May, 2023 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Red Carpet Ready Stuns Favorite Munnys Gold In Eight Belles Stakes

On paper, the Grade 2 Eight Belles Stakes at Churchill Downs appeared to go through the undefeated Munnys Gold, but Red Carpet Ready got the better of the heavy favorite on Friday at the conclusion of an extended stretch duel to earn her second career graded stakes win.

Out of the gate, Red Carpet Ready stayed on the heels of Munnys Gold, who quickly established the lead from the outside post and stayed several paths wide Irad Ortiz Jr. Condensation held the rail spot and tried to keep pace in second through an opening quarter-mile in :22.67 seconds.

Munnys Gold entered the turn with a one-length advantage over Condensation on her inside and Red Carpet Ready on her outside. Jockey Luis Saez began to rouse up on Red Carpet Ready after the half-mile point, crossed in :45.11 seconds, and she began to approach the leader's throat latch while Condensation faded into the pack.

Munnys Gold and Red Carpet Ready were on even terms at the top of the stretch, and after showing early patience when Saez started asking Red Carpet Ready for run, Ortiz began urging his mount, as well.

Red Carpet Ready gained an advantage around the three-sixteenths pole, and she began to inch away from the favorite as they approached the eighth pole, stretching out to a 1 1/2-length advantage. However, Munnys Gold started gaining ground again from the inside with a sixteenth to go, setting up for a dramatic photo finish.

Red Carpet Ready refused to let Munnys Gold regain the lead in the final jumps, and she held on to win by a head. Accede established herself as the best of the rest exiting the turn, and she carried on for third, 1 3/4 lengths behind the runner-up.

Red Carpet Ready stopped the clock in the seven-furlong race in 1:22.28 over a fast main track. She paid $13.44 to win as the field's second choice.

The daughter of Mill Ridge Farm's Oscar Performance is owned by Ashbrook Farm and Upland Flats Racing, and Rusty Arnold was the winning trainer. She was bred in Kentucky by Lynn Schiff. Friday's victory improved Red Carpet Ready's record to four wins in five starts for earnings of $588,670.

The Eight Belles was a fine consolation prize for the connections of Red Carpet Ready after failing to earn enough qualifying points to enter the gate for the Kentucky Oaks.

Friday's effort confirmed her prowess around one turn, where she is now unbeaten in four starts. Red Carpet Ready won her debut at Churchill Downs last year as a 2-year-old by 10 lengths going six furlongs, and she followed with a score in the 6 1/2-furlong Fern Creek Stakes at the same track a month later.

Red Carpet Ready started her 3-year-old season with a 2 1/2-length score in the G3 Forward Gal Stakes at Gulfstream Park, then she suffered her lone career defeat in her first two-turn effort, the G2 Davona Dale Stakes, where she set the pace and faded to third.

Quotes provided by Churchill Downs notes team:

Luis Saez, jockey, Red Carpet Ready, winner: “This filly had a good break, and she put us right in it. When she got the lead, I wanted her to open it up, but she was waiting a little bit. When she was alone, she waited for the other horse to come back. I was pretty worried about the other horse, because in the long stretch, she tried hard to catch us. Red Carpet Ready is a spectacular filly. She always tries really hard.”

Rusty Arnold II, trainer, Red Carpet Ready, winner: “She wants to sprint and she loves it here. We're going to regroup and keep to sprinting. Louie (Luis Saez) rode her great. He took it to her (odds-on favorite Munnys Gold, on the lead) and she was ready.”

Irad Ortiz Jr., jockey, Munnys Gold, runner-up: “The winner jumped for me, and I tried to turn her back, but we came up short. The fractions were beautiful, beautiful. She tried to come back, and was very game, but just got beat. We'll fight another day.”

The post Red Carpet Ready Stuns Favorite Munnys Gold In Eight Belles Stakes appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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QIPCO 2000 Guineas: Where Did They Come From?

The G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas sees a contentious field of 14 try their hands at gaining an all-important Classic next to their names. Aidan O'Brien and the Coolmore partners bring two striking colts to the fray in potential G1 Betfred Derby headliner Auguste Rodin and G1 Phoenix S. winner Little Big Bear. Juddmonte's star Chaldean is looking for redemption after dislodging retiring reinsman Frankie Dettori in the G3 Greenham S. last month. If the latter duo succeed, it would be the Italian's fourth Guineas. We took a look at the story behind each of the 14 runners for this first Classic of the British Flat season.

AUGUSTE RODIN (IRE), Deep Impact (Jpn)–Rhododendron (Ire) (Galileo {Ire})
'TDN Rising Star'
Owner: M Tabor & D Smith & Mrs J Magnier & Westerberg
Breeder: Coolmore
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: First foal out of the top-class triple Group 1 winner Rhododendron, who achieved her top-flight successes in the Fillies' Mile, Prix de l'Opera and Lockinge S. Rhododendron is a full-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Magical and Group 3 winner Flying The Flag and is herself a daughter of Irish 1000 Guineas winner Halfway To Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}). Auguste Rodin is already proven over the trip and should get further. Deserved favourite.

CHALDEAN (GB), Frankel (GB)–Suelita (GB) (Dutch Art {GB})
Owner: Juddmonte
Breeder: Whitsbury Manor Stud
Trainer: Andrew Balding
Sales History: 550,000gns Tattersalls December foal
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: The sixth foal out of the unraced Dutch Art mare Suelita, who has produced high-class horses over sprint trips, including Alkumait (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), winner of the G2 Mill Reef S. and now standing at Castlefield Stud for €5,000. Slight question mark on whether he will see out the mile and, despite coming into the race off the back of a mishap in the Greenham, he brings arguably the best 2-year-old form to the table.

CHARYN (IRE), (Dark Angel {Ire})–Futoon (Ire) (Kodiac {Ire})
Owner: Nurlan Bizakov
Breeder: Grangemore Stud
Trainer: Roger Varian
Sales History: 250,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: A full-brother to Wings Of War (Ire), a smart operator in Britain over six furlongs for Clive Cox before being sold to Hong Kong. The dam is listed-placed and a five-furlong winner who hails from a speedy family being a daughter of a winning-sister to G2 Mill Reef S. winner Galeota (Ire) (Mujadil). No match for Isaac Shelby (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) in the G3 Greenham S. and career-best needed to get involved.

DUBAI MILE (IRE), Roaring Lion–Beach Bunny (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire})
Owner: Ahmad Al Shaikh
Breeder: Skymarc Farm
Trainer: Charlie Johnston
Sales History: €20,000 Goffs Orby yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: The ninth foal out of notable performer Beach Bunny, a listed winner and multiple group-placed for Lady O'Reilly, including when second in the G1 Pretty Polly S. at the Curragh. Has produced two black-type performers–Naadirr (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) and Beach Belle (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire})–as well as nine individual winners from as many runners. Tough task given he showed his best form at two when battling to G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud glory over an extra couple of furlongs on heavy ground. May not have the pace required.

FLIGHT PLAN (GB), Night Of Thunder (Ire)–Romp (GB) (Pivotal {GB})
Owner: Clipper Logistics
Breeder: Miss K J Keir
Trainer: Karl Burke
Sales History: 150,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: The fourth foal out of a half-sister to Group 2-winning miler Robadallo (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) who has already produced a winner in Hot Affair (GB) (Ivawood {Ire}). Warmed up for this with a second-placed effort in a listed contest on the all-weather at Newcastle. Lots to find on all known form.

GALERON (IRE), Camacho (Ire)–Society Gal (Ire) (Galileo {Ire})
Owner: Teme Valley & Aura (Gas) Holdings Ltd
Breeder: Gigginstown House Stud
Trainer: Charlie Hills
Sales History: €45,000 Goffs Orby yearling
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: The ninth foal and half-brother to five individual winners. Dam is an unraced half-sister to Group 3 winner in America Good Mood (Ire) (Danehill Dancer (Ire). Experienced runner but plenty to find on the protagonists.

HI ROYAL (IRE), Kodiac (GB)–Majestic Roi (Street Cry {Ire})
'TDN Rising Star'
Owner: Jaber Abdullah
Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock Limited
Trainer: Kevin Ryan
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Half-brother to five winners including black-type performers over a mile and upwards Noor Al Hawa (Fr) (Makfi {GB}) and Majestic Jasmine (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}). Dam won the G1 Sun Chariot S. Unexposed with just three runs under his belt and one of the more interesting outsiders.

HOLLOWAY BOY (GB), Ulysses (Ire)–Sultry (GB) (Pivotal {GB})
Owner: Nick White & Mrs. E Burke
Breeder: Cheveley Park Stud, Ltd.
Trainer: Karl Burke
Sales History: 60,000gns Tattersalls December foal; 60,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 yearling.
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: The listed winner has placed four times at group level and was third in the G1 Vertem Futurity Trophy. This is the family of G1 Cheveley Park S. heroine Gay Gallanta (Woodman) and her son, the multiple group winner and sire Byron (GB) (Green Desert). Has already found several too good over course-and-distance last autumn.

INDESTRUCTIBLE (IRE), Kodiac (GB)–Shareva (Ire) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire})
Owner: Amo Racing, Ltd.
Breeder: Tally-Ho Stud
Trainer: Karl Burke
Sales History: 55,000gns, vendor, Tattersalls October Book 2; €150,000 Arqana Breeze-Up Sale.
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Successful in the G2 Champagne S. at two, the bay is out of a half to three-time group winner Shamreen (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and G3 Singspiel S. hero Shahroze (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). Shamreen has thrown G2 Railway S. winner Shartash (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), twice placed at the highest level. Best on the day in the G3 Greenham S. after Chaldean's ill luck, but would need to bring his absolute top effort.

LITTLE BIG BEAR (IRE), No Nay Never–Adventure Seeker (Fr) (Bering {GB})
'TDN Rising Star'
Owner: D Smith, Mrs J Mangier, M Tabor & Westerberg
Breeder: Cammas Park Stud & Summerhill
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Sales History: €320,000 Arqana August Yearling Sale.
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: A winner of the G1 Phoenix S. and G3 Anglesey S., the son of stakes winner and G3 Prix Cleopatra runner-up Adventure Seeker counts five-time Group 1 winner All Along (Fr) (Targowice) as his third dam. Not as long-winded has his stablemate, but a classy individual regardless. It will be his first time going beyond 6 1/2 furlongs.

NOBLE STYLE (GB), Kingman (GB)–Eartha Kitt (GB) (Pivotal {GB})
'TDN Rising Star'
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Chasemore Farm
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Sales History: 525,000gns Tattersalls October Yearling Book 1.
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Out of a listed-winning half-sister to Listed Chesham S. winner Arthur Kitt (GB) (Camelot {GB}) who ran third in the G3 Solario S., the G2 Gimcrack S. victor's second dam is G2 Queen Mary S. winner Ceiling Kitty (GB) (Red Clubs {Ire}). One of the leading fancies, and could avenge his sire's runner-up finish in the 2014 edition.

ROYAL SCOTSMAN (IRE), Gleneagles (Ire)–Enrol (GB) (Pivotal {GB})
Owner: Mrs Fitri Hay
Breeder: Rabbah Bloodstock, Ltd.
Trainer: Paul & Oliver Cole
Sales History: 125,000gns Tattersalls October Yearling Book 2.
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: The G2 Richmond S. winner and G1 Dewhurst S. runner-up is out of a multiple stakes-placed granddaughter of the stakes-winning mare Appointed One (Danzig), herself a half-sister to G1 Futurity S. winner Bakharoff (The Minstrel). One of the better prospects, and his sire was responsible for a brace of Italian Guineas winners on the weekend.

SAKHEER (IRE), Zoffany (Ire)–Shortmile Lady (Ire) (Arcano {Ire})
'TDN Rising Star'
Owner: KHK Racing, Ltd.
Breeder: Drumlin Bloodstock
Trainer: Roger Varian
Sales History: 80,000gns Tattersalls December Foal Sale ; $65,000 RNA, Keeneland September; €550,000 Arqana Breeze-Up Sale.
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: Already a half-brother to multiple group/graded winner Lemista (Ire) (Raven's Pass) who ran third in the GI Beverly D. S., the G2 Mill Reef S. hero is from the same family as GI Kentucky Derby-winning filly Winning Colors (Caro {Ire}). Bolted up by six lengths at Haydock and maintained his brilliance at Newbury, but has never been beyond six furlongs.

SILVER KNOTT (GB), Lope De Vega (Ire)–God Given (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire})
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: St Albans Bloodstock, LLP
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
Sales History: 725,000gns Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1.
Pedigree Notes/Form Analysis: A dual Group 3 winner before running second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, Silver Knott is out of Italian Group 1 winner God Given, herself a half-sister to four-time Group 1 winner-turned Darley sire Postponed (Ire) (Dubaw {Ire}). His third dam is G1 Moyglare Stud heroine Bianca Nera (GB) (Salse). Already a winner over this trip and surface and he was a whisker behind Victoria Road (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) at Keeneland.

The post QIPCO 2000 Guineas: Where Did They Come From? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

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Oscar Performance Filly Takes the ‘Gold’ in Eight Belles

While Friday's GII Eight Belles S. was bet more or less like a coronation for the freaky and previously unbeaten Munnys Gold, Red Carpet Ready–whose own perfect record was tarnished last out–had other ideas. Away as the second choice almost 14 times the favorite's odds, Red Carpet Ready shadowed the pacesetting chalk early with both kept well off the inside. Red Carpet Ready put the screws to Munnys Gold around the turn after a :45.11 half, and quickly opened up as noses pointed for home. Munnys Gold dug in deep, however, and clawed back almost all of the ground she'd given up late, but Red Carpet Ready found the line with a long nose to spare.

“This filly had a good break, and she put us right in it,” said winning rider Luis Saez. “When she got the lead, I wanted her to open it up, but she was waiting a little bit. When she was alone, she waited for the other horse to come back. I was pretty worried about the other horse, because in the long stretch, she tried hard to catch us. Red Carpet Ready is a spectacular filly. She always tries really hard.”

Red Carpet Ready opened her account a 10-length winner in the local slop on a “Stars of Tomorrow” card last October, and doubled up in the following month's Fern Creek S. She saw out seven-eighths no problem to take Gulfstream's GIII Forward Gal S. Feb. 4, but could only manage third at 11-10 in the Mar. 4 GII Davona Dale over a one-turn mile behind huge longshot Dorth Vader (Girvin).

Winning conditioner Rusty Arnold added, “She wants to sprint and she loves it here. We're going to regroup and keep to sprinting. Luis rode her great. He took it to [Munnys Gold] and she was ready.”

Friday, Churchill Downs
EIGHT BELLES S. PRESENTED BY SYSCO-GII, $500,000,
Churchill Downs, 5-5, 3yo, f, 7f, 1:22.28, ft.
1–RED CARPET READY, 120, f, 3, by Oscar Performance
          1st Dam: Wild Silk, by Street Sense
          2nd Dam: Spun Silk, by A.P. Indy
          3rd Dam: Spunoutacontrol, by Wild Again
($180,000 Ylg '21 FTSAUG; $100,000 RNA 2yo '22 OBSAPR). O-Ashbrook Farm and Upland Flats Racing; B-Lynn B. Schiff (KY); T-George R. Arnold, II; J-Luis Saez. $303,800. Lifetime Record: 5-4-0-1, $588,670. Werk Nick Rating: A++. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Munnys Gold, 118, f, 3, Munnings–Haraawa, by Medaglia d'Oro. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($92,000 Wlg '20 FTKNOV; $300,000 Ylg '21 FTKJUL). O-Robert E. and Lawana L. Low; B-Nicksar Farms (FL); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $98,000.
3–Accede, 118, f, 3, Into Mischief–Jibboom, by Mizzen Mast. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. O/B-Juddmonte Farms Inc (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. $49,000.
Margins: HD, 1 3/4, 2. Odds: 5.72, 0.41, 8.43.
Also Ran: Condensation, Olivia Twist, Sabra Tuff, Grand Love.
Scratched: Effortlesslyelgant, Positano Sunset.
Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

Pedigree Notes:

Red Carpet Ready is one of two graded winners and stakes winners from the first crop of talented turfer Oscar Performance (Kitten's Joy). Street Sense is the broodmare sire of a dozen graded/group winners worldwide. His one highest-level winner to date is Roaring Lion, by Oscar Performance's sire Kitten's Joy.

Red Carpet Ready is out of a half-sister to GISW sprinter Joking (Distorted Humor) and from the deep female family of Tale of the Cat, Fed Biz, et al.

Unraced Wild Silk, purchased for $70,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November Sale, has a 2-year-old full-sister to Red Carpet Ready and yearling full-brother. The filly was a $65,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga New York-bred sale acquisition by Deuce Greathouse's Pura Vida and has since been named Bougie Not Basic. Wild Silk produced a Not This Time filly Mar. 23.

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Argentina’s Didia Wins Seventh Straight Race In Modesty

The Merriebelle Stable of Charles Noell's Didia extended her win streak to seven straight races in Friday's Grade 3, $300,000 Modesty Stakes on the Kentucky Oaks undercard at Churchill Downs, cruising home 1 1/2 lengths in front as the 5-2 second choice. Ridden by Frenchman Vincent Cheminaud for trainer Ignacio Correas, IV, the 4-year-old Southern Hemisphere-born daughter of Orpen ran 1 1/8 miles over the firm turf course in a stakes-record 1:47.46.

Despite her win streak, the Modesty was Didia's first stateside graded stakes victory. She won three straight Group 1 races in her home country of Argentina, then after an eight-month break, an allowance and black-type stakes at Colonial Downs at the end of last summer. Didia won her 2023 debut in the listed Tom Benson Memorial Stakes at the Fair Grounds, and now has added the G3 Modesty to her resume. Overall, the filly's record stands at eight wins from 11 starts for earnings of $472,109.

“This year, she has progressed in every race,” said Cheminaud. “We had a good trip today and when I asked her for run today, she responded. It's a nice filly and I hope she will progress and win a Grade 1 this year.”

A well-orchestrated ride from Cheminaud saw Didia in third along the inside early on, then angled out around the far turn before taking over without fuss in the stretch.

“They get along perfect, and I think that he's a first-class rider; you can not ask for a better match,” Correas said of Cheminaud. “It make you wake up really happy every morning. I was blessed to have probably some of the last two best fillies that come from Argentina, (Breeders' Cup winner) Blue Prize and Dona Bruja.”

Sweet Dani Girl led the Modesty field through fractions of :23.25, :47.84, and 1:11.58 while under moderate pressure from Lady Rockstar. After being passed by Didia, Sweet Dani Girl dug deep to hold off the late run from New Year's Eve. At the wire, Sweet Dani Girl outfinished New Year's Eve to finish second, while 2-1 favorite Shantisara finished fourth.

“I won't say I was worried, but they were bunched tightly at the start,” Correas added. “I felt more confident once I saw her settle into third. From there, it was just a matter of whether or not she would have her kick. I don't know how she does it, but she always makes it look easy.”

Didia returned $7.18, $4.42 and $3.48. Sweet Dani Girl, ridden by Javier Castellano, returned $9.32 and $6.20 and finished a half-length in front of New Year's Eve, who paid $4.54 to show under Luis Saez. It was 1 ¼ lengths back to Shantisara (IRE), with McKulick (GB), Sparkle Blue and Lady Rockstar (GB) following in order.

.Bred in Argentina by La Manija, Didia is out of the Rainbow Corner mare Delambre.

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