Thoroughbred Daily News

With a strong first day program which ran the gambit from the centrality of horse racing's societal license to the destructive use of xylazine to an update from the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, horse racing investigators at the annual Organization of Racing Investigators were immersed in some of the most pressing issues affecting the sport.

Hosted by Parx Racing and sponsored by everyone from Keeneland to the Breeders' Cup, over 100 specialists who protect racetracks in America and several other countries, listened, asked questions and made connections, all in the service of equine athletes.

As one investigator said about why he was in attendance, “We are here to protect those who cannot protect themselves and being in a room with like-minded individuals on our 24/7 mission is how we stay ahead.”

Each year conference participants swap tradecraft and those conversations lead to communication which crosses jurisdictions. It is a network behind the scenes, and that is why industry afficionados and the public do not necessarily have the opportunity to see the machinery at work.

“What we talk about here isn't secret, but our members need to have a degree of anonymity as they liaise with various groups of law enforcement, and that is one of the reasons why we don't open this conference to just anyone,” said this year's conference chairman Jason Klouser.

The morning sessions included several case studies about a variety of topics including horse welfare and how investigations have yielded important results. Members of the FBI's Philadelphia Office presented how xylazine used to sedate horses can enter the drug trade on the street illegally.

A highlight was the University of Kentucky's Dr. Camie Heleski, who spoke about the need for all horse sports to improve their optics by directly addressing its societal license to operate.

In other words, developing categorical areas to focus studies like recognizing physical and emotional stress in horses, what happens to them during the other 23 hours in a day when they are not performing and how tack and equipment can be used differently to improve the overall health of the sport.

HIWU's Shawn Loehr and Shaun Richards | J.N. Campbell

HIWU's Shawn Loehr and Shaun Richards gave an update concerning their investigative operations. The pair now have four investigators on staff, along with a pair of analysts, and they will be adding more soon. Concerning states that do not have a voluntary agreement with HIWU–like New York or Oklahoma–they explained how they have come to rely on independent contractors and that their developing relationship with ORI members continues to be significant to their operations.

“Our mission is to catch doping, protect the horses, serve the Thoroughbred industry, and for instance, our 150 plus barn searches and tip lines continue to yield results,” Loehr said. “ORI is such a valuable resource and being able to talk with them during this conference is essential to our mission.”

During the evening, which shifted venues from the Parx racetrack to the casino, an awards banquet included the TDN's CEO/Publisher Sue Finley, who delivered the keynote over the power of integrity and the precarious position news outlets find themselves in when it comes to coverage of horse racing.

“Some organizations and individuals accuse us of being pro-HISA,” said Finley, speaking about the importance of independent journalism in horse racing. “The only thing we're accused of more? Is being ANTI-HISA. Sometimes, we write an article which generates complaints from some that we are pro-HISA, while others write us and say we're showing an obvious anti-HISA bias. All from the same article.”

The first day activities ended with the awarding of the organization's most prestigious honor which is named for longtime investigator John F. Wayne. The lifetime membership award went to Tampa Bay Downs's Deanna Nicol.

ORI's 28th meeting continues on Tuesday, Mar. 5. Click here to access the schedule.

The post Investigators Tradecraft Displayed On Day One At Parx Conference appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

2011's GI Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty (Medaglia d'Oro) died Monday at Gainesway Farm according to a release from the farm. The 16-year-old was a multiple Grade I winner throughout her career for Peachtree Stable and trainer Bob Baffert and ultimately captured the lilies before retiring in 2012 with earnings of over $1.7m and a final record of 12-5-2-3.

A $130,000 OBS yearling, Plum Pretty would last secure a final bid of $4.2m from Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm at KEENOV in 2012.  She produced a total of 8 foals and still has a 2-year-old Speightstown filly and a yearling Charlatan filly to represent her on the track.

“She was a pleasure to be around and always a great mom.” Pope remembered. “We are blessed to have several fillies out of her still to race and one that has already produced a foal. The colts have gone on to secondary careers in the show world and have her awesome personality.”

The post Oaks Winner Plum Pretty Dies At 16 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Edited Press Release

New York Governor Kathy Hochul provided a project timeline and additional updates Monday on the construction of new racing facilities at Belmont Park. The New York Racing Association, which will oversee construction, also released a series of architectural renderings to bring the project's vision to life. Expected to be completed in late 2026, the multi-year project to build a new Belmont Park will generate $1 billion in construction-related economic impact and create 3,700 construction-related jobs. Following the return of thoroughbred racing to Belmont in 2026, additional racing and non-racing activities at the new facility will generate $155 million in annual economic output and produce $10 million in new state and local tax revenue per year.

“The redevelopment of Belmont Park is a critical investment in one of New York's most historic sporting venues,” said Governor Hochul. “The new facility will support year-round racing, thousands of new jobs for Long Islanders and provide an enhanced experience for customers attending the iconic Belmont Stakes for generations to come.”

The demolition of the current Belmont Park grandstand/clubhouse is expected to begin in March and continue through early July with the new building beginning to take shape in early 2025.

NYRA has developed a project plan that will allow for the Belmont S. to return to Belmont Park in June of 2026 prior to the full opening of the new building, which is scheduled for September of 2026. Although a venue for the 2026 Breeders' Cup World Championships has yet to be determined, the new Belmont Park will be complete and ready to host the 2026 Breeders' Cup should the opportunity arise. The Breeders' Cup has announced its commitment to add Belmont to the rotation of host venues following NYRA's modernization of the facility.

NYRA will also make further investments to improve the quality of life in the backstretch community, including:

–Improvements to the on-site medical facility

–Installing a modern Blue Light security system

–Upgrading the Recreation Hall and Track Kitchen facilities

–Renovating the on-site Gymnasium

–Implementing new flood mitigation strategies

–Ensuring access to reliable Wi-Fi

–Replacing fencing throughout the backstretch

–Improving multi-modal travel through constructing bicycle storage sheds

–Assess the feasibility of subsidized assistant trainer efficiency apartments

While the new Belmont Park will have the same 50,000-person capacity as the existing venue, the layout of seats, suites, and standing spaces has been adjusted to accommodate flexible seasonal attendance. The addition of a winterized building paired with new racing surfaces and a synthetic track will result in a facility suitable to host thoroughbred racing on a year-round basis. As required by the 2024 Enacted Budget, NYRA will consolidate all downstate racing and training activities at the new Belmont Park to unlock 110 acres of New York State-owned land at Aqueduct Racetrack for development opportunities.

The post NY Governor Hochul Provides Belmont Park Update appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Six new members were elected to the Board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California the organization announced Monday. Owner and trainer Mark Glatt, owner/breeder Ty Green, owner/trainer Ryan Hanson, owner/breeder John Harris, current finance committee member Stephanie Hronis and 2021's California Trainer of the Year Andy Mathis will begin their respective terms July 1, 2024. They will join current members Nick Alexander, Gary Barber, Joe Ciaglia, Tim Cohen, Matthew Dohman, Gary Fenton, Bob Liewald, Terry Lovingier and Samantha Siegel for the 2024-2025 year.

The post Six New Board Members Join Thoroughbred Owners Of CA BOD appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The annual National Anthem auditions at Lone Star Park will be held Monday, Mar. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for any soloists, duets, choirs, instrumentalists and groups wishing to perform during the 2024 Thoroughbred racing season, the track announced via press release.

Auditions will be held outdoors, weather permitting, on a walk-up basis only and anyone interested must audition in person. Hopefuls must perform the 'The Star-Spangled Banner' a cappella in two minutes or less and must have the lyrics memorized.

All participants will be notified via email by Apr. 5 of their results, and if chosen to perform, the date and all relevant information will be included. Each selected person will receive four (4) reserved seats on their performance date. Lone Star's season runs Apr. 18 to July 14.

The post Lone Star Park Holds National Anthem Auditions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The sixth annual Photo Finish juried exhibition hosted at the National Museum of Racing is now accepting submissions from professional and amateur photographers.

Hopefuls are encouraged to submit up to two entries relating to Thoroughbred racing in America. These include, but are not limited to, racing and training scenes, backstretch shots, life on the farm, and crowd emotions. Creative and unique perspectives are also encouraged. Applications are available at the Museum's visitor services desk as well as digitally here.

A panel of judges from racing and arts communities will select the photographs for the von Stade Gallery, which will open in November.

The post Sixth Annual Photo Finish Exhibit Accepting Submissions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Keeneland will open its hiring center Tuesday, Mar. 5 and invites interested parties to apply either in person or online for the 2024 Spring meet to run Apr. 5-26. Positions to be filled include concessions, culinary dining, guest services, parking, retail, security, track kitchen and other areas at the racecourse.

The majority on offer are entry level and do not require formal training beyond the paid training provided by Keeneland. The hiring center is located on the second floor of the grandstand and will be open every Tuesday and Thursday in March from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Mar. 5. On-site interviews will be conducted, and applicants are encouraged to bring two forms of identification with them.

In addition to employment opportunities, Keeneland also offers the Volunteer Group program for certified groups with a tax identification number. For every hour a member works during the Spring meet, a contribution of $10 will be made to the organization. Information on the Volunteer Group program is available here.

The post Keeneland Hiring Center Opens Tuesday to Recruit for Spring Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The 2007 Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow will be the keynote speaker at the 2024 Race for Grace Gala and Auction, the Kentucky Chaplaincy announced via a release Monday.

Held in conjunction with Kentucky Derby 150 week celebrations Monday, Apr. 29 at Churchill Downs on Millionaires' Row, a silent and live auction including items such as 2025 Kentucky Derby and Oaks boxes, halters from Derby 150 contenders, sign Tebow items, horse racing art, etc., look to be the feature. Along with the keynote speaker, WinStar Farm's Elliott Walden and Hall of Famer Pat Day will host the evening events.

Race for Grace tickets are limited and sponsorships are welcome with more information available here.

The post Tim Tebow to be Keynote Speaker at Race for Grace appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Plagued by injuries and getting up there in age, Jayson Werth announced his retirement from baseball on June 28, 2018. He finished with 229 career home runs, was an All-Star in 2009 and won a World Series in 2008 with the Philadelphia Phillies. It had been a great run, but when it was over Werth wasn't exactly ready to move on. He never lost the feelings that baseball gave him, the excitement, the ups and downs, the camaraderie with his teammates and the pride that comes with knowing that you have succeeded at the highest level.

There was golf but he needed something else. And in horse racing Jayson Werth has found exactly what he was looking for. Running under the name of Two Eight Racing (Werth wore number 28 during his playing days), the 44-year-old native of Springfield, Illinois has enjoyed remarkable early success. Involved in the sport only since 2021, Werth could be on his way to the GI Kentucky Derby. He is the co-owner of Dornoch (Good Magic), the winner of the GII Fountain of Youth S., as well as recent maiden winner Drip (Good Magic), who will be out to pick up Derby points in this Saturday's GII Tampa Bay Derby. Then there's R Calli Kim (Revolutionary), who won the GIII Very One S., which was part of the Fountain of Youth card.

“On some level, horse racing has filled a really large void in my life that has been created by my retiring from baseball,” he said. “Horse racing picked up where baseball left off. Its's a great industry for me to be in. Professional baseball, when you do it for 22 years, it takes over your whole life. My wife has a sign in the kitchen that says 'We interrupt this family for baseball season.' Then it's over and you think 'what do I do now?'

Werth lived near a Standardbred farm when he was growing up and befriended the owner and helped out with the horses, something that he enjoyed. But his family moved when he was 13 and Werth would soon be immersed in baseball. He didn't have time for anything else.

He soon found out that the passion he had for horses when he was young had never disappeared. Werth began playing golf with Richard Averill, who runs under the name of Averill Racing, and the owner introduced him to Thoroughbred racing.

Dornoch after winning the Fountain of Youth | Ryan Thompson

“I started picking Richard's brain and then partnered with him on some horses,” Werth said. “Racing became a passion and a love really fast for me. It started out with me thinking this is fun, let's claim this horse for $8,000. But I found out that's like playing in the minor leagues. It's not where you want to be.”

When asked to compare the feeling of winning a big race like the Fountain of Youth with his accomplishments in baseball, Werth said the biggest difference is that when it comes to racing he is a nervous wreck.

“I never got nervous playing sports,” he said. “Even before big games, the morning of, the day of, I never felt pressure or nervous. I was very comfortable, very calm. Horse racing has been the exact opposite. I get sick to my stomach before a race. I'm experiencing emotions I never knew existed. The winning and losing when it comes to racing is very comparable to winning in the divisional series, winning in the World Series. Having success or failure in racing, that feels very familiar to me. It's the lead-up into the race that gives me panic attacks.”

Dornoch may be his best horse, but he is most passionate about R Calli Kim. After a 55-week layoff, she came back in July and won a $35,000 claimer at Saratoga. That began a four-race win streak that included a victory in the GIII Long Island S. After finishing second in the GIII La Prevoyante S. she returned to the winner's circle in the The Very One.

“She got hurt and then didn't run for a whole year,” he said. “We thought she was done racing and then all of a sudden, she was doing really well and we sent her back to (trainer) Brendan (Walsh) and she has won six of seven. She's such a great horse, so sweet and nice. After my wife, she's my favorite girl in the whole world.”

Werth has been in the sport for just a little over three years and already has a GII Remsen S. winner, a Fountain of Youth winner and could have two horses in this year's Kentucky Derby. The game is supposed to be a lot tougher than that. Werth gets that.

“I've been in the right place at the right time,” he said. “Here we are, just a couple of years into it, and we are having unbelievable luck and success. I'm torn. Yes, I love horse racing but if we tried to do this again I don't know if we'd be this lucky or have a chance of doing some of the stuff we are doing. We're enjoying the fruits of our success. It's been such a great run and we're having a lot of fun with it. It's hard to believe and I tell people that. I could do this for the rest of my life and invest $10 million a year and not be in this position. It's storybook stuff and I am cherishing every second of this. I can guarantee you that isn't lost on me.”

Dornoch, the full brother to 2023 Derby winner Mage (Good Magic), did his job in the Fountain of Youth, but the race became a lot easier Speak Easy (Constitution), Victory Avenue (Arrogate), Merit (Mastery) and Locked (Gun Runner) were all scratched.

“I would not discount Dornoch on any level just because those horses weren't in there,” Werth said. “If they were, I think we would have seen the same result.”

Dornoch will go next in either the GI Florida Derby or the GI Blue Grass S. Trainer Danny Gargan has yet to decide. The Derby, of course, is the main goal. It's the toughest race in the world to win, but one of his owners has one of the hottest hands in the sport. He has that going for him.

“I understand why people spend millions of dollars on chasing this dream,” Werth said. “That's exactly what it is, a dream. What's happening, I think it is incredible.”

The post Jayson Werth Hits It Out of the Park with Dornoch appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Hallways Feeds is now an official sponsorship partner of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), the organization announced via press release Monday.

Founded in 1964, Hallways Feeds and the Hall family have a long history in Bluegrass and whose products can be found throughout Kentucky, at all major equine population centers throughout the country and in more than one dozen countries globally.

“The team at Hallway Feeds is proud to serve as a partner to those involved in the Thoroughbred industry; from supplying feed to the stallions and mares on the farms, playing a role in the development of young, growing horses, preparing horses for the sale, horses in training and racing, and careers after racing,” said Hallway Feeds' director of sales and marketing Anthony H. Koch .

“It is only natural that we support the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association in their mission to improve the sport.”

The post Hallway Feeds an Official Sponsorship Partner of TOBA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Kentucky Derby 135 winner Mine That Bird (Birdstone) will begin a temporary residence in the Kentucky Derby Museum's stable March 27 and will be showcased as part of the final event of the 2024 Legends Series with Maker's Mark, announced via press release by the Kentucky Derby Museum.

The Legends Series brings together horseracing and bourbon enthusiasts for an exclusive lineup of five tastings, and is considered a highlight on the Museum's annual calendar. Tickets for the event, held Mar. 27 from 5-8:00 p.m., are available for purchase. Mine That Bird will be at the Museum through mid-April.

“We are thrilled to bring Mine That Bird to the Museum's Stable for this extraordinary Legends event,” said owner Mark Allen. “It's a unique opportunity for fans to get close to a living legend and explore the captivating history of long shots in the Kentucky Derby.”

Other highlights include dinner on the newly renovated Oaks Terrace, a sneak peek at the brand new Long Shots display before it opens to the public, and the opportunity to purchase bottles of the limited supply of the Museum's Private Barrel Selection. There will be a live auction for a prize package that includes several rare memorabilia items from Derby-winning long shots, and the funds raised will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Museum.

The post Mine That Bird Showcased During 2024 Legend Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Ruby Nell (Bolt d'Oro) returned from her trip to Florida like many do–refreshed and ready to get back to work. And back to work she went, wiring the field impressively as the 4-5 favorite in the GII Buena Vista S. at Santa Anita. Shipped East by Richard Mandella for Pegasus weekend, the daughter of Bolt d'Oro did well to race against her normal style in coming off the pace to  finish third beaten just 1 3/4 lengths in the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational Jan. 27.

Back on California soil Sunday, it was back to business as jockey Edwin Maldonado, reunited with this runner after Frankie Dettori was aboard in Florida, did all he could to restrain Ruby Nell on the front end, keeping her under a tight hold even as she opened up a sizeable gap on the run into the first turn. Left alone on the lead through fractions of :25.55 and :46.88, the favorite gradually let a trio of pursuers eat into the gap with a quarter left to run but had more than enough in the tank to keep Mouffy (Uncle Mo) at bay and pick up her second graded-stakes win.

“I just let her do her thing,” Maldonado said. “She wants it her way and even if you fight her, she's going to do it her way, so I just let her do her thing.”

“I never had a doubt that Ruby would win, but the training schedule on all these horses the last couple weeks has been difficult,” added Mandella. “Keeping their minds right is pretty tough. I'm very proud that she handled it as well as she did.”

Pedigree Note:

Owner Spendthrift Farm went to $1,200,000 to secure Ruby Nell as a 2-year-old after she brought just $85,000 as a yearling at Keeneland in 2021. One of 10 stakes winners for Bolt d'Oro, a Spendthrift stallion, Ruby Nell is out of the winning Not For Love mare Rich Love who herself last saw the auction ring late last year when she brought $500,000 from Fast Fillies at FTKNOV. A producer of fives winners from as many to race, Rich Love is a half to MSW/GSP Concealed Identity (Smarty Jones) and SW/GSP Peach of a Gal (Curlin). After producing back to back foals by Good Magic, Rich Love went to Curlin for 2024.

RUBY NELL ($3.60) DOES IT AGAIN!!

She lead wire-to-wire in the $200,000 Buena Vista Stakes (G2) at @santaanitapark. The daughter of Bolt d'Oro was trained by Richard Mandella with @MaldonadoJockey in the irons! Congrats to owners – @spendthriftfarm! pic.twitter.com/A2vK68enzj

— TVG (@TVG) March 4, 2024

Sunday, Santa Anita Park
BUENA VISTA S.-GII, $202,000, Santa Anita, 3-3, 4yo/up, f/m, 1mT, 1:35.01, gd.
1–RUBY NELL, 122, f, 4, by Bolt d'Oro
   1st Dam: Rich Love, by Not For Love
   2nd Dam: Richetta, by Polish Numbers
   3rd Dam: Riscay, by Rahy
($80,000 Wlg '20 KEENOV; $85,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; $1,200,000 2yo '22 FTFMAR). O-Spendthrift Farm LLC; B-Solana Beach Sales (KY); T-Richard E. Mandella; J-Edwin A. Maldonado. $120,000. Lifetime Record: 12-6-2-2, $491,520. Werk Nick Rating: B+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Mouffy, 120, m, 5, Uncle Mo–Truly Together, by Smart Strike. O-Augustin Stables; B-George Strawbridge (KY); T-Jonathan Thomas. $40,000.
3–Nadette (Fr), 120, m, 5, Outstrip (GB)–Ciboulette (Ire), by Pivotal (GB). (€50,000 Ylg '20 ARQDOY; €17,000 2yo '21 ARQSRM; $340,000 RNA 4yo '23 KEENOV). O-Team Valor International, LLC; B-Herve Dardenne (FR); T-Neil D. Drysdale. $24,000.
Margins: 3/4, 1HF, 1. Odds: 0.80, 5.80, 25.50.
Also Ran: Be Your Best (Ire), Bellabel (Ire), Closing Remarks, Lucky Girl (Ire), Justique, Lakota Spirit. Scratched: Kissed by Fire, Thirty Carats.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Ruby Nell Sparkles in Frontrunning Buena Vista Score appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The stormy forecast that delayed the Big 'Cap card originally scheduled for Saturday at Santa Anita and the scratching of his sophomore sensation Nysos (Nyquist) did little to dampen Bob Baffert's day as Newgate (Into Mischief)'s last-jump victory in the GI Santa Anita H. gave the trainer three graded wins–plus, the exacta in the GII San Felipe S.–in Arcadia Sunday. The stallion-making partnership of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, et al, co-owners of Newgate, doubled up on graded scores with Imagination (Into Mischief)'s win in the San Felipe.

“What a day, I am just blessed and happy that I have a hard-working crew that just works hard to get these horses ready,” Baffert said. “Today they got rewarded with their wins. Those grooms, I've never seen them happier.”

Newgate, sent off a slight second choice behind last-out GII San Pasqual S. winner Newgrange (Violence), settled just off the pace as longshot Subsanador (Arg) (Fortify) sprinted out to the early lead and took the field through fractions of :23.23 and :47.09. The field was bunching up approaching the far turn as the three-quarters went up in 1:12.15 and a three-wide Newgrange was the pacesetter's nearest pursuer as Newgate shadowed the favorite into the stretch. Subsanador showed he wasn't done yet, scampering clear into the lane and, still some two lengths in front with a furlong to run, the Argentinian invader looked set to spring the upset, but Newgate had all the momentum late to just get up for a narrow victory.

“I followed Victor [Espinoza aboard Newgrange] and I sat pretty low until the quarter pole,” said winning rider Frankie Dettori, who also road Imagination to victory earlier on the card. “I took my horse to the outside, I had a bit of weight pull with some of the horses. I thought I would get to the line okay and, in fairness, Subsanador gave me a good fight. The last 20 yards we got out in front, and I couldn't believe it. I could not believe that I had done it.”

Dettori admitted winning the Big 'Cap was a special moment in his storied career.

“When I was a kid here in the late '80s, there were 60,000 people here to see Ferdinand and Alysheba and you just couldn't move,” he said. “I was in awe. I rode in the Big 'Cap the first time last year and it was a dream. And to win it, I couldn't ask for anything more. It is a big feather in my cap, they don't get bigger than the Santa Anita Big 'Cap.”

Newgate was bridesmaid to a pair of stablemates in the 2022 GIII Bob Hope S. and 2023 GIII Sham S. before breaking through with his first graded victory in the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. last February. Sidelined after that effort, the $850,000 Keeneland September purchase returned with a runner-up effort in a Jan. 6 optional claimer and was second behind Newgrange in the Jan. 27 San Pasqual last time out.

“We always thought that he was going to be a better horse as he gets older and we've been patient, just getting races into him and today was supposed to be his coming out party kind of race,” Baffert said. “I was getting a little worried there turning for home it looked like that other horse got away but he just dug in.”

Pedigree Notes:

Newgate gave Into Mischief his second graded win Sunday following stablemate Imagination's win in the GII San Felipe S. He is the 18th top-level victor for the Spendthrift stallion.

Graded stakes-placed Majestic Presence, a half-sister to graded winner Victress (Include), has a 2-year-old daughter by Authentic–who sold for $300,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale–and she produced a filly by Life is Good this year.

Town and Country Horse Farm purchased Majestic Presence, in foal to Runhappy, for $360,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November sale.

#5 NEWGATE ($8.40) runs down pacesetter Subsanador (Arg) in the final jump to win the $400,000 G1 Santa Anita Handicap under @FrankieDettori! pic.twitter.com/s1FJYiZfaQ

— TVG (@TVG) March 4, 2024

Sunday, Santa Anita Park
SANTA ANITA H. PRESENTED BY YAAMAVA' RESORT & CASINO-GI, $401,000, Santa Anita, 3-3, 4yo/up, 1 1/4m, 2:03.49, ft.
1–NEWGATE, 121, c, 4, by Into Mischief
           1st Dam: Majestic Presence (GSP-USA, MSP-Can, $227,896), by Majestic Warrior
           2nd Dam: Shining Victory, by Victory Gallop
           3rd Dam: Phoenix Sunshine, by Encino
1ST GRADE I WIN. 'TDN Rising Star'. ($850,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Town & Country Horse Farms, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $240,000. Lifetime Record: 9-3-4-0, $535,775. *Full to Denim and Pearls, MSP, $212,535. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Subsanador (Arg), 120, h, 5, Fortify–Save the Date (Arg), by Hurricane Cat. O-Stud Facundito; B-El Mallin (ARG); T-John W. Sadler. $80,000.
3–Reincarnate, 119, c, 4, Good Magic–Allanah, by Scat Daddy. ($775,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Robert E. Masterson, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Jay A. Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Woods Edge Farm, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $48,000.
Margins: HD, 2HF, HD. Odds: 3.20, 22.30, 3.80.
Also Ran: Highland Falls, Mixto, Newgrange, Salesman (Ire).
Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Newgate claims the Big Cap for Dettori, Baffert appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Du Jour (Temple City) provided the second of trainer Bob Baffert's three graded stakes victories on the card when he powered home first in the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile at Santa Anita Sunday. Owned by Jill Baffert and Debbie Lanni, the 6-year-old gelding settled towards the back of the field as Goliad (War Front) took the field through fractions of :22.82 and :45.75. The pacesetter was clear into the far turn, but his advantage soon evaporated at the top of the stretch. While 3-2 favorite Easter (Fr) (Exposhere {Aus}) was rolling up on the outside, it was Du Jour, who had made rapid progress late on the bend, darting to the rail for racing room and striding powerfully to the lead en route to an authoritative victory.

“We had a great ride,” said winning rider Flavien Prat. “The horse showed some speed then settled down nicely down the backside. You always run well fresh, and on paper it seemed like this race was going to have a good amount of pace. My job was just to make sure we were in a comfortable zone, so he was able to show his talent through the final stretch.”

Du Jour won the 2021 GII American Turf S. under Baffert's tutelage before making three starts for New York-based Bill Mott. He was fourth in the GI Belmont Derby and third in the GI Saratoga Derby before concluding his time with Mott with an eighth-place effort in the Dueling Grounds Derby. Back with Baffert, the bay gelding was a narrowly beaten second in last year's GIII Thunder Road S. and Kilroe Mile. He earned a shot at the Breeders' Cup Mile with a win in the GII Del Mar Mile and was 10th, but beaten just 3 1/2 lengths, when last seen on championship weekend.

“It was so exciting, so I won't say unexpected but very exciting,” Lanni said of Du Jour's first top-level victory. “In the Breeders' Cup, he just wasn't himself, I don't think. He only finished 3 1/2 lengths behind, but 3 1/2 short.”

Pedigree Notes:

One of 14 graded winners for Temple City, Du Jour became his sire's fourth Grade I winner. Guiltless, a half-sister to graded winner Northern Causeway (Giant's Causeway), was purchased by the O'Callaghans' Woods Edge Farm for $60,000 at the 2016 Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale. The mare produced a yearling filly by Street Sense last year.

Du Jour's third dam, Baby Zip, produced Grade I winner City Zip and Horse of the Year Ghostzapper.

Oh là là!#6 DU JOUR ($8.40) rated towards the back of the field, quickly made up ground on the turn, and showed a devastating turn of foot in the stretch to win Santa Anita's $300,000 G1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile! pic.twitter.com/AaFKC0ANQ6

— TVG (@TVG) March 3, 2024

Sunday, Santa Anita
FRANK E. KILROE MILE S.-GI, $301,500, Santa Anita, 3-3, 4yo/up, 1mT, 1:33.95, gd.
1–DU JOUR, 122, g, 6, by Temple City
                1st Dam: Guiltless, by Bernardini
                2nd Dam: Getaway Girl, by Silver Deputy
                3rd Dam: Baby Zip, by Relaunch
1ST GRADE I WIN. ($19,000 Ylg '19 KEESEP; $280,000 2yo '20
OBSAPR). O-Natalie J. Baffert and Debbie Lanni; B-Woods Edge
Farm, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Flavien Prat. $180,000.
Lifetime Record: 17-6-3-2, $1,118,220. Werk Nick Rating: A.
Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Easter (Fr), 122, g, 6, Exosphere (Aus)–Excellent Girl (GB),
by Exceed And Excel (Aus). 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. (€150,000
3yo '21 ARARC). O-Madaket Stables LLC; B-Aleyrion Bloodstock
Ltd. (FR); T-Philip D'Amato. $60,000.
3–Ah Jeez, 120, c, 4, Mendelssohn–Poetic, by Violence.
1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($80,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP; $55,000 2yo '22
OBSAPR). O-Mark Davis; B-Machmer Hall (KY); T-Doug F.
O'Neill. $36,000.
Margins: 2, 1 3/4, HF. Odds: 3.20, 1.50, 61.00.
Also Ran: First Peace, Dandy Man Shines (Ire), Goliad, Prince Abama (Ire), Mackinnon. Scratched: Irideo (Arg).
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Du Jour Claims First Grade I in Frank E. Kilroe Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The GII San Felipe S. last its headliner with the scratch of the Bob Baffert-trained Nysos (Nyquist), but Baffert still dominated the race with stablemates Imagination (Into Mischief) and Wine Me Up (Vino Rosso) running in tandem for much of the 1 1/16 miles and in lockstep down the stretch before Imagination just got his nose in front on the wire Sunday at Santa Anita.

Of his one-two finish in the San Felipe, Baffert said, “We're trying to develop these horses, so it was good for both of them. Wine Me Up ran tough. It's like watching the 49ers Super Bowl game. Unfortunately, someone has to lose, but I'm proud of them both. They both showed up. That's all you can ask for.”

Wine Me Up was fastest out of the gate and had the lead in the early strides, but Imagination, the 4-5 favorite, strode up to challenge for the lead into the first turn.

Scatify (Justify), who broke from the rail in the four-horse field found himself in tight quarters off Wine Me Up's heels with Mc Vay (Constitution) pressing him from the outside. Rattled in the right quarters, he came out into the first turn, knocking Imagination and forcing Mc Vay wide into the bend. Hector Berrios took a strong hold of Scatify down the backstretch and that colt took back to the rear of the field.

Imagination, meanwhile, had recovered his momentum and took a length advantage over his stablemate as the half went up in :47.04. Wine Me Up moved back on even turns with the favorite and the two turned for home together. Imagination looked to be getting the better of his rival in upper stretch, but Wine Me Up along the rail battled back on even terms and it was a ding-dong battle to the finish.

“He broke out and we went to the clubhouse turn the guy behind me struck into me,” said winning jockey Frankie Dettori. “My horse got frightened, and I took him back to get him wide to get him to relax and get him back into the race. He fought a great duel. He was full of heart.”

Tom Ryan of SF Racing, co-owner of the winner, admitted he wasn't sure who had won the photo finish, but he found plenty to be positive about Imagination's effort.

“That was a great race,” Ryan said. “I didn't know which way it went at the wire. It was a little bit of a messy race early on, he had to recollect himself. He kind of got scared, these are young 3-year-old colts, they are learning their craft. It is amazing you could have a 12-horse field and nothing, and in a four-horse field anything can happen.

“It's good to see him have the confidence to put it back together and not back down from a fight and get there at the wire. I think there is a lot of potential in this horse. He is just learning as he goes, and I think the farther the better. He is a classy colt, he's always shown it, he looks it and thankfully his ability matches his looks.”

A $1.05-million Keeneland September yearling, Imagination opened his career with a pair of runner-up efforts at Del Mar late last year. He graduated going one mile at Santa Anita on New Year's Day and missed by just a neck to stablemate and 'TDN Rising Star' Maymun (Frosted) in a one-mile allowance Feb. 11.

Pedigree Notes:

Spendthrift's all-conquering Into Mischief was represented by the second and third-place finishers in Saturday's GII Davona Dale S. at Gulfstream Park and his son Timberlake put himself firmly on the Kentucky Derby trail this year with a win in the GII Rebel S. last weekend.

Magical Feeling, the fourth generation of this family bred by Peter Blum, is the dam of last year's GIII Monmouth Oaks winner and GI Acorn S. third Occult (Into Mischief). She has a yearling colt by Gun Runner, but aborted a Flightline foal for this year.

The cross of Into Mischief over Empire Maker mares has resulted in 29 winners from 43 starters and now has seven stakes winners, including Saturday's G3 Burj Nahaar winner Laurel River. As noted by Alan Carasso in Sunday's TDN, the cross has also been represented by GI Kentucky Derby hero Mandaloun, the Grade II winners Occult, Center Aisle and Taraz.

Bob Baffert stablemates #5 IMAGINATION ($3.80) and #2 Wine Me Up slugged it out down the stretch, but the former got a nose down on the line to win Santa Anita's $300,000 G2 San Felipe Stakes under @FrankieDettori! pic.twitter.com/qiNhshsuNg

— TVG (@TVG) March 3, 2024

Sunday, Santa Anita
DK HORSE SAN FELIPE S.-GII, $294,000, Santa Anita, 3-3, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 1:44.55, ft.
1–IMAGINATION, 120, c, 3, by Into Mischief
           1st Dam: Magical Feeling (GSW & GISP, $554,532), by Empire Maker
           2nd Dam: Magical Mood (GB), by Forestry
           3rd Dam: Good Mood, by Devil's Bag
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($1,050,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Robert E. Masterson, Waves Edge Capital LLC, Catherine Donovan and Tom J. Ryan; B-Peter E. Blum Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Lanfranco Dettori. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 5-2-3-0, $256,800. *1/2 to Magical (Tapit), SW, $164,550 and Exulting (Tapit), MSW, $687,370; Full to Occult, GSW & MGISP, $451,450. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Wine Me Up, 120, c, 3, Vino Rosso–Deanaallen'skitten, by Kitten's Joy. ($115,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $300,000 2yo '23 OBSOPN). O-Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman; B-Kenneth L. & Sarah K. Ramsey (KY); T-Bob Baffert. $60,000.
3–Mc Vay, 120, c, 3, Constitution–Dothraki Sea, by Union Rags. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($1,250,000 Ylg '22 FTSAUG). O-C R K Stable LLC; B-Band of Brothers (KY); T-John A. Shirreffs. $36,000.
Margins: HD, 6 3/4, 31. Odds: 0.90, 1.70, 9.90.
Also Ran: Scatify. Scratched: Nysos.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

The post Imagination Wins San Felipe Thriller, Leads Baffert Exacta appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Time for Truth (Omaha Beach) likely earned himself a spot in the Mar. 30 GI Arkansas Derby with his allowance victory at Oaklawn Park Saturday. Owned by Harry Rosenblum and Cheyenne Stables and trained by Ron Moquett, the colt had to be scratched from last week's GII Rebel S. after suffering a minor shin injury the night before the race.

Making his two-turn debut in Saturday's 1 1/16-mile allowance, Time for Truth showed a new dimension by coming from off the pace to post a 1 1/2-length victory under regular rider Rafael Bejarano.

“I was [pleased], knowing where we're at with the horse, knowing he missed some training,” Moquett said. “We didn't come to the race exactly like we had wanted to, considering we really did have a bump on our shin. So, I'm pleased with the horse.”

A debut winner at Oaklawn at the end of December, Time for Truth was second in the six-furlong Ozark S. Feb. 10.

Moquett said he used the Ozark as a bridge to the Rebel after Oaklawn lost 11 days of training (Jan. 13-23) to winter weather.

Time for Truth was 15-1 on the morning line for the Rebel. He was 5-2 Saturday.

“It was a good race for him,” said Bejarano, who rode three consecutive winners to close Saturday's card. “I'm glad he got scratched the last time because it was a tough race. But I think this race will prepare him for the big race next time. It's the first time going two turns. I had a beautiful trip. Hopefully, the horse came back good and we can get ready for next time.”

The post Arkansas Derby Possible Next Start for Time for Truth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Jody's Pride (f, 3, American Pharoah–Jody's Song, by Scat Daddy) opened her 2024 with style here as she outgamed Carmelina (Maximus Mischief) to claim her first stakes win of the season in the Busher S.

A dirt horse by accident after her maiden turf dash debut Aug. 9 at Saratoga was brought off the grass and she dominated by 10 1/2 lengths, it was a similar story for the Matron S. in her second start Oct. 8 when that six-panel sprint also came off the turf and again sending Jody's Pride to the winner's enclosure. Intentionally entered in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies going long on the main track at Santa Anita Park, she continued her improvement to come a neck short of catching champion MGISW Just F Y I (Justify) at 17-1 odds.

Returning at a one-turn mile, and greeting a rainy New York day, the 4-5 favorite stalked Carmelina as she rolled through :23.62 and :46.81 early splits. Making a bid entering the bend, Jody's Pride had come on even terms with that leader from the six path as they swung into the upper stretch. The fillies locked horns to the final sixteenth before the eventual winner finally managed to move clear by 2 1/4 lengths. Gin Gin (Hightail) came on from the back to close the trifecta. With the score here, Jody's Pride secured 50 Kentucky Oaks points in addition to the 15 she earned from the runner-up effort at the Breeders' Cup.

JODY'S PRIDE fought with Carmelina down the lane and came away with 50 Points to the KY Oaks with her win in the Busher Stakes at Aqueduct! The American Pharoah (@coolmoreamerica) filly was trained by Jorge Abreu and ridden by Jose Lezcano!

Late Pick 3: https://t.co/mGeXnEqN9C pic.twitter.com/GSWOOawXK3

— TVG (@TVG) March 2, 2024

“We gave her 30 days [after the Breeders' Cup] and then we brought her back to Palm Meadows; she was doing everything great,” said trainer Jorge Abreu. “She was working pretty good and we had her pointed for the Davonna Dale, and at the last minute, [co-owner] Mr. Weston decided to run her over here. So I said, 'OK, let's go.'”

When asked whether his stable star might next be seen in the GIII Gazelle S., a 100-point qualifier to the Kentucky Oaks Apr. 6, Abreu said, “I'm going to see how she comes out of it and probably [come back] here in the Gazelle, and then the Kentucky Oaks. She ran two turns already and my concern was if she was going to perform as well as she did as a 2-year-old. She did, and I think she wants to go longer than that even.”

Co-owner Steve Weston of Parkland Thoroughbreds, too, is looking ahead to Kentucky. “We made it [to the Kentucky Oaks] once before with Venti Valentine and we actually won this race for the third time today. We won it twice with Final Furlong, with Venti Valentine and Espesso Shot. I'm not saying we have the best horse for the Oaks of the 14, but at least we have a chance.”

The second foal for Jody's Song, a half-sister to MSW & GISP Make Mischief (Into Mischief), Jody's Pride is the most accomplished for her dam. She has a 2-year-old full-brother Moreperfectunion as well as a yearling full-brother already named Jody's Legacy. The mare is due to Epicenter for 2024. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

BUSHER S., $200,000, Aqueduct, 3-2, 3yo, f, 1m, 1:38.49, sy.
1–JODY'S PRIDE, 120, f, 3, by American Pharoah
           1st Dam: Jody's Song, by Scat Daddy
           2nd Dam: Speightful Lady, by Speightstown
           3rd Dam: England's Rose, by Nureyev
O-Parkland Thoroughbreds and Sportsmen Stable; B-Mr. Steve Weston (KY); T-Jorge R. Abreu; J-Jose Lezcano. $110,000. Lifetime Record: GISP, 4-3-1-0, $590,250.
2–Carmelina, 120, f, 3, Maximus Mischief–Complete St., by St Averil. ($44,000 Wlg '21 FTIDEC). O-Cash is King LLC and LC Racing LLC; B-Lillith E. Boucher (PA); T-Robert E. Reid, Jr.. $40,000.
3–Gin Gin, 120, f, 3, Hightail–Before You Know It, by Hard Spun. O/B-Calumet Farm (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. $24,000.
Margins: 2 1/4, 2HF, 3/4. Odds: 0.95, 8.80, 3.20.
Also Ran: Aoife's Magic, Regulatory Risk, Sicilian Princess, Princess Mayfair.

The post Jody’s Pride Inspires Dreams of Lilies with Busher Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Eskendereya (Giant's Causeway–Aldebaran Light, by Seattle Slew), whose son Mitole was the leading freshman sire of 2023 by winners and progeny earnings, died of heart failure Mar. 2 at Shichinohe Stallion Station in Japan, where he had been standing since 2016. He was 17 years of age.

Bred in Kentucky by Sanford Robertson, Eskendereya was purchased by Zayat Stables for $250,000 at the 2008 Keeneland September sale. Turned over to Todd Pletcher, the chestnut broke his maiden in a rained-off renewal of the 2009 Pilgrim S. and switched to the synthetic for that year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, finishing ninth. He was perfect in three starts at three, including romping scores in the GII Fountain of Youth S. and GI Wood Memorial S., but he suffered a leg injury leading up to the 2010 GI Kentucky Derby and entered stud at Taylor Made Stallions the following year. He retired with a record of 4-1-0 from six starts for earnings of $725,700.

From his six American-foaled crops, Eskendereya was responsible for 22 black-type winners, including GI Met Mile winner Mor Spirit as well as Mitole. America's champion sprinter of 2019, the Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt runner amassed four Grade I wins that season, including the Met Mile and GI Breeders' Cup Sprint.

Eskendereya entered stud at Shizunai Stallion Station on the island of Hokkaido and has sired for 109 individual winners from 167 starters. All totaled, Eskendereya has been represented by 365 winners which have earned nearly $42.1 million.

The post Eskendereya Passes Away In Japan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

6th-Gulfstream, $73,420, Alw (C)/Opt. Clm ($62,500), 3-2, 4yo/up, 7f, 1:22.47, ft, 1/2 length.
KINGSBARNS (c, 4, Uncle Mo–Lady Tapit {GSP}, by Tapit), last year's GII Louisiana Derby winner, made his return to the races Saturday off nearly a nine-month layoff. A player on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the son of Uncle Mo wound up 14th behind Mage (Good Magic) under the TwinSpires and finished his 3-year-old season beaten just a neck as the heavy favorite in the Pegasus S. at Monmouth June 17. Confidently bet at 3-5 in his first trip back to Gulfstream since breaking his maiden in Jan. 2023, Kingsbarns was outrun by much of the field through the opening half mile in :44.52 as Vivir Con Alegria (Chi) (Flyer {Chi}) led. The pace began to catch up to the frontrunner and Kingsbarns swung off the turn three wide with a clear path to go by, doing so inside the final sixteenth to pick up the half-length win. Vivir Con Alegria held second at odds of 12-1. An $800,000 2-year-old buy for Spendthrift Farm, Kingsbarns is out of a half to GISW Gozzip Girl (Dynaformer). Lady Tapi's now 2-year-old Gun Runner colt sold as a yearling for $650,000 at Keeneland last September. She foaled a Munnings filly in 2023 and visited Not This Time for this year. Sales History: $250,000 Ylg '21 FTSAUG; $800,000 2yo '22 FTFMAR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 6-4-1-0, $731,100. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Spendthrift Farm LLC; B-Parks Investment Group, LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.

Last year's GII Louisiana Derby winner #5 KINGSBARNS ($3.20) made his return to the races a winning one, getting up in the nick of time to win race 6 at Gulfstream Park.

The son of @coolmoreamerica's Uncle Mo was ridden by Luis Suez for @PletcherRacing and @spendthriftfarm. pic.twitter.com/QD7h1JQno4

— TVG (@TVG) March 2, 2024

The post Louisiana Derby Winner Kingsbarns Triumphant In 4-Year-Old Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

'TDN Rising Star' and GI Breeders' Futurity winner Locked (Gun Runner) has scratched from Saturday's GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth S. along with Victory Avenue (Arrogate) according to social media posts from each horses' respective connections along with a release from Gulfstream Park Saturday morning. Locked was 5-2 on the morning line while Victory Avenue was 4-1.

Locked will scratch from today's Fountain of Youth @GulfstreamPark. The Grade 1-winner and @BreedersCup placed son of Gun Runner still has his eye on the prize. We'll regroup and come up with a game plan. #BelieveBig pic.twitter.com/hkvB1zrsCg

— Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) March 2, 2024

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners noted on X that, “Locked will scratch from today's Fountain of Youth…but still has his eye on the prize. We'll regroup and come up with a game plan.”

“He's [Victory Avenue] a high energy horse and he didn't eat his food and is mouse quiet today,” Ramiro Restrepo told Gulfstream media. “That's totally uncharacteristic.”

This AM we had to scratch Victory Avenue from today's FOY.
VA is normally a high energy, feel good colt. He does not have a fever & externally is fine, But he didn't eat his feed last night/this AM and is a bit quiet. Horse comes first, we'll monitor him & proceed accordingly. pic.twitter.com/zXAn9d3Jk9

— Gustavo Delgado S (@GDS_Racing) March 2, 2024

The post Locked, Victory Avenue Scratch From Fountain Of Youth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.