Wandering Eyes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – So far, a colt named Mindframe (Constitution) has been nothing short of mind blowing. Two starts. Two wins. By a combined margin of 21 1/4 lengths. His connections think so much of him that start No. 3 will be the GI Belmont S. Saturday at Saratoga. Trainer Todd Pletcher and co-owner Mike Repole are confident the lightly raced horse will make a credible showing in the 1 1/4-mile Belmont. Despite having little experience, Mindframe was made the 7-2 second choice by New York Racing Association linemaker David Aragona. Mindframe broke his maiden by 13 3/4 lengths on the same day that stablemate Fierceness was dominating the GI Florida Derby. In his second start, on GI Kentucky Derby day, he dominated an allowance optional claimer, winning by 7 1/2 lengths. If Mindframe were to do more of the same in the Belmont, Pletcher and company might really have something. “He could become the freshman that is the star on the varsity,” Repole, who owns Mindframe along with Vinnie and Teresa Viola's St. Elias Stable, said by phone. “If he wins this race, we might have something really special, something we haven't seen too many times.” Mindframe will start the Belmont from post position nine and will have jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. on board. He is the only horse in here that has never run in a stakes race. The water is considerably deeper, but Pletcher and Repole are betting Mindframe can swim. “We know he fits,” Repole said. “Whether he comes in first by five or fifth by 10, he fits. We are the freshest horse in the race. Is that an advantage or a disadvantage? I guess we'll find out Saturday.” Speaking about Fierceness… Fierceness (City of Light), the well-beaten favorite in the G1 Kentucky Derby continues to be a work in frustration for the people who work the closest with him. “He has,” Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher said when asked if the colt has been a head scratcher. “He has been brilliant at times.” And not so good at others. Pletcher pulled the plug on the G1 Belmont S. for Fierceness after deciding the horse needed more time after his 15th place in the Run for the Roses. Fierceness' new target is the G1 Haskell Invitational S. at Monmouth Park on July 20. Fierceness won the Eclipse Award for best 2-year-old colt last year after a 6 1/4-length win in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Following an up-and-down winter in Florida, Fierceness went to Louisville as the favorite off a record 13 1/2-length win in the GI Florida Derby. Then, the Derby dud. Now, a regroup. “At the end of the day, putting these horses in spots where they are ready and can win has always been what I want to do and what Todd wants to do,” owner Mike Repole said. And that is not where Fierceness is right now. He is a horse, Pletcher and Repole said, that needs more time between races. He has continued to gallop every day on the Oklahoma Training Track. He is healthy. He's getting ready to race; he just wasn't ready for the Belmont. “He has been one that isn't as consistent as normal horses with that much talent can be,” Pletcher said. “Hopefully, it's something he will regain with a little bit of time from the Derby to the Haskell.” Moving forward, that seems to be the new blueprint for Fierceness. Race, then take a boatload of time between the next one. “Let's not give up on Fierceness,” Repole said. Seize the Grey | Sarah Andrew Brown won't feel the pressure There is no extra pressure on trainer Chad Brown. He has the 9-5 morning line favorite in Saturday's GI Belmont S. morning line favorite in Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). What could make things even more stressful is Brown grew up down the road in Mechanicville, 16 miles from Saratoga Race Course. “I don't approach the race any different,” Brown said outside his barn on the Oklahoma Training Track. “I know there will be a lot more interest, but I don't want to be distracted.” Sierra Leone was expected to do big things in the GI Kentucky Derby and he did. However, it was an agonizing finish when the horse just missed, losing by a nose to Mystik Dan (Goldencents). That's part of the game every trainer most likely will endure at some point. “Losing the Kentucky Derby was very disappointing,” Brown said. “With horse racing, or any professional sport, you better be prepared for the worst. Anything can happen in the big games. You could lose a championship game by a one kick, one shot missed, you could run out of time on the clock, a photo finish. You really have to be prepared for that if you are going to play at the top of any sport.” Lukas feeling the love The good wishes started the first day Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas arrived in Saratoga last Saturday. And it hasn't stopped. Lukas, forever young at the age of 88, accompanied GI Preakness winner Seize the Grey to the track each day as he prepared him for Saturday's GI Belmont Stakes. Exercise riders aboard other horses shout out congratulations to Lukas as do people walking by on the Oklahoma Training Track. Seize the Grey became the seventh Preakness win for Lukas; overall, he has 15 Triple Crown race victories. It has been a constant barrage of well wishes to Lukas and his striking grey horse. “Well, it's a great feeling knowing you have accomplished something, that has gotten everyone's interest” Lukas said outside his barn at the Oklahoma. “But I've been there. I have had the experience. I take it more in stride now. As you get older, you realize the ups and downs in this business come real quick. Everything can be beautiful one day and tomorrow you can be nowhere.” Saturday, Lukas saddles Seize the Grey in the GI Belmont S. Going into it, Lukas has that beautiful feeling. “My horse has actually gotten better (since the Preakness),” Lukas said. “I would not have been afraid to run him last Saturday.” The post Mindframe Turning Heads Heading Into Belmont Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nothing Like You is coming off a 7 1/2-length Santa Anita Oaks (G2) victory for trainer Bob Baffert.View the full article

Though it has only been seven weeks since Candied last ran, it feels more like a racing eternity to Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher because of the plans he had for the grade 1 winner. She runs June 8 in the Lady's Secret Stakes at Monmouth Park.View the full article

While the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) still will be contested at its traditional distance of a mile when it moves from Belmont Park to Saratoga Race Course this year, the configuration of that mile will change. View the full article

A trio of fillies shared the fastest eighth-mile time during Friday's session of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's June Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. All three, working before a downpour delayed the tail end of the fourth session for about thirty minutes, breezed their eighth in :9.4. Out earliest of the bunch, a Florida-bred daughter of Bucchero (hip 568) consigned by Cruzin' Thoroughbreds LLC, Agent. The filly, an $8,000 yearling buy from the OBS Winter Mixed Sale last year, is a half to MSP Ek Haseena (Songandaprayer), herself the dam of G3 Boutique Group Saudi Derby winner Commissioner King (Commissioner). Another Florida-bred filly, hip 657 (The Big Beast) is consigned by Iran Faria Corporation LLC and sold for $6,500 at the same OBS Winter Mixed Sale. Dam Force of Passion is a half to MGSW Pontchatrain (War Front). The only Kentucky-bred filly of the trio, hip 624 (Justify) was a considerably more expensive buy, first bringing $225,000 as a weanling at Fasig-Tipton November in 2022 and then coming under the hammer once more as a yearling at Keeneland September for $275,000. Consigned here by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, hip 624 is out of a daughter of GI Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly who last sold to WinStar Farm for $3.3m out of FTKNOV in 2006. Two more fillies, both from first-crop stallions, shared the fastest quarter-mile breeze of the day with hip 569 (Complexity) and hip 633 (Win Win Win) each working in :20.4. The under-tack show continues through Sunday with sessions beginning daily at 7:30 a.m. The June sale will be held next Wednesday through Friday with bidding starting each day at 10 a.m. The post Three Fillies Share Bullet Eighth During OBS Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Starfield Stud's first-season sire King Of Change (GB) (by Farhh {GB}) got off the mark on Friday evening when his 2-year-old filly Lady With The Lamp (Ire) made a rare foray to Bath a successful one for the Joseph O'Brien stable. Sent off the 7-2 favourite having been third on debut at Windsor last month, the daughter of the ex-Godolphin mare Caring Touch (Elusive Quality) was positioned behind the leaders early by Billy Loughnane before being produced to lead approaching the furlong pole and score by half a length from Flash Harry (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}). Success for the Irish raider! Joseph O'Brien's Lady With The Lamp is off the mark at @BathRacecourse for @loughnane_billy… pic.twitter.com/KjbRlQZnhc — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 7, 2024 The post First Winner For King Of Change appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — In his 35 years as a horse trainer, Brett Creighton has never once entered a horse in a Grade I race. There's a reason for that. “I just never had the opportunity I guess,” the 62-year-old Creighton said in a matter-of-fact way through an easy Arkansas drawl as he stood on the backstretch at Saratoga Race Course. That all changes on Saturday when Creighton saddles Frost Free (Frosted), the best horse he's ever had, in the GI Woody Stephens S. at Saratoga, part of the blockbuster GI Belmont S. card that features nine stakes races–six of them GIs–worth $6.55 million. A field of 10 has been entered for the seven-furlong race, named for the legendary trainer who won five consecutive G1 Belmont S. from 1982-86. Creighton, a former rodeo rider in his youth in Arkansas, has been training since 1989. According to Equibase, he has 1,346 career starts and 138 wins. This year, he has four wins in 22 starts, two by Frost Free. Before Frost Free came along, Creighton had minor success with a horse named Humble Smarty, who had 19 wins in 90 starts. He ran from 2006-14 and Creighton was the trainer for most of them. Best finish? He won several black-type races. Brett Creighton | Sarah Andrew In his last start, Frost Free won the GIII Chick Lang S. at Pimlico as the 9-5 favorite. That was the first graded stakes race Creighton ever won. When it happened, there was no wild victory dance in the winner's circle, no crazy celebration. That's not what Creighton is all about. “At the time, it was just another normal day,” Creighton said. “I mean, don't get me wrong, it was all good. It just hadn't sunk in.” “He is all about the horse,” Danny Keene, whose Keene Thoroughbreds LLC own Frost Free, said by phone from Arkansas. “I guarantee you he is as honest and trustworthy as they come. When it comes to the horses, he is like an old mother hen. If they get a little blemish on them, he goes worrying about them.” The 79-year-old Keene purchased Frost Free for $100,000 at the Texas Thoroughbred Association's 2-year-old in training sale in April of 2023. In eight career starts, he has three wins, a second and two thirds. Keene bought Friendswood Farm, a training center in Hot Springs, Ark. about eight years ago. That's where he met Creighton, who was working there. He decided to give him a chance to train some horses for him and the two have been together ever since. Creighton drove the van from Baltimore to Saratoga Springs soon after the Chick Lang. He and a groom have been here just short of two weeks. After winning that race going gate-to-wire, the decision was made to try the Woody Stephens. Jose Ortiz will ride. “Mr. Keene said 'let's go,' so here we are,” Creighton said. “He pays the bills. This horse has been doing really well. He's fast. He deserves a shot.” Frost Free raised some eyebrows when he worked a bullet four furlongs in 47 seconds (1/24) on Sunday. Creighton said he was looking for a 49, and had some concern, but the horse put those to rest. Creighton said Frost Free bounced out of the work like it never happened. In the Woody Stephens, Frost Free is 15-1 on the morning line and will trying seven furlongs for the first time. Keene, who began investing in Thoroughbreds about 14 years ago, has three graded stakes wins on his resume. The other two belong to Texas Chrome, who won the GIII Super Derby and GIII Oklahoma Derby in 2016. If he is going to get that first GI, he knows he'll have to beat some tough foes in the Woody Stephens. “There are some awful good horses in there from all over the country,” Keene said. “You never know.” Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert will run the 7-2 morning-line favorite in Prince of Monaco (Speightstown), who is making his first start since a fifth-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Flavien Prat will ride. Book'em Danno (Bucchero), trained by Derek Ryan and to be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., is the 9-2 second choice on the morning line. When last seen, he was second, beaten a head by GI Kentucky Derby third-place finisher Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in the GIII Saudi Derby. Imagination | Sarah Andrew Three colts are coming into the race with 6-1 odds: Valentine Candy (Justify), trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen, with jockey Ricardo Santana Jr.; Nash (Medaglia d'Oro) from trainer Brad Cox, who finished second with jockey Florent Geroux to GI Preakness S. winner Seize the Grey (Arrogate) in the GII Pat Day Mile; and that race's third-place-finisher Vlahos (Kantharos) for Chief Stipe O'Neill and jockey Edwin Maldonado. Imagination (Into Mischief), last seen fading to seventh in the Preakness, returns for Baffert and jockey Frankie Dettori and is 10-1 on the morning line. Trainer Chad Brown will saddle Reasoned Analysis (Upstart), who makes his first start since winning the Bay Shore S. at Aqueduct on April 6. He is 15-1 on the morning line and will be ridden by Eric Cancel. Also at 15-1 is Nutella Fella (Runhappy), who is back after recovering from a left-hind injury which has kept him inactive since winning the GI Hopeful S. for trainer Gary Contessa and jockey Junior Alvarado at 54-1. Trainer William Walden has Barksdale (Street Sense), a winner of two of three this year, who is making his graded stakes debut. Tyler Gaffalione rides the 20-1 shot. The post After 35 Years, A Chance To Win A Grade I For Veteran Trainer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In delivering victory after victory while climbing the class ladder, Post Time convinced trainer Brittany Russell the time is right for his grade 1 debut June 8 in the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Trainer Chad Brown says the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), Test (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

Connections of New Zealand filly Molly Bloom are quietly confident she can beat Chris Waller before joining him as she tackles his rising star Scarlet Oak in the 2,200-meter (about 1 3/8-mile) Queensland Oaks (G1) June 8.View the full article

Racehorses benefit from their debuts into their second outings, and FOX will similarly try to improve when it televises the Belmont Stakes (G1) for the second straight year from 4-7 p.m. ET June 8.View the full article

The wait was worth it as Illuminare captured his initial start in solid fashion, posting a 1 3/4-length victory in a $100,000 maiden race for 3-year-olds and up on the second day of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

All four of the stakes winners on the Thursday card at Saratoga exited their respective races in good order according to their conditioners. The Grey Wizard (Ire) (Caravaggio) took home the GII Belmont Gold Cup S. with a timely surge at the wire, which earned the 5-year-old the Golden Ticket for the G1 Melbourne Cup at Flemington Nov. 5. Trainer Graham Motion said, “He looks really good, this morning. I'm very happy with him. He scoped clean and he looks really well.” Motion said he will speak with [owner] Aron Wellman of Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners before making a decision on whether to travel to Australia and take part in 'the race that stops a nation.' “I need to talk to Leigh [Jordan, Executive General Manager, Racing of Victoria Racing Club] about there being other incentives and I haven't even spoken to Aron [Wellman] yet, but I'm as game as anyone with this kind of stuff. I think this horse is the right kind of horse to do it with, but it is a huge ask. I'm sure we will discuss it.” 'TDN Rising Star' Looks To Test Almostgone Rocket (Into Mischief), who earned 'TDN Rising Star' honors on debut at Oaklawn Park, stayed perfect when she won the Jersey Girl S. on Thursday. Trainer Brad Cox said that the filly will target the GI Test S. at Saratoga which is set for Aug. 3. “She came back in good shape and I'm super happy with how she looks,” said Cox. “We're going to zero in on the Test and hopefully she can put in a similar effort.” Tremont To Sanford Question Studlydoright (Nyquist), who came from off the pace to win the Tremont S., is already back home at his base in Maryland. Studlydoright | Sarah Andrew “First stakes win in June in Saratoga ever, right?” the Laurel Park-based trainer John “Jerry” Robb said. “The horse came out of it great. He shipped back a few hours after the race and everything's good.” As to whether the GIII Sanford S. at Saratoga July 13 will be the 2-year-old colt's next target, Robb said he was unsure at this point. “We really haven't talked about it,” said Robb. “We were thinking about the race in Kentucky, the Bashford Manor, but that's back a little quick. At Saratoga they come back with a race going three-quarters in mid-July which is a little better. The owner is very involved, so I'll discuss everything with him.” Astoria Upsetter On Hold Trainer Jena Antonucci confirmed that Astoria S. heroine Whatintheliteral (Lord Nelson) exited her race in good order, but the conditioner has not yet given much thought about the next step for her 2-year-old filly. “She's great, came out of the race great,” said Antonucci. “She did well last night and looks all of her normal, sassy-self today.” The post All Thursday Spa Stakes Winners Exit Respective Races Well, Plans Pending appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 6-7, 3yo/up, 7f, 1:22.56, ft, 1 3/4 lengths. ILLUMINARE (c, 3, City of Light–I Still Miss You {MSW, $276,737}, by Majestic Warrior) jumped as the 9-2 third choice and flashed early speed up front before yielding the lead to 27-1 shot Call Bob (Central Banker). Poised right off that rival's flank up the backstretch, the $500,000 Keeneland September grad made his move off the turn, striking the front at the furlong marker and holding a steady advantage to the line to finish 1 3/4 lengths ahead of a closing Itza Mirrakle (Arrogate) who put in a good late run at odds of 24-1. Trulli Warrior (Curlin) came home sixth. Illuminare is the second foal and winner out of Astoria S. winner I Still Miss You. She has a 2-year-old Candy Ride (Arg) filly named Princess Fiona, lost her 2023 Justify foal and was bred to Street Sense for this year. Sales History: $500,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $55,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Centennial Farms; B-Emcee Stable LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. ILLUMINARE, the 3YO son of @LanesEndFarms stallion City of Light, breaks his maiden in the opener under @iradortiz for trainer @PletcherRacing. pic.twitter.com/ev85PPmEf8 — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 7, 2024 The post Illuminare A First-Out Winner For City Of Light appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coolmore juvenile Easy Mover (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}–Rain Goddess {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}), whose Group 3-winning dam ran second in both G1 Irish Oaks and G1 Pretty Polly S., opened Friday's card at Fairyhouse with a narrow success in the six-furlong Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden. The Aidan O'Brien trainee, who is a half-sister to last year's ill-fated Listed Dee S. winner San Antonio (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), prevailed by a head from Ado McGuinness representative Canto Della Terra (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). 1st-Fairyhouse, €18,000, Mdn, 6-7, 2yo, 6fT, 1:15.13, gd. EASY MOVER (IRE) (f, 2, Wootton Bassett {GB}–Rain Goddess {Ire} {GSW & MG1SP-Ire, SP-Eng, $275,631}, by Galileo {Ire}) broke well and tracked the leaders in fourth through the initial fractions of this debut. Straightening for home in third, the 16-5 chance came under pressure to launch her bid approaching the quarter-mile marker and was ridden out to deny Canto Della Terra (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) by a head in a bobbing finish. “She's a filly that's been going nicely at home and we thought we'd get her out,” revealed Ballydoyle's Chris Armstrong. “We were just a little bit worried coming here first time as the six around here is quite sharp and they can get a bit lost. Wayne [Lordan] gave her a lovely introduction, he kept her together as long as he could and got her there. She's a filly that's going to appreciate going up to seven [furlongs] or even a stiff six. She's now put herself in the mix for [Royal] Ascot, for the six [-furlong G3 Albany S.], or we could keep her for the [G3] Airlie Stud Stakes at the Curragh on [Irish] Derby weekend. She's a lovely filly physically, typical of the Wootton Bassetts. She's a very good mover, she has a good attitude and does everything right. She's one to look forward to.” Easy Mover is the fourth of five foals and third scorer from as many runners out of G3 Snow Fairy S. victrix and G1 Irish Oaks and G1 Pretty Polly S. runner-up Rain Goddess (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), herself a full-sister to the Group 3-placed duo Queenstown (Ire) and Realism (Ire). The April-foaled homebred bay's third dam is G1 1000 Guineas heroine Virginia Waters (Kingmambo). Easy Mover is a half-sister to Listed Dee S. victor San Antonio (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and a yearling filly by No Nay Never. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $11,761. O-Derrick Smith, Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Coolmore (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. Nice this Easy Mover (Wootton Bassett x Rain Goddess) makes a winning start for @Ballydoyle at @Fairyhouse Canto Della Terra one for the RTV tracker pic.twitter.com/oCNMoLW3d8 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 7, 2024 The post Wootton Bassett’s Easy Mover Notches Debut Score at Fairyhouse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Julie Wood's Voyage (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}), who parted ways with Pat Dobbs at the start of the G1 Betfred Derby, will return in the G2 King Edward VII S. at Royal Ascot, according to trainer Richard Hannon. A winner at Newbury in April, the bay was making just his second start in the Blue Riband. “Unfortunately, things didn't go to plan for Voyage in the Derby after he stumbled coming out of the stalls and unseated Dobbsy, who had no chance whatsoever,” Hannon said on his Unibet blog. “I had plenty of texts after the race congratulating me on training the first past the post in the Derby, but unfortunately there's no prize-money for 'winning' without the jockey! “It was a bitter disappointment for everyone, not least Julie Wood who has always wanted a Derby runner, but the horse is absolutely fine, and is definitely heading to Ascot for the King Edward VII S.” The post Voyage Hoping For Redemption With King Edward VII Target appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Recent five-length Saint-Cloud maiden winner Golden Belle (Fr) will be offered in the next Auctav Flash Sale on June 14. The three-year-old daughter of the Deep Impact (Jpn) stallion Martinborough (Jpn) was impressive when beating a field of colts on debut to land the Prix Helissio over 2,400m on debut for trainer Mathieu Brasme. Golden Belle is out of the Kendor (Fr) mare Golden Clou (Fr), a winner and black-type performer who is already the dam of six other winners. These include the nine-time Flat scorer Golden Rajsa (Fr) (Rajsaman {Ire}) and Listed-winning hurdler Golden Witch (Fr) (Elvstroem {Aus}). Brasme said of Golden Belle, “She has recently shown great improvement in training. Her win was very promising. She has all the qualities to be a good Flat race filly over long distance and to transition to National Hunt if that is what her future connections wish. “She has never jumped, but physically, mentally, and in terms of pedigree, she has everything it takes to be an excellent performer over hurdles or in steeplechases. She will continue to develop physically in the coming months.” The post Impressive Debut Winner Golden Belle in Auctav Flash Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Adam Potts has joined BBA Ireland as a bloodstock agent, the organisation announced on Friday. A graduate of the Irish National Stud Course, Potts has a Bachelor of Science in Economics with Finance from the Queen's University Belfast. He previously worked for the Racing Post, as well as European Bloodstock News, Thoroughbred Stallion Guide and International Thoroughbred. More recently, Potts worked with trainer Ken Condon, in addition to his work as a bloodstock agent. He selected G1 Irish 1000 Guineas runner and 'TDN Rising Star' Purple Lily (Ire) (Calyx {GB}) as a foal, and also was involved with the purchase of yearlings alongside Donovan Bloodstock among others. BBA Ireland's Patrick Cooper said, “We are delighted that Adam has joined the bloodstock team at BBA Ireland and look forward to future successes together.” “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to join BBA Ireland, a world-renowned agency known for its integrity, service and skill in purchasing successful racehorses,” Potts said. “I am eager to deliver on this for clients. Ireland is a global leader in the thoroughbred industry and BBA Ireland has long been associated with its success.” The post Adam Potts Joins BBA Ireland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National HBPA has filed a 'motion to supplement the record' to their longstanding case currently before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in which they challenge the lawfulness of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. This new motion charges that it again shows that HISA, and not the FTC, is actually in charge of horseracing rules, pointing to the new policy governing how Metformin cases were handled. On Tuesday, June 4, HISA announced that some trainers whose horses had tested positive for Metformin would have their suspensions deferred while HISA sought additional guidance on the drug. Those changes were, by and large, a result of the lobbying of horsemen for HISA to make changes in the way Metformin cases were handled, due to the possibility of environmental contamination. Metformin is a widely prescribed diabetes medication, and in several cases, horsemen had said that it was regularly used by the horses' handlers. The NHBPA concedes this point in the motion. The new motion reads, “The new guidance document issued June 4, 2024, is a current example in addition to the score of existing examples provided by the NHBPA Appellants…The newest document again demonstrates the NHBPA Appellants' point that HISA, not the FTC, has `the last word' and `final say over horseracing rules.' Though the new policy, announced through a press release, is in response to concerns raised by horsemen, it again represents an exercise of the Authority's self-claimed `enforcement discretion' to rewrite a rule from what the FTC approved to what the Authority now wants.” The motion goes on to charge that the original Metformin guidance was flawed. “In this instance, the document is doubly damning because in it the Authority admits it drafted the rule with a dubious scientific basis for the substance's inclusion in the banned substances list, a problem that perhaps would have been avoided if the FTC had exercised more robust initial review than mere `consistency,' i.e., rubber-stamping,” the motion reads. “The National HBPA filed this motion yesterday opposing HISA's policy change with respect to provisional suspensions and Metformin pending the RMTC's scientific review,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “It raises the question of why a horsemen's group would oppose a measure that was proposed for horsemen, by the Horsemen's Advisory Group, of which Dr. Chief Stipe Daniels, the NHBPA President, is a member. Instead of helping horsemen understand and comply with the rules, they're expending resources opposing measures that have been requested by, and supported by, the very horsemen they represent.” HISA and HIWU have always had the ability to amend provisional suspensions under Rule 3247(e), which reads, “HIWU may lift a provisional suspension (if) it considers it appropriate to do so on the specific facets on the case.” They have exercised this ability in the past, such as in the 2023 case of Ray Handal, whose provisional suspension was lifted after it appeared probable that mycotoxins in his horse's feed could have caused his positive result. The post NHBPA Files Motion Over Metformin Policy Change appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group winner Dallas Star (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}) sustained an injury during the running of the G1 Betfred Derby and will miss the rest of the season according to trainer Adrian Murray. Owned by Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing, the G3 Ballysax S. hero ran 14th over the good to soft ground. “Dallas Star picked up a bit of an injury unfortunately and I'd say he won't run again now this year,” said Murray. “I know the ground had gone a bit quick for him, but he's a better horse than that.” Murray also had updates on his Royal Ascot team, which would number as many as 10, all in the deep purple silks with white checked cap of Amo Racing. G3 Marble Hill S. hero Arizona Blaze (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev) is pointing to the G2 Coventry S., while California Dreamer (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}) is set for the G2 Queen Mary S. or G3 Albany S. The trainer enjoyed his first Royal Ascot winner with Valiant Force (Malibu Moon) at 150-1 in the G2 Norfolk S. in 2023. He returns to the fray, as does Group 1 winner Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). “We're hoping to have nine or 10 going,” he said. “Arizona Blaze will go, he'll probably go over six furlongs in the Coventry. “We've a nice 2-year-old filly in California Dreamer, she'll either go Queen Mary or the Albany and of course there's Valiant Force. “We'll split him and Bucanero Fuerte up so Valiant Force will probably run over five with Bucanero in the [G1] Commonwealth Cup, but none of these plans are set in stone just yet, we're still over a week away and a lot can change.” Breeders' Cup runner-up and multiple graded/group stakes winner Go Bears Go (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) has also returned from a stint in America and has joined Murray's string. “Go Bears Go is with us now, he's back from America,” he added. “We did have him in a race the other day but I'm not sure where he'll go, I'll have to talk to Kia.” G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup third Crypto Force (GB) (Time Test {GB}) could also be a force at Royal Ascot, and Murray is aiming the 4-year-old at the G2 Hardwicke S. He won the G2 Beresford S. in 2022. He was one position in front of stablemate Elegant Man (Arrogate) in the Gold Cup. He said, “Crypto Force ran well in the Tattersalls Gold Cup. He finished in front of Elegant Man, but when we galloped them the week before Elegant Man galloped all over him. There's every chance he'll get his ground at Ascot, possibly in the Hardwicke.” The post Dallas Star Ruled Out For Season After Derby Setback appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former UK-based jockeys Andrea Atzeni and Harry Bentley have once again been granted licences by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) for the upcoming season. Atzeni is currently ranked fourth during the 2023/2024 season with 44 wins, and Bentley is enjoying his best season in Hong Kong with 34 winners. Atzeni said, “I've had a fantastic time in Hong Kong. To be in the top five of the jockeys' championship for most of the season, to win two group races, and to be on 44 winners, was definitely more than I expected. Hopefully we can get to 50 or more winners from the meetings left–that'd be a nice mark to hit. “I've been lucky that I've landed on a couple of horses that have allowed me to be competitive in group races, which I wasn't necessarily expecting. I got the ride on Lucky With You (Aus) (Arctie Schiller) by chance, and won a Class 2 and was placed twice at Group 1 level. And there's obviously Taj Dragon (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) too, who gave me my first group winner–he's been a really solid horse, as is Nimble Nimbus (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) who we've had a lot of fun with. And not forgetting Ka Ying Generation (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), who was third in the Derby.” Both Atzeni and Bentley were previously retained riders for Roger Varian. Atzeni will be riding his second full season in Hong Kong, while Bentley will enter his fourth year on the challenging circuit. “Your contact base here is so important,” Bentley said. “The more time you spend here [in Hong Kong] the broader that can become, and the more confidence people have in you. I have a much bigger spread of trainers that are using me now, so going into next season, I feel like I have the backing you need to keep improving. “When I first moved to Hong Kong, I came with the intention of making it a long-term fixture, so I'm delighted to have a licence for the 2024/25 season and I look forward to hopefully building on my tally of winners again. A half century or more next season would certainly be the aim. “This season, we're on 34 winners versus 25 last season and there's still 10 fixtures to go, so hopefully we can get past the 40-mark. It was also important for me to get a group winner out here, so to win the G2 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy on Whizz Kid (Aus) (Shalaa {Ire}) was definitely one of the standout moments of the season. That, as well as getting my first treble at Happy Valley, were both great. I'm open to picking up rides over the summer in the UK, at Goodwood for example, but my main intention is to recharge the batteries for the 2024/25 Hong Kong season.” The post Atzeni And Bentley Re-Licenced By HKJC appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton has released the catalogue for its Midlantic June Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, to be held on Tuesday, June 25, at 2 p.m. ET at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland, the auction house said in a Friday release. The under-tack show will be conducted the day before on Monday, June 24, beginning at 8 a.m. ET. The sale was scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, but that date was adjusted. “This is the last opportunity to purchase a 2-year-old in training in 2024,” said Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Director of Sales Paget Bennett. “We have good sire power, quality pedigrees, and a dirt surface for horses to breeze over. The late June sale date is very advantageous for buyers as they can send their purchases straight to the racetrack from the sale.” A wide-variety of sires will be represented in the catalogue. State-bred programs will be on display including juveniles from Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The catalogue may now be viewed online and will also be available in the Equineline sales catalogue app. Print catalogues will be available beginning June 14. The post Midlantic June Two-Year-Olds In Training Catalogue Now Online 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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Coursetrack, an in-race timing information system, has been successfully installed at 25 Irish racecourses, the company announced on Friday. The data began being broadcasted on-screen and published online for 25 Irish racecourses since the start of the year. Coursetrack worked closely with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), the Association of Irish Racecourses (AIR) and each individual course during the installation process. The system is operated by Racecourse Media Group (RMG)'s timing partners, Coursetrack. Horses carry GPS trackers, designed to fit within the saddlecloth, during the race. In-race data for all races in Ireland–including race clock, leader's speed, leader's time per furlong and distance to finish–is provided to networks, including RTE and Racing TV, for live broadcasts. Chris Murtagh, operations director at Coursetrack, said “We are delighted that the implementation and operation of Coursetrack has been so well received by racecourses in Ireland. Listowel, which raced on Sunday, was the 25th racecourse to successfully deploy the system, and we hope Laytown–which is staged on a beach–will complete the full set of 26 Irish racecourses in September. I'd like to thank all Irish racecourses, who have been a pleasure to work with and are now, along with their audiences, benefitting from this ultra-reliable, low-latency and easy-to-interpret data.” The post Coursetrack Implemented At 25 Irish Racecourses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article