article

Report from JapanView the full article

Three colts and one filly shared the furlong bullet time of :9 4/5 during the final session of the under-tack show for the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's June Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training Sunday. The quartet all took to track within the first half-hour of the session, with a colt by Tapiture (hip 993) getting the day started with his bullet work for Navas Equine. The colt is out of Union Queen (Union Rags) and his third dam, Above Perfection (In Excess {Ire}), produced GI Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming. Next up, Top Line Sales sent out a colt by Practical Joke (hip 945) to put up his :9 4/5 work. The bay colt is out of Mo's Song (Uncle Mo), a half-sister to multiple stakes winner She's My Gem (Into Mischief). He was a $185,000 Keeneland September purchase. A colt by Honest Mischief (hip 906) joined the :9 4/5 parade some 10 minutes later. The juvenile was bred by Robbie Harris and is consigned by his Harris Training Center. “We felt he would work good,” Harris said. “I bred and raised him. He was foaled in New York and he came to the farm [in Williston] after he was weaned. He's been a real straightforward horse. We had him in one of the earlier sales, but we hit a little bump in the road, nothing major, but we felt like we needed to give him more time, so we did and it's paid off for us.” The colt is out of Memories of Mom (Include), a mare Harris purchased for $9,000 at the 2015 Keeneland September sale. “I didn't give anything for her,” Harris said of the purchase. “She could really run. I ended up partnering up with Mr. [Alex] Lieblong on her. She got hurt in her second or third start and he told me he would give me his half back.” The colt is from the first crop of Honest Mischief (Into Mischief). The stallion, who stands at Sequel Stallions for $6,500, has had 15 juveniles sell this year for an average of $104,200. The group is led by a filly who sold for $310,000 at the OBS March sale and includes a colt who sold for $260,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale. “[Sequel Stallion's] Becky [Thomas] talked me into him,” Harris said of the decision to send the mare to Honest Mischief. “Becky is a dear friend and she told me I really needed to breed to him. I just listened to her. She's pretty sharp. So we bred the mare to Honest Mischief basically because of Becky.” Memories of Mom died shortly before her Honest Mischief colt was weaned. “We lost the mare, so he will probably go on and win the Kentucky Derby or something,” Harris said with a wry chuckle. With the loss of Memories of Mom, Harris has just one broodmare. “I'm down to just one,” he confirmed. “I've got one in Kentucky. I had as many as eight or nine over the years, but we've been scaling back and scaling back.” A filly by Complexity (hip 996) became the last of the under-tack show to work the furlong in :9 4/5. Consigned by Old South Farm, the bay is out of Will Ye Go Lassie (Trappe Shot), a half-sister to graded winner Venus Valentine (Congrats). The youngster was purchased by Greg James for $70,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October sale. Through the six-session under-tack show, 11 horses worked the furlong in :9 4/5. A filly by Munnings (hip 1009) turned in the fastest quarter-mile work of Sunday's session, covering the distance in :21 flat. Out of stakes-winner Desert Duchess (Hard Spun), she is consigned by Hoppel LLC and was purchased for $130,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October sale. From the horses of racing age section, Just a Gem (Court Vision), an unraced 3-year-old filly (hip 1115) worked the fastest three furlongs Sunday, covering the distance in :33 4/5. She is consigned by Silvestre Chavez Thoroughbreds. The OBS June sale will be held Wednesday through Friday. Bidding begins each day at 10 a.m. The post Four Share Furlong Bullet at OBS Under-Tack Finale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jose Ortiz rode the 3,000th winner of his career when Save the Trees (Preservationist) captured the third race at Churchill Downs Sunday. The 30-year-old, who began his riding career in his native Puerto Rico, moved to the New York circuit in 2012 where he competing against his brother, fellow leading rider Irad Ortiz, Jr. Five years later, he earned the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey. Ortiz won the 2022 GI Preakness S. aboard Early Voting (Gun Runner) and the 2017 GI Belmont S. aboard Tapwrit (Tapit). He has also ridden the winners of five Breeders' Cup races. “I'd say the top wins that come to mind throughout my career have been in the Triple Crown races–those have been pretty special,” Ortiz said. “It's hard to narrow it down. I've ridden so many talented horses for so many great people. It is such a great accomplishment to win this many races.” Recently, Ortiz moved to Kentucky with his wife, retired jockey Taylor Rice Ortiz, and their three young children Leilani, Derek and Nikolai. “Winning races here in Kentucky or New York is great, but we chose to move circuits this year to raise our children in a more rural setting,” Ortiz said. “I talked to my agent [Steve Rushing] and he thought my business would continue to do well in Kentucky and we made the move this year. It's been great to be here at Churchill Downs.” According to Equibase, Ortiz is listed with 3,000 wins in North America but, due to incomplete records in Puerto Rico, any victories he recorded there are not included in the total. The post Jose Ortiz Wins 3,000th Career Race appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

“What is important for a man can only happen in spite of him,” writes Marcel Proust in In Search of Lost Time. This cherished quote sprang to mind after contacting Joelle Mestrallet to ask if she would agree to an interview for the TDN in the wake of the awesome victory of Look De Vega (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) in the Prix du Jockey Club. Without knowing her well, I was aware of her modesty and the fact that she enjoys keeping a low profile. As much as this personality trait tends to make me more comfortable with people, in this particular situation I was worried that the whirlwind weekend she has just been through would have left Joelle feeling overwhelmed with media solicitations and my request could appear as a nuisance. Then her answer popped up on my telephone screen: “When an exceptional event drags you out of anonymity in spite of you, you must make yourself available to share your experience.” I suddenly felt grateful to the world for carrying such a charming person. And indeed, as we chat on a sunny terrace facing the Deauville beach, the joint-breeder and owner of an unbeaten Classic winner, whose racing colours were first carried by this horse's dam only nine years ago, proves consistently prompt to dismiss any credit for Look De Vega's faultless path. “I haven't had a linear trajectory,” she starts. “It has only been made of encounters. My husband and I were low-key leisure riders. Our children did the pony club circuit, and one of our daughters became a very keen rider. At some point we moved to Belgium due to my husband's professional commitments.” Gérard Mestrallet, a graduate of France's most prestigious engineer and public administration school, was in the top-tier of management of water and gas supplier Suez, later renamed Engie, for 30 years. He acted as CEO from 1995 until his retirement in 2018. His wife continues, “I had been working as an engineer in the oil and gas sector for 15 years. It was a very technical and slightly dry job. When my husband's career took us to Belgium, I resigned and found myself with more spare time on my hands. I brought my mare with us, a lovely eventer with whom I had some fabulous rides. I was keen to get a foal out of her, and this is how I first got interested in breeding. After multiple attempts, she wasn't getting in foal and I ended up spending a lot of time in veterinary clinics. With my scientific brain, I wanted to understand why it wasn't working out and I had the chance to meet some very kind vets who were very good teachers. It was scientific curiosity that got me started.” When an exceptional event drags you out of anonymity in spite of you, you must make yourself available to share your experience Far from restricting herself to the sanitised atmosphere of veterinary hospitals, however, Mestrallet also became very hands on. “My daughter Caroline was in high school and competing at international level in showjumping, so I got more closely involved. I took out my heavy vehicle driving licence, went inspecting horses for her, looking up vet checks, etc.” In hindsight, such a trajectory looks an extremely wise way of establishing grass-roots foundations for a breeder's career, yet the unassuming Mestrallet prefers to praise coincidences. She says, “Everything happened as a succession of encounters and opportunities. I wasn't even that passionate in the first place. It really came gradually.” Another of these in-spite-of-her opportunities happened on New Year's Eve 2002. “We were celebrating New Year's Eve with my daughter's coach Thierry Paillot and his family, at their Haras de la Morsanglière,” she recalls. “My daughter had spent many holidays there to train with her horses and our families had become close. Upon our return to France, we had settled in Oise [the Chantilly region] but I was short of land to keep my Warmblood mares and couldn't find a property to buy. And then Thierry Paillot told me 'We are moving to Switzerland, the farm is up for sale and it would make me very happy if it went to someone we are close to.' Six months later, we moved in at La Morsanglière. I tell you, It is all about encounters, always.” As a breeder of showjumpers, Joelle Mestrallet made it to the highest level, notably producing Obiwan de Pillière (Diamant de Semilly) who won an epic renewal of the Nations Cup at CSIO5* Calgary in 2011. And yet, she would soon feel some frustration, which would eventually prompt her transition to thoroughbreds. Look De Vega powers home in the Prix du Jockey Club | Scoop Dyga “Breeding showjumpers didn't quite satisfy my scientific, rational brain,” she says. “When you are looking to build from solid foundations, access to information is a struggle. Stallions keep breeding after they die, there is no registry of broodmare progeny, etc. On the other hand, when I stepped into Thoroughbred breeding, between the databases of France Galop and Arqana, I thought it was heaven on earth! It is like having France's national library to yourself. Frankly, I find that Arqana does an outstanding job. It must be very tedious work, but the information they produce for breeders is invaluable. You have a multitude of data to make your decisions, which for a scientist if very satisfying. “And of course,” she adds with a smile, “careers are shorter, which as I was getting on in age was an asset.” Yet again, she pays tribute to an encounter and the assistance of others for the switch. “My husband has a very close friend who races trotters and is friendly with Lucien Urano [who operates Ecurie des Charmes, a prominent breeding and racing operation in both harness and thoroughbred racing]. “One day he told me, 'Joelle, you can see that breeding showjumpers is complicated and doesn't make economic sense. You should meet Lucien Urano and look into Thoroughbreds.' He introduced me and we bought three yearling fillies together. Everything started from there. I was extremely lucky to stumble upon such an outstanding mentor.” Among these initial purchases was a High Chaparral (Ire) filly bred by the late Lady O'Reilly from the family that had produced the Classic winning siblings Latice (Inchinor) and Lawman (Invincible Spirit). “I was quite clueless with Thoroughbred pedigrees and the whole selection process, so I got help from [Ecurie des Monceaux's] Henri Bozo,” she says. “It was him who introduced me to Lady O'Reilly when we went to inspect her yearlings ahead of the sale, and I became very fond of this particular filly.” The filly, Lucelle (Fr), was the first foal out an unraced half-sister to Lawman's dam Laramie (Gulch) and cost €85,000 at the 2013 August yearling auction. Sent to Jean-Claude Rouget, she was the first horse to race in the colours of Haras de la Morsanglière, winning three races and achieving a mark of 90. When she retired to the lush paddocks of La Morsanglière, the family had gained extra black type thanks to Lucelle's half-sister The Black Princess (Fr) (Iffraaj {GB}), who won the 2017 G2 Lancashire Oaks and G3 Prix Allez France. “Initially we tried to reproduce the mating that had resulted in The Black Princess by sending Lucelle to Iffraaj and his sons,” Mestrallet recalls. The mare's first foal, a colt later named Titian (Fr), was sold for €195,000 to Avenue Bloodstock at Arqana. He won two races for William Haggas and as a six-year-old gelding won at Ripon just two days before his little brother propelled the family into a radically different league. Next came the Ribchester (Ire) filly Graine De Pastel (Fr), who was knocked down to Meridian International for €85,000 as a yearling. She went on to win a couple of races in the care of François Rohaut, achieving a personal best of 85. In hindsight, her owners Laurent Dassault and Carsten Baagoe-Schou probably feel quite relieved to have taken her back home after bidding on the four-year-old stopped at €22,000 at last year's Arqana December sale. “For Lucelle's third mating, we thought we would give her a proper chance and send her to a top-tier stallion,” Mestrallet says. In the spring of 2019, a nomination to Lope De Vega cost €100,000. Mestrallet remembers Look De Vega as a handsome foal with a strong temperament but says, “As soon as he started the yearling prep, he accepted the authority and became a very well-behaved colt.” This is when an even more coincidental encounter took place, involving someone who carries the same surname as Joelle. She explains, “Back in the 1990s on a pony trials eventing competition in Belgium, my daughter came up to me and said, 'There is another Mestrallet in the line-up.' This is how we met Julie Mestrallet and her mother Francine. We never quite dug out the family tree but my father-in-law reckons we are cousins. Julie and my daughter Caroline became best friends, and I became close to Francine. When we bought La Morsanglière, Julie had already set up her operation Haras de l'Aumonerie, and we started working together. She preps all our yearlings for the sales, and we have a few mares together. She is also a genuine encyclopedia when it comes to breeding, which helps me a lot.” When Look De Vega walked into the ring at the 2022 August Yearling Sale, consigned by Haras de l'Aumônerie, his winning dam could claim to have produced two winners from as many foals of racing age. Still, the page would appear slightly light in black type to the most demanding buyers and the colt's reserve wasn't met. “I remember walking back to the box a little disappointed, and then Carlos Lerner, whom I had never met, came up and said he would be interested in buying 50 per cent of the colt. I rang Lucien Urano and the deal was done.” Unsurprisingly, the father-and-son combination of trainers join the long list of professionals whom Mestrallet feels blessed to have come across on her winding path. “Carlos and Yann Lerner have been another beautiful encounter”, she enthuses. “I love their work ethic, they are extremely caring to their horses. It is a great sense of security for an owner.” When asked if partnering with a trainer is their common policy with unsold yearlings, she pauses for a moment and remarks, “But it hadn't happened to us many times before. We are only small breeders and were lucky that almost all our previous yearling offerings had sold.” And indeed, Look De Vega is only the second colt to have raced in the Morsanglière colours, having been led out unsold at a yearling auction. That slight disappointment has now turned into disbelieving relief that Look De Vega didn't change hands as a yearling. “It is quite extraordinary,” Mestrallet says with a smile. “It certainly wouldn't have been the same feeling if I had 'only' been in the breeder's position. I am very conscious that some people try for years before they can taste such unique emotions, and I feel like I am a very lucky person.” A scientist who leaves room for chance is how she views her journey with horses. “Everything in life is useful. There is always something you can learn out of every experience,” she says. “But you need to be patient, and not necessarily try to control everything. This is the golden rule for a scientist: accepting that there are things that you can't turn into an equation.” The post Chance and Science a Winning Combination for Classic Breeder Mestrallet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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SARATOGA, NY-Sunday morning brought a stark contrast to the previous day, with the skies opening up for several hours over the region. Like many others, the Todd Pletcher squad went out for some light work given the challenging conditions, creating a far more sedate overall atmosphere as opposed to the frenetic activity raging through Saratoga only a day earlier. In Saturday's GI Belmont S., Pletcher saddled a trio of runners in the Triple Crown's final jewel, with TDN Rising Star Mindframe (Constitution) just falling short by a half-length to winner Dornoch (Good Magic). According to Pletcher, all of his Belmont runners exited the race in good order. With only two races under his belt, both won by wide margins, the Repole Stable and St Elias Stable representative handled his toughest assignment to date admirably, however, couldn't quite get the job done under Irad Ortiz Jr. when drifting out in the late stages of the 10-furlong Classic. He went off at 5-1 for his stakes debut. “[His inexperience] was our concern going in that he's lightly raced and he's going up against much more seasoned horses,” said Pletcher. “It looked like when Irad hit him left-handed the first time, it didn't do anything. But the second time is when he drifted out and he lost a little bit of momentum and focus. [Ortiz] had to angle him back in and straighten him out. I think could have been the difference in the outcome.” Offering a possible explanation for the drifting, he explained, “I don't think he ever felt the crop prior to that. I guess one of the disadvantages of winning so easily in his first couple of starts is that he didn't get a lot of education. They really weren't the experience-building races that some of the others might have had.” While the result was a bit disappointing, Pletcher said he was pleased with the result overall. “We're super proud of the race that he ran and the effort that he gave,” he said. “He showed his talent was what we thought it was going in and aside from winning, did remarkably well.” Pletcher was also represented by Centennial Farms' Antiquarian (Preservationist), winner of the May 11 GIII Peter Pan S. in his most recent race. Accompanied by his regular rider, Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, the colt finished fifth at odds of 12-1. “I thought he got a good trip and Johnny was pleased with the position he got,” Pletcher said. “He was just behind Mindframe and between horses. Johnny said he was handling the kick back really well. When they started to pick up the pace on the far turn, he held his position, but he couldn't really quicken the last part. He just stayed on steadily through the lane.” He added, “If you go by Beyer figures, he ran a 92 Beyer, which is essentially what he ran in the Peter Pan. We need to find a little more improvement there. He's still a pretty lightly-raced horse and there is room for improvement. He ran a credible race but not quite good enough.” Rounding out the Pletcher trio was Repole Stable's Protective (Medaglia d'Oro). Sent off at 19-1 under Tyler Gaffalione, the maiden finished third in his two latest races–the GII Wood Memorial in April and the GIII Peter Pan. “He was angled out in the clear in the stretch and had to alter course when [race favorite and TDN Rising Star] Sierra Leone [Gun Runner] came in in front of him,” said the Hall of Famer, explaining the colt's trouble in the latter stages of the race. “I don't think that cost him a position quite frankly. Like Antiquarian, he was running on evenly in the stretch and put forth a credible effort but needs to improve. Obviously, we have all our conditions available with him. So we'll back up and regroup.” Pletcher indicated that he will come up with a plan for all three horses in the coming days/weeks. He also confirmed that Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief), runner up to Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in Friday's GI Acorn S., exited her race well. The winner of Keeneland's GI Ashland S. in April, the Whisper Hill Farm runner was making her first start since a 13th-place finish in the May 3 GI Kentucky Oaks. “She ran terrific,” he affirmed. “We were very pleased with her effort. She was second-best on the day but she ran great and seems to have come out of it well.” Pletcher indicated that the majority of his barn will remain in Saratoga, with a few shipping downstate depending on their upcoming engagements at Aqueduct. “We're fortunate in that it doesn't change much for us,” he said of this year's changes to the Belmont venue and schedule. “We're stabled here and have been for many years for the spring and summer and even the fall so the entire thing was pretty seamless for us. It might be a little more challenging for trainers that don't already have a stable set up at Saratoga. But for those of us that are, it was pretty easy.” Looking back at the maiden voyage of the Belmont at Saratoga so far, Pletcher said, “Going in, I thought it was going to be well received and well attended and it was. Saratoga is a remarkable place and people love coming to the races here. There is so much history and tradition here. You'd have to call it a tremendous success at this point.” The post Pletcher Trio, Including Runner up Mindframe, Exit Belmont in Good Order appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gestut Rottgen's homebred 3-year-old filly Erle (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}–Kizingo {Ire}, by Oasis Dream {GB}), who ran fourth at Baden-Baden in her one run for the Markus Klug stable last year, broke through for new trainer Maxim Pecheur at Dusseldorf on sophomore return in April and continued on the upgrade with a last-gasp win in Sunday's G3 Diana-Trial at Hoppegarten. Her victory provided trainer with a maiden pattern-race success. The 7-2 chance went forward from the outside gate to stalk the pacesetting New York City (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) in second and was bustled along at the top of the straight. Coming under sterner urging inside the final quarter-mile, she engaged in a thrilling four-way tussle in the closing stages and dug in for one last thrust to outbob Lady Mary (Ger) (Lawman {Fr}) on the line. The winning margin was a short-head with a pair of necks back to Egina (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) and New York City. “That was, by far, the toughest finish I've ridden in this year, with the young English jockey [Billy Loughnane] at my side and the best German, Bauyrzhan Murzabayev, on the other side,” winning rider Martin Seidl told GaloppOnline. “That was really exhausting, but it's great for the trainer Maxim Pecheur and I'm just so happy for the whole team behind Erle.” G3 Diana-Trial over 2000m at Berlin-Hoppegarten ERLE (Reliable Man) LADY MARY (Lawman) EGINA (Soldier Hollow) ERLE is bred and owned by Gestüt Röttgen, trained by Maxim Pecheur and was ridden by Martin Seidlpic.twitter.com/bvVL3wF1Fr — Deutscher Galopp (@DeutscherGalopp) June 9, 2024 Pedigree Notes Erle, who becomes the 18th Group winner for her sire, is the second foal and lone scorer produced by a winning half-sister to G3 Preis des Winterfavoriten victor Erasmus (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}). Her second dam, G1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) heroine Enora (Ger) (Noverre), is one of five black-type winners out of G1 Premio Lydia Tesio runner-up Enrica (GB) (Niniski), the others including multiple Group-winning G1 Grosser Preis von Baden and G1 Preis von Europa runner-up Egerton (Ger) (Groom Dancer) and G3 Oleander-Rennen victor Ephraim (GB) (Rail Link {GB}). The March-foaled homebred is a half-sister to the unraced 2-year-old filly Eleganz (Ire) (Adlerflug {Ger}) and a weanling colt by Protectionist (Ger). Sunday, Hoppegarten, Germany DIANA-TRIAL-G3, €55,000, Hoppegarten, 6-9, 3yo, f, 10fT, 1:57.12, gd. 1–ERLE (GER), 128, f, 3, by Reliable Man (GB) 1st Dam: Kizingo (Ire), by Oasis Dream (GB) 2nd Dam: Enora (Ger), by Noverre 3rd Dam: Enrica (GB), by Niniski 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O/B-Gestut Rottgen (GER); T-Maxim Pecheur; J-Martin Seidl. €32,000. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, €38,750. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Lady Mary (Ger), 128, f, 3, Lawman (Fr)–La Reine Noir (Ger), by Rainbow Quest). O/B-Graf & Grafin von Stauffenberg (GER); T-Andreas Suborics. €12,000. 3–Egina (Ger), 128, f, 3, Soldier Hollow (GB)–Elvira (Ger), by Le Havre (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€160,000 RNA Ylg '22 BBAGS). O/B-Gestut Park Wiedingen (GER); T-Peter Schiergen. €6,000. Margins: SHD, NK, NK. Odds: 3.50, 2.30, 1.80. Also Ran: New York City (Ger), Princess Valentina (Ger), Lovely Lena (Ire). Scratched: Diamond Crown (Ger). The post Reliable Man’s Erle Pounces Late in Diana-Trial Thriller appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The initial entries for the Goffs London Sale, in association with Privat 3 Money, were announced on Sunday, including an unraced Kingman (GB) two-year-old filly out of the six-time Group 1 winner Laurens (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). The sale is scheduled for Monday, June 17 at Kensington Palace Gardens, on the eve of Royal Ascot, with the full catalogue set to be released early next week. The other two-year-old entries include Adrian Keatley's Listed winner Francisco's Piece (GB) (Mayson {GB}) and Rock Hunter (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}), who was last seen filling the runner-up spot behind the unbeaten Enchanting Empress (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev) in the Listed National S. at Sandown. Both colts have options at Royal Ascot along with George Boughey's Pentle Bay (Ire), who impressed in making a successful debut at Leicester. The three-year-old contingent includes the Group 3 winner Queues Likely (GB) (Massaat {Ire}), runner-up in the G2 German 1,000 Guineas on her most recent outing and a possible runner in the Listed Sandringham H. at Royal Ascot. A couple of talented performers from Ireland also feature, namely the Madrid H. winner and G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas fifth Take Me To Church (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) and the Dermot Weld-trained Taraj (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), beaten just over a length behind the G1 Derby third Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in the G3 Derby Trial S. at Leopardstown last time. A breeding right to second-season sire Phoenix Of Spain (Ire) will also be offered at the sale. The stars of his first crop include Haatem (Ire), who has finished placed in the 2,000 Guineas in both England and Ireland this season. Celebrating 10 years, the Goffs London Sale can be attended strictly by invitation only and prospective purchasers should contact Goffs to register their interest. Agent's commission of 5% will be offered once again and will be paid to the successful purchaser provided they are a recognised bloodstock agent and/or licensed trainer. The post Kingman Filly Out Of Laurens Features Among First Entries For Goffs London Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unbeaten two-year-old and G1 Derby winner City Of Troy is set to make his next appearance in the G1 Coral-Eclipse S. at Sandown on Saturday, July 6, it was confirmed in a statement on coolmore.com on Sunday. The son of Justify also had the option of running in the G1 Irish Derby the previous weekend, but his connections have decided to drop back in trip for the Sandown feature instead, with Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) set to take his place at the Curragh having finished a creditable third behind his stable-mate in the Epsom equivalent. “Following discussions between the Coolmore partners and trainers Aidan O'Brien and Chad Brown, Los Angeles (Camelot) will take his place in the €1,250,000 Irish Derby field on June 30th at the Curragh, where he will bid to emulate his sire in winning Ireland's premier Classic,” began the statement which also clarified plans for last year's Derby hero Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Saturday's GI Belmont S. third Sierra Leonne (Gun Runner). “European Champion Two-Year-Old and decisive Epsom Derby victor, City Of Troy (Justify) will drop back in trip for Sandown's 10-furlong feature, the Gr.1 Eclipse Stakes, on the following Saturday, July 6th. “Auguste Rodin (Deep Impact) will bid to notch up his sixth success at the highest level in the Gr.1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. “Kentucky Derby runner-up and Belmont Stakes third Sierra Leone will be aimed at the Gr.1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga.” The post Eclipse Confirmed As Next Target For City Of Troy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Showing courage as well as a fair amount of ability at ParisLongchamp on Sunday, Nurlan Bizakov's Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) maintained his unbeaten record in the feature G3 Prix Paul de Moussac. Enjoying a lead throughout the early stages, the Jerome Reynier-trained G3 Prix Djebel and Listed Prix de la Californie winner was in front and there to be shot at from 2 1/2 furlongs out. Tenacious for Antonio Orani as TDN Rising Star Havana Cigar (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) emerged from the pack late, the 6-5 favourite dug out a short-neck verdict. “It's just amazing to keep him unbeaten–we couldn't quite manage five straight wins for Facteur Cheval, so we wanted to do better than that and we hope he has the same future,” Reynier said. “We've got the [G2] Lennox or the [G1] Sussex at Goodwood or we could keep him in France for the [G1] Maurice de Gheest, where he would face some really good sprinters. He's not eligible for the [G1] Prix Jean Prat, as he's a gelding, and the more he races, the faster he gets–he won over the straight course in the Djebel at Deauville and that's why we are thinking Maurice de Gheest. He could have gone for the Jersey at Royal Ascot, but he has the French premiums here so it made sense.” Pedigree Notes Lazzat is the first and so far only foal of a granddaughter of the G1 1000 Guineas heroine Sleepytime (Ire) (Royal Academy), who produced six stakes performers headed by the G3 Superior Mile winner Hathal (Speightstown). Along with her fellow group 1-winning full-brother Ali-Royal (Ire), Sleepytime helped her dam Alidiva (Ire) (Chief Singer {Ire}) to the title of Broodmare of the year in 1997, while she is also kin to the multiple group 1-winning sire Taipan (Ire) (Last Tycoon {Ire}), the GII Louisville Breeders' Cup H. and GII Rampart H. winner Oonagh Maccool (Ire) (Giant's Causeway) and to the dams of the G1 Doncaster Mile hero Somewhat (Dynaformer) and this owner-breeder's G3 Oh So Sharp S. winner and G1 Falmouth S. and G1 Sun Chariot S.-placed Altyn Orda (Ire) (Kyllachy {GB}). "C'est un chic cheval" Jérôme Reynier (@EcurieReynier) est revenu sur le succès de 𝗟𝗮𝘇𝘇𝗮𝘁 dans le Prix Paul de Moussac (Gr.3) à ParisLongchamp. pic.twitter.com/EbW1ECGr4f — Equidia (@equidia) June 9, 2024 Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France PRIX PAUL DE MOUSSAC-G3, €80,000, ParisLongchamp, 6-9, 3yo, 7fT, 1:19.79, gd. 1–LAZZAT (FR), 128, g, 3, by Territories (Ire) 1st Dam: Lastochka (GB), by Australia (GB) 2nd Dam: Lashyn, by Mr. Greeley 3rd Dam: Sleepytime (Ire), by Royal Academy O-Nurlan Bizakov; B-Sumbe (FR); T-Jerome Reynier; J-Antonio Orani. €40,000. Lifetime Record: 5-5-0-0, €134,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Havana Cigar (GB), 126, c, 3, Havana Grey (GB)–Speculating (Ire), by Xtension (Ire). TDN Rising Star. (21,000gns Wlg '21 TATFOA; 150,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). O-White Birch Farm; B-Josh Cameron (GB); T-Jean-Claude Rouget. €16,000. 3–Sajir (Ire), 128, c, 3, Make Believe (GB)–Simple Magic (Ire), by Invincible Spirit (Ire). O-Prince A A Faisal; B-Nawara Stud Limited (IRE); T-Andre Fabre. €12,000. Margins: SNK, 2, 1 1/4. Odds: 1.20, 7.10, 2.80. Also Ran: Puchkine (Fr), Roshvar (Fr), Grand Son Of Calyx (Ire), Ten Horns (Fr), Opera Mundi (Ire), Lazym (Fr). Scratched: Mr Fleurant (Ire). Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Another Win For Territories’ Lazzat appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jayson Werth became a World Series champion with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008 and a Major League All-Star the following year. Such accomplishments would seem difficult to top, but Werth says he has found something that rivals those highlights.View the full article

Driver Penalties B Fodie | Invercargill 3 June; breach of push out rule; fined $150. S Wigg | Auckland 6 June; use of whip; suspended 7 June – 5 July inclusive. T Herlihy | Auckland 6 June; breach of push out rule; fined $200. G Smith | NZ Metropolitan 7 June; use of whip; suspended 17-28 June inclusive. R Houghton | NZ Metropolitan 7 June; use of whip; suspended 8-21 June inclusive. A Kyle | Invercargill 7 June; use of whip; suspended 16 June – 1 August inclusive. N Munro | NZ Metropolitan 9 June; use of whip; suspended 10 June – 9 July inclusive. S Trotter | NZ Metropolitan 9 June; use of whip; suspended 10-16 June inclusive. J Versteeg | NZ Metropolitan 9 June; careless driving; suspended 15-21 June inclusive. R May | NZ Metropolitan 9 June; use of whip; fined $250. Trainer Penalties M House | Invercargill 3 June; late gear notification; fined $50. B Gray | Invercargill 3 June; incorrect gear; fined $150. T Cameron | Auckland 6 June; failed to affix gear so as not to come adrift; fined $100. M & N Purdon | Auckland 6 June; incorrect gear; fined $100. K Green | Invercargill 7 June; failed to affix mudguards; fined $50. Horse Penalties ROCK BAND | Auckland 6 June; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. SHEZA GIFT | NZ Metropolitan 7 June; broke in running; must complete trial. FATHER ON DOWN | Invercargill 7 June; broke in running; must complete trial. JOANIE MAGIC | Invercargill 7 June; lame; veterinary clearance required. AMERICAN MAC | Invercargill 7 June; lame; veterinary clearance required. Protest BET N WIN | Rangiora trials 10 April; trialled with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 1st. The post 3-9 June 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Riccarton-based trainer Andrew Carston didn’t have to make the long trip back from Timaru empty-handed on Sunday after the meeting that featured the running of the Dunstan Horse Feeds Waimate Cup (1600m) was abandoned due to a horse slipping in the second event on the card. Immediately following the conclusion of the race, jockey Niranjan Parmar reported his mount had lost its footing in behind around the 1000m. After a track inspection revealed slip marks at that point on the track, which had been affected by intermittent rain during the morning, stipendiary stewards ordered an abandonment of the meeting. It was a bittersweet decision for Carson who had 10 runners entered on the day and had already collected a victory in the first race with Tivaci gelding Lippy and followed up with Domperion running an honest race for second in the race affected by the slip. “I never complain as safety comes first and I one hundred percent support the decision taken by officials,” Carston said. “It was quite clear the horse slipped and while you feel for everyone concerned, no-one should be put in danger when this sort of thing happens. “I guess the most disappointing aspect was this was likely to be the last decent track we get as winter hits. “There is no doubt plenty of rain coming and a number of mine were looking for that better footing before we put them away until the Spring.” One of those was Lippy (NZ) (Tivaci) who Carston believes has plenty of upside to his future racing. “He is a nice horse who has been going good races and deserved that one,” he said. “He doesn’t like it much wetter than what he struck so he could have one more on the Synthetic track at home before he goes to the paddock and I’m looking to him coming back even stronger for his next campaign. “It was a close finish but he puts in during his races and he got a lovely ride from my apprentice (Yogesh Atchamah) who now leads the South Island apprentice premiership. “Yogesh has really come on with his riding and he works hard at home, so deserves the success he gets. “Domperion also went her usual honest race in the second. She is only a three-year-old filly so she has plenty in front of her and I think she will also make the grade as she continues to strengthen.” Bred and owned by Waikato Stud’s Chittick family under their Chittick Investments banner, Lippy is a son of Savabeel mare Cheex. His granddam is stakes-placed mare Miracle Miss who ran fourth behind Dorabella in the 2006 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). View the full article

Joanne Surgenor has always had a feeling that Whiskey ‘N Roses (NZ) (Belardo) was well above average, and that feeling turned into fact in a spectacular final 400m of Saturday’s Storage Bream Bay 2YO (1200m) at Ruakaka. Raced by breeders Peter and Sherin Walker in partnership with Haunui Farm, the Belardo gelding had finished second on debut at Matamata last month behind the blue-blooded Savabeel colt Magice. Those two faced off again for the second race of their careers on Saturday, and this time the result was emphatically reversed. Magice and Whiskey ‘N Roses drew side by side in gates one and two, and they both stuck close to the rail as Top Dollar rolled forward to take up the early lead. Magice settled in a handy position in fourth, while Whiskey ‘N Roses drifted further back and had only three behind him coming down the side of the track. Rider Vinnie Colgan angled Whiskey ‘N Roses off the rail with 600m remaining, and he surged forward and swooped up on the outside of the leading trio at the home turn. From that point on, all eyes were on the flashy chestnut and his big white blaze. Whiskey ‘N Roses changed gears and charged clear, opening up a dominant winning margin of three and a quarter lengths. I’m All In took second by a nose from a late-finishing Magice, who only made his way into clear air with less than 300m left to run. Surgenor was delighted with her new stable star’s spectacular performance. “When he changes gears, he’s got such a good turn of foot,” Surgenor said. “I was a little bit nervous when he was on the rail and quite a long way off them, but once Vinnie got him into the clear, I thought this was his time to shine and that’s what he did. “I’m thrilled that he’s done that. He’s such a special horse and I think he’s got a very big future ahead of him. Oh my goodness, it’s so easy to get out of bed in the morning when you’ve got a horse like this.” Whiskey ‘N Roses may return to Ruakaka for the $60,000 ITM/Gib Winter Championship 2YO Final (1200m) on July 13. “We’ll see how he pulls up from this, but we could look at bringing him back here for the Winter Championship Finals,” Surgenor said. “We’ll see what happens. This was his first big trip away, he’s a homebred, but he’s handled everything so beautifully. He’s a very relaxed Belardo and lovely to do anything with.” Further down the track, the TAB now rates Whiskey ‘N Roses a $14 chance for the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in November. That market is headed by Move To Strike ($6), Super Photon and Yaldi (both $8). Whiskey ‘N Roses continued a remarkable run of form for former Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Belardo, whose other recent winners include the stakes-winning two-year-olds Belardi and Southern Warrior, along with the weight-for-age Listed AGC Training Stakes (1200m) winner Belardo Boy. Whiskey ‘N Roses is the first foal to race out of Fullinbloom – a half-sister to the Walkers’ multiple Group Two winner Showoroses, who was also trained by Surgenor. View the full article

A trip south to contest the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton in August could potentially be on the cards for Spencer (NZ) (Derryn) after he scored in the The Tele Otaki Handicap (1200m) on Saturday. It was the second consecutive win for the Waverley gelding after taking out the $50,000 Autumn Sprint Final (1200m) at Trentham last month. He jumped away well from the ace barrier on Saturday before jockey Lisa Allpress settled him two back on the rail. She guided him into the clear at the top of the straight and he was able to reel in leader Amend, but he shied just before the post nearly dislodging Allpress, however, she was able to stay on her charge and score a one length victory. Trainer Erin Hocquard was pleased with the win, but said she was more concerned for Allpress’ welfare following the late race incident. “I thought she was getting too far back but he is so tough, he just keeps giving,” she said. “I think she lost her iron. I was more worried about her than happy that he won. “He has been super. He is just full of himself, and he is such a tough little horse. “We will just see afterwards (race) and figure out where to go (next).” While aware of his quirky nature, Allpress said she was taken by surprise with the late-race incident, but was rapt with the win nonetheless. “He is a quirky fella and he can shy. I wasn’t expecting that at the winning post,” she said. “He is doing it so easy, I think he just lost concentration. “I was really happy with him (in the running). He was cruising nicely, and I came out and chased that horse (Amend), so I was really happy with that.” Allpress has a high opinion of Spencer and believes he is capable of tackling a late winter stakes target. “I think a race like the Winter Cup (would suit him),” she said. “He needs to step up a bit more, but he has won over the mile before, so maybe he can get there.” View the full article

Edited Press Release Saturday's blockbuster Belmont Stakes Day card, highlighted by Dornoch's victory in the 156th running of the GI $2-million Belmont S. presented by NYRA Bets, generated all-sources handle of $125,748,941, a New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) record for a non-Triple Crown year. The 2024 all-sources handle figure is an increase of more than 6.3% over the previous non-Triple Crown record of $118,283,455, which was set in 2023. On-track handle for the 14-race Belmont Stakes Day card, which included six Grade 1 races among nine total stakes, was $14,854,311. All-sources handle for the Belmont S. itself, which was carded as race 12 was $60,904,557. A sellout crowd capped at 50,000 witnessed history as the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival was held at Saratoga Race Course for the first time to allow for the uninterrupted construction of a new Belmont Park, the Long Island home of the Belmont S. The post Inaugural Belmont At Saratoga Generates Record Handle For Non TC Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article