Wandering Eyes

One year after a Triple Crown that saw attention drawn away from the races to equine safety and scratched horses, this year's edition has provided the annual boost that the industry has counted on for decades.View the full article

Vilana ridden by James McDonald takes out the Group 2 Moreton Cup at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham James McDonald capped off an outstanding day in the Group 2 Moreton Cup, piloting Vilana (+240) to victory to claim his fifth win of the day at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon. Combining with James Cummings, McDonald’s mount was heavily backed before the final race of the day and the five-year-old gelding didn’t let those punters down as he strode clear to win with ease in the 1200m contest. As expected, Zarastro (+1300) jumped well and went to the front to take the lead ahead of At Witz End (+5000), with Mazu (+550) settling behind the leading duo, tasked with bringing the rest of the field up to the leaders before the home turn. However, by the time the leader had straightened for the run to the judge, McDonald was biding his time on the outside of runners and pushed the button on Vilana, who exploded with a blistering turn of foot. Under the urgings of a red-hot McDonald, the son of Hallowed Crown stormed up to the leader and kicked clear to put a massive space on his rivals with 200m to go. Mazu, Jigsaw (+1800) and All That Pizzazz (+1100) finished off nicely and battled it out for the placings, with the trio finishing in that order, but it was all honours to Vilana as he claimed victory by 3.7 lengths and booked a spot in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap. 2024 Moreton Cup replay – Vilana James Cummings was on course to speak about Vilana’s win post-race. “The Stradbroke has always been a desirable goal for Vilana, he was beautifully placed in the set weights and penalties today and we felt he had a lot of hidden merit to his run in the BRC Sprint,” Cummings said. “It’s exciting to see him loom up and win a race like this so easily. “I was trying to keep a lid on him in the last 200 metres, because he needs have a bit of gas left in the tank for the Stradbroke. “We liked the horse in the race two years ago as a three-year-old, and now that he’s been gelded this preparation he’s been flying. “A couple of things haven’t quite gone his way, but third-up he was bang on and is now on track for the Stradbroke in seven days. “We know what we’re doing with him, he’s going so well that we just stick to the routine. “Provided he pulls up well, we’ll have him in good shape for the race. “He’s a dynamic late bloomer into the race given the form he carries into it, he’s going to be a real X-factor.” James McDonald spoke about the two horses that he qualified for the Stradbroke post-race, on what was a massive day for Australia’s leading jockey. “I’ve qualified two horses for the Straddie today, and can’t get on either of them,” McDonald said. “Both are really good horses for that sort of race, they’re down in the weights and if it’s a fast run race I’m sure they’ll produce the goods. “He exploded and gave me a beautiful feel. “The race panned out perfectly and he’s been promising that sort of performance. He’s a beauty to ride.” “It was a very good performance and it’s difficult to split them, but Yellow Brick at 51 kilos has got to be a really good chance. “He gave me an excellent feel so there’s not much between them, I’ll sit on the fence.” Vilana is now a +1400 chance in the Stradbroke Handicap futures markets with online bookmakers. Horse racing news View the full article

Racing returns to Newmarket's July Course later this month but prior to that John and Thady Gosden took advantage of the fresh turf to give three of their stable's Royal Ascot runners a racecourse gallop on Saturday morning, including the Breeders' Cup victrix Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Now five, the Cheveley Park Stud homebred was fourth behind her stable-mate and fellow Thompson family colour-bearer Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) on her return in the G1 Lockinge S. on May 18. She now looks likely to have another attempt at the G1 Queen Anne S., having been beaten just a neck in that contest last year when second to Triple Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Inspiral, who won the G1 Coronation S. at the royal meeting of 2022, also holds an entry for the G1 Prince of Wales's S., along with her work-mate on Saturday morning, Lord North (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). The pair was joined by Juddmonte's G1 Sun Chariot S. runner-up Laurel (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who has been absent since last year's Lockinge. After watching the trio work over a mile, John Gosden said of Inspiral, who was ridden by Kieran Shoemark and appeared to travel easily alongside Lord North and Rab Havlin, “She's worked well. She'd had a long time off since the Breeders' Cup and she definitely needed her race in the Lockinge. I'm sure it will bring her on a lot.” Of the Lockinge, he said, “I thought Audience did exceptionally well and was ignored. He had a nice track up the middle and she came across, just like she did in the Jacques le Marois when Frankie was riding her. She had to move a long way across from stall one but she picked up well and then just needed the race, definitely in the last furlong and a half. But she's breezed at home and has done a nice piece of work here today and hopefully that will set her up nicely for Ascot.” Inspiral, who was on her toes on arrival at the July Course, will again face Audience if she heads to the Queen Anne on the opening day of Royal Ascot. Gosden added, “She's a big five-year-old mare now and, as you can see, she has a strong mind of her own. Basically you play to her, you don't tell her what to do. “[The Queen Anne] looks the most likely place to be going but she's in both races and we know that a mile or a mile and a quarter are fine for her.” The trainer, who has earlier watched Gold Cup hope Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}) in action on the gallops on the other side of Newmarket, also confirmed that Lord North will head to the Prince of Wales's S., while Laurel, who was partnered in her work by Kieran O'Neill, is set to return in the G2 Duke of Cambridge S. on the Wednesday of the meeting. He said, “Laurel just slightly needed the work but she'll come on a lot for it. She went back to the farm [after last year's Lockinge] but she worked well today. She just needed the work, the last furlong up the hill, but she has had a good blow and all being well we'll go to the Duke Of Cambridge.” Inspiral (Kieran Shoemark, burgundy cap), Lord North (Rab Havlin, black) and Laurel (Kieran O'Neill, blue) having a pre-@Ascot spin on Newmarket's July Course this morning. pic.twitter.com/nNsmv2bhFb — Emma Berry (@CollingsBerry) June 8, 2024 The post Queen Anne ‘Most Likely’ For Inspiral appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Socks Nation (inside) ridden by Ryan Maloney takes out the Group 1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham Ciaron Maher and Ryan Maloney have combined with Socks Nation to cause a massive boilover in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon. Although Maher only had the one runner in the feature race, the daughter of Sioux Nation got under the guard of most, as she was sent around as +12500 outsider with online bookmakers. With most of her rivals running in the key lead-up races and before Saturday’s Oaks, Maher took his filly through a 3YO Open Handicap at Caulfield in April before racing in a Benchmark 72 at Randwick on May 25 in readiness for the 2200m contest. Oceans Of Energy (+25000) speared out of the gates and ran straight to the lead to set up a strong tempo ahead of the eventual winner who settled behind and received an economical run in transit a length away. The race favourites were scattered throughout the field, with Mare Of Mt Buller (+400) in fifth, while Molly Bloom (+550) and Scarlet Oak (+360) settled towards the rear. However, as Oceans Of Energy and Socks Nation turned into the home straight, they had well and truly cleared out from the rest of the field and by the 200m mark, Maloney had a good break at the front. Our Gold Hope (+1700) let down with her finish and looked as though she would run straight past Socks Nation, but the filly found again and held on to win by a long neck on the line, with Miss Jolene (+1800) replicating her Roses run as she finished off strongly to nab third. 2024 Queensland Oaks replay – Socks Nation Ciaron Maher was on course to speak about the win of Socks Nation post-race. “It’s phenomenal, the team has done a super job,” Maher said. “She’s been in work 13 months, this filly, and she just keeps on running really well. “I didn’t tie Ryan down too much with instructions, he’s pretty casual at the best of times. “I was surprised she was that far forward in the run, but it worked out perfectly. “She goes to a lot of locations, she’s been to the beach and sometimes a change is as good as a holiday. “She’s a tough, Kiwi bred filly and they do it time and time again in these races. “She worked well in the week so we didn’t have to do much with her.” Ryan Maloney was ecstatic with the win and he spoke glowingly of Maher, who has supported him throughout his career. “The race couldn’t have panned out any better for me. I was surprised nobody came to put any pressure on us,” Maloney said. “I knew she’d stay and you just can’t rule out any of Ciaron’s horses, even though she was a big price. “He can do it all and it’s great to win my fourth Group 1, especially for Ciaron as he used to put me on his horses when I’d just come out of my time as an apprentice. “You can’t knock her form down south, it was a great training effort. We got all the breaks and she just outstayed them in the end.” “I was confident at the 600 metre mark, when I pressed the button we put a bit of a margin on them. “I didn’t want them to outsprint me so I went a bit earlier than I would’ve done usually. “When Craig came up to me, I thought we might be passed but she was so tough.” Horse racing news View the full article

Apprentice jockey Celine Gaudray produced an inch-perfect front-running ride to land the RDAV Mary Longden Mile (1600m) at Flemington aboard smart three-year-old Rise At Dawn. Trained by Ben, JD and Will Hayes, the son of Almanzor was resuming over a mile following an enforced break and he hung on grimly to win by the barest of margins in a driving finish from the fast-finishing Craig. “I thought he had got beaten so it’s nice the photo went our way this time,” Ben Hayes said. “We had been hoping to get to a Derby with him, but he pulled up a bit sore after the Port Adelaide Guineas (Listed, 1800m) at Morphettville. “He had freshened up really well and to come back and win a race at Flemington is fantastic. “We just thought we’d back off, keep him happy, and he responded really well. “He’s a horse we have to manage and if we turned him out, he could have gone the wrong way, so it’s good to have him bounce back as he’s a horse we’ve always liked. “I think it’s the right time of year for him and he loves wet tracks, even though it wasn’t wet today. “Celine had him nice and relaxed in front and I can’t say she went too early, because she won.” Rise At Dawn made the running and kicked well clear 300m from home and had enough in reserve to post the fourth win of his seven-start career. “I rode him in his last jump-out and was pleased,” winning rider Celine Gaudray said. “We got an easy lead and while he paddled the last bit, he’s done a great job.” Bred by the Smithies family’s Monovale Holdings, Rise At Dawn was purchased by Lindsay Park for A$90,000 at the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. He is an older brother of this season’s Gr.3 Taranaki 2YO Classic (1200m) placegetter Kay’s Ruebe with their dam the Listed Newmarket Handicap (1200m) winner and multiple Group One placegetter Kay’s Awake. View the full article

Imperialist (outer) wins the Listed The Phoenix (1500m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday in impressive fashion. Photo: Grant Peters Trainer Chris Waller has a good opinion of progressive two-year-old Imperialist, who came with a perfectly timed run under James McDonald to claim the Listed The Phoenix (1500m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday in impressive fashion. The New Zealand-bred son of Churchill notched his first win from just three starts and relished the solid tempo of the juvenile feature to close in the manner of a horse that has an exciting Classic season ahead of him. Waller will now ponder whether to push on to next week’s Group 1 J.J. Atkins (1600m) with the talented colt. “James did a great job to weave a path through the field after getting him to settle in the first half of the race. The horse did the rest in the second half,” Waller said. The champion trainer said the Queensland Winter Carnival was a perfect testing ground for late season two-year-olds. “That’s part of the reason why we bring them up here to Queensland. They have a trip away and we see how they cope with the experience, the pressure and how they perform under that type of situation. He’s just a two-year-old and he has got a bright future. “It wasn’t the must-be plan to go to the J.J. Atkins, but on the strength of that win today and depending on the opinion of some form people, we would have to consider it.” Winning Jockey James McDonald was delighted to win for a number of loyal owners, with the horse sporting the colours of prominent Queensland-based Irishman Noel Greenhalgh. “He’s a nice progressive horse and he did a good job out there today. It’s nice to win in these colours again,” McDonald said. “He sprang into life out of the stalls but he’s still pretty new and he did a few things wrong, but he’ll be right.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Listed Eyeliner Stakes (1350m) is on the radar for Fancify. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli A trip to Queensland for a black-type assignment is on the agenda for South Australian galloper Fancify after her win at Flemington. The daughter of Niagara has won three of her past four starts, her last two in Melbourne, after leading throughout in a Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m) on Saturday. Ridden by Tatum Bull, Fancify ($6) scored a 1.75-length win from Jenny Jerome ($12) with Brazen Lady ($5.50) a short-neck away third. Trainer Michael Hickmott said the Listed Eyeliner Stakes (1350m) at Ipswich on June 22 was on the radar for Fancify, with the mare who was previously owned by Kiwi breeder Trish Dunell recently purchased by Imperial Racing who sponsor the Eyeliner Stakes. “She will fly up for the Eyeliner on Tuesday,” Hickmott said. “(Brother) Rob and I were talking about heading up and he’s got Beltoro potentially going. “Imperial Racing are the sponsor of the Eyeliner Stakes, so it’s been a well thought out plan.” Hickmott said he was approached by Imperial Racing’s racing manager Trevor Lambourne during the week about purchasing the mare. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t have the colours here today, but it’s a fantastic result for the new owners,” Hickmott said. “Tatum and I had a good chat before the race, and I said just roll to the front. “My horses are known for their fitness as we train on the heavy sand at home, and we didn’t want to make it a sit and sprint. “I was hesitant when she was in front as I thought she would win here on Oaks Day last year, but she got run down in the last couple of strides. “But she rode her beautifully today.” After racing in Queensland, Hickmott is hopeful Fancify will return to his base in South Australia to be prepared for a shot at the Melbourne Spring Carnival. Horse racing news View the full article

Princess Rhaenys overcame a wide run to score her fifth career victory. Photo: Grant Peters Well-related mare Princess Rhaenys has overcome a wide run to score the fifth victory of her career when landing a Benchmark 90 Handicap (1800m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. The Tony Gollan-trained six-year-old was sent out a well-supported $2.90 favourite with James McDonald in the saddle. Sporting the colours of Linda and Graham Huddy’s Peachester Lodge, connections would have been anxious throughout as the mare travelled three-wide throughout, yet still dug deep to defeat Brookhaven by just over half a length at the line. A multiple stakes-performer, including a Group 3 placing in the Pam O’Neill Stakes (1600m), Princess Rhaenys will now get another black-type opportunity when she contests the Listed Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2100m) at Eagle Farm on June 29. “She got caught in an awkward spot and you could see that after they went a couple of hundred metres she wasn’t going to get in, so James just had to take his medicine,” Gollan said. “He was able to get her in a good rhythm and that is what we spoke before the race. “She’s got to relax and get breathing, and give herself a chance to really finish these trips off. We know she’s good over this distance and even further. He would’ve preferred not to be covering that much ground, but in the end it didn’t matter because she was the strongest stayer. “It’s good to get that run under our belt. I spoke to Mrs Huddy at the start of the week about going in this race or the mares race later (Magic Millions National Classic, 1600m) and she was in beautifully in benchmark grade. “The 1800m really sets us up well for the Tatts Gold over 2100 metres on Tatts Tiara Day. She was narrowly beaten in the race last year. She has had a faultless preparation until now and I think she’ll be the mare to beat in three weeks’ time.” Winning jockey James McDonald is confident Princess Rhaenys, a full sister to Derby hero Jon Snow, will relish getting over further. “She was in a comfortable rhythm even though we were trapped wide, so I didn’t want to take her out of it,” McDonald said. “Fortunately we were able to get a bit of cover from the 700m to the 400m, and she showed a good turn of foot at the end. “At least we know she’ll run 2000m-plus, because she probably ran it today!” Horse racing news View the full article

Dan Vegas winning at Ruakaka on Saturday. Photo: Therese Davis (Race Images) Ruakaka trainers Kenny Rae and Krystal Williams unveiled a promising young talent in the Marsden Metals Group 3YO (1400m) on their home track on Saturday afternoon. First-starter Dan Vegas went into the race with eye-catching pedigree credentials, being by Per Incanto out of the Savabeel mare Miss Bluebell – dam of black-type performers Gringotts and Millefiori from her only two foals to race. Miss Bluebell’s dam Operavega is a half-sister to Vegas Showgirl, the stakes-winning dam of the legendary Winx. Dan Vegas had also shown his share of ability at the trials, winning by three and a half lengths in a 1000m heat at Ruakaka on May 1. That was enough to earn him $3 favouritism for Saturday’s debut, and he made a bold first impression in the hands of jockey Jasmine Fawcett. Fawcett was happy to press forward from gate two, and Dan Vegas showed good speed out of the gates to go straight into the lead. He dictated terms from there and then produced a strong kick in the straight, putting himself out of reach of the late-finishing second placegetter Cintivee. Dan Vegas is bred and raced by Little Avondale Stud – home of the gelding’s outstanding sire Per Incanto – in partnership with long-time Rae stable clients Totara Park Stud. “I didn’t really think he could win today, but I was wrong – pleasantly wrong,” Rae said. “It was a great ride by Jasmine. “He’s been a bit of a work in progress and has over-raced in his trials, which had me a bit worried coming into a 1400m race today. But I told Jasmine to just let him run, and hopefully the others might not be able to stop him. He was impressive. “Totara Park have been clients of ours for a long time, and we’ve had this horse in the stable for a while now. He’s had a few issues along the way, but he’s put those issues behind him and has done something today that I didn’t think he could do. “He might come back and race again at the next meeting here (on June 29), although there might be some people interested in buying him after that win.” Horse racing news View the full article

Quality Time winning at Ruakaka on Saturday. Photo: Therese Davis (Race Images) The well-travelled Quality Time recorded his first New Zealand victory with a bold front-running performance in Saturday’s Bream Bay Cup (2100m) at Ruakaka. The six-year-old made an eye-catching New Zealand debut at Te Rapa in early May with a strong-finishing second behind Turn The Ace over 1200m, but he was tripped up by a heavy track second-up at Pukekohe on May 25 and beat only two runners home. Quality Time bounced back brilliantly on Saturday, aided by an outstanding Sam Spratt ride. Spratt drove Quality Time forward from the inside gate and withstood plenty of early pressure to take a clear lead by the time the field turned into the back straight. Spratt was able to give her mount the opportunity to catch his breath through the middle stages of the race, then began to up the ante again coming down the side of the track. Quality Time kicked away and had a big lead coming around the home turn, and the best efforts of the late-finishing Enright and Malfy Rosa only closed that margin to a length at the finish line. Quality Time is trained by Kylie Hoskin for syndicators Go Racing. Hoskin credited Go Racing manager Albert Bosma for coming up with Saturday’s successful tactics. “That was a great win,” Hoskin said. “Albert told me before today’s race that this horse had led and won in Germany earlier in his career, so we had a bit of confidence that those tactics might work here too. “There’s always a bit of a question mark when they’re stepping up over ground for the first time in a preparation, you’re not too sure about their fitness, and he was very fresh today as well. But that was a great effort. “It’s nice prizemoney that he’s won today, and now we can think about coming back here for some of the other meetings coming up. It’ll give him something to do through the winter.” Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Stephen Nickalls. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) An inch perfect front running ride by Kate Hercock paved the way for former Group 1 performer Chase to return to the winners’ enclosure at Otaki. The seven-year-old son of Zed, who has twice run third at the highest level over the 1600m distance of Saturday’s contest, hadn’t fired in the first three runs of his new campaign however a victory in a 1000m trial at Waverley trial on Tuesday indicated he may have been ready to strike form. With just five rivals and no clear pacemaker, Hercock took the bull by the horns and bounced the Stephen Nickalls-prepared runner to a clear lead and set up the pace on her own terms. Chase was travelling well turning for home and despite being challenged by Kick On out wide and closer in by favourite and eventual runner-up, Bold Belle, he found plenty in the concluding stages to run out a handy two length winner. Nickalls was overjoyed with the victory as he acknowledged he had partially lost his voice after cheering hard as Chase kept his rivals at bay. “I’ve lost my voice, my breath and everything as it’s a hell of a thrill,” Nickalls said. “Kate (Hercock) has made me look like a good trainer with a beautiful ride. “He’s a tryer, but every now and then he just doesn’t want to jump out (from the barriers). At the trials the other day Scrapper (Jonathan Riddell) led on him, and he said try and get him forward. “There was no pace on today and Kate made the right decision by going forward and that was the winning of the race. “I genuinely have no idea where he will be going next, but my daughter will be giving him a big pat tonight and planning the next holiday. “She rides him around the paddock at home and she is only eight. We all just love him to bits.” Hercock was pleased a pre-race plan had played out in her favour. “He’s a bit of an old bludger and has got used to getting back and not doing anything,” she said. “I said to Stephen there is no speed and he said I will leave it all to you. It’s lovely to ride for people like Stephen as he just leaves it in our hands. “He (Chase) really dug deep today and is hard to get past. He only had 54kgs and he hasn’t carried that for quite some time.” Horse racing news View the full article

Malt Time winning at Ruakaka on Saturday. Photo: Therese Davis (Race Images) Quality mare Malt Time showed her undoubted class when she blitzed her rivals in the closing stages of the feature event at Ruakaka on Saturday, the Bream Bay Sprint (1400m). The Shaun and Emma Clotworthy-trained mare was having her second run in a new campaign and stripped a lot fitter after finishing fifth first up over 1300m at Te Rapa last month. Ridden by apprentice Ace Lawson-Carroll, who reduced her 59kgs impost down to 57kgs with his 2kg apprentice allowance, the multiple Group 1 placegetter lobbed along nicely at the rear of the nine-horse field as Side Eye and Trigon Lad disputed a solid pace throughout. Approaching the home bend, it was evident that Malt Time was travelling better than her rivals and when Lawson-Carroll found a gap three off the fence at the 300m she exploded clear to put the final result beyond doubt, winning under a hold by nearly six lengths from Trigon Lad and local runner Chevron who fought out the minor placings. It was mission accomplished for Shaun Clotworthy as he and Emma work out the next mission for the daughter of former Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) winner Adelaide. “It was a good effort and getting back on a bit better surface helped,” Clotworthy said. “Ace rode her a treat as they were in a tricky position early on, but he didn’t panic and has nice hands which saw her get a good run through them. “He has nice balance and he really gets on with her which is half the battle. “She will probably have just one more race which could be the Tauranga Classic (Listed, 1400m) or she might come back up here for the ITM/GIB Sprinter’s Final (1400m) on the 13th of July. “After that she will have a week or two out and then we will get her ready for the Spring.” A beaming Lawson-Carroll was quick to admit he got a buzz out of the rapid finish from his mount. “That felt good and fast too,” he said. “It’s half the job to get her to settle and she did that well today. I saw Chevron making his run near the 600m and I waited and got the run inside of him and she let down really well. “The track seems to be shifting a little bit but if you are patient enough you get the run you want.” Horse racing news View the full article

Eclipse Award-winning owner/breeder and founder of the Stronach Group Frank Stronach was arrested Friday and charged with multiple criminal offences according to a press release by the Peel Regional Police in Ontario, Canada. The 91-year-old Stronach has, according to the release, been charged with committing five crimes including rape, indecent assault on a female, sexual assault and forcible confinement and has been released on conditions to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date. The release also notes that the assaults “spanned from the 1980's to as recent as 2023” and police are asking members of the public to come forward with any relevant information. This story will be updated. The post Frank Stronach Arrested, Faces Multiple Criminal Charges appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority announced June 7 that the proposed rule changes to its Racetrack Safety Program have been approved by the Federal Trade Commission. These changes will take effect July 8.View the full article

Shortly after watching his Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Thorpedo Anna roll by 5 1/2 lengths in the $500,000 Acorn Stakes (G1) June 7 at Saratoga Race Course, trainer Kenny McPeek quipped: "Could have run her in the Belmont." Few would argue with him.View the full article

Trainer Chad Brown says the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), Test Stakes (G1), and Alabama Stakes (G1) are all under consideration after Ways and Means' romp in a June 6 allowance contest against older fillies and mares at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Thorpedo Anna likely wrapped up the 3-year-old filly championship with an emphatic win in the $500,000 Acorn Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course June 7.View the full article

After giving serious consideration to a start against the boys in Saturday's GI Belmont S., trainer Ken McPeek ultimately opted to run GI Kentucky Oaks winner THORPEDO ANNA (f, 3, Fast Anna–Sataves, by Uncle Mo) in Friday's GI DK Horse Acorn S. It will never be known how she'd have fared over 10 furlongs on Saturday afternoon, but for now, the 'TDN Rising Star' proved yet again that she is peerless in the sophomore filly division with a decisive score. Drawn out in gate eight, with the scratching of Becky's Joker (Practical Joke), Thorpedo Anna was actually beaten to the punch by an aggressively ridden Eclipse Award-winning juvenile filly Just F Y I (Justify), but she switched off kindly for Brian Hernandez, Jr. and allowed Just F Y I to set a lively pace up front. Merely sitting against his filly for the run into the final three-eighths of a mile, Hernandez asked Thorpedo Anna to claim the pacesetter approaching the stretch and it was all over bar the shouting. Striding effortlessly into the final furlong, Thorpedo Anna had a good five to six lengths on perfect-trip 'Rising Star' Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief) on the wire, as Power Squeeze (Union Rags) closed for third at longshot odds. Sales history: $40,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: 6-5-1-0. O-Brookdale Racing, Inc., Edwards, Mark, Hicks, Judy B. and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek); B-Judy Hicks (KY); T-Ken McPeek. Another dominating performance by Thorpedo Anna as she cruises to a 5 1/2 length win in the Acorn for ⁦@KennyMcPeek⁩ and ⁦@b_hernandezjr⁩. That's 5 wins in 6 starts for the fast filly by a combined 31 3/4 lengths. 9-3-2-5 pic.twitter.com/kelNrmkdQa — Tim Wilkin (@tjwilkin) June 7, 2024 Friday, Saratoga DK HORSE ACORN S.-GI, $500,000, Saratoga, 6-7, 3yo, f, 1 1/8m, 1:49.02, ft. 1–THORPEDO ANNA, 122, f, 3, by Fast Anna 1st Dam: Sataves, by Uncle Mo 2nd Dam: Pacific Sky, by Stormy Atlantic 3rd Dam: Aldebaran Light, by Seattle Slew 'TDN Rising Star'. ($40,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT). O-Nader Alaali, Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks and Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek); B-Judy Hicks (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek; J-Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. $275,000. Lifetime Record: 6-5-1-0, $1,705,663. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Leslie's Rose, 120, f, 3, by Into Mischief 1st Dam: Wildwood Rose (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Wildwood Flower, by Langfuhr 3rd Dam: Dial a Trick, by Phone Trick 'TDN Rising Star'. ($1,150,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Whisper Hill Farm, LLC; B-John D. Gunther & Eurowest Bloodstock Services (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $100,000. 3–Power Squeeze, 120, f, 3, by Union Rags 1st Dam: Callmethesqueeze (MSW, $324,499), by Awesome Again 2nd Dam: Mop Squeezer, by Roanoke 3rd Dam: Honey League Girl, by Honey Jay 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($50,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $90,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-Lea Farms, LLC; B-Forging Oaks LLC (KY); T-Jorge Delgado. $60,000. Margins: 5HF, 1 1/4, 2HF. Odds: 0.75, 6.30, 25.50. Also Ran: My Mane Squeeze, Regulatory Risk, Just F Y I, Where's My Ring, Gun Song. Scratched: Becky's Joker Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Thorpedo Anna Dominant Yet Again in the Acorn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Under an unsettled Saratoga sky, R. Larry Johnson's homebred Future Is Now earned her first graded stakes win in the $200,000 Intercontinental Stakes (G2T), edging out favored Roses for Debra by a head.View the full article

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved the proposed rule changes to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA)'s Racetrack Safety Program and the changes will take effect starting July 8, the organization announced Friday via presser. The 30-day window before the official start day allows for an educational campaign so as to prepare the industry for the changes, an effort which will include handbooks, webinars, posters, HISA portal messaging and social media outreach. The revisions come after extensive dialogue and feedback from industry participants, including from the Horsemen's Advisory Group. Some highlights include an updated void claim rule; a second waiver claiming option; changes to certain intra-articular injection standdown times; updates to prohibited practices and qualifications for placement on, or removal from, the vet list; and enhanced safety protocols required at race meets. The newly approved rules are available in full here. In addition to the racetrack safety rule, the FTC also approved changes to HISA's registration rules, which will go into effect July 1. Those can be found here. “The approval of these rule changes marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and integrity of Thoroughbred horse racing,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “We are committed to working closely with all industry participants during this transition period and beyond to ensure these new standards are fully understood and effectively implemented.” The post Federal Trade Commission Approves HISA Rule Changes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A bridesmaid in last year's running, but the center of attention in 2024, Didia (Arg) (m, 6, Orpen–Delambre {Brz}, by Rainbow Corner {GB}) avenged her runner-up effort and scored her first win at the highest level in North America in the GI New York S. at Saratoga. In no hurry early as runners to her outside stepped forward to dispute the early fractions, Didia raced well in cover on the fence behind the leading flight and was picking up steam as the field swung through the final bend. Wide for her rally but rolling with all the momentum, the 9-1 shot inhaled the leaders by midstretch and kicked away to a clear advantage as Neecie Marie (Cross Traffic) ran on for second with War Like Goddess (English Channel) getting up for third in her seasonal bow. The final time was 1:52.29. DIDIA wins the Grade 1 New York Stakes Presented by @RiversCasino_NY under @jose93_ortiz for trainer Ignacio Correas, IV. pic.twitter.com/ffjSFsXUO5 — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 7, 2024 O-Merriebelle Stables and Resolute Racing; B-La Manija (Arg); T-Ignacio Correas, IV. The post Didia Goes One Better from 2023 Running, Takes New York in Style appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

At 21-5, CHILI FLAG (FR) (m, 5, Cityscape {GB}–Flag Day {GB}, by Pivotal {GB}) was the third-elect among the five horses entered by Chad Brown in Friday's GI Just A Game S. at Saratoga, but, given a quiet ride by the in-form Irad Ortiz, Jr., she flew home to give her trainer a seventh victory in the one-mile contest in the last eight runnings. Off without incident from gate six in the field of seven, Chili Flag was content to linger at the tail of the field through the early exchanges, as Evvie Jets (Twirling Candy) showed the way from Whitebeam (GB) (Caravaggio), drawn widest and who was sent forward by Flavien Prat. It was a tightly bunched field and five lengths would have covered them as they hit the turn, but positions were mostly unchanged, as Evvie Jets and Whitebeam continued to eyeball one another, while Chili Flag was going well in hand, just waiting for Ortiz, Jr. to cut the ribbons. Produced wide into the lane, Chili Flag quickened up slightly better than Mission of Joy (Kitten's Joy) to her outside, and they had Whitebeam–who nosed in front at the furlong grounds–to reel in. The Juddmonte runner, last year's GI Diana S. winner, boxed on bravely, but Chili Flag flashed down the center of the course to be home in time. Whitebeam was second ahead of Mission of Joy in third. Sales history: €5,000 RNA Wlg '19 ARQDEC; €140,000 HRA '22 ARQARC. O-Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb & Michael E Kisber; B-Finanza Locale Consulting SRL; T-Chad Brown. CHILI FLAG surges down the stretch to win the Grade 1 Just a Game Stakes with @iradortiz aboard for trainer Chad Brown. That's 4️⃣ wins for Irad! pic.twitter.com/vEoVYpcMbd — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 7, 2024 Friday, Saratoga JUST A GAME S.-GI, $500,000, Saratoga, 6-7, 4yo/up, f/m, 1mT, 1:35.01, fm. 1–CHILI FLAG (FR), 122, m, 5, by Cityscape (GB) 1st Dam: Flag Day (GB), by Pivotal (GB) 2nd Dam: Blue Duster, by Danzig 3rd Dam: Blue Note (Fr), by Habitat 1ST GRADE I WIN. (€5,000 RNA Wlg '19 ARQDE; €140,000 3yo '22 ARARC). O-Madaket Stables LLC, Michael Dubb and Michael E. Kisber; B-Finanza Locale Consulting Srl (FR); T-Chad Brown; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr. $275,000. Lifetime Record: SP-Fr, 19-7-6-1, $1,003,377. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Whitebeam (GB), 124, m, 5, by Caravaggio 1st Dam: Sleep Walk (GB), by Oasis Dream (GB) 2nd Dam: Scuffle (GB), by Daylami (Ire) 3rd Dam: Tantina, by Distant View O/B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd. (GB); T-Chad C. Brown. $100,000. 3–Mission of Joy, 120, f, 4, by Kitten's Joy 1st Dam: Smart Mission, by Smart Strike 2nd Dam: Misty Mission, by Miswaki 3rd Dam: Hangin On a Star, by Vice Regent ($32,000 Ylg '21 FTKOCT). O-RyZan Sun Racing, LLC and Madaket Stables LLC; B-Sam-Son Farm (ON); T-H. Graham Motion. $60,000. Margins: HF, HD, NK. Odds: 4.20, 3.60, 13.10. Also Ran: Evvie Jets, Gina Romantica, Coppice (GB), Beaute Cachee (Fr). Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Unwanted As a Foal, Chili Flag Scales Grade I Heights In Just A Game appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chili Flag came flying late with an impressive last-to-first rally to claim the $500,000 Just a Game Stakes (G1T) at Saratoga Race Course June 7.View the full article

8th-Saratoga, $110,000, Alw, 6-7, (NW1$X), 3yo/up, 6 1/2f, 1:14.96, ft, 8 lengths. JEFFERSON STREET (c, 3, Street Sense–Apiary, by Bernardini), in his second career start, began 2024 with a third-place finish behind Be You (Curlin) at Gulfstream Park in early March. The homebred then splashed home impressively with a nine-length score at Keeneland Apr. 11. Stepping up against optional claimers on the Derby undercard, the dark bay was a well-beaten third before being installed as the 5-2 second choice here. The colt tracked favorite El Capi (Maclean's Music) from the third position, as the leader posted a brisk :21.77 for the first quarter mile. Rolling off the turn as the pace began to wilt, Jefferson Street took control at the eighth pole and ran for fun to win by eight lengths over Kunshan Bridge (Prontonico). The winner's second dam, MGSW Fast Cookie (Deputy Minister), produced MGISW and sire Frosted (Tapit) and Apiary's full-sister, GSW Indulgent. Fast Cookie is also responsible for the dam of MGSW/GISP Caramel Swirl (Union Rags). This is an extended female family which includes champion 2-year-old colt Midshipman (Unbridled's Song) and MGISP Solomini (Curlin). As for Apiary, she has a Nyquist colt named Cooper, who is now a 2-year-old, and last year foaled a colt by Maclean's Music. She was not bred in 2023. Lifetime Record: 5-2-0-3, $154,800. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-William I. Mott. JEFFERSON STREET, the 3YO son of @DarleyAmerica stallion Street Sense, wins the eighth race under @JuniorandKellyA for trainer Bill Mott. pic.twitter.com/wyAXqjYQg9 — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 7, 2024 The post Godolphin’s Jefferson Street Storms Home A Winner At Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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