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There are some particularly well-bred mares on offer at Park Paddocks. Among them is Barton Sales' Divisimo, a Dansili sister to Matron Stakes (G1) winner Emulous. Emulous is the dam of last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) scorer Bluestocking.

Tenma, racing under the Chu's Baoma Corp. banner, gives the couple a chance at possible Oaks glory in May when she enters the starting gate for the Feb. 2 Las Virgenes Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park.

Tyler Gaffalione was a clear winner Jan. 25 with three stakes victories, including two graded, on the blockbuster Pegasus World Cup (G1) 13-race program. The panel of racing experts voted Gaffalione Jockey of the Week for Jan. 20-26.

The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and the Jockeys' Guild agreed to a new scale of mount fees for jockeys who ride at New York Racing Association tracks, which will take effect Feb. 1.

A total of 213 head sold for $3,108,700 during the newly minted single-session auction, with an average of $14,595 and a median of $7,500. Fifty-seven horses failed to meet their reserve, resulting in an RNA rate of 21.1%.

Porter on Pedigrees

A little more than a week after he was formally announced as the Eclipse Award-winning 2-year-old male of 2024, Citizen Bull kicks off his 3-year-old campaign Feb. 1 in the $200,000 Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park.

Maiden Watch: Week of Jan. 20-Jan. 26

At a Jan. 28 Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission meeting, the University of Pennsylvania's Dr. Mary Robinson discussed how artificial intelligence and mathematical algorithms are helping to improve racehorse drug testing in the commonwealth.

The comprehensive Thoroughbred sales review for North America is available on BloodHorse+. The digest includes hip-by-hip results for the most commercial stallions.

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

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

Resolved ADMC Violations

Date: 01/28/2025

Licensee: Joanna Shankle, trainer

Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on January 29, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Baby Sox, who won at Laurel Park on 12/20/24.

Date: 01/28/2025

Licensee: Eric Ramaekers, trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); Treated as 1 violation with Hurt So Good's 11/19/24 violation under 09/08/23 HISA Guidance. Final decision of HIWU.

Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Hurts so Good, who finished fourth at Zia Park on 12/9/24.

Date: 01/28/2025

Licensee: Shon Dunlap, trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU.

Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Ooh La Da Stoops, who won at Remington Park on 12/7/24.

Date: 01/27/2025

Licensee: Martin Orona, Sr., trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500 per violation, for a total fine of $1,500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points per violation, for a total of 4.5 penalty points. Admission.

Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone, Methocarbamol and Phenylbutazone—all controlled substances (Class C)—in a sample taken from Sierra Summer, who finished sixth at Zia Park on 12/10/24.

Date: 01/23/2025

Licensee: Kenneth Miller, trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission.

Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Overstatement, who finished second at Keeneland on 10/4/24.

Date: 01/22/2025

Licensee: Scooter Davis, trainer

Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU.

Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from John Dutton, who won at Tampa Bay on 11/29/24.

Pending ADMC Violations

01/29/2025, Peter Miller, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Enjoy it Strait, who finished tenth at Del Mar on 11/9/24.

01/28/2025, Glenroy Brown, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Tammy's Toy, who won at Mahoning Valley on 12/23/24.

01/28/2025, Radolfo Sanchez-Salomon, trainer: Pending medication violation for the potential breach of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)—on Tik Tok Daddy, who finished third at Laurel Park on 12/13/24. This was also a possible violation of Rule 3313—Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period.

01/24/2025, Jose Silva Jr., trainer: Pending medication violation for the potential breach of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)—on House of Lords, who finished tenth at Turf Paradise on 12/30/24. This was also a possible violation of Rule 3313—Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period.

01/24/2025, Gary Greiner, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Man Overboard, who finished sixth at Pleasanton on 12/18/24.

01/24/2025, Edward Coletti Jr., trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine—a controlled substance (Class B)—in a sample taken from Bear or Bull, who finished second at Parx Racing on 12/12/24.

01/24/2025, Salvador Sato, trainer: Pending medication violations for the presence of Methocarbamol, Phenylbutazone and Dexamethasone—all controlled substances (Class C)—in samples taken from Geebeesbigboy, who finished fourth at Zia Park on 12/2/24, and from Stormy Dame, who won at Zia Park on 12/9/24.

01/23/2025, Juan Silva, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a controlled substance (Class C)—in a sample taken from Mt. Zeror, who finished second at Turf Paradise on 12/17/24.

01/23/2025, Paul Aguirre, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Don't Tell Tammo, who won at Del Mar on 11/29/24.

Violations of Crop Rule

Oaklawn Park

Isaac Castillo – violation date Jan 26; $250 fine

Harry Hernandez – violation date Jan 23; $250 fine, one-day suspension

Santa Anita

Alejandro Gomez – violation date Jan 23; One-day suspension, $250 fine

Turf Paradise

Fausto Da Silva – violation date Jan 27; One-day suspension, $250 fine

 

The post National Regulatory Rulings, Jan. 23-29 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

There's a reason why Bob Baffert has won the GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes 12 times, including the last six running. At this time of year his barn is always loaded with talented 3-year-old colts who have one eye on the Lewis and another on the GI Kentucky Derby.

It will be a familiar story at Santa Anita Saturday as Baffert will send out three of the five horses entered in the Lewis. His trio is topped by 2-year-old champion and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), who will be making his first start of the year.

But he may not be the favorite. That's how impressive stablemate 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic) was when breaking his maiden last out by seven lengths while earning a 101 Beyer Speed Figure.

Baffert also has Madaket Road (Quality Road), a maiden winner in his last start. All three are owned by the partnership of SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stables LLC.

Despite his strong hand, Baffert remains cautious when it comes to how these horses might perform in the Derby. He says it is too early to predict anything.

“We still have a long way to go,” Baffert said. “We have some nice horses but you really don't know until March or April and that last prep where you stand. You can be in a position where you think you are strong and then it turns out you are not as strong as you thought you were. They're still developing and we're still getting races into them. You try to get as many races into them as you can so you can have them ready and put that foundation into them. You don't really have a Derby horse until those last prep races. Until they go a mile-and-an-eighth, that's when we know. The mile-and-an-eighth separates these horses.”

After his front-running win in the Juvenile, Citizen Bull returned to the worktab on Dec. 13. He hasn't missed a beat since. But Baffert said he might be a horse that will do his best running a little later in the year.

“The Bull, he's a horse that may need a race or two,” Baffert said. “We found that out in the Del Mar Futurity when he got beat. It was only his second start and Mike Smith said he got a little tired. I'd rather race them than just train them, train them, train them. You have to get races into these horses.”

After finishing second in his debut in a 6 1/2-furlong maiden, Rodriguez hammered his opposition in another maiden, this one on Jan. 4 at Santa Anita.

“He's always trained like a nice horse,” Baffert said. “He reminds me a lot of Authentic. I think the Authentics are going to be really good. It's just that some of them are slow to mature. It took this one a while to come around. I don't think the distance should be a problem. The race will help him. He's the kind of horse that needs racing. Now, he needs to run.”

How the Lewis plays out on the track should be fascinating. Citizen Bull, Rodriguez and the Wesley Ward-trained Clock Tower (Not This Time) all have ample early speed. That sets up the possibility of a speed duel, one that might involve Citizen Bull, Rodriguez or both. Baffert said he will let their jockeys ride their own race. Martin Garcia rides Citizen Bull. Juan Hernandez rides Rodriguez.

“I usually let the jockeys ride their own horse,” Baffert said. “The break will be the key. I'm sure they'll play it off of the break. They'll ride their own horses and let them get into a nice rhythm.”

As good as Baffert's Lewis trio might be, it's possible that the best 3-year-old in his barn is one who won't be running Saturday.  That would be Barnes (Into Mischief), who was bought for $3.2 million by Amr Zedan at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. After a somewhat lackluster win in his Nov. 27 debut at Churchill Downs, he came back with a dominant performance in the GII San Vicente at seven furlongs.

“He still has to go two turns,” Baffert said. “He should handle it, but you don't know until they do it. So far, he looks good and we're trying to just trying to keep him healthy.”

Baffert said that he and Zedan are still working on a race schedule for Barnes.

Win or lose, this should be a memorable Derby for Baffert since it will be the first one he will be allowed to run in since 2021. Churchill Downs banned Baffert after Medina Spirit (Protonico), who crossed the wire first in the 2021 Derby, was disqualified after testing positive for betamethasone. The ban was lifted last fall and now the only thing Baffert has to worry about is how his horses are doing.

“It's over with and everything is good,” Baffert said. “I'm just trying to focus on what's in front of us.”

The post Baffert Will Triple Team Them in Robert B. Lewis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Edited Press Release

The Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory (PETRL), a Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program laboratory, has been directed to modify its instrumentation and methodology for TCO2 testing to mass spectrometry so that it is consistent with the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit's three other Program laboratories, HIWU announced Wednesday.

PETRL has already transitioned to this methodology, which is also independently endorsed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities.

HIWU began its review of PETRL's procedures in response to a disproportionately high number of reports of elevated TCO2 levels from the laboratory and worked with horsemen's representatives throughout this process. HIWU first undertook a comprehensive assessment of testing documentation and laboratory processes at PETRL before asking the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Laboratory at the University of California Davis to conduct an administration study to compare the findings reported by the Program laboratories.

PETRL's instrument (a clinical blood gas analyzer) and related methodology had been used and accepted as valid by the horse racing industry to regulate TCO2 for years prior to the implementation of the ADMC Program, and HIWU found no evidence of laboratory error or instrument failure by PETRL. However, the data from the administration study indicated that PETRL's results did not correlate with those of the three other laboratories, which all used an instrument and methodology (mass spectrometry) different from PETRL's.

In response, HIWU has issued a new mandate for mass spectrometry to be adopted as the industry standard for TCO2 analysis confirmation. This method is used to analyze virtually all other substances regulated under the ADMC Program.

In the interest of fairness to horsemen, all pending TCO2 cases originating in Pennsylvania have been withdrawn; due to the accelerated degradation of TCO2 samples compared to other analytes, HIWU could not send previously analyzed samples to other Program laboratories to compare the results. For cases that have already been resolved, HISA offered to return purse money, refund fines, notify Equibase to remove the disqualifications, and remove penalty points from the affected trainers' records. Purse money that has already been distributed by racetracks in relation to these cases will not be affected.

In total, five trainers–Jorge Diaz, Bernard Dunham, David Jacobson, William Martin and Silvino Ramirez–served 30-day suspensions for TCO2 positives that had been processed by the Pennsylvania Lab.

“The discovery of inconsistencies in TCO2 testing across Program laboratories and HIWU's subsequent responsibility to establish harmonization among them represent the benefits of a national ADMC program,” said Ben Mosier, executive director of HIWU. “Unlike under state-based regulatory structures, our Program laboratories are in ongoing communication to discuss and compare methods. This collaboration is what enabled us to identify and resolve discrepancies in TCO2 testing despite the longstanding validity of the methods and instruments being used.”

“I commend HIWU for taking action in response to the high rate of TCO2 findings at PETRL and ultimately facilitating the harmonization of TCO2 testing among Pennsylvania and other states,” said Jeffrey A. Matty, Jr., executive director of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. “Ben and his team listened to our horsemen's concerns and were in ongoing communication with us while the laboratory was reviewed. We're also appreciative of HISA for their decision to offer to withdraw sanctions imposed for cases that have already been resolved.

“This process represents an example of how a national, uniform system helps horsemen and how we, HIWU, and HISA can work together for the benefit of the entire industry.”

Evaluation of testing at Program laboratories is ongoing to ensure consistency and fairness in results reporting. HIWU has implemented HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory (HEAL) accreditation as of January 1, 2025. HEAL accreditation includes a robust Equine Quality Assurance Scheme sample program.

The post HIWU Mandates Uniform Testing Methodology for TCO2 Analysis Across Program Laboratories appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

In recognition of Black History Month, the Maryland Horse Library and Education Center will host the traveling exhibit, The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers.

The exhibit will open Saturday, Feb. 1 with a talk by the exhibit curator, and Library Director, Roda Ferraro from the Keeneland Library. The exhibit will be available to visit at the MHLEC through Feb. 28.

Heart of the Turf highlights the lives and careers of 100 African American horsemen and horsewomen from the mid-1800s to the present. One-of-a-kind photographs from the Keeneland Library collection capture moments across their varied careers, while biographical vignettes honor their lasting legacies.

From racetrack superstars to behind-the-scenes caretakers, The Heart of the Turf: Racing's Black Pioneers showcases stories of the countless African Americans who forged their way in horse racing in Kentucky and beyond.

“We will take this time to acknowledge the contributions of the many Black horsemen who are the bedrock of horse racing”, said Cricket Goodall, executive director of the MHLEC. “As in so many sports, African Americans were the pioneers in history.”

The post Traveling Exhibit Celebrating Racing’s Black Pioneers Opens Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Gulfstream Racing, a new mobile app and wagering experience, has been launched by Everi Holdings Inc. and 1/ST, it was announced Wednesday.

The new Gulfstream Racing App is now available in the Apple App Store. Phase I of the app launch includes ticketing, dining reservations, promotions, race schedules and a 1/ST-designed in-app horse wagering experience to allow fans to place win, place and show bets.

The app launched ahead of last weekend's GI Pegasus World Cup. In addition to Gulfstream Park, Everi and 1/ST will soon roll out a venue app for Santa Anita Park, including an expansion of the horse wagering and wallet funding experiences, as part of Phase II of this mobile deployment.

“With 1/ST's experience in delivering world-class entertainment and wagering for horse racing fans, we felt it was a natural fit for Everi to help enhance the venue experience with additional mobile and funding capabilities,” said Darren Simmons, Everi's Executive Vice President and FinTech Business Leader. “Our ability to develop solutions for additional fan engagement, flexible enough to reach them wherever they are, is a key part of our combined strategy to enable seamless, mobile-first, self-service journeys, to meet fans at their preferred touchpoint.”

“The collaboration between Everi and 1/ST is about delivering an intuitive, convenient and engaging experience for our fans, and is specially designed for those who are new to horse racing,” said Keith Johnson, President, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY. “The Gulfstream Racing App puts the picks of our horse racing experts readily into their hands with a simplified direct betting interface. It also includes ticketing, dining and key venue event highlights putting everything you need for a fun day at the track in one easy-to-use platform.”

The post 1/ST Launches New Mobile App and Wagering Experience at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

This could only happen to Brad Cox. He trained the best 2-year-old filly in the country last year as Eclipse Award winner Immersive (Nyquist) whipped everything she faced, including eight challengers in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Earlier this year, she looked like the runaway leader among the fillies eyeing the GI Kentucky Oaks, but came down with a minor injury and will not be ready in time for the Oaks. For most other trainers that would have been a severe setback, losing out on a chance they may never get again. But not Cox. When it comes to 3-year-old fillies, he doesn't rebuild, he reloads. Even with Immersive  on the sidelines, he still has a firm grip on the division. Even without Immersive, he trains the top two horses in our first 2025 installment of the TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10, which is presented by Fasig-Tipton.

Muhimma (Munnings) is three-for-three lifetime and has claimed the top sot. Right behind her is Cox-trainee Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro), who is undefeated in four starts and could be, as they say, “any kind.”

Last week's action was topped by the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn which was won by the Kenny McPeek-trained Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy), a comfortable 5 3/4-length winner. The race became easier when Her Laugh (Practical Joke), who was 2-1 on the morning line, had to be scratched. Trainer Whit Beckman said that the snowstorm that hit Louisiana, where she was based at the Fair Grounds, made shipping to Oaklawn too difficult. The new target for her is the Feb. 15 GII Rachel Alexandra at the Fair Grounds.

It will be a relatively quiet weekend when it comes to preps for the Oaks. The seven-furlong GIII Forward Gal Stakes Saturday at Gulfstream and the GIII Las Virgenes S. Sunday at Santa Anita could shake things up some.

Here's a look at the first installment of our Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for 2025:

1) MUHIMMA (Munnings–Princesa Carolina, by Tapit) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Shadwell Stable; B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Sale history: $700,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-3-0-0, $279,460. Last Start: Won Dec. 7 GII Demoiselle Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: GIII Honeybee S, OP, Feb. 22 or GII Davona Dale S., GP, March 1

The Shadwell Stable-owned filly was a little late to get going last year and once she did she was lost in the massive shadow of stablemate Immersive. After she won a maiden by 7 1/4 lengths, picking up 'TDN Rising Star' status, she won an allowance by 5 1/2 lengths and then she won the GII Demoiselle by a length. It was her first start around two turns, but, despite the narrow winning margin, it was probably her best race as she improved 11 Beyer points to earn a 90. Cox said she will kick off her 3-year-old campaign at either Oaklawn or at Gulfstream. If this doesn't work out they can always try the grass as the dam's lone stakes win came on that surface.

2) GOOD CHEER (Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) O/B-Godolphin (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-4-0-0, $457,630. Last Start: Won Nov. 30 GII Golden Rod Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points 20. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S., FG, Feb. 15

Consider Muhimma and Good Cheer 1 and 1A. They come from the same barn, are both undefeated, and both came onto the scene late, winning some important fall, post-Breeders' Cup races. Oh, and they both can run. Good Cheer's major wins came in the Rags To Riches S. and the GII Golden Rod S., which she won 2 1/2 lengths. She was very impressive when winning the Golden Rod over Quietside (Malibu Moon).

“Her record really speaks for itself and the style in which she's won all of those races has been very impressive,” Cox said after the win. “She is another testament to Godolphin's program. She's handled everything we've done with her, so far, extremely well and I think we haven't seen her best yet.”

3) TENMA (Nyquist–Amagansett, by Tapit) O-Baoma Corp.; B-B Flay Thoroughbreds (Ky); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $200,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $850,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GISW, 4-3-0-1, $369,000. Last Start: Won Dec. 7 GII Starlet Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 13. Next Start: GIII Fasig-Tipton Las Virgenes, SA, Feb. 2

It's rare that a Bob Baffert-trained horse is overshadowed, but you don't hear a lot of hype about Tenma. That could be because she did not compete in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies or because she was a poor third in the GII Oak Leaf S. But she put it together in the GII Starlet at Los Alamitos, another race that usually flies under the radar, last out. She won by 1 3/4 lengths that day and was facing off against some quality fillies. At 5-2, she wasn't even the favorite. That race was good enough to suggest that she is probably Baffert's best 3-year-old filly. Baffert is obviously getting her ready as she's had four sharp works already this year. Baffert told the Daily Racing Form that he skipped the Breeders' Cup because he wasn't confident that Tenma was ready for the sort of top effort she showed at Los Alamitos. It looks like she is back.

Tenma | Benoit

4) SIMPLY JOKING (Practical Joke–Imply, by E Dubai) O-Grantley Acres, Ryan Conner and Berkels0813; B-Barlar, LLC (PA); T-D. Whitworth Beckman. Sales history: $65,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: MSW, 2-2-0-0, $153,000. Last Start: Won Jan. 18 Silverbulletday Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: TBD

Trainer Whit Beckman showed a ton of confidence in this daughter of Practical Joke when starting off her career in a stakes race, the Letellier Memorial Stakes, a six-furlong race at Fair Grounds. Despite getting bumped at the start, she closed to win a by a neck. But could she go a distance? That question was answered in the one-mile-and-70-yards Fasig-Tipton Silverbulletday Stakes. Leading early, she drew off in the stretch to win by 2 1/2 lengths over a sloppy racetrack. Because of the distance, it was an important test to pass and it was an impressive effort.

“She came out of the Silverbulletday in great shape,” Beckman said. “She's possible for the Rachel Alexandra, but we're still finalizing plans for her.”

At some point, she may need to prove that she can sit off horses, but for now her early speed is a definite weapon.

5) TAKE CHARGE MILADY (Take Charge Indy–Price Too High, by Scat Daddy) O-James Ball, Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek) & Kenneth Rhodes; B-Merriebelle Stable, LLC (Ky); T-Kenneth McPeek. Sales history: $60,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 4-2-1-0, $259,594. Last Start: Won Jan. 25 Martha Washington Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: GIII Honeybee S, OP, Feb. 22

Can Kenny McPeek win the GI Kentucky Oaks in back-to-back years? Take Charge Milady may not be another Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), but she won last Saturday's Martha Washington S. at Oaklawn in her stakes debut and she could continue to have success on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks. She's following a familiar McPeek form cycle. She didn't do much running when sixth in her debut, but has slowly progressed in every race since and is now a stakes winner.

“Gosh, she was impressive,” McPeek said of the Martha Washington. “The Honeybee is the logical next step for her. After that either the Fantasy or the Ashland. She's the spitting image of Take Charge Lady. It's the funniest thing. And she's by a son of Take Charge Lady. We've always been really impressed with her. She missed most of her 2-year-old year due to a small issue.”

6) QUIETSIDE (Malibu Moon–Benner Island, by Speightstown) 'TDN Rising Star' O/B-Shortleaf Stable (Ky); T-John Ortiz. Lifetime Record: MGISP, 5-1-3-1, $312,200. Last Start: Second in Jan. 25 Martha Washington Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 18. Next Start:  GIII Honeybee S, OP, Feb. 22 or GII Fantasy, March 29, OP

If you like consistent horses who always go out and pick up checks, then Quietside is a horse for you. She's only won once, in her first career start, winning a maiden at Saratoga by 6 1/4 lengths. She hasn't visited the winner's circle since, but, as a 2-year-old, she finished second or third in the GI Spinaway S., the GI Alcibiades S. and the GII Golden Rod S.

In the Spinaway and Alcibiades she lost to eventual Eclipse Award winner Immersive. She picked up right where she left off in her 2025 debut, finishing second in the Martha Washington S. behind Take Charge Milady. The problem is that it appears that she's no better than fourth or fifth in the division, so what will it take for her to rise to the top? Trainer John Ortiz said either the Honeybee or the Fantasy will be next.

7) LOOK FORWARD (Bolt d'Oro–Troublesome, by Into Mischief) O-Reddam Racing; B-Woods Edge Farm & Ballyfair Bloodstock (Ky); T-Michael McCarthy. Sales history: $285,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, $132,400. Last Start: Won Jan. 5 Santa Ynez Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 15. Next Start: TBD

No doubt a talented horse, this filly trained by Michael McCarthy used her speed to win the seven-furlong Fasig-Tipton Santa Ynez last out at Santa Anita. In her prior start, she faded in the stretch to finish second in the mile-and-a-sixteenth GII Starlet S. at Los Alamitos. All of which raises the question as to whether or not she can get the nine furlongs in the Oaks?

“She'll be headed to Oaklawn,” trainer Michael McCarthy said. “Not sure I'm all that worried about nine furlongs just yet. I think the deep Santa Anita surface just wasn't to her liking and she was classy enough to get the job done [in the Santa Ynez].”

If she can win around two turns at Oaklawn, she'll immediately become one of the favorites for the Oaks.

Look Forward | Benoit

8) RUNNING AWAY (Gun Runner–Allez Marie, by Unbridled's Song) O/B-Stud TNT; T-Wesley Ward. Lifetime Record: SW, 4-2-1-1, $166,875. Last Start: Won the Jan. 18 Busanda Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: GI Ashland Stakes, Kee, April 4.

This is not your typical Wesley Ward-trained horse. The daughter of Gun Runner was nowhere to be found back in April at Keeneland, when they were running their 2-year-old races. She didn't debut until July at Saratoga and has never run in a race shorter than a mile. No one will care about that if she continues on her winning ways.

After breaking her maiden in November, she picked up her first stakes win in the Jan. 18 Busanda S. at Aqueduct. Clearly, she didn't face a very tough field in the Busanda, but she did everything right, winning by 2 1/4 lengths in wire-to-wire fashion. She will face a much bigger test next time out in the GI Ashland S. at Keeneland.

9) SCOTTISH LASSIE (McKinzie–Bodebabe, by Bodemeister) O-Sportsmen Stable, Parkland Thoroughbreds, Photos Finish LLC, Corms Racing Stable & Jorge R. Abreu; B-Winchester Farm (Ky); T-Jorge Abreu. Sales history: $50,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $85,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: GISW, 3-1-0-1, $332,000. Last Start: Fourth in the Nov. 1 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Kentucky Oaks Points: 16. Next Start: TBD

This daughter of McKinzie has been out of sight and out of mind. She has not raced since finishing fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and has not had a work since. That means she has a lot of catching up to do. But she's got the ability, which she proved when romping in the GI Frizette by nine lengths. The hope is that she is not a one-race wonder.

10) CHASTEN (Into Mischief–Lockdown, by First Defence) O/B-Juddmonte (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $75,000. Last Start: Fourth in the Jan. 18 Silverbulletday Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 4. Next Start: TBD

If not for her pedigree, Chasten never would have made this list. She won her debut in November at Churchill, but the time for the seven furlongs was a slow 1:23.26 and she got a Beyer figure of just 68. Still another Brad Cox-trainee, she didn't show a whole lot next out when she finished fourth in the Fasig-Tipton Silverbulletday.

But isn't it too early to give up on a half-sister to Idiomatic (Curlin)? By way of comparison, Idiomatic was not at all precocious either. She didn't make her first start until she was three and didn't win a graded stakes until her eighth career start. She turned into a two-time Eclipse Award winner, but just needed time to develop.

Could that be the same case with her little sister? Maybe. But she can't waste much time as she is pretty far behind the top members of the division at this point. At the very least, keep any eye on her.

Chasten | Coady Media

The post The Kentucky Oaks TDN Top 10 for Jan. 30: Cox Reloads appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Hip 185, a yearling filly by Munnings bred by Sequel Thoroughbreds, Jay Goodwin, Cary Bloodstock and Set Hut, sold for $50,000 at Tuesday’s OBS winter mixed sale. Photo courtesy of Colin Brennan Bloodstock.

Short yearling fillies by New York-based sires Mind Control and Solomini were among the leading New York-bred sellers at Tuesday’s OBS winter mixed sale in Ocala.

Hip 185, a daughter of Munnings out of the stakes-placed Empire Maker mare Amazing Shoes, landed the top price for a New York-bred on a bid of $50,000 from Charlie’s Angels.

Sequel Thoroughbreds LLC, Jay Goodwin, Cary Bloodstock and Set Hut LLC bred the filly, who sold for $7,000 to Love’s Equine, agent for Linton Thoroughbreds, at last year’s Fasig-Tipton Saratoga fall mixed sale. Foaled at Sequel Stallions New York in Hudson, she was consigned at OBS by Colin Brennan Bloodstock, agent.

Amazing Shoes, a two-time winner and earner of $87,851, is the dam of six winners from six foals to race including the stakes-producing Flatter mare Heels. She’s also the dam of an unnamed 2-year-old filly by Twirling Candy

Hip 276, a daughter of Mind Control out of the winning Flower Alley mare Flowers Vale, brought the second highest price on a bid of $35,000 from Arindel.

Bred by and foaled at Irish Hill Century Farm in Stillwater and consigned by Beth Bayer, agent, the filly is the third foal out of Flowers Vale. She’s also the dam of an unnamed 2-year-old New York-bred Big Brown filly bred by Blue Streak Racing LLC and the unraced 3-year-old Big Brown colt Pint Glass who was bred by BB Stallion LLC.

The filly is also from the first crop of Mind Control, a multiple Grade 1-winning son of Stay Thirsty set to stand his third season in 2025 for $8,000 at Rockridge Stud in Hudson.

New York-based stallions were represented by several other top sellers on the day.

Mind Control also sired the sale’s top-priced New York-bred colt, Hip 208, that brought $26,000 from JMD Investments. Named Be in Monty’s Mind, the colt is out of the winning Afleet Alex mare Biamonte. Bred by Casey Newick LLC, foaled at Meadow View Thoroughbreds in Canajoharie and consigned by Sue Vacek, agent, the colt is the second foal out of Biamonte. She’s also the dam of the 2-year-old New York-bred Khozan filly Biamonte’s Catch who sold for $37,000 at last year’s OBS October yearling sale.

New York’s leading freshman sire of 2023, Solomini, sired the fourth highest-priced horse. Hip 190, a filly out of the unraced Trappe Shot mare Arabella, brought $25,000 from Ad Hoc Stable Inc. Bred by Maggie Seidman’s Seidman Stables LLC, foaled at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds in Saratoga Springs and consigned by McMahon of Saratoga, agent, the filly is the third foal out of Arabella and a half-sister to winner Arabellas Girl (by Overanalyze) and placed Bella Banker (by Central Banker).

Solomini, a 10-year-old son of Curlin who finished third on New York’s general sire list in 2024 with progeny earnings of more than $3.3 million, will stand the 2025 season for $7,500 at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds in Saratoga Springs.

OBS reported sales on 31 of the 34 New York-bred yearlings offered at the sale for $312,200, an average price of $10,071 and median of $5,000.

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Tickets for Kentucky Derby Week and the entire 43-day Spring Meet, which spans nine weeks from Apr. 26-June 29 at Churchill Downs, go on sale Thursday at noon (all times Eastern), the track said in a release on Wednesday.

Tickets for the 151st Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby May 2-3 are available by clicking here or by calling (502) 636-4447.

Churchill Downs also provides a secure, official resale marketplace to purchase Derby and Oaks tickets via the Churchill Downs Ticketmaster Ticket Exchange, which can be found here.

Derby Week general admission tickets are $24 on Opening Night and Winsday; $41 on Thurby; and a special $5 offering for 502'sDay. Reserved box seats range from $32-$39 for Derby Week and $55-$71 for Thurby depending on the location.

Guests attending Churchill Downs on Thurby will see the debut of the new Starting Gate Courtyard. The redesigned area will feature new, padded stadium-style seating that overlooks the dirt and turf racetracks. Tickets in the new Starting Gate Courtyard are $169 on Thurby for an all-inclusive experience.

In addition to Kentucky Derby Week events, tickets for all other Spring Meet racing days can be purchased by clicking here.

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The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (NYTHA) and the Jockeys' Guild agreed to a new scale of mount fees for jockeys who ride at NYRA tracks which will take effect Feb. 1, according to a Wednesday release from the Guild.

Under the new fee agreement, jockeys will receive a minimum of a $125 losing mount fee for races at all NYRA racetracks as well as a $500 minimum fee in races with purses of $1 million or more. This scale also includes a 4th place incentive.

“We have come to a three-year agreement with the Jockeys' Guild on jockey fees at the NYRA tracks, which includes the first increase since 2018,” said NYTHA President Tina Marie Bond. “These riders demonstrate their skill and bravery on a daily basis, and they are indispensable to our sport.”

“We appreciate the efforts and continued commitment to the jockeys by Tina Marie Bond and NYTHA's Board on behalf of its membership,” said President and CEO of the Jockeys' Guild Terry Meyocks. “In addition to the direct benefits for the jockeys who ride at NYRA tracks, we have worked with NYTHA on several important issues including maintaining a safe racing environment. We pledge to work with all parties to provide New York racing fans with the best Thoroughbred racing in the world.”

Under this agreement, both parties are pleased to continue with the overall commitment to the industry, and in particular the equine and human athletes. Since the agreement in 2018, NYRA jockeys have donated $1 per mount to the PDJF and $1 per mount to NYTHA's aftercare program, TAKE THE LEAD and have agreed to continue under the new agreement. NYTHA has agreed to continue to pay the PDJF $20,000 per year.

“It is through the working relationships like the one we have with NYTHA that our industry can flourish,” said Meyocks. “Our hope is that other states and horsemen's organizations will follow the lead of those like NYTHA, California, Kentucky, and New Mexico to increase the losing mount fees for the jockeys.”

Click here for the fee schedule.

The post NYTHA And Guild Agree On New Mount Fees For NYRA Jockeys appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Multiple stakes winner Last Leaf (Not This Time) (hip 56) brought the highest price at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Winter Mixed Sale Tuesday when bringing a final bid of $140,000 from Joey Peacock. Peacock purchased the 6-year-old broodmare prospect in the name of Senor's Senoritas to support his recently retired G1 Saudi Cup winner Senor Buscador (Mineshaft).

Last Leaf was the only six-figure offering at the one-session Mixed Sale, which was downsized from its two-day 2024 format. In all, 212 horses sold Tuesday for a gross of $3,098,700, an average of $14,617 and a median of $7,500. From a catalogue of 342 head, 270 horses went through the ring and 58 were reported not sold for a buy-back rate of 21.5%.

A filly by McKinzie (hip 70) was the auction's highest-priced short yearling. Bred by Don and Jackie Duppenthaler and Wade and Donna Russell and consigned by Summerfield, the dark bay filly sold for $97,000 to Lambholm, agent. She is out of Picolata (Bellamy Road).

Peacock Continues Buscador Buying Spree in Ocala

Joey Peacock has been active at the breeding stock sales from November to January in preparation for the start of Senor Buscador's stud career next month at Lane's End. Tuesday's sale topper was his 13th purchase of the season.

“Marette Farrell is our agent and our advisor on this,” Peacock said Tuesday. “She talked to me about this mare [Last Leaf] yesterday and said she was really excited about her and hoped that we could get her for a price that was within our budget. It looks like that all came together, so we are really excited to have her.”

A five-time stakes winner and four times graded-placed, Last Leaf (Not This Time) RNA'd for $300,000 at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale three months ago. On the board in 20 of 30 starts, the mare won seven times and earned $622,058 for Monarch Stables. She was consigned Tuesday by G. Martinez Training, agent.

“We like to see mares that are coming off the racetrack that have done a couple of things: run early in their careers–2 and 3-year-old wins are important–and shown a lot of speed and durability,” Peacock said of his wish list for mares heading to Senor Buscador's first book.

Senor Buscador was a three-time graded winner on the racetrack. In addition to his victory in last year's Saudi Cup, he won the 2023 GII San Diego Handicap and 2022 GIII Ack Ack Stakes. He was also second in last year's GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational and third in the G1 Dubai World Cup. He will stand his first season at stud this year at Lane's End for $7,500.

Peacock purchased four mares to support the new stallion at the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale, led by Kelsey's Cross (Anthony's Cross) (hip 710), who was purchased for $225,000. At the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, Peacock acquired eight mares, led by Candy Kitty (hip 1345) for $95,000.

“This one makes 13,” Peacock said of the roster of mares he has acquired for Senor Buscador. “And then we have another mare that we already own that is my wife's that we will breed to Buscador also, so we are up to 14 mares to get him kicked off. We still might shop. We don't have to buy any more, but I told Marette if she sees something that she is absolutely in love with, then we can talk about it. But I feel like we have enough.”

Last Leaf | Lauren King

Eleven of the newly acquired mares were purchased in-foal  and Peacock said the plan will be to sell those babies.

“We will have those to sell either as weanlings, or short yearlings, or yearlings, just depending on where they are at the stages of different sales,” he said. “We will likely sell all those and then recycle the money into more mares for that second year.”

As for Senor Buscador's first foals, Peacock said, “We will likely sell quite a few of them, but we are going to pick a couple out of every crop probably to race ourselves. I like to put horses in [trainer] Todd Fincher's hands because I trust him and he's done such a wonderful job for us. I would love to see him get his hands on some of the Buscador babies. Whether we buy some at auction or keep some of the ones that we raised, I will make sure that we put a couple every year in Todd's hands.”

Fincher currently has three of Senor Buscador's siblings in training: 4-year-old filly Aye Candy (Candy Ride {Arg}); 3-year-old Rose A (Hard Spun); and 2-year-old The Hell We Did (Authentic).

“[Fincher]'s got all three of those following right behind Buscador,” Peacock said. “He leaves some pretty big horseshoes to fill, but hopefully they can rise to the occasion.”

The mare responsible for it all is the remarkable Rose's Desert (Desert Gold), whose first four foals are all stakes winners. She produced a filly by Into Mischief last year and is currently carrying a colt by Uncle Mo. Her daughter, stakes-winner Our Irish Rose (Ghostzapper) is due to foal a Not This Time baby any day now.

Senor Buscador | Benoit

Peacock is full of confidence as Senor Buscador begins his stud career.

“We are excited,” he said. “We believe wholeheartedly in his bloodlines and his pedigree. The Mineshaft, A.P. Indy bloodline is phenomenal and our mare, Rose's Desert, everything she has had can run. So we feel really good about his chances. It's going to be up to him to prove it, but we are certainly going to support and try to give him the best chance to succeed. We feel like he has a really good chance of being an important sire.”

The post Last Leaf Has Senor Buscador Date After Topping OBS Winter Mixed Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.