Thoroughbred Daily News

The Minnesota Racing Commission voted Monday to approve historical horse racing at Canterbury Park and Running Aces, according to the Star-Tribune.

The commission was not expected to make a decision at Monday's meeting, however, after more than 3 1/2 hours of discussion it voted 5-1 to approve HHR, effective May 21.

“We are at a critical crossroads,” Commissioner Raymond Dehn told the Star-Tribune. “There is a lot at stake.”

The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) and the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), which operates Mystic Lake Casino, both spoke against the proposal and could pursue legal action to block HHR. One sports betting bill being discussed at the state legislature, the House version, also would prohibit HHR. The current sports betting bills would allow only the tribes to conduct sports wagering.

Monday's vote would allow 500 HHR terminals at each track. A study commissioned by the tracks estimates that in its second year, HHR would generate $5.9 million for purses, plus money for the state breeders' fund, retired racehorse programs and regulatory costs.

The post Historical Horse Racing Approved at Canterbury Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country.

Among this most recent set of rulings, trainer Jorge Diaz has been suspended a total of 37 days and fined $3,500 for two separate violations.

Diaz was suspended for 30 days after his trainee, Melina's Dream, tested positive for an alkalinizing agent (TCO2) after finishing seventh at Parx Racing on Jan. 3. High total carbon dioxide (TCO2) levels could be an indication of bicarbonate loading–or milkshaking–which can neutralize the build-up of lactic acid in muscles, thereby helping the horse's performance.

Diaz was also suspended an additional seven days due to another trainee, Celtic Treasure, testing positive for Xylazine–a Class B controlled medication used as a sedative or analgesic–after running at Parx Racing on the same day. More detailed explanations of the rulings are currently unavailable on the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) website.

The new rules on intra-articular injections are still catching a noticeable number of trainers off guard.

Trainer Elliot Sullivan has been suspended for 30 days and fined $2,500 for giving an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a race. Two other trainers–Philip Serpe and Rohan Crichton–have each been fined $3,000 for joint injections within seven days of a timed workout.

NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS
The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals.

Resolved ADMC Violations
Resolution Date: 04/01/2024
Licensee: Bernell Rhone, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Fury Cap, who finished third at Tampa Bay on 2/24/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 04/01/2024
Licensee: Jorge Diaz, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on May 2, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Xylazine–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Celtic Treasure, who did not finish a race at Parx Racing on 1/3/24 (according to Equibase, Celtic Treasure was “injured in the early stages, pulled up and vanned off”). This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 04/01/2024
Licensee: Jorge Diaz, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on April 2, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the potential breach of Rule 4221–Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)–on Melina's Dream, who finished seventh at Parx Racing on 1/3/2024. This was also a possible violation of Rule 3313–Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period.

Resolution Date: 03/29/2024
Licensee: Philip Serpe, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, Itsallcomingtogetha. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Resolution Date: 03/29/2024
Licensee: Elliott Sullivan, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility beginning on March 30, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, My d'Valentine. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injection Within Fourteen Days (14) Days Prior to Post-Time.

Resolution Date: 03/27/2024
Licensee: Blaine Wright, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Betamethasone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Wodeton, who won at Golden Gate on 1/19/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Resolution Date: 03/27/2024
Licensee: Randy Preston, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Sharp Life, who finished fourth at Mahoning Valley on 02/20/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 03/27/2024
Licensee: Gary House, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Callas, who won at Tampa Bay on 2/11/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Resolution Date: 03/27/2024
Licensee: Rohan Crichton, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU.
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, Fighter in the Win. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Pending ADMC Violations
Date: 02/24/2024
Licensee: Sal Gonzalez, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Mentirosa on 3/1/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).
Date: 03/01/2024

Licensee: Gustavo Rodriguez, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Glycopyrrolate–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Flint Ridge on 3/1/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 02/28/2024
Licensee: Mary Pattershall, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Shanghai Mike on 2/28/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 01/31/2024
Licensee: Arnaud Delacour, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Vets' list medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from J Rivers on 1/31/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List).

Date: 03/13/2024
Licensee: Robertino Diodoro, trainer
Penalty: Provisional suspension
Alleged violation: Possession of banned substance
Explainer: For the possible possession of Levothyroxine (Thyro-L). This is a possible violation of Rule 3214(a)–Possession of Banned Substances.
Read more on the story here.

Date: 03/04/2024
Licensee: Miguel Hernandez, trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection violation
Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, Arizona Andrew. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout.

Date: 02/14/2024
Licensee: Odin Londono Jr., trainer
Penalty: Pending
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Private Drive, who won at Mahoning Valley on 2/14/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

Date: 02/13/2024
Licensee: Carlos Lopez, trainer
Penalty: Provisionally suspended
Alleged Violation: Medication violation
Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Major Lopez, who won at Mahoning Valley on 2/13/24, as well as from Emperor's Gold, who was second at Mahoning Valley on 2/13/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers.

VIOLATIONS OF CROP RULE
One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race.

GOLDEN GATE FIELDS
Francisco Alvarado–violation date March 30; $250 fine and one-day suspension
SUNLAND PARK
Felipe Sanchez Valdez–violation date March 28; $250 fine and one-day suspension

The post Weekly Rulings: March 28-April 2 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

'TDN Rising Star' Timberlake (Into Mischief), fourth as the favorite in last Saturday's GI Arkansas Derby, will not be pointed to the GI Kentucky Derby, according to a report in Daily Racing Form.

The GI Champagne S. winner and GII Rebel S. winner is currently ranked fifth with 81 points for the Kentucky Derby.

“Based on the performance over the weekend, we are not going to run in the Kentucky Derby,” trainer Brad Cox told DRF. “We are thinking about cutting him back in distance.”

Cox added, “He came out of it in good order, very sound, and ships back to Churchill Downs today. We still feel it's in his best interest not to try a mile and a quarter in four and a half weeks.”

The post No Kentucky Derby for Timberlake appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), winner of the GII Risen Star S. Feb. 17, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite in a field of 11 3-year-olds entered for Saturday's 100th running of the $1-million GI Toyota Blue Grass. Tyler Gaffalione has the mount on Sierra Leone and will exit from post 10.

Dornoch (Good Magic) (post four), a full-brother to GI 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, is the second choice on the morning line at 3-1. Trained by Danny Gargan, Dornoch enters off a front-running victory in the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth S. at Gulfstream Mar. 2. Dornoch defeated Sierra Leone by a nose in the GII Remsen S.

“That's a good spot,” Gargan said. “He came out of the three hole in the Fountain of Youth and the Remsen. He will come out of there running and make his way through.”

Third choice on the morning line at 7-2 is Just a Touch (Justify), who enters off a runner-up effort in the GIII Gotham S. at Aqueduct Mar. 2. Florent Geroux has the mount from post position 6.

The Toyota Blue Grass offers 200 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale.

Here's the field for the 100th running of the @Toyota Blue Grass (G1) on Saturday, April 6! pic.twitter.com/RmbtAvmLWJ

— Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 2, 2024

The post Sierra Leone Installed as 2-1 Morning-Line Favorite for Blue Grass appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Hronis Racing's Tapalo (Tapiture), the El Camino Real Derby runner-up and a contender in Saturday's GI Santa Anita Derby, leads a cast of nine 3-year-olds that were made eligible to compete in the 2024 Triple Crown with a late $6,000 payment that was due Monday.

Trained by John Sadler, Tapalo is expected to enter Saturday's Santa Anita Derby.

The nine late nominees (pending late mail):

Hronis Racing's Tapalo;
Tri Star Racing & Cimarron TTT's Awesome Ruta (Mendelssohn);
Lewis Family Racing Stables' Celtic Contender (Irish War Cry);
Ten Strike Racing, Four Cornerss Racing, Broadview Stables, Cory Moelis Racing and Jeremy Sussman's D Day Sky (Omaha Bech);
Travin Stables' Evening News (Nyquist);
Vicente Stables' Le Dom Bro (Mucho Macho Man);
John Parker's Lonesome Boy (Nationhood);
Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells' Mugatu (Blofeld); and
Gelfenstein Farm's Secret Chat (Union Rags).

In total, there are now 354 eligible 3-year-olds to compete in the Triple Crown series which consists of the $5-million GI Kentucky Derby, $1.5-million GI Preakness S. and $1.5-million GI Belmont S.

Any horse not nominated during the early or late phases can become Triple Crown eligible through a supplemental nomination payment due at the time of entry for each Triple Crown race: Kentucky Derby ($200,000 for all three Triple Crown races or $50,000 for the Kentucky Derby only), Preakness ($150,000) and Belmont ($50,000).

The post El Camino Real Derby Runner-Up Tapalo Leads Nine Late Triple Crown Nominees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Leo Kahl's 'First Turn' has been named the winner of Preakness: The Art of Racing, a nationwide art competition celebrating the unique elements of the Preakness S. and Thoroughbred horse racing.

The winning artwork was announced at an honorary ceremony in the Brown Center at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Senior Advisor of Arts & Culture for the City of Baltimore Tonya Miller Hall was in attendance, representing Mayor Brandon Scott. MICA dignitaries, Park Heights's City Council representatives and 1/ST RACING leadership also attended the announcement alongside participating artists.

The submission deadline for the third annual competition was Mar. 12, at which point the public was encouraged to visit preakness.com/the-art-of-racing to peruse the digital gallery and cast a vote for their favorite work of art. The top 10 vote-getters were then judged by a panel that included elected officials, community leaders and art professionals to select the winner.

“My objective was to capture the colors, excitement and festive mood of Pimlico Race Course and the Preakness S.,” said Kahl. “I chose the loose and romantic medium of watercolor to depict this scene as it best depicts the movement and drama of the day.”

Kahl received a $4,000 prize and two VIP tickets to Preakness 149. His work will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness 149 merchandise that will be available for purchase online and onsite during Preakness weekend. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise will be used to advance the activities of Park Heights Renaissance as it pursues affordable housing for families and provides employment opportunities to people of Park Heights.

“The platform given to rising artists, both amateur and professional, who have entered Preakness: The Art of Racing competition over the past three years underscores the vibrancy of the Preakness S. and its unique cultural footprint,” said Audra Madison, Director of Marketing, Maryland Jockey Club. “It brings me joy to see the diverse array of artwork entered into the competition each year, and I hope community members share the same sense of celebration.”

The post Leo Kahl Wins Preakness Art Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Racing analyst and reporter Christina Blacker has joined the board of directors of Light Up Racing, an organization formed to enhance the public perception of the Thoroughbred industry.

“I am grateful to be a part of Light Up Racing's mission,” Blacker said. “It is one that is very close to my heart and one I've put a lot of time and effort into over the years. Horse racing is a beautiful sport filled with equally beautiful, deeply caring and hard-working individuals, but is not actually what we, as a collective, are currently being portrayed as. It is a difficult assignment to be sure, but I am fully committed.

“This is an industry-wide problem and should be met with an industry-wide approach. A lot of important and necessary work is being done at the highest levels, but all of us possess the ability to have a positive effect, and it is our duty to not stand by and leave it to others. Highlighting the good being done, and the good that already exists, is something each of us can take part in.”

Blacker, who currently serves as a host, analyst and reporter with FanDuel TV, began her broadcasting career in 2004 and has worked with HRTV, TVG, and NBCSports. She is also a Keeneland Sales representative, a spokesperson for Equibase “Race Lens,” a pivotal figure in digital creation and ambassadorship for MyRacehorse, in addition to co-founding “I Am Horse Racing,” a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of the

sport's unsung heroes.

“Christina Blacker's credibility within the industry, coupled with her unparalleled media expertise, makes her an invaluable asset in our mission to enlighten, engage, and evolve the narrative surrounding horse racing,” said board chairman Price Bell. “Christina has a proven track record of, not only illuminating the sport's finest aspects, but also addressing its challenges with integrity and insight. We are very excited to have her as part of the team.”

The post Blacker Joins Light Up Racing Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

All-sources handle rose 17.1% during Turfway Park's Winter/Spring meet which concluded Saturday. In total, more than $170 million was wagered at the meet, nearly $25 million more than 2023.

A total of $18.8 million in prize money, including funds from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, was distributed across 438 races at the 50-day meet.

With two additional racing days from the 2023 meet, Turfway Park saw an increase of 152 starters.

“Our successful season at Turfway Park would not be possible without the support of all owners, trainers, jockeys and horseplayers,” said Chip Bach, general manager at Turfway Park. “The racing product at Turfway Park has continued to thrive, thanks to the continued investments from Churchill Downs Incorporated and our dedicated staff here at Turfway Park.”

Jockey Luan Machado was a dominant force in the rider standings throughout the Winter/Spring Meet, tallying 62 wins from 289 starts. Machado's win total was 25 more than runner-up Gerardo Corrales and his mounts earned $2.3 million. This was Machado's fourth leading rider title at Turfway Park.

Trainer Eric Foster notched his first title at Turfway Park, winning 15 races from 86 starts. Foster finished one win ahead of Brad Cox and three in front of Juan Cano and John Ennis.

Foster's horses banked $837,777 in purse money while winning at 17%.

Christina Estvanko and Margo Scott led all owners with eight wins. The partnership's horses made 37 starts while earning $176,177.

The post All-Sources Handle up at Turfway Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Following his dominant victory in Saturday's GI Curlin Florida Derby, Fierceness (City of Light) has been installed the 7-2 morning-line favorite for the sixth pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.

Catching Freedom (Constitution), winner of the GII Louisiana Derby, is 8-1 on the morning line, while Forever Young (Jpn) (Reel Steel {Jpn}), winner of the G2 UAE Derby, is 10-1.

The pool, which opens Thursday, closes Saturday at 4 p.m.–prior to the day's three major Derby prep races.

Pool 6 will feature $2 Win and Exacta wagering. Fans can wager via www.TwinSpires.com, along with simulcast and ADW outlets from around the country.

The post Fierceness Favored in Derby Future Pool 6 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Backside Learning Center will host its third annual Derby Handicapping Social at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Apr. 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The event features a Kentucky Derby 150 handicapping seminar with a panel of the industry's top experts: FanDuelTV's Caton Bredar, Churchill Downs' Joe Kristufek, and FanDuelTV's Gabby Gaudet, with NBC's Donna Barton Brothers moderating.

In addition to handicapping, the event serves as a social hour to mingle with owners, trainers and connected leaders in the Thoroughbred industry and also includes a bourbon raffle with complimentary hors d'oeurves and drinks.

The event is free with a suggested donation at the door. Learn more at: bidpal.net/blcderbyhandicapping24.

The Louisville-based Backside Learning Center is a nonprofit organization  providing support and resources in a safe, welcoming environment to the diverse community of racetrack workers and their families.

The post Backside Learning Center Hosts Handicapping Social appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Six juveniles shared the fastest furlong time of :10 1/5 during the breeze show ahead of the Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale held Monday at Lone Star Park. Four of the group were consigned by Pike Racing: hip 2, a filly by Daredevil; hip 28, a colt by Street Boss; hip 36, a filly by Outwork; and hip 42, a colt by Aurelius Maximus.

Also sharing Monday's bullet: hip 49, a filly by Cinco Charlie consigned by Asmussen Horse Center; and hip 77, a filly by Cutting Humor consigned by Bryan Ford Training Stable.

“Overall, it was a great breeze show,” said TTA Sales Director Foster Bridewell. “We had a head wind all day and the horses handled it well. We had six tie for the fastest breeze of the day and many others stopped the clock in 10 2/5 and 10 3/5. I think the track was consistent all day and that's a credit to the track team at Lone Star Park. Thank you to the team at Lone Star and to our consignors and owners for bringing a good group of horses to our sale.”

The breeze results and videos are available online at TTAsales.com. The Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale will be held Wednesday at Lone Star Park. Bidding begins at 10 a.m. CT.

The post Six Share Bullet at Texas Breeze Show appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Anthony Stabile has been named track announcer at Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. Stabile will become just the third announcer in Finger Lakes history when the upstate New York track opens for its 63rd season of Thoroughbred racing Apr. 29.

“Since I was a young kid, I've wanted to be a racetrack announcer and am proud to say my first full-time position will be at Finger Lakes,” Stabile said. “I'm looking forward to being a part of a place that is rich in racing tradition, where one of my favorites, Funny Cide, wrapped up his career.”

Stabile was the back-up announcer on the New York Racing Association circuit from 2018-2023, where he co-hosted the Talking Horses handicapping show, as well as America's Day at the Races/Saratoga Live on the Fox Sports family of networks. He is currently one of the track announcers at Yonkers Raceway. He also has called races at The Meadowlands and Freehold Raceway.

“We are excited to have Anthony joining our racing team. His vast knowledge of New York State Thoroughbred racing will serve him well in his new role,” said Finger Lakes president and general manager Chris Riegle.

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After declaring that Endlessly (Oscar Performance) would bypass the GI Kentucky Derby in favor of the GII American Turf, also run at Churchill Downs, the connections have reconsidered their options and are now “leaning” toward running in the Derby.

“We're going to go ahead and see what happens here over the next few weeks,” trainer Michael McCarthy said. “[Owner] Mr. [John] Amerman would like to keep all his options open.”

Endlessly earned enough points to qualify for the Derby when winning the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park in his last start, but that race was run over a synthetic surface, as was his prior race, a win in the El Camino Real Derby. His four prior starts were all over the turf, the reason why McCarthy was initially pointing for the American Turf. Endlessly has never run on the dirt.

“He doesn't need to show me much, at least from a resume standpoint,” McCarthy said. “He has to train and we'll need everything to go our way. You know how things are when you get close to Derby time, things happen. We'll be looking for a bit of luck and will hope he gets over the racetrack well. Mr. Amerman wants to be very open minded about it and feels there is an opportunity out there. Are we leaning towards the Derby? The answer is yes.”

McCarthy admitted that Endlesssly has not necessarily been working that well on the dirt surface at Santa Anita, where he is based.

“His works on the dirt have been very workmanlike,” the trainer said. “They've been decent. Decent without being eye-catching. But sometimes, you just have to take a chance and Mr. Amerman feels the same way.”

In six career starts, Endlessly has lost just once and has also recorded stakes wins in the GIII Zuma Beach S. and the GIII Del Mar Juvenile Turf S.

The post Endlessly Back on Derby Trail appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Big 3 Pick 3, a new wager encompassing the GII Wood Memorial, GI Toyota Blue Grass S, and GI Santa Anita Derby, will be available to bettors this Saturday, the New York Racing Association, Keeneland, and 1/ST announced jointly Monday.

The Big 3 Pick 3, which will be hosted by Aqueduct, will be offered with a $3 minimum and mandatory payout. The Big 3 Pick 3 will appear as a separate wager/track on wagering machines or online account: Big 3 Pick 3.

All three races are contested at nine furlongs and offer 100-50-25-15-10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers.

The post Pick 3 to Include Wood Memorial, Blue Grass, and Santa Anita Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Ken Ramsey finished the Gulfstream Championship meet atop the owner standings with 27 winners. A perennial leading owner, Ramsey previously led the standings at Gulfstream in 2021-2022, 2019-2020 and from 2012-2013 to 2017-2018. His wins during the meet included Be My Sunshine (Frosted) in the Tropical Park Oaks and Abrumar (Divisidero) in the Colonel Liam S., both from the barn of leading trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr.

The post Ramsey Tops Owner Standings At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Gulfstream Park Championship Meet ended Sunday with jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. and trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. defending their respective titles. Ortiz finished the meet with 119 winners, a mark that saw him top the rider's standings for the fifth time in the last six seasons.

“It went very good for us,” said Ortiz. “It means a lot to win another title here. They make me feel at home here. The owners, everybody training here, the whole organization– security and the people who work here–they make me feel good. I have great support from the trainers and owners of Florida, and I appreciate it. I'm so happy to win another title here.”

Saffie Joseph, Jr. trained 66 winners through the meet, good enough to lead Todd Pletcher in the standings and pick up his third-straight training title.

“We're thankful for the opportunities from the owners, the team we have–how hard they work and all the effort they put in–and most importantly to have the horses we have,” said Joseph. “The horses are the biggest piece of the puzzle. The horses make everyone look good.”

The post Irad Ortiz, Jr. And Saffie Joseph, Jr. Defend Gulfstream Titles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

'TDN Rising Star' and champion 2-year-old Fierceness (City of Light) exited his 13 1/2-length romp in Saturday's GI Curlin Florida Derby in “great” condition according to a social media post by owner Repole Stables. The post, accompanied by a photo of the colt with his winning flowers, reads: “Good morning from Fierceness. He came out of the race great. What a thrilling and epic performance! Happy and healthy Easter to all.”

With a leaderboard-topping 136 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, Fierceness is bound for Louisville along with owner/breeder Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher.

“He's super,” Pletcher told Gulfstream media Sunday morning. “He came back really well. He cooled out really quickly and seemed to recover really well. He looked good this morning.”

Florida Derby runner up Catalytic (Catalina Cruiser) earned 50 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and will train towards a start at Churchill Downs as well.

“I think we're going to train towards it and see how the horse does,” said trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. “If he gives us the right signs, I think the horse will run.”

Fifth-place finisher and GIII Holy Bull S. winner Hades (Awesome Slew) also exited the race in good shape according to his trainer Joe Orseno.

“He came back sound and scoped clean. We're going to press on and see what happens,” Orseno said. “We'll see what happens in the races next weekend and decide what we're doing. We have 30 points, so I don't know if that will be enough.”

Good Morning from Fierceness.

He came out of the race great.

What a thrilling and epic performance!!!!!

Happy and Healthy Easter to all. pic.twitter.com/3CsfcZlKVd

— Repole Stable (@RepoleStable) March 31, 2024

The post Fierceness Comes Out Of Florida Derby In ‘Great’ Shape appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The long-standing saga of the 2018 GI Santa Anita Derby may finally be at a close, as the $1-million purse was formally redistributed Saturday, according to a report in Daily Racing Form. Undefeated Triple Crown winner Justify (Scat Daddy) won the 2018 Santa Anita Derby, but later tested positive for scopolamine and Mick Ruis, owner of the second-place finisher Bolt d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro), persevered with his attempts to have the results overturned. More on the background of his efforts can be found here.

This past December, Ruis released a statement claiming legal victory in the matter and, earlier this month, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ordered the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to disqualify Justify and pay $300,000 to Ruis while also redistributing the purse. During his racing career, Justify was campaigned by a partnership consisting China Horse Club International Ltd., Head of Plains Partners, Starlight Racing, and Winstar Farm.

According to DRF, a board of California stewards issued a ruling Saturday ordering Justify's ownership to relinquish the $585,000 in first-place prize money. Trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Mike Smith must also return their portion of the purse, which is typically 10% of the winnings. The money must be forfeited by Apr. 29, with all trophies also returned.

Justify, who is now a successful sire standing at Coolmore America, will also see his race record adjusted from six-for-six to five-for-six. California stewards Ron Church, John Herbuveaux, and Kim Sawyer signed Saturday's order.

The post Justify’s 2018 Santa Anita Purse Money to be Redistributed, Record to be Adjusted appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

HOT SPRINGS, Arkansas–A pair of 'TDN Rising Stars' in Muth (Good Magic) and Timberlake (Into Mischief) squared off on an overcast but warm Saturday afternoon at Oaklawn Park to contest the 88th running of the GI Arkansas Derby.

What the race turned out to be was a strong statement issued by Muth, as Zedan Racing's colt kicked for home, won by two lengths and collected the purse money. Of course–since the 3-year-old is a trainee in Bob Baffert's care–he will not receive his 100 Kentucky Derby points.

A record-tying victory, this was the Hall of Fame trainer's fifth Arkansas Derby win–with the last coming when he won both halves of the split Derby with Nadal (Blame) and Charlatan (Speightstown) during Covid in 2020.

Muth's road to Oaklawn started when he broke his maiden impressively by 8 3/4 lenghts at first asking last June at Santa Anita. That effort earned him a 'Rising Star' badge. However, in his next start the $2 million OBS March grad took on fellow 'Star' and stablemate Prince of Monoco (Speightstown), and finished as the runner-up by 4 1/4 lengths in the GIII Best Pal S. at Del Mar in mid-August.

Baffert scratched him from running in the GI Hopeful S. at Saratoga because he thought his colt needed more recovery time after his race at the seaside oval. Back at 'The Great Race Place', the colt stretched out to two turns successfully when he won by 3 3/4 lengths in the GI American Pharoah S. in early October, and then was second over the same surface in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile when he could not catch champion 2-year-old Fierceness (City of Light).

Muth in the early jumps | Coady Photography

After a two-month break, Muth returned to the Arcadia races Jan. 6 and took home the seven-furlong GII San Vicente S. Over the next month, as Baffert weighed his options for where to go next, he contemplated shipping the 3-year-old to Hot Springs for the GII Rebel S. However, a final workout shelved the trip and the trainer opted to wait for a potential shot at the Arkansas Derby.

Made the 8-5 morning-line favorite and saddled on behalf of Baffert by Rodolphe Brisset, Muth went off as the 2-1 second choice here with Timberlake garnering 1-1 favoritism. At the break, it was Time for Truth (Omaha Beach) who sped to the lead past the grandstand, but Muth was quickly into stride and tracked just to the outside of the early pacesetter into the first turn.

Suddenly at the top of the backstretch Timberlake shot between the two frontrunners, but Muth responded quickly and went with his rival. Posting fractions of :23.43 for the first quarter mile and :47.46 for the half-mile, it was the son of Good Magic who gained the upper hand around the far turn, which signaled that Timberlake was in trouble. Muth chopped up the ground down the lane and scampered home over Just Steel, who ran a game race in defeat followed by Mystik Dan.

“He got away and then he was in a good spot,” said Baffert. “The track–speed really wasn't playing well today–but he was in a good spot there. Down the backside, when I saw Timberlake sneak up in there, I thought maybe he was going to control the race from there because I figured he was the horse to beat. But Muth, he's just … the only that beat him was Fierceness and we saw what he did today (winning the Florida Derby). I'm just happy for everybody. It (Arkansas Derby) is very important. It's a very prestigious race, winning that. You know how we feel about Oaklawn.”

Pedigree Notes:
With nine graded stakes winners to his credit, Good Magic's other Grade I stakes winners include Blazing Sevens and last year's Kentucky Derby hero Mage. Muth, who tied an OBS sale record when he was purchased by Amr Zedan after he breezed during the under tack show going a furlong in :9 3/5, is the first foal out of Don Alberto homebred Hoppa (Uncle Mo). She RNA'd for $1.9 million at the Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale back in November. Hoppa is responsible for a 2-year-old filly by Violence, who went to Rigney Racing for $385,000 at the Keeneland September Sale, and a yearling filly by Tacitus. She was bred back to Good Magic this term.

Saturday, Oaklawn Park
ARKANSAS DERBY-GI, $1,500,000, Oaklawn, 3-30, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:49.54, ft.
1–MUTH, 124, c, 3, by Good Magic
                1st Dam: Hoppa, by Uncle Mo
                2nd Dam: Handoverthecat, by Tale of the Cat
                3rd Dam: Frayne, by Red Ransom
($190,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $2,000,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR). O-Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Bob Baffert; J-Juan J. Hernandez. $787,500. Lifetime Record: 6-4-2-0, $1,504,100. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Just Steel, 124, c, 3, Justify–Irish Lights (Aus), by Fastnet Rock (Aus). 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($500,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-BC Stables, LLC; B-Summerhill Farm (KY); T-D. Wayne Lukas. $262,500.
3–Mystik Dan, 124, c, 3, Goldencents–Ma'am, by Colonel John. 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. O-Lance Gasaway, 4 G racing LLC, and Valley View Farm LLC; B-Lance Gasaway, Daniel Hamby & 4G Racing LLC (KY); T-Kenneth G. McPeek. $131,250.
Margins: 2, 4 1/4, HF. Odds: 2.30, 32.50, 4.00.
Also Ran: Timberlake, Informed Patriot, Time for Truth, Imperial Gun, Liberal Arts, Will Take It, Dimatic.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

#7 MUTH ($6.60) by Good Magic gets the cue to go in the stretch and goes on to easily win the $1.5M Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park. @JJhernandezS19 was in the irons for Bob Baffert. Congrats to all the connections! pic.twitter.com/yt6qMYu9Mr

— TVG (@TVG) March 31, 2024

The post Muth Lays Siege To Arkansas, Delivers Win But No Derby Points appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The streaking Power Squeeze (Union Rags) punched her ticket to the GI Kentucky Oaks while upsetting heavily favored 'TDN Rising Star' Ways and Means (Practical Joke) in Saturday's GII Gulfstream Park Oaks.

The Cash Run S. Jan. 1 and Suncoast S. Feb. 10 heroine, off at odds of 11-1 while looking for her fourth straight victory here, stayed out of trouble on the inside while Ways and Means, making her first start since a second-place finish in Saratoga's GI Spinaway S., was bounced around in between rivals and shuffled back on the clubhouse turn.

Traveling nicely in an inside fourth down the backstretch, Power Squeeze was in no hurry as Ways and Means slingshotted her way near the front with a flashy move on the outside beneath Irad Ortiz, Jr. Ways and Means poked her head in front at the top of the stretch and looked well on her way as she kicked for home. Power Squeeze, however, was just getting going. She set her sights on Ways and Means in the stretch and rolled right on by to get the money.

The Gulfstream Park Oaks was worth a total of 200 qualifying points to the top five finishers for the Kentucky Oaks.

“We always thought very highly of her. We never felt like she was [11-1]. We felt like she was 1-1,” winning trainer Jorge Delgado said. “We felt like we had a really good chance. We believed in the filly, and she responded for us.”

He added, “I believe the stretch at Churchill is going to be really good for her. Hopefully everything comes back in order and we're going to plan a trip to go there.”

As for the runner-up, trainer Chad Brown said, “[Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.] said the first turn cost him. It got tight in there, he was bounced around a bit, and he got wide. And then when she saw daylight, she kind of pulled herself up to the front, a little premature move. He said he didn't really want to do that. She ran really well. I think without the layoff, she probably could have encountered some trouble like that and still had enough to go, but she had a lot to do today. And then when you add the trouble in the first turn and the wide trip and all, it maybe took just enough out of her to get caught by the wire.”

Pedigree Notes:

Power Squeeze, a $50,000 KEESEP yearling and $90,000 OBSAPR juvenile, becomes the 16th graded winner for Union Rags. The winner's three-time, stakes-winning dam Callmethesqueeze, a $50,000 purchase by Athens Woods at the 2022 KEENOV sale, is also responsible for a 2-year-old filly by Street Sense and a yearling colt by Liam's Map. She was bred to Vino Rosso for 2024.

Saturday, Gulfstream Park
GULFSTREAM PARK OAKS PRESENTED BY FANDUEL TV-GII, $250,000, Gulfstream, 3-30, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:44.19, ft.
1–POWER SQUEEZE, 122, f, 3, by Union Rags
                1st Dam: Callmethesqueeze (MSW, $324,499),
                                by Awesome Again
                2nd Dam: Mop Squeezer, by Roanoke
                3rd Dam: Honey League Girl, by Honey Jay
   1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($50,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $90,000
2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-Lea Farms, LLC; B-Forging Oaks LLC (KY);
T-Jorge Delgado; J-Daniel Centeno. $148,800. Lifetime Record:
6-4-1-0, $337,450. *1/2 to Call On Mischief (Into Mischief),
SW, $283,237. Werk Nick Rating: A+.
   Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Ways and Means, 122, f, 3, Practical Joke–Strong Incentive,
by Warrior's Reward. O/B-Klaravich Stables (KY); T-Chad C.
Brown. $48,000.
3–Into Champagne, 122, f, 3, Into Mischief–Bedford Land, by
Speightstown. ($300,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Six Column
Stables, LLC, Randall Bloch, Jim Gladden, Mike Davis & Michael
Steele; B-Robert & Lawana Low (KY); T-Ian R. Wilkes. $24,000.
Margins: 1, 5 3/4, 1. Odds: 11.00, 0.50, 8.20.
Also Ran: Gun Song, Scalable, Do Gooder, America's Vow, Fiona's Magic, Neom City. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.

An 11-1 upset by #1 POWER SQUEEZE in the $250,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) Presented by FanDuel TV!

The daughter of @LanesEndFarms Union Rags was ridden by @jockeydcenteno for trainer @RacingDelgado.

Is this your #KentuckyOaks pick? pic.twitter.com/Vd6vzZuQsP

— TVG (@TVG) March 30, 2024

The post Union Rags’ Power Squeeze Upsets the Gulfstream Park Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.