It's been quite a while since we included an update on the success (or failure) of Florida's gambling spots, so here goes. Today's edition includes the eight venues that feature slot machines.
The amount of cash that flows through the machines at each venue is known as "credits in." The amount of cash that the entity earns is known as "net slot revenue," but that is countered by the onerous 35 percent tax levied by the state of Florida for the privilege of operating the machines, despite the fact that the state does little to earn its share.
Each entity decides how much to pay out, so the differences in the earnings of the eight vary greatly because of the amount of their "payout percentage." Each venue's payout percentage will be listed in its paragraph.
The Florida fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30. The state is always way behind in its auditing process and currently only has statistics up to date from July 1 to July 31.
The number 1 venue based strictly on "credits in" is called Gretna Racing, DBA as Magic City Casino. In reality it is the old Flagler dog track. For the month of July, $161,943,026 was sent through went the machines and it resulted in "net slot revenue" of $9,918,306. It's the best option for the players because it has the best payout percentage of 93.40; its 35 percent tax came to $3,471,407.
The number 2 venue for credits in is The Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park, which was the leader in that category for many years before dropping to No. 2. It handled $129,537,791 in July and slot revenue reached $10,759,864, with taxes of $3,765,95. It's blitz of Flagler in the net revenue department was due strictly due to its payout percentage of 90.63, easily highest takeout of the group.
The number 3 credits in figure goes to Casino Miami, the old Miami Jai Alai Fronton, with $126,138,666, revenue of $7,881,157, fifth best of the eight. Takeout of 91.99 percent. Taxes - $2,758,405.
Number 4 of credits in is Hialeah Park Casino with $125,485,404 and revenue of $8,971,854, third best money-maker. Taxes of $3,140,409 and takeout of 92.21 percent.
The old Calder Race Course is No. 5 with credits in of $117,106,375 and revenue of $8,138,699, fourth best money-maker. Calder has the advantage of being pretty far south of Hialeah, and a little north of the cluster around Hallandale Beach. Taxes are $2,848,544 and its takeout is 91.03 percent.
Gulfstream Park holds down the No. 6 spot with credits in of $80,399177 and revenue of $4,794,890. It's in a bad spot with Hollywood dogs two minutes to the north, and the Hard Rock Cafe not far to the west. Taxes are $1,678,211, percentager rate is 91.82.
Seventh in credits in with $70,405,401 and revenue of $3,760,087 is the Casino at Dania Beach, formerly Dania Jai Alai. In the center of a circle of Pompano, Hard Rock, Hollywood and Gulfstream, credits in of $70,405,401, revenue of $3,760,087, taxes $1,316,031.
Big Easy Casino, the old Hollywood dog track, is in a worse position than Gulfstream with the horse track right down the road to the south, Hard Rock to the west and Dania Jai Alai not too far north. Plus, when it first opened, the track was in poor physical shape, lost a lot of business because of it, and even though much has been renovated, it's possible many of the former non-attendees never decided to try it. Credits in is $55,751,685, revenue of $3,102,398, taxes $1,085,839, takeout 92.29 percent.
Mellon Patch’s Lady Radler (Kantharos – Sally Bowles (SAF) saved ground in the early going of the $299,750 Dogwood Stakes (G3) on Saturday night at Churchill Downs, came off the rail on the turn, charged to the lead a furlong from home and drew off to a 2 3/4-length victory.
It’s the first graded stakes win for the 4-year-old filly by Kantharos, purchased for $37,000 out of the Eddie Woods consignment at the 2022 OBS March Sale after breezing an eighth in :10 2/5 at the Under Tack Show. Trained by Michael B. Campbell, she has earned $371,200 and compiled a 10-5-2-1 career record to date. Ernest C. Frohboese’s Chi Chi (Audible – Simply Confection) was a maiden going into Sunday’s $50,000 E. L. Gaylord Memorial Stakes at Remington Park and a stakes-winner at the finish, coming from just off the pace, chasing down the leaders in the lane and scoring by a length and a quarter. The 2-year-old Florida-bred daughter of Audible, consigned by Stuart Morris, Agent, to the 2022 OBS Winter Mixed Sale, is now 3-1-0-0 for trainer Herman Wilensky, and has earned $36,560.
FMQ Stables’ Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming – New Narration) stamped himself a major player in the 3-year-old division, going right to the front in the $1,000,000, Gr. I Pennsylvania Derby, opening daylight in the stretch and holding off a late run to score by half a length. OBS June Sale graduate Il Miracolo (Gun Runner – Tapit’s World) checked in third.
After a pair of near misses in graded stakes company, it’s the first stakes win for the lightly raced 3-year-old colt by Always Dreaming, trained by Brad Cox, now 5-3-2-0 with $817,085 earnings. Consigned by Top Line Sales, Agent, to the 2022 OBS Spring Sale, he was sold for $240,000 after turning in an Under Tack eighth in :10 flat. Matt Kwiatkowski, Jason Kaylor and Roger D. Browning’s Nobody Listens (Conveyance – Royalesque) took the lead just after the start of the $250,000, Gr. III Turf Monster Stakes, turned for home in front and waved goodbye from there, drawing away to a three-length victory.
It’s the fourth straight victory and fifth stakes victory for the 5-year-old son of Conveyance, purchased for $40,000 out of the Southern Chase Farm consignment at the 2020 OBS Spring Sale after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Trained by Tim Eggleston, he’s now 26-14-7-1 and has earned $704,230.
West Point Thoroughbreds and Steven Bouchey’s Carson’s Run (Cupid – Hot N Hectic) is a Gr. I stakes-winner with a berth in the gate at the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita after a 2 1/4-length victory in the $522,500, Gr. I Summer Stakes at Woodbine.
Trailing going to the turn, the 2-year-old colt by Cupid circled the field to reach contention turning for home, took command on the far outside a furlong out and drew away from there. Fellow OBS Spring graduate Go With Gusto (Medaglia d’Oro – Itsagiantcauseway) rallied wide for third.
Second last time out in Saratoga’s Gr. III With Anticipation Stakes, Carson’s Run is now 3-2-1-0 for trainer Christophe Clement and has earned $314,529. At the 2023 OBS Spring Sale, he turned in an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5 and was purchased for $170,000 out of the Randy Mills consignment.
Joseph P. Morey Jr.’s Vote No (Dividisero-Sista's Ready) is two for two and a stakes-winner after a three-quarter length victory in the $500,000 Juvenile Turf Stakes on Wednesday at Kentucky Downs.
Turning for home in contention, he sustained his run down the stretch, caught the leaders in the final yards and ran by for an emphatic victory. He’s a two-time OBS graduate, sold by KP Sales at the 2022 October Yearling Sale and then purchased for $50,000 out of the de Meric Sales consignment at the 2023 June Sale after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 2/5.
The first stakes-winner for his sire, he’s trained by William E. Morey and has earned $316,800.
HALLANDALE BEACH - Cipriano Gil celebrated his first victory in the U.S. after guiding Queen Macha to a half-length triumph in today’s second race at Gulfstream Park.
Carlos Perez-trained Queen Macha ($12.60), who was making her first start in nearly a year in the $35,000 claiming race for fillies and mares on Tapeta, was Gil’s seventh mount since venturing to Gulfstream from Venezuela. “I thank everyone who has helped me since I came here from Venezuela,” Gil said through a translator. “I’m very happy to get my first winner in the United States.” The 24-year-old jockey began riding at the age of 15 and has ridden more than 500 winners in Venezuela. Poiema Pays Tribute to Late Owner/Trainer in Stormy Embrace Poiema, who campaigned for Larry Bates prior to the highly respected owner/trainer’s passing in July, scored a commanding 5 ½-length victory in the $60,000 Stormy Embrace. “That …was for Larry,” said new owner/trainer Joe Catanese in the winner’s circle while pointing to the sky. Making her second start for Catanese, the 4-year-old daughter of Neolithic took the lead shortly after the start of the 6 ½-furlong overnight handicap for older fillies and mares and drew away to a comfortable victory under Edgar Perez. “She’s been training very well. I was looking for her to run a good race,” said Catanese, who saddled Poiema for a second-place finish Aug. 18. Poiema, the 1-2 favorite in a field of seven, ran 6 ½ furlongs in 1:18.09. She’s Outta Here, a 31-1 long shot who chased Poiema right out of the rate to no avail, finished second, a half-length ahead of Sophia’s Storm.
HALLANDALE BEACH - After Welcome Back barely prevailed in the $100,000 Desert Vixen for fillies, Bentornato proved much the best in the $100,000 Dr. Fager, giving trainer Jose D’Angelo a sweep of Saturday’s Florida Sire Stakes at Gulfstream Park. In the first leg of the series for 2-year-olds sired by accredited Florida stallions, Soldi Stable’s Welcome Back eked out victory by a nose following a troubled trip, while Leon King Stable Corp.’s Bentornato never gave D’Angelo an anxious moment while scoring by 7 ½ lengths. “I’m very happy,” D’Angelo said. “Last year, it was my goal to pick up and train horses for the Florida Sire Stakes. We worked hard at the sales. Thank God, we won both races.” Bentornato, it should be noted, is Italian for WelcomeBack. Bentornato, who was purchased for $170,000 at the OBS March sale of 2-year-olds in training, remained undefeated in three starts while following up a 4 ¼-length triumph in the six-furlong Proud Man at Gulfstream on Aug. 12. “I was very confident in him today. In his last stake he wasn’t really ready because he had a fever before the race and missed a couple of very important workouts,” D’Angelo said. “For this race, I just worked him two times, easy for him, without company. Last race I had to push him to get ready.” The son of Valiant Minister, the 2-5 favorite in a field of nine, broke alertly from his outside post position and advanced along the backstretch to hook up with Dickens approaching the far turn without pressure from jockey Emisael Jaramillo. Asked to pick up the pace on the far turn, Bentornato quickly opened up a clear lead on the turn into the homestretch and drew off with authority. Bentornato ran six furlongs in 1:11. 44 off half-mile fractions of :22.33 and :45.51 seconds.
Dickens, who was coming off a third-place finish in the Gr. III Sanford at Saratoga, held gamely to finish second, 1 ½ lengths ahead of Jive. Bentornato will be pointed toward the next two legs of the Florida Sire Stakes, the $200,000 Affirmed at seven furlongs on Oct. 21 and the $300,000 In Reality at 1 1/16 miles on Dec. 2. “I think he will go longer, because of the way he trains,” D’Angelo said. Welcome Back, who inherited the role of favorite when 7-5 morning-line favorite R Harper Rose was scratched Saturday morning due to a fever, was coming off an impressive debut victory that came against winners on Tapeta in a July 29 optional claiming allowance. The strapping, long-striding daughter of Adios Charlie, got away from the gate well to chase pacesetter Field of Greens along the backstretch with Epona’s Hope to her outside. Jockey Edwin Gonzalez was forced to check Welcome Back on the far turn when Epona’s Hope made an outside move to the lead, allowing Mist to get the jump on her with an outside move of her own. Gonzalez made a four-wide move on the turn into the homestretch as Mist set her sights on Epona’s Hope. It took Welcome Back time to get untracked and employ her huge stride, but she was able to prevail over Mist by a nose at the wire. “My filly was a little green, between horses, she’d never run between horses. So today she was between horses and she’s so big, so I have to check a little when the 8 [Epona’s Hope] comes down. She almost clipped heels,” Gonzalez said. “When I take her out, she grabbed her spot, and she came running.” Welcome Back ($3.60) ran six furlongs in 1:14.28 after fractions of :23.46 and :46.68 seconds. Mist finished second under Emisael Jaramillo, a half-length ahead of Epona’s Hope and jockey Edgar Perez. The Soldi Stable homebred sported an equipment change that may well have meant the difference between victory and defeat. “We put on her today a new bit. She looked much better today because when Edwin wants to move her, she responds very well,” D’Angelo said. “I’m very happy with the race.” Welcome Back will be pointed toward the $200,000 Susan’s Girl, the seven-furlong second leg of the Florida Sire Stakes series on Oct.21. The $300,000 My Dear Girl, the 1 1/16-mile series final, is scheduled for Dec. 2. “I think the hard race for her is going to be this one because she’s perfect to go long,” D’Angelo said. “I was afraid this race was going to be too short for her, so I’m happy she won the race."
Zedan Racing Stables’ Arabian Knight went straight to the lead in Del Mar’s $1,000,000, Gr. I Pacific Classic Stakes, set the pace, then turned back a late bid by Haskell winner Geaux Rocket Ride to score by a neck. It’s the second graded stakes win for the 3-year-old colt by Uncle Mo and assures him a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
He was purchased by Gary Young on behalf of Zedan Racing for a sale-topping $2.3 million out of the Top Line Sales consignment at the 2022 OBS Spring Sale after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :9 4/5. Trained by Bob Baffert, he’s now 4-3-0-1 and the newest OBS millionaire with $1,244,275 in earnings.
HALLANDALE BEACH - Leonel Reyes collected his first riding title in the U.S. and Saffie Joseph Jr. captured his seventh consecutive training championship at Gulfstream Park, where the Royal Palm Meet came to a close Sunday. Reyes had ridden more than 1,400 winners in Venezuela before venturing to South Florida in 2016 and steadily gaining the respect of trainers and racing fans with each passing year. The 37-year-old riding veteran got off to a quick start for the meet that kicked off April 4 and never looked back, finishing with 93 victories, 18 more than runner-up Edwin Gonzalez. “It’s amazing. It’s been a lot of hard work,” Reyes said. “I’ve been riding new horses every day. I work hard every morning. I’m very happy for this.” Reyes, who rode 30 winners during the Championship Meet, has surpassed the 100-win mark in 2023 for the second year in a row. After being locked in a tight race with Jose D’Angelo for much of the meet, Joseph finished strongly to add another title at Gulfstream, where he has won the Championship Meet title the past two years. Joseph sent out 66 winners, 11 more than D’Angelo.
“This meet means a lot after what we went through in May and having to go through that experience,” Joseph said. “To keep the ball rolling and having our name cleared, which should have been done in the beginning, it means a lot. The title means a lot. They all mean something but this one is right up there with the Championship Meet ones.” Michael Yates-trained Dean Delivers was the equine star of the Royal Palm Meet, during which he scored a 2 ¾-length triumph in the $100,000 Smile Sprint (G3) July 1 before going on to finish third in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt (G1) at Saratoga. Smile Sprint runner-up Big and Classy was the winningest for the meeting that kicked off April 4 with five victories for trainer Bobby Dibona. The Sunshine Meet gets under way Friday and will run through Nov. 26 leading up to the Championship Meet opener Dec. 1. The 20-cent Rainbow 6 gross jackpot pool will be guaranteed at $75,000 Friday after the multi-race wager went unsolved Sunday for the fourth consecutive racing day following a mandatory payout. The Rainbow 6 sequence will span Races 3-8, featuring a first-level optional claiming allowance for 2-year-olds going 5 ½ furlongs on Tapeta. Victor Barboza Jr.-trained Grand Mo the First, a son of Uncle Mo, returns after graduating at first asking by 2 ¼ lengths on Tapeta. Eddie Plesa Jr.-trained Big Effect, who finished off the board in the Proud Man on the main track last time out, is also entered. The son of The Big Beast lost a photo finish to highly regarded Bentornato in his debut on Tapeta before graduating by nearly seven lengths on dirt.
HALLANDALE BEACH - A mandatory payout of the Rainbow 6 gross jackpot pool yielded multiple $11,351 payoffs today at Gulfstream Park, after the popular multi-race wager had gone unsolved for 20 consecutive programs. There was a Rainbow 6 jackpot pool carryover of $338,577 heading into the wagering on the six-race sequence that spanned Races 5-10. A total of $1,804,569 was wagered into the Rainbow 6 pool. War Cross (4) kicked off the sequence with an 18-1 upset victory in Race 5, followed by an impressive debut romp for juvenile Secret Chat (1) at 7-2 in Race 6. Flag Woman (7) pull off a mild upset over even-money favorite Trust Me at 5-2 in Race 7. Volcanic (3) became the first favorite to succeed in the Rainbow 6 sequence in Race 8, scoring at 9-5. The Sheer Drama Stakes went to even-money favorite R Adios Jersey (3) in the Race 9 feature. Macassa (1) closed out the sequence while scoring at 9-1 in Race 10. The Rainbow 6 will start anew Sunday, when the sequence will span Races 4-9, featuring a mile optional claiming allowance for fillies and mares on Tapeta in Race 8. Eddie Plesa Jr.-trained Time Passage, who came up less than a length short of victory after being caught up in traffic last time out, is rated as the 9-5 morning-line favorite in a well-balanced field of nine.
R Adios Jersey Returns to Winning Form Multiple stakes-winner R Adios Jersey returned to winning form while scoring a dominant front-running victory in the $65,000 Sheer Drama. In addition to her winner’s share of the base purse, the 5-year-old daughter of Adios Charlie earned a $25,000 win-only bonus offered to a Florida Sires Stakes-eligible winner of the seven-furlong stakes for Florida-bred fillies and mares. Winless in four starts since capturing a seven-furlong Florida-bred stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in December, the Georgina Baxter-trained R Adios Jersey looked like a winner from the start of the feature. The even-money favorite jumped to a clear early lead and was never threatened thereafter, scoring by 6 ½ lengths. She completed seven furlongs in 1:23.28 and gave jockey Edwin Gonzalez his third winning ride of the afternoon while racing without blinkers for the first time. “She was more like her old self today. I couldn’t be more proud,” said Baxter, who trains R Adios Jersey for Averill Racing, ATM Racing and Jayson Werth. “She has a big heart. Seven furlongs, blinkers off, and Edwin gave her a great ride.” Charlies Wish, a daughter of First Dude, finished second, 5 ½ lengths ahead of Race Day Speed.
HALLANDALE BEACH – Case Chambers’ Let Them Watch put on a show Sunday at Gulfstream Park while scoring a dominating victory in the $65,000 Sharp Susan.
While remaining undefeated and unchallenged in her second career start, the Michael Maker trainee picked up a $25,000 win-only bonus available to a registered Florida-bred winner in the six-furlong race for juvenile fillies. Although the 4-5 favorite is a registered Florida-bred, the daughter of red-hot Kentucky stallion Maximus Mischief is not eligible for the upcoming $100,000 Desert Vixen, the first leg of the Florida Sire Stakes for juvenile fillies at Gulfstream Park Sept. 9. Jockey Hector Diaz, who was aboard for Let Them Watch’s 6 ¼-length debut victory at Gulfstream on July 7, positioned his mount outside early pacesetter Avellino along the backstretch during a 21.90-second first quarter of a mile. Heading into the far turn, Let Them Watch kicked past the early pacesetter to quickly open a clear lead on the turn into the homestretch to virtually clinch the victory while well clear of her rivals. She shortened stride late but was never in danger of being caught and crossed the finish line 2 ¾ lengths in front. “When I was working her, I thought she didn’t need to be on the lead. But she has so much speed, that she gets it. She got a little tired late because we moved a little early,” Diaz said. “I think she’s going to keep improving."
Let Them Watch ran six furlongs in 1:12.73, Kiss rallied to finish second, three-quarters of a length ahead of Epona’s Hope. Diaz has made an impression since relocating to Gulfstream for the Royal Palm Meet while maintaining a 20-percent strike rate. “I wanted to try something new,” Diaz said. “I love it so far. I don’t mind the hot when I win."
LRE Racing and JEH Racing’s ageless Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed – Achalaya) captured Saratoga’s $500,000, Gr. I Fourstardave Handicap for the second straight year on Saturday and earned a berth in the gate for the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Rating off the pace on the outside, Casa Creed went after the leaders turning for home, caught familiar foe Annapolis a sixteenth from home, and was best by three-quarters of a length at the wire. The 7-year-old son of Jimmy Creed, trained by Bill Mott, is a six-time Gr. I stakes-winner. He has compiled a 33-9-5-5 career record and earned $2,460,308 since his purchase for $15,000 out of the Janie Roper consignment at the 2017 OBS Winter Mixed Sale.
C Two Racing Stable and Antonio Pagnano’s White Abarrio (Race Day – Catching Diamonds) sat just off the lead in Saturday’s $1-million, Gr. I Whitney Stakes at Saratoga, moved to take command at the quarter pole and drew away in the stretch to score by 6 1/4 lengths.
It’s the second Gr. I stakes victory for the 4-year-old colt, winner of the Florida Derby at three. A two-time OBS graduate, he was sold by Summerfield (Francis & Barbara Vanlangendonck), Agent, at the 2020 Winter Mixed Sale and then purchased for $40,000 out of the Nice and Easy Thoroughbreds consignment at the 2021 March Sale after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 2/5. Now trained by Richard E. Dutrow Jr., he has compiled a 14-6-1-3 career record and earned $1,826,350.
Earlier in the Whitney undercard, Clark O. Brewster, L. William Heiligbrodt and Corinne Heiligbrodt’s Cogburn (Not This Time – In A Jif) overcame a stumbling start in the $300,000, Gr. III Troy Stakes, rallied down the lane and was up in deep stretch by win by three-quarters of a length. Coming in on the heels of consecutive stakes victories at Lone Star, the 4-year-old colt by Not This Time is now 11-6-2-0 with earnings $591,710 for trainer Steve Asmussen. Consigned to the 2021 OBS Spring Sale by Pick View LLC, Agent, he was sold for $150,000 after turning in an Under Tack quarter in :20 3/5.
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Michael Lund Petersen’s Adare Manor (Uncle Mo – Brooklynsway) earned a starting berth in the in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Distaff , leading a 1-2-3 OBS sweep of the $400,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar with October ’20 graduate Desert Dawn (Cupid – Ashley’s Glory) a length back in second and pacesetting two-time graduate (March ’21, October ’20) Elm Drive (Mohaymen – Lets Dance Charlie) checking in third.
It’s the fourth straight victory and first grade one win for the 4-year-old daughter of Uncle Mo, trained by Bob Baffert, now 12-6-4-0 with earnings of $861,600. At the 2021 OBS June Sale, she was purchased for $375,000 out of the Julie Davies consignment by Donato Lanni, Agent, after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Bridlewood Farm’s Bay Storm (Kantharos – Stormy Regatta) rated off the pace while saving ground in Saturday’s $200,000 KY Downs Preview Mint Ladies Turf Sprint Stakes at Ellis Park, found room on the on the rail in the stretch, took over inside the eighth pole and was best by a neck at the wire. It’s the third stakes win for the graded stakes-placed 5-year-old daughter of Kantharos, purchased for $400,000 out of the Woodford Thoroughbreds consignment at the 2020 OBS Spring Sale after turning in an Under Tack quarter in :20 4/5. Trained by Jonathan Thomas, she has compiled a 16-5-6-3 career record and earned $708,755. Bassett Stables’ Swirvin (Girvin – Cara Sorella) led a 1-2-3 OBS sweep of the $106,000 Jersey Shore Stakes on Saturday at Monmouth Park. The 3-year-old colt by Girvin rallied three wide into the stretch, took command at the sixteenth pole and drew away to score his first stakes victory by 2-3/4 lengths. OBS 2022 Spring Sale graduate Super Chow (Lord Nelson – Bonita Mia) was second; two-time graduate (April ’22, January ’21) Recruiter (Army Mule – Lady Halite) settled for third. Now 4-3-0-0 for trainer Saffie A. Joseph, Jr., Swirvin has earned $126,075 to date.
A two-time OBS graduate, he was sold by Colin Brennan Bloodstock, Agent, at the 2021 October Yearling Sale, then purchased for $60,000 out of the and Hoppel’s Horse & Cattle Co. consignment at the 2022 Spring Sale after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 flat. R. A. Hill Stable and SGV Thoroughbreds’ Outlaw Kid (Violence – Calling Rhy Rhy) captured his first stakes in Woodbine’s $150,000 Vice Regent Stakes on Saturday, charging down the stretch on the inside and getting up late to win by a neck. The 4-year-old gelding by Violence was consigned by S G V Thoroughbreds LLC (Steven Venosa), Agent, to the 2021 OBS Spring Sale and sold for $220,000 after turning in an Under Tack eighth in :10 flat. Trained by George Weaver, he’s now 10-4-1-1 and has earned $281,944.
HALLANDALE BEACH - Owner/trainer David Fawkes’ Noble Drama will seek to continue carrying on a family tradition Saturday at Gulfstream Park when the fan-favorite gelding returns to action in a stakes-quality allowance feature.
Bred and formerly owned by Harold Queen, Noble Drama has admirably faced a huge challenge while racing in the shadows of a couple of older family members, but the 8-year-old son of Gone Astray has managed to earn $821,582 during a 40-race career that has produced 10 victories, including seven wins in stakes and overnight handicaps. Not too shabby, but hardly up to the standards set by his Gr. 1 stakes-winning kin.
The Florida-bred gelding is out of Queen Drama, a stakes-winning half-sister to champion Big Drama and a full sister to multiple Gr. 1 stakes-winning Sheer Drama, both trained by Fawkes for owner/breeder Queen. Riveting Drama, an unraced daughter of Notebook whom Queen purchased for $36,000 at the 1996 OBS March sale, produced Queen Drama, Big Drama and Sheer Drama. “When Mr. Queen bought Riveting Drama from the sale, he intended on running her. She bucked her shins, and he brought her home, never sent her back, and just bred her,” Fawkes said, “I would call her a blue hen mare.”
Noble Drama, a son of Montbrook who earned nearly $2.75 million, was honored with the 2010 Eclipse Award for Outstanding Sprinter after capturing the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs. His talent was obvious right from the start when he swept the 2008 Florida Sire Stakes Series before capturing the $750,000 Delta Jackpot.
Sheer Drama earned nearly $1.7 million during a 24-race career that included Gr. 1 successes in the 2015 Personal Ensign at Belmont, 2015 Delaware Handicap and the 2016 Madison at Keeneland, excelling at distances from seven furlongs to 1 ¼ miles. Noble Drama, whose favorite distance has been a one-turn mile, will cut back to seven furlongs for Saturday’s Race 9 feature for 3-year-olds and up, which drew a deep field of nine. Bobby DiBona-trained Big and Classy, whose six-race winning streak was broken in a second-place finish in the Gr. III Smile Sprint on July 1, is rated at 2-1 in the morning line. Ny Traffic and Mish, rated second and third on the morning line, were entered in Saturday’s race, but trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. doesn’t expect either horse will run.
Noble Drama will seek revenge on Michael Yates-trained Cajun’s Magic, against whom he came up a half-length short in a one-turn mile allowance two starts back.
“It’s not the right distance for him, really, but the horse is training good and doing good,” Fawkes said. “There seems to be plenty of speed to set it up for him.” Emisael Jaramillo has the call on Noble Drama.
Larry S. Buckendorf, Jeffrey Lambert, Lawrence A. Rodriguez, Paul G. Schneider, Peter Stotland and Matthew. D. White’s Order and Law (Violence – Poetic Kid) rated off the pace in the early going of the $126,000, Gr. III Cougar II Stakes at Del Mar, rallied on the turn, took command passing the eighth pole and drew off to win by 2 1/4 lengths.
It’s the second stakes win for the 7-year-old ridgling trained by Robert B. Hess Jr., who has compiled a 42-8-6-2 career record and earned $456,804. At the 2018 OBS Spring Sale, he sped an Under Tack quarter in :21 2/5 and was purchased for $30,000 out of the Eddie Woods consignment.
Omar Aldabbagh and Jeff Ganje’s Shotgun Hottie (Gun Runner – Re Entry) stalked the leaders from the outside in the $500,000, Gr. III Molly Pitcher Stakes at Monmouth Park, circled horses on the turn, took the lead a sixteenth out and eased away to win by half a length. It’s the first graded stakes win and third stakes victory for the 4-year-old filly, consigned to the 2021 OBS Spring Sale by Gene Recio, Agent, and sold for $45,000 after turning in an Under Tack eighth in :10 3/5. Trained by Cherie DeVaux, she’s now 15-5-4-2 and has earned $770,607.
Exline-Border Racing LLC, Peter Eurton, Richard Hausman and Stonestreet Stables LLC’s Dream Shake (Twirling Candy – Even Song) picked a nice spot for his first stakes victory, capturing the $179,000, Gr. II Connaught Cup Stakes by a length at Woodbine, with fellow OBS graduate Lucky Score (Lookin At Lucky – Miss Matzo) (June ‘20) checking in third.
Michael Stidham trains the 5-year-old gelding, now 12-4-1-2 with $469,265 in earnings. Consigned by Cary Frommer, Agent, to the 2020 OBS Spring Sale, he was purchased for $75,000 by Marette Farrell, Agent for Exline-Border Racing, after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Jill Baffert and Debbie Lanni’s Du Jour (Temple City – Guiltless) scored his second stakes victory in the $134,000 Wickerr Stakes at Del Mar, rallying from far back, finding room late and getting up in the final yards to win by half a length. The 5-year-old gelding was purchased for $280,000 by Donato Lanni, Agent, out of the Off the Hook consignment at the 2020 OBS Spring Sale after turning in an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Trained by Bob Baffert, he’s now 14-4-3-2 and has earned $738,220. Team Valor International and Gary Barber’s Elysian Field, (Hard Spun – Elysian) off the pace early in the $503,000 Woodbine Oaks, swung out for the drive, took charge a furlong from home and eased away to score by 2 1/4 lengths. It’s the first stakes victory for the 3-year-old filly, trained by Mark Casse, now 6-2-2-0 with $306,692 in earnings. After breezing an Under Tack quarter in :21 3/5 at the 2020 OBS June Sale, she was purchased for $70,000 by Bruce Brown, Agent, out of the Ocala Stud consignment.
HALLANDALE BEACH - Royalight Racing’s Charlie’s Wish and Alex and JoAnn Lieblong’s Trust Me are scheduled to team up for Saturday’s $75,000 Azalea at Gulfstream Park, where the David Fawkes-trained duo will take on likely favorite Flakes in the seven-furlong stakes for 3-year-old fillies. Charlie’s Wish will seek to turn the tables on Flakes Saturday after falling a neck shy of catching BC Racing’s daughter of Frosted last time out in the 6 ½-furlong Game Face on June 17. The 3-year-old daughter of First Dude rated in mid-pack before making a five-wide sweep to loom as a danger at the top of the stretch. She continued her drive in the stretch but was unable to overtake Flakes over a muddy track. “That filly beat us fair and square,” Fawkes said. “The track was muddy. She was kind of climbing on the turn. She didn’t really level off until turning for home and she just kind of ran out of racetrack.” Prior to her Game Face effort, Charlie’s Wish stretched out to 1 1/16 miles in a Churchill Downs optional claiming allowance on May 5, rallying into the stretch to finish second by a neck.
“She ran so big at Churchill. It was so disappointing,” Fawkes said. “The last couple of jumps she got just a little flat on me, but I thought she ran great.” Charlie’s Wish easily captured a six-furlong optional claiming race during Gulfstream’s Championship Meet before shipping to Churchill Downs. Trust Me made an auspicious 2023 debut while capturing a June 16 optional claiming allowance at six furlongs by 7 ¼ lengths. “She ran a huge race,” Fawkes said. The homebred daughter of The Big Beast had demonstrated talent during her three-race juvenile campaign, finishing second in her debut before graduating by three lengths and finishing third in the Florida Sire Stakes Desert Vixen. “The Big Beasts have been a lot better as they get older,” Fawkes said.
Leonel Reyes has the return call on the ultra consistent Charlies Wish, who has been in the money in all but one of her eight career starts. Trust Me will be ridden back by Miguel Vasquez. Both Charlie’s Wish and Trust Me are eligible for the $25,000 FTBA bonus available to a registered Florida-bred winner, as is Flakes. Prior to holding off Charlie’s Wish in the Game Face, Flakes set the pace in a mile optional claiming allowance before finishing second to Imonra, who went on to finish second in the Gr. III Iowa Oaks at Prairie Meadows. Edgard Zayas has the return mount aboard Flakes, who previously finished third in the Gr. II Gulfstream Park Oaks. Daniel Walters, Dennis Smith, Anthony Smith and trainer Rohan Crichton’s Kikilove, who finished a distant third behind Imonra and Flakes while stretching out to a mile, should appreciate a cutback in distance Saturday. The daughter of The Big Beast, who won two starter allowances during the Championship Meet, captured a seven-furlong Florida-bred allowance in her previous start. Edwin Gonzalez is scheduled to ride Kikilove for the first time Saturday. Red Diamond Stable’s Jellicle Katz, Champion Equine’s One of One, Pep Stables’ Just Mercy, and trainer Diley Dakin’s Principia round out the field. Kikilove, Just Mercy, and Principia are also eligible for the FTBOA bonus.
HALLANDALE BEACH – With main stable rider Edgard Zayas at Saratoga Saturday, trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. had to look for a replacement jockey for Transient for the $75,000 Powder Break at Gulfstream Park. The Royal Palm Meet’s leading trainer looked as far as Penn National, calling on Tyler Conner to guide the 6-5 favorite in the mile and 70-yard stakes for fillies and mares on Tapeta. What did the 29-year-old Pennsylvania native get for his efforts aboard e Five Racing Thoroughbreds’ daughter of Sea the Stars? A thrilling victory and a fat lip. Conner, a winner of more than 1,100 races, showed why Joseph has such confidence in his riding skills, crafting a brilliant journey aboard the 5-year-old mare. After tossing her head leaving the gate and splitting her jockey’s lip, Transient settled nicely for Conner far off the early pace set by Empress Ellie. Conner elected to save ground along the backstretch before finding room along the rail on the far turn. Transient advanced quickly to loom boldly at the top of the stretch, where her jockey eased her to the outside for the stretch run. The multiple graded stakes-winner exerted her class while splitting horses in mid-stretch to score by two lengths. "It was a top-class ride. She’s very difficult to rate. Right out of the gate she raised her head and split Tyler’s lip. But he gave her some ride, because she’s not easy to switch off. Her hardest thing is to relax,” Joseph said. “This was a great steppingstone for her, hopefully back to graded stakes.”
Transient ran a mile and 70 yards on the all-weather surface in 1:41.40 to win her first career stakes following three graded stakes-placings during the Championship Meet. “She settled really nice. I was a little worried I was that far back but when I asked her to do anything, she responded really well. The trip opened up really great,” Conner said. Joseph had called on Conner in the past. Last June, Conner finished second aboard Joseph-trained Treasure King in the Not Surprising Stakes at Gulfstream, where he won a race for Joseph earlier on the card. “I really appreciate it. It doesn’t happen to me a lot where I come from. For a guy like him to call me out of the blue when he needs a rider, it means a lot,” said Conner, who also rode Joseph-trained Mish to victory in Saturday’s Race 3. Race-long stalker Chick’s Shadow finished second, 1 ¾ lengths ahead of To Thyself B True. Apprentice Rides First U.S. Winner Kenedy Berrugate notched his first success in the U.S. Saturday, guiding Pluma Roja ($38.60) to an upset victory in Race 4. The 22-year-old Panama native is a 5-pound apprentice, having won 43 races, including stakes, in his homeland before venturing to South Florida in June. Berrugate had several close calls on his first 33 mounts before breaking through aboard Pluma Roja in the 1 1/16-mile $8,000 claiming race on Tapeta for owner/trainer Frank Santillana. Berrugate graduated at the top of his class at the Laffit Pincay Jr. Technical Jockey Training Academy in Panama and was highly recommended to agent Cliff Hopmans by the Hall of Fame jockey.
Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher’s Me and Mr. C captured the $100,000 Jonathan B. Schuster Memorial Stakes on Saturday, coming from off the pace and getting up in the final strides to win by a nose. The 6-year-old Florida-bred son of Khozan, trained by Mike Maker, is now 32-9-6-5, with three stakes victories and earnings of $457,619. Consigned by Paul Sharp, Agent, to the 2019 OBS March Sale, he went through the ring after turning in an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Lael Stables’ Love and Money was best by a head in Friday’s $100,000 Clarksville Handicap, swinging out for the drive and getting up in the final yards. It’s the first stakes win for the 5-year-old mare by More Than Ready, consigned by McKee Bloodstock, Agent, to the 2020 OBS June Stakes where she went through the ring after an Under Tack in eighth :10 flat. Trained by Cherie DeVaux, she has compiled a 10-4-2-0 record and earned $220,430. Matt Kwiatkowski, Jason Kaylor and Roger D. Browning’s Nobody Listens successfully defended his title in the $100,000 Brickyard Stakes on Wednesday, setting the pace, opening daylight in the stretch and holding on gamely to win by a head. That’s three stakes victories for the 6-year-old son of Conveyance, purchased for $40,000 out of the Southern Chase Farm consignment at the 2020 OBS Spring Sale after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Now 23-11-7-1 for trainer Tim Eggleston, he has earned $490,630.
Brian Lynch’s Hot Little Thing picked up her second stakes win in Wednesday’s $100,000 Checkered Flag Handicap, charging on the outside down the stretch and proving best by a neck at the wire. Trained by her owner, she’s now 8-5-1-1 with $225,730 in earnings. Consigned to the 2022 OBS March Sale by Bold Arrow Thoroughbreds, the 3-year-old daughter of Army Mule was sold for $80,000 after working an eighth in :10 flat at the Under Tack Show.
Lucky Score was last after a poor start in Woodbine’s $240,900 Gr. II Highlander Stakes, but rallied on the outside down the stretch and was best by half a length at the wire. It’s the second graded stakes victory for the 5-year-old son of Lookin At Lucky, trained by Mark Casse, leaving him with a 15-6-3-2 career record and $430,079 in earnings. Consigned by All In Sales (Tony Bowling), Agent, to the 2020 OBS June Sale, he was sold for $35,000 after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 2/5.
Wise Racing’s Turf King (IRE) charged from off the pace in the $180,000, Gr. III Marine Stakes at Woodbine, overcoming a rough stretch run and proving best by half a length at the wire. It’s the first stakes win for the 3-year-old colt by Kingman (GB), purchased for $180,000 out of the Niall Brennan Stables consignment at the 2022 OBS March Sale after turning in an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Now 4-3-0-1 for trainer Chad Brown, he has earned $161,805. Kazuo Kato’s Jasper Krone scored his first graded stakes win on Sunday with a front-running half-ength victory in the $538,000, Gr. III CBC Cho Stakes at Chukyo Racecourse. It’s the second stakes win for the 4-year-old colt by Frosted, trained by Hideyuki Mori, now 13-5-1-2 with $769,955 in earnings. Consigned by Kings Equine, Agent, to the 2021 OBS March Sale, he was purchased for $90,000 after turning in an Under Tack eighth in:10 1/5.
Foggy Night sat just off the pace in Saturday’s $300,000, Gr. III Delaware Oaks, came around the leaders into the stretch, took charge a furlong out and eased away late to score by a length and three quarters. It’s the first stakes win for the 3-year-old Florida-bred filly by Khozan, now 8-3-4-0 for trainer Robert E. Reid, Jr. with $278,550 in earnings. Consigned by Journeyman Bloodstock Services to the 2022 OBS Spring Sale, she breezed and Under Tack eighth in :10 35 and was purchased by Pine Brook for $20,000.
Paradise Farms Corp. and David Staudacher’s The Wine Steward is two for two and a stakes-winner after coming from off the pace and drawing off to a 2 3/4-length victory in Sunday’s $225,000 Bashford Manor Stakes at Ellis Park. The first stakes-winner for sire Vino Rosso, the 2-year-old colt was sold by Sequel Bloodstock, Agent, for $340,000 at the 2023 OBS March Sale after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 2/5. Trained by Mike Maker, he has earned $164,010.
Indigo Racing’s Texas Ascot Queen posted her first stakes victory in Lone Star’s $81,375 Valor Farm Stakes on Saturday, tracking the leader, taking charge after turning for home and scoring by half a length. The 4-year-old daughter of Fast Anna, trained by J. R. Caldwell, is now 18-7-3-0 and has earned $190,100. A two-time OBS graduate, she was sold by KP Sales at the 2020 October Yearling Sale and brought $30,000 when purchased out of the Fabian Sales consignment at the 2021 Spring Sale after an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5.
Pocket Aces Racing and S B Stables LLC’s Takntothecleaners captured her first stakes win in the Opelousas Stakes on Saturday at Evangeline Downs, coming from behind and romping to a 4 1/2-length victory. Consigned by Fabian Sales to the 2020 OBS June Sale, she was sold for $15,000 after speeding a quarter in :21 2/5 aa the Under Tack Show. Trained by Ethan W. West, the 5-year-old mare by OBS graduate Secret Circle is now 14-6-1-3 and has earned $84,195.
OLDSMAR - Three weeks ago, jockey Marcos Meneses entered a world reserved for a handful of members of his profession when he rode long shot Il Miracolo in the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets, the third leg of the Triple Crown. Meneses’s 3-year-old colt finished seventh in the nine-horse field, more than 15 lengths behind winner Arcangelo, trained by Jena Antonucci. But losing did nothing to diminish the experience and the memories of riding in one of the world’s most famous races against some of the best jockeys on the planet. “I’ve never felt something like that. It was the best experience of my career,” Meneses said. The 37-year-old Venezuela product had a performance he’ll remember for a while Friday at Tampa Bay Downs, riding three winners on the first day of the 11th annual Summer Festival of Racing to take a commanding lead in the $5,000 Jockeys’ Challenge. With six mounts on today’s card, which begins at 11:30 a.m., Meneses is well-positioned to take home the $2,500 first prize. He has 40 points, leading runner-up Jose L. Alonso with 30 and third-place Richard Bracho with 28. Today’s three-bagger came on the official final day of the 2022-2023 Oldsmar meeting, giving Meneses 48 victories and a sixth-place finish in the standings.
The nature of the sport provides jockeys little time to bask in their accomplishments, at least until they’re retired and leafing through scrapbooks with the grandkids. But Meneses, 37, is unlikely to forget the atmosphere surrounding the Belmont, which marked the first Triple Crown victory by a female trainer. First came his walk to the paddock with luminaries such as Hall of Famers Javier Castellano (the winner) and John Velazquez; the Ortiz brothers, Irad and Jose; and four other guys much better known to the average fan than Meneses. He really started to grasp the magnitude of the occasion during the post parade. “The noise in the grandstand was freakin’ crazy. Everyone was so excited, and I never felt something like that,” he said. “It was such a pleasure to ride in that race. I was a little nervous, but I tried to enjoy the moment. My horse didn’t do much, but it was OK.” Il Miracolo was entered in the Belmont after winning an allowance/optional claiming race on May 11 at Gulfstream under Meneses for trainer Antonio Sano. No one can forecast when such an opportunity will come again, but Meneses’s career seems to be on the upswing. His ambition is to ride regularly at some of the biggest tracks in the country within the next few years. Bottom line: “I love my job. I love being a jockey, and I try to do my best every time at every track every day I ride.” Meneses won Friday’s second race on 4-year-old Florida-bred gelding Runaway Tom for owner Tage Boohit and trainer Karyn Philipp. He added the fifth on the turf on 5-year-old Florida-bred gelding Hasn’t Had Enough for owners Del Sol Farm and Louis Clarizio, III and trainer Moises Yanez and the sixth on 4-year-old Florida-bred gelding Poseidon’s Son for owner Sya’s Farm and trainer Wlaimar Suarez. Bracho rode two winners, both for breeder-owner-trainer Dennis Manning. They won the first on the turf with Verifiable, a 3-year-old Florida-bred filly, and the fourth, also on the grass, with 4-year-old Florida-bred gelding Street Glide. Paddock Pitmasters feast set for today.
By mid-afternoon Friday, expert barbecue chefs will have begun cooking for the inaugural Paddock Pitmasters competition on Saturday, featuring the mouth-watering brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs to be offered throughout the second and final day of the Summer Festival of Racing. Tickets are $25 ($10 for children 12-and-under) and entitle buyers to taste the best barbecue seven chefs have to offer. Fans will have an opportunity to vote for the best in each category, a “Grand Champion” and a “People’s Choice” winner. Tickets may be purchased at the site (in the Cabanas on the first floor of the Grandstand) or online at www.eventbrite.com . Food should be available soon after 11 a.m.
HALLANDALE BEACH - A mandatory payout of the Rainbow 6 pool Friday at Gulfstream Park yielded multiple $3,061 payoffs.
The multi-race wager had gone unsolved for nine consecutive days, producing a carryover jackpot of $149,053 heading into Friday’s mandatory payout. A total of S1,448,892 was wagered into the Rainbow 6 pool Friday. The Rainbow 6 sequence spanned Races 3-8. The winning combination was 5-2-7-1-7-1. On mandatory-payout days, the entire Rainbow 6 jackpot pool is paid out to the bettor or bettors with the most winners in the wager’s six-race sequence. The carryover jackpot is usually only paid out when there is a single unique ticket sold with all six winners. On days when there is no unique ticket, 70 percent of that day’s pool usually goes back to those bettors holding tickets with the most winner, while 30 percent is carried over to the jackpot pool. The Rainbow 6 will start anew on today’s 11-race program. The Rainbow 6 sequence will span races 6-11, headlined by the $100,000, Gr. II Smile Sprint in Race 10.
HALLANDALE BEACH - A mandatory payout of the Rainbow 6 pool is scheduled for Friday’s program at Gulfstream Park, where the multi-race wager went unsolved Sunday for the seventh day following a jackpot hit for $263,655 on June 4.
The carryover jackpot pool stands a $149,053.69 heading into Friday’s card. The Rainbow 6 sequence will span Races 3-8, featuring an optional claiming allowance with a likely favorite that may well be a popular ‘single’ in Race 5. Terri Pompay-trained Smart Striker will make his first start since finishing second in the Not Surprising Stakes in Friday’s mile-and-70-yard race on Tapeta for Florida-bred 3-year-olds. Trainer Peter Walder, who notched his 999th career victory with Royal Kitten in Sunday’s Race 6, will have his next shot at the 1,000-win milestone with two entries in Friday’s Race 7, a mile optional claiming allowance for 3-year-olds and up on the main track. Slim Slow Slider, a winner two starts back in a mile optional claiming allowance, and Big Daddy Dave, who finished second at a mile in his most recent start, will represent Walder in an eight-horse field.
HALLANDALE BEACH - Mattingly followed up a promising runner-up finish in the May 13 Royal Palm Juvenile Turf with a thoroughly professional and dominating victory Saturday at Gulfstream Park. The Joe Orseno-trained son of Bucchero broke alertly from the rail post position, a 5 ½-furlong maiden special weight test for 2-year-olds on Tapeta, shook off early pressure applied by 2-1 second choice Zingales King, before drawing away to a 5 ¾ -length victory under Edgar Perez. Mattingly was sent to post as the 2-5 favorite on the strength of his most promising debut, in which he pressed the early pace set by eventual winner No Nay Mets before settling for a solid second-place finish in the five-furlong Royal Palm Juvenile Turf. “He’s a nice horse. I waited for this race. I could have run him against Florida-breds earlier, but I’m glad I waited,” Orseno said. “I’m very happy with his race today.” Mattingly, who is owned by Ironhorse Stable and Harlow Stables, ran 5 ½ furlongs in 1:04.38. Titan finished second, 6 ¾ lengths ahead of Zingales King. Orseno’s next target for Mattingly is the July 30 Tyro, a five-furlong turf dash, at Monmouth Park. “We know he likes turf,” Orseno said. “It looks like a good race for him.”
Orseno also saddled Hot Foot Susie for a victory in Race 5 to close within eight wins of the 1,000-win milestone. Lightning Tones Rallies from Last to win Carry Back Trainer Dan Hurtak’s Lightning Tones had nearly lost contact with the field along the backstretch before launching a furious rally in deep stretch to pull off a 28-1 upset victory in the $75,000 Carry Back. The son of Tonalist dropped back right out of the starting gate as multiple stakes-winner Super Chow, the even-money favorite ridden by Emisael Jaramillo, shot to lead in the backstretch run of the seven-furlong stakes for 3-year-olds.
Super Chow set fractions of :21.81 and :44.27 and held a clear lead into the stretch, pursued by Khozeiress, Zydeceaux, and Swirvin, with Lightning Tones still seemingly well out of contention. Super Chow began to shorten stride in mid-stretch as Khozeiress loomed as the likely winner approaching the finish, only to have Lightning Tones suddenly appear on the far outside just in the nick of time to score an unlikely victory by a nose. “I had no expectations, but I never gave up,” jockey Marco Meneses said. “There was so much speed, I just relaxed my horse and at the three-eighths [pole] he just flew.” Claimed for $12,500 two starts back, Lightning Tones ran seven furlongs in 1:23.18 for his third victory in 10 career starts. Khozeiress finished three-quarters of a length ahead of third-place finisher Super Chow.
LAUREL, MD – In the days since announcing his retirement earlier this week, Edgar Prado has spent time reading, listening and answering a seemingly endless number of texts, phone calls and social media posts and tributes to his long and successful Hall of Fame riding career. The thanks and well wishes came, and are still coming, from around the racing world including Maryland, where the recently turned 56-year-old native of Peru rose to national prominence in the 1990s and still considers home. “It really touched my heart. I have a lot of friends still in Maryland. The phone was ringing off the hook. I’m sorry that I couldn’t answer everyone,” Prado said. “It was a great feeling that I had some people that took the time to wish me happy retirement. I really enjoy the good memories together, either as a fan, as a trainer, groom, hotwalker. They still text me, so that was a great feeling. It’s not only the cream of the crop, it was all the way from top to bottom. That makes me feel good.” Though Prado launched his career in South Florida, debuting in April 1986 at Hialeah and bagging his first U.S. winner that June at Calder Race Course, then spent a short but successful time at Suffolk Downs in Boston, it was Maryland where his career took off and catapulted him to stardom. Riding first call for trainer Bob Klesaris, who initially brought him from Florida to Massachusetts, Prado scored his first Maryland victory aboard $42 long shot Long Allure May 14, 1989 at Laurel Park. Equibase statistics show he would go on to win 2,098 more races at Laurel, another 1,241 at historic Pimlico Race Course and three at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. His 3,343 Maryland wins account for 46.9 percent of his career total of 7,119, which ranks him eighth all-time among North American riders and makes him one of just 10 to reach the 7,000 mark. He is ninth overall in purse earnings at $272,008,849, with $58,808,451 (21.6 percent) earned in Maryland, according to Equibase. “Definitely, Maryland was my starting ground. It launched my career forward. The people received me so well over there and I was able to accomplish a lot and get to win a lot of races and put my name on the map,” Prado said. “It wasn’t only one year or two years. I did it for 10 years, 11 years, and I’m proud of that. “I’ll always be so thankful that Maryland opened the door and gave me the opportunity. They made me their adopted son from Peru, and I was able to do my job and we did it great,” he added. “It was very sad to leave Maryland to test the waters and try something different, but by the same token if I wanted to go to the next level I had to do it when I did. This sport is getting younger and younger so I decided to try and see if I could do it in New York.” Prado won 33 graded stakes in Maryland including his first of 83 lifetime Grade 1s in the 1991 Washington D.C. International at Laurel aboard Leariva. He would add another Grade 1 Maryland triumph in the 2007 Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash, also at Laurel, on 2008 male sprint champion Benny the Bull. In addition, Prado won multiple editions of races such as the Dixie (G2), General George (G2), Selima (G3), Laurel Turf Cup (G3), Gallorette (G3), Carousel (G3), Laurel Futurity (G3) and Martha Washington (G3), and also captured the 2007 Black-Eyed Susan (G2) with Panty Raid and 2005 Barbara Fritchie (G2) on Cativa. During his time in Maryland, Prado led the state in wins six times and topped all North American jockeys in wins from 1997-99, recording more than 400 victories each year including an incredible 535 in 1997. He captured 14 riding titles at Pimlico and another 10 at Laurel before moving his tack to New York starting in the summer of 1999 at Saratoga. A winner of 343 career graded stakes, Prado is best known for his success with 2006 Florida Derby (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Barbaro, chronicling their journey together in the best-selling book My Guy Barbaro. Prado won five Breeders’ Cup races and two other Triple Crown events, ending the Triple Crown bids of War Emblem on 70-1 long shot Sarava in 2002 and Smarty Jones with 24-1 Birdstone in 2004. The Eclipse Award champion jockey of 2006, when he earned a career-best $19.76 million in purses, Prado was elected to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2008, choosing Klesaris to present him his plaque. He was also selected for the George Woolf (2003) and Mike Venezia (2006) memorial awards in voting by his peers. “I think the biggest day or the highlight of my career is winning the Kentucky Derby with Barbaro. I’ve known [trainer] Michael Matz for a long time. I had been riding for him. I think every jockey’s dream is winning the Derby. The Kentucky Derby is global. It’s an international race. If you’re from Peru and you don’t have a chance to travel everywhere, that’s going to be your dream. “It’s the same thing for jockeys all over the world. It was a blessing. It was one of the greatest experiences of my career, to ride that kind of horse in front of so many people and be so impressive. I had part of my family there,” he added. “And the things that he horse went through after that, it shows you that this game can take you to the highest level and make you humble the next day. I had to continue and make the best out of that. You can’t let the lows keep you low. The sun is bright out there.”
Prado returned to the Mid-Atlantic circuit with Maryland as his home base in May 2016, winning the Laurel Dash and Safely Kept that year. In 2018, he became the all-time winningest jockey in Maryland Million history with his 18th victory, breaking a tie with fellow Hall of Famer Ramon Dominguez in the Classic aboard Saratoga Bob.
Nearly two decades after he left, Prado was touched by the reception he received from everyone upon his return to Maryland. “Especially the fans,” he said. “All the trainers and owners, they give me the opportunity. Sometimes you’re feeling great, you want to do great things and you’re working hard, but a lot of the owners and trainers that I used to ride were gone, so you have to prove yourself. You have to be on top of that every day. I was lucky to win a couple stakes for [trainers John] Salzman and Katy Voss in the Maryland Million. It’s my record for now, until someone else breaks it.”
Ultimately, Prado ended his career where it began, in South Florida. He had fewer than 100 mounts for the first time in 2022 and only two starts this year, finishing seventh on maiden Miss McBride Jan. 6 in his final mount. “It was a tough decision to make in the beginning. My son just graduated from school, that’s another accomplishment in my career as a father and a family. He’s the last one out of three. I turned 56 June 12, so that was two reasons,” Prado said. “The older I get the less chance I will have to ride. If I go down, I have more of a chance to get hurt, too. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid to ride, but my kids are afraid I’ll get hurt. “I plan to spend some time with my wife, the grandkids. The family’s getting big. Take care of the things I couldn’t do when I was riding,” he added. “I see my family come for my birthday and we have fun and laugh and all that. I said, ‘Look at all these things that I missed because I was trying to accomplish something.’ That’s the price you have to pay to be successful, I guess. The territory is not easy. It comes with ups and downs, and you have to just continue to go.” Prado is on the go this weekend, taking part in Saturday’s Jockeys and Jeans, a fundraiser for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund in its ninth year and first in Las Vegas. After that he plans to head to California to visit his son, and he’s been getting inquiries about visiting Old Friends in Kentucky. “It’s where Sarava and Birdstone are. I went to see them last year,” Prado said. “Sarava’s getting old; they’re both getting up there. They want to make it a big retirement party.” As for the future, Prado plans to sit back and enjoy the ride – for now. “I’m trying to take it easy, travel a little bit, me and my wife, go see my kids here and there, and I’ll go from there. We’ll see what happens,” he said. “Maybe something will show up. Maybe a steward or a bloodstock agent or a jockey agent. It’s a very competitive world out there now.”
HALLANDALE BEACH - Mattingly, who finished a promising second behind No Nay Mets in the $100,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes on May 13, will make his anxiously awaited return to action Saturday at Gulfstream Park. The Joe Orseno-trained son of Bucchero has been installed at 4-5 in the morning line in Race 3, a $65,000 maiden special weight race for 2-year-olds at 5 ½ furlongs on Tapeta.
“It was testing my patience to wait for this race, but this was my plan. I could have run in a Florida-bred race [on dirt], but I decided to stick to my guns and wait for the race that I picked out,” Orseno said. “He’s ready. I can’t wait to run him.” Mattingly put pressure on the front-running No Nay Mets into the stretch before settling for second while making his debut in the Royal Palm Juvenile, a five-furlong turf stakes that offered the winner a berth in one of six races at the June 20-24 Royal Ascot meet. “The bottom line is that he was nowhere near ready, but we were trying to get that ‘win-and-you’re-in’ at Royal Ascot. I figured the rest of the horses were as ready as him. In the perfect world, I wasn’t able to do half the things I normally do before a horse’s first start,” Orseno said. “He overcame all of it. I think if he was fitter that day, he might have won the race.” No Nay Mets, who won the Royal Ascot qualifying race, was sold Monday for more than $1 million at the Goff’s London sale before finishing off the board in Thursday’s Gr. II Norfolk at Ascot Racecourse.
Mattingly will be making his debut on Gulfstream’s all-weather surface while facing six rivals.
“I have quite a few by that sire, Bucchero, and they seem to be Tapeta/turf specialists,” Orseno said. “I’m not saying they can’t run on dirt, but they handle the Tapeta well. I’m expecting a big effort from him.” Edgar Perez has the return mount aboard Mattingly, who was purchased for $75,000 at the OBS March sale for 2-year-olds in training.
“I bought him in Ocala. When I saw him and watched his under-tack video, when I went and looked at him and saw how well-balanced he was and his confirmation, everything about him just struck me,” Orseno said. “I wasn’t supposed to go as high as I did. I had to have him. Everybody was OK with that.” Defending Champion Willy Boi Tops G3 Smile Sprint Nominations Lea Farms’s Willy Boi tops a list of 11 nominations for the $100,000, Gr. III Smile Sprint, which the Jorge Delgado-trained gelding captured by a length last year. The July 1 Smile, a six-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up, headlines Gulfstream’s Summit of Speed Weekend, which will also include the $75,000 Bob Umphrey Sprint on July 2.
Willy Boi, a Gr. 1 stakes-placed son of Uncaptured, is still looking for his first victory this season. The Florida-bred 5-year-old is accompanied on the Smile nominations list by Lea Farms' Lightening Larry, a 4-year-old son of Uncaptured also trained by Delgado.
Stud Vendeval Inc. and trainer Amador Sanchez’s Todo Fino, who has won his last five starts in Chile and the U.S., is also prominent among the Smile nominees. The Chilean-bred 6-year-old son of Verrazano has won 11 of 16 career starts, including a pair of allowance victories at Del Mar and Santa Anita last season in his two most recent races.
Keith Johnston’s Big and Classy is nominated to make his stakes debut in the Smile after winning six races in a row. The Bobby DiBona-trained 4-year-old gelding has advanced from the $20,000 claiming ranks to dominate optional claiming allowance company in recent starts. Zenith Racing’s Long Range Toddy, a Gr. 2-winning millionaire recently transferred to trainer Victor Barboza Jr., is also a Smile nominee.
The Bob Umphrey Sprint, a 5 ½-furlong dash on Tapeta, drew 13 nominations.
R. A.Hill/Swinbank/Black Ridge/Black Type’s Crimson Advocate made the most of the trip to Ascot she earned by winning Gulfstream’s Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes in May.
The 2-year-old daughter of Nyquist used her early speed to good advantage, then held on to win the Gr. II Queen Mary Stakes by a nose. Now 3-2-0-1 with earnings of $138,047 for trainer George Weaver, she was purchased for $100,000 out of the Beth Bayer consignment at the 2022 October Selected Yearling Sale.
HALLANDALE BEACH - Flakes, who set the pace before finishing third in the April 1 Gr. II Gulfstream Park Oaks, captured her first stakes victory Saturday in the $75,000 Game Face while cutting back in distance. The daughter of Brethren, who earned a $25,000 bonus offered for a Florida-bred winner in addition to the winner’s share of the purse, rated off the pace in the 6 ½-furlong race for 3-year-old fillies before taking over the lead at the top of the stretch and holding off a tenacious Charlie’s Wish to win by a neck. Flakes was coming off a second-place finish in a mile optional claiming race in her return from a game runner-up finish in the 1 1/16-mile Gulfstream Park Oaks. Juan Alvarado-trained Flakes, the 9-5 second choice ridden by Edgard Zayas, ran 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.26 over Gulfstream’s sealed muddy track for Brian Cohen’s BC Racing. “We always thought seven-eighths would be her best distance, but she was training well, and we just figured we’d try [the Gulfstream Park Oaks],” Cohen said. “I think 6 ½ or seven furlongs, especially if she gets an outside post so she can stalk the pace, is nice for her.” Royalight Racing’s Charlie’s Wish, by First Dude, the 8-5 favorite, finished 4 ¾ lengths clear of Pachuca. In Race 10, the $60,000 Biscayne Park, Talkin Tipsy took full advantage of sitting behind a four-abreast pace duel to capture the 5 ½-furlong overnight handicap for fillies and mares on Tapeta with a late stretch rally. The James Gulick-trained 4-year-old filly ($14.40) raced the distance in 1:03.51 under Edgar Perez while receiving seven pounds from 125-pound high-weight and favorite Choose Joy, who faded to finish off the board after contesting the pace between horses. Moor Strength also rallied to finish second, 2 ¼ lengths behind Talkin Tipsy and a half-length ahead of Sassy Beast. Rainbow 6 Jackpot Pool Guaranteed The 20-cent Rainbow 6 went unsolved Saturday for the fourth day following a jackpot hit for $263,655, producing a $100,000 gross jackpot guarantee for today's Father’s Day program. The Rainbow 6 sequence will span Races 4- 9, featuring a highly competitive starter allowance for 3-year-olds and up at a mile and 70 yards on Tapeta in Race 8. Marc Casse-trained Volcanic, who romped to a 4 ½-length victory in his first start on Tapeta last time out, is rated as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. Jose D’Angelo-trained Mo Vanishing, who graduated by 3 ½ lengths in a two-turn maiden special weight race on Tapeta last out; and the Saffie Joseph Jr.-trained duo of Stride, who scored on turf in his first start for the Royal Palm Meet’s leading trainer, and Empire Attraction, who finished second in his last two starts against tougher; are also prominent entrants. Gabriel Maldonado Notches First Win
Gabriel Maldonado registered the first victory of his career Saturday while guiding Sir Kahn, a 29-1 outsider, to a last-to-first win. The 10-pound apprentice saved ground aboard Sir Kahn in Race 4, a seven-furlong claiming race that was contested on a sloppy track, sending the Daniel Pita inside leader Moped Dennis on the turn into the homestretch on his way to victory. The 24-year-old native of Puerto Rico had 14 previous mounts, all this year at Gulfstream.
HIP No. 1074, a son of Into Mischief consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, went to John Fahey for $475,000 to top the third and final session of the 2023 OBS June Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age. The bay colt, who breezed a quarter in :21 flat at Saturday’s Under Tack session, is out of champion OBS graduate Delightful Mary, by Limehouse, a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Delightful Kiss.
Hip No. 868, Victory Avenue, a son of Arrogate consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, Agent, was sold to Marquee Bloodstock, Agent, for $375,000. The dark bay or brown colt, whose Under Tack eighth on Friday was the session’s co-fastest, is out of Epic Scataway, by Scat Daddy, from the family of graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Caller One, a two-time winner of the Gr. I. Golden Shaheen.
HIP No. 1066, a daughter of Flameaway consigned by Julie Davies, Agent, went to Justin Casse for $370,000. The gray or roan filly, who breezed an eighth in :9 4/5 on Saturday, is out of Tomato Bisque, by Macho Uno, a full sister to graded stakes winner Macho Macho.
Three Amigos went to $300,000 for Hip No. 1072, a son of Vino Rosso consigned by McKathan Bros. Sales, Agent. The chestnut colt, whose quarter in :20 4/5 was the fastest at the distance on Saturday, is out of Deanaallen’skitten, by Kitten’s Joy, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed Darling Daughter.
Donato Lanni, Agent for Baoma Corp., went to $160,000 for Hip No. 901, a daughter of Constitution, consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent. The dark bay or brown filly, who breezed an eighth in :10 flat at Saturday’s Under Tack session, is out of stakes-winner Five Star Rampage, by Quality Road, from the family of graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Cabo Spirit.
HIP No. 1046, Dauf Time, a daughter of Not This Time consigned by Classic Bloodstock, Agent, was purchased by Robert Lambe for $190,000. The chestnut filly, who worked an eighth in :10 1/5 on Saturday, is out of Paradise Bird, by Summer B a half-sister to stakes-winner Come Fly Away.
Hip No. 1068, a son of Good Magic consigned by McKathan Bros. Sales, Agent, went to Luis Gavignano for $160,000. The chestnut colt, who breezed an eighth on Saturday in :10 1/5, is out of Annathela, by Elusive Quality, from the family of graded stakes-winner Glowing Honor.
Hip No. 726, a son of Candy Ride (ARG) consigned by Caliente Thoroughbreds, was sold to Eddie Kenneally, Agent, for $140,000. The chestnut colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 1/5 on Friday, is out of Catch the Magic, by Animal Kingdom, a half-sister to Gr. I stakes winner Smooth Roller.
Legion Bloodstock, Agent, paid $135,000 for Hip No. 1079, a daughter of Tapiture consigned by Grade One Investments, Agent. The bay filly, who breezed an eighth on Saturday in :9 4/5, is a half-sister to stakes-winning OBS graduate Howdyoumakeurmoney out of Exclusively Yours, by Elusive Quality.
Hip No. 920, a daughter of Constitution consigned by Paul Sharp, Agent, was sold for $130,000 to Marquee Bloodstock, Agent. The dark bay or brown filly, who breezed an eighth on Saturday in :10 flat, is out of OBS graduate Fugacious Dancer, by Afleet Alex, from the family of graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Overture.
For the third session, 200 2-year-olds brought $8,455,800, compared with 214 selling for $9,714,400 at last year’s third session. The average price was $42,279, compared with $45,394 in 2022 while the median price was $25,000 compared with $24,500 a year ago. The buyback percentage 17.7%; it was 17.4% last year.
On Thursday, five older horses sold for $59,000, averaging $11,800 with an $8,000 median figure. For the entire sale, 646 horses brought $24,109,900 compared with 671 selling for $27,137,000 last year. The average price was $37,322, compared with $40,443 in 2022 while the median price was $20,000 compared with $23,000 a year ago. The buyback percentage was 16.1%; it was 17.2% last year.
Hip No. 430, a son of Blame consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, was sold to Clay Scherer, Agent, for $485,000 to top session two of the 2023 OBS June Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age. The dark bay or brown colt, whose quarter in :20 3/5 was the co-fastest at the distance at Wednesday’s Under Tack session, is out of Soul Spirit, by A. P. Indy, a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Journey Home. Robert B. Hess Jr. went to $250,000 for Hip No. 519, a son of Nyquist consigned by Britton Peak, Agent. Out of stakes- placed Tough Irma, by Stormy Atlantic, a half-sister to Gr. I stakes-winning OBS graduate Turbo Compressor, the dark bay or brown colt turned in an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5 on Wednesday.
Hip No. 494, Morethantaleclass, a daughter of More Than Ready consigned by Eddie Woods, Agent, was purchased for $220,000 by Boardshorts Racing Stables. The dark bay or brown filly, who turned in an Under Tack quarter on Wednesday in :20 4/5, is out of Tale of Class, by Tale of Ekati, from the family of champion Sky Classic.
Hip No. 570, a son of City of Light also consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, was sold to Mike Maker for $200,000. The bay colt, whose eighth in :9 4/5 was the fastest at the distance at Thursday’s Under Tack Session, is a half brother to graded stakes placed stakes winner Jessica Krupnick out of Wear Red, by Henny Hughes, a half sister to grade one stakes winner Eskendereya.
Hip No. 554, a daughter of Gun Runner consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent, was sold to Ben Gase for $180,000. The bay filly, who breezed an eighth in :10 1/5 on Thursday, is out of Vickie Wins, by Unbridled’s Song, a daughter of Gr. I stakes- winner Mistical Plan.
Hip No. 462, a son of Demarchelier (GB) consigned by Woodside Ranch, Agent, was purchased by 30 Year Farm & Team Hanley for $140,000. The dark bay or brown colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 1/5 on Wednesday, is a half- brother to stakes-placed Circle Back Jack out of Sucat, by Medaglia d’Oro, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed stakes-winning OBS graduate The Reds.
Repole Stable Inc. paid $140,000 for Hip No. 564, a son of Arrogate who turned in an Under Tack eighth on Thursday in :10 2/5. Consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent, the bay colt is out of graded stakes-placed Wall of Compassion, by Jimmy Creed, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Ladyecho.
Hip No 571, a son of Midshipman consigned by McKathan Bros. Sales, Agent, was purchased by J. R. Boyd, Agent for Equine Breeders, for $140,000. The chestnut colt, who worked a quarter in :21 1/5 on Thursday, is a half-brother to stakes- placed Weekend Rags out of Weekend, by Henny Hughes, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner Winchester.
Hip No. 394, a son of OBS graduate Collected consigned by Really and Truly Thoroughbreds, was sold to Madaket Stables for $120,000. The chestnut colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 1/5 on Wednesday, is a half-brother to stakes- placed Night Time out of Silent Joy, by Kitten’s Joy, a full sister to graded stakes-winner Emotional Kitten.
The buyback percentage 21.9%; it was 13.6% last year. For the session, 200 horses brought $7,207,700 compared with 234 sellins for $9,831,600 at last year’s second session. The average price was $36,039, compared with $42,015 in 2022 while the median price was $20,000 compared with $25,000 a year ago.
Michael Lund Petersen’s OBS June graduate Adare Manor bumped with fellow OBS graduate Desert Dawn (October ’20) at the start of Saturday’s $200,000, Gr. II Santa Margarita Stakes at Santa Anita, but she went to the front, opened a long lead in the stretch and coasted to a 4 1/2-length victory, with Desert Dawn checking in third.
It’s the second straight graded stakes win for the 4-year-old daughter of Uncle Mo, purchased for $375,000 out of the Julie Davies consignment at the 2001 OBS June Sale by Donato Lanni, Agent, after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Trained by Bob Baffert, she has compiled an 11-5-4-0 career record and earned $621,000. Omar Aldabbagh and Jeff Ganje’s Shotgun Hottie battled for the lead in the early going of Monmouth’s $100,000 Lady’s Secret Stakes, took command in the stretch and drew away in hand to win by 5 1/2-lengths. It’s the second stakes victory for the 4-year-old graded stakes-placed filly by Gun Runner, trained by Cherie DeVaux, now 14-4-4-2 with $470,607 in earnings. Consigned to the 2021 OBS Spring Sale by Gene Recio, Agent, she was sold for $45,000 after turning in an Under Tack eighth in :10 3/5.
Fillies by Bucchero and Street Boss breezed quarters in :20 3/5, sharing honors for the fastest work at the distance at the fifth session of the 2023 OBS June Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age. Hip No. 785, Bucchero Lady, a chestnut filly by OBS June graduate Bucchero consigned by Blue River Bloodstock, Agent, is out of Corfu Lady, by Corfu, from the familyded of gra stakes-winner Halo’s Image. Hip No. 817, a chestnut filly by Street Boss consigned by Omar Ramirez Bloodstock, Agent, is out of Desperate Chick, by Tribal Rule, a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Native Bombshell. Eight horses breezed an eighth in :10 flat, sharing honors for the session’s fastest at the distance HIP 733, a gray or roan filly by Twirling Candy out of Cauy’s Humor by Distorted Humor, is consigned by Grassroots Training & Sales.
Hip 745, a dark bay or brown colt by Solomini out of Cheyenne Autumn by Indian Charlie, is consigned by Britton Peak, Agent.
Hip 787, a bay colt by OBS graduate The Big Beast out of Countess Martine by Treasure Beach (GB), is consigned by AVP Training and Sales, Agent.
Hip 806, a chestnut colt by OBS graduate Klimt out of Dark Channel by English Channel, is consigned by Nice and Easy Thoroughbreds.
Hip 853, a bay filly by Redesdale out of Elba’s First by Tiz Wonderful, is consigned by Harris Training Center LLC, Agent.
Hip 868, a dark bay or brown colt by Arrogate out of Epic Scataway by Scat Daddy consigned by Hartley / DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, Agent.
Hip 878, a bay colt by St Patrick’s Day out of Eye of Ra by Leroidesanimaux (BRZ), is consigned by Omar Ramirez Bloodstock, Agent.
HIP 900, a gray or roan colt by Yoshida (JPN) out of First U Make Aroux by Due Date, is consigned by Omar Ramirez Bloodstock, Agent.
HIP No. 813, a dark bay or brown colt by Justify consigned by Golden Rock Thoroughbreds, Agent, turned in a quarter in :21 flat. He’s a half-brother to stakes-winner Green Destiny out of stakes-inner Defy Gravity, by Bandini. Three horses breezed quarters in :21 1/5.
Hip No. 739, Matching Hats, a chestnut colt by Gormley consigned by S B M Training and Sales, Agent, is out of Charming Emmy, by Sky Mesa, a full sister to stakes-winner Sapphire Sky.
Hip No. 721, a dark bay or brown colt by Vino Rosso consigned by Ocala Stud, is out of Caragh Queen, by Hard Spun, a half-sister to Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming.
Hip No. 775 , a bay filly by Tale of the Cat consigned by Coastal Equine LLC (Jesse Hoppel), Agent, is a three-quarter sister to Gr. I stakes-placed Luminance out of Commentary, by The Factor.
HIP No. 871, a son of millionaire OBS graduate Carpe Diem consigned by Skie Thoroughbreds, breezed three eighths in :33 4/5. The dark bay brown colt is out of Essentia, by Hat Trick (JPN), a half-sister to champion Big Brown.
Hip No. 347, Esperon, a son of OBS graduate Chitu consigned by Silvestre Chavez Thoroughbreds, Agent, sped a quarter in a track record-equaling :20 1/5, posting the fastest work at the distance at the second session of the Under Tack Show for Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2023 June Sale of 2-Year Olds in Training and Horses of Racing Age. The bay colt is out of stakes-placed Satan’s Mistress, by Songandaprayer, a daughter of stakes-winner ShezaNasty Lady. Two youngsters shared honors for the session’s fastest eighth, clocked in :9 4/5. Hip No. 346, a dark bay or brown colt by Mo Town consigned by GOP Racing Stable Corp., Agent, is out of Sassy Redhead, by Henny Hughes, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner Dubai Escapade.
Hip No. 356, consigned by Gene Recio, Agent, is a bay colt by Malibu Moon out of Scion Power, by Wildcat Heir, a full sister to graded stakes-winner Derwin’s Star.
HIP No.208, a chestnut colt by Catalina Cruiser consigned by All Dreams Equine, turnedin a quarter in :20 2/5. He's out of One for London, by Eskendereya, a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Nicole H.
Hip No. 325, a chestnut colt by OBS graduate Kantharos breezed a quarter in :20 3/5. Consigned by Golden Rock Thoroughbreds, Agent, he’s out of stakes-winner Rose to Fame, by Gemologist, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed stakes- winner Dazzling Gem. Hip No. 201, a dark bay or brown filly by Mr Speaker consigned by Gene Recio, Agent, worked a quarter in :20 4/5. He’s out of champion Off the Road (BRZ), by Quick Road, a full sister to Gr. I stakes-winner On the Road. There were two quarters clocked in :21 flat. Hip No. 261, consigned by All Dreams Equine, is a dark bay or brown colt by Demarchelier (GB) out of Prehistory, by Palace Malice, a half-sister to Gr. I stakes-placed Wonder Gal, dam of champion Wonder Wheel.
Hip No. 270, a dark bay or brown filly by Always Dreaming consigned by New Hope AB, is out of Private Offering, by Pulpit, from the family of graded stakes-winner War Thief.
There were a pair of quarters clocked in :21 1/5. Hip No. 259, consigned by GOP Racing Stable Corp., Agent, is a bay colt by Lookin At Lucky out of Powder N Blush, by War Chant, from the family of graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Green Mask.
Hip No. 282, a dark bay or brown colt by Solomini consigned by Omar Ramirez Bloodstock, Agent, is a half-brother to stakes-placed Fix Me a Sandwich out of Queen Frostine, by Giant’s Causeway, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winning OBS graduate Traitor.
Five horses breezed quarters clocked in :21 2/5. Hip No. 188, a bay colt by Noble Bird consigned by New Way, Agent, is out of Navigatorsdaughter, by Henrythenavigator, a half-sister to stakes-winner Holiday Mischief.
Hip No. 198, consigned by Mis Top Racing Stable LLC, is a dark bay or brown filly by Twirling Candy out of Oasis Party, by Desert Party, a half-sister to the dam of Exaulted, winner of Santa Anita’s Shoemaker Mile (G1) on May 29.
Hip No. 228, consigned by Goldencents Thoroughbreds, is a dark bay or brown filly by Cloud Computing out of Pea, by Nobiz Like Shobiz, a half-sister to stakes-winner Score Classy.
Hip No. 241, a chestnut filly by Awesome Slew consigned by Hawk’s Rest LLC, is out of Pillow Case, by Drosselmeyer, a half-sister to stakes-placed One for Jim from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner Jersey Girl.
Hip No. 308, a bay colt by Constitution consigned by Eddie Woods, Agent, is out of graded stakes-placed Remedy, by Creative Cause, from the family of champion Beholder and OBS graduate Into Mischief, North America’s leading sire.
Sixteen horses breezed eighths in :10 flat.
Lexington, KY - Experiential Squared (E2), parent company to the popular global racehorse ownership platform, MyRacehorse, today announced a $7 million funding round.
The funding round is comprised of several investors led by 1/ST, North America’s dominant thoroughbred racing and gaming company, through its 1/ST RACING & GAMING and 1/ST TECHNOLOGY business divisions. 1/ST RACING & GAMING operates many of the premier racetracks in the United States including Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Golden Gate Fields and Pimlico Race Course. 1/ST TECHNOLOGY is horse racing’s largest technology company with a portfolio of products and services encompassing 1/ST BET, Xpressbet and AmTote International, world leaders in pari-mutuel and ADW technologies. Launched in Los Angeles in 2018, MyRacehorse has operated on the simple premise of making racehorse ownership easy to try and accessible to a broader audience. Racehorse ownership is an aspiration for millions, but due to high barriers to entry, antiquated securities laws and lack of technology, ownership was previously unattainable for the vast majority. Using the MyRacehorse app, prospective owners can review, analyze and purchase a fractional share in their desired racehorse for a single one-time payment of as little as $100. The app serves as the primary platform to follow the journey of racehorse ownership via updates from the trainer, jockey and analysts, with direct and instant payouts of prize money. The platform currently boasts more than 50,000 active owners and 100 active horses who have won over 160 races worldwide with earnings in excess of $20 million. MyRacehorse is predominantly focused on the United States and Australia and has recently expanded to the United Kingdom and Ireland. “This is the ultimate strategic partnership; having 1/ST RACING & GAMING and 1/ST TECHNOLOGY as the lead investors not only provides us the capital to accelerate growth, but the strategic assets and access to enhance the ownership experience for our 50,000 plus racehorse owners,” said Michael Behrens, Founder and CEO of Experiential Squared and MyRacehorse. “1/ST RACING & GAMING and 1/ST TECHNOLOGY are progressive leaders in all aspects of thoroughbred racing and have been supportive of MyRacehorse since the beginning. The partnership affirms 1/ST’s commitment to growing ownership and further immersing fans in our sport.” “1/ST’s mission to introduce and engage the next generation of fans and owners in innovative and entertaining new ways aligns perfectly with the MyRacehorse concept,” said Aidan Butler, Chief Executive Officer, 1/ST RACING & GAMING. “The ability to become an owner of a thoroughbred racehorse and to be part of an ownership experience that until now has been inaccessible for many, is truly exciting. We have seen firsthand the success of MyRacehorse and we look forward to helping scale this platform across racing, wagering and beyond.” The core of the E2 business is a proprietary technology platform that manages compliance, owner experience, content, investing, and financial and tax reporting. E2 operates within global securities regulations to securitize its racehorses, enabling the development of the first truly legal and compliant global racehorse ownership platform serving both accredited and non-accredited investors. Over the last four years, E2 has built a robust and scalable platform to handle scale, and now is focused on feature development, including a move to the blockchain and the launch of a secondary market so owners can trade their shares. This will bring newfound liquidity to a previously highly illiquid industry. Both MyRacehorse and 1/ST are deeply committed to the well-being of thoroughbreds after racing, contributing charitable donations to several aftercare organizations and actively participating in the safe transition and long-term placement of retired Thoroughbreds globally. Legendary businessman B. Wayne Hughes recognized the early opportunity in the platform investing in seed round funding to become an active partner with his stallion and breeding operation, Spendthrift Farm. “Without the partnership of Mr. Hughes and Spendthrift Farm, we would have never achieved the rapid success that we have,” said Behrens. Recently, E2 began the process of seeking strategic investors to help the business accelerate its growth with a focus on diversifying into other sports and assets.
(Editor's note: From his first day as a steward in 1993 to this past season, I can't count the number of times I entered the track through the west gate near the horsemen's parking lot and Dennis would be there holding court with one or more patrons. Every time, he would wind it up and we would end up getting up to date on various subjects. He was as low-key as someone in his position could be - an absolute gentleman. Over the years, I went to the steward's room on various occasions to get their take on a disqualification - or the lack of one - and he always took the time to explain the call. "He will be missed" is a cliche often used for those we lose, and for Dennis, it goes double).
By Mike Henry, Tampa Bay Downs
Dennis Lima wore a variety of hats during his 30 years as an Association Steward at Tampa Bay Downs – mentor, friend and confidant foremost among them.
“He was somebody you could always talk to, and you could trust him to give you good advice,” said Tampa Bay Downs racing official Jenn Moore. “And he treated everybody equally. He was so down to earth and never got riled up. “It (his passing) is just a huge loss for everybody.” Lima, who died Wednesday at age 77 after a brief illness, judged the races from the stewards' office atop the Oldsmar grandstand next to the announcer's booth. He and former Tampa Bay Downs announcer Richard Grunder formed a lasting friendship based on numerous shared interests and a deep respect for each other's knowledge and professionalism. “He was a very even-tempered guy who handled himself the same with all types of people, from grooms to Hall of Fame trainers,” Grunder said. “He had the perfect personality to be a steward. He read the films really good, knew the job inside-out and any tough situations that came up, he would take the reins and make the call. I've been in press boxes from the Pacific Northwest to Florida, and he was one of the best I've ever worked with. “Plus, he was just a fun guy to be around. He was a witty, old New England son of a gun.” Lima gained respect from horsemen, jockeys, other track officials and even fans for his thorough knowledge of the sport's rules and regulations and his ability to apply them without bias. “You could ask him a rules question and he would rattle the answer off the top of his head,” Moore said. As much as Moore, Grunder and so many others at Tampa Bay Downs came to feel like family around Lima, their knowledge of his background in racing was primarily limited to working with him here on a daily basis. About a lifetime ago – actually, closer to 60 years – Lima rode a train from Rhode Island to Florida with a shipment of horses bound for the Tampa Bay Downs (then Sunshine Park) barn of trainer Doc Canzano. Lima took off soon after graduating from Pawtucket West High School in Rhode Island, not far from Narragansett Park, where his older brother Eddie had turned him on to racing a few years earlier and helped him get work as a groom and hotwalker. After returning north in 1964, Lima trained his own horses in New England, was an assistant trainer to Ned Allard and worked as a jockey's agent. Believing his future to be in the racing office, Lima served with the Massachusetts fair-racing circuit and at Suffolk Downs in Massachusetts and Rockingham Park in New Hampshire as a placing judge, paddock judge and entry clerk. He was named an alternate steward at those tracks in 1987, becoming a full-time steward three years later. He worked in that role at Rockingham from 1990 until the track closed in 2002. By then, he was well-established at Tampa Bay Downs, having been hired in 1993 as an Association Steward by then-General Manager John Grady. Lima also worked from 2003-2021 as a State Steward at Delaware Park. Lima's credo as a steward was straightforward, as he outlined 10 years ago to a reporter. “The most important thing is to be as fair and consistent as possible with our rulings and our judgment calls during the races. For me, the most rewarding aspect of this job is when you finish a meet knowing you have done your part to keep it as safe as you can for the horses and the jockeys.” He was also attuned to the importance of maintaining the public trust, saying during that same interview the one major change he would make to racing would be to “establish more uniformity in medication rules and penalties, especially with so many trainers shipping horses from state to state.” Lima is survived by his wife, Celeste; their children, Monique and Shaun; several grandchildren; and a son, Dennis E. Lima. He was pre-deceased by a daughter, Melissa. Per his wishes, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760.
The honor of getting the first 2023 winner by a Florida freshman stallion goes to Journeyman Stud's St. Patrick's Day, a son of Pioneerof the Nile and a full brother to 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah.
Jive, a 2-year-old colt bred by Jennifer A. & Gillian K. Johnson, won a $65,000 maiden special at Gulfstream Park and collected a healthy check for $43,000. He was a $23,000 OBS Winter purchase by Brian Cohen out of Richard Kent's Kaizan Sales consignment.
With Edwin Gonzalez aboard, Jive rushed up to contest the pace in the two path at the first quarter, battled head-and-head around the turn, and proved best at the wire by three-quarters of a length. He was clocked in 1:00.20 for the five furlongs and received an Equibase 'E' speed rating of 80.
Journeyman Stud's Khozan was easily Florida's leading freshman sire in 2019 with 18 winners and progeny earnings of $1,258,512, and has been the state's leading general sire every year since.
Richard Bahde’s Taxed was overlooked at 11-1 in Pimlico’s Gr. II, $300,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, but moved to contention on the turn, took command a sixteenth from home and drew off to win by 3 3/4 lengths.
It was the first stakes victory for the 3-year-old filly by OBS graduate Collected, consigned by GOP Racing Stable Corp., Agent, to the 2022 OBS March Sale, and sold for $105,000 after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Trained by Randy Morse, she’s now 8-2-2-0 and has earned $379,644.
BALTIMORE - Kentucky Derby winner Mage galloped Tuesday morning at Pimlico Race Course, where the Gustavo Delgado-trained colt finished his 1 ½-mile preparation for Saturday’s Preakness with good energy without prompting from exercise rider J. J. Delgado. “He’s so smart. I can’t overstate that. He’s a really intelligent horse. Not only does he take care of himself during his races, but he knows when to commence,” said Ramiro Restrepo, who owns the 3-year-old son of Good Magic with OGMA Investments, Sterling Racing and CMNWLTH. “He responds to the cues from the rider so well. He’s learned Gustavo’s program and you can see it how he picks up the rhythm on his own.” Mage has demonstrated an unusual level of maturity for a lightly raced colt who was able to outrun 17 more experienced rivals while capturing the May 6 Kentucky Derby in only his fourth career start. “The races are developing him race by race. We’re just waiting to see how much he has in the well of talent. Every day, he’s showing more and more signs of maturation and understanding his job as a racehorse.,” Restrepo said. “It’s great to see it happening.” Mage went through his morning routine like a veteran racehorse while striding smoothly across the Pimlico racing surface. Later, he barely turning a hair during his bath upon his return to the Pimlico Stakes Barn, where he was the sole focus of many photographers and TV camera crews. “Professional, that’s the best way to describe it,” said Gustavo Delgado Jr., his father’s assistant. “Very quiet. The track being so quiet with only a few horses at the same time, that helps too.” Mage has instilled confidence in his owners and trainers heading into the Preakness. “It’s the greatest feeling just bringing the Derby winner. It gives you confidence,” Delgado Jr. said. “We’re just go day by day, race by race, but it does give you confidence. He’s competitive – 8-5 – not 50-1, 25-1.”
Cox Expects First Mission to ‘Take a Step Forward’ Trainer Brad Cox said Tuesday morning that he is happy with the way Godolphin’s homebred First Mission has settled in at Pimlico Race Course since arriving from Churchill Downs Monday evening. First Mission, winner of the April 15 Gr. III Lexington at Keeneland, will step into the Triple Crown series Saturday in the 148th Preakness Stakes. He drew the outside post in the field of eight. He will be ridden by Luis Saez, who was up for the Lexington. “I’m super-pleased with how he shipped in last night,” Cox said. “He jumped right into the feed tub. It was kind of late when he got here, but I thought it made the most sense in regards to travel time and when to send him.” This will be Cox’s second Preakness and First Mission will be his third runner in the Middle Jewel of the Triple Crown. In 2019 he entered a pair: Owendale, who was third and Warrior’s Charge, who was fourth. Cox sent the lightly raced son of Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense out to the track at Pimlico during training hours Tuesday. “I’m happy with what we’ve done so far,” Cox said. ‘He had a really good morning and just galloped an easy mile. He’s a kind horse. He’s easy on himself. He doesn’t over-train. He doesn’t pull too much. He has settled in well. So far, so good.” First Mission did not race as a 2-year-old and debuted on Feb. 18 with a second by three-quarters of a length at Fair Grounds. Cox said the timing of the Preakness fits nicely with the colt’s schedule. “He’s getting five weeks since the Lexington,” Cox said. “He ran in February, then he was back in four weeks. Then he was back again in four weeks in the Lexington. So, he’s getting five weeks. He has never regressed, based off his numbers, the figures I use. He’s been very steady with his figures. “I think he’s got to take a step forward. I think he will take a step forward,” he added. “He’s given me every reason to be super-confident with what he’s done in the mornings at Churchill. His three works since the Lexington have been really good. His first was just a maintenance half-mile by himself. Super easy in 49 (seconds). His last two works have been really, really good. So, we’ll see.”
D. J. Stable’s June Sale graduate Webslinger rated kindly between horses in the early going of Churchill’s $500,000, Gr. II American Turf Stakes, swung out after turning for home and outfought a pair of rivals to win a three-horse photo by a nose. It’s the first graded stakes victory for the 3-year-old colt by Constitution, a two-time OBS graduate.
After going through the ring at the 2022 Spring Sale, he was purchased for $50,000 out of the Blue River Bloodstock consignment at the June Sale after breezing three eighths in :33 1/5. Trained by Mark Casse, he’s now 8-3-2-1 and has earned $723,800. Ashbrook Farm and Upland Flats Racing’s Red Carpet Ready got the Derby weekend off to a rousing start on Friday, taking Churchill’s $500,000, Gr. II Eight Belles Stakes. Tracking the leaders down the backstretch, the 3-year-old daughter of Oscar Performance ran past odds-on favorite Munnys Gold turning for home, then gamely held off a late run by the favorite and was best by a head.
To date, she has captured a pair of graded stakes, compiled a 5-4-0-1 record and earned $588,670 for trainer by Rusty Arnold. Consigned by Mayberry Farm, Agent, to the 2022 OBS Spring Sale, she went through the ring after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Gary Barber’s Join the Dance went straight to the lead in Sunday’s $75,000 Monroe Stakes at Gulfstream and was never headed en route to a 1 1/2-length victory. It’s the first stakes win for the 4-year-old daughter of Shackleford, trained by Mark Casse, now 13-3-2-3 with $170,544 in earnings. She was purchased for $70,000 out of the Navas Equine consignment at the 2021 OBS June Sale after turning in an Under Tack quarter in :20 3/5.
OLDSMAR - By 7 Wednesday morning, Gerald Bennett was on the road again. He and his wife Mary and a blacksmith friend were hauling nine horses in two vans to New Jersey as he prepares for opening day at Monmouth Park on May 13.
Bennett still has another 22 or so horses to drive north from the Tampa Bay Downs backside before launching his effort to improve on last year’s 22-victory performance, which was good for fourth in the Monmouth standings. “We’ve got seven ‘babies’ that have been training pretty good,” he said. “We’ll stop on a couple of them for about a month, and hopefully they’ll keep moving forward this summer and we’ll have them ready for (Tampa Bay Downs) next year.” Bennett’s ability to balance his focus on the present with the future, both near and long-term, is a major factor in his career-long success. He has trained 4,114 winners, more than all but 13 trainers in North American history. Tampa Bay Downs has been a huge part of that story. About six or seven weeks ago, it became crystal-clear no one was going to catch Bennett in the Leading Trainers competition. Now with 49 winners, he is 20 ahead of runner-up Jon Arnett. Bennett is also the top Oldsmar conditioner by earnings, his $1,045,262 total more than $400,000 ahead of second-place Todd Pletcher. More noteworthy is that this is Bennett’s eighth consecutive title, one shy of the track record set by Jamie Ness from 2006-2007 through 2014-2015. Bennett, who tied Ness for the 2010-2011 title with 61 winners, has won nine overall, tied with Ness for the most ever locally. Bennett will be honored as the track’s top trainer in a winner’s-circle ceremony Saturday. “It’s always an achievement to be on top. You know that whatever happens, sometime years from now someone is going to be looking at the list and saying ‘Oh, yeah, this is the guy who set the record,’ ” Bennett said. “Mary wants me to retire, but I think we’ll have to come back next fall and get one more (title) and be on top.” The Springhill, Nova Scotia product neither claims to be smarter nor harder-working than other trainers, but much of his day seems to revolve around the horses. He is one of the first trainers on the track each morning for workouts, and he pays rapt attention to the racing action from his Grandstand box seat. He plays the claiming game as well as any Oldsmar trainer, moving his horses up and down the price ladder in his efforts to keep his rivals guessing. “I might claim a horse for $25,000 and drop him to $16,000 next time and lose him, but he’ll win the race. Then (the new connections) will put him in for $20,000 and I’ll claim him right back. So even with the taxes, I’ll make money,” he said. “You have to enter them where they belong and are comfortable competing. Plus, you have to have the stock and the owners,” added Bennett, who said he is fortunate to have good owners who trust him with their good horses. Bennett’s 2022-2023 list of Tampa Bay Downs winners is headed by Dreaming of Snow. The 3-year-old filly, owned by Bennett’s Winning Stables in partnership with Team Equistaff, registered the biggest upset of the meet when she won the Suncoast Stakes on Feb. 11 by a neck from Wonder Wheel, last year’s NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner and 2022 Champion 2-Year-Old Filly. Dreaming of Snow paid $78. Dreaming of Snow, who will miss some time after having a chip removed from an ankle, also finished second in the Florida Cup Stonehedge Farm South Sophomore Fillies Stakes behind Munnys Gold, who set a 7-furlong track record. Other Bennett-trained stakes-winners this season include 5-year-old mare R Adios Jersey, who won the City of Ocala Florida Sire Stakes in December; 5-year-old mare Tap Dance Fever, who won the Wayward Lass Stakes on Jan. 14; and Magical Warrior, a 4-year-old gelding who won the Florida Cup NYRABETS Sprint on March 26.
OLDSMAR - After winning Saturday’s fourth race on Textpectation, jockey Jose Ferrer expressed a desire to finish second in the 2022-2023 Tampa Bay Downs standings. Mission accomplished – and then some. The 59-year-old rider went 4-for-4 Sunday's card, vaulting over injured Pablo Morales with 55 victories for the meet set to wrap up Saturday. Ferrer concluded his tour de force in the eighth and final race with an 8-length victory on Feuilleton, a 5-year-old gelding making his first start in almost two years. Counting Saturday’s victory, Ferrer has ridden five straight winners. “It feels unbelievable. There is no comparison to winning four at Tampa Bay Downs, because this is my hometown. And to win (the seventh race, on Sir Robert Hall) for my buddy (owner) Joe DiBello, makes it more special. He’s like my brother. “Everything worked out perfect. God is great and he gives me the strength to keep going on my journey. And my family (wife Steffi and sons Derek and Joseph) is here today and they’re always supporting me. I can’t do it without them – they give me the energy to keep going.” Samy Camacho leads the Oldsmar standings with 112 winners. Morales has 53, with Antonio Gallardo fourth with 52. Both Ferrer and Camacho are represented by agent Mike Moran. Everything seemed to go Ferrer’s way Sunday, as it so often has in a career that has seen him ride 4,720 winners. He won the second race by rallying from last place aboard 4-year-old filly Pearlintherough for a half-length victory for owner Amaty Racing Stables and trainer Sandino Hernandez, Jr. In the fifth race, for maiden 3-year-olds, Ferrer again came from behind to post a 4 ¼-length triumph on Florida-bred Neolithic gelding Big Bucksalot for owner Pirate Racing and trainer Christos Gatis. The seventh, a maiden special weight, was the Cody’s Original Roadhouse Race of the Week, and Ferrer feasted on the competition, guiding 9-1 shot Sir Robert Hall to victory for DiBello Racing and trainer Kathleen O’Connell. There seemed to be little doubt about the eighth after Ferrer hustled Feuilleton, owned and trained by Pearl Chain, to the lead in the mile-and-40-yard contest. They could have gone around again and the outcome wouldn’t have changed, although Ferrer would not have been credited with a fifth victory. Cynics might ask for a check of his birth certificate, but it was uplifting to see him perform at this level so close to the end of the meet. Huge week upcoming. The post position draws for the $3-million Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and the $1.25-million Longines Kentucky Oaks will be held from 2-3 p.m. today in the Aristides Lounge on the second floor of the Churchill Downs Clubhouse. Post positions for both races will be determined by a traditional “pill pull,” in which a horse’s entry blank is pulled simultaneously with a numbered pill corresponding to the horse’s starting position. The Kentucky Derby Draw will be streamed live on www.KentuckyDerby.com . The field for the mile-and-a-quarter Derby, to be run Saturday, is limited to 20 3-year-old horses, while the field for the mile-and-an-eighth Oaks on Friday is limited to 14 3-year-old fillies. Thus begins the buildup to two days of racing excitement rivaled only by the Breeders’ Cup, but carrying far more history and tradition. Both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby were first run in 1875, a year in which the electric dental drill was patented and Billy the Kid escaped his jail cell by climbing out of a chimney. Adding to the weeklong atmosphere of “Derby Fever,” Tampa Bay Downs will present full cards of Thoroughbred racing Wednesday, Friday and Saturday as its 2022-2023 meet wraps up (racing will then return to the Oldsmar oval June 30 and July 1 for the annual two-day Summer Festival of Racing). Wednesday’s eight-race card will begin at 12:28 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, Tampa Bay Downs will open the gates at 10 a.m. to allow fans to wager on all the action from Churchill Downs, which begins racing at 10:30 a.m. both days. Admission is $3 Friday and $10 Saturday. The Longines Kentucky Oaks will be the 11th race Friday, with an expected post time of 5:51 p.m. The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve is the 12th race Saturday, with a 6:57 p.m. post time. Advance wagering on the entire Derby card from Louisville will be offered throughout Friday, providing fans desiring to move at a more relaxed pace and soak up the sights and sounds of a Tampa Bay Downs Derby Day party the opportunity to savor the spectacle. On Saturday, Tampa Bay Downs will offer the traditional Kentucky Derby Day drink, a mint julep, in the official Derby souvenir glass for $13. Each glass lists all 148 Run for the Roses winners, from Aristides in 1875 through Rich Strike in 2022. The glasses are available for $10. Refills and mint juleps in a non-Derby souvenir cup are $9 apiece.
Also on Saturday, Tampa Bay Downs will conduct a unique twist on the traditional “best-looking hat” contest. Tampa Bay Downs employees will roam the stands throughout the day, selecting patrons wearing the most attractive headgear. Fans chosen as winners will receive a mutuel voucher. While Forte is expected to be the wagering favorite for the Derby, three horses to have competed at Tampa Bay Downs this season – Gr. III Tampa Bay Derby winner Tapit Trice, Gr. II Louisiana Derby winner Kingsbarns and Lord Miles – are expected to compete. Forte, Tapit Trice and Kingsbarns are all trained by Todd Pletcher, whose two Kentucky Derby winners, Super Saver in 2010 and Always Dreaming in 2017, had raced at Tampa Bay Downs. Lord Miles, who is trained by Saffie A. Joseph Jr., was fifth in the Tampa Bay Derby before winning the Gr. II Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by Resorts World Casino at Aqueduct.
In a reprise of their March 31 meeting, Michael Lund Petersen’s Adare Manor and fellow OBS graduate Bellamore (April ’20) finished one-two in the $200,000, Gr. II Santa Maria Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita. The 4-year-old daughter of Uncle Mo went right to the lead at the start, set a measured pace, then drew off in the final sixteenth to score by 4 1/2 lengths. A graded stakes-winner at three, the 4-year-old daughter of Uncle Mo, trained by Bob Baffert, is now 10-4-4-0 and has earned $501,600.
At the 2021 OBS June Sale, she breezed an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5 and was purchased for $375,000 out of the Julie Davies consignment by Donato Lanni, Agent.
George Krikorian’s War Like Goddess rated in hand just off the pace in Keeneland’s $297,500, Gr. III Bewitch Stakes, took command turning for home and was best by a length and a half at the wire. It’s her eighth graded stakes win and third straight score in the Bewitch, leaving her with a 14-10-1-2 record and earnings of $2,158,184 for trainer Bill Mott.
The 6-year-old daughter of English Channel was consigned to the 2019 OBS June Sale by Hemingway Racing and Training Stables, and sold for $30,000 after turning in an Under Tack eighth in :10 2/5.
Hip No. 967, a son of OBS graduate and leading sire Into Mischief consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, went to More Play for $1,300,000 to top the fourth and final session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2023 Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. The bay colt, whose eighth in :9 3/5 at Friday’s Under Tack session was the sale’s co-fastest at the distance, is out of graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Singing Kitty, by Ministers Wild Cat, from the family of graded stakes-winner Montjoy. Hip No. 1024, a daughter of Nyquist consigned by Wavertree Stables Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, was purchased by Speedway Stables, LLC for $900,000. The dark bay or brown filly, whose quarter in :20 2/5 on Friday was the session’s fastest work at the distance, is a half-sister to OBS graduate Affirmative Lady, winner of the recent Gr. II Gulfstream Park Oaks, out of graded stakes-placed Stiffed, by Stephen Got Even.
Rich Schermerhorn & Jay Hanley & 30 Year Farm went to $725,000 for Hip No. 1036, a daughter of OBS graduate and leading sire Into Mischief, consigned by Eddie Woods, Agent. The bay filly, who sped an eighth in :9 4/5 Friday, is out of Succeeding, by Smart Strike, a daughter of stakes-winner Cascading.
Hip No. 1109, a son of Solomini whose eighth in :9 4/5 was Saturday’s co-fastest, went to Donato Lanni, Agent for Dr. Ed Allred & Liebau, for $700,000. Consigned by Caliente Thoroughbreds, the chestnut colt is out of Timberlea, by Flatter, a half-sister to graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Untrapped, from the family of graded stakes winner Tale of the Cat.
Hip No. 1219, a son of Nyquist consigned by Best A Luck Farm LLC, Agent, was sold to Donato Lanni, Agent for Baoma Corp. for $550,000. The bay colt, whose eighth on Saturday in :9 4/5 was the day’s co-fastest, is out of Zetta Z, by Bernardini, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner Unbridled Elaine.
Hip No. 928, a son of Nyquist consigned by Lucan Bloodstock (Karl Keegan), Agent, was sold to Schermerhorn/Drown for $535,000. The bay colt, who breezed a quarter on Friday in :20 4/5, is out of Seize the Ring, by Tiznow, a daughter of champion Catch the Ring.
Hip No. 1093, a daughter of Audible consigned by Richardson Bloodstock, Agent, was sold to Rich Schermerhorn & Jay Hanley & 30 Year Farm for $535,000. The gray or roan filly, who worked an eighth on Saturday in :10 flat, is out of The Girl Factor, by The Factor, a half-sister to Gr. I stakes-placed stakes-winner Catch My Drift.
MyRacehorse & Partners went to $525,000 for Hip No. 1068, a daughter of Gun Runner consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent. The dark bay or brown filly, who breezed an eighth on Saturday in :10 2/5, is out of Tamboz, by Tapit, a full sister to Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Tapizar.
Hip No. 942, a son of Lookin At Lucky who breezed an eighth in :10 flat on Friday, went to West Point Thoroughbreds, LEB Agent, for $500,000. The bay colt, consigned by Crane Thoroughbred Services, Agent, is a full brother to graded stakes-placed OBS graduate Giuseppe the Great out of Shawnee Moon, by Forestry.
Hip No. 995, a daughter of Distorted Humor consigned by S G V Thoroughbreds LLC (Steven Venosa), Agent, was sold to Alistair Roden Bloodstock, Agent for MKW Racing & Breeding, for $485,000. The dark bay or brown filly, who turned in an eighth in :9 4/5 on Friday, is a half-sister to graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Speed Boat Beach out of Sophia Mia, by Pioneerof the Nile.
Hip No. 1012, a daughter of Speightstown consigned by Scanlon Training & Sales, Agent for Excel Bloodstock (Bruno DeBerdt), went to Bradley Thoroughbreds, Agent, for $485,000. The chestnut filly is out of graded stakes- placed Spooky Woods, by Ghostzapper, from the family of graded stakes-winning 3-year-old OBS graduate Arabian Knight.
Hip No. 1157, a son of Take Charge Indy consigned by S B M Training and Sales, Agent, was sold for $410,000 to Cherie De Vaux, Agent. The dark bay or brown colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 flat on Saturday, is a half-brother to stakes-placed La Palina out of Upstager, by Distorted Humor, a daughter of Gr. I stakes-placed stakes-winner Stage Luck.
Cherie De Vaux, Agent, went to $400,000 for Hip No. 979, a daughter of Arrogate consigned by Eisaman Equine, Agent. The gray or roan filly, who breezed an eighth on Friday in :10 2/5, is out of Smooth Path, by Scat Daddy, a half sister to stakes winner Taraz.
Hip No. 1045, a son of Catalina Cruiser consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent, was sold to R. Brisset, Agent for September Farm & Storrytener for $400,000. The bay colt, who worked an eighth in :10 flat on Friday, is a half-brother to stakes-placed Bernabreezy out of stakes-winner Super Allison, by Super Saver.
Hip No. 1112, a daughter of Good Magic consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, sped an Under Tack quarter in :20 3/5, Saturday’s fastest at the distance. The chestnut filly is out of Tiz Heavenly, by Tiznow, a daughter of graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Tasha’s Miracle, and was purchased for $400,000 by Olivia Perkins-Mackey, Agent.
For the day, 166 horses brought a total of $22,659,000 compared with 158 selling for a total of $18,070,000 last year. The average price was $136,500, compared to $114,367 in 2022, while the median price was $65,000 compared to $53,500 a year ago. The buyback percentage was14%; it was 21% in 2022. For the entire sale, 699 horses sold for a Spring Sale record total of $90,805,000 compared with 705 horses bringing the previous record $90,723,000 last year. The average price was a record $129,907 compared with last year’s record $128,685, while the median was $65,000, identical to last year’s record $65,000. The buyback percentage was 16.8%; it was 15.8% a year ago.
Hip No. 782, a son of Gun Runner consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent, went to Donato Lanni, Agent, for $2,200,000 to top the third session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2023 Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training. The bay colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 1/5 at Thursday’s Under Tack session, is a full brother to graded stakes-placed Runaway Wife, out of stakes-winning Perfect Wife, by graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Majesticperfection. Hip No. 786, I’lltaketheblame, a son of Blame consigned by Coastal Equine (Jesse Hoppel), Agent, was purchased by West Bloodstock, Agent for Repole Stable, Inc., for $700,000. The bay colt, whose quarter in :21 flat was co-fastest at the distance at Thursday’s Under Tack session, is a half-brother to graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Jalen Journey out of Petunia Face, by Congrats.
Hip No. 682, a son of Uncle Mo consigned by Gene Recio, Agent, was sold to Benjamin Gase for $675,000. The bay colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 1/5 on Wednesday, is out of Mezinka, by Bodemeister, a half-sister to Gr. I stakes- winner and major sire Pioneerof the Nile.
Hip No. 777, a daughter of graded stakes-winning OBS graduate and leading sire Into Mischief, consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, was sold for $575,000 to Fergus Galvin, Agent. The bay filly, who breezed an eighth in :10 1/5 on Thursday, is out of Pearl River, by Quality Road, from the family of champion Sweet Catomine.
Hip No. 617, Hard Knox, a son of Omaha Beach consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, went to Woodslane Farm for $550,000. The bay colt, who turned in an Under Tack quarter on Wednesday in :20 3/5, is out of stakes-placed Lantiz, by Tizway, from the family of champion Plugged Nickle.
Hip No. 883, a daughter of Blame consigned by Hidden Brook, Agent, went to C R K Stable, LLC for $550,000. The bay filly who turned in a quarter on Friday in :21 1/5, is a half-sister to stakes-placed OBS graduate Bode’s Maker out of Romantic Frolic, by Vindication, a daughter of graded stakes-winner Lindsay Frolic.
Hoby Kight, Agent, paid $500,000 for Hip No. 793, a son of graded stakes-winning OBS graduate and leading sire Into Mischief, consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, Agent. The bay colt, whose eighth in :9 4/5 was Thursday’s co-fastest, is out of Pisa No Tiffany, by Fusaichi Pegasus, a half-sister to Gr. I stakes-winner and successful sire Tapit.
Hip No. 686, a son of Candy Ride (ARG) consigned by Pick View, Agent, was purchased by Spendthrift Farm LLC and West Point Thoroughbreds for $485,000. The bay colt, who worked an eighth in :10 1/5 on Wednesday, is a half-brother to graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Faypien out of stakes-winning OBS graduate Mighty Eros, by Freud.
Hip No. 742, a son of Vino Rosso consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, was sold to FMQ Stables for $475,000. The chestnut colt, who breezed a quarter on Thursday in :21 1/5, is a half-brother to graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Three Technique out of graded stakes-placed Nite in Rome, by Harlan’s Holiday.
Hip No. 662, a daughter of Liam’s Map consigned by Ocala Stud, was purchased by Mansfield Racing for $440,000. The dark bay or brown filly, who worked a quarter in :20 4/5 on Wednesday, is out of Magnolias in Bloom, by Flatter, a half-sister to stakes-winner Quinoa Tifah.
Cherie De Vaux, Agent, went to $400,000 for Hip No. 722, a son of Uncle Mo consigned by Top Line Sales, Agent. The bay colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 1/5 on Thursday, is out of Multi Strategy, by Scat Daddy, a daughter of graded stakes- winner Freefourracing.
Hip No. 843, a son of Nyquist consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, went to Slugo Racing for $400,000. The bay colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 flat on Thursday, is out of stakes-placed Radish, by Square Eddie, a full sister to stakes-winner Sprouts.
For the day, 158 horses brought a total of $21,001,000 compared with 176 selling for a total of $23,745,500 at last year’s third session. The average price was $132,918, compared to $134,918 in 2022 while the median price was $66,000 compared with $61,000 a year ago. The buyback percentage was 26.2%; it was 14.6% last year.
Hip No. 449, a son of Frosted consigned by Longoria Training & Sales, Agent, went to Donato Lanni, Agent, for $900,000 to top the second session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2023 Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. The bay colt, whose eighth in :9 3/5 was co-fastest at the distance at Tuesday’s Under Tack session, is out of Handwoven, by Indian Charlie, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed Flatter Than Me. Hip No. 510, a son of Justify consigned by Paul Sharp, Agent, was sold to Mick Wallace, Agent for Gandharvi Stable, for $750,000. The bay colt, who sped an eighth in :10 flat on Tuesday, is out of Iadorakid, by Lemon Drop Kid, a half-sister to champion El Tormenta.
Hip No. 320, a colt by Bolt d’Oro consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, was sold to K. Radcliffe for Lady Sheila Stable & Partners for $700,000. The gray or roan colt, who breezed an eighth on Monday in :10 1/5, is out of Elusive Wave, by Mizzen Mast, a full sister to Gr. I stakes-winner Mizdirection.
Clay Scherer, Agent, paid $700,000 for Hip No. 532, a daughter of Omaha Beach consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent. The bay filly, who breezed an eighth on Wednesday in :9 4/5, the day’s co-fastest at the distance, is a half-sister to stakes-placed Count Alexander out of Intelyhente, by Smart Strike, a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Bel Air Beauty.
Hip No. 570, a son of Lookin At Lucky consigned by Cortez Racing & Sales, Agent, went to West Bloodstock, Agent for Repole Stable, Inc. for $700,000. The bay colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 flat on Wednesday, is out of stakes-winner Joffe’s Run, by Giant’s Causeway, a daughter of graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Laguna Seca.
Hip No. 466, a son of Omaha Beach who breezed an eighth in :9 4/5 on Tuesday, was purchased for $650,000 by Spendthrift Farm & Nice Guys Stables. Consigned by Mayberry Farm, Agent, the chestnut colt is out of graded stakes-placed Heavenly Hill, by City Zip, a daughter of graded stakes-winner Pleasant Hill.
Muir Hut Stables went to $575,000 for Hip No. 450, a son of Ghostzapper consigned by Paul Sharp, Agent. The chestnut colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 1/5 on Tuesday, is out of Hannahanna, by Malibu Moon, a half-sister to graded stakes- winner Silent Bird.
West Bloodstock, Agent for Robert & Lawana Low, paid $475,000 for Hip No. 328, a son of Twirling Candy, consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent. The bay colt, who worked a quarter on Monday in :21 1/5, is out of Equilateral, by Arch, a half- sister to graded stakes-winner Itsaknockout.
Hip No. 519, Last Minute, a son of The Factor consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, went to Carolyn Wilson for $475,000. The bay colt, who worked an eighth in :9 4/5 on Tuesday, is out of graded stakes-placed Improv, by Distorted Humor, a daughter of graded stakes-winner One Caroline.
Hip No. 323, a son of Good Magic consigned by S G V Thoroughbreds LLC (Steven Venosa), Agent, went to More Play for $450,000. The chestnut colt, who breezed a quarter in :21 1/5 on Monday, is a half-brother to graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Sarah Sis, out of Emerald Gal, by champion OBS graduate Gilded Time.
Hip No. 559, a son of Uncle Mo consigned by Eisaman Equine, Agent, was purchased by Almasoud Naif Abdullah/ Abdulrahman Alsayed for $450,000. The gray or roan colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 2/5 on Wednesday, is out of Jade Princess, by Tapit, a daughter of Gr. I stakes-placed Jade Queen.
Hip No. 513, a son of Arrogate consigned by Cesar Loya Training & Sales, Agent, was sold to B S W / Crow Colts Group, Ghandarvi, Spendthrift, Schwartz for $410,000. The gray or roan colt, who worked a quarter in :21 1/5 on Tuesday, is out of Ifurhappynuknowit, by Bernardini, a daughter of Gr. I stakes-winner Mushka.
Hip No. 350, a son of Uncle Mo consigned by S G V Thoroughbreds LLC (Steven Venosa), Agent, was sold to K. Radcliffe for Vekoma Thoroughbreds LLC & Partners for $400,000. The bay colt, who turned in an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5 on Monday, is out of graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Fantastic Style, by Harlan’s Holiday.
Hip No. 399, a daughter of champion OBS graduate Mitole consigned by Julie Davies, Agent, went to Gentry for $400,000. The bay filly, who breezed an eighth on Tuesday in :9 4/5, is out of Gemini R N, by Mineshaft, a daughter of graded stakes- winner Sapphire N'Silk.
C R K Stable went to $400,000 for Hip No. 417, a daughter of Into Mischief consigned by Hidden Brook, Agent for Bonne Chance Farm LLC. The bay filly, who worked an eighth in :10 flat on Tuesday, is out of Goiaba, by Speightstown, a full sister to Gr. I stakes-winner Mozu Superflare.
For the day, 180 horses brought $23,468,000, compared with 191 selling for $26,114,500 at last year’s second session. The average price was $130,378 compared to $136,725 in 2022, while the median price was $65,000 compared with $75,000 a year ago. The buyback percentage was 20.7%; it was 12.8% last year.
Hip No. 253, a colt by Arrogate consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, Agent, went to Donato Lanni, Agent, for $1,450,000 to top the first session of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2023 Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. The bay colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 flat at Monday’s Under Tack session, is a half-brother to stakes-placed Sunset Promise out of Destine, by War Front from the family of champion Smoke Glacken. Hip No. 215, a daughter of Bolt d’Oro consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent, was sold to Lael Stable for $850,000. The dark bay or brown filly, who turned in an Under Tack eighth in :10 flat on Monday, is out of Creative Contessa, by Creative Cause, a half- sister to stakes-winner Amiable Grace.
Hip No. 192, a son of Twirling Candy consigned by S G V Thoroughbreds (Steven Venosa), Agent, went to Oliver St. Lawrence Bloodstock for $800,000. The dark bay or brown colt, whose eighth on Monday in :9 4/5 was the day’s co-fastest at the distance, is out of graded stakes-placed Conquest Babayaga, by Uncle Mo, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winning OBS graduate Negligee.
Hip No. 229, a daughter of Uncle Mo consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, Agent, was purchased by D. J. Stable /Gary Barber for $675,000. The dark bay or brown filly, who breezed an eighth on Monday in :10 1/5, is out of graded stakes-winner Customer Base, by Lemon Drop Kid.
Hip No. 19, a son of Constitution consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent, was purchased by Cherie De Vaux, Agent for Belladonna Racing V for $500,000. The chestnut colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 1/5 on Sunday, is a half-brother to stakes- winner Workaholic out of graded stakes-placed Allez Marie.
Hip No. 103 a son of Violence consigned by Richardson Bloodstock, Agent, was sold to MyRacehorse & Edge Racing for $400,000. The gray or roan colt, who breezed an eighth on Sunday in :10 flat, is out of Blues Corner, by Bluegrass Cat, a half- sister to graded stakes-winner San Pablo.
Hip No. 299, a son of Justify consigned by Navas Equine, was sold to Jay Em Ess Stable for $400,000. The chestnut colt, whose eighth in :9 4/5 was Monday’s co-fastest at the distance, is a half-brother to Gr. I stakes-winner Lady Aurelia out of graded stakes-winner D’ Wildcat Speed, by OBS graduate Forest Wildcat.
Hip No. 141, a daughter of Mendelssohn consigned by Off the Hook, Agent, went to CSLR Racing Partners for $385,000. The bay filly, whose eighth on Sunday in :9 3/5 was the sale’s co-fastest at the distance, is out of Caroline Victoria, by Lonhro (AUS), a daughter of graded stakes-winner Mighty Caroline.
Hip No. 176, a daughter of More Than Ready consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, went to Town & Country Racing for $380,000. The bay filly, who breezed a quarter on Sunday in :21 3/5, is a half-sister to graded stakes- winner Horologist out of Cinderella Time, by Stephen Got Even.
Hip No. 77, a daughter of Omaha Beach consigned by Off the Hook, Agent, was sold to Maverick Racing & Siena Farms LLC for $375,000. The chestnut filly, who breezed an eighth on Sunday in :10 flat, is out of Belatrix, by Giant’s Causeway, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Dogtag.
Hip No. 249, a daughter of Bolt d’Oro consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, went to November Hill, Inc. for $375,000. The bay filly, who sped a quarter in :21 flat, is out of graded stakes-placed Del Mar May, from the family of stakes-winner Stone Carver.
Hip No. 4, a daughter of Audible consigned by Eisaman Equine, Agent, went to Full of Run Racing II & Ten Strike Racing for $350,000. The bay filly, who breezed an eighth in :10 2/5 on Sunday, is a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Elsa, out of Abtasaamah, by Distorted Humor.
Hip No. 156, a daughter of Uncle Mo consigned by Pick View, Agent, was sold to Skara Glen Stables, for $350,000. The dark bay or brown filly, who worked a quarter in :21 1/5 on Sunday, is out of Cersei, by Malibu Moon, a daughter of graded stakes-winner Oh What a Windfall.
C R K Stable went to $350,000 for Hip No. 178, a son of Good Magic consigned by Eisaman Equine, Agent. The chestnut colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 2/5 on Monday, is out of City Siren by OBS graduate City Zip, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner Cloud Computing.
Hip No. 193, a son of Good Samaritan consigned by Eddie Woods, Agent, was purchased for $340,00 by Klaravich Stable, Inc. The dark bay or brown colt, whose eighth in :9 4/5 was the day’s co-fastest, is out of OBS graduate Conquest Bad Uncle by Uncle Mo, a daughter of graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Worstcasescenario.
Cherie De Vaux, Agent for Belladonna Racing V, paid $330,000 for Hip No. 64, a son of Oscar Performance who breezed an eighth on Sunday in :10 2/5. Consigned by Eisaman Equine, Agent, the bay colt is out of Gr. I stakes-winner Balance, by Thunder Gulch, a half-sister to Horse of the Year Zenyatta.
Hip No. 81, a son of Curlin consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent, went to Winchell Thoroughbreds for $310,000. The chestnut colt, who breezed an eighth in :10 2/5 on Sunday, is out of graded stakes-winner Bellavais, by Tapit, a daughter of graded stakes-winner La Cloche, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner Memories of Silver.
Hip No. 228, a son of Into Mischief consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent, went to Mike Ryan, Agent for Peter Redekop BC Ltd., for $310,000. The bay colt, who breezed an eighth on Monday in :10 1/5, is a half-brother to graded stakes-placed Sine Wave out of graded stakes-placed Curlina, by Cuvee.
For the session, 161 horses brought $22,003,000, compared with 180 selling for a total of $22,793,000 at last year’s opening session. The average price was $136,665, up 7.9% compared to $126,628 in 2022, while the median price was $75,000, up 20% compared with $62,500 a year ago. The buyback percentage was 21.8%; it was 15.1% last year.
The Maryland Jockey Club announced that after consultation with the Maryland Racing Commission, racing has been canceled this weekend at Laurel Park while MJC works with the Maryland Racing Commission to understand and address any issues of concern raised relating to recent injuries.
MJC will also be discussing plans for implementation of updated safety and veterinary protocols similar to those that have been in place in California since 2019 and have proven to significantly reduce the number of equine fatalities during racing and training.
Colts by Blame, Cable Bay, No Nay Never and a Hard Spun filly worked quarters in :21 flat to post the fastest works at the distance at the fifth session of the Under Tack Show for the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2023 Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. Hip No. 786, I’lltaketheblame, a bay colt by Blame consigned by Coastal Equine (Jesse Hoppel), Agent, is a half-brother to graded stakes-winning OBS graduate Jalen Journey, out of Petunia Face, by Congrats.
Hip No. 814, consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, is a chestnut filly by Hard Spun out of stakes-winner Princessof the Nyl, by Pioneerof the Nile, from the family of champion Althea.
Hip No. 847, a bay colt by Cable Bay also consigned by Tom McCrocklin, is a half-brother to graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Prince Lancelot out of Rainbow Vale, by Moss Vale, a daughter of graded stakes -winner Rainbows For All (IRE).
Hip No. 868, a dark bay or brown colt by No Nay Never consigned by Lucan Bloodstock (Karl Keegan), Agent, is a half- brother to graded stakes-winner Commemorative (GB) out of Revered, by Oasis Dream (GB).
Six youngsters shared honors for the day’s fastest eighth, clocked in :9 4/5. Hip No. 710, consigned by New Horizons Bloodstock, is a dark bay or brown filly by Enticed out of Mooji’s Empire, by Empire Maker, a daughter of graded stakes-placed stakes-winner OBS graduate Mooji Moo.
Hip No. 719, a bay filly by Race Day consigned by Randy Miles, Agent, is out of Morning Memo, by Morning Line, a daughter of graded stakes-winner Memorette.
Hip No. 728, a bay filly by Maximus Mischief also consigned by Randy Miles, Agent, is a half-sister to stakes-winner It’s High Time out of My Rolex, by Proud Accolade, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner Black Seventeen.
Hip No. 785, consigned by Two Oaks Equine, is a dark bay or brown filly by Bolt d’Oro out of Petunia, by OBS graduate Into Mischief, a half-sister to stakes-placed Farolero.
Hip No. 793, a bay colt by OBS graduate Into Mischief consigned by Hartley / DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, Agent, is out of Pisa No Tiffany, by Fusaichi Pegasus, a half-sister to Gr. I stakes-winner and leading sire Tapit.
Hip No. 845, a chestnut colt by Army Mule consigned by Pick View, Agent, is out of Raging Atlantic, by Stormy Atlantic, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed stakes-winning OBS graduate Seven Trumpets.
There were six quarters in :21 1/5. Hip No. 742, a chestnut colt by Vino Rosso consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, is a half-brother to graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Three Technique out of graded stakes-placed Nite in Rome, by Harlan’s Holiday.
Hip No. 763, a bay colt by Force the Pass also consigned by Tom McCrocklin, is out of Our Treasure, by Repent, a half-sister to stakes-winning two-time OBS graduate Straight Faced.
Hip No. 824, consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, is a dark bay or brown filly by Jess’s Dream out of Prove Me, by Big Drama, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed stakes-winning two-time OBS graduate Pudding.
Hip No. 848, consigned by Ocala Stud, is a bay colt by Khozan out of Rainfall, by Blame, from the family of Gr. I stakes- winner Indian Charlie.
Hip No. 865, a bay colt by Maximus Mischief consigned by Golden Rock Thoroughbreds, Agent, is out of Resolana, by Put It Back, a half-sister to graded stakes-winning two-time OBS graduate Coppa.
Hip No. 875, consigned by Blue River Bloodstock, Inc., Agent, is a chestnut colt by OBS graduate World of Trouble out of Risk Premium, by Take Charge Indy, a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Melmich.
Hip No. 618, a daughter of Speightstown consigned by All Dreams Equine, Agent, sped a quarter in a track record-equaling :20 1/5 to post the session’s fastest work at the distance at the fourth session of the Under Tack Show for the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2023 Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. The bay filly is a half-sister to recent stakes-winner Lady Lowery and a three-quarter sister to graded stakes-winner Speightster, out of Last Dance, by Revolutionary. There was one quarter mile breeze in :20 3/5. Hip No. 617, Hard Knox, a bay colt by Omaha Beach consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, is out of stakes-laced Lantiz, by Tizway, from the family of champion Plugged Nickle.
Six youngsters shared honors for the day’s fastest eighth, clocked in :9 4/5. Hip No. 532, a bay filly by Omaha Beach consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, is a half- sister to stakes-placed OBS graduate Count Alexander out of Intelyhente, by Smart Strike, a full sister to graded stakes-winner Bel Air Beauty.
Hip No. 544, a dark bay or brown filly by Divining Rod consigned by Best A Luck Farm LLC, Agent, is a half-sister to Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Aloha West, out of graded stakes-winner Island Bound, by Speightstown.
Hip No. 632, consigned by Kings Equine, Agent, is a bay colt by Maximus Mischief out of Lilly Marie, by Bernardini, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner Winning Cause.
Hip No. 634, Afternoon Surprise, a gray or roan colt by Tapwrit consigned by Top Line Sales LLC, Agent, is a half-brother to graded stakes-placed OBS graduate Dream Marie out of Lin Marie, by Curlin.
Hip No. 667, also consigned by Wavertree, is a chestnut filly by Omaha Beach out of Malibu Pride, by Malibu Moon, a full sister to stakes-winner By the Light.
Hip No. 692, a chestnut colt by Solomini consigned by Randy Miles, Agent, is a half-brother to graded stakes-winning two-time OBS graduate Lookin to Strike out of Miss Bonnie, by Officer.
There were three quarters timed in :20 4/5 Hip No. 599, consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, is a bay colt by Gormley out of K K’s Buckeye, by Alcindor, a half- sister to stakes-winner Dirt Monster.
Hip No. 662, consigned by Ocala Stud, is a dark bay or brown filly by Liam’s Map out of Magnolias in Bloom, a half-sister to stakes-winner Quinoa Tifah.
Hip No. 671, a bay filly by OBS graduate The Big Beast consigned by Silvestre Chavez Thoroughbreds, Agent, is a half-sister to stakes-placed Marathon Queen out of graded stakes-placed OBS graduate Marathon Lady, by Graeme Hall.
There was a single quarter clocked in :21 flat. Hip No. 526, consigned by Blue River Bloodstock Inc., Agent, is a chestnut colt by OBS graduate Kantharos out of stakes-winner Indigo Gin, by Lemon Drop Kid, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner Sharp Lisa.
One horse worked a quarter in :25.1
Hip No. 629, consigned by Coastal Equine LLC (Jesse Hoppel), Agent, is a gray or roan filly by Funtastic out of stakes-winner Light Cat, by Indygo Shiner, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner Una Chiquitita (CHI).
Hip No. 449, a son of Frosted consigned by Longoria Training & Sales, Agent, breezed an eighth in :9 3/5 to post the fastest work at the distance at the third session of the Under Tack Show for the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2023 Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. The bay colt is out of Handwoven, by Indian Charlie, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed Flatter Than Me. Hip No. 484, a daughter of Nyquist consigned by Top Line Sales, Agent, turned in the day’s fastest quarter, stopping the timer in :20 3/5. The bay filly is out of stakes-winning OBS graduate Hi Holiday, by Harlan’s Holiday, a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Dr B. There were two quarters timed in :20 4/5 Hip No. 364, consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, is a bay filly by champion OBS graduate Mitole out of Fiercely, by Hard Spun, a half-sister to stakes-winner Ex Pirate.
Hip No. 518, a gray or roan filly by Liam’s Map consigned by Top Line Sales LLC, Agent, is out of Imprint, by Quality Road, from the family of grade one stakes winner Heart of Darkness. breeze video Six youngsters turned in eighths clocked in :9 4/5. Hip No. 381, a chestnut colt by Tapiture consigned by Global Thoroughbreds LLC, Agent, is a half-brother to stakes- placed Jumeirah out of Foxbeau, by Bluegrass Cat.
Hip No. 399, a bay filly by champion OBS graduate Mitole consigned by Julie Davies LLC, Agent, is out of Gemini R N. by Mineshaft, a daughter of graded stakes-winner Sapphire N’ Silk.
Hip No. 466, consigned by Mayberry Farm, Agent, is a chestnut colt by Omaha Beach out of graded stakes-placed Heavenly Hill, by City Zip, a daughter of graded stakes-winner Pleasant Hill.
Hip No. 490, a chestnut filly by Malibu Moon consigned by Centofani Thoroughbreds, Agent, is a half brother to graded stakes placed stakes winner Above Fashion out of stakes winner Holy Fashion, by Holy Bull.
Hip No. 519, Last Minute, a bay colt by The Factor consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, is out of graded stakes-placed Improv, by Distorted Humor, a daughter of graded stakes-winner One Caroline.
Hip No. 520, consigned by de Meric Sales, Agent, is a bay filly by Twirling Candy out of I’m So Fancy, by Unbridled’s Song, a daughter of graded stakes-placed Real Fancy Runner.
There were five quarters clocked in :21 flat. Hip No. 435, a dark bay or brown colt by Munnings consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, is out of graded stakes-placed Grateful, by Hard Spun, a full sister to stakes-winner Integrity.
Hip No. 439, consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, is a dark bay or brown colt by Omaha Beach out of stakes- winner Green Destiny, by Super Saver, a daughter of stakes-winner Defy Gravity.
Hip No. 464, also consigned by Wavertree, is a bay filly by St. Patrick’s Day out of stakes-placed OBS graduate Heat Transfer, by Latent Heat, from the family of graded stakes-winner Perfect Officer.
Hip No. 488, a dark bay or brown colt by OBS graduate The Big Beast consigned by Ocala Stud, is a half-brother to stakes-placed OBS graduate Restofthestory out of Holiday Flare, by Harlan’s Holiday.
Hip No. 508, consigned by Omar Ramirez Bloodstock, Agent, is a bay filly by Algorithms out of Hug Doc, by Medaglia d’Oro, a daughter of champion Ipitombe (ZIM).
One horse worked a quarter in :21 1/5. Hip No. 513, consigned by Cesar Loya Training & Sales, Agent, is a gray or roan colt by Arrogate out of Ifurhappynuknowit, by Bernardini, a daughter of Gr. I stakes-winner Mushka.
Hip No. 332, a son of No Nay Never, sped a quarter in :20 4/5 to post the fastest work at the distance at the second session of the Under Tack Show for the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2023 Spring Sale of Two-Year-Olds in Training. The dark bay or brown colt, consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, is out of graded stakes-winner Etoile, by War Front, a full sister to graded stakes-winner Ancient Rome. Four horses shared honors for the session’s fastest eighth, clocked in :9 4/5. Hip No. 177, Julia’s Dream, a chestnut filly by Flameaway consigned by Grassroots Training & Sales, Agent, is a half-sister to stakes-placed OBS graduate Livin Peace out of Cinnamon Girl, by Meadowlake.
Hip No. 192, consigned by S G V Thoroughbreds (StevenVenosa), Agent, is a dark bay or brown colt by Twirling Candy out of graded stakes-placed Conquest Babayaga, by Uncle Mo, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winning OBS graduate Negligee.
Hip No. 239, Slider, a bay colt by Jimmy Creed consigned by Marcial Galan, Agent, is a half-brother to stakes- placed Pete Marwick out of stakes-placed Days Like This, by Congrats, a half-sister to stakes-winning OBS graduate Babaganush.
Hip No. 299, a chestnut colt by Justify consigned by Navas Equine, is a half-brother to Gr. I stakes-winner Lady Aurelia out of graded stakes-winning two-time OBS graduate Wildcat Speed, by OBS graduate Forest Wildcat.
Hip No. 249, a daughter of Bolt d’Oro consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, turned in the session’s only quarter in :21 flat. The bay filly is out of graded stakes-placed Del Mar May, by Jimmy Creed, from the family of stakes-winner Stone Carver. There were five quarters clocked in :21 1/5. Hip No. 232, consigned by Gene Recio, Agent, is a dark bay or brown colt by Army Mule out of Dance for Daddy, by Scat Daddy, from the family of champion Dance Smartly.
Hip No. 240, a dark bay or brown filly by Palace Malice consigned by Thorostock, Agent, is a half-sister to graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Dazzling Gem out of Dazzler, by Vindication.
Hip No. 285, consigned by Azpurua Stables, Agent, is a dark bay or brown colt by First Dude out of Dramamina, by Big Drama, a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Wall Street Wonder.
Hip No. 319, a bay colt by Omaha Beach consigned by Lucan Bloodstock (Karl Keegan), Agent, is a half-brother to graded stakes-placed On The Warpath (GB) out of stakes-winner Elusive Pearl, by Medaglia d’Oro.
Hip No. 328, consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, is a bay colt by Twirling Candy out of Equilateral, by Arch, a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Itsaknockout, from the family of graded stakes-winner Rush Bay.
There were four quarters timed in :21 2/5. Hip No. 263, consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, is a bay colt by Maximus Mischief out of stakes-placed Dis Smart Cat, by Square Eddie, from the family of stakes-winner Stuttering.
Hip No. 315, a chestnut colt by Lord Nelson consigned by Little Farm Equine, Agent, is a half-brother to graded stakes-winner Hopeful Treasure out of Elle Special, by Giant’s Causeway.
Hip No. 340, a bay colt by Maximus Mischief also consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, is a half-brother to stakes- winner Excellent Timing out of Explicable, by Pioneerof the Nile.
Hip No. 343, consigned by Coastal Equine (Jesse Hoppel), Agent, is a bay filly by Enticed out of Eye Candy Annie, by Candy Ride (ARG), a daughter of stakes-winner Annie’s Apple.
Hip No. 141, a daughter of Mendelssohn consigned by Off the Hook, Agent, sped an eighth in :9 3/5 to post the fastest work at the distance at the opening session of the Under Tack Show for the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company’s 2023 Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training, a session marked by increasing headwinds throughout the day. The bay filly is out of Caroline Victoria, by Lonhro (AUS), from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner American Theorem. Hip No. 3, a daughter of Bolt d’Oro consigned by RiceHorse Stable (Brandon & Ali Rice), breezed the day’s fastest quarter, stopping the timer in :20 3/5. The dark bay or brown filly is out of graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Above Fashion, by Paddy O’Prado. Three horses breezed eighths in :9 4/5. Hip No. 1, a dark bay or brown filly by Bee Jersey consigned by Hoppel’s Horse & Cattle Co., Inc. is a half-sister to stakes- placed Perfect Sr., out of graded stakes-placed Aaroness, by Distorted Humor.
Hip No. 37, a dark bay or brown filly by Flameaway consigned by S G V Thoroughbreds (Steven Venosa), Agent, is a half- sister to Gr. I stakes-placed Nasreddine, out of graded stakes-placed Appreciating, by Sky Mesa.
Hip No. 71, consigned by Top Line Sales, Agent, is a bay filly by Vino Rosso out of Beautissimo, by Uncle Mo, a half- sister to graded stakes-placed stakes-winning OBS graduate Two Thirty Five.
Two horses worked quarters in :20 4/5. Hip No. 27, a chestnut colt by OBS graduate Kantharos consigned by Tom McCrocklin, Agent, is out of Always Right, by Arch, from the family of Gr. I stakes-winner McKinzie.
Hip No. 57, consigned by J V C Training and Sales, is a chestnut filly by Midshipman out of Avoree Noel, by Lion Tamer, a half-sister to stakes-winner Country Diva.
A pair of horses worked quarters in :21 flat. Hip No. 39, a bay filly by West Coast consigned by Harris Training Center, Agent, is a half-sister to stakes-placed Jerry the Nipper out of graded stakes-placed Aqua Regia, by Pollard’s Vision.
Hip No. 90, consigned by CM Thoroughbreds, is a gray or roan colt by Cairo Prince out of Canadian Horse of the Year Biofuel, by Stormin Fever, a half-sister to champion Tu Endie Wei.
Four horses worked quarters in :21 1/5. Hip No. 6, consigned by Ocala Stud, is a bay filly by Girvin out of Adios Annie, by OBS graduate Adios Charlie, a daughter of stakes-winner Burn Brightly.
Hip No. 156, a dark bay or brown filly by Uncle Mo consigned by Pick View, Agent, is out of Cersei, by Malibu Moon, a daughter of Gr. I stakes-winner Oh What a Windfall.
Hip No. 158, Tap the Champagne, a gray or roan filly by Tapit consigned by Eddie Woods, Agent, is a half-sister to grade one stakes winner Majestic Harbor out of stakes placed Champagne Royale, by French Deputy.
Hip No. 167, a bay filly by Preservationist consigned by Wavertree Stables, Inc. (Ciaran Dunne), Agent, is a half-sister to graded stakes-winner Great Escape out of Chickasaw Gal, by Indian Charlie.
A trio of horses worked quarters in :21 2/5.
Hip No. 16, a bay filly by Twirling Candy consigned by Oak Creek Thoroughbreds, Agent, is out of Ain’t She Sweet, by Storm Cat, a full sister to champion Sweet Catomine.
Hip No. 41, consigned by Global Thoroughbreds LLC, Agent, is a bay filly by Practical Joke out of Arbitress, by Tiznow, a half-sister to graded stakes-placed stakes-winner Tempus Fugit.
Hip No. 53, a chestnut colt by Mor Spirit consigned by Lucan Bloodstock (Karl Keegan), Agent, is out of Auntie’s the One, by Exchange Rate, from the family of graded stakes-winner Real Courage.
There were 23 eighths in :10 flat.
Hip 10, Hip 20, Hip 38, Hip 50, Hip 51, Hip 77, Hip 78, Hip 83, Hip 89, Hip 94, Hip 95, Hip 103, Hip 117, Hip 123, Hip 125, Hip 129, Hip 140, Hip 151, Hip 157, Hip 164, Hip 165, Hip 171, Hip 173.
Flurry Racing Stables and Hoffman Family Racing’s Key of Life went right to the front at the start of Keeneland’s $400,000, Gr. II Beaumont Stakes and was never headed, holding off a late charge to score by a neck.
It’s the third stakes victory for the 3-year-old daughter of Mo Town, a two-time OBS graduate, sold by K P Sales, Agent, at the 2021 October Selected Yearling Sale, and then purchased for $350,000 out of the Top Line Sales consignment at the 2022 Spring Sale after breezing an eighth in :9 4/5. Trained by Brad Cox, she has compiled an 8-5-0-3 career record and earned $633,275. Paradise Farms Corp., David Staudacher, Skychai Racing and Angelo Carlesimo’s Gaslight Dancer saved ground early in Sunday’s $246,269 Palisades Stakes at Keeneland, then swung out for the drive, took over a furlong out and was best by a length and a half at the wire. Fellow OBS graduate Chiringo (March ’22) checked in third.
It’s the first stakes win for the graded stakes placed 3-year-old colt by City of Light, purchased for $260,000 out of the Julie Davies consignment at the 2022 OBS Spring Sale after breezing an Under Tack eighth in :10 2/5. He’s now 5-2-1-0 for trainer Mike Maker and has earned $282,554.
Pierre Jean Amestoy, Jr., Leslie A. Amestoy and Roger K. Beasley’s Practical Move is on his way to the Kentucky Derby after capturing an exciting renewal of the Gr. I Santa Anita Derby on Saturday.
Saving ground just off the lead, the 3-year-old son of Practical Joke slipped through to take command coming to the quarter pole, then held off a stretch run by Japanese invader Mandarin Hero to win by a nose, with fellow OBS graduate Skinner (April ’22) half a length back in third. That’s three straight graded stakes wins for the 2022 OBS Spring Sale graduate, purchased for $230,000 out of the Eisaman Equine consignment after turning in an Under Tack eighth in :10 1/5. Now 7-4-1-2 for trainer Tim Yakteen, he has earned $884,200. James M. and Donna Daniell’s Offlee Naughty, overlooked at 11-1 in Santa Anita’s $200,500, Gr. II Charles Whittingham Stakes, trailed in the early going but closed with a rush in the stretch and was up late to score by a length. It’s the first stakes win for the 5-year-old son of Flashback, trained by Mike McCarthy, now 16-4-1-1 with $310,645 in earnings. He was sold for $4,000 by J V C Training and Sales (Jorge and Maria Villagomez), Agent, at the 2020 OBS June Sale after breezing an eighth in :10 2/5 at the Under Tack Show. Hoffman Thoroughbreds and Tom McCrocklin’s Promiseher America tracked the leaders in the early going of Aqueduct’s $250,000, Gr. III Gazelle Stakes, took the lead approaching the head of the stretch, and turned back the closers to score by half a length. It’s the first stakes victory for the 3-year-old filly by American Pharoah, trained by Raymond Handal, now 4-2-1-0 with $198,138 in earnings. At the 2022 OBS Spring Sale, she was purchased for $75,000 out of the Tom McCrocklin consignment after turning in an Under Tack quarter in :21 2/5. Winning Move Stable’s Joey Freshwater posted his first stakes win on Saturday in Aqueduct’s Gr. III Bay Shore Stakes, sweeping four-wide to the lead coming off the turn and easing away down the stretch to a 1 1/4-length victory. The 3-year-old colt by Jimmy Creed was purchased for $25,000 out of the Harris Training Center consignment at the 2022 OBS June Sale after breezing an eighth in :10 1/5. Trained by Linda Rice, he’s now 6-3-1-1 and has earned $210,950. Little Red Feather Racing’s Elm Drive didn’t mind a bit when Santa Anita’s $201,000 Monrovia Stakes was moved to the main track. The 4-year-old graded stakes-winning daughter of Mohaymen pressed the pace from the rail, took command after turning for home and cruised to victory by a length and three quarters. She’s a two-time OBS graduate, purchased out of the Summerfield consignment at the 2020 October Yearling Sale then consigned to the 2021 March Sale by Paul Sharp, Agent, where she turned in an Under Tack eighth in :9 4/5 and was purchased for $165,000 by John Dowd on behalf of Little Red Feather Racing. Now 9-4-0-1 for trainer Philip D’Amato, she has earned $348,140.