Thoroughbred Daily News

Saffie Joseph, Jr. has had some big days since he came to the U.S. from his native Barbados in 2011, but perhaps none bigger than last Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

He had three stakes wins, including a score with Be Your Best (Ire) (Muhahaarar ({GB}) in the GII Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes and a win with Mystic Lake (Mo Town) in the GII Inside Information Stakes.

But the one that really mattered was the victory by White Abarrio (Race Day) in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes. Not only did he win a $3-million race, he did so with a horse who had been taken away from him during one of the darkest periods in his career.

With plenty to talk about, Joseph, Jr. was this week's Gainesway Guest of the Week on the TDN Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland.

White Abarrio was taken away from Joseph around the time of the 2023 GI Kentucky Derby, when there was a rash of fatalities that once again caught the attention of the animal rights community. Joseph had two horses die, but they did not suffer from musculoskeletal injuries. Still, that put Joseph in limbo and the owners moved on to Rick Dutrow.

Joseph admits that was one of the toughest things he has ever had to endure as a trainer. But, after a dull performance in the 2024 GI Metropolitan Handicap for Dutrow, the story changed again. White Abarrio was sent back to Joseph.

“Everything in life happens for a reason,” Joseph said. “After that happened, did I ever envision that we were going to get the horse back? No. I mean, how could you envision a horse that wins a Whitney and a Breeders' Cup Classic for someone else and he's going to come back to you?

“When we got the horse back [co-owner] Mark Cornett called me and said, 'Hey, we're gonna send the horse back to you.' It meant a lot because it showed that these owners believed in me and that meant a lot more to me than anything. Losing the horse, I knew I had to give up the horse. The writing was on the wall. We were not going to jeopardize the horse's career. But getting the horse back, that came from out of nowhere. There was nothing for them to gain because he had already won a Grade I. At that time, I wasn't in a mental capacity to even dream of getting him back. I mean, it took me a long time to kind of heal or get over it. I can't put into words how it's all unfolded. It's kind of like it was scripted and we were just part of the process.”

White Abarrio | Coglianese

White Abarrio won an allowance in his first start back for Joseph and then was second in the GIII Mr. Prospector Stakes. For a horse of his ability, it was not a particularly good performance, but it set him up for what was arguably the best race of his career. Unchallenged in the stretch in the Pegasus, he drew off to win by 6 1/4 lengths.

“I never thought he was going to run that good,” Joseph admitted. “We always hope they'll run that well, but most of the time it doesn't happen. We thought he was sitting on a race that was close to a race that should be good enough to win it if everything went well.”

Joseph also spoke again about White Abarrio's groom Eduardo “Lalo” Diaz. He is convinced that in some of the races in which White Abarrio didn't fire his best shot it was because he didn't have his favorite groom at his side.

“When you find [a groom] that really loves his horses and has the passion, they're hard to duplicate,”Joseph said. “And that's what Lalo has. Apart from being a really good groom, his personality never changes. He's very level-headed, very even-keeled, never too high, never too low. I'm a strong believer that horses feed off the energy of the people around them. You see horses and they have nervous grooms and they're nervous. And you see horses that have calm grooms and they are calm. When I have a horse with [Diaz], I feel like I don't even have to look at him, tell him anything. I feel like he's just clutch. Every time he delivers his horses, they always look immaculate.”

In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment, which is sponsored by WinStar Farm, we went over the many reasons there are breed to WinStar stallion Timberlake. With a 109 Beyer, White Abarrio was the “fastest horse of the week.”

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, and XBTV.com, the team of T.D Thornton, Randy Moss and Bill Finley reviewed the Pegasus and the GIII Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn, which was won by Speed King (Volatile). Sticking with the theme of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, there was also a preview of this week's GIII Holy Bull Stakes and the Robert B. Lewis Stakes.

With 1/ST Racing executives Aidan Butler and Belinda Stronach addressing the situation at Gulfstream Park during the week in interviews, the team gave its opinions on the latest news out of South Florida. While there was some optimism that racing would somehow continue in the area, the consensus remained that it wouldn't be at Gulfstream Park.

To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To listen to the show as a podcast, click here.

The post Saffie Joseph, Jr. Joins The TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented By Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Oaklawn Park has postponed Thursday, Jan. 30's card, rescheduling it to Monday, Feb. 3. Severe weather, including possible flash flooding, is forecasted for the area for Thursday. The Jan. 30 race date was originally added to make up for other race dates lost to winter weather.

Weather has repeatedly played havoc on Oaklawn's calendar this season. Live racing is expected to resume Friday, Jan. 31.

The post Oaklawn Postpones Thursday’s Card to Monday 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.

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

Date: 01/28/2025

Licensee: Joanna Shankle, trainer

Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on January 29, 2025; 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: Medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Baby Sox, who won at Laurel Park on 12/20/24.

Date: 01/28/2025

Licensee: Eric Ramaekers, 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); Treated as 1 violation with Hurt So Good's 11/19/24 violation under 09/08/23 HISA Guidance. Final decision of HIWU.

Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Hurts so Good, who finished fourth at Zia Park on 12/9/24.

Date: 01/28/2025

Licensee: Shon Dunlap, 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 of HIWU.

Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Ooh La Da Stoops, who won at Remington Park on 12/7/24.

Date: 01/27/2025

Licensee: Martin Orona, Sr., 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 per violation, for a total fine of $1,500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points per violation, for a total of 4.5 penalty points. Admission.

Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone, Methocarbamol and Phenylbutazone—all controlled substances (Class C)—in a sample taken from Sierra Summer, who finished sixth at Zia Park on 12/10/24.

Date: 01/23/2025

Licensee: Kenneth Miller, 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: Medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Overstatement, who finished second at Keeneland on 10/4/24.

Date: 01/22/2025

Licensee: Scooter Davis, 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 of HIWU.

Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from John Dutton, who won at Tampa Bay on 11/29/24.

Pending ADMC Violations

01/29/2025, Peter Miller, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Enjoy it Strait, who finished tenth at Del Mar on 11/9/24.

01/28/2025, Glenroy Brown, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Tammy's Toy, who won at Mahoning Valley on 12/23/24.

01/28/2025, Radolfo Sanchez-Salomon, trainer: Pending medication violation for the potential breach of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)—on Tik Tok Daddy, who finished third at Laurel Park on 12/13/24. This was also a possible violation of Rule 3313—Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period.

01/24/2025, Jose Silva Jr., trainer: Pending medication violation for the potential breach of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)—on House of Lords, who finished tenth at Turf Paradise on 12/30/24. This was also a possible violation of Rule 3313—Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period.

01/24/2025, Gary Greiner, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Man Overboard, who finished sixth at Pleasanton on 12/18/24.

01/24/2025, Edward Coletti Jr., trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Bear or Bull, who finished second at Parx Racing on 12/12/24.

01/24/2025, Salvador Sato, trainer: Pending medication violations for the presence of Methocarbamol, Phenylbutazone and Dexamethasone—all controlled substances (Class C)—in samples taken from Geebeesbigboy, who finished fourth at Zia Park on 12/2/24, and from Stormy Dame, who won at Zia Park on 12/9/24.

01/23/2025, Juan Silva, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Mt. Zeror, who finished second at Turf Paradise on 12/17/24.

01/23/2025, Paul Aguirre, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Don't Tell Tammo, who won at Del Mar on 11/29/24.

Violations of Crop Rule

Oaklawn Park

Isaac Castillo – violation date Jan 26; $250 fine

Harry Hernandez – violation date Jan 23; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Santa Anita

Alejandro Gomez – violation date Jan 23; One-day suspension, $250 fine

Turf Paradise

Fausto Da Silva – violation date Jan 27; One-day suspension, $250 fine

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There's a reason why Bob Baffert has won the GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes 12 times, including the last six running. At this time of year his barn is always loaded with talented 3-year-old colts who have one eye on the Lewis and another on the GI Kentucky Derby.

It will be a familiar story at Santa Anita Saturday as Baffert will send out three of the five horses entered in the Lewis. His trio is topped by 2-year-old champion and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), who will be making his first start of the year.

But he may not be the favorite. That's how impressive stablemate 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic) was when breaking his maiden last out by seven lengths while earning a 101 Beyer Speed Figure.

Baffert also has Madaket Road (Quality Road), a maiden winner in his last start. All three are owned by the partnership of SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stables LLC.

Despite his strong hand, Baffert remains cautious when it comes to how these horses might perform in the Derby. He says it is too early to predict anything.

“We still have a long way to go,” Baffert said. “We have some nice horses but you really don't know until March or April and that last prep where you stand. You can be in a position where you think you are strong and then it turns out you are not as strong as you thought you were. They're still developing and we're still getting races into them. You try to get as many races into them as you can so you can have them ready and put that foundation into them. You don't really have a Derby horse until those last prep races. Until they go a mile-and-an-eighth, that's when we know. The mile-and-an-eighth separates these horses.”

After his front-running win in the Juvenile, Citizen Bull returned to the worktab on Dec. 13. He hasn't missed a beat since. But Baffert said he might be a horse that will do his best running a little later in the year.

“The Bull, he's a horse that may need a race or two,” Baffert said. “We found that out in the Del Mar Futurity when he got beat. It was only his second start and Mike Smith said he got a little tired. I'd rather race them than just train them, train them, train them. You have to get races into these horses.”

After finishing second in his debut in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden, Rodriguez hammered his opposition in another maiden, this one on Jan. 4 at Santa Anita.

“He's always trained like a nice horse,” Baffert said. “He reminds me a lot of Authentic. I think the Authentics are going to be really good. It's just that some of them are slow to mature. It took this one a while to come around. I don't think the distance should be a problem. The race will help him. He's the kind of horse that needs racing. Now, he needs to run.”

How the Lewis plays out on the track should be fascinating. Citizen Bull, Rodriguez and the Wesley Ward-trained Clock Tower (Not This Time) all have ample early speed. That sets up the possibility of a speed duel, one that might involve Citizen Bull, Rodriguez or both. Baffert said he will let their jockeys ride their own race. Martin Garcia rides Citizen Bull. Juan Hernandez rides Rodriguez.

“I usually let the jockeys ride their own horse,” Baffert said. “The break will be the key. I'm sure they'll play it off of the break. They'll ride their own horses and let them get into a nice rhythm.”

As good as Baffert's Lewis trio might be, it's possible that the best 3-year-old in his barn is one who won't be running Saturday.  That would be Barnes (Into Mischief), who was bought for $3.2 million by Amr Zedan at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. After a somewhat lackluster win in his Nov. 27 debut at Churchill Downs, he came back with a dominant performance in the GII San Vicente at seven furlongs.

“He still has to go two turns,” Baffert said. “He should handle it, but you don't know until they do it. So far, he looks good and we're trying to just trying to keep him healthy.”

Baffert said that he and Zedan are still working on a race schedule for Barnes.

Win or lose, this should be a memorable Derby for Baffert since it will be the first one he will be allowed to run in since 2021. Churchill Downs banned Baffert after Medina Spirit (Protonico), who crossed the wire first in the 2021 Derby, was disqualified after testing positive for betamethasone. The ban was lifted last fall and now the only thing Baffert has to worry about is how his horses are doing.

“It's over with and everything is good,” Baffert said. “I'm just trying to focus on what's in front of us.”

The post Baffert Will Triple Team Them in Robert B. Lewis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Edited Press Release

The Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory (PETRL), a Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program laboratory, has been directed to modify its instrumentation and methodology for TCO2 testing to mass spectrometry so that it is consistent with the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's three other Program laboratories, HIWU announced Wednesday.

PETRL has already transitioned to this methodology, which is also independently endorsed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

HIWU began its review of PETRL's procedures in response to a disproportionately high number of reports of elevated TCO2 levels from the laboratory and worked with horsemen's representatives throughout this process. HIWU first undertook a comprehensive assessment of testing documentation and laboratory processes at PETRL before asking the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Laboratory at the University of California Davis to conduct an administration study to compare the findings reported by the Program laboratories.

PETRL's instrument (a clinical blood gas analyzer) and related methodology had been used and accepted as valid by the horse racing industry to regulate TCO2 for years prior to the implementation of the ADMC Program, and HIWU found no evidence of laboratory error or instrument failure by PETRL. However, the data from the administration study indicated that PETRL's results did not correlate with those of the three other laboratories, which all used an instrument and methodology (mass spectrometry) different from PETRL's.

In response, HIWU has issued a new mandate for mass spectrometry to be adopted as the industry standard for TCO2 analysis confirmation. This method is used to analyze virtually all other substances regulated under the ADMC Program.

In the interest of fairness to horsemen, all pending TCO2 cases originating in Pennsylvania have been withdrawn; due to the accelerated degradation of TCO2 samples compared to other analytes, HIWU could not send previously analyzed samples to other Program laboratories to compare the results. For cases that have already been resolved, HISA offered to return purse money, refund fines, notify Equibase to remove the disqualifications, and remove penalty points from the affected trainers' records. Purse money that has already been distributed by racetracks in relation to these cases will not be affected.

In total, five trainers–Jorge Diaz, Bernard Dunham, David Jacobson, William Martin and Silvino Ramirez–served 30-day suspensions for TCO2 positives that had been processed by the Pennsylvania Lab.

“The discovery of inconsistencies in TCO2 testing across Program laboratories and HIWU's subsequent responsibility to establish harmonization among them represent the benefits of a national ADMC program,” said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. “Unlike under state-based regulatory structures, our Program laboratories are in ongoing communication to discuss and compare methods. This collaboration is what enabled us to identify and resolve discrepancies in TCO2 testing despite the longstanding validity of the methods and instruments being used.”

“I commend HIWU for taking action in response to the high rate of TCO2 findings at PETRL and ultimately facilitating the harmonization of TCO2 testing among Pennsylvania and other states,” said Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr., executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. “Ben and his team listened to our horsemen's concerns and were in ongoing communication with us while the laboratory was reviewed. We're also appreciative of HISA for their decision to offer to withdraw sanctions imposed for cases that have already been resolved.

“This process represents an example of how a national, uniform system helps horsemen and how we, HIWU, and HISA can work together for the benefit of the entire industry.”

Evaluation of testing at Program laboratories is ongoing to ensure consistency and fairness in results reporting. HIWU has implemented HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory (HEAL) accreditation as of January 1, 2025. HEAL accreditation includes a robust Equine Quality Assurance Scheme sample program.

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In recognition of Black History Month, the Maryland Horse Library and Education Center will host the traveling exhibit, The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers.

The exhibit will open Saturday, Feb. 1 with a talk by the exhibit curator, and Library Director, Roda Ferraro from the Keeneland Library. The exhibit will be available to visit at the MHLEC through Feb. 28.

Heart of the Turf highlights the lives and careers of 100 African American horsemen and horsewomen from the mid-1800s to the present. One-of-a-kind photographs from the Keeneland Library collection capture moments across their varied careers, while biographical vignettes honor their lasting legacies.

From racetrack superstars to behind-the-scenes caretakers, The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers showcases stories of the countless African Americans who forged their way in horse racing in Kentucky and beyond.

“We will take this time to acknowledge the contributions of the many Black horsemen who are the bedrock of horse racing”, said Cricket Goodall, executive director of the MHLEC. “As in so many sports, African Americans were the pioneers in history.”

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Gulfstream Racing, a new mobile app and wagering experience, has been launched by Everi Holdings Inc. and 1/ST, it was announced Wednesday.

The new Gulfstream Racing App is now available in the Apple App Store. Phase I of the app launch includes ticketing, dining reservations, promotions, race schedules and a 1/ST-designed in-app horse wagering experience to allow fans to place win, place and show bets.

The app launched ahead of last weekend's GI Pegasus World Cup. In addition to Gulfstream Park, Everi and 1/ST will soon roll out a venue app for Santa Anita Park, including an expansion of the horse wagering and wallet funding experiences, as part of Phase II of this mobile deployment.

“With 1/ST's experience in delivering world-class entertainment and wagering for horse racing fans, we felt it was a natural fit for Everi to help enhance the venue experience with additional mobile and funding capabilities,” said Darren Simmons, Everi's Executive Vice President and FinTech Business Leader. “Our ability to develop solutions for additional fan engagement, flexible enough to reach them wherever they are, is a key part of our combined strategy to enable seamless, mobile-first, self-service journeys, to meet fans at their preferred touchpoint.”

“The collaboration between Everi and 1/ST is about delivering an intuitive, convenient and engaging experience for our fans, and is specially designed for those who are new to horse racing,” said Keith Johnson, President, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY. “The Gulfstream Racing App puts the picks of our horse racing experts readily into their hands with a simplified direct betting interface. It also includes ticketing, dining and key venue event highlights putting everything you need for a fun day at the track in one easy-to-use platform.”

The post 1/ST Launches New Mobile App and Wagering Experience at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

This could only happen to Brad Cox. He trained the best 2-year-old filly in the country last year as Eclipse Award winner Immersive (Nyquist) whipped everything she faced, including eight challengers in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Earlier this year, she looked like the runaway leader among the fillies eyeing the GI Kentucky Oaks, but came down with a minor injury and will not be ready in time for the Oaks. For most other trainers that would have been a severe setback, losing out on a chance they may never get again. But not Cox. When it comes to 3-year-old fillies, he doesn't rebuild, he reloads. Even with Immersive  on the sidelines, he still has a firm grip on the division. Even without Immersive, he trains the top two horses in our first 2025 installment of the TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10, which is presented by Fasig-Tipton.

Muhimma (Munnings) is three-for-three lifetime and has claimed the top sot. Right behind her is Cox-trainee Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro), who is undefeated in four starts and could be, as they say, “any kind.”

Last week's action was topped by the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn which was won by the Kenny McPeek-trained Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy), a comfortable 5 3/4-length winner. The race became easier when Her Laugh (Practical Joke), who was 2-1 on the morning line, had to be scratched. Trainer Whit Beckman said that the snowstorm that hit Louisiana, where she was based at the Fair Grounds, made shipping to Oaklawn too difficult. The new target for her is the Feb. 15 GII Rachel Alexandra at the Fair Grounds.

It will be a relatively quiet weekend when it comes to preps for the Oaks. The seven-furlong GIII Forward Gal Stakes Saturday at Gulfstream and the GIII Las Virgenes S. Sunday at Santa Anita could shake things up some.

Here's a look at the first installment of our Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for 2025:

1) MUHIMMA (Munnings–Princesa Carolina, by Tapit) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Shadwell Stable; B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Sale history: $700,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-3-0-0, $279,460. Last Start: Won Dec. 7 GII Demoiselle Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: GIII Honeybee S, OP, Feb. 22 or GII Davona Dale S., GP, March 1

The Shadwell Stable-owned filly was a little late to get going last year and once she did she was lost in the massive shadow of stablemate Immersive. After she won a maiden by 7 1/4 lengths, picking up 'TDN Rising Star' status, she won an allowance by 5 1/2 lengths and then she won the GII Demoiselle by a length. It was her first start around two turns, but, despite the narrow winning margin, it was probably her best race as she improved 11 Beyer points to earn a 90. Cox said she will kick off her 3-year-old campaign at either Oaklawn or at Gulfstream. If this doesn't work out they can always try the grass as the dam's lone stakes win came on that surface.

2) GOOD CHEER (Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) O/B-Godolphin (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-4-0-0, $457,630. Last Start: Won Nov. 30 GII Golden Rod Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points 20. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S., FG, Feb. 15

Consider Muhimma and Good Cheer 1 and 1A. They come from the same barn, are both undefeated, and both came onto the scene late, winning some important fall, post-Breeders' Cup races. Oh, and they both can run. Good Cheer's major wins came in the Rags To Riches S. and the GII Golden Rod S., which she won 2 1/2 lengths. She was very impressive when winning the Golden Rod over Quietside (Malibu Moon).

“Her record really speaks for itself and the style in which she's won all of those races has been very impressive,” Cox said after the win. “She is another testament to Godolphin's program. She's handled everything we've done with her, so far, extremely well and I think we haven't seen her best yet.”

3) TENMA (Nyquist–Amagansett, by Tapit) O-Baoma Corp.; B-B Flay Thoroughbreds (Ky); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $200,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $850,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GISW, 4-3-0-1, $369,000. Last Start: Won Dec. 7 GII Starlet Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 13. Next Start: GIII Fasig-Tipton Las Virgenes, SA, Feb. 2

It's rare that a Bob Baffert-trained horse is overshadowed, but you don't hear a lot of hype about Tenma. That could be because she did not compete in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies or because she was a poor third in the GII Oak Leaf S. But she put it together in the GII Starlet at Los Alamitos, another race that usually flies under the radar, last out. She won by 1 3/4 lengths that day and was facing off against some quality fillies. At 5-2, she wasn't even the favorite. That race was good enough to suggest that she is probably Baffert's best 3-year-old filly. Baffert is obviously getting her ready as she's had four sharp works already this year. Baffert told the Daily Racing Form that he skipped the Breeders' Cup because he wasn't confident that Tenma was ready for the sort of top effort she showed at Los Alamitos. It looks like she is back.

Tenma | Benoit

4) SIMPLY JOKING (Practical Joke–Imply, by E Dubai) O-Grantley Acres, Ryan Conner and Berkels0813; B-Barlar, LLC (PA); T-D. Whitworth Beckman. Sales history: $65,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MSW, 2-2-0-0, $153,000. Last Start: Won Jan. 18 Silverbulletday Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: TBD

Trainer Whit Beckman showed a ton of confidence in this daughter of Practical Joke when starting off her career in a stakes race, the Letellier Memorial Stakes, a six-furlong race at Fair Grounds. Despite getting bumped at the start, she closed to win a by a neck. But could she go a distance? That question was answered in the one-mile-and-70-yards Fasig-Tipton Silverbulletday Stakes. Leading early, she drew off in the stretch to win by 2 1/2 lengths over a sloppy racetrack. Because of the distance, it was an important test to pass and it was an impressive effort.

“She came out of the Silverbulletday in great shape,” Beckman said. “She's possible for the Rachel Alexandra, but we're still finalizing plans for her.”

At some point, she may need to prove that she can sit off horses, but for now her early speed is a definite weapon.

5) TAKE CHARGE MILADY (Take Charge Indy–Price Too High, by Scat Daddy) O-James Ball, Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek) & Kenneth Rhodes; B-Merriebelle Stable, LLC (Ky); T-Kenneth McPeek. Sales history: $60,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 4-2-1-0, $259,594. Last Start: Won Jan. 25 Martha Washington Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: GIII Honeybee S, OP, Feb. 22

Can Kenny McPeek win the GI Kentucky Oaks in back-to-back years? Take Charge Milady may not be another Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), but she won last Saturday's Martha Washington S. at Oaklawn in her stakes debut and she could continue to have success on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. She's following a familiar McPeek form cycle. She didn't do much running when sixth in her debut, but has slowly progressed in every race since and is now a stakes winner.

“Gosh, she was impressive,” McPeek said of the Martha Washington. “The Honeybee is the logical next step for her. After that either the Fantasy or the Ashland. She's the spitting image of Take Charge Lady. It's the funniest thing. And she's by a son of Take Charge Lady. We've always been really impressed with her. She missed most of her 2-year-old year due to a small issue.”

6) QUIETSIDE (Malibu Moon–Benner Island, by Speightstown) 'TDN Rising Star' O/B-Shortleaf Stable (Ky); T-John Ortiz. Lifetime Record: MGISP, 5-1-3-1, $312,200. Last Start: Second in Jan. 25 Martha Washington Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 18. Next Start:  GIII Honeybee S, OP, Feb. 22 or GII Fantasy, March 29, OP

If you like consistent horses who always go out and pick up checks, then Quietside is a horse for you. She's only won once, in her first career start, winning a maiden at Saratoga by 6 1/4 lengths. She hasn't visited the winner's circle since, but, as a 2-year-old, she finished second or third in the GI Spinaway S., the GI Alcibiades S. and the GII Golden Rod S.

In the Spinaway and Alcibiades she lost to eventual Eclipse Award winner Immersive. She picked up right where she left off in her 2025 debut, finishing second in the Martha Washington S. behind Take Charge Milady. The problem is that it appears that she's no better than fourth or fifth in the division, so what will it take for her to rise to the top? Trainer John Ortiz said either the Honeybee or the Fantasy will be next.

7) LOOK FORWARD (Bolt d'Oro–Troublesome, by Into Mischief) O-Reddam Racing; B-Woods Edge Farm & Ballyfair Bloodstock (Ky); T-Michael McCarthy. Sales history: $285,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, $132,400. Last Start: Won Jan. 5 Santa Ynez Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 15. Next Start: TBD

No doubt a talented horse, this filly trained by Michael McCarthy used her speed to win the seven-furlong Fasig-Tipton Santa Ynez last out at Santa Anita. In her prior start, she faded in the stretch to finish second in the mile-and-a-sixteenth GII Starlet S. at Los Alamitos. All of which raises the question as to whether or not she can get the nine furlongs in the Oaks?

“She'll be headed to Oaklawn,” trainer Michael McCarthy said. “Not sure I'm all that worried about nine furlongs just yet. I think the deep Santa Anita surface just wasn't to her liking and she was classy enough to get the job done [in the Santa Ynez].”

If she can win around two turns at Oaklawn, she'll immediately become one of the favorites for the Oaks.

Look Forward | Benoit

8) RUNNING AWAY (Gun Runner–Allez Marie, by Unbridled's Song) O/B-Stud TNT; T-Wesley Ward. Lifetime Record: SW, 4-2-1-1, $166,875. Last Start: Won the Jan. 18 Busanda Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: GI Ashland Stakes, Kee, April 4.

This is not your typical Wesley Ward-trained horse. The daughter of Gun Runner was nowhere to be found back in April at Keeneland, when they were running their 2-year-old races. She didn't debut until July at Saratoga and has never run in a race shorter than a mile. No one will care about that if she continues on her winning ways.

After breaking her maiden in November, she picked up her first stakes win in the Jan. 18 Busanda S. at Aqueduct. Clearly, she didn't face a very tough field in the Busanda, but she did everything right, winning by 2 1/4 lengths in wire-to-wire fashion. She will face a much bigger test next time out in the GI Ashland S. at Keeneland.

9) SCOTTISH LASSIE (McKinzie–Bodebabe, by Bodemeister) O-Sportsmen Stable, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Photos Finish LLC, Corms Racing Stable & Jorge R. Abreu; B-Winchester Farm (Ky); T-Jorge Abreu. Sales history: $50,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $85,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: GISW, 3-1-0-1, $332,000. Last Start: Fourth in the Nov. 1 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Kentucky Oaks Points: 16. Next Start: TBD

This daughter of McKinzie has been out of sight and out of mind. She has not raced since finishing fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and has not had a work since. That means she has a lot of catching up to do. But she's got the ability, which she proved when romping in the GI Frizette by nine lengths. The hope is that she is not a one-race wonder.

10) CHASTEN (Into Mischief–Lockdown, by First Defence) O/B-Juddmonte (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $75,000. Last Start: Fourth in the Jan. 18 Silverbulletday Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 4. Next Start: TBD

If not for her pedigree, Chasten never would have made this list. She won her debut in November at Churchill, but the time for the seven furlongs was a slow 1:23.26 and she got a Beyer figure of just 68. Still another Brad Cox-trainee, she didn't show a whole lot next out when she finished fourth in the Fasig-Tipton Silverbulletday.

But isn't it too early to give up on a half-sister to Idiomatic (Curlin)? By way of comparison, Idiomatic was not at all precocious either. She didn't make her first start until she was three and didn't win a graded stakes until her eighth career start. She turned into a two-time Eclipse Award winner, but just needed time to develop.

Could that be the same case with her little sister? Maybe. But she can't waste much time as she is pretty far behind the top members of the division at this point. At the very least, keep any eye on her.

Chasten | Coady Media

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Tickets for Kentucky Derby Week and the entire 43-day Spring Meet, which spans nine weeks from Apr. 26-June 29 at Churchill Downs, go on sale Thursday at noon (all times Eastern), the track said in a release on Wednesday.

Tickets for the 151st Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby May 2-3 are available by clicking here or by calling (502) 636-4447.

Churchill Downs also provides a secure, official resale marketplace to purchase Derby and Oaks tickets via the Churchill Downs Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange, which can be found here.

Derby Week general admission tickets are $24 on Opening Night and Winsday; $41 on Thurby; and a special $5 offering for 502'sDay. Reserved box seats range from $32-$39 for Derby Week and $55-$71 for Thurby depending on the location.

Guests attending Churchill Downs on Thurby will see the debut of the new Starting Gate Courtyard. The redesigned area will feature new, padded stadium-style seating that overlooks the dirt and turf racetracks. Tickets in the new Starting Gate Courtyard are $169 on Thurby for an all-inclusive experience.

In addition to Kentucky Derby Week events, tickets for all other Spring Meet racing days can be purchased by clicking here.

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The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and the Jockeys' Guild agreed to a new scale of mount fees for jockeys who ride at NYRA tracks which will take effect Feb. 1, according to a Wednesday release from the Guild.

Under the new fee agreement, jockeys will receive a minimum of a $125 losing mount fee for races at all NYRA racetracks as well as a $500 minimum fee in races with purses of $1 million or more. This scale also includes a 4th place incentive.

“We have come to a three-year agreement with the Jockeys' Guild on jockey fees at the NYRA tracks, which includes the first increase since 2018,” said NYTHA President Tina Marie Bond. “These riders demonstrate their skill and bravery on a daily basis, and they are indispensable to our sport.”

“We appreciate the efforts and continued commitment to the jockeys by Tina Marie Bond and NYTHA's Board on behalf of its membership,” said President and CEO of the Jockeys' Guild Terry Meyocks. “In addition to the direct benefits for the jockeys who ride at NYRA tracks, we have worked with NYTHA on several important issues including maintaining a safe racing environment. We pledge to work with all parties to provide New York racing fans with the best Thoroughbred racing in the world.”

Under this agreement, both parties are pleased to continue with the overall commitment to the industry, and in particular the equine and human athletes. Since the agreement in 2018, NYRA jockeys have donated $1 per mount to the PDJF and $1 per mount to NYTHA's aftercare program, TAKE THE LEAD and have agreed to continue under the new agreement. NYTHA has agreed to continue to pay the PDJF $20,000 per year.

“It is through the working relationships like the one we have with NYTHA that our industry can flourish,” said Meyocks. “Our hope is that other states and horsemen's organizations will follow the lead of those like NYTHA, California, Kentucky, and New Mexico to increase the losing mount fees for the jockeys.”

Click here for the fee schedule.

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Multiple stakes winner Last Leaf (Not This Time) (hip 56) brought the highest price at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Winter Mixed Sale Tuesday when bringing a final bid of $140,000 from Joey Peacock. Peacock purchased the 6-year-old broodmare prospect in the name of Senor's Senoritas to support his recently retired G1 Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador (Mineshaft).

Last Leaf was the only six-figure offering at the one-session Mixed Sale, which was downsized from its two-day 2024 format. In all, 212 horses sold Tuesday for a gross of $3,098,700, an average of $14,617 and a median of $7,500. From a catalogue of 342 head, 270 horses went through the ring and 58 were reported not sold for a buy-back rate of 21.5%.

A filly by McKinzie (hip 70) was the auction's highest-priced short yearling. Bred by Don and Jackie Duppenthaler and Wade and Donna Russell and consigned by Summerfield, the dark bay filly sold for $97,000 to Lambholm, agent. She is out of Picolata (Bellamy Road).

Joey Peacock has been active at the breeding stock sales from November to January in preparation for the start of Senor Buscador's stud career next month at Lane's End. Tuesday's sale topper was his 13th purchase of the season.

“Marette Farrell is our agent and our advisor on this,” Peacock said Tuesday. “She talked to me about this mare [Last Leaf] yesterday and said she was really excited about her and hoped that we could get her for a price that was within our budget. It looks like that all came together, so we are really excited to have her.”

A five-time stakes winner and four times graded-placed, Last Leaf (Not This Time) RNA'd for $300,000 at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale three months ago. On the board in 20 of 30 starts, the mare won seven times and earned $622,058 for Monarch Stables. She was consigned Tuesday by G. Martinez Training, agent.

“We like to see mares that are coming off the racetrack that have done a couple of things: run early in their careers–2 and 3-year-old wins are important–and shown a lot of speed and durability,” Peacock said of his wish list for mares heading to Senor Buscador's first book.

Senor Buscador was a three-time graded winner on the racetrack. In addition to his victory in last year's Saudi Cup, he won the 2023 GII San Diego Handicap and 2022 GIII Ack Ack Stakes. He was also second in last year's GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational and third in the G1 Dubai World Cup. He will stand his first season at stud this year at Lane's End for $7,500.

Peacock purchased four mares to support the new stallion at the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale, led by Kelsey's Cross (Anthony's Cross) (hip 710), who was purchased for $225,000. At the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, Peacock acquired eight mares, led by Candy Kitty (hip 1345) for $95,000.

“This one makes 13,” Peacock said of the roster of mares he has acquired for Senor Buscador. “And then we have another mare that we already own that is my wife's that we will breed to Buscador also, so we are up to 14 mares to get him kicked off. We still might shop. We don't have to buy any more, but I told Marette if she sees something that she is absolutely in love with, then we can talk about it. But I feel like we have enough.”

Last Leaf | Lauren King

Eleven of the newly acquired mares were purchased in-foal  and Peacock said the plan will be to sell those babies.

“We will have those to sell either as weanlings, or short yearlings, or yearlings, just depending on where they are at the stages of different sales,” he said. “We will likely sell all those and then recycle the money into more mares for that second year.”

As for Senor Buscador's first foals, Peacock said, “We will likely sell quite a few of them, but we are going to pick a couple out of every crop probably to race ourselves. I like to put horses in [trainer] Todd Fincher's hands because I trust him and he's done such a wonderful job for us. I would love to see him get his hands on some of the Buscador babies. Whether we buy some at auction or keep some of the ones that we raised, I will make sure that we put a couple every year in Todd's hands.”

Fincher currently has three of Senor Buscador's siblings in training: 4-year-old filly Aye Candy (Candy Ride {Arg}); 3-year-old Rose A (Hard Spun); and 2-year-old The Hell We Did (Authentic).

“[Fincher]'s got all three of those following right behind Buscador,” Peacock said. “He leaves some pretty big horseshoes to fill, but hopefully they can rise to the occasion.”

The mare responsible for it all is the remarkable Rose's Desert (Desert Gold), whose first four foals are all stakes winners. She produced a filly by Into Mischief last year and is currently carrying a colt by Uncle Mo. Her daughter, stakes-winner Our Irish Rose (Ghostzapper) is due to foal a Not This Time baby any day now.

Senor Buscador | Benoit

Peacock is full of confidence as Senor Buscador begins his stud career.

“We are excited,” he said. “We believe wholeheartedly in his bloodlines and his pedigree. The Mineshaft, A.P. Indy bloodline is phenomenal and our mare, Rose's Desert, everything she has had can run. So we feel really good about his chances. It's going to be up to him to prove it, but we are certainly going to support and try to give him the best chance to succeed. We feel like he has a really good chance of being an important sire.”

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Keeneland Race Course is projecting overall purses for the upcoming April meet to increase in the range of 10-12%, with maiden special weight (MSW) purses for 3-year-olds and up rising to $110,000 after that MSW figure had plateaued at $100,000 for the past three springs.

Churchill Downs plans to card 3-and-up MSW races at $120,000 during its April-June meet, a level that hasn't changed since 2022.

Executives from both tracks disclosed those spring 2025 purse projections during the Jan. 28 Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) advisory board meeting.

Rick Hiles, a board member of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association, who represents that organization on the KTDF board, spoke up during Tuesday's meeting to express a concern that not enough KTDF funding–and not enough overall purse money and racing opportunities in general–are trickling down to owners and trainers who compete at the lower end of the purse structure.

“I'm not asking for a lot,” Hiles said, noting that there needs to be an alternative beyond stacking both KTDF and track money “on the top end.”

The KTDF is funded by three-quarters of 1% of all money wagered in the state on both live Thoroughbred races and historical horse race gaming, plus 1% of all money wagered on Thoroughbred races via inter-track wagering and whole-card simulcasting. That money, along with funding from each track, goes to pay purses in the state.

“The idea was to make sure that everybody gets part of the KTDF,” Hiles said. “The small guys and breeders.”

Ben Huffman, who is both the racing secretary at Keeneland and the vice president of racing for Churchill, addressed Hiles's point by conceding that lower-level races could use some shoring up.

“The claiming races are there,” Huffman said when speaking on behalf of Keeneland. “They're just not filling as well as we'd like them. So it's not like we're not offering them. We'd like to see that number up a little higher also.”

Later, figuratively putting on his Churchill hat, Huffman made essentially the same point when speaking about how at Churchill in springtime, it is sometimes a “struggle” to fill open claiming and certain conditioned claiming races.

“I like offering the races in all the condition books we write,” Huffman said. “And personally, I'd like to see more of those claiming races that we offer fill. Because [the horses are] here. They're in this state. And we try very hard to fill as many as we can.”

Gary Palmisano, Jr., Churchill's vice president of racing, offered wider context on the issue.

“The reality is [in] Kentucky, it's the maiden special weights and the allowance races [that fill] and we're splitting them,” Palmisano said. “The claiming horses just aren't here [all year round]. So we, as an industry, need to figure out how to try and prop up the claiming races more, for sure.”

Palmisano said the seasonality of Kentucky racing is also a factor. Even though Churchill and Turfway Park share the same corporate parent, the two tracks utilize claiming races differently because Turfway's December-March meet that is sandwiched between Churchill's autumn and spring meets is populated by different levels of horses.

When Churchill races in the spring and early summer, there's also the matter of more tracks being operational in nearby states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and West Virginia.

“It's difficult in the summer,” Palmisano said, using the example of a $10,000 claiming horse whose connections can choose among a number of regional racetracks.

“Do you ship to Churchill to hook Steve Asmussen, or Brad Cox, or [any other big outfit] plunging in?” Palmisano asked rhetorically. “Or do you ship to Indiana? And you could run for $20,000 in Indiana [with a horse that would be competitive for $10,000 in Kentucky]. But if you run for $10,000 here, you'll probably lose your horse [via claim].”

Palmisano continued: “What we see at Turfway, is everybody just runs [by entering robustly in claimers]. They're the only game in town in the winter. When there's four or five different condition books sitting on your desk in the middle of June and you've got a $10,000 horse, your options are significantly wider, and the perceived competition is less.”

Palmisano asked Huffman to share with the KTDF board the ratio of allowance races to claiming races that Churchill cards.

“I don't have that number in front of me, Gary, but just anecdotally, I know the number keeps getting smaller and smaller, because some guys are afraid to lose their horses through the claim box in this state,” Huffman said.

“And we are just so 'good horse' heavy, if you will,” Huffman added. “A lot of good horses are here.”

At Tuesday's meeting, the KTDF advisory board approved the recommendation of allotment requests that the Keeneland and Churchill purse estimates were based on. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation still has to vote on final approval of the funding at a subsequent meeting.

The post Keeneland Projects 10-12% Purse Hike; Horsemen Concerned Kentucky’s Money Isn’t Trickling to Lower Levels appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The California Association of Racing Fairs (CARF) voted unanimously Tuesday morning not to apply for racing dates in 2025.

The summer fair meets this decision could impact are at Alameda County Fair, The Big Fresno Fair, Cal Expo at California State Fair, and Ferndale at Humboldt County Fair. Sonoma County Fair runs a summer fair meet independent of CARF.

In theory, individual tracks can still independently apply for a 2025 racing license similar to Sonoma's approach.

“After making the difficult decision not to submit future race meet applications, the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) announces that it has directed staff to reorganize operations to focus on addressing current obligations and future efforts to support California Fairgrounds and their Satellite Network. This difficult decision was based upon an assessment of financial challenges incurred in the GSR race meet as well as current obstacles facing the horse racing industry,” wrote CARF in a press release Tuesday.

In the middle of December, the CARF board voted unanimously to rescind a proposed Golden State Racing (GSR) meet spanning the first half of this year, due to much lower than anticipated revenues generated from the GSR meet that ran at Pleasanton between October and December. The purse overpayment at the end of the meet was around $800,000.

“While this marks a difficult and challenging moment for the Northern California live racing community, CARF will continue to support its satellite wagering members and explore all possible avenues to support the California Horse Racing industry. CARF remains dedicated to serving all of our member fairs and their communities,” the press release adds.

Perhaps the biggest near-term question, therefore, concerns the horses currently stabled at Pleasanton. It was detailed during Tuesday's meeting that there are about 478 horses currently stabled at Pleasanton, according to Bill Nader, president and CEO of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), who listened in to the meeting online.

Thoroughbreds are currently stabled there and shipped south as part of a stabling and training agreement with the industry's Southern California interests to provide Northern Californian-based horsemen and women opportunities to run at Santa Anita.

CARF and the Alameda County Fair have “the sole and exclusive right to extend” the agreement to June 10 “by providing written notice no later than Feb. 25, provided there are 500 or more horses stabled at Pleasanton at that time,” according to a statement issued by Santa Anita on behalf of the Southern California stabling and vanning committee earlier this month.

However, that agreement currently guarantees stabling at the facility only until Mar. 25.

Asked about the possibility of extending the stabling agreement beyond the Mar. 25 date, Jerome Hoban, CEO of the Alameda County Fair, said that “any such determination” would primarily fall on racing interests in the South.

“If the horse count is not robust enough to satisfy their program, then they would be the ones with the ability to make that decision,” said Hoban.

When asked if ongoing non-storm water discharge quality concerns could impede the track's ability to facilitate stabling and training at the track after the Mar. 25 cut off, Hoban said that “we are actively working with agencies to be compliant.”

Hoban added, “I think everybody with CARF, including the Alameda County Fair, is attempting to sort through the challenges and do what is best for the horsemen and the backstretch workers.”

Earlier this month, Hoban stepped down as both chairman of CARF and from the board itself.

Asked about any potential extension to the stabling agreement, Nader said, “there's no reason to wait until Feb. 25 if they know now what their intent is. They should let us know and let the horsemen know.”

If the stabling agreement ends in March, there is room for about 200 horses at San Luis Rey and about 300 horses at Los Alamitos, said Nader.

An out-of-state alternative for trainers currently stabled at Pleasanton is Emerald Downs, opening day for which is Apr. 27.

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By now we are all well-informed of Gulfstream Park's intent to decouple their casino gaming from live racing responsibilities. I have no doubt they are very serious about abandoning live racing while expanding casinos and property development.

This cynical action arrives on the heels of historic stimulus legislation–led by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association and our strong allies in Tallahassee–that stabilized racing and breeding economics. The only outstanding ingredient for an ascendant industry–racetrack operators committed to the live race.

As you consider the future of the Florida Thoroughbred industry, bear in mind; we do not control the racetrack operators; we do control our Tallahassee battle-plan to beat away their selfish, nefarious intents, as we have so many times before.

FTBOA stands firm. Undaunted. Tireless in combat. We strive to preserve sound industry economics and seek reaffirmed racetrack commitments to the live racing industry which, combined, fuel a strong Florida breeding industry.

George Isaacs is the president of the FTBOA. 

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Multiple Grade I winner Dr. Schivel (Violence–Lil Nugget, by Mining for Money) was represented by his first foal when Jocosity (Distorted Humor) produced a colt at Drion Thoroughbreds Monday. The foal was bred by Sarah Hinkle, Drion Thoroughbreds, and Alistair Roden.

“He has good bone, scope, and size,” Roden said of the colt. “We're definitely breeding a few more mares this year to Dr. Schivel.”

The colt is the second foal out of the 6-year-old Jocosity, who is a half-sister to stakes winner Pay for Peace (Silent Name {Jpn}).

Campaigned by Red Baron's Barn, Rancho Temescal, Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, and William A. Branch, and trained by Mark Glatt, Dr. Schivel won the 2020 GI Runhappy Del Mar Futurity and the 2021 GI Bing Crosby Stakes. He was second in the 2021 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint and third in the 2022 G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen and 2023 Bing Crosby. On the board in 12 of 15 starts, he won seven times and earned $1,347,100.

Dr. Schivel stands at Taylor Made Farm for $5,000 S&N.

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Verifying (Justify), who stands at Florida's Pleasant Acres Stallions, was represented by his first foal when a filly was born Jan. 25. The filly is out of the Malibu Moon mare Selective Memory and owned by Belvedere Farm.

“There is so much to say about Verifying and the potential for his progeny to take the racing industry by storm,” said Director of Stallion Services Christine Jones. “A half-brother to 6x Grade I winner Midnight Bisou, Verifying is a dual hemisphere stallion who had a very successful breeding debut in Florida and Argentina in 2024. This first filly is an exceptional representation of his impeccable pedigree, and we can't wait to see the others as they arrive!”

Verifying, who placed in the GI Champagne Stakes, the GI Toyota Blue Grass and the GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes, stands at Pleasant Acres Stallions for $10,000.

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Newly-turned 3-year-old Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) and Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup winner White Abarrio (Race Day) top Week 1 of the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll through Jan. 26.

In addition to Citizen Bull, who won the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar last November, Bob Baffert also trains the second-place 3-year-old in Barnes (Into Mischief). Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro) was third while Saturday's GIII Southwest Stakes winner Speed King (Volatile) rounded out the top five.

White Abarrio was the top-ranked thoroughbred, beating out newly-crowned Horse of the Year and 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner and fellow 'Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). Pegasus third and another 'Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) and MGISW 'Rising Star' Fierceness complete the top five.

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Kevin Lavin has been named chair of the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation, the organization announced Tuesday. Lavin, who was previously vice chair, replaces Dell Hancock, and Geoffrey Russell has been named vice chair. In addition, Mandy Pope has been elected to the board of directors, and former board of directors Donald R. Dizney and John C. Oxley have been awarded the position of director emeritus.

Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation is traditionally the nation's leading source of private funding for equine medical research that benefits all breeds of horses. Since 1940, Grayson has provided nearly $42.3 million to underwrite more than 437 projects at 48 universities. Additional information about the foundation is available here.

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“Your Mr. Bassett doesn't come to Japan because of the war,” said a junior executive of the Japan Racing Association in late August 2004. It was close to midnight in Sapporo, where I had accompanied Rogers Beasley on my first trip to Japan. We had dined with Masayuki Goto, a very sharp man, then a general manager of corporate planning, who the same junior executive whispered would in time ascend to the top job. Gotosan insisted on karaoke after dinner, and I learned later such occasions bring out candor, laughter, and camaraderie. The trip was memorable as Hideyuki Mori attended the Keeneland September Yearling Sale weeks later and purchased an $8 million son of Storm Cat from the Lanes End consignment.

At the time, I was just beginning my career in Thoroughbred racing and already knew of Ted Bassett. Over the years, I got to know Mr. Bassett well, especially when he and Bill Mooney were writing Keeneland's Ted Bassett: My Life. Mr. Bassett took a real interest in the market development initiatives at Keeneland, and I would be summoned to the cottage to provide background statistics on commercial parts of the book. The first of these involved Jim Williams or Karen D'Ambruoso asking for specifics to prepare and I would run up. Eventually the 'Bassett, James E.' would flash on my phone, and for some reason, one felt they needed to stand up straight from a seated position when answering.

Mr. Bassett was a kind and intensely curious man, and seeing the stream of visitors to the cottage, you learned he was open to reciprocity with knowledge, wanted to learn about those visiting him, and inquired about their loved ones and their lives. His time in service was of immense importance, as you could always see the U.S. Marine Corp logo on the middle of his ZZ 77 license plate, on his lapel if wearing a coat, and around his office.

Despite his openness, one had reservations of asking about his experience in World War II. When crossing the Pacific from California or Seattle, you fly over Midway. If flying to Australia, Guadalcanal, and flying north from Australia to East Asia, the Marshall, Palau, Volcano and Marianas islands. After Pearl Harbor, the Empire of Japan established a defensive perimeter that started north of the Sakhalin Islands, descended east along the international date line, swung west from the Gilbert Islands to New Guinea, now-Indonesia, to the Burmese peninsula, with occupation of the Korean peninsula, parts of China, British territories of Singapore and Hong Kong, and the Philippines. The distances are staggering.

In 2010, HBO ran their series, “The Pacific,” following the 1st Marine Division in its land battles in Guadalcanal, New Guinea, Peleliu (Marianas Islands), Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. I saw Mr. Bassett in the track kitchen one morning and asked him if he had seen it; he had. He was open to discussing it, and we did. Mr. Bassett watched “The Pacific” every week when it aired with interest, and said it was accurate. The Battle of Okinawa was the deadliest in the Pacific War, where American soldiers, sailors and Marines fought alongside allies from Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Ted Bassett was one of these extraordinary individuals.

America is a young, complex country, whose complexity grows as we age. When General Douglas Macarthur signed the Instrument of Surrender on the USS Missouri as she lay at anchor in Tokyo Bay, the United States was 169 years old. We proceeded to do the most extraordinary thing. After prevailing with our allies over Japan, we worked to rebuild them. Japan is a steadfast ally, our business partners and friends.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. On August 12, 2018, Masayuki Goto and his entourage are leaving The Jockey Club Round Table, and in a scrum, a group of us including Mr. Bassett and Roger Beasley strike up a friendly conversation. Mr. Goto was four years into his job as CEO and accomplished important goals which benefitted Japanese and American racing mutually. One of the younger JRA representatives with Mr. Goto mentioned something to me like what our karaoke friend said in 2004, and I smiled, thinking of Mr. Bassett, our two countries, and suggested taking a photo for posterity. This photo speaks to old friends, Mr. Goto's excellent command of the Beatles, the memorable Beasley rendition of Bobby Darin's Mack the Knife, and a very, very remarkable man, part of the Greatest Generation whose victories and sacrifice will outlive us all.

Farewell and thank you, Mr. Bassett.

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Intidab (Phone Trick) and Kayrawan (Mr. Prospector), both graded-stakes winning stallions previously owned by Shadwell Farm, were euthanized due to the infirmities of old age, Old Friends announced Tuesday. Intidab was euthanized at the age of 32 on Jan. 23 while Kayrawan was euthanized at the age of 33 on Jan. 25.

The stallions came to Old Friends following the death of Shadwell Farm's founder, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in March of 2021.

“Our Old Friends family is saddened to lose these two Shadwell stallions,” said Old Friends CEO and President John Nicholson. “So many of us had grown exceedingly fond of Intidab and Kayrawan, both of whom led accomplished and well-traveled lives. In their final chapter, they were friendly and engaging ambassadors for Old Friends as well as for Shadwell Farm. Their last years were shining examples of responsible Thoroughbred ownership and aftercare.”

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