Trainer Peter Miller said it's on to the May 5 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs for And Tell Me Nolies, who finished second in Saturday's Santa Anita Oaks (G2).
“I thought she ran a good race and she came out of it well. We'll head to Churchill Downs for the Oaks,” Miller said Sunday morning.
With Ramon Vazquez in the irons for the Santa Anita Oaks, And Tell Me Nolies settled near the rear of the eight-horse field before launching a bid to get up for second by a half length over Window Shopping. She was beaten 6½ lengths by winner Faiza, who improved to 5-for-5 for trainer Bob Baffert. Faiza is not eligible to run in the Kentucky Oaks due to Baffert being currently under suspension by Churchill Downs.
The Santa Anita Oaks was And Tell Me Nolies second start following a four-month layoff. She returned March 5 in the Santa Ysabel (G3) in which she was also second to Faiza.
By Arrogate, And Tell Me Nolies has a record of 3-2-0 in seven starts and earnings of $472,800 for owner Peter Redekop. Last year, she won the Del Mar Debutante (G1) and Chandelier Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita before an eighth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) at Keeneland on Nov. 4.
Miller said And Tell Me Nolies would ship to Churchill Downs the week of the Kentucky Oaks.
Maryland lawmakers have proposed a new authority with vast powers over Thoroughbred racing in the state and the fast-tracked measure is expected to be approved and sent to Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland Matters reports.
Under the bill, a proposed nine-member Maryland Thoroughbred Operating Authority would be established to oversee the stalled plans for improving the Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park and to be a seamless transition to running those tracks, should the owners shut down racing July 1, the day after an agreement for operations expires between racetrack ownership company The Stronach Group, which operates racing as the Maryland Jockey Club, and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.
Senate Bill 720 was passed by the Senate in less than a day, then sent to the House of Delegates, referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, made the subject of a Friday morning hearing, voted out of committee, and sent back to the floor of the House unamended, nearly guaranteeing its passage.
The authority “would be a vehicle, in the event we need to prop up a new ownership group here in Maryland for day-to-day racing and training,” William H. Cole IV, a member of the Maryland Stadium Authority board, which oversees the tracks' redevelopment, told the Ways and Means Committee on Friday.
The Stadium Authority's cost estimates for the redevelopment project have nearly doubled in the three years since the legislature first authorized the sale of bonds for work at Pimlico and Laurel Park.
The new nine-member authority would have one member from the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association; one from the Maryland Horse Breeders' Association; and three others who have relevant industry, business or government experience. One of the five would serve as chair. The five unpaid members would be appointed by the governor with advice and consent of the Senate.
To read the full story at Maryland Matters, click here.
Dreaming of Julia, dam of Grade 1 winner Malathaat and Grade 2 winner Julia Shining, was named the 2022 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year at the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association/Kentucky Owners and Breeders Kentucky-Bred Awards Dinner, held Wednesday evening in Lexington, Ky.
While Dreaming of Julia led the awards presented to Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, they were also presented awards for Malathaat, named champion Kentucky-bred older dirt female, and Goodnight Olive, named champion Kentucky-bred female sprinter.
Summer Wind Equine was awarded a bronze mare and foal as the breeder of Flightline, who was crowned champion Kentucky-bred Horse of the Year as well as champion Kentucky-bred older dirt male.
Godolphin received multiple bronzes as the recipient of the P.A.B. Widener Trophy, best known as the KTOB Breeder of the Year, as well as KTDF Owner and Breeder of the Year.
2022 KTOB Broodmare of the Year and her owner, and 2022 champion Kentucky-Breds and their breeders:
– Broodmare of the Year: Dreaming of Julia (Owner: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC)
– Horse of the Year, Older Dirt Male: Flightline (Summer Wind Equine)
Four merit awards were presented to individuals for their contributions to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Industry.
– A.B. Widener Trophyfor KTOB Breeder of the Year: Godolphin
– Hardboot Breeders' Awardpays tribute to distinctive but unsung breeders that help make up the backbone of our industry: John Williams
– Charles W. Engelhard Awardacknowledges a member of the media for outstanding coverage of the Thoroughbred industry: Steve Byk
– William T. Young Humanitarian Awarddistinguishes a person or organization in the thoroughbred industry “who recognizes and promotes the human endeavor:” Greg Goodman
Also receiving awards were the top Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) money earners in 2022 in five separate categories.
– KTDF Earner of the Year: Kitodan (Foster Family Racing, Douglas E. Miller & William J. Wargel)
– KTDF Owner of the Year: Godolphin
– KTDF Trainer of the Year: Brad Cox
– KTDF Breeder of the Year: Godolphin
Recipients of the 2022 KTOB Kentucky-Bred champion awards were voted on by the full membership of KTA/KTOB while the KTDF category leaders were tabulated using purse money won at Kentucky racetracks in 2022. KTOB merit award recipients were voted on by the KTA/KTOB Board of Directors.
In existence since 1967 and 1983, respectively, the KTOB and KTA direct their efforts toward promoting and protecting the Thoroughbred industry by maintaining the highest levels of racing, breeding and training standards in the Commonwealth.
The Kentucky Derby prep schedule is starting to ramp up, which means it's time for detailed looks at the horses that could fill the starting gate with Andrew Champagne of Catena Media and The Saratogian's Pink Sheet.
Check back with the Paulick Report regularly for updated rankings that include news, notes, and opinions on the 3-year-olds that figure to take center stage.
Three 50-point Kentucky Derby preps have come and gone. Last year's top 2-year-old came back with a vengeance in the Fountain of Youth, a Tim Yakteen trainee won the San Felipe (though perhaps not the one many thought would get the job done), and a big price came home in the Gotham.
Several efforts resulted in considerable changes to this list. However, the top remains unchanged, and for good reason. Let's get this week's Derby Bubble off to an unsurprising start…
Kentucky-bred contenders will be highlighted in red, and will receive additional analysis into their breeders, broodmares, and auction histories. Pedigree notes are written by Joe Nevills.
#1: Forte
Forte and Irad Ortiz Jr. en route to winning the G2 Fountain of Youth
It's impossible to start anywhere else. Forte was clearly the best 2-year-old of his class a season ago, and he never looked like a loser in Saturday's G2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park. Even scarier for his rivals is the fact that this was his first race since the Breeders' Cup, and an effort he may very well have needed. If there's further improvement in store between now and the first Saturday in May…yikes.
Forte was bred in Kentucky by South Gate Farm, out of the multiple stakes-winning Blame mare Queen Caroline. He sold for $110,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Amy Moore of South Gate Farm bought Queen Caroline as a yearling for $170,000 at the 2014 Keeneland September sale.
#2: Arabian Knight
Arabian Knight, with John Velazquez aboard, win the G3 Southwest at Oaklawn
Pedigree: Uncle Mo – Borealis Night (by Astrology)
Owner: Zedan Racing Stables
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Breeder: Corser Thoroughbreds LLC (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 0
Arabian Knight romped in two starts, including January's G3 Southwest at Oaklawn Park. That day's runner-up, Red Route One, came back to flatter this one a bit by running a close-up second to Confidence Game in the G2 Rebel. Arabian Knight may only have one chance to earn Kentucky Derby points, but it's likely he'll be a pretty heavy favorite in that outing, and for good reason.
Arabian Knight was bred in Kentucky by Corser Thoroughbreds, out of the unplaced Astrology mare Borealis Night. He sold to Scott and Evan Dilworth for $250,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale, then he was purchased by Zedan Racing Stables for $2.3 million at last year's Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Borealis Night, a product of the Stonestreet Farm breeding program, was purchased by Corser Thoroughbreds with Arabian Knight in utero for $285,000 at the 2019 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale.
#3: Instant Coffee
Bolt d'Oro colt Instant Coffee, with Luis Saez aboard, takes the G2 Kentucky Jockey Club
Pedigree: Bolt d'Oro – Follow No One (by Uncle Mo)
Owner: Gold Square LLC
Trainer: Brad Cox
Breeder: Sagamore Farm (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 32
Instant Coffee rallied from last to first to win the G3 Lecomte, and he runs like a horse that will have no problem getting the Derby's 1 1/4-mile distance. He also has a graded stakes win over the Churchill Downs surface, which came in last year's Kentucky Jockey Club. He's back on the work tab, which is great to see, and his next start will likely come in the G2 Louisiana Derby.
Instant Coffee was bred in Kentucky by Sagamore Farm, out of the stakes-placed Uncle Mo mare Follow No One. He hammered for $200,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale. Sagamore Farm purchased Follow No One for $100,000 at the 2016 OBS Spring 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.
#4: Hit Show
Candy Ride colt Hit Show, ridden by Manny Franco, captures the Withers
Pedigree: Candy Ride – Actress (by Tapit)
Owner: Gary and Mary West
Trainer: Brad Cox
Breeder: Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 20
A winner of three of four starts to date, Hit Show cruised home to win the G3 Withers at Aqueduct. It didn't seem like a great field, but he won the right way, overcoming some traffic and having plenty left when the field turned for home. Last year's Withers produced an eventual Preakness winner in Early Voting, and this year's renewal might age well, too.
Hit Show was bred in Kentucky by Gary & Mary West Stables Inc., out of the Tapit mare Actress, who was herself a Grade 2 winner as a homebred for the Wests.
#5: Practical Move
Practical Move and jockey Ramon Vazquez win the Grade II $400,000 San Felipe Stakes Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA. Benoit Photo
Breeder: Chad Brown & Head of Plains Partners (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 60
Practical Move was on this list when it kicked off last month, fell off last week, and returns with a vengeance. His win in the G2 San Felipe assures him of enough points to make the Kentucky Derby field, and it was his second straight graded stakes win on the SoCal circuit. If there's anything to nitpick, it's that he had a perfect trip Saturday at Santa Anita, but on the other hand, it was his tactical speed that got him into striking position in the first place.
Practical Move was bred in Kentucky by Chad Brown and Head of Plains Partners, out of the stakes-placed Afleet Alex mare Ack Naughty. He sold to his current ownership for $230,000 at the 2022 OBS Spring sale. Ack Naughty was recently sold, pregnant to Upstart, to Chester and Mary Broman for $500,000 at this year's Keeneland January sale.
#6: Litigate
Blame colt Litigate and Luis Saez annex the G3 Sam F. Davis
Unlike many of his rivals in the G3 Sam F. Davis, Litigate sat a picture-perfect trip beneath Luis Saez. As a result, the Todd Pletcher trainee got the money and stamped himself as a Derby contender. He was certainly helped by others in the field having considerable traffic trouble, but he's lightly-raced and bred to improve with both distance and experience.
Litigate was bred in Kentucky by Nursery Place, Donaldson & Broadbent, out of the unplaced Mineshaft mare Salsa Diavola. Centennial Farms purchased Litigate for $370,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale. Salsa Diavola was acquired privately after she was claimed for $12,500 out of a Woodbine maiden claiming race in November 2016.
#7: Tapit Trice
Tapit 3-year-old Tapit Trice scores by eight lengths in a Gulfstream allowance-optional claiming race
Pedigree: Tapit – Danzatrice (by Dunkirk)
Owner: Whisper Hill Farm, Gainesway Stable
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Breeder: Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd. (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 0
Tapit Trice turned plenty of heads in his first start against winners. He aired by eight lengths against allowance foes at Gulfstream Park and ran the last furlong of the one-mile race in just over 12 seconds. He'll likely be a very heavy favorite in Saturday's G2 Tampa Bay Derby despite going up against 10 rivals, and anything close to that last-out effort would make this runner tough to beat.
Tapit Trice was bred in Kentucky by Gainesway Thoroughbreds Ltd., out of the Grade 3-placed multiple stakes-winning Dunkirk mare Danzatrice. Tapit Trice sold to Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm for $1.3 million at the 2021 Keeneland September sale. A half-sister to champion Jaywalk, Danzatrice was a $105,000 purchase by Gainesway at the 2014 OBS Spring 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale.
#8: Geaux Rocket Ride
Candy Ride colt Geaux Rocket Ride is a stylish debut winner January 29 at Santa Anita
Pedigree: Candy Ride – Beyond Grace (by Uncle Mo)
Owner: Pin Oak Stud
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Breeder: OXO Equine LLC (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 20
It spoke volumes that Richard Mandella opted to run Geaux Rocket Ride in the San Felipe off of a single prior outing. The colt rewarded his Hall of Fame conditioner with a strong second, one where he re-rallied after being shuffled back on the far turn. In doing so, he showed plenty of grit, and that, combined with a pedigree that hints more distance will be right up his alley, inspires some confidence moving forward.
Geaux Rocket Ride was bred in Kentucky by Larry Best's OXO Equine, out of the the unplaced Uncle Mo mare Beyond Grace. He sold for $350,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton July Yearling Sale. Best purchased Beyond Grace for $1.5 million at the 2017 Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Selected 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale.
#9: Angel of Empire
Angel of Empire winning the Risen Star under Luis Saez
Pedigree: Classic Empire – Armony's Angel (by To Honor and Serve)
Owner: Albaugh Family Stables
Trainer: Brad Cox
Breeder: Forgotten Land Investment Inc & Black Diamond Equine Corp. (PA)
Kentucky Derby points: 54
Angel of Empire all but assured a spot in the Derby starting gate with his win in the G2 Risen Star. He was a big price that day, but outside of a turf try at Kentucky Downs last fall, he hasn't run a bad race to date. His lone other defeat was a second to Victory Formation in the Smarty Jones when that one got loose on the lead, and a win going 1 1/8 miles isn't something most of these horses have on their resumes yet.
#10: Confidence Game
Confidence Game (Candy Ride) wins the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn on 2.25.23. Jame Graham up, Keith Desormeaux trainer, Don't Tell My Wife Stables owner.
Confidence Game rallied from fifth to win the Rebel at a price, and there are reasons to be enthusiastic. He won that race the right way and defeated what seemed like a pretty solid group. The big question: Was it early-season development that moved him forward, or was it the sloppy track he's bred up and down to absolutely love? Hopefully, we'll get an answer sooner rather than later.
Confidence Game was bred in Kentucky by Summer Wind Equine, out of the winning Bernardini mare Eblouissante. Desormeaux signed the ticket on Confidence Game for $25,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale. Eblouissante, a half-sister to Hall of Famer Zenyatta, was purchased by Summer Wind Farm for $1,434,279, pregnant to Dansili, at the 2016 Tattersalls December Mares Sale.
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Much was made about the quality (or lack thereof) in the G3 Holy Bull, which Rocket Can won. However, he came back to run second behind Forte in the Fountain of Youth, and there's no shame in chasing last year's champion 2-year-old male home. Bill Mott knows how to develop a horse with experience and seasoning, so this one can't be counted out (especially since he likely already has enough points to make the Derby field).
Rocket Can was bred in Kentucky by Woodford Thoroughbreds LLC, out of the placed Tapit mare Tension. Woodford Thoroughbreds bought Tension pregnant to Curlin for $750,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November sale, and sold her at this year's Keeneland January sale.
#12: Raise Cain
Violence colt Raise Cain and Jose Lezcano following their win in the G3 Gothan
I'd wager I have Raise Cain higher than many who author similar lists. It's true there are things to nitpick about his win in the G3 Gotham. However, I really liked that he overcame some adversity. He was stopped going around the far turn and had an excuse to spit the bit, but he resumed his rally and wound up romping by more than seven lengths. Raise Cain's record looks far better if you toss the clunker he ran over Turfway Park's synthetic surface, and I think there's plenty to intrigue those looking for bigger prices on the Derby trail.
Raise Cain was bred in Kentucky by Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, out of the winning Lemon Drop Kid mare Lemon Belle. He sold for $180,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale. Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds acquired Lemon Belle, pregnant to Violence, for $285,000 at the 2018 Keeneland November sale.
#13: Dubyuhnell
Good Magic colt Dubyuhnell, ridden by Jose Ortiz, takes the G2 Remsen
Pedigree: Good Magic – Wild Gams (by Forest Wildcat)
Dubyuhnell ran a non-threatening eighth in the Sam F. Davis, but that effort looks like one you can draw a line through. Like several other runners in that race, he had a nightmarish trip, and the finish was a result of that rather than a regression or lack of ability. Assuming he's bounced out of that race in good health, the G2 Remsen winner will almost certainly get another shot at Kentucky Derby points later this season.
Dubyuhnell was bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, out of the multiple Grade 3-winning Forest Wildcat mare Wild Gams, whose runners also include Grade 2 winner Cazadero, stakes winner Mt. Brave, and Grade 3-placed Almost Famous. Dubyuhnell brought $400,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale, while Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings secured Wild Gams as a broodmare prospect for $1 million at the 2008 Keeneland November sale.
#14: Red Route One
Red Route One breaks his maiden at Kentucky Downs, with Vincent Cheminaud aboard
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Red House (by Tapit)
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Breeder: Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 33
Red Route One picked up another significant check when he rallied to finish second behind Confidence Game in the Rebel. He's still eligible for a first-level allowance race, but he's run enough big races in big spots to be seventh on the Derby leaderboard as of this writing. He doesn't appear to be quite as talented as Epicenter, who ran second for these connections one year ago, but he could give Steve Asmussen another shot at the Derby win that has, to this point, eluded him.
Red Route One was bred in Kentucky by Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, out of the unraced Tapit mare Red House, and he is a full-brother to stakes-winner Red Run. Red House is herself a Winchell homebred, out of 2014 Broodmare of the Year Fun House, making her a full-sister to champion Untapable and a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Paddy O'Prado.
One day after Litigate won the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs, stablemate Kingsbarns demolished a first-level allowance group by nearly eight lengths over the same surface. It was just his second lifetime start, he didn't make his career debut until Jan. 14 of this year, and his first published work since that Tampa Bay win came last Friday. However, there's no denying his potential, and he'll almost certainly get a shot at a 100-point Kentucky Derby prep race in a few weeks.
Kingsbarns was bred in Kentucky by Parks Investment Group, out of the Grade 3-placed Tapit mare Lady Tapit, who is herself a half-sister to Grade 1 winner Gozzip Girl. After bringing $250,000 at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale, the colt sold to Spendthrift Farm for $800,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Gulfstream Select 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale.
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#16: Sun Thunder
Sun Thunder
Pedigree: Into Mischief – Greenfield d'Oro (by Medaglia d'Oro)
Owner: R.T. Racing, Cypress Creek Equine
Trainer: Ken McPeek
Breeder: Southern Equine Stables, LLC (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 24
Sun Thunder couldn't keep up with Arabian Knight two back in the Southwest, where he ran a distant fourth, but stepped forward to run a close-up second in the Risen Star. He broke last that day but put forth a big rally and was outkicked by only Angel of Empire. Another in-the-money finish likely puts him in the Derby starting gate, which would give McPeek a chance at the one Triple Crown race he has yet to win.
Sun Thunder was bred in Kentucky by Southern Equine Stables, out of the placed Medaglia d'Oro mare Greenfield d'Oro. He sold as a weanling for $400,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. Greenfield d'Oro, a daughter of champion sprinter Maryfield, is a homebred for Southern Equine Stables.
#17: Mage
Mage breaks his maiden at first asking at Gulfstream Park
Pedigree: Good Magic – Puca (by Big Brown)
Owner: OGMA Investments, Restrepo, Sterling Racing, and CMNWLTH
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado
Breeder: Grandview Equine (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 10
Like Geaux Rocket Ride, Mage was aggressively placed in a graded stakes race after a first-out maiden win, and he had an unlucky trip in the Fountain of Youth. He moved early (and wide) after a slow start, was between horses around the far turn, and couldn't keep up with Forte. An argument can be made he was second-best in that event, and I hope he gets another shot at Derby points in a few weeks.
Mage was bred in Kentucky by Grandview Equine, out of the Grade 1-placed stakes-winning Big Brown mare Puca. He brought $235,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September sale, then he sold for $290,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Puca sold to Grandview Equine, pregnant to Gun Runner, for $475,000 at the 2018 Fasig-Tipton November Sale.
#18: Skinner
Curlin colt Skinner kicks clear to break his maiden going a mile Feb. 12 at Santa Anita
The final new addition to this list, Skinner made a big middle move in the San Felipe before flattening out a bit to be third. It's possible he was asked for too much too early, and he didn't save much ground while making his move. A luckier trip next time out may very well get him the points he needs to make the Derby field, and he's got a pedigree that indicates more distance won't be an issue.
Skinner was bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, out of the Grade 3-winning Malibu Moon mare Winding Way. He sold for $40,000 at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale, then he was pinhooked for $510,000 at the 2022 OBS Spring Sale. Stonestreet bought Winding Way for $660,000 at the 2015 Keeneland November sale.
#19: Arctic Arrogance
Arctic Arrogance wins the Sleepy Hollow Stakes, with Jose Lezcano aboard, during the Belmont at the Big A meeting.
Arctic Arrogance has yet to finish out of the top two through six career starts. He set a pressured pace in the Withers and had little left when Hit Show came running, but he held second while well clear of the rest of that field. He missed the Gotham, which was unfortunate, but he returned to the work tab Wednesday and remains possible for next month's G2 Wood Memorial.
#20: Two Phil's
Hard Spun colt Two Phil's, ridden by Jareth Loveberry, rolls to a convincing win in the G3 Street Sense
Pedigree: Hard Spun – Mia Torri (by General Quarters)
Owner: Patricia's Hope, Phillip Sagan
Trainer: Larry Rivelli
Breeder: Phillip Sagan (KY)
Kentucky Derby points: 23
Rivelli? I'll include Rivelli (yes, this will be a running gag for as long as this horse is in the mix). The Risen Star wasn't kind to horses near the front. Of the top six after six furlongs, only Two Phil's, who was third then and at the wire, finished in the top five. In finishing third, he beat some pretty accomplished horses, and that's enough to keep him (and the homages to the greatest horse racing commercial in media history) on this list.
Two Phil's was bred in Kentucky by Phillip Sagan, out of the Grade 3-placed stakes-winning General Quarters mare Mia Torri, who Sagan acquired privately during her on-track career.
