Wandering Eyes

Apprentice Ciel Butler made good use of her 2kg claim when she guided Matamata visitor Caitlyns Wish (NZ) (Belardo) to victory in the Open 1200m Handicap at Wanganui on Saturday. The Stephen Autridge-prepared four-year-old daughter of Belardo had been thereabouts of late without securing top spot on the podium and was well backed in the TAB Fixed Odds market to start a $3.90 second favourite behind the heavily supported Wewillrock (NZ) (El Roca) ($2.30). Wewillrock (59.5kgs), who carried a full 7.5kg more in weight than the eventual winner with senior rider Jonathan Riddell in the saddle, made a swift beginning and disputed the early pace with Caitlyns Wish (52kgs), before Bold Belle (NZ) (The Bold One) attacked the pair out wider as Butler eased her mount into a perfect trail. Rounding the home bend, Wewillrock took a direct path to the better going on the outside of the track however Butler had already angled into a similar space with Caitlyns Wish, and the pair set down to stage a length of the straight battle that went in favour of the Matamata mare by a long neck at the line. Butler was all smiles afterwards as she explained the instructions that Autridge had encouraged her to follow. “He (Autridge) said just be positive as she likes to be up there and although it didn’t go exactly as he thought she relaxed lovely behind the pace and it was just a matter of letting her go today,” Butler said. “Once Bold Belle went around us, she really started breathing well and relaxed so nicely. “They will all be coming down the outside today and I was always going to follow Riddell across (to the outside rail). Bred by Dame Wendy and Don Pye from their lightly raced St. Petersburg mare Sinalot (NZ), Caitlyns Wish is a half-sister to former top South Island sprinter Carnival (NZ) (Showcasing) who numbered the Gr.3 Stewards Stakes (1200m) amongst her four career wins. Autridge outlaid $38,000 to purchase her from the Haunui Farm draft during the Book 2 sale at Karaka in 2021 and she is raced by the estate of the late Stan Painton, who passed away in 2022 after many years as a loyal client of the Autridge stable. This was her fifth career win from just 14 starts and she has now earned over $101,000 mark in prizemoney. The victory took Butler to 24 wins for the season and inside the top 25 on the National Jockey’s Premiership ladder. View the full article

Hezashocka (NZ) (Shocking) has proven himself in far stronger company than Saturday’s Gr.3 Living Turf Premier’s Cup (2400m), and that big-race quality shone through with a comfortable victory at Eagle Farm. Although last month’s Listed Gosford Gold Cup (2200m) was his first win since 2022, Hezashocka has made his presence felt right up to the highest level. He has placed in the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m), Gr.3 JRA Plate (2000m) and Listed Mornington Cup (2400m), along with a fourth in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) and fifth in the Gr.1 Australian Cup (2000m). He was a close last-start seventh in the Gr.1 Doomben Cup (2000m) on May 25. The son of Shocking stepped down in class and up in distance on Saturday, and he produced a performance befitting his $2.25 favouritism. Jockey Jamie Kah took up a perfect position in fifth, one off the rail, then began to move closer coming down the side of the Eagle Farm track. Kah pushed the button at the home turn and Hezashocka bounded past Goldman (NZ) (Verdi) to take the lead. Alegron (Teofilo) gave his all and chased bravely down the straight, but Hezashocka maintained a comfortable advantage and won by a length and a half. Goldman crossed the line in third, six lengths adrift of the first pair. “What a ride by Jamie,” said Michael Kent Jr, who trains in partnership with Mick Price. “She said before the race that she was going to be fifth and one off the rail – there you go. He was always travelling like the winner. “He won the Gosford Cup and we had a plan to come here as our next target. We thought we’d give him a spin around in the Doomben Cup for a run, and he went super in that race. “He loves soft ground and he’s going great. There’s a big group of owners here today, so I’m delighted for them.” The stable will now consider a tilt at the A$1.2 million Gr.2 The Q22 (2200m) at the same venue on June 15. “The Q22 might appeal as an obvious target,” Kent said. “When this horse finds form, he usually holds it. We lost him for a while this season on firm tracks, but he’s thriving at the moment. For $1.2 million, why wouldn’t you go there?” Hezashocka began his career with Shaun and Emma Clotworthy and won the Gr.2 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie before OTI Racing bought into the horse. Emma Clotworthy and Keith Haub have retained a share of the ownership along with the Australian syndicate. Originally purchased at Karaka for $18,000 out of the draft of Grangewilliam Stud, Hezashocka has now won five of his 32 starts with a further eight placings and A$1,376,203 in prize-money. View the full article

Carpe Diem (outside) powers through the heavy conditions at Wanganui to win The Foxton Cup 2040 on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Carpe Diem relished the heavy track and returned to the winner’s circle for the first time in over a year in The Foxton Cup 2040 at Wanganui on Saturday. The winter specialist had recorded four of his prior five career victories in heavy conditions, most recently last May at Trentham, and that factor was duly noted by punters who backed him into a $5 second-favourite behind King Of Hearts ($4.10). Waitarere Beach trainer Brendon McDermott secured the services of Warren Kennedy for the Cup and he allowed Carpe Diem to settle one off the fence in fourth while Rocktilyoudrop controlled proceedings boldly in front. Nearing the 800m, Kahu Rock, who defeated Carpe Diem by the narrowest of margins in last year’s edition, took control and made his claim for back-to-back titles, but Kennedy directed the gelding to the outside rail in the home straight in search of better ground and he burst to the lead at the 400m. Phats and So Call Me fought hard to catch Carpe Diem, but the victory was all sewn up as he stormed home by 1.75 lengths. Kennedy had studied the track pattern prior to his first ride at Wanganui since entering New Zealand’s jockey ranks 18 months ago and was pleased to see his plan come to fruition. “I watched replays of it being wet here, and it seems that generally the outside is the better going,” he said. “It was a nice 2040m race, I could just bide my time and have a good look at the track. “He enjoys the wet track, and when they’re going well you just have to let them go. He started to track up really nicely at the 800, so I just said if you want to run, you go boy. “He had a look around at the 200 and had a little shift, but when they came at him he rallied again. It was a really courageous win.” Horse racing news View the full article

I Wish I Win ridden by Luke Nolen takes out the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman have claimed back-to-back wins at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, with I Wish I Win (+280) securing victory in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m). He was able to turn the tables on Bella Nipotina (+750) from the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) last start after chasing on inferior ground, with Luke Nolen being legged aboard this time for the absent James McDonald. It had already proved to be a winning combination prior to Saturday, with Nolen boasting an outstanding record on the son of Savabeel, with eight rides for three wins and another four minor placings, now adding a fourth win to the tally for the old firm. It was a perfect ride by Nolen to get away from the inside running rail in the concluding stages, allowing I Wish I Win to settle into a lovely rhythm in the back-half of the field. Uncommon James (+3300) strode to the front to gain a relatively uncontested lead, while Freedom Rally (+3000) loomed up to sit just in behind the speed, giving Bella Nipoitina and Think About It (+300) the perfect stalking positions. I Wish I Win and In Secret (+750) both made inroads down the middle of the course turning for home, but it was the former letting down best, while Bella Nipotina was attempting to cause back-to-back upsets in the final furlong. I Wish I Win was able to knuckle down to the task in the end though, claiming his first win since the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) in 2023. 2024 Kingsford Smith Cup replay – I Wish I Win Katherine Coleman spoke for the second time at Eagle Farm and praised the ride by Nolen before thanking everyone involved in the horse. “We had a fair bit of confidence, but barrier one, he was going to need a good ride from Luke Nolen and I’m so thrilled for Luke to win this on him as well,” said Coleman. “He’s worked hard to get back on him and that adds another layer to it. “I was so happy when I saw him today, he looks incredible and that’s a huge credit to the team that have had him up here in Brisbane. Gio has been up here the last few months looking after the horses and travelling. They stayed at Desleigh Forster’s stable and she’s done an amazing job as well. “I’ve got to say a huge thanks to our team back home, Will Holmes, our foreman, all the staff, they do an incredible job and we wouldn’t be doing this without them. “We’ll just see how he pulls up, but I’d say he’ll go and have a little break now and will prep him for the Spring/Everest.” It was an emotional Luke Nolen in the aftermath as he thanked the Moody & Coleman camp for the opportunity. “I’ve done a lot on this horse,” said Nolen. “Obviously I was a bit disappointed being off but we made amends today. “Some days you’re at the top and other days you’re at the bottom so you take each day as it comes. I was pretty down but these experiences are character building. I’ve got plenty of bloody character now, don’t worry. “Obviously I’ve got a lot to do with the Moody/Coleman yard and 40 group ones. One ride in the day and I didn’t know where I was going on Sunday so I’m very grateful.” Horse racing news View the full article

Belardi (outside) pulls away to win the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Three and a half hours before Moonlight Magic took her place in Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm, her half-brother Belardi kicked off a huge day for the family with victory in the Listed Castletown Stakes (1200m) at Wanganui. Both Belardi and Moonlight Magic are trained by Andrew Forsman for owner-breeders the Sunlight Trust, and they are among the five winners from just five foals out of the Encosta De Lago mare Japonica. Belardi became the second stakes winner in that group, with Moonlight Magic having previously captured the Group 3 Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie in April. Saturday’s Castletown Stakes was the third career start for Belardi, who was well supported for his debut appearance at New Plymouth on May 11 after a stylish trial win. He finished only sixth that day, but bounced back strongly to lead all the way for a maiden success at Taupo on May 22. The two-year-old Belardo gelding faced a steep class rise on a sharp 10-day turnaround on Saturday, but he showed that he was up to the task. Jockey Joe Doyle adopted similar front-running tactics, driving him forward from his inside gate to take up a leading position after the first 100m. The previous two races on Saturday’s Wanganui card had established that the outside part of the track was clearly the place to be down the home straight, and Doyle was able to bring Belardi across the front of the field at the turn and into that better ground. Raziah and He’s Lucid finished strongly out of the pack and tried their hardest to pull Belardi back in down the straight, but the Cambridge gelding kicked away from them again in the last 50m to win by a length and a half. “He didn’t break particularly well, but he was quick into gear and then just travelled so smoothly from there,” said Doyle, who has now ridden 14 Group and Listed winners this season. “He’s a Belardo, and these kinds of tracks often seem to suit them. When we got on to the better ground in the straight and I gave him a squeeze, he picked up very nicely. He might have idled a touch when he was in front in the straight, so I’d say there’s still more in the tank. “He’s not overly big, but he’s a very willing horse. That tendency to idle won’t be there for much longer and I’m sure we’ll see more improvement from him.” Belardi’s three-start career has now produced two wins and $57,725 in stakes. With Forsman in Brisbane to saddle Moonlight Magic and First Innings in Saturday’s Queensland Derby, he was represented at Wanganui on Saturday by assistant trainer Trina Riddell. “That was a really good win, and with his half-sister racing in the Queensland Derby today, it’s a big day for the Sunlight Trust,” Riddell said. “Belardi is a really nice horse, and I thought Joe did a great job to lead and get him to that outside ground in the straight.” Belardi became the second stakes-winning two-year-old in the space of a week for former Haunui Farm shuttle stallion Belardo, who also sired last Saturday’s Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) winner Southern Warrior. Horse racing news View the full article

Hezashocka ridden by Jamie Kah takes out the Group 3 Premier’s Cup at Eagle Farm. Photo: Darren Winningham After being heavily backed and jumping as a clear favourite in the Group 3 Premier’s Cup, Hezashocka (+125) from the Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr stable has taken out the 2400m contest, thanks primarily to a peach of a ride from Jamie Kah. The son of Shocking jumped nicely from barrier three, and Kah was able to settle one horse off the fence and just behind the leaders, which allowed her mount to settle and get into a nice rhythm. Knights Order (+2000) and Goldman (+550) led the field up and assured a strong gallop around the Eagle Farm circuit, while Double Cherry (+3000) and King Frankel (+1700) settled on their backs. As the field hit the 600m mark, the tempo lifted considerably, but with most of his rivals already off the bit, it was the eventual winner who travelled up to the leader and took over by the 300m mark. By the time they hit the 150m mark, it was Hezashocka in front of the fast-finishing Alegron (+1800) on his outside, and those two cleared out from the rest of the field, going over the line in that order. 2024 Premier’s Cup Replay – Hezashocka Michael Kent Jnr was on course to speak about the win of Hezashocka and what could be next for the in-form six-year-old gelding. “What a ride by Jamie. She said pre-race ‘I’ll be fifth, one-off’. There you go,” Kent Jnr said. “He won the Gosford Cup. we had a plan to come here, three weeks and give him a spin around in the Doomben Cup. He ran super. “He loves soft tracks, he’s going great and a big group of owners here. “The Q22 might appeal. That is the obvious one. “When this horse finds form he normally holds it. We lost him for a bit on firmer track but back on softer tracks he is just thriving. “I’d say for $1.2 million, why wouldn’t we go there?” Jamie Kah was very happy with the win post-race. “I just said to the owners that I probably shouldn’t get paid, that was too easy,” Kah said. “He’s just a gentleman to ride and he’s been running so well. “He ran well last start, just in the wrong part of the track and if he jumps and puts himself there, he is really competitive and today everything worked out. “He’s been in the zone his last few starts. He’s been running so well and needed the right run in the race.” Horse racing news View the full article

Frankie Dettori had never ridden at Penn National Race Course before May 31. He made an incredible first impression, sweeping the $400,000 Penn Mile (G3T) and the $150,000 Penn Oaks, winning both races with impeccably timed rides via photo finish.View the full article

Veteran trainer aiming to add to his outstanding overseas record in Sunday’s Group One Yasuda Kinen (1,600m)View the full article

Making his first trip to Penn National, Frankie Dettori completed a stakes double with a last-jump success aboard Qatar Racing and Hunter Valley Farm's FIRST WORLD WAR (c, 3, War Front–Sundaysatthebeach, by Medaglia d'Oro) in Friday's GIII Penn Mile. Sent off as the 33-10 third betting favorite behind last-out GII American Turf S. upsetter Trikari (Oscar Performance) and the twice-raced Good Lord Lorrie (Hard Spun), the $285,000 Fasig-Tipton November weanling took up a position just behind midfield as 6-1 Set (Oscar Performance) galloped his rivals along through enervating fractions of :23.09 and :46.31. Slipstreaming Trikari down the backstretch and into the turn, First World War was given a dig leaving the three-furlong peg and was steered out four wide into the lane. When Set rolled away from the inside turning for home, Cristian Torres atop the rail-skimming 17-1 shot Aspenite (Constitution) took full advantage, sending his mount through to challenge Trikari, who raced prominently throughout after departing from the widest gate. First World War wanted to hang on his incorrect lead into the final eighth of a mile, but once he switched over, he gobbled up the ground three off the inside and won the tightest of photos over Aspenite, with Trikari right there between them in third. Winner two back of the GIII Kitten's Joy S. at Gulfstream Feb. 3, First World War found some trouble and could do no better than ninth, but not beaten far, in Keeneland's GIII Transylvania S. Apr. 5. Dettori won the co-featured Penn Oaks one race earlier with favored Poolside With Slim (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}). Sales history: $285,000 Wlg '21 FTKNOV; $135,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 7-3-2-0. O-Qatar Racing LLC & Hunter Valley Farm; B-Skyfall Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Brendan Walsh. What a finish in the $400,000 Penn Mile Stakes (G3)! #4 FIRST WORLD WAR ($8.80) got a nose down on the wire ahead of Aspenite and Trikari to give @FrankieDettori a double at Penn National! pic.twitter.com/8qcUX8O4Ax — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) June 1, 2024 Friday, Penn National PENN MILE S.-GIII, $400,000, Penn National, 5-31, 3yo, 1mT, 1:33.50, fm. 1–FIRST WORLD WAR, 122, c, 3, by War Front 1st Dam: Sundaysatthebeach (GSP, $129,280), by Medaglia d'Oro 2nd Dam: Ask the Moon, by Malibu Moon 3rd Dam: Always Asking, by Valid Appeal ($285,000 Wlg '21 FTKNOV; $135,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Qatar Racing LLC and Hunter Valley Farm; B-Skyfall Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $230,400. Lifetime Record: 7-3-2-0, $501,713. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Aspenite, 122, c, 3, Constitution–Aspening, by Candy Ride (Arg). 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($375,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC; B-Glen Hill Farm (KY); T-Steven Asmussen. $76,800. 3–Trikari, 122, c, 3, Oscar Performance–Dynamic Holiday, by Harlan's Holiday. ($9,000 Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $27,500 Ylg '22 OBSOCT). O-Amerman Racing LLC; B-Michael A Slezak & Amy Boll (KY); T-H. Graham Motion. $42,240. Margins: NO, NK, 1HF. Odds: 3.40, 17.40, 2.00. Also Ran: Good Lord Lorrie, Set, Please Advise, Freedom Principle, I Know Map, Tropandhagen. Scratched: Dancing Groom. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post War Front’s First World War Gives Dettori Back-To-Back Stakes in Penn Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After reading Dan Ross's Aftercare gaps article in the May 31 edition of the TDN, I have some suggestions. Jeff Bloom (TAA president) hit the problem on the head: “One way or another we need a mandatory sustainable fundraising solution. So who's going to pay for that?” As TAA's Founder and first President in 2012, I was a complete failure in attaining mandatory funding through our Industry. It continues to baffle me on how we could not raise $15-$20 million to help solve this problem. Maybe that's not enough either, but let's make that our goal. Sales companies: Mandatory 1% fee for top 70% of horses purchased, 0.5 % for bottom 30% purchased. Consignors/Sales companies 0.5% on purchase price. If this had been implemented last year, that would have amounted to $3,280,000. If Mike Repole buys $15 million worth of stock, do you think he would care about designating 150,000 to Aftercare of choice? Starlight would be happy to commit 1% of our $4-5 million spend at the sales. Tracks: Australia commits a decent percentage of purses to aftercare. I don't see why U.S. tracks can't do the same thing. In 2012, Breeders' Cup, Keeneland and The Jockey Club committed $300,000 in seed money to get TAA off the ground. I had hoped that the industry would have continued to grow funds for aftercare. This has not happened to the level I had hoped. Registration fees need to have a mandatory level that makes a difference. I think Keeneland and Breeders Cup and The Jockey Club need to be the leaders in mandatory increase of significant amounts. I really thank the three organizations that helped to get us get started, but it's time for mandatory requirement from every level of the industry. We should make the $3-$5 million look like $15-$20 million and let the TAA worry about operations, which they are great at, and let the fundraising be the responsibility of the three organizations. Looking at the Board of the TAA, they should have the ability to execute mandatory significant fees to get this up to the $15-$20 million level. If they choose not to do it, how can HISA help? If you are going to play this game, you have to find a way to take care of our retired horses even if you are taking care of your own after retirement. Jack Wolf Starlight Racing The post Letter to the Editor: Jack Wolf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two defendants charged in the indictment that landed former trainers Jorge Navarro and Jason Servis in federal prison for multiple years were sentenced in May, more than four years after they were originally charged.View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit has issued trainer Patricia Farro a four-year suspension after two of her runners tested positive for cobalt salts. View the full article

Hall of Fame jockey Kent Desormeaux rode for the first time in a decade at Gulfstream Park on Friday, and made the trip worth his while when piloting Lady Cha Cha (Vino Rosso) to a victory for trainer Laura Cazares in the afternoon's featured seventh race. “All credit to the horse. What a nice filly,” the three-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey told the Gulfstream notes team. “Thank you to Laura. I've never met her, but she put me on her horses today. I appreciate the opportunity.” The 54-year-old rode two horses on the program as he awaits a June 7 meeting with California Horse Racing Board stewards. “I'll make up my mind after that,” said Desormeaux. “I have a protocol that I have to go through that prevents me from competing with my peers. I'll leave it at that.” The Louisiana native told the Gulfstream media office that should the 'situation with the CHRB go unresolved' that he would consider relocating to either Gulfstream or Colonial Downs. Desormeaux, winner of the 2008 GI Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park aboard future dual Classic winner Big Brown (Boundary), is named on one horse on Saturday's program and another on Sunday before he returns to Southern California. Friday's victory was the 6,171st of his career. Kent Desormeaux takes the 7th @GulfstreamPark aboard Lady Cha Cha! Thank you to Laura Cazares and her team for the win pic.twitter.com/IcNol9kcc7 — Jose Santos Jr. (@joesantos_33) May 31, 2024 The post Desormeaux Rides Gulfstream Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frank Mirahmadi's announcing career has been on the rise over the past five years, named Santa Anita Park's permanent race caller beginning with the 2019 winter/spring meet and then as Saratoga Race Course's announcer in 2023.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features an expensive juvenile. 17.08 Doncaster, Mdn, £6,800, 2yo, f, 6f 111yT ARABIAN DUSK (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) represents the Shaikh Duaij Al Khalifa and Simon and Ed Crisford connection successful in the G2 Norfolk S. in 2019 with A'Ali (Ire) (Society Rock {Ire}). This filly, who cost 525,000gns at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up, will have the Royal meeting on the agenda if she lives up to her billing on debut. The post Craven Breeze-Up Sensation Hits The Track At Doncaster 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 Welfare Unit (HIWU) has penalized a second Parx-based trainer this week for multiple violations of the banned substance cobalt salts. Two separate May 30 “final decision” summaries were posted on the HIWU website for trainer Patricia Farro, suspending her for a total of four years and fining her $50,000 after cobalt salts were detected in two Parx winners she trained earlier this year: Deplane (He's Had Enough) on Feb. 6 and Knockout Win (Winchill) on Feb. 28. The cumulative penalties were the result of the pair of two-year suspensions/$25,000 fines being combined. The case summary was listed as “resolved,” but it was unclear at deadline for this story if Farro intends to appeal HIWU's final decision. Farro's penalties followed those imposed one day earlier upon trainer Monte Gelrod, who was suspended for 18 months and fined $12,500 after his trainee, Ratified (Constitution), tested positive for cobalt salts after winning her fourth race in a row at Parx on Feb. 19 and again after running sixth there on Mar. 4. Gelrod's lesser penalties for the same banned substance were the result of his having agreed to an “admission of rule violation and acceptance of consequences” settlement with HIWU. As TDN's Dan Ross reported on Wednesday, cobalt has been proven to stimulate the production of red blood cells. Its use as a performance-enhancer has to do with greater blood cell production helping endurance and decreasing muscle fatigue. The horses involved have all been disqualified and are in the process of sitting out a six-month ineligibility period. The post Second Parx Trainer This Week Penalized For Cobalt Salts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Emma Berry & Heather Anderson Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix du Jockey Club is an enticing affair, with Group 1 winner Sunway appearing poised to return to his best form. There are several intriguing new shooters, including listed winner Fast Tracker, who will be making his debut in the Wathnan Racing colours. British raider and group winner Ghostwriter, who ran fourth in the 2000 Guineas, will be plying his trade in France for the first time. All in all, most of the field is in with a chance, with the potential wet weather definitely set to play a part. WAHDAN (IRE) Siyouni (Fr)–Lamorlaye (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) Sales info: Offered by Haras de Castillon, this Khalifa al Attiyah-bred colt was a 140,000gns buy-back at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1. Pedigree/form notes: The sixth foal of his winning dam, Wahdan is a half-brother to the G3 Prix Imprudence third Talbah (GB) (Style Vendome {Fr}) and German listed winner Wasmya (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}). His granddam, Love To Dance (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), was third in the G2 Blandford S., and she, in turn, is a half-sister to six-time Group 1 winner and sire Dylan Thomas (Ire) (Danehill), who won the Irish Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe among other top-notch races. He is also related to the Classic winners Homecoming Queen (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Serpentine (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Remember When (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). Never worse than third in three starts, this winner was fourth to the re-opposing Fast Tracker (GB) (Churchill {Ire}) and Dollar Index (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) in the Listed Prix de Suresnes over 2,000 metres in soft ground at Chantilly on May 2. Needs to find more to make an impact on Sunday. RAMADAN (FR) Le Havre (Ire)–Raushan (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}) Pedigree/form notes: A homebred for Nurlan Bizakov's Sumbe operation, the half-brother to stakes winner and G3 Hopping S. second Rasima (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) won a soft-ground maiden at Chantilly and then ran fourth in the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud at Saint-Cloud to end his juvenile year. Kin to G1 Pretty Polly S. heroine Chinese White (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}), the sixth foal out of Raushan thumped the Listed Prix Omnium II field by five lengths this spring and added the G3 Prix de Fontainebleau next out in April before a solid fifth in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains this month. Ramadan should love the ground regardless of how much rain falls at Chantilly. A live chance. GRECIAN STORM (GB) Churchill (Ire)–Dalila (Ger) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) Pedigree/form notes: By the sire of 2022 Jockey Club winner Vadeni (Fr), Grecian Storm was bred by SCEA Marmion, Catherine Kairis and Nightchill, LLC. Already a winner of three races at two and three in ground ranging from good to soft to heavy, the son of Listed Premio Coolmore runner-up Dalila was third in the G3 Prix de Guiche. Kin to the three-time group-placed Drummer (Ger) (Duke Of Marmalade {Ire}), Grecian Storm must find more, as the waters are deeper in this test. FIRST LOOK (IRE) Lope De Vega (Ire)–Bilissie (GB) (Dansili {GB}) Sales info: Part of breeder Haras de la Perelle's draft at the Arqana August Sale, he was purchased by BBA Ireland for €340,000. Pedigree/form notes: A juvenile winner over the all-weather, First Look has shown marked improvement this year, with a third in the G3 Prix la Force in April before running second in the G3 Prix de Guiche on May 11. His dam won the Listed Prix Charles Laffitte, and he is her fourth foal and second winner. Second dam Balladeuse (Fr) (Singspiel {Ire}), who won the G2 Prix de Royallieu and is a half-sister to G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winner Plumania (GB) (Anabaa), produced G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Left Hand (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) among other talented runners. No issues with soft ground, and could surprise at a price. DOLLAR INDEX (FR) Kendargent (Fr)–Kikinda (Fr) (Daliapour {Ire}) Sales info: A shrewd €36,000 buy by Chauvigny Global Equine from the Haras du Petit Tellier consignment at the Arqana October Yearling Sale. Pedigree/form notes: Bred by Patrick Chedeville, Dollar Index sports a pair of wins over the all-weather (at two) and turf in heavy ground on April Fools' Day. He was a distant second to seven-length Listed Prix de Suresnes winner Fast Tracker on May 2. Not yet the most talented offspring of his winning dam, the 11th foal of Kikinda is a half-brother to listed winner High Alpha (Fr) (Fuisse {Fr}), who was second in the G3 Prix des Chenes, while Stillman (Fr) (Vespone {Ire}) placed five times in France a group level and was also third in the G2 Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen (German 2000 Guineas). Well-related, but has more to find on his own merits. MONDO MAN (GB) Mondialiste (Ire)–Moghrama (Ire) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) Sales info: Sent through the Arqana ring for the May Breeze-Up Sale by the Bloodstock Connection, the Elwick Stud-bred caught the eye of trainer Pia Brandt for €30,000. Pedigree/form notes: He found the Deauville all-weather to his taste when a four-length winner over 1,800 metres making his 3-year-old bow in February. Third in the Listed Prix Maurice Caillault at Chantilly in March, Mondo Man was second in the G3 Prix la Force at ParisLongchamp in heavy ground on Apr. 7. His dam is a half-sister to the group winners Mythical Magic (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) and Esentepe (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}). It remains to be seen whether the long break will have served him well. SUNWAY (FR) Galiway (GB)–Kensea (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) Sales info: This full-brother to G1 Gran Criterium/G1 Champion S. hero and Jockey Club second Sealiway (Fr) was retained at €300,000 at the Arqana August Yearling Sale by his breeder Guy Pariente. Pedigree/form notes: Second in the G2 Champagne S. and a winner of the G1 Criterium International at two, this son of Listed Prix Herod heroine Kensea appeared to be lacking fitness when fifth in the G3 Prix la Force on Apr. 7. He showed plenty of progression to be only a neck behind Wootton Verni (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in the G3 Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud on May 6. Deservedly one of the favourites, especially as he has already shown he thrives on ground with plenty of cut. LOOK DE VEGA (FR) Lope De Vega (Ire)–Lucelle (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) Sales info: Haras de la Morsangliere bought out breeding partner Ecurie des Charmes for €180,000 when the colt was offered at the Arqana August Yearling Sale. Pedigree/form notes: From the further family of the 2007 winner of this race, Lawman (Fr), Look De Vega is out of the treble winner Lucelle, a half-sister to G2 Lancashire Oaks winner The Black Princess (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}). All four of the mare's foals are now winners, and he is unbeaten in his two starts for Carlos and Yann Lerner. He made his debut over 1,800m at Fontainebleau last November before winning easily over 2,000m at Longchamp in early May. Takes a big step up here but is clearly progressive. ALCANTOR (FR) New Bay (GB)–Bianca De Medici (GB) (Medicean {GB}) Sales info: Bred by SCEA du Grand Chene, he was a €180,000 Arqana foal, bought by Nick Bell on behalf of Baron Edouard de Rothschild's Haras de Meautry. Pedigree/form notes: A close third in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, improving nicely on his sixth-place finish in the Craven S. at Newmarket. He was also runner-up in the G1 Criterium International at two. He is the sixth winner from as many runners out of his winning dam – a half-sister to the Hungarian champion Thunder Teddington (GB) (Halling) – with the others including the G2 Oppenheim-Union-Rennen victor Boscaccio (Ger) (Mount Nelson {GB}). The descendants of his third dam, Trevillari (Riverman) – a full-sister to the G1 Prix Saint-Alary victrix Treble – include the dual G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Treve (Fr) (Motivator {GB}, while his fourth dam Trevilla (Lyphard) is an unraced half-sister to the great Triptych (Riverman). GHOSTWRITER (IRE) Invincible Spirit (Ire)–Moorside (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}) Sales info: Offered by his breeders Norelands Stud and the Irish National Stud as a foal at Tattersalls, he was bought by David Bowe on behalf of Jeff Smith's Littleton Stud for 100,000gns. Pedigree/form notes: His Juddmonte-bred granddam Marching West (Gone West) is a sister to the 1993 2,000 Guineas winner Zafonic and also to Zamindar, who ran fifth to Entrepreneur in that same race four years later. Moorside, who was second in the Cheshire Oaks, was her sole black-type performer. Ghostwriter won all three starts last year, including the G2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge S., and took fourth in the 2,000 Guineas, in what is already starting to look like a strong edition of that Classic. The second and third – Rosallion (Ire) and Haatem (Ire) – went on to finish first and second in the Irish 2,000 Guineas last weekend. He should cope with this step up in distance. DIEGO VELAZQUEZ (IRE) Frankel (GB)–Sweepstake (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) Sales info: Bred by Denis Brosnan's Epona Bloodstock, he sold to MV Magnier and White Birch Farm for 2.4 million gns at Tattersalls October Book 1. Pedigree/form notes: Earned a 'TDN Rising Star' on debut at two before following up in the G2 Champions Juvenile S. Ran a solid fourth in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, only a length off the winner, and it would be no surprise to see him step forward again on only his second start this year. He is a half-brother to the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud winner Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) as well as Point Lonsdale (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who gained the sixth black-type victory of his career in this year's G3 Ormonde S. Their dam is a Listed winner out of the Suave Dancer mare Dust Flicker (GB), herself a full-sister to the G3 Prix de la Nonette victrix Dust Dancer (GB). Dust Dancer, in turn, is the granddam of the late sire and Group 1 winner Zoffany (Ire) (Dansili {GB}). ARROW EAGLE (FR) Gleneagles (Ire)–Absolutly Me (Fr) (Anabaa Blue {GB}) Pedigree/form notes: Owned and bred by Waltraut Spanner, this colt has plenty to live up to as a half-brother to last year's sensational winner Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}). He has made a similarly promising start to his career, winning twice at Cagnes-sur-Mer over the winter and more recently finishing second to fellow challenger Sosie in a conditions race at Longchamp. Arrow Eagle will be bidding to become the fourth black-type performer for his dam, who was herself a winner over a mile as well as being Listed-placed. FAST TRACKER (FR) Churchill (Ire)–Emma Knows (Ire) (Anabaa) Pedigree/form notes: Bred by Guy Heald, in whose colours he has run until his recent private sale to Wathnan Racing, Fast Tracker only made his debut in late January but has had plenty of seasoning since then and now has five starts under his belt. He has won his last three races, at Cagnes-sur-Mer, Chantilly and Longchamp, progressing from 1,500m to 2,000m, with his most recent win coming in the Listed Prix de Suresnes. That contest was won last year by Ace Impact en route to Classic glory. His dam Emma Knows, also bred by Heald, is an unraced half-sister to the stakes-placed Leader Writer (Fr) (Pivotal {GB}) and King Of Camelot (Fr) (Camelot {GB}), and she has also produced the Listed-placed My Scholar (Fr) (Pour Moi {Ire}). Fast Tracker is proven on the type of ground he is likely to encounter on Sunday and looks to have a major chance. ATLAST (FR) Farhh (GB)–Pitamore (More Than Ready) Pedigree/form notes: His dam won over 7.5f and is a half-sister to the prolific stayer Funny Kid (Lemon Drop Kid), whose eight wins include the Prix de Barbeville. A strapping individual, Atlast was a winner at two on the Chantilly all-weather and bounced out at three with an impressive win in the G3 Prix La Force in heavy ground. Keenness perhaps got the better of him when fading to last of five in the G3 Prix de Guiche on his most recent start. If he settles he could be a leading player and he is one of two in the race for owner-breeders Wertheimer & Frere. SOSIE (FR) Sea The Stars (Ire)–Sosia (Ger) (Shamardal) Pedigree/form notes: The second of the Wertheimer duo, Sosie got the better of Arrow Eagle on his most recent start at Longchamp over 2,150m. Last year he won on debut at Chantilly on September and returned to that track to take second in October's Listed Prix Isonomy behind War Chimes, who was third in the Oaks on Friday. He is a half-brother to three black-type performers, including dual Listed winner Anasia (GB) (Intello {Ger}), out of a winner from one of the best families in Germany. Granddam Sahel (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) is a full-sister to three German Classic winners in Samum (Ger), Schiaparelli (Ger) and Salve Regina (Ger), making Sosie similarly bred to the Deutsches Derby winner Sea The Moon (Ger). The post The Lowdown: Qatar Prix Du Jockey Club appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An online auction featuring a large 6-liter bottle of Luc Belaire Rare Rose adorned with 2024 Santa Anita Derby Day artwork by artist Juliana Paige and autographed by Santa Anita jockeys is now underway. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The auction will run through 8 p.m. ET on closing day of the Santa Anita Hollywood Meeting Sunday, June 16. Crafted by fifth and sixth generation winemakers at a renowned French Maison founded in 1898, Luc Belaire Rare Rose holds a rich legacy of excellence and workmanship, according to a release. This one-of-a-kind Rose is praised for its astounding flavor and sophisticated appearance which carries on the founders' legacy by combining classic elegance with modern luxury, the release states. The post Luc Belaire Rare Rose Auction to Benefit TAA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In it seems no time at all, Coolmore's big horse City Of Troy (Justify) has gone from “our Frankel” to a colt carrying a huge symbolic question mark over a head that appeared poised to carry racing's crown. There have been few greater anti-climaxes in the history of Ballydoyle than that which accompanied his abject 2,000 Guineas performance and, following the roller-coaster experience of last year's Derby, we are unexpectedly back in familiar territory. What occurred at Epsom last June was heralded as a feat of training without equal as Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) pulled himself back from a tame effort at Newmarket, but 12 months on Aidan O'Brien has had to do it all over again. Studying the pioneer of Rosegreen over a seismic last four weeks, it is hard to recall him engaging in a more passionate defence of a reputation since he began there in the 90s. The colt that he describes as “vital” has come under an intense scrutiny from the media that is both understandable and reasonable given his blow-out in the Guineas and he has answered the probing with ardent faith. We have had the reasons for his eclipse; the winter preparation that was in hindsight too soft and the stalls panic at Newmarket and heart-rate issues. O'Brien has railed against critics of the colt's physique, of which there are many, but at 4.30 on Saturday afternoon it is all out of his hands and up to City Of Troy and Ryan Moore who has given up a Derby ride on Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) that any jockey would give his right arm for. The rider in question is in no doubt he is on the best horse in the line-up, but also aware that there is some ground to make up after the Guineas. “We were clearly all a touch bemused by that performance at the time, but hopefully Aidan has got him back to somewhere near his brilliant two-year-old best at home and if he has then he will take all the beating,” he said. “We always thought this trip would suit him at three, but he has to go out and prove it now and even more so after Newmarket. But there is only one place to find out and we are here.” Where there were valid reasons for believing that Auguste Rodin could turn around his fortunes 12 months ago, with more suitable ground conditions and a favourable draw to help as well as the obvious pedigree credentials and striding data, City Of Troy has many more factors against him. From stall one, Moore will have to use up energy from the outset which contributed to the colt's downfall at Newmarket, while the surface is also likely to ride on the dead side. What is in his favour is the fact that his dam's full-sister won a soft-ground Oaks and his full-brother Bertinelli was a mile-and-a-quarter and mile-and-a-half slogger. Oh, and the fact that up until the start of last month he looked a phenomenon in the making. The Danger Within… Where City Of Troy is a quandary wrapped up in an enigma, the yard's second-string Los Angeles is a case of what you see is what you get. Ideally positioned as a Derby prospect given his stats and form, the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud and G3 Leopardstown Derby Trial winner comes here via a tried-and-trusted route with Euphoric (GB) (Frankel {GB}) presumably here to aid his cause in front. As if he didn't have enough in his favour, his family features Urban Sea (Miswaki) so he has Epsom in the veins. If he is on City Of Troy's case in the closing stages, we could well be in for another High Chaparral-Hawk Wing scenario. Best Of The Brits? Given the forecast earlier his week, Charlie Appleby must have been thinking that the pieces were falling into place for last year's G1 Futurity Trophy hero Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) but the expected rain has failed to materialise as expected and his prospects have diminished as a result. There was a time, pre-Workforce when defeat in the Dante was the kiss of death here and, given he was beaten six lengths in York's time-honoured trial, it is hard to enthuse about the Godolphin runner. That cannot be said about the leading British contender Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), who dominated a Listed Lingfield Derby Trial that has received a subsequent boost and he is charged with bringing more Epsom Classic glory to the Gredley Family who 32 years ago celebrated an Oaks victory courtesy of User Friendly (GB). James Fanshawe will be a welcome sight in the paddock beforehand and he is keeping typically cool ahead of a big day for his longstanding Pegasus Stables. “Of course there is a real buzz in the yard about having a Derby contender. There seems to be a real interest in Ambiente Friendly and that's great,” he said. “We've had plenty of Group 1 successes, but we haven't had too many runners in the Classics. We've had a second in the 1,000 Guineas with Spacious and Soviet Song wasn't quite right when she was fourth, but the Derby is the Derby and a lot of things are judged on the result of it.” “All I can say is Ambiente Friendly has done it and won his trial in a good time and seems to have come out of the race in good shape,” he added. “Over the winter and even since the Feilden S., he has grown up a lot. He was a little bit fresh at Newmarket, but at Lingfield he went round a bend as good as any horse went round there.” To War Again… Perhaps such an open Derby provides the heavy investors King Power Racing and Amo Racing their breakthrough opportunity after continued trying with the likeable Listed Blue Riband Trial winner Bellum Justum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and G3 Ballysax S. winner Dallas Star (Fr) by Sea The Stars's son Cloth Of Stars (Ire) respectively. Dallas Star, who hails from the family of Friday's G1 Coronation Cup hero Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), was another soundly beaten by Arabian Crown in last year's G3 Zetland S., but his comeback effort for Adrian Murray marked him as a middle-distance colt to take seriously. Interestingly, Bellum Justum had the pace to beat a certain Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal) in his Newmarket maiden in September, while the Blue Riband Trial third Chief Little Rock (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) did much to enhance his credentials in Sunday's Gallinule. He also descends from the excellent producer Lucayan Princess (GB) (High Line {GB}), whose son Warrsan (Ire) (Caerleon) captured two Coronation Cups and loved this place. Other Parts Of The Puzzle… There are genuine stamina doubts surrounding the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains runner-up Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), despite his pedigree suggesting the step up to a mile and a half should suit, while a win for Juddmonte's Macduff (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) would serve to stir up a what-might-have-been moment for Charlie Appleby given how readily he was beaten by the sidelined Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G3 Sandown Classic Trial. The post “There Is Only One Place To Find Out” – Can City Of Troy Gain Derby Redemption? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release The TAKE2 Thoroughbred League announced today new 2024 awards worth a total of $6,000 in recognition of Junior and Amateur Riders who compete in the TAKE2 Thoroughbred Hunter and Jumper divisions nationwide. The high-point Amateur Rider in each division of the TAKE2 League standings will earn a $1,000 bonus, while the leading Junior Rider will earn a $500 bonus. In addition, the top-finishing Amateur and Junior in each division of the TAKE2 Finals will be awarded $1,000 and $500, respectively. “Amateurs and Juniors ride head-to-head with Professionals in the TAKE2 League divisions,” TAKE2 Executive Director Andy Belfiore said. “While they more than hold their own, we wanted to put the spotlight on their success, and encourage even more participation from the non-professionals. Our mission is to inspire all horsemen and women to consider a Thoroughbred for their next Hunter or Jumper, and this is one more way we hope to accomplish that.” The TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program was established in 2012 to highlight the talent of retired racehorses as Hunters and Jumpers. Nearly 500 horse shows in 25 states offer TAKE2 divisions, and more than 2,500 Thoroughbreds have competed in the classes to date. TAKE2 has distributed more than $1.1 million in prize money and awards since it was launched. “Another generous and positive step towards heightening the non-racing career of our beloved Thoroughbreds,” said Amateur Rider Marty Nevins, who has been competing with 12-year-old Classic Brother in the TAKE2 League since 2019. “Congrats to TAKE2 on your new Amateur and Junior awards for the 2024/25 season!” The $20,000 TAKE2 Hunter and Jumper Finals will be held Sept. 22, 2024, at the Kentucky National Horse Show in Lexington. The post TAKE2 Adds Awards For Juniors, Amateurs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

If City of Troy recaptures his 2-year-old brilliance in the June 1 Epsom Derby (G1) it will be an almost exact replica of stablemate Auguste Rodin 12 months ago.View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) victor Resilience is currently under consideration for a bid in the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Two defendants charged in the indictment that landed former trainers Jorge Navarro and Jason Servis in federal prison for multiple years entered guilty pleas in May, more than four years after they were originally charged.View the full article

Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman's Resilience (Into Mischief), most recently sixth behind Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the GI Kentucky Derby May 4, is under consideration for the June 8 GI Belmont S., trainer Bill Mott told the NYRA media office Friday. The Hall of Famer said a decision would likely come this weekend after the GII Wood Memorial S. winner breezes at Saratoga. “We've got some discussions to have with the owners, but we're giving it strong consideration,” Mott said. “We're going to work on the weekend and once he breezes we'll know what we're going to do.” Resilience had his first work since the Derby on May 27, going an easy half-mile in :50.45 (5/7) over the Oklahoma training track. A pair of runners owned by George Krikorian recorded workouts Friday morning at Saratoga. Three-time Grade I winner War Like Goddess (English Channel) tuned up for her 7-year-old debut in the GII New York S. with a four-furlong move that was timed in :50.65 (41/53). “I was happy with her work this morning,” Mott said of War Like Goddess, who was a pace-disadvantaged sixth in last year's New York S. over a mile and a quarter. With the shift to Saratoga, this year's race will be contested over 9 1/2 furlongs. Eclipse Award-winning juvenile filly Just F Y I (Justify) went a bullet five-eighths in 1:01.20 (1/11) at Oklahoma as she readies for a potential rematch with GI Kentucky Oaks winner Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in the GI Acorn S. June 8. The latter remains a possibility for the GI Belmont S., according to trainer Ken McPeek. Grade I Turf Winners Go Around For Brown A trio of top-level winning turf distaffers from the barn of Chad Brown prepped for Belmont Stakes Racing Festival engagements Friday morning. Shortly after 10 a.m., Whitebeam (GB) (Caravaggio) covered five furlongs in 1:00 3/5, while Gina Romantica (Into Mischief) went a similar distance in 1:00 1/5. McKulick (GB) (Frankel {GB}) worked in the company of her Grade II-placed stablemate Coppice (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and the duo were timed in 1:00 4/5. “Whitebeam went great, super,” said Brown. “Then Gina Romantica went solo and I was very happy with her. It was a nice team with McKulick and Coppice, and they did just was I was looking for them to do. They've all been training excellent.” Whitebeam, Coppice and Gina Romantica are set to be joined by barnmates Chili Flag (Fr) (Cityscape {GB})–who defeated Coppice in the GII Distaff Turf Mile May 4–and Beaute Cachee (Fr) (Literato {Fr}), all-the-way winner of the GI Jenny Wiley S., in the GI Just A Game S. June 7. Chili Flag and Beaute Cachee went four furlongs in :50.23 over the Oklahoma dirt surface Friday morning. “Those two horses went great,” said Brown. “I'm very happy. They've been doing very well breezing on the dirt, so I just wanted to keep them happy with what they're doing for the maintenance work. They seem happy each week doing that, and I'm pleased with how they've been exiting their works.” McKulick and GIII Sheepshead Bay S. winner Royalty Interest (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}) will represent the stable in the New York S. There they could encounter Aspen Grove (Ire) (Justify), last year's GI Belmont Oaks upsetter who went a half in :48 2/5 over the Oklahoma turf training track for trainer Jack Sisterson. A star-studded set for Chad Brown go out to work on the turf. In order, WHITEBEAM, GINA ROMANTICA, COPPICE and MCKULICK. pic.twitter.com/AbHr0JTyGq — Mary Eddy (@singmysongbird) May 31, 2024 The post Resilience Possible For Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Romantic Warrior seeks a fifth straight grade 1 win while taking on some of Japan's top milers in the Yasuda Kinen (G1) June 2 at Tokyo Racecourse.View the full article