May, 2023 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Ward Works Ascot-Bound Squad at Keeneland

Looking to build on his 12 victories at Royal Ascot, trainer Wesley Ward sent out several horses with intended engagements at the prestigious meeting–all campaigned by Barbara Banke's Stonestreet Stables–for Friday morning breezes over the Keeneland turf course.

Making his first appearance on the grass was American Rascal (Curlin), the first foal out of multiple Royal Ascot winner and Cartier Award-winning 2-year-old filly of 2016 Lady Aurelia (Scat Daddy), who was accorded 'TDN Rising Star' status for his towering 10 1/4-length victory in a 4 1/2-furlong maiden over the Keeneland main track Apr. 20. Ward pronounced himself pleased with the half-mile move from American Rascal (:50 flat), whose workmate Fandom (GB) (Showcasing) went the same distance in :49 3/5. The latter won his maiden on his Apr. 27 bow by 6 3/4 lengths.

“Julio [Garcia] was on him,” Ward said about American Rascal. “I wanted him to work nice and relaxed. Today was an ultra-impressive workout. To look at this horse, he's all speed. He looks like a running back: muscles on muscles, very compact. Just excited to see the next couple of works here. As long as all goes well, we're heading to the [June 22 G2] Norfolk [S.] and we're really excited about it.”

Fandom's Royal Ascot target has yet to be determined.

'TDN Rising Stars' Twilight Gleaming (Ire) (National Defense {GB}) and Love Reigns (Ire) (U S Navy Flag), each exiting Keeneland stakes victories and each set to make a second Royal Ascot appearance, breezed four furlongs in company in :50.40. Twilight Gleaming, second in the 2021 G2 Queen Mary S., won the Giant's Causeway S. in April and runs in the June 20 G1 King's Stand S., while Love Reigns was a solid fourth in last year's Queen Mary. This year's FanDuel Limestone S. winner is possible for the age-restricted G1 Commonwealth Cup June 23.

“Those were two nice works as well,” Ward said. “Julio [on Twilight Gleaming] broke off quite a bit behind Love Reigns and made up the ground down the lane, just comfortably. They finished together at the wire.”

Ward is also likely to be represented by Three Chimneys Farm's Bundchen (Gun Runner), who missed by a nose on Keeneland unveiling Apr. 28 and who worked in the company of the GI Jaipur S.-bound Arrest Me Red (Pioneerof the Nile). Candymaker (Twirling Candy), a debut winner sprinting on turf at Horseshoe Indianapolis May 22, rounds out the Ward team.

Turf works at Keeneland are scheduled for the next two Fridays. Ward said his Royal Ascot squad would depart Indianapolis June 14 on a direct flight to London Stansted Airport. They will spend several days at nearby Chelmsford Racecourse before moving to Ascot.

Ward said Irad Ortiz, Jr. and Joel Rosario will have Royal Ascot mounts on the horses they have been riding.

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Can Royal Scotsman Deliver in the Irish Guineas?

There was a time around three decades ago when Paul Cole's name was synonymous with the turf's leading lights left, right and centre around Europe. Over 30 years on from his last win in any of the British, Irish or French Classics, the Whatcombe Estate frontiersman who now runs his stable along with son Oliver has found one again. Not since the heady days of Generous (Ire) and co has the Berkshire stable been as electrified as it is at present thanks to Royal Scotsman (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and it is with great expectations and some jitters that they await the reckoning of Jim and Fitri Hays' flag-bearer in Saturday's G1 Tattersalls Irish 2000 Guineas at The Curragh.

What is beyond doubt is that Royal Scotsman is a class act, with his close second to Chaldean (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the G1 Dewhurst S. possibly even better form than his third in the 2000 Guineas itself, with the Newmarket Classic's cutting edge blunted by nagging heavy rain. When the sun burned and the turf rode slick at the Goodwood Festival in July, he was able to take apart the six-furlong G2 Richmond S. with pace that will be lethal if he can carry it this far.

Strongly-supported by the hard hitters on Friday, Royal Scotsman will most likely head to post the favourite and Oliver Cole is abuzz with the cross-sea travelling having gone to plan. “He's in great form, he left for Ireland on Thursday night and arrived Friday morning and has eaten up, so we couldn't be happier with him,” he said. “To do what he did at Newmarket, to be keen and pull for four furlongs and then finish shows he's pretty good. He broke the track record in the Richmond at Goodwood and he was in the second-fastest ever Dewhurst–his sectionals were amazing after the first furlong. He is a very, very good horse, everything just needs to go right for him.”

A Classic Conundrum...
While it is too early to say, the 2000 Guineas looks far from vintage at this stage and this version follows the same narrative on paper at least. Newmarket's Classic was stacked even more than usual with fast colts, who bar Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) seemed the most exciting of those lining up but so many hopes were ultimately dashed as the ground deepened and stretched staying power all around. While the Irish 2000 is set to take place on far livelier terrain, those who helped light up the Classic three weeks ago are already firmly on the road to the Commonwealth Cup.

So what are we left with? TDN Rising Star Hi Royal (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) exceeded all expectations to be an errant second, one of a long line of rank outsiders to make the frame in the Guineas, but it is impossible to tell how he will back up here. Royal Scotsman may have been third after over-racing, but he far from convinced with how well he ultimately saw out the mile.

The O'Brien Factor…
Six of the last 10 winners of this hadn't been to Newmarket, which of course brings in the Aidan O'Brien contingent (is there ever a time when they could be safely counted out?) and in particular the Listed Tetrarch S.-winning TDN Rising Star Paddington (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) with all his upside. While he will have his many supporters, it is perhaps Donnacha who has charge of the colt with all the boxes ticked. Step forward Proud And Regal (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who went the Mac Swiney route of Leopardstown's G3 Derby Trial only to fall short against Jessie Harrington's genuine Derby contender Sprewell (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}).

Proud And Regal won on debut here in June, went too fast early in the Futurity on his second visit and already needed further than seven furlongs when denied in the Vincent O'Brien National S. tackling the Kildare venue for the third time. His one try at a mile yielded a Criterium International, but the heavy ground there would have been against the chestnut son of Simply Perfect (GB) (Danehill) so his defeat of Ballydoyle's classy Espionage (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) could even be upgraded.

In The Fast Lane…
A Classic is a Classic, but few would forgive those who are placing Haydock's G2 Sandy Lane S. over the Curragh feature on Saturday, such is the pull of the 3-year-old sprinting generation this year. As mentioned above, the Guineas boasted the likes of Noble Style (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Sakheer (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) and Little Big Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never) and while the former has since disappointed, the latter is very much alive and kicking in the category. This is a case of clean slate for the brilliant juvenile of 2022, who has everything in his favour and defeat here will not be enough to stop the worries that he is not the force he was. Physically, the beast who took apart the Phoenix assembly including the beleaguered fellow TDN Rising Star Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) must be at least as good this year and with the calendar stacked against Ryan Moore, it is Frankie who gets to push the buttons for possibly the only time. Lucky man.

What Now For Bradsell?
We see it every year. A wide-margin, dynamic Spring success for a juvenile blessed with “early”, possibly a Royal Ascot sprint wrapped up while that precocity still dominates and then a slow slide into the wilderness. For Bradsell, the latter scenario has thankfully not played out with injury stopping him after his unlucky experience in the Phoenix and a highly respectable comeback effort in Ascot's G3 Pavilion S. last month. While the re-opposing winner Cold Case (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) had his measure that day, Victorious Racing's Coventry hero is on a sounder surface here and Archie Watson has him in a good place. “He travelled very well at Ascot and got a bit tired late, which was to be expected,” he said. “I hope he can take a good step forwards fitness-wise from there. It looks a very strong trial for the Commonwealth Cup. I'd say whatever wins will be the one to beat at Ascot, so at least we'll all know after the weekend.”

Back In Her Comfort Zone?
One of the big performances of the two Guineas at Newmarket was that of Matilda Picotte (Ire) (Sioux Nation) in the 1000 as she effectively “won” the race behind Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) and Tahiyra (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) despite having appeared to have gone off too quickly. Having been third in the Lowther when possibly York's fast six furlongs proved too slick, she made all in Newmarket's Listed Bosra Sham Fillies' S. as the ground eased in the autumn so it is a question of whether it will all be happening too quickly again here. “Her Guineas run puts her in the picture and we should be bang there,” trainer Kieran Cotter said. “In an ideal situation we would have liked a bit of rain, but she handled quick ground when she ran at York in the Lowther and she is pretty versatile.”

Fields Of Stars…
Saturday's cluttered action across Britain and Ireland requires a whistle-stop preview and much analysis after with Royal Ascot particularly in mind. The Curragh's card sees the TDN Rising Stars Noche Magica (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and Democracy (Ire) (No Nay Never) go the “Blackbeard route” to Berkshire, while the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp heroine The Platinum Queen (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) makes her debut for Katsumi Yoshida and Roger Varian in Haydock's G2 Temple S. White Birch Farm's unbeaten Prince of Wales's S. and Eclipse entry Francesco Clemente (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) faces his first black-type test in Goodwood's Listed Festival S., while York's G3 Bronte Cup plays host to George Strawbridge's G2 Park Hill S.-winning 4-year-old Mimikyu (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Her sister Journey (GB) really got going at that age, so its still all to play for the quirky but talented representative of the Gosdens.

Tahiyra Heads Sunday Delights…
Dermot Weld would have been heartened by the inside draw handed to Tahiyra (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) in Sunday's G1 Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas at The Curragh as The Aga Khan's TDN Rising Star was the key member of the 10-strong cast confirmed on Friday. Also set to be represented by live contender Tarawa (Ire) (Shamardal), the Rosewell House handler has booked Billy Lee for that G3 Cornelscourt S. runner-up. Aidan O'Brien's trio is headed by Tahiyra's old rival Meditate (Ire) (No Nay Never), who is alongside the likely favourite in two and set for a Moyglare rematch on the faster ground she relishes so that scores can finally be settled. A thrilling G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup was confirmed, with Vadeni (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}), Bay Bridge (GB) (New Bay {GB}) and Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) good to go in the first big older horse encounter of the European season.

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Hampton Takes Horseshoe Indianapolis’ Road To Louisville Handicapping Tournament

For the second year in a row, a player from the Caesars Racebook at Clarksville is the top handicapper in Horseshoe Indianapolis' Road to Louisville, a 16-week handicapping contest extending to Kentucky Derby Day on the first Saturday in May. This year's winner is Jeffrey Hampton of Salem, Ind., a frequent player at the facility in Clarksville, Ind.

Hampton bested a total of 454 individuals who played in the contest. His final tally of points over the 16-week contest was 1,261.48 ahead of second place finisher Tom Congalosi with 1,204.84 points. Hampton has developed his handicapping skills over several decades.

“My dad passed away in late 1968,” said Hampton. “Then I began to heal my heart by hanging with and going to the horse track with my Uncle Gerald Hampton. My love of horse racing began when my uncle took me for my first trip to Miles Park in 1969 in Louisville. My first bet was a horse named CapnJulius. It won and paid $15.60. So goes the story, I was hooked, and my love of horse racing did not stop there, I still love horse racing.”

Hampton also has some experience working directly with horses. He worked on the backstretch of a few local tracks from 1988 until 1995. He has fond memories of his time working around horses.

Points are based on selections made during Derby Prep races from mid-January until the Derby. More than $6,000 in prize money was awarded during the contest featuring weekly, monthly, and grand prize money in addition to the $30,000 option to purchase an Indiana yearling. The contest is provided through a partnership with Horseshoe Indianapolis and the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (ITOBA).

Hampton received $1,000 for the win. One thing Hampton did not do was the $30,000 Indiana horse option. That option went to second place finisher Tom Congalosi, a retired supply chain industry executive and current resident of Georgetown, Ky.

Congalosi follows in the footsteps of last year's winner, Anthony Bradshaw, who won the 2022 Road to Louisville and the option for the ITOBA Fall Sale held at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Bradshaw purchased Jailhouse Justice from the sale for $8,000 with the remaining balance going toward expenses. Jailhouse Justice, who Bradshaw quickly nicknamed “JJ,” is currently part of the Anthony Granitz Stable and expected to make his racing debut in July.

“This contest has generated so much positive feedback and has grown in just two years,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis. “We came together with ITOBA (Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association) to offer a unique platform with the goal of introducing new owners into the sport. It has been a fun journey watching Tony (Bradshaw) go through the initial steps of horse ownership and we look forward to the same experience with Tom Congalosi.”

The 21st season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Friday, Nov. 17. Following live racing for Memorial Day Monday, May 29 at 12 p.m., live racing begins a Tuesday through Thursday schedule beginning May 30 with Saturday racing added in during the summer months. First post Tuesday and Wednesday is 2:30 p.m. with Thursday racing beginning at 2:10 p.m. The Summer Saturday Racing Series includes six all-Quarter Horse dates June 3, July 1, July 22, Aug. 12, Sept. 2, and Oct. 7 beginning at 10:45 a.m. Indiana's featured event, the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby is set for Saturday, July 8 with a first post time of 12 p.m. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.

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Breeder/Owner/Trainer Ruben Sierra Takes Pride In ‘No Rush’ Success

Ruben Sierra became involved in Thoroughbred breeding and ownership more than 20 years ago with his eyes wide open.

“My stable is called Just for Fun to remind me this is not cheap. It's a hobby,” said the South Florida horseman, not to be confused with the former Major League Baseball star of the same name. “I'm a grain trader. I trade futures, export grain, corn, soybean – that's what allows me to pay for my hobby.”

Although he hasn't been blinded my unrealistic expectations, Sierra has enjoyed enough success to make his hobby a rewarding pastime, most notably a 2011 Kentucky Derby (G1) start for homebred Decisive Moment, a multiple-stakes winner who earned nearly $975,000.

Having also started training his homebreds recently, Sierra is scheduled to saddle Warrior's Pride for a start in Saturday's $60,000 Pembroke Latkes, a five-furlong overnight handicap for 3-year-olds and up on turf, at Gulfstream Park.

“He's a 5-year-old. He's lightly raced, but that's the way we are. The horse will let us know when he's ready to run. He's sound. He's a horse that hasn't had any issues, knock on wood,” he said. “I think he's the best example of what we try to do. They don't all turn out like that. He's got a big heart and a lot of speed.”

A homebred son of Poseidon's Warrior, Warrior's Pride is a multiple-stakes winner with more than $225,000 in purse earnings.

“I used to buy horses and I wasn't happy with what I was getting after a while. I started to do my own thing,” Sierra said. “I've always studied pedigree. I started experimenting, but the key, I think, is how you bring them up, how you take care of the mare, how you take care of the babies. The success is starting to show.”

Warrior's Pride most recently pressed the pace set by Yes I Am Free in the April 29 Sunny Isles overnight handicap before settling for third behind the multiple grade-stakes winner.

“He hadn't run in about seven months. He had a couple of minor issues, skin problems,” Sierra said. “He wasn't 100 percent. He's going to benefit from having raced. We couldn't be happier.”

Warrior's Pride's half-sister Sophia's Storm, a 4-year-old daughter of Handsome Mike, has won four of her last five races for Sierra.

“I don't have access to the top bloodlines. I believe the way you take care of the mares and how you bring up the babies makes a difference. In the last couple of years, we've seen difference, not only how the horses look physically, but how they've been performing,” Sierra said. “I've been fortunate because they are sound. Open spaces, good feed, good care gives you a good product, a good horse, a happy horse.

“We know these individuals from when they are born. We know their particularities,” he added. “We're in no rush. We don't rush. If you look numbers, I run very few 2-year-olds. We're trying to get on track to participate in 2-year-old races, but we want to take our time and let the horses develop.”

Patience has certainly paid off with Warrior's Pride, who has been installed as the 7-2 morning-line favorite for the Pembroke Lakes in his second start of the season. Edgard Zayas has the call on the Just For Fun Stable LLC's veteran.

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