Thoroughbred Daily News

We've taken the plunge into the deeper end of the prep pool for the GI Kentucky Derby. Five nine-furlong stakes each awarding 100 qualifying points are scheduled over the next two Saturdays, after which this list will expand to the Top 20.

1) CITIZEN BULL (c, Into Mischief–No Joke, by Distorted Humor) O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Robert Low & Lawana Low (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $675,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime record: MGISW, 5-4-0-1, $1,421,000. Last start: WON Feb. 1 GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes.

The Bob Baffert-trained juvenile champ will enjoy home-track advantage in the Apr. 5 GI Santa Anita Derby, which at this point is shaping up as a showdown between the Nos. 1 and 2 contenders on this list–a classic speed-versus-stalker confrontation.

As the dominant early-speed horse in his division, this big, strong $675,000 KEESEP colt has a locked-in, determined way of going, and we have yet to see Citizen Bull get knocked off-kilter by in-race pace pressure or minor trip trouble.

After an on-the-pace debut win sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs and a third-place try over seven-eighths in the GI Del Mar Futurity, Citizen Bull wired the GI American Pharoah Stakes and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile in succession.

If you thought (like I initially did) that his Juvenile win wasn't as impressive as it might seem (because he established an unchallenged lead after the favored pacesetter stumbled out of the gate), Citizen Bull delivered a not-so-subtle reminder of his relevance in his first start at age three by uncorking a front-running pummeling in the Feb. 1 GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes, earning a 98 Beyer Speed Figure despite a bobble at the break and never at any point being roused for full run.

You'll hear quite a bit of “doesn't have to win his final prep” talk about both Citizen Bull and Journalism (Curlin) leading up to the Santa Anita Derby. It's true that qualifying points aren't an issue, and neither camp wants an overextended colt one month before the Kentucky Derby. But both are going to have to deliver some semblance of the real deal, because heading to Louisville without evidence of next-level mojo can also be a big risk.

2) JOURNALISM (c, Curlin–Mopotism, by Uncle Mo. O-Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC and Robert V. LaPenta; B-Don Alberto Corporation (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy. Sales history: $825,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 4-3-0-1, $338,880. Last start: WON Mar. 1 GII San Felipe Stakes.

Journalism closed as the 5-1 favorite in last week's Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. This $825,000 FTSAUG colt is coming off a 108-Beyer victory in the GII San Felipe Stakes that was every bit as visually impressive as that lofty speed figure. Both his way of going and pedigree (by Curlin out of an Uncle Mo mare) project he'll benefit from longer-distance races.

Much like in the writeup of Citizen Bull, I needed a sophomore-debut convincer before climbing aboard the Journalism bandwagon. I hadn't been blown away by his season-ending 2-year-old win in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity. Journalism stalked outside, chased a trio while covering up another rival, then came five wide for the long Los Al drive to collar a wilted leader with no one else firing. The Beyer came back a so-so 87.

Different story in the San Felipe. This Michael McCarthy trainee broke running, then conceded the lead to the 2-5 favorite, Barnes (Into Mischief). Umberto Rispoli eased back Journalism to fourth at the fence, then cued him to slice through on the inside a half-mile out. On the far turn, Journalism launched into a relentless, three-deep sweep that had Barnes well within his striking sights at the head of the lane, but Barnes was not giving in.

This colt's long, purposeful stride enabled him to overcome what was still a 2 1/2-length deficit at the eighth pole, and Journalism wrested command a sixteenth out before extending assertively to a 1 3/4-length win.

It's a big gamble as to what to expect, speed-figure wise, in the Santa Anita Derby considering Journalism jumped his Beyer 21 points from age 2 to 3. His overall Beyer progression is 72-82-87-108 over just four starts.

Journalism's limited sophomore experience does raise a recent-history red flag–although it's worth noting that after all the prep races are run, this stat will also apply to No. 1-ranked Citizen Bull as well as the next two contenders on this list: From 2017 through 2024, horses with only two sophomore starts prior to running in the Kentucky Derby are a collective 0-for-49.

3) SOVEREIGNTY (c, Into Mischief–Crowned, by Bernardini). O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-William I. Mott; Lifetime Record: MGSW, 4-2-1-0, $388,800. Last start: WON Mar. 1 GII Fountain of Youth Stakes.

The big question about this Bill Mott-trained Godolphin homebred is whether Sovereignty has stamped himself as a stone-cold closer by rallying from last in three of his four career races, or whether he's capable/comfortable enough to take on more of a stalker's role.

His second career race, a Sept. 27 one-turn maiden mile at Aqueduct, in which this son of Into Mischief sat two lengths off the pace in third and bounded home with huge strides to just miss by a neck, displayed an adaptability that would be of benefit in this colt's already talented toolbox, which has produced two subsequent graded stakes wins at 1 1/16 miles.

It's dangerously easy to fall in love with a deep closer for your Derby horse, but not generally profitable. Speed-centric horses who raced either on the front end or just off it crossed the finish wire first (even though two were DQ'd) in every Derby between 2014 and 2021. Rich Strike in 2022 and Mage in 2023 were off-the-pace winners. In 2024 Mystik Dan (Goldencents) won with an inside stalk.

Saturday's GI Florida Derby is next for Sovereignty. He'll break from the outermost 10 post as the 8-5 morning-line favorite.

Captain Cook | Sarah Andrew

4) CAPTAIN COOK (c, Practical Joke–Pow Wow Wow, by Indian Charlie). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-St. Elias Stable; B-Marylou Whitney Stables, LLC (KY); T-Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. Sales history: $410,000 2yo '24 KEENOV. Lifetime Record: SW, 3-2-0-0, $188,256. Last start: WON Feb. 1 Withers Stakes.

Congrats if you locked in the 51-1 price on Captain Cook in the Derby Future pool that closed Mar. 16. It was difficult to discern worthwhile overlays among those 40 betting interests, but recency bias contributed to jacking the odds on this Rick Dutrow Jr. trainee. He hadn't raced in six weeks at the time of the bet, his lone stakes win was ungraded, and he's been training in New York all winter, far removed from most of the Derby attention and prep action.

This 'TDN Rising Star' by Practical Joke ($410,000 KEENOV) got bumped and crowded at the break and was hung out five wide on the turn in his Churchill sprint debut Oct. 27 for owner/breeder Marylou Whitney Stables and trainer Norm Casse. The colt was then entered in the Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale, and brought $410,000 from bloodstock agent Steve Young on behalf of St. Elias Stable as the second-most-expensive lot of that sale.

Making his first start for new connections at 1-2 odds off a two-month break, Captain Cook detonated a 9 1/4-length, pace-pressing maiden blowout at Aqueduct over a sloppy seven furlongs Dec. 28.

In the Feb. 1 Withers Stakes, Captain Cook was bet down to 7-5 favoritism and delivered a measured victory despite breaking a touch slowly and giving up three paths of real estate on both turns.

Once set down for the drive, his stretch run was focused and efficient, and it included having to swat back a late challenge from a 33-1 closer who was outrunning those odds. The 2 1/4-length score translated to a 94 Beyer.

Dutrow has been aiming for the Apr. 5 GII Wood Memorial Stakes because he prefers longer spacing between races for Captain Cook, who now has two wins over the Aqueduct surface, including one at the Wood's nine-furlong distance.

5) BARNES (c, Into Mischief–All American Dream, by American Pharoah). O-Zedan Racing Stables, Inc.; B-Jeff Drown and Don Rachel, LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $3,200,000 Ylg '23 FTSAUG). Lifetime record: GSW, 3-2-1-0, $249,000. Last start: 2nd Mar. 1 GII San Felipe Stakes.

Barnes will still be looking for his first two-turn victory as he stretches to nine furlongs for his yet-to-be-disclosed final Kentucky Derby prep. But his runner-up try in the Mar. 1 San Felipe Stakes rates as a better performance in terms of experience when compared to some of the graded stakes victories earned by others so far this spring.

In that Santa Anita stakes, this $3.2 million FTSAUG colt by Into Mischief established command at the front, drew away on the far turn after taking internal pace pressure, then held off current Derby future-wager fave Journalism as best he could until the final sixteenth. In the final stages Barnes was tiring, but not quitting.

For perspective, the 105 Beyer that Barnes earned in defeat would be a higher Beyer than any other Kentucky Derby entrant except for one in the past four post-pandemic Derbies. That lone exception was 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light), who, prior to finishing 15th as last year's beaten Derby favorite, had run Beyers of 105 and 110.

Of course, as discussed in Journalism's writeup, it remains to be seen whether that's a speed rating that leaves room for numerical improvement in a final Derby prep.

6) RIVER THAMES (c, Maclean's Music–Proportionality, by Discreet Cat). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-CHC, Inc. and WinStar Farm LLC; B-CTR Stables, LLC (NY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. Sales history: $200,000 Ylg '23 SARAUG. Lifetime record: 3-2-1-0, $164,400. Last start: 2nd, Mar. 1 GII Fountain of Youth Stakes.

River Thames | Ryan Thompson

'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music) will get a jockey switch from John Velazquez to Irad Ortiz Jr. for the Apr. 5 GI Blue Grass Stakes. Ortiz was aboard at Palm Beach Downs last Friday when this colt worked a bullet five-eighths in 1:00.51 (1/6) for trainer Todd Pletcher.

This New York-bred ($200,000 SARAUG) won his first two career starts at Gulfstream, a maiden sprint and a one-turn-mile allowance, by a combined 11 1/4 lengths. His first try around two turns was against stakes company in the Fountain of Youth, in which River Thames ran a very commendable second, beaten only a neck, by Sovereignty.

Although this colt didn't exactly have a troubled trip in the Fountain of Youth, there was still quite a bit going on in that race.

River Thames pressed the pace inside through the first turn, was edged off the action and switched outside for the backstretch run, then was hustled to re-engage with three furlongs left. Ridden along to pick up the tempo, River Thames seized the lead off the final turn, but once he got clear he momentarily lost focus for several strides in the stretch, which contributed to Sovereignty nailing him in the shadow of the wire.

That's the type of mental lapse you'd rather see on the first Saturday of March than on the first Saturday of May. The guess here is that River Thames will be a tighter fighter for the Blue Grass, a stakes that Pletcher has won four times.

7) RODRIGUEZ (c, Authentic–Cayala, by Cherokee Run). 'TDN Rising Star'. O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan; B-Kingswood Farm & David Egan (KY); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $485,000 Ylg KEESEP '23. Lifetime record: 4-1-2-1, $122,800. Last start: 3rd Mar. 1 GII San Felipe Stakes.

Rodriguez has tried to press the pace against difficult SoCal company in his last two starts with mixed results. If trainer Bob Baffert finds a final prep for this 'TDN Rising Star' by Authentic that allows him to motor to the front end and run freely, we could be looking at a very dangerous colt for the May 3 Kentucky Derby.

Keep in mind that Rodriguez is a May 20 foal, which means that if he were to advance through the first two legs of the Triple Crown, he won't turn 3 until three days after the GI Preakness Stakes. His late birthdate theoretically puts him behind his sophomore contemporaries, development-wise.

This $485,000 KEESEP colt's second lifetime start, a seven-length, front-end bust-out in a one-mile maiden special weight race at Santa Anita, was polished and professional and earned a 100 Beyer.

In the Lewis Stakes, Rodriguez broke running, chased favored Citizen Bull, then appeared to be falling out of contention with a half-mile to race. But jockey Juan Hernandez was trading a slight loss of mid-race momentum for better positioning outside instead of between horses for the far-turn run, and Rodriguez kicked again, finishing strongly for second behind his far-more-experienced stablemate.

In the San Felipe Stakes, Rodriguez flashed in-hand speed from the gate to pressure Barnes in the early stages, but once again had a rival to his outside forcing him to maintain a quick cadence to avoid losing position between rivals. He shadowed Barnes as best as he could, but looked out of his comfort zone by being relegated to “chase” mode. He ended up third behind Journalism and Barnes.

8) SANDMAN (c, Tapit–Distorted Music, by Distorted Humor). O-D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables; B-Lothenbach Stables Inc (KY); T-Mark E. Casse. Sales History: $1,200,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: GSP, 7-2-1-2, $444,595. Last start: 3rd Feb. 23 GII Rebel Stakes.

Sandman, a $1.2 million OBSMAR colt by Tapit, is ranked as the second favorite at 3-1 on the morning line for Saturday's GI Arkansas Derby.

Trainer Mark Casse has replaced jockey Cristian Torres with Jose Ortiz. In back-to-back stakes at Oaklawn, Torres was faced with essentially the same decision aboard Sandman on the far turn.

In the Jan. 25 GIII Southwest Stakes, Sandman was asked to drive through a narrow gap at the rail after experiencing earlier trip trouble then weaving deftly through the pack. He closed with authority to run a sharp second against the grain of a speed-favoring surface.

In the Feb. 23 GII Rebel Stakes, Torres again cut his colt between horses while mounting a far-turn bid, but after Sandman briefly stalled three-eighths out, the colt was asked to go wide for the drive instead of taking another chance up the fence. He closed capably for third, but without the visual flourish from his previous start.

Casse lamented post-Rebel that Sandman was too far back, and that would he rather see him stalking from five or six lengths off the pace instead of spotting the field 15 lengths.

Ortiz on Saturday will likely be tasked with staying more in touch with the pacemakers. He's ridden Sandman twice previously at age 2 and both times finished fifth, in the colt's beaten-favorite sprint debut, and in the one-turn-mile GIII Iroquois Stakes.

Final Gambit | Coady Media

9) FINAL GAMBIT (c, Not This Time–Pachinko, by Tapit). O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-2-1-1, $520,639. Last start: WON Mar. 22 GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks Stakes.

Final Gambit (Not This Time) will be a true wild card heading into the Derby, and he's rated this highly simply on the basis that he could “freak out” in the best possible sense of that term.

This Brad Cox-trained homebred for Juddmonte has never even raced on dirt, let alone won over it. But his going-away victory in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks Stakes–which was not a fully polished performance–was his second straight off-the-tailgate win over Tapeta, and it left the impression that there could be enough raw talent to build a plausible case for him peaking over 10 furlongs in six weeks.

This gray absorbed a bump at the break that didn't really seem to faze him, and he was content to lag in last around the first turn. Edged off the inside and out to the five path for the backstretch run, jockey Luan Machado essentially built a six-furlong bid by letting this colt slowly unwind.

After initially weaving between rivals while still parked at the back, Machado took Final Gambit way outside for the far-turn run, explaining after the race that, “Sometimes, when he's between horses, he doesn't try as hard as when he's in the clear.”

Final Gambit came nine wide for the drive and briefly shied from rivals to his inside in both upper- and mid-stretch, but he kicked clear late to win by 3 1/2 lengths.

He earned a 90 Beyer over a racing surface that played to his running style. The 13 races at Turfway Mar. 22 yielded only one wire-to-wire winner, two speed-centric winners, three stalkers, and no fewer than seven deep-closing winners.

10) TIZTASTIC (c, Tiz the Law–Keesha, by Tapit). O-Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith; B-Capital Bloodstock (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. Sales history: $80,000 Ylg '23 KEEJAN;  $335,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime record: GSW, 8-3-1-2, $1,549,800. Last start: WON Mar. 22 GII Louisiana Derby.

Tiztastic (Tiz the Law) picked an opportunistic time to notch his first lifetime dirt win in Saturday's GII Louisiana Derby. He had previously won two turf races in the span of 10 days late last summer at Kentucky Downs, but true to form for most of Steve Asmussen's  Kentucky Derby contenders, this colt sports a good foundation of five two-turn graded stakes dirt races between October and March that will serve him well moving forward.

This year's Louisiana Derby was by no means a “loaded” race, featuring no contenders previously ranked within TDN's Derby Top 12 list.

Tiztastic ($80,000 KEEJAN, $335,000 KEESEP) enjoyed a nicely settled trip under Joel Rosario, parked next to last until midway down the backstretch before exhibiting forward momentum over the course of a long, steady drive with clear sailing at the rail. He sparked into a noticeably quicker cadence about 2 1/2 furlongs out, then swept widest for the drive in the five path.

The long Fair Grounds stretch was most definitely Tiztastic's friend, and he came over the top with purpose after cresting the eighth pole to draw away to a 2 1/4-length tally that translated to a career-best 95 Beyer. But he was passing only spent horses in the final stages, and none of the horses in his wake were making legitimate late runs.

11) TAPPAN STREET (c, Into Mischief–Virginia Key, by Distorted Humor). O-WinStar Farm LLC, CHC, Inc. and Cold Press Racing. B-Blue Heaven Farm (KY). T-Brad H. Cox. Lifetime record: GSP, 2-1-1-0, $73,000. Last race: 2nd Feb. 1 Holy Bull Stakes.

Tappan Street, a $1-million FTSAUG colt by Into Mischief, broke his maiden at first asking at Gulfstream in a seven-eighths sprint Dec. 28. That race yielded three next out winners, and Tappan Street himself came back to run a game second as the favorite in the Feb. 1 GIII Holy Bull Stakes.

Approaching the quarter pole, four different horses had already taken turns on the lead in the Holy Bull, and Tappan Street looked like he had timed it just right before Burnham Square (Liam's Map) zeroed in on him at the sixteenth pole. Given the circumstances (first time against winners, first time around two turns), the effort stood out.

This Brad Cox trainee drew post nine for Saturday's Florida Derby at 5-1 in the morning line. Luis Saez has the return call.

12) COAL BATTLE (c, Coal Front–Wolfblade, by Midshipman). O-Norman Stables LLC; B-Hume Wornall & Jay Adcock (KY); T-Lonnie Briley. Sales history: $70,000 Ylg '23 TTAYRL.  Lifetime Record: GSW, 7-5-0-0, $1,188,875. Last start: WON Feb. 23 GII Rebel stakes.

Since November, Coal Battle ($70,000 TTAYRL) has won four stakes in succession–the Jean Lafitte Stakes at Delta Downs, the Springboard Mile Stakes at Remington, plus the Smarty Jones Stakes and the GII Rebel Stakes, both at Oaklawn.

A versatile overachiever, he's scored on the front end and from farther back, and he's also won twice over wet surfaces when you include his maiden tally at Evangeline Downs back in July. So he certainly isn't a one-dimensional colt who requires things his own way, pace- or surface-wise.

In his 91-Beyer effort in the Rebel, this son of Coal Front broke running from the rail, settled back to lead the second flight, tipped to the outside for his far-turn bid, then hit another gear under minimal urging between the five-sixteenths and quarter poles.

Accosting the pacemaker in upper stretch, this Lonnie Briley trainee raced unfocused for a few strides, then secured the lead for good under left-handed urging to win by 1 1/4 lengths.

The Rebel got a boost last Saturday when Tiztastic, its fifth-place finisher, upset the Louisiana Derby field.

Coal Battle is 7-2 on the morning line for Saturday's Arkansas Derby.

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Coupled 1 and 1A pari-mutuel entries in New York could soon be eliminated if a New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) proposal that got advanced to the public commentary phase on Monday passes an eventual final vote by commissioners.

According to a brief written by NYSGC general counsel Edmund Burns that was included in the informational packet for the Mar. 24 meeting, the proposal has the backing of the New York Racing Association, Finger Lakes racetrack, the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and The New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.

“Those supporting elimination contend that loosening coupling rules would increase betting interest and handle,” the brief stated. “[Supporters] state that less-restrictive coupling rules have been implemented successfully in other racing jurisdictions, such as California, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, Maryland and others, and that race-integrity concerns can be addressed as they arise…”

The brief stated that the NYSGC last tweaked the current rule in 2015, which eliminated mandatory coupling in in any stakes race with a purse of $50,000 or more.

The proposed new language would hinge on changing the wording in rule 4025.10 so the operative term is “may” be coupled and not “must.”

The state steward would make the call on whether to couple or not, if, “in such steward's discretion, [the steward] finds it necessary in the public interest,” the proposed rule states.

In the case of two horses that “have the same individual present in the managing ownership of the horses, that share a 25% commonality in ownership, or that share a common trainer,” the proposed rule would allow for those horses to be offered as separate pari-mutuel interests.

But New York tracks shouldn't toss out those 1, 1A and 1X saddle towels just yet.

That's because the proposed rule states that, “If there are more than two horses sharing common ownership, as set forth in this subdivision, or a common trainer, such horses shall be coupled.”

In the event of any uncouplings, “the racetrack operator shall take such actions as are necessary to inform the public adequately with regard to the common ownership and/or trainer that would otherwise make such horses eligible to be coupled as a single betting interest.”

The next step is for the proposed rule to be published in the New York State Register before being brought back to the NYSGC for a final vote.

“NYRA has long advocated for the elimination of coupled entries in New York, and we appreciate the action taken by the New York State Gaming Commission to modernize these rules in alignment with major racing jurisdictions across the country,” said NYRA's Vice President of Communications Patrick McKenna.”The proposed rule change would benefit the wagering public by increasing field size while generating additional handle to support New York's horsemen and the broader racing community.”

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In his first season in New Orleans, jockey Jose Ortiz was the runaway winner of the jockeys' premiership at the Fair Grounds, while Joe Sharp and Godolphin took home honors as leading trainer and owner, respectively.

Ortiz rode the winners of 98 races during the meet, the most recorded by any jockey since Florent Geroux accumulated the same number of winners during the 2016-2017 season. Ortiz finished some 43 winner clear of Jareth Loveberry, with Ben Curtis in third on 49 winners.

“I've had huge support from the trainers and owners here in Louisiana and I really appreciate it,” said Ortiz, who put an exclamation point on the season with five winners on closing day Mar. 23. “I want to thank all of them, and especially everyone working on the backside. Without all of them, it's impossible to do it.

“[Agent] Steve Rushing did such a nice job with my book,” Ortiz said. “I'm very thankful to have him as my agent. Hopefully I'll be back next year. We'll sit down and figure it out, but I don't see why not.”

Sharp recorded 40 winners during the season–nine during the closing week alone–good for a 26% strike rate, while besting trainer Brad Cox on 31 victories. Shane Wilson was third with 27 winners, 17 of those coming in the final two months.

“In some of the years it didn't seem like the right thing to push for (the title), but this year with how we were sitting a month out, we wanted to do it,” Sharp said. “Our team works hard, and all my assistants work their butts off. Mid-meet I started to feel an obligation (to win the title) for them. They were watching closely and I saw how engaged they were.”

Steve Asmussen saddled 22 winners at the meet, among them GII Risen Star Stakes winner Magnitude (Not This Time) and GII Louisiana Derby hero Tiztastic (Tiz the Law), which helped to make him the leading trainer by earnings with just shy of $2.4 million.

Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro) cemented her status as the leading candidate for the GI Kentucky Oaks with wins in the GII Rachel Alexandra Stakes and GII Fair Grounds Oaks, and that helped carry Godolphin to a meet-best 11 winners, three better than Allied Racing Stable, Earl Hernandez, Keith Hernandez and John Duvielh and Keith Plaisance on eight wins.

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Jockey Junior Alvarado, who has ridden leading GI Kentucky Derby chance Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in each of his four career starts to date, will miss about three weeks after fracturing his shoulder blade in a Sunday accident at Gulfstream Park. Daily Racing Form was first to report the news.

Alvarado's mount in Sunday's 10th race at Gulfstream Park, Term (Medaglia d'Oro), suffered a fatal heart attack, according to DRF, and the rider's agent Mike Sellitto told the publication that Alvarado was looking after his horse when he was clipped by another horse in the field. A Monday X-ray confirmed the injury.

“The injury was very slight, they could barely find it at first on the X-ray, but barring a miracle, Junior will likely miss about three weeks,” Sellitto told the Form.

Sovereignty is the morning-line favorite for Saturday's GI Curlin Florida Derby, and Sellitto told Daily Racing Form that trainer Bill Mott is scheduled to confer with Godolphin principles on Tuesday to go over their options.

Sovereignty broke his maiden in the GIII Street Sense Stakes at Churchill Downs Oct. 27 and turned in a sensational sophomore debut when running down 'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music) to take out the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes on Mar. 1.

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Godolphin's Sovereignty (Into Mischief), a smashing winner of the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes on seasonal debut Mar. 1, drew widest in a field of 10 and was made the 8-5 favorite on the morning line for the GI Curlin Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park on Mar. 29.

Trained by Bill Mott, looking for his first victory in the Kentucky Derby stepping-stone, Sovereignty is a homebred son of Crowned (Bernardini), whose dam Mushka (Empire Maker) was a Grade II winner of the Demoiselle Stakes as a juvenile and added the GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes for Mott in 2009. Sovereignty is the mount of jockey Junior Alvarado.

Somewhat remarkably, Bob Baffert also lacks a win in the Florida Derby, and the Hall of Famer will try to right that wrong with Madaket Road (Quality Road) next weekend. A $650,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate, the gray colt is winless in his two outings this season, but ran with credit when third to his Eclipse Award-winning stablemate Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) in the GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes Feb. 1 ahead of a runner-up effort to Coal Battle (Coal Front) in the GII Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn three weeks later. Madaket Road is the 7-2 second choice on the morning line and will leave from the eight hole.

Disruptor (Gun Runner), a $1.15-million Keeneland September purchase, gets the litmus test for trainer Todd Pletcher, who has saddled the last two winners of this race and seven out of the last 11. Fractionally disappointing when a money-burning third on seven-furlong debut on the Pegasus World Cup undercard Jan. 25, he put it all together last time to graduate by 9 1/4 lengths en route to 'TDN Rising Star' honors. The chestnut is drawn four and is pegged at 7-2 to begin the wagering.

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Kosta, Stephanie, and Pete Hronis of Hronis Racing have been named the recipients of the 2025 Ed Friendly Industry Service Award, also known as the TOC Chairman's Award, according to the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC). The annual award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Thoroughbred racing.

Not only did Hronis Racing lead all California owners in wins in 2024, but they have regularly campaigned top horses around the nation, including 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline, and are dedicated philanthropists.

“The Hronis family truly embodies the spirit of California horse racing,” said TOC Chairman Gary Fenton. “Their unwavering commitment to the sport is matched by their deep compassion for our equine athletes and the dedicated horsemen and horsewomen who make racing possible. Their contributions continue to elevate California racing, both on and off the track.”

Kosta Hronis has been a member of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Board of Directors since 2018, while his wife, Stephanie, serves on the boards of the TOC, the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA), the California Thoroughbred Horsemen's Foundation (CTHF), the NTRA Horse PAC, and The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. She also co-founded the Horse Racing Women's Summit, now the Horse Racing Women's Association (HRWA).

The Hronis family will be honored at TOC's Southern California Annual Meeting at Del Mar on Saturday, Aug. 16.

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Featuring 29 horses and stallion seasons, the catalogue for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA March Sale is headlined by the half-sister to the dam of the reigning Horse of the Year, the auction house announced Friday.

Among the notables on offer is Lady Eliana (Tapizar), a half-sister to the dam of 'TDN Rising Star' 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), who is being offered as a broodmare prospect. Other notable names include SW Bank On Anna (Central Banker); Fleet Frost (Frosted), who hails from a busy female line which includes the likes of the late great English Channel; SW Professors' Pride (Bayern), from the family of an Argentinian champion; and SW Tequila Kiss (Competitive Edge), who is out of a half-sister to the multiple Grade I-placed dam of Japanese champion G1SW-Jpn Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}).

Also in the catalogue is Giant Bird (Colonel John), a half-sister to GISW Mucho Gusto (Mucho Macho Man) and GISP Go With Gusto (Medaglia d'Oro). The broodmare hails from the immediate female family of Canadian Horse of the Year Peaks and Valleys, who was among leading sires in Canada, and his half-sister MGSP Alternate (Seattle Slew), dam of GISW Higher Power (Medaglia d'Oro) and MGSW Alternation (Distorted Humor). This is the extended family of GSW & G1SP-Fr, GSP-Ire, GSP American Sonja (GB) (Tasleet {GB}), who was last seen running sixth in the 2024 G1 Prix de l'Opera Longines at ParisLongchamp. She is offered in-foal to Bolt d'Oro.

The broodmare offering Princess Tine (Fr) (Pastorius {Ger}) has a no-guarantee season to Raging Bull (Fr) for after she foals her Demarchelier (GB) foal while Lookin at Grace (Lookin At Lucky) is being sold with her Feb. 25 Tapwrit filly at foot.

Breeders with late-season plans for mares will find no-guarantee seasons to Flameaway, Modernist, Messier, Mind Control, and Great Notion.

“We're thrilled to get our March sale underway with a strong collection of breeding stock along with quality racehorses and some no-guarantee seasons if you're still looking for a

match for your mare,” said Kyle Wilson, senior director of Sales and Recruiting for Inglis Digital USA. “Our entire team is ready to assist in any way.”

To view the full catalogue and register to bid, registration and a bidding limit are both required to start placing bids, visit the Inglis Digital USA website.

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Led by leading scorer Drayden Van Dyke, a team of Santa Anita jockeys defeated the Holy Angels Middle School basketball team Thursday night to break a lengthy losing streak in the 55th annual charity game.

With coach Luis Jauregui at the helm and former jockey Darrell Haire serving as assistant, the jockeys came out on top with a score of 28-22. The team consisted of Van Dyke, Kent Desormeaux, Edwin Maldonado, Armando Ayuso, Abel Lezcano, Ricky Gonzalez, Diego Herrara, Geovanni Franco, Kevin Orozco and Sofia Barandela.

Prior to the game, Hall of Famers Laffit Pincay Jr. and Mike Smith were available to the fans for an autograph session. Proceeds went to support the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and Holy Angels athletics.

“Everyone played great,” said Jauregui, who was making his coaching debut. “They were really hustling.”

The post Santa Anita Park Jockeys Break Lengthy Losing Streak in Charity Hoops Game appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The sales pavilion at Lone Star Park has been renamed in honor of retiring Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) executive director Mary Ruyle, the group announced Friday afternoon.

Ruyle has a long history with the association since she began as a bookkeeper in 1988 and moved her way up the ranks until she ultimately became the executive director. Her 36-year tenure with the TTA made her the longest-employed member in the history of the association.

“There is not enough we can do to show Mary how much the Texas thoroughbred industry appreciates her years of hard work and dedication,” said Phil Adams, the TTA board member who coordinated the renaming effort.

After Fasig-Tipton withdrew from Texas in 2015, Ruyle was instrumental in establishing the TTA Sales division and its two annual auctions. She also helped establish programs like The Paddock Foundation for retired racehorses and the Texas Thoroughbred Educational Fund for scholarships as well as the Clarence Scharbauer Jr. Texas Stallion Stakes series and special races for TTA sale graduates. The first event to be held in the newly renamed pavilion will be The Texas Thoroughbred Association Two-Year-Old In Training Sale Apr. 2.

“I was surprised and touched by this gesture from the board of directors,” said Ruyle. “I love the sales, for me it is old home week where I get to see so many of the people that make horse racing special.”

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Lucky Seven Stable and Sharaf Mohamed Alhairi's Rattle N Roll (Connect), who rallied from the back of the back to finish a creditable fifth to Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) in the G1 Saudi Cup on Feb. 22, has officially been invited to participate in the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan Racecourse Apr. 5, trainer Ken McPeek tweeted Mar. 21.

The 6-year-old failed to draw into last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic and was rerouted for the GII Clark Stakes Nov. 29, where he duly obliged by 3/4 of a length, defeating a field that included fellow World Cup invitee Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}). Sent to Riyadh for the Jan. 25 G3 Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup–a Saudi Cup qualifier–Rattle N Roll streaked home 4 3/4 lengths to the good and was beaten about two lengths for third last time in the main event while adding $1 million to his bankroll.

Rattle N Roll remained at King Abdulaziz Racetrack on the outskirts of the Saudi capital immediately following the race before shipping to Dubai to continue his training about two weeks ago. The $210,000 Keeneland September yearling has displayed good energy in his morning gallops since his arrival and is scheduled to breeze five furlongs beneath veteran horseman Danny Ramsey on Mar. 22, McPeek tweeted.

The addition of Rattle N Roll takes the World Cup field to 11, with Forever Young heading the ante-post markets at 4-5 over the Bhupat Seemar-trained pair of G2 Al Maktoum Classic hero Imperial Emperor (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}, 11-2) and Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}, 8-1), who defeated his stablemate in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge in January, but was a distant 12th in the Saudi Cup. Rattle N Roll is quoted as a 25-1 chance.

Rattle N Roll getting stronger everyday in Dubai. Scheduled to breeze Saturday 5 furlongs under Danny Ramsey. Still no rider assigned. We are optimistic and the accommodations are amazing. @DubaiWorldCup @RacingDubai @DubaiRacingTV pic.twitter.com/TvMgklKAoy

— Kenny McPeek (@KennyMcPeek) March 20, 2025

In other World Cup-related news:

• Il Miracolo (Gun Runner) breezed five furlongs in 1:00.13 (1/5) Friday morning at Gulfstream Park for trainer Antonio Sano. The World Cup riding assignment for the dual Grade III winner has yet to be confirmed.

• Trainer Doug O'Neill said Thursday that Frankie Dettori rides Calumet Farm's GI Pacific Classic upsetter Mixto (Good Magic) in the World Cup and retains the call on GI Malibu Stakes hero Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief), who heads the market for the G2 Godolphin Mile. O'Neill has won the Mile twice, including last year's renewal with Two Rivers Over (Tamarkuz). At Santa Anita Friday morning, Mixto went a half-mile in :48.60 (9/36) and Raging Torrent the same distance in :50.80 (35/36). The third of the O'Neill-trained invitees, Katonah (Klimt, World Cup), covered four furlongs in :50.60 (33/36).

The post Rattle N Roll Invited To Dubai World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Churchill Downs has officially rebranded the Wednesday of Kentucky Derby Week to be known as “Winsday: Greater Thrills for the Greater Good, presented by Resolute Racing” in honor of supporting local nonprofit organizations in the Kentuckiana community, the organization announced Friday.

With a total of 50 area nonprofits who have emailed unique ticket links to their supporters, Churchill Downs will donate $5 to the respective organization for every “Winsday” box seat ticket sold. Individual seats on the 100 level are $32 and the 300 level box seats are $39 with the reserved boxes being communal seating with other guests unless they are purchased in full. The event will also provide participating organizations with multiple ways to raise funds including special cash prizes and increasing awareness for their work on race day.

A full list of the organizations is available here. Listed in alphabetical order on the site, ticket purchases made through the links will also unlock a randomly selected drawing for an additional $2,000 prize to the nonprofit. In addition to various Thoroughbred-centered charities, others participating include groups providing assistance for the spiritual, mental, and living needs of their communities. “Winsday” will take place Wednesday, Apr. 30 before the GI Kentucky Derby is run May 3.

“Winsday is a new Kentucky Derby Week event that will make a direct impact on the lives of many across Louisville and the Kentuckiana region,” said Casey C. Ramage, vice president of Marketing and Partnerships, Churchill Downs Racetrack. “Churchill Downs is thrilled to partner with Resolute Racing and the Community Foundation of Louisville for this incredible celebration of the pivotal role nonprofits play in our community.”

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The New York Racing Association (NYRA)and Spendthrift Farm have entered a multi-year agreement for the stallion operation to serve as the title sponsor of the $300,000 GI Spendthrift Farm Hopeful Stakes, announced NYRA Friday morning.

The seven-panel dirt sprint for juveniles anchors the closing day program of the 40-day summer meeting Monday, Sept. 1 at Saratoga. One of the oldest races for 2-year-olds, the Hopeful had its inaugural running in 1903, and several winners of the contest would go on to enjoy victory in the GI Belmont Stakes, including the likes of Triple Crown winner Secretariat.

Most recently, several stallions on (or who once stood on) the Spendthrift roster have claimed the race including Basin in 2019; Jackie's Warrior in 2020, who set the race record of 1:21.29 (run at seven furlongs) that stands today; and 2022 champion juvenile Forte.

As one of three Grade I races on closing weekend at the Spa, the Hopeful will proceed the GI Spinaway Saturday, Aug. 20 and the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup Sunday, Aug. 31. A full list of the Saratoga stakes schedule may be found here.

“The Hopeful is one of America's most storied races for 2-year-olds, and we are honored to be its sponsor,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift Farm general manager. “For generations, this race has played a key role in shaping champions–many of whom have gone on to stand at Spendthrift, including Forte and Jackie's Warrior today.”

“This partnership allows us to support a race that embodies the excitement, promise, and rich tradition of 2-year-old racing. We also commend NYRA for its steadfast commitment to the sport, ensuring that Saratoga remains the pinnacle of racing and a launching pad for the next generation of great horses.”

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The Jockey Club Thoroughbred Incentive Program (T.I.P.), which encourages retraining Thoroughbreds into other disciplines after their racing or breeding careers end, has revealed winners and other placings from its 2024 Performance Awards Program, the group announced Friday morning.

Created to recognize the Thoroughbreds who accumulated the most points at all horse shows at a wide variety of disciplines and experience levels, the program counted 691 horses from 44 states and five Canadian provinces in 2024. They competed in more than 14,000 classes, divisions, and events with division awards being calculated in 16 categories as well as 99 discipline divisions and nine junior rider divisions.

Among the awards were the Green OTTB category for Thoroughbreds that last raced in 2022, 2023, or 2024 with a sponsorship for those provided by Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA). In addition to the category and division awards, a performance award sponsored by the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) for horses adopted from TAA-accredited organizations was given out as well as one provided by the Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) for top-placing RRP Makeover alumni.

Winners will receive ribbons, prize money, and a variety of other prizes including coolers, halters, bags, tumblers, and apparel.

Category winners included:

• Dressage – Triple Magic (Bernardini–Triple o'Five)
• Equitation General – Runforprofit “Profitable” (Runhappy–Goodprofit)
• Eventing/Combined Test – Swing Hard (Hard Spun–Play Ballado)
• TCA Green OTTB – Last Raced 2022 – Touch of Prince “Touchstone” (Cairo Prince–Ravionetta)
• TCA Green OTTB – Last Raced 2023 – Igottahabeit (Giant Surprise–Ginger Quill)
• TCA Green OTTB – Last Raced 2024 – Fox Red (Mineshaft–Egot)

Performance awards will be available again in 2025 and will be based on show results from Dec. 1, 2024 through Nov. 30, 2025. A full list of the winners and participants along with their state registration, rider and owner names, etc. may be found here. Deadline for next year's submissions is Dec. 20, 2025.

The post Thoroughbred Incentive Program Reveals 2024 Performance Award Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Thoro-Graph, the creator of North American handicapping products, and 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, operator of the online betting platforms 1/ST BET and Xpressbet, have partnered to bring the Thoro-Graph Player Services program to horseplayers around the country, the Stronach Group said via a release Thursday.

Thoro-Graph Player Services is a free, membership-based online portal that links users to wagering with the online platforms.

“By partnering with Thoro-Graph, we have created a powerful alliance for horseplayers,” said 1/ST TECHNOLOGY President, Keith Johnson. “By linking these great brands, Thoro-Graph Player Services members can maximize their perks, benefits, and winnings by utilizing two of the most trusted names in horse racing.”

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

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

Resolved ADMC Violations
Date: 03/19/2025
Licensee: Curt Ferguson, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 20, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Star Entry, who won at Turf Paradise on 1/25/25.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Naoise Agnew, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 20, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. Both instances treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on I don't See Colors on 7/12/23; and Justice or Appeal on 8/2/23.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: James Crotts, trainer
Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 19, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Jonas' Dream, who won at Turf Paradise on 2/17/25.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Charles Essex, trainer
Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 19, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Willing to Burn, who won at Turf Paradise on 1/30/25.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Paulina Sinnefia, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 19, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on Fast Freeze Kaz on 9/20/23.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Dimitrios Synnefias, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 19, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. All four instances treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on Zealous Legacy on 6/15/23; Kaz Munnings on 7/6/23; Athena Beach 4/18/24; and El Policia 6/25/24.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Jose Aguila, trainer
Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Vet list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Sawyer's Speed on 2/9/25.

Date: 03/18/2025
Licensee: Mario Lopez, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sam Stormy, who finished second at Tampa Bay on 2/2/25.

Date: 03/17/2025
Licensee: David Geist, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 18, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. All five instances treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on Diggers Diamond on 11/2/23; Harvey Specter on 3/1/24, 5/10/24, and 6/27/24; and Romantic Gamble on 6/27/24.

Date: 03/14/2025
Licensee: Jacinto Lopez, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of DMSO–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Hot Princess, who finished third at Mahoning Valley on 2/6/25.

Date: 03/14/2025
Licensee: Kimberly Graci, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 15, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a combined fine of $5,500. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time 66 different times between 5/28/23 and 7/5/24; and for an intra-articular injection within 7 days of a timed and reported workout on I See the Stars on 2/20/24, and Cricket West on 5/9/24.

Date: 03/14/2025
Licensee: Erin Carpio, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 15, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. All six instances treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on Shoyyookh on 6/28/23; Sir Steele on 7/19/23; Bejuco on 11/22/23, 1/10/24; and Nazareno on 5/31/24, 6/26/24.

Date: 03/14/2025
Licensee: Marlin (Joe) Miller, trainer
Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Mar. 15, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500. All six instances treated as one violation. Admission.
Explainer: Medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on Highway Queen on 6/16/23, 7/13/23, 8/16/23, 12/28/23, 1/12/24, and 2/23/24.

Date: 03/13/2025
Licensee: Gary Greiner, trainer
Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by internal adjudication panel.
Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Man Overboard, who finished sixth at Pleasanton on 12/18/24.

Pending ADMC Violations
03/19/2025, Jabdiel Castillo, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Play Ball, who finished seventh at Mahoning Valley on 2/11/25.

03/19/2025, Shivananda Parbhoo, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol–a banned substance permitted under certain circumstances–in a sample taken from American Speed, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 1/5/25.

03/13/2025, Andrew McKeever, trainer: Pending vet list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Viley Lane on 2/10/25.

03/13/2025, Mark Glatt, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Metformin and Gabapentin–one banned and one a controlled substance (Class B) respectively–in a sample taken from Vanzzy, who finished second at Los Alamitos on 12/6/24.
More on the story here.

03/13/2025, Michael Zalalas, trainer: Pending medication violations for an intra-articular injection within 14 days of a post-time on ATM Awesome on 9/1/23; and Secret Spell on 3/14/24.

Violations of Crop Rule
Aqueduct
Christopher Elliott–violation date Mar. 14; $250 fine, no other information
Manuel Franco–violation date Mar. 14; $250 fine, no other information

Colonial Downs
Weston Hamilton–violation date Mar. 15; $1,000 fine, two-day suspension
Xavier Perez–violation date Mar. 14; $750 fine, three-day suspension
Jevian Toledo– violation date Mar. 13; $500 fine, one-day suspension
Jean Briceno–violation date Mar. 13; $1,500 fine, six-day suspension
Weston Hamilton–violation date Mar. 13; $500 fine, one-day suspension

The post Weekly National Regulatory Rulings, Mar. 13-19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Puerto Rico Horse Owners Association, Inc. (PRHOA) has agreed to drop a year-old federal lawsuit over allegedly unsafe surface conditions at Camarero Race Track after the owners of the island's only racing venue finally agreed to a long-sought demand by the plaintiffs to allow John Passero, the noted track-safety consultant who once served as the track superintendent at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course, to inspect the track.

After a Feb. 10-12 inspection by Passero deemed that Camarero's dirt surface “was generally in good condition [and] not suffering at the time of the inspection of the safety issues raised by PRHOA in its complaint,” and after Camarero management agreed to pursue “several recommendations” made by Passero, both the PRHOA and the defendants (Camarero's owners and the Gaming Commission of Puerto Rico) entered into a “confidential” settlement agreement that included jointly dropping the lawsuit.

“[I]n view of Mr. Passero's conclusions, there was no need to continue with the instant litigation,” stated a court document jointly filed by plaintiffs and defendants Mar. 13.

No further details about Passero's findings or suggestions were documented in the court filings.

On Mar. 19, six days after the joint request to drop the lawsuit, the judge handling the case in United States District Court (District of Puerto Rico) signed an order and judgment “dismissing this action with prejudice in its entirety,” further noting that, “No attorneys' fees or costs are levied upon any party. This case is now closed for statistical purposes.”

In its initial Apr. 26, 2024, version of the lawsuit, the PRHOA alleged a “present and clear danger” because of a decade's worth of purportedly uncorrected safety issues at Camarero.

The group sought $500,000 in horse-injury damages stemming from “dangerous conditions…in particular [in the] final stretch in the mile and one sixteenth area…due to having consistency problems, unevenness, problems of humidity, lack of compaction and lack of effective maintenance, among others.”

View from the Camerero grandstand | T.D. Thornton

Before initiating its lawsuit, the PRHOA, on Apr. 2, 2024, had filed an “urgent petition” with the gaming commission asking for Passero to be allowed to commence investigatory work on the track surface.

But, according to the initial complaint, “To make things worse, on Apr. 22, 2024, making evident its obstinacy and disregard for the well-being of the riders and Thoroughbreds in use of the Racetrack, Camarero answered the Urgent Petition [by] sustaining that since it is a private entity it doesn't have any legal obligation compelling it to share the requested information with third parties and that the revealing reports are confidential in nature and their disclosure is not supported by any legal provision requiring its submittal to PRHOA.”

After the lawsuit was filed, both the Camarero owners and the Gaming Commission of Puerto Rico filed responses that didn't specifically contest the alleged safety hazards. Instead, they pleaded that the case should be dismissed for failure to state a claim and because a federal court is not the proper jurisdiction to decide the issue.

The PRHOA, in turn, then filed written opposition to dismissing the case.

“The lack of action by the Commission and its members [in] in concert with Camarero [constitute] an illegal violation of PRHOA and its members' civil rights, in violation of the Fourth, Fifth, Eighth, Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution and 42 USC section 1983. Said acts and omissions are grossly negligent or intentional and taken in reckless disregard and deliberate indifference of the rights of PRHOA and its members,” the PRHOA's June 24 filing stated.

The PRHOA had claimed that despite several years of official complaints lodged to address the alleged safety issues, the gaming commission and track management purportedly ignored the horse owners' repeated calls for safety upgrades. The PRHOA also cited a history of cancelled racing and training on both dry and wet tracks dating to 2016.

The post After Long-Sought Independent Inspection, Camarero Horsemen Drop Lawsuit Over Alleged Track Safety Issues appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA) will be onsite during Florida Derby Week as they partner with 1/ST RACING and are designated the beneficiary of a golf tournament, according to a press release from the non-profit on Thursday.

TAA will be honored with a named race on the Mar. 29 Derby undercard. Following the running of the race, a presentation will be made to the winning connections including a TAA gift bag.

A representative from Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be host the winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction. 1/ST RACING has donated the Florida Derby Day VIP Experience where the winners will enjoy premium dining, access to the paddock, and much more.

Finally, TAA will be the beneficiary of the Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament. Hosted by 1/ST RACING, the event will be held on Monday, Mar. 24 at the Plantation Preserve Golf Course.

Interested participants can contact Stacy Nicks at Gulfstream Park by email or phone: stacy.nicks@gulfstreampark.com or (954) 457-6284.

The post TAA To Benefit From Florida Charity Golf Tournament During Gulfstream’s Big Week appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

For the second time at the current Oaklawn Park meet, jockey Rafael Bejarano has been fined $200 for misjudging the location of the finish line in a one-mile race.

At Oaklawn, one-mile races end at the sixteenth pole under the track's long-established configuration for races at that distance.

In this second instance of the season, Bejarano actually won the third race Mar. 16 by a length aboard 8-5 favorite Moon Over Choctaw (Malibu Moon).

But according to the stewards' ruling, the 42-year-old jockey kept riding past the first wire at the sixteenth pole, and his penalty included “striking his mount after the finish” as Bejarano continued to drive the 3-year-old filly to the second wire.

Back on Jan. 25 in the $150,000 Fifth Season Stakes, Bejarano was fined $200 for mistiming his ride on 6-1 closer Henro (Collected). In that stakes, Bejarano drove his mount after the official finish like there was still half a furlong to go. Henro finished fourth, beaten a neck for third and 3 1/4 lengths for the win.

It was not clear at deadline for this story whether Bejarano, a veteran jockey of 22 years who has been riding regularly at Oaklawn the last three seasons, plans to appeal his second fine of the year. He is currently second in both earnings and victories at the current Oaklawn meet.

The post Despite Winning, Bejarano Again Fined for Misjudging Oaklawn Finish appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Pleasant Acres Stallions has introduced a Florida-Bred Excellence Program with three financial options designed to give Florida breeders flexibility and support for the 2025 breeding season.

The program's three options are:

DOUBLE PLAY, LIFETIME STAY: Allows breeders to choose a preferred stallion from a selection of five standing at Pleasant Acres and then breed one or more mares in consecutive years (2025-2026) to that stallion, pay stud fees within 30 days of foals standing and nursing, register the foals with The Jockey Club, and then receive a lifetime breeding right to the selected stallion, offering one breeding season annually at no cost, beginning in 2027.

The stallions offered in the program are: Doppelganger, Mr Fisk, Simplification, Chess Chief, and Curlin's Honor.

PROCEEDS PRIORITY PROGRAM: Allows for the deferment of stud fee payments until the foal sells–whether as a weanling or yearling–with all fees to be paid by Dec. 31, 2027. This program is designed to help breeders maintain positive cash flow during crucial foal development periods and aligns payments with sales revenue.

25/25 SAVINGS SUCCESS: Offers an immediate 25% reduction on published 2025 breeding fees for Bodexpress, Chess Chief, Curlin's Honor, Doppelganger, Gunnevera, Leinster, Magic on Tap, Mr Fisk, Neolithic, Simplification, and Verifying, if fee is paid in full within 30 days of foal standing and nursing.

“We recognize that successful breeding programs require both exceptional bloodlines and smart financial planning,” said  Christine Jones, Director of Stallion Services at Pleasant Acres Stallions. “Our new Florida-Bred Excellence Program demonstrates our commitment to supporting breeders with solutions that make sense for their operations, whether they're looking for long-term breeding rights, flexible payment terms, or immediate savings.”

The post Pleasant Acres Unveils Savings Programs to Support Florida Breeders appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

NBC Sports will present live coverage of the GII Louisiana Derby from Fair Grounds Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on CNBC and Peacock. The hour-long program will also feature coverage of the GII Fair Grounds Oaks and the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks from Turfway Park.

Ahmed Fareed will host Saturday's coverage alongside analysts Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss.

The Louisiana Derby begins three consecutive Saturday afternoons with Kentucky Derby prep coverage live on CNBC and Peacock, continuing with the GI Florida Derby and GI Arkansas Derby Mar. 29 and the GI Santa Anita Derby Apr. 5.

The post NBC Sports Road to the Derby Coverage Continues Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.