Thoroughbred Daily News

'TDN Rising Star' Mullion (Into Mischief) sired his first foal when Maggiore (Speightstown) gave birth to a filly, announced Sequel New York in a release Saturday evening.

The first foal for her dam, a half-sister to MGSW & MGISP Bonny South (Munnings), the filly was bred by Albaugh Family Stables. The mare is also a half to GSP Sun Path (Munnings), SP Capella (Quality Road), and to the dam of MSW Mister Omaha (Omaha Beach).

The female family includes the likes of multiple Group/Grade I runner Etoile Montante (Miswaki), herself dam of MGSW Starformer (Dynaformer) and granddam of MSW & GSP Flavius (War Front) and MGSP Oyster Box (Tapit) through that daughter.

Mullion is himself out of a very active female family, one that includes most notably his full-brother, 2021 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mandaloun. Their dam, Irish multiple Group winner Brooch (Empire Maker), is a half-sister to MSW & MGSP-Ire Caponata (Selkirk), who has also produced a group winner named Merrily (No Nay Never). This is the extended family of GI Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe victress, multiple Group 1 winner Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}).

The post Mullion’s First Foal is a Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

9th-Gulfstream, $78,840, Alw (NW1$X)/Opt. Clm ($75,000), 1-11, 3yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:40.44, fm, 1 1/4 lengths.
DREAM ON (c, 3, Not This Time–Mamma Kimbo {GSW, $242,250}, by Discreet Cat) put together a classy juvenile campaign, breaking his maiden second asking when switched to the turf at Ellis Park and earning placings in the Soar Free Stakes and, more notably, in the GI bet365 Summer Stakes at Woodbine going one mile Sept. 14. Fifth at odds of 15-1 in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar Nov. 1, Dream On then enjoyed a short break before returning to the races as a 3-year-old with Lasix Saturday. Trying his longest distance to date, the popular 1-2 favorite stalked from just off the speed while a close-up third as 16-1 longshot Tank (Adios Charlie) led the field up the backstretch. Spun off the turn wide, Dream On put in a strong bid to head the pacesetter at the furlong marker and edged away in the later stages to win by 1 1/4 lengths. The half-brother to Balandeen (Bernardini), SW, $372,352, Dream On is a son of GSW Mamma Kimbo who brought $1.2m at FTKNOV in 2013 from Aaron and Marie Jones while third dam Deputy Jane West was a two-time Canadian champion as 2-year-old and 3-year-old filly. Mamma Kimbo has not produced a foal since Dream On but was bred to Arabian Lion for 2025. Sales History: $295,000 RNA Wlg '22 FTKNOV; $245,000 RNA Ylg '23 KEESEP; $380,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GISP, 6-2-1-1, $175,990.Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-D. J. Stable LLC; B-Aaron & Marie Jones LLC (KY); T-Mark E. Casse.

Dream On and @jjcjockey are the winners of the 9th race for @markecasse and @DJ_Stable! #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/waubPBff2S

— Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 11, 2025

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The number of Thoroughbred trainers who started at least one horse in North America declined in 2024, dipping from 4,058 in 2023 to 3,886 in 2024, a reduction of 4.2%.

The slippage is largely in step with the fall-off of the annual foal crop and the closure of racetracks across the continent. Using year-end historical statistics posted on Equibase to make comparisons, the number of North American trainers has dropped 21.5% from five years ago, when 4,955 conditioners were active in 2019. Ten years ago, in 2014, there were 6,262 trainers, or 37.9% more than in 2024. Going back 20 years, the current number of trainers has plunged 57.8% from 9,210 in 2004. In 2024, there were 276 trainers (7.1% of the 3,886 total) who earned at least $1 million in purses.

Compared to previous years, the number of trainers over the million mark was 283 in 2023; 239 in 2019; 236 in 2014, and 219 in 2004.

At the opposite end of the scale, 2,315 trainers in 2024 (59.5% of the total) did not earn at least $100,000 in purses. The 2023 percentage for that earnings cutoff was close, at 60.2%.

The median amount of earnings tells a slightly different story, with that number edging up compared to previous years, even when adjusted for inflation. In 2024, the median level of earnings for North American trainers was $61,289 (so exactly half of the 3,886 conditioners were above that level, half below it).

The historical median level of trainer earnings is as follows, with the first number representing the actual dollar amount, and the figure in parenthesis adjusted for inflation, according to the United States Bureau of Labor's consumer price index inflation calculator:

• 2023-$58,807 ($60,483)
• 2019-$40,567 ($49,805)
• 2014-$29,816 ($40,060)
• 2004-$19,835 ($32,883)

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The 2023 champion 3-year-old male MGISW Arcangelo (Arrogate) has sired his first foal, born Jan. 10, at Safari North Farm, Lane's End announced via release Saturday afternoon.

The filly is out of the Bernardini mare Bhoma, who earned just shy of $230,000 in her career, and who claims multiple graded winner Mom's One Strike (First Dude) as a half-sister as well as SW Otago (Speightstown) and MSP Reminder (Audible).

“Bhoma has been with the program since she was a yearling and we were excited about her first foal by Arcangelo,” stated farm manager Debbie Ward. “We were hoping he would give the mare some leg and the filly definitely has that! She's a very nice first foal.”

Arcangelo's championship year included victories in the GIII Peter Pan Stakes, the GI Belmont Stakes, and the GI Travers Stakes, where he defeated that year's GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) as well as the GI Preakness Stakes victor 'TDN Rising Star' MGISW National Treasure (Quality Road).

The son of the late great Arrogate hails from the female family of the likes of GISW Streaming (Smart Strike); Canadian champion older horse MGSW & GISP Tyson (Tapit); and MGSW Cezanne (Curlin), all through the female line of Broodmare of the Year Better Than Honour. That mare herself produced two Belmont Stakes winners in champion 3-year-old filly MGISW Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy) and her half-brother GISW Jazil (Seeking the Gold).

Arcangelo stands at Lane's End for $35,000 LFSN in 2025.

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7th-Gulfstream, $70,000, Msw, 1-11, 3yo, 1m, 1:36.83, ft, 2 1/2 lengths.
GRANDE (c, 3, Curlin–Journey Home {GSW, $225,997}, by War Front) was off at a modest 9-1 in the face of Camp Hale (Mo Town), who was crunched into 1-2 favoritism on the back of a pair of big-figure runner-up efforts, including to 'TDN Rising Star' and recent Mucho Macho Man Stakes winner Guns Loaded (Gun Runner) when last seen over six furlongs at Churchill Downs back on Nov. 16. Given a positive ride from John Velazquez from the inside barrier, the $300,000 Keeneland September purchase quickened through to set up shop just off the flank of the big favorite, who showed good gate speed and crossed his rivals to lead through an opening couple of furlongs in :23.67. The cadence quickened markedly through the next quarter-mile, as Camp Hale held a tenuous advantage over his less-experienced rival and the two pulled well clear of the peloton as they approached the entrance to the stretch. Camp Hale boxed on determinedly inside, but Grande always appeared to be doing slightly the better work and inched clear to the wire to give Velazquez and Todd Pletcher a sweep of the afternoon's 3-year-old maidens. Racing Drive (Dialed In) clipped heels down the backstretch, casting Reylu Gutierrez to the ground, but neither appeared injured. A $200,000 KEESEP purchase by Sam-Son Farm, Journey Home won the 2016 GIII Jimmy Durante Stakes and was sold to Larry and Karen Doyle's KatieRich Farms for $650,000 with this colt in utero out of the Sam-Son broodmare dispersal at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale. Subsequent to Grande's purchase at KEESEP, Journey Home's foal of 2020, Ticker Tape Home, GSW, $273,916, won the 2023 Fury Stakes and 2024 GIII Seaway Stakes at Woodbine. Hailing from the family of GISW 'TDN Rising Star' and champion Japanese freshman sire Nadal (Blame), Grande is the most recent live produce for Journey Home, who visited both Tapit and Into Mischief last season. This owner's success with sons of Curlin is well-documented, having campaigned the likes of GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero Vino Rosso, Crupi and Bright Future in partnership with St. Elias Stable. Sales history: $300,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $42,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. –ALC
O-Repole Stable; B-KatieRich Farms (KY); T-Todd A Pletcher.

#1 GRANDE ($20.60) by Curlin out of the graded stakes winning War Front mare Journey Home takes race 7 at @GulfstreamPark. @ljlmvel and Todd Pletcher team up for their second win on the card.

Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/HpF5clErbu

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 11, 2025

The post A ‘Big’ Debut For Repole-Owned Curlin Colt appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

GI Kentucky Derby hero Mystik Dan (Goldencents) and GISW Power Squeeze (Union Rags) went through their preparations Saturday morning at Gulfstream Park for the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational.

The Ken McPeek trainee was out to breeze five furlongs Saturday morning, covering the distance in a bullet move of :59.48 (1/35). Depending on how he does during the week, and after one more work next week, the conditioner says a decision will be made at that point as to whether or not Mystik Dan will be entered in Gulfstream's marquee invitational.

“We wanted a nice, solid breeze out of him so he got something out of it,” said McPeek. “It was a good next step. We'll go over him this afternoon and this morning to make sure he's OK. One more work next week, either Friday or Saturday, I haven't decided, and then we'll make a decision whether we're going to go or not.”

Also on the track Saturday morning was the lone filly expected to make a start in the Pegasus Invitational, Power Squeeze. She too worked five panels, clocked in 1:01.66 (18/35), and has emerged from the move in good shape.

“She went very nice,” said trainer Jorge Delgado. “She breezed really strong and the gallop out was what we expected. She did it really easy.”

“She goes [the Pegasus 1 1/8 mile] distance really well. The last race [Listed Rampart Stakes], there was a slow pace in the race and the small field didn't help her, but it sets her up for this race. She loves the distance, she loves the surface, she knows how to win. If there's a good pace she'll run a good race.”

Other possible Pegasus entries worked at Payson Park as well, including Brad Cox runner GISW Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), another for the World Cup, and Fluffy Socks (Slumber {GB}), likely one of the favorites in the GI Pegasus Filly & Mare Turf, went out for Chad Brown. The former worked four furlongs in :50 flat and the latter went a half-mile in :49.40.

Entries for Pegasus World Cup Day will be taken Sunday, Jan. 26 with the post-position draw, along with the odds, taking place in the Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park.

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An early local watering hole for those 3-year-old colts who might have aspirations of heading to the GII Tampa Bay Derby in early March, it was Naughty Rascal (Rogueish) who was elevated to the top of the podium after the stewards disqualified Owen Almighty (Speightstown) in the Pasco Stakes at the northern Florida track on Saturday afternoon.

As the heavy favorite, Owen Almighty and Rookie Card (Adios Charlie) engaged in a speed duel from the bell. Tabbed at 3-1, Naughty Rascal tracked closely from the second flight. At the three-eights marker, Rookie Card was bumped by the chalk and was forced to drop back. Entering the lane, Owen Almighty and Naughty Rascal traded blows with the former getting the better of his rival. After an inquiry, the winner was taken down for interference and placed fifth behind Rookie Card, while Naughty Rascal was declared the winner.

The Gerald Bennett trainee broke his maiden at first asking in the slop against state breds down south in Hallandale last summer and then won the open company Proud Man Stakes over the same surface in August. After running third in the Aventura Stakes at Gulfstream in late September, the colt switched to the grass course at the track and captured the Armed Forces Stakes Nov. 2. Taking to the dirt once again, the bay was last seen finishing as the runner-up to Donut God (Into Mischief) in the Inaugural Stakes at Tampa Dec. 7.

The winner is his unraced dam's last registered foal on record. Not bred for this season, Baby Doll is a half-sister to SW Prize Doll (Pure Prize).

#5 NAUGHTY RASCAL ($8.20) was elevated to first in the $150,000 Pasco Stakes at @TampaBayDownsFL after the disqualification of Owen Almighty.

This is the third stakes victory for the three-year-old Rogueish colt. @EdwinGonzalz1 was aboard for trainer Gerald Bennett. pic.twitter.com/90gH75wQnu

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 11, 2025

The post Naughty Rascal Elevated To Pasco Stakes Win After Owen Almighty DQ At Tampa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Vanderbilt (Into Mischief) took the lion's share of the pari-mutuel action in Saturday's fourth race from Gulfstream Park and jumped as the 4-5 chalk, but New York-bred River Thames (c, 3, Maclean's Music–Proportionality, by Discreet Cat) proved the fly in the ointment, turning in a flawless debut performance to be named the newest 'TDN Rising Star'

The clearest betting alternative to Vanderbilt at odds of 29-10, the $200,000 Fasig-Tipton NY-Bred Sale graduate was under a busy ride early from John Velazquez, but had gained a forward position three-wide from third passing the half-mile marker. Pouring in the pressure to the favorite, who cut out fractions of :22.49 and :45.47 while mostly hugging the inside running rail, River Thames–carrying the WinStar colors for the debut–went on the attack four deep at the five-sixteenths, claimed Vanderbilt with relative easy in upper stretch and was ridden out to score by a commanding 4 3/4 lengths.

“We've always had high expectations for him,” winning trainer Todd Pletcher said. “We had a little bit of a setback during the summer which delayed his debut, but he's been training like he'd come out with a good effort to begin with.

“I thought it was a competitive group we were running against today, a good field, and the final time was good. It seemed like he did it the right way.”

The fourth 'Rising Star' for his Hill 'n' Dale-based stallion, River Thames continues a nice stretch for his sire, whose son Music Critic, a $650,000 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic juvenile, aired at first asking for Jimmy Jerkens in Saudi Arabia this past Thursday.

River Thames's dam, herself a debut winner at two at Laurel Park, is a half-sister to four winners, including Miss Interpret (Street Sense), who won a rained-off renewal of the P.G. Johnson Stakes at Saratoga in 2021. Third dam Seeking the Silver produced MGISW Paulassilverlining (Ghostzapper), dam of SW and recent UAE GSP 'TDN Rising Star' Artorius (Arrogate); GISW sire Dads Caps (Discreet Cat); and SP Liza Too (Olmodavor), the dam of the stakes-winning Long Weekend (Majesticperfection). Proportionality was bred to both Liam's Map and WinStar's Nashville for her 2025 foal.

4th-Gulfstream, $70,000, Msw, 1-11, 3yo, 6f, 1:10.27, ft, 4 3/4 lengths.
RIVER THAMES, c, 3, by Maclean's Music
1st Dam: Proportionality, by Discreet Cat
2nd Dam: All Mettle, by Touch Gold
3rd Dam: Seeking the Silver, by Grindstone
Sales history: $200,000 Ylg '23 SARAUG. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $42,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-WinStar Farm LLC, CHC INC, and Siena Farm LLC; B-CTR Stables, LLC (NY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.

It was an impressive debut by #8 RIVER THAMES ($7.80) in race 4 at @GulfstreamPark. The 2yo son of Maclean's Music was ridden by @ljlmvel and is trained by Todd Pletcher.

Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/nNvMRywY1N

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 11, 2025

The post Maclean’s Music Colt River Thames Rolls To ‘Rising Star’ Hono(u)rs at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

After extensive efforts to prepare the surface for competition following severe winter weather across the region, Turfway Park Racing & Gaming has canceled the weekend's live racing, according to a press release from the track on Saturday morning.

While the crew worked to accommodate the Saturday and Sunday schedule, conditions were not ideal for racing to proceed. Live racing is now scheduled to resume Wednesday with a 10-race program beginning at 5:55 p.m. ET.

The $180,036 Late Pick 5 carryover will now move to Wednesday's sequence, covering Races 6-10.

To help make up for the changes in the schedule, Turfway Park will expand its programs to include 10 races starting Wednesday. Track officials said they remain committed to providing a safe and competitive environment for all participants and are grateful for the patience and understanding of racing connections and fans.

Turfway will provide the latest updates to the Turfway Park racing schedule as needed on their website and on their social media channels.

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According to a post on the 1/ST Racing feed on X, racing at Santa Anita Park has been canceled for both Saturday and Sunday. After some internal discussions on Friday, it was decided that live racing–including Saturday's California Cup stakes and Sunday's GIII Las Cienegas Stakes–would go on as planned.

The post from 1/ST Racing references 'the overnight changes on the west side of LA.' According to a story from the Los Angeles Times, the Palisades fire can now be seen from the San Fernando Valley and a flare-up of the fire–estimated at better than 21,500 acres–caused the expansion of the blaze into areas north and east, burning through large portions of the Santa Monica Mountains. Mass evacuations were ordered overnight in the Brentwood and Encino areas.

The post from 1/ST indicated that air-quality readings remained well within the limits established by the California Horse Racing Board and HISA and with that in mind, Saturday morning training was allowed to proceed at Santa Anita.

A release from the track indicated that Santa Anita Park's expansive property is currently being used to support several relief efforts. The large charity drop-off that was set up at the Rose Bowl just to the west in Pasadena was relocated to Santa Anita Park's south parking lot Friday afternoon, with thousands driving in to give what they can or pick up what they need. Southern California Edison is using the entire north parking lot as their basecamp to restore power to those in the affected areas and Santa Anita Park is working with additional response organizations requesting space.

Morning training will continue as scheduled both days and Santa Anita will remain open for simulcast wagering.  Santa Anita Park has its own security staff and unlike many other venues, does not use local first responders for normal events.

Details for rescheduling the California Cup, with races dedicated to horses bred in the state, were set to be released after discussions with stakeholders later Saturday morning.

In a message from the racing office regarding rescheduling, the cancelled races will return as extras and are being given preference. A make-up day of racing is also pending approval from the CHRB for Thursday, Jan. 23. The full message is below.

“Today's [Saturday, Jan. 11] carded races will be offered back as extras (X5-X14) to be run Saturday, January 18 and given preference. Entries will be taken tomorrow. You will need to re-enter if you were entered on today's cancelled card.”

“Sunday's carded races will be offered back as extras (X5-X13) to be run Sunday, January 19 and given preference. Entries will be taken on Monday. You will need to re-enter if you were entered on tomorrow's cancelled card. Pending CHRB approval, a make-up day of racing on Thursday, January 23 will be added. Every effort will be made to use races offered in the condition book for Jan. 18 and Jan. 19 as quickly as possible.”

This story will be updated as details merit

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Peter Bradley, Bradley Thoroughbreds

Gold: MCKINZIE

Street Sense–Runway Model, by Petionville

Gainesway Farm, $75,000

Even though his stud fee more than doubled, McKinzie may be the best bang for the buck at $75,000 this season. A Grade I winner at two, three and four, he completed his racing career at five with a Grade II win. His precocity, soundness and class are all evident in his first crop to race.

Narrowly missing out on the Champion First-Crop Sire title, he has already produced four Grade I performers including Grade I winners Chancer McPatrick and Scottish Lassie. His yearling average topped $150,000 off a $30,000 stud fee and is certain to improve with the success of his first crop to race.

Silver: LIFE IS GOOD

Into Mischief–Beach Walk, by Distorted Humor

WinStar Farm, $75,000

Life Is Good was one of the best racehorses of his generation, despite having to compete in the shadow of Flightline. This horse is an A+ physical and is stamping his foals with balance and quality.

With a weanling average of $325,625 and a median of $325,000 in 2024, Life Is Good offers plenty of value at a $75,000 stud fee. He bred 378 high-quality mares across his first two books, giving him every opportunity to succeed at stud. Two years from now, $75,000 could look very inexpensive.

Bronze: CANDY RIDE (ARG)

Ride the Rails–Candy Girl (Arg), by Candy Stripes

Lane's End Farm, $75,000

Candy Ride provides great value for the breeders whose focus is to produce top quality race horses at a reasonable fee. He is as underrated as they come and no other stallion at this price point can boast a resume with 19 Grade I winners and as a sire of sires, has a list that already includes Gun Runner, Twirling Candy and newly crowned Champion First-Crop Sire, Vekoma.

Candy Ride | Lane's End

Tanya Gunther

In the over $50,000 segment of the stallion market, particularly at the very top end of the market, the risk from a breeder perspective starts to become readily palpable if not capable of inducing periodic heart palpitations. Progeny racetrack and sales ring success ideally must both be present, the risk reward balance not too precarious, momentum sustainable, and the chance of producing a top-level horse relatively decent. After vacillating significantly, and adding age and versatility as further considerations, I arrived at the following choices.

Gold: NOT THIS TIME

Giant's Causeway–Miss Macy Sue, by Trippi

Taylor Made, $175,000

Arriving at Gold for Not This Time took less time from analysis to podium than the bronze and silver picks.  Ranked #13 on the 2024 general sires list (based on worldwide earnings), Not This Time produced 17 stakes winners (2nd highest after Into Mischief) at a rate of 7.4% stakes winners/starters and including two Grade I stakes winners in the mix. Not This Time has been a consistent producer of stakes horses at a relatively high percentage of starters throughout his career to date and is improving his mares. He also had one heckuva sales season in 2024 with his $45,000 stud fee sired crop, achieving a yearling sales median of $250,000 and siring four seven-figure yearlings. Not This Time has also managed to stay on the top ten general sires radar over the prior couple of years when he was relying on crops sired at fees of $15,000 or less, including a crop that dipped below 100 in terms of mares bred. The versatility of his runners is another nod in his favor–dirt, turf, short, long, boy, girl, Not This Time progeny can seemingly do it all. Three of his sons (Cogburn, Epicenter and Up To The Mark) have already joined the stallion ranks as well, which could further augment his CV. While Not This Time's 2025 fee of $175,000 is only slightly less eye-watering than my Silver selection, his career path appears to be on a clear upward trajectory. He has surpassed expectations and overcome the typical hurdles that can trip up many a young stallion and, while he still has something to prove, his best bred crops are still to come.

Silver: GUN RUNNER

Candy Ride (Arg)–Quiet Giant, by Giant's Causeway

Three Chimneys, $250,000

Deep breath, yes I am picking Gun Runner for silver. This is where the heart palpitations come into play! While his current fee of $250,000 does represent a reduction from the lofty height of $300,000 in 2023, a quarter of a million dollar stud fee would not be for the faint of heart nor for any breeder not supremely confident in their mare selection and with cash flow to spare. To make my case, Gun Runner is one of those few stallions who has truly hit the ground running so to speak and gone from strength to strength ever since. During his racing career, he won multiple Grade I races with career earnings of nearly $16 million.  In his stallion career, Gun Runner has achieved #1 ranked first season sire (2021), #1 ranked second season sire (2022), and #1 ranked third season sire (2023) when he simultaneously broke into the top ten on the general sires list. He also achieved the #1 position in terms of yearling sale prices for his first, second and third crop sale seasons. In 2024, Gun Runner was #2 ranked general sire behind only Into Mischief and I would hazard a guess that Gun Runner will be a leading contender to take up the mantle when Into Mischief gives up his record-breaking streak at the top. Incredibly, Gun Runner has achieved all of this since entering stud duties in 2018 and is only 12 years old. In 2024, he produced 16 stakes horses (at a 6.3% clip), four Grade I stakes winners (including Breeders' Cup Classic winner and Eclipse Award finalist Sierra Leone as well as Ballerina winner and Eclipse Award finalist Society), and his 2024 average earnings per starter was $87,868. With six new stallions at stud in Kentucky already, Gun Runner is also poised to become a sire of sires when first runners from these stallions come of racing age over the next few years. Gun Runner's popularity at the sales has also continued–2024 sales median for his yearlings was $435,000. While it is impossible to have complete confidence that any mating will result in a top-level horse, Gun Runner's consistent top notch performance across all key metrics could instill a cautious degree of optimism.

Constitution | Sarah Andrew

Bronze: CONSTITUTION

Tapit–Baffled, by Distorted Humor

WinStar, $110,000

Constitution gets the nod for bronze. A top five-ranked sire in 2024, Constitution has remained at the $110,000 fee level since 2023 (up from $85,000 in 2022/2021). While he did not sire a Grade I stakes winner in 2023 or 2024 (probably the main reason his fee remains at the current level), Constitution had, respectively, 2 and 3 Grade I stakes horses beside his name in those years. Courtesy of his son, Tiz The Law, achieving the #3 rank on the 2024 first season sire list (beaten only a whisker or two for the top spot), Constitution also has the chance to blossom into a sire of sires. He also brings progeny versatility of surface and an ability to produce a Derby/Classic contender to the table. Already popular in the sales arena as reflected by a 2024 yearling sales median of $300,000, further upside potential could be in store if he can manage to convert his stakes horses into Grade I stakes winners.

The post Value Sires–The Big Guns: The Breeders Speak appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Spendthrift Farm's Arabian Lion (Justify) sired his first reported foal Jan. 9. The chestnut filly, bred by and born at Jim & Pam Robinson's Brandywine Farm, is out of the Street Boss mare Champagne Sparkle, a full sister to GSW Danza and half to Grade I-winning millionaire Majestic Harbor (Rockport Harbor).

“We are thrilled. This is a strong foal with great bone, leg and substance,” said Pam Robinson. “A deep chestnut with a beautiful blaze. Correct and solid as a rock. We had to double check to be sure it was a filly and not a colt! She comes from a great family. Pretty special.”

Campaigned by Zedan Racing Stable, Arabian Lion was named a 'TDN Rising Star' on debut as a 2-year-old at Santa Anita while as a 3-year-old, he scored a win in the GI Woody Stephens on Belmont Stakes Day, winning in 1:21.70 while earning a 109 Beyer Speed Figure.

Arabian Lion retired to Spendthrift as Triple Crown winner Justify's only Grade I winner at stud, with earnings of $498,100. Out of the stakes-placed Distorted Humor mare Unbound, Arabian Lion hails from one of the Phipps' top families, as his third dam is Personal Ensign.

In his debut season, Arabian Lion covered a full book of 178 mares. He is set to stand his second season for a fee of $20,000 S&N.

ARABIAN LION, Justify's only G1 winner at stud, has his first reported foal!

“We are thrilled. Strong foal with great bone, leg and substance. Correct and solid as a rock. We had to double check to be sure it was a filly and not a colt! She comes from a great family. Pretty… pic.twitter.com/Pmc9c5K3ab

— Spendthrift Farm (@spendthriftfarm) January 10, 2025

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Southern California stallion Bolden (Square Eddie), a dual-surface winner who was undefeated in his racing career, was represented by his firstborn foal born January 4. The bay colt, who was bred by and foaled at Rancho San Miguel in California, weighed in at 125 pounds and is the second foal out of the eight-time winner and $144,010-earner Trina (Peppered Cat).

“Bolden is a big, good-looking and classy stallion who has us excited for the future,” said Rancho San Miguel owner Tom Clark. “If all the Boldens look like this first one, we are going to have a lot of fun.”

Racing exclusively in Southern California circuit, Bolden won all four of his career starts by a combined margin of 21 lengths with  two victories coming on dirt at five and six furlongs and two victories on turf at the same distances.

Bolden stands for a fee of $3,500 in 2025, with a live foal guarantee.

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C R K Stable's Skinner (Curlin), a breakthrough winner of the GIII Native Diver Stakes at Del Mar Nov. 23, could make his next start in either the GIII Louisiana Stakes at Fair Grounds Jan. 18 or the GI Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park Jan. 25.

Previously campaigned by John Shirreffs in Southern California, the 5-year-old has posted two workouts since joining Cherie DeVaux's barn at Fair Grounds. He worked a bullet four furlongs in :47.80 (1/67) Dec. 31 and covered five furlongs in 1:02.60 (19/31) Jan. 9.

“He's worked really well,” DeVaux said. “Jose Ortiz was aboard for his last work, and was really impressed with him. He had a really nice gallop out. He looks great. We're weighing our options and discussing the Pegasus and the Louisiana. I'm still getting familiar with the horse.”

C R K Stable's 'TDN Rising Star' Justique (Justify), also previously based with Shirreffs, was an impressive winner while making her first attempt for DeVaux in an optional claimer at Fair Grounds Jan. 2. The well-related 5-year-old mare won the 2022 Desi Arnaz Stakes and has also placed in five graded stakes races.

“He's made it known that he's moving more out of California,” DeVaux said of owner Lee Searing. “The state of racing, there's a lot more opportunity (on the East Coast). With a horse like Skinner, it's a van ride to Florida. It's a van ride to Oaklawn. There's just more opportunities this way than staying in California.”

Skinner kicked off his belated 2024 season with a very useful second sprinting in an optional claimer on the Breeders' Cup Friday undercard prior to his win in the Native Diver, his first career stakes victory. His resume also includes third-place finishes in the GI Runhappy Del Mar Futurity and GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby.

The $40,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $510,000 OBS April breezer is one of 64 graded/group winner worldwide for leading sire Curlin. Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, Skinner is out of 2012 GIII Rancho Bernardo H. winner Winding Way (Malibu Moon). The full-sister to MGSW & GISP Kauai Katie brought $82,000 from Solis/Litt in foal to Maclean's Music at the 2021 KEENOV sale.

Skinner is bred on the same Curlin x Malibu Moon cross responsible for champion 3-year-old filly Stellar Wind. The wildly successful Curlin x A. P. Indy (sire of Malibu Moon) pairing has produced standouts such as Malathaat, Nest, Global Campaign, Idol, et al.

#3 SKINNER ($9) under @HIBerrios runs down the leaders in the stretch and pulls away to win the $100,000 Native Diver Stakes (G3) at Del Mar. The 4yo son of Curlin trained by John Shirreffs gets his second career win. Congrats to all the connections! pic.twitter.com/aDGvzarG4a

— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) November 24, 2024

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MGSW and GI Kentucky Derby runner up Two Phil's (Hard Spun) was represented by his first foal Friday. The filly, bred by Meredith Krupp and Phillip Sagan Racing LLC, is out of the mare Makin' Sense (Street Sense).

“She has great bone and really good size,” said co-breeder Meredith Krupp who owns Pine Branch Farm where the filly was born. “Very happy with her and thrilled for the Sagan family.”

Two Phil's retired to stud with five wins from 10 career starts, having amassed earnings of $1,583,450. Bred in Kentucky by Phillip Sagan and campaigned in partnership by Sagan, Patricia's Hope, and Madaket Stables, Two Phil's won the GII Street Sense Stakes as a 2-year-old and took the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks Stakes at Turfway Park as a 3-year-old. After finishing a close second in the Kentucky Derby, Two Phil's also registered a dominating win in the GIII Ohio Derby.

Two Phil's, who stands at WinStar Farm, is set at $10,000 S&N for the 2025 season.

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The Santa Anita racing community continues to feel the impacts of the nearby Eaton fire. While the track itself and the 1,800 horses stabled on grounds have not been threatened, the fire has burned more than 13,900 acres while forcing over 100,000 people from their homes and destroying over 1,000 structures in the surrounding area. Agent Mike Ciani confirmed two-time Kentucky Derby-winning jockey Mario Gutierrez is among those who have lost their home from the fire.

Among those forced to evacuate were trainers Michael McCarthy, Phil D'Amato, Dan Blacker and Tim Yakteen. Blacker said he and his family evacuated their Pasadena home near where the Eaton Fire started Tuesday night.

“My family is fine,” said Blacker. “Our house is fine. We still haven't gone back as the power is still out. The whole thing is so sad. I'm just thankful we're all OK and the horses here are all Ok. There are a lot of houses near ours that just aren't there anymore.”

Yakteen had to leave his home in Monrovia along with wife Millie Ball, who is part of Santa Anita's on-air simulcast team, and their two sons.

“We had to evacuate and are still without power, but it's nothing compared to what some of these other families have had to endure. We're very fortunate,” said Yakteen.

The Eaton Fire forced all training activities at Santa Anita to be canceled Wednesday and Santa Anita also notified trainers that if they wanted to voluntarily evacuate their horses, they would be relocated to another CHRB-sanctioned facility.

Poor air quality continued to limit morning training to jogging and galloping on Thursday and Friday mornings and racing was canceled Friday. The status of Saturday's card, which is California Cup Day at Santa Anita, will be made later Friday.

“Santa Anita has done a great job keeping everyone informed,” continued Blacker. “We've also had the fire marshal here keeping everyone informed. It's not an easy process to navigate. As concerning as all this has been, everything here seems like it's getting back to normal.”

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The first foal by GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) was born in Kentucky at Machmer Hall Jan. 9 according to breeders Carrie and Craig Brogden and Dr. Sandra Fubini. The bay colt is the first foal out of stakes-placed Lil Miss Moonlight (City of Light) who was purchased by Machmer Hall at the 2023 Keeneland November Sale for $85,000 and sent to the Derby winner for her first covering.

“Absolutely thrilled with our Mage colt–especially to be the first foal from a mare we're really excited about!” said Brogden. “He already has such a classy look to him–beautiful head, great laid-back shoulder and a big hip. A beautiful colt by a Kentucky Derby winner–hard to be more exciting than that!”

Winner of the 2023 GI Kentucky Derby, Mage was bred in Kentucky by Grandview Equine and raced by the ownership team of OGMA Investments, Ramiro Restrepo, Sterling Racing and Commonwealth Thoroughbreds. His female family has been further bolstered by the exploits of his full-brother, Dornoch, who has mirrored Mage as an Eclipse Finalist for Champion 3-year-old honors following a 2024 season that saw him win both the GI Haskell Stakes and the GI Belmont Stakes.

Retired to Airdrie for the 2024 breeding season, Mage bred 171 mares in his first year at stud and will once again stand for a fee of $25,000 for the 2025 breeding season.

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Millionaire and GSW/GISP Manny Wah (Will Take Charge–Battlefield Angel, by Proud Citizen) has been retired at the age of nine and will enter stud at Robert and Tyree Wolesensky's Leadem Farm in Leola, Arkansas in a deal brokered by Jay Goodwin and co-breeder Martha Jane Mulholland.

Winner of the GII Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes in 2022, Manny Wah started 48 times spanning seven years for owner Susan Moulton and retired with earnings of $1,012,499. In 2024, he earned placings in both the GIII Toboggan Stakes and the GIII Tom Fool Handicap while finishing his season off the board in the Holiday Cheer Stakes at Turfway Dec. 14. Other highlights in his career include a third to Omaha Beach (War Front) in the GI Malibu Stakes and a fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint in 2022.

“I believe Manny Wah is the best stallion prospect to ever retire to Arkansas,” said Goodwin. “He was an absolute warrior horse with elite speed who was also able to go long and placed in the GIII LeComte Stakes as a 3-year-old at the Fairgrounds and who placed locally in Arkansas at Oaklawn in the GIII Count Fleet Sprint Handicap.”

Manny Wah will stand his initial season with a $2,500 LFSN and will be available for inspection at Mulholland Springs in Kentucky through the end of the Keeneland January Sale.

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Four newly-elected board members of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association (KTA) and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders (KTOB) were announced by the organizations Friday. Whit Beckman, Kelsey Danner, Austin Luttrell and Michael Snyder were elected to serve three-year terms while incumbents William Daugherty, Walker Hancock, Dermot Ryan and Kim Smith were also reelected.

“We would like to thank Patrick Costello and James Baker for their service,” the KTA said in a press release Friday. “Pat and Jimmy were instrumental in both shaping policy for marketing investments and our advocacy for racing economics which have made Kentucky racing the strongest in North America.”

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Early Voting (Gun Runner), the 2022 GI Preakness Stakes winner who has made a remarkable recovery from issues which imperiled his breeding career, has achieved a high conception rate and his first-crop progeny were so well-received at last fall's breeding stock sales that the Early Voting Consortium has donated $30,000 to the Mont Liggins Trust.

After getting 120 mares in foal from his first book at Coolmore Stud in 2023, Early Voting was later found to be suffering from anejaculatory syndrome, an inability to ejaculate. The stallion was treated by New Zealander Dr. Paddy O'Casaigh, renowned for having helped salvage the breeding careers of numerous stallions, including Nureyev and El Gran Senor.

According to a release, the Early Voting Consortium intends to continue making a series of grants each year. Early Voting, who now stands at Taylor Made and will stand the 2025 season at $12,500, same as last season.

“This stallion is leaving his stamp on his progeny,” said Taylor Made President Ben Taylor. “They are athletic, muscular and already look like making early racing propositions. The excellent response and his competitive service fee make for an appealing breeding opportunity that will see him attract many mares for the 2025 breeding season.”

O'Casaigh said that the EV Consortium is also exploring the possibility of shuttling the stallion to the Southern Hemisphere in 2025/2026.

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