Tag: dalika

Breeders’ Cup Presents Connections: ‘It Makes You Feel Like You’ve Got A Heartbeat’

Al Stall, Jr. slowly removed his steam-covered glasses and took a moment to compose himself before an interview outside the Fair Grounds winner's circle last Saturday. The veteran Thoroughbred trainer had just saddled the winner of the Albert M. Stall Memorial, a stakes race named for his late father.

“It's funny how things come together,” Stall said, his voice brimming with emotion. “We've given the trophy here for the last few years, patting Billy Mott on the back, Joe Sharp. You know, it was great, both friends of mine…”

The poignant moment overwhelmed Stall, and he dropped his eyes for several moments, wiping away a stray tear before he continued.

“Then we were lucky enough to have a filly to be live in this race, and (the turf) came up soft, which is her thing, and everything went our way,” he said. “We'll take it.”

Reflecting on the interview several days later, Stall said he felt grateful for that unguarded moment.

“It makes you feel like you've got a heartbeat, instead of just going through the motions,” Stall explained. “It was definitely special.”

Stall grew up attending races alongside his father in New Orleans, and the pair traveled all around the country to watch the horses run. As an owner, Stall Sr. won the 1970 Kentucky Oaks with Lady Vi-E, and he served on the Louisiana State Racing Commission for 28 years, including nine years as chairman. 

A member of the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association Hall of Fame and the Fair Grounds Race Course Hall of Fame, Stall Sr. passed away in 2017 at the age of 85.

“He's the person that got not only me, but the rest of my family, as well as Tom Amoss and a few others to go the track, because he was always interested in racing from the time he was in high School in NOLA,” Stall said. “There are win photographs and pictures around the barn from when I was seven years old, and you can almost plot the chronological photos of my life from the late 60's to the present.”

In high school, Stall's love of racing grew as he took a job on the backstretch in the barn of Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, working under his assistant trainer and future Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Frankie Brothers. Stall kept up with Brothers through his time at Louisiana State University, earning a degree in geology just like his father. 

Though Stall briefly followed his father into the oil industry after graduation, it was at the racetrack that he found his true calling. Stall spent five years as an assistant to Brothers, by then training his own string.

“It was basically a Harvard education,” Stall mused. “At that time we had horses at Louisiana Downs, Fair Grounds, everywhere, and they were all kinds of horses: cheap ones, middle ones, stakes horses, so you saw a lot of everything. (Brothers) was a working machine, so you saw what hard work would produce. If you couldn't learn being around that program, you weren't trying very hard.”

Perhaps the most important lesson he learned from Brothers was patience.

“Just to stay the course,” Stall clarified. “If your horses aren't running that well, if things aren't going that well, don't make wholesale changes; just stick with the program that's got you there. Be a little patient with how things are going.”

By 1991, Stall was ready to go out on his own as a trainer. He started with just one horse at Arlington Park, but built up his stable over the past 30 years and has now won nearly 1,700 races. 

That patience he learned from Brothers has more than paid off over the course of Stall's career, leading to highlights like his 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic win with Blame, defeating the great mare Zenyatta.

“He's the best horse I've ever trained,” Stall said. “Blame made it all the way to the mountaintop. That race, we were paying attention to our horse for the most part, so the Zenyatta phenomenon affected us a little more after the race than leading up to. We had our own little pocket of excitement, so we didn't really notice the quiet crowd.”

Trainer Al Stall, Jr. leads Blame into the winner's circle following the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic

More recently, Stall trainee Tom's d'Etat made headlines at the age of six with a Grade 1 win in the 2019 Clark Handicap, and retired to stud after a solid 2020 campaign with two wins and a third from four starts.

“Tom got us really close, and it's quite fulfilling that those types of horses get to go somewhere nice like WinStar,” Stall said. “You know, he may be retired, but I'm an optimistic type of person. With the type of clients that I have, there's always something good around the corner.”

Trainer Al Stall Jr. with Tom's d'Etat at WinStar Farm.

For example, Stall sent out the talented 3-year-old filly named Carribean Caper to win her debut by eight lengths at the Fair Grounds last Saturday, just a few hours before he saddled Dalika to win the Memorial race. 

The daughter of Speightstown will likely appear next in an allowance race at Keeneland, Stall said; he doesn't like to rush his trainees into big races.

“I like to keep horses around as long as I can; it just makes sense to me,” he explained. “I wouldn't feel comfortable gutting one out trying to make a certain goal. I want to give them a chance to be what they can possibly be, whenever that time can be.”

Perhaps some of Stall's most treasured memories, however, are the races he won with cheaper Louisiana-breds owned by his father and grandfather. Following a win in the 1991 Fair Grounds Sales Futurity with the filly Irish Gray, Stall Sr. talked about his son in the winner's circle.

“He's a good horseman, a better one than I am,” Stall Sr. said. “Since they were old enough to walk, we've had them out here, so this is just following through with what he really has always loved. Even though he's got a degree in geology from LSU, and you can't find a lot of oil out here in the infield, but he hit a little pay dirt today.”

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Flavius Among Winners Of Lucrative Stakes On Opening Day At Kentucky Downs

Juddmonte Farms' homebred Flavius surged to the lead at midstretch and held off a late charge from defending champion Snapper Sinclair by three-quarters of a length to win the 23rd running of the $645,700 Tourist Mile to cap the WinStar Farm opening-day program of the six-day RUNHAPPY Meet at Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Ky.

Earlier on the 11-race program, 2-year-olds Barrister Tom and Plum Ali won the Look For The Star Juvenile and Mint Juvenile Fillies, respectively and Dalika (GER) captured the One Dreamer.

In the Tourist Mile, Flavius gave trainer Chad Brown his first Kentucky Downs stakes victory. Javier Castellano was aboard the 5-year-old son of War Front out of the Dynaformer mare Starformer.

Ivar (BRZ), Blitzkrieg and Neptune's Storm made up the pace as Flavius raced in mid pack with Snapper Sinclair at the rear of the nine-horse field.

Castellano sent Flavius after the leaders in upper stretch, opened a daylight margin and had enough to hold off Snapper Sinclair while timed in 1:32.21. Kentucky Downs is not calling them course records as the track is testing Equibase's Gmax tracking and timing system that utilizes GPS technology. That system is establishing a more consistent starting point.

The Tourist Mile victory was worth $446,400 and increased his earnings to $518,651 with a record of 7-3-1-1. It is the first stakes victory in the United States for Flavius, who began his career in Ireland.

Flavius returned $10, $5.60 and $4. Snapper Sinclair, ridden by Julien Leparoux, returned $8.20 and $6.20 and finished a length in front of Ivar who paid $7.20 to show under Joe Talamo. Snapper Sinclair was trying to become the first three-time Kentucky Downs stakes-winner, having also won the track's 2-year-old stakes in 2017.

It was another length back to Neptune's Storm who was followed in order by Next Shares, Blitzkrieg, Parlor, Emmaus (IRE) and Ritzy A.P.

Chad Brown, who until this meet had only one prior starter at Kentucky Downs, also won the third race with the 2-year-old filly Fluffy Socks.

Javier Castellano, winning jockey Flavius: “He broke so well out of the gate today. I think that was the key to winning the race. Usually he breaks slow. For whatever reason, he got better and better. He put me in a good spot early in the race. All the time before he was too far back, and he always came late. Today he put me in good position. When I asked him, he responded so well. I'm glad the way he did it today. I wasn't disappointed in him before; he always tried hard. Maybe he liked the track today, European style, up and down, curves. I think he really liked it and enjoyed the trip.”

Whit Beckman, assistant to winning trainer Chad Brown (Flavius): “He came to Churchill Downs last Monday. I am not sure what the decision was to come down here, but he had come from Europe and maybe he would like this kind of course. It was a good decision. He broke better today than he has in his past two starts. Javier (Castellano) rode him beautifully and he kicked on. He showed a real turn of foot.”

Steve Asmussen (trainer, runner-up Snapper Sinclair): “He almost did it again. He ran hard. We have no control how other horses run with him. The winner ran a beautiful race and finished up to the wire. Julien said he handles (the course) well. I think that puts him at $780,000 in his three Kentucky Downs starts. We're going to talk to Ron (track co-owner Ron Winchell) and see if we can get him to use his six days a year every six weeks. We're proud of him. We're always proud of him.”

Julien Leparoux (rider, runner-up Snapper Sinclair): “He made a nice run at the end. That was a good race.”

Clement wins The Mint Juvenile Fillies for third time
In the ninth running of the $462,400 The Mint Juvenile Fillies, Michael Dubb, Madaket Stables and Bethlehem Stables' Plum Ali took command at midstretch and drew off for a 2 3/4-length victory over Flown to give trainer Christophe Clement his third victory in the race.

A Kentucky-bred daughter of First Samurai out of the Stroll mare Skipping, Plum Ali covered the mile in 1:35.74 under Tyler Gaffalione, who posted his third victory of the afternoon.

The victory was worth $291,400 and increased Plum Ali's earnings to $331,000 with a perfect two-for-two mark.

Plum Ali rewarded her backers with mutuels of $4.40, $3 and $2.80. Flown, ridden by John Velazquez, returned $7 and $5.80 and finished a neck in front of Oliviaofthedesert who paid $6.20 to show under Brian Hernandez Jr.

It was another neck back to Cecile's Chapter in fourth with Beautiful Star, Dream Quist, Yogurt, Sunshine City, Stephanies Jewel, Long Monday and Maci's Jamming following in order.

Roger Horgan assistant to Christophe Clement (winning trainer Plum Ali): “She has been special since Day One. We never cranked on her before her first start because she was going to run long. This was actually an audible. She was going to run in the With Anticipation at Saratoga but it got rained off the turf. So we came here for five times the money.”

Tyler Gaffalione (winning jockey, Plum Ali): “Christophe gave me a call this morning and said he put me on one of his best ones. She was supposed to run at Saratoga, but with all the rain, he figured this was an easier spot for her. Great job by them. She came over ready to run today. Boy, what an incredible filly.”

John Velazquez (runner-up jockey on Flown): “She ran really well, put in a really good run. Obviously the best horse beat her today.”

Barrister Tom pays $90 to win in Look For The Star Juvenile
Bantry Farms' Barrister Tom scored a 44-1 upset in the $498,000 Look For The Star Juvenile for 2-year-olds by posting a half-length victory over Pivotal Mission to give jockey Tyler Baze his first victory at Kentucky Downs.

Getting a ground-saving trip from Baze, Barrister Tom sat just off a speed duel by Gypsy King and Dreamer's Disease. In the stretch, Barrister Tom stayed on the inside and held off Pivotal Mission, completing the mile in 1:35.71.

Barrister Tom is a Kentucky-bred son of Artie Schiller out of the Parading mare Taylor Lane and is now a perfect two-for-two on the turf. The victory was worth $300,700 and increased his earnings to $316,900.

Barrister Tom returned $90, $28.20 and $11. Pivotal Mission, ridden by John Velazquez, returned $5 and $3.60 and finished a neck in front of Indy Tourist who paid $3.80 to show under Florent Geroux.

It was another neck back to Shawdyshawdyshawdy who was followed in order by Gypsy King, Really Slow, Citadel and Dreamer's Disease. Snake Doctor suffered catastrophic injuries to his right front leg on the turn and had to be euthanized. Jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. was cleared by medical personnel to ride the next race.

Michael Ann Ewing (winning owner-trainer Barrister Tom) — “Tyler (Baze) rode him perfectly. Saved ground laying third. I am thrilled. If you adjust his last race for pace his figure came back with a good number. He has trained awesomely since that race (Aug. 7) and I was hopeful. Maybe (he will go to the Bourbon (G2) on Oct. 4 at Keeneland) but hopefully we can go to the Breeders' Cup (Juvenile Turf).”

Tyler Baze (winning jockey Barrister Tom): “I had a beautiful trip. Michael pretty much just left it up to me. She said, 'You do what you think is right.' I had a perfect trip, got to the rail. What a nice little horse. He's got a lot of heart. It was nice for them to let me ride the horse. I don't know what he paid. I know he was about 50-1. I'm just excited. It's my first win at Kentucky Downs, and I look forward to some more next week.”

Graham Motion (runner-up trainer Pivotal Mission) — “He ran very well. It's just a little frustrating but it was a good effort.”

Dalika puts it all together in One Dreamer Stakes
In the sixth running of the $182,610 One Dreamer for fillies and mares, Bal Mar Equine's Dalika (GER) rated just off the pace before surging to the front in midstretch and held off a bid from Madita (GER) to post a one-length victory.

Trained by Al Stall Jr. and ridden by Miguel Mena, Dalika covered the mile and 70 yards in 1:37.45

Dalika is a 4-year-old daughter of Pastorius (GER) out of the Hurricane Run (IRE) mare Drawn To Run (IRE). She picked up $86,490 for the victory to boost her earnings to $272,495 with a record of 14-4-4-0.

Dalika returned $14.40, $6.40 and $5.20. Madita, ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., returned $19.20 and $12 and finished a neck in front of Our Bay B Ruth, who paid $6.20 to show under Tyler Gaffalione.

It was another three-quarters of a length back to Xanthique, who was followed in order by Varenka, Passing Out, Curlin's Journey, Speedy Solution, Queen Medb (IRE), Harmless, Strike My Fancy and Rushingirl.

Winning trainer Al Stall Jr. (Dalika) — “This race had conditions and the competition helped. She always has been talented; she's Grade 2 placed, but she has been aggressive (in the past) and we like to get her to settle like she did today. (Owner) Paul (Varga) and I will look at the First Lady (G1 at Keeneland on Oct. 3).”

Winning jockey Miguel Mena (Dalika) – “Nice filly for Al. He was hitting the board with her in Saratoga with Joel Rosario. She's always been right there. She was set up for this win. She's been training very well coming into the race. She was on it today. She broke very good, she was loving her position, loving the course, too. She was the best horse today.”

Brian Hernandez Jr. (second on Madita) — “She ran good. She settled in great. Turning for home I thought I was on the winner. But the winner just dug in and kicked on.”

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Souper Escape Drops Back To Six Furlongs For Friday’s License Fee Stakes

Multiple stakes-winner Souper Escape will look to build on a runner-up effort against allowance company last out, cutting back in distance in Friday's $80,000 License Fee for fillies and mares 4 years old and up going six furlongs on the inner turf at Belmont Park.

Owned by Live Oak Plantation, Souper Escape returned off a six-month layoff to run second in her 2020 bow on June 6 at Woodbine. The Medaglia d'Oro filly won the Christiana and the La Lorgnette at Delaware Park and Woodbine, respectively, as a sophomore in 2019 and will be returning to stakes company for the first time as a 4-year-old.

Trainer Michael Trombetta said he was curious to see her in the short sprint after she capped her 3-year-old campaign with a 10th-place finish in the 1 1/16-mile Tropical Park Oaks in December at Gulfstream Park. Both of the Florida homebred's stakes wins came at distances of at least one mile, with the License Fee marking her shortest race on turf.

“She's doing good. She's one of those horses where anything outside a mile, it might be a bit much,” Trombetta said. “I'll take a look at this and see how she fits with this group. Last out, it was a good race back off the layoff, so it gives me good reason to take a look at this.”

Manny Franco will pick up the mount, drawing post 5.

“I think she can run any way,” Trombetta said. “What I don't think she wants are those mile and an eighth races, things like that.”

Trombetta will also saddle A Great Time, who came off a 10-month layoff when she ran third in an allowance contest on May 30 at Laurel Park. The effort marked the Street Magician mare's first start since a second-place effort in the Jameela in July at Laurel.

Hall of Famer John Velazquez will ride from post 2.

Bal Mar Equine's Dalika started her career in her native Germany before arriving in the United States for her 3-year-old year in 2019. Under trainer Al Stall Jr., the daughter of Pastorius twice ran second in stakes, including a game effort in the Grade 2 Mrs. Revere in November at Churchill Downs when just a half-length back to winner Nay Lady Nay in the 1 1/16-mile route.

Dalika's only previous experience shipping into New York resulted in a strong runner-up effort in the Riskaverse last August at Saratoga Race Course. After running all of her first seven North American races between one mile and 1 1/8 miles, Stall entered her in a sprint last out, where she made her first start in nearly five months and posted a two-length win in a 5 1/2-furlong optional claimer at Churchill under jockey Joel Rosario.

“We just want a race with a fast pace,” Stall said. “When she has that it in front of her, it helps. Her last race was visually very impressive. Joel just jogged her past the wire. One turn with a solid pace is what she needs. She runs a better race when you don't grab her and it turns into a wrestling match.”

Rosario will have the return call, breaking from the outermost post 8.

Getmotherarose, the winner of the Grade 3 Honey Fox in February at Gulfstream Park, will try her hand again on the Belmont grass after running ninth on a yielding Widener turf in the Grade 3 Intercontinental on June 6.

Trained by Thomas Bush, Getmotherarose won two turf sprints at Belmont last year. Jose Lezcano will be in the irons from post 3.

Jonathan Thomas will saddle a pair of entrants in Bridlewood Cat and Escapade.

The lightly raced Bridlewood Cat broke her maiden at second asking in October at Belmont and capped her sophomore year with another win against allowance company. The $750,000 purchase at the 2017 Keeneland September Sale, Bridlewood Cat made her first stakes start, finishing fourth in the Correction on March 14 at Aqueduct Racetrack. Irad Ortiz Jr. will ride from the inside post.

Her stablemate, Escapade, ran fifth in her first start of the year in the Lightning City in February at Tampa Bay. She will return to Belmont for the first time since her career debut in June 2017, drawing post 6 and picking up the services of Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano.

Rounding out the field is I'llhandalthecash, making just her second stakes start for trainer Ray Handal [post 4, Jose Ortiz]; and Miss Auramet, making her stakes debut in her 12th career start, for conditioner Jorge Duarte, Jr. [post 7, Luis Saez].

The seventh running of the License Fee, slated as Race 9 at 5:36 p.m. will feature on America's Day at the Races, produced by NYRA in partnership with FOX Sports, and airing live on FOX Sports and MSG+.

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