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When Mila's Wish (Cajun Breeze) just held on for a debut victory–and then survived a claim of foul–at Gulfstream Park Friday, track announcer Pete Aiello clued the crowd into what a special moment it was when he said, “You've heard of Cody's Wish. Here's the Florida version. Here's Mila's Wish.” Much like the 2023 Horse of the Year who was named after the late Cody Dorman, the 2-year-old colt was making the wish of another youngster come true. Mila Spillone is a 4-year-old battling Aicardi syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that has left her blind in one eye and, with low muscle tone, she is unable to walk or talk. The lifespan of someone with Aicardi syndrome is roughly 18 years. Michael Yates was able to make Mila's wish of having a horse named after her come true and the colt duly delivered with a dramatic first win Friday. “A really good friend of mine, [bloodstock agent] Sean Perl, reached out to me,” explained Yates, who trains the colt and bred and owns him in the name of his Shadybrook Farm. “His sister Jackie is director of special events for Make a Wish Southern Florida. And so that is how the connection was made. They were trying to find somebody who would grant Mila's wish to name a horse after her and I accepted the challenge. I thought it was a wonderful thing.” In the winner's circle with Mila's Wish | Lauren King Yates was originally hoping to find a homebred filly to name after the little girl with the big wish, but ultimately picked a son of the gritty Cajun Breeze, whom he co-owned and trained to three stakes-placings in Florida. “I couldn't decide which filly that I own to name that,” Yates said. “The horses were getting closer to running. And this horse was showing some talent. I thought it would be a good horse to name after her. It was also a horse that I bred and Sean Perl had actually picked the mare out for me when I bought the mare.” The 9-5 favorite in his first trip to the post Friday, Mila's Wish led from the start and was some two lengths clear at midstretch before just holding off the resurgent Lou (Brethren) by a head while running greenly late. “I expected he would run well, but as with any 2-year-old, you never really know,” Yates said. “But I expected he would run well, he had worked well.” Yates met Mila and her family for the first time Friday at Gulfstream. “They were over the top elated,” Yates reported. “And very grateful for us naming the horse after their daughter. They had a wonderful day here at the races.” Looking ahead to a potential next start for Mila's Wish, Yates said, “It's pretty early, but he's a Florida-bred and we are based here at Gulfstream. We will probably point forward to the first next step for the 2-year-olds as it comes along, which would probably be a 2-year-old stakes, if that comes about prior to an allowance race being written.” As for the inspiration for the colt's name, Mila's mother said, “Mila has overcome many challenges and each day is a blessing. She truly is a miracle.” The post Mila’s Wish Comes True at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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With the better-known 'Mystik' still in the barn, Mystic Lake (Mo Town) went to the front end and never looked back, rolling home a 4 1/2-length winner over favored Youalmosthadme (Oxbow) in Friday's Miss Preakness S. at Pimlico. A second-out winner at Woodbine last fall, she was runner-up in that venue's Glorious Song S. on the synthetic in October before weakening late to be third in the GIII Mazarine S. in November. Kicking off 2024 with a win in Tampa's seven-panel Gasparilla S. on the dirt Jan. 13, the Florida-bred filly was fifth going a mile in Gulfstream's grassy GIII Herecomesthebride S. but rebounded to post a front-running victory facing state-bred rivals back on the dirt in the Sophomore Fillies S. at Tampa Mar. 24. Returning to Woodbine for her latest start, she finished second as the favorite in the Star Shoot S. over six furlongs Apr. 27. Sent off at 5-1, Mystic Lake broke like a shot from the rail and raced to the front with Launch (Omaha Beach) in hot pursuit as Value Area (More Than Ready), breaking from post 2, was pinched back and dropped back to the rear of the field. Carving out a quarter in :23.09, the filly continued to show the way over Launch and a rail-skimming Youlamosthadme through a :46.44 half. Straightening for home, Mystic Lake showed no signs of letting up and spurted clear as the 2-1 favorite tried to reel the front-runner in, but couldn't make headway late. Discreet Ops (Army Mule) closed to grab third over Cap Classique (Vino Rosso). “She jumped very well and got an early good position, and she did the rest from there,” said winning rider jockey Flavien Prat, accompanying the filly for the first time. “You've got to break well, but she did, and it turned out well.” “She is just a consistent filly and she ran big today,” added trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. “She has run well on the dirt. She has won her last three on the dirt. The only blemish on her record was her first time on the dirt [in her career debut at Gulfstream when she ran ninth]. For some reason, she did not break that day and ran poorly.” Pedigree Notes: Mystic Lake's Miss Preakness victory gives Mo Town (Uncle Mo) his sixth career graded winner. A $130,000 OBS March 2-year-old buy, Mystic Lake was previously purchased for $3,500 by Tom McCrocklin at the OBS yearling sale in 2022. Mystic Lake was consigned to the recently concluded Fasig-Tipton May Digital Sale, but was unsold on a final bid of $370,000, having already been entered for the Miss Preakness. The filly is the first foal out of Salty Soul, herself a $30,000 Keeneland November in 2017. Friday, Pimlico MISS PREAKNESS S.-GIII, $150,000, Pimlico, 5-17, 3yo, f, 6f, 1:11.40, ft. 1–MYSTIC LAKE, 120, f, 3, by Mo Town 1st Dam: Salty Soul, by Itsmyluckyday 2nd Dam: Pyramyst, by Pyramid Peak 3rd Dam: Almost Mystical, by General Assembly 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($3,500 Ylg '22 OBSOCT; $130,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR; $370,000 RNA 3yo '24 FTDMAY). O-C2 Racing Stable LLC and Stefania Farms, LLC; B-Peggy Costanzo (FL); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.; J-Flavien Prat. $90,000. Lifetime Record: 9-4-2-1, $291,554. Werk Nick Rating: F. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Youalmosthadme, 124, f, 3, Oxbow–Good Gator, by Good and Tough. ($12,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Resolute Racing; B-Pope McLean, Marc McLean & Pope McLean Jr. (KY); T-Brad Cox. $30,000. 3–Discreet Ops, 118, f, 3, Army Mule–Seams Discreet, by Discreet Cat. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($50,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $50,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT; $27,000 2yo '23 EASMAY). O-Charles J. Reed; B-Richard Lueck (KY); T-Benjamin M. Feliciano, Jr.. $15,000. Margins: 4HF, 1 1/4, NO. Odds: 5.80, 2.30, 13.80. Also Ran: Cap Classique, Lady Moscato, Belle's Blue Bell, Value Area, Carmelina, Launch, Miss Harriett, Closing Act, Let Them Watch. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Mo Town’s Mystic Lake Coast To Coast In the Miss Preakness appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Pyrenees (c, 4, Into Mischief–Our Khrysty, by Newfoundland) came charging down the stretch to defeat heavily favored Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo) and give trainer Cherie DeVaux a third stakes winner on the card in a thrilling renewal of the GIII Pimlico Special S. Harlocap (Justify) was third. Off at odds of 5-1 for his stakes debut, Pyrenees won his three previous starts, including an optional claimer in the Keeneland slop Apr. 12. Pyrenees becomes the 149th SW and 74th GSW for leading sire Into Mischief. Sales history: $350,000 RNA wnlg '20 KEENOV; $380,000 RNA 2yo '22 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 8-4-1-1. O/B-Blue Heaven Farm (Bonnie Baskin & Adam Corndorf) (Ky); T-Cherie DeVaux. Check out the @JockeyCam view from winning rider @b_hernandezjr aboard #4 Pyrenees, who scored the win in the $250,000 Pimlico Special (G3). pic.twitter.com/IV2Ya11IPK — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) May 17, 2024 Friday, Pimlico PIMLICO SPECIAL S.-GIII, $250,000, Pimlico, 5-17, 3yo/up, 1 3/16m, 1:57.73, ft. 1–PYRENEES, 120, c, 4, by Into Mischief 1st Dam: Our Khrysty (GSW, $313,260), by Newfoundland 2nd Dam: The Hess Express, by Lord Carson 3rd Dam: Turcomedy, by Turkoman 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($350,000 RNA Wlg '20 KEENOV; $380,000 RNA 2yo '22 OBSAPR). O/B-Blue Heaven Farm (Bonnie Baskin and Adam Corndorf) (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux; J-Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. $150,000. Lifetime Record: 8-4-1-1, $321,716. *1/2 to Grace Adler (Curlin), GISW, $258,800. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Kingsbarns, 126, c, 4, Uncle Mo–Lady Tapit, by Tapit. ($250,000 Ylg '21 FTSAUG; $800,000 2yo '22 FTFMAR). O-Spendthrift Farm LLC; B-Parks Investment Group, LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $50,000. 3–Harlocap, 122, c, 4, Justify–Mezinka, by Bodemeister. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($150,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; $275,000 2yo '22 FTFMAR; $400,000 2yo '22 EASMAY). O-Harlo Stables Corp. and Villa Rosa Farm, Inc.; B-Breed First LLC (KY); T-Steven Asmussen. $25,000. Margins: 3/4, 2 1/4, 1 1/4. Odds: 5.10, 0.70, 13.70. Also Ran: Red Route One, Be Better, Royal Ship (Brz), Double Crown. Scratched: Time for Trouble. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Streaking Pyrenees Runs Down Kingsbarns in a Thrilling Pimlico Special appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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There are 18 meetings set for Australia on Saturday, May 18. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Doomben, Scone, Flemington, Belmont, and Tennant Creek. Saturday’s Racing Tips – May 18, 2024 Doomben Racing Tips Scone Racing Tips Flemington Racing Tips Belmont Racing Tips Tennant Creek Racing Tips Doomben 10,000 Racing Preview And Best Bet As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on May 18, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article
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Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a full-brother to a multiple Group 1-winning juvenile. 13.20 Navan, Mdn, €18,000, 2yo, 5f 180yT TUNBRIDGE WELLS (IRE) (No Nay Never) is a full-brother to last year's G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S. hero Blackbeard (Ire) who bids to book his ticket to Royal Ascot among the Ballydoyle juvenile team. Interestingly, he encounters Dr Ali Al Mutairi's Dr Ali (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}) who was third to Tunbridge Wells' stablemate Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) over this course and distance last month. 13.30 Newmarket, Novice, £40,000, 2yo, f, 6fT MOUNTAIN BREEZE (IRE) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) earned TDN Rising Star status over five furlongs at this track earlier this month and takes aim at another in the Tattersalls £40,000 EBF Fillies' Novice series. Godolphin's half-sister to the juvenile champion Pinatubo (Ire) (Shamardal) has to defy a five-pound penalty against some potentially smart newcomers headed by Juddmonte's Flaming Stone (GB) (Kingman {GB}), an Andrew Balding-trained 425,000gns Tattersalls December Foal Sale purchase who is a half-sister to the G2 Premio Lydia Tesio winner Angel Power (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). The post Blackbeard’s Brother Debuts At Navan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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TIMONIUM, MD – The under-tack show for the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale concluded with a third session Friday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium and after an initial session of headwinds and a second session punctuated by tailwinds, conditions were calm with overcast skies during the show's finale. A filly by Bolt d'Oro (hip 401) had the fastest furlong work of Friday's session, covering the distance in :10 flat during the day's third set. Consigned by Wavertree Stables, the bay filly is out of Werewolf (Arch) and is a half-sister to stakes winner and graded-placed Howling Time (Not This Time). “We thought she would work as good as one could work up here,” Wavertree's Ciaran Dunne said. “We were nervous only because when you have such high expectations, usually it is tough to meet them. But I think she worked as good as one is going to work here today.” The filly was purchased for $335,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. “She is a big, pretty filly,” Dunne said of the juvenile's appeal last fall. “She's the type of horse we like. Physically, she's strong and she's balanced and she moves good. There is nothing to not like.” Of her progression over the winter, Dunne said, “She was right there with the best of what we had this year. She was supposed to go to the April sale, but she had a little setback. We gave her the time and she's never done anything other than advertise herself as top class.” A colt from the first crop of GI Kentucky Derby winner Authentic (hip 565) set the bullet mark for a quarter-mile Friday when covering the distance in :21 2/5 during the session's second set. Consigned by Pick View, LLC, the dark bay is out of Jeannie S (Sky Mesa) and is a half-brother to multiple stakes-winner Shanghai Starlet (Shanghai Bobby). The colt will be making a quick reappearance in the sales ring after bringing $150,000 at the OBS April sale last month. Veteran horseman Hoby Kight purchased the youngster, who worked a furlong in :10 flat at the Florida auction, on behalf of a group of partners. “I was looking for a couple of horses to buy to bring up here that worked good, that were real horses that I thought would work well on the dirt,” Kight said. “I do it every year. And it works out for me.” Asked what he looked for in horses to buy in Ocala to reoffer in Timonium, Kight said, “I like a horse with pedigree and work. And this horse worked good. He is a big stretchy horse, the kind I like.” Of the colt's work at OBS, Kight said, “There are so many horses who go :10 flat at OBS which are not real. This was real. There are a lot of horses there that work good that are real horses and there are some horses who work good where the synthetic just helps them a little bit. I don't want that horse.” Kight was impressed by the colt's bullet drill in Timonium Friday. “I think it was awesome,” he said. “A :21 2/5 on the dirt, seven times out of 10 is a stakes horse.” The juvenile's work was no surprise to consignor Joe Pickerrell. “He worked really good in April, so we expected him to work big,” Pickerrell said. “He's a big, beautiful two-turn colt. He was up to the task today. [OBS April consignor] Top Line [Sales] did a great job with him.” Of Kight, Pickerrell added, “Hoby is one of the best that ever did it. He's always buying and selling and in parts of the market that people kind of forget about. That's why he is so successful because he thinks outside of the box. If something outworks him today, I am sure Hoby will be there to look at it because we like fast horses. We are thankful he chose us to offer a horse like him.” In addition to hip 565, Authentic was represented by two of the five juveniles to share the week's fastest quarter-mile time of :21 1/5. The Pick View consignment was busy throughout the under-tack show, sending 25 juveniles to the track over the three days. “The track has been great,” Pickerrell said. “These guys do a phenomenal job of dealing with the weather on this track. We are lucky to have these track guys and Fasig does an excellent job. They made the right call by delaying the breeze show and I think it's been fair for everybody. A little bit of a headwind one day and a little tailwind the other day–I feel like the buyers will be able to sort that out. There is so much separation here with dirt horses. There is a lot more that goes into it here than just a fast work. I feel like people are here to buy good dirt horses and they are going to find them.” The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale will be held next Monday and Tuesday with bidding beginning each day at 11 a.m. The post Bolt d’Oro Filly, Authentic Colt Work Bullets in Timonium Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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She Feels Pretty (f, 3, Karakontie {Jpn}–Summer Sweet, by More Than Ready), winner of last year's GI Natalma S. at Woodbine and third as the favorite after a wide journey in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita, returned to the races with a stylish win in Friday's $100,000 Hilltop S. at Pimlico. The 3-5 favorite was fifth rounding the clubhouse turn and up in spot into fourth down the backstretch. She traveled kindly just behind the leaders rounding the far turn and exploded down the stretch to win by six lengths. Just Better (Justify) was second. The final time for the one-mile Hilltop was 1:38.59. Sales history: $240,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-1. O-Lael Stables; B-Payson Stud Inc. (Ky); T-Cherie DeVaux. Back to back stakes wins for @cdevauxracing as #6 SHE FEELS PRETTY ($3.20) kicks away with John Velazquez up to win the Hilltop Stakes at @PimlicoRC for Lael Stables. Another winner by Karakontie who stands at @Gainesway. The $150,000 Miss Preakness Stakes (G3) is next! pic.twitter.com/3vbxcKvrQ9 — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) May 17, 2024 The post Classy She Feels Pretty Romps in Hilltop Return appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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When Mugatu (Blofeld) makes his way onto the track in the morning, it's hard to look away. The imposing chestnut colt with the unique blaze that spans across his forehead before trickling down to just above his nostrils has a presence that makes you pay attention. And when he moves across the track, it's easy to understand why he was the one that Dan Preiss sought out on the final day of the 2023 Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training sale. After receiving a call from trainer Jeff Engler halfway through the sale, Preiss had a new order to fill: finding a 2-year-old for a group of Kentucky and Ohio-based clients with a budget of $15,000. It was a feat that seemed nearly impossible as the horses continued to file through the ring until Preiss was directed to the Wavertree Stables consignment and met a Blofeld colt out of Union Way (Union Rags) (hip 1150). “When I called Jeff, I told him, 'I really like this horse,' said Preiss. “He's bigger than most horses that I would ever buy at a 2-year-old sale but that's what I like about him because he went :10 3/5, which is why we could afford him. He's not built like a 2-year-old in training sale horse, he's a massive colt. Then I looked a little deeper and saw the gallop out, which was probably in the top 5% in the whole sale, and that's when I got excited.” Despite a brief bidding war with an internet bidder, Preiss came out on top at a final price of $14,000. Since then, he's taken his connections on quite the ride over various parts of the country. Owned by Average Joe Racing and Dan Wells, the colt made his first three career starts as a 2-year-old at Ellis Park before heading out to Keeneland, and later closing out the year in Florida at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay. Though it took some time, which seems to be a given with a horse of his stature, Mugatu broke his maiden in his fifth career start, going a mile and 70 yards on the all-weather at Gulfstream and winning it by 3 1/4 lengths. Engler has tried the colt at a variety of distances and surfaces, giving him the upper hand in terms of experience when compared to many other colts his age. “He's filled out tremendously [since last year]. He's gotten a lot bigger, stronger, wider,” said Engler. “The nice thing about him is he runs good on everything, really. Tapeta he really liked, obviously he ran good in the [John] Battaglia [Memorial S.]. He ran a really big race in the Rushaway [S.] at Turfway. He ran eighth but got beat 2 1/2 lengths by Trikari (Oscar Performance) who came back to win [the GII American Turf] on Derby Day. “He's run against a lot of high-quality horses, obviously Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) and Dornoch (Good Magic), but he seems to prefer dirt. His best number was on the dirt and when we switched him over to the dirt, we moved him from Turfway to Belterra Park to train on it leading up to the [GI Kentucky] Derby. Initially we thought he was going to be an outstanding turf horse, but he just didn't show that real big kick at the end. So, I'm thinking dirt and synthetic [for him].” The colt's fourth in the Battaglia, along with his run in the GI Toyota Blue Grass S., where he outran his 181-1 odds to close from last to finish fifth, earned him 14 qualifying points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The colt and his team were on the outside looking in on the also-eligible list leading up to the first Saturday in May, just one scratch away from drawing into the field, but unfortunately didn't receive the call they had been hoping for. Despite that disappointment, Engler has forged ahead with Mugatu, bringing him back to Belterra for one more work–breezing five furlongs in :59.80 on May 11–as the team switched their focus to Baltimore for Saturday's GI Preakness S. “It was very disappointing not to draw in and obviously we needed someone to scratch, and we weren't wishing it on anybody,” said Engler. “We were there [at Churchill Downs] all week, just saying, 'if it happens, it happens.' It didn't happen, but the good thing is he handled that entire week like a professional. He loves the camera and he handled the crowds, the press, and all of the people by the rail. He never flinched. “We feel like we have a horse that has the mind and talent to be in these races and it's very exciting to be in this race. It's a Triple Crown race and for a stable the size of mine to be in a race like this, it's a lifelong dream. [The owners] are on cloud nine. They're all great people and they've been with me for 15 years, through thick and thin. They've had a couple halfway decent horses but never a horse to run in a Triple Crown race. It's like the blue-collar stable coming in to take on the white-collar stables.” It seems only fitting that Mugatu, though a Kentucky-bred, would make his Classic debut in the state where his sire Blofeld (Quality Road) resides at Murmur Farm in Darlington. Despite his smaller crop sizes, success is a consistent factor among his offspring, including stakes winners Chickieness, Johnyz From Albany, Miss Harriett, Alpine Mist and Charming Way from four crops with 93 foals of racing age. Last year, he climbed into the top five on Maryland's top 10 overall sires list. “Since we [got Mugatu], I've learned a lot about Blofeld. He's got a small sample out there but oh my gosh…I would love to have several more Blofelds,” said Engler. Some would glance at Mugatu's light record, with only one win, a second and two thirds from 12 career starts, and dismiss him as the underdog at the level he's now running at. But according to his connections, he's only just getting started, and a longer distance seems to be the key in unlocking his true potential on the dirt. “One thing Joe Talamo said to me, several times is, 'He's still not giving us 100%.' And he said, 'When he gives us 100%, he's a Grade I winner.' So, that gives me hope that there's still 20% in him and I think there is, so we'll see,” said Engler. “I just really believe if we go on to get that mile-and-a-quarter distance, he's going to flourish.” The chestnut colt will break from post one with Joe Bravo aboard in Saturday's 149th running of the second leg of the Triple Crown, with the field down to eight after the scratch of GISW and 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic) due to a temperature. For Engler and Preiss, it's a culmination of the hard work they've put in day in and day out and the close friendship they've forged along the way. “It's pretty special because we're a small stable. We don't get the big budgets and the big horses. Dan is kind of in the same boat because he's new to the [bloodstock] industry, so he's not getting the big clients, and he's got to work five times harder to buy a $50,000 horse than somebody who's buying a $500,000 horse. But he does and he's very passionate about it. “Obviously we're really good friends now and it's nice to see that hard work does pay off. So, one of these days, and hopefully it's soon with Mugatu, it pays off for both of us.” The post Preakness Contender Mugatu Brings Blue-Collar Stable To Classic Stage appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Saturday sees the return of the sensational G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. winner Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) in Newbury's G1 Al Shaqab Lockinge S., where it is a case of in at the deep end for the trainer if not for the colt in question. While Yeguada Centurion's 4-year-old has obviously been there and has the t-shirt, new handler Maurizio Guarnieri is in maiden territory with the powerhouse who so memorably destroyed the subsequent G1 Dubai Turf winner Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) by six lengths on British Champions Day at Ascot. “I received the horse three weeks ago, so I am just starting to get to know him and he is just starting to get know me,” Guarnieri explained. “He is a nice horse, like a nice man, he is quiet all the time and causes no problems, he is very easy. I did a canter with him on the racetrack at Chantilly with a lead horse and his rider Aurelien Lemaitre and he did the minimum, so I'm not sure if he is ready to run and what percent of his potential he is at or not. But his jockey said he is always this way and the horse is always quiet in the morning. A lot of good horses are this way.” Big Rock's biggest issue will be that the ground is going to ride a fair bit livelier than at Ascot, perhaps more in line with that he encountered when coming off second best in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois and G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. His next biggest issue is the fact that the mare who beat him so convincingly in the former contest at last year's Deauville August festival is in the line-up. It is fair to say that Cheveley Park Stud's Breeders' Cup heroine Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) takes some knowing, so the absence of Frankie Dettori could be her main problem regardless of the undisputed talent of Kieran Shoemark. Scintillating on her seasonal bow in 2022 but overturned on her first run of last term, it is hard to know what to expect from the queen of Clarehaven as she bids to become her owner-breeders' third female to beat the colts in this after Russian Rhythm (Kingmambo) in 2004 and Peeress (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) in 2006. Whereas Big Rock's connections would welcome rain, Cheveley Park Stud's Chris Richardson has fingers crossed it stays away. “We hope to run, we've declared, we'll just have to watch the forecast and see what happens,” he said. “She didn't enjoy soft ground when she ran in the Sussex and it's still early in the year. We think she's in good form, but we don't want to risk her on ground which doesn't suit as she is unlikely to put her best foot forward.” “She seems to come good in June and maybe that is the way it will work out again. We'd like to get her out earlier if we can, but we'll see what happens between now and Saturday and see what John decides,” he added, before pointing out that the G3 Criterion S. winner Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), a grandson of the aforementioned Peeress, is there to serve his illustrious stablemate. “The two of them have been working together for the last few weeks and he is in there to make sure there's pace in the race,” he said. Should the big two miss a beat, Nurlan Bizakov's Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) will be poised to take advantage having cut an admirably professional figure on his two starts so far in 2024. A strong finisher at the trip, he holds Poker Face (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) on the form of last month's G2 Sandown Mile and the Gosdens will know what how Inspiral compares having saddled the third in that contest, Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). “The rain won't harm Charyn, but he's a versatile horse in terms of ground and we won't mind conditions on Saturday,” trainer Roger Varian said. “It's a nice position to be in when you are not sweating on the weather and he is in good form. I was very impressed with him at Sandown and he was very powerful through the line. He will have to do more to win the Lockinge, but he goes there as one of the frontrunners in the market and deservedly so, and it is exciting.” Poker Face is one of the “darker” horses in the line-up alongside Clipper Logistics' G2 Dullingham Park S. winner Flight Plan (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), who always gave the impression he would be a better 4-year-old last term. Also at Newbury, The King and The Queen's G1 St Leger third Desert Hero (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) returns in the G3 Sky Sports Racing Aston Park S., while the Listed Haras de Bouquetot Fillies' Trial S. sees some Oaks prospects line up headed by Juddmonte's Sandown novice winner Siyola (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}). The form of that win was boosted this week by the third Secret Satire (GB) (Advertise {GB}) The post Back In The Big Time appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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8th-SA, $54K, Msw, 3-5yo, 1m, 8:09 p.m. ET. MAGNIFY (Justify), a 3-year-old colt, makes his debut for the Bob Baffert barn on Saturday. Out of champion 3-year-old filly and MGISW Stellar Wind (Curlin), the Magnier homebred is her second to make the races, but she has since produced a filly named In the Stars (Into Mischief), who was a $300,000 buy for G. Watts Humphrey Jr. at last year's Keeneland September Sale. The 2017 Keeneland November sales topper when she was taken home by M.V. Magnier for the lofty sum of $6-million, Stellar Wind is also responsible for a yearling colt by Into Mischief and she foaled a filly by Gun Runner Apr. 29. TJCIS PPS 9th-GP, $60K, Msw, 3yo, 1mT, 5:18 p.m. ET. In 2022, Repole and St. Elias bought for $700,000 Keeneland September grad Monopoly of Honor (Not This Time). Making his first start for trainer George Weaver, the colt is out of an unraced dam who counts as a half-brother SW Scotland (Good Magic) TJCIS PPS 11-BAQ, $90K, Msw, 3yo/up, f/m 1 1/16mT, 5:39 p.m. ET. Chestnut filly Just So Pretty (Justify) makes her first start under the care of Danny Gargan. The 3-year-old sold for $475,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale when she went to Thorndale Farm. Her stakes-winning dam Battle Girl (Midshipman) is a half-sister to MGISW Sweet Reason (Street Sense). TJCIS PPS 4th-CD, $134K, OC80k/N2X, 3yo/up, 1 1/16m, 7:26 p.m. ET. 'TDN Rising Star' Disarm (Gun Runner) has steadily worked back into form since January for Winchell Thoroughbreds and trainer Steve Asmussen. Now, the 4-year-old homebred is ready to fire off the bench after serving as the runner-up to Archangelo (Arrogate) in the GI Travers S. last summer. As for Disarm's dam, Easy Tap (Tapit), she foaled another full-brother Mar. 15. TJCIS PPS The post Saturday Insights: Son Of MGISW Stellar Wind Makes First Start At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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BALTIMORE, MD — He's baaack. The truth of the matter, trainer Bob Baffert never really went away. The Hall of Famer's omnipresent influence–be it through his runners or the offspring of the stallions he helped mold–can be felt everywhere, regardless of whether the man shows up or not. Conspicuous in his absence at Churchill Downs two weeks ago, Baffert did make his first appearance on the Pimlico backstretch Friday morning, surrounded by a rockstar-caliber entourage, including his kids and his wife Jill, in addition to SF Bloodstock's Tom Ryan and Starlight Racing's Jack Wolf. After the disappointing scratch of early GI Preakness S. favorite Muth (Good Magic), Baffert was on-hand to oversee his other runner, Imagination (Into Mischief), take to the track for a 1 3/8-mile gallop under exercise rider Humberto Gomez. Led to the track by assistant Jimmy Barnes aboard the barn's already famous pony Amarillo, the flashy bay looked far more chilled out on an overcast morning Friday than he did only a day before. Barely breaking a sweat, the colt completed his task with little fuss, suggesting he might be able to replicate the feat of last year's front-running Preakness winner National Treasure, campaigned by the same connections. “He looks fine, I really don't have any excuses for him,” Baffert said of Imagination, the 3-1 second choice on the revised Preakness morning line. “He should run well.” Of the GII San Felipe S. winner, Baffert added, He is going to have to step it up a level to be there with them,” Baffert said. “I am hoping this will be his coming-out-party race. We need him now with Muth out. We really, really need him badly.” Embodying the same ease that ushered him through his Kentucky Derby victory two weeks ago, captain cool himself, Mystik Dan (Goldencents), continued to take everything in stride, neither wowing nor disappointing. On a loop since his first Derby win, trainer Kenny McPeek has been telling anyone that would listen that the colt's superpower is his intelligence and unflappable demeanor. Once again mobbed by the media Friday morning, Mystik Dan enjoyed nothing more than a light gallop under Robby Albarado, and has not turned a hair in the days leading up to the Preakness. The colt, who will be reunited with Brian Hernandez, Jr. in the second jewel of the Triple Crown, is the 8-5 favorite on the morning line. “He didn't need anything complicated,” McPeek said. Kenny McPeek and 'Sonny' overseeing Derby champ Mystik Dan heading to the track | CBoss It should be noted, however, the true star of the stakes barn was Sonny, McPeek's robust yellow Labrador Retriever who made his first appearance Friday. Garnering the star status that has not been seen since the days of Bobby Frankel's Australian Shepard Happy, Sonny one-upped his predecessor by getting his own track-issued credential. The affable pooch was clearly enjoying all the attention, and all the dog biscuits, that went with it. Also getting his share of traffic at the barn Friday morning, trainer D. Wayne Lukas sent out Just Steel (Justify) and followed by GII Pat Day Mile scorer Seize the Grey (Arrogate) shortly after 7:30 a.m., in order to accommodate the 11:30 a.m. ET post time. He stationed himself atop his pony at the very end of the stretch to watch his horses go through their final paces, as far away from the ever-growing legion of media as he could comfortably post himself. An observation that was subsequently confirmed. However, it wasn't long before the press descended on the Hall of Famer's barn, and he obliged the numerous requests for a quote or a sound bite. But as an errant camera operator quickly found out, don't drift too far into the shedrow because The Coach won't hesitate to educate you. Preakness Talking Horses Beyond the week's most talked-about Preakness contenders, a few of the sophomores gave their connections some measure of quiet confidence heading into Saturday's Classic. Chief among them, TDN Rising Star Tuscan Gold (Medaglia d'Oro), representing William Lawrence, Walmac Farm and Stonestreet Stables. Under exercise rider Janiel Rosado, the GII Louisiana Derby third-place finisher galloped 1 1/4 miles Friday morning. Chad Brown's assistant Jose Hernandez, who has overseen the training of Tuscan Gold since he arrived at Pimlico Tuesday, said, “He has been handling the track really well. He did fine again today. We didn't ask him to do anything more than he has been doing. He is just very focused right now. I am really confident going into the race.” Making only his fourth career start, Tuscan Gold will use a similar path as Brown previously employed with 2017 Preakness winner Cloud Computing and Early Voting, victorious in 2022. Both horses won the Preakness off only three races. According to Hernandez, Tuscan Gold will just walk the shedrow on Saturday morning. The colt will be ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, who has been aboard in two of Tuscan Gold's three career starts. Imagination | CBoss Having garnered plenty of pre-Derby hype, Catching Freedom (Constitution) continued to draw rave reviews during his time at Pimlico this week. Winner of Oaklawn's Smarty Jones S. Jan. 1, he was third in the Feb. 17 GII Risen Star S. before annexing the Louisiana Derby. The Brad Cox trainee was last seen finishing fourth in the Kentucky Derby. “He got here early Tuesday morning,” said assistant Blake Cox. “He jogged a mile, Tuesday, late like 9 a.m. Very quiet track. He was very fresh coming home. [Wednesday] morning, we just galloped through a mile because the track was sealed. He looked very good and came back fresh again.” The colt was expected to school with Friday's first race. “He looked very good,” said Cox Friday morning. “He's been coming off the track bucking and squealing. He's as happy as he can be.” With the scratch of GI Arkansas Derby winner Muth, who would have likely installed himself on the front end come Saturday, several of the remaining participants continue to ponder where the early speed might come from. “It might change the pace scenario,” said Cox when asked about the favorite's defection. “And obviously, he was the favorite and it's a big scratch, and he's a very, very good horse, but we'll see who goes. I mean we're going to need to set up [off the pace] to be able to get the job done and we're, hopefully, going to get it.” Baffert echoed his concern with the lack of a legitimate target horse for Imagination, who will be ridden by Frankie Dettori. Dettori was also aboard for a second-place effort in the Apr. 6 GI Santa Anita Derby. Jill Baffert showing stable pony Amarillo some love | CBoss “If he gets out there by himself, I don't know what he would do and how he would react,” Baffert said. “I am going to leave it up to Frankie. He's on his own.” In addition to Derby winner Mystik Dan, who has already proven adept on winning over a soggy track, Friday and Saturday's forecast for rain have also seemed to improve the chances of Michael Milam and LC Racing LLC's Uncle Heavy (Social Inclusion). The winner of two of three starts at Parx at two, he earned his graded badge with a narrow score in a muddy renewal of the GIII Withers S. at the Big A Feb. 3. Trained by Butch Reid, Jr., the late May foal finished fifth last out in the GII Wood Memorial Apr. 6. “Well, that's what I'm hoping for, a little wet-fast,” Reid said. “He really likes that.” “I'm hoping for a track similar [to earlier in the week] on Saturday because he loved it, really relished it,” Reid said. “Had a good, aggressive gallop and was getting over it really well.” Uncle Heavy will attempt to become the first Pennsylvania-bred to win the historic Preakness since Smarty Jones in 2004. Uncle Heavy, who went out to the track for routine morning exercise Friday, will be accompanied by Irad Ortiz, Jr. for the first time Saturday. Undercard Action at Pimlico A quartet of Grade III tests highlight Pimlico's Sarturday undercard, including the six-furlong GIII Chick Lang S. for 3-year-olds. The race is highlighted by Mr Skylight (Practical Joke), the winner of his two latest starts, including a Keeneland allowance optional claimer Apr. 20. Also on the undercard, the GIII Gallorette S. features morning-line choice MGSW Fluffy Socks (Slumber {GB}), who looks to get back on track following a sixth in the Apr. 13 GI Jenny Wiley S. The remaining graded races on Saturday's card are the GIII Maryland Sprint S. and the GIII Dinner Party S. The 14-race card kicks off at 10:30 a.m. The post Baffert Camp Returns in Force to Pimlico appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The NYRA announces the $250,000 Belmont Gold Cup (G2T), slated for June 6 at historic Saratoga Race Course, will be a "Golden Ticket" event offering the winner an automatic berth into the AU$8.4 million Melbourne Cup (G1).View the full article
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Uncle Heavy will be one of the longer shots among handicappers in the $2 million Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course May 18, but with an eye-catching name he is likely to draw attention from the casual racing fans.View the full article
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Field Of 25 Remain In Betfred Oaks Contention
Wandering Eyes posted a topic in The Rest of the World
Following the latest scratching stage, 25 fillies remain in the G1 Betfred Oaks set for Epsom Downs on Friday, May 31. The 1 1/2-mile race features 15 fillies trained in Britain, nine from Ireland one from France, with the Coolmore partners' Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in pole position and 5-2 in the wagering markets on Betfred. The G1 Fillies' Mile heroine ran fifth in the G1 1000 Guineas earlier this month. She is one of seven Aidan O'Brien trainees, with the listed-placed Rubies Are Red (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and G1 Prix Marcel Boussac victress Opera Singer (Justify) also part of the septet. Another Irish trainer represented is Dermot Weld, who will saddle His Highness The Aga Khan's Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), successful in the G3 Salsabil S. near the end of April. Ralph Beckett's six entries are anchored by recent Listed Cheshire Oaks winner Forest Fairy (Ire) (Waldgeist {GB}), and You Got To Me (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) is also coming off a win in the Listed Oaks Trial Fillies' S. at Lingfield over Rubies Are Red. Andrew Balding has entered G3 Musidora S. winner Secret Satire (GB) (Advertise {GB}). Fourth in the 1000 Guineas was David Menuisier trainee Tamfana (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), and the debut winner Siyola (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) hails from the barn of John and Thady Gosden. The post Field Of 25 Remain In Betfred Oaks Contention appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
If Ballydoyle's Tower Of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) was disappointing at York earlier on Friday, the stable was able to rely on Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) to make amends in the G3 Saval Beg Levmoss S. at Leopardstown. While the win was far from flashy, it at least confirmed the 2022 Gold Cup hero to be on track for a tilt at the Royal Ascot crown he was forced to give up through injury 12 months ago. Tracking the leading pair throughout the early stages, the 1-12 favourite was sent to the front by Ryan Moore a furlong out and asserted to complete the task by a length from stablemate Queenstown (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). In a league of his own Kyprios strengthens his already watertight Gold Cup claims with a second triumph in the Saval Beg Levmoss Stakes @LeopardstownRC @MoyglareStud | @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/uRCoHSD47L — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 17, 2024 The post Job Done For Kyprios In The Saval Beg appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Godolphin homebred Devoted Queen (GB) (Kingman {GB}–Fintry {Ire}, by Shamardal) registered victories over seven furlongs at Newmarket in October and over one mile at Kempton in April and maintained her umblemished record, racing in a first-time hood, with a two-length tally in Friday's Listed Sky Bet Michael Seely Memorial at York. Employing patient tactics towards the rear through halfway, she made smooth headway into contention approaching the final quarter-mile and kept on powerfully under late urging to win, going away, by two lengths from Spiritual (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) for a career high. “She's really grown up, she was very professional and that was really nice,” said assistant trainer Alex Merriam. “The hood definitely helped and Will [Buick] said she's really improved from her last run, so she's going the right way. I mentioned the [G1] Coronation to Charlie [Appleby] and he said 'see what Will thinks'. Will said it's definitely something to consider and we'll see how she comes out of it. He also mentioned that she could do with a bit of juice in the ground, so that might come into consideration as well. She's doing everything the right way round and, watching her there, you'd stick to the mile for now.” Pedigree Notes Devoted Queen is the fourth foal and scorer, and becomes the second stakes winner, out of the multiple Group-winning G1 Sun Chariot S. third Fintry (Ire) (Shamardal), herself a half-sister to G2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein runner-up Lochinver (Kingmambo) and the dual stakes-placed Cross Fell (Cherokee Run). Fintry is the leading performer out of G3 Prix Vanteaux victrix and GI Garden City Breeders' Cup H. third Campsie Fells (UAE) (Indian Ridge {Ire}). The February-foaled bay is a half-sister to G3 Autumn S. victor and G1 Futurity Trophy runner-up One Ruler (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and an unnamed 2-year-old filly by Masar (Ire). Thursday, York, Britain SKY BET FILLIES' S. (MICHAEL SEELY MEMORIAL S.)-Listed, £70,000, York, 5-17, 3yo, f, 7f 192yT, 1:38.04, gd. 1–DEVOTED QUEEN (GB), 128, f, 3, by Kingman (GB) 1st Dam: Fintry (Ire) (MGSW-Fr, GSW & G1SP-Eng, $327,127), by Shamardal 2nd Dam: Campsie Fells (UAE), by Indian Ridge (Ire) 3rd Dam: Queen's View (Fr), by Lomond 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. O/B-Godolphin (GB); T-Charlie Appleby; J-William Buick. £39,697. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, $76,412. *1/2 to One Ruler (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), GSW & G1SP-Eng, GSP-UAE, $170,214. 2–Spiritual (Ire), 128, f, 3, Invincible Spirit (Ire)–Wild Irish Rose (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE. (€280,000 Ylg '22 ARAUG). O-George Strawbridge; B-Ballylinch Stud (IRE); T-John & Thady Gosden. £15,050. 3–Bolsena (Ire), 128, f, 3, Kingman (GB)–Reem Three (GB), by Mark of Esteem (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O/B-Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum (IRE); T-Kevin Ryan. £7,532. Margins: 2, HD, NK. Odds: 3.00, 7.50, 6.00. Also Ran: Bright Thunder (Ire), Glimpsed (GB), Bellarchi (Ire), Carolina Reaper (GB), True Cyan (Ire), Zenjabeela (GB). The post Kingman’s Devoted Queen Remains Undefeated After York Triumph appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Royal Ascot-bound Cowardofthecounty (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) has been snapped up by Barbara Banke's Stonestreet Stables and other American-based partners. Cowardofthecounty made a scintillating start to his career when scoring on debut for Joseph O'Brien over 6f at the Curragh. The form has since been franked with the runner-up, the Aidan O'Brien-rained Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never), landing the First Flier S. over 5f at the Curragh in similarly impressive fashion. Cowardofthecounty is prominent in the betting for the Coventry S. at odds of 5-1 and, according to O'Brien, the colt will head straight to Ascot. He said, “We were really happy with Cowardofthecounty's debut. He was working like a really smart colt and it was nice to see him go and do it on the track. The form of the race has worked out really well and he will go straight to the Coventry.” O'Brien added, “Really excited to have Mrs Banke, Mr [Tracy] Farmer and Mr [John] Oxley in the ownership group. He is our first horse for Stonestreet and Mr Farmer and obviously we've had success with Mr Oxley in the past. Hopefully it is a long-lasting partnership and Cowardofthecounty can be a special colt for us this season.” Cowardofthecounty carried the colours of ES Racing on his first and only start to date at the Curragh. Bred by Lismacue Stud, he was bought by Glenvale Stud for €98,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale before being knocked down to KR Bloodstock for 100,000gns at Book 2 at Tattersalls. While Stonestreet Stables and Tracy Farmer are new additions to the O'Brien stable, Oxley has had plenty of success with the young trainer, headed by Group 1-winning filly Pretty Gorgeous (Fr) (Lawman {Fr}). The post Joseph O’Brien’s Big Royal Ascot Player Snapped Up By Stonestreet Stables appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article