New York Thoroughbred Breeders

Hip 243, a daughter of New York-based freshman sire Honest Mischief, sold for $310,000 Tuesday at the OBS March sale. Photo courtesy of Coastal Equine.

A filly from the first crop of New York-based sire Honest Mischief commanded a bid of $310,000 to spark the opening session of the Ocala Breeders Sales Co.’s March 2-year-olds in training sale Tuesday.

McMahon and Hill Bloodstock, agent, landed the winning bid for the co-fourth most expensive filly sold during the opening session. Offered as Hip 243 and consigned by Jesse Hoppel’s Coastal Equine LLC, the filly is the fourth foal out of the winning Distorted Humor mare Forget It. Hoppel purchased the filly for $40,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October yearling sale.

Bred by Scott and Debbie Pierce and foaled at River Valley Farm in Gansevoort, the Honesty Mischief filly is a half-sister to stakes winner and $541,672-earner Red Danger and the winner How Sweet She Is. Forget It is also the dam of the 3-year-old New York-bred Maximus Mischief gelding Sorority Prank, who is twice placed after selling for $75,000 at last year’s OBS April sale.

Honest Mischief, an 8-year-old son of Into Mischief out of the Grade 1-winning Seattle Slew mare Honest Lady, stands for $6,500 at Sequel Stallions New York in Hudson.

The filly also ended the day as one of five New York-bred juveniles that sold for $100,000 or more. OBS reported sales on 12 of the 16 New York-breds through the ring Tuesday for $1,325,000, an average price of $110,417.

Hip 130, a filly by Bee Jersey, sold for $275,000 Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Tom McCrocklin.

Lane’s End Bloodstock, agent for West Point Thoroughbreds and C J Stable LLC, went to $275,000 to purchase Hip 130, a filly by Bee Jersey out of the winning More Than Ready mare Christmas Cove.

Consigned by Tom McCrocklin, agent, the filly was bred by Spruce Lane Farm, America’s Pastime Stable, All My Hart Racing, et al. She originally sold to Bronco Bloodstock for $30,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga fall mixed sale before McCrocklin, agent for Champion Equine, purchased her for $110,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale.

Foaled at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds in Saratoga Springs, the filly is the seventh foal out of Christmas Cove, who is the dam of stakes-placed winner and $316,940-earner No Sabe Nada and the winner Chris Cove Town.

Kimmel Salusto, agent for Flanagan Racing LLC, landed the session’s top-priced New York-bred colt, going to $105,000 for a son of New York-bred Grade 1 winner Audible.

Offered as Hip 64 and consigned by de Meric Sales, agent, the colt is out of the wining Not For Love mare Bitterroot. Bred by Lambholm South and Sequel Stallions New York in Hudson, the colt is a half-brother to one winner out of the full sister to stakes winner, 18-time winner and $693,252-earner Clubman.

The OBS March sale continues at 11 a.m. Wednesday with the second of three sessions.

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Kinza improves to 3-for-3 with dominating victory in Saturday’s Grade 3 Santa Ysabel at Santa Anita. Benoit Photo.

Kinza continued her ascent to the top of Southern California’s 3-year-old filly division with a powerful victory in Saturday’s Grade 3 Santa Ysabel Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

Michael Lund Petersen’s daughter of Carpe Diem took command at the start under Juan Hernandez, controlled proceedings from there and rolled to a 5-length score over Where’s My Ring in the 1 1/16-mile stakes.

Kinza improved to 3-for-3, adding the Santa Ysabel to her victory last month in the Grade 3 Las Virgenes. She’s won her starts by a combined 14 1/2 lengths, and the way trainer Bob Baffert sees it, there’s room for improvement.

“She is just so naturally fast, she gets wound up,” said Baffert, winning his fourth straight Santa Ysabel and eighth in his Hall of Fame career. “She is getting better. Her worst enemy is that she is just so cranked up. My team and my staff everyone works hard to school her and spends time with her.

“She is just a naturally gifted speed horse. She has a beautiful way of moving and just gets over the ground really nice and with her speed and the way she gets going it’s just perfect.”

A $350,000 purchase at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale, Kinza set strong fractions of :22.53, :45.98 and 1:10.55 under light pressure from She’s a Tempest.

Hernandez gave Kinza her cue to kick on at the top of the stretch and the chestnut filly responded, drawing off to win in 1:44.16.

“She was feeling very sharp today in the post parade,” Hernandez said. “She was just feeling a little fresh and now she knows she was going to race, so she was feeling a little hot. I didn’t want to go that fast in the beginning, I wanted to go nice and easy.

“I just let her go, I didn’t want to fight her. She was really comfortable. I felt the pace fast earlier, so I said, ‘I’m just going to wait I’m not going to move.’ I was just checking making sure no one got too close to me and when she switched leads that’s when she picked it up again and gave me another gear. She is a nice filly.”

Bred by JD Business Ventures, Brushy Hill Stables and the Carpe Diem Syndicate, Kinza is the first foal out of the winning Quality Road mare Secret Wonder.

Kinza sold at auction three times before her debut. She brought $17,000 as a weanling from Marysue Stable at the 20121 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga fall mixed sale. She was later purchased by Grassroots Training and Sales for $30,000 at the 2022 OBS October yearling sale. Grassroots Training and Sales consigned the filly at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale of 2-year-olds in training, where she brought $350,000 from agent Donato Lanni.

The second most expensive New York-bred at the May sale, Kinza picked up $60,000 for her Santa Ysabel victory to boost her earnings to $159,000.

Secret Wonder, a $100,000 Keeneland September yearling and half-sister to the stakes-placed Mylastfirstkiss, is also the dam of a 2-year-old New York-bred filly by Instagrand bred by JD Business Ventures LLC.

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Today results from the American Horse Council (AHC) Economic Impact Study for New York State were released by the equine advocacy group SaddleUpNY!

The report shows New York’s racing sector remains an important hub of Thoroughbred & Standardbred racing in North America. This provides New York State with over $3 billion in economic impact and more than 19,000 jobs.

“The findings from the American Horse Council’s economic impact study for New York report that the breeding and racing industry is an invaluable asset to our state,” said NYTB President Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, D.V.M. “Our state-bred program has positioned itself as the leading regional program in the nation, and we look forward to continuing to work with our fellow stakeholders to ensure that the additional investment in breeding and racing in New York will result in added revenue for all areas across the state.”

SaddleUPNY! Press release continues below Horse Racing in New York brings $3 Billion to the NYS Economy New York is one of the largest racing hubs in the United States, and the recent results of the American Horse Council (AHC) Economic Impact Study, along with those of the associated New York State ‘breakout’ study, document the strength and importance of the racing sector in New York’s Equine profile. Together, the Thoroughbred and Standardbred Racing sectors in New York bring an economic impact of $3 billion (inclusive of tourism impact) and employment impact of 19,785.

With 11 pari-mutuel racetracks (four Thoroughbred and seven Standardbred), New York hosted 1078 live race days in 2022, with avtotal handle reaching $2.7 billion and purses topping out at $295 million. In addition to race days, New York hosts some of the top sales in North America. The Thoroughbred sales venue at Saratoga’s Fasig Tipton lands in the top 10 for both the Saratoga Sale and the New York Bred Yearling Sale, both of which take place in August. In Middletown, NY, the Goshen Standardbred Yearling Sale in September is among the Top 10 public Standardbred yearling sales in North America.

Horse racing has a long and robust history in New York, drawing tourists to tracks, farms, towns and communities. The economic value of tourism is part of the $3 billion total impact, as $575 million of that $3 billion comes from racing tourism. Saratoga, as the preeminent and oldest Thoroughbred track in the country, attracts more than a million visitors a year. The Goshen Historic Track in Goshen, NY, established as a Standardbred facility in 1838, is the oldest continuously operated track in North America, regardless of breed. Although horse training occurs year round at the half-mile oval, it is a tourism hub for Orange County during its summer race meet. Because of the historic nature of both racing venues, Saratoga Springs and Goshen are home to their respective sports’ Hall of Fame Museums, a further tourism draw for New York.

While most of the highlights of racing come on the track at the sport’s various race meets, the behind-the-scenes work of the people that care for the horses – day and night – is what makes it all possible. That work takes place at home farms, stables and practice tracks across New York, including the rolling fields where young foals first stretch their legs, learning the basics and growing strong to one day become racing prospects. According to Tom Grossman, owner of Blue Chip Farms in Wallkill, NY, “our standardbred nursery boasts an average population of 150 mares and their youngsters with enormous trickle-down economic benefits supporting agricultural entities like hay growers, grain and bedding suppliers, and equipment providers (tractors, trucks, hay balers etc.).” The expanded impact of horse farms is an often unrecognized benefit –including the impact on land preservation and associated capital improvement of the land. Based on the AHC study results, 51% of New York horse owners own or lease a farm, barn or stable, with total acreage estimated at 303,000. And while breeders hope those foals will make it to the track, that doesn’t always happen. Thoroughbred and Standardbred race prospects are highly desired for their ability to transition to new careers, however. New York was an early adopter of mechanisms to support such transitions, with programs such as Take2, TAKE THE LEAD, Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Purple Haze Standardbred Adoption, and the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program. In addition, the NY Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund has provided well over a million dollars to Thoroughbred aftercare facilities in the state, and annually provides more than $100,000 to facilities that re-train Thoroughbreds or provide sanctuary homes for those that cannot have a useful second career.

This summer, New York will see an additional boost to racing’s economic impact, with Saratoga playing host to the Belmont Stakes – the third leg of the famed Triple Crown. According to Najja Thompson, Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, “Last summer, the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency (SCID) found that the Thoroughbred meet at Saratoga generated $371 million in economic impact and provided 2,900 jobs across the Capitol Region alone.” Those numbers will no doubt rise dramatically with the Belmont, and the buzz is growing around the potential for those figures. “The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce thinks the four-day Thoroughbred meet in June for the running of the Belmont Stakes will pump $50 million into the area – and that’s just an estimate of the tourism dollars,” says Tracy Egan, Executive Director of the NY Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund. Enthusiasm for horses in New York is strong, with 2.4 million households (30% of all households) containing a horse enthusiast – and New York racing has something for everyone. Racing schedules for Thoroughbred racing in the state can be found at the NYRA website (www.nyra.com) and the Finger Lake Racetrack website www.fingerlakesgaming.com. The Standardbred racing schedule can be found at www.nysirestakes.com . The New York State Economic Impact study was commissioned by SaddleUpNY! and made possible through the generous contributions of the following industry partners and friends: New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Old Field Farm, Ltd, Blue Chip Farm, John Madden Sales, Cornell University Hospital for Animals, New York Farm Bureau, New York State Horse Council, Karin Bump, Timothy Williams, Sally Lynch, Kent Nutrition and Triple Crown Nutrition. In addition, a linked GoFundMe campaign was also utilized for essential broader support from individuals across the state. This is the second in a series of press releases focusing on the results of the study. Additional highlights of the New York State Economic Impact study will be released in the coming weeks. Questions can be directed to Dr. Karin Bump, Executive Director of SaddleUpNY!, at Dr.kbump@gmail.com Photo credit: Photo Courtesy of Blue Chip Farms, Wallkill, NY. Photo credit to Tammie Jean Photography.

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Members:

We are pleased to announce that all new and renewed 2024 NYTB members are now eligible to receive a 10 percent discount for purchases at Walker’s Farm, Home & Tack Shop located in Fort Ann, NY.

The NYTB member discount does not apply to items on sale. The member discount will be applied when presenting your 2024 NYTB Membership card at the counter when making purchases.

Walker’s Farm, Home & Tack Shop is a family-run business that prides itself on creating a friendly shopping experience. The store is a one-stop shop for customers offering quality products from top-name brands and products for all of your farm needs.

Walker’s Farm, Home & Tack is located at 5565 State Route 4 Fort Ann, NY 12827. Store hours are Mondays – Fridays: 8am – 6pm, Saturdays: 8a – 5p and Sundays: 9a – 4p. Their phone number is 518-639-5223.

We hope you appreciate this added NYTB membership benefit. To join or renew your NYTB membership for 2024, to take advantage of this special offer, please visit nytbreeders.org/membership.

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Pandagate improves to 2-for-3 with victory in $100,000 Gander Stakes at Aqueduct. NYRA Photo.

Christophe Clement shipped Pandagate back to his native state with confidence for the Arrogate ridgling’s first foray into stakes company and was rewarded.

Pandagate overcame a hard bump at the start and powered to a 5 ½-length victory in Sunday’s $100,000 Gander Stakes, improving to 2-for-3 in the process and giving his connections reason to think about bigger things down the road.

“He’s been training very, very well at Payson Park and we were excited to see him run,” Clement said. “Thank you to all the owners to be so patient. He’s a stakes winner and a New York-bred going long on dirt, so it’s a lot of fun for us.”

A 9-length winner in his debut under Dylan Davis during the Belmont at the Big A meeting, Pandagate reunited with that rider for the 1-mile Gander. He was ridden by Victor Carrasco when second in a 1 1/16-mile allowance-optional in early December. Davis liked the reports from Clement and his team and also came into the Gander with confidence aboard the morning-line pick and eventual post-time 7-5 favorite.

“He’s been training down at Payson Park with Clement’s crew,” Davis said. “They did a great job getting him ready. He had a little layoff, but I just wanted to break him well and not get too much distance from the front leaders. That is what the boss said.

“I haven’t seen him in a while, but the Clement crew gave me videos of him working and in the paddock. It was nice to see him again, he’s still the big horse that I knew before, but he was a little more mentally better today. Just hopefully will keep on improving.”

Pandagate wound up squeezed between Bali Amour and Brown Don’t Stop at the break and was last while The Big Torpedo, Liberty Central and Doc Sullivan scrimmaged through the opening quarter in :24.42.

The Big Torpedo, a 10-length maiden winner last time out and the 5-2 third choice, continued on the lead through the half in :48.55. Liberty Central, who hounded the leader most of the way on the backstretch and on the far turn, took the lead just before hitting 6 furlongs in 1:14.15 just as Pandagate found his best stride several paths off the rail. Pandagate widened his advantage all the way through the lane, kept to task by Davis to win in 1:40.67 over the fast track.

Doc Sullivan finished second, a neck in front of Liberty Central with Brown Don’t Stop fourth. The Big Torpedo and Bali Amour completed the field.

Pandagate’s connections celebrate victory in Sunday’s Gander Stakes. NYRA Photo.

“He did get a little bump there at the break but he got into stride, got on the bridle, and switched off, then at the three-eighths pole, I turned him out,” Davis said. “It took a little while to get going but once he did that, he was game. I kept him to task all the way to wire because he is still a young horse that doesn’t know what is going on, but he has a nice big stride and galloped out, not really that tired.”

Clement also heaped praise on Davis’ effort.

“Dylan knows him well and it was a perfect ride,” he said. “He was a little bit lost coming out of the gate and Dylan got him to settle. Then he got into a very good rhythm and when he decided to pick it up, he finished well. He’s a nice horse and by Arrogate – it’s a nice family. Everything seems to be working out nicely, and I’m just very grateful to the owners. I’m delighted to train this kind of horse.”

Bred by Fred Hertrich III and out of the stakes-placed New York-bred Sky Mesa mare Kitty Panda, Pandagate sold to Clement, as agent, for $130,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred yearling sale. He races for Adelphi Racing Club, Madaket Stables, Corms Racing Stable and On The Rise Again Stable.

Pandagate is one of three winners – all New York-breds – out of Kitty Panda. She’s also the dam of three-time winner and $151,380-earner Panster and the two-time winner Countable. Kitty Panda is also the dam of a 2-year-old colt by City of Light. Hertrich purchased Kitty Panda, in foal to Blame, for $160,000 at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky winter mixed sale.

Pandagate picked up $55,000 for the Gander victory, boosting his bankroll to $101,650.

Clement didn’t commit to any specific for Pandagate’s next target, but is thinking about some lucrative summer stakes in the New York-bred 3-year-old division.

“At the moment, he just won, so we are going to enjoy that for 24 hours,” Clement said. “The way the program is made, the two New York-bred races going long on the dirt are the New York Derby at Finger Lakes or the Albany at Saratoga. That’s a long way down the road, so let’s try to find him something in late March or early April going long on dirt. Let’s keep him eligible for everything and enjoy this for a moment.”

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Whittington Park (left) gets past Anejo in the final stages of the Haynesfield. Chelsea Durand/NYRA Photo

By Melissa Bauer-Herzog

Whittington Park became a stakes winner in the $100,000 Haynesfield Stakes for New York-breds at Aqueduct Saturday, but it wasn’t easy.

The Midnight Lute 5-year-old broke a step slow from the inside post of a six-horse field and was last after a few strides. He refused to stay there for long, working his way outside and into a settled spot in fourth down the backstretch as the front runners caught up after Mama’s Gold went the first quarter-mile in :23.72 and opened 2 ½ lengths on the field. The pacesetter refused to bow to the early pressure when keeping a half-length on the field through a half-mile pole in :47.80.

By the turn, Mama’s Gold finally gave in as Anejo flew past to quickly open 5 ½ lengths on the field at the top of the stretch. Anejo looked like an easy winner near the wire, but Whittington Park didn’t give up and closed with every stride.

Racing down the center of the track on the leader’s outside for jockey Kendrick Carmouche, Whittington Park got to Anejo just in time to win by a half-length in 1:39.88 for the mile. Dr. Ardito finished third, 11 ¼ lengths behind.

“He just seems like he has a lot more desire and knows what he wants to do,” trainer Jeremiah Englehart said. “You give him a target now and he wants to run the horse down. Last year, a couple races, Kendrick would say he would just wait and make spotty moves. Now, he’s putting himself in the position rather than having to have Kendrick urge him somewhere. A lot of those Midnight Lutes seem to get better as they get older.”

Bred by Marshall Gramm and Clay Sanders, and racing for Gramm’s Ten Strike Racing, Whittington Park improved to 2-for-2 this year with six wins overall and six other top three finishes for $335,810 in 17 starts.

Whittington Park is the third stakes winner for six-time winner See The Forest, also the dam of New York-bred stakes winners Looms Boldly and Critical Value among her seven winners from seven to race. See The Forest is out of dual Grade 1 winner Critical Eye, who saw another daughter produce stakes winner Little Kansas and Grade 3-placed Headline Report.

After a few years without foals reported after Looms Boldly was foaled in 2020, See The Forest produced a New York-bred Constitution colt for Ten Strike Racing last year. The mare visited Irish Hill and Dutchess Views Stallions’ Warrior’s Charge’s last year in his first season at stud.

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Juddmonte homebred Mullion, a son of Into Mischief and full brother to Mandaloun, stands at Sequel Stallions New York. Coady Photography

Press release distributed on behalf of Sequel New York

Mullion, TDN Rising-Star and full-brother to Mandaloun, has first mares confirmed in foal. Mullion is by 4-Time Champion Sire, Into Mischief and out of

the multiple group winning Empire Maker mare, Brooch. Mullion stands at Sequel New York in partnership with Juddmonte Farm. STILLNESS, by Constitution, is a half-sister to G2 Pat O’Brien S. Winner, LAUREL RIVER (Into Mischief), was the first to be reported in-foal for Breeder, Juddmonte Farm. This report was immediately followed by a second confirmed mare in foal. ROCKIN EMMZY, by Tale of the Cat, and half-sister to black-type winner, OCEANIC, was also reported in foal for Richard Kern’s All In The Family Racing.

A full-brother to 2021 G1 Kentucky Derby winner, Mandaloun, Mullion’s speed exceeded even the highest of expectations. In only his second career start, after a 14-month layoff, Mullion showed absolute brilliance when breaking his maiden going a mile at Churchill Downs by 10 lengths. The performance garnered national recognition, a TDN Rising-Star title and an impressive

Mullion blasted a field of maidens off a more than 14-month layoff in early November at Churchill Downs. Coady Photography.

“Mullion is a beast to look at,” trainer Brad Cox said. “He showed freakish brilliance, so much so that we were pointing him to the Grade 1 Malibu after his 10-length romp at Churchill. He was a rare talent.”

The eye-catching performance garnered national recognition, a TDN Rising-Star title and an impressive 4- Ragozin number, faster than Cody’s Wish’s 2023 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile figure.

 

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Press release distributed on behalf of Saddle Up NY!

According to the New York State Equine Economic Impact Study (a ‘breakout study’ from the American Horse Council National study), the New York equine industry contributes $7 billion to the state’s economy and has a total employment impact of 52,319 jobs. These figures document growth in both economic and employment impact since the prior study conducted in 2016 ($5.3 billion and 42,400 jobs). The economic impact figures land New York in the top 10 states for equine economic impact and reinforce the importance of the New York equine industry as a significant contributor to the overall economy of the state.

Economic impact comes from spending on the horse itself (including feed, veterinary care, training costs, boarding costs, riding supplies, etc.) as well as spending related to involvement with equines. Those related expenditures include land, buildings, tractors, trucks, fuel oil and taxes. The economic impact goes further and includes horse owner and enthusiast spending on travel, dining and lodging while attending and/or participating in events – to the tune of $2.4 billion. Much of that spending is felt in the communities hosting events and competitions.

Demonstrating the variety of equine engagement in the state, the Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeds remain the top breeds in NY while the Quarter Horse Breed showed the most growth in the state. Trail riding landed at the top of household equine participation with just under 10% of households in New York participating in trail riding. The vast majority (87%) do so on public lands.

In terms of number of equines, the American Horse Council report identifies a decline both Nationally and in New York. Nationally, the figure moved from 7.2 Million to 6.7 Million for a 6.9% decline. In NY, the decline was smaller at 4.7% moving the figure from 154,000 to 146,700. New York ranks 16th nationally in total equine population.

Overall, the findings in the New York State Equine Economic Impact Study provide insights useful in understanding the state’s equine industry and the myriad of ways that equines are important to the overall economy and the lives and livelihood of many households in New York.

The New York State Economic Impact study was commissioned by SaddleUpNY! Industry Partners and made possible through the generous contributions of the following Industry Partners and friends: New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund, New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Old Field Farm, Ltd, Blue Chip Farm, John Madden Sales, Cornell University Hospital for Animals, New York Farm Bureau, New York State Horse Council, Karin Bump and Timothy Williams, Sally Lynch, Kent Nutrition, and Triple Crown Nutrition. In addition, a linked GoFundMe campaign was also utilized for essential broader support from individuals across the state.

This is the first of a series of press releases focusing on the results of the study. Additional highlights of the New York State Economic Impact study will be released in the coming weeks. Questions can be directed to Dr. Karin Bump, executive director of SaddleUpNY! at Dr.kbump@gmail.com

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My Mane Squeeze cruises to third straight stakes win in Sunday’s Maddie May at Aqueduct. NYRA Photo.

Buck Butler wryly admits he’d like to see My Mane Squeeze in some big spots, possibly against open company on one of racing’s biggest stages in a race like the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes.

He’s just not about to get ahead of his skis.

“I do have the dreams, but I have the right people who make the decisions,” Butler told NYRA’s Richard Migliore after his homebred Audible filly won her third straight stakes in Sunday’s $100,000 Maddie May for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies.

My Mane Squeeze made relatively easy work of her nine foes under Jose Lezcano, adding the Maddie May to victories last fall in the Maid of the Mist Stakes on Empire Showcase Day and in mid-January in the Franklin Square. Butler will leave the decision where My Mane Squeeze, a finalist for 2023 New York-bred champion 2-year-old filly honors, will go next.

Meanwhile, he and wife Loretta will continue to enjoy the ride.

“The people I’ve surrounded myself with make it easy for me,” Butler said. “My job, I sign the checks. I went to school in Loyola, but I’m a New Yorker born and bred. I don’t have a plan [for a next start for My Mane Squeeze]. Mike has a plan and I follow Mike’s plan. It’s gotten me here; why should I change?”

The 3-5 favorite off those two stakes wins from the outside post, My Mane Squeeze was content to track the early speed first from Cara’s Time and then Florida shipper and recent claim Blue Eyed Warrior. Running several paths off the rail, Blue Eyed Warrior clicked off the opening quarter-mile in :23.27, ahead of Kentucky shipper Landed down on the rail.

Landed, a half-sister to New York-bred champion Venti Valentine and multiple stakes winner and $516,625-earner Espresso Shot, slipped through the inside to take over approaching the half in :47.59. Lezcano and My Mane Squeeze took up the chase with more pressure from there and the top two separated from the field approaching the stretch.

After passing the 6-furlong split in 1:13.76, My Mane Squeeze took over in upper stretch and edged clear approaching the eighth pole. Lezcano hand rode the filly from there, winning by 4 3/4 lengths and finishing in 1:40.64 over the fast track.

“She broke pretty good, especially (at) a mile it gives you more time to find your stride,” Lezcano said. “I rode her like she’s the best horse in the race and kept her face clean. When I asked her, she kept going and won the race.

“I liked [Landed] and wanted to keep her close to me and see what happens. Stay close enough and when I asked, she kept going and won the race. … She’s pretty versatile.”

Landed, a daughter of Omaha Beach who cost Lael Stable $500,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale of selected yearlings, finished second in her stakes debut. She was 8 lengths clear of third-place Bernietakescharge, with Walk With Me fourth. Midnight Concerto, Munny Grab, Cara’s Time, Baroness Bourbon, Rumint and Blue Eyed Warrior completed the field.

My Mane Squeeze earned $55,000 for her Maddie May victory, to boost her bankroll to $293,960 from a record of 4-0-2 in six starts.

Foaled at Keane Stud in Amenia, My Mane Squeeze is the fourth foal out of Butler’s Speightstown mare In Spite of Mama.

In Spite of Mama is also the dam of multiple stakes winner and $582,955-earner Rotknee, stakes-placed winner and $170,220-earner Lookin for Trouble, four-time winner and $166,181-earner Mama’s Gold and an unnamed 2-year-old filly by War of Will. In Spite of Mama is also the dam of a New York-bred yearling colt by Runhappy and was bred by popular young New York sire Honest Mischief in 2023.

Carrying Butler’s colors, Rotknee won the Say Florida Sandy Stakes Jan. 28 at Aqueduct to improve to 9-for-17 in his career. A five-time stakes winner, Rotknee joined his younger half- sister as a finalist for champion New York-bred honors. The son of Runhappy is one of four finalists in the male sprinter category.

The New York-bred championships will be presented at the New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc.’s Awards Dinner sponsored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund Monday, May 13 at Sacred Saratoga on the property of GMP Farm in Schuylerville.

Coincidentally that’s five days before the 100th renewal of the $250,000 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.

“There’s a joke to that—to the extent that the world wants to get into the Kentucky Oaks or the Kentucky Derby,” Butler said about his dream of winning the Black-Eyed Susan. “I started watching horse racing down at Pimlico in Section AA at Pimlico. I would hang out there on a regular basis. On Fridays, there would be nobody there for the Black-Eyed Susan and I would see these magnificent fillies run. It was a goal I set back then—this is over 50 years ago.

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Security Code holds off Venti Valentine for her first stakes score in Saturday’s Broadway. NYRA Photo.

Phil Serpe never doubted Security Code’s ability, all the way back to the daughter of Frosted’s 2-year-old season. Security Code lived up to that billing in 2022, winning in her second start after a runner-up finish to the talented Maple Leaf Mel in her debut at Saratoga Race Course.

“We’re looking to run her longer as we get down the road,” Serpe told The Saratoga Special in his annual Fasig-Tipton Stable Tour. “She’s a nice filly and we like her a lot.”

Serpe said similar last season, when the bay filly came to Saratoga with one more win and three stakes placings

“I always thought she was going to be a nice horse,” Serpe said in 2023. “She seems like she just doesn’t quite get there in the stakes, but she ran well here and will get another chance before the end of the meet.”

Security Code made the most of that chance – winning a 6-furlong restricted allowance-optional over closing weekend – and ended her run of futility in stakes competition Saturday, holding off her late-running rivals to win the $100,000 Broadway for older New York-bred fillies and mares. Again, to the delight of her veteran conditioner.

“She’s got some fight in her, doesn’t she?,” Serpe said Saturday after Security Code won by a neck over 5-2 favorite Venti Valentine. “We were kind of resigned to the fact that 6 furlongs might be her thing. She did win at 7 furlongs before, but usually you see how good a horse is going to be somewhere into their 3-year-old year.

“She just keeps getting a little bit better and she just seems to be improving. Maybe seven-eighths will be as far as she wants to go, but it’s a good result considering the New York-bred program, which we love and we’re a big part of, so that works out for her.”

Campaigned by Dr. Robert and Laura Vokovich’s WellSpring Stables, Security Code landed her first stakes victory after winning a 6-furlong open-company allowance last month. She won the 7-furlong Broadway in 1:26.77 over the good track under Jose Lezcano.

Security Code improved to 5-for-19 with five seconds and five thirds and earnings of $419,040.

“Dr. Vukovich and his wife, Laura, are great people to train for and it’s always good to win for them,” Serpe said. “It’s good for this filly and she just keeps churning out a lot of good races. It’s funny, Andy Serling mentioned [on America’s Day at the Races] that she just keeps going. She was running here last January and she was running every month into February.”

Bred by Rockridge Stud LLC, Ascendant Farms LLC and Godolphin and out of the Grade 3-placed Montbrook mare Stopspendingmaria, Security Code is indeed proving to be a throwback. Since her debut Aug. 10, 2022, she’s made starts in every month but one (June 2023) since leading up to the Broadway.

Placed in the 2022 Key Cents at Aqueduct and the 2023 Franklin Square Stakes and East View Stakes, both also at the Big A, Security Code went to the post of the Broadway as the 5-1 fourth choice behind Venti Valentine, Kant Hurry Love and Majestic Return.

Lezcano put her in the race early from post six, keeping tabs on early battling leaders Kant Hurry Love and Majestic Return to through opening splits of :23.11 and :47.23. They stayed wide approaching the stretch run and needed to only pass Kant Hurry Love in the lane.

Security Code edged clear of that foe inside the final sixteenth and had enough left to hold off Venti Valentine. Kant Hurry Love finished another 1 ¼ lengths back with Sweetest Princess fourth in the field of seven.

“She broke pretty good and I was happy with the position I got,” Lezcano said. “She’s more comfortable when she’s outside horses. I put her in the clear and she take me from there. When I asked her at the quarter-pole, she kept running. My filly felt the other horse [Venti Valentine] outside and she picked it up again. She pinned her ears back and she wasn’t going to let her go by. She kept running.”

Security Code is one of four winners and two stakes winners out of Stopspendingmaria, originally a $90,000 purchase by Repole Stables at the 2010 OBS Calder sale of selected 2-year-olds in training. She later sold in foal to Outwork to Rockridge Stud for $32,000 at the 2019 Keeneland January horses of all ages sale.

Stopspendingmaria is the dam of the Uncle Mo mare No Mo’ Spending, winner of the 2020 Joseph A. Gimma Stakes; stakes-placed $360,765-earner Blewitt, an 8-year-old New York-bred son of Uncle Mo and the winning New York-bred Overanalyze mare Analyzeyurspending.

Stopspendingmaria is also the dam of the 2-year-old New York-bred Malibu Moon filly Maria Moon, who was bred by Rockridge, Ascendant and Spendthrift Farm and sold for $225,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October yearling sale; and a yearling New York-bred colt by Modernist bred by Rockridge and Ascendant. The same breeders also welcomed a filly out of the mare by Greatest Honour born on Valentine’s Day.

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Kinza and jockey Juan Hernandez win the Grade 3 Las Virgenes Stakes Saturday at Santa Anita. Benoit Photo.

An impressive maiden special weight winner on debut to end last year, the New York-bred Carpe Diem filly Kinza easily stayed undefeated Saturday with a win in the Grade 3 Las Virgenes Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

Stretching out to 1 mile for her second start, the Bob Baffert trainee went straight to the lead and set an easy pace a length ahead of the rest of the field. Setting early fractions of :22.99 and :46.91, Kinza faced mild pressure for the first time going into the turn when Kopion tried to mount a challenge but Kinza proved to be too good.

Kinza was comfortably ahead throughout the stretch run to win by 2 lengths in 1:37.03 for owner Michael Lund Petersen. The 2024 Las Virgenes was the third win in the stakes in as many years for Baffert, who has eight Las Virgenes winners overall.

“I never asked her to go that fast she was doing it all on her own,” winning jockey Juan Hernandez said “That was the key to win the race, that she was comfortable the whole race. When I asked her at the quarter pole, she picked it up, so I think she is a really nice filly.”

The victory took the undefeated filly to $99,000 in earnings in her two starts with both those wins coming at Santa Anita. Kinza will most likely stretch out even more from here with assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes thinking there is more to come.

“She acts like a filly that can handle (two turns),” Barnes said. “You don’t know until you do it, but she had shown in the morning, in her workouts that she could go further. I was more concerned there was so much speed, with the small field and a lot of speed.”

Bred by JD Business Ventures, Brushy Hill Stables and the Carpe Diem Syndicate, Kinza was sold three times before her debut.

The filly made her auction debut as a weanling when consigned by Schuylerville Thoroughbred Farm and brought $17,000 from Marysue Stable at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga fall mixed sale. The following fall, she was purchased as a yearling for $30,000 by Grassroots Training and Sales for $30,000 at the OBS October sale.

Donato Lanni went to $350,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-year-olds in training sale to purchase her for Petersen as the second most expensive New York-bred of that sale. Kinza is the first foal out of winning Quality Road mare Secret Wonder.

A $100,000 Keeneland September yearling sale purchase in 2014, Secret Wonder is a half-sister to the stakes placed Mylastfirstkiss. The family also includes Grade 3 winner Gentler Ruler and two other stakes winners under Kinza’s third dam.

Secret Wonder’s youngest foal is a New York-bred Instagrand filly born March 9, 2022.

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Dear Members:

All new and renewed 2024 NYTB members are eligible to access the advance ticket presale for the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.

This year’s Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will be contested at Saratoga Race Course for the first time in history to allow for the uninterrupted construction of a new and re-imagined Belmont Park.

The Presale will begin Wednesday, February 14 at 10:00 am EST on Ticketmaster.com.

Highlighted by the 156th edition of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 8, the four-day festival will begin on Thursday, June 6, and continue through Sunday, June 9. The festival will include 23 stakes races with the richest purses since the launch of the multi-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in 2014.

NYRA is operating the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival under many of the traditional Belmont Stakes policies, as such, please note the following as they are different from traditional practices at Saratoga Race Course:

• On both Friday and Saturday of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, all guests including members and children ages 4-12 will be required to purchase admission in advance of the event.
• NYTB members can receive a 50 percent discount towards general admission for Friday and Saturday of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival by using the discount code RUNNER. Click here to view and unlock the offer using the email address registered with your current and active NYTB membership. Please note there is a two (2) ticket maximum purchase limit per NYTB member (fees apply).
• Reserved seating and premium hospitality inventory will be extremely limited this year.

All eligible NYTB discount ticket purchases will be verified. To join or renew your NYTB membership for 2024, to take advantage of this special offer, please visit nytbreeders.org/membership.

If you have any questions regarding this year’s Belmont Stakes Racing Festival NYTB member discounts, please contact the NYTB membership services team at (518) 587- 0777.

We hope you enjoy these discounted NYTB membership benefits and hope to see you at this year’s historic Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course!

The post NYTB Member Exclusive: 2024 Belmont Stakes Presale Access appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

Fire At Will’s first reported foal, a colt out of Marital Joy. Photo courtesy of Sequel Stallions/Kate Stephenson Photography.

The first reported foal by Sequel Stallions’ Fire At Will was born last week at Fort Christopher’s Thoroughbreds in Fort Edward.

Bred by Horse Haven Racing, the colt is the first foal out of the unraced 4-year-old Practical Joke mare Marital Joy. Marital Joy comes from the family of Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf winner Shared Account, dam of Eclipse Award finalist Sharing, the TDN Rising Star and winner of the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.

Fire At Will, a 6-year-old son of Declaration of War out of the Kitten’s Joy mare Flirt, stands for $5,000 at Sequel New York in Hudson. He bred 42 mares in his first season at Sequel.

“The colt has a lot of scope to him. He has a good hind end, like his sire, and is overall very well balanced. This is exactly what we were hoping to see out of the first crop for Fire At Will,” said Sequel’s Becky Thomas

Campaigned by Three Diamonds Farm and trained by Mike Maker, Fire At Will won three of six starts and earned $675,932. Fire At Will won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf in 2020 at Keeneland Race Course and the off-the-turf With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga Race Course and Grade 3 Pilgrim on the turf at Belmont Park that same season.

Fire At Will’s dam, Flirt, sold in foal to Lemon Drop Kid for $500,000 at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November mixed sale. He’s the first foal out of the mare, who is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Decorated Invader (by Declaration of War), stakes winner Jubliant Girl and stakes-placed Cabral.

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New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) is pleased to announce the nominees for the New York-bred divisional champions of 2023. A panel of New York Turf writers, broadcasters, handicappers, racing analysts and photographers will vote on the winners of each division and the 2023 New York-bred Horse of the Year.

The 2023 New York-bred divisional champions and New York-bred Horse of the Year will be announced at the NYTB Awards Dinner sponsored by the New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund on Monday, May 13 from 6-9 p.m. at Sacred Saratoga on the property of GMP Farm in Schuylerville.

“Our organization is excited to celebrate this year’s nominees. All are deserving and represent the best in New York breeding and racing. This year’s awards will be a special night at an exciting new location,” said NYTB President Dr. Scott Ahlschwede, D.V.M.

New York riding legend and NYRA TV personality Richard Migliore will again host the Awards Dinner. Tickets are available – $150 for NYTB Members and $175 for non-members – for purchase at nytbreeders.org/events or by calling the NYTB Office at (518) 587-0777.

“The New York-bred Divisional Championship Awards is a special night because it recognizes the very best in Thoroughbred breeding and racing in New York,” said Brian O’Dwyer, Chairman of the New York State Gaming Commission and New York State Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund. “On behalf of the New York State Gaming Commission and Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund we are proud to work with NYTB and look forward to celebrating the connections of New York-breds who achieved success representing the New York-bred program last year.”

Also to be honored at the Awards Dinner with 2023 awards will be Broodmare of the Year, Champion Steeplechaser, Trainer, Champion Jockey and Outstanding Breeder.

“NYTB’s annual awards is our marquee event. This year’s nominees are no exception reflecting the quality and strength of the New York-bred program,” said NYTB Executive Director Najja Thompson.

A list of the 2023 New York-bred divisional championship nominees by category follows.

Champion 2-Year-Old Male: Antonio of Venice, El Grande O, The Wine Steward, Wynstock.

Champion 2-Year-Old Filly: Brocknardini, Caldwell Luvs Gold, Cara’s Time, My Mane Squeeze.

Champion 3-Year-Old Male: Allure of Money, Eye Witness, Hejazi, Maker’s Candy.

Champion 3-Year-Old Filly: Downtown Mischief, Gambling Girl, Maple Leaf Mel, Stonewall Star.

Champion Older Dirt Male: Bankit, Dr Ardito, Sherriff Bianco, Straight Arrow.

Champion Older Dirt Female: Classy Edition, Know It All Audrey, Timeless Journey, Venti Valentine.

Champion Turf Male: City Man, Red Knight, Spirit of St Louis, Therapist.

Champion Turf Female: New Ginya, Runaway Rumour, Silver Skillet, Whatlovelookslike.

Champion Male Sprinter: Bold Journey, Today’s Flavor, Rotknee, Thin White Duke.

Champion Female Sprinter: Funny How, Maple Leaf Mel, Rossa Veloce, Sterling Silver.

The post NYTB announces 2023 New York-bred divisional championship nominees appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

Les Bon Temps, winner of the 2022 Fifth Avenue division of the NYSS, sold for $160,000 Tuesday at Fasig-Tipton. Susie Raisher/NYRA Photo.

A short yearling colt by Medaglia d’Oro and multiple stakes winner Les Bon Temps sold for six figures Tuesday during the final session of the Fasig-Tipton Kenetucky winter mixed sale in Lexington.

Calumet Farm purchased the Medaglia d’Oro colt, offered as Hip 314 by Stuart Morris, agent, for $190,000. Bred by Cypress Creek Equine and foaled at Sequel New York in Hudson, the colt is out of the Distorted Humor mare Acting Class and is a half-brother to five winners.

Acting Class is the dam of Grade 2-placed $328,443-earner Classy Act and multiple stakes-placed $89,350-earner Gold Lightning.

Les Bon Temps, a 4-year-old daughter of Laoban out of the unraced Tapizar mare Winsanity, sold as a broodmare prospect for $160,000 to Todd Frederick. Offered as Hip 420, Les Bon Temps was consigned by Four Star Sales, agent.

Bred by Southern Equine Stables, foaled at Irish Hill Century Farm in Stillwater and the second foal out of the unraced Winsanity, Les Bon Temps was purchased by Deuce Greathouse and Pura Vida Racing for $65,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky October yearling sale. She won four of 11 starts with four placings and earned $610,010.

Les Bon Temps won three stakes – the 2022 Fifth Avenue division of the New York Stallion Sire Stakes and Maid of the Mist Stakes and 2023 Park Avenue division of the NYSS. She also placed in the 2022 Debutante Stakes at Churchill Downs and three other New York-bred stakes during her career.

Fasig-Tipton reported sales on 24 of the 36 New York-breds offered over the two days for a total of $1,224,000, an average price of $51,000 and median of $21,500.

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Hip 293, a yearling colt by Maxfield, sold for $240,000 to lead the Empire State contingent at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky winter mixed sale opener Monday. Photo courtesy of Vinery Sales.

Short yearling colts from the first crops of Maxfield and New York-bred Horse of the Year and classic winner Tiz the Law highlighted the returns for New York-breds during the opening session of the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky winter mixed sale Monday in Lexington.

Hip 293, a son of multiple Grade 1 winner Maxfield, brought the session’s fourth highest price for a yearling on a bid of $240,000 from Stony Pointe Bloodstock. Bred by Chesapeake Farm, Rockridge Stud LLC, Tamie Samler and John McConnell and foaled at Rockridge Stud in Hudson, the colt is out of the Medaglia d’Oro mare Wajeeha.

Consigned by Vinery Sales, agent, the colt is the third foal out of the half-sister to stakes winner and $348,221-earner Zainhom. Wajeeha, the dam of the 3-year-old placed Mohaymen gelding Mohay Please and 2-year-old Bernardini colt Mitwajid, was purchased in foal to Maxfield for $90,000 by Crown Chase/Chesapeake/Rockridge/Bullet Stables at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Kentucky winter mixed sale.

Hip 64, a son of Tiz the Law out of the stakes-placed Macho Uno mare Highestmaintenance, sold through Bluewater Sales for $95,000 to Magnolia Lane Farm.

Hip 64, a colt by New York-bred champion Tiz the Law, sold for $95,000 Monday at Fasig-Tipton Kentucky. Photo courtesy of Bluewater Sales.

Bred by Jordan Wycoff and Bluewater Sales and foaled at Sequel New York in Hudson, the colt is the seventh foal out of Highestmaintenance and a half-brother to stakes-placed winner Manasota Sunset and winners Microscope, Fleetfooted and Tough Workout. Highestmaintenance is also the dam of a 2-year-old New York-bred Bolt d’Oro filly that sold for $130,000 at the 2022 Keeneland November breeding stock sale; and the unraced 3-year-old Laoban filly Paulas Star Sister who sold for $165,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky winter mixed sale.

Multiple stakes winner and $422,059 earner Startwithsilver sold in foal to Practical Joke for $79,000 to Winforce. Offered as Hip 252 from of the Denali Stud consignment, Startwithsilver is an 11-year-old daughter of Jump Start out of the stakes-winning Silver Ghost mare Office Miss.

Bred by Burning Sands Stable LLC and campaigned by Lady Sheila Stable and Iris Smith Stable and trainer Linda Rice, Startwithsilver won the 2018 Broadway Stakes at Aqueduct and the 2019 Correction Stakes at Aqueduct. A $180,000 purchase at the 2015 OBS April 2-year-olds in training sale, Startwithsilver is the dam of a yearling colt by Violence.

Fasig-Tipton reported sales on 11 of the 15 New York-bred short yearlings offered for a total of $568,000, an average price of $51,636. Overall, including broodmares and broodmare prospects, 16 New York-breds sold for $703,000, an average of $43,938 and median of $20,500.

The two-day sale concludes with the second session at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

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Mischief Joke gives trainer Mike Maker a stakes double Sunday at Aqueduct in the Rego Park. Susie Raisher/NYRA Photo.

A return to more aggressive tactics early in the race paved the way for Mischief Joke to land his first stakes victory in Sunday’s $97,000 Rego Park at Aqueduct.

Fifth and third in his prior two stakes tries after a more forward maiden-breaking victory in September during the Belmont at the Big A meeting, Mischief Joke took command early and rolled to a 1-length victory in the rescheduled Rego Park under Dylan Davis. The 3-year-old son of Practical Joke made quick work of his four rivals in the Rego Park, originally scheduled for January 21 but run a week later after frigid weather canceled racing in New York last weekend.

Davis rode Mischief Joke last time out, a close runner-up finish in an allowance-optional December 15 at Aqueduct, and learned about the colt.

“Last time, I broke him well and once I got him to the outside he kept running – so he was more of a steady moving type,” Davis said. “Today, I just wanted to break well so he could get into his stride. After that, I found myself on the lead which I was happy with. I would have taken second or third.”

Mischief Joke, the 9-5 second choice in the field of five, wound up on the lead after Trevor McCarthy and Detective Tom conceded the early advantage over the sloppy and sealed track.

Mischief Joke led Detective Tom by a length through the opening quarter-mile in :23.47 with 4-5 favorite Antonio of Venice another length back in third. The top three stayed in those positions through the half in :47.54

Davis kept Mischief Joke well off the rail turning for home and they spurted away to a 2 1/2-length lead in midstretch.

“Turning for home, I just wanted to get his stride going because I knew I had a lot of horse to finish up with based off his last effort,” Davis said.

Mischief Joke held sway in the lane, despite drifting out, as Antonio of Venice rallied for the place spot. Detective Tom finished 5 lengths back in third, with the filly Thirteen Red Flags and Always a Warrior completing the field. The final time was 1:19.76.

“It looked like [Antonio of Venice] didn’t have the best of breaks and [Detective Tom] was struggling a little bit there a sixteenth after the gate,” Davis said. “After that, he [Mischief Joke] just took control. He got happy up there and I punched him a little early before they could get to him and he kept on going.”

Owned by Paradise Farms Corp., Parkland Thoroughbreds, Barry Fowler and Angelo Carlesimo, Mischief Joke gave trainer Mike Maker a stakes double on the card. Maker sent out Buck Butler’s homebred Rotknee to victory in the $100,000 Say Florida Sandy Sunday at the Big A.

Mischief Joke improved to 2-for-10 with seven placings and earnings of $204,595 with the Rego Park victory.

Bred by Pine Ridge Stables LTD, Mischief Joke is out of the unraced Distorted Humor mare Shesabitdistorted.

Shesabitdistorted is a full sister to graded stakes winner and Grade 1-placed Sharp Humor, champion New York-bred 2-year-old male in 2005 and champion New York-bred 3-year-old male in 2006. She’s the dam of six winners including the Rego Park winner. That group includes the New York-bred It’s Mo Joke.

Mischief Joke sold for $6,500 to Erick Torres as a short yearling at the 2022 Keeneland January horses of all ages sale. He started his career in Kentucky for Torres and owner Twin Oaks LLC, finishing second in a 4 1/2-furlong maiden race at Keeneland Race Course, before being purchased privately by his current connections.

After finishing second in three straight maiden races in June, July and August on the NYRA circuit, Mischief Joke was offered but not sold on a bid of $150,000 during the Fasig-Tipton August digital sale. He won about a month later, winning a 6 1/2-furlong maiden by 4 1/4 lengths after never being more than a half-length behind.

The post Mischief Joke splashes to Rego Park win appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

Rotknee splashes to his latest victory in the NY-bred ranks in Sunday’s $100,000 Say Florida Sandy Stakes. Susie Raisher/NYRA Photo.

When Rotknee’s name appears in the entries for a New York-bred race – particularly a stakes – it’s safe to expect a victory from Buck Butler’s homebred son of Runhappy.

Rotknee returned to the state-bred ranks Sunday and won again, improving to 7-for-8 at the level with a victory in the $100,000 Say Florida Sandy Stakes. The 5-year-old won his fifth New York-bred stakes in the 7-furlong Say Florida Sandy, taking over in the stretch en route to a 4-length victory over Aggregation.

“He’s a champ,” Butler said of Rotknee, who won in 1:27.19 on the sloppy track under Jose Lezcano. “He’s been a lot of fun and loves being in with his New York friends.”

The friends might not be so keen on Rotknee, who won the Damon Runyon Stakes, Mike Lee Stakes and Ontario County Stakes as a 3-year-old and the Hudson Stakes at 4 before his latest victory. Trained by Mike Maker, Rotknee came into the Say Florida Sandy off a third in the Grade 3 Fall Highweight Handicap and a second in the Gravesend Stakes, both at Aqueduct and against open company.

Rotknee also improved to 3-for-3 going 7 furlongs, although the added distance after back-to-back tries going 6 furlongs concerned Lezcano.

“I worried a little bit today about the seven-eighths, a little more distance for a three-quarters horse,” he said. “But today, he was relaxed the whole way and when I asked him, he was gone. The track helped with it being a sealed track to carry him through to the wire.”

The 9-5 favorite in the field of six just ahead of Aggregation at the same price, Rotknee rated just off the early speed of Disarmed with Andiamo a Firenze mixing it up early though the opening quarter-mile in :23.15. Andiamo a Firenze, claimed for $62,500 last time out by trainer David Duggan, came away with the lead approaching the half in :46.78 with Rotknee keeping close tabs around the far turn.

Rotknee took command near the 5/16ths pole and rolled into the stretch at least five paths off the rail. He opened up 3 lengths in midstretch, passed 6 furlongs in 1:12.90 and stayed well clear late as Aggregation got up for second by a neck over Andiamo a Firenze with General Banker another neck back in fourth. Disarmed and Ocean’s Reserve completed the field.

Foaled at Keane Stud in Amenia, Rotknee is the second foal and one of two stakes winners out of the winning Speightstown mare In Spite of Mama.

In Spite of Mama is also the dam of the 3-year-old Audible filly My Mane Squeeze, the winner of three of five starts after her recent score in the Franklin Square Stakes at Aqueduct for Butler and Maker. An earner of $238,960, she also won the Maid of the Mist Stakes on the same Empire Showcase Day card where Rotknee won the Hudson.

In Spite of Mama’s first foal, the 6-year-old New York-bred Into Mischief colt Lookin for Trouble, was a winner and multiple stakes-placed for Butler and Maker. He earned $170,220. In Spite of Mama is also the dam of the 4-year-old New York-bred Bolt d’Oro colt Mama’s Gold, a four-time winner in 14 starts with earnings of $168,641; and a New York-bred 2-year-old filly by 2019 Preakness Stakes winner War of Will and a yearling full brother to Rotknee.

In Spite of Mama, a 12-year-old out of the Carson City mare Mama Theresa, went 3-2-2 in 17 starts for Butler and Maker from 2014 to 2016.

Butler bought Mama Theresa for $65,000 at the 2005 OBS April sale of 2-year-olds in training. She won six of 25 starts, placed in two stakes and earned $240,898 for Butler and Timothy Twomey and the late trainer Dominic Galluscio. In Spite of Mama is Mama Theresa’s second foal and a half-sister to four other winners, including stakes winner A Freud of Mama, an earner of $399,818 who also finished third in the Grade 3 Matron Stakes at Belmont Park in 2019 for Butler and Maker.

Rotknee earned $55,000 for his latest victory to boost his earnings to $582,955. He’s won nine of 17 starts overall. As for that lone defeat in the state-bred ranks? That goes all the way back to Rotknee’s debut July 9, 2021, when he finished second by 3 lengths as the favorite in a 5 1/2-furlong maiden race at Belmont Park.

The post Rotknee rolls to Say Florida Sandy victory appeared first on New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. News.

Roanan Goddess rolls to first stakes victory in Saturday’s Xtra Heat at Laurel Park. Maryland Jockey Club Photo.

Mens Grille Racing’s Roanan Goddess improved off her first two tries in stakes company to start her sophomore campaign with a victory in Saturday’s $99,000 Xtra Heat Stakes at Laurel Park.

Sixth in the Smart Halo in November and fourth in the Gin Talking in December – both at Laurel – Roanan Goddess overcame some jostling and tight quarters late in Saturday’s Xtra Heat to win by 2 1/4 lengths over Reconcile. Jeiron Barbosa rode the winner, a 3-year-old daughter of former New York-based sire Leofric, for trainer Hamilton Smith.

Sent off as the 2-1 third choice in the field of five, Roanan Goddess rated third behind the early speed Reconcile and C C Royal through the opening quarter-mile in :22.86 over the muddy and sealed track. Reconcile continued to lead by a length over C C Royal around the far turn and to the half in :46.74, with Roanan Goddess just behind while still on the inside.

Roanan Goddess challenged for the lead near the 3/16ths pole and jostled a bit with Reconcile making her bid. She took over from there and drew off inside the final sixteenth to win going away. Reconcile held second, 2 lengths ahead of C C Royal with 7-5 favorite Heart fourth. The final time was 1:11.82.

Bred by Chad Carter and out of the winning Midnight Lute mare Night Madam, Roanan Goddess sold for $30,000 to C & C Stables at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern fall yearling sale. She later sold to Mens Grille Racing for $60,000 at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May sale.

Roanan Goddess is the second foal out of Night Madam, who is also the dam of the eight-time winning New York-bred Alpha mare Madam Alpha. Night Madam is also the dam of a West Virginia-bred 2-year-old full brother to Roanan Goddess named Snowy Night.

Roanan Goddess has raced exclusively in the Mid-Atlantic region, starting her career with a sixth in a turf sprint maiden at Laurel before a victory in a similar 5 ½-furlong maiden race in early September at Colonial Downs. Switched to the dirt after that victory, Roanan Goddess finished second and first in allowance-optional races at Laurel to earn those tries in stakes company to end her juvenile campaign.

The Xtra Heat was worth $60,000 to Roanan Goddess’ connections and the filly improved to 3-1-0 in seven starts with $147,240.

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Hip 467, a filly by Galilean bred by Hidden Lake Farm, sold for $16,000 at Wednesday’s OBS winter sale. Photo courtesy of Mount Royal Sales.

A yearling colt by Flameaway and a yearling filly from the first crop of New York-based stallion Galilean topped the group of New York-bred offerings during the open session of the Ocala Breeders Sales Co.’s winter mixed sale Wednesday.

Grade One Investments LLC went to $40,000 to purchase Hip 621, the Flameaway colt named Candle Ina Wind, out of Francis and Barbara Vanlangendonck’s Summerfield consignment.

Bred by Diane Boyken and foaled at Rockridge Stud in Hudson, the colt is out of the winning Trust N Luck mare Curious Luck and a half-brother to three winners including eight-time winner and $145,122-earning New York-bred Analyze Your Luck.

Gayle Woods went to $16,000 to purchase Hip 467, a daughter of Galilean out of the Mr. Greeley mare Mme Belle Brezing.

Bred by and foaled at Hidden Lake Farm in Stillwater and consigned by Mount Royal Sales LLC, agent, the filly is the seventh foal out of Mme Belle Breezing, who is the dam of New York-bred winners Lucky Belle and Comeback P.

Galilean, an 8-year-old son of Uncle Mo out of the El Prado mare Fresia, stands for $3,500 at Hidden Lake Farm in Stillwater. A six-time stakes winner who earned $592,522, Galilean also finished third in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes in 2019 at Oaklawn Park.

The open session wrapped up the two-day OBS winter sale, which also saw Hip 7, a yearling colt by Majestic Warrior’s son Leinster out of the Grand Reward mare Greatest Reward, sell for $43,000.

Machmer Hall purchased the colt, who was bred by Amy Dunne and Beth Bayer and consigned by Beth Bayer, agent. Foaled at Sequel New York in Hudson, the colt is a half-brother to three-time winner and $77,704-earner Sunny San Leon and the 2-year-old Catalina Cruiser filly Beth Almighty.

 

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