American Pharoah preps for Haskell

On Tuesday morning, July 28, 2015, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah put in his final workout at Del Mar Race Track prior to heading to Oceanport, N.J. for the $1 million William Hill Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park on Sunday, Aug. 2.

American Pharoah puts in his final workout prior to the $1 million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015. (Photo by BenoitPhoto.com)

On board for the workout was jockey Martin Garcia, while trainer Bob Baffert, and owners Ahmed and Joanne Zayat watched from the stands.

American Pharoah covered the four furlong workout in 48.80.

Horses run for fun at Airdrie Stud

On Monday, July 27, 2015, Woodford Sun reporter Bob Vlach participated in the 40th annual Woodford County Farm Tour.

A small herd of mares and foals run around their paddock at Airdrie Stud in Midway, Ky. (Photo by Bob Vlach/The Woodford Sun)

His job was to cover the event and write about it in The Sun for the July 30, 2015 edition.

During the day, the tour stopped at former Kentucky Gov. Brereton Jones's Airdrie Stud in Midway, Ky., which is where Bob took this great photograph of some mares and foals running around their paddock and have a great time.

Check out the little guy at the back of the herd kicking up his heels as he runs to catch up to his mom.

Curalina wins CCA Oaks by DQ; Wild Dude scores upset in Big Crosby

Two major stakes races, one at Saratoga and one at Del Mar, with each ending in a surprise, highlight racing on Sunday, July 26.

At Saratoga, it was Curalina, with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez riding, that got the win in the $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks after the winner, I’m a Chatterbox, ridden by Florent Geroux, was disqualified.

Curalina, left, with jockey John Velazquez riding, won the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga on Sunday, June 26, 2015, after I’m a Chatterbox was DQd and placed second. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

What made the DQ even more amazing was that I’m a Chatterbox led gate-to-wire and then held on for, what appeared to be, a nose win over Curalina, the race betting-favorite.

However, Curalina, who had a rough ride from the start, when she bumped with rivals, was bumped by I’m a Chatterbox in the upper stretch, but still charted hard and fast down the rest of the stretch, battled side-by-side as the finish line got close, got bumped again, then lost by just a nose.

After the race, Velazquez lodged an objection because of the bumping, and following the steward’s inquiry, was made the winner, and I’m a Chatterbox was placed second.

The winning time for the 1-1/8th-mile race was 1:49.74.

Finishing third in the seven-horse field of 3-year-old fillies was Include Betty, the winner of the Mother Goose Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park on June 27.

“Based on the comments Johnny (Velazquez) made, he felt very sure he was going by that filly until that happened, said winning trainer Todd Pletcher. “It’s hard to appreciate while you are watching it live. After seeing that she came back one jump after the wire and put her nose in front, I feel less apologetic about that one.

“Yesterday, we weren’t bothered. We were the beneficiary of someone else being bothered. In this particular case, our filly was knocked off stride in a critical point in the race and got beat a couple inches. In my eyes, it probably made the difference. I’m sure there are other people that feel differently, but based on what Johnny said, just watching it there, I would have to agree.”

I’m a Chatterbox’s trainer, Larry Jones seemed to be okay with the decision. “I thought she (I’m a Chatterbox) ran very well, coming off a long layoff like that. She took a little time off and was good to go. We set very legitimate fractions and (still) to hold on, I’m thrilled with the horse. The jock rode a great race; he didn’t do anything to cause it (the infraction). He stuck with the right hand the whole way. She kind of jumped the tracks where the gate comes across, but you need to get the horse back over somehow. That’s just the way it goes.”

I’m a Chatterbox was running in her first race after a three-month layoff following her third-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill on May 1.

Owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Curalina, who is by Curlin-Whatdreamsrmadeof, by Graeme Hall, now has four wins, one second, and $666,800 in earnings in five career starts.

At Del Mar on Sunday in the $300,000 Bing Crosby Stakes (G1), 11-to-1 long shot Wild Dude, with jockey Flavien Prat riding, raced in fourth place in the five-horse field most of the way, then rallied furiously down the stretch, caught race-leader, and race-favorite, Masochistic, deep in the stretch and crossed the finish line a 1-1/4-length winner.

Wild Dude, with jockey Flavien Prat pulled off the upset and won the Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar on Sunday, June 26. (Photo by BenoitPhoto.com)

Finishing third was Kobe’s Back, followed by Caminetto and Distinctive Passion.

In winning his first Grade 1 stakes race, Wild Dude ran the six-furlong race on a dirt tracked rated fast in 1:09.51.

“The last time I rode him (Triple Bend Stakes (G1) on June 27; he finished third), I let him get a little too far back,” said Prat. “This time I was closer and the pace was a better one for us. They were going quickly. When I came around the turn, I knew I had horse, but I could see that other one (favorite Masochistic) out front, and I know how well he’s been running. I wasn’t sure if I could catch up to him. But, my horse leveled and he went right on by. He’s impressive.”

Owned by Jerry Hollendorfer, who also trains him, and Green Smith, Wild Dude, who is by Wildcat Heir-Courtly Choice, by Doneraile Court, now has six wins, three seconds, four thirds and $724,887 in earnings in 16 career starts.

In addition, with the win, Wild Dude earned a starting spot in the Breeders’ Cup Spring, as the Bing Crosby is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” race. The Breeders’ Cup will be held at Keeneland Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31.

As for Masochistic, he’s actually been running very well. He’s won his last three races, including the Triple Bend Stakes (G1) on June 27, 2015 at Santa Anita. In all, he’s won six of eight of his career starts and is currently the No. 2-ranked sprinter in the United States.

(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, NTRA.com, DMTC.com, BloodHorse.com and Brisnet.com)

Horse Racing turns to Saratoga and Del Mar

It's summer time and horse people and racing fans are flocking to New York and California for the 2016 race meets at Saratoga and Del Mar.

Yes, Saratoga, "The Spa," is open in New York, and Del Mar, where the "Turf meets the surf," is open in Southern California.

Here's a look at a few of the races.

Saratoga

On Saturday, July 25, 2015 – opening weekend at Saratoga, there were a few big stakes races that lived up to expectations

One of the most exciting was the $500,000 Diana Stakes (G1), a turf-race for fillies and mares, 2-years-old and up.

In the race, Hard Not to Like, with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez riding, rallied furiously down the stretch late trying to catch race leader Kitten's Queen and Tepin.

Soon the three were battling side-by-side with a furlong to go to the finish line, and at the wire, Hard Not to Like got her nose out front to get the win by a nose over Tepin, who outstretched Kitten's Queen for second-place by a neck.

In the process of getting the win, Hard Not to Like set a new course record of 1:45.22 on a turf-course rated firm in the seven-horse field.

Hard Not to Like, No. 4, rallied down the stretch to win the $500,000 Diana Stakes in an exciting three-horse finish. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

"I'm delighted she was ridden by Johnny Velazquez," said winning trainer Christophe Clement. "He's a top jockey, and there's a reason why. He makes a difference. She got a superb ride and she's also a very good filly. (At the eighth pole, I thought) to get a place, pretty good; to win, slim. The last 50 yards suddenly I got a bit excited because I thought, 'She's going to get there!' Remarkable ride from Johnny Velazquez. Life is goo. He knew there was going to be a decent amount of pace. The ground is firm, and they never came back. They went fast all the way to the end."

Added Velazquez, "This horse is much better now and is only improving. As the distance of the race got longer, the better the horse became. The horse is a little small and doesn't have the speed to stay with the other horses in the first part of the race. The longer the race went on, the longer the horse's strides became."

Owned by Speedway Stable, Hard Not to Like, a 6-year-old by Hard Spun-Like a Gem, by Tactical Cat now has eight wins, three seconds, two thirds and $1,261,671 in earnings in 20 career starts.

In a controversial finish, Magna Light, ridden by Jose Ortiz, scored a 3/4-length win over Uncle Vinny, in the $150,000 Sanford Stakes (G3). Finishing third I the 10-horse field was Percolator.

Ultimately, Uncle Vinny, who was ridden by Velazquez, got the win after Magna Light was disqualified and placed third because of interference in the stretch. Percolator got second.

The objection came because when the field began to catch up to race leader Magna Light in the stretch, Ortiz hit his horse with a left-handed whip, which caused the horse to come out four to five paths left. Then, trying to correct, Ortiz hit Magna Light with the whip, this time with his right hand, which caused the horse to shy right and into the path of Percolator, who was ridden by Kendrick Carmouhe, who made the objection.

"He was running down the lane," said Velazquez of Uncle Vinny. "We were getting to the point where he was rolling from the eighth pole to the wire, and he inherited the win. Nothing I can say. He definitely was coming running. (Magna Light) ran a great race, too."

Owned by Starlight Racing, Uncle Vinny ran the six-furlong race for 2-year-olds in 1:10.92. He now has two wins in three starts and $141,500 in earnings.

In an amazing finish to the $200,000 Lake George Stakes (G2), Mrs McDougal, with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard, rallied down the stretch and scored a 1/2-length victory over Feathered, who had led the entire race.

Finishing third in the nine-horse field of 3-year-old fillies by just a nose was Cara Marie, while behind her Partisan Politics was fourth by a neck, All in Fun was fifth by a head, an Jellicle Ball (Ire) was sixth by a head.

Rounding out the nine-horse field of 3-year-old fillies was Mississippi Delta seventh, followed by Robillard and Sivoliere (Ire).

Mrs McDougal, who is by Medaglia d'Oro-Distorted Passion, by Distorted Humor, ran the 1-1/16th-mile race in 1:41.52.

Owned by Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren, and trained by Chad Brown, Mrs McDougal now has three wins and $212,880 in five career starts.

In the $150,000 Schuylerville Stakes (G3), the featured stakes race on opening day at Saratoga, Friday, July 24, 2015, Off the Tracks, ridden by Luis Saez, took first place by 3-1/4-lengths over Benree.

Decked Out finished third in the eight-horse race for 2-year-old fillies.

Owned by J. Stables, and trained by Roderick Rodriguez, Decked Out, who is by Curlin-Harve de Grace, by Boston Harbor, ran the six-furlong dirt race on a track rate fast, in 1:11.27.

Decked Out, who is now undefeated in two career starts, has $111,600 in earnings.

Del Mar

The race meet at Del Mar started last week, but on this Saturday, there were a couple stakes races with some exiting finishes.

In the $200,500 San Diego Handicap (G2), Catch a Flight (Arg), who was piloted by Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens, stalked the race leaders, Appealing Tale and Bayern in third place along the outside, then rallied down the stretch to get the win by a head over Appealing Tale.

Catch a Flight, left, was the big winner at Del Mar on Saturday, as he scored a win by a head in the $200,500 San Diego Handicap (G2). (Photo by BenoitPhoto.com)

Finishing third in the seven-horse field of 3-year-olds and up was race-favorite Bayern, while second-betting favorite Hopportunity was fourth by a nose.

"He (Catch a Flight) won a lot of races in Brazil, not against the highest competition, but it gave him a good bit of experience," said winning trainer Richard Mandella. "He came here and he just keeps getting better and better. He was meant to sit back, but it looked like they were kin of getting away from him at the last turn and I was a little worried. But, I guess they used themselves enough that he caught them. The Pacific Classic is next."

Owned by Haras Santa Maria de Araras, Catch a Flight, who is by Giant's Causeway-Callaia (Arg), by Lode,  ran the 1-1/16th-mile race in 1:43.08. He now has three wins, three thirds and $401,760 in earnings in six career starts.

Also on Saturday at Del Mar, Big Book with jockey Rafael Bejarano riding, won the $200,000 Fleet Treat Stakes by 2-1/4 lengths over Kiss At Midnight.

Finishing third in the six-horse field of 3-year-old California-breds, or California-bred fillies was Sheer Pleasure.

Owned by George Krikorian and trained by Tim Yakteen, Big Book ran the seven-furlong dirt race on a track rated fast in 1:24.77.

With the win, Big Book remains undefeated with two wins and $68,400 in two career starts.

(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, NYRA.com, DMTC.com BloodHorse.com, and Brisnet.com)

War Emblem is coming home

War Emblem, winner of the 2002 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1), who has been standing at stud in Japan, is coming home to the United States to enjoy his retirement at Old Friends, the Thoroughbred retirement farm in Georgetown, Ky.

"It's just an embarrassment of riches," said Michael Blowen, Old Friends founder. "It has been mind-blowing to have one Kentucky Derby winner here (Silver Charm), and now we are just thrilled and honored to also be able to retire War Emblem. We can't thank the Yoshida family enough for entrusting us with their fabulous horse."

The news was broken by Michele MacDonald in a RacingPost.com article on July 21, 2015.

According to the Old Friends’ press release, “In the fall of 2002 War Emblem was sold to the Yoshida family of Japan for $17 million to stand at their renowned Shadai Stallion Station in Hokkaido, which also stood the great Sunday Silence. War Emblem proved a finicky but talented stallion, having sired less than 200 foals in his career but many of them talented runners, including Japan's champion 2-year-old filly and Group 1 winner Robe Tissage.

“War Emblem was retired from stud duty earlier this year and the Yoshida family generously agreed to donate the stallion to Old Friends. Negotiations have been coordinated by Narvick International's Emmanual de Seroux.”

Plans call for War Emblem to arrive at Old Friends in late September.

War Emblem is the second Kentucky Derby winner that will reside at Old Friends. Last November, Silver Charm also returned from Japan and came to Old Friends. He was visited by his former trainer, Bob Baffert, prior to this year’s Kentucky Derby.

In a couple twists of fate:

* Baffert also trained War Emblem to his wins in the Derby and Preakness.

* War Emblem eventually lost his chance at the Triple Crown that year in the Belmont Stakes (G1). He stumbled out of the gate and was never a factor. The eventual winner was long shot Sarava, who also calls Old Friends home.

So, the question now is – which paddock will War Emblem live – the one across from Silver Charm OR the one across from Sarava.

Time will tell.

Stay tuned for more updates on when War Emblem will arrive at Old Friends.

Gabriel Charles, Saratoga Snacks, Sheer Drama and Tiz Shea D score big wins

There were many good races across the United States this past Saturday, July 18, 2015. Here are just a few of them, each impressive in its own right.

At Del Mar Racetrack in the $400,500 Eddie Read Stakes (G1T), Gabriel Charles, with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith riding, settled next to last in the seven-horse field for most of the race, came out of the final turn flying, barreled down the stretch to take the lead from Twentytwentyvision near the sixteenth pole, and then pulled away for a 3-3/4-length win.

Gabriel Charles, with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith riding, won the Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar Racetrack on Saturday, July 18, 2015. (Photo by BenoitPhoto.com)

Twentytwentyvision crossed the wire in second, 3-3/4-lengths ahead of third-place finisher, Finnegans Wake.

“I don’t think it rained on the turf course; only the main track. It was plenty fast,” said Smith. “My horse was so nice and comfortable; going along so easy. I was watching the competition up front, but I thought I could handle them. I was worried about that one in the back (Finnnegans Wake). I knew he was going to be coming and he’s run some big ones. On the turn, I gunned him (Gabriel Charles) to put a little distance between myself and the rest (of the horses). I guess I sure did. He was impressive.”

Rounding out the field of 3-year-olds and up was Power Red fourth, followed by Midnight Storm, Big Cazanova (Arg), who had the early lead around the track, and Maltes (Brz).

Owned by Sam Britt and Michael House, Gabriel Charles, who is by Street Hero-Star of Atticus, by Atticus, ran the 1-1/8th-mile turf race in 1:48.13 on a track rated good following some rain.

The 5-year-old Gabriel Charles had been out of racing between November 2013 and April 2015, recovering from a bowed tendon. He came into the Eddie Read off a third-place finish in the American Stakes (G3) on May 9 and a second in an allowance race on April 16. Both races were at Santa Anita.

“…He (Mike Smith) was perched up on him like they were going a two-minute mile and when he swung him into the clear I could see he had plenty of horse,” said winning trainer Jeff Mullins. “How many horse bow a tendon and come back and win a Group 1? We took our time with him and that was the key. We knew he had this caliber of talent, bit was a matter of keeping him healthy. We were worried about the turf course after the rain, but Mike said the course was great.”

Prior to his injury, Gabriel Charles had won the Del Mar Derby (G2) on Sept. 1, 2013, and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Preview Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita on Nov. 13, 2012.

It appears with his win in the Eddie Read, Gabriel Charles has returned to form. He now has four wins, four seconds and $584,400 in 10 career starts.

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Saratoga Snacks put on an impressive show at Belmont Park on Saturday.

With Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez riding, Saratoga Snacks broke from gate two, took the lead and went gate-to-wire to win the $100,000 Saginaw Stakes by three-quarters of a length over Empire Dreams.

Saratoga Snacks, right, with Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez aboard, went gate-to-wire to win the Saginaw Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday, July 18, 2015. (Photo by Coglianese Photos)

Finishing third in the five-horse field of New York bred 4-year-olds and up was Gridley Here, followed by Notacatbutallama and Eye Luv Lulu.

Owned and trained by Gary Sciacca, 6-year-old Saratoga Snacks ran the 1-1/16th-mile dirt race in 1:43.98 on a track rated as good.

With the win, Saratoga Snacks, who is by Tale of the Cat-Near and Dear, by Red Ransom, now has nine wins, four seconds, four thirds, and $652,000 in earnings in 21 career starts.

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At Delaware Park on Saturday in the $750,250 Delaware Handicap (G1), Sheer Drama, who was ridden by jockey Joe Bravo, stalked race leader Frivolous for most of the race, then began to make his move going around the final turn, took the lead in the stretch and went on to a two-length victory.

Frivolous finished second by 3-3/4 lengths over America. Rounding out the seven-horse field of fillies and mares 3-years-old and up was Flashy American fourth, followed by Rosalind, Joint Return and Fortune Pearl.

Sheer Drama ran the 1-1/4-mile dirt race in 2:01.58 on a track rated fast.

Interestingly, in their last meeting on June 13 at Churchill Downs, Sheer Drama finished second to Frivolous in the 1-1/8th-mile Fleur de Lis Handicap (G2). This time around, the 5-year-old filly by Burning Roma-Riveting Drama, by Notebook, turned the tables and got the win.

“Winning a Grade 1 with her (Sheer Drama) is a big deal,” said winning trainer David Fawkes in a July 18 BloodHorse.com article. “This race played out just like the Fleur de Lis, but I knew the added distance would help us. I love when she was sitting second. It was picture-perfect.”

Owned by Harold L. Queen, Sheer Drama now has five wins, eight seconds, one third and $918,840 in earnings in 18 career starts.

As to her next race, Hawkes said in the BloodHorse.com article, “We’re not sure where she’ll go next and I’ll talk to Mr. Queen, but I would think we have to go to the Breeders’ Cup. It’s kind of like when her brother won a ‘Win and You’re in” race’ and we targeted the Breeders’ Cup. It was perfect.”

According to BloodHorse.com, her brother was Big Drama, winner of the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). He was owned and bred by Queen, and trained by Hawkes.

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Tiz Shea D was a big winner at Indiana Grand Race Course on Saturday in the Indiana Derby (G2).

Ridden by jockey Jose Lezcano, the 3-year-old colt ran second behind Mr. Z for almost the entire race, then took the lead to an erratically-running Mr. Z down the stretch, and went on to a 1-1/4-length win.

Mr. Z held on to a head-length second-place finish over third-place finisher Divining Rod.

Rounding out the eight-horse field of 3-year-olds was Bold Conquest in fourth, followed by Island Town, Far Right, Alabaster and Deliverance Day.

Tiz Shea D, who is by Tiznow-Ender’s Sister, by A.P. Indy, ran the 1-1/16th-mile race on a dirt track rated sloppy (sealed) in 1:43.02.

Owned by Brous Stable, Gary Barber and Wachtel Stable, and trained by Bill Mott, Tiz Shea D now has two wins, two seconds and $460,056 in earnings in six career starts.

Also scoring a win at Indiana Grand Race Course on Saturday was High Dollar Woman.

Ridden by jockey Joe Rocco Jr., High Dollar Woman went gate-to-wire to win the Indiana Oaks (G2) by a length over Sweetgrass, while Oceanwave finished third in the nine-horse field for 3-year-old fillies.

High Dollar Woman, who is by Super Saver-Melissa Jo, by Fusaichi Pegauss, ran the 1-1/16th-mile dirt race in 1:43.49.

Owned by Alex and JoAnn Lieblong, and trained by Steve Hobby, High Dollar Woman has three wins, one second and $201,945 in earnings in seven career starts.

(Information gathered from EquiBase.com, BloodHorse.com, DMTC.com and PedigreeQuery.com.)

American Pharoah works out at Del Mar

In his first workout in preparation for the Haskell Invitational (G1) at Monmouth Park on Aug. 2, 2015, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah ran a six-furlong breeze at Del Mar on Satuday, July 18, 2015, in 1:11 2/5ths.

American Pharoah, with jockey Martin Garcia riding, ran his first workout at Del Mar Racetrack on Saturday, July 18, 2015, in preparation for his next race. (Photo by BenoitPhoto.com)

On hand to watch were trainer Bob Baffert, while jockey Martin Garcia was aboard American Pharoah for the workout wearing a GoPro camera on his helmet.

The workout was the fastest of the dozen workouts at that distance on the day.

"He went good," said Baffert in a BloodHorse.com article. "It was a good work for him. He needed it."