April, 2022 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Cazoo Oaks Attracts 46 Entries

A total of 46 3-year-old fillies have been entered in the G1 Cazoo Oaks and 20 horses have stood their ground for the G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom Downs on June 3. Two dozen fillies represent the home team, and John and Thady Gosden train the 2021 Cartier Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) for Cheveley Park Stud. She sports three black-type wins including the G1 Fillies' Mile on Oct. 8. G3 Flame of Tara S. victress Magical Lagoon (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) was unplaced in that affair for Zhang Yuesheng and the Jessica Harrington yard.

Mise En Scene (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) captured the G3 Prestige S. at Goodwood on Aug. 28 for Qatar Racing and James Ferguson. Fourth in the Fillies' Mile, she went on to compete in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar on Nov. 5. Kirsten Rausing's Kawida (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}) gave trainer Ed Walker a score in the Listed Montrose S. at Newmarket on Oct. 30, defeating Godolphin's With The Moonlight (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in third.

Also entered is Her Majesty The Queen's Perfect Alibi (GB) (Le Havre {Ire}) from the yard of William Haggas. If successful, the unraced filly would be the third Oaks heroine for The Queen, who won the Oaks with Carrozza (GB) (Dante {GB}) in 1957 and Dunfermline (GB) (Royal Palace {GB}) in 1977. The latter succeeded during the year of Her Majesty's Silver Jubilee. The June 4 G1 Cazoo Derby will form part of the official celebrations for the upcoming Platinum Jubilee.

The Irish challenge is very strong in 2022, with 21 entered at this stage, led by 14 from the Coolmore partners/Aidan O'Brien camp. G3 Weld Park S. victress Concert Hall (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) holds an entry, as does Only (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}, the daughter of dual Classic heroine Winter (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

Another member of the Irish contingent is the listed-placed Tranquil Lady (Ire) (Australia {GB}) in the colours of Teme Valley from Joseph O'Brien's stable.

Juddmonte's undefeated filly Agave (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won the G3 Prix Penelope on Apr. 2, has been entered as the only French-trained representative for Andre Fabre in the fillies' Classic.

Godolphin's 2021 G1 Cazoo Derby hero Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) anchors the Coronation, alongside his Charlie Appleby stablemate and fellow Classic winner Hurricane Lane (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). Appleby is also considering the Epsom Downs contest for GI Breeders' Cup Turf hero Yibir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

Other Group 1 winners nominated at this point are: Ali Saeed's Teona (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}); Gear Up (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) for Joseph O'Brien in the silks of Teme Valley; the La Pyle Partnership's Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) from the yard of William Muir and Chris Grassick; Shadwell's Eshaada (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) for Roger Varian; and Sir Mark Prescott is represented by three-time German Group 1 winner Alpinista (GB) (Frankel {GB}) for Kirsten Rausing.

The post Cazoo Oaks Attracts 46 Entries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Commonwealth Racing Challenge Kicks off Apr. 8

The Commonwealth Racing Challenge kicks off Friday, Apr. 8 with the opening of the Keeneland spring race meet. The new initiative is designed to encourage Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) members to visit all of Kentucky's racetracks during the 2022 Kentucky horse racing circuit.

KEEP members who successfully scan a unique QR code and tag KEEP in a social media post at each of the six participating Kentucky racetracks during their 2022 racing meets will be entered to win four VIP tickets the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland Nov. 4-5 in addition to dinner for four at Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse in Lexington.

Elisabeth Jensen, KEEP's Executive Vice President who oversees the daily operations of the organization, said, “Thanks to the support of Kentucky's legislature and governor, Kentucky continues building the strongest racing circuit in the country. The Commonwealth Racing Challenge gives people an opportunity to see the depth and breadth of the circuit throughout 2022.”

For more information, visit www.horseswork.com/commonwealth-racing-challenge.

The post Commonwealth Racing Challenge Kicks off Apr. 8 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Insight Outcomes: Maracuja, Mendenhall, More Hint at Bright 2022

An abundance of well-bred runners went to post this week with some very satisfying visits to the winner's circle. A Grade I winner kickstarted her 2022 campaign with a win before facing tougher company, while a number of first-time starters ran with promise, perhaps foreshadowing bigger things down the road.

Thursday's Insights: Mandy Pope Starts Pair at Oaklawn

4th-Oaklawn, $90,000, Msw, 3-31, 3yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16m, 1:44.99, gd, head.

Regally bred SALUTE THE FLAG (f, 4, Curlin–Private Ensign {GSP, $124,384}, by A.P. Indy) gamely wore down a loose-in-the-stretch late leader to win by a head with the rest of the field more than 10 lengths behind. The Larry Jones trainee for Fox Hill and Siena Farms traces back to undefeated champion and Broodmare of the Year Personal Ensign (Private Account). Meanwhile the Whisper Hill-owned pair of Dance It (Tapit), a $500,000 purchase at Keeneland September, and Goldena (Medaglia d'Oro) finished off the board. Dance It was making her career debut only to hop awkwardly out of the gate and prove a bit rank early, but finished evenly. Goldena had added blinkers for what was her third start after working two bullets at Oaklawn in a month. Like winner Salute the Flag, both also hail from exceptional female families, with Dance It tracing to Starlet Storm (Storm Bird), dam of and granddam of, respectively, champions Flanders (Seeking the Gold) and Surfside (Seattle Slew); and Goldena tracing to Numbered Account (Buckpasser), 1971's champion 2-year-old filly and the dam of both GISW Dance Number (Northern Dancer), the ancestress of several GISWs, and MGISW Private Account (Damascus), sire of the aforementioned Personal Ensign. In spite of the results of this maiden race, Mandy Pope and her Whisper Hill operation didn't fare too badly over the weekend, with homebred 'TDN Rising Star' Charge It (Tapit) finishing a green but exciting second in the GI Florida Derby. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

Friday's Insights: Maracuja Begins 2022 Campaign at Oaklawn

8th-Oaklawn, $108,000, Alw (NW4L)/Opt. Clm ($100,000), 4-1, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16m, 1:44.51, ft, 2 lengths.

MARACUJA (f, 4, Honor Code–Patti's Regal Song {SP}, by Unbridled's Song), vanquisher of both champion Malathaat (Curlin) and GISW Clairiere (Curlin) in last year's GI Coaching Club American Oaks, kicked off her 2022 campaign by overcoming a bumpy start–literally, as she ricocheted repeatedly off her inside rival out of the gate–and circling the field wide with enthusiasm to storm past all by two lengths. It was the classy filly's first start since fourth behind Clairiere in the Sept. 25 GI Cotillion S. Trainer Rob Atras is reportedly considering Oaklawn's Apr. 23, $1-million GI Apple Blossom S. as a next start for the gray. Both Clairiere and reigning Eclipse older female champion Letruska (Super Saver) are also pointing to the race. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

Saturday's Insights: Karen With an I Flies Beholder's Colors on Debut

8th-Santa Anita, $68,500, Msw, 4-2, 3yo/up, f/m, 6f, 1:10.27, ft, neck.

Debuting MY KENTUCKY GIRL (f, 3, American Pharoah–Easy Living {SP, $153,300}, by Big Brown) raced very wide, failed to change to her proper lead until late stretch, and got no more confidence from the public than 20-1, but none of it mattered as she rallied late to win by a neck. The dark bay sold for $475,000 as a 2020 Keeneland September yearling, making her among the top 10 highest-priced yearlings by her sire that year. The Jonathan Wong pupil had been working steadily over the Golden Gate all-weather surface for this unveiling. Bred by Stonehaven Steadings and owned by Tommy Town, My Kentucky Girl beat another filly also 'Insighted' in the race, Karin With an I (Curlin). The latter has had a close following since birth as the second foal and first daughter of superstar mare Beholder (Henny Hughes). A Spendthrift homebred, Karin With an I had been working nicely for this debut, but broke from the rail and never quite got involved. For the record, Beholder didn't win first-time out either and things worked out just fine for her. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

8th-Gulfstream, $53,000, Msw, 4-2, 3yo, f, 7f, 1:23.97, ft, 1/2 length.

The highest-priced 2-year-old by her now-sophomore sire when she hammered for $575,000 at Fasig-Tipton's Gulfstream sale last year after working in a sharp :10, WISH YOU WELL (f, 3, American Freedom–Listen to Libby, by Indian Charlie) debuted accordingly. The Brereton Jones-bred chestnut leaped eagerly out of the gate, pricked her ears, led the field through :22.10 and :44.75 fractions, and held off fellow 'Insighted' filly Inventing (Union Rags) to win gamely. The George Weaver trainee is a half-sister to GSW Chanteline (Majesticperfection). Their dam is undoubtedly named for Libby Jones, co-proprietor of Airdrie Stud, where this filly was bred and where American Freedom stands. Fellow firster Inventing, a $390,000 Keeneland September purchase now in Todd Pletcher's barn, targeted Wish You Well on the turn and was closing with every stride, but couldn't quite catch her rival. She had stumbled at the start and will surely be stretched out down the road, as she's had family members appreciate a little extra distance, including GI Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Status (A.P. Indy) and GI Alabama S. winner Dunbar Road (Quality Road). Easy to Love (Empire Maker) also debuted in this spot. The Bill Mott-trained Gainesway homebred broke inwardly from the outside and set off a chain reaction of bumps. All seven of her siblings are winners, including half-brother Lukes Alley (Flower Alley), who is a Canadian champion and U.S. GISW, and another half-sister who is a SW and GSP, so don't count her out yet. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

Sunday's Insights: Hall of Famer-Trained Maidens in at Gulfstream

7th-Gulfstream, $53,000, Msw, 4-3, 3yo, 7f, 1:23.50, ft, 1 1/2 lengths.

Pedigree handicappers may have had a tough time with this race, as a slew of well-bred and/or expensive sophomores contested this spot. MENDENHALL (c, 3, Pioneerof the Nile–Mamma Kimbo {GSW, $242,250}, by Discreet Cat) got the job done at second asking after two bullets at Payson since his Mar. 5 seventh-place debut for Bill Mott. He had dwelt at the start that day and was never an active part of the race, but what a difference a little experience makes. The $675,000 Keeneland September OXO Equine purchase took command early and never left the result in doubt with Tyler Gallalione riding him confidently to a 1 1/2-length win after easing up late. His GII Fantasy-winning dam is a granddaughter of Canadian champion Deputy Jane West (Silver Deputy) and has produced two stakes winners from her six foals to race. Mendenhall was also a part of 'Insights' for his first career start. Logico (Violence) closed from last to second after being bumped at the start and has been knocking heads with some major players in his previous starts, including Saturday's GI Florida Derby winner White Abarrio (Race Day) and runner-up Charge It (Tapit) in their respective maiden wins. The debuting Stuart Janney III homebred Breakwater (Flatter) finished third. That left other 'Insighted' horses Days of Yore (Street Sense), Gate Runner (Arrogate), and Broken Spur (American Pharoah) off the podium in their respective unveilings. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

9th-Gulfstream, $43,000, Moc ($50K), 4-3, 3yo, 7 1/2fT, 1:31.02, fm, neck.

Great Uncle (Uncle Mo) debuted in this softer spot while not in for a tag and just missed the win against a bevy of more seasoned competitors. He broke from the rail, set all the pace with ears flicking back and forth early, and got a good education, as he was pressed most of the way and repelled that protracted challenge to pull away from the field before just getting caught at the wire by MR MAC QUHAE (g, 3, Classic Empire–Starlight Lady, by Elusive Quality). The Live Oak homebred, a half to MGSW Souper Tapit (Tapit), is trained by Mark Casse and is the second foal to race out of GISW Zo Impressive (Hard Spun), who is out of GISW Zoftig (Cozzene) and is a half-sister to GISW Zaftig (Gone West). Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

The post Insight Outcomes: Maracuja, Mendenhall, More Hint at Bright 2022 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Will Walden Launches Training Career

It wasn't that long ago that Will Walden, recovering from substance addiction, was working the morning shift at Wendy's, walking a mile and a half, sometimes in the snow, to get to a job where his duties included scraping old ketchup packets off of the concrete in the parking lot.

“I got to a place that I'm not proud of. I was at the end of my rope. I was broken,” Walden said.

But his time at Wendy's, as humbling as it may have been, was an important step. He needed a job because a job was part of the process, one that he hoped would lead him away from years of substance abuse to a career as a Thoroughbred trainer.

Now sober, that goal is about to become a reality. Walden has 10 horses and is ready to begin his training career at the upcoming Keeneland spring meet.

He is the 31-year-old son of Elliott Walden, the former trainer who is the President and CEO of WinStar Farm. The younger Walden grew up around the barn, was always interested in horses and his father is a leading figure in the industry. He grew up watching his father win races like the GI Haskell with Menifee (Harlan), the GI Belmont S. with Victory Gallop (Cryptoclearance) and the GI Super Derby with Ecton Park (Forty Niner). He said if he wasn't in school he was around the barn. When his father left training in 2005 to go to work at WinStar, he put his equipment in storage, believing that some day his then teenage son would put them to good use.

“I remember when my dad first handed me shank. It was when I was 8 or 9-years-old,” Walden said. “I wanted a pair of Jordans. I couldn't afford them and he wasn't going to pay for them. So, he handed me a shank and had me hot walk to earn the money to buy them. I always had a connection with the horse. When I wasn't in school, every Saturday and Sunday, I was at the barn.”

Considering his upbringing and his family connection, Walden's path into the training profession should have been a smooth one. But nothing is smooth when you are an addict. Around the time he turned 18, the drugs took control of Walden's life. It was no longer a matter of becoming a trainer but figuring out a way to stay alive.

“It's pretty much been a 12-year run,” Walden said. “Started going to treatment centers and jail. I was pretty much an equal opportunity drug user. It wasn't anything specific. It was mainly heroin and crack cocaine and alcohol. Those were my things. It took me to a place where I about lost my life several times. I kept waking up in hospitals or jail cells or with a defibrillators on my chest or Narcan in my nose.”

It's not that he didn't try to get better. It's just that nothing worked. That was until he met Christian Countzler, who worked at Shepherds House, a drug treatment program in Lexington. He convinced Walden to give the facility a try.

“He kind of saved my life,” Walden said. “He was running a treatment facility in Lexington and was a sergeant in the military. He did two tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. I knew his passion and his heart was in it. There was no agenda with him. He just wanted to help people.”

Walden entered Shepherds House in November, 2020. It was at a time that he had hit bottom and was, he said, finally ready to make some changes in his life.

“When I got there, it was at a point where I was going to wake up or I wasn't,” he said. “I called Christian and asked him to take me to detox. I was in such a bad place that a willingness to change had been produced. I have been clean ever since I went into Shepherds House.”

Those going in for treatment at Shepherds House usually stay from 12 to 18 months, but Walden did so well that he was let out early. His 10-month stay ended in September. Next up was the job at Wendy's.

Showing that he was sober and could hold down a job, Walden was ready to start training and his father was there to lend his support.

“He's always been supportive,” Walden said. “He just wanted the personal issues that I had to be in the rear view before this jump was made. Something that he's always told me was 'it's never been your professional life that's been in question. It's been your personal life.' Once those two got on the same page, he didn't see why I couldn't have a successful career doing this.”

In rehab, he made two close friends, Tyler Maxwell and Michael Lowrey. Walden said their support was an important factor in his recovery and he wanted to stay close to them. So, he convinced them, upon their release, to sign up for the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship. The school, created by Taylor Made's Frank Taylor, was created to teach horsemanship skills to people recovering from substance issues and provide them with the skills needed to get a job on the racetrack.

“I'm off at Wendy's or wherever I am at and I get texts during the day from Tyler and Michael,” Walden said. “There were all these questions, like how do I get this foal to walk into the paddock? It had been two years since I had been on the track but I recognized that spark. They had the passion.”

So Walden hired the two as part of his training team.

He expects his first starter will be the 2-year-old Sergeant Countzler (Bolt d'Oro), who was named for Christian Countzler. The colt was bought at Keeneland September for $45,000. It's a modest price, but was part of an overall strategy. Walden wants to focus on young horses who are eligible for maiden races that are restricted to horses that sold for less than a certain price.

“These horses run for $90,000 in Kentucky and for $85,000 in New York,” he said. “If you win or run second in one of those races the odds are you've covered the purchase price or gotten pretty close. Everything after that is profit.”

He will not have any horses for WinStar.

“I haven't earned something like that,” Walden said.

Ten horses isn't going to guarantee success, especially when many of them were inexpensive yearling buys. For Walden, it could be tough at first, but he's not complaining. It beats the life he had been living.

The post Will Walden Launches Training Career appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post