Wandering Eyes

Co-trainer Shaun Fannin combined with his progressive jumping talent Jesko (NZ) (Atlante) to collect a stunning victory in Saturday’s Presidential Homes Manawatu Steeplechase (4000m) at Trentham. Fannin prepares the seven-year-old son of Atlante with his wife Hazel out of their Awapuni base and looks to have a prodigious talent over fences on his hands with Jesko making it two wins from two starts over the bigger fences after scoring over hurdles last season. Successful in his chasing debut at Wanganui last month Fannin kept the gelding up to the mark with a win over 1600m at the Foxton trials in late May, while a schooling session at Trentham earlier this week provided valuable experience on the unique figure-eight Trentham steeplechase configuration. Al’s Red Zed (NZ) (Zed) and rider Mathew Gillies set up a strong pace in the 4000m contest with Jesko and Fannin keeping him well within their sights as he trailed in second. Proceedings got serious with 800m to run as Jesko joined Al’s Red Zed with the pair drawing clear of the rest of the field as they set down to fight out the finish. Jesko took control rounding the home bend and with his pace of the flat he eased clear over the last fence to stroll away to a five length victory from a gallant Al’s Red Zed and the late closing Call Me Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) who grabbed third from stablemate Afterallthistime (Deep Field). Neither horse nor rider would have blown out a match as they returned to the Trentham birdcage, before Fannin described how the race had panned out. “I like him to be quiet but I was a little concerned before the start as he had his head on his chest when he is normally up on his toes,” Fannin said. “He had a good school down here on Tuesday where Hazel rode him herself for the first time over the jumps here. She got a bit scared when she saw the size of the fences but we have a lot of faith in his jumping and it was the key with him having that look around here. “He is quite nippy, not big and strong, but when he gets it wrong he can recover quickly and good jumpers can land running like he does. “He is the sort of horse that when he hits the front he can pull up, so he may have been better today if he had something to chase all the way (to the finish) but he does stay well. “He is the first horse I ever bought, which was a few years ago, so he has been a bit of a project but we think he has got the goods. “We may look now at the Wellington Steeplechase in three weeks if he pulls up well and then make further plans from there.” From just 21 starts, Jesko has won six races and placed in a further six, winning over $113,440 in stakes for a large group of owners that include Fannin himself and recent additions the micro share syndicator RNZ Frac Club 6 Syndicate after Fannin purchased him for just $3,300 via gavelhouse.com in 2021. View the full article

The Te Awamutu stable of Katrina and Simon Alexander is Major Major’s (NZ) (Pins) third home, and a commanding performance in Saturday’s Trackside.co.nz (2100m) at Ellerslie suggested it could be the most successful one for the late-developing seven-year-old. Major Major began his career as a rising six-year-old in July and August of 2023, finishing outside the placings in two starts over sprint distances for Matamata trainer Daniel Miller. He was trained by Mathew Faber for all of his next nine appearances, which produced wins over 2100m at Tauranga, Pukekohe and Ellerslie. Now the Pins gelding has joined the Alexanders, for whom he debuted with a sixth over 1400m at Te Aroha in late March, followed by an unplaced run over 1600m at Te Rapa, an easy win over 1600m at Pukekohe and a last-start fifth at the same trip at Hawera. Major Major stepped up in class and distance for Saturday’s $45,000 open handicap, and his dominant victory improved his 2100m record to four wins and a placing from just seven attempts. Ridden by Kelly Myers, Major Major enjoyed a comfortable run in third along the rail as Khan Hunter (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) and Fierce Flight (Flying Artie) set the pace. Khan Hunter increased the tempo coming down the side of the track, and Major Major appeared to be warming into his work nicely just behind him. There were a few anxious moments as Fierce Flight prevented Major Major from getting out to Khan Hunter’s outside, but Myers switched back to the rail and found a way through on the inside instead. Major Major built up his momentum again and burst to the lead with 200m to run, pulling away to win by two and a half lengths. Khan Hunter held on for second, with another two and three-quarter lengths back to the strong-finishing Roederer (NZ) (Turn Me Loose). Major Major has now had 16 starts for five wins, two seconds and $125,370 in stakes. “It was a good ride from Kelly and a very nice performance by the horse,” Katrina Alexander said. “It was pretty to watch, really. “We sweated on a run a little bit at the turn, which was briefly a concern. He’s not the type of horse that can sit and sprint. He needs to really keep up his momentum. So it was nice to see him pick himself up again in the straight and let down as well as he did. He finished the race off really strongly. “He obviously likes Ellerslie and 2100m appears to be his pet distance. This was his first time going up to that sort of distance for our stable, and he appears to have done it very comfortably today. Kelly said he’ll stay any distance you want him to. “He may have had a tendency in the past to race a bit fiercely, but he’s got a bit more mental maturity on his side now and does whatever you ask of him. “We’ll have to go home now, have a look at the programmes and work out what we do with him next. He’s the kind of horse that needs to be racing reasonably regularly, so I suspect it won’t be too long between runs. “I’m not confident he’s a real deep-track horse, but we may have no choice but to experiment with that again. “What we will do is try to keep him to right-handed racing, because I don’t think he corners as well the other way around.” Alexander was also pleased with promising filly Acapelago (NZ) (Belardo), who finished second in Saturday’s Sistema (1400m). She was sent out as a $3.50 equal favourite on the strength of her last-start win at Te Rapa, but was run down in the final 150m by $17 longshot Moxie (Strasbourg). “I was happy enough with that run,” Alexander said. “We were a bit worried about sticking to 1400m again today, so we tried to keep her on the fresher side for that and may have ended up leaving her a fraction underdone. “She’s giving us every indication that she’s ready to go a bit further now. I think she’ll love the mile.” View the full article

Unbeaten hurdler Billy Boy (So You Think) honoured the memory of his late owner Denis Leamy with a tenacious victory in the Manawatu ITM Manawatu Hurdles (2500m) at Trentham on Saturday. Billy Boy was bought for just $5500 on Gavelhouse.com in 2021 by Leamy, who sadly died at Palmerston North Hospital last Sunday at the age of 82 – just six days before his horse’s career-best win. From 30 starts, Billy Boy has now recorded five wins and seven placings and has earned $89,865. He has a perfect two-from-two record over hurdles, having scored a four-length maiden win at Woodville last September in his only previous attempt. The Jo Rathbone-trained Billy Boy was backed into $2.90 favouritism on Saturday on the strength of eye-catching recent efforts on the flat to finish fourth at Wanganui and second at Ellerslie. Rathbone admitted to some concerns about the Heavy10 conditions at Trentham, but the seven-year-old son of So You Think mastered the conditions and the step up in class. “I was worried about the track and how heavy it was, but he really dug his toes in and it was a tough win,” Rathbone said. “Denis was obviously watching.” Billy Boy was ridden by Joshua Parker, whose only previous ride on the gelding was his maiden hurdle win at Woodville last spring. The pair settled in second behind a strong pace set by Rocabury (NZ) (El Roca), with the well-backed Verry Flash (NZ) (Zed) sitting just behind them in third. That trio drew more than a dozen lengths clear of the rest of the field turning out of the back straight and coming down the side of the track, and the efforts soon took their toll on Rocabury. He was swallowed up and left behind by Billy Boy and Verry Flash, who surged to the front and had the last 700m all to themselves. Verry Flash clearly had the upper hand early in the home straight, but Billy Boy got up off the canvas and summoned another big effort. He clawed his way back into the lead at the second-last fence, edging away from Verry Flash to win by a length. There was a 16-length margin back to Run Jakko Run (NZ) (Jakkalberry) in third. “He’s so tough and is just a lovely horse,” Parker said. “Thanks to Jo and the connections for giving me the opportunity to ride him again. “You keep it straightforward and he just does the job for you. He’s a clever horse and knows what he’s doing. He dug deep today. “His owner passed away last Sunday. I’m gutted he couldn’t be here today to watch his horse, but I’m thinking of him.” View the full article

Trainer Tony Pike lined up three promising juveniles at Ellerslie on Saturday and went within inches of a special trifecta in the Network Visuals 1200 (1200m). Two-year-old Spirit Of Boom gelding Boombox (NZ) (Spirit Of Boom) headed home the Pike trio with debutant Ashoka (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) closing off strongly to take second, while stablemate and fellow debutant Happy Youmzain (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) took fourth just a nose away from race favourite Pacific Breeze (North Pacific) in third. Rider Triston Moodley had Boombox relaxed outside Ocean Rules (NZ) (Ocean Park) as the pair dictated a steady speed throughout the 1200m contest. Pushed to the lead early in the run home, Boombox fought bravely to hold out a late challenge from Ashoka in the final 150m to win by a head in a handy 1.12.91 on the Soft7 surface. It was just the second run on raceday for Boombox who had finished fifth at Ellerslie behind Lucy In The Sky back in February with Pike noting that experience may have played a crucial role in the final result. “I think the raceday experience of the winner paid off as he (Boombox) put himself up on speed and they didn’t go overly quick,” Pike said. “Ashoka has come back late and may have got a bit lost when he got out into the clear, while Happy Youmzain didn’t have that much luck as he was three deep and just peaked late. “They are three very nice horses going forward.” Pike wasn’t sure about what paths the trio would take next although he envisaged only one might continue on racing in the coming month. “We will reassess after this, but one of them may stay on for the Ruakaka series, although a couple of them will definitely head to the paddock,” he said. “I think all three will go on and I do really like the prospects of the second (Ashoka) and fourth (Happy Youmzain) horses looking ahead.” Pike was referring to the $60,000 ITM/GIB 2YO Winter Championship Final at Ruakaka later this month, with all three of his team handily placed to make the field for the event if they are to progress towards it. Bred by Alan Jones and Edwina Morris, Boombox was purchased for $50,000 by Jim Bruford under his Brewers Bloodstock banner from the Berkley Stud Book 2 draft at Karaka in 2024. He is the first foal of five-race winner Viaductress and comes from a family line that includes dual Group Two winner King Ivor. View the full article

Jimmy Ting Koon-ho is hoping a better draw and some further improvement will give Little Paradise every chance of remaining undefeated in the Class Three Tin Wan Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Successful in both career starts, Little Paradise clung on by a head after leading throughout from gate 13 on debut in March, before showing his versatility by storming home from behind midfield to salute by a length and three-quarters after jumping from gate 10 last month. Luke Ferraris was in...View the full article

Two months after humbling Romantic Warrior in the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m), Soul Rush headlines the 75th running of the Group One Yasuda Kinen (1,600m) at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday, contesting the prestigious contest for the fourth time. Third behind Romantic Warrior in last year’s Yasuda Kinen, Soul Rush has posted two wins, two seconds and a third from his past five races and looks like he is improving with age. The seven-year-old son of Rulership will be ridden by Suguru Hamanaka. The...View the full article

Zac Purton knows there will be much less room for error as Light Years Charm rises in grade for Sunday’s Class Two Lee On Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin. In traffic turning for home after missing the start as the $1.5 favourite when last at the races on May 10, Purton had to pull out all the stops to drive Light Years Charm between horses late in proceedings. That half-length success was Light Years Charm’s second victory to go with three placings from seven Hong Kong starts and the David...View the full article

Klaravich Stable's DYNAMIC PRICING (IRE) (f, 4, Night of Thunder {Ire}–Shemda {Ire}, by Dutch Art {GB}) beat Excellent Truth (Ire) (Cotai Glory {Ire}) to a spot at a crucial stage in Friday's GI Just A Game Stakes at a very soggy Saratoga Race Course and outstprinted the 8-5 chalk to the wire to give trainer Chad Brown an eighth victory in the one-mile contest in its last nine renewals and his fourth in succession. Half of those eight Just A Game winners were ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., but he elected to jump off the last-out GIII Beaugay Stakes winner in favor of the speedy Kehoe Beach (Omaha Beach), and even though there appeared to be plenty of speed signed on, the pair were loose on the lead through an opening quarter in :24.25, testing enough over ground listed officially as yielding, but playing much slower in actual fact. For his part, Dylan Davis had Dynamic Pricing settled one from the tail and making the most of the inside draw, kept the filly close to the inside while creeping a bit closer through a half in :48.82. Davis went for Dynamic Pricing about three furlongs out, coming around Segesta (Ghostzapper) and critically taking a four-path run just to the inside of Excellent Truth approaching the quarter pole. The duo raced shoulder-to-shoulder into the final furlong, but Dynamic Pricing got through the ground slightly the better–particularly after switching leads–and proved a one-length winner. It was the third 1-2 finish on the program for Brown and his fourth winner overall. Sales history: 170,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 9-4-0-3. O-Klaravich Stable; B-Epona Bloodstock Ltd; T-Chad Brown. Dynamic Pricing at 10-1 runs away with the Just A Game (GI) presented by @resracingky at Belmont at Saratoga. @DavisJockey makes it a 2-win Grade 1 day! Chad Brown trains the 4-year-old filly by Night of Thunder (IRE). pic.twitter.com/osrvIHnRFv — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 6, 2025 Friday, Saratoga JUST A GAME S. PRESENTED BY RESOLUTE RACING-GI, $500,000, Saratoga, 6-6, 4yo/up, f/m, 1mT, 1:38.77, yl. 1–DYNAMIC PRICING (IRE), 122, f, 4, by Night of Thunder (Ire) 1st Dam: Shemda (Ire), by Dutch Art (GB) 2nd Dam: Shamooda (Ire), by Azamour (Ire) 3rd Dam: Shemaka (Ire), by Nishapour (Fr) 1ST GRADE I WIN. (170,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT). O-Klaravich Stables, Inc.; B-Epona Bloodstock Ltd (IRE); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Dylan Davis. $275,000. Lifetime Record: 9-4-0-3, $772,125. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Excellent Truth (Ire), 118, m, 5, by Cotai Glory (GB) 1st Dam: Moment of Truth (Ire), by Teofilo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Goldthroat (Ire), by Zafonic 3rd Dam: Winger (GB), by In the Wings (GB) (€52,000 Ylg '21 GOFOR; €1,600,000 4yo '24 ARQDEC). O-Resolute Racing; B-Sandra Russell (IRE); T-Chad C. Brown. $100,000. 3–Special Wan (Ire), 120, m, 5, by Belardo (Ire) 1st Dam: Fast Jazz (Ire), by Frozen Power (Ire) 2nd Dam: Slow Jazz, by Chief's Crown 3rd Dam: Blue Note (Fr), by Habitat 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. (£225,000 RNA 3yo '23 GOFASC). O-Team Valor International LLC and Steven Rocco; B-Kilnamoragh Stud (IRE); T-Brendan P. Walsh. $60,000. Margins: 3/4, 1, NK. Odds: 10.00, 1.60, 5.60. Also Ran: Kehoe Beach, Simply in Front, Segesta, Choisya (GB), Do Gooder, A Lilac Rolla (Ire). Scratched: Heredia (GB), Sacred Wish. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Night of Thunder’s Dynamic Pricing Storms Clear in Just A Game appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

She had to work for it this time but SHE FEELS PRETTY (f, 4, Karakontie {Jpn})–Summer Sweet, by More Than Ready) added yet another Grade I win to her resume Friday, outrunning 17-1 longshot Beach Bomb (SAf) (Lancaster Bomber) in the final sixteenth to take the GI New York Stakes. Now a winner of her last four, the 1-2 favorite sat a comfortable stalking trip poised three-wide for much of the running with Beach Bomb just to her inside. That runner got first jump as the real running began midway around the far turn but She Feels Pretty stuck right with her and had enough class to get by in the late stages to win. Lifetime Record: 10-7-1-2. O-Lael Stables; B-Payson Stud Inc; T-Cherie DeVaux. Sales History: $240,000 ylg '22 KEESEP. She Feels Pretty notches another Grade 1 victory taking down the Just A Game (GI) at Belmont at Saratoga! @ljlmvel earns his 4th win on the day aboard the 4-year-old daughter of @Gainesway Stallion Karakontie for trainer @reredevaux. pic.twitter.com/ZBTjEuLKpu — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 6, 2025 The post She Feels Pretty Outruns Beach Bomb To Win The New York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred 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 a 'TDN Rising Star' in Red Letter. 3.55 Navan, Listed Darley Irish EBF Kooyonga Stakes, €55,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 8f 30yT RED LETTER (GB) (Frankel {GB}) takes in a welcome confidence boost here, having been asked a big question on her 3-year-old bow when seventh in the 1,000 Guineas. Ger Lyons looks to have found an ideal opportunity for Juddmonte's TDN Rising Star to get back to winning ways en route to bigger and better things. 2.00 Navan, Mdn, 2yo, 5fT STOCK MARKET (GB) (No Nay Never) is a half-brother to Too Darn Hot's G1 Futurity Trophy winner Hotazhell who debuts for Ballydoyle in a race in which they have the experienced favourite Kansas (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). The stable also supplies another newcomer in Warsaw (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), whose dam is an unraced full-sister to the Group 1 winners Forever Together and Together Forever linking him to City Of Troy. The post Frankel’s Red Letter Drops In Class In The Kooyonga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Ashland Stakes winner LA CARA (f, 3, Street Sense–Cara Caterina, by Bernardini) ended Oak's winner Good Cheer's (Medaglia d'Oro) unbeaten streak with a gate-to-wire win in the DK Horse Acorn Stakes. Sharp from the gate while Good Cheer was away a step slow, La Cara was let loose on the front, keeping her face clean through fractions of :23.40 and :47.08. It was clear by the far turn that Good Cheer, who was still far back, was in trouble and under urging while La Cara, under a confident Dylan Davis, had very little late pressure and cruised to victory at odds of 7-1 over Look Forward (Bolt d'Oro) and Scottish Lassie (McKinzie). Good Cheer's win streak ends in the Acorn. La Cara (7-1) takes it by three lengths for ⁦@markecasse⁩ and ⁦@DavisJockey⁩. Good Cheer, who had won 7 in a row, finished fifth. 3-6-1-5 pic.twitter.com/dt9j1OLjiC — Tim Wilkin (@tjwilkin) June 6, 2025 Friday, Saratoga DK HORSE ACORN S.-GI, $500,000, Saratoga, 6-6, 3yo, f, 1 1/8m, 1:49.20, sy. 1–LA CARA, 120, f, 3, by Street Sense 1st Dam: Cara Caterina, by Bernardini 2nd Dam: Pilfer, by Deputy Minister 3rd Dam: Misty Hour, by Miswaki O/B-Tracy Farmer (KY); T-Mark E. Casse; J-Dylan Davis. $275,000. Lifetime Record: 11-5-2-0, $1,156,083. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Look Forward, 120, f, 3, by Bolt d'Oro 1st Dam: Troublesome, by Into Mischief 2nd Dam: Apple Pie Baby, by Not For Love 3rd Dam: Time to Dream, by Time for a Change 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($285,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Reddam Racing LLC; B-Woods Edge Farm, LLC & Ballyfair Bloodstock (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy. $100,000. 3–Scottish Lassie, 120, f, 3, by McKinzie 1st Dam: Bodebabe, by Bodemeister 2nd Dam: Zaharias, by Grand Slam 3rd Dam: Scarlet Tango, by French Deputy ($50,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $85,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-Sportsmen Stable, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Photos Finish LLC, Corms Racing Stable and Jorge R. Abreu; B-Winchester Farm (KY); T-Jorge R. Abreu. $60,000. Margins: 3, NK, 4 1/4. Odds: 7.70, 12.90, 9.40. Also Ran: Bless the Broken, Good Cheer, Quickick. Scratched: Shred the Gnar. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post La Cara Ends Good Cheer’s Perfect Streak With Acorn Upset appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the race taken off the turf, but the 'Golden Ticket' to the G1 Melbourne Cup still up for grabs, Parchment Party (Constitution–Life Well Lived, by Tiznow) ran down the lane to take the Belmont Gold Cup at Saratoga on Friday afternoon. Scheduled as a Grade II event, the Gold Cup was downgraded to a Grade III when it came off the grass and was cutback from two miles to a mile and three-quarters. 'TDN Rising Star' Parchment Party chased fellow 'main track only' entrant Yo Daddy (Yoshida {Jpn}) from the start. As the leader circled the sloppy track, it looked as though a merry-go-round was in play. However, Parchment Party rallied to collar the pacesetter and won in the end by six lengths in the end. The final running time was 2:57.86. Lifetime Record: 10-3-1-1. Sales History: KEESEP '23 $450,000. O-Pin Oak Stud LLC; B-B. Flay Thoroughbreds (KY); T-William Mott. Another win for Johnny V! PARCHMENT PARTY wins the Belmont Gold Cup giving @ljlmvel his third win today, this one for trainer Bill Mott. pic.twitter.com/STIYmKjY6D — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 6, 2025 The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Parchment Party Inks Sloppy Belmont Gold Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.–As soon as Sovereignty (Into Mischief) crossed the finish line first in the GI Kentucky Derby, life changed for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. When you have the horse that wins the most famous race in America, the barn has a superstar in it. “The Derby winner is always held in high regard,” Mott said outside of his barn at the Oklahoma Training Track. “There are always a lot of people who want to see him. They want to see him train, the want to see him after the race.” Mott had won the Derby before, but, in 2019, his Country House (Lookin At Lucky) was awarded the victory after the disqualification of Maximum Security (New Year's Day). He went off at odds of 65-1. After watching Sovereignty outrun Journalism (Curlin) at Churchill Downs five weeks ago, Mott was not going to try to compare the win to 2019. “It was very gratifying,” he said of this year's Derby. “But I can tell you we had a heckuva lot of fun winning the first one the way it was. We were thrilled. We loved Country House. He did a great job and ran a good race. We all celebrated and felt pretty good about it.” Mott never hesitated when it came to Sovereignty and the GI Preakness Stakes. He and Godolphin LLC, which owns the colt, made a quick decision and skipped the Preakness and a chance for the Triple Crown. He wanted to give his horse plenty of time between the Kentucky Derby and the GI Belmont Stakes. That time has come and gone and here is Sovereignty, fresh and rested. Sovereignty will be making his seventh career start in the Belmont. Mott showed how confident he was in the colt's ability at an early stage. After starting his career with a fourth-place finish in a maiden at Saratoga last August, he was second a month later in another maiden at Aqueduct. Mott saw big things in Sovereignty's future. “Every race he has run in, he has shown up,” Mott said. “Even in the maiden races, when he was beat–they were sprint races, and he was closing well–it propelled us into running as a maiden in a stake down at Churchill Downs.” That was the GIII Street Sense, and he won by five lengths as the favorite. In three starts this year, he won the GII Fountain of Youth by a neck and then was second in the GI Florida Derby. That race set him up for the Run for the Roses. “I'm not going to make any excuses for him in the Florida Derby,” Mott said. “That horse (Tappan Street) outran him, opened up on him on the turn. We were slowly getting to him approaching the wire, but not fast enough to get there. It got us just right for the (Kentucky) Derby day.” Baeza | Sarah Andrew Baeza Began His Career On The Grass Trainer John Shirreffs never really thought that his GI Belmont Stakes runner Baeza (McKinzie) was going to have a career on turf. But that is where the colt, owned by C R K Stable LLC and Grandview Equine, started his racing life. Last Dec. 1, Baeza made his first start on the grass at Del Mar. He ran a mile, didn't do much, and finished ninth in a field of 11. “It was getting towards the end of the Del Mar meet and there was a space between Del Mar and Santa Anita,” Shirreffs said as he watched Baeza graze in the barn area of the Oklahoma Training Track. “It was really important to get a race into him as soon as possible.” Shirreffs said he chose the grass because the horse did not have to be at his optimum fitness level. “It just gave us an opportunity to see what we had,” Shirreffs said. Of course, Baeza has made strides since running on the main track. After breaking his maiden in the second try on dirt, he was second in the GI Santa Anita Derby and third in the GI Kentucky Derby. And he was only beat a neck in Louisville by Journalism (Curlin), who was 1 1/2 lengths behind Sovereignty. They are all meeting here in the Belmont; the first time since 2013 that the top three finishers from the Kentucky Derby have hooked up in the final leg of the Triple Crown. Baeza will be the first horse Shirreffs starts in Saratoga since 2015 when he spent the summer here. His last starter was in Sept. 3, 2015; his last win came with Smart Transition (Smart Strike), who took the Curlin Stakes and then finished sixth in the GI Travers Stakes. Shirreffs has high hopes for Baeza, who is 4-1 on the Belmont morning line. “I think the farther he goes, the better he gets,” Shirreffs said. “He doesn't seem like he has any distance limitations.” Weather Outlook Has Improved For Saturday The weather forecast for Belmont Day, dire at the start of the week, has improved significantly. Paul Caino, the chief meteorologist for the local NBC affiliate, WNYT in Albany, said scattered thunderstorms, which were expected Friday night into Saturday, should mostly clear out by early afternoon. “We could have rain and thunderstorms before lunch time,” Caino said. “We're not home free for the rest of the day. Between 1 and 4, there could be some scattered storms. I don't think there will be a lot of rain, but I'm not going to rule it out.” Caino said the sun could make an appearance in late afternoon and, by the time the GI Belmont Stakes goes to post at 7:04 p.m., there should be no chance of rain. The GI Kentucky Derby, won by Sovereignty (Into Mischief), was run over a sloppy track at Churchill Downs. The GI Preakness, won by Journalism (Curlin), was contested on a fast track at Pimlico Race Course. “It is what it,” said Michael McCarthy, Journalism's trainer. “We are here, he is running.” The post Belmont Stakes Notebook: Having The Derby Winner Makes For A Popular Barn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – There may not be a better person to talk to about the highly anticipated rematch between GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) and GI Preakness Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin) in Saturday's GI Belmont Stakes than longtime Bridlewood Farm General Manager George Isaacs. Founded in 1976 by Arthur and Martha Appleton and currently owned by John and Leslie Malone, Bridlewood Farm (their legendary red-and-white silks were worn by Umberto Rispoli for that heart-stopping second leg of Triple Crown) campaigns Journalism in partnership with Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, breeder Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables 5 and the Coolmore contingent. Both Journalism, an $825,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling purchase, and Godolphin homebred Sovereignty, graduated from the pre-training program at Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Florida, before heading to their trainers, Michael McCarthy and Hall of Famer Bill Mott, respectively. “Naturally, I hope it's Journalism, but if it can't be Journalism, I hope it's Sovereignty,” Isaacs said. “Even though it's only been one time, it could potentially be a real rivalry. For horse racing's sake, it would be nice if it unfolds that way and both of these horses stay healthy and can face off many times to come.” Sovereignty defeated favored Journalism by 1 1/2 lengths in the slop on the first Saturday in May. It was another neck back to the fast-closing Baeza (McKinzie), the half-brother to Classic winners Mage (Good Magic) and Dornoch (Good Magic), in third. Sovereignty | Sarah Andrew After a stormy Friday afternoon at the Spa, it could be an off track once more with additional rain in the forecast for Saturday. The last time the top three finishers of the Kentucky Derby all lined up in the Belmont Stakes was 2013. Kentucky Derby winner Orb finished third, runner-up Golden Soul was ninth and third-place finisher Revolutionary was fifth. “It's great for horse racing,” Isaacs said. “We know they're both very nice horses and I don't think we can overlook Baeza, either. Those three horses are the best three in the crop. I think it's a race between those three.” The field of eight also includes the Bob Baffert-trained likely pacesetter and 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic), a wire-to-wire winner of the GII Wood Memorial S. at Aqueduct last out Apr. 5. A quarter crack kept him out of the first two legs of the Triple Crown. “We have the best 3-year-olds in the country running together,” Baffert said. “It will be exciting. I have a lot of respect for Journalism and Sovereignty and Baeza. I think (Rodriguez) fits with them.” Baffert continued, “I have been watching Journalism all winter, chasing him all winter. He just keeps getting better and better and better. I think he is the horse to beat.” The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival is being held at Saratoga Race Course for the second straight year while construction of the new Belmont Park continues downstate. Due to the configuration of Saratoga's main track, the Belmont Stakes will once again be contested at 1 1/4 miles rather than the traditional distance of 1 1/2 miles. Saturday's blockbuster program features five Grade I events, including the Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In' GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap (Dirt Mile) and GI Jaipur S. (Turf Sprint). A fantastic field of five will meet for the stallion-making Met Mile, led by Breeders' Cup winners 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) and White Abarrio (Race Day). Click here for in-depth pedigree profiles for the complete field. The Jaipur has attracted 10 turf sprinters, led by 6-5 morning-line favorite Think Big (Twirling Candy), a winner of three straight, including the GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint S. on Kentucky Derby Day. In addition to the main event, 3-year-olds will also be in the spotlight in the seven-furlong GI Woody Stephens S., led by the turning-back two-time Grade I winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie) and last year's champion 2-year-old colt Citizen Bull (Into Mischief). Chancer McPatrick | Sarah Andrew Spirit of St Louis (Medaglia d'Oro) will be favored in the GI Manhattan S. following top-shelf wins in this term's GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational S. and GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard. The late Christophe Clement won the Manhattan three times and his son Miguel will continue his magnificent legacy by saddling a trio for the stable, led by MGISW and 'TDN Rising Star' Far Bridge (English Channel). The 14-race program also includes: the GII Wonder Again S., topped by the talented Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro); the GIII True North S., featuring a showdown between GISWs Book'em Danno (Bucchero), Mullikin (Violence) and Nakatomi (Firing Line); and the GIII Pennine Ridge S., led by GI American Turf S. winner Zulu Kingdom (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}). Television coverage of Belmont Stakes Day will air across the FOX Sports family of networks beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET. The post Kentucky Derby Top Three Sovereignty, Journalism & Baeza Meet Again in Belmont Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, Epsom Downs, post time: 15:30, BETFRED DERBY-G1, £1,604,000, 3yo, c/f, 12f 6yT Field: Al Wasl Storm (Ire) (Affinisea {Ire}), Damysus (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Green Storm (Ire) (Circus Maximus {Ire}), Lambourn (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Lazy Griff (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}), Midak (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), New Ground (GB) (New Bay {GB}), Nightime Dancer (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Nightwalker (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Pride Of Arras (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Rogue Impact (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Ruling Court (Justify), Sea Scout (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Stanhope Gardens (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Tennessee Stud (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), The Lion In Winter (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Tornado Alert (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Tuscan Hills (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Verdict: With rain about, albeit not a great deal, this is not going to be a fast-ground Derby and with such a large field the emphasis could be more on stamina than ever. If that is true, it will suit the G3 Chester Vase winner Lambourn who has the ideal draw in “lucky” stall 10 and who may just have been hiding his true light under a bushel so far. If he's in the mix, the likes of Midak and Lazy Griff may not be too far away and this could be one of those renewals where the principals aren't quite what they are cracked up to be. There are stamina doubts surrounding Ruling Court, Delacroix and The Lion In Winter but none surrounding the G2 Dante winner Pride Of Arras. His York performance was very strong and it is impossible to ignore all his ideal credentials for this race. Possibly underestimated due to the fact that he is not trained at Ballydoyle or sports Godolphin silks, he is under the care of Ralph Beckett who has proven time and again that he knows exactly how to train a top prospect. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Epsom Downs, post time: 13:35, THE BETFRED DIOMED STAKES-G3, £100,000, 3yo/up, 8f 113yT Field: Brave Emperor (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Geography (Ger) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Persica (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Cairo (Ire) (Quality Road), Docklands (GB) (Massaat {Ire}), Ice Max (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Royal Dubai (Fr) (Seahenge), Tyrrhenian Sea (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Royal Playwright (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Docklands loves Ascot, but how last year's G1 Queen Anne Stakes runner-up takes to this contrasting terrain is anybody's guess. The form of his latest Listed Paradise Stakes second to Sardinian Warrior was boosted by that son of Saxon Warrior's effort in the G1 Prix d'Ispahan and he sets the standard. Successful in the Lester Piggott Handicap at this meeting 12 months ago, Persica has a penalty for his success in Newmarket's G3 Earl Of Sefton Stakes but that might not stop him. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Epsom Downs, post time: 13:00, THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH STAKES-G3, £100,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 8f 113yT Field: Bright Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Chic Colombine (Fr) (Seahenge), Imperial Quarter (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Kindest Nation (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Royal Dress (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Sirona (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Skellet (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Sparks Fly (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Spiritual (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Sunfall (GB) (Twilight Son {GB}), Bermuda Longtail (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}). TDN Verdict: TDN Rising Star Skellet hasn't lived up to that tag so far, but there is still time for Juddmonte's acquisition who signed off last term with a win in Sandown's Listed Fortune Stakes. Of the 3-year-olds, Bermuda Longtail is the most interesting having got closest to the smart Kon Tiki in a well-contested renewal of York's Listed Michael Seely Memorial Stakes last month. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Tokyo, Japan, post time: 15:40, YASUDA KINEN-G1, ¥347,460,000, 3yo/up, 1600mT Field: Sixpence (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Daddy's Vivid (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Mad Cool (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Win Marvel (Jpn) (I'll Have Another), Red Mon Reve (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Gratias (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), Gaia Force (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Ecoro Walz (Jpn) (Black Tide {Jpn}), Champagne Color (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Jantar Mantar (Jpn) (Palace Malice), Sakura Toujours (Jpn) (Neo Universe {Jpn}), Long Run (Jpn) (Victoire Pisa {Jpn}), Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}), Water Licht (Jpn) (Drefong), Ho O Reality (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), Trovatore (Jpn) (Rey De Oro {Jpn}), Jun Blossom (Jpn) (World Ace {Jpn}), Brede Weg (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}). Click here for the preview. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: All Eyes On Delacroix In The Derby, After Ballydoyle’s Friday Triumphs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maybe it was the sloppy sealed track. Or the 1 1/8 mile distance. Or maybe, just maybe, the force was with her Friday. Rail-drawn Florida-bred Dorth Vader (Girvin) stepped up against the highly-touted Chad Brown-trained duo of Raging Sea (Curlin) and Randomized (Nyquist) to conquer the “Win and You're In” GI Ogden Phipps Stakes, stamping a ticket to the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar this November. Making her third start off a significant layoff, Dorth Vader entered 2025 with something to prove. She hadn't won since t he 2023 GII Davona Dale Stakes, though she hadn't exactly disgraced herself either when second by a head to 'TDN Rising Star' Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) in the 2023 edition of the GI Acorn Stakes. Largely rested since a fourth in the GI Test Stakes that summer, Dorth Vader has made only three starts in the years since with two of them coming just this spring. Another fourth, this time to Idiomatic (Curlin) in last year's GI La Troienne Stakes, marked her only start of 2024. Clearly trainer George Weaver lost no confidence in this homebred coming back a 5-year-old as she ran second at Gulfstream in an allowance race March 28 and jumped right back into the deep waters to tackle the La Troienne where was fourth once again to the aforementioned Raging Sea and Randomized. Drawn on the rail for her third-straight race, Dorth Vader bound out smartly and was outrun into the first turn only by the speedier Dazzling Move (Not This Time) for Saffie Joseph Jr. while a pair of horses, including 5-2 second choice and defending race champion Randomized, kept pace further out. Kept against the rail in a tightly-bunched group with only even-money favorite Raging Sea left behind, the 8-1 chance stayed right in the tracks of Dazzling Move just in front as the opening fractions ticked by in :22.90 and 46.41. Right as the field passed the half-mile pole, Dorth Vader began to angle out and the top pair began to open up on the rest with several lengths back to 'TDN Rising Star' Tarifa (Bernardini). It was clear by the quarter pole that the race was on only for third as Dorth Vader drew past the early pacesetter inside the furlong pole and cleared off nicely, leaving far too much work to do for Raging Sea who did her best to close an insurmountable gap to finish a clear third. “I still wasn't sure she wanted to go that far,” said Weaver. “When I first got her, I was like, 'Man, this filly does not need blinkers.' I thought that from the beginning. I never took them off until this year, and it's paying dividends. She's really getting into a nice, comfortable groove early in the race and I think it's helping her get the two turns. She's a high-strung filly, but she's like fine wine. She's getting better with age.” “I was expecting this kind of trip, really,” added winning rider John Velazquez. “I thought probably a little more speed showed up. I mean, they went fast enough anyways. My horse settled the way I wanted her to. When I showed [speed], the other horse [No. 2, Dazzling Move] kind of took off a little bit. I got a good position on the backstretch, and from then on, I was very comfortable. She wanted to be forward. She handled it [the track] very well.” Leaving no doubt as to his mare's next step, winning owner/breeder John Ropes added: “She should have won the [La Troienne]. She was getting ready to roll and we got cut off. We knew we could win today. George thought she is probably in the best shape she's ever been and this is her time. Plus, we had to have the jockey to pull it off and there aren't better than Johnny with his patience and ability to read the track. I was worried turning for home because her best runs are in the stretch. [Wet conditions] give everyone a pause, but I thought she could handle it. She's very light on her feet. It is very sweet. All my horses are homebreds. I don't buy horses to race; I race the horses I bred. I've been doing this for 45 years and bred this horse there in Ocala. We're going to California [for the Breeders' Cup].” Pedigree Note: Dorth Vader is the second top-level winner for Airdrie Stud's Girvin, joining GI Starlet Stakes victress and 'TDN Rising Star' Faiza. Stakes-placed first dam Hardcore Candy, a half to MSW Chestnut Lady (Horse Chestnut {SAf}), is responsible for five winners from eight to race with Dorth Vader clearly the class of her crop. Last through the ring unsold on a final bid of just $5,500 at the OBS Winter Mixed Sale in 2020, Hardcore Candy has a pair of full-sisters to this new Grade I-winner in 2024's appropriately-named Revenge of the Sis joining her 2025 filly. The Force was strong with her! DORTH VADER wins the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps pres. by @Ford at 8-1 with @jjcjockey up for trainer George Weaver. pic.twitter.com/eya4b2TEPr — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 6, 2025 Friday, Saratoga OGDEN PHIPPS S. PRESENTED BY FORD-GI, $485,000, Saratoga, 6-6, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/8m, 1:49.10, sy. 1–DORTH VADER, 118, m, 5, by Girvin 1st Dam: Hardcore Candy (SP, $101,308), by Yonaguska 2nd Dam: Its a Girl, by Thunder Gulch 3rd Dam: Ladyago, by Northern Dancer 1ST GRADE I WIN. O/B-John Ropes (FL); T-George Weaver; J-John R. Velazquez. $275,000. Lifetime Record: 15-5-2-1, $893,218. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Dazzling Move, 120, f, 4, by Not This Time 1st Dam: Lady Liam, by Saint Liam 2nd Dam: Tricki Mae, by Phone Trick 3rd Dam: Pamela Kay, by Hold Your Peace 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($85,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEESEP; $135,000 2yo '23 EASMAY). O-Miller Racing LLC; B-Jesse Korona (ON); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.. $100,000. 3–Raging Sea, 124, m, 5, by Curlin 1st Dam: Stormy Welcome, by Storm Cat 2nd Dam: Welcome Surprise, by Seeking the Gold 3rd Dam: Weekend Surprise, by Secretariat ($300,000 RNA Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Alpha Delta Stables LLC; B-Alpha Delta Stables, LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. $60,000. Margins: 4 3/4, 1 3/4, 16. Odds: 8.80, 12.50, 1.10. Also Ran: Tarifa, Randomized, Leslie's Rose. Scratched: Candied. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post The Empire Finally Strikes Back As Dorth Vader Upsets ‘WAYI’ Ogden Phipps appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The stomping ground of Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) in 2024, this year's G1 Yasuda Kinen sees a contentious field line up at Tokyo, with the role of ante-post favourite handed to dual Group 1 winner and last year's third-place finisher Soul Rush. By Rulership, the 2024 Mile Championship hero ran second in the G1 Hong Kong Mile in December and was third to the reopposing Sixpence in the G2 Nakayama Kinen in March. Sent overseas, he defeated Romantic Warrior in the G1 Dubai Turf over 1800 metres in Dubai in April, breaking 1:46 for the distance. He will break from stall 13. “He just seems to continue getting better, as we saw when he beat Romantic Warrior,” said trainer Yasutoshi Ikee. “This past year has been great for him. He's in his usual condition just before a race. The Tokyo mile suits him with his stamina. He hasn't won the Yasuda Kinen yet, and a win at Tokyo would be good when it comes to his career at stud.” The Yasuda Kinen, a Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” for the GI Mile, might prove a steppingstone to an international campaign for the Carrot Farm-owned Sixpence. Out of the GI Madison Stakes heroine Finley'sluckycharm (Twirling Candy), the 4-year-old son of Kizuna has been entered in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville on Aug. 17. Sixpence ran seventh in the 2000-metre G1 Osaka Hai in April and has drawn the rail. “This week's work was very good, especially at the finish,” said trainer Sakae Kunieda. “He has experience running at Tokyo, and the jockey [Christophe Lemaire] knows the horse well, so I think he can be patient with him during the race, and produce him for a good run at the end.” Added Lemaire, “Working with [the filly] Brede Weg has been a good thing for him. He seemed a little heavy at first, but he's moving better now that he's had some more work.” The only filly in the 18-horse field, the daughter of Lord Kanaloa won the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup in November of 2023 and landed the G2 Ireland Trophy Fuchu Himba Stakes last October. Off the board in three more runs, Brede Weg was most recently seventh behind Soul Rush in Dubai and had the widest draw in 18. Said, trainer Keisuke Miyata, “She's worked well with the jockey [Keita Tosaki], and racing on the outside in training, her workload's been good, with strong finishes. She's run patiently throughout her work, and she should be just right going into the race. Her results over a mile might not have been good up to now, but she's had good experience at Tokyo, and if she can run patiently and save everything for her turn of foot at the end, I think she can run a good race and get a different result.” A two-time winner over this trip, Palace Malice's Jantar Mantar is on something of a fact-finding mission. A winner of the G1 NHK Mile Cup in 2024 after running third in that year's G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas), the 4-year-old entire has not been seen since his 13th-place finish in the Hong Kong Mile almost six months ago. Yuga “King” Kawada has the call from post 10. Coming off victories into the Yasuda Kinen are G3 Tokyo Shimbun Hai hero Water Licht (Drefong), G2 Yomiuri Milers Cup winner Long Run (Victoire Pisa), and G3 Lord Derby Challenge Trophy victor Trovatore (Rey De Oro). The post Soul Rush Faces Stiff Challenge In Yasuda Kinen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When last seen at Saratoga some 10 months ago, ASBURY PARK (GB) (c, 3, Frankel {GB}–Limonar {Ire}, by Street Cry {Ire}) took unsurprising action as the 8-5 favorite, passed several rivals in the lane but fell short in fifth and had been missing since. Returning here as the 7-5 favorite and bearing the silks of his breeder St Elias Stable, the fashionably bred colt was void of early speed from his middle draw and was dragged back to the latter third of the red-hot Flavien Prat through a driving rainstorm. Ridden quietly with cover three or four off the fence down the backstretch, the dark bay was still well back entering the final three furlongs, but began to pick it up approaching the stretch, having been guided to the wide outside and out of harm's way. Asbury Park quickly gathered up the leaders nearing the eighth pole and from there it was academic, as he was about four lengths clear and well in hand under the wire to become the afternoon's second 'TDN Rising Star'. It was the fourth on the afternoon for Prat and the third for Chad Brown, who also sent out the debuting Arkhipov (Munnings) to a promising runner-up effort on his career bow. Tom Collins (Frosted), the 2-1 second choice, was third. ASBURY PARK makes a statement in Race 8, breaking his maiden and giving Flavien Prat his fourth win today and Chad Brown his third. pic.twitter.com/7veSg1EpIC — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 6, 2025 The post Frankel’s Asbury Park ‘Bosses’ Spa Maiden, Becomes A ‘Rising Star’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Registration is open for the Global Symposium on Racing, which will take place December 8-10, 2025, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona, the event announced Friday. The Global Symposium on Racing brings together leaders and innovators from every corner of the horse racing world to explore the industry's most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities. Over the course of three days and more than a dozen panel sessions, attendees will engage in discussions and gain valuable insights. This year's Symposium will feature a pre-conference media training workshop titled 'Calm. Clear. Credible: Responding When Racing's Under Fire', led by Vicky Leonard in collaboration with Light Up Racing. A full agenda of topics and speakers will be released later in the summer. The Symposium also offers an opportunity to network with colleagues, engage with industry leaders, and support the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program with complimentary registration once again available for all RTIP alumni. To register for the Symposium, click here. The post Global Symposium On Racing Opens Registration For 2025 Event appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Sunday running at Hanshin Racecourse as 2-year-old racing kicks off the season on the Japan Racing Association circuit: Sunday, June 8, 2025 5th-HSN, ¥14,250,000 ($98k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1400mT YU PHAROAH (c, 2, American Pharoah–Limari, by Medaglia d'Oro) cost trainer Hideyuki Mori $75,000 at last year's Keeneland September Sale a handful of days after his then-juvenile half-brother West Beach (Omaha Beach) was just nabbed on the wire by future GSW Tiztastic (Tiz the Law) in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile. The Feb. 1 foal's dam, third as the odds-on favorite in the 2019 GIII Mint Julep Stakes, is a half-sister to Eclair (Bernardini), herself a stakes winner at two. This is the female family of GI Just A Game Stakers winner Antonoe (First Defence). Yu Pharoah is bred on the same cross responsible for GI New York Stakes winner Marketsegmentation and G1 Victoria Derby hero Goldrush Guru (Aus). O-K Aitetsu; B-Don Alberto Corporation & American Pharoah Syndicate (KY); T-Hideyuki Mori The post American Pharoah Colt Debuts As 2YO Racing Kicks Off in Japan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Running to her odds, 'TDN Rising Star' Ways and Means (Practical Joke–Strong Incentive, by Warrior's Reward) meant business as she romped in the GII Bed o' Roses Stakes at Saratoga Race Course on Friday. Tabbed as the 1-2 choice here, the filly was in the mix from the bell, but Irish Maxima (Maximus Mischief) came through on the rail to take over the top spot. The 4-year-old Chad Brown trainee was ready though and she began to target her opponent around the far turn. Cut loose down the lane, the Klaravich homebred rolled home by over six lengths in the end as another 'Rising Star' Scylla (Tapit) earned the runner-up spot. The final running time was 1:21.11. Lifetime Record: 10-5-2-1. O/B-Klaravich Stables (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. WAYS AND MEANS dominates the Grade 2 Bed o' Roses Stakes under Flavien Prat for trainer Chad Brown! pic.twitter.com/AhOhvIvaxX — Belmont Stakes (@BelmontStakes) June 6, 2025 The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Ways And Means Chairs Bed O’ Roses Romp At The Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz Local trainer Nicky Chilcott was quietly confident about her chances but still delighted to walk away with a double at Cambridge on Thursday night. She went race-to-race with Pukunui Beach, who was a $1.30 favourite on debut in the TFS Horse Transport Mobile Pace and then Alwaysbesecret in the Garrards Horse and Goud Mobile Pace. “I actually get scared going into race nights thinking I’ve got chances because that’s normally when you get your bum kicked,” she laughed. “But it was nice to think that I did have a couple of shots – getting one win is always good but to get two was a real bonus!” Her spirits where high around Pukunui Beach but the deciding factor was always going to be his manners on the night. “I thought he would win, if he got beat it probably would’ve been by himself because he’s just a bit mentally fragile, but he has definitely got a motor,” she said, “he’s been a bit of work in progress, so it was rewarding to have him go out there and perform like he did on debut.” It was a tough run for the Downbytheseaside gelding. Driven by Zachary Butcher, he sat parked for the last lap but still had enough in the tank to outstay his rivals. Stablemate Alwaysbesecret also faced the breeze for the final 1000m but ultimately was too brave for her competitors, scoring the win with Chilcott in the bike. “I wasn’t going into it thinking she was a winner but then they were going that slow that I thought I’d pop out to parked, and to be honest I didn’t know if she’d be tough enough to do that.” Chilcott said. “She’s pulled up from it really good but I probably won’t back her up again, she’ll wait a fortnight.” It was her second win in nine starts. As for the future of Pukunui Beach? “Look he’s on the market to sell, but until the right offer comes along, we will just keep chipping away.” View the full article

The inaugural HRNZ and ESNZ Standardbred Competition recognises and rewards the achievements of Standardbred horses competing in ESNZ disciplines. If you rode a Standardbred registered with ESNZ in competitions between 1 August 2024 and 31 May 2025 this is your opportunity to submit your season’s results and be in the running for the HRNZ & ESNZ Standardbred Competition. Results can be from Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing, Competitive Trail Riding, or Para Equestrian or a combination. Points are allocated to the horse, not the rider. Prizes: 1st – $500 | 2nd – $300 | 3rd – $200 Email your competition results to natalie@hrnz.co.nz Deadline for submissions: 13 July 2025 Help us celebrate the talent and versatility of the Standardbred breed. To see more click here View the full article

2nd-SAR, $100k, Msw, 3yo/up, 6 1/2f, 6:42p.m. ET Coming into this maiden with a number of bullet works to his credit, COPIOUS (Curlin) will debut in the colors of Tranquility Lake Farms for trainer Bill Mott. With four bullets at Payson and two over the Oklahoma training track, the chestnut is the son of MGISW Paradise Woods (Union Rags) and hails from the immediate female family of MGSW & GISP Mr. Greeley (Gone West). His dam's half-sister Paradise Bay (Blame) has produced SW Reef Runner (This Big Beast) and his full-brother SW Big Paradise, and another multiple-winning half-sister claims MGSP Lady Aces (Constitution). To his inside is stablemate Stars and Strides (American Pharoah) for owners Pin Oak Stud. A $475,000 KEESEP pick-up in 2023, the bay is a half-brother to SW Panther Island (Speightstown) and the pair is out of a thrice-winning half-sister to MSW & GSP Wine Police (Speightstown) and SP Moon Traveler (Malibu Moon). TJCIS PPs 10th-SA, $60k, Msw, 3-5yo, f, 1mT, 8:52p.m. ET In the nightcap at Santa Anita, and in the twilight of a stacked Saturday of racing across the country, Neema (Curlin) will debut here on the grass for Michael Lund Peterson and trainer Bob Baffert. A $460,000 FTKOCT purchase in 2023, the filly hails from the extended female family of the late champion MGISW Echo Zulu (Gun Runner); GISW Echo Town (Speightstown); GSW J Boys Echo (Mineshaft); GSP Unbridled Outlaw (Unbridled's Song); and of SW Soundwave (Friends Lake), dam of GSW Dean Martini (Cairo Prince). TJCIS PPs The post June 7 Insights: America’s Summer Playground Hosts Pair of Well-Bred Debuters, California Wraps Super Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

EPSOM DOWNS, UK — It is impossible to think of the Coolmore operation without the name Sangster coming to mind and, not for the first time, a member of the clan has been instrumental in aiding Coolmore to Classic glory. The imperious Minnie Hauk reeled in and eventually – but only just – overhauled her front-running stable-mate Whirl to give Ben Sangster his second winner of the Oaks as breeder after Dancing Rain struck at Epsom back in 2011. For good measure, he also bred last year's Coronation Cup winner Luxembourg (Camelot). For Aidan O'Brien and the team from Ballydoyle this was a fourth Classic success of the European season and an eleventh win in the Oaks since Shahtoush 27 years ago. The numbers continue to veer off the charts. Sangster didn't sound too perturbed at being disturbed by the TDN while on holiday in Copenhagen, and answered the phone with a “Wasn't that fantastic?” Indeed it was, and the ever-modest breeder added of his Classic double, “I've just been lucky. It's all thanks to two great trainers in William Haggas and Aidan O'Brien, and two brilliant fillies.” He continued, “It looks like they are going to have a great time with Minnie Hauk. That was very impressive and I'm delighted for them as they paid a lot of money for her. They've got a wonderful filly and she's from a fantastic family.” That family is one more usually synonymous with Juddmonte. Not only is Minnie Hauk by Frankel but her dam Multilingual (Dansili) is a half-sister to Kingman, who is in turn responsible for one of the most exciting three-year-old colts of the season in the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Field Of Gold. “I really should be there [at Epsom] and not here,” Sangster said. “But we managed to see the race and I'm sure we'll be opening a bottle to celebrate.” The on-course celebrations were joined by Sangster's son Ollie, who came so close to claiming a Classic of his own as a trainer this season when saddling the second and third home in the 1,000 Guineas. He had bought Multilingual on his father's behalf at Keeneland back in 2019 and Minnie Hauk has already more than paid back that initial outlay of $525,000. Not only has her Classic victory given an already-glittery family an extra sparkle but she also topped the Goffs Orby Sale of 2023 when selling for €1.85 million to MV Magnier. The team of Coolmore partners was out in force at Epsom, and had already celebrated the battling success of last year's St Leger hero Jan Brueghel in the Coronation Cup – a tenth victory in that particular Group 1 for O'Brien. Both he and Minnie Hauk had been galvanised to victory by the peerless Ryan Moore. A brother to the Irish Derby winner Sovereign, Jan Brueghel, bred by David Nagle, another key Coolmore ally, ensured that his sire Galileo was not forgotten this Derby weekend, 24 years after the late champion's own Epsom triumph. And there he was again, an hour later, as grandsire of the first two home in the Oaks. “It's incredible. This is what racing is all about – this place,” said MV Magnier. “It means so much to everybody here. Ben and Lucy Sangster, who bred the filly, they are very good customers of ours and I am delighted for them, and for David and Diane Nagle as well. And the best thing is that Multilingual is in foal to Justify.” He added, “I must thank Fred Done [of Betfred] for everything he is doing for the sport. To sponsor all five Classics is an incredible thing.” In celebrating Minnie Hauk, a thought must be spared for the plucky Whirl, who had stripped fittest of all in the paddock and did everything right bar win, after making all of the running under Wayne Lordan and being denied by a neck. It's the second time her sire Wootton Bassett has provided the runner-up in an Epsom Classic after King Of Steel in the Derby two years ago. Having been responsible already this season for the French Classic-winning duo of Henri Matisse and Camille Pissarro, as well as one of the most exciting juveniles we've seen out so far in Albert Einstein, Wootton Bassett continues to prove his versatility – a trait which separates the good stallions from the great ones. “It goes back to the old thing: let the horses do the talking. When you have Aidan and Ryan, and you have Wootton Bassett and Justify…,” said Magnier, tailing off as if to emphasise his first sentence. And so, after a big day, thoughts turn to an even bigger day, and a Beftred Derby which is considered by many to be one of the most open races for the Blue Riband in many a year. O'Brien and Coolmore have three of the top five in the betting. The mighty Moore is, of course, on the favourite Delacroix (Dubawi). Looking ahead to this most celebrated of Classics, Magnier added, “I don't want to sound like an old stuck record but the Derby is what our entire business is modelled on. The Derby is the most important race, it's the most important stallion-making race. It's why we get up in the morning.” Saturday morning can't come soon enough. The post Magnier: ‘This is What Racing is All About – This Place’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article