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Breeding & Sales News
$330,000 Unbridled's Song colt leads F-T Midlantic opener Joseph H. Moss purchased a colt by Unbridled's Song for the top price of $330,000 at Monday's opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale at Timonium, Maryland. Cataloged as Hip No. 128, the Kentucky-bred was offered by De Meric Sales, agent. Nick De Meric had bought the April 17 foal for $250,000 last August at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga. The bay juvenile worked one furlong in :10 3/5 at Wednesday's under tack show. The session topper is the second registered foal from the unraced Dixie Union mare Winning Bet, a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner Finder's Fee (Mr. Prospector); Tax Ruling (Dynaformer), two-time winner of the Iroquois Hurdle (NSA-G1); multiple Grade 2-placed Treasure Island (Danzig); and the stakes-placed New Way (Danzig). Winning Bet is also a half-sister to the dams of Grade 2 scorer T.D. Vance (Rahy) and current multiple Grade 3 hero Optimizer (English Channel), who recently placed in the May 4 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1) and in Saturday's Dixie S. (G2). The colt's second dam is Grade 1 heroine Fantastic Find (Mr. Prospector), the product of a blueblood Phipps family. Her immediate relatives include champion and noted broodmare Heavenly Prize (Seeking the Gold); multiple Grade 1 star Dancing Spree (Nijinsky II), winner of the 1989 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1); and Grade 1 winners Furlough (Easy Goer), Oh What a Windfall (Seeking the Gold) and Dancing Forever (Rahy). Shortly afterward, TAHRIR SQUARE (Offlee Wild) nearly equaled that price when commanding $320,000 from Ed Savant. The May 3 foal, who drilled a quarter-mile in :21 3/5 for Eddie Woods, agent, at the under tack show, sported Hip 145. The Kentucky-bred dark bay was produced by the unraced Alittlebitearly (Thunder Gulch), a half-sister to such notables as Group 3 winning-sire Bertolini (Danzig) and stakes heroine Amelia (Dixieland Band), the dam of Grade 3 scorer Kindergarden Kid (Dynaformer) and 2012 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) runner-up He's Had Enough (Tapit). Alittlebitearly is out of Grade 2 queen Aquilegia (Alydar), who is herself a full sister to champion Althea and to Grade 2 victress Aishah, both top producers. The juvenile's third dam is Broodmare of the Year Courtly Dee (Never Bend). Among her reams of descendants is Group 1 star and influential sire Green Desert (Danzig). Woods also offered a Distorted Humor colt, Hip 137, who went for $240,000 to trainer Gary Contessa on behalf of Wounded Warrior. Originally sold for $180,000 as a yearling at Saratoga, the Kentucky-bred sped his furlong in :10 2/5 last Wednesday. The January 26 foal is the first from Group 3 heroine African Skies (GB) (Johannesburg), a half-sister to stakes winner Nakheel (Sadler's Wells). African Skies scored her signature win in the 2008 Princess Margaret (Eng-G3) as a juvenile. The juvenile's second dam, Matiya (Ire) (Alzao), captured the 1996 Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1) and placed in two other classics, the One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and Prix de Diane (Fr-G1). Matiya is a daughter of Group 1-placed stakes victress Purchasepaperchase (Young Generation), who is also responsible for Group 3-placed stakes winner Carambola (Ire) (Danehill) and multiple South African Group 1-placed Toreador (Danehill). A Pure Prize filly likewise brought $240,000 to tie for third on the leaderboard. Oaklawn Park President Charles J. Cella snapped up Hip 167 from the consignment of Niall Brennan Stables, agent. The Maryland-bred, who clocked :10 3/5 for one furlong, is a full sister to 2011 Maryland Juvenile Filly Championship winner Plum. They are out of the multiple stakes-placed Bamba (Not for Love). The May 5 chestnut counts as her second dam the multiple stakes winner Munchkin Michele (Naked Sky), fourth in the 1987 Little Silver H. (G3) when that result counted as black-type. At the conclusion of Monday's trade, Fasig-Tipton reported double-digit gains in both average and median. The $59,793 average represented a 27 percent spike from last year's $47,067, while the median rose 18.5 percent, from $27,000 to $32,000. The opening-day gross of $7,235,000 was off less than 1.5 percent from the $7,342,500 raked in a year ago, despite a much slimmer catalog. In 2012, 270 horses were cataloged for day one, and 156 were sold. On Monday, only 215 were cataloged, and 121 changed hands. The two-day sale concludes Tuesday, beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT). For the catalog, complete results and live video of the auction, log onto fasigtipton.com.
Triple Crown News & Notes
Palace Malice will keep Smith, shed blinkers for Belmont
"Who knows which horse will relish a mile and a half; but his pedigree and his disposition -- sans blinkers -- would give Palace Malice as good a shot as any of them." Palace Malice had just missed in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes prior to the Derby. Earlier this season, he was a close third in the Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds, edging eventual Preakness upsetter Oxbow. Palace Malice is from the first crop of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who was outdueled by the filly Rags to Riches in the 2007 Belmont. Pletcher will field several other Belmont runners, including Louisiana Derby hero and Kentucky Derby third-placer Revolutionary and Arkansas Derby winner Overanalyze, who was 11th in the Run for the Roses. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Lukas back on top following Oxbow's Preakness win
Lukas and his nine-horse contingent, that also included Dixie upsetter Skyring and his personal pony, were on the highway before dawn Sunday morning, heading back to their home base at Churchill Downs. Then it's on to the Belmont Stakes in three weeks with Oxbow and possibly seventh-place finisher Will Take Charge. Titletown Five, Lukas' third Preakness entrant who finished last, will run in shorter races for the rest of his three-year-old campaign. "I've always rode with the horses all my career," said Lukas, who now has six Preakness winners, one behind Robert Walden for the all-time record in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. "I used to go on the airplanes and stand there with them all the time. We don't fly much anymore." He's "the man on the van" these days, having ridden in a pickup truck for more than 12 hours to Pimlico on Tuesday and scheduled to follow the same routine back home Sunday. "I'll get him home at feeding time just about," Lukas explained. "By the time I get him home and give him a bath it'll be right about 5 o'clock (EDT). They put a bucket seat where I ride on kind of an air-ride slide thing. It's like riding in a boat somewhere on the waves."
"I was trying to be politically correct all week, but I thought (Oxbow) was the toughest horse. I thought if there was some adversity or something went wrong, he had the best chance to overcome," Lukas admitted. "Will Take Charge is so big that he has to get a clear run. He can't check, stop, take a bump or anything. The other horse (Titletown Five) we knew was going to need a career quantum leap forward." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Palace Malice will keep Smith, shed blinkers for Belmont
"Who knows which horse will relish a mile and a half; but his pedigree and his disposition -- sans blinkers -- would give Palace Malice as good a shot as any of them." Palace Malice had just missed in the Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes prior to the Derby. Earlier this season, he was a close third in the Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds, edging eventual Preakness upsetter Oxbow. Palace Malice is from the first crop of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who was outdueled by the filly Rags to Riches in the 2007 Belmont. Pletcher will field several other Belmont runners, including Louisiana Derby hero and Kentucky Derby third-placer Revolutionary and Arkansas Derby winner Overanalyze, who was 11th in the Run for the Roses. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Orb doing well after Preakness fourth
McGaughey will monitor Stuart Janney III and Phipps Stable's homebred colt's training at Belmont Park before deciding his status for the Belmont Stakes on June 8. "I want to see him bounce back and see his soundness level and his energy level," he explained. "I think there are a lot of good wins down the road for him." After Orb arrived at Belmont Park at 11:30 a.m., McGaughey reported that his charge had shipped back home well. "He was already in his stall when I got back here and seemed to be fine," he said. "We'll walk him a good while this afternoon and just kind of see what we have. The Belmont Stakes is on our radar screen. "I talked to Mr. Janney this morning. He and Mr. Phipps had talked on their way to the airport. We just all came to the conclusion that we should just watch Orb and see. I think everything is in good shape. We'd like to run. "But yesterday took a little bit out of him and he's already run five times this year and it's only the middle of May. I'd sure like to have him fresh for Saratoga and a Jim Dandy/Travers kind of a go. "He's just going to have to tell us what we want to see. If he's jumping out of his skin, we're going to bring him over here (to run in the Belmont Stakes). "I might know in about a week. I just have to wait and see. Everything's gone great all year until yesterday. But I don't anticipate any problems. I don't think he's knocked out by any means." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Lukas back on top following Oxbow's Preakness win
Lukas and his nine-horse contingent, that also included Dixie upsetter Skyring and his personal pony, were on the highway before dawn Sunday morning, heading back to their home base at Churchill Downs. Then it's on to the Belmont Stakes in three weeks with Oxbow and possibly seventh-place finisher Will Take Charge. Titletown Five, Lukas' third Preakness entrant who finished last, will run in shorter races for the rest of his three-year-old campaign. "I've always rode with the horses all my career," said Lukas, who now has six Preakness winners, one behind Robert Walden for the all-time record in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. "I used to go on the airplanes and stand there with them all the time. We don't fly much anymore." He's "the man on the van" these days, having ridden in a pickup truck for more than 12 hours to Pimlico on Tuesday and scheduled to follow the same routine back home Sunday. "I'll get him home at feeding time just about," Lukas explained. "By the time I get him home and give him a bath it'll be right about 5 o'clock (EDT). They put a bucket seat where I ride on kind of an air-ride slide thing. It's like riding in a boat somewhere on the waves."
"I was trying to be politically correct all week, but I thought (Oxbow) was the toughest horse. I thought if there was some adversity or something went wrong, he had the best chance to overcome," Lukas admitted. "Will Take Charge is so big that he has to get a clear run. He can't check, stop, take a bump or anything. The other horse (Titletown Five) we knew was going to need a career quantum leap forward." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Pletcher's armada massing for Belmont Stakes After bypassing the Preakness, trainer Todd Pletcher has a deep group of contenders for the June 8 Belmont Stakes. "We have a few candidates, but we haven't firmed up the line-up just yet," Pletcher said. Two of his Derby also-rans, Overanalyze and Palace Malice, breezed at Belmont Park Sunday, as did the filly Unlimited Budget. Palace Malice sped a half-mile on the good training track in :47.49, while Overanalyze covered the same ground in :47.50. The colts posted the day's second and third-best times, respectively, at the trip. Unlimited Budget clocked :49. "Overanalyze breezed this morning and breezed well," Pletcher said. "We are planning to run him. We breezed Palace Malice and talked to (Cot) Campbell (of Dogwood Stable). We plan to run him. "Revolutionary will have two breezes starting next Sunday. We plan to run him. "Mike Repole is going to be the key to how many other horses we run. He has several possibilities (in addition to Overanalyze). "Unlimited Budget breezed this morning, and she is possible. Micromanage is here and will breeze next Sunday, and we'll make a decision after that." WinStar Farm's Revolutionary, winner of the Withers in February at Aqueduct and the Louisiana Derby in March at Fair Grounds, was Pletcher's highest finisher in the 2013 Kentucky Derby, reporting home third, beaten 3 1/2 lengths by Orb. Overanalyze, victorious in the Arkansas Derby in April at Oaklawn, was 11th in the Derby, with Blue Grass runner-up Palace Malice tiring to 12th after setting a fast pace. Unlimited Budget, third in the Kentucky Oaks on May 3, would be attempting to emulate Rags to Riches, who in 2007 became the first filly since 1905 to win the Belmont. Rags to Riches is Pletcher's only Belmont Stakes winner to date. Micromanage is exiting a neck victory in an optional claimer on May 11 at Monmouth Park. Pletcher is a former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who on Saturday picked up his sixth Preakness victory when he sent out Oxbow to a front-running win under Gary Stevens. "I was very happy for Wayne and Gary; it was a tremendous accomplishment for both of them," Pletcher said. "I thought Gary rode a very, very smart race and took advantage of the pace scenario, and the horse delivered a big performance." Oxbow, the Preakness Stakes winner, departed Pimlico before dawn on Sunday and vanned to Lukas' barn at Churchill Downs, according to Pimlico officials. The colt is expected to aim for the Belmont Stakes. According to NYRA Stakes Coordinator Andrew Byrnes, Oxbow currently is slated to face Freedom Child, Golden Soul, Overanalyze, Palace Malice and Revolutionary. Bob Baffert will run either Code West or Power Broker. Orb and Itsmyluckyday are possible. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Orb doing well after Preakness fourth
McGaughey will monitor Stuart Janney III and Phipps Stable's homebred colt's training at Belmont Park before deciding his status for the Belmont Stakes on June 8. "I want to see him bounce back and see his soundness level and his energy level," he explained. "I think there are a lot of good wins down the road for him." After Orb arrived at Belmont Park at 11:30 a.m., McGaughey reported that his charge had shipped back home well. "He was already in his stall when I got back here and seemed to be fine," he said. "We'll walk him a good while this afternoon and just kind of see what we have. The Belmont Stakes is on our radar screen. "I talked to Mr. Janney this morning. He and Mr. Phipps had talked on their way to the airport. We just all came to the conclusion that we should just watch Orb and see. I think everything is in good shape. We'd like to run. "But yesterday took a little bit out of him and he's already run five times this year and it's only the middle of May. I'd sure like to have him fresh for Saratoga and a Jim Dandy/Travers kind of a go. "He's just going to have to tell us what we want to see. If he's jumping out of his skin, we're going to bring him over here (to run in the Belmont Stakes). "I might know in about a week. I just have to wait and see. Everything's gone great all year until yesterday. But I don't anticipate any problems. I don't think he's knocked out by any means." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Itsmyluckyday justifies Plesa's faith, now targeting Haskell
Itsmyluckyday, who was scheduled to ship to Monmouth Park Sunday, is a far more definite candidate to run in the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational at the New Jersey track on July 28. "The Haskell is on my list. God willing, that's a certainty," Plesa said. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Pletcher's armada massing for Belmont Stakes After bypassing the Preakness, trainer Todd Pletcher has a deep group of contenders for the June 8 Belmont Stakes. "We have a few candidates, but we haven't firmed up the line-up just yet," Pletcher said. Two of his Derby also-rans, Overanalyze and Palace Malice, breezed at Belmont Park Sunday, as did the filly Unlimited Budget. Palace Malice sped a half-mile on the good training track in :47.49, while Overanalyze covered the same ground in :47.50. The colts posted the day's second and third-best times, respectively, at the trip. Unlimited Budget clocked :49. "Overanalyze breezed this morning and breezed well," Pletcher said. "We are planning to run him. We breezed Palace Malice and talked to (Cot) Campbell (of Dogwood Stable). We plan to run him. "Revolutionary will have two breezes starting next Sunday. We plan to run him. "Mike Repole is going to be the key to how many other horses we run. He has several possibilities (in addition to Overanalyze). "Unlimited Budget breezed this morning, and she is possible. Micromanage is here and will breeze next Sunday, and we'll make a decision after that." WinStar Farm's Revolutionary, winner of the Withers in February at Aqueduct and the Louisiana Derby in March at Fair Grounds, was Pletcher's highest finisher in the 2013 Kentucky Derby, reporting home third, beaten 3 1/2 lengths by Orb. Overanalyze, victorious in the Arkansas Derby in April at Oaklawn, was 11th in the Derby, with Blue Grass runner-up Palace Malice tiring to 12th after setting a fast pace. Unlimited Budget, third in the Kentucky Oaks on May 3, would be attempting to emulate Rags to Riches, who in 2007 became the first filly since 1905 to win the Belmont. Rags to Riches is Pletcher's only Belmont Stakes winner to date. Micromanage is exiting a neck victory in an optional claimer on May 11 at Monmouth Park. Pletcher is a former assistant to Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, who on Saturday picked up his sixth Preakness victory when he sent out Oxbow to a front-running win under Gary Stevens. "I was very happy for Wayne and Gary; it was a tremendous accomplishment for both of them," Pletcher said. "I thought Gary rode a very, very smart race and took advantage of the pace scenario, and the horse delivered a big performance." Oxbow, the Preakness Stakes winner, departed Pimlico before dawn on Sunday and vanned to Lukas' barn at Churchill Downs, according to Pimlico officials. The colt is expected to aim for the Belmont Stakes. According to NYRA Stakes Coordinator Andrew Byrnes, Oxbow currently is slated to face Freedom Child, Golden Soul, Overanalyze, Palace Malice and Revolutionary. Bob Baffert will run either Code West or Power Broker. Orb and Itsmyluckyday are possible. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Majority of Preakness field bypassing Belmont Stakes
Trainer Doug O'Neill and his fifth-place Preakness finisher Goldencents will not be going on to the third jewel of the Triple Crown. Team O'Neill and the colt departed Pimlico early Sunday morning to return to Southern California.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Itsmyluckyday justifies Plesa's faith, now targeting Haskell
Itsmyluckyday, who was scheduled to ship to Monmouth Park Sunday, is a far more definite candidate to run in the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Invitational at the New Jersey track on July 28. "The Haskell is on my list. God willing, that's a certainty," Plesa said. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Majority of Preakness field bypassing Belmont Stakes
Trainer Doug O'Neill and his fifth-place Preakness finisher Goldencents will not be going on to the third jewel of the Triple Crown. Team O'Neill and the colt departed Pimlico early Sunday morning to return to Southern California.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com
Racing Headlines
Encke among latest positive tests for al Zarooni; bin Suroor trainees all clear Following the April 25 Disciplinary Panel inquiry into the administration of anabolic steroids by Mahmood al Zarooni, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed that it would be conducting tests on all Godolphin-owned horses in training in Newmarket, including those at Moulton Paddocks (the yard formerly licensed to al Zarooni) as well as horses trained by Saeed bin Suroor. Between April 29 and May 2, blood samples were taken from 391 horses and sent for analysis at HFL Sport Science. The BHA has now received written confirmation from the laboratory that analysis of the samples from horses based at Moulton Paddocks identified seven further positive tests for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid and therefore a prohibited substance under the Rules of Racing. All of the horses under the care and control of Saeed bin Suroor tested negative. The names of the seven horses based at Moulton Paddocks are: Godolphin and, via his solicitors, al Zarooni have been informed of the test results. Both Godolphin and al Zarooni have also been notified that they have the option within the Rules to ask that the relevant samples be subjected to B sample analysis. Both parties have until May 23 to confirm if they wish to take up this option. In line with the restrictions imposed on the 15 horses identified as having been administered anabolic steroids in the initial investigation, and subject to confirmation should the B samples be sent for counter-analysis, the seven horses will be suspended from running in Britain for a period of six months from the date the samples were taken. As such the above horses would not be permitted to resume racing until October 29, 2013. Any of these horses may be subjected to further sampling, as directed by the BHA, prior to them resuming racing. The BHA has also notified Godolphin that the application for bin Suroor to take charge of Moulton Paddocks will now be processed. Under the Rules of Racing, horses must be in the care of a licensed trainer for 14 days before they are permitted to run. Following the eight-year disqualification awarded by the Disciplinary Panel, al Zarooni lodged an appeal against the severity of the penalty. No date has been set for the Appeal Board hearing as yet but the BHA can confirm that it will not take place until the final week in June, at the earliest. "We will not be taking any separate action in respect of these additional positive results whilst Mr. al Zarooni's appeal process is ongoing," said Adam Brickell, director of Integrity, Legal and Risk for the BHA. "In the meantime, the latest findings from HFL Sport Science will form the subject of further interviews as part of the BHA's continuing investigation. From the outset, one of the aims of the investigation, in addition to trying to understand the environment within which such serious breaches came to be committed, has been to identify what measures are needed to ensure the yard operates in accordance with the Rules in future. The findings will be shared with Godolphin and will also assist the BHA with regard to the future licensing of the yard." BHA Chief Executive Paul Bittar also commented on the developments. "These test results endorse the swift action and measures taken by the BHA in this matter," Bittar said. "Whatever the outcome of his appeal before the independent Appeal Board, the gravity and scale of the infringements warranted Mahmood al Zarooni being removed from control of the yard as quickly as possible. "We welcome the news that Saeed bin Suroor's horses tested negative and this clears the way for him to now take charge of Moulton Paddocks." Godolphin issued a statement from racing manager Simon Crisford on the stable's website. "It is obviously very disappointing that seven further horses have tested positive for stanozolol," Crisford said. "These results highlight why H.H. Sheikh Mohammed took the decision to lock down the stables at Moulton Paddocks until every Godolphin horse in training at Newmarket had been tested. "All of Saeed bin Suroor's horses have tested clear and we are working with the BHA to put everything back in order at Moulton Paddocks." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Prominent racetrack official Noe dies at 84 Kenneth "Kenny" Noe Jr., former president, chief executive officer and chairman of The New York Racing Association (NYRA) board, died Sunday at the age of 84. Noe, who served as a racing secretary and steward at NYRA during the 1970s, was hired as president and general manager of the organization in October 1994. In September 1995 he was elevated to chairman of the board of trustees, and in December of 1996 was named chairman and chief executive officer. He resigned as board chairman and CEO in October 2000. A native of Hamilton, Ohio, Noe held a variety of positions in the racing industry at more than a dozen tracks. In addition to New York, Noe served as racing secretary at a number of major venues in the East and Midwest including Hialeah, Garden State Park, Arlington Park and Washington Park. He also spent 11 years as the president and general manager of Calder Race Course from 1979-90. A past director of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Noe was also a director of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, and the Miami Heart Institute. He is survived by his son Jeff and daughter Holly. Funeral arrangements are pending. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Encke among latest positive tests for al Zarooni; bin Suroor trainees all clear Following the April 25 Disciplinary Panel inquiry into the administration of anabolic steroids by Mahmood al Zarooni, the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) confirmed that it would be conducting tests on all Godolphin-owned horses in training in Newmarket, including those at Moulton Paddocks (the yard formerly licensed to al Zarooni) as well as horses trained by Saeed bin Suroor. Between April 29 and May 2, blood samples were taken from 391 horses and sent for analysis at HFL Sport Science. The BHA has now received written confirmation from the laboratory that analysis of the samples from horses based at Moulton Paddocks identified seven further positive tests for stanozolol, an anabolic steroid and therefore a prohibited substance under the Rules of Racing. All of the horses under the care and control of Saeed bin Suroor tested negative. The names of the seven horses based at Moulton Paddocks are: Godolphin and, via his solicitors, al Zarooni have been informed of the test results. Both Godolphin and al Zarooni have also been notified that they have the option within the Rules to ask that the relevant samples be subjected to B sample analysis. Both parties have until May 23 to confirm if they wish to take up this option. In line with the restrictions imposed on the 15 horses identified as having been administered anabolic steroids in the initial investigation, and subject to confirmation should the B samples be sent for counter-analysis, the seven horses will be suspended from running in Britain for a period of six months from the date the samples were taken. As such the above horses would not be permitted to resume racing until October 29, 2013. Any of these horses may be subjected to further sampling, as directed by the BHA, prior to them resuming racing. The BHA has also notified Godolphin that the application for bin Suroor to take charge of Moulton Paddocks will now be processed. Under the Rules of Racing, horses must be in the care of a licensed trainer for 14 days before they are permitted to run. Following the eight-year disqualification awarded by the Disciplinary Panel, al Zarooni lodged an appeal against the severity of the penalty. No date has been set for the Appeal Board hearing as yet but the BHA can confirm that it will not take place until the final week in June, at the earliest. "We will not be taking any separate action in respect of these additional positive results whilst Mr. al Zarooni's appeal process is ongoing," said Adam Brickell, director of Integrity, Legal and Risk for the BHA. "In the meantime, the latest findings from HFL Sport Science will form the subject of further interviews as part of the BHA's continuing investigation. From the outset, one of the aims of the investigation, in addition to trying to understand the environment within which such serious breaches came to be committed, has been to identify what measures are needed to ensure the yard operates in accordance with the Rules in future. The findings will be shared with Godolphin and will also assist the BHA with regard to the future licensing of the yard." BHA Chief Executive Paul Bittar also commented on the developments. "These test results endorse the swift action and measures taken by the BHA in this matter," Bittar said. "Whatever the outcome of his appeal before the independent Appeal Board, the gravity and scale of the infringements warranted Mahmood al Zarooni being removed from control of the yard as quickly as possible. "We welcome the news that Saeed bin Suroor's horses tested negative and this clears the way for him to now take charge of Moulton Paddocks." Godolphin issued a statement from racing manager Simon Crisford on the stable's website. "It is obviously very disappointing that seven further horses have tested positive for stanozolol," Crisford said. "These results highlight why H.H. Sheikh Mohammed took the decision to lock down the stables at Moulton Paddocks until every Godolphin horse in training at Newmarket had been tested. "All of Saeed bin Suroor's horses have tested clear and we are working with the BHA to put everything back in order at Moulton Paddocks." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Prominent racetrack official Noe dies at 84 Kenneth "Kenny" Noe Jr., former president, chief executive officer and chairman of The New York Racing Association (NYRA) board, died Sunday at the age of 84. Noe, who served as a racing secretary and steward at NYRA during the 1970s, was hired as president and general manager of the organization in October 1994. In September 1995 he was elevated to chairman of the board of trustees, and in December of 1996 was named chairman and chief executive officer. He resigned as board chairman and CEO in October 2000. A native of Hamilton, Ohio, Noe held a variety of positions in the racing industry at more than a dozen tracks. In addition to New York, Noe served as racing secretary at a number of major venues in the East and Midwest including Hialeah, Garden State Park, Arlington Park and Washington Park. He also spent 11 years as the president and general manager of Calder Race Course from 1979-90. A past director of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Noe was also a director of the Thoroughbred Racing Associations, the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, and the Miami Heart Institute. He is survived by his son Jeff and daughter Holly. Funeral arrangements are pending. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Take Charge Indy, Fort Larned work for Stephen Foster
"I think when it's all said and done, (Take Charge Indy) might be a better horse than Awesome Again," Byrne asserted.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Take Charge Indy, Fort Larned work for Stephen Foster
"I think when it's all said and done, (Take Charge Indy) might be a better horse than Awesome Again," Byrne asserted.
Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Fields shaping up for Belmont's Memorial Day weekend Trainer Todd Pletcher will have the chance to take down a few graded stakes on Memorial Day at Belmont Park. The day's featured race is the Grade 1, $750,000 Metropolitan Handicap, and Pletcher is expected to run Cross Traffic and Discreet Dancer in the one-mile event for three-year-olds and up. Cross Traffic will enter the Met Mile off a hard-fought second to Flat Out in the Westchester on April 27 at Belmont, while Discreet Dancer is exiting a third in the Carter Handicap on April 6 at Aqueduct. "It's pretty rare that you see a horse who has come that far in such a short time," Pletcher said of GoldMark Farm's Cross Traffic. "He was an unraced four-year-old at the start of the year. He ran a huge race in the Westchester. He just lost to a tough, seasoned veteran who seems to love Belmont. We were very pleased with his race, and he's doing just as well or even better than he came into (the Westchester). "The Carter came up a very fast race," Pletcher said of Discreet Dancer, an E. Paul Robsham Stables homebred. "He won the mile race at Gulfstream, and we think the mile suits him well. He's coming up to it in good order, so we're excited about his chances as well." A talented contingent from California is expected to take on Cross Traffic and Discreet Dancer, with Jimmy Creed, Sahara Sky and Fed Biz aiming for the race, according to NYRA Stakes Coordinator Andrew Byrnes. Also probable are Mucho Macho Man, Swagger Jack, Mark Valeski and Fort Loudon. Handsome Mike is possible. Pletcher added that he plans to run Kauai Katie in the Grade 1 Acorn on the Met Mile undercard. She will likely be challenged by Cue the Moon, Let Me Entertain U, Manuka Honey, Midnight Lucky and Momentary Magic. In the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps for fillies and mares, Pletcher will run Disposablepleasure, with Authenticity listed as possible. "I'm keeping an eye on the Phipps with Authenticity, if it comes up a short field," the trainer said. "I'm just seeing how quickly she bounces back (off her win in the La Troienne on May 3 at Churchill Downs), but she's doing well. I'd say she's about 50-50 at this moment." The Ogden Phipps is also expected to attract Joyful Victory, Tiz Miz Sue and Centring. Pletcher said all of his contenders for Memorial Day stakes will breeze on Tuesday, pending weather. Belmont will present a pair of graded stakes on the turf next weekend, and, as usual, trainer Christophe Clement will be represented in both races. On Saturday, Belmont will conduct the Grade 2 Sheepshead Bay, a 1 3/8-mile race for fillies and mares. Clement said he will run Cheyenne Stables' Mystical Star, fourth in the Doubledogdare at Keeneland. In last year's Sheepshead Bay, Mystical Star was disqualified from third and placed last after beating the gate and rearing up. "She got beat the other day at Keeneland (in the Doubledogdare); I think she's a better filly for the race," Clement said. "Unfortunately, the race will be very competitive, but that's the way it is. She's doing well." Others pointing for the Sheepshead Bay are Hessonite, Starformer, Strathnaver, Anjaz, Julie's Love, Minakshi and Tannery. Clement will run either Lael Stable's Bella Castani or Patricia Generazio's Discreet Marq in the Grade 2, 1 1/16-mile Sands Point for three-year-old fillies on Memorial Day. "I will probably run one of the two," Clement said. "I have to see. They're both doing well. I will likely run one (in the Miss Liberty next Sunday at Monmouth Park) and run one here." Bella Castani won the Tweedside overnight stakes by 1 1/2 lengths on April 27 at Belmont, while Discreet Marq is coming out of a second-place finish in the Sweetest Chant in January at Gulfstream Park. "She was very rank," said Clement of Bella Castani's performance in the Tweedside. "Mentally, she needs to settle, but she was impressive. When we asked her to run, she quickened. "Discreet Marq hasn't run since January," he added. "It would be a little bit ambitious first time back." Barclay Tagg's pair of Caroline Thomas and Unbelievable Dream, and the Chad Brown duo of Watsdachances and Wave Theory, are expected to contest the Sands Point. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Lady of Shamrock, Marketing Mix to clash in Gamely Grade 1 stars Lady of Shamrock and Marketing Mix top the prospective field of eight or nine fillies and mares lining up for Hollywood Park's Grade 1 Gamely on Memorial Day. Hronis Racing LLC's Lady of Shamrock, winner of last year's American Oaks over the course, was just awarded the victory disqualification in the April 20 Santa Barbara at Santa Anita. Rafael Bejarano has the call for trainer John Sadler. Glen Hill Farm's Marketing Mix, who took the Rodeo Drive at Santa Anita last September, will be making her first start since a runner-up effort in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Gary Stevens, fresh from his upset aboard Oxbow in the Preakness at Pimlico, will ride for trainer Tom Proctor. Others in the star-filled lineup are venerable California bred Halo Dolly, a 15-time winner who won the Wilshire Handicap April 28; Tiz Flirtatious, victorious in the March 24 Santa Ana Stakes at Santa Anita, Quiet Oasis, runner-up in last year's Gamely; and comebacking My Gi Gi, winner of the Honeymoon Handicap in 2012. Rounding out the probables are Long Face, second to Halo Dolly in the Wilshire, and Private Affair, a champion in her native Peru. The Memorial Day card will also offer the $100,000 Los Angeles Handicap, a Grade 3 for older horses at six furlongs over Cushion Track. Heading the field are Camp Victory, winner of the 2011 Los Angeles Handicap and third a year ago; Comma to the Top, winner of the CashCall Futurity in 2010 and the Cool Frenchy Stakes May 4. Centralintelligence will compete in his second consecutive Los Angeles. The Smarty Jones gelding defeated Camp Victory when finishing second in last year's edition. Entering Sunday's card, trainer Ron Ellis was just five short of 1,000 career victories. Ellis will also saddle Majestic City in the Los Angeles. Chosen Miracle will be among the entrants in the sprint, as will an undetermined number of Bob Baffert runners. The trainer has six nominated to the race. Fanticola and Scardino's Obviously tops the probables for Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 American Handicap for older horses at one mile on turf. Trained by Mike Mitchell, the five-year-old was a close third in the San Simeon in his first start of the year. In 2012, the Irish-bred won a pair of Grade 2 races and was third behind Horse of the Year Wise Dan in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Regular rider Joe Talamo will be aboard. Schiaparelli, who gave Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner and stablemate Mizdirection all she could handle when finishing second in the Las Cienegas Stakes April 13, is the likely favorite for next Sunday's $70,000 Great Lady M Stakes at six furlongs on turf. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Fields shaping up for Belmont's Memorial Day weekend Trainer Todd Pletcher will have the chance to take down a few graded stakes on Memorial Day at Belmont Park. The day's featured race is the Grade 1, $750,000 Metropolitan Handicap, and Pletcher is expected to run Cross Traffic and Discreet Dancer in the one-mile event for three-year-olds and up. Cross Traffic will enter the Met Mile off a hard-fought second to Flat Out in the Westchester on April 27 at Belmont, while Discreet Dancer is exiting a third in the Carter Handicap on April 6 at Aqueduct. "It's pretty rare that you see a horse who has come that far in such a short time," Pletcher said of GoldMark Farm's Cross Traffic. "He was an unraced four-year-old at the start of the year. He ran a huge race in the Westchester. He just lost to a tough, seasoned veteran who seems to love Belmont. We were very pleased with his race, and he's doing just as well or even better than he came into (the Westchester). "The Carter came up a very fast race," Pletcher said of Discreet Dancer, an E. Paul Robsham Stables homebred. "He won the mile race at Gulfstream, and we think the mile suits him well. He's coming up to it in good order, so we're excited about his chances as well." A talented contingent from California is expected to take on Cross Traffic and Discreet Dancer, with Jimmy Creed, Sahara Sky and Fed Biz aiming for the race, according to NYRA Stakes Coordinator Andrew Byrnes. Also probable are Mucho Macho Man, Swagger Jack, Mark Valeski and Fort Loudon. Handsome Mike is possible. Pletcher added that he plans to run Kauai Katie in the Grade 1 Acorn on the Met Mile undercard. She will likely be challenged by Cue the Moon, Let Me Entertain U, Manuka Honey, Midnight Lucky and Momentary Magic. In the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps for fillies and mares, Pletcher will run Disposablepleasure, with Authenticity listed as possible. "I'm keeping an eye on the Phipps with Authenticity, if it comes up a short field," the trainer said. "I'm just seeing how quickly she bounces back (off her win in the La Troienne on May 3 at Churchill Downs), but she's doing well. I'd say she's about 50-50 at this moment." The Ogden Phipps is also expected to attract Joyful Victory, Tiz Miz Sue and Centring. Pletcher said all of his contenders for Memorial Day stakes will breeze on Tuesday, pending weather. Belmont will present a pair of graded stakes on the turf next weekend, and, as usual, trainer Christophe Clement will be represented in both races. On Saturday, Belmont will conduct the Grade 2 Sheepshead Bay, a 1 3/8-mile race for fillies and mares. Clement said he will run Cheyenne Stables' Mystical Star, fourth in the Doubledogdare at Keeneland. In last year's Sheepshead Bay, Mystical Star was disqualified from third and placed last after beating the gate and rearing up. "She got beat the other day at Keeneland (in the Doubledogdare); I think she's a better filly for the race," Clement said. "Unfortunately, the race will be very competitive, but that's the way it is. She's doing well." Others pointing for the Sheepshead Bay are Hessonite, Starformer, Strathnaver, Anjaz, Julie's Love, Minakshi and Tannery. Clement will run either Lael Stable's Bella Castani or Patricia Generazio's Discreet Marq in the Grade 2, 1 1/16-mile Sands Point for three-year-old fillies on Memorial Day. "I will probably run one of the two," Clement said. "I have to see. They're both doing well. I will likely run one (in the Miss Liberty next Sunday at Monmouth Park) and run one here." Bella Castani won the Tweedside overnight stakes by 1 1/2 lengths on April 27 at Belmont, while Discreet Marq is coming out of a second-place finish in the Sweetest Chant in January at Gulfstream Park. "She was very rank," said Clement of Bella Castani's performance in the Tweedside. "Mentally, she needs to settle, but she was impressive. When we asked her to run, she quickened. "Discreet Marq hasn't run since January," he added. "It would be a little bit ambitious first time back." Barclay Tagg's pair of Caroline Thomas and Unbelievable Dream, and the Chad Brown duo of Watsdachances and Wave Theory, are expected to contest the Sands Point. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Hong Kong duo Military Attack, Lucky Nine plunder Singapore prizes
"They said it was the strongest race they have ever been able to assemble," Purton said, "and it is scary to think how much he has improved in the last three or four months. "I came here thinking I had a good chance. I would have been happy just to win, but to blow them away like that is a phenomenal performance. "I just began and put myself in a good position and I let Pastorius come around me at the 1,500 meters, and of course I thought he was the right horse to be following. "My horse was just a little bit unbalanced, and I thought if I put him on the fence, it will just give him something to keep him more tractable. "They were going at a good tempo and for a second, I thought it could be his undoing. But then, from the 700 meters, I was looking once again to get on the back of Pastorius thinking he would drag me into the race. "But I could see he was gone and Dan Excel was traveling really well and Mawingo was pinching ground and saving time getting runs. "Then the saloon passage just opened up for me, and he did the rest," Purton concluded. "I couldn't believe how far ahead he was and in the end I just let him idle to the line." Moore, a 63-year-old Australian native who has worked in Hong Kong for more than 40 years, was overcome by his first international victory. "I've finally got the icing on the cake! I've been trying to win this race for years and I've finally done it," said Moore, who had finished runner-up the past two years with Zaidan (2012) and Irian (2011). "I've always liked coming to Singapore from the days I used to ride here for Garnet Bougoure at Bukit Timah in the Pro-Am races. "I loved my stay here and always had very fond memories of the track and the country. I always told dad (late legendary jockey and Hong Kong trainer George Moore) that Singapore has changed to a very professional racing nation." Military Attack, coming off a dynamic score in the April 28 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin, became the first winner of that race to follow up in Singapore. He began his skein in the February 24 Hong Kong Gold Cup and added the March 24 Premier Plate Handicap before venturing into international Group 1 company at home and abroad. "To travel all the way here and stay in this heat and break the two-minute mark shows how much this horse has thrived," Moore said. "Four runs back, there were even some queries about him, but he's turned the corner and has become a really serious horse. "Zac wanted to bring about some tactical changes when he started riding him and it seems to have worked. Honestly, I didn't expect he would win so easily as there were some really strong horses in the field. "I would now love to send him to the Group 1 Cox Plate in October in Australia. I know it's tough with the two weeks (quarantine) at Werribee, but he has shown he could travel. "And the Cox Plate would be nice as I would love nothing more than to win a Group race in my own country. I've actually already discussed with (owner) Steven Lo and I believe the organizers will soon send all the paraphernalia to him."
"He hasn't got into his races his last two and was never really comfortable those times, but tonight he actually put the brakes on the turn because he didn't like the mobile footage camera on the inside, so I let him get his confidence and pulled him away from the rail. "His mind was on the job from then on and once he got the run, he stays a mile so the turn of foot he gave me I knew they wouldn't run me down." Fownes admitted to feeling plenty of pressure ahead of the KrisFlyer. "The pressure on me after his last run where he had blood in his trachea was quite heavy," Fownes said. "Having to travel him here and then get him to perform at his top, the pressure was right on. "He's always had internal issues but you've got to take the plunge and we came here and it paid off. He's tough because we medicated his joints prior to this race and when we X-rayed him he's got a chip in his joint, which we didn't realize he had -- he's that tough. That could have maybe been affecting him as well." Giving Fownes additional worry, the son of Dubawi acted up before the race. "I was absolutely concerned because that's not him," Fownes said. "I was worried coming into the parade, but once we managed to saddle him and sweat him down and get him out walking and chill a bit he was good. "We saw the real Lucky Nine tonight," the trainer added. "He's been unlucky overseas on a number of occasions previously, so it was great to see everything fall into place. "This means a lot to us to come here and win on international soil. We'll put him away now and we'll look forward to the next season. "I'd like to win a Group 1 in Australia -- my wife's Australian and the people there are really passionate about their racing, so we'll talk to the owner and see about that." Australia's Bel Sprinter rallied from near the tail of the field to grab second, edging Super Easy on the line. Next came Balmont Mast, Kavanagh, Speedy Cat, Goal Keeper, Mr Big, Dux Scholar and Dasher Go Go. There was an incident down the lane as Emerald Hill went wrong and unseated jockey Jose Verenzuela. "He was traveling good, but suddenly at around the 250-meter mark, he switched his lead and broke down. There was nothing I could do about it." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Lady of Shamrock, Marketing Mix to clash in Gamely Grade 1 stars Lady of Shamrock and Marketing Mix top the prospective field of eight or nine fillies and mares lining up for Hollywood Park's Grade 1 Gamely on Memorial Day. Hronis Racing LLC's Lady of Shamrock, winner of last year's American Oaks over the course, was just awarded the victory disqualification in the April 20 Santa Barbara at Santa Anita. Rafael Bejarano has the call for trainer John Sadler. Glen Hill Farm's Marketing Mix, who took the Rodeo Drive at Santa Anita last September, will be making her first start since a runner-up effort in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Gary Stevens, fresh from his upset aboard Oxbow in the Preakness at Pimlico, will ride for trainer Tom Proctor. Others in the star-filled lineup are venerable California bred Halo Dolly, a 15-time winner who won the Wilshire Handicap April 28; Tiz Flirtatious, victorious in the March 24 Santa Ana Stakes at Santa Anita, Quiet Oasis, runner-up in last year's Gamely; and comebacking My Gi Gi, winner of the Honeymoon Handicap in 2012. Rounding out the probables are Long Face, second to Halo Dolly in the Wilshire, and Private Affair, a champion in her native Peru. The Memorial Day card will also offer the $100,000 Los Angeles Handicap, a Grade 3 for older horses at six furlongs over Cushion Track. Heading the field are Camp Victory, winner of the 2011 Los Angeles Handicap and third a year ago; Comma to the Top, winner of the CashCall Futurity in 2010 and the Cool Frenchy Stakes May 4. Centralintelligence will compete in his second consecutive Los Angeles. The Smarty Jones gelding defeated Camp Victory when finishing second in last year's edition. Entering Sunday's card, trainer Ron Ellis was just five short of 1,000 career victories. Ellis will also saddle Majestic City in the Los Angeles. Chosen Miracle will be among the entrants in the sprint, as will an undetermined number of Bob Baffert runners. The trainer has six nominated to the race. Fanticola and Scardino's Obviously tops the probables for Saturday's Grade 2, $150,000 American Handicap for older horses at one mile on turf. Trained by Mike Mitchell, the five-year-old was a close third in the San Simeon in his first start of the year. In 2012, the Irish-bred won a pair of Grade 2 races and was third behind Horse of the Year Wise Dan in the Breeders' Cup Mile. Regular rider Joe Talamo will be aboard. Schiaparelli, who gave Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner and stablemate Mizdirection all she could handle when finishing second in the Las Cienegas Stakes April 13, is the likely favorite for next Sunday's $70,000 Great Lady M Stakes at six furlongs on turf. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Meisho Mambo surprises Japanese Oaks Yoshio Matsumoto's homebred Meisho Mambo, only 10th in the Oka Sho (Japanese One Thousand Guineas), jumped up to surprise Sunday's Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) at Tokyo. Under Koshiro Take, the daughter of Suzuka Mambo rallied in midstretch to give veteran trainer Akihiro Iida the first Grade 1 win of his 25-year career. The gray Kurofune Surprise scampered to the early lead, stalked by Sakura Plaisir and Tosen Soleil. Further back, roughly in midpack, came Ever Blossom, Meisho Mambo and Oka Sho heroine Ayusan. Favorite Denim and Ruby lagged in last early after a slow start. Kurofune Surprise opened up by as many as seven or eight lengths on the backstretch, but by the time she turned for home, her margin had evaporated. Although the front runner tried to dig in at the top of the stretch, she was spent from her early exertions and could not resist the onslaught of closers. Meisho Mambo, who had swung out for clear running room, found the best turn of foot to storm to the front. Ever Blossom followed in hot pursuit, and Denim and Ruby likewise finished strongly from her poor position, but the winner had gone beyond recall. Meisho Mambo crossed the wire 1 1/4 lengths to the good of Ever Blossom in a final time of 2:25.2 for about 1 1/2 miles on the firm turf. Denim and Ruby came home another two lengths adrift in third. Ayusan wound up fourth, followed by Floor Craft, Ti Amo, Sweet Salsa, Lilas Corsage, Robe Tissage, Brilliant Ask, Kurofune Surprise, Celebrity Model, Sakura Plaisir, Tosen Soleil, Brunette, Red Oval and Crown Rose. Meisho Mambo now sports a line of 7-4-1-0, Ľ203,923,000. The bay filly won at first asking at Kyoto last November, but found the plunge into Grade 1 company too tough when 10th in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies. Runner-up to Red Oval back at Kyoto on January 14, Meisho Mambo scored a confidence-boosting allowance win at the same venue on February 16. She made it two straight by capturing the March 10 Hochi Hai Fillies' Revue at Hanshin, but never landed a blow in the Oka Sho. The Japanese-bred thrived on the step up in trip here to become the first top-level winner sired by Suzuka Mambo. She was produced by the Grass Wonder mare Meisho Momoka and comes from the family of multiple Japanese stakes heroine and Grade 3-placed Meine Ratsel. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Hong Kong duo Military Attack, Lucky Nine plunder Singapore prizes
"They said it was the strongest race they have ever been able to assemble," Purton said, "and it is scary to think how much he has improved in the last three or four months. "I came here thinking I had a good chance. I would have been happy just to win, but to blow them away like that is a phenomenal performance. "I just began and put myself in a good position and I let Pastorius come around me at the 1,500 meters, and of course I thought he was the right horse to be following. "My horse was just a little bit unbalanced, and I thought if I put him on the fence, it will just give him something to keep him more tractable. "They were going at a good tempo and for a second, I thought it could be his undoing. But then, from the 700 meters, I was looking once again to get on the back of Pastorius thinking he would drag me into the race. "But I could see he was gone and Dan Excel was traveling really well and Mawingo was pinching ground and saving time getting runs. "Then the saloon passage just opened up for me, and he did the rest," Purton concluded. "I couldn't believe how far ahead he was and in the end I just let him idle to the line." Moore, a 63-year-old Australian native who has worked in Hong Kong for more than 40 years, was overcome by his first international victory. "I've finally got the icing on the cake! I've been trying to win this race for years and I've finally done it," said Moore, who had finished runner-up the past two years with Zaidan (2012) and Irian (2011). "I've always liked coming to Singapore from the days I used to ride here for Garnet Bougoure at Bukit Timah in the Pro-Am races. "I loved my stay here and always had very fond memories of the track and the country. I always told dad (late legendary jockey and Hong Kong trainer George Moore) that Singapore has changed to a very professional racing nation." Military Attack, coming off a dynamic score in the April 28 Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Sha Tin, became the first winner of that race to follow up in Singapore. He began his skein in the February 24 Hong Kong Gold Cup and added the March 24 Premier Plate Handicap before venturing into international Group 1 company at home and abroad. "To travel all the way here and stay in this heat and break the two-minute mark shows how much this horse has thrived," Moore said. "Four runs back, there were even some queries about him, but he's turned the corner and has become a really serious horse. "Zac wanted to bring about some tactical changes when he started riding him and it seems to have worked. Honestly, I didn't expect he would win so easily as there were some really strong horses in the field. "I would now love to send him to the Group 1 Cox Plate in October in Australia. I know it's tough with the two weeks (quarantine) at Werribee, but he has shown he could travel. "And the Cox Plate would be nice as I would love nothing more than to win a Group race in my own country. I've actually already discussed with (owner) Steven Lo and I believe the organizers will soon send all the paraphernalia to him."
"He hasn't got into his races his last two and was never really comfortable those times, but tonight he actually put the brakes on the turn because he didn't like the mobile footage camera on the inside, so I let him get his confidence and pulled him away from the rail. "His mind was on the job from then on and once he got the run, he stays a mile so the turn of foot he gave me I knew they wouldn't run me down." Fownes admitted to feeling plenty of pressure ahead of the KrisFlyer. "The pressure on me after his last run where he had blood in his trachea was quite heavy," Fownes said. "Having to travel him here and then get him to perform at his top, the pressure was right on. "He's always had internal issues but you've got to take the plunge and we came here and it paid off. He's tough because we medicated his joints prior to this race and when we X-rayed him he's got a chip in his joint, which we didn't realize he had -- he's that tough. That could have maybe been affecting him as well." Giving Fownes additional worry, the son of Dubawi acted up before the race. "I was absolutely concerned because that's not him," Fownes said. "I was worried coming into the parade, but once we managed to saddle him and sweat him down and get him out walking and chill a bit he was good. "We saw the real Lucky Nine tonight," the trainer added. "He's been unlucky overseas on a number of occasions previously, so it was great to see everything fall into place. "This means a lot to us to come here and win on international soil. We'll put him away now and we'll look forward to the next season. "I'd like to win a Group 1 in Australia -- my wife's Australian and the people there are really passionate about their racing, so we'll talk to the owner and see about that." Australia's Bel Sprinter rallied from near the tail of the field to grab second, edging Super Easy on the line. Next came Balmont Mast, Kavanagh, Speedy Cat, Goal Keeper, Mr Big, Dux Scholar and Dasher Go Go. There was an incident down the lane as Emerald Hill went wrong and unseated jockey Jose Verenzuela. "He was traveling good, but suddenly at around the 250-meter mark, he switched his lead and broke down. There was nothing I could do about it." Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Coffee Clique too much in Selene
Contreras wasn't too concerned about the runaway pacesetter in the early stages of the Selene. "I got a perfect trip," Contreras said. "I knew there was crazy speed in the race, but I just tried to relax and save my horse until the end. I had a lot of horse and she gave me everything." Coffee Clique kept busy over the winter racing four times at Gulfstream Park, winning a turf allowance and notching a third-place effort in the Secret Grace Stakes last time out. Lynch believes that having Contreras breeze the filly in advance of the Selene was a key factor in her performance. "She's a great little filly, very honest," Lynch said. "Luis got to work her during the week as she's not long up from Keeneland. I think he was very confident after that work and rode her very nicely today. She's very versatile, looks like the 'Poly' and the turf...that's her number." The conditioner has prepared the bay for what he hopes will be a lucrative campaign at Woodbine. "I didn't want to over race her (in Florida)," Lynch said. "It's very tempting when you have a three-year-old filly to get creative down there, but we feel like the program up here for three-year-olds is great and we want to save her for that and have a fresh horse." Coffee Clique returned $7.60, $3.60 and $2.70 to her supporters and banked $87,534 in victory, while increasing her lifetime earnings to $166,300 from a 6-3-1-0 career line. Spring Venture, who was exiting an eighth-place run in the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland on April 6, finished fourth. Completing the order under the wire were Leigh Court, Fun in d' Sun and Thats Our Princess. Takeyourbreathaway was scratched. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Meisho Mambo surprises Japanese Oaks Yoshio Matsumoto's homebred Meisho Mambo, only 10th in the Oka Sho (Japanese One Thousand Guineas), jumped up to surprise Sunday's Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) at Tokyo. Under Koshiro Take, the daughter of Suzuka Mambo rallied in midstretch to give veteran trainer Akihiro Iida the first Grade 1 win of his 25-year career. The gray Kurofune Surprise scampered to the early lead, stalked by Sakura Plaisir and Tosen Soleil. Further back, roughly in midpack, came Ever Blossom, Meisho Mambo and Oka Sho heroine Ayusan. Favorite Denim and Ruby lagged in last early after a slow start. Kurofune Surprise opened up by as many as seven or eight lengths on the backstretch, but by the time she turned for home, her margin had evaporated. Although the front runner tried to dig in at the top of the stretch, she was spent from her early exertions and could not resist the onslaught of closers. Meisho Mambo, who had swung out for clear running room, found the best turn of foot to storm to the front. Ever Blossom followed in hot pursuit, and Denim and Ruby likewise finished strongly from her poor position, but the winner had gone beyond recall. Meisho Mambo crossed the wire 1 1/4 lengths to the good of Ever Blossom in a final time of 2:25.2 for about 1 1/2 miles on the firm turf. Denim and Ruby came home another two lengths adrift in third. Ayusan wound up fourth, followed by Floor Craft, Ti Amo, Sweet Salsa, Lilas Corsage, Robe Tissage, Brilliant Ask, Kurofune Surprise, Celebrity Model, Sakura Plaisir, Tosen Soleil, Brunette, Red Oval and Crown Rose. Meisho Mambo now sports a line of 7-4-1-0, Ľ203,923,000. The bay filly won at first asking at Kyoto last November, but found the plunge into Grade 1 company too tough when 10th in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies. Runner-up to Red Oval back at Kyoto on January 14, Meisho Mambo scored a confidence-boosting allowance win at the same venue on February 16. She made it two straight by capturing the March 10 Hochi Hai Fillies' Revue at Hanshin, but never landed a blow in the Oka Sho. The Japanese-bred thrived on the step up in trip here to become the first top-level winner sired by Suzuka Mambo. She was produced by the Grass Wonder mare Meisho Momoka and comes from the family of multiple Japanese stakes heroine and Grade 3-placed Meine Ratsel. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com Coffee Clique too much in Selene
Contreras wasn't too concerned about the runaway pacesetter in the early stages of the Selene. "I got a perfect trip," Contreras said. "I knew there was crazy speed in the race, but I just tried to relax and save my horse until the end. I had a lot of horse and she gave me everything." Coffee Clique kept busy over the winter racing four times at Gulfstream Park, winning a turf allowance and notching a third-place effort in the Secret Grace Stakes last time out. Lynch believes that having Contreras breeze the filly in advance of the Selene was a key factor in her performance. "She's a great little filly, very honest," Lynch said. "Luis got to work her during the week as she's not long up from Keeneland. I think he was very confident after that work and rode her very nicely today. She's very versatile, looks like the 'Poly' and the turf...that's her number." The conditioner has prepared the bay for what he hopes will be a lucrative campaign at Woodbine. "I didn't want to over race her (in Florida)," Lynch said. "It's very tempting when you have a three-year-old filly to get creative down there, but we feel like the program up here for three-year-olds is great and we want to save her for that and have a fresh horse." Coffee Clique returned $7.60, $3.60 and $2.70 to her supporters and banked $87,534 in victory, while increasing her lifetime earnings to $166,300 from a 6-3-1-0 career line. Spring Venture, who was exiting an eighth-place run in the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland on April 6, finished fourth. Completing the order under the wire were Leigh Court, Fun in d' Sun and Thats Our Princess. Takeyourbreathaway was scratched. Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com In brief Eclipse Award winner Beholder (Henny Hughes), recently second to Princess of Sylmar (Majestic Warrior) in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), has been sent to Julie Adair's farm for a break, according to trainer Richard Mandella. The Hall of Famer indicated she's fine but he wanted to give her a little rest... Veteran jockey Mike Luzzi will undergo shoulder surgery for an injury he suffered on May 10 and will be out for 12-18 weeks, the rider said on Saturday. Luzzi, 43, hit his shoulder on the starting gate at the start of the No Reason overnight stakes. Since then, he rode in five races on May 11 and in a single race Saturday. The rider says he needs the surgery to regain his full range of motion on that shoulder. So far in 2013, Luzzi has won 28 races from 235 mounts. He had won five races from 26 mounts during the current Belmont spring/summer meet... Saturday was a pretty good day to be Joe Talamo. Not only did the 23-year-old native of Louisiana sweep both stakes races at Hollywood Park, taking the Fran's Valentine with 9-2 shot Unusual Hottie (Unusual Heat) and the Marjorie L. Everett H. (G2) with 9-1 outsider Open Water (Include), he got to see his mentor -- Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens -- go gate-to-wire aboard Oxbow (Awesome Again), the upset ($32.80) winner of the Preakness (G1). "I thought it was great," Talamo said. "I was so happy for Gary. Even as a little kid I always looked up to him. I remember I was 11 when he won (the 2001 Preakness) with Point Given. We've become really close. He's given me a lot of pointers, which I'm thankful for, so I'm really happy for him."... Trainer Dallas Stewart said Kentucky Derby runner-up Golden Soul (Perfect Soul) is likely to work at Churchill Downs on Wednesday or Thursday. It will be the first work since the Kentucky Derby for the chestnut, who is being pointed toward the Belmont Stakes on June 8. Golden Soul opened his sophomore campaign with a second-place effort behind Saturday's Preakness winner, Oxbow, in the Lecomte (G3) at Fair Grounds in mid-January... Jungle Stable's Mizdirection (Mizzen Mast), winner of the 2012 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1), worked six furlongs under exercise rider Manny Landeros Sunday morning on the Hollywood Park turf. "It was a nice and even work," trainer Mike Puype said. "Just what we wanted. She got a little rank when she broke off, but she always does that." Puype said he got the work in "1:14 and change." Her official time was 1:15 3/5, according to track clocker Russ Hudak. After winning the Las Cienegas S. (G3) April 13, Puype indicated Mizdirection's next start would be in the $500,000 Just a Game S. (G1) at one mile on turf Belmont Stakes Day (June 8). Those plans remain unchanged... Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Telescope (Galileo) remains on target for the June 1 Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) after putting in an impressive piece of work on the Newmarket gallops Sunday morning. Forced out of his intended re-appearance in last Thursday's Dante (Eng-G2) at York after some grazes became infected, the Sir Michael Stoute trainee came clear of his companion on the Limekilns stretch in the town and Harry Herbert told PA Sport, "Sir Michael has called me and he seemed very pleased. We'll just see how he is before we move on to the next step. If he comes through this OK, we'll take him to Lingfield on Wednesday where he will have his racecourse gallop. As long as Sir Michael is happy with him tonight and tomorrow morning, that will be the plan. As if there is not enough pressure surrounding a British Derby candidate, this has just added to the stress of it all really. There's still a chance he could make the Derby, but we'll just take it day by day."... Cristina Patino's Snow Fairy (Intikhab) is a step closer to making her seasonal debut in the Prince of Wales's (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot, trainer Ed Dunlop revealed. Despite the conditioner's caution surrounding the possibility that the six-time Group 1 winner could reappear at the Royal meeting after her injury-enforced absence, the signs are becoming increasingly positive. "She did her first little bit of fast work on Friday and if she's ready, we'd like to take her to Royal Ascot," he said... In one of the best performances of the Churchill Downs spring meet thus far, Harry Rosenblum's Gentlemen's Bet (Half Ours) won Friday's 4TH race at Churchill Downs by 5 3/4 lengths and ran six furlongs in 1:07.90, less than a half-second off the track record of 1:07.55. That effort could land him back in the Churchill starting gate for the $100,000 Aristides (G3) on June 1. "He's possible for the Aristides," trainer Ron Moquett said. "If everything keeps going smoothly, that's what we're thinking." Gentlemen's Bet entered Friday's allowance off a third-place finish in the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3), his only defeat in five career starts. "We expected him to run really well, but didn't know where that would put us because there were some really nice horses in there," Moquett remarked. "We were thinking of running him in another stake, but decided to give him the easiest path possible. At some point, you won't have the option of running in an allowance and you have to run in a stake." Moquett's truck sports a novelty license plate that says "1:07 Flat" and Gentlemen's Bet wasn't too far from running that time. "It used to be on Bernie Flint's car," Moquett explained. "Gentlemen's Bet didn't run 1:07 flat, but he did go in 1:07 and change and I think that's pretty cool. When people ask me what it means, I tell them, 'That's what I'm looking for. A horse that can go 1:07 flat.'"... Trainer John Sadler stated he scratched More Chocolate (Malibu Moon) from Saturday's Marjorie L. Everett H. (G2) to run in the $250,000 Vanity H. (G1) on June 15. Everett winner Open Water (Include) came back great and is also on course for the Vanity, according to John Daley, assistant to trainer Eric Guillot. Other main participants in the Everett, and Saturday's Fran's Valentine Stakes, likewise returned in good shape. Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said he scoped his four stakes starters after the races and they came up clean. Lady of Fifty (After Market), Sister Kate (Benchmark) and Lady Aspen (Grand Reward) -- second, fifth and sixth, respectively, in the Everett -- were all fine Sunday morning. Top Kisser (Old Topper) finished third as the favorite in the Fran's Valentine. Jeff Mullins, who sent out Fran's Valentine winner Unusual Hottie, also was pleased with how the daughter of Unusual Heat came out of the race... Treasured Up (Medaglia d'Oro) was in good order Sunday morning following her narrow victory in Saturday's Keertana at Churchill Downs. "She ate up and was bright-eyed this morning," said Heather Craig, assistant to trainer Al Stall Jr... Assistant trainer Norman Casse said Funny Proposition (Medaglia d'Oro) is under consideration for the $175,000 Fleur de Lis (G2) following her three-length victory at Churchill Downs on Friday. The dark bay four-year-old's previous tries against stakes company resulted in an eighth-place run in the Regret (G3) last June at Churchill and a well-beaten fifth in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) one race later at Saratoga. The 1 1/8-mile Fleur de Lis is scheduled for the Stephen Foster Day undercard on June 15 under the Twin Spires... Trainer Mike Mitchell reported that Dhaamer (Dubai Destination), winner of the recent Round Table Stakes, is doing super and right on target for a title defense in the $100,000 Sunset H. (G3) on Hollywood's closing day, July 14... Paso Doble (Bold n' Flashy) and Haverhill (Seffir), an uncoupled entry trained by Mark Casse, headline the Victoria Day feature at Woodbine on Monday, the C$125,000 New Providence. The seven-year-old Paso Doble makes his third start of the season in the six-furlong Polytrack sprint after opening his campaign with a disappointing effort at Keeneland. The classy gelding returned to form last out when second, defeated a nose by the re-opposing Executive Five (Bold Executive), in the prep for this event. Patrick Husbands has the call on Paso Doble, who ran second in this race last year in his 2012 finale. The five-year-old Haverhill competed at Gulfstream Park over the winter when trained by Katerina Vassilieva. The bay gelding was purchased privately and raced once, finishing third, at Santa Anita, before returning to Woodbine to complete the superfecta in the local prep. Luis Contreras will be aboard as Haverhill makes his stakes bow in this spot. Executive Five, a surprise winner of the New Providence prep at 50-1, will be seeking his first stakes score for trainer David Katryan. The five-year-old gelding will once again be partnered by Jesse Campbell... Godolphin may have endured a testing period of late, but their representatives are making waves on the track and Tawhid (Invincible Spirit) bids to continue the racing offensive in Monday's Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen (German Two Thousand Guineas) (Ger-G2) at Cologne. While he was never a factor when last of four in a strong renewal of the Craven (Eng-G3) in his seasonal bow over Monday's one-mile trip at Newmarket on April 18, he is better judged by his prior performance when scoring by four lengths in heavy ground in Newbury's Horris Hill (Eng-G3) going seven furlongs in October. "Tawhid needs soft ground to be at his best," Saeed bin Suroor said. "He showed at Newbury last year that he is a different horse with some cut underfoot. He worked very well on Wednesday and I am very happy with him, but the ground is the key for him." If the ground is not in his favor, there are several who will seek to take advantage, including last year's Gran Criterium (Ity-G1) winner Law Enforcement (Lawman). He was not disgraced when fifth attempting to make all in the March 30 UAE Derby (UAE-G2) on the Tapeta last out and switches back to turf. This renewal looks booked for export to Britain and another due respect from that country is Prince Faisal's impressive Kempton maiden winner String Theory (Medicean). Trainer Marco Botti has taken the significant step of sending him straight into Pattern company on the back of that six-length score over this trip on the Polytrack at the start of the month... Jockey Joe Talamo completed a weekend stakes sweep Sunday at Hollywood Park with a victory aboard Hronis Racing's 7-5 favorite Iotapa (Afleet Alex) in the $74,920 Railbird. Shortening up after finishing second behind juvenile filly champion Beholder (Henny Hughes) in the 1 1/16-mile Santa Anita Oaks (G1) on April 6, Iotapa was reserved off the pace, rallied outside Tres Belle (War Front) and pacesetter Hail Mary (Old Topper) around the turn and went on to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Ciao Bella Luna (Tribal Rule). Iotapa's third win in four starts came a day after Talamo captured the Marjorie L. Everett Handicap (G2) with 9-1 outsider Open Water (Include) and the Fran's Valentine Stakes with 9-2 shot Unusual Hottie (Unusual Heat). Trained by John Sadler, Iotapa covered seven furlongs over Hollywood's Cushion Track in 1:23 2/5 to push her earnings to $155,490 from a 4-3-1-0 mark. She broke her maiden in her debut last June 21 over the track and was claimed for $50,000 by her current connections. "You claim a horse and she wins and you're excited, then two days later she came up sore," Sadler said. "We took X-rays and she had a little fracture in one of her hind pasterns. It was a hairline fracture and we knew it would heal up well. Once they've showed they can run you don't mind giving them some time. (Hollywood Park) is where she has always trained. She won first time back on dirt (February 15 at Santa Anita), then she ran a big race in the (Santa Anita Oaks). The plan was to run her here and then run in the ($150,000 Hollywood) Oaks ([G2] on June 22)... Sovereign Stable's Fearless Jacq (Soviet Star) captured her first stakes victory in Sunday's $85,000 Miss Otis Stakes at Belmont Park as the 5-2 favorite. The three-year-old filly attended the pace three wide in hand, gained a length advantage by the time they reached the half-mile pole and slowly edged away from the field for a 2 3/4-length victory. With Joel Rosario in the irons, the John Terranova II trainee covered six furlongs over the yielding inner turf in 1:12 2/5. The bay was exiting a fourth-place finish in the Beaumont (G2) at Keeneland last time out. With Sunday's stakes score, Fearless Jacq banked $51,000 to increase her lifetime earnings to $75,295 from a 6-2-1-0 line... Trainer Stefano Botti saddled a quintet in Sunday's Derby Italiano (Ity-G2) in Rome and three of them managed to fill the trifecta and complete a memorable achievement for the son and nephew of the legendary Alduino and Giuseppe. Biz the Nurse (Oratorio) had flopped when tried in Pattern company at two, finishing fifth after a slow start in the Premio Guido Berardelli (Ity-G3) going nine furlongs here at the start of November, but had looked a different proposition in his successful return in the Premio Botticelli over 1 5/16 miles on April 28. Settled in midpack throughout the early stages of Sunday contest, the bay was sent to the lead with over two furlongs to race by the visiting Andrea Atzeni and drew clear of his barnmates Wish Come True (Aussie Rules) and Ancient King (Ramonti) with the field strung out behind... Also on Sunday's card at Rome, Victory Laurel (Holy Roman Emperor) and Romantic Wave (Rock of Gibraltar) visited the winner's circle in the Premio Tudini (Ity-G3) and Premio Carlo d'Alessio (Ity-G3), respectively. Taking on the older sprinters at this early stage of the season is often difficult for the sophomore brigade and Victory Laurel had not looked an obvious candidate for these type of honors when beaten in his first five starts at two. Campaigned exclusively at this track so far, the bay registered a breakthrough win on the all-weather at the end of the year and followed that with a third-placing and a win in conditions events over Sunday's six-furlong trip on April 5 and 19, respectively. Held up early in the Premio Tudini, he met traffic as Salvatore Sulas searched for an escape route, but swamped Rosendhal (Indian Ridge) when in the clear in the final 100 yards. Romantic Wave came to the fore in his latest start when registering a first black-type success in this venue's Premio Signorio over nine furlongs on April 28, and showed that Sunday's 1 1/2-mile trip held no fears with a convincing follow-up. In front initially before taking a lead, the dark bay was sent back to the front approaching the quarter-pole and dominated proceedings from there... Last seen finishing a short-head second in the latest renewal of the San Siro's St Leger Italiano (Ity-G3) in September, Altano (Galileo) showed he retained his ability despite his advancing years to book a possible ticket to the June 20 Gold Cup (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot with a three-quarter length victory in Sunday's Oleander-Rennen (Ger-G3) at Hoppegarten. Anchored in the rear early, the bay was angled out from the rail at the end of the back straight and gradually wore down his stablemate and the long-time leader Earl of Tinsdal (Black Sam Bellamy) and Supersonic Flight (Lomitas) in the final 50 yards. Altano's staying power was advertised with wins in the St Leger Italiano in 2011, in this race 12 months ago and in the Deutsches St Leger (Ger-G3) at Dortmund in September... Voleuse de Coeurs (Teofilo) came to the fore over two miles last term when recording successes at the Galway Festival and in the Irish Cesarewitch Handicap at The Curragh in October by a cumulative margin of 18 lengths. She had come up short against El Salvador (Galileo), however, in her return in a conditions event over 1 9/16 miles at Limerick on April 11. Reversing that form in comprehensive manner in Sunday's Vintage Crop, Navan's Ascot Gold Cup trial, the bay suggested she could become a leading stayer for the Dermot Weld barn responsible for the horse after which the race in named. Settled on the rail taking a lead from the pacesetters early, the homebred was angled wide for her run in early stretch and, after cruising to the fore with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining, was shaken up to assert her authority. "I see her as possibly an outstanding stayer," said Weld, who also has former Gold Cup winner Rite of Passage (Giant's Causeway) in the Royal meeting's June 20 feature. "I thought she would win, but the Ascot Gold Cup might be a bit soon. She could go for the (June 30) Curragh Cup (Ire-G3) and (September 15) Irish St Leger (Ire-G1) and be a Gold Cup horse for next year, but she will always want a little ease in the ground."... Agent Tony Matos advises that Garrett Gomez will be at Arlington Park Saturday to ride in a trio of $150,000 stakes -- the Arlington Classic (G3), Arlington Matron (G3) and Hanshin Cup (G3)... With the Gamely S. (G1) coming up, veteran race fans must have done a double-take when they saw a first-time starter named Manta (Council Member) in Saturday's 11TH race at Hollywood Park. An Elmendorf-bred and Farrell Jones-trained mare, also named Manta, was a top-class female who raced in the early 1970s. The original Manta was an 18-time winner with a bankroll of $502,000, a sizable amount in those days. She won the 1971 Long Beach Handicap -- which is now known as the Gamely -- and was third to the brilliant Typecast in the same race the following year. Based on her debut, the modern-day Manta bears no resemblance to her predecessor. She finished sixth, almost 10 lengths behind winner Only Josie Knows (Rio Verde) in the $20,000 maiden claimer... Going into Sunday's card, only 30 of the original 1,744 contestants remained alive in Hollywood Park's $2,500 winner-take-all Show Me the Money contest.
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In brief Eclipse Award winner Beholder (Henny Hughes), recently second to Princess of Sylmar (Majestic Warrior) in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), has been sent to Julie Adair's farm for a break, according to trainer Richard Mandella. The Hall of Famer indicated she's fine but he wanted to give her a little rest... Veteran jockey Mike Luzzi will undergo shoulder surgery for an injury he suffered on May 10 and will be out for 12-18 weeks, the rider said on Saturday. Luzzi, 43, hit his shoulder on the starting gate at the start of the No Reason overnight stakes. Since then, he rode in five races on May 11 and in a single race Saturday. The rider says he needs the surgery to regain his full range of motion on that shoulder. So far in 2013, Luzzi has won 28 races from 235 mounts. He had won five races from 26 mounts during the current Belmont spring/summer meet... Saturday was a pretty good day to be Joe Talamo. Not only did the 23-year-old native of Louisiana sweep both stakes races at Hollywood Park, taking the Fran's Valentine with 9-2 shot Unusual Hottie (Unusual Heat) and the Marjorie L. Everett H. (G2) with 9-1 outsider Open Water (Include), he got to see his mentor -- Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens -- go gate-to-wire aboard Oxbow (Awesome Again), the upset ($32.80) winner of the Preakness (G1). "I thought it was great," Talamo said. "I was so happy for Gary. Even as a little kid I always looked up to him. I remember I was 11 when he won (the 2001 Preakness) with Point Given. We've become really close. He's given me a lot of pointers, which I'm thankful for, so I'm really happy for him."... Trainer Dallas Stewart said Kentucky Derby runner-up Golden Soul (Perfect Soul) is likely to work at Churchill Downs on Wednesday or Thursday. It will be the first work since the Kentucky Derby for the chestnut, who is being pointed toward the Belmont Stakes on June 8. Golden Soul opened his sophomore campaign with a second-place effort behind Saturday's Preakness winner, Oxbow, in the Lecomte (G3) at Fair Grounds in mid-January... Jungle Stable's Mizdirection (Mizzen Mast), winner of the 2012 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1), worked six furlongs under exercise rider Manny Landeros Sunday morning on the Hollywood Park turf. "It was a nice and even work," trainer Mike Puype said. "Just what we wanted. She got a little rank when she broke off, but she always does that." Puype said he got the work in "1:14 and change." Her official time was 1:15 3/5, according to track clocker Russ Hudak. After winning the Las Cienegas S. (G3) April 13, Puype indicated Mizdirection's next start would be in the $500,000 Just a Game S. (G1) at one mile on turf Belmont Stakes Day (June 8). Those plans remain unchanged... Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Telescope (Galileo) remains on target for the June 1 Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) after putting in an impressive piece of work on the Newmarket gallops Sunday morning. Forced out of his intended re-appearance in last Thursday's Dante (Eng-G2) at York after some grazes became infected, the Sir Michael Stoute trainee came clear of his companion on the Limekilns stretch in the town and Harry Herbert told PA Sport, "Sir Michael has called me and he seemed very pleased. We'll just see how he is before we move on to the next step. If he comes through this OK, we'll take him to Lingfield on Wednesday where he will have his racecourse gallop. As long as Sir Michael is happy with him tonight and tomorrow morning, that will be the plan. As if there is not enough pressure surrounding a British Derby candidate, this has just added to the stress of it all really. There's still a chance he could make the Derby, but we'll just take it day by day."... Cristina Patino's Snow Fairy (Intikhab) is a step closer to making her seasonal debut in the Prince of Wales's (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot, trainer Ed Dunlop revealed. Despite the conditioner's caution surrounding the possibility that the six-time Group 1 winner could reappear at the Royal meeting after her injury-enforced absence, the signs are becoming increasingly positive. "She did her first little bit of fast work on Friday and if she's ready, we'd like to take her to Royal Ascot," he said... In one of the best performances of the Churchill Downs spring meet thus far, Harry Rosenblum's Gentlemen's Bet (Half Ours) won Friday's 4TH race at Churchill Downs by 5 3/4 lengths and ran six furlongs in 1:07.90, less than a half-second off the track record of 1:07.55. That effort could land him back in the Churchill starting gate for the $100,000 Aristides (G3) on June 1. "He's possible for the Aristides," trainer Ron Moquett said. "If everything keeps going smoothly, that's what we're thinking." Gentlemen's Bet entered Friday's allowance off a third-place finish in the Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3), his only defeat in five career starts. "We expected him to run really well, but didn't know where that would put us because there were some really nice horses in there," Moquett remarked. "We were thinking of running him in another stake, but decided to give him the easiest path possible. At some point, you won't have the option of running in an allowance and you have to run in a stake." Moquett's truck sports a novelty license plate that says "1:07 Flat" and Gentlemen's Bet wasn't too far from running that time. "It used to be on Bernie Flint's car," Moquett explained. "Gentlemen's Bet didn't run 1:07 flat, but he did go in 1:07 and change and I think that's pretty cool. When people ask me what it means, I tell them, 'That's what I'm looking for. A horse that can go 1:07 flat.'"... Trainer John Sadler stated he scratched More Chocolate (Malibu Moon) from Saturday's Marjorie L. Everett H. (G2) to run in the $250,000 Vanity H. (G1) on June 15. Everett winner Open Water (Include) came back great and is also on course for the Vanity, according to John Daley, assistant to trainer Eric Guillot. Other main participants in the Everett, and Saturday's Fran's Valentine Stakes, likewise returned in good shape. Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said he scoped his four stakes starters after the races and they came up clean. Lady of Fifty (After Market), Sister Kate (Benchmark) and Lady Aspen (Grand Reward) -- second, fifth and sixth, respectively, in the Everett -- were all fine Sunday morning. Top Kisser (Old Topper) finished third as the favorite in the Fran's Valentine. Jeff Mullins, who sent out Fran's Valentine winner Unusual Hottie, also was pleased with how the daughter of Unusual Heat came out of the race... Treasured Up (Medaglia d'Oro) was in good order Sunday morning following her narrow victory in Saturday's Keertana at Churchill Downs. "She ate up and was bright-eyed this morning," said Heather Craig, assistant to trainer Al Stall Jr... Assistant trainer Norman Casse said Funny Proposition (Medaglia d'Oro) is under consideration for the $175,000 Fleur de Lis (G2) following her three-length victory at Churchill Downs on Friday. The dark bay four-year-old's previous tries against stakes company resulted in an eighth-place run in the Regret (G3) last June at Churchill and a well-beaten fifth in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) one race later at Saratoga. The 1 1/8-mile Fleur de Lis is scheduled for the Stephen Foster Day undercard on June 15 under the Twin Spires... Trainer Mike Mitchell reported that Dhaamer (Dubai Destination), winner of the recent Round Table Stakes, is doing super and right on target for a title defense in the $100,000 Sunset H. (G3) on Hollywood's closing day, July 14... Paso Doble (Bold n' Flashy) and Haverhill (Seffir), an uncoupled entry trained by Mark Casse, headline the Victoria Day feature at Woodbine on Monday, the C$125,000 New Providence. The seven-year-old Paso Doble makes his third start of the season in the six-furlong Polytrack sprint after opening his campaign with a disappointing effort at Keeneland. The classy gelding returned to form last out when second, defeated a nose by the re-opposing Executive Five (Bold Executive), in the prep for this event. Patrick Husbands has the call on Paso Doble, who ran second in this race last year in his 2012 finale. The five-year-old Haverhill competed at Gulfstream Park over the winter when trained by Katerina Vassilieva. The bay gelding was purchased privately and raced once, finishing third, at Santa Anita, before returning to Woodbine to complete the superfecta in the local prep. Luis Contreras will be aboard as Haverhill makes his stakes bow in this spot. Executive Five, a surprise winner of the New Providence prep at 50-1, will be seeking his first stakes score for trainer David Katryan. The five-year-old gelding will once again be partnered by Jesse Campbell... Godolphin may have endured a testing period of late, but their representatives are making waves on the track and Tawhid (Invincible Spirit) bids to continue the racing offensive in Monday's Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen (German Two Thousand Guineas) (Ger-G2) at Cologne. While he was never a factor when last of four in a strong renewal of the Craven (Eng-G3) in his seasonal bow over Monday's one-mile trip at Newmarket on April 18, he is better judged by his prior performance when scoring by four lengths in heavy ground in Newbury's Horris Hill (Eng-G3) going seven furlongs in October. "Tawhid needs soft ground to be at his best," Saeed bin Suroor said. "He showed at Newbury last year that he is a different horse with some cut underfoot. He worked very well on Wednesday and I am very happy with him, but the ground is the key for him." If the ground is not in his favor, there are several who will seek to take advantage, including last year's Gran Criterium (Ity-G1) winner Law Enforcement (Lawman). He was not disgraced when fifth attempting to make all in the March 30 UAE Derby (UAE-G2) on the Tapeta last out and switches back to turf. This renewal looks booked for export to Britain and another due respect from that country is Prince Faisal's impressive Kempton maiden winner String Theory (Medicean). Trainer Marco Botti has taken the significant step of sending him straight into Pattern company on the back of that six-length score over this trip on the Polytrack at the start of the month... Jockey Joe Talamo completed a weekend stakes sweep Sunday at Hollywood Park with a victory aboard Hronis Racing's 7-5 favorite Iotapa (Afleet Alex) in the $74,920 Railbird. Shortening up after finishing second behind juvenile filly champion Beholder (Henny Hughes) in the 1 1/16-mile Santa Anita Oaks (G1) on April 6, Iotapa was reserved off the pace, rallied outside Tres Belle (War Front) and pacesetter Hail Mary (Old Topper) around the turn and went on to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Ciao Bella Luna (Tribal Rule). Iotapa's third win in four starts came a day after Talamo captured the Marjorie L. Everett Handicap (G2) with 9-1 outsider Open Water (Include) and the Fran's Valentine Stakes with 9-2 shot Unusual Hottie (Unusual Heat). Trained by John Sadler, Iotapa covered seven furlongs over Hollywood's Cushion Track in 1:23 2/5 to push her earnings to $155,490 from a 4-3-1-0 mark. She broke her maiden in her debut last June 21 over the track and was claimed for $50,000 by her current connections. "You claim a horse and she wins and you're excited, then two days later she came up sore," Sadler said. "We took X-rays and she had a little fracture in one of her hind pasterns. It was a hairline fracture and we knew it would heal up well. Once they've showed they can run you don't mind giving them some time. (Hollywood Park) is where she has always trained. She won first time back on dirt (February 15 at Santa Anita), then she ran a big race in the (Santa Anita Oaks). The plan was to run her here and then run in the ($150,000 Hollywood) Oaks ([G2] on June 22)... Sovereign Stable's Fearless Jacq (Soviet Star) captured her first stakes victory in Sunday's $85,000 Miss Otis Stakes at Belmont Park as the 5-2 favorite. The three-year-old filly attended the pace three wide in hand, gained a length advantage by the time they reached the half-mile pole and slowly edged away from the field for a 2 3/4-length victory. With Joel Rosario in the irons, the John Terranova II trainee covered six furlongs over the yielding inner turf in 1:12 2/5. The bay was exiting a fourth-place finish in the Beaumont (G2) at Keeneland last time out. With Sunday's stakes score, Fearless Jacq banked $51,000 to increase her lifetime earnings to $75,295 from a 6-2-1-0 line... Trainer Stefano Botti saddled a quintet in Sunday's Derby Italiano (Ity-G2) in Rome and three of them managed to fill the trifecta and complete a memorable achievement for the son and nephew of the legendary Alduino and Giuseppe. Biz the Nurse (Oratorio) had flopped when tried in Pattern company at two, finishing fifth after a slow start in the Premio Guido Berardelli (Ity-G3) going nine furlongs here at the start of November, but had looked a different proposition in his successful return in the Premio Botticelli over 1 5/16 miles on April 28. Settled in midpack throughout the early stages of Sunday contest, the bay was sent to the lead with over two furlongs to race by the visiting Andrea Atzeni and drew clear of his barnmates Wish Come True (Aussie Rules) and Ancient King (Ramonti) with the field strung out behind... Also on Sunday's card at Rome, Victory Laurel (Holy Roman Emperor) and Romantic Wave (Rock of Gibraltar) visited the winner's circle in the Premio Tudini (Ity-G3) and Premio Carlo d'Alessio (Ity-G3), respectively. Taking on the older sprinters at this early stage of the season is often difficult for the sophomore brigade and Victory Laurel had not looked an obvious candidate for these type of honors when beaten in his first five starts at two. Campaigned exclusively at this track so far, the bay registered a breakthrough win on the all-weather at the end of the year and followed that with a third-placing and a win in conditions events over Sunday's six-furlong trip on April 5 and 19, respectively. Held up early in the Premio Tudini, he met traffic as Salvatore Sulas searched for an escape route, but swamped Rosendhal (Indian Ridge) when in the clear in the final 100 yards. Romantic Wave came to the fore in his latest start when registering a first black-type success in this venue's Premio Signorio over nine furlongs on April 28, and showed that Sunday's 1 1/2-mile trip held no fears with a convincing follow-up. In front initially before taking a lead, the dark bay was sent back to the front approaching the quarter-pole and dominated proceedings from there... Last seen finishing a short-head second in the latest renewal of the San Siro's St Leger Italiano (Ity-G3) in September, Altano (Galileo) showed he retained his ability despite his advancing years to book a possible ticket to the June 20 Gold Cup (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot with a three-quarter length victory in Sunday's Oleander-Rennen (Ger-G3) at Hoppegarten. Anchored in the rear early, the bay was angled out from the rail at the end of the back straight and gradually wore down his stablemate and the long-time leader Earl of Tinsdal (Black Sam Bellamy) and Supersonic Flight (Lomitas) in the final 50 yards. Altano's staying power was advertised with wins in the St Leger Italiano in 2011, in this race 12 months ago and in the Deutsches St Leger (Ger-G3) at Dortmund in September... Voleuse de Coeurs (Teofilo) came to the fore over two miles last term when recording successes at the Galway Festival and in the Irish Cesarewitch Handicap at The Curragh in October by a cumulative margin of 18 lengths. She had come up short against El Salvador (Galileo), however, in her return in a conditions event over 1 9/16 miles at Limerick on April 11. Reversing that form in comprehensive manner in Sunday's Vintage Crop, Navan's Ascot Gold Cup trial, the bay suggested she could become a leading stayer for the Dermot Weld barn responsible for the horse after which the race in named. Settled on the rail taking a lead from the pacesetters early, the homebred was angled wide for her run in early stretch and, after cruising to the fore with 1 1/2 furlongs remaining, was shaken up to assert her authority. "I see her as possibly an outstanding stayer," said Weld, who also has former Gold Cup winner Rite of Passage (Giant's Causeway) in the Royal meeting's June 20 feature. "I thought she would win, but the Ascot Gold Cup might be a bit soon. She could go for the (June 30) Curragh Cup (Ire-G3) and (September 15) Irish St Leger (Ire-G1) and be a Gold Cup horse for next year, but she will always want a little ease in the ground."... Agent Tony Matos advises that Garrett Gomez will be at Arlington Park Saturday to ride in a trio of $150,000 stakes -- the Arlington Classic (G3), Arlington Matron (G3) and Hanshin Cup (G3)... With the Gamely S. (G1) coming up, veteran race fans must have done a double-take when they saw a first-time starter named Manta (Council Member) in Saturday's 11TH race at Hollywood Park. An Elmendorf-bred and Farrell Jones-trained mare, also named Manta, was a top-class female who raced in the early 1970s. The original Manta was an 18-time winner with a bankroll of $502,000, a sizable amount in those days. She won the 1971 Long Beach Handicap -- which is now known as the Gamely -- and was third to the brilliant Typecast in the same race the following year. Based on her debut, the modern-day Manta bears no resemblance to her predecessor. She finished sixth, almost 10 lengths behind winner Only Josie Knows (Rio Verde) in the $20,000 maiden claimer... Going into Sunday's card, only 30 of the original 1,744 contestants remained alive in Hollywood Park's $2,500 winner-take-all Show Me the Money contest.
Trainer Stats
BRIS TRAINER STATS FROM PAST 60 DAYS
Results
NORTH AMERICAN GRADED STAKES RESULTS
Trainer/Jockey Stats
BRIS TRAINER/JOCKEY STATS FROM PAST 60 DAYS
Results
NORTH AMERICAN NON-GRADED STAKES RESULTS
NORTH AMERICAN ALLOWANCE RESULTS
At a Glance
North American Maiden Winners
Sire Lists
At a Glance
AT A GLANCE SCHEDULE
Spot Plays/Highlights/Weather
SPOT PLAYS For Monday
Sire Lists
Spot Plays/Highlights/Weather
HIGHLIGHTS For Monday
*all times Eastern HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services. This newsletter may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2011, Bloodstock Research Information Services. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from Equibase Company LLC and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Equibase Company LLC.
Announcements
Help Wanted A horse racing website is currently hiring for part-time positions as a Customer Service Representative in Lexington, Kentucky. Must be available nights and weekends. Some weekdays may also be available. Computer literacy required, horse racing knowledge and customer service experience a plus. To schedule an interview, email or send your résumé to the following: Nancy.Kanaval@brisnet.com, P.O. Box 4097, Lexington, KY 40544.
Sire Lists
Racing Highlights
For Monday
*all times Eastern HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services. This newsletter may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2011, Bloodstock Research Information Services. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from Equibase Company LLC and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Equibase Company LLC.
Announcements
Help Wanted A horse racing website is currently hiring for part-time positions as a Customer Service Representative in Lexington, Kentucky. Must be available nights and weekends. Some weekdays may also be available. Computer literacy required, horse racing knowledge and customer service experience a plus. To schedule an interview, email or send your résumé to the following: Nancy.Kanaval@brisnet.com, P.O. Box 4097, Lexington, KY 40544.
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