Month: June 2021

Notable US-Bred & -Sired Runners in Japan: June 12 & 13, 2021

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Chukyo and Tokyo Racecourses, including the first career start for an immaculately bred son of Tapit who goes out for one of that sire's biggest Japanese-based supporters:

Saturday, June 12, 2021
1st-CKO, ¥9,680,000 ($88k), Maiden, 3yo, 1800m
DANON PULSE (JPN) (c, 3, Malibu Moon–Curlin Hawk, by Curlin) was acquired for $800K in utero at Keeneland November in 2017 a little more than a month after the dam's foal of 2015, Seabhac (Scat Daddy), won the GIII Pilgrim S. on the turf at Belmont Park. Unplaced in a single racetrack appearance, Curlin Hawk–herself a $500K KEESEP yearling–is a half-sister to champion and multiple Classic winner Afleet Alex (Northern Afleet) and to his SW & MGSP full-brother Unforgettable Max. B-Shimokobe Farm

3rd-TOK, ¥9,680,000 ($88k), Maiden, 3yo, 1600m
Darby Dan's overachieving Dialed In is represented by his first Japanese starter in the form of North Hills Co. Ltd.'s NIL ADMIRARI (c, 3, –Into Reality, by Untuttable). A half-brother to the stakes-winning Meadowood (Harlan's Holiday), the March-foaled bay cost $30K at KEENOV in 2018 before maturing into a $130K purchase at the Fasig-Tipton July sale the next summer. One of only five horses to go a quarter-mile in :20 3/5 (bullet was :20 2/5 for American Pharoah's Kyoto debut-winning daughter Russian Samovar), Nil Admirari was hammered down for $275K at last year's OBS March Sale, making him the most expensive colt from that crop. B-Scott Dilworth (KY)

7th-TOK, ¥14,360,000 ($131k), Allowance, 3yo/up, 1600m
ALIENOR (JPN) (f, 3, Nyquist–Land Over Sea, by Bellamy Road) was well-beaten trying the local turf course on her career debut last November, but she shaped as a different proposition altogether when switching to the dirt at Niigata Apr. 18, running out a five-length winner. Her dam, a half-sister to the hard-knocking MGSW $3.2-million winner War Story (Northern Afleet), won the 2016 GII TwinSpires.com Fair Grounds Oaks and was runner-up in that year's GI Longines Kentucky Oaks before selling for $1.3 million with this filly in utero at FTKNOV in 2017. B-Shadai Farm

Sunday, June 13, 2021
5th-TOK, ¥13,400,000 ($122k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800mT
FIFTY CHEVY (c, 2, Tapit–Stopchargingmaria, by Tale of the Cat) attracted a final bid of $825K from Yuji Hasegawa last fall, the same owner who gave $1.5 million for Vanishing Point, a full-brother to two-time Eclipse Award winner Unique Bella, at the same auction 12 months prior. Winner of the 2014 GI CCA Oaks and GI Alabama S. for owner Mike Repole, Stopchargingmaria was a $3.15-million buyback at that year's FTKNOV sale before being purchased privately by Louise and Kiki Courtelis' Town and Country Farms. Upset winner of the 2015 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, the mare remained in training through her 5-year-old season and was knocked down to Three Chimneys for $2.8 million at FTKNOV in 2016. She was most recently acquired by Whisper Hill Farm for $4.4 million with this foal in utero at the 2018 FTKNOV sale. Three-year-old filly Stillchargingmaria (Pioneerof the Nile), a $1.9m graduate of FTKNOV and her dam's first produce, won her maiden at Lone Star Park this past April. Coincidentally, Vanishing Point is entered for a Saturday allowance at headquarters. B-Three Chimneys Farm LLC & Whisper Hill Farm LLC (KY)

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A Dozen On Pimlico’s Turf Kick Off Friday’s Stronach 5

Friday's Stronach 5 will include competitive fields at four tracks and will begin with a dozen 3-year-olds and up at five furlongs on the turf at Pimlico Race Course.

The Stronach 5, which features an industry-low 12-percent takeout, begins at 4:14 ET and wraps up a little more than an hour later at Gulfstream Park.

The first leg of the sequence is a wide-open affair for $16,000 claimers at five furlongs on the turf with a tepid 7-2 morning-line favorite in Mopo Racing's Pay the Kid, who has finished second on the dirt and third last out on the turf since being claimed by trainer Dale Capuano. Mosby's Ranger (4-1) drew the outside post and enters off a second-place finish last out, three-quarters of a length in front of Pay the Kid. Officer Country takes a drop in company off a troubled third around two turns on the turf last time out for trainer Mary Eppler.

Gulfstream's sixth race, a $20,000 claimer at a mile for 3-year-olds and up, is next with Tonalism as the 2-1 favorite off a pair of fourth place finishes for trainer Enrique Amado. Greyzer, claimed by trainer Barry Croft in April, goes out second time for the barn after a fifth-place finish last out.

The Stronach 5 heads west for legs three and four. Golden Gate's third race, for $8,000 maiden claimers at a mile, is also the third leg of the sequence and another wide-open race with Sleep Over a 3-1 morning-line choice off a 2 ½ month layoff. The gelding finished second at the distance for $12,500 in February but was eased and walked off last time out in March for a $28,000 tag. Governor's Gamble draws the rail for trainer Faith Taylor off a second-place finish last time out in this company.

Santa Anita's third race, a $25,000 claiming event for fillies and mares at six furlongs on the turf, is next and Navy Queen is the 2-1 favorite for trainer John Sadler. The 4-year-old filly had a troubled trip against restricted allowance company last time out after finishing second in March against similar company. Majestic Gigi takes a drop after running against open allowance company May 28 while Vella enters after also running against restricted allowance company.

The Stronach 5 concludes back at Gulfstream with Race 8, a seven-furlong, $12,500 claiming event for 3-year-olds and up. Karen's Cove (9-2) enters off a 5-length victory last time out against non-winners of a race since November. Causalistic (6-1), a winner last out against $6,250 claimers, steps up off a claim by trainer Diane Morici. Dropping in class is High Heater (3-1) for trainer Peter Walder.

Friday's races and sequence

Leg One – Pimlico Race 8: (12 entries –5 furlongs turf) 4:14 ET, 1:14 PT
Leg Two – Gulfstream Race 6: (9 entries – 1 mile) 4:34 ET, 1:34 PT
Leg Three –Golden Gate Race 3: (10 entries – 1 mile) 4:52 ET, 1:52 PT
Leg Four –Santa Anita Race 3: (7 entries –6 furlongs turf) 5:09 ET, 2:09 PT
Leg Five – Gulfstream Race 8: (8 entries – 7 furlongs): 5:36 ET, 2:36 PT

Fans can watch and wager on the action at 1/ST.COM/BET as well as stream all the action in English and Spanish at LaurelPark.com, SantaAnita.com, GulfstreamPark.com, and GoldenGateFields.com.

The Stronach 5 In the Money podcast, hosted by Jonathan Kinchen and Peter Thomas Fornatale, will be posted by 2 p.m. Thursday at InTheMoneyPodcast.com and will be available on iTunes and other major podcast distributors

The minimum wager on the multi-race, multi-track Stronach 5 is $1. If there are no tickets with five winners, the entire pool will be carried over to the next Friday.

If a change in racing surface is made after the wagering closes, each selection on any ticket will be considered a winning selection. If a betting interest is scratched, that selection will be substituted with the favorite in the win pool when wagering closes.

The Maryland Jockey Club serves as host of the Stronach 5.

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Aftercare Bill Passes in New York

Shortly after midnight Wednesday, the New York State Assembly passed an aftercare bill which prohibits the slaughter of racehorses and racehorse breeding stock, requires that racehorses be microchipped, and provides tax incentives for Thoroughbred aftercare donations on tax returns.

The bill will now be sent to Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is expected to sign it.

The purpose of the legislation is to ensure the prohibition of the inhumane slaughter of retired racehorses and breeding stock. The legislation also increases access to funding for appropriate care of retired racehorses by ensuring that monies generated by enforcement will be dedicated to the aftercare of retired race horses, and allowing New York individuals and corporations to make voluntary contributions dedicated to funding aftercare programs. The bill will also increase Gaming Commission insight into transfer of horse ownership information, by requiring microchipping of all racehorses in New York, and that such information be provided to the Commission.

The New York Racing Association has an existing anti-slaughter policy in effect, whereby any owner or trainer stabled at a NYRA facility found to have sold a horse for slaughter will have his or her stalls permanently revoked from all NYRA tracks. NYRA also requires its horsemen to do due diligence in the release of horses from their care.

The bill's passage was met with praise from racing officials in New York.

“This legislation positions New York as the national leader when it comes to responsibly protecting our retired racehorses,” said NYRA President & CEO David O'Rourke. “NYRA is proud to have long supported all elements of this important legislation because it reflects our commitment to Thoroughbred aftercare. We thank Senator Joe Addabbo and Assembly Member Gary Pretlow, Chairs of the Senate and Assembly Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committees, for prioritizing the health and safety of thoroughbreds in New York.”

Said NYTHA President Joe Appelbaum, “NYTHA and all our members are gratified that we are able to work with animal advocates both within the sport and in the legislature to achieve this historic legislation benefitting horses that are bred and raced in New York.”

The New York Thoroughbred Breeders also played a major role in helping to lobby for the bill.

“The breeders of New York State certainly thank the sponsors of this legislation as well as the entire state legislature,” said Thomas J. Gallo, President of New York Thoroughbred Breeders. “This is landmark legislation that not only ensures the protection of our equine athletes, but adds a key necessary level of integrity to our sport.”

Senator Addabbo said, “As Chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, I understand the importance of aftercare for racehorses in the racing industry. Greater oversight, including ensuring there is appropriate funding available for aftercare, microchipping to track ownership, and holding owners accountable in instances of slaughter, are all critical to improving the racing industry and future fate of horses. Over the past 10 years, a variety of nonprofits and for-profit businesses have been created to address the aftercare problem, so it's exciting to see new regulations being implemented to ensure proper care is in place for horses after they retire. My thanks to the equine advocates and my colleagues in government in advancing this significant legislative initiative.”

Assembly member Gary Pretlow, Chair of Racing and Wagering noted, “This effort was a hard fought and long overdue recognition of an issue that has, for years gone under the radar. Equines have, for centuries benefitted the world, and served to advance the human condition. It is impossible to think about our lives today without gratitude for their service and usefulness, and in the racing industry, wonderment at their astonishing speed, agility, power, and gracefulness. Yet for all their value and the joy they bring to us, they often suffer from inhumane treatment by the very industries they benefit. This bill is a strong step in the direction of rectifying this and I am proud to have sponsored and championed it.”

Equine advocates pronounced themselves equally happy.

“We cannot thank our sponsors and Assembly Member Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Agriculture Committee, enough for their steadfast support and commitment in the face of the many challenges this bill encountered. This initiative is a huge stride forward in protecting equines in the racing industry,” said Karin Carreau, Founder and Chair of HORSEPOWER, Inc. the state's only equine policy advocacy organization.

 

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Australia: Zaaki To Star On Stradbroke Day

The Stradbroke Handicap and J.J. Atkins Stakes stood like beacons last year, as the only Group 1 races held during a pandemic-shortened Queensland “Winter Racing Carnival.” This Friday night, at Brisbane's Eagle Farm racecourse, their thunder might be stolen by a new race boasting the sport's biggest new name – Zaaki. Tune in to TVG or stream on the new Sky Racing World App (First Post: 9:29 p.m. ET / 6:29 p.m. PT).

Zaaki rendered racing fans breathless when pulverizing the G1 Doomben Cup field in stakes record time three weeks ago. Zaaki's star is ascendant on a similar arc to that of 30-year-old Annabel Neasham, who celebrated her second G1 winner in her first year of training. Neasham's original plan was to rest Zaaki after the Doomben Cup, while targeting Melbourne's prestigious W.S. Cox Plate in October. However, the lure of a $1.2 million purse for the Q22 – under the same weight-for-age conditions and at the same distance (1 3/8 miles) as the Doomben Cup ­– has proven irresistible. And, in an ominous warning for Zaaki's opposition, Neasham declared, “He pulled up superb and certainly hasn't taken a backward step since. I can't see why he's not going to turn up in the same form.”

It is somewhat surprising – but a big boost for the new Q22 – that 15 horses will take their chances against Zaaki, who was installed a prohibitive 1-2 favorite. Just as his multitude of opponents might be competing for worthwhile minor paychecks, wagering might be heavily slanted towards the exacta pool.

Toffee Tongue (10-1) completed the Doomben Cup exacta and is the “favorite” to again finish closest to Zaaki. Spirit Ridge (16-1) brings a recent G3 victory into the equation. Paths of Glory (30-1) finished a sound third behind Spirit Ridge and has the distinction of being the last horse to defeat Zaaki – by a head in April at Randwick, when carrying 13 pounds less; they meet at level weights in the Q22. Vanna Girl (also 30-1) gives the impression she will appreciate her first assignment beyond 1-1/4 miles.

If the race for second in the Q22 is wide open, there are candidates galore for the Stradbroke Handicap (G1) winner's circle. Vega One was a close, unlucky fourth in last year's race and is 5-1 favorite to make amends this Friday night. Supporters will hope he didn't use up a year's worth of luck when winning the G1 Kingsford Smith Cup two weeks ago. Melbourne's leading rider, Jamie Kah (in the yellow silks in this replay), produced a miraculous “steer” to navigate a passage. Kah is stuck in Melbourne, which has entered another lockdown, and Vega One will be ridden by another of Australia's star female jockeys, Sydney's Rachel King.

Wild Planet (6-1) and The Harrovian (8-1) filled the minor placings in the G1 Doomben 10,000 (whose winner, the outstanding Eduardo, is enjoying a well-deserved layoff). Mr Quickie (9-1), who won the 2019 Queensland Derby at 1 1/2 miles, has become most effective as a late closer in races from seven furlongs to a mile. He has been kept fresh for the Stradbroke's seven furlongs, and will be ridden for the first time by James McDonald – two hours after Sydney's leading jockey pilots Zaaki in the Q22. Regardless of his Stradbroke result, Melbourne-based Mr Quickie will spend some time relaxing in Queensland's perfect mid-year weather. Even if not competing, many southern horses benefit from “wintering' in Australia's northeast. Mr Quickie's trainer, Phillip Stokes, summed up the Sunshine State's broad appeal: “It's the place to be at this time of year.”

Friday night's other G1 race is the J.J. Atkins Stakes for 2-year-olds at a mile. Hugh Bowman rides Port Louis (7-2) and is currently one win away from becoming just the fourth Australia-based jockey to register 100 G1 triumphs. Apart from the significant contribution by Winx (25), Bowman's total includes four G1s in Hong Kong and one in Japan. The 40-year-old reached 99 G1 wins by producing a peach of a ride, from a wide gate, in last week's Queensland Oaks on Duais. Port Louis has been luckless in consecutive races beneath Bowman from wide draws.

“Surely I'm due for a better marble in a big race,” said Bowman early this week … before being dealt gate 13 of 14.

Favoritism for the J.J. Atkins rests with Converge at 5-2.

Eagle Farm's card boasts an average field size of 12, with several favorites above 4-1. Last week on TVG, I recommended a six-horse exacta box on an Eagle Farm race. A 5-2 winner over a 15-1 runner-up yielded $56.25 for a $30 investment. I will be on the lookout for similar opportunities this week.

The Eagle Farm card will be broadcast live on TVG this Friday night (first post: 9:29 p.m. ET / 6:29 p.m. PT) alongside cards from Randwick, Newcastle and Gold Coast. All races will be live-streamed in HD on the new Sky Racing World App, skyracingworld.com and major ADW platforms such as TVG, TwinSpires, Xpressbet, NYRABets, WatchandWager, HPIbet, and AmWager. Wagering is also available via these ADW platforms. Fans can get free access to live-streaming, past performances and expert picks on all races at skyracingworld.com.

A native of Brisbane, Australia, Michael Wrona has called races in six countries. Wrona's vast U.S. experience includes; race calling at Los Alamitos, Hollywood Park, Arlington and Santa Anita, calling the 2000 Preakness on a national radio network and the 2016 Breeders' Cup on the International simulcast network. Wrona also performed a race call voiceover for a Seinfeld episode called The Subway.

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