Wandering Eyes

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

Luxembourg controlled the pace from the start and turned away challenges from Emily Upjohn and Hamish to seal a stylish victory in the May 31 Coronation Cup (G1) at Epsom Racecourse. View the full article

Trainer Dermot Weld landed his second Epsom Oaks (G1) success 43 years after his first as Ezeliya stormed clear in the final furlong under Chris Hayes. View the full article

Regally bred Adeera won her debut race May 31 at Churchill Downs to give 2020 champion 3-year-old male and Horse of the Year Authentic his first winner as a stallion.View the full article

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EPSOM, UK–With squally showers and a freezing wind, it wasn't really the day for a 99, unless you're the Aga Khan. Ezeliya (Fr), the bonny bay filly from a family replete with class and stamina, made the Oaks her own from a long way out, and in so doing broke the Epsom hoodoo of her sire Dubawi (Ire) in becoming the 99th individual Group 1 winner for her stalwart of a breeder. “Days like this are why we all do it,” said a beaming Pat Downes, manager of the Aga Khan Studs in Ireland, who divulged that Princess Zahra Aga Khan had missed out on this latest Classic winner for her family's celebrated breeding operation owing to a badly timed technical hitch with her flight. “She was on her way, but it's very frustrating,” he said. “Hopefully she'll be there for the next one.” And there surely will be more bright days ahead for Ezeliya, the owner of a stonking pair of ears with the talent and attitude to match. Her trainer Dermot Weld had won his first Classic at Epsom back in 1981, when Blue Wind (Ire) won the Oaks in the hands of Lester Piggott. More than 40 years later, Chris Hayes took his turn in the saddle. He's won a Classic at home in the last two seasons on Tahiyra (Ire) and Homeless Songs (Fr), and now has one in Britain to add to the collection. The mild-mannered Hayes couldn't hide his delight. “I actually said if she wins, I'll be real cool, calm and collected like a Mick Kinane,” he said of his celebration as he crossed the line. “But this is unique and it was just a surge of adrenaline in the last 50 yards – I had to do something.” From the balcony of the royal box, the King and Queen looked on as their own filly Treasure (GB) found the trickiness of Epsom beyond her. There was an upside, though, as within their own broodmare band resides Estimate (Ire), the Ascot Gold Cup winner gifted to the late Queen Elizabeth II by HH the Aga Khan as a foal and from the immediate family of Ezeliya. In the last few years Estimate has returned to the Aga Khan Studs for visits to Sea The Stars (Ire) and Siyouni (Fr). Epsom hasn't always been a happy hunting ground for the Aga Khan. The disqualification of Oaks winner Aliysa (GB) in 1989 prompted the owner's exodus from Britain, but in the intervening 35 years Sinndar (Ire) and Harzand (Ire) have significantly eased that woe with victories in the Derby to bring the tally of wins to five in that particular Classic for Aga Khan IV, matching the record of his grandfather, whose first Derby victory came in 1930 with Blenheim (GB). Downes spoke of the enjoyment the perennially successful breeder derives from what he has memorably described as “a game of chess with nature”. “For him it's all about nurturing families and that's still the case today,” Downes said. “He will get tremendous satisfaction from this. It's a family that's been in his family for so long, and here we have another top-notch filly from the family. “Between His Highness and Princess Zahra that's now 99 individual Group 1 winners. That's quite a benchmark.” Indeed it is, and a benchmark of a similar kind was set by the admirable Luxembourg (Ire), who really does deserve a little more love. In days when the top colts are all too readily whisked off to stud, it is becoming rare to see a horse win Group 1 races in multiple seasons but Luxembourg has now done just that at two, three, four and five. A son of the 2012 Derby winner Camelot (GB), Luxembourg looked right at home at Epsom as he added the Coronation Cup to his Futurity Trophy, Irish Champion S., and Tattersalls Gold Cup. As Derby Day dawns it brings with it the month of June, and we can but hope that, if not flaming, it is a little less Arctic in conditions than Oaks Day. From the shivering racegoers, however, there was a truly warm welcome for King Charles III, who was back on a racecourse for the first time since watching Desert Hero (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) finish third in the St Leger last September. The Sport of Kings it is once more. The post Aga Khan Blueblood Warms the Epsom Faithful appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Though she won the May 11 Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies S. at Gulfstream, which is a “Win and You're In” race for the Royal Ascot meeting, Bullet (War Front) will be staying in North America, reports D J Stable's General Manager Jon Green. Horses that win the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies or the Royal Palm Juvenile S. are offered an automatic berth into a 2-year-old stakes at Royal Ascot plus a $25,000 travel allowance. Gabaldon (Gone Astray), the winner of the Royal Palm division for colts, will make his next start at Royal Ascot for trainer Jose D'Angelo. “The official word is that we are not sending her to Ascot,” Green said. “She is already at Woodbine, where she will run in a three-race series, which finishes off with the GI Natalma S. It was a combination of a number of things. First and foremost was the schedule we want her to follow. The Canadian races enable us to put her on a schedule that we prefer. The races increase in distance every four weeks and we can keep her in one place, have her train in the cooler weather and then, if she has earned a spot, send her to the [GI] Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. That also allows us to train on the Tapeta course and the turf up there. I can see where running at Royal Ascot is a bucket-list event and, hopefully, someday we'll be in this position again and will be able to go. At this point in time, it just didn't make sense.” Last year, the George Weaver-trained Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) began her career with a win in the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies and came right back to win the G2 Queen Mary S. at Ascot. The schedule calls for Bullet to make her next start in the July 13 My Dear S. at 5 1/2 furlongs on the synthetic track, before switching back to the turf for the 6 1/2-furlong Catch a Glimpse S. Aug. 17 and then the one-mile GI Natalma S. on Sept. 14. All three races are at Woodbine. The Natalma is a “Win and You're In” race for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. “We like the fact that these races are all four weeks apart,” Green said. “If we're fortunate enough to do well in the Natalma, that gives us six weeks to get her from Canada to California.” Bullet was a $425,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland September sale. She won the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies S. by 2 1/4 lengths despite breaking slowly. The flashy grey BULLET ($9.80) shot down the lane to draw off in the $120,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes @GulfstreamPark. The 2yo daughter of War Front (@claibornefarm) was ridden by @JaramilloJockey for trainer @markecasse. This was a Win and you're in to Royal @Ascot! pic.twitter.com/mli4ItKxIl — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) May 11, 2024 The post Bullet To Pass On Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Churchill Downs, $116,625, Msw, 5-31, 2yo, f, 5 1/2f, 1:04.95, ft, 3 3/4 lengths. ADEERA (f, 2, Authentic–Majestic Presence {GSP-USA, MSP-Can, $227,896}, by Majestic Warrior) became the first winner for her freshman sire (by Into Mischief) Friday. The second choice at 8-5 behind fellow first-timer Salted (Tapit) at 4-5, the half-sister to GISW Newgate (Into Mischief) took it right to the favorite from the jump and the top pair quickly opened up a sizeable gap back to the rest of the field. Neck and neck off the far turn, it was Adeera who had something left, kicking clear along the rail to win handily by 3 3/4 lengths as Salted held for second. Majestic Presence, graded stakes placed herself, went the way of Town & Country Horse Farms for $360,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November Sale. In addition to Newgate, who was a $850,000 KEESEP yearling and took the GI Santa Anita H. earlier this year, Majestic Presence has also produced GSW and $500k Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling buy Denim and Pearls (Into Mischief). The mare herself is a half to GSW Victress (Include) and reported a filly by Life Is Good this year after being barren to Essential Quality in 2023. GI Kentucky Derby winner Authentic can be found at Spendthrift Farm where he stands for $50,000. Sales History: $300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $69,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-L and N Racing LLC and Jerry Caroom; B-Town & Country Horse Farms, LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. First winner by freshman sire Authentic! @spendthriftfarm #5 Adeera wins on debut in the opener at Churchill Downs for trainer Steve Asmussen with @keithasm7 aboard! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/VVQEz9cu6u — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 31, 2024 The post Authentic Gets First Winner As Adeera Impresses At Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A juvenile colt by Sea The Moon (Ger) (lot 5) brought €70,000 from Meridian International to lead the way during the one-day BBAG Spring Sale in Iffezheim, Germany on Friday. Consigned by Ecurie Prevost-Baratte, the colt is a half-brother to four black-type horses–among them multiple stakes winner Anasia (GB) (Intello {Ger}), who was second in the G3 Prix Fille de l'Air and third in two more Group 3 contests, as well as listed winner Copie (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}). Earthlight (Ire), who has his first runners this season, was also among those sires represented on the leaderboard, as his colt out of G3 Concorde S. third Crafty Madam (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) (lot 10) went to IAFX Weibmeier. Part of the Ranello Bloodstock Agency's draft, the grey brought €52,000. His Invincible Spirit (Ire) half-brother Crafty Spirit (Ire) won at Kempton on May 29 in the colours of Con Harrington for trainer Clive Cox. The third and final lot to breach the €45,000 mark was lot 68, a filly by Galiway (GB) out of Tristesse (Broken Vow), who was signed for by Richard Venn for €46,000. The bay's dam won a listed race in France, and this is the family of Group 2 winner Seachange (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). Ecurie Prevost-Baratte sent the 2-year-old filly through the ring. A strong clearance rate was one of the highlights of the mixed sale, with 58 sold from 69 horses offered (84%). The gross was €688,600. The average was €11,872 (-11.6%) and the median was €11,546 (-17.8%). The post Son Of Sea The Moon Tops BBAG Spring Sale At €70k appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has offered several updates to morning training policies for fans during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga, the entity said in a Friday release. Fans may attend morning training at the main track between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. (all times Eastern) on Thursday, June 6 and Sunday, June 9, and can enter the venue only through Gates C and D. These gates are located at the intersection of Wright Street and Frank Sullivan Place, outside of the 1863 Club. In an adjustment to the previously announced policy, fans who attend morning training on Thursday and Sunday may claim the free picnic tables in the backyard between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. Similar to standard procedure during the Saratoga summer meet, fans will be required to exit the venue at 10 a.m. prior to the official opening of gates at 11 a.m. There will be no access to morning training on the main track on Friday, June 7 and Saturday, June 8. Gates will open to the public at 10:30 a.m. on Friday and at 9 a.m. on Saturday, at which time fans may claim the free picnic tables in the backyard. Morning training will be open to fans at the Oklahoma Training Track on Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. On-site parking will not be available during morning training hours. The post NYRA Updates Fan Policies For Training During Belmont Stakes Week appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Road, presented by Gainesway and Darby Dan FarmView the full article

Dale Ladner's Alva Starr has an opportunity to surpass the $1 million career earnings mark in the June 5 Rehoboth Stakes at Delaware Park.View the full article

The Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association pledged its support to the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma after a tornado struck Will Rogers Downs May 25 — killing one horse, while injuring and displacing others. View the full article

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

The Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) will host its annual Spring Fling Hat Luncheon and Fashion Presentation on Thursday, June 6 at The Garden City Hotel, 45 7th St., Garden City, New York, the organization said in a release Friday. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. ET with a cocktail reception featuring two-tiered raffles and a luxury silent auction, followed by a seated luncheon. This year's online silent auction will feature a 2025 Belmont Stakes package, which includes a private luxury box for five. Online bidding opens Monday, June 3 at 10 a.m. ET and will close Saturday, June 8 at 5 p.m. ET. BCCA welcomes News 12 Long Island anchor Antoinette Biordi as the celebrity emcee. During the event, Emmy award-winning actress Susan Lucci will be recognized as the 2024 Community Honoree, and Cate Masterson, Director of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, is this year's Thoroughbred Industry Honoree. Click here for information concerning tickets, sponsorship opportunities and the online auction. The post Belmont Child Care Association To Host 10th Annual Spring Fling Hat Luncheon appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Continuing a banner year for The Aga Khan, Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}–Eziyra {Ire}, by Teofilo {Ire}) led home a one-two for her sire in Friday's G1 Betfred Oaks. Booking her ticket to Epsom with a win in the 10-furlong G3 Salsabil S. at Navan last month, the Dermot Weld-trained relative of the G1 Gold Cup-winning half-siblings Enzeli (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}) and Estimate (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}) was always travelling with menace held up by Chris Hayes. Rolling by Godolphin's Dance Sequence (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining, the 13-2 second favourite stayed on powerfully to beat that rival by three lengths, with the 50-1 shot War Chimes (Fr) (Summer Front) 1 1/2 lengths behind in third. The 11-8 favourite Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) was sixth. “She's a very professional, strong-travelling filly, gorgeous–she's a queen,” Hayes said, while Weld added after welcoming a 25th English and Irish Classic winner, “She's a stayer with speed and I was never worried about the distance–she's a beautiful filly to train. She's not a big filly, but has a lot of quality and these races are all special.” The daughter of Dubawi does it – EZELIYA forges ahead to win the G1 @Betfred Oaks for @AgaKhanStuds at @EpsomRacecourse! pic.twitter.com/cExr2A5vBc — TDN (@theTDN) May 31, 2024 The post Ezeliya Leads Home Dubawi One Two In The Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's progressive homebred Highland Falls (Curlin) has been made the 5-2 favorite in a field of 11 for Saturday's GIII Blame S. at Churchill Downs, one of four graded stakes that serve as an appetizer to corresponding races on Stephen Foster Saturday in a month's time beneath the Twin Spires. The chestnut son of Round Pond (Awesome Again), upset winner of the 2006 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at the Louisville oval, makes his third consecutive appearance in graded company, having run on to be a good fourth to Newgate (Into Mischief) in the GI Santa Anita H. Mar. 3 ahead of a strong runner-up effort to the talented Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) in the GII Oaklawn H. “I thought he ran well in the Santa Anita H., where the pace didn't really shape up all that fast,” trainer Brad Cox said. “I thought in the Oaklawn H. he ran a credible race and improved out of the Santa Anita H. We're looking forward to Saturday's race and hoping it kickstarts a big campaign for him.” Todd Pletcher is double-fisted for the Blame, with 'TDN Rising Star' Tapit Trice (Tapit) making his first start since finishing third in last year's GI Travers S., and the less-exposed GI Pennsylvania Derby runner-up Dreamlike (Gun Runner), who dropped a neck decision at the hooves of Cagliostro (Upstart) in Keeneland allowance company Apr. 19. Can Buchu Bounce Back in Regret? Rigney Racing's Buchu (Justify) will likely jump favored in Saturday's GIII Regret S. and is on a bit of a recovery mission after finishing only sixth at 5-2 in the GII Edgewood S. on the Kentucky Oaks undercard May 3. Victorious in Keeneland's GII Appalachian S. on seasonal return Apr. 6, the homebred was perhaps inconvenienced by easier-than-optimal underfoot conditions in the Edgewood and finished sixth, beaten just over two lengths. “This will be a good test for her going nine furlongs for the first time,” trainer Phil Bauer said. “The plan is definitely to keep her reserved early to save some energy for her late kick.” Way to Be Marie (Not This Time) has remained in Kentucky since her runner-up effort in the Edgewood, where she was just touched off by Dynamic Pricing (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) and had the re-opposing Dancing N Dixie (Neolithic) another length back in third. Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) figures tough from the fence in the GIII Arlington S., while Rigney's Xigera (Nyquist) will look to atone for a fifth in the GI La Troienne S. while facing Godolphin's Wet Paint (Blame) and 'TDN Rising Star' Scylla (Tapit) in the GIII Shawnee S. 'Mistress' Looks To Go All The Way in Honeymoon Umberto Rispoli will be on a red-eye back to California after riding the Friday evening program at Penn National, and he will team with Shiloh's Mistress (Vino Rosso) in Saturday's GIII Honeymoon S. at Santa Anita. Owned by Resolute Racing, the bay won her maiden going long over the Tapeta track at Turfway Jan. 10, prompting John Stewart to acquire her in a private transaction, but she could do no better than fifth in the GIII Santa Ynez S. With Rispoli at the controls for the first time in the Apr. 20 GIII Providencia S., Shiloh's Mistress made all the running and was just run down on the wire by the undefeated 1-5 favorite Medoro (Honor Code). If connections opt out of an appearance in the Regret, for which she is cross-entered, Faith Understood (Catholic Boy) could be a real fly in the ointment for Shiloh's Mistress. The Robert LaPenta homebred won her maiden at 13-1 in a Keeneland grass maiden two back and set the fractions in the Memories of Silver S. at Aqueduct Apr. 28, but was no match late for Resolute's 'TDN Rising Star' Sweet Rebecca (American Pharoah) and settled for second. A 15-1 chance in the Regret, Faith Understood is pegged as the 5-2 favorite on Jon White's morning line. The GII Triple Bend S. has a field of four, including the once-beaten Venkman (Ghostzapper), narrowly second in last year's Perryville S. at Keeneland, making his 4-year-old debut against the best Cal-bred sprinter not named The Chosen Vron (Vronsky), Big City Lights (Mr. Big), last-out winner of the GIII Kona Gold S. There is also a four graded-stakes program at Woodbine, featuring the GII Eclipse S., where Tyson (Tapit), a dual graded winner on synth and third in last year's GI Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga, takes on the comebacking Get Smokin (Get Stormy), making his first start on the Tapeta off a strong worktab, and his King's Plate-winning stablemate Paramount Prince (Society's Chairman). The post Four Grade Threes Feature On Foster Preview Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Peter Lau's Hong Kong raider Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) can put the wraps on one of the most remarkable seasons in recent memory should he be able to take out Sunday's G1 Yasuda Kinen Sunday afternoon at Tokyo Racecourse. The one-turn, 1600-metre contest serves as a 'Win and You're In' qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Mile at California's Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in early November. Nails-tough in dropping his nose down on the wire first when second-up in the G1 W S Cox Plate in late October, the 6-year-old returned to Hong Kong to successfully defend his title in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup six weeks later. His two most recent appearances are emblematic of his will to win, as he narrowly outfought fellow BMW Hong Kong Derby winner Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) in February and overcame a wide journey and wet underfoot conditions he clearly detested to become a three-time winner of the G1 FWD QE II Cup when last seen Apr. 28. Romantic Warrior landed barrier seven at Friday's draw, much to the delight of trainer Danny Shum. James McDonald has a return call. “We're happy with seven and the owner is also lucky with seven,” Shum said. “It should be easier for James [McDonald] to hold a position from there–very happy. “You can see he is happy from his eyes, from his appetite and how he responds to you. I'm very close to him and I can tell he's very happy.” Voyage Bubble, a latest third in the G1 FWD Champions Mile and winner earlier in the season of the G1 Stewards' Cup over this trip, is drawn in 15 with champion Zac Purton at the controls. ROMANTIC WARRIOR final fast ahead of the g1 1600m Yasuda Kinen on Sunday Silk. The one to beat.pic.twitter.com/R0Ec5URDTF — Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) May 29, 2024 Carrot Farm's Namur (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) has shown she can more than hold her own against the boys, having upset last year's G1 Mile Championship S. ahead of a third to Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong. A cracking second to Facteur Cheval (Jpn) (Ribchester {Ire}) in the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) Mar. 30, she lost all chance at the start of the sex-restricted G1 Victoria Mile over this course and distance May 12, but closed off well to be eighth, but beaten just three lengths. Gaia Force (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) was an outstanding fourth to Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) in last year's Yasuda Kinen and tries a grassy mile for the first time since on Sunday. The likeable gray entire, to break from gate two, makes his first start since finishing runner-up in the G1 February S. going 1600 metres on the adjacent dirt surface Feb. 18. The veteran Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}) was just beaten on the line in the Mile Championship and also acquitted himself well in the Hong Kong Mile, finishing fourth. Spelled thereafter, he resumed with a smart defeat of the re-opposing Serifos (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) in the G2 Yomiuri Milers Cup at Kyoto Apr. 21, his second win there in the last three years. The post Romantic Warrior Looks To Cap Fairy Tale Season In Yasuda Kinen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article