Tasleet’s TDN Rising Star Bradsell Wins The King’s Stand

Bouncing back to the form which saw him win last year's G2 Coventry S., Victorious Racing's TDN Rising Star Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}–Russian Punch {GB}, by Archipenko) survived an inquiry to capture the G1 King's Stand S. to reward Archie Watson's supplementary entry. Always travelling strongly for Hollie Doyle tracking the 7-4 favourite Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) throughout, the 14-1 shot mastered that mare inside the final furlong en route to a length verdict. There was significant interference for the stewards to analyse, as the winner drifted across the runner-up in the closing stages, but the 3-year-old's authority at the line ultimately proved decisive. The 50-1 shot Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) was 1 3/4 lengths away in third. The King's Stand is a “Win And You're In' GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint qualifying race.

“Well done to Archie for supplementing him and stepping him back in trip, which he's really relished today,” Doyle said. “All credit to Mick Murphy, who rides him every day because he's really turned a corner in the last few weeks. You can tell. The way he travelled into it was unbelievable and he quickened up nicely.”

Having beaten Persian Force (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Royal Scotsman (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and Blackbeard (Ire) (No Nay Never) in a star-studded Coventry, Bradsell's career went briefly South as he injured himself when fourth in the G1 Phoenix S. at The Curragh and he many have needed his comeback when third in the G3 Commonwealth Cup Trial S. here in April. Beaten 9 1/4 lengths by the Phoenix hero Little Big Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never) when third again in Haydock's G2 Sandy Lane S., this was his first try at five and the early signs showed why connections had come to that decision.

Whereas Jason Hart was moving on the eventual runner-up two out, Hollie still sat motionless as they pulled away from the rest up the centre with the speed dying out on both wings. Soon in command, Bradsell drifted left to intimidate Highfield Princess and while there was definite interference, the officials saw enough to let Archie Watson's colt keep the race and banish memories of his heartbreaking loss of the 2021 G1 Commonwealth Cup with Dragon Symbol (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}) in the stewards' room.

“When Dragon Symbol had the race taken away, it was terrible and I know we're seen as a big yard, but to be winning a Group 1 here is the best thing on the planet,” the trainer said. “There was dread when that bing-bong happened, especially having just been chinned in the Coventry, but it's amazing and I'm so pleased for everyone involved. This horse was like a bull in a china shop over the winter and Michael Murphy had to put up with a lot. He had to trot for months and Michael does a fantastic job with him, day in, day out.”

“We just felt this year he was showing a lot more speed in his races and not getting home over six,” Watson added. “I thought we'd get a proper tow into the race today and I didn't want to sound arrogant, but nothing could take us off the bridle until deep into the race and it was kind of what we really felt with him. I thought he showed up best of the horses in the Commonwealth Trial and got a bit tired late, but I knew it couldn't have been tiredness in the Sandy Lane so it was an easy decision to pull back to five. I imagine the Nunthorpe will be the plan.”

John Quinn is considering coming back on Saturday for the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee S. “Jason thought she was getting going again and he's certainly got a case,” he said. “The only thing that's holding us back is–and I don't make excuses, whatever the result is, well done to whoever–when you can run her and run her, she's better. If she ran well today, Saturday was always right in mind. We are leaving her down tonight and I'll go and have a look at her–if she's okay, she will run.”

 

Pedigree Notes

Bradsell's Listed Radley S.-winning dam Russian Punch, whose 2-year-old colt Tribal Rhythm (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) was a £150,000 purchase by Manor House Farm at the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale. From the extended family of the G1 Phoenix S. runner-up Run To Jenny (Ire) (Runnett {GB}), her 2022 foal by Twilight Son (GB) unfortunately died.

Tuesday, Royal Ascot, Britain
KING'S STAND S.-G1, £627,500, Ascot, 6-20, 3yo/up, 5fT, 1:00.91, gd.
1–BRADSELL (GB), 127, c, 3, by Tasleet (GB)
1st Dam: Russian Punch (GB) (SW-Eng), by Archipenko
2nd Dam: Punch Drunk (GB), by Beat Hollow (GB)
3rd Dam: Bebe De Cham (GB), by Tragic Role
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. TDN Rising Star. (12,000gns Ylg '21 TATSOM; £47,000 2yo '22 GOFTY). O-Victorious Racing; B-Mrs D O'Brien (GB); T-Archie Watson; J-Hollie Doyle. £355,855. Lifetime Record: 6-3-0-2, $612,660. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Highfield Princess (Fr), 130, m, 6, Night Of Thunder (Ire)–Pure Illusion (Ire), by Danehill. (29,000gns RNA Ylg '18 TATDEY). O/B-Trainers House Enterprises Ltd (FR); T-John Quinn. £134,913.
3–Annaf (Ire), 133, c, 4, Muhaarar (GB)–Shimah, by Storm Cat. 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (16,000gns 2yo '21 TATAHI). O-Fosnic Racing; B-Shadwell Estate Company Ltd (IRE); T-Michael Appleby. £67,519.
Margins: 1, 1 3/4, HF. Odds: 14.00, 1.75, 50.00.
Also Ran: Twilight Calls (GB), Equilateral (GB), Desert Cop (GB), Marshman (GB), Mitbaahy (Ire), Existent (GB), Raasel (GB), Coolangatta (Aus), Vadream (GB), Mooneista (Ire), Happy Romance (Ire), Dramatised (Ire), Twilight Gleaming (Ire), Cannonball (Aus). Scratched: Chipstead (GB), Manaccan (GB).

 

The post Tasleet’s TDN Rising Star Bradsell Wins The King’s Stand appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Strong Australian and American Support Among Overseas Entries For Royal Ascot

Dual Australian Group 1 winner Coolangatta (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}) is one of the leading runners signed on from foreign climbs for the upcoming Royal Ascot meeting in June. Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, the G1 Lightning S. heroine is targeting the G1 King's Stand S.

David Eustace said, “Coolangatta galloped yesterday and will have her first proper workout next week. She has improved again physically from the Lightning S. and we feel we are ahead of the game in terms of her preparation.

“We are stepping into the unknown when it comes to international travel but Coolangatta has done a lot of travelling around Australia and is used to being in unfamiliar places. We are hopeful that she will handle that side of things well but you never know until you do it. We think the 1000 metres of the King's Stand, with the uphill finish, looks ideal and genuine fast ground will be to her advantage as well.”

Coolangatta is not the only Australian runner signed on to the royal meeting, as both Artorius (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) and The Astrologist (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}), who are trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, and Leon and Troy Corstens, respectively, are both aiming for the G1 Platinum Jubilee S. Artorius finished third in the Platinum Jubilee in 2022, and enters off a victory in the G1 Canterbury S. at Randwick earlier this year. In The Astrologist's case, he ran too good to lose when second by a head in the G1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan at the end of March.

Sam Freedman said, “Artorius had his first improving gallop the other day, having come off a bit of a fresh. He seems to be shaping up really well and will have a couple of trials over here before we put him on the plane.

“I think he is definitely hitting Royal Ascot this year in better form than he was 12 months ago.His form lines are strong and I think you guys over there will see a more tactically versatile horse. He will be able to sit a lot closer, which will be important, whereas last year he was rattling home.”

Troy Corstens said, “We were delighted with The Astrologist's effort in Dubai. He ran to expectations and came very close, which gave us the confidence to continue the journey with him.

“He has settled beautifully in Newmarket–he is a very adaptable horse and enjoys the travel. The plan is for him to have a racecourse gallop this week on the Rowley Mile in preparation for the G2 1895 Duke Of York S.

“He will then head to Royal Ascot for the Platinum Jubilee. We feel that this will be the perfect race for him. He is a renowned straight-track horse in Australia and we feel the testing course of Ascot will suit him immensely.”

 

Strong American Contingent Ready To Go

Twelve-time Royal Ascot-winning trainer Wesley Ward is bringing a slew of Royal Ascot runners, anchored by Love Reigns (Ire) (U S Navy Flag) and Twilight Gleaming (Ire) (National Defense {GB}) for Stonestreet Stables to Royal Ascot. Both enter off of stakes victories at the recently concluded Keeneland Spring Meet, with the former pointing to the King's Stand S. and the latter eyeing both the King's Stand and the G1 Commonwealth Cup S.

Ward said, “Love Reigns and Twilight Gleaming are doing great. They are both coming off nice comeback wins and their owner Barbara Banke [of Stonestreet Stables] is really looking forward to getting them over there. She loves Ascot as much as me and we are all excited.

“I was really happy with Love Reigns in the Limestone S. She had to switch a couple of times in the run but showed a great attitude to get up on the line, while Twilight Gleaming showed a lot of speed in her comeback race.

“Twilight Gleaming will definitely go for the King's Stand S., whereas Love Reigns will have an entry there and in the Commonwealth Cup.”

Besides Ward's older horses, he has at least three juveniles making the trip for the storied 2-year-old prizes in 'TDN Rising Star' American Rascal (Curlin) out of King's Stand and G2 Queen Mary S. victress Lady Aurelia (Scat Daddy); Fandom (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), and Bledsoe (Igbaal).

Ward added, “American Rascal has come out of his first race in super shape. The team at Stonestreet really liked him and it was exciting to see him produce a performance like that.

“Fandom looks another good prospect after his debut win on the grass and we also have some nice 2-year-olds to run at Belmont, so we will see what else unfolds in the coming days.

“Bledsoe has already travelled over to England and will run in a novice race at Ascot on 13 May. He won America's first 2-year-old race of the year on the dirt at Keeneland but his mother Shrinking Violet was a multiple stakes winner of the turf, so we are looking forward to getting him on the grass.”

Brad Cox's GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint heroine Caravel (Mizzen Mast) is pencilled in to make the trip, and GI Belmont Derby victor Classic Causeway (Giant's Causeway) for trainer Ken McPeek is a potential starter in the G1 Prince Of Wales's S.

McPeek said, “Classic Causeway had a nice run first time up this year on the dirt at Oaklawn. Then we came back for the [GII] Oaklawn H. and he was off the board, so we have decided to switch back to the turf.

“He is going for a prep race in Kentucky on 3 June in the Arlington S. and, if he runs well there, we will point him towards the Prince Of Wales's S.”

New York Thunder (Nyquist) for trainer Jorge Delgado holds a Commonwealth Cup entry, while Hong Kong runner Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard) has been nominated for both the Platinum Jubilee and King's Stand.

Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said, “We are very pleased to see entries for Royal Ascot 2023 from across the world including Group 1 winners from Britain, Ireland, France, the USA, Australia and Hong Kong.

“It is particularly exciting to see so many strong entries from Australia, including the Black Caviar Lightning S. winner Coolangatta, who looks set to try and follow Nature Strip's victory in the King's Stand S. It's also exciting to see Artorius is on track to try and go two better than when third in the Platinum Jubilee S. last year.

“Wesley Ward again has a strong team headed by Love Reigns and Twilight Gleaming along with the 2-year-olds while it will also be great to see Breeders' Cup winner Caravel represent America.”

The post Strong Australian and American Support Among Overseas Entries For Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Breeding Rights To Be Offered At Goffs Online

Breeding rights in young stallions Profitable (Ire) and Cloth Of Stars (Ire) will go under the hammer at Goffs Online during their February Sale from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 10.

Standing at Kildangan Stud for €9,000, Profitable, winner of the G1 King's Stand S. at Royal Ascot, is the only stallion with multiple sprinting group winners from his 3-year-old crop. After siring the G2 Queen Mary S. winner in his freshman year, he covered 116 mares last season. With a stud fee of €7,000 at Haras du Logis, European Champion Older Horse Cloth of Stars won the G1 Prix Ganay and was placed twice in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

Henry Beeby, Goffs Group Chief Executive said, “We are pleased to offer breeding rights to two exceptional young sires via our proven Goffs Online platform. This online sale enhances the extensive offering at next week's Goffs February Sale and we invite breeders wishing to offer a breeding right to contact any member of the Goffs team.”

Click here, for more information.

The post Breeding Rights To Be Offered At Goffs Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Ward Seeks Record Fourth BC Turf Sprint Win

To say that trainer Wesley Ward knows his way around turf sprinters is an understatement. To underscore the point, Ward has annexed the last three editions of the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint and will try to add a record fourth consecutive win in the race with Golden Pal (Uncle Mo), Arrest Me Red (Pioneerof the Nile) and Campanelle (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}).

Adding even great importance to this year's renewal, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Westerberg Ltd.'s 4-year-old–already a two-time Breeders' Cup winner following victories in the 2020 GII Juvenile Turf Sprint and last year's GI Turf Sprint-will be retiring to Ashford Stud following this weekend's race. A total of 22 horses have won a pair of Breeders' Cup races, however, only two–Hall of Fame members, Goldikova and Beholder–have three victories.

As for Ward, he stands in a tie with several other trainers who have won on three occasions in the same race, a victory in the Turf Sprint would make him the first trainer in the 39-year history of the event to win the same race four years in a row.

“I think that says a lot for how I've been professing this horse to be so great from the onset,” said Ward. “The only thing that he hasn't done that I wish he could do would be to go back to Royal Ascot and win [G1] The King's Stand and he won't get a chance to do that. But, if he can win three Breeders' Cups, that really puts him in an elite company. That's for sure.”

Golden Pal kicked off 2022 with a win in the GII Shakertown S. on his home track at Keeneland before missing the break at Royal Ascot in June. In the Aug. 5 GIII Troy S. at Saratoga, Golden Pal got away to a slow start, but showed rallied to win by a head.

“Our plan going in was to take him back. So that kind of helped us a little bit,” recalled Ward. “We want to kind of use that as a prep to if something happened, if in here in the Breeders' Cup if the pace was hot that we could teach him something how to rate sit back off the pace. So it all worked out. He kind of didn't come out as quickly as he has and after the first 10 jumps Irad [Ortiz Jr] got him to relax. When he turned for home, off he went and won. It all worked out according to what I wanted to teach him.”

In his latest start, the bay led from gate to wire in the Oct. 8 GII Woodford S. to stay perfect in four races at Keeneland.

For his career finale, Golden Pal drew Post eight and is the 2-1 favorite on the morning line.

In contrast to Golden Pal's Breeders' Cup experience, Lael Stable' Arrest Me Red will debut in the Breeders' Cup. In his most recent start, he was third the GII Turf Sprint S. Sept. 10 at Kentucky Downs. He won the GII Turf Sprint S. at Churchill Downs in May and was runner-up in the GI Jaipur S. June 11.

“If I didn't have Golden Pal, I'd be singing his praises,” Ward said. “As you can see by his form, he's never runs a bad race. He's a hard-trier, and we're spacing him out. He's a big, heavy colt. Once we switched him back to the grass, he just took to it like a fish to water.”

He added, “This is one that we're going to be pointing for Ascot next year, as he'll sort of move up to the top. We'll be looking at The King's Stand with him next year. So, we're going to keep him here in Kentucky. In years past, we've taken him to Florida. He's really training very, very well. I'd be looking for him to run a big, big race.”

Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez returns to the saddle. The two, leaving from post 7, are 15-1 on the morning line.

Rounding out Ward's trio is Stonestreet Stables' Campanelle hit the board in all three starts this term, including wins in the Giant's Causeway S. and GIII Ladies' Sprint S. The winner of the G1 Prix Morny and G2 Queen Mary S. last year, she also finished third in the G1 Platinum Jubilee S. earlier in June.

Jockey Frankie Dettori, who rode her to her wins in Europe, will be aboard in the Turf Sprint. They will leave from post four and are 8-1 on the morning line.

“She is coming into the race phenomenal,” said Ward. “I am expecting a lot from her as well. The thing about her is that she is going to come from just slightly off the pace to where if it's a hot pace up front she's going to come running.”

The post Ward Seeks Record Fourth BC Turf Sprint Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Source of original post

Verified by MonsterInsights