June, 2021 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Dark Angel’s Indie Angel Springs A Surprise In the Duke of Cambridge

In hindsight, a starting price of 22-1 on a Cheveley Park Stud-owned filly trained by the Gosdens and ridden by Frankie Dettori at Royal Ascot was bordering on the ludicrous and despite her form deficiencies Indie Angel (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) stepped up to make a mockery of those odds in Wednesday's G2 Duke of Cambridge S. Since Palace Pier (GB) (Kingman {GB}) exited the stall closest to the stand's side in the meeting's opening G1 Queen Anne S. the day before, all bar one of the races staged on the straight track had fallen to horses also drawn highest with the other winner only three off that fence. Whether there is a genuine bias near the stand's rail remains to be seen, but Indie Angel likes her space and so exiting from stall 12 of 12 was a real benefit here. Freshened up since finishing fourth behind Lady Bowthorpe (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in the nine-furlong G2 Dahlia S. at Newmarket May 2, the winner whose portfolio boasted just a listed win in the Fleur de Lys Fillies' S. over a mile on Lingfield's Polytrack in October was steadied in rear early. Allowed to coast into contention approaching two out, the grey was in front soon after and able to dominate the closing stages to score by 2 1/2 lengths. Lady Bowthorpe, who came up the centre along with the 11-4 favourite Queen Power (Ire) (Shamardal), won the tussle for the bridesmaid's role by a short head but was always fighting a losing battle overall. “I'll be honest with you, that was unexpected,” Dettori said after his 75th Royal winner. “She's got ability, but everything has to fall right for her. She needs cover, a fast pace and plenty of room. She was too free with me at Newmarket last time, so I didn't know what to expect but today was a good day and she just took off.”

Initially restricted to handicaps over seven furlongs and a mile last term, Indie Angel garnered a brace of wins at Newmarket in July and at Salisbury the following month before being tried in Sandown's G3 Atalanta S. in late August. Eighth there, she was disappointing with no obvious excuses when subsequently seventh in a competitive course-and-distance handicap in September. By the time she tackled the Fleur de Lys, connections had found the key to her and with Frankie keeping her separate from the rest and looping the field she was able to gain a breakthrough black-type success. Penned against the rail for most of her return to the Polytrack for that venue's seven-furlong All-Weather Fillies' and Mares' Championships Conditions S. Apr. 2, she flopped when fifth as the 4-5 favourite there and despite being kept isolated in the Dahlia was still a soundly-beaten 3 1/4-lengths fourth.

While it is easy to see why the punters had given up on her, she was able to make a step forward as older fillies from this yard can do in what amounted to a perfect storm of draw, ground, pace and the fact that both Lady Bowthorpe and the Dahlia runner-up Queen Power were racing under penalties. Solid yardstick Lavender's Blue (Ire) (Sea the Stars {Ire}), who had beaten her by 2 3/4 lengths when third in the Dahlia, was four lengths behind her in this and the way she tracked and brushed aside Champers Elysees (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}) suggests it would be naive to put this down to mere track bias. She was the second of three winners for her sire in two days at the meeting, sandwiched in between Berkshire Shadow (GB) and Real World (GB), as the Dark Angel success story gathers further momentum.

Gosden, who won this 12 months ago with Nazeef (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), commented, “In fairness, she won very well last backend but it went a little wrong and I probably ran her before she had come to herself in the spring. She had a little complication in her last race, but we knew she could be competitive with the top fillies. To say that she'd win by two-and-a-half lengths would have been wishful thinking, but she relaxed beautifully and she's bloomed. She looked a different filly today than when we last ran her back in May.”

Looking ahead, the senior member of the Clarehaven partnership added, “She's now won a group two, so maybe you start trying to climb even higher up the ladder. We won it last year and there are nice races like the [G1] Sun Chariot and the nice fillies' race [the G1 Falmouth S.] at the July meeting for her, so those are possibilities. Right now, we're savouring this moment.”

Lady Bowthorpe's trainer William Jarvis was inclined to blame the fast surface for her eclipse. “All credit to the winner, who was very impressive, but I feel easier ground would have suited us better,” he said of the runner-up. “When a filly is running as well as she is, my inclination is not to give her a break. She's in the [July 9] Falmouth, but ideally I would love her to try at a mile and a quarter on decent ground in the [July 29 G1] Nassau [at Goodwood], with the [G1] Sun Chariot a possibility longer term.” Sir Michael Stoute said of Queen Power, “She's a model of consistency, that's for sure, and I guess the trip was a little short of her best.”

Indie Angel, who was a 600,000gns purchase at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, is out of the Listed Silver S. winner and G3 Prix d'Aumale third Indigo Lady (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}), who is kin to the Listed Rockingham S. winner Prism (GB) (Spectrum {Ire}). The third dam Simply Gorgeous (GB) (Hello Gorgeous) is also the ancestress of the G1 Premio Roma hero Imperial Dancer (GB) (Primo Dominie {GB}) and the G3 Blue Wind S. winner and G1 Nassau S. runner-up One Voice (Ire) (Poet's Voice {GB}), as well as being a half-sister to the G1 Irish Oaks heroine Give Thanks (GB) (Relko {GB}) whose own descendants are headed by the G1 1000 Guineas winner Harayir (Gulch). Also hailing from the family of the G1 Epsom Derby hero and sire Teenoso (Youth), Indigo Lady has an unraced 2-year-old filly by Churchill (Ire) named Miss Clementine (Ire) who was bought by BBA Ireland and Ed Dunlop Racing for 90,000gns at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1.

Wednesday, Royal Ascot, Britain
DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE S.-G2, £140,000, Ascot, 6-16, 4yo/up, f, 8fT, 1:39.92, g/f.
1–INDIE ANGEL (IRE), 126, f, 4, by Dark Angel (Ire)
1st Dam: Indigo Lady (GB) (SW-Ire & GSP-Fr), by Sir Percy (GB)
2nd Dam: Seal Indigo (Ire), by Glenstal
3rd Dam: Simply Gorgeous (GB), by Hello Gorgeous
1ST GROUP WIN. (600,000gns Wlg '17 TATFOA). O-Cheveley Park Stud; B-Ringfort Stud & Paul Hancock (IRE); T-John & Thady Gosden; J-Lanfranco Dettori. £82,880. Lifetime Record: 14-5-1-2, $200,020. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Lady Bowthorpe (GB), 129, m, 5, Nathaniel (Ire)–Maglietta Fina (Ire), by Verglas (Ire). (82,000gns Ylg '17 TAOCT). O-Ms E L Banks; B-Scuderia Archi Romani (GB); T-William Jarvis. £31,346.
3–Queen Power (Ire), 129, m, 5, Shamardal–Princess Serena, by Unbridled's Song. (500,000gns Ylg '17 TATOCT). O-King Power Racing Co Ltd; B-Roundhill Stud (IRE); T-Sir Michael Stoute. £15,666.
Margins: 2HF, NO, 3/4. Odds: 22.00, 3.50, 2.75.
Also Ran: Champers Elysees (Ire), Lavender's Blue (Ire), Fooraat (Ire), Valeria Messalina (Ire), Agincourt (Ire), Double Or Bubble (Ire), Onassis (Ire), Parent's Prayer (Ire), Posted (GB). Scratched: Bounce The Blues (Ire). Click for the Racing Post result or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by TVG.

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Breeders’ Cup At Del Mar To Utilize 100 Percent Of Seated Capacity

Breeders' Cup announced Wednesday plans to utilize 100 percent of seated capacity at Del Mar racetrack for the 2021 Breeders' Cup World Championships in Del Mar, Calif. Tickets will go on sale to the public at Noon ET / 9:00 a.m. PT on Friday, July 16. Available seating options and pricing can be viewed now at BreedersCup.com/tickets.

Del Mar is set to host the World Championships, one of Thoroughbred racing's most prestigious international events, for just the second time on Friday, Nov. 5, and Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.

“After conducting the 2020 World Championships without fans in attendance, we are delighted to be able to safely welcome fans back to the Breeders' Cup World Championships this November,” said Breeders' Cup President and CEO Drew Fleming. “Fans will once again be invited to experience the unparalleled competition, fanfare and hospitality that have become synonymous with the Breeders' Cup as the world's most talented horses, jockeys, and trainers go head-to-head at beautiful Del Mar.”

The news comes after Del Mar Thoroughbred Club recently announced plans to conduct its 2021 summer race meet at 100 percent of seated capacity for fans throughout its facility in accordance with local state and county public health guidelines in Southern California.

As fans excitedly return to in-person sporting events, ticket demand for the 2021 Breeders' Cup World Championships is expected to be high. Interested fans are strongly encouraged to visit BreedersCup.com/tickets now in order to view available seating options and prepare for the July 16 on-sale date.

Seating options for the 2021 Breeders' Cup World Championships include:

Premium dining: Fans can take in the thrills of championship racing at historic Del Mar while enjoying an exquisite fine-dining experience from the Clubhouse, Stretch Run or Paddock dining areas. Two-day dining packages are available for purchase ranging from $775 to $1,875 per seat.
Box seating: Patrons in box seats can take advantage of dedicated cocktail service and menu options delivered directly to their seats in open-air, covered Clubhouse and Stretch Run Box seat locations. Box seating options include both single and two-day packages ranging from $375 to $975 per seat.
Reserved seating: Fans can experience the excitement of 14 World Championship races from these ideally-located, open-air, covered, stadium-style seats. Reserved Seating is available in both single and two-day packages that range from $100 to $475 per seat.
General admission tickets will not be sold at this time. However, Breeders' Cup is closely coordinating with local health officials and is hopeful to be in a position to offer general admission closer to the World Championships.

All tickets will be sold in advance of the event and are subject to the availability at the time of purchase. No tickets will be sold onsite on Nov. 5 or 6.

In addition, all parking on-site at Del Mar will be limited and only available to those with official pre-paid parking credentials. To help enhance the transportation experience at Del Mar, Breeders' Cup will offer a park-and-ride program with complimentary public shuttle service to the track from two designated off-site park-and-ride locations on both racing days. For more information on parking, please check back with BreedersCup.com when tickets go on sale in July.

Breeders' Cup has always placed the utmost importance on the health and safety of all who participate in the World Championships, including the dedicated fans who come from around the globe to witness world-class Thoroughbred racing. This year's event will be no different and Breeders' Cup will ensure appropriate measures are in place to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19. Breeders' Cup remains committed to following state and local guidelines, and will continue to monitor and comply with all public health mandates as conditions evolve and change. Additional details will be made available closer to the event.

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Saratoga to Open at 100% Capacity

Edited press release

After racing with no fans in 2020, Saratoga will open with 100% capacity in 2021, the New York Racing Association announced today.

With 70% of adult New Yorkers now vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Tuesday the immediate removal of COVID-19 protocols and restrictions for nearly all activities and industries, including outdoor sports and entertainment venues. Accordingly, NYRA will open all sections at Saratoga at 100%.

The lifting of all COVID-19 protocols, including the requirement for fans to provide vaccination status, applies to all hospitality areas and venues within the facility, including the popular Saratoga backyard, 1863 Club and The Stretch. Season admission passes, which provide access to the backyard, will be available for purchase and use without the prior requirement that fans provide proof of vaccination status.

“As New Yorkers collectively reach this major milestone in the fight against COVID-19, NYRA thanks Governor Cuomo for his leadership in achieving this goal and for the opportunity to welcome fans back to Saratoga this summer,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke. “This season will be a celebration like no other in Saratoga's long and storied history and we are thrilled to open the gates to the best fans in racing in just a few short weeks.”

As announced previously by Gov. Cuomo, all fans who show proof of vaccination via the New York State Excelsior Pass on opening day, July 15, will receive free grandstand general admission. Fans from outside New York State may redeem free admission by showing their Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card.

NYRA is encouraging all fans who have been vaccinated in New York State to download the Excelsior Pass at https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/excelsior-pass.

Non-vaccinated individuals will be required to wear a facial covering during their day at Saratoga Race Course, in accordance with CDC guidance.

The Whitney Viewing Stand at the Oklahoma Training Track will also re-open Saturday, June 26, when members of the public are welcome to view morning training from 7-10 a.m. Prior to the opening of the summer meet July 15, the Whitney Viewing Stand will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 7-10 a.m. with access available via Gate 21 on East Ave.

Licensed owners will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination when entering the Saratoga Race Course property. Beginning June 24, family members and guests will be permitted to accompany licensed owners to view morning training and visit the barn area.

At Belmont Park, the lifting of COVID-19 protocols will allow for the full re-opening of the facility to fans. Beginning Thursday, June 24, walk up general admission will be available for $5 and the backyard picnic tables will once again be available on a first-come first-served basis.

Season and weekly ticket plans for the 2021 season at Saratoga are currently on-sale at NYRA.com/Saratoga. Group hospitality reservations are also currently available via email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com or by phone at (844) NYRA-TIX. Tables in the Festival Tent may be reserved via Ticketmaster.com.

Single-day tickets will go on sale Wednesday, June 23 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com.

Single-day dining reservations in the Turf Terrace, The Porch and Club Terrace will be accepted beginning Wednesday, June 30 at 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster.com.

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Alex Waldrop To Retire As NTRA President At End Of 2021

National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) President and Chief Executive Officer Alex Waldrop announced Wednesday that he will retire at the end of 2021 after 15 years at the helm of the organization.

Waldrop has had a distinguished career in the horse racing industry, serving as President of Churchill Downs and later as Chair of the equine, gaming, and entertainment practice group at the Kentucky-based law firm Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, where he served as the NTRA's general counsel before joining the organization full-time in his current role.

During Waldrop's tenure at the NTRA, the association transitioned from a member dues-driven organization into a self-sustaining, program-driven operation with more than 90 percent of the entity's revenues now derived from programs that support the industry.

Under Waldrop's leadership, the NTRA grew its footprint in Washington, D.C., solidifying its position as the industry's leading voice and the entity that represents all segments of the Thoroughbred industry on Capitol Hill. As the trade association for the Thoroughbred industry, the NTRA has focused its lobbying on legislation having a direct and material impact on its members and their business activities as they relate to horse racing, breeding and pari-mutuel wagering.

“My decision to step down at the end of this year is driven by the knowledge that the NTRA is now financially strong and strategically well positioned to lead on key issues affecting Thoroughbred racing,” said Waldrop. “It's the right time for new leadership to take the reins and lead the organization in new and exciting directions. While I will truly miss my colleagues at the NTRA, I am certain they are prepared to meet the challenges ahead. I also have great confidence in the NTRA Board to lead the organization through this time of transition.”

Throughout much of 2020, the NTRA worked to ensure that the industry was not left behind as federal lawmakers crafted numerous important pieces of economic stimulus legislation tied to COVID-19 relief. Another major focus of the NTRA over the past two years was the ultimate passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which became law in December 2020. The NTRA played a key role in bringing together various factions of the industry represented on the NTRA Board to find common ground in their support of HISA.

Support of and by horseplayers led to one of the biggest highlights during Waldrop's time at the NTRA when in 2017 the U.S. Treasury Department formally adopted modernized regulations regarding the withholding and reporting of winning pari-mutuel wagers. The new regulations were the culmination of nearly a decade of work on Capitol Hill by the NTRA, and overnight resulted in dramatically reduced reporting obligations for horseplayers and practically eliminated withholding on winning wagers, allowing horseplayers to retain more of their winnings and leading to higher pari-mutuel handle.

Waldrop also serves as President of NTRA Horse PAC®, the Federal Political Action Committee of the NTRA that has raised more than $5 million through voluntary contributions to support political parties and candidates for elective office at the federal level.

In 2008, Waldrop and the NTRA led an industry-wide effort that resulted in the creation of the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance, an entirely new program and self-regulatory body that for more than a decade has identified and implemented national safety and integrity standards at many of the nation's leading racetracks. Since its inception, the Alliance has helped spearhead reforms in the areas of improved medication and testing policies; guidelines for injury reporting and prevention; safety research; providing a safer racing environment; and post-racing care for retired race horses.

During Waldrop's tenure, the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship grew from an event offering just over $500,000 in prize money to one that now offers purses and awards totaling nearly $4 million.

The NTRA's group purchasing arm, NTRA Advantage, realized unparalleled success during Waldrop's tenure. Advantage surpassed $1 billion in sales to the equine industry in 2019 and has provided nearly $200 million in savings to industry participants. Longtime Advantage partner John Deere is among the industry's longest-running sponsors through its support of Churchill Downs, the Breeders' Cup and the Advantage program.

Earlier in Waldrop's career, as President of Churchill Downs racetrack, he led the effort to develop a master plan for renovation of the historic Churchill Downs, which led to a $126 million modernization of the facility and paved the way for future capital investments on the property that continue to this day.

“Alex was the right person at the time to lead the NTRA. He stabilized the organization, refocused its mission and core functions and produced results that have and will continue to benefit our industry in the future. He led the organization's unparalleled achievements in Washington, from modernizing the law governing withholding of winnings to benefit our horseplayers, to tax reform for our breeders and owners, pandemic relief for all stakeholders and safety, health and welfare standards for our equine athletes. Most importantly, through his quiet but tireless leadership, he was able to bring consensus among competing industry stakeholders for the industry's best interests during challenging times. He deserves our gratitude and respect.”

Alan M. Foreman, Chairman of the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (THA) and the NTRA's longest serving Director.

“On behalf of the Breeders' Cup, we want to thank Alex for his time and dedication to the NTRA and the overall Thoroughbred industry, including his commitment to equine safety through the Safety and Integrity Alliance and support for the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.”

Drew Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer, Breeders' Cup and NTRA Board Director

“Under Alex's leadership, Del Mar has been a longtime supporter of all of the major NTRA programs—the Safety and Integrity Alliance, NTRA Advantage, the National Horseplayers Championship ― and the NTRA's federal legislative activities in Washington that are so vital to all segments of the horse racing industry. Each of these programs has realized sustained growth while providing ongoing value to members like Del Mar.”

Josh Rubinstein, President of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and NTRA Board Director.

The NTRA board of directors has begun a formal transition process and is conducting a search for Waldrop's successor. Interested candidates are invited to send their resume to CEOposition@NTRA.com.

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