March, 2021 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Lope de Vega Filly On The Classic Trail At Saint-Cloud

Last year's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac heroine Tiger Tanaka (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) was back in action in Sunday's Listed Prix La Camargo at Saint-Cloud, but she had to play second fiddle to the emerging force Sweet Lady (Fr) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) as Gemini Stud's representative dealt her a resounding six-length beating in the mile contest. Last seen finishing a length behind Tiger Tanaka when they were fourth and sixth in the 10-furlong G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud in October, the daughter of the dual stakes winner and G2 May Hill S. runner-up High Heel Sneakers (GB) (Dansili {GB}) was in a league of her own on their second encounter to spark dreams of the upcoming Classics. Held up in a share of fourth early by Mickael Barzalona, the 38-10 shot moved smoothly to take command up the centre of the track passing the two-furlong pole as Jessica Marcialis made the best of her way home on the 7-5 favourite towards the far rail. Soon clear, the bay was stretching out with relish despite the testing ground for an impressive verdict as Tiger Tanaka had to fight to ward off Libertine (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) for the runner's-up spot by a head.

Winning trainer Francis-Henri Graffard unsurprisingly has his eye on the big prizes now. “It's always a worry when you bring a filly to the races first time out and you hope for the best, but she has shown some quality and I've always had a high opinion of her,” he said. “Even though she ran badly first time at Deauville, that was a very strong renewal of that particular race and she had won twice since. Maybe I made a mistake sending her to the Criterium de Saint-Cloud, but I thought she'd stay that 10-furlong trip. It was probably too early for her and she's done well and strengthened a lot over the winter, so I was keen to see how she would do here. I wasn't concerned about the ground, as I think she can quicken on any ground and I was more fearful of a tactical race with those who had had a run this season but she showed all her class. She's in all the major races for fillies and we'll keep her over a mile with the [G1 Poule d'Essai des] Pouliches as a target. We'll see how she comes out of this and if she runs in between in the [G3] Prix de la Grotte.”

Tiger Tanaka's trainer Charley Rossi is intending to head straight to the May 16 ParisLongchamp Classic with the runner-up. “It didn't go too well at the break and I feel that some of the jockeys were not too courteous with my jockey, but all went quite well afterwards,” he said. “I'd prefer to win, but maybe she needed the race and I'm happy with the way she fought for second. We'll stick to the initial plan and head straight to the Pouliches.”

Sweet Lady is the last known foal out of the talented Christopher Wright-bred High Heel Sneakers, whose stakes success came in the Hermosa Beach H. From the family of the US Fillies' Triple Crown heroine Chris Evert (Swoon's Son) which also features the GIII Yerba Buena Breeders' Cup H. winner and G1 Premio Oaks d'Italia runner-up Hallowed Dream (Ire) (Alhaarth {Ire}), her previous black-type performer was the Listed Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Toujours L'Amour (GB) (Authorized {Ire}).

PRIX LA CAMARGO-Listed, €55,000, Saint-Cloud, 3-21, 3yo, f, 8fT, 1:45.90, hy.
1–SWEET LADY (FR), 126, f, 3, by Lope de Vega (Ire)
1st Dam: High Heel Sneakers (GB) (SW & GSP-Eng, SW-US, GSP-Fr, SP-Ity, $212,137), by Dansili (GB)
2nd Dam: Sundae Girl, by Green Dancer
3rd Dam: Charmie Carmie, by Lyphard
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. (€100,000 Ylg '19 ARAUG). O-Gemini Stud; B-Stratford Place Stud (FR); T-Francis-Henri Graffard; J-Mickael Barzalona. €27,500. Lifetime Record: 5-3-0-0, €51,150.
2–Tiger Tanaka (Ire), 126, f, 3, Clodovil (Ire)–Miss Phillyjinks (Ire), by Zoffany (Ire). (€6,500 Ylg '19 TIRSEP). O-Miguel Castro Megias; B-Kellsgrange Stud (IRE); T-Charley Rossi. €11,000.
3–Libertine (Ire), 126, f, 3, Dark Angel (Ire)–Miss Mariduff, by Hussonet. (€35,000 Ylg '19 SGASEP; €400,000 RNA HRA '20 ARARC; €200,000 RNA HRA '20 ARDEC). O-Jan Romel & Fabrice Vermeulen; B-Azienda Agricola Gennaro Stimola (IRE); T-Fabrice Vermeulen. €8,250.
Margins: 6, HD, 2. Odds: 3.80, 1.40, 22.00.
Also Ran: Galiana (Fr), Standby For Chaos (Ire), Izlaz (Ire), Ansilia (Ire), Nohand (GB). Click for the Racing Post result. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.

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Mogul on Song For Sheema Classic

Mogul (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) is in good form ahead of a start in the $5-million G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan on Mar. 27. Last seen in action taking the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin in December, the Coolmore partners-owned 4-year-old also saluted in the 2020 G3 Gordon S. at Goodwood in July, ran second in the Aug. 19 Great Voltigeur S. and returned to the winner's circle in the G1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp in September. Fifth in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf a month prior to his Hong Kong triumph, the 3.4-million gns Tattersalls October Book 1 yearling will fly to Dubai on Monday and step out for morning trackwork after clearing 48 hours of quarantine on Thursday.

“We're happy with everything he's done,” trainer Aidan O'Brien, who won the race with the late St Nicholas Abbey (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}) in 2013, told the Tamarkuz Media notes team. “He had a little break after Hong Kong and then he got going again and seems to be in good form. He's a horse who takes his racing very well and we think he's ready to start back again.

“I suppose it is his first run of the season, but he ran in December and that's hopefully an advantage. He wouldn't have had as long a break as he would have had last year, so we're hoping he's well enough and fit enough to do himself justice, really.”

Comparing Mogul and his year-older full-brother Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) who won the 2019 G1 Grand Prix de Paris and G1 Juddmonte International S., O'Brien added, “Mentally they're a bit the same, but physically they're different. Mogul is probably a stronger, more powerful type of horse than Japan. Japan looks like a mile and a quarter, mile and a half horse, physically, whereas this horse looks more like a sprinter-miler. They're relaxed horses who sleep and eat well.

“He's a big, strong, powerful horse and there's a lot of Danehill in him, so he [Japan] carries plenty of condition. Even though he is fit and has done plenty of work, he still looks round and strong and looks more like a horse who will improve with the run, but that's the way he always looks.

“The quicker the ground the better. The flat track will suit him and a nice even pace will suit him. He likes to take his time and he comes home well. He's flying out on Monday and we will be on the track as soon as we can.”

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Sky Darci Leaves Fownes, Moreira ‘Beaming’ After HK Derby

by Alan Carasso

Any time you hand the car keys to Joao Moreira, you have a fair bit of confidence that good things are to come. Still, entering Sunday's HK$24-million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin, there were questions aplenty as to whether Sky Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), the race's highest-rated galloper, would see out the trip, having underperformed in the two lead-up events. But, one race after bringing up his 100th winner for the season, the 'Magic Man' put a brilliant steer on the Kiwi-bred and the pair just lasted, as Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Panfield (Chi) (Lookin At Lucky) were zeroing in late.

Only sixth as the favourite to Excellent Proposal (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) in the Jan. 24 Hong Kong Classic Mile and seventh behind Healthy Happy (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}) in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) Feb. 21–albeit with imperfect trips–Sky Darci drew two for the Derby to the delight of trainer Caspar Fownes, who admitted his charge would benefit from a low gate. The NZ$160,000 NZB Premier Yearling (Book 1) bounced well and settled in about fifth spot early as Healthy Happy and Silver Express (Aus) (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) put several lengths on the well-backed Shadow Hero (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}) going to the backstretch. Moreira was only too happy to play the hand he'd been dealt and remain glued to the paint, and when the forwardly placed Russian Emperor slid away from the fence and the pace dropped passing midway, Sky Darci immediately seized upon the opportunity to improve, a move that would prove decisive in the end.

Pinching ground on the turn, Sky Darci was on the heels of the leading duo as Silver Express overhauled Healthy Happy nearing the straight. Pulled out around that duo, Sky Darci hit the front with a bit more than a furlong to travel and knuckled down late to become the fourth New Zealand-bred Derby winner in the last six years. Last year's G3 Hampton Court S. hero Russian Emperor proved his Classic Cup effort (at 80-1) was no fluke, just missing as the $4.70 (37-10) choice, while treble Chilean Group 1 winner Panfield hit the line hard for third. Excellent Proposal rallied down the center for fourth.

“I had to angle my way out, but once I got into the straight, I had taken the lead a little bit too early, but I knew I was on the best horse in the race and I had a lot of confidence in the horse,” said Moreira, adding to his victory aboard the late Rapper Dragon (Aus) (Street Boss) in 2017. “I knew they were coming, they were good horses as well. He's not a specialist 2000-metre horse, in my opinion, but he's got heart and even if they were coming, he was giving his best.”

It was also a second Derby success for Fownes, who saddled Super Satin (NZ) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) to success in the 2010 renewal.

“It was the longest [last] 200 metres I've ever seen in a race, that's for sure,” the always-accessible Fownes told the HKJC notes team. “It felt like an eternity there and I'm glad he stuck his neck out and got the winning result. All in all, it's a magic day–massive satisfaction. This horse with the owners [the Kwan family], it's magic, they've been incredible people to train for.”

Sky Darci was the only member of the 14-horse field who was untried overseas prior to his import, similar to 2020 winner Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro).

WATCH: Sky Darci digs deep to win the BMW Hong Kong Derby

Pedigree Notes:

Sky Darci–the third and most successful of his dam's produce to race in Hong Kong–is the 52nd black-type winner for his sire, whose 11 Group 1 winners include D B Pin (NZ), winner in Hong Kong of the Centenary Sprint Cup and twice runner-up in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint. Despite his sire's propensity to throw a top sprinter, there is plenty in Sky Darci's pedigree to suggest he could stay the 2000 metres. His half-brother Chocante (NZ) was a Group 3 winner in New Zealand going an extended mile and a quarter and won the G2 Brisbane Cup over 2200 metres while finishing third in the G1 The Metropolitan H. (2400m) in Sydney. Sky Darci's second dam was a daughter of Red Chiffon, who annexed the G3 Canterbury Gold Cup going 2000 metres and was third in the 1988 G1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m).

Sky Darci is the third winner of the Hong Kong Derby in six years to be raised at Highden Park in New Zealand. Sam and Libby Bleakley's operation was also responsible for 2018 Derby hero Ping Hai Star (NZ) (Nom du Jeu {NZ}), who was unsold on a bid of NZ$40,000 when consigned by Highden Park to the 2015 NZBSEL sale. They also had their hands on 2016 Derby winner and future Horse of the Year Werther (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}), as well as Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock {Aus}), two-time Horse of the Year who was third to Rapper Dragon in 2017 and became a two-time winner of the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile.

Sky Darci is the fourth consecutive Derby winner to go under the hammer at the Karaka sales. In addition to Ping Hai Star, Furore (NZ) (Pierro {Aus}) was sold for NZ$210,000 as a yearling in 2016 and current Hong Kong king of the hill Golden Sixty fetched NZ$300,000 at the auction house's Ready To Run sale in 2017.

The dam of Chocante's gelded 2-year-old full-brother El Vencedor (NZ), Strictly Maternal is represented by a yearling full-brother to Sky Darci and missed to Shocking for 2020 before returning to the same stallion.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
BMW HONG KONG DERBY 2021-LR, HK$24,000,000 (£2,221,667/€2,593,350/A$3,975,501/US$3,090,927), Sha Tin, 3-21, NH/SH4yo, 2000mT, 2:01.32, gd.
1–SKY DARCI (NZ), 126, g, 4, by Darci Brahma (NZ)
1st Dam: Strictly Maternal (NZ), by O'Reilly (NZ)
2nd Dam: Take Silk (NZ), by Star Way (GB)
3rd Dam: Red Chiffon (Aus), by Sovereign Red (NZ)
1ST STAKES WIN. (NZ$160,000 Ylg '18 NZBJAN). O-Jessica Kwan Mun Hang; B-M W Freeman & D G Price; T-Caspar Fownes; J-Joao Moreira; HK$13,680,000. Lifetime Record: GSP-HK, 12-6-3-0, HK$21,037,965. *1/2 to Chocante (NZ) (Shocking {Aus}), GSW & G1SP-Aus, GSW-NZ, $315,590.
2–Russian Emperor (Ire), 126, c, 4, Galileo (Ire)–Atlantic Jewel (Aus), by Fastnet Rock (Aus). O-Mike Cheung Shun Ching; B-Coolmore, Lauri Macri & Parnters; T-Douglas Whyte; J-Karis Teetan; HK$5,280,000.
3–Panfield (Chi), 126, c, 4, Lookin At Lucky–Esterina (Arg), by Orpen. O-Yue Yun Hing; B-Agricola Taomina Ltda; T-Tony Millard; J-Chad Schofield; HK$2,400,000.
Margins: HD, HF, 1. Odds: 11-2, 37-10F, 25-1.
Also Ran: Excellent Proposal (Aus), Delightful Laos (Ire), Healthy Happy (Aus), Tourbillon Diamond (Aus), Packing Waltham (Fr), Silver Express (Aus), Lucky Express (Aus), Maximus (Ger), Shadow Hero (Aus), Congratulation, Conqueror (Aus).
Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing.

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UK Gluck Center And Industry Leaders Responding To An Uptick Of Foal Diarrhea Cases

The first several months of the year make up the bulk of the busy foaling season in Central Kentucky, so when the region's farms and equine practitioners began noticing increases of diarrhea in foals ages two to seven days old, there was concern.

In response, the University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center is using a portion of its existing Koller Emergency Funds, and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Foundation, Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and Coolmore America are leading an effort to help provide additional funding, allowing research to begin immediately.

“Anytime we recognize an increased incidence in equine health cases, such as foal diarrhea, we prepare and mobilize to further our understanding of the health issue,” said David Horohov, chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and director of the Gluck Equine Research Center. “Early detection and rapid diagnostics are at the cornerstone of what drives our research approach.”

Foals commonly develop diarrhea a week to 10 days after foaling, and veterinarians and farm owners typically have the experience and tools to respond. According to the American Association of Equine Practitioners, it is important for a veterinarian to evaluate foals under a month old when they experience diarrhea because they can develop life-threatening dehydration in as few as six to eight hours. Neonatal or young foals have a digestive tract, similar to humans, where small intestines are responsible for much of their nutrition absorption. Dealing with this type of attack on the small digestive system heavily impacts foals, which is a big reason why the Gluck center will focus its research efforts on this issue.

A significant increase in the illness has affected some farms, while other farms have had few to no cases. In spite of these incidences, UK has not recognized a rise in reported mortality associated with these cases and continue to monitor the situation.

UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers have developed a multipronged research plan to help further the understanding of the problem.

One focus of this research plan is to expand scientists' knowledge of the foal gut environment. This will add to their understanding of neonatal gut bacteria and the effect of antibiotic treatment.

A second part of the research plan is to study the differences in mares and their foals on farms both with and without early neonatal diarrhea cases and the effect of antimicrobial drug treatment. Researchers will conduct this analysis through gene sequencing to determine an overview of type and diversity of gut microflora.

They will also use the data in this part of the study to gain insight into the effect of antimicrobial use in foals on the development of their gut microflora.

The third prong of the research will investigate a biotherapeutic approach on one farm. That farm is supplementing foals with home-fermented live yogurt instead of a commercial pre/probiotic. Research has shown that Lactobacillus spp. bacteria are among the first colonizers in the neonatal gut. Data from other species supports Lactobacillus spp. as promoting gut health and outcompeting pathogens in gut colonization.

In addition to the three studies, the UK Gluck Center and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory team has identified further potentially useful tests, including gene sequencing targeting identification of novel viruses and bacteria that may be present.

With limited Koller Emergency Funds available, the UK Gluck Equine Research Center is thankful for the additional dollars provided by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Foundation, The Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and Coolmore America.

“The foundation members met March 15 and felt this research and timing was consistent with the sole mission of immediately responding to threats to the breeding industry in Central Kentucky. We are grateful to Gluck for accessing their emergency funds and everyone for responding so quickly.” said Jimmy Bell, chairman of the KTOB Foundation.

“Situations such as these highlight the relevance for a coordinated effort that can be led by our scientists at the Gluck Equine Research Center,” said Stuart Brown, veterinarian, Keeneland equine safety director and chair of the Gluck Research Foundation. “Our team mobilizes to work with equine practitioners and farms throughout the area, allowing us to further our understanding and develop our approach to work on these types of issues. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with other partners to enhance our abilities when issues like this arise.”

“We at Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation believe in supporting timely equine health for all horses at every stage of their lives, and foal diarrhea is proving to be a concern this year on Central Kentucky farms,” said Dell Hancock, chair of the foundation. “We are happy to help facilitate research to address this condition and thank the University of Kentucky's Gluck Equine Research Center for their commitment to the well-being of horses.”