Thoroughbred Daily News

DEL MAR, CA – As Breeders' Cup hopefuls continue their final preparations in the early morning hours for racing on Friday and Saturday, the Del Mar paddock will transform into an auction ring for the second annual Keeneland Championship Sale on Wednesday evening.

Last year, a share in Horse of the Year Flightline (by Tapit) was the headliner when it went for $2.5-million. Once again looking to create a high-energy atmosphere, Keeneland has put together a robust slate of offerings, which include fractional interests in three racehorses currently in-training–two are intended for the Breeders' Cup on Saturday. Stallion shares and breeding rights will take center stage.

 

The catalogue includes:

– A 25% fractional interest in Jose D'Angelo trainee Bentornato (Valiant Minister) (Hip 7), who is considered a leading contender in the GI Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint on Saturday. The 4-year-old Florida-bred ridgling was the runner-up in the 2024 Breeders' Cup Sprint to Straight No Chaser (Speightster) and was last seen winning the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes where he earned a 108 Beyer. The interest is consigned by D'Angelo, agent.

– A 25% interest in GISW & million-dollar earner Mullikin (Violence) (Hip 9), who is also a contender for the Breeders' Cup Sprint. Owned by WinStar Farm, the dark bay ran third in last year's race. The 5-year-old was the first-top level winner for trainer Rodolphe Brisset. Plans are to retire Mullikin after the Breeders' Cup and he will stand the 2026 season at WinStar.

Not This Time | Sarah Andrew

Potentially the most sought after stallion share on offer is a 2% fractional interest, consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent for Aaron & Marie Jones LLC, in the red-hot Not This Time (by Giant's Causeway) (Hip 3). The sire of nine Grade I winners and a stud fee of $250,000, the Taylor Made resident is the #2 'General Sire' this year with more than $19-million in progeny earnings. Keeneland reported that the purchaser will receive all income associated with this share from the 2025 breeding season. Last week, Taylor Made's Travis White spoke with TDN's Bill Finley about the opportunity.

Other stallion shares in the catalogue include a pair of 'TDN Rising Stars' presented by Hagyard in Life Is Good (by Into Mischief) (Hip 1), consigned by Christie DeBernardis, agent, and MGISW Mindframe (Constitution) (Hip 2), consigned by Claiborne Farm, agent. The 4-year-old, who will stand at Claiborne in 2026, will make his final appearance at the racetrack in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday.

Lifetime breeding rights in Constitution (by Tapit) (Hip 4), the property of Randy Gullatt, and Nyquist (Uncle Mo) (Hip 5), consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, agent, will also be part of the bidding.

Last but not least, a 20% fractional interest in recently retired Horse of the Year and broodmare prospect Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) (Hip 6) is consigned by McPeek Racing Stables, agent for Richard M. Edwards.

“We've designed this as a party with a sale and I think now that we proved ourselves last year, people really understand the concept which is exciting because the goal has always been to combine the social aspect with the importance of the Breeders' Cup,” Vice President of Sales at Keeneland Tony Lacy said. “We have some outstanding offerings. The Not This Time share is really unprecedented and it gives unique access to the stallion. The chance to own a piece of Thorpedo Anna makes this sale diverse and we are looking forward to it.”

Attendance to the Championship Sale is by invitation or request with both buyers and sellers individually invited to attend. Qualified, registered bidders may participate in person at the event, remotely via Keeneland's online auction platform or by phone with a Keeneland representative.

The Championship Sale event will begin at 5 p.m. PT. The sale will begin at 6:30 p.m. PT. Click here to view the online catalogue.

The post Keeneland Championship Sale Ups The Ante At Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has released a new campaign advocating for passage of a bill that would repeal a wagering tax as part of legislation passed by Congress earlier this year, the NTRA announced Tuesday.

As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law July 4, there was a tax change regarding wagering losses–reducing the deduction from 100% to 90%.

In response, Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr has introduced the WAGER Act (Winnings and Gains Expense Restoration Act), new legislation which would restore the deduction back to 100%.

“While there were many victories for our sport in the legislation passed this summer, we noted at the time that work needed to be done to repeal the language that would effectively tax horse players on phantom income. This provision will have a negative impact on our customers who fuel a $36 billion industry responsible for nearly half a million jobs, thousands of small agribusinesses, and millions of acres of open working space,” said Tom Rooney, President and CEO of the NTRA.

Barr, Chairman of the Congressional Horse Caucus, added, “I'm working right alongside NTRA, Breeders' Cup, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, Keeneland, Churchill Downs, The Jockey Club, and all our Thoroughbred horse racing advocates to reinstate the full deduction for wagering. Estimates say this could reduce track handles by 5-8%. I'm going to keep pushing the WAGER Act to restore this full deduction so that our industry can flourish.”

The post NTRA Advocates For New WAGER Act As Repeal Of Wagering Tax appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Johannes (Nyquist–Cuyathy, by Congrats), the winner of the GI Shoemaker Mile as well as five other graded stakes on the turf, will begin his stallion career at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Ky., following a final start in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile on Nov. 1 at Del Mar, the farm announced Tuesday.

The 5-year-old enters this year's Breeders' Cup with nine wins in 15 starts and earnings in excess of $1.2 million. Of those nine wins, eight wins have come in stakes company, and six were against graded stakes competition.

A nine-length maiden special weight winner sprinting 6 furlongs in 1:08.47 as a 2-year-old at Santa Anita Park, Johannes then kicked off his sophomore campaign with dominant victories in the Baffle Stakes and the Pasadena Stakes, also at Santa Anita.

Johannes, a homebred for Joe and Debby McCloskey, started his four-year-old season with a breakthrough graded victory in the GIII American Stakes at Santa Anita Park, running the mile in 1:32.08. From there, he posted Beyer Speed Figures of 100 or greater in six of his next seven starts, beginning with a victory in the GI Shoemaker Mile, his first Grade I effort.

Johannes would go on to win five of six starts that year, adding the GII Eddie Read Stakes, GII City of Hope Mile Stakes, and GII San Gabriel Stakes. His only defeat that season came in the Breeders' Cup Mile, where he was by three-quarters of a length, tying a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 103.

Johannes comes into this year's Breeders' Cup Mile having once again secured a “Win and You're In” berth by virtue of his victory in the City of Hope Mile with a 100 Beyer. He has won races at six furlongs in 1:08.47, 6 ½ furlongs in 1:13.07, one mile in 1:32.08, and 1 1/8 miles in 1:46.50.

“When I think of Johannes, instant acceleration comes to mind,” said Tim Yakteen, who trains for the McCloskeys. “He is a superior miler that has sprint speed as well as a wicked finishing kick. He moves like a cat and has a fantastic disposition around the barn. He's a trainer's dream.”

The Kentucky-bred Johannes is the first foal out of the stakes-placed Congrats mare Cuyathy, who has produced four winners from four foals to race. The McCloskeys bought Cuyathy, their first horse, for $50,000 at the 2014 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. “Johannes has given us the journey of a lifetime,” said Joe McCloskey. “He possesses the heart and determination that is rare, and we were so blessed to have watched him grow into a phenomenal racehorse. We will miss seeing him in training, but we can't wait to see how beautiful and fast his babies will be.”

Cuyathy's produce also includes the multiple stakes winner Sea Dancer (Mastery) and stakes-placed Sea Runner (Gun Runner), as well as Soaring Angel (Knicks Go), who broke her maiden on debut at Del Mar in July. Cuyathy is a half-sister to multiple graded stakes-placed Join in the Dance, as well as the dam of Grade II winner Elm Drive and stakes winner Mother of Dragons.

“Johannes is a very talented horse that has been on our radar for a while now,” said Claiborne's President Walker Hancock. “His father Nyquist has proven to be an elite sire, but he doesn't have a son standing in Kentucky yet, which makes Johannes that much more appealing. He is a beautifully made horse with a strong pedigree.  His dam is by Congrats, his second dam is by Devil's Bag and his third dam is by Danzig, so he has Claiborne genetics all throughout his page. The McCloskeys are wonderful people that operate in an old school breed-to-race way that resonates with us. It's a great fit and we couldn't be more excited to debut Johannes alongside Mindframe. I think breeders are going to love what these two new studs have to offer.”

The post Grade I Winner Johannes to Stand at Claiborne Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Godolphin's GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), looking to cap an historic sophomore campaign, drew post six and was promptly installed the 6-5 favorite for Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar.

“No complaints about that,” trainer Bill Mott told Brittney Eurton at the post position draw held Monday afternoon in the Del Mar paddock. “There is some speed inside and it gives him a good opportunity to see what is unfolding in the race.”

Since his win in the Kentucky Derby, Sovereignty has added victories in the GI Belmont Stakes, GII Jim Dandy Stakes and GI Travers Stakes, looking more dominant with each start.

“It's all been positive,” Mott said of the colt's progression. “I think he's gone the right way mentally, and physically he is stronger. His races have gotten faster as the year has gone on. He will need to improve a little bit to get the job done here.”

One of the strongest Classics in recent memory also includes last year's defending champion Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), who will break from post seven and is 8-1 on the morning line, as well as last year's runner-up Fierceness (City of Light), who drew post one and is 4-1 on the morning line, and third-place finisher Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), who drew post five and is 6-1 on the morning line.

In addition to Sovereignty, the sophomore class is also represented in the Classic by GI Preakness Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin), who drew post nine and is 10-1 on the morning line, and GI Pennsylvania Derby winner Baeza (McKinzie), who drew post two and is 15-1 on the morning line.

“It's a very competitive field,” said Mott. “I think it's a great race. You have the 3-year-olds against the older horses. There are arguably the three top 3-year-olds that have been around all year, and they are taking on the first three finishers of the Breeders' Cup from last year. So it's going to be a great race.”

Before Monday's draw, trainer Todd Pletcher he admitted he was hoping for anything but the rail for Fierceness, who ducked in from his inside draw before going on to win the GI Pacific Classic at Del Mar in August.

“The difference now is that Johnny [Velazquez] knows that he made that mistake in the last start in the Pacific Classic here, so he will hopefully be ready if he were to think about doing it again,” Pletcher said after Fierceness drew the one hole once again Monday. “I think it was just his first time and he did what a lot of horses do, kind of moved towards the open space. Fortunately, he was good enough to overcome it.”

Of the depth of this year's Classic field, Pletcher added, “It doesn't get better than this. It's a super field. Everyone has been looking forward to it. Hopefully, everyone shows up healthy and ready to go.”

The complete Classic field, in post position order with morning-line odds, is: Fierceness (City of Light), 4-1; Baeza (McKinzie), 15-1; Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach), 20-1; Contrary Thinking (Into Mischief), 50-1; Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}), 6-1; Sovereignty (Into Mischief), 6-5; Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), 8-1; Mindframe (Constitution), 10-1; Journalism (Curlin), 10-1; and Antiquarian (Preservationist), 15-1.

Looking for a Three-peat in the Turf

Godolphin's Rebel Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) will look to become just the third horse to win three Breeders' Cup races when he attempts a three-peat in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Saturday. The 7-year-old gelding breaks from the rail in a field of 14 and is 5-2 on the morning line, but he will face a strong challenge from 8-5 morning-line favorite Minnie Hauk (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who was a narrowly beaten second in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Oct. 5. The 3-year-old filly will break from post eight.

Rebel's Romance | Sarah Andrew

Seismic Beauty (Uncle Mo), most recently winner of the GI Clement L. Hirsch Stakes, is the 9-5 favorite while facing 12 rivals in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. She drew post eight Monday. From the East Coast, Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) will look to make amends for her narrow defeat in the GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes while breaking from the rail as a 4-1 shot on the morning line.

Breeders' Cup Winners Galore in Dirt Mile

Of the 10 horses entered in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, three have already won a championship race. White Abarrio (Race Day), who won the Classic in 2023, will look to become the second horse (following Knicks Go), to record the Classic/Mile double when he breaks from post 10 in the 10-horse field. Last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) breaks from post seven and defending Dirt Mile winner Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast) breaks from post six.

The Dirt Mile field also includes last year's GI Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents), who breaks from post four.

Another 2024 winner looking to defend his Breeders' Cup title Saturday is Sprint winner Straight No Chaser (Speightster), who faces 13 rivals and breaks from post 12.

Hometown favorites line up next to each other in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile, with Johannes (Nyquist), second in the race last year, breaking from post seven, and Formidable Man (City of Light) breaking from post eight.

Future Stars Friday Fields

In the five Breeders' Cup races that make up Future Stars Friday, trainer Aidan O'Brien has a pair of morning-line favorites who both drew the outside in their respective races. Precise (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) drew post 13 in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and stablemate Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) drew post 14 in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. O'Brien will also saddle likely GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint favorite True Love (Ire) (No Nay Never), who drew post nine of 12.

Ted Noffey | Sarah Andrew

In a match-up of East meets West, Spendthrift Farm's Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) drew the outside post eight for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, while Zedan Racing Stables' Brant (Gun Runner), a $3-million OBS March purchase, will break just to his inside in post seven. Both colts were tabbed 'TDN Rising Stars presented by Hagyard' following impressive debut victories and both are undefeated.

In what could be a big weekend for Spendthrift Farm, the operation will also be represented by GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies hopeful Tommy Jo (Into Mischief), who drew post five of nine Monday; and by Tamara (Bolt d'Oro), who drew post four in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint.

The post Sovereignty Draws Post 6, Made 6-5 Favorite, in Breeders’ Cup Classic for the Ages appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Between travelers en route and those already on grounds, Distaff contenders put in their final preps in advance of the World Championships this weekend and connections provide their thoughts on how their charges are doing.

Multiple Grade I winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) was out on track Monday morning at Del Mar to work four furlongs in :49.80 (5/5) with Neil Poznansky up for the ride. According to his connections, it was all by design and all systems are go.

“He went easy. He had an extended gallop and then he just stretched his legs a little down the lane,” said Poznansky. “It felt like an open gallop. Before he has wanted to go off a little aggressive and then he will go and spit the bit and go about his way.”

“Today he was very even and [drug] me along and when he turned for home, he actually grabbed the bit again. He is very smart.”

“I don't like to use the word maintenance work because everyone uses that so I am not going to use that,” said Mott. “We know the horse is talented, and we just want to keep him fit and let him do enough where he is happy and let him stretch his lungs out a little bit and have him ready for Saturday.”

“I liked what I saw today. We'll see if we take him out tomorrow [Tuesday morning]. We don't want to get him too high. Sometimes, just getting him out there and moving around a little is good…same as any athlete, I guess.”

One of Japan's top hopefuls for Breeders' Cup Classic glory, Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) cantered one lap around the track Monday and schooled in the paddock. He will breeze Wednesday, Oct. 29 with rider Ryusei Sakai in the saddle.

“I flew into L.A. last night, and it is the first time on him since his final domestic gallop,” said Sakai. “I got a great feeling, and he is definitely in good shape. I will ride his breeze on Wednesday.”

The Ladies Take California Ahead of World Championships

Of the Distaff workers, Argentinian Group 1-winner Sarawak Rim (Arg) (Remote {GB}) posted her first breeze at Del Mar since arriving from Keeneland, and clocked four furlongs in :48.80 (4/5) with Geovanny Vences in the saddle for trainer Ignacio Correas. The filly joined the conditioner's barn in July and has only impressed since then.

“Oh yes. [The work] was a beauty; perfectly done,” said Correas. “I don't know about anybody else, but it looked great to me.”

In the Bill Mott barn, MGSW & MGISP Scylla (Tapit) breezed four panels in :46.60 (1/5) with blinkers on with Neil Poznansky in the irons. Despite the time, Mott said he was quite pleased with the move.

“People might worry it's too fast for her,” he said. “It is fast, but she can do that. Neil thought she was doing it within herself. She was carrying him along; he didn't ask her. He said he took another hold on her as she turned for home. If she had gone 49, I would have been pleased.”

“We had the blinkers on her today, and I think she had her game face on when she went to the track. A lot of times galloping, she will mess with us a little bit, but she knows when it's workday. She has put in works like that before so it's not totally unusual. With her, it's a sign she is doing good.”

Team Japan reports that Alice Verite (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) will breeze Wednesday, Oct. 29 with her jockey Kyle Frey in the irons. She spent Monday hand walking in the parade ring.

The post Breeders’ Cup Notes: Sovereignty Ready for Classic, Distaff Contenders Put in Final Preps at Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The 12th running of the Bing Crosby Season at Del Mar will kick off Thursday, Oct. 30 and run through Sunday, Nov. 30 with opening weekend featuring the Breeders' Cup World Championships, the track announced Monday.

The 16-day program will host 20 stakes races worth more than $3-million in purses. In addition to the two-day Breeders' Cup event worth more than $34-million across 14 Grade I stakes, the seaside oval will also contest six of the 20 black-type races in the first three days of the meeting–one on Thursday, four on Friday as part of the undercard, and one on Saturday. The 2024 edition of the World Championships held 'Where the Turf Meets the Surf' set a new global wagering record of $203.7-million.

After opening weekend, the Del Mar season will conclude with the return of the FanDuel Racing Turf Festival featuring seven turf stakes–six of them graded–worth $1.3-million in purses on closing weekend Nov. 28-30. Barring this coming weekend, all Fridays will offer seniors free admission, free program and a free seat, while Sundays are “Free & Fun Sundays,” offering all Diamond Club members free admission, free program and a free seat, alongside half-off Michelob ULTRA, Brandt Beef hot dogs and sodas at concession stands.

“Having the Breeders' Cup return to Del Mar is an honor we don't take lightly,” said David Jerkens, senior vice president of racing. “Kicking off our fall season with the World Championships is a tremendous way to begin, and we look forward to carrying that momentum through the FanDuel Racing Turf Festival on Closing Weekend.”

The remaining four weeks will offer eight-race cards on all weekdays and nine-race cards on all weekends. First post on all racing days will be 12:30 p.m. A list of special events held throughout Bing Crosby Season can be found here.

The post Bing Crosby Season at Del Mar Kicks Off Thursday, Features Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

David Duggan, the former Chief Operating Officer of Golden Gate Fields, has been appointed Executive Vice President, 1/ST RACING, according to 1/ST. Duggan has assumed day-to-day responsibility for the leadership of Gulfstream Park's racing operations and management.

According to the company, Billy Badgett has shifted his focus away from day-to-day operations and management toward shaping the strategic future of Florida racing as Executive Director of Florida Operations for 1/ST.

“I'm very excited and very thankful to Aidan Butler and the company for giving me this opportunity,” said Duggan. “It's a bit like taking over the Los Angeles Dodgers from Tommy Lasorda, because Billy Badgett has put together the most incredible team. They really are amazing–obviously, (Vice President of Administration) Sheri Holmes, who has been there for a long time, and we've got a great commentator in Pete Aiello. Overall, they're an extememely strong team who will make things a lot easier for me, and I will have Billy Badgett to call upon when I begin to run aground, should the case arise. It would be pretty hard to mess it up. It's a broad spectrum–a great blend of youth and experience. The racing office led by the two Mikes, Costanzo and Lakow, have a really good grasp of everything, and that makes my job a lot easier.”

The post Duggan Appointed Executive V.P., 1/ST Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Justify was off to a fast start at stud, leading in several black-type categories as well as in winners and wins with his first crop of runners. But it was in year two when the cream really started to rise to the top. That year, in 2023, he sired two Breeders' Cup winners, Hard to Justify in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, and Just F Y I in the Juvenile Fillies. The latter brings a talented resume and a special pedigree to this year's Fasig-Tipton November sale when she sells as hip 109 on Monday, Nov. 3.

“We've been blessed to sell some tremendous offerings and her resume really ranks right up there with some of the best horses that have walked through this sales ring,” said Fasig-Tipton President and CEO Boyd Browning. “She is by Justify, who is off to an amazing start as a stallion. Her accomplishments as a two-year-old resulted in her being the champion two-year-old filly, she won the Breeders' Cup very impressively, was just dominant in her two-year-old campaign, and it's really rare to have an opportunity to sell a filly like this.”

“She was the first Justify that I had in the barn and it didn't take long to start to like her,” said her trainer, Bill Mott. “She was a big, tall, rangy filly. She stood with a lot of leg underneath her. She had a lot of scope, however, she was well-balanced. She looked like a horse that would probably be better as a three-year-old-jst her body type and the way she was made. But she came around very early. You know, you wouldn't have looked at her in the very beginning and think that she was going to break her maiden at six-and-a-half furlongs and be as early as she was. But she came right around. It didn't take long to get her to the races.”

Just F Y I made her first start at Saratoga, winning a six-and-a-half furlong maiden by a head. Mott was impressed enough to wheel her right back in the GI Frizette Stakes on Oct. 7, which she won by 3 3/4 lengths.

Justify's Daughter Ready to Light Up Night of the Stars">Justify, and she's in foal to Into Mischief," says Fasig's Boyd Browning. "The opportunity to buy a young champion mare in foal to the leading sire in America doesn't come along very often."">

“She was good enough and quick enough to win at a sprint distance, breaking her maiden,” said Mott. “But the flat mile in the Frizette and the two-turn mile-and-a sixteenth in the Breeders' Cup was right up her alley. I mean that was her. She had enough speed to win a one-turn race and had enough durability to win a two-turn race.”

Her owner, George Krikorian, had reason to be proud on Breeders' Cup Day, having bred the filly from his own multiple-stakes-placed Star Act (Street Cry {Ire}), a daughter of multiple Grade I winner Starrer (Dynaformer), herself a half-sister to multiple Grade I winner Stellar Jayne, from a family studded with black type.

“It all starts with Starrer,” said Krikorian, “who is a multiple Grade I winner. She's the first stakes horse that I ever purchased, and she was found by Donato Lanni, and she was the first stakes horse he ever found for anybody. So that was pretty special. I have probably raced horses 20 times in the Breeders' Cup and it's the first time we won. It's pretty special.”

Said Browning, “You know, I think one of the cool things about Just F Y I is how George has helped develop the family. Her second Dam is Starrer, a Grade I winner that George raced very, very successfully. She's obviously been successful as a broodmare also, producing the dam of Just F Y I who was a stakes performer herself. So it's neat to see somebody who's been involved in the business for many, many years who tries to breed and race at the highest level and achieve success, and George has certainly done that with Starrer and now with Just F Y I.”

John Sikura will offer the champion filly through his Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa consignment.

“Just F Y I, that's a pedigree that George Krikorian has cultivated for more than 20, 25 years,” he said. “He's had great success to breed a Breeders' Cup-winning champion from his own pedigrees. One that you've developed is enormously satisfying. She was undefeated, she's a millionaire, she won the Frizette, she won the Breeders' Cup. She has a classic page; she is by a Triple Crown winner in Justify, and she's in foal to America's leading sire Into Mischief. She's so unique; she has all the qualities, all the attributes that someone would look for in a very special, classic broodmare-big, long, pretty, stands over ground, really, really has it all. She's just a complete, impeccable package.”

Sikura stressed the depth of her page. “At every dam, you have Grade I-winning champions,” he said. “Very few pedigrees seem to reproduce at the highest level of every generation. This is certainly a unique and special pedigree, and as evidenced by the performance of Just F Y I and all of Starrer's esteemed siblings.”

At three, Just F Y I was second in both the GI Ashland and GI Kentucky Oaks. Given a break for the summer and fall, she returned at four this year, but was retired when felled by a fever in the spring, and bred to Into Mischief.

Sums up Browning, “She's four years old. She's a champion. She's by Justify. She's in foal to Into Mischief. You're talking about the perfect opportunity for a leading buyer or breeder who wants to have an addition to their broodmare band at the very highest level or if you want to start a top-level broodmare band, she's the perfect type. The opportunity to buy a young, champion mare in foal to Into Mischief doesn't come along very often.”

Sikura agrees. “Some horses are just born with extraordinary talent,” he said. “The first time she ran, she won, and she got better each start, and to win the Breeders' Cup in her third start, coming off a Grade I win at Belmont, that's very impressive. She's an undefeated two-year-old, hugely accomplished champion. Shortly and succinctly, you could say she was perfection then, and certainly a wonderful, wonderful race filly.”

The post Just F Y I: Justify’s Daughter Ready to Light Up Night of the Stars appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Vinery Sales will offer Grade I mares Dorth Vader (Girvin), Free Like a Girl (El Deal), and Sacred Wish (Not This Time) at the Fasig-Tipton November sale with a portion of the proceeds from each sale benefitting a specific charity, it was announced via press release Monday.

Vinery Sales's Matt Bowling said the connections of the three racemares will be donating a portion of the proceeds from the respective sales each to a different charity. The selected organizations set to receive the donations have names or missions that resonate with the owners or the names of the fillies. All three horses are being offered as racing/broodmare prospects and are consigned by Vinery Sales, agent.

Dorth Vader, winner of the GI Ogden Phipps Stakes at Saratoga this past June, has amassed over $1-million in her career. Including that elite-level win, she has four black-type victories to her name between the Juvenile Fillies Sprint Stakes, Sandpiper Stakes, and the GII Davona Dale Stakes. She's also placed in the GI Acorn Stakes in 2023 and was most recently seen running second to Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in the GI Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga by a nose.

A portion of Dorth Vader's sale proceeds will be going to the Starlight Children's Foundation, which collaborates with LucasFilm and Disney to offer Star Wars-themed programs to sick children during their hospital stays.

Free Like a Girl, a 19-time stakes winner and the 2022 & 2024 Louisiana Horse of the Year, has tallied nine graded black-type contests through her four-year career. She's hit the board in the GIII Iowa Oaks; GIII Charles Town Oaks; GIII Remington Park Oaks; the GI Apple Blossom Handicap in 2024 and 2025; the GI Fasig-Tipton La Troienne Stakes in 2024; and the 2025 GIII Bayakoa and GII Azeri Stakes. With her career earnings sitting north of $2.5-million, she was most recently seen running second in the Magnolia Stakes Oct. 11 at Delta Downs.

A portion of the proceeds generated by the sale of Free Like a Girl will be donated to St. Jude's Children Hospital in gratitude for the care they provided to trainer Deville Pomier's niece during an illness.

Sacred Wish is the 2024 GI Matriarch Stakes victress at Del Mar, and some of her career highlights include a runner-up effort in the 2023 GII Gulfstream Park Oaks in her third start; running second in that year's GI CCA Oaks and GIII Pebbles Stakes; and hitting the board last season in the GIII WinStar Matchmaker, GIII Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf, and GIII Goldikova Stakes before her aforementioned Grade I win. This year, she started her 2025 with a runner-up effort in the GII TAA Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational and has since run second again in the GIII WinStar Matchmaker Stakes July 19. Her career earnings sit at over $1.1-million.

Jake Ballis of Black Type Thoroughbreds will be supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a contribution coming directly from the sale of Sacred Wish. The Make-A-Wish Foundation helps fulfill the wishes of seriously ill children.

“Evan Ferraro from Fasig-Tipton and I worked together on the idea,” said Bowling. “All three mares have incredible connections and unique names and stories, so we thought it would be good to do something along these lines. When I pitched the ideas to the teams of each horse, they were all excited to be a part of it and give back to some awesome charities.”

The catalogue for the 2025 Fasig-Tipton November Sale may be found here.

The post Vinery Sales to Offer Trio of Grade I Mares to Benefit Charity at Fasig-Tipton November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Hoping that his start in Saturday's GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic will be a memorable one, MGISW Journalism (Curlin) worked five furlongs in 1:01.40 at Del Mar Sunday morning. With Jose Ortiz in the irons and working with stablemate Legitimate (Authentic), the three-time Grade I winner was last seen finishing second in the GI Pacific Classic on Aug. 30. Both colts are trained by Michael McCarthy.

“We were just looking for a maintenance work this morning,” said McCarthy. “I think we got that accomplished. I loved the way he galloped out. Went from the wire to the seven-eighths and shading :11 and two. All good.”

Ortiz added, “He's a very classy horse. A beautiful mover. We went out there and did five eighths. I just let him stretch his legs and be happy. Michael (McCarthy) was very happy with the work. The horse is ready. He is very happy with what I did today.”

Previously ridden by Umberto Rispoli, the colt will be ridden by Ortiz in the Classic.

“We just thought it was good for [Ortiz] to go ahead and sit on him, get a feel of him, kind of test drive a little bit,” said McCarthy. “It's not like it's never been done before. So grateful that he was able to kind  of take a race or two off today and come out here and help us out.”

Following Sunday's workout, Ortiz hopped on a plane and flew back to Kentucky to ride at Churchill Downs Sunday.

“He's very straightforward,” said Ortiz. “He did everything right. I didn't try to test him or anything. We know he's a nice horse. We're just trying to get to know him a little bit. But he was very classy out there, as he's always been.”

Journalism, winner of this season's GI Preakness, GI Haskell and GI Santa Anita Derby, is expected to be retired to Ashford Stud at the conclusion of his racing career.

Also working at Del Mar Sunday, GI Ogden Phipps winner Dorth Vader (Girvin) negotiated four furlongs in :49 flat. Under Raul Munoz, the 5-year-old is trained by George Weaver.

“She broke off a little slow, but she finished up well, so I had the rider let her gallop on out,” said Blair Golen, assistant to Weaver. “She got off in :26 and 1 and finished up in :49 and 1, so a strong finish. I was happy with her and the way she cools out. She's fit, it's just letting her blow off some mental steam.”

In an effort to ease her anxiety stemming from the travel and change of scenery, Dorth Vader arrived in California accompanied by her trusty companion, a large teddy bear.

“We've always had horses that had a bear– Daddy Is a Legend had one–and I see a few trainers do it,” Golen explained. “Hers is big and sits in the corner, and she just kind of looks at it. It's comforting. Some people have goats, and some have teddy bears.. She takes the bear and her pink Jolley ball everywhere. Sometimes she paws at it, but for the most part they just hang out.”

In preparation for Saturday's GI Filly & Mare Sprint, Zeitlos (Curlin) breezed three panels in :36.20 for trainer Steve Asmussen. The 5-year-old will try and improve upon a seventh in last season's Filly & Mare Sprint at Del Mar.

 

The post Classic Contender Journalism Heads Breeders’ Cup Worktab at Del Mar Sunday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Breeders' Cup pre-entrants Explora (Blame), Kopion (Omaha Beach), Straight No Chaser (Speightster), Goal Oriented (Not This Time) and Motorious (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) all had their final works Sunday at Santa Anita.

Kopion, trained by Richard Mandella, covered three furlongs in :33.20 with Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith aboard. The 4-year-old was pre-entered in both the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint going seven furlongs and six-furlong GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, however, Mandella confirmed Kopion would be entered in the Sprint where she will be joined by Mandella-trained stablemate Big City Lights.

Kopion will attempt to become the fourth female to win the Sprint joining Desert Stormer (1995), Safely Kept (1990) and Very Subtle (1987).

Straight No Chaser worked four furlongs in :49.0 ahead of a title defense in the Sprint. Trained by Dan Blacker, Straight No Chaser most recently finished third in the GII Santa Anita Sprint Championship on Sept. 28. Last year, Straight No Chaser won the Sprint by a half-length to clinch the Eclipse Award as North America's outstanding sprinter. He'll attempt to join Elite Power (2022-23), Roy H (2017-18) and Midnight Lute (2007-08) as back-to-back winners of the Sprint.

“It was a good work,” Blacker confirmed. “His last two or three works have been really good. He has good enthusiasm, good energy. That's what I want to see. He did pick up some company today, which wasn't ideal, but my assistant, Juan [Landerso], did a great job.”

Explora and Goal Oriented–both TDN Rising Stars, presented by Hagyard–worked for their trainer Bob Baffert. Explora, pre-entered in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, drilled five furlongs in 1:00.20. The filly most recently won the GII Oak Leaf on Oct. 4 at Santa Anita.

“She went nice,” said Bob Baffert. “She is a very classy filly, and she cruised around there by herself. I like the fact that she can go two turns. That is not going to be an issue for her, and she has speed if she wants to use it. She is not a one-dimensional horse.”

Goal Oriented, heading to the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, worked four furlongs with company in :47.40. It was the fastest of 66 works at the distance. Goal Oriented most recently finished third in the GI Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 20 at Parx.

“He always works well; he is a good work horse,” said Baffert. “He was within himself and did it the right way, he was just cruising around there. It was nothing for him.”

Motorious, who'll be making his third attempt at winning the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, worked five furlongs on the synthetic training track in 1:01.20. Trained by Phil D'Amato, Motorious most recently won the GIII Green Flash via disqualification at Del Mar on Aug. 30. The 7-year-old gelding was second in last year's Turf Sprint at Del Mar and fifth in the 2023 Turf Sprint at Santa Anita.

“He worked really well,” said Antonio Fresu, aboard for the work. “It was nice and easy today, being six days out from the big race. It was an easy work on his own after what was his fast and heavy work last week. We were really happy with the way he went and today he looked beautiful

on the training track. I just kept him going easy. He's ready to go.”

Final entries for the 42nd Breeders' Cup will be taken Monday, Oct. 27. Post positions will be drawn in the Del Mar paddock starting at 4 p.m. PT.

The post Breeders’ Cup Workers at Santa Anita Sunday led by Explora, Straight No Chaser and Kopion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Crunched from a morning line of 5-1 into 8-5 favoritism while attempting to negotiate nine furlongs at first asking, C R K Stable's Remember Mamba (c, 2, Kitten's Joy–Gizmo, by Uncle Mo) turned in a performance as professional as the late NBA legend for whom he his named, streaking away through the final 100 yards to become a 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Saturday at Keeneland.

Drawn gate three, the $270,000 Keeneland September yearling bounced well and was able to secure a prominent position just behind the speed with Jose Ortiz sitting against him for the run down the back.

Held together while racing in the two path passing the three-eighths pole, Remember Mamba was asked to quicken on the swing for home, went to his more-experienced chief market rival Maginnesontap (Omaha Beach) three off the inside nearing the eighth pole and kicked clear with every stride to take it in highly promising style.

As referenced in a story on C R K's Lee Searing by Steve Sherack in 2020, when the operation was represented on the COVID-reshuffled Triple Crown trail by Honor A. P., Searing has long been a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, having grown up in Southern California. The C R K silks pay homage to the NBA franchise and its mega-star Kobe Bryant, who tragically passed away in a helicopter crash in January 2020.

“When Kobe Bryant came to the Lakers I developed a passion for going and watching Kobe play,” Searing told the Lexington Herald-Leader ahead of Honor A. P.'s Kentucky Derby bid in September 2020. “As a fan I go all the way back to Jerry West and Elgin Baylor and a lot of the great Lakers; Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain. But, Kobe will always be my favorite.”

C R K's current marquee attraction is $1.2-million Keeneland September graduate Baeza (McKinzie), who earned a maiden Grade I victory in the Pennsylvania Derby Sept. 20 and is part of a field of now 10 horses set for the Nov. 1 GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar.

Perennial leading turf sire Kitten's Joy died of an apparent heart attack in his paddoct at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa in the summer of 2022, and Remember Mamba is the fifth winner from 14 to have races (41 total foals) from his final crop. A May 6 foal, Remember Mamba is the first winner from two starters from his dam, a half-sister to four to salute, uncluding SW Plentiful (Harlan's Holiday). Third dam Spring Meadow was a Grade III winner over six furlongs and placed three times at Grade I level, notably when dueling through the Saratoga stretch with the Bobby Frankel-trained You before just failing in the Test Stakes at Saratoga in 2002. Gizmo is also the dam of a weanling filly by McKinzie and is due to Practical Joke for 2026.

The cross of Kitten's Joy over Uncle Mo is now responsible for five winners from as many runners. The El Prado (Ire) cross over Uncle Mo mares has yielded Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna and current GISW Nitrogen, among others.

2nd-Keeneland, $110,000, Msw, 10-25, 2yo, 1 1/8mT, 1:49.97, fm, 4 1/2 lengths.
REMEMBER MAMBA, c, 2, by Kitten's Joy
1st Dam: Gizmo, by Uncle Mo
2nd Dam: Spring Street, by Street Cry (Ire)
3rd Dam: Spring Meadow, by Meadowlake
Sales history: $270,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $62,233. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O-C R K Stable LLC; B-Burning Daylight Farms Inc & November Hill Inc (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux.

 

On debut #3 REMEMBER MAMBA ($5.52) kicks away late to win race 2 at @keenelandracing. The 2yo son of Kitten's Joy was ridden by @jose93_ortiz and is trained by @reredevaux. C R K Stable owns.

Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/YQio79zxRC

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 25, 2025

The post Slam Dunk: Kitten’s Joy Firster Runs To The Money, Becomes a New ‘TDN Rising Star’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

It has been an atypically slow Keeneland fall meeting for the powerful barn of Chad Brown, who had been represented by a single winner from his first 17 starters in a maiden claimer on Oct. 23. But a win from Juddmonte's Salamis (Speightstown) in Saturday's $600,000 GIII Bryan Station Stakes would go a long ways in turning Brown's frown upside down–at least to a certain degree.

A son of Juddmonte's GI Just A Game Stakes heroine Antonoe (First Defence) and therefore the half-brother to GSW & MGISP Segesta (Ghostzapper), Salamis has been progressive in his four starts on the grass, winning his maiden two back at Saratoga over this one-mile distance before taking out the Listed Gio Ponti Stakes at Aqueduct on Sept. 28. He overcame gate seven of seven that afternoon and Flavien Prat will need to work out a trip from barrier 12 on Saturday to emerge victorious.

Of the horses in the main body, a remarkable seven are by Not This Time, including the 'other' Juddmonte, the Grade III-winning Final Gambit. With a high-watermark score in the GIII Jeff Ruby Stakes last March, he earned a trip to the GI Kentucky Derby and ran with credit from well back to be fourth. A horse that wants a truly run race, he's been pace-disadvantaged in his three runs on the grass, including a fifth in the GIII Nashville Derby. The gray will be suited down in trip, with a better chance of a sound tempo ahead of him.

Giocoso (Not This Time) benefited from a golden inside passage to win the one-mile GII Secretariat Stakes at Colonial in August, beating home Claiborne Farm's Simulate (Kitten's Joy), who endured a far inferior journey, and it would be no shock to see those placings reversed here. The latter was a non-factor seventh in the Nashville Derby and will also relish this cut-back.

Troubleshooting (Not This Time) has only finished outside the top two on one occasion in six tries on the grass and he stretches out in distance after besting Golden Afternoon (Goldencents) by a half-length in the 6 1/2-furlong GI Franklin-Stamps Stakes at Kentucky Downs Sept. 6.

Tenacious Leader (Not This Time) was just beaten in last year's GIII With Anticipation Stakes and most recently made a successful return from a one-year absence with a first-level allowance score here on Oct. 4. A forward move can be expected second off the bench.

Plensa (Caravaggio) was third to Simulate in a Saratoga allowance race July 18 before causing a 22-1 upset over Giocoso in the $1.9-million Listed Gun Runner Stakes at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 6.

Bracket Buster, Gosger Square Off In Fayette

While divisional heavies Sovereignty (Into Mischief), Journalism (Curlin) and Baeza (McKinzie) are set to give next weekend's GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic a shake, a pair of understudies from this year's sophomore class will line up in a high-class renewal of the GII Fayette Stakes at Keeneland.

BBN Racing's Bracket Buster (Vekoma) romped in this year's Listed Pegasus Stakes ahead of a fourth to Journalism in the GI Haskell Stakes. But instead of aiming for less-ambitious targets, the colt pressed on to the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes, and yes, he was beaten a block by Sovereignty, but earned a 102 Beyer not to mention a quarter-million dollar payday for his connections. His convincing victory in the GIII Oklahoma Derby last time netted him a slightly smaller check, but a fat one all the same, and the $125,000 Keeneland September grad goes for three on the trot here.

Bracket Buster | Taylor Ejdys/Equi-Photo

Gosger (Nyquist) was two lengths clear of Bracket Buster in this track's GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes in April, and he nearly pulled the upset in the GI Preakness Stakes but fell victim to that incredible finish from Journalism. A half-length behind that rival in the Haskell, the homebred never got involved from a high draw in the Sept. 20 GI Pennsylvania Derby, finishing a distant sixth and an effort best taken with a grain of salt.

A win in a race as prestigious as the G1 Dubai World Cup would generally result in a visit to the Breeders' Cup, but Gary and Mary West's Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) is here instead. Two-back winner of the West Virgina Governor's Stakes, the gray exits a fourth to Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the GII Lukas Classic Stakes across the way at Churchill Sept.27.

Compact Group For Twilight Derby

The connections of just five horses accepted for Saturday's GII Twilight Derby at Santa Anita, a race that surprisingly produced a future Breeders' Cup winner in the form of Johar (Gone West), who took this event in 2002 before famously dead-heating with High Chaparral (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) as part of the historic Mandella four-timer in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf the following year.

It has been 11 years since Long On Value raided from the East Coast to win this, and Amerman Racing homebred Test Score (Lookin At Lucky) will try to put pay to that streak on his second trip to the Golden State. A neck second in last year's Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes at Del Mar, the homebred struck from close range in the GI Belmont Derby in July, finished a close third in the GI Saratoga Derby Aug. 2 and was a latest even fourth to Turf aspirant Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in the GIII Nashville Derby Aug. 30. Trainer Graham Motion has secured the services of Juan Hernandez.

Hronis Racing's Namaron (Ger) (Amaron {GB}) looms the fly in the ointment after winning three of five starts in Germany for trainer Henk Grewe, including a Group 3 in Krefeld in April. He made a favorable impression for his new connections in the aforementioned Gun Runner Stakes, coming from the latter half of the field to be third to Bryan Station runners Plensa and Giocoso.

The post Brown Can End Rough Meet On High Note In Bryan Station appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

2nd-Belmont The Big A, $80,000, (S), Msw, 10-24, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 1:16.77, ft, 2 1/4 lengths.
PANTHERIAN (c, 2, Vekoma–Big Thrill, by Big Drama) and Wamo (Yaupon) went at each other for most of this New York-bred maiden, and the Stewards ultimately had to step in to reverse the running order.

After a shoe repair in the paddock, Wamo brushed with the off side stall at the jump but recovered well enough to place himself right in the middle of a duel for the lead. Pantherian traveled from four off the rail and to the outside of his challengers, but had locked horns with Wamo for the homeward drive as they spun into the lane.

The pair exchanged the first of several brushes passing the three-sixteenths marker, and Pantherian lost the advantage at the final sixteenth, but was mounting another try when Wamo herded him out three paths under left-hand urging. They once again brushed off each other, and came in heads apart under the wire with Wamo officially crossing the line first. There was an immediate Stewards' inquiry into the stretch run, and after a review, the running order was reversed. Disqualified for interference, Wamo was placed second behind Pantherian prior to the result being declared official.

The victor is the fourth winner from five to the races and the most recent of age for Big Thrill. The mare has a 2025 colt by Golden Pal and was bred to Cogburn for 2026. Sales history: $145,000 Ylg '24 FTKOCT; $750,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $44,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-WinStar Farm, LLC, First Go Racing and CHC, Inc.; B-Annemarie Toomey (NY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.

The post Vekoma’s Pantherian Elevated to First-Out Win at Belmont Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Bidding is now open for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA October (Late) sale, which features 73 offerings and is led by a consignment of 11 broodmares from Paramount Sales, and will have the first lot close on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. ET with subsequent listings hammering down in three-minute increments thereafter, the digital outfit said in a press release on Friday.

The auction offers horses available for inspection in 11 different states.

The Paramount Sales consignment includes Ayaady (hip 39), a Tapit mare whose first foal is the promising Massarat (Curlin), who has earned over $204,000 on the racetrack. She is offered in foal to Gunite.

Also on offer is Munasara (hip 51) in foal to Street Sense believed to be carrying a filly. She is out of champion race mare Lahudood (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) and a half sister do the dam of MG1SW winner Baeed (GB). Munasara is also primed for another update being a half-sister to the dam of the undefeated Ganaas (War Front) who goes to post in Saturday's GIII Street Sense Stakes at Churchill Downs.

Other broodmares from the Paramount slate are pregnant to sires including City of Light, Constitution, Maxfield, Oscar Performance, and Yaupon.

“Paramount is very proud of our offering in this sale,” said Paramount's Paddy Campion. “The quality, timing, and infrequency with which some of these families come on the market amount to what we believe poses a wonderful opportunity for breeding outfits both domestically and internationally.”

Among the other broodmares of interest in the catalogue is Someday is Today (hip 26), a multiple stakes winning mare by Carpe Diem who is in foal in her first pregnancy to Gunite. Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services consigns her as agent, and she is available for inspection at Chanteclair Farm in Versailles, Ky.

Other pregnant broodmares in the catalogue are offered in foal to Capo Kane, Engage, Heartland, Leinster, Modernist, Pinehurst and Solomini.

Also included in the catalogue are:

• Red Seven (hip 30), a 3-year-old Mitole filly, who is a half-sister to the dam of GISW Corsia Veloce (Practical Joke). Taylor Made Sales Agency consigns the broodmare prospect as agent, and she can be viewed at Taylor Made in Nicholasville, Kentucky;
• She's Fire (hip 32) is a Flameaway filly with black type in her past performances. Gail Rice consigns the 4-year-old who will be available for inspection at Grand Oaks Training Center;
• Kissedbyanangel (hip 49), is offered by owner/trainer Joanne Shankle. The Maryland-bred daughter of Golden Lad won the Maryland Juvenile Fillies Stakes at 2 and placed in multiple stakes at 3. Kissedbyanangel is being offered as a broodmare prospect and is located at Laurel Park.

Stallions with yearlings represented include Blame, Greatest Honour, Heart to Heart, Improbable, Lone Sailor, Practical Joke, Temple City and Yaupon.

“The team and our sellers really came through this month,” said Inglis Digital USA CEO Kyle Wilson. “We have tons of quality to offer from top to bottom.”

To schedule an inspection of the Paramount offerings, contact Paddy Campion at (859) 612-2222.

Interested parties must register for an account on the Inglis Digital USA website and request a bidding limit in order to place bids.

Click here to view the catalogue and register to bid.

The post Paramount Sales Consignment Headlines Inglis Digital USA October Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

The Belmont Child Care Association, Inc. (BCCA) is once again rolling out its Annual Holiday Shopping Day on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Anna House located in Belmont Park, the organization said in a press release on Friday.

Each year, more than 500 children from New York's Thoroughbred backstretch community experience a day filled with wonder and joy as they “shop” for gifts for their loved ones. Every item is brand new and no money is exchanged. The event is entirely free for families, which is made possible through donors, sponsors and volunteers.

Among the BCCA volunteers this year is Jazmin, the 2025 Volunteer of the Year, who is an eighth grader and proud graduate of the programs at Anna House.

You can help by clicking here to donate through the BCCA website or here for the Amazon wish list.

The post BCCA Out To Brighten Season For Children Of Backstretch Workers And Families appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Future WinStar stallion Mullikin (Violence) put in his final local prep Friday ahead of next weekend's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint.

Working solo at Keeneland, he breezed immediately following the first track harrowing at 7:30 a.m. and clocked four furlongs in :48.40 (6/65).

“We were not looking for anything too fancy,” trainer Rodolphe Brisset said. “We did all the bottom work the last three weeks. He showed good energy and the rider was very happy with him. We got what we need.”

It was his final work in Kentucky as Brisset noted that the 5-year-old, who also has a 25% ownership interest on offer at the Keeneland Championship Sale Oct. 29, will board a flight to California on Monday.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux also sent out her three horses pre-entered in Nov. 1 races of the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar for four-furlong works Friday morning. All three horses worked in company.

John Gunther and Eurowest Bloodstock Service's Rebel Red (GB) (Frankel {GB}) (Breeders' Cup Turf) and the 3-year-old maiden Altiplano (Candy Ride {Arg}) went in :49 (31/65).

“He's a horse that's not going to really have a flashy work for a half-mile on the dirt,” DeVaux said. “It's more about how he does it and the gallop out, which was quite impressive. Steady, but full in the bridle. He's a horse with a lot of tenacity and he's just a really cool horse to train. Nothing rattles him. He lost an eye in the beginning of Saratoga two summers ago and then came back at the end of the meet, ran with one eye, then came back to win here at Keeneland. He's really neat. Whatever you throw at him and things don't go his way, he picks himself up and comes right back.”

Lael Stables' She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}) (Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf) was timed in :48.40 (6/65) in company with 5-year-old Taking Candy (Twirling Candy).

“They started off quite slow–25 and 4, first quarter–and came home full of run,” DeVaux said. “Same good energy as she showed last week with a really nice gallop out. She's just such a treat to train, really special. Fillies like her don't come around too often so we just enjoy this all while we can.”

With Axel Concepcion aboard, Vahva (Gun Runner) (PNC Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint) went a half-mile in :48.40 (6/65) in company with 2-year-old winner Atropa (Into Mischief).

“Worked really well,” DeVaux said. “Right now, we're just doing all our maintenance work. She looked great. She had a really nice gallop out. Ton of horse, so I'm happy with how she put in her last work.”

The 5-year-old mare is cataloged as a racing or broodmare prospect in Book 1 of Keeneland's November Breeding Stock Sale on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Brant (Gun Runner), pre-entered in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, drilled six furlongs in 1:12.60 (1/1).

Hope Road (Quality Road) and Richi (Chi) (Practical Joke) are both pre-entered in the Filly & Mare Sprint. Hope Road sizzled five furlongs in :57.80 (1/27) while Richi went the same distance in :58.20 (3/27).

Imagination (Into Mischief), pre-entered in the Sprint, also worked five furlongs in :57.80 (1/27).

Trainer John Sadler worked Hey Nay Nay (No Nay Never) (Juvenile Turf) and Super Corredora (Gun Runner) (Juvenile Fillies). Hey Nay Nay went five furlongs in 1:00.40 (6/27). Super Corredora was clocked going four furlongs in :47.0 (2/40).

GI American Pharoah winner Intrepido (Maximus Mischief), pre-entered in the Juvenile, worked five furlongs in 1:04 (27/27) for trainer Jeff Mullins.

Incanto (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), who is on the also-eligible list for the Turf Sprint, worked four furlongs in :48.60 (18/40) for trainer Peter Eurton.

Brave Deb (Authentic), pre-entered in the Juvenile Fillies Turf for trainer Richard Mandella, worked six furlongs in 1:14.60 (1/1).

Caro Buono (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), who is on the also-eligible list for the Juvenile Turf, worked four furlongs on the training track in :47.60 (2/8) for Leonard Powell.

Third Beer (Mendelssohn), who is also on the also-eligible for the Juvenile Turf, worked five furlongs in 1:01.60 (18/27) for Tim Yakteen.

The post Mullikin Leads Breeders’ Cup Workers At Keeneland; Baffert Group Works In CA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Edited Press Release

Cogburn (Not This Time–In a Jif, by Saintly Look) has had a successful start to his stud career, achieving excellent fertility results during his first season at WinStar Farm. The enthusiasm and demand for him internationally was also outstanding, however, while in Australia, fertility results were lower than his domestic performance and the decision was made to cut short Cogburn's visit to Australia.

Cogburn had a busy book in Kentucky, getting 143 mares in foal, however his early results in Australia indicated a decline that warrants further investigation. While he has covered well and no abnormalities have been found, WinStar and the Cogburn Syndicate were eager to see him return to Kentucky so they can better understand the cause and treat him accordingly in preparation for his second season at stud in Kentucky.

Antony Thompson of Widden Stud said, “We are all terribly disappointed not to have been able to fulfill the obligations to the breeders who had supported Cogburn with a full book, but it's important we do what is in the best interests of Cogburn and the syndicate and resolve this temporary issue.”

WinStar Farm's Elliott Walden said, “We want to get Cogburn home to do more testing to prepare him for his second season at stud. I want to thank Antony and his team for the care of Cogburn during his time in Australia. The test results of his semen have been very good, but we need to dig a little deeper to understand what is going on. He is an important horse for our future, and we want to get him ready for 2026.”

Cogburn stood his first season at WinStar for $30,000 and is scheduled to stand his second season in 2026 for $25,000.

The post Fertility Decline Cuts Cogburn’s Australian Covering Season Short, Returns to WinStar Early to Prepare for 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Uptown Rythem (Speightstown–Listen to My Song, by Unbridled's Song), who previously stood at Harris Farms, has been relocated to stand at Rancho San Miguel in Central California for the 2026 breeding season. He will stand for $1,500, live foal guarantee.

From extremely modest crops, Uptown Rythem's Average Earnings Index of 1.19 is among the best in California. His unraced dam is a half-sister to the dam of 2017 GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes winner La Coronel (Colonel John) from the extended family of 2025 GI Blue Grass Stakes winner Burnham Square (Liam's Map).

“As a fast, good-looking son of Speightstown, Uptown Rythem offers value for savvy mare owners who are aiming to compete in California's lucrative sprint program,” said Tom Clark, owner of Rancho San Miguel. “We believe his brightest days as a sire are ahead.”

The property of C Punch Ranch Inc., Uptown Rythem is available for inspection at Rancho San Miguel.

The post California’s Uptown Rythem to Rancho San Miguel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Brook Smith doesn't own many horses, but when he gets involved with one, things always seem to go right. The latest example is Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), the winner of last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic and a top contender for this year's $7-million race. Along with the same ownership group that is dominated by Coolmore, Smith also owns a piece of the fast 2-year-old Schwarzenegger (Not This Time), who is pre-entered for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.

To talk about such things as his Breeders' Cup horses, his charitable endeavors and the reason why he has paid for three billboards, one in Dublin, Ireland, touting Sierra Leone, Smith joined the team for this week's TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland. He was the Gainesway Guest of the Week.

There's little doubt that Sierra Leone–a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard'–is flying under the radar this year, overshadowed by stars like Sovereignty (Into Mischief) and Fierceness (City of Light). Asked to make an early line for the Classic, the podcast's Randy Moss made Sierra Leone 5-1.

“He's always been that horse where he gets respect and then he kind of loses it,” Smith said. “He has trouble keeping it. He's had some odd races, like the last race (the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup), the last prep that he was in before the Classic. And it's hard to say that he's under the radar, but let's just rephrase that and say that Sovereignty is the radar. How's that?”

The Sierra Leone camp has been criticized by Mike Repole for entering a rabbit, Contrary Thinking (Curlin), in the Classic in the hopes that he can set a fast pace that will help Sierra Leone. Smith doesn't see what's wrong with that.

“You guys caught me at a good time because I just went to the ear doctor because I had to clean out all of the yapping that seems to be out there,” Smith joked. “Whatever happened to let these horses do their thing, right? I don't have social media and I'm not faulting anybody. I think at the end of the day, everybody has fun with it. So, you know, that's all good. The thing is that rabbits are allowed. It's part of racing.

“It kind of comes down to the trainer. And if the trainer feels like he wants a rabbit in the race, this ownership group is going to be supportive because Chad (Brown) has done a great job with the horse to this point. It's a big race. It's a different race. I mean, the rabbit could get eliminated with the post position draw. It's clear. Sierra Leone needs pace.”

The affable Smith turned the tables on the panel and started asking them questions. He asked Moss to make a case for Sierra Leone winning the Classic.

“If I have to make the case for Sierra Leone winning the Classic, it would be this,” Moss said. “There is a very short stretch run at Del Mar. Much, much shorter, almost a football field shorter almost than Sovereignty got at Churchill Downs or at Saratoga in the Belmont Stakes or the Jim Dandy and the Travers. He's a horse that does his best running down the lane. So that will be a disadvantage but it's not one that he can't overcome. Not that he's not good enough to overcome it, but that will be a disadvantage for Sovereignty. And if there will be enough pace to keep Fierceness from getting out there and setting a nice, comfortable, easy lead, which is why Contrary Thinking was entered in the first place, that will help. Then I think that puts Sierra Leone right in the hunt. Now he's also got to deal with a short stretch, but he did last year effectively, obviously at Del Mar, and overcame it.”

Out of his own pocket, Smith has paid for billboards that say “Go Sierra! Breeders' Cup World Championships. NBC on Saturday Nov. 1.” There are three billboards, one in Louisville, one in Lexington and one in Ireland.

“I am unlike the boy that steps on top of the mountain and cries wolf,” he said. “I'm the guy that jumps on the top of the mountain and says 'Sierra Leone, let's go.'  My partners in Ireland, I hope they don't cuss me for putting the billboard up there in Dublin. I don't think they will. It's in respect and good fun. I don't have social media, so I have to use billboards.”

As is his custom, Smith will donate a portion of his Breeders' Cup earnings to the Backside Learning Center at Churchill Downs.

“The backside continues to benefit from Sierra Leone as a part of that Purses for a Purpose program,” Smith said. “I'll do anything I can do to help an industry that I'm passionate about that gives me a lot. It's great to give back. I was very honored to be invited to join the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Board, TOBA, and I quickly jumped on the chance to get on the charitable philanthropic committee, because that organization does incredible stuff across all kinds of different horse-related non-profits.”

The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was Sumter (War Front), who got a 99 Beyer for his win in the Lure Stakes Saturday at Santa Anita. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar.

Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by 1/st TV, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association and West Point  Thoroughbreds, the team of Moss, Bill Finley and Zoe Cadman went through the pre-entered fields for the Breeders' Cup. They'll save their picks for next week. This week was about an overview of all of the races.

Click here for the audio version of the podcast and here for the video version.

The post Brook Smith Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented by Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.